Read about nature and environmental science. Get informed by reading books, magazines, websites, and news articles about nature, environmental science, and environmentalist causes. No matter what you do during the day, you can find ways to contribute. You don’t need to focus on a single area, but doing so can help expose you to new ways to contribute to environmentalist causes.
For example, if you are still in school, join a service group like Key Club and suggest environmental efforts. You could adopt a road or beach and help pick up trash. If you’re willing to travel abroad, there are many opportunities available around the world. Animal preserves often take volunteers, or you can contribute to various other conservation projects.
For example, Jane Goodall is an expert on primates. You can contact the Jane Goodall Institute at http://www. janegoodall. org/about/contact/. Many organizations and environmentalists work with schools, businesses, and other organizations. They often make speaking engagements in order to teach others about the environment.
Even something as simple as baking banana bread or painting faces can help. You might use these skills to raise funds at an Earth Day fair or another event. Not all activities will feel like a good match for you. Don’t feel discouraged if an opportunity doesn’t work out. You can always find new ways to contribute to environmentalism.
For instance, you might try gathering signatures for a petition, lobbying your local government representatives, or calling businesses to encourage change. Think of the introduction of energy-saving lightbulbs or bans on plastic straws. These policies can take a while to come about but they do help protect the environment.
You can attend local political forums, street fairs, and similar events to reach a larger audience. Be friendly even if people seem reluctant to help. Not everyone shares your love for environmentalism. Your best bet for reaching others is to be kind and informative, while contributing your time to good causes.
Plenty of parks and sanctuaries are open to volunteer work or can provide jobs. You don’t have to start large. Conserving your own region is as necessary as any work done on a global scale. Even if you don’t officially volunteer or sign up for a job, you can give back. Something as simple as picking up stray plastic bags helps.
Join clean-up organizations in your area. Most areas have at least 1 organization dedicated to protecting a forest, body of water, or another part of nature. Look for these groups online or get in contact with your local government for opportunities.
For example, you could make an endangered animal club at your school, organize an Earth Day rally, or start a clean-up crew. Teach others when you can. Teach a composting workshop, hand out pamphlets on recycling, or fundraise for animal conservation.
Reading about social relations, industrial infrastructure such as oil refineries, and alternatives to the present way of living are always helpful. Stay active with your efforts to increase the likelihood of other people reading what you post.
Many garbage removal services also offer recycling programs. Contact them for more information about how to participate. Another way to recycle is to buy products made from recycled materials. Also, get used products from secondhand stores instead of buying new.
Choose fruits and vegetables that aren’t treated with harmful pesticides. Some environmentalists choose to go vegetarian and stick to an organic diet. Learn about how you can care for the environment, and make an effort to do so. When you do eat meat and dairy, look for products without antibiotics or chemicals.
If walking or riding a bike isn’t an option, look for public transportation to reduce the number of cars on the road. Carpooling also helps. Buying locally also helps cut back on carbon dioxide released by transportation vehicles.
Avoid energy-heavy items like washers and dryers when possible. Wash and dry clothes by hand to save lots of water! Replace your appliances and light bulbs with energy-efficient versions. A lot of these items are eligible for rebates or tax incentives, depending on where you live. Another way to save energy is to install solar panels. You may even produce enough electricity this way to avoid dealing with the electrical company.
Reading environmentalist literature can serve as a morale boost in addition to being a recruiting tool. When you feel discouraged, pull back and focus your energies on small tasks like recycling. These count, and by doing them you are already having an impact on the world.
Remember that most environmentalists have a well-rounded education covering many different subjects. Even if the classes available to you aren’t what you want to do, they may come in handy later.
Because environmentalists serve in a variety of roles, an environmental science degree isn’t your only option. Economics, political science, and even engineering can help you become an environmentalist. You can also earn a master’s degree to gain more credentials. Try studying public policy, environmental planning, or other fields related to the kind of work you want to do.
Language classes are a good way to get a basis in writing. Business classes may also help you learn how to draft professional proposals. Science classes may cover the need to write reports. Take these seriously, since a lot of people depend on work reports from professional environmentalists.
Some environmentalists may use data software to for science and for compiling reports. Others may work out in the field using scientific equipment.
For example, you can join the Sierra Club, National Resource Defense Council, or work with animal sanctuaries. Think about what you can do in your community. Even helping out with local cleanup committees or animal protective programs makes a difference.
Avoid overlooking related fields. For instance, food scientists can provide research for sustainable agriculture. Lobbyists speak with politicians about environmental laws. Many jobs, from meteorologists to marine biologists, can double as environmentalists.
