Each day of the month of April leading up to Earth Day (April 22), I will be offering a suggestion for how we can really honor the Earth this year. This list will go beyond the usual suggestions to change your light bulbs and take shorter showers. Instead, the focus is on collective action working toward radical social change.

One thing you can do to honor the Earth this Earth Day is to become an ecological voice in your community.  You can organize a meet-up or a local group to plan an action, host a workshop, or petition your elected representatives.

You can also become an ecological voice in your virtual community by using social media, blogs, and websites.

You can start by talking with your family and friends.  Make it personal.  Use your own words.  Don’t rant and don’t argue.  Talk about what matters to you and how it is threatened by the climate crisis.  Be specific.  And when they are ready, talk with them about taking action.

Have a well-prepared soundbite or “elevator speech.”  The best statement is short, personal, and explains why what you are doing is important to you.