Earth Friendly Choices ~ January 2008
We change our principles, our thoughts and our words, but these changes are made in the air. Our lives go unchanged. ~Wendell Berry
What is the Earth Friendly Choice to make for the coming year?
Join a group, become involved.
There are many ways to become involved right here in Rochester. There are several local groups that are devoted to a variety of interests. To truly create change, we must become involved. We must give our time, effort and creativity. Here are some groups to consider:
1. the footprint
If you are reading this, you already know about the footprint. There are many ways to help make this local, online e-zine even better. Most importantly, help us get the word out. Tell friends and neighbors about the site. Also, consider giving your talents by writing a short piece on one of the following:
- news item
- book review
- magazine article review
- share a favorite local, seasonal recipe
- sources for local foods and locally made goods
- opinion on legislation (pending or recently passed/defeated)
- submit your group activity or meeting dates
2. Global Action
Global Action is local, hands-on environmental group based in Rochester. Started over 12 years ago, Global Action serves as a model for what individuals can accomplish by working together to create community. Through education, Global Action seeks to empower citizens to take action in their everyday lives on a variety of issues. Global Action is active on many levels including local, state, and national issues of environmental concern.
In the coming year, Global Action will be organizing for a new positive thinking campaign with a focus on global climate change. Inspired by similar campaigns in Ely and Duluth, Global Action is actively seeking creative ideas for this fun project. To learn more, drop us a line (lisa@the-footprint.net) and we will pass your information on to Global Action.
3. OlmCERT
Clean Energy Resource Teams, or CERTs, are community members –business people, farmers, local government leaders, students, and informed citizens — working on renewable energy and energy conservation in their communities.
The CERTS-SE encompasses the 15 counties of Southeast Minnesota and is one of 6 regional CERTS in the state. Visit your county page to find out about your community’s CERT and upcoming events:
Visit the following website for more information: http://www.certs-se.org/
Want to get involved with a CERTs group? Info can be found under the “SE CERTs Counties” tab and by selecting the county that you live in.
4. Southeast Minnesota Alliance of Peacemakers
SE MN Alliance of Peacemakers is a group of concerned individuals who come together to promote world peace and justice through nonviolent means. It aims to be a vehicle of communication between all groups of the area to promote united efforts toward peace and justice.
We meet the third Thursday of every month at Rochester Public Library, 6:45pm, room A. For more information go to www.semnap.org or call Joe Mayer at 507-289-4154.
PLEASE JOIN US.
5. Livable Rochester
Compact, Diverse and Walkable: a Safer, Healthier Community by Design
We began our activism toward a more livable community in June of 2005. We commit ourselves to educate, activate, and mobilize our fellows toward a better community.
Compact - preserving community open spaces by compact design, promoting neighborhood strollable destinations by higher density
Diverse - in zoning, and in income, allowing businesses and appropriate workplaces to locate within neighborhoods, and residences to be near workplaces.
Walkable - A Safer Community, A Healthier Community by Design
To join the Livable Rochester group, visit the web site below:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Livable-Rochester/
