Online activism

Ever wonder what you could do to help the environment without flying to Washington, D.C., and marching on the Capitol or trekking to the Amazon to save the rainforests? You might be surprised what a huge difference you can make from your computer keyboard. Scores of green organizations have done the legwork for you. All you need to do is follow their lead.

Each of the following groups, and others like them, produces online newsletters or e-mail alerts that inform readers about environmental issues. You can subscribe to them and take action on campaigns you care about. They usually provide basic information, a formatted letter, and the e-mail address of the appropriate legislator or corporate representative. It’s easy, and you can be confident that your voice is getting heard. Just check out their success stories if you’re not sure about the effectiveness of online activism.

• Defenders of Wildlife (www.defenders.org/index.php)

Look for: the Take Action page and the Citizen Advocate Toolkit.

Defenders of Wildlife is one of the country’s leaders in science-based wildlife conservation. This organization stands out in its commitment to save imperiled wildlife and stand up for the Endangered Species Act, the landmark law that protects plants and animals. It works to protect native wildlife, safeguard habitat, resolve conflicts, and educate and mobilize the public.

Current campaigns include: Stop aerial shooting/hunting of wolves in Alaska; Protect polar bears from trophy hunters

• Greenpeace International (www.greenpeace.org/international)

Look for: the Get Involved page.

• Greenpeace USA (www.greenpeace.org/usa)

Look for: the Take Action page.

Greenpeace is an independent global campaigning organization that acts to change attitudes and behavior, to protect and conserve the environment and to promote peace. Greenpeace is present in 40 countries across the globe.

Current campaigns include: Hands Off the Arctic; Seven Steps to Save the Climate; Protect the Oceans; Reject genetically engineered organisms

• Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) (www.nrdc.org)

Look for: the Take Action page.

• NRDC Action Fund (www.nrdcactionfund.org)

Join their Activist Network, or mobilize your friends.

NRDC is, arguably, the nation’s most effective environmental action organization. They work to protect the planet and foster the fundamental right of all people to have a voice in decisions that affect the environment.

Current campaigns: Federal subsidies to big fuel companies; Defend the Clean Water Act; Stop Global Warming

• Nevada Conservation League (www.nevadaconservationleague.org)

Look for: Stay Connected and What You Can Do pages.

The Nevada Conservation League is an independent political voice of the conservation community. It works to protect Nevada’s natural resources through public education, advocacy, and the promotion of sensible conservation policies. NCL supports candidates at all levels of government who make the protection of our quality of life a top priority.

Current campaigns: Recently finished with the 2007 state legislature; One Billion Bulbs