Sustainable Tarpon Springs - Green America

Living in harmony with our planet is something we are all called to do.  It is the only planet we have, there is no Plan B, no other planet we can fly to (yet), and this planet is finite - even though it appears to be infinite.  Only 17% remains untouched by humans, but even those rare areas are impacted by ‘drifting’ pollution because our whole ecosystem is connected on this ‘Earth Ship’ we are all inhabiting in the Milky Way Galaxy.

To the small and elite group of space travelers in our world, seeing our planet from outer space has been an ‘epiphany’ where each has witnessed the beauty and rare harmony of the Earth from a distance. That Overview Effect brings about a cognitive shift in awareness, inspiring many astronauts to vicariously impart the perfection they have perceived from space.  

Earth images have now been permanently been imprinted into our collective consciousness.  That alone should be our motivator!  It is time to ‘Dream Green’ - thinking of every way we can live most harmoniously within this precious Earth Ship, and start before we have compromised the health and safety of all creatures - including our future generations.

We are fortunate to have many good resources to assist us in ‘Going Green’ and Green America is at the top of my list.  They are an advocacy group in Washington, D.C., a vibrant non-profit membership-driven group with amazing resources, advice, and action.  

Here’s how they describe the larger meaning of Green:  Environmental health for people and the planet, a world where everyone has what they need, thriving local communities, social and economic justice, corporate responsibility, green economies, and green jobs.

‘Going Green’ has become a very cool phrase in popular culture today. Google it on the internet to find out just how popular it is!  Many corporations have people whose job is to continually keep their fingers on the ‘public pulse’ in order to grab these phrases and ideals as a selling tool.  Buyers beware!  You always want to check reliable sources to be sure the lingo isn’t just part of a ‘green-washing’ maneuver.

Another important aspect of Green America’s mission is to expose disingenuous behaviors.  A division of Green America’s work called ‘Responsible Shopper’ evaluates businesses, products, and labor ethics based on a vigorous criteria.  Companies that pass the green certification guidelines become part of the National Green Pages to enable consumers to make  the most informed decisions.

Green America has a variety of programs designed to empower us to make changes in our personal lives and join together with others in economic action for a better world!  In addition to programs like Responsible Shopper and Green Businesses, others focus on Living Green, Better Paper Project, Fair Trade, Climate Action, and Social Investing.  I have always been inspired by Green America’s quarterly magazine because of the relevancy of content and the life changing awareness it has provided.  

Hopefully, as the ‘Overview Effect’ touches your heart when you view images of our privileged planet, you will seek ways of directing your inspiration into meaningful action.  Green America provides the perfect tools for truly ‘Going Green’ and staying Green for your lifetime!