Andrew Revkin took The Guardian’s newly published list of ‘50 People Who Could Save the Planet‘ and asked his readers to come up with their own list. Mine included The Unknown Environmentalist.
I feel it is time to pay tribute to The Unknown Environmentalist. You know, the one who is leading a quiet revolution, far from the limelight. No fanfare, no big announcements, no blog. Instead the power of one’s daily actions. Day after day of biking, walking, carpooling, or taking the bus, or the train. Remembering to turn off the lights. Heating only as much as really needed. Reducing, re-using, recycling, of course. Borrowing and lending stuff to neighbors and family, whenever possible. Going to Freecycle when all else fails. Not wasting food. Eating sensibly, and in accordance with the laws of nature. Working at a job that makes a bit, or maybe even a lot of difference. Living in a modest dwelling. Composting. Saying no to junk mail. Giving away money to environmental organizations. Doing laundry only when absolutely necessary. Going for the clothesline every time. Saying no to the temptation of the garbage disposal. Being creative with old clothes. Never bathing. Showering, quick. Signing petitions. Voting. The Unknown Environmentalist cannot help but live the life of a responsible green citizen. And is motivated by internal rewards from a highly developed green conscience.
To you, The Unknown Environmentalist, I say thank you for doing your share and more of saving the planet.
Yes, three cheers for the Unknown Environmentalist – selfless and dependable.
We’ve just blogged on the topic of The Guardian’s top 50, naming a few people that we feel definitely shouldn’t be on the list:
http://www.talkclimatechange.com/2008/01/08/50-people-who-could-save-the-planet-but-wont/
Great idea!
I think I would have to agree with the authors of Break Through in this case. While Unknown Environmentalists are taking many selfless actions to reduce their own impact on the environment, self sacrifice on the part of the few is not going to save our world.
Unknown Environmentalists need to step out of the shadows and become Known Environmentalists that are respected for the many new and exciting ways they have found to advance our society towards a sustainable future.
Thanks Mike. ‘Known environmentalists’ are all those engaged in creative problem solving of climate change, the engineers, scientists, VCs, visionary architects, entrepreneurs, community organizers, etc. The ones who capture people’s imagination and enthused them about the opportunities of climate change. Fear can only do so much. I agree with you, climate change is actually an opportunity to discover better ways of living. I have not read the book but have it on my ‘to read’ list. You gave me a reason to move it up the list