[i]Ren
DCL
We Americans get a bad rap from time to time
I, for one, am guilty of each of those four great American semi-sins. It's hard not to be
And as it happens, one of the go-to ways of confronting each of those negative American tags is overloading on cynicism and generally disassociating yourself from the US ideologically
But it doesn't have to be that way. There are plenty of other intrinsic traits mixed up in the American stew that equip us with the tools to sort out our environmentally destructive shortcomings way more productively
In other words, we're fully equipped to be thoughtful, optimistic, green Americans.
So, yes
Be a Green American: Politics
Real change is happening, at least in environmental policy (the jury's still out on health care and finance regulation reform), in our federal, state, and local governments. Say what you will about the rest of his policies, but Obama has jump-started the green economy in a significant way with the stimulus bill and progressive budget. Money is heading to the states for any number of green measures, and it has thrown state and local-level governments into the green fray. So it's a better time than ever to get involved in politics, if only on the most basic level?pay attention to which green measures are cropping up in your city and state, and vote. You could help pass high speed transit plans and renewable energy initiatives at a crucial moment in the US's green history.
Be a Green American: Be Informed
While we're on the subject of paying attention?do it. Staying informed is half the battle. And I'm not talking about watching cable news for an hour or two each night. I mean dig in
Be a Green American: Take Action
And just by being knowledgeable, you'll likely find yourself in positions where you can help spread good ideas in conversation, and correct minor misconceptions (you'll likely have more trouble taking on the major ones).
Finally, try getting your hands dirty
And that may be the best way to set about becoming one yourself.
