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Social media and social networking have changed the way people interact with each other. Defining a "friend" has become a nuanced act, expanding many people's social circles. New communication tools, like Twitter, have stepped up to make keeping in touch with all these people easy. These networks and tools are powerful for building casual and professional relationships but they are also useful for spreading information about, organizing for, and taking action to help the environment.
One of easiest ways to use social media to help the environment is to engage the communities that have formed around websites like Planet Green, TreeHugger, Inhabitat, and others. Through these websites, you can learn about environmental issues and green living, but you can also help share and spread this knowledge with others.
With so many ways to learn about the environment and eco-issues, you will have plenty of knowledge to share. From Planet Green's How to Go Green series to TreeHugger's Green Basics, Inhabitat's How-to's to Ideal Bite's Daily Tip, there is a nearly endless supply of green information and advice.
If taking action is your goal, social media and networks are also helpful. Whether you want to volunteer for Earth Day or find a more year-round cause, sites like Care2 and Change.org help you find what you need. Gathering donations, too, is easier. A recent study found that social media could be an effective tool to attract large donors during charity drives.
So, the next time a website asks "what are you doing?" reply: "working to save the planet."
For more, check out the the National Wildlife Foundation's 9 Reasons Social Media and the Web Can Save Wildlife and Mashable's Social Media for Social Causes Study: The Results.
Don't forget to follow us on Twitter @planetgreen.
