What to do When Twitter is Down: Ten Green Ideas

Almost everywhere you turn these days, someone's talking about social media. Social networking sites are transforming the way activists connect and make a difference in our world, and tools like Twitter are being used to spread green tips, links, and petitions for positive change.

But when you've become dependent on one form of social media to build your green network, what happens when Twitter goes down? Here are my top picks for green things to do when Twitter is down:

Ten Green Ideas for When Twitter is Down

1. Turn off the computer and get outside: Seriously. When is the last time you went for a walk during the day? A stroll around the block can help you tune in to the seasonal changes happening in the natural world, from finding which plants are growing wild in your area to the changing colors of leaves on the trees.

2. Pee in your yard: Did you know that tomato plants can quadruple their yields when fertilized with urine? By taking a leak outside, you can not only feed your plants, but you'll save a whole lot of water by not having to flush.

3. Call your congressperson: Activism can start with a single phone call, so pick up the phone and let your legislators know how you feel about the environmental issues closest to you, whether it's coal, GMOs, or climate change.

4. Drop by the Planet Green forum: Ask a question, answer someone else's, or share your latest green ideas with like-minded people around the world. The forum is only a virtual community, not a live one, but you can use it to further your green goals and connect with others.

5. Support a green cause on Facebook: Facebook Causes are online campaigns for collective action, and they can be started by any Facebook user. Thousands of Causes already exist, but if you don't see your favorite, start one today! Causes can be used to raise awareness or money, or both, for your favorite non-profit or movement.

6. Build your real-life social network: How well do you know your neighbors? Most of us get a kick out of traveling to new countries, but don't even know the people on our block. Make friends, trade recipes, swap garden seeds, or build a carpool with your local community members. Some of the most interesting people live near you, and all it takes is a conversation to begin connecting.

7. Start a sourdough bread starter: Learn the art of sourdough, beginning with cultivating your own start. It's simple and earthy, and nothing says homemade like a fresh loaf of bread.

8. Build a compost pile: Have you been filling your trash with food scraps? Take the time to learn how to build a compost pile so you can build your garden soil while lessening the pressure on your local landfill. Learn more about the 75 Things You Can Compost, But Thought You Couldn't to guide your composting efforts. No room for an outside compost pile? Start a vermiposting bin and let the worms do the work for you.

9. Start your own green blog: The new media model means that anyone can be published online and reach many potential readers virtually overnight. Grab a WordPress domain or find a good green web host and register your own unique domain. Write about green topics that move you and start spreading the green word!

10. Crack a good green book: A book, you say? Yes, those pieces of paper printed with symbols, bound together in a snazzy cover are still being used by many people to convey information, from opinions to facts to pictures. Remember, before the internet, we actually had to read to learn more. I know, I know, there's no Control/Command F shortcuts to find text in those books, but think how much your brain will thank you later.

Remember, when you see the Fail Whale, don't despair. Use the time you would have spent Twittering to make a difference. And when Twitter comes back up, follow me for more green goodness.

Follow us @planetgreen.