Helpful Links

Just about everywhere you look, you read something about “clean energy,” the “green economy” or how the whole planet is headed toward a path of climate change-induced destruction if we don’t stop burning fossil fuels.

There’s a lot of hype, but there’s also a real battle going on in Washington D.C. and around the world to adopt energy policies that stress conservation and renewable energy. In late June the U.S. House of Representatives narrowly passed the American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES). The vote was the first time either house of Congress approved a bill meant to curb greenhouse gasses. It now goes to the Senate, where it faces fierce opposition from many Republicans, plus a significant number of Democrats who either oppose fundamental pieces of the House bill or have not yet committed either way.

This is the legislative and political manifestation of a battle that's being waged on many fronts throughout the world. If you want to be in-the-know on sustainability and conservation, there’s no shortage of resources on the Internet. Grist is THE place to go for your breaking news on environmental topics, covering every issue from deforestation to over-fishing.  If you're more interested in green products or what the celebrities are doing to "green" their lives and make a difference, then check out the blog Ecorazzi. Or visit renewableenergyworks.org to find out what’s happning to support energy efficiency and renewable energy in your state.

Another highly entertaining site is TreeHugger, where you’ll find the latest in environmental trends, quizzes and video. CNN's Eco Solutions has examples of what other countries are doing to be "green," the breakdown on green jargon and a news page for up-to-date environmental information. National Geographic’s interactive website lets you browse their online video collection.
You can stay green on the go with an iPhone application that'll help you locate the nearest farmer's market, sustainable seafood and sushi guides for your iPhone and wallet, the household cleaning products ingredients guide and the beauty products ingredients guide.

The live music community also boasts some homegrown environmental organizations that are making a serious dent in fight for the planet’s future. Guster guitarist Adam Gardner and his wife Lauren created Reverb, which “greens” major concert tours and sets up educational eco-villages on the tour. Rock the Earth, a familiar site at most concert festivals, takes legal action against polluters. Conservation Value Institute, formed by a former HeadCount volunteer, provides regular news updates on its website along with information on how to save money while conserving energy. Another organization sometimes seen at festivals is the Energy Action Coalition, best known for the Power Shift conference that attracts over 10,000 young people. 

Want to know how your elected representatives are voting on environmental issues? The League of Conservation Voters Scorecard has been tracking environmental votes for 30 years.

For a more scientific look at what the U.S. government is doing to make a difference and how you can contribute to their efforts – check out the U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy website and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Sustainability website. 

Here are some additional sites you might find interesting:

• GreenOptions.com – Information from around the world and a green directory of other helpful, partner websites.
• Sustainability-Index.com – Learn how top sustainability-driven companies are doing financially in this global market. Explore assessment, indexes, data and reviews, as well as recent press releases.
• Greenpeace.org – Greenpeace’s online resource for the preservation of our earth provides news, helpful facts, solutions and reports on global warming and the energy crisis.
• SierraClub.org – A century-old organization that works to protect communities, wild places and the planet itself.
• EnvironmentAmerica.org/ – A federation of state-based, citizen-funded environmental advocacy organizations.
• RenewableEnergyWorld.com – This resourceful website includes a general overview on the topic of sustainability in addition to current news on technology, finance, informative videos, job postings and much more.
• Alternative-Energy-News.info – Explore news, forums, events and a job board at this online source for renewable energy technologies.
• ScienceDaily.com – This scientific site brings you up-to-date news on renewable energy and also allows you to browse for articles, videos, images and books on the topic.
• UCSUSA.org – Organized by concerned citizens and scientists, this website contains great, basic information on clean energy.  Learn more about technology and its impacts, solutions, read top features and what YOU can do including how to get in touch with your own elected representatives.
• FocusTheNation.org – Focus the Nation works to connect young people interested in finding clean energy solutions. Find local and national information, resources and energy related news at this website.