EarthTalk^TM
From the Editors of E/The Environmental Magazine

Dear EarthTalk: Where can I locate directories of environmental groups, businesses and jobs so that I can get involved in making a difference? — Jeanette, Carle Place, NY

The most comprehensive directory of environmental groups—from small to large and local to international—is provided for free online by the Washington, DC-based National Wildlife Federation. The group’s Conservation Directory (www.nwf.org/conservationDirectory) features listings for some 4,200 groups, including conservation-oriented non-profits, commercial businesses, government entities, colleges and universities, zoos, aquariums, museums, grant-giving organizations, and related coalitions.

Each listing includes all contact information, as well as a general description of the group’s work, the issues it focuses on and other relevant information. Users can search by keyword, location, issue and even contact name. Groups that aren’t in the directory can easily add themselves via an online form. NWF reports that new groups are added every day.

EnviroLink (www.envirolink.org), which started as a mailing list in 1991 between 20 students at Carnegie Mellon University, is today one of the best resources for green info on the web. The EnviroLink database has links to thousands of groups and resources across the U.S. and beyond, and is keyword-searchable.

Another old-standby is EcoMall (www.ecomall.com), which has an extensive “activism” section listing various eco groups and their campaigns. The site allows users to search by keyword or to navigate through well-conceived listings by issue topic. While the simple design of the site may bring users back to the early days of the World Wide Web, the listings remain fresh for the most part.

Beyond organizational listings, there are many other sites where you can find various green resources. Those looking for green products or services, for example, need steer their web browsers no further than Coop America’s National Green Pages (www.coopamerica.org/pubs/greenpages). The trusted directory lists some 3,000 businesses that have made commitments to sustainable, socially just principles, including support for sweatshop-free labor, organic farms and “cruelty-free” (not tested on animals) products.

Another good online directory of environmental products, services and even related job opportunities is the Eco Business Links Environmental Directory (www.ecobusinesslinks.com). A couple of other excellent environmental jobs listings include 5 Million Green Jobs (www.5milliongreenjobs.org) and the Green Jobs Network (www.greenjobs.net). Meanwhile, EnviroEducation.com also offers job listings, but focuses on helping aspiring students of environmental education, policy and science find graduate- and certificate-level programs to indulge their green learning muses.

Of course, in this day and age Internet search engines rival these directories for helping people find groups to work or volunteer with. An expertly crafted keyword search on Google (www.google.com/Top/Society/Issues/Environment) is sure to turn up some promising results. Remember to set key phrases apart by surrounding them with quotation marks to get better results. Navigating through Yahoo’s topic-based Environment and Nature Organizations page (http://dir.yahoo.com/Society_and_Culture/environment_and_nature/organizations) is another way to harness the power of the Internet to find environmental groups, information and resources.

SEND YOUR ENVIRONMENTAL QUESTIONS TO: EarthTalk, P.O. Box 5098, Westport, CT 06881; earthtalk@emagazine.com. Read past columns at: www.emagazine.com/earthtalk/archives.php. EarthTalk is now a book! Details and order information at: www.emagazine.com/earthtalkbook.

Post from: Eco-Office Gals

Directories of Environmental Groups, Businesses and Jobs

disclaimer: part of this post is a product review.  I was not paid to write this review all thoughts of the product are uniquely mine.

In my Picking Directions post, I wrote about my personal goal to be more organized in 2009.  I am notorious for letting mail pile up and even scribbling notes on the back of envelopes, only to forget where I wrote it later on.  So when I was contacted about reviewing one of several calendars offered by GreenOfficeStore.com I thought this would be a good way to get my note taking more centralized.

So, far I have stayed committed to this little black book.  Even asking  people to hold so I can find it when I feel myself drawn to a the back of a blank envelope within reach. A description from the site:

Dated weekly appointment book/planner features a two-page-per-week spread with ruled daily ruled blocks in a horizontal format, no appointment hours, simulated stitched cover, current and future months reference, Julian dates and a two-color format in black and blue ink. Ranges 12 months from January to December. Nonrefillable. Bookbound weekly planner is printed on quality recycled paper with 30 percent post-consumer material.

Now, my thoughts:

Pros: I think it is a good size for me, which is why I picked it.  I have very little desk space and anything larger would have gotten in the way.  It is also small enough to fit in your purse if you need to take it with you.  Spaces for each week day are large enough for my notes.  The cover states they use soy based ink (this is not stated on the online description).  Overall, it looks good and serves it’s function.

Cons: it’s only 30% post-consumer material.  There is no reference to what material is used for the cover.  I feel if Dayminder is truly looking to offer a “green” product they can do better in these 2 areas.

If you are interested in trying this product you can find it here.  Or shop for other great products from the GreenOfficeStore.

All the best!
Jen

Post from: Eco-Office Gals

Picking Directions: Organization

Holidays are over, tree is down. No more excuses.

Time to get back to business.  Time to pick a direction.

What direction will you take your business?

Personally, I’m hoping to focus on organization in 2009.  No more scribbling notes on the back of a bill, which I can’t find by the time I’ve gotten off the phone with a client.  I’m taking an honest stab at keeping more organized folders on my computer desktop.  Also, I’ll begin using a real time tracking software for clients. Wish me luck!

For Eco-Office Gals, I will to continue to go full speed ahead with tips, tricks, reviews and advice to green your office, home and life.  Meanwhile, continuing to be at your service as a green VA.  I plan to bring you some guest posts from green businesses and businesses growing green.  I will also introduce my not-so-green neighbor, Kim.  Kim will help give a different perspective on some of the Flaunt It! Monday reviews.

The end of 2008 proved to be a great launch for Eco-Office Gals.  I look forward to continuing to grow in 2009!

What direction will you take in 2009?  What direction would you like to see Eco-Office Gals take? Please leave a comment, I’d love your feedback!

All the best in 2009,

Jen

(New Flaunt It! Monday’s will start next week.  I wanted to give everyone (sponser companies & participants) another) week to get back to a normal routine.

Post from: Eco-Office Gals

Picking Directions