I recently got some requests to end an aggressive direct mail campaign, on the grounds that I was wasting paper. If you want to know the story, and what I’m doing about it, check out my post, “Junk Mail Sucks!”

I’ve always been committed to protecting the planet, even when it was unpopular (and sometimes dangerous) to do so. I’m not going to say “my ecology is deeper than your ecology,” but in case you’re wondering, here you’ll find a list of the organizations I support, as well as some of the green things I’m doing in my personal and professional life.

Waste reduction

• I use paper that is made from 100% post-consumer waste and bears the stamp of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
• I don’t buy water or other beverages in plastic bottles except when traveling
• I recycle everything possible; even the cartridges in my printer go to the Environmental Club at a local high school, which keeps the proceeds
• Most of my personal notes and lists are written on the backs of used envelopes and flyers

Energy use

• My home and business have been 100% illuminated by Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFL) since 2003 (I’m still using a lot of the same bulbs!)
• I start work early to maximize the use of daylight hours, reducing the need for electric lights
• I’m an avid urban cyclist, bike commuter, and advocate (visit my bike blog at http://www.bicyclefreedom.com). I do nearly all my shopping and other errands by bike.

Environmental and Philanthropy

• I make regular financial contributions to many environmental organizations (see list below)
• I frequently do hands-on volunteer work in the California State Parks and elsewhere, including beach and river cleanups, tree planting and maintenance, removal of invasive non-native plants, and tabling

Here is a partial list of environmental organizations I’ve supported in the past year:

• Tree People
• California State Parks Foundation
• Friends of the L.A. River (FOLAR)
• Los Angeles Bicycle Coalition
• League of American Bicyclists
• The Adventure Cycling Association
• Planned Parenthood Los Angeles
• California Bicycle Coalition

Eighteen years ago I was canvassing door-to-door to raise awareness and help stop deforestation, back when most people had never heard of the problem and the word “global warming” was just entering mainstream vocabulary. I even risked my safety a few times in protests that some would say were misguided but were always well-intentioned.

Today, my adult life is a joyous quest to find the ideal balance between personal growth, responsible prosperity, and leaving this world better off than when I arrived.

If you’ve taken the time to read this, please leave a comment.

Thanks,

Jacob