Blogging to Save the Environment

On October 15, the voices of thousands of Internet bloggers will unite to participate in Blog Action Day, an international initiative to focus on one issue the entire day -- the environment. Organizers are asking participants to blog about some aspect of the environment or to donate their earnings on October 15 to one of several environmental organizations. Everyone with access to a blog or website is being asked to publicize Blog Action Day with a banner or announcement.

Planned as an annual event, the non-profit Blog Action Day is the creation of a core group of experienced bloggers, including Australians Collis Ta'eed and Cyan Ta'eed of a www.FreelanceSwitch.com, and Leo Babauta of zenhabits.net/.

Collis Ta'eed explained that organizers hope "to bring bloggers together, to get them talking, thinking, and reaching out to their audiences." So far, more than 6,500 blogs or websites, with a combined audience of almost five million regular readers, have signed on to participate.

Postings can relate to the blog's topic in any way, or they can offer environmental ideas completely off topic, according to the Blog Action Day founders. They suggest that those in bookselling or publishing might discuss efforts to use "greener" techniques in the book production process, as well as in their store and office environments. Lists of new books, or classics, on environmental issues could be included in the blogs. "Our aim," said Ta'eed, "is to get people thinking, discussing, questioning, and talking about the environment, from every angle, niche, viewpoint, and personality."

All interested bloggers are urged to register their blog. A sampling of the diverse blogs already registered include Armenian Eagle, 1001 Gatos de Schrodinger, veggie monologues, Human Rights Sweden, and Lifehack.org. A video announcement of Blog Action Day can be viewed on YouTube.

Ta'eed hopes that many significant issues can be addressed through future Blog Action Days. "In an age," he said, "when information technology is becoming central to our everyday activity, it is appropriate that we find ways to harness that power to build a better world." --Nomi Schwartz