Five Favorites :: Colorado Environmental Organizations

The other day, I was talking about the weather, as one does, with an acquantiance of mine. She commented: “I’m not looking forward to smog season,” and I think my heart skipped a beat. I’d never heard it called that. I’d never thought about the fact the poor air quality that plagues my region of Colorado had a whole season unto itself. But it does. It truly does. And that sucks.

I’m worried about the air. I’m worried about it’s impacts on my health and my kids’ health. It’s one of the most immediate impacts of the climate crisis on Colorado.

I’m betting you’re worried about these things, too. We need to channel our anxiety into action. But I know it mcan be hard to know how to get involved; how to do something.

One of the easiest steps to take is to sign up for the email lists of environmental organizations. They’ll then send you emails about ways big and small that you can support their initiatives. Simple actions like sending a prepared email to your representatives have an impact, and there are also other ways to get involved such as testifying at a public meeting (often virtually!) or helping organize a climate action (protest).

Here are my five favorite local organizations to support. If you’re not in Colorado, I encourage you to check out your local 350.org chapter, and seek out a local transportation advocacy group.

one// 350.org Colorado - 350.org was founded by the environmentalist Bill McKibben. They focus on keeping oil in the ground and promoting solutions to the climate crisis.

two // Mountain Mamas - Mountain Mamas are a group of women working to promote a livable climate for their children. Their focus is on clean air, but this connects to many facets of the climate movement. I’ve had the opportunity to participate in several events with this group recently and really respect the work they’re doing and the way they support the involvement of other moms.

three // Denver Streets Partnership - DSP is a transportation advocacy group working for safer streets in Denver. Because 30-50% of carbon emissions come from transportation, improving the ways we move people is an integral part of mitigating the worst impacts of climate change. DSP provides easy opportunities to support legislation in Denver and Colorado that will help people get around in ways that are less polluting to our climate.

four // CoPirg - Colorado Public Interest Research Group advocates for what’s best for the people. For the public interest. They work on a wide range of issues that effect public health. Sign-up for their emails and you’ll have a chance to voice your concerns to your elected officials on a whole range of issues.

five // EcoCycle - Based out of Boulder, Eco-Cycle is working to improve waste systems along the Front Range. I have had the opportunity to work with Eco-Cycle as a “Denver Eco Leader” in an effort to change Denver’s waste system into one that incentivizes recycling and composting and discourages putting things in the landfill. If zero waste is your “thing,” definitely check out Eco-Cycle’s work.