Volunteer for the planet 1

Tip #8: Pimp yourself out for the planet. Take time out to volunteer with an environmental organization, and give the greatest gift of all: your fine self.

We’re not just talking about a one-night stand here; we’re looking for commitment. A relationship, even. After all, it takes gajillions of dedicated volunteers and their sustained efforts to support the environmental and social causes that keep the world going ‘round. 

To get started, flip open your planner and assess how much time you have to offer. Make it a habit to donate one hour a week, one day a month, or even one year of your life with a green nonprofit. You can do it with a friend. You can even do it on vacation.

Next, figure out what your interests are—climate change, invasive species, watershed protection—and search for organizations that address those issues, especially in your local community. You may need to go on a few blind dates before you find “the one(s)” that you can really settle down with, but remember to have fun along the way.

Earth Day (April 22) is a fine opportunity to start volunteering, but don’t let your eco-intentions stop after the greenest-holiday-of-them-all hype settles down. Here are some great resources for finding a way to pimp yourself out for the planet any and every day of the year:

• EarthDay.gov
• Volunteer.gov
• USAService.org
• Earth Day Network
• Student Conservation Association
• Sierra Club
• National Park Service
• World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF)

If you’re already volunteering (thank you!), don’t neglect to recruit family, friends, co-workers, even strangers to your cause.

Screw Earth Day: Check out tips #1, 2, 3, 4, 5,  6, and 7 for more advice on how to make every day Earth Day.

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