The United Nations has declared 2010 the International Year of Biodiversity. Biodiversity encompasses the variety of life on earth, and is essential for providing food, fuel, health and other vital services. There are many ways to get involved, on a personal level, to promote biodiversity.
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada has a number of organizations dedicated to the conservation of plants and wildlife, environmental sustainability, and protection of wetlands and nature reserves. These organizations rely on volunteers at the grassroots level to effect change and various positions are always available. As education and increasing awareness are key mandates of these organizations, experience in the field is often not necessary. Being surrounded by people with a like-minded vision creates the feeling real change is possible.
Baskin-Robbins Heir Founded EarthSave
John Robbins, the heir of the Baskin-Robbins ice cream empire, turned his back on corporate America, instead choosing to pursue an alternate American dream. He founded EarthSave International which has numerous chapters across North America. EarthSave Canada, based in Vancouver, carries on his dream, particularly promoting Robbins' belief that, "A reduction in meat consumption is probably the most potent single act individuals can take in the effort to halt the destruction of the environment and preserve our precious resources."
EarthSave's largest community endeavour is the Taste of Health Vegetarian Food Fair which promotes healthy cuisine for people and the planet. There are many ways to contribute to this grassroots organization, some of which can be done at home:
- website translators
- media assistant
- parents group coordinator (a new position)
- newsletter delivery person
- information booth coordinators
- vegan products researcher
The David Suzuki Foundation Protecting Diversity
Dr. David Suzuki is a world renowned scientist, speaker, author and activist. The David Suzuki Foundation officially opened on January 1, 1991, and was founded in response to massive feedback received from Suzuki's radio broadcast series It's a Matter of Survival. This series raised concerns about impending ecological disaster if civilization continued on the same destructive path.
The main goals of the foundation are protecting nature, climate change, and transforming the economy. The scope of the David Suzuki Foundation spans many arenas from sustainable fishing, banning pesticides, environmental stewardship and more.
Given the magnitude of the Foundation, volunteer opportunities are many and varied, and volunteers are always in demand. As Dr. Suzuki notes, "Volunteers are the heart and soul of our Foundation....Their spirit, pride and enthusiasm suffuse the Foundation."
Western Canada Wilderness Committee
The Western Canada Wilderness Committee has 30,000 members across Canada as well as 40,000 donors and volunteers. Their mission is to protect Canada's biodiversity with a current focus on safeguarding wildlife such as the endangered northern Spotted Owl, protecting the Pacific Coast and defending public lands.
One of their most successful grassroots campaign was achieving United Nations Biosphere Reserve designation for the old growth forest of Clayoquot Sound.
With many on-going campaigns, volunteers are always in demand. The Wilderness Committee has a stellar reputation for training volunteers and making them feel valued. A variety of positions are available both in the office setting and out in the field.
The many successes of this organization proves to volunteers that dedication and perseverance can make a difference.
Bicycling to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Better Environmentally Sound Transportation (BEST) focuses on environmental sustainability through bicycling. There are a number of innovative initiatives such as the Bicycle Valet. This program provides free valet parking for bicycles at a number of local events in Vancouver such as farmer's markets, parades and concerts. Volunteers are needed for this program.
Other high profile strategies include the annual June Bike Month campaign which encourages people to leave their cars at home and try cycling to work and school.
Volunteers are needed to promote the programs initiated by BEST and keep their message in the forefront of the public eye.
Volunteers Make Change Possible
Margaret Mead, American cultural anthropologist once said, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has." The current poor state of the environment did not happen overnight and it will not be repaired without effort and perseverance. And most definitely the ecological disaster referred to by Dr. Suzuki will not be averted without the dedication of countless volunteer citizens.
Lorah Delaney - Lorah is a native of Vancouver, British Columbia. She has a degree in Physical Education from the University of British Columbia and a ...
