50 years ago, the world celebrated the very first Earth Day on April 22, 1970. On that day, 20 million people took to the streets and demanded clean air, clean water and greater protections for our planet. On that day, a movement was born. 

Since that fateful day, in Alabama and across the nation, our rivers, cities and communities are cleaner. We have preserved hundreds of parks, forests and places, from the Sipsey Wilderness in the Bankhead National Forest to the Mobile Delta. Alabamians are breathing fresher air and have reclaimed land that had been dumped on for generations.  We have made our state a better place to live.

Despite five decades of progress, the job is not finished. 

Places like North Birmingham need to be made safe, clean and whole. Our state needs a water plan to make sure we are ready for the next drought or other extreme weather event. And we all need to do our part to address a changing climate here in Alabama and across the globe.

This pledge below represents ways you can help protect the waters of our state, the special places and biodiversity, the air we breathe and the land we love.

Please sign this Virtual Earth Day pledge and make your commitment to support these ideals in all aspects of your life today! Feel free to add your own personal pledge as well.

I PLEDGE TO PROTECT ALABAMA’S ENVIRONMENT FOR THE NEXT 50 YEARS

INDIVIDUALS

• I pledge to appreciate Alabama's nature by getting outdoors or in whatever way I am able.
• I pledge to learn the source of my drinking water. 
• I pledge to practice the 3 Rs - Reduce (1st), Reuse (2nd) and Recycling (3rd) with my waste.
• I pledge to become a member of an environmental non profit working to protect my community. 
• I pledge to volunteer for a clean-up or other volunteer opportunities available during 2020.
• I pledge to attend an educational seminar or workshop exploring climate and environmental justice issues.
• I pledge to engage in conservation with my local community about ways to get neighborhoods involved with environmentally-friendly projects and issues.
• I pledge to consider the environment and conservation issues when I vote.

BUSINESS LEADERS

• I pledge to be a climate conscious business leader to current and future generations of businesses.
• I pledge to reduce, reuse and recycle in our business with sustainable business practices.
• I pledge to seek consultation on ways our business can be more sustainable.
• I pledge to incorporate sustainability/environmental awareness training to help employees better understand their carbon footprint.
• I pledge to educate and encourage sustainable efforts (such as native plants, etc.) to customers and other vendors.

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION LEADERS

• I pledge to seek out ways to partner with environmental organizations throughout the state in creative ways.
• I pledge to do the work to create a more just, equitable and inclusive organization in our leadership, our memberships, and our program work.
• I pledge to talk about climate change and how it relates to the health and well-being of all Alabamians.
• I pledge to work in solidarity with communities and residents who are most impacted by pollution.

FAITH-BASED LEADERS

• I pledge to advocate for a healthy and sustainable environment for all life.
• I pledge to educate myself and my faith community or congregation about how our faith guides us to be better stewards of the Earth.
• I pledge to make my house of worship and other buildings environmentally friendly and more sustainable through the use of native plants, natural lighting, community gardens, eradication of styrofoam from coffee stations and implementation of recycling and sustainable use.
• I pledge to recruit my faith community to participate in more community based events on the education and importance of caring for the land of the Creator. 

ELECTED OFFICIALS

• I pledge to learn more about the environment in my community and/or state.
• I pledge to listen more to my constituent’s concerns about the threats to our environment and natural resources.
• I pledge to do the best I can to NOT make decisions that negatively impact the environment and public health in my community and/or state.
• I pledge to be more proactive in planning and making decisions about the protection and conservation of Alabama’s air, land and water resources.
• I pledge to include conservation and environmental protection groups in the conversation when discussing policy concerning our land, water and air.

 

I pledge to protect Alabama's environment for the next 50 years!

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
 - Margaret Mead