The Power of (Green) Community

While the snow fell last Saturday and most people were in their warm homes, or out shoveling, something really special and unique was happening in Rockville. Clean Currents, led by our incredible staff (way to go Amanda and Kristi!) was hosting our very first Green Neighborhood Challenge Leadership training. More than 35 people braved the elements to attend. As far as I know, this is the first time a for- profit company hosted and led an environmental activist training event. The fact that this event took place, that people were extremely excited and interested, speaks volumes about the kind of company Clean Currents is. It is hard to imagine any other company, green or otherwise, hosting a meeting like this in our area.

Cultivating relationships with activists is part of our mission, and reflects on the unique position of Clean Currents. As a company, we understand that confronting climate change is going to take an "all of the above" approach. Voluntary actions are important, but only as far as they change people's conscience, only as far as they change the values of our society. That's where activism comes in. Once we change people's conscience we need to change our nation's laws. This will happen by people from all over the political spectrum getting active and getting things done. It's a two step process. Clean Currents offers a great, green product that is available to the general public, unlike say a Prius or other green items that come with a relatively hefty price tag. Our wind power for homes actually may save people money, yet it also opens a window to a new world for them. They get on our eNewsletter list and learn about all the other ways they can positively effect the world through voluntary actions or legislation.

That's what this past week's leadership training was about- giving citizens the tools they need to educate their neighbors about the fight to end climate change. It's not enough to sign up for wind power at home. We need to do more. Hopefully these leaders will go out and spread that message. And hopefully other companies will follow Clean Currents example and recognize that being a good green corporate citizen means much more than putting a green sticker on your window and buying recycled paper for your printers. It means engaging the public, giving the public the tools they need, and giving the public a platform to work from.

keepin' it green