February Green Tip: Staying Active After the Women's March

By Jax Puliatti 

January 21, 2017 is a historic day for the United States and for the world. Never before in the U.S. have so many people stepped up and marched alongside friends, family and strangers. There were marches in the big cities and small towns alike. You can see the full list of American marches in this article or check out the national and global map of marches for yourself in the New York Times.

The feeling of empowerment and love at these marches is undeniable. There has never been such a large demonstration in Washington, D.C. and not a single arrest was made. Though we marched in reaction to a nightmarish election, the anger that might have been present was transformed into chanting, marching, making witty and hilarious signs, and knitting pink pussyhats.

If you attended one of these marches, you will know that it is not just about women. Women’s rights are inseparable from social and environmental justice. As repeated on countless posters, "Women's rights and human rights." These human rights include the right to live a healthy life on this earth. Therefore, climate change is women's issue. Women are disproportionately affected by climate change, as explained in this everyday feminist. Marches and other types of civic engagement is vital in our efforts to combat climate change and mitigate its effects.

The potential for positive change as a reaction to the Trump presidency is tremendous. On a single day, millions of people gathered to express a commitment to justice for people and planet.

The biggest Green Tip is to stay active! The Women's March on Washington organizers have already created an action plan for us: 10 Actions in 100 Days. Keep that energy and community alive by writing to your representatives in Congress, staying up to date on future marches (there's one happening on April 15th!), volunteering at local organizations working on policy, donate to organizations like the Union of Concerned Scientists that are lobbying for environmental protection regulations. There are lots of ways to get involved, the most important thing is that you just do it!

The Future of Water

On Thursday, October 16, Santa Cruz Water Department customers had the opportunity to evaluate over 50 citizen-submitted proposals that addressed water supply needs at an event at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium. This day represented a fundamental shift in approach to public policy because it attempted to engage citizens outside of a traditional meeting, and it allowed the community to vote. Each proposal was rated based upon four criteria: Effectiveness, Practicability, Environmental Benefits, and Local Economic Benefits, only a scale from 1 to 5. 

If you missed the convention, you can still engage in this process through the Civonomics website here by November 11. You can vote for or against all of the proposals, learn more, ask questions, make pro/con statements on specific ideas, and leave feedback. The civic process and the possibilities of the internet merge in this project; perhaps this is the new frontier for citizen involvement in government! 

If you would like to know more and cast your vote online, please visit the Civinomics website and vote by November 11.