It's OneGreenThing's two year anniversary! We launched the organization on 4.21.21 because on April 4, 2021 the earth reached a troubling milestone.On April 4, 2021, Mauna Loa Observatory reported a record 421 ppm of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
Mauna Loa has been tracking atmospheric CO2 levels since the 1950s (when we were at 315 ppm). This record level of 421 ppm signals that the world is on track to double atmospheric carbon from pre-industrial levels by 2060. This doubling could lead to a potential 4.1 to 8.1 degree Fahrenheit rise in temperature if climate change is not addressed. This is a "wake up" call that it's time to act on climate.
Back in April 2021, I knew that the young people were becoming more anxious about the climate crisis and the future we are leaving them. I realized, too, that it was time dig into the research on "eco-anxiety" and the mental health impacts of the climate crisis and also figure out a way for more people to "see" themselves in climate action.
My colleague Emily Fowler, Chief of Start Up of OneGreenThing, and I had countless conversations during the pandemic about how our kids were inspiring us to take our advocacy to a new level. We also knew the toll that unchecked power of the fossil fuel industry and the gridlock on Capitol Hill for meaningful climate action was taking on our kid's view of the future. As Gen Xers, we thought we were the most cynical generation. We were so wrong. Our kids are way more jaded, less trustful in government, but more attuned to their own power. They inspired us to do more.
With the support of the dynamic OGT board of directors, national advisory council, and Gen Z council, and Chief of Start Up Emily Fowler, on 4.21.21, we shared the mission of OneGreenThing with the world.
Our goal is to tackle eco-anxiety through joyful daily action, creating culture change for climate solutions.
The day that we launched this new nonprofit in 2021, I received my book deal to write and publish One Green Thing: Discover Your Hidden Power to Help Save the Planet. Harper Horizon, a Harper Collins imprint, published it on April 19, 2022.
In year one, I wrote the book and also worked with Emily and the board to lay the groundwork for the nonprofit. Year two was focused on getting the message out that the climate crisis is the biggest crisis of our time and we all have a unique role to play.
Year three of OneGreenThing (2023 to 2024) means it's time for us to scale our educational programming and operations.
The last two years have been a whirlwind. I am so grateful for all the support for our mission, the excitement about our hopeful message in the work of our nonprofit and my book. Of course, we are so thankful for the generous donations of people from around the country and to the thousands that have joined our community. Here are a few highlights:
Since the launch of OneGreenThing two years ago, our start up nonprofit has:
Reached millions with national media coverage of our work on Good Morning America (x 3), KTLA5, WREG-Memphis, WGN-Chicago, NYC's Pix-11 News, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Teen Vogue, mindbodygreen, Shondaland and countless other outlets.
Engaged more than 3000 people from around the world who have taken the Service Superpower (TM) assessment to find their unique roles in climate action. From "zero" digital followers, we now reach nearly 10,000 people on our platform and it's growing every day.
Hosted more educational, interactive online workshops about how to get involved in climate action, developing your eco-action plan, sustainable fashion, reducing food waste, and more workshops on how to leave a greener, more joyful life.
Spoken at and engaged with the Clinton Global Initative, TEDxBoston, the Good Housekeeping Raise the Bar Sustainability Summit, and engaged businesses, universities, schools, and bookstores around the country with our mission.
Provided online, free educational tools such as the OneGreenThing Bullet Journal, the Joy Tracker, meditations, and discussion guides to promote intergenerational, multicultural learning, conversations, and action on eco-anxiety.
Because of the eruption of Mauna Loa in 2022, NOAA moved the observation tracking to a facility 21 miles north, the Maunakea Laboratories.
Today's (4/21/23) reading is 423 ppm of atmospheric carbon dioxide.
We have so much work ahead, but we know that we CAN create a greener, healthier, more just future and become the awesome ancestors our future loved ones deserve. We are so grateful that you are part of our community. We NEED you in this movement. Embrace your daily practice of sustainability - your one green thing - and shift the culture toward the big policy solutions we need.
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