Environmental and social change don’t always go together in green organizations, but the truth is that you can’t really make green changes without effecting society. Alternatively, some socio-economic groups just don’t have the resources to make costly (yet positive) environmental changes. As Jeff recently pointed out in his reaction to Tel Aviv’s farmers market, it would be great if everyone could eat organic veggies – but the sad truth is that only a slice of the population can afford to make this positive change.
That’s why it’s so cool that Green Action, a non-profit organization based in Tel Aviv, focuses on eco-social change. They don’t distinguish between the needs of the planet and the needs of the people who call it home, and work to protect both natural resources and disadvantaged communities.
Green Action tackles lots of issues, including:
Fair Trade – supporting healthy working conditions, employment opportunities for underprivileged populations, and environmental protection.
Genetic Engineering – acting against genetically engineered foods, which have health repercussions for people as well as nasty environmental consequences.
Alternative Energy – supporting the production of bio-diesel.
Militarism and the Environment – researching the effects of military action on the environment.
Sound good? Well, if you’d like to get involved with Green Action on a part-time basis this summer – they’re hiring. They’re looking for a coordinator to manage the sale and preparation of Fair Trade product baskets that they’ll be selling in September towards the High Holy Day season. If you’re interested in learning more about the organization and its Fair Trade products (which include coffee, olive oil, za’atar, and other goodies) from July through September, contact Avi at Green Action.
See also:: Can Housed and Happy Palestinians Lead to a Greener Mid-East? and Green Your Job: Greenpeace Tel Aviv is Hiring!
Author: Karen Chernick
Much to the disappointment of her Moroccan grandmother, Karen became a vegetarian at the age of seven because of a heartfelt respect for other forms of life. She also began her journey to understand her surroundings and her impact on the environment. She even starting an elementary school Ecology Club and an environmental newsletter in the 3rd grade. (The proceeds of the newsletter went to non-profit environmental organizations, of course.) She now studies in New York. Karen can be reached at karen (at) greenprophet (dot) com.
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