Explore, Enjoy and Protect the Planet
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March 5, 2013
º Nine Best Herbs to Grow at Home º My Piece of America Photo Contest º Huge Milestone for Beyond Coal º Be an Intrepid Eco-Traveler
   Spectacular Spring ServiceWhat better way to celebrate spring than by serving our nation's wild places on a fun and affordable volunteer vacation? Assist with research projects, maintain trails, or remove invasive vegetation with free days to hike, explore, or simply relax. Assist with trail work in America's deepest gorge, preserve the beauty of iconic rock formations in Utah's Arches National Park, or protect a unique Florida ecosystem, the largest of its kind in the world. Looking for something else? Select from over 150 more adventures at Sierra Club Outings.   The Nine Best Herbs to Grow at HomeThese easy-to-grow plants will thrive indoors or out. Find out what they are, how to care for them, and what type of food complements the flavor of each herb. What's in your garden? Photo: Lori Eanes   A Worthy Gem in the Land of Enchantment New Mexico's Rio Grande del Norte is a place of breathtaking vistas -- green waters flowing through deep gorges, plains of sagebrush and wildflowers, wooded forests, and towering mountains. National monument designation for the Rio Grande del Norte would safeguard 236,000 acres of spectacular land, protect wildlife habitat and clean drinking water, preserve recreational opportunities, and celebrate the region's diverse Hispanic and tribal heritage. Tell President Obama to designate the Rio Grande del Norte as a national monument so that future generations can experience this spectacular piece of America. |
Obama's Biggest Climate Test
 The clock is ticking -- 45 days and counting -- on the most important comment period yet for stopping the Keystone XL tar sands pipeline. The State Department released its latest report on the pipeline last Friday, and it utterly downplays the profound impact Keystone XL would have on the climate.Last summer, activists like you sent 75,000 comments against the tar sands. This time, it will take 100,000 to show President Obama how fast our movement is growing. Take action now. Tell the president and Secretary of State Kerry that they cannot fight climate change while simultaneously investing in one of the dirtiest, most carbon-intensive fossil fuels on the planet. The Planet Reborn
 Six years ago The Planet print newsletter -- "the Sierra Club's Activist Resource" -- went out of circulation after a 13-year run, and the Scrapbook blog was born. Now, after half a dozen years, Scrapbook, too, is being reborn as The Planet: Sierra Club stories from the front lines.The Planet will continue to feature activist profiles and stories about the Club’s campaigns and successes, while expanding its scope to include opinion pieces, politics, and writing that relates to the Club's priority issues -- a lively mix that reflects the Sierra Club's vision and dynamism. Check it out and tell us what you think.
My Piece of America Photo Contest
Iconic American wild places like Utah's Greater Canyonlands are increasingly under threat from oil, gas, and coal companies. These lands have inspired generations of Americans -- from Ansel Adams to Bill Bryson -- to create some of our most enduring works of art.In that spirit, the Sierra Club is launching the My Piece of America photo contest. Explore and enjoy our wild places and then add your contribution to the effort to protect them. The winning photograph will be featured widely across the Sierra Club's online presence and will be seen by millions of people. So take a photo of an American wild place you love, and enter today! Photo: Jeff Clay Huge Milestone for Beyond Coal
 With last week's announcement that American Electric Power would stop burning coal by 2015 at three power plants in Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky, the Sierra Club's Beyond Coal campaign passed the halfway mark toward its goal of securing the retirement of one-third of the nation's coal power by 2015. "I like to think of our campaign as a grassroots, open-source effort that is winning big victories for our health and the planet," says Beyond Coal Director Mary Anne Hitt. "Together, our work averaged one coal plant retirement a week in 2012." Take a look at this milestone by the numbers. Hanging Out for Diversity
 Diversity, outdoor recreation, and the future of our natural heritage -- those were the topics of a Google+ Hangout hosted by Sierra Club President Allison Chin that featured Outdoor Afro, the Children & Nature Network, and many others. Among those watching it live was Sierra Club Mission Outdoors Director Stacy Bare, who said, "Most exciting to me about the conversation was that it's finally a topic that is beginning to make some headway in the national discourse."Watch the hangout here and find out about the challenges and solutions that come with making our natural wonders accessible to everyone. A Dream Job for Outdoor Enthusiasts 
Be an Intrepid Eco-TravelerDid you know Travelocity has the largest directory of certified green hotels? The Sierra Club has partnered with Travelocity to help you reduce your impact when you travel. Visit our Member Benefits page and search for hotel rooms, flights, or even a hybrid rental car in order to extend your next Sierra Club outing or plan your own adventure. When you book through our website, you’ll support the Sierra Club and, as a member, you could save on all Save Rate hotel reservations. When you book through our website, you'll support the Sierra Club and, as a member, you can save five percent on all Save Rate hotel reservations with the following promo code: SPC2809112 |
1.) Actress Julie Benz talks with us about her involvement with Ozoshare, a new green social network.