Mahatma Gandhi encouraged everyone to “be the change you want to see in the world,” and it is this motto that the organizers of the 40th annual Earth Day have invoked to further their message. The recently launched E campaign uses Gandhi’s adage to convey the idea that “everything on Earth is dependent on everything else and that the Earth is one living organism.” The E campaign is meant to give Earth Day a fresh face and inspire a new wave of hope and commitment to its call to action.
Supporters are encouraged to log onto Earth Day New York’s website, where they can make customizable profile pages similar to ones found on other social networking sites to help them connect with other similarly eco-minded people. On their pages, everyone is encouraged to post a photo of him or herself flashing the “E” sign in support of the campaign and Gandhi’s message.
Celebrities like Adrien Grenier and Matthew Modine are pictured flashing their E signs, and other participants can add their own E sign pictures right alongside their favorite celebs’. The informative website also lists local Earth Day events, provides educational resources and has a handy calculator for figuring out your carbon footprint.
The best part about “Be the E” is the way in which social media is being used to bring together Earth Day advocates who may not have found each other otherwise. The site creators have founded a community of eco-warriors who can share their vision for the 40th anniversary of Earth Day and beyond.
Photo courtesy of Be the E/Earth Day New York.