Activist and Grass-Roots Groups
Sustainable Communities Network
Online tools and worksheets for grass-roots groups looking to "go green" at the very local level, with tips on everything from planning sustainable events to ratings of colleges based on how "green" they are.
Greenpeace
Since 1971, Greenpeace activists have put themselves in harm's way to draw attention to causes ranging from nuclear testing to hunting whales. With more than 2.5 million members worldwide, the group is focusing more on the threat of global warming.
Planetsave
Blogging, microloans and wind energy credits are just a few of the features at this diverse site. "Community and quality information are at the core of personal and social change." Free blogging platforms for registered users.
Heal the Bay
Originally begun to push cleanup of heavily polluted Santa Monica Bay in Los Angeles, Heal the Bay has grown to lead efforts to clean up beaches, riparian watersheds and rivers that originate hundreds of miles from the ocean's shore.
Sierra Club
Touting itself as "America's oldest, largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization," the Sierra Club's mission is a model of sustainability: Enjoy nature, preserve it for future generations, educate and fight the good fight in court.
Rainforest Alliance: Sustainable Agriculture
Looking to counter "rampant deforestation and careless agrochemical use," the Rainforest Alliance has a wealth of resources online and curates a network of farmers following the principles of sustainable farming.
Slow Food International
Site for a growing global movement emphasizing local produce, sustainable agriculture and biodiversity. "Slow Food helps people rediscover the joys of eating and understand the importance of caring where their food comes from, who makes it and how itís made."
Think Tanks and Universities
Clinton Global Initiative
Site founded by former President Clinton aims to "help our world move beyond the current state of globalization to a more integrated global community of shared benefits, responsibilities, and values." Sustainability of resources and population is just one of many subjects, with an overall focus on responsible globalization.
Global Green USA
Founded by former Soviet President Mikhail S. Gorbachev, Global Green focuses on three areas: global warming, nuclear proliferation and safe drinking water. Site includes the Green Building Resource center, a how-to guide for sustainable construction.
International Institute for Sustainable Development
Site's global network of 150 contributors work to mitigate "changing climate, biodiversity loss, abject poverty and environmental degradation" through government and non-governmental agency organizations. Exhaustive list of policy papers and expert sources for journalists and researchers.
Natural Resources Defense Council
One of the best-organized and most comprehensive non-government sites dedicated to environmental activism. Issue briefings break down the latest scientific and political jargon into readable articles. Many other features, including live Q&A sessions with environmental experts.
Redefining Progress
Site for the influential think tank focused on the environment, sustainable economic policies, the ecological footprint on the planet and ecological justice. Includes footprint quizzes and an environmental quiz aimed at kids.
Post Carbon Institute
The group is a "think, action and education tank offering research, project tools, education and information" for strategies to deal with sequestering carbon in the atmosphere and adapt to a world where energy is a precious commodity.
The Sustainability Institute
A research consortium and think tank with an in-house crew of "biologists, writers, social scientists, system dynamics modelers and facilitators" engaged in finding new business and government policy models for sustainable development.
Earth Institute at Columbia University
"Understanding Earth as one integrated system, The Earth Institute at Columbia University is working to achieve sustainable development through education, scientific research, and action." Features include useful factsheets on global ecological issues.
Alliance for Global Sustainability
The AGS is an international partnership between four of the world's leading science and technology universities: Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, MIT, the University of Tykyo and Chalmers University of Technology.
Sustainability: Science, Practice, & Policy
A relatively new "peer-reviewed, open-access journal that provides a platform for the dissemination of new practices and for dialogue emerging out of the field of sustainability." Review board includes leading researchers in the field of sustainability research.
Kerr Center for Sustainable Agriculture
This educational and advocacy resource, founded by a wealthy oilman and U.S. senator who grew up on a small farm in Oklahoma, features local sustainable food guides, lesson plans and tips and tricks for sustainable agriculture "best practices."
The Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture
Research & development at the Iowa State University that "explores and cultivates alternatives that secure healthier people and landscapes in Iowa and the nation."
Center for Environmental Farming Systems
An education and advocacy site by North Carolina State University and North Carolina A&T State University. These folks practice what they preach on a demostration model farm, and offer online resources so that traditional farmers can follow their footsteps.