The Skinny >>

There is no better way to show your support for a cause than giving your time.   And there is no surer bet to connect to the environment than experiencing it.  In fact, despite the recession, volunteerism increased over 2% this past year.   So roll up your sleeves and get ready to get down and dirty and show nothing but love for your mama (earth that is).

Work It >>

Whether you’re interested in cleaner beaches, planting trees, teaching kids to recycle or anything green in between, you’ll be sure to find an organization in need of your helping hands near you. Here are our tips to help your kick off  your volunteer spirit. 1) Research organizations: Not all non-profits are created equal.  If you want to really delve in on the ground level, look for a startup that doesn’t have as many volunteers.  Larger organizations usually hold regular events and can often be easier to schedule with (e.g. monthly beach clean ups for Heal The Bay are always on the 3^rd Saturday of every month). 2) Be Honest About Your Time: The worst thing you can do is overextend yourself.  Don’t commit to any volunteering, unless you can absolutely guarantee you can do it.  You’ll be a much better helper, if you’re not stressing about time. 3) Volunteer To Do Something That Fuels You: If you like being outdoors, saying you’ll stuff envelopes inside probably isn’t going to work for you.  Line your volunteering with your pleasures so you can give and get at the same time. 4) Bring a friend: Volunteering with a pal is always more fun.  Make new friends while you’re out there too.  Chances are you’ve got something in common. 5) Think Local: Start off volunteering in your own neighborhood.  You’ll be surprised at how many organizations can use your help to beautifying your home turf.  You’ll also get more connected to your community and see firsthand how you can make a difference.

Earn Your Stripes >>

Make a commitment to volunteer in your community once a month.  Even if you can’t find an organized event, you can still give back.  Next time you go for a walk or run, consider “Eco-Running” where you take a biodegradable trash bag with you and pick up trash along the way.  Or better yet, get your friends together and dream up the event your community needs most. Here are some of our favorite online resources for eco-volunteering:

• Causecast.org: A site devoted to all causes (including green ones) that promote doing good in the world.  We love their “How To” guides, especially if you need motivation.

• Takepart.com: An online community connecting members directly to the issues that inspire them to engage, contribute and take action.   We love that you can create your own content (like videos from volunteer experiences) and upload it on to the site too.

• The NRDC has a great action component to its website.

• http://www.greenpeace.org/international/getinvolved

• YDT’s Post on Volunteer Opportunities in Los Angeles.

• Beach Basics on Heal the Bay on YDT.

• La Gran Limpieza on YDT.

• City Labs, an annual community fair for non-profit organizations in Los Angeles.

Get Your Green Starter Kit >>

Don’t have all the tools to get you into eco-action? Our going green starter kit can kick-start your routine with basic eco-goodies …and with a special boot camp discount too.

Missed a Few Boot Camps? Catch Up Here >>

Enjoyed this article but aren’t a bootcamper yet? Sign up for YDT’s 20-day on-line Going Green Boot Camp to receive free daily tips on how to go green.