Sustainability Organizations Help Individuals Get Green

We all know it only takes one person to make a difference. That’s why many sustainability organizations today are helping individuals get green. By joining a green organization your joining a community of like minded individuals focused on making a difference. These associations will give you the tools, contacts, and resources to help you really take charge of your sustainability efforts. The following are seven associations that you can join to get active with the green community.

Green Technology Alliance (GTA):  The GTA is a source for information regarding current and emerging green technologies. With the help of the GTA, individuals can gain the knowledge needed to understand the current and emerging products, tools, methodologies and services that can improve your bottom line. The GTA offers an individual membership that gives access to resources that contribute to a greener and more sustainable technology infrastructure. As well, the GTA offers members unique networking, knowledge sharing and participation opportunities.

Members: Global

International Society of Sustainability Professionals (ISSP): The ISSP is a non-profit organization comprised of professionals committed to making sustainable practices the standard. As a member, individuals can access a community of like minded individuals, resource sharing, topic-centered forums, distance learning, conferences and career assistance. The ISSP is also moving towards a professional accreditation for sustainability. With your membership to the ISSP, you’ll also have access to discounts for resources such as a Sustainable Industries subscription.

Members: Global

Canada Green Building Association (CaGBA): The CaGBA is an organization committed to bringing green buildings, homes and communities to Canada. The CaGBA promotes the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System. This system, created by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), is an internationally recognized certification for the design, construction and operation of green buildings. To become a member of the CaGBA, individuals must apply to their local chapter. Their local chapter will supply members with local green building resources, education, leadership opportunities and networking events. The USBGC offers similar member benefits for joining their local charters in the US.

Members: Canadian and American.

International Green Purchasing Network (IGPN):  The IGPN aims to promote environmentally friendly purchasing habits and green products and services. Through online resources and globally held workshops, the IGPN is able to reach a global audience. As a member, you are given full access to their website which features global examples, know-how, products, information, recent trends and purchasing policies.

Members: Global

Association of Sustainability Practitioners (ASP): ASP is a member-driven, not-for-profit association that focuses on teaching individuals how to change their lives from unsustainable to sustainable. Through events that teach and an extensive member community, the ASP gives you the resources to learn how to live sustainably.

Members: Global

Green Drinks International:Green Drinks offers informal monthly gatherings of sustainability driven individuals. With over 525 Green Drinks chapters world wide, individuals across the globe can mix and mingle with like minded people. Green Drinks prides itself on being a self-organising network where members are not asked to pay a fee, but instead engage with others to make the organization a success.

Members: Global

David Suzuki Association: The David Suzuki Association works with individuals, businesses, and government to work towards environmental sustainability by providing science-based education and advocacy. By joining the association, members are given tips on greening your workplace and home as well as ways to get involved with events and opportunities.

Members: Global