As Bill McKibben so eloquently points out, the resistance to Trump, including his climate denial, will be local. That's why local environmental advocacy is crucial for Earth Day 2018.  And environmental advocacy doesn't have to mean petitioning in the streets, although it can. It can also mean helping a neighbor choose an electric car over a gas-powered one, or joining a committee in your community. 

You might be looking around for Earth Day activities. Here are 3 activities through which you and your neighbors can make a difference.

Action #1: Form a committee to green up your whole community

Want an equitable, scalable, affordable way to offer everyone in your town more renewable energy? Our model of Green Municipal Aggregation (GMA) is sweeping Massachusetts and has just been authorized in Rhode Island.

Most recently, GMA has been adopted by Arlington, Brookline, Dedham, Somerville, Sudbury, and Winchester, MA. Residents in these communities now have a power supply that includes approximately 40% more wind and solar than required by the state, at a price currently cheaper than Eversource's Basic Service. Altogether, these six communities are creating renewable energy demand equivalent to the output of 15-20 large-scale wind turbines.

You can bring this model to your community and be enjoying the benefits as early as 2019. Communities considering aggregation should form an advisory committee made up of public officials and interested, knowledgeable citizens to study the concept and to take the lead on educating the public and selecting a qualified energy consultant.

Mass Energy/People's Power & Light can help, and we've laid it all out in a comprehensive guide:

In the meantime, you can "green" your electricity usage by making the switch to 100% or 25% local, renewable energy through our Green Power program right now. Learn more.

Action #2: Go to an event - and better yet, bring a friend

It may seem simple to show up at a local Earth Day event, but it's a great way to introduce a neighbor, friend, or family member (and even yourself) to practical steps you can take in your own home to be greener. It's also a great way to meet organizers who are working toward greater goals for the community (like Green Municipal Aggregation).

Here are a few events that we'll be at this month (see more events).

• Brookline Climate Week
  Multiple events Saturday, April 7 until Saturday, April 14
  Find us at the 3R Depot on April 7th and participating in the Green House Fest on April 8th. We'll be showcasing electric cars at both.

• March for Science
  Saturday, April 14th, 2-4pm
  One of the biggest events of the month will be the March for Science on April 14th. Join us and our friends at 350 Mass and Better Future Project to fight for the acceptance of science and climate change in today's world at Christopher Columbus Park in Boston.
• Somerville SustainaVille week
  Multiple events April 21-28
  See electric cars at the Mayor's Clean Up on the 21st. Learn more about Somerville's Green Municipal Aggregation (community choice electricity) program with us on Monday, April 23 and at a wind turbine tour on the 28th (featured next).

• SustainaVille Wind & Solar Tour with handmade candy tasting
  Saturday, April 28th, 10:30am-12:30pm
  Earth Month will end with our tour of wind and solar generators at Mount St. Mary's Abbey in Wrentham MA, co-sponsored by the city of Somerville. Like many other communities around the Boston area, Somerville has enacted a Green Municipal Aggregation program. At this tour, you will also learn about the Sisters of the Abbey and their commitment to protecting the earth. We will also be treated to a tasting of the Sisters' handmade candy. RSVP now.

We'll also be at many more Earth Day events in communities across Massachusetts and Rhode Island, such as Lexington, Amherst, and Natick. These events are usually kid friendly.

Action #3: Help usher in the electric car revolution

Electrifying transportation is a key component of getting to 80% emissions reductions by 2050 - a target we must meet in order to avoid the most catastrophic effects of climate change. See an electric car up close, make the switch, or introduce your friends to electric driving this Earth Day.

We are offering multiple opportunities to test drive and learn about electric vehicles (EVs) and our Drive Green program. Drive Green aims to make choosing an EV easier and more affordable for anyone. These events will feature your neighbors who drive electric, as well as select car dealers who will be there to answer your questions.

Check out our EV Events page for specific events that will feature electric vehicles:

We also encourage you to visit our website to learn more about Drive Green.

Happy Earth Month! If you're looking for more ways to take local action, visit our Earth Day action page.