Finding a Model for Unity in Environment California

In my last article, I stressed the diversity of causes within the environmental movement and the need to find common ground and unite. The idea of a national environmental alliance sounds like a pipe dream at first glance, but the proof for this dream has been in front of us all along. In any alliance, one must be open-minded and ready to learn from others. Today we will look at an organization that took that lesson to heart, and thrived as a result: Environment California.

Unlike most groups in the movement, Environment California is a subsidiary. They work under Environment America, a coalition of nonprofits that span across the country, and is itself a subsidiary of the Public Interest Group, a research and litigation nonprofit. In terms of infrastructure, Environment California is one of the most advanced and developed environmental groups. How has this affected their mission? What have they accomplished with these resources? What stands in their way?

“We believe in engaging the hearts and minds of community members, elected officials, and other key stakeholders through public education that inspires lasting, positive environmental changes. Environment California has thousands of members all across the state. The support of our members allows us to win tangible results for our environment. Our work in California aims to deliver clean air, clean water, and beautiful open spaces to Californians.”

-Ben Grundy, Environment California spokesperson

Upon perusing Environment California’s website, I was impressed by the range of issues they tackled and the policy-oriented approach they took to things. Looking into them deeper, the group specializes in canvassing action; getting people on the ground not only to raise money but also let people’s voices be heard. Community participation is an essential element of any environmental organization, but Environment California must be commended for how it inserts itself in the ear of everyone involved in the democratic process, from the lawmakers all the way to the constituents.

“As a statewide environmental organization, Environment California has run campaigns on a variety of issues. In 2006, we worked with former California Governor Arnold Governor Schwarzenegger to establish the Million Solar Roofs Initiative which set the tone for California's solar energy future. In 2018, our group led the effort for Senate Bill 100, the bill that requires California to be powered by 100% clean, carbon-free electricity by 2045. This past year, we also helped protect our communities, waterways, and oceans from plastic pollution through our work to pass Senate Bill 54-- a nation leading producer responsibility and plastic packaging reduction bill.”

-Ben Grundy

A jack-of-all-trades approach is bold, especially since a lack of focus can always be looming on the horizon. However, Environment California researches and advocates for specific policy solutions that address its areas of interest. For example, when it comes to the issue of waste, they are campaigning for the right to repair. As e-waste is the fastest-growing subset of waste, having the right to repair means keeping our devices longer and tossing them away less often.

By focusing less on ideals and more on current solutions, Environment California is able to take its broad focus and create real accomplishments with it.

“During the pandemic, Environment California was forced to shut down our grassroots campaign operation for the first time ever. This restricted our ability to directly meet and connect with our members and other Californians from across the state. This challenge, however, forced us to reimagine how we connect with the public. Our digital campaign efforts which consisted of things such as virtual webinars, press conferences, report releases, and lobby days allowed us to expand our reach and connect with scientists and industry experts from across the state and nation. Adapting to a changing/changed environment helped us maintain our public education and campaigning efforts.”

-Ben Grundy

Despite how large Environment California seems to be, it has its own limitations, just like any other group. Grassroots canvassing is great for connecting with the public, however, it is not always the most viable option. Even beyond the most notable of scenarios such as the pandemic, canvassing can be an uncomfortable experience and is likely taken on by people who already care about the cause. Those who are greeted by canvassers might be more compassionate towards the environment from a policy position, but how does that factor into their everyday life? The public events that Environment California hold seem much more focused on educating the public, than actually demonstrating how they can change their daily habits to be more environmentally conscious.

This is not a criticism of Environment California, it’s simply the reality that needs to be acknowledged: any group has its limitations. Fostering a more environmentally-conscious way of living, staging public protests, or whatever other measure untold is not the point of Environment California. That’s why other groups are always needed.

“Being part of a larger network of environmental organizations is great. It allows us to collaborate with and learn from environmental groups based in geographically and politically unique states all across the country. Seeing the work that other states are accomplishing is inspirational for us and encourages us to continually look for opportunities to advance California's environmental progress.”

-Ben Grundy

Environment California’s position as a coalition member is particularly enlightening when you consider the differences each region brings not only to their environments but the people who care about them. Environment California stands out from other groups due to its being a piece of a larger puzzle. By being connected to many other cogs in its machine, Environment California is able to learn how to most efficiently operate in its territory.

It’s not so different from the environment. The way our world operates may be different in Alaska than it is in California, but there is a wider ecosystem that connects them. A bird that is born in Greenland may eventually fly to have its own children in the Caribbean, for example.

Perhaps if we learn from each other as Environment California learns from its peers, our cause can operate as smoothly as nature.