Five Green Websites to Check Out Daily

Green websites are becoming big business

Surfing the web has taken on a new meaning for college students. A recent study conducted by the Harris Institute found that students spend up to nine hours a day engaging in technology, including downloading music, viewing webisodes of TV shows and reading news clips. In between FMyLife commenting, Twittering and Facebook stalking, why not take in the can’t-miss green sites?

1. Grist

Eric Roston of Time described Grist as “…the Colbert Report of climate change, the Daily Show of deforestation, the Oprah of oil dependency — except with real reporting and analytical journalism” in their April 17, 2008 issue. Roston is right on; fans can only hope that the release of their inevitable audiobook will be narrated by Ol’ Truthyness himself. But don’t be fooled by Grist’s tongue-in-cheek satirizing. Beneath the irreverent articles is a biting criticism of the environmental war the world is losing.

Why it’s worth checking out: Imagine if TheOnion didn’t feature made-up stories.

2. Environmental Graffiti

If Grist is the Stephen Colbert of Internet environmentalism, Environmental Graffiti is the Seth Rogan of the virtual world. Explaining their mission is to “search the vast realms of the internet on behalf of all environmentalists who don’t take themselves too seriously,” Environmental Graffiti is more likely to feature a story on the benefits of reindeer transportation than a rehashed diatribe on global warming.

Why it’s worth checking out: Environmental Graffiti reminds us of the value in eclectic environmental stories.

3. TreeHugger

For the leading Internet authority on sustainable living, one needn’t look any further than TreeHugger, with articles offering tips on how to evolve into a green lifestyle. TreeHugger also provides up-to-the-minute commentary on environmental issues with a hosted blog, video segments and radio shows. Best of all, TreeHugger frequently features lesser-known environmental activists, like green entrepreneur Paul Hawken, increasing their accessibility to new treehuggers, er, environmental activists.

Why it’s worth checking out: TreeHugger writers are so dead-icated to green living, they also provide suggestions on how to green up a funeral.

4. The Daily Green

With a no-nonsense approach to the environmental news, this online newspaper is chalked full of comprehensive content for green-conscientious students. The Daily Green tends to cater to the older consumer with recipe exchanges, health advice articles, and tips for weatherizing a home, as well as an ongoing “Weird Weather Watch” depicting odd weather phenomena around the world.

Why it’s worth checking out: Despite the intended demographic, college students will appreciate the lighter fare articles such as resolutions that will actually help the environment.

5. LighterFootstep

In a world where even our pets are leaving carbon footprints, reducing our own can seem like a monumental task. LighterFootstep makes the task seem less daunting. With a breezy design promoting freshly written pieces on environmental events, ready-to-purchase products and a cheeky sense of humor, LighterFootstep is the final stop for sustainable lifestyle tips.

Why it’s worth checking out: LighterFootstep preaches green without proselytizing doomsday.

Of course, the other stop you need to make everyday is this one – GlobalShift.org.

Do you a favorite “green” website? We’d love to hear about it.