Think globally and act locally: A guide for ecosig chapter reps

Top 10 things you can do as a prefectural rep:

1. establish a green mark for stores that use minimal packaging or organic food (etc) and promote the mark in newsletters and community papers; (it might help to be consistent and use one already used in other areas to minimise confusion).
2. organize a cleanup day (maybe to coincide with Earth Day, Green Day or Clean Up the World Day). Try to get as many schools and citizens' groups involved as you can. Keep records of what is collected and publish the results.
3. invite the BEE team to speak at your school or community group; organize a homestay for BEE members, etc.
4. do some research and compile a list of local community groups who can help ecosig achieve their goals.
5. survey local councils to compile data on who is and isn't recycling and how garbage is treated. An ongoing project could be to lobby the less environmentally friendly councils for change.
6. organize a visit from the Tree of Life.
7. write an article on an environmental issue that interests you (about Japan or home) for the Echo or for your local community newspaper or for your prefectural JET association.
8. get involved in a programme in your home country like the Australian Koala Foundation's foster a koala programme. A good way to teach about your home country and the environment at the same time!
9. start an environmental club at your school or local community centre.
10. encourage your friends to join ecosig, or invite them free of obligation to ecosig events.

Remember the best thing you can do as an ecosig member is to set a good example and always remember to 'reduce, reuse and recycle'.

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