As environmentalism gets more and more mainstream, shedding its grassroots nature, it comes with some big names. When you think “green groups,” you might draw up a list of superstars, like the World Wildlife Fund or Greenpeace. But while these eco-juggernauts bring more attention to the green movement, they also tend to hog the spotlight. Though often innovative and inspired, smaller, less prominent organizations tend to drift to the wayside.

Some may argue that that’s good, that we can’t have too many green groups clogging up the movement, that we may as well consolidate into a handful of focused movements. Fair enough. But ignoring minor-league groups means we’re ignoring new ideas too. Ideas that could potentially widen the environmental movement to target more demographics and to push a green agenda in different ways.

So with that in mind, I wanted to feature some of my favorite smaller green groups. Obviously, the list isn’t all encompassing (it’s actually very, very short), and it probably won’t resonate with everyone. The point of this list isn’t to promote these groups over others, or to catalog a roll call of original, but obscure associations. The point, rather, is to introduce you to great green organizations that you may not have heard of, and that you may end up liking. And if one of these groups does strike your fancy, my hope is that in some way, you’ll support it. After all, it’s not easy being green on your own.

Harry Potter Alliance

Star of the hyper-popular book and movie franchise, Harry Potter takes on Death Eaters, dementors, and…human rights? Yep, in the past, the organization’s targeted global warming, fair trade, literacy, and more. Its current campaign focuses on helping end hunger.

It’s a brilliant move, really. Using the protagonist of a widely read, widely acclaimed series as a rallying point. Campaigns become extensions of the Harry Potter world, paralleled with horcruxes, house-elves, Hogwarts, and more. Activism peels Harry Potter off the pages, preserving the life of the wizard boy wonder long after the books and movies are done.

This all, of course, has flaws, the most obvious being that anyone who hasn’t read the books or seen the movies probably won’t feel a strong connection to the group. But by tapping into a fan’s imagination, the organization does something magical: it takes a group of bookworms (and a large one, at that) from mere readers to active participants in environmental and human rights causes. What’s more, think of who’s most likely to not have only read the books and seen the movies, but to view Harry Potter as a cultural fixture. That’s right: kids and teens. The Harry Potter Alliance hits this demographic on the nose, pulling youth into activist mode.

And it does a good job.

The group has a large network of chapters branching out all over the globe. Not only that, but it has the support of author J.K. Rowling and several Harry Potter cast members.

If you want to learn more, check out http://thehpalliance.org/

ForceChange

OK, so it’s not a “group” in the traditional sense, but it’s something worth knowing about nonetheless. http://forcechange.com/ is a website dedicated to petitioning about human rights and environmental issues. On it, you’ll find information about, and petitions for, a hodgepodge of causes. From farming pesticides to animal rights, chances are, you’ll find an issue that catches your eye.

And if somehow, you don’t, there’s always the option of submitting your own stuff.

Needless to say, the website provides a major tool to combat the issues we’re passionate about. It’s a combo of education and action. Plus, it’s super simple. Helping out’s just a matter of clicking over and signing a petition. And then if you’re really hyped-up, you can send others the petition to spread the word. It’s pretty much perfect for the well meaning e-activist.

The Food Project

This one’s not really a small green group that could use your cooperation. It’s more of an example. Often, the best minor organizations to support are the local ones, the ones that operate in your neighborhood. Of course, that means the groups you join are totally different depending on where you live, and might be slightly more limited. But, joining the local-based little guys usually means your participation counts more. And a great way to change the world is by changing your community.

The Food Project serves a great example of this concept. It’s a Massachusetts-centered organization that seeks to teach citizens about organic farming, help out at local farmers markets, and deliver food to those living below the poverty line: all very noble goals that are achieved by focusing in on only a handful of communities.

Ultimately, you’re not limited to one organization, and you’re not pigeonholed to one cause. The overriding point is that there are many, many great green groups out there, so open your mind to them. The little guys are better in a way, more focused, more specific to their assorted causes. Remember: small things do add up. It’s not about a group’s size; it’s about the drive behind it. 

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