Three Ways you Can Make a Difference for the Environment

Earlier this year, my congresswoman held a call-in virtual “town hall,” where she talked to hundreds of constituents about the government problems that were on everyone’s minds at that moment. That was a few months and many federal crises ago, and I’ve forgotten what, exactly, she talked about that morning. What I do remember is repeated iterations of this plea from those on the call, “Yes, but what can we do about it?” 

I sensed that her responses left her constituents mostly unsatisfied; in truth, it didn’t feel like there was much most voters could do to fix the federal government, and even this elected leader was stymied by her role in the minority party. 

The good news for us is that in this difficult moment for the federal government, there are still real opportunities to make change at the state level. So if you’re wondering, “what can I do about it?” here are three tangible things you can do to help our rivers, the environment generally, and human and wildlife health here in Massachusetts.

1. Help get the Nature for Massachusetts ballot question onto the ballot for next November. Passage of this ballot initiative would allocate a portion of the state sporting goods sales tax to dedicate $100M annually to protecting land and water in Massachusetts. Mass Rivers is part of a coalition working together to collect over 100,000 signatures by November 9 while we also work to get legislation passed. You can help by collecting signatures here.

2. Help get the Drought Bill passed. The Drought Bill (S586/H1003), would extend the life of our rivers and water supplies by restricting nonessential outdoor watering during droughts, essentially codifying the state’s drought plan into law. This is an important step toward climate resilience. You can help Mass Rivers by sharing your brief story of how drought impacts you and your favorite river or stream by filling out our questionnaire here.

3. Support Mass Rivers’ Water Future Fund. As we gear up for our leadership transition, we have created the Water Future Fund, to ensure that Mass Rivers will thrive through the next four critical years as we implement the goals in our new Strategic Plan and respond to new challenges. We invite you to become a donor here.

I am encouraged by how eager people are to do something. The day after I received my stack of Nature for Massachusetts petitions, I visited my mother’s friend in a retirement community. Not only did this kind friend readily agree to sign the petition, she asked for a few to circulate in the community. Similarly, we have had an enthusiastic early response to our Water Future Fund, with nearly $1M committed from 60 donors. 

As I prepare to retire at the end of this year, I would like to thank you for your support for our wonderful rivers, and for Mass Rivers. It has been my honor to lead this organization for 16 years, and I hope you are as excited as I am for the next chapter in our story. Now let’s all get out there and do something!

Julia Blatt, Executive Director

Executive Director, Julia Blatt paddling on the Ipswich River