Environmental Advocacy

By Christopher Lotito

Advocating for the environment can be a challenging task, especially when the laws do not explicitly forbid certain actions. In such cases, it is important to think out-of-the-box and find creative ways to advocate for the environment. Here are some approaches that can be effective in such situations.


Engage in public awareness campaigns

One way to advocate for the environment is to raise public awareness about the issue at hand. This can involve organizing rallies, protests, and educational campaigns to bring attention to the issue and mobilize public support. Social media can also be a powerful tool in this regard, allowing individuals to reach a wider audience and spread their message.


Use economic pressure

Another way to advocate for the environment is to use economic pressure. This can involve boycotting companies that engage in environmentally harmful practices or lobbying for changes in the tax code to incentivize environmentally friendly practices. In the case of a large developer destroying wildlife habitats and clearcutting forests, it may be possible to pressure banks and investors to withdraw their support for the project, thereby making it financially unviable.

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Lobby for changes in the law

While habitat destruction and clearcutting may not be explicitly illegal, it may be possible to lobby for changes in the law to protect these areas. In New Jersey, for example, the Freshwater Wetlands Protection Act regulates the filling and dredging of freshwater wetlands, while the Pinelands Protection Act governs development in the Pinelands National Reserve. By lobbying for changes to these laws or the creation of new laws, advocates can better protect these areas and prevent similar projects from going forward in the future.


Sample Letter to an Elected Official


Dear [Elected Official's Name],


I am writing to express my deep concern about the proposed development of a large condo complex in our community. While I understand that the project has not yet been fully disclosed and the developer is hiding its identity behind multiple shell companies, I fear that this project will result in the destruction of wildlife habitats and the clearcutting of our forests.


While these practices may not be explicitly illegal, I believe they are morally reprehensible and pose a threat to our community and environment. As our elected representative, I urge you to take action to protect our community and prevent this project from going forward.


Specifically, I urge you to consider changes to the laws governing development in our state. The Freshwater Wetlands Protection Act and Pinelands Protection Act are two examples of laws that could be strengthened to better protect our environment. Additionally, I urge you to work with other elected officials to pressure banks and investors to withdraw their support for this project.


Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I look forward to your response.


Sincerely,


[Your Name]