Earth E provides rewards for the environmentally-friendly

Earth E is an organization dedicated to encouraging environmentally-friendly habits. Their mission statement is to create powerful ways for people and businesses to challenge and reward others for protecting the planet. Earth E is a world-wide effort connecting those members to a common vision of environmental consciousness.

The program encourages individuals to participate with printable Earth E money awards, which can be found at earthe.org. The awards can be presented to friends and family who successfully complete Earth E challenges.

Stele Ely, one of the founders of Earth E, helped create this group about a year and a half ago. "My work involves setting up new programs to protect our planet, getting as many people involved as we can, and helping to raise awareness about environmental issues," said Ely. "There are many people that don't get enough acknowledgment for using alternative transportation, for recycling and reusing bottles, and for volunteering to help the environment."

"This program honors people for their actions and spreads awareness to others to get involved," Ely continued. "Students can get involved on their campuses by registering online. They will even receive college credit by working with professors on environmental projects that directly relate to their majors."

Ely said he and several friends were responsible for creating the concept of "rewards" for environmentally positive acts and believes it is important to provide acclaim when necessary. "Knowledge without acknowledgment isn't going to motivate people," he said.

Students are encouraged to join groups such as Earth E and other volunteer groups on and of campus. Sangeeta Rao, the assistant director of Project Pericles, spoke about the importance of raising environmental awareness about the environment and encouraging students to participate.

"Even small adjustments in your own home, such as replacing florescent light bulbs with those that are more energy efficient or choosing where your energy source comes from like from solar power or wind power, can make a huge difference later on," Rao said.

"Project Pericles is involved with a lot community service, volunteering to help at New York City parks, and really raising awareness about the environment to help our city go green," Rao added

In the age of 'going green,' Earth E rewards are taking important strides to spread vital information in regards to taking care of the earth. Whether individuals become active members or not, the Earth E program hopes to spread the message that one person can truly make a difference.