Wondering what you can do now that the EPA is slated for a four-year all holds barred snoooooze? Well, you live in Asheville, so you must know that there are plenty of local efforts to ramp up environmental protection and wellbeing now that our government is not necessarily worried about whether we are drinking water or sewage. One of those efforts is coming from Darby Communications, a “boutique public relations firm specializing in the outdoor, fitness, and wellness industries.” The awesome team at Darby has launched a “Stand Up Initiative.” They’ll be providing PR-related services, from help with promotional campaigns to event planning and social outreach, to four different organizations (one per quarter). They are looking for “organizations whose focus is on environmental and sustainable advocacy and/or the preservation and protection of public lands. Requests that exhibit the greatest environmental benefit, including clean air, clean water, climate change and deforestation mitigation, will be given the highest consideration.” Does your organization fit the bill? Check out the initiative guidelines here. Applications are due Thursday, March 15th. Isn’t it a great thing when individuals and organizations use the talents and resources they have to actually act? Living in Asheville almost allows you to forget that Commander-In-Chief Cheese Nips is essentially mass-constructing honeybee-sized guillotines. On that note, apply for the Stand Up Initiative! And, while we’re at it, if you are not part of an organization, but you are itching to ensure the future of the environment, sign up for a CSA! There are so many local farms around Asheville, and there is almost no better way to support your local lands, and farmers, than buying what they are growing. Here is a link to a bunch of CSAs around Asheville. My personal pick? Gaining Ground. But they all look wonderful, so go sign up!