Publicly and visibly identifying as a Saner or a Saner sympathizer is (relatively) easy and more than enough to make a meaningful contribution to preventing climate collapse.
Just Wear the Green Dot
One can be cynical and dismiss it as “virtue signaling.” But to me, it is virtue itself. Yes, the world isn’t changed solely by symbols, but symbols play a part.
I hear that women in Red States who (quietly) support Kamala Harris are putting blue tape on their auto bumpers—as a subtle sign. And colors have been associated with various movements, enabling widespread support to be visible without anyone saying a word.
There were a series of non-violent revolutions, with ordinary people ousting dictators, that were called Color Revolutions. They include The Rose Revolution in Georgia and the Orange Revolution in Ukraine.
Well, you can (and should) wear the green dot of The Saners, AND tell people what it means until The Saners and their symbols are well-known. This is a small yet incredibly significant step. And it may be the only step you ever take—but it’s enough.
You don’t even need to sign up or be a member of the group. You can simply be a sympathetic and supportive observer.
Go to an office supply store and buy a package of green dots. You’ll get plenty of them—enough to wear regularly and enough to share with friends and others who express interest.
I recommend wearing a green dot on your clothing (not your forehead as I do—being purposely silly—in the photo) and either respond to the question: what’s with the green dot? Or bring it up yourself.
And here’s what you can say:
The Green Dot is the symbol of The Saners, a group that believes that it is literally insane for a civilization to knowingly ruin the Earth. We wear the Green Dot to share the message. They are at WeAreSaners.org.
Be brief and to the point. You don’t need a call to action. You are explaining, not recruiting here. You are sparking curiosity. They may or may not visit the website. If they see another person wearing the dot, they will know what it means, thanks to you.
You can use your own words. What I wrote is for inspiration. You can use them or summarize your thoughts however you like.
You can offer them the green dot you are wearing at that moment. That would be the best!
If you know climate activists or people who are concerned about the climate (that’s a whole lot of people), offer them green dots, and tell them about the symbol and what it means.
Resistance to Wearing the Green Dot
The dot isn’t huge, and it’s not gaudy. It generates curiosity. BUT, it is unusual, can draw attention and requires that you answer the question: what’s with the green dot?
So, even this modest step isn’t for everyone. By wearing it, you are rocking the boat, however gently. Still, it’s the easiest important step you can take. Most people will not participate as full-fledged activists with The Saners or any movement. But ever growing numbers doing the bare minimum-well, that’s important, valuable and could be-within the bigger movement-a decisive act.
It can take a bit of courage, but doesn’t require much courage. After all, you are speaking simple common sense. So maybe you are ready to take on this humble but important role.
I’m not a fan of Amazon, but here’s a link (and just a link, not an affiliate link!) to get some of those dots right now.
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