Happy Birthday to Happy Eco News – Gratitude for Four Years
By Grant Brown, Founder, Happy Eco News
January 1, 2022, marks the fourth birthday of Happy Eco News!
Its humble beginnings were that of one person simply reposting positive environmental news on social media. After 4 years we are still small, with only two people – Grant and Jamie – but together we are greater than the sum of our individual parts. In that time we have published more than 7,300 articles and had more than 70 talented individuals write guest blogs about the important issues and projects that they are working on. These are the good people doing good things that we want to help, and there are many more like them, waiting to be discovered.
Our primary goal has always been to show our audience that despite a traditional news cycle that focusses on negativity and often looks pretty bleak, there is good work being done at all levels. There is a reason for hope for our future and the planet. Our second goal is to help the good people that are doing good things by giving them a platform to showcase their work. In both of these, we have found success. Our success is measured not only in posts and articles, but by the thousands of people that read the Top 5 newsletter each week, that visit the website and social media accounts, and take the time to send mail or make comments.
This site doesn’t make much money. It doesn’t even cover its costs (yet). I do not do this for the money; the positive benefits of the audience’s emails and comments are the clean fuel that keeps me going each week.
I am continually inspired by the activists and entrepreneurs, honourable politicians, and the regular folks that vote in elections and vote again with their hard-earned money (with the purchases they make). I hold a great deal of gratitude, respect, and admiration for those that do this sometimes difficult work in the face of a difficult future.
It is sometimes tough to do what’s right, but they don’t give up. I urge all of you that read this article to do your part too. Take action even if it is in some small way. Write your elected officials, and CC their opposition. Write your favourite companies and CC their competitors too. Let them know what is important to you. If you are able, use your money to support sustainable local businesses or buy products that benefit the environment – even if it might cost a little more. Support local or international organizations that are doing this hard work with donations or with your time. It all helps make a difference.
In 2022, we at Happy Eco News intend to continue to grow, celebrate and promote as many of the good news wins and successes as is possible. These good people doing good things deserve recognition and we will continue to do this in the newsletter, on the website, and on social media.
There have been a few minor changes in the last few months with more soon to come. I sincerely hope that you continue to join us on this journey and that you continue to benefit from reading Happy Eco News each week.
With great gratitude, thank you.
Grant Brown, Founder, Happy Eco News
Congratulations! Keep sending out those positive stories. So needed right now!
Thank you Kottie, and thank you for doing your work too!
– Grant
Thank you so much for this site. Hope that there ARE people out there making a difference is what keeps the fight alive for a planet we can all live in.
Thank you for your comment, Andrea. I think I can speak for all of us here at HEN when I say that these words are what keep us going. I am glad to help in some small way.