'Save the Planet' started with the idea that the grassroots
networking of shareware would be a good match for grassroots
environmentalists and educators. We were right! Most of our
users have found STP's information and resources to be very valuable,
and some requested we add a directory of environmental BBS (electronic
bulletin board systems) so they can communicate with other computer-using environmentalists. So, without further introduction, our first
annual listing of GREEN BBSs:
1. ECONET -
This system is the biggest, the 'Compuserve' of the
US Environmental community. Over 4000 users, and gateways to
all major e-mail systems. Sponsored by the non-profit Inst.
for Global Communications (IGC), who also sponsors PeaceNet.
Strong ties with GreenNet (Europe/UK), Web (Canada), and Pegasus
(EarthNet Australia). Used extensively by universities, non-
profits, and activists. 'Save the Planet' is a member of Econet,
you may e-mail us as 'saveplanet'. Econet has many conferences,
too numerous to mention here. Here are two examples - last
summer (1990) we followed closely the 'Redwood Summer' rallies
organized by Earth First! in the N.California area, to save the
last old-growth redwoods. Last fall, Econet had 'live' dispatches
direct from Geneva during the Second World Conf. on Climate Change.
See the next section for information about a new 'Save the Planet'
user's conference on Econet. Most users can access Econet through
Telenet local phone numbers to avoid paying long-distance charges.
Sign up fee is $25 for the first month (includes 2 free hrs.
usage). After that, the minimum is $10 per month for the first
hour, then only $5 per hour. To join, print the Econet sign-up form,
listed in this same section of the program. To talk to a live
person about Econet, call them at (415)923-0900.
2. ENVIRONET -
This board is sponsored by Greenpeace. Conferences
on toxics, disarmament, forests, energy, and more. Greenpeace's
press releases are posted daily, and Greenpeace USA newsletter
each week. Twice a month reports come in from Greenpeace's Antarctica base! There is no charge for Environet, but you will pay long-distance charges if you live outside the San Francisco Bay area. You may register online, then you'll get a password in a day or so.
On line 24 hrs: 300, 1200, 2400 baud. Access number is (415)861-6503.
Sysop: Dick Dillman
3. EARTH-NET (New York) -
This privately-sponsored green board
gets 25/30 calls a day. No fee for usage. Access (516)321-4898,
voice (516)669-0138. Sysop: Byron
4. TURBOLINK (North Carolina) -
This privately-sponsored board is
hosted by Alan Rothberg, a STP registered user. Turbolink specializes in environmental information. Parameters are 2400 8/N/1. No fee. Access (919)434-8664.
5. RUECK ASSOCIATES (Kansas) -
This privately-sponsored board is
hosted by Jon Rueck, a certified Environmental Engineer and a
registered STP user. John is in the Environmental Engineering
business. Parameters are 300,1200,2400 baud, 8/N/1, no fee.
Access (913)582-4636.
6. EARTHNET (Hawaii) -
This appears to be a for-profit commercial
board. Seems fairly expensive...$15 per month plus $5 per hour,
plus they want you to buy special software for another $75.
Call (800)223-7592 for more information.
7. RTKnet -
The 'Right to Know' network is an experimental telecom
service started by OMB Watch in 1989 to encourage environmental
groups' use of the Toxic Release Inventory collected under the
Community Right to Know Act of 1986. OMB Watch and Unison Institute
are undertaking a joint project to expand the original experiment
to a larger pilot phase by providing online access of the entire
TRI database and other related data to roughly 200 people concerned
about toxics issues. Conferences and e-mail also supported.
If you are interested in being a pilot project participant, write