Thousands of bloggers unite in blitz of green tips

By Alister Doyle, Environment Correspondent

OSLO (Reuters) - Thousands of bloggers including a European Commissioner traded tips on Monday about how to confront climate change and other environmental problems in an Internet blitz.

Organizers of the October 15 U.N.-backed "Blog Action Day" said about 15,800 sites had signed up and were offering ideas to millions of people via blogs, or online diaries, ranging from planting more trees to how to recycle plastics.

"Our aim is to get everyone talking towards a better future," according to www.blogactionday.com.

The blogs are a new sign of concern about the environment, reflected in everything from a U.N. summit about climate change last month to the award of the Nobel Peace Prize to former U.S. Vice President Al Gore and the U.N. climate panel on Friday.

"There are big differences in national levels of environmental awareness -- though my impression is that the level is increasing pretty much everywhere at the moment," EU Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas wrote in his blog.

The U.N. Environment Programme said that "by uniting the world's blogging community, we can reach a combined audience of millions to raise awareness of the environment, get people thinking and trigger a global debate."

DUMBLITTLEMAN

UNEP spokesman Nick Nuttall said people often felt overwhelmed by global environmental problems -- bloggers such as one called "Dumblittleman.com" could help with their tips on recycling household items such as blue jeans or eyeglasses.