Text 6. About the EnviroLink Network.

Mission. EnviroLink is a non-profit organization a grassroots online community that unites hundreds of organizations and volunteers around the world with millions of people in more than 150 countries. EnviroLink is dedicated to providing comprehensive, up-to-date environmental information and news.

At EnviroLink they're committed to promoting a sustainable society by connecting individuals and organizations through communications technologies. It is recognized that technologies are just tools, and that the solutions to our ecological challenges lie within our communities and their connection to the Earth itself. EnviroLink does not take any positions on any specific environmental issues; it exists solely to act as a clearinghouse on the Internet for the environmental community, which is incredibly diverse in its views. EnviroLink is run primarily by dedicated volunteers.

History. The EnviroLink Network was created in 1991 by Josh Knauer, while he was a freshman at Carnegie Mellon University. Since that time, EnviroLink has grown from a simple mailing list of 20 student activists to become one of the world's largest environmental information clearinghouses. In addition to being an information resource, EnviroLink provides non-profit organizations in the environmental and animal rights communities with free internet services.

The EnviroLink Network's EnviroWeb program offers website and domain name hosting, automated mailing lists, interactive bulletin boards and e-mail accounts free of charge to non-profit organizations within the environmental and animal rights communities.

The EnviroLink images have an organic, tactile quality. The icons in the site are based on ancient artwork from indigenous cultures from around the world, reflecting the rich and diverse heritage of humankind's link to the earth.

The ancient meaning behind the symbol chosen for the EnviroLink logo is Infinite and Always Bound Together. The infinity symbol within the logo has a strong connection to the issues of sustainability – i.e. assuring a never-ending resource through sustainable practices. The duality within the infinity symbol represents the relationship between community and ecology – two vital areas that are on-going and must be nurtured to be sustained. This connection is symbolized by the circle. Within ancient archetypes, the circle represents the spirit of life, the human spirit or the real individual.

The stone images come from actual stones collected from the shores of Washington State and the Puget Sound, scanned into the computer and manipulated as electronic art files. Symbols were then carved into the stones, reminiscent of artifacts one would uncover in the earth.

EnviroLink is supported by the generosity of many environmentally conscious individuals and organizations. We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone around the world who has contributed their generosity and hard work to EnviroLink. The EnviroLink Network also owes its eternal gratitude to the millions of people around the world who add their valuable presence and ideas every day.

Donations are greatly appreciated – they have been EnviroLink's longest continuous form of financial support and have allowed EnviroLink to continue operating since 1991. Without generous support have been received from the users, it would not be possible to offer free internet services for so many years. Escalating costs may force the organizers to implement a sliding-scale fee for these services in the future.

Contact EnviroLink

EnviroLink Network

P.O. Box 8102

Pittsburgh, PA 15217

Some thoughts about EnviroLink Network:

"A good entry point for Web newcomers with an interest in all things ecological is the appropriately named EnviroLink. It boasts one of the largest and best-arranged listings of environmental organizations on the Web." – Time Magazine.

"The Envirolink site is one of the largest online resources." – The New York Times.

"The Web's most complete environmental service.... EnviroLink has excellent search tools to aid the bewildered traveler looking for specific environmental information." – E Magazine.

"An excellent example of the global community ethic.... Pleasing to the eye and contains a bounty of useful information...[and] an extensive library. Attention to detail on EnviroLink is particularly noteworthy, right down to the icons.... A delightfully earthy experience! Verdict: Outstanding." – i-net (Australia).

"Had us dancing in our seats. This site is one of the most attractive and useful collections of Web pages we've encountered in our many travels." – Net Guide.