350 Postcards Project

The 350 Postcards Project was an experimental idea to spread the number 350 through one of the oldest forms of communication - the mail. In words, collages, drawings, or any other form on the back of a postcard, we asked people all around the world, why it’s worth it for you, your community, and the rest of the world to aim for 350 parts per million?

We asked people to share their reasons for joining this movement with others around the world, and working to stop dangerous climate change. The postcards above are some of the ones we received from around the world in 2008. While we aren't actively working on this project anymore, we encourage you to try it out - read the instructions below, send us postcards, and we'll post them in the slideshow above. It's our hope that the collective responses will help connect our struggles and serve as inspiration to others to get involved and to keep striving for a brighter future.

Interested in doing the Postcards Project in your classroom or community organization?

Just read the instructions below to get started:

1. Get a postcard. Purchase a postcard or find any roughly mailable material to write on (or many for a group or classroom). If needed, cover the back of the postcard with scrap paper to create a clean space to create your response.

2. Find materials. Gather any art supplies or recycled material you may want to complete your postcard. Ideas include paint, crayons, markers, glue, leaves, and old newspapers or magazines.

3. Create your postcard. In words, images, or both, answer the question in one sentence or less, “Why is it worth it for me, my community, and the rest of the world to aim for 350 parts per million?” on the back of the postcard. Remember to include your name and where you're sending it from.

4. Send it in. Mail a scanned image or photo to kevin[at]350.org or attach a stamp and drop it in the mail to Suite 350, The David Brower Center 2150 Allston Way, Berkeley, CA 94704 USA. See your postcard in the global postcard gallery!

5. Pass it on! Send the idea on to your friends around the world to invite them to participate in the project.