You may have heard the term green police bandied about these days on the internet and in general conversation. You may know it has something to do with being environmental, but it does green police refer to specifically, and what can you do to be a part of the effort to make the world a greener, cleaner place. Could you become a member of the green police?

First of all, there are real-live green police units that have real police powers. For example, New York City has a green police unit, under the authority of the Department of Environmental Conservation, that patrols America’s largest city to ensure environmental laws are followed. This New York green police can pull over cars that are violating emission rules, and inspect food vendors as well. The UK, Israel, and even Vietnam also have green police units, with enforcement areas unique to their areas. For example, the Israeli green police must enforce water restriction rules, while the Vietnamese green police are cracking down on wildlife smuggling.

The private individual can become a green police person in their own right. First of all, you should set a good example for your neighbors, friends, and family. A private green police officer recycles all their waste, uses a reusable shopping bag, and follows all environmental laws. And if you see someone violating environmental laws, such as overwatering their lawns during a water shortage, you can help the green police by reporting the violation. In that way, you can be a member of the green police.