In this Earth Day op-ed, Bethany Bowra of the American Conservation Coalition explains why young conservatives are working on environmental issues and promoting free-market environmentalism.

“Preservation of our environment is not a liberal or conservative challenge, it’s common sense.”

President Ronald Reagan’s words echo true today for a generation that consistently ranks environmental issues near or at the top of their priorities, and Earth Day is the perfect opportunity for all sides to have a conversation about the best ways to protect our planet moving forward.

I run communications for a new group called the American Conservation Coalition, which is made up of millennials from across the country. Our mission is to promote a dialogue about how best to address environmental concerns, and ensure that our natural resources are preserved for generations to come. In order to do this, we’re using a time-tested approach that has been missing from the conversation for far too long: free-markets.

We think American consumers should have more decision-making power in regard to where their electricity comes from, and more say when it comes to local conservation efforts. Rather than relying on more government regulation or using bailouts to save failing industries and companies, free markets empower people to make decisions. And conservation should be a priority for everyone, from the individual consumer to the largest corporations. This belief already transcends political party lines, and should not require mandates forcing businesses into certain policies. In today’s world, companies are increasingly moving toward more sustainable and environmentally-friendly policies — and they’re doing so voluntarily.

I’m pretty sure that my coffee consumption alone is enough to keep Starbucks up and running, and the coffee giant is one of the latest companies to commit to more environmentally-savvy practices. They already offer discounts to customers who bring in reusable cups, and earlier this year announced their plan to develop a “recyclable, compostable cup solution.” IKEA is taking similar action, and is on track to use 100 percent renewable energy by 2020. In fact, more than 100 companies around the world have already made this same pledge—without government mandates requiring them to do so. IKEA is even taking it a step further: by investing in renewable energy sources, they are committed to producing as much renewable energy as they consume by 2020 as well.

Chances are high that you’re reading this on an Apple product, and there’s good news on the energy side: the company just announced that they are globally powered by 100% renewable energy.

These are just three examples of companies taking the lead in environmentally-friendly initiatives, and demonstrate an idea that we as young conservatives believe: that the free-market is better equipped than a detached big-government to promote these changes and protect our environment.

In nine short months, our group, the ACC, has already made waves in both the conservative and environmental movements — and we aren’t slowing down anytime soon. Our main goals are simple: Promote free-market environmental solutions. Advocate for an all-of-the-above renewable energy policy. Start a national conversation about how these efforts are the most beneficial options for our planet. We’re millennial-led, and have received support from leaders on both sides of the aisle, sent 30 college Republicans to the largest environmental conference in the country, and are in the process of launching our campus program on nearly 50 campuses nationwide.

We believe in the importance of promoting a dialogue about the best practices to protect our environment, and believe that free-market solutions provide those practices. Our mission extends beyond climate change and seeks to address the vital environmental issues that have been neglected: issues like alternative energy, property rights, and responsible stewardship of the world we’ve been given. There is room for both sides to speak on this issue, and the ACC is committed to the fight, offering a conservative voice in addressing these environmental concerns through free-market solutions.

Related: Women Are at the Front Lines of the Fight Against the Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain Pipeline

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