A letter on the editorial page reaches a very large audience. Even if your letter is not printed, you are helping the cause . Editors who receive several letters on a topic are likely to print a representative one, or are more likely to print an op-ed piece from a concerned scientist or government official. Some tips for your letter - Use a typewriter or computer. Double space and use a single side of the paper.
Most publications accept letters via email.
Keep your letter to 200-400 words. Make it short and interesting. These may not be used, but an editor needs to know the source of the letter. Do not send identical letters to different newspapers. Every letter helps.