Last night I watched "No Impact Man" on Nightline. See his blog at http://noimpactman.typepad.com/blog/ (also on the side bar). He and his family have taken on the project of creating no waste and producing zero carbon emissions for one year. I admire this family for committing to their project. I have done this "half ass" for years: I have bought almost everything second hand; reused items instead of throwing it into the garbage; my car is a small fuel efficient car; I bike; buy organic; and have a mostly vegetarian diet. But No Impact Man and family: create zero waste; compost their food; use no combustible engines (no public transportation, no elevators, etc); buy all things second hand, reduce their electric consumption; installed solar panels. This family inspires me to do more. I hope they inspire you too.
On his blog he has questions to ask about your city, state and national candidates to ensure that they take climate change seriously.
Ask these questions of yourself as well.
1. Do you support an 80% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050? (to read why this is important go to http://stepitup2007.org/article.php?id=29)
2. Are you willing to support a moratorium on building coal burning electricity pants to support that goal?
3. Do you support a a 40 miles per gallon standard for cars in the future?
4. Would you fund alternative energy projects?
5. How else do you see our moving toward the 80 percent cut?
Another good idea is to write to your congressperson to tell him and her that these issues are important to you. For a good guide on writing to your congressperson and asking for action on climate change see http://www.citizenscampaign.org/campaigns/global_warming.htm.
