Southern Humboldt Response to Global Warming is pursuing a low-key and low-cost communications campaign to promote local responsibility on the part of organizations and individuals for reduction of carbon footprints through changes in behavior and infrastructure. The response has been gratifying. It is our impression that many people are ready to make changes. Our role has been to remind people that changes now are necessary, and to help people to see what immediate changes they can take charge of.
In going to the boards and directors of organizations and to local business owners, we have been able to promote changes in many cases. We have focused on creating sustainability in organizations which provide essential services, for example: our local hospital, hospice, and clinics, have all changed to energy-efficient lighting. Hospice has also installed improved attic insulation, and has received funding for a grid-tie system for generating solar electricity. Reduced energy costs are in all cases a welcome "fringe benefit" to those acting responsibly towards the needs of the planet and its many creatures.
After speaking to individuals--one-to-one, in groups, and on the radio--we have received positive feedback that some people have been prompted to adopt changes, such as driving at reduced speeds and changing to compact fluorescent lighting. To help people understand their carbon footprint, we have developed a handout that targets the rural lifestyle of Southern Humboldt, providing factors used in calculating a household's (or organization's) carbon emissions from gas, propane, diesel, grid electricity, and airplane travel. The handout also gives ideas for reducing emissions, and enables people to calculate the money they will save from reductions. To get an electronic copy of this handout, send email to eastwood@asis.com, or visit www.treesfoundation.org.
We encourage all Branching Out readers to give attention to reducing the carbon footprint of homes and workplaces. Recommended reading for householders is The Carbon Buster's Home Energy Handbook: Slowing Climate Change and Saving Money by Godo Stoyke. Stoyke details how the average American household can save 70% on energy costs of house and travel over a five-year period without changing behavior. With behavior changes--turning off lights not in use, reducing travel miles, and so forth--savings can be increased. Many of the practical suggestions in the book, given with estimates of savings in money and carbon emissions, would apply equally well to many small workplace settings.
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TOC for Forest & River News, Winter 2007