Earth Keepers: What's Happening for 2008?

Global climate change is evident all around us. I recall recently receiving a packet of hand-me-down magazines from my parents in downstate Michigan. Along with a handful of Christian Science Monitor dailies was a magazine from an organization protecting oceans hailing the "Meltdown in the Arctic". Another from a statewide environmental organization displaying the proverbial sinking polar bear on the cover. It's all a little overwhelming and at times I just have to tune it out. All this comess at the same time I hear a national broadcast about a man who can't sleep at night because of the drone of a wind turbine. Times are changing.

At our home we're doing what we can to reverse this frightening trend of climate change. We've changed all our light bulbs to compact fluorescents; all our electrical sockets are covered with wall socket sealers; we've rope caulked drafty spaces and even replaced windows installed in 1921. But I have to ask the question: Is this really helping? Can one person make a difference in their own home to address climate change?

The answer is, quite simply, yes. And that's exactly what we're asking Earth Keepers to do. This year there is no collection or event to drive to. We're asking everyone to stay home! The event to honor Earth Day is coming to you! For the month of April, we're asking faith leaders to distribute the Earth Keeper Energy and Water Conservation Checklist (PDF , 3pp, 120K About PDF) . This is a perfect chance to gather with family and assess your home's carbon footprint. The checklist is a series of low- and no-cost steps to take to minimize energy and water consumption. We're asking every household that fills out a checklist to send it back to the Superior Watershed Partnership office so our staff can calculate the carbon reduction (in tons) for the Upper Peninsula.

For more information on this exciting month-long event, please visit us online.

More tips to save energy

Natasha Koss is the Membership Coordinator for the Superior Watershed Partnership. She also coordinates the partnership with the participating Earth Keepers congregations.

Comments

[Marcus]

My household reduced it's footprint by more than 15 percent in two years by (1) switching to ENERGY STAR lighting (like the lights shown above), (2) buying electricity generated by methane from a local landfill (see http://www.epa.gov/greenpower/pubs/gplocator.htm ) and (3) using mass transit more often. It's pretty easy to do!

why cen see god