It is difficult to watch the news without hearing about human induced climate change and global warming. Although I’ve been aware of this problem since college, I’m not any different than most folks, I could be doing a lot more about dealing with it! (See the entire GAP in Scott’s blog.)
The Mother Lode Greenhouse Gas Action Plan (GAP) is our effort to get up to speed on this issue and we urge you to join us. The plan makes it clear that we don’t intend to neglect the other environmental priorities that confront humankind, nevertheless, we intend to meaningfully address the crisis of global warming. Our goal is to reduce our own carbon emissions by 20% by 2012; by 40% by 2020; and by 80% by 2050. Here are some high points: First, Conservation will be our centerpiece and we will reduce our carbon imprint by using less and operating more efficiently; Second, Technology: We will use energy efficient appliances, light bulbs, etc.; We will install enough solar panels to drive our meter backward and be a net producer of clean electricity; We will reuse cooking oil in bio-diesel driven vehicles and “move down the stalk” to cellulose-based ethanol as it becomes available; We will use a hybrid vehicle whenever possible and go to a plug-in hybrid as soon as they are available; Third, Education and Advocacy — We will be doing a variety of things you can check out on our website. We look forward to your suggestions as well and hearing about how you are addressing the GAP at home and at work.
Jump in the Pool!
There is one especially good way you can help us close the GAP: Carpool your group!
It helps to do the math: 4 people in a vehicle that gets 15 miles per gallon equals 60 person-miles per gallon. This is the same carbon efficiency as one person driving a Prius getting 60 miles per gallon! This season we will have VIP parking for car-poolers and be using the proceeds from the sale our new eco-t-shirts to add to our global warming effort. For example, one T-shirt reads: “Carpoolers never fall out of the boat! Hybrid carpoolers walk on water!” Check it out at the Camp Store and wear a shirt proudly.