BIKE! : Biking into Clean Energy

On 10/24, the International Day of Climate Action, there were thousands public events throughout the world.  Springfield held two of events: a faith focused program with activities for children at Jubilee Farm; and BIKE!350:  Biking into Clean Energy, a bike ride and rally at the Old State Capitol.  Around twenty bikers circled the downtown area to illustrate the joy of sharing a communal bike ride while emitting zero carbon gas.  Afterwards, over fifty people gathered to hear rally speakers UIS Professor Stefano Longo emphasize the importance of social movements in making significant change in the world and the potential of the voice of the people in calling for strong environmental positions from their leaders; union activist Al Pieper relate the importance and power of green jobs; and Wes King address the reality of 350:  the amount of carbon emissions in parts per million that is compatible with human life (currently that level is at an incompatible 389 ppm), and individual and community ways to get involved in reducing our carbon footprint. 

 

Voices are needed for our leaders realize

the public urgency for more dramatic policies, including those that put a high price

on carbon emissions while ensuring that poor countries have an opportunity for development.

 

Call the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at (202)224-3 1 2 1

Ask for your Senators' and Representative's offices.

 Tell them to represent you by contacting

President Obama & supporting policies

that will lower carbon emissions to 350 ppm or below

 

Call the  President's comment hotline at  202-456-1 1 1 1

Say that you want him to represent you

at the December UN Climate Conference

in Copenhagen with proposals that

reduce carbon emissions below 350 ppm.

 

Tips to take you to the next level…

To idle or not to idle:  Ten seconds of idling can use more fuel than turning off the engine and restarting.  Parking or in line for more than 30 seconds?  Turn off the engine! www.consumerenergycenter.org/myths/idling.html

 

A room with a (warmer) view:  Window films can cut energy costs up to 10%.  See www.fsec.ucf.edu/en/

consumer/buildings/homes/windows/films.htm

 

Decisions, decisions:  Uninformed?  Read The Consumer’s Guide to Effective Environmental Choices: Practical Advice - Union of Concerned Scientists, Brower & Leon (copy soon to be available at Lincoln Library)

 

Hold the C0₂:  Contact the CWLP Energy Services Office for info on local carbon credit purchasing:  www.cwlp.com or 789-2070;

and for general info on carbon offsets: http://www.co2offsetresearch.org/  consumer/index.html

 

For other local resources: www.earthspringfield