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"Why is this important? What do these words mean? How can I participate?"
Resources to answer these and other questions are posted on this page.
Please email us with your questions (or resources!), or if you find a link that has gone bad.
We all start where we are. There are no stupid questions!
What does "resilient" even mean in the context of Harrison, anyway? This article explains some important terms: resilience, mitigation, adaptation.
from the United States Environmental Protection Agency
A quick quiz with an approximate score. This is not to make you feel guilty, but it will give you a new perspective!
We all live on the same planet. We all share a home. It needs to be livable for everyone. Equally.
from the Center for Energy Education
How can I participate?
How can I participate?
For local Harrison Maine resilience, you can join us! Contact info is at the bottom of the page.
For local Harrison Maine resilience, you can join us! Contact info is at the bottom of the page.
But click here for some larger climate groups you can join. They are focused on systemic change, not local resilience. Many have local chapters.
But click here for some larger climate groups you can join. They are focused on systemic change, not local resilience. Many have local chapters.
350.org ("We fight for a world beyond fossil fuels.")
Third Act (for people near or past retirement. Double focus on climate and democracy.)
Citizens' Climate Lobby (CCL– "We work with members of Congress across the political spectrum to find common ground on climate change action.")
Sunrise Movement ("Sunrise members are under 35, pay dues, and organize to stop the climate crisis and win a Green New Deal.")
Extinction Rebellion (XR– International group with those dramatic demonstrations)
Fridays for Future (Youth-led network, inspired by Greta Thunberg.)
from Edmunds.com
Explanation from NASA. It mentions the Industrial Revolution, which started in the years around 1800. The changes have been gradual; it's public awareness that's recent.
This website is visually dramatic, but it has interesting information.
A Reference List of Acronyms:
A Reference List of Acronyms:
CCEMA - Cumberland County Emergency Management Agency
CEBE- Center for an Ecology Based Economy (Norway, Maine)
CRP- Community Resilience Partnership (Grants)
FEMA- Federal Emergency Management Agency
GOPIF- Governor's Office of Policy Innovation and the Future
GPCOG - Greater Portland Council of Governments (they help all of Cumberland County)
NASA- National Aeronautics and Space Administration
RHM- Resilient Harrison Maine (that's us!)
How can I reduce my climate impact and increase my resilience?
Here are some brief suggestions. Based on priorities and lifestyle, everyone will choose different actions.
Ask us if any of these are puzzling!
Community
Join a local, regional or national group (or international!).
Read Maine Won’t Wait (available at www.maine.gov/climateplan/the-plan)
Write editorial letters to the newspaper.
Post ideas on your social media.
Food
Buy local.
Eat seasonal foods.
Buy organic or “regenerative" food.
Eat less meat.
Grow some of your own.
Avoid plastic packaging.
Replace your gas stove with electric (esp. induction, which uses less electricity than electric, without dangerous fumes.
Clothing
Avoid “fast fashion.”
Wear clothes more times.
Buy used clothing.
Rent clothing!
Shelter
Use LED light bulbs.
Turn off electronics when not in use.
Get a blower door test.
Then seal and insulate your house.
Use Window Dresser inserts.
Explore the Efficiency Maine website.
Get a heat pump.
Get a heat pump water heater.
Sign up for “green” electricity.
Get solar panels.
Make sure your house is above the floodplain.
Transportation
Combine errands.
Car pool.
Walk, or ride a bike.
Get an electric vehicle.
Use public transportation, when available.
Financial/Government
Make climate change a voting priority.
Make sure your credit card bank doesn’t invest in fossil fuel extraction.*
Local banks support their local communities!
Write to your Representatives.
Attend state legislation hearings, etc. via internet.
Some informational Resources
A “climate footprint” website quiz might give you ideas for where to start.
Climate Change Video with impact chart: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CM_KkDuzGQ
Efficiency Maine website: https://www.efficiencymaine.com/
Maine Climate information: http://climatecouncil.maine.gov/maines-climate
https://www.maine.gov/climateplan/
* Credit Card analysis: https://www.fossilbanks.org/fossil-banks
Lists of Maine environmental groups:
https://www.environmentalgroups.us/maine/
http://www.eco-usa.net/orgs/me.shtml
https://www.maineconservation.org/ (Maine Conservation Voters)
Climate action button tool from Union of Concerned Scientists:
https://climatebutton.ucsusa.org/
Suggestions from Treehugger.com:
https://www.treehugger.com/15-things-you-can-do-at-home-to-help-solve-climate-change-7096142
https://www.treehugger.com/modern-pyramid-energy-conservation-treehugger-6835842
About clothing:
https://www.wellandgood.com/petroleum-based-fashion-impact/
https://earth.org/fast-fashions-detrimental-effect-on-the-environment/
A source for impact ratings (ie, how big a difference does this make?):
https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-9326/ab8589
Random environmental action groups to look up:
Sunrise Movement, Extinction Rebellion, 350.org, Third Act
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