Responsibility Blog

[#1]

Today (12/18), The USA Today published a letter I wrote and submitted.  In the letter, I call for the application of practical steps that each of us can take at work and at home to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases, independent of what may or may not result from the climate talks in Copenhagen, Denmark. 

 

We shouldn't get so hung-up on the climate talks in Copenhagen that we lose sight of what we could do right now to affect climate change ("Most back treaty on global warming," News, Tuesday).

Investments in energy efficiency can provide up to half of the necessary reductions of greenhouse gas emissions through 2050, according to a report by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. And in the absence of long-term regulatory measures, if only about a quarter of American households took 17 practical actions they would significantly reduce emissions, a handful of professors wrote in the recently published paper "Household Actions Can Provide a Behavioral Wedge to Rapidly Reduce U.S. Carbon Emissions."

The compact fluorescent light bulb cuts carbon emissions, generates real energy and financial savings, and outlasts conventional bulbs.

Another example: Verizon employees conserved 1.7 million gallons of fuel - the equivalent amount of energy needed to power 1,900 homes annually - this year as part of a companywide engine idling reduction program.

Procter & Gamble drastically cut its waste water by giving soapy water to car wash companies, and UPS uses a blend of common sense and technology to optimize delivery routes, saving time and fuel.

We need to lead more sustainable lives at home and at work, and we should begin by addressing the obvious. In a country of our size, small steps add up. These actions would immediately reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Moreover, focusing on energy efficiency would cause a change in attitudes and behavior. That would certainly drive greater, more impactful changes in the near and long term.

[#2]

This is  rite-on the money! Why are people sitting on their hands! My Grandfather over 40yrs ago was doing his best to be green! He came here from Budapest & he had wealth, came from wealth, yet he understood the importance of saving the planet. I learned 'green' energy as a young boy, make our own fuel from table scraps, yes waste products. My cooking gas was yesterdays food, a month ago growing in my garden. ONE can start by readjusting one's surroundings, yes the garden, creating outdoor space habitat for God's creatures, we forget about them, forget the importance 'bees butterflies, and so forth up the scale, yes even worms & maggots to birds & all furry creatures, We forgot the importance of Nature & the laws they have!