Here’s What You Can Do: International Climate Action Day
Friday, October 23rd, 2009
Image by Per Ola Wiberg (Powi)
A few weeks ago I wrote my blog about Carbon Dioxide and International Climate Action Day. But I decided today that rather than writing a blog about something else, I wanted bring your attention right back to International Climate Action Day – which for those of you who aren’t familiar with it, is tomorrow (October 24th).
International Climate Action Day is a day where each and every one of us can take a little time out of our busy schedules and lives and do something that says “I stand for a safe climate future!” It doesn’t take much time or effort and thankfully, 350.org has tried to make it as simple as possible for people to join in and do something.
With everything from stencils to action maps showing where planned activities are taking place, from t-shirts to information to educate your community and more, there is no reason you too can’t be part of this global day. There are already over 4000 events planned in over 170 countries – make sure you are part of it!
Let me make it simple:
- Go to the 350.org website.
- Read the invitation on their website which explains what International Climate Action Day is and invites you to participate.
- Go to the 9-Step Organizing Plan page and follow those steps to plan and/or attend an event.
- And, if you blog, write a blog about it – let others know!
It’s never too late to plan or attend an event! 350.org has the tips, tools and information you need to make any event, big or small, a success. The more people that become aware of how their actions can lower CO2 levels, the better off we will be. And please remember, lowering CO2 levels is something each of us can work on every day: bike to work one day rather than drive, take public transportation, use a proven fuel additive or buy an electric vehicle, car-pool, hang your clothes out to dry, conserve water and energy, buy local food or grow your own herbs and vegetables, plant trees around your home, install solar panels on your roof….the list could go on and on.
But the most important thing to remember is this isn’t just about one day, it’s about every day. It’s about changing our habits and routines so that we will have a cleaner environment and many, many bright days ahead of us!
Enter Zipcar
Then our most recent step was actually started due to a new program his work set up. They now pick up employees from Union Station in downtown L.A., if they ride train to work. His office is about a 10-minute drive from Union Station, so prior to the new program, it didn’t really work for him to take the train to downtown then try and catch other lines/buses to get closer to work. It took too much time and he would arrive at work late. But since his company set up this new shuttle service, it has been working great. He takes the train once or twice a week, when he needs to go to his downtown office, and the company picks him (and others) up. He likes it because it is a lot less stressful, he gets to relax or work on the train, it doesn’t cost us as much and is less wear & tear on the car. Oh…and did I mention, when he buys a 10-trip pass and uses it, his company reimburses him for 50% of the cost.