Changing your light bulbs might actually SAVE THE PLANET

Did that get your attention? Every year, 106 billion punds of preventable pollution is generated to power older-generation light bulbs. These incandescent bulbs use 4 times more energy than necessary to produce the light for your homes and businesses. Little changes spread across large numbers can really make an impact. Go ahead, change a light bulb. This one simple action can really make a big difference.
For more tips check out the state of Utah's "Green Choices" page at http://www.greenchoices.utah.gov/

Consumer Consequences

The earth couldn't support its 6.6 billion residents if everyone lived like a
typical American. Consumer Consequences will tell you how many planets it would take to support your lifestyle on a planetary scale, and provide some ideas for making your "footprint" a little smaller.
Check out this interesting tool at http://sustainability.publicradio.org/consumerconsequences/

Musings of Einstein

Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.
-- Albert Einstein

The first study circle (#1) in Manitowoc is organized

STUDY CIRCLE #1
I am pleased to report that Manitowoc's first study circle will get under way starting November 19. The response to the call for circle participants was very impressive. All slots were filled in less than a day. Yeah!! People in our community care about learning more about sustainability.
If you are interested in participating in a study circle, please email tprigge@manitowoc.org.

Involve the Children

With a song like Jack Johnson's version of "3 is the Magic Number: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" even kids will enjoy being aware of sustainability.

Hop on the Bus Gus

Pick up a pass for Maritime Metro Transit and Make a Difference....
Emissions from road vehicles account for over 50% of U.S. air pollution. For every passenger mile traveled, public transportation uses less than one half of the fuel of private automobiles, producing 5% as much carbon monoxide and less than 8% as much as the other pollutants that create smog (such as volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides). Scientists estimate that public transportation already reduces emissions of carbon dioxide, which contributes to global climate change, by over 7.4 million tons annually. If Americans were to use public transportation at equivalent rates as Europeans, scientists estimate that U.S. dependence on imported oil would decrease by more than 40% and that carbon dioxide emissions would be reduced by more than 25%.

Respect for All Living Things

I recently read that the Bhutanese government stated at the 1992 Earth Summit that in Bhutan they do not carelessly chop down trees because forests form the basis of the nation's culture. Miwako Sato then observed, "One can sense in these words more than a simple desire to protect the environment; they express respect for all living things, a respect rooted in the belief that deities dwell in every tree and blade of grass."

Reducing our Ecological Footprint

Americans use 30% of the world's oil supply yet only 2% of that comes from our own soil. By embracing renewable energy, we can significantly reduce our dependency on foreign oil.

Our 'ecological footprint' is the measurement of what we consume and the 'footprint' it leaves on the earth. A person who drives 50 miles to work everyday and eats at fast food restaurants 5 times a week has a larger ecological footprint than a person who takes the bus to work and cooks vegetarian meals at home. If all of us lived like the first person in our example, we would need roughly 7 Earths to support us sustainably, or forever. So, let's take an honest look at our level of consumption: Americans make up only 4% of the World's population yet we consume nearly 26% of its resources. Americans spend more annually on the purchase of garbage bags than the combined GDP of 90 of the World's developing nations.
Begin thinking of ways to reduce what you consume: bring canvas bags to the grocery store, buy yourself a travel mug and bring it with you to the coffee shop. Eat one less meat meal per week and buy local food whenever possible. If just ten percent of us where to take these simple steps we would make a substantial difference.

For more information check out www.campaignearth.org

Two quick tips to contribute towards sustainability: buy locally grown fruits and vegetables whenever possible (Manitowoc has a fantastic Farmers' Market) and doesn't use your clothes dryer on sunny days.

You Can Make a Difference

When was the last time you thought about how you had the power to make a difference? Through your business, you communicate with people every day. Why not start letting them know about your commitment to the environment and how they can help too. Together, we will make a difference.