Good job. The one problem I notice is the wording "Turn the air-conditioning down." This can mean different things to different people, see http://tinyurl.com/32b7c7 . * *Wording it to say "adjust the thermostat to a higher temperature" would be more obvious - and let's not forget programmable thermostats. I'm recommending the next time there are energy related op-eds to distribute them to the EC so that we can provide peer review on these trivial or not so trivial wordings.
Off the subject, at some point we need to provide the public with suitable recycling solutions when the CFL's we are pushing so avidly burn out. I'm providing this statement from http://www.lamprecycling.com/ to explain why this is so important.
When mercury-containing lamps or tubes are placed in the trash and collected for disposal, the lamps or tubes are broken and mercury is released to the environment. Mercury vapors from broken lamps or tubes can be absorbed through the lungs into the bloodstream. People who are particularly close to the breakage are especially at risk. Mercury from broken lamps and tubes can also be washed by rain water into waterways.
Jonathan
James Kotcon wrote:
Jim and Karen,
Glen, et al.
Thanks for the assistance.
JBK
Below is the link to the op ed in today's Gazette.
Thanks.
http://www.wvgazette.com/section/Opinion/Op-Ed+Commentaries/200707028
Bill Price Sierra Club Central Appalachia Environmental Justice Program 922 Quarrier Street, Suite 304 Charleston, WV 25311 Phone 304-342-3182 Fax 304-342-3183 Cell 304-389-8822
"Glen Besa" glen.besa@sierraclub.org 6/30/2007 5:35 PM >>>
Folks,
With the 4th of July Holiday approaching, consider submitting a letter to the editor about energy independence. Better yet call the editor of your local paper about submitting the OpEd below that you will need to localize. Thanks, Glen Besa
From: Odette.Mucha@sierraclub.org [mailto:Odette.Mucha@sierraclub.org] Sent: Friday, June 29, 2007 5:58 PM To: glen.besa@sierraclub.org; chris.carney@sierraclub.org; jessica.hodge@sierraclub.org; bob.bingaman@sierraclub.org; leigh.fifelski@sierraclub.org; joshua.low@sierraclub.org; allison.forbes@sierraclub.org; dave.hamilton@sierraclub.org Cc: chris.wilhite@sierraclub.org Subject: Energy Independence Day op-ed
see below and attached. To be localized.
thanks,
odette
i'll be in DC through July 6th. please email or call me on my cell 607-279-6338. :)
Two Percent for Energy Independence
As the Fourth of July approaches and we gather to watch fireworks and celebrate our country?s political independence, it is time to struggle for a new kind of independence: energy independence from what has become a tyranny of fossil fuels.
World scientists agree that global warming is here and that it is happening at an alarming rate, largely due to the world?s reliance on the carbon emissions caused by the burning of fossil fuels Fortunately, however, scientists also tell us that we can curb global warming if we take bold, comprehensive steps to cut global warming pollution by 80% by the year 2050. Though this may seem daunting, it equates to a doable two percent every year for the next forty years!
Change needs to start now. America is an energy importer, relying on foreign fuels both for the gasoline we use in our cars and for much of the coal and natural gas that we burn for our electricity. Not only do these dirty energy sources contribute to global warming and asthma-causing smog, they also cost American citizens billions of dollars every year in money sent overseas and intrinsically link our economy and way of life to foreign powers. There is, however, a better way.
[Insert state] has already started along a new, cleaner path. For [insert state] energy Independence means investing in renewable energy, like [insert best renewable energy practice] as well as in money saving solutions that reduce the amount of energy we use and therefore the need to import.
By becoming more energy efficient, like using the super-efficient LED lights in buildings and for traffic lighting, [insert state citizen name] can significantly cut their energy use. As solutions that use less dirty, imported energy sources keep more and more [insert state] dollars at home, we can begin investing more and more of that money in creating our own clean energy alternatives right here at home.
[Insert paragraph about effort?s already taken by your state]. Efforts like these are to be applauded, but they must continue to grow and expand.
Government can do a lot to protect the environment. The fight against global warming, however, can start right at home. To reach our goal, to build a cleaner, smarter and safer energy future and stronger economy, to meet and overcome the most urgent problem facing us, to protect our children and theirs, we must all be part of the 2 percent solution. Change a light-bulb. Turn the air-conditioning down. Carpool. Write to your elected officials asking them to fight for our energy independence. Citizens, businesses and governments all have a role to play and we must begin to act now. That?s why, this Fourth of July, before I watch the fireworks from [insert location], I?ll honor the legacy of American independence and replace a few light-bulbs with energy-saving fluorescents!
Odette Mucha Field Media Coordinator Sierra Club San Francisco, CA 415-977-5761 cell: 607-279-6338
EC mailing list EC@osenergy.org http://osenergy.org/mailman/listinfo/ec