For anyone who’s been reading this blog, you’ll know a bit about the Low Carbon Diet, a guide by David Gershon that helps households become big loosers.  The book boasts that you can lose 5,000 pounds of carbon emissions in 30 days by following the diet. 

In Skagit County it has proven to be true with over 100 households participating and over 650,000 pounds lost so far.  All the tally’s aren’t in yet and may never be, but still the average of all these households is over 5,000 pounds of carbon emissions.  Okay, Okay, it took more than 30 days but still it’s impressive when you take into account it was over the holiday season when most of our carbon footprints go up a few sizes.

On Thursday, March 4th Whidbey Island is going to start a LCD pilot project.  Coupeville will host the initial meeting at the Recreation Hall from 6:30-8:00pm.   Folks from all over Whidbey are encouraged to attend, get a Low Carbon Diet workbook and start loosing!   Cathy D’Almeida, Coupeville’s Sustainabiltiy Coordinator, and volunteer, Mary Ann Imkamp will be launching the effort.

Some still debate about whether climate change is really happening or just a myth.   However, most people are coming to the realization that the actions we need to reverse climate change are going to make the world a better place no matter what side side of the debate you’re on.   And in many cases it can save us money which is becoming critical in this economy.  We have much to lose AND alot to gain?  Consider this:

I take the bus or carpool to reduce the cost of my commute, get my old car to last a few more years, and get a cleaner environment in the bargin.  I’ve enjoyed visiting with friends on my way to work.  In warmer months I get in shape by taking a bike-bus combo.  I don’t need a gym membership and I saved over $700 on my commute last year.

Now what about energy savings?  In the last 2 years I replaced old appliances with a new Energy Star refrigerator and front loading washer and dryer, changed a dozen old fashioned light bulbs to CFLs and put up insulating curtains, “insider” storm windows and outlet sealers and weatherized my doors.  I also hang my clothes to dry, inside or out, most of the year.  It’s a little early to tell exactly how much all these energy efficiency steps have saved but my energy bill has gone down even as the rates have gone up. 

I’ve been pretty good at reducing garbage for a long time but this past year we put in a compost demonstration site at work.  We have 3 worm bins now that gobble up the coffee grounds and food waste from our lunch room (anything from a plant) and create great fertlizer for organic gardening.  We were able to reduce the weight of our lunch room trash by 25%.  In Oak Harbor if you increase your recycling and composting to reduce your trash from a 65 gallon roll cart to a 35 gallon roll cart, you could save $323 a year.   (For info on reducing waste visit: www.wastewise.wsu.edu)

It all adds up to great savings.  If you cut your carbons and save say $1,000 a year, you could make an investment in more insulation or a solar hot water heater and move steadily toward a carbon zero lifestyle.  

The Low Carbon Diet workbook gives you an idea of how many carbons you can cut by making specific changes, but it doesn’t tell you how much money you can save.  In my experience it’s a significant chunk of change. 

Some might say it’s  ”pie in the sky” idealism but my grandmother, who lived through the Great Depression, would say it’s common sense.   I hope to see you in Coupeville for the launch of Whidbey’s  Low Carbon Diet pilot project.  Want to carpool?  Meet at Albertson’s at 6:00pm by the glass recycling bin.