The Cool Community Campaign in Skagit County is drawing toward a close.  On Saturday, Jan. 9th from 2:00-3:30 there will be a gathering at the Fidalgo Center in Anacortes.  The event is to pull participants together to share experiences and offer support.  There will be door prizes and free CFL bulbs for all who attend as well as coffee, tea and tasty treats.  It will be the first time since the campaign began in October when all 20 teams will be in the same place at the same time.

There is merit in working alone or in a small group, but there is real power in drawing together a roomful of like-minded folks with a common goal.  As I found in my Cool Community Team, we have inspired, taught and supported each other through our efforts.  I’m looking forward to hearing from the other teams, too.

Since Oct.  I’ve lost roughly 10,000 pounds in carbon emissions, double what I was expecting.  My success was due in great part to my partner, Beno, who closed off our large fireplace, made insiders (indoor storm windows) and caulked the air leaks in our house.  I got my car tuned-up, insulated our outlets and switches and plugged our stereo, TV, computer and printer into a power strip.  Most of the other things were small behavioral changes.  These efforts didn’t cost much or take alot of time but they’re making a big difference in our carbon footprint.

I know others that participated in the Cool Community Campaign found significant ways to cut their carbon.  One couple finally bought a new, more efficient furnace.  I’m sure that wasn’t cheap.  Some bought carbon offsets for their air travel.   Others made big lifestyle changes like taking the bus to work or starting a worm bin.  One woman I know gave up her car.  Now that’s committment.  I applaud these efforts. You are all an inspiration. 

I saw a sign in front of a fitness center today that said, “The average American gains 7 pounds over the holidays.”  I’m pretty sure they’re thinking of calories, but it’s  true for carbon, too.  Our garbage increases 25% between Thanksgiving and New Years.  We travel more, use more energy with festive lighting and entertaining.  We buy more stuff and send it to loved ones all over creation.  We give ourselves a temporary exemption from whatever discipline we’d been practicing.  But the key to “sustainability” is to make our lifestyles “sustainable”, that means everyday of the year, year after year. 

So it got me thinking about what gifts I give my family and friends.  How I wrap them (if I wrap them).  What kind of holiday foods I serve and where they come from.  If it’s a special occasion shouldn’t we serve the best, local fare available to celebrate and support our community?  Shouldn’t it promote good health?  I’ve been more conscientious as I move through the holidays.  I haven’t practiced everything I’ve preached but I get a little closer each year.

Last weekend I was out on the front lawn.  My 5 year old  neighbor came over to see what I was doing.  I had a large ring, some twine and a lot of evergreen branches I’d gathered on walks with my dog.  I told him I was making a wreath and he asked, “Why don’t you just go to Wal-Mart and buy one?”  I said I didn’t want to spend that much time.  He said it wasn’t far away and it would be easy.  Meanwhile I was wrapping the twine around the evergreens lashing them to the ring.  In a few moments I had a wreath and topped it with a big red bow.  He turned his argument around saying, “You don’t need to drive to Wal-Mart to get a wreath?”

We can find most of what we need close to home.  It makes me grateful for the bounty of our agricultural lands, forests, waters, and  the strength and creativity of our community.   Someone told me today that already the sun rose 3 minutes sooner than it did the morning before, so I’m grateful for the return of the light, too! 

Bring a little light into these dark times.  Give hope to your loved ones.  Be an inspiration to others.  Send your positive thoughts and prayers to our political leaders as they wrestle with controling our carbon emissions, but at the same time,  see how much you can lose.   Have a great holiday and a happy, healthy New Year.

Look at the Conference in Copenhagen last week.  People from all over the world gathered to take on a huge common goal, to significantly reduce our global carbon emissions by 2050. 

The spotlight was focused on this event and the pressure was on.  I hope the pressure doesn’t let up just because the conference is over.  I’ve heard many commentators discuss the failings or successes of the conference.  Personally, I’m thrilled that it took place at all and that so many key players were at the table.  Whatever our political leaders hammer out, I know that real change takes place from the bottom up.