The Newton Eco-Project The Challenge The Project The Goals Why Are We Here? Partner Presentation December, 2011

The Newton Eco-Project Everything we do involves burning fossil fuels- oil, natural gas, coal & gasoline. This creates a carbon footprint. The diverse range of all human activity can be measured by its carbon footprint. The Challenge Why Carbon? Carbon has become the universal measure of our environmental impact. Climate Change Greenhouse gases- CO 2 Burning Fossil fuels Power our buildings & transportation; Produce & dispose of goods Support activities Global Warming

The Newton Eco-Project The Challenge Americans can reduce their carbon footprint without reducing their Standard of living. The carbon footprint of the average American household: 55,000 lbs. German household: 27,000 lbs. Swedish household: 15,000 lbs. Our Part: CO2 EmissionsPopulation 5% 25%

The Newton Eco- Project The Challenge Americas consumption is driving our huge carbon footprint Consumption: The average U.S. person now consumes twice as much as they did 50 years ago. Housing: Average U.S.house size has doubled since the 1970s. Transportation: The Typical American family of four owns two cars and drive 24,000 miles per year America Now:

The Newton Eco- Project The Challenge Americas traveling habits create a is huge carbon footprint The U.S. consumes about twice as much of the principal transportation fuels per capita as Western Europe. America Now: Americans average four car trips a day, twice as many as Brits, and travel seventeen miles a day, almost three times as much as in the U.K. The average American travels almost twice as fast, too.

The Newton Eco- Project The Challenge Americas consumption is driving our huge carbon footprint Average U.S.house size has doubled since the 1970s. America Now: Spec house circa sq. ft Spec. house circa sq. ft. Living Rm, Dining Rm, Kitchen, 2 bath, 3 bedrm.; 1 car garage Living Rm, Dining Rm, Kitchen, 3-4 bath, 4 bedrm.; 2-3 car garage Family rm, Study, Mud rm. Master bedrm. Suite; Exercise rm., Play rm., Media rm. ; Wine Cellar

The Newton Eco-Project The Challenge Americas consumption is driving our huge carbon footprint In the U.S., we spend 3-4 times as many hours shopping as our counterparts in Europe do.. America Now: Shopping on main streetThe stuff we have

The Newton Eco- Project The Challenge To really reduce Newtons emissions we must address the residential sector.

The Newton Eco- Project The Challenge Inaction is no longer a viable alternative. What should we do? Expect technology to solve the problem? Cape Wind is still a decade away Wait for government to take action? Results of the Copenhagen Conference Blame it on China and India? Chinese solar panels & electric cars

The Newton Eco- Project The structure: Eco-Teams Form Eco-Teams of 5 to 6 households The team meets 3 times. Each team member creates their own action plan to make simple home improvements & lifestyle changes to reduce their energy consumption, conserve resources and saving money. The Project Encourages a strategy of conservation as a lifestyle.

The Newton Eco-Project The Project Sample Changes: Drive (or fly) 5,000 fewer miles: reduce emissions 5,000 lbs.… and save $. Reduce weekly waste by 25 gallons: reduce emissions 2,500 lbs., Seal and insulate walls, attic & warm-air heating ducts: reduce emissions 2000 lbs.… and save $. Change 10 frequently used light bulbs to compact fluorescents: reduce emissions 1,000 lbs.… and save $. Change one household beef meal / week to vegetarian: reduce emissions 700 lbs.… and save $. Changes that will reduce our carbon footprint

The Newton Eco-Project The Project Change to make a difference: Lifestyle: Purchase habits; Waste disposal; Diet choices Household : Heating, Air Conditioning; Heating Domestic Water; Insulation; Weatherization; Lighting & Electricity usage Changes that will reduce our carbon footprint Transportation: Driving; flying

The Newton Eco-Project The Project Next Step Living Take advantage of the utilitys free home energy audits

The Newton Eco-Project The Project Home Improvements: Utilizing the utilitys incentive programs to upgrade your home

The Newton Eco-Project Work with us to become part of the solution Your Part: -Introduce the program to your faith group: -Discuss the program. -Organize the interested. - Invite us to do a presentation. -Create an Eco-team Through your faith group Through your own social circle of friends, neighbors & association The goals

The Newton Eco-Project The Goals Supporting Our Teams Eco-Team Project Introductory presentations: To describe the project goals and strategy. Partner Organization Liaisons To help your organization organize teams. Eco-Team training: To help team leaders start their teams Literature: The Action Planner and support materials. Web Site: To provide an ongoing resource. Promote our Partner Organizations: Help our partners collaborate and coordinate their green initiatives. Supporting the Eco-Team Project strengthens your organization.

The Newton Eco-Project The Goals Promoting Mass Save The Saving Energy in Your Home presentation: To introduce the Mass Save program. Liaison: Between residents and Next Step Living. Referrals: To local contractors to do the qualified work Literature: Explaining the various incentive programs Follow-up: Help residents with improvements beyond the Mass Save program Supporting the Eco-Team Project strengthens your organization.

The Newton Eco- Project All of us can do something to make the world better… and each of us should try. Ted Kennedy The future