CLEAN and GREEN Reducing Our Carbon Footprint Welcome

What are we doing here tonight Learning about recycling –How to do it and why it makes so much sense Learning what this has to do with our “Carbon Footprint” Learning how to make a positive impact –What we can do as individuals and as members of the community

So… What is a Carbon Footprint?? The effect your actions have on the environment, measured by the amount of CO2 you produce through your lifestyle – transportation, household energy use… Not just your own usage, but also what is used to bring you goods and services: –How much energy did it take to get those products into my hands? –How does my recycling and trash disposal affect the environment?

How do I figure out my carbon footprint? Google “carbon footprint calculator” and get 251,000 hits… Before you begin: You’ll need to know a few things about your household, your annual travel, and more Don’t give up! If there’s something you don’t know, estimate it ‘til you can go back – and don’t wait to start taking action!

Why do we need to lower our Carbon Footprint?? The carbon footprint of each individual, each household, each community… is a measurable indicator of how badly and how quickly – and irreversibly - we are affecting the health of the planet through our direct and indirect actions. The current rate of natural resource consumption by humans is not sustainable by one planet. We’re using 1-1/3 planets worth, which is something we don’t have!

Our Featured Speaker Jennifer Almeida is the Recycling/Solid Waste Coordinator for the Town of Chelmsford. Jennifer’s presentation is going to tell us everything we always wanted to know about recycling!

What else can you do Be aware of what decisions are being made by your state and local leaders Your personal activities are important… Your organized activities in the community help reach many more individuals! Even if you can’t make donations to organizations like MCAN, visit their websites frequently and learn about what’s happening. Visit the links on ChelmsfordCAN.org for more info.

Greener Chelmsford Initiative Selectmen Eric Dahlberg and Pat Wojtas started a great program to get Chelmsford businesses to “Go Green” through energy savings, waste reduction & more. They are shown here presenting one of the first award certificates, for the Town of Chelmsford, to Jennifer Almeida and Town Manager Paul Cohen

GCI Purpose: To engage Chelmsford businesses in a voluntary effort to recycle/reuse/reduce, that will: Benefit the local environment; Bring attention to the modest steps that can be taken to improve recycling/waste reduction rates - steps that residents can employ in their own daily lives; Demonstrate to observers that collaboration between business and government in pursuit of a common goal can be workable and fruitful; and Foster a sense of community by enlisting the participation of businesses, residents and local government in a voluntary, no cost, town-wide cause.

Worldwide Day of Action October 24, 2009 To tackle climate change we need to move quickly, and we need to act in unison--and 2009 will be an absolutely crucial year. This December, world leaders will meet in Copenhagen, Denmark to craft a new global treaty on cutting emissions. Visit 350.org for more info, and make a commitment to take part in Chelmsford’s 10/24/09 event. Volunteers needed!

Thank you - See you next time! Clean and Green co-sponsored by: Chelmsford Public Library Chelmsford Recycling Department Chelmsford Energy Conservation Committee and Chelmsford Climate Action Network a chapter of the Mass Climate Action Network (MCAN)