Global Warming:What Should Gov. Be Doing

Important opportunity to talk to government about Climate change!! And getting ready for back to school with our friends at EcoMom.

Please join Supervisor Charles McGlashan at this important panel discussion next week, Thursday August 9th, at the Civic Center ~

Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey
Invites you to an important roundtable discussion that she is hosting
Global Warming:What Should Government Be Doing?

A discussion about ways to achieve a state-federal-local cooperative effort to meet the challenge of global warming

Panelists: Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey
Assemblyman Jared Huffman
Marin Supervisor Charles McGlashan
Moderator: Grant Davis, the Bay Institute

1:00 to 2:30pm, Thursday, August 9th

Marin County Board of Supervisors Chamber

There will be time set aside for comments and questions from local officials and the public.

EcoMomTM
Sustain Your Self - Sustain Your Home - Sustain Your Planet

...Because one of nature's strongest forces is a network of mothers.

Yesterday I overheard Corbin say to his cousin, "Luke, do you miss school? I do." It made me so happy and excited that his first ventures into school have been so positive that mid-summer, he is actually looking forward to starting again in the fall. Yes, I know it likely won't last but for now, I can enjoy the moment. It made all of my angst about school choices ease just a bit (that's a whole other story but I am sure you can relate) and it also made me realize just how quickly it will be Fall again. If you are inspired, like EcoMom Jeane McCarty, who contacted me recently asking about suggestions on greening her child's school, Neil Cummins, here are a few reasons to rally:

1. K-12 schools account for 7 percent of all energy used by commercial buildings, costing a total of $6 billion every year, and schools account for a large percentage of the over 1 billion trees worth of paper that is thrown into landfills each year in the United States.
2. Our children spend over seven hours a day in school so if you're greening your home but not your school, your children are still being exposed to toxic chemicals that can impair learning as well as reduce overall health and well being.
3. Being green can save money and help improve test scores. Purchasing Energy Star appliances and light sensors can save up to 50% on energy costs. Reducing garbage can save thousands of dollars per year.

So if you're inspired, here are a few steps to start with:

1. Create a Greening Your SchoolCommittee with a vision statement, action plan and accountability measures.
2. Have students do an Eco Audit with you. For example, have them check with the groundskeepers to see if they are using non-toxic pesticides to keep your fields green. Are drafts coming in under doors? Are lights being used unnecessarilly?
3. Encourage parents and kids to pack waste free lunches by using biodegradable and non-toxic containers.
4. Bring organic food into your school in whatever ways you can. Work with local farmer's markets, Community Supported Agriculture programs, parents and students.
5. Work with teachers and school officials to integrate your Greening into school curriculum. This can include science projects that measure waste, reduced CO2 emissions, pesticide use, lead and radon tests etc.
6. Plant a school garden that uses all organic farming methods and teaches students about good nutrition, the cycle of life and food production. The fruits and vegetables can then be used in school meals.
7. Convert your school buses to biodiesel. Install solar panels.
8. Make sure classrooms have been tested for lead and radon. Keep classrooms properly ventillated.
9. Buy recycled paper products.
10. Use light sensors so unused rooms and hallways don't waste energy
11. Encourage your school to use non-toxic cleaning supplies, pesticides etc.
12. Reduce trash by buying in bulk, reusing and recycling.
13. Align with community organizations that can help you implement these changes.

Greening your school can be a community building experience. Parents may come forward with new skills and ideas that you never even knew they had. Celebrate your initiatives and accomplishments. Word of mouth helps to inspire others so be a walking, talking, greening example. For more information, the Green Schools Initiative is a great resource. I imagine a day when every school is a green school and every mom is an Eco Mom . .

Congratulations to you for every step you are taking in creating a sustainable future for our children.

XO,

Kimberly
P.O. Box 2121
San Anselmo, CA 94960 •
Tel 415.246.7691 •
E-mail kimberly [at] ecomom.com
http://www.ecomomalliance.org



add put up by