1.
Commit to Educating Yourself about Global Warming:
• Read the articles in this Global Warming section.
• Research more in-depth about Global Warming online:
– globalwarming101.com
– fresh-energy.org
• Sign up for email updates:
– climatecrisis.net
– sierraclub.org
• Legislative information and bill tracking:
– leg.state.mn.us
– usa.gov
Keep in mind that even the most educated, well meaning people have a lot to learn about climate change and solutions. It is amazing to learn the ways we impact the earth and very empowering to be able to take productive action.
For example: If you know how wasteful and energy intensive paper production is and then work on ways to reduce your paper use and purchase recycled paper products, you will feel very good about your informed choices.
2.
Commit to Personal Change—Identify Areas You Can Work On:
• Determine your CO2 output:
– gocarbonzero.org
– mnenergychallenge.org
• Determine your ecological footprint (i.e. impact on the earth):
myfootprint.org
• Arrange for an energy audit of your home. Call Xcel Energy at 1-800-895-4999. $35
Do not be overwhelmed if there are a lot of changes suggested by these surveys. Determine the areas you feel would be quick and easy for you to change. Allow yourself time to change behaviors, but stay committed. Eventually, many of these “small” changes will become habit. All the changes you make matter and benefit you and the environment.
For example: if you start taking reusable canvas bags to shop, there will be times you forget to bring them to the store. Eventually you will remember the bags more than you forget them. Sue Roegge was trained by Al Gore to give presentations to Minnesota communities on Global Warming and environmental issues. Sue has spent the last year volunteering for the Climate Project (Al Gore’s organization) helping local organizations like The Will Steger Foundation, Eco-Education and Congregations Caring for Creation. Sue and her husband Brian live in the Como Neighborhood of St Paul with their two children and two dogs. They have proudly cut their power bills, downgraded to the smallest trash can available by recycling everything possible and reducing waste, carry canvas grocery sacks, and buy local as much as possible.
