Start 2010 with a Low Carbon Diet

4CORE and M-CAN invite residents to lose 5000 pounds in 30 days

 

DURANGO, Colo. – The Four Corners Office for Resource Efficiency (4CORE) and the Montezuma Climate Action Network (M-CAN) are launching the Low Carbon Diet Clubs as a New Year endeavor to encourage residents in Southwest Colorado to decrease their carbon footprint, or the amount of carbon emissions that are released into the atmosphere as a result of an individual’s daily activities.

According to Greg Seaman’s blog “Global Warming / Climate Change: What we can do about it” on eartheasy.com, individuals living in the US and Canada release over 10,000 pounds of carbon dioxide per person every year (http://www.eartheasy.com/blog). The Empowerment Institute further states that households represent between 50% and 90% of a community’s carbon footprint and they propose the Low Carbon Diet as a solution (http://www.empowermentinstitute.net).

After months of researching information and preparing guidelines, M-CAN’s Carbon Reduction Green Team started the first local Low Carbon Diet Club called Carbon 1, in January 2009. The club set goals to reduce their individual carbon emissions through everyday activities. Some tasks were as simple as turning off lights and unplugging appliances. In the first four months Carbon 1 had reduced its carbon usage by nearly 10%.

“My husband and I found that instead of talking about ways to reduce our carbon footprints, we actually took action because we were accountable to the rest of the group”, said Sue Whitehead, Carbon Reduction Green Team member. “We were very excited to see our own electric bill drop by 17% and our gas bill by 27%.”

Joining a Low Carbon Diet Club on 4CORE’s website allows an individual to evaluate how much carbon is currently being used, gives tips and guidelines for decreasing use, and finally, tracks progress. Benefits of a diet include reducing energy bills, decreasing dependence on foreign oil, and cutting emissions, which brings about improved air quality.

“This is the perfect way for anyone to start out the New Year and work at saving money and decreasing emissions,” said Aileen Tracy, Executive Director of 4CORE. “You can diet on your own, as a household, form your own club, or find a club on our website.”

To learn about the steps involved in starting a Low Carbon Diet, e-mail [email protected].

 

About 4CORE
The Four Corners Office for Resource Efficiency (4CORE) is non-profit organization that provides coalition-building and cooperation to help reduce the community’s energy use and promote renewable energy resources. 4CORE’s mission is to promote resource conservation, energy efficiency, and the use of clean, renewable sources of energy in order to decrease the emission of pollutants, protect public health and strengthen the economy. It benefits from the generosity of its four major funding partners: La Plata County, BP America, La Plata Electric Association and the City of Durango. Visit www.fourcore.org for more information.

About M-CAN
Montezuma Climate Action Network – M-CAN – was formed in the summer of 2007 with the goal of reducing Montezuma County’s carbon footprint. Individual “Green Teams” have guided this process with accomplishments including the creation of a local recycling matrix, initiation of Low Carbon Clubs, presentation of numerous films and speakers, and tours of energy efficient homes. This past summer, M-CAN sponsored Verde Fest, a local sustainability fair that featured speakers, films, music, local food, children’s activities, and over thirty booths. Nearly 1000 people were in attendance. Currently M-CAN is working on an overall carbon reduction plan for Montezuma and Dolores Counties as part of an initiative from the Governor’s Energy Office. Visit www.m-can.org for more information.