Toward this end, our organization has focused on three main areas:
*Education
From politician to environmentalist, photographer to solar company president, SNCA's invited speakers have helped raise awareness about global warming and teach our neighborhood more about the serious consequences our planet - and all its species - are facing. To specifically address some of the scientific questions, and to determine the most effective neighborhood and personal solutions, we have begun an exciting Climate Science Series , featuring internationally renown climate experts who live right here in our neighborhood.
*Forging a sense of community:
In order to more strongly connect our community, and to take advantage of this bond to promote sustainable living, SNCA has organized a number of social activities, including a hike on a neighborhood trail with a Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks ranger; an Earth Day picnic, complete with a mock polar bear to wow the kids; and a strong neighborhood contingent in Boulder's "Step It Up" global warming protest rally. Our most ambitious undertaking to date is a unique Holiday Skillshare Celebration, which is intended to encourage the exchange of non-material gifts to increase a sense of community, build respect, and reduce carbon.
At all of the neighborhood events, community members are invited to come early to socialize and share a "low impact" drink or dessert.
*Cutting our carbon footprints:
Central to our mission is the reduction of our neighborhood's greenhouse gas emissions. SNCA has collaborated with the Boulder-based Green Heart Institute and the City of Boulder to begin a national pilot program known as the Carbon Cutters, designed to measure and track households' carbon footprints over time. Initial data indicate that these households have already been very successful at cutting their emissions!
SNCA also promotes the use of solar electric and solar hot water installations, bus passes, compact fluorescent light bulbs, LED holiday lights, and non-material gift-giving. |
