Wednesday, May 2, 2007

Collective actions matter


There were a number of articles in recent papers that caught our eye at the Environmental Resource Center. Two of the articles, in particular, focused on residents taking responsibility for our valley's future on both local and global scales and should be commended.

Residents can make simple choices that help our local environment, save energy and often save money, as illustrated in the article about local waste disposal options. By supporting the city of Sun Valley's proposed solid waste program, residents can commit to recycling what would otherwise be buried in finite landfill space and can save money on their garbage bill. It is a simple process of earned rewards, with checks and balances to ensure fair yet thoughtful waste disposal.

We can all make straightforward, painless steps that reach beyond our local environment to the global. Actions geared toward "saving skiing by stopping global warming" reap benefits that extend far beyond our valley. The notion of global warming can seem overwhelming at times, but as Margaret Mead still reminds us, "Never doubt that a small, group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." The Environmental Resource Center has released a comprehensive program aimed at helping us work individually and collectively to lower our carbon dioxide levels and combat global warming through very simple actions.

The ERC's Community Climate Challenge offers tips on how we can manage our daily lives in a more environmentally responsible manner. The challenge lists simple things each of can do like switching to compact florescent lights, using reusable canvas bags for grocery shopping, carpooling once a week and recycling that collectively make a difference.

The Wood River Valley is blessed with many unique benefits, many of which are environmental. We are each given opportunities to act with purpose to help keep our standard of living happy and healthy.

If you have questions about our valley's solid waste management or on how you can lower your carbon dioxide levels, please get in touch with us at the Environmental Resource Center to learn how you can make a difference today, for tomorrow.

Colleen Teevin

ERC

Ketchum




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