Kyoto in My Own Backyard
Why did more than 300 people spend a beautiful Sunday afternoon inside the first LEED-certified house of worship in the United States last week? Most likely because they want to help pass on lovely spring days to their children and grandchildren.
In 2006, Evanston, IL, which hugs Chicago’s border to the south, and Lake Michigan to the east, signed the US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement along with more than 800 US cities. Those cities who signed the agreement aim to lower carbon emissions to 1990 levels by 2012.
In an effort to achieve carbon reduction to 1990 levels, more than 130 dedicated citizens formed nine task forces, and devised broad recommendations on how this progressive and diverse city, home to Northwestern University and a lively downtown, could reduce its carbon footprint. Last weekend, a broad coalition of citizens and city government workers unveiled a draft of the Evanston Climate Action Plan.
The new building that houses Jewish Reconstruction Congregation-Evanston (JRC), of which I am a member, was the best locale in town at which to hold the meeting. Completed in February, 2008, this LEED-certified synagogue embodies the spirit of the Kyoto Accords.
Steve Perkins, the convener of the Network for Evanston’s Future,was enthusiastic about the high turnout at the meeting. After having presented the draft to the public, the Evanston city council will consider it. “We are aiming for the city council to adopt the plan,” Dr. Perkins said. He cited the need for support for the plan not only from residents and local businesses, but also from the 6 non-profit organizations in Evanston (this group includes Northwestern, 2 hospitals and the local public school districts). He urged the non-profits to work together to devise ways to lower green house gas emissions. “If these institutions don’t respond, people will get angry,” he said.
Susan Besson, co-chair of the Public Relations and Communications Committee, agreed that local non-profits need to show their support for the plan. “The PR committee conducted some focus groups,” she explained. “Most people say that either government or industry is most responsible for climate change,” she added. But getting everyone to agree on how to tackle carbon emissions will be challenging. “Each group has different to-do lists,” said Ms. Besson.
More energy efficient public transportation, sustainable buildings, better food production and distribution–these are just some of the goals set by the 9 task forces that make up the Evanston Climate Action Plan. Michael Drennan, a member of the solid waste and recycling committee, stressed the need for businessses to work together to improve recycling and waste removal. “Currently, each business contracts individually for waste removal,” he said. The task force hopes to bring businesses together for more efficient waste removal and a lot more recycling. Taxes on plastic bags and bottled water may also lie in the future.
Reducing Evanstons’ carbon footprint by 13% in 2020 will require major changes by the people who live in my city, the local businesses and the non-profits. But for the more than 300 people who listened to the draft proposal last weekend, the work has already begun.
Image courtesy of Pierre Marcel via Flickr
This is inspiring progress. I am pleased that Chicago is also finally proceeding toward a workable recycling plan. Better late than never!
nice! nicely written and upbeat! I like the graphic, too! Keep it up!
the other Sara
Sounds like the program Cambridge, Mass, has been working. Is there the possibility of help for other cities that might want to start this kind of program in their communities?