Dec
31
Why not ring in 2010 with a resolution that can save you money, reduce stress, and help the planet? Plus, it is an easy resolution to keep with help from iCommute, SANDAG’s commuter services program.
There are many ways to participate. You can try carpooling or vanpooling, take transit, or even bike to work.
At www.iCommuteSD.com, there are tools to help you stick with your New Year’s resolution. First, there is a commute calculator. You can see how much money you’re spending by driving alone and how much you can save by ridesharing or using alternative transportation. Or if you’re interested in car/vanpooling, there is the RideMatcher tool. This tool is free to use and it’s a secure, confidential online database connecting thousands of commuters looking to share the ride. By sharing the ride, you can cut your commute costs in half. There also is TripTracker a tool that allows you to log your commute trips and see how much money you’re saving and the environmental benefits of not driving alone. Or if getting in shape is also one of your New Year’s resolutions, biking to work (or to the nearest transit stop) may be a good solution for you. You can tone up in 2010, help the environment, and save money. Finally, there is also an online transit trip planner that will help you find the best transit options for you.
STAND FOR LESS by making ridesharing one of your resolutions for 2010! Even one day per week can make a difference.
Tags: commute calculator, iCommute, iCommuteSD, RideMatcher Tool, SANDAG, TripTracker
Posted in Alternative vehicles, fuels and transportation options, Partners, STAND FOR LESS | No Comments »
Dec
18
The climate talks in Copenhagen are coming to a climax and winding down this week. Copenhagen has been “Disneyland for policy wonks,” said Gary Gero of Los Angeles in an L.A. Times article by Margot Roosevelt that offered a summary of the broad array of Californians who were drawn to Denmark. Roosevelt points out that California boasts the “first-in-the-nation economy-wide climate legislation, its first-in-the-world low-carbon fuel standard, and its highest-in-the nation renewable-energy requirements.”
Governor Schwarzenegger has an opinion about climate change. He’s been in Denmark to spread his message globally. Appearing on Good Morning America, Schwarzenegger communicated his key message: “It is nonsense to say we must talk about the economy, before discussing climate change.” Schwarzenegger believes that both are important and that dealing with climate change is a key to building a stronger economy. We encourage you to read the speech he gave this week in Copenhagen where he was representing our state.
Another excellent account of Schwarzenegger’s efforts in Denmark is available from Christopher Gavigan of Los Angeles who writes about a “very promising and exciting accord [that] has already been made in Denmark, and [how] its impacts will hopefully resonate throughout the country.”
Governor Schwarzenegger speaks on a panel in Copenhagen.
The headlines from Copenhagen have emphasized the discord, however, with public and private sector leaders from around the world gathering to discuss one of the most important issues of our day, you can be sure that something productive is happening as well. We encourage you to follow some of these links to educate yourself about Copenhagen beyond the top headlines of the week.
Tags: California, Christopher Gavigan, COP15, Copenhagen, Denmark, Good Morning America, Governor Schwarzenegger, Los Angeles, Margot Roosevelt, renewable energy, United Nations Climate Change Conference
Posted in Alternative vehicles, fuels and transportation options, Climate change, Energy | No Comments »
Dec
17
No matter what holiday you’re celebrating this season, go for energy-efficient gifts and decorations.
You can save precious natural resources and put a little green back in your pocket.
“When you’re out shopping, keep in mind the long-term costs of powering your purchases,”
says Hal Snyder, vice president of customer solutions for SDG&E.
Here are some tips to make your holidays brighter:
- If you’re buying a television, look for one with the ENERGY STAR® logo. Products that have earned the ENERGY STAR designation help prevent greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict energy-efficiency specifications set by the government. They also help save you money on utility bills!
- LED holiday lights can help you save 90% more in lighting costs when compared to traditional incandescent holiday lights, so they pay for themselves almost immediately. Other bonuses: They’re cooler to the touch, shine 10 times brighter and last 10 times longer, and they’re unbreakable.
- Light up someone’s holiday by giving them a compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulb — they cost one-fourth as much to operate and last up to 10 times longer.
- Buy a solar charger for your cell phone, iPod and other gadgets.
- If there’s a new cell phone in your stocking, recycle your old one. Each year, 130 million cell phones are thrown away. That’s 65,000 tons of refuse! Also make sure to take computers, TV sets and other electronics to authorized e-cycling locations.
You can find more holiday energy-saving tips at http://www.sdge.com/documents/residential/HolidayLighting.pdf.
Tags: CFL, compact fluorescent light, Energy Star, LED, SDG&E, Sempra, solar charger
Posted in Energy, Partners | No Comments »
Dec
14
The Miramar Reservoir is part of the system that delivers water to San Diego. How much do you know about where your water comes from and the water issues affecting our community and state?
The Public Policy Institute of California released a paper this month titled “California Water Myths.” The paper identifies eight myths and then discusses the realities. One of the myths identified is that we can conserve our way out of our water problems. This is not true, the authors assert.
The reality: “Conservation is important, but its effectiveness is often overstated.”
Note the first half of the reality—conservation is important, very important. The second half is also worth highlighting—conservation alone is not enough. The paper examines other myths including: California is running out of water, healthy aquatic ecosystems conflict with a health economy, [insert villain here] is responsible for California’s water problems and we can find a consensus that will keep all parties happy. There is no consensus that will keep everyone happy according to the paper.
STAND FOR LESS recommends that all Californian’s review this study. It is time we move beyond myth and rhetoric and into reality. Then we can make real progress on this divisive but important issue.
Tags: California Water Myths, Conservation, Miramar Reservoir, Public Policy Institute of California, San Diego, STAND FOR LESS, sustainability
Posted in Water | No Comments »
Dec
10
We choose to STAND FOR LESS because we believe a sustainable world is possible. The United Nations Climate Change Conference is under way right now in Copenhagen. The goal of the conference is to establish a framework for climate change mitigation.
In October Governor Schwarzenegger held an important conference as a precursor to the Copenhagen meeting. Of all American states, California is arguably the leader when it comes to discussing and dealing with issues related to climate change. On December 2, 2009, the governor released a report on California’s climate adaption strategy. Schwarzenegger calls this a first of its kind approach. The report and recommendations can be found on the state’s climate change portal at www.climatechange.ca.gov.
Residents of San Diego County can take important steps at home to learn about and address this issue, but state, national and international policy approaches to climate change are necessary as well. This is why Copenhagen is so important. It is one step in an ongoing process to address global climate change.
An outstanding campaign STAND FOR LESS has been following is called Hopenhagen. The mission of Hopenhagen is “To connect every person, every city, and every nation to Copenhagen. To give everyone hope, and a platform from which to act. To create a grassroots movement that’s powerful enough to influence change.”
STAND FOR LESS supports this mission and encourages you to learn more about Hopenhagen and sign the campaign’s petition:
Tags: California, Copenhage, Hopenhagen, San Diego, Schwarzenegger, STAND FOR LESS, United Nations Climate Change Conference
Posted in Climate change, Events | No Comments »
Dec
8
Here are a few ideas for enjoying the holiday season while you take a STAND FOR LESS:
- The Treehugger Holiday Gift Guide – It’s that time of year when many of us buy gifts for those we love. Treehugger does a great job of compiling a list of gifts that allows you to partake in the holiday tradition and STAND FOR LESS.
- Support Sacramento-based non-profit Solar Cookers International and offset C02 emissions. This innovative non-profit is working to supply solar cookers to people in third world countries.
- Keep learning. Educate yourself by following journalists like San Diego-based Mike Lee. We post many of Mike’s stories on the STAND FOR LESS Facebook page (Facebook users click here to become a fan). The San Diego Union Tribune also maintains this page with Mike’s most recent stories on top.
- Encourage your friends to join the STAND FOR LESS movement.
Tags: Mike Lee, San Diego Union-Tribune, Solar Cookers International, STAND FOR LESS on Facebook, Treehugger
Posted in Air quality, Climate change, STAND FOR LESS | No Comments »
