There has been a lot of talk in the newspapers and on the blogosphere recently about the need for alternative power development. Many prominent climate change experts such as Andrew Weaver have criticized conservationists for fighting against the development of so called alternative power project such as run-of-river power and wind power. This has frustrated me to no end as I do not see the need to choose between biodiversity and carbon emissions reduction. It is my opinion that through common sense and better communication that we can learn to live on much less electricity than we consume right now and ensure that any alternative power that we do develop is built in suitable areas that do not jeopardize the preservation of natural values and thus, ecosystem services. This article from the Tyee is an excellent insight into this discussion.
There is so much that we can do personally to fight climate change that doesn’t require the destruction of natural areas for ill thought power development projects. Lets not let the debate over government policy distract us from the choices that we can make every day! Here are just a few:
1 - Grow your own food or buy local organic food
Believe it or not, industrial agriculture is one of the leading contributors to overall Greenhouse Gas Emissions. If you include the GHG emissions from transporting food long distances, the use of petroleum based fertilizers, and the industrial emissions from fossil food creation, agriculture contributes upwards of 15% of total global emissions. The North American diet may in fact be responsible for a higher amount of emissions due to the high consumption of processed foods.
Your own garden on the other hand is completely carbon neutral if you do not use petroleum based fertilizers. This food is also free to produce, and very healthy too. Local organic foods are also a good choice if you do not have the ability to grow your own garden. Check out Local Harvest to learn where you can buy locally grown food. Locally grown food has the added benefits of knowing who is producing your food, the practices of the farmer who grows your food, and the reduction in emissions needed to transport the food. Most communities even have farmers markets at convenient locations to make the switch to locally produced foods an easy process.
2 - When you need a new product, check the thrift store and classifieds for a used alternative
Buying new products may seem like a great way to get your money’s worth, but new products are not always better. Modern manufacturing processes have led to a continued decrease in the quality of products and the time before they fail (any ipod owner will know exactly what I am talking about). A great way to contribute to fighting climate change is to reduce your consumption of new products. Used products are often just as good as a new product (often better). Websites like craigslist or usedvictoria can find you the product you need for a fraction of the cost. In addition, shopping at thrift stores and garage sales is a great way to meet the needs of your “shopping itch” without emptying your bank account.
3 - Reduce consumption of electronic entertainment
Believe it or not, TV, MP3’s, and video games have not been with the human race for very long. The technology needed for these forms of entertainment are extremely environmentally destructive to make (plastics, heavy metals, water, electricity) and consume a lot of electricity when we use them. The modern fad to own the latest gadget can greatly increase your carbon footprint, decrease the amount of time spent outside, and contribute to health issues such as mental health problems, obesity, and heart disease. In addition, electronics consume huge amounts of electricity, even when they are turned off.
Getting outside not only reconnects you with the natural world, but is a great way to reduce stress, increase clarity of thought, and increase self esteem. Some organizations are working to fight what has been called Nature Deficit Disorder as people are more and more losing connection with the natural world. For more information on the importance of nature, check out the book Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv.
4 - For exercise, why not ride your bike to work?
Riding a bike is a great way to reduce stress, get exercise, and reduce your dependence on fossil fuels. Many people find that when they ride their bike they feel a great sense of freedom in not having to worry about parking and traffic.
Riding a bike as your main form of transportation is much easier than you might think. Many city busses now have bike racks for helping with extra long distances. More and more cities are expanding their bike trails and installing bike lanes on the sides of roads. Some people perceive cycling as dangerous in the city, but if compared to the rate and seriousness of automobile accidents, cycling is actually statistically much safer. With the introduction of electric assist bicycles, cycling has never been more accessible, even to those with disabilities. If you live in BC, the government might also give you a cash incentive up to $1300 to remove your old car off the road and replace it with a bicycle or electric bike.
5 - Donate to land conservation organizations or promote the protection of natural areas to your local political representative
One of our main tools to fight climate change is carbon sequestration through the preservation of natural areas. Organizations such as The Land Conservancy, The Nature Trust, are all working to preserve natural areas. The more land we can protect from development, the greater ability we will have to pull carbon emissions out of the atmosphere. Natural places not only contribute to the reduction in GHG emissions, they also provide other important ecosystem services such as clean water, crop pollination, waste absorption, and even cultural, social, and spiritual inspiration!
Can you think of other creative ways to fight climate change or reduce energy consumption? Post them in the comments section below!
Monday, October 5, 2009 at 9:19AM 
