4/7/2009 6:00:00 AM Greenhouse gas focus of April 16 forum
Over the past year, members of Fitchburg's Resource Conservation Commission (RCC) have volunteered hundreds of hours to inventory Fitchburg's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and develop recommendations to reduce those emissions.
When you think about how life is different than it was just 20 years ago, is it any wonder greenhouse gas emissions have increased? Think about how much your need for fuel and electricity have increased since you were growing up.
Computers have become an essential part of most day-to-day activities.
Many families have more than one TV and many families have larger-screened TVs. (Large screen and High Definition TVs use considerably more energy than conventional TVs.).
Most households have at least two vehicles.
Most houses and cars have air conditioning.
Outdoor lighting has increased as more roads are built and security concerns have increased.
Garage door openers, clothes dryers, snow blowers, leaf blowers and other gas-powered small engines are commonplace in households.
These are just a few of the causes of the increased demand for fuel and electricity which, when combined with the population increase, have resulted in an exponential increase in greenhouse gas emissions.
There are many things you can do to reduce your GHG emissions; some are very easy and actually save you money. Interested? Would you like to learn about ways you can be a better steward of our Earth?
Attend RCC's annual forum on Thursday, April 16, 2009, from 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. This year's forum, "Reducing Your Greenhouse Gas Emissions," will include presentations from Sustain Dane, Madison Environmental Group, Focus on Energy and the Sierra Club. In addition, RCC will be presenting Fitchburg's GHG emissions inventory and distributing helpful tips for reducing your GHG emissions. The Forum will be held at City Hall, in the Council Chambers. The Forum is free, and refreshments will be provided. (Please bring along your refillable water bottle.)
For more information or to pre-register (optional), please contact Rick Eilertson, Fitchburg Environmental Engineer, at rick.eilertson@city.fitchburg.wi.us or 274-4264.
