Last week, I attended the Governor’s Conference on the Environment in Lexington, Kentucky. The theme this year was ‘Go for the Green’, and they weren’t talking about money either. One of the recurring subjects in each of the discussions was carbon and climate change. It is time for us to wake up and do something about reducing our carbon footprint before it is too late.

The fact that our planet is warming is indisputable. Does it really make a difference whether it is cyclical or a result of emissions? Scientific data shows that whenever carbon levels rise – and we are at the highest levels in 650,000 years, global temperatures rise as well. It’s hard to believe, but even a few degrees can result in drastic changes, such as rising sea levels and lack of water making some areas uninhabitable. To ensure our planets survival and our children’s future, we must reduce our carbon emissions now.

What does that mean to you and me? Each one of us must examine our lives closely and make changes in our habits to reduce our carbon footprint. We can do this by: using compact florescent lights (CFL’s), carpooling, riding a bike or walking when possible, changing our driving habits, buying energy efficient cars and appliances, signing up for an energy audit, recycling more items, composting, avoiding wasteful packaging, growing some of our own food, buying local produce, planting and saving our trees, supporting local and sustainable businesses, adjusting our thermostats, turning off lights and unplugging electronics when not in use, not idling our cars nor buying bottled water nor using plastic bags, etc, etc, etc.

There are an infinite number of things, big and small, that can be done to reduce the carbon our household generates every day. And as an added benefit, most will save us money. Converting one 100 Watt light bulb to a CFL bulb saves $10.80 a year.  Over the life of the bulb, it saves $59.20 and reduces CO2 emissions by 825 pounds. The question today shouldn’t be, ‘Should I do it?’, but ‘How can I get started?’ All of us are guilty of abusing the environment, and all of us must make changes to save it, starting at home and carrying it forward to our churches, businesses and governments, as well.

The speakers at the conference stated that we can turn around this global climate crisis if we make changes today. Sometimes it is hard to maintain that hope when simple things, like recycling, are done half-heartedly, but changes are occurring. Green buildings are being constructed, and cities are adopting green philosophies. Individuals are cutting back, and businesses are getting on board. We have made some progress, but we must do more. Let’s wake up to the crisis that we have, and become innovative in our solutions. Let’s make reducing carbon a priority in our lives for our children and our planet.

Our Go Green Group would love to hear from individuals and businesses throughout Fort Thomas and Campbell County who are doing things to reduce their carbon footprint. Please contact Sharon at sharon.tepe@fuse.net