April's monthly HCCA program, "Climate Change: Individuals Can Make a Difference," was a resounding success with about 50 attendees, including numerous local environmental leaders and agency officials.
Susan Lower, a dynamic teacher and crusader, explained we are already experiencing global warming in Maryland. Water level has risen one foot in the last century and some southern bird species such as the brown pelican are now found here while we see fewer of our usual species. She said we must conserve energy and increase energy efficiency to keep the planet livable. The most important actions we can all take are:
- Set your heating system to 68 degrees during the day and 63 degrees or lower at night.
- Use "energy star" fluorescent bulbs, and appliances; immediately replace any frig made before 1993 - it will quickly pay for itself.
- Turn down the temperature of your water heater from 120 to 115 degrees
- Buy a car that gets good gas mileage.
Her complete list of 25 tips will be posted soon; most result in significant $ savings. We learned that recycling works; it costs $32/ton to recycle versus $60/ton to have our county waste buried in Virginia. This is because recycled materials are sold; for example, recycled plastic is made into fleece, carpet, toys, plastic barrels, etc. Because plastic is derived from petroleum, recycling also reduces oil consumption.
Environmental leaders introduced themselves and described the purposes of their organizations and current activities. HCCA has offered to post this information on our listserve, with their meeting and program dates.
Joshua Feldmark, Executive Director of the County Commission on Environment and Sustainability, explained that the Commission is looking at how to structure government to achieve the environmental goals outlined in the Mayors' Agreement. The Agreement has been signed by the County Executive; it endorses the Kyoto Treaty on reducing carbon emissions.
The Commission is looking at various government models and has just formed subcommittees which include air and water quality, green building, open space and land, education and outreach. HCCA's vice-president Betsy Singer is co-chair of the Commission. Its meetings are open and four dialogue sessions will be held with the public in May.
John Byrd, Chief of the Bureau of Parks and Program Services for the county Recreation and Parks Department, explained what his Bureau does, and Mina Hilsenrath, Chief of Environmental and Community Planning for DPZ, said environmental action requires both the government's will to make change, and strong grassroots support. She now sees that support in HCCA's Environmental Committee headed by Cathy Hudson, and last night's meeting.
We encourage participation in HCCA's Environmental Committee which meets the first Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the county Recreation and Parks Building at 7120 Oakland Mills Rd., Columbia. Cathy can be reached at cathy.hudson@howard-citizen.org. About sixty people have attended so far; this is one of HCCA's most active and important groups.
Bridget Mugane, President HCCA