Fictional Nonprofit Designed to Promote

¶ … Fictional nonprofit designed to promote low-carbon and carbon-Free living

Environmentalism has become increasingly trendy in the past decades. Recycling; carrying reusable shopping bags; and buying Energy Star-rated products and hybrid vehicles have been embraced by the mainstream public as fashion statements. However, our organization believes that it is not enough to take such small steps to combat the devastating impact of global warming. Instead, we are working to promote a truly carbon-free lifestyle in every facet of the lifestyles of residents of the developed world. Our new nonprofit organization 'Carbon Free -- You and Me' attempts to promote a variety of carbon-free lifestyle changes and initiatives to the general population.

Major programs and services

Promoting Meatless Mondays (or cutting down meat consumption to one or two days per week given that methane is a significant greenhouse gas and cows are one of the post potent sources of methane emission); encouraging the installation of solar panels to reduce the use of fossil-fuels when heating a home; using wind energy; reducing consumption of material goods by buying used clothing; and supporting environmentally-friendly businesses and research with government grants are all part of the Carbon Free mission (Top 50 things to do to stop global warming, 2010, Global Warming Facts).

The organization also has a substantial educational component, and will disseminate information to schools to educate children about the carbon-free lifestyle. It will also sponsor contests for students to encourage them to become excited about a less carbon-dependent existence, like a new 'environmentally friendly' invention contest. Encouraging children to walk and ride a bike to school where it is safe is also another way to introduce carbon-free living to young people.

Reason for action

Global warming is one of the greatest challenges faced by the current generation. Global temperatures have been steadily increasing, but there has been a particularly notable spike since 1980. The types of changes that the individual can take to lead a more carbon-free existence are significant and 'real.' Solar panels and/or using wood-burning stoves are the only true way to avoid burning fossil fuels at all when heating a home. But using appropriate insulation, turning down the thermostat in the winter and up in the summer as little as two degrees (this alone can save about 2,000 pounds of carbon dioxide per annum); keeping vehicles well-maintained to reduce fuel consumption and other changes that are beneficial both to the individual as well as society can make a real difference (Top 50 things to do to stop global warming, 2010, Global Warming Facts).

Perhaps the most important stride that has been made in the service of the environment is that more people are acknowledging the reality of global warming, rather than denying its existence. Now comes the time to make lifestyle changes, some of which may be painful but many of which have an upside, even for the individual. Driving a smaller vehicle and driving fewer miles results in gas savings. So does the use of energy-efficient appliances. Eating less meat and walking more results in health benefits for the consumer.