This is the fourth of a continuing series of monthly “Climate Actions of the Month”, brought to you by the USNF Climate Action Group (CAG). It is a way to provide focus and build a spirit of collective action as we each do what we can to tackle climate change. Each monthly bundle of actions touches on 4 levels: personal, community, state/national/global, and educational. Our website will be coming soon and will offer resources to support the monthly actions. To learn more about the CAG contact Molly Hale at hellomolly@comcast.net or 585-0791.
1. Personal: If you own a house or business in Northampton, check out the website solarizenorthampton.com and sign up for a personal home or business evaluation with Real Goods Solar. The deadline to sign up is Sept. 30. If you have thought that you can’t afford solar, you may be surprised. Typical payback for owning your own system takes only 5 years, but the solar panels keep generating electricity for at least 25-30 years.
If you live outside of Northampton, contact an independent local solar installer about getting a PV system. Currently available rebates and low prices on the hardware make this a really good time to get PV, whether through Solarize or another program.
And if you haven’t already done so, contact the Center for Ecological Technology for a free Mass Energy audit: laura.biddulph@cetonline.org This is a requirement prior to installation of a solar system through Solarize Northampton.
2. Community: Volunteer to help Solarize Northampton by tabling or hosting an informational house party for neighbors. Contact solarizenorthampton@gmail.com to help.
3. State/National/Global: Participate in the“Summer Heat” mass mobilization of non-violent direct action organized by 350.org and taking place at sites across the country. Our region’s action will be in Somerset, MA to shut down the Brayton Point Coal Plant, the largest fossil fuel plant between Maryland and Maine. The action takes place on Sunday July 28, with training on July 27. Learn more and sign up at http://joinsummerheat.org/
4. Inform yourself: The Summer 2013 issue of UU World magazinehas 3 articles related to climate change. Links to these articles are below. Read them and initiate conversations with others in our congregation.
“Adaptation and Defiance” http://www.uuworld.org/ideas/articles/285901.shtml
“Fossil Fuel Divestment is Moral, Strategic” http://www.uuworld.org/ideas/articles/285524.shtml
“Fossil Fuel Divestment is Not the Answer” http://www.uuworld.org/ideas/articles/285525.shtml
