Nya:wëh Sgë:nö’,
We’ve been fortunate to have a moderately mild winter to date. Although most of us are enjoying having an easy winter, it’s not so great for the environment.
At the Cattaraugus community meeting, the topic of global warming and climate change was discussed. Global warming is the long term heating of the earth’s atmosphere primarily due to human activities such as burning of fossil fuels, also known as the greenhouse effect. Climate change influences the long term weather patterns affected by global warming which includes changes in ocean temperatures, melting of the polar icecaps, and more severe weather storms.
Everyone can make a difference in healing the planet. It starts in your home and community. Begin by speaking to family and friends about making good choices around your home. Power your home with renewable energy when possible such as with wind or solar. Weatherize your home by insulating and sealing, this creates better heating and cooling systems to use less energy. Using energy–efficient appliances reduces carbon dioxide pollution out in the air. Carbon emissions are a leading cause of greenhouse gases. Appliances with an energy star label are most efficient.
Reducing water waste is another way to reduce carbon pollution. Anything that uses energy to heat, pump, or treat your water creates carbon. Just turning off the water while brushing your teeth or taking shorter showers can make a difference. Other quick changes also help, such as buying LED light bulbs and unplugging devices when not in use. This is referred to as idle load using energy unnecessarily. Also, a significant amount of food waste ends up in landfills, a large producer of methane and carbon dioxide emissions.
The Nation is taking steps to improve some areas of energy efficiencies. The One Stops are reviewing their 30 year old tank systems comparing to two walled barrier tanks (interstitial space) with spill detecting monitors. The Environmental Department is working on numerous initiatives to help with waste management, recycling, and possible pesticide ordinance revisions. As always, the Energy Department continues to discuss options for renewable energy on a larger scale.
I’m hopeful we will all do our part to preserve our environment, every action helps!
On another note, the Area Office of the Aging (AOA) and Executives/Council will announce a contest for a vehicle design wrap for the new AOA buses. The contest announcement will have a full description and details in the February 28th newsletter.
