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Beyond the Lightbulb: Realizing Effective Environmental Action

Beyond the Lightbulb: Realizing Effective Environmental Action. Simon Nicholson School of International Service American University simon.nicholson@american.edu. The Green Sanctuary Program. Combining “the quest for justice and the healing of Earth” Four focus areas

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Beyond the Lightbulb: Realizing Effective Environmental Action

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  1. Beyond the Lightbulb: Realizing Effective Environmental Action Simon Nicholson School of International Service American University simon.nicholson@american.edu

  2. The Green Sanctuary Program • Combining “the quest for justice and the healing of Earth” • Four focus areas • Worship and celebration • Religious education • Environmental justice • Sustainable living

  3. Thinking Beyond the Lightbulb Some “Sustainable Living” pledges from a UU congregation in MA: 1. Reduce driving speed by 2 mph. 2. Check tire pressure. 3. Replace three or more light bulbs with compact fluorescents. 4. Use a canvas bag for groceries.

  4. 5. Seal cracks and improve home insulation. 6. Increase air conditioning setting. 7. Make sure all lights and electronics are off when not in use. 8. Reduce the thermostat setting at home. 9. Use “green,” nontoxic cleaning supplies. 10.Use locally grown food.

  5. http://www.chrisjordan.com/gallery/rtn/#plastic-bottles

  6. Reframing Environmental Action Michael Maniates’ “Trinity of Despair” Environmental Strategy Human Nature Social Change

  7. “Never has so little been asked of so many at such a critical moment.” - Michael Maniates

  8. Building Coalitions for Change • Where are the leverage points for social and political change? • Donella Meadows: From “diddling with the details” to paradigmatic shifts

  9. Framing and messaging • Talk to people where they are • Employ networks of trust • First, talk to the moderates

  10. Framing and messaging (cont.) • Talk to people where they are • Employ networks of trust • First, talk to the moderates • “Make it personal” • Tie to deep convictions and values

  11. The Kansas Example • Only 48% of people in the Midwest agree with the statement that there is “solid evidence that the average temperature on earth has been getting warmer” • Yet Hutchinson, Kansas just won a $50m contract to produce wind turbines • The principal of Mount Hope’s elementary school dressed up as an “energy bandit” at a recent student assembly … • http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/19/science/earth/19fossil.html

  12. Connecting with values • Thrift • Towns compete with one another to become more energy-efficient • Patriotism • Energy independence • Spiritual conviction • “Creation care” – taking stewardship seriously • Economic prosperity • Green jobs

  13. Framing and messaging (cont.) • Talk to people where they are • Employ networks of trust • First, talk to the moderates • “Make it personal” • Tie to deep convictions and values • Point to preferred futures, not sacrifices

  14. http://www.puco.ohio.gov/PUCO/Consumer/Information.cfm?id=7650http://www.puco.ohio.gov/PUCO/Consumer/Information.cfm?id=7650

  15. Washington DC Food Deserts

  16. “We might be lost, but we’re making excellent time.” - Yogi Berra

  17. Simon Nicholson School of International Service American University Washington, D.C. simon.nicholson@american.edu

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