SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – October 12, 2015 (Gephardt Daily)– Mayor Ralph Becker and Salt Lake City’s Sustainability Division officially kicked off an initiative to increase awareness about the local realities of climate change Monday.
The first-ever Climate Week will also examine what Salt Lake City is doing to prepare for the future and what individuals can do to reduce their impact at home.
“Salt Lake City is aggressively preparing for future climate challenges, to be a resilient community with a high quality of life,” said Mayor Ralph Becker. “We understand that addressing climate change is vital to our city livability goals. As we mitigate our impacts, we improve air quality, facilitate mobility, ensure a safe and abundant water supply and create more walkable neighborhoods.”
Local action on climate change has been among Mayor Becker’s top priorities since taking office. Salt Lake City government has been recognized by the White House and national climate stakeholders for the innovative and successful climate initiatives it’s deployed in recent years. More details on the City’s efforts to-date are available on the Climate Action Champions webpage.
Climate Week, running through October 16, is the culmination of the first class of Salt Lake Climate Leaders, an internal program that educates and empowers champions within City departments to identify opportunities to reduce emissions, streamline operations and prepare for the future.
As a part of Climate Week, the City encourages residents to consider taking these five easy steps to reduce their carbon footprint:
1. Use cold water detergent and cold water setting for clothes washer.
Save 1,270 pounds of CO2 annually and $92.
2. Replace your furnace filter and manage your thermostat.
Save 1,800 pounds of CO2 annually and $124.
3. Properly inflate your tires and Ride with Hive.
Save 400 pounds of CO2 annually and $95 (tires only)
4. Replace at least five lights with LEDs.
Save 500 pounds of CO2 annually and $40 (per five lights)
5. Use reusable water bottles and mugs – plus, downsize your garbage can.
Save 580 pounds of CO2 annually and $150 (reusable drink containers only)
Learn more at SLCgov.com/SLCgreen/ClimateWeek.
