Neighbor’s effort turns city just a little more green
Beaverton council tackles global warming after a little prodding from Barbara Wilson
Jaime Valdez / Times Newspapers
Barbara Wilson hopes residents will follow the city’s lead in making climate protection a priority by taking actions to reduce global warming and pollution.
Beaverton has agreed to go green.
The City Council voted Monday night to endorse the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement and strive to take additional actions in city operations and the community to reduce global warming pollution.
Beaverton joins Ashland, Corvallis, Eugene, Lake Oswego, Lincoln City and Portland in a national coalition led by Seattle Mayor Greg Nichols to adopt greenhouse gas emission reduction targets and programs to reduce pollution levels to 7 percent below 1990 levels by 2012.
In signing onto the agreement, Beaverton joins other communities across the country in urging federal and state governments to enact policies that would reduce the United State’s dependence on fossil fuels and accelerate the development of clean, economical energy resources and fuel-efficient technology.
“This is a starting point,” said Mayor Rob Drake. “It’s a guideline for us to move toward.
“It doesn’t have a timeline or change things overnight.”
By signing the agreement, the city pledges to redouble its efforts to be good stewards and maintain a solid commitment to improve and protect the environment, he said.
Monday’s action was prompted by a request from longtime Highland neighbor Barbara Wilson.
During the summer Wilson shared her concerns about global warming with the mayor and council.
Wilson asked city officials to review the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, join the national coalition of local communities and create a citizen ad hoc committee to focus on public outreach.
“Signing onto this agreement is a statement that the leaders of this community are aware of the problem and willing to take actions to reduce carbon emissions,” Wilson said.
“It starts the conversation. This is step one. The public now needs to be brought on board. That’s step two.”
More to be done
To accomplish that goal, she hopes that the city will form a committee of interested residents willing to learn about global warming and ways to prevent the problem from getting any worse.
“There are little things that everyone can do to cut back on the energy they use,” Wilson said. “It means driving less, consolidating trips and driving smaller vehicles.
“It means taking the MAX, walking and biking. It means changing the light bulbs and appliances you use in your home.”
The city has already taken actions of its own to reduce harmful global warming pollutants.
Those include purchasing 10 percent of its electrical needs from windpower sources, using model energy efficient practices in the Beaverton City Library and earning designations as a Tree City USA since 1995 and Bicycle Friendly Community-Bronze Level since 2003.
“The city of Beaverton has done a pretty good job environmentally,” Wilson said. “I’d like to see more. There’s still more work to be done, and we all have a role to play.”
Top 10 things you can do to reduce global warming:
Most climate pollution that causes global warming comes from fuels used to produce energy like gasoline, diesel, coal and natural gas.
Here are some ways you can be part of the solution to protect the environment.
1. Drive less. Walk, bike, carpool, take public transit and combine errands. Limit the amount of time you spend behind the wheel.
2. Be a smart driver. Keep your car tuned and tires properly inflated. Don’t idle when you’re stuck in a line.
3. Be fuel-efficient. Not only will you save gas, money and reduce emissions, but driving a fuel-efficient car that gets 32 miles per gallon leads to a real reduction in climate pollution. If you have a diesel vehicle, the more biodiesel you use, the fewer the emissions you produce.
4. Reduce, reuse and recycle. Choose pre-owned products, products that have recycled content and products that are sold with less packaging.
5. Use a push or electric mower. Gasoline mowers are one of the biggest polluters in the neighborhood. Go manual or electric.
6. Stay out of hot water. A hot water tank is the second largest user of energy in a home. Set your tank at about 120*F, take shorter showers, use water-efficient washing machines and wash clothes in cold water.
7. Buy ENERGY STAR. Look for the ENERGY STAR label, an EPA rating system awarded to only the most energy-efficient appliances, computers, light fixtures and other electrical conveniences.
8. Turn down, turn off and unplug. Set thermostats at 68*F when you’re home and 55*F or lower when you’re away or at night. Turn off lights in empty rooms and use compact fluorescent bulbs in place of standard light bulbs. Unplug electronics not in use.
9. Befriend your utility. Most utility companies offer energy conservation programs and can provide more information, technical assistance and even some rebates.
10. Shout it out. You can make a difference. Start by taking the steps above and then let others know of your commitment.