ACT NOW for Climate Change

This Saturday, April 21, the San Luis Obispo Air Pollution Control District (APCD) will launch the ACT NOW Challenge at the Earth Day Celebration at SLO Mission Plaza, to urge local residents, kids and professionals to take steps to reduce greenhouse gases and our carbon footprint. The ACT NOW Challenge will be initiated at Earth Day and held throughout Clean Air Month (i.e., May) to engage individuals of all ages in measuring their carbon footprint and identifying means for reducing their impact on climate change. The APCD’s goal is to solicit over 1000 pledges from residents countywide who will commit to reduce their carbon footprint throughout the month of May.

By participating in the ACT NOW Challenge, participants must take four simple steps:

1. Log onto the 10% Challenge website (www.tenpercentchallenge.org) and use the residential calculator to determine their current household carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions;

2. Identify simple steps they pledge to take throughout the month of May to decrease their greenhouse gas emissions;

3. Complete the ACT NOW Challenge registration form that identifies their actions;

4. Submit registration form to the APCD (3433 Roberto Ct, SLO, CA 93401 or fax to 781-1002) by Friday, May 25.

Registration forms are available on line at www.slocleanair.org and must be submitted by May 25 to be entered in a random prize drawing for a chance to win many fun clean air related items. Throughout Clean Air Month, the APCD will host a booth at SLO Farmers’ Markets to increase awareness of the ACT NOW Challenge and steps we can take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The raffle drawing will take place at the APCD booth at SLO Farmers' Market on May 31.

The world’s scientific community agrees that the Earth’s climate is changing due to human activity. While the evidence for climate change is overwhelming, it is impossible to predict exactly how it will affect California’s ecosystems and economy in the future. Although oil refining, power plants and auto emissions are the singled out as major contributors to climate change, there are activities we can do that can help and make a difference.

For more information contact the APCD at 781-5912 or visit www.slocleanair.org. Don’t wait any longer … it’s time to ACT NOW for Climate Change and take steps top reduce greenhouse gases and our carbon footprint!