|
October 2019 Newsletter
|
DRIVING THE FUTURE
The EPA reports that 29% of greenhouse gas emissions nationwide result from transportation, yet locally, this number is 50%. Fortunately, 2020 is expected to be the breakthrough year for the EV revolution in personal and commercial transportation. To shine light on these ever rising solutions, over 20 electric vehicles were on display for the September 14, 2019, Drive Electric Celebration hosted by Santa Fe County and the Green Chamber of Commerce at the Santa Fe Place Mall. From “dancing” Teslas, Nissan Leaf test drives, solar powered beats, to electric bicycles, all things electric were celebrated. Electric vehicle (EV) owners and sponsoring organizations provided valuable information (like Electric Vehicle Basics, Pump or Plug?, and The Truth about Auto Emissions), for the electric curious and converts alike to include the State of New Mexico EMNRD, Clean Cities, Nissan, Fiesta, Tesla Motor Club members, Del Norte Credit Union, PNM, Positive Energy Solar, Santa Fe Mini, Pedego E-Bikes, and Linograt Charging Systems. Check out the Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center to find out all of the many benefits of going electric! If you are ready to buy an EV- consider this amazing offer.
|
MAKING A DIFFERENCE!
The Santa Fe County Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved Resolution 2019-111 declaring a climate emergency in collaboration with the region, other cities and states, nationally, and worldwide. Santa Fe Public Schools approved a Call to Climate Action in the previous week, and the City of Santa Fe has also adopted a climate action resolution. In joining the growing number of governments across the globe, the powerful call for change continues as evidenced by the youth-led climate strike, at the NM State Capital on September 20, 2019. Demand for systemic changes are important moves toward making a vital difference, especially in New Mexico considering the recent research brief by Climate Central, which reports that NM is the “second fastest-warming state in the U.S.” Visit YUCCA to find out more on ways that you can contribute locally to this four million strong and growing, youth led international effort!
|
The Greater Santa Fe Fireshed Coalition recently released a risk report that ranks Santa Fe #12 highest at-risk City in the Western United States for wildfire. The report focuses upon the wildland urban interface where properties on the edge of natural terrain are considered to be at a high danger level. The projected forecast for damage risk prepares the metropolitan area of Santa Fe for moving toward measures and urban planning to mitigate this risk. For example, smart growth encourages density in the corridors at lowest risk for wildfire and natural disasters as well as open space preservation and natural resources conservation practices.
|
What Can I Do? Action 2- Reduce Your Fossil-Fuel-Based Transportation
Last month we featured understanding our impact through the measurement of carbon footprints as the first action step in our "What Can I Do?" series. The majority of U.S. households find that emissions are largest around transportation and energy, specifically commuting and heating, which leads to Action 2: Reducing your transportation footprint: Small changes make a big impact over time. Asses your driving habits. Consolidate and reduce errands when possible. Decrease driving and increase health through biking, walking, taking the train, or sharing rides. Commit to taking one less drive a week! Also, check out the many benefits of going electric with the purchase of an electric vehicle!
|
|
|
|
Save the Date - Upcoming Events
|
|
Saturday, Oct. 5-6
10 am - 4 pm
El Rancho de las Golondrinas, 334 Los Pinos Rd., La Cienega
Bring in the harvest and kick off fall in a community celebration of local agriculture and history!
Saturday, Oct. 19
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Alto Park, 1121 Alto Street, Santa Fe
Join the fun and help clean up our beautiful river and Arroyo at Alto Park!
|
|
Sunday, Oct. 12
9-10:30 am
Galisteo Basin Preserve, Cowboy Shack Trailhead, Lamy
Run, hike or bike to support the maintenance of the basin trails! Prizes and more!
Saturday Oct. 19
9-11 am
Demonstration Garden @ the Fairgrounds, 3229 Rodeo Road, Santa Fe
Compost your organics and reduce 25% of your residential waste!
|
|
Saturday, Oct. 12-14
1 - 4 pm
Downtown Historic Plaza, Santa Fe
Come celebrate the 23 Tribes, Nations and Pueblos, local arts, culture and more!
Saturday, Nov. 2
1- 4 pm
Make Santa Fe, 2879 All Trades Road, Santa Fe
From Siler, east on Industrial Road, then look for the banner on the left just after the left fork with All Trades Roads. Albuquerque is holding their first FixIt Clinic on November 16 at the FUSE Makerspace from 9-12.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sustainability Comments or Questions?
We are your local advisors on all things sustainability in Santa Fe County. Call us about anything from water conservation, cleaner transportation, solar and renewable energy, composting, recycling, etc. Or let us know what you would like to learn more about in our newsletter.
Contact us at:
Claudia Borchert
505.992.3044
cborchert@santafecountynm.gov
Jacqueline Beam
505.992.9832
jybeam@santafecountynm.gov
|
|
