Cool Monadnock Challenges and Solutions

CHALLENGE: Getting the information to community members

a. Connect with schools:
Deliverable(s):
Involve students with inventory process. They can then have a presentation to town or school board on results

Presentation at school with students to public. Contact Clean Air Cool Planet for help in connecting with school/teacher.

b. Connect with Social Groups (Rotary, VFW, Lions)
Deliverable(s):
Utilize these Powerpoint presentations to tailor to the organization:
Creating and Implementing Solutions to Climate Change

c. Connect with educated non-believers: emphasize the benefits of action regardless of their belief in global warming: health, economics, green jobs.
Deliverable(s):
Get help at “Meet the Scientists” meeting. TBA for April.

d. Connect with general community members:
Deliverable(s):
Start a book club at local library with non-fiction environmental books with some of the books focused on climate change. Here is a list of recommended books to add to the list.
www.grinningplanet.com/environmental-books/global-warming-books.htm

Sell CFL bulbs at cost – take orders, pick up at recycling center. See this site for information. http://www.onebillionbulbs.org/

Create a monthly town newsletter. Click here to see a sample template.

e. Connect with small business owners:
Deliverable(s):
Utilize the Keene 10% Challenge model to tailor to your communities local businesses.

f. Connect with Churches:
Deliverable(s):
Contact the Regenration Project for what is happening in your area with churches at www.theregenerationproject.org/ or contact the Green Sanctuary program from the Unitarian Universalist Church at http://uuministryforearth.org/grs_overview.htm

g. Communicate the urgency of climate change issues to the public through public education
Deliverable(s):
Meet-ups (“house parties”) in the communities.
Have booths at local festivals and events
Have booths outside town meetings (sell CFL bulbs)
Hold technology demonstrations, with information on cost and energy savings from better technology

h. PR and Outreach on early successes
Deliverable(s):
Work with PSNH to change bulbs and ballasts in a (or several) public building(s) and publicize the cost savings
Use leveraged or cooperative purchasing for things like biodiesel to get them at lower cost for your town and neighboring towns
Start a challenge or competition with neighboring towns to motivate greater efforts to save emissions
Use the inventories and other data to raise awareness about $ savings:

Write about it in newspaper columns and newsletters
Make a report to the Town Meeting
Use public signs, like a thermometer, to show progress

Last Updated: 7/27/09