FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 21, 2008
Salt Lake City – To commemorate Earth Day, Mayor Ralph Becker visited a group of West High School students today and shared with them the top items he personally does to help promote a greener city
The students are part of an Earth Systems class that has been studying global warming. After the Mayor spoke he fielded questions from the students. Many students were surprised to hear that Mayor Becker walks or rides his bike almost everywhere he goes. They were also surprised to hear that he lives in a modest apartment close to work so that he can cut down on commuting time and the additional resources it takes to heat and cool a large home.
The following is the list of actions Mayor Becker personally incorporates to help protect the earth. He encourages others to try and implement as many of them as possible into their own lives.
1. Walk, bike, or take public transportation whenever possible.
2. Recycle everything possible, including taking glass to drop-off sites.
3. Purchase locally grown food as often as possible.
4. Purchase products that are made of recycled materials.
5. Have compact fluorescent lights in the home.
6. Support local businesses to help build sustainable economic communities.
7. When there is a need to drive, use biodiesel or other alternative clean fuels in vehicles.
8. Doesn’t print things unless absolutely necessary; files memos and reports electronically.
9. Keep the home thermostat set at 68 degrees when home and 60 degrees when away.
10. Live in small space to reduce heating and cooling demands.
11. Live close to work, transit, and services to make it easier to walk and bike around for work and errands.
12. Re-use water and save water for plant watering.
13. Boil only enough water necessary for purpose.
14. Recreate primarily with non-motorized activities.
During his presentation, Mayor Becker told the students he remembers the first Earth Day because it took place during his senior year in high school. Earth Day played a major role in helping him decide to devote much of his career to working on issues and projects that would protect the environment.
