In the post-Inconvenient Truth world, it is easy to become overwhelmed by the gloom and doom of daily radio reports, newspaper articles, and television stories all focusing on the negative impact humans have on the environment. Global problems like climate change, water shortages, and unhealthy foods are such complex issues that they can seem impossibly large and intangible for an individual person to affect in any meaningful way. And yet, when working together, individuals can be very powerful.
In 2003, Madison Environmental Group, Inc. began EnAct, a free and local sustainable living program in Dane County. EnAct creates Environmental Action Teams of friends, co-workers, or neighbors who are interested in reducing their household or workplace environmental impacts. Teams work through a Participant Guide (available at www.enactwi.org), filled with environmental statistics, local resources, and suggested actions, to make changes in the way they handle solid waste, transportation, energy, water, and food in their homes. By committing to taking action at the end of each team meeting, EnAct participants have a supportive and encouraging network in which to make changes in their own lives.
Together, EnAct teams have made a difference for themselves and for the planet. After completing the eight EnAct meetings, the average household reduces its yearly carbon dioxide emissions by 1.5 tons, uses 12,500 less gallons of water, drives 1,400 less miles, and saves $346.00. Multiply that by the over 900 households that have participated in EnAct and it’s clear that individuals are making a difference, right here in Dane County.
Check back here weekly for new tips from the EnAct Participant Guide to help you have a better impact on the environment. If you are interested in starting your own EnAct Team, please contact us at enact@madisonenvironmental.com or (608) 204-2888. If you are outside of the Madison area, you can reach us on our toll-free line at (866) 953-6228.