September 2011 
In this issue:

  

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MovingPlanetJoin the Day of Climate Action on September 24 

Moving Planet Seattle is part of a worldwide rally on September 24, to demand solutions to the climate crisis! Moving Planet Seattle is a community gathering with workshops, events, and rally to demonstrate our community's call for clean energy and transportation solutions for the 21st century. Thousands of citizens are expected to turn out to show our decision makers that the time has come to move beyond fossil fuels. OSE is proud to be a sponsor of this event.   

  

 

 

Activities of the Day 
9 am-1pm
: Move Yourself  - South Lake Union, Seattle 

Be in the parade of boats and bikes, feet and wheels, pedaling, rowing, and dancing all around Lake Union. End at South Lake Union Park (860 Terry Ave. N., Seattle) at 1pm for music and family fun.

  

10 am-12pm: Take Action - China Harbor Restaurant, 2040 Westlake Ave. N, Seattle 

Learn how to be a powerful advocate at two concurrent workshops: Power Past Coal and Transportation for Washington.  

 

2-3pm: Rally to Move Beyond Fossil Fuels! -Lake Union Park, 860 Terry Ave N, Seattle

Music by the Black Whales at 1 p.m. and rally for a sustainable future at 2 p.m. Show your support for moving beyond fossil fuels while enjoying inspirational speakers, community information booths, and a crowd photo for 350.org

 

4:30-6pm: Engage in Environmental Justice - Plymouth United Church of Christ, 1217 6th Ave, Seattle

Be inspired by recipients of the David Brower Youth Award given to outstanding young adults working on environmental justice issues.

   

Click here to contact the organizer.   

 
BumbershootBumbershoot & the Environment 

 

bumbershoot 

Planning on attending Seattle's premier music festival this weekend? Organizers have made great effort to minimize or offset the festival's environmental impact and offer multiple ways for you to do so as well. In addition to composting and recycling bins available, they are encouraging attendees to say no to bottled water and bring your own reusable water container. There will be free water stations at the festival for your fill ups. Bumbershoot has also partnered with Green Mountain Energy company to provide carbon offsets to make the performers' travel 100% carbon neutral. When you purchase your ticket to the festival, you will also have the option to purchase a carbon offset. More information can be found here.  

CarbonFootprintCity of Seattle's Carbon Footprint: Getting Lower! 

 

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from City government operations declined by an impressive 76 percent between 1990 and 2009. The figure below provides an overview of the results from the recent update of the City's 2008/09 emissions inventory.This inventory measures the GHG emissions from operations and from areas where the City can exert policy influence, including: City Light Electricity Generation, Solid Waste Landfills, Buildings and Facilities, Employee Commutes and Air Travel among others.  

When City operations are considered (not including the emissions associated with electricity generated for use by the community), the largest source of emissions are from the vehicle fleet representing 35 percent of 2009 emissions.Progress continues to be made in this sector including a decrease in gasoline use of over 60,000 gallons between 2008 and 2009 due to increased use of high efficiency gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles and efforts of employees to carpool, reduce unnecessary trips, and to use the most efficient vehicle for the trip. 

 

OSE is starting work this fall on an update of Seattle's Climate Action Plan. This plan will lay out the strategies and specific actions of how Seattle can continue to reduce its GHG emissions. More information about the Climate Action Plan work can be found here. 

blogFrom OSE's Blog...  
 

The purpose of this newsletter is to keep you informed about the city's environment and sustainability programs, partners, and initiatives. We welcome your feedback and suggestions for future issues at [email protected].