Neighborhoods battle global warming on a small scale

The day after marchers across the nation advocated for greater government action to tackle global warming, Karen Schneider launched a program closer to home.

On April 14, she unveiled the Phinney EcoVillage's Global Warming Project, which asks Phinney Ridge and Greenwood residents to lower their personal greenhouse-gas emissions. The city of Seattle chipped in $2,500 to promote the effort, helping to pay for a graphic designer, T-shirts and yard signs.

Phinney EcoVillage is a group of neighbors dedicated to living a simpler, greener lifestyle. Efforts similar to its Global Warming Project are sprouting across the region, and there's taxpayer money available to help them take root.

Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels recently announced a Neighborhood Climate Protection Fund that will provide matching funds of up to $15,000 for community-based projects that help cut carbon emissions or deepen understanding about global warming.

"The one requirement is that people energize their community, that it's not just two or three people with an idea," said Peter McGraw, spokesman for the city's Department of Neighborhoods.

Possible projects include: distributing tire-pressure gauges to help residents improve gas mileage, organizing commuter car pools and starting a neighbor-to-neighbor home-weatherization program.

Information

Phinney EcoVillage:

www.phinneyecovillage.net

Sustainable Ballard:

http://sustainableballard.org

The department will consider the monetary value of volunteer hours when awarding matching grants, McGraw said.

Although experts with the United Nations say national governments must lead efforts to reduce carbon dioxide, some of the most noteworthy projects are happening on a small scale.

The English village of Ashton Hayes has drawn international attention for its work to become Great Britain's first carbon-neutral community, meaning it wouldn't contribute to the increase in greenhouse gases.

A small wind turbine and solar panel heat the water of the local school. The manager of the Golden Lion pub changed his light bulbs, turned down the heat and switched off devices not being used, reducing his electricity bills by about one-third.

Locally, Sustainable Ballard is considered the forerunner of neighborhood groups promoting a carbon consciousness.

Started in 2004, Sustainable Ballard began with the idea of transforming Ballard into the first energy-independent community in the United States. Co-founder Vic Opperman said the effort is supported by volunteers and donations, though it may seek financial aid from the city.

About 800 people are on Sustainable Ballard's mailing list. In addition to filling up with bio-diesel at Dr. Dan's Alternative Fuelwerks, located a few blocks from downtown Ballard, members are encouraged to conserve and donate money to organizations that develop power from renewable resources or plant trees.

Opperman said Sustainable Ballard has not set a specific carbon-reduction goal.

"The philosophy of Sustainable Ballard is it will never be complete, what we're trying to achieve. It's about helping each other change behavior."

The fundamental principles behind Sustainable Ballard and the Phinney EcoVillage — community building, energy independence and stressing local solutions to complex problems — are spreading beyond Seattle, Opperman said.

About 28 groups from Bremerton to Mercer Island are developing along the lines of Sustainable Ballard, and the EcoVillage concept has spread to Port Townsend and Olympia.

In Phinney Ridge, about 100 people have signed Schneider's pledge, which asks people to turn off their computers, switch to push lawnmowers and lower the thermostat, among other actions.

Like Sustainable Ballard, Schneider's effort doesn't ask participants to reduce their carbon dioxide by a specific amount.

"People are in very different places. It's all about taking steps. We want people to take further steps."

Alex Fryer: 206-464-8124 or afryer@seattletimes.com