October, 2009

Tomorrow, October 24th at Gordon Park (Locust & Humboldt) Noon-3:50pm, mNSC along with Act Everywhere and several other local organizations are drawing attention to the number 350 prior to the December United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Copenhagen. 350 particles per million (ppm) is how much Carbon Dioxide scientists estimate the Earth can sustain. We are currently at 387, and climbing. We need to demand our elected officials take a stand and protect the future of our planet.

MNSC's Free Market offers alternatives for responsible consumerism - such as swapping used but well-maintained clothing and goods rather than buying new items from the store. By doing so, we increase our connections to eachother, and decrease our dependence on our world's ever-dwindling resources. It's a small change, but one that we should consider when our closets are already overflowing with unworn but wearable garments.

Other alternatives include:

1. Walk, bike, or take public transit when possible, rather than driving. Carpool when possible, and plan your trips to limit needless driving.
2. Consider your food-sources - buy locally when possble to decrease shipping-related pollution and other costs, and to increase stability for local farmers and businesses.
3. Limit your use (and misuse) of water by taking shorter/fewer showers, turning water off when not in use, and not over-watering our yards (turn them into gardens instead!)
4. Think about how our commodities are made - and by whom. Are the workers treated fairly and paid a living wage? By supporting socially/environmentally conscious companies, we can unite and hold our government and corporations accountable for archaic and unstainable practices. Solidarity allows us to make clear demands for changes, such as environmental legislation.
5. Be aware of the world around you, and of eachother. That starts with education and a willingness to learn, and is shown by your actions. So act justly, and be deliberate and conscious with your decisions.

To learn more about 350, please visit http://www.350.org

Participants:

Milwaukee Network for Social Change, Act Everywhere, Campaign Against Violence, Riverwest Yogashala, Victory Garden Initiative, Transition Milwaukee, Vegan Interest/Vegan Education, Sweet Water Organics, Brewing Grounds, Milwaukee Industrial Workers of the World, Truly Spoken Cycles, J.U.S.T.I.C.E., Wiscosh, and more.

We hope to see you there!!!