Conservation

GCFM ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION CONTEST

Barbara Canney, Chairman, Conservation Committee

The Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts (GCFM) is sponsoring an Environmental Action Contest from November through April 2011.  The purpose of this contest is to make members more aware of our daily impact on the environment.  The Club with the most points will receive a Certificate at the Federation June 2nd meeting.  

I have included the survey “Action Sheet” for you to review.  Think about how responsible your household is towards Environmental Awareness.  

Each monthly meeting, I will stand up and ask each question of our Club and keep track of our numbers.  If you cannot attend meetings, please email me your monthly counts to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . 

I look forward to making this a successful event!   Let’s each do our part.  
CONTEST SHEET
Singular Actions:
1.     Replace an old appliance with a new Energy Star appliance.
5 POINTS for each Energy Star appliance purchased            Total ______

2.     Purchase a car that gets at least 36 mpg.       20 POINTS            Total ______

3.     Have an energy audit.      5 POINTS                        Total ______

4.     Install Energy Star windows, extra insulation.
I POINT/window; 2 POINTS each for attic, walls or crawl space        Total ______

5.     Contact legislators/officials to urge support for strong energy
legislation and EPA enforcement.       3 POINTS for each time a
legislator/official is contacted.                        Total ______

6.     Take a bus or train rather than fly or drive.    4 POINTS per trip.        Total ______

7.     Never buy water in plastic bottles.       3 POINTS                Total ______

8.     Cancel catalogs/junk mail and start to pay bills online    4 POINTS    Total ______

9.     Calculate your carbon footprint.      3 POINTS                Total ______                                



Repeat Actions:
10.     Eat meatless meals 2-3 days/week.   3 POINTS per month Nov_Dec_Jan_Feb_March_April_                        Total ______
11.     Compost kitchen scraps, grass and leaves.  1 POINT per month Nov_, Dec_Jan_Feb_March_April_                            Total ______
12.     Use CFLs or LEDs in your most-used lighting fixtures.
2 POINTS per month Nov_Dec_Jan_Feb_March_April_            Total ______
13.     Walk, bike or cfu-pool to club meetings and events.
1 POINT per time Nov_Dec_Jan_Feb_March_April_                Total ______
14.     Use organic or natural fertilizers/herbicides/pesticides.
2 POINTS per month Nov_Dec_Jan_Feb_March_April_            Total ______
15.     Remove invasive plants from yard, bag and send to incinerator.
I POINT per plant.                                Total ______
16.     Recycle everything your town will take curbside.
2 POINTS per month. Nov_Dec_Jan_Feb_March_April_            Total ______
17.     Keep thermostat <68°in winter and >78° in summer.
3 POINTS per month Nov_Dec_Jan_Feb_March_April_            Total ______
18.     Inform self about environmental issues (watch documentary; read
environmental emails/books; attend informational meetings, etc.)
3 POINTS per month Nov_Dec_Jan_Feb_March_April_            Total ______
19.     Use eco-friendly cleaning products at home.
1 POINT per month Nov_Dec_Jan_Feb_March_April_            Total ______
20.     Use reusable bags when shopping.
1 POINT per month Nov_Dec_Jan_Feb_March_April_            Total ______
21.     Use items made from recycled paper (toilet paper, paper towels,
wrapping paper, cards, etc.).      
1 POINT per month Nov_Dec_Jan_Feb_March_April_            Total ______
22.     Use less than 65 gallons of water per person per day.
2 POINTS per month Nov_Dec_Jan_Feb_March_April_            Total ______