I was reading an Op-Ed in the NY Times today and came across a term that is new for me: Carbon Footprint. Its an obvious reference to global warming but c'mon... Carbon Footprint?
I've lifted the content of the Op-Ed, which is a "letter" to a co-op board here in New York. How much Tongue in cheek it is I can't say but it points to how crazy things can get in an attempt to go-green in Manhattan.
To: The board of directors, 814 Park Avenue
From: Lydia Katherine Powell-Watley, Apt. 10 C-D
Dear Beloved Fellow Neighbors,
As
much as it pains me to needlessly waste paper products, here are the
suggestions I discussed at the annual shareholders’ meeting last week.
I apologize for having spoken at such length; I’m just so incredibly
excited about the idea of having our whole co-op reduce its carbon
footprint.
Now I think its admirable that a co-op wants to reduce its impact on Global Warming but can it? I wonder if such effort were placed in legislating changes in behavior or aggressively manage market segments which contribute to our "carbon addictions"
As you know, Bob and I have canceled our annual
post-holiday trips to Anguilla and Taos in order to reduce our personal
carbon footprints. (Bob is busy with deals anyway, two of which involve
ethanol!) So I’ll be around until March break to begin implementing
these changes so that we all can help save our glorious planet.
Didn't realize I had a personal carbon footprint. But to cancel a trip? Wouldn't that airline have flown that route regardless of whether Kate and Bob was on board?
1.
It’s crucial that we begin harvesting rainwater immediately. According
to the co-op’s proprietary lease, shareholders who have terraces don’t
actually own their outdoor square footage, so reclaiming them should
not be a problem. Bob suggests using sort of a cross between eminent
domain and “pleading footprint.”
For our little terrace off the
library, I’ve ordered a 500-gallon free-standing elliptical leg tank
made of high-density polyethylene with no UV inhibitors. My feeling is,
solar-heat the rainwater and deal with it later. Mr. Ramirez says that
his brother has a company that can install the collection piping.
Ummmm Yummm... showering in New York City rain water... can't wait to do this for my apartment.
2.
I’ve spoken to Time Warner about whether their coaxial and fiber optic
cable can be restrung laterally across the courtyard for laundry
drying. Needless to say how much energy this will save. Bob knows
several people on the TWX board and says he’ll pitch them on the
“P.C.-P.R.” of this.
I can just see Manhattanites using Cable TV coax cable to dry their clothes.... another interesting term as well.. "P.C-P.R"... Political Correctness-Political Responsibility??????? what the fuck do i know...
The operator I spoke to (Magda was on hold
for hours, though she has extra time now that I’ve stopped her doing
the towels every day) said that he thought it wouldn’t affect basic
cable reception but wasn’t sure about high-def. Bob says we shouldn’t
do this until well after the Final Four.
3. Our underused roof
can house up to 38 wind turbine generators. Unlike solar energy, wind
doesn’t get dark at night, if you know what I mean. Each one can create
200 watts of power at wind speeds as low as 15 m.p.h. Basically we can
run the lights in the playroom for a year off one good nor’easter.
The first reasonable idea I saw, whether its solar or wind
4.
We must stop flower delivery immediately!!! They are imported from
South America and the energy required to fly them into the country,
truck them to the stores and deliver them to our lobby is leaving a huge nasty footprint.
See my comment above
Alternatively,
there are several beautifully decorative worm farm/herb planters on the
market. I recommend the Mission style to create a more Arts-and-Craftsy
feel. The units are totally sealed to protect the worms from any bugs.
And dogs! The bottom compost section inside the timber casing creates a
stable warm temperature that worms love. Happy worms make delicious
herbs. I have these in Quogue and they’re gorgeous. And many of you
have tasted my pesto!
I cant bring myself to comment on this...
We can start with three of these exactly
where we kept the flowers. If demand for the herbs is high we can add
more wormers to the lobby and basement. I’m obviously not worried about
getting compost. By the way, the herbs have to be watered. Did I hear
someone say “rainwater”?
5. Bulbs. Don’t get me started. Every bulb in every
one of our apartments, hallways, lobby and basement should be
immediately changed to energy-efficient and environment-saving ones.
Magda and/or I will personally change anyone’s bulbs upon request (the
first time).
See Jeff's post on CFLs
6. We need to immediately attach energy-converting
generators to all the stationary bicycles, rowing machines and
NordicTracks in the basement gym. With current usage levels, we could
power several small appliances and all of Jorge and Jose’s hand tools.
Mr. Ramirez says that his cousin has a company that can do the
installation.
LOL
7. Although I’m told the turnout at this year’s
holiday party was rather bleak, I think we should do once-a-week
potluck dinners in our new eco-friendly lobby. To cut down on the
energy required to make our own meals, yes. But also to share and
exchange new and exciting ideas about how to further “green” the
building. For example, if we all donate one old shearling to wrap the
boiler, we could save money and reduce our big old footprint.
8.
We should penalize S.U.V. idlers outside the building, the way that
principal at the 92nd Street Y did. In fact, we should have a simple
carbon footprint rating and award system in the building. Maybe the
winner gets to miss a month’s maintenance charge. I don’t know. Maybe a
plaque. It just seems like such a waste to have drivers waiting outside
the building all the time, even in hybrids.
This is an exciting
time for all of us who care about our environment. Imagine us growing
our food in our own waste, powering our elevators with our
StairMasters. Bob says this wasn’t a problem before underdeveloped
countries started to experience economic growth. I think we can not
only reduce our carbon footprint but have fun too! And be a positive
symbol to our entire community.
If anyone has any questions, I’ll be in Bedford on BlackBerry.
One of our mares is foaling!
Luv,
Kate
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