Have you heard of the Climate Action Plan (CAP)?

The CAP is  governing document on the UCSC campus established by the Climate Action Working Group, that provides three goals to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions/footprint.

Goals:

1. 2000 levels by the year 2014
2. 1990 levels by 2020
3. 80% below 1990 levels by 2050

These levels are the levels of greenhouse gas emissions that our whole campus emits, thats including student, staff and faculty activities. Not only are these goals, but they were put in place because of CA State mandates under AB32 that require big emitters (such as UCSC) to reduce. Failure to do so is not just harming ourselves and our planet - but will also have serious financial repercussions for our campus.

So what can you do to help the UCSC community to reduce GHG emissions?

Remember that little daily actions can go a long way and help our campus meet these goals. Some simple suggestions are:

1) Are you a single-occupancy driver?  Instead take public transportation to reduce emissions, or ride your bike to not use any GHGs. For bike shuttle times click here.

2) Reduce your shower time and make sure you are turning off the water when brushing your teeth.

3) Did you know if you use 5 plastic bags when shopping - you are emitting approx. 2.5 lbs of CO2

It just makes sense to bring a reusable bag.

There are tons of easy things you can do each day to cut back on those carbon emissions - be aware and implement new behavior changes into your daily life and the lives of those around you!

Climate Action Team: Rielle Indya Green & Camille Carrillo

A Friendly Transportation Reminder

Over the weekend I took advantage of free parking in Core West parking structure. On Monday I received a note under my windshield wiper requesting a $35 donation within the next 21 days to support the Bike Shuttle and Vanpool programs. These alternative transportation methods have enabled members of the UCSC community to travel without depending upon personal vehicles. I am happy to comply and contribute my spare cash. But I do not plan on forgetting to move my vehicle out of Core West parking lot once the free weekend parking has expired.

So next time you get a parking ticket on campus remember that your contribution is going to help our community become less reliant upon personal vehicles.

Brenden Fant
Student Environmental Center: Transportation Campaign
IDEASS: Bicycle Transit Planning Team
Transportation Advisory Committee