Local environmental council advocates unity, responsibility
By Kevin Schnepp Staff writer

Blackwelder

Global warming pervades the lives of everyone on the planet, including Carroll County residents.

When it comes to learning how to counter its effects, Carroll County residents now have a representative who can help.

Local resident Judy Berkshire is the Carroll County representative for the Northwest Central Region of the Hoosier Environmental Council (HEC). She will help organize local efforts in coordination with the council.

"There are many who do not believe global warming even exists," Berkshire explained. "We'd like to see that change through education and involvement."

Berkshire was present March 4 at Duncan Hall in Lafayette for a screening of "The Great Warming," a documentarystyle film encouraging individual and global environmental awareness.

More than 250 concerned citizens attended what the HEC called its "coming out event."

According to literature provided at the screening, the council "works to restore and protect the natural systems upon which life depends" through education, advocacy and citizen empowerment in Indiana.

Council president Don Scheiber said the organization hopes to become stronger locally. He said the formation of eight regional councils, including one in Carroll County, should help.

"We must do what we can to help (curb global waming)," Scheiber stated. He said school-based education and action programs are keys to success.

Brent Blackwelder, president of Friends of the Earth, a top environmental lobbyist group in Washington, D.C., was guest speaker at the Sunday afternoon program. After the film screening, he shared information and answered questions regarding the film and what can be done locally to help combat pollution.

"One big, easy change is light bulbs," he explained. "If each family changes five regular light bulbs to compact fluorescent bulbs, the United States could take 20 coal plants offline."

HEC suggested residents:

+ Recycle as much as possible;

+ Lower air and water thermostats;

+ Add surge protection to circuits;

+ Clean refrigerator condenser coils yearly;

+ and use energy-saving settings on appliances.

Some electric companies also provide discounts to customers who enroll in green energy savings programs.

Blackwelder, who has testified many times before Congress, said concerned citizens should act individually as well as in the political arena.

"When we are outspent by polluters, we have to become very resourceful," he exp l a i n e d . "Despair is our biggest enemy. There are so many things each of us can do to make a difference."

The film focused on scientific, political and religious viewpoints concerning global warming, caused when temperature and moisture levels are out-of-balance. It called for personal, spiritual and governmental responsibility to lead the way toward change.

"The evangelical community accounts for half the Republican Party's votes," Blackwelder stated. "More and more Christians view creation as sacred. Our hope is that they become unified in their demands and force politicians to act."

Figures in the film pointed toward tourism, agriculture and economic development as key areas of concern. Blackwelder said politicians and corporations must heed concerned citizens' calls for action.

The Indiana Land Resources Council stated Indiana is losing 100,000 acres a year of farmland and forestland to development. Blackwelder said those numbers indicate a problem not only for future generations, but now as well.

Local citizens interested in what they can do individually or as part of the HEC may contact Berkshire at (574) 686- 2596 for information.