Earth Overshoot Day 2010

On August 21, humanity reached Earth Overshoot Day: the day of the year in which human demand on the biosphere exceeds what it can regenerate. As of today, humanity has demanded all the ecological services - from filtering CO2 to producing the raw materials for food - that nature can regenerate this year.  For the rest of the year, we will meet our ecological demand by depleting resource stocks and accumulating greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

"If you spent your entire annual income in nine months, you would probably be extremely concerned," said Global Footprint Network President Mathis Wackernagel. "The situation is no less dire when it comes to our ecological budget. Climate change, biodiversity loss, deforestation, water and food shortages are all clear signs: We can no longer finance our consumption on credit. Nature is foreclosing."

Watch Overshoot video

Caltrain Public Hearing 

This Thursday, September 2nd, Caltrain will hold a public hearing to inform the public about proposed changes to service and fares and to receive comments. 

If you ride Caltrain, want to keep cars off the road to minimize emissions and traffic, or care about maximizing transit options- speak up at or before the public hearing!  Comments may be submitted up until the public hearing.

Proposed Service and Fare Changes:

• Reduce weekday early morning, midday and/or late evening service
• Increase the Full Fare one-way base or zone fares by 25 cents, with corresponding changes to related fare media
• Increase Go Pass price to $155
• Modify parking fees and regulations
• Revise codified tariff to reflect ClipperSM card implementation; discontinue the Monthly Pass grace period; discontinue the use of 8-ride by more than one passenger per ticket; redefine youth to 17 years old and younger

The changes would go into effect between October 2010 and January 2011

View the Proposed Schedule Changes HERE (PDF, 26K
View the Proposed Fare Increases HERE (PDF, 9K

How to submit comments:
In person:  Thursday, September 2, 10:00am, 1250 San Carlos Avenue in San Carlos
Phone: 1.800.660.4287
Email: changes@caltrain.com

Water Footprint Calculator: How Big is Yours?

Take a water tour with National Geographic through your home, garden, diet, energy use, and your stuff, to figure out your H20 footprint. Then, pledge to cut it by 20%! 

Links to the National Geographic Water Guide:

• The Water Footprint Calculator
• Ten Things You Can Do
• The Hidden Water You Use
• Bathroom Revamp: Savings by the Gallon
• Water Conservation Video
• Freshwater 101 Quiz
• Dishwasher Buying Guide
• Green Guide "Plants That Will Suck Your Yard Dry"

Learn more about National Geographic's Freshwater Initiative here.

Bicycle Safety Workshop from Commute.org

Free Bicycle Safety Workshop conducted by a certified bicycle instructor from the League of American Bicyclists, will be held at the San Carlos Library (2nd floor) on Wednesday, September 22 from 6:30 to 8:30pm.

Snacks provided!  Prizes will be given away!

Workshop will include:

~ An interactive bicycle safety presentation and provide information on traffic laws for bicyclists and drivers,

~Tips on riding safely in traffic, and
~Bicycle maintenance information.

For people ages 16 and up.

RSVPs are appreciated: kim@commute.org or 650-588-8170.
(All those who RSVP *and* attend will be given a free gift!)

Workshop is sponsored by the City of San Carlos and the Peninsula Traffic Congestion Relief Alliance.

Time to Clean Out Your Closets! 

This year's Citywide Garage Sale will be held on October 2nd and 3rd from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.  San Carlos Together has posted the sign-up form here.  Residents can sign up to participate in one or both days.
For those who live in apartments or a condominium:  we are hoping to hold the "community" sale on Central Middle School grounds, and are just waiting to get final confirmation. 

I am coordinating this effort, so please send me an e-mail if you are interested.  I will get back to you as soon as we hear from them--we should know by the Sept. 8.  The cost for the community sale location is $10/day.  This will help support San Carlos Together and San Carlos Green. 
Contact info:
Pat Potter
pat@sancarlosgreen.org
408-472-7589 cell

Achieving a More Environmentally Active and Sustainable Community

San Carlos Green holds meetings every second Tuesday each month.  These meetings are always open to our members.  Please let us know if you would like to join us by emailing Pat at pat@sancarlosgreen.org