Low Carbon Diet: A 30 Day Program to Lose 5000 Pounds--Be Part of the Global Warming Solution! - Softcover

David Gershon

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0963032720 ISBN 13: 9780963032720

Publisher: Empowerment Institute, 2007

Synopsis

Low Carbon Diet: A 30 Day Program to Lose 5000 Pounds is a book that is destines to become a movement. Arriving just in time to meet the groundswell of demand created by An Inconvenient Truth, it guides readers through an accessible step-by-step program for personal CO2-reduction that leaves them empowered and inspired at the difference they can make toward the issue of our time.
Grounded in over two decades of environmental behavior change research, this illustrated workbook offers readers much more than a to-do list of eco-friendly actions. With practicality and humor, bestselling author and environmental change pioneer David Gershon walks readers through every step of the carbon-reduction process, from calculating their current CO2 footprint to tracking their progress and measuring their impact. By making simple changes to actions they take every day, readers learn how to reduce their annual household CO2 output by at least 15%. And, for those who are more ambitious, there are chapters on how to become "carbon neutral" and help one's workplace, local schools and community do the same.
A recent Yale University study revealed that over three-quarters of Americans not only accept the reality that their lifestyle is contributing to climate change; they believe they have a responsibility to do something about it. Now, with the release of Low Carbon Diet, they have a practical tool to help them succeed.

About this title

From the Author

The program described in this book is based on a tried and true methodology, grounded in extensive research. Over the past two decades, I have developed environmental behavior change programs that have helped several hundred thousand people demonstrably lessen their toll on the planet. American households using this simple methodology have reduced their environmental footprint by over 25% and sustained these changes over time.

If we ordinary Americans reduce our CO2 footprint, we can have a disproportionate influence in turning the tide on global warming. When we, the consumers and voters, become part of the global warming solution, businesses and politicians will not be far behind. And as America--the planet's greatest contributor to climate change--takes responsibility for reducing its carbon footprint, the impact will inevitably ripple out.

An extraordinary moment for change has arrived. Feedback from the Earth is telling us it is time to act. Al Gore's profound movie "An Inconvenient Truth" has created a groundswell of interest among ordinary citizens who want to do their part. The stars are in perfect alignment for change. This is a heroic time calling for heroic action. You can lead the way and this book will show you how.

I am in awe of the potential for this moment to be truly catalytic. I know we can make the needed changes happen, and I am hopeful this book can play a significant role. I wish you well in this journey and thank you for doing your part.

-David Gershon
CEO, Empowerment Institute

From the Inside Flap

ABOUT THE ECOTEAM PROGRAM
(from which the Low Carbon Diet is derived)

"This program is the first step-by-step plan for turning environmental concern into action."
-The Chicago Tribune

"A movement . . . of unquestionable zeal is challenging consumption at the grass roots . . . local support groups called EcoTeams are methodically helping members reduce the amount and kind of material that flows in and out of homes."
-The New York Times

"The program offers a common-sense approach to environmentalism. One participant says, `I love our neighborhood and this is an opportunity for us to make it an even nicer place to live together'."
-The Boston Globe

"The process works even for those who consider themselves hard-core environmentalists. A senior sales executive and an EcoTeam member says, `As a result of the awareness the group has brought us, we all have changed our consumption habits and our lifestyles, in the products we purchase, and the utilities we use'."
-The Philadelphia Inquirer

"This is no frivolous undertaking. It's not just a matter of getting new information . . . A lot of citizens already know things they could do to reduce the toll they take on the environment, but EcoTeam's structured group meetings help people put that knowledge to work and actually change their lifestyles."
-The Chattanooga Times

"The EcoTeam Program is skillfully designed to be attractive to individuals, local governments, and businesses . . . [It] has demonstrated results . . . it can make a real difference. In our work with communities across America this is exactly the sort of tool for which they are searching."
-Molly Olson, Executive Director, President's Council on Sustainable Development (Clinton Administration)

"The EcoTeam approach opens up a new category of policy instruments having to do with voluntary change. The program is more sophisticated than information campaigns, since it gives people the personal support they need to change their ingrained habits of how they use resources."
-Paul de Jongh, Deputy Director General for Environmental Protection, The Netherlands, Author, Dutch "Green Plan"

"The EcoTeam Program is unique and effective . . . Empowerment Institute is a model organization in its agenda and its leadership . . . responsible and enlightened."
-Honorable Maurice Hinchey, Committee on Natural Resources,Congress of the United States

"The EcoTeam program is the most practical and well implemented program to help people create environmentally sustainable lifestyles."
-Daphne Gemmill, NOAA, U.S. Dept. of Commerce

"The EcoTeam Program is a highly effective new tool for environmental protection. We see it as a significant opportunity to achieve citizen behavior change which has been one of our most difficult challenges in advancing environmental protection. The program couldn't be more timely."
-Lang Marsh, Director, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality

"One of the most enlightening and useful programs that I have had the privilege to encounter . . . [It] provides a starting point for America's citizens and communities to begin the journey of becoming more sustainable."
-Michele Perrault, Past President, The Sierra Club

"We are all optimistic here.You have the entire household involved in a voluntary way instead of having a program that is mandated by the government. This is at the most grassroots level possible, and that makes it more effective."
-Mike Lindberg, City Council Member and Commissioner of Public Utilities,City of Portland, OR

"The Environmental Services Department has researched multiple programs and approaches to provide the desired proactive waste prevention education. EcoTeams were the only program that successfully produced measurable resource savings and sustained behavior change."
-Alisa Wade, Environmental Services Department, City of San Jose, CA

"The potential resource savings are tremendous . . . and what's truly exciting about the EcoTeam approach is that it can serve as a catalyst to creating a more sustainable community."
-Ava Frisinger, Mayor, City of Issaquah,WA

"I had thought about all the things I should do and talked about doing them before the EcoTeam Program; but it took the workbook and group support to turn my thinking and talking into specific and concrete actions. And the changes were relatively easy."
-Pat Spindel, EcoTeam Member, St. Louis, MO

"I feel this program is superb, not only because of what it has done for me, but because it has the potential to do so much for the community."
-Krista M. Schauer, EcoTeam Member, Portland, OR

"I've lived in the neighborhood for 21 years, but getting to know my neighbors started three years ago with an EcoTeam. We knew a lot of people by sight, but now we know them much better. There is a lot more friendliness on the streets now. It's given us the feeling of being embedded in the community and having roots. I highly recommend the neighborhood EcoTeam process."
-Sarah Conn, EcoTeam member,West Newton, MA

"When you put things in small, workable chunks as the EcoTeam Program has done here, it's easier for people to accomplish things and follow through."
-Maria Sichel, EcoTeam Coach, Medway, MA

Edition details

• Publisher: Empowerment Institute
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 0963032720
• ISBN 13: 9780963032720
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 3
• Number of pages: 76