In visiting a senior center on Earth Day to talk about “going green” Mayor Bloomberg had a special point to make. As the largest growing segment of the City’s population, seniors are not only vital to the City’s goal of reducing carbon emissions by 30% by 2030, they could be on the cutting edge of the “go green” movement.
First, seniors have the leadership qualities to be role models for the kind of lifestyle change we all need to embrace if we are to save the earth from pollution and global warming. Going green isn’t only about developing environmental technologies or finding alternative energy sources that reduce carbon emissions in the air. Every individual has a personal carbon footprint, the amount of greenhouse gases his or her daily activity puts into the atmosphere. Individuals “go green” by lightening their personal carbon footprint. By embracing “green” behavior seniors can show others that new habits aren’t difficult: replace incandescent bulbs with energy-saving compact fluorescents (Energy Star); buy Energy Star appliances; turn off lights when you leave a room and unplug chargers and appliances when not in use; don’t air condition an empty room; recycle scrupulously; use cloth bags to transport groceries; switch to paperless bank statement and online bill paying; buy produce that have been grown locally wherever possible.
In addition to setting an example, seniors can also be advocates. Many older adults have had concerns about the environment and public policies for years. They grew up learning about conservation and valuing this country’s natural resources. Speaking out about what they believe in comes naturally to them. With their longtime commitment to protecting the environment, motivated seniors can be a respected voice for environmental responsibility. They can use words to engage others in going green. Advocacy doesn’t need to be formal. All it takes is talking about how one feels to family, friends and neighbors at family gatherings, social events, community meetings.
Retired or on the brink of retirement, with energy to spare and a lifetime of experience, today’s boomers and seniors also have much to contribute to organizations working to improve the environment. They can put their skills to work by volunteering with conservation organizations or even organizing their own groups. From joining in planting trees to cleaning up the trash in rivers this summer, there are lots of opportunities calling. And if active involvement isn’t feasible, seniors can keep up to date by subscribing to Newsletters, learning how their elected official stand, going on line to the websites that target seniors in particular with updates, news, trends and information about how “senior power” is helping to make the planet a better place for future generations.
Understandably, seniors are most concerned about the world children and grandchildren will inherit. By taking steps now to protect that world, seniors are putting their own generational stamp on efforts to ensure a safer tomorrow for the world’s inhabitants. At the same time, they are ensuring a better life for themselves as well. As the website for PlaNYC, which lays out the Mayor’s goals for a sustainable City, states, “Together we can make New York City cleaner, healthier, more reliable and more sustainable than the New York we love today.” It’s a win-win strategy for both present and the future.
Edwin Méndez-Santiago is the Commissioner for the New York City Department for the Aging.
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