On February 6, 2009, the British
Consulate in Boston celebrated its first Walk/Ride Day. Staff was asked to walk or take public
transit to work, and strive for the most carbon-free commute and morning routine. The Consulate’s inspiration for the event
comes from The Green Streets Initiative, a Cambridge-based environmental
organization (which is opening a chapter in West Bridgford, UK in April) that
challenges the public to use alternative transportation. Given the British
Government’s own commitment to reducing climate change, Walk/Ride day seemed
like a natural fit for the Consulate.
The day began with staff walking or
riding public transit to the office, and filling out a checklist of carbon
emissions-reducing practices ranging from turning off the water while brushing,
to recycling and home energy audits. At
lunch, staff gathered to sample the best that Winter New England had to offer-
quiche with organic eggs, butternut squash, bruschetta, beansprout sushi, and
fresh vegetables- proving that locally and sustainably grown food can be both
diverse and delicious!
Kevin McCarthy of Boston’s UKTI clean energy
team reviewed green practices and explained how kill-a-watts (energy-use
monitors) can help reduce the electricity bill- both at home and in the
office. For example, the kill-a-watt
revealed that the photocopier uses 25% of its total energy consumption simply
being on standby over the weekend! The
event culminated in recognizing the staff member with the smallest carbon
footprint, and a discussion of how to reduce unnecessary energy use in the
Consulate. At least we can do our part
to make our street (Memorial Drive) a little greener!
To visit the
British Consulate General in Boston, go to www.ukinusa.fco.gov.uk/boston
To visit Green Streets, go to www.GoGreenStreets.org
