kirti |
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Atlanta CRAG had its first public event for Earth Day on the 19th of April at the Gwinnett Enviromental and Heritage Center: www.GwinnettEHC.com
We were very lucky to have been given the oppurtunity to be a part of this very important event. Only 14 vendors were represented at this function due to limited space. Along with CRAG, were other eco-friendly organizations (notable ones were the Clean Air Campaign [funded by the federal government], One World Sustainable [a solar power company], and Falcon [ a waterless urinal company]).
It was refreshing to see so many ecologically friendly vendors meet under one roof. We all exchanged ideas and opinions on serious matters and exchanged web addresses and email. They were excited to hear about CRAG and the carbon reduction program. They were inspired to become members and offered to spread the seed that is CRAG. It’s going to be crucial for us to network together and help spread the knowledge of an eco-friendly lifestyle.
We also met with the public and discussed various ways of saving money and decreasing their carbon footprint.
As the day progressed, and more issues were exchanged by various vendors and passerby, interesting concerns were brought up. We were approached by a seasoned eco activist warning us about possible legal action towards CRAG from major corporations or individuals who may feel threatened or missunderstand what CRAG stands for. I would like this issue to be discussed in the forum. Comments on defense and rebuttle are appreciated.
Another concern was about the possibility of negative media respresentaion of CRAG and its beliefs. Again, I feel that it is critical that a solid media package is formulated so that there is consistency in all of what we are saying on a global scale.
I understand that in the UK the issue of facing a lawsuit is less likely, however an honest representation is necessary. “When in peace, prepare for war.”
Any comments and feedback is appreciated!!
congratulations Kirti and Atlanta CRAGgers
John Cossham
Well done for getting the second United States CRAG off the ground. I am of course delighted and have been very happy to have given a small amount of help. A big thank you to Kirti and her family members who helped and encouraged.
I find it odd that there is talk of possible legal action against CRAGs in America, but if you phrase things correctly there shouldn’t be anything for ‘them’ to get hold of. Just make sure you don’t say anything ‘un-American’ or libelous, and talk in terms of energy security (not relying on foreign oil)and protecting Americans (and other citizens around the planet!) from tragedies like New Orleans/Hurricane Katrina, which would be more likely with sea-level rise and more intense weather events. You could mention the likelihood of increasing population migration due to climate change, putting more pressure on your borders….. You can quite legitimately talk about finite resources, the conflicts between growing food and growing fuel, and of couse individual liberty to choose any lifestyle…. with the new paradigm of personal responsibility to live in a more sustainable ‘one planet living’ way.
You have many colleagues and organisations who will support you, as you have begun to find out. Many state governments are forward-looking (California?) and there are people in the Al Gore/Treehugger/Sierra Club camp who you can gain support and encouragement from. Can you find a ‘low carbon lawyer’ or a ‘green legal eagle’ to advise you on what you can/cannot say?
I agree that the CRAG movement should have a media pack of some sort which can be downloaded or printed off… and of course, enquirers can be directed to this website for some entertaining and educational surfing.
Good luck with your journey…. and you have plenty of friends over here as well who will be happy to support you in whatever way we can. A molecule of American carbon is exactly the same as a molecule of British carbon, so if we here can help you cut your country’s emissions, we will be doing a good job. And as your per-capita footprint is even bigger than ours, work to help reduce the US footprint will be ‘energy well spent’ so to speak!
John Cossham