Encinitas (Calif.) City Councilmembers to reduce their meat consumption, celebrate "Earth Month"

From today's North County (Calif). Times:

Hoping to encourage people to permanently change their lifestyles, a city committee has decided to make this year's Earth Day celebration a month-long event.

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Among other things, special speakers will discuss environmental issues ranging from statewide water shortages to floating plastic trash piles in the Pacific Ocean. Tree-planting events, creek cleanup activities and drought-tolerant garden advice also will be offered. Plus, residents who cut their water usage during the month may be eligible for cash and other prizes, (Encinitas resident Elizabeth) Taylor said.

City officials will have their own contest ---- they will be asked to go on a "low-carbon diet" modeled on a national effort by the Empowerment Institute, Taylor said. Council members, committee members and city staff members will compete to see who can cut their carbon emissions the most in April. They'll be given tips, including suggestions that they hang their clothes outside to dry, walk rather than drive to events and eat less meat.

I'm proud of the town where I went to junior high and high school.