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This proposal was reopened here from Shifting Behavior for a Changing Climate 2016

Pitch

Once A Week, Give Our Beautiful Planet A Day Of Rest. An Emission-free Day. A Green Sabbath Day.


Description

Summary

Green Sabbath is a non-religious, non-political, and non-profit campaign which aims to raise awareness and to encourage people to help slow climate change, preserve precious natural resources and improve planet health by observing at least one carbon footprint-free day each week--on any day of the week. We call it symbolically A Green Sabbath day.

http://GreenSabbath.org

The organization’s name borrowed symbolically from traditions’ day of rest and conservation. Sabbath is not a new idea. Although Green Sabbath has no religious affiliations, its vision was inspired by essence of two traditions. One is the ancient tradition of Sabbath practiced in some form by all major faiths. The other is the likes of contemporary movements such as Paul McCartney's “Meat Free Monday” and “Wheatless Wednesday” that were introduced to encourage public to observe an ecological conservation day. A period of environmental rest.

Hitting the climate change targets agreed in Paris is estimated to cost Hitting the climate change targets agreed in Paris is estimated to cost $16.5trn. 6.5trn. But, there's hardly any costs to keeping Green Sabbath days to cut carbon emissions!!! It's a solution that will have a profound impact on climate change for little to no capital investment! Once A Week can result in over 15% annual emission reduction per country. Participation by only top carbon dioxide emitting countries will have the largest impact in climate change!


Category of the action

Changing public perceptions on climate change


What actions do you propose?

The environmental impact of Green Sabbath campaign is more significant than can be imagined, even for just one day a week.

Such a large scale global campaign requires backing of a solid organization fueled by participation of passionate and skilled talents, volunteers and resources. That's where MIT alums come in. Every alum can bring valuable capacity and resources to the table in making Green Sabbath an extraordinary movement--a global culture without any religious, political and financial affiliations.


Who will take these actions?

To effectively reach out to every person, everyone with a voice needs to take part including local government, schools, media, leaders and figureheads.


Where will these actions be taken?


How much will emissions be reduced or sequestered vs. business as usual levels?


What are other key benefits?

There are multi benefits. The two major benefits are Environmental and Personal health by keeping mindful carbon footprint-free days. Eg meat free day is good for planet as well as personal health.


What are the proposal’s costs?

There is initial cost of forming a nonprofit org and core team, compiling and presenting the educational and enabling information via online, media and in person to public.

Hitting the climate change targets agreed in Paris is estimated to cost $16.5trn. 6.5trn. But, there's hardly any costs to keeping Green Sabbath days to cut carbon emissions!!! It's a solution that will have a profound impact on climate change for little to no capital investment! Once A Week can result in over 15% annual emission reduction per capita. Participation by only top carbon dioxide emitting entities will have the largest impact in climate change!


Time line

This proposal is meant as a permanent mindset. It should become a mindful lifestyle for every citizen.


Related proposals


References

http://www.meatfreemondays.com

http://linkis.com/www.theecologist.org/k0nOc