October 24 is 350.Org Climate Action Day. Where will you be?

I will be here, in Toronto. We're presented with a dizzying variety of ways to get involved. My oldest daughter is going to submit a cartoon for Cartoonists Against Climate Change. Next Saturday might find us all planting trees in Regent Heights, or teaming up with grandparents to send legislators a message about the need for real action on the climate.  My partner will wander off with a big lens to take photos of the events around town (check out Climate Day photos here).  Chances are, your town or city has at least a handful of venues that will give you a chance to let your hands, feet and heart do some talking. Get to know your community, learn how much of a difference you can make. To find details, go to the International Day of Climate Action site, find your location, and scroll down to find an activity that suits your talents, personality, or time frame.

The International Day of Climate Action is a day designed to get you out of your house. But when you watch this video, you will note that buildings feature prominently. This is not a mistake. Buildings are the single largest contributor to global warming.  So while we urge you to step outside next Saturday and join with your neighbors (or neighbours, as the case may be) to announce your commitment to making a change, we want to encourage you to hold on to that spirit of conservation when you get back home, inspired and dog-tired. Flick off lights. Turn off the tap while you brush your teeth. Use a programmable thermostat, and program it to drop down while you sleep. Purchase a high quality low-flow showerhead that will make you feel good about saving water without compromising the luxury that we call the hot morning shower.  

And make sure that your kids see you do it. Rope them in (chances are, they won't need much prodding - this is their planet we're messing up, after all). And in honor of the International Day of Climate Action, make a promise you can keep: You will reduce energy usage in your house, with their help. And you will share the bounty with your kids.

Yesterday, during Blog Action Day, bloggers around the world wrote about the consequences and causes of climate change. While topics ranged from mindful food choices and recycling to pet waste consciousness approaches ran the gamut from funny videos to musical interludes and poignant comments on the Hidden Cost of Dirty Energy, all of the blogs seemed to spin around to one central thought: The Time Is Now.

So... what are you doing on October 24?   

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." 

- Margaret Mead