The Citizens Environmental Council of Burlingame, is committed to helping residents live more sustainably. In 2017, we presented four Green Programs on Hot Topics. The programs focused on sea level rise, grassroots advocacy on environmental issues, climate change and responsible recycling of electronic waste. All of these events were free, reservations not required, and attendees left each one with valuable suggestions to begin making a dent in the problem.
The Green Programs on Hot Topics series took place in the Lane Community Room at the Burlingame Public Library, 480 Primrose Road, Burlingame. They started at 7 p.m. and everyone attending was eligible for a free raffle prize.
Download the flyer here.
The programs were:
Wednesday, March 22, 2017 – “How Will Sea Level Rise Impact You, Your Family and Your Community?”
Hilary Papendick from San Mateo County’s Office of Sustainability and Gary White, co-chair of the San Mateo Chapter of the Citizens Climate Lobby, will discuss what sea level rise means for Burlingame and the Bay Area, what regional agencies and governments are doing to prepare for it, and how you can make a difference by making your voice heard.
Wednesday, April 12, 2017- Grassroots Advocacy 101
Now that policies on climate change and environmental protection are in jeopardy, what are the most effective ways to influence those who shape our laws? Brian Rawson, an experienced trainer who has been mobilizing people to address societal inequities for 20 years, says signing petitions and making phone calls is not enough. He will explain how to use your time effectively and will teach you crucial advocacy skills. While attention will focus on environmental policies, the tools and skills acquired are applicable to any advocacy effort.
Wednesday, May 3, 2017 – Screening of ‘Before the Flood’
Directed by Academy Award winner Fisher Stevens, Before the Flood features Leonardo DiCaprio on an international journey as a United Nations “Messenger of Peace,” sounding the alarm about the growing climate crisis. He joins scientists on expeditions uncovering the reality of climate change, meets with political leaders fighting against inaction and discovers a disinformation campaign aimed at confusing the public. Distributed by National Geographic, this documentary is 96 minutes long. Note: This program is cosponsored by the Burlingame High School Parents’ Group and will take place in the Burlingame High auditorium at 1 Mangini Way, Burlingame.
Tuesday, July 18, 2017 – The Growing Problem of Electronic Waste
There’s a dirty secret about electronic waste. In California, even in Silicon Valley, it’s often shipped to developing countries, where its hazardous components contaminate water, soil and air. As the volume of e-waste increases, due to shorter product life cycles, how can we make sure it’s recycled responsibly? Two speakers will offer ideas: Tim Goncharoff of Santa Cruz County, which recently passed strict e-waste legislation; and James Kao, founder of GreenCitizen, a sustainable e-waste recycling firm based in Burlingame.