Moving Planet Day is Saturday, September 24, 2011. Organized by 350.org and endorsed by the National League of Women Voters, it is billed as a day to focus on moving us past and off fossil fuels. The Woodland LWV is supporting Moving Planet Day by encouraging the residents of the City of Woodland to walk, bike or ride Yolo Bus to their errands downtown on September 24, 2011. Why? Information provided by Yolo County Transportation District (YCTD) indicates riding the Yolo Bus costs less and produces significantly less CO2 than driving the average car. Walking and riding one’s bike are also very low to zero on emissions.

The members of the Woodland LWV have chosen to meet at the Farmer’s Market at Freeman Park on September 24th and encourage residents of Woodland to join them. The Yolo Bus (YCTD) routes that serve downtown Woodland have a stop at Second and Court, this is just a few blocks from the Farmer’s Market.

Why the Farmer’s Market, besides that it is a good source of local produce?  Agriculture, per se, as well as transportation of food produces greenhouse gas emissions. Researchers at the UCD Agricultural Sustainability Institute, including Drs. Gail Feenstra and Sonja Brodt, have found that one of the activities in the food system that contributes significantly to energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions is post-retail/consumer transport to shopping. They recommend that consumers walk, bike, take public transportation or share rides to food shopping.

The Woodland LWV will meet at the Farmer’s Market at 11 a.m. on the 24th, shop for produce and then walk to lunch at a nearby local eatery. You are welcome to join the LWV then or come to the Farmer’s Market any time between 9 and noon.

Further related activities are in the planning stages. For further information or if you want to join the LWV for lunch contact naturalresourcesdirector@woodland.ca.lwvnet.org