Supporters of 10:10 Chile at Lollapalooza. Photo courtesy of 10:10 Chile.
As Chile is being seen more and more as a "developed country," it only seems fitting that they also take on stronger green initiatives and join the global fight against climate change.
And slowly but surely, we are doing just that. In fact, Chile is the leader in Latin America for green initiatives, with the government, businesses and the people all active in making a change.
Helping to encourage such change are organizations such as Chile Verde, 10:10 Chile and the government´s Comisión Nacional de Energía (National Energy Commission) among others.
"We´ve had a very warm reception so far and a lot of enthusiasm. I think this is something important to Chileans," said Phoebe Cronk, a 10:10 Chile team member.
Self launching in January 2011, this new program in Chile is part of a global project asking for everyone to cut their carbon emissions by a mere ten percent. And so far, the Chile team has acquired 250 members and has sponsored various events including the recent World Environment Day event and even had an informational tent set up at Lollapalooza.
Though their official launch isn´t until late September of this year, 2011, 10:10 Chile along with other green organizations are getting serious about their mission.
"It´s about sharing with others, motivating the community and getting people on board; and though right now we´re mainly focused in Santiago, it´s important to note that all of Chile is invited and encouraged to participate. This is a national campaign," said Cronk.
Helping you figure out how to get started, the 10:10 Chile group offers a checklist of ten things you can do to reduce your carbon emissions as well as an online carbon calculator. Chile Verde offers a really great, downloadable PDF book on their site as well as has tons of links for more information on the country´s green projects.
But, while we´re seeing great strides, there are still some basic problems needing addressed, the main one for me being recycling. It is very difficult to recycle here, especially if you don´t have a car—the irony. There are no major recycling programs and the recycling centers are far and few between. And then, upon leaving Santiago, it´s always discouraging to see city buses spewing out black crap.
So yes, the green movement is here in Chile, but we´ve still got a ways to go. Do your part!.
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