Over the past three decades the effects of global climate change have become more apparent. Considerable evidence exists that most of this change has been caused by human activities that have altered the chemical composition of the earth’s atmosphere through a buildup of greenhouse gases. The Estuarine Research Federation Conference also impacts climate change by generating carbon emissions through activities such as transportation to, from, and during the meetings as well as use of energy at the event facilities.

As a participant in ERF, you are urged to donate to the first ERF Conference Carbon Emission Offset Fund where 100% of each contribution will support carbon sequestration projects. This contribution is tax deductible.

Developed country attendees: $20.00
Developing country attendees: $5.00

The two benefiting organizations are (1) Save the Bay – Narragansett Bay and (2) Rhode Island Tree Council associated with Arbor Day Foundation.

Save the Bay – Narragansett Bay is a non-profit organization determined to restore and protect Narragansett Bay from harmful human activities through initiating programs to clean up the Bay, habitat restoration, and education of the public. For further information on Save the Bay, please visit their website (www.savebay.org).

The Rhode Island Tree Council is also a non-profit organization working to create healthy forests and dedicated to improving Rhode Island’s tree resources through tree planting and public education. For further information on the Rhode Island Tree Council, please visit their website (www.ritree.org).

In addition, there are many things you can do during your stay at the conference to minimize carbon emissions. Our student members-at-large have compiled the following list of suggestions on how to limit the carbon cost of your trip:

Before You Go

1. Turn water heater to "Vacation" or lowest setting.
2. Turn off AC/heat or adjust the thermostat to protect plants, etc.
3. Appliances, such as TVs and cable converter boxes, should be unplugged because they can draw or "leak" as much as 40 watts per hour even when they're off.
4. Turn icemaker off (lift wire) to prevent flooding should it break while you're away.
5. Lower the temperature of waterbed heaters at least ten degrees.
6. Stop your newspaper. You may be able to donate it to a school.

During Your Hotel Stay

1. Participate in hotel linen programs, or let the hotel know that it's not necessary to change your sheets and towels every day.
2. Reduce the amount of water used for bathing or showering.
3. When you leave your hotel room, turn off the AC/heat, lights, TV and radio. Close the drapes.
4. Participate in hotel recycling programs by placing recyclables in appropriate bins.
5. Leave little bottles of amenities in the guestroom if unopened.
6. Keep bar soap wrappers and take used bars of soap home.
7. If the hotel provides complimentary newspapers, pass yours on to someone else, or leave it in the lobby for another reader. Ask the hotel to see that it's recycled.
8. Be sure to turn off exercise equipment, sauna, whirlpool, Jacuzzi or tennis court lights when you're through.
9. Check out of the hotel via the hotel's electronic program available on the TV in some hotels. You can view your bill, approve it, and help reduce paperwork.

A special thanks to Heidi Mahon and the student members-at-large for compiling this list.