Depending on your level of interest in such things, it may or may not be hard to fathom, but did you know that it’s estimated the average American per capita fuel cost is a staggering:

$17.40 for one day…
$121.80 for one week…
$500.00 for one month?   [As of February 11, 2011]

Two leading environmental advocates are teaming up to commemorate the first anniversary of the Gulf Oil Spill and preview the 2011 Earth Day celebrations with a Day Without Oil gathering to promote reduced use of fossil fuels:

~ Day Without Oil  is a grass-roots project that wants us to imagine one day without oil.   You can participate by signing the pledge to:   Refrain from using gasoline or other fossil fuels for one day, and donating the value of one day’s oil consumption – $17.40 to an environmental organization on the front lines.   Funds donated go directly to  your selected organization.

~ One of the recommended organizations, DC Greenworks  is  the Washington, D.C. region’s preeminent greenroof advocate and educator (also known as a one stop shop for green roof consultation, design, and installation).    And, they “help resolve urban environmental and economic problems by fostering local enterprise, job training, and community stewardship, especially in underserved communities in the Washington, D.C. area.”

This year, they have partnered with Day Without Oil and are co-hosting  a reception to promote environmental stewardship on this first anniversary of the BP disaster and worst oil spill in our history.  

Where are they holding the event?   On a greenroof, of course!

Specifics:

“Don’t Be Crude”: Day Without Oil Reception
 
Thursday, April 14, 2011
6:00 – 8:00 PM
1454 Belmont St NW
Washington, DC 20009

Suggested donation:   $17.40
RSVP: Katherine Sawyer
Kathy@dcgreenworks.org; 202.518.6195

 The “Don’t Be Crude” event will be held at the greenroof built by DC Greenworks at City Overlook,  the home of the Board Chair, Gail Montplaisir.

“Our hope is that this event will raise awareness and action by environmentally concerned citizens about our need to reduce dependence on oil and enhance our work in the region.” ~ Gail Montplaisir

 

The Day Without Oil    project was created by Provincetown, Massachusetts, artist Jay Critchley, who estimates that the average American uses the equivalent of three gallons of petroleum per day, which includes cleanup costs and subsidies.

“While this day’s focus is on oil, it’s also about our personal obligation to change our behavior and help to create stricter energy policies to combat global warming but inspire and support global change. Let’s begin the transition to renewable energy and a healthy planet.” ~ Jay Critchley

Download the DC Greenworks invitation here.   If you live in the D.C. area, appreciate the need to reduce our dependency on oil and want to socialize with like-minded people on top of a lovely greenroof, this event is something to consider!   If not, you can partner with Day Without Oil and create your own.   Visit their website to learn more, see some videos and read the blog.

Happy Greening with Less Oil!

~ Linda V.