“King County and the city of Seattle are nationally-recognized for our efforts to reduce the greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change. These organizations have taken that leadership to an individual level,” said Council Chair Larry Phillips, whose district includes Ballard. “Everyone has a role in fighting global warming, and Ballard is demonstrating how neighborhoods throughout the country can do their part.”

At the Council’s September 11 meeting, Sustainable Ballard and NetGreen were recognized for their program that allows home and business owners to calculate their “carbon footprint.” Using a calculator they can access at www.AchieveNetGreen.org, individuals and businesses can take into account their electricity and gas use, propane consumption, driving/commuting, air travel, and size of home or business, and then make a tax-deductible contribution to NetGreen to offset that effect. Those funds will be used by NetGreen for a variety of carbon-reduction initiatives, such as transportation projects and renewable-energy and energy-efficiency programs.