There's no question about it. This is a great island full of cool-minded folks, who are committed to be part of the climate crisis solution. Many of you have been walking the walk since before I started walking (and that's saying something). And yet, we've got a long walk ahead of us, if we're seriously going to reduce our carbon footprints and engage others in doing the same.

Meg's and my focus this fall has been on practical small steps we can all take to impact climate change. On September 11th, Mug Shots, a coffee shop bring-your-own-mug event, provided an easy opportunity for people to practice reducing waste. Many customers responded positively to the MUG SHOTS MANTRA: resolve, reduce, reuse, and remind. Resolve to reduce paper and plastic consumption by reusing your own mug and reminding others to do the same. Since then, both Cafý Luna and the Burton Coffee Shop report an increase in own-mug use, and Luna has plans to make the 11th of each month a Mug Shots Day.

Now we'd like to expand that concept. In days of yore, I'm pretty sure that bringing one's own dinnerware to a picnic was de rigueur. These days we're more likely to load up on paper plates, plastic forks, knives that bend rather than cut, and plastic and Styrofoam cups. Even fundraisers and gala events often succumb to the easy-way-out, featuring large garbage cans that overflow with rubbish by the evening's end.

It doesn't have to be this way.

Creating a trash-free event is about to get a lot easier, thanks to the innovative folks of Sustainable Vashon. Inspired in part by Mug Shots, we are amassing 100 place settings (dishes, cups, glasses, & silverware) as well as serving pieces, cloth napkins, and tablecloths, which we plan to loan to individuals and community groups. All we're requesting is a small tax- deductible donation to Sustainable Vashon to cover breakage and maintenance. Karen Biondo has offered to be the contact person ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , 463-9906) and to store it all at K-Jo Farm.

Here's how it works: If you're having a party, a fundraiser, a picnic, or a meeting and want to scrap the trash, get in touch with Karen, tell her what you need, and arrange to pick up your dishes. You will receive them clean and packaged, with a request that you return them the same way. That's all there is to it. We're still in need of serving bowls, utensils, glasses, and cloth napkins in case you have a surplus and want to make a contribution. Everything just needs to be in good condition with no chips or tears.

A pal of mine came up with the name No Trash Bash back in 1990, when we were planning a community-wide Earth Day picnic in Tacoma, which we wanted to be a rubbish-free celebration. It carries the intent I hope to convey here. Reusing can make for a fun guilt-free time - a creative way to reduce your carbon footprint and decrease what gets dumped in the landfill, while enjoying the taste of good food (hopefully locally grown) in an eclectically elegant manner.

If you're looking to do more, we've got two other possibilities in the offing. As a result of our Low Carbon Diet host training, twenty-three islanders are now set to start their own eco-teams focused on losing 5000 pounds in a month's time. Due to popular demand, we're going to hold a second training session in late fall, just in time for people to galvanize for a low carbon holiday season. Stay tuned for a definite date and let me know if you'd like to participate.

On Tuesday, November 13th, Meg and I will offer our final Climate Project presentation at the Land Trust, from 7-9 pm. Hosted by the Audubon Society, the event is free, and all are welcome. We will include an update on new legislation and policy issues and will focus primarily on generating long-lasting solutions. We look forward to a full house.

Meanwhile, Karen hopes to have her phone ringing off the hook as we each fashion our own No Trash Bash.

Janie Starr and Meg Gluckman are members of Sustainable Vashon and, after training with Al Gore, have been working together to impact the community's response to climate change. To register for a future LCD host training contact Janie at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .