North Tustin, CA
The Orange County Interfaith Coalition for the Environment (OCICE) was the lead organization in the "International Day of Climate Action", which took place on October 24, 2009 at the Irvine Ranch Outdoor Education Center in Orange, CA. The event included a morning hike with the Sierra Club, 5K walk, and a bicycle rally (groups came from various locations around Orange County and rode to the center rather than driving). The event opened with a prayer by six different faith leaders, followed by a keynote address by Chris Prelitz, author of "Green Made Easy." Also in attendance were Beth Krom, former Mayor of Irvine, and organizers who are working to encourage their city councils to reduce CO2 emissions in all 34 Orange County cities. Activities concluded with an aerial photograph taken of the participants in the formation of the number "350", as in 350 ppm of CO2, the safe level of CO2 emissions that scientists say will reduce the effects of global warming.
The purpose of the event was to call attention to the world's leaders of the desire for a strong climate treaty to be signed in Copenhagen, Denmark in December 2009, as well as to urge the U.S. government to be among the treaty signatories and take bold steps to reduce the nation's CO2 emissions.
OCICE also organizes an annual Caring for Creation conference on the 3rd Saturday of October. In addition to these larger events, OCICE offers screenings of timely films relating to environmental issues. On November 11, 2009 they showed a screening of "Coal Country," a movie about the devastating effects of Mountain Top Removal (MTR) coal mining. The film was hosted by Aldersgate United Methodist Church, located at 1201 Irvine Blvd., Tustin, CA 92780. OCICE also offers workshops on an on-going basis, as they are requested. Workshops offered include: Greening Your Home, Greening Your House of Worship, Greening Your Office, Greening Your School (all workshops cover information from removing toxic chemicals out of your home to energy conservation.)
Contact person: Margaret Henke
Contact phone: 714-731-6775; Contact email: Send an email...
Contact street address: Orange County Interfaith Coalition for the Environment, P. O. Box 555, Tustin, CA
Website: http://www.ocice.org