THE ATKINSON DIET Together we’ve got a lot to lose,  but the Atkinson diet is easy to use. GO AHEAD...YOU DON'T NEED TO CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR. You'll be rewarded - the trees will start hugging you. SHOW YOUR SUPPORT..SIGN UP NOW

STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS FOR YOUR LOW CARBON DIET

	READ AND FOLLOW THE 4 WEEK DIET PLAN & SIGN UP to show your support
	VISIT THE WEBSITE REGULARLY for tips and carbon camaraderie. Be a part of our diet support group.
	LOOK TO THE DIET TIPS section and the Carbon Stars sections for guidance in shedding more pounds.
	STEP UP THE PROGRAM if you're already living low carb.
	REPORT BACK TO US your creative and practical solutions for life without FLARB (see sidebar for definition).  We will post them on our Carbon Stars page to inspire others.
	RECRUIT at least 2 other people or families to go on the Atkinson Diet. Remind them of the money you've saved.
	REVIEW the last 4 weeks.
	INCORPORATE the changes into your daily life.
	CELEBRATE your cool moves and the money you saved. Thanks for your positive impact in the fight against global warming and environmental degradation.

A PARENTHETICAL NOTE FOR BUSINESSES:

Your business, church, or organization can go on a version of the Atkinson diet.

Climate change is a business problem, too, and businesses can also work to save energy and money, using many of the same energy-efficiency tips on this site. Climate Biz says the following: "By minimizing dependence on fossil fuels and improving operational efficiencies, companies can save money, reduce compliance costs, and avoid additional tax burdens. Proactive companies also can buffer themselves from climate-related business impacts such as rising insurance rates for industrial activities and tighter regulations that affect operating costs." It also sets out an action plan and tips for energy efficiency. In Wisconsin, the Focus on Energy Program offers support and incentives for businesses working toward increasing energy efficiency. The Department of Natural Resources Green Tier Program creates co-benefits for businesses aspiring to differentiate themselves by systematically delivering superior environmental performance.

SOME OTHER RESOURCES FOR BUSINESSES

The Energy Star Program offers guidelines for energy management which can assist businesses in improving their energy and financial performance while distinguishing themselves as environmental leaders. Their site offers downloadable fact sheets which provide information on energy use, energy efficiency opportunities, partnership possibilities, and key leverage points for major sectors including: schools, small businesses, supermarkets, health care facilities, governments, congregations, hotels and hospitality, commercial real estate, residential homebuilders, home improvement, manufacturing and industry, higher education.

The Alliance to Save Energy offers commercial and small business tips to save money by reducing energy bills.

The Madison Environmental Group offers consultation for designing green buildings and greening operations in existing buildings, taking a holistic approach which addresses the interconnection of buildings, people, and transportation.

The UWM School of Continuing Education is developing an environmental sustainability education program called GreenWorks that helps business leaders and managers understand why and how sustainability as a business strategy can improve long-term viability and increase competitive advantage.

In a 12-minute video: AHEAD OF THE CURVE: business respond to climate change, the Sea Studios Foundation highlights the reponse from corporations such as Johnson Controls and WalMart to climate change.

---

THE ATKINSON 4 WEEK DIET PLAN*

Of course, it’s not really about diet, it’s about lifestyle. 

You are only asking yourself to acquire some new habits in exchange for helping to keep the planet in balance.

"Nature is always lovely, invincible, glad, whatever is done and suffered by her creatures. All scars she heals, whether in rocks or water or sky or hearts." John Muir

WEEK ONE - goal of 1200 pounds

• Replace your 5 most-used incandescent light bulbs with five compact fluorescent light bulbs (and dispose of them properly when they're done) = 900 lbs (more details)

• Use sleep settings on your computer at work and at home, and turn off your computer at night =300 lbs (more details)

Already doing these things?  Bravo!  Move on to the next week or come up with your own ways to reduce flarb.

WEEK TWO - goal of 1200 pounds

• Stop leaky appliances = 600 lbs (more details)

• Use cold or warm water instead of hot water for your laundry = 450 lbs (more details)

• Run dishwasher only when full, and use energy saving settings.  200 lbs (more details)

Already doing these things?  Bravo!  Move on to the next week or come up with your own ways to reduce.

WEEK THREE - goal of 1200 pounds

• Send out one less 30 gallon bag of garbage. Recycle. Compost. Buy in bulk and use fewer packaged goods= 300 lbs (more details)
• Install a low-flow shower head.  They cost under $20 and have plenty of pressure. Showers account for about a fifth of the water used in most homes. Remember, every drop counts. 300 lbs (electric H2O heater) or 80lbs (gas H20 heater) (more details)

• Drive less. Commit to shaving off 5 miles in car rides each week. Bike, walk, or use public transit, at least part way= 250 lbs (more details)

• In the winter, set your thermostat at 68 degrees or less when you are awake and at home, and 55 degrees at night and when you are gone.  In the summer, keep it at 78 or 80 or higher.  350 lbs (more details)

Already doing these things?  Bravissimo!  Move on to the next week and invite someone to go on the diet with you.

WEEK FOUR - goal of 1200+ lbs  

• Turn off lights whenever they are not needed – either because the room is empty or because natural light is sufficient= 250 lbs (more details)

• Travel at moderate, steady speeds and don’t idle = 100 lbs (more details)

• Have your home furnace and air conditioner tuned up, and change or clean your air filter regularly so that the units run at their maximum efficiency ( This could save you 5 to 15 percent on your heating and cooling bills) =   350 lbs (more details)

• Insulate your home. This is a biggie. = 500-1000 lbs (more details)

CONGRATULATIONS!!! YOU'VE FINISHED THE ATKINSON 4 WEEK DIET. DON'T YOU FEEL COOLER?

NOW WHAT?

• Go to the Carbon Stars section and submit your story or tip.

• Look at the Diet Tips section for further ways to reduce your flarb. You’ve come a long way, baby.  Don’t stop reducing now.

• Ask at least two other people or families to join you on the Atkinson diet.  In your own silver tongue, explain the personal, community, and planetary health benefits of a low-carbon diet, and send them to this site.

• Challenge another family, group, church, business or school to go on the diet and start a competition to see who can reduce their emissions the most.
  
  
• Continue to incorporate the changes into your daily life.

*Any glory in this section goes to the main sources: www.coopamerica.org and www.fightglobalwarming.org. Find out more details about the calculations from the sources listed on their sites.