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Spring is upon us-earlier than ever, even if it doesn't feel much like it on some cold raw damp days in March.

As you may have read, scientists are telling us that cutting greenhouse gas emissions enough to avert a dangerous rise in global temperatures may be far more difficult than previous research suggested, and far too important to ignore.

Clearly, we all need to act. And quickly. But how can you, and you, and you, and I presume to reverse over a hundred years of continued abuse of our planet and our atmosphere?

For one thing, of course, we should all reduce our own emissions, through a program like the Low Carbon Diet or a carbon challenge. Losing 5,000 pounds reduces an average household's emissions by almost 10 percent in just a year. This is an important start to be sure, but it pales in comparison to the drastic reductions science has shown we need.

Individually you and I can only be sure that we're contributing our part. But cleaning up our own act is only one half of "our part".

I think it's also "our part" to give our leaders; our mayors, our selectmen, our legislators, our governor, and yes, our president the message that it's far past time to get serious about making the changes we need to make to leave behind us a sustainable society. We are "cleaning up" our lives, and we must insist that government work just as hard to change the big picture.

That's why it's so exciting the Mass. State Senate recently took the leadership role of passing the Global Warming Solutions Act (see the Beacon Hill News section below). Your leaders need to hear not only that you support them passing important legislation like this, but that you are holding up your end of the deal by cleaning up your life.

And what better way to get ready for Earth Day in April than to set yourself down those two paths? Doing your part, and showing your legislators they have your support as they do theirs.

If you are looking for ways to spring into spring with a smaller carbon footprint, check out the Low Carbon Living and Resources sections of this newsletter. We have included information on reducing consumption-and reusing what you have. After all, as you already know, it's much better (and less expensive) to get full use from what you already have.

As a hopeful footnote, I'm happy to say that as of Earth Day, Whole Foods will no longer give out any plastic bags. They are actively encouraging use of reusable cloth bags, for which they will give a rebate. This could be the start of something much less!

Rob Garrity, MCAN Executive Director