Not Going to Powershift

This spring, I had to make a tough decision. I decided not to attend Powershift 2011. Despite my friends' facebook advertising, emails from countless environmental organizations, and even a phone call from a Powershift organizer, I will be staying in California.

No, I won't... but YOU should!

This decision was extremely difficult because Powershift 2009 was one of the best weekends of my life. It was full of amazing speakers, provocative workshops, new inspiring friends, and a day of passionate lobbying, rallying, and marching in snowy Washington. 

So why not this year? Well, this time, I'm on the other side of the country. Yes, there are other Berkeley students attending the conference. Yes, people do make the journey to DC from all over. But I decided that I just couldn't justify, with my environmental conscience, going to an environmental conference via airplane across the country. Airplane travel is a greenhouse gas disaster. I felt like the emissions from my trip would outweigh the positive impact I would have over at the conference. I get really sad every time I hear another speaker announced, especially Al Gore, who will be attending this year's Powershift. But all in all, I think I made the right decision. I plan on fully following the happenings of the movement over the course of the weekend, and I want to be supportive in any way that I can from over here.

SO, if you live near Washington, you should REALLY sign up for Powershift. You only have a couple of days left. It will CHANGE YOUR LIFE.