Eastside Cities Join Forces For Earth Day Climate Challenge

REDMOND, WA — Four Eastside cities have partnered up to launch the Eastside Climate Challenge, encouraging neighbors to take steps to reduce their carbon footprint, live more sustainably, and even save money.

Led by the mayors of Redmond, Bellevue, Issaquah and Mercer Island, residents living across the Eastside are welcome to join.

"Every time Earth Day comes around, residents ask me: 'What can I do to address climate change?,'" said Issaquah Mayor Mary Lou Pauly. "The Eastside Climate Challenge will help each of us do our part to mitigate the worst climate impacts in an easy and meaningful way."

The four cities are part of the King County-Cities Climate Collaboration, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent by 2030. Organizers say 40 percent of emissions come from everyday activities, including heating, electricity, waste and transportation.

The community challenge encourages residents to take action as individuals and communities to reduce impacts where they can, from things as simple as switching to LED lightbulbs and taking shorter showers to reexamining how residents get around.

Neighbors can sign up to participate in the challenge online and earn points in several categories, and several virtual workshops are scheduled in the spring for those who want to learn more.