Jim and Ruth, retired ecologists from Cornell now living in West Danby, have spent decades addressing the urgent realities of climate change. They’ve long been concerned about the United States’ reluctance to tackle the root causes of the crisis, often citing short-sighted economic justifications. As educators, they’ve dedicated their careers to teaching about this “inconvenient truth” and have carried their commitment into retirement by striving to live as sustainably as possible.
That said, after aging out of backpacking a couple of decades ago, Jim and Ruth transitioned to car camping. They now use a 4×4 to navigate the rugged wilderness roads their hybrid Prius can’t handle. While essential for their adventures, they grapple with the costly carbon emissions associated with driving. To address this, they’ve chosen to offset the carbon emissions from their 2024 road trips to the Southwest and the Pacific Northwest.
Their motivation? Jim says it’s simple: “Pure guilt for being ecological hypocrites!” But it’s not all guilt. They also find inspiration in their friendship with SFLX Board Chair Peter McDonald, a fellow road trip enthusiast whom they hold each other accountable for offsetting their travels.
Why did they choose the Finger Lakes Climate Fund (FLCF) out of so many offset options? “Think globally, act locally,” says Jim. While they appreciate the logic of carbon offset credits, they’re wary of programs that promise environmental benefits but are riddled with challenges—like planting trees in the South to justify pollution in the North. With FLCF, their offset dollars directly support local families in the region, enabling them to live more sustainably while contributing to broader environmental benefits.
By offsetting their trips through FLCF, Jim and Ruth exemplify how to enjoy life’s adventures while staying true to their environmental values.
~~
Since 2010, we’ve awarded 106 grants—but 2024 has been our most impactful year yet! This year, we awarded 17 grants totaling $38,679 💰, offsetting 2,177 tons of CO2 emissions 🌍.
We need your help to replenish these funds for the coming year. 🌱 Offset your holiday travel today ✈️ to help us continue supporting families and communities in 2025! 💚
Donate here: https://fingerlakesclimatefund.org/donate/
For businesses and organizations: Explore our tiered benefits and join us as a Finger Lakes Enterprises for Climate Action (FLECA) member! Learn more: https://fingerlakesclimatefund.org/business-offsetters/
