[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 86 (Thursday, June 30, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 30, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                     CELEBRATING GLOBAL ACTION PLAN

                                 ______


                        HON. MAURICE D. HINCHEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 30, 1994

  Mr. HINCHEY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring to your attention an 
environmental grassroots organization called the Global Action Plan, or 
GAP. GAP was started in Woodstock, NY, and has grown to become an 
international environmental organization. It is theories and tactics 
are unique and effective.
  GAP was started when a number of grassroots activists realized that 
the most effective way to slow the current exploitation of the Earth's 
resources was to change the way individuals lived their daily lives. 
These concerned men and women saw that although awareness of 
environmental destruction has been raised, we have been less effective 
in changing deeply ingrained behaviors that still threaten the 
environment. GAP was formed to help individuals lead environmentally 
aware lives. Their slogan is ``Empowering Individuals to Live 
Environmentally Sustainable Lifestyles.'' I think these are good words 
to live by. Ultimately GAP is an organization which is designed to help 
people help themselves.
  GAP's activities are innovative and unique. They organize communities 
and neighborhoods into EcoTeams in which members support and educate 
one another about environmentally sound living practices. Over 4,000 
households in 10 countries have joined EcoTeams, and the results have 
been impressive. Households in the United States, for example, have 
reported a 39-percent reduction in solid waste and an average savings 
of $430 per household.
  The achievements of GAP testify to the strength and effectiveness of 
grassroots organizations. GAP is a model organization in its agenda and 
in its leadership--it shows us that where there is a will, there is a 
way. I would like my colleagues in the House to join me in honoring and 
thanking GAP for both its important role as a defender of our precious 
environment and as an example grassroots organization. As we quickly 
approach the 21st century, we must be careful not to forget the impact 
that dedicated individuals can have on our world. Global Action Plan 
serves as a perfect reminder to us all of that fact.

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