How to Increase Your Carbon Footprint on June 12, Carbon Belch Day

Tired of hearing the constant drone about the disaster that is global warming? Concerned about the proposed "carbon tax" that may be imposed on you for your contribution to the problem? Want to do something about it? Then let out a great big "Carbon Belch"!

Yeah, I know. I thought it was a joke when I heard this on the radio this morning. Turns out it's not a joke at all. There's a Web site dedicated to "Carbon Belch Day" (this June 12) and how you can do your part to increase, not decrease, your carbon dioxide (or CO2) output. It explains what the day is, offers you a chance to pledge to celebrate, and provides a calculator so you can determine just how much CO2 you actually produce.

While the site is designed as tongue-in-cheek, the message it delivers is deadly serious. The site points out that CO2 not a pollutant, but a gas that plant life requires in order to grow (and the waste gas that plants produce, oxygen, is required by us--how convenient is that?). It notes that claims by such individuals as former vice-president Al Gore are unfounded and irresponsible, given that the scientific community is divided on exactly what part human manufacturing processes actually play in climate change. It also warns of proposed "carbon tax" and "cap-and-trade" recommendations, such as the Climate Security Act of 2007, also known as the Lieberman-Warner bill. In fact, you can sign up to include your information on a petition to protest such legislation.

The site has a copyright notice at the bottom by Grassfire.org, a "non-profit 501(c)4 organization. Our goal is to impact key issues in our nation by equipping hundreds of thousands of citizens with tools that give our partners a real impact on issues. Through online petitions and breakthrough media efforts, Grassfire.org is building a proactive Alliance of conservative citizens who can make a difference in our nation." Although not affiliated with any religious or political organization, the group "holds a strong and unwavering commitment to conservative, pro-family and pro-faith values." (This from FAQ on the Grassfire.org Web site.)

Whether you believe in global warming or not, you have to admit the whole concept of "Carbon Belch Day" is a unique way to focus attention on both sides of the issue. By the way, I checked out the site's calculator, entering answers based on what I would do in a normal day. According to the calculator, I am responsible for producing 142 pounds of CO2 per day (the average American produces 41 pounds). Looks like I celebrate "Carbon Belch Day" every day. Somebody's got to be happy with me!