By Krysia Wazny

350 is a significant number for both Somerville and the world at large. It represents the amount of carbon in parts per million that the globe’s atmosphere can safely support. It is the number of towns and cities outside of Somerville in the state of Massachusetts. Additionally and perhaps most excitingly, it is the goal toward which Somerville Climate Action’s newest initiative is reaching.

The 350 Actions Challenge, six months in the making, was kicked off last week in Union Square. The campaign challenges Somerville’s residents and businesses to make a commitment to take 350 actions to make the city a greener place. Already the campaign has achieved ten percent of its goal, with 35 actions reported before the kick off. Any member of the community can participate with eligible actions ranging from planting trees to installing solar panels.

Of the 351 towns and cities in Massachusetts, Somerville is the first to institute a program like the 350 Actions Challenge. Though based on the ideas of the worldwide organization 350.org, this initiative is Somerville Climate Action’s own invention, and one they hope will spread.

“We think Somerville could be the one town to inspire all the other towns to do something similar,” said lead organizer Maureen Barillaro. Representative Denise Provost agrees. “There are similar programs in the world,” she said, “and ideas do tend to spread, especially since the invention of the internet.”

If all goes well, the initiative will raise awareness and make a noticeable difference in the area’s environment. Provost remarked that through this program the community “could gain a heightened appreciation of the issue and a better appreciation of the carbon costs in our everyday lives.”

Somerville Climate Action realizes that asking residents to do something new for the environment is truly a challenge, and they offer their support. “We want to encourage people through the campaign, but also recognize those who are doing things on their own,” said Barillaro. Residents and establishments that take action will receive a green ribbon for display. The green ribbon campaign both acknowledges those people who are making a difference and spreads word about the initiative.

The group of volunteers is available at any time to offer ideas and help. “Participants don’t have to be on their own,” Barillaro encouragingly remarked. Anyone seeking to cut energy costs and make Somerville a better place is invited to take action at somervilleclimateaction.org.