I have to say that largely absent from the city's environmental pitches is anything related to the carbon footprint of food and air travel, perhaps two of the most important contributions within the control of individuals. I would like to see a call to eat less meat, to eat more local/seasonal foods from greenmarkets/CSAs and to vacation closer to home - something that would benefit both local farmers and the local tourism industry.

And the city left off it's list a few items it is pushing in other areas, like encouraging people to drink tap water over bottled water which are just as important to reducing carbon footprint here and elsewhere.

Perhaps because the city is focusing on reducing the CO2 and methane released within the City from power plants, automobiles and carting around waste it is missing the fact that NYC residents are responsible for carbon released in other places. In fact, as I have often argued here, NYC can not only be a leader in urban design for a lower carbon footprint, but it can also leverage it's consumer market muscle to reduce carbon produced elsewhere and create a market for green products.

And I'm expecting more than just education on these issues - it's time for public policy to actively favor these activities.