10:10: the blogosphere and Twitter reaction

So what are they saying around the web about the campaign to cut emissions 10% in 2010
The 10:10 campaign, which was launched last week, aims to get individuals, companies and organisations to reduce their carbon footprint by 10% in 2010. Over 10,000 individuals, 300 companies and 100 organisations have already signed up. Those taking the pledge range from the entire Tory front bench to Tottenham Hotspur football club. But what does the blogosphere think?
Generally, it's reacted very positively to the campaign. The Ecologist put its support behind the campaign, making the important point that it's not just about the number of signatures:
some of these organisations represent hundreds, even thousands of people. Take Guy's and St Thomas' hospitals with its 10,000 employees and vast buildings. A 10 per cent cut on this scale can have a wide reaching impact.
Chris Goodall's Carbon Commentary blog is optimistic about the potential success of the campaign, recognising that it can be achieved by most people through small changes. To help us all make these changes he's made a handy table outlining positive actions.
Reducing consumption lies at the heart of the 10:10 campaign - it's helpful tip number 6 - so in theory if we only purchase high quality goods in the first place then we won't have to throw as many things away. But after following such advice Flesh is grass is understandably miffed that their pricey Breville kettle hasn't lasted a lifetime.
Ian Katz's introduction to the campaign, where he argued the beauty is that's it's both meaningful and achievable, was kindly republished on Guardian Environment Network partner sites including Worldchanging and OurWorld 2.0. He wrote:
It is about old-fashioned ideas of responsibility, but also about a more enlightened understanding of our collective self-interest. It is about an optimistic view of what ordinary people can achieve, and of human nature itself.
The leading US green blog Treehugger has also got behind the campaign, and is pleased to see influential figures and organisations joining in, noting that:
Crucially, while pushing the importance of responsible action, whether on an individual, community or company level, the campaign also has its sights firmly set on national and international emissions cuts too - using the cuts achieved by the campaign to put pressure on our governments to act swiftly and decisively.
Not all commentary has been positive. Kathryn Corrick on the Labourlist blog reasons that without a suitable way of measuring any carbon emission cuts, the campaign is doomed to failure.
Climate Resistance give the campaign 0/10 although this is perhaps not suprising considering one of the statements on their website:
There is good scientific evidence that human activities are influencing the climate. But evidence is not fact, and neither evidence nor fact speak for themselves.
Looking at 10:10 through a business lens, BusinessGreen notes that businesses will only have to demonstrate a 3% cut in emissions to still be classed as a successful participant. With popular corporate short-cut tactics prohibited, even this cut may be difficult for many to achieve.
Emission reductions achieved through carbon offsets or green tariffs will not be allowed to count towards the 10 per cent target.
Many individuals are choosing to show their support through Twitter, with some giving more personalised tips than others:
• A squeaky clean dancing flea hopes to reduce her carbon footprint by washing less because water heating is particularly energy hungry.
• With so many people striving to consume less, DaveHeadStrong worries about possible repercussions of this campaign on the economy.
• Simplicity and ease are key tenets of 10:10. In fact, making cuts in energy use can be as simple as studying the settings on your dishwasher, a point ably demonstated by AlexDP.
• Director of the documentary The Age of Stupid, Franny Armstrong is the founder of the 10:10 campaign and is equally vocal on Twitter. She is clearly pleased with the reception of the launch on Monday.
It took only two days for 10,000 people to commit to cutting their emissions, and support is growing daily. Have you signed up?