Climate Masters program: coming soon to a city near you?

I recently read about the Climate Masters program being offered by the University of Oregon Climate Leadership Initiative. According to the Oregonian, similar programs -- designed to help individuals decrease their carbon footprint -- are under development in New Mexico, Arizona, Utah and Maryland.

As much as I feel indebted to the learning I was exposed to in the Master Recycler program, there is always more to learn. When I would find time to become a Climate Master is beyond me, and might have to take a back-seat to becoming a Master Gardener -- but for now I'll just read the Organic Gardening for Dummies bbok my family thoughtfully picked up for me at the library, and hope that I figure out some workable chicken- and slug-proofing measures before my garden's tender sprouts get gobbled up.

What's really cool about these "Masters" programs is that volunteering and education are required payback, leading to a viral expansion of the greater good: growing and eating local and seasonal food, more informed decisions on how we use and conserve resources, and (near and dear to my heart) waste reduction. I also feel the programs help people feel like they are doing something positive and acting out of hope for the future. Only history will tell if any of these baby steps really make a difference. I hope you'll excuse my belly-button gazing... As we approach Earth Day 2009, I'm feeling a bit more philosphical than usual. Tell me, readers. Why do you strive to live sustainably? What motivates you?