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Saturday was an International Day of Climate Action – and Sunday was a milestone for climate action in Mar Vista. The Mar Vista Green Committee unanimously approved a motion to make Mar Vista the first clean electricity neighborhood in Los Angeles, with a goal of 100% clean electricity by 2018. The motion must be approved by the Mar Vista Community Council (MVCC) in two weeks, on November 10, and you can help! Please sign the petition that will be presented to the MVCC, urging Mar Vista to make the switch to clean electricity. Read more.
Repower America is a great idea, and I invite all of you to participate in an event I am planning for summer 2010 - a circumnavigation of Lake Powell in a boat using only solar energy. Here is a copy of a message i left at the Repower America web site today:
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Greetings from Arizona. I'll make this short. I am planning a solar circumnavigation of a major lake (about 250 miles), using a solar-powered boat of my design, next summer. I want to demonstrate the potential of solar power to replace gasoline in boats, and to attract attention to alternative energy in general. If I could also use this event to raise awareness of the Repower America movement, that would be a plus. I can put logos on my boat, pass out leaflets, include your information in my press releases, talk to reporters about the goals Al Gore and the rest of us have regarding clean energy and the environment, etc. If you are interested to discuss this, please contact me. Thank you. -Martin Adams
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I have most of the boat design completed and most of the hardware: motor, solar cells (I make my own solar panels), meters, batteries, etc. I will build the boat this winter and begin testing it in lakes in Prescott in the Spring. The circumnavigation is planned for June, but that is not fixed yet. There is another event at Lake Powell in September I may attend, and it is possible I may combine the two. Or, I may do both, June and September.
Your participation is welcome, in whatever way we agree. Photographers and videographers would be great. Any journalists in the group? I will prepare and send press releases in advance, so there may be some news people there.
My focus at the moment is the boat. My web site www.RebelCat.com will have a section on the solar boat when I have something to show. You can also use the site to contact me. Thank you. -Martin Adams
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Greetings from Arizona. I'll make this short. I am planning a solar circumnavigation of a major lake (about 250 miles), using a solar-powered boat of my design, next summer. I want to demonstrate the potential of solar power to replace gasoline in boats, and to attract attention to alternative energy in general. If I could also use this event to raise awareness of the Repower America movement, that would be a plus. I can put logos on my boat, pass out leaflets, include your information in my press releases, talk to reporters about the goals Al Gore and the rest of us have regarding clean energy and the environment, etc. If you are interested to discuss this, please contact me. Thank you. -Martin Adams
--------------------
I have most of the boat design completed and most of the hardware: motor, solar cells (I make my own solar panels), meters, batteries, etc. I will build the boat this winter and begin testing it in lakes in Prescott in the Spring. The circumnavigation is planned for June, but that is not fixed yet. There is another event at Lake Powell in September I may attend, and it is possible I may combine the two. Or, I may do both, June and September.
Your participation is welcome, in whatever way we agree. Photographers and videographers would be great. Any journalists in the group? I will prepare and send press releases in advance, so there may be some news people there.
My focus at the moment is the boat. My web site www.RebelCat.com will have a section on the solar boat when I have something to show. You can also use the site to contact me. Thank you. -Martin Adams
Im dissiopointed in the campain in North Dakota or should I say lack of it... North dakotans run in two camps, those who do not belive in global warming and those who do not belive we can change our future.
Iv seen a couple of ads that the coal industry has on TV. fear is a great tool to use to get your way. All the powers are against the climate bill. yesseriee we are all going to loose our jobs and pay mega taxes.
I have yet to see any counter action taken. Someone needs to get boots on the ground out here and explain it. Scientists preferalby. People whom are beliveable.
The people need to know why we have this global warming thing when we havent had to use aircondioning in two years. The people need to know what negitive effect climate change will have on future crop production. This is still an agricultural state and thats the way to get through to the people. The people really do need to know to be assured aboout their job futures as well. When the coal mining is closing down where are these poeple going to go and what are they going to do? Will there really be green jobs? jobs that pay similar or better? Will they be here? Are we really going to royally screwed by cap and trade?
The ethonal industry is suffering, going broke. Big gas and oil is making sure of that. They are working their evil majic to make sure that never really gets off the ground. this is an important industry to north dakota as it uses corn growen in state.
All I hear is the negative. nobody is seeing the future because there is nobody teaching/showing them the real future. People dont even take much stock in the windtowers thinkking only that it brings extra income to the land owners and not their real reason for being.
Well a lot of bills are going to be voted on here soon. Bills that will help us humans if they pass, but the fears and uncertanties will have to be put to rest. Someone needs to put something together and bring it to the people.
Remember this one thing. Back this summer when that first bill passed and the govenor of Minnesota was making a fool of himself at his potium just raging and ranting away with that poster behind him that said country first country first all over it. Remember this now, what is real..its people that make the country..not country that makes the people.
Iv seen a couple of ads that the coal industry has on TV. fear is a great tool to use to get your way. All the powers are against the climate bill. yesseriee we are all going to loose our jobs and pay mega taxes.
I have yet to see any counter action taken. Someone needs to get boots on the ground out here and explain it. Scientists preferalby. People whom are beliveable.
The people need to know why we have this global warming thing when we havent had to use aircondioning in two years. The people need to know what negitive effect climate change will have on future crop production. This is still an agricultural state and thats the way to get through to the people. The people really do need to know to be assured aboout their job futures as well. When the coal mining is closing down where are these poeple going to go and what are they going to do? Will there really be green jobs? jobs that pay similar or better? Will they be here? Are we really going to royally screwed by cap and trade?
The ethonal industry is suffering, going broke. Big gas and oil is making sure of that. They are working their evil majic to make sure that never really gets off the ground. this is an important industry to north dakota as it uses corn growen in state.
All I hear is the negative. nobody is seeing the future because there is nobody teaching/showing them the real future. People dont even take much stock in the windtowers thinkking only that it brings extra income to the land owners and not their real reason for being.
Well a lot of bills are going to be voted on here soon. Bills that will help us humans if they pass, but the fears and uncertanties will have to be put to rest. Someone needs to put something together and bring it to the people.
Remember this one thing. Back this summer when that first bill passed and the govenor of Minnesota was making a fool of himself at his potium just raging and ranting away with that poster behind him that said country first country first all over it. Remember this now, what is real..its people that make the country..not country that makes the people.
A DOE Clean Cities Program is forming locally, Emerald Coast Coalition. Reducing petro use is good for earth, and good for humans. Check it out at http://www.EmeraldCoastCleanCities.org.
There is one. Went to the last meeting (3Sep09) at the 1190 W Leornard St county bldg. The CEC meets only once/month, if that often. Sometimes has guest speaker, but mostly a free/open forum agenda. Which means anyone can attend and voice an environmental issue. You can question what is going on and what will be done, even suggest green solutions. Industrial plant (Crist, IP, metal scrap, etc.) and landfill waste permit are of great concern, as well as brownfield clean up. Pensacola Community of WeCanSolveIt/RePower America should get involved. Search for the CEC in your web browser, since the county web site has been rearranged and more difficult to find the CEC.
We should force NEPA best practices/cleanest processes - Gulf Power is cleaning the Crist exhaust, but where is GP's leadership in a distributed solar farm (every roof should have net meetered PV) --Compass Solar. Hurray for Lamar Outdoors for thier solar PV powered and 2 wind powered billboards. Other agenda items for us all were greatly described in Carl W's PNJ 5 weedend Eco Op/Ed series.
We should force NEPA best practices/cleanest processes - Gulf Power is cleaning the Crist exhaust, but where is GP's leadership in a distributed solar farm (every roof should have net meetered PV) --Compass Solar. Hurray for Lamar Outdoors for thier solar PV powered and 2 wind powered billboards. Other agenda items for us all were greatly described in Carl W's PNJ 5 weedend Eco Op/Ed series.
This is also a very illustrating piece about the state of the electrical grid in the US
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=103281114
It has an interactive map that shows the grid,power generation and other energy-related features. It's actually very cool!
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=103281114
It has an interactive map that shows the grid,power generation and other energy-related features. It's actually very cool!
This is a very sraight-forward article about what can be done to fix the Grid (taken from Wired Magazine).
It covers topics from regulation and trade of electricity to storage and real time demand coordiantion.
http://www.wired.com/science/discoveries/magazine/17-04/gp_intro
Very interesting and illustrating.
It covers topics from regulation and trade of electricity to storage and real time demand coordiantion.
http://www.wired.com/science/discoveries/magazine/17-04/gp_intro
Very interesting and illustrating.
QUICK AND EASY STEPS FOR REDUCING YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT
Adapted from World Wildlife Fund (http://www.worldwildlife.org/climate/whatyoucando.html)
1. Green Transportation. Riding bike or walking can significantly reduce your carbon footprint. Each gallon of gasoline saved will reduce the carbon emission by 20 pounds.
2. Check lights. Identify frequently used light fixtures that use incandescent bulbs; order fluorescent replacements bulbs
3. Check the temperature setting on your water-heater. Reduce the setting to 120°F (typically the “warm” setting; or halfway between the low and medium settings), if it is not already set to that temperature.
4. Check the settings on your appliances. Where the option is available – and is not already selected -- select the energy-saving setting on your refrigerator, dishwasher, washing machine and other major appliances.
5. Check your thermostat settings. During the heating season, set the thermostat lower, especially at night or when rooms are unoccupied. During the cooling season, set the temperatures higher. If you have a programmable thermostat you can automate the daily settings.
6. Check showerheads and faucets. Determine whether any of your showerheads are models that use more than 2.5 gallons per minute. If so, order low-flow showerheads. Similarly, verify that your bathroom and kitchen water faucets have aerators. Order an aerator for each faucet that does not have one and that can accommodate one. These steps will reduce your use of hot water – and your use of energy to heat that water.
7. Turn off appliances that you are not using. Switch off TVs, computers, lights, etc. that are not being used and unplug items on “standby” (that use electricity even when not being used) , including TVs, video and audio systems, computers, and chargers (for cell-phones and other electronic equipment).
8. Check car tires for proper inflation. This can improve gas mileage. The appropriate air pressure typically is listed on the door-pillar on the driver’s side, on the inside of the glove-compartment door or in the vehicle manual.
9. Write a letter to one of your elected representatives at the local, state or Federal level. Tell them you believe climate change is important; and that you support the development and implementation of a climate action plan to reduce emissions and prepare for climate change impacts
RECYCLE………RECYCLE………RECYCLE………RECYCLE………RECYCLE
Adapted from World Wildlife Fund (http://www.worldwildlife.org/climate/whatyoucando.html)
1. Green Transportation. Riding bike or walking can significantly reduce your carbon footprint. Each gallon of gasoline saved will reduce the carbon emission by 20 pounds.
2. Check lights. Identify frequently used light fixtures that use incandescent bulbs; order fluorescent replacements bulbs
3. Check the temperature setting on your water-heater. Reduce the setting to 120°F (typically the “warm” setting; or halfway between the low and medium settings), if it is not already set to that temperature.
4. Check the settings on your appliances. Where the option is available – and is not already selected -- select the energy-saving setting on your refrigerator, dishwasher, washing machine and other major appliances.
5. Check your thermostat settings. During the heating season, set the thermostat lower, especially at night or when rooms are unoccupied. During the cooling season, set the temperatures higher. If you have a programmable thermostat you can automate the daily settings.
6. Check showerheads and faucets. Determine whether any of your showerheads are models that use more than 2.5 gallons per minute. If so, order low-flow showerheads. Similarly, verify that your bathroom and kitchen water faucets have aerators. Order an aerator for each faucet that does not have one and that can accommodate one. These steps will reduce your use of hot water – and your use of energy to heat that water.
7. Turn off appliances that you are not using. Switch off TVs, computers, lights, etc. that are not being used and unplug items on “standby” (that use electricity even when not being used) , including TVs, video and audio systems, computers, and chargers (for cell-phones and other electronic equipment).
8. Check car tires for proper inflation. This can improve gas mileage. The appropriate air pressure typically is listed on the door-pillar on the driver’s side, on the inside of the glove-compartment door or in the vehicle manual.
9. Write a letter to one of your elected representatives at the local, state or Federal level. Tell them you believe climate change is important; and that you support the development and implementation of a climate action plan to reduce emissions and prepare for climate change impacts
RECYCLE………RECYCLE………RECYCLE………RECYCLE………RECYCLE
Exciting times for team Repower Alaska this week. We're gearing up for several events next week, and I wanted to give you the rundown ahead of time so you know whats on the horizon...
First Up:
Volunteer Meet-Up in Seward
-We're going to be in town on July 28th to meet up with Seward area folks ready to get active- come out for an evening of good conversation, new friends, and to learn how to become an effective advocate for clean energy. We will be meeting at Resurrect Art Coffee Shop at 5:30pm on Tuesday the 28th, and we'll go until they close at 7:00pm. Hope to see you there!
Next we will be hosting...
Repower Alaska Office Grand Opening in Anchorage
-Come hang out with us to celebrate the grand opening of our Anchorage office! Many thanks to the Sierra Club field office for graciously making space for us in their little corner of the world. It'll be great to have such fun office mates, and we look forward to working together to promote our common goals. We invite you to stop by and meet us from 6:00pm-8:00pm on Thursday, July 30th at the Sierra Club Field Office.
The office is located on the 3rd floor of the Sunshine Mall (we will have signs to make sure no one gets lost) :) The mall is located at 3rd & C (there are entrances on 3rd and on 4th- in either case, just make for the 3rd floor and we will make sure there are plenty of directional signs to help you out)
And if you still haven't gotten your fill of clean energy (hopefully not!)...
REAP Renewable Energy Fair
Saturday, August 1st we will be tabling at the Delaney Park Strip with other organizations to promote good, green jobs and clean energy solutions. Stop by throughout the day and sign up to get involved!
**E-mails will be sent out for each of these events, so please make sure to RSVP and let us know if we can expect you! Can't wait to get people involved!**
-liz
First Up:
Volunteer Meet-Up in Seward
-We're going to be in town on July 28th to meet up with Seward area folks ready to get active- come out for an evening of good conversation, new friends, and to learn how to become an effective advocate for clean energy. We will be meeting at Resurrect Art Coffee Shop at 5:30pm on Tuesday the 28th, and we'll go until they close at 7:00pm. Hope to see you there!
Next we will be hosting...
Repower Alaska Office Grand Opening in Anchorage
-Come hang out with us to celebrate the grand opening of our Anchorage office! Many thanks to the Sierra Club field office for graciously making space for us in their little corner of the world. It'll be great to have such fun office mates, and we look forward to working together to promote our common goals. We invite you to stop by and meet us from 6:00pm-8:00pm on Thursday, July 30th at the Sierra Club Field Office.
The office is located on the 3rd floor of the Sunshine Mall (we will have signs to make sure no one gets lost) :) The mall is located at 3rd & C (there are entrances on 3rd and on 4th- in either case, just make for the 3rd floor and we will make sure there are plenty of directional signs to help you out)
And if you still haven't gotten your fill of clean energy (hopefully not!)...
REAP Renewable Energy Fair
Saturday, August 1st we will be tabling at the Delaney Park Strip with other organizations to promote good, green jobs and clean energy solutions. Stop by throughout the day and sign up to get involved!
**E-mails will be sent out for each of these events, so please make sure to RSVP and let us know if we can expect you! Can't wait to get people involved!**
-liz
Wow! The 4th of July was so great! It's always been one of my favorite holidays- something about the mixture of firecrackers and the Declaration of Independence i think :)
This Independence Day we asked people to sign another Declaration- one of Energy Independence. We wanted to show that Alaskans want clean, American-made energy that will provide us with good jobs and will lower our dependence on energy sources abroad.
We gathered signatures in Seward (We decided to go there so we could watch the Mount Marathon race too) and had some great conversations with people who were interested in knowing more about renewables, or were already off the grid and wanted to do more. It was a beautiful day (an unheard of 80 degrees!) and with the help of some dedicated volunteers, we got over 80 people to sign the Declaration of Energy Independence. Not Bad!
Later on we enjoyed a BBQ and bonfire under the midnight sun with our new friends from the Resurrection Bay Conservation Association. An excellent way to spend the 4th of July!
This Independence Day we asked people to sign another Declaration- one of Energy Independence. We wanted to show that Alaskans want clean, American-made energy that will provide us with good jobs and will lower our dependence on energy sources abroad.
We gathered signatures in Seward (We decided to go there so we could watch the Mount Marathon race too) and had some great conversations with people who were interested in knowing more about renewables, or were already off the grid and wanted to do more. It was a beautiful day (an unheard of 80 degrees!) and with the help of some dedicated volunteers, we got over 80 people to sign the Declaration of Energy Independence. Not Bad!
Later on we enjoyed a BBQ and bonfire under the midnight sun with our new friends from the Resurrection Bay Conservation Association. An excellent way to spend the 4th of July!
My Viewpoint as submitted to the Kalamazoo Gazette, subject to editing. Keeping my fingers crossed!
In a July 3 Gazette Viewpoint, Hank Rohs uses sarcasm to claim that 'cap-and-trade' will be a disaster. The reality is less funny:
In the northeastern U.S., winter temperatures have increased by 4 degrees F since 1970; in the Pacific Northwest, the depth of the Cascade Mountain snowpack on April 1 has declined by 25 percent over the last half century, while spring runoff from the Cascades now occurs nearly a month earlier than 50 years ago; and in Alaska, winter temperatures have increased a stunning 6.3 degrees F in the last 50 years.
These facts are not according to some lefty environmental group; they are among the conclusions of the latest report (at globalchange.gov), released June 16, of the U.S. Global Change Research Program, mandated by Congress, and created with the participation of 13 federal departments and agencies.
Some key findings include:
Global warming is unequivocal and primarily human-induced.
Climate changes are underway in the United States and are projected to grow.
Crop and livestock production will be increasingly challenged.
Coastal areas are at increasing risk from sea-level rise and storm surge.
Threats to human health will increase.
Rohs says: "Carbon dioxide is not a pollutant -- it's an integral part of the basic machinery of the workings of our planet." Actually, it is both, and there is no contradiction in seeing that something that is necessary can be a problem in excess. Carbon dioxide concentrations were dramatically higher earlier in earth history, but much has changed since then, including the presence of seven billion human beings, many of whom live in coastal cities.
Rohs cites some alarming figures for the cost of the cap-and-trade program. The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office found that: "...the net annual economywide cost of the cap-and-trade program in 2020 would be $22 billion-or about $175 per household." Now, we may face $6 to $8 gasoline in any case, just as a natural result of passing peak oil production. One fringe benefit of cap-and-trade is that it will send an advance market signal that may cushion the blow of more sudden increases in fossil fuel prices that are inevitable in any case.
The American Clean Energy and Security Act will create jobs - jobs which cannot be outsourced - in building the new energy infrastructure. It will not stop global warming by itself. Much hard work, both in this country and internationally, remains to be done. This bill, which passed the House and will soon be before the Senate, is a necessary first step in addressing the most significant threat our world faces.
In a July 3 Gazette Viewpoint, Hank Rohs uses sarcasm to claim that 'cap-and-trade' will be a disaster. The reality is less funny:
In the northeastern U.S., winter temperatures have increased by 4 degrees F since 1970; in the Pacific Northwest, the depth of the Cascade Mountain snowpack on April 1 has declined by 25 percent over the last half century, while spring runoff from the Cascades now occurs nearly a month earlier than 50 years ago; and in Alaska, winter temperatures have increased a stunning 6.3 degrees F in the last 50 years.
These facts are not according to some lefty environmental group; they are among the conclusions of the latest report (at globalchange.gov), released June 16, of the U.S. Global Change Research Program, mandated by Congress, and created with the participation of 13 federal departments and agencies.
Some key findings include:
Global warming is unequivocal and primarily human-induced.
Climate changes are underway in the United States and are projected to grow.
Crop and livestock production will be increasingly challenged.
Coastal areas are at increasing risk from sea-level rise and storm surge.
Threats to human health will increase.
Rohs says: "Carbon dioxide is not a pollutant -- it's an integral part of the basic machinery of the workings of our planet." Actually, it is both, and there is no contradiction in seeing that something that is necessary can be a problem in excess. Carbon dioxide concentrations were dramatically higher earlier in earth history, but much has changed since then, including the presence of seven billion human beings, many of whom live in coastal cities.
Rohs cites some alarming figures for the cost of the cap-and-trade program. The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office found that: "...the net annual economywide cost of the cap-and-trade program in 2020 would be $22 billion-or about $175 per household." Now, we may face $6 to $8 gasoline in any case, just as a natural result of passing peak oil production. One fringe benefit of cap-and-trade is that it will send an advance market signal that may cushion the blow of more sudden increases in fossil fuel prices that are inevitable in any case.
The American Clean Energy and Security Act will create jobs - jobs which cannot be outsourced - in building the new energy infrastructure. It will not stop global warming by itself. Much hard work, both in this country and internationally, remains to be done. This bill, which passed the House and will soon be before the Senate, is a necessary first step in addressing the most significant threat our world faces.
I blog at West Michigan Rising, where I just posted this article:
I mentioned in the article about the Allegan picnic that the whole energy/global warming/resource depletion/sustainability bundle of issues has been my central concern for many years - ever since 1975, in fact, when I gave my first talk on this subject.
And now, here we are, in the middle of the US Congress finally getting around to this for the first time (at least, in what I consider a meaningful way), and health care is sucking up all of the activists attention, while the media move from Michael Jackson to Sotomayor - the latter, if not the former, being vitally important, but can't we pay attention to more than one thing at a time? Apparently not.
In the picnic article I gave the text of a resolution I proposed to the 6th District Committee (which they passed) supporting the American Clean Energy and Security Act. A week and a half ago, a Viewpoint appeared in the Kalamazoo Gazette by Mr. Hank Rohs, tearing into the cap-and-trade idea in a manner at once extremely sarcastic and ill-informed. I just got confirmation from Gazette Editor Joyce Pines that my Viewpoint in response will be published online tomorrow, and in print coming up. Read my Viewpoint in my next blog post.
When I say that health care is sucking up all the oxygen in the room, I don't mean to imply that it is not important. Many of us know first-hand how vital it is that we get to universal coverage. But if we don't solve the climate crisis and transition to sustainable energy, we won't have health care, in the long run, or any other aspect of an advanced economy. We'll literally be back to subsistence level, on an earth that is much less pleasant to live on than the one we inherited from our parents.
There are a number of progressive organizations that are working on mobilizing citizens around this issue. I'm getting emails from 1sky (where I'm signed up as a climate precinct captain), 350.org, Union of Concerned Scientists, and MoveOn. But the one that seems to have the most resources and boots on the ground is Al Gore's Repower America. Kalamazoo County Democratic Party Chair Dave Pawloski has come on board as an organizer for RA, joining Abby Clark, whom I have written about before. I just got this email from Dave:
"Activists,
There will be a walk supporting Al Gore's Repower America this Saturday at 10am at 3254 South Westnedge Ave.
Come help us walk neighborhoods talking about the new Energy Bill before the US Senate.
Just 2 hours of your day is what we are asking. Any questions or to RSVP contact: Dave Pawloski 269-744-6774 davepawloski@gmail.com
Thanks and now lets go save the planet! "
So, those of you reading this in Kalamazoo and environs know where I will be this Saturday.
There are always more worthwhile causes and issues than we can possibly support. We all must make choices about our free time, and spend time with our families as well. This is my choice.
I mentioned in the article about the Allegan picnic that the whole energy/global warming/resource depletion/sustainability bundle of issues has been my central concern for many years - ever since 1975, in fact, when I gave my first talk on this subject.
And now, here we are, in the middle of the US Congress finally getting around to this for the first time (at least, in what I consider a meaningful way), and health care is sucking up all of the activists attention, while the media move from Michael Jackson to Sotomayor - the latter, if not the former, being vitally important, but can't we pay attention to more than one thing at a time? Apparently not.
In the picnic article I gave the text of a resolution I proposed to the 6th District Committee (which they passed) supporting the American Clean Energy and Security Act. A week and a half ago, a Viewpoint appeared in the Kalamazoo Gazette by Mr. Hank Rohs, tearing into the cap-and-trade idea in a manner at once extremely sarcastic and ill-informed. I just got confirmation from Gazette Editor Joyce Pines that my Viewpoint in response will be published online tomorrow, and in print coming up. Read my Viewpoint in my next blog post.
When I say that health care is sucking up all the oxygen in the room, I don't mean to imply that it is not important. Many of us know first-hand how vital it is that we get to universal coverage. But if we don't solve the climate crisis and transition to sustainable energy, we won't have health care, in the long run, or any other aspect of an advanced economy. We'll literally be back to subsistence level, on an earth that is much less pleasant to live on than the one we inherited from our parents.
There are a number of progressive organizations that are working on mobilizing citizens around this issue. I'm getting emails from 1sky (where I'm signed up as a climate precinct captain), 350.org, Union of Concerned Scientists, and MoveOn. But the one that seems to have the most resources and boots on the ground is Al Gore's Repower America. Kalamazoo County Democratic Party Chair Dave Pawloski has come on board as an organizer for RA, joining Abby Clark, whom I have written about before. I just got this email from Dave:
"Activists,
There will be a walk supporting Al Gore's Repower America this Saturday at 10am at 3254 South Westnedge Ave.
Come help us walk neighborhoods talking about the new Energy Bill before the US Senate.
Just 2 hours of your day is what we are asking. Any questions or to RSVP contact: Dave Pawloski 269-744-6774 davepawloski@gmail.com
Thanks and now lets go save the planet! "
So, those of you reading this in Kalamazoo and environs know where I will be this Saturday.
There are always more worthwhile causes and issues than we can possibly support. We all must make choices about our free time, and spend time with our families as well. This is my choice.
It's been said that growing your own food is one of the most liberating acts of freedom. I believe that is true! Independence in food is independence in life. As the firework burns slowly heal, now is the time to think - and take action - by going to the local farmer's markets. If you can't grow your own, please support the local people who do! Don't give your money to big agribusiness corporations that only send your dollar to far off places.
Repowering America means getting away from foreign energy and fossil fuels. If we take this seriously, then we need to be laying the framework for a new economy. And what better to do that than to support local food and Northwest Florida's economy. So if you haven't been to one of the local farmer's markets, or even if you go all the time, tell others about it and keep going! There are several in the area. A great place to get started with your search is at LocalHarvest.org.
Enjoy the summer....and enjoy the freedom of local food!
The United States as we know it, survives on debt that is printed on paper when the world needs all its' trees. The reason for this post is because we can eradicate this debt and revive the nation that powers the world, and it can be done quite easily. I'll start by simply putting some facts out. All people need water, but all life needs oxygen even more. Pollution and deforestation has degraded our cityscapes and left us with hazardous air to breath,so this is a MANDITORY problem needed to be addressed which too means there are many jobs, millions even just in planting trees. For instance, a full grown oak tree can displace 50,000 gallons of water during a flash flood, the old growth of New Orleans could've saved so much! Also, it is not just trees but large terrestrial masses must be implimented into barren lands to carbon fixate and reinvent severe domino effects. The media says we need better cars and we do, but we also need more trees to take in the carbon. BOTH!!! We can call this one of many steps necessary. Next, immense trash displacement! Again with simple facts, what you bury in the ground finds its way back to the groundwater thus toxifying our freshwater reserves not to mention infultrating soil integrity in which our fish and cucumbers end up toxic from bioaccumulation. What to do!? Simple. Like I mentioned earlier, our debt is outrageous but many countries are in desperate need of revitalization and so they take on some debt for us to come and recycle the waste and recreate an ecosystem which in turn gives them a new chance at economical growth. SHAZAM!!!! That accounts for millions of jobs too!!!! What to do with the waste though? Our recycling capabilities are in an infant state but soon they will be adult, trust me. This is my idea and all of this I didn't sleep for months thinking about and this is the way we catalyze the change we need overnight,........we create a global treaty that embraces recycled imports and exports by a specific date and then we begin creating stations all over the globe where garbage becomes not waste but a commodity, a resource that can be reclaimed, seperated by the common man, and the net weight of ANY material can be calculated and much like a deposit, our garbage turns to money, AND INSTANTLY a huge problem is transformed into a brand new industry. This means the plastic, batteries, aluminum, cell phones, etc., but lets not forget the biomass. This refers to all the fruit and veggies that get tossed. If we collect that garbage elsewhere we can begin composting to aid the dying farmlands, and sell more of our refined waste to areas in need; meanwhile, all the methane produced in the breakdown of the biological matter goes on to provide heat and combustible renewable energy to run these factories. Also, if we could merge our agriculture with our biomass no longer would the methane from the animals escape but it too could be trapped in like one of those indoor golf arenas nearby? Remember, agriculture accounts for most of our pollution and so it too should be refined in our efforts to recreate this failing world, but we now know one must fail in order to understand how to succeed. When reading this keep in mind the startup will be immense but ultimately once built these new industries will cost 0$ every day after (-upkeep of course). At this point in the game investors are scared because we keep reinventing new technology and they have the right to be scared because there still is much change to come. Especially when the manufactures realize that many of these renewable energy sources shouldn't be competing but instead merging. Solar-wind, geothermal-solar-wave turbines, and so on. We all need to step back now, since we finally can, and take a moment to imagine the world we want to create. It's exciting!!!! I'm dedicating my life to this fix and that is because I refuse to bring new life into a failing world, so help me help you help us all.
Sincerely,
Ian Allen Orawiec,
Biologist/Environmental Scientist/Chemist/Illustrator/Musician/Carpenter/Lover/Leader/Friend-2-All
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The American Clean Energy and Security Act has passed in the House of Representatives! The vote was close, but it makes me feel good that the time and activities we have been involved in might have been enough to swing a few votes in our favor. Next up on the agenda: contacting our senators to make sure they get behind the bill.
I met with Michael from Repower America 4 days ago. We met at Ravinia Park in Northern Chicago to gather signatures and support for the American Clean Energy and Security Act. Specifically, we are targeting residents in Illinois district 10, which belongs to Congressman Mark Kirk. Congressman Kirk has indicated he would support the bill if his constituents wanted him to. Fortunately, district 10 appears to be full of people who are interested in their energy future, and we had no trouble getting signatures!
Afterwards, we went to the Chicago Botanical gardens and talked shop over a couple of pints of 3-2-1, which is Chicago's local brew. With the vote in the House of Representatives only a week away, these last minute phone calls really do help make an impact on how representatives will vote, or how aggressively they resist the oil and coal lobby's PR machine. Repower America has set up a toll free number (877-9-REPOWER (or 877-9-737-6937)) that people can call and they will be automatically connected to their congressman. Pretty snazzy. It takes the hassle (albeit minimal) of looking up what district you are in and then finding the right phone number.
I also found a link for more information about the American Clean Energy and Security Act at:
http://www.csemag.com/article/295699-Obama_energy_companies_support_clean_energy_bill.php
and, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Clean_Energy_and_Security_Act
Afterwards, we went to the Chicago Botanical gardens and talked shop over a couple of pints of 3-2-1, which is Chicago's local brew. With the vote in the House of Representatives only a week away, these last minute phone calls really do help make an impact on how representatives will vote, or how aggressively they resist the oil and coal lobby's PR machine. Repower America has set up a toll free number (877-9-REPOWER (or 877-9-737-6937)) that people can call and they will be automatically connected to their congressman. Pretty snazzy. It takes the hassle (albeit minimal) of looking up what district you are in and then finding the right phone number.
I also found a link for more information about the American Clean Energy and Security Act at:
http://www.csemag.com/article/295699-Obama_energy_companies_support_clean_energy_bill.php
and, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Clean_Energy_and_Security_Act
Hello, I just wanted to introduce myself, to Repower America Community Groups.
My name is Edward Janus. I am a Disability Advocate and Activist. My Campaign and Mission is Fighting for Persons with Disabilities. And Making Our Voices Heard. Internet Activism for Supporting Causes of Change. Governmental & Political Issues, Government Accountability, Fair and Honest Media Reporting, Consumers Rights. Animals, Civil, Children’s, Human, and Woman’s Rights. Educational, Health Care, and Environmental Issues. Abuse, Freedom, Homeless, Hunger, Peace, Poverty, and Violence Issues. And many other Important Causes. Sharing News and Resources. Read More »
My name is Edward Janus. I am a Disability Advocate and Activist. My Campaign and Mission is Fighting for Persons with Disabilities. And Making Our Voices Heard. Internet Activism for Supporting Causes of Change. Governmental & Political Issues, Government Accountability, Fair and Honest Media Reporting, Consumers Rights. Animals, Civil, Children’s, Human, and Woman’s Rights. Educational, Health Care, and Environmental Issues. Abuse, Freedom, Homeless, Hunger, Peace, Poverty, and Violence Issues. And many other Important Causes. Sharing News and Resources. Read More »
It's getting hot in here - that's according to Columbia University which just released a new study citing evidence that CO2 levels in the atmosphere have hit a 2.1 million year high. http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601072&sid=aG5p2kBin538
Just so we're clear, that's about the onset of the last glacial age. Wooly mammoths. Earth covered in ice. Yellowstone was a volcano. Lasted about 2 million years.
A great analysis of the American Climate and Energy Security Act on Clean Edge today:
http://cleanedge.com/news/story.php?nID=6178
It's happening... Repower America has come to Alaska! In the past few months, organizers have been spreading out across the country to help raise awareness about climate change and the importance of developing our new, green economy here in the United States. As the organizer here in Alaska, I have already begun to reach out to key volunteers and supporters to build a strong, grassroots network.
In the coming months, we will be hosting community forums to help answer questions and speak to concerns some might have about moving away from traditional energy sources and toward more innovative solutions. We will also be hosting meet-ups for those interested in volunteering and networking with others who share the same commitment to green jobs and a healthier environment. All events will be posted on the website so check back often to find something happening near you! Also, if you have your own ideas for events, GREAT! Please contact me, I'd love to make sure you get any questions answered, and that you have the resources you need.
I am very excited to be working on such an important issue in Alaska, where the effects of climate change are staring us in the face, and solutions are standing right next to them, just waiting for us!
In the coming months, we will be hosting community forums to help answer questions and speak to concerns some might have about moving away from traditional energy sources and toward more innovative solutions. We will also be hosting meet-ups for those interested in volunteering and networking with others who share the same commitment to green jobs and a healthier environment. All events will be posted on the website so check back often to find something happening near you! Also, if you have your own ideas for events, GREAT! Please contact me, I'd love to make sure you get any questions answered, and that you have the resources you need.
I am very excited to be working on such an important issue in Alaska, where the effects of climate change are staring us in the face, and solutions are standing right next to them, just waiting for us!
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