The coal mining industry has sunk to new lows this month. Starting off with the Crandall Canyon mining disaster in Utah where there are still six miners and several rescue workers trapped in a mountain mine co-owned by Bob Murray. Murray has reportedly said that mining may resume on other parts of the same mountain in the future. Yes, you read that correctly--the miners are not even out of the mountain yet, and the co-owner of the mine is already talking about putting more lives in jeopardy through further excavation from the same site. WOW.
And not that you really need another reason why the Bush Administration has the WORST sense of timing possible, they just approved an expansion of a rule that allows for mountaintop mining--which pretty much means miners can blast off the top on mountains and leave the rock and soil they blasted off in the valleys and streams that sit below the mountains. Again, WOW.
So, not only are people's lives put in jeopardy by mining the coal, now their drinking water can be contaminated by mining, too. WOW. I'm really not sure what else needs to happen before we switch to a more renewable energy infrastructure...all this recent activity makes things pretty clear for me...have you ever heard of someone pinned to death under a solar panel or wind turbine? Since miners can now blow off the tops of mountains, I guess the whole "wind turbines ruin the view" argument isn't really relevant anymore. Hmpf!
I remember watching the MTV Video Music Awards last year and hearing them announce that the environment was the top issue their viewers cared about and being really excited. In my opinion, they are doing a great job of building awareness through education about leading a more green life. So, it came as no surprise when I learned today that the next season of the Real World will take place in an eco-friendly house. The producers aim to reduce or completely neutralize emissions associated with producing the series through efficiency measures and carbon offsets. I can only imagine what next season's testimonials will be like: "Matt really annoyed me because he didn't buy unbleached paper towels," or "Chris needs to stop drinking bottled water--doesn't he understand how wasteful that is?! I mean, WTF?!! What does he think, Fiji is right next store?!"
I may be dating myself, but Puck and Pedro taught me a lot about being a good roommate-let's hope the new crop helps some people learn a thing or two.
I'm on a vegetarian French cooking kick right now. Yes--those two words normally don't go together, but I found me a cookbook, and I'm making some tres delicious meals. My old corner grocery store made cooking dinner so easy. I'd pop by and ask what I should make, and the wonderful woman behind the counter would point me to all sorts of delicious vegetables and cheeses and I was on my way home to embark on a gratin, ratatouille, or cassoulet. My corner grocery store is now an IGA, so times have changed.
One of my favorite things about French cooking is that the meals are grouped with fresh ingredients that are all in season. Using my trusty local foods wheel, I decided against the fava bean pasta and opted for an asparagus pasta instead. Asparagus still seemed to be in the present calendar zone, so I assumed I was alright. I went to my neighborhood cooperative grocery store and asked the woman working in the produce section if there was any asparagus--she laughed and said "No" like I was asking her if Halliburton had a corporate charge account there.
Anyway, I checked out sans-asparagus and decided to hit up a large chain supermarket on my way home, just in case the cooperative was sold out of asparagus, and it was not indeed out of season. I guess it was...or was it? Amidst the giant produce aisle lit with way too many bulbs lay fava beans, asparagus, and all sorts if other vegetables that, according to my local foods wheel---are all out of season.
I mention this because there is a revolution happening in supermarket marketing. In this day and age you have to be a Whole Foods or a Costco to be successful--there isn't a whole lot of demand for supermarkets in between. The large chain supermarket I went to wanted to be Whole Foods so bad---they buy renewable energy, they offer the reusable bags at the front counter, they've even changed the decor to be more "eco-looking"---so why are they greening the stuff in the periphery and not making more of an effort to green the most central aspect of their business---selling produce? I'd like to think the other green improvements are a first step and a more attention will be given to efficient supply chains in the future.
Until then, check out what foods are in season in your area. I Googled and googled to try and find a resource for people all over the US, but came up with nada. Instead, take a more old fashioned approach--go to a farmer's market in your area and talk to the people behind the stands--they'll definitely be able to tell you what's in season and what is not. Worldwatch has some other really useful tips here. You can find a farmer's market close to you by going here. P.S. Summer squash pasta is delicious!
I just moved. Whoa. Glad it's over...that's all I'll say about that.
Post move, my stuff is all where it should be, but I'm left with a ridiculous amount of perfectly usable moving boxes. Enter Freecycle--it's a free service that teams users up with those that have and those that need. It's similar to the Craigslist.org free section, and it's a great way to get rid of stuff you don't want without contributing to landfills and making someone else very happy. There are Freecycle networks in most major cities. Check it out!
Charley Harper, one of my favorite artists died last week. Not only has he made some of the most beautiful images ever used by the US Park Service or the Audubon Society, he also created my favorite bit of global warming propaganda. I'm a big fan of injecting some humor into situations where people learn things, so it goes without saying that Charley has brought me lots of broad smiles while I learned about different ecosystems. Since our focus on GreenBase is climate change, I thought the best picture to share with you was this one (circa 2002):
Well, 7.o7.07 finally came and with it the Live Earth: Concerts for a Climate in Crisis has now concluded. The magnitude of the concerts all around the globe and the cavalcade of star performances is pretty impressive--however--I've got to be honest here--I'm a little disappointed with the outcome (and no, I don't mean Al Gore's comment on a bid for the 2008 election )
I just checked the Live Earth website and as of now, there are only 154,412 people who have pledged to change some aspect of their behavior to lower the greenhouse gas emissions that result from their energy use. I can only hope that people are still awestruck by Madonna's performance and will make a pledge tomorrow---if you haven't made a pledge yet, please do so now . It may seem like a little thing, but the more people who do it, the stronger the message.
My neighbors have started celebrating Fourth of July.....it's intense. I mean, it's usually pretty noisy as perfectly captured in Curtis on the Corner by Sonny Smith, but this is ((((next level)))).
Because I like to geek out on environmental footprints, I sometimes think about the footprint of my neighboorhood. Plenty of hobos recycling cans, a hippie commune across the street, and families who generally live in small efficient apartments (myself included). Not to mention the renewable energy certificates I buy to offset the emissions that come from my electricity use.
On the other hand, there are SUVs, muscle cars doing donuts in the parking lot--OK, you get the picture. Because fireworks have become...how do I put this?..... such a neighborhood fixture, I thought it would be good to figure them in, too. Luckily, Umbra of grist.org solves the mystery of the environmental impact of fireworks:
Our family has always lit a fair amount of fireworks for our 4th of July celebration. I would like to encourage my family and friends to find other ways to celebrate due to the CO2 emissions that will result. However, I don't really know how much carbon is emitted. I already have to deal with the fact that many in my family are not taking climate change seriously, so I want to be knowledgeable when I state my case.
Donna Elk Grove, Calif.
Dearest Donna,
Can one change a family tradition given only a few days of warning, let alone change it at all? Intra-family fireworks may result from your efforts to limit celebratory incendiary devices. But personal fireworks may be avoidable if your main concern is -- as it should be -- climate change. Although fireworks do give off carbon dioxide, they aren't known for their greenhouse-gas impacts. They do have other potentially toxic components, and pollute air and water. Toxic enough to stop once-annual use? I'm ambivalent.
The cons bursting in air.
Photo: iStockphoto
The basic ingredients of a firework seem fairly simple: a powder and a fuse will make a loud bang, just as they do with a gun, and that's called a firework. If the firework is physically designed to rocket, the explosion propels the rocketing element. There may be a delayed fuse, too, which will ignite various metals embedded in the rocketing firework in the form of "stars." The stars burn up, sparkling as they fall to the ground. Or maybe in your home fireworks there are no "stars," just one chunk of metal dust filled with colorant that lets off a nice sparkle. As for that whistling sound -- yes, that is caused by our friend carbon dioxide. Who knew?
The more serious concerns, however, are things like the potassium perchlorate used as an oxidant in fireworks. Perchlorate, which messes with our thyroid glands, falls to the ground as the firework performs, and may fall into water, where it was recently studied by the folks at the National Risk Management Research Laboratory. Perchlorate in the lakes they studied rose precipitously after fireworks displays, but dissipated to background levels in about 80 days. Still, they are worried about aquatic life and need to look further into this, they concluded. I concluded, do not drink the water after the fireworks display.
The Disney Company has developed aerial fireworks that use compressed air in place of gunpowder, but those aren't for backyard celebrations. Of course, the NRMRL wasn't studying backyard fireworks, either.
The other small trouble with fireworks is the additives used to get nice colors. They're usually heavy metals (lead and barium are two examples) with various human health risks attached. They are powdered and fall from the sky as the firework explodes. A few of the additives, such as copper salts, cause fireworks to produce small amounts of dioxins. And, of course, even if the dust weren't all heavy metal, dust itself is difficult for those with asthma.
For your own family celebration, please consider that fireworks studies are usually done on large aerial displays, not backyard shindigs, so the bad should be taken with a grain of saltpeter. I'll get in trouble for this, but I'm not sure your family needs to ban fireworks. It's your decision, of course. If you do decide that the potential heavy-metal pollution is worth the family fight, my best suggestion for you is to bring a noise-sensitive dog or baby into the family, have everyone fall in love with it, and then plead no fireworks on its account come next year.
Kelley Stoltz and I sat down with Meet the Planet and discussed the greening of his record, Below the Branches and his plans to green his next record--due out on Sub Pop Records in a couple months. Listen here
I learned a new vocabulary word today: prosumerification--it's the marriage of professional and consumer and manifests itself in stuff like professional-grade appliances and electronics. Newly built homes and condos often boast "professional grade range top and hood"--but fail to mention that even if you're just making mac & cheese on it, the greenhouse gas emissions that result in your use of a "professional grade appliance" are way more than the old faithful General Electric model version you got in your first apartment. Always at the cusp of new trends is Treehugger.com, who weighs in with this piece:
Prosumer is a portmanteau from Professional and consumer, it is an ugly word picked up by the vendors of digital cameras to describe too many complicated and formerly expensive professional features being added to consumer models. Paul Kedrosky makes it uglier by inventing Prosumerification- the tendency of home stoves morph into into commercial Garland ranges, Home entertainment systems that rival a THX equipped cinema, video cameras where George Lucas couldn't use all the features, all of them more complex, expensive and sucking more power.
A remarkable example can be seen in rice cookers; Toshiba invented them 50 years ago with a simple heating element beneath the bowl that had a thermostat to click off as soon as the water was gone. We use a 25 year old one like this every night and it still works perfectly. Now the Wall Street Journal tells us that Toshiba is offering the Vacuum-Pressure Rice Cooker for 100,000 yen ( US$ 830). It creates a vacuum while the rice soaks, then 264 pounds of pressure while it cooks, all in a vessel coated in silver and diamond dust to distribute the heat evenly.
One rice expert questions the logic of this:
The latest rash of technology is a bit much for Mr. Nishijima, the rice expert. "Just because you pay 70,000 yen [about $575] or 110,000 yen doesn't mean that there's a drastic change in taste," says Mr. Nishijima, who adds that good rice can be made with the simplest of rice cookers if it is to be eaten right away. He thinks consumers might be too susceptible to hype. "It almost seems like anything is OK as long as it's expensive," he says. ::Wall Street Journal, subscription only but copy of portion here.
Also in the Journal was "Japan Aims To Be Climate Change Leader But Lags Kyoto Goals"
Household emissions present a major challenge. (household emissions rose 37.4% from 1990 levels)
The government estimates that household emission of 175 million tons of CO2 in 2005 will have to be cut by 38 million tons - or nearly 22% - by 2010. Officials are urging citizens to take quicker showers, use less air conditioning and heating, and switch to eco-friendly appliances.
While you're soaking up the tunes at Wakarusa, spend some time at this year's Sustainability Symposium, too. Wakarusa has teamed up with the Bonneville Environmental Foundation or BEF (the folks that helped Sub Pop and Kelley Stoltz green up) and New Belgium Brewery to educate concert-goers about sustainability.
From the Bonneville Environmental Foundation: The key theme of this year’s symposium is the conservation and production of energy. Friday evening, June 8th, Jeff Goodell, author of Big Coal, will take center stage to address coal-fired energy. Saturday morning will feature additional speakers including Wes Jackson of The Land Institute, followed by a panel discussion addressing the issues of energy and related environmental impacts including climate change. Additional speakers include NicThiesen of the New Belgium Brewing Company, and Pete Ferrell, a fourth generation Kansas rancher whose land hosts wind turbines. Along with using biodiesel-powered generators to power the sound stages, Wakarusa offset the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the festival with BEF Zephyr Energy Green Tags. This measure furthers the green initiatives Wakarusa has had in place in the past. Strong recycling programs and waste reduction methods like providing incentives for concert-goers to reuse cups have been in place for some time.
The Sustainability Symposium will take place Friday night and Saturday during the day. Check it out! More information is here.
Most weekends you will find me in a pair of yellow and blue Nike Dunks kickin' it with some Fair Trade coffee and my solar-powered rainbow maker. While I can no longer play the Sesame Street game "Which one of these things is not like the other?" I am still super stoked about Nike's announcement about their goal to become carbon neutral by 2015.
I'm still on the fence about what it actually means to become carbon neutral,but I'm excited so many individuals and companies are making an effort to get there. Here is Nike's plan. Thanks to Rance for the heads-up.
Over a sweeping glance of my office where I am writing this piece, I realize that I do not know where the majority of my stuff comes from. My desk, my stool, my floor--even my pencil were once trees chilling in the forest.
The same is true with your musical instruments. Do you know where your beloved acoustic guitar grew up? Do you know where she is from? Well, now you can.
Chances are your “old girl’s” curvaceous figure is partly a soundboard made of Sitka spruce — which means that your beloved probably grew up in Alaska. Sitka spruce is currently the dominant wood used for soundboards for acoustic guitar and pianos and much of the supply comes from Southeast Alaska.
A visit to the Music Wood website will give you a virtual tour of a guitar and tell you the regions where the wood was sourced. The website is part of a really cool partnership with the major guitar manufactures in the United States aimed at producing new guitars that send a message against clearcut forestry (i.e. A former forest on which all the trees have been cut down. Think about it like all trees from an area of forest fall to the ground in a single cut--yikes! not cool!).
Scott Paul (SP), Greenpeace Forest Campaign Coordinator, took some time out to answer some of my questions about the campaign.
SK: Who are the major players in the Music Wood Campaign?
SP: Greenpeace, Gibson, Martin, Taylor and Fender.
SK: How did the Music Wood Campaign begin?
SP: In 2003 Greenpeace turned its attention to the Southeast Alaskan rainforest, the northern most extent of the North American great coastal temperate rainforest – considered too be the rarest forest type on Earth. Once stretching unbroken from northern California to the Alaskan panhandle this region is home to an amazing variety of wildlife but has experienced decades of government subsidized, highly destructive clear-cut logging. Coastal temperate rainforests are a unique global anomaly occurring along the thin stretch of land – the fertile valley bottoms and estuaries – between high coastal mountains and the sea. In Alaska the Pacific Coast Mountains trap moisture rolling in from the ocean, as storms drench the region with as much as 200 inches of rain a year. The ancient trees of this forest live from 200 to 700 years, and one species can survive for 1,000 years or more.
For two years Greenpeace quietly investigated the international market for Alaskan forest products. The organization has become the global leader running international markets campaigns documenting destructive, and often illegal, logging practices in one part of the world and following the product to the international marketplace. The Alaskan research confirmed what Greenpeace largely already knew. Roughly 80% of all trees cut are destined for the Asian market for home construction, temples, shrines with much of the remainder finding its way to the North American market in the form of doors and windows.
However the research also uncovered a comparatively very small market flow, Sitka spruce destined for international renowned musical instrument manufacturers. As it turns out Sitka spruce is currently the dominant wood used for soundboards for acoustic guitar and pianos and much of the supply comes from Southeast Alaska. Prior to World War II Adderondack spruce had been the dominant soundboard wood but a post-war building boom largely whipped that that species out for large-scale music quality production and the market shifted westward to Sitka spruce.
Armed with its new research Greenpeace contacted Henry Juszkiewicz, the CEO of Gibson Guitars, asking if he would arrange a presentation for rival manufacturers at the January 2006 NAMM, the industries biannual tradeshow. Juszkiewicz responded inviting Chris Martin, Bob Taylor and Matthew Janopaul, respectively the CEOs of Martin, Taylor and Fender guitars. Greenpeace presented its finding and chronicled the demise Sitka spruce quickly getting the attention of the manufacturers. Unlike other users of Sitka spruce both tradition and tonal characteristics makes substitution extremely difficult for instrument manufactures. By the close of the meeting a new and unprecedented coalition was formed designed to find win-win solutions for the Alaskan rainforest seeking reform in the logging sector that provided the wood.
SK: How did the collaboration take place? SP: In 2006 Greenpeace arranged a one-week tour of the Alaskan Rainforest for senior executives from Gibson, Martin, Taylor and Fender. During this tour a meeting was arranged between the MusicWood coalition and the logging company marking the 1st time that the manufacturers meet face to face with the logging company.
In 2006 Greenpeace arranged for representatives of the logging company to tour three FSC certified forest operation in California, Oregon and British Colombia Canada.
SK: How often did the task force meet?
SP: Since the first January 2006 NAMM meeting we have meet every six months at the NAMM (Austin July ’06 and Anaheim January ’07). Greenpeace also travels to the manufacturers periodically and communicates regularly via email and telephone calls. SK: What other species are next?
SP: The MusicWood coalition is eager to expand beyond Sitka spruce to address other traditionally used species. Greenpeace recognized that we may need to part ways pertaining to specific species, species where logging has decimated populations to the point where we may believe that no logging, certified or otherwise, should take place. However we all agree that the coalition can be a powerful force driving reform in the logging sector. There are many species that we can address.
SK: What industries are the major contributors to the plight of the Sitka spruce tree?
SP: Home construction, temples, shrines, doors and windows.
SK: I have heard that the age of the wood affects the sound of wooden instruments like guitars, violins, and cellos. Has the music community embraced the sound of the new sustainably produced guitars?
SP: As a rule of thumb, acoustic guitars rely on Sitka spruce soundboards that are at least 250 years old to produce the desired sound quality. Keep in mind that Gibson, Taylor, Martin and Fender only need 150 trees a year. That is not a lot on the grand scheme of things but the profile of the coalition is strong enough that we can effect change on the ground.
SK: What advice do you have for musicians searching for new and used guitars? What criteria should they keep in mind when purchasing new instruments?
SP: No one should feel bad about having an old guitar that made of this or that species. There is an expression “highest and best end use” and if an old-growth tree was cut to make a guitar that is a hell of a lot better than if it were cut for plywood or disposable products. A guitar produced from an FSC certified well-managed forest is the same quality as one taken from a clearcut.
SK: What are the next steps for this campaign?
SP: In the beginning we really disciplined ourselves, to keep our eye on the prize, to focus on Sitka spruce and the Alaskan rainforest. It is easy to get distracted by all the shinny objects in the music business. We did not want to think about the endless possibilities of “what is next” until we gave our best shot to addressing the Alaskan rainforest. Now however things are looking promising, by no means a sure thing, but promising. Thus we are now starting to really consider other species and other ways to utilize our partnership.
SK: How can musicians and music fans get involved in this campaign?
SP: In the MusicWood case everyone appears to sincerely want to really address the problem, the manufacturers, the logging company, etc. At this stage pressure is not needed so it is all about public awareness. Check out musicwood.org, link to it, inform yourself and realize that you can exact change through education. There is a societal shift taking place and people are realizing that milk does not come from Safeway and wood does not come from The Home Depot. Look for the FSC logo and buy products that carry it where you can.
SK: What is your favorite song of the moment?
SP: My wedding anniversary is coming up so I have been listening to Bob Dylan’s “Make You Feel My Love” off Time Out Of Mind. Time Out Of Mind by Bob Dylan
SK: Is there a song out there that inspires you to continue protecting the environment?
SP: Too many to count. There is a lot of environmentally inspired music out there and hopefully more to come. Music inspires emotion. Emotion inspires action. Whatever rocks your boat.
OK. You get it. There is a growing relationship between music and the environment. While it's often reported as a new environmental movement within a industry, actually, it has been a relationship that has been going on for some time. For example, this year marks the ninth year that the Taos Solar Music Festival will take place. Since its inception, the festival has worked to build awareness for solar power as a viable form of energy generation and bring together a community of music fans who embrace environmental ideals and like to have a good time.
True to form, the festival main stage is powered by photovoltaic cells. Adjacent to the stage is the Solar Village, an area where festival goers can get information about solar power and other important sustainable energy solutions. Festival producer Dawn Richardson explains, “We are really proud of the Solar Village – and hope that it helps to inspire and nurture sustainable communities in the region and throughout the nation. We think the Solar Village is what makes this festival stand out from so many others around the country.”
Sounds good to me. In my experience, the things I learned while having fun always stick in my memory the best. Here's a great opportunity to test that theory out: 9th Annual Taos Solar Music Festival
June 29, 30 and July 1
Kit Carson Park in Downtown Taos
Tickets are on sale now. For information visit www.solarmusicfest.com
SELF-SUFFICIENT SKYSCRAPER. German architect, Eckhard Gerber, wants to build self-sufficient office towers in Riyadh, Dubai and Bahrain that produce 100% of their own electricity supply. The first tower would be 68-storeys, making it the 22nd tallest building in the world, and he is currently in talks with potential investors for the $406 million project. The cylindrical shape presents the minimum surface area to the sun, and a solar shield covers 60 degrees of the building. This will reduce the need for air conditioning.
Seawater will be used to cool air, as well as three large cooling units in the building's cellar. The roof will house a 197 foot wind turbine and 161,459 square feet of solar cells. The additional energy requirements will be handled by a floating solar panel island which drifts in the sea, close to the tower. Any excess electricity will be used to extract hydrogen from sea water, which is used by fuel cells to generate power at night. ::more::Spiegel Online
It's hard to avoid the controversy surrounding carbon offsets these days. Most of the arguments I've read liken buying carbon offsets from carbon offset retailers to buying indulgences from the Catholic church--you buy carbon offsets because your polluting activities (like driving or taking commercial plane trips) have caused greenhouse gas emissions to be released. Similarly, people bought indulgences from the Catholic church with the promise that their purchase would absolve their sins. Conceptually, I can see why that parallel is drawn in the media time and time and time again (yawn!)....until you take it to the next step.
From what I remember from my "blue ribbon" Catholic high school education, the Catholic church acknowledges the act of selling indulgences as a not-so-great part of the Church's history. The scrilla in town square indulgence boxes went largely into church officials' pockets and more importantly, the effects felt by the families of the sinners (like how a cheating parent's infidelity will seriously bum out a whole family for a long time) didn't go away. How could a behavioral reformation within an individual occur if a donation was all it took to put them back in good standing with God? Did those that sinned attend the new churches and reform, lessening the effects that their possible future sinning activities caused? Were the new churches built specifically because the Catholic church saw an upward redemption demand curve in the brand new crop of sinners they saw putting hard-earned coins in the indulgence box? Most importantly, did the money from the indulgences pay for the new churches? Too bad additionality tests weren't in place back then!
A new "offset provider" has emerged which gave me a good laugh and gave my boyfriend a start when he saw me looking at the website while researching this piece. Visit cheatneutral.com and as always make sure to read the small print.
I applaud Cheat Neutral's efforts to illustrate their ideas about the conundrums of carbon offsetting and bring levity to the whole situation--however, their "model" is flawed. C'mon, dudes...you were so close!
My problems with the parallels they draw are as follows: The "project" couples are happy and monogamous. I can tell you from being in a happy monogamous relationship for quite some time: since I met my boyfriend, I have never been tempted to cheat on him. The fact that I am making that statement in a public forum, should attest to this. My monogamy is operating as life as usual. I'm not exerting any additional effort to remain monogamous. Throughout the entire life of our relationship, there have been no temptations to cheat.
From what I gather from the Cheat Neutral website--their project couples are the same as me. No additional effort is taking place for the couples to remain monogamous. I'm not getting any details of opportunities where the project couples might have succumbed to infidelity. If I saw something like "Suzie has seen every Jude Law movie ever made and she has pictures of him hung all over her cubicle. One night, a very intoxicated Suzie was in a pub all alone in a very short skirt. Lilly Allen was playing and Jude Law asked her to go on a moonlit cruise and neck on the deck of his private yacht. Through her alcohol-induced haze, Suzie's libido screamed 'Yes,' but her husband Saul's sweet, fat face popped into her mind and she declined Jude's offer." If I saw transparent details like that --OK-- legitimate offset project (under the context of Cheat Neutral). Because I'm a somewhat cautious consumer, I may also look for a third party endorsement: Jude Law's publicist; an eye witness at the pub; a co-worker who has heard Suzie go on about how sexy Jude Law is, etc.
Here's where the flaw in parallelling these two offset types comes in: most major carbon offset retailers will give you lots of details about the project where the offset originated. On a carbon offset retailer's website, you'll learn about what type of project the offset came from, who certified the project, and how the creation of the project wouldn't have occurred if not for consumers who purchased carbon offsets in response to the greenhouse gas emissions associated with driving their cars, taking plane trips, etc. Consumers have the opportunity to find out about the certifier of the project and look at the criteria they use to judge the validity of carbon offset projects. Bottom line: a good carbon offset is real reduction in greenhouse gases and the project it came from came about because of concerned consumers who wanted to clean up after themselves--they are not business as usual projects.
While I don't liken anyone to divinity, I've had the good fortune to meet many of the major carbon offset retailers in person. I've also had the good fortune to meet a couple of the people who think carbon offsets are bogus. With the disclaimer that I am known for having a damn fine judge of character, I must say that without exception or hesitation, every blessed carbon offset retailer I've met impressed me by the fact that they are in business for the right reasons. They are not dripping with jewels and expensive cologne--they are normal people who are selling a product to help people who can't live net-zero emissions lives without the help of an offset here or there. They realize--as should you and I --that it's pretty damn difficult to not emit greenhouse gases in your daily life. Without the help of carbon offsets, it is currently impossible to take a commercial airline flight without emitting greenhouse gases. Without owning your own home and living off the energy grid, it is impossible to have the electricity that powers your home result in no greenhouse gas emissions without purchasing offsets or renewable energy certificates. That's why concerned consumers and businesses who have already done energy efficiency improvements buy renewable energy certificates and carbon offsets to bring them up to net-zero emissions. Some people can't afford an electric hybrid when they choose a car they need to get to and from their job--enter in carbon offsets. Get my point??
Everywhere I've looked, environmental groups advocate modifying your lifestyle as the first step. Even most of those that think carbon offsets are bogus agree about this. However, even if you reduce your greenhouse gas emissions through behavior changes like: being mindful of your electricity and heating levels, washing your clothes in cold water in lieu of hot water, carpooling and taking public transportation, switching to compact flourescent lightbulbs, and driving hybrids--I hate to break it to you, but it's a good chance that there are still greenhouse gas emissions heading upstairs.
As the controversy about carbon offsets continues, keep that in mind. If you want to make a point by walking your talk and dealing with your contributions to climate change, do you want to jam it at 5 or at 10? In this case, please kiss and tell.
Tragically, the Fillmore Andrew Bird show was sold out by the time I caught wind of it, but my friend went and said it was magical. Amidst Bird's live versions of his album songs, he talked about his carbon neutral tour and sold offsets to fans at the merch table. My friend bought one to offset the emissions associated with her car travel to and from the event.
Apparently, Mr. Bird's song "Dear Dirty" was inspired by a letter he found laying on the ground about cavemen and their hunting practices. Mr. Bird paralleled cavemen activities to modern-day human activities and their contributions to global climate change. Just to give a shout-out to conceptual unity and empowerment to fans through pleasant experience, I thought I'd share the image on the left with you all. This is the flier that my friend received in conjunction with her offset purchase.
Greg Rehmke passes along this story with the comment, "Finally! A product that mixes biotech, alternative energy, waste reduction, clean water, and...beer."
Scientists and Australian beer maker Foster's are teaming up to generate clean energy from brewery waste water -- by using sugar-consuming bacteria....
The complex technology harnesses the chemical energy that the bacteria releases from the organic material, converting it into electrical energy.
The 660-gallon fuel cell will be 250 times bigger than a prototype that has been operating at the university laboratory for three months, [Professor Jurg] Keller said.
"Brewery waste water is a particularly good source because it is very biodegradable...and is highly concentrated, which does help in improving the performance of the cell," Keller said.
Before you stiff the power company and outfit your house with beer batteries, note that Keller also says this isn't "going to make an enormous amount of power." Not just because it's a small, subsidized pilot project that might or might not turn into something larger, but because "it's primarily a waste water treatment that has the added benefit of creating electricity." Which would make a fine slogan for Foster's, if it ever wants to retire "Australian for Beer."
Remember furbies? Remember how annoying they were? How small children would dote on them in the hopes that they would flourish? Well, here's a similar concept, but not at all annoying....well, they are kind of annoying because I want one and they are not in production yet, but, wow! The device pictured to the left will water and feed a small tree according to its owner's environmental footprint. Things like energy usage, home heating and cooling, and recycling efforts will effect whether or not the tree is given sustaining nutrients and water or damaging poison.
Awhile back I attended a lecture series where Kalle Lasn, the Founder of the Adbusters Media Foundation spoke. During one of the most engaging PowerPoint presentations I've ever seen, he showed some pictures of his friend's house--she had installed her electric meter right next to the front door to remind her to turn off the lights and cut down on the phantom power that goes to appliances in their rest positions.
This Energy Tree works on the same principle--its goal, simply put, is to make its owner more efficient. Here's a report of the story that ran on Treehugger.com today:
THE ENERGY TREE. Every once in a while, we like to feature an interesting bit of conceptual design. Like the Energy Tree. Apparently in an effort to truly unite technology with the physical environment, designer Ben Arent has created a system that contains a real tree connected to a microprocessor. The device controls the watering and feeding of the tree depending on your energy usage, and also monitors your appliances, heating/cooling, and recycling habits. It uses this information to feed and water the tree, but only if you are efficient with your energy use. If you aren't, the Energy Tree will poison and malnourish the tree, eventually killing it.
The system will also be online, using something known as "the collector." The collector is there to encourage people to recycle; Once at the depot the collector will unit will be radioed indicating that you did your job. This system has the added benefit that someone can take your recycling to the facility, while you can still get the credit. You know, to keep your tree alive.
It's a visceral idea, and (natch) still on the drawing board. According to the article, "The EnergyTree will change the perception and view of how power is being used, implementing a complete system looking at device consumption, home consumption and long term sustainability." If you got this far, I think it just did that. ::more::Ben Arent
According to the Bonnaroo website, there are 44 days and 13 hours left before the first sounds of Bonnaroo echo across the Manchester, Tennesee festival grounds. While many festivals will offer advice on being a sustainable festival goer, Bonnaroo is taking it one step further and has partnered with the likes of Grist, Stopglobalwarming.org, NRDC, and Rock the Earth to deliver a sustainable event and a call to action to its concert goers.
From the Bonnaroo website:
The future of our planet is a big deal for Bonnaroo - and it should be for you, too. We need all of our fans at Bonnaroo to help counteract global warming and the devastation of our environment through conservation; reduced and sustainable living; and the preservation of our natural resources, wildlife, and biodiversity. And the only way to do this is to get the word out there and find both big and small solutions we can implement in our everyday lives. It's the toughest challenge of our generation, but we have a chance to make the difference. All we need is leadership, and we look to our Bonnaroo community to provide it.
In this section, we’ll provide greening tips to help you get started, and we'll spotlight our Green Partners, who are educating the world and doing so much for our environment. You’ll learn about all of the green initiatives that Bonnaroo will be implementing to reduce our own impact. In June, we'll be able to translate these ideas into reality on-site at Planet Roo, where we will feature host speakers and activists presenting essential information about these critical issues. So fight the good fight and join us as we strive to make Bonnaroo the greenest - and greatest - festival on earth.
Nice! The last time I went to a music festival, there were composting toilets with bunches of lavender on the doors, recycling bins galore, bicycle-powered smoothie stands and roped off protected areas on the beach where native birds nested. What's the best sustainable practice you've seen at a festival?
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PLEASE RECYCLE @ 10 FOR 1 BOTTLE RECYCLING CENTER New for 2007...Recycle your empties. Bring us 10 empty water bottles you find laying around the polo field and redeem them for 1 new free bottle of water. Please help keep the polo field clean, Recycle and stay hydrated all at the same time.
I don't mean to put a damper on your sweet bass riffs, but the steel used to make the strings that make the people dance make greenhouse gas emissions dance around in the atmosphere. The EPA recognizes steel production in the US as a sizable contributor to global warming.
What's a bassist to do? The next time your bass strings lack that brightness you once enjoyed, take them off and boil them instead of going out to buy a new set. Here's how:
1. Take the strings off your bass. 2. Bring a large saucepan of water to boil. 3. Put your bass strings in the boiling water so they completely submerged. 4. Boil for five minutes and turn off the heat. 5. Pour out the water and let the strings dry and cool off(being eco-friendly shouldn't hurt your already calloused paws). 6. Restring your bass and enjoy the bright sounds you thought were gone. I suggest trying out You Set The Scene by Love, it's my favorite...OK it's the only one I know how to play....but it rules! 7. Use the money you saved on new strings to offset the emissions associated with powering your amp or buy some energy efficient lightbulbs to light up your jam sessions.
OK. Time to decode some renewable energy geek talk for you: a renewable energy portfolio standard is usually declared by a United States governor or a state agency that oversees environmental affairs for the state. You'll hear a politician say something like "By 2020, 20% of the energy used in the great state of XYZ will come from renewable sources like wind power or solar power!" on TV with a zillion smiling environmentalists in the background of the shot.
You normally don't hear much about it after that---unless you read geeky renewable energy publications like my personal favorite, Wind Energy Weekly. I <3 Wind Energy Weekly....but I digress....
I monitor my utility's progress with the state RPS when I get my bill from my power company telling me what resources were used to make the power I use in my apartment. As I glance at the pie chart in the bill insert, I often remark "Hm! Not quite there yet, are you?! You better get moving, the RPS is coming for you in three short years." which prompts my roommate to smile patiently at me across the table.
Pretty cool, eh? I'm proud to say that all three states I've called home at one time or another have renewable portfolio standards. To further this great movement in the US, the people at Wind Energy Works! put together a website for people to get involved and urge their congress people to support a national renewable portfolio standard. Check out the webpage here and take action. In addition, Wind Energy Works! is an awesome resource for good arguments for the dinner table on why renewable energy is such an important thing to support. But you don't have to take my word for it!
This little gadget fills your room with tons of swirling rainbows---all through the power of the sun! Find a sunny window and affix the suction cup on the back of the rainbow maker to the window. The sunlight pours in, enters the little solar panel on the top and powers the gears in the center that spin the crystal. The sunlight also hits the crystal at the bottom and shoots rainbows all over your room--creating a solar-powered disco. This is a great eco-friendly baby gift, too (get 'em started early on renewable energy)--perfect for nurseries. At under twenty bucks, it's priced to move. Get it here.
Some suggested jams for your solar-powered dance party:
Curtis on the Corner by Sonny Smith
Dearest Donna,
Greg Rehmke passes along this story with the comment, "Finally! A product that mixes biotech, alternative energy, waste reduction, clean water, and...beer."
