The last week of the Obama vs. McCain race for the White House has been an exciting one. Now that both nominees have picked their running mates and we are in the intermission between the Democratic and Republican conventions, the end of the Bush Administration finally seems to be coming into sight. So what, if anything, do the candidates VP picks say about their environmental positions? More specifically, what do their VP picks say about how they will address the most pressing environmental challenges of the 21st century: accelerated and extreme climate change and energy insecurity.
Let's take a look at Sarah Palin first. According to the McCain campaign, Gov. Palin "has challenged the influence of the big oil companies while fighting for the development of new energy resources." They claim she is equally as "mavericky" as John McCain and will be willing and able to help squeeze the influence of oil companies and other special interests out of our system while moving America on its path towards energy independence. Yet, when you take a look at Gov. Palin's record and her history on environmental and energy issues, you can't help but come to the conclusion that a McCain/Palin white house would be business as usual when it comes to energy and global warming.
Here's some interesting facts on Gov. Palin that point to her being much more of a Dick Cheney like VP (with his connections to Halliburton) than the type of energy reformist the McCain campaign claims she is and that this country needs.
-Opposes a windfall profits tax on oil companies
-Is the chair of the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission, a multistate panel "that promotes the conservation and efficient recovery of domestic oil and natural gas resources while protecting health, safety and the environment"
-Proposed eliminating Alaska's Gas Tax
-Wants to open ANWR to drilling
-Palin's husband is also an oil production operator for BP.
Do we really need another Vice President with such deep ties and loyalties to Big Oil?
By the way, here's a nice little quote I stumbled upon from Gov. Palin: "A changing environment will affect Alaska more than any other state, because of our location. I'm not one though who would attribute [global warming] to being man-made."
Seriously? But wait, I thought John McCain prided himself on differing from his party on the issue of Climate Change?
All of this just points to the fact that John McCain does not seem to be truly concerned about accelerated and extreme climate change, energy innovation, or having the influence of oil companies whispering into his ears and those of his administration. The greatest evidence of this is his recent reversal of his opinion on offshore drilling and the "Drill here, drill now, pay less" dogma he and his colleagues have been shoving down the throats of the American people. John McCain continues to erode whatever semblance of environmental credibility and potential he may have ever had.
What about Joe Biden's record?
-For starters, Joe Biden has been a longtime leader in the Senate on Climate Change issues. In 1986 he introduced the very first bill designed to limit global warming pollution, the Global Warming Protection Act.
-Cited the energy crisis as America's top priority in his primary campaign for the white house last year.
-He is endorsed by the environmentally-minded League of Conservation Voters with an 83% lifetime voting score on environmental issues.
-During his time on the Senate Judiciary Committee, Biden has been a harsh critic of the oil industry and oil subsidies.
With 35 years of experience in the Senate, Biden now chairs the Foreign Relations Committee. As Joseph Romm pointed out in a recent article for Grist , achieving a comprehensive, binding, international treaty on Climate Change will be one of the most difficult and important task facing the next administration. This is where Biden's experience will truly prove salient. "The great challenge...will require not merely strong domestic action by the world's richest country, the one that has admitted by far the most cumulative amount of carbon dioxide. It will also require global leadership by us, the ability to negotiate one-on-one and collectively with every major country in the world...The Democratic team now has onboard...one of the most qualified people in the country to help lead that effort from the White House, which is where it must be lead from."
Or, you can hear it from Biden himself, "I would be most capable of getting this country back into an international climate regime, getting us back to the table the fastest and with the most prospect for success, because of my extensive engagement in foreign policy...To deal with global warming, you have to change the attitude of the world, particularly China and India, the two largest developing nations. But in order to do that, to have any credibility, you have to begin here in the United States by capping emissions, increasing renewable fuels, establishing a national renewable portfolio standard, requiring better fuel economy for automobiles."
When it comes to energy issues, global warming and the environment, John McCain used to seem like at least a decent moderate choice. Fortunately for swing voters concerned about these issues, he's making the decision making process a lot easier by showing that his true loyalties lie more closely with his special interest supporters than the American people. Barack Obama, on the other hand, has proven his commitment to addressing these issues with his selection of a running mate with a long-standing, positive, environmental record.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Monday, August 25, 2008
Ditch the Lawn and Ditch Summer Mowing.
(I actually wrote most of this post a week ago but got sidetracked and didn't post it until now).
The past week, I’ve been visiting my parents back up in Northern Minnesota and helping them out with some work around the house. This of course, meant getting reacquainted with my childhood enemy, the Toro lawnmower. Growing up, my brother and I used to hate mowing the lawn-we had a pretty decent sized lawn to tackle and thought we’d much rather be playing soccer on our lawn than trimming it. While I’m still not a fan, the good news is that my parents have expanded their garden so much since my siblings and I moved out that it takes about half the time it used to.
Anyways, this got me to thinking again about the environmental impacts and implications of lawns in America and all the great alternatives to cookie-cutter lawns that exist out there. If being more green, saving money on mowers, maintenance and gas, or avoiding the weekly summer mow interest you, then read on!
I’ll begin with a quick bit from grist.org about the environmental impacts of lawns in America:
“First of all, lawns are an environmental nightmare. Lawns are America's single largest irrigated crop. They cover over 49,000 square miles, three times the area covered by corn, the next biggest crop. (By contrast, concentrated solar power plants covering an area 1/6 that size could provide 100 percent of U.S. electricity.) They drink up between 30 and 60 percent of urban freshwater and are doused with more than $5 billion in fossil-fuel-based fertilizers and $700 million in synthetic pesticides a year (numbers as of 1993; hard to find anything more recent, but we can assume those numbers have gotten much larger via the housing boom). Most of the water and fertilizers are wasted through poor doseage and timing; both wash into overburdened sewage systems. America's lawnmowers burn 800 million gallons (and spill more than an Exxon Valdez's worth) of gas a year in horribly
inefficient engines, producing up to 5 percent of total U.S. air pollution.
So anything that can replace lawns -- drought resistant landscaping, stones or gravel, or, yes, a food garden -- is a blessing.”-David Roberts, Grist columnist.
That said, what are some other options for lawn-care? Here are a few things you can do to reduce your impact while mowing or options for lawn replacement.
Option A:
Replace it. There are many things you can replace your lawn with: a vegetable garden, flower garden an orchard, native grasses, a stone paths, butterfly gardens, moss, etc. Anything that reduces the amount of surface area you have to mow will be a benefit in many ways. My parents have successfully cut out probably 40% of our lawn’s surface area and replaced it with strawberry and blueberry plants, numerous vegetable plots, flowers, trees, bushes and other shrubs. If you take the gardening route, obviously this has numerous other benefits: including having fresh, locally produced, produce right in your backyard.
-Moss also makes an excellent, very low maintenance option as well: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/01/garden/01moss.html?_r=1&ex=1210305600&en=93604bf920ba0613&ei=5070&emc=eta1&oref=slogin
-Or try a Raingarden: http://sustainablecommunitysolutions.com/2008/07/30/of-rain-barrels-and-rain-gardens/
*Here’s a few suggestions for how to get rid of the old grass before replacing: http://www.grist.org/advice/ask/2002/09/19/umbra-lawnkill/index.html
Option B: Keep it, but green it: Okay, there’s a reason why so many Americans love lawns, and realistically for many of us they aren’t going anywhere. Especially for those who have no public parks nearby for their kids or pets to run around in. But, at least reduce your lawns nasty impact. Here’s a few things to do: Reduce the frequency of your mowing. Use a push mower if you have a smaller lawn. Lay off the pesticides. Don’t water: this will simply make your lawn grow faster and force you to cut it more quickly. If you’re in a dry climate, let your lawn grow out longer to prevent burning and browning.
All right, that’s it for my rant on lawns. The next post will probably be a little less practical and a little more political.
The past week, I’ve been visiting my parents back up in Northern Minnesota and helping them out with some work around the house. This of course, meant getting reacquainted with my childhood enemy, the Toro lawnmower. Growing up, my brother and I used to hate mowing the lawn-we had a pretty decent sized lawn to tackle and thought we’d much rather be playing soccer on our lawn than trimming it. While I’m still not a fan, the good news is that my parents have expanded their garden so much since my siblings and I moved out that it takes about half the time it used to.
Anyways, this got me to thinking again about the environmental impacts and implications of lawns in America and all the great alternatives to cookie-cutter lawns that exist out there. If being more green, saving money on mowers, maintenance and gas, or avoiding the weekly summer mow interest you, then read on!
I’ll begin with a quick bit from grist.org about the environmental impacts of lawns in America:
“First of all, lawns are an environmental nightmare. Lawns are America's single largest irrigated crop. They cover over 49,000 square miles, three times the area covered by corn, the next biggest crop. (By contrast, concentrated solar power plants covering an area 1/6 that size could provide 100 percent of U.S. electricity.) They drink up between 30 and 60 percent of urban freshwater and are doused with more than $5 billion in fossil-fuel-based fertilizers and $700 million in synthetic pesticides a year (numbers as of 1993; hard to find anything more recent, but we can assume those numbers have gotten much larger via the housing boom). Most of the water and fertilizers are wasted through poor doseage and timing; both wash into overburdened sewage systems. America's lawnmowers burn 800 million gallons (and spill more than an Exxon Valdez's worth) of gas a year in horribly
inefficient engines, producing up to 5 percent of total U.S. air pollution.
So anything that can replace lawns -- drought resistant landscaping, stones or gravel, or, yes, a food garden -- is a blessing.”-David Roberts, Grist columnist.
That said, what are some other options for lawn-care? Here are a few things you can do to reduce your impact while mowing or options for lawn replacement.
Option A:
Replace it. There are many things you can replace your lawn with: a vegetable garden, flower garden an orchard, native grasses, a stone paths, butterfly gardens, moss, etc. Anything that reduces the amount of surface area you have to mow will be a benefit in many ways. My parents have successfully cut out probably 40% of our lawn’s surface area and replaced it with strawberry and blueberry plants, numerous vegetable plots, flowers, trees, bushes and other shrubs. If you take the gardening route, obviously this has numerous other benefits: including having fresh, locally produced, produce right in your backyard.
-Moss also makes an excellent, very low maintenance option as well: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/01/garden/01moss.html?_r=1&ex=1210305600&en=93604bf920ba0613&ei=5070&emc=eta1&oref=slogin
-Or try a Raingarden: http://sustainablecommunitysolutions.com/2008/07/30/of-rain-barrels-and-rain-gardens/
*Here’s a few suggestions for how to get rid of the old grass before replacing: http://www.grist.org/advice/ask/2002/09/19/umbra-lawnkill/index.html
Option B: Keep it, but green it: Okay, there’s a reason why so many Americans love lawns, and realistically for many of us they aren’t going anywhere. Especially for those who have no public parks nearby for their kids or pets to run around in. But, at least reduce your lawns nasty impact. Here’s a few things to do: Reduce the frequency of your mowing. Use a push mower if you have a smaller lawn. Lay off the pesticides. Don’t water: this will simply make your lawn grow faster and force you to cut it more quickly. If you’re in a dry climate, let your lawn grow out longer to prevent burning and browning.
All right, that’s it for my rant on lawns. The next post will probably be a little less practical and a little more political.
Friday, August 15, 2008
End of the Internship
Well, my seven and a half week stint with the Center for Sustainable Living officially ended earlier this month. It went by extremely quickly, and I found that it is very difficult to jump in and try to tackle large projects in a new community. Over the summer, I had a successful crash-course in small-time community organization and advocacy, building many connections with community members and learning much about local politics, the environmental blogosphere and community living. I learned that what sounds good on paper or works in one community oftentimes meets roadblocks and delays along the way. Unfortunately, with the short time-line we had, even small delays could sideline entire projects.
Therefore, we didn’t fully accomplish several of the community projects I had hoped to, but I've had the chance to get the ball rolling on several projects that have been researched and can be pursued in the future. Some of the projects still in the making include: Pedestrian Only Street Days (which was greeted with both excitement and skepticism from community members and which we decided a better goal for this would be the summer of 2009 rather than 2008 since there is much organizational and advocacy work to be done for this) a free school, where environmental workshops could be taught to interested community members, and several composting projects, including holding a community compost bin sale and continuing to guide Bridgewater Elementary School on their goal of teaching their kids to separate and compost their food waste at school.
I'm hoping to follow up on Pedestrian Only Street Days throughout the school year and hopefully it can kick off the following summer. The goal of this is to get people outside, to build social capital and community well-being, and to promote non-motorized types of transportation. If realized, it would consist of blocking off a section of downtown Northfield (on Division from 2nd-5th Street) to automobile traffic on a monthly, bi-monthly or weekly basis during the summers. Basically: More walking, more talking, less driving. I envision live music, street vendors, sidewalk dining, maybe some of kind of themed workshops on biking, pedestrian safety, etc. on Thursday evenings. Other cities (Toronto, Bogota) have had a lot of success with similar programs and I could see it being a huge hit in Northfield, but there's still a lot of organizing work to do. Even NYC has been trying this out with a huge chunk of Manhattan: . And so has San Fransisco: http://carfreeusa.blogspot.com/2008/08/come-out-to-play-in-san-francisco.html
The internship overall was a great experience. I learned an incredible amount about a wide range of topics and was fortunate enough to have the opportunity and freedom to pursue many different projects. Thanks especially to the CSL, Nate, Kris and Scott for that. I've decided to keep this blog-at least for now. I'm gonna to write in it as often and for as long as I feel is possible into the school year as long as people are reading it and finding it somewhat useful or enjoyable. From this point on I'm going to be writing almost entirely about whatever environmental and politic issues are pertinent or related things that come to my mind. Hope it's enjoyable!
Therefore, we didn’t fully accomplish several of the community projects I had hoped to, but I've had the chance to get the ball rolling on several projects that have been researched and can be pursued in the future. Some of the projects still in the making include: Pedestrian Only Street Days (which was greeted with both excitement and skepticism from community members and which we decided a better goal for this would be the summer of 2009 rather than 2008 since there is much organizational and advocacy work to be done for this) a free school, where environmental workshops could be taught to interested community members, and several composting projects, including holding a community compost bin sale and continuing to guide Bridgewater Elementary School on their goal of teaching their kids to separate and compost their food waste at school.
I'm hoping to follow up on Pedestrian Only Street Days throughout the school year and hopefully it can kick off the following summer. The goal of this is to get people outside, to build social capital and community well-being, and to promote non-motorized types of transportation. If realized, it would consist of blocking off a section of downtown Northfield (on Division from 2nd-5th Street) to automobile traffic on a monthly, bi-monthly or weekly basis during the summers. Basically: More walking, more talking, less driving. I envision live music, street vendors, sidewalk dining, maybe some of kind of themed workshops on biking, pedestrian safety, etc. on Thursday evenings. Other cities (Toronto, Bogota) have had a lot of success with similar programs and I could see it being a huge hit in Northfield, but there's still a lot of organizing work to do. Even NYC has been trying this out with a huge chunk of Manhattan: . And so has San Fransisco: http://carfreeusa.blogspot.com/2008/08/come-out-to-play-in-san-francisco.html
The internship overall was a great experience. I learned an incredible amount about a wide range of topics and was fortunate enough to have the opportunity and freedom to pursue many different projects. Thanks especially to the CSL, Nate, Kris and Scott for that. I've decided to keep this blog-at least for now. I'm gonna to write in it as often and for as long as I feel is possible into the school year as long as people are reading it and finding it somewhat useful or enjoyable. From this point on I'm going to be writing almost entirely about whatever environmental and politic issues are pertinent or related things that come to my mind. Hope it's enjoyable!
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
City Council a Disaster
I attended my first Northfield City Council meeting Monday night and frankly, it was pathetic. I've heard a lot about some of the issues that Northfield city politics have been facing: an incompetent mayor (who at least appeared to be sober at this week's meeting), a possible suit from the city administrator, city council members stepping down, etc. This however, was a much higher level of incapability that I ever expected.
It was an hour and a half filled with procedural confusion, bickering, personal attacks, and utterly childish behavior that was downright inexcusable. [I expect Rush Limbaugh and Keith Olbermann could have had an easier time getting along, or at least being civil. (New "We Campaign" Ad anyone?....Hah!)] Much of this appeared to revolve around the mayor's need to feel like he was in charge: he repeatedly interrupted any council member he disagreed with and was utterly incapable of compromising with anyone...on anything.
At one point, Contented Cow owner Norm Butler stood up and declared, "I have never seen such passive-aggressive behavior in my life." And he was right.
I understand that local politics can be frustrating: after all, a lot of time and effort has to go into procedural issues, hearing every citizen's voice, discussing, drafting proposals, voting, etc. It's not exactly the most efficient process and it likely never will be. However, I have witnessed Duluth City Council meetings before, and while they may have had some conflicts of their own or seemed to have droned on for hours, at least they were led by a group of (mostly) adults.
I had attended the meeting in hopes of hearing a discussion about the Northfield Energy Task Force's recommendations about energy issues, global climate change, etc. as well as a discussion about non-motorized transit. However, after an hour and forty minutes of wanted to shoot myself in the foot to at least have something to distract me from the pain of what I witnessing, I had to get up and leave. And for how much I care about the issues, that is really too bad.
It was an hour and a half filled with procedural confusion, bickering, personal attacks, and utterly childish behavior that was downright inexcusable. [I expect Rush Limbaugh and Keith Olbermann could have had an easier time getting along, or at least being civil. (New "We Campaign" Ad anyone?....Hah!)] Much of this appeared to revolve around the mayor's need to feel like he was in charge: he repeatedly interrupted any council member he disagreed with and was utterly incapable of compromising with anyone...on anything.
At one point, Contented Cow owner Norm Butler stood up and declared, "I have never seen such passive-aggressive behavior in my life." And he was right.
I understand that local politics can be frustrating: after all, a lot of time and effort has to go into procedural issues, hearing every citizen's voice, discussing, drafting proposals, voting, etc. It's not exactly the most efficient process and it likely never will be. However, I have witnessed Duluth City Council meetings before, and while they may have had some conflicts of their own or seemed to have droned on for hours, at least they were led by a group of (mostly) adults.
I had attended the meeting in hopes of hearing a discussion about the Northfield Energy Task Force's recommendations about energy issues, global climate change, etc. as well as a discussion about non-motorized transit. However, after an hour and forty minutes of wanted to shoot myself in the foot to at least have something to distract me from the pain of what I witnessing, I had to get up and leave. And for how much I care about the issues, that is really too bad.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Home Composting
I've received several requests for advice from people interested in learning how to start a compost at home. While I'm by no means an expert on the subject, fortunately it doesn't take one to start your own compost. In fact, it's surprisingly easy. Here's some suggestions and links for how to get started:
The first thing people need to decide is where to place the outdoor aspect of the composting, which is usually some kind of a bin. (I have seen some farmers and people who aren't as concerned with aesthetics just making a pile or heap right in their backyard without a bin. This works great too, but typical homeowners seem to like some kind of a bin or container to put it in). The backyard is usually the best place to put your bin, and it should be in a location that is close to your house and convenient to reach during the winter months since you will be adding to it several times a week even when its freezing out. If you don't have a backyard, then a compost bin in your basement works just fine.
If you choose to use a bin, getting one is the next step. They can be bought online at such sites as http://www.composters.com/?gclid=CMrG_ubw1pQCFSCcnAodEV6QrA or possibly found at a local hardware store. (The CSL is also considering sponsoring a compost bin sale and we'll let you know if we do!) Even better, you can fairly easily build one yourself. Here's an example of one way to build your own that I found from composting101.com:
"Want to build your own? Here's one simple solution: convert old shipping pallets (which you can usually pick up for free) into a compost "repository." Use one for the bottom. Pound in metal support poles and then add pallets by slipping them over the support poles to make your bin's walls and you're all set."
Next, you'll need to need some kind of pail or container to keep in the kitchen. Keeping around old, gallon ice cream pails works great. The important thing is to have a lid to keep away fruit flies and to either line the pail with newspaper (which can be composted) or to wash it between uses to keep it fairly clean.
Here's what you SHOULD and SHOULD NOT compost:
What to compost:
From the Kitchen: fruit and vegetable scraps, plant cuttings, coffee grounds, tea bags, rice, pasta, egg shells, coffee filters, stale bread, paper towels, dryer lint (cool, huh?), hair.
From the yard: flowers, vegetables, hedge clippings, small amounts of grass, leaves, straw, small twigs or woodchips, hay.
Do NOT compost:
Dairy products, Meat, fish or bones, Fats or Oils, Diseased Plants, weeds containing seeds, sauces, ashes, pet waste (although pet hair is okay).
At this point you just need to toss food scraps into your pail (chopping larger items like corn cobs and watermelon rinds up), empty your full pails into your heap or bin, stir your pile with a pitchfork or garden tool, and cover it with some leaves, soil, or other dried yard waste. Stirring is important because it adds oxygen and covering the pile adds carbon and reduces the chance of odors or flies.
Contrary to some rumors, properly running composters should not smell unpleasant, so if this has been stopping you, don't worry. (Just remember to stay away from meat and dairy and to mix and cover your bin after every addition).
Follow these steps and after a few months the earliest additions to your pile will have broken down and will look much like soil. Take out what's ready with a shovel, load it into a wheelbarrow, and spread it wherever (garden, shrubs, trees, lawn, etc.)
That's it. It's really, really easy. And with a small amount of effort you can see garbage reductions of around 25-30% and have valuable home compost to add to your garden. I hope this helps get you started!
For more great links on composting and building your own bin, check out:
How to Start a home compost: http://www.grist.org/advice/how/2008/08/19/?source=daily
http://www.stopwaste.org/home/index.asp?page=441
http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/deputate/airwaste/wm/Recycle/Compost/Home4.htm
Composting in small, urban backyards: http://www.grist.org/advice/ask/2005/01/06/umbra-compost/index.html
The first thing people need to decide is where to place the outdoor aspect of the composting, which is usually some kind of a bin. (I have seen some farmers and people who aren't as concerned with aesthetics just making a pile or heap right in their backyard without a bin. This works great too, but typical homeowners seem to like some kind of a bin or container to put it in). The backyard is usually the best place to put your bin, and it should be in a location that is close to your house and convenient to reach during the winter months since you will be adding to it several times a week even when its freezing out. If you don't have a backyard, then a compost bin in your basement works just fine.
If you choose to use a bin, getting one is the next step. They can be bought online at such sites as http://www.composters.com/?gclid=CMrG_ubw1pQCFSCcnAodEV6QrA or possibly found at a local hardware store. (The CSL is also considering sponsoring a compost bin sale and we'll let you know if we do!) Even better, you can fairly easily build one yourself. Here's an example of one way to build your own that I found from composting101.com:
"Want to build your own? Here's one simple solution: convert old shipping pallets (which you can usually pick up for free) into a compost "repository." Use one for the bottom. Pound in metal support poles and then add pallets by slipping them over the support poles to make your bin's walls and you're all set."
Next, you'll need to need some kind of pail or container to keep in the kitchen. Keeping around old, gallon ice cream pails works great. The important thing is to have a lid to keep away fruit flies and to either line the pail with newspaper (which can be composted) or to wash it between uses to keep it fairly clean.
Here's what you SHOULD and SHOULD NOT compost:
What to compost:
From the Kitchen: fruit and vegetable scraps, plant cuttings, coffee grounds, tea bags, rice, pasta, egg shells, coffee filters, stale bread, paper towels, dryer lint (cool, huh?), hair.
From the yard: flowers, vegetables, hedge clippings, small amounts of grass, leaves, straw, small twigs or woodchips, hay.
Do NOT compost:
Dairy products, Meat, fish or bones, Fats or Oils, Diseased Plants, weeds containing seeds, sauces, ashes, pet waste (although pet hair is okay).
At this point you just need to toss food scraps into your pail (chopping larger items like corn cobs and watermelon rinds up), empty your full pails into your heap or bin, stir your pile with a pitchfork or garden tool, and cover it with some leaves, soil, or other dried yard waste. Stirring is important because it adds oxygen and covering the pile adds carbon and reduces the chance of odors or flies.
Contrary to some rumors, properly running composters should not smell unpleasant, so if this has been stopping you, don't worry. (Just remember to stay away from meat and dairy and to mix and cover your bin after every addition).
Follow these steps and after a few months the earliest additions to your pile will have broken down and will look much like soil. Take out what's ready with a shovel, load it into a wheelbarrow, and spread it wherever (garden, shrubs, trees, lawn, etc.)
That's it. It's really, really easy. And with a small amount of effort you can see garbage reductions of around 25-30% and have valuable home compost to add to your garden. I hope this helps get you started!
For more great links on composting and building your own bin, check out:
How to Start a home compost: http://www.grist.org/advice/how/2008/08/19/?source=daily
http://www.stopwaste.org/home/index.asp?page=441
http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/deputate/airwaste/wm/Recycle/Compost/Home4.htm
Composting in small, urban backyards: http://www.grist.org/advice/ask/2005/01/06/umbra-compost/index.html
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
St. Olaf Natural Lands Tour With Professor Gene Bakko
St. Olaf Biology Professor and Curator of the Natural Lands Gene Bakko will be hosting a tour this Thursday. I've been in classes that he's giving tours to before and they are incredibly informative and a great way to spend an afternoon! Here's some more information and a link to event registration for those who are interested:
https://www.stolaf.edu/alumni/events/greenyahyah.html
What: A St. Olaf Family Experience for Oles and Their Kids
When: Thursday, July 24, 2008
Schedule: • 10:00 a.m. - Sign in at Skoglund/Tostrud Center, parking circle entrance
• 10:15 a.m. - Enjoy a natural lands tour with Gene Bakko, a STOGROW tour and a hayride
• Noon - Lunch in Stav Hall
Cost: $10 for adults, $8 for children 8-15 years old and $5 for children 3-7 (under 3 are free).
RSVP: Space is limited to 70 spots, so register early!
https://www.stolaf.edu/alumni/events/greenyahyah.html
What: A St. Olaf Family Experience for Oles and Their Kids
When: Thursday, July 24, 2008
Schedule: • 10:00 a.m. - Sign in at Skoglund/Tostrud Center, parking circle entrance
• 10:15 a.m. - Enjoy a natural lands tour with Gene Bakko, a STOGROW tour and a hayride
• Noon - Lunch in Stav Hall
Cost: $10 for adults, $8 for children 8-15 years old and $5 for children 3-7 (under 3 are free).
RSVP: Space is limited to 70 spots, so register early!
Monday, July 21, 2008
Wellstone "Remaking America" Essay Contest
I recently submitted an essay titled "America's Energy Revolution: A Tax Incentive Approach" to an essay competition on "Remaking America" that is being held in honor of Paul and Sheila Wellstone. It's a very quick read, because the competition had a strict word requirement of between 260 and 280 words. Definitely not a lot of space to lay out a detailed plan to "Remake America", but I guess brevity is the point. I've attached it below. Let me know what you think.
America’s Energy Revolution: A Tax Incentive Approach
Currently, our economy is in shambles, gas prices are at record highs, global warming is accelerating, and Peak Oil is quickly approaching. How we get our energy is not just an environmental issue, but also an economic, national security, and social justice issue. Solutions to the energy crisis proposed by our political leaders are wholly inadequate. Instead, what America needs is a bold, innovative plan that puts us on the path to energy independence rather than oil dependence, that is not afraid to challenge the status quo in Washington, and that demands more from the American people while providing more for the American people. What we need is an energy revolution.
In order to facilitate an energy revolution, political leaders need to employ economic incentives to encourage innovation, efficiency and conservation. This must be done in two primary ways. First, we have to shift income and payroll taxes over to resource consumption taxes. In doing so, we send a message to businesses and the American public that we admire hard work and disvalue harmful forms of energy such as burning carbon-based fuels. This tax shift must reassure the public that taxes are neither being raised nor lowered but simply shifted. It must also be progressive enough to ensure that consumptive taxes do not disproportionately affect low-income Americans. Second, this tax restructuring must be coupled with tax breaks for investment into renewable energy sources and efficiency as well as subsidies for conservation programs, public transit, bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, etc.
The time has come for us to face our energy crisis. America has the opportunity to become a global leader in clean, renewable power. We can do better. And we must.
America’s Energy Revolution: A Tax Incentive Approach
Currently, our economy is in shambles, gas prices are at record highs, global warming is accelerating, and Peak Oil is quickly approaching. How we get our energy is not just an environmental issue, but also an economic, national security, and social justice issue. Solutions to the energy crisis proposed by our political leaders are wholly inadequate. Instead, what America needs is a bold, innovative plan that puts us on the path to energy independence rather than oil dependence, that is not afraid to challenge the status quo in Washington, and that demands more from the American people while providing more for the American people. What we need is an energy revolution.
In order to facilitate an energy revolution, political leaders need to employ economic incentives to encourage innovation, efficiency and conservation. This must be done in two primary ways. First, we have to shift income and payroll taxes over to resource consumption taxes. In doing so, we send a message to businesses and the American public that we admire hard work and disvalue harmful forms of energy such as burning carbon-based fuels. This tax shift must reassure the public that taxes are neither being raised nor lowered but simply shifted. It must also be progressive enough to ensure that consumptive taxes do not disproportionately affect low-income Americans. Second, this tax restructuring must be coupled with tax breaks for investment into renewable energy sources and efficiency as well as subsidies for conservation programs, public transit, bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, etc.
The time has come for us to face our energy crisis. America has the opportunity to become a global leader in clean, renewable power. We can do better. And we must.
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