Greenhouse Rebellion

Here Comes CarbonSoup!

2011-01-02T00:40:00.000-06:00

Neighborly Resolutions and Energy Revolutions

2010-12-28T11:23:00.001-06:00

It's that time of year again when we start discussing RESOLUTIONS! People have all kinds of ways with dealing with the passing of a year and the welcoming of a new one. I'm all for inventory! Here's a radical idea. Instead of making resolutions that (let's face it) focuses on US, let's make them focus on our community, our neighborhood (alright, get one or two in for you too). Grist just did a fabulous list on 7 resolutions to make your neighborhood/town/city a better place. With 7 resolutions you can fit three more in, of your own choosing.

If you really want to bring the New Year in right, read Jeff Biggers's New Year's Resolution to stop mountain top removal! Very inspiring!

Balloons and Extinction: We are running out of Helium!

2010-11-29T12:27:00.000-06:00

What do you do when you have a valuable item and you are told by trusted professionals that you can't get more of that item?

Well if you are the U.S. - you use it - FAST ! ??
Helium Blues...
A great article on The Muse gets at the crux of the matter.
And for some video information: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVg8EPl9ZmQ

Illinois Home Birth Act: Act Now!

2010-11-29T12:12:00.000-06:00

As it's very important to take action this week....
I share this from Illinois Families for Midwifery blog:
Here is what we have to do:

1 - Please call the Governor's office today and
Thank him for his support of the Home Birth Safety Act and
Ask him to PLEASE help us get it passed. The Governor's # is 217-782-0244

2 - We need to keep pushing.

Dan gave an inspiring speech in the Capitol yesterday. He mentioned that we have gotten farther than anyone thought we could. (When the secretaries were telling us the bill was dead, everyone really thought the bill was dead.) Dan reinforced that our progress is all due to our grassroots organization. When the legislators see our faces... when the legislators know we are following their votes on a bill; they respond. We saw that Wednesday. We saw legislators come out and talk to us for the first time ever. (And some of these guys have been hearing from us for years).

So.... We need to get our faces in front of these people. District office visits. Try to get an appointment with your rep for early next week. If you can't get an appointment, drop in. If your legislator is already a yes voter, stop in anyway and ask if they have any suggestions for convincing other legislators. Maybe your legislator could even talk to another legislator about the bill? If your legislator is not a yes, please try to find out what their objection is.

Please report back to the coalition for feedback and suggestions.

3 - It is URGENT that we increase the number of individuals calling their legislators.

PLEASE find a way to contact friends or family members today or tomorrow asking them to do ONE of the following things:

a) Call their Representative asking how they will vote on SB 3712. Let the Rep. know they support this bill and if the Rep. doesn't have a position on it, the friend would like a call back to know when the Rep. has decided.

b) Go see their Representative (either by making an appt. or just dropping in). Bring a handwritten note and maybe even a plate of m&m cookies (or just a bag of m&m's) and ask for the Reps. support. If you can get a group of friends to go in to the Reps. office together to do this, even better!

c) Have your friends write notes to their Reps. asking their support for SB 3712, the Homebirth Safety Act.

ALL forms of communication should be followed up by another phone call asking how the Rep will vote - unless you already got a firm yes or no on the phone previously. If your Rep. already supports, still have people call. Ask them just to thank their Rep. for his/her support. All Reps. need to hear from constituents because they are all being pressured by the ISMS to vote against our bill.

If you can help your friend by looking up their Rep for them, giving them the phone number and writing out a "script" for them, all the better. They need to know how easy is to make the call or write the letter.

On the anniversary of JFK's assassination....

2010-11-21T20:56:00.001-06:00

Google - Buckyball 25th Anniversary

2010-09-05T18:59:00.000-05:00

This week was the 25th anniversary of the Buckyball! I found this out shortly after mid-night because I was going to do a google search on .... CARBON60 -- I kid you not!! One of the first tasks of my new job as development director for the Fuller Dome Home has been to present a document in time for the restoration of the Dymaxion car in Madrid. The document is the building block of our fund-raising action to restore Buckminster Fuller's Dome Home.

Thanks for putting the buckyball out there google. To honor the occasion(s) see this posting and the previous! I also posted last year on the state of the dome in Carbondale! - Well before thinking I'd eventually work for the dome. It makes sense, as Bucky said to look around and "do what needs to be doing." -- well -- the dome needs to be restored and used as cultural, creative, regenerative solution! A restored dome is a step forward for our region and the world!

Below you will also find more about the story of the buckyball. Contrary to most peoples knowledge the buckyball's origin is not a toy -- it's an actual carbon molecule the Bucky predicted before dying and is now being used in cutting edge nanotechnology.

Bucky launched the design science decade in Carbondale. Anticipatory design science! We anticipate that this little dome, in the "heartland" of the United States, is an artifact by which transformation of our region and the earth citizens that visit can take place. It's the only dome he ever called home. The captains cabin. Carbon60 is the atom but lately Carbon60 for me is a question. Where will Carbondale be in 2060 or 50 years from now? The dome was constructed 50 years ago on the brink of SIUC's heyday! We launch restoration this year. Fifty years from now?

Buckminster Fuller & Maharishi Mahesh Yogi

2010-09-05T18:57:00.000-05:00

Buckminster Fuller and Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Press Conference, Amherst, 1971

Energy Equality Equals Real Power

2010-08-16T14:19:00.000-05:00

The show today flew past -- it was a fun ride! I promised to share some information and links, so what follows is a brief report.

We opened the show discussing some population milestones coming up. First there is the fact that nationwide we JUST 310 million people (at 6:54pm cst to be exact.) Sometime in the next four years the earths population will hit 7 billion! What would you say to the 7 billionth person?

The bulk of the show was dedicated to the demise of the futuregen deal. Seems like waste isn't a deal without jobs and money in the community. Bill Perk joined us to discuss the inevitability of futuregen's failure and how we can use it as an opportunity. The solution is within reach and can in fact solve so many of the problems that our energy industry creates. Here are the links to Equitech and Intellergy - look into it and urge anyone you know caught in the Futuregen fiasco to propose it as a real solution.

Thank you also for the feedback, as I received some very great messages today!

Messaging and Climate Science -- has it really come to this?

2010-07-11T03:40:00.000-05:00

Andrew Revkin at from the Dot.Earth blog reports on the media messaging clampdown of the climate scientists. While trying to manage a message is understandable for a large organization this may go a bit too far. I'm left wondering how the public gets access to such talks? Especially as so much of the information is vital to our earth community. Sure, it can be debated/misread/bent/subverted -- that's part of the risk. Isn't the information having that done to it already? I need the scientists, the communicators and the artists to all merge! ok?
Plus, letters like the one below advising individuals not to talk to the media, kind of creep me out. Especially when they have nothing to do with jury duty. They immediately make the letter-writer the suspicious one.

http://dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/07/10/climate-panel-struggles-with-media-plan/

Dispersants and the ongoing debacle that is the Gulf Oil Gusher

2010-07-05T12:04:00.000-05:00

A lot of talk about dispersants out there and it all seems a little scary to me. Here is a great source I've found. The Mobile Bay Keeper, a non-profit located in Mobile, AL and literally thrust center stage in this tragedy. They are advocating a letter campaign to the EPA to stop the use of dispersants, making it real easy for you to fill out the letter from their website. Also, if you are interested in volunteering your time for clean-up relief, they have all the information you'll need.

One Climate TV: Watch the Bonn Talks

2010-06-07T15:57:00.003-05:00

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The Gulf

2010-05-29T03:17:00.000-05:00

Who says you can't mix oil and water?: International Water Day (March 22nd) & the Palm Oil Issue Heats Up.

2010-03-29T18:12:00.000-05:00

International Water Day happened in March. It's a United Nations initiative to promote education on the state of the worlds water. Pollution and scarcity are the two main obstacles when it comes to our worlds water. This issue connects us as the vital ingredient for life. It's worth noting that a growing number of the citizens of the world lack basic water needs. I've heard stories of children walking miles to transport dirty water - whole days to find and bring back dirty water. The website has a list of actions you can take to support clean, safe and accessible water for all.
Since the global is also local I think taking a look at the local water system and supply in your area. This issue was front in center in my hometown not too long ago as talk of selling our water to a private company emerged alongside budget woes.
Water is a big deal and I like so many others take it for granted. I still occasionally succumb to buying a "water wrapped in petroleum" with fancy names that evoke springs, and glaciers and such but I know all too often the water in those bottles is just plain tap water or worse, being taken away from the citizens of the country from which it was collected. What happens here when we start running out? hmmm

Now, let's mix in some oil. I'm talking Palm oil. This has been an issue in rotation for some time now. If you thought palm oil was horrible for you it turns out it's even worse for endangered species. It also seems to be a rather bad deal for anyone living on or around where palm grows. This commercial was done by Greenpeace http://www.grist.org/article/2010-03-19-greenpeace-wont-give-nestle-a-break-from-palm-oil-candy-bars/

Happy International Women's Day! You get an Oscar!

2010-03-08T13:05:00.001-06:00

It's International Women's Day! For a timeline of the event check out the International Women's Day 2010 page.

Since some of my research work has concerned the global state of women, particularly in relation to food, pollution, poverty and violence - this short video from the World Food Program gets at why it's so important to recognize the issue of global gender discrimination and do something about it.

Now, normally the Oscars and global gender discrimination might not go hand in hand ... but this is no ordinary day. We can now attach woman with - Oscar-winning "best director." That's right, history in the making. Here's the stats: it's taken 82 years. There have been 400 nominations in that 82 years. Out of those 400 nominations -- only 4 woman have been nominated!

The rest....is history. One woman awarded best director after 82 years!!

Naturally, I m must ask:

Why are women such shitty directors?

Here's some of the lowdown on the Academy Awards from one of my favorite blogs: feministing.org

Somebody Save Sustainability - before it gets too GREEN!

2010-02-04T11:34:00.000-06:00

During our Climate Action meetings there was a point when we were deciding word choices and had to question "Sustainability" - because it has been getting a lot more press lately. Yet, ultimately it probably means sightly different things to different people. Those differences can be huge distances away from each other. Often it seems that sustainability is too linked to survival - getting what we need to live. I know survival should be fun but ultimately I wonder if we pair sustainability with scarcity does it do us justice? I won't deny that we have a limited number of resources and that is key to recognizing or coming up with the solutions we need. So when I speak of "scarcity" here - the main resource I'm referring to is our heads - for the scarcity of ideas and innovations would surely be as worse a fate as those of vital resources like water, food and shelter. I sincerely believe it.
Here is new framework (or old to some) for sustainability. The Five Core Principles. It's worth a look if you ever engage in conversation about sustainability.

The Transition Marches On: City Planning, Food Security and Local Motion!

2010-01-26T12:39:00.001-06:00

It's no secret. Carbondale needs change and the Carbondale Climate Action Network wants it to be a transition town! That is why, this week we are starting a Transition Town study group. If you are unfamiliar with the Transition Town movement it is explained here, on the Transition Town Network. The Network is a valuable site based in the United Kingdom with many resources, so even if you are steeped in Transition Town knowledge, it's worth checking out. There is also a Transition Town United States.

During our last meeting the idea came up to collect and post web resources that have to do with sustainable planning. What follows is my contribution to that list. This is obviously not exhaustive but I think it does offer some of the basics. If you know of any other sites, please forward them along or comment with a link.

Since Carbondale is a University town it's worth taking a look at The College Sustainability Report Card. I'll save you the heartbreak of looking for SIUC because it's not there. Although it would be so good to be in the company of the Illinois schools that did make the grade because they all seem to be thriving! There's also the Cookbook for Sustainable Universities.
Illinois has a Sustainable University Compact that recommends twelve goals they "may" implement. They also list the schools that have adopted aspects of the compact. SIUC is listed but there's little information. hmm
Inside Higher Ed gave the "green" light to Universities by looking at the growing trend (answering a growing need), for educational institutions that practice and teach a variety of sustainable and environmental issues.
The American School & University actually gives a green cleaning award for sustainable and environmentally friendly cleaning practices. Guess what? Those schools. Thriving!

The Green Illinois site that provides resources for educational institutions, local governments and green government.
Environmental Defense Fund maps the green economy for Illinois
EPA's resources for Inventory Development
Illinois Climate Change and Advisory Group: Final Recommendations to the Governor (2007)
The Nature Conservatory has an Individual Carbon Footprint Calendar
Environmental News Networks Top Ten Green Building Trends for 2010
Institute for Sustainable Communities
Sustainable Cities Institute (heavily sponsored by Home Depot, fyi)
The CUNY Institute for Sustainable Cities has a great blog, mostly focused on urban sustainability.
There is also a Sustainable Cities Collective with some great resources.

And one of my all time favorite websites, Ted Talks, has provided multiple lectures on sustainable development. Such as Jamie Lerner who has been credited with "reinventing urban space" in his city of Brazil - powerful stuff (and some Turtle energy to boost!)
Also on Ted, Janine Benyus discusses biomimicry, hand in hand with city design. Then there is Majora Carter, the Macarthur-winning founder of Sustainable South Bronx, an organization dedicated to holistic community development, sponsoring projects that create jobs, protect the environment and nuture beautiful green spaces. I could keep giving you various Ted Talks guests since there are so many great ones.

Tree Sit Halts the Blasting on Coal River Mountain

2010-01-22T11:12:00.000-06:00

Fighting Mountain Top Removal: A Tree Sit at a time.

Considering this week in politics, we have to take victories where we can get them. I personally want to thank all the activists fighting against mountain top removal. I was particularly struck by this story - from ground zero of this issue!

Tree Sit Halts the Blasting on Coal River Mountain

As the article states: "This action comes at the heels of a rigorously peer-reviewed study published in Science Magazine which states "Mining permits are being issued despite the preponderance of scientific evidence that impacts are pervasive and irreversible and that mitigation cannot compensate for the losses."

The sitters are calling for the EPA to put an end to mountaintop removal and encourage the land-holding companies to develop clean energy production.

Start your week off right! Tell your senators to vote NO on The Murkowski Amendment

2010-01-18T09:41:00.000-06:00

If you listened to the show today you know all the reasons why The Murkowski Amendment must be stopped! So go ahead, reach out and touch -- your senator -- they must be called, contacted and generally sent the message that we will not allow this.

Congress returns on January 20th and begins the debate, so send your word.....NOW!

Looking for a Local Food Scene? Wanna know more about protecting and boosting the local food in Southern Illinois?

2010-01-12T14:44:00.000-06:00

The Sierra Club is hosting another great event. It's free and open to the public, so jump in.....

Local Foods: Protecting Our Food for Southern Illinois, January 14, 7:30 PM at the Carbondale Township meeting room, 217 E. Main St., enter through the back door. Sponsored by Sierra Club, free & open to the public. Dayna Connor and Jerry Bradley, founders of "Food Works," will tell us why local foods are important for our health and our environment, and what is being done in Southern Illinois to promote expansion of our local food sources. For more information, go to http://eatsouthernillinois.blogspot.com. See below for directions.

More Details / Where to go:

Shawnee Group Programs are held at 7:30 PM in the back meeting room at the Carbondale Township Office at 217 East Main St. in Carbondale. Parking lot is behind the building, and is best accessed from Monroe St., just West of Marion St. and the first street south of Main St. Enter the meeting room through the green door off of the parking lot. Front door will be locked. Free and open to the public!

Still Burning -- The Decade Heats Up

2010-01-12T13:29:00.000-06:00

It's cold outside. It's cold all over - really cold. Thank goodness we know the difference between weather and climate - otherwise one might be questioning ... Global ...what?
I only say this because recently I was privy to a conversation -- someone (embarrassingly for her) talking loudly about looking forward to rising temperatures from climate change. We had to talk some serious climate justice issues after that - but thankfully I was with the right people to do it!

Now, let's get dirty! I devoted a good part of the show to review and share the current Rolling Stone articles "As the World Burns" by Jeff Goodell (illustration by Victor Juhasz) and Tim Dickenson's "The Killers". This article is a must for anyone wondering how to pick up the fragments after COP15 - I know I was - but it flamed my fires and got me ready for the new decade!
What keep coming back to again and again is the importance of local communities. Just like my mother always said, "if you want something done right, do it yourself." Now, I see the wisdom and know that we can't wait for world leaders to solve our global problems. We're already connected! We're on our way!

A good question to start with is: How much CO2 do I contribute to the atmosphere? I must post on this later in more detail because it all does come down to some basic information. If you want to go somewhere you gotta first know where you are in order to get there. So how much CO2 does my town or city contribute and who are the biggest polluters? I was inspired by the UK challenge - taking carbon reduction to the private sector. Check out the 1010 challenge here. Is anyone in the U.S. doing something similar? Would it work? All things to consider for the new year.

2010: Trends to Watch, Mountains to Climb and (for good measure) Tigers!

2010-01-05T11:26:00.000-06:00

Hello and welcome to the decade. This is 2010, which means the future is now. How are you feeling about it? Here is a very interesting list I shared today on air. Triple Pundit (the people, planet, profit peeps) put out what I think is one of the best "top 10 list" of things to watch in the new decade. The list was originally generated by JWT a cultural intelligence agency who put out a yearly "top 100" list of things (not trends) to watch. And while it didn't set out to be a "green" list one can't ignore that a full quarter of the 100 trends are "green." As one company representative puts it "sustainability as a business concept isn't going anywhere." So the people at triple pundit funneled the 25 into a top ten. Here they are:

1. Alternative Measures of Prosperity (my favorite)
France’s Joie de Vivre Index, initiated by President Nicolas Sarkozy, is intended to provide a better assessment of well-being than the classic measure of economic health, the GDP (e.g., it considers indicators such as health care and family relationships). Sarkozy has urged other G20 leaders to adopt new indices, too. Look for more countries or companies to embrace alternative measures of prosperity, such as the Triple Bottom Line of people, profits and planet. (Hmmm…People, profits, planet? Sounds familiar.)

2. Alternative Metals in Jewelry
With gold prices volatile in recent years, Asian jewelry makers are turning instead to precious metals like palladium and titanium. China’s imports of palladium, which is cheap, durable and lightweight, have been rising steadily. Look for more jewelry manufacturers to choose it over gold.

3. Buycotting
The opposite of a boycott, a buycott is supported by consumers who make a conscious effort to buy fromcompanies whose environmental and social policies they support. Examples: Canadian supporters of Israel prompted a buycott of Israeli products; people who agreed with Whole Foods CEO John Mackey’s ideas on health care countered a boycott of the store with a buycott last summer.

4. Dry Shampoo (I might have chosen this as my favorite if I wasn't afraid of seeming shallow!)
Women are discovering dry shampoo—which removes oil and build-up from hair sans water—as an on-the-go solution for busy schedules, after-work refreshing, and anytime between regular washes. Exposure is spreading through new Sephora distributions, celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe and reality TV star Heidi Montag, who has a product line in the works.

5. Energy Dieting
The recession has prompted more businesses and consumers to put themselves on an “energy diet” (buying more energy-efficient machines, keeping lights off longer, etc.). As they rack up savings—and come to think of themselves as more green—this practice will become habit. (This is Mack’s favorite green idea on the list because it represents an unintended environmental benefit from an otherwise dismal recession, she says.)

6. Green Retrofits
The retrofitting of homes and buildings to make them more energy efficient will ramp up. In the U.S., tax credits and stimulus money for this purpose will help drive change. For instance, California has allocated as much as $3.1 billion to cut residential power needs, including retrofitting programs. Changes in regulations are also helping to motivate commercial landlords and developers, plus green buildings can command higher prices and tend to move faster.

7. Greening the Palate
People will become increasingly aware of the impact their food choices make on the environment, well beyond local sourcing issues. Some foods (notably red meat) have a much bigger carbon footprint than others; some choices are better in terms of water consumption; and foods with palm oil are being linked to rainforest destruction. In Sweden, which is formulating dietary guidelines that take emissions into account, some restaurants and food manufacturers are already listing emissions information. (Related to Number 64 on JWT’s list: Nutrition-Washing. Much as “greenwashing” has made consumers skeptical about brands’ environmental claims, shoppers will increasingly take health messaging with a grain of salt, JWT predicts.)

8. Hand-Me-Ups
More people will start “handing up” their cell phones, digital cameras, computers and other electronic gadgets to their parents when they want to upgrade. The older items are often easier to master for those interested only in these tools’ basic functions.

9. Return of the Water Fountain
The water fountain is undergoing a resurgence and redesign as people seek alternatives to single-use plastic bottles. New water-refilling stations charge a small fee for replenishing reusable bottles. Several so-calledHydraChill stations, installed in London in October, charge 20 pence, which goes to an environmental group.(Public water fountains? I see this in direct correlation with Number 67 on JWT’s list: Pandemic Fatalism.)

10. The Waterless Washing Machine
Using nylon polymer beads, which pull stains off fabric, this machine requires just a cup of water. It saves energy as well because the clothes come out virtually dry,and there’s little need for a dryer. The washers, developed by U.K. company Xeros, will initially be marketed to commercial laundry operations, beginning in 2010.

I'll be keeping a watch out! Next up: Mountains! As in Mt. Kilmanjaro! And water! Summit on the Summit starts in several days.

Check out their page - they start the climb in several days with the purpose of raising awareness about the state of global water. Did you know that over 1 billion people DO NOT have access to clean, safe drinking water! Talk about a travesty. Please support their climb - they have over 100 ways to do it! They also have some pretty high profile climbers too (from scientists to grammy winners).

Last but not least:

Tigers! This decade starts off right by ushering in the year of the tiger. Expect big things - quick change. If you want to read more about the year of the tiger you can do so here, but my favorite reading of it is from We'moon's datebook - (which you have to buy to read but it's well worth it ) - the information (and enjoyment) I get form datebook every year has become very valuable for me.

As the Faucet Turns: The Fate of Water in Carbondale

2009-12-06T12:42:00.000-06:00

Well, it's been over two weeks since I read the first article in the Daily Egyptian regarding the privatization of Carbondale's water. Brad Cole, mayor of the great city from which I hail, included selling our water system as one of several proposals to fix the cities ever expanding deficit (projected to be 5 million in the next year). The lack of funds, as explained by the city, is due to "ballooning pension costs." Also, on the table was a sales tax hike, a property tax hike, elimination of city positions and (my favorite) doing nothing and hoping the problem works itself out. In all fairness, the last option was only put forth to take a jab at our democratic run state and country, ala "the fantasy lands of Springfield and Washington" comment. Hey, it is an election year.
At least locally we can get all riled up about water privatization - so by the time the situation takes form you have citizens practically begging for tax increases. Nice work, right?
Yesterdays, Southern Illinois said that the issue of water privatization is behind the council now. My response to that: really? Does this mean that the city council was actually moved by the people that organized a town hall meeting and showed up in droves at the city council meeting to protest this idea? Does this mean they listened to "the party no" as we were called by councilman Chris Wissman, who also said "we missed the point." That last one made me hurt my jaw - as I didn't catch it in time! Are the city council and mayor hoping that we will all stay home for the next December 15th meeting where they are set to vote on "something" (we are trying to figure out exactly what). Perhaps the "proposal that isn't a proposal" as Chris Wissman stated.
Let me just say right now, I think they have missed the point, and by "they" I mean anyone on the council that even thought for a second that selling a vital resource, a common resource, could be a "solution." We couldn't go away that fast if we wanted to, we have yard signs and a facebook group afterall! More important than that is we have fear that the mayor could be waiting for another time and the taste of what citizens can do when they unite! We also now have an education on the pitfalls of privatizing water and a declaration to back it up. So, to transform the party of "NO" I offer "YES" for what I've learned and what I know since this has happened:

YES to community over corporations
YES to profit that doesn't cost others everything
YES to city council members who actually understand city problems
YES to a mayor who puts the long-term good of the city before short-term fixes or political gain
YES to cities rejecting privatization of vital recourses
YES to councils the world over respecting what citizens have to say and offer
and
YES!!! just for the sake of it! As in yes we C...CAN!

(the last line is my plug for the next post about CCAN - the Carbondale Climate Action Network)
until then...blessings
GG

New Cap and Trade Video Spurs Debate/Response

2009-12-01T17:16:00.001-06:00

The Story of Cap & Trade from Story of Stuff Project on Vimeo.

So this is the new Cap and Trade video from the creator of The Story of Stuff. Cap and Trade can be confusing - even for those in the know. Business leaders have voiced concern about it's clarity as well - and that's leaders that don't mind regulation. So, it didn't take long after the video went live to get the twitter-verse all abuzz in debate.
I find this Ironic and timely considering I was at a meeting last night in which it was discovered all present had some very different opinions on cap and trade. So, check out the Grist article by David Roberts that outlines some of the key ways the video (and cap and trade) miss the point!

Cat's Against Climate Change

2009-11-27T15:50:00.000-06:00

This came from one of those random twitter connections @ecoartnotes
I love it! It's short, sweet, fun and gets the point across.

Cats Against Climate Change from Londonlime on Vimeo.

Top 10 reasons to care about climate change - per Grist list

2009-11-23T11:55:00.000-06:00

Somene called the station today and suggested I let people know why they should care - here? Why would it effect this area - right in the middle of the United States. I went over some of the reasons including droughts and floods but I think Grist does a good job of summarizing for everyone. Here is the top ten from their list of the top Twenty-five.

10. Because you won’t be able to hold up your end of a conversation with Obama, Lucy Lawless, Glenn Beck, Evander Holyfield, or the Pope if you don’t. You can probably fake it with Miley Cyrus, though.

9. Because colorful fall leaves are so pretty. But warmer autumns—and pests that enjoy warmer autumns—are messing with the trees. Duller leaves means less for you to look at, and translates into an economic hit for places like New England that rely on tourism generated by the annual phenomenon.

8. Because you don’t want to serve embarrassing champagne. Rising temperatures are altering the world’s finest champagnes, making the alcohol content “embarrassingly high,” says one British wine critic. How fun! Uh, we meant to say how terrible.

7. Because you like lights to come on when you flip a switch. Remember that blackout in 2003? The one that left 50 million people in the dark? That happened on a hot, hot day when lots of people wanted electricity. Guess what we’re in for more of? Hot, hot days. Guess how much our power grid has improved since then? Not much. For a little bit of Jazzercise for the brain, check out this academic paper on climate’s potential impacts on our power grids and national security—including, oh, crippling our society.

6. Because: “insect feeding frenzy.” Shudder.

5. Because you support the recycled-soda-bottle fleece industry. What will become of those cozy fleece jackets made from recycled soda bottles? Such an incredible innovation, such a wonderful way forward—but if our northern climes turn temperate and our southern climes turn tropical, no one will wear fleece. And those soda bottles are going right back in the trash.

4. Because you think it’s depressing when old people die alone in hot apartments. Heat waves are the deadliest natural disaster in the U.S.—and the probability of severe heat waves is increasing along with temperatures. If emissions are not reduced, heat waves are projected to double in Los Angeles and quadruple in Chicago. With an aging boomer population, that’s a recipe for one hot mess.

3. Because you think it’s depressing when little kids die. It’s happening. Now. According to Save the Children, 9 million kids die before their fifth birthday each year from diseases that are occurring more frequently because of climate change, which is also affecting access to food and water. What are you, completely heartless?

2. Because everyone at Grist cares. We’re a bunch of (fairly) normal people, with pets and kids and money woes and Twitter obsessions—but we all think this is big. Like, bigger than Elvis. A survey shows that our reasons range from the practical (I live near the coast) to the dire (it’s going to kill my unborn grandbabies). But on one thing we agree: we need to do whatever we can to reverse this course.

1. Because if we stop climate change, we can stop earnest lists like this. Seriously. We’d rather be doing other stuff too. Like maybe watching that supermodel video again?

Contact Carbondale City Council Members Don't Sell Our Water

2009-11-23T11:16:00.002-06:00

Below are the phone numbers for the Carbondale City Council members. We need to flood them with calls. Mayor Cole is trying persuade the selling of Carbondale's water to a private company.
Here are some sources for facts and information. If you have any other information please share!
There will be a town meeting at Longbranch at 7pm this Tuesday - tommorrow, Novemeber 24th. Stay tuned!

http://www.serconline.org/waterPrivatization/fact.html

http://www.citizen.org/cmep/Water/general/

http://www.alternet.org/environment/50994

Mary Pohlmann 549-5077

Chirs Wissmann 549-2653

Lance Jack 529-8683

Joel Fritzler 549-3928

Steve Haynes 549-1079

Corene McDaniel 529-1466

Please call all of these City Council members and tell them why they should vote NO on privatizing the city water. Leave any other information if you have it.
best,
Glenda

How to understand Copenhagen Climate Conference? Use a recipe!

2009-11-11T02:12:00.002-06:00

Now if we can get it to rise!

Just in time for Copenhagen - or Christmas - Al Gore's New Workout Plan

2009-11-10T01:36:00.014-06:00

Do you think we can stop global warming today? Al Gore does! He makes a pretty good
case for it too in his new book Our Choice: A Plan to Solve the Climate Crisis.
It's a nice reminder for any activist, journalist or average citizen that gets a little tired of
the doom and gloom, a little weary of the "reality," and perhaps a little too "in it" to
remember that the work is it!
Yet, there are no fluffy feel goods when it comes to the importance of getting our governments, communities and families galvanized for tangible results. His approach as
explained by promoters of the book:

"Rather than focus on a single technology or action to solve global warming, Gore stressed that governments must employ an “all of the above” approach,

employing multiple piecemeal solutions."

Here's Al on the abc morning show discussing his new book ,
"Our Choices: A Plan to Solve the Climate Crisis."

But what I really found most telling, and inspiring, is his all out position on what will and won't work with regards to CO2, like the business only approach so far adopted.

From the Our Choices website:

"At the core of many of the solutions discussed in OUR CHOICE, is the value and price we put on CO2. Gore maintains that in a market economy like ours, every one of the solutions to climate crisis will be more effective and much easier to implement if we place a price on CO2 and other global warming pollutants. We’ve got to tell ourselves the truth about the economic impact of pollution, and we have to measure it. Gore likens the sub-prime mortgage crisis, to the one we will face if we continue making investments in “sub-prime carbon assets.” The bottom line is that business and markets cannot operate in isolation from society and the environment—we need, what Gore refers to as, “sustainable capitalism.”

No argument from me there! Sustainable capitalism! That's possible....right?

I think I'll start working on that climate debt commercial!

Guest DJ GG (Lindsey Greer) Playlist from today!

2009-11-09T14:23:00.001-06:00

Broken Social Scene-Cause=Time
To Bring You My Love-PJ Harvey
Thin World Waltz-Why Are We Building Such a Big Ship?
Suzanne-Leonard Cohen
Ponderosa-Tricky
Jams Run Free-Sonic Youth
He War-Cat Power
Happiness-Goldfrapp
Get Up-Sleater-Kinney
The Changeling (Get Guilty)-Ac Newman
A to G- Blackalicious
Black Hearted Love-PJ Harvey

Student Farmworker Alliance on Greenhouse Rebellion Monday

2009-11-09T00:43:00.000-06:00

So much to talk about now that we have passed the 30 day countdown till Coppenhagen ! Can't wait to talk a bit about climate debt , as it seems to be gaining some momentum. Tune into to wdbx.org at 10am CST! The show will open with some updates on climate happenings!
Including some direct action (perhaps in your neck of the woods!

Then you get to hear from local leaders involved in the Student Farmworker Alliance .

This organization has done some amazing things and the activists on the ground in southern Illinois have drive and dedication. Listen in to find out about their next event and the issues they will be targeting in the the time to come. Here is an excerpt from the central website so you can get a little flavor. (hint: it's yum!)

"In 2005, farmworkers from the CIW and their allies scored a decisive victory in the national Taco Bell boycott. Yielding to growing nationwide pressure from the CIW, students, and other allies, Taco Bell and its parent company Yum Brands - the world’s largest restaurant corporation - conceded to all of the boycott’s demands, agreeing to work with the CIW to improve the sub-poverty wages and miserable working conditions of farmworkers in its tomato supply chain. In 2007, Yum Brands expanded this agreement to cover all five of its chains (which include KFC and Pizza Hut).

Also in 2007, after two years of intense campaigning, the CIW reached a landmark agreement with McDonald's - the world's largest single restaurant chain - to similarly take responsibility for farmworker exploitation. Just one year later, Burger King also agreed to work with the CIW after an unsuccessful campaign of dirty corporate tricks against SFA and CIW. As the "target market" of the fast-food industry, students and youth were vital in the grassroots coalitions that won these incredible victories. During the Taco Bell boycott, twenty-two high schools and universities removed or prevented Taco Bell restaurants and sponsorships as part of SFA’s “Boot the Bell” campaign. Similarly, we were able to turn McDonald's supposed marketing "sweet spot" into a well-organized sore spot and dethrone the King's entrenched resistance.

Through tireless organizing grounded in a program of education, action, and leadership development we were part of winning three of the largest victories against corporate greed that our generation has seen, and we're just getting started. Alongside farmworkers, we're creating - and walking - the path to a better world."

And...as if that isn't enough eco, rebel, excitement for a Monday - there's a special guest from 11:00 - 12:00! DJ GG! That would be Ms. Lindsey Greer who will be in the studio sharing some of her warmth (and tunes!) So tune in....

Tim Miller is a Visionary: Equal Marriage Rights & Passionate Performance Activism

2009-11-02T19:27:00.034-06:00

Well now that is officially November I'm gonna look back to October. As usual this time of the year has been a busy one and it amazes me how quickly the hours and days pass. Other things that amaze me: Tim Miller! & the power of performance.

Tim graced SIUC with his presence and passion October 5th - 11th in an engagement that included a week long performance workshop, class visits, discussions and a spectacular performance of his 1999 show Glory Box. I was fortunate to take part in the workshop which culminated in an ensemble performance showcasing our work. It was a truly wonderful experience in more ways than I could possibly share right now.
The week started with Tim coming to WDBX for an interview on Greenhouse Rebellion (another treat). Well, I was surprisingly nervous --- so much so that a regular listener told me bluntly "you were off." My listeners can by brutally honest. I wouldn't have it any other way but this isn't about me, it's about Tim's wonderful work as an activist and how that work in my opinion makes ignorance a non-option. For example, I failed to realize that the week of Tim's visit a proposal for Equal marriage hit the Illinois senate floor (albeit mired in some "special features" of Chicago politics) . It was a huge reminder of how those with privilege can afford ignorance especially when if convenient. In the case of equal marriage rights it seems too easy for those that can marry to take it for granted, I certainly have! I know and love people that this discrimination directly effects yet I've rationalized not being on the front lines of the fight because: "I'm involved with so many other causes" or "I can be a supporter from a distance" or "they can count on my vote." I'm not proud of it and that is why I appreciate being reminded that my governments discrimination has real, visceral consequences and it's everyone's problem when we squelch love and equality, in a country that proclaims to be free.

In case you didn't know, Tim Miller was one of "The NEA Four." Four individual performance artists who had their funding rescinded due to concerns of "indecency." It became a landmark case that should make all artists (or anyone even partially fond of free speech) thankful. The timeline of the case spanned a decade and continues to inspire discussion and debate on many issues. You can read Tim Miller's response here . I didn't highlight the NEA event during the radio interview so here is my chance to say that I am personally, profoundly thankful for Tim's commitment (which might be an understatement when one is talking about taking on the Bush administration - I'm talking about Bush 1). I'm grateful or all his gifts to the world of performance which include an extensive touring schedule, not to mention the co-founding of perhaps the two most influential experimental performance spaces in the United States: PS 122 and Highways . To add to my gratitude now I have an amazing personal experience of embracing performance, the doing, touching, talking, feeling work of performance that he facilitated in the week long workshop that quite frankly bought me back to a place of remembering why I've chosen to be a performer, for it's healing power, humility and the possibilities of transcendence.
The injustices Tim reminded me of were bought front and center when two weeks after the ensemble performance I took part in a 350 event in which someone yelled "faggot" at a mentor and friend from a moving vehicle. Why? Because he was holding a 350 sign? Or perhaps it was the proximity of the anti-war protesters. Regardless the reason, it happened and it was yet another reminder of the importance of dismantling the pervasive ignorance and hate that supports such things. No one will ever make a homophobic slur in my presence without me taking it to task for what it is; a perpetuation of hate.

It was good to see the hate crime legislation get passed that now includes gender and sexual orientation. However, the Obama administration has a long way to go on this front especially considering the recent flagrant denial of asylum to a gay Brazillian man who married his partner in Massachusetts. This only highlights the importance of Tim Millers work which has often been fueled by the heartbreaking struggles he must face to simply live a life with his long-time Australian partner. Immigration issues plaguing lesbian and gay families are one of the uphill battles fought everyday. People who take marriage rights for granted don't often think about immigration but the issues are all too real, from Illinois to every other state.
Tomorrow is election day and many are looking to Maine and Washington . I'm hopeful that love and equality will prevail tomorrow! Yet, a hard-fought victory isn't certain in either state so I'm left to wait for the ballots to be counted. Just in case these measures are defeated let me state the obvious: There is a movement afoot and it is fueled by something more powerful than hate, and it's not going away, not until we are truly equal!

R. Buckminster Fuller: Shine Your Ever Lovin' Light Down On Southern Illinois

2009-10-06T14:49:00.000-05:00

What do you do when you find out a person way ahead of their time, with revolutionary ideas has lived in your backyard and in general the fact goes unappreciated? In many ways R. Buckminster Fuller's ideas are just now starting to be fully appreciated all over the world. Sure there were many that appreciated him in his day but he was also called a "crackpot" and faced many battles in forwarding his ideas. The fact that Chicago's Museum of Contemporary Art dedicated (and extended) an exhibit of his work points to the magnitude of his influence. The show titled "Beginning With The Universe " ended last July.

Here's where the backyard comes to play. Buckminster Fuller accepted a research professorship at SIU-Carbondale in 1959 arriving in Southern Illinois for an over ten year stint, at the pinnacle of his career. He was asked to speak around the world and at the most prestigious universities. Wow! SIU must be so proud, right? .... Right?
Wrong! And it's a little embarrassing. Kind of like witnessing someone completely unaware of being in possession of a valuable and rare item. Usually in that scenario the unaware owner of the gem gets taken. Is SIU being cheated? Yes!
To discuss this issue and the legacy and work of Buckminster Fuller, Cornelius Crane sat down with me in the studio for a Greenhouse Rebellion interview. Cornelius has been involved in the non-profit organization Bucky's Dome from the beginnings of it's formation. He is a wealth of information and I certainly hope he comes back.
The gem in question is the geodesic dome that Buckminster Fuller designed and lived in while in Carbondale. Evidently it was the ONLY dome he ever called home. When the Fuller's moved away in the early 70's they sold the home and it was turned into a rental property for some years. To make a long story short the home wasn't taken care of as well as it could have been and it needed some work. The dome was bought by Bill Perk, who knew Bucky when he lived in Carbondale. Bill wanted to preserve the rich history and donated the dome in full to the non-profit organization whose mission became to restore Bucky's dome home and utilize it to benefit the community.
That was some years ago. It seems there has been a bit of a lag from the intention to action stage. Yet, as Cornelius explained a lot has had to happen just to get to this point. What is this point? Well, the dome sits with a large plastic tarp over it! A jewel waiting to be uncovered. What's the holdup?

Some of the problem seems to be in the decision (well intentioned as it was) to make the dome an official National Historic Landmark. Although it seems the house would be able to qualify on the merits of it's history it needs to be impeccably restored for approval. In other words they opted to "do it right" which meant they needed a lot more money than was originally expected. Think somewhere to the tune of $300,000. Some people I've talked to said that figure isn't really a lot considering the benefit. Others have said it's crazy.
Do you see a conflict brewing? There might be some of that but the bottom line is that the application, which has taken an enormous amount of work, is almost ready for the National Historic Association and once they are in the process for approval they are locked in to the standards the association puts forth.
What comes as the shock to me is how SIU has responded. Instead of embracing this endeavor with open arms (one would think they'd be chasing it - considering the decline in enrollment etc) there has been a lackluster response at best. There have been several local fundraisers that have done much to support the effort but most of the money garnered has gone to simple upkeep instead of major overhaul. Even contacts in Chicago and the state haven't responded as thought. Sure the economy is in a slump but that doesn't seem to hinder other efforts. (a new football stadium for instance). So what gives?
I was hoping to get down to the bottom of this but to be honest it has only raised more questions. Some have suggested that Bucky didn't exactly get along with the administration when he was here. He ruffled a few feathers! Maybe it was the lectures about the pitfalls of academic education in regard to solving real problems.
People have already traveled great distances just to see the dome in disrepair - without even being able to go in it. If the dome was functional and SIU showcased the history by say, naming a wing of the new library after him and housing his special collections in it, they very well might start to see some cottage tourism. Imagine that, people coming here in search of a gem? At the very least it would be a positive for the university, the city (who've also been MIA here), the students and the larger community, not to mention the world citizens of this spaceship earth that feel the calling to make the journey.

Check out the dome as it was being constructed (with Bucky).

Oh, so that's why my ear burns when I talk a long time.....

2009-10-01T16:35:00.000-05:00

It's so easy to forget about things you can't see..like radio waves. Then again you might want to forget. After all, I fell hard for my Blackberry Curve! I'm just now getting to the good part - that comes after you put some work into the relationship. I've been starting to feel like I know my phone so well I can access ANY information I want - WHENever I want it. Never mind this might mean perfecting the art of trying not to look distracted while fiddling with my Blackberry (something I think everyone fails at even if they think they are being successful).
This post however is devoted to just what those little devices might be doing to us - especially to children. The Environmental Working Group (love them) took matters into their own hands, testing phones to measure radiation levels. Here is what they came up with - the top 10 lowest radiation and the top 10 highest radiation (you'll find my phone at #4). They also have some very useful information about ways to curb your radiation. Great work! (FYI: EWG is the same organization that took on toxic make-up by testing and publicizing what was in it).
This isn't an old tune - it's been circulating for some time - with most people rolling an eye at the possibility (it seems) - not MY phone - not MY way of life. I must admit I have been one of them. Now, I write to Blackberry to see what they will do.

Since we are all on the same wave here I also thought I'd share the work of artist Richard Box who uses florescent bulbs lit by the electronic field from overheard power lines. Interesting stuff to be sure - making the unseen visible.

Survivaball. See, survival can be fun!!!

2009-09-29T02:27:00.001-05:00

Check out this new product! The Survivaball!

Here is the special promo video . I've been waiting for my fears of global warming to be over. With Survivaball I know at least I'll be safe.

In case you are not onto me - the Survivaball is the new adventure (um "product") from The Yes Men and I think calling it a joke would be a serious misrepresentation. This is serious after all. Just this week Senator Inhofe (or "wet blanket" as I like to call him ) pledged to take an anti-climate change convoy to the International Convention of Climate Change! I'd like to know who told him about the party?

The brilliance of the Survivaball is its ability to actually be taken seriously by a few. Survivaball for me points (like activists comedy often does) ... to the problem and the solution at the same time. With so much bad news is it any wonder we want to bury our heads in the National Enquirer. I'd really rather look at Britney Spears underwear again (or lack there of) than hear about more artic ice melting. But the Survivaball gives us some kind of viewing pleasure, even when we are in on it (perhaps especially when we are in on it).

So, I think it was a great week for The Yes Men. First The New York Post climate news prank that ended with an arrest. Then- Survivaball. What's next? Oh, yeah, a movie!

Playlist from todays show!

2009-09-14T12:20:00.000-05:00

Listen to the playlist from todays show!

News stories and links can be found in prior post. Also, thought it great today that there was a listener from Antarctica!

Wow!

Thanks for the calls and messages.

With some blessings in time I will soon be sharing by first mini-greenhouse build!

yours in the cause -

Glenda Greenhouse

The Pledge Drive Marches on.....

2009-09-14T02:08:00.000-05:00

Lots has happened this week - on all fronts. On the personal front I took the dive into committing to upkeep a garden plot for the fall and winter at the community garden. Which coincidentally in order to do I must build a mini-greenhouse. At first I was going to go this route - a simple DIY Greenhouse using pvc, rebar, plastic etc. But today I was inspired to try to do it with old windows. Check it, DIY Window Greenhouse ! is that not cool? (ha...get it)

On the political front, it looks like good news for the Mountaintop-removal activists (not to mention the mountains, the water and people all over). Looks like the EPA will revoke all permits as it violates the Clean Water Act! Duh, right? This has seemed like a no-brainer for a long time, which is all the more reason to celebrate the progress.

What I'm not celebrating is the new landscape of the arctic regions but have to admit is slight bit intriguing (albeit frightening). In case you haven't heard by now - two German ships will be the first to sail the NEW passage-way from Asia to Europe via the arctic. What do they thank for their journey? You guessed it, global warming!

That's a lot of ice melting. Which brings up the topic of what coastal cities will do to prepare. It seems like New York is already in the planning and implementing stages to take on more water. This thread did provide me with the first time to come across the idea of a "midwest renaissance! "Wow! I have a good friend that has been saying a similar thing for years now. Looks like I might have to concede. We'll see.

Then there was the movie:

Why do people resist things they know are good for them? I had to ask when I found myself secretly wishing I was seeing one of the other movies at the theater. Yet, I had been excited about seeing FOOD INC . for several weeks. Then as the movie neared it dawned on me that "excitement" probably wasn't the appropriate reaction. I knew what I was up for and it is part of the reason for my on-again off-again years of various degrees of vegetarianism. My movie partner would not be swayed, which might be the equivalent of having a workout partner. Needless to say, I'm better for it. I realize my excitement was centered around the fact that there is a movie like this in mainstream theaters. It's hard to fathom the chain of fiasco's that has resulted in our current food system but knowledge is power....right? One of the things I did like was the "Take Action" section of the FOOD INC. website. To share a bit - the ten things you may do to impact sustainable change on our food system.

1) Stop drinking sodas and other sweetened beverages.

2) Eat at home instead of eating out.

3) Support the passage of laws requiring chain restaurants to post calorie information on menus.

4) Tell schools to stop selling sodas, junk food, and sports drinks.

5) Meatless Mondays—Go without meat one day a week.

6) Buy organic or sustainable food with little or no pesticides.

7) Protect family farms; visit your local farmer's market.

8) Make a point to know where your food comes from—READ LABELS.

9) Tell Congress that food safety is important to you.

10) Demand job protections for farm workers and food processors, ensuring fair wages and protections.

All good things. Let's get to it!!

Signing off (for now)-

Glenda

Greening Radio - One Pledge at a Time!

2009-08-31T00:05:00.000-05:00

By greening here I'm taking about the monetary variety. That's right, it's time to raise some cold hard cash. Three times a year WDBX does the pledge drive thing. Unlike many other stations about 40-50% of our operating budget relies on individual donations. That's community radio. It keeps our airwaves healthy.
Generally, I have a lot of news ready for the Monday show, the blogs and online community I follow never seem to tire of ripe issues to bring forth. I have to scale back on the stories during pledge time but they are not gone.
So for the last day of August I have been inspired by an insert I stumbled upon in National Geographic. The insert is all about the future of water on the planet. Very artfully done, shiny with great pictures - just what you would expect from National Geographic! One problem: the insert is from Dow.Chemical. I had to pause when I saw this - for some obvious reasons. Listen to the show and let me know what you think!
This week as well marks the "less than 100" days to Copenhagen. I'll share my update as we inch toward progress and hopefully a universal agreement.
That and some more "spices" mixed in for good flavor.

Greenhouse Rebellion

Here Comes CarbonSoup!

Neighborly Resolutions and Energy Revolutions

Top 10 Environmental Stories of 2010 & A Glimpse into 2011

Balloons and Extinction: We are running out of Helium!

Illinois Home Birth Act: Act Now!

On the anniversary of JFK's assassination....

Google - Buckyball 25th Anniversary

Buckminster Fuller & Maharishi Mahesh Yogi

Energy Equality Equals Real Power

Messaging and Climate Science -- has it really come to this?

Dispersants and the ongoing debacle that is the Gulf Oil Gusher

One Climate TV: Watch the Bonn Talks

The Gulf

Who says you can't mix oil and water?: International Water Day (March 22nd) & the Palm Oil Issue Heats Up.

Happy International Women's Day! You get an Oscar!

Somebody Save Sustainability - before it gets too GREEN!

The Transition Marches On: City Planning, Food Security and Local Motion!

Tree Sit Halts the Blasting on Coal River Mountain

Start your week off right! Tell your senators to vote NO on The Murkowski Amendment

Looking for a Local Food Scene? Wanna know more about protecting and boosting the local food in Southern Illinois?

Still Burning -- The Decade Heats Up

2010: Trends to Watch, Mountains to Climb and (for good measure) Tigers!

As the Faucet Turns: The Fate of Water in Carbondale

New Cap and Trade Video Spurs Debate/Response

Cat's Against Climate Change

Top 10 reasons to care about climate change - per Grist list

Contact Carbondale City Council Members Don't Sell Our Water

How to understand Copenhagen Climate Conference? Use a recipe!

Just in time for Copenhagen - or Christmas - Al Gore's New Workout Plan

Guest DJ GG (Lindsey Greer) Playlist from today!

Student Farmworker Alliance on Greenhouse Rebellion Monday

Tim Miller is a Visionary: Equal Marriage Rights & Passionate Performance Activism

R. Buckminster Fuller: Shine Your Ever Lovin' Light Down On Southern Illinois

Oh, so that's why my ear burns when I talk a long time.....

Survivaball. See, survival can be fun!!!

Playlist from todays show!

The Pledge Drive Marches on.....

Greening Radio - One Pledge at a Time!