Happy 2010! This is the first day back for most of us and we are all focused on the goals we want to achieve this year. As you list those tasks, I hope you will think about what you can do in your work and home life to be more sustainable. Perhaps you’ll make an effort to print less frequently, print on recycled paper, print on reused paper OR maybe you’ll lead the effort to become a paperless work environment. If the building you work in doesn’t have a recycling program, begin a petition to start one. If your office still engages in practices that are not Earth friendly, start a green committee where you can brainstorm with your co-workers about policies you can initiate like replacing bottled water with filtered and providing all staff with an aluminum water bottle.
At home, perhaps you can begin to compost your leftover food scraps and unplug major appliances when they are not in use. Swap your incandescent lights with compact florescent light bulbs and turn off lights when you leave a room. Switch to wind power.
There are so many things we can all do and most take little or no effort. Here are some things you can do in your HOME that don’t cost a penny.
Turn off the lights in any room when it is not in use.
Unplug your TV, DVD and phone charger when not in use.
Take a 3-minute shower.
Wash clothes in warm or cold water and always rinse in cold.
Wash dishes by hand or run the dishwasher only when it is full. Don’t rinse plates in advance.
Say NO to bottled water. Drink filtered or tap water from a glass or reusable water bottle.
Set your thermostat to 65 degrees in the winter and your water heater
to 120 degrees.
Don’t let your vehicle idle for more than 20 seconds.
Say NO to paper AND plastic bags wherever you shop. Bring your own canvas bag leftover from a conference or trip.
Recycle every scrap of paper, newspaper, cardboard and junk mail as well as every plastic, glass or aluminum container.
Pledge to NEVER throw anything in a trash can – at home or outside the home -- that can be recycled, and then recycle!
Monday, January 4, 2010
Green Up in 2010
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Lori Hill Honored by SmartCEO Magazine
Lori was honored by Baltimore’s SmartCEO Magazine as an ECO-CEO in their December 2009 issue. Read more about Lori and her fellow ECO-CEO’s.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Greening Your Wintery Wedding
On a very snowy December 5th, lori hill event productions served as the event producer for the wedding of Diana and Arthur at the James Rouse Visionary Center at the American Visionary Arts Museum in Baltimore. Here are some of the easy green initiatives that we incorporated into their special day:
Centerpieces - because Diana and Arthur hated the idea of having centerpieces that would be used for just a few hours and then tossed (in the compost bin of course!), they had Crimson and Clover design 10” wreaths made from vertical crystallized white branches. These were given away to guests at the conclusion of the reception. The head table was adorned with the bridesmaids’ bouquets placed in vases filled with gems and wrapped in satin ribbon
Because we were in one large room, we utilized 7’ fresh cut Frasier Firs decorated in lights from Plants Alive! Afterwards, the trees were used for other events and then recycled into mulch
The couple’s travel-themed wedding inspired them to replace traditional escort cards with customized luggage tags that contained guests’ table assignment which was the name of one of the many cities the couple have traveled to during their courtship
Instead of handing guests a paper program before the ceremony, the couple opted to not offer one and nobody seemed to notice or mind
Both the ceremony and the reception were held in the same event space, saving on having guests drive to two different locations (all that gas and all those carbon emissions add up quickly!)
Since most guests were from out of town, we transported them via mini coach bus instead of having them take separate taxis
Because weddings generate so much waste, we contracted with Waste Neutral Group to take away not only food waste that could be composted, but also recycling. The cost was only a $1/person.
Centerpieces - because Diana and Arthur hated the idea of having centerpieces that would be used for just a few hours and then tossed (in the compost bin of course!), they had Crimson and Clover design 10” wreaths made from vertical crystallized white branches. These were given away to guests at the conclusion of the reception. The head table was adorned with the bridesmaids’ bouquets placed in vases filled with gems and wrapped in satin ribbon
Because we were in one large room, we utilized 7’ fresh cut Frasier Firs decorated in lights from Plants Alive! Afterwards, the trees were used for other events and then recycled into mulch
The couple’s travel-themed wedding inspired them to replace traditional escort cards with customized luggage tags that contained guests’ table assignment which was the name of one of the many cities the couple have traveled to during their courtship
Instead of handing guests a paper program before the ceremony, the couple opted to not offer one and nobody seemed to notice or mind
Both the ceremony and the reception were held in the same event space, saving on having guests drive to two different locations (all that gas and all those carbon emissions add up quickly!)
Since most guests were from out of town, we transported them via mini coach bus instead of having them take separate taxis
Because weddings generate so much waste, we contracted with Waste Neutral Group to take away not only food waste that could be composted, but also recycling. The cost was only a $1/person.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Eco Holiday Shopping and Eating
If you are still looking for some original, fair trade, earth-friendly gifts by local companies – and I’m sure you are – check out the following retailers that participated in the December holiday party for the Chesapeake Sustainable Business Alliance held at Clementine Restaurant in the Hamilton neighborhood of Baltimore.
earth alley is located in Baltimore’s Hampden neighborhood and was voted by Baltimore Magazine as having the Best Eco Gifts in 2008, earth alley has one of the largest selections of eco-friendly handicrafts in the Baltimore region. Items include jewelry, purses, massage oil candles and fair trade cards from Rwanda, children’s toys, home décor items and personal accessories. I just purchased a fabulous, fair-trade purse made in Cambodia.
Local artist Heather Shreve is now offering limited edition eco friendly holiday cards. All the 5 x 7 cards come in bundles of 25 and are printed on New Lead eco-friendly paper and come with 100% red recycled envelopes. Of course, the designs are original and quite frankly, instilled a sense of calm in me when I received my supply. That is something we can all use during this crazy season.
Part of the Conscious Corner community in Clarksville, Maryland, that also includes organic vegetarian restaurant Great Sage, independent natural and organic Roots Market and Bark, a natural pet products store, nest (Natural Elements Selected Thoughtfully) offers products that support independent artists, fair-trade importing, organic farming, and recycling, as well as items that promote a healthy and conscious lifestyle. Quite frankly, I can never get out of there empty handed! Since it is a mere 15 minutes away from me, I often make a quick jaunt there to purchase casual as well as business casual work clothes, Sigg water bottles, music, jewelry and books to give as gifts.
If you are tired of those unoriginal, metal pet ID tags, check out Pet Tag Creations which offers unique, handcrafted pet identification tags. A portion of their profits are donated to rescues and shelters. Their artists handcraft each one with care and the tag can list your pet's name and phone number or simply be worn as pet flair. My cat Grits sports one of these original creations and always gets favorable comments at the Vet’s.
Portable Rainbows Glass Art Gallery features beautiful glass sculpture, tableware, beaded and fused glass jewelry, and mobiles by these amazing and talented artists! They are 100% wind powered and Frances Aubrey, the gallery’s owner, donates 5% of Portable Rainbow’s profits to the Chesapeake Climate Action Network, a nonprofit that she works with regularly to pass global warming legislation. When you see Frances, ask her about CCAN’s Polar Bear Plunge.
After you are done shopping, check out Clementine restaurant. They do fancy pants comfort food with a cross cultural twist at a reasonable price. They change their menu daily, but you usually find their amazing mac and cheese. Clementine is comfy and spacious and also offers free Wi-Fi.
Finally, don't go empty handed to those holiday celebrations. Be sure to bring along a bottle -- or three -- of Black Ankle wine. Not only is it local, but it is also biodynamic and REALLY GOOD!
earth alley is located in Baltimore’s Hampden neighborhood and was voted by Baltimore Magazine as having the Best Eco Gifts in 2008, earth alley has one of the largest selections of eco-friendly handicrafts in the Baltimore region. Items include jewelry, purses, massage oil candles and fair trade cards from Rwanda, children’s toys, home décor items and personal accessories. I just purchased a fabulous, fair-trade purse made in Cambodia.
Local artist Heather Shreve is now offering limited edition eco friendly holiday cards. All the 5 x 7 cards come in bundles of 25 and are printed on New Lead eco-friendly paper and come with 100% red recycled envelopes. Of course, the designs are original and quite frankly, instilled a sense of calm in me when I received my supply. That is something we can all use during this crazy season.
Part of the Conscious Corner community in Clarksville, Maryland, that also includes organic vegetarian restaurant Great Sage, independent natural and organic Roots Market and Bark, a natural pet products store, nest (Natural Elements Selected Thoughtfully) offers products that support independent artists, fair-trade importing, organic farming, and recycling, as well as items that promote a healthy and conscious lifestyle. Quite frankly, I can never get out of there empty handed! Since it is a mere 15 minutes away from me, I often make a quick jaunt there to purchase casual as well as business casual work clothes, Sigg water bottles, music, jewelry and books to give as gifts.
If you are tired of those unoriginal, metal pet ID tags, check out Pet Tag Creations which offers unique, handcrafted pet identification tags. A portion of their profits are donated to rescues and shelters. Their artists handcraft each one with care and the tag can list your pet's name and phone number or simply be worn as pet flair. My cat Grits sports one of these original creations and always gets favorable comments at the Vet’s.
Portable Rainbows Glass Art Gallery features beautiful glass sculpture, tableware, beaded and fused glass jewelry, and mobiles by these amazing and talented artists! They are 100% wind powered and Frances Aubrey, the gallery’s owner, donates 5% of Portable Rainbow’s profits to the Chesapeake Climate Action Network, a nonprofit that she works with regularly to pass global warming legislation. When you see Frances, ask her about CCAN’s Polar Bear Plunge.
After you are done shopping, check out Clementine restaurant. They do fancy pants comfort food with a cross cultural twist at a reasonable price. They change their menu daily, but you usually find their amazing mac and cheese. Clementine is comfy and spacious and also offers free Wi-Fi.
Finally, don't go empty handed to those holiday celebrations. Be sure to bring along a bottle -- or three -- of Black Ankle wine. Not only is it local, but it is also biodynamic and REALLY GOOD!
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Coffee That is Good for You AND the Environment
I went to the ISES DC (International Special Events Society, Washington, DC Chapter) meeting yesterday at Longview Gallery. I saw cool artwork in a new event space and learned a bit more about social media. I think I’ve actually started to change my mind about Twitter…
Since it was a breakfast meeting, Travelling Bean – The Espresso Catering Company, was there to give us our morning fix of java. They are a small, family-owned company and really care about preserving the Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac River. In fact, in addition to using glassware whenever possible at events, or paper goods from recycled paper, they dispose of their espresso grounds in their flower beds!
They use local suppliers whenever possible and one of those is the Chesapeake Bay Roasting Company (CBRC). I first met CBRC when I was helping the Chesapeake Climate Action Network turn their annual Polar Bear Plunge green. What a cool company. Their coffee beans are Fair Trade Certified and USDA organic. They purchase and use 100% wind power and pledge 2% of gross sales to support community organizations and groups that make a measurable impact to the health of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. We all need to support companies like this. In 2010, CBRC coffee will be hitting more stores in our area. Look out for it and buy it!
Both Traveling Bean and the Chesapeake Bay Roasting Company will be at the Mid-Atlantic Green Wedding Showcase on Sunday, February 21, 2010 at the Samuel Riggs IV Alumni Center at the University of Maryland and serving complimentary coffee and espresso to attendees.
Since it was a breakfast meeting, Travelling Bean – The Espresso Catering Company, was there to give us our morning fix of java. They are a small, family-owned company and really care about preserving the Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac River. In fact, in addition to using glassware whenever possible at events, or paper goods from recycled paper, they dispose of their espresso grounds in their flower beds!
They use local suppliers whenever possible and one of those is the Chesapeake Bay Roasting Company (CBRC). I first met CBRC when I was helping the Chesapeake Climate Action Network turn their annual Polar Bear Plunge green. What a cool company. Their coffee beans are Fair Trade Certified and USDA organic. They purchase and use 100% wind power and pledge 2% of gross sales to support community organizations and groups that make a measurable impact to the health of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. We all need to support companies like this. In 2010, CBRC coffee will be hitting more stores in our area. Look out for it and buy it!
Both Traveling Bean and the Chesapeake Bay Roasting Company will be at the Mid-Atlantic Green Wedding Showcase on Sunday, February 21, 2010 at the Samuel Riggs IV Alumni Center at the University of Maryland and serving complimentary coffee and espresso to attendees.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Baltimore's First LEED Certified Green Hotel
I recently had the opportunity to view Baltimore’s first LEED Certified green hotel -- the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Baltimore Downtown/Inner Harbor. I realize your experience with a Fairfield Inn may be a brief stay in a small town off of an interstate highway. This ain’t your typical Fairfield Inn!
First of all, it is located right in heart of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor – at Harbor East – in the former home of the Baltimore Brewing Company and DeGroens Micro Brewery (I just got thirsty!) and was purchased by Brewmasters, LLC. It is a 100% smoke-free environment and has countless green features including increased use of natural light, 100% green power and use of eco friendly cleaning products. Every product they use is evaluated for sustainability, environmental impact and origin.
Guest Rooms
The contemporary rooms feature all the traditional amenities as well as FREE high speed internet access, 42” LCD HDTVs, and motion sensors for climate control when the room is vacant. There are also allergy-free studio suites with a bike and bike rack.
Rain Barrel
The site is full of reusable materials that have been incorporated into the design elements of the hotel. My favorite feature is the corrugated steel vessel used by DeGroens for holding grains to brew beer. The Fairfield Inn designers converted the vessel into a large rain barrel that traps and stores rainwater runoff from the roof to supply all irrigation needs of their landscape design.
Courtyard
An urban courtyard features outdoor seating and beautiful landscaping featuring native and adapted plants and trees. Their turf grass lawn is made from 100% recycled tires and has less environmental impact than real grass.
Green Roof
I can’t tell you how nice it was to look out a window and instead of seeing an ugly black rooftop, a saw a beautiful, lush, colorful green roof. Not only is it pretty to look at, but it provides insulation for the building while reducing the radiant heat that impacts the city from traditional rooftops. It also reduces storm water runoff, filters pollutants from storm water, reduces energy needs and minimizes heat island effects.
Waste Reduction and Recycling
Construction materials included the use of recycled materials and environmentally certified rapidly renewable wood products. Furthermore, the hotel is committed to recycling 75% or more of the waste generated during daily operations.
First of all, it is located right in heart of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor – at Harbor East – in the former home of the Baltimore Brewing Company and DeGroens Micro Brewery (I just got thirsty!) and was purchased by Brewmasters, LLC. It is a 100% smoke-free environment and has countless green features including increased use of natural light, 100% green power and use of eco friendly cleaning products. Every product they use is evaluated for sustainability, environmental impact and origin.
Guest Rooms
The contemporary rooms feature all the traditional amenities as well as FREE high speed internet access, 42” LCD HDTVs, and motion sensors for climate control when the room is vacant. There are also allergy-free studio suites with a bike and bike rack.
Rain Barrel
The site is full of reusable materials that have been incorporated into the design elements of the hotel. My favorite feature is the corrugated steel vessel used by DeGroens for holding grains to brew beer. The Fairfield Inn designers converted the vessel into a large rain barrel that traps and stores rainwater runoff from the roof to supply all irrigation needs of their landscape design.
Courtyard
An urban courtyard features outdoor seating and beautiful landscaping featuring native and adapted plants and trees. Their turf grass lawn is made from 100% recycled tires and has less environmental impact than real grass.
Green Roof
I can’t tell you how nice it was to look out a window and instead of seeing an ugly black rooftop, a saw a beautiful, lush, colorful green roof. Not only is it pretty to look at, but it provides insulation for the building while reducing the radiant heat that impacts the city from traditional rooftops. It also reduces storm water runoff, filters pollutants from storm water, reduces energy needs and minimizes heat island effects.
Waste Reduction and Recycling
Construction materials included the use of recycled materials and environmentally certified rapidly renewable wood products. Furthermore, the hotel is committed to recycling 75% or more of the waste generated during daily operations.
Monday, November 9, 2009
November 15 is America Recycles Day
While we should ALL recycle each and every day, this Sunday, November 15th is the only nationally recognized day dedicated to encouraging Americans to recycle AND buy recycled products.
I’m sure you have heard of the term REDUCE-REUSE-RECYCLE. But in the hustle and bustle of your life, have you thought HARD about what those words REALLY mean? To explain this concept, I’ll use paper – a commonly recycled product – as an example.
Reduce – this means reduce the amount you consume. For example, if you email your weekly staff meeting agenda, do you REALLY need to print out 10 extra copies for staffers who MAY have forgotten to print out their own version? Ask them to bring their own copy because there WON’T be extras, or better yet, have them load the agenda to their laptop and bring THAT to the meeting.
Reuse – if you printed out those agendas and there are extras with a blank side and no critical information on the printed side, reuse them by putting them back in your printer. Here at lori hill event productions, we can safely say that we try to minimize the use of our printer, but when we do print, close to 99% of the paper we print out is for office use only. Accordingly, we only place re-used paper in our printer. IF we need to print out on clean, unused paper, we only use 100% recycled paper.
Recycle – so you reduced the number of agendas you printed out and reused the extras by placing them in your printer. The final step is to take any paper that can’t be re-used and recycle it! Never EVER put anything in the trash (which goes to the landfill) if it can be recycled into something else. The landfill should ALWAYS be your last option. Unfortunately, it is the first option for too many. If there isn’t a paper recycling program in your office building, START ONE!
To find out more about American Recycles Day, click HERE to visit the site which includes lots of helpful information including recycling 101.
Have an object that you don’t know how to recycle? Visit one of my favorite web sites: Earth911.com. Just enter the item you are looking to recycle and the zip code of where you live or work and it will tell you where you can recycle. I will admit that sometimes I have not gotten any results for odd items (those evil petroleum-based candles), but just the other day, I directed my sister in Pennsylvania to a laundry list of places where she could recycle an old iron.
Remember, before you EVER throw ANYTHING into the landfill, always try to recycle it. The generations that come after us will be grateful.
I’m sure you have heard of the term REDUCE-REUSE-RECYCLE. But in the hustle and bustle of your life, have you thought HARD about what those words REALLY mean? To explain this concept, I’ll use paper – a commonly recycled product – as an example.
Reduce – this means reduce the amount you consume. For example, if you email your weekly staff meeting agenda, do you REALLY need to print out 10 extra copies for staffers who MAY have forgotten to print out their own version? Ask them to bring their own copy because there WON’T be extras, or better yet, have them load the agenda to their laptop and bring THAT to the meeting.
Reuse – if you printed out those agendas and there are extras with a blank side and no critical information on the printed side, reuse them by putting them back in your printer. Here at lori hill event productions, we can safely say that we try to minimize the use of our printer, but when we do print, close to 99% of the paper we print out is for office use only. Accordingly, we only place re-used paper in our printer. IF we need to print out on clean, unused paper, we only use 100% recycled paper.
Recycle – so you reduced the number of agendas you printed out and reused the extras by placing them in your printer. The final step is to take any paper that can’t be re-used and recycle it! Never EVER put anything in the trash (which goes to the landfill) if it can be recycled into something else. The landfill should ALWAYS be your last option. Unfortunately, it is the first option for too many. If there isn’t a paper recycling program in your office building, START ONE!
To find out more about American Recycles Day, click HERE to visit the site which includes lots of helpful information including recycling 101.
Have an object that you don’t know how to recycle? Visit one of my favorite web sites: Earth911.com. Just enter the item you are looking to recycle and the zip code of where you live or work and it will tell you where you can recycle. I will admit that sometimes I have not gotten any results for odd items (those evil petroleum-based candles), but just the other day, I directed my sister in Pennsylvania to a laundry list of places where she could recycle an old iron.
Remember, before you EVER throw ANYTHING into the landfill, always try to recycle it. The generations that come after us will be grateful.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Thank You Governor O’Malley
On Wednesday night, I attended a Climate Victory Celebration hosted by the Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN). lori hill event productions was honored to serve on the host committee. Since we strive to make all our events sustainable (and any events we partner in producing), we provided eco friendly name badges (which we of course collected at the end to reuse again!) and asked our friends at Geppetto Catering to donate corn-based cups, napkins made of recycled content and plates made of bamboo. The bamboo plates were a huge hit! I was surprised that many of the guests in this room full of environmentalists had not yet seen this product which has been on the market for years.
The caterer at the venue offered plastic cups and plates that would be recycled, but we couldn’t stand the thought of CCAN using plastic -- even if it would be recycled. We just need to get away from plastic PERIOD, but that is a topic for another blog.
The purpose of the event was to honor climate heroes who helped Maryland pass the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Act--the strongest climate action protection bill ever adopted by a U.S. state. Go Maryland! Governor O’Malley was one of those heroes. His speech was incredibly moving. You can tell he really cares about our future and protecting not only our shores – but our entire environment -- so that his kids and their kids and the generations that come after us have a beautiful planet that they can live on and enjoy. He even read some incredibly thoughtful and beautiful poetry. After he spoke, he stepped down into the audience and since I was standing by the stage, he came over, shook my hand, and said sincerely, “I really loved giving those remarks!” and I replied, “We really loved HEARING you give those remarks!”
We needed to pass this bill. Climate change is making Maryland one of the top 3 states (next to Louisiana and Florida) at risk of coastal flooding (basically, it’s going to happen). We MUST do something NOW and we have, but we still have a lot of changes to make. We need to change the way we conduct our business and our personal lives to cut down on green house gases which cause climate change that leads to flooding.
Read more about the others who were honored that night.
The caterer at the venue offered plastic cups and plates that would be recycled, but we couldn’t stand the thought of CCAN using plastic -- even if it would be recycled. We just need to get away from plastic PERIOD, but that is a topic for another blog.
The purpose of the event was to honor climate heroes who helped Maryland pass the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Act--the strongest climate action protection bill ever adopted by a U.S. state. Go Maryland! Governor O’Malley was one of those heroes. His speech was incredibly moving. You can tell he really cares about our future and protecting not only our shores – but our entire environment -- so that his kids and their kids and the generations that come after us have a beautiful planet that they can live on and enjoy. He even read some incredibly thoughtful and beautiful poetry. After he spoke, he stepped down into the audience and since I was standing by the stage, he came over, shook my hand, and said sincerely, “I really loved giving those remarks!” and I replied, “We really loved HEARING you give those remarks!”
We needed to pass this bill. Climate change is making Maryland one of the top 3 states (next to Louisiana and Florida) at risk of coastal flooding (basically, it’s going to happen). We MUST do something NOW and we have, but we still have a lot of changes to make. We need to change the way we conduct our business and our personal lives to cut down on green house gases which cause climate change that leads to flooding.
Read more about the others who were honored that night.
Monday, November 2, 2009
The End of Suburbia
I just had the opportunity to see a movie that came out in 2004 called The End of Suburbia. It is a very educational -- and disturbing – movie about what will happen now that we have reached peak oil. It discusses how oil’s limited availability will affect our lives – how we work, where we live, how we eat, etc. You’ll realize after watching this that quite frankly EVERYTHING revolves around oil.
It is 78 minutes long and you can watch it online or purchase it to watch with your greenie friends (and to educate your brown friends so they turn green!). I beg of you – please check it out!
It is 78 minutes long and you can watch it online or purchase it to watch with your greenie friends (and to educate your brown friends so they turn green!). I beg of you – please check it out!
Monday, October 26, 2009
Report from International Day of Climate Action
Two days after the International Day of Climate Action, I think I have finally dried out. On Saturday, October 24th, 300-500 brave souls came out for the DC Rally and march down 16th Street to the White House. We were a site to see as a police escort, followed by a solar powered school bus and then a slew of cyclists led us to the White House in pouring, sometimes torrential, rain – all as we chanted, among other things, "Hey, Obama! Protect, your mamma!" (as in Mother Earth).
Check out some of my photos (Warning: I ain't no pro!).
But we weren't the only ones participating. People in 181 countries came together for the most widespread day of environmental action in the planet's history. At over 5200 events around the world, people gathered to call for strong action and bold leadership on the climate crisis. Check out over 15,000 photos at 350.org.
Check out some of my photos (Warning: I ain't no pro!).
But we weren't the only ones participating. People in 181 countries came together for the most widespread day of environmental action in the planet's history. At over 5200 events around the world, people gathered to call for strong action and bold leadership on the climate crisis. Check out over 15,000 photos at 350.org.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
International Day of Climate Action Saturday, October 24, 2009
This Saturday, October 24th, I’m joining thousands of other citizens of all ages and backgrounds who are concerned about the health of our planet. We are going to Rally in Malcolm X/Meridian Hill Park at 16th and Euclid Streets, NW. We will then march down 16th St. to Lafayette Park and form a Circle of Hope across from the White House.
Why?
According to Bill McKibben, co-founder and director of 350.org, “…350 is the most important number in the world…When Arctic ice melted so dramatically in the summer of 2007, scientists realized that global warming was no longer a future threat but a very present crisis. Within months our leading climatologists—especially the NASA team led by James Hansen—were giving us a stark new reality check. Above 350 parts per million carbon dioxide, they wrote, the atmosphere would begin to heat too much for us to have a planet “similar to the one on which civilization developed and to which life on earth is adapted.””
We are currently at 387 and climbing.
Those who I will be marching with want a strong, science-based, just and equitable international climate treaty that gets us on the path toward reducing world carbon emissions to 350 parts per million. This should come out of the United Nations Climate Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark in December. We will be there to support the passage of strong, science-based legislation by Congress and President Obama before that conference.
I hope you will join me. For more information and to register for the event (there is no fee, but they want to know how many people to expect!), click here.
Why?
According to Bill McKibben, co-founder and director of 350.org, “…350 is the most important number in the world…When Arctic ice melted so dramatically in the summer of 2007, scientists realized that global warming was no longer a future threat but a very present crisis. Within months our leading climatologists—especially the NASA team led by James Hansen—were giving us a stark new reality check. Above 350 parts per million carbon dioxide, they wrote, the atmosphere would begin to heat too much for us to have a planet “similar to the one on which civilization developed and to which life on earth is adapted.””
We are currently at 387 and climbing.
Those who I will be marching with want a strong, science-based, just and equitable international climate treaty that gets us on the path toward reducing world carbon emissions to 350 parts per million. This should come out of the United Nations Climate Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark in December. We will be there to support the passage of strong, science-based legislation by Congress and President Obama before that conference.
I hope you will join me. For more information and to register for the event (there is no fee, but they want to know how many people to expect!), click here.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Go Vegetarian. .. Even If Only for One Day
Thursday, October 1st is World Vegetarian Day and October is Vegetarian Awareness Month. Are you a vegetarian? If not, maybe you should try to become one, even if for just one day a week.
Why? A few years ago, I was sitting at Great Sage, my favorite vegetarian/vegan/organic/green/local restaurant in Clarksville, MD. I saw a statistic from the Worldwatch Institute that read:
Compared to grain/pasta, red meat is responsible for:
The switch for me was easy because I rarely ate red meat or seafood, so all I was giving up was the occasional chicken or turkey breast. If you think it might be too difficult for you, try for just one day a week. And then move to two and see how far you can go from there. If you are worried about how you will get your daily dose of protein, trust me, you can get plenty of protein with a diet of fruits, vegetables and legumes.
Try it. For a day.
Why? A few years ago, I was sitting at Great Sage, my favorite vegetarian/vegan/organic/green/local restaurant in Clarksville, MD. I saw a statistic from the Worldwatch Institute that read:
It takes 25 gallons of water to produce one pound of wheat while it takes 2,500 gallons of water to produce one pound of meat.If you haven't already heard, we are running low on water and the raising and slaughtering of meat wreaks havoc on our environment.
Compared to grain/pasta, red meat is responsible for:
- 20 times the land use due to cattle grazing
- 17 times the common water pollution due to animal wastes
- 5 times the toxic water pollution and water use from chemicals applied to feed grains and water for irrigation and livestock and
- 3 times the greenhouse gas emissions from greater energy use
- According to the EPA, animals are the largest polluters of U.S. waterways and
- The amount of land, food, water and energy used to raise 10 billion animals a year for slaughter could be used to grow food for all the starving people in the world
The switch for me was easy because I rarely ate red meat or seafood, so all I was giving up was the occasional chicken or turkey breast. If you think it might be too difficult for you, try for just one day a week. And then move to two and see how far you can go from there. If you are worried about how you will get your daily dose of protein, trust me, you can get plenty of protein with a diet of fruits, vegetables and legumes.
Try it. For a day.
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