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Green Book Review: The Blue Economy, by Gunter Pauli

Posted by Emily Golding on August 8th, 2010

The Blue Economy, 10 years, 100 innovations, 100 million jobs is a phenomenal book I have been reading lately by Gunter Pauli, founder of Ecover, and The Zero Emissions Research and Initiatives organization. The philosophy behind the book is the recognition and emulation of the interconnectedness of the five kingdoms of nature. Pauli presents an alternative economic system where human processes are modeled after natural systems, and work with nature, rather than against her. ... read more

Interview with Assemblywoman Julia Brownley, Author of AB 1998 - Ban the Bag

Posted by Emily Golding on July 14th, 2010

I have had the wonderful opportunity to connect with Assemblywoman Julia Brownley regarding the pending legislation bill that if passed, would BAN THE BAG!! This issue hits very close to home for me because UCSB friends and I have spent a lot of time and effort raising awareness of the detrimental effects single-use bags have on our local environment while also promoting reusable bags. Assemblywoman Brownley is taking initiative in addressing this issue through AB 1998. If passed, the bill will be a milestone California can be proud of in terms of environmental protection in the form of prevention instead of mitigation... This interview is a great follow-up to a recent post I made about AB 1998. (Keep your eyes open for an upcoming Company profile with ChicoBag!)... read more

Ban the Bag! California's effort to ban the use of single-use plastic bags

Posted by Emily Golding on July 5th, 2010

Over 19 billion plastic bags are used annually in California, and constitute one of the largest forms of urban litter pollution. Urban litter pollution is the primary component of marine litter, which feeds into the North Pacific Gyre - also known as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.... read more

The future of garbage in Palo Alto, CA

Posted by Michal Lenchner on January 29th, 2010

What’s in your trash receptacles? Palo Alto is in the process of crafting a new Recycling and Composting ordinance to restrict recyclables and compostables from the garbage.

On January 27, 2010, the City of Palo Alto conducted its first public meeting regarding the proposed Recycling and Composting Ordinance. ... read more

RollingStone's Enemies of the Planet: Warren Buffett Heads the List

Posted by markmun on January 16th, 2010

RollingStone has published an article on the individuals who are single-handedly posting the biggest threat to our planet.   It is an interesting list and includes:

  • Warren Buffett - the dubious number 1 spot who seems to be banking on the failure of the clean energy bills with huge investments tied to coal.
  • Rupert Murdoch -  #2 due to the Fox News propaganda machine.
  • Sen. James Inhofe - who proudly guarantees that the GOP will be able to block carbon curbing legislation and bemoaned not landing in the number 1 position on the RollingStone list.
  • George Will - for writing lie after lie in his column - thus using his reputation as the Conservative Intellectual to give credibility to disinformation.
  • John McCain - Flip-flopping to try and save his political life.

The common theme to the list seems to be age (most on the list are over 70, wtf - they don't need the planet that much longer?)... read more

Copenhagen: A Win or a Loss for Obama and the Environment?

Posted by markmun on December 28th, 2009

I've been reading a lot of the criticism aimed at Obama in the wake of Copenhagen summit.   Just when it seemed that COP15 would end with no progress at all, Obama helped broker a non-binding agreement with clear targets.   But what good is a non-binding agreement anyway?   The reality is that a legally binding agreement as a prerequisite would have meant no agreement.... read more

Here Comes Copenhagen! What will the U.S. Do?

Posted by markmun on November 24th, 2009

The Copenhagen U.N. climate talks are coming up and much of the world is wondering if the U.S. will finally commit to CO2 emissions reduction goals.  Meanwhile, the Kerry/Boxer climate change bill hobbles through Congress and may end up toothless  (much like health care) as compromise in Senate makes it difficult for anything of substance to get through.   However, I received this video in my email from Environment California that reminded me that while our Fed lumbers along, State can and are making a difference.   Leading the way are California and New Jersey.  Thanks for the reminder and kudos to the states taking the lead.... read more

video: 

Do electric cars really help the environment? Are they 'green'?

Posted by Michal Lenchner on October 4th, 2009

Are hybrid and electric vehicles batteries a Green alternative or add hazardous chemicals to our landfills?

Visiting the West-Coast Green conference in San Francisco this past week confirmed the feel-good and coolness of electric vehicles. Photo from hybridcars.com: Photo from hybridcars.comPhoto from hybridcars.com: Photo from hybridcars.com

I would definitely be a happy camper if I win the electric bike or electric tricycle raffle!... read more

How to move the public on climate action?

Posted by Michal Lenchner on September 27th, 2009

Many Americans believe climate change is an impending environmental threat that faces us in the next millennium, however, although global warming is considered the biggest threat, most people are not committed to making the choices and lifestyle changes that are required. 

While, global temperatures are rising, weather conditions change across the world, the Arctic ice cap is melting, scientists and environmentalists are presenting urgent warnings about climate change, politicians, business leaders and financial ventures incentivize, stimulate and invest in new Green technologies - people acknowledge the threat, but are still not taking personal actions to reduce the problem.

Today, a number of scientists acknowledge that some climate change may not be reversible.

... read more

Ted Kennedy: A Friend of the Environment

Posted by krissy on August 26th, 2009

Ted Kennedy: A Friend of the EnvironmentI was saddened to hear the news of Ted Kennedy's passing.  Even though his brain cancer diagnosis was grim, it still was sad to lose such an important, progressive, and influential person in American politics.

As a resident of Massachusetts, I've happily voted for Senator Kennedy, but the funny part is that since I've lived here, nobody ran against him.  I guess nobody wanted to bother running against the Liberal Lion!

Senator Kennedy did so many wonderful things throughout his career, from helping immigrants and the working class to the environment.   He cared so deeply about so many things, and Ted Kennedy was certainly a friend to the environment and the green movement.

A few highlights for what Senator Kennedy stood for when it came to the environment...... read more

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