Saturday

The Green Police On Superbowl Sunday

Sponsored by Audi who is using the PSA's to help promote their new diesel technology, these Green Police commercials are teasers that will be aired, tomorrow, on game day.

Check out the CheapTrick Riff on Dream Police... The Green Police are hitting the streets Super Bowl Sunday and they're coming after you for Eco-violations such as wasting napkins, using styrofoam cups and carting your power strips to the game and leaving all your crackberry devices plugged in. LOL!

Can't See The Video?

Click Here to Watch

</object>


Recycle, Reuse, Rejoice!

Posted via email from The Green Blog Network


Share/Bookmark

Friday

Greening Vancouver: 2010 Olympics - Premier Gordon Swoops In To Take Green

Looking something akin to an Olympian Superhero, Premier Gordon Campbell kicked off this pre-Olympic Weekend by flying over Robson Square, not quite in a cape but certainly the next best thing...on the zip line at Robson Square.

"The harness was quite comfortable," he said afterwards.He and Olympian Charmaine Crooks were the first to ride the Zip Line and launched what will be free rides offered starting Feb. 12th, the first official day of the Winter Games.  The ride speeds revellers off a four-storey-high tower and along a 170 meter wire.

[premier-gordon-campbell-rides-robson-zipline-06.jpg]

Photo Courtesy VanCityBuzz

“That was great. I was trying to do a somersault backwards and I didn't quite make it," yelled the super-fly Premier Campbell to reporters watching below. “This is going to be a fun place for people to come,” he said. “I want everyone to know it's there for them, it's free for them, it's their Olympics, so come down and have a good time.”

<<More Here>>

Campbell was out and about promoting all things green that VANOC (Vancouver Olympic Committee) and the Province of B.C. has done to make these games green.

FACT: The 2010 Winter Games will produce only about a tenth of the carbon dioxide emissions generated by previous Winter Games. The games will be run primarily on clean renewable hydro electricity provided by BC Hydro.  For a complete rundown on how the timing devices and broadcasters et al will be powered by Clean Energy go to the Power Smart Village site.

The 2010 Winter Games will produce the lowest carbon dioxide emissions from power generation in the history of the modern Games, at only about a tenth of previous Winter Games.

http://www.gordoncampbellmla.bc.ca/media/resampled_PGC_Miga_Feb08_560.jpg

Club Energy is one of the Fun things offered at the Power Smart Village.  The dance floor actually lights up as you dance, powered by your energy. And it's sustainable.  No bouncers, no cover charge.  They challenge you to prove you really can "Light up a room!"

For Sustaianability and the Winter Games, the Power Smart Village is Renewable Energy Central for the 2010 Winter Games. It thrives on people power. It’s a free, interactive gathering place in downtown Vancouver. It promises to "deliver fun and insight into living greener in B.C." And, well, why not the World!

On February 10th, they're hosting a So You Think You Can Dance session at 3pm and 6pm.

Contestants will have the choice between two to three songs to perform their best dance moves, concentrating both on creativity and movement. Judging will be based on number of steps taken within the allotted time, as well as audience preference.

More Things to do at Power Smart Village: Tour an energy-efficient Home of the Future, or join the cheering as Games events are broadcast live on a 65-inch energy-efficient TV. Get creative with their digital Expression Wall. Create electricity – literally – on their sustainable dance floor.

AT 333 Dunsmuir Street, Downtown Vancouver

Green Blog Network  *  Green Blog Network * Greening Hollywood * Greening Vancouver

 

More Places to check out:

House of Switzerland opening today, Casa Italia opening tomorrow. We got a sneak peek inside Irish House and sees the castle being built for a DJ. Check back regularly as new info is being added daily leading up to and during the Games.

 

 

Posted via web from The Green Blog Network


Share/Bookmark

Thursday

Grammys Night Gets Some Organic Goods

By Sara Paul

Sara is Founder of www.CSAcalifornia.org

"World Peace through Sustainable Individualism"

There were so many events to choose from on this night, I decided to let the universe guide my path. At first I thought I would be meeting one of my “Be the Change” girls at either the Warner Brothers event or an Alanis Morissette party, but her phone died and I wasn’t sure where the events were or what the deal was.

So I looked in my emails at a list of Grammy parties and found myself drawn to the Jamie Foxx event at the Conga Room in downtown. So I spontaneously went, found $5 parking, and tried to schmooze my way in. After an unsuccessful attempt, I decided to email the contact person. I waited patiently for a response and decided to take off after about 30 minutes.

On with the adventure…..I love going out solo! My friend, who is a chef at the Farmers Kitchen in Hollywood called me and insisted that I pick him and a bunch of fabulous organic, vegan, farm fresh food up and head out somewhere. 

Needless to say, I was so thankful that life guided my path.

http://www.slowfoodla.com/wp-content/uploads/FarmersKitchenLogo-w-thumb.jpg

I did know that Louie Vega, house music producer, deejay, and Grammy winner was performing at Deep, an event that happens every Sunday at the Vanguard and is produced by Marques Wyatt, also an amazingly talented deejay, producer, and yogi. So I picked up my friend and the goods and we bounced over there.

Upon arriving, it was like a path was cleared for us. We slid in there, danced like crazy for hours, and provided happiness for all of the bartenders and talent with the delicious food that we brought. I realized that I had gone out that night in the hopes of influencing some big wigs with my visions of an organic world all the while searching for something that has been with me for years…..house music. And when I say house music, I mean deep, funky, soulful, spiritual, get down all night long kind-of music, in a place where dancers and free spirits drink more water than alcohol. There was only one thing missing, which my friend and I provided….the conscious food.

The next day I saw an email response about the Jamie Foxx event with a password to get in. Had I waited another 20 minutes, I would have been in. Needless to say, I was so thankful that life guided my path.



The Green Blog Network

Recycle, Reuse, Rejoice!

Posted via email from The Green Blog Network


Share/Bookmark

Green at The Grammys 2010?

By Janine Johnson

[Founder of GreenWave]

People, businesses, and events that have great influence are responsible for messaging that permeates our society's standards and perpetuates them. I think it is critical for the success of our future for us to collectively do our best now and I would of course, extend this to The Grammys.

In 2008 there is a copyright on GreenGrammys.org showing written material supporting the ideas which would lead to a green event.  In 2009, there was an eco-gifting suite put on by "Green with Music".  In 2010? ...

Honestly, I'm not sure what happened or not.  Admittedly I am not your typical reporter or investigative journalist.  I write for green blogs purely from the heart.  I observe what is going on around me. This year I was lucky enough to be the date of my dear and loving boyfriend, Ken Jordan who was nominated for a Grammy for Divided By Night, the latest studio album produced by his band, The Crystal Method.

We attended a few pre-Grammy gifting suites, The Grammy's, The Grammy's after-party, and a William-Morris Endeavor after party, none of which were overly "green" credit worthy. I know what we did on our end.  We went to a local green designer, 7 Lightning Bolt to create a custom jacket, and asked the help of our eco-conscious stylist friend Phu Styles to assist with the rest of his outfit.  We brought our reusable organic cotton"FEED" bag, which I carried as a second purse and drove our hybrid to the event. I feel, however, that everyone needs to do their part, the best they possibly can.

Although there is debate on possibly hyped up global warming statistics, I see changes in climate and I read reports from scientists globally indicating what seems to be human-induced change.  It may not happen as fast as we are told, but with the exponentially exploding population and unchanging lackadasical and neglectful environmental habits, I don't see our scientific predictions of rapidly decreasing natural resources, which sustain our current way of living, being too far off.

I was hoping when going to The Grammys I would see a much bigger effort.  I am happy for what they provided but I just felt like the organization did not meet their potential.  They definitely did their part in doing "some part" but I felt like it could have been much more. 

Waste Management was a sponsor to the event and I did notice they had recycling receptacles around the venue but as I know from throwing private events, I can only hope all recyclables made it into the recycling as I am not sure if trash would be sorted as I do personally at my parties. I would have liked to see Waste Management employees or volunteers standing by each receptacle providing the public with education on waste management and assuring each type of waste went into it's proper place including perhaps potential compost since Los Angeles accepts food scraps in the green bins. 

Or, why not have public service announcements about recycling or even putting a "free ad" in on the hundred plus page program? 

The cover was done by Shepard Fairey who supports humanitarian and environmental causes but ... I'm not clear if it was printed on FSC certified paper or by a green printer (although I would guess it might be considering the NRDC is supposed to be their green adviser). Regardless, it would be nice to know so that it sends a positive message to people that they are doing their part to better the world. 

Sometimes people need to see others make strides and broadcast those efforts in order to spread the idea to others to do the same.

Speaking of messages ...the performances of The Grammys were of course, amazing.  There was a Michael Jackson tribute that showcased a short environmental film that has survived Michael but I am not sure if the message set in as well as it could have when people were stuffing their faces right beforehand with the fast food vendors outside the venue.

It seems to me that as a collective culture, we suffer large disconnects. It's easy to say "you should care" and make people feel bad that they don't, but we must be provided a solution, a way to make a difference or our efforts are ineffective. 

Fast food vendors promote not only cheap, and unhealthy food but environmentally unhealthy disposable lifestyle and life disgracing factory farm practices.  I realize there are conflicts of interest in sending certain messages ... how do you tell people to not do something if it funds the station that broadcasts the show? However, we need to bring such topics up because we desperately need to find alternatives to the systems which perpetuate the deterioration of our world.

I continue to believe that every effort helps and so I am thankful to any and all for their efforts in bringing environmental awareness to this event.  Hopefully we will go back next year to witness as much passion involved in positive environmental messaging as we see in the production of their hallmark shows.



Picture Tags:

TV Guide Picture, Ken Jordan and Scott Kirkland of The Crystal Method.  Ken in a recycled plastic bottle shirt and eco-friendly jacket made by local design group 7 Lightning Bolt.


WM was a sponsor for both The Grammy's as well as The Grammy's after party


The Green Blog Network

Recycle, Reuse, Rejoice!

Posted via email from The Green Blog Network


Share/Bookmark

Wednesday

Greening Hollywood: This Is Our Moment

This Is Our Moment

http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/object3/1014/44/n9085937115_2626.jpg

 

As Obama said, “the nation that leads the clean energy economy will be the nation that leads the global economy.”

WIND

We say, all eyes on China:  The world’s largest wind power project is currently in Texas (with a capacity of 782 MW), but China “is in the midst of building a wind corridor that could grow to a staggering 20,000 MW, 25 times the size of Texas’ Roscoe Wind Farm.” This wind farm in China is expected to have a capacity of 5,000 MW by the end of this year.

SOLAR

And in the fall, China announced plans to build a 2000 MW solar photovoltaic farm, “33 times bigger than the world’s largest today, a 60 MW farm in Spain.”

Follow Us on Twitter 

http://a3.twimg.com/profile_images/133736377/GHlogouncompressed_bigger.jpg

Thoughts from Zachary Shahan...

Hollywood

Well, coming out of left field with this one, this is my final idea of who might be more powerful than Obama. Of course, like “the media” this isn’t a single person. Nonetheless, it is something to consider.

As we all know, climate change rose to the top of national and even global concern when Al Gore made “An Inconvenient Truth” and people saw this movie on the topic. This, without the flash and flare of Hollywood even, was a prime example of how popular forms of media can affect the population and politics.

Millions of people watched Obama’s State of the Union speech, but how many millions more saw Avatar?

The popularity and influence of Hollywood could be a stronger force getting more people behind climate and clean energy legislation than Obama ever could (at least, in the population at large — the people who do elect members of Congress).

A new video on the web has just come out along exactly these lines, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Felicity Huffman, Forest Whitaker, Ed Norton, Justin Long, and others. I am writing about that in my next post, so stay tuned. If “Hollywood” continues on this path, I think it alone could drive the necessary public support for climate and clean energy legislation, but they need to really get behind it, (do more than a youtube video).

Well, it is a string of thoughts here. And I guess the point of it is, we cannot only pin our hopes and disappointments on Obama or even Congress. We have to look at the issue more broadly; tackle tragic media coverage of these issues; engage in our democracy more ourselves to get people in all sectors energized around the fact that if the US doesn’t give Obama and Congress some support and some push, China is going to win the game before we realize we’re playing with them; and hope that some bigshots in Hollywood or other popular arenas help get the common citizen behind strong climate and clean energy legislation.

 

Green Blog Network  *   Green Blog Network  *  Green Blog Network

Posted via web from The Green Blog Network


Share/Bookmark

American Idol And Clean Energy

The University of Michigan and DTE Energy sponsor Clean Energy  Prize competition to promote sustainable energy technology.

Image: Stage lights by Richard Anderson on flickr.com

By Tina Casey    [Originally on CleanTechnica]

In a high tech, low key twist on American Idol, green technology competitions are springing up all over the country.  Among the newer ones is the Clean Energy Prize sponsored by the University of Michigan and DTE Energy, and it offers some clues about the technology stars of the sustainable energy future.  For one thing, they better be prepared to go on stage and pitch their talent – one element of the competition is an oral presentation before a panel of judges.

DTE’s involvement is another interesting aspect of the competition.  A large part of the company is a conventional natural gas utility, Detroit Edison, but an emerging part is DTE Energy Ventures, which focuses on sustainable energy tech.  That puts DTE among a growing list of large energy companies that are turning more investment resources over to sustainable fuels – yet another indicator that peak times for fossil fuels are on the horizon.

The Clean Energy Prize Competition

The competition has already winnowed the starting field of 32 hopefuls down to eight teams from six different Michigan colleges and universities.  The projects include advanced energy storage, services that help consumers manage energy consumption (especially peak demand), kinetic energy for wireless devices, biogas digesters/composters for restaurants, and “green” silane gas production (silane is used in electronics, flat screen displays and solar panels).  Like California’s Cleantech Open, the competition focuses squarely on commercialization.  Advancement in the competition is based on a written business plan, and the prize money is targeted towards jump starting new clean energy businesses.

Conventional Utilities and Emerging Clean Energy

DTE is by no means the first conventional utility to jump from fossil fuels into sustainable energy.  Industry giant Duke Energy already owns more than 700 megawatts of wind power and last year it announced plans to build hundreds of mini-solar energy plants in North Carolina.  Just this month Duke also announced the purchase of a 14 megawatt solar plant that will provide energy for San Antonio, Texas.

Start-Ups and Clean Tech Competitions

Clearly the big players see a potential gold mine in moving away from fossil fuels, and they have the resources to go after it.  The emergence of clean tech competitions helps start-ups get in on the sustainable energy action, providing seed money in the form of prizes or investment opportunities (the ZINO Society is a good example).  They can play an especially important role in developing sustainable technologies that are scaled to individuals and small sites, which are an essential part of the sustainable energy puzzle but may not represent an attractive market for larger companies.

Posted via web from The Green Blog Network


Share/Bookmark

Tuesday

Super Bowl Sees Green

2010 Super Bowl - Super Bowl 44 (XLIV) - will be played on Sunday February 7, 2010 at 6:30 PM Eastern Time
Jack Groh is the first and only director of the NFL Environmental Program. The mission of this vast environmental program is to reduce solid waste and increase recycling and landfill diversion, as well as tap renewable energy for game-day usage, and for the two weeks of events leading up to the game. Now in its 18th year, the NFL has developed an array of standard programs that can carry over despite the Super Bowl's annual change in venue,...
http://www.event.iastate.edu/photos/200911/orig/1814.jpeg

Bio for Jack Groh

Jack Groh is Director of the National Football League's Environmental Program and a principal in the consulting firm of Groh Associates. Mr. Groh has been a communications and environmental consultant for more than 19 years and has worked on Super Bowl since 1993. He has been involved in environmental projects for the US Department of Energy, Argonne National Laboratory, the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association, the American Solar Energy Society, the State of Rhode Island, the National Clean Cities Coalition and the United States Consortium for Automotive Research. He has also worked on a number of environmental projects sponsored by General Motors, Ford Motor Company and Chrysler.

His environmental work has been recognized for its high level of community, government, and sponsor support and participation; its practical approach to environmental problem-solving; and the significant return on investment (ROI) it provides to an event host community. He has helped event organizers develop environmental initiatives that cut costs and and provide measurable community benefits.

Mr. Groh has delivered presentations on environmental project development to academic and corporate audiences across North America and Europe. He has been a featured speaker at environmental conferences organized by the United Nations and by the International Olympic Committee.

Prior to working in the environmental and communications field, Mr. Groh was an award-winning journalist. Associated Press, UPI, and the Society for Professional Journalists have presented awards for his investigative journalism work.

Mr. Groh is a nationally licensed soccer coach and director of coaching for his hometown club in Warwick, RI. He serves as an adult leader for the Boy Scouts of America and as an on-air fund raiser for the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS).
http://www.event.iastate.edu/photos/200911/orig/1861.jpg

The Green Blog Network
http://greenblognetwork.blogspot.com/
http://greenblognetwork.wordpress.com

Recycle, Reuse, Rejoice!

Posted via email from The Green Blog Network


Share/Bookmark

Blue Green Angels And Green Peppers

The Blue-Green Angels

By Matt Sloustcher, GreenPepper

Blue-angels-airshow-8 Watching The Blue Angels soar over the San Francisco skyline this weekend was an amazing sight, one that I look forward to annually. This year, however, there was a new sound in the air. Since practice sessions began on Thursday, greenies have been grumbling about wasted jet fuel and the general environmental degradation caused by the event. I witnessed most of this online, but others mentioned it as we stood on my roof watching the sky. It should come as no surprise; in this new era of social responsibility, everything is being called out. There was tremendous fallout last week when the President and first lady took separate jets across the Atlantic to lobby on behalf of Chicago’s Olympic bid, for example.

On gut reaction alone, my feeling is that the tradition should live on. In addition to pure entertainment value, arguments can be made that the show boosts the Navy’s recruiting potential and inspires people to think about public service. But I wonder, shouldn’t the Navy use this opportunity to educate people on the efforts it is taking to clean up its act? For example, the Navy is pouring millions into researching alternative fuels and other forms of energy, but the Website makes no mention. If I had my way, the Navy would showcase its current efforts and make a pledge that they will work to make the event carbon neutral within a decade. That’s leadership.

From GreenPepperBlog

"Companies in all sectors now feel..competitive pressures to launch green programs, as markets across the globe acknowledge their ability to seriously effect the environment and climate... including many sophisticated Fortune 1000 firms."


For More Information please see Eco Consulting * Eco Media

Survey Results

A survey conducted by GreenPepper and Media-Screen in 2007 of nearly 500 consumers and corporate executives showed that 75%t of respondents indicated that efforts seem more credible when endorsed by environmental groups that have programs designed to have a direct impact on local communities. In addition, most companies interested in going green have not figured out which environmental groups they should partner with, citing lack of trust or common goals, and uncertainty on which NGOs to seek out.

To receive a copy of the complete survey findings, please send an email to greenpepper(at)peppercom(dot)com


The Green Blog Network
http://greenblognetwork.blogspot.com/
http://greenblognetwork.wordpress.com

Recycle, Reuse, Rejoice!

Posted via email from The Green Blog Network


Share/Bookmark

Monday

Film Finds Environmental Friends Across The North and South Borders

Green Filming North And South: A Comparative Analysis

The following is a quick comparison of two popular areas to film with Hollywood productions who take their film dollars out of Hollywood.  Both areas, New Mexico and British Columbia, have green agendas and promote best practices when it comes to film production and responsible stewardship of the local environment.

New Mexico's Green Filmmaking Initiative is a voluntary program to encourage environmentally sensitive film & television production.

The New Mexico Film Office offers online materials to productions about the use of alternative materials and environmentally friendly practices in the production office and on-set. This would include information on: recycling; purchasing locally made and/or organic products; donating unused/unwanted items to local school, church

Reel Green B.C.

Already known as a ‘green’ industry sector, BC’s entertainment production community understands that a light footprint on our environment means a longer life for our valued resources and a longer welcome in BC communities.  The production industry also understands there is more that can be done to make its activities green and Reel Green BC captures a grassroots movement within the industry to do just that.

Meet Me Half Way
</object>

For More Information Go to Eco Consulting * Eco Media

New Mexico

  • Instead of using endangered rainforest hardwood (meranti/lauan), buy renewable/sustainable building materials for set construction.
  • Use recycled, non-toxic and unbleached supplies (cleaning, building and office), soap, toilet paper, plates and tissue, cups, office paper, pencils, low-emission paints/chemicals, etc.
  • Avoid the use of Styrofoam and other non-biodegradable products. Select caterers that do the same.
  • Purchase recyclable products or products sold in recyclable packaging.
Reel Green B.C.

Reel Green BC encourages partnership with green initiatives already being implemented in the community and provides tools and information for companies and individuals wishing to become more environmentally responsible in carrying out the business of motion picture and entertainment production.
Purchasing locally produced products (building materials, used merchandise, organic food from local farmers) not only contributes to the economy, it also reduces additional energy use associated with transportation.

New Mexico

  • Contract with a recycling service.
  • Recycle sets/donate all unused or unwanted items (food, props, office supplies) to local charities, schools, animal welfare organizations, etc.
Alternative Energies Transportation And Fuels
  • Lease Hybrid and/or Electric vehicles and purchase ultra low sulfur diesel for generators and vehicles.
  • Contract with companies who supply vehicles that run on alternative fuels (natural gas, ethanol, bio-diesel, hydrogen).
  • Contract with companies who provide natural gas or solar generators and refrigeration systems.
  • Encourage car-pooling/public transportation.
  • Practice eco-conscious habits such as not idling equipment and vehicles unnecessarily.

Reel Green B.C.

Download Environmental Best Practices Guidelines Here

What are the Benefits of Environmental Stewardship?

For Companies:
•    Environmental Compliance
•    Efficiency Gains
•    Cost Savings
•    Staff Motivation
•    Enhanced corporate reputation and improved stakeholder relations
•    Innovation and Creativity
•    Improved Risk Management

For Individuals: 
•    Protecting one of the best places to live in the world
•    Preserving our quality of life for our children and grandchildren
•    Promoting energy efficiency and recycling
•    Raising awareness of environmental best practices
•    Practicing proactive environmental citizenship

Eco Consulting * Eco Media

Posted via email from The Green Blog Network


Share/Bookmark

Sunday

Planet Earth, Poem By P.K. Page

Originally published in Ms. Page's collection, The Hidden Room, Collected Poems (in two volumes), 1997 by The Porcupine's Quill Inc., 68 Main St., Erin,  Ontario, N0B 1T0 Canada.

In 2001 her poem Planet Earth was read simultaneously in New York, the Antarctic and the South Pacific to celebrate the International Year of Dialogue Among Civilizations, by special resolution of the U.N.

P.K. Page became a scriptwriter at Canada's National Film Board, where she met W. Arthur Irwin, a former editor of Maclean's magazine, whom she married in 1950.

Planet Earth was inspired by four lines of a longer poem by Pablo Neruda, a Chilean poet and writer. The poem expresses her feelings and pain for what humanity is doing to the Earth. 

It has to be spread out, the skin of this planet,
has to be ironed, the sea in its whiteness; 
and the hands keep on moving, 
smoothing the holy surfaces. 
                          ----- In Praise of Ironing          by  Pablo Neruda

 It has to be loved the way a laundress loves her linens, 
 the way she moves her hands caressing the fine muslins 
 knowing their warp and woof, 
 like a lover coaxing, or a mother praising. 
 It has to be loved as if it were embroidered
 with flowers and birds and two joined hearts upon it. 
 It has to be stretched and stroked. 
 It has to be celebrated. 
 O this great beloved world and all the creatures in it.
 It has to be spread out, the skin of this planet. 

 The trees must be washed, and the grasses and mosses. 
 They have to be polished as if made of green brass. 
 The rivers and little streams with their hidden cresses 
 and pale-coloured pebbles 
 and their fool's gold 
 must be washed and starched or shined into brightness, 
 the sheets of lake water 
 smoothed with the hand 
 and the foam of the oceans pressed into neatness. 
 It has to be ironed, the sea in its whiteness.

 and pleated and goffered, the flower-blue sea 
 the protean, wine-dark, grey, green, sea 
 with its metres of satin and bolts of brocade. 
 And sky - such an 0! overhead - night and day 
 must be burnished and rubbed 
 by hands that are loving 
 so the blue blazons forth 
 and the stars keep on shining 
 within and above 
 and the hands keep on moving.

 It has to be made bright, the skin of this planet 
 till it shines in the sun like gold leaf. 
 Archangels then will attend to its metals 
 and polish the rods of its rain. 
 Seraphim will stop singing hosannas
 to shower it with blessings and blisses and praises 
 and, newly in love, 
 we must draw it and paint it 
 our pencils and brushes and loving caresses 
 smoothing the holy surfaces.

© 1994 P.K. Page


P.K. Page passed away on January 14, 2010.  God Bless this sacred soul.

Posted via email from The Green Blog Network


Share/Bookmark