Sensible Communicator©

Smart grid energizes stable utilities

2011-01-12T15:20:00.000-08:00

Working smarter not harder is becoming reality with the smart grid – a digital overhaul of the electrical grid with real-time energy efficiency. Colorado Springs Utilities has deployed steps toward initiating the smart grid getting away from the existing electrical grid power outages.

In 2010 Colorado Springs Utilities installed 530,000 smart meters. The meters use wireless radio transmitters for accurate daily meter readings, as part of a new outage management system. The system will track outages in real time to get the power on quicker.

“This technology provides customers with a better understanding and management of their consumption, and more hands on control over the cost of their monthly bills,” said Jerry Forte, Springs Utilities’ CEO in a press release.

The Brattle Group, a finance and regulatory group, estimates between 2010 and 2030 the smart grid infrastructure will require approximately $1.5 trillion. The investment provides a long-term sustainable return, as energy demands from advanced technology increase.

Power outages of the existing electrical system, “Costs Americans at least $150 billion each year,” according to the Department of Energy Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability. “Loads from chip technologies and automated manufacturing has risen to 40 percent, and the load is expected to increase to more than 60 percent by 2015.”

The more efficient a utility system, the less money is required in the long-term to maintain stability. It takes money to make money, so an investment in the smart grid provides an even greater good return.

According to the DOE, “The smart grid holds the potential to be the most affordable – saving more energy. It will clearly require investments that are not typical for utilities. But the overall benefits of such efforts will outweigh the costs, as some utilities are already discovering.”

Pending savings in emerging regulatory incentives, the investments in the smart grid may return an even greater long-term nationwide stability.

Conference shines spotlight on economic solutions

2010-10-25T10:57:00.000-07:00

Bright Green Future Conference 2010: Global Challenges, San Diego Solutions commences November 5-6 at the University of San Diego, Calif. More than 50 speakers will discuss how government agencies and businesses can contribute to creating a sustainable future.

Slated on the speaker line-up is Thomas Ackerman, Jr. (pictured above, courtesy of Bight Green Future Conference), a principal at Spirit Graphics and Printing, Inc. for more than 15 years. From training employees to operating a four-color press, he is involved in every level of the company.

Ackerman established a Green Essentials program that employs sustainable and environmentally sound business practices. Spirit Graphics and Printing, Inc. won several prestigious awards including as the 2008 Earth Awards, What They Think 2009 Thought Leader award, and the 2009 Cool California Small Business of the Year award by The California Air Resources Board.

The conference covers topics such as:
- Green Job Training in San Diego
- Green, Energy Efficient and Fire Safe Building
- The Electric Vehicle Project in San Diego
- Urban Agriculture & Community Gardens
- Turn Your Trash Into Healthy Garden Soil with Home Composting
- Climate Change Science Update
- Bright Green Future Student Photo Essay Contest
- Keeping Kids in Touch with Nature
- San Diego’s Best Natural Places

The conference is organized by San Diego EarthWorks with a mission to increases awareness, encourages leadership and inspire action toward a healthy, prosperous and sustainable future for all living things. For more information visit: www.BrightGreenFuture.net.

Trafigura fined 1 M euros in environmental scandal

2010-07-23T22:35:00.000-07:00

Chemical waste dumped into the Ivory Coast and violation of Dutch law resulted in a 1 million euros fine for Trafigura in the Amsterdam District Court Friday.

Fifteen people died and 69 were hospitalized after the waste was unloaded in August 2006 by Trafigura Beheer BV, an international commodities and oil trader, said Okechukwu Ibeanu, the United Nations top expert on toxic waste.

"There seems to be strong ... evidence that the reported deaths and adverse health consequences are related to the dumping of the waste from the Probo Koala" ship, which was chartered by Trafigura, Ibeanu said in a 2009 report.

The Amsterdam Port Services, captain, and Trafigura were charged with offending Dutch environment and waste export laws. All parties pleaded not guilty, and the port services was not found guilty on any charge.

The Ukrainian captain, Sergiy Chertov, was convicted on forgery and sentenced to a five-year suspended jail term, along with an employee fined 25,000 euros by presiding Judge Frans Bauduin of the court. Bauduin agreed with prosecutors that Beheer placed profits before safety.

The waste was concealed in the ship that docked in Amsterdam, was illegally exported, then dumped near Abidjan, Africa by a contractor for a cheaper price. The Amsterdam Port Services allegedly refused to treat the waste at the price agreed, because it was more toxic than expected.

According to proceedings, Beheer decided to dispose of the waste "for commercial reasons," and the verdicts will be studied "with a view to appeal."

Beheer paid 152 million euros to the Ivory Coast in 2007 and compensation to Abidjan residents in 2009 under two prior settlements.

Climate change mandates get global, local boost

2010-06-16T14:03:00.000-07:00

As the affects of climate change displace global populations, an international solution to empower local governments in mandating brews. City mayors from 19 countries signed a declaration committing to coordinate local climate action at a mayors adoption forum – prior to the convening United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Bonn, Germany May 30.

“The poor in all countries suffer most from the impacts of climate change. Local authorities are hard placed to provide without a national and international policy framework,” said Yvo de Boer, Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC at the congress.

The declaration came in preparation for a global mechanism expected to arise at the World Climate Summit of Mayors during the sixteenth Conference of the Parties under the UNFCCC, in Mexico City, Mexico Nov. 21.

The declaration and adoption discussions are a response to Resolution GC22/3: Cities and climate change, an environmental protocol adopted in 2009 by the Governing Council of The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT). The commitment also falls under the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction’s Making Cities Resilient Campaign.

The International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) supported the congress in a pledge to meet the objectives and outcomes of the UNFCCC Nairobi Work Programme on Adaptation. Participants such as those in the picture above (courtesy of ICLEI) included representatives of various industries including international development.

Climate change approaches and solutions focused on such topics as sovereignty, the Bengal ecosystem, vulnerability, quality of life, regulations and local financing.

“Multilateral financing is largely accessed by sovereign states whereas the specifics of adaptation and mitigation often depend on ecosystems that can transcend national boundaries,” said David Jackson head of Asia and Pacific Office of the United Nations Capital Development Fund in a Congress Summary of deliberations. “The debates at the congress has revealed a new division relevant to climate change. Not rich and poor or north and south, but instead, regulatory deep and regulatory shallow.

“In addition to specific mandates local governments can perform them under the general mandate of ‘duty of care’ or ‘development promotion’ found in the statutes of most local governments. ‘No regret’ and ‘no harm’ have been key principles of much adaptation and mitigation,” Jackson said.

For more information visit: http://unfccc.int/2860.php or http://www.iclei.org/index.php?id=1504&tx_ttnews[tt_news]=4422&tx_ttnews[backPid]=983&cHash=4cd0ac6049

Texas takes lead in wind energy and CO2 emissions

2010-02-23T11:24:00.000-08:00

While international powers compromised on global warming in 2009, Texas was identified as the top carbon emitting state and user of wind power.

Environment Texas analyzed 2009 U.S. Department of Energy statistics. Their report, Too Much Pollution: State and National Trends in Global Warming Emissions showed the state is contributing the most in carbon dioxide emissions in the nation, and cut pollution by two percent between 2004 and 2007.

"Texas remained the nation's number one emitter of carbon dioxide from fossil fuel use in 2007. Electricity generation and transportation are by far the largest sources of carbon dioxide emissions in the United States, responsible for 40 percent and 33 percent of fossil fuel related emissions, respectively, in 2007. Power plants and transportation were also the fastest-growing sources of emissions between 1990 and 2007," according to the report. "Texas has lead the nation in wind energy installations, helping to stabilize emissions from its power sector - switching from high polluting fuels such as coal and oil to cleaner sources of power."

In the international field, countries agreed to a draft accord at the 2009 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen Dec. 18, 2009. The compromise aims to prevent global temperatures from rising more than two degrees Celsius. In the draft Copenhagen Accord, countries agreed to adopt measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 levels by 50 percent by 2050, as developed countries will push toward an 80 percent reduction goal.

Rooftop cools building interior

2009-08-23T14:37:00.000-07:00

Colorado Springs, Colo. -- From a bird's eye view the roof of the 21st Space Wing headquarters building grows in a multitude of colorful shades. Sedum plants populating the roof are part of a GreenGrid roof case study, which has drawn Department of Defense-wide interest.

"Plant coverage acts as an insulator. We should be at 100 percent coverage by next summer," said Phil Chase, 21st Civil Engineering Squadron, Asset Management Flight, pollution prevention, solid waste and hazardous materials program manager. "You think you are on an Air Force Base, but you are at a plant nursery on a roof."

Chase and others are charged with managing the progress of rooftop. In the picture above Chase monitors the sedum plants on the rooftop.

Energy reduction inside the building is estimated at 7 percent, according to a 2009 Comprehensive Green Roof Study draft report. The report was created by Tetra Tech Engineering and Architecture Services, and the Air Force Civil Engineer Support Agency. The report indicates approximately 169 percent savings in a return on investment to include roof replacement and energy savings throughout a 40-year period.

"The study is a one-year period, which is not long enough to assess the actual life cycle of the roof and its advantages," said Randy Hawke, facilities excellence architect for the 21st Space Wing.

The green roof is also reducing storm water runoff, improving air quality, and extending the life of the roof. The plants thrive mainly in rocks, so the roof appears as a flowery desert environment with no insects. Although sedum was selected for its drought tolerance, the plants are watered through a drip system that is turned on by a meter when it detects prolonged dry periods.

The general life cycle of such an analysis project is five years, and another study is being pursued for a more accurate assessment of results. By summer 2010 the plants should become self-sustaining. Although used mainly in Europe, green roofs are gaining worldwide attention.

Officials in Toronto, Canada are considering regulations that may require all buildings to have green roofs. Several Air Force bases such as the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base are also considering installing green roofs.

Festival grooms bloomers, harvests crops

2009-05-31T22:35:00.000-07:00

Colorado Springs, Colo. - Cotton pickin of the free floating algerian in the air was the least of concerns at the 20th Annual Bluegrass on the River festival at the Nature and Raptor Center of Pueblo Sunday.

Bluegrass is similar to planting a garden – you can leave it for a while and nothing changes, except the flowers, said Pete Wernick of Flexigrass, pictured to the right. Wernick originally graced the dock at the festival 15 years prior, planting pickin seeds in youths such as The Hartman’s, a Loveland-based sibling band that tours across Colorado.

In 1989, bluegrass musicians were slim pickings in the Pueblo area, so the festival was initiated to cultivate and nourish musicians.

“At least four bands grew up here. My son is 28 and he grew-up here,” said Tom Thornburg, founder of the festival and Fireweed mandolin player. You have friends that you only see once a year here.”

Thornburg tutored the Ackermans sister to play the mandolin. The Ackermans, another sibling band that played the festival, perform nationally. He founded the festival based on the framework of concerts at the Nature Center in Winfield, Kan. involving multiple stages.

“It was the flavor of it. We started the weekend out of nothing,” he said. “This is probably our best year. It sure felt nice all weekend – real steady.”

About $20,000 in net growth was generated in 2009. Proceeds of the all volunteer festival contribute to the Nature and Raptor Center of Pueblo programs.

“The amount of synergy this year has been amazing. We will keep getting better and better,” said Jay Zarr, president of the Board of the Nature and Raptor Center of Pueblo.

Finders and Youngberg, a two-couple band pictured above, were also among about 30 bands that performed at the festival.

Space symposium tackles CO2

2009-04-10T16:21:00.000-07:00

by Thea Skinner

Colorado Springs, Colo. - An all for one and one for all approach to climate change echoed during the 25th Annual Space Symposium at the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colo. April 1. Our World in the Next Space Age – Addressing Climate Change Through Space session concerned partnering across platforms while using the role of space systems in carbon emission analysis and mitigation.

“The critical element is to build consensus through analysis,” said Damon Wells, senior policy analyst in the Executive Office of the President.

Monitoring through land, water and air sensors or satellites provides understanding of drought patterns along with people and specie patterns.

“We all know CO2 recognizes no boundaries and climate change respects no nation’s sovranty, so treaties and intergovernmental cooperation is critical. The proposed United States lead GEOSS, Global Earth Observing System of Systems has enormous potential. I do not see enough drive and there is lack of coordination between countries.” said Dr. Alexis C. Livanos, Northrop Grumman Corporation vice president and chief technology officer.

Ecosystem monitoring through such systems as GEOSS, will drive establishment of laws concerning a carbon emissions, CO2, thresholds.

“Two billion people and one half of our species of the planet depend on the tropical forests to survive. These tropical forests zones are carbon sinks,” he said. At present, “Data from the tropics is collected from a biologist that hand counts species and from a space-based global view leaving a gap in the ecosystem monitoring essential to future mitigation efforts.”

As part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NOAA, Strategic Satellite Plan, transition teams are being formed to address climate change through avenues such as solar, wind and ocean color vision.

“Ultimately we (NOAA) are looking for our most robust and flexible measurements to make climate data records available, said Abby Harper, United States Department of Commerce NOAA deputy assistant administrator for Systems Satellite and Information Service. “NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) is meeting the needs of carbon scientists.”

We have the opportunity to serve new and interconnected sectors, she said.

Through the administration’s Operational Earth Observing System, eight study contracts have gone to companies and grant partnerships are available in several industries and sectors, Harper said.

Webcast sheds spotlight on cap and trade program

2009-02-16T12:23:00.000-08:00

A sneak peak at the Western Climate Initiative (WCI) Work Plan occurs Tuesday during a pre-release online webcast for public critique. The U.S. and Canadian initiative created the document detailing recommendations for the WCI Regional Cap and Trade Program.

The critique is the final step toward the official release of the document on Wednesday. The document details cost-benefit scenarios of an implemented cap and trade system.

The report is “highly critical of a major greenhouse gas emissions plan recently proposed by several Western governors as part of the Western Climate Initiative,” said Jim Sims, president of Western Business Roundtable in a press release. “This study unveils a new analysis that shows how the United Nations International Panel on Climate Change predicts a temperature benefit from the WCI Cap and trade plan of only one-ten-thousandth of one degree celsius over a century of operation. This benefits analysis, based entirely on IPCC science, may have a significant impact on the cost-benefit debate on climate plans soon to be launched in the U.S. Congress.”

The webcast begins at 3 p.m. Mountain time. To register and for more information visit: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/864605951.

Professors present new administration with policy agenda

2009-01-11T21:37:00.000-08:00

As U.S. President Elect Barak Obama will hear several proposals after the Jan. 20 inauguration including …And Communication for all: a Communication Policy Agenda for the New Administration. The agenda, created by U.S. professors, aims to push toward a move from business models to democracy.

The agenda addresses focus areas such as frameworks, wireless and cable industries, broadband access, infrastructure and content media. The agenda was presented during a discussion panel at the National Communication Association 94th Annual Convention Nov. 22, 2008.

“In the 21st century there is a theme – a policy of universal service through broadband, said Jorge Schement, Rutgers University professor of Communication; Library and Information Science at the Dean's Office and Information Technology during the convention.

Schement discussed social challenges to the United States as an information society, and suggested an underlying social contract be implemented. Libraries and newspapers are closing, and if no effective media exists then no effective democracy exists, he said.

Nancy Kranich, spokesperson for the American Library Association suggested a library e-transit government e-service model based on the 1996 Universal Service E-rate Program that improved access to information. The program advocates for wide-spread broadband access.

“If you take access for granted the issue goes from affordability to value,” she said.

Kathryn Montgomery professor at the American University Communication Division, discussed Digital Marketing Ecosystem platforms that lead to behavioral profiling of youth in media culture. Platforms include engagement, peer-to-peer, personalization, ubiquitous connectivity and immersion.

At the November 2008 convention, panel participants sought to appeal the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission. The FCC accesses rules every four years. In the picture above Earnest Wilson, professor at the University of California Amburg School talks as Schement listens during the panel discussion at the convention at the Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel in San Diego, Calif. in November 2008. The panel was sponsored by the Partnership for Progress on the Digital Divide.

Conference highlights endorsement memo for incoming administration

2008-12-05T15:09:00.000-08:00

Government personnel merged with private and public sector representatives at the annual Southern Colorado Sustainable Communities Conference for nine concurrent discussion panels at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Colorado Springs, Colo. Nov. 20-21.

“We need a new grid system – that is a national goal. That is tantamount to going to the moon. The new administration and other commentators are saying we need to regrid the country to allow the redistribution of renewable energy,” said White House Office of the Federal Environmental Executive, Joe Cascio during the first military sustainability session.

Cascio addressed the 2007 Executive Order 13423. The EO calls for three percent energy conservation and two percent water conservation per year over seven years. The numbers equate to 30 percent energy reduction and 20 percent reduction in water by 2015, Casio said.

“Where is the baseline?” he said. “Most of you do not have meters. You don’t know how much you are consuming. You don’t know where to start. On the OMB (Office of Management and Budget) scorecards we are asking every agency to report on how they are reducing three percent a year. The people in headquarters are reporting to OMB that they are actually reducing, every year, three percent. Where are they getting the numbers?”

Cascio and Mike Cain, director of the Army Environmental Policy Institute participated in a working group the day prior. Casio and Cain will present an endorsement memo based on the 2004 Army Strategy for the Environment: Sustain the Mission, Secure the Future document for the incoming Barack Obama presidential administration chief of staff and secretary of the Army to sign.

“It all starts locally- environment, politics, and all other good movements, Cain said.

On another local front, the conference came on the heels of the Financing Renewable Energy Conference held in Washington, D.C. Nov. 13-14. For information about energy solutions for Colorado visit http://www.copirg.org/

Western slope Buddhist retreat completes temple

2008-10-02T20:41:00.000-07:00

Having completed construction of a community building in 2005, Tara Mandala Retreat in Pagosa Springs, Colo. is near completion of a new Secret Treasury Temple in October. The temple, along with other buildings on the retreat land use solar power.

The temple design originated as a vision in a dream belonging to Tsultrim Allione, founder of the retreat and one of the few first American women ordained a Tibetan nun. She created the retreat area to fcreate an emerging sacred feminine presence. The vision is made reality as a three-dimensional mandala with three levels, each smaller than the last. The first level represents the Nirmanakaya, meaning enlightened body, for teachings and ceremonies. Four life size Tara, female Buddha of compassion, statues will call the temple home. The second level is Sambhogakaya, meaning enlightened speech, will contain a library with rooms for translation and teacher-student discussion. The third level, Dharmakaya, means enlightened mind, is a circular and small space for gatherings. Balconies surround the second and third levels.

Although the temple is expected for completion in October, the center does not have the employees or volunteers to adequately staff the new temple, according to retreat staff.

Staff incorporated sustainability into land restoration on the 600 acres of land including five ponds, planting of hundreds of native trees and shrubs, soil building and the reseeding of native grasses. Retreat staff collect local herbs, creating herbal medicines and body care products, in which the proceeds support Tara Mandala. For more information visit: http://www.taramandala.org/.

Joint effort aids Huston hurricane relief

2008-09-21T21:21:00.000-07:00

As the power and water outage in Huston, TX continues due to Hurricane Ike, essential necessities were provided through a collaboration of city officials and the local entertainment industry Friday and Saturday at Sunnyside Multi-Service Center at 4605 Wilmington Street.

“With over a million still without power, the only beef in Houston is in the MREs,” said Nancy Byron, music publicist in a press release.

Radio station staff such as 97.9 The Box, 93.3 KPTY, Majic 102.1, and Praise 92.1 relayed the message as to where relief items and assistance could be found and helped with distribution. The Federal Emergency Management Agency along with city officials, local music industry representatives and local sports industry representatives created points of distribution. Water, ice, and military meals ready to eat, food, batteries, baby formula, diapers, toiletries and gas cards were distributed.

The Amobi Okoye Foundation also assisted with the effort. The foundation is dedicated to instilling the value of hard work, determination and a good character in young African Americans.

Rappers such as Chamillionaire and Trae Tha Truth and his ABN Gang worked with city officials in the hot sun. Other musicians and entities that volunteered their time include the Houston Rockets Ron Artest, Rafer Alston, the Monica Lamb Foundation, and Kroger supermarket chain.

Colorado grown band performs at Obama's grassroots Democratic National Convention

2008-08-28T12:08:00.000-07:00

Numerous musicians will perform at the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colo. August 24-28. Music artists such as Ani DiFranco, Sheryl Crow, Jennifer Hudson, Stevie Wonder and Yonder Mountain String Band will perform. The band, from Nederland, Colo., will grace the stage the final day at INVESCO Field at Mile High Stadium.

Their performance will open for Democratic hopeful Barack Obama's acceptance speech for the nomination for Democratic candidate for president of the United States. Obama is cultivating a grassroots campaign similar to musician platforms that will perform at the convention.

An anticipated 75,000 people are expected to attend the acceptance event, which was moved to INVESCO Field at Obama's request, according to a Madison House Publicity press release. The convention is the first to be held in Denver, Colo. in one hundred years.

World music takes at Earthly tone at CC

2008-07-28T19:54:00.000-07:00

Caji and Salome performed in Colorado Springs bringing their Brazilian flare to the Colorado College stage July 18. The duo combines bossa nova and samba soundscapes with a humanitarian passion. Portugal, Cuba, South America, Cabo Verda and France came alive during the performance of the World Music Series of Pikes Peak Library District.

Despite a slight language barrier, the crowd soon became comfortable and after a brief intermission and mingling with band members, attendees began dancing in the isles and grooving near the stage. Caji, Carlos Eduardo Andrade Santos, provided a monologue background context introducing each song, a description necessary to feel the tone of each piece. Caji was a farm in the state of Bahia, where he began playing keyboard and guitar.

He created his first album, "Caji da Bahia" in 2004. He worked for an organizationthat provided emergency relief throughout Brazil, his country of origin. Caji spoke of revolutionary times during the 1960s in his country and of the pull that each generation feels to create their own voice. In his native accent, Caji remarked several times to freedom and described that humanity may be served better by understanding that we are sharing the same space on Earth.

After numerous original songs, the group covered tracks by the likes of Pink Floyd and Bob Marley. Fittingly, Caji’s dreadlocks and guitar in hand was reminiscent of Bob Marley. The group has visited the city previously, and Caji pointed to the beauty the city has to offer. He commented that Coloradans and other generous people have been very hospitable during their travels by opening their homes to the group. For more information visit http://www.blogger.com/www.myspace.com/cajisalome.

Bush turns down emissions limit, maintains bottom line

2008-07-19T20:04:00.000-07:00

Despite a push from the Supreme Court and senior federal officials, President George W. Bush declined the Environmental Protection Agency’s recommendation to lower the greenhouse gas emissions limit July 10. The move places the issue on the table for the next U.S. president that takes office.

Dismissing the recommendations of top climate experts and international scientists, he cited claims that a lower emissions limit will crush the U.S. economy. The EPA reversed a prior decision that found the present greenhouse gas emission level is a threat to human health and welfare, by publicizing an almost 600 page document. The EPA, instead, will seek additional public comments on the posed threat, despite an order from the Supreme Court requiring the EPA to decide.

Officials said a few senior White House officials were denying the EPA to state that global warming poses harm to humans, as the action will create widespread regulatory requirements under the Clean Air Act. Such action leads to increased costs for utilities, automakers and other economic stakeholders, according to the EPA.

EPA officials, on record with anonymity, said that White House officials directed the agency to alter numbers with the goal of diverting the "social cost of carbon," a regulatory term that indicates the bottom line burden of greenhouse gas emissions.
Bush appointees also barred the EPA from submitting a Technical Support Document on Benefits of Reducing GHG Emissions as part of the agency’s decision, according to EPA officials.

If the administration used the same amount of time fighting global warming as it spends on censoring global warming documents, the Earth would be in better condition, said Rep. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), chairman of the House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming. Markey’s staff reviewed a Dec. 5 EPA document in which his office remarked as unjustifiable.

Bluegrass Band springs into Colorado Springs

2008-07-13T18:00:00.000-07:00

Spring Creek Bluegrass Band lifted spirits at America The Beautiful Park in Colorado Springs, Colo. July 9. The concert brought approximately 4,000 people, the larest crowd of the concert serries, to the outside stage, said Annie De George, director of Marketing Services for Classic Companies, a co-sponsor. The concert is part of the seventh season of the Getting’ Down, Downtown Summer Concert Series occurring every Wednesday during the summer.

Band members: Chris Elliott, banjo, Jessica Smith, upright bass, Taylor Sims, guitar, Alex Johnstone, mandolin and fiddle brought original award winning tunes to the front range. The band’s Sleeping like a Baby song received ample air time on the 91.5 FM KRCC radio station before their arrival. The band, hailing from Lyons, Colo., played the 2007 festival circuit at Telluride and RockyGrass, where they championed band competitions. Their High up in the Mountains song received the Vox Populi award for Best Americana Song, nominated via Internet in the 2007 Independent Music Awards.

According to the Colorado Bluegrass Society, “Spring Creek Bluegrass Band is another of the fresh, young bands garnering fans right and left around Colorado. They describe their music as rural, …That just means that, while their roots are firmly planted in the tradition of yesterday's rural American music … they are also able to explore new musical possibilities to fit the cosmic sense of tomorrow. Classic tunes, as well as fresh originals bring their shows alive. This young group sings in three and four part harmony and features fine instrumentals.”

Guitarist Sims said, Spring Creek are continuing the festival circuit with another Colorado Springs, Colo. performance at the Fiddles, Viddles and Vino, a Southern Colorado Bluegrass and Culinary Arts Festival at Rockledge Ranch near Garden of the Gods on August 23. For more information visit www.fiddlesvittlesandvino.com or www.springcreekbluegrassband.com.

Geothermal energy sought in CO mountains

2008-07-04T16:17:00.000-07:00

One more triumph on the renewable energy front is amongst Coloradans. Mt. Princeton Geothermal LLC personnel seek to use technology to access geothermal resources in the area. In May personnel held a generating electric power with geothermal heat meeting in Chaffee County – one of many emerging in the state’s mountain communities.
Fred Henderson III, is a Chaffee County property owner and chief scientist for the company that desires to build a facility to help generate the power. Surface water is pumped to the surface and used to heat fluid that powers a turbine. The geothermal water is returned into the ground.
"The size and scope of the facility depends on the reservoir of hot water we find," Henderson said. "We are thinking a 10 megawatt facility is a reasonable objective."
Colorado School of Mines students are assisting Henderson in surveying the geothermal potential around Mt. Princeton. Raser Technologies, of Provo, Utah, uses technology developed by UTC power, a subsidiary of United Technologies. Raser Technologies may provide the technology necessary to create the facility. Mount Princeton Hot Springs is partnering in the venture and may install the units of technology. Funding for the facility is undetermined.
The move comes one month after Denver was proclaimed a Solar America City by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). DOE also awarded gave a grant of $200,000 to the capital city to push adoption of solar energy technologies. Similarly, the Colorado Renewable Energy Society held the Colorado Renewable Energy Conference in Pueblo in June, and will hold their month meeting July 24 at the Jefferson Unitarian Church in Golden. The topic is Choosing Renewable Energy Investments. For more information visit: http://www.cres-energy.org/

Green apple graces the big apple, parks nationwide

2008-04-21T20:42:00.000-07:00

Eight environmental music festivals convened in the U.S. Sunday at landmark parks during green week celebrations to gear-up for Earth Day. The interactive and simultaneous festivals conclude on Earth Day 2008, Tuesday, April 22 at the National Mall in Washington, DC. The collaborative efforts of Earth Day Network, the nonprofit organization that founded the original Earth Day in 1970, and Green Apple Festival created the event. Native Energy, an offset leader, aided in the carbon neutral events.

"We're combining music with compelling speech to raise awareness of the problem of global warming and inspire people to action," said Kathleen Rogers, president of Earth Day Network in a press release. “Earth Day 2008 will bring major talent and leaders together to empower people to become environmentally active." According to Green Apple Festival Founder and Executive Producer, Peter Shapiro, "Artists from every genre have raised their hands to participate in America's largest Earth Day celebration, spread out across the country in public parks. We owe endless thanks to the artists and their teams who care enough to underscore the urgency and message of this mission."

The festivals occurred in Central Park in New York City, N.Y.,Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, Ill., Bicentennial Park in Miami, Fla., City Park in Denver, Colo., Fair Park in Dallas, Texas, Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, Calif., and the Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles, Calif. For additional information visit: http://www.earthday.net/ and http://www.greenapplefestival.com/. For artist line-up information visit: madisonhousepublicity.com.

Lake County water contamination continues; BOCC ridicules CDPHE

2008-04-13T11:58:00.000-07:00

Residents of Colorado’s Lake County are turning to boiling tap water to protect their health. The culprit is a mine pool of contaminated water that has plagued the community for more then a month.

The Lake County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) responded declaring the county a State of Emergency on February 13, 2008. In an April 1, 2008 letter to Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter, the BOCC ridiculed the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) for a lack of involvement in the solution. The letter states, “CDPHE continues to drag its feet claiming no authority, no funding and no interest in any additional liability” along with “excuses for not even having completed a basic analysis.” According to the letter, CDPHE only agreed to assist with drilling efforts at the Canterbury Tunnel, that contributes clean water to the rising mine pool. The letter pleas to Gov. Ritter stating: “…you personally signed the emergency declaration…If you turn your back at this crucial moment and the Lake County public water supply and the Arkansas River suffers damage, it will be on your leadership watch. You have taken the position of the "environmental governor," for which we applaud you. We now ask that you live up to it…”

The “combined agency response” is proving a key factor to solving the groundwater contamination issue, as the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have started pumping operations to remove the contamination. However, the solution remains unresolved until the CDPHE involvement is rectified.

Revealing the power of renewable energy

2008-02-26T11:17:00.000-08:00

The power of nature’s renewable resources offers a the ability to become energy independent. In the wake of winter electrical outages in the four corners area, renewable resources may give the power back to the people.

“We the people are going to be the leaders, so follow us,” said Doug Large, owner of Arrowhead Solar Products in Pagosa Springs, Colo. “It is a real, viable resource.” Large mapped rivers in New Mexico and Utah for a surveying company in Breckenridge, and assisted with hydroelectric river water collection systems in Idaho.

In December 2007 President George W. Bush signed the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (H.R. 6). The bill requires more energy efficient buildings, including clean government buildings by 2030. However, the bill repealed incentives that pushed for national utilities to produce a portion of their electric power with renewable sources and was stripped of subsidies for renewable energy sources that would be paid through increased taxes on oil companies.
About three years ago, Colorado’s Amendment 37 received voter approval, and requires utilities to obtain 10 percent of their electricity from renewable energy sources by 2015.

Solar systems heat water and air through active or passive systems. In an active solar water system, panels are used to heat water in a 220-gallon water storage tank. Passive systems use a variety of types of mass to capture heat and then heat surrounding air. Photovoltaic (PV) solar systems, such as the panels located in Pagosa Springs, Colo. in the picture above, are active. Silicon wafers convert sunlight directly into electricity. A solar or PV cell consists of semiconducting material that absorbs the sunlight.

“Their efficiency is 15 to 20 percent on a solar module,” Large said.

Solar panels combined with wind turbines are another form of active energy system. The nation’s fifth largest wind farm, in Lamar, provides electricity with this type of system. “It produced more than expected,” Large said.

Geothermal resources are also a viable resource. “Costwise I am not a big fan, unless a geothermal system is in place,” Large said.

The potential of renewable energy affords Coloradans the opportunity to participate in the new energy economy, and keep the lights on during a snowstorm.

Hindu chaplain graces Colorado State Senate

2008-02-09T21:43:00.000-08:00

The Colorado State Senate was opened with a Hindu prayer for the first time in the mile high city of Denver Tuesday, Jan. 30.

“This is a great day for Colorado and a historic day of honor for us,” said Rajan Zed, a prominent Hindu chaplain and Indo-American leader reciting the prayer.

As the senate and audience members stood with their heads bowed, Zed recited the prayer with “Om”, the mystical syllable representing the universe, and ended with “Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti,” in which he translated as “Peace, Peace, Peace be unto all.” Zed read from Rig-Veda, considered the oldest scripture of the world in use, dated from around 1,500 BCE (besides from Brahadaranyakopnishad, Taittiriya Upanishad, and Bhagavad-Gita meaning song of the lord).

Reading from Taittiriya Upanishad, he prayed, “May we work together with great vigor, may our study be enlightening.” Citing from Bhagavad-Gita, he urged the senators to “Fulfill all your duties - action is better than inaction.” Zed presented a copy of Srimad Bhagawad-Gita to Peter Groff, president of the Colorado Senate.

The picture above includes: Rajan Zed (fourth from left) with Andrew Romanoff, Speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives (third from left) and leaders of the Hindu community of Colorado.

Zed has also recited Hindu prayers in openings at a United States Senate session in Washington DC; at California, Nevada and New Mexico State Senates; and at a Nevada State Assembly.

Compassion resonates in the four corners

2008-01-13T17:56:00.000-08:00

As the new year approached, Charlotte Rotterdam, co- director of Tara Mandala Buddhist Retreat Center spoke to the four immeasurables in Buddhist teachings at the Universalist Fellowship in Pagosa Springs, Colo.

The four immeasurables or states of mind are: loving kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, and equanimity. With loving kindness “We begin loving kindness with ourselves, which means accepting us for who we are. What every one is trying to do is find happiness,” Rotterdam said. Compassion for those who are less fortunate is the second immeasurable. “Compassion is the cornerstone of many religions,” Rotterdam said. “The way our life force expresses itself is through compassion. Compassion is beyond limits and bounds. When we are truly open we release the armor of ourselves. We let go of agendas,” she said. “We hold within ourselves the clarity that allows suffering to transform.”

The third immeasurable is sympathetic joy. “We can actually follow someone else’s joy or happiness. Do not become elated or ride on someone else’s happiness,” she said. “Dwell happily in the present moment.” She discussed equanimity, the fourth immeasurable, which is maintaining composure or a balanced equilibrium, sometimes while under tension or strain. Equanimity is “a sense of looking over the mountain and letting go — non-attachment,” Rotterdam said. “Equanimity calls us to wake up to what is going on in order to be useful. We release the idea of self. We are in some ways a dynamic being,” she said, motioning her hands cohesively, back and fourth.

In a question and answer session, Rotterdam placed emphasis on “finding the gap of awareness on how to react. If we open the gap to all our scripts, that natural compassion will be there,” she said.

Addressing an attendee's concern about attachment, she emphasized the relationship in terms of having an image associated with another image, such as pairing tea and chocolate.

“I have one question. What teas are best with chocolate?,” said Ed Funk, member of the Unitarian Service Committee. Another audience member exclaimed, “She knew what we were thinking, she is special.” Telepathy is not Rotterdam’s forte, but her connection with the human quality of compassion was evident.

Music amongst the mountains hits high note

2007-12-09T17:07:00.000-08:00

The southwest slope of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado is home to many eclectic musicians. Several such musicians, guitarist Pete Kartsounes (back) and saxophonist Bob Hemenger (front), graced the Whistle Pig, Karas House Nov. 18 in Pagosa Springs, Colo. Kartsounes and Karas family members worked at nearby Wolf Creek Ski Area, a high alpine resort. The friendship built and the music began to flourish.

Several years past since the duo performed together in the small town, as Kartsounes left the mountains for the republic of Boulder, Colo. Kartsounes admits he escaped small town bureaucracy for progressive city life. Kartsounes performed his Everytime song, which he composed in 2000 while on Wolf Creek Pass. As 2007 comes to a close, Kartsounes is supporting his new Out of Nowhere album.

Hemenger’s music forte accumulated with 25 years of experience playing in many rhythm and blues, rock, funk and jazz bands. This summer the Pagosan local and Rio Jazz member mentored children at a music camp in Nashville, Tenn. at the request of Victor Wooten of Bella Fleck and the Flecktones. He was also invited to perform at the Four Corners Folk Festival and Indie Fest, staple concerts in Colorado.

Hot discussion stirs in the new energy economy

2007-12-01T23:06:00.000-08:00

Renewable geothermal energy was a steamy topic in Pagosa Springs, Colo. Friday, Nov. 16. Joani Matranga, western regional representative for Gov. Bill Ritter’s Energy Office, visited Town Hall to explore harnessing geothermal energy. Conversations between The Town of Pagosa Springs officials and Matranga dealt with renewable energy and a future biomass recycling center.

“It is a great project (the town geothermal heat system); it is one of the few geothermal operations in the state,” Matranga said. Reducing energy consumption in residential construction, in schools and in public buildings is a key goal in Colorado’s Climate Action Plan. Gov. Ritter’s office released the plan the same week that Matranga visited Pagosa Springs, Colo. Ritter’s message in the plan calls for adopting strategies to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases by 20 percent by 2020 and shares in a commitment with other states and nations to greatly reduce emissions by 2050. The plan refers to The New Energy Economy in Colorado. Ritter will establish partnerships with companies and businesses to develop The New Energy Economy, Matranga said.

Regulation of the geothermal water rights is being considered by both local and state governments. The Town of Pagosa Springs could form a geothermal user district to allow people with water rights to mitigate issues, said Mark Garcia, town manager. Matranga will continue to research strategies for Pagosa Springs,Colo. to harness geothermal heat. To read more visit: www.pagosasun.com/inside.htm

Colorado and Utah Farmers Supply Biodiesal Plant

2007-11-04T13:20:00.000-08:00

A biodiesal plant is under construction in Weber Industrial Park outside Dove Creek, in Utah's Dolores County. The project’s annual production goal is to generate $5 million gallons. The plant converts oil seed crops grown by farmers into biodiesel and food oil. Fourty-one farmers from Alamosa, Colo to Prince, Utah are contracted to grow almost 11,000 acres of crops.
San Juan Biodiesel General Manger Jeff Berman will present the project details and phases at the noon Cortez Business Club meeting on Nov. 7 at the Elks Club on Highway 145 in Utah.

Wastewater Used in Biomass Recycling Turns Useful

2007-10-29T07:03:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, Oct. 18, the Town of Pagosa Springs Council Sanitation General Improvement District in Pagosa Springs, Colo., voted to move forward with creation of a new wastewater treatment plant, designed by Briliam Engineering.

In addition to the plant, a biomass recycle center that will create a bio-recycled product from the plant’s solid waste is envisioned at a later date. The recycled product may be used as a fertalizer in farmlands.

Council members considered options for waste management, for either a solid stream or a liquid stream of waste. Sludge is a by-product of the liquid waste. The plant will thicken the waste product allowing for its use in other applications at the biomass plant. Otherwise, reducing the volume of liquid waste is done by trucking it off site.

“Under both scenarios there is an outdoor sludge basin with an odor management layered tank,” said Dahm. “Bio-recycling is typically done off site. There are fewer options with the liquid or softer sludge. Costs are high for hauling liquid.”

Phil Starks, Pagosa Springs Sanitation District director, commented on the hauling of solids. “Pagosa Area Water and Sanitation District (PAWSD) produces two, 20-yard containers a week. I believe there are eighty-percent solids going to the landfill,” he said.

A future biomass recycling center would combine PAWSD solid waste and the solid waste from the wastewater treatment plant with wood products to create a compost. Nearby Durango, Colo. is also seeking alternatives to convert waste or energy expended from a localized wastewater plant. To read more visit: http://www.pagosasun.com/inside.htm

Colorado Communities Scramble to Comply with Federal Requirements

2007-10-12T10:12:00.000-07:00

A public forum was held Oct. 4 at the Pagosa Springs Community Center in Pagosa Springs, Colo. to discuss local resources and efforts to combat climate change.

The discussions took place in order to comply with a federal government requirement that every Colorado municipality adopt and enforce new energy codes by 2008. Mayor Ross Aragon signed the U.S. Mayors Climate Initiative Agreement and the town council endorsed it.

“We will be more active in 2008,” said Mark Garcia, town manager. “We will buy green energy for all our facilities, which is a commitment in the 2008 budget.” Talks centered on incentives for recycling, utilizing geothermal and solar heat, creating a bio-recycling center and tax-based credits.

“This will take a lot of training for our staff,” said Tamra Allen, of the town planning department. “There will be a level of documentation that people are not used to.” Allen’s recent master’s thesis endeavor concerned sustainable government. “Telluride and Boulder may be at the forefront of the initiative. We are looking at adopting this and creating our own plan,” she said.

“I think a project we can look at is a recycling project. We should have more education,” Mayor Aragon said. The local waste management franchise agreement is up for renewal. “We will focus on recycling,” for the agreement, Garcia said. “We can regulate what businesses do in town. They contend it is not profitable in town (to recycle).” Additionally, Garcia mentioned the possible acquisition of recycling equipment.

“Breckenridge and Telluride are going through plans and have made incentives to cut their emissions by half,” said Allen. “Telluride is reducing the size of their vehicles.”

Discussions also focused on the energy policies of states and cities that are driving policy changes. “California has a thirty-percent state tax credit and a thirty-percent federal credit for solar use, with a high level of energy independence, focusing on clean and reusable energy,” Allen said. “Boulder is creating their own carbon tax.”

It was noted that economist Ariel Bergman might be used to assess the community’s emissions status. He previously studied the solid waste situation in the area. To read more visit: www.pagosasun.com/inside.htm

Solar company sheds light on Northern Colorado

2007-09-23T14:29:00.000-07:00

AVA Solar, Inc., a manufacturer of solar panels seeks to establish a site location in Northern Colorado that would provide hundreds of jobs and help the company increase production. The company desires to place the site in the Fort Collins-Loveland, Colo. area by 2008, which would provide 500 jobs, said Russ Kanjorski, AVA Solar's strategic planning director.

AVA Solar was founded in January 2007 and will begin pilot production on its initial 3 megawatt line by the end of this year. By the end of 2008, the company plans to begin full scale commercial production.

In June AVA Solar was awarded $3 million in funding over an 18 month period by the Department of Energy under Solar America Initiative's Photovoltaic Technology Incubator Program. The funding is supporting AVA Solar’s production goals.

“Their promise of being the world's lowest-cost producer is very welcome as prices have recently been high because of limited supply," said Ron Larson, founder of the Colorado Renewable Energy Society.

The solar panels created by AVA Solar are thin film photovoltaic modules. "We perfected a highly scalable process in the lab at CSU and are running ahead of schedule to get into commercial production," said Dr. W.S. Sampath, founder of AVA Solar and head of Colorado State University's Materials Engineering Laboratory. The new AVA Solar location aims to bring the technology that transforms window glass into a solar panel with a coating of cadmium telluride film to the market, said Sampath.

The new plant is expected to generate 200 megawatts of electricity through annual solar panel production, which would serve 40,000 homes based on average household use. The production cost will be less than $1 per watt of electricity, AVA Solar officials said.

Land conservation makes a comback

2007-09-19T16:45:00.000-07:00

The half-decade long talk about creating an open space program moved closer toward becoming a reality on March 30, when the County Open Space Sales Tax Exemption Bill was signed by Colorado Governor Bill Ritter. The bill, also called SB-98, gives Colorado counties permission to ask voters to approve up to a half-cent use and sales tax to fund an open space program.

The program is one of many tools that international communities have to help make their towns sustainable. Land trust programs also promote conservation and support the buy local concept that aids in the creation of sustainable communities. How consumers and land owners use their money has historically been a force in the fight against urban sprawl.

In the 1940s English author and conservationist, Helen Beatrix Potter invested in rural land and houses. Upon Potter’s death, she donated 4,000 acres, several cottages, and 15 farms to the National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty. Potter was known for children's literature with characters such as Peter Rabbit, and she preserved the Lake District in Northwest, England.

Under the 2006 Pensions Bill family farmers, ranchers, and other moderate income landowners may deduct from their taxes by donating a conservation easement. This easement is a transfer of land usage rights, which creates a legally enforceable land preservation agreement between a landowner or a land trust for the purposes of conservation. Some farmers and ranchers may deduct up to 100 percent of their income from their taxes. The bill will expire this year, and House bill H.R. 1576 along with Senate Bill 469 have been introduced as a permanent tax incentive. Colorado authority figures will convene at the National Land Conservation Conference in Denver, Colo. from October 3-6, 2007 at the Adam's Mark Hotel. At this time the conference is open to walk-ins beginning October 2. For more information about the conference or Pensions Bill visit: http://www.lta.org/training/rally.htm.

Activists sue government; EPA misses the mark

2007-09-16T16:47:00.000-07:00

Environmental activists sued the federal government on September 5. The suit was filed on the grounds of failure to regulate emissions from ocean traveling vessels that pollute the air and cause respiratory illness throughout the U.S. The complaint was filed by Oakland-based Earthjustice on behalf of Friends of the Earth.

The documents allege that the Environmental Protection Agency missed their internal deadline to set emissions standards for ship engines expelling exhaust into major port communities such as: Oakland, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Houston, Seattle and other cities.

Such ships are becoming major sources of air pollution, with emissions that may reach double numbers in North America over the next 20 years. One cruise liner or cargo ship can emit as up to the equivalent of 350,000 cars in pollution, and hundreds of vessels dock at ports each month, activists said.

The actual number may be more when considering the multitude of ships at sea. Other vessel’s exhaust may remain undocumented, as some Tall Ships with their masted sails also have engines such as The Hawaiian Chieftain above. The Hawaiian Chieftain is often utilized as a tourist attraction along the Pacific coast providing sailing trips and training experience by Grays Harbor Historical Seaport Authority in Aberdeen, Washington.

Messages of 911 reach out

2007-09-11T09:40:00.000-07:00

Facets of various communities are using today’s commemoration to their advantage. Many American communities are honoring, praying, and protesting on this day in 2001, when Al-Qaida terrorists attacked the U.S. trade towers, known as 911.

Although church bells ringing Amazing Grace and America the Beautiful in Boston, Mass. today could not be heard around the world, many others will send a message to the global community.

Osama bin Laden, mastermind terrorist behind the attacks, will appear via video marking the anniversary. A-Qaida said, he will present the testament of one of the suicide hijackers before the hijacker died.

At ground zero commemorations in New York the name of a victim who survived the towers’ collapse, and died months later of lung disease blamed on toxic dust was added to the official roll. Firefighters and first responders that rescued thousands in 2001 and later recovered the dead, read the victims’ names for the first time. Many of these rescuers are ill with respiratory or cancer problems, and they also blame the toxic dust.

In Colorado Springs, Colo. an Anti-war protest will occur on Academy Boulevard near the Citadel Mall. Mark Lewis, spokesman for the Colorado Springs Action Alliance holding the protest, believes said the targets are companies such as Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, General Dynamics and Lockheed Martin. He calls these and other businesses “war profiteers and contractors,” most of which were operating before 911. The protest is one of many such as the Freedom From Fear Campaign’s General Strike marching from the Space Needle in Seattle, Wash. to media outlets.

Tribe Leads Energy Initiative

2007-06-17T12:57:00.000-07:00

The Yurok Tribe is leading the way in energy conservation and alternative energy uses in Northern California. The Tribe began the Yurok Energy Program in March 2006 and contracted a one year Energy Specialist to carry out a house-by house energy needs assessment on the reservation in Klamath, California. The Tribe and Schatz Energy Research Center are working together to plan for expanding the Energy Program into a complete Yurok energy services organization.

“Taking care of the world around us is a Yurok value, we teach it when we gather for basket materials, when we fish, and gather acorns,” said Georgina Myers, former Energy Specialist. “We should all do our part as human beings to take care of land.”

The Tribe also submitted applications to the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Department of Energy. The applications seek funds to carry out feasibility studies on increasing the use of biomass, wind, and hydro power on the reservation.

In the picture above Yurok Tribal Members prepare seaweed for consumption. Living with the land is a tradition of the Yurok Tribe.

Building green communities aid sustainability

2007-05-26T20:31:00.000-07:00

The Green Party General Assembly meet on May 19 in Eureka, Calif. to discuss sustainability. Mark Lovelace of the Healthy Humboldt Coalition and president of the Humboldt Water Council presented a solution to urban sprawl outlined in the Humboldt County General Plan. “Humboldt is in year seven of its groundwork,” in the 20 year plan he said. “A proposed alternative will have to not be lip service. We have to make sure we do not put limits on it,” said Lovelace. He displayed pictures of green building in walkable communities with stackable dwellings. He said that Santa Clara County and Seattle, Wash. are implementing such communities. “The goal is to reach the regional housing needs. We surveyed residents on quality of life and found that 86 percent of people said that the surrounding natural environment is of the most concern,” he said.

“We have a narrowly defined group that keeps getting up there and speaking of growth for all. We need to reach more people and let them know that small group does not speak for everyone,” Lovelace said urging the county and city assembly to sit on committees. The Healthy Humboldt Coalition promotes protection of farmland, open space and the environment. “The best way to do this is changing the paradigm,” Lovelace said. “It is not about people on the right or the left. We have to get back to vibrant livable walkable communities.” Such communities with compact patterns and all the services that people need in walking distance may be the path toward sustainable smart growth. The older communities in Humboldt County are over the allowed (unit) limits of the city, he said. As a solution he advocates creating one dwelling unit per acre of land. He explained that a study showed that in the urban development areas “we had a two percent growth rate in Mckinleyville, Calif. and an average 7.4 dwelling points per acre would be needed based on the study.” For more information on green efforts visit www.humboldtgreens.org

Shifting Social Consciousness Through CSR

2007-05-09T15:37:00.000-07:00

Two economic experts returned to Crescent City, Calif. to provide a clear picture of what economic prosperity may look like for Del Norte County. Economic experts David Beurle and Connie Loden facilitated a Future Scenario Planning Session for officials.

"The community that is willing to say how can we get the uniqueness and make a difference to get wrapped up in corporate social responsibility – this community will be seen as having their stuff together," said Beurle. An organizational structure to facilitate corporate social responsibility may not exist in the community to shift social perception and culture toward change. "It may be that you (the community) are not structured properly," Loden said. "You may not be using your resources properly."

Other communities Beurle worked with lifted people into wealth and prosperity through the creation of support circles, he said. "They came together and allowed people to create pathways out of poverty," Beurle said. "Mentors would meet with families and show them how to create side businesses at their homes." To create this support system, the community needs to think differently and make new social connections, he said.

Loden's leadership group in Wisconsin was successful in implementing such a support network. The group held a one-day resource event, where volunteers gave their time to support the community. "About 350 people showed up to start taking the steps toward self-reliance and a pathway to prosperity." she said. "Volunteers decided to do this quarterly (four times a year)."
Both experts contend that a holistic approach, where all parts of the community's ecosystem of people and institutions are functioning together will be beneficial. To read more visit www.triplicate.com or http://www.triplicate.com/news/story.cfm?story_no=4005.

The World Honors Earth Day 2007

2007-04-23T20:30:00.000-07:00

Artists, non-profits and community members gathered at the Earth Arts Fair in Crescent City, Calif. on Sunday to celebrate Earth Day. California’s premier road improvement contractor, Caltrans demonstrated how their partnership with Granite Construction to recycle asphalt pavement is progressive. The partnership created a 5 mile stretch of rubberized asphalt concrete that was used to overlay a portion of Highway 20 in Lake County, Calif. About 30,000 scrap tires were incorporated into the overlay. Every year 12 million tons of scrap tires are recycled into rubberized asphalt concrete. Approximately half of that is recycled in California.

The Hopes, a Canadian family, presented Norwex items that clean without chemicals such as microfiber cloths that only use water. Cliff Hope is pictured above assisting customers. Earth Day originated on April 22 1970. The designated day allows for celebration of gains made toward sustainability and for education on earth-friendly behaviors.

Dumping alternative is user-friendly

2007-04-15T20:54:00.000-07:00

Many communities are faced with the daunting task of finding a place to take used household electronics or waste. Since waste disposal or garbage carriers will not pick-up such items, dumping of these items is a practice occurring in many areas nationwide, even pristine areas. The dish washer pictured above is a product of dumping in an old-growth forest located in the Redwood National Park on Hwy. 199 outside of Crescent City, Calif.

Dumping is an illegal act in the U.S. People caught dumping can be ticketed and fined. The answer to this problem is a phone call or click away. Earth’s 911 is a 24 hour public informational powerhouse about where to take recyclables and waste.

The service gives: local information on energy conservation, certified California refund value locations, recycling information by community, household waste information, yard waste information, electronics information, locations to drop-off by recyclable type, and important environmental phone numbers. To utilize this vital toll call 1-800-cleanup or visit www.1800cleanup

National forest communities await aid

2007-04-07T16:22:00.000-07:00

The House of Representatives and Senate still need to agree later this month on a provision to the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations bill that would send millions of dollars to communities. That bill then would have to be signed by President Bush. The decisions on the bipartisan amendment will determine future funding for rural schools located around national forests, such as the Redwood National Forest on Hwy. 101 in Crescent City, Calif. pictured above.

In the Senate's version of the bill, the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self Determination Act of 2000 would be reauthorized for five years. The House in February approved a one-year extension in its version. The act is tied to providing funds for U.S. Armed Forces in Iraq.

Unless the Conference Committee is able to modify the Iraq pullout language, the President has threatened to veto the bill, said Bob Douglas, Tehama County superintendent of schools and president of the National Forest Counties and Schools Coalition. Counties also will get money for law enforcement, road maintenance, libraries and national forest maintenance.

"We are optimistic that Congress is beginning to understand how serious this is in rural America and to act now and not later," Douglas said. "It is having a devastating effect on families. Schools are being disassembled." To read more about the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations bill bill visit: http://www.triplicate.com/news/story.cfm?story_no=3454.

Jam band artists tour for summer

2007-04-01T16:32:00.000-07:00

Some bands tour together simply for business, but Jam band performers Bob Weir and RatDog and Keller Williams will tour the U.S. this summer for good vibes. The artists will share stages separately and together bringing exciting performances to audiences nationwide.

Bob Weir, founding member of the legendary Grateful Dead also founded the RattDog duo in 1995. He gathered Jay Lane (drums), Jeff Chimenti (keyboards), Mark Karan (lead guitar), Kenny Brooks (saxophone), and Robin Sylvester (bass). RatDog plays not only Weir’s various solo material but the complete Grateful Dead repertoire, and has evolved from an elegant duo to a snarling beast of a rock band that contains a jazz trio at its heart, according to a press release.

Keller Williams in the above picture at the 2004 Telluride Bluegrass Festival in Telluride, Colo. is dubbed a one-man-band. He is known for electronically looping riffs and solos of various instruments. He is a multi talented musician of jazzfunk reggae and technograss. “Keller Williams is more fun than a frog in a glass of milk,” Weir said. Williams tune “Cadillac” on his recently released new album on SciFidelity records titled Dream is a duet between Williams and Weir. Recorded at Weir’s home studio, it also features an appearance from Weir family retriever Jackson (see the tour advertising design and notice who’s driving the Cadillac!). The dog posed in the driver’s seat of a Cadillac on a flyer to advertise the tour. For tour dates visit www.kellerwilliams.net.

From waste to recycling

2007-02-18T16:52:00.000-08:00

While some U.S cities such as Colorado Springs, Colo. charge fees for pick-up of recyclables. Klamath Falls, Ore. only charges for pick-up of cardboard. The city is required to transport all trash to landfills in Idaho. The less trash the city transports the less the city pays to haul the trash. To help the city off set the cost of transporting the trash the city offers recyclable machines at grocery stores that give money in exchange for aluminum and plastic. The machine (brand name at right) disperses money after scanning the labels on items.

Although Klamath Falls, Ore. and Colorado Springs, Colo. both use Waste Management to where consumers get money in exchange for pick-up trash and recyclables, their recycling practices are not the same. Waste Management seems to have a recycling partnership with
Klamath Falls, because residents may drop-off recyclables at Waste Management sites for no
charge. Residents in Colorado Springs may drop-off recyclables at an industrial site or receive pick-up at a house, but Waste Management will not pick-up recyclables at apartment complexes.

Since most residents in U.S. cities pay for trash pick-up in some form, a local recycling effort is obtainable. If residents of any U.S. city would like more information about recycling pick-up contact Waste Management or the local trash pick-up service.

Partnership for computer recycling

2007-02-07T13:01:00.000-08:00

Not sure what to do with that outdated computer? Take it to a Goodwill drop-off site.
Dell and Goodwill offer free computer recycling to consumers in North Carolina counties and five counties in South Carolina. The Reconnect program will provide employment to disabled people while reusing or recycling used computers.

The program strives to divert more than five million pounds of used computers and computer equipment from area landfills in 2007; and provide consumer education on the importance of environmentally responsible computer disposal, according to a press release. "I want to thank Dell and Goodwill for bringing this important initiative to 49 North Carolina counties," said Lt. Gov. Bev Perdue. "This effort will not only keep computers out of our landfills, it will also support Goodwill's job-training and employment services."

Residents will be responsible for removing data from hard drives and other storage media before donating to Goodwill. Goodwill staff will provide donors with a donation receipt to be used in their 2006 income tax filing. "It's a privilege to partner with Dell in this initiative that furthers Goodwill's mission and benefits our communities," said Art Gibel, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Northwest North Carolina. "Reconnect provides a proactive solution to the very real issue of environmentally responsible electronics disposal."

Other Goodwill-Dell programs are under way in Austin (15 counties in Central Texas), San Francisco (Marin, San Francisco and San Mateo counties), San Antonio (23 counties in Central and South Texas), San Diego County, Pittsburgh and throughout the state of Michigan.
Residents of the northwestern, central and southern regions of North Carolina and Mecklenburg, Gaston, Lincoln, Union, Cleveland, York and Lancaster counties in South Carolina can call 1-866-487-3873 or visit http://www.reconnectpartnership.com/ to locate a drop-off location.

Demonstrators Give Piece of Mind

2007-01-29T14:55:00.000-08:00

Amongst honking horns and the flashing of middle fingers at Washburn Way and South Sixth St., the heart of Klamath Falls, Ore., The Klamath County Basin Peace Forum posed a peace demonstration on Saturday January 27, 2007. The peace demonstration was just one of many posed on a national and international level. In Seattle, Wash. celebrities, members of congress and demonstrators from other states rallied against the U.S. war in Iraq.

“I think that people are looking for a radical change in policy and a change in direction. Numbers are clearly showing that people are not wanting the amount of troops to increase,” said David Hedelman, forum member and minister at Congregational United Church of Christ in Klamath Falls, Org. Hedelman also teaches developmental writing and psychology at Klamath Community College, where he may teach a class titled The Psychology of Peace. “I think people are seeing the war in Iraq going far beyond what the original intention was. I think they see the country falling into civil war and that a move toward diplomatic change will bring our troops home and get them out of harm's way,” he said.

Out of about 50 people at the demonstration, several forum members have offspring in or about to go into the war in Iraq. Clint John’s son has a baby on the way and will fly a black hawk helicopter when he goes to Iraq next month. John says his son supports his belief in peace and attended a forum meeting with him.

Klamath Falls resident Janet Robinson asked Hedelman for contact information and reminisces with him explaining that she hitch hiked to a peace demonstration in California in the 60s. He replied that he also participated in a California peace demonstration in 1969 with about a 300,000 person attendance. Forum member Art Knight said, “We have a lack of leadership. We need someone who works with others.” The forum’s last covert activity was a letter writing campaign to senators and those looking to run for presidency. The letters addressed the forum’s projects in Klamath Falls and the statistics in local counties indicating that 73.2 percent of Herald and News Web site readers do not support the current administration’s war plan.

To be added to The Klamath County Basin Peace Forum distribution list contact kbpeaceforum@gmail.com or visit http://kbpeaceforum.wordpress.com. The forum meets the second Sunday of each month at the Congregational United Church of Christ.

U.S. & Mexico Paralympic Handcycling; Alejandro Albor

2006-11-03T08:40:00.000-08:00

Paralympic sports struggle to make a presence in the world. Paralympic means alongside the Olympics. Paralympics are an international competition for athletes with disabilities. Paralympic Committees reside alongside Olympic Committees in many countries. Over the years rules and regulations changed, shifted and transformed Paralympic sports.

Paralympic handcycling is gaining ground in the U.S. and Mexico. U.S. Paralympian handcyclist and owner of A-WON HandCycles Alejandro Albor understands the importance of Paralympic sports. With a degree in airframe and power plants he builds handcycles and often sales them without charging for either labor or parts. As a child he immigrated from Mexico and is a U.S. citizen. He exclaims, “I went to Mexico last year, and their Paralympic Committee began integrating handcycling after my visit. Mexico athletes are trying to compete against the U.S. next year.”

Albar says, “The first time I competed in the Boston Marathon in 2000, we went to court to be able to use our wheelchairs and our teammate in a wheelchair represented us as our lawyer. The sport is very popular in Europe.” The defense’s argument resembled the notion that handcycles are similar to bikecycles, so they should not be used in competition. Nevertheless, handcycles are used continuously in competitions. Third generation wheelchair marathon legend Joe Dowling competes in a handcycle created by Albor. During the same year of the court dispute, Dowling switched from a wheelchair to a handcycle.

To learn more about Joe Dowling, Alejandro Albor and other U.S. Paralympic athletes visit the New York Times video and article at: http://video.on.nytimes.com/ifr_main.jsp?nsid=a-37e9baf5:10eae29a1d6:5b35&fr_story=9112fb01cea709c8d9ae955ca01f66709cee0848&st=1162566578871&mp=WMP&cpf=true&fvn=7&fr=110306_100938_w37e9baf5x10eae29a1d6x5b36&rdm=21980.338081180438
Also visit the Olympic website at: www.usoc.org and click on the dropdown menue to select U.S. Paralympics.

Asbestos at the Capital

2006-10-26T07:46:00.000-07:00

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a practice linked to sustainability efforts. CSR involves an outfit being sensitive to the needs of stakeholders. Stakeholders are people who are influenced by or can influence an outfit’s decisions and actions. For instance, when a company designs a building with ample sunlight for employees, the company is adhering to CSR.

Asbestos is a concern amongst working people spending large amounts of time indoors while on the job. The U.S. Capitol Building’s basement does not comply with CSR practices. The capital’s several years of asbestos presence is negatively affecting stakeholders, members of the capitol power plant tunnel crew. Workplace hazards include falling slabs of cement and up to 100 degree temperatures. Crew members report problems breathing. In 2000 an official report submitted about the issue failed to change the problem. Members of the crew, Christian Raley and Martin Blanchet, reacted by informing the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) that the asbestos remained in the basement.

An excerpt of the report issued by OSHA and posted at http://www.mesotheliomasos.com/ says the contractor “failed to properly erect containment barriers around grates and manholes” during removal of materials containing dangerous asbestos. A company, organization or corporation practicing CSR will outline steps taken in an annual report with the buzzwords: safety, health, sustainability and environment.

National Freedom of Speech Week

2006-10-15T17:06:00.000-07:00

October 16th through the 22nd is National Freedom of Speech Week, which was created by The Media Institute in partnership with the National Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation (NABEF) in 2005. The week is an opportunity for communicators and the public to raise free speech awareness. The Media Institute is a nonprofit organization and one of the country’s leading think tanks focusing on the First Amendment and free speech issues. The week’s theme is “Free Speech: the Language of America.”

This year Clear Channel Communications in collaboration with NABEF will bring public service announcements (PSAs) about the important week to the public through radio and television airwaves. Clear Channel Communications produced a 30 second radio spot for radio stations not owned by Clear Channel Communications. The National Association of Broadcasters produced television PSAs and radio spots. The radio PSAs are available in 15 and 30 second lengths in English or Spanish. The Clear Channel Communications radio spot can be downloaded from the National Freedom of Speech Week website at http://www.freespeechweek.org/. The NABEF radio and television spots can be downloaded from the NABEF website at http://www.nabef.org/, or directly at the following links:
Radio: ftp://ftp.nab.org/xfer/tv/studio/FOS/Radio/
Television: ftp://ftp.nab.org/xfer/tv/studio/FOS/Radio/

U.S. Disparity of Medical Care

2006-10-08T14:14:00.000-07:00

Although some specialists comment that America is involved in a health care crisis, many American employers remain reluctant to offer medical and health care benefits. The amount of Americans without medical insurance is increasing to alarming rates. According to the website of the National Conference of State Legislatures, “In 2004 18 percent of the non-elderly population was uninsured. That is 45.5 million Americans.” Several American states are working on initiatives similar to Canada’s universal health care taxed on paychecks. For instance, Main processed universal health care legislation in 2003. Illinois, Massachusetts and Vermont have similar initiatives.

Colorado Springs, Colo., with many Christian movements offers three institutions for pregnant women or women with children to register and access medicaid quickly. Are other citizens insured? The Colorado Springs Independent said this summer that about 75,000 people in Colorado Springs, Colo. are without any form of medical insurance. All Colorado social workers will explain that the state of Colorado does not provide individual medical insurance. However, Colorado does offer the Colorado Indigent Care Program (CICP) to individuals, but a person must ask for the program only to be placed on a waiting list to register. For more information about qualifications for CICP visit: http://www.elpasocountyhealth.org/pdf/Underinsured_Dec2005.pdf#search=%22memorial%20hospital%3B%20colorado%20springs%20CICP%22 or http://www.chcpf.state.co.us/HCPF/cicp/new2004CICPDir.asp#Delta

FCC Fueling Internet Medias

2006-09-21T12:03:00.000-07:00

When the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) allowed for loose regulations on media ownership in 2003, an outcry of journalists and communication experts voiced their discontent with the decision in columns and opinion articles. The primary concern surrounding the foreseen issue involved media outlets being owned by large corporations, which is creating a dominate media with limited information reaching publics. The depletion of localized media groups that normally generate a variety of information to the public is a reality. As corporations, small businesses and non-profits wonder how to reach young generations; the FCC’s decision may be turning young generations onto the real-time, and in some cases real content, information found on Internet blogs and streaming pod casts. Although these forms of media are often without the necessary grammar, spelling, style and perhaps ethics found in traditional communication methods, a rich topic is a craving of the young public that may not be obliged by the dominate media corporations.

Similarity, several 2004 FCC reports documenting the harmful results of further consolidation failed to be published. AFL-ICO NOW’s blog cites the mishap quoting Timothy Karr, campaign director of Free Press and coordinator of the Stop Big Media coalition saying, “The first study, completed in 2004 by the FCC’s own researchers…concluded that network owned and operated stations…spent considerably less time covering the communities they are supposed to serve.”

To view the report titled Do Local Owners Deliver More Localism? visit: http://www.freepress.net/docs/fcclocalnews.pdf or http://blog.aflcio.org/2006/09/20/fcc-buried-key-reports-on-media-consolidation-public-hearings-set.

Clean up the World Weekend

2006-09-17T14:27:00.000-07:00

Hundreds of sites worldwide such as the Nile River, Copacabana Beach and Sydney Harbor are becoming environmentally friendly for the annual Clean up the World Weekend initiative happening September 15 through September 17. The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) in association with the on-going Clean up the World campaign and 35 million volunteers from 122 countries will participate.

The initiative began in 1993, and helps to balance policies that have not helped the environment toward achieving sustainability. In 1997 the United Nations, the United States Clinton administration and several countries signed the international Kyoto protocol agreement designed to reduce greenhouse gasses by 5.2 percent, which remains opposed by the Bush Administration.

According to Clean up the World campaign Chairman and Founder, Ian Kiernan, “Many communities across the globe have faced uncertainty over the past year,” Kiernan said. “Clean up the World is an opportunity to break down geographical and political barriers by working together to look after our shared environment. I encourage more groups to join us in creating greener cities and communities across the world.”

For a list of Clean up the World activities, visit cleanuptheworld.org

NCA Convention

2006-09-15T18:57:00.000-07:00

The National Communication Association will host the 92nd Annual Convention in San Antonio, Texas. The event will take place from November 16 through November 19, 2006. The theme, Creating Sites for Connection and Action, encourages participants to analyze communication in study and throughout world societies in a sort of realist view.

The annual convention will be a great opportunity to share research, interact with professionals and students and network for future employment and research opportunities. The convention is typically attended by just over 5,000 individuals.

New participants will be able to participate in most events at the convention such as the newcomers reception, welcome reception, all programs and panels, the new scholar-to-scholar poster sessions, job fair, graduate school fair and many other activities.

The preliminary convention schedule including speakers and networking sessions is posted at http://convention2.allacademic.com/one/nca/nca06/index.php?cmd=nca06 and the convention webpage at www.natcom.org/convention.

U.S. Remembers 9 11

2006-09-11T19:09:00.000-07:00

As the day of 9 11 remembrances for the World Trade Center terrorist attack come to a close, N.P.R. News airs President Bush’s rhetorical speech. President Bush says, “We honor the great men and women (the people that helped other people during the attacks)…some have suffered injuries.” How are we honoring them? One form of honor is supporting such people with quality medical benefits. Another N.P.R. News segment tells the story of a firefighter who helped people in the attacks, commenting that crystals and molecules from the debris damaged his lungs. As a result, the man pays medical co-pays around $35.00 just for doctor visits.

At the same time President Bush is speaking the AFL-CIO blog, an organization dedicated to offering a union for all working Americans, quotes Joel Shufro, executive director of the New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health, a nonprofit coalition of 200 local unions and more than 400 individual workers, physicians, lawyers and other health and safety activists stating:

“From the very beginning, the workers and volunteers were treated grotesquely, because government officials decided that mandating the use of adequate respiratory protection would undermine that lie that the air was safe to breathe. If the workers had been required to use respirators, it would have been obvious that the air was not safe to breathe and that the stock exchange and the world’s biggest banks could not safely reopen before an unprecedented decontamination job had been carried out.”

President Bush describes the war as “a struggle for civilization.” For many Americans the struggle for civilization is the struggle to obtain civilized health care policies. Visit http://aflcio.org to read more, join the free union and locate information on unions by city.

Celebrity Aids Sustainability Plight

2006-09-09T19:18:00.000-07:00

Hiring celebrities to endorse and advocate sustainability efforts is crucial to aiding the sustainability plight. In a bold move, Save The World Air, Inc. (STWA) hired pollution fighter Erin Brockovich as the vice president of environmental affairs endorsing STWA innovative products. Next month STWA will present the ECOChargR, which the company says will use a magnet to “lower the production of emissions by up to 85 percent and increase fuel efficiency.” (See http://blog.wired.com/cars/#1553307).

Brockovich along with STWA C.E.O. Edward Masry, take on the company’s damaged reputation of a fraudulent campaign constructed by the previous C.E.O. and promoter in 2001. The Brockovich and Masry environmental activists duo may offer the introspective and stewardship needed to replenish the STWA brand.

The true story played out in the movie Erin Brockovich shows Julia Roberts portraying Brockovich, who discovers medial records in a real estate firm's transaction. Brockovich reveals that Pacific Gas & Electric Company’s Hinkley, California gas compressor station polluted the area, causing homeowners to develop cancer causing hexavalent chromium. Brockovich and Masry also unmasked the onshore oil platform hidden underneath Beverly Hills High School in California producing benzene and the nearby Sempra Energy power plant producing hexavalent chromium and dioxin. The findings linked to neighborhood cases of thyroid and testicular cancer.
(See http://www.lawcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=1875).

Authors Richard Shames MD and Karilee Shames RN, PhD note that "Twenty million Americans are currently being treated for thyroid problems” in the book Thyroid Power. With the numerous chemicals in our natural surroundings, how many more celebrities will it take to call for action against the sustainability plight?

Radio London Buzz

2006-09-06T09:52:00.000-07:00

Wonderful Radio London became legend by pirating the airwaves from offshore ships and exposing Londoners to 1960s American rock. Local band Radio London recalls this musical decade with its spice of indie and folk rock. In an interview with the band founder, Joey Walker said:

How do you describe your collective synergy on stage?

"We are very connected to each other on the stage and off the stage we are friends, brothers and sisters...There are more people connected to this band than you see on stage, and they are all with us. Happy, up or down, we are a big family. "

To read more about the band and their first original album release visit the link to my article: http://www.csindy.com/csindy/2006-08-31/playingaround.html
Also, be sure to listen to their single at: http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=52495775

The Nature Friendly Paradigm

2005-11-19T15:26:00.000-08:00

In his book titled “The Ecology of Commerce; a Declaration of Sustainability,” Paul Hawken argues for a restorative economy to address social and environmental sustainability in the modern world based on three principal approaches. I will report the subject matter by detailing his arguments for effective approaches and provide details about the communication implications of the content.
The three approaches proposed by Hawken resemble eternal systems found in nature. The first approach is to “obey the waste-equals-food principle and eliminate waste from our industrial production” (p. 209). Instead of the removed or narrow relationship humans currently hold with natural resources this approach involves a circular relationship, in which human waste impacts different ecosystems in a trickling effect that moves the end result back to humans. For this reason, Hawken calls for a redesign of man-made systems of business production that eliminate practically all waste.
The second approach is to switch the economy’s dependency on carbon energy to alternative energy sources such as hydrogen and sunshine. He theorizes that this shift in dependency will occur when we change our industrial and capitalistic ways of rewarding consumption, production, and short-term exploitation of resources at the lowest cost into a more durable product at a cost that mirrors the energy used through the form of long-term restoration of resources. In this approach he argues that in order to motivate companies to redesign or rethink processes they will need to be responsible for the storage cost of their waste and society must imposed fees for violating such standards.
Third, he argues to approach the sustainability issue with processes of accountability that uphold “restorative behavior weather they are in resource utilities, green fees on agricultural chemicals, or reliance on local production and distribution” (p. 210). Furthermore, Hawken argues that the variety that small businesses offer will allow them to deliver ecological restoration to society. In order to accomplish this task, he urges that incentives be given to small businesses to foster commitment and imagination.
Most interesting is the delivery of the content through the voices of many individuals, which allows for an open flow of communication. Communication methods will transformation society to promote sustainability. Almost every social issue is created by unstable environmental practices communicated by society. For this reason, sustainability measures have great roles in business communication and communication law. Communication fields such as public relations, marketing, media, and recruiting will aid in “designing ways to recycle lost livelihoods into jobs of the future” (p. 211). Through networking abilities communication professionals will inform corporate management on sustainability practices. The checks and balances that are in place to promote harmony in society are faulty. Current legislation is generalized and prevents open flow of communication, so communication law will need to revise statues and definitions. According to Hawken “society will need to define commercial crime more effectively,” (p. 119) and he suggests more enforcement of corporate crime. He refers to author Mokhiber’s recommendations of “statues including a federal homicide statue covering corporations, creating a centralized corporate crime data base, increasing penalties for corporate destruction of documents, prohibiting industry employees from taking regulatory jobs…and invoking stiffer penalties for corporate executives convicted of crimes” (p. 121). Also, tax laws will need to be changed to a form of green taxes to balance the rights of companies and individuals.
Overall, communication professionals revising definitions for terms such as productivity, quality, and efficiency will help recreate perception. Hawken states, “What we call efficient in agriculture is usually a process that substitutes fossil fuel...for human labor, displacing workers and families while causing widespread and lasting ecological damage” (p. 185). He also says, “efficiency…represents the bridge to a restorative economy” (p. 179). Proactive communication professionals giving complete and accurate information to consumers will drive the actions toward vitality of life.

Spatial, Temporal, and Dimensional Relations

2005-08-17T17:37:00.000-07:00

by Thea Skinner

Colorado Springs, CO is the U.S.A. hub of American security where plans are being made and implemented to approach the fight against terrorism and national threats in numerous ways. One innovative approach is the movement through different dimensions in the manner of Houdini. The recent rise in worldwide terrorist acts is compelling countries to seek alternative approaches to fight terrorism. Movement through dimensions may possibly be an aid to fighting terrorism. The concept is reaching an increasingly broad audience and American universities are teaching spaces and dimensionality in humanitarian settings. While attending a university in Colorado Springs, CO I made contact with this important and fundamental concept, which I detail in the following excerpts from my final paper:

Throughout history people have attempted to describe and understand the shape of different spaces and one’s relation to spaces. Since many possibilities of different structures exist, grasping such concepts is difficult. For this reason Rudy Rucker clearly elaborates on the different shapes of spaces and spacetime through his significant logic and analogous examples in the book titled, “The Fourth Dimension; a Guided Tour of the Higher Universes,” which I will refer to in order to analyze the cosmology associated with the shapes of spaces. Through cosmology I will explain why it is possible to think of spacetime as an external pattern in an unchanging block universe when one’s sensations all come from the past.

The possibility to conceive spacetime as an eternal pattern in an unchanging block universe by adding time to space as an extra dimension, even if one’s sensations all come from the past, exists when one understands the relations and interactions of spacetime to oneself. Biologically, we receive and code information from experiences through our senses, which Rucker holds to be “arranged as a pattern in four-dimensional spacetime” (p. 136). Likewise, a human is a dynamic being that constantly recycles atoms by weaving static pathways. For this reason we are accustomed to viewing two-dimensional space from a three-dimensional space as unchanging. Rucker proposes the context of a block universe, where space and time are meshed together so that the past and future are one in the same. Janis Joplin once said, “Tomorrow never really happens, it is all the same day.” Spacetime structures events. Rucker states, “When you look back at your life, you are really looking at a four-dimensional spacetime pattern” (p. 137). One can view a block universe by changing position to another location. Positions yield perspectives. For instance, one may view intrinsically by being embedded in spacetime. We experience three-dimensional space by superimposing images in time. He logically relates the block universe to a stack of film frames moving in time similar to the process of creating a cartoon movie. Hence, the pictures moving in time change the organization of space, and we often think of our lives as a movie. Another way to view a block universe is to look from outside by changing location to a higher dimension. Rucker states, “To look at spacetime from the outside is to stand outside of history”(p. 135). Again, he projects the movie into the idea of a novel, which contains an internal and external element of experiencing temporality. One may be outside of the novel as a reader and since the novel is a localized occurrence, the mind can jump around to get a mental image. This outside reader is an evolutionary higher cognitive view of being in the unchanging state, where reality is the spacetime tapestry of our existence. Furthermore, Rucker states, “You are never really cut off from the whole” (p. 147). We can obtain refuge rooted in a block universe with a natural connectedness that withstands throughout time, which is a true and eternal essence ingrained in the process of being here and interacting with the world.