How to Appreciate the Turning Leaves

Its time for the reds, golds, and browns of Autumn. Unless you live in a state with a tropical climate, there are probably a few opportunities to observe the beautiful colors of Fall.

Where do these colors come from?

This site gives a great run-down of leaf color changing. It explains that..."The pigment is there all the time but is hidden by the chlorophyll that makes the leaves green. As the weather changes, chlorophyll production stops, and the other colors are unmasked.

Best weather conditions for the color are days that are bright and cool and nights that are chilly but not freezing. Adequate rainfall maintains the leaves on the trees.

Most striking reds are found on sugar and red maples, northern red oak, sumac, mountain ash, and tupelo. Yellow is found on birches, white ash, linden, maples, beech, aspens, and hickories. The season can last through November, depending on weather conditions and location."

Where can I see the best display of turning leaves?

Your own yard can be a great spot to observe the new burst of colors. But hiking through a forest it also a great way to get exercise and appreciate Fall's beauty. There are a few websites that give guidance on places to enjoy leaf colors. Go HERE, HERE, and HERE to check them out.

Try to avoid taking a long unnecessary car ride by looking for spots within biking or hiking range. If you're too busy to leave home, you can always see the great colors via webcam HERE.

Forest Fires and Protecting Your Home

What is happening in California is sad and overwhelming. I hope the weather cooperates so that the firefighters and evacuees can return to their homes soon. Below is a discussion of forest fires and what you can do to protect your home from uncontrolled wild fires.

About Forest Fires

To human beings, the idea of a forest fires is terrifying because they seem uncontrollable and unforgiving. This terror had resulted in several well-intentioned, yet narrow-minded, policies to completely stop all forest fires. For years, the government wrongly assumed fires had nothing but destructive implications. Millions of dollars were spent to educate Americans about the importance of preventing fires and to suppress naturally occurring fires.

Although its smart to be safe, the reality is that most forest fires are part of an ecosystem lifecycle. Through destruction of old dead plants and creation of carbon/nutrients for new growth, the forests regenerate. Suppressing fires can actually suffocate new forest growth. In fact, California's famous Giant Sequoia's stopped growing and regenerating during the era of complete fire suppression because natural forest fires were necessary for the tree's expansion.

Modern policies utilize controlled burns to help clear underbrush and facilitate forest growth. This also helps prevent the fast growing, horribly destructive wild fires that California is currently experiencing. By clearing underbrush or dead plants, the fuel for these brutal fires is removed. This policy is not a one-size-fits-all fix for preventing fires. It has to be applied in conjunction with scientific understanding.

How to Protect Your Home

It is a fact of life that forest fires are going to impact human beings. As humans continue to develop land and spread suburbia out, we encroach on forest ecosystems must cope with the consequences of this. There are definitely things you can do to make your home less fire-prone when a forest fire breaks out in your neighborhood.

1. Overhanging Branches: During the windy conditions that exist during a forestfire, flames/sparks can travel from the tree to the roof of your home. Remove overhanging branches with a saw so they won't fall on your home and set the roof on fire.


2. Dead Leaves: Dead leaves that collect around your home can be fuel for an advancing fire. Make sure to rake-up your yard and dispose of the leaves in a way that prevents them from contributing to the fire's growth. Also, make sure dead leaves are removed from your roof and gutters.


3. Unmowed Lawn: The long, dead grass around your home provides a great path for fire to follow right to your front door. Mow your lawn regularly and don't allow your grass to become brittle and dry.

For more tips on protecting your home from forest fires...CLICK HERE

Ron Paul's Environmental Q&A

There has been a small debate on this blog about Ron Paul and his environmental policies. It all started when I created a post on the 2008 Candidates and their enviro-platforms. I neglected to include Paul, which drew criticism. So I searched his website for a description of his views on this subject and came up empty. The only information available was his voting record, which I posted. That was also criticised because Paul's votes can be misleading due to his Libertarian view of minimal government intervention. I did promise to continue searching for concrete descriptions of Paul's views and I have finally found what I was looking for.

The Internet environmental magazine Grist.com is interviewing each of the 2008 presidential candidates on their energy/environmental platform. They interviewed Ron Paul about a week ago. To read the full interview and hear a recorded portion of it, click HERE.


I have pasted below some highlights of the interview that I found interesting. I hope this clears up some of the confusion over where he stands on these issues.

• "The government shouldn't be directing research and development because they are bound and determined to always misdirect money to political cronies. The government ends up subsidizing things like the corn industry to develop ethanol and it turns out that it's not economically feasible. So, my answer to energy is to let the market work."


• "Private property owners have a much better record of taking care of the environment. If you look at the common ownership of the lands in the West, they're much more poorly treated than those that are privately owned. In a free-market system, nobody is permitted to pollute their neighbor's private property -- water, air, or land. It is very strict."


• "Certainly, any time there's injury to another person, another person's land, or another person's environment, there's [legal] recourse with the government. "


• "The EPA assumes you might do something wrong; it's a bureaucratic, intrusive approach and it favors those who have political connections."


• "When all forms of physical trespass, be that smoke, particulate matter, etc., are legally recognized for what they are -- a physical trespass upon the property and rights of another -- concerns about difficulty in suing the offending party will be largely diminished. When any such cases are known to be slam-dunk wins for the person whose property is being polluted, those doing the polluting will no longer persist in doing so. "


• "My favorite thing is riding bicycles, and at home my hobby is raising tomatoes. I live on the San Bernard River in Texas and I belong to an environmental group that works very, very hard to protect the natural aspects of that river."


• "I'm just always aware of doing anything damaging to the environment. I don't think I do anything that damages it at all. I don't ride my bike because I think I'm destroying the environment by driving my car; I ride it because it's a great way to be outdoors and enjoy the environment."

Green Thanksgiving Update

I wanted to add a quick update to the green thanksgiving blog post. I was searching through the internet and I stumbled on THESE biodegradeable cups, plates, forks and knives.

If you are serving dinner to more guests than you have plates, these are a GREAT alternative to buying traditional paper plates and plastic utensils/cups. They are actually not too expensive $8.00 for 50 plates and your guests will think so highly of you when you whip 'em out.

For the original Gree Thankgiving post, click HERE

GM's Green V.P.

The New York Times has a great article HERE about Lawrence D. Burns, the G.M. VP for research and development. He has, according to the Times, become the, "Most visible executive at the American auto companies on green issues."

Green Thanksgiving

Its not too early to start thinking about your Thanksgiving dinner. This year we're responsible for cooking while the rest of the family relaxes and watches football. I started thinking that maybe we could integrate some eco-thinking into the holiday, just to do something different.

I've put together some green Thanksgiving ideas that you and I can both try and compare notes after the big day. I don't know about you, but there is no way my family is eating a pile of tofu shaped into a turkey. So these suggestions should fit a standard American family.

1. Buy Local: Thanksgiving is essentially a celebration of the fall harvest. This doesn't mean buying frozen corn and peas flown in to your local grocery store. Grab your cloth bags and head down to the local farmer's market for some delicious winter squash, potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, collard greens, apples and pears. You can find your local market by going HERE.


2. Get a Free-Range Turkey: Besides being kinder to your future meal, buying a free-range turkey provides a bird that has moved about the yard guaranteeing a meatier, healthier cut.


3. Reduce Your Consumption: You are going to eat a ton of food on Thanksgiving. Its inevitable. Make sure that the dump doesn't end up as full as you do by recycling all that tin foil. Collect any glass and plastic bottles as well. Plus, make sure those day after sale circulars end up in the recycling bin. Since your home will warm up with guests and a hot oven, keep the lights dim and open the windows up to avoid running the A/C. Finally, Give away all the leftovers you know you won't finish to your guests.

Republicans Divided Over Warming

Global warming is, for some reason, a political issue. Like almost every part of American life, it has been hijacked by both political parties and used to energize their base of voters. Facts are skewed or ignored in order to incite more anger and confusion among the public.

I guess non-partisan issues just don't exist anymore.

Apparently global warming has been sliced and diced into so many political facets, even intra-party disputes have arisen.

Each Republican party presidential candidate has staked out a position on global warming. Some use the issue to make themselves appear more moderate, others use the issue to appear more conservative. For instance, John McCain is advocating both greenhouse gas emissions and higher fuel economy standards. Meanwhile, Rudy Giuliani and Mitt Romney prefer "clean coal" and utilization of other alternative energy sources.

As if all of this wasn't confusing enough, the effort to court Christian voters has lead former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee to form a platform of morally responsible environmental conservation.

I think many of these Republican candidates are losing sight of the bigger picture in their attempt to gain control of the global warming issue. While it is admirable that they believe some action is needed to confront global climate change, what we need is less pandering and more substance. By exactly how much are we going to increase fuel efficiency standards and carbon emission caps? What standards are we going to apply in determining what constitutes "clean coal" or "renewable energy sources?" What does moral conservation actually mean?

This is 2007, we need substance and a comprehensive plan for confronting global warming, not more politiking over how one candidate's global warming stance makes him more or less conservative.

Read the article here.

Carbon Offset Information

I recently received a comment on the blog regarding carbon offsets. The reader thought carbon offsets were a joke. Most of their argument revolved around Al Gore which diluted the message. What I think this reader was really expressing is their confusion and skepticism for carbon offsets.

To help alleviate some of the confusion over offsets and to give readers a better understanding of their purpose, I'll try to explain exactly what these things are

• WHAT THEY ARE:


• Carbon offsets are credits you can buy to voluntarily reduce the impact of your carbon creating behaviors. There are many organizations willing to sell carbon offset credits (see some HERE, HERE and HERE). Once you purchase the credit from one of these organizations, they will use your money to do a variety of things which reduce carbon levels.


• Some of the things done by organizations with the credit funds include: Reforestation, development of renewable energy plants, and expansion of energy conservation programs.


• Don't get confused, there is not necessarily a dollar for dollar, carbon emission for carbon emission decrease guaranteed for your credit purchase. You are merely contibuting to the cleaner environment effort.


• Some carbon offsets are used to collect and combust methane produced by farm animals and garbage dumps. Methane is thought to have a global warming potential 23 times that of carbon dioxide.


• Carbon offsets have been controversial because some organizations have not used funds the way they should.


• If you want to buy a carbon offset or contribute to an environmental organization that is working to reduce global warming, check out an organizations' credentials by going to Charity Navigator or read this article.

Making Organic Easy

Today's New York Times has an educational little piece about the 5 easiest things you can do to go organic. I found it so straight-forward and helpful, I'm going to paste some of it below.

If you want to read the full article go HERE.

1. Buy Organic Milk: People who switch to organic milk typically do so because they are concerned about the antibiotics, artificial hormones and pesticides used in the commercial dairy industry.


2. Potatoes: A 2006 U.S.D.A. test found 81 percent of potatoes tested still contained pesticides after being washed and peeled, and the potato has one of the the highest pesticide contents of 43 fruits and vegetables tested.


3. Peanut Butter: More than 99 percent of peanut farms use conventional farming practices, including the use of fungicide to treat mold, a common problem in peanut crops.


4. Ketchup: Notably, recent research has shown organic ketchup has about double the antioxidants of conventional ketchup.


5. Apples: Apples are also one of the most pesticide-contaminated fruits and vegetables. The good news is that organic apples are easy to find in regular grocery stores.

Green Fast Food Tricks

Fast food is something to avoid. The name itself indicates an unsatisfying and utilitarian type of "nutrition." Unfortunately, with tight time schedules and unplanned events, fast food can be unavoidable. So on those days when you need something quick, or you crave some greasy treats, use these tips to make it easy on the earth.

1. Park and walk: While you're sitting in your car with the engine running and the A/C blasting, you are getting 0 Miles/Gallon. You are just burning fuel and polluting the air. Park your car, walk inside the restaurant, and reduce your carbon footprint.
2. Reject Excess Packaging: Fast food restaurants are famous for piling on the unnecessary packaging. There's the bag, the excess napkins, the extra ketchup packets, the lid, the straws, etc. All that stuff ends up in the landfill eventually. Order your food "for here" even if it is "to go." You'll get just what you need and nothing you don't. If you're getting a lot of food, just toss it in your cloth grocery bag. Avoid anything made of Styrofoam or plastic too.
   
3. Bring Your Own Utensils: If you're getting a salad, avoid taking the plastic utensils you're offered. You're just taking the salad with you back to work or home. Utilize re-usable utensils.
   

I won't go into a huge discussion about the impact fast food restaurants and their products have on the environment. But it is pretty rough. Try to eat homemade meals as often as possible. If you do have to grab some grub, try to diminish the impact.

Green Weekend Plans

Autumn is the best time to get outside and enjoy cool breezes and great events. Everything about Fall is unique from the flavors of pumpkin, nutmeg and cider to the warm colors of orange, tan and brown. It is all an invitation to appreciate the world around you.

This weekend there are lots of great things going on to get you out of the house. If you live in Michigan, the cider-mills are in full swing, bringing with them the fun of Cider-Mill Festivals. Don't miss the apple picking, homemade donut making, scarecrow building, pumpkin carving and hay riding. For a complete list of cider mills and events go HERE.

Oktoberfest is a nation-wide phenomenon. The event is most famous in Bavaria, Germany where almost six-million people attend each year. Although traditionally the festival is held in the first few days of October, many American events occur this weekend. The best part of Oktoberfest is the beer and great German food. THIS website provides details about Oktoberfest parties all over North America and some advice on how throw your own party at home.

Farmers' Markets are more fun in the Fall when lots of new seasonal fruits and vegetables are featured. Carrots, sweet potatoes, greens, turnips, avocados, and, of course, pumpkin are common autumn vegetables. HERE is an interesting recipe for Butternut Squash Risotto.

This weekend in Washington, DC the Global Exchange and Co-Op America is hosting a GreenFestival at the Washington Convention Center. There will be lots of eco-friendly shopping, food, beer, and ideas. You can hear speakers address the best way to invest your money so that it enriches the environmenta nd you. There will be live music and crafts for kids. I'm going, so I'll let you know if its actually any good. You can read more about it HERE.

And there is a ton of great football and the baseball playoffs and so on. Plus, now is the time to plant bulbs for Spring growth. Find out which ones HERE. Whatever you do this weekend, make sure you get out of the house and enjoy the great change in season.

Hillary On the Sputnik Anniversary

I was invited to a Hillary Clinton speaking engagement this morning at the Carnegie Institute in DC. The speech was focused on today's 50th anniversary since the launch of Sputnik. Her speech highlighted the fact that although America has the knowledge, experience, and resources to lead the world in science and technology, we lack the leadership to coalesce these ingredients into real progress.

Many of the statistics Hillary cited in her speech I have heard before. Like the hundreds of thousands of jobs created in Germany thanks to a new green energy industry there. Or the enormous advantage China has over the U.S. thanks to greater investment in science and math education. And the halt of American scientific innovation because of poor funding and the politically motivated censorship of scientific thought.

The Politico.com did a great job of highlighting the speech. I will my favorite portions below and you can read their full story HERE.

Frankly, I was impressed with the serious and common sense approach Hillary took. I found her to be engaging and warm as well. I hope I have the opportunity to hear all the candidates discuss science and the environment soon.

FROM POLITICO.COM

"What America achieved after Sputnik is a symbol of what America can do now as we confront a new global economy, new environmental challenges, and the promise of new discoveries in medicine. America led in the 20th century. With new policies and a renewed commitment to scientific integrity and innovation, America is ready to lead in the 21st century."

President Clinton also would pursue "an ambitious 21st century space exploration program, by implementing a balanced strategy of robust human spaceflight, expanded robotic spaceflight, and enhanced space science activities." And she would establish a "$50-billion Strategic Energy Fund to invest in technologies to promote conservation, combat global warming, and reduce our dependence on foreign oil."

Rescind President Bush's ban on ethical embryonic stem cell research and promotes stem cell research that complies with the highest ethical standards. Ban political appointees from altering or removing scientific conclusions in government publications without any legitimate basis for doing so, and prohibits unwarranted suppression of public statements by government scientists.

Your Organic Dog

I always try to re-use those plastic grocery bags for doggie poop bags. But the problem is, I'm moving away from plastic grocery bags in favor of re-useable cloth bags. So once my plastic grocery bag supply dries up and I'm left with out poop bags, what do I do?

Here are some different products if you have a dog and you want it to be as renewable as your are.

1. Biodegradable Doggie Poop Bags: "BioBags" brag that their poop sacks breakdown in the dump so you don't mummify your dog's waste for all of eternity. You can buy some HERE
2. Hemp Leash and Collar: These 100% hemp collars and leashes are organic do not contain any synthetic bleaches or dyes. There are four eco-tastic colors to choose from. Buy them HERE
3. Organic Dog Food: Of course we can't forget about Newman's Own organic pet food. The products do not contain ANY wheat glutens or rice protein concentrate and they are all made in the United States. Check it out HERE
   

Green Fashionistas

Aren't you tired of wearing the same thing everybody else is wearing? Aren't you bored with the same old options? Wouldn't it be great if you could combine your love for clothing with your love of the environment?

Its getting easier and easier to make yourself standout with eco-friendly clothing that also gives you new fashion options. Sales of organic cotton grew from $86 million in 2001 to $275 million in 2005. This increase has caught the attention of retailers and designers.

This fall, Timberland and Patagonia is selling a Polartec Powder Dry Fleece made by Malden Mills and manufactured from recycled soda bottles. Patagonia is also extending its line of products made from chlorine-free wool base fibers. Timberland is adding labels to its shoes so consumers know exactly what their products are made of. For more information click HERE.

Planet Earth Clothing sells mens streetwear including sweatshirts, jeans and t-shirts. The clothing is made of organic cotton, hemp and recycled plastic bottles. The prices are competitive and all of the clothing looks extremely comfortable.

Simple Shoes is a shoe company that prides itself on its commitment to sustainable and hip design. "Finding materials and processes that make our products sustainable is a method we call Green Toe. It isn't a magical formula, or a cure. It is a compass that, we hope, points to a bright green future." I am particularly fond of the "Stop Global Warming Topeeka" and the "Men's Loaf."

Of course, the greenest outfit is one you pull from your existing collection because it requires no new resources to create. If you're bored with your wardrobe, try extending its life by making changes to the cuts of the clothing or combining different looks.

CNN Planet In Peril Series

CNN has a page on the website where they have compiled a list of articles on the environmental challenges facing our world and our country.

Its an interesting combination of information on endangered species, habitat destruction, over-population, climate change, etc.

I would post about the article individually, but they are jam-packed with interesting information. Click HERE to check it out for yourself.

Ron Paul's Environmental Policies

Ron Paul supporters are his greatest campaign asset. They have taken to the internet to publicize his run and his views. After completing the 2008 Presidential Candidate environmental policy post, I got a complaint from a Ron Paul supporter because I failed to include Paul in my posting. I did so because I was trying to highlight the candidates currently leading in the polls. But because of the complaint, I will now post Ron Paul's environmental platform.

As an aside, the comment left by the supporter said something like, "What kind of idiot doesn't list Ron Paul???" I'm happy to admit when I've overlooked important information in my blog, but please have some class.

• Congressman Dr. Ron Paul: Click HERE for full information -
  
• Unfortunately, Ron Paul's campaign website doesn't feature a specific issue area or ANY information about his environmental policies or beliefs. The only place where I have been able to find out anything about his views on the environment was OnTheIssues.org where his voting history on the environment and energy are posted. I have pasted the record below.
• Voted NO on criminalizing oil cartels like OPEC. (May 2007)
• Voted NO on removing oil & gas exploration subsidies. (Jan 2007)
• Voted NO on keeping moratorium on drilling for oil offshore. (Jun 2006)
• Voted YES on scheduling permitting for new oil refinieries. (Jun 2006)
• Voted NO on passage of the Bush Administration national energy policy. (Jun 2004)
• Voted NO on implementing Bush-Cheney national energy policy. (Nov 2003)
• Voted NO on raising CAFE standards; incentives for alternative fuels. (Aug 2001)
• Voted NO on prohibiting oil drilling & development in ANWR. (Aug 2001)
• Voted NO on starting implementation of Kyoto Protocol. (Jun 2000)
• Repeal the gas tax. (May 2001)
• Voted NO on increasing AMTRAK funding by adding $214M to $900M. (Jun 2006)
• Voted YES on barring website promoting Yucca Mountain nuclear waste dump. (May 2006)
• Voted NO on speeding up approval of forest thinning projects. (Nov 2003)
• Rated 5% by the LCV, indicating anti-environment votes. (Dec 2003)

2008 Candidate Environmental Policies, Part II

Yesterday I went through the 3 leading Democratic candidates' platform on the environment. Today I will go through the leading Republican candidates' platform on the environment. Because the Republican race is more fluid at this point, I will do my best to cover McCain, Giuliani, Romney, Thompson, and Huckabee's views.

As a side note, both the Democrats and the Republicans focus almost exclusively on ensuring new energy sources and reducing dependence on foreign oil. I appreciate this concern and understand the emphasis on this issue at times such as these. However, we protect our domestic environment so that our water is clean, our food is safe, our air is breathable, our surroundings can protect us, etc. In the heat of the moment, we cannot forget that protecting the environment means addressing a wide-array of various important issues.

• Senator John McCain: Click HERE for full information
  
• Ensure clean air, safe and healthy water, sustainable land use, ample green space. Protect "Natural Treasures" and the US Park System.
  
• America's economic prospects depend on a sustainable use of ample and unspoiled natural resources.
• Limit carbon emissions by utilizing market focused tools that help make new technologies, such as nuclear energy, available sooner.
  
• Reduce America's dependence on foreign oil while making sure other nations are doing their share to protect the environment.
  
• Former Mayor Rudy Giuliani: Click HERE for full information
  
• Diversify America's energy portfolio through the development of ethanol and bio-fuels, nuclear energy, and solar/wind energy
• Expanding the use of clean coal technologies, like carbon sequestration (holding the carbon in the ground after its production in the energy creation process).
  
• Increase natural gas use in truck and bus fleets. Use "environmentally friendly" techniques for accessing natural gas in Mexico and Canada.
  
• Improve the nation's energy infrastructure with the addition of more oil refineries, nuclear reactors, transmission lines and renewable energy facilities. Do this by streamlining the regulatory process, cutting the "red tape," investing in a "smart grid," and creating better batteries for improved energy storage.
• Encourage Americans and the government to make more energy efficient decisions while not affecting our economic standing in the world or adjusting our standard of living.
  
• Creation of an "Energy Stat" which will monitor energy independence and climate change and the effective management of each. The Energy Stat will be available to all Americans so they may hold government accountable for its failure to make improvements.
  
• Former Governor Mitt Romney: Click HERE for full information
  
• Mitt Romney's environmental/energy page is sparse. I'll just quote him below.
• "We're using too much oil," Romney said. "We have an answer. We can use alternative sources of energy -- biodiesel, ethanol, nuclear power -- and we can drill for more oil here. We can be more energy independent and we can be far more efficient in the use of that energy."
• There is also a video on the page featuring a speech by Governor Romney to the Detroit Economic Club on the need to improve vehicle fuel effecincy standards after he gathers a team of experts to re-evaluate the current system for setting fuel efficiency standards.
• There is a section of his website that briefly addresses the need for more investment in the development of energy technologies.
• Former Senator Fred Thompson: Click HERE for full information
  
• Thompson states clearly that we "Don't know for certain why climate change is occurring." He says that all the different available energy options should be on the table.
• He believes in taking steps to curb carbon emissions without "harming the economy." I do wonder how the development of new technologies, which will create several new jobs and a whole new American industry, could negatively affect the economy.
• Increase domestic supplies of oil, reduces demand for oil and gas, and promote alternative fuels and other diverse energy sources.
• Invest in renewable and alternative fuels to promote greater energy independence and a cleaner environment.
• Create an energy policy that invests in the advanced technologies of tomorrow and places more emphasis on conservation and energy efficiency.
• Conducting research and development into technologies that improve the environment, especially the reduction of CO2 emissions.
• Former Governor Mike Huckabee: Click HERE for full information
  
• Pledges, as the first thing he will do as President, to send Congress his "comprehensive independent energy bill."
• I certainly appreciate Huckabee's strong, aggressive language on energy reform. Unfortunately, there is a lot of chest thumping and very little substance. I'll just quote the substantive paragraph below.
• "We have to explore, we have to conserve, and we have to pursue all avenues of alternative energy: nuclear, wind, solar, hydrogen, clean coal, biodiesel, and biomass. Some will come from our farms and some will come from our laboratories. Dwindling supplies and increasing demand from newly-industrialized countries of fossil fuels are driving up prices. These price increases will facilitate innovation and the opportunity for independence. We will remove red tape that slows innovation. We will set aside a federal research and development budget that will be matched by the private sector to seek the best new products in alternative fuels. Our free market will sort out what makes the most sense economically and will reward consumer preferences."

• 
  

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