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#071 TRANSPORTATION Original Air Date 1/9/07 TRT 57:00
NEWS segment features articles on “Sustainable Today” featuring our program in the Portland Tribune; Federal Court strikes down the Bush Administrations strategy to reduce smog; Articles on alternative transportation, Genetically modified e-coli enzyme that can break down cellulose for conversion to bio-fuels; Air travel shown to be large contributor to greenhouse gasses; Britain pledges to reduce carbon by 60%, institutes a system for carbon rationing; Oregon makes sustainability a part of its economic platform.
Rich Cassidy is the director of transportation options for the City of Portland. Highlights alternate transportation options such as mass transit, walking, bicycling, energy efficient cars including flex car and hybrid and electric vehicles. Describes a number of programs the city has implemented to motivate people to leave the car in the garage.
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: Buzz Duell of MC Electric Vehicles in Portland show what kinds of Electric Vehicles are available and street legal today.
INTERVIEW continues with Rich Cassidy
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT features PECI (Portland Energy Conservation Inc) Non-profit consulting firm that won the 2007 BEST award from the City of Portland for the most employees using alternative transportation.
CALL TO ACTION
1. For short trips walk
or bike
2. Get a pedometer and
walk
10,000 steps a day
3. Use alternative
transport
to commute to work once or twice per month.
4. Combine trips & car
pool when driving
5. Help someone else use
alternate transport
6. Ask HR if they have
incentives
7. Buy the most fuel
efficient
vehicle
#072 WASTE Original Air Date 2/13/07 TRT 57:45
Hosted by Marsha only (Darcy on vacation)
NEWS: Fire regardant PVBDE turning up in human bodies; Lots of action regarding global warming and carbon capping in congress; Oregon Bottle Bill will now cover plastic water bottles;
INTERVIEW with Wayne Rifer, Rifer Environmental & Jeff Omelchuck of the Green Electronic Council and Zero Waste Alliance. Discussion includes the state of our waste management systems today, what is and is not waste and the use of recycling and the newer phenomena of PRE-Cycling.
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: Northwest Earth Institute shows how to PRE-Cycle through demonstration and a visit to the supermarket.
INTERVIEW continues with a special focus on the growing problem of electronic waste. What gets land filled, and worse gets shipped overseas where it contributes to environment degradation and health problems in the third world.
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: CTL (Computer Technology Link) Computer company in Portland that produces recyclable and energy efficient computers and their companion company Retronics that takes in, disassembles and properly disposes of a variety of electronic products.
CALL TO ACTION:
Call Metro Hotline to see
where you can recycle things that are not curbside recyclable.
Take old rechargeable
batteries
back to the store.
Buy computers on the EPEAT
list
Turn off computer and
remove
wall mounted power supplies when not in use.
#073 WATER Original Air Date 3/13/07 TRT 55:30
NEWS: Global Warming declared real and that human activity is very likes the cause of the rise in temperature; The high cost of cheap coal (Newsweek); European Union sets climate change targets, cut greenhouse gasses by 20%; April “Step It Up 07 campaign; California introduces the “how many legislators does it take to change a light bulb act” promotes use of Compact Fluorescent Bulbs; EPA Certification of people who do landscaping & irrigation work; Bank of America dedicates 18 billion to develop green products and discounts on mortgages for green projects; PCBs in the Willamette River show up in fish; Olympic length triathalon reconsiders swimming in Willamette.
NOTE at about 7:30 on the counter there is an announcement for new air times for Sustainable Today that are not relevant to your playback.
INTERVIEW with Kim
Swan,
Water Environmental Co-Ordinator for South Fork Water Board serving
Oregon
City and West Linn. Talks about finding water sources for
the
area, how to conserve water and guard against pollution that may
threaten
the supply.
Also about water problems
world wide and the finite limit of water supplies.
Discussion
includes how water gets used and when and how to combat shortages.
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: DaVinci Arts Middle School Water Garden Project. Students teachers and community members build and demonstrate a storm water run-off system that creates habitat, people space, and water purification techniques.
INTERVIEW continues with Kim Swan focuses on water conservation and water pollution protection. Includes two calls from the public. Discusses how to insure your drinking water remains clean.
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: DeSantis Landscaping... Xeriscaping Demonstrates sustainable development techniques to handle storm water run-off and on-site conservation and natural purification.
CALL TO ACTION:
HOME
Disconnect down spouts
onto
pervious surfaces
Use drought-resistant
plants
Avoid pesticides and
synthetic
fertilizers
Let your lawn go brown in
summer (it’ll come back)
Buy water and energy
saving
appliances (low flow toilets & showers)
Stop drips and leaks
Time your Showers
WORK
Manage storm water runoff
Use water friendly
cleaning
products and chemicals in the workplace
Dispose of toxic
substances
properly
#074 DEVELOPMENT Original Air Date 4/7/07 TRT 57:00
NEWS: Supreme Court ruling that requires the EPA to consider carbon and CO2 as an air pollutant; Motor Trend article on different types of eco-friendly cars; Realtors listing service includes green attributes of homes for sale;
INTERVIEW with Tim Smith from SERA Architects about Urban Design and smart growth principles. Why does growth happen and why is it so problematic, the state of urban growth worldwide, growth factors and suburbia versus city living. How growth and development went wrong in the past an what we can do to re-develop or newly develop communities more sustainably.
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: The re-development of Columbia Villa in North Portland. A 1950's suburban community to support shipyard workers that declined into a low income ghetto. Marcy McInelly of Urbs Works planned the redevelopment and takes us on a tour of how they built this into a viable sustainable community now known as New Columbia.
INTERVIEW continues with Tim Smith. How do you fix up a community that is already in existence, and what makes a viable community and what are the advantages of it.
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: The City Repair Project is a non-profit organization that encourages, educates and executes neighborhood unification projects such as community spaces and places for people to gather and interact. Highlights a 10 day event called Village Building Convergence.
CALL TO ACTION:
HOME
Develop public spaces
where
people can get to know each other.
Find space for a community
garden.
Host a discussion course
Participate in your
neighborhood
association
Attend public hearings
that
relate to development in your area
WORK
Choose employment near
your
home (or vice versa)
Ask your employer to
provide
incentives for alternative transportation
When re-locating, choose
a site accessible by serval modes of transportation
Get together with other
organizations to identify and solve shared challenges.
#075 CLIMATE CHANGE Original Air Date 5/5/07 TRT 57:00
NEWS: New York Times, America needs to become the greenest nation possible to combat Terrorism, Temperature, & Jobs; Newsweek, Schwarzenegger pushes green legislation in California, create a west-coast carbon cap and trade system; New home development in Oregon with solar and PSU rooftop wind turbine experiments; Video voice-over of “Face It” rally held in downtown Portland with soundbite from Erik Sten, Portland City Commissioner.
INTERVIEW: Michael Armstrong Portland office of Sustainable Development. Discusses the state of the science is on the subject of Global Warming. Progress report on Portland and the State of Oregon. What contributes to greenhouse gasses beyond the obvious burning of fossil fuel. Social and economic implication of escalating fuel prices and how that impacts climate change.
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: Coverage of Portland’s Earth Day celebration and the history of the event.
INTERVIEW adds Craig Diamond, from the Climate Trust, an organization that tracks and co-ordinates carbon offsets as a way to reduce the amount of carbon produced overall. Specifically, an entity pays someone to reduce carbon production on someone elses behalf. Discusses the voluntary market and the regulatory market for offsets, the state of cap and trade requirements and participation, and how to get involved. Also discussed are carbon taxes.
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: Blue Heron Paper Company used Climate and Energy trust funds to reduce energy consumption and increase the use of recycled materials to produce needed products.
CALL TO ACTION:
HOME
Insulate your home and
seal
air leaks
When buying new heating
systems & appliances select Energy Star & the most efficient.
Use a fan instead of air
conditioning.
Change to compact
florescent
bulbs
Walk an bike instead of
driving
When driving select the
most fuel efficient vehicles
Fly less and/or offset
your
emissions by buying carbon credits
Sign up for green power
from your electric company.
Eat locally and
organically
grown food.
Calculate your greenhouse
gas emissions (carboncounter.org)
WORK
Conduct an energy audit
and act on the results
Purchase green power
Reduce business travel
Commute using alternative
methods other than cars
Conduct a greenhouse gas
inventory and set a goal to become carbon neutral over time.
#076 TOXICS Original Air Date 6/9/07 TRT 56:30
NEWS: Global rate of greenhouse gas increase is accelerating; Europe is level or dropping; Portland is dropping; Oregon passed energy bill that requires 25% of energy to come from renewable sources (solar or wind) by 2025; Common household chemicals are now linked to breast cancer; Bad air linked to low birth weight; PCBs showing up in water and now Osprey (we already know about fish); Caffeine is showing up in water along with pharmaceuticals including anti-depressants.
INTERVIEW with Molly
Chidsey,
Pollution and Waste Prevention from Multnomah County. Molly
focuses
her work primarily on toxics reduction. Discussion revolves
around
the body burden of chemicals that can be found in the human body and
how
it gets there.
What the government and
regulators require and do not require when considering basic health and
safety testing of products.
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT:
Oregon
Environmental Council and the Eco-Healthy Childcare.
25 “best practices”
recommendations are offered to childcare providers and homemakers to
keep
toxic substances out of children’s environments. ST
tours
the Rowanberry pre-school to see how they have implemented the
recommendation.
INTERVIEW continues with Molly Chidsey. Discussion revolves around the state of the toxics reduction efforts and clean technology. How businesses and industry is choosing alternatives or making products without toxics. How can you avoid toxic products.
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: Commercially produced soap and other personal care products can contain toxics. ST visits the Oregon Soap Company which produces an all natural, all organic completely toxin free soap.
CALL TO ACTION:
HOME
Switch to non-toxic,
bio-based
cleaning products
Use non-toxic furnishings
and building products
Use products as directed
Dispose of materials
properly
Research your purchases
Buy Organic foods to avoid
high level pesticide residue foods (The EWG dirty dozen)
WORK
Start a recycling system
that allows employees to bring difficult to recycle items to add to the
company waste stream.
Ask your janitorial
service
to use green cleaning products.
When remodeling use low
VOC materials
Do a chemical inventory,
Find alternatives, Have up-to-date MSD’s
#077 ORGANIC PRODUCE Original Air Date 7/14/07 TRT 58:30
NEWS: New York Times article about “Climate Counts” a chart which rates products on the basis of climate performance; City in Sweden strives to eliminate fossil fuels from the city; Declining bird population due to habitat loss and pollution; EPA is required to test chemical for endocrine disruptors finally tests 73 pesticides; EPA is now enforcing the release of formaldehyde regulations.
INTERVIEW Chris Schreiner, Quality Control Director for Oregon Tilth. Chris explains what Oregon Tilth is and what they do beyond certifying organic foods and producers and their products. Discussed is the growth of giant agri-businesses and why this produces environmental problems. Stresses the expansion of organic and local food production. Discusses Genetically Modified Organisms and the dangers they pose including the terminator gene.
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: The Organic Seed Supply Industry. ST visits the Wild Garden Seed Company and explores the role of the Organic Seed Alliance. The goal is to preserve organic resources for use by farmers to develop the open source market for organic seed.
INTERVIEW continues with Chris Schreiner. Discussed is what is meant by and required to bear the label “Organic.” Also why organic food is currently more expensive than conventionally grown and likely will become less so over time. Some issues include yields and other conventional versus organic choices.
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) ST visits the Birds and Bees community farm which is a non-profit public land trust farm where customers sign up and pay a monthly fee to receive fresh, locally and organically grown produce straight from the farm.
CALL TO ACTION
HOME
Join a CSA
Buy local and Buy organic
Ask your grocer where the
produce comes from
Grow your own
WORK
Source organic for work
supplied food.
Get work food service to
support local, sustainable and organic products.
Create a significant
demand
and market opportunities to encourage ongoing growth in the organic
sector.
#078 HUNGER Original Air Date 8/03/07 TRT: 58:30
NEWS: Nature magazine publishes a study that shows how climate change affects where the weather patterns have changed bringing more rain to Great Britan and less to other parts of the world. Oregonian: Palm Desert establishes a policy for reducing energy use by 30% in 5 years. Globe & Mail: A Town in Canada bans the use of lawn chemicals. Oakland Tribune: Impact of the farm bill and the process which is currently being negotiated.
INTERVIEW: Ann Forsthoefel, representative from the Oregon Food Bank, explains the food bank and what it does. Anna talks about why there are people with “Food Insecurity” in the US. Economic and job security and food quality issues are discussed along with the scope of the problem. Food insecurity costs the nation $90 billion per year. Side impacts involve education and developmental problems. The relationship between hunger and environmental issues are also addressed.
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: Kids Café, a food service provided by Second Harvest at the Boys and Girls Club in Portland. What they do and why feeding the children who attend the Club is important. Features kids who volunteer to prepare and serve food.
INTERVIEW: Continues with Ann Forsthoefel. Programs run by the Food Bank beyond the collection and distribution of food. Gardening, Cooking and nutrition classes that are offered.
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: Peoples Co-Op. A food co-operative that has operated in Portland for 37 years, working hard with local farmers and organic suppliers to provide high quality nutritional food at low prices.
CALL TO ACTION:
HOME
• Add a row to your garden
and give the produce to the Food Bank
• Participate in food
drives
and activities
• Investigate nutrition
practices at school and encourage more use of fruits and vegetables.
• Plant an edible landscape
• Help neighbors pick
fruit
and nuts and donate them
• Buy local to support
family
wage jobs
• Drive less to reduce the
use of biofuels
WORK
• Pay a living wage and
provide benefits to all employees.
• Let employees volunteer
at your local food pantry.
• Encourage employee
giving
programs
• Organize a food or fund
drive
• Investigate food rescue
programs
#079 BIOFUELS Original Air Date 9/08/07 TRT: 58:30
NEWS: Newsweek Article about “Global Warming is a Hoax” which dissects the strategy of those who still reject the evidence. “Popular Science” environmental problems with widening deserts and water shortages and nitrogen in soils that cause dead zones. California lawsuit that ruled that trash haulers, school and city bus lines and other publicly funded fleets can be required to by low polluting fuel.
INTERVIEW: Gavin Carpenter, Sequential Biofuels and Randy Leonard, Portland City Commissioner discuss the use of biofuels. What are they, how can we use them what are the problems... Leonard talks about Portland’s legislation to require 5% biodiesel content in all diesel fuel sold inside the City.
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: ST Follows the trail of Biodiesel production from the farm (Madison Farms in Eco Oregon) To the processing plant (SeQuential Pacific Biofuels in Salem, OR) To the distributor (Star Oilco Portland, OR) to the pump (Jays Garage Portland)
INTERVIEW: Gavin and
Randy
continue to discuss foreign production of biofuels in Argentina and the
use of palm oil shipped from the third world to US processing plants.
Also the use of
genetically
modified crops to produce feedstock. How to supply the growing
demand
and to truly replace fossil oil, and finally the production of new
vehicles
designed to run on Biodiesel and Ethanol.
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: Do It Yourself Biodiesel. The Biodiesel Co-operative and Portland Community College team up to run a class on how to make your own.
CALL TO ACTION
HOME
• Drive Less
• Buy the most fuel
efficient
vehicle that meets your needs
• Choose a diesel or
flexible
fuel vehicle to take advantage of emerging biofuels.
• Use biofuels (E85 and
Biodiesel) that come from sustainable feedstock
• When you dine at a
restaurant
that uses lots of oil, ask if the recycle it for biofuel.
WORK
• Promote the use of
public
transportation for commuting and business travel.
• Implement policies that
reduce the need for business travel and encourage employees to use the
smallest, most fuel efficient vehicle that meets their needs for each
trip.
• If you have fleet
vehicles,
purchase the most fuel efficient vehicles that will meet your needs,
and
use alternative fuels where possible.
• Use a service like
FlexCar
as your fleet and allow employees to use them for errands during the
day
to support their use of alternative transportation.
• Offer incentives to help
employees buy fuel-efficient vehicles and put a fueling station on
site.
(Gavin has example.)
• If you’re in Oregon,
take
advantage of the Business Energy Tax Credit (BETC)
#0710 HEALTH CARE Original Air Date 10/13/07 TRT: 58:30
NEWS: Cornell study determines 40% of all deaths are related to pollution issues. Water borne infections account for 80% of all infectious diseases. Global warming influences parasite evolution resulting in the re-emergence of tuberculosis, influenza and new diseases such as West Nile and Lyme disease. California Public Health reports a connection between pesticides and autism. Good news, a bio-based manufacturer is making toys out of dextrose. Toys made of sugar every kids dream.
INTERVIEW: Former Governor of the State of Oregon John Kitzhaber discusses health care reform. Gov Kitzhaber was instrumental in implementing the Oregon Health Plan for Kids. He discusses the political, economic and environmental impacts of health care on our society and outlines his plan for a shift in thinking about how we take care of our health in this country. He founded the Archimedes movement and describes how it will fuel the necessary debate.
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: Fanno Creek Medical Clinic, Perhaps the first medical clinic in Oregon to utilize solar panels to off-set their electricity expense, they also provide cash incentives to their employees for practicing conservation at home, work to help insure that our elementary schools stay open, and they will not abandon you if you need to go on medicare.
INTERVIEW: Continues with John Kitzhaber. The use of the ER as a source of healthcare and what’s being done about it... Efforts to provide better preventative care... Models nationally and internationally for workable healthcare systems... and major projects for reform are discussed.
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: The Southwest Community Health Care Center is one of a few Safety Net" clinics in the Portland area, established primarily to catch patients who fall between the cracks. Funded by grants and donations and staffed by volunteers the organization seeks to provide acute care for the uninsured to avoid that costly trip to the emergency room.
CALL TO ACTION:
Slightly different format
for this program. Governor Kitzhaber talks about preventative
measures,
immunizations, Health Savings Accounts and taking a more proactive
stance
with regard to healthy behavior.
#0711 SALMON Original Air Date 11/10/07 TRT: 58:30
NEWS: Oregonian Icemelt in Greenland faster than predicted. A total melt will raise sea levels by 23 feet and effects on air flows will result in a drier California and wetter Oregon. Oregonian: Story about the use of lead in garden hoses. The Independent (Britain) relates exposure to lead as children and the crime rate when those children grow up 20 years later. Lead has long been known to cause brain damage that can lead to criminal and aggressive behavior. National Geographic: Issue on the comparison of various biofuels and their production and the future use of algae as a source of biofuel.
INTERVIEW: Spencer Beebe, President of ecotrust and Guyido Rahr, President CEO of The Wild Salmon center, discuss their organizations efforts to protect and restore salmon stocks. Also the state of Salmon in the world and in the Northwest. They discuss the importance of salmon and what the impact of their loss will have on the environment, economy and culture both locally and internationally.
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: Oxbow Salmon Festival: Every year Metro and the Columbia River Intertribal Fish Commission join forces to celebrate the return of the salmon to the Sandy River in Oregon. Sadly in recent years, fewer and fewer fall Chinook manage to make it home again. This year, more than ever, the Salmon Festival at Oxbow Park plays a significant role in capturing the public’s attention and focuses it on why salmon are so important and what we as individuals can do to help.
INTERVIEW: Continues, with the thinks that are currently being done to restore the salmon runs, what is working and what is not. The effects of farming salmon, the process and the consequences, and about the commercial harvesting of salmon, its impact on the economy and the species.
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: Portland General Electrics decision to remove Marmot dam on the Sand and Little Sandy rivers and restore those watersheds to free flowing natural streams after 95 years of blockage for power generation.
CALL TO ACTION:
HOME
• Eat wild salmon
• Ask for wild or
certified
fish at restaurants (marine Stewardship Council has lists of where to
buy
- http://www.msc.org/)
• Keep pollutants out of
your storm drain
• Get your omega 3
nutrients
from other sources (e.g. flax seed)
WORK
• Treat storm water on site
• Buy green power (to
reduce
mercury pollution)
• Conserve water
• Restaurants/food
services
0 use only certified fish
• Agriculture – grow crops
that need minimal water and chemical treatment
#0712 FINANCING SUSTAINABILITY Original Air Date 12/8/07 TRT: 58:30
News: Oregonian: Making a plug for meters. Man develops shelf-top meter that shows household (or business) energy consumption in dollars. Oregonian: Oregon stat attorney general sponsors a petition to the SEC to force public companies to disclose climate change risk. Washington Post: Walmart requires all suppliers to report greenhouse gas emissions. Buffalo News report about the growth of green collar jobs.
INTERVIEW: Glen Montgomery of the Oregon Economic and community Development and Lisa Adatto from the Oregon Business Association discuss the various way the state and local business can finance start-up companies in the “green industry.” And they highlight the potential for growth and their respective roles in promoting that growth. Various financial mechanisms include angel investors, venture capital, revolving funds and banks.
BUSINESS
SPOTLIGHT:
Shore Bank Pacific, markets itself on sustainability and applies
criteria
for sustainability when businesses and organizations apply for loans.
We take a drive from
Portland
to Clatskanie in a “Flex Car”, one of the businesses Shore Bank helped
finance. The destination is the, currently under construction,
ethanol
plant another enterprise supported by Shore Bank. CEO David
Williams explains the bank’s philosophy.
INTERVIEW: Glen and Lisa continue with programs that invest in sustain ability-related industry. Also where people with good ideas and business plans can go to get help. Then Lisa explains the Oregon Business Association’s new “Sustain ability Angels” program. Finally they offer an analysis of the current financial climate and where the funding gap currently lies.
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: Tryon Life Community Farms. A case study of a non-profit startup trying to fun the purchase and preservation of a 7 acre farm adjacent to Tryon Creek State Park in Portland. They had 9 months to raise $1.6 million to rescue the land from developers. J. Brush explains how they pulled it off.
CALL TO ACTION:
HOME:
• Choose sustain ability
and socially responsible related investments.
• Bank with a company that
lends to sustain ability related projects of ventures.
• Patronize businesses
that
pursue sustain ability
• Invest in your own
home.
Weatherize, use renewable power and high efficiency appliances.
• Sign up for green power
programs
• If you heat with oil,
use biodiesel instead.
• Purchase carbon credits
or renewable energy credits to reduce your ecological footprint.
• Look for green Realtors
and homes with sustainable features when buying a house.
• Look for green mortgage
brokers and insurance companies.
WORK:
• Take advantage of tax
credits for projects related to energy efficiency, renewable energy,
recycling
and car pooling.
• Provide employees a
sustainable
option for the 401-K
• Invest in your
workspace:
Incorporate LEED standards into renovations and new construction.
• Establish a “green team”
to share information ans support sustainable business practices
• Support investments in
renewable energy
• Consider purchasing
carbon
offsets or renewable energy credits.
#0801 WIND POWER Original air date 1/12/08 TRT 58:30
News: SCIENCE
Magazine
report form Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Report on
UN climate conference in Bali. Us objections watered down the
reduction
goals. Wall Street Journal uses the word “Sustainable” in an
article
describing top global issues. No explanation of the word given so
it is assumed understood. USA Today reports 70% of
investors
check a company’s track record on social responsibility issues.
And
a Cannon Ad touts their efforts to reduce their carbon footprint.
The Oregon Business Leadership Conference focuses on ways to position
Oregon
vis a vis sustain ability.
And the new Australian
Prime
Minister promptly signs on to the Kyoto accords.
INTERVIEW: Rachel Shimshak from The Renewable Northwest Project and Troy Gagliano from enXco discuss what’s involved with large scale wind projects and why this sector is the fastest growing area of the renewable energy business. Social and economic benefits of wind power are examined and what are the down sides.
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: We visit the home of Warren and Elizabeth Griffin in Salem who have installed their own wind generator. Will George talks with them about how they went about it and how it has worked out for them.
INTERVIEW: Toby Kinkaid from Solardyne is introduced. Toby talks about his idea for a small scale silent and portable wind turbine that is more suitable for urban applications. The discussion continues with Rachel Shimshak about where and when small scale wind projects are practical and where people can find information about wind generators.
CALL TO ACTION:
HOME
• Reduce your need for
Energy:
• Insulate your home, Buy
compact fluorescent bulbs, Use “energy star” appliances.
• Calculate your carbon
footprint
• Sign up for Green Power
• Purchase carbon offsets
for the rest of your greenhouse gasses.
WORK
• Take advantage of tax
credits related to energy efficiency, renewable energy, recycling and
car-pooling.
• BECT in Oregon
• Invest in your workspace
• Incorporate LEED
standards
into major renovations and new construction
• Promote the fact that
you are buying Green Power
• Encourage customers and
suppliers to do the same.
• Consider purchasing
carbon
offsets or renewable energy credits.
#0802 WATER RESOURCES Original air date 2/8/08 TRT: 58:30
NEWS: Oregonian Article
about
Race and Environmentalism Over 1/3 of environmental groups and 1/5 of
green
government agencies do not have a single non-white person on the
staff.
FOCUS THE NATION event at University of Portland brought together
scholars,
students and government officials including Oregon’s governor Ted
Kulongoski.
This event was attended by many non-whites. Study from
Johns
Hopkins University concludes that what we consider normal aging might
be
tied to lead exposure many years before. Parade Magazine tested
33
lipsticks and found high lead content in half of them.
Pharmaceutical
companies are getting heat for prescription drugs being found in
rivers.
Water treatment systems don’t remove drugs. Oregonian
reports
a program whereby people can return unused prescriptions instead of
flushing
them down the toilet. Associated Press story about farmers
selling water to municipalities rather than use their rights to grow
crops.
Residents of Long Beach can’t run fountains and it is illegal to serve
water to customers in restaurants unless they ask for it. Orange
county is re-processing sewage back into drinking water. National
Geographic article about the “Drying of
the West?”
INTERVIEW: Lorna Stickel, resource planning manager for the Portland Water Bureau and project manager for the Regional Water Providers consortium is the guest industry expert. Lorna is asked about the growing concern about water supplies and the social and economic problems this presents. Discussed is population growth, climate change, cyclical drought and pollution. Later climate change is examined in detail and what the models portend for future supplies in the Northwest and worldwide.
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: (repeat) DaVinci Arts Middle School Water Garden Project. Students teachers and community members build and demonstrate a storm water run-off system that creates habitat, people space, and water purification techniques.
INTERVIEW continues with Lorna Stickel focuses on where our water in the Portland area comes from and what the forecasts are for future supply. Will we need new sources or will conservation be enough to counter climate change effects. Who uses most of the water and what practices and technologies are available to use water more conservatively? And finally the issue of water rights is explored and how they may need to be adjusted to compensate for shortages.
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: (repeat) DeSantis Landscaping... Xeriscaping Demonstrates sustainable development techniques to handle storm water run-off and on-site conservation and natural purification.
CALL TO ACTION
HOME:
• Improve the soil in your
garden
• Choose native plants
• Water to the weather
• Tune up the irrigation
system
• Use low-flow fixtures
• Time your showers (5
mins)
WORK:
• Use high efficiency
fixtures
• Convert to non-water
based
heating and cooling systems
• Graph and analyze water
usage
#0803 CLEAN TECH & JOBS Original Air Date 03/11/08 TRT:58:30
NEWS: House OK’s bill to increase fuel efficiency of cars. (But still lower than Europe or Japan) Oregonian: Local utility that generates 65% from coal announces it is backing away from pursuing new plants. Another bill in congress proposes $20.5 in loan guarantees for the nuclear industry, half that offered for renewables. International Journal of Cancer: Children living within 3 miles of a nuclear plant have twice the risk for leukemia. Oregonian: Governor wants to expand renewable energy tax credits. Goal is to create green collar jobs in Oregon and is credited with bringing Solar World, a manufacturing facility that will create 1000 new jobs.
INTERVIEW: Ron Pernick, Author of Clean Tech Revolution. And owner of “Clean Edge” talks about his company and the services they offer. What are clean technologies, and how fast the industry is growing are discussed. Ron explains that Clean Tech is not a fad, but an industry that is here to stay and what that means for the economy. He also talks about the kinds of businesses that will dissolve as newer technologies become available.
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: RJS Holdings / Robert Shields. Robert discusses his business model focused on bringing together diverse, sustainable entities and creating a holistic marketplace. He also shows us some of the unique technologies he is working with to bring innovative ideas to fruition such as, a Process to turn waste into diesel and he demonstrates a hydrogen fuel cell that increases gas mileage in conventional vehicles by injecting hydrogen into manifolds to reduce fuel consumption.
INTERVIEW: Ron Pernick continues his discussion of the most exciting and promising clean technologies, how they may change people’s lives and what obstacles or challenges are faced when implementing them. Ron also explains there is a dark side to new technologies and how to keep from making mistakes. He also gets into the implications for going local and job creation.
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: Oregon Public Broadcasting featured a group of community college students learning to be Wind Technicians in a recent Oregon Field Guide program. We are re-broadcasting that piece as an example of how clean technologies create a demand for jobs and what at least one school is doing to meet that demand.
CALL TO ACTION: Ron Pernick offers several suggestions for promoting and developing clean technologies in your home and businesses an how the government can assist in the effort. He talks about what is needed as well as what is in place and offers some valuable resources available to those who wish to investigate further.
#0804 CO-HOUSING Original air date 4/12/08 TRT: 58:30
NEWS: The Oregonian reports that fishing will be halted from Mexico to Oregon due to low fish populations. This may be the result of dead-zones created by global warming. The Washington Post reports two separate studies, which used models that take into affect how the oceans absorb CO2, The conclusion being that we’ll need to be climate neutral or close to it by mid century to avoid further warming. The Oregonian and Time magazine both published large articles siting 2 studies from the Journal of Science that concluded using corn and soy for fuel actually results in MORE carbon in the atmosphere because of the resulting forest clearing driven by the increased demand for fuel crops.
INTERVIEW with Terri Huggett manager of the Daybreak Co-housing Project and Gracie Kay, an architect who designed the Daybreak project and has experience with Co-housing in Europe. Terri and Grace explore what co-housing is and how it differs from other communal living situations and how it helps to create communities.
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT features the Peninsula Commons designed and built by Eli Spevak and Mark Lakeman (better know as the leader of City Repair Project) We see the actual living spaces and how they are laid out and constructed not only for energy efficiency but for privacy while existing in a community atmosphere.
INTERVIEW pt. 2 continues with a discussion of the social aspects of co-housing, what they call “Social Sustainability” Also explored are the challenges presented by living in close proximity to neighbors. One of the primary concerns is communication. Finally the success of existing projects and the adjustments that are being made in new ones to insure a vibrant community and a sustainable lifestyles.
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT Takes a look at a “different” sort of co-housing venture, that of housing for the homeless. Dave Samson , chairman of Dignity Village and reporter Nicole Lasage take a stroll through the Village and show us how 60 people can live together with little or no impact on the environment.
CALL TO ACTION
HOME
• Start a discussion
course
or use another mechanism for getting neighbors to know one another.
(Mention
NWEI)
• Start breaking bread
together.
Have a periodic potluck or shared meal. Take turns cooking.
• Take down fences. Some
neighborhoods have created shared spaces, connecting backyards.
• Start a tool lending
library.
• Do a City Repair project
together.
• Put out a bench to
encourage
neighbors to sit and talk.
Resources
Co-housing Association of
the United States www.cohousing.org
Intentional Communities,
www.ic.org
#0805 SOLAR POWER Original air date 5/10/08 TRT: 58:30
NEWS: Newsweek
dedicates
an issue to “leadership in the environment.” Reports 10 Fixes for
the Planet. Interesting new technologies include kite sails for
container
ships, solar technologies and electric cars. Businessweek
reports
than an Israeli entrepreneur wants Israel to produce electric cars with
interchangeable batteries.
The Oregonian reports that
the Bush administration finally approved a standard for greenhouse gas
emissions BUT it allows us to continue increasing emissions until 2025
THEN start cutting. The congress is taking a more aggressive
approach
by likely approving a cap and trade system, thereby cutting emissions
by
70% over then next 40 years. AND Earth day took place
again.
An estimated 5000 cruised booths selling green products, dodged stilt
walkers
and bobbed to music. The Sierra Club paraded electric cars and
SOLVE
organized 3000 volunteers for their annual clean up.
INTERVIEW: Christopher
Dymond
from the Oregon Department of energy discusses the mission and
what
services are offered, and answers the question, why is renewable energy
so important?
Solar is probably the
sexiest
form of renewable – it’s abundant, free, reliable (the sun always
rises)
– Christopher talks about the pros and cons of solar.
We also talk about where
solar is primarily used and whether or not Oregon has enough sun to
make
it viable.
Other questions include:
Given that solar is not cheaper than coal or oil based energy - why is
the state pursuing it? What is the end game for solar?
What’s been the trajectory
of this energy source? Is it growing as fast as other sources?
What
contribution does it make to the energy solution?
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: Features the solar for Schools program run by the non-profit Bonneville Environmental Foundation. Gordon Westfall shows us an installation at the Sunnyside Environmental School where panels are being installed and students get a first hand education about how it works.
INTERVIEW; Christopher Dymond continues with an explanation of the various ways we can capture solar energy. Also the state of solar technology and its contribution to an emerging new industry for Oregon and the nation.
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: Mr Sun Solar’s John Patterson shows us an installation at the Lake Oswego Veterinary Clinic and explains how the business of solar has changed over the years. Phil Jefferson reports, Then Gordon Westfall takes us to the Oregon Solar Energy Industries Association’s annual Solar Expo to talk to manufacturers installers and trainers about the future in Solar energy.
CALL TO ACTION
HOME:
• Do a site inspection of
your home to determine energy conservation upgrades
• Sign up for Green Power
to help foster the development of renewable energy sources.
• Take advantage of
passive
solar energy. Put heat absorbing materials behind south facing
windows.
• Investigate solar hot
water systems
WORK:
• Use solar hot water to
augment existing mechanical systems
• Investigate large scale
photovoltaic systems as a supplemental energy source
RESOURCES:
• Oregon Department of
Energy,
Business Energy Tax Credit & Residential Energy Tax Credit.
www.or.gov/energy
• Federal tax credits
www.dsireusa.org
• energytrust.org
• U of o Solar radiation
monitoring lab
• OSEIA.org
#0806 INVASIVE SPECIES Original air date 6/12/08 TRT: 58:30
NEWS: High price of
food
in the news USA Today & Gallup say that food prices are second to
gas
process as a concern. The inflation rate of food has been running
at over 5% the normal rate is 2.4% Eggs have risen 35% in
the
past 12 months.
Reason is increased
demand,
bad weather, high energy prices, diversion of food crop to fuel.
Currently 30% of corn crop goes to ethanol.
Oregonian discussed
Portland
fashion Week, fabrics made of hemp, bamboo and soy. Gap carries
organic
cotton and Walmart is the largest buyer of organic cotton.
Newsweek also reported on
a green fashion show sponsored by Earth Pledge. Green fashion is
currently
1% of the market and only 18% of consumers know it exists.
Another trend is the
shunning
of plastic bags. According to USA Today, Massachusetts is thinking
about
taxing them, Ireland did tax them and withing weeks consumption dropped
90%. Reno wants to ban them, San Francisco has banned them and
China
will ban them June 1, 2008. BUT the American chemistry Council
reminds
us that plastic bags take 40% less energy to produce and emits half the
green house gases versus paper bags. Solution... bring you
own bag.
INTERVIEW: Mark Sytsma of Lakes and Reservoirs is a Portland State University professor and the chairman of the Oregon Invasive Species Council. Mark explains what the council does and answers questions about the scope of the invasive species problem and its impact. He discusses specific problems in various geographic areas of the state and the different types of invasive species we are dealing with and where they come from.
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: The Atkinson Park Project in Oregon City is a volunteer efforts sponsored by the Center for a Sustainable Today. Its purpose is to rid the park of invasive and noxious plants without using pesticides or herbicide. Gordon Westfall interview Larry Potter, the Oregon City parks manager about the problem and the successful use of a dedicated citizenry to curb the problem.
INTERVIEW: Mark Sytsma continues the discussion of invasives by talking about how to prevent the importation and spread of invasives and how to successfully irradiated them without damage to the environment or native plants and animals. He also points out what eradication efforts have been successful and which have fallen short.
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: Jill Heimensen takes us on a visit to a 500 acre ranch outside Eugene where goats are employed to eradicate a blackberry invasion.
CALL TO ACTION
HOME:
• Learn the names of
plants
and animals around you. It helps you to appreciate nature and
makes
you better at spotting invaders.
• If you see plants or
animals
you think are invasive, take a picture if possible. Report new,
potentially
invasive, species to the 1 866 INVADERS hotline or online at
www.oregoninvasiveshotline.org
• Choose native plants for
landscaping or at least exotics without invasive characteristics:
abundant,
small seeds, early flowering, dispersal by vegetative propagation,
invasive
elsewhere.
• Volunteer at
restoration/invasive
species control events
• Don’t release pets
into nature, keep cats indoors
• Wash your boat
properly,
don't launch a dirty boat
• Clean seeds off
your boots after hiking
• Dry fishing gear after
use
• Never transport
agricultural
products illegally
RESOURCES
• Audubon
• Nature Conservancy
• No Ivy League
• Oregon Invasive Species
Council
• Extension services.
• SOLV
• OPB (special
Calendar for Activities. Summer events)
#0807 The BEST OF Sustainable Today Original air date 7/12/08 TRT: 58:30
Special Show videotaped at Atkinson Park in Oregon City. Marking the 20th Episode of Sustainable Today.
NEWS: Price of Energy
dominates
the news this month. Points out that energy underpins everything
in the economy. Good news is we are starting to do something
about
it. Ridership on mass transit has increased, migration from suburbs
back
to the city (from the Wall Street Journal)
Portland held a “Carless”
event blocking of 6 mile loop of urban streets to car traffic allowing
only pedestrians and bicycles for about 4 hours on a Sunday.
Time magazine reports
about
the growth of bike sharing. Very popular in Europe, Paris has 20,000
bikes
that you can pick up and drop off anywhere
Turning waste into energy
is becoming more widespread, “Sustainable Industries” reports that
waste
plants in Europe are clean and are located in urban areas. By
contrast
Seattle sends a mile long train to the Eastern Oregon landfill every
day.
But in Marion county a waste to energy plant processes 500 tons of
waste
and produces 13 megawatts of electricity earning $4.5 million per year.
BIOFUELS: ST Follows the trail of Biodiesel production from the farm (Madison Farms in Eco Oregon) To the processing plant (SeQuential Pacific Biofuels in Salem, OR) To the distributor (Star Oilco Portland, OR) to the pump (Jays Garage Portland)
Miss Earth pageant contestants help with removal of invasive species from the park. Atkinson park is a pesticide and herbicide free park maintained by volunteers and organized by the Center for a Sustainable Today.
SALMON: Portland General Electrics decision to remove Marmot dam on the Sand and Little Sandy rivers and restore those watersheds to free flowing natural streams after 95 years of blockage for power generation.
ORGANIC SEED ALLIANCE: The Organic Seed Supply Industry. ST visits the Wild Garden Seed Company and explores the role of the Organic Seed Alliance. The goal is to preserve organic resources for use by farmers to develop the open source market for organic seed.
INTERVIEW: Winners of the 2007 Miss Earth International and Miss Earth USA talk about their organization and the purpose of the contest called “Beauties with a Cause.” National winners compete in the Phillippines for the title of Miss Earth International, all the while calling attention to environmental concerns and pitching in to alleviate some of the problems.
ELECTRONIC WASTE: CTL (Computer Technology Link) Computer company in Portland that produces recyclable and energy efficient computers and their companion company Retronics that takes in, disassembles and properly disposes of a variety of electronic products.
#0808 LIVESTOCK Original air date 8/9/08 TRT: 58:30
NEWS: Executives
surveyed
by “Sustainable Life Media” say 73% would be willing to take a 1% pay
cut
to help support green programs. Women executives tend to make
greener
decisions than men.
AL Gore is promoting a
program
to bring the US to 100% renewable electricity in 10 Years.
The European Union has already cut greenhouse gas emission by
7%.
Here in the US the western states have the Western Climate Initiative
which
will cap greenhouse gas emissions, High at first then lower over time
as
emissions are reduced.
Consumer Reports has an
article called the “Ethanol Myth” which highlighted the reduced mileage
you get form burning ethanol but that could be mitigated if
manufacturers
tuned engines for that fuel. Automakers are producing e-85
cars to claim credits against the CAFÉ standards. The
biggest
problem is can we grow enough fuel to replace gasoline? At the
same
time Europe is backing off of ethanol siting its impact on food cost
and
deforestation. The trend is to favor fuel feedstocks from algae
instead
of corn or sugar. That may become moot if the move to electric
cars
continues. If the switch is gradual enough power companies should
be able to keep up with the demand. The latest prediction is that
it will be another 2 or 3 years before battery technology improvements
and large scale manufacturing will make all electric and hybrids
accessible
to the average consumer.
INTERVIEW: Richard North of the Physicians for Social Responsibility and Matt Buck from the Food Alliance tackle the issue of food production in the US. Specifically beef and poultry production. They discuss the industrialization of the food supply and impact that has on the environment and the quality of the food we eat. A large side effect is the use of antibiotics and the impact that has on human health. What are the alternatives to this type of food production.
COMMUNITY
SPOTLIGHT:
Bypass the food system altogether by raising your own. Chickens
can
be kept in the city and a group of chicken keepers here want to show us
how easy and edifying it is.
The annual Tour de Coops
is an event that showcases individuals efforts to raise their own food
and care for these animals.
INTERVIEW: Richard and Matt continue their discussion of food production this time focusing on dairy cattle and the use of RBST and RBGH to enhance the production of milk. How does this effect the cows heath and that of humans that consume these artificial hormones in their food. Also discussed is the banning of the practice in most of the world and why it is still allowed in the US. What might happen to the dairy industry as we know it if this practice was banned. The practice is already banned in some states including Oregon.
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: ST visits one of the 700 family owned co-operative farms that supply Organic Valley with their milk products. Jon Banson explains how organic farming is not only satisfying but economically viable as well.
CALL TO ACTION
HOME:
• Eat Less meat
• Buy organic, certified,
free-range/cagefree, Food Alliance certified.
• Look for RGBH free dairy
products.
WORK:
• Share Knowledge with
others
• Food service operations:
set purchasing policies regarding animal welfare, certified, local,
organic,
etc.
• Buy local
RESOURCES:
• Oregon Physicians for
Social Responsibility, 14 minute video on their website and the
“Consumers
Guide to RBGH free products. www.oregonpsr.org
• The Food Alliance
Website
www.foodalliance.org
• Sustainable Table
www.sustainabletable.org
• Books: The End of Food
by Paul Roberts, The Food Revolution: How your diet can save your life
and our world, by John Robbins, Fast Food Nation by Eric
Schlosser
#0809 GREEN BUILDING CHALLENGE Original air date 8/9/08 TRT: 58:30
NEWS: Oregonian August 1, Oregon is ready to declare victory by 2010 in hitting greenhouse gas emissions targets but we are not counting the emissions embedded in our stuff that comes from other parts of the country or the world. Example we measure the amount of energy our computers use, but neglect the fact that 58% of a computers total emissions occur before we buy it. Then there is the problem of disposal. New TVs contain hazardous materials like lead, chromium and mercury and many are more energy intensive. New plasma screens draw as much as a refrigerator. Current energy star certification only measures the electricity used when the set is OFF. Which is not zero because of instant on features that draws power even when the set is off. That will change, and Beginning Jan 1, Oregon will require manufacturers to cover the cost of recycling them. In Alameda, California, one TV station is running a show called Zero Energy Challenge where 4 families compete to see how much they can reduce waste in 4 weeks. World Business Council reports that 21 cities are measuring and reporting greenhouse gasses. 70% come from cities. IKEA will invest $75 million in clean-tech startups with an eye toward selling Solar Panels and other home energy saving devices their stores by 2011. Oregonian, A recent court ruling says that third party installers that operate solar systems and sell power back to the grid are not to be treated as utilities, subject to regulation and restriction. 80% of commercial solar power installations rely of these deals. Now that they have the go-ahead, it should double the solar capacity of the state.
INTERVIEW: Jason McLennan CEO Oregon Green Building council talks about the GBC and what they do. LEED Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is explained and what it has acomplished. The possibility that building green can be done for the same or even less cost than conventional building is explored as well as the value of the resulting building is increased. There is evidence that green buildings increase the productivity and health of their occupants. Also the design and appearance of green buildings are conventional in styles and are not aesthetic outcomes. Buildings that use 50 60 70% less energy than existing buildings are possible and will make a large impact on energy consumption and climate change effects.
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: The Portland Office of Sustainable Development / Green Building Specialist, Mike O’Brien takes us on a tour of this home which features an Eco Roof, Solar Electric and Water and Clay floors and walls.
INTERVIEW part 2, continues with Jason McLennan. Topic include The Living Building Challenge and how it exceeds standards set by LEED. Jason explains the connection to nature as analogous to a flower. Gets all of its energy from the sun, all water from rainfall, all nutrients from the soil and recycles waste without creating anything toxic, its perfectly adapted to its site and responds to its environment and is self cleaning. The challenge is to entice builders to create such buildings. Response is overwhelming, 12 projects in Portland. Net Zero buildings never have energy or water bills. There are 16 requirements, Net zero energy, treat water onsite, must be built on previously developed sites, materials, air quality etc. New Technologies are also discusses.
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: THE
NATURAL
HOUSE, Ron Hays and The ReBuilding Center. Ron Hays
demonstrates
the philosophy and execution of a green home.
Then, we feature the
ReBuilding
Center, a resource for pre-used materials to reduce waste and promote
recycling.
CALL TO ACTION
HOME: For existing Homes
• Energy Saving Devices,
Water saving
• Water harvesting and run
off management.
• Landscaping and
weatherization.
For New Homes
• Use reclaimed materials
• Install Solar (water
and/or
electric)
WORK:
• Request energy efficient
lighting, appliances and mechanical systems
• Buy Green Power
RESOURCES: Book:
Philosophy
of Sustainable Design by Jason McLennan,
• Cascadia Green
Building
council: http://www.cascadiagbc.org/
• Better
Bricks
www.betterbricks.org
• Earth Advantage
www.earthadvantage.org
#0810 WAVE ENERGY Original air date 10/11/08 TRT: 58:30
NEWS: Fortune
Magazine
$500 a barrel oil. Mat Simmons says in his book “Twilight in the
Desert: The Coming Saudi Oil Shock and the World Economy”
Saudi Arabia has less oil
than everybody thinks. He says oil production has peaked, demand
is outstripping supply and that if we don’t act soon we could be facing
World War Three. Autoblog says Toyota has announced that 4
RAV 4 Electric cars will be sent to Portland to assist in the
development
of clustered electric charging stations.
Google and General
Electric
have joined forces to promote a “Smart Grid” and clean energy.
The
smart grid will be able to track and control what types of power usage
takes place and when. Google is interested because they say that
server farms will be using HALF the world’s electricity by 2010.
INTERVIEW Ted Brekken
Assistant
Professor in Energy Systems Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
at Oregon State University. And Kevin Banister Chair of the
Oregon Wave Energy Trust. Estimated that 0.2% of the energy
available in the ocean could supply all of the energy needs for the
planet.
Discussion involves all forms of ocean renewables, wind, wave, tidal,
salinity,
and thermal. Wave energy is the most easily extractable and
viable
for Oregon, tidal is more promising in Washington, British Columbia and
Alaska. Graphic explain were wave resources are strongest.
Various technologies for extracting wave energy are explained. There
are
advances in other parts of the world as well, especially Europe.
Job creation is a big
advantage
of wave energy development.
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT Wallace Energy Systems and Renewables Facility at Oregon State University. Lab head Annette Von Jouanne takes us on a tour of the facility and demonstrates the Wave Energy Linear Test Bed and the device that OSU and Columbia Power Technologies are developing.
INTERVIEW withe Ted
Brekken
and Kevin Banister continues with a discussion of plans for further
development
and deployment. Testing, permits, regulations, financing and
technological
research are all needed before commercially viable systems will be
ready
for full scale use. Competition with other stakeholders
such
as fishermen and environmentalists concerned about marine migration are
explored.
The effects of
electromagnetic
interference with marine life is also covered.
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: Business leaders, technology developers, stakeholders, finance experts, regulators and educators all convene in one place for the third annual Ocean Renewable Energy Conference in Coos Bay. ST is there and gets the perspective from all sides.
CALL TO ACTION;
• Buy Green Power
• Support Government
efforts
to promote renewable energy
• Conservation: Update
home
insulation replace old appliances, drive less, etc.
RESOURCES:
• Oregon Wave Energy Trust
www.oregonwave.org
• Wikipedia
Search for Wave Energy.
Parting comments from Ted Brekken suggest that conservation is equal to renewable energy in that electricity saved is less that needs to be generated by fossil fueled facilities. Potential for wave energy in the whole world and the US are discussed. Financial return to counties and local coffers are also a benefit for wave development.
#0811 NUTRITION Original air date 11/8/08 TRT: 58:30
NEWS: Oregonian reports about the demand for wind energy. With new regulations in Oregon, Washington and California requiring a certain percentage of our energy comes from renewables, the demand is growing rapidly. So California is bidding for Oregon wind power thereby driving up the prices. Wave energy will also be an important component in the mix of renewables. Oregonian, The use of triclosan as an antibacterial ingredient most commonly in household cleaners like soap and detergent is also showing up in deodorant and even socks. People don’t realize that plain soap and water work just as well and that triclosan is not effectively removed by water treatment plants so it is showing up in rivers causing harm to aquatic life. When it gets mixed with chlorine (which tap water contains) it turns into chloroform which is a carcinogen. It also kills good bacteria as well as bad and it can promote the evolution of antibacterial resistant strains. National Geographic tells of the discovery of terra preta or “black earth” found in areas of the Amazon where humans once lived. Scientists discovered that by mixing charcoal with soil you get and exponential increase in the microbial population that is critical to fertility. This may decrease atmospheric carbon and replenish eroding top soil.
INTERVIEW Dr. Jan
Seibert.
Medical doctor and nutritionist for the Hormone Rejuvenation Center.
She
mentions hand washing and sneezing into your sleeve to prevent
spreading
viruses by touching things. Wash hands thoroughly. Dr
Seibert
studies what is coming into us as food. Her practice
focuses
on hormone balances and lifestyle changes rather than medication.
She discusses the relationship between food and health.
Most of our chronic
diseases
today are lifestyle diseases. Cardiovascular disease has been
traded
for Type 2 diabetes through the manipulation of the food
supply.
Discussion of corn and genetic modification and chemical manipulation
to
produce high yields an high sugar. Foods need to be fortified
with
artificial vitamins and nutrients because the natural ones have been
processed
out. To find real food, shop around the perimeter of the store and stay
away from the middle aisles where processed food is sold.
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: Northwest Veg. Non profit that promotes nutrition and health through vegetarian and vegan diet. Vegan Chef Brian Igarta demonstrates a few delicious ways to eat vegan and enjoy it.
INTERVIEW pt. 2 Dr
Seibert
continues with a discussion of positive food choices such as whole
foods,
grains, fruit in season. Body inputs more sugars than it needs
during
off season periods. If you eat food that is out of season, your
body
is affected in terms of sleep and energy. People should
sleep
2 hours after dark and rise with the sun to maximize exposure to
natural
light. With regard to public policy, if we were to limit
ourselves
to foods that are in season, officials could devote more time to
inspections.
With anything anytime, there are not enough inspectors to oversee all
of
it. Avoid fad foods. Cereals that claim you can lose weight
if you eat it, will often contain High Fructose Corn Syrup and
artificial
vitamins.
Supplements in the diet
are also discussed.
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: Laughing Planet Café offers an unique business plan that focuses on nutrition and natural ingredients supplied locally, prepared in a central kitchen then distributed to satellite restaurants each day. The employ sustainable practices and won the best award for sustainable food systems in 2008.
CALL TO ACTION
AT HOME
• Shop in the perimeter
section of your local store
• Avoid processed foods
• Eat plants
• Look for fruits and
vegetables
that are in season
• Buy fresh, organic or
frozen
• When buying canned
foods,
choose low sodium and low sugar. Wash the contents of the can to
remove excess sugar or salt.
• Select foods with a skin
or peel
• Avoid Fortified Foods
AT WORK
• Provide healthy food in
cafeterias and vending machines
• Select healthy foods for
meeting snacks
• Encourage Physical
Activity
Dr Seibert also suggests
growing your own food and learning how to read a label. And get
more
exercise.
#0812
PRISONS
AND THE JUSTICE SYSTEM
Original
air date 12/13/08 TRT: 58:30
NEWS: The economic
“meltdown” has affected recycling because the market for recyclables
has dropped causing materials to build up in storage. If it
cannot be sold it will end up in landfill. The cost of fuel
is discussed via an article in “Road and Track” indicating that OPEC
oil has already peaked. Also the relationship between fuel
production and water usage. It is pointed out that soybean
biodiesel uses 900 gallons of water as opposed to 5 gallons of water to
produce a gallon of gasoline.
The Oregonian reports that oil shale extraction produces huge poisonous
waste ponds and used a lot of natural gas. On the positive
side, Oregon is to be a pioneering site to launch new electric cars
produced by Nissan. Gov. Kulongoski promotes the state on the
basis of Oregon being the highest per capita consumer of Prius hybrids
and PGE’s effort to build charging stations.
INTERVIEW Part 1 - Dr. James Austin of the JFA Institute in
Washington DC is an expert in the corrections system and runs an
independent think tank that produced “Unlocking America” a report on
the condition of the penal system and how to fix it. He
discusses the problem of overcrowding in prisons. He points out
that in 1970 there were 190,000 people incarcerated in the US.
Today we have 1.7 million in the state penitentiary system plus another
700,000 in local jails. 2.4 Million !! 4% of the nations
population. The US has the highest incarceration rate per capita
of any country in the world. One out of three black males
born in the US will go to jail or prison at least once in their
lifetime. Socio-economic status dictates who goes to prison and
who does not. The cost of the US Justice system is
$200 billion per year, The prison system costs $40 to 50
billion. He suggests we re-invest that money in the
community rather than locking up prisoners.
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT - Project Pooch features a program run by a
non-profit organization which matches shelter dogs will prison inmates
to correct the behavior of both. Mercedes Rose takes us to
MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility in Woodburn to demonstrate how
this unique project is making a difference.
INTERVIEW Part 2 - continues with Dr. James Austin provides
answers to how we can make our crime and punishment system more
efficient, effective and sustainable. 1. Better
prepare prisoners to get work when they are released. 2. Reduce
Punishments. Sentences are too long and has a point of no return.
Longer sentences does not relate to a lower recidivism
rate. 3. Divert on non violent offenses such as drug
possession, into community programs rather than putting them in
prison. Reduce negativism in prison, the atmosphere tends to have
a criminogenic effect. One vocational program replaces prison
farm work with building of solar farms to supply power to the prison
and the grid. Another solution is to pay counties to keep
prisoners in their own communities rather than send them to state
prisons.
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT - Dave’s Killer Bread is run by Dave Dahl who
served 15 years in prison. Dave changed his attitude and now
works to change the attitudes of other ex-cons not only by example but
also employing them. Dave uses his experience with prison
not as a negative, but as a positive, promotional tool for his business
and it works. Phil Jefferson interviews Dave and takes a look at
his operation.
CALL TO ACTION
AT HOME
Get crime stats for your neighborhood
Get educated on drug use symptoms
Engage your police department in community activities and community
policing programs.
Start a Neighborhood Watch group, Build community.
Pay attention to bills being produced in your legislature.
AT WORK
Provide employee assistance program, mental health and treatment
programs.
Employ ex-cons. (get tax breaks)
Volunteer at prisons, Teach skills, reading etc.
Give educational assistance and mentioning to at risk people in your
community.
#0901 JUNK TO FUNK RECYCLED FASHION SHOW 2008
Original
air date 1/10/09 TRT: 58:30
A SUSTAINABLE TODAY SPECIAL PRESENTATION.
Junk to Funk Recycled Fashion Show Contest is an annual Elysium Events production aimed to educate it's audiences about waste reduction, recycling issues and sustainable living practices. And we do it in a most unique way: through showcasing wearable art and couture fashion based on the creative use of “trash” in an eclectic and often humorous production.
Each year submissions for entry are encouraged by professional artists, fashion/apparel designers and the creative public to be featured on the fashion show runway. Selected artists compete on the runway for cash prizes based on the percentage of recycled material, creativity, craftsmanship and fit. The event encourages recycling, creative reuse, and sustainable fashion solutions in an eclectic, inspiring and humorous production.
The 2008 event was hosted by Portland Mayor Sam Adams and Tara Dublin from Alternative radio station 94.1 in Portland.
Sustainable Today's new host Jean Baumann makes her debut, interviewing Lindsey Newkirk, the organizer for Junk to Funk and Taylor Stevenson and Jen LaMastra, two of the fashion designers participating in the show.
A new feature, GO GREEN WITH JEAN also makes it's first appearance on Sustainable Today. Jean Baumann shows us how to be fashionable without being wasteful as we visit a clothing consignment shop in Southwest Portland.
#0902 TOXINS Original air date 2/14/09 TRT: 58:30
Jean Baumann, new host of Sustainable Today, intoduces the “Center for a Sustainable Today” the non-profit that produces this program. Featured is the dedication of the Center’s first community project the Trails Crossing bus shelter. Jean then turns the program over to the former Toxics program.
NEWS: Global rate of greenhouse gas increase is accelerating; Europe is level or dropping; Portland is dropping; Oregon passed energy bill that requires 25% of energy to come from renewable sources (solar or wind) by 2025; Common household chemicals are now linked to breast cancer; Bad air linked to low birth weight; PCBs showing up in water and now Osprey (we already know about fish); Caffeine is showing up in water along with pharmaceuticals including anti-depressants.
INTERVIEW with Molly Chidsey, Pollution and Waste Prevention from Multnomah County. Molly focuses her work primarily on toxics reduction. Discussion revolves around the body burden of chemicals that can be found in the human body and how it gets there. What the government and regulators require and do not require when considering basic health and safety testing of products.
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: Oregon Environmental Council and the Eco-Healthy Childcare. 25 “best practices” recommendations are offered to childcare providers and homemakers to keep toxic substances out of children’s environments. ST tours the Rowanberry pre-school to see how they have implemented the recommendation.
INTERVIEW continues with Molly Chidsey. Discussion revolves around the state of the toxics reduction efforts and clean technology. How businesses and industry is choosing alternatives or making products without toxics. How can you avoid toxic products.
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: Commercially produced soap and other personal care products can contain toxics. ST visits the Oregon Soap Company which produces an all natural, all organic completely toxin free soap.
CALL TO ACTION: HOME Switch to non-toxic, bio-based cleaning products Use non-toxic furnishings and building products Use products as directed Dispose of materials properly Research your purchases Buy Organic foods to avoid high level pesticide residue foods (The EWG dirty dozen)
WORK Start a recycling system that allows employees to bring difficult to recycle items to add to the company waste stream. Ask your janitorial service to use green cleaning products. When remodeling use low VOC materials Do a chemical inventory, Find alternatives, Have up-to-date MSD’s
#0903 ORGANICS Original air date 3/13/09 TRT: 58:30
Jean Baumann, the new host of Sustainable Today, introduces this repeat performance of one of our most popular shows. She also introduces a new feedback feature on our website, Click to take Survey.
NEWS: New York Times article about “Climate Counts” a chart which rates products on the basis of climate performance; City in Sweden strives to eliminate fossil fuels from the city; Declining bird population due to habitat loss and pollution; EPA is required to test chemical for endocrine disruptors finally tests 73 pesticides; EPA is now enforcing the release of formaldehyde regulations.
INTERVIEW Chris Schreiner, Quality Control Director for Oregon Tilth. Chris explains what Oregon Tilth is and what they do beyond certifying organic foods and producers and their products. Discussed is the growth of giant agri-businesses and why this produces environmental problems. Stresses the expansion of organic and local food production. Discusses Genetically Modified Organisms and the dangers they pose including the terminator gene.
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: The Organic Seed Supply Industry. ST visits the Wild Garden Seed Company and explores the role of the Organic Seed Alliance. The goal is to preserve organic resources for use by farmers to develop the open source market for organic seed.
INTERVIEW continues with Chris Schreiner. Discussed is what is meant by and required to bear the label “Organic.” Also why organic food is currently more expensive than conventionally grown and likely will become less so over time. Some issues include yields and other conventional versus organic choices.
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) ST visits the Birds and Bees community farm which is a non-profit public land trust farm where customers sign up and pay a monthly fee to receive fresh, locally and organically grown produce straight from the farm.
CALL TO ACTION HOME Join a CSA Buy local and Buy organic Ask your grocer where the produce comes from Grow your own.
WORK Source organic for work supplied food. Get work food service to support local, sustainable and organic products. Create a significant demand and market opportunities to encourage ongoing growth in the organic sector.
#0904 HEALTHCARE Original air date 4/10/09 TRT: 58:30
Jean Baumann introduces the Archimedes Movement founded by Former Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber. In view of the current debate about this subject, we offer a repeat performance of our 2007 program featuring the governor.
NEWS: Cornell study determines 40% of all deaths are related to pollution issues. Water borne infections account for 80% of all infectious diseases. Global warming influences parasite evolution resulting in the re-emergence of tuberculosis, influenza and new diseases such as West Nile and Lyme disease. California Public Health reports a connection between pesticides and autism. Good news, a bio-based manufacturer is making toys out of dextrose. Toys made of sugar every kids dream.
INTERVIEW: Former Governor of the State of Oregon John Kitzhaber discusses health care reform. Gov Kitzhaber was instrumental in implementing the Oregon Health Plan for Kids. He discusses the political, economic and environmental impacts of health care on our society and outlines his plan for a shift in thinking about how we take care of our health in this country. He founded the Archimedes movement and describes how it will fuel the necessary debate.
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: Fanno Creek Medical Clinic, Perhaps the first medical clinic in Oregon to utilize solar panels to off-set their electricity expense, they also provide cash incentives to their employees for practicing conservation at home, work to help insure that our elementary schools stay open, and they will not abandon you if you need to go on medicare.
INTERVIEW: Continues with John Kitzhaber. The use of the ER as a source of healthcare and what’s being done about it... Efforts to provide better preventative care... Models nationally and internationally for workable healthcare systems... and major projects for reform are discussed.
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: The Southwest Community Health Care Center is one of a few Safety Net" clinics in the Portland area, established primarily to catch patients who fall between the cracks. Funded by grants and donations and staffed by volunteers the organization seeks to provide acute care for the uninsured to avoid that costly trip to the emergency room.
CALL TO ACTION: Slightly different format for this program. Governor Kitzhaber talks about preventative measures, immunizations, Health Savings Accounts and taking a more proactive stance with regard to healthy behavior.
#0905 NEW COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Original air date 5/9/09 TRT: 58:30
NEWS: President Obama orders stricter standards to qualify for Energy Star ratings, expected to save 500 billion dollars over 30 years. The economic downturn has greatly reduced the market for recyclables. As a result more recyclable materiels wer put into land fills or are piling up in warehouses. Either buyers could not be found or the prices were lower than it cost to collect the materials. Locally METRO’s plastic roundup was suspended till further notice.
INTERVIEW: David Johnson and Jim Newcomer explain the movement known as “Transition Towns.” This grassroots effort began in Totnes England by Rob Hopkins, as a response to peak oil. It was felt that a response needs to be formulated to cope with the inevitable decline in fossil fuel supplies. A plan to transition to a time of rising fuel prices and declining supplies is required to head of dire consequences and hardship. The initiative has since spread to over 600 communities in 138 countries including Portland, Oregon where Jim Newcomer is the local organizer. They explain the framework and the process through which a plan suited to each community can be developed.
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: The re-development of Columbia Villa in North Portland. A 1950's suburban community to support shipyard workers that declined into a low income ghetto. Marcy McInelly of Urbs Works planned the redevelopment and takes us on a tour of how they built this into a viable sustainable community now known as New Columbia.
INTERVIEW Continues with Jim Newcomer and David Johnson as they discuss level of desire within communities to move forward. The Transition Handbook is a good place to start. This guide is re-written regularly by contributions from other groups around the world. This supplies a supporting network where all interested parties can learn from each-other. “Transition Tales” is a phenomenon that brings stories of real life and imagination from the participants that inspire energy and innovation, that results in a Decent Energy Action Plan.
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: The City Repair Project is a non-profit organization that encourages, educates and executes neighborhood unification projects such as community spaces and places for people to gather and interact. Highlights a 10 day event called Village Building Convergence.
GO GREEN WITH JEAN: Focuses on building community and co-operation in your own street and neighborhoods. Jean show what she and her neighbors do to become a viable, supportive, community.
#0906 NEW CLIMATE CHANGE Original air date 6/13/09 TRT: 58:30
NEWS: Invertors are urging industries to disclose and reduce water related financial risk, For example 2.2 pounds of beef uses 4,230 gallons of water to produce and a cup of coffee uses 37 gallons. Shrinking water supplies will become a serious issue. The 79th Geneva motor show featured a large number of new fuel efficient or electric vehicles.
INTERVIEW: Former Oregon Secretary of State Bill Bradbury discusses the state of climate change discussion politically. Bill has been presenting Al Gore’s Inconvenient Truth slide show and attempting to convince the non-believers that this is an important and real problem. He explains what climate change is and how it is scientifically believed to be man caused. The effects of weather pattern changes on our local climate and the climate nationwide are discussed. Methane gas release as a major contributor to climate change as melting ice releases trapped gas.
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: Blue Heron Paper Company used Climate and Energy trust funds to reduce energy consumption and increase the use of recycled materials to produce needed products.
INTERVIEW with Bill Bradbury continues with the addition of Mike Brunett, director of the Climate Trust who explains the carbon cap and trade program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
GO GREEN WITH JEAN: What can each of us do to reduce our personal greenhouse gas emissions? Jean show us what a free home energy review from the Energy Trust of Oregon looks like.
#0907 WATER CONSERVATION Original air date 7/11/09 TRT: 58:30
COMING SOON
#0908 WASTE MANAGEMENT Original air date 8/8/09 TRT: 57:30
COMING SOON
#0909 NEW TRANSPORTATION Original air date 9/12/09 TRT: 58:30
COMING SOON
#0910 PERMACULTURE Original air date 10/10/09 TRT: 58:30
COMING SOON
#0911 MARKETING SUSTAINABILITY Original air date 11/14/09 TRT: 58:30
COMING SOON
#0912 PLASTICS Original air date 12/12/09 TRT: 58:30
IN PRODUCTION
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The Center for a Sustainable Today 2009, All rights reserved