The Eleventh Hour, narrated by Leonard DiCaprio, gives a gripping view on the current climate crisis, packed with expert opinions ranging from Stephan Hawking to NASA, NRDC, James Woolsey and many more activists.  The film analyzes the evolution of global warming, citing the impact from humans - our population evolving at rapid speeds, consuming massive resources, money driven societies, and culture.  If we keep going at this current rate, we may lose 1/3 – 1/2 species in the world since 50-55,000 species become extinct each year.  While many have the brain power to solve this problem, it’s been greatly delayed…

How? The film blames red tape of past politics hindering green investments.  (Unfortunately, political leaders are more responsive to wealth and corporate power rather than long-term goals.)  For example, Exxon Mobil has more money than the SUM of all auto makers of the world combined. Ever check lobbying dollars for government leaders or who’s funding their campaigns?  According to Opensecrets.org, the Oil & Gas industry has contributed $109,059,133 in elections since 2000 to Republicans - possibly explaining an a lack of environmental-sound decisions.

Have you seen the ads lately from the Oil industry, claiming we can invest in “clean” natural gas & fuel?  They’re trying to persuade the viewer that you can pump money into the economy through oil.  Seriously? According to James Woolsey, former CIA director & VP of Booz Allen Hamilton, the US borrows approximately $250 billion from the world each year for oil imports… which equals approximately 1 billion of US money every day to finance oil imports. Something seems a littlecontradictory here… Luckily, Obama & other current leaders are encouraging ‘the right way’ of investing into renewable & alternative resources.

The good news?

We can and are changing the outcome.  The film gives great suggestions on how to create buildings modeled after natural objects. For example, buildings shaped like trees  would absorb natural resources and emitting useful resources rather than big inputs with little output.  We can use 90% less resources (reducing our carbon footprint by 90%!) than we are currently using today if we convert our ways.  The Eleventh Hour gave many examples of modern technologies we’re capable of producing – the Bank of America Buildling in NYC is slated as the world’s most sustainable skyscraper under construction NYC. 

My favorite environmental concept of the film?  The film shows a dance club which operates from energy output from human movement – so when your busting those moves, you’ll actually be powering the building you’re partying in.

While you integrate eco-friendly ways into your daily habits, remember the most important one: Vote. Americans shop an average of 5 times per week, and you’re voting with each dollar you spend – telling retailers & companies which products you approve.

This  Eleventh Hour quote is a great rebuttal to those disputing ‘climate change’: “At the end of the day, when we talk about saving the environment, in a way it’s misstated because the environment is going to survive.  We’re the ones who may not survive or we may survive in a world we won’t want to live in.”

Posted by Julie

From an environmental perspective, January 20th couldn’t come sooner.  I was appalled after reading a Rolling Stone article regarding Bush’s midnight regulations - the majority of these last minute regs (including the hit on the Endangered Species Act) are atrocities to the environment, leaving many to question how big of a mess Obama will need to clean up.

Looking forward, I became very excited when learning Obama (just like Lincoln in 1861!) is planning his journey to DC from Philadelphia on Saturday.  Continuing his eco-friendly platform, he’s taking a train to pick up my buddy Joe Biden in Wilmington.  Unfortunately, you won’t be able to catch our next president in Philadelphia unless you were lucky enough to be an invitation-only member of 200-300 volunteers from the Obama election campaign. The public can see Obama at 1 PM at the Wilmington Amtrak Station or in Baltimore later in the day. 

Are you dying to take part of an Obama event (like I am) and have a spare $500 you can drop (which I sort of don’t?)…

Good news – theres’s still tickets to the Green Inaugural Ball this Saturday, January 17th. Taking place at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium, the ball has been designed to reduce the impact on the environment in every aspect, and carbon/wind power credits will be purchased to offset what can’t be reduced.  Some of the ‘green’ highlights of the ball are an organic/local buffet with vegan & vegetarian options, organic/local beverages; all bottles, plastic and paper products will be recycled; flowers from the event will be locally grown; and their website is hosted by AISO.net.  Environmentally-involved speakers during the event include Graham Hill, founder of Treehugger,com; Summer Rayne Oakes, correspondent of Discovery Planet Green; Margie Alt, Executive Director of Environment America; Thassanee Wanick, General Counsul of Thailand; Chistiana Wyly, Environmental Entreprener, and Gay Browne, Founder of Greenopia; and the main performer is Wyclef Jean.

If you’re one of the many staying in Philly to celebrate the Inaugration, there’s a few ways you can help the enviromental locally with the Sierra Club. If you sign up by today, you can recieve a free ticket to the Bryn Mawr Film Institute Screening of Obama Inauguration.

• PHILADELPHIA – Weatherization Training & Installation, Jan. 19 – 8:30am-
  2pm.  Coordinated with Global Citizen and Energy Coordinating Agency
  Where: Temple University’s Liacouras Center, 1776 North Broad Street, Phila, PA 19122
  What:  Training in weatherization techniques by ECA at Temple, then
  ECA will lead hands-on work in homes of seniors and disabled residents
  nearby.  Contact:  Robin Mann, 610-527-4598
• CHESTER COUNTY – Valley Forge National Historical Park Tree Protection and Invasives Removal, Jan. 17 & Jan. 19, 9:00am-noon
  Coordinated with National Park Service, Ernestine White
  Where:  Visitor’s Center, Valley Forge NHP
  What:  Help mulch newly planted trees and remove invasive vines that are harming other trees in the Park.
  Contact:  For 1/17, contact Sea Caplan, Sierra Singles, Or 1/19, contact Rick Wolf, 610-933-6414
• MONTGOMERY COUNTY – Free the Trees from Invasives, Jan. 17 & Jan. 19, 9:00am-2pm
  Coordinated with Pennypack Ecological Restoration Trust
  What:  Vine and other invasives removal.
  Contact:  Lauren Steele, 215-657-0830
• DELAWARE COUNTY – Litter Cleanup in the Darby Creek watershed, Jan. 19, 9:00am-noon
  Where:  TBD
  Contact:  Robin Mann, 610-527-4598

Posted by Julie

Many environmental groups regarded George W. Bush as one of the worst presidents for the environment, and there have even been allegations that the EPA lowered fines to companies who weren’t being eco-friendly. ( When we’re thinking of all the enviro-dangers currently, lowering fines should be the last thing on the government’s agenda. )

In the past, I’ve produced educational enviromental-focused audio conferences for my company, and it was quite a struggle to find ‘news’ for this group. Mainly, because no new regulations were being passed for the environment – due to the government.

While the nation is celebrating the victory of President-elect Obama, numerous environmental groups are celebrating this victory by publishing eco-goals. He mentioned that energy was his first priority during one of the debates, so his New Energy for America Plan (to create 5 million new jobs, etc) should (hopefully) start soon after inauguration.

In addition to Obama’s victory, a few democratic seats were added to both houses of Congress for a well-over a half-blue majority. This should speed up the time it takes to pass eco-friendly laws.

Newsweek published secrets behind the election scene, and Obama summarized the environmental movement quite well when explaining his debate-tension. “So when Brian Williams is asking me about what’s a personal thing that you’ve done [that's green], and I say, you know, ‘Well, I planted a bunch of trees.’ And he says, ‘I’m talking about personal.’ What I’m thinking in my head is, ‘Well, the truth is, Brian, we can’t solve global warming because I f—ing changed light bulbs in my house. It’s because of something collective’.”

Obama has the right idea. It’s cliche but it’s true – we all have to work together for change. Every little thing matters towards the collective. Every time you turn off the lights or engine, you’re still making a difference. Obama even made a declaration of turning the white house car parade into a plug-in hybrid fleet within one year!

Obama wasn’t the only winner for the environment yesterday. California voters rejected Proposition 7, which on the surface seemed to promote renewable energy but would have prevented small businesses from developing this technology. If this statutory initiative had been passed, it would have been a lot more difficult to initiate requirements for the smaller guys and could have potentially lead to another energy crisis.

We’ll quickly find out what other environmental changes will occur for the states & America. Overall, I’m psyched for January 20th!

Posted by Julie

Find out where you should vote HERE.

Posted by Julie

John McCain mentioned energy independence will be key for rebuilding our economy. McCain’s solution does include offshore drilling and nuclear energy.  Some of the arguments against nuclear energy are that it’s only part of the solution and will be a long process to get it up and running.  However, nuclear energy is a clean, green alternative to our current petroleum problem, so it’s a step in the right direction.  (McCain took shots at Obama’s fear of nuclear energy which he refuted.)  

When asked to prioritize healthcare, energy and and entitlement reform (Medicare & Social Security), McCain wanted to work on all three at once.  All three are dire issues.  Obama took a bolder route to answer the same question, saying he’d attack energy first.  He recognizes the immediate need to start investing in several kinds of alternative energy (wind, solar, whatever it takes, etc.) and wants to start making noticable progress within 10 years.

Another valid point Obama mentioned is that all American families will have to begin thinking of how to save energy in their homes, recognizing the importance of the ‘little things.’ (Don’t worry, that’s what we’re here for!)

Both candidates had better laid enviro-plans represented this debate, but both had a few blows.  While Obama has a more aggressive environmental plan, he did admit offshore drilling will be necessary – so both candidates are both eye to eye on this topic.  (Off-shore drilling is still dangerous for wildlife.)  However, their time-frames for offshore drilling are vague, but Obama alludes that it’s only a temporary solution.  One enviro-flaw: both candidates mentioned “clean coal technology” - which is basically an oxymoron. 

Read the whole transcript here.

Posted by Julie

This is your opportunity to show support for a candidate who supports positive environmental change while enjoying live acoustic music from The Boss.  (A serious deal… Bruce tickets can be as pricey as $150)  It’s encouraging to see a musician promote change & push Pennsylvanians to register to vote.  Plus, Senator Obama is a self-proclaimed “big Bruce fan.”

Go here for general admission tickets (first come, first serve!) 

Posted by Beth

a) Easy Reg Form! print and send! OR b) Obama’s VOTE form - Visually appealing version of above OR c) GOP’s version – You can vote for either candidate in the booth

Posted by Julie

So who’s the greener candidate? 

Many environmental groups, including the Sierra Club have decided to back Senator Barack Obama.  His website outlines his plan in easy-to-understand language.  Here’s some bullet points of Obama’s environmental plan: 

• “Cap and Trade” system that would reduce greenhouse gas emissions 80 percent by 2050.  Companies that can’t meet standard pay for the carbon emissions/pollution emitted; then invest that excess money into clean energy, green jobs, and aid for the lowest-income Americans affected by higher energy costs.
• 25% of U.S. electricity to come from renewable sources by 2025, thus improving energy efficiency 50 percent by 2030. (This means less $$ spent on energy bills)
• Create 5 million Green-Collar jobs
• Put 1 million plug-in hybrid cars (150 MPG) US-made, on the road by 2015 (talk about gas efficiency!)
• Eliminate oil imports from Middle East & Venezuela within 10 years

Senator John McCain, on the other hand, has a weaker environmental policy sprinkled with diluted language featured on his site:

• Senator McCain’s plan for Cap-and-Trade Plan will call for only 60 percent by 2050.  McCain’s system would give free credits to businesses based on previous emissions; They can sell credits (if emissions efficient) to companies who can’t meet the standard.
• Profits (from Cap & Trade Plan) going towards research of environmental alternatives, provide incentives to deploy technology faster
• Provide Leadership for United Nations negotiations & give other nations incentives to participate.

If you compare the two plans side by side… McCain’s contians more ‘fluff’ & show for climate change initiatives while Obama’s goals are easier to understand & his plan more straightforward.   (You can click on both links for the Senators names to see their plans in entirety for yourself.)  

I understand the environment isn’t the only issue in this. election, but how much longer can we handle high oil prices?  John McCain doesn’t even mention how to stop our oil dependency.  Even if we drill in Alaska, that supply is limited and the oil will run out eventually.  The process to change to cleaner energy is a long one. But shouldn’t we start shifting towards cleaner solutions before it’s too late? 

Posted by Julie

Gore’s speech endorsed Barack Obama, using some clever enviro-catch phrases comparing him to John McCain ( i.e.: John McCain, a man who has earned our respect on many levels, is now openly endorsing the policies of the Bush- Cheney White House and promising to actually continue them. The same policies all over again?  Hey, I believe in recycling, but that’s ridiculous). Gore also said “scientists tell us the very web of life is endangered by unprecedented extinctions”, a reminder of why possible changes to the Endangered Species Act are currently urgent.

Gore emphasized how crucial enviro-issues are for the next person in the Oval Office.  For example, Gore said “Many scientists predict that the entire north polar ice cap may be completely gone during summer months in the first term of the next president.”  This is alluding that by next Summer, we may able to get beach-front property in Central NJ instead of going down to our beloved Avalon.  While this may be an exaggeration, predictions like these point out that the clock is ticking and we need to pay attention.

The economy and gas prices are reasonable concerns for Americans.  The need to pay attention to our renewable resources for cost-effective energy and the creation of new jobs for Americans is important as well. This will allow us to stabilize the economy and cut fuel costs.  This is why Al Gore’s words on these issues are so relevant to this election, and why Americans should be thinking about how the next president (and political party) will impact our energy plans and future.

Read Al Gore’s entire speech here.

Posted by Julie