From Waste to Energy

Below is a link that describes the business mission of Pacific Renewables. My hope is that the rest of the world will continue to follow the ideas behind this company. The video is five and a half minutes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4LCt_Dkm9Q&feature=related

Now why did I want you to watch this video? If you actually watched the clip, then you will realize how exciting the goal of this company is. We are witnessing the devastation of land, water, and even civilizations. There has never been a more important time to take action to improve the world we live in. Preserving the land cannot be our only mission, for we need to change our ways to restore the natural environment as well.

With an ever increasing population, there also comes a seemingly endless pile of waste. Sure there are programs to reduce, reuse, and recycle. There are also programs that are attempting to use more recyclable products to reduce the waste that we buy. For example, some places in California have banned the use of Styrofoam within businesses because of its environmental impact. The video above discusses the mission to use waste as an energy source. How amazing would it be to rid the trash on the earth by turning it into a usable form of energy?

There are other programs that are striving to accomplish this. For example, biochar is a product of biomass that has been burned in an almost oxygen free environment (using pyrolysis) to make a charcoal that can increase agricultural growth without emitting carbon dioxide in the air. Biochar is fairly new within our society, but has roots in ancient living. The biochar found in ancient soil is termed terra preta and has given society another green option.

As we look to the future, we must incorporate a vision that includes the betterment of society as a whole. For other great environmentally-friendly inventions, check out the Discovery Channel's Science and Planetgreen Channels.

The Great Lakes Republic

Imagine with me for a moment if you would. The year is 2030. The world is thirsty, and 30 Great Lakes Commissioners are meeting in secret to decide the future of the 8 states and 2 provinces bordering the Lakes which they represent. What’s on the table? Six quadrillion gallons of fresh water, 20% of the world's surface supply which is going for $2.00 per gallon, control of the shipping and commerce throughout the Great Lakes where canal and locks fees alone easily exceeded the GNP of most Third World Countries, and over 1.4 million square miles of real estate, which because of global climate change has become all but priceless. What brings them to the table? The depletion of the Ogallala Aquifer in the Great Plains, salt water contamination of the coastal water tables caused by rising sea levels and near dust bowl conditions all across the Deep South.

The Commissioners are gathered to devise a plan to protect The Great Lakes Compact and thereby maintain complete control of the world’s largest readily available fresh water supply. Hours of talk and debate bring them to one workable solution, succession, and the creation of The Great Lakes Republic which they believe will quickly become one of the richest nations on earth.

I’m not a conspiracy nut or an alarmist. The above exercise of the imagination is just my way of emphasizing the importance of good water resource management today, and to introduce my subject The Great Lakes Compact. (GLC)

Concerned about the risk of long-range Great lakes water exports, the Great Lakes state Governors and Canadian Premiers signed an agreement to defend against water raids in 1985. Known as the Great Lakes Charter, it was never fully implemented by the states and provinces. After an Ontario company received a permit to take up to 50tankers of water from Lake Superior in 1998, the Governors and premiers proposed to toughen the Charter with new agreements. The goal was to build a stronger legal and natural resource-based defense against harmful water use and exports. Almost 10 years later The Great Lakes Compact has become the law of the land.

The States of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin as well as the Province of Ontario and the Province of Quebec have signed and adopted the GLC which now establishes five general areas of responsibility, that through means of joint or cooperative measures between the signatories will hopefully become the model for water resource management in the 21st century.
1. To promote the orderly, integrated, and comprehensive development, use, and conservation of the water resources of the Great Lakes Basin.
2. To plan for the welfare and development of the water resources of the Basin as a whole as well as for those portions of the Basin which may have problems of special concern.
3. To make it possible for the states of the Basin and their people to derive the maximum benefit from utilization of public works, in the form of navigational aids or otherwise, which may exist or which may be constructed from time to time.
4. To advise in securing and maintaining a proper balance among industrial, commercial, agricultural, water supply, residential, recreational, and other legitimate uses of the water resources of the Basin.
5. To establish and maintain an intergovernmental agency the end that the purposes of this compact may be accomplished more effectively.

The GLC also in effect bans the diversion of Great Lakes water to areas outside of the basin (With few exceptions) and sets responsible standards for water use and conservation within the basin.
The newly empowered Great Lakes commission will now be able to consider adaptive management principles and approaches, recognizing and providing adjustments for the uncertainties in the evolution of science concerning the basins water resources, watersheds, and ecosystems, including potential changes to basin-wide processes such as lake level cycles brought about by climate change.

The full text of the Great Lakes Compact reads like a constitution it is a very complex yet well thought out document that gives the member states/provinces near sovereign control over the Great Lakes. Here in my home state of Ohio, we think of the GLC as an experiment in water conservation and management, one that we hope will help to forestall many of the world’s water woes by setting an example of how intelligent science based water resource management can lead the way to a future where water problems, will be problems solved.

A little history, there were 3 important measures leading up to the GLC.
1. The Boundary Waters Treaty is the 1909 treaty between the United States and Canada which sets forth guidelines for sharing the lakes. An interesting point, this treaty was one of the 1st to include environmental wording, in article IV of the document it is stated :
"It is further agreed that the waters herein defined as boundary waters and waters flowing across the boundary shall not be polluted on either side to the injury of health or property on the other".

2. The creation of The Great Lakes Commission established by joint legislative action of the Great Lakes states in 1955 (the Great Lakes Basin Compact) and granted congressional consent in 1968.

3. A Declaration of Partnership established associate membership for the provinces in 1999.

Sign The Official Whale Man Petition

Don't let Dirty Coal hijack the Clean Energy Bill!!!

From The Desk of Jessy Tolkan, Power Shift '09'

Here's the deal: After weeks of discussion, Congress is ready to release the Waxman-Markey climate bill. Based on early reports, it's safe to say that while some parts of this bill are good, a whole lot of it is not.What's more, Dirty Coal and Big Oil are spending millions of dollars on lobbyists who are fighting hard to weaken this bill as much as possible -- and it's working . As I sit at my desk trying to figure out how to react to all of this, my emotions are mixed. I am so disappointed that once again, Big Oil and Dirty Coal have hijacked what should be a game-shifting piece of legislation. This bill should create millions of clean energy jobs, a huge investment in renewable energy, and transform our economy. But the dirty energy industry is fighting tooth and nail to make sure that doesn't happen. And at the same time, I am so proud of the progress we have made. We've come a long way, climate movement. We are more powerful than ever before, and can take this fight to the finish line.http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=L85mlcfyiFdb47K9fSWZf0WQXTTBnrxm
Call your Member of Congress TODAY and tell them to listen to YOU, not Dirty Coal and Big Oil.Big Oil and Dirty Coal are demanding free giveaways and giant loopholes so that they can keep on polluting, just like they've always done. But we have worked hard to build a movement big enough to take them on. Dirty energy may have more money and more lobbyists, but we have passion, people, and the truth on our side.We also need to make sure that our Members of Congress know that we are for real. We need to be there every step of the way, calling for a bill that will create clean energy jobs, set aggressive pollution reductions targets, and make polluters pay for their mess. http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=P3S9hbU%2F1yg3Ao7vAzvBx0WQXTTBnrxm
Call Congress and tell them that you want a clean energy future, not giveaways to polluters!It may be summer vacation for some of us, but we need to keep the pressure up. In the next weeks, we'll be in touch about ways to stay involved, and to make sure that our positive vision of a clean energy future wins. We need to be active in every Congressional District, shouting from the rooftops that we want green jobs and a clean energy future.Are you with us?To drowning out Dirty Coal and Big Oil,Jessy TolkanExecutive Director, Energy Action Coalition
Energy Action Coalition is a youth-led coalition of 50 organizations working together to fight for a clean, just and renewable energy future. For a list of Energy Action Coalition partners, please visit our Energy Action Partnerspage.

EW's Person's of the Month.

This month we salute,
Senator Carl Levin, D-Mich, and Senator George Voinovich, R-Ohio

LEVIN AND VOINOVICH INTRODUCE GREAT LAKES LEGACY ACT OF 2009.

WASHINGTON – Senator Carl Levin, D-Mich., and Senator George Voinovich, R-Ohio, co-chairmen of the Senate Great Lakes Task Force, today introduced the bipartisan Great Lakes Legacy Act of 2009, which would increase by threefold the level of funding for cleanup of contaminated sediments in the Great Lakes. The legislation would also increase funding for research into new technologies for sediment cleanup.
“Meeting the challenge of stewardship of the Great Lakes requires concerted and continuing action,” Levin said. “While we’ve made progress on cleaning up the contaminated sites in the lakes, much work remains. This legislation will bring us closer to our goal of restoration and protection of the lakes for future generations of Americans.”
“Protecting and restoring the Great Lakes has been a top priority of mine throughout my political career,” Sen. Voinovich said. “As co-chair of the Senate Great Lakes Task Force, I am focused on working with the Great Lakes delegation to advance restoration efforts in this critical region. This bill will provide the Environmental Protection Agency with the tools and resources to remove contaminated sediment and cleanup Ohio’s Areas of Concern which include the Maumee, Black, Cuyahoga and Ashtabula Rivers. The Legacy program is a vital piece of a comprehensive strategy that is absolutely necessary to protect the Great Lakes for generations to come.”
The Great Lakes Legacy Act of 2009 would increase the authorized funding for cleanup of contaminated sediments from $50 million per year to $150 million per year for five years. The act would also increase the authorized funding level for research on new technologies for sediment cleanup from $3 million per year to $5 million per year.
In 2005, the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration Strategy Report recommended the increased funding based on the widespread need for additional cleanup in the Great Lakes in the Areas of Concern. In that report, participants calculated that $150 million per year would be needed to clean up the contaminated sediments at the Areas of Concern within 10 years. Forty-three Areas of Concern have been identified in the Great Lakes, 13 of which are in Michigan and four in Ohio. These sites do not meet the water quality goals established by the United States and Canada in the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, mainly because of contaminated sediments from historic industrial activity. This contamination results in several detrimental consequences including fish advisories, degradation of fish and wildlife populations, taste and odor problems with drinking water, beach closures, and bird and animal deformities or reproductive problems.
The Great Lakes Legacy Act of 2002 contributed significantly to the effort to clean up Areas of Concern in the Great Lakes. Almost 800,000 cubic yards of contaminated sediments have been removed since the program was created in 2002. This material has been safely removed from riverbeds so that it no longer poses a threat to human health or the wildlife.

History of the Conservation Movement PART 3: Awareness to Action

A pervasive theme throughout this series has been the related opposing ideas: interconnectedness and the illusion of separateness. As we move on and reflect upon the efforts that brought us to where we are, it is important to think about this theme that reoccurs. In actuality, the earth, the ecosystems, the species, and the elements all depend on each other. The illusion of separateness that infects the perception of many people hinders progress on the conservation efforts. We must move past the idea of separateness to really advance forward in all areas of life.

After centuries of turmoil and atrocity in North America, the "New Americans" faced a dilemma of ecological damage. The damage from ecological invasion to the natives and their land was devastating. The reckless deforestation, slaughtering of native animals, introduction of new domesticated animals, and sicknesses carried from Europe lead to conditions that called attention for change. Columbus became aware of the impact that deforestation had on the decreased rain patterns. Even before the genocide of many Native Americans, cultures around the world understood the importance of their impact on their surroundings. People understood the importance of soil quality and erosion through practicing the rotation of crops, using natural fertilizer, and terracing. People eventually learned the importance of clean water and preventing pollution. People also switched to coal after realizing the devastating consequences of deforesting.

Many Europeans and New Americans began circulating their writings and photography to draw awareness to the need to protect nature. Congressmen began speaking out, the Department of Interior was created, and National Parks began to be established - change was emerging. People began taking part in preserving the land. I think it is very important to look at the progress that was implemented by the people, not the ones with power. People must question the flaws within society and be weary of the accepted perceptions that are not challenged. If we do not know what is right, how can we stand up for what we believe? It is important that each of us know what we believe so we can fight for it. Otherwise, we are just passive observers that have no right to complain about the conditions we struggle against.

The era of the hippies, seen by many as the start of the conservation movement, was a time calling for change much like today. Today we have more knowledge from massive failures and increased awareness and acceptance of the impact humanity has on the earth. As we journey through the twenty-first century, I would like to see that we do not repeat the mistakes of the past, but learn from them. Moving ahead with the knowledge and perseverance to accomplish what others may think is impossible. I think we are already witnessing a true revolution in how humans view their impact on the earth and their mission to change it. "Green" has become a very trendy term for describing natural living and returning to our roots, trying to live with the ideals that the Native Americans have imbedded in their culture and beliefs. The Native Americans have so much to offer us about how to live sustainably. We must be thankful for the lessons that have taught us and can continue to teach us as we strive to protect Mother Earth.

Although this series, perhaps improperly titled, became more of reflection than an actual history recall, I feel that it has been helpful in thinking a little bit about where we have come from. I purposely did not call this entry a conclusion because I know that I will return to this topic again and again. Action does not end. We must always be willing to participate in the act of life. Remember the triple A's: awareness, acceptance, and action!

Happy Earth Day :)

Our Children Want To Help!!!!

With Earth Day coming up soon here's some great books that offer fun ways the little one's can get involved.

1. "S is for Save the Planet" (Sleeping Bear Press, ages 6-10) by Bard Herzog, illustrated by Linda Holt Ayriss.

2. "Insiders: Rain Forests" (Simon & Schuster, ages 8-12) by Richard C. Vogt.

3. "The Butterful and the Grasshoppers Feast" (Candle-wick Press, all ages) by William Plomer, illustrated by Alan Aldridge.

4."101 Ways You Can Save the Planet Before You're 12!" (Sterling, ages 6-up) by Joanne O'Sullivan.

5. "Earth Day, Ready-to-Read" (Simon & Schuster, ages 4-6) by Margaret McNamara, illustrated by Mike Gordon.

6."We are Extremely Very Good Recyclers" (Penguin, ages 6-9) based on characters created by Lauren Child.

7. "Michael Recycle Meets Litterbug Doug" (Worthwhile Books, ages 4-8) by Eille Bethel, illustrated by Alexander Colombo.

8. "Earth in the Hot Seat, Bulletins from a Warming World" ( National Geographic, ages 9-12) by Marfe Ferguson Delano. ***** Highly recommended.

One more thing Please have your children visit and bookmark " Kids for Saving the Earth!!"

The mission of KSE is to educate, inspire, and empower children to protect the Earth's environment. KSE Worldwide provides action-oriented educational materials to kids, families, groups, classrooms and schools. http://www.kidsforsavingearth.org/