Thursday, July 24, 2008
Electric Cars ; Coming Soon?
Considering my commute this could not happen too soon. Also look at this short piece from the Sundance Channel Blog . On another note I have just checked out' cradle to cradle' by William McDonnough and Michael Braungart from our library (an exciting new arrival.) This book and their work was featured in the Museum of Contemporary Art's recent exhibit on Design and Sustainability. I may share some thoughts while reading and I will let you all know when it will be back in th library
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Al Gore's Energy Challenge
All 27 minutes - A non- partisan, intelligent challenge to the country to move towards sustainability no matter who is the next president
Friday, July 18, 2008
More Drilling? Gas Prices?
More Drilling? Gas Prices ? Another view with some good links to information - At this point in the "peak oil" process we cannot afford to be short sighted. Petroleum products will not be going down in price - the long view demands a firm commitment to alternative energy sources and developing the technology and public awareness (education) to make it so.
Friday, July 4, 2008
local produce at......Wal-mart????
Indeed, one result of the increase in gas prices may be a boon for local farmers. Wal-mart is increasing the amount of produce it buys from local farmers.
Of course, as the article points out, Wal-mart's definition of "local" is not necessarily the green definition of local. They're looking at miles only, which means that they are as likely to support the megafarms as the local farmer (more likely, I would guess, since megafarms are more likely to be able to undercut prices than a family farm). But, I think the article is interesting for several reasons:
1. It would be a great starting point for anyone who wanted to discuss the issue of locavorism in class. What does "local" mean to you? What does it mean to our students? How do economics drive green trends?
2. Although it's not perfect, it's a start. This is a great way to combine activism with pragmatism. Let's face it, corporations are in it to make money. If green-minded folks can show these companies that yes, going green CAN help the bottom line...we all win.
3. Although not perfect, it's a start. Lots of people, across many demographic lines, shop at Wal-mart. This might be a way to introduce people who are not likely to go out searching the farmers' markets to local produce. Once that barrier is overcome, who knows what could happen? Once people realize that local doesn't have to mean expensive, they may be open to seeing that--at least in our area--buying local from family farms at the farmers' market is no more expensive than buying from Wal-mart.
I'll be honest. I am not a Wal-mart fan, and I avoid shopping there whenever possible, for many reasons. But, I also think that we need to make room at the table for the big boxes, if we want to make changes on a large scale. Wal-mart is a huge influence, like it or not, on our consumer culture. If they make changes, perhaps others will follow suit.
More info here, from an in-house Wal-mart blog. I bet other companies wouldn't mind saving millions in shipping costs...
Of course, as the article points out, Wal-mart's definition of "local" is not necessarily the green definition of local. They're looking at miles only, which means that they are as likely to support the megafarms as the local farmer (more likely, I would guess, since megafarms are more likely to be able to undercut prices than a family farm). But, I think the article is interesting for several reasons:
1. It would be a great starting point for anyone who wanted to discuss the issue of locavorism in class. What does "local" mean to you? What does it mean to our students? How do economics drive green trends?
2. Although it's not perfect, it's a start. This is a great way to combine activism with pragmatism. Let's face it, corporations are in it to make money. If green-minded folks can show these companies that yes, going green CAN help the bottom line...we all win.
3. Although not perfect, it's a start. Lots of people, across many demographic lines, shop at Wal-mart. This might be a way to introduce people who are not likely to go out searching the farmers' markets to local produce. Once that barrier is overcome, who knows what could happen? Once people realize that local doesn't have to mean expensive, they may be open to seeing that--at least in our area--buying local from family farms at the farmers' market is no more expensive than buying from Wal-mart.
I'll be honest. I am not a Wal-mart fan, and I avoid shopping there whenever possible, for many reasons. But, I also think that we need to make room at the table for the big boxes, if we want to make changes on a large scale. Wal-mart is a huge influence, like it or not, on our consumer culture. If they make changes, perhaps others will follow suit.
More info here, from an in-house Wal-mart blog. I bet other companies wouldn't mind saving millions in shipping costs...
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