Green in the Face

VOTE FOR JUSTIN!

2009-03-05T10:02:00.004-05:00

Please take a moment and vote for Justin Pergolini in the Zinch.com March Madness scholarship competition. Of all the people I know who deserve to go to college he takes the cake.

Here's his permalink: http://www.zinch.com/voting/Regionals2.aspx?GroupId=134#Justin-Pergolini

Pass this along to your friends and vote from multiple email accounts if you have them!

ZapRoot - Top 5 Green Dreams for the Obama Administration

2008-11-06T10:55:00.002-05:00

“Yes, we can change.” Obama wins the presidential election and here are our top 5 green dreams for 2009. Zero Pollutions Motors create the car of the future, and it runs on air. And, check out the latest in Green Gadgets.

Obama Victory Speech -- Electile Dysfunction

2008-11-05T12:02:00.006-05:00

If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.

It's the answer told by lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen; by people who waited three hours and four hours, many for the very first time in their lives, because they believed that this time must be different; that their voice could be that difference.

It's the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Latino, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled — Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been a collection of red states and blue states; we are, and always will be, the United States of America.

It's the answer that led those who have been told for so long by so many to be cynical, and fearful, and doubtful of what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day.

It's been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this defining moment, change has come to America.

I just received a very gracious call from Sen. McCain. He fought long and hard in this campaign, and he's fought even longer and harder for the country he loves. He has endured sacrifices for America that most of us cannot begin to imagine, and we are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader. I congratulate him and Gov. Palin for all they have achieved, and I look forward to working with them to renew this nation's promise in the months ahead.

I want to thank my partner in this journey, a man who campaigned from his heart and spoke for the men and women he grew up with on the streets of Scranton and rode with on that train home to Delaware, the vice-president-elect of the United States, Joe Biden.

I would not be standing here tonight without the unyielding support of my best friend for the last 16 years, the rock of our family and the love of my life, our nation's next first lady, Michelle Obama. Sasha and Malia, I love you both so much, and you have earned the new puppy that's coming with us to the White House. And while she's no longer with us, I know my grandmother is watching, along with the family that made me who I am. I miss them tonight, and know that my debt to them is beyond measure.

To my campaign manager, David Plouffe; my chief strategist, David Axelrod; and the best campaign team ever assembled in the history of politics — you made this happen, and I am forever grateful for what you've sacrificed to get it done.

But above all, I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to — it belongs to you.

I was never the likeliest candidate for this office. We didn't start with much money or many endorsements. Our campaign was not hatched in the halls of Washington — it began in the backyards of Des Moines and the living rooms of Concord and the front porches of Charleston.

It was built by working men and women who dug into what little savings they had to give $5 and $10 and $20 to this cause. It grew strength from the young people who rejected the myth of their generation's apathy; who left their homes and their families for jobs that offered little pay and less sleep; from the not-so-young people who braved the bitter cold and scorching heat to knock on the doors of perfect strangers; from the millions of Americans who volunteered and organized, and proved that more than two centuries later, a government of the people, by the people and for the people has not perished from this earth. This is your victory.

I know you didn't do this just to win an election, and I know you didn't do it for me. You did it because you understand the enormity of the task that lies ahead. For even as we celebrate tonight, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime — two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century. Even as we stand here tonight, we know there are brave Americans waking up in the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan to risk their lives for us. There are mothers and fathers who will lie awake after their children fall asleep and wonder how they'll make the mortgage, or pay their doctor's bills, or save enough for college. There is new energy to harness and new jobs to be created; new schools to build and threats to meet and alliances to repair.

The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year, or even one term, but America — I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you: We as a people will get there.

There will be setbacks and false starts. There are many who won't agree with every decision or policy I make as president, and we know that government can't solve every problem. But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree. And, above all, I will ask you join in the work of remaking this nation the only way it's been done in America for 221 years — block by block, brick by brick, callused hand by callused hand.

What began 21 months ago in the depths of winter must not end on this autumn night. This victory alone is not the change we seek — it is only the chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were. It cannot happen without you.

So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism; of service and responsibility where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves, but each other. Let us remember that if this financial crisis taught us anything, it's that we cannot have a thriving Wall Street while Main Street suffers. In this country, we rise or fall as one nation — as one people.

Let us resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long. Let us remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House — a party founded on the values of self-reliance, individual liberty and national unity. Those are values we all share, and while the Democratic Party has won a great victory tonight, we do so with a measure of humility and determination to heal the divides that have held back our progress.

As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, "We are not enemies, but friends... Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection." And, to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn, I may not have won your vote, but I hear your voices, I need your help, and I will be your president, too.

And to all those watching tonight from beyond our shores, from parliaments and palaces to those who are huddled around radios in the forgotten corners of our world — our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at hand. To those who would tear this world down: We will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security: We support you. And to all those who have wondered if America's beacon still burns as bright: Tonight, we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity and unyielding hope.

For that is the true genius of America — that America can change. Our union can be perfected. And what we have already achieved gives us hope for what we can and must achieve tomorrow.

This election had many firsts and many stories that will be told for generations. But one that's on my mind tonight is about a woman who cast her ballot in Atlanta. She's a lot like the millions of others who stood in line to make their voice heard in this election, except for one thing: Ann Nixon Cooper is 106 years old.

She was born just a generation past slavery; a time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky; when someone like her couldn't vote for two reasons — because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin.

And tonight, I think about all that she's seen throughout her century in America — the heartache and the hope; the struggle and the progress; the times we were told that we can't and the people who pressed on with that American creed: Yes, we can.

At a time when women's voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballot. Yes, we can.

When there was despair in the Dust Bowl and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs and a new sense of common purpose. Yes, we can.

When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world, she was there to witness a generation rise to greatness and a democracy was saved. Yes, we can.

She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that "We Shall Overcome." Yes, we can.

A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imagination. And this year, in this election, she touched her finger to a screen and cast her vote, because after 106 years in America, through the best of times and the darkest of hours, she knows how America can change. Yes, we can.

America, we have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do. So tonight, let us ask ourselves: If our children should live to see the next century; if my daughters should be so lucky to live as long as Ann Nixon Cooper, what change will they see? What progress will we have made?

This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment. This is our time — to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American Dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth that out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope, and where we are met with cynicism, and doubt, and those who tell us that we can't, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people: Yes, we can.

Thank you, God bless you, and may God bless the United States of America.

Image via HotNewsTurkey (seriously, best picture I could find)

Speech transcribed by National Public Radio here. McCain concession speech also available.

We Hope She/He Said Yes [Just Bc]

2008-10-30T14:31:00.007-04:00

Your fix of all things sappy for the day, and because I was in the spirit of Halloween.

Make Your House A Green Stop For Trick-Or-Treaters [Holiday Cheer]

2008-10-30T11:12:00.012-04:00

No one wants to be the healthy house on Halloween, but what if you could trick your treaters into thinking they're shoveling those high-fructose sugary snacks into their pillowcases, when they are really getting a fix of awesome organic candy made with real fruit extracts?!?!?

OK, so maybe it's not the most exciting news you have heard all day, but it's pretty essential on the ghoulish day of the year. I don't want to be the dentist's house handing out toothbrushes or the old woman's house handing out fruit, but I do want to offer alternatives to the incredibly processed Snickers, Milky Ways, Babe Ruth's, etc. Here's this years best selection of Halloween candy gone green! (Muahahaha)

First check out Yummy Earth. They are a lollipop company with 14 different organic and all natural flavors. Be sure to check out pomegranate pucker and mango tango.

Organic Candy Company has sour fruit hard candy in cherry, lemon, pineapple and orange. No one will ever know...

Switching it up a bit, Let's Do Organic! Classic has jelly and super sour vegan gummy bears. It's basically fruit. Also scope out Kettle Valley's Organic Fruit Snacks in strawberry, blueberry, cherry, cranberry, peach and berry blend.

For your chocolate fix, (my favorite): Endangered Species Chocolate Company's Belgian-chocolate Bug Bites are a real winner. Andddd... they come with educational trading cards. Every trick-or-treaters dream.

Betty Lou's Inc. makes organic Almond Patties, chocolate North Shore Patties and peanut butter Golden Smackers. Something about "peanut butter smackers" sounds so delicious.

And as long as they aren't opened, ain't nothin' wrong with a big awesome cookie for the road: Dancing Deer Baking Co.'s trans-fat-free Chocolate Chip, Triple Chocolate and Lemon Daisy shortbread cookies come in individually wrapped with two cookies in each pack.

Tomorrow is the day! I know you are all putting these purchases off until the last minute. And don't forget to save a little to the side for yourself ; )

Image via BBC News.

TreeHugger loves the GOP? [Thumbs Down]

2008-10-27T12:30:00.009-04:00

After a fellow Green in the Face writer forwarded me an article on TreeHugger about a Buddhist temple built out of beer bottles, I was compelled to forward this to my Buddhist father. This went according to plan, until I saw something I never in my life expected to see. Maybe I don't read TreeHugger enough to know where they stand on the presidential election, I thought I could make an educated assumption, but perhaps I was wrong. Below you will find the screen shots of the GOP ads running on TreeHugger right now!

Not only are they ads from the Republican National Committee, but they are the ads that without a doubt piss me off the most!

I'll give TH the benefit of the doubt that these ads are syndicated and they probably don't realize they are running, but they should! Green in the Face has been victim to unwanted ads as well. For example, the time when Fox News had a leaderboard ad on our lovely page. But, if Green in the Face were owned by Discovery Communications (as TH is), would we even needs ads? If we did, wouldn't we have enough control over the situation to actively pick which products, services, or POLITICAL PARTIES run on our site? You're damn right we would!

Here's the entire clip that you may be subject to while on TH:

Update 3:19pm - Forgot to mention that we did write to TH to bring this to their attention. We encourage others to do the same. Thanks gardenparty for the support!

Greenland, Corn Syrup, and the Man [ZapRoot]

2008-10-22T13:53:00.003-04:00

Cars/Cars on tracks in Ithaca/Ithaca College Sustainability Day [Links]

2008-10-21T21:19:00.010-04:00

It all comes full circle you see?

The folks at YahooGreen take a look at the leaked pictures of the 2010 Toyota Prius. I estimate everyone on the waiting list for the present day Prius will get their cars by around 2010.

My lovely mother (I shall call her madre because she's Mexican) sent this to me from the Huffington Post: Ithaca destined to be the first American Podcar city. According to the president of ConnectIthaca, producers of the Podcars, it's like an elevator that moves horizontally. Makes me think of Willy Wonka, and coincidentally, Ithaca is probably the only place where you'd be likely to run into such a character.

And finally, Ithaca College Sustainability Day is fast approaching. Oct. 22 Ithacans have the opportunity to take "Permaculture 101" or listen to the sweet sounds of a band named 5 Cents Sharp.

Image from Flickr user bandon1

Give the Gift of Life in Memory of Those Without It! [Business]

2008-10-20T15:49:00.015-04:00

We've all been there. There's no way to make that all too familiar yet awkward situation any better... UNTIL NOW! I present to you TreesInstead Memory Trees! Your go-to for memorial trees, sympathy, funeral, condolence, and bereavement gifts! TreesInstead gives you their word that "No sympathy or funeral gift is as uplifting & thoughtful"

This is for real people. If you know someone is about to "check out" or you have a pet that's "going to the ranch" it's something to think about. They've got 9 models to choose from ranging from the most popular Half an Acre in Memory for $60 to the more economical Pet Memorial for $25. They can plant your tree in any U.S. state, Israel or The Amazon. Sound good, no?

And if you get yourself into a real sticky situation, where you think there's absolutely nothing you can do to help, there's the always the much appreciated Miscarriage Gift. Give life to those who weren't able to.

But seriously, while on the surface this may seem like an oddball way to show your sympathy, it makes a lot more sense than rows and rows of big heavy rocks or cards that will get thrown in the trash. I, personally, would most likely only go the Pet Memorial route but still, a nice way to chipper up the kids if you actually tell them what "going to the ranch" means.

Image via Memory-Trees.com

Interior Design and the Gays [Boob Tube]

2008-10-18T10:08:00.014-04:00

Last week's episode of Top Design entitled Eco-Offices was a nice breath of stale air in my bedroom. Can't deny though, I won't turn down a Friday afternoon marathon.

Cue up to 1:10 to get a glance of one of the judges referring to Wisit's design logic as greenwashing, I, personally, would just call it lazy.

I admire Wisit for promoting minimalism as a method of green, but, I have to agree...his office sucked. Nathan should have won, and his curtain rod was genius (and green).

You know what's greenwashing? Using green design as a challenge subject on a interior design show! You want to be green in the office? Telecommute! I just read an interesting article in Wired about the many benefits of telecommuting.

As a member of the DC working world for the remainder of the semester, do you know how much time I waste and observe my coworkers wasting in the office? Do you know much energy we use on AC and heat in my office? Metro and parking costs not to mention gas use and emissions? In my dream of being a self-employed business owner in the future, my first move to go green and cut costs: eliminate the central office, hire trustworthy and self motivated employees (naive, I know), and let the work begin.

Last winter break I interned for a PR firm that had members all throughout the country. The graphic designer in Florida, the owner in New Jersey, the writer in California. One of my assignments was to get quotes from VoIP services and conference call services because their Verizon contract was too expensive. I bet they are counting their lucky stars right now to have saved so much money by leaving Verizon.

On a completely unrelated note other than that most of the men (and women, no basis for judgment yet) on Top Design would be severely affected by this, Californians, I ask you not to be douche bags and please vote no on Prop 8. Thanks.

Confclit of My Own Interests [Business]

2008-10-17T11:08:00.007-04:00

I am confused as NYC transit officials announce that they will soon be selling advertising space on the interior tunnels. So...basically soon enough (if it hasn't happened already) the world will look like it does in I,Robot or Bicentennial Man, where EVERY SINGLE FREE SPACE LEFT ON THIS EARTH WILL BE COVERED IN SHIT.

I am so conflicted over this. Whenever my friends get pissed about ads while we're watching things on the internet or Fly-in ads, I explain that these ads keep the things free. It's a weird balance, what I would call a circle of life on the web. But when I hear about the new innovative places we're putting ads, it just makes me feel more and more like a target and I'm studying to be the shooter!

Here's my beef. If the MTA and other transit authorities agree to sell more and more ad space in the deep dark intestines of their transit system, can we make fares cheaper?! Did you know the DC Metro costs $1.35 for one way during OFF-PEAK hours?

This is more up my alley when it comes to tunnel advertising. But we'll see. Commenters said they've been doing this on PATH tunnel from Jersey to NYC for years so...

Images via Canadian Marketing Association and Above All Advertising

F-R-E-E That Spells Free [Internets]

2008-10-17T10:44:00.007-04:00

Below you'll find one of the newest marketing campaigns in the form of a viral video. A contest to see who can do the best cover of the FreeCreditReport.com song. We all know it, it get's stuck in all our heads from time to time. We all wish we were eating fish and chips when we see the commercial.

It's funny, it's free, the product is free, the reward is $15,000. Without being good at math it seems like a win-win. And, in accordance with the recent trend of drawing attention to the general suckiness of the American economy, it references the $15,000 prize as YOUR personal bailout.

My favorites are the girls who are very obviously either working at or just visiting a tanning salon. Clearly they are budgeting very well.

YourCause.com: Blog Action Day Part 2 [Happenings]

2008-10-15T15:04:00.009-04:00

This summer I interned for a company called Fanscape. Great place, great people, loved working there, yada yada. One of the first campaigns I worked on as a Social Media intern was for YourCause.com. It's basically a social network for people who have a specific charity they want to attract donors to. It makes donating really simple and can get money to the right places without a bunch of middlemen when going from point A to B.

So in honor of Blog Action Day I thought I'd at least throw this out there. It's not necessarily only for charities having to do with poverty, but many of them do tackle that subject.

YourCause.com has really good partnerships but also, in my opinion, represents one of the groundbreaking ways to use social media for a variety of causes. Yes there is advertising on the site, and yes they use celebrities to garner a little interest but what's wrong with that? The social networking platform is king right now so rather than making a boring website with a "Donate Here" button, a community atmosphere is modern and relevant.

So, if you're in the mood to donate some spare change here's the rundown. While there's no specific "poverty" cause there is:

Housing

Employmet

Health

Human Services

and a bunch of others.

And because Green in the Faces is Green, theres also an environment section.

Images via YourCause.com

Blog Action Day: Day2Day with Poverty [Happenings]

2008-10-15T11:54:00.008-04:00

I think I messed up my registration for Blog Action Day so if no one ever sees this or if I'm not signed up right... I tried, seriously.

Anywho, my take on this year's topic Poverty is un-researched and probably naive, but I'll talk about it the only way I know how: based on my day to day interactions.

As a semester long resident in our Nation's Capital, Washington DC, I've had to interact with many more people living below the poverty line than ever before (only to be challenged by LA). It would make sense that the central location for all things American would have streets full of hungry, poor, uncared for individuals. It's a nice way to welcome visitors to this great nation. But what do we do?

I'm not below the poverty line, most people with an internet connection and computer who can blog regularly aren't. But I salute those participating in Blog Action Day, and I would encourage people to check out the list of participating sites and what they are saying because I'm sure it would put to shame my last second thoughts on this issue.

I'm just a student bracing to enter the working world during a global recession but here are a few things I do occasionally to try and help the people I see on the street everyday to and from my internship:

Keeping some food on me at all times. Even if it's just some fruit leather or granola bar that I've packed to eat for breakfast, I know I'll be able to find another one so I'll usually hand it off.
If what they're selling is of interest I'll usually buy it. Why not? I got most of my Obama buttons that way.
I'll try and keep some loose change in my pockets. I know a lot of times people would want to give a little money here and there, but when you're running to catch a train or late to work going through your bag and finding $$ can be annoying, but not as annoying as being impoverished. This an easy "on-the-go" method
Sometimes, I ask for the day-olds. On a recent trip to San Francisco, the Starbucks I was in was replenishing their coffee cake and bagel supply and they were more than willing to give me the old ones to do what I wished with them.
I always take my leftovers, realizing that I probably won't end up eating it at home so I'll try to give it away while it's fresh. This one is probably my favorite. This is an especially nice idea if you're on vacation. Most times while traveling people won't take leftovers because they don't have a fridge to keep it in, but fear not! There are always tummies to fill on your walk home.

Do these methods help? I don't know, I probably never will. Do I hope to take a more proactive and educated approach to helping with poverty in the future? Absolutely! If nothing else I would hope Blog Action Day can cause readers to think about this topic because for the most part it goes unnoticed and overlooked. It's definitely caused me to think about this a little more, and especially think about the next step: figuring out ways to help those in need that has been shown to be beneficial, not just things I assume will help. But, until then, I believed in a something is better than nothing approach.

When I grow up I want to be an...[Green in the Face]

2008-10-07T10:57:00.009-04:00

X-Ray technician!!! Well that's not true. I've never really thought about what it takes to be an X-Ray technician or even the schooling involved. I mean this with all honesty. I've never broken a bone so I've only ever interacted with these kind people during pneumonia scares, and episodes of hypochondria.

But when I get love I return the love SO I would like to thank X-RayTechnicianSchools.org for adding me to their list The Top 100 Environmentalist Blogs.

Congratulations to Green in the Face for coming in at an impressive #91 out of 100!!!

But seriously, anyone not sure what their future holds for them in this uncertain world, consider this career. Let's be honest, being a banker or stock broker hasn't turned out too well. But I dare say people will continue to break bones well into the future and you'll always have a job in this field!

Image via Saskatoon Medical Imaging/Saskatoon Women's Imaging

Leave it to NBC to beat YouTube by putting things up themselves! [Electile Dysfunction]

2008-10-05T10:49:00.005-04:00

Missed this last night even though I FINALLY got my television to work in my apartment. But thankfully here it is.

I thought it was beyond accurate. Who didn't fall in love with Joe Biden by the end? My only complaint is that they left out my most favoritest part of the real vp debate: Senator O'Biden.

Chutes and Ladders [Internets]

2008-08-04T12:27:00.004-04:00

I received an email today that one of my posts had been added to a Digg-like site centered around sustainability called Sustain NewsLadder. I'm not sure exactly the angle of this site considering it has sister sites such as a John McCain themed Digg-like site as well as various Support Our Troops sites. I'd be all for neutrality but I don't see an Obama themed site quit yet. But anywho, check it out, let me know what you think.

Image via Sustain NewsLadder

Socialize [Internets]

2008-06-26T23:06:00.007-04:00

I've been so busy, there's probably no one even reading this anymore... but if you are I wanted to show some love to a new social network devoted to fellow greenies that focuses on reducing one's carbon footprint. It's called Edenbee and I suggest checking it out. You can see my profile here.

Anyway things are good here in sunny Los Angeles. Lots of things to see such as the the first ever solar powered tanning salon right on Cahuenga. It may seem redundant to use the sun to produce fake sun, but I guess it could be worse. The only thing that makes it even better is the fact that it is owned by noneother than Nick Spano aka Donnie Stevens from Disney's Even Stevens. Beat that!

T-Shirts a Panda Would Eat [Spending Cash]

2008-05-05T10:34:00.009-04:00

Looking for t-shirts made from bamboo, hemp, or organic cotton? Check out Onno. Clicky below to check out their stuff. In preparation for my summer in LA I may invest in some of these breezy clothing items.

bamboo, hemp & organic clothing

Serj Tankian in Three DEE!! [Silly Shit]

2008-04-09T12:20:00.006-04:00

It would be a seems-t0-be-crazy musician, albeit with good intention, that would come with an idea like this. I think we might have to put this off until we can test fabric types before buying clothes online. Less touring = less gas = good. But doesn't this defeat the point of a concert?

Rocker eyes 'holographic touring' to help Earth

Image via 3PointID.

What's the opposite of green? [Thumbs Down]

2008-04-09T11:35:00.004-04:00

Red right? Red bike shorts maybe. I'm taking this from Grist via Carbon Conscious Consumer. Self explanatory as to why this is the opposite of green marketing.

Really Howard? Treehuggers already hate on Starbucks as it is... [Thumbs Down]

2008-04-08T22:56:00.006-04:00

I was browsing through Baristanet again today. One of today's posts linked to a CBS news article about a visit by Howard Schultz, CEO of Starbucks, to The Early Show this morning. I'm not going to get into Starbucks and big corporations and why they are good or bad. I just wanted to leave you with the following quote that makes me want to actually throw a tantrum. This was said in the context of Schultz wanting Starbucks to serve the best coffee possible and not allowing baristas to serve coffee that is more than 30 minutes old.

"We'll be pouring out more coffee than most people serve"

Image via CBC.ca

Michigan, Ur Dooin it Rite [Props]

2008-04-06T10:16:00.015-04:00

Still working on making the site more aesthetically pleasing.

In the meantime I just listened to this really great piece from NPR about schools in rural Michigan that are using wind power and creating their own biodiesel. This helps them cut costs, but also, because school students are actually helping in the green process, it is preparing youngster to work all those green jobs we are expected to have in the future.

This brings up two interesting points facing many greening organizations. For instance, Ithaca College is building/has built LEED certified buildings and there is tons of literature about how these buildings are green, but on the larger scale of where IC gets power from, I know little. It could be there, I have to look. But when it comes to choosing a school, will people begin to question those things? This could also impact financial concerns. I would imagine there is a positive correlation between oil prices and tuition.

Point two, offering green job training. Should students value the opportunity to learn green job skills? The boy at the end of the NPR piece, who speaks with an awesome Midwest accent, talks about his great advantage of knowing about green skills. Maybe vocational schools should begin thinking about the importance of this trade.

These are such big topics to tackle. I'm not entirely sure where to begin. I do know that this school in Michigan has a lot to teach and brag about.

Listen to the NPR piece here.

Image via Aquila Energy Sources.

Rob'n'Big [Boob Tube]

2008-04-04T11:09:00.008-04:00

I never watch MTV except when Tila Tequila (season 2 comes back April 22!!!) was on and that was an entire house event. I do however enjoy catching the occasional Rob and Big episode, my personal favorite was the time they broke nearly 30 Guinness World Records. Anyway, I just read on Carbon Conscious Consumer that a recent episode included a conversion of Big's Pinto into an automobile that can run on vegetable oil. I think it is the third clip in. Enjoy.

C3 Post here.

GraphJam [Just Bc]

2008-04-01T13:23:00.006-04:00

Since I actually have a few readers (thank you!) I do like to spread the word about things going on unrelated to green marketing.

GraphJam may be old news to some, but if not you should really check it out. I'm in the planning stages of my first submission.

see more funny graphs