Zero Waste Business Workshop: Successful Business & Community Partnerships for Sustainability July 31, 2007, San Pedro, CA

Achievement of Zero Waste is dependent upon the successful collaboration of businesses with businesses, businesses with government, and businesses with the public on programs that prevent waste and encourage sustainability. This workshop presents successful models of sustainability that have either achieved Zero Waste or are making significant progress on sustainability, extended producer responsibility, product stewardship, and takeback programs.

Devastated Kansas Town To Be Rebuilt As “Eco-Town”

Reuters | July 13, 2007 10:43 PM

The 13-part series, “Eco-Town,” will chronicle the rebuilding of the small town of Greensburg, Kan., which was devastated by a tornado May 4. The town, which has more than 1,500 residents, will be rebuilt as a “sustainable model of eco-living and one that will save it from future environmental catastrophe.”

The project was brought to Discovery by DiCaprio, a noted environmentalist, and Craig Piligiann of Pilgrim Films & Television. DiCaprio will executive produce through his company, Appian Way, along with Piligian…

Coal the Enemy of Humankind?

Steven asks in the Sustainable Tuscon Discussion Group: “Is there anyone who DOESN’T read energybulletin.net regularly?” Actually I dont.

According to Steven, EnergyBulletin gives a great wrap-up of important energy and sustainability news.

James Hanson is featured in a special Grist Mill editionCoal is the enemy of the human race: James Hansen edition:

There are long lists of things that people can do to help mitigate climate change. But for reasons quantified in my most recent publication, a moratorium on coal-fired power plants without CCS [Clean Coal Systems?] is by far the most important action that needs to be pursued. It should be the rallying issue for young people. The future of the planet in their lifetime is at stake. This is not an issue for only Bangladesh and the island nations, but for all humanity and other life on the planet.

More here.

In my hometown of Springfield Missouri, this reality still seems very much lost on the decision-makers, including the municipal utility (City Utilities) are still going full steam ahead with their coal power plant which they call Southwest 2. One wonders whats it going to take to get them to wake up and realize the error of their ways?

Actions need to be taken against the use of conventional coal which it seems is what Hansen is saying. However the notion that a resource can be an enemy of the human race is not very sound thinking and reasoning. The problem is not the resource but how we use it.

Its also theoretically possible that Fossil fuels like coal:

Can be used in more sustainable ways on a temporary basis

Could actually be made into a more sustainable transitional approach to a truly sustainable energy economy as compared to say the ethanol/biofuels frenzy that we now see taking control of the political mainstream.

Saturday SOULutionary Talk WATER and Brazil International Permaculture Convergence

7-9:30pm
San Francisco Botanical Garden
http://www.solutioneers.org/

You just don’t want to miss this Sustainability Tour featuring Brock Dolman and Erik Ohlsen. Some of you may have heard as well that Brock is featured in the new Leo DeCaprio documentary The 11th Hour. Anyways, hope you can make it. bring a friend and spread the word.

West County Delight
Sunday, July 15th , 9am to 4pm, $35
Sign up: 707-789-9664

Wow, is this day made ever so special with two incredible sites to visit, hosted by internationally renowned Permaculture practitioners and teachers. We’ll head to the Occidental Arts & Ecology Center (OAEC) for the famed “Brock Walk.” Into its second decade, this organization and intentional community has been addressing environmental, social and economic crises with innovative, practical solutions, style and beauty. Brock Dolman, Director of OAEC’s Permaculture, Basins of Relations, and Wildlands Biodiversity Programs, will satiate you with his wealth of knowledge and practicality as we meander through gardens containing over 3,000 varieties of heirloom annuals and 1,000 varieties of edible, medicinal and ornamental perennials.

Having become more “literate with the landscape”, we’ll switch courses and visit a beautiful site that includes three natural buildings. We’ll be greeted by resident, Erik Ohlsen. In less than two years Erik has transformed his yard using Permaculture design features such as edible landscaping, and small-scale intensive planting, emphasizing diversity and energy efficiency. His beautiful straw bale home was designed by architect, Darrel DeBoer, known for his exploration of structural bamboo uses in the U.S. We’ll walk on earthen floors, touch earthen and lime plasters, see incredible stone work, artisan staircases, hand rails and much more. This lovely home site has been featured in Natural Home Magazine.