SUSTAINABILITY ACTION NETWORK, Lawrence Chapter
20 October 2009
ECO RADIO KC ¤ WEEKLY ECOLOGICAL ISSUES RADIO SHOW
Tuesday, 20 October 2009, 12:00noon ¤ on Kansas City Community Radio
Listen at KKFI-FM 90.1, or on web-streaming at http://www.kkfi.org/
On this week's EcoRadio KC, host Rennie Carmack will be discussing "Vaccines - Facts, Options, and Alternatives". Considering that the yearly mix of flu vaccines and the new and barely tested H1N1 vaccine are arriving in clinics now, this topic is very important and timely. Whether you favor vaccines or oppose them for either health reasons or religious reasons, it is wise to get the information to make informed choices.
Stay tuned at 12:30 when the Bioneers radio series airs "Can't Buy Me Love: Annie Leonard's Story of Stuff". As the consumer feeding frenzy has gone global, each seemingly innocuous purchase of stuff we make today leaves behind a devastating legacy of waste that will envelop and even poison future generations for centuries to come. Annie Leonard's film Story of Stuff basically describes how sustained industrial growth is contingent on the ever-expanding conversion of the natural world into consumer products - the antithesis of sustainability. And ironically, it's not like all that stuff is making us any happier.
______________________________
WHAT'S AN ECONOMY FOR ANYWAY? COMMONWEALTH OR PLUTONOMY?
Another great show on KKFI is "Sea Change Radio" which just last Friday ran What’s The Economy Really For?, the theme being that a simpler lifestyle will be healthier for the planet and happier for all of us. While the show is good in itself, the intro is an eye opener. They quote a leaked 2005 memo by Ajay Kapur, Citigroup global strategist, who matter-of-factly describes the U.S. as a "plutonomy" where economic growth is powered by and largely consumed by the wealthy few. Kapur writes “Our whole plutonomy thesis is based on the idea that the rich will keep getting richer.” Kapur doesn't speak symbolically or theoretically and makes no apologies. He simply coins the term for the benefit of investors, and Plutonomy has now entered the brokerage lexicon.
Much of this information is from John de Graaf and his new film “What’s The Economy For Anyway”. John de Graaf is best known for his book, AFFLUENZA, and he founded the Hazel Wolf Environmental Film Festival. Read the whole Citygroup memo at Citigroup: Plutonomy - 16 Oct 2005. On Fridays at 12:30pm, listen to Sea Change Radio on KKFI-FM 90.1, or on web-streaming at http://www.kkfi.org/.
______________________________
KC URBAN AGRICULTURE ZONING CODE CHANGES ¤ PLANNING MEETING
Tuesday, 20 October 2009, 6:00-7:30pm
Bad Seed Farm & Market, 1909 McGee St, Kansas City MO
Kansas City Zoning Codes block many aspects of urban agriculture, from restricting employees or apprentices, preventing on-site sales, composting, canning, small livestock, etc. But urban food plots of all sizes are proliferating in Kansas City in response to peak oil food price inflation. Officials are generally open to changing such codes (Lawrence recently crafted provisions for urban chicken and duck raising) if constructive proposals are made.
The Food Policy Coalition of Greater Kansas City is drafting changes to remove these institutional barriers. They are inviting all interested parties to attend this planning meeting with City officials to begin the process. At the meeting they plan to examine existing codes and brainstorm useful changes, and assemble a volunteer committee to do the research and build political support. Please RSVP to and get info from: Katherine Kelly, KCCUA
______________________________
SECRETS OF NO-TILL GARDENERS ¤ COMMUNIVERSITY CLASS #2207 A
2 consecutive Tuesdays, 20 & 27 October 2009, 7:00-9:00pm
UMKC University Center Alumni Room, 50th & Rockhill Rd, KC MO
Urban farmer Steve Mann, owner of Platte Prairie Farms, and Marty Kraft of the Heartland All Species Project will divulge the secrets of no till/minimal till growing methods. Material covered will include no-till as a carbon sequestration method, fall garden preparation, replacing lawns with PermaScape, green roofs, and four season gardening. Class fee is $14, plus $15 for a grower's journal. More info at Platte Prairie Farms, or
______________________________
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF CLIMATE ACTION ¤ 350.org
Saturday, 24 October 2009, on coral reefs, at the State House, at coal plants, etc.
weekly updates at 350.org - Global Warming Global Action
In the run up to the UN Climate Change Conference - Copenhagen 2009, Bill McKibben has launched the International Day of Climate Action at 350.org. 350 is not an organization but a campaign, with a focus on the number 350 - as in parts per million - the level that scientists have identified as the safe upper limit for CO2 in our atmosphere.
In Kansas City, we know of two 350 actions:
- Kansas City 350 Rally, October 24, 2:00-4:00 PM at 47th St./Cleaver II Blvd. and J.C. Nichols Parkway Mill Creek Park near the Plaza. Find out more at http://www.350.org/node/4416.
- Awakening the Dreamer, Oct. 24, 9:00 AM-1:00 PM at 67th and Mission Rd., Prairie Village, Kansas. Find out more about this event at http://www.350.org/node/5454.
______________________________
"RETHINK AFGHANISTAN" SCREENING
Wednesday, 28 October 2009, 7:00pm - $3
Liberty Hall, 644 Massachusetts St., Lawrence KS
Directer Robert Greenwald, of Brave New Films, said on Democracy Now: Rethink Afghanistan that their mission is to reach as many people as possible and to motivate them to take action. Part of their approach is to release Rethink Afghanistan - free segments on-line, and part is to inspire local activists everywhere such as Films For Action - Rethink Afghanistan. Possibly the best print article currently available on Afghanistan is An Open Letter to President Obama in The Nation Magazine, by William R. Polk, fellow professor with Obama at the University of Chicago. Afghanistan is where empires go to die.
______________________________
LAWRENCE ELECTRONICS RECYCLING EVENT
Saturday, 31 October 2009, 9:00am to 1:00pm
Free State High School (north parking lot), 4700 Overland Drive, Lawrence KS
Electronics devices typically contain toxic heavy metals like lead and mercury and cadmium, and precious metals like silver and gold. If recycled properly, these metals can be materials feed stock for new industrial processes, not to mention saving production costs, and keeping them out of the landfill.
This one day event will provide Lawrence residents and businesses a way to conveniently recycle old, unwanted electronics equipment. Items accepted for recycling are computer monitors, desktops, laptops, keyboards, printers and other peripherals, televisions, copiers, scanners, telephones, cell phones, pagers, fax machines, VHS/DVD drives, and hand held devices. There is a recycling fee for computer monitors and televisions, $5 per monitor, and $10 per TV. There are no charges for other electronic equipment. Fees may be paid by cash or check.
Electronic recycling will be provided by Extreme Recycling, Inc. http://www.
______________________________
HALLOWEEN TREATS & CAR PARADE ¤ NATIONAL WEATHERIZATION DAY
Saturday, 31 October 2009, 12:00noon-4:00pm
Quindaro Blvd. between 17th & 18th St., Kansas City KS
Weatherization is one of the best strategies to address climate disruption, and green jobs for low income weatherization is one of the best strategies to strengthen the economy. Buildings account for 38% of GHG emissions, more than emissions from industrial process or transportation. Furthermore, 70% of energy used in buildings is electricity, 75% of Kansas' electricity is from coal, and coal emits twice the green house gases than any other fossil fuel. Conserving building energy is THE low hanging fruit, with the most rapid potential for reductions, and the greatest ability to leverage small changes into large results.
This local event is part of the National Weatherization Campaign from the Laborers International Union of North America, and the Cool Cities Campaign from the Sierra Club. LIUNA has developed a weatherization training program, and the ARRAct has budgeted $5 billion for the DoE's Weatherization Assistance Program. The opportunity and the need is there. If you want to help, donations of candy treats will greatly help the event. Contact Richard Mabion at (913)481-9920 with donations or for information.
______________________________
SAVE THE WAKARUSA WETLANDS ¤ STOP THE SOUTH LAWRENCE TRAFFICWAY
Monday, 2 November 2009, time TBA
Strong Hall lawn, K.U. campus
The Wetlands Preservation Organization and Save the Wetlands will be holding a rally in front of Strong Hall to deliver a petition to the Chancellor. Apparently K.U. (and not K.U. Endowment) owns 20 acres of the Wakarusa Wetlands directly in the path of the 32nd Street alignment for the SLT mega highway. K.U. student groups have been lobbying University officials for more than a year to not cave into the Kansas Dept of Transportation, which lately has given priority to paving the Wetlands. For more info contact
______________________________
HILLSDALE ENVIRONMENTAL LOSS PREVENTION ¤ H.E.L.P.
http://www.helpairwater.com/
This has been the lead organization in challenging the Gardner Intermodal Rail/Truck Transfer Facility. However, they have a broad watershed protection focus, covering issues of air and water quality, agricultural and forest lands, and human health. If you want to learn more of the BNSF Intermodal proposal to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, click on BNSF Intermodal Permit comments to ACE where there are hundreds of public comments.
______________________________
LAWRENCE SUSTAINABILITY ADVISORY BOARD
Wednesday, 11 November 2009, 5:30pm
Recycling and Resource Recovery Annex, 320 N.E. Industrial Lane, Lawrence KS
The November agenda will be available soon. The S.A.B. meets monthly to discuss any and all aspects of furthering sustainability policies and practices by the City of Lawrence government and private persons. The public is welcome. Minutes are finalized in about a month after each meeting http://www.lawrencerecycles.
______________________________
KANSAS CITY ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
Wednesday, 11 November 2009, 4:00-6:00pm
Mid America Regional Council, Rivergate Center 2nd floor, 600 Broadway, KC MO
The Environmental Management Commission promotes environmental awareness and resource efficiency to the City's leader and staff, to assist the progress of Kansas City toward sustainability. Members of the general public are encouraged to attend and observe meetings and to join and participate in its efforts. More information and the EMC April 2009 minutes are available at http://www.kcmo.org/manager.
______________________________
"MEETING THE SUSTAINABILITY CHALLENGES OF THE NEXT HALF CENTURY"
Wednesday, 11 November 2009, 7:00pm - free
lecture by Wes Jackson
Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art, Johnson County Community College
College Blvd. and Quivira Rd., Overland Park KS
Wes Jackson, founder and President of the Land Institute in Salina KS will be giving this lecture. Working with a doctorate in genetics and degrees in biology and botany, Jackson has lead the Land Institute research of long range development of perennial grain crops based on prairie species. He has given hundreds of lectures, many focused on how climate destabilization will disrupt the long-stable agricultural growing zones. For example, optimal growing temperatures may move far northward to regions without adequate soils or daylight cycles. For more information on the lecture callJames Leiker at (913) 469-8500 x3673
______________________________
"FOOD FIGHT" SCREENING
Thursday, 12 November 2009, 7:00-10:00pm - free
Liberty Hall, 644 Massachusetts St., Lawrence KS
"Food Fight" is a fascinating look at how American agricultural policy and food culture developed in the 20th century, and how the California food movement rebelled against big agribusiness to launch the local, seasonal, food movement. The host will be Alan Rhodes, an organic grower from Lawrence Food Fight: local culinary revolt.
The SUSTAINABILITY ACTION NETWORK, Inc. is a Kansas not-for-profit organization. DONATIONS ARE APPRECIATED, and checks can be mailed to P.O.Box 1064, Lawrence KS 66044. Our mission is to advocate and organize societal scale action to address sustainability issues. The triple crises of Energy-Ecology-Economy, the global "3E Trifecta", are building so rapidly that large scale action is needed immediately and methodically to overcome institutional barriers and advance public policy that preserves ecological sustainability. Our focus is to build a relocalized economy-ecology in concert with the Transition Town movement occurring in many other communities. To join the Sustainability Action Network please contact us at
Our current projects include:
1) Transition Kaw Valley - initiating transition to a relocalized post-carbon economy, and municipal level Peak Oil response planning.
2) Kaw Permaculture Collaborative - developing skills and resources for poly-cropping sustainable food production.
3) Energy Conservation & Renewables - advancing a green economy through decentralized technologies and regulations, for conservation and renewable energy.
4) Land Consortium - organizing interested stakeholders to acquire prime farmland in the urban fringe for land-based economic development and regional food security.
5) Water Rights and Watersheds - protecting the water commons, the source of all life, from privatization and contamination, and restoring our watersheds.
6) Electric & Human Powered Vehicles - promoting neighborhood electric vehicles and utility tricycles, including infrastructure and pro-active regulations.
7) Weekly Sustainability Announcements - informing and encouraging others to become active in the Sustainability Action Network, or other action driven groups.
8) Collaboration with sister organizations - such as: The Light Center eco-village; Kaw Valley Food System farm-based economic development; Citizens for Responsible Planning; Films for Action; Kansas River Valley Growers fighting for local water rights; national efforts by the Sustainable Energy Network; KC Metro groups like the Kansas City Food Circle and the All Species Project, etc.
We welcome suggestions for items to be included. Please send items to
1 comment:
Responsible dissertation | dissertations Planning; Films for Action; Kansas River Valley Growers fighting for local water rights.
dissertation writing
Post a Comment