Nov 11 - 17, 2015
I remember marveling that Scott Nearing was the one nonagenarian I knew with plans for future farm projects he would be working on ten years hence - Elliot Coleman
KEEP FOSSIL FUELS IN THE GROUND - MERKLEY/SANDERS
On 4 November, Senator Jeff Merkley introduced the Keep It in the Ground Act of 2015 (S. 2238). The bill has six Senate co-sponsors: Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, Barbara Boxer, Benjamin Cardin, Kirsten Gillibrand, and Patrick Leahey. For climate scientists and activists, it is now understood that 80 percent of known fossil fuel reserves must remain untapped and unburned for the atmosphere CO2 levels to stabilize at 2 degrees above pre-industrial levels - Global Warming's Terrifying New Math. Rapid advances in renewable energy and energy conservation are making it possible to minimize fossil fuel use. But the oil majors and the Koch brothers know that any attempt to regulate carbon would cut their profits, so they pour hundreds of $millions into buying politicians.
Jeff Merkley himself doesn't expect his bill to go anywhere, but wants it to help generate conversation among both members of Congress, the public, and presidential candidates -New Bill Would Keep Fossil Fuel Reserves On Public Lands In The Ground. And Bill Mckibben knows that to move quickly, we need to go the legislative route. To quote McKibben - People perceive, correctly, that their individual actions will not make a difference in the atmospheric concentration of CO2. A poll found that only four percent had reduced their utility use and only three percent had purchased hybrid cars. Given a hundred years, you could conceivably change lifestyles enough to matter - but time is precisely what we lack. If you want to support the Merkley/Sanders bill, you could click here to Tell Congress: Keep Fossil Fuels In The Ground.
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KKFI COMMUNITY RADIO - ECOLOGICAL SHOWS THIS WEEK
(courtesy, Mike Mruphy, KKFI Programming Committee)
This week will be a talk by Vandana Shiva, speaking about The Recovery of the Commons. It is almost a given that the industrialized countries, the North, are the epitome of progress and wisdom. The South, the Third World, is a place of backwardness and ignorance, but it does have lots of resources. The North wants to use those resources to continue to enrich itself. Today parts of the South are redefining and challenging conventional notions of growth and development. There is resistance to the destructive effects of transnational corporations and global capitalism and a new awareness of the value of indigenous knowledge and centuries-old diverse agriculture.
Friday, 20 November 2015, 9:30am - Bioneers Radio SeriesBioneers presents Busting the Drug War: the Dawn of Drug Policy Reform. Who are we, this drug policy reform movement? We’re the people who love drugs; we’re the people who hate drugs; and we’re the people who don’t give a damn about drugs. But every one of us believes that the war on drugs is not the way to deal with this stuff. So, what we’re doing now, we are building a political movement that traces the hidden history of drugs laws, which are intimately connected with racism and the political exploitation of people’s fears.
Monday, 23 November 2015, 6:00pm - locally produced Eco-Radio KCThe EcoRadioKC program will feature another of their ecologically minded topics.
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LAWRENCE PEDESTRIAN-BICYCLE TASK FORCE - BI-MONTHLY MEETINGMonday, 23 November 2015, 6:30pm
City Hall, Commission Meeting Room, 6 East 6th St., Lawrence KS 66044
At the last meeting, the Pedestrian-Bicycle Task Force discussed sidewalk funding, advisory board structure, and the priorities committee report. This meeting agenda is not yet available. The task force will review current bicycle plans and recommendations, prioritize construction projects, review City pedestrian-bicycle policies, develop a vision and a purpose, and determine how best to achieve greater dedicated annual funding. More info can be found at their web page - Pedestrian and Bicycle Task Force.
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BUY NOTHING DAY - THE FRIDAY AFTER THANKSGIVINGFriday, 27 November 2015For more than 20 years, Adbusters have admonished us through Buy Nothing Day to consume less - for the sake of our ecological life-support base, our fiscal solvency, our community health, and the hole in our soul that we try to fill with stuff. Adbusters advocate that on "Black Friday" 27 November, we stop buying for 24 hours, and shut off our lights, televisions and other nonessential appliances, park our cars, turn off our phones and log off of our computers for the day. Adbusters was the initial inspiration for Occupy Wall Street.
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GLOBAL CLIMATE MARCH
Saturday-Sunday, 28-29 November 2015
local action, JC Nichols Fountain, 47th St., Kansas City MO 64112
350.org is organizing a global demonstration the two days just ahead of the Paris climate talks. They report that Hurricane Patricia was the strongest storm ever, in the midst of one of the most prolific hurricane seasons on record, after the hottest June, July, August, andSeptember ever recorded - Strongest Hurricane Ever Recorded Barrels Toward Mexico. The U.N. climate summit in Paris is a little over a month away, and folks at 350.org want to impress on the delegates the urgency of the moment. A broad coalition of groups from around the world is calling for a global day of action on the eve of the big gathering in Paris. A local action will be in Kansas City MO. To learn more about participating, click here -People Power Over Paris, Kansas City March.
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TERRORISM: WHY PARIS AND WHY NOW?
With the largest climate conference since 2009 only two weeks away, the question that entered this Editor's mind was Why Paris, and why now? True, recent actions by the French have been provocative and antagonistic to Muslims, such as the satirical cartoons of Allah, and French bombing of Syria. Yet the French aren't alone, much less the chief perpetrators. Certainly the U.S. has a horrid track record from George H.W. Bush's Desert Storm, to George W. Bush's Shock and Awe, to Barack Obama's Afghanistan, Guantanamo, and drone war. And Russia hasn't been shy in bombing ISIL either. It seems that strategically for ISIL, Paris was an easier strike than the major powers, and is front and center in world attention right now because of COP21. Undoubtedly, this crisis will draw attention away from climate negotiations, make access to the conference much harder for journalists, campaigners, and activists, make leaders, politicians, and negotiators less accessible, and deter many of the ten thousand climate activists from even coming to Paris. It is possible this was of little concern for ISIL, but pragmatically, their black flag is fueled by sales of black gold from wells they have captured. So curtailing global use of petroleum is definitely not in the interest of ISIL. Every war is an environmental disaster, but this war is doubly so - Paris attacks - COP21 and the war on terror.
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UN CONFERENCE OF THE PARTIES - CLIMATE TALKS IN PARIS
Monday-Friday, 30 November-11 December 2015
Paris France
COP-21 will take place among 146 nations in Paris France this year. Each year the climate disruption gets more severe, and each year the Climate Conference fails to reach agreement on substantive national actions to meet the Kyoto Protocol goals. Some nations have yet to ratify the binding rules of the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, and some even want to withdraw. Meanwhile, many developing nations with low emissions are demanding that industrialized nations pay more for causing most of the climate disruption. A good part of the impasse is the result of inordinate influence on the delegates by the fossil fuel industries of King CONG (Coal, Oil, Nuclear, Gas). The greed of these industries will stop at nothing. So the Climate Conference delegates need to hear from us to stand up to King CONG. One way you could act is by telling World Governments: Keep Fossil Fuels Underground.
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TUESDAY AFTER THANKSGIVING: GIVING TUESDAY
Tuesday, 1 December 2015
After our holiday that celebrates the abundance of harvest, and Black Friday and CyberMonday that feature conspicuous consumption, there is one day devoted to giving - GivingTuesday. Earlier societies, and many current indigenous cultures, lived by the gift economy of always giving to others rather than accumulating for ones self. Giving Tuesday is our small attempt to rekindle the gift economy, at least among those we value the most. We urge you to give as much as you can to people or groups you find in need, whether a neighbor, a church, or a non-profit. As a show of gratitude for the news and events that we bring you every week, you might want to make a one-time donation to Sustainability Action. Click on our PayPal button here >> http://www.sustainabilityaction.net.THANK YOU!
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RESPONSIBLE ENERGY VS. FUKUSHIMA DAI-ICHI
Japan moves steadily toward renewable energy.
According to the Japanese Sustainable Zone Report of March 2015, solar power generation increased by 41.9% in FY2012 from the previous year. Then in FY2013, Solar generation almost doubled, increasing by 97.5%. Other renewables didn't grow as fast. Wind power generation grew by 3.4% in FY2012 and 2.9% in FY2013, and biomass power generation was up 2.2% and 8.5%, respectively. Japan also has what they call renewable energy zones, or municipalities producing more renewable energy than they consume. The number of renewable energy zones has steadily increased from 50 in FY2011, to 53 in FY2012, and 57 in FY2013. 29 of these municipalities also exceeded 100% in food self-sufficiency. Read more at - Sustainable Energy and Food Zones Grow Gradually.
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KANSAS CITY ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
Wednesday,
Mic 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 leaders and staff, to assist the progress of Kansas City toward sustainability. The General public is encouraged to attend and observe meetings and to join and participate in its efforts. More information is at KC Environmental Management Commission.
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LAWRENCE SUSTAINABILITY ADVISORY BOARD
Wednesday, 9 December 2015, 5:30pm
Public Works Confr. Room, City Hall ground floor, 6 East 6th St., Lawrence KS 66044
The December agenda is not yet available. 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.lawrenceks.org/sustainability/sab.
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LAWRENCE PEDESTRIAN COALITIONWednesday, 9 December 2015, 7:00pm
Carnegie Building Conference Room, 200 West 9th St., Lawrence KS 66044
The December agenda is not yet available. The Lawrence Pedestrian Coalition is a joint effort of the Lawrence Association of Neighborhoods and the League of Women Voters. Monthly meetings are open to the public. For more info go to Lawrence Pedestrian Coalition, or contact Erin Paden <earthpaden@hotmail.com>.
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SUSTAINABILITY ACTION MEETING
Thursday, 17 December 2015, 6:30pm
Lawrence Library, Conference Room C, 7th & Vermont St., Lawrence KS 66044
Local Solutions for Transition to a Sustainable Economy
Planned discussion topics:
single use bag restriction in Lawrence
2016 Program Work Plan
2016 Annual meeting planning
T-shirt design competition
silent auction fund raiser
website restoration
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BICYCLE ADVISORY COMMITTEEMonday, 21 December 2015, 5:00pm-6:30pm
Parks & Recreation Conference Room, 1141 Massachusetts St., Lawrence KS 66044
The December agenda is not yet available. The Bicycle Advisory Committee works to improve bicycle safety and awareness through education of motorists and non-motorists, develops bicycle plans and maps, and advises the City and County Commission on bicycle priorities and needs. The agenda and information can be downloaded at Bicycle Advisory Committee.
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DOUGLAS COUNTY FOOD POLICY COUNCIL
Monday, 21 December 2015, 7:00pm
location TBA
The Food Policy Council seeks to identify the benefits, challenges and opportunities for a successful, sustainable local food system. By advising the Douglas County Commission on public policies that will support local producers, preserve local agricultural resources and land, and create more local jobs, the F.P.C. hopes to improve the community's access to a local food supply and distribution networks. For more info go to Dg County Food Policy Council.
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HOLIDAY SHOPPING GUIDE - BUY FAIR-TRADE AND LOCAL
In Lawrence there are several opportunities to take your money from the big box consumer mills that are undermining our local economy, and instead buy from local producers and craftspersons, and fair-trade providers.
BIZARRE BAZAAR
Friday-Saturday, 27-28 November 2014, 5:00-9:00pm Fri., 9:00am-5:00pm Sat.
Lawrence Arts Center, 940 New Hampshire St., Lawrence KS 66044
Hundreds of local artists of unusual stripes will be selling their unique creations in this annual art fair. Types of items range from clothing to painting and sculpture to toys to household, and more. There will be local food and performances by local musicians. Bizarre Bazarre.WINTERLIGHT HOLIDAY FAIRESaturday, 5 December 2014, 11:30am-4:00pm
Prairie Moon Waldorf School, 1853 E. 1600 Road, Lawrence KS 66044 (1/2 mile E. of airport)
This is a delightful annual sale of lovingly crafted toys and crafts made entirely from natural materials. A silent auction will feature special items in the faire. There also will be hard to find books on Waldorf education, child rearing, biodynamic agriculture, Anthroposophy, and Rudolf Steiner, the founder of Waldorf education. There will be local food and performances by local musicians. Prairie Moon Waldorf School.HOLIDAY ART FAIR - LAWRENCE ART GUILDSaturday, 5 December 2014, 10:00am-5:00pm
Lawrence Art Center, 940 New Hampshire St., Lawrence KS 66044
A local tradition for over 30 years, the Lawrence Art Guild's annual Holiday Art Fair is a good place to find unique creative gifts this holiday season. This year's fair features over 30 Kansas artists, and live music from area musicians.HOLIDAY FARMERS' MARKET
Saturday, 12 December 2014, 9:00am-5:00pm
Lawrence Holidome, McDonald Drive at 2nd Street, Lawrence KS 66044
The Lawrence Farmers Market Annual Holiday Market features local producers and craftspersons, and fair-trade providers. Artisan foods, seasonal produce, holiday crafts, etc. are available at the Holiday Market, a local alternative to the big box consumer mills that are undermining our local economy. Lawrence Holiday Market.
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We welcome suggestions for Newsletter items. Please send items to.Join the Sustainability Action Network by clicking this link > > Become a Member of Sustainability Action, and when there follow the instructions. The Sustainability Action Mission is to bring awareness of the global crisis caused by climate change, energy vulnerability and economic instability to communities in the Kansas River bioregion, and the tools needed to re-skill and re-localize our economy, and create a more socially just and ecologically sustainable world.Sustainability Action Programs include:1) Food Sovereignty & Permaculture - local control of food and food policy, Food Not Lawns workshops, tours, and crop mobs.
2) Bicycles and Alternative Transportation - promoting bicycles, complete streets, ride sharing, and electric vehicles, including infrastructure and pro-active regulations
3) Local Community Currency - fostering money literacy, and implementing a local currency through a buy-local campaign, and then introducing a complementary currency of cash or electronic trading.
4) Sustainability Action Newsletter - informing and encouraging people to be active in the Sustainability Action Network, or other action-driven groups.
5) Energy Conservation & Renewables - reducing our carbon footprint by promoting a carbon diet, an energy diet, conservation, and decentralized renewable energy.
6) Prime Farmland Preservation - protecting Capability I & II farmland from urban development and industrial land uses.
7) Water Rights & Watersheds - Protecting the water commons from privatization and contamination, and restoring watersheds.
8) Collaboration with Sister Organizations - building synergy with the combined talents and creativity of like-minded groups to achieve ecological sustainability. Groups like: the Dg County Food Policy Council, the Lawrence Pedestrian Coalition, Cultivate Kansas City, theLight Center eco village, the Lawrence Fruit Tree Project, and the Flint Hills Renewable Energy & Efficiency Co-op.
Sustainability Action sponsored organizations:
1) Lawrence Creates - Maker space with tool sharing, recycling, and community shared innovation incubator - Lawrence Creates2) Diesel Health Project - promoting eco-justice in neighborhoods exposed to industrial air and water pollution, by monitoring the pollution and changing policies and enforcement -Diesel Health Project
To subscribe to this newsletter, please click this link > > Subscribe to the Sustainability Action Newsletter. enter your name and e-mail address, and follow the instructions. The system will send you a confirmation message with a "Confirmation Link" which you MUST click in order to complete your subscription confirmation. If you don't get the confirmation message, check in your junk mail folder for blocked as spam.
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