11 / 23 / 08
The second annual “Summit for a Sustainable TN”, a gathering of volunteers and professionals from environmental non-profit organizations and businesses, was held at Lipscomb University last week on November 13th, 14th, and 15th. Sponsored by Tennessee Environmental Council, Tennessee Conservation Voters, The Lifeworks Foundation, The Center for Holistic Ecology and others, the Summit once again brought together a diverse and talented collection of individuals to engage in intensive discussion about a wide array of issues such as protecting air and water quality, sustainable land use and development, creating incentives for truly clean energy, developing local food sources and systems, promoting environmental education and much more.
Also featured were numerous distinguished speakers including Mayor Dean, Senators Doug Jackson and Bill Ketron, Representatives Mike MacDonald and Brenda Gilmore and many others. The central objectives of the Summit are to strengthen connections among the many groups and interests represented there, as well as to gather input for establishing a clear environmental legislative agenda going forward.
I was fortunate enough to film many segments of this event (some of which will be appearing on the show as well as here on the website in upcoming weeks), and was once again amazed and inspired by the passion, commitment and professionalism with which attendees poured their energy and ideas into working through the vast array of environmental challenges we now face, seeing them within the broader context of their interrelatedness, and coming up with specific and innovative ways of addressing them.
For more info. on this event, check out www.sustainabletn.org.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
"Green Ribbon Committee" forums a great opportunity!
11 / 12 / 08
Nashville mayor Karl Dean’s “Green Ribbon Committee”, comprised of superb volunteers from the local professional community, held a forum last night which was open to the public, with the objective of seeking input from residents of Davidson County on their vision and priorities for creating a sustainable future here, and for making Nashville, in the words of Mayor Dean, “the greenest city in the south”.
Ambitious? Perhaps… but the committee seems to be going about this in the best way possible, by encouraging all of us, as stakeholders, to help in the process of creating that vision and setting a clear agenda for moving forward. As we’ve seen so recently with the stunning grassroots movement that helped elect Barack Obama as our next president, the bottom – up approach can be remarkably effective, and ensures community support in the process.
Some of the many issues given attention at the multiple round-table discussions last night include increased bike lanes, improvements in mass transit (bus, rail, etc.); increased availability of recycling; greater efforts toward energy and water conservation, as well as reducing or eliminating Styrofoam and other disposables in all schools and Metro buildings; an aggressive campaign to raise public awareness and provide increased educational opportunities on a range of issues; a central database for info., events and volunteer opportunities (several good ones already exist that can be built upon), more fresh, local and organic food in schools and other institutions, and many more. Suffice it to say the ideas and passions of the participants were in strong evidence.
There will be several more of these public forums in upcoming days / weeks. For more information on when / where, go to:
http://www.nashville.gov/mayor/green_ribbon/meetings.asp
Meanwhile, the 3-day Summit for a Sustainable TN begins tomorrow at Lipscomb. More info. on that soon. Cheers!
Nashville mayor Karl Dean’s “Green Ribbon Committee”, comprised of superb volunteers from the local professional community, held a forum last night which was open to the public, with the objective of seeking input from residents of Davidson County on their vision and priorities for creating a sustainable future here, and for making Nashville, in the words of Mayor Dean, “the greenest city in the south”.
Ambitious? Perhaps… but the committee seems to be going about this in the best way possible, by encouraging all of us, as stakeholders, to help in the process of creating that vision and setting a clear agenda for moving forward. As we’ve seen so recently with the stunning grassroots movement that helped elect Barack Obama as our next president, the bottom – up approach can be remarkably effective, and ensures community support in the process.
Some of the many issues given attention at the multiple round-table discussions last night include increased bike lanes, improvements in mass transit (bus, rail, etc.); increased availability of recycling; greater efforts toward energy and water conservation, as well as reducing or eliminating Styrofoam and other disposables in all schools and Metro buildings; an aggressive campaign to raise public awareness and provide increased educational opportunities on a range of issues; a central database for info., events and volunteer opportunities (several good ones already exist that can be built upon), more fresh, local and organic food in schools and other institutions, and many more. Suffice it to say the ideas and passions of the participants were in strong evidence.
There will be several more of these public forums in upcoming days / weeks. For more information on when / where, go to:
http://www.nashville.gov/mayor/green_ribbon/meetings.asp
Meanwhile, the 3-day Summit for a Sustainable TN begins tomorrow at Lipscomb. More info. on that soon. Cheers!
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Richard Louv at Hume-Fogg High School, Nov. 10th
11/11/08
Richard Louv, author of “Last Child in the Woods”, came to speak at Hume-Fogg High School in downtown Nashville last night. The event was very well attended, with a number of Metro teachers as well as representatives from dozens of local environmental groups and agencies present.
He spoke about the need for children to connect and identify with nature and postulated the theory, based on a growing body of research and scientific evidence, that the absence of this connection may create what he refers to as “nature-deficit disorder”, and can contribute directly to prevalent health disorders such as childhood obesity, depression, stress and ADHD. He encouraged parents and teachers to seek ways - despite time constraints or school policy limitations - to engage children in direct, hands-on activities related to nature and the outdoors.
Following his talk was a lively discussion in which audience members asked questions and shared experiences or suggestions for furthering the cause of “Leave No Child Inside”, a growing national movement to get kids outdoors and into nature.
Richard Louv, author of “Last Child in the Woods”, came to speak at Hume-Fogg High School in downtown Nashville last night. The event was very well attended, with a number of Metro teachers as well as representatives from dozens of local environmental groups and agencies present.
He spoke about the need for children to connect and identify with nature and postulated the theory, based on a growing body of research and scientific evidence, that the absence of this connection may create what he refers to as “nature-deficit disorder”, and can contribute directly to prevalent health disorders such as childhood obesity, depression, stress and ADHD. He encouraged parents and teachers to seek ways - despite time constraints or school policy limitations - to engage children in direct, hands-on activities related to nature and the outdoors.
Following his talk was a lively discussion in which audience members asked questions and shared experiences or suggestions for furthering the cause of “Leave No Child Inside”, a growing national movement to get kids outdoors and into nature.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Post-election thoughts
11/6/08 Thursday
It is two days now since Barack Obama won in his bid for the presidency against John McCain, by a margin of 52% of the popular vote to McCain’s 47%, and an electoral college vote count of 364, currently, to McCain’s 163. While perhaps not a landslide, it is still a decisive victory – not just for Dems but for the American people.
One of the highlights of Obama’s predictably clear, eloquent and energized victory speech was his reference to Ann Nixon Cooper, the 106 year old woman from Georgia who cast her vote for the very first black president Tuesday night, after witnessing a century of amazing change in this country that has included two world wars, both women and African Americans earning the right to vote, desegregation and civil rights, and so much more. She became a symbol for the progress made, the struggles endured, and the belief that our best days are still before us.
Also encouraging was the victory of a comfortable majority of Dems for the Senate (55 or 56 out of 100 seats so far, although the final tally is still days or possibly even weeks away due to some very close races). The ideal would be 60 seats, to ensure a filibuster-proof Senate. Nonetheless, this bodes very well for Barack’s ability to get things done.
NOT so encouraging was the fact that Tennessee stayed as red as it gets (with the exception, maybe, of Nashville and Memphis), going for McCain by a wide margin, as well as Republican Senator Llamar Alexander over Democrat Bob Tuke. A disappointment for progressive Tennesseans like myself, no doubt – and a major concern regarding our ability to enact stronger environmental legislation, to protect natural resources as we grow. We take the good with the bad, I guess. We’ll just have to work harder. Quitting is never an option.
It is two days now since Barack Obama won in his bid for the presidency against John McCain, by a margin of 52% of the popular vote to McCain’s 47%, and an electoral college vote count of 364, currently, to McCain’s 163. While perhaps not a landslide, it is still a decisive victory – not just for Dems but for the American people.
One of the highlights of Obama’s predictably clear, eloquent and energized victory speech was his reference to Ann Nixon Cooper, the 106 year old woman from Georgia who cast her vote for the very first black president Tuesday night, after witnessing a century of amazing change in this country that has included two world wars, both women and African Americans earning the right to vote, desegregation and civil rights, and so much more. She became a symbol for the progress made, the struggles endured, and the belief that our best days are still before us.
Also encouraging was the victory of a comfortable majority of Dems for the Senate (55 or 56 out of 100 seats so far, although the final tally is still days or possibly even weeks away due to some very close races). The ideal would be 60 seats, to ensure a filibuster-proof Senate. Nonetheless, this bodes very well for Barack’s ability to get things done.
NOT so encouraging was the fact that Tennessee stayed as red as it gets (with the exception, maybe, of Nashville and Memphis), going for McCain by a wide margin, as well as Republican Senator Llamar Alexander over Democrat Bob Tuke. A disappointment for progressive Tennesseans like myself, no doubt – and a major concern regarding our ability to enact stronger environmental legislation, to protect natural resources as we grow. We take the good with the bad, I guess. We’ll just have to work harder. Quitting is never an option.
Monday, November 3, 2008
11/3/08
On the eve of this momentous and historical presidential election, I’m so grateful to live in a country where it is possible to vote for the candidate whom we choose to represent our best collective interests, values and beliefs. There has been much talk and some fearful speculation about the possibility of various forms of voter fraud, such as the vote-flipping software and deliberate disenfranchisement of targeted (lower income / minority / likely Kerry supporter) voters and precincts demonstrated throughout the country during the 2004 election, and captured with chilling footage and testimony in the stunning 2007 documentary, “The Uncounted”.
In the absence of any certainty that such tactics will not be repeated this time (already we’ve heard Oprah Winfrey claim that her presidential vote was not recorded when she went back to check her electronic ballot during early voting!!), I’m simply praying that the margin for Obama will be wide enough to offset any potential foul play. It is somewhat of a sad commentary that this is the seeming reality in which we currently find ourselves. BUT ALAS, I shall focus on the vision which has so inspired me these past months; that of President Barack Obama giving his acceptance speech to the many millions of Americans who recognized in him the grace, wisdom, intelligence, insight, pragmatism, toughness of character, judgement, diplomacy, compassion and calm clarity of purpose we so desperately need in our leadership right now, the millions who – like me – are inspired by his vision and example, and ready to follow the lead of this great president in directing our country to a better and brighter future in all respects, and for ALL Americans – not just the very rich and corporate elite that Bush and McCain are so beholden to.
From restoring our economy to addressing the need for affordable, quality healthcare, improving education and making it more accessible, ending our occupation in Iraq, and finally achieving true energy independence based on our ability to lead in creating the technologies of the 21st century to utilize clean and renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, I look forward to doing my small part in embracing the challenges and solutions that lay ahead for us, and being PROUD of my president once again!!
I want to tell you about an amazing documentary I’ve seen recently called “Liquid Assets”, which deals with the issues we face throughout the country in maintaining and expanding our massive sewer and stormwater infrastructure, and the need to better preserve and protect our watersheds (issues touched upon briefly in my recent conversation with Nashville City Council Rep. Emily Evans, and witnessed first-hand once again during the Oct. 25th RCWA Watershed-Wide Clean-up Event). I will check back soon to share more info. on these.
On the eve of this momentous and historical presidential election, I’m so grateful to live in a country where it is possible to vote for the candidate whom we choose to represent our best collective interests, values and beliefs. There has been much talk and some fearful speculation about the possibility of various forms of voter fraud, such as the vote-flipping software and deliberate disenfranchisement of targeted (lower income / minority / likely Kerry supporter) voters and precincts demonstrated throughout the country during the 2004 election, and captured with chilling footage and testimony in the stunning 2007 documentary, “The Uncounted”.
In the absence of any certainty that such tactics will not be repeated this time (already we’ve heard Oprah Winfrey claim that her presidential vote was not recorded when she went back to check her electronic ballot during early voting!!), I’m simply praying that the margin for Obama will be wide enough to offset any potential foul play. It is somewhat of a sad commentary that this is the seeming reality in which we currently find ourselves. BUT ALAS, I shall focus on the vision which has so inspired me these past months; that of President Barack Obama giving his acceptance speech to the many millions of Americans who recognized in him the grace, wisdom, intelligence, insight, pragmatism, toughness of character, judgement, diplomacy, compassion and calm clarity of purpose we so desperately need in our leadership right now, the millions who – like me – are inspired by his vision and example, and ready to follow the lead of this great president in directing our country to a better and brighter future in all respects, and for ALL Americans – not just the very rich and corporate elite that Bush and McCain are so beholden to.
From restoring our economy to addressing the need for affordable, quality healthcare, improving education and making it more accessible, ending our occupation in Iraq, and finally achieving true energy independence based on our ability to lead in creating the technologies of the 21st century to utilize clean and renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, I look forward to doing my small part in embracing the challenges and solutions that lay ahead for us, and being PROUD of my president once again!!
I want to tell you about an amazing documentary I’ve seen recently called “Liquid Assets”, which deals with the issues we face throughout the country in maintaining and expanding our massive sewer and stormwater infrastructure, and the need to better preserve and protect our watersheds (issues touched upon briefly in my recent conversation with Nashville City Council Rep. Emily Evans, and witnessed first-hand once again during the Oct. 25th RCWA Watershed-Wide Clean-up Event). I will check back soon to share more info. on these.
11/01/08
Finally… an opportunity for some real conversation here on “Earth Revolution”. Our mission – should we choose to accept it – is to generate thinking and dialogue related to the full range of environmental issues that affect us all, as they affect the well-being of our planet. With that in mind, your input is most welcome!
One of those issues, which has been very much on my mind of late, is the manufacture and consumption of plastic bags – such a harmful and unnecessary commodity! I recently had Belmont University photography professor Teresa Van Hatten - aka “The Green Bag Lady” - on the show (which is airing the week of this writing, and for which a You Tube video will soon be available) to discuss the charitable mission for which she has become quite famous in recent months (now with a recent appearance on CNN, to boot!!); the making of cloth bags which she gives away or mails to anyone who requests one, regardless of where they are geographically, in exchange for their firm commitment to use the bag in place of plastic. Such a simple and profound act of stewardship and goodwill! Perhaps with what began as a simple offering for family and friends, Teresa has begun a revolution here in Nashville – and around the world!! Let’s take her challenge and STOP USING PLASTIC BAGS!! In fact, while we’re at it, let’s do away with plastic water and beverage bottles, too! Surely we can find a better way…
Finally… an opportunity for some real conversation here on “Earth Revolution”. Our mission – should we choose to accept it – is to generate thinking and dialogue related to the full range of environmental issues that affect us all, as they affect the well-being of our planet. With that in mind, your input is most welcome!
One of those issues, which has been very much on my mind of late, is the manufacture and consumption of plastic bags – such a harmful and unnecessary commodity! I recently had Belmont University photography professor Teresa Van Hatten - aka “The Green Bag Lady” - on the show (which is airing the week of this writing, and for which a You Tube video will soon be available) to discuss the charitable mission for which she has become quite famous in recent months (now with a recent appearance on CNN, to boot!!); the making of cloth bags which she gives away or mails to anyone who requests one, regardless of where they are geographically, in exchange for their firm commitment to use the bag in place of plastic. Such a simple and profound act of stewardship and goodwill! Perhaps with what began as a simple offering for family and friends, Teresa has begun a revolution here in Nashville – and around the world!! Let’s take her challenge and STOP USING PLASTIC BAGS!! In fact, while we’re at it, let’s do away with plastic water and beverage bottles, too! Surely we can find a better way…
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
