Earth Revolution Blog

Op-Ed in Tennessean 11-19-10

2010-12-13T12:02:00.000-08:00

It came as no surprise to read the article in Wednesday’s Tennessean regarding the risk posed by newly minted Republican-dominated government at both state and federal levels to continued progress in developing “green jobs” and a stronger economy based on clean, renewable energy.. For those like Rep. Sensenbrenner of Wisconsin, who are unwilling or unable to accept the consensus of the international scientific community on the nature and reality of climate change as a cause for concern, let’s just take that right off the table and reframe the discussion on why this country needs clean, renewable energy right now.
Let’s talk about dramatically increased asthma rates in children, as a result of the huge quantities of toxic waste dumped into our air every day from the burning of coal. Let’s talk about “mountain-top removal” mining, and the destruction of our American heritage of mountains, wildlife and biodiversity for the short-term profits of coal companies, or the loss of thousands of streams and waterways from the massive dumping of toxic waste and debris into valleys below these mining sites, or the ash and sludge created at the utility plants in the burning of coal, such as that which escaped it’s containment in Harriman, TN last December to wreak havoc on hundreds of acres of land, houses, property and portions of the Emory and Clinch Rivers.
Let’s talk about the myth of “clean coal”, dependent upon a technology called carbon-sequestration, which is still probably decades from being proven safe and therefore does NOT currently exist as a viable mainstream option, despite artificial claims to the contrary.
Then there’s the continued, serious risk to our national security posed by the importation of large quantities of oil from the middle east, or the fact that global oil production is already at or beyond the peak from which a gap between decreasing supply and increasing demand will create an unstable market and ever-increasing costs for energy, gasoline and other products or services derived from these sources (like most of our industrialized food supply, for one).
But, even more importantly, let’s discuss the enormous potential of renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, geothermal and “second generation” biofuels to completely reinvigorate our economy, creating many thousands of new jobs in Tennessee and throughout the country while ensuring that the United States can remain competitive in the global marketplace for these technologies of the future.
If we even took a small fraction of the subsidies our government continues to grant to coal and oil companies in maintaining the status quo, and reinvested it in renewable energy incentives, research and development, the sky is the limit on what we might achieve. On the other hand, if we allow our senators and congressman to attempt to repeal environmental protections, to undo progress already achieved, to stall and delay on supporting a national renewable energy standard or to reject increased funding and development of these clean energy technologies that are already defining the global marketplace and will continue to do so at a steadily accelerating pace, we will ultimately be the greatest losers of all.
Pay attention, America – your future is at stake.

Seizing an Evolutionary Moment

2010-08-27T22:11:00.001-07:00

Written June 15th, 2010
As I write these words, a singular tragedy continues to unfold, as it has done now for over two months. Unparalleled in the scope of it’s devastation, it fouls the vibrant and vital waters of the Gulf of Mexico, poisons the life therein, stains and chokes endless miles of shoreline, wetlands and marshes leaving birds, fish and countless other species to struggle and die in it’s toxic wake, and destroys the livelihoods of countless fishermen and tradesmiths of the tourism industries along the coast of Louisiana and beyond.
For those of us not unlucky enough to be experiencing it’s effects first-hand, the impact is profound nonetheless. There is a sense of helplessness and outrage as we stand by, viewing daily pictures of oil-coated pelicans and wondering how a corporate giant like BP is somehow given “rubber-stamp” approval to proceed with deep-sea drilling - one of the most inarguably dangerous fuel extraction methods that exists – without massive oversight by the Minerals Management Services, a U. S. government regulatory agency designed at least in part to enforce equipment safety standards, best practices and emergency preparedness in such operations for the protection of all. In the case of the Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion on April 20th, 2010, which killed 11 people, injured others and caused massive breaks in pipelines from wells a mile below the water’s surface which continue to spew sludgy crude oil at a rate far greater than any attempt thus far to capture it, all of these were blatantly lacking.
As we have now discovered, there is documented evidence to suggest not only that the MMS was complicit in allowing their buddies at BP to proceed without such scrutiny, but that corners were cut by BP operations management, knowingly and against the recommendations of multiple on-site engineers, that greatly increased the risk for such a calamity as that which we are now experiencing. No doubt there are further revelations of this kind waiting to be uncovered as both independent and official investigations continue. Therein lies the greatest tragedy of all; that - but for human folly, greed and failed vision - all of these far-reaching, irremediable consequences, as well as those yet to unfold, may have been avoided.
For most of us, this also provides clear proof of two key concepts:
First, that bold action toward a strong national clean energy policy - one which no longer rewards the coal and oil industries with massive tax breaks and government subsidies for compromising our national security, destabilizing the planet, polluting the air and water, compromising human health, accelerating the pace of climate change, suppressing innovation, stifling new markets and stopping the creation of countless new jobs in those markets - is truly what we now need and must DEMAND from our leaders as a major priority. Just imagine the possibilities of reform if, for instance, such mind-bending sums of money could be reallocated toward funding and incentives for industries, businesses, education and research that would greatly accelerate the changes we so desperately need. Whether in the realm of solar, wind, hydropower, advanced biofuels, or some technology not yet discovered or brought to the mainstream, the possibilities lay before us, “shining like a new dime”.
Second, we must acknowledge that our own continued complicity - and complacency – with an ultra-American, hyper-individualized, consumer-driven and ultimately unsustainable lifestyle that celebrates waste and reinforces our dependence on fossil fuels is absolutely something we can - and MUST - learn to modify. If we support clean energy reform ideologically, but do not look at our own consumption habits as a key component of that reform, we achieve nothing but to perpetuate the status quo. Whether at the gas pump or the grocery store, we cast our votes each and every day for the kind of future we REALLY want to create. There is so much we can do that requires minimal “sacrifice”, and actually improves our total health and well-being by restoring us to a more balanced awareness of, and sacred connection to, our place within the larger dance of life.
My prayer, dear reader, is that by the time you see these words, an effective “tourniquet” will have been found to stop the gaping wounds we all helped to create in the Gulf. But real healing will only begin when - and if - we acknowledge the larger implications of the damage done in choosing the road ahead.

What Now?

2010-02-03T07:05:00.000-08:00

As I sip my tea this morning, I'm contemplating the recent Supreme Court ruling that the government may not ban political spending by corporations in candidate elections, which, alongside the fact that a bill has recently been introduced in the TN Legislature (House Bill 0614) which is designed to delay the enactment of the Tennessee Voter Confidence Act and gut the audit provisions by prohibiting the implementation of new voting machines that leave a paper trail, most certainly tolls a further death knell to the survival of fair and uncorrupted elections, and ultimately to our democracy (with a small "d"). It's a sad moment when you realize that a great many of your elected leaders, and 5 out of 9 Supreme Court Judges, feel greater concern for the welfare and well-being of the richest corporate entities in the world, and their insidious and destructive influence on our ability to choose whom we wish to represent us based on factual data rather than lies, distortions and deliberate misinformation, than they do for the American people - or at least those of us who do not constitute the wealthiest 5%.
At the same time, the market is flooded with books and articles predicting the imminent collapse of our ecological, social and economic systems as a natural outcome of over-consumption, ever-increasing debt, exponential population growth, pollution and deforestation, species extinction and habitat loss, ecosystem disruption, mass depletion of essential resources such as water and petroleum (not to mention arable land, living soil, natural gas, essential minerals such as iron ore, and much more), and of course good old climate change, bringing an assortment of goodies our way including ocean acidification, sea-level rise and plankton die-off, erratic weather patterns, flooding and desertification... the list goes on and on.
These are not cheerful subjects to contemplate - yet contemplate them we must, if we are to find some way of creating the changes necessary to avert worst case scenarios and begin in earnest to descend the slippery slope of our addiction to... basically everything. Does this mean we need to work entirely outside existing, established structures and paradigms in order to do so? Is capitalism, with it's insistent mantra of perpetual growth on a finite planet, now revealing it's identity as a system that has become utterly obsolete - despite outraged protests to the contrary, shouted mainly from the corporate-worshipping political Right? Is it even realistic to imagine there is anything to be done in such a well-rounded predicament but to sigh and capitulate, allowing the numbness of denial to wash over us once again and temporarily quell the growing sense of helplessness? Quitting IS, in fact, an option - but it's not nearly as compelling as the struggle to awaken to a deeper meaning, a deeper - and perhaps radically altered - understanding of our place in the world. I think I'll stick around and see what happens next.

Weeds, winter gardens and “Garbage Dreams”…

2010-01-23T20:00:00.000-08:00

What a day! I spent a lovely, crisp morning learning about wild edibles and the fine art of winter gardening from Cindy Moonrose (a recent guest on our show). I was one of a group of eight enthusiastic “students”, wandering from garden to garden on a patch of the beautiful 27 acre homestead Cindy shares with husband Martin (also an avid gardener and ecologist) in west Nashville, and learning so much from her expertise, gained through years of applied study. Fun, exhilarating and very worthwhile for the aspiring gardener like me!
This afternoon I attended a viewing of a powerful documentary at the Nashville Public Library, as part of their “Independent Lens” series, a collection of independently created documentaries shown weekly on PBS subsidiaries around the country (here in Nashville it’s NPT / channel 8, Tuesdays at 9pm) covering a wide array of subject matter and focused on people, communities and issues often overlooked by more mainstream films and media.
“Garbage Dreams” tells the story of the Zaballeen, the poorest class of people living on the edge of Cairo, Egypt who have made their living almost exclusively from the collection and recycling of Cairo’s garbage for over 100 years. Now their only livelihood is being eroded as Cairo’s government has contracted with foreign companies to fulfill this job; companies with far more revenue, technology and equipment than that of the Zaballeen, whose population of 60,000 is largely uneducated and illiterate. The documentary depicts their struggle to be recognized and valued by Cairo residents and government officials for their superior experience and handling of the waste (80% is separated by hand for recycling by the Zaballeen, as opposed to the foreign companies’ recycling rate of only 20%), as seen through the eyes of three young men; Adahm, Osama, and Nabil. Each of these teenagers must choose their response to the crisis being faced by their people, and the realization that the only way of life they’ve ever known is slipping away.

The viewer is also confronted with a stark depiction of a people whose level of poverty and exposure to health risks and disease through the direct handling of garbage would seem intolerable to most. Even young children wade routinely through this sea of debris that fills every corner of their neighborhoods, and begin working with it at an age that would surely seem a violation of child labor laws in order to help support the family. Yet despite these grim realities, there is a strong sense of community, of faith, and even of happiness among the Zaballeen people. This is exemplified beautifully in the passionate spirit of one woman, a caring social worker in her community and a tireless champion and advocate for the rights and dignity of her people.
I was deeply moved by the plight of these people, by their meager existence and their amazing will to survive. While not as blatantly devastating as the recent earthquake in Haiti and the untold suffering and loss of life there, I was reminded, as I was with the stories of Haitians young and old who remained trapped under rubble for days and still managed to smile and give thanks to God when rescued, of the power of the human spirit to overcome seemingly impossible odds and still find life, love and gratitude. Despite the presence of darkness, one is humbled and inspired by the light.

Common Good Bank

2009-12-13T07:35:00.000-08:00

I awoke this morning with the clear realization that I need to support this mission and do all I can in the Nashville area to spread consciousness about what the Common Good Bank represents, the potential for major change at the most fundamental economic level in the lives of those who need it most. As I continue to learn more about the Transition Movement (entirely focused on the combined realities of peak oil and climate change, and on developing community resilience through relationship building, skill networks, asset management systems and resource availability at the local level) and become increasingly aware of the inability of either state legislators or our Federal monetary system to act / operate in support of the common good of the American people, I am convinced that this mission is not only appealing in its vision, but essential if we are to preserve our collective ability to act decisively on our own behalf.
We can no longer afford to remain in denial, or wait in the vain hope that our political and financial systems will somehow change on their own. There is too much vested interest in ensuring that this does not happen. I believe we truly live in a world of abundance, but that such abundance can only be experienced when we redefine our understanding of what that means, to give of ourselves without hesitation, and refuse to believe in separation. The Common Good vision reminds us of this deep, abiding connection we all share with each other and with all of life. Let's move fearlessly forward on making it a reality!

The Transition Movement

2009-12-06T22:08:00.000-08:00

Basically, in short, "transition", as defined by Rob Hopkins (founder of Transition Town Totnes and "The Transition Handbook"; also responsible for the very first prototype of this initiative, created in Kinsale, Ireland, as a student design project) is a direct response to the dual crises of peak oil and climate change. It is a set of general principles and guidelines, for engaging communities to become more self-sustaining, more resilient to the potential shock of decreased availability of oil in an economy that is predominantly oil-based. Rob talks about creating an EDAP, or "energy descent action plan", individualized to fit the needs of a particularly community, which looks at central categories of resources and assets as well as weaknesses or vulnerabilities (e.g., food, water, transport, buildings, economy and exchange, medicine, etc.) within a community, and begins to identify ways in which to decentralize / relocalize availability of needed resources. There is major emphasis throughout all these processes on positive and proactive visioning, on building relationships, and restoring and strengthening bonds of trust and interdependance among members of the community, with specific techniques offered from the worlds of psychology and addictions counseling to begin to accomplish that. Many parameters for transition are left open, with the understanding that each set of complete circumstances in a given area / region / city / town is going to be different and require unique adaptations.
1st meeting on transition in nashville being held next Monday, Dec. 14th, 7-9:30pm. For more info., contact us.

2009-11-28T19:34:00.000-08:00

11/28/09 My prayer tonight…
In all things, let me give thanks!!! In every moment, let me remember how fortunate I am to have enough food, clean water, a warm bed, a home, good health, family, friends, a loving partner, a job, and so much more. Let me remember that, while I give thanks for all these things with a heart filled with gratitude, there are others who do not have them. There are children who are hungry, or sick from contaminated water, or orphaned and alone in the world, or suffering from abuse or disease. There are people everywhere who are lost, tired, homeless, hopeless and in need of a helping hand. There is so much work to be done to heal this planet and it’s people. Let me be the change, be your humble servant, be a vessel for the light of love, hope and healing. Let me follow the amazing and inspiring lead of those who have gone before me, working to make this world a better place. It is in service of a higher truth that we are all lifted up. Thank you, great Creator, for this amazing gift of life!!

A role model for the aspiring hero

2009-10-29T08:08:00.000-07:00

Last night I went to hear Keith McHenry, co-founder of “Food Not Bombs”, speak at Vanderbilt about his many exploits over the 26 years that he’s been involved with one of the most prolific, widespread and influential peace movements ever established. He spoke with great humor and enthusiasm of quitting his job, along with several other like-minded individuals, to collect food from local establishments for cooking and serving to the poor and homeless. This small band of young idealists had this “radical” concept that by helping others and providing for their most basic need, by acting directly out of selflessness and compassion rather than selfishness or fear, they could create a genuine, community-centered alternative to the predominant mindset of individualism (‘I’ve got mine, Baby”), hoarding, controlling, intimidation and domination that seems to have forever been the hallmark of prevailing power structures (and consequently, much of society). They did this so well, in fact, despite constant arrests and harassment, that they succeeded in inspiring an ever-widening worldwide network of volunteer groups who’ve followed their model and made it their singular mission to help the needy and promote a culture of non-violence and giving. In the form of Keith McHenry is a brave and unpretentious man who has truly lived his deepest convictions, without regret or apology.
Why such an amazingly simple, pure idea is thought of as “radical” at all has always been somewhat of a mystery to me. What other way is there to true peace and healing in the world? Is that not what Jesus and every other great spiritual teacher has taught throughout the millennia? Is not our greatest happiness found in communion with others, and in the recognition that we really are, and have always been, our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers? Yet we allow this misguided notion to persist, based on fear and endlessly perpetuated by political leaders and mainstream media, that there is some reasonable alternative. We blindly accept the message that through suppression and control of others (invariably identified as the “problem” or the “enemy”), through the creation and acquisition of “goods” (and increasingly, entire resources), and through “protecting our own” – which automatically necessitates keeping someone else out – we can achieve… what? Security? Peace? “Freedom”? What kind of freedom is it that belongs to some more than others, and still others not at all?
If you look for good, you’ll find it everywhere. Conversely, if you look for reasons not to believe or have hope, you’ll find plenty of those, too. Cynicism and apathy are easy. Living in our highest truth, without excuses, maybe not so simple – although perhaps the only sure way to real happiness. When we’re able to catch a glimpse of what it means to be fully engaged in living that higher truth, such as the one offered by Keith McHenry, we should take heed.

No rest for the weary…

2009-06-30T07:05:00.001-07:00

As you may know, a significant victory was achieved last Thursday when the Metro Planning Commission finally voted NOT to approve a zoning change for the Bell’s Bend area at a hearing that began at 4pm and went until 11pm (!!).
As with previous hearings, this one was very well attended by supporters on both sides of the debate: proponents of the massive “May Town” development proposal, and those of us who support instead the “Third Vision”, and wish to preserve the Bell’s Bend area as the rural, agricultural and sporting treasure that it is (although I’m quite happy to say we outnumbered May Town supporters by a margin of at least 3 to 1).
One after another, City Council members and individuals from Bell’s Bend / Scottsboro and all around Nashville stood before the Commission and offered impassioned and thoughtful arguments for why they wanted to preserve this area, concerns about the needs for multiple bridges and extensive infrastructure, major traffic congestion issues, serious economic concerns, the disregarding of community planning efforts, the John C. Tune airport and potential flight interferences / safety issues, the absence of solidly based evidence or examples to support the projected success of this proposal by the May family and developer Tony Giarratana, and so on.
We can breathe a sigh of satisfaction for the moment. Because the Planning Commission voted against Maytown, a full 2/3 of City Council would need to approve it in order for it to go forward, so things look optimistic. But it ain’t over ‘til it’s over! The hearing before the City Council will be held on July 7th at 6pm. Meetings are open to the public and are held in the Metro Courthouse, One Public Square.

Street Fest and Bell's Bend

2009-06-21T21:32:00.000-07:00

6/21/09
I don’t write in this blog as often as I should. There’s so much happening on the local scene, both environmentally and in general. But it’s as if I’ve burdened myself with the expectation of needing to write a full and formal report or essay on every issue I wish to address in here. Given a limited amount of time to do this, that’s just not realistic. There are plenty of paid journalist and reporters out there to do that. So instead, I’m gonna make it easy and enjoyable for myself and just give ya’ my brief, relatively informal take on things and not worry about dotting every “i”, crossing every “t” and researching every detail… It’s my own darn blog, after all!
Today, there was a street festival in the heart of Sylvan Park, coordinated by Jen Casale at “The Green Wagon”, and her significant other, Jonathan. It was a great event, with lots of vendors, both profit and non-“”, fabulous artist and bands throughout the afternoon (including, among others, the awesome Darrell Scott, and a singer named Maureen Murphy who blew the roof off with killer soul vocals and a rockin’ band), and a pretty good turnout of local folk. I was the “emcee” for the day, introducing the bands, thanking the sponsors, plugging our show, praising the vendors, etc.. Given the fact that it was Father’s Day, with a 100 degree heat index and a number of other major events happening concurrently around town (as is often the case here), I’d say it was a major success!
Part of the purpose for this eco-event, in addition to enabling local “green” businesses to ply their wares and social and environmental organizations to share their mission with attendees, was to help Jen and Jonathan raise money to begin a non-profit called “RENEU”, which stands for Regional Educational Network for Environmental Understanding. I love her passionate commitment to raising awareness about issues that so deeply affect us all. I wish her God-speed in creating her own good in the world, as I do mine, and as so many people do, here and everywhere, blessing all of us with their vision and inspiration for creating a better world. And I hope the “Green Wagon Street Fest” becomes a regular (annual? Twice a year?) event on the calendar for Sylvan Park.
The Bell’s Bend vs. May Town Center saga continues with another Metro Planning Commission hearing this Thursday, June 25th, 4pm at Genesco Park, 1417 Murfreesboro Pike. I pray that we can balance the arguments in favor of STOPPING this extremely infrastructure-intensive proposal in its tracks and preserving the rural nature of this beautiful area for generations to come, per the wishes of the community there, and an increasing number of Nashvillians who are justifiably concerned about major traffic increases, competition with local businesses that are already feeling the pressure of a slow economy, the potential tax drag of the build-out of more than one bridge, in addition to water, sewer, electric, streets, signals, schools, fire dept., medical and other social services and on and on – not to mention the loss of even more local agricultural land and the environmental impact of all of this.
To be continued, sooner than before…

Learning the talk and walking the walk

2009-04-24T20:49:00.001-07:00

4/24/09
Astounding… did you know that over 40% of the world’s almonds come from California, and that 50% of the nation’s bees are required to pollenate them? Did you know that migratory beekeepers are responsible for sustaining much of our agricultural system by transporting thousands of bee colonies all around the country to pollenate various crops throughout the growing seasons, but that it’s becoming harder and harder to maintain their profession as more and more bee colonies die off each year from mites, pesticides, transport and a variety of issues that most of us have never have to think about?
Did you know that buying “regular” coffee from one of the major manufacturers often means cheating hard working farmers and their families out of a livable wage, as corporations seek to buy in bulk from these farmers at the lowest possible price (sometimes as low as $.07 per pound!!)? BUT, by buying “fair trade certified” coffee, for a few cents more, ensures that farmers in Costa Rica, Peru, or some other country in which their beans are grown and harvested will receive a fair wage for their labor. Did you also know that, because everything is a cycle that affects everything and everyone else (yes, the old Bell telephone commercials were right; we really are all connected!), this kind of exploitation is a large part of the reason for the issue of so many immigrants coming over the border? If you knew that you couldn’t make a living or hope to support your family where you were because you were not being paid fairly for your work, wouldn’t you abandon it and seek a better life, too? Think about it.
Did you know that by buying a share or half-share of seasonal produce from a local farmer, you are greatly increasing your food’s freshness factor while reducing transport miles WHILE helping to sustain local agriculture! Such a deal! If that farmer grows his or her produce organically, you are also greatly increasing the nutritional value of your food due to healthier growing soil and elimination of toxic pesticides and petroleum-based fertilizers.
Did you know that if we all carried travel mugs with us whenever we purchased coffee and stopped using paper cups with plastic lids, we could save literally millions of trees from being cut down and keep tons of plastic out of yet another landfill? What about a sports water bottle? There’s another couple hundred thousand tons of non-biodegradeable plastic spared from the landfill. How about those reuseable cloth grocery bags? Mine are insulated and carry a ton of stuff (unless I forget to put them in my car, which I still do on occasion). Maybe we can stop adding acreage to those massive garbage swirls in our oceans that, like the dead zones, are growing by leaps and bounds each year and killing vast quantities of fish and other sea life.
There’s no end to the simple, non-sacrificing things each of us can do which, when taken together, add up to make a huge difference. Our choices are NOT irrelevant! Every action we take, every vote we make with our purchasing dollars reverberates somewhere in this connected universe, for better or worse. The more I learn, the more astounded I become at the truth of this – and the more committed I become to try harder, to not fall asleep at the wheel or wait for someone else to come and fix the mess we’ve made, and to do what I can, ALL I can, to ensure that mess is not passed on to the next generation.
I believe if we really wanted to, if we really LIVED the values we say we believe in and stop getting sucked into our small, fear-driven, greedy little egos, we really COULD heal the world, end hunger and poverty, and learn to live in peace with our neighbors. You might say I’m a dreamer… but I’m not the only one.

Fun for All at Centennial Park Celebration

2009-04-20T20:55:00.000-07:00

4/20/09
Nashville’s Eighth Annual Earth Day Celebration at Centennial Park this past Saturday, 4/18, did not disappoint. Despite the imminent threat of rain for parts of the afternoon, and even a few drops here and there, the nice weather held out, and so did the crowds.
Exhibitors turned out to represent every area of environment and sustainability. Metro Water gave out information on water use, Tennessee Environmental council gave out free baby trees, local organic farmer’s gave out samples of their food, a Cool People care Guy dressed as a clown on stilts mesmerized the younger visitors while beaming parents looked on, Elephant Sanctuary and Lightning 100’s “Team Green” and recyclers and a wide range of other non-profits and “green” businesses peddled their informational wares, in the hopes of creating a more enlightened, earth-friendly and eco-conscious Nashville, per Mayor Karl Dean’s oft repeated pledge to make us “the greenest city in the south”.
I affirm for you the courage of that conviction, Mayor Dean – esp. in this challenging economic time, which just might present a unique opportunity for truly creative thinking in bringing about needed changes: job creation, reduced waste and increased efficiency, better public transport (love those big hybrid buses), etc.. You’ve already got a broad constituency that largely supports these ideas and many more. Now you just need the time, will, imagination, resources and STAFF to bring them to fruition.
And can I just say, for the record, that the music was excellent (what I saw of it), and that Susan Tedeschi ROCKS! And for Rhythmystic fans (including myself), the hypnotic drumbeat dancing interludes between acts were as much fun as the acts themselves – or even more!
The only lame duck in the shooting gallery was the food: long lines and limited selections that in no way reflected the theme – a definite area for future improvement!

"This time we need everybody" - or do we?

2009-04-16T09:44:00.000-07:00

4/16/09
“This time we need everybody”... this is a phrase I’ve heard used by my good friend Jim Deming; pastor, philosopher, environmental educator and activist, when he’s twice been a guest on the show. He says this in reference to the latest wave of “green” hitting the shores of our consciousness (too often in the form of frightening statistics and apocalyptic prophesies which, even if true, can paralyze rather galvanize behavioral change).
In a recent filming (airing all this week), my friend Nell Levin also used this phrase, although in a slightly different context. She (Coordinator of Tennessee Alliance for Progress) and Dr. Sekou Franklin (political science professor at MTSU) came on the show to talk about establishing a “Green Jobs Corp.” here in Nashville / Davidson County, which would fuse two very fundamental social and structural challenges, that of poverty elimination and the creation of an economy based on sustainable choices and clean energy, in a meaningful and effective way. While this is one of the most exciting initiatives (largely inspired by the work of Van Jones) to come down the pipeline recently, and while I agree that we need to build sustainability in this country in a way that cuts decisively across racial, economic and other barriers, I do not believe that “we need EVERYBODY” - in the literal sense - or that such an idea is even attainable. I just think we need enough people who see the truth and are willing to go to the mat for it. Change is an ongoing process, with few absolutes except that it will continue to occur, whether “everybody” likes it or not.
There was a time, not so long ago in the great scheme of things, when our country engaged in a civil war over the abolition of slavery, because enough people (including our president of the time, Abraham Lincoln) saw that the enslavement of another human being, of ANY race or culture, was absolutely and unequivocally wrong – a fact made clear by our own Declaration of Independence nearly 100 years earlier, which stated that “All men are created equal…”. Not everyone agreed – but the truth prevailed, nonetheless, because enough were willing to fight for it. Now we have one of the finest men I’ve seen in my lifetime occupying the White House as our President, who also happens to be a black man. While clear evidence of racism still exists in our society, and is still problematic for many, it is no longer the prevailing norm or standard by which society operates. There is obviously still much work to be done, but look how far we’ve come! Indeed, change continues…
About 60 years later, women in the United States won the right to vote when, after years of brave and heroic struggle by numerous leaders like Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Stanton, who formed the National Woman Suffrage Movement, the Nineteenth Amendment was ratified, guaranteeing that the right to vote could not be denied based on gender. Many (of both genders) did not agree, but once again enough people saw the truth and were willing to fight for it. Now it is the accepted norm here, which no right-thinking U.S. citizen would question. Other cultures’ ideologies run the full spectrum on this issue, and here again we still are very far from attaining the agreement of “everybody” concerning what is right. But, viewing change as a continuum, I believe we have come an enormously long way.
So it is with the “green” movement. To expect or insist upon full consensus is to be guaranteed disappointment, as evidenced by the complete lack of interest of about 90% of the students who passed by my table yesterday at an Earth Day mini-fest at Nashville State Community College, shattering to pieces my illusion that “most young people really understand and care deeply about this stuff”. They liked the magician, the belly dancer, and the free food the best. Me and my little show were fairly irrelevant to the majority. Oh well. A few took interest. My hope remains undiminished. I know there will be more next time. And I know that laws that support clean energy and sustainability by facilitating the kind of economic and infrastructural changes we desperately need will come into being, as enough of us become willing to fight for them. In this sense, “everybody” is merely a euphemistic, dreamy notion not required to fulfill the vision.

You Say You Want a Revolution...

2009-04-14T06:59:00.000-07:00

4/14/09
Ah, yes, the smell of “green” revolution is in the air like Spring; so pungent and bittersweet as to be palpable. Evidence of its proliferation is all around me; in conversation, in newspapers and books and magazines, it’s heroes and proponents scattered across the web, and across the globe, like stars in a deep country night sky – too numerous and brilliant to even comprehend. Al Gore, Paul Hawken, Michael Pollan, Van Jones, Majora Carter, CEO’s like Ray Anderson of Interface and Gary Hirschberg of Stonyfield Farms – just to name a few proud trailblazers of the domestic brand, each representing a different aspect (or multiple aspects) of the way before us: clean energy, resource conservation, protection and valuation, healthy food systems, green jobs, innovative manufacturing and product design,rebuilding of our urban landscapes to reflect hope and balance rather than ugliness and despair, and so much more...
And behind each of these many luminous individuals march thousands, perhaps millions, of warriors and footsoldiers for sustainability whose names never arrive in the cultural mainstream, toiling tirelessly in the trenches of social apathy, conditioning, ignorance, skepticism and even blatant resistance to sow new seeds of consciousness, to create new laws and policies or protect those under siege by Titans of the old paradigm and corporate emissaries seeking to preserve their kingdoms of wealth and comfort, built at great cost to Mother Earth. Their voices all too often dominate the political dialogue that - as Prez Obama continues to deeply and gracefully remind us - is SUPPOSED to be about “we the people”.
Yet, even with millions of us (esp. here in the capital of the industrialized world) “getting it”, closing loops, changing habits and lifestyles, embracing a “new” (and very, very old) way of being that returns us to a saner sense of our place in the great natural scheme of things and reminds us that we MUST honor and respect this miraculous, mysterious, ever unfolding gift of life on planet Earth - or neglect to do so at our own peril… even with the messages of this shift in cultural consciousness being shouted from every proverbial hill and dale, THE CHALLENGE HAS JUST BEGUN!! Revolution is not an undertaking for the faint of heart, and once begun, quitting is never, ever an option. Let the games begin.

On UT's plan to open acreage for drilling; 4/11/09

2009-04-11T12:17:00.000-07:00

Astonishing, but true – I’m blogging!! Yes, after months of “never having time” (which, even when the reasons are perfectly legitimate, makes one feel somehow remiss), and due to an excessive imbibing of that most regrettable of mixtures, wine and beer (definitely more fun in the consuming than in the inevitable payback), which has prevented me from going to my friend Monette’s Creek Clean-up (so much for my “dedicated environmentalist” image) - when the mere quest to be vertical for any significant length of time has caused hellish and previously unimagined upheaval from within (storms now beginning to recede gradually, taking with them every last ounce of unclaimed material once destined for cellular assignment by my digestive tract) – I have decided this to be the perfect time to reinstate myself as “one who blogs”. Perverse, perhaps – but there it is. Numerous of my remaining, alcohol addled brain cells may be shouting in shocked protest – but alas! Onward! To wit I aspire…

There was a recent article (4/7/09) in the Tennessean penned by Anne Paine, environmental journalist extraordinaire and recent guest on our show, talking about University of Tennessee’s intention to requisition a portion of their beautiful, pristine wooded acreage for shale drilling by CNX, a natural gas company based in Pittsburgh that is part of the coal company Consol Energy, in the hopes of some meager, fractional compensation for a $100 million cut in state funding, which also comes at a time of declining student enrollment revenue.
To read this account - especially in light of the relatively small monetary gain to be made (approximately $300K annually) in proportion to the hugely significant amount of land to be conscripted for this purpose (8,600 acres), sends shudders of horror down my spine!! I completely understand that the university needs funds right now in order to stay afloat, and that this appears to be a possible, temporary source for these funds. But surely there is another, saner answer to UT’s dilemma than the destruction of one more irreplaceable tract of Tennessee’s rapidly diminishing forestland, one more precious wildlife habitat, one more intact ecosystem for which the value to us all can never really be overestimated! Have we, as a society (represented here by the “Powers That Be” at ol’ UT) become so complacent in our alienation from the planetary ecology that is our life’s blood, so desperate in our need for immediate gratification of a perceived need as to readily seize it by conquest rather than find it through faith in a better solution, and so utterly devoid of creative problem solving ability that this can somehow be seen as a reasonable exchange? If that’s true, then the cynics are right - it really is too late for us.
The State Building Commission is reported to be considering this plan for approval on April 20th. School spokesman Hank Dye stated that the drilling would be done “with sensitivity to the environment” and that “every state regulation would be in play”, but it is truly a fool’s game to think that such an undertaking can be accomplished without irrevocable environmental damage and loss as well as serious potential contamination of natural aquifers and, ultimately, our water supply.
If you have somehow managed to stumble upon this humble blog (I’m into silly rhymes today), and find yourself in agreement at the cruel absurdity of this proposal, I strongly encourage you to a.) read the full article HERE, and b.) join me in diplomatically expressing your protest - whether by phone, email, or letter - to both Hank Dye and the State Building Commission. If not us, then who? If not now, then when?

2009-01-28T22:21:00.000-08:00

COMMUNITY ADVOCACY / Jan. 20th, 2009

Metro Council's Green Infrastructure Legislation Bill- BL 2008-345 passed second reading.

This Bill is an important step towards protecting our water resources and "reducing costs of our water and sewer rate payers."

The Bill (BL2008-345) requires Metro Water Services to incorporate the use of Green Infrastructure into their capital planning- "Green Streets" are "a way to manage stormwater that uses natural techniques like rain gardens, bio-swales, tree boxes and planters instead of or in addition to conventional engineering that uses concrete pipes and culverts." This ordinance "does not mandate any projects or require that Metro spend any money, only that this approach be included when projects are proposed... and is cheaper for the City." You can support and thank our Council for this important Bill via email at councilmembers@nashville.gov.

"Summit for a Sustainable TN" creates real progress toward sustainability

2008-11-23T20:11:00.000-08:00

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.

"Green Ribbon Committee" forums a great opportunity!

2008-11-12T17:06:00.000-08:00

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!

Richard Louv at Hume-Fogg High School, Nov. 10th

2008-11-11T08:42:00.000-08:00

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.

Post-election thoughts

2008-11-08T08:12:00.000-08:00

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.

2008-11-03T17:00:00.000-08:00

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.

2008-11-03T16:56:00.000-08:00

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…

Welcome to Earth Revolution Blog

2008-11-03T16:31:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Earth Revolution Blog...content coming soon!!!