Friday, December 05, 2003
Science & Technology
Exploring Vancouver Island's Energy Future
SNOWMASS, CO – December 5, 2003 (RMI) - BC Hydro is looking for ways to meet Vancouver Island's growing energy needs. In July, RMI helped the utility explore ideas to address the long-term energy needs of this large, beautiful, and renewables-rich place. Read the full article at http://www.rmi.org/sitepages/pid97.php.
Exploring Vancouver Island's Energy Future
SNOWMASS, CO – December 5, 2003 (RMI) - BC Hydro is looking for ways to meet Vancouver Island's growing energy needs. In July, RMI helped the utility explore ideas to address the long-term energy needs of this large, beautiful, and renewables-rich place. Read the full article at http://www.rmi.org/sitepages/pid97.php.
Environment
Ecology is Free - RMI's Work with STMicroelectronics
SNOWMASS, CO – December 5, 2003 (RMI) - A few years ago, STMicroelectronics, one of the world's biggest chipmakers, hired RMI to help reduce its consumption of energy and resources. Here, former RMIte and consultant Chris Lotspeich updates us on millions of saved dollars and how RMI and ST found them. Read the full article at http://www.rmi.org/sitepages/pid1059.php
Ecology is Free - RMI's Work with STMicroelectronics
SNOWMASS, CO – December 5, 2003 (RMI) - A few years ago, STMicroelectronics, one of the world's biggest chipmakers, hired RMI to help reduce its consumption of energy and resources. Here, former RMIte and consultant Chris Lotspeich updates us on millions of saved dollars and how RMI and ST found them. Read the full article at http://www.rmi.org/sitepages/pid1059.php
Our Shifting Focus
Enlightening Blackouts
SNOWMASS, CO – December 5, 2003 (RMI) - The 14 August blackout in the Northeast was entirely predictable. RMI's Amory Lovins, Kyle Datta, and Joel Swisher comment on why, and offer common-sense ideas for fixing the problems. Read the full article at http://www.rmi.org/sitepages/pid1058.php.
Enlightening Blackouts
SNOWMASS, CO – December 5, 2003 (RMI) - The 14 August blackout in the Northeast was entirely predictable. RMI's Amory Lovins, Kyle Datta, and Joel Swisher comment on why, and offer common-sense ideas for fixing the problems. Read the full article at http://www.rmi.org/sitepages/pid1058.php.
Our Shifting Focus
Greening the Grocer - Retailers Think "Outside the Box"
SNOWMASS, CO – December 5, 2003 (RMI) - RMI and Supervalu, the eleventh largest supermarket retailer in the United States, recently took a look at how supermarkets can freshen up their efficiency. Read the full article at Rocky Mountain Institute http://www.rmi.org/sitepages/pid1060.php
Greening the Grocer - Retailers Think "Outside the Box"
SNOWMASS, CO – December 5, 2003 (RMI) - RMI and Supervalu, the eleventh largest supermarket retailer in the United States, recently took a look at how supermarkets can freshen up their efficiency. Read the full article at Rocky Mountain Institute http://www.rmi.org/sitepages/pid1060.php
Thursday, December 04, 2003
Global Village Overview
The Battle for Water
BAINBRIDGE ISLAND, WA – December 4, 2003 (YES!) - Waste, pollution, population growth, global trade rules, and now privatization are threatening billions of people with water scarcity. How can we reclaim water for all life? http://www.YESMAGAZINE.ORG/28water/barlow.htm
The Battle for Water
BAINBRIDGE ISLAND, WA – December 4, 2003 (YES!) - Waste, pollution, population growth, global trade rules, and now privatization are threatening billions of people with water scarcity. How can we reclaim water for all life? http://www.YESMAGAZINE.ORG/28water/barlow.htm
Our Shifting Focus
We the People
BAINBRIDGE ISLAND, WA – December 4, 2003 (YES!) - Listen in on a candid conversation among a diverse group of writers, educators, artists, and grassroots leaders. Our new video, We the People: Conversations on Being American -- recorded at a recent YES! retreat -- is now available. Narrated by Positive Futures Network board member Danny Glover, this video and study guide delve into the painful and yet deeply hopeful experiences of diverse Americans who are seeking to form "a more perfect union." To place an order, just phone us at 206/842-0216 or visit: http://www.YESMAGAZINE.ORG/WeThePeople.html for more information.
We the People
BAINBRIDGE ISLAND, WA – December 4, 2003 (YES!) - Listen in on a candid conversation among a diverse group of writers, educators, artists, and grassroots leaders. Our new video, We the People: Conversations on Being American -- recorded at a recent YES! retreat -- is now available. Narrated by Positive Futures Network board member Danny Glover, this video and study guide delve into the painful and yet deeply hopeful experiences of diverse Americans who are seeking to form "a more perfect union." To place an order, just phone us at 206/842-0216 or visit: http://www.YESMAGAZINE.ORG/WeThePeople.html for more information.
Global Village Overview
Turning Scarcity into Abundance
BAINBRIDGE ISLAND, WA – December 4, 2003 (YES!) - According to Vandana Shiva, the solution to scarcity is not more mega-projects, more control by giant corporations, or more globalization. The solution to scarcity is more democracy. http://www.YESMAGAZINE.ORG/28water/shiva.htm
Turning Scarcity into Abundance
BAINBRIDGE ISLAND, WA – December 4, 2003 (YES!) - According to Vandana Shiva, the solution to scarcity is not more mega-projects, more control by giant corporations, or more globalization. The solution to scarcity is more democracy. http://www.YESMAGAZINE.ORG/28water/shiva.htm
Sustainable Industry / EcoJobs
Trials and Tribulations of an Ecopreneur
BAINBRIDGE ISLAND, WA – December 4, 2003 (BGI) - Founder of Deja Shoe Company in 1991, for 5 years Julie Lewis rode a whirlwind of an expanding business selling top of the line shoes made entirely from recycled and eco-friendly components. Following Deja shoe, Julie continued her dream with Deep E Co. and now with 1 Breath, both eco-friendly footwear companies. Julie has worked with founders, designers and executives from Nike and Avia and has raised millions in venture capital for her green businesses. Bainbridge Graduate Institute offers a unique MBA in Sustainable Business, integrating social and environmental responsibility into every course. This public course is a component of that program. Credits earned in this class are transferable to our MBA and Certificate programs. If you would like to learn more about BGI please join in on this December 11th evening event, visit us online at www.bgiedu.org, call (206) 855-9559 or email info@bgiedu.org.
Trials and Tribulations of an Ecopreneur
BAINBRIDGE ISLAND, WA – December 4, 2003 (BGI) - Founder of Deja Shoe Company in 1991, for 5 years Julie Lewis rode a whirlwind of an expanding business selling top of the line shoes made entirely from recycled and eco-friendly components. Following Deja shoe, Julie continued her dream with Deep E Co. and now with 1 Breath, both eco-friendly footwear companies. Julie has worked with founders, designers and executives from Nike and Avia and has raised millions in venture capital for her green businesses. Bainbridge Graduate Institute offers a unique MBA in Sustainable Business, integrating social and environmental responsibility into every course. This public course is a component of that program. Credits earned in this class are transferable to our MBA and Certificate programs. If you would like to learn more about BGI please join in on this December 11th evening event, visit us online at www.bgiedu.org, call (206) 855-9559 or email info@bgiedu.org.
Global Village Overview / Zero Waste
UNDP supports UNU/ZEF Project in Indonesia
December 04, 2003 (posted by: Ruediger Kuehr)
Through the kind provision of grants v through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), one joint R&D project between UNU & TNSi is already at start. UNDP sees the Zero Emissions approach and the TNS framework as critical elements of corporate environmental responsibility within Indonesia in the future. Its funds ensures the realisation of necessary background research and material flow analysis in the regency of Pelalawan (West-Sumatra), in order to prepare an expert-workshop and a feasibility study on a Zero Emissions pilot project in this natural resource rich region. http://www.unu.edu/zef/news.html
UNDP supports UNU/ZEF Project in Indonesia
December 04, 2003 (posted by: Ruediger Kuehr)
Through the kind provision of grants v through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), one joint R&D project between UNU & TNSi is already at start. UNDP sees the Zero Emissions approach and the TNS framework as critical elements of corporate environmental responsibility within Indonesia in the future. Its funds ensures the realisation of necessary background research and material flow analysis in the regency of Pelalawan (West-Sumatra), in order to prepare an expert-workshop and a feasibility study on a Zero Emissions pilot project in this natural resource rich region. http://www.unu.edu/zef/news.html
Monday, December 01, 2003
Science & Technology
Business Energy Solutions Expo
BUTTE, MT, December 1, 2003 – (Smart Communities Network - NCAT) - This event is presented by the Association of Energy Engineers. The program and trade show focus on technologies and strategies available to improve energy and overall operational efficiency, including HVAC and lighting upgrades, utility systems, energy management systems, on-site and standby power generation, and controls and measurement devices of all kinds. December 11-12, 2003, Business Energy Solutions Expo, New Orleans, Louisiana.
http://www.aeecenter.org/bese/
Business Energy Solutions Expo
BUTTE, MT, December 1, 2003 – (Smart Communities Network - NCAT) - This event is presented by the Association of Energy Engineers. The program and trade show focus on technologies and strategies available to improve energy and overall operational efficiency, including HVAC and lighting upgrades, utility systems, energy management systems, on-site and standby power generation, and controls and measurement devices of all kinds. December 11-12, 2003, Business Energy Solutions Expo, New Orleans, Louisiana.
http://www.aeecenter.org/bese/
Our Shifting Focus / Food Security
Real Food for a Change – Good News
NANAIMO, BC, Dec. 2003 (NICN) - Wayne Roberts, author of Get a Life! and Real Food for a Change spoke at the Lower Mainland Food Policy workshop on June 12, 2003. Roberts, a member of the Toronto Food Policy Council, says we have a lot of design problems in our society. The problems around food, for instance, arise not from the food itself, but from the way it’s distributed. It’s treated as a commodity, and that’s part of the problem. He explains that food policy councils work as problem solvers, to fix dysfunctional systems, using eight design principles. To read more
Real Food for a Change – Good News
NANAIMO, BC, Dec. 2003 (NICN) - Wayne Roberts, author of Get a Life! and Real Food for a Change spoke at the Lower Mainland Food Policy workshop on June 12, 2003. Roberts, a member of the Toronto Food Policy Council, says we have a lot of design problems in our society. The problems around food, for instance, arise not from the food itself, but from the way it’s distributed. It’s treated as a commodity, and that’s part of the problem. He explains that food policy councils work as problem solvers, to fix dysfunctional systems, using eight design principles. To read more
Global Village Overview / Food Security
Food Policy: From Backyard to Front Burner – Action Speaks
NANAIMO, BC, Dec. 2003 (NICN) - From Cathleen Kneen of the BC Food Systems Network... "I think this (description of food security) is a model of clarity and brevity".
http://cip.nanaimo-online.net/1203/#Anchor-ACTIO-8214
Food Policy: From Backyard to Front Burner – Action Speaks
NANAIMO, BC, Dec. 2003 (NICN) - From Cathleen Kneen of the BC Food Systems Network... "I think this (description of food security) is a model of clarity and brevity".
http://cip.nanaimo-online.net/1203/#Anchor-ACTIO-8214
Simple Living
New Leaf Newsletter
FLORIDA, Dec. 2003 (Heart of the Earth Council) - The theme of our newsletter is voluntary simplicity and reducing our consumption. We know you will enjoy the wonderful articles written by some of our members and others in our community. Click on the "newest newsletter" link at the top of our home page. The online newsletter is in PDF format, so if you are accessing our site through a dial-up rather than a high-speed internet connection, please be patient, as it may take a minute or so to load. http://www.heartoftheearth.org
New Leaf Newsletter
FLORIDA, Dec. 2003 (Heart of the Earth Council) - The theme of our newsletter is voluntary simplicity and reducing our consumption. We know you will enjoy the wonderful articles written by some of our members and others in our community. Click on the "newest newsletter" link at the top of our home page. The online newsletter is in PDF format, so if you are accessing our site through a dial-up rather than a high-speed internet connection, please be patient, as it may take a minute or so to load. http://www.heartoftheearth.org
Our Shifting Focus / Leadership
Echoing Green Fellowships
BUTTE, MT, December 1, 2003 – (Smart Communities Network - NCAT) - Echoing Green awards two year fellowships to emerging social innovators. Annually, the foundation awards Fellowships to individuals with innovative ideas for creating new models for tackling seemingly unsolvable social challenges. These Fellowships offer them the opportunity to develop and test their ideas. Online applications are due January 12, 2004. http://www.echoinggreen.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=Page.viewPage&pageID=150
Echoing Green Fellowships
BUTTE, MT, December 1, 2003 – (Smart Communities Network - NCAT) - Echoing Green awards two year fellowships to emerging social innovators. Annually, the foundation awards Fellowships to individuals with innovative ideas for creating new models for tackling seemingly unsolvable social challenges. These Fellowships offer them the opportunity to develop and test their ideas. Online applications are due January 12, 2004. http://www.echoinggreen.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=Page.viewPage&pageID=150
Our Shifting Focus
The Tale of Tangier Island
VICTORIA, BC – December (EcoNews) Reference: Susan Drake Emmerich from the Au Sable Institute of Environmental Studies, in Wisconsin, which worked for the integration of knowledge of the Creation with biblical principles, and to bring the Christian community and the general public to a better understanding of the stewardship of God's Creation. The Tale of Tangier Island is a true story… For the source, see http://www.calvin.edu/scs/125conf/emmeric.htm.
The Tale of Tangier Island
VICTORIA, BC – December (EcoNews) Reference: Susan Drake Emmerich from the Au Sable Institute of Environmental Studies, in Wisconsin, which worked for the integration of knowledge of the Creation with biblical principles, and to bring the Christian community and the general public to a better understanding of the stewardship of God's Creation. The Tale of Tangier Island is a true story… For the source, see http://www.calvin.edu/scs/125conf/emmeric.htm.
Our Shifting Focus
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy SBIR/SBTT Grants
BUTTE, MT, December 1, 2003 – (Smart Communities Network - NCAT) - DOE has issued its fiscal year 2004 solicitation for its Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (SBTT) programs. Several grants are being
offered through DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE). http://www.science.doe.gov/sbir/Solicitations/FY%202004/EE.htm The full SBIR/SBTT solicitation, including all necessary forms and submission requirements, is available online at:
http://www.science.doe.gov/sbir/Solicitations/FY%202004/contents.htm
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy SBIR/SBTT Grants
BUTTE, MT, December 1, 2003 – (Smart Communities Network - NCAT) - DOE has issued its fiscal year 2004 solicitation for its Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (SBTT) programs. Several grants are being
offered through DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE). http://www.science.doe.gov/sbir/Solicitations/FY%202004/EE.htm The full SBIR/SBTT solicitation, including all necessary forms and submission requirements, is available online at:
http://www.science.doe.gov/sbir/Solicitations/FY%202004/contents.htm
NFPs / NGOs
Nathan Cummings Foundation Grants
BUTTE, MT, December 1, 2003 – (Smart Communities Network - NCAT) - The New York-based Nathan Cummings Foundation seeks to build a socially and economically just society that values nature and protects the ecological balance for future generations, promotes humane health care, and fosters arts and culture that enrich communities. The goal of its environmental grants is to facilitate environmental justice and environmentally sustainable communities by supporting the accountability of corporations, governments, and other institutions for their environmental practices. http://www.nathancummings.org/
Nathan Cummings Foundation Grants
BUTTE, MT, December 1, 2003 – (Smart Communities Network - NCAT) - The New York-based Nathan Cummings Foundation seeks to build a socially and economically just society that values nature and protects the ecological balance for future generations, promotes humane health care, and fosters arts and culture that enrich communities. The goal of its environmental grants is to facilitate environmental justice and environmentally sustainable communities by supporting the accountability of corporations, governments, and other institutions for their environmental practices. http://www.nathancummings.org/
EcoVersity / Leadership Training
Beyond Grey Pinstripes 2003: Preparing
VICTORIA, BC – December, 2003 (EcoNews) - Beyond Grey Pinstripes 2003: Preparing MBAs for Social and Environmental Stewardship (http://www.beyondgreypinstripes.org), is an annual survey that identifies MBA schools and that pay attention to social impact and environmental management, and the triple bottom line of sustainability. (York University’s Schulich School of Business in Toronto is among the top achievers.) EcoNews December Issue: http://www.earthfuture.com/econews/back_issues/03-12.asp
Beyond Grey Pinstripes 2003: Preparing
VICTORIA, BC – December, 2003 (EcoNews) - Beyond Grey Pinstripes 2003: Preparing MBAs for Social and Environmental Stewardship (http://www.beyondgreypinstripes.org), is an annual survey that identifies MBA schools and that pay attention to social impact and environmental management, and the triple bottom line of sustainability. (York University’s Schulich School of Business in Toronto is among the top achievers.) EcoNews December Issue: http://www.earthfuture.com/econews/back_issues/03-12.asp
Environment
The French Charter of the Environment
VICTORIA, BC – December, 2003 (EcoNews) Reference - As EcoNews reported in October, the French cabinet has approved a plan to add an Environmental Charter to the country’s constitution. If the bill passes, the pre-amble of France’s national constitution will be amended to refer to the charter, placing it on an equal footing with France’s landmark 1789 human rights document, "The Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen." The legal implications are truly profound. Click and scroll way down http://www.earthfuture.com/econews/back_issues/03-12.asp
The French Charter of the Environment
VICTORIA, BC – December, 2003 (EcoNews) Reference - As EcoNews reported in October, the French cabinet has approved a plan to add an Environmental Charter to the country’s constitution. If the bill passes, the pre-amble of France’s national constitution will be amended to refer to the charter, placing it on an equal footing with France’s landmark 1789 human rights document, "The Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen." The legal implications are truly profound. Click and scroll way down http://www.earthfuture.com/econews/back_issues/03-12.asp
Global Village Overview / Sustainable Industry / Zero Waste
Memorandum of Understanding with The Natural Step International (TNSi)
November 31, 2003 (UNU & ZEF) posted by: Ruediger Kuehr - With view to contributing to the development of joint research and capacity development activities the Vice-Secretary General of the United Nations and Rector of the United Nations University, Prof. Hans van Ginkel, and the Chairman of The Natural Step International, Prof. Karl-Henrik Robèrt signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between UNU and TNSi last November 2003. This agreement frameworks the close cooperation, especially between TNSi and UNU’s Zero Emissions Forum (UNU/ZEF) and aims at synergizing efforts to achieve a common objective of strategic ecological and social structuring. http://www.unu.edu/zef/news.html
Memorandum of Understanding with The Natural Step International (TNSi)
November 31, 2003 (UNU & ZEF) posted by: Ruediger Kuehr - With view to contributing to the development of joint research and capacity development activities the Vice-Secretary General of the United Nations and Rector of the United Nations University, Prof. Hans van Ginkel, and the Chairman of The Natural Step International, Prof. Karl-Henrik Robèrt signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between UNU and TNSi last November 2003. This agreement frameworks the close cooperation, especially between TNSi and UNU’s Zero Emissions Forum (UNU/ZEF) and aims at synergizing efforts to achieve a common objective of strategic ecological and social structuring. http://www.unu.edu/zef/news.html
Sustainable Future Views / Self-Reliance
Cotacachi Succeeds
NANAIMO, BC, Dec. 2003 (NICN) - Thanks in part to the International Monetary Fund's "structural adjustments," which have forced reductions in essential government spending throughout much of Latin America, 80% of Cotacachi's population lives below the poverty line. What's more, the area - which ranges in altitude from 90 to 1500 metres above sea level, encompassing environments from tropical rainforests to Andean slopes - contains extremely threatened ecosystems, including two of the world's 25 biodiversity hotspots. Read more
Cotacachi Succeeds
NANAIMO, BC, Dec. 2003 (NICN) - Thanks in part to the International Monetary Fund's "structural adjustments," which have forced reductions in essential government spending throughout much of Latin America, 80% of Cotacachi's population lives below the poverty line. What's more, the area - which ranges in altitude from 90 to 1500 metres above sea level, encompassing environments from tropical rainforests to Andean slopes - contains extremely threatened ecosystems, including two of the world's 25 biodiversity hotspots. Read more
