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Sustainable Earth Forum 37 Update
It's hard to believe, but we're just about halfway through SEF 37. Our final field trip (Bay-Estuary-Ocean) started in the morning at the Tiburon Town Hall before we headed off to spend the afternoon aboard the "Tamalpais" out on the bay. What was a foggy, cool morning turned glorious, as the class heard from Natalie LaVan, the Restoration Coordinator at Save The Bay, and Tina Swanson, the Director of The Bay Institute. Pelicans dive bombed, seals floated by and a myriad of other happy creatures entertained us as we cruised around the bay. We were also fortunate to be joined by several other EFMers including Kim Sauve (Director of Education, Class of 36) and her 8-month-old son Clay(ton). Since Clay attended all of last year's classes (perfect attendance!), we joke that he is the youngest member of EFM - although he obviously didn't do a project or give an advocacy speech!
After the cruise, we headed back to the Town Hall for a viewing of the short film "Our Synthetic Sea" and a rich discussion of plastic, garbage, and what we all can do about it. And now, we move indoors, starting with Water Resources at the Marin Municipal Water district office in Corte Madera.
We've had two schedule changes: Baylands was cancelled due to rain. It has been re-scheduled for Saturday, November 7. The revised agenda is pending, but will definitely include China Camp and the Hamilton restoration project. Please contact Marcia if you'd like to join the class. The second change was the switching of Advocacy Day with Environmental Ethics day. So Advocacy day (speeches) is now scheduled for November 10th and Environmental Ethics day is scheduled for November 17th. The locations and agendas are the same. Again, please contact Marcia if you'd like to attend.
Lastly, as expected, this class is excited about projects and have been kicking around a lot of ideas. Like last year, there is a lot of interest in water. There's also been a lot of discussion about waste. It sounds like some folks will be getting involved with the Sustainable cities work. We're also seeing a lot of interest in volunteering with the Forum. As we all know, there are a lot of opportunities. One of special interest is an "oral histories" project, capturing the wisdom of Marty, Nona, Kathy, Phyllis and all those who started this rich tradition. Stay tuned for more on the projects front. As all of us who've been through the Forum know, each week provides more knowledge and yet another "project idea."
Thanks to Marcia Sitcoske (35, Director of Education, Class of 37) for this update. Photo: SEF Reunion aboard the Tamalpais by John Nygren (28)
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Greetings!
President's Message Use it up. Wear it out. Make it do. Or do without.
Those of you in my generation probably remember this mantra of my Nebraska dairy-farming grandmother. How far we have come from those days of frugality and common sense . . . and how much the landfills have burgeoned as a result. Last month I challenged readers to think locally and act personally to reduce our individual carbon footprints. I committed myself to a couple of personal changes, which are proving to be challenging. So far the only response has been a reminder from West Marin to eat grass fed rather than feedlot beef. Point well taken. I hope to hear from more of you. I also invite members of SEF Class 36 to send a one or two paragraph update on their class project. I think many forum members would be interested in knowing how projects are faring six months later. Speaking of class projects, SEF Class 37 (which is a really terrific class) is about at the stage of selecting theirs. I'm sure they'd be eager to consider any suggestions readers of ENews would like to make.
All responses can be sent via "reply" to this issue. Hope you're all having a glorious fall ... and treading just a bit more lightly.
Cheers.
Vicki Rupp
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EFM Grads Make Law
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David McConnell (27) and Jim Lammers (30) were the winners of Jared Huffman's "There Ought to be a Law" contest and now their idea is California law.
On October 11, 2009, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed AB 920, which allows owners of solar or wind generation systems to be compensated by a utility for any surplus energy they produce.
"As we work towards increasing our energy independence and promoting renewable energy resources, this bill will encourage more people to invest in renewable energy," said Huffman. "This goes a long ways towards California meeting its goal of the Million Solar Roofs initiative under SB1 and clean air standards established under AB 32, as well as ensuring that consumers get a fair return on their investment."
Congratulations David and Jim!
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Sustainable Communities Seminar 2010 News: Tell A Friend
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Did you know that over 60% of the people who attend EFM programs decide to register because an EFM member friend recommended the program to them? Many of you referred people who you knew would be perfect for either the Sustainable Earth Forum or the Sustainable Communities Seminar - or both! Personal referrals are the lifeblood of our organization. Only referrals from each of you can help us grow and sustain a vibrant and impactful organization.
Now is the time to think about people you know who would love to attend our next Sustainable Community Seminar starting January 30, 2010. SCS will meet for eight consecutive Saturdays from 9:00 to 1:00 at the Hospice by the Bay facility in Larkspur. You can find the list of classes and an application to send to your friends at our website.
If you have any questions/suggestions or would like to volunteer in any way please feel free to contact Donna Bohegian (35), SCS Director, 415-730-2162 or ddbgian@comcast.net. If you would like to have John Malenic (36), Director of Recruiting, call people and talk with them about the program, send him an email with a name, number and email address at jmalenic@yahoo.com.
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Sustainable Communities Seminar 2010 |
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Water Board Puts Trash in its Place
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Save the Bay reports that fish and wildlife may finally get some relief from pervasive trash pollution. On October 14, 2009, the San Francisco Regional Water Quality Control Board voted to approve historic and long-overdue requirements for cities to make significant, measurable reductions in trash flowing to the Bay. This is great news for the Bay!
Under the new municipal regional permit, cities and other permittees must reduce trash getting into the Bay by 40 percent in the next four years, and achieve zero trash discharge from stormwater within 12 years.
Save The Bay is urging the Water Board to work diligently to ensure full compliance with these groundbreaking regulations; and through the Clean Bay Project, will continue to work with cities to help them achieve these important trash reductions.
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Turning the Tide: The State of Seafood
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The Monterey Bay Aquarium just released a benchmark report on the connection between seafood and the health of the oceans. Turning the Tide: The State of Seafood, details the threats and highlights new developments that offer hope for the future.
The Aquarium's Seafood Watch program is a big part of the solution. They have distributed more than 32 million pocket guides since 1999, and the people who carry them have put sustainable seafood on the national agenda. Their partnerships with influential chefs, restaurateurs, and major seafood buyers are transforming the marketplace in ways that will change how fish are caught and farmed.
You can download the full report here.
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Turning the Tides: The State of Seafood |
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EFM Members In Action
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Hilary Jeffries (36) started working as the new Outreach Assistant at MALT. She is responsible for the "face" of MALT, supporting its production of e-news, newsletters, annual reports, education materials, etc. She's enthusiastic about her new position and EFM: "When class 37 came through last week on Farm Day, I went over and told the group that EFM changed my life resulting in this new job! Hooray!" Another EFM graduate works at MALT: Mia Pelletier (31) is their Volunteer Program Manager.
Kimberly Rider (32) of Kimberly Rider Interiors was included in the Marin Magazine's launch of its new catalog/online store called "the Marin Store." Kimberly will be selling a variety of new sustainable and refurbished vintage items via their website at marinmagazine.com.
Donna Bohegian (35) attended four days of the Bioneers Conference this year and was so inspired and motivated that she came away with a new motto: Ruthlessly Pursuing Truth and Action for Mother Nature. Donna explained, "For me the two important words there are 'ruthless' and 'action.' Every speaker, teacher and artist emphasized the urgent climate changes that are taking place. The only thing that can turn us around at this point is ruthless action. Whatever that means for you I encourage you to get moving! For me that means walking and biking more, sharing our great organization with people I come in contact with and encouraging them to sign up for our classes, eating local organic food, supporting our farmers, farmers markets, and MALT in every way I can, reducing waste and garbage, and buying less stuff. One of the most dynamic speakers I had the privilege to hear was Annie Leonard. She spoke about how the 'pursuit of stuff' has kept us from developing meaningful relationships. It takes a lot of time to work three jobs to make enough money so we can buy more stuff! I want to get her video out to as many people as I can who have not seen it."
Zeva Longley (32) is running the Canal Child Care Center's Children in Nature Program on Mission Avenue in San Rafael where she provides pre-school and after-school nature activities for the children, staff, and their immigrant families. Zeva noted, "I discovered how disconnected from nature our Marin youths are. This gave me more incentive to convince policy makers, teachers, and funders to support programs that give kids time to experience the wonders of nature at the earliest age." To learn about what Zeva is doing and to see a slide show or plan a workshop on this subject you can call her at 415-847-3063 or email her at zevalongley@yahoo.com.
Please let us know what you're doing so we can include more information about EFM members. Email enews@marinefm.org. Thank you!
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County Board of Supervisor's Workshop on Trail Use: Tuesday, November 3
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The Marin County Board of Supervisors is holding a Public Workshop on Tuesday, November 3, at 1:30 p.m. at the Friends of Marin Room at the Marin Center (the building past the Thursday Farmer's Market site), located next to the Civic Center in San Rafael.
This upcoming workshop is for the Board of Supervisors to address the Marin County Parks and Open Space District's trail use. Specifically, the workshop will address the issue of opening up single track trails to bicylists.
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Environmental Leadership Forum - Tuesday, November 3
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On Tuesday, November 3, 2009, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in downtown San Francisco, Ecological Leadership will be hosting a thought-provoking and inspiring introduction to the nexus of local leadership and environmental issues. Come learn about where our environment, leadership, and justice intersect, and get a preview of Ecological Leadership's flagship training program.
The presenters are a dynamic panel of ecology and leadership experts, including Cal Broomhead (S.F. Dept. of the Environment/Energy); Jeff Caton (Environmental Science Associates); Allison Cook (The Story of Stuff project); Diane Loviglio (Wattbot); and Sharon Smith (David Brower Center).
Please visit the website to learn more.
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Leadership for Enduring Communities |
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Greenbelt Alliance Walk - Sunday, November 8
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Join Greenbelt Alliance on Sunday, November 8, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for a walk on beautiful Mount Burdell.
Discover Mt. Burdell, near Novato, on this moderately challenging loop. Hikers will pass through California's signature landscape of rolling hills and open, oak-studded grassland and will be rewarded at the peak with grand views south to Mount Tamalpais and north to Sonoma County. . For more information and to reserve your spot, please visit the website.
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Greenbelt Alliance |
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Marin Organic November Events
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Join the Marin Organic Glean Team! Every Monday at 4:00 p.m., the Marin Organic Glean Team harvests extras from the fields of Marin Organic member farms for the Organic School Lunch and Gleaning Program, which then donates the produce to schools, camps and low-income resource centers throughout Marin County. Come meet your local farmers, get your hands dirty and join in the fun! To find out more contact Marin Organic at (415) 663- 9667 or visit their website at www.marinorganic.org.
Tanks to Tractors Sunday, November 8th, 2009, 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Toby's Feed Barn in Pt. Reyes Station Marin Organic and the Farmer Veteran Coalition are offering an opportunity for members of the community to honor the upcoming Veterans Day and the young men and women who have returned home to pursue work on America's farms. Farmer Veteran Coalition connects returning veterans with employment, training, and places to heal on America's farms. The FVC's mission is timely as a generation of America's farmers is retiring and post 9/11 veterans are returning to their communities seeking meaningful work and solace. For more information visit http://www.farmvetco.org/ or http://www.marinorganic.org. You can also contact Linda Speel, Event Coordinator at 707-765- 0196, (cell) 707-696-5725, or Linda@farmvetco.org.
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Marin Organic |
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SPAWN November Events
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Rain Garden Workshop Saturday, November 7, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. When it rains, impervious surfaces such as rooftops, driveways, parking lots and streets, force large volumes of rainwater to run off down storm drains to creeks and the bay. Millions and millions of gallons of fresh water are lost this way each year, causing flooding, erosion to local creeks, and hardship for the endangered salmon fry fish that live in them. The fry, too small to fight the unnaturally heavy flow of water during and after storms, are washed out to sea before they are ready. But, by feeding some of this storm water into a rain garden on our property, we can each contribute to minimizing all of these problems, as well as recharge ground water and enrich our garden soil. Each workshop will offer a mix of practical information (i.e.; how to calculate how much rainwater comes off your home, the function and design of rain gardens, and more) as well as hands-on experience. To register, contact Lisa Chipkin 36, SPAWN Water Conservation Council member at Rainwater@Tirn.Net or 415-845-3568.
Naturalist-Led Creek Walks to See Spawning Salmon! Every Saturday and Sunday, starting November 14 through mid-January, two tours daily at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., at Lagunitas Creek Watershed in West Marin County. SPAWN's watershed naturalists greet the winter rains joyfully because it means they will be leading walks to observe the spawning salmon in their colorful mating rituals. Tour guests are invariably delighted to spot the salmon digging nests, fighting for dominance, and the ultimate...dropping their eggs into carefully-prepared indentations in the gravel. Rain or shine, it's a wonderful way to get outside during the winter. Reservations are required. Please visit the website for more information and to sign up.
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Spawn |
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Green Drinks - Tuesday, November 10
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Network in Your Neighborhood
Now active in 633 cities worldwide, the first Marin Green Drinks will be held on Tuesday, November 10, from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Piatti Ristorante and Bar, 625 Redwood Highway, Mill Valley, CA 94941.
Green Drinks are open - anyone can come - people from environmental groups, business, government, academia, and anyone interested and involved in helping to restore our environment and create a sustainable lifestyle. There is generally no agenda or theme. Green drinkers normally mingle and share insights. Visit the website or contact: jody@MPGrealty.com to learn more.
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Mill Valley Green Drinks |
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San Francisco Green Festival - November 13 - 15
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The eighth annual San Francisco Green Festival will take place over the weekend of November 13 - 15, at the Concourse at the corner of 8th and Brannon in San Francisco.
As always, the Green Festival shows that the green life is the good life - and they've got lots of new features this year, in addition to everything you've always loved about the Green Festival:
Hemp Pavilion: Including fashion shows on Friday and Saturday, sponsored by the Hemp Industries Association; Green Building Pavilion: 45-minute how-to workshops all day long; Organic Valley Green Kids' Zone: Educational games, crafts, and storytelling; The Soul Kitchen: Bay Area chefs prepare sustainable meals that preserve personal health and well-being, green our communities and protect the planet; Cell-phone recycling: Recycle your old phone at the Green Festival for your chance to win a year of phone service from CREDO Mobile.
That's in addition to the hundreds of green businesses and more than 125 visionary speakers, including Lynn Twist, Amy Goodman, Phaera Ellis- Lamkins, William Ayers and Bernadine Dohrn, and the Revs. Andriette Earl and Elouise Oliver.
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San Francisco Green Festival |
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Sea Turtle Restoration Project Gala - Saturday, November 14
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The Sea Turtle Restoration Project will be holding its 20th Anniversary Benefit Bash on Saturday, November 14, 7:00 to 11:00 p.m. at the newly- opened David Brower Center in Berkeley, California.
Join the Sea Turtle Restoration Project board and founder Todd Steiner to celebrate 20 years of making waves for sea turtles and the oceans! Meet leading ocean activists, enjoy festive food and drink, dance to lively music, and participate in the silent auction featuring dream trips, little luxuries, and much more.
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Big Splash Bash |
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Green Sangha Breakfast - Saturday, November 14
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Green Sangha, an environmental organization founded in Marin in 2000, invites you to their Awakened Action Breakfast on Saturday, November 14, 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Marin, 240 Channing Way, San Rafael.
Green Sangha started the Rethinking Plastics campaign in 2006. Other actions include the Garden Wheel, climate protection, and habitat restoration. They believe that mindful practice lays the base for harmonious relationships (with self, others, and mother Earth) and sustainable activism.
This breakfast is their annual fund-raiser. Jared Huffman will be Master of.Ceremonies. Program includes a brief guided meditation, words from local eco-visionaries Trathen Heckman, Charles McGlashan, and Carol Misseldine, a free delicious organic breakfast, and a short film. All in one hour!
Please RSVP to Cathy Rosekrans (20, 3A, 36) at 388-5441 or katerine2@earthlink.net.
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EFM Holiday Party - Sunday, December 6
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Save the date Environmental Forum of Marin members. The annual EFM Holiday Party will be on Sunday, December 6 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Rusche's lovely home in San Anselmo. You'll soon be receiving the invitation with details.
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November Green Tip - Green Your Holiday Travel
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Holidays mean family and fun, but they also mean more travel in planes, trains, and automobiles, which contribute to global warming by emitting carbon dioxide. According to the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), Americans take 54 percent more long-distance trips (50 miles or longer) during the Thanksgiving holiday than the rest of the year, and 23 percent more between Christmas and New Year's.
The Union of Concerned Scientists suggest that you can minimize your emissions with these simple strategies:
- Pad your schedule. If possible, start your trip a day earlier and/or return a day later. You'll not only avoid the stress associated with peak travel times, but reduce emissions as well.
- Traveling with family? Make it a road trip. On a 500-mile trip, a family of four traveling in a typical SUV actually produces less carbon per person than flying or taking the train. If you can, though, leave the SUV at home and drive a hybrid or fuel- efficient conventional car instead-in addition to consuming more gas, SUVs emit up to four times more carbon than the most efficient hybrid. If you don't own a hybrid, consider renting one.
- Fly the eco-friendly skies. First-class seating requires twice the space of coach and therefore produces twice the amount of carbon emissions per passenger, so always choose coach. Next, minimize the length of your trip by flying the most direct route, and minimize carbon-heavy takeoffs, landings, and ground operations by flying nonstop. If you're traveling solo, flying nonstop coach is actually better than driving any car-regardless of the distance traveled.
- Get on the bus. No matter how many people are traveling with you, a bus pays the biggest environmental dividends. A couple traveling by bus, for instance, generates between 50 and 75 percent less carbon than flying or driving (especially on trips under 500 miles). Bus fares are often cheaper than airline tickets, and many now have similar amenities.
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Union of Concerned Scientists Green Tips |
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