Now this is totally cool, a site that:

The National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) enters the 21st century committed to an equitable, reliable, and sustainable energy future. Energy efficiency and renewable energy sources are the cornerstones for building an energy future that protects the environment while addressing the energy needs of the nation's most disadvantaged citizens.

Electric utility restructuring, distributed generation, and rapid technological advances suggest that the new century will see a revolution in our energy infrastructure. The restructuring of the electric utility industry has led to a fundamental change in the relationships among providers, regulators, and consumers. Distributed generation technologies such as solar electric, wind, and fuel cells are emerging that allow consumers to generate their own electricity.

NCAT is working for energy solutions that meet low-income energy needs in an era of welfare reform. Energy will remain a key factor in providing low-income residents with comfortable, healthy, and safe housing. With future energy marketplace uncertainties, the need for weatherization and other energy assistance for the nation's low-income households will be greater than ever.

The Sustainable Energy Program operates projects in the areas of renewable energy, low-income energy, and affordable housing.
- posted by Daniel @ 6:19 PM

 
States Ramp Up Support for High-Efficiency Power Systems: Combined Heat and Power Gains Ground



From American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy
Wednesday, October 22, 2003

Two-thirds of the energy that feeds conventional power plants is wasted heat. Combined heat and power (CHP) systems can cut this energy waste in half by using both the electric power and the heat output. Several states, seeking to reduce power prices, improve the reliability of the power grid, and reduce air pollution, have developed policies to encourage CHP. The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy today released an updated review of these policies in a new report, "State Opportunities for Action: Update of States' Combined Heat and Power Activities." An update of a 2002 ACEEE study, this report highlights new state activities supporting CHP, including interconnection standards, emissions regulations, and financial incentives.

"In the past year, many states have picked up the CHP policy torch and run with it," said Elizabeth Brown, co-author and ACEEE's Industry Research Assistant. "With rising concern over the availability and price of natural gas, CHP is an increasingly viable long-term power production option that is being considered at the state level. Soon-to-be-released analysis by the U.S. Combined Heat and Power Association indicates the CHP can reduce demand for natural gas through greater efficiency." States have the ability to tailor incentive programs to their specific needs, giving their programs a better chance of success. While not all programs will transfer across state boundaries, they provide useful examples from which other states can work.

CHP systems, sometimes known as cogeneration, generate electricity and thermal energy in a single, integrated system. These systems are more energy efficient than separate generation of electricity and thermal energy because heat normally wasted in conventional power generation is recovered as useful energy for thermal demand such as steam, process heat, or space heating and cooling. CHP systems can be employed in many commercial, institutional, and industrial facilities.

"State Opportunities for Action: Update of States' Combined Heat and Power State Activities" (by Elizabeth Brown and R. Neal Elliott) is available for free at http://www.aceee.org/pubs/ie032.htm.



For more information, contact:

Neal Elliott
Industry Program Director
American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy
RNElliott@aceee.org


Web site:

http://www.aceee.org
- posted by Daniel @ 6:18 PM

 
Greet the ghouls at your door with these greener goodies



From The Green Guide Institute
Tuesday, October 21, 2003

Halloween's not the turkey-and-tryptophan blowout Thanksgiving is, nor is it the consumerist apotheosis of Christmas and the other gift-giving holidays. But there's still plenty of unhealthy junk to eat and plenty of brand-name stuff to buy, even if these brands are Snickers, Hershey's, Payday. Here's the Green Guide's guide to a healthier, organic, (mostly) smaller-brand Halloween, with some household snack options tossed in at the end.

Apples

Apples aren't just the fruit of the Fall--they're the fruit of fall, and, with pumpkins, the fruit associated most with Halloween. (Does anyone bob for apples anymore?) Unfortunately, apples are pesticide intensive: among fruit they're second in contamination only to peaches, according to the Environmental Working Group. The average apple contains four pesticides after being washed and cored, but some apples have up to ten; some are carcinogens, can cause birth defects and hormonal changes, and can damage the brain and the immune, reproductive, and nervous systems. Of especial concern is the pesticide Guthion (azinphos-methyl), found in 56 percent of Washington state apples tested in 2000, and damaging to the brain and nervous system. In 2001, the EPA banned the use of Guthion on 28 crops and ordered a four-year phase-out on seven more, but gave apples and seven other crops at least a four-year reprieve. If you only have a limited budget for organics, apples might be the food to spend it on. Or look for the NutriClean label--it certifies low pesticide residue.

Tricks or Treats

The Green Guide provided its first online report on safer, healthier Halloween treats in the fall of 2002. Upon review, we found there are now more organic goodies for the goblins who come to your door, as listed here:

Chocolate: While it's hard for organic-buyers to find the kind of tiny candy bars sold everywhere for Halloween, you can splurge on full-sized bars. Green & Black's sells 20-gram bars in many flavors, including milk, dark, and white chocolate. Available at www.goodnessdirect.co.uk

Caramels: Madb's Delights, www.madbsdelights.com, offers diabetic-friendly, individually wrapped, organic caramels, sold by the pound.

Lollipops: Gold Mine Natural Food Company, www.goldminenaturalfood.com, sells various sized packs of organic lollipops, in flavors that include cherry, lemon, orange, raspberry, and strawberry.

Mints: St. Claire's makes organic mints (as well as organic licorice and cinnamon and ginger snaps): peppermint, wintermint, spearmint. You can buy 1.5-ounce tins in packs of 40 at www.mothernature.com.

Organic Snacks

There are also of plenty of organic choices for snacks around the house.

Chips: You can find many small-brand organics, but it's perhaps of special interest that Frito-Lay now makes organic snacks: "Organic" Tostitos corn chips and salsa, and "Natural" Lay's, Ruffles, and Cheetos (www.healthnewsdigest.com/news/hlth_chips-20.html).

Pretzels: Newman's Own Organics sells organic pretzels in a variety of shapes and flavors: salted, unsalted, and salt-and-pepper rounds; salted and salt-and-pepper sticks; sourdough Bavarian (www.newmansownorganics.com/food_pretzels.html).

Soy nuts: With fewer carbs and more protein than pretzels and chips, organic soy nuts are a great snack. Skeet & Ike's sells various flavors: sea salt, honey dijon, yoghurt & green onion, BBQ. (You can likely find unsalted soy nuts at your supermarket or health food store.) The company also sells organic wasabi peas, dried fruit, and rice and corn snacks (www.skeetike.com).

Nuts: Increasing evidence is pointing to the health value of nuts: their protein is good, and their monounsatured fat is good too, helping raise good cholesterol and lower bad. Avian Naturals sells unsalted organic mixed nuts, with or without peanuts. See www.aviannaturals.com/nuts.html

Snack bars: Betty Lou's sells organic, vegan, corn-, wheat-, and soy-free granola and fruit bars. See www.bettylousinc.com/store. Flavors include apricot, blueberry, apple current, and strawberry; the granola bar has a sesame flavor.

Dried fruit: Earthbound Farm sells organic raisins and dried plums in canister and, for raisins, snack boxes. Visit www.ebfarm.com/produce_driedfruit.html

By Sam Frank


For more information, contact:

Paul McRandle
Senior Research Editor
The Green Guide Institute
pmcrandle@thegreenguide.com


Web site:

www.thegreenguide.com
- posted by Daniel @ 6:18 PM

 
Greet the ghouls at your door with these greener goodies



From The Green Guide Institute
Tuesday, October 21, 2003

Halloween's not the turkey-and-tryptophan blowout Thanksgiving is, nor is it the consumerist apotheosis of Christmas and the other gift-giving holidays. But there's still plenty of unhealthy junk to eat and plenty of brand-name stuff to buy, even if these brands are Snickers, Hershey's, Payday. Here's the Green Guide's guide to a healthier, organic, (mostly) smaller-brand Halloween, with some household snack options tossed in at the end.

Apples

Apples aren't just the fruit of the Fall--they're the fruit of fall, and, with pumpkins, the fruit associated most with Halloween. (Does anyone bob for apples anymore?) Unfortunately, apples are pesticide intensive: among fruit they're second in contamination only to peaches, according to the Environmental Working Group. The average apple contains four pesticides after being washed and cored, but some apples have up to ten; some are carcinogens, can cause birth defects and hormonal changes, and can damage the brain and the immune, reproductive, and nervous systems. Of especial concern is the pesticide Guthion (azinphos-methyl), found in 56 percent of Washington state apples tested in 2000, and damaging to the brain and nervous system. In 2001, the EPA banned the use of Guthion on 28 crops and ordered a four-year phase-out on seven more, but gave apples and seven other crops at least a four-year reprieve. If you only have a limited budget for organics, apples might be the food to spend it on. Or look for the NutriClean label--it certifies low pesticide residue.

Tricks or Treats

The Green Guide provided its first online report on safer, healthier Halloween treats in the fall of 2002. Upon review, we found there are now more organic goodies for the goblins who come to your door, as listed here:

Chocolate: While it's hard for organic-buyers to find the kind of tiny candy bars sold everywhere for Halloween, you can splurge on full-sized bars. Green & Black's sells 20-gram bars in many flavors, including milk, dark, and white chocolate. Available at www.goodnessdirect.co.uk

Caramels: Madb's Delights, www.madbsdelights.com, offers diabetic-friendly, individually wrapped, organic caramels, sold by the pound.

Lollipops: Gold Mine Natural Food Company, www.goldminenaturalfood.com, sells various sized packs of organic lollipops, in flavors that include cherry, lemon, orange, raspberry, and strawberry.

Mints: St. Claire's makes organic mints (as well as organic licorice and cinnamon and ginger snaps): peppermint, wintermint, spearmint. You can buy 1.5-ounce tins in packs of 40 at www.mothernature.com.

Organic Snacks

There are also of plenty of organic choices for snacks around the house.

Chips: You can find many small-brand organics, but it's perhaps of special interest that Frito-Lay now makes organic snacks: "Organic" Tostitos corn chips and salsa, and "Natural" Lay's, Ruffles, and Cheetos (www.healthnewsdigest.com/news/hlth_chips-20.html).

Pretzels: Newman's Own Organics sells organic pretzels in a variety of shapes and flavors: salted, unsalted, and salt-and-pepper rounds; salted and salt-and-pepper sticks; sourdough Bavarian (www.newmansownorganics.com/food_pretzels.html).

Soy nuts: With fewer carbs and more protein than pretzels and chips, organic soy nuts are a great snack. Skeet & Ike's sells various flavors: sea salt, honey dijon, yoghurt & green onion, BBQ. (You can likely find unsalted soy nuts at your supermarket or health food store.) The company also sells organic wasabi peas, dried fruit, and rice and corn snacks (www.skeetike.com).

Nuts: Increasing evidence is pointing to the health value of nuts: their protein is good, and their monounsatured fat is good too, helping raise good cholesterol and lower bad. Avian Naturals sells unsalted organic mixed nuts, with or without peanuts. See www.aviannaturals.com/nuts.html

Snack bars: Betty Lou's sells organic, vegan, corn-, wheat-, and soy-free granola and fruit bars. See www.bettylousinc.com/store. Flavors include apricot, blueberry, apple current, and strawberry; the granola bar has a sesame flavor.

Dried fruit: Earthbound Farm sells organic raisins and dried plums in canister and, for raisins, snack boxes. Visit www.ebfarm.com/produce_driedfruit.html

By Sam Frank


For more information, contact:

Paul McRandle
Senior Research Editor
The Green Guide Institute
pmcrandle@thegreenguide.com


Web site:

www.thegreenguide.com
- posted by Daniel @ 6:17 PM

 
Incoming from ENN,

New Preserve Will Protect Lake Erie Shore (OH)



From Trust for Public Land
Thursday, October 23, 2003

SANDUSKY, OH, 10/20/03 - The Trust for Public Land, the Sandusky/Erie County Community Foundation, and Erie MetroParks announced today the near completion of a new 1200-acre East Sandusky Bay Preserve MetroPark along the Lake Erie shoreline. Located between Cleveland and Toledo, East Sandusky Bay is an extraordinary naturally functioning freshwater marsh near Cedar Point Amusement Park and an important stop over point along one of the largest bird migratory routes in the eastern U.S.

The Trust for Public Land will transfer two properties totaling 1,029 acres to become part of the larger nature preserve later this month. Erie MetroParks will manage the Preserve, part of which will be known as the Community Foundation Preserve at Eagle Point, in recognition of the foundation's generous support and leadership. The Nature Conservancy also played a role by making available the 956-acre Putnam Marsh for inclusion into the preserve.

Final funding for the preserve is expected to come from Federal, State, and private sources including the Clean Ohio Conservation Fund and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. U.S. Senator Mike DeWine (R-Ohio) and U.S. Representative Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio) secured $2.5 million in federal funds from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program to help protect the remaining properties.

"The East Sandusky Bay preserve is a jewel in our emerald necklace around the shore of Lake Erie," said Congresswoman Kaptur. "This initiative not only will enhance the quality of life, but also promote economic development through the burgeoning eco-tourism sector of our economy."

"The Great Lakes truly are a national treasure. Last year, my family and I visited a tract of land that was in danger of being developed," said Sen. DeWine. "The site retained its original splendor and we even witnessed a bald eagle take flight from its nearby nesting area. It is my hope that my children can experience this same natural wonder with their own grandchildren. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I was able to secure funding to protect properties that are adjacent to other conserved land. We have created a contiguous block of open space for wildlife habitat and public enjoyment."

The Trust for Public Land acted to prevent the property from being developed by working with local landowners and community leaders tosecure the properties and develop a long-term stewardship plan. The success is due in a large part to funding from the Sandusky/Erie County Community Foundation and partnering private foundations.

"This has been a highly effective private and public collaboration for the conservation of a natural treasure in Erie County," said John O. Bacon, Chairman of The Sandusky/Erie County Community Foundation. "Our Community Foundation has been proud to join the private landowners, individual donors, private foundations and the Trust for Public Land in partnership with Erie MetroParks and our concerned county, state and federal governmental officials to preserve permanently the irreplaceable natural beauty of East Sandusky Bay"

"This is an important new preserve that will not only provide our county residents with a world class location for bird watching, but something to draw tourists from around the country," added Kevin Zeiher, Erie MetroParks Commissioner.

The new East Sandusky Bay Preserve MetroPark is one of several key protected natural areas along the Lake Erie Shoreline including the Ottawa International Wildlife Refuge and the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge. It is the intersection of two primary bird migratory routes, the Mississippi and Atlantic flyways, home to a pair of nesting American bald eagles, and an important year-round bird habitat.

"Lake Erie and its shoreline are incredible natural assets," adds Wolfe Tone, Ohio Project Manager for the Trust for Public Land. "The East Sandusky Bay Preserve MetroPark protects wildlife habitat and gives the public access to enjoy and appreciate the natural beauty of the bay."

Under the management of Erie MetroParks, the area will be available for scheduled recreational, educational, and interpretive programming opportunities such as bird watching and observation of the American Bald Eagle; waterfowl, wildlife, and wildflower identification; and wetland, forest, and meadow ecology.

The Trust for Public Land conserves land for people to enjoy as parks, gardens and other natural places, ensuring livable communities for generations to come. Founded in 1972, the Trust for Public Land has helped protect more than 1.4 million acres across the nation. In 2001, The Trust for Public Land helped protect the nearby 1,300-acre Edison Woods Preserve, which is the largest single conservation project in northern Ohio in decades.

Note to editors: To have a digital photo e-mailed to you, contact Tom Evers at the Trust for Public Land, (651) 917-2240, ext. 322 or tom.evers@tpl.org.





For more information, contact:

Tom Evers
Public Affairs Manager
Trust for Public Land
- posted by Daniel @ 6:17 PM

 
Also from ENN,

U.S. states sue federal government over greenhouse gases


Friday, October 24, 2003
By Nigel Hunt, Reuters


LOS ANGELES — Twelve states, including California and New York, filed petitions Thursday in federal court in a bid to force the Bush administration to regulate emissions of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide.

Several separate petitions were filed in the U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C., asking it to review a decision by the federal Environmental Protection Agency that said it did not have the authority to regulate such emissions under the Clean Air Act.

The agency issued an opinion in August in response to a petition backed by environmental groups indicating it believed it did not have the authority to regulate greenhouse gases under the act.

"The U.S. EPA's decision that it has no authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions and that these emissions technically don't even count as air pollutants is wrong, disturbing, and dangerous to Californians' health, environment, and economy," said California Attorney General Bill Lockyer.

California filed a petition on its own and 11 other states filed jointly: New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, Illinois, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, and Rhode Island.

Three cities — Baltimore, New York, and Philadelphia — joined the action along with a coalition of environmental groups including the Sierra Club, the National Resources Defense Council, and Friends of the Earth.

The current pollutants, designated as hazardous to human health and subject to EPA standards, are carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen oxides, ozone, particulate matter, and sulfur oxides.

An EPA spokesman was not immediately available for comment.

"Put simply, the Bush administration's decision is an illegal, irresponsible sell-out of the people's basic right to clean air,' said Joel Reynolds, a senior attorney with the NRDC based in Santa Monica, Calif.

Global warming is thought to be caused by the atmospheric build up of heat-trapping greenhouse gases. The burning of fossil fuels in cars and power plants is a major source of carbon dioxide emissions.

The White House has sought voluntary cutbacks in emissions, arguing mandatory reductions could hurt the U.S. economy.


Source: Reuters
- posted by Daniel @ 6:16 PM

 
Norah Jones, Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, Bonnie Raitt know "Where We Live"


From Earthjustice
Tuesday, November 11, 2003

Many of the world's most outstanding musicians have contributed tracks for a new benefit CD entitled "Where We Live - Stand For What You Stand On." The project, released for the holiday season, is being distributed globally through EMI and on EMI's Higher Octave label in North America.

Proceeds from the CD will support Earthjustice's Where We Live campaign to promote the universal right to clean air and clean water.

The benefit CD is a soulful collection of hard-to-find tracks that remind us about the importance of standing up for your rights, staying strong, and celebrating when ordinary citizens achieve victories in protecting the planet we live on. Artists include Mose Allison, Captain Beefheart, Rubén Blades, Bob Dylan, Michael Franti & Spearhead, John Hammond & Tom Waits, Norah Jones, Los Lobos, Maria Muldaur & Bonnie Raitt, Willie Nelson, The Neville Brothers, Karen Savôca, Pops Staples & Ry Cooder, Sweet Honey in the Rock, Tina Turner & Robert Cray, Dan Zanes (with Lou Reed & the Rubi Theater Company).

"We are honored by the participation of these great musicians in support of the environment and public health," says Buck Parker, Executive Director of Earthjustice. "When people buy this CD they are helping Earthjustice clean up the air and water and provide a voice for people living with toxic pollution in their backyards." Earthjustice is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization.

"Everyone should be able to drink clean water and breathe clean air. Our health is directly linked to the health of the planet," Matt Marshall, Higher Octave founder said. "That's why so many artists have contributed such amazing music. We are extremely proud to be a part of such a worthwhile benefit project."

In the United States alone, more than 70,000 people die each year because of air pollution, and 40 percent of the nation's waterways don't meet basic water quality standards. Despite the urgent need for full enforcement, critical environmental protections are being reversed. Through its Where We Live campaign, Earthjustice has brought more than 50 cases to protect clean air and water in the United States. Earthjustice also works with international organizations to establish the universal recognition of the right to a clean and healthy environment.

For more information about the campaign, or to get copies of the CD visit: www.wherewelive.org




For more information, contact:

Brian Smith
Western/International Press Secretary
Earthjustice
Oakland, CA
bsmith@earthjustice.org


Web site:

www.earthjustice.org
- posted by Daniel @ 10:42 AM