October 24 2009, is the International day for Climate Action

Climate change is the biggest challenge facing our world. On Oct. 24 stand up with thousand of people around the world and speak out to limit carbon dioxide to 350 parts per million. If you’re in Philly, meet me at Independence Hall: http://www.350philly.org.

Curious about why 350 parts of carbon dioxide per million?
See http://www.350.org/about/science

The easiest way to help people change behavior

… Is to make it FUN

For a while now I have written about my struggles with what is it that I can do to move people to dispose of their trash properly and recycle.

One thing I do know – getting angry at someone who throws their bier can or sandwich wrapper out of the window of their car… will more likely get me into a fight than teach the benefits of recycling.

See the Playback Theater Performance on the subject right here >> Making Sustainability FUN

This latest initiative from Volkswagen brings us the factual proof that making it fun works.  I suggest you take a minute to watch this short video clip on the worlds’ deepest Trash bin:

Notice: In one day, the world deepest trash bin collected 72 Kg of trash when a usual trash bin just a few meters away collect 41 Kg less.

What is new at the 2009 GreenFest Philly?

In no particular order here is a short list of some of the new green offerings I noticed at the 2009 GreenFest Philly:

GreenFest Philly is today: Sunday September 13th

The fourth Philly GreenFest is taking place today  Sunday September 13th from 11 am to 6 pm at 2nd and South Street in Philadelphia.

The Philly Green Fest offers “green” activities for the whole family:

Come to Philly in September to Get Your Slice of the Renewable Energy Pie

President Obama has pledged that $150-billion dollars will be put towards energy independence over the next 10 years.  Where can you learn about how to get your slice of this pie from leading public and private industry experts?The answer is the The World Green Energy Symposium and Exposition on Sept 25-26 to be held right here in Philly.

Narberth Greens Develops Turnkey Energy Challenge: Is your community ready to turn the key?

Avi Loren Fox of Narberth Greens

PhillyEcoCity recently spoke with Temple environmental studies major Avi Loren Fox, who is amassing quite a resume as an environmental change agent in Narberth and beyond.  Avi  founded Narberth Greens (NG) which recently won the nonprofit award from the Lower Merion Environmental Advisory Council for its efforts in encouraging sustainable practices, including recycling, town cleanups, and home-grown vegetable trading.

Where to buy Sustainable Seafood ??

A lot of people still seem to ignore the fact that most Ocean fishing areas of the planet are totally depleted.  Traditional harvest fishing has  disappeared from the New England Coast and from many formerly prized fishing areas around the planet.

Why?

Because of OVER FISHING – there is simply no more fish.

So, here is someone who decided to open a store that only supplies Fish that has been raised or harvested using sustainable practices.

Otolith Sustainable Seafood is located at 143 West Girard Avenue (between Front and Second Street). Their website address is: http://www.otolithonline.com

I would like to thank  Ian and Colin Sandberg and Kelly Ann Bethoney for sharing this precious information.

The simple things the city can do to decrease its carbon footprint

It is amply clear that Michael Nutter, the Mayor of Philadelphia is committed to moving Philadelphia and its region to be more environmentally sustainable.

The City appointed a Director of Sustainability, Van Jones has been regularly consulting and talking with city and regional leaders and the convening of a cabinet level meeting promoting Green Jobs on February 27, all underscored Mayor Nutter’s commitment to moving to a Green Economy.

Great!!

What concerns me is the low level stuff, the little things that each of us can do in our every day life to reduce our carbon footprint.

The struggle to reduce our carbon footprint will be lost or won by millions of people all over the United States who decide to make very small changes to their daily life.

Your Old Sneakers Reincarnated as a Sustainable Farm in Ghana!

What to do with used sneakers? If you happen to have 600 pairs, you alone can set a Ghanian family up in sustainable farming, through a cool organization called PPPF Africa, – Perpetual Prosperity Pumps Foundation.
Here’s the deal:
1. There are collection recepticles around the NorthEastern US. You can locate them on the site.
People drop their “used by not abused” sneakers in them.
2. Eventually these sneakers are shipped to Ghana where they are resold. Most Ghanians cannot afford new sneakers, let alone multiple pairs….
3. The proceeds from the sale of 600 pairs pays for a small farmer to receive a M.O.R.E. module, the video shown above. Modular Organic Regenerative Environments include livestock, a well, irrigation, 50 fruit trees and all kinds of other inputs which will allow a family multiple harvests a year, all achieved sustainably, so there is no environmental harm. I imagine planting the trees helps to maintain the water table?  The 1200 running shoes generate approximately $1800.
If you’re inspired, they will help you set up a collection receptacle. It’s a great project for a school class, a club, or faith-based group. Perfect for colleges at the end of the year when students are jettisoning everything possible!
Founder Jim Riordan has a background in sustainable agriculture in developing countries. It’s run by a handful of dedicated people, with a fun slogan:
Please Help Shoe-In Prosperity!

What if… What if Obama was not an enlightened progressive after all??

Despite massive public outcry, including over 20,000 emails from the
Organic Consumers Association, President-Elect Obama has chosen former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack to be the next Secretary of Agriculture.