Go Green Radio

A lot of us want to live a greener lifestyle, but we’re not sure where to start. By taking a simple quiz on PracticallyGreen.com, you can find out exactly how green you are living today, and receive personalized advice about ways to become even more eco-friendly. PracticallyGreen.com was founded by Susan Hunt Stevens after she discovered that her son was suffering from severe food and environmental allergies. She researched solutions for her own family, and even got a graduate degree in sustainable design, so that she could learn what it takes to protect children’s health from environmental toxins. Susan developed a system that helps everyday people gauge their environmental impact, and make smart, affordable choices from her database of over 400 green action items.

The new book, Changing Planet, Changing Health: How the Climate Crisis Threatens Our Health and What We Can Do about It, by Harvard health and disease expert Paul R. Epstein, MD, and award-winning science journalist Dan Ferber, reveals the complex links between global warming and cholera, malaria, Lyme disease, asthma, and other threats such as crumbling ecosystems and lost services. They also examine abrupt climate change, which could cause catastrophic droughts, crop failures, large-scale migration, and war, according to a Pentagon projection. Dr. Epstein, associate director of the Center for Health and the Global Environment (CHGE) at Harvard Medical School, has been documenting the links between global warming and declining human and environmental health since the early 1990s. Co-author Dan Ferber, a contributing correspondent to Science, traveled to rural Kenya, Honduras, Harlem and other places to talk with doctors, patients, scientists and others who are wrestling with these changes.

In light of the tragedy unfolding in Japan, it is absolutely prudent to take a good, hard look at existing and future nuclear power plants in the United States. The Obama administration is still committed to backing loans for construction of nuclear facilities in the U.S., even as everyday Americans wonder if the facilities are safe. Today we’ll be joined by Angie Howard is president of Howard – Johnson Associates, a consulting practice specializing in strategic energy and utility issues, and 2009 recipient of Women in Nuclear Global leadership award. Ms. Howard retired in May 2009 as vice president, Office of the President and Executive Advisor to the President for the Nuclear Energy Institute. We will talk about radioactive waste disposal, nuclear proliferation concerns, and terrorist threats to nuclear facilities. Tune in to learn about the facts regarding nuclear energy in America, and what safety measures are in place to avoid a crisis.

Today we’ll be joined by Deborah Eden Tull, author of The Natural Kitchen: Your Guide to the Sustainable Food Revolution. In our convenience-obsessed, oil-addicted world, Deborah Eden Tull shows how greening our kitchens can empower each of us to create a personal, healthy, sustainable world. An acknowledged expert and well-known sustainability coach in Los Angeles, Tull, 36, is the real deal who draws from years of insight as an organic farmer and cook, including seven years at a Zen monastery in Northern California, where she lived literally off the land and where sustainable living was the focus. Her travels around the globe to places like India and Nepal informed her writing through close-up observation of village life. Tull learned to share and save seeds and understand how the world food crisis is connected to consumers, and to believe that people should know what really goes into food production.

Social media has opened up new ways to engage kids in environmental education. Today we'll talk about how the best organizations are using new media to take going green to new levels in American schools.

Today’s guest is Lisa Hymas, senior editor at Grist.org, the nation’s leading environmental news site. She coined the acronym GINK, which stands for green inclinations, no kids, to describe a small but growing group of people who are both environmentally conscious and childfree by choice. The childfree choice often raises disapproving eyebrows in our society, even among environmentalists, but the green benefits are clear. According to a 2009 study by statisticians at Oregon State University, having one less child can reduce greenhouse gas emissions almost 20 times more than other eco-practices like driving a high-mileage car or using energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs. Are we seeing the makings of a new cultural revolution – childfree, proud and green?

Uprisings for the Earth: Reconnecting Culture with Nature delves into a new kinship with nature while acknowledging the treasures of urban life and the unique stake each person has in resolving critical and timely challenges. Whether you are an agent for social, environmental or political change, newly awakened to environmental threats, or a lover of natural history and literature, consider this book required reading for its inspiration, innovation and hope for the Earth and future generations. Tune in as we discuss the book with Ms. Lake, as well as her work with the Women’s Earth and Climate Caucus, which recognizes that women leaders have unique and essential ideas to offer at this turning point in history when humanity is making decisions about our very existence and how we are treating our Earth--and each other.

There are only a handful of environmentalists who are household names, and Captain Jacques Cousteau ranks among the top. His groundbreaking work to bring the mysteries of the ocean to the television screen made millions of people around the world more thoughtful about their impact on the delicate balance of marine life. However, it was the man behind the camera who may ultimately be responsible for the greatest ripple effect of Jacques’ work – his son, Philippe Cousteau JR. In honor of their father’s work, passion and legacy, Alexandra and Philippe Jr. have founded EarthEcho International with a powerful mission to empower youth to take action that restores and protects our water planet. Join us as we talk with Philippe Cousteau, Jr. about continuing his father’s work, and the many ways you can interact with EarthEcho International to share your stories of environmental action with the Cousteau family. Be sure to visit his website: www.earthecho.org.

There are only a handful of environmentalists who are household names, and Captain Jacques Cousteau ranks among the top. His groundbreaking work to bring the mysteries of the ocean to the television screen made millions of people around the world more thoughtful about their impact on the delicate balance of marine life. However, it was the man behind the camera who may ultimately be responsible for the greatest ripple effect of Jacques’ work – his son, Philippe Cousteau JR. In honor of their father’s work, passion and legacy, Alexandra and Philippe Jr. have founded EarthEcho International with a powerful mission to empower youth to take action that restores and protects our water planet. Join us as we talk with Philippe Cousteau, Jr. about continuing his father’s work, and the many ways you can interact with EarthEcho International to share your stories of environmental action with the Cousteau family. Be sure to visit his website: www.earthecho.org.

Charles Orgbon is one of those kids who makes you think, “I should probably get his autograph now. He’s going to be famous someday.” At 15 years old, Charles is the President and CEO of Greening Forward (www.greeningforward.org), and not only is his organization growing their membership, they are hiring! Greening Forward has entered the Pepsi Refresh Project contest to win $50,000 so they can host environmental leadership conferences in multiple cities across the U.S., with the goal of training youth to be environmental leaders. [You can vote for the project by visiting www.refresheverything.com/recyclingeducation, or texting 104604 to Pepsi (73774) by Dec. 31, 2010.] Tune in to hear about all the great projects Charles and his board of directors for Greening Forward have initiated – you will be inspired!

In the fall of 2010, Groundwork Denver (www.groundworkdenver.org) initiated Take Charge: Student Energy Education and Action, through which high school and college students around the state will become Student Energy Ambassadors to educate their own communities about energy efficiency, renewable energy and green jobs. Over the next two years, twenty-four communities throughout the entire State of Colorado will institute the Take Charge! If you are interested in bringing a similar program to your area, tune in as Stephanie Fry and Julie Connor discuss what it takes to get it up and running!

Eric Herm’s new book examines commercial agriculture’s strain on our natural resources, delicate ecosystems, and the farmer. As a fourth-generation farmer, Eric Herm deals with the harsh economic realities and complicated legislation facing farmers, as well as the undeniable health impact of GMO crops and excessive chemicals on all living creatures. “Son of a Farmer, Child of the Earth” provides ample resources of natural, healthy alternatives that will inspire the transformation of farmers from corporate-motivated producers back to the flesh and bone guardian angels of the Earth.

The National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) provides knowledge to trusted professionals who, with their credibility, amplify messages to national audiences to solve everyday environmental problems. NEEF has a program for students called Planet Connect (www.planet-connect.org), which is giving out grants to high school students to perform local projects to protect wildlife. They are also sponsoring a video contest called, “Show Us Your Ocean Connection,” and the prizes are amazing! In addition, NEEF’s program for teachers, called “Classroom Earth”, is giving grants to middle and high school teachers who want to integrate wildlife protection into existing curriculum in all subject matters. The deadlines are fast approaching, so tune in to learn more!

Otis Rolley has already made history. At 29, Rolley was the youngest director of a large city-planning department in America. He shepherded the city’s first Comprehensive Master Plan ever adopted by both the Baltimore Planning Commission and City Council. And now, he’s attempting a new historical first – to become the Mayor of Baltimore in his initial run for political office. With a background in city planning and transit, Mr. Rolley may be poised to enact the plans he crafted if he is elected. Rolley’s views on “New Urban Renewal” have environmentalists hoping that Baltimore may become a template for sustainable communities within easy driving distance for DC lawmakers to visit, then replicate elsewhere. Rolley’s campaign kick-off takes place January 11 with a dinner and show by comedian, Bill Cosby. This is definitely a campaign to watch.

Keep Texas Beautiful (KTB) is not messing around when they ask people not to litter in the Lone Star state! In 2010, more than 840 litter cleanup events were held across the state, featuring more than 74,100 volunteers. All told, 6,219 miles of highway were cleared of litter and debris, totaling a little more than eight million pounds of trash! But that’s only one of many outstanding programs run by KTB, and today, we’ll talk with their Executive Director, Cathie Gail. We’ll discuss their education and training opportunities; their impressive affiliate network; and even their clay shoot fundraiser with the Texas Legislative Sportsman’s Caucus.

The generation of Americans that will soon be called upon to address some of humanity’s greatest environmental challenges—those currently in our schools—have a limited understanding of environmental issues, our civic system and/or how to develop and implement balanced solutions to natural resource challenges. The problem is not a shortage of environmental information. There is plenty of information with media saturation of environmental stories at an all time high. The problem is that we have not fostered young people’s ability to critically assess that information and use it to make sound choices. Now is the time to foster a scientifically capable and civically engaged populace. Through Earth Force young people get hands-on, real-world opportunities to practice civic skills, acquire and understand environmental knowledge, and develop the skills and motivation to become life-long leaders in addressing environmental issues.

Charles Orgbon is one of those kids who makes you think, “I should probably get his autograph now. He’s going to be famous someday.” At 15 years old, Charles is the President and CEO of Greening Forward (www.greeningforward.org), and not only is his organization growing their membership, they are hiring! Greening Forward has entered the Pepsi Refresh Project contest to win $50,000 so they can host environmental leadership conferences in multiple cities across the U.S., with the goal of training youth to be environmental leaders. [You can vote for the project by visiting www.refresheverything.com/recyclingeducation, or texting 104604 to Pepsi (73774) by Dec. 31, 2010.] Tune in to hear about all the great projects Charles and his board of directors for Greening Forward have initiated – you will be inspired!

Keith Weitz, manager of the Sustainability and Environmental Assessment program at RTI International, will join us for a follow-on discussion regarding technologies that convert waste to clean, renewable energy. The technology has been around for decades, but in recent years, it has been improved and highly regulated by the EPA and regional air emissions agencies. Countries around the world have begun using waste to energy technology, not only for the energy, but also to reduce or eliminate the need for taking up valuable land with landfills. Wondering why your community is “wasting your waste” by not converting it to energy? Tune in and find out what you can do to change that!

A lot of products we use everyday come in containers made of #5 plastic – margarine, sour cream, yogurt, cottage cheese, etc. The problem is that many communities don’t collect #5 plastic for recycling, because they lack a purchaser who will buy that material for another use. Too many of these containers are ending up in landfills, but there IS a solution! A company called Preserve makes products out of #5 plastics, and they have partnered with Stonyfield Farms to create a nationwide recycling program that anyone, anywhere can participate in. You never have to send your yogurt cups to your local landfill again! Tune in as we talk with Eric Hudson, CEO of Preserve, to learn how you can get involved in the “Gimme 5” program.

A lot of ideologues in the environmental activist community would like to see the U.S. become a “zero waste” society, where nothing is thrown away. It’s a great goal, but realistically, it is unlikely to come to fruition anytime soon. Even in cities with high recycling rates like San Francisco, there is so much waste that they have to truck it to rural communities in California, leaving a carbon footprint along hundreds of miles of freeways that the garbage travels from the Golden Gate to someone else’s backyard. Our society has a growing need to properly manage our solid waste stream. Are landfills the best solution? Should we burn trash to create energy? Are public policy makers well-educated enough to make these decisions? This week’s guest on Go Green Radio is Keith Weitz, manager of the Sustainability and Environmental Assessment program at RTI International. He specializes in solid waste management, energy technology assessment, global climate change research, and life cycle assessment.