CEO’s of Aspen Skiing Company and The North Face demonstrate environmental responsibility, call for a strong global and national climate and energy policy.
Read the High Country News article here.
Let’s Raise our Voice!
This week I saw a provocative film chronicling the the disturbing proliferation of natural gas drilling in Western Colorado. While I am an advocate of finding ways to wean ourselves off foreign oil dependence, I do know we have to hold oil and gas companies to a higher standard when they come to our communities. Currently most laws and regulations favor the gas companies and it is incumbent upon individuals to join together in effort to raise our voice and be heard. Carbondale, CO is about to have major fight on our hands and we need to be ready when the natural gas leases in Thompson Creek are activated. The current methods and tactics used to extract natural gas are not acceptable by any standard. Technology exists for safer mineral extraction and gas companies need to comply as well as invest in future technologies. Until we hold them to a higher standard, they will continue their unmitigated process. There are success stories in which strong coalitions were formed, baseline standards for air and water quality were established and local and national politicians were informed. The film Split Estate is a fantastic documentary about the realities of this difficult situation.
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Pole Dancing Bear
Your hard earned tax dollars are being spent to install cameras in the woods, so we can see what bears do when no one is watching.
Like pole dancing.
False No-Trespass Signs Are LAME!
RFTA Bike Path – Catherine Store to Rock Bottom Ranch
Earlier this week I pedaled down the RFTA bike path near Catherine Store to one of my favorite fishing zones on the Roaring Fork River. But when I hit my destination, I was assaulted by a forest of No-Trespassing signs on the bank – right in my favorite spot. As a hunter and angler (and red-blooded American), I have complete respect for private property. But I was pretty sure these signs didn’t belong. So after some research on the property lines and the RFTA trail boundaries, I’m heading back to fish my favorite spot again. In fact, I think I’ll staple the property map to the no trespassing signs and reel in a few extra fish for good measure. Although, the parting words from RFTA didn’t exactly inspire complete confidence, “I’m sure you’re right but duck if they shoot.”
Posting false no trespassing signs happens throughout the west – usually on easements that were specifically created to allow access to public lands. Respect private land but if no trespassing signs don’t line up with your maps, take the time to do the research and report it.
You Seriously Need to Go On A Diet
A Consumption Diet that is. Check out these 10 ways you can cut your consumption, and your impact, courtesy of Reusit.com, previously ReusableBags.com
Also, check out The Smallest Compact ReusableBag Set in the World!
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1 Way to Change the World Through Social Media
Recently, the Max Gladwell blog had a popular post titled “10 Ways to Change the World Through Social Media.” Mobile app developer 3rdWhale was listed as a solution. 1% for the Planet recently partnered with 3rdWhale for the next stage of the mobile app. 3rdWhale is the first mobile app developer to join 1%FTP, and is donating 25 cents of every $1.99 app download – much more than the required 1%! Currently available on the iPhone (more phones coming soon), 3rdWhale locates green products and businesses near you. The current database is full of 25,000 companies (including all 1%FTP members) and is continually growing.
Check it out to find a green biz near you!
Sorry Boulder
This month Good Magazine revamped the overused and overprinted “Best Bike Cities In the U.S.” story to include some not-so-obvious contenders. Who knew Pittsburgh would make the list? Not I. Check out which 2-wheelin’ metropolis may be giving Boulder a run for its money.
Read here:
http://www.good.is/post/sorry-portland/
While you’re there, check out this awesome story on how your phone technology may lead to better choices. Want to know if the store you are in front of is hiring or where you can pick up the closest Zipcar to your current location, and all you have to do is point your phone?? Sounds crazy.. but so did velcro once.
Check it out here. http://www.good.is/post/better-choices-through-technology/
TAPPED- The Trailer
By the 2030 the United Nations estimates two-thirds of the world will lack access to clean drinking water. Tapped, the newest project from Atlas Films, and in association with the Clinton Global Initiative, will illustrate the impact of the global water crisis on America and what we can do as individuals to enact change sooner rather than later. Tapped examines the role of the bottled water industry and its’ effects on our health, climate change, pollution, and our reliance on oil.
It will change the way you look at water. The film will premier at Sundance 2009.
Of all the plastic alternatives, Atlas films chose Klean Kanteen to outfit their crew while filming. Quite a compliment.
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Cloudveil’s Get Your T On Comp – Cold Hard Cash Prizes for Green T-Shirt Designs
Living in a van down by the river? Going on a road trip soon and need some extra cash? Cloudveil is searching the globe for six creative men’s and women’s T-Shirt designs. Designs must involve the themes: Environmental Causes & Place…..causes being green….place being WYOMING!
-Design can be submitted by any medium (digital, ink, cardboard…you get it. Our graphic designers will take care of the details)
-Only three color ways permitted
-Designs must be submitted to nbrosnan@cloudveil.com by Sunday, May 24, 2008 at MIDNIGHT!
-Six winning designs will be chosen next Wednesday, May 27th. $300.00 will be awarded per design chosen. You can win all six!
Please email images info, designs and questions to nbrosnan@cloudveil.com
Today’s Fabrics – Tomorrow’s Environment
March 19, 2009 – Polartec hosted a media event at The Loft and Garden in Rockefeller Center, New York City to celebrate their new collection of environmentally friendly fabrics. Fall 2009 garments from the best performance clothing brands in the world were on display to highlight the range of recycled content Polartec fabrics now available including super lightweight 100% recycled content Polartec Power Dry to super warm Polartec Classic 300 with 87% recycled content.
Andy Vecchione, President of Polartec, LLC, kicked off the evening by discussing Polartec’s long-term commitment to sustainability. Polartec first offered recycled fleece over 15 years ago and in 2009 almost 30 percent of Polartec’s total production will be recycled fabric – saving at least 38 million pounds of CO2 annually.
Andy then passed the mic to newly minted author, Aspen local and old friend, Auden Schendler. Auden, who works as the environmental director for the Aspen Ski Co, just published his first book Getting Green Done, a fascinating look from the front lines of the sustainability movement. Auden began his talk by comparing his Harris Tweed jacket to Polartec and had the crowd engaged and laughing from start to finish.
Andy Vecchione
Auden Schendler