WEEKLY ANNOUNCEMENTS
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SPOTLIGHT ON VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY ¤ Earth Day Booth for S.A.N.
If you want to help staff our Earth Day booth, call our Volunteer Coordinator, Maryam Hjersted, at (913)723-3636
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THREE MILE ISLAND PARTIAL CORE MELTDOWN ¤ 32 YEARS AGO
28 March 1979
A coolant failure in reactor #2 caused the worst U.S. commercial nuclear accident, releasing 43,000 curies of radioactive Krypton-85 gas. The reactor was designed by Babcock-Wilcox, and has been shut down ever since, though unit #1 is licensed to operate until 2034 - Three Mile Island Nuclear Generating Station - Wikipedia.
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KKFI COMMUNITY RADIO ¤ ECOLOGICAL SHOWS THIS WEEK
Listen at KKFI-FM 90.1, or web-streaming at http://www.kkfi.org/
Tuesday, 29 March, 12:00pm ¤ locally produced Eco-Radio KC
Host, Richard Mabion, will be talking with John Burris and Steve Mann about what level of community activism is needed to affect change in time to make a difference. It's a call-in show, so voice your views at (816)931-5534. RE-LISTEN TO KKFI's Eco-Radio PODCAST ARCHIVES AT http://TransitionKC.org/eco-radio
Thursday, 31 March, 12:00pm ¤ Law and Disorder Radio
Prof. Michel Chossudovsky explains that "Operation Libya" is part of the broader military agenda in the Middle East and Central Asia which consists in gaining control and corporate ownership over more than sixty percent of the world's reserves of oil and natural gas, including oil and gas pipeline routes - "Operation Libya" and the Battle for Oil: Redrawing the Map of Africa. within the guise of a humanitarian mandate, the underlying objective is to destabilize the National Oil Corporation (NOC) and eventually privatize the country's oil wealth into foreign corporate hands - Lybian Oil War: Law and Disorder Radio.
Friday, 1 April, 9:30am ¤ Bioneers Radio Series
Bioneers presents another program in their award winning series.
Saturday, 2 April, 2:30pm ¤ Women's International News Gathering Service
Maude Barlow, U.N. Senior Advisor on Water, describes the growing shortages of usable fresh water in the world and how a handful of corporations are being helped by the World Bank and IMF to control what's left. Struggles of desperate people have had some success against the privatizers, but our practices towards water must change - Blue Planet Project.
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PEAK OIL & A CHANGING CLIMATE ¤ YOU-TUBE VIDEO SERIES
Wednesdays, up through 6 April 2011, on your computer
current video: The Planet's Scarcest Resource Is Time with Lester Brown
Peak Oil is the point at which petroleum extraction reaches its greatest rate just before going into perpetual decline. This excellent series is now scheduled through 6 April.
On Wednesday, 30 March, Joel Salatin will appear in interview #12 of the Peak Oil and a Changing Climate | video series. Salatin operates Polyface Farms near Staunton VA, in the Central Shenandoah Valley. He calls himself a "grass farmer", because his techniques center on husbandry that builds the soil first, which in turn provides the best conditions for his livestock and crops. One of the main effects of building organic matter into his soil is a high level of carbon sequestration.
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FUKUSHIMA DAIICHI NUCLEAR POWER PLANT ¤ DAY 18 UPDATE
On Sunday, 27 March, TEPCO reported that radiation levels of water leaking into the basement of Reactor #2 reached 10 million times higher than normal, but later apologized that the reading was incorrect. On Monday 28 March, they corrected the reading to "only" 100,000 times higher than normal, giving us cause for relief, right? - Radiation level spike from fuel rod partial meltdown. According to government spokesman, Yukio Edano, "The radiation seems to have come from fuel rods that temporarily melted down and came in contact with the water used to cool the reactor." Emergency workers near the contaminated water would have received four times their maximum annual dose of radiation in just one hour.
It's not only the Japanese who are alarmed, as a large anti-nuclear rally was held Sunday in Tokyo. Ripple effects are being felt around the world, most notably in Germany. Also on Sunday, the anti-nuke German Green Party scored a remarkable victory over chancellor Angela Merkel's conservative party in the German state of Baden-Wuerttemberg. "Conservative governor Stefan Mappus, who has long been an advocate of nuclear energy, conceded defeat and said his party's lead in the polls dwindled away in the wake of the disaster at Japan's Fukushima nuclear facility." - Anti-nuke Greens sailing to power in German state.
A comprehensive source of world and U.S. nuclear news is the Nuclear Information and Resource Service. The site includes news and updates, with especially good assessment of the conflicting reports from Japan. They offer fact sheets, data interpretation, commentary, and action alerts. ___________________________________________________
PALEY COMMISSION URGED SOLAR FOR U.S. ¤ IKE CHOSE "ATOMS FOR PEACE"
The 1952 Paley Commission, a blue-ribbon panel appointed by Pres. Truman, proposed that the US build the economy on solar energy sources, and offered a strong negative assessment of nuclear energy. Enamored by a notion of atomic sourced omnipotence, in 1953 Pres. Eisenhower instead chose Atoms for Peace. While subsidizing nuclear energy by an estimated $1 trillion from 1950-2007, the U.S. squandered 60 years potential for solar energy. And Obama as our "clean and green economy" President continues the same myopic policies. Obama has committed $8.33 billion in loan guarantees for two new reactors in Georgia, and he seeks $36 billion more - U.S. could have gone solar, but Ike chose 'atoms for peace'.
But follow the money. Obama postured in 2006 to reign in sloppy accident reporting by Excelon, the nation's largest nuclear power plant operator (including Three Mile Island). But Exelon executives have long been Obama campaign backers, including Chairman John W. Rowe, who serves as a key lobbyist for the nuclear energy industry, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars dating back to Obama's days in the Illinois State Legislature. Once again, in 2008, corporatist shill Obama got his fifth largest block of campaign contributions from Exelon. And though the rationale may be CO2 abatement, energy efficiency is far more cost effective than nuclear at reducing greenhouse gases, according to the Rocky Mountain Institute - Obama's Nuclear Dreams: Resurrecting a Noxious Industry.
And watch for this latest nuclear crisis to be manipulated as a rationale for more coal and natural gas - Feds to expand coal mining in Wyoming. Similarly, the past two years has seen the Obama administration reference climate change as the rationale for more nuclear power. As BP has trumpeted, more of all of it - oil, gas, coal, solar, wind, nuclear (disproportionately, of course).
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WAKARUSA WETLANDS RALLY TO SUPPORT COURT APPEAL OF TRAFFICWAY PERMIT
Thursday, 31 March 2011, 4:00pm-6:00pm
31st Street between Haskell Ave. & Louisiana Ave., Lawrence KS 66046
The Wakarusa Wetlands have been here for tens of thousands of years. The last remnant S.W. of 31st & Haskell Ave. (mistakenly called the Baker Wetlands) has been under threat of paving over by the South Lawrence Trafficway, and desecration of Native American sacred ground, for 25 years. That's the date when plans were drawn up in secret, by illegal meetings of the Lawrence City Commission and the Chamber of Commerce.
The road has been held at bay for 25 years by advocacy of citizens and Haskell University students, by challenges to the Environmental Impact Statements, and by two lawsuits. This rally is in support of the current lawsuit that has appealed the construction permit due to flaws in the Environmental Impact Statement. For background info go to Save the Wetlands.
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CULTIVATING SUSTAINABLE SOILS IN PERMACULTURE ¤ 5TH LECTURE
Friday, 1 April 2011, 6:00-9:00pm - $$$
Dreher 4-H Building, 2110 Harper St., Lawrence KS 66044
This fifth session will examine basic soil types, their chemistry, nutrient cycling, and the dynamics of soil organism interaction. Also covered will be the basics of building productive soils without petrochemical inputs, and innovative soil amendments including biodynamic techniques. The lecture will be followed by a viewing of part two of the Geoff Lawton film "Introduction to Permaculture Design".
Steve Moring of Vajra Farm Permaculture Center is teaching this Design Certification Course with assistance from Michael Almon and Michael Morley. Preregistration is required, and a percentage of the fees will support the Kaw Permaculture Collaborative and it's parent organization, the Sustainability Action Network. For more info go to Kaw Permaculture Collaborative, or contact Steve Moring at (785)691-7305 or <smoring@grasshoppernet.com>.
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KANSAS CITY "EAT LOCAL & ORGANIC FOOD EXPO", 13th ANNUAL
Saturday, 2 April 2011, 9:30am-2:30pm - FREE
Shawnee Civic Centre, Phlumm & Johnson Dr, Shawnee KS
There will be local growers of organic and free range produce selling their wares, including garden plant starts, as well as free organic gardening information and free 2011 Producers Directory. There will be a free workshop on CSA's and Organic Farmers Markets, food preservation, and cooking demonstrations.
Both Food Expos are free admission with free parking and free music. More information on the KC Food Circle and the two food expositions can be found at Kansas City Eat Local Food Expo or email COORDINATORS@KCFoodCircle.org
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FRUIT TREE GRAFTING SEMINAR
Saturday, 2 April 2011, 10:00am - $
Forest Floor Permaculture, 1311 Prairie Ave., Lawrence KS 66044
This demonstration seminar will be hosted by Forest Floor Permaculture and taught by members of the Lawrence Fruit Tree Project. Byron Wiley and Skyler Adamson of the Lawrence Fruit Tree Project will describe the stages of grafting including: root stock types and characteristics, collecting and storing scion wood, and graft types like bench grafting or live tree grafting or stump grafting. Then they will make several grafts of apple and pear trees, showing the techniques for incision, closure, and sealing the graft. If raining, seminar will be inside. For more info contact Michael Almon at <paradigm@ixks.com> 785-832-1300, or Byron Wiley at <bwiley@sbcglobal.net> 785-841-2829.
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ORGANIC AGRICULTURE CAN FEED THE WORLD ¤ UN REPORT
For years now, the most-asked question by detractors of the local and organic food movement has been, “Can organic agriculture feed the world?” According to a new United Nations report, the answer is a big, fat yes. The report, Agroecology and the right to food, released on 8 March 2011, reveals that small-scale sustainable farming would even double food production within five to 10 years in places where the most hungry people on the planet live.
The report suggests moving away from the overuse of oil in farming, a problem that is magnified in the face of rising prices due to peak oil. The focus is instead on "agroecology, or eco-farming, which seeks to improve the sustainability of agroecosystems by mimicking nature instead of industry,” reads a section. Industrial agriculture requires about 20% of total energy used in developed nations, and a greater percent in developing nations.
"U.S. foreign policy in agriculture up until now has been to force countries to accept our subsidized crops, even if it meant destroying local agricultural economies. Former President Bill Clinton apologized for this policy last year, saying that it has 'failed everywhere it’s been tried' " - UN Report: Eco-Farming Can Feed the World.
While there is a burgeoning local-organic-urban food movement growing in industrial societies, developing nations are also revitalizing their traditional agricultural practices, and enhancing them with techniques from permaculture as well. In india, Vandana Shiva, a longtime critic of corporate globalization, has founded the organic Bija Vidyapeeth Center to teach courses in topics such as sustainable farming, herbal medicines, seed saving, and more. The main aim of the Navdanya (Nine Crops) Program is to support local farmers, rescue and conserve crops and plants from extinction, the rejuvenation of indigenous knowledge, create awareness on the hazards of genetic engineering, defend people's crop knowledge from biopiracy, and defend food rights in the face of globalisation - Introduction to Navdanya at Bija Vidyapeeth Center, and Navdanya Courses in 2011.
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HIKE THE WAKARUSA WETLANDS ¤ SIERRA CLUB OUTING
Saturday, 2 April 2011, 10:00am - FREE
31st Street north entrance to boardwalk, Lawrence KS 66046
Come experience the beauty of the Wakarusa Wetlands firsthand as naturalists lead us on guided tours. Open to the public, whether Sierra Club member or not. Contact - Melissa Rogers (785)764-0826, <mmrogers816@gmail.com>
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URBAN FOOD FOREST GARDEN ¤ COMMUNIVERSITY CLASS #2312 A
Wednesdays, 6 &13 April 2011, 2 lectures, 7:00-9:00pm - $$
UMKC School of Medicine, Theatre C, 24th & Charlotte Streets, Kansas City MO
Saturday, 16 April 2011, hands-on planting, 2:00-5:00pm
Food forest site, 43rd & McGee Streets, Kansas City MO
Learn small scale urban food forest design and hands-on planting skills as we help develop a food forest at 43rd & McGee. Learn how to mimic the structure and function of forest ecosystems using sheet mulching, layering, planting patterns, species diversity, guilds and more. We will cover proper planning techniques for tree, shrubs and fruit. Two theory sessions and a hands on planting workshop. Class registration fee of $14, plus bring $10 to class for materials. Register at UMKC Communiversity. More info at Food Not Lawns KC, or <steve@prairietrading.com>.
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"CARBON NATION" FILM ¤ CLIMATE CHANGE SOLUTIONS
Tuesday, 12 April 2011 - FREE
12:30pm, Carlsen Center Room 211
7:15pm, General Education Building Room 233
Johnson County Community College, Quivera & College Blvd., Overland Park KS 66210
Carbon Nation is a film of optimistic, non-preachy solutions that show tackling climate change boosts the economy, increases national & energy security and promotes health & a clean environment. It provides an entertaining, informed and pragmatic primer about why it’s incredibly smart to be a part of the low-carbon economy: it’s good business.
The director, Peter Byck, will be at the screenings for Q & A as part of a nation-wide live streaming to colleges and universities. Watch the trailer at Carbon Nation - trailer. For more info, call (913)469-8500 X2883, or e-mail <sustainability@jccc.edu>.
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LAWRENCE SUSTAINABILITY ADVISORY BOARD
Wednesday, 13 April 2011, 5:30pm
Recycling and Resource Recovery Annex, 320 N.E. Industrial Lane, Lawrence KS
The April agenda is unavailable to date. The S.A.B. meets monthly to discuss any and all aspects of furthering sustainability policies and practices by the City of Lawrence government and private persons. The public is welcome. Minutes are finalized in about a month after each meeting http://www.lawrenceks.org/wrr/envadvisoryboard
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KANSAS CITY ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
Wednesday, 13 April 2011, 4:00-6:00pm
Mid America Regional Council, Rivergate Center 2nd floor, 600 Broadway, KC MO
The Environmental Management Commission promotes environmental awareness and resource efficiency to the City's leader and staff, to assist the progress of Kansas City toward sustainability. The general public is encouraged to attend and observe meetings and to join and participate in its efforts. More information and the EMC April 2009 minutes are available at http://www.kcmo.org/manager.nsf/web/emc
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LAWRENCE EARTH DAY ¤ PARADE & SOUTH PARK CELEBRATION
Saturday, 16 April 2011, 11:00am parade, 11:30-4:00pm park festival
The Lawrence Earth Day Parade begins at the Train Park, and is sponsored by K.U. Environs - http://groups.ku.edu/~environs/ The Earth Day Celebration will be held in South Park, and is sponsored by the City of Lawrence Waste Reduction & Recycling Department - Earth Day Celebration 2011. The celebration in the park features live music, children’s activities and food vendors. Attendees are invited to learn from exhibits about waste reduction, recycling, composting, alternative fuels and vehicles, energy conservation, land preservation, wildlife and habitat preservation, and more.
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SUSTAINABILITY ACTION NETWORK - MONTHLY MEETING
Sunday, 17 April 2011, 6:00pm
location TBA, Lawrence KS
Local Solutions for Transition to a Sustainable Economy
Organizing societal scale action in our personal lives, and through public policy changes.
The meeting agenda will include:
- Annual Giving Campaign report
- Growers' Land Trust Community Garden
- S.A.N. social media - policy proposal
- Earth Day booth staffing volunteers
- community workshops: super adobe, solar food dehydrator, cold frames, rain barrels, etc.
- S.A.N.web site: list-serve, content, pay pal, etc.
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DOUGLAS COUNTY FOOD POLICY COUNCIL
Monday, 18 April 2011, 7:00pm
Fire Station #5, Iowa & 19th Streets, Lawrence, KS 66046
The Food Policy Council seeks to identify the benefits, challenges and opportunities for a successful, sustainable local food system. By advising the Douglas County Commission on public policies that will support local producers, preserve local agricultural resources and land, and create more local jobs, the F.P.C. hopes to improve the community’s access to a local food supply and distribution networks. For more info go to Dg County Food Policy Council.
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"ECONOMICS OF HAPPINESS" ¤ A FILM OF SOLUTIONS FOR TRANSITION
Wednesday, 20 April 2011, 7:00pm - $
Liberty Hall, 642 Massachusetts St., Lawrence KS 66044
This film brings a positive message about how a grassroots movement for localization is bubbling up from the cracks of a faltering global economy in every corner of the world. It is produced by Helena Norberg-Hodge of the International Society for Ecology and Culture, a not-for-profit working for the strengthening of local communities and economies, emphasizing education for action, moving beyond single issues to look at the more fundamental influences that shape our lives. Preview it here - The Economics of Happiness trailer, brought by Films for Action.
"This film presents the localization movement as a systemic alternative to corporate globalization, and a strategy that brings community and meaning to our lives." - Joanna Macy, author World as Lover, World as Self.
"A remarkable new documentary... Get a copy of this DVD. Then get the kids. Pull them away from their smartphones and video games... And show them this movie." - Russell Mokhiber, editor of The Corporate Crime Reporter
The SUSTAINABILITY ACTION NETWORK, Inc. is a 501(C)(3) tax-exempt organization. DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE. Mail checks to P.O.Box 1064, Lawrence KS 66044.
Our mission is to advocate and organize societal scale action to address sustainability issues. The triple crises of Energy-Ecology-Economy are building so rapidly that large scale action is needed immediately and methodically to overcome institutional barriers and advance public policy that preserves ecological sustainability. Our focus is to build a relocalized economy-ecology in concert with the Transition Town movement occurring in many other communities. To join the Sustainability Action Network please contact us at <paradigm@ixks.com>
Our current projects include:
1) Transition Kaw Valley - initiating transition to a relocalized post-carbon economy, and municipal-level Peak Oil response planning.
2) Kaw Permaculture Collaborative and Kansas Permaculture Institute - developing skills and resources for polyculture sustainable food production.
3) Eco Village Land Trust - Designing and focalizing a sustainable intentional community near Lawrence.
4) Growers' Land Trust - organizing interested stakeholders to acquire prime farmland in the urban fringe for land-based economic development and regional food security.
5) Weekly Sustainability Announcements - informing and encouraging others to become active in the Sustainability Action Network, or other action driven groups.
6) Water Rights and Watersheds - protecting the water commons, the source of all life, from privatization and contamination, and restoring our watersheds.
7) Electric & Human Powered Vehicles - promoting neighborhood electric vehicles and utility tricycles, including infrastructure and pro-active regulations.
8) Energy Conservation & Renewables - advancing a green economy through decentralized renewable energy and conservation.
9) Collaboration with sister organizations - such as: The Light Center eco-village; Kaw Valley Food System farm-based economic development; Citizens for Responsible Planning; Films for Action; Kansas River Valley Growers fighting for local water rights; national efforts by the Sustainable Energy Network; KC Metro groups like the Kansas City Food Circle and the All Species Project, etc.
We welcome suggestions for items to be included. Please send items to <paradigm@ixks.com>
To subscribe to this list, please send an e-mail to <paradigm@ixks.com> with the subject line reading “subscribe to Sustainability Announcements”.
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