WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
17 May 2011
EDIBLE FOREST GARDEN DESIGN WORKSHOP ¤ K.C.C.U.A.
Sunday, 22 May 2011,
ALERT! **NO WALK-INS ON SUNDAY**
EDIBLE FOREST GARDEN DESIGN WORKSHOP
REGISTRATIONS CLOSED - **WORKSHOP FULL**
Sunday, 22 May
COAL CARES ¤ PEABODY COAL GETS PUNKED
"The Yes Men, that prankster-activist group that has ruined many a corporate executive's day, have struck again. This time their target is the notorious Peabody Coal Company, which operates environmentally devastating mountaintop removal mining sites in West Virginia and has strip mining operations in Arizona. It may take a minute to realize that the web site for Coal Cares is a fake. Designed to look like a website for a Peabody-funded nonprofit, the faux charity offers free "Puff-Puff" designer inhalers for kids living within 200 miles of a coal plant."
"We all know that risk is a part of life. What isn't risky? Crossing the street is risky--you could get hit by a car. Eating a chicken is risky--you could choke on one of its bones. Indeed, there are now a wide array of techniques and technologies for mitigating the risks associated with coal, such as the financial--fiduciary devices to reduce the risk to investors. At least one thing is clear: although sheer numbers of deaths associated with coal may be larger, the varieties of death due to solar and wind could well go through the roof." Laugh 'til you cry atCoal Cares | "Clean" Energy.
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FUKUSHIMA DAIICHI NUCLEAR POWER PLANT ¤ DAY 67 UPDATE
17 May 2011
The SUSTAINABILITY ACTION NETWORK is a 501(C)(3) tax-exempt organization. DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE. Mail donations to P.O.Box 1064, Lawrence KS 66044.
Our mission is to advocate and organize societal scale action to address sustainability issues. S.A.N. is bringing awareness of the global crisis caused by climate change, energy vulnerability and economic instability to communities in the Kansas River bioregion. We areinitiating positive solutions inspired by the Transition and Permaculture Movements. We bring the tools needed to re-skill and re-localize our economy and create a more socially just and ecologically sustainable world. To join the Sustainability Action Network please contact us at
Our mission is to advocate and organize societal scale action to address sustainability issues. S.A.N. is bringing awareness of the global crisis caused by climate change, energy vulnerability and economic instability to communities in the Kansas River bioregion. We areinitiating positive solutions inspired by the Transition and Permaculture Movements. We bring the tools needed to re-skill and re-localize our economy and create a more socially just and ecologically sustainable world. To join the Sustainability Action Network please contact us at
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ADVANCED PERMACULTURE DESIGN SERIES WITH WARREN BRUSH
Tuesday-Saturday,17-21 May 2011, one evening & four full days - $$$
Lawrence, Kansas
Join world renowned permaculture instructor, Warren Brush, Director of Quail Springs Permaculture Center, and presenter at the September 2011 International Permaculture Conference in Jordan. Warren Brush is a certified permaculture designer and teacher as well as a mentor and storyteller, who has worked for over 25 years in permaculture education and sustainable systems design. This design series will include:
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Tuesday-Saturday,17-21 May 2011, one evening & four full days - $$$
Lawrence, Kansas
Join world renowned permaculture instructor, Warren Brush, Director of Quail Springs Permaculture Center, and presenter at the September 2011 International Permaculture Conference in Jordan. Warren Brush is a certified permaculture designer and teacher as well as a mentor and storyteller, who has worked for over 25 years in permaculture education and sustainable systems design. This design series will include:
- Tuesday, 17 May, 7:00pm, lecture "Intro to Permaculture", Lawrence Public Library
- Wednesday, 18 May, 8:00am-5:30pm, "Permaculture Design Fundamantals", Delaware Street Commons
- Thursday, 19 May, 8:00am-5:30pm, "Urban Intensive Permaculture Design", Forest Floor Permaculture
- Friday-Saturday, 20-21 May, 8:00am-5:30pm, "Broadacre Permaculture Design", Karlin Family Farm
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EDIBLE FOREST GARDEN DESIGN WORKSHOP ¤ K.C.C.U.A.
Sunday, 22 May 2011,
ALERT! **NO WALK-INS ON SUNDAY**
EDIBLE FOREST GARDEN DESIGN WORKSHOP
REGISTRATIONS CLOSED - **WORKSHOP FULL**
Sunday, 22 May
Rising food prices due to rising energy prices have sparked a wide interest in urban farming and local/regional food. The Kansas City Center for Urban Agriculture has been growing annual vegetables for many years and helping K.C. urban farmers to make small-scale urban agriculture more profitable. However, with funding from the Audubon Society in alliance with Toyota, the KCCUA has recentlyembarked on a permaculture food forest project, to grow perennial tree and fruit crops.
In order to use this food forest as a catalyst for increased urban permaculture, the KCCUA will be holding a design workshop with local permaculture teachers and practitioners. Workshop presenters will be: Michael Almon,Matt Bunch, Cathy Bylinowsky, Daniel Dermitzel, Steve Mann, and Steve Moring. The workshop will cover theory and design of edible forest gardens, including a model design exercise. For more info go to KCCUA Food Forest, or call (913) 831-2444.
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COAL CARES ¤ PEABODY COAL GETS PUNKED
"The Yes Men, that prankster-activist group that has ruined many a corporate executive's day, have struck again. This time their target is the notorious Peabody Coal Company, which operates environmentally devastating mountaintop removal mining sites in West Virginia and has strip mining operations in Arizona. It may take a minute to realize that the web site for Coal Cares is a fake. Designed to look like a website for a Peabody-funded nonprofit, the faux charity offers free "Puff-Puff" designer inhalers for kids living within 200 miles of a coal plant."
"We all know that risk is a part of life. What isn't risky? Crossing the street is risky--you could get hit by a car. Eating a chicken is risky--you could choke on one of its bones. Indeed, there are now a wide array of techniques and technologies for mitigating the risks associated with coal, such as the financial--fiduciary devices to reduce the risk to investors. At least one thing is clear: although sheer numbers of deaths associated with coal may be larger, the varieties of death due to solar and wind could well go through the roof." Laugh 'til you cry atCoal Cares | "Clean" Energy.
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Tokyo Electric Power Company (Tepco) finally admitted that, in spite of having poured 11 million litres of water into Unit #1, forty percent of the fuel rods have been exposed to air and have melted. It is now considered likely that the molten pool of radioactive fuel has burned a hole through the bottom of the containment vessel, causing water to leak. Temperatures inside the reactor remain above the boiling point (as they do in Units #2 and #3 as well). More details at Core Meltdown at Fukushima Unit #1.
Meanwhile, responding to the crisis at Fukushima, the Chinese have decided to shelve plans for vast expansion of its nuclear energy, and have set a course to greatly increase production of renewable energy. New policies include reducing carbon intensity by 17 percent by 2015, with a high priority on nonfossil fuel energy sources.
China is emerging as a pacesetter in solar and wind technology, a fact that just might spur the U.S. to respond in kind. China currently produces half the world's solar panels, and reportedly installed three times as much wind-power capacity as the United States last year. China could dominate the rapidly growing and crucial world market for green technology, leaving a rust belt America wedded to dirty coal, oil and water-slurping shale gas extraction. Read more at - The New Sputnik - Chinese Renewable Energy.
You can also read the latest reports at - Nuclear Crisis in Japan - Updates. If you agree that our climate solutions don't need nuclear energy, you might consider signing the following - A Simple Statement On Nuclear Power and Climate Change.
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LAWRENCE BICYCLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Tuesday, 17 May 2011, 6:00pm
Public Works Conference Rm., City Hall Ground Floor, 6th & Massachusetts St.
The Bicycle Advisory Committee works to improve bicycle safety and awareness through education of motorists and non-motorists, develops bicycle plans and maps, and advises the City and County Commissions on bicycle priorities and needs. The agenda and information can be downloaded at Bicycle Advisory Comm | agendas & minutes.
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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/
Wednesday, 18 May, 9:00am ¤ Alternative Radio
Brian Tokar of the Institute for Social Ecology will talk on "Climate Justice". Planet Earth, the ship we are all passengers on is gradually going down. Moving deck chairs around is no solution. Given the urgency of the situation and the level of threat to humankind the lack of an urgent response is astonishing. The climate crisis is a justice issue, not an esoteric debate among scientists.
Friday, 20 May, 9:30am ¤ Bioneers Radio Series
Monday, 23 May, 6:00pm ¤ locally produced Eco-Radio KC
Listen at KKFI-FM 90.1, or web-streaming at http://www.kkfi.org/
Wednesday, 18 May, 9:00am ¤ Alternative Radio
Brian Tokar of the Institute for Social Ecology will talk on "Climate Justice". Planet Earth, the ship we are all passengers on is gradually going down. Moving deck chairs around is no solution. Given the urgency of the situation and the level of threat to humankind the lack of an urgent response is astonishing. The climate crisis is a justice issue, not an esoteric debate among scientists.
Friday, 20 May, 9:30am ¤ Bioneers Radio Series
Bioneers presents another of their award winning shows.
Monday, 23 May, 6:00pm ¤ locally produced Eco-Radio KC
Host Richard Mabion will do his monthly wrap up of environmental concerns and issues. He will have John Burris as co-host, and they will open the lines for call ins.
______________________________AWAKENING THE DREAMER, CHANGING THE DREAM SYMPOSIUM
Saturday, 21 May 2011, 8:45am to 2:30pm - $$Plymouth Congregational Church, 925 Vermont St., Lawrence KS 66044
This highly acclaimed program has been presented worldwide for several years. It combines videos of inspiring speakers with thought-provoking exercises, all welcoming you into a state of commitment and optimism about our future. You'll see that you are part of a worldwide groundswell of Spirit-led, creative solutions to our global problems. To learn more view the video at Awakening the Dreamer, Changing the Dream. Pre-register by contacting Nancy at (785)843-6887
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5th ANNUAL KANSAS CITY PLANT, SEED, & BULB EXCHANGE
Saturday, 21 May 2011, 9:30am to 12:00pm - FREE
Discovery Center of MO Dept. of Conservation, 4750 Troost, K.C. MO
Bring your labeled extras to put in the group, and it's all available to choose take home. And at 10:00am, Diane Whealy, co-founder of theSeed Savers Exchange, will be speaking. Herbs, heirlooms, veggies, trees, seeds, bulbs, cuttings - you name it people bring it. It is all free and they do it to encourage gardening and growing locally. For more info contact <dthrumc@sbcglobal.net> or call (816)356-9892.
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TRANSITION KANSAS CITY ¤ TOWARDS A LOWER-CARBON COMMUNITY
Monday, 23 May 2011, 7:00pm
Plaza Library, 4801 Main St., Kansas City MO 64111
Two Urban Design Project Models will be explored. Jerry Sargent, retired architect, will speak about his project on redesigning vacated school properties in the Kansas City area. And Brandon Ellington will talk about a city block that currently is developing community gardens and home energy improvements.
The Kansas City Transition Initiative is addressing climate disruption and peak oil inflation at the local level, a relocalization effort similar to hundreds of others around the globe. The Transition movement was begun by Rob Hopkins in Great Britain, and in the U.S. is coordinated by Transition US based in Sebastapol CA. They help local initiatives with resources and publications, and they have 22 trainers traveling to conduct local training sessions. For more info, or to get on the Kansas City e-mail list, call (816)767-8873, or contact them at
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TRANSITION KAW VALLEY ¤ TOWARDS AN ENERGY RESILIENT COMMUNITY
Wednesday, 1 June 2011, 7:00pm
Lawrence Public Library, 701 Vermont St., Lawrence KS 66044
The T.K.V. meeting will review the criteria for Transition Kaw Valley to become an official Transition Initiative. We will also discuss the upcoming "Training for Transition" in Chicago, and decide if we want to attend it.
The Kaw Valley Transition Initiative is addressing climate disruption and peak oil inflation at the local level, a relocalization effort similar to hundreds around the globe. The Transition movement was begun by Rob Hopkins in Great Britain, and in the U.S. is coordinated byTransition US based in Sebastapol CA. They help local initiatives with resources and publications, and they have trainers available to conduct local training sessions. For more info, or to get on the S.A.N. Transition Kaw Valley e-mail list, contact them at
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LAWRENCE SUSTAINABILITY ADVISORY BOARD
Wednesday, 8 June 2011, 5:30pm
Recycling and Resource Recovery Annex, 320 N.E. Industrial Lane, Lawrence KS
The June agenda is not yet available. 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/
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KANSAS CITY ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
Wednesday, 8 June 2011, 4:00-6:00pm
Mid America Regional Council, Rivergate Center 2nd floor, 600 Broadway, KC MO
Saturday, 21 May 2011, 9:30am to 12:00pm - FREE
Discovery Center of MO Dept. of Conservation, 4750 Troost, K.C. MO
Bring your labeled extras to put in the group, and it's all available to choose take home. And at 10:00am, Diane Whealy, co-founder of theSeed Savers Exchange, will be speaking. Herbs, heirlooms, veggies, trees, seeds, bulbs, cuttings - you name it people bring it. It is all free and they do it to encourage gardening and growing locally. For more info contact <dthrumc@sbcglobal.net> or call (816)356-9892.
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TRANSITION KANSAS CITY ¤ TOWARDS A LOWER-CARBON COMMUNITY
Monday, 23 May 2011, 7:00pm
Plaza Library, 4801 Main St., Kansas City MO 64111
Two Urban Design Project Models will be explored. Jerry Sargent, retired architect, will speak about his project on redesigning vacated school properties in the Kansas City area. And Brandon Ellington will talk about a city block that currently is developing community gardens and home energy improvements.
The Kansas City Transition Initiative is addressing climate disruption and peak oil inflation at the local level, a relocalization effort similar to hundreds of others around the globe. The Transition movement was begun by Rob Hopkins in Great Britain, and in the U.S. is coordinated by Transition US based in Sebastapol CA. They help local initiatives with resources and publications, and they have 22 trainers traveling to conduct local training sessions. For more info, or to get on the Kansas City e-mail list, call (816)767-8873, or contact them at
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LAWRENCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ¤ N.E. SECTOR PLAN
Wednesday, 1 June 2011, 6:30pm - RESCHEDULED from 11 May
Douglas County Commission
1100 Massachusetts St., Lawrence KS 66044
This sector plan grew out of the fight to save prime agricultural soils north of the Kansas River that are threatened by urban development. Officials have now acknowledged the importance of Capability I & II Soils, but have been adverse to specific code language to protect them. Concerns that still remain in this sector plan are: stronger plan elements to preserve Capability I & II Soils, Stormwater flooding of North Lawrence from expanded urbanization, extreme cost associated with implementing the North Lawrence Drainage Study, infrastructure costs for development within the regulatory floodplain, floodways, and flood prone land. To read more go to N.E. Sector Planning Process ______________________________
TRANSITION KAW VALLEY ¤ TOWARDS AN ENERGY RESILIENT COMMUNITY
Wednesday, 1 June 2011, 7:00pm
Lawrence Public Library, 701 Vermont St., Lawrence KS 66044
The T.K.V. meeting will review the criteria for Transition Kaw Valley to become an official Transition Initiative. We will also discuss the upcoming "Training for Transition" in Chicago, and decide if we want to attend it.
The Kaw Valley Transition Initiative is addressing climate disruption and peak oil inflation at the local level, a relocalization effort similar to hundreds around the globe. The Transition movement was begun by Rob Hopkins in Great Britain, and in the U.S. is coordinated byTransition US based in Sebastapol CA. They help local initiatives with resources and publications, and they have trainers available to conduct local training sessions. For more info, or to get on the S.A.N. Transition Kaw Valley e-mail list, contact them at
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LAWRENCE SUSTAINABILITY ADVISORY BOARD
Wednesday, 8 June 2011, 5:30pm
Recycling and Resource Recovery Annex, 320 N.E. Industrial Lane, Lawrence KS
The June agenda is not yet available. 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/
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KANSAS CITY ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
Wednesday, 8 June 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 leaders 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 is at KC Environmental Mgt Commission
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3RD ANNUAL LAWRENCE FOOD GARDEN TOUR
Saturday, 11 June 2010, 9:00am-12:00noon, 5:00-8:00pm
Saturday, 11 June 2010, 9:00am-12:00noon, 5:00-8:00pm
multiple sites
This will be a self-guided tour to any of nineteen gardens by using a brochure and map available from many garden centers, hardware stores, and food venues. This tour will feature community gardens and home gardens, in front yards and back yards, with chickens and fruit trees and more. For more info, contact Jessi at
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This will be a self-guided tour to any of nineteen gardens by using a brochure and map available from many garden centers, hardware stores, and food venues. This tour will feature community gardens and home gardens, in front yards and back yards, with chickens and fruit trees and more. For more info, contact Jessi at
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COOKING WITH THE HEAT OF THE SUN ¤ COMMUNIVERSITY CLASS #3002A
Saturday, 11 June 2010, 10:00am-2:00pm - $$
3526 Terrace St., Kansas City MO 64111
At 10:00am sharp, we will hurry to get our lunch into a variety of solar cookers (mostly vegetarian, organic and locally grown). We'll watch a video on solar cooking and build three working solar cookers out of cardboard boxes, that lucky participants can take home. We'll eat the food we cooked, learn about solar food drying, and enjoy a solar canning demonstration. You'll get a handout pointing you to internet resources so that you can learn more later. Join us as we begin reducing our carbon footpring one solar oven at a time.
Conveners will be Lynn Snyder and Bill Price. . Class fee of $9.00 + materials fee of $7.00 = $16.00
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SUSTAINABILITY ACTION NETWORK - MONTHLY MEMBER MEETING
Sunday, 19 June 2011, 7:00pm
3033 Kasold Ave., Lawrence KS 66044 (Brady & Troy's home)
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:
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SUSTAINABILITY ACTION NETWORK - MONTHLY MEMBER MEETING
Sunday, 19 June 2011, 7:00pm
3033 Kasold Ave., Lawrence KS 66044 (Brady & Troy's home)
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:
- S.A.N. social media - policy proposal
- Growers' Land Trust - legal options and limits
- 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, 20 June 2011, 7:00pm
location to be determined - 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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URBAN FOOD FOREST GARDEN ¤ COMMUNIVERSITY CLASS #2309 A
Saturday, 25 June 2011, 2:00-5:00pm - $$
Rethink Energy, 2052 North 3rd St., Kansas City KS 66101
Learn how to mimic the structure and function of forest ecosystems using sheet mulching, layering, planting patterns, species diversity, guilds and more in this introductory workshop on small scale urban forest garden design. Class registration fee of $14, plus bring $15 to class for materials. CONVENER: Steve Mann (816-352-9213). Register at UMKC Communiversity. More info at Food Not Lawns KC, or
Current S.A.N. 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: Films for Action; The Light Center eco-village; Kaw River Valley Food System farm-based economic development; Transition Kansas City; Citizens for Responsible Planning; Kansas River Valley Growers fighting for local water rights; national efforts by the Sustainable Energy Network; the Kansas City Food Circle, the All Species Project, and more.
We welcome suggestions for items to be included. Please send items to
To subscribe to this newsletter, please click this link » Subscribe to the Sustainability Newsletter. Enter your name and e-mail address, and follow the instructions. The system will send you a confirmation message with a "Confirmation Link" which you MUST click in order to complete your subscription confirmation. If you don't get the confirmation message, check in your junk mail folder for blocked as spam.
Sustainability Action Network, P.O. Box 1064, Lawrence, KS 66044, USA
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