Comments radrerun has made

Not sure if this is on topic but...

In Minneapolis, we have developers trying to put in a biomass plant that would use discarded wood.  There are a few problems with this scenario:

One, there isn't enough discarded wood to make enough fuel for the long-term.

Two (the most important point in my mind that fellow enviros infuriatingly forget), although the project is touted as being able to bring a monetary advantage to reinvest in a disadvantaged neighborhood (read: poor and in the ghetto[I live there, too]), the particulate matter that would be belched forth would be detrimental to the surrounding community and its inhabitants.  Scrubbers have not been included in the potential plant design, as far as I know.

The current Phillips neighborhood (already host to a superfund site) wouldn't benefit from this in the slightest.

So not only should people be worrying about the fact that there's a huge irony in continuously growing energy to MAKE energy, we need to remember that the trendiness of this biofuel movement has more to be worried about than excited for in terms of health.On Thoughts from a cellulosic ethanol agnostic posted 1 year, 8 months ago 35 Responses

Here's a list from Transfair USA

Transfair is the fair trade certifier for the US (duh).

http://www.transfairusa.org/content/certification/license ...

Scroll down a little over halfways down the page to "Chocolate Licensees"On ADM gets its filthy paws on an immaculate confection posted 2 years, 7 months ago 23 Responses

I'm with Gar

"If someone wants to argue the the California gropenfurher's offers was high enough, then make it; don't dismiss an article arguing otherwise as "purity"."

Agreed.  While I do agree with David on the point of not being (angrily, used to be for me) condescending or full of suspicion towards the potential converts (I'm much better now, thanks), there's nothing wrong with criticizing politicians (sometimes it seems like the only way to get through to them or get them on the right path).  The time for trying to meekly ask for what we want and then walk away with our tails between our legs should be OVER.  We really need to learn how to hold our elected officials accountable and not just end up saying, "Oh, well they have the best chance of winning."  Vote them out and find a better suitor (maybe you!) that will actually work for what we want (wind, solar, lithium-ion vehicles).

And Gar, extra points and a high-five for the use of the word "gropenfuhrer."

Roberts' use of fruitloopitude also rocks.On Time to start welcoming rather than bashing eco-newcomers posted 2 years, 7 months ago 19 Responses

Gaia Girls

I've actually read Gaia Girls just because I thought the concept sounded interesting (who doesn't want some fictional ecological heroes that can do things humans usually can't?).

The writing was pretty stiff at first for how kids actually talk (non-contractions vs. actually using contractions).  As far as the story, it deals with some humor, friendship woes, and the ecological ramifications of agricorporations who desecrate the land.

I'm looking forward to the second book and hoping the stiff language eases up.  I've also read online that the author has visited elementary schools and read aloud passages to students.

Here's two websites, if you're so inclined:

http://www.gaiagirls.com/
http://www.chelseagreen.com/2006/items/entertheearthOn Silly reader, books are for kids! posted 2 years, 7 months ago 4 Responses

Yay!

Somebody wants ME to give them ADVICE?!  I totally relish these opportunities since I'm sure my friends and boyfriend are sick of hearing me.

I think it's really great that you ride the bus and I ditto the person who said to ride bikes for more transportation options.

Ok, to start off I'm gonna give you some websites that I've been trying to find in my pursuit of trying to buy less, be more thrifty, and find novel uses for things you would end up recycling or throwing away:

http://www.thriftyfun.com/
I get their daily as well as weekly newsletter so I don't miss any new tips.  Doesn't always have the most eco-friendly or eco-health friendly ideas, but I just separate the wheat from the chaff and I'm sure you can do that, too (i.e. NO to vinyl ANYTHING, plastic wrap bad, etc.)

http://www.frugalforlife.blogspot.com/
Little bit more eco-aware and also has newsletter option

Some other ideas are:

-Switch out incandescents with CFLS
-Buy local food (http://www.localharvest.org/ should get you on your way)
-Get rid of your vinyl shower curtains and sew your own or just buy a nylon liner so that the PVC doesn't leach into your kids' skin when they take a shower (just make sure to wash the nylon liner every two weeks or so with a teaspoon of borax when/if it shows mold)
-take showers for 5 minutes or less if you can
-if it's yellow, let it mellow; if it's brown, flush it down
-don't use paper towels, use an actual towel
-bring your own utensils and your own plate/bowl/mug (not the throwaway kinds)
-why buy when you can borrow from the library? (DVDs, music, BOOKS!)
-get rid of what you don't need (old computer, furniture, misc., etc.) and give it to a local battered women's shelter (they need stuff for when they move out), a homeless shelter, and/or post it on craigslist or freecycle, or even a library (if it's books, music, or DVD)
-reuse your ink cartridges and get them filled up at a participating retailer (just call and ask if they do this)
-use low or no-VOC paints or clay
-ditto on the canvas bags for groceries

Whew!  That's just off the top of my head.

Hopefully you'll also remember to get organic when you can and fair trade for your purchases, as well.

Can't wait to hear how it's going:)

KimOn Dare this mom to change her life posted 2 years, 7 months ago 36 Responses

You forgot something...

Good sleuthing, Umbra, but there's a glaring omission from this post and the one on sippy cups: GLASS!

People could just use glass containers that they've bought drinks in that have the screw-on cap.  I don't know how harmful the cap is, but the glass obviously doesn't leach.

I've used Fuze and Bionaturae bottles for my water, before my roommates accidentally recycled them.

Give glass a try and that way you're not only NOT getting bisphenol-A, but you're also doing one of the 3 Rs: reusing!On Umbra on plastic and kids posted 2 years, 7 months ago 13 Responses

Thanks for the idea...

I sent them a little e-mail that goes a little something like this:

"Hi

So I just read something reaaaaaaallllly ridiculous.  The Salvation Army thinks Greenpeace shouldn't get a piece of the di Stefano pie because of a wording error.

Wow.  That's quite low, not to mention completely greedy and irrational logic.

I'll be telling my friends and family to think twice about shopping at any of your stores or donating to you guys since the organization either has a problem with Greenpeace and/or is so damn greedy.  Welcome to the boycott.

Your new enemy,

Kim Fortin"On They only look sweet and benevolent, ringing their little bells posted 2 years, 8 months ago 10 Responses