Freedom Isn't Free

4th of july 2009 My Hero Military Tribute from porsches4ed on Vimeo.

Landmark Climate Bill Passes The House

Another landmark victory this week for protecting our environment!

In a very close House vote, 219 to 212, the American Clean Energy and Security Act (H.R. 2454), was passed by the House of Representatives on June 26, 2009.

This legislation is a comprehensive plan to reduce carbon pollution, as well as grow our economy. It still has to make it through the Senate and be signed into law, but it definitely appears to be on its way!

What does this all mean?

Well, I definitely am no authority in the area of global warming and the economy, but there have been significant studies to access the impact of this bill. The effects on the nation's economy, energy costs and household impacts were seriously calculated. None of these areas will see measurable results in the very near future, but will show themselves over time.

It didn't take us a couple of years to put our planet in the condition that it's in, and it will take more than a couple to get us out of it. In fact, projected measurable results may not be fully seen until 2020 and 2030, in the impacted areas.

There is much division over the value of this legislation via H.R. 2454. But still, I can't stop hoping that if nothing else, this discussion brings the issues of global warming and reduction of CO2 emissions into the forefront of everyone's mind.

Raising The Bar In San Francisco

I'm so proud of San Francisco and Mayor Gavin Newsom. I'm literally busting at the seams!

San Francisco already has made huge strides in recycling, but now, they have raised the bar by signing into law, mandatory composting in my favorite City. Seventy-two percent diversion from the landfills wasn't enough for Mayor Newsom and his colleagues, and so now it's the law!

In an article in the Huffington Post, the progressive Mayor outlines the chronology of San Francisco's war for reduction in their landfills and repurposing much of the byproducts of waste.

Please watch inspiring video that explains San Francisco's ambitious journey to create a model for environmental stewardship in every city on this planet.

Step 2 of My 12 Steps To Combat Climate Change

In a previous post, I shared about the Twelve Steps To Unite To Combat Climate Change on the World Environment Day website. Then, I decided that I would like to become more accountable and have begun to share the 12 Steps on this forum, and what I am personally doing to walk through them.

Last week, I talked about Step Number One, which was Commitment. In this post today, I am focusing on the Step #2.

Step Number Two: Assess Where You Stand

By assessing where I stand, I will know where and how I generate greenhouse gases. There are numerous online calculators and I have previously tried a few of them. But today, I discovered a very cool website called, One Million Acts of Green.

"When we all do one act, we act as one, and help the planet", is the motto on One Million Acts of Green website. On the site I completed a completely painless, but very thought provoking survey, on what actions I have taken and what actions I pledge to take, to reduce my carbon footprint on the planet.

Based on my "Completed Acts of Green", the site actually provided my personal contribution of reduction of my carbon footprint, based upon these completed acts. As, I continue to follow through and check off my "Pledged Acts of Green", then the amount of my carbon footprint reduction will increase.

I encourage those reading this post, to please go to their website and check out the numerous resources available on it. In addition to the survey and carbon footprint calculator, there is information on educating about the environment, forums, blogs, groups and challenges. This website is definitely worth bookmarking and referring back to regularly.

Our Voice About Global Warming

In addition to some easy lifestyle changes that can be made to slow down Global Warming, we also have a voice to get the message out. And that message can easily be disseminated right from our computer to anyone else who has a computer and email.

The Environmental Defense Fund has a great online resource to voice our concerns about Global Warming, with members of Congress. By completing some pre-formatted fields with your name and home address, your voiced concerns are routed directly to the Congressperson that represents you.

One endangered North American species, that could be affected by the results of Global Warming, is the Canada Lynx. The EDF (Environmental Defense Fund) shares about these beautiful creatures and others in their new feature, Warming and Wildlife. As the EDF states, all life is interdependent and any harm to these creatures, in many cases has direct effects on human life.

Visit EDF's Warming and Wildlife campaign for more information on other endangered animals and follow this link to make your voice heard by your local Congressperson today.

My Twelve Steps To Combate Climate Change

On the World Environment Day Website, they shared Twelve Steps To Unite To Combat Climate Change. I've decided that I would go through this Twelve Step "program" on my blog with all of you. By doing this, I am hopeful that others will be inspired to do the same thing.

Step Number One is: Making a Commitment

One definition of the word "Commitment" that I found was: The state of being bound emotionally or intellectually to a course of action or to another person or persons.

And I am here today, to state in writing, that I am COMMITTED to reducing my carbon emissions and thus, reducing my carbon footprint on this planet.

Every activity that I or any being on this planet participates in, has an affect on
Greenhouse Gases. Burning of fossil fuels and clearing of forests, have been the primary causes for the added Greenhouse Gases. And, these two activities in themselves, are dictated by society's demands, or more specifically...MY DEMANDS !

Gasoline and fuel for all forms of transportation, heating oils, plastics, manufacturing, construction, paper products; you pretty much name it, and everything points back to fossil fuels and the forests.

So, how do I reduce my personal demand from these resources? By being committed to educate myself and put into practice the things that I learn.

Now, I'm not going to "know it all", or even practically "do it all", but I am passionate about learning what I can do to make a more positive impact on our environment.

Are you committed to being a better steward of our environment and planet?

Tips For A Safe & Happy Summer

Summer’s back—and so is fun in the sun! But before you hit the beach or stage a friendly water gun fight in your backyard, keep in mind that ultraviolet rays from the sun can do a number on your skin; in fact, they are the most common cause of premature aging. Here are some simple ways you can protect yourself—and your loved ones—and still have fun in the sun.

Reduce Sun Exposure During Peak Hours
UV rays are strongest and most dangerous between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., so the less time you spend outdoors during these hours, the better. That doesn’t mean you have to ditch out on all the fun. For instance, instead of heading out to the pool at 2 p.m., wait a few hours and go at 5 p.m. The sun will still be up and there’ll be plenty of light out. And don’t be fooled on an overcast day—you can still get burned because up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays can penetrate through the clouds. If you can, stay in the shade.

Cover Up
Be fashionably smart. Wear protective clothing that covers as much of your body as possible. Remember to cover your hair and head with a wide-brimmed hat. You might even consider carrying an umbrella for shade. The more protection you have the better off your skin will be.

Protect Your Eyes
Always wear sunglasses. Not only are they great for complementing your wardrobe, they also deflect harmful UV rays that reflect off of water, sand, and other surfaces. This helps reduce the risk of cataracts and other eye conditions. And, you won’t have to squint!

Apply Sunscreen
Generously. Don’t be shy. Apply a liberal amount of sunscreen evenly on all areas of the skin—and don’t forget your lips, nose, ears, neck, hands, feet, and head (if necessary). Do so at least 20 minutes prior to sun exposure and remember to re-apply every two hours, especially after swimming.

And Arm Yourself with Antioxidants!

What’s the big deal? Environmental assaults such as sunlight, pollution, stress, and even normal metabolism produce free radicals in our bodies, that can damage cells, alter DNA, and cause skin to age prematurely. Phytonutrients such as carotenoids and flavonoids—antioxidants found in fruits, vegetables, and plants—combat these free radicals and protect your body against cellular damage. So be sure to include lots of antioxidants in your diet. Your skin—and your overall health—will thank you.

Shaklee Products Can Help You All Summer LongIn addition to providing broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection, clinically proven Enfuselle® sunscreens contain triple-patented Vital Repair+ ® complex—a synergistic blend of seven targeted antioxidants that produces results much greater than the sum of each ingredient alone. In other words, it protects against premature older-looking skin. Plus, all Enfuselle products are paraben-free. Keep them at home and in your beach bag.

World Environment Day - Are You Committed?

In 1972, the UN General Assembly established World Environment Day (WED). It was created to mark the opening of the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment. Today, June 5th is World Environment Day and it's an opportunity that the United Nations uses to encourage awareness of the environment and enhance discussion and political action.

Per the World Environment Day website, they are seeking to do the following:

- Give a human face to environmental issues;
- Empower people to become active agents of sustainable and equitable development;
- Promote an understanding that communities are pivotal to changing attitudes towards environmental issues;
- Advocate partnership which will ensure all nations and peoples enjoy a safer and more prosperous future.

These year's theme is "Your Planet Needs You-UNite to Combat Climate Change". It reflects the urgency for nations to agree on a new deal at the crucial climate convention meeting in Copenhagen later in the year, and the links with overcoming poverty and improved management of forests.

Climate change is an ongoing debate. But debate or not, making positive changes to preserve and improve our environment, can never be bad. So, go to the WED website and check out the TWELVE STEPS TO UNITE TO COMBAT CLIMATE CHANGE.

The first step is Committment, what are you committed to doing to reduce your carbon footprint?

A Bamboo T-Shirt?

Yep, that's right. You read that correctly. A T-shirt made out of Bamboo. Who wudda thunk it? Well, a sustainable company who is also socially responsible in helping others, called Bamboomerangs, thunk it, they did!

I stumbled across this company and their website via mutual Twitter friends, and am really impressed with their philosophies and their product. They offer a T-Shirt made out of 70% real Bamboo and the remaining is made out of 30% organic cotton. Isn't that the coolest??!!

You've got to go to their website and read the Bamboo Facts. Like, did you know that a Bamboo grove releases 35% more oxygen than the same size stand of trees? Please go to their site for more interesting info.

The folks at Bamboomerangs also have a "One for One" policy. For every Bamboo shirt they sell, they give one away to someone in need. WOW, that just so impresses me!

I've placed my order for my first "sustainable" Bamboo T-shirt and look forward to more purchases in the near future. The Bamboomerangs folks say that the shirts run one size small, so I'm going to get that size thing straight, before ordering more.

Please be sure to check out their Website, share it with your friends, and let us know how you like their site and their product.

(Photography by Andres Ojeda of Mexico)

Making A Difference Memorial Day & Every Day

In addition to honoring the men and women who have given their lives for our Country, let's use this Memorial Day Weekend to make memorable improvements to our walk on planet Earth. There are numerous resources for ideas out on the internet, and many only cost your time and efforts!

We have a history because of the prices that have been paid, but what good is that price, if we don't value & maintain the fruits of it? We won't continue to have wonderful memories of "days gone by", unless we become better stewards of the planet in conservation, pollution reduction, waste management, etc. Let's improve our imprint on this gorgeous planet.

For some places to look, National Geographic has great group of videos for "Green Home Makeovers" tips. Each one is short and to the point.
Some of the video topics cover:

1. Bathroom Water Waste Reduction
2. Serene & Healthy Bedroom Remodels
3. Reducing Energy & Water Use In the Kitchen
4. Using Less Water & Energy In The Laundry Room

Other online resources and companies offer safe and non-toxic cleaning products for the home.

What are some of the steps you are taking to keep our planet sustainable?