Oceans With Disney On Earth Weekend!

''Down here,'' intones the film's narrator, Pierce Brosnan, ''it's like nature has given anything a try.''

"On a clear night, the ocean draws her secrets close," goes Pierce Brosnan's sonorous narration for Oceans, the latest Earth Day docu-spectacle (following last year's Earth) from Disneynature. In time for an Earth Weekend matinee, Disney's Oceans opened in wide theatrical release on Friday. It's G Rated.

Photographed in locales around the world, from the corals of the Great Barrier Reef to the dwindling ice floes of the North Pole, Oceans doesn't stay in one place -- or with any one creature -- for too long. In stark contrast to Earth, which linked fully formed vignettes with larger stories of migration, there doesn't seem to be an organizing principle at work here. Directors Perrin and Cluzaud just cast their net out over four oceans and gather in all the marvels they can snare, whether it's the contours of a humpback whale in Alaska or the luminous "silk scarves" of a blanket octopus in Australia.  Read More on NPR >>>

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All About The Follow Through

Governor Schwarzenegger celebrates Earth Day From left to right: Flextronics President E.C. Sykes, SunPower Chief Executive Officer Tom Werner, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Labor Workforce and Development Agency Secretary Victoria Bradshaw and Milpitas Mayor Robert Livengood.

Today, Governor Schwarzenegger joined SunPower Corporation and Flextronics in Milpitas to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day and announce that SunPower has partnered with Flextronics and will locate its new manufacturing operations in California. Click here to read more. The above photo was taken at Flextronics in Milpitas, California.

Milipitas, California; April 22nd, 2010

The following are excerpts from today's speeches:

Governor Schwarzenegger

Today 190 countries are celebrating Earth Day, over a billion people around the world are celebrating Earth Day.This is a very, very important day.

But even though we can celebrate I don't think we should sit on our laurels, because there's a lot of work that still needs to be done. I do not accept a future in California where we have every sixth child in the Central Valley go to school with an inhaler. I don't accept that we have so many people, because of pollution, die. More people are dying because of pollution than of car accidents. I don't accept that kind of a future. I don't also accept a future where we rely on fossil fuels. So this is why what we are doing here and what you are doing is so important.

I will do everything that I can, while I'm in office and even after I'm finished with this job, to fight for the environment and to fight for alternative fuels and to fight for solar and renewables and all of those kind of things.

So we're going to go and work together for many more years to come, because it's all about follow through. You know, what they teach you in sports, when you do the golf, follow through. In tennis it's about follow through. In skiing it's about follow through, making the turns and finishing your turns. And the same is also with this. I get a lot of my lessons from sports because you can really learn some really good lessons. So it's all about follow through, so we're going to follow through.

I always say that the government ought to go and make laws and regulations and so on and then get out of the way. Let businesses do what businesses do best. We have to be a partner in prosperity rather than an obstacle to success

 

From SunPower Chief Executive Officer Tom Werner

We're thrilled to bring manufacturing back to California. Can you imagine being able to say that? And I would like to welcome you to SunPower's solar panel manufacturing facility

About SunPower. When I started in 2003 we had 35 employees and $6 million in revenue. Today we have over 5,000 employees and over $1.5 billion in revenue.

We manufacture and design the world's highest-power density solar system, the world's highest.If you buy a SunPower system you know it's going to work. You also know that you're future-proof. You know the technology isn't going to be obsolete. I have a system on in my house; it's already paid for itself.

Governor Schwarzenegger

SunPower is building with PG&E one of the largest, if not the largest, solar farm in the world down in San Luis Obispo. So this is really extraordinary. Again, it will put the spotlight on California because of the great technology we have here.

It's one thing to set goals with AB 32, to say we're going to reduce our greenhouse gases by 25 percent by the year 2020. But how are you going to get there? Only through technology -- only through technology. Because I don't believe that people should stop anything. I don't believe that people should stop with their Jacuzzis or with their flat screen TVs, (Laughter) or with driving big cars and flying the planes.

No, we've just got to change the technology, that is the most important thing. And that is technology that's being developed right here by SunPower. You make it possible that we will have one day renewable energy -- renewable energy, 33 percent of renewable energy -- only because of this kind of technology. So this is why I am so excited about it.

President of Flextronics, E.C. Sykes

You each spoke about technology. From time to time, technology needs a little push to get it to the next level and if it doesn't get that push it may die or maybe it's slow to get there. 

Governor Schwarzenegger

If the special interests push me around I will push back. That's exactly what we're going to do. We're going to push back and we're going to go and keep our great environmental laws in place.

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Science World Celebrates Earth Day


Mayor Robertson will mark Earth Day by attending the launch of Cool Globes: Hot Ideas for a Cooler Planet, from 10:30am – 11:00am at Science World today. The Cool Globes launch event will also celebrate the winners of Science World’s BC Green Games contest, a province-wide eco action contest for BC students.

“When it comes to the environment and climate change there’s real urgency,” said the Mayor. “We’re not just talking about going green, we are fast-tracking concrete, substantial actions and best practices to make Vancouver more energy efficient and environmentally friendly.”

Since last year’s Earth Day, Vancouver has made significant gains in becoming a greener, more sustainable city, said Mayor Robertson, and that there is a lot more the City will be doing in the coming months.
“Only a few weeks after Earth Day 2009 the Greenest City Action Team issued its first report,” said Mayor Robertson. “The Team’s quick start recommendations set us on a path of immediate action and we made major gains in the past year towards becoming the greenest city in the world by 2020.”
Of the 44 recommendations made by the Mayor’s Greenest City Action Team, whose members include Dr David Suzuki and former Premier Mike Harcourt, over two-thirds are underway or completed. Some of the actions taken by the City in the past year include:
  • Implementing a curbside compost program
  • Improving cyclist and pedestrian safety with separated bike lanes on the Burrard Bridge and Dunsmuir Viaduct
  • Setting the greenest building code in North America by requiring all new buildings to be LEED Gold
  • Creating the Corporate Climate Leaders Program, to partner with local businesses to reduce their carbon emissions
  • Requiring 20% of parking stalls in new multi-unit residential buildings to have electric vehicle charging capacity
“We need to keep building on the wins of this past year. The Burrard Bridge bike lane was a success, and our next step is to create separated bike lanes in the downtown core. We know that car-free days are popular, so we want to create pedestrian-only festivals on Granville Street this summer. We’ll also be working with the largest greenhouse gas emitters in the City to help them reduce their carbon footprint.
“Vancouver has a lot to be proud of when it comes to our environmental record, and we’re ready, willing and able to take it to the next level.”
Read More On >>>>www.mayorofvancouver.ca/blog
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Green It. Mean It. Says Fox Talent


Talent from FOX fox.com/earthdayoffer viewers “Green Tips” on how to help and get involved with environmental issues. 
 “Green Tips”  fox.com/earthday examples include:
From FAMILY GUY Sundays (9:00-9:30 PM ET/PT):

  • Seth MacFarlane as Peter Griffin – “A cleaner planet needs the brightest of minds. Put your gifts to use by encouraging legislators, utility companies, schools and employers (six of those words I don’t know) to support green initiatives. Doing so will help curb pollution, create new jobs and change our future.”


  • AMERICAN IDOL finalists also provided “Green Tips” that are available on www.americanidol.com.

From HOUSE Mondays (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT):

  • Omar Epps – “Next time you travel, consider a permanent tag for your luggage. If travelers in the U.S. stopped using paper luggage tags during their trips, 60 million sheets of paper could be saved per year.”


  • Jesse Spencer – “Consumers will throw out about 400 million electronics this year. Sell, donate or recycle your old electronics rather than throwing it away. Check your area for drop-off locations.”


  • Olivia Wilde – “Next time you do your shopping, consider products with less packaging. Buy in bulk, and you’ll not only save money, but you’ll also be reducing your carbon footprint with fewer trips to the store.”

From AMERICAN IDOL Tuesdays (8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) and Wednesdays (9:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed):


  • Kara DioGuardi and Randy Jackson – “Do you find yourself throwing out piles of leftover napkins from fast-food chains and restaurants? Try asking for less when you have a chance or store leftover napkins in your car for those unexpected messes. And don’t forget to always recycle.”


  • Ellen DeGeneres – “Did you know that oceans regulate the climate, generate oxygen and are home to some of the most fascinating creatures on earth? I do. ‘Cause I’m smart. But our oceans are being threatened by climate change, pollution and unsustainable fishing practices. There is good news though. You can help by using less plastic and creating less waste. That way, it won’t end up in our oceans.

From BONES Thursdays (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT):

  • Michaela Conlin “Next time you’re shipping something fragile, consider using shredded paper instead of packing paper. When packed densely, your shredded paper will protect your items as effectively as foam and bubble wrap.”


  • John Francis Daley “Try biking, walking, bussing or carpooling to work whenever possible. Biking to work not only keeps you in good shape, but it also cuts down your daily carbon footprint. Use a basket or a carrier rack to help carry your belongings.”


  • Tamara Taylor “Moving your heater’s thermostat down two degrees in winter and up two degrees in summer saves over 2,000 pounds of CO2 emissions, which is over $100 on your annual energy bills.”

From FRINGE Thursdays (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT):

  • Lance Reddick “A cleaner planet needs the brightest of minds. Put your gifts to use by encouraging legislators, utility companies, employers and manufacturers to support green initiatives. Doing so will help curb pollution, create new jobs and change our future.”

From LIE TO ME Returns Monday, June 7 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT):

  • Brendan Hines “When you travel with others, you increase your fuel efficiency. Find out about ride sharing and carpool opportunities in your area.”


  • Mekhi Phifer “How can you put more money back into your wallet and help others too? Talk to your local utility company about how you can get a free energy audit. Reduce your energy use. Save money. Create jobs.”


  • Monica Raymund – “If just 10 percent of U.S. households attached shut-off nozzles to their outdoor hoses, we’d save enough water to fill over 128,000 bathtubs every day.”


  • Kelli Williams “Consider using reusable grocery totes for your shopping needs or recycle your plastic grocery bags by putting them to use. You can even use a left-over tissue box to store them in.”
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Earth Day Forum On Saanich, Vancouver Island

EARTH DAY FORUM IN Sidney, Saanich Peninsula, Vancouver Island

APRIL 22, 7:00 – 8:30PM

Earth Day Forum: April 22,“Everything you wanted to know and were afraid to ask about the Science, Politics and Economic impacts of Climate Change”

Find out about environmentally-responsible investing that is both profitable and can help to mitigate climate change!

On April 22, in celebration of the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, a special Climate Change forum will be held in downtown Sidney: Everything you wanted to know and were afraid to ask about the Science, Politics and Economic Impacts of Climate Change. Why all the controversy and media hype? Is this something that I should be concerned about now or later? Will it affect me and the well being of my family? Who do I believe? How will it affect my retirement investments? What should I do? These are just a few of the questions that will be discussed by respected leaders from a range of perspectives.

Featured speakers include:

Andrew Weaver – Professor at the School of Earth and Ocean Sciences, University of Victoria; member of the International Panel of Climate Change (a co-winner of the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize); and, author of the 2008 book “Keeping our Cool, Canada in a Warming World”.

Elizabeth May – Leader of the Federal Green Party and author of the popular 2009 book “Global Warming for Dummies”.

Frank Arnold – Head of the Victoria-based Pinch Group, a member firm of Raymond James Ltd. Investments, who specialize in Socially Responsible Investing (SRI).

Andrew Weaver will give an overview of our current scientific understanding of the changes occurring to the Earth’s climate and what we know has already happened to our terrestrial and ocean ecosystems. He will also outline what scientists think may be plausible scenarios for future effects and what kinds of solutions are being considered or proposed.

Elizabeth May will give a brief history on what Canada and other world nations are doing or not doing in response to these issues. She will also summarize what went disappointedly wrong at the recent Copenhagen Climate Summit in December 2009, what its outcome means and where we should be going next.

Frank Arnold will discuss how climate change and its effects can affect business strategies and investments. He will also describe the benefits and risks of socially responsible investing that can make for investments that are both profitable and helpful to mitigate climate change at the same time.

The location is Mary Winspear Centre, Activity Room #2 (http://www.marywinspear.ca). The time is 7:00-8:30pm Thursday April 22nd. The event is being organized by Eco Cell at St. Johns, a local peninsula-based organization focused on community, environmental and social justice issues. Attendance is free but seating is limited so get there early if possible. Enquiries call (250) 665-6314 or email to ecocellatstjohns@gmail.com .

Free cookies and refreshments.

Sponsored by the Eco Cell of St. John’s (Saanich)

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Environment Focus At Milan's Salone

ZONA TORTONA

E’pack: Conscious and Compact

Environment debuted its innovative collection of seating, planters, occasionals and lighting last weekend at Milan's Salone.

As the world’s best designers take over Milan for this year’s Salone (and Fuorisalone), Environment debuts its understated—and innovative—e’pack collection of seating, planters, occasionals and lighting.

Being shown at a pop-up showroom during the Salone del Mobile at Via Tortona 31, 14-19 April, e’pack fits under Environment’s philosophy of using reclaimed and low-impact materials to create contemporary pieces and then takes it a step further: The collection is also compact and foldable.

“Sustainability is an investment in competence, quality and timelessness for a better life surrounding,” says Jean Marie Massaud, Environment’s creative director. “We must always start with a very simple question: Why and for what purpose are we creating new objects and services? Given the stakes and the state of our planet, we must create thoughtfully.”

As e’pack shows, thoughtful creation can look good too. Pieces have the brand’s casual sophistication, but they’re light and compact enough to require only minimal packaging and energy use—the “e” in the line’s name stands for efficient, environmental and economical. Former billboard banners create cushions with unique color combinations, and soft, organically dyed leathers add warmth to planters. And with names like Gatsby and Grace, pieces take on a loyalty-inspiring charm.

The Collection

Photos by Nina Slavcheva


Walter
Designed by notable French designer Marc Berthier, the Walter can double as an indoor or outdoor chair. Books and laptops find a home on its oversized armrests, and fabric coverings like reclaimed army tent and leather provide a soft, lived-in, familiarity—like your favorite sweater but with a more interesting history. And instead of a standard back cushion, Walter’s has something to say: It’s made of upcycled Environment billboard canvas.
 
Gatsby
From firewood to Lego® toys, these multi-function containers are a stylish way to store and display. Use them as a magazine holder or planter, with clay beads to absorb soil moisture. The Gatsby is made of organically dyed, natural-color leather or organic cotton canvas, and its sleek, silver Tyvek lining is revealed when the lip is rolled down to change the height.

Edgar
This series of stools and coffee table also uses organically tanned leathers, this time as natural or Havana sleeves that tie over half-hexagonal shells of wood frames for a simple, sophisticated look.

Grace
Made of paper-light, recyclable Tyvek®, the Grace lamps are cloudlike pods with a futuristic feel. The floor lamp version is counterbalanced by a stack of your favorite magazines or books and secured by a canvas belt, further reducing shipping impact and adding a modern element of customization.

Topanga
Environment’s new modular shelving system, a complement to the e’pack collection, is also exceptionally light. Made of honeycomb cardboard, the shelving units come in small, medium and large, with the smallest size weighing only 30 pounds. The Topanga is available covered in either recycled Kraft paper or reclaimed, much-cooler-than-quaint wallpaper in designs like flower and Liberty Print.

Pop-up Showroom Zona Tortona, Milan Via Tortona 31

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Save The Beers!

By Maggie Koerth-Baker  April 17, 2010

Originally Posted on Boing Boing

Treehugger's Chris Tackett brings this sad story of corporate waste and legal sillyness to our attention.

Two employees of the Columbia, Missouri Solid Waste Division and beer rescuing heroes, Beer Heroes or Beeroes, if you will, have made headlines for rescuing some 50-odd cases of beer from being needlessly destroyed at the landfill, at which they work. ... And it was a victory, one to be celebrated with say a couple truck loads of free beer, even, that is until word got back to the fun haters in the main office who are going by the book on this one and calling the beer salvaging rescue effort, which some are now calling Operation Safe Suds, a theft and possibly a matter for the police. See, because anything left at the landfill officially becomes city property, these city employees were technically stealing this beer.

America, we cannot allow this injustice to stand! If there's one thing that can bring America together it is a love of beer. We've got problems when we criminalize attempts to reduce waste...even more so when we're talking about rescuing beer! It's time we do something about it! I hereby am launching the Save the Beers Campaign. This is an effort to bring attention to Beer-related waste. Share this story with your friends, family and elected representatives. Post our "Save the Beers!" image on your blog, Facebook profile or any spare billboards you have access to as a sign of solidarity. And don't waste ANY beer yourself. One drop wasted is one drop too many!

Beers, they're kind of like whales if you think about it real hard.

Extra: Included in this story is possibly the greatest understatement ever written in an American newspaper.

When explaining the motives behind why one would want to take some free beer, the evil man responsible for dumping the beer, Joe Priesmeyer said, "Beer is a popular product."

Treehugger: Save the Beers!, includes helpful list of 8 ways to use beer instead of throwing it out
Columbia Tribune: Discarded Beer Causes Stir

Please Click Over to Boing Boing to see These and Other Fabulously Intelligent and Eco Comments:

Obviously, the salvagers need to:

a) recover each bottle for recycling at the city waste department, thus returning the containers to the city in an environmentally-responsible manner;

and

b) return to the dump to empty their bladders after drinking the beer, thus returning the contents to the city in an environmentally-responsible manner.

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Macy Gray Earth Concert For Origins

Origins to Stream Macy Gray’s Performance Live over the Internet Tonight!

 

 

Origins will be streaming Macy Gray’s performance live in an effort to share the concert globally and raise environmental awareness.

 

Join us April 19th at www.origins.com/liveconcert beginning at 10 p.m. EST/7 p.m. PST to watch Macy’s performance streaming live and view behind-the-scenes video as the artists and celebrities prepare for this groundbreaking concert.  

The Origins Rocks Earth Month concert will help the brand further its Global Plant-A-Tree Program! Origins will plant a tree on behalf of each in-person concert attendee, adding to the impressive tally of nearly 24,000 trees planted since the program’s inception.

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