An Authority in the Field

Being an authority in sustainability is not as important as being able to lead others to walk a sustainable path.  For example, there are 831 scientist appointed to the 5th climate assessment panel for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).  While that sounds rather impressive, and it is, it does not make the knowledge sharer impressive- this is more to the point.

There is a certain benevolence among the community truly committed to growing the number of people actively participating in climate initiatives and efforts.  It seems sometimes that the real expertise manifests in behavior; it is not necessarily the expert that convinces people, but the persuader that is most successful.  Think about advertising, the woman in the skimpy shirt and panties, the man with the low cut jeans; they are no expert in manufacturing jeans or even health and fitness, but you listen to their message- buy these jeans dammit and you will look good like me.  And what happens, millions of people go out and make their purchase on a most unreliable source.

So with 831 experts in their field, why is it so difficult to move a society closer to climate consciousness?  We are creatures of habit and comfort.  This may be one of the human conditions that plagues us the worst, certainly among the top ten.  In fact when is the last time you watch or responded to the stock market rising or falling.  Heck we have so much belief in the stock market, not a day goes by where we are persuaded to believe that our day is not complete without us determine based on some"one", else's opinion, that the world economy is going to collapse because the some country's market dropped 1%.

Now imagine if we gave that much weight to the environment.  What would happen if we responded to a 1% change in the ecosystem, the way we do when the financial markets shift.  We might think very differently about the Amazon Rain Forest.  Such a shift in our behavior might result in a cataclysmic shift in our decision making.

In a recent article in Time Magazine, Ecuador want to be paid not to destroy the rain forest in their geographic area.  It is a very interesting article, but more importantly it is forces us to take a real hard look at externalities (assessing a value to attributes we over look). I would say that the world could probably come up with $3.6 billion dollars to protect the rain forest for 13 years- seems like a pretty good value.  As a matter of fact, I think I going to reach into my pocket right now and that spare $3 billion I have just sitting around.  All joking aside, why is it we have hordes of people telling us the significance of climate issues and our response is less than admirable?  Comfort is a likely answer.

We have got to work harder to do more to persuade others to act more responsibly.  Maybe it is more time out of our day, more money, better yet, more individual innovation that will help move people's stale thinking about climate extremes.  And whatever you do, don't try to scare people into being more responsible, they will just shut down and that won't do anyone or anything any good.  Let's go back to the sexy women and men of advertising; it is not often that you feel threatened by their ads, they can be down right persuasive.  Employ similar techniques, at least in principle.  No need to start stripping down, though some women in the Ukraine, have been known to take advocacy to such a level somewhat successfully.  Hmmm, perhaps the tides are changing.

Good fortune to all!

Relationships Don't Always Go Green

This article is more personal (man, woman, and green) in nature so if you are looking for a technical stimulant, you'll want to take a pass on this one.

Not too long ago I met someone new, in an attempt to explore building a relationship with someone.  She is an amazing individual with a list of accomplishments and a sense of independence and determination that would rival any over achiever.  I am honored to share a part of my life with her.

As most new relationships go, we had a conversation about attributes we appreciated about one and other as well as expectations.  Within this context, she expressed concern about her personal lifestyle and not wanting to be pressured to change.  This came on the heels of a statement about my commitment to sustainability as my lifestyle relates to it.  My lifestyle by far exceeds her level of commitment to sustainability, which forced her to share that such a chasm could very well be too much of a hurdle to overcome.

It is very early in the relationship so there is no real level of commitment at this point, this can also be known as the discovery period.  You learn about the other persons habits, lifestyle etc. and determine if going forward makes sense.  The other good thing about these tougher conversations is that you are not too engulfed in the relationship that you can't see daylight on the other side because all that seems to matter is how caught up you are in the moment of emotions, like you wound up and twisted in a potpourri of your favorite chocolates.  It is great that our more sensible/ mature side has prevailed.

My response to her concern was simple; as a grown woman, I don't expect her to change her lifestyle rather I believe my lifestyle habits might encourage her to change her own after seeing the ease of sustainable adaptations.

I do what is good for me and the environment; my hope is that my behaviors and lifestyle choices will influence people in a way that encourages them to make significant changes- of their own volition.  Such changes will likely have a more profound impact not only on the environment, but will also systematically foster changes in people who are not as committed, to shifting lifestyle impact on climate change.  So while I don't expect her to change her lifestyle, I do expect that my choices will encourage her to make lifestyle changes.

My lifestyle choices have evolved over time.  Because of my circumstances or personal choices; making the adaptations have been profoundly easier for me than such changes might be for virtually all other people.  This does not make me a super hero (except perhaps in my own mind), but stands to explain how I have positioned myself for success relative to environmental sustainability issues and that I can continue to do so- a priority in my life.  Just as one must position themselves for financial success by strategically positioning specific actions and objectives, so have I done with sustainability.  Each day I grow better at what I am capable of doing because of my intentions.

Where does this leave our relationship, I cannot say with certainty, but choosing to broach the conversation positions each of us to make well informed decisions going forward and it will not be a hurdle that was stands in the way of our pursuit of happiness.

Unexpected Changes To a Greener Planet

Deliberations, sometimes they get in the way of getting done what we believe in.  Consideration for this, consideration for that; what will they think; WHAT IF!!!  Eeeeak!

Stop... breathe, and do what you believe in.  This is a much simpler statement than the what our genetic coding suggest we go through for decision-making but there is more than a speck of truth in it.  There is so much activity in sustainability and climate change often it feels like someone else is or can do whatever is on your mind- not so.  Each person acts as another potential persuasive vehicle to advance work tremendously important to protecting the planet.  Even if its been said, say it again, add a twist.  We must constantly strive to balance protecting the natural resources accessible to us and the way we use them.  There are millions of people, billions for that matter, waiting for someone with the right tone, approach or message that will resonate with them enough to take active steps to contribute to making a different in the many areas that make up sustainability and preservation.

After a brief hiatus, returning to this work is paramount for me; there is so much work to be done and I cannot count on what everyone else will do so I will continue to do my part and be more diligent in doing so.  Expect more articles from me more frequently, that share important advances in technology, resources, activities and changes in climate related matters.  I don't have all the answers but I feel reinvigorated after returning from Asia and having gone through a certain cleansing for myself.  I found what I needed to regroup and continue with what I believe in.

The world is a beautiful place; I want to fulfill my role in it and preserve it for as long as possible.  My goal is to help inspire others to do the same by sharing my knowledge and determination to do the same.  What you don't find here (looking4answers) you will find here ( at green elements).

Recently I spoke with my ex-wife who shared with me some amazing progress I never thought I would hear come from her lips; I Love her she is an amazing woman.  This evening she told me all of the steps she was taking to be a more active participant in climate consciousness.  Throughout the entire conversation I was smiling to myself realizing how important it is to continue the work.  You see, we don't always know when what we share with others will have the desired affect, but we can't allow that to slow us down or prevent us from doing the work.  What did she share? 1) She is walking our son to school 2) she is (as well as my son) designating a separate disposal for recycling and trash- and my son is keeping her on her toes; 3) she has replaced all the lighting in her home with CFL; 4) she has taken a conscious step to reducing the highly processed food and nearly eliminated soda from her/ their diet.  YAHOOW-OOOOOh!  Nothing could make me happier relative to what changes she is making regarding climate change.

I want to remind everyone that CFL can be extremely dangerous so follow the necessary precautions when handling them.  I have provided a link here >> What should I do if I break a bulb?  .  LED is really the best lighting technology but pricing is still an issue.

Human Activity ...In Flames

Not far from the Caspian Sea lies the crater the crater 328 feet wide.  It is the result of gas exploration in Turkmenistan during the early 1970's.   Incidence such as this are a stark reminders that can penetrate psychological barriers that block understanding of the need to protect natural environment.  Here we see evidence that indicates the prevalence of poor judgement, detrimental when exploiting the natural environment.

Located Near the village of Derweze in the Karakum Desert, it is an easy reminder that we need more foresight when embarking on new "oppotunities" so that we proceed with the proper amount of caution.  There is a balance to preservation and the impact of human activity that will allow us to avoid leaving disasters such as this in our wake-- Deepwater Horizon is a reminder of that as well. This particular incident, has  been exacting its revenge for nearly 40 years now and continues to burn today.  This incident occurred near a 350 person village of Derweze and the risks associate with that population are no in my perview as of yet.
Location link Derweze (gass flame crater)
video link: Derweze in falmes

Bottled water www.(water what a waste)

photo wikipedia

by Scotland Willis

Massachusetts legislation House Bill 3515, Senate Bill 1480 for which the session ended July 31 2010(According to legislative sessions and rules ).  Further discussion on the matter of bottled water and soft drink deposit requirement(of .05 cents) is essentially moot.

Global not just you not just here
Throughout all of this, what rarely comes to the forefront is the impact of plastic on our environment.  Four out of five plastic bottles end up in a landfill, according to UN research. A Pool of plastic swirling in Pacific Ocean commonly known as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch is visible evidence of how human activity affects the environment(wikipedia maps and description).  Both the manufacturing and disposal have a toxic environmental impact that last beyond your and my lifetime combined.  Perhaps a more effective approach would be to develop a campaign that consistently demonstrates the waste product, its path and the outcome of plastic bottle's aftermath.  Visibility of harmful affects just is not there, despite the discovery of a rubbish patch in the Atlantic as well.  Perhaps politics, plastics, and profits just don't mix- curious.  There should be a 10 cent deposit; there are proven results in other states at this level.  That is a fraction of the toll waste plastic is having on our environment and it is something we can achieve immediately.

Issues with the bottle bill
This bottle bill left out some important provisions in its current form nonetheless.  It did not cover bottles less than 16 ounces(specifically the bill refers to container sizes 16 oz. to 2 liters).  That is ludicrous.  Smaller bottles represent a majority of the container people walk around with daily as well as being the most common container sold at special events because they are easy to hold and store.  Exempting beverage companies from all sizes lesser than 16 ounces is a fatal flaw.  Why? Because if a bill does pass, they will merely begin promoting 15 oz and less bottles.  Worse 15.9 oz bottles.

Corporations need to have a greater sense of accountability for what human demand and activity has on the environment.  Beverage companies don't want to see(what amounts to a .03 cent increase) in handling fees because of the marginal additional cost, or the perceived added expense to the consumer.  What is most disconcerting is that these very same beverage companies will not hesitate to discover new gimmicks to increase their profits by raising the price.  Apparently they are very unfamiliar with the triple bottom line and within that context, corporate accountability.  Beverage companies just don't seem to care.

A little education in corporate responsibilityA basic notion of accountability in this instance might suggest that an organization profiting from the beverage market ( i.e. wastefully [editorial license] manufacturing and packaging municipal grade or lesser water- and call it pure) in bottled water, has a social responsibility( vis a vis corporate accountability) to give back to that from which I took.  Protecting the environment is an investment not a cost.  Damaging the environment is a cost, clearly greater than beverage companies care to realize, which comes from the manufacturing of plastic containers and the waste associated with them(about 2,500,000).  Profits over people, or profits over preservation, both compromise a triple bottom line.

Here is a good exercise for fellow consumers.  Visit the web site of each beverage company that services your area; find out what there mission statement is( these are the principles that guide their work); call them up and hold them accountable for what they promise or state in their mission if it is at all related to creating a sustainable environment, or preserving our natural resources.  Even if they claim to have a connection to the natural environment- hold them to it.

There is absolutely no excuse to allow beverage companies to escape their responsibility to protect the environment; nor should we as consumers allow them to.  So today, protest:   1. learn how safe your local municipal drinking water is (I have been drinking water from the City of Boston for years and I feel great) 2. buy a reusable water container.  They are relatively inexpensive as low as $4.99 and without harmful chemicals in most cases (read the label).

I don't buy bottled water or soft drinks.  If you have it within you, stop or write your beverage company and tell them to step up their commitment to the environment and to you.  Hold them accountable for the mess they are making- literally.  And tell Rep. Alice Wolf (D-Cambridge) and Sen. Cynthia Creem (D-Newton) 1. do not give up and 2. make the policy stronger.  Let them know that you will work to gain additional support to get this bill into legislation.

Green Note: Cement accounts for 5 to 8% of CO2 output, the 3rd largest contributor of greenhouse gas emissions in the world. 

Scotland Willis is an environmental strategist, lecturer and advocate.  He is currently a working on a dual Masters at Tufts in Environmental Engineering and Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning.  He is a management consulting in systems thinking and large scale change.  You can email him at scotland@clearstrategies.us. or visit the clear strategies web site

Carbon Footprints and H2O

Think reducing your C02 footprint and H20 footprint could be reduced by using less water or energy YES and NO. Water usage is not just about how much you as the end user are using but how much water is consumed in the production of the product.

So for example, your ice tea may only be a 16oz beverage(mostly water), but a significant amount of water is used to produce the tea leaves themselves.

Water is like processed food, the more you process your food the more nutritional value you lose. By growing your own food you increase nutrient intake. By mass producing water(processing water i.e. irrigation) you decrease the efficiency of water usage.

Water works essentially the same way; when you use a system to harness water, that system requires energy and large water production- or irrigation . Using irrigation to water a farm means using thousands of gallons of water for an agricultural area or crop. This means each piece of fruit, vegetable, or coffee bean, uses more water than what goes in your cup of coffee or juice that comes out of your watermelon. Much of the water results in runoff as well. Rain barrels also sound like a good alternative but there is an environmental production cost with making rain barrels as well.

Ultimately the best approach is to find a way to capture rain water without manufacturing special products or producing high volumes of water i.e. commercial farming. Enter the natural reservoir or a form of detention tank in a natural area. Not the simplest approach in an urban area but it is possible. Urban farms are also an excellent approach, individuals use much less water than commercial applications and the food does not have to travel over long distances.

So where do you begin and end with all of these environmental concerns, footprints etc. The first and best step is to start doing more to accelerate protection of the environment. Work to reduce water consumption by using reusable water bottles, capturing rain, placing a container under your shower to capture the water before your shower heats up and use that water to water your plants. I am always happy to do a training or information session so you and others can learn how to make more of a difference.

Visit me at Clear Strategies Environmental Consulting at www.clearstrategies.us

Scotland Willis is an environmental consultant for Clear Strategies, columnist for the South End News and freelance writer.