Capital Grille... Glad She's not a Bostonian

Saturday evening I went to the Capital Grille for dinner.  They have great bread and a chowder that is pretty robust as well.  Unfortunately the company that was at the bar was not the caliber I am use to keeping.

A recent graduate from a college somewhere in California(Berkley I think she said) whose behavior indicated that she had a tendency to bloviate ad nauseam, about subjects she had amateurish knowledge about, sat one person over from myself.  Being the social person and after an initial seemingly friendly greeting, I mentioned how I developed a habit of choosing restaurants based on how good the bread is-- and stated that she didn't know what she was missing.

The California girl whom I can't quite consider a lady, challenged me as to whether I actually selected restaurants in the manner I mentioned.  Did she think I was lying?  It is important note that I have been selecting restaurants this way for years and that I catalog them so I don't have to think about them; but she insisted that I recall several restaurants.  I mentioned one in Cambridge.  Unsatisfied she thought she might take a stab at humiliating me- but really making a fool of herself.

She challenged me on whether I had ever been to California; I said I had.  In a immature tone she said where; I replied Yosemite.  Unsatisfied and full of spite( probably remnants from an inadequate childhood up bring); her retort was "Californians do not consider Yosemite a part of California."  Really! I said in amazement.  Now at this point I should have dismissed her all together, but I was far too curious about the extent of her ignorance- and how far it could take her.  Though I might have looked silly responding to her questions but the badgering continued- so I baited her and played the role.

It is virtually impossible to carry on a meaningful conversation with a California girl who has a level of intellect that demonstrates the need for academic reform in order to remain competitive in the free market system; and who holds the belief that Yosemite National Park (one of the most acclaimed national parks in the world, is not a part of California (and meant it in her conviction)- but i did.  And she continued to enervate the conversation- this was going to make for an interesting article.  I could not resist finding out how far this charlatan would allow her self to go.

In the end; she is likely to have very little impact in the world because with that  apoplectic type attitude and statements nothing more than balderdash- people would see right through her. With lesser debate skills than that of Sarah Palin(but similar understanding of key landmarks, possibly publications) she will amount to little more than a widget in anything she sets out to do.

This experience was a solid reminder to myself, why it is so important to spend time with people and in places that are good for the soul.  Funny thing is she probably thinks she really achieved something.  I'll have to thank her for the entertainment.

Embracing Climate Change

Healing People and the Earth

by Scotland Willis
When we(those in the field of climate related issues) are in our circles, understanding that most of the U.S. population does not fully grasp the environmental issues that include climate change, the circle can seem full.  It seems like the world knows all about environmental concerns- but we often find ourselves talking to our friends.  With all the recycling(what to recycle, how much, separating compost etc) many people just can't seem to identify the compelling need to support modifying systems that are currently in place.  They are provided with a relatively comfortable lifestyle(for most people), many people are already burdened with economic stressors-- and quite frankly most don't see the difference their efforts will make.  Oh and let's not forget the amenity of cheap oil.

For years agencies and individuals have been working on making climate change a priority for the general public though various campaigns, from hybrid vehicles to littering and even water usage.  Some approaches have been more abrasive; making attempts to threaten non-believers with dyer consequences.  While the consequences are real, approaching environmental concerns should not be about creating fear.  We should no sooner take this approach than thinking that creating fear in the workplace is a good choice- it's not!  Fear does not make people productive; nor do threats, yelling, or misleading bits of information.  There is enough evidence and solid examples we can use to be more persuasive- and we should be.

Response to climate change is a behavioral issue.  As such we need to focus on strategies that change behavior.  Incentives, education(early and adult), inclusionary programs, municipal support and legislation.  People need to see, and feel the difference by contributing to project and ideas that make both large and small scale differences on the environment.  Projects may range from building a small solar panel with their child, to ground water and hydrology research undertaken by research teams.  People need to work, not green jobs but be involved so that we can yield a revolutions of change with waves of people.

A combination of more interesting approaches, visible benefits and opportunities to get involved will prove to be transformational for larger segments of our population.  People are more likely to get engaged in a project they visit while it is under way, especially if it is a large scale project with far reaching implication.

I strongly support environmental and climate change initiatives; as a 15 year consultant and a masters student  in environmental engineering as well as urban planning; how we get these messages out is going to be critical to ensuring successful engagement and implementation for a healthier future for Earth(or our biosphere).

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

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

Guns Past Midnight

Five sporadic sounds explode off in the distance(crack-- crack..) disrupting the silence of an otherwise perfect rest; like sheets of ice tearing themselves apart from ice caps in Greenland, or the undulating crack of thunder in a severe storm- startling, disturbing.

It's 1:39 a.m. according the time on the smart phone next to me. Someone must have called 911 (I think to myself. I should call, where’s my phone). Undoubtedly several other gun shot conscious residents are contemplating the same.

Did the combination of Summer, access to firearms and ignorance claim another life? It was not the heat - not this time, too cool out. Anxiety fills what was a calm wind that probably helped lull some people to sleep. Too early to mentally assess if there are any victims.

Stories have not hit the headline yet, but they will; and they'll read..."Another man shot In Roxbury. Images of a man gasping for air as the last signs of life escape from his body; was it just one person tonight; too late for children to be out- fortunate for them. Could have been a young lady involved; its getting harder to tell.

It was not the usual sequence; five rounds-- two more; and then silence. No another two rounds- that was unexpected. Perhaps there were screams in the distance but they were barely detectable. Moments later sirens commandeer the silence of the night; one...two-three patrol cars; just before the last two rounds got off.

Perhaps there were no victims this time. But the sounds of rapidly pulsating police sirens were followed by slower drawn out ambulance sirens- assuring there was a victim of some sort- damn.

Patrols thin later in the evening, and coverage per capita is lighter than wealthier sections of the City. But that's changing as downtown density grows; though there are not likely to be any shootings in The Mandarin Oriental.

Guns in Boston are too easy to get, but the outcomes are never easy. By now radio monitors have already picked up reports of shots fired and the news paper are making column space for the story. It may not get headlined; as of August 1 2010 Boston was at 36 homicides a 20 percent increase over this time last year.

Gun violence in Boston is becoming too easy- to accept. Paradoxically more victims are on the horizon combined with few more days of good weather, followed by a discomforting storm from a of flurry of shots fired, another victim- try to go back to sleep...tired, late. Hopefully no condolences.

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.