Tidewater Post Carbon Network, Virginia

Transition Indiana

Keith Johnson — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 15:09:54 -0800

Tidewater Post Carbon Network, Virginia

New Sharon Astyk Book!!!

Keith Johnson — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 19:34:51 -0800

New Sharon Astyk Book!!!

A Nation of Farmers: Defeating the Food Crisis On American Soil

by Sharon Astyk

Once
we could fill our grocery carts with cheap and plentiful food, but not
anymore. Cheap food has gone the way of cheap oil. Climate change is
already reducing crop yields worldwide. The cost of flying in food from
far away and shipping it across the country in refrigerated trucks is
rapidly becoming unviable. Cars and cows increasingly devour grain
harvests, sending prices skyrocketing. More Americans than ever before
require food stamps and food pantries just to get by, and a worldwide
food crisis is unfolding, overseas and in our kitchens.

We
can keep hunger from stalking our families, but doing so will require a
fundamental shift in our approach to field and table. A Nation of Farmers
examines the limits and dangers of the globalized food system and shows
how returning to the basics is our best hope. The book includes
in-depth guidelines for:

Creating resilient local food systems
Growing, cooking, and eating sustainably and naturally
Becoming part of the solution to the food crisis

The
book argues that we need to make self-provisioning, once the most
ordinary of human activities, central to our lives. The results will be
better food, better health, better security, and freedom from
corporations that don’t have our interests at heart.

This is critical reading for anyone who eats and cares about high-quality food.

Sharon Astyk farms in New York, and is the author of Depletion and Abundance.

Aaron Newton is a sustainable systems land planner in North Carolina, and is the founding editor of Groovy Green.

Alliance for a Post Petroleum Local Economy (APPLE) - Elgin, Illinois

Change Your Fuel - Change the World

Keith Johnson — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 19:32:05 -0800

Change Your Fuel - Change the World

Just watched the trailer for this film. Looking forward to the rest...

Fuel
In theaters: November 14, 2008
Record
high oil prices, global warming, and an insatiable demand for energy:
these issues will be the catalyst for heated debates and positive
change for many years to come. 2008 Sundance award-winning film FUEL
exposes shocking connections between the auto industry, the oil
industry and the government, while exploring alternative energies such
as solar, wind, electricity and non-food-based biofuels. Josh Tickell
and his Veggie Van take us on the road as we discover the pros and cons
of biofuels, how America’s addiction to oil is destroying the U.S.
economy and how green energy can save us, but only if we act now.

As
the media begins to "get" the film, we're beginning to receive
questions that are far more diverse. The connection between our
national addiction to oil and our failing economy is becoming clearer
by the day. (I was disheartened to see Circuit City is closing over 100
stores - right before the holiday season - ouch!) And now, with yet
another bailout for automakers on the table, we see another issue
covered in FUEL - how to restart America's dying auto industry. My
personal feeling is the $25 billion would be better spent with new
companies that are already producing green cars. GM's 40 mile per
charge VOLT is a joke, especially when independent car companies
already have 120 mile per charge vehicles on their production lines.
Why subsidize the fossil car companies? They've destroyed their home
city Detroit, they've kept innovation out of the marketplace through
monopolistic activity and they have displayed a lack of leadership and
a consistent distaste for progressive ideas that cut the use of FUEL.
We go to Detroit in the movie FUEL - once people see what's really
going on with these car companies - I think they'll agree that the big
3 should be giving the American public $25 billion back - not the other
way around.

Genre:Documentary
Director:Josh Tickell
Cast:Barbara Boxer, Sir Richard Branson, Sheryl Crow, Larry David, Laurie David, Larry Hagman, Woody Harrelson

Alliance for a Post Petroleum Local Economy (APPLE) - Elgin, Illinois

A Resource Index for Bioregions

Keith Johnson — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 08:58:38 -0700

Green Jobs for a Green Economy

BIOREGIONAL ORGANIZATION
A Resource Index for Bioregions

(from Chapter 14, Strategies for an Alternative Nation,
Permaculture: A Designer’s Manual, by Bill Mollison)

A bioregional association is an association of the residents of a natural and identifiable region. This
region is sometimes defined by a watershed, sometimes by remnant or
existing tribal or language boundaries, at times by town boundaries,
suburban streets, or districts, and at times by some combination of the
above factors. Many people identify with their local region or
neighborhood and know its boundaries.

There
is an obvious conflict between the need to live in a region in a
responsible way (bioregional centrality) and the need to integrate with
other people in other places (global outreach). We need not only to
"think globally and act locally", but to "act and think globally and locally".

The
region is our home address, the place where we develop our culture, and
take part in bioregional networks. Through global associations and
"families of common interest" we cross not only the regional but also
state and national borders to set up multicultural alliances.

Just
as bioregions need a federal congress periodically, so do they
occasionally need global congresses; societies or families also need
global meetings to break down the idea of defended regional boundaries
to humanity. Ethics and principles of self-governance, interdependence, and voluntary simplicity or restriction of human numbers on earth still apply at regional and outreach levels. Intermarriage,
visits, mutual trade and aid, skills exchange, and educational exchange
between regions of very different cultures enrich both. This is
the antithesis of "integration" (bureaucratic genocide) that is
promulgated by majority groups who disallow language use and cultural
life to minorities. In particular, reciprocal education values both
sets of knowledge and world concepts, and respects others' lifestyles.

Ideally,
the region so defined can be limited to that occupied by from 7000 to
40,000 people. Of these, perhaps only a hundred will be initially
interested in any regional association, and even less will be active in
it. The work of the bioregional group
is to assess the natural, technical, service, and financial resources
of the region, and to identify areas where leakage of resources (water,
soil, money, talent) leaves the region. This quickly points the way to
local self-reliance strategies.

People
can be called on to write accounts of their specialties, as they apply
to the region, and regional news sheets publish results as they come
in. Once areas of action have been defined, regional groups can be
formed into associations dealing with specific areas, e.g.:

· Food: Consumer-producer associations and gardening or soil societies
· Shelter Owner-builder associations
· Energy: Appropriate technology association
· Finance: An "earthbank" association

And
so on for crafts, music, markets, livestock, and nature study or any
other interest. The job of the bioregional office is complex, and it
needs 4-6 people to act as consultants and coordinators, with others on
call when needed. All other associations can use the office for any
necessary registration, address, phone, and newsletter services, and
pay a fee for usage.

Critical
services and links can be built by any regional office; it can serve as
a land access center. It can also act as leasehold and title register,
or to service agreements for clubs, organizations, and societies. More
importantly, the regional office can offer and house community
self-funding schemes, and collect monies for trusts and societies.

The
regional office also serves as a contact center to other regions, and
thus as a trade or coordination center. One regional office makes it
very easy for any resident or visitor to contact all services and
associations offering in the region, and also greatly reduces costs of
communication for all groups. An accountant on call can handily
contract to service many groups. The regional group can also invite
craftspeople or lecturers to address interest groups locally, sharing
income from this educational enterprise.

Some
of the topics that can be included in a regional directory are as
follows. These can be taken topic by topic, sold at first by the page,
and finally put together as a loose-leaf notebook (volunteers enter
local resource centers and addresses under each category; the system is
best suited to computer retrieval). The following Resource index for Bioregions has been compiled by Maxine Cole and Bill Mollison for the Northern Rivers Bioregional Association of New South Wales, Australia.

The primary categories are as follows:

A. Food and food support systems
B. Shelter and buildings
C. Livelihoods and support services
D. Information, media, communication, and research
E. Community and security
F. Social life
G. Health services
H. Future trends
L. Transport services
M. Appendices (maps, publications of the bioregion)

All of the above sections can contain case histories of successful strategies in that area.

CRITERIA:
Practical resources (people, skills, machinery, services, biological
products) essential to the functioning of a small region, and assisting
the conservation of resources, regional cash flow, the survival of
settlement, employment and community security. (Security here means a
cooperative neighborhoods and ample, sustainable resources for people.)

CATEGORY A - FOOD AND FOOD SUPPORT SYSTEMS

Criteria: Native and economic species, organic and biocide free, products of good nutritional value

Al. Plant resources

1.1 Nurseries and propagation centers, tissue culture, sources of inoculants, mycorrhiza
1.2 Plant collections and botanical gardens, economic plant assemblies, aquatic species
1.3 Research institutes, horticultural and pastoral agencies
1.4 Seed sources and seed exchanges
1.5 Native species reserves and nurseries
1.6 Demonstration farms and gardens, teaching centers, workshop conveners.
1.7 Government departments and their resources, regulations
1.8 Voluntary agencies involved in plant protection, planting, and propagation
1.9 Skilled people, botanists, horticulturists
1.10 Publications and information leaflets of use in the region, reference books, libraries, posters
1.11 Contractors and consultancy groups: implementation of plant systems, farm designs.
1.12 Produce: products and producers in region, growers
1.13 Checklist of vegetables, fruits and nuts which can be grown in the region and species useful for other than food provision

A2. Animal resources

2.1 Breeders and stud or propagation centers, artificial insemination, hatcheries
2.2 Species collections, including worms and like invertebrates
2.3 Fish breeders and aquatic species
2.4 Useful native species collections and reserves, potential for cultivation
2.5 Demonstration farms, e.g. free range, bee culture, workshop conveners, teaching centers
2.6 Government departments and their resources, regulations
2.7 Voluntary agencies and animal protection societies
2.8 Skilled people, farriers, vets, natural historian
2.9 Contractors (shearers, etc.) and consultancy groups, farm designers
2.10 Publications, posters, libraries for the region
2.11 Produce: species and suppliers in region

A3. Integrated pest management (IPM)

3.1 Insectaries and invertebrate predator breeders and suppliers of biological controls
3.2 Suppliers of safe control chemicals, trap
3.3 Information sources on IPM
3.4 Pest management of stored grains and foods
3 5 References and libraries
3.6 Checklist of common pests and predators, and safe pest control procedures

A4. Processing and food preservation

4.1 Suppliers of processing equipment
4.2 Food Processing Centers (FPCs)
4.3 Information sources on food processing and preservation
4.4 Sources of yeasts, bacterial and algal ferment materials
4.5 Processed-product producers in region

A5. Markets and outlets

5.1 Local markets, farmer’s markets
5.2 Delivery services
5.3 Export markets and wholesalers
5.4 Urban-rural co-op systems, direct marketing
5.5 Retail outlets
5.6 Market advisory skills and groups, contract and legal skills
5.7 Roadside and self-pick sales
5.8 Market packaging and package suppliers, ethical packaging systems and designs
5.9 Annual barter fair, health fairs, conferences, etc.

A6. Support services and products for food production

6.1 Residue testing services for biocides, also nutrient, mineral and vitamin content (food quality control)
6.2 Soil, water and leaf analysis services for micronutrients and soil additives, water analyses, pH levels
6.3 Hydrological and water supply services (dams, domestic water), design and implementation.
6.4 Fence and trellis suppliers and services, cattle grids and gates
6.5 Suppliers of natural fertilizers, mulch materials, trace elements, soil amendments
6.6
Farm machinery, garden and domestic tool suppliers (see also
processing), appropriate and tested equipment, fabricators and
designers, repair services, hire and contract services
6.7 Land planning services
6.8 Greenhouse, shadehouse, food dryers, suppliers, and appropriate materials.
6.9 Lime quarries and sources, stone dusts, local trace mineral sources, regional geological resources

CATEGORY B - SHELTER, BUILDINGS
Criteria: Energy efficient house design and non-toxic materials only

B1. Construction materials

1.1 Timber growers and suppliers, community timber plantations
1.2 Stone and gravel, earth materials
1.3 Plumbing and piping, drainage, roofing
1.4 Bricks and concrete products (tanks, blocks, etc.)
1.5 Tiles and surfaces, paints (non-toxic)
1.6 Furniture and fittings
1.7 Tools and fasteners, tool sharpening services and repairs, glues and tapes
1.8 Library and research resources
1.9 Current state of housing in the region (numbers seeking housing, rentals available)
1.10 Sources of toxins and unsafe materials in buildings, appliances, furnishings, paints and glues; high voltage equipment

B2. Energy systems

2.1 Home appliances for energy conservation and efficiency, energy saving and insulation
2.2 Hot water systems, solar systems
2.3 Space heating and house design for the region
2.4 Power generation systems for region: current and proposed
2.5 Appropriate technology groups, research centers and demonstrations
2.6 Designers of low energy home systems and buildings
2.7 Sources of information, publications, trade literature, and library resources
2.8 Reliable contractors and builders

B3. Wastes, recycling

3.1 Sewage and greywater disposal (domestic)
3.2 Compost systems and organics
3.3 Solid wastes disposal and collection (boxes, bottles, plastics)
3.4 Occupations based on waste recycling

CATEGORY C - LIVELIHOODS & SUPPORT SYSTEMS

Criteria: Concept of right livelihood or socially useful work. Durable and well-made items

C1. Community finance and recycling
1.1 Barter and exchange
1.2 Small business loans
1.3 Community banking and investment systems
1.4 Land access systems, cooperatives, leases, trusts.
1.5 Legal and information services.
1.6 Local currencies

C2. Livelihood support services

2.1 Small business service centers, business incubators
2.2 Skills resource bank: business, legal and financial advisory services, volunteer and retired people
2.3 Self-employment (work from fulfilling regional needs: job vacancy lists)
2.4 Training courses in region

C 3. Essential trades, and manufacturing services and skills

3.1 Clothing and cloth (spinning, weaving)
3.2 Footwear and accessories, leatherwork
3.3 Basketry and weaving, mats and screens
3.4 Functional pottery
3.5 Steelwork, fitting and turning, smithing and casting, welding
3.6 Functional woodwork
3.7 Engines and engine repairs
3.8 Functional glasswork
3.9 Paper recycling and manufacture, book trades, printing and binding
3.10 Catering and cooking (food preparation)
3.11 Drafting and illustrating services
3.12 Soaps, cleaning materials

CATEGORY D - INFORMATION SYSTEMS, MEDIA SERVICES, COMMUNICATIONS AND RESEARCH.

Criteria: Essential community information, aids, and research

D1. Communications networks

1.1 Regional radio and C.B., ham radio
1.2 Regional news and newspapers, newsletters.
1.3 Audio-visual services, photography, television, film
1.4
Business and research communications e.g. fax, telex, modem, card
files, computer, journals, libraries, graphics, telephone answering
services
1.5 Computer services and training
1.6 Libraries and collections of data in region
1.7 Maps
1.8 Bioregional groups and contacts—local and overseas
1.9 Standard documents and data sheets available via the bioregional center

CATEGORY E - COMMUNITY AND SECURITY.

E1. House and livestock security

1.1 House siting
1.2 Neighborhood watch
1.3 Cattle and livestock watch

E2. Fire volunteers and reports
E3. Flood (cleanup)
E4. Woodland, cliff, beach rescue services
E5. Communication systems

5.1 Report center.
5.2 Emergency communications

CATEGORY F- SOCIAL LIFE.

Criteria: Assistance for isolated people to meet people of like mind

F1. Introductory services
F2. Think tanks
F3. Expeditions
F4. Work groups
F4. Art, Music, Theater, Dance, Play

CATEGORY G - HEALTH SERVICES.

Criteria: Basic preventative and common ailment treatment, necessary hospitalization, accident treatment, local resources

G1. Medical and pharmaceutical services
G2. Surgical and hospitalization service
G3. Gynecological and midwifery services, home birth support
G4. Profile of morbidity in region, life expectancy, infant mortality, causes of death, ailments in order of importance, under:

4.1 Accidents & injuries; infectious diseases; addictions & drugs.
4.2 Genetic and birth defects; nutritional problems.
Note: until the above listing is made, no region can assess health priorities.

CATEGORY H - FUTURE TRENDS & POTENTIAL THREATS TO THE REGION (AS A SERIES OF RESEARCH ESSAYS).

H1. Climate change
H2. Ozone depletion
H3. Water pollution and biocides: radioactives and chemical or waste pollution.
H4. Financial collapse: recession
H5. Implications for policy making
H6. Deforestation
H7. Soil erosion
H8. Fuel shortages
H9. Food shortages
H10. Etc.

CATEGORY I - TRANSPORT (SEE ALSO CATEGORY H).

I1. Barge and river systems
I2. Draft animal systems
I3. Joint or group delivery/ portage
I4. Innovations: local fuels and new sorts of vehicles
I5. Transport routes, bikeways
I6. Air and ultralight craft, blimps

CATEGORY M - APPENDICES.

Maps-

Bioregional map
Geological
Plant system
Soils
Sources and reference to maps, suppliers
Regions, parishes,
Land titles
Access and roads
Conservation land and easements
Rivers and water supplies

Note
that if essential services are listed, deficiencies noted, and leaks of
capital detected, then there is immediately obvious a category of "jobs
vacant" if, in addition, there is a modest investment or funding
organization set up (itself a job), then capital to train and equip
people to fill these gaps is also available. When basic needs are
supplied locally, research and skills will reveal work in producing
excess for traded this excess can be as information and education to
other regions.

Alliance for a Post Petroleum Local Economy (APPLE) - Elgin, Illinois

Local Future Conference in Michigan / Peak Oil Conference in Michigan

Keith Johnson — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 08:29:59 -0700

Michigan's Future Conf.
Sustainability Conference
Video Presentations
Middleville (Pilot)
Grand Rapids
Michigan
Organizer
Join

Local Future
Paths to Sustainability

Conference on
Michigan's Future - Nov. 14-16, 2008 Crystal Mountain Resort,
Thompsonville, MI

"The Conference of Michigan's
Future: Energy, Economy & Environment" looks at the
challenges of the monetary crisis and the oil crisis and proposes realistic,
job creating solutions for Michigan.

Over two-dozen speakers are confirmed
including Richard Heinberg, Albert Bates, Ellen Brown, Paul Murray,
Tony Earley, and Jerry Norica.

If you care about Michigan's future, take a
moment to visit the Michigan Conference
web site and consider participating to help create a brand new vision for
Future
Michigan.

Conference on
Peak Oil & Climate Change - Online

Local Future hosts the
International Conference on Peak Oil and Climate Change: Paths to
Sustainability.

The inaugural conference features 50 presenters including Richard Heinberg, Julian Darley, Dr. David Goodstein,
Megan Quinn Bachman, Stephanie Mills, and Pat Murphy.

NEW! -
Watch conference presentations & download podcasts
for free.

Introduction to
Local Future

Unemployment, inflation, war, peak
oil, climate change, biodiversity loss, overpopulation -- global problems that
need local solutions.

Local Future helps communities
develop
compassionate, sustainable, local, systems to provide jobs, food, energy, transportation,
and essential services.

Local Future Network members develop these systems by helping their
community to transition
from dependent units of the failed global economy; to independent cultures of compassionate, sustainable, local economy.

Global Problems

The global economic system creates problems which threaten
humanity and the planet:

peak oil

climate change

over population

resource depletion

widespread pollution

misallocation of power

institutional cruelty

economic instability

environmental destruction

geopolitical conflict & war

This unsustainable global economic system fails to protect
humans, the environment, and the natural systems on which all life depends.
It does not meet the long term goals of
civilization.

When a system fails to such a catastrophic
degree, it is time for change.

Local Solutions

New local systems must be
developed that are grounded in a value system of truth, compassion,
understanding, sustainability, renewal and community. Developing new
systems takes dedicated individuals who share the common value system,
walk a common path, and move towards a common vision of the future.
Local systems are needed to provide:

jobs - that are challenging, safe and
community oriented

money -
community currency that creates jobs, motivates
progress and reinforces values

food - that is nutritious, compassionate, sustainable, organic
and available year-round

energy - heat, electricity and fuels
from renewable sun, wind, water and biomass sources

transportation - utilizing ride
sharing, mass transit, community vehicles and human power

homes
- safe, comfortable and welcoming, zero energy new homes and retrofits

water - fresh, clean, free water that
is owned and managed locally

waste management -
emphasizing reduce, reuse and recycling

health care - high quality, low cost,
community based services and prevention

education - local teachers dedicated to
providing continuing service

security
- utilizing
open communication, problem solving, education and dialogue

entertainment - opportunities for all
to participate and enjoy

culture - celebrating diversity and history

spirituality
- inviting all people to explore the deeper questions of life

Members of Local Future Network communicate and meet to learn, support,
plan, and act. They take the initiative to increase independence for
themselves and their communities. Their shared value
system of truth, compassion, understanding, sustainability, renewal and
community guides their actions toward a vision of a prosperous local future.

Join Local Future

You are invited to make the future a better
place.

Join the Local Future Network.

The Conference on
Michigan's Future
Energy, Economy &
Environment

Crystal Mountain Resort,
Thompsonville, MI
Friday, Nov. 14 - Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008

Local Future
Videos
Lights, Camera, Action for
Sustainability

Local Future published the following
videos for educational use. These videos, when combined with recommended
resources, provide an excellent start on learning how and why we will be living
a local future.

Peak Oil: The Energy
Crisis of Oil Supply Depletion
Aaron Wissner, 10 min

Supply, Demand and Price: The Economics 101 of Peak Oil
Aaron Wissner,
1 min

Conference Welcome
and the Greening of Grand Rapids Michigan
George Heartwell, 10 min

Peak Oil and Energy Explained by Dr. Vernon Ehlers,
U.S. Representative
Vernon Ehlers, 14 min

Peak Oil
(and Gas Prices) in Five Slides
Aaron Wissner, 3 min

What Does it Take to be Sustainable? Some Examples
Aaron Wissner, 9 min

Beyond Sustainability: Surviving Peak Oil and Climate Change
Pat Murphy, 38 min

Surviving Peak Oil, Thriving in Community
Megan Quinn Bachman, 33 min

Peak Oil: How do we know? Is recession coming? What about
insurance?
Aaron Wissner, 3 min

Crude Awakening: Peak Oil and
the End of Cheap Energy: Part 1
Tim Hudson, 1 hour

Crude Awakening: Peak Oil and
the End of Cheap Energy: Part 2
John Richter, 1 hour

Re-Energizing America: Rescuing America from its Costly Fossil Fuel
Addiction
Dan Chiras, 1 hour

Curtailment & Community: Survival Strategies for Peak Oil & Climate Change
Megan Quinn Bachman, 20 min

Interview with Megan Quinn
Bachman on Peak Oil and Community Solutions
Megan Quinn Bachman, 15 min

Alliance for a Post Petroleum Local Economy (APPLE) - Elgin, Illinois

Plan C: Individual and Community Survival Strategies for the Energy Crisis

Keith Johnson — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 11:53:45 -0700

Plan C: cooperate, conserve, curtail....

Plan C: Individual and Community Survival Strategies for the Energy Crisis
The Fifth Annual US Conference on Peak Oil and Community Solutions October 31 - November 2, 2008 Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan www.plancconference.org

At
this groundbreaking conference participants will explore strategies for
reducing energy use in the areas of housing, food and transportation,
including both theory and practice. We will examine the long energy
decline of the 21st century, the psychological barriers to rapid
change, and the challenge of persuading our communities to embrace
local, low-energy living. Attendance
at this conference may be of critical importance at this time when the
ongoing energy crisis is being compounded by the very real threat of
credit and financial collapse.

Our survival is now, more than ever, in question. And
it is more urgent than ever that we gather in Michigan to evaluate
survival strategies and disseminate skills for growing food, creating
local food security in their communities, retrofitting homes to reduce
reliance on fossil fuels, and educating their communities to prepare
for the difficult times we are facing.

Skyrocketing
oil prices, mounting geopolitical tensions, grave economic realities,
and dangerous climate changes are threatening our lives and communities
like never before. The age of cheap, abundant fossil fuels is coming to
an end, and urgent action is required to transform our overly
consumptive society into one that uses far less energy.

By
acting now, you can significantly cut your personal household energy
use and overall consumption, support more localized economic
production, and reduce your dependence on high energy transportation in
your daily life. By doing this, you will be helping to create a more
resilient and sustainable community adapted to the coming economic and
ecological storms.

The
conference will also feature in-depth workshops and panels, Connection
Café discussion tables with area experts, an eco tour slide show,
screenings of award winning films, entertainment, tours of local green
buildings, a Green Living Expo, and healthy shared meals.

Schedule of Presentations and Workshops:
* Keynoter John Michael Greer, author of the forthcoming The Long Descent: A User’s Guide to the End of the Industrial Age
* Keynoter Dmitry Orlov, author of Reinventing Collapse: Soviet Example and American Prospects
* Richard Heinberg, Senior Fellow, Post Carbon Institute, author of The Party’s Over and Powerdown (via webcast)
* Katrin Klingenberg, director of the Passive House Institute US
* Peter Bane, editor of Permaculture Activist
* Christopher Bedford, President of the Center for Economic Security and the Sweetwater Local Foods Market
* John Richter, co-founder of the Institute for Sustainable Energy Education
* Pat Murphy, author of Plan C: Community Survival Strategies for Peak Oil and Climate Change
* Megan Quinn Bachman, Outreach Director of Community Solutions; co-producer of The Power of Community: How Cuba Survived Peak Oil

For more information and to register, go to www.plancconference.org, contact Jill Hollowell at Upland Hills Ecological Awareness Center at 248-693-1021, or email info@plancconference.org. Note:
Members of an organization or activist network are encouraged to attend
as a group and receive substantial discounts for 3+ and 5+ member
groups.

Alliance for a Post Petroleum Local Economy (APPLE) - Elgin, Illinois

Don't forget the Shore!

Taylor — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 07:55:55 -0800

Hello,

Very recently have I discovered the event known as oil peaking, and though I'm glad to know the truth, I certainly wish I hadn't found out so late in the game. As little as three days ago I was thinking about a future much different than the reality I face now. However, I've since decided to attempt to become prepared, starting off by telling all those who will listen around me about this very large problem we are facing. As its been only a couple days I've only been able to talk to immediate family and some friends, and their initial lack of un-interest is kind of scary. As an 18 year old I feel like theres not as much as I can do, because those in the older age groups feel as if I'm just some kid trapped in some doomy idea.
Thats why its my first mission to get my dad involved, then I feel like my options will be more open. After spring break is over (this week) I'm going to write my class paper on this, and attempt to then convince my teacher to start our own group up there.

Anyways, on the the reason of this post, as a member of the Eastern Shore of VA (ya know, that peninsula on the other side of the bay), I often find that when the 7 cities are mentioned, we get left out. To me we on the shore are part of that southern area because of the bridge, it being our only connection to the rest of VA without going through Maryland and Delaware.

So basically I just wanted you to know that there are people who are "informed and aware" here on the Eastern Shore, and though we are separated by water, we are still interested in being a part of this community here in Tidewater.

Tidewater Post Carbon Network, Virginia

Are you part of the problem or part of the solution?

Radiance — Sun, 28 Jan 2007 17:42:13 -0800

Each of us has the ability to make a difference! What if I told you that I found a way that each one of us can eliminate 293 tons of CO2, 921 lbs of NOx, 1215 lbs of SO2, 70 lbs of PM, 18 lbs of VOC, and 166 lbs of CO. That is equivalent to taking approximately, 51 automobiles off of the road, or planting 859 trees. Many of us will see results greater than this. By transitioning from our old electric grid to a smart, reliable, and renewable one. I joined the solution to make a difference and to spread the word! Everyone has the opportunity to have a Solar System without an up-front investment. You will pay only for the electricity that you generate. What’s even more, it costs the same as your electricity service does today, but unlike your electric company, its price will stay the same for the next 25 years. Yes that is right, I can lock in your current rates for the next 25 years. Please take this critical step and join the solution with me...visit my website and view the video; it speaks for itself. Use the solar savings calculator to see how much of a difference your converting can make. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact me and I can go over the benefits with you or maybe I can speak at the next meetup. www.jointhesolution.com/radiance

v/r
Latina Isaacks

Tidewater Post Carbon Network, Virginia

Are you part of the problem or part of the solution?

Radiance — Sun, 28 Jan 2007 17:38:54 -0800

v/r
Latina Isaacks

Tidewater Post Carbon Network, Virginia

George Olah and the Methanol-Based Economy

Mac McKinney — Fri, 30 Jun 2006 20:15:00 -0700

A fascinating new alternative energy concept is being promulgated in the scientific community right now: the methanol-based economy. Its leading proponent is Nobel Laureate Dr. George Olah, originally from Hungary (he sounds a little like Bela Lugosi). He and his fellow researchers have developed a methanol fuel cell that can create electricity and, when reversed, will in turn convert industrial carbon dioxide into liquid methanol. Think about this: A viable fuel cell that will convert the destructive greenhouse gas CO2 into liquid methanol. Consequently, methanol doesn't require vast tracts of agricultural crops for its production. Put simply, it can be synthesized.

Moreover, methanol has none of the formidable safety, storage and conversion problems of hydrogen as a potential public transportation fuel. Methanol, Olah states, also has the chemical properties necessary to make it an alternative resource for all the industrial products now currently developed from hydrocarbons. This is a huge plus.

But don't take my word for it. Olah's new co-authored book on all these ideas is Beyond Oil and Gas: The Methanol Economy. You can also hear his recent interview on NPR's Science Friday (with a rather antsy host) at: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5369301

This guy is really, really smart, and his ideas are well worth pondering and discussing.

Progressively,

Mac McKinney

San Francisco Post Carbon (CA)

An Inconvenient Truth

Kathie — Sun, 11 Jun 2006 13:16:43 -0700

On June 27 at the Naro Movie Theater they will show the movie and have a moderator there to answer questions. Let's all meet afterward at Elliott's coffee shop (within walking distance of the Naro)for discussion.

Tidewater Post Carbon Network, Virginia

Tidewater/Hampton Roads Climate Meeting this Summer????

dianadascalu_ccan — Tue, 23 May 2006 13:29:05 -0700

Start: 2006-05-24 03:00

End: 2006-06-24 03:00

Teaser:
Chesapeake Climate Action Network wants to get involved with Tidewater Post Carbon and other concerned climate activits to start getting folks from this region involved in legislative and local initiatives to fight global warming. Can we get a meeting going???? Diana at CCAN Contact email:
diana@chesapeakeclimate.org

Tidewater Post Carbon Network, Virginia

Geopolitics to Die For

Mac McKinney — Wed, 15 Mar 2006 20:55:28 -0800

Giant Wakeup Call!

The same fear and propaganda campaign that led us into Iraq is now going into high gear against Iran. Trousered ape John Bolton is now calling the situation with Iran a nuclear 9/11. How's that for a little hyperbole? See: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11849446/

For an outstanding analysis by Juan Cole of this campaign, also see: http://www.truthdig.com/report/item/20060313_fishing_for_a_pretext_in_ir...

So I guess Bolton means the Iranians are going to fly nuclear bombs into the Empire State Building, whether before or after Godzilla storms ashore in Brooklyn I don't know. So faced with the imminent Hollywood destruction of New York City, probably any week now, the Bush Administration will just have to preemptively strike again, or so the psychotic fantasy goes. And there goes the planet, impoverished, poisoned and tortured with another devastating war. And this one will likely send oil prices into the stratosphere.

San Francisco Post Carbon (CA)

Lovelock's Gaian Wakeup Call

Mac McKinney — Wed, 18 Jan 2006 21:52:37 -0800

How many of you have read the article posted on our website this Wednesday entitled "The Earth is about to catch a morbid fever that may last as long as 100,000 years" by James Lovelock, the maverick British scientist who first developed the Gaia Theory? For those of you who haven't heard of the Gaia Theory, it is the proposition, now widely accepted in many, though not all scientific circles, that the Earth is a living superorganism that consciously monitors and regulates the environment, atmosphere and climate to maintain optimum conditions for life.

But Gaia is not invulnerable. Lovelock has warned in the past that the massive imbalances that industrialized, technological civilization is creating with almost total disregard for Gaia's forests, mountains, oceans, plants and animals has now eliminated much of the resources Gaia employs to regulate the biosphere and atmosphere.

San Francisco Post Carbon (CA)

Finally, Some Good News

Mac McKinney — Mon, 12 Dec 2005 21:27:49 -0800

A few days ago, the outcome of the Montreal Climate Summit looked grim. The American delegation was trying to throw king-sized monkey wrenches into the discussions, staging a walkout and working behind the scenes to dissuade other delegations from taking part. Things seemed to be unraveling. At the last minute, however, Bill Clinton popped out of a rabbit's hat, so-to-speak, to throw a monkey-wrench of his own into the Bush delegation, giving a rousing, well-received speech in defense of the Summit's goals and principles while openly criticizing the Bush Administration as dead-wrong on global warming.

San Francisco Post Carbon (CA)

The Incorrigibles

Mac McKinney — Thu, 08 Dec 2005 20:18:20 -0800

You would think that after Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma that Exxon/Mobil, the oil lobby and their pseudo-think tanks would at least pause to reflect for one minute whether the sizable damage to their oil rigs and refineries may have just a tiny bit to do with global warming. Well, you might as well be waiting for Godot. These morons are as predictable as sharks in the middle of a school of tuna and equally ravenous. Now they are launching a campaign to derail the Kyoto Protocol and any meaningful efforts to counter global warming and greenhouse emissions in the European Union. For the full story on this, see:

San Francisco Post Carbon (CA)

China Beginning to Go Green

Mac McKinney — Wed, 09 Nov 2005 20:58:39 -0800

I have been wondering at the apparent contradiction between China's great strides in industrialization and economic growth, and the glaring disasters that China will face environmentally if they continue on the traditional Communist model that ignores the environmental consequences of such growth. I thought, how can they be so successful with their economic strategies and so damned oblivious to destroying China's biosphere? Or are they really?

For I also knew that China has become open to progressive environmental influences, and that Chinese scientists and various institutes had actually agreed on a collaboration project with the Gund Institute for Ecological Economics, based at the University of Vermont (see: http://www.uvm.edu/giee/), and whose mission is to "transcend traditional disciplinary boundaries in order to address the complex interrelationships between ecological and economic systems in a broad and comprehensive way." To put it another way, the Gund Institute is a powerful proponent of Green Economics. This project took place this last Spring in China and was apparently a success. How much this has impacted Chinese official thought I have no idea. Perhaps other readers know more. But I got a big surprise when I read Tuesday that China now intends to invest 180 billion dollars in renewable energy resources over the next 15 years! This of course dwarfs the paltry sum Washington has voted to actually invest in renewable energy.

San Francisco Post Carbon (CA)

Needed: A National Vision

Mac McKinney — Tue, 11 Oct 2005 16:54:35 -0700

Not everyone in Establishment circles is brain-dead, gone fishing or bought off. There is a hard-core of intelligent individuals who know drastic change is needed. Roger Morris, an elder statesman-type figure in Washington political circles, with respected credentials in journalism and academia, has gotten together with Steven Schmidt, one of the founders of the American Green Movement, to draft a strategic vision for the 21st Century that is well worth taking a look at. It is a long document, and I have only superficially read it, but this is precisely what we need to see happening on the national discourse level now, an intelligent alternative to the mindless miasma that currently "disserves" us as a poor imitation of a strategic blueprint. Some kind of progressive manifesto that a rather rudderless intelligentsia can rally around is needed right now, and this draft may be a good starting point. Roger's email address is also provided at the end, so one can actually dialogue with him. The draft is at:

San Francisco Post Carbon (CA)

3rd annual Green Screen Film Festival, Norfolk, Virginia

Mac McKinney — Sun, 18 Sep 2005 14:44:56 -0700

Start: 2005-09-23 05:30

End: 2005-10-04 10:00

Teaser:

"Saving the planet, one movie at a time"
Movies include: Ocean Odyssey, The Great Warming, Mad Cowboy, Reel Paradise, The Future of Food, The Revolution Will Not Be Televised, and of course, March of the Penguins and Grizzly Man

Tidewater Post Carbon Network, Virginia

Smoking Gun: Hard Evidence Big Oil Is Jacking Up Prices

Mac McKinney — Mon, 12 Sep 2005 19:36:20 -0700

Some of us have suspected this all along, and now the FTCR (Foundation for Taxpayer & Consumer Rights) has proven it: they have uncovered internal memos from Exxon/Mobil, Chevron and Texaco that show how they have intentionally reduced domestic refining capacity to drive up profits and push independent refiners out of business. For the FTCR article, see:
http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/energy/pr/?postId=5110&pageTitle=Interna...

This website links to actual copies of the incriminating memos. Are there any lawyers out there who want to look into class action lawsuits? We have to use the legal system as a tool for confronting these vampires. It will undoubtedly take a powerful legal stake driven right through their corporate hearts to free us (and them) from their dark ways.

San Francisco Post Carbon (CA)

Renewable Energy Inventions: MEG & REMAT

Mac McKinney — Sun, 11 Sep 2005 15:36:12 -0700

While we are duly concerned about all the negative consequences of fossil fuels and related problems such as global warming, I think we tend to overlook that there are a lot of individual scientists and researchers out there who are hard at work to come up with renewable energy sources as well as the equipment and machines to create and sustain them. We have to begin with what Nikola Tesla posited a century or so ago, that there is abundant energy within our own atmosphere, in the form of electromagnetism, that can be tapped for our electrical power needs, even our transportation needs. Over the years various individuals have explored his ideas and inventions, and expounded upon new ideas as well, in attempts to bring his vision of abundant energy to fruition. I believe we are getting closer all the time. A recent article I read in Nexus Magazine, Issue Vol 12, No. 4, entitled "The Free Energy Race" by Jeff Sargent, discusses some of this progress.

Tidewater Post Carbon Network, Virginia

Green Screen Film Festival at the Naro

Tom Ellis — Sun, 11 Sep 2005 06:54:21 -0700

Start: 2005-09-11 12:41

THIRD ANNUAL GREEN SCREEN FILM FESTIVAL
Fri, Sept 23 through Tues, Oct 4

"Saving the planet, one movie at a time"

NARO Expanded Cinema hosts the 3rd annual green screen film festival. This year's festival includes 13 new feature films of which 9 are regional premieres. Plus a number of short features. And a special evening with the renowned journalist and media activist Amy Goodman. And three community seminars on important, timely topics. Speakers and discussions follow most film showings.

For up to date info call 625-6275 or visit www.narocinema.com

Tidewater Post Carbon Network, Virginia

Riding Down the Curve: How Cities Can Survive the Energy Crisis (Peak Oil, Part III)

Tom Ellis — Sat, 03 Sep 2005 06:08:40 -0700

RAISE THE HAMMER
Riding Down the Curve: How Cities Can Survive the Energy Crisis (Peak Oil, Part III)
Special Report
If cities don't plan for the coming energy crisis, many will not survive it.

By Ryan McGreal
Aug. 22, 2005

In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes.

Part I of this series made the case for oil peak production some time between now and, say a decade from now. Part II examined the likely candidates to replace oil, concluding that none possess oil's density, portability, and versatility. Part III begins the process of examining what cities can do to prepare for oil scarcity.

Tidewater Post Carbon Network, Virginia

Hurricanes and Global Warming

Mac McKinney — Tue, 30 Aug 2005 16:28:16 -0700

I was somewhat dismayed to hear a NOAA scientist today, who was being interviewed by NPR, when asked if he felt that global warming was causing intensified hurricane seasons, pretty much boohoo that idea while simultaneously saying that other factors, such as warming waters, etc., etc., were much more significant. So, I'm thinking, dah, what do you think is causing warmer oceans? I had to think, did he really even say that? I'm pretty sure he did. So how can he not correlate the obvious? Well, he works for the government, so have we reached the point where government scientists don't dare put two and two together? Is NOAA now compromised too or are they just plain doctrinaire?

Tidewater Post Carbon Network, Virginia

Article by ODU Professor from Baltimore Sun

Tom Ellis — Sun, 21 Aug 2005 18:02:48 -0700

--------------------
Will America be ready when oil supply peaks?
--------------------

By Steve A. Yetiv

August 12, 2005
BUDGET DEFICITS explode. Inflation rules. Stock markets plunge. Houses foreclose. Great powers clash. This may be our future if we do not take more serious steps on energy than those offered in the energy bill that President Bush recently signed.

With oil prices hitting all-time highs and war raging in Iraq, serious concerns about "peak oil" slowly have appeared on the public radar screen. Simply put, peak oil refers to a key turning point when global oil production peaks and then begins to decline, signaling a future of dwindling supplies.

Tidewater Post Carbon Network, Virginia

Spreading the word without spreading panic

Tom Ellis — Sun, 21 Aug 2005 09:51:46 -0700

Our greatest challenge with peak oil, as I see it, is that of spreading the word to others (whether they are of our own "kind"--politically, culturally, ethnically, temperamentally, etc.--or not. Where peak oil is concerned, we are all in the same boat, despite our personal differences).

We need to find ways of doing this in an empowering, rather than debilitating manner--that is, in a way that invites them to lay aside differences and cooperate in building sustainable, locally self-sufficient neighborhoods and communities, rather than simply driving them into shock and despair, with its all too familiar corellaries--anger, hatred, or violence.

Tidewater Post Carbon Network, Virginia

Tidewater Post Carbon Network, Virginia

Tom Ellis — Fri, 19 Aug 2005 17:17:10 -0700