Sustainable Michigan Newsletter
May 2008
Arctic Circle
by Alex Hallatt, dist. by King Features Syndicate
CONTENTS
Feature Stories ..................................................................................................... 1 Cuban permaculturalist: How Cuba made a ‗green revolution‘ .................... 1 Rising Powers, Shrinking Planet - excerpt from Klare's new book .............. 1 Local Sustainability News ................................................................................... 2 Alternative Energy Conference, Detroit, Sep 20-21 ...................................... 2 Energy Tidbits ................................................................................................. 2 News excerpts ....................................................................................................... 3 65 Million Square Feet of Solar Rooftops: Powering 162,000 Homes .......... 3 Australia Launches CO2 Geosequestration Project....................................... 3 Plug-in hybrid cars ready to roll in California ............................................... 4 Brazil Oil Trapped in 500-Degree Heat, Metal-Crushing Pressure ............... 4 EVENTS through May 31st ................................................................................. 4
Feature Stories
Cuban permaculturalist: How Cuba made a ‘green revolution’
A great introduction to our upcoming movie! Neville Spencer, GreenLeft Weekly, 25 April 2008 In the Worldwide Fund for Nature‘s 2007 report, Cuba was the only country listed as having an ecologically sustainable economy. Cuban permaculturalist Roberto Perez recently completed an Australian tour, speaking to over 5000 people, describing how Cuba carried out a ―green revolution‖ to deal with the dire consequences of the collapse of its main trading partner, the Soviet Union, in the 1990s. Perez was also a featured guest at Green Left Weekly‘s Climate Change — Social Change conference over April 11-13. GLW‘s Neville Spencer spoke to Perez about Cuba‘s remarkable environmental advances. To read the interview, visit http://www.greenleft.org.au/2008/748/38676
Rising Powers, Shrinking Planet - excerpt from Klare's new book
Surveying the energy-driven dynamic that is reconfiguring the international landscape, Michael Klare, the preeminent expert on resource geopolitics, forecasts a future of surprising new alliances and explosive danger. World leaders are now facing the stark recognition that all materials vital for the functioning of modern industrial societies (not just oil and natural gas but uranium, coal, copper, and others) are finite and being depleted at an ever-accelerating rate. As a result, governments rather than corporations are increasingly spearheading the pursuit of resources. In a
radically altered world— where Russia is transformed from battered Cold War loser to arrogant broker of Eurasian energy, and the United States is forced to compete with the emerging ―Chindia‖ juggernaut—the only route to survival on a shrinking planet, Klare shows, lies through international cooperation. To read Ch 1, go to http://www.energybulletin.net/42586.html
Local Sustainability News
Alternative Energy Conference, Detroit, Sep 20-21
DON'T EXPECT MUCH from the World Energy Conference, scheduled for September 23-27 in Detroit, Michigan. Lavish advance promotion brands the gathering as a big-government-big-business-as-usual waste of time. When the newly formed American Wind Energy Association applied for admittance to the conference, it was turned down. ("You're too late;' AWEA representatives were told.) Result: Undaunted AWEAers decided to hold their own alternative energy conference in Detroit on September 20-21... with maybe just a little of their meeting being extended to overlap the WEC clambake. AWEAer Al O'Shay--of Detroit's Environmental Energies, Inc. (21243 Grand River, Detroit, Michigan 48219)-expects to have his solar, wind and methane powered store open by then and has offered its use as unofficial headquarters for the AWEA meet. Contact Nancy Horning at the Grand River address (1-313-533-1985) for further details. http://www.motherearthnews.com/Renewable-Energy/1974-09-01/EnergyFlashes.aspx
Energy Tidbits
Excerpted from ENERGY TIDBITS – April 2008 To subscribe, contact John Sarver at sarverj@michigan.gov. Michigan Senate has voted to require that state government use more green energy. SB 1000 approved unanimously would require that 3% of electricity in state buildings come from renewable sources by 2009 , 10% by 2010, 20% by 2020, and 25% by 2025. Republican senators favor their approach over proposed renewable requirements in the House that would affect all utilities and power providers in Michigan. The Senate bill would let the state off the hook if renewable energy costs 5% more than traditional power. Michigan Senate has also voted to require electric suppliers to offer green power programs (SB 1041). SB 1040 passed and will provide up to a $200 tax credit for a homeowner to cover any extra costs of participating in a green power program. Does your iPod Battery die while you're on the treadmill? Keep an eye out for a new knee brace designed to harvest energy from a walker's stride. From only one minute of movement, the device described in Science can generate enough energy to power a cell phone for half an hour. PHEV Pilot Program to integrate plug-in hybrid electric vehicles into Michigan's electric grid will become part of the Michigan Public Service Commission's ongoing smart grid collaborative. The PHEV aspect of the smart grid collaborative will include using vehicles which incorporate vehicle-to-grid (V2G) systems, analyzing the environmental effects of PHEV adoption, analyzing the effect on utility system load duration curves and capacity requirements, and analyzing time-based pricing policies. PHEV technology has the potential to provide peak load power during high demand periods if a utility's system provides V2G capability through a smart grid. CIA has apparently been green for years -- yet nobody managed to find out. The agency's new campus in Chantilly, Va., was just outed as ―green." The new campus has earned LEED green-building certification and features a green roof, preferred parking for carpoolers, energy-efficient equipment, and waterless urinals.
Detroit Green Map – interactive map online http://www.detroitgreenmap.org/map/index.html Architects Working on a 'Green Zone' for Detroit Dennis Archambault, Model D, April 8, 2008 http://www.modeldmedia.com/features/aiasustain13808.aspx Engineers focus on greener auto tech David Shepardson, Detroit News Washington Bureau, April 14, 2008 http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080414/AUTO01/804140344 State needs to move ahead in addressing energy issues Hometown Weeklies Michigan, April 13, 2008 http://www.hometownlife.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080413/OPINION/804 130333/1207/NEWS18 New coal-fired power plants opposed in Michigan David Eggert, The Associated Press, April 13, 2008 http://www.mlive.com/environment/index.ssf/2008/04/new_coalfired_power_plants_ opp.html
News excerpts
65 Million Square Feet of Solar Rooftops: Powering 162,000 Homes
Excerpt from METAEFFICIENT: The Optimal Green Guide In an ambitious move, a Californian utility plans to create a massive, distributed ―powerplant‖ by installing a total of 2 square miles of solar cells on the roofs of businesses. Southern California Edison plans to install 250 megawatts‘ worth of solar power, generating enough electricity to power 162,000 homes. The initiative will work like this: Edison will lease the warehouse rooftop space from building owners in Riverside and San Bernardino counties. The utility will outsource the installation, and retain ownership of the solar cells. http://www.metaefficient.com/renewable-power/65-million-square-feet-of-solarrooftops-powering-162000-homes.html
Australia Launches CO2 Geosequestration Project
Green Car Congress, March 30, 2008 Australia will officially launch its first demonstration of carbon dioxide geosequestration on 2 April. The A$40-million Otway Project simulates the capture of CO2 from a power stations by extracting naturally trapped CO2 from the Otway (sedimentary) Basin; transports the CO2 several kilometers by pipeline; and stores it about two kilometers beneath the Earth‘s surface in a depleted gas field. The project
is intended eventually to store 100,000 tonnes of CO2. http://www.greencarcongress.com/2008/03/australia-launc.html
Plug-in hybrid cars ready to roll in California
From New Scientist, April 5, 2008 California has told car makers to start producing hybrid vehicles that can be plugged into the electricity mains. Last week the state's Air Resources Board ruled that makers must produce at least 58,000 "plug-in" hybrid vehicles for sale in California between 2012 and 2014. Regular hybrid cars like the Toyota Prius use an engine to charge their batteries. Plug-in hybrids go one better as their batteries can be topped up from the mains, cutting fuel consumption further. Under the ruling, car makers have the option to produce 25,000 zero-emission vehicles instead, powered by fuel cells, say. Plug-in cars are the more viable option, says Luke Tonachel of the nonprofit Natural Resources Defense Council in San Francisco. "These cars are ready to roll," he says. http://technology.newscientist.com/channel/tech/mg19826505.800-plugin-hybridcars-ready-to-roll-in-california.html?feedId=online-news_rss20
Brazil Oil Trapped in 500-Degree Heat, Metal-Crushing Pressure
Joe Carroll, Bloomberg, April 28, 2008 via Energy Bulletin Brazil's plan to become one of the world's biggest oil exporters hinges on exploiting crude six miles below the ocean surface in deposits so hot they can melt the metal used to carry uranium to nuclear plants. Tapping what may be the biggest oil finds in the Western Hemisphere in three decades will require equipment that can withstand 18,000 pounds per square inch of pressure, enough to crush a pickup truck, pipes that can carry oil at temperatures above 500 degrees Fahrenheit (260 Celsius) and drill bits that can penetrate layers of salt more than one mile thick.
EVENTS through May 31st
Please suggest events and event websites for inclusion
Project Grow Plant Sale May 2-4, 2008. Matthaei Botanical Gardens Project Grow will be selling heirloom vegetable plants. May 2 nd, 3-7 pm; May 3rd, 94:30; May 4th, 12-4:30. http://projectgrowgardens.org/eventcalendar.htm Rebuilding Our Food System w/New Orleans Farming Network May 2nd, 5-8PM, Catherine Ferguson, 2750 Selden, Detroit Guests from New Orleans will share their work and experiences as urban gardeners rebuilding their food system, followed by a discussion on the importance of strengthening Detroit‘s food system. http://detroitagriculture.org/Education%20Series.htm The Role of Food and Architecture in the Design and Planning of Buildings and Cities May 2-4, 2008. Ryerson University, Toronto, Canada People and organizations from both Canada and the U.S. (and a few from England) meet to discuss the interaction between the need for urban agriculture and building/city design. http://architecturefood.g/ooglepages.com/ Neighborhood Tree Planting Sat, May 3rd, 9-1. As we move forward in making a "Greener Detroit" we can't accomplish anything without volunteers. The more volunteers we have the more we can do. We are hoping to see 200+ volunteers to plant over 100 trees every Saturday this spring season. To volunteer, call 313-237-8733 or visit http://www.greeningofdetroit.com Green Street Fair Sat, May 3rd, 10-7 and Sun, May 4th 10-5. Downtown Plymouth. Green Street Fair TM was founded to help educate and inform people of all ages about the benefits of green, organic, and eco-friendly products and services. http://www.greenstreetfair.com/ Identifying Woodland Wildflowers Sunday, May 4: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Bird Hills, Newport Road Entrance. At this workshop, you'll learn how to identify Michigan spring wildflowers. Topics include a background on plant identification, an introduction to 'indicator species', and a discussion of threats to wildflower areas. Led by Catherine Marquardt, Naturalist. http://www.stewardshipnetwork.org/site/c.hrLOKWPILuF/b.1656641/ Brownfields Conference Mon, May 5th and Tue, May 6th, 9 am. Cobo Center, Detroit. The National Brownfields Conference is the largest, most comprehensive conference focused on cleaning up and redeveloping abandoned, underutilized, and potentially contaminated properties in the nation. Registration is free, and by signing up you gain access to more than 130 educational and learning opportunities, outstanding plenary sessions, 200 exhibitors, scores of networking events, and much, much more. http://www.sustainabledetroit.org/calendar/results.php?id=239 Slow Food Huron Valley Book Club and Potluck Tuesday, May 6th, 6:30pm Email hnewman@freepress.com for location and potluck information. This month‘s book: Barbara Kingsolver's "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle". http://slowfoodhuronvalley.com/events.html
Benefit for Slow Food Huron Valley: "The Fascinating World of Bees and Beekeeping" Wednesday, May 7th, 7:00 - 8:30pm. Zingerman's Next Door (upstairs). Cost is $15 at the door OR $10 if you purchase tickets prior to May 7th. Zingerman‘s Deli is proud to host a discussion presented by Roger Sutherland from SEMBA (Southeast Michigan Beekeepers Association). Zingerman‘s will provide a selection of several single varietal honeys and provide you with several of our favorite foods made with honey for you to taste in conjunction with the discussion. To reserve your seat, please call Zingerman's at: 734.663.3400. Agrarian Adventure Volunteer Meeting Thursday, May 8th, 7:00pm. Tappan Middle School, Rm. 374 Learn the ins and out of school gardening from experienced gardeners and try fresh, seasonal produce. Contact Nick Durrie. Phone: 734.223.5153 OR Email: gardencrew@agrarianadventure.org Preserving History, Conserving Energy: 28th Annual Historic Preservation Conference May 8-10, Dearborn Inn, Dearborn, MI Four concurrent tracks will focus on "green" restoration and its application in neighborhoods, commercial districts, rural settings, and metro areas. http://www.pressandguide.com/stories/032608/loc_20080326005.shtml Assessing Natural Areas: Rapid Ecological Assessment Saturday, May 10, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Matthaei Botanical Gardens You can help identify high-quality natural areas for protection. At this workshop new volunteers for the Huron River Watershed Council will learn to conduct a rapid ecological assessment of grasslands, forests, wetlands, and aquatic habitats. Trained volunteers are then certified to be sent out in groups to work together on site assessments throughout the spring, summer, and fall. Kris Olsson, Huron River Watershed Council. To register, visit https://www.kintera.org/AutoGen/Register/Register.asp?ievent=267604&en=8gKK L5MzF5LPIWOsEaLHLZNEIeLSI2PyEaKTL0OBKlLSK1OHJnJVI2MHKuE or call (734)-996-3190. http://www.stewardshipnetwork.org/site/c.hrLOKWPILuF/b.1656641/ Natural Building Series Part 1: Rubble Trench Foundation May 10 & 11, 2008 10 am - 4 pm. Strawbale Studio, Oxford, MI This weekend will give an overview of the Kid's Cottage natural building series, and will feature the hands-on construction of a traditional Rubble trench, using fieldstone from the land. http://strawbale.pbwiki.com/Rubble+Trench+Foundation+Workshop KEEP GROWING DETROIT - Season Extension and Hoophouse Project May 12th, 10-3, Gleaners Food Bank/Earthworks Garden, 2131 Beaufait, Detroit. June 2nd: fieldtrip to MSU Student Organic Farm 16 hours of hands-on classes covering cold frames and high and low tunnels to extend SE Michigan‘s growing season from 6 month to 8-10 months/year. http://detroitagriculture.org/KEEP%20GROWING%20DETROIT.htm Natural Building Series Part 2: Hybrid Stone Wall May 17-18, 10-4. Strawbale Studio, Oxford, MI Learn 3 different wall construction techniques (applicable to garden walls & building foundations) using local, natural & recycled materials. $95 by May 1 or $120 by May 10. Saturday only: $60/$70. To register visit http://strawbale.pbwiki.com/Contact+information+for+Deposits+and+Prepayment s or contact Deanne Bednar at ecoartdb@gmail.com.
Rebuild Mid-Michigan Commercial Energy Seminar May 20, 8:00-4:30 at the Lansing Center Utility bills, O&M practices, HVAC, retrofitting older buildings, lighting, and renewable energy will all be covered. www.urbanoptions.org or 517-337-0422 ext 6 How to Water/Low Tech Irrigation May 22nd -8PM location tba, call 313-365-1568 for information This class will cover good gardening practices, water conservation techniques, and simple, low-cost irrigation systems. http://detroitagriculture.org/Education%20Series.htm Panel Discussion: "Finding Local Food and Bringing It Home for Dinner: Supporting Our Farms" Thursday, May 22nd, 7:00 - 8:30pm. Ann Arbor Main Library Multi-purpose Room (downstairs), 343 S. Fifth Ave. Ann Arbor, MI. Local farmers Richard Andre and Deb Lentz of Tantre Farm, Kris Hirth of Old Pine Farm, and Mary Wessell Walker of Community Farm Kitchen talk about what they‘ve learned from growing food and the future of food. http://slowfoodhuronvalley.com/events.html Sustainable Energy Project Development Workshop for Public Institutions May 22 at Oakland University Administrators and facilities managers can become educated on how to install profitable projects based on sustainable wood and wind energy. The workshop will discuss wood chip boiler systems and community & small scale wind power. www.oakland.edu/energy Natural Building Series Part 3: Round Pole Framing May 24 & 25, 2008. 10 am to 4 pm. Strawbale Studio, Oxford, MI In this workshop you will gain confidence to harvest & build with round timbers locally gathered from the land. Learn several easy techniques which are very compatible with natural wall systems (strawbale, cob, wattle & daub) & roof thatching. http://strawbale.pbwiki.com/Round+Pole+Framing+Weekend+Workshop Natural Building Series Part 4: A Sampler of Practical Skills May 30-31. Strawbale Studio, Oxford, MI In this workshop you will have an introductory experience in stone foundation work , round pole framing, earth plastering, harvesting local natural materials, foraging & making sauer kraut. http://strawbale.pbwiki.com/A+Sampler+of+Practical+Skills International Conference on Peak Oil and Climate Change: Paths to Sustainability May 31-June 1, 2008. Calvin College Fine Arts Center, Grand Rapids, MI The conference explores the root cause of rising gas prices, global warming, biodiverity loss and other indicators of global unsustainability. Speakers include Richard Heinberg, Dr. David Goodstein, Megan Quinn Bachman, Julian Darley, Stephanie Mills and Pat Murphy. Breakout seminars are structured around the four themes of Energy, Food, Environment, and Community. http://sustainabilityconference.org/ EcoRide 2008 Sunday, June 29, 2008 4 routes, all start from Hudson Mills Metropark, 8801 N. Territorial Rd., Dexter. Family-friendly event to raise money for the Ecology Center‘s programming. Choose a 3.5 mile ride/walk or 10, 25, or 55 mile rides. To register: http://www.ecocenter.org/events/ecoride/2008.php
International Conference on Peak Oil and Climate Change May 30-Jun 1. Calvin College Fine Arts Center http://sustainabilityconference.org
S. Harris http://www.sciencecartoonsplus.com/gallery/globalwarming/global_warming02.php