Filed under: Activism, Alternative Energy, Climate Change

Greenius Al Gore/Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris, Getty Images

Alpha Green Al Gore has invited those of us who want clean energy technology (yes, personally — get on the mailing list and he’ll write to you, too) to participate in a new communication channel called The Wall.

It’s a pretty amazing display of the passion behind the grassroots RePower America campaign. People post a comment, photo or even a video to The Wall, explaining why they believe clean energy is the way to save the environment and the economy. And the whole world can see and hear the public consensuse — this is what we want, and we want it now!

One great thing about this collection of voices is that it uses the internet to amplify the message of people who have deep convictions, but perhaps prefer not to participate in a naked formation of the number 350 on the side of a mountain. Sure, those in-person, occasionally naked, demonstrations are fun and meaningful, but way too cold for some of us!

It seems like people were dying for a chance to get their feelings off their chests and on The Wall. In the first week 15,000 people posted messages on The Wall, and the number keeps growing every day.

Do you have a message for global political leaders? Do you want them to hear your opinion about clean energy before the Copenhagen Climate Conference, which is just around the corner? Then take a click over to The Wall and tell everyone what you think!

Al Gore Invites us All to Say it on ‘The Wall’ originally appeared on Green Daily on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:02:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Celebrities, Polit-eco, Climate Change

This was a pretty exciting week for me. I got a “personalized” email from Alpha Green Al Gore, asking me to support Repower America‘s efforts to convince Congress to pass aggressive climate legislation. I think he’s the greatest! (And I hope/believe he’s secretly doing something to get Laura Ling and Euna Lee released from that North Korean labor camp.)

You may remember Al’s awesome speech to the Daughters of the American Revolution, when he challenged America to get 100% of our power from clean energy sources within 10 years. Repower America is the organization that grew in response to that challenge, with over 2 million members across the country.

The video above is the latest ad from Repower America, and it’s just plain-talking awesomeness. The totally crusty, hardworking, traditional-seeming gentleman who stars in it hits all of the high points — like how we’re “held hostage by foreign oil” and “borrowing money to buy oil from dictators who don’t like us” and “burning it in ways that kill God’s green earth” — using language that makes these ideas accessible and palatable to non-bleeding heart liberals. You know, like the majority of the country.
And I swear he even makes it seem un-American to not be creating jobs harvesting clean, wind-powered energy.

It is thrilling to see this turning point happening, when all the kooky ideas from when I was a kid in the 70s and 80s — like solar panels and wind power — are now completely mainstream. It’s also a scary time, when the world is taking steps to address the climate crisis, but we don’t know if we’re doing enough, or if it’s too late.

I’m a believer in action and positive thinking, so whatever you’re feeling about climate change and our nation’s energy policy, go check out Repower America. If you like the ad, you can kick in $25 to help keep it on TV this summer, and help convince more people that clean energy isn’t a liberal or conservative idea, it’s just the right idea.

Do it for Al, and tell him I sent you!

UPDATE: I just got another email from Al, with a video, asking us to call our Representatives in Congress right now to encourage them to pass the legislation. Just call 877-9-REPOWER!

Al Gore Asked Me to Help Repower America originally appeared on Green Daily on Thu, 25 Jun 2009 12:10:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Local, Polit-eco, Activism

(Photo by Getty Images)

Happy Earth Day! In 1970, 20 million Americans celebrated the first Earth Day, thanks to an inspired idea from U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson and a strong response from the fledgling grassroots environmental movement.

Today the green movement is practically mainstream, with hybrid cars, LEED buildings going up across the nation, and a Sigg bottle in every backpack. But there is still plenty of work to be done to keep our planet healthy, and today is the day to think about the big and small ways you can go a little greener.

Like most people, I have great intentions, but sometimes life gets so hectic that I fall back on old (bad) habits. In honor of Earth Day, here’s my reminder list of regular life stuff I can do to make a difference every day. Feel free to add your ideas in the comments!

• Remember to carry a reusable grocery bag — there are so many cute, convenient ones out there! I love the Envirosax graphic series because they fold up tiny! Now they offer an organic series, too, made of organic bamboo, linen or hemp.

• B.Y.O. Cup — whether you’re drinking coffee, tea or water, skip the disposable cup and fill up a mug or water bottle. Did you know that Starbucks coffee cups are not recycleable or compostable? That means over 2 billion cups get sent to landfill, just from that one chain!

• Try a green diet for a day — or a week! Eliminating meat from a meal once in a while cuts down on your carbon footprint, and can be surprisingly tasty, too. Think local and organic, and remember that the farmers’ market is your friend!

  Seafood lovers, remember to check the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch List before you bake, broil or fry. As delicious as Chilean Seabass may be, it’s endangered so we all must abstain.

• Ask what your power company can do for you. Does your local power company offer alternative energy options? How about rebates? Take a minute to check; you might be surprised to find that you can save money, and help the planet. And remember, a lot of those Energy Star appliances also help with taxes, too!

• Break Up With Your Car for a Day. Americans have a love affair with their vehicles. But even if you have the most energy efficient hybrid or biodiesel car available, a little space is good for every relationship. Walk, bus or bike it once in a while.

• Unplug — If you’re not using it, it doesn’t need to be plugged in. Maybe even go a step further, and take a break from the TV, video game, or computer. You could play cards, go for a walk, or take a nap.

• Let it air dry — Nice weather has arrived in most parts of the country. Try hanging your load of laundry on a line instead of using the clothes dryer. While you’re at it, how about letting your hair dry naturally, too? Come on, one day of wild frizzies won’t kill you!

• Seriously, do you still have “regular” lightbulbs? Swap ‘em out for compact fluorescent bulbs! They’re even dimmable now.

• Recycled toilet paper has come a long way, I promise you — it’s quilted now! Check out Seventh Generation, Trader Joe’s, or Marcal’s new Small Steps line.

• Volunteer to plant a tree, landscape a park, or clean up a beach — however you’d like to help, there is a non-profit in need of your skills. A quick search at VolunteerMatch.org will find you the volunteering opportunity of your dreams!

I’m sure I missed a bunch, which will come to me while I eat raw sunflower seeds and watch An Inconvenient Truth yet again. That Al Gore — smart and sexy!

Earth Day is Today – Observe and Celebrate! originally appeared on Green Daily on Wed, 22 Apr 2009 12:01:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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