Current Event 12/7 - COP21 Sustainable Coffee Challenge

"A new initiative aiming to make coffee the world's first sustainable agriculture product has been launched with support from key industry players including Starbucks and the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA)."

This is huge. The Sustainable Coffee Challenge, looks to develop a framework for greening one of the largest agriculture commodities in the world: coffee. The challenge was launched this week at the Paris climate conference by Conservation International, a US environmental charity. Peter Seligmann, chairman and chief executive of Conservation International claimed "This will require commitments by roasters to support increased demand for sustainability. It will also require improved measurement of how far the sector has come in the sustainability journey — and just how far we have to go."

According to the article, nearly half of the world's coffee was produced in accordance with CI's sustainability metrics, however, only 12 percent was sold as "sustainable" in the international markets. 

The coffee industry has great incentive to lead with sustainability initiatives. They are at most risk for financial lost from a changing climate. "Nearly every major coffee-producing region of the world is now experiencing some impacts from climate change, with warming temperatures, drought and changing weather patterns all having an effect on coffee production."

Implementing sustainable practices in coffee production can stop deforestation and lay the groundwork for other agriculture sectors to follow suit.

I'm excited to see what other great challenges and initiatives are going to come out of COP21.

Reference:

http://www.businessgreen.com/bg/news/2437454/cop21-industry-giants-launch-sustainable-coffee-challenge

Ecological Footprint Re-calculation 12/7

After re-calculating my ecological footprint, I'm very stoked to see I had a .3 reduction in the number of Planet Earths it takes to support my lifestyle. The biggest reduction category I saw throughout the quarter was my impact through food consumption. My initial footprint was 3.7 Earths, 16.6 global acres of productive area. After implementing my reduction strategies into my lifestyle, my new calculations show 3.4 Planet Earths, and 15.1 global acres. It may not seem like a drastic change, but I'm pretty happy to actually see results, I was concerned that my calculation would remain the same even with the reduction plans I took on. Reduction plans listed below:

Reduction Plans:
1) I will reduce my consumption of meat products, by having 2 meat-less days a week.
2) I will do my best to purchase produce and meat products from local, sustainable businesses.
3) I will carpool to the river during salmon runs (fly fishing).
4) I will purchase and use a power strip for my apartment's media center.

I was able to stick with all of these throughout the quarter. At times, I had difficulty buying local, sustainable food, due to a lack of steady finances and it's availability. I think it will be way easier to stay local once the spring and summer Farmer's Market is open again. I believe the meat-less days added to my weekly diet had the greatest effect on my overall footprint. These reduction plans are definitely something I will adhere to for the rest of my life. They are seriously simple changes that practically every person should be able to do. I thought it was interesting that I didn't see much of a change in my electricity bill after putting in a power strip and monitoring it. One of my roommates is really bad about leaving all of his electronics and bedroom lights on, so I feel like that offset any ghost power we saved on with a power strip. Finally, I didn't go out fishing, or hiking for that matter, by myself. We were able to carpool and save on gas consumption and miles driven.

Current Event 11/30 - San Francisco Plastic Bottle Ban

There is a new ban in the city of San Francisco: plastic water bottles! The city is now the first major metropolis in the United States to ban the sale of plastic water bottles. This is a huge win for the environment, plastic is one of the biggest battles environmentalists have been dealing with the past few decades. It is estimated that roughly half of all plastic products on earth are used only once before being tossed. Over the next four years, the SF plan will phase out the sale of plastic water bottles containing 21 oz or less. Violators of the new ban could see up to $1000 in fines. I'm not sure if the fine is targeting consumers of plastic water bottles or those selling them within the city limits, the article doesn't really specify.

Hopefully, this lays the groundwork for other major cities to follow the bold move. I'm surprised smaller progressive towns, such as Bellingham, haven't already tried to implement such a ban. I'm sure Seattle will be right behind SF in their effort to reduce plastic waste. I still can't believe plastic water bottles are even a thing. What a scam. But that's neither here nor there, and after a ban like that in SF, it won't be anywhere! This should serve as an incentive or at least a scare to companies such as Nestle or Dasani to start rethinking their business models. I can't imagine that in the next thirty years these water bottle manufactures will even exist. Only time will tell.

http://www.trueactivist.com/san-francisco-becomes-first-city-to-ban-the-sale-of-plastic-bottles/

Current Event 11/29 - Japan Whaling

In March of 2014, the International Court of Justice ruled that Japan's traditional whaling hunt in the Antarctic should cease. This fueled an abrupt stop to the 2014/15 whaling season in Japan. Despite global outrage, Japan announced that it will continue its whaling program in the 2015/16 whaling season (under a revised plan). Their revised plan indicates a cut of allowed catch by two-thirds down to 333 individuals (previously 1000). Japan claims whaling is part of their cultural tradition and is necessary for feeding the Japanese population.

I think this is ridiculous. I understand the value of culture and tradition for a population of people, but I feel like the severity of current environmental issues should take priority when making decisions concerning natural resources, whether those resources are a food source or an energy source. For example, driving cars has always been apart of American tradition since the dawn of the industrial revolution, we shouldn't be exempt from stricter carbon standards just because automobiles has been an integral part of our history.

I don't know how threatened or endangered the whale species is that Japanese fisherman target, but the idea of taken over three hundred whales out of the ocean each year is, in my opinion, absolutely absurd. There are not major whale populations comparable to that of salmon or any other ocean food source, and it seems this is another present example of a tragedy of the commons. I'm fairly sure the nutritional value of a whale isn't even something to marvel or regard highly. Not to mention the mercury content in a species so big has to be of great concern. I hope the International Court of Justice will address this immediately and label it as a high priority. Ideally, before the 2016 whaling season begins.

http://www.voanews.com/content/despite-ruling-japan-to-resume-whaling-in-antarctic-ocean/3078542.html

Current Event 11/17 - Fracking Public Lands

According to an article by Ryan Schleeter, a writer for Greenpeace's blog, The Environmentalist, oil and gas companies are trying to acquire the rights to more than 200 million acres of public land to frack for natural gas. This is on top of the 30 million acres these companies already abuse for fracking operations. Much of the area that is being targeted is either in National Forests, State Parks, or on the surrounding area of America's National Parks. These areas are quite literally the most prized land that America has left and if it was allowed for fracking exploration, I don't believe many of these places could recover. Some of the targeted(threatened) land includes: Glacier National Park, White River National Forest, and the Arapaho National Forest. 

Glacier National Park

I really can't imagine that our political system would allow for this destructive exploration to take place, however our government hasn't failed to surprise me before. I believe there is currently a bill trying to be pushed through Congress that would ban fracking on public lands, such as national forests. I am having trouble finding out how close that bill is being voted on but it would be a huge hit for the fracking industry. Hopefully, our politicians are able to recognize not only, the dangers to public health and greenhouse gas emissions, but also the destruction of America's wild land that is already such a scarce reserve.

source

http://www.greenpeace.org/usa/not-even-national-parks-are-safe-from-fracking/ 

Current Event 11/12 - Hydroelectric Power, City Water Pipes

This article look into the city of Portland, OR installing energy generating turbines in the city's water pipes. Essentially, flushing your toilet will produce energy. This is a form of hydroelectric energy that doesn't block fish passage or completely disturb river ecosystems, and honestly it's surprising this is the first case of this kind of technology being used in American cities. The company heading this, Lucid Energy, places a small turbine in already existing water pipes and captures energy anytime water is flowing into or out of a residence. The energy produced can be used to offset the cost of delivery water to the city or be diverted to the grid to power homes or businesses. The turbines can be installed in both clean drinking water pipes or waste-water pipes. The electricity generated will be able to power up to 150 homes. I believe that this should be implemented on a larger scale in every major city across the US, or the globe for that matter. It is silly to be wasting the kinetic energy of moving water flowing through a city's plumbing infrastructure.

The only critique of this, along with most other innovative ideas that solve our energy crisis, is the cost factor. It is estimated to cost over a million dollars to retrofit the existing pipes with these turbines that can only power 150 homes. I wonder if they increased the scale of the project if the returns would start to offset the cost of retrofitting or even installing new pipes.

https://www.minds.com/blog/view/415942000412463104/portland-installs-turbines-in-their-city-water-pipes-powers-city-by-flushing-toilets

This is a diagram of what the turbines would look like,

Current Event 11/5 - Disconnection with nature.

This article details a massive trend showing up in almost every first world country around the globe. The trend - children losing contact with the natural world. With the sweeping rise of technology, and more so, the ease of use of such tech like computers, smart phones and tablets, more and more kids seem to find themselves inside, not enjoying the outdoors like generations before them always have. This article presents the idea that if children lose their connection with nature, there isn't going to be anyone willing to fight to protect the environment in the near future. Some studies of demographics and children's inclination to be outside revealed some shocking statistics: 

• In the UK, between one generation, the proportion of kids who regularly went outside for leisure fell from 50 percent to about 10 percent. 
• Between 1997 and 2003, in the US, children with outdoor hobbies (biking, skiing, etc.) fell by about half. 
• Teenagers in Britain find themselves staring at a screen over half of any given day (not including sleep).

The author seems to attribute these statistics to the parents of these children, being irrationally fearful of strangers and other aspects of wild lands that could harm their kids. Personally, I think parents need to allow their children to roam and get outside, I am concerned that the kids are too preoccupied with their smart phones to want to go outside, but they should at the very least be given the option. My dad would always take me and my siblings out camping and hiking. I grew a strong connection with nature very early on in my childhood. I would definitely say I am here today as a student of sustainability because of my childhood experiences. Those who immerse themselves in the outdoors have a duty to protect it. And if there is no one going outside to discover and reveal these places to the world, no one is going to care when businesses destroy them for resources. 

Reference: http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2012/nov/19/children-lose-contact-with-nature?CMP=share_btn_tw

Current Event 10/29 - Shark Fin Soup

In China, a new advertising campaign has had incredible success in its efforts to remove shark fin soup from people's diets. Yao Ming, former NBA basketball player, and native of China, has been active in making Chinese people realize the harm associated with shark fin soup. He is a very well respected figure in China and has managed to reach out to most of country. According to a research survey conducted by iResearch, 82 percent of respondents said they would remove shark fin soup from their diets. One of the main ideas behind Yao's awareness campaigns is the slogan "when the buying stops, the killing can too." I like the idea behind this tactic because it directly is talking to consumers rather than try to get the issue regulated through government action. Since the ads featuring Ming were first aired on television, prices for shark fin has fallen by 57 percent in one of China's biggest fishing hubs. One of the particularly shocking things about this whole issue is that a 2006 survey found that 75 percent of Chinese people didn't know that shark fin soup, which directly translates to "fish-wing soup", even came from sharks. I think with more education on the topic, the Chinese population could have made an informed decision about the ecological impacts of the meal and whether or not to include it in their diets. This story really goes to show that people are willing to make a change in their lifestyle if they can directly connect themselves with an environmental issue, it also helps if you have an international superstar on your advertising team, but you get the point.

Ecological Footprint Assessment 10/26

So far I've given a strong effort in following my goals to reduce my impact on the environment. I have been able to go two meatless days a week fairly easy, and in some instances, I've been able to go three-four days a week without meat. It certainly helps that I am currently lacking paid employment, if I had more money to spend on groceries, it would be easier to pay for expensive meat products. That being said, I have had a little trouble buying locally sourced, organic produce and meat products, typically because the products are accompanied by a higher price tag. I am doing the best I can with my financial restrictions! I've been staying true to my third EF goal, carpooling to the river every time I go out fly fishing. It has been fairly easy since most of my buddies are just as into the sport as myself, and are always willing to get out and achieve some river therapy! I would like to stick with my three goals and add a fourth. The three goals I have now are achievable and certainly make a difference in my personal impact and earth requirements. The fourth goal I'd like to add is to turn off power strips or at least unplug all unused electronics and appliances. I pay the bills at my apartment, so it will be easy for me to see direct results in how much money were saving on ghost power. We have a lot of electronics (speakers, tv, xbox, etc.) in our living room so the simple power strip would work really well for that energy hub. I'm excited to see the savings on our energy bill and hopefully this is a lifestyle adjustment that I can pass on to my roommates and friends/family.

Current Event 10/15- Nestle Water

In the midst of a historic and record-setting drought in the state of California, Nestle, a water bottle production company, has been allowed to remove as much water from the San Bernardino National Forest as they damn please. This isn't even a recent development. Nestle has been piping out upwards of 28 million gallons of fresh water a year. All of this precious commodity is going to be bottled as Nestle's Arrowhead brand and sold to the very same consumers who are being asked to reduce their water consumption at a residential level. This isn't just public shaming of a poorly conducted company. The Forest Service released this press brief within the last 48 hours: 

"The story of Stuff Project, the California-based Courage Capaign Institute, and the Center for Biological Diversity filed a lawsuit this week against the U.S. Forest Service for allowing Nestle to continue to bottle millions of gallons of water from the San Bernardino National Forest with a permit that expired 27 years ago."

That's right. Nestle has been allowed to pipe all this water with an expired permit. Luckily, some interest groups are stepping in and getting the courts involved. The permit expired in 1988 but the piping infrastructure Nestle uses to acquire the freshwater has been active ever since, pumping about 70,000 gallons of freshwater a day. This has all been so morally accomplished (sarcasm) by Nestle utilizing a unique arrangement with the Forest Service. Nestle has to pay an annual fee of $524. I can't imagine how Nestle's accounting and financial teams were able to come up with enough room to shell out $524 for millions of gallons of water. The lawsuit notes, this annual fee is less than the average Californians water bill.

It will be interesting to watch how this lawsuit unfolds. It seems like a very easy decision for the courts especially in the midst of such expansive droughts. Hopefully, Nestle will have to shut down their piping operation or at least pay an extreme amount to renew their permit.

http://theantimedia.org/forest-service-sued-to-stop-nestle-from-drawing-water-in-national-forest/

Written Assignment #2 - Personal Care Product

I chose to look at my shampoo Head & Shoulders Classic Clean 2-in-1

List of some of the high-toxicity ingredients:

• Fragrance - High hazard. Ecotoxicology, allergies/immunotoxicity, irritant, organ system toxicity.
• Methylisothiazolinone - High hazard. Ecotoxicology, neurotoxicity.
• Methylchloroisothiazolinone - Moderate hazard. Cancer, ecotoxicology, irritant.

After doing some research, I found that methylchloroisothiazolinone is a preservative commonly used in cosmetics. Upon further investigation I found that the ingredient is also used in glue production, detergents, paints, fuels, and other industrial processes. I found that pretty disturbing considering I'm lathering this stuff into my hair almost everyday. In the United States they have accepted concentrations of the ingredient for personal care products, which makes me question if long-term use could result in a build up of the chemical on or even in the skin. The most disturbing aspect of this discovery is the fact that this is only one ingredient in a single care product. I'm certain that most of my choices in personal care products have ingredients I should be concerned about. On top of this, I question the majority of my food products and other goods such as clothing or bedding. 

To be honest, I don't feel comfortable using this product in my daily hygiene routine anymore. Once I finish my current bottle of shampoo I will seek a substitute product with less harmful, or at least questionable, ingredients. After seeking out this information, and discovering the possible dangers of my everyday personal care products, I will be taking a look at the rest of my hygienic goods (body wash, face wash, tooth paste, deodorant, etc.) to determine what else I've been applying to my body everyday.

Citations:
http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/703924/METHYLCHLOROISOTHIAZOLINONE/
http://orgs.dermis.net/content/e05eecdrg/e05news/e686/e706/index_ger.html

Current Event 10/7 - Water Valuation

http://www.greenbiz.com/article/water-being-underpriced

This article spells out the issues revolving around the undervaluation of the world's most required resource: water. By 2025, the United Nations have predicted that two-thirds of the world's population will be living in a water-stressed environment. If we continue on the same path we have been traveling for the last few decades, a lack of available water could bring major problems to both the developed and undeveloped world. Food security, stranded assets and a decrease in the overall productivity of countries are risks associated with water-stressed communities. A research firm, MSCI, conducted a study and found that 412 of the 972 irrigation-intensive U.S. counties are located in water-stressed spots.

Without the included risk factor, water is seriously undervalued. If water suppliers around the globe would take into account the possibilities of a water-stressed world, they could make a more precise pricing model for consumer and commercial water use. A higher price would serve as an incentive for homeowners to regulate their use more efficiently and conservatively, while businesses would be more willing to acquire water efficient technology. For example, agriculture practices could shift to be more water conservative, implementing strategies such as drip irrigation or other highly regulated water use programs. None of this will be possible however, unless water suppliers globally accurately price their commodity.

Current Event 9/30 - Urban Biomimicry

http://www.greenbiz.com/article/looking-forests-urban-water-solutions

Polluted water runoff is a loaded environmental issue that poisons marine ecosystems and wildlife all over the world, but even more so on a local level here in the Puget Sound. This article details how urban environments could possibly be constructed to synthesize the time-tested solutions of natural ecosystems - a process known as biomimicry. According to the article, 50 percent of rainfall in Pacific Northwest forests is evapotranspirated - "used by the plants and then returned to the atmosphere". If urban planners could mimic this natural evaporation through building design and construction, there is a major potential to reduce pollution runoff into the Puget Sound. A company, Urban Greenprint, is starting to question and develop some ideas about implementing this on a large scale. Some of the innovate ideas they have suggested include: utilization of hydrophillic and hydrophobic surfaces, similar to moss, on the outside of buildings to hold onto rainwater and provide a greater opportunity for evaporation. Another idea they've been considering is pooling water in staggered trays off of downspouts of buildings to act in a similar manner to leaves on a tree.

This is really innovative thinking and the employees of Urban Greenprint are interested in any ideas, designs or solutions the public may have to offer. Contact them at www.urbangreenprint.org if you've got a cool idea!

Ecological Footprint Data

Reduction Plans:

1) I will reduce my consumption of meat products, by having 2 meatless days a week.

2) I will do my best to purchase produce and meat products from local, sustainable businesses.

3) I will carpool, bus or bike to the river during the salmon runs.

After completing my ecological footprint quiz, I discovered that, if the global population undertook my lifestyle, we would need 3.7 Earths to support life and provide sufficient resources. This is pretty disheartening. I try and do my best to live a sustainable lifestyle, but it is still too harsh on this planet. I started thinking about how I could reduce my impact given the data I received from the quiz and came up with the reduction plans listed above. I definitely eat too much meat and purchase too many groceries associated with high transportation and packaging costs. With that, I am going to reduce my meat consumption to five days a week and purchase more locally-sourced food from the Coop and farmer's market. My final reduction commitment has to do with my severe addiction to fly fishing. Salmon are pushing their way into the river systems at the moment and I plan on going out to the Nooksack or Skagit most weekends through the rest of the year to fish. I am going to try and carpool every time I go out with members of the fly fishing club at Western or my roommates. Hopefully, these reductions will help eliminate some of my impact on this planet. Talk to me in class if you want to fish!

Here's a bonus picture of a nice bull trout I got last

weekend. Caught and safely released!