Volunteers, amateurs, call them what you will… by Jed Smith

Fairbanks, Alaska – The role of the volunteer is not to be underestimated. In the case of the Tanana Valley Watershed Association (TVWA) and similar partnerships in Alaska, volunteers are an integral piece of a healthy watershed. Theoretically, associations like TVWA are designed to maintain a healthy ecosystem, one that can continue to provide jobs, services, clean water and a high quality of life for all.

Associations such as TVWA are the focus of Jed Smith’s graduate research in environmental policy at the University of Alaska. Read more

Band-aids or real solutions, Congress doesn’t like either

Washington, D.C. - Lawmakers failed to act yesterday not only on a band-aid bailout for Wall Street, but on a lesser known proposal that would actually be a long-term solution for our economic woes: tax incentives for renewable energy development. A developing industry, renewables desperately need incentives and investment, but unlike the Wall Street bailout, these measures would be sure to create real jobs and ease our dependence on foreign oil. Read more

Biking to the Beach

Lake Tahoe, Nevada – There’s something special about riding 13-miles of single-track through the Tahoe National Forest and ending up at a beach on one of the world’s most beautiful lakes. With Lake Tahoe so close to home, it’s easy to take it for granted. Getting out into such incredible country is a good reminder that although working to protect the environment is a way of life, it starts with something far more simple: a fun and exciting lifestyle. Read more

Debating the Debates: Obama 1, McCain 0, by Chet Van Dellen

Reno, NV – The first of three presidential candidate debates aired last night and we thought we would watch doing what we know best…drinking. “I was a POW for six years” – take a drink; “Vote for change” – take a drink…you get the idea. Imagine our surprise when neither candidate resorted to their tried and true catch phrases.

What did you think of the Presidential Debates? Post your comments below. Read more

Getting together for Green Jobs Now

Reno, Nevada – Last night’s Life More Natural organized get together for the Green Jobs Now National Day of Action didn’t change the world. Talking about how a green economy could create 2 million new jobs and rapidly reduce green house gases didn’t save our environment. That’s not the point though. The point is that a group of people did something, however small, to raise awareness for the green economy. If enough groups of small people do the same, maybe the world will change. Read more

Green Recovery: saving our economy

Reno, Nevada – As we prepare for tonight’s Green Jobs Now event to do our part to influence our leaders to invest in a Green Economy, it’s time to start highlighting the economic benefits behind going green. While the Bush administration is pushing a $700 billion aid package for Wall Street through Congress, which no one is certain will work, a new report shows that a $100 billion dollar investment in a green economy could lift us out of economic crisis faster than any other similar package. Read more

Truckee River Clean-up Day, from Jeannine Desmond

Reno, NV—Two of Reno’s most innovative grassroots organizations—Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful and Nevada EcoNet–have joined forces to produce the Truckee River Clean-up Day on Saturday, September 27th from 9am to 12pm. 500 volunteers are needed to pick-up trash, stencil storm drains, wrap trees and remove weeds. Read more

Green Jobs Now

Reno, Nevada – With a $700 billion bailout plan for Wall Street before Congress this week and the worst economic crisis we’ve seen since the Great Depression, it’s time to recognize that our economy is in need of a drastic overhaul. When you combine our economic woes with our environmental ones, the picture of where we are as a country starts to look pretty bleak. Fortunately, there’s a solution for both problems that could rapidly return America to prominence and its role as the global leader: a Green Economy. Not only is it a solution, but it’s one that you can get involved in starting this week with the Green Jobs Now National Day of Action. Read more

Alaskans rally against Palin, by Anonymous

Click on the image to watch the slideshow of the rally.

Anchorage, Alaska – [The] Alaska Women Reject Palin rally was to be held outside on the lawn in front of the Loussac Library in midtown Anchorage . Home made signs were encouraged, and the idea was to make a statement that Sarah Palin does not speak for all Alaska women, or men. I had no idea what to expect.

This was forwarded to me via email with a message to pass it on and since the upcoming election has important ramifications for the environment, and I’m from Alaska, I thought it important to post. Unfortunately, I don’t know who originally wrote the email but more info and comments can be found here: ‘Alaska Women Reject Palin’ Rally is HUGE! and at the Anchorage Daily News. Read more

Eagle Cap Wilderness, an Oregon adventure

Eagle Cap Wilderness, Oregon – 16-miles, 3,500-feet of elevation gain, two-aching feet, one-trashed back, but countless beauty to show for it. The Eagle Cap Wilderness in Northeastern Oregon, even in late fall, seems to sing springtime. With jagged granite peaks rising from lush green meadows and crystal clear streams flowing from deep blue alpine lakes, I feel blessed to have ruined my body on an arduous day-hike through such incredible country. Read more

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