Volunteer for the Mass Climate Action Network (MCAN) conference, and attend for free: Volunteers needed on Sunday, November 15 (some as early as 7:00 am) to help set up, greet, register, organize, monitor workshops, recycle, and clean up. In return for 4 hours of work, you attend the conference for free. To volunteer, email Susan Altman at MCAN.
Mass Climate Action Network Conference
Sunday, November 15th from 9:00-5:00
Join climate activists from across the state at the 8th Annual Mass Climate Action Network Conference. Speakers include Gina McCarthy; the EPA Assistant Administrator who leads the EPA's climate efforts.
There will be fifteen panels on issues ranging from saving energy in your own home to building a climate movement in your town to the future of energy and the Copenhagen talks.
For more information, and to register, visit MCAN's conference page at: http://massclimateaction.net/conference/2009-conference.html.
At the MIT Strata Center, Cambridge
Monday, October 19, 2009
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Call to Action - on October 24th
Cribbed from Jamie Henn for the entire 350.org team around the world
1 - October 24th will be the most widespread day of climate action ever
As I write this, our action counter just ticked past Action #3000-scratch that, 3003! There are events taking place in 158 countries around the world. This. Will. Be. HUGE.
Visit www.350.org/map to find and RSVP for an action near you. If there isn't one being planned yet, worry not, you can still start one! - www.350.org/Oct24
2 - The world will hear our call
In case you missed the news, 350.org staff just got permission to display your 350 action photos & videos from around the world on the MASSIVE screens in Times Square, in the HEART of New York City. We can't wait to broadcast your 350 action media in such a way that's both worthy of this amazing moment and is sure to reach world leaders:
www.350.org/bigscreen
On the Monday after October 24th, the 350.org crew will be visiting UN headquarters in NYC to hand-deliver the photos to diplomats and delegates from around the world to make sure they know how much you want a global climate deal that meets the science.
3 - Partners are pulling out all the stops
Al Gore invited his millions of email subscribers & 1.75 million Twitter followers to join or start actions around the world @ 350.org. Read more about this exciting announcement here: www.350.org/gore
Other partners-from environmental groups like Greenpeace and 1Sky, to online powerhouses like Avaaz, to brand new coalitions like TckTckTck-are all coming forward in an unprecedented alliance to create a global climate movement. This movement is only possible because of a network of friends and allies around the world, including major international NGOs and local, grassroots organizations. Please visit our partners page to learn more: www.350.org/friends
4 - It's not too late to join the action
The European team whipped up a "Quick & Easy" Action guide to help new organizers pull off a great 350 action just in time--check out all the great actions you can organize, even if you have only a week left before the big day: www.350.org/quick
5 - The timing is right
Today (October 15th, depending on your time zone) is "Blog Action Day"--an annual event when thousands of bloggers all over the world write about a single topic. This year's subject: climate change. Over 7,000 blogs have signed up, reaching 10+ million readers! 350 is thrilled to be a featured partner--today literally hundreds of blogs will feature 350. If you have a blog and want to get involved just click here: www.350.org/bloggers
And speaking of good timing, it turns out the International Day of Climate Action just happens to take place on the internationally recognized "UN Day", and the UN just happens to be a major target for the outpouring of action the world will see on October 24th. Perfect.
6 - 350 has gone mobile
Keep the movement in your pocket at www.350.org/mobile. We have a brand new iPhone App, plus people in a dozen countries can use their mobile phones to join the world's first grassroots global SMS text messaging campaign.
7 - This movement has room for everyone
October 24th won't be like anything you've ever seen before--not just in terms of scope and scale, but in terms of diversity as well. October 24th events will be of every stripe and color--in addition to the thousands of amazing rallies, educational events, and protests, there will be unique contributions from unlikely places and people:
- The president of the Maldives, a near-extinct island-nation, will be holding a cabinet meeting underwater, complete with scuba gear and 350 banners.
- Afghan youth will be creating a giant chalk image of 350 on the side of a mountain in the Hindu Kush.
- Palestinian, Jordanian and Israeli activists will put aside political differences to push for a fair, ambitious and binding climate treaty. On the beaches of their respective shores of the Dead Sea, they will make a big 3, 5, and 0.
And that's just just a few...out of 3003.
8 - The media is getting very interested...
350 is gaining momentum in the mainstream media - what politicians use as the barometer of public opinion. The Washington Post, New York Times, BBC, CNN, are but a few sources covering the 350 movement this past week. And this is just a taste of the global & local media headlines we're going to make together on the 24th--and beyond!
9 - We've got the most powerful tool on the planet--the internet
Just a few years ago it would have been laughable to try to pull off a global campaign, in 10+ languages, with events in 150+ countries. Now, a web-powered campaign can harness video (like these animations), social networks (like our pages on Twitter and Facebook), e-mail (like this one), online maps, and more. And now you can help build this buzz online--take 15 seconds to emblazon your Twitter avatar or Facebook profile picture with a 350 badge.
1 - October 24th will be the most widespread day of climate action ever
As I write this, our action counter just ticked past Action #3000-scratch that, 3003! There are events taking place in 158 countries around the world. This. Will. Be. HUGE.
Visit www.350.org/map to find and RSVP for an action near you. If there isn't one being planned yet, worry not, you can still start one! - www.350.org/Oct24
2 - The world will hear our call
In case you missed the news, 350.org staff just got permission to display your 350 action photos & videos from around the world on the MASSIVE screens in Times Square, in the HEART of New York City. We can't wait to broadcast your 350 action media in such a way that's both worthy of this amazing moment and is sure to reach world leaders:
www.350.org/bigscreen
On the Monday after October 24th, the 350.org crew will be visiting UN headquarters in NYC to hand-deliver the photos to diplomats and delegates from around the world to make sure they know how much you want a global climate deal that meets the science.
3 - Partners are pulling out all the stops
Al Gore invited his millions of email subscribers & 1.75 million Twitter followers to join or start actions around the world @ 350.org. Read more about this exciting announcement here: www.350.org/gore
Other partners-from environmental groups like Greenpeace and 1Sky, to online powerhouses like Avaaz, to brand new coalitions like TckTckTck-are all coming forward in an unprecedented alliance to create a global climate movement. This movement is only possible because of a network of friends and allies around the world, including major international NGOs and local, grassroots organizations. Please visit our partners page to learn more: www.350.org/friends
4 - It's not too late to join the action
The European team whipped up a "Quick & Easy" Action guide to help new organizers pull off a great 350 action just in time--check out all the great actions you can organize, even if you have only a week left before the big day: www.350.org/quick
5 - The timing is right
Today (October 15th, depending on your time zone) is "Blog Action Day"--an annual event when thousands of bloggers all over the world write about a single topic. This year's subject: climate change. Over 7,000 blogs have signed up, reaching 10+ million readers! 350 is thrilled to be a featured partner--today literally hundreds of blogs will feature 350. If you have a blog and want to get involved just click here: www.350.org/bloggers
And speaking of good timing, it turns out the International Day of Climate Action just happens to take place on the internationally recognized "UN Day", and the UN just happens to be a major target for the outpouring of action the world will see on October 24th. Perfect.
6 - 350 has gone mobile
Keep the movement in your pocket at www.350.org/mobile. We have a brand new iPhone App, plus people in a dozen countries can use their mobile phones to join the world's first grassroots global SMS text messaging campaign.
7 - This movement has room for everyone
October 24th won't be like anything you've ever seen before--not just in terms of scope and scale, but in terms of diversity as well. October 24th events will be of every stripe and color--in addition to the thousands of amazing rallies, educational events, and protests, there will be unique contributions from unlikely places and people:
- The president of the Maldives, a near-extinct island-nation, will be holding a cabinet meeting underwater, complete with scuba gear and 350 banners.
- Afghan youth will be creating a giant chalk image of 350 on the side of a mountain in the Hindu Kush.
- Palestinian, Jordanian and Israeli activists will put aside political differences to push for a fair, ambitious and binding climate treaty. On the beaches of their respective shores of the Dead Sea, they will make a big 3, 5, and 0.
And that's just just a few...out of 3003.
8 - The media is getting very interested...
350 is gaining momentum in the mainstream media - what politicians use as the barometer of public opinion. The Washington Post, New York Times, BBC, CNN, are but a few sources covering the 350 movement this past week. And this is just a taste of the global & local media headlines we're going to make together on the 24th--and beyond!
9 - We've got the most powerful tool on the planet--the internet
Just a few years ago it would have been laughable to try to pull off a global campaign, in 10+ languages, with events in 150+ countries. Now, a web-powered campaign can harness video (like these animations), social networks (like our pages on Twitter and Facebook), e-mail (like this one), online maps, and more. And now you can help build this buzz online--take 15 seconds to emblazon your Twitter avatar or Facebook profile picture with a 350 badge.
Get Involved, get informed!
We're All Climate Activists Now!
Eighth Annual MCAN Conference brings together more than 300 residents, community organizers, scientists, and local government staff to act on global warming
When: Sunday, November 15, 2009 - 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Where: Stata Center, MIT, 32 Vassar Street, Cambridge, MA
BOSTON, MA, September 28, 2009 ~ Every resident of Massachusetts (and our planet) needs to take rapid and significant action on the global warming crisis that threatens us all. For eight years MCAN's annual climate action conference has given hundreds of residents and others the tools to lead a community-based fight to deal with climate change. This year's event, at MIT's Stata Center on November 15, will feature 15 solution-focused workshops and opportunities for participants to present their own fresh ideas. Keynote speakers will include Gina McCarthy, the Assistant Administrator of the Office of Air and Radiation at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Since 2000, MCAN has brought together a unique combination of resident-activists, content experts and political leaders. The annual conference has come to be a highly regarded and anticipated gathering, known for both quality content and inspiration.
The 15 workshops that are available this year will include sessions for beginners as well as seasoned activists and municipal leaders. Topics range from 'Renewable Energy at Home' to 'Tech Tools for Activism.' Presenters will explain emerging scientific approaches to climate change, policy issues, and nuts-and-bolts necessities for community organizers, such as ways to maintain motivation among volunteers.
We are sensitive to the still-difficult economic conditions in the Commonwealth. With the generous support of several sponsors, we have reduced the conference fees this year, including a very competitive scholarship rate for students. Lunch will be provided at no additional cost. Register at:
http://massclimateaction.net/conference/2009-conference.html
Organizers: The Massachusetts Climate Action Network (MCAN) is a coalition of locally organized groups fighting the climate crisis. We do this by promoting carbon-reducing practices in our homes and communities; supporting MCAN chapters and allied organizations to grow a focused statewide movement; and communicating policy to members and leveraging our collective voice at the state level. The MIT Energy Initiative is an Institute-wide initiative designed to help transform the global energy system to meet the needs of the future and to help build a bridge to that future by improving today's energy systems.
Contact: Rob Garrity, 617-515-0600, rob.garrity@massclimateaction.net
Eighth Annual MCAN Conference brings together more than 300 residents, community organizers, scientists, and local government staff to act on global warming
When: Sunday, November 15, 2009 - 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Where: Stata Center, MIT, 32 Vassar Street, Cambridge, MA
BOSTON, MA, September 28, 2009 ~ Every resident of Massachusetts (and our planet) needs to take rapid and significant action on the global warming crisis that threatens us all. For eight years MCAN's annual climate action conference has given hundreds of residents and others the tools to lead a community-based fight to deal with climate change. This year's event, at MIT's Stata Center on November 15, will feature 15 solution-focused workshops and opportunities for participants to present their own fresh ideas. Keynote speakers will include Gina McCarthy, the Assistant Administrator of the Office of Air and Radiation at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Since 2000, MCAN has brought together a unique combination of resident-activists, content experts and political leaders. The annual conference has come to be a highly regarded and anticipated gathering, known for both quality content and inspiration.
The 15 workshops that are available this year will include sessions for beginners as well as seasoned activists and municipal leaders. Topics range from 'Renewable Energy at Home' to 'Tech Tools for Activism.' Presenters will explain emerging scientific approaches to climate change, policy issues, and nuts-and-bolts necessities for community organizers, such as ways to maintain motivation among volunteers.
We are sensitive to the still-difficult economic conditions in the Commonwealth. With the generous support of several sponsors, we have reduced the conference fees this year, including a very competitive scholarship rate for students. Lunch will be provided at no additional cost. Register at:
http://massclimateaction.net/conference/2009-conference.html
Organizers: The Massachusetts Climate Action Network (MCAN) is a coalition of locally organized groups fighting the climate crisis. We do this by promoting carbon-reducing practices in our homes and communities; supporting MCAN chapters and allied organizations to grow a focused statewide movement; and communicating policy to members and leveraging our collective voice at the state level. The MIT Energy Initiative is an Institute-wide initiative designed to help transform the global energy system to meet the needs of the future and to help build a bridge to that future by improving today's energy systems.
Contact: Rob Garrity, 617-515-0600, rob.garrity@massclimateaction.net
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Being vegan in the Tufts Dining Halls
One of our fellow classmates was challenged by finding good vegan food for breakfast. I wrote to Julie Lampie, Tufts Nutritionist to see what she had to say. Below is her response.
Hi Tina,
Thanks for contacting me in regards to your vegan student. I will be the first to admit that choices for vegan is somewhat limited for breakfast in comparison to the choices available to omnivores. We do have all types of yummy cereals, including hot oatmeal & cream of wheat, granolas, and other healthy cereals such as Optimum flax. Nuts should also be available, most likely walnuts and of course all kinds of fruit both fresh & canned. Please also pass along the availability of soy yogurt. I am not sure where they are eating, but soy yogurt is available. Of course there are all kinds of breads & bagels, including whole wheat English muffins and natural peanut butter & jelly. If desired, most of the breakfast potatoes are vegan as well. Please pass along this information, and if the student ever wishes to speak with me, I am available.
Julie
Hi Tina,
Thanks for contacting me in regards to your vegan student. I will be the first to admit that choices for vegan is somewhat limited for breakfast in comparison to the choices available to omnivores. We do have all types of yummy cereals, including hot oatmeal & cream of wheat, granolas, and other healthy cereals such as Optimum flax. Nuts should also be available, most likely walnuts and of course all kinds of fruit both fresh & canned. Please also pass along the availability of soy yogurt. I am not sure where they are eating, but soy yogurt is available. Of course there are all kinds of breads & bagels, including whole wheat English muffins and natural peanut butter & jelly. If desired, most of the breakfast potatoes are vegan as well. Please pass along this information, and if the student ever wishes to speak with me, I am available.
Julie
Thursday, October 1, 2009
recycling glass update
I double checked with Dawn Quirk, recycling coordinator, about some of the recycling questions that came up during Monday's class. She said that when glass bottles aren't separated by color they can't be recycled back into bottles. So sad. But when they are, they can.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
I'm changed my mind
I have a kill-a-watt at home and decided to double check on my vampire phone charger. In 21 hours it used 0.01 kWh. Which seems like a very tiny amount. But, if you multiply that by 7 days per week that's 0.07 kWh, which is 70 Wh, which is like having a 70 watt lightbulb on for an hour. Which is actually significant. So, back to unplugging the darn vampires.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Habits
As Dallase would say, "Bah!" (with hands outspread in front of her, fingers spread). I don't eat in the dining halls and therefore can't join the students who are choosing to take less food or skip using trays! Drat, I do like to join a movement. Mmmm... a tray, sometimes I wish I had one so I could take everything I need with me outside.
Thinking up a non-eco-habit to break is hard. It has to be accomplishable and worthwhile and something that I'm not already doing. I could go back to taking the train to work, but my schedule is all wonky nowadays and I wouldn't be able to get home much before 9 PM. I'm not really concerned about the vampire energy from my phone charger. Really, I'm not. Well, okay, sometimes I feel guilty, but that's not really worth making a big deal about.
One habit I'd like to break, however, has nothing to do with environmental sustainability. It has to do with personality. I'd like to be able to get through an entire Ultimate Frisbee game without being negative. About the other team or my teammates. Yeah. That'll be a challenge. I'm interested to see what tools Dallase introduces for us to use.
Thinking up a non-eco-habit to break is hard. It has to be accomplishable and worthwhile and something that I'm not already doing. I could go back to taking the train to work, but my schedule is all wonky nowadays and I wouldn't be able to get home much before 9 PM. I'm not really concerned about the vampire energy from my phone charger. Really, I'm not. Well, okay, sometimes I feel guilty, but that's not really worth making a big deal about.
One habit I'd like to break, however, has nothing to do with environmental sustainability. It has to do with personality. I'd like to be able to get through an entire Ultimate Frisbee game without being negative. About the other team or my teammates. Yeah. That'll be a challenge. I'm interested to see what tools Dallase introduces for us to use.
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