Carbonfund.org Blog

Carbonfund.org Blog Has Moved!

2009-03-27T16:40:00.006-04:00

Hi All,

I am pleased to announce that the Carbonfund.org Blog has moved to Carbonfund.org/blog. The new blog is better looking and an easier to use way read all about carbon offsets, global warming, and everything else that pops into the minds of your friends at Carbonfund.org.

Please update your bookmarks, RSS feeds and your life!

Thanks for following the Carbonfund.org blog! Visit us today at the new home of our blog, Carbonfund.org/blog.

Thanks!

Your Friends at Carbonfund.org

Farmers Growing Global Warming Solutions

2009-03-26T13:33:00.001-04:00

As America starts looking forward to a clean energy future and emissions reductions that are at least 80% lower than they are today, it is becoming clearer that everyone must be an active participant in the new clean energy economy. One of the groups that may be most impacted by a cap on carbon emissions are farmers and people working in the agricultural industry. Modern agriculture is very energy and resource intensive, so even small changes to the price of fuel or fertilizer can impact a farmers bottom line.

But farmers who take an active role in the fight to stop global warming and reduce emissions stand to profit from a well designed cap and trade.

According to a report in Bloomberg.com, farmers can receive carbon credits from the Chicago Climate Exchange for implementing more sustainable agricultural practices. In the report, Bloomberg cited two examples of farmers who were receiving $3,000 and $1,500 annually for implementing a 'no-till' farming practices. Tilling to prepare a field for agriculture releases CO2 is stored underground in organic material. No-till farming allows farmers to continue to utilize their land for agricultural purposes, but it requires farmers not to agitate their soil before planting, thus keeping organic matter and carbon emissions in the ground.

No-till farming is also cheaper than conventional farming. Farmers do not need to use machines required to till a field, saving in fuel costs and more carbon emissions. It is estimated that corn-farmers that implement no-till practices can save $83 per acre in fuel and fertilizer costs.

In addition to the emissions reductions that can be gained through no-till farming, agricultural land can also be used to produce bio-fuels that burn cleaner than conventional fuels and farm land can also be utilized for locations of wind turbines and solar panels.

The role that farmers play in the clean energy economy is going to be crucial if we want to see emissions reductions that match the goals scientists say we must reach. By taking an active role, farmers can make money, produce food and unlock more real world global warming solutions.

Support farm based carbon offsets with Carbonfund.org.

(Image Courtesy of Encyclopedia Britannica)

"Live Green" Sushi Roll Benefits Carbonfund.org

2009-03-26T12:53:00.000-04:00

Carbonfund.org CarbonFree^® Partner and Model Cara Zavaleta of MTV Road Rules & MTV Real World/Road Rules Challenge teamed up to create the winning “Midori Ni Ikiyou” Roll for RA Sushi’s 2nd Annual RA Reality Sushi Roll Competition. Cara received her winning check, with proceeds going to Carbonfund.org, this week.

Midori Ni Ikiyou Roll was featured on a special menu throughout the month of February at all three Chicagoland RA Sushi locations, with $3 from the sale of every roll going to Carbonfund.org.

As a result, Cara’s roll generated $549 for Carbonfund.org! The winning roll, which derives its name from the Japanese translation of “Live Green” featured shrimp tempura, avocado, and mango, wrapped in rice and seaweed, topped with spicy tuna and sesame seeds, served with a sweet eel sauce. Judging was based on creativity of the name, ingredients, presentation and taste.

Thank You Cara!!

Global Warming Exacerbates Drought

2009-03-25T13:44:00.001-04:00

With higher temperatures comes a drop in rainfall, according to Peter Baines of Melbourne University in Australia. Baines studied data over the last 50 years that includes sea surface temperature and precipitation rates and concluded that over the past 15 years rainfall has been dropping with 37% of that drop attributable to global warming.

This downward trend that the world is experiencing in rainfall exacerbates droughts and heat waves. Australia is currently in the midst of a decade long drought that is significantly impacting the production of food.

Baines noticed in his study that four regions of the world have already displayed decreases in rainfall: United States, southeastern Australia, a large region of equatorial Africa and the Altiplano in South America. Two regions have actually received more rainfall, northwestern Australia and the Amazon Basin.

Much of these drops in rainfall are in line with IPCC report projections.

Though drought is a naturally occurring phenomenon, the fact that a major percentage of the drop in rainfall can be directly correlated to global warming is an alarming finding. What this indicates is that global warming creates conditions that are inhospitable to rain in many places, meaning that if an area is already drought prone, global warming will certainly make it worse.

This is bad news for anyone and anything that relies on a consistent source of water to live. As rainfall gets less predictable in a warming world, it will be hard to count on crop yields -- putting farmer livelihoods and national food security at risk.

Protect food and water, fight global warming now.

Image Courtesy of Nat'l Weather Srvc.

Green Industry Able to Ride Out Recession Better

2009-03-25T09:51:00.003-04:00

Ethical consumerism has put a new spin to the economic relationship of recession and demand. The economic turmoil that has choked governments and wiped out some of the biggest businesses in the world seems to be having a lighter impact on the green industry. Recent statistics from Forrester Research and others report that a remarkable percentage of shoppers in the US and UK consider the environment when purchasing products and services. Washington State Employment Security Department identifies the green industry- including jobs focused on finding new solutions for energy needs- as one of the more recession-resistant labor markets in 2009.

The ability of the green industry to sustain itself is directly related to the responsible consumers who take the environment and resource management seriously. Sally M. Cohen, author of the Forrester Research report, considers this group of consumers as willing to additional more for green and ethically produced products and brand-loyal shoppers who will stick with companies that continue to support their own ethical values.

Sustainable business practices and procurement can come with a slightly higher price tag, but the opportunity cost in the long-run is much lower. This mantra applies to both consumers and producers of green products and services.

Shop and Swap with Big Green Cart

2009-03-24T11:12:00.002-04:00

Get ready to shop ‘n swap, because Carbonfund.org has added green auction and classified site, Big Green Cart to its list of CarbonFree® Partners. Established on the basic principles of the three R’s (reduce, reuse and recycle), Big Green Cart provides an “eco-frontier” for trading green products and services that have undergone eco-friendly production and for items that can reused instead of being tossed away.

Big Green Cart discovered Carbonfund.org when they saw our logo on the website of other reputable businesses. Upon further research and correspondence, they learned that our passion and operations are compatible with their commitment of promoting a sustainable lifestyle.

Big Green participates in green festivals every year and offsets their travel and resources that they must use. They also implement low-impact energy usage and support small green businesses for procurement and promotional supplies like recycled, organic fair trade T-shirts and pens with soy-based ink. To learn more about Big Green Cart, check them out at www.biggreencart.com.

Staples Announces Free Printer Recycling Event & Support for Return to Forest Project

2009-03-23T11:15:00.015-04:00

Carbonfund.org is proud to join hands with our partner Staples, the world’s largest office products company in their free printer recycling event, which includes offsetting by Staples with the purchase of selected Staples EcoEasy Edition printers. Staples will make a donation for each printer purchased to Carbonfund.org’s Return to Forest project in Nicaragua which will offset the average energy consumed over three years of product use. Read the announcement here.

This Carbonfund.org reforestation project has been awarded the Climate, Community and Biodiversity Alliance Standard’s Gold Rating, helps form critical habitat corridors for native species, and facilitates community development.

“We are committed to making it easy for customers to make a difference, what Staples calls EcoEasy, by providing customers with recycling services. The printer trade in program is an easy way for customers to recycle their old printers safely, and upgrade to a new printer that best meets their needs,” said Scott Rankin, VP/DMM of technology merchandising, Staples.

In their commitment to business sustainability, Staples has a number of interesting initiatives, including rewarding customers everyday with Staples Rewards® or Staples Teacher Rewards®, which return $3 to customers when they recycle any brand of ink and toner cartridges, up to 10 per month.

YouRenew - Another Great Reason to Recycle Electronics

2009-03-20T14:52:00.011-04:00

When you’re doing your spring cleaning this year, your old electronics that you dig up can be beneficial for your wallet and our environment.

Carbonfund.org is proud to announce its recent partnership with YouRenew.com, a startup website founded by two Yale graduate students that allows consumers to sell back or recycle used electronics.

YouRenew offers an easy and environmentally friendly means to buy back thousands of devices in nine categories of electronics, ranging from cell phones and mp3 players to computers and video games.

In the checkout process, visitors recycling their products can choose to have YouRenew make a donation in support of Carbonfund.org’s renewable energy projects.

Dell Named Number One Green IT Brand

2009-03-19T17:08:00.001-04:00

Carbonfund.org is proud to congratulate our partner Dell on being named the number one green IT brand. A recent survey by Strategic Oxygen and Cohn & Wolfe found that among top information technology buyers in 11 countries, Dell outpaced all other firms in its green offerings. Dell has succeeded particularly in its recycling program, the most important attribute sought by IT buyers according to the survey.

Michael Gale, president of Strategic Oxygen, noted, “Given Dell's long-term and consistent commitment to sustainability, I am not surprised to see it at the top.”

Dell has also been a leader in carbon offsetting. Through Dell’s Plant a Tree for Me program, consumers can offset the carbon footprint of their laptops, desktops, monitors, and printers. This highly successful program has brought carbon offsetting to many Americans and greatly enhanced the offsetting movement.

Alima Pure Cosmetics Now a CarbonFree® Partner

2009-03-19T10:57:00.000-04:00

Alima Pure has partnered with Carbonfund.org in their commitment to reduce their carbon footprint. Alima Pure produces high quality, natural cosmetics made from mineral pigments. Their products have earned the BDIH European seal of approval for natural products.

Some of Alima Pure’s initiatives toward reducing the carbon footprint of their manufacturing processes include recycling, energy efficiency, and utilizing wind-powered electricity. Now, they are offsetting using Carbonfund.org’s “easy and reliable” options. For more information on Alima Pure, please visit www.alimapure.com.

Green Your PC through Facebook

2009-03-18T12:14:00.002-04:00

SupportSoft’s Support.com has made greening your computer easier with Green Your PC, a fresh application that makes energy efficiency nearly automatic. This application provides either instructions on how you can configure your computer settings for energy saving levels, or the app sets these configurations for you so you don’t have to.

In a quote in Scientific American, Support.com's Chief Operating Officer Anthony Rodio says, "We're doing something that the majority of users don't know how to or don't think to do on their own."

If 100,000 computers and monitors reduced electricity use to the level set by the "Green Your PC" app, it would save more than 11 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions annually (roughly the same as emissions from burning 13,000 barrels of oil). All of this comes from tweaking a few PC settings.

Download the application and begin reducing your climate impact through Facebook.

Maldives Plans to Be The First Carbon-Neutral Country

2009-03-16T13:33:00.001-04:00

Maldives' President Mohamed Nasheed announced that it is planning to become the first carbon-neutral country in the world by shifting to renewable energy and offsetting from the carbon market. Maldives is an archipelago with low-lying areas only about six meters above sea-level. As we blogged recently, President Nasheed raised eyebrows around the world when he announced that he intends to buy land in neighboring countries as a measure to address land loss due to rising sea levels caused by global warming.

Now, Maldives aims to make its mark as a leader in carbon neutrality within a decade by completely switching to renewable energy resources like wind turbines, rooftop photovoltaic (PV) panels and a backup power plant fueled by abundant coconut husks. The proposal also includes retiring EU carbon credits to offset emissions from tourists flying to visits the nation’s popular vacation destinations. According to New York Times reporter, Andrew C. Revkin in Dot Earth this new plan, costing about $1.1 billion (USD) over the period of 10 years, is expected to pay itself off in the near future and reduce Maldives’ dependency on expensive oil imports in the long-run.

There have been plans to develop carbon-neutral cities and communities like Wellington, New Zealand; Abu Dhabi, UAE; and Rioja, Spain, but carbon-neutral country in the next decade will be an “ecotopia” in every eco-tourist’s dream destination list.

GreenEcoSavers.com Saves You Money As You Help the Planet

2009-03-13T13:02:00.000-04:00

Carbonfund.org is proud to announce its newest partner, GreenEcoSavers.com.

GreenEcoSavers.com is on a mission, in tandem with our own, “Reduce what you can, Offset what you can’t.” GreenEcoSavers.com provides a large selection of products that help you reduce your carbon footprint. They even show you how you can help stop global warming and save some money doing it. Their Return on Investment (ROI) tool displays how quickly their products pay for themselves. As they say, “This is your precious planet… Do your part to preserve it!”

Trees Subsidize Global Warming Fight

2009-03-13T11:30:00.003-04:00

Many of us know the basic principles that underlie the global carbon cycle. Carbon is emitted into the atmosphere through respiration and burning of organic materials and fossil fuels. Much of that same carbon is then absorbed back into the earth through terrestrial and oceanic biological processes. When more carbon is emitted than the earth can naturally absorb, carbon stays in the atmosphere creating the greenhouse effect which causes global warming.

Understanding the carbon cycle is the key to fighting global warming. Collectively, we are going to need to find ways to reduce carbon emissions from carbon sources and continue to protect and enhance carbon sinks. One of the most accessible carbon sinks are trees, with tropical forests absorbing 4.8 billion tons of CO2 a year -- or to put it another way, trees are absorbing 18% of total global emissions. As one scientist succinctly states, "we are receiving a free subsidy from nature."

It is correct to state that trees do represent a free subsidy as we ramp up our efforts to fight global warming, but should we just consider trees' effects on the carbon cycle to be a bonus or should we actively be promoting trees as part of the fight to stabilize our climate?

Organizations like Carbonfund.org, the UN, Conservation International, the Rainforest Alliance, RGGI, CCAR, the CCBA and so many others advocate for a comprehensive approach to fighting global warming that includes reforestation and avoided deforestation. Through the voluntary carbon market, financial incentives are created that encourage forest preservation and reforestation.

By presevering and expanding forested areas we are not only helping to maintain valuable carbon sinks, but many forest-based projects offer a wide variety of economic and social co-benefits as well.

Fight global warming and support market based initiatives to maintain and expand our natural carbon sinks-- forests. Calculate and offset your carbon footprint with Carbonfund.org and choose to support our third-party verified reforestation projects.

Global Warming to Cost Cali. Big

2009-03-12T15:00:00.005-04:00

The effects of global warming are expected to cost California up to $15 billion annually by 2050. In a summary of cost analysis presented to Gov. Schwarzenegger's climate advisers, the impacts of sea level rise, wildfires and other events associated with global warming are expressed as a dollar amount. If losses are up to $15 billion annually, that would represent double or triple the budget of some large cities. Much of California's population lives in coastal and fire prone areas, meaning that even relatively small changes in sea level, precipitation or temperature can easily exacerbate an already threatening situation.

The report came from the state of California's Climate Action Team and was the compilation of 40 studies.

According to the AP:

If nothing is done globally to reduce emissions, hotter temperatures will lead to rising sea levels that will flood property in the San Francisco Bay area, lead to lower crop yields and water shortages, produce more intense wildfires and cause more demand for electricity to cool homes.

The story of California is extreme, but not necessarily unique. Most of the world will be adversely impacted by global warming, and that is going to hit people in their pocketbooks. The Stern Review, a large study financed by the British government estimates that the impacts of inaction on global warming could cost the world 20% of global GDP every year! That same study said that the cost of prevention would not be cheap, but would only cost a small fraction of the cost of inaction.

I feel like there is an old adage that applies to situations like this, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of the cure.

Earthsac Raises Awareness on Plastic Disposal

2009-03-11T12:39:00.001-04:00

Earthsac, Inc. has taken a step forward in its pursuit of encouraging the planet to become “Greener by the Bag^TM" by teaming with Carbonfund.org in the CarbonFree Partner program. Earthsac, Inc. draws its inspiration from preserving the environment for future generations. They are concerned about the pollution and waste that will directly impact our lives in the future. With a goal to reduce waste, they have collaborated with engineers and designers to create multi-purpose and attractive Earthsac reusable bags.

Earthsac, Inc.’s mission for this product is to raise awareness about the environment, encourage environmental activism, and to create an effective way to reduce waste. Their website provides alarming statistics related to the pattern and nature of plastic disposal in the U.S. and its negative impact on ecology.

This product with a cause is durable, versatile and attractive, and is now available at The Container Store via www.containerstore.com (search term: "reusable insulated tote").

American GHG Registry in the Works?

2009-03-10T17:09:00.005-04:00

Today, the EPA proposed a plan that will account for and report Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG) for all major US emitters. The plan would cover up to 90% of all US based emissions and would serve as the basis for any proposed cap-and-trade emissions reductions system.

As reported by the Washington Post:

"If adopted by the end of the year [2009], the new rule could produce greenhouse gas statistics by the end of 2010. The EPA requirements would apply to large industrial sources that emit 25,000 metric tons or more a year, including oil and chemical refineries; cement, glass, pulp and paper plants; manufacturers of motor vehicles and engines; and confined animal feeding operations."

Setting the bar for inclusion in this mandatory reporting at 25,000 metric tons means that virtually all small and medium sized businesses would not be required to report their emissions. Carbonfund.org, for example, estimates that many standard businesses with less than 20 employees are responsible for about 140 metric tons of CO2 a year. Businesses range in size and activity, but one can reasonably assume that most small and medium sized businesses not engaged in industrial practices would be under the reporting limit.

A GHG reporting system is yet another step in the right direction for American action on global warming. By understanding our nation's carbon footprint, our government will be able to intelligently devise a cap-and-trade system that will produce real world emissions cuts.

To better understand your carbon footprint or to estimate your business' GHG emissions, go to Carbonfund.org.

Glamour's Eco Achievers

2009-03-10T16:38:00.005-04:00

Congratulations Claire Douglass!

For those of you that frequent the fashion periodicals like Glamour Magazine, Carbonfund.org's own Partnerships Director, Claire Douglass, was featured as one of their 70 Eco Achievers. Claire is featured for her work in the climate movement over the past decade along side the likes of Christie Brinkley, Laurie David, Jessy Tolkan, and Alicia Silverstone.

Carbonfund.org is proud of Claire's achievements and we are happy to have an Eco Achiever in house to help us fight global warming now.

Now, when is Men's Health going to do a piece on me...?

QuirkyBaby Offers Offsetting Options through Carbonfund.org

2009-03-10T11:17:00.006-04:00

Carbonfund.org has partnered with QuirkyBaby, a company that offers the best baby carriers and accessories for the modern parent. In their commitment to being a CarbonFree^® partner, QuirkyBaby has announced to give their customers the option to offset the carbon costs of shipping their orders with a donation to Carbonfund.org.

The company also utilizes organic material, sources domestic or fair-trade products, repurposes (i.e., using cardboard as garden mulch), and recycles shipping materials in their production processes. Office practices include use of compact fluorescent bulbs, 100% post-consumer recycled paper printer, and refillable ink cartridges. “I researched carbon offset programs extensively before choosing Carbonfund.org. I was impressed with the program’s transparency, certification and auditing process, and efficiency. I was also influenced by the organization’s nonprofit status and the flexibility it offers individuals and businesses to choose how to offset carbon costs and allocate donations,” said Jane McClintock from QuirkyBaby.

For more information, please visit www.quirkybaby.com.

Happy Birthday Eric!

2009-03-09T16:20:00.002-04:00

Today, Eric Carlson, the Co-Founder and President of Carbonfund.org celebrates his birthday. Eric is a beloved environmental leader and pioneer in the carbon offset world. He has helped create a new kind of nonprofit model that raises funds in support of verified carbon reduction projects and fight global warming. The Carbonfund.org model puts the donor first by providing excellent customer service and Your Carbon, Your Choice (in short, allowing donors to choose the project type they want to support - energy efficiency, reforestation, or renewable energy, or a combination of all three).

Since founding Carbonfund.org with his wife Lesley in 2003, Carbonfund.org has grown to be the leading nonprofit carbon offset and climate solutions provider. The organization now has over 1,000 business partners including JetBlue, Dell, Motorola and Volkswagen, and over 400,000 individual donors. Through these partnerships and donations, Carbonfund.org announced in 2008 that it is offsetting over 4 billion pounds of carbon dioxide. Carbonfund.org also has created America's first label for carbon neutral products, the CarbonFree^® Certified Product Label.

On behalf of the staff of Carbonfund.org and donors, thank you Mr. Carlson and happy birthday!

Spotlight on the Environment at Film Festival in D.C.

2009-03-09T15:06:00.000-04:00

If statistics, reports and scientific evidence don’t compel someone you know to fight global warming, you could give the movies a try. The Environmental Film Festival (EFF) 2009 in Washington, DC from March 11th to March 22nd is a feast of 140 films that harness the perspective and knowledge of over 50 film makers and 72 special guests.

Due to rapid developments in communications technology, media has become one of the most powerful social agents that define our global culture. Whether it is a billion-dollar Hollywood production, an academic documentary or a local homemade production, films contribute to shaping how we perceive our surroundings by reaching out to audiences at a personal level. The movie watching experience may not necessarily help us find solutions to issues that haunt our society, but they do raise questions, facilitate a platform for discussion and provoke thought that create education and awareness.

Stephanie Steele of The Warner Theatre mentions on the festival site that, “EFF opens our eyes to a world we have never encountered—it’s not often that your outlook on life can be changed in the course of a day’s work.” Moreover, events like EFF put the mainstream spotlight on issues related to climate change, carbon emissions and conservation, which are otherwise seen as concerns of special interest groups. Earth Visions, Global Visions Hazel Wolf, Jackson Hole, Earth Dance, Princeton and Vermont are similar national and international film festivals in the U.S. and Canada that occur annually.

For more information on the featured films, locations and schedule, visit the EFF site.

Colleges & Universities Make Progress in Reducing Fossil Fuels

2009-03-06T14:56:00.002-05:00

American universities and colleges are leading the march to a carbon neutral nation by investing in sustainable facilities practices. In 2006 a small group of colleges formed the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment and collectively pledged to become carbon neutral. Within two years this meek initiative of 12 swelled into a bustling number of 616 colleges and universities in all 50 states, committed to making their campuses carbon neutral. Gregory M. Lamb of the Christian Science Monitor reports that this number represents one-third of the total student body in the United States.

In 1965, Middlebury College in Vermont was the first institution in the United States to have an undergraduate environmental science department. The college recently opened its new biomass gasification plant which is powered by wood chips. The plant supplies heat and electricity to the campus of 2,400 students. The plant is expected to provide 12,000 tons of fuel annually that will replace about half of 2 million gallons of the school’s annual fuel consumption for heating and is expected to reduce carbon emissions by an estimated 12,500 metric tons each year.

The number of universities and colleges that are teaching what they preach is increasing steadily. Although investments in sustainable practices have higher costs, they are being viewed as endowments whose value increases with time due to their break-even points and spill over benefits.

The carbon neutral pledge formed by the American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment have goals such as reducing the carbon emissions from their heating and cooling, ventilation, electrical, transportation, water and waste management systems. Then, buying carbon offsets for the rest of the task. This action plan vividly echoes the Carbonfund.org motto: “Reduce what you can, offset what you can’t.”

Oil Subsidies - A Thing of the Past?

2009-03-05T12:27:00.006-05:00

Yesterday, Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner told Congress that oil companies should not receive massive governmental subsidies because they contribute significantly to global warming.

Secretary Geinther said:

"We don't believe it makes sense to significantly subsidize the production and use of sources of energy (like oil and gas) that are dramatically going to add to our climate change (problem). We don't think that's good economic policy and we think changing those incentives is good for the country,"

This is welcome news both from an environmental and ethical perspective. Last year, Exxon Mobil Corp. set the record for highest profits by a US based company of $45.2 Billion -- and for the record, Exxon broke its own record.

Taking away a few billion dollars from these companies in government subsidies seems only fair, because it is clear that a vast majority don't need the money. Moreover, the financial implications of global warming are huge.

What happens to the already beleaguered insurance industry when sea levels rise causing thousands to make claims on their flooded homes? What happens to the health care industry as more under-insured people need emergency hospital visits on the next code orange or red day? The financial impact of global warming will be big, and removing financial incentives to already profitable businesses that are directly adding to global warming is a great first step.

What this move by the Administration may signify is the willingness to level the economic playing field for renewable energy. There are plenty of well deserved tax breaks for clean energy in the recently passed stimulus package. If at the end of the day the oil companies get a little less and clean energy companies get a little more, taxpayers are no worse off and the climate is all the happier.

A Creative Way to Offset

2009-03-04T12:02:00.006-05:00

Looking for a way to help the environment and look fashionable at the same time? Well now you’ve got your chance! This spiffy new shirt, designed by Derek Deal, features some of the now ubiquitous symbols of climate change: a polluting SUV, arctic ice melting, and biodiversity loss. All the gross profits from these shirts will be donated to Carbonfund.org to support our mission of education, carbon reductions and offsets, and outreach.

So get your shirt, spread the word about the dangers of climate change, and support us in the process. Also, be sure to comment on our or Rockett Clothing’s blog on your support for the shirt.

Thousands Protest Coal

2009-03-03T10:17:00.007-05:00

Yesterday in Washington, DC, thousands of people descended on the Capitol's own coal fired power plant to protest coal and demand legislation that fights global warming. On the first real snow day of 2009, over 2,500 protesters showed up, including famed climate scientist James Hansen and artist Will.I.Am.

Coal provides over half of all American generated power. It is a relatively cheap and available resource, but it is a leading contributor to global warming, mercury pollution, sulfur and nitrous oxide pollution (SOx and NOx), as well as mountain top removal. The cumulative effect of burning coal for power are health problems like birth defects associated with mercury pollution, respiratory problems like asthma associated with SOx and NOx pollution, and decimation of mountains and pollution of waterways from mountain top removal mining. So the energy may be cheap, but the price society pays to keep the lights on with coal has become too high.

The protesters at the 99 year-old Capitol Power Plant were peacefully fighting for federal as well as real local action. The plant is not only a symbol of our continued addiction to coal, but also a threat to those of us that live and work in Washington, DC. DC's (non-voting) Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton said at the rally that the plant, "has poisoned untold numbers of people who live in the District of Columbia."

Carbonfund.org would like to thank all of our donors who are helping to support clean energy and global warming solutions now. And we would like to give a, "hip-hip-horray!" to all those that braved the elements yesterday to tell Congress that change starts in its own backyard.

(Photo Courtesy of ENS-Newswire)