As the economic stimulus bill hangs in the balance, so does the fate of the economy.
There are countless articles in the news this week highlighting states like Vermont that are realizing the call for a government-based green job platform. While we must wait for the federal government to act, write your local and state representatives inquiring what steps they are currently taking to ensure that your state is on the leading edge of the green job market revolution.
When the smoke clears – and it will – where will you be?
There is a new campaign to “Buy American.” This message is always a positive thought but we are unfortunately tied to a world-economy that is also on the brink of collapse. If China, for example, our biggest importer of goods, fails our economy will fall further. Sad but true.
What we need to do is take control of our collective future by creating a manufacturing base again here in the United States. This can be accomplished through the aid of the pending stimulus package which allocates major funds for the creation of U.S.-based manufacturing plants that will produce parts and machinery for wind turbines and components for solar panels. This is the right direction. It will result in jobs and the ability for American companies to lead the world in green manufacturing practices.
Again, inquire with your representatives and ask them where they stand in relation to these initiatives.
This is not harvest time but rather the time to roll up our collective sleeves, till the soil and plant seeds of prosperity.
Have a thought, a response or a letter to the editor? If so, we'll post it next week. editor@greencrier.com
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January 26, 2009
We welcome you back to our re-launch of GreenCrier.com. Since our last issue, many changes have been realized. Perhaps most notably was the swearing in of President Barak Obama.
Environmentalists have reason to celebrate as The Obama Administration took
a predicted about-face stance of the Bush administratio. For example, it has cleared the way for
new rules to force auto makers to produce more fuel-efficient and less
polluting cars.
The president told the Environmental Protection Agency to reconsider
immediately a request by
“The federal government must work with, not against, states to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions," said Monday. “The days of
With a promise of change, we will be watching the president and his administration closely in the months and years to come. One thing is clear; the green movement has turned a new corner.
With job layoffs mounting, the writing is on the wall: the market has changed. Our advice: explore jobs and investment opportunities in the green industry; it's the future!
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November 10, 2008
A long fought primary election has resulted in a definitive
winner: President-elect Barack Obama. As we here in the
We all do out part in keeping the movement alive. Homes for Our Troops, which is featured in our news section, is a non-profit organization, founded in 2004, that has already completed 28 specially adapted homes across the country for veterans of the current conflict. Two dozen homes are currently underway, and they plan to build 100 more homes over the next three years. If so inclined, provide them with your support.
The above is an excellent example of coming together for the greater good. We are facing significant challenges on many fronts and we will have to collectively keep our newly elected local, state and federal officials on a “green” track. The fight is just beginning…keep your sleeves rolled up!
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October 20, 2008
As November 4th draws closer, we are faced with critical decisions. In this week’s issue, Green Crier provided a platform for a few green candidates. Often overlooked and underfunded, these aspiring public servants deserve our introspection (as do others not noted).
A viable third party candidate is desperately needed in this
country. If Senator John McCain played his cards right after his failed bid for
Presidency in 2000 he might well have been the county’s first viable Independent
candidate. After what the Bush campaign did to his name and reputation during
that election, he should have run for the hills. Instead, he tried to balance
his “maverick” tendencies with a lost, delusional Republican party. As a
consequence, he’s running a confused campaign fueled by unfounded fear tactics.
A stance Colin Powell appropriately identified Sunday as the wrong course for
As one of our news stories points out this week, Senator Barack Obama and Senator McCain are not running “green” campaigns, the latter scoring lower. We need to hold the next president accountable for the environment and the initiatives that will bring us closer to a realized collective goal of progressive stewardship.
For those of you in battle ground states where red and blue are blurring into a general color of “indecision,” vote with your heart and soul. For those of you in states that will go blue or red [to the best of your calculations] investigate viable third party candidates. It all comes down to numbers. Maybe you’ll vote for a write-in candidate, or a green candidate or a libertarian. The issues dear to your heart—your family—your livelihood—makes the following statement all the more appropriate this year: Elections really do matter…
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October 13, 2008
“God forbid that India should ever take to industrialism after the manner of the west... keeping the world in chains. If [our nation] took to similar economic exploitation, it would strip the world bare like locusts.” ~Mahatma Gandhi
What a few weeks…all this talk of Wall Street and Main Street. Where does it lead? A bail out? Not sure we are really being saved. A stop gap measure, perhaps. Time will tell. But taking time to tell has long been our problem. This is best underscored by the state of our environment, and what is amounting to an eleventh hour push for change.
I’ll take the eleven hour approach as it is better than no push at all. Turning this economy around will involve progressive environmental practices which we, and the millions like us around the globe, have taken, in part. Let’s face it though, we are all learning. This portal is but another avenue of exploration. Placing lessons into practice…that is the trick.
While you would never have known…my doorbell just rang. I was greeted by a package containing a copy of “Lives Per Gallon: The True Cost of Our Oil Addiction [see our news section for more detail]. I’m looking forward to reading Terry Tamminen’s well-reviewed, thought-provoking work. His career underscores the benefits of turning knowledge into action.
As Gandhi notes above, he feared the industrialization of India. With a swelling population that dwarfs the United States, his foresight was correct [of little surprise]. He should rest easy, however, that as featured on the news section, the U.S.-India Business Council is taking proactive steps to oversee and control “sustainable, green growth” in India. In some circles, lessons have been learned…
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October 6, 2008
As we collectively begin to rebuild the solvency of this economy in our own [sometimes] limited ways, we can find a renewed sense of hope in that mistakes lead to acquired experience and knowledge. There is a cycle to these things as one need only look to the 1930s and various periods of the 1980s to realize that economies are always in flux and often in the hands of the unregulated. Ironically, it took what is on paper a conservative, right wing party to forge the most expansive “socialist” platform this country has experienced. The same party that fears that a universal healthcare system would spell just that: socialism. The fat cats got too fat and slow and we the taxpaers are footing the bill. In one of our news articles this week we feature the growth of the green job market. In the next 20 years, internationally, it is expected to boom past even conservative estimations. Again, we green-minded folks have a unique opportunity to marry our interests with financial prosperity. Within the many articles, columns and features we’ve run over the last three months, there are countless avenues of exploration. So, we encourage you to explore... ____________________________________________________________
This is a time for capitalization on progressive ideas and innovations.
September 29, 2008
As the economy takes the ultimate nose dive, we, the tax payers, are left holding the bag as Wall Street bigwigs take home record severance packages. There are those on Main Street also to blame. After all, people lived beyond their means in exceptionally high numbers. I still believe, however, the balance of blame falls to the Bush Administration and Wall Street who essentially opened the doors to a candy store and let children in without supervision. The result: a $700 billion dollar cavity that is going to require a massive root canal. The question is: will we be able to save the tooth?
While the news is bleak and we’re in for a tough couple of years, we green-minded folks are in good position. We need to ramp up our support of sustainable initiatives. For example, take a look at our lead news story on green job creation in North Carolina.
We are not experts, but now is the time to invest in sustainable products and companies. They pay off will not be immediate, but the return [providing you do your homework] is promising.
In seems that each week we are drawing more visitors. This is no doubt in response to the great work of our contributors. With that said, let us welcome yet another team member: Victoria Witchey. She will be handling the product review page.
Until next week, be well…
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September 22, 2008
In recent issues, as well as this one, we are learning how green, sustainable initiatives can be inserted into our daily lives. It might be as simple as incorporating a new recycling tip, hiring an environmentally friendly cleaning agency or buying a “green” condo.
From the start, we have envisioned this approach. Collectively we offer suggestions and you fit the steps to your stride.
This week we are proud to welcome two new contributors: Lisette Johnson and Chermelle Edwards. Check out their offerings as they provide interesting insights.
Last week, our visitor numbers grew a little more. Again, not huge leaps but growth all the same. As we move from week to week, we are looking at ways to enhance offerings. This is a long, varied process but a journey we welcome. Our contributors, editors and readers alike all scramble to find the time to get it all done: research, write, read, learn and enjoy. To all those party to our process from writing to editing to reading, a special thanks.
This missive is being composed on the road in Cape Cod. Today marks the first day of autumn. A new season begins with new avenues to be explored. Nature will soon lead by example showing us her outstanding recycling program. In the Northeast, home to Green Crier operations, leafs will soon transform into brilliant colors. They will fade, fall and provide the soil with the foundation for sustaining life.
Let’s all take the time to reflect on what this past summer season represented and what we hope to accomplish moving into autumn. As the clouds role in and the temperature dips today, I’m reminded of Led Zeppelin’s “The Rain Song.”
“These are the seasons of emotion and like the winds they rise and fall. This is the wonder of devotion - I see the torch we all must hold. This is the mystery of the quotient - Upon us all a little rain must fall.”
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September 8, 2008
Due to a rather busy week (conventions, hurricane and simply put, life), I decided against an editorial last issue.
I'm both back and thinking…
Our experiment—Green Crier—is evolving and growing in new and interesting ways. I have been fielding interest from new contributors (see Betsy's new column) and those interested in seeing the site grow. To this end, I, along with the team, receive comments regarding the overall direction. People often ask: so what is the goal of Green Crier?
That is a fair question and one I’m sure both our contributors and readers alike have asked from time to time. On our “About Green Crier” page, we answer the question with regards to our mission.
As the site grows, especially the content, it is our intention to compensate our contributors. We are skeptical, however, of advertising as it presents many concerns including potential conflicts of interest. We have received suggestions such as making a donations page that would help us raise money, compensate and grow the model. That is under consideration. Let us know your thoughts one way or another as we are curious.
We also have researchers and writers working on white papers and industry reports. Once completed, these deliverables will be sold at a fair market price. On the strength of sales, we would hope to build a nest egg for contributors. One thing is sure: growth is possible. If you’re interested in this type of work, reach out.
Judging by accessible statistics, we are receiving a few hundred visitors a week. This is not bad for less than two months in operation, but certainly only a starting point. Each page is receiving traffic, whether it’s Tod Faasse’s column, J.D. King’s Featured Companies or Alana Cash's Recycling Tips. We have also received feedback with regards to the design of the website. Thankfully, the general consensus is that the simple, streamlined appearance is easy on the eyes and navigation is straightforward. Others have inquired about changing the format to a magazine or newspaper format. The latter has been discussed since the inception of Green Crier; however, we have yet to make a decision on that just yet. You never know – you might click on the site one week and be surprised.
As we publish another week of green-minded sustainable news, let us hold out heads high as we are doing our part in educating and enlightening our readership on the very real issues and concerns facing our world.
Thanks for filling out sails with forceful winds... It is in the middle that we must make out voices heard on the very issues that concern this green movement. Here in New York, gas prices have dipped below $4 a gallon. This has given some a feeling of relief. The fact remains, however, that the average price of a gallon of gasoline is still over $1 dollar than this time this year. Before the invasion of Iraq, a barrel of crude oil was trading at approximately $20. At the height of the summer season, crude oil hit an all time high of $147 barrel. Due to public outcry, once opponents of offshore drilling, Democrats like Barack Obama and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi are waffling on the issue because constituents are rightly up in the arms over the energy issue. And while we are nation dependant on oil, if we do not hold our leaders accountable, we will face an end game that will dwarf the current socioeconomic climate we have been mired in these many years. We need strong leadership, which means that Democrats need a stronger backbone if they intend to win this presidential nomination.
We always encourage our contributors to share their work [links] with friends, family and colleagues—like-minded or otherwise. If you know bloggers or websites that look to link or feature our type of writing and mission – reach out to them.
Have a thought, a response or a letter to the editor? If so, we'll post it next week. editor@greencrier.com
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August 25, 2008
With the selection of Joe Biden as Barack Obama’s running mate, along with the Democratic Convention kicking off this week, a historical political season is upon us. The winds of change will grow when John McCain announces his running mate and the subsequent Republican convention begins. We’ll hear positions from the left, and from the right. In the middle, however, is where logic resides (usually).
We were pleased to read all of this week contributions. Topics include Corn Gluten Herbicides, the famed Burning Man festival, a fashion designer who recycles tires and the great works Organic Exchange, among other articles.
Our columnists Tod Faasse and Jamie Gray are also piquing interests and fueling thoughts. Gray’s latest column hits a central nerve. Instead of preaching to the respective masses, Gray says “Teach people how alternative energy can make their lives better (and less expensive) and we can create real change.”
In a nutshell, that’s Green Crier mission: teaching others with the hopes of creating real change. Dialogue will follow. No one is ever completely right; however, we at Green Crier feel that our ship is heading in the right direction with the winds of change blowing deep pockets of possibility into our sails.
Regardless of what side of the fences you may fall on politically, being a good steward of the environment should not become a debate but rather a conversation centered on best practices and benefits.
If we all increased our recycling efforts (see Alana’s tips) by a small percentage, for example, we would make a significant impact collectively. As we reach our respective and collective threshold, we could raise the proverbial ceiling thus increasing awareness and personal responsibility until the ceiling needs lifting again. Are you game?
Have a thought, a response or a letter to the editor? If so, we'll post it next week. editor@greencrier.com
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August 18, 2008
"It is surprising what a man can do when he has to, and how little most men will do when they don't have to." - Walter Linn
This week we welcome two new contributors: Lauren Glaser and Alana Cash. While Lauren investigated animal rights and associated environmental issues, Alana sumbitted her first installment for the the series: Recyling Tips. A pleasure to have them both aboard.
As the Olympics wind down [along with summer], we will collectively set our sights on the work/school year ahead. I remain encouraged by the number of companies that are taking the green movement seriously. To this end, we featured a story on IKEA this week - a sign of future retail/consumer habits.
However, per barrell oil prices are also falling. While still quite high [average cost of gasonline is still up over $1 from last year], industry insiders feel that as the price drops so will people's interest in green, sustainable companies. I disagree. This is the time for change. As a society, we act when money is on the line. We simnply can not take our sights off the goal: renewable energy! Support the cause!
Have a thought, a response or a letter to the editor? If so, we'll post it next week. editor@greencrier.com
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August 11, 2008
"We must all hang together or assuredly we shall all hang separately. "
- Benjamin Franklin
I found the opening ceremonies of the Olympics superb. While
Our lead story this week takes a look at Volkswagen, the official automobile company of the Olympic games. They seem to have their wheels pointed in the right direction. We also featured a story on Wal-Mart and it new found pledge to back-up green products that it sells. As we all know, green is the new business catch phrase. To this end, many companies are falsely claiming to promote green initiatives without substance. Wal-Mart is taking a big step which, as the nation’s largest retailer, holds great promise.
Among other articles, we feature a story by Marc Latham who took a look at heralded movie director Terrence Malick's latest movie “Tree of Life,” a title that inspires thought. After all, that is what we are after: inspiration and progressive thought.
This week we are pleased to welcome two talented columnists: Janie Gray and Tod Faasse. We feel they offer interesting, balanced insights that should provoke thought and hopefully spur dialogue.
As noted in previous editorials, we will soon launch our Contributors Page. Here you will be able to learn about our writers, what pursuits they are involved with and how you can support their varied works.
Stay tuned…
Have a thought, a response or a letter to the editor? If so, we'll post it next week. editor@greencrier.com ___________________________________________________________
August 4, 2008
“Nature provides a free lunch, but only if we control our appetites.”
~William Ruckelshaus, Business Week, 18 June 1990.
We are pleased to begin this month by welcoming new contributors who will join our first official writer, J.D. King. Based in the Catskill Mountain region of New York, he has done a terrific job “Featuring Companies” that are making a difference.
And while in the coming weeks we will have a Contributors Page, for now, a quick overview of the latest, greatest talent to grace Green Crier. In no particular order, Marc Latham comes to us from England and will be writing the majority of our “International News” and features. Kevin Gorey finds his way to us from Cape Cod, Massachusetts and will feature artists and musicians making a difference for “Green Music.” In the coming weeks, we will be introducing columnists including Jamie Gray.
Additional writers are working on stories for next week as this editorial is written. As we know all to well, this economy is tanking and as a result certain writer who agreed to write Pro Bono [because they believe in our mission] had to set their sights on more lucrative pursuits. To this end, we feature an article this week from Frances Shainwald. We hope she’ll be able to find her way to contribute more in the future as we liked having her on the team.
This portal is for education, learning, sharing of ideas and progressive thought. In time we hope to pay our writers what they are worth. For now, it is your support that keeps the engines going as no one on the Green Crier team is paid. Payment might well be in the form of a letter of thanks to us collectively or individually - or as you see fit.
Have a thought, a response or a letter to the editor? If so, we'll post it next week. editor@greencrier.com
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July 28, 2008
“Every generation laughs at the old fashions, but follows religiously the new.”
- Henry David Thoreau
While attending an old friend’s BBQ the other day, we began talking about what is and what in’t green. “I know it might not be very ‘Green Crier’ of me but I had to take a chainsaw to two shrubs that we causing us problems,” he told me with a smirk.
This brings up a great issue with many related questions. People want to do the right thing but have to balance countless variables. On a micro level this could be my buddy's approach to property maintenance. On a macro level, as a country, we are currently faced with decisions on how we can best proceed in a way that is considered environmentally friendly – no small task that requires herculean efforts from all.
We all have a long way to go. Lessons have to be learned, and some cases relearned. There are encouraging signs, however. This week we are featuring two articles on colleges and universities that are developing green, sustainable courses and majors. This initiative is in line with a growing trend of students who gravitate toward green minded schools. For example, a recent Princeton Review survey of 10,300 college applicants found that 63 percent of respondents said that a college’s commitment to the environment could affect their decision to attend. It is in this gray area we at Green Crier hope to shed some light. To this end, we are pleased to announce that in the coming weeks we will welcome seven new contributing writers who will employ their journalistic prowess on weekly basis. In addition, we will welcome several columnists that will bring varying insights to the issues near and dear to this movement. As always, stay tuned. If so inclined, bookmark the website, spread the link around and reach out to us if you have thoughts or concerns. After all, this portal was created for you! Have a thought, a response or a letter to the editor? If so, we'll post it next week. editor@greencrier.com __________________________________________________________
And since there is a learning curve, we as residents and consumers have to keep a watchful eye on companies, institutions and organizations that claim to be green. There is a lot of gray area in the green movement, unfortunately.
July 21, 2008
Henry David Thoreau’s Walden (1857) is considered to be an environmental bible, a guide for those seeking communion with nature. A better book on the spirit and philosophy of the movement is hard to find.
“It appears to be a law that you cannot have a deep sympathy with both man and nature,” Thoreau wrote. Herein a longstanding ideological divide.
America is a testament to perseverance: a country short on history but long on experience and innovation.
The planet has serious issues. For many, even five years ago, this was a topic best associated with left-minded, “liberals” who were more concerned with “tree hugging” than foreign policy. Foreign policy indeed has equal weight, and is interconnected; however, this is not the forum. That topic is left to those in that know not in this know.
Recent movies and documentaries have demonstrated what many believe is in fact an earth in crisis. Research, accolades and awards aside, these missives delivered in all forms of media were for the most part speaking to the choir. There is good reason for that because until now, we, as a people, though personally accountable to varying degrees, have had little incentive to change our ways or demand our government to take greater notice of prevailing issues.
What really changed…gas prices did. The sting we all feel at the pump has created frustration, fear and trepidation. We are right to feel these emotions. We are now inline with many European countries that have long paid even higher prices (the magnitude of bicyclists should be an indication) and as such, set a different energy course.
What we are realizing is that capitalism is a two way street. As an economic model, it is superior as it provides individuals of limited means the opportunity to rise above and succeed. Some call it a caste system as for many there is little hope of changing the level of “living” experienced by the preceding generation. Love it or question it - this is our economic model – a never-ending stimulus package.
Whereas six years ago we were heading for a questionable war in a land full of oil and related interests, back home we saw an increases in the production of large SUVs including the granddaddy of all gas guzzlers, the Hummer. What we see today,however,is manufactures cutting these very same vehicles from productions lines and offering no money down and three years no payment just to move new vehicles off the lot.
On February 24, 1990 The New York Times wrote: “It wasn’t the Exxon Valdez captain’s driving that caused the Alaskan oil spill. It was yours.”
As a country dependent on carbon based fuels we are guilty. It will take time to break the cycle; however, a further quest for carob derived energy will not sustain
China and
This week Green Crier featured an article on Shell Hydrogen LLC which launched It has long been Green Crier’s theory that once “environmental ideology” equaled a market demand which underscored the consumers’ desire to be proactive, progressive and enlightened on the very real issues impacting not only our day to day lives but that of future generations, we would see "capitalism" become a favorite word amongst environmentalists.
In the end, consumers are recognizing and supporting “green” companies that understand the issues and are doing their respective best to change policies and procedures that will support sustainable initiatives.
Party lines are being crossed at increasing numbers. Former actor, Hummer enthusiast and current Republican California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is among them: “We simply must do everything we can in our power to slow down global warming before it is too late. The science is clear. The global warming debate is over.”
Have a thought, a response or a letter to the editor? If so, we'll post it next week. editor@greencrier.com