by jboullion | Apr 23, 2009 | Uncategorized
From an article by Meredith Thorn in the Stevens Point Journal:
Environmental sustainability can be a large concept. But from grants to purchase hybrid buses to a designation of Tree City USA, Stevens Point officials say small steps must be taken when talking about environmental sustainability and saving energy.
“We’ve got to get our feet wet before we jump into the deep end of the pool,” Mayor Andrew Halverson said.
Wednesday marked Earth Day, a day of recognition for the environment that began in 1970 and was founded by Gaylord Nelson, a then U.S. senator from Wisconsin.
With all the talk about carbon footprints, sight is often lost of the simple things that can be done for the environment, such as planting a tree, Halverson said Wednesday at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, where he spoke at a tree-planting to commemorate Earth Day.
He said it’s about taking small steps that will help the city, which was declared an eco-municipality in June, achieve realistic goals. This can include the planting of trees, but also planting vines on fences, or growing in a denser way, he said. As a city, he said, we’ve go to start somewhere.
by jboullion | Apr 20, 2009 | Uncategorized
A list of events, ranging from poetry readings to a scrap metal drive, in and around the greater Milwaukee area.
Events include:
Earth Day for Afternoon Nappers
Earth Day Festival at Riverside Park
22nd Annual Earth Poets & Musicians Festival
In Celebration of Trees
Earth Day Festival at Washington Park
St. Sebastian Scrap Metal Drive
Party for the Planet
by jboullion | Apr 9, 2009 | Uncategorized
From an announcement from the Midwest Renewable Energy Association, Custer, WI:
Enjoy Earth Day with friends and help support the MREA! Move Some Earth Day brings together volunteers to help improve our demonstration site, so we can better promote and educate others about renewable energy and sustainable living.
We have a variety of projects and need a variety of skills. Bring tools such as rakes, shovels, chainsaws, etc. All volunteers should bring gloves.
We need help in the following areas:
• Cleaning the ReNew the Earth facility
• Landscaping and mowing
• Preparing the pond for spring
• Cleaning shower trailer at campground
• Turning compost & Many other projects!
Move Some Earth Day happens rain or shine.
by jboullion | Apr 7, 2009 | Uncategorized
The 2nd Sawyer County Earth Day Event of 2008 was listed as one of the top news stories in the Sawyer County Record’s Year in Review.
We didn’t need to read that the Celebration of Earth Day-local solutions to global problems- drew more than two hundred local people to the Sawyer County Fairgrounds We were there again bringing together organizations, businesses, schools, & people from our area exhibiting and speaking about renewable energy, composting, fuel efficiency, gardening, natural & locally produced foods, water quality, and many other displays
Sustainability is defined as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
The first & second Earth Day Events facilitated by the Sawyer County Democratic Party and Good Friends highlighted and informed the visitors as to what is available in our area to assist them in not only becoming more sustainable in their individual lives, but how our communities can work together to be sustainable.
Because we know you are a community leader and pioneer in the sustainability movement and have been working hard in assisting our county’s residents in understanding and incorporating green and healthy practices in their lives, we would like to invite you to participate in the 3rd Earth Day Event- Local Solutions to Global Issues, April 25, 10-4 pm at the Sawyer County Fairgrounds near Hayward.
There is no charge to you for table or space for displays. You will be responsible for whatever taxes or fees for any products that might be sold by you. You are encouraged to fill out the attached document and return it at your earliest convenience. This will help us to assist you with your needs and assure a space for you. Set up time will begin at 9am on the 25th.
This year instead of a separate area for speakers and presentations, we will provide a “roving mic” which will be available throughout the day in the exhibition hall for you to do a short presentation about your display to visitors and other participants if you wish.
Protecting the earth and living lives individually and as communities that ensure that our grandchildren & their grand children will enjoy the good sustainable life has never been a politically partisan goal. It is all of our goal. We all are responsible for leaving the earth in better shape than we inherited. We all need to work together, no matter our beliefs or political leanings.
Thank you for what you are already doing and providing to the people of Sawyer County and our region. And thank you for your consideration in being a participant in the 3rd Sawyer County Earth Day Event this year.
For more information, questions, comments, you can call Waldo at 715-354-7450 or email sawyerdemocrats@yahoo.com. You can also contact damzel02@gmail.com
by jboullion | Mar 24, 2009 | Uncategorized
From a news release issued by Alliant Energy:
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – Alliant Energy Corp. (NYSE: LNT) will host the 3rd annual Supplier Diversity Symposium in Dubuque, Iowa on Friday, April 24. This event is designed to give minority and women business owners the opportunity to network with purchasing professionals, learn about supplier diversity efforts in the Midwest, and gain insight into the issues affecting Alliant Energy’s current business and regulatory environment.
Alliant Energy implemented the program to encourage diverse suppliers to compete for Alliant Energy’s business. The company’s spending totaled more than $100 million in 2007 and 2008 with minority and woman-owned businesses.
“We anticipate spending over $60 million with diverse vendors again this year and are looking to further increase our diverse vendor base,” said Chris Lindell, Vice President – Shared Services for Alliant Energy. “We feel the company benefits from the creativity and new perspectives diverse suppliers have to offer.”
More than 100 minority and women business owners from Iowa and Wisconsin have pre-registered for the free event at the Grand River Center, 500 Bell St., Dubuque, IA. A short program will be held, beginning at 8:00 a.m.