by jboullion | Dec 18, 2009 | Uncategorized
Each year citizens from across Wisconsin descend on the Capitol to share their conservation values with their Legislators. Since the first Conservation Lobby Day in 2005, it has grown from just 100 citizens to more than 600! As we head into the 6th annual Conservation Lobby Day, there is one thing we can guarantee-when citizens come together to make their conservation values known, legislators listen, and conservation victories soon follow!
The reauthorization of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund and the passage of the Strong Great Lakes Compact are two great examples of how citizen lobbying resulted in ground-breaking conservation laws.
Conservation Lobby Day is a unique opportunity to share your conservation stories and experiences with legislators and have a huge impact on conservation policies affecting all of Wisconsin.
This Conservation Lobby Day, you can help to:
* Preserve Groundwater: Wisconsin’s Buried Treasure: manage Wisconsin’s groundwater resources to preserve lakes, streams, wetlands and drinking water supplies.
* Stop Global Warming in Wisconsin: address the threats of global warming in Wisconsin through clean, renewable energy jobs and energy conservation.
* Restore Conservation Integrity: return Wisconsin to an Independent DNR Secretary and a timely appointment of Natural Resource Board members.
* Protect Wisconsin’s Drinking Water: protect Wisconsin’s drinking water supplies by making sure we safely spread agricultural, municipal, and industrial waste.
For a 1-page brief on each of these issues and more information about Conservation Lobby Day 2010, go to: http://www.conservationvoters.org/Public/index.php?custID=110
Registration starts at 9:00am on the day of the event, but you MUST REGISTER BEFORE JANUARY 19th by visiting http://www.conservationvoters.org/Public/index.php?custID=110 and signing up. There you can learn more about the issues in order to better prepare you for the day’s events.
by jboullion | Dec 8, 2009 | Uncategorized
From an announcement published in the Stevens Point Journal:
A more proactive approach to the pending challenges of energy depletion and climate change will be the focus of a movie and panel discussion at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.
The program will be held Thursday, Dec. 10, at 6:30 p.m. in the Dreyfus University Center Theater. Sponsored by the Students for Sustainable Communities, the event is open and free to the public.
The film, “The Great Squeeze,” discusses modern society’s over consumption of resources and the implications for the future of humankind and the Earth as a whole. Eric Olson, instructor and land use specialist in the College of Natural Resources, and Samantha Kaplan, assistant professor of geography, will lead the panel discussion and share their vision of a sustainable future.
by jboullion | Nov 19, 2009 | Uncategorized
From an announcement from Transition Wisconsin:
Transition Wisconsin is looking for individuals who would like to serve on the board or be a director for the Incorporation of “Transition Wisconsin” as a non-profit in the State of Wisconsin.
Transition Wisconsin is currently a part of the Transition Movement looking to formalize it’s involvement. It is currently involved, through its web presence, in providing people information on Peak Oil and Climate Change as well as opportunities for people to help make a positive transition to a world in which petroleum will become terminally in decline. Similarly, providing as much factual information concerning Climate Change is another priority. It is hoped that the infrastructure created would allow Wisconsin neighborhood, Town, Village or City communities as Transition initiatives with the benefits of tax exempt financial benefits working as an umbrella organization.
Anyone interested or have questions should email Rees Roberts.
Individuals have until December 31, 2009 to respond. It is hoped a diverse cross section of Wisconsin be represented.
This message will be repeated and shared widely.
by jboullion | Oct 14, 2009 | Uncategorized
From an announcement by the Waukesha County Environmental Action League:
Water is on its way to becoming the oil of the 21st century. World water shortages brought about by increasing demand of growing populations and the results of mis-use and overuse of water, in conjunction with globalization, and the privatization of government roles and responsibilities, are adding up to what may be a world water crisis. While improved technology and new and alternate sources may provide answers to the energy crunch, no scientists have discovered how to make more water yet.
Two award-winning documentary films begin to address this issue: “Thirst” and “FLOW” (For Love of Water). Beginning on Sept. 23, WEAL (Waukesha County Environmental Action League) will show these films around the County.
Think of it as the “No Excuses Film Fest”:
Seven showings (“Thirst” — 4 showings. “FLOW” — 3 showings.)
On different nights of the week
From Sept 23 to Oct 22, 2009
At locations all around the County
Free parking at easily accessible Public Libraries**
Free admission
Light refreshments
Discussion to follow
by jboullion | Oct 11, 2009 | Uncategorized
From an article by Steve Cahalan in the Winona Daily News:
LA CROSSE, Wis. – The Walmart discount chain is committed to environmental sustainability, which is what its customers want, a company official said Thursday at the second Bioplastic and Biocomposite Supply Chain Conference.
Meanwhile, two local officials said in interviews they anticipate growth in bioplastics and biocomposites manufacturing, which involves using such things as plant-derived fibers and crops such as corn as ingredients.
About 90 people at the event at the Radisson Hotel in La Crosse heard presentations on the future of bioplastics and biocomposites. The conference was hosted by the Wisconsin Office of Energy Independence, the 7 Rivers Alliance and Winona State University.
“Every sector of our company is involved in sustainability and looking at ways that we can incorporate sustainable practices into our business and be a better corporate neighbor, take care of our planet and most of all, give our customers what they want,” said Lisa Nelson, Walmart senior manager of public affairs for Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa.
Walmart in October 2005 announced three core sustainability goals – to be supplied 100 percent by renewable energy, to create zero waste and to sell products that sustain resources and the environment.
Nelson gave examples of the company working toward these goals, such as reducing packaging, more efficient transportation practices that reduce fuel consumption by trucks, and constructing energy-efficient buildings.
