Writing for GreenOptions I sometimes get contacted by PR firms wanting to promote projects. Sight unseen I usually shrug them off, I happen to only write about items that I have seen or used, and can feel good about endorsing. When MSNBC contacted me the other day with a preview of a new special on animal conservation, I figured it was probably more of the same stories I have seen over and over again. However, when I watched the preview it sucked me in. It is hosted by Jeff Corwin, a famous naturalist you have probably seen on TV. I can say wholeheartedly that this looks like something that I can feel good about endorsing.
Every 20 minutes a species will go extinct, 20,000 species this year, and this Sunday, November 22, 8PM Eastern MSNBC will be airing “100 Heartbeats” hosted by Jeff Corwin to fight back. You can watch the preview here: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/33490448#33490448
Unless you live in an eco village or other form of intentional community, you’re probably curious about the lifestyle. You’ve probably already got some images stuck in your head (I know the commune from Easy Rider always comes to my mind). You may even cling to a few stereotypes. But, as you’ve seen here at Planetsave, contemporary eco village life doesn’t necessarily conform to those stereotypes… it can be both hip and hippie, modern and simple, and, above all, deeply green.
The “green movement” is gaining some steam in the general public, and hey I am all for it. As long as it doesn’t become a fad that fades away into a footnote like slap bracelets and Crocks. The Apple iPhone is the hottest smart phone going today, and with over 65,000 applications in the iTunes App Store and counting, the usefulness of this pocket device goes up all the time. This can only mean that there will be green apps on the iPhone, and of course there will be some clunkers. With all these apps floating around there must be some gems as well. I’ll give some apps a try and tell you what I think, so you, my loyal reader, doesn’t have to.
(Part 2: Paid Apps, will be coming soon, so check back at PlanetSave.com)
The European Union (EU) and MTV are working together to get young people involved in the climate debate. The major entities started their “Play to Stop – Europe for Climate” campaign this month. Working with international music artists and other international celebrities, this is a major campaign to mobilize the youth around the topic of climate change, and especially for the Copenhagen Climate Conference in December.
The campaign targets 11 EU countries — Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Romania, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. The campaign will involve celebrities from the various participating countries. Read the rest of this entry »
The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) is hosting a “Dump the Pump” video contest. The winner will get one free year on public transportation!
A new organization, starting off in South London, but open to working in other areas as well, is making links in the green world on the grassroots level and is getting some serious attention. Read the rest of this entry »
In light of the 40th anniversary of mankind’s first steps on the moon, the Department of Energy (DOE) has launched its own “giant leap” venture. Energy Secretary Steven Chu is taking his small step into the Facebook world (an ever growing, ever consuming world). Chu set up a page that will hopefully make a huge impact on climate change.
Peter Sinclair is back again with a new installment of his always-insightful podcast “The Climate Denial Crock of the Week.” This time, he tackles the common claim climate change deniers make that thousands of reputable scientists dispute global warming. Check it out!
The Age of Stupid has arrived after half a decade in the making. Franny Armstrong has made a new climate change documentary-drama that stars Pete Postlethwaite as an indie climate change refugee from 2055, that shares the tragedy of of global warming.
In addition to their screenings, they offer ways to help via their ‘not stupid‘ climate activism effort. They are truly trying to encourage folks to participate in lobbying politicians leading up to the talks in Copenhagen at the end of the year.
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