Mike Plotnick captures testimonials of people discussing when they really “got it” regarding the importance of being green. Before people will STAND FOR LESS they have to understand why their actions are so important. What is your green Aha! Moment?
Oct
27
27
Governor Schwarzenegger’s Global Climate Summit
Governor Schwarzenegger hosted an extraordinary gathering in Los Angeles a few weeks ago.
From September 30 to October 2 an extraordinary gathering took place in Los Angeles: The Governors’ Global Climate Summit. STAND FOR LESS “attended” this event as virtual guests. Our team crowded around our computers as leaders spoke. Because of the webcast we were able to participate in the event at no cost.
What good are gatherings of this type where national and international leaders come together, give speeches and share ideas? We assert that such meetings can be very good and in fact are vital to our future. When people discuss climate change they tap into issues that directly affect all species on this planet—from the continued ability of our ecosystems to survive to daily issues that affect our economy.
STAND FOR LESS reported live on the event through our Facebook and twitter accounts. Here is a small sampling of some of the words that were spoken in Los Angeles:
“America has lost our groove as a country . . . I am focused on how we get our groove back. We need to take on the world’s biggest problems, the problems of the world becoming Hot, Flat, and Crowded.” –Author and reporter Thomas Friedman
“While people around the world may have different governments we all share one ecosystem.” –Actor Rob Lowe
“What sort of economy do we want in the future? A sustainable one and a low-carbon one.” Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair
“California has shown that the fastest growing job sector is in the green economy, growing ten times faster than any other sector.” –Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
“Green is the new red, white and blue.” –Thomas Friedman
At STAND FOR LESS we believe that words matter. Actions follow words.
What does Friedman mean when he says that green is the new red, white and blue? Why is it important that in the toughest economy since the Depression, California’s governor recognizes green jobs are one of the few bright spots? What do you think of Prime Minister Blair’s point that our economy must become sustainable? What are the consequences of it not becoming sustainable? Have we lost our groove as a country?
If you’re a regular reader you can guess how we would answer these questions, but what do you think? We encourage you to watch video from the event which is available online.
Oct
26
26
Journalist Mike Lee examines the movement to STAND FOR LESS
Going green is much more than a fad. Read today’s story by Mike Lee of the San Diego Union-Tribune called “For many, saving green a big part of picture.”
At STAND FOR LESS we follow Mike’s work closely and post many of his stories on our Facebook page. If you are not yet a fan of STAND FOR LESS on Facebook become one today by following this link: http://tinyurl.com/SFLonFB
Oct
19
19
Waste trucks STAND FOR LESS
Have you noticed anything different about your local waste hauler’s trucks? More than 50 Environmental Services trucks circling San Diego neighborhoods feature STAND FOR LESS on the side. San Diego City Environmental Services Department is making sure residents recycle what they can before they throw out their trash.
STAND FOR LESS and the San Diego Urban Corps have also joined forces to promote sustainability by displaying large magnets on more than 50 of their local vans and trucks that roam the streets on a daily basis.
All featured vehicles are both a means of transportation and promotion towards a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle. Let these moving messages be a reminder to make a change in your daily life. Whether your change is big or a small, you’re still making a difference.
To follow in the path of these green machines and get some helpful tips on how to make your life greener, check out these waste management tips.
Oct
16
16
October is energy awareness month
Our addiction to foreign oil is draining us financially and doing long-term damage to the environment. Last month alone we imported 357 million barrels of oil at a cost of $25 billion. This represents 63 percent of the oil Americans used last month. Driving fewer miles and driving energy efficient vehicles are important changes each of us can make in our lives.
Working to make our homes more energy efficient is just as important. STAND FOR LESS partner SDG&E offers many ways for you to use less energy in your home. One of the first steps toward conservation is simple awareness. Schedule some time to take advantage of the interactive tools that SDG&E provides online. They will help you find ways to conserve and save money.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy created the Energy Star program to encourage Americans to take a STAND FOR LESS energy use. Visit their Web site to find out more about what you can do to conserve.
By taking a stand for less energy wasted, less American money being spent on foreign oil and more clean energy our environment wins and our economy benefits. Remind your friends that this is energy awareness month and encourage them to take a STAND FOR LESS.
Harnessing the power of the wind is a great way for us to take a STAND FOR LESS. Even more important though may be actions that you take to raise your energy awareness and to use less energy through conservation at home and on the road.
Oct
14
14
Riverview Elementary of Lakeside, a California leader in standing for less
The students, teachers and parents at Riverview Elementary School in Lakeside have taken a STAND FOR LESS waste by recycling more bottles and cans. Parent Marti Wilmot is in charge of the recycling program at Riverview Elementary, where her son goes to school. They have Recycling Day every Friday, and families are encouraged to bring their aluminum, glass and plastic bottles and cans to school for recycling. One parent checks the items in (the class with the most during the semester wins a prize), and parents then help sort the material and take the empty containers to a recycling center to claim the California Refund Value – five cents on containers less than 24 ounces, 10 cents on containers 24 ounces or larger.
The school also incorporates recycling and environmental education into its curriculum to make students more aware of their impact on the earth and how they can help themselves and the planet. Not only does recycling save valuable resources that end up in the waste stream, but it saves energy too. Did you know that recycling a single aluminum can saves enough energy to run a laptop computer for about 11 hours?
Recycling program organizers noticed that many recyclables were being thrown away on the playground and at lunch. They wanted to make sure the containers were recycled instead of ending up in a landfill. In an effort to help the teachers with containers in the classroom, organizers asked the California Department of Conservation for help with some recycling bins. Turns out the Department has free bins available through its Recycling Starter Kit program, the school received five. For more information on the Recycling Starter Kit, and on how to redeem bottles and cans for cash, visit www.bottlesandcans.com.
So what has taking a STAND FOR LESS waste through recycling meant to Riverview Elementary? The school earned more than $4,000 for the school last year, and was off to a record breaking start with more than $400 in the first two weeks in the new school year! Riverview Elementary plans to continue to recycle its bottles and cans and STAND FOR LESS waste!
At Stand For Less, we encourage other schools in San Diego County and throughout California to follow Riverview’s lead, and to take the STAND FOR LESS pledge.
Oct
12
12
Thank you CCSE for spotlighting solar energy
CCSE youth vehicles to introduce young people to alternative vehicles at an early age.
The California Center for Sustainable Energy (CCSE) did a great job this year with solar energy week. STAND FOR LESS was there along with many others. Solar energy week is an annual opportunity for CCSE to promote solar, an area where San Diego County is a national leader. Visit the CCSE Web site for more information on solar energy week as well as the many other programs available from this STAND FOR LESS partner.
This video does an excellent job of summarizing solar energy week:
Read more about CCSE and its Executive Director, Irene Stillings. CCSE is a huge asset to our community.
Oct
8
8
The Greywater Guerillas are now Greywater Action
We recently introduced you to the Greywater Guerillas. They are no more. The group recently changed their name to reflect that their efforts are becoming an important part of the California mainstream.
This is a good thing!
Visit their updated Web site and see their new name at http://greywateraction.org/
Start making plans to recycle your own greywater, especially if you are a gardener or irrigate any part of your property.
Oct
5
5
STAND FOR LESS Hero: John Willett
STAND FOR LESS is dedicated to promoting behavioral change among individuals and society as a whole. Only by changing our behaviors will we have any hope of creating a sustainable community. John Willett is a man who understands this. For over two decades this 88–year-old has been taking a stand for San Diego County. His personal project is reclaiming the Otay River Valley.
The Cox Conserves Heroes program, sponsored by STAND FOR LESS and Think Blue San Diego, selected Willett after a lengthy process. The video below does an outstanding job of introducing Willett, a World War II veteran and conservationist who has led the way in the reclamation of a local watershed.
The results are spectacular, and an inspiration:
Oct
1
1
San Diego County Water Authority: Rebates available now!
Commercial and residential rebate programs re-launched on September 21.
For residential customers, the SoCal Water$mart program offers rebates on a first-come, first-served basis while funding is available. Residential water customers are those living in houses or apartments, townhomes, condominiums, or mobile home complexes with four or less dwellings that are NOT represented by a homeowners association or property management company. You do not need a rebate reservation. Only approved devices purchased on or after September 21, 2009, are eligible for a rebate. Rebate amounts may vary by water agency, so please call 888-376-3314, or visit www.socalwatersmart.com, for updated program information.
For commercial customers, the Save A Buck program offers rebates on a first-come, first-served basis, while funding is available. However, a rebate reservation is required for this program and must be obtained before a device is purchased. Purchases made before September 21, 2009, or without a rebate reservation are ineligible for a rebate. For Save A Buck program information, please visit www.mwdsaveabuck.com.
For updated program and funding information, click here.