1Sky Climate Activists Partied Dressed Like Pollution
Posted on 18. Feb, 2011 by Howard Salus in Environment, Florida News, Green Events, Help Others
1Sky Climate Activists Kicked Back at the Swanky South Beach “Pollution Party”
Saturday, February 12th in Miami- 60 plus climate activists showed up for the 1Sky Swanky South Beach Pollution Party at the Carlton Hotel on South Beach, who donated the space and low-cost drinks to folks who signed up to get involved with 1Sky’s cause. Guests came dressed as their most detested pollution. The costumes? South Miami Mayor Phil Stoddard attended as sweet, crude oil, dressed in a large, dark plastic bag, and his wife, Gray Read, wore a hat of plastic bags. 1Sky volunteer Albert Gomez and one of the party’s coordinators dressed in dark colors as dirty water, while 1Sky organizer Andrea Cuccaro dressed in a flight attendant suit with airplanes and exhaust cloud to signify the 3 percent of annual global carbon emissions from air planes alone. Jim Harper, a writer for The Biscayne Times, put a bunch of his junk mail on a necklace, while Erik Ofengand, a volunteer organizer for1Sky and Greenpeace was a nuclear waste handler complete with a lab coat and goggles, and signage. Other costumes included giant plastic rings like the ones on soda cans, medical waste, and plastic bottle necklaces.
Gray Read and daughter, Andrea Cuccaro
Brian Scheinblum, owner of the Carlton Hotel, has spoken at a previous 1Sky press conference and is a supporter of the need for carbon reduction and clean energy policies along with 1Sky. He has restored the Clifton South Beach, just down the street from the Carlton, as an eco-chic boutique hotel. The Clifton takes advantage of solar panels, LED lighting, an energy management system and so much more to make it one of the greenest buildings in South Florida. “It was great to participate with 1Sky in another great event. We hope that the party was a fun break for those in our community who are working so hard to move our country toward non-polluting renewable energy sources. We truly appreciate all their efforts.”
medical waste, junk mail, and climate activist
cycling friends
Michael Quinn - hear his song on BP oil spill
For years, 1Sky organizers and volunteers have rallied for support around a federal climate bill which, though a minimum of 16,000 people petitioned U.S. Senators in Florida alone, was killed by the heavy spenders in the coal and oil lobbies, and fell off of the agenda in the U.S. Senate last August, even after passing through the U.S. House. 1Sky’s solutions to climate change include reducing carbon emissions in the timelines outlined by thousands of scientists worldwide who contribute to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports. According to the IPCC, we must reduce our collective global carbon 20 percent below what it was in 1990 by the year 2020, and 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050, and 1Sky mobilizes citizen voters and experts regularly to remind leaders in Congress. 1Sky also emphasizes the need for swift transitions away from fossil fuels to clean energy to make this happen. Because humans have burned too much carbon and other greenhouse gases- gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, we are changing the balance of our ecosystems and the temperatures that are related, and the way to change course is to set a quick new agenda for desired carbon levels, and using fuel from renewable power.
In 2007, The Supreme Court ruled that the Environmental Protection Agency could begin using The Clean Air Act to regulate greenhouse gases from coal-fired power plants- our nation’s largest single source of greenhouse gases and the biggest win to fight climate change. Now coal and other fossil fuel industries are heavily lobbying Congress to undo the ruling through legislation, as our government’s system of checks and balances allows. But a citizen movement can stop them by contacting congress in mass.
That’s why 1Sky supporters across the country have held parties and meet ups this month- to rasie awareness and energize citizens to visit Congress in mass in a few weeks and tell them “Protect the EPA’s authority to limit emissions under The Clean Air Act!” Other meet ups and house parties are taking place in Orlando and Tallahassee, to be followed by visits to local offices of Senator Nelson and Senator Rubio. Contact 1Sky to join and help organize a local office visit near you
Rodi and Her Little Lam
Posted on 02. Feb, 2011 by Howard Salus in Education, featured, Florida News, Healthy Foods, Help Others
By Howard Salus
For those ENV readers who don’t know this – Rodi Alexander is a cherished and dear friend of mine on so many levels. She’s a charming, as well as a very talented and gifted performer. She raises the level of love and energy the moment she enters a room. She’s a natural, sweet, gifted lady and a knowledgeable nutritional coach , yes – and a diligent and well-read writer for ENV Magazine, a loving wife, a fantastic Mommy. And now, also a victim of LAM’s disease.
Frequently I look up to the sky and ask,”Why Rodi?” a person who can’t hurt a fly? Why in the prime of her life has this terrible disease afflicted her?
I’m just now beginning to fathom some sort of an answer. Rodi is a fighter! Rodi is a leader! Rodi has passion! Although she has been diagnosed with a disease that few people know about – one that has no known treatment – one in dire need for much more research and treatment options. Look out world – here comes Rodi! She has made many contacts in the medical community, she continues to strenuously exercise and maintain her nutritional regime and continues to look great and perform in front of thousands. She, through her Foundation, has contributed tens of thousands of dollars for research and is indeed making a name where one hadn’t existed.
Where does she obtain the funds? – Through shows and special events and donations. There are so many that absolutely adore this woman – that they give her their time and talents and other resources and feel great about it, to boot. Whether it be a venue such as Rainberry Bay or people working the lights or an orchestra to serve as back-up or wonderful, highly professional and very well know performers – everyone is there for Rodi.
Briefly, LAM (Lymphangioleiomayomatosis) is a rare, progressive, fatal lung disease found in women, mainly during their child bearing years. Over 100,000 women have been diagnosed with LAM worldwide and it is estimated that over 250,000 women have it but have been misdiagnosed with, asthma, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis. LAM is estrogen driven and produces tiny holes in the lungs. The second stage of this disease requires assisted oxygen and the final stage requires a lung transplant. Sadly, because of its rarity in the medical community, it has not drawn major allotments of medical funding for extensive studies to combat this disease.
I plead with you to know more about Rodi and LAM disease and her commitment by going to www.littlelaminc.org
On Monday, January 31st, I had the pleasure of attending Rodi’s latest event - “A Night of Stars” presented by Rodi Alexander’s Little LAM Inc. in conjunction with Rainberry Bay, produced by Alison Chaplin. It was kicked off with “Can You Read My Mind”, sung by the incredible Holly Lipton. Holly was mistress of ceremonies for the first half of the show incorporating her playful humor and personality.
Next was actress and singer of the Broadway stage, Avery Sommers with her soul felt rendition of “Georgia”.
Comedian, Vic Arnell and husband of Holly Lipton, knocked everyone out with his hysterical humor.
Singer, Karen Saunders brought everyone to their feet with her Judy Garland Medley ending with “Somewhere Over The Rainbow.” An awesome routine that continues to ring in my ears.
Mike Burstyn, another Broadway entertainer, came out with his Jolson voice singing “Swanee”.
The second half of the show was hosted by Actor and comedian (and crazy man), Sal Richards. Sal was hilarious – absolutely outstanding!
Next up was Broadway entertainer, Lee Roy Reams who starred in “Hello Dolly” as Cornelius Hackel and then directed Carol Channing in her last performance of “Hello Dolly” years later. Lee Roy brought everyone to their feet with his medley of voices, impersonating every star who sang “Hello Dolly”, ending with the late, great, Louis Armstrong.
The surprise Special Guest Star, was Catskills on Broadway comedian, Freddie Roman. Freddie was great and is always funny!
The final star of the evening was the Beautiful and Fabulous, Actress/singer, Lainie Kazan. Lainie is known for her many movie rolls ….. Beeches, My Fat Greek Wedding etc..,and TV roles, The Nanny, Desperate Housewives etc..Using just a piano and her sultry voice, Lainie captured everyone. Her last song, dedicated to Rodi, was a tear jerking, “Here’s To Life”. You just had to be there to feel the amazing chemistry – another awesome talent – a perfect song, sung perfectly to a perfect lady.
All of the Entertainers, musicians and technical staff, donated their time and talents for this wonderful charity, Rodi Alexander’s Little LAM Inc.
Want to join in this great effort?
Rodi Alexander’s Little LAM Inc., a non-profit organization started in April of 2009, raises money through memberships, events and shows to fund The LAM Foundation and the University of Miami Sylvester Center for research and patient services. To make a donation, send checks to;
Little LAM Inc.
PO Box 822005
South Florida, FL 33082-2005
This article is an easy stretch for me – it deals with a heroic dear friend, the need for proper nourishment, sustainability and ENV’s dedication to the Quality of Life. HS
Ideal Holiday Story
Posted on 28. Dec, 2010 by Howard Salus in Environment, Florida News, Help Others
..The Whale… If you read a recent front page story of the San Francisco Chronicle, you would have read about a female humpback whale who had become entangled in a spider web of crab traps and lines. She was weighted down by hundreds of pounds of traps that caused her to struggle to stay afloat. She also had hundreds of yards of line rope wrapped around her body, her tail, her torso and a line tugging in her mouth.
A fisherman spotted her just east of the Farallon Islands (outside the Golden Gate) and radioed an environmental group for help. Within a few hours, the rescue team arrived and determined that she was so bad off, the only way to save her was to dive in and untangle her. They worked for hours with curved knives and eventually freed her.
When she was free, the divers say she swam in what seemed like joyous circles. She then came back to each and every diver, one at a time, and nudged them, pushed them gently around as she was thanking them.
Some said it was the most incredibly beautiful experience of their lives. The guy who cut the rope out of her mouth said her eyes were following him the whole time, and he will never be the same.
May you, and all those you love, be so blessed and fortunate to be surrounded by people who
will help you get untangled from the things that are binding you. And, may you always know the joy of giving and receiving gratitude.
I pass this on to you, my friends, in the same spirit. Read more.
BPA & U!
Posted on 04. Oct, 2010 by Howard Salus in Green Events, Help Others
Show your support for the passage of the Broward County Toxic Free Baby & Toddler Act
Please sign this petition to show your support for the passage of the Broward County Toxic Free Baby & Toddler Act. This Act will protect young children from the toxic chemical Bisphenol-A (BPA) that is found in plastics. Science research shows that BPA causes negative health effects including cancer, obesity, diabetes, and reproductive health issues. Won’t you help make a difference? This Act is currently before the Broward League of Cities and the Broward County Commission. We need your support!! Please sign and send this petition to your friends, colleagues, and family. Thank you!!!
South Florida Audubon Society fully supports this Act!
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/browardtoxicfreetoddleract/
Seeds for Haiti
Posted on 29. Sep, 2010 by Howard Salus in Environment, Florida News, Green Events, Help Others
REDLAND TROPICAL GARDENS SENDS “SEEDS TO FEED HAITI”
PLANTING THE SEEDS OF HOPE, FARMER TO FARMER
On Thursday, September 23, 2010, Redland Tropical Gardens, a not for profit State of Florida 501 c 3, dedicated to providing the resources for the development, preservation, education and promotion of sustainable nature-based, historic and cultural heritage TOURISM, while supporting local industries of the Redland and South Florida, in cooperation with premiere sponsor, Helena Chemical Company, Haiti Shipping Cargo Services, support of State Representative Dwight Bullard, Alpha Foliage, Inc., Dade County Farm Bureau, Paul & Associates Law Firm, South Florida Audubon, and Village Planet/ One Village Planet, will continue their three year initiative ” Seeds to Feed Haiti”, by sending over a million vegetable seeds annually, to many areas of Haiti. This project is being organized to help prevent famine and enable Haiti to establish agricultural sustainability. There is urgency to ensure seeds are sown and cultivated during Haiti’s principal planting season to avert a food crisis, which was addressed as a response to a “Call to Action” put in place by Former President Bill Clinton, now a U.N. Special Envoy, Haitian International Recording Artist, Wyclef Jean, and UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon.
“We should empower the poor people of Haiti by providing them with education and tools they can use to survive in their world. Today we are faced with a crisis in Haiti of unprecedented proportions. Current estimates are that over 100,000 people have been killed, and millions are left homeless. Those still alive are starving and fighting to survive. Even before the earthquake, a quarter of Haiti’s children were malnourished and 2.8 million people – a third of the total population – were affected by chronic hunger because long-term neglect of agriculture and chronic soil erosion had led production to plummet”- Dan Warren, the founder of One Village Planet.
“Seed to Feed Haiti” is a Farmer-to-Farmer initiative created by Margie Buster, of Redland Tropical Gardens and co-owner of Alpha Foliage, Inc. a 250 acre for-profit nursery, in the Redland, along with husband Charles Buster and Carol and John DeMott, partners for 30 years. Farm Bureau will recognize both couples as “Agricultural Families of the Year” for 2010, this October 5.
The “Can Do” legacy of the natural, cultivated and cultural communities of South Miami-Dade, Florida City, Homestead and the Redland has exemplified resilience, optimism, pride and a pioneer spirit that still abounds despite natural disasters of cold, drought and the rocky soil and particularly Hurricane Andrew which almost 18 years ago devastated farms, gardens, nurseries and natural areas.
The press release event was held on the lawn at Alpha Foliage main office, in Homestead, FL. In attendance were Homestead Mayor Steve Bateman, Florida City Mayor Otis Wallace, State Representative Candidate Katy Edwards, Farm Bureau, South Florida Audubon Society President Doug Young, Mr. and Mrs. Ferry Paul, Paul and Associates, Katherine Walters, F.N.G.L.A., Margie Buster, President of Redland Tropical Gardens, and Board of Directors, Ruth Campbell, Larry Stuart, Brenda Shaner, Mary Schneider, Darlene Roth, Rudy Muniz, Jr., and distinguished community members.
The “Seeds to Feed Haiti” is a three year commitment, Thursdays shipment is year one and will be repeated in 2011 and again in 2012 to ensure time for education, cropping and success. With this amazing group involved this project has spurred hope that it can and will succeed. With cameras and computers to document the Haitian Farmers with rakes and hoes to plant and tend the crops, the oversight and education in place and the harvesters waiting to fill their baskets. Yet the hundreds of good Samaritans who have already reached out willingly to get these seeds to this first ship, is a miracle already, as the seeds had to travel cross country and still have about ten days before they will reach the port of Cap Haitien, then pass through customs at which time they will be under protection until they can be distributed directly to the individual farms. “This is probably the most profound project of our organization’s 15 year history” says Margie Buster, President Redland Tropical Gardens.
For further information go to www.theredland.org or email to margibuster@yahoo.com
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