I wish every day could be like Earth Day

The environmental challenges since the first Earth Day in 1970 have shifted, waxed and waned, but always remained on the cusp of mainstream support, never quiet rallying a nation to the kind of mobilization we saw during WWII.

This year marks a moment when journalists and bloggers, scientists and religious leaders, politicians and civilians all begin raising their voices for sweeping reform. I have realistic optimism that the green revolution is coming.

At Ithaca College, Michael Smith took his Environmental History class to the History Center to present their projects from the class. The Park Sustainability Club held a film screening photo exhibit. The sustainability interns for Dining Services Sofia Johnson and Stephanie Piech were giving away 200 reusable bags and exchanging incandescent light bulbs for CFLs at “Late Night” at Towers Dining Hall.

Lastly, IC Feminists worked with ICES to put on the Red Tent event, which “is a celebration of menstruation and a showcase of alternative products.” President of ICES Nate Bates said the Diva Cups were popular along with herbal teas focusing on women’s health and cycles. Well done again Ithaca College for presenting a strong showing on Earth Day, and for holding events all week. If this keeps up, maybe Earth Week will become Earth Month and Earth Year. Or as Grist says, everyday should be Earth Day, so “screw” this.

The national news stretches from amazing movements and progress to the steady drumming from scientists that the apocalypse is coming faster than expected. And worst than expected.

The Terrifying: Joe Romm, from Climate Progress, links to a MSN story which says our planet is already experiencing the early symptoms of climate change.

The Stupid: Of course the MSM and corporations are pandering to the ‘light green’ crowds today. Set your greenwash cycle to extra bullsh*t.

The Politically Invigorating: Andy Revkin reports on political rival (John Kerry (D) of Massachusetts and James M. Inhofe (R) of Oklahoma) who introduced legislation in the senate together to clean up dangerous pollutants on Earth Day.

The Grassroots Scene: The youth oriented “It’s Getting Hot In Here” reported on civil disobedience in Charolette, NC where 300 activists were arrested for trying to peacefully block the building of a new coal power plant.

The Silly: Huffington Post produced their own video (which is news in itself) from TV clips (oops, nevermind) of the funniest Earth Day jokes from Colbert to Leno.

Editorial side: I only wish we had seen some hardcore climate change teach-ins, protests, letter writing campaigns or any kind of political activism at Ithaca College during Earth Week. Education is great, but we don’t have time to turn everyone into climate change advocates.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” - Margaret Mead.

Powershift gave this college all the tools we needed to become a leader in real change in Washington, or on our campus. I hope to see more politically motivated campaigns in the future.

A tidbit recap

Congresstional aides in Rayburn Office hold up sign to bolster PowerShift protesters

Congresstional aides in Rayburn Office hold up sign to bolster PowerShift protesters

Hey eco-dumpers! Sorry for the long break from your favorite local environmental news source. A week of mid-terms and a spring break in Columbus, Georgia (without internet access) building a house for Habitat for Humanity really limited my blogging ability. Just to catch you up on a few things I’ve been hearing about:

- Recylcemania numbers are taking off! I stopped by the ICES booth in the Campus Center yesterday, and Nancy Webster told me that Ithaca now has a 48% recycle rate! Last year we had a 25% rate, so we are totally kicking some butt.

- FREE FOOD!!! While walking through the Fitness Center, I spotted a poster for the “Real Foods” program being held in Klingenstein Lounge at 7 p.m. I’ll try to get coverage of it, but I suggest you make it, because it sounds very interesting. Also, I’d recommend reading either of Michael Pollan’s books, “The Omnivores Dilemma” or “In Defense of Food.” Rolling Stone just listed him among their Top 100 Agents of Change.

- Someone actually considers me an expert! Cat Nuwer, a freshman journalism major who’s taking Journalism Research with Todd Shack, is working on her 20-25 page report for the class. While it appears she has a ton of research and interviews and she’s having some difficulty finding a focus, she said her main interest now is on how students are effecting change on the campus, as opposed to administrators. If you’ve got some information for her, send an e-mail her way.

- If you looking for some more local coverage of the PowerShift rally, the Ithaca Times published a piece on Thursday, and the Ithaca Journal (subscription may be needed) published a preview of the conference on February 27. I’m happy to say that The Ithacan scooped the competition, bringing your results and pictures before any other local paper could.

I should have some more commentary on the PowerShift conference, along with some videos I’m editing (briefly) and posting on YouTube, so check back again soon.