My Green Life

I recently ran across on article discussing a new Platinum (the highest grade) certified LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) building that is currently being constructed in San Fransisco. LEED designation is the highest honor in green building design, and there are only 70 other buildings worldwide that boast this award. “Living Museum” will contain an aquarium fed by saltwater from the Pacific Ocean, planetarium, rain forest with free-flying birds, and a coral reef inhabited by over 4,000 fish. The green rooftop will contain soil seven inches deep that will act as a natural insulator as well as absorbing 2 million gallons rainwater that would otherwise be stormwater. Of course solar paneling is being installed along with skylights and large floor to ceiling windows for natural, efficient lighting. However, the detail that piqued my interest, was the fact that the California Academy of Sciences will be using recycled denim jeans for insulation instead of fiberglass or foam based insulation! Denim insulation has a number of unique benefits.

This material provides an organic alternative to formaldehyde-laden insulation materials. Recycled denim insulation holds more heat and absorbs sound better than spun fiberglass insulation. It is also safer to handle. Even when denim insulation is treated with fire retardants and fungicides to prevent mildew, it is still easier to work with and doesn’t require installers to wear protective clothing or respirators.

What a great idea to use common, everyday items in a revolutionary way that removes items from the landfills in order to create a marketable, safe necessity. I believe it will take this kind of out-of-the-box thinking to curb our impact on the environment. Missouri University of Science and Technology is doing their part and working to produce disposable bags that will biodegrade in just four months. The bags will be made from a corn starch base that breaks down into water and carbon dioxide. Yet another example of innovative ideas that will help take materials out of landfills. Why not investigate more uncommon uses for common goods? Companies have already found ways to make fleece jackets out of plastic proving the possibilities are endless, and unfortunately, so are the landfills.

What’s the purpose of earth day? When did it even start? Well, the first Earth Day was celebrated in the spring of 1970, and it was initiated by Senator Gaylord Nelson. After waiting over seven years for the ripening of an idea, it was announced in 1969 that the following spring would be the first celebration of the Earth. This ground-breaking event spread quickly through the media and gained popularity especially among students. This day was started with the intent of raising awareness about how individuals can make a difference preserving the earth.  Today, it is still going strong with a list of activities occurring nationwide. This is a great way to get involved in the environmental community and meet some people too!

To think that one Senator could have such a profound influence who had the insight to set aside one day a year to focus on preserving the Earth. Although it may not seem like a huge step, if each one of our congresspeople and senators were willing to take a stand for the environment, we would not be facing some of the water and air issues we are today. We need more senators like Crapo (Rep.) in Nevada introducing legislation designating over 500,000 acres as wilderness. The Owyhee Initiative hearing is set for… ironically enough… April 22. The bill will then be marked up with possible changes made, but it took grassroot organizers eight years to even get this far. This land will potentially be protected from all future development for future generations to enjoy.

Wild Sky is another great success story that recently was passed through the House floor. Wild Sky is the first land designated as Wilderness in Washington state in 23 years. Rep. Rick Larsen (D-Wash) sponsored this bill and waited tirelessly for five years for the unanimous approval of the bill. Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash) will next take it to the Senate floor.

Unfortunately, not all stories end with such a happy ending. That is why this Earth Day, I encourage you all to learn more about what is going on in your neighborhood and write the Senator or Representative from your district encouraging him or her to introduce new legislation. After doing that, get outside and enjoy nice (hopefully) weather. There are a lot of organized hikes and clean-ups going on in various cities. So, at a minimum, I encourage everyone to get involved in their local community. I will be attending Dance of the Dinosaur! (don’t know why it’s called that) to learn more about local environmental initiatives. Also, over 150 sustainable businesses and organizations will be there so maybe I’ll scope out job opportunities too, while I’m at it!