The Davis Voice

Focus the Nation on Sustainability

What's a Teach-In??

The solutions to curb global warming presented at the Focus The Nation events ranged from the high-brow big picture to the seemingly innocuous home remedies.  But at the end of the day, the most striking act for me was catching the UCD R4 mascot, Rocky the R4 Racoon, sifting through the compost bins behind Freeborn Hall. 

This was no staged photo-op, the costumed R4 employee was actually helping out Mike Siminitus, Event Zero Waste Coordinator, ensure that the contents of the compost bin were actually compostable.  That act, sifting through garbage, is one of many that must become commonplace in our homes and places of work... until everyone else religiously practices proper disposal techniques.

After the jump, quotes from Kim Stanley Robinson (yes, I finally met him!) and in the sidebar, check out a new slideshow thingy of my pictures from the event...

The 2% Solution Videocast

Our Frienemy, Technology (The Robots Can't Save Us)

Yesterday, I waxed eloquent about the amazing possibilities of utilizing emerging technologies to fuel the sustainability zeitgeist. 

This evening, at the kickoff event for Focus the Nation, I was reminded that technology is not our savior, just another imperfect tool.

After the jump, get the skinny on this event.

Focus the Nation Calendar of Events

Seriously, Don't Drive Your Car

It seems as though our nation has finally reached the tipping point for cultural and political awareness of global warming pollution and sustainable living. A few politicians still have their heads buried in the sand, but even W (He-Who-Soon-Must-Not-Be-Named) is paying lip service to green technology.

However, this is just the beginning for sustainability crusaders. We have identified the problem and accepted its validity. Now we must find and enact solutions.