Earth Day eve 2009: An environmental writer, an interpretive ranger, and a sustainability planner sat around the kitchen table and realized none of us knew how, where, and how Earth Day got started. Found the following from The Wilderness Society - let me know if you find other information.
The seeds of Earth Day were planted in 1962 when Sen. Gaylord Nelson from Wisconsin had this idea for Pres. JFK to go on a national wilderness tour. So JFK did in 1963 but it didn't get as much limelight as he'd hoped (anyone knows why?).
Summer of 1969, Nelson was on a conservation speaking tour and had an idea to tap into the energies of student-led protests, rallies and teach-ins around the Vietnam War and channel them into the environmental cause. He announced that in the Spring of 1970 there would be a nationwide environmental teach-in about the problems the world faced with its water, land, air, forests, oceans, etc. With the rising awareness over environmental concerns, this idea caught on like wildfire. Supposedly 20 million people participated in that first Earth Day in 1970.
I can only imagine the energy at that time. I imagine it was something like what happened the night Obama got elected. Grassroots. Walking around Berkeley and the Bay Area, I look around and see the ghosts of the 1970 nationwide grassroots efforts. If anyone have stories at that time, I'd love to hear them.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
What's your first Earth Day memory?
-- Earth Day Tribute #2 --
It all started with colleagues at The Watershed Project, a watershed education nonprofit that I've been involved with, sharing stories of our first Earth Day memories. Complete the following sentence: "My first Earth Day memory is...." If you wish it would be great to mention (1) in what year and (2) place where it happened. I wonder if there is an evolution to the messages we're hearing on Earth Day from its first occurence.
My first Earth Day memory is from 1992. My primary school in Singapore held a team drawing contest and my team's won. The theme was global warming and the drawing was of a big round earth with and ice pack on its head and a thermometer sticking out of its mouth.
--Jane
My first Earth Day memory is from elementary school in 1972 -- the third Earth Day -- and the teachers enjoined we kids to decide what to do. We decided to climb a hill and hold a rally for Shirley Chisholm, the first black woman elected to Congress, who was running for president against Richard Nixon. I went to a pretty cool elementary school. We didn't plant any trees, but we did build a pond. That's how I know so much about how leaky a pond built by kids can be.
--Guy
I used to look forward to Earth Day almost as much as any other holiday when I was in elementary school because I knew we'd get to plant a tree and spend the whole day outside!
--Jan
It all started with colleagues at The Watershed Project, a watershed education nonprofit that I've been involved with, sharing stories of our first Earth Day memories. Complete the following sentence: "My first Earth Day memory is...." If you wish it would be great to mention (1) in what year and (2) place where it happened. I wonder if there is an evolution to the messages we're hearing on Earth Day from its first occurence.
My first Earth Day memory is from 1992. My primary school in Singapore held a team drawing contest and my team's won. The theme was global warming and the drawing was of a big round earth with and ice pack on its head and a thermometer sticking out of its mouth.
--Jane
My first Earth Day memory is from elementary school in 1972 -- the third Earth Day -- and the teachers enjoined we kids to decide what to do. We decided to climb a hill and hold a rally for Shirley Chisholm, the first black woman elected to Congress, who was running for president against Richard Nixon. I went to a pretty cool elementary school. We didn't plant any trees, but we did build a pond. That's how I know so much about how leaky a pond built by kids can be.
--Guy
I used to look forward to Earth Day almost as much as any other holiday when I was in elementary school because I knew we'd get to plant a tree and spend the whole day outside!
--Jan
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Brisbane Riverfronts
Sunday, 15 March 2009
The other water discovery in Brisbane is, well, the Brisbane River. In this entry's title I use the plural because the riverfront is well-utilized in many areas, lending a diversity of landscapes and uses. We started at South Bank, over the Goodwill Bridge, through a mangrove walk and the Botanical Gardens, then down Albert St in the CBD and Queens St the pedestrian mall, back across Victoria Bridge to the ferris wheel and Cultural Center, on Clem Jones Promenade and past Streets Beach and back to where we parked. A good 3.5-hour leisurely walk later, I was impressed by how well used every bit of the riverfront in this area is. Public access seems to be the priority, with private residential and commercial developments still able to take advantage of views. Some photos to entice you below.
The Arbours with signs giving you options of the river run routes you can take.
Impressively well-designed "private" space hanging off perpendicular to the Goodwill ped/bike bridge. Note functional shading above bench, glass rails allowing bench warmer a clear view of the river, oblivious to the other users on the bridge. Between the bridge and the bench is a slim trash can design with trash/recycle compartments.
Mangrove walk at the foot of the Botanical Gardens: Notice how clean and well-maintained it is. Pretty low use, which makes for a tranquil walk and observation. Interpretive signs explain mangrove ecology and bird species to look out for.
View of Brisbane CBD from South Bank, across Victoria Bridge. "Random" public art like this pair of birds dot many spaces all around Brisbane.
Laid back Queenslander - yes, he is barefoot sitting on a bench by the river working on his laptop.
Below: Still on South Bank, Maritime Museum. High-end residential towers with views of the river, but not colonizing the river front which is still accessible to pedestrians.
The other water discovery in Brisbane is, well, the Brisbane River. In this entry's title I use the plural because the riverfront is well-utilized in many areas, lending a diversity of landscapes and uses. We started at South Bank, over the Goodwill Bridge, through a mangrove walk and the Botanical Gardens, then down Albert St in the CBD and Queens St the pedestrian mall, back across Victoria Bridge to the ferris wheel and Cultural Center, on Clem Jones Promenade and past Streets Beach and back to where we parked. A good 3.5-hour leisurely walk later, I was impressed by how well used every bit of the riverfront in this area is. Public access seems to be the priority, with private residential and commercial developments still able to take advantage of views. Some photos to entice you below.
The Arbours with signs giving you options of the river run routes you can take.
Impressively well-designed "private" space hanging off perpendicular to the Goodwill ped/bike bridge. Note functional shading above bench, glass rails allowing bench warmer a clear view of the river, oblivious to the other users on the bridge. Between the bridge and the bench is a slim trash can design with trash/recycle compartments.
Mangrove walk at the foot of the Botanical Gardens: Notice how clean and well-maintained it is. Pretty low use, which makes for a tranquil walk and observation. Interpretive signs explain mangrove ecology and bird species to look out for.
View of Brisbane CBD from South Bank, across Victoria Bridge. "Random" public art like this pair of birds dot many spaces all around Brisbane.
Laid back Queenslander - yes, he is barefoot sitting on a bench by the river working on his laptop.Below: Still on South Bank, Maritime Museum. High-end residential towers with views of the river, but not colonizing the river front which is still accessible to pedestrians.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Friday, April 10, 2009
Come on, Californians, we can do it, too!
More tidbits from Ian White's dissertation...
How bad was the drought?
In Queensland, the 2001-present drought was bad enough for local government councils to place restrictions depending on the level of water supply. Level 1 restrictions started in May 2005 when reservoir levels dipped below 40%. Increasingly strict restrictions were put in place since then, with Level 6 restrictions placed November 2007 with the goal of reducing household consumption to 140 liters/person/day, roughly half of 2005 levels. The reservoirs supplying approximately 1 million SE Queenslanders have been at operating lows since 2007, with the primary dam at falling to the 15% mark.
What do these restrictions mean?
Depending on the level, strict rules entail how much, how, and when you use water in your home. Tank or grey water may be used at anytime. For example, Level 5 restrictions include:
- Only watering gardens with buckets or watering cans (i.e. no hose or sprinklers!) on allocated days and at allocated times (3 days, between 4 and 7 pm)
- Only washing cars using a bucket to spot clean essentials like mirrors, lights, glass, number plates and "potentially damaging marks"
- Only topping up existing swimming pools with town water as a last resort and only
in households with (a) rainwater tank or downpipe rainwater diverter, (b) three of the following: a swimming pool cover, water efficient taps and showerheads, water efficient toilets, water efficient washing machine
- Only fill new pools with water sourced from outside areas under Level 5 restrictions (i.e. brought in by truck)
- Households using greater than 800L/day must submit a water use assessment form and identify saving opportunities
Did these restrictions work?
Various media outlets conscientiously report on dam levels. Yes, you'd see it on TV every night! Your neighbors could report you if they saw less than waterwise practices. Someone from the water authorities will come visit and issue a warning or a fine for repeated violations. And the restrictions seemed to work. Homes proudly display "Tank Water in Use" signs at the gate. Schools compete to win waterwise grants.
Apparently even after restrictions were lifted in July 2008, SE Queenslanders were consuming 122 liters/person/day of municipally supplied water. Dam levels are above 50% as of April 9. Way to go!
Come on, Californians, we can do it, too. Please tell your neighbor if you see inappropriate irrigation/car washing practices.
Disclaimers:
California and Queensland are probably very different places, culturally to say the least. Americans tell me "Here, you can't tell people what they can or cannot do on their own property." On the subject of lawns, some homeowners' associations can require you to water and properly maintain them, and warn you for creating blight or disamenity. My take on it is, we're in this drought together and one can no longer ignore one's impact on the larger society!
The trick is not in actually using LESS water per se, but drawing less water from municipal supply. Queenslanders may be more equipped to do this, given the high rate of rainwater tank installation. But there is a growing movement here in California (at least the SF Bay Area) around rainwater harvesting, downspout disconnection, and grey water installations. People are starting to get it and cities progressively pioneering such programs and policies.
Click for more info on:
SE Queensland water restrictions
Waterwise Queensland campaign
San Francisco's rainwater harvesting program
How bad was the drought?
In Queensland, the 2001-present drought was bad enough for local government councils to place restrictions depending on the level of water supply. Level 1 restrictions started in May 2005 when reservoir levels dipped below 40%. Increasingly strict restrictions were put in place since then, with Level 6 restrictions placed November 2007 with the goal of reducing household consumption to 140 liters/person/day, roughly half of 2005 levels. The reservoirs supplying approximately 1 million SE Queenslanders have been at operating lows since 2007, with the primary dam at falling to the 15% mark.
What do these restrictions mean?
Depending on the level, strict rules entail how much, how, and when you use water in your home. Tank or grey water may be used at anytime. For example, Level 5 restrictions include:
- Only watering gardens with buckets or watering cans (i.e. no hose or sprinklers!) on allocated days and at allocated times (3 days, between 4 and 7 pm)
- Only washing cars using a bucket to spot clean essentials like mirrors, lights, glass, number plates and "potentially damaging marks"
- Only topping up existing swimming pools with town water as a last resort and only
in households with (a) rainwater tank or downpipe rainwater diverter, (b) three of the following: a swimming pool cover, water efficient taps and showerheads, water efficient toilets, water efficient washing machine
- Only fill new pools with water sourced from outside areas under Level 5 restrictions (i.e. brought in by truck)
- Households using greater than 800L/day must submit a water use assessment form and identify saving opportunities
Did these restrictions work?
Various media outlets conscientiously report on dam levels. Yes, you'd see it on TV every night! Your neighbors could report you if they saw less than waterwise practices. Someone from the water authorities will come visit and issue a warning or a fine for repeated violations. And the restrictions seemed to work. Homes proudly display "Tank Water in Use" signs at the gate. Schools compete to win waterwise grants.
Apparently even after restrictions were lifted in July 2008, SE Queenslanders were consuming 122 liters/person/day of municipally supplied water. Dam levels are above 50% as of April 9. Way to go!
Come on, Californians, we can do it, too. Please tell your neighbor if you see inappropriate irrigation/car washing practices.
Disclaimers:
California and Queensland are probably very different places, culturally to say the least. Americans tell me "Here, you can't tell people what they can or cannot do on their own property." On the subject of lawns, some homeowners' associations can require you to water and properly maintain them, and warn you for creating blight or disamenity. My take on it is, we're in this drought together and one can no longer ignore one's impact on the larger society!
The trick is not in actually using LESS water per se, but drawing less water from municipal supply. Queenslanders may be more equipped to do this, given the high rate of rainwater tank installation. But there is a growing movement here in California (at least the SF Bay Area) around rainwater harvesting, downspout disconnection, and grey water installations. People are starting to get it and cities progressively pioneering such programs and policies.
Click for more info on:
SE Queensland water restrictions
Waterwise Queensland campaign
San Francisco's rainwater harvesting program
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
Ian and his waterwise home
Sunday, 15 March 2009
Today was a huge water day for me. I had almost-nonstop contact with water, which was making me LOVE Brissie a lot. This blog entry is dedicated to Ian White and his waterwise home in Bundamba, Queensland, about 1 hour southwest of Brisbane.
9:53am read the clock on the GPS Wil lent us for our stay as we rolled passed a wooden sign with "La Boite" written on it. Ian greeted us where we parked, before the semi-wet zone in his garden. His waterwise home, a white Queenslander painfully restored to meet modern standards written for pre-fab suburban home features, stands proud against the backdrop of flat, fertile bank of the Brenner River.
"Over the last rainy season, from October to January, we were flooded up to the height of telephone poles. We had to kayak to and haul our groceries back from the store," he explained. I'm excited to meet someone in Australia as psyched about water as I am. Ian has just completed his PhD dissertation on the household experience with rainwater harvesting in Southeast Queensland, one of the fastest growing regions population-wise in Australia. I have been enjoying reading his masterpiece and here I pass along crunchy tidbits in this and future blog entries.
Despite the subtropical climate that Brisbane enjoys, SE Queensland is undergoing a drought period (since 2001!) and with catchment reservoirs located in the somewhat drier, more inland areas, rainwater harvesting has been adopted at pretty high levels. While less than 8% of SE Queensland households had adopted rainwater harvesting in 2004, by 2008 almost 40% did.
Ian took me on a tour of the water system in his house. Only the kitchen sink tap is connected to the town’s water supply. Water to the other taps (showers, sink, toilets, washing machine, hot water heater, and even a jacuzzi) is pumped from his 4,000-gallon (15,000-liter) rainwater tank, fitted with a 100-micron filter. The pump operates at variable speeds to provide constant water pressure, automatically sensing if higher pressure is needed, for example when more than one tap are turned on in the house. The pump is fitted with an additional 25-micron filter.
Water then flows into a water meter that measures the amount of rainwater actually drawn from the tank. Another device called the Rainsaver allows you to switch between rainwater and mains water, either manually at any time, or automatically when a float in the tank reaches a predesignated low level. Currently, the rainwater tank supplies 90% of the household's water, and surprise! the tank still regularly overflows during heavy rain and Ian is planning to install an additional 5,300-gallon tank. All wastewater is treated on site (because the house is on the 100-year floodplain and cannot get municipal sewage service) and the treated water is used for irrigating the garden. Voila, a closed loop system.
Step 1: Collect rainwater (from the hydrological cycle).
Step 2: Use rainwater.
Step 3: Treat used water.
Step 4: Return treated water to the hydrological cycle.
Step 5: Repeat Step 1.
Thanks, Ian, for showing me your waterwise home!
Today was a huge water day for me. I had almost-nonstop contact with water, which was making me LOVE Brissie a lot. This blog entry is dedicated to Ian White and his waterwise home in Bundamba, Queensland, about 1 hour southwest of Brisbane.
9:53am read the clock on the GPS Wil lent us for our stay as we rolled passed a wooden sign with "La Boite" written on it. Ian greeted us where we parked, before the semi-wet zone in his garden. His waterwise home, a white Queenslander painfully restored to meet modern standards written for pre-fab suburban home features, stands proud against the backdrop of flat, fertile bank of the Brenner River.
"Over the last rainy season, from October to January, we were flooded up to the height of telephone poles. We had to kayak to and haul our groceries back from the store," he explained. I'm excited to meet someone in Australia as psyched about water as I am. Ian has just completed his PhD dissertation on the household experience with rainwater harvesting in Southeast Queensland, one of the fastest growing regions population-wise in Australia. I have been enjoying reading his masterpiece and here I pass along crunchy tidbits in this and future blog entries.
Despite the subtropical climate that Brisbane enjoys, SE Queensland is undergoing a drought period (since 2001!) and with catchment reservoirs located in the somewhat drier, more inland areas, rainwater harvesting has been adopted at pretty high levels. While less than 8% of SE Queensland households had adopted rainwater harvesting in 2004, by 2008 almost 40% did.
Ian took me on a tour of the water system in his house. Only the kitchen sink tap is connected to the town’s water supply. Water to the other taps (showers, sink, toilets, washing machine, hot water heater, and even a jacuzzi) is pumped from his 4,000-gallon (15,000-liter) rainwater tank, fitted with a 100-micron filter. The pump operates at variable speeds to provide constant water pressure, automatically sensing if higher pressure is needed, for example when more than one tap are turned on in the house. The pump is fitted with an additional 25-micron filter.
Water then flows into a water meter that measures the amount of rainwater actually drawn from the tank. Another device called the Rainsaver allows you to switch between rainwater and mains water, either manually at any time, or automatically when a float in the tank reaches a predesignated low level. Currently, the rainwater tank supplies 90% of the household's water, and surprise! the tank still regularly overflows during heavy rain and Ian is planning to install an additional 5,300-gallon tank. All wastewater is treated on site (because the house is on the 100-year floodplain and cannot get municipal sewage service) and the treated water is used for irrigating the garden. Voila, a closed loop system.
Step 1: Collect rainwater (from the hydrological cycle).
Step 2: Use rainwater.
Step 3: Treat used water.
Step 4: Return treated water to the hydrological cycle.
Step 5: Repeat Step 1.
Thanks, Ian, for showing me your waterwise home!
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