Go Green Radio

For anyone wondering what it takes to “go green” on a University campus, this episode of Go Green Radio is the definitive answer. Today we’re joined by John Dilliott, the Manager, Energy & Utilities at the University of California San Diego. He is responsible for campus utilities operations, including the 30MW Cogeneration and District Heating & Cooling Plant, commodity energy procurement, carbon management and has secured financing for three year, $73M in energy efficiency program. John also led UC San Diego in carbon management, helping UC San Diego to be the first university to certify all six green house gases and active participant in the Chicago Climate Exchange. Tune in to learn how John envisions working toward a carbon neutral, zero waste campus!

You don’t have control over your electricity service, and yet almost everything you do requires electricity. Even people whose homes or workplaces are run by self-generated wind or solar power are vulnerable, because every other system we rely upon runs on electricity: water, information technology, transportation, fuel delivery, manufacturing, telecom, banking, etc. Thirty years ago, people said that the U.S. had a “gold plated” electrical grid, now many of those same experts say it is “third world.” On today’s episode we’ll talk about where our electricity comes from, why our electric system is vulnerable, potential solutions to this vulnerability, and most importantly, what you can do to influence public policy makers to help ensure our nation’s electricity supply is secure.

When we think about tracking the carbon footprint of a company or a region, we typically take into consideration things like energy use, transportation and manufacturing. But today’s guest, Adam Smargon, is a doctoral candidate at the University of Delaware’s Center for Energy and Environmental Policy, and his dissertation addresses another source of carbon emissions –artificially carbonated beverages. In April 2011, Mr. Smargon had the opportunity to speak with Dr. Rajendra Pachauri, the chairperson of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), who said that he had no knowledge of any studies on this topic, and encouraged Adam to pursue this project. On today’s episode, Adam will discuss the scope of the carbon emissions of the beverage industry, and possible solutions to offset the emissions.

Oil was undoubtedly the fuel of the 20th century economy, but by all accounts, clean technology will be the fuel of the 21st century economy. Thanks to the leadership of a new nonprofit organization, CleanTECH San Diego (www.cleantechsandiego.org), ‘America’s Finest City’ is poised to be a global economic leader by institutionalizing collaboration between business, government and research facilities. CleanTECH San Diego is streamlining the process by which clean tech companies grow, hire, and invest in the community. As a result, they are saving precious resources, including taxpayer dollars. Tune in as we discuss this landmark organization with its President and CEO, Lisa Bicker, and Jason Anderson, Vice President and Executive Director of CleanTECH San Diego Education Foundation.

During Earth Week 2011, I visited the OSU campus, and toured the Center for Automotive Research (CAR) where the world’s fastest electric vehicle (top speed 320 mph) is housed. The only thing more impressive than getting to see the “Buckeye Bullet” in person was meeting the Director of CAR, Dr. Giorgio Rizzoni. While the Buckeye Bullet is fueled by lithium ion batteries, the world class research facility run by Dr. Rizzoni is fueled by his unparalleled brilliance and enthusiasm for advanced electric propulsion and energy storage systems for reduced fuel consumption and emissions. Dr. Rizzoni and his team are focused on advanced engines and alternative fuels that will shape transportation in the 21st century. Whether you’re into cars or into green, this interview will leave you thrilled that Dr. Rizzoni is in the driver’s seat of one of the world’s premiere transportation transformation incubators!

Uprisings for the Earth: Reconnecting Culture with Nature delves into a new kinship with nature while acknowledging the treasures of urban life and the unique stake each person has in resolving critical and timely challenges. Whether you are an agent for social, environmental or political change, newly awakened to environmental threats, or a lover of natural history and literature, consider this book required reading for its inspiration, innovation and hope for the Earth and future generations. Tune in as we discuss the book with Ms. Lake, as well as her work with the Women’s Earth and Climate Caucus, which recognizes that women leaders have unique and essential ideas to offer at this turning point in history when humanity is making decisions about our very existence and how we are treating our Earth--and each other.

Eric Herm’s new book examines commercial agriculture’s strain on our natural resources, delicate ecosystems, and the farmer. As a fourth-generation farmer, Eric Herm deals with the harsh economic realities and complicated legislation facing farmers, as well as the undeniable health impact of GMO crops and excessive chemicals on all living creatures. “Son of a Farmer, Child of the Earth” provides ample resources of natural, healthy alternatives that will inspire the transformation of farmers from corporate-motivated producers back to the flesh and bone guardian angels of the Earth.

In light of the tragedy unfolding in Japan, it is absolutely prudent to take a good, hard look at existing and future nuclear power plants in the United States. The Obama administration is still committed to backing loans for construction of nuclear facilities in the U.S., even as everyday Americans wonder if the facilities are safe. Today we’ll be joined by Angie Howard is president of Howard – Johnson Associates, a consulting practice specializing in strategic energy and utility issues, and 2009 recipient of Women in Nuclear Global leadership award. Ms. Howard retired in May 2009 as vice president, Office of the President and Executive Advisor to the President for the Nuclear Energy Institute. We will talk about radioactive waste disposal, nuclear proliferation concerns, and terrorist threats to nuclear facilities. Tune in to learn about the facts regarding nuclear energy in America, and what safety measures are in place to avoid a crisis.

Generation X and Y parents are environmentally conscious, and want to put their money where their values are when they make consumer purchases. Today, we’ll be joined by the CEO’s of three toy manufacturers who produce top quality toys that tread lightly on the Earth’s resources. Robert von Goeben, CEO of Green Toys, Inc. will discuss his toy line made from recycled milk jugs. Serah Chae, President of Hosung NY, maker of miYim and My Natural eco-plush toys and accessories for infants and toddlers, will talk about why her organic cotton collection is so unique. And Barbera Aimes, President of ImagiPLAY, will share her passion for helping children gain a true sense of the world's beauty and diversity of species through toys and games.

A lot of us want to live a greener lifestyle, but we’re not sure where to start. By taking a simple quiz on PracticallyGreen.com, you can find out exactly how green you are living today, and receive personalized advice about ways to become even more eco-friendly. PracticallyGreen.com was founded by Susan Hunt Stevens after she discovered that her son was suffering from severe food and environmental allergies. She researched solutions for her own family, and even got a graduate degree in sustainable design, so that she could learn what it takes to protect children’s health from environmental toxins. Susan developed a system that helps everyday people gauge their environmental impact, and make smart, affordable choices from her database of over 400 green action items.

The new book, Changing Planet, Changing Health: How the Climate Crisis Threatens Our Health and What We Can Do about It, by Harvard health and disease expert Paul R. Epstein, MD, and award-winning science journalist Dan Ferber, reveals the complex links between global warming and cholera, malaria, Lyme disease, asthma, and other threats such as crumbling ecosystems and lost services. They also examine abrupt climate change, which could cause catastrophic droughts, crop failures, large-scale migration, and war, according to a Pentagon projection. Dr. Epstein, associate director of the Center for Health and the Global Environment (CHGE) at Harvard Medical School, has been documenting the links between global warming and declining human and environmental health since the early 1990s. Co-author Dan Ferber, a contributing correspondent to Science, traveled to rural Kenya, Honduras, Harlem and other places to talk with doctors, patients, scientists and others who are wrestling with these changes.

In light of the tragedy unfolding in Japan, it is absolutely prudent to take a good, hard look at existing and future nuclear power plants in the United States. The Obama administration is still committed to backing loans for construction of nuclear facilities in the U.S., even as everyday Americans wonder if the facilities are safe. Today we’ll be joined by Angie Howard is president of Howard – Johnson Associates, a consulting practice specializing in strategic energy and utility issues, and 2009 recipient of Women in Nuclear Global leadership award. Ms. Howard retired in May 2009 as vice president, Office of the President and Executive Advisor to the President for the Nuclear Energy Institute. We will talk about radioactive waste disposal, nuclear proliferation concerns, and terrorist threats to nuclear facilities. Tune in to learn about the facts regarding nuclear energy in America, and what safety measures are in place to avoid a crisis.

Today we’ll be joined by Deborah Eden Tull, author of The Natural Kitchen: Your Guide to the Sustainable Food Revolution. In our convenience-obsessed, oil-addicted world, Deborah Eden Tull shows how greening our kitchens can empower each of us to create a personal, healthy, sustainable world. An acknowledged expert and well-known sustainability coach in Los Angeles, Tull, 36, is the real deal who draws from years of insight as an organic farmer and cook, including seven years at a Zen monastery in Northern California, where she lived literally off the land and where sustainable living was the focus. Her travels around the globe to places like India and Nepal informed her writing through close-up observation of village life. Tull learned to share and save seeds and understand how the world food crisis is connected to consumers, and to believe that people should know what really goes into food production.

Social media has opened up new ways to engage kids in environmental education. Today we'll talk about how the best organizations are using new media to take going green to new levels in American schools.

Today’s guest is Lisa Hymas, senior editor at Grist.org, the nation’s leading environmental news site. She coined the acronym GINK, which stands for green inclinations, no kids, to describe a small but growing group of people who are both environmentally conscious and childfree by choice. The childfree choice often raises disapproving eyebrows in our society, even among environmentalists, but the green benefits are clear. According to a 2009 study by statisticians at Oregon State University, having one less child can reduce greenhouse gas emissions almost 20 times more than other eco-practices like driving a high-mileage car or using energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs. Are we seeing the makings of a new cultural revolution – childfree, proud and green?

Uprisings for the Earth: Reconnecting Culture with Nature delves into a new kinship with nature while acknowledging the treasures of urban life and the unique stake each person has in resolving critical and timely challenges. Whether you are an agent for social, environmental or political change, newly awakened to environmental threats, or a lover of natural history and literature, consider this book required reading for its inspiration, innovation and hope for the Earth and future generations. Tune in as we discuss the book with Ms. Lake, as well as her work with the Women’s Earth and Climate Caucus, which recognizes that women leaders have unique and essential ideas to offer at this turning point in history when humanity is making decisions about our very existence and how we are treating our Earth--and each other.

There are only a handful of environmentalists who are household names, and Captain Jacques Cousteau ranks among the top. His groundbreaking work to bring the mysteries of the ocean to the television screen made millions of people around the world more thoughtful about their impact on the delicate balance of marine life. However, it was the man behind the camera who may ultimately be responsible for the greatest ripple effect of Jacques’ work – his son, Philippe Cousteau JR. In honor of their father’s work, passion and legacy, Alexandra and Philippe Jr. have founded EarthEcho International with a powerful mission to empower youth to take action that restores and protects our water planet. Join us as we talk with Philippe Cousteau, Jr. about continuing his father’s work, and the many ways you can interact with EarthEcho International to share your stories of environmental action with the Cousteau family. Be sure to visit his website: www.earthecho.org.

There are only a handful of environmentalists who are household names, and Captain Jacques Cousteau ranks among the top. His groundbreaking work to bring the mysteries of the ocean to the television screen made millions of people around the world more thoughtful about their impact on the delicate balance of marine life. However, it was the man behind the camera who may ultimately be responsible for the greatest ripple effect of Jacques’ work – his son, Philippe Cousteau JR. In honor of their father’s work, passion and legacy, Alexandra and Philippe Jr. have founded EarthEcho International with a powerful mission to empower youth to take action that restores and protects our water planet. Join us as we talk with Philippe Cousteau, Jr. about continuing his father’s work, and the many ways you can interact with EarthEcho International to share your stories of environmental action with the Cousteau family. Be sure to visit his website: www.earthecho.org.

Charles Orgbon is one of those kids who makes you think, “I should probably get his autograph now. He’s going to be famous someday.” At 15 years old, Charles is the President and CEO of Greening Forward (www.greeningforward.org), and not only is his organization growing their membership, they are hiring! Greening Forward has entered the Pepsi Refresh Project contest to win $50,000 so they can host environmental leadership conferences in multiple cities across the U.S., with the goal of training youth to be environmental leaders. [You can vote for the project by visiting www.refresheverything.com/recyclingeducation, or texting 104604 to Pepsi (73774) by Dec. 31, 2010.] Tune in to hear about all the great projects Charles and his board of directors for Greening Forward have initiated – you will be inspired!

In the fall of 2010, Groundwork Denver (www.groundworkdenver.org) initiated Take Charge: Student Energy Education and Action, through which high school and college students around the state will become Student Energy Ambassadors to educate their own communities about energy efficiency, renewable energy and green jobs. Over the next two years, twenty-four communities throughout the entire State of Colorado will institute the Take Charge! If you are interested in bringing a similar program to your area, tune in as Stephanie Fry and Julie Connor discuss what it takes to get it up and running!