tions, not the richest and most addicted to fossil fuels. So, we fight on. This October, we’re holding a 10/10/10 Global Work Party. It’s set to spread around the world, too, with people in thousands of communities doing something practical: putting solar panels on local schools, harvest- ing community gardens and planting mangroves along rising shorelines. In Auckland, New Zealand, they aim to repair every bicycle in every garage. The intention will be twofold. Point one is that bikes are good. Ditto solar panels. We need both in our com- munities. Point two acknowledges that we know we can’t solve climate change one bike path at a time. So we’re also intent on sending a strong political message to our leaders: If we can get to work, so can you. Right now. If I can climb up on the roof of the school to hammer in a solar panel, you can climb to the floor of the Senate and hammer out some helpful legislation. It’s time to shame our government and corporate leaders a little, and maybe inspire them, too. We all need to get to work ad- dressing climate change right where we live, in our communities. We need to build towns and cities that make sense and create jobs for families. We also need to build a world that works, because the best organic gardener on Earth won’t be able to cope with 30 straight days of rain, or a month with no rain at all, without helpful policies. That means resorting to politics, which is another way of saying that we must work together as people for better solu- tions to climate change than what we have now. It can be beautiful. If you don’t believe me, check out the pictures at 350.org.


I dare you.


Bill McKibben is the author, most recently, of the bestselling Eaarth: Mak- ing a Life on a Tough New Planet. He’s the founder of 350.org, and a scholar in residence at Middlebury College in Vermont. The Boston Globe this year described him as “…probably the country’s leading environmentalist,” and Time called him “…the planet’s best green journalist.”


A SAN DIEGO Climate Action HERO


by Linda Sechrist


inus the stagecoach, hitching post, prospectors and cattle rustlers, California has once again become the exploding Wild West. In a vast territory where “green” is the new gold, the services of the Green Chamber of Commerce are being sought by pioneers who are anxious to establish San Diego as a forerunner of sustainable innovation. According to Chairman of the Board Peter Zahn, San Diego is one of


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five regions scheduled to receive federal money to fund innovative programs for the infrastructure to support the Nissan Leaf and Chevy Volt, the first of the coming wave of plug-in electric cars. “This is just one of the initia- tives that the chamber is looking forward to playing a role in, facilitating the exchange of information and weighing in on how ideas and funds should be deployed,” says Zahn. Drawing upon previous cham- ber experiences, the founders of the Green Chamber recognized that a countywide approach to green is- sues would be more effective than a patchwork of activities by small lo- cal chambers. “Our focus is to raise awareness of environmental practices and the need for involvement in green issues, so that we can propel the county to a level where members of the business community can take advantage of the exploding green economy,” advises Zahn.


Since green issues such as solar energy and wind farms first began to


receive serious media attention, Zahn has made note of the differing levels of awareness that exist within the business community. “On one hand, you have a large supermarket chain utilizing fuel cell technology to power a store, and on the other hand, you have the small business owner, with little knowledge or understanding of green issues and the value of implementing sustainable practices,” explains Zahn. “This means there is a tremendous potential for impacting the reductions of greenhouse gas emissions within the entire business community.” Focused on more than environmental issues, the Green Chamber also


plans events for members and non-members. Everyone has an opportunity to realize the direct financial benefit of networking and making connections that boost their business, while also improving sustainability. “We’re open to introducing all businesses to the green revolution, because it’s the only way we are ever going to get the participation we need to realize our collective goal of reducing greenhouse gases,” comments Zahn.


For more info, call 858-436-7117 or visit GreenChamberSD.com.


natural awakenings


October 2010


27


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