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Greetings!Yakutat, Alaska: A Metaphor for Global Challenges (Three Universal Challenges) As much as I would like to make this newsletter all about how beautiful Yakutat, Alaska is and how wonderful my participation in the Energy Summit has been, I won't ask you to indulge me. Facebook took care of that. What I would like to do, however, is to share some important observations about the challenges the population of Yakutat faces today and their similarities to thousands of cities and towns throughout the world. They are indeed a metaphor and let's all take note. #1 - Energy Yakutat faces an energy crisis driven by high costs of electrical power and heating fuel and by complete dependence on outside sources of petroleum products. The municipal power company operates diesel generators for 100% of the electricity used locally, bringing power costs to $0.55/kwh. Power and heating costs make up a huge portion of home and business budgets, and inhibit economic growth and investment in the community. Ready for this? According to Skip Ryman, Yakutat Borough Manager: "People are finding that anywhere from 45 to 60 percent of their disposable income has been going for utilities and home heating," Ryman says. "This in turn is hurting retailers. We've been losing families, losing kids in the school system and essentially sending the community into a bit of a death spiral." Can you imagine? The race for alternative energy sources is obviously pressing for them. They are looking at many including wave energy (very costly), types of solar, biomass solutions. But you get the point. We should all be in the race to cut down on the use of petroleum simply because it is the right thing to do. #2 - Commercial Fishing According to the Environmental Defense Fund, 87% of the world's assessed fish stock are at breaking point, classified as overexploited or fully exploited. And one out of two fish stocks in the U.S. are either overfished, at risk of being overfished, or there is little data to assess how they're doing. Truth be told, I know two things about Yakutat and commercial fishing. There is LOTS of it going on here and the people who live here and make their livelihood from commercial fishing care deeply about their ocean. I don't know if their area is at risk for being overfished and probably should have found out before I wrote this but the research on the oceans speaks loudly regardless. My hope? That because of the important work of organizations like Seafood Watch and The Center for the Study of Deserts & Oceans (CEDO), places like Yakutat will fish with care, will not deplete their supplies and become proud partners with organizations around the globe committed to sustainable fishing practices. Two of my recent radio shows are well worth taking the time to listen to if you are interested in learning more and having some hope about the health of our oceans for our generation as well as the next. It really matters. - Fish For Life
- Safe Seafood? There's an App for That.
#3 -The Kids Are Leaving Unlike many places in the USA, Yakutat enjoys a strong cultural heritage. With a population of about 660 and given that they are land-locked, preserving some of their traditions might not be as hard as the big cities with pockets of specific cultures. That being said, preserving their culture is a HUGE priority in this small village. Just have to share one picture of what we got to ![](http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs105/1101924640247/img/866.jpg?a=1113179818873) experience during our trip here. This is Gavin Klushkan. His parents are Gary and Joy Klushkan and his mother made every single piece of his dancing attire including shoes. All of the bead work was done by hand. Gary is a member of the Tlingit Tribe and they have inhabited their land for over 1100 years. I realize that Yakutat is not the norm. I also realize that my children left Tucson because there weren't lots of great jobs nor a great variety of choices to give them reasons to stay. I can also add that every leader in Tucson - from the Mayor to the President of the University of Arizona speak to the issue of "our kids/graduates are leaving" at every opportunity. And I know we are not alone. There are hundreds of cities throughout the United States that are trying to hold on to bright young minds; minds that will help strengthen the city, the community, the education system and keep families intact. I admit that I am sad on many Sunday nights because for dozens of years, that was family night - a joyous gathering where we all connected, planned for the week and simply enjoyed each other. It is an aspect of a truly sustainable life that is part of our DNA - we are gatherers. It is encouraging to see that the leaders in both Yakutat and Tucson care enough to be vocal about the challenges and are working to effect change. As for me? I am blessed that my kids didn't decide to move across the world so that we get to spend precious time together frequently throughout the year. Mrs. Green is BloggingIn the last newsletter, I shared that I am blogging every chance I can. Thanks to those of you who let me know that sharing my blogs in the newsletter was well received.
GREAT NEWS? This blog from last week got more likes on the Sun Rideshare Facebook page than any post to date. Here's to PAG and Cyclovia for being a part of Mrs. Green's World! What On Earth Moves YOU? It's a Wrap
To celebrate Earth Month, we picked six global issues about the earth that move us. We wanted to know what moved YOU and what you cared about. Well, it's a wrap, the winners have been notified and we are declaring our Pin to Win contest a success. What do you care about the most? Rethinking Water and Clean Water. I would say that makes everyone in Mrs. Green's World smarter than the average bear because clean water and access to it should be our number one concern. A huge thank you to A-1 Mattress for being our major sponsor and to all of our prize sponsors as well. Green Testing...
A HUGE OMG and thanks to the response to "if you read all the way down" which I posted in the last newsletter. More tricks up my sleeve in the weeks to come and I really might make you work for the next one...
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Silent Killer: The Movie
We use 380,000,000,000 of them every year. They are made primarily from petroleum and natural gas. They never biodegrade. They are the Silent Killers. They are plastic bags & we need to stop using them. Together, we can take small steps to make a big impact.
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Upcoming Shows
Kids in the Kitchen
Haile Thomas - Healthier Generation
Are you ready for this? And I have to write it all...Haile Thomas is an active 12-year-old from Tucson, Arizona. From a young age Haile developed a deep passion for cooking. She is the lead host of Kids Can Cook, the exciting online cooking show that aims to empower kids with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to prepare healthy meals for themselves and their families. Haile became interested in cooking when she was five, and this interest was nurtured by her mother who frequently allowed her to help plan and prepare family meals. In 2010, after completing a Girls Making Media workshop, Haile was greatly inspired to share her cooking adventures with other kids and Kids Can Cook was launched. In addition to the Kids Can Cook show, which she hosts with her younger sister Nia, Haile has appeared in local and nationally televised cooking segments, national and local talk shows, and conducts cooking demonstrations at community events. Haile also enjoys swimming, yoga, tennis, and riding her bike. OMG comes to mind. This show sponsored by Chapman Tucson.
May 4
News for Intelligent Optimists
Helene du Puy - Ode Magazine
Helene had the vision to start Ode Magazine in The Netherlands in 1994 with her husband Jurriaan Kamp. They built a small and effective team, attracting freelance writers and photographers spanning the globe to join their mission. Ode believes in progress, ongoing opportunities and the creativity of mankind. They contribute to progress by publishing stories about people and ideas that are making a difference. Ode helps build peace and sustainability and offers all of us a chance to connect with an international network of inspiration and cooperation. A world that works for everyone? Join me to make yet another important connection with this incredible visionary. This show sponsored by The Fairfax Companies.
May 11
Mobilizing People for a Green America
Alisa Gravitz - Green America
Their tagline? Growing The Green Economy for people and the planet. Their mission? To harness the economic power - the very strength of consumers, investors, businesses and the marketplace - to create a socially just and environmentally sustainable society. Their vision? To work for a world where ALL people have enough, where ALL communities are healthy and safe and the bounty of the Earth is preserved for all generations to come. Think you are ready for this? I know I am because one of my dear friends, Molly Stranahan, has been friends with Alisa for many years and cannot say enough about Alisa's passion for making a difference. Another show I look forward to with GREAT anticipation. This show sponsored by Chapman Tucson.
May 18
Are You a Conscious Consumer?
If you read my last newsletter, you heard lots about this small group of dedicated individuals changing the world. Their mission, their vision, their partnerships, their commitment to sustainability on a global scale are beyond words. In case you missed or forget like I do, here goes: "Hearts is a team of 10 people ON A MISSION TO INSPIRE PEOPLE TO THINK DIFFERENTLY about their purchases, not just in the fashion industry but in every aspect of consumerism. The value a monetary purchase has is very powerful and can impact CHANGE ON A GLOBAL SCALE. We believe with all our hearts that when everyone is provided the facts, they will work towards CONSCIOUS CONSUMERISM and make demands for other companies to do the same." They are all that and I am excited to pump up the volume on this one. This show sponsored by The Fairfax Companies. May 27
TBA - we are working on yet another outstanding guest but were not able to confirm at press time. Stay tuned - you will be glad you did
June 1
Whole Foods' Declaration of Interdependence
Patrick Bradley, President,
Southern Pacific Region
Whole Foods
I just love it when a press release says it all. And this one does. Patrick Bradley has over 30 years experience within the natural foods and grocery industry, 25 of those years with Whole Foods Market. His passion for food, innovation, creativity and retail excellence have contributed to the on-going success of Whole Foods Market. His career began while working for Mrs. Gooch's Natural Foods Market which was acquired by Whole Foods Market in 1993. Patrick has worked his way up the ranks, having held the Store Team Leader position at three California locations. He was promoted to Regional Vice President of Operations in December 1998 and played an integral part in designing and opening thirteen stores, as well as numerous remodels. In 2004 he was promoted to President of the Midwest Region with goals to expand the brand, unify the brand message and grow the region. Under his four year watch the region grew from 20 to 32 stores, which includes the Kingsbury flagship store. In the Fall of 2008 he accepted the position of President of the Southern Pacific Region, the largest region in the company with 41 stores, a commissary, bake house and distribution center. This show sponsored by Chapman Tucson.
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Mrs. Green's World GREEN TALK RADIO Show
Please remember to tune in to Mrs. Green's World every Saturday at 12:00 pm PST, live streaming on the Internet.
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