Earth Guardian - Sharolyn Vettese

Earth Guardian – How a Scientist who was a Climate Change Sceptic became a Believer

billschiffler — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 04:01:22 +0000

My guest is Gregory Vettese, a contributor to the history blog, Understood Backwards. Gregory got his M. Sc. in Chemistry from Queen’s University, a scientist who is no longer skeptical that climate change is happening. What are the arguments used by skeptical scientists? Why are their arguments not credible? What are their tactics? What convinced a scientist that climate change is happening already

Earth Guardian – Follow the Lead of a Company that Practices Sustainability and Saves Money at the Same Time

billschiffler — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 16:38:53 +0000

My guest on the Earth Guardian is Dr Linda Miles, L. Ac., D.O.M., Vice-President of Dermae Natural Bodycare, a company that has successfully implemented a culture of sustainability, something that many companies are considering doing. How did Dermae do it? Why did they do it? What are the benefits? What are the disadvantages?

For over 25 years, Dermae Natural Bodycare has extended their eco-friendly philosophy to their business by being socially and environmentally responsible. Dermae does not use GMO ingredients in their bodycare products. Whenever possible without compromising quality, they use organic ingredients and ingredients sourced from environmentally friendly farms that practice sustainable agriculture. Dermae’s Commitment to the Environment includes 100% recyclable packaging, and manufacturing with 100% wind energy. Dermae’s Paraguay Project is about “giving back”. A quality product made by a quality company.

Dermae Natural Bodycare has been a family-owned and operated skincare company since1984. Located in Simi Valley, CA, Dermae is committed to producing high-quality eco-friendly bodycare products that benefit their customers. Derma e Natural Bodycare has pioneered the development of high performance anti-oxidant skincare solutions. Their award-winning, comprehensive line offers over 90 SKUs that are free of parabens, phthalates, sodium lauryl sulphates, mineral oil, and lanolin. No formulas contain animal by-products, and there is no animal testing. Derma e is an active supporter of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics.

Earth Guardian – Ontario Doesn’t Need Coal Generated Electricity, so Why Shouldn’t it be Phased Out Now Instead of Waiting until 2014?

billschiffler — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 04:01:25 +0000

My guest on the Earth Guardian is Jack Gibbons, Chair of the Ontario Clean Air Alliance (OCAA). Its campaign,” Coal is Costing Us the Air We Breathe”, is putting pressure on the Ontario government to shut down now instead of 2014 its four (4) coal generated plants, including the gigantic Nanticoke Station because Ontario has a significant surplus of coal-free electricity. According to the Ontario Clean Air Alliance report, Finishing the Coal Phase-out: An Historic Opportunity for Climate Leadership, Ontario’s coal-free generation capacity is now 28% greater than the province’s projected peak demand for the summer of 2011, and 33% greater than the forecasted peak demand for 2014. Why would the Ontario Power Generation buy coal from the United States (mostly West Virginia where the coal is mined from mountain top removal)? What are the health costs?

The Ontario Clean Air Alliance is a coalition of individuals and approximately 90 organizations (health, environmental, faith communities, municipalities, utilities, unions, and corporations) that represent over six million supporters. The Clean Air Alliance was established in 1997 to achieve the phase-out of dirty coal-fired power plants and move towards a renewable electricity future.

Earth Guardian – Mara Legrand, Writer, Producer and Director will talk about her Documentary, Wild Horses in Winds of Change

billschiffler — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 05:01:30 +0000

My guest on the Earth Guardian is Mara Legrand, Writer, Producer, Cinematographer, and Director at Skydancer Productions, a film company that specializes in documentaries. Mara will be talking about her most recent film, Wild Horses in Winds of Change, the multi-award winning film about the wild mustang horses in the United States that are being rounded-up. It’s a film that raises awareness about who we are in relation to nature, animals, and the importance of keeping the wilderness wild. Find out why, and what you can do about it. To see how Mara filmed the wild mustang, read the interview with True Cowboy Magazine posted as a blog on her website.

Skydancer Productions, based in Durango, Colorado, also produced the award winning film, Heart and Soil, a compelling film about sustainable agriculture, which was covered by CBS, an impressive accomplishment for a first time film maker. It is still used in classrooms across the country and is a very popular film for public event screenings. It airs regularly on The Documentary Channel.

Earth Guardian – Bloated Nuclear Projects Mean You Pay More for Electricity. What is the True Cost of Nuclear Generated Electricity?

billschiffler — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 05:01:34 +0000

My guest on the Earth Guardian is Jack Gibbons, Chair of the Ontario Clean Air Alliance, a coalition of individuals and approximately 90 organizations (health, environmental, faith communities, municipalities, utilities, unions, and corporations) that represent over six million supporters). The Clean Air Alliance was established in 1997 to achieve the phase-out of dirty coal-fired power plants and move towards a renewable electricity future. The Clean Air Alliance has a campaign to “Stop a $35 Billion Nuclear Handout” targeted to the Premier and the Leader of the Opposition of Ontario. Why are they conducting this campaign? What does the Clean Air Alliance hope to achieve?

Earth Guardian – Your Skin Can Look Great and Support the Natural Habitat at the Same Time as an Informed Consumer Buying from Derma e

billschiffler — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 05:01:08 +0000

My guest on the Earth Guardian is Dr Linda Miles, L. Ac., D.O.M., Vice-President of Dermae Natural Bodycare. Derma e Natural Bodycare has been a family-owned and operated skincare company since 1984. Located in Simi Valley, CA, Dermae is committed to producing high-quality eco-friendly bodycare products that benefit their customers. For over 25 years, Derma e Natural Bodycare has pioneered the development of high performance anti-oxidant skincare solutions. Their award-winning, comprehensive line offers over 90 SKUs that are free of parabens, phthalates, sodium lauryl sulphates, mineral oil, and lanolin. What causes aging? What are the signs of aging? What natural ingredients should you look for in skin care products? What are the benefits of natural ingredients to your body and to the environment?

Furthermore, for over 25 years, Derma e Natural Bodycare has extended their eco-friendly philosophy to their business by being socially and environmentally responsible. As part of this commitment, Derma e does not use GMO ingredients. Whenever possible, they use organic ingredients, and ingredients sourced from environmentally-friendly farms that practice sustainable agriculture in their key ingredients. No formulas contain animal by-products, and there is no animal testing. Derma e is an active supporter of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics.

Derma e also packages all products in 100% recyclable packaging. Manufacture is done with 100% wind energy. Derma-e also contributes regularly to non-profit community organizations.

Earth Guardian – Post-Car Cities: How Cities need to be re-planned for Fewer Cars and Old Baby-Boomers

billschiffler — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 05:01:20 +0000

Instead of complaining about the high price of gasoline, this is an opportunity to redesign our cities and shift the priority from cars to pedestrians, from asphalt to tree-lined boulevards, from shopping centres to corner stores. It’s not far-fetched. For fourteen (14) years I was a volunteer community leader in Toronto. As Chair of Y.S.A.R.A, our ratepayer groups were involved in creating a new “city-centre” out of an existing section of the city. The community’s voice was essential in the success of the new city-centre, along with the city planners, and developers.

It took about twenty (20) years for the redevelopment to build-out from the initial planning stages, but it’s been a pleasure living adjacent to the redevelopment and seeing the transition occur there, and here in our residential neighbourhood. My family has options, which meant I wasn’t a chauffeur all the time. My children walked or rode their bicycles to school. My neighbour walked to work in one of the nearby highrises. Other neighbours go to work by subway. I speak to my neighbours. My parents are in their eighties and nineties, and they don’t have a car, but they live in an apartment where they can walk by themselves to the grocery store, or the library, and my mother goes by herself on the subway to her appointments. So, what types of changes are needed to create a city where people can live, work, entertain, and grow old?

Earth Guardian – Why Do Women have to Participate in the Decision-Making Process, Especially When the Decisions are Important?

billschiffler — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 16:51:45 +0000

Already in the 21st century, all of us are facing many new challenges that we didn’t have in the 20th century – over-population, dwindling resources, and violent weather. Women have an important role to play so that these challenges are addressed quickly. How can women help to address over-population? How can women help preserve our natural resources, the environment? How can women help politically so that actions are taken now to reduce the impact of the increasingly violent weather being experienced around the world? We’ll call it “small – talk – solutions”.

Men and women have to work together, and not dominate one over the over, to address the issues that we’re facing at this critical time on Earth.

Earth Guardian – The Shift that is Happening in the Electrical Industry

billschiffler — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 15:59:40 +0000

Electricity rates are going up because the infrastructure is falling apart, and more and more things are using electricity. It has been too cheap, and too reliable for too long to the point where electricity is now considered a right. Most governments are broke, so what options are available so that we can continue enjoying electricity?

People are getting upset because their electricity bills are going up, and they think it’s because of the high feed-in-tariffs for renewables (mainly solar). The media and politicians are stoking that resentment for their own purposes—to sell more media time, and to get more votes. This is a bad combination.

The problem of a large infrastructure that has to be replaced at a very expensive price tag still remains. It is like a ticking time bomb where everything will shut down all at once. There is also the problem that the organizational infrastructure is old and rigid, so the people delivering the electricity have a real big challenge ahead of them that is quite daunting.

Earth Guardian – Why Did United Nations Declare 2011 the” International Year of the Forest”? Why are Forests, the Earth’s Lungs, important to protect?

billschiffler — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 18:00:44 +0000

On February 2, 2011 the United Nations declared 2011 the “International Year of Forests”. The world’s forests are essential to our quality of life, and to keeping us alive. Trees make oxygen; they’re the lungs of the Earth. Why are they important to the Earth’s biodiversity? Why is it important to keep the forests intact, and large? What happens when forests stand where oil and gas deposits are? My guest is Ian Davidson, Executive Director of Nature Canada.

Earth Guardian – Can we learn from History to address the Causes of Climate Change and Environmental Degradation Now?

billschiffler — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 05:01:32 +0000

Hi There! Welcome to the Earth Guardian on Web Talk Radio. Net. I’m your host, Sharolyn Vettese.

Every event may be unique, but if you look deeper, you’ll see the similarity to an historical event. Can we learn from history to address the problems of climate change that we’re facing today? My guest is Troy Vettese, a graduate student in Environmental History, and editor of the website “Understood Backwards”, whose aim is to provide historical context to current events.

Earth Guardian – Electricity Distribution Companies like Manitoba Hydro can help you Reduce your Home Electricity Bills. Find out How.

billschiffler — Mon, 30 May 2011 05:01:54 +0000

Electricity costs are rising, and unhappy customers are venting their anger and frustration at the electricity distribution companies. Often, they’re just delivering the price increases, but electricity distribution companies are the first in line to the consumer. Find out how companies like Manitoba Hydro are helping their customers cope with rising electricity costs. What types of solutions are they offering? How are their customers encouraged to reduce their electricity consumption through their programs such as the Power Smart Electricity Savings, Rebates, and Loans? My guest on the Earth Guardian is Pam Vernaus, Supervisor Residential Programs, Power Smart Marketing Programs at Manitoba Hydro.

Earth Guardian – Organic Meadow: A Dairy Farmer’s Experience from Chemical to Organic Living

billschiffler — Mon, 23 May 2011 05:01:54 +0000

Humans are not the only ones who can be addicted to drugs and chemicals. Animals, plants, and soil also can be addicted. Find out what happens when a farming family switches from chemical to organic farming. What precipitated the switch? What types of changes were noticed in the soil, and in the cows? What are the requirements to be an organic farmer? My guest on the Earth Guardian is Bill Irwin, a recently converted dairy farmer in Mosley, Ontario who is a dairy farmer, and Director with Organic Meadow Co-operative.

Earth Guardian – Organic Meadow: What is the secret behind the successful co-operative for family-owned local organic farmers?

billschiffler — Mon, 16 May 2011 05:01:03 +0000

Organic produce is revitalizing the small family owned farms in Ontario, and Organic Meadow has been a key driver in linking the farmers to the consumers. Organic Meadow also encourages consumers to get to know the farmers, and how the food is produced. What are the benefits of the co-operative? How do sustainable farming practices affect the animals, soil, and consumers? How would the introduction of genetically modified alfalfa threaten the livelihood and the produce of organic farmers? My guest is Ted Zettel, General Manager at Organic Meadow Inc located in Guelph, Ontario.

Earth Guardian – How you, the consumer, can be the key driver towards sustainability by working with businesses, and levels of government. What can you do?

billschiffler — Mon, 02 May 2011 16:03:48 +0000

Consumers are not powerless individuals who are ineffective. On the contrary, consumers can be very powerful, especially when combined with other individuals so that the results are bigger than the whole. What can you do to be an empowered consumer to lead towards sustainability?

Earth Guardian – How businesses, along with consumers and the government create a sustainable community. What is the role of business?

billschiffler — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 05:01:19 +0000

Businesses are pillars of the community. They provide employment and a tax base for governments. They exist as small and large entities, and most are not faceless corporations. Why is it important to get them on-side toward sustainable practices?

Earth Guardian – How the government, along with business, and consumers create a community

billschiffler — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 14:51:58 +0000

Right now, there is a federal election in Canada, but it looks like a non-event. There are few political lawn signs, and hardly any coverage in the newspapers. Voter turn-out may be low as people don’t like politicians or government interference. So, why is government needed? How can the government re-invent itself to be useful?

Earth Guardian – Plitron: A company’s solution towards greater electricity efficiency

billschiffler — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 05:01:38 +0000

Plitron Manufacturing is a 28 year old Canadian company based in Toronto that decided to reinvent itself by branching out into electricity efficiency products, including its newly developed VREMS (Voltage Reduction Energy Management System). Why did Plitron Manufacturing expand into energy efficiency products? My guest is Steve Nolan, General Manager at Plitron Manufacturing.

Earth Guardian – How is Sustainability Good for Business?

billschiffler — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 05:01:46 +0000

Sustainability in business is both a responsibility and an opportunity that creates company growth and value. It starts by looking at the life cycle of a product, including its unintended consequences. Companies keep track of the progress, and the savings in their plants, products, people, and community (PPPC). How is this good for business? How does the consumer play a part? What are the non-monetized benefits? Are they worth counting?
My guest is Nina Goodrich, a Principal Consultant at Sustainnovation, and an associate with the Innovolve Group.

Earth Guardian – Why are Food Prices Going Up? How Secure is our Food Supply?

billschiffler — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 14:20:46 +0000

The unfolding nuclear catastrophe in Fukushima Dai-ichi complex has identified the vulnerability of Japan’s food supply to radiation contamination. Spinach, beets and other vegetables grown in the vicinity were found to have high radiation levels, as well as the drinking water. Victims of the tsunami don’t have food and drinking water. Who would have thought these problems would arise in a rich and developed country? This raises the question of how secure is our food supply? My guest is Debbie Sommer is President of Sommersmart, a food industry consulting company specializing in export.

Earth Guardian – How is Earthjustice using the Law to Regulate Hydraulic Fracturing

billschiffler — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 05:01:17 +0000

As the United States is looking at securing its energy production at home, harvesting natural gas from unconventional sources is being developed. “Hydraulic fracturing” is the process used to extract natural gas from such unconventional sources as shale and coal beds in states like New York. What is “fracturing”? How much water is used? Does it affect aquifers? What environmental impact does it have? My guest, Deborah Goldberg, is the managing Attorney of Earthjustice’s northeast regional office. Earthjustice is the largest non-profit public interest law firm in the world dedicated to protecting the magnificent places, natural resources, and wildlife of this earth by enforcing and strengthening the laws meant to protect them.

Earth Guardian – Earthjustice‘s Legal Battle Against the Alberta Tar Sands

billschiffler — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 05:01:10 +0000

The current unrest in the Middle East has highlighted the importance of having a secure oil source to fuel the economic engine, so why should environmental concerns regarding the extraction of oil from the tar sands in northern Alberta be an issue? Why should Americans care? Earthjustice is the largest non-profit public interest law firm in the world that is dedicated to protecting the magnificent places, natural resources, and wildlife of this earth by enforcing and strengthening the laws meant to protect them. My guest is Sarah Burt, a litigation attorney with Earthjustice where she specializes on issues related to climate change, energy, human rights, and the environment. Sarah is in Earthjustice’s international office located in Oakland, California.

Earth Guardian – World Wildlife Fund is Partnering with Businesses to be Climate Savers

billschiffler — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 23:50:57 +0000

Did you know that a desktop computer with an LCD monitor uses about 1,100kWh/year if it is left on every day? In addition to encouraging people to turn off their computers at the end of the day, including the power bar since computers and other appliances continue using electricity when still plugged in, World Wildlife Fund Canada actively works with business to address climate change. Actions like this can save about 65% of electricity use, which saves the planet, but does it help a company’s bottom line? Why is WWF encouraging businesses to be Partners and Supporters by joining the Living Planet Community, or changing their practices by becoming Climate Savers? Which types of companies are joining? Which types of companies are not interested at this time? My guest is WWF Canada’s Director of Strategic Partnerships, Monica Da Ponte.

Earth Guardian – Several states and provinces require businesses keep track of their greenhouse gas emissions.

billschiffler — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 05:01:23 +0000

These policies are already in place, and yet many businesses are unaware of this legislated requirement. Is it another administrative burden for companies, or an opportunity to improve corporate efficiency? What easy tracking tools are available? What are the spin-off benefits? If companies don’t keep track, what will happen? My guest is Christopher Cumby, Sr. Energy Consultant with First Energy Source.
www.firstenergysource.com
www.formidabletechnologies.com
www.firstcarbonsolutions.com

Earth Guardian – How a Nursery is helping anybody who has a piece of property to restore it to the native habitat

billschiffler — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 05:01:04 +0000

Prairie Moon Nursery, located in Winona, Minnesota is not easily found by GPS. It is in the middle of the prairie landscape it is helping consumers to restore. At a time when government and employers are establishing a happiness meter, why do the employees at Prairie Moon Nursery look happy? Guest Bob Copeland is in Sales and Consulting at Prairie Moon Nursery.

Earth Guardian – A southerner’s view of Iqaliut, Nunavut in the Canadian Arctic.

billschiffler — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 05:01:13 +0000

The Arctic is an early warning system for the planet’s climate change, yet very few people go there, especially Canadians who mostly populate the southerly borders of the country. So, why would a lawyer choose to work in Iqualuit, Nunavut, and stay for a number of years?

Earth Guardian – Continuing the Pioneering Tradition of Innovation – the Windancer™ small wind turbine

billschiffler — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 05:01:17 +0000

My guest, Dr. Alfred Mathieu, became involved in co-designing the Windancer™, a horizontal small wind turbine, when he was 84 years old. The Windancer is a multi-award winner. Now, 90 years old, Dr. Mathieu shares the creative process of innovation, and the importance of electricity. Coming from a pioneering family helps.

Earth Guardian – A Song about Genetically Modified (GM) Foods

billschiffler — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 05:01:45 +0000

The food industry may have thought the debate concerning Genetically Modified (GM) foods was no longer an issue after environmental groups raised their concern around 2004. So, why did Craig Morrison think that the issue needed to be in song at this time? Craig composed and recorded Smells like Genocide, a catchy song with memorable lyrics that deals with a serious issue about the food we eat. You can listen to the song at the end of the show.

Earth Guardian – Uprisings for the Earth

billschiffler — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 05:01:45 +0000

My guest is Osprey Orielle Lake, MA, author of Uprisings for the Earth –Reconnecting Culture with Nature published by White Cloud Press. Osprey is a bronze sculptor artist who has an awareness of the natural world around her. She knows the problems of climate change because she’s done the research. The difference with Osprey is that she’s offering pragmatic solutions for people who want to do something. She suggests you follow the water you drink to the source, establish “Eco-cities” according to the International Eco-city Standards, and harness the power of consumers. Osprey also suggests how individuals and cities can reconnect to Nature, and feel better for doing so. As Director of the Women’s Earth and Climate Caucus, Osprey sees women as active participants in addressing the problems of climate change. Osprey is also on the governing board of the Praxis Peace Institute.

Earth Guardian – Welcome to the Earth Guardian with Sharolyn Vettese

billschiffler — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 05:01:31 +0000

This first show of the Earth Guardian on Web Talk Radio is an opportunity for you to get to know your host, Sharolyn Vettese, and also the format of the show.