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Hello Dear Environmental Forum Family,
Spring is here and with it comes celebration of two amazing victories for fellow EFM graduates!
This week EFM XXX graduates Kraemer Winslow and Pamela Reeves saw their years of hard work come to fruition when the City of San Rafael officially adopted an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) policy. We are so proud of Kraemer and Pam, and thank them for their tenacity and hard work.
And have you noticed the full-page ads being run by United Market in the Independent Journal lately? They highlight the efforts of another project, this one of Christin Anderson, EFM XXXIV. She has successfully negotiated a commitment from United Market which will help reduce the use of plastics by encouraging customers to think twice before grabbing for that plastic bag in the veggie aisle and at the register.
These projects are two wonderful examples of how a concerned citizen or two, armed with a smart idea, the spirit of cooperation, and determination can bring about meaningful change to make our communities more healthy, safe and sustainable.
On a final note, inspired by these recent victories, I urge you to join your family, friends and neighbors next Saturday, April 14th and participate in the nationwide Step It Up campaign to show your concern about climate change. Please see below for details about where people are meeting near your home, and come help us make our voice heard, loud and clear. -- Mia Pelletier, Your April 2007 Newsletter Editor
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EFM XXX Grads Kraemer Winslow and Pamela Reeves Persuade San Rafael to Adopt IPM Policy
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The Environmental Forum of Marin can be proud of a huge advocacy win on the part of two graduates from Class XXX--Pamela Reaves and Kraemer Winslow. Their class project goal, started in November 2002, was to see the City of San Rafael adopt an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Policy.
Their efforts came to fruition after four-and-a- half years of ongoing advocacy. On Monday evening, April 2, 2007, San Rafael’s IPM Policy became official at the City Council meeting. It was adopted by a unanimous vote on the part of the Mayor and four Council Members and was cheered on by at least 25 supporters including many members of the Environmental Forum.
Along the way Pam and Kraemer created “Safe & Healthy San Rafael” in order to give their requests more legitimacy by showing that there were others who backed their efforts. They were fortunate enough to have been joined by Debbie Raphael, a San Rafael resident and San Francisco's Toxics Reduction/Green Building Program Manager, Department of the Environment. At the suggestion of Ginger Souders-Mason (also a big help in their efforts), they had invited Debbie to speak at a Forum Training day on Toxics. Since Debbie oversaw San Francisco’s adoption of an IPM program she was invaluable in helping with this initiative.
When asked what advice they had for other advocates, Kraemer and Pam said that one of the most important things to remember is “Don’t give up!” When it looked like their efforts were going nowhere, they were able to continually come up with new, creative and mostly collaborative ways to approach the situation. They both say that working as part of a team was also important so that the momentum wasn’t lost when one person was busy with work or other obligations. They also recognize that they are standing on the shoulders of others from the Forum who have been trailblazers in this arena, who guided them and who continue to advocate for the betterment of our county.
Their work is certainly a great example of staying steadfast to an important environmental goal. Congratulations and we wish you many more victories!
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EFM XXXIV Graduate Christin Anderson Works with United Market to Launch a Plastics Awareness Campaign
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EFM congratulates Christin Anderson, recent graduate of Class of XXXIV, who took her frustration with the ubiquitous use of plastic bags and turned it into a campaign to reduce their use in our own community.
After months of "a lot of collaboration" on the part of herself and United Market owner Bill Daniels, a commitment has been made to start a campaign to reduce plastics at the two stores.
Starting this spring, we will notice a new look to United Market's plastic, paper and canvas bags. After much research, Christin presented Mr. Daniels with a portfolio of sea creatures that could appear on the bags. Eventually, they chose the image of a sea turtle, and alongside it will be printed messages such as "Thank you. Whales, turtles, birds and others thank you for reducing plastic bags in the waste stream."
In addition, labels will be placed next to the plastic bags in the produce aisle that say "Please reduce, reuse and recycle plastic veggie bags" and "Please reduce plastic and B.Y.O.B. (Bring Your Own Bag)."
Christin felt that with the right kind of message, consumers would make the switch from using plastic bags to more environmentally friendly practices of using canvas bags, or at the very least re-using the bags they already have. "I think the message needs to be educational, simple and brief. There are so many messages out there and people get overwhelmed. I think this puts the ball in (the consumer's) court. They see that they have some responsibility and can make a difference, and this makes them feel good."
Christin and all of the Environmental Forum of Marin family want to thank Bill Daniels and United Market for taking a leadership position on this, and hope United's shining example will inspire other markets to follow their lead.
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Step It Up! Show You Care about Global Warming this Saturday, April 14th
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Bill McKibben, author of "The End Of Nature", has initiated a Nationwide Day of Action on Global Warming: "Step it up 2007",
On April 14th, all across the country, Americans will be gathering at iconic, meaningful places to demand: "Step it up, Congress! Cut Carbon Emissions 80% by the year 2050."
STEP IT UP! MARIN EVENTS
STEP IT UP Southern Marin
Time: 2:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Location: Audubon Center Tiburon, 376 Greenwood Beach Rd.
There will be three main speakers, brief contributions by children, a display of fuel-efficient cars, including a plug-in hybrid. Children and adults will fill a clothes-line with pledges indicating which choices we will make to cut our individual Co2 emissions. A display of maps will show the melting Arctic and the projected sea level rise around San Francisco Bay. At 4:30 pm, we will walk to Blackie's Pasture to stage the rising sea level.
Speakers:
-Richard Heinberg, www.RichardHeinberg.com, will deliver the keynote address: "Twilight of the Fossil Fuels Era. A Greenprint for the 21st Century".
-Ken Smokoska, Sierra Club California Director of Clean Energy Initiatives, will speak about "Solutions to Global Warming".
-Betsy Rosenberg, host of "EcoTalk" on Air America Radio, www.AirAmericaRadio.com/ecotalk , will look at the cars we drive, and why mothers and others ought to make environmentally responsible choices to protect our children's future.
Please, help spread the word by forwarding this invitation. Bring signs and water. Bring your family, friends, neighbors and associates. Volunteers needed.
Contact: greengalaxy@sbcglobal.net
STEP IT UP Central Marin
Time: 12:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Location: San Anselmo's Memorial Park
Hear Assemblymember Jared Huffman, Supervisor Charles McGlashan, and Randy Hayes (Rainforest Action Network, IFG) 12:30 - 1:30
Youth Campaign Winners & Awardees Announced - Educational materials, music, pledge wall, kids activities, food and refreshments.
Large Group Photo 12:30 - 12:45 p.m.
Contact: bthornton9000@yahoo.com
STEP IT UP San Rafael:
When: 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm
Where: At the intersection of 2nd Street and Lindaro in Downtown San Rafael.
Along with thousands of other rallies across the country we are joining this inspired, nationwide call to action, urging congress to step it up on global warming and to cut carbon dioxide emissions by 80% by 2050.
We chose this area on 2nd Street because it's important to start talking about the fact that STREETS AT THE VERY HUB OF THE LARGEST CITY IN MARIN WILL BE UNDER WATER WITH ONLY A ONE METER RISE IN SEA LEVEL, which is what is very conservatively predicted by 2100.
So, join us. WEAR beach hats, sunglasses, bathing suits (if you dare). BRING colorful beach umbrellas, beach chairs, snorkel gear, beach towels, surf boards, kayaks - you get the idea. Also, if you'd like, bring YOUR OWN creative signs, like “Cut Carbon or Swim Here!”, "Beachfront Property in 2100", "Got Levies ?" or simply, the main message: "Step It Up, Congress," and "Cut Carbon Now!"
Group photos will be taken at 2:30 pm.
Contact: Suespof@comcast.net or www.SustainableSanRafael.org
STEP IT UP Fairfax
Time: 10:30 - 12:00 p.m.
Location: Bolinas Road Park, 142 Bolinas Rd.
What: Rally and speakers followed by March to Join Central Gathering at Memorial Park, San Anselmo.
Contact: ltremaine@townoffairfax.org
Additional Step It Up! Events on Saturday, April 14, 2007 INSPIRATIONAL HIKE ON MT. TAM FOR ADULTS AND CHILDREN
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Location: Rock Springs Parking Lot
What: Brief walk to stunning overlook of the Pacific. Longer hike preceding.
Contact: storm-petrel@care2.com
STEP IT UP: A GREEN SANGHA ACTION
Education tables at supermarkets across the county with petitions to Congress, and smiles
Contact: stuartfieldmoody@hotmail.com
BIKE TO THE FUTURE
Three Locations: Mill Valley Community Center parking lot, San Rafael's 4th Street Plaza, Fairfax at old Albertson's Parking Lot.
What: Get out of your car and onto your bike.
All groups will ride to San Anselmo to the central gathering at Memorial Park
Contact: jimmyjustice@gmail.com
ECUMENICAL WORSHIP SERVICE
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location: San Francisco Theological Seminary, 105 Seminary Rd.
What: Short service on climate change followed by walk to Memorial Park to join the central San Anselmo Event.
Contact: prc@sfts.edu
"HEY GM! PLUG IN HYBRIDS NOT HUMMERS NOW!
Clean Cars & Polar Bears Rally for Climate-Friendly Transport!
Time: 2:30 - 3:30pm
San Rafael GM Hummer Dealership, 2 Shoreline Parkway
Contact: nina@themmob.org
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Link to the Step It Up Website |
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Help Save Marin's Farmland: Become a MALT Volunteer
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Marin Agricultural Land Trust (MALT) is getting ready to train a new batch of volunteers to help with their Hikes and Tours program and special events such as the Ranches and Rolling Hills art show and Taste of Marin.
The two-day training takes place over Sunday, May 6th and Saturday, June 2nd, 2007, in Pt Reyes Station. Volunteers will learn about MALT's goals, about the farmland that has been preserved and what is currently being done to save more, about the nuts and bolts of agriculture in Marin, and how to help MALT educate the public about the importance of farmland preservation as part of a healthy and vibrant local food supply.
For more information, please contact MALT's Volunteer Program Manager Mia Pelletier at 415-663-1338 or mpelletier@malt.org.
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Recycle your Car Batteries April 11-21
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Support the 2007 Great Battery Roundup sponsored by the AAA Outdoor Corps.
The Roundup is annual effort to collect and recycle old car, boat and motorcycle batteries which are a hazard to the environment.
The 2007 Great Battery Roundup runs from April 11 through April 21. During this eleven-day period, anyone can drop off car batteries for recycling at any one of several designated recycling stations in Marin. There is no charge for the service. For every battery recycled, $2 will be donated to the Marin Conservation League.
In Marin, the designated drop-off sites are:
Corte Madera Towing, 67 Industrial Way, Greenbrae, Mon-Fri: 8:00-5:00 (415)927-1619
Novato Toyota, 115 Vintage Way, Novato, Mon-Sat: 10:00-5:30 (415)897-3191
Cheda Garage, 11225 State Highway 1, Point Reyes Station, Mon-Fri: 8:00-5:00 (415)663-1227
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MALT's 10th Annual Ranches & Rolling Hills Art Show
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Marin Agricultural Land Trust's 10th anniversary show and sale of western Marin County landscape paintings will take place on Saturday, May 19, and Sunday, May 20, at the Druid’s Hall on the Village Square in Nicasio, California. Ranches & Rolling Hills will feature more than 250 images of natural and working landscapes, including many of the 58 family farms that have been permanently protected by Marin Agricultural Land Trust (MALT). The event is open to the public at no charge from 2–5 P.M. on Saturday, May 19, and from 10 A.M.–4 P.M. on Sunday, May 20.
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Click here for more details |
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COM's Center for Regenerative Design to Host Evening with Robert Reich and Professor Robert Kennedy
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Friday, April 13, 2007
Join us in a COMmunity Profile Series event:
Professor of Public Policy at the University of California, Berkeley and former Secretary of Labor Robert Reich describes his vision for the role of democracy and education for shaping the future. Also, meet College of Marin Business and Information Systems Professor Robert Kennedy as he shares his perspective on business education and the new economy. This event will be moderated by author and Co-Director of COM’s Center for Regenerative Design (CRD) Andres Edwards.
Presenters:
Robert B. Reich and Professor Robert Kennedy, Business and Information Systems
Where:
Olney Hall, College of Marin, Kentfield Campus 835 College Drive, Kentfield, CA
When:
Friday, April 13th, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
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Click here for more details |
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You are Invited to the Fairfax Open Space Committee Benefit!
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Who: Fairfax Open Space Committee
What: Our third annual BENEFIT / PARTY
Where: Fairfax Women’s Club, 49 Park Road, Fairfax
Why: Raise funds to purchase and preserve open space in Fairfax
When: April 21st from 5-10pm
Musicians:
Otis Scarecroe
Steve Wolf
The Tom Finch Band
Tickets: $20
advanced: on sale in Fairfax at Bookbeat and the Town Hall
night of event: at the door
Tickets include: Lasagne dinner, beer and wine
There will be a Raffle & Silent Auction
The Fairfax Open Space Committee was founded three years ago to preserve open space in and around Fairfax. The committee was key in acquiring a pristine nine-acre redwood grove, home to spotted owls, in Cascade Canyon.
The Committee’s goals include saving natural lands for recreation and wildlife corridors and linking our town’s open spaces with existing Marin open spaces wherever possible. We are working in collaboration with other groups in an effort to acquire, for open space, 100 acres of beautiful ridgeline property with meadows and woods that overlooks the northern borders of our town.
Our third annual benefit on April 21st is to help raise awareness and funds for these projects, which will preserve our beautiful natural environment for future generations.
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Wild! Salmon Celebration and the Recycle Circus
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Join us for an event celebrating Marin's wild salmon and the links between habits and habitat
Sunday, April 22nd, 2007
10am - 5pm Point Reyes Station
>From the Recycle Circus to salmon puppets, nature walks and BBQ oysters, the day promises to be a fantastic celebration of the many individuals, organizations and agencies working hard to care for Marin's watersheds and its many inhabitants. Designed to be fun for everyone, the day includes art projects, live music, guest speakers and lots of recycled goodies.
For more information or to help with the event, please contact the Marin Organic office at 415-663-9667.
Sponsored by Marin Organic, Point Reyes Books, Recycle Circus, Environmental Action Committee of West Marin, West Marin Commons and Gallery Route One
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Get Rid of the Those Plastic Bags Around Your Newspaper
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EFM Grad Tom Kunhardt noticed this note on the editorial page and thought he'd pass it along: The Chronicle uses plastic bags to protect home- delivered papers whenever rain is in the forecast. On all other days, the use of bags is at the discretion of each carrier - and our customers' wishes. If you would prefer not to have your Chronicle in a bag on dry days, please call customer service at (415) 777-7000"
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