Latest Articles
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Brit’s Eye View: Britain’s Conservatives challenge Labour for mantle of greenest party
This is the first installment of a new monthly column on sustainability in the U.K. and Europe, from Peter Madden, chief executive of Forum for the Future, Britain's leading sustainable development charity.
Something strange and wonderful is happening in British politics. American readers, prepare to be envious: both of our main political parties are actively competing to be seen as the greenest. What is perhaps even more interesting is that it's the Conservatives (a traditionally right-wing, pro-business, and tax-cutting party more or less equivalent to your Republicans) who are currently winning.
In a recent opinion poll, people were asked, "From what you have seen or heard, which of these three politicians as prime minister would do most to protect the environment?" Only a quarter opted for Tony Blair, and 18 percent for his likely successor as head of the Labour Party, Gordon Brown, while 33 percent chose David Cameron , the Conservative leader. It is difficult to imagine a comparable result in the United States.
The change is mainly down to the 39-year-old Cameron himself (pictured at right). Dave, as he prefers to be called, is a slick, approachable, and media-friendly politician. Indeed, he has many of the qualities -- of freshness, of being in touch with ordinary people's aspirations -- that made Tony Blair so popular a decade ago.
Cameron has already shown a strong personal commitment to environmental issues. He rides a bicycle to the House of Commons, he grows organic carrots, and he is fitting a wind turbine to his house.
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From Centerfolds to 50 Cent
June is bustin’ out all over A 2007 calendar benefiting the Climate Protection Campaign will feature green models ranging from energy pushers and business owners to city councilchicks and hard-core … cyclists. Their theme? “Ecobabes … because beauty inspires life” — and because sex (no matter how green) sells. Photo: Ecobabes.org Chinese chop tix Censorship, […]
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Watch
Despite my best efforts, I can never get the videos on Big Picture TV to work. (I wish everyone would just switch to Flash, a la YouTube.) But perhaps you can. If so, go check out the three clips of Bill McKibben they just put up.
And let me know if they're any good.
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Here’s your coupon code for a discount on the ecopod
Ever felt what your home really needs is "the sweet sound of compaction"? Have I got a deal for you.
As mentioned in The Grist List today, ecopod is so much more than just a compacter for your recycled goods. The company's raison d'etre is to make recycling simple and rewarding. And now they're offering to make it just a little bit cheaper, too. Grist readers interested in purchasing an ecopod -- that's you! -- will receive a 10 percent discount by entering the coupon code GOGRIST in the "Promotion Code" box during checkout.
For now, the ecopods are still on the assembly lines, but orders will start shipping this November on a first-come, first-served basis -- so get your order in soon! This is a great way to support a fledgling company and take some positive action at the same time. And I know how y'all love to recycle.
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Really
Good for Angela Merkel:
German Chancellor Angela Merkel named confronting climate change as her country's top priority as leader of the Group of Eight (G8) nations next year and will also use Germany's weight as president of the EU to push for the reduction of energy use at the same time.
Somebody give that lady a backrub!
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Sure It’s Not the Politics?
Wildlife waste blamed for pollution in D.C.-area waterways Tired of being left out, nature has decided to join in the fun and pollute itself. A significant amount of harmful bacteria in Virginia and Maryland waterways has been pinned on, well, wildlife poop. The Potomac and Anacostia rivers and an additional two dozen or so streams […]
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Bluster’s Last Stand
DOD declares wind turbines can interfere with radar, but says some can proceed The Defense Department has finally completed a long-awaited study on how wind farms impact military radar, which clears the way for some stalled wind projects to continue. At least a dozen projects in Illinois, North Dakota, and Wisconsin had been put on […]
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The Big Glad Wolf
Wolf population thriving in Rocky Mountain states The wolf population in the Northern Rocky Mountains has grown by more than 20 percent since last winter. Officials estimate that 158 wolf packs, totaling at least 1,229 members, are living it up in Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming. The midyear estimate is the highest population estimate since wolves […]
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It’s Always Greener on the Other Side of the Pond
Britain’s Conservatives challenge Labor for mantle of greenest party Americans, prepare to be jealous, says Peter Madden, head of Britain’s Forum for the Future. In the U.K., the two main political parties are competing to be seen as the greenest — and the Conservatives are currently in the lead. That’s largely due to Conservative Party […]
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