The Idaho Energy Collaborative is presenting a  Living Energy Festival on Sunday, July 10th at the Shangri-la Tea Room and Cafe Lawn from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.

This free event is offering an energy festival, workshops on renewable energy and energy efficiency, and live music. And, if you visit every booth before 3:00 pm, there will be raffle prizes to win!

Some of the businesses and organizations that you can expect to see:
Green Works Idaho, Snake River Alliance, Idaho Conservation League, Renewable Energy NW, Sustainable Community Connections, Treasure Valley Food Coalition, Think Boise First, Think Nampa First, Modus Architecture, Site Based Energy, EV Idaho, U.S. Green Building Council Idaho Chapter, Idaho Rivers United, AltEnergy, Western Energy, 5D LLC, and more!

Who will benefit from a natural gas Compression Station proposed on 13 acres of prime agricultural land in rural New Plymouth? Definitely not the neighboring residents, or even the residents in surrounding communities.

Bridge Resources Corporation of Canada has been drilling natural gas wells in the area and must also build a Compression Station to pipe the drilled gas and residual fluids to. The compression station will be unmanned, and its only activity will be commercial tanker traffic, taking the extracted 80,000 plus gallons of oil and liquid waste to undisclosed locations.

Besides the truck and other industrial activity traffic and stresses, people living near Compressor Stations could develop a life-threatening condition from the constant low-level noise called ‘vibro-acoustic disease’. Some of the resulting symptoms of that can be depression, increased irritability and aggressiveness, a tendency for isolation, and decreased cognitive skills.

Despite it being an unmanned facility, thus creating no local jobs, it will have emissions that have been shown to increase the chance of deaths from respiratory and  cardiovascular diseases, as well as increasing the rate of premature births and low birth weights.

Disposal of oil and liquid waste, as well as noise and air emissions, are currently unregulated and have not been addressed by the local governing agencies. The property values in other communities where natural gas well drilling and compression stations are in use, have experienced property value reductions of up to 60%.

Who will benefit from this Compressor Station? Not the homeowners who live in the affected area, some for 50 plus years. The environment and the wildlife won’t benefit either. We need to be using clean alternative energy sources, but natural gas isn’t clean energy. There are numerous proven renewable energy options in this day and age. It’s a matter of people being educated on the detriments and values of each, and then the decision is really a no-brainer.

Payette County citizens will have an opportunity to voice these and other concerns at the Planning & Zoning Meeting on Thursday, July 14, 2011 at 7:00 at the Payette County Courthouse.

The below video shows the effects of a Compression Station.

Last week, I was at a dinner meeting with some other business women. We were served some scrumptious homemade lasagna and green salad.

I haven’t been able to get the salad off my mind, and was able to score a copy of the slightly modified, Costco Cookbook recipe from my friend, Tina Biggers.

It was of course, made with a lot of love, so that probably didn’t hurt. But, I have no doubts that you will totally enjoy this salad for seasons to come, as will I.

Baby Mixed Greens with Apples, Pecans & Feta

Source: Costco Cookbook / Tina Biggers (Servings: 4)

• 3 tablespoon Olive Oil
• 1 tablespoon Red wine vinegar
• 3 tablespoon Orange juice
• 4 tablespoon Honey, more to taste if necessary
• Salt & Pepper, to taste
• 6 cups Baby mixed greens, loosley packed
• 1 medium Apple, or pear, cored and sliced into thin wedges
• ⅓ cups Dried cranberries, or pomegranate seeds
• ⅓ cup Feta Cheese
• 3 tablespoon Pecans, finely chopped

To prepare the dressing, combine olive oil, vinegar, orange juice, honey, salt and pepper in a salad bowl. Mix until well blended.
Add greens and toss to coat with the dressing.
Divide the salad among 4 plates. Top with apple or pear slices. Sprinkle with dried cranberries, feta and pecans.

BON APPÉTIT !

We have reached the halfway point of 2011. As quickly as those first 6 months have passed, so too, have the years that I’ve been on this planet and can recall some memorable Independence Day, July 4th, celebrations.

But, no matter where or with whom I celebrated, each year I become more aware of the significance of this holiday. With age, I believe comes at least a little more wisdom and appreciation of my liberties and blessings.

I am very fortunate to have been born in an amazing country, these United States of America. Obviously, no country is perfect, or at least those who walk on it. But, despite it all, I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.

That all being said, I want to take this opportunity to thank all of the men and women who have served and/or sacrificed to ensure that my life of freedom and independence continue. I am in awe of the families that have watched their loved ones leave to serve us and pray that faithfulness sustains them through the long haul.

A partial quote from the Declaration of Independence that is always good to reflect on:

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with inherent and inalienable Rights; that among these, are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness; that to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed; that whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the people to alter or abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles, and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.

Please watch the below video that is quite a tribute to our troops and their families.

One of the more recent ‘booms’ is the process of drilling natural gas wells in the United States. It’s a process called hydraulic fracturing or ‘fracking’, for short. The problem with fracking, is that it creates numerous conditions that threaten our environment’s future.

The process of fracking, as explained on Greenpeace’s website is as follows:

Large shale rock formations lie deep underground throughout much of the US. Some of these shale deposits, including the Marcellus Shale in the Eastern US, contain reserves of natural gas that cannot be exploited using conventional drilling methods.

Hydraulic fracturing involves drilling a deep well vertically into the reservoir formation and then turning it horizontally into the deposit. Sand, water, and chemicals are injected into the rock layer, creating cracks that allow the gas to seep out. These cracks can extend as much as a few hundred meters into the rock from the injection well.

If  it was as simple as that and didn’t pose any great environmental and health concerns, that would be fine. But, it doesn’t. It is only the beginning of numerous potential exposures and hazards created from the total process.

Some exposures are from the numerous chemicals used in the fracking process. There are also dangerous elements that can be brought to the surface during the extraction of the gas from below ground. Additionally, air pollution is created by the equipment used.

Then, there’s the issue of the reducing water resources to local communities. This being due to the fact that the average estimates of water usage at a single gas well using multi-stage hydraulic fracturing range from 2 million gallons and at times as high as 7.8 million gallons.

There have been several, proven and theorized negative health and environmental impacts in most states where fracking has been taking place. Raised levels of methane in water systems, a plethora of health issues, high concentrations of greenhouse gas emissions, to name just a few.

In states such as Pennsylvania, New York, Wyoming, Montana, and Colorado, the fracking process has been taking a toll on it’s natural resources and it’s residents. And now, the State of Idaho is currently engaged in entertaining the industry of fracking in southwestern Idaho.

Exploratory wells have been drilled in Payette County and that community is banning together to educate themselves as well as the State Land Board, that this is an industry that has been under-regulated for too long.  Additionally, neighboring Washington County is being very proactive in setting standards and ordinances to protect their beautiful rural community.

The oil and gas industry would like you to believe that they’ve been fracking in these other states for the last 60 years and haven’t generated or seen these issues. The problem with that rationale is, that the methods that they were using up until the 1990’s, were seriously less invasive and hazardous. Additionally and very importantly, they themselves didn’t monitor themselves and the natural resources that they were affecting, to prove or disprove the hazards that fracking has created.

It’s all very political and money driven of course, but that doesn’t mean it’s a good thing. There are far too many issues that were ‘overlooked’ in the past, and they have come back to haunt the people and this planet.

For more in-depth information about how unconventional gas threatens our water, health and climate, there is an excellent website called the Desmogblog. It’s provides factual information about the myths and dangers of fracking.

Idaho residents that would like to become more educated on the issues at hand in that state, can get regular updates from the Idaho Conservation League’s website. Additionally, this author has created a Facebook Group that features the latest information about fracking and protecting Idaho’s natural resources and our future.

I am completely stoked about the announcement of a zero-packaging store that will be opening this fall in Austin, Texas. “in.gredients” most probably will be the first store in the U.S. to be package free and have zero waste in their store(s).

How can this be, you ask? Well, it’s because some forward-thinking entrepreneurs are setting their sights on being the “next step” in fixing a variety of problems in today’s food industry. They state that there mission is to be a different kind of grocery store, one that is responsible to the environment and community and one that facilitates a healthy lifestyle.

In their recent press release, in.gredients promises to be an alternative to supermarket-style shopping, featuring local, organic food products, offering cooking classes and gardening activities on site, and hosting a variety of community oriented events geared towards promoting healthy living.

Customers will bring their own reusable containers to hold their purchases or they can purchase compostable containers from the store. It’s bulk food buying at a higher level and it doesn’t get much more sustainable than this.

in.gredients is also searching for investors for this worthy venture, and I’m sure they won’t be searching for very long. This new style of bulk merchandising will hopefully very soon, become the norm as people continue to learn the value of sustainable living.

Almost half of everything that goes to our landfills is packaging and most of that packaging has been used only one time. I am very anxious to see this philosphy spread throughout the nation and eventually see package free, zero waste stores for all consumable products. It’s a no-brainer and it’s a win-win for everyone!

Often, I am unable to wrap my head around the blatant disregard and misuse of our natural resources. Many justify the actions because they say that the activity is providing for our nation’s economy and survival.

Recently, I have been involved in raising community awareness about the natural gas well drilling, known as hydro fracturing or “fracking” in my own Idaho community. In my opinion, common sense is being thrown to the wind, while big corporations try to buy their way into our backyards.

The same type of scenario is playing out across the country from me, on the Atlantic Coast. In this situation, deep sea canyons on the continental shelf are being threatened in the name of commerce. These undersea canyons house a multitude of marine life. But, their fate is in jeopardy, if competent regulations aren’t placed on commercial fisherman and the gas and oil companies.

Let me be clear, I am not opposed to the creation of jobs and industry. That’s something that is necessary and good. But, our country no longer has the luxury of misusing and abusing our natural resources. Conscientious, bi-partisan research must be utilized to establish the standards necessary to use our natural resources, while protecting them at the same time.

Please watch the below video, Oceans Oases with Philippe Cousteau. In it, he shares about the urgent need to protect the precious and mysterious underwater canyons and seamounts of the Atlantic Coast.

For more information you can also check out the NRDC’s (National Resources Defense Council) website.

This year Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge is combining two great events into one: BioBlitz 2011and Kids’ Fishing Day!

The public is invited to participate in the Refuge’s 6th annual BioBlitz Festival on Saturday June 11th from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Refuge Visitor Center. This free family event includes guided boat trips to net fish on Lake Lowell; guided bird and plant walks; and insect-collecting expeditions. Visitors can also view live birds of prey, fish, and reptiles; learn to identify insects at the Bug Tent; learn how to draw wildlife; visit interactive exhibits from wildlife-related organizations in Idaho; participate in kids’ crafts and activities; and explore the Refuge through a photo scavenger hunt.

BioBlitz is a 24-hour rapid survey of biological diversity. On June 10th and 11th, local scientists, naturalists, and volunteers will comb Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge to find and identify as many different species of plants and animals as possible. This year, visitors can participate in some of the surveys through deer spotlight survey, bat detector, and small mammal trapping demonstrations on Friday, June 11th. Although BioBlitzes have been held across the country, this is Idaho’s only one!

This year’s BioBlitz Festival is being held on Free Fishing Day, so bring your pole and also visit Gotts Point for kids fishing activities. From 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, kids can learn about fish biology, fishing ethics, and water safety. Visitors will have a chance to practice casting and rigging before testing their newly-learned skills by fishing in Lake Lowell! Fishing poles will be available to borrow if needed.

The event schedule is as follows. All the guided activities listed below require pre-registration Friday, June 10th

6:00 AM Birding survey (intermediate and experienced birders only)
10:00 AM Aquatic invertebrate sampling (volunteers needed)
9:00 PM Bat presentation and bat detector demonstration
10:00 PM Deer spotlighting survey

Saturday June 11th
7:00 AM Small mammal trapping demonstration
10:00 AM Boat trip to net fish
10:30 AM Introduction to birding walk
11:00 AM Boat trip to net fish
11:30 AM Plant walk
12:00 PM Boat trip to net fish
12:30 PM Introduction to birding walk
1:00 PM Pollinator survey
1:30 PM Plant walk

BioBlitz 2011 will be at the Refuge Visitor Center; the entrance road is located at the corner of Indiana and Roosevelt in Nampa. Kid’s Fishing Day will be at Gotts Point at the west end of Greenhurst. A map, directions, and a schedule of festival events (see below) are available at http://www.fws.gov/deerflat. To register for one of the guided activities or for more information, call the Refuge Visitor Center at (208) 467-9278 or email deerflat@fws.gov

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The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.

It has been previously stated many times, that cell phone usage could be a contributing cause to cancer. But, those statements have mostly been dismissed by medical professionals as hearsay. Now, the World Health Organization (WHO) has released the results of some preliminary studies that say otherwise.

Just this week, The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) announced that it has classified cell phone radiation as “possibly carcinogenic to humans,” based on an increased risk for a malignant type of brain cancer associated with mobile phone use. The IARC is a part of  WHO, and it’s main purpose is to research the causes of human cancer and try to find strategies for prevention and control of it.

Their research also identified an association between cell phone use, salivary gland tumors, and a tumor of the nerve that links the ear to the brain.

For the IARC to announce these findings, should give pause to those who regularly have a cell phone at their ear. There are alternatives available via blue tooth capabilities with headsets and GPS units, etc. Although, it may require a minor inconvenience initially, the benefits outweigh the inconvenience.

In addition to the health hazards associated with holding a cell phone while using it, there are also the safety issues while operating a motor vehicle.  These factors alone, should be significant enough to look for alternatives.

The Environmental Working Group has been talking about cancer and it’s relationship to cell phone usage since 2009. They have a guide published on their website that addresses this very topic and provides information on specific cell phones and how much radiation is emitted from each of them.

Remember when people dismissed the Surgeon General’s warning on the side of cigarette packs over 30 years ago? “May be hazardous” has been proven true in regards to tobacco and could very well be true in this situation. The questions is whether or not the public wants to wait and gamble with their lives or be proactive now, just in case.