Okay, so I bite at blog posts. It's true, I haven't posted one thing for almost two months. I was thinking I should make it a whole two months to make it even, so in about five minutes it will technically be two months. I hope to work my way up to bi-monthly postings, but for now, accept my soggy apologies from my rice-dreamy keyboard.
That's right, this morning I dropped most of a bowl of organic raisin bran and rice milk onto my keyboard- and it's still alive! That alone is worth a blog post, though not exactly green news. It feels soggy, though, like the keys are softer and...stickier. Well, at least it got a snack. Keyboards are hard up these days for healthy options. I, however, had to forfeit the rest of my breakfast. That'll teach me to eat at my computer. Which I was lectured not to in the digestion book, over and over...yes, anyway.
So, despite the lack of posts, I have not been sleeping for a month (though that sounds deliciously fantastic) or out of green ideas. (I just realized that sounded like I said I haven't been sleeping, as in so busy I couldn't sleep. While it's true I am a partial insomniac, I meant I hadn't been on a vacation during which I slept for a month like a hibernating bear. Which is kind of a bummer.) In fact, I've been busy brainstorming for the next stage of Green on the Inside's development (more to come later) and organizing for this Get a Little Greener Campaign (remember, Green a Little, Change a Lot! Two posts down! That's the advantage of being a lazy blogger) trying to figure out how to get it started for real despite bureaucratic obstacles (my least favorite kind. Usually I go for the evenly spaced tires and the rockclimbing wall.) Meaning, there's apparently not a lot of money for this gig. Read: zero dollars. At least, that's what I have been told. So going forward, I am in the process of finding partners, funding, and ingenious routes to productivity, something hard to come by in city government.
So in the process of re-imagining Green on the Inside's next year and exploring ways to genuinely implement this project, as well as sleeping (I like sleeping) and eating a LOT of...something (I know I've been doing that), I managed to get sidetracked and found myself thinking up great new blog posts but never writing them.
Where to begin? It's all so overwhelming. Great green reads, fascinating news, the emergence of summer from spring into locally grown food season...new green tips on the air...some great new recommendations of products and ideas for a green life in a crappy economy...fabulous recipes for local eating (I am currently enjoying a homemade bowl of soup made from locally grown veggies, right above aforementioned keyboard) my new obsession with gardening and eco gardening habits...I will get to it all. I promise. Right after I come back from the mountains of New Hampshire on sunday. In the meantime, enjoy this gorgeous rain if you are local, and watch the magic of everything bursting with life unfold and unfurl with luscious color and wild composition. Summer: much better than reading blog posts.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Van Jones does standup at Bentley College Leadership Forum
This past Thursday, despite a bad cold, being unable to breathe, and a pounding headache, I got myself out to Waltham (which, I might add, does not seem so different from Watertown, where I got lost first. Neither have street signs) at 8 am to check out the Bentley Leadership Forum for social entrepreneurship, with Van Jones as the morning keynote speaker. And though I felt awful, I was so glad I did!
Van Jones is the author of the Green Collar Economy. He's also the creator of Green for All, which Green on the Inside supports. A few years ago, I didn't know who he was, though I should have. Now he is the Special Advisor for Green Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation at the White House Council on Environmental Quality. His mission is to link clean energy to the need for jobs, thereby creating green jobs and healing both the economy and the environment. Right on. I already believed his work to be excellent, and his address was wonderful. However, what I had not imagined was the fact that he is superbly hilarious. I mean really funny. You could tell he just really loved being up there and having an audience, in a very likable way. But even more so, could go off on bizarre hilarious tangents, make everyone crack up (I had tears in my eyes at one point) and still come back to his point brilliantly and succinctly. He answered a lot of questions about green power, green jobs, and how the plans he has would work. I was left inspired and very impressed. (He's also very, very handsome.)
His arguments were dead on, but with my foggy mind and stuffed sinuses, I couldn't completely remember enough to convey the strategies here just yet. I know some of it included the concept of driving down costs for solar so it's "as cheap as paint", creating the smart grid for electric cars to run off of solar (yes!) and creating ecological opportunities for work and health in all sectors. He spoke about the Clean Air Act as an example of "fear mongering" that we experience today from oil and big polluters, and gave a great example (I may try to put it in here later, or just ask me about it! Say, "gum wrapper"!) of how the system currently works, and why we shouldn't accept it. I personally thought it was amazing, but also was feeling like we need an even bigger vision- not just one that keeps cars on the road, sprawl sprawling, and roads expanding. What's going to happen to the car? To public transit with this model? To communities? What's the real vision this administration has for the country longterm- even if it's not quite politically smart to disclose...yet? Because while we can't run on oil forever, the model of newer American cities is failing, and we need to look at how our communities are built and how they will be built in the future around clean energy.
Finally, Van made a really terrific suggestion. He said, "Here's what you do- If you live in China, leave your village, leave your language. Go crowd yourself in a megacity, and make crap for us that we'll buy. Then lend us money so we can buy more crap! It'll work out great for everybody."
Go here to watch the whole thing.
Van Jones is the author of the Green Collar Economy. He's also the creator of Green for All, which Green on the Inside supports. A few years ago, I didn't know who he was, though I should have. Now he is the Special Advisor for Green Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation at the White House Council on Environmental Quality. His mission is to link clean energy to the need for jobs, thereby creating green jobs and healing both the economy and the environment. Right on. I already believed his work to be excellent, and his address was wonderful. However, what I had not imagined was the fact that he is superbly hilarious. I mean really funny. You could tell he just really loved being up there and having an audience, in a very likable way. But even more so, could go off on bizarre hilarious tangents, make everyone crack up (I had tears in my eyes at one point) and still come back to his point brilliantly and succinctly. He answered a lot of questions about green power, green jobs, and how the plans he has would work. I was left inspired and very impressed. (He's also very, very handsome.)
His arguments were dead on, but with my foggy mind and stuffed sinuses, I couldn't completely remember enough to convey the strategies here just yet. I know some of it included the concept of driving down costs for solar so it's "as cheap as paint", creating the smart grid for electric cars to run off of solar (yes!) and creating ecological opportunities for work and health in all sectors. He spoke about the Clean Air Act as an example of "fear mongering" that we experience today from oil and big polluters, and gave a great example (I may try to put it in here later, or just ask me about it! Say, "gum wrapper"!) of how the system currently works, and why we shouldn't accept it. I personally thought it was amazing, but also was feeling like we need an even bigger vision- not just one that keeps cars on the road, sprawl sprawling, and roads expanding. What's going to happen to the car? To public transit with this model? To communities? What's the real vision this administration has for the country longterm- even if it's not quite politically smart to disclose...yet? Because while we can't run on oil forever, the model of newer American cities is failing, and we need to look at how our communities are built and how they will be built in the future around clean energy.
Finally, Van made a really terrific suggestion. He said, "Here's what you do- If you live in China, leave your village, leave your language. Go crowd yourself in a megacity, and make crap for us that we'll buy. Then lend us money so we can buy more crap! It'll work out great for everybody."
Go here to watch the whole thing.
D2e and winning the contest!
As I've mentioned here before, I had entered a competition through the City of Boston and D2e Boston with my idea to green the city with a public awareness campaign. I was also part of D2e (Down 2 Earth Boston) April 3, 4 and 5 as an exhibitor for Green on the Inside, and a featured speaker on Saturday, where I taught a workshop on going green affordably. And on the sunday of that weekend, I was to present my idea that made it to the finals for the Pitch the City contest before a panel of judges, Mayor Menino, and the public: Get a Little Greener- Boston's Public Awareness and Action Campaign. So it was a busy weekend for me! I've been meaning to update this blog ever since, but have been busy just catching up on everyday work!
D2e, the sustainable living expo, was great this year for Green on the Inside- I got some great people coming by the booth asking fascinating questions and signing up for the mailing list. It was pretty vibrant and energized throughout the weekend, although I would say the economic impact was visible- it was definitely quieter and less pumped than last year. That said, it was a great event, and it was fabulous to see all the green businesses and services coming out to be part of it and get the message to the Boston community. The workshop I taught on Saturday gave practical advice for going green without spending much money, endless suggestions for how to cut costs and negative impact, and ways to preserve the most important parts of your life while simplifying and minimizing what you don't need. People seemed to find it really valuable and left with a renewed perspective.
Finally, on Sunday I would pitch my idea that made it to the finals for the contest to a panel of judges, Mayor Menino, and the public at the Hynes Convention Center. I spoke, brought ten or so friends onstage to act out part of the idea I was suggesting, and showed the film we made for the submission!! It was a blast and went extremely well, and I felt happy after it was finished before I heard the results. It felt like we did a great job presenting, so that was a relief! A lot of time and energy had gone into that event before it happened. So of course I was thrilled to learn my idea had won! They selected my idea and one other out of hundreds, and it was an honor and quite fun to speak to the Mayor, the judges, and convince them to take it on! So hopefully the city will be strategizing and planning the beginnings of the campaign I came up with in the next few months!
I'll be adding some great pictures of the event here soon, including some of the making of the film, and all the folks who rocked it onstage with me- but for now, feel free to check out the press page of greenontheinside.net and click on the link for the slideshow, or go to jessmakespictures.com/jesslerner.
Read previous posts or visit www.changents.com/jessl to learn more about the winning idea, "Boston's Get a Little Greener Campaign: Green a Little, Change a Lot."
D2e, the sustainable living expo, was great this year for Green on the Inside- I got some great people coming by the booth asking fascinating questions and signing up for the mailing list. It was pretty vibrant and energized throughout the weekend, although I would say the economic impact was visible- it was definitely quieter and less pumped than last year. That said, it was a great event, and it was fabulous to see all the green businesses and services coming out to be part of it and get the message to the Boston community. The workshop I taught on Saturday gave practical advice for going green without spending much money, endless suggestions for how to cut costs and negative impact, and ways to preserve the most important parts of your life while simplifying and minimizing what you don't need. People seemed to find it really valuable and left with a renewed perspective.
Finally, on Sunday I would pitch my idea that made it to the finals for the contest to a panel of judges, Mayor Menino, and the public at the Hynes Convention Center. I spoke, brought ten or so friends onstage to act out part of the idea I was suggesting, and showed the film we made for the submission!! It was a blast and went extremely well, and I felt happy after it was finished before I heard the results. It felt like we did a great job presenting, so that was a relief! A lot of time and energy had gone into that event before it happened. So of course I was thrilled to learn my idea had won! They selected my idea and one other out of hundreds, and it was an honor and quite fun to speak to the Mayor, the judges, and convince them to take it on! So hopefully the city will be strategizing and planning the beginnings of the campaign I came up with in the next few months!
I'll be adding some great pictures of the event here soon, including some of the making of the film, and all the folks who rocked it onstage with me- but for now, feel free to check out the press page of greenontheinside.net and click on the link for the slideshow, or go to jessmakespictures.com/jesslerner.
Read previous posts or visit www.changents.com/jessl to learn more about the winning idea, "Boston's Get a Little Greener Campaign: Green a Little, Change a Lot."
Earth Hour Update! From 3/28
So as you know, Saturday, March 28 at 8:30 pm was Earth Hour. On friday night, I stopped by some local businesses and asked them to consider turning off unnecessary lights for Earth Hour. Some agreed, some seemed skeptical and looked at me like I was crazy. But most excitingly, the Coolidge Corner Theater said they would! They agreed to not only turn off some indoor lights, but also their entire marquee for the hour! They loved the idea and were psyched they could do something to contribute. On Saturday night, it was very cool to walk down Harvard Street and see the Coolidge marquee dark against the sky! I have some great pictures I'll drop in here shortly.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Turn off the Lights! Earth Hour tomorrow night, 3/28 at 8:30 pm
Tomorrow night is the first official Earth Hour! All you have to do is turn off your lights at 8:30 pm, March 28- Saturday night- and the whole world will be turning them off with you.
Go to www.earthhour.org/home for more info!
E mail me or post a comment on your experience if you turn off the lights.
Go to www.earthhour.org/home for more info!
E mail me or post a comment on your experience if you turn off the lights.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
This Thursday
A friend of mine is working on an important film documenting peace and reconciliation efforts of women in Rwanda, and the project is hosting a great event on Thursday, March 26 (tomorrow night.) Come out to support the project, hear great bands, and learn more.
You can help show the world the lessons Rwandan genocide survivors can teach us. Make an impact this Thursday night (6 p.m.-1:30a.m) by supporting our documentary film Reconciliation's Reach.
Please join us for a special concert event this Thursday March 26th from 6 p.m. until 1:30 a.m. at Hennessy's, Faneuil Hall. Several great music acts will perform including the bands 2Adam12 and Nicky Egan & the Majority.
When: Thursday March 26th, 6 p.m. - 1:30 a.m.-- Come early, come late! What: Rock Out for Reconciliation's Reach Benefit Concert
Where: Hennessy's of Boston, 25 Union St., Faneuil Hall
Who: Everyone 21+ will be welcome
Cover: Donations accepted at the door
To learn more about the film, go to peacedocumentary.org.
You can help show the world the lessons Rwandan genocide survivors can teach us. Make an impact this Thursday night (6 p.m.-1:30a.m) by supporting our documentary film Reconciliation's Reach.
Please join us for a special concert event this Thursday March 26th from 6 p.m. until 1:30 a.m. at Hennessy's, Faneuil Hall. Several great music acts will perform including the bands 2Adam12 and Nicky Egan & the Majority.
When: Thursday March 26th, 6 p.m. - 1:30 a.m.-- Come early, come late! What: Rock Out for Reconciliation's Reach Benefit Concert
Where: Hennessy's of Boston, 25 Union St., Faneuil Hall
Who: Everyone 21+ will be welcome
Cover: Donations accepted at the door
To learn more about the film, go to peacedocumentary.org.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Green a little. Change a lot.
So people have been asking me frequently about the idea that's made it to the finals for the Pitch the City contest. What is it? How will it work? What's this contest, anyway? What's the deal with the Mayor? Will he be there? So here's the story!
The contest is sponsored by D2e Boston and the City. They decided to ask people for ideas on how to green the city in ways that would have a genuine impact and be easy to implement (read: not a lot of money.) So I came up with this idea, they chose it, and it has made it this far!
Here's the pitch, more or less:
Get a Little Greener: Boston's Public Awareness and Action Campaign involves a PSA campaign to make citizens aware of what they can do every day, using local people to come on TV and the radio and say what small action they are taking, one thing at a time. The slogan is "Green a Little. Change a Lot." Once the ads begin running everywhere from TV to the T, the city will launch an interactive website that will include tips on what you can do, chats and blogs, and a place where people can log in and record green points for their actions. The city will periodically recognize those people and neighborhoods with the most green points, giving people an opportunity to be in the next ad, or contributing something green to that community. Each community would develop a green task force to incorporate non-profits and local activists as partners to ensure that everyone has the tools and knowledge to take action. This is also an umbrella idea that allows almost any other environmental action campaign in the city, large or small, to gain power from this framework. This would ultimately put Boston on the green map of the country, be excellent publicity for the city, and get every person out there involved with going green- easily and affordably.
I submitted this idea in a lengthy version that detailed the resources needed and the methods for implementation, which includes a seriously exciting Red Sox game that gets the city off to a green start. (details forthcoming.) For more on this and to see the whole thing pitched live and in person on stage, come to D2e Boston on April 5 at 2 pm (www.d2eboston.com) and watch it unfold in front of a formal panel that includes the Mayor. Or, you can e mail me and I can tell you all about it.
See the comments people are making about it at www.changents.com/jessl.
The contest is sponsored by D2e Boston and the City. They decided to ask people for ideas on how to green the city in ways that would have a genuine impact and be easy to implement (read: not a lot of money.) So I came up with this idea, they chose it, and it has made it this far!
Here's the pitch, more or less:
Get a Little Greener: Boston's Public Awareness and Action Campaign involves a PSA campaign to make citizens aware of what they can do every day, using local people to come on TV and the radio and say what small action they are taking, one thing at a time. The slogan is "Green a Little. Change a Lot." Once the ads begin running everywhere from TV to the T, the city will launch an interactive website that will include tips on what you can do, chats and blogs, and a place where people can log in and record green points for their actions. The city will periodically recognize those people and neighborhoods with the most green points, giving people an opportunity to be in the next ad, or contributing something green to that community. Each community would develop a green task force to incorporate non-profits and local activists as partners to ensure that everyone has the tools and knowledge to take action. This is also an umbrella idea that allows almost any other environmental action campaign in the city, large or small, to gain power from this framework. This would ultimately put Boston on the green map of the country, be excellent publicity for the city, and get every person out there involved with going green- easily and affordably.
I submitted this idea in a lengthy version that detailed the resources needed and the methods for implementation, which includes a seriously exciting Red Sox game that gets the city off to a green start. (details forthcoming.) For more on this and to see the whole thing pitched live and in person on stage, come to D2e Boston on April 5 at 2 pm (www.d2eboston.com) and watch it unfold in front of a formal panel that includes the Mayor. Or, you can e mail me and I can tell you all about it.
See the comments people are making about it at www.changents.com/jessl.
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