Even if Thanksgiving is really about appreciating what you already
have, the emphasis has long since drifted toward the highly anticipated
meal, and other rituals of consumption.
Simplifying and refocusing on the values that inspired the original
holiday—sharing, giving thanks—is a first step toward a greener
Thanksgiving. But that still likely means consuming energy and other
resources to bring people together from far and wide to gather around a
table. With just a few minor tweaks to tradition, you can make the
occasion less wasteful and more nurturing.
Foraging for Sustainable Food
First, what to do about the bird? What about going without? British economist Lord Stern and American novelist Jonathan Safran Foer, among others, are promoting vegetarianism as the most responsible and ethical choice for the planet.
We know, for example, that the livestock sector contributes close to
18 percent to the total sum of greenhouse gas emissions emitted each
year, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization
(including turkeys and other poultry). We also know that the waste from
industrial-scale turkey farms creates noxious ammonia fumes and can
pollute water resources.
As UC Regents Approve Major Tuition Hike, Students, Faculty Decry Erosion of Public Education in CA
From Democracy Now!
Amid
thousands of student protesters and armed police standing guard, the
University of California’s Board of Regents has approved a 32 percent
increase in student fees. The vote will bring the total cost of a UC
education to more than $10,000 per year for the first time. We discuss
the protests and the growing privatization of public education with
UCLA student activist Zen Dochterman and the president of the UC
American Federation of Teachers, Bob Samuels. [includes rush transcript]
Were you sparked at all about the debate over nuclearization? Want to
hear from a former U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commissioner who changed
United States nuclear policy as we know it?! Come to Namaste Lounge at
College 9 tomorrow NOVEMBER 17 at 3:30-5 to hear Peter Bradford's "The
Myths of a Nuclear Revival." Professor Bradford is visiting from afar
so this is a once in a life time opportunity! Hope to see you there!
As
for this week's fact, water. I know that I discussed a little about
water a while ago, but I want to delve into more specific information
and how YOU can get involved!
90% OF THE WORLD'S WATER SUPPLY
GOES TO AGRICULTURE! In the United States, 70% of our water supply goes
to agriculture. This water is not just used to satisfy the plants'
thirst, but also to the power needed to move water across vast
distances and in industrial settings. Why is so much water used?! It is
because we are manipulating the environment to grow what doesn't
naturally grow, thus causing excessive water use and most often harmful
chemicals such as pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, etc.
Domestic
use of water is so "insignificant" compared to the amount used for
agriculture, but it's really important to be conscience of your use! 45
minute showers?! WHO NEEDS THOSE! THAT'S JUST PLAIN CRAZY TALK!
Most
of our water supply, and by most, I mean the VAST MAJORITY of our water
supply comes from snow. In a glass of water 80% comes from snow. Why is
this important? It's because the snow pack is getting smaller and
smaller as the effects of global climate change is taking it's course.
The snow pack on the Sierra's has already decreased 15%-20%! Less snow
also means more warming! Part of the problem with less snow is the fact
that 8000 years ago, nearly 15 billion acres of forest covered the
earth. Today, forests coever only about eight-and-a-half billion acres.
This creates change in the climate which decreases snow which increases
temperatures which decreases snow, and you get the point.
Our
water supply is constantly being contaminated by oil companies, brake
dust, exhaust fumes, run-off, people dumping you name it's, etc. etc.
This creates change in the ecosystem within water supplies as well. As
one animal dies off from contamination from a harmful toxin like
copper, ones that feed off of it dies as well.
These are some articles about how to prevent excessive water usage at home and how to prevent water contamination:
Come watch Wild Ocean with an old cell phone to recycle.
What:A FREE screening of Wild Ocean
When: Monday, November 16th
Where: Wellman 2
Time: 1st showing at 7pm, 2nd showing at 8:30pm
In conjunction with UC Davis Entertainment Council, Nokia, and Giant
Screen Films, R4 Recycling is proud to present in celebration of America Recycles Day,
the film Wild Ocean. R4 will be collecting old cell phones that you would like to recycle. Every person who brings in a cell phone to recycle will be
entered in a raffle for a chance to win prize from Nokia!
California state law prohibits throwing away
most consumer electronic devices with a circuit board. These items
contain lead, mercury, copper, and other metals that leach into the
soil polluting groundwater, streams, and wildlife.
If you are not able to make it to this event, but have cell phones
you need to recycle, feel free to drop off your cell phones, and any
other small electronic devices, at any of our Multibins located through out campus.
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