I went to visit a friend, Cameron Sinclair, who’s doing great work through his organization, Architecture for Humanity. One person he mentioned in our conversation was Sheila Kennedy and her project Portable Light. From the website:
“Portable Light is an interdisciplinary research, design and engineering project to create and implement new models for energy efficient electrical power and lighting. Portable Light applies creative processes and strategic integrative thinking [...]
I don’t know if you caught it, but the whole Hillary Clinton-Barack Obama flap over NAFTA exposed a dirty little secret: The North American Free Trade Agreement isn’t about American jobs or cheap Mexican labor—it’s about Canadian oil.
Think as far back as two weeks ago. I know you can do it. Remember, Britney’s dad started taking control of her life… everyone you know bugged the hell out of you by constantly saying: “I drink your milkshake…”
Anyway, back then, Hillary and Obama were campaigning among blue-collar crowds in Ohio when news broke out that someone from the Obama camp called the Canadian government and reassured them that the tough talk on NAFTA was all just an act. Later, it was revealed that Hillary probably made a similar call.
All of which begged the question: Why would they care so much about Canada if this was about NAFTA? Hasn’t Uncle Lou told us time and time again that NAFTA is all about Mexico: its cheap labor, and its non-existent regulations, which entice American factories to relocate south of the border?
Latin America has only established two LEED certified buildings so far but due to progressive trends it appears that this number will grow. In 2004, Mexico established its own Green Building Council called MexicoGBC. This is the first in Latin America. “Mexico’s building and construction industry is just waking up and realizing that we are big players,” says Cesar Ulises Previno, MexicoGBC president. “We have a lot of potential to make a difference.” Now, the government is showing interest and the MexicoGBC is creating their own LEED program called SICES that will be specific to the countries climate, available materials, and other related conditions. Among the most critical aspects are site management, water conservation, energy efficiency, materials selections and interior air quality
An almost 700 mile long fence between the US and Mexico border is raising alarm with environmentalists concerned about impacts to wildlife and the surrounding ecosystem. The fence is being created to help curb the flow of illegal immigrants into the United States; a construction move that Mexican officials claim will cause irreparable environmental damages. From the article,
A report prepared for the Mexican government by experts and environmental
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Expedia has partnered with the World Heritage Alliance and the United Nations Foundation to create sustainable tourism options for travellers in Mexico.
Under the Expedia Employee Volunteer Program, Expedia employees are paired with local tourism companies to create cultural and ecological tours. These tours provide a unique experience for tourists and benefit the community through additional economic revenue, preservation of local traditions and environmental conservation.
Examples of the tours this year include
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