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Welcome to the second official “Caption Contest” for Mean Joe Green and Red, Green, and Blue!

Rules for Participation:
1. Look at the cartoon below.
2. Think of a caption to accompany the cartoon.
3. Post your caption in the comments section.

The winning caption will be published in Red Green and Blue next Thursday (or shortly thereafter).

Enjoy!
-MJG

Campaign politics dominated the headlines in 2008, making it a banner year for the armchair pundit and the politically uninitiated alike. 2008 was also a year that issues like energy use, climate change and carbon footprints came to the forefront of popular culture and political reality. And that’s where we came in.

In the tradition of more credible media outlets, we’ve compiled our most popular stories of the year into an easily digestible top 10 list. As it is based purely on pageviews, we realize that our list of the top ten environmental politics stories of the year is by no means scientific - and we’re okay with that.

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9. McCain’s Colorado River Gaffe Might Cost Him Key Western States by Timothy B. Hurst

“John McCain has again said something to cause his fellow western-state Republicans to wince at his political inexpedience and apparent naivete for the issue at hand. And even though the Senator has now recanted and begun damage control, Democrats are hoping that this one will cost him. Some even argue that the gaffe was so severe, he may have just lost Colorado.”

8. Imagine a $700 Billion Bailout for the Environment by Jennifer Lance

One of the biggest stories of 2008 (and likely again in 2009) was the economic collapse and the ensuing expanding role of the U.S. Government in backing large corporations. On October 1st, Jennifer Lance considered what that kind of money could do for the environment: “I can’t help but wonder what a $700 billion bailout would do for the environment.  What if the US government had responded to the twenty years of dire warnings by James Hansen in the same manner as the current economic crisis?  Such an aggressive response may have stopped climate change and saved our economy through green jobs and technology.”

7. Schwarzenegger Jumps on Obama’s Proper Tire Inflation Bandwagon by Timothy B. Hurst

Separating himself from his party’s leadership (again), California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger backed the launch of EcoDriving USA, a new web portal aimed at sharing gas-saving tips. About the Republican misstep that gave such rich context to this launch, I wrote: “GOP strategists saw an opportunity to pounce on this bold claim by Senator Obama. And they, along with their friend Rush Limbaugh, lampooned and ridiculed Obama’s tire pressure assertion as a joke. The McCain campaign even went so far as handing out tire gauges branded with the slogan “Obama’s Energy Plan” to reporters traveling with Senator Obama. Let me just say this, whomever was in charge of that “brilliant” move at McCain HQ should be canned.”

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As I’ve noted in previous posts, Red, Green and Blue has teamed up with social media start-up ReframeIt to bring a higher level of transparency on energy and environmental issues to the presidential election. With the recent economic turmoil, though, we quickly realized we needed to connect these ideas with the economic concerns so many Americans now have.  So, we’ve done that… and also added some financial incentives! Now, if you participate in the RG&B/ReframeIt scavenger hunt, you won’t just get a warm feeling from contributing to the stock of knowledge on both presidential candidates and their policy proposals — you’ll also have a shot at a $1000 grand prize, and a guest posting spot at RG&B.

For the latest details, check out yesterday’s post at Red, Green and Blue… and join us as we hunt for the information the next president will need to spur the transition towards a green economy.

Image credit: spaceodissey at Flickr under a Creative Commons license

5. Presidential Debate: John McCain vs. Barack Obama - Who Won? by Jerrry James Stone

On October 1st, Jerry James Stone asked readers to chime-in on the presidential debate: “John McCain and Barack Obama squared off in the second of three Presidential Debates this election season. Tell us who won and why.”

4. Sarah Palin vs. Joe Biden - Who Won? by Jerry James Stone

On October 1st, Jerry James Stone kicked off another popular debate-based post. In this one he asked, “Sen. Joe Biden from Delaware and Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska square off in the Vice Presidential Debate, 9:00 p.m. Eastern. Join us after the debate to tell us who won and why.”

3. Palin Ignored Chance to Promote Energy Independence by Alex Felsinger

On October 12th, Alex Felsinger dug up a story about Sarah Palin’s preference to sell natural gas to Japan where it sells for substantially more than in the lower 48. Alex wrote, “The idea that Palin is an energy expert was laughable already, but this decision showed a brash disregard for American energy independence, a cause which she champions nearly every day on the campaign trail.”

2. Who Won Wednesday Night’s Presidential Debate? by Timothy B. Hurst

Not surprisingly another post about the presidential debate was well-discussed, both in the post itself and polldaddy, where I set up another reader poll. On October 15th I wrote: “With full knowledge that a simple poll question cannot adequately capture your nuanced position on the presidential debates, you are encouraged to leave a comment below. If you’re happier with a simple poll, just follow the link - no strings attached.”

1. 700 California Wildfires: Why Don’t We Have Enough Resources? by Jennifer Lance

At the top spot of the most discussed post of the year is a June post by Jennifer Lance who wrote, “As someone personally surrounded by over 80 fires in a 10 mile radius of my home, I am pissed, frightened, anxious, and depressed.”

Now, On Day One is honing-in on the critical environmental issues of today in an upcoming five-day online debate co-sponsored with Grist.org’’s Gristmill, and UN Dispatch. And I am excited that I’ve been invited, along with Dave Roberts and Kate Sheppard from Grist, Nigel Purvis from the Brookings Institute and Resources for the Future, to be one of four online panelists invited to debate and discuss the user-submitted ideas - one idea a day throughout the week.

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In terms of the political component, and without belaboring the obvious, we are in the midst of a presidential campaign that has gotten people excited about politics again. Record numbers of people (especially young people) have already turned out to vote in their state’s primaries and caucuses. And after Hillary Clinton took Ohio and Texas this week, it looks like the Dems will have to wait a few more months before they can coronate their candidate, while the GOP has already settled on John McCain as their presidential candidate. We are also involved in a war that is raising the hackles of people across the political spectrum. One thing Democrats and Republicans both seem to want is resolution to this drawn-out war/occupation. We are all tired of seeing our troops being taken out by IEDs and suicide bombs, only to be sent home to underfunded VA hospitals, or even worse, to be sent home in a flag-draped coffin. Finally, the economy has slowed its pace of growth, and this too has gotten people more interested in politics. We are certainly living in interesting times, and as a direct result of that, politics are re-emerging into the popular consciousness.

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From Africa to Canada, Australia to Ireland, and in the oceans in between, plastic bag trash has become a pestilence seemingly without end. And everyone has taken a different approach to try and curb it. In Burkina Faso, women who discovered the ubiquitous trash was killing their livestock have developed a cottage industry that spins plastic trash into hand-crocheted dolls. Ireland, on the other hand, has managed to reduce plastic bag use 90 percent by charging a tax on the totes, and some places in Australia ban the bags outright.

Even though I always carry along a reusable string tote, I’m guilty of letting baggers at the grocery pack my purchases in plastic when I’m in a hurry, or I’m buying too much to fit in a single bag. I’m sure others do the same. And the problem is convenience: it’s just easier to go with plastic sometimes and say you’ll recycle later.

So maybe it’s time to put an end to convenience. A measure like the one being eyed in New York City probably won’t do much to stop plastic bag use by hordes of shoppers who — like me — just want to get their stuff and go. But a tax or a ban? That would have an impact. The bottom line is: does anybody really ever need to use a plastic bag again? Why not end their use now?

5. Presidential Debate: John McCain vs. Barack Obama - Who Won? by Jerrry James Stone

On October 1st, Jerry James Stone asked readers to chime-in on the presidential debate: “John McCain and Barack Obama squared off in the second of three Presidential Debates this election season. Tell us who won and why.”

4. Sarah Palin vs. Joe Biden - Who Won? by Jerry James Stone

On October 1st, Jerry James Stone kicked off another popular debate-based post. In this one he asked, “Sen. Joe Biden from Delaware and Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska square off in the Vice Presidential Debate, 9:00 p.m. Eastern. Join us after the debate to tell us who won and why.”

3. Palin Ignored Chance to Promote Energy Independence by Alex Felsinger

On October 12th, Alex Felsinger dug up a story about Sarah Palin’s preference to sell natural gas to Japan where it sells for substantially more than in the lower 48. Alex wrote, “The idea that Palin is an energy expert was laughable already, but this decision showed a brash disregard for American energy independence, a cause which she champions nearly every day on the campaign trail.”

2. Who Won Wednesday Night’s Presidential Debate? by Timothy B. Hurst

Not surprisingly another post about the presidential debate was well-discussed, both in the post itself and polldaddy, where I set up another reader poll. On October 15th I wrote: “With full knowledge that a simple poll question cannot adequately capture your nuanced position on the presidential debates, you are encouraged to leave a comment below. If you’re happier with a simple poll, just follow the link - no strings attached.”

1. 700 California Wildfires: Why Don’t We Have Enough Resources? by Jennifer Lance

At the top spot of the most discussed post of the year is a June post by Jennifer Lance who wrote, “As someone personally surrounded by over 80 fires in a 10 mile radius of my home, I am pissed, frightened, anxious, and depressed.”

Consider the Governator’s latest round of bill signings and vetoes: the green guv OKd bans on trans-fats in public schools, lead-based ammunition in areas frequented by the California condor, and phthalates (plastic softeners that can also act as endocrine disruptors) in toys and other products designed for children ages 3 and under. But the not-so-green Arnold vetoed legislation that would have required chain restaurants to post nutritional information on menus and boards, labels for food products made from cloned livestock, sustainable building standards for state buildings, and point-of-purchase information on where electronics buyers could properly dispose of their purchases later.

So what is Schwarzenegger? Is he a mostly environmental guy who, because he’s pragmatic, sometimes makes decisions greens don’t like? Or is he mostly a politician cut from the same cloth as so many others, who occasionally does the right thing environmentally because the public — especially in California — demands it?

Also on GO:

Opinion: California Governor Nixes Industrial Hemp While North Dakota Moves On

Western US, Cananda Announce Global Warming Goal

The Governator Guest Stars on Green Edition of MTV’s Pimp My Ride

5. Presidential Debate: John McCain vs. Barack Obama - Who Won? by Jerrry James Stone

On October 1st, Jerry James Stone asked readers to chime-in on the presidential debate: “John McCain and Barack Obama squared off in the second of three Presidential Debates this election season. Tell us who won and why.”

4. Sarah Palin vs. Joe Biden - Who Won? by Jerry James Stone

On October 1st, Jerry James Stone kicked off another popular debate-based post. In this one he asked, “Sen. Joe Biden from Delaware and Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska square off in the Vice Presidential Debate, 9:00 p.m. Eastern. Join us after the debate to tell us who won and why.”

3. Palin Ignored Chance to Promote Energy Independence by Alex Felsinger

On October 12th, Alex Felsinger dug up a story about Sarah Palin’s preference to sell natural gas to Japan where it sells for substantially more than in the lower 48. Alex wrote, “The idea that Palin is an energy expert was laughable already, but this decision showed a brash disregard for American energy independence, a cause which she champions nearly every day on the campaign trail.”

2. Who Won Wednesday Night’s Presidential Debate? by Timothy B. Hurst

Not surprisingly another post about the presidential debate was well-discussed, both in the post itself and polldaddy, where I set up another reader poll. On October 15th I wrote: “With full knowledge that a simple poll question cannot adequately capture your nuanced position on the presidential debates, you are encouraged to leave a comment below. If you’re happier with a simple poll, just follow the link - no strings attached.”

1. 700 California Wildfires: Why Don’t We Have Enough Resources? by Jennifer Lance

At the top spot of the most discussed post of the year is a June post by Jennifer Lance who wrote, “As someone personally surrounded by over 80 fires in a 10 mile radius of my home, I am pissed, frightened, anxious, and depressed.”

While my initial reaction to people like Bjorn Lomborg, who has written, Cool It: The Skeptical Environmentalist’s Guide to Global Warming, has been to get irritated and defensive, some nagging voice in the back of my head has been asking, "What if they’re right?" What if we really would be better just forging ahead with a sort-of global Marshall Plan to protect people from the potential impact of climate change, and throw in the towel on trying to curb emissions, tax carbon, etc. After all, the political will to do anything meaningfully preventive seems lacking around the world (in some places more than in others). Is reactive the better way to go? And, if so, is there any more political will for that approach?

5. Presidential Debate: John McCain vs. Barack Obama - Who Won? by Jerrry James Stone

On October 1st, Jerry James Stone asked readers to chime-in on the presidential debate: “John McCain and Barack Obama squared off in the second of three Presidential Debates this election season. Tell us who won and why.”

4. Sarah Palin vs. Joe Biden - Who Won? by Jerry James Stone

On October 1st, Jerry James Stone kicked off another popular debate-based post. In this one he asked, “Sen. Joe Biden from Delaware and Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska square off in the Vice Presidential Debate, 9:00 p.m. Eastern. Join us after the debate to tell us who won and why.”

3. Palin Ignored Chance to Promote Energy Independence by Alex Felsinger

On October 12th, Alex Felsinger dug up a story about Sarah Palin’s preference to sell natural gas to Japan where it sells for substantially more than in the lower 48. Alex wrote, “The idea that Palin is an energy expert was laughable already, but this decision showed a brash disregard for American energy independence, a cause which she champions nearly every day on the campaign trail.”

2. Who Won Wednesday Night’s Presidential Debate? by Timothy B. Hurst

Not surprisingly another post about the presidential debate was well-discussed, both in the post itself and polldaddy, where I set up another reader poll. On October 15th I wrote: “With full knowledge that a simple poll question cannot adequately capture your nuanced position on the presidential debates, you are encouraged to leave a comment below. If you’re happier with a simple poll, just follow the link - no strings attached.”

1. 700 California Wildfires: Why Don’t We Have Enough Resources? by Jennifer Lance

At the top spot of the most discussed post of the year is a June post by Jennifer Lance who wrote, “As someone personally surrounded by over 80 fires in a 10 mile radius of my home, I am pissed, frightened, anxious, and depressed.”

Whether you desire to buy trees to help the environment for personal reasons, for investment purposes or you simply refer others to buy trees through our Affiliate Program,  PanAm BioFuels has made the process so simple that everyone can find a way to participate in it.

1) Purchase Trees for Investment

Jatropha trees can be bought directly from Pan-Am Biofuels for only $4 each in lots ranging from 250 trees for $1000 to 25,000 trees for $100,000.  Though delivery is possible for larger volumes, we will believe most people will take advantage of our Contract Farming Program where we will actually plant your trees on our plantations. 

With our Contract Farming Program we do all the work from planting to harvest to sale of the oil.  The only fee for all of this is a 10% fee from profits.  Then 90% of the profits are passed on to you, the tree owner.  All you have to do is purchase your trees in lots for only $4/each.

If you have priced trees at your local nursery you will see most prices range from $10 to $25. So now you may be thinking…

"How can you produce, plant and sell these trees at only $4 each?"

There are several reasons, including, but not limited to,

• Because the cost of living as well as labor is much cheaper in Central America where our nurseries are located.
• The efficiencies and economies of scale we enjoy by the huge volume of trees our nursery outputs allow us to save a tremendous amount of money passing the savings on to you.
• Our nursery is in close proximity to our Jatropha Tree plantation in Costa Rica where our Contract Farming Program is being implemented so there are minimal transportation expenses.

"So how much money do I stand to earn by buying your Jatropha Trees? What is the return on my investment?" 

Your trees can potentially bring  as much as 45% PER YEAR calculated  from your original investment once the trees start producing within 3-4 years.   Jatropha trees start bearing seeds the second year and reach maximum production at about 4 years.  You can review the full details and Financial Projections once you register and login.

Pan-Am Biofuels has truly created a unique situation and opportunity for the average person to take advantage of.

Now you can participate in an industry that has produced the wealthiest individuals and corporations in the world. The only difference is, instead of drilling for oil and destroying the environment, you will be growing oil and restoring the environment by owning oil producing Jatrpha Trees

2) Sell trees for Commissions as an Affiliate

We will pay you to refer customers! Pan-Am Biofuels has created a lucrative opportunity for webmasters,  business owners and individuals alike. By becoming an Affiliate you can help promote our Jatropha tree project, earn commissions and at the same time you’ll be doing your part to better our environment.  Learn more about how our Affiliate Program works.

5. Presidential Debate: John McCain vs. Barack Obama - Who Won? by Jerrry James Stone

On October 1st, Jerry James Stone asked readers to chime-in on the presidential debate: “John McCain and Barack Obama squared off in the second of three Presidential Debates this election season. Tell us who won and why.”

4. Sarah Palin vs. Joe Biden - Who Won? by Jerry James Stone

On October 1st, Jerry James Stone kicked off another popular debate-based post. In this one he asked, “Sen. Joe Biden from Delaware and Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska square off in the Vice Presidential Debate, 9:00 p.m. Eastern. Join us after the debate to tell us who won and why.”

3. Palin Ignored Chance to Promote Energy Independence by Alex Felsinger

On October 12th, Alex Felsinger dug up a story about Sarah Palin’s preference to sell natural gas to Japan where it sells for substantially more than in the lower 48. Alex wrote, “The idea that Palin is an energy expert was laughable already, but this decision showed a brash disregard for American energy independence, a cause which she champions nearly every day on the campaign trail.”

2. Who Won Wednesday Night’s Presidential Debate? by Timothy B. Hurst

Not surprisingly another post about the presidential debate was well-discussed, both in the post itself and polldaddy, where I set up another reader poll. On October 15th I wrote: “With full knowledge that a simple poll question cannot adequately capture your nuanced position on the presidential debates, you are encouraged to leave a comment below. If you’re happier with a simple poll, just follow the link - no strings attached.”

1. 700 California Wildfires: Why Don’t We Have Enough Resources? by Jennifer Lance

At the top spot of the most discussed post of the year is a June post by Jennifer Lance who wrote, “As someone personally surrounded by over 80 fires in a 10 mile radius of my home, I am pissed, frightened, anxious, and depressed.”

Dingell hasn’t brought his plan to the House yet; he’s in the public-opinion gathering stage at this point. But here’s what he’s suggesting: a $50-per-ton tax on petroleum, coal, natural gas and petroleum-based products, along with an additional 50-cent-per-gallon tax on gasoline (with exemptions for diesel and biofuels). He’s also looking to roll back the mortgage interest deduction for houses larger than 3,000 square feet: the bigger the McMansion, the lower the deduction.

So, where would the money go? While I’d prefer to see it all invested in renewable energy projects (no coal or nuclear), Dingell proposes some other beneficiaries as well: an expanded Earned Income Tax Credit (that’s OK: lower-income people will need a bigger break somewhere to compensate for higher fuel costs), low-income home energy assistance (ditto), conservation, renewable energy research and development, Social Security, Medicare, children’s health insurance and universal healthcare. I suppose he figures his bill will be a tough sell, so he’s sweetening the pot with funding for other social programs. Will it be enough to win the votes needed? I’m not optimistic, but I like the way Dingell’s thinking.

Image source: Wikimedia Commons

5. Presidential Debate: John McCain vs. Barack Obama - Who Won? by Jerrry James Stone

On October 1st, Jerry James Stone asked readers to chime-in on the presidential debate: “John McCain and Barack Obama squared off in the second of three Presidential Debates this election season. Tell us who won and why.”

4. Sarah Palin vs. Joe Biden - Who Won? by Jerry James Stone

On October 1st, Jerry James Stone kicked off another popular debate-based post. In this one he asked, “Sen. Joe Biden from Delaware and Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska square off in the Vice Presidential Debate, 9:00 p.m. Eastern. Join us after the debate to tell us who won and why.”

3. Palin Ignored Chance to Promote Energy Independence by Alex Felsinger

On October 12th, Alex Felsinger dug up a story about Sarah Palin’s preference to sell natural gas to Japan where it sells for substantially more than in the lower 48. Alex wrote, “The idea that Palin is an energy expert was laughable already, but this decision showed a brash disregard for American energy independence, a cause which she champions nearly every day on the campaign trail.”

2. Who Won Wednesday Night’s Presidential Debate? by Timothy B. Hurst

Not surprisingly another post about the presidential debate was well-discussed, both in the post itself and polldaddy, where I set up another reader poll. On October 15th I wrote: “With full knowledge that a simple poll question cannot adequately capture your nuanced position on the presidential debates, you are encouraged to leave a comment below. If you’re happier with a simple poll, just follow the link - no strings attached.”

1. 700 California Wildfires: Why Don’t We Have Enough Resources? by Jennifer Lance

At the top spot of the most discussed post of the year is a June post by Jennifer Lance who wrote, “As someone personally surrounded by over 80 fires in a 10 mile radius of my home, I am pissed, frightened, anxious, and depressed.”

Until I actually researched the subject. Hemp — not the munchies-inducing variety, but the kinds with very low amounts of the psychoactive substance THC — really does appear to be all its proponents make it out to be. Hemp fibers can be used to make clothing, furniture and even biodegradable plastic, and to strengthen cement. Hemp seeds can be eaten as is, ground into flour, pressed for oil or made into non-dairy milk and ice cream. The seeds are also rich in protein and the omega-3, -6 and -9 fatty acids that the human body needs but can’t make on its own. And, like so many U.S. Congresspersons and the Iraq War, before the U.S. government was against hemp, it was for it, actively promoting the crop as a source of fiber for cordage during World War II.

Then there’s the biofuel appeal: both hemp seeds and stalks can be converted into biodiesel or alcohol fuels. Better yet, hemp grows fast and produces way more fiber per acre than cotton, flax or even trees. If it weren’t for the ridiculous, costly and ineffective "War on Drugs" that lumps industrial hemp into the same category as Maiu Wowie, we might be able to tap into a sustainable, highly useful crop that’s far superior to the current favorite in Kansas and on Capitol Hill: corn.

Also on GO:

Green Myth-Busting: Hemp is Marijuana

Ask VJD: Hemp for Health

5. Presidential Debate: John McCain vs. Barack Obama - Who Won? by Jerrry James Stone

On October 1st, Jerry James Stone asked readers to chime-in on the presidential debate: “John McCain and Barack Obama squared off in the second of three Presidential Debates this election season. Tell us who won and why.”

4. Sarah Palin vs. Joe Biden - Who Won? by Jerry James Stone

On October 1st, Jerry James Stone kicked off another popular debate-based post. In this one he asked, “Sen. Joe Biden from Delaware and Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska square off in the Vice Presidential Debate, 9:00 p.m. Eastern. Join us after the debate to tell us who won and why.”

3. Palin Ignored Chance to Promote Energy Independence by Alex Felsinger

On October 12th, Alex Felsinger dug up a story about Sarah Palin’s preference to sell natural gas to Japan where it sells for substantially more than in the lower 48. Alex wrote, “The idea that Palin is an energy expert was laughable already, but this decision showed a brash disregard for American energy independence, a cause which she champions nearly every day on the campaign trail.”

2. Who Won Wednesday Night’s Presidential Debate? by Timothy B. Hurst

Not surprisingly another post about the presidential debate was well-discussed, both in the post itself and polldaddy, where I set up another reader poll. On October 15th I wrote: “With full knowledge that a simple poll question cannot adequately capture your nuanced position on the presidential debates, you are encouraged to leave a comment below. If you’re happier with a simple poll, just follow the link - no strings attached.”

1. 700 California Wildfires: Why Don’t We Have Enough Resources? by Jennifer Lance

At the top spot of the most discussed post of the year is a June post by Jennifer Lance who wrote, “As someone personally surrounded by over 80 fires in a 10 mile radius of my home, I am pissed, frightened, anxious, and depressed.”

Sure, some companies are doing some things to reduce their carbon footprints or save energy … but, in plenty of cases, those are moves that make sense for them from a cost-cutting perspective. It’s nice that these actions help the environment a bit while helping the bottom line, but do corporations really have to go out of the way to pat themselves so hard on the backs for it … and persuade consumer America that they’re the greenest thing since Kermit the Frog? For Pete’s sake, I’ve even seen a cigarette company ad touting how "natural" its product is because its tobacco is organically grown. Yuck.

I appreciate that airline companies and auto-makers (some of them, anyway) are trying to reduce their fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. But I’m going to go out on a limb here (A hippie in a tree? Someone call Brent Musburger!) and say that no airline or car company is really entitled to call itself a green business yet … not until, say, cellulosic ethanol and zero emissions become standard.

I think the real green companies are the ones spending more time going green and less time talking about it, like these 10 contenders for Co-op America’s 2007 People’s Choice Awards.

5. Presidential Debate: John McCain vs. Barack Obama - Who Won? by Jerrry James Stone

On October 1st, Jerry James Stone asked readers to chime-in on the presidential debate: “John McCain and Barack Obama squared off in the second of three Presidential Debates this election season. Tell us who won and why.”

4. Sarah Palin vs. Joe Biden - Who Won? by Jerry James Stone

On October 1st, Jerry James Stone kicked off another popular debate-based post. In this one he asked, “Sen. Joe Biden from Delaware and Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska square off in the Vice Presidential Debate, 9:00 p.m. Eastern. Join us after the debate to tell us who won and why.”

3. Palin Ignored Chance to Promote Energy Independence by Alex Felsinger

On October 12th, Alex Felsinger dug up a story about Sarah Palin’s preference to sell natural gas to Japan where it sells for substantially more than in the lower 48. Alex wrote, “The idea that Palin is an energy expert was laughable already, but this decision showed a brash disregard for American energy independence, a cause which she champions nearly every day on the campaign trail.”

2. Who Won Wednesday Night’s Presidential Debate? by Timothy B. Hurst

Not surprisingly another post about the presidential debate was well-discussed, both in the post itself and polldaddy, where I set up another reader poll. On October 15th I wrote: “With full knowledge that a simple poll question cannot adequately capture your nuanced position on the presidential debates, you are encouraged to leave a comment below. If you’re happier with a simple poll, just follow the link - no strings attached.”

1. 700 California Wildfires: Why Don’t We Have Enough Resources? by Jennifer Lance

At the top spot of the most discussed post of the year is a June post by Jennifer Lance who wrote, “As someone personally surrounded by over 80 fires in a 10 mile radius of my home, I am pissed, frightened, anxious, and depressed.”

A few minutes spent Googling "myths of recycling" leaves the picture even fuzzier: yes, recycling can be worthwhile … if local trash tipping fees are high, or if you’re recycling the right things, or if your city collects both trash and recyclables at once for sorting at a centralized facility, or, or, or … All of which leads me to believe that the truly virtuous don’t recycle so much as they reduce and reuse. That is, don’t buy the plastic-wrapped foam tray of tomatoes when you can choose the loose variety. Don’t buy bottled water when you can fill a reusable container with tap or filtered water at home. Don’t buy plastic food storage containers when you can reuse empty yogurt or butter tins.

Of course, that doesn’t help me at the grocery store. Unless I make a special drive to the food co-op, where they let me reuse the plastic containers for honey or fresh-made peanut butter, I can’t reuse any food containers at the grocery store. I’d love to see the U.S. or individual states adopt a system more like that in many European countries, where most beverage containers are required to be refillable (Denmark boasts a compliance rate of 98 percent!). I believe that approach, coupled with a shift to pay-as-you-throw trash programs, would help us reduce waste and save both energy and resources better than a recycling-only strategy.

Also on GO:

Green Myth-Busting: Recycling

5. Presidential Debate: John McCain vs. Barack Obama - Who Won? by Jerrry James Stone

On October 1st, Jerry James Stone asked readers to chime-in on the presidential debate: “John McCain and Barack Obama squared off in the second of three Presidential Debates this election season. Tell us who won and why.”

4. Sarah Palin vs. Joe Biden - Who Won? by Jerry James Stone

On October 1st, Jerry James Stone kicked off another popular debate-based post. In this one he asked, “Sen. Joe Biden from Delaware and Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska square off in the Vice Presidential Debate, 9:00 p.m. Eastern. Join us after the debate to tell us who won and why.”

3. Palin Ignored Chance to Promote Energy Independence by Alex Felsinger

On October 12th, Alex Felsinger dug up a story about Sarah Palin’s preference to sell natural gas to Japan where it sells for substantially more than in the lower 48. Alex wrote, “The idea that Palin is an energy expert was laughable already, but this decision showed a brash disregard for American energy independence, a cause which she champions nearly every day on the campaign trail.”

2. Who Won Wednesday Night’s Presidential Debate? by Timothy B. Hurst

Not surprisingly another post about the presidential debate was well-discussed, both in the post itself and polldaddy, where I set up another reader poll. On October 15th I wrote: “With full knowledge that a simple poll question cannot adequately capture your nuanced position on the presidential debates, you are encouraged to leave a comment below. If you’re happier with a simple poll, just follow the link - no strings attached.”

1. 700 California Wildfires: Why Don’t We Have Enough Resources? by Jennifer Lance

At the top spot of the most discussed post of the year is a June post by Jennifer Lance who wrote, “As someone personally surrounded by over 80 fires in a 10 mile radius of my home, I am pissed, frightened, anxious, and depressed.”

A booming airline industry might be great for the economy, but it’s wreaking increasing havoc with the environment. Aviation today spews out only 3 percent of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions, but the segment is expanding fast — faster, in fact, than any improvements in efficiency are likely to keep pace with. According to the Christian Science Monitor,

"Efficiency is only set to improve at 1 or 2 percent per year at best, while the number of passenger kilometers is growing at 5 or 6 percent," says Peter Lockley, head of policy development at the Aviation Environment Federation, a British think tank. "So emissions are going up steadily in the gap between the two."

For some, the answer is to stop flying now, cold turkey. To halt an entire industry dead in its tracks, though, is sure to risk massive, global economic damage. So what other options are there?

The best idea would seem to be a carbon tax on air travel that is hiked incrementally over the next decade or two to the point that flying is increasingly discouraged … and enough funding is raised to support research and development for more sustainable travel alternatives. It’s a better solution than continuing with business as usual, which appears certain to ramp up greenhouse gas emissions to unacceptable levels in the very near future.

5. Presidential Debate: John McCain vs. Barack Obama - Who Won? by Jerrry James Stone

On October 1st, Jerry James Stone asked readers to chime-in on the presidential debate: “John McCain and Barack Obama squared off in the second of three Presidential Debates this election season. Tell us who won and why.”

4. Sarah Palin vs. Joe Biden - Who Won? by Jerry James Stone

On October 1st, Jerry James Stone kicked off another popular debate-based post. In this one he asked, “Sen. Joe Biden from Delaware and Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska square off in the Vice Presidential Debate, 9:00 p.m. Eastern. Join us after the debate to tell us who won and why.”

3. Palin Ignored Chance to Promote Energy Independence by Alex Felsinger

On October 12th, Alex Felsinger dug up a story about Sarah Palin’s preference to sell natural gas to Japan where it sells for substantially more than in the lower 48. Alex wrote, “The idea that Palin is an energy expert was laughable already, but this decision showed a brash disregard for American energy independence, a cause which she champions nearly every day on the campaign trail.”

2. Who Won Wednesday Night’s Presidential Debate? by Timothy B. Hurst

Not surprisingly another post about the presidential debate was well-discussed, both in the post itself and polldaddy, where I set up another reader poll. On October 15th I wrote: “With full knowledge that a simple poll question cannot adequately capture your nuanced position on the presidential debates, you are encouraged to leave a comment below. If you’re happier with a simple poll, just follow the link - no strings attached.”

1. 700 California Wildfires: Why Don’t We Have Enough Resources? by Jennifer Lance

At the top spot of the most discussed post of the year is a June post by Jennifer Lance who wrote, “As someone personally surrounded by over 80 fires in a 10 mile radius of my home, I am pissed, frightened, anxious, and depressed.”

Then there are the unintended other consequences: all the resulting waste generated by gadget catalogs, gadget manuals, gadget bills ( i.e., the 300-plus-page printed iPhone bill) … again, not exactly Earth-friendly.

Yes, it’s possible to recycle these gadgets after they outlive their cutting-edge usefulness, but many consumers don’t: the old electronics end up either languishing in closets and basements, leaching heavy metals into landfills, or piling up in Chinese scrap heaps until they are, maybe, recycled.

So how can the situation be improved? Yes, going digital eliminates a lot of extraneous waste, but should we do more to encourage — or even mandate — electronics recycling? What is the best way to reduce all this waste?

5. Presidential Debate: John McCain vs. Barack Obama - Who Won? by Jerrry James Stone

On October 1st, Jerry James Stone asked readers to chime-in on the presidential debate: “John McCain and Barack Obama squared off in the second of three Presidential Debates this election season. Tell us who won and why.”

4. Sarah Palin vs. Joe Biden - Who Won? by Jerry James Stone

On October 1st, Jerry James Stone kicked off another popular debate-based post. In this one he asked, “Sen. Joe Biden from Delaware and Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska square off in the Vice Presidential Debate, 9:00 p.m. Eastern. Join us after the debate to tell us who won and why.”

3. Palin Ignored Chance to Promote Energy Independence by Alex Felsinger

On October 12th, Alex Felsinger dug up a story about Sarah Palin’s preference to sell natural gas to Japan where it sells for substantially more than in the lower 48. Alex wrote, “The idea that Palin is an energy expert was laughable already, but this decision showed a brash disregard for American energy independence, a cause which she champions nearly every day on the campaign trail.”

2. Who Won Wednesday Night’s Presidential Debate? by Timothy B. Hurst

Not surprisingly another post about the presidential debate was well-discussed, both in the post itself and polldaddy, where I set up another reader poll. On October 15th I wrote: “With full knowledge that a simple poll question cannot adequately capture your nuanced position on the presidential debates, you are encouraged to leave a comment below. If you’re happier with a simple poll, just follow the link - no strings attached.”

1. 700 California Wildfires: Why Don’t We Have Enough Resources? by Jennifer Lance

At the top spot of the most discussed post of the year is a June post by Jennifer Lance who wrote, “As someone personally surrounded by over 80 fires in a 10 mile radius of my home, I am pissed, frightened, anxious, and depressed.”

What’s disastrous for polar bears and Inuit subsistence hunters is emerging as a potentially huge — and destabilizing — fossil-fuel rush for the nations bordering the Arctic Ocean as the polar ice melts. How heated could disputes over the North’s buried oil and gas riches become? It’s still early, but I’ve already heard at least one theory that this could even spark conflict between the U.S. and, of all places, Canada. The ocean treaty regarding claims to seabed sovereignty might soon fall apart before the U.S. has even ratified it.

So how concerned should we be? What role should the Earth’s citizens play as the most fuel-hungry nations on the globe start a new race for buried energy? Is this the start of the next Cold War?

Image source: Wikimedia Commons

5. Presidential Debate: John McCain vs. Barack Obama - Who Won? by Jerrry James Stone

On October 1st, Jerry James Stone asked readers to chime-in on the presidential debate: “John McCain and Barack Obama squared off in the second of three Presidential Debates this election season. Tell us who won and why.”

4. Sarah Palin vs. Joe Biden - Who Won? by Jerry James Stone

On October 1st, Jerry James Stone kicked off another popular debate-based post. In this one he asked, “Sen. Joe Biden from Delaware and Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska square off in the Vice Presidential Debate, 9:00 p.m. Eastern. Join us after the debate to tell us who won and why.”

3. Palin Ignored Chance to Promote Energy Independence by Alex Felsinger

On October 12th, Alex Felsinger dug up a story about Sarah Palin’s preference to sell natural gas to Japan where it sells for substantially more than in the lower 48. Alex wrote, “The idea that Palin is an energy expert was laughable already, but this decision showed a brash disregard for American energy independence, a cause which she champions nearly every day on the campaign trail.”

2. Who Won Wednesday Night’s Presidential Debate? by Timothy B. Hurst

Not surprisingly another post about the presidential debate was well-discussed, both in the post itself and polldaddy, where I set up another reader poll. On October 15th I wrote: “With full knowledge that a simple poll question cannot adequately capture your nuanced position on the presidential debates, you are encouraged to leave a comment below. If you’re happier with a simple poll, just follow the link - no strings attached.”

1. 700 California Wildfires: Why Don’t We Have Enough Resources? by Jennifer Lance

At the top spot of the most discussed post of the year is a June post by Jennifer Lance who wrote, “As someone personally surrounded by over 80 fires in a 10 mile radius of my home, I am pissed, frightened, anxious, and depressed.”

Now, I can pretty well predict how free-marketers would respond to this ("Aaaagh! There goes the economy!"). But how effective is the buy-nothing strategy environmentally? I’ve seen arguments both pro and con.

I try to buy responsibly (local produce, fair-trade and sustainable goods) and not to buy what I don’t need … but buy nothing (outside of the obvious food, medicine, essential clothing)? Is this a legitimate strategy for conserving and saving the Earth? What do you think?

5. Presidential Debate: John McCain vs. Barack Obama - Who Won? by Jerrry James Stone

On October 1st, Jerry James Stone asked readers to chime-in on the presidential debate: “John McCain and Barack Obama squared off in the second of three Presidential Debates this election season. Tell us who won and why.”

4. Sarah Palin vs. Joe Biden - Who Won? by Jerry James Stone

On October 1st, Jerry James Stone kicked off another popular debate-based post. In this one he asked, “Sen. Joe Biden from Delaware and Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska square off in the Vice Presidential Debate, 9:00 p.m. Eastern. Join us after the debate to tell us who won and why.”

3. Palin Ignored Chance to Promote Energy Independence by Alex Felsinger

On October 12th, Alex Felsinger dug up a story about Sarah Palin’s preference to sell natural gas to Japan where it sells for substantially more than in the lower 48. Alex wrote, “The idea that Palin is an energy expert was laughable already, but this decision showed a brash disregard for American energy independence, a cause which she champions nearly every day on the campaign trail.”

2. Who Won Wednesday Night’s Presidential Debate? by Timothy B. Hurst

Not surprisingly another post about the presidential debate was well-discussed, both in the post itself and polldaddy, where I set up another reader poll. On October 15th I wrote: “With full knowledge that a simple poll question cannot adequately capture your nuanced position on the presidential debates, you are encouraged to leave a comment below. If you’re happier with a simple poll, just follow the link - no strings attached.”

1. 700 California Wildfires: Why Don’t We Have Enough Resources? by Jennifer Lance

At the top spot of the most discussed post of the year is a June post by Jennifer Lance who wrote, “As someone personally surrounded by over 80 fires in a 10 mile radius of my home, I am pissed, frightened, anxious, and depressed.”

The litany of bad news about the environment seems endless. Are things really that bad? Or do environmentalists tend to view everything they see through soot-colored glasses?

In answer to the latter question, I don’t think so. No, the sky isn’t falling and the human race isn’t likely to be wiped off the face of the Earth tomorrow. But there are very real environmental problems around the world, and pointing them out doesn’t make you a gloom-and-doom nabob of negativism. It makes you a realist, one who — I hope — is motivated to change things for the better rather than tempted to throw up one’s hands in despair and surrender.

5. Presidential Debate: John McCain vs. Barack Obama - Who Won? by Jerrry James Stone

On October 1st, Jerry James Stone asked readers to chime-in on the presidential debate: “John McCain and Barack Obama squared off in the second of three Presidential Debates this election season. Tell us who won and why.”

4. Sarah Palin vs. Joe Biden - Who Won? by Jerry James Stone

On October 1st, Jerry James Stone kicked off another popular debate-based post. In this one he asked, “Sen. Joe Biden from Delaware and Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska square off in the Vice Presidential Debate, 9:00 p.m. Eastern. Join us after the debate to tell us who won and why.”

3. Palin Ignored Chance to Promote Energy Independence by Alex Felsinger

On October 12th, Alex Felsinger dug up a story about Sarah Palin’s preference to sell natural gas to Japan where it sells for substantially more than in the lower 48. Alex wrote, “The idea that Palin is an energy expert was laughable already, but this decision showed a brash disregard for American energy independence, a cause which she champions nearly every day on the campaign trail.”

2. Who Won Wednesday Night’s Presidential Debate? by Timothy B. Hurst

Not surprisingly another post about the presidential debate was well-discussed, both in the post itself and polldaddy, where I set up another reader poll. On October 15th I wrote: “With full knowledge that a simple poll question cannot adequately capture your nuanced position on the presidential debates, you are encouraged to leave a comment below. If you’re happier with a simple poll, just follow the link - no strings attached.”

1. 700 California Wildfires: Why Don’t We Have Enough Resources? by Jennifer Lance

At the top spot of the most discussed post of the year is a June post by Jennifer Lance who wrote, “As someone personally surrounded by over 80 fires in a 10 mile radius of my home, I am pissed, frightened, anxious, and depressed.”