LCSC will resume the conversation on our local issues and celebrations of victories
Wednesday, September.15th at 6:00 PM, is our scheduled regular LCSC meeting on the ZOOM platform. This is the regular time and day (3rd Wednesday of the month). We will continue to discuss the issues facing our communities. As stated last month, those include but are not limited to:
Preserving as much natural environment as we can in and around Longview-Kelso-Kalama as well as the rest of the Cowlitz basin and Lower Columbia basin; these are the systems that support all life.
Moving towards increased recycling of waste (plastic and other materials currently being landfilled).
Use of our unused landfill sites for possible solar farms and/or methane recovery and use to generate electricity.
Building efficiency improvement; sufficient insulation reduces energy use and cost of operation.
Solar PV and thermal solar development
Encouragement and support of the electrification of our transportation and building energy
We have folks who are doing these things now; we need more to join the movement. Those who are doing these things have done so profitably.
We have received letters from locals who have suggested that wind turbines be placed on the ridge tops along the lower Columbia. Having recently seen the turbines producing power on the ridgetops east of I-5 in Lewis County, I challenge all to tell me why it isn't also possible in the Lower Columbia along the River. There is certainly a; fairly consistent wind;
With building efficiency and increased use of renewable energy systems comes the savings in electricity needed to power a growing electric vehicle fleet. We have the technology and we are now seeing the major auto makers moving towards electric vehicles in their fleets. When power, low maintenance and high fuel mileage (gasoline equivalent cost) is considered, electric vehicles out-perform our present gasoline and diesel vehicles. .It is certainly something to consider when it comes time to purchase another vehicle; it won't be too long until there will be used EVs on the market. Along with these budding developments should come new opportunities for jobs
Bring your thoughts, ideas, and observations to the next meeting and let's share some information and maybe set some goals for individual action to accompany what we expect from our leaders.
Meeting Information
Here are the details for the ZOOM Meeting this Wednesday evening:
Dave Hale is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: LCSC September 2021 Regular Meeting
Time: Sep 15, 2021 06:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Meeting ID: 847 3769 0972
Passcode: 349098
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Meeting ID: 847 3769 0972
Passcode: 349098
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kElhkeQ2q
Here is some food for thought and inspiration:
Our state is leading the country moving forward on addressing climate change. Perfect...no; but certainly a step in the right direction. Open the link to see how this is happening>
We as individuals can help to make things better as well. Although the link below is partially a wireless providers' attempt to jump on the "green train", it is valid none the less. Little things we do as individuals do make a difference and collectively they create a bigger difference. It is said that, to make a desired change become widely accepted, about 20% of the population needs to be early adopters. If we think about it awhile, many of the things we accept today as fairly "normal" were not always even in our consciousness. Even though we may never see 100% adoption of better practices, if we can get to say 80%, then we can handle the rest a whole lot easier. It's got to start somewhere with someone, so why not us? Check this link out>
You’re Invited: Celebrate the End of Kalama Methanol!
Inbox
Kate Murphy, Columbia Riverkeeper via salsalabs.org
Mon, Sep 13, 12:04 PM (1 day ago)
Hi all,
Your efforts have paid off in a huge way—you stopped the world’s largest fracked gas-to-methanol refinery! Seven years of activism, community involvement, and legal strategizing led to one of the most inspiring victories in recent memory.
Now, it’s time to celebrate!
Virtual Celebration: The End of Kalama Methanol
Thursday, September 23, 6 - 7 p.m.
You won! It took seven years of dedication and hard work to stop this catastrophe from happening.
You prevented a massive amount of pollution: 4.6 million metric tons CO2 pollution added to our atmosphere every year for 40 years = 182 million metric tons of CO2!
You made history! Hear stories from activists, organizers, and others about what it took to stop this massive project.
You deserve it! You worked hard for this, now it is time to celebrate what you have accomplished.
The defeat of NWIW is a hopeful example of the power we have when we come together to protect what we love. Thank you all for being a part of it.
We hope you can join us on September 23, from 6 - 7 p.m. to hear stories from folks involved in the fight, share favorite memories, and celebrate with each other.
Looking forward to seeing you there!
Kate Murphy Community Organizer
Save the thought: We (LCSC) had planned on a barbecue to celebrate our victory over the proposed Coal Terminal at the Millennium site.
In light of the recent developments in the rate of COVID infections and the rise of the Delta Variant, we have decided that sponsoring a gathering is not a good thing at this time. So, barbecue canceled until further notice. .
Plastics
Here are some suggestions and information offered by member Dani:
Only 9% of plastics are actually recycled.
Plastic Un-Use Tips:
1. When ordering take-out food or buying food while traveling- use your own utensils.
2. Instead of using body washes (with dubious chemicals) in plastic bottles, use good old-fashioned soap.
3. If you can, hang up machine-washed clothing in the house or outside, don't use your dryer. (It also helps your clothes last longer).
4 When buying coffee to go or drink in a coffee shop, don't take a lid, unless absolutely necessary.
5. Avoid produce that is individually wrapped in plastic.
6. And of course, use your own reusable bags when shopping!
How we are benefited by the environment we live in and are dependent on
A European Study's research in Integrative Biodiversity Research, published in Ecological Economics,(2012)
showed that a ten percent increase in being around bird species made people happier than a 10% increase in wages!
(I'd like both!!)
Contributed by: Dani Maron-Oliver from Greater Good- Rainforest SIte, 9-12-2012
Editor's Note: Happy workers are generally more efficient workers; and generally this is good for the economy. In a just economy this increased efficiency should be rewarded with increased compensation.
LCSC General Meetings Meetings currently on the ZOOM platform
We meet online now, partly due to covid-19 safety and partly due to improved efficiency in reducing carbon pollution from transport. The meeting times will remain (6:00 PM, every 3rd Wednesday of the month). The meeting starts at 6:00 PM and the discussion goes to approximately 7:30- 8:00PM
There is usually some time before the start of the meeting to chat or suggest last minute topics. Summer break on for now; see you in September