English
Español
Français
Deutsch
Português
Italiano
Chinese
Svensk
Nederlands

Januar 2009

Join World Renowned Athletes in the April 18th Live Earth Run for Water

elite runners live earth

Elite athletes

We recently came across a new book, 20 Easy Ways to Save the Earth, that is full of great ideas for readers young and old. Making changes in the little things we do can have a great impact on the planet, according to authors Coach Pedro and Susan Adam-Rita, who set out to write this book to educate, inspire, and empower children to protect the environment.

Some of the things children can do to save the planet are to:

  1. Pick up litter instead of throwing it on the floor/land. Cleaning after yourself and others around you is something everyone can do.
  2. Protect Wildlife not giving animals’ human food and or not taking them away from their natural habitat, since we need them to make the environment a better place.
  3. Turn of the water when you are not using it. While brushing your teeth, shampooing the dog, washing your car, and taking shorter showers. Turn off the water until you actually need it for rinsing.

Green Inaugural Ball 2009

Today the 2009 Green Inaugural Ball announced selection of Live Earth founder Kevin Wall as executive producer of the 2009 Green Inaugural Ball. Live Earth was selected by the Organizing Committee to bring star-studded cachet to this year’s event, an intimate evening featuring musical performances by world-renowned artists to be announced shortly.

The 2009 Inaugural Green Ball celebrates the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama and Vice President-elect Joseph Biden and the expanding network of diverse organizations, companies, and individuals committed to advancing our clean economy to create shared prosperity for all.

“The 2009 Inaugural Green Ball Organizing Committee and I hand-picked Kevin Wall and the Live Earth team to executive produce this year’s event to ensure we deliver the best possible Green Ball befitting this historic occasion. It is my pleasure to be partnered with Live Earth again, as they are the experts in creating high-profile events that marry music star power with an important environmental message,” said the Honorable Al Gore.

Where you watch and celebrate the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama might not as be important as how you watch it. The historic swearing-in of Obama on January 20th will be welcomed with celebrations worldwide, marking the beginning of a new era in which the U.S. can focus on the use clean energy and green technology to change the country, save the economy, and solve the climate crisis.

But you don't need to be at the Green Inaugural Ball, or even in Washington, D.C. to make your Inauguration experience a green one. Here are some tips from Live Earth's Green Event Guidelines:

will.i.am yes we can green inaugural ball 2009 inaugurationwill.i.am was interviewed on National Public Radio this weekend and discussed how Barack Obama inspired him to produce the song and video "Yes We Can," and touched on the most important issues facing the incoming president. Education, green jobs, the environment: "It's not like the technology isn't there... it's there," he told NPR's Scott Simon. "And when I get solar panels on my house, then I'm totally carbon free."

will.i.am performs tonight at the 2009 Green Inaugural Ball at The Smithsonian's Donald W. Reynolds Center for American Art and Portraiture. He also appeared at Live Earth 07.07.07, in London, with the Black Eyed Peas.

Listen to the interview at NPR or below:


Maroon 5 2009 Green Inaugural BallThere is no doubt Maroon 5 has a strong commitment and respect for th environment. In 2006, Maroon 5 was honored at the Environmental Media Awards and from there has only pledged more time and dedication towards the fight against climate change. Maroon 5 supports causes and organizations including the Environmental Media Association, Global Cool, Kiva, Teen Impact and Moveon. Maroon 5 is committed to "green touring" -- using bio-diesel fuel, organic food, recycled goods and a commitment to give a portion of their ticket sales to Global Cool, an organization that tries to reduce CO2 emission.

Check out Maroon 5's message for Solar Energy and Vote Solar below:

michael franti 2009 green inaugural ballMichael Franti loves to mix it up. His music represents a fusion of funk, jazz, hip-hop, reggae, and folk and his songs are laden with cultural references and commentaries on politics, globalization, and world events.

He recently finished a film, I Know I'm Not Alone detailing his travels in the Middle East. Franti is hopeful about the election of Barack Obama and recently told Treehugger: "I really feel like the optimism and the hope [is] something that we really need now. Because it's not going to take just the efforts of one man or woman to solve these problems, it's going to take the efforts of all six billion of us on this planet doing our part each day."

Watch the video for "Obama Song," written after election day, below:

Melissa Etheridge 2009 Green Inaugural BallIf you take a look at Melissa Etheridge’s website you can not help but be blown away by her green action. The site introduces new visitors with green tips and ways to “go Green” -- there's even a Melissa Etheridge Eco-Friendly street team. Not only does she promote sustainability and environmental responsibility but she herself practices and promotes such efforts. She supports such causes and foundations like the Dream Foundation, Love Our Children USA and of course, Live Earth (see photo, from Live Earth 07.07.07 in New York).

Below, Etheridge discusses “I Need to Wake Up,” -- which one the Oscar for best original song in a motion picture (An Inconvenient Truth) at the 2007 Academy Awards -- and challenges us to look within us and make changes in how we live to combat global warming:

We are seeing a quick increase in the environmental job sector and if sentiment of the Green Inaugural Ball is any indication, the green collar economy will only continue to grow. Fast Company has an excellent article called, “Ten Best Green Jobs for the Next Decade” and the jobs range from a Recycler to an Energy Efficiency Builder. Take a look at some of these up-and-coming green collar jobs:

Solar Power Installer
There are already around 770,000 jobs globally in the solar industry and this job can thrive anywhere because all you need is the sun. Our friends at The Solar Energy Industries Association believe that there can be an increase in over 110,000 jobs by 2016 and will be relatively high paying.

scool cloud observation dayJoin Live Earth and The GLOBE Project to mark the 12th anniversary of the first student cloud observation report for the Students Cloud Observations On-Line (S'COOL) Project on January 13, 2009 for a global cloud observation day.

Everyone is invited to make and report cloud observations on this day at the time that the CERES satellite instruments pass over their location.

For more information and to participate in Global Cloud Observation Day, visit liveearth.org/education.

submit video to live earth for green inaugural ballLive Earth and online video partner Magnify.net want to give everyone the opportunity to participate in the 2009 Green Inaugural Ball, a celebration of a new era of possibility for the environment and the new green economy.

Anyone can submit a new or existing short film or video to the Live Earth Video site powered by Magnify.net (http://video.liveearth.org/) expressing ideas as to how President Barack Obama and his administration can use clean energy and green technology to change the country, save the economy, and solve the climate crisis.

Haiti Earthquake Relief

haiti

We're terribly saddened by the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that struck Haiti last week.

Manju SealManju Seal is a 2008 recipient of the prestigious American Marshall Fellowship award that selects roughly 50 individuals from across United States each year (www.gmfus.org).

Manju SealManju Seal is a 2008 recipient of the prestigious American Marshall Fellowship award that selects roughly 50 individuals from across United States each year (

u.s. national day of service martin luther king jr dayRoll out your wheelbarrows and lace up your sneakers -- January 19th is a National Day of Service in the U.S. Please join President-elect Obama and the rest our nation as we lend a helping hand towards, “creating the change we wish to see.” There are more than 8,500 community service events registered nationwide.

Martin Luther King Jr. believed in the power of service and strength of a community, so registering a project in your neighborhood would be a great way to honor Dr. King's dream and contribute to community service. Let's rise to action on this national holiday and “Renew America Together.”

Heading to Washington, D.C this weekend without a plan maybe very adventurous but if you want to have somewhat of an outline of what to do check out the sites listed below.

  • For the full guide to the Presidential Inauguration -- where to go, what is happening and how to get there, check out the official inauguration sites here and here.
  • US News' A Green Inauguration Visitor's Thrifty Guide to Washington, D.C has some great tips, ranging from where you can stay if you don’t have a place to crash already to free events happening all weekend long. See also Huffington Post's Green Inaugural Guide.

Millions of people are heading to Washington, D.C. this weekend to join in on all the festivities surrounding the Inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama nulland while we can't do anything about the crowds, we hope to make it easier for you to lessen your impact on the environment with all the travel and excitement.

In addition to encouraging carpooling and riding the Metro, the 2009 Green Inaugural Ball is teaming up with Native Energy to provide a simple tool to help you offset you carbon emissions.

Green for All greenforall.orgGreen For All, an organization founded by Van Jones whose main purpose is to build a green ec

clockwise: Former U.S. Vice President Al Gore, Van Jones, Maroon 5, and will.i.am are among those appearing at the 2009 Green Inaugural Ball
Today the 2009 Green Inaugural Ball and Live Earth announce that world-renowned artists – will.i.am., Melissa Etheridge, Maroon 5, John Legend, Michael Franti – are scheduled to perform at the upcoming 2009 Green Inaugural Ball on Monday, January 19, at the Donald W. Reynolds Center for American Art and Portraiture.

Executive produced by Live Earth, the intimate evening of featured performances will represent a variety of musical genres from hip-hop to rock. Former U.S. Vice President Al Gore and Van Jones, President of Green For All, and others will speak to the strength and diversity of organizations, corporations, and individuals committed to the new green economy that will advance clean and efficient energy, reduce global warming and protect and restore America’s natural heritage.

Barack Obama paid more attention to environmental and energy issues in his inaugural speech than any previous president. Upon becoming the 44th president of the U.S., Obama made an immediate impression on those wondering whether his presidency will signal the a turn to U.S. leadership in the Climate Crisis and environmental responsibility, mentioning such issues throughout his 20 minute speech.

Obama referred to the need to turn to science and technology for the sake of developing alternative energy and taking action against global warming. Watch video of the speech below.

Former Vice President Al Gore and musicians Will.i.am (center) and apl.de.ap of the Black Eyed Peas partied at a

Former Vice President Al Gore served as the event's Honorary Chair and was joined by more than 75 environmental, conservation, labor, civil justice, youth, and business groups who are promoting clean and efficient energy, bringing the technologies to market, protecting America's natural heritage and creating the green jobs that will be at the heart of America's economic recovery. The sold out event was Executive Produced by Kevin Wall and Live Earth and featured musical performances by renowned artists will.i.am., Melissa Etheridge, Maroon 5, John Legend and Michael Franti. VIP guests included Blair Underwood, Lisa Ling, Paul Reiser, John Cusack, Bon Jovi, Paulina Rubio, as well as political heavyweights including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Robert Kennedy, Jr.

Last Monday we celebrated the Inauguration of President Barack Obama and Vice President Joseph Biden at the 2009 Green Inaugural Ball. We've enjoyed your videos and ideas about solving the climate crisis. We want to share some behind-the-scenes video and interviews from the Green Ball with you.

greenwallWe've heard about Green roofs. Why not green walls? Think of green walls as bio-walls or living walls that are either free standing or they are built into an existing wall. The benefits of such addition to an office or home are incredible and the construction of one is easier than you think.

Check out the green wall below:

A very large polar bear was spotted traveling down the River Thames, under the Tower Bridge and past Parliament in London today.

Lifelike as it seemed, the 1.5-ton structure -- built by 15 artists in 18 days -- floated down the river to raise awareness of the melting ice caps and the larger picture… climate change (see video below).

The melting of the ice caps threatens polar bear’s lives because their habitat is literally disappearing. The 2 billion people depending on glacial meltwater for irrigation and drinking are also faced with serious consequences.

U.S. President Obama appointed Vice President Joe Biden chairman of a new Middle Class Task Force this morning. The first task of the task force is to find ways to create green jobs and improve home energy efficiency.

"Green jobs are jobs that provide products and services which use renewable energy resources, reduce pollution, conserve energy and natural resources and reconstitute waste," part of Obama's stimulus plan, which would double renewable energy to about 10 percent of the nation’s total production and create 3 million jobs.

What are your suggestions for the task force?

Check out these highlights of films, speeches, and interviews featuring Al Gore, Nancy Pelosi, Michael Franti, John Legend, Paul Reiser, and more from the 2009 Green Inaugural Ball:

The Green Guide has some amazing tips on how to clean your home or office with ingredients and items you already have. Make your own household cleaners that are healthy and non-toxic with these quick easy recipes:

Baking soda: provides grit for scrubbing and reacts with water, vinegar or lemon by fizzing, which speeds up cleaning times
Borax: disinfects, bleaches and deodorizes; very handy in laundry mixes
Distilled white vinegar: disinfects and breaks up dirt; choose white vinegar over apple cider or red vinegars, as these might stain surfaces

Click here to sign up to for Friends of Live Earth.

On Friday November 21st, the Art of Living Foundation organized a concert in Delhi featuring more than 1,000 sitar players performing simultaneously. If that wasn’t spectacle enough, there was a sea of 200,000 people who attended the concert.

Two months later the event officially entered the Guinness Book of World Records!

We just came across a cool site featuring mind maps about global warming and other crises -- Live the Solution.

These artistic and creative maps, like Solving Global Warming: Doing Something, reminds us that we can make small changes in every aspect of life; from stopping by the farmers market for local goods auditing our energy use.

Even though it’s only the end of January we can sense spring fever right around the corner here at Live Earth. With the random warm days to get your hopes up or the bitter chill that runs through your home, everyone is craving the day they can run outside in bare feet. Thankfully, it’s the time of year to order seeds and to start planning your garden!

Check out Natural Gardening’s Frost Free Dates throughout the United States to see when your last frost is and keep in mind (according to Lighter Footstep) "seeds can be started indoors anywhere from one to eight weeks ahead of planting."

Last Monday we celebrated the Inauguration of President Barack Obama and Vice President Joseph Biden at the 2009 Green Inaugural Ball. We've enjoyed your videos and ideas about solving the climate crisis. We want to share some behind-the-scenes video and interviews from the Green Ball with you.

goresenateThe Honorable Al Gore, former U.S. Vice President and Live Earth partner, addressed the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee in regards to climate change today.

Watch video of the session or read the text of Mr. Gore's prepared statement, Addressing Global Climate Change: The Road to Copenhagen, below:

We are here today to talk about how we as Americans and how the United States of America as part of the global community should address the dangerous and growing threat of the climate crisis.

The auto rental industry is making a conscious effort to drive into a greener future. Zipcar, Hertz, and Enterprise are trying to do their part in contributing to a cleaner and greener environment by marketing eco-friendly car share services and fuel-efficient vehicles. Next time you need a car consider one of these programs:green rent a car car share hybrid

Zipcar
Zipcars first hit the road in 2000 and now, 9 years later, Zipcar is one of Inc.'s top 500 fastest growing companies. For those living in cities and small communities, car sharing is the way to go and for every Zipcar that is shared, 15-20 personally-owned vehicles are taken off the road. Zipcar currently has 5,000 cars in more than a dozen cities and 50 universities worldwide.

Connect
If Hertz has its way, Zipcar won't dominate car-sharing program in the market for long. Hertz Connect lets costumers reserve a Toyota Prius hybrid or BMW Mini Cooper and drive it like they own it (with gas, roadside assistance and insurance included in the price).

Barack Obama Inauguration Quotes 2009Barack Obama
“My presidency will mark a new chapter in America's leadership on climate change” - Barack Obama, at a Global Warming Summit in California, November 17, 2008 (video).

“I strongly agree with Vice President Gore that we cannot drill our way to energy independence, but must fast-track investments in renewable sources of energy like solar power, wind power and advanced biofuels, and those are the investments I will make as President. It's a strategy that will create millions of new jobs that pay well and cannot be outsourced, and one that will leave our children a world that is cleaner and safer." - Barack Obama, July 17, 2008.

President Obama signs executive orderConsidering the environmentally-conscious themes of President Obama's Inaugural address, we hope to see some action taken regarding smart energy and green policy in the coming weeks. For instance, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger asked Obama to terminate the recent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) barring the state from setting more stringent emissions standards (days later, the president acted on the request).

What would you like to see the Obama administration do next in regards to environmental policy? How should Obama "green" the economic stimulus package? Let us know in the comments, or submit a video response at Live Earth Video (http://video.liveearth.org). We can't wait to hear your thoughts!

greener gadget design competition 2009Green gadgets will lead the way in 2009 and now you have an opportunity to contribute your ideas. Simply, enter the device into the Green Gadget Design Competition by January 15th!

This year, Greener Gadgets and Core77 has partnered together to make known the top 50 entries on the web for commenting and voting. The winner will be showcased at the Greener Gadgets Conference in New York City on February 27th.

Out with the old and in with the New Year and a new U.S. president. Plenty listed 10 resolutions for that could help America with the crucial issues of 2009: security, social justice and economic well being. Check out the Top 10 Global Warming Policy recommendations for the Obama administration:

  1. Tell the EPA to declare carbon dioxide a pollutant under the Clean Air Act.
  2. Propose a cap-and-trade plan on global warming.
  3. Make the White House as a case study in green living.
  4. Smartly apportion billions as part of an economic stimulus and recovery package.
  5. Stimulate smart agriculture.

bjorkWe know Björk can sing and perform both on stage and screen. But she also wants to help save the world through environmentally-friendly clean technologies. The Icelandic singer teamed up with a Reykjavik-based venture capital firm to launch the BJÖRK Fund, which will invest in new businesses focused on green technology.

“Björk invests in companies that create value through the uniqueness of Iceland’s nature and culture,” according to the Audur Capital website.

What are your favorite musicians doing to raise awareness of the climate crisis?

by Manju Seal

When the vibrant CEO of Ixoraa Media, Lakshmi Pratury asked me casually for help with a Live Earth project in Inda, I found myself saying "yes"; but later wondered if I should have waited for more details.  On this occasion, the quick yes turned out to be a great decison.

Refrigerators, cell phone chargers, bedside lamps, ceiling fans and other electronics consume an immense amount of energy but video game consoles may be the biggest power hogs in the house, consuming about 16 billion kilowatt hours per year.

More than 40 percent of all homes in the United States have gaming consoles and its estimated that half of these systems are on constantly, according to the National Resource Defense Council. If you have a console, or have friends and family that do, try to follow the steps below to reduce the energy consumed.

Turn off the console when not in use – An Xbox or a Playstation 3 left on 24/7 everyday uses as much energy as two fridges.

Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton at the State Department (AFP / Saul Loeb)U.S. President Barack Obama took significant steps indicating that climate change, energy and environmental issues would be major issues of his administration in his first week in office. After moving to reverse potentially damaging climate policy ordered by President Bush, Obama declared:

"To protect our climate and our collective security, we must call together a truly global coalition.... The days of Washington dragging its heels are over.... My administration will not deny facts -- we will be guided by them."