Carol Landis's Posts - Green Interfaith2024-03-28T23:12:17ZCarol Landishttps://greeninterfaith.ning.com/profile/CarolLandishttps://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/66690146?profile=RESIZE_48X48&width=48&height=48&crop=1%3A1https://greeninterfaith.ning.com/profiles/blog/feed?user=23xuk2bpi6lkm&xn_auth=noHow about your pastor/clergy/faith leader?tag:greeninterfaith.ning.com,2013-04-25:6366645:BlogPost:202252013-04-25T00:35:00.000ZCarol Landishttps://greeninterfaith.ning.com/profile/CarolLandis
<p>Below are the first 3 paragraphs of an interesting report (from Nashville) about Protestant pastors' responses and actions about climate change...</p>
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<p><strong>"NASHVILLE, Tenn. —</strong> While many churches are acting "green," the majority of pastors disagree global warming is real and man made. The percentage of skeptics has dropped since 2010, but the percentage is still higher than in 2008, according to a survey by LifeWay Research.</p>
<p>The October 2012 survey of Protestant…</p>
<p>Below are the first 3 paragraphs of an interesting report (from Nashville) about Protestant pastors' responses and actions about climate change...</p>
<p></p>
<p><strong>"NASHVILLE, Tenn. —</strong> While many churches are acting "green," the majority of pastors disagree global warming is real and man made. The percentage of skeptics has dropped since 2010, but the percentage is still higher than in 2008, according to a survey by LifeWay Research.</p>
<p>The October 2012 survey of Protestant pastors' views of environmental issues shows Protestant pastors in the Northeast, older pastors, and pastors self-identifying as Democrats tend to be more environmentally active compared to younger, Republicans, and counterparts in other regions of the country.</p>
<p>Consistent in the LifeWay Research findings of 2012, 2010 and 2008 is that about a quarter of pastors say they speak on the environment to their churches "several times a year." The percentage of pastors who say they rarely speak on the environment decreased in 2012 to 34 percent. Fifteen percent of Protestant pastors say they never speak on the environment."</p>
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<p>The rest of the report is found <a href="http://www.lifeway.com/Article/research-majority-of-pastors-doubt-global-warming-but-recycle-at-church" target="_blank">here.</a></p>
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<p><strong><span style="color: #993366;">If you attend a Protestant church in our area, how receptive do you think your pastor/clergy would be to participating in a "climate caucus for clergy?" What if we could host a half-day (or so) meeting for clergy in the TriCities region to learn more about climate change issues and to have a chance to discuss their questions and concerns among their colleagues/peers? Do you think that would be well-received? Would you or another member of a committee be willing to participate with your faith leaders at a meeting like this?</span></strong></p>
<p></p>Excellent blog post about Keystone XL Pipelinetag:greeninterfaith.ning.com,2013-04-18:6366645:BlogPost:204352013-04-18T00:50:40.000ZCarol Landishttps://greeninterfaith.ning.com/profile/CarolLandis
<p>I strongly urge you to read and consider this pastor's <a href="http://blogs.denverpost.com/hark/2013/04/17/defending-earth-defeating-keystone/2021/#more-2021" target="_blank">opinion about the Keystone XL pipeline</a>, and then to act on this information by informing your legislators (both here in TN and in Washington DC) about your opinion.</p>
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<p>(It is clear to me that we must do a better job of communicating with our legislators and also in holding them accountable for their…</p>
<p>I strongly urge you to read and consider this pastor's <a href="http://blogs.denverpost.com/hark/2013/04/17/defending-earth-defeating-keystone/2021/#more-2021" target="_blank">opinion about the Keystone XL pipeline</a>, and then to act on this information by informing your legislators (both here in TN and in Washington DC) about your opinion.</p>
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<p>(It is clear to me that we must do a better job of communicating with our legislators and also in holding them accountable for their votes.)</p>
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<p>In case the above link doesn't work, here's the URL:</p>
<p><a href="http://http://blogs.denverpost.com/hark/2013/04/17/defending-earth-defeating-keystone/2021/#more-2021" target="_blank">http://blogs.denverpost.com/hark/2013/04/17/defending-earth-defeating-keystone/2021/#more-2021</a></p>
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<p>Thanks for reading it.</p>
<p>Carol</p>Earth Week Activities?tag:greeninterfaith.ning.com,2013-04-03:6366645:BlogPost:204092013-04-03T00:30:07.000ZCarol Landishttps://greeninterfaith.ning.com/profile/CarolLandis
<p>Hi all: Emily sent out an e-message recently asking people to share activities planned by and for your faith group as you celebrate Earth Week later this month. Please check with other members from your faith community to see if they've sent the info to Emily already. If not, please do send us the dates, times, and locations. We're urging people to branch out and visit other faith groups...or to invite others to your event.</p>
<p>As you know, timing is everything...and sometimes we have…</p>
<p>Hi all: Emily sent out an e-message recently asking people to share activities planned by and for your faith group as you celebrate Earth Week later this month. Please check with other members from your faith community to see if they've sent the info to Emily already. If not, please do send us the dates, times, and locations. We're urging people to branch out and visit other faith groups...or to invite others to your event.</p>
<p>As you know, timing is everything...and sometimes we have schedule conflicts with something we'd like to attend. So this may give you an opportunity to participate in an activity near you.</p>
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<p>You should also have received the following invitation to our GINI members earlier today:</p>
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<div><span style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Our dear friend and advocate, Brenda Warner, passed away in February. We will miss Brenda's enthusiasm for conservation and for the many different projects she generously volunteered with. </span><span style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Brenda's community included Farmer's Markets, ETSU, Gardening groups, the Elizabethton prison garden, the Mountain Harvest Community Kitchen in Unicoi, the Unicoi Farming Oral History project, Local Goods, the Appalachian RC&D, and Green Interfaith Network--and probably more. All this, AND she was getting her Masters in Appalachian Studies at ETSU. </span></div>
<div><span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: arial,sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div><span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: arial,sans-serif;">You are invited to a community </span><span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: arial,sans-serif;">'Celebration of Life' service commemorating Brenda--please RSVP as the details explain below:</span><span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: arial,sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<p><span style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br/><b>Monday, April 22, 2013 (Earth Day)<br/>6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.<br/>First Presbyterian Church of Elizabethton<br/>Please RSVP (<a href="mailto:rmbrwhour@mac.com" target="_blank">rmbrwhour@mac.com</a>) <br/></b> <br/>"The service will be readings from scripture and sacred writings, poetry, songs, and most importantly memories shared by you, her community. A pot luck reception will allow us to break bread together. If you plan to be there and want to share a memory or reading, please contact me so we can have at least a 'loose' agenda. If you plan to bring a dish, please let me know that as well. <a href="mailto:rmbrwhour@mac.com" target="_blank">rmbrwhour@mac.com</a> Please put 'Brenda' in subject area."</span></p>Hindu Teachings about the Environmenttag:greeninterfaith.ning.com,2013-03-22:6366645:BlogPost:204032013-03-22T14:50:25.000ZCarol Landishttps://greeninterfaith.ning.com/profile/CarolLandis
<p><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">GreenFaith invites us to participate in another free online seminar (a "webinar")...</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;"><br></br> Join us for Hindu Teachings on the Environment, a webinar with Dr. Pankaj Jain – GreenFaith’s Hindu Scholar in Residence - on April 4 from 8:00-9:00 p.m. ET. …</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;">GreenFaith invites us to participate in another free online seminar (a "webinar")...</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva,sans-serif;"><br/> Join us for Hindu Teachings on the Environment, a webinar with Dr. Pankaj Jain – GreenFaith’s Hindu Scholar in Residence - on April 4 from 8:00-9:00 p.m. ET. <a href="https://www.z2systems.com/nps//servlet/DisplayLink?orgId=greenfaith&emailId=955cb951e49f13dc96b14729669a68cb9m8139401955&linkId=19937&targetUrl=https://www.z2systems.com/np/clients/greenfaith/eventRegistration.jsp?event=236" target="_blank">Register now</a>.<br/> <br/> Dr. Jain is an Assistant Professor of Indian Religions and Ecology at the University of North Texas. He is the author of <em>Dharma and Ecology of Hindu Communities: Sustenance and Sustainability</em>, and is an expert on the links between ancient Indic traditions of Hinduism and Jainism and the environment. His writing has appeared in <em>The Huffington Post</em>, the <em>Washington Post</em>’s Forum On Faith, and more. <br/> <br/> In the webinar, Dr. Jain will describe key Hindu teachings on the environment, providing examples of how diverse Hindu communities have put these teachings into action.<br/> <br/> Dr. Jain has also written <a href="https://www.z2systems.com/nps//servlet/DisplayLink?orgId=greenfaith&emailId=955cb951e49f13dc96b14729669a68cb9m8139401955&linkId=19934&targetUrl=http://www.z2systems.com/np/viewDocument?orgId=greenfaith&id=e201e61b2a15df73012a33c7f6290009" target="_blank">Ten Key Hindu Teachings on the Environment</a>, which is available through GreenFaith, where he describes the most significant Hindu teachings on the environment, citing Gandhi as an example of Hindu ecological values in action.</span></span></p>Events at ETSU before Earth Day!tag:greeninterfaith.ning.com,2013-03-20:6366645:BlogPost:204012013-03-20T15:53:26.000ZCarol Landishttps://greeninterfaith.ning.com/profile/CarolLandis
<p><span><span>What are your plans for Earth Day in your area? We ask that you "bloom where you are planted" in April, on behalf of GINI and to spread our support of local, regional, and state level actions to better steward our Earth, to benefit humanity now and into the future.</span></span></p>
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<p><span><span><strong>Please post a reply with your Earth Day (Earth Week) activities,</strong> so that we can learn the scope of what's going on, but also so that we might choose to visit…</span></span></p>
<p><span><span>What are your plans for Earth Day in your area? We ask that you "bloom where you are planted" in April, on behalf of GINI and to spread our support of local, regional, and state level actions to better steward our Earth, to benefit humanity now and into the future.</span></span></p>
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<p><span><span><strong>Please post a reply with your Earth Day (Earth Week) activities,</strong> so that we can learn the scope of what's going on, but also so that we might choose to visit something new, share in the enthusiasm, and take new ideas back to our own networks.</span></span></p>
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<p><span><span><span><span>Below is a list of events sent by Kathleen Moore at ETSU:</span></span></span></span></p>
<p><span><span>1.<span style="font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span> <span> Lecture by Erin Savage from Appalachian Voices - April 3 at 7 pm. This event is sponsored by ECO. Discussions about mountaintop removal and its effects on waterways.</span></p>
<p><span><span>2.<span style="font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span> <span>Dirty Energy Road Show Lecture by Eric Blevins. April 9 at 7 pm. Topic: Nuclear & Coal Energy Production. An ECO event.</span></p>
<p><span><span>3.<span style="font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span> <span>Tentative showing of Kilowatt Hours movie with panel on energy conservation. April 15 at 7 pm. </span></p>
<p><span><span>4.<span style="font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span> <span>Film & Webinar - The Island President, a movie about climate change April 17 at 7 pm.</span></p>
<p><span><span>5.<span style="font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span> <span>Film - Climate of Doubt, April 18 at 7 pm.</span></p>
<p><span><span>6.<span style="font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span> <span>Earth Day celebration - April 22 from 10 – 2 pm. (Tabling in front of the Sherrod Library.)<br/></span></p>Student survey about windpower in the Carolinastag:greeninterfaith.ning.com,2013-03-20:6366645:BlogPost:201022013-03-20T15:06:01.000ZCarol Landishttps://greeninterfaith.ning.com/profile/CarolLandis
<p><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 13px; font-family: arial,sans-serif;">Hi Folks,</span></p>
<div style="color: #222222; font-size: 13px; font-family: arial,sans-serif;"></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-size: 13px; font-family: arial,sans-serif;">A colleague in SC passed this along today. There is a grad student at Clemson University who is conducting a survey of attitudes towards offshore wind energy in the Carolinas. If you are a resident and/or have been a tourist in the…</div>
<p><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 13px; font-family: arial,sans-serif;">Hi Folks,</span></p>
<div style="color: #222222; font-size: 13px; font-family: arial,sans-serif;"></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-size: 13px; font-family: arial,sans-serif;">A colleague in SC passed this along today. There is a grad student at Clemson University who is conducting a survey of attitudes towards offshore wind energy in the Carolinas. If you are a resident and/or have been a tourist in the coastal area of the Carolinas, please consider filling out the survey and passing this along. I just did it and it takes about 10 minutes.</div>
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<div dir="ltr">The survey can be found on <a href="http://www.offshorewindsurvey.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">www.offshorewindsurvey.com</a>.</div>
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<div>Brian O'Hara<br/><a href="mailto:briano@secoastalwind.org" target="_blank">briano@secoastalwind.org</a>
<div><a target="_blank">919-604-6877</a> (m)<br/><a target="_blank">252-506-9463</a> (o)</div>
</div>Invitation from ETSU's ECO grouptag:greeninterfaith.ning.com,2013-02-26:6366645:BlogPost:193462013-02-26T23:59:47.000ZCarol Landishttps://greeninterfaith.ning.com/profile/CarolLandis
<p>This Thursday night 2/28 at 7pm in Rogers-Stout Hall Rm 428 we will be watching a short doc on either MTR or Fracking. Followed by a brief presentation by one of the organizers from Mountain Justice explaining their "March on UBS" campaign as well as updates on the demonstrations planned starting the first week in March.</p>
<p>There is also an impromptu sign making party being planned for the same night in the same room. Your presence as well as your fellow Green Interfaith Networker's…</p>
<p>This Thursday night 2/28 at 7pm in Rogers-Stout Hall Rm 428 we will be watching a short doc on either MTR or Fracking. Followed by a brief presentation by one of the organizers from Mountain Justice explaining their "March on UBS" campaign as well as updates on the demonstrations planned starting the first week in March.</p>
<p>There is also an impromptu sign making party being planned for the same night in the same room. Your presence as well as your fellow Green Interfaith Networker's would be warmly welcome.</p>
<p>Once again, sorry this message is getting to you late. I hope to see you there!</p>Invitation about "Flight Behavior" (Kingsolver)tag:greeninterfaith.ning.com,2013-02-15:6366645:BlogPost:191422013-02-15T23:14:41.000ZCarol Landishttps://greeninterfaith.ning.com/profile/CarolLandis
<div><p>We invite you to meet online to discuss the fiction novel <b>“Flight Behavior” by Barbara Kingsolver Thursday 2/28/13 at 3:30 MT/4:30 CT/5:30 ET</b>. “Flight Behavior” is set in rural Tennessee, where a woman’s narrow life is burst wide open by the consequences of an unusual migration of monarch butterflies to her town. We will be joined on this webinar by special guest <b>Dr. Karen Oberhauser,</b> <b>monarch butterfly researcher</b> and Barbara Kingsolver’s science source for…</p>
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<div><p>We invite you to meet online to discuss the fiction novel <b>“Flight Behavior” by Barbara Kingsolver Thursday 2/28/13 at 3:30 MT/4:30 CT/5:30 ET</b>. “Flight Behavior” is set in rural Tennessee, where a woman’s narrow life is burst wide open by the consequences of an unusual migration of monarch butterflies to her town. We will be joined on this webinar by special guest <b>Dr. Karen Oberhauser,</b> <b>monarch butterfly researcher</b> and Barbara Kingsolver’s science source for <em>Flight Behavior</em>. </p>
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<p><a href="http://willstegerfoundation.org/climate-lessons-blog/item/1685-book-of-the-month-flight-behavior" title="Read Kristen's recent review" target="_blank">Read Bookclubber Kristen Poppleton’s recent review</a> of the book on her blog: <a href="http://willstegerfoundation.org/climate-lessons-blog/item/1685-book-of-the-month-flight-behavior" target="_blank">http://willstegerfoundation.org/climate-lessons-blog/item/1685-book-of-the-month-flight-behavior</a></p>
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<div><p>To access the webinar go to:</p>
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<div><p><b><a href="http://cires.adobeconnect.com/iceebookclub/" target="_blank">http://cires.adobeconnect.com/iceebookclub/</a> </b> and sign in as a guest using your name. </p>
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<div><p>You may use a headset with your computer to access the audio or call <a target="_blank">+18778659544</a> .</p>
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<p>This is an informal discussion of how the book works as fiction, how the science is treated and how the book may be used in climate literacy efforts.</p>Global Warming & Winter Storm Nemo!tag:greeninterfaith.ning.com,2013-02-10:6366645:BlogPost:193262013-02-10T00:05:02.000ZCarol Landishttps://greeninterfaith.ning.com/profile/CarolLandis
<p>Below is an excerpt from an e-mail received this morning from the IPL headquarters. Please feel free to share!</p>
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<p>"When talking about the connections between Nemo (or any storm) and climate change, take care to make accurate statements about these connections. Here are some tips for talking about this potentially historic blizzard: <br></br> <br></br> <strong>Paint the big picture.</strong> <br></br> <br></br> Climate change is changing the weather. The past few years have been marked by…</p>
<p>Below is an excerpt from an e-mail received this morning from the IPL headquarters. Please feel free to share!</p>
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<p>"When talking about the connections between Nemo (or any storm) and climate change, take care to make accurate statements about these connections. Here are some tips for talking about this potentially historic blizzard: <br/> <br/> <strong>Paint the big picture.</strong> <br/> <br/> Climate change is changing the weather. The past few years have been marked by unusually severe extreme weather characteristic of climate change. Visit: <a href="http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/billions/" target="_blank">http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/billions/</a><br/> <strong><br/> Say what we know about the connections between storms and climate change.</strong> <br/> <br/> Global warming puts more energy into storms. Visit: <a href="http://www.cgd.ucar.edu/cas/Trenberth/trenberth.papers/SSD%20Trenberth%202nd%20proof.pdf" target="_blank">http://www.cgd.ucar.edu/cas/Trenberth/trenberth.papers/SSD%20Trenberth%202nd%20proof.pdf</a><br/> <br/> Storm surge now rides on sea levels that have risen over the last century due to global warming. This amplifies flooding losses if and when a surge strikes. Visit: <a href="http://news.discovery.com/earth/global-warming/sea-level-rise-endangers-east-coast-120626.htm" target="_blank">http://news.discovery.com/earth/global-warming/sea-level-rise-endangers-east-coast-120626.htm</a><br/> <br/> <strong>Explain how Nemo is part of the larger trend.</strong> <br/> <br/> More and more scientific evidence is connecting these major extreme precipitation events to climate change. In the last century, we have witnessed a 20 percent increase in the amount of precipitation falling in the heaviest rain and snow events, directly tied to climate disruption. The Northeast has been particularly vulnerable, experiencing a dramatic increase in one-day precipitation extremes during the October to March cold season. Visit: <a href="http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/extremes/cei/graph/ne/4/10-03" target="_blank">http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/extremes/cei/graph/ne/4/10-03</a><br/> <br/> Coastal flooding has also become more common as climate change drives sea levels higher. A recent report by the Boston Harbor Association warns that many parts of that city are highly vulnerable to flooding. Visit: <a href="http://tbha.org/preparing-rising-tide-report" target="_blank">http://tbha.org/preparing-rising-tide-report</a><br/> <br/> Off-shore water temperatures are higher than normal right now, adding to the potential for heavy precipitation by feeding Nemo with additional moisture. Visit: <a href="http://www.nodc.noaa.gov/dsdt/cwtg/natl.html" target="_blank">http://www.nodc.noaa.gov/dsdt/cwtg/natl.html</a><br/> <br/> Explain that solutions exist to combat climate change, and provide a concrete action to start, such as sending a Love Creation postcard to President Obama to support bold action during his second term."</p>Update from LEAF: MTR / Nashvilletag:greeninterfaith.ning.com,2013-02-07:6366645:BlogPost:194122013-02-07T18:39:55.000ZCarol Landishttps://greeninterfaith.ning.com/profile/CarolLandis
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Action Alert - February 7, 2013 <br></br> <br></br> <br></br> Hello friends of mountains,<br></br> <br></br> The Tennessee legislature is back in Nashville with some new faces and new committees, and for the 6<sup>th</sup> year, so is the <strong>Tennessee Scenic Vistas Protection Act</strong>. This session the bill numbers are <strong>HB 0043 and SB 0099.</strong><br></br> <br></br> This year, the House bill is sponsored by Knoxville teacher and freshman…</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Action Alert - February 7, 2013 <br/> <br/> <br/> Hello friends of mountains,<br/> <br/> The Tennessee legislature is back in Nashville with some new faces and new committees, and for the 6<sup>th</sup> year, so is the <strong>Tennessee Scenic Vistas Protection Act</strong>. This session the bill numbers are <strong>HB 0043 and SB 0099.</strong><br/> <br/> This year, the House bill is sponsored by Knoxville teacher and freshman legislator, <strong><a href="mailto:rep.gloria.johnson@capitol.tn.gov" target="_blank">Representative Gloria Johnson</a> (</strong>D). <a href="mailto:sen.lowe.finney@capitol.tn.gov" target="_blank"><strong>Senator Lowe Finney</strong></a> (D), Jackson attorney and legislative veteran has the bill on the Senate side. These are smart and energetic folks with a heart for creation. Please make a call or send an email to thank Representative Johnson and Senator Finney for stepping up. Then ask your own Representative and Senator to add their voice by co-sponsoring HB 0043 or SB 0099.<br/> <br/> Supporters of the TSVPA come from both parties. This year, we hope to build on the bipartisan coalition. With the Republican supermajority, at least one strong Republican leader is critical to passage of meaningful protection for Tennessee’s mountains. <strong>Please call or email <a href="mailto:bill.haslam@tn.gov" target="_blank">Governor Haslam</a></strong>, <a href="mailto:lt.gov.ron.ramsey@capitol.tn.gov" target="_blank">Lt. Governor Ramsey</a>, <a href="mailto:speaker.beth.harwell@capitol.tn.gov" target="_blank">Speaker Beth Harwell</a>, the Senate Energy, Agriculture & Natural Resources <a href="http://cts.vresp.com/c/?LEAF/642464d780/8c4ef03550/298237ad4a" target="_blank">Committee</a> Chair, <a href="mailto:sen.steve.southerland@capitol.tn.gov" target="_blank">Senator Steve Southerland</a> and the House Agriculture & Natural Resources <a href="http://cts.vresp.com/c/?LEAF/642464d780/8c4ef03550/4cdcf7ae46" target="_blank">Committee</a> Chair, <a href="mailto:rep.curtis.halford@capitol.tn.gov" target="_blank">Representative Curtis Halford</a>. Ask them to use their roles and legislative majority to do the will of the people and protect Tennessee’s iconic horizons, jobs, property values, water and health for all time.<br/> <br/> With gratitude for your steadfast support,<br/> <br/> Patricia Hudson,<br/> LEAF, Executive Director<br/> <br/> <br/> Legislative leaders - <a href="mailto:bill.haslam@tn.gov,+lt.gov.ron.ramsey@capitol.tn.gov,+speaker.beth.harwell@capitol.tn.gov,+rep.gloria.johnson@capitol.tn.gov,+sen.lowe.finney@capitol.tn.gov,+sen.steve.southerland@capitol.tn.gov,+rep.curtis.halford@capitol.tn.gov" target="_blank">Bulk E-Mail</a><br/> <br/> For the weblinks of the legislative leaders, see below:<br/> <br/> <a href="http://cts.vresp.com/c/?LEAF/642464d780/8c4ef03550/7abfbb2f47" target="_blank">Governor Haslam (R)</a></span></span><br/> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><a href="http://cts.vresp.com/c/?LEAF/642464d780/8c4ef03550/2c096417fc" target="_blank">Lt. Governor Ramsey</a> (R)<br/> <a href="http://cts.vresp.com/c/?LEAF/642464d780/8c4ef03550/3645d44919" target="_blank">Speaker Beth Harwell </a> (R)<br/> <br/> <a href="http://cts.vresp.com/c/?LEAF/642464d780/8c4ef03550/4cdeef0ea5" target="_blank">Representative Gloria Johnson</a> (D) - Sponsor<br/> <a href="http://cts.vresp.com/c/?LEAF/642464d780/8c4ef03550/e3f1bf43fd" target="_blank">Senator Lowe Finney</a> (D) - Sponsor<br/> <br/> Senate <a href="http://cts.vresp.com/c/?LEAF/642464d780/8c4ef03550/d534987dc6" target="_blank">Energy, Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee</a> - Chair, <a href="http://cts.vresp.com/c/?LEAF/642464d780/8c4ef03550/7cb8597590" target="_blank">Senator Steve Southerland</a> (R)<br/> House <a href="http://cts.vresp.com/c/?LEAF/642464d780/8c4ef03550/69a1e7e595" target="_blank">Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee</a> - Chair, <a href="http://cts.vresp.com/c/?LEAF/642464d780/8c4ef03550/9917e03371" target="_blank">Representative Curtis Halford</a> (R) </span><br/></p>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br/> <br/> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>For more information</span><span><span><span> see </span><a href="http://cts.vresp.com/c/?LEAF/642464d780/8c4ef03550/5f8a2d2538/LEAF/4e1de3f646/e106ef5cee/7b824a08c3/LEAF/790d8b80b1/e5e5b93908/66c6b8ee42/LEAF/75861bcf6b/e5e5b93908/8b71833c9b/LEAF/37dfac8629/e5e5b93908/b45c5309ea/LEAF/752987e183/e5e5b93908/3a044e6b2a/LEAF/3ae8e4d13d/e5e5b93908/1933e42bc5/LEAF/33dfab6ddf/286b72a278/eb2892c8ac/LEAF/33ccdebdcf/e5e5b93908/54bb8d92bb/LEAF/1fd717b5ea/e5e5b93908/0135262c9a/LEAF/2a772e2944/e106ef5cee/dc1dea60a7/LEAF/dcdd92c1b9/e5e5b93908/0960af2695/LEAF/97d65f595d/e5e5b93908/1750f57172/LEAF/611a93528e/e5e5b93908/d3a7ac7233" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span>www.tnleaf.org</span></a><span>.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>Invitation from Rev. Sally Binghamtag:greeninterfaith.ning.com,2013-01-23:6366645:BlogPost:192232013-01-23T02:46:42.000ZCarol Landishttps://greeninterfaith.ning.com/profile/CarolLandis
<p>Rev. Canon Sally Bingham sent the following message today:</p>
<p>"Yesterday, as I heard the president speak eloquently about the threat that climate change poses to our children and our call from God to preserve the planet, I was encouraged. Now <strong>we need to act</strong> by making this year's national Preach-In on climate change the biggest one yet! Whether you are clergy, a lay leader, green team member, or a parishioner,…</p>
<p>Rev. Canon Sally Bingham sent the following message today:</p>
<p>"Yesterday, as I heard the president speak eloquently about the threat that climate change poses to our children and our call from God to preserve the planet, I was encouraged. Now <strong>we need to act</strong> by making this year's national Preach-In on climate change the biggest one yet! Whether you are clergy, a lay leader, green team member, or a parishioner, <a href="http://www.preachin.org/organizers-kit/order-form/" target="_blank">please join with me and thousands of others</a> to let the president know that we hear him -- and we, too, want action on climate.<br/> <br/> Our Preach-in kit includes sample sermons, "Love Creation" valentines (postcards) to the president, and an optional 53-minute film called "The Hungry Tide" about the impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities. There are many ways to participate.<br/> <br/> <strong><a href="http://www.preachin.org/organizers-kit/order-form/" target="_blank">Register this week</a> to ensure that your congregation gets its materials in time</strong>. Let's hold President Obama to his strong promise to protect our climate. As he said, to fail to do so would be "to betray our children and future generations."<br/> <br/> There is no cost to register, and you can choose to either download <a href="http://www.preachin.org/organizers-kit/order-form/" target="_blank">a free, instant online kit or receive materials through the mail</a>. But please act today, before time runs out."</p>Energy Efficiency Comments to TVA Boardtag:greeninterfaith.ning.com,2013-01-08:6366645:BlogPost:191232013-01-08T17:09:47.000ZCarol Landishttps://greeninterfaith.ning.com/profile/CarolLandis
<p>Hi all: I'm sharing a blog written by a fellow member of the TN Healthy Energy Campaign (THE Campaign). Do you also see the same moral/ethical responsibilities that GINI espouses being expressed in this blog entry?</p>
<p><a href="http://www.tnclimateaction.net/campaign-blog" target="_blank">http://www.tnclimateaction.net/campaign-blog</a></p>
<p></p>
<div dir="ltr"><p style="text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Times-Roman,serif;"><font size="4"><b>Comments…</b></font></span></p>
</div>
<p>Hi all: I'm sharing a blog written by a fellow member of the TN Healthy Energy Campaign (THE Campaign). Do you also see the same moral/ethical responsibilities that GINI espouses being expressed in this blog entry?</p>
<p><a href="http://www.tnclimateaction.net/campaign-blog" target="_blank">http://www.tnclimateaction.net/campaign-blog</a></p>
<p></p>
<div dir="ltr"><p style="text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Times-Roman,serif;"><font size="4"><b>Comments presented by Debbie Welch (Sewanee LCAT) to the TVA Board at its meeting in Rainsville, AL on November 15, 2012</b></font></span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Times-Roman,serif;"><b><font size="2"><span style="color: #ff0000;">Picture of Widow Creek coal plant and rising sun on way to TVA board meeting</span></font></b></span></p>
<div style="display: inline; margin: 5px 10px 0px 0px; float: left;"><span class="font-size-3"><a href="http://www.tnclimateaction.net/campaign-blog/ispeakformycommunitybydebbiewelchsewaneetn/TVA.jpg?attredirects=0"><img src="http://www.tnclimateaction.net/_/rsrc/1357662949563/campaign-blog/ispeakformycommunitybydebbiewelchsewaneetn/TVA.jpg?height=240&width=320" border="0" height="240" width="320"/></a></span></div>
<p style="text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: Times-Roman,serif;"> My name is Debbie Welch, and I represent the community of Sewanee Tennessee, which is also the home of the University of the South. I am the vice chair with the Cumberland Center for Justice and Peace and am current coordinator of our Sewanee Climate Action team which is a part of the TN Healthy Energy Campaign, a statewide network of organizations and individuals who believe in the future of renewable energy. Most importantly, I am a mother who wants to pass on a clean planet for my daughter to live on.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: Times-Roman,serif;"> Moving towards renewable energy is the future. Living near the University, I get to witness the college students taking great strides in our own area, putting in place energy efficient programs on campus, in their own dorms and classrooms. They are an inspiration to all of us to what is possible when we work together for positive change.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: Times-Roman,serif;"> Energy efficiency helps save money, it creates many jobs and is a booming industry for TVA to be involved with, and most important it helps reduce TVA’s carbon footprint in Tennessee by letting go of dirty, cost consuming coal plants. It would cost TVA much more to stay in the dirty energy field, but if TVA shifts towards the newest of clean energy technologies, well, this is a win-win for all of us. A goal of 1% annual energy efficiency savings over the next 20 years is not unattainable, even to TVA’s own reports. My community feels the time is now. Our weather is getting more and more unpredictable, and the environment and residents of Tennessee are tired of feeling the impacts of dirty energy and the destruction of this beautiful land we live on.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> Our community also has a great interest in helping people lowering their energy bills with programs that help teach about energy efficiency. Many low-income residents would benefit with programs the TVA has to offer, but they are in the dark about it all. Our community would love to see TVA do more in promoting these programs.</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span class="font-size-3" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: Times-Roman,serif;"> I don’t know if you have sat by a waterfall lately or taken a hike in the woods, but maybe it is a good idea to do this and consider all the possibilities for the future of clean energy in Tennessee. I believe the goal of 1% annual energy efficiency savings over the next 20 years is possible and the community I represent today wants to see this happen.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;"><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: Times-Roman,serif;"> Thank you for your time.</span></p>
</div>Ponies and other observationstag:greeninterfaith.ning.com,2012-12-31:6366645:BlogPost:192102012-12-31T01:51:10.000ZCarol Landishttps://greeninterfaith.ning.com/profile/CarolLandis
<p> I am so hopeful for 2013! I'm officially retired from OSU as of New Year's Day, and we have some pretty big changes happening at the nano-farm, too. The big ones are that we had our geothermal furnace installed and bought two "ponies" this month. The larger one (Samson) is a real pony; Rusty is a mini-horse. But we still refer to them as "the ponies." They're very sweet 8-year-old geldings, so they're teenagers, I guess. Samson is trained to pull a cart, and can also be ridden by a…</p>
<p> I am so hopeful for 2013! I'm officially retired from OSU as of New Year's Day, and we have some pretty big changes happening at the nano-farm, too. The big ones are that we had our geothermal furnace installed and bought two "ponies" this month. The larger one (Samson) is a real pony; Rusty is a mini-horse. But we still refer to them as "the ponies." They're very sweet 8-year-old geldings, so they're teenagers, I guess. Samson is trained to pull a cart, and can also be ridden by a child. He neck reins. Rusty can be ridden, but only while being led. They're relatively young, so we hope someone can help us train Rusty to neck rein, as well. Ultimately, I'd like my twin granddaughters to have fun riding them (together) for a few years, after which we'll probably just enjoy riding in the cart.</p>
<p> It's been interesting to see how alert the ponies are to activities in the neighboring pastures and fields. As you know, animals are constantly assessing their place in the environment, their physical condition, and what's going on in their surroundings. They instinctively notice us every time we come out of the house. Having a herd mentality, they watch for any sign of danger.</p>
<p> When they were introduced to their new place, we let them explore the large paddock for the first few days. They went over to the fence that separated them from the steer in the smaller paddock. After a week of seeing each other on opposite sides of the fence, we opened the gate to let them interact.</p>
<p> The ponies are completely bonded to each other. They've lived together for the past 6 years. It was interesting to see how Samson put himself between the smaller one and the steer for the first few days. The three of them have established a hierarchy now. The steer knows that he's not one of them, but he's OK just tagging along. Obviously, they can outrun him, and when they're playing, they don't allow him to join in the fun. (He has horns, after all!) But he's OK with that. He's just happy to have some company.</p>
<p> Their interactions have reminded me that just as an animal assesses its condition and environment on a moment-to-moment basis, GINI (as an organic entity) must also assess its condition and any perceived changes. The GINI Board will meet again in January to consider our goals and objectives.</p>
<p> At that meeting, we'll discuss and present ideas that we'd really like to see come to fruition. Of course, our success in accomplishing any of those ideas will be defined by the current status of the organization and our prospects of being a vibrant and active community in the region.</p>
<p> "Vigor" is sometimes defined as having sufficient energy and enthusiasm to allow effort. GINI is blessed with wonderful resources...a great location, people who are actively engaged with the issues of our time, and a diverse setting. We are blessed to live in an area experiencing educational, technological, and spiritual growth. My prediction for 2013 is that GINI will tap the vigor of this region and make great strides in the coming year.</p>
<p> Please join us, officially. We know you're spiritually with us, because you're reading this. But we need your active participation and we need to hear your voice! Come and talk with us on January 20th. (Check the events section.)</p>40 Days of Prayer for Our Mountainstag:greeninterfaith.ning.com,2012-11-28:6366645:BlogPost:189522012-11-28T15:34:55.000ZCarol Landishttps://greeninterfaith.ning.com/profile/CarolLandis
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong>40 DAYS OF PRAYER FOR THE MOUNTAINS <br></br></strong></span></span></span></div>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span></p>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">LEAF, the Lindquist Environmental…</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong>40 DAYS OF PRAYER FOR THE MOUNTAINS <br/></strong></span></span></span></div>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span></p>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">LEAF, the Lindquist Environmental Appalachian Fellowship, invites all Tennesseans to join us in <strong>40 Days of Prayer for the Mountains, November 30, 2012 – January 5, 2013.</strong><br/> <br/> During the next six weeks, we’ll share the prayers of Tennessee faith leaders, highlight creation care Scriptures, and offer earth-care reflections from the writings of Christian theologians ranging from Billy Graham to Martin Luther.<br/> <br/> This year’s vigil will be shared in 6 weekly e-mails, each containing a week’s worth of prayers and reflections. If you are already on LEAF's e-mail list you will receive them automatically, if not, you may <a href="http://cts.vresp.com/c/?LEAF/537a707d4b/8c4ef03550/5b73a6c9c1" target="_blank">register here</a>.<br/> <br/> The <strong>40 Days of Prayer</strong> is an annual event sponsored by LEAF to unite and focus Tennessee Christians in prayerful support of political action on behalf of our mountains. Last year, thousands of Christians across Tennessee participated in this interdenominational vigil, among them, Baptist, Catholic, Church of Christ, Evangelical, Episcopal, Lutheran, Methodist, Nazarene, Presbyterian, Quaker and United Church of Christ congregations.<br/> <br/> LEAF’s ongoing mission is to raise awareness of the scriptural call to care for God’s creation, while expressing special concern for the fate of Tennessee’s mountains that are endangered by mountain top removal mining.<br/> <br/> The Holy Scriptures, as well as the writing of the early church fathers, are filled with admonitions to care for creation out of respect for the Creator. Indeed, it was Martin Luther who declared: “God writes the Gospel, <strong>not</strong> in the Bible alone, but also on trees, and in the flowers and clouds and stars.” Sadly, over time this view of creation was lost, replaced with the belief that the earth is merely a resource to be exploited, rather than a revelation of the Divine.<br/> <br/> Our deepest hope is that the <strong>40 Days of Prayer</strong> renews Tennesseans’ gratitude for the Divine gifts that surround them, and offers both inspiration and courage to all of us as we seek to protect the mountains for future generations.<br/> </span></span></div>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Please join us,<br/> <br/> <br/> Patricia Hudson<br/> LEAF, Executive Director</span></span></p>Our actions and intentions RE: energytag:greeninterfaith.ning.com,2012-11-20:6366645:BlogPost:187672012-11-20T16:59:50.000ZCarol Landishttps://greeninterfaith.ning.com/profile/CarolLandis
<p>In the past week, I've discussed with several different people the distinctions and the similarities between and among three TN-based environmentally focused organizations that I support. This situation caused me to wonder if others also feel some amount of duplication of effort. I've begun to feel we might be more effective with better collaboration toward a common goal.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Two of the three organizations require no membership dues or fees, so it's not a matter of choosing which…</p>
<p>In the past week, I've discussed with several different people the distinctions and the similarities between and among three TN-based environmentally focused organizations that I support. This situation caused me to wonder if others also feel some amount of duplication of effort. I've begun to feel we might be more effective with better collaboration toward a common goal.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Two of the three organizations require no membership dues or fees, so it's not a matter of choosing which of them will get a check. Rather, it's raised a question in my mind about whether or not members of these three organizations might consider sharing a common focus and a common approach to it. Maybe this is an opportunity to re-evaluate our goals, priorities, and efforts, both as individuals and as an organization.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I'm referring, of course, to the Green Interfaith Network, Inc. (<b><i>GINI</i></b>), but also to TN Interfaith Power & Light (<b><i>TN-IPL</i></b>) of which GINI is an affiliate. GINI and TN-IPL are both faith-based organizations. The TN Healthy Energy Campaign (<b><i>THE Campaign</i></b>) is the third. It differs because it is entirely focused on energy conservation and is secular. It is closely aligned with the Sierra Club's very successful "Beyond Coal" campaign.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>In order to clarify my own thinking, I created a Venn diagram to represent my ideas of the commonalities and distinctions between and among these groups. I plan to bring this diagram to our next meeting, to begin a discussion. I'd also love to hear others' perceptions of GINI and how we might forge alliances and/or establish collaborative relationships to maximize our efforts.</p>
<p></p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/74455390?profile=original"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/74455390?profile=original" width="603"/></a></p>Invitation from TN Interfaith Power & Lighttag:greeninterfaith.ning.com,2012-11-12:6366645:BlogPost:188382012-11-12T01:33:19.000ZCarol Landishttps://greeninterfaith.ning.com/profile/CarolLandis
<p>Climate change threatens humanity with severe environmental, social and moral consequences. We are called to practice what we know through our faith—to sustain life and to show compassion. What we do will make all the difference in the world.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>TN Interfaith Power & Light is the state affiliate of a network of faith communities working across the U.S., offering a spiritual response to climate change. Our mutual efforts will protect our climate through upholding the…</p>
<p>Climate change threatens humanity with severe environmental, social and moral consequences. We are called to practice what we know through our faith—to sustain life and to show compassion. What we do will make all the difference in the world.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>TN Interfaith Power & Light is the state affiliate of a network of faith communities working across the U.S., offering a spiritual response to climate change. Our mutual efforts will protect our climate through upholding the sacredness of life, defending those most vulnerable to the many impacts of climate change, and advocating for effective climate protection policies.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>TN-IPL works with other Tennessee organizational partners to move the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) to a 1% annually-compounded energy efficiency target. Energy efficiency, along with its many other benefits, reduces energy consumption and carbon emissions.</p>
<p></p>
<p>We invite you to join the growing number of faithful people in Tennessee and across the nation who address the climate crisis through understanding, practice, and outreach. A membership form is available from <b>TennIPL@gmail.com.</b> TN-IPL has no dues at this time. We want your spiritual energy and collaboration. [Note from Carol: GINI is already an affiliate of TN-IPL. But TN-IPL would benefit by having individual, team, and faith groups memberships as well. Please encourage members of your faith community to join.]</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Through our faith community network, you can learn what other TN faith groups are doing to become more sustainable and advance climate protection policies. We welcome you to share what is working within your community and what you have learned.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>TN IPL intends to start quarterly climate vigils in cities across Tennessee in 2013. Send an e-mail to <b>TennIPL@gmail.com</b> to join TN-IPL’s monthly conference call to help make this happen so that we can raise our voices for climate protection. What the world needs now is a change of heart and the opening of minds. Help us make it happen.</p>moving house plants back inside?tag:greeninterfaith.ning.com,2012-10-23:6366645:BlogPost:189342012-10-23T18:05:47.000ZCarol Landishttps://greeninterfaith.ning.com/profile/CarolLandis
<p>Hi all: This came through my e-mail, but since we have so many gardening and plant-friendly types, I thought I'd share the best of it. (See below) <span style="font-family: Century Gothic,ITC Avant Garde,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; color: #4c0171;"><br></br></span></p>
<div style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic,ITC Avant Garde,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; color: #4c0171;">Start by preparing your indoor space. Move furniture to make space nearest the window. Many…</span></div>
<p>Hi all: This came through my e-mail, but since we have so many gardening and plant-friendly types, I thought I'd share the best of it. (See below) <span style="font-family: Century Gothic,ITC Avant Garde,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; color: #4c0171;"><br/></span></p>
<div style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic,ITC Avant Garde,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; color: #4c0171;">Start by preparing your indoor space. Move furniture to make space nearest the window. Many plants will prefer a gradual adjustment to light and climate, by placing plants directly in bright sunny windows (preferably south or west light) they will slowly adjust to less sun. This gradual adjustment will help you minimize "shock" where plants will drop their leaves, usually green or brown, due to limited light. Make sure to wash the windows around the plants to get the best UV rays.</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic,ITC Avant Garde,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; color: #4c0171;"> </span></div>
<div style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic,ITC Avant Garde,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; color: #4c0171;">Prepare your plants for inside life by inspecting them for pests. Look at the foliage--top as well as underneath. Inspect the bark or stems for any unusual insects or bumps. Treat the foliage surface, as well as underneath with lukewarm soapy water. Spray your plants with a water bottle, rinse and repeat. Thoroughly inspect your soil as most pests will reside below the surface. Pull your plant from its pot and examine the root ball. Look for small spiders, aphids and/or their eggs. Treat your plant with a systemic insecticide which will permeate the soil as well as protect the stems and foliage as your plant absorbs moisture. Isolate your plants until you are certain all pests have been removed. I prefer to treat more than once to be certain that the plants are healthy and free of pests. In addition, we have found that using a large garbage bag (especially a clear bag) is the most effective way to isolate plants.</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic,ITC Avant Garde,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; color: #4c0171;"> </span></div>
<div style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic,ITC Avant Garde,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; color: #4c0171;">Now is the time to prune your plants! If they have grown leggy or wild trim back foliage, as well as the root system. You will want to cut equal amounts from the top and bottom of your plant, reducing the root system will insure that your plants do not drink too much water for the foliage above. Now is also a great time to take clippings from those annuals that you cannot live without! Many varieties, like geranium and coleus will root easily from a small clipping. Before you transplant, make certain that your containers and soil are clean and sterilized. Most indoor soils have been radiated for sterilization. Soils stored outside are not as reliable.</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic,ITC Avant Garde,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; color: #4c0171;"> </span></div>
<div style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic,ITC Avant Garde,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; color: #4c0171;">Do not overwater!! This is the biggest mistake and number one killer of houseplants. As young plants adjust to their new surroundings they may be confused or sad, do not try to compensate by drowning it! Less light, cloudy and rainy days, and new containers with fresh soil can reduce the need for water. Remember outdoor climates are also affected by evaporation due to wind and lack of rain. </span></div>
<div style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic,ITC Avant Garde,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; color: #4c0171;"> </span></div>
<div style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic,ITC Avant Garde,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; color: #4c0171;">By following these few tips you will ensure your plants will thrive in their new winter home! If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact a professional for advice. A great resource for plant and garden advice is <a shape="rect" href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001i4bYwAqYMm9AIeck-uJrwi1m-kIxv_D9zeONXpkbHSPSeN4-BPBd96tfUZtZTdocsLpVH4-NuWk_ZkXyFv08ETTYT5RZ1Po0cILIyPLIQyCgi9JSnMkSfw==" target="_blank">www.extension.umn.edu</a></span></div>10-point Action Plan?tag:greeninterfaith.ning.com,2012-09-22:6366645:BlogPost:189012012-09-22T03:00:50.000ZCarol Landishttps://greeninterfaith.ning.com/profile/CarolLandis
<p>With guidance from GINI members (representing 13 faith groups in NE Tennessee), we now have all the nuts and bolts in place to build GINI. That's awesome! If you'd like to help, please let us know. I have another suggestion, too. Let's also step out and plan <u>things</u> <u>to do</u>. Let's lay out an activity a month and set some dates. I happen to have a list of ideas, and you may have others. We can do any of these things in stages (or make it a one-time all-out effort). We can do them…</p>
<p>With guidance from GINI members (representing 13 faith groups in NE Tennessee), we now have all the nuts and bolts in place to build GINI. That's awesome! If you'd like to help, please let us know. I have another suggestion, too. Let's also step out and plan <u>things</u> <u>to do</u>. Let's lay out an activity a month and set some dates. I happen to have a list of ideas, and you may have others. We can do any of these things in stages (or make it a one-time all-out effort). We can do them in small and in larger groups. Let's just start.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>What do you think of these? (Seriously, please let me know what you think.)</p>
<p> </p>
<p>1) Energy audits. We'd love for you to tag along as we start offering energy audits to local houses of worship. Many of the energy-saving ideas are directly transferable to our homes and the work place. Let's lead!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>2) Gardening. Are you feeling a little overwhelmed by how much your garden has produced this summer? Are you making choices every week about how much you can actually get done and what's going to waste? Let us help. We can harvest, clean, and donate fresh produce to food banks, etc. Can we coordinate leaf pickup for those who need compost materials? Can we improve gardens in our neighborhoods by offering help with mulching?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>3) Appliance recycling. Do you know anyone who's gotten a "newer, more efficient" appliance, and is getting rid of their old one? If the item is still in working condition, there are households and organizations who NEED those appliances. We can help make that connection and provide a service to the region.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>4) Sewing. If you like to sew and/or have extra fabric lying around, let's make something useful and offer it to someone who would appreciate receiving it. I also have a really easy way to make gift bags, instead of using wrapping and tissue paper. Let's make a bunch of them...and then set a goal for how many we can make per month. The holiday seasons can be less consumptive, especially in use of paper and other single use stuff.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>5) Preparation for winter. My students did a service project each fall, where we helped older and less able residents in our neighborhoods install their storm windows, caulk basement windows, clean out their gutters and downspouts, etc. It was much appreciated, and helps to reduce energy consumption...and costs...for the elderly.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>6) Litter. Sadly, there's always litter to remove. Over and over and over again.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>7) Legislation. (Don't roll your eyes!) If you're aware of what's happening, about to happen, or should happen, please help the rest of us know about it and help us to communicate effectively with important people who can influence those decisions.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>8) Partnering. Several groups in the area have similar values and goals. Let's partner with them. Several churches have active groups focused on stewardship and eco-justice issues. (I'm not going to mention names for fear of leaving some out.) We also have the United Religions Initiative, Interfaith Hospitality Network, etc. Let's step forward and be a GINI supporter of these efforts.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>9) <a href="http://www.baysmountain.com/new-wildflower-blog/" target="_blank">Bays Mountain</a>. They are still seeking recyclable plastics. Let's collectively donate at Mahoney's so that larger numbers of recyclables are delivered to them.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>10) Service groups. Many local organizations exist that would benefit by some targeted giving (time, service, money, and/or goods). Let's pick one (or more) and collect something to give from GINI.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Other ideas? Let's just do something...a couple of us, here or there, now and then. We can honor our commitment to our faith and to each other, and make a real difference where we live. If you can contribute a few hours of your time in the next month, just let me know when and what you'd like to accomplish. Then we'll decide who can help and get things moving. Sound good?</p>The Alliance of Religions and Conservationtag:greeninterfaith.ning.com,2012-08-31:6366645:BlogPost:185342012-08-31T18:30:00.000ZCarol Landishttps://greeninterfaith.ning.com/profile/CarolLandis
<p>In an ongoing endeavor to better understand our common values and beliefs about humanity and nature, I've been doing some online reading. We're including some of the information I've gathered in a presentation that is being developed for members to use when inviting other individuals and faith communities to join GINI.</p>
<p><br></br> I found this website to be very helpful and thought I should share it. The website for the …</p>
<p>In an ongoing endeavor to better understand our common values and beliefs about humanity and nature, I've been doing some online reading. We're including some of the information I've gathered in a presentation that is being developed for members to use when inviting other individuals and faith communities to join GINI.</p>
<p><br/> I found this website to be very helpful and thought I should share it. The website for the <a href="http://www.arcworld.org/arc_and_the_faiths.asp" target="_blank">Alliance of Religions and Conservation</a> states that they "work with 11 faiths world wide. These faiths and their networks embrace 85% of the world's population: some 5 [sic] billion human beings." (Note: The world population is now over 7 billion people.)</p>
<p class="main">"Drawing on their traditions, faith communities are working in countless ways to care for the environment. Each faith has its own distinctive history and teachings, and its own unique relationship with the natural world."</p>
<p class="main"><br/> Join us as we make a concerted effort to better understand the faith traditions in our region and as we also strive to broaden participation and serve as a "spiritual voice for environmental sustainability in the Northeast TN and Southwest VA region" (from our Vision statement).</p>
<p class="main"></p>
<p class="main">P.S. Current population estimates are available <a href="http://www.census.gov/main/www/popclock.html" target="_blank">here</a>. </p>Press Release about July 10 (fracking in TN)tag:greeninterfaith.ning.com,2012-07-07:6366645:BlogPost:185082012-07-07T23:07:24.000ZCarol Landishttps://greeninterfaith.ning.com/profile/CarolLandis
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/74455318?profile=original" target="_self">Download a printable copy FOR%20IMMEDIATE%20RELEASE.docx</a></p>
<p></p>
<p>Text:</p>
<p>PRESS RELEASE<br></br>July 2, 2012</p>
<p>Knoxville, TN</p>
<p></p>
<p>Contact: Sandra Goss, Executive Director, Tennessee Citizens for Wilderness Planning (865) 583-3967, Sandra@sandrakgoss.com</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation will hold two public hearings Tuesday,…</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/74455318?profile=original">Download a printable copy FOR%20IMMEDIATE%20RELEASE.docx</a></p>
<p></p>
<p>Text:</p>
<p>PRESS RELEASE<br/>July 2, 2012</p>
<p>Knoxville, TN</p>
<p></p>
<p>Contact: Sandra Goss, Executive Director, Tennessee Citizens for Wilderness Planning (865) 583-3967, Sandra@sandrakgoss.com</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation will hold two public hearings Tuesday, July 10, 2012 about proposed new rules regarding hydrofracking, a technique used to extract natural gas. The hearings are scheduled for 2:00 pm and 6:00 p.m. The hearings will be held at the Knoxville Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Field Office at 3711 Middlebrook Pike, Knoxville, TN 37921 The public is encouraged to attend.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Hydrofracking has gained favor among oil and gas companies because it provides access to previously unreachable natural gas resources in deep shale formations in an economical manner. Pennsylvania, Colorado, and other states have experienced pollution of groundwater and surface water resources that is believed to be related to hydrofracking. Hydrofracking is becoming more prevalent in Tennessee, especially in Fentress, Morgan, Overton and Scott counties.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Several organizations that are concerned with water and air quality worked together to write rules that would limit the damaging effects to our drinking water from hydrofracking. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>“We urge Tennesseans who want to protect drinking water to support stronger regulations that protect water resources. It is important to send in comments to the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation before July 20, and to speak in support of stronger regulations at the July 10 hearing,” said Sandra Goss, Executive Director of Tennessee Citizens for Wilderness Planning </p>
<p> </p>
<p>For more information about fracking and the upcoming public hearings, visit <a href="http://www.tcwn.org/frack">http://www.tcwn.org/frack</a></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>Fracking in TN?tag:greeninterfaith.ning.com,2012-06-29:6366645:BlogPost:184052012-06-29T23:01:23.000ZCarol Landishttps://greeninterfaith.ning.com/profile/CarolLandis
<div style="line-height: 17px;"><p style="line-height: 17px; margin: 0px 0px 1.35em;"><strong><br></br></strong>Hi all: The following was sent by Marianne Huff, yesterday:</p>
<div>Frances Lamberts asked me to contact you and GIN to see if anyone is interested in going with her to the<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Tahoma,Verdana,Arial,sans-serif; line-height: 17px;"> Rulemaking Hearing on the state’s proposed regulations on fracking, at the Knoxville Environmental Field Office (of…</span></div>
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<div style="line-height: 17px;"><p style="line-height: 17px; margin: 0px 0px 1.35em;"><strong><br/></strong>Hi all: The following was sent by Marianne Huff, yesterday:</p>
<div>Frances Lamberts asked me to contact you and GIN to see if anyone is interested in going with her to the<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Tahoma,Verdana,Arial,sans-serif; line-height: 17px;"> Rulemaking Hearing on the state’s proposed regulations on fracking, at the Knoxville Environmental Field Office (of TDEC), 2 PM and 6 PM, on July 10. She would like to get as many people as possible to go with her to encourage Tennessee to set regulations in regards to fracking. Please see her article below that will be in the Jonesborough Herald and Tribune next Tuesday. What is the best way to let our members know about this?</span></div>
<div><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Tahoma,Verdana,Arial,sans-serif; line-height: 17px;"> </span></div>
<div><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Tahoma,Verdana,Arial,sans-serif; line-height: 17px;">Marianne Huff</span></div>
<p style="line-height: 17px; margin: 0px 0px 1.35em;"><strong> </strong></p>
<p style="line-height: 17px; margin: 0px 0px 1.35em;"><strong>From Frances:<br/></strong></p>
<p style="line-height: 17px; margin: 0px 0px 1.35em;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Fracking regulation for Tennessee</strong></span> </p>
<p style="line-height: 17px; margin: 0px 0px 1.35em;">On New Year’s Eve, Youngstown was shaken by the biggest in a succession of earthquakes. Though not causing damage or injuries, they were strong enough to be felt well beyond Ohio state lines. The region, with normally insignificant earthquake activity, had seen a great increase in oil and gas production through hydraulic fracturing methods over several years. The US Geological Survey found the frequency of earthquakes of 3.0 magnitude or greater in the region, away from significant fault lines, to be “unprecedented” and “almost certainly manmade.” Earthquakes of that size there last year (134) were six times the number registered in any year throughout the 20<sup style="line-height: 14px;">th</sup> century.</p>
<p style="line-height: 17px; margin: 0px 0px 1.35em;">Governor Kasich ordered a temporary suspension of drilling operations at wells closest to the epicenter of the New Year’s Eve quake and the state is upgrading its regulations pertaining to “fracking” in oil and natural gas extraction, to improve its safety.</p>
<p style="line-height: 17px; margin: 0px 0px 1.35em;">The practice involves injecting a mixture of water, sand and chemical additives into wells under high pressure, creating cracks in rock formations for higher gas recovery. Deep geologic formations such as shale, formerly unprofitable to extract, are being rapidly developed through this technology. More than 400,000 wells using it have been drilled since 2001. By 2021, according to projections by the U.S. Energy Information Administration, natural gas could be produced in such plenty as to make the United Stated a net exporter of it.</p>
<p style="line-height: 17px; margin: 0px 0px 1.35em;">Amendments to the Clean Water and Safe Drinking Water laws enacted by the previous administration exempted hydrofracking from basic water-protection requirements.</p>
<p style="line-height: 17px; margin: 0px 0px 1.35em;">Its threats to water resources, however, beyond earthquakes and a host of other concerns, have generated significant community opposition to fracking nationwide. Freshwater withdrawals during a drilling well’s operation, typically ranging from 2.3 to 5 million gallons, can conflict with other uses, especially as droughts under climate change increase stresses on water. Groundwater contamination can occur if accidental spills, improperly cased well bores or equipment failures release fracking fluids onto or in the ground. Large amounts of wastewater, temporarily held in embankments or pits, which themselves can overflow or leak, must be treated and disposed of after well closure. Typical drilling operations require the clearing of vegetation from seven-to-eight acres, through which stormwater runoff can add to water-quality degradation in local waterways.</p>
<p style="line-height: 17px; margin: 0px 0px 1.35em;">Small wonder that a number of US states and towns, Maryland, Vermont, New Jersy, Pittsburgh among others, and countries from Germany and France to South Africa have placed moratoriums or outright bans on natural gas production through fracking.</p>
<p style="line-height: 17px; margin: 0px 0px 1.35em;">In Tennessee, where it is occurring but still uncommon, Governor Haslam is taking steps, ahead of the curve in large-scale fracking, to upgrade relevant regulations. Under a “forced integration of tracts” provision, regulations currently allow drilling companies’ use of eminent domain to “pool” privately owned parcels for higher extraction yield and profits. Citizens may wish to attend a Rulemaking Hearing on the state’s proposed regulations on fracking, at the Knoxville Environmental Field Office (of TDEC), 2 PM and 6 PM, on July 10 or submit written comments--email to <a href="http:/" style="line-height: 17px; font-weight: inherit; text-decoration: underline; color: #0068cf;" target="_blank"><u style="line-height: 17px;"><font style="line-height: normal;" color="#0000FF" size="3"><font style="line-height: normal;" color="#0000FF" size="3"><span style="line-height: 20px;" lang="EN" xml:lang="EN">Michael.K.Burton@tn.gov</span></font></font></u></a><font style="line-height: normal;" size="3"><span style="line-height: 20px;" lang="EN" xml:lang="EN">--by July 20.</span></font></p>
<p style="line-height: 17px; margin: 0px 0px 1.35em;"><font style="line-height: normal;" size="3"><span style="line-height: 20px;" lang="EN" xml:lang="EN"> </span></font></p>
<p style="line-height: 20px; margin: 0px 0px 1.35em;" align="center">Frances Lamberts 753-5288</p>
</div>Housing for International Student @ ETSU?tag:greeninterfaith.ning.com,2012-05-21:6366645:BlogPost:181162012-05-21T01:27:05.000ZCarol Landishttps://greeninterfaith.ning.com/profile/CarolLandis
<p>This is just being used as an opportunity to share a request:</p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Have you ever wanted to learn more about another culture or provide that opportunity to your own family? Have an extra bedroom? If yes, read on!</span><br style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"></br></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Homestay/host families are needed for <span>international</span> students studying English at ELS…</span></p>
<p>This is just being used as an opportunity to share a request:</p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Have you ever wanted to learn more about another culture or provide that opportunity to your own family? Have an extra bedroom? If yes, read on!</span><br style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"/></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Homestay/host families are needed for <span>international</span> students studying English at ELS Language Centers on the campus of <span>ETSU</span>. Our students are eager to be immersed in the language and culture of the United States. Living with a Host Family provides interaction and social activities not available through other housing options.</span><br style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"/><br style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"/><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Host Families are required to provide breakfast and dinner to the students. In addition, each <span>student</span> must have his/her own bedroom however, it is not required that a <span>student</span> have a private bathroom. Internet access is desired. Host Families are also asked to provide transportation to <span>ETSU</span> or be close to a bus line.</span><br style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"/><br style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"/><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Host Families receive a stipend of $650.00 per 4 week program session. Students may stay from 4 weeks to several months. If you are interested in hosting a <span>student</span>, please contact Ben Tanner at <a target="_blank">(865) 323-5776</a> or <a href="mailto:benhtanner@yahoo.com" target="_blank">benhtanner@yahoo.com</a> for more info.</span><br style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"/><br style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"/><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">We are sure that hosting an ELS <span>student</span> is an experience you and your family will never forget! There have been many wonderful friendships forged through this program which have stood the test of time. We encourage you and anyone you may know through your circle of friends to become part of the ELS Homestay Program.</span></p>article: Why Religious People Must Speak Up about Climate Changetag:greeninterfaith.ning.com,2012-05-10:6366645:BlogPost:179412012-05-10T19:30:00.000ZCarol Landishttps://greeninterfaith.ning.com/profile/CarolLandis
<p>I was recently confronted with an idea that is at odds with my own thinking. Frankly, I'm not sure what to do about this information. I was told that many of the faithful in NE Tennessee think that climate change should not be addressed at church because they see it as a political issue, not a moral/ethical one. Recently, John Torrey offered much of the same argument I would use (perhaps more forcefully than I would, but probably more convincingly as well). His blog is found at…</p>
<p>I was recently confronted with an idea that is at odds with my own thinking. Frankly, I'm not sure what to do about this information. I was told that many of the faithful in NE Tennessee think that climate change should not be addressed at church because they see it as a political issue, not a moral/ethical one. Recently, John Torrey offered much of the same argument I would use (perhaps more forcefully than I would, but probably more convincingly as well). His blog is found at <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-torrey/climate-change-victimization-and-god_b_1365615.html" target="_blank">Huffington Post</a>.</p>
<p> As a climate change educator, I wrestle with the use of "alarmism." Most of the people I know who are fully aware of both the science and the implications of human-induced climate disruption are becoming more and more alarmed (and more activist, as well).</p>
<p> Continued inaction by the U.S. is setting a bad example for other parts of the world who look up to us for leadership. We very well may be at a tipping point...one of those situations that sends us off into uncharted territory. I'm well aware that dire forecasts have been made in the past about a whole host of things (environmental and otherwise). But the evidence seems to be mounting that weather, and therefore climate, are not as they used to be; to the point that we can't rely on the past as a particularly good indicator of our future these days. We have already exceeded some of the predictions that were made way back in 2007 by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, or IPCC. The scientists who contributed to the IPCC reports are the world's experts on climate. The "<a href="http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/effects/extreme.html" target="_blank">abrupt change</a>" that was being described by the IPCC in 2007 is already underway and has increased such that we have adjusted the range of likely temperatures, to improve the projections that are forthcoming in 2013. (The link is to a US EPA site that describes the more scientific info provided by the IPCC.) My point is that we already find ourselves in "uncharted territory."</p>
<p> Whether or not you accept the evidence for climate change (not "believe in climate change"), or that humans are unduly affecting it, it seems to be completely logical to do what we can if we THINK it might make a difference. This is why we take vitamins & minerals, eat fiber-rich foods, stop smoking, treat our sewage, wash our vegetables, process our meat in facilities that are supposed to meet strict cleanliness and handling guidelines, put up lightning rods, etc. None of these things are <span style="text-decoration: underline;">assured</span> to prevent the outcomes we're hoping to avoid. But if they MIGHT make a difference, we'd usually rather be proactive than pay the often-greater costs that are likely to occur later.</p>
<p> As a person of faith, I believe that it is unjust to unnecessarily allow our modern lifestyle to negatively impact the rest of the world, especially when we know what we <span style="text-decoration: underline;">can</span> do and much of that is simply behavioral (doesn't require a serious investment or drastic change to our daily lives). Furthermore, making forward-thinking energy choices (considering both cost and the environment) is in our best interests both individually and for our society.</p>
<p> I hope you'll take stock of your understanding of human impacts on the environment (including climate, water, soils, biodiversity, natural areas, litter, toxic disposal, improper sewage sanitation, antibiotic resistance, etc.), and then also assess your feelings about moral and ethical obligations to act more responsibly. There's a nice online symposium on Saturday (May 12th) at 3 p.m. (See the Events column.)</p>
<p> Obviously, each of us is involved in many complex interactions with nature and the Earth. However, unlike our direct and local impacts on this or that piece of property or watershed, our daily use of energy may collectively bring about a change that will be very expensive to address in the future. Perhaps the cost of energy is already affecting your choices. But as the season for air-conditioning approaches, I hope you'll take steps to reduce both your cost and your impact. To my way of thinking, the issue is one of eco-justice and sustainability for all.</p>great letter! HB 368 has gone nationwide!tag:greeninterfaith.ning.com,2012-04-09:6366645:BlogPost:177862012-04-09T15:30:00.000ZCarol Landishttps://greeninterfaith.ning.com/profile/CarolLandis
<p>Judy has given me permission to post her letter to Gov. Haslam as a blog...</p>
<p></p>
<div><p>Dear Governor Haslam:</p>
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<div><p> </p>
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<div><p>You have probably noticed by now that the HB 368 conversation has gone nationwide on radio, newspapers and television. Please don't deride the media for that. This bill, while it may sound frivolous, is exceedingly serious and has grim implications not only for the state, but for the entire country. There are ads running on The…</p>
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<p>Judy has given me permission to post her letter to Gov. Haslam as a blog...</p>
<p></p>
<div><p>Dear Governor Haslam:</p>
</div>
<div><p> </p>
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<div><p>You have probably noticed by now that the HB 368 conversation has gone nationwide on radio, newspapers and television. Please don't deride the media for that. This bill, while it may sound frivolous, is exceedingly serious and has grim implications not only for the state, but for the entire country. There are ads running on The Masters Tournament pointing out that the US students placed 26th out of 65 countries in math and science test scores. Not a record to be proud of.</p>
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<div><p> </p>
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<div><p>If you sign this bill, it will go far beyond ridicule and humiliation for the state of Tennessee. It will serverely damage our science program and cripple students, just at a time when Tennessee is fighting to climb out from the bottom of the states' education ranking. Your action with regard to this bill will define your stand on responsible education and serve as your legacy.</p>
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<div><p> </p>
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<div><p>A petition is currently running online that I urge you to read. It is signed by parents, teachers, scientists, physicians, ministers, Christians, Republicans, all imploring you to veto HB 368 for a host of excellent reasons. There are no good reasons to pass it. There simply are not.</p>
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<div><p>Please stand tall for Tennessee and our future. Please <strong>veto</strong> this bill. Thank you.</p>
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<div><p> </p>
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<div><p>Respectfully,</p>
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<div><p> </p>
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<div><p>Judith Murray</p>
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<p>Kingsport, TN </p>Challenging times, indeed!tag:greeninterfaith.ning.com,2012-04-07:6366645:BlogPost:176742012-04-07T00:30:00.000ZCarol Landishttps://greeninterfaith.ning.com/profile/CarolLandis
<p> First of all, thank you for being an engaged member who reads blogs and tries to keep up with contemporary life in TN and the rest of the world. Really! Thank <span style="text-decoration: underline;">you</span>!</p>
<p> But I also feel a need to formally acknowledge that I've gone hog-wild lately with requests to contact our legislators. Please forgive me for that. I'm new to the legislative process in TN. I didn't realize that the TN Legislature considers so many bills in such…</p>
<p> First of all, thank you for being an engaged member who reads blogs and tries to keep up with contemporary life in TN and the rest of the world. Really! Thank <span style="text-decoration: underline;">you</span>!</p>
<p> But I also feel a need to formally acknowledge that I've gone hog-wild lately with requests to contact our legislators. Please forgive me for that. I'm new to the legislative process in TN. I didn't realize that the TN Legislature considers so many bills in such rapid succession at this time of year.</p>
<p> To recap: first we came to you with pleas for help to get the <b>TN Scenic Vistas Protection Act</b> passed (Senate Bill 577/House Bill 291). Instead, the House subcommittee conveniently relegated HB 291 to "summer study". I've promised, in good faith, to help them with that "effort".</p>
<p> Next <a href="http://signon.org/sign/urge-governor-haslam?source=mo&id=38700-6632256-n_12zDx" target="_blank">HB 368</a>, the "anti-science" bill, <u>was</u> passed and still awaits Gov. Haslam's signature. As a science educator, whose dissertation research in 1994-95 addressed teachers' difficulties addressing controversial issues, and as an active climate change educator, I had to speak out! The bill specifically called out topics as examples of "<u>scientific</u> controversy" where there is none. The likely effects of this bill will be prolonged confusion, denial, and <i>inaction</i> about a critically-important fact of life: climate change. Humans are directly contributing to climate change and thereby affecting our shared future. Other life forms and the most vulnerable of human societies are increasingly at risk <span style="text-decoration: underline;">now</span>--not at some point in the future. It's that simple. This is directly addressed in <a href="http://greeninterfaith.org/" target="_blank">GINI's mission and vision statements</a>: "...we work to promote practices which protect and enhance our relationship to all Earth's life-forms and natural systems..." and "...to become a spiritual voice for environmental sustainability..." in the region.</p>
<p> Then, yesterday, <a href="http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=iziej4cab&v=001euir7dY8GMWbxPH5n4fC0nhlmNttwuOZ-q5RE4-iAV6DZ7rOTagzRhRa3Qg-zDkoXvuOqnSyEwLsOFtWw4XeEqcuVnwJyuxEKiokqEXGKS3ujINWF_lmBgWyMdYK3qHneEYoWZACEPHtF8ptCcdkzVMHgrQLaICX" target="_blank">Senate Bill 3296/House Bill 3520</a> (the "solar tax bill") was brought to my attention. This bill is worded poorly and seems likely to negatively affect the number of solar installations if enacted. If we can tolerate continued subsidies to the fossil fuel industries, who make millions of dollars in profits, then I think we need to look closely at how and why the solar industry was singled out for direct economic intervention at this time. There may be good reason to increase the tax, but it is not clear from the text of the bill. In effect, the Legislature seems to be OK with allowing our mountains to be blasted to bits but they feel a need to put a damper on the growth of the solar industry in this state. Both are environmental sustainability issues, and we deserve better explanations of the need for both.</p>
<p> Finally, on Wednesday, HB Lee posted a blog about SB 3460/<a href="http://animalwelfarecouncil.com/tennessee-hb-3620/" target="_blank">HB 3620</a>, which would "make it a criminal act to report any animal abuse in these operations. It would outlaw any undercover investigations. Farm managers and workers could not be held accountable for any of the abuse that has been exposed in Tennessee during the last few months." (Is this in keeping with GINI's mission statement?)</p>
<p> Perhaps I've sent too many requests, too quickly. I will try to be more judicious in the future. But I also want to see evidence that our legislators are using logic and reason coupled with the best available scientific and economic data and analyses. We can help them lead when we empower them with our voices.</p>
<p> We must continue to pray for our leaders and their service to our communities, our state, and our nation. But we also have an obligation as citizens to inform ourselves and then communicate those informed opinions to our elected officials so that they <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>represent us</em></span> effectively. Likewise, they have a similar obligation to communicate with us. I will appeal to them again to answer the questions that we submitted prior to our March meeting. Not one of them replied about their reasoning about HB 291, and only half were courteous enough to offer an RSVP. Perhaps they wanted to write a more informed opinion as a result of their summer study opportunity.</p>
<p> I believe we can help them to do better, and I hope you'll continue to help.</p>anti-science bill awaiting TN Gov. signature: Please weigh in.tag:greeninterfaith.ning.com,2012-03-29:6366645:BlogPost:177722012-03-29T17:30:00.000ZCarol Landishttps://greeninterfaith.ning.com/profile/CarolLandis
<p><font>You may already know that <a href="http://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillInfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB0893" target="_blank">HB 368</a> is in line for Gov. Haslam's signature.</font> <font>I ask you to support excellence in science education for students in TN--call Gov. Haslam <b><i><u>now</u></i></b> at 1-615-741-2001, give your name and city of record, and ask him to veto HB 368. I don't know when this might reach his desk, so time is critical on this matter.…<br></br> <br></br></font></p>
<p><font>You may already know that <a href="http://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillInfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB0893" target="_blank">HB 368</a> is in line for Gov. Haslam's signature.</font> <font>I ask you to support excellence in science education for students in TN--call Gov. Haslam <b><i><u>now</u></i></b> at 1-615-741-2001, give your name and city of record, and ask him to veto HB 368. I don't know when this might reach his desk, so time is critical on this matter.<br/> <br/></font> <font>"As introduced, [HB 368] protects a teacher from discipline for teaching scientific subjects in an objective manner." The bill specifically encourages teachers to present the <i>"scientific strengths and scientific weaknesses" of topics that arouse "debate and disputation"</i> such as "<i>biological evolution, the chemical origins of life, global warming, and human cloning" (</i>italicized text quoted from a letter from the National Center for Science Education)<i>.</i> Instead, HB 368 will allow some science teachers to introduce or reinforce confusion and doubt where little exists in the scientific community. Specifically, it denies the importance of teaching only the best understandings that are supported by peer-reviewed research.</font></p>
<p><font><font>For those of you who reject the theory of evolution, and who might think that subject alone is a good reason to allow HB 368 to become law, <font>please note that many Christians accept the theory of evolution. (See the <a href="http://ncse.com/religion/clergy-letter-project" target="_blank">Clergy Letter Project</a>, which also includes letters from rabbis from the Jewish faith tradition and has signatures from almost 12,000 members of the clergy from different denominations.) Francis Collins, author of <em>The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief</em> (Free Press, 2006), makes the case <a href="http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2007/january/32.62.html" target="_blank">here</a>, as well. As reported in <em><a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/4588289/The-Vatican-claims-Darwins-theory-of-evolution-is-compatible-with-Christianity.html" target="_blank">The Telegraph</a></em>, the Vatican has published an opinion finding no conflict with Darwinian evolution. A geneticist ordained as a Dominican priest, Francisco J. Ayala, also sees no conflict between Darwinian evolutionary theory and faith (see Nov. 2008 <a href="http://http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=the-christian-mans-evolution" target="_blank">article from <em>Scientific American</em></a>.) There are others, of course.</font></font> <br/></font></p>
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<p><font>For this bill, however, it's also important to distinguish science education from general education. Science class should not be used to discuss personal, philosophical, or theological understandings. Instructional time in science class should be used to help future voters become as scientifically well-grounded as possible, to understand the fundamental theories and processes, the latest scientific research, and the nature of science itself. The science education community feels strongly that <font>discussions about policy (what we should <u>do</u> about various situations)</font> and "objective" arguments about the implications of what is known are more appropriately held in a debate or social studies class, but <i><u>should not be conducted in science class</u></i>.</font> <font>Science teachers have limited and precious time to adequately explore the information that is expected at each grade level, let alone to spend class time on opinions and points-of-view.<br/></font></p>
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<p><font>Public pressure to include contradictory viewpoints actually reduces the science teacher's time to offer an excellent background in scientific understanding. It fails to support the fundamental concepts of accepting or rejecting the evidence and the significance of peer-review in research...the true underpinnings of how science works. Furthermore, it is directly contrary to the new STEM (<span style="text-decoration: underline;">S</span>cience, <span style="text-decoration: underline;">T</span>echnology, <span style="text-decoration: underline;">E</span>ngineering, and <span style="text-decoration: underline;">M</span>athematics) initiatives that TN is putting in place.<br/></font></p>
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<p><font>Please urge Gov. Haslam to veto HB 368, and do it today. <a target="_blank">(1-615-741-2001</a>)</font></p>SUPPORT FOR SCENIC VISTAS BILL IS INSPIRINGtag:greeninterfaith.ning.com,2012-03-21:6366645:BlogPost:174772012-03-21T17:35:50.000ZCarol Landishttps://greeninterfaith.ning.com/profile/CarolLandis
<div><p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Written by Jan Barnett, and forwarded by Nancy B.---published in <em>Erwin Record</em> (not available online otherwise)</span>: </p>
<p> When I was asked to write and call our Tennessee state legislators, I could have said, “Why bother?” or “I don’t have time.” But I believe in the cause I’m supporting. And I’m inspired by the commitment and courage of others who believe in it.</p>
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<div><p> The “cause” is protecting…</p>
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<div><p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Written by Jan Barnett, and forwarded by Nancy B.---published in <em>Erwin Record</em> (not available online otherwise)</span>: </p>
<p> When I was asked to write and call our Tennessee state legislators, I could have said, “Why bother?” or “I don’t have time.” But I believe in the cause I’m supporting. And I’m inspired by the commitment and courage of others who believe in it.</p>
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<div><p> The “cause” is protecting Tennessee’s scenic mountain ranges over 2,000 feet high from being blown to pieces by mountaintop removal coal mining. The Tennessee Scenic Vistas Protection Act, which would have done this, was introduced in the state legislature over three years ago. But something happened and the Vistas Bill all but bit the dust in the Tennessee legislature until recently when voters began making a ruckus about letting Big Coal destroy our scenic mountains.</p>
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<div><p> In fact, Tennessee’s state senators have been so bombarded with citizen support for the Vistas Bill, they actually brought it to a Senate voter earlier this month. But that was after they took out the provision that would have prohibited mountaintop removal mining. Is this not amazing? Their new version of the Vistas Bill would have allowed Big Coal to blast the mountains away as long as they piled the rubble back on top of the rock that is left.</p>
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<div><p> I’m not the only person wondering how that piled up rubble would restore the natural beauty, animal and plant habitats, and streams that are destroyed when the mountaintops are blasted off. </p>
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<div><p> I find it inspiring that many church denominations are questioning Tennessee legislators’ actions regarding the Vistas Bill. In a recent editorial in The Tennessean, the Rev. Gradye Parsons, a former Tennessee farm boy and the Presbyterian Church (USA’s) highest elected official, took the Tennessee General Assembly to task and noted his denominations’ official stance against mountaintop removal mining.</p>
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<div><p> Reporting by journalists, such as Johnson City Press’ Robert Houk, has exposed some interesting relationships between Tennessee legislators and Big Coal. I find this kind of journalistic integrity quite inspiring. In one of his columns, Houk noted that the coal industry has made campaign contributions of $195,000 to Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey during his time in the Tennessee General Assembly.</p>
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<div><p> Big Coal perks evidently mean more than the tourism revenue potential of the counties most affected by mountaintop removal coal mining - Anderson, Campbell, and Claiborne. Estimates are that these counties currently take in $165 million in direct tourist spending annually. Surely, they need their scenic vistas more than they need a few temporary mining jobs. Most mountaintop mining is done with massive machines.</p>
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<div><p> The Tennessee Scenic Vistas Protection Act, with the original provision that would protect our mountains from mountaintop removal mining, is up for vote in the state Senate April 2. On March 27, the House will vote on HB291, which also addresses this issue. We have another chance to let our legislators know how we feel about this. The fact that voters have made their voices heard is inspiring. But will our elected officials back us or Big Coal?</p>
</div>Loving Nature, RU Supporting TN Scenic Vistas Protection Act?tag:greeninterfaith.ning.com,2012-03-20:6366645:BlogPost:175762012-03-20T17:00:00.000ZCarol Landishttps://greeninterfaith.ning.com/profile/CarolLandis
<p> I believe a majority of Tennesseeans enjoy nature, for a whole host of reasons. Whether for hunting (animals or morels or wildflowers), fishing, hiking, cycling, photography, birding, off-road fun, camping, and many other pursuits, I have to believe that we share our appreciation of our mountains. For many, the natural landscapes may even be a good part of the reason for living or settling here.</p>
<p> Many people have studied and appreciate our mountains for their bounty, their…</p>
<p> I believe a majority of Tennesseeans enjoy nature, for a whole host of reasons. Whether for hunting (animals or morels or wildflowers), fishing, hiking, cycling, photography, birding, off-road fun, camping, and many other pursuits, I have to believe that we share our appreciation of our mountains. For many, the natural landscapes may even be a good part of the reason for living or settling here.</p>
<p> Many people have studied and appreciate our mountains for their bounty, their beauty, and their diversity. The Ecological Society of America has multiple researchers with many publications illustrating the important information that has been gained from formal study of our unique ecosystem and landscape.</p>
<p> Others, who have lived here for generations, literally created the cultural heritage and the political landscape that shaped this great state.</p>
<p> I appeal to all of us to please set aside ideas of minimal and very short-term economic benefit (mostly to out-of-state corporations and companies) and come together to support an historic event: the passage of the TN Scenic Vistas Protection Act (SB 577 & HB 291).</p>
<p> Please disregard partisan rhetoric as well. This Republican-led legislature can bequeath a legacy to TN and to the nation. This is in keeping with <a href="http://www.rep.org/" target="_blank">Republicans for Environmental Protection</a>, whose tagline is "Conservation is Conservative."</p>
<p> This forward-thinking piece of legislation "as introduced, prohibits issuance of a water quality control permit that would alter any ridgeline that is more than 2,000 feet above sea level." (from handout produced by GINI member, Nancy Barrigar). </p>
<p> It does NOT:</p>
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<li>significantly limit coal mining in this state (90% of TN coal is below that elevation)</li>
<li>reduce employment (mountaintop removal mining reduces coal mining jobs);</li>
<li>disregard the lives of people who have lived in nearby valleys for generations;</li>
<li>permanently destroy a landform that is thousands of years old;</li>
<li>allow unstable "approximate contours" to replace natural rock layers that protect the streams from chemical weathering of rocks that are buried;</li>
<li>remove ecosystems that are renowned the world over for their biological diversity; nor</li>
<li>limit the future development of the region.</li>
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<p> There are probably more things that could be listed here. But I firmly believe that it is shortsighted to use destructive technologies to remove small amounts of TN coal, when that coal will likely be worth more money later. If it's needed in the future, I'm convinced there will be ways to get the coal with much less invasive technology and we will be glad that we waited.</p>Senators' e-mail addressestag:greeninterfaith.ning.com,2012-03-05:6366645:BlogPost:177422012-03-05T16:05:43.000ZCarol Landishttps://greeninterfaith.ning.com/profile/CarolLandis
<p>Interestingly, the link to the Senators' e-mail addresses in the TN LEAF Action Alert (from Mar 1) has been blocked as a "web forgery". Hmmmm. So, in case you're afraid to "ignore this warning", I'm sharing the list below. </p>
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<p>I'll beg. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Please copy and paste it into your e-mail message to tell them how you feel about the Senate Committee's amendments on Feb. 29th that gutted the TN Scenic Vistas Protection Act (SB 577)</em></span>,…</p>
<p>Interestingly, the link to the Senators' e-mail addresses in the TN LEAF Action Alert (from Mar 1) has been blocked as a "web forgery". Hmmmm. So, in case you're afraid to "ignore this warning", I'm sharing the list below. </p>
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<p>I'll beg. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Please copy and paste it into your e-mail message to tell them how you feel about the Senate Committee's amendments on Feb. 29th that gutted the TN Scenic Vistas Protection Act (SB 577)</em></span>, making it "business as usual" for the coal companies.</p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'CenturyGothic'; color: #0000ff;">sen.tim.barnes@capitol.tn.gov, sen.mae.beavers@capitol.tn.gov, sen.mike.bell@capitol.tn.gov, sen.andy.berke@capitol.tn.gov, sen.charlotte.burks@capitol.tn.gov, sen.stacey.campfield@capitol.tn.gov, sen.rusty.crowe@capitol.tn.gov, sen.mike.faulk@capitol.tn.gov, sen.lowe.finney@capitol.tn.gov, sen.ophelia.ford@capitol.tn.gov, sen.dolores.gresham@capitol.tn.gov, sen.thelma.harper@capitol.tn.gov, sen.joe.haynes@capitol.tn.gov, sen.douglas.henry@capitol.tn.gov, sen.roy.herron@capitol.tn.gov, sen.jack.johnson@capitol.tn.gov, sen.brian.kelsey@capitol.tn.gov, sen.bill.ketron@capitol.tn.gov, sen.jim.kyle@capitol.tn.gov, sen.beverly.marrero@capitol.tn.gov, sen.becky.massey@capitol.tn.gov, sen.randy.mcnally@capitol.tn.gov, sen.mark.norris@capitol.tn.gov, sen.doug.overbey@capitol.tn.gov, lt.gov.ron.ramsey@capitol.tn.gov, sen.kerry.roberts@capitol.tn.gov, sen.steve.southerland@capitol.tn.gov, sen.eric.stewart@capitol.tn.gov, sen.jim.summerville@capitol.tn.gov, sen.reginald.tate@capitol.tn.gov, sen.jim.tracy@capitol.tn.gov, sen.bo.watson@capitol.tn.gov, sen.ken.yager@capitol.tn.gov</span></p>Monsanto guy is not OK!tag:greeninterfaith.ning.com,2012-02-23:6366645:BlogPost:175252012-02-23T18:46:18.000ZCarol Landishttps://greeninterfaith.ning.com/profile/CarolLandis
<p>Here's yet another petition related to non-GMO foods (genetically modified organisms) ala Monsanto. But since online petitions do seem to work (at least some of the time, with enough signatures), please read this <a href="http://signon.org/sign/tell-obama-to-cease-fda" target="_blank">petition</a> and see if you'd like to sign.</p>
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<p>URL, in case the link doesn't activate for you:…</p>
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<p>Here's yet another petition related to non-GMO foods (genetically modified organisms) ala Monsanto. But since online petitions do seem to work (at least some of the time, with enough signatures), please read this <a href="http://signon.org/sign/tell-obama-to-cease-fda" target="_blank">petition</a> and see if you'd like to sign.</p>
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<p>URL, in case the link doesn't activate for you:</p>
<p><a href="http://signon.org/sign/tell-obama-to-cease-fda">http://signon.org/sign/tell-obama-to-cease-fda</a></p>