Earth Day at 50: Have you met...Project Drawdown?

Find it here

Not long ago, I was fortunate enough to attend a local CCL event that highlighted Project Drawdown - and I have been much more excited about our future since then.

Project Drawdown is a very comprehensive plan to slow down, stop, and reverse carbon release levels in the next 30 years. Essentially, they started looking at all of the top 100ish sources of earth-choking carbon release and looked at the best approach(es) to each. They list them in order in the Table of Solutions and they also divide them out into sectors in case you want to narrow it down a bit. (If you click only one link in this post, please make it the Table of Solutions!)

Find the sectors here too! (same link as the first)

Find Food, Agriculture, and Land Use here

Find Electricity here

Find Transportation here (Woohoo! Bicycles top the list!)

One of the most eye-opening is Health and Education

Find all Drawdown events - including these three Earth Day events - here

This Friday, check out Lubbock's own Dr. Katharine Hayhoe here

(At The Smithsonian Earth Optimism Summit)

If you're a person who sees good stewardship of every blessing as a core value and goal for life, the Drawdown list is a spotlight letting each of us know how and where we can get involved and make a difference. If you're looking for some hope and direction in saving the earth for future generations, Project Drawdown is a great place to start.

Find Last year's Mesquite Hugger Earth Day Post here

( I was looking for an excuse to get the 1970 Earth Day poster in.)

As always, thank you for reading, friends! May you be well, healthy, and striving for better.

Rad Wagon or Euro Wagon? Another Saturday Ramble

The post is colored bittersweet green. It's because I have green-car envy.

It doesn't help that I keep parking the Vespa at work, looking around, and noticing all kinds of green cars parked around me. (Woohoo! More green cars around!)

Since the truck broke down (and went away), I've been two-wheeling it on the scooter and the bicycle. The electric bike broke down too. And I've been fighting bronchitis. So, it's mostly been scootering and catching rides.

I'm missing having weather protection, and I'm missing being able to haul stuff about. So, even worse than usual, I've been dreaming about a new ride.

Look what popped up on Craigslist this week:

How that for some serious Euro-Dork street cred?

I have a weakness for wagons - they make sense to me and it's a little easier to dream that I'm buzzing about in a space shuttle. And this one could easily shuttle my people about and haul a kayak and dogs and bikes and all kinds of groovy stuff. It could even haul the little guy to school in all weather. But this one has some serious drawbacks - it's old, it'd be expensive to maintain/register/operate, and it's definitely not green.

(Also, the good doctor's latest climate study hit the presses this week, and let me tell you, we need to be taking green action now - not later.)

The other wagon in the same price range (not on Craigslist) is the $1599 (with free shipping) RadWagon electric cargo bike. Instead of a space shuttle, this one'd help me feel like I was buzzing through the trees of Endor on a speeder bike. And it'd haul many of the same things (less conveniently and less far). It'd even take the little guy to school - weather permitting. And it would be very green (and orange) and would be super cheap to maintain, (not) register, and operate. Weather protection, though, is sold separately.

And both are a little beyond this lower-middle class income at this point. So, it looks like it's time to fix the electric bike, tackle a DIY cargo bike frame, and keep pinching the pennies.

But it sure is fun to dream about all these sexy wagons cruising about.

May we find greener ways (both big and small) and make healthier choices, no matter how tough.

Recent Texas Tech Grad on Years of Living Dangerously

I've been working my way through Season 2 of Years of Living Dangerously on Hulu. Episode 6 held a very nice surprise for me - there was Jordan Vogel right there on my TV! "Jordan who?" you may ask.

Meet Jordan!

 

Jordan was the leader of the Lubbock Chapter of the Citizens Climate Lobby until he graduated last spring. My wife and I worked with Jordan and a hand full of others to spread the word locally about our approach to tackling climate change (and a collection of related societal and economic issues.)

Jordan has worked with the CCL locally and in Washington, DC

(Actress) Nikki Reed, Jordan Vogel, and activist friends

You know it's a big deal when a Hollywood star calls you a badass!

 

Years of Living Dangerously Season 2 Preview - Arnold style!

 

So Lubbock folks, if you've not yet seen an episode of Years of Living Dangerously, Season 2 Episode 6 is right up your alley. And if that's not enough, you can see footage shot in Lubbock and Plainview in Season 1, Episode 1 (Free on youtube) with TTU's own Dr. Hayhoe. Either way, you can't go wrong!

 

Episode available in many formats

 

May we tackle international challenges locally, nationally, and everywhere we can make our voices be heard!

Giving Tuesday Meets Carbon Reduction - Expand your reach!

Black Friday. Small Business Saturday.

Thank God It's Sunday.

Cyber Monday. Giving Tuesday.

The Story of Stuff. (Annie and Free Range, you are always in  my head.)

I lay in bed a few mornings ago with all of this stuff swirling in my head. I had to get up. I was getting nervous.

How do we make the world a better place? It's going to take a lot more than just parking our gas-powered cars and changing our light bulbs. (But those are a start.)

For me, everything goes back to slowing and stopping climate change. Yes, there are lots of other incredibly important causes to support; however, as it gets harder to live and breathe, all of those other problems get worse. As we see species quickly disappearing and cultures being wiped out, the term Pro Life takes on a much bigger meaning.

How do you slow climate change? You limit carbon release. (Yes, we've always had carbon release, but we humans have become experts at it and our ingenuity and creativity in that department is killing us all.) And we, the Americans, are doing more than our fair share of the damage. Look around you, do you see people near you working to limit carbon release? Do you see people near you working actively to increase carbon release? Answer the same questions about your immediate family.

Around me, most people want cheaper gas, a bigger car, a larger house, and more stuff.

Since today is Giving Tuesday, I thought I'd throw out a few of my favorite organizations that are working hard to slow climate change:

Citizen's Climate Lobby

Watch the Intro Video

I support the CCL because I am a cynic and the CCL offers me a different type of hope. The CCL is a multi-partisan approach to helping us reduce our carbon while supporting the economy and offering (financial) hope to all citizens. Their approach is not one that expects altruism to save our environment. They are offering a sensible approach that is based on a carbon tax and dividend (while making life better for all).

The Sierra Club

Watch the Intro Video on this page

The Sierra Club has been around more than 120 years. The original vision of the SC was to protect wild and natural places. Here in the 21st century that vision has not changed. but it has expanded to protecting the entire planet and all life on it - including us humans. The part of their mission that truly draws me in is their drive to Move Beyond Fossil Fuels. As times get more desperate, the Sierra Club keeps stepping up their game. (You can find the Texas chapter here.)

GreenPeace

Pardon me on this one, but all my life I've known Greenpeace to be a bunch of non-violent badasses who go after whaling ships in little rubber boats. That's how they got started back in 1971 and they haven't backed down yet, but they've definitely broadened their scope.

Learn more here

350.ORG

Check out the 350.ORG intro video here

(Yes, I had to throw in the bicycle screenshot)

Okay, so those are the biggies for me when it comes to saving the planet, but they are definitely not the only ones. So, if these don't fit your approach, do a little research and find those that do. Let this be one way your voice can be heard.

May your actions match your beliefs!

Bonus: 3 More Organizations near and dear to me:

The Haven - a Local, Non-Profit, NO-Kill animal shelter

People for Bikes

League of American Bicyclists

Fossil Free Friday: Tiny Truck, Blue Pony, Hayhoe Talks Texas

Ebay offered up a couple of cool electric oddballs this week:

 

 

I love this thing - a 1965 Mustang that is fully electric! If you're gonna drive electric, this is one sweet ride to do it in! This one is in Simi Valley, California.

 

 

On the more bare-bones side of things is this sweet little electric pickup that is titled as a truck - not a neighborhood vehicle - in Ohio. It's not quite my dream electric truck, but I'd definitely drive it, use it, and enjoy it! (Nissan, why no electric pickup? Carlos Ghosn, we need you on this one!)

Dr. H talks Texas Energy (Carbon and Renewable) on the latest episode of GW

 

If you've not yet caught it, check this one out! This is the third video in the Global Weirding series. They are short videos produced here in Lubbock in association with KTTZ and producer Jonathan Seaborn (who had a booth at the recent Get Your Green Up event at the TTU Museum). A new video is being released every other Wednesday. These definitely get the Mesquite Hugger two thorns up!

 

May y'all find a greener way to get around - even if you live in Texas!

 

 

PS. If you're running to Ohio to pick up the little truck, will you please pick up this little beauty (also on EBay)? Mesquite Hugger is needing a new company car and this one would fit right in  - I already have the t-shirt!

Lubbock Events: Cancer Hater? Dog lover? Climate worrier? Spiritual?

[Minipost for you linguistic minimalists]

This Saturday! relayforlife.org/barklubbocktx

 

Wednesday evening - who needs a website - it's all there (+ refreshments!)

 

May you find your place in making life better for others!

 

Get Your Green Up Follow Up (Lubbock, TX)

The Green Revolution Exhibit is still up at the Texas Tech Museum - get your hiney over there!

 

 I would love to post all the photos of the great exhibits and presenters and SPWRC birds of prey and all that good stuff. But I did not take any. And that is a very good thing. I can't even tell you much of what was going on. Once everything started, I never had a break. And that was awesome! I was invited by the Texas Tech Climate Sciences Center (Thanks, Breanna!) to talk to people about electric vehicles. Matt brought his Leaf, Jennnifer brought her Fusion Energi, and I threw an electric bike together to display. I also took along a bag full of tiny Teslas.

 Electric Bike over Marsha Sharp Freeway After the Event

 

And people came by! And they had questions! It was a good day to be the Mesquite Hugger! I had a chance to share my passion for carbon-free transportation with interested local people! After two hours had passed I looked up and found that mine was the last booth still standing and that people were still there wanting to talk! Thank you, Lubbock!

 

Trending questions and topics at the Mesquite Hugger EV booth: 

• Where can I buy an electric bike?
• Several people wanted to know where my (non-existent) e-bike shop is located.
• People told me that Lubbock really, really, really sucks for bicyclists.
• The Tesla Model 3 came up a lot.
• How far? How fast? How much?
• Very few people were aware of the Chevy Bolt's existence.
• Very few people were aware of plug-in hybrids.
• People were excited to learn about powered wheels (GeoOrbital, Evelo, Copenhagen Wheel, etc.)
• Why does Lubbock really, really, really suck for bicyclists?
• People were excited about the Rad Power Bikes brochures - the RadMini and the RadWagon prompted a lot of questions. (Rad Power team, thank you so much for sending those!)
• What can be done about Lubbock's lack of bicycle infrastructure?
• Why doesn't Lubbock have an electric bike retailer?
• A surprising number of people asked about regen (electricity regeneration) on electric bikes.
• Others thought that my e-bike was a generator.
• Many were surprised to learn that our local Nissan dealer actually sells an all-electric car.
• Most were surprised at how affordable electric cars can be to purchase, maintain, and operate.
• A few people asked about the existence of electric-powered 3-wheeled bicycles.
• Lots of people asked where the Mesquite Hugger name originated.

What did you miss out on if you weren't there?

• The Heart of Lubbock's Neighborhood Garden (Hi, Beth!)
• Texas Tech Recycling (I am a big fan!)
• Texas Tech Wind Institute (They look like really big fans!)
• One seriously awesome raven! (SPWRC) Hi, Daniel!
• Native Texas plants and a local greenhouse that sells them*
• Hydrogen power with Nick*
• KTTZ/ Global Weirding
• The Lubbock Master Gardeners
• Lubbock Lake Landmark - Check out Bison Day!
• High Plains Water District - Hello, Katharine!
• Bugs!!!! (Texas Tech Entomology Club - you could even try mealworm snacks!)
• Texas Agrilife Extension (Hey, Vikram!)
• I got to meet Baron from A123 Recycling in person!
• An LED guy was there with an electrical wholesaler from Lubbock - It think it was H and H*
• The Texas Tech Climate Sciences Center (Hi, Kylie!)
• A social media service that supports two great initiative for sustainable water use*
• And a great talk from the always charming and inspirational Dr. Katharine Hayhoe!
• [Apologies to the booths I did not mention]*

* Please send me your info and I will edit the post.

 

If you weren't there, I hate that I did not get to meet you and I sincerely hope you have a chance to meet some of the many people who are working hard to make our area healthier and more livable for all.

 

May you be surrounded with great neighbors!

 

PS. Special thanks to Bella, Devin, Linda, Chris, Barbara, Brian, Matt, Jennifer, and Grizz for being there!

World-Famous Scientist, LBK Experts, and a dork at the TTU Museum tomorrow!

One of these three people is speaking at the Texas Tech Museum tomorrow (10/16/2016) at 2pm: (And I am excited about it!)

Dr. Katharine Hayhoe and a couple of dorky guys

If you've never heard Dr. H speak, you could be in for a real treat tomorrow, but you have to get yourself over to the Texas Tech Museum (4th and Indiana). It's a bit ironic that Lubbock [where we work so desperately to convince ourselves that we have nothing to worry about or that there is nothing we can do about it] is home to one of the world's most respected and influential climate scientists.  

Dr. Hayhoe and her unsung colleagues at the Texas Tech Climate Sciences Center offer a clear voice of inspiration, wisdom, and hope in an area that offers lots of sound and fury but little else.

The whole event is in support of the Smithsonian/Chicago Museum of Science and Industry Green Revolution exhibit which is now on display at the museum.

All the info you need

Besides the speaker, the reason that I am excited about this event is that it is designed to offer encouragement and support to local people who want to lead greener lives. From 2:30-4 you can visit booths manned womaned peopled by local experts on a number of topics. You can meet the LP&L guy who is the Mother Teresa of LED lighting, you can meet the Tech Recycling people; you can meet our local authorities on xeriscaping, community gardening, water conservation, wind energy, solar power, and so much more. There's even going to be a dorky blogger there talking about electric vehicles and their ability to help us pollute vastly less while saving money and enjoying the ride! (He might also talk a lot about bicycles, give away a few {tiny} Teslas, and give away three self-promoting t-shirts.)

May the dorky blogger see you there and may we all find new ways to make our world a healthier place!

PS. Personal Carbon Reduction makes me so very happy!

A Green Revolution in Lubbock, Texas? Oh Yes! (Updated)

It's a lonely thing - being an eco blogger here in the LBK. (But it's getting better!)

Looking at the Mesquite Hugger blog stats, it's easy to see that the people who read it don't live around here unless they know and (hopefully) love me. It may be that it's a terrible blog and that it's poorly written and horribly unappealing, but I like to think that the subject  matter just doesn't appeal to the majority of Lubbockites. (Yeah, that's it!)

Remember this gem: It looks like we have to move away from Lubbock :-) ?

How about this one: Lubbock makes another green list,  %$#@! ?

Or maybe this one: Protected Bike Lane Infographic - Ah, Lubbock Bike Geek Happiness ?

 

Lubbock is just not a place known for its eco-friendliness.

I do have to admit, however, that there are signs of hope. Here and there you see local people addressing (and acknowledging) the issues surrounding climate change and our role in it. More people are choosing to ride a bike. Our town has also started embracing recycling and water conservation. There are sparks.

This week, I had a chance to see a Green Revolution very close to home. At the Texas Tech Museum, you too can see this Green Revolution on display:



The exhibit is up at the Texas Tech Museum!

For this lonely eco-blogger, it is an upcycled slice of Heaven. An exhibit aimed at helping real-world people find ways to green their everyday lives speaks my language. Really, as I walked around the installations, my smile widened and widened more: alternative energy, energy and water conservation, carbon reduction, recycling, upcycling, and bicycling! And I was seeing all of this here in Lubbock! Plus, there were real, live worms!

Vermicomposting! and Composting!

I love this idea, but I don't seem to be the best of worm farmers. I have, however, turned out to be a very successful composter.

Rain barrels and water conservation

 

Unlike the catastrophic worm composting experiment, I have been very successful in capturing rain water in my home-made rain barrel. (It's amazing how little rain it takes to fill up a 55-gallon barrel!)

Recycling!

You know I love me some recycling!

Neighborhood Beautification

Lubbock, you know we need this!

Personal Carbon Reduction!

You mean you don't view everyday life as a green challenge? I keep hoping my maker friends over at ULabs will create an Eco-Fit-Bitty type thing so we can all track our daily eco-friendly steps.

Neighborhood/Community Gardens (The Curious Garden)

Bicycling (I may have mentioned this topic a few times.)

 

Yep, it was downright amazing to see all of these displays right here in my own backyard. I am now feeling so much less lonely. There are people in the world who speak my eco-language! And they are spreading the word! [Sigh.] It feels good to be the Mesquite Hugger!

If you're still reading, you must be (a.) intrigued (b.) really bored, or (c.) you love me, you really love me! In case you fall in category (a.) or (c.), I have some exciting news for you.

 

 

On Sunday, October 16 from 2pm-4pm, there will be a Green Revolution event at the museum. The coolest part of the event will be a short talk from our own world-famous climate scientist, Dr. Katharine Hayhoe. If you have never had a chance to hear Dr. H speak, you are in for a very educational treat! After the talk, you will be invited to go around to different booths to speak to local experts (and a long-winded blogger) on a number of life-greening topics. You might even have a chance to win a (really tiny) Tesla Model S!

 

May you find local opportunities to learn and grow, and may that be a blessing to everyone.

Climate Change Denial

I keep thinking about it. When the facts are there, the science is there, the logic is there, and the crazy weather reinforces the truth every day, why would people continue to deny that it is real, that we are causing it, and that we need to do something about it?

I am not the brightest guy around (I am not a scientist, but...), but I think it's a guilt thing.

If you admit that climate change is real and is man made, then you have to admit that you are consciously and willingly harming others for your own convenience. Then you have your conscience and your public image to deal with. And heaven knows we don't want that.

Bill Moyers interviews Texas Tech's Dr. Katharine Hayhoe

Nothing to see here.

My heart and my prayers go out to the people of Louisiana, the people of the Philippines, and all of the others who are suffering the results of our ongoing denial.

May we get past guilt or blame or whatever it is and get to work fixing this overwhelming problem.

Old News New to Me - Katharine Hayhoe on KTXT Radio (2014)

  

"It's no longer a future issue and it's no longer a distance issue." Dr. Katharine Hayhoe

You may have noticed on Mesquite Hugger - it's all about being an eco-dork. I love carbon reduction stuff and people who push for carbon reduction in lots of different forms.

Less obvious on the blog is that I love our local university's TV and radio stations, especially when they offer local content.

I also like lists and alternative music.

 

So I was really happy yesterday when I turned on the car radio and heard Dr. Katharine Hayhoe, my favorite international climate guru, on KTXT radio going through her list of 10 favorite songs on David Perlmutter's Top's Ten. Yep, I was very happy until I reached my destination and had to turn off the radio, snagit!

So today I jumped online and found Episode 15 of Top's Ten 88.1 KTXT. (Or go directly to the audio file here.) Woohoo!

May you enjoy her eclectic list and learn something along the way.