For Lubbock folks who want to fight climate change

Mark your calendars!

March 29, 6-8pm

Yes, I am excited! The local chapter of the Citizens Climate Lobby is having its first meeting of the year. Here is what I wrote about the CCL back in November (before US environmental policies all went to hell in a handbasket):

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).

I really hope to see you there!

May we all work together to protect our earth and all those that live upon it.

Looking for a Trashy Valentine in Lubbock? Texas Tech can help!

Yep, it's that time again. The good people over at the Texas Tech Climate Science Center are having another Science by the Glass event, and this time it falls on Valentine's Day.

 

More info here: TTUCSC Science by the Glass

 

So, get your eco-friendly and/or alcohol-loving and/or alcohol-friendly-eco-loving friends/dates/co-workers/neighbors/closed-minded-enemies over to the Fox and the Hound at 82nd and Orlando next Tuesday (14 February 2017) to learn about something good happening right here in our own Lubbock.

 

I have seen a few presentations and displays from this group and can tell you that it will be informative and you'll learn some very cool stuff. (Did I mention that there's also a happy hour?)

 

Now, let's talk a little about Texas Tech Recycling.

 

Me, I am a big fan of the Texas Tech Recycle Center. Unlike the City of Lubbock's recycle program, Texas Tech accepts plastics grade 1-7, Styrofoam, and glass. You also don't need to sort everything - but they do appreciate it if you keep the glass separate for everyone's safety. They accept tin, aluminum, paper, packing material, and cardboard that has been broken down. On top of that, if your organization has lots of recycling, you can contact them and make arrangements to have them pick it up.

 

But there is much more to it than just recycling. The center also works to serve students and citizens of Lubbock by offering jobs and scholarships. They turn trash into all kinds of goodness!

 

 

Every other Thursday my family and co-workers pile their recyclables into the back of my truck and I haul them over to Tech.

 

The one and only recipient of the not-so-prestigious MHBTC award

 

But let's say that you don't work with an eco-dork (with a junky truck) like me but absolutely adore the idea of having someone swing by your place, pick up the recycling, and haul it over to Texas Tech for you. There are some really cool people in Lubbock who would love to help you out. Get in touch with Baron and Melissa over at 123 Recycling and they can make your recycling dreams come true!

 

In case you want to learn more but have other plans on Tuesday,

check out Recycle Easy in Lubbock! (TTU Recycling in pics).

 

May you learn all you need to know, have a good time, and help Lubbock to be less trashy!

 

PS. Happy Valentine's Day, friends!

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!

Awesome Lubbock Recycling Opportunity this Weekend (11-12-16)

Dear Lubbockites,

You know that Windows 98 machine you have languishing in the corner of your closet? How about the Game Boy that quit working and the TV with a screen that just wasn't flat enough to fit in our modern world? How about those little gadgets that were easier to replace than repair? Remember that PS1 with broken controllers on a shelf in the garage? Well, now it's time to get them out of your house and send them off to a better place. And Texas Tech Recycling (once again) is here to make it happen.

See the whole enchilada on GeekyEdge

 

Texas Tech Electronics Recycling Opportunity

 

The details:

 

Humanity needs all of us to quit trashing our home. This is one opportunity to do a little something right.

 

Sincerely and hopefully,

The Mesquite Hugger

 

May your stuff come back as something better in the next life!

 

PS. Thanks for the heads up, Double K!

PPS. If you miss this opportunity, Goodwill is also a local option for e-recycling.

PPPS. Watch the Story of Stuff already!

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!