15 August 07 - 19:35Why Are GREAT's Numbers Up?
---Our membership now stands at 107; a 50% increase of where
we finished the year in 2006.
---Participation on our monthly canoe/kayak outings has twice set a new record,
with July having a whopping 65 paddlers!
---Donations are also up
The GREAT Board would like to know why. Is it better publicity through
our improved
web site, a better circulated brochure of our events, or more media
announcements; better weather, or better run events? Is it all of the
above or some combination?
You can help us. If you have an idea or an opinion, please enter a
comment accordingly.
Thanks! Jim
08 June 07 - 23:17Problems Without Borders
The May issue of Vanity Fair, which is their 2nd annual
"Green Issue" included an unique article with Maps made by a joint
project between University of Michigan
and Sheffield (U. K.). The maps are drawn in proportion
to what countries or regions of the world are responsible for positive or
negative environmental actions. Interestingly, the US
was very positive on three of the six maps and negative on the other three. The
US is the best
or one of the best (positive) in the world in the categories of plants at plant
at risk, forest lost 1990-2000, and waste recycling. However, the US
was the worse or one of the worse when it came to fuel imports, net imports of
wood and paper, and the proportion of municipal waste.
Jim
08 June 07 - 22:51Green Energy Conflicts with Paddlers
Did any of you see the May/June 2007 issue of Paddler
Magazine? If you have not read it, but have access to the magazine, I strongly recommend
you read the article as it documents a major dilemma of worthwhile competing
goals.
This is a very interesting story about the fight between kayakers and the local
power authority who wanted encourage development of non-coal fire power plants
and kayakers who fought a proposed project on their favorite Ashlu River in British
Columbia. The project would not make the river as attractive and challenging to
kayaking. Eventually the proposed non-dam project was approved and is now being
constructed, but not without a long fight during which the process rules were
changed after the kayakers thought they had won.
If you read this, which side do you generally agree with?
Jim
Does green energy pose a threat to paddlers?
26 May 07 - 20:45Welcome!!
Welcome to the Grand River Environmental Action Team (GREAT) Blog!
Please feel free to post your comments and responses in regard to environmental issues and GREAT activities.
Environmental issues are often complex and there are many viewpoints, even among environtalist. GREAT is dedicated to the promotion of the discussion and education of these issues. GREAT's focus is the Grand River of Jackson County, Michigan. However, local environmental issues have world wide implications and world wide environmental issues have local implications.
Let the discussion begin!
Jim Seitz, GREAT President
