No more fear of flying

I am such a rookie when it comes to Global Warming. Remember, I decided to write a blog about this subject and about what we can do to limit its impact on our lives because I wanted to force myself to learn more about it (and pass it on.)

This is how I learned about TerraPass. It's a perfect example of how we can do something about global warming, instead of waiting for governments and companies to solve the problem for us.

The first step we can take to fight global warming is to reduce our carbon footprint through conservation. No doubt about it. That means driving less, turning down the thermostat (at our house the temperature never goes above 65, and only when we are there), and buy locally produced goods. Among other things. But what if you HAVE to fly? What if you HAVE to take your car to go to work?

TerraPass helps you to reduce your carbon footprint all the way down to zero. How? The TerraPass website explain it. "When you buy a TerraPass, your money funds renewable energy projects such as wind farms. These projects result in verified reductions in greenhouse gas pollution. And these reductions counterbalance your own emissions."

And there are some great tools on the web site to calculate our own carbon emission from driving, flying or just staying home.

For example, let's say I need to go to New York for business. A round trip San Francisco - New York is 5,156 miles long. As one passenger, I will contribute on the emission of 2,010 lbs of CO2 in the atmosphere. In order to carbon balance my flight, TerraPass suggest I buy a TerraPass Puddle Jumper, that balances out 2,500 lbs of carbon dioxide – about 6,000 miles of flying. It's costs $9.99. I think we cannot fly anywhere anymore without considering its impact.

I will never fly again without counter balancing the emissions I'm responsible for. Are you with me?

Photo by dipdewdog

The Oscar Award Ceremony: are we in for a surprise?

Tonight the Oscar Award Ceremony could have a huge impact on the future of our planet if Al Gore wins with his documentary "An Inconvenient Truth". It would make a huge impact not only in the US, but globally. There are other documentaries worth the award, but not this time around. This is Al Gore's time and we should all hope that the Academy understands that.

I've heard the following rumor: That Al Gore will win and announce his candidacy to President in his acceptance speech - with more than a billion people watching, he'll say his mission is to save the world.

Baja California in danger

Ensenada Blanca
Originally uploaded by Luca Penati.

Baja California is a beautiful place. It's ecosystem is fragile, and in danger due to developers that plan to build more and more, eventually transforming the rest of Baja into Los Cabos. What they did to Acapulco and Puerto Vallarta is going to happen to Baja California.

What is happening to Ensenada Blanda (in the picture), a village of 45 people on the side of the Sea of Cortez that overlooks beautiful Danzante Island is outrageous. A developer is looking to build a huge resort in this pristine, small paradise. They bribed the local government and, against the will of the local people, they are planning to create a small Acapulco only for Americans, leaving Mexicans out of the land and livelihood they know. Today it's still a pristine bay with a few houses and a beautiful eco-lodge (http://www.danzante.com/), perfectly integrated with the environment and the people, where only locals can work.

We need to stop this. Or at least help to stop it. If you have any idea how, please let me know. This is not only to preserve a beautiful place, it's also to preserve the will of a village that is happy with their current way of life.

A gift for the ones we love

My first real post of this new blog is about a great gift idea. I know... The timing is odd. I am late. I missed the holidays and Valentine's day. But I still think this is a great gift for people of all ages.

It's the Wind Power Card. Check it out at www.renewablechoice.com.

If you want to make a gift to Earth, just pay $15 a month and you will really help. Your purchase will avoid 12,000 Pounds of CO2 pollution, which would have the same impact as driving 13,600 fewer miles in your car or planting 117 trees.

And if you do it now, there is something in it for you. Whole Foods will send you a $50 card. What's not to like about spending $50 at Whole Foods?

Why write another blog about Global Warming?

Why write another blog about Global Warming? That's the question I have been asking myself for the past few days. The answer is simple: My wife told me that if you complain about something you are obligated to do something about it.
I've been complaining enough about the status of our planet. Now it's time do to something. I want to learn and I want to share what I learn with as many people as possible. I want to use this blog as a tool to remind myself that this problem is serious and we cannot forget, even once the hype is over and done with.