FW: Taiji/The Cove Update from OPS

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Update September 2, 2010 Brought to you by Oceanic Preservation Society   Taiji Update The eyes of the world are focused on "the little town with the really big secret" this week as September 1, the official start of the dolphin hunt has finally come. Town leaders indicated no change of plans of this annual ritual. "We will pass down the history of our ancestors to the next generation, preserve it. We have a strong sense of pride about this," Mayor Kazutaka Sangen said. The Cove director, Louie Psihoyos reminds the Japanese that customs can fade with time and sound judgement. "In America we had a much longer tradition of slavery, but that was banned," Psihoyos has said. "My message to Japan is to see the movie for yourself with an open mind." The Cove star, Ric O Barry was in Japan this week but avoided going to the town after threats of violent confrontation. He did however manage to deliver a petition to the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo on Thursday, demanding an end to the brutal slaughters in Taiji. Accompanied by 40 volunteers from countries including the United States, Canada and Australia, O' Barry called on President Obama to pressure Japan over the issue when he visits in November. Signed by 1.7 million people from 155 nations, the petition reflects the passion many who were touched by The Cove. To all of you who supported us and signed, thank you. Your voices are finally being heard. Photo AP New OPS Site The new OPS site debuts this week as well. After much work from Team OPS and web guru Brandon Smith, you'll now find news you can use in a fresh new way. The site features a more in depth look at Issues and Solutions. Also, many answers to commonly asked questions can be found in the FAQ section. We even have ClustrMaps, so you all can see where everyone is viewing from. Hello Sri Lanka. So enjoy and check back often. We plan to add lots more features over time.

 

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The 90-Day Plan: DAY 73

DAY 73

GET on the BUS; don't put up a fuss (for a ride).

 

Challenge:  How many miles is your commute?  Think of three ways you can commute to work without riding alone.  What is the carbon dioxide Parts Per Million (PPM) threshold for coral reefs?

 

For More Information:

http://www.nrdc.org/globalWarming/

http://www.cleanair-coolplanet.org/

The 90-Day Plan: DAY 72

DAY 72

Learning from our past can be used to shaper our future; help your workplace, school, or township LEED the WAY to a better, more efficient future.  LEED is a certification that stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design that promotes sustainable development.

Challenge:  Are any buildings in your area that have been LEED certified?

For More Information:

http://www.epa.gov/greenbuilding/pubs/buildingtypes.htm#schools

http://www.buildgreenschools.org/

http://www.lowimpactdevelopment.org/

The 90-Day Plan: DAY 71

DAY 71

 

You've made it this far, take it one step further and aim to produce ZERO WASTE. 

 

Challenge:  Create a 100% recyclable and compostable grocery list

 

For More Information:

 

http://www.zerowaste.org/

http://www.illinoisbiz.biz/dceo/Bureaus/Energy_Recycling/Education/ISTEP_Zero_Waste_Schools.htm

The 90-Day Plan: DAY 70

 

DAY 70

 

Ink from printers leaves a mark on paper, what does it leave for the water?  RECYCLE INK CARTRIDGES.

 

Challenge:  How does you dispose of ink cartridges?  Suggest a way for your workplace, school, or community group to raise money by collecting empty cartridges.  Also, try to make the switch to using soy-based inks.

 

For More Information:

 

http://www.cartridgesforkids.com/

http://www.environmentalleader.com/2009/01/28/staples-offers-rewards-for-ink-cartridge-recycling/

What the frack?

Chemicals that pollute our environment should not be allowed to be considered ‘trade secrets’.  What is drilling mud?  What are fracking chemicals?   http://www.ncriverwatch.org/wordpress/2010/08/03/fracking-chemicals-%E2%80%94-just-how-harmful-can-1-percent-be/   It was part of the pbs program 'need to know'.  http://www.pbs.org/wnet/need-to-know/environment/the-price-of-gas-a-need-to-know-investigation/3170/

 

 

The 90-Day Plan: DAY 69

DAY 69

Don't just recycle, E-CYCLE.  Electronic waste is a growing concern; fortunately most electronics can be recycled.  Electronics contain many heavy metals and other dangerous chemicals but most of these can be recycled.

Challenge:  On June 12th we made the digital transition and no doubt, left some electronics behind.  Work with some friends, coworkers, or local teachers to organize an e-waste recycling fundraiser.

For More Information:

http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/partnerships/plugin/activ-08.htm

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?type=category&id=pcmcat149900050025