Earth Day 2008: Five Easy Steps To Save The World
By: Jay Oatway
Filed Under: Climate Burn | Duelling Realities | Farming the Future | Jump the Shark
In celebration of Earth Day 2008 (W00t! We survived another year!), here is the Portension guide for green living this year:
Step 1) Do Whatever Al Gore Tells You
Yes, that means sell your car and only ride the bus if it’s hydrogen powered–and only ride it as far as the polling station to vote for someone who is willing to save the world. If you can’t do that, at least watch his new slide show and this little clip from TED
Step 2) Kill All The Cows
I too love a good steak, but it seems that, while it’s still on the hoof, it produces more greenhouse gas than all the planes, trains and automobiles added together. Well, at least that’s what some crazy old rock star told me. Check out Sir Paul’s statement and let me know if you’re willing to buy his manure [link to Reuters Report]
McCartney says the amount of land and water used to maintain the meat industry makes it a major contributor to climate change and complains that most environmental groups do not list vegetarianism as one of their top priorities.
“It’s very surprising that most major environmental organizations are leaving the option of going vegetarian off their lists of top ways to curtail global warming,” he said.
A 2006 United Nations report found that cattle-rearing generated more greenhouse gases than transportation.
Step 3) Move To a Farm… in The City
Do you dream of a simpler, country lifestyle? Do you also love being at the center of a happening city? Good news, the future has just the place for you — and it’s coming to New York City! [via Treehugger]
We love vertical farms and while they may not be as practical as green roofs, the idea of food being grown right in the city doesn’t get any more local than this. New York magazine asked four architects to dream up proposals for a lot on Canal Street and Work AC came up with this. “We thought we’d bring the farm back to the city and stretch it vertically.”
Plus, the place is 100% cow free!
Step 4) Fly a Kite
Because there are so many ways to get more energy out of thin air. [via EcoGeek]
The Selsam SuperTurbine is a concept for a multiblade wind turbine for either land-based or off-shore installations. With the smaller swept area of each individual rotor, this turbine promises to be less visually obtrusive than other types of off-shore turbines. A design featuring a simple stalk with multiple sets of rotors all turning a shared axle allows this turbine design to produce more power despite the smaller swept area.
Step 5) Ride Naked
Nothing shows your dedication to saving the world like taking off all your clothes and riding around on bike. Thus far, no scientific evidence has proven that riding naked has any affect on the climate. But don’t let that stop you–check out World Naked Bike Ride for more details on where you can ride naked this summer. [YouTube video link]
The future calls this place home.
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