NH Action « It’s Getting Hot In Here

Old Man on the Mountain would be proud (R.I.P. Old Man). New Hampshire is maintaining its climate action momentum. Nearly twenty NH towns hosted “Step It Up” events last weekend and even more Earth Day events are scheduled for next. Did I mention we are modifying our motto from “Live Free or Die” to “Live Free From Global Warming or Die”?

We were posed with a touch question last Saturday morning - “Which ‘Step It Up’ event should we attend?” There was no easy answer. All across the state communities were coming together asking Congress to “Step It Up” by committing to use the latest scientific consensus to guide all climate related policy – 80% carbon emission reductions by 2050. There were potlucks, marches, music, bike rides, hikes, and more. In the end, we decided to take our waste-vegetable-oil (WVO) powered car to the event at UNH. Wow! What a day.

Unfortunately, we missed the bike ride and surprise appearance by presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich. Despite our late appearance, we found an extra special parking/display spot for the grease car and began to browse the wide range of information tables. Tabling organizations included the UNH College Democrats, Peace & Justice League, Organic Gardening Club, Outing Club, Students for Obama, UNH Office of Sustainability, Students for NHPIRG, NH Carbon Challenge, Oyster River Carbon Challenge, Infinity MPG, Climate Summer (SSC), and Shaklee. There was also a spread of delicious donated food and a silent auction with opportunities to win items from local artists and other local eco-service providers. I put in a bid for some red wiggler earthworms but came out short. Oh well, I suppose they found a good home anyway.

Did I mention next weekend looks even better?!?! Same place, same time. Sunday April 22nd, on Earth Day 2007, UNH will host its annual SolarFest! This is an all day event, FREE and open to the public. Sunweaver Solar Company will be powering stages for musical performances by Hot Buttered Rum, RAQ, The Wood Brothers, Apollo Sunshine, and Lespecial. Once again, UNH will celebrate a renewable energy future with good music, good food, and good company. Hoping to see you there.

About Josh

Josh Arnold can think of no greater gift than to be alive in a time of unprecedented crisis and opportunity. Josh is often found in a state of Blessed Unrest – compelled to do all in his power to create conditions conducive to life for his fellow human and non-human cohabitants. Josh sees his work in the context of a Great Turning – a movement that uses the creation of an environmentally sustainable, socially just, and spiritually fulfilling world as the guiding principal of all its actions. After graduating from Wheaton College with a degree in “Global Sustainability”, Josh started the nonprofit organization Global Awareness Local Action (G.A.L.A.) to help make sustainable living fun and practical. Josh is unwaveringly committed to helping the Lakes Region, NH area become a vibrant example of sustainable community. But G.A.L.A. is not all that Josh spends his time on. In the summers, Josh travels around the United States with Clean Vibes – a music festival “greening” company. In addition, Josh is a sales representative for Recycled Office Products, Inc. and helps offices reduce their eco-footprint by offering a wide selection of post-consumer products. And finally, if you happen to visit Wolfeboro, NH and get a whiff of fried food, there is a good chance you just missed Josh – his car runs on Waste Vegetable Oil.