NH Action

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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


After graduating from Wheaton College with an independently designed degree in "Global Sustainability," Josh Arnold founded Global Awareness Local Action (G.A.L.A.), a 501(c) 3 nonprofit based in his hometown of Wolfeboro, New Hampshire. G.A.L.A. works to build sustainable community through education, service, and advocacy. As G.A.L.A.'s Director, Josh inspires community volunteers to work together in integrating principles of sustainability into models of Food & Agriculture, Economy & Business, Town Planning & Design, and Personal Lifestyle. Josh describes his life as a constant "zooming in and out" from the global, to the local, and back to the global. Josh has participated in CSD 13-15 through SustainUS and Global Youth Action Network. Today, Josh's focus is more local as he juggles different roles on town committees including the town energy committee, agricultural commission, and historical society. For play, Josh likes marinating in wood-fired hot tubs, slurping juicy, ripe tomatoes, and getting lost in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.

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