All Things Green in the Eastern Sierra the Roxy Chicken Jam in the Village at Mammoth on Mar

the green

PHOTO: STAYDEN Gil Campos and Kate Vanko, Mammoth Middle School sheet Science teachers, helped out at the Flex Your Power booth at All Things Green in the Eastern Sierra the Roxy Chicken Jam in the Village at Mammoth on Mar. 27. Saturday, April 17, 2010 FREE Vol. 3, No. 1 DWP digs into solar at Owens Lake THE GIVE AND TAKE Valley requests transparency from the agency throughout project By Fredericksen OF FEED-IN TARIFFS n a windy day, dust the massive solar array project that currently relies on coal By Kirkner from the scarred that is now in the preliminary for 40 percent of its energy ow do you make a plan for something like this Oremnants of Owens planning stages. needs, reaching the mayor’s someone buy some- would look like,” McCarroll Lake rises in milky plumes so The photovoltaic solar park target would mean shifting to Hthing expensive? told the Green Sheet. “I keep huge they seem to dwarf the is being presented as a tri- renewable energy sources on Promise them something in hearing that it may not be surrounding mountains. The fold solution to three major an unprecedented scale. The return. It’s the age-old game economically feasible, but airborne dust causes pollu- issues: dust mitigation, water Owens Lake solar project has of give and take. So it’s no how do you know what to ask tion that exceeds national air conservation, and fossil fuel the potential to be the largest surprise that in order to get for if you don’t have a plan?” quality standards by a factor reduction. A pilot project has of its kind in the world. people to buy into solar, many A feed-in tariff, or FIT, is a of ten. been approved that will cover Currently, the project is at will need to see how it benefits price tender model whereby By the late 1920s, most of 616 acres with solar panels. If the master planning stage. their pocketbooks first. “a standard price or set of the water from the lakebed the pilot project proves that a Different groups with vested Mayor of Mammoth Lakes prices are presented for solar had been diverted to Los larger version is viable, the so- interests in the lakebed are Neil McCarroll suggested power production, and often Angeles, transforming the lar array could be expanded to trying to draft a master plan at a Town Council meeting for other forms of renewable lake into a salty alkali-crusted thousands of acres, potentially for Owens Lake that will ad- several months ago that the energy,” according to a 2008 wasteland. Since 1983 the generating enough power to dress the various agendas for Town supply solar incentives White Paper by Ted Flanigan LA Department of Water and serve 10 percent of California’s land use, such as dust control, to Mammoth Lakes’ citizens of EcoMotion. At this time, Power (DWP) has sought miti- energy needs. grazing leases, local mining, who want to install solar panel the model is only beneficial to gation measures for the dust Mayor Antonio Villarai- habitat protection and resto- systems at their homes or those who can invest in solar problem. Never before, how- gosa of LA has set a goal to ration, and solar potential. businesses. projects that are large enough ever, has the City proposed eliminate the city’s use of “I think it’s historical that Rick Phelps, Executive to produce more power than such an ambitious solution as coal energy by 2020. For a city there’s such a diverse group Director of the High Sierra they use. Owners of these working on this,” said Mike Energy Foundation explained projects can sell the excess Prather of the Eastern Sierra why this idea, even though it’s back to the power companies Audubon Society. “The lake a good one, isn’t quite feasible for a set rate. FITs are used to needs to be looked at as a yet. help the utilities meet their re- whole, since historically it “People who get the benefits newable portfolio standards. has always been looked at in of solar incentives are those The concept is just begin- pieces.” who can invest in large solar ning to make an appearance In the wake of DWP’s aque- projects,” Phelps explained. in California even though FITs duct project, residents of Ow- McCarroll agreed stating, have been used in Europe for ens Valley were left skeptical “People doing it now are ones years with positive results. of the department’s genuine who can write a big check be- According to a story at interest in the welfare of the cause they believe in it.” But www.marketwatch.com, just valley and its resources, said one of the concept he wants last October Governor Ar- Geoff McQuilkin of the Mono to further explore is that of nold Schwarzenegger signed Lake Committee. He said feed-in tariffs, something that legislation that enabled these DWP needs to reform its way PHOTO COURTESY RICK PHELPS countries in Europe seem to European-style, above-market of approaching projects in How smart is your irrigation system? See story on p. 2 to find out. have successfully adopted. tariffs for small solar-panel see OWENS, page 10 “I just want to know what see FEED-IN, page 13 get smart with landscape irrigation the green Million-dollar technology now in reach of average homeowner

By Geisel sheet PUBLISHER ecades ago, Earl Henderson had his first encounter Jack Lunch Dwith landscape irrigation: digging a ditch for a water line. EDITOR With few exceptions, he’s been Lara Kirkner working with water in one form or 760.914.0678 another ever since. Today, he owns his own landscape and hydroseed [email protected] business, and serves on the Board of the Mammoth Community CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Water District. Ted Carleton Of course, if he hadn’t become Ed Cesnalis a water professional, he’d have made a good teacher. Stacy Corless Henderson, it turns out, is not Devon Fredericksen only a champion of conserving Andy Geisel Mammoth Lakes’ water resources, Tammy Hooper he’s also a firm believer in Lara Kirkner knowledge. “The key to the whole PHOTO COURTESY RICK PHELPS thing is education … how to use Earl Henderson gives a how-to on how to make irrigation more intelligent. Rebecca Paranick-Poiset and manage water,” Henderson Rick Phelps said, referring to all the proposed humidity, rainfall, sun, and plant etc.),” Phelps said. development and where the water and soil types. Expandable up Putting that technology into AD SALES to 13 stations, the “Extra Simple the hands of average consumers will come from to hydrate a thirsty Pamela Stayden, Ad Director town full of visitors and locals Programming” controller can use opens the door to an almost when the numerical threshold for either pre-programmed gathered unprecedented degree of water 760.914.3261 Persons At One Time, or the town weather-data or a satellite link to efficiency. Phelps has 11 zones [email protected] at buildout is reached at some data from the National Oceanic on his controller, and has already point in the future. and Atmospheric Administration observed a significant reduction in PRODUCTION (NOAA) in its calculations. his landscape water usage. “If you As of Jan. 1 this year, the state of Pamela Stayden California issued new regulations Some of the homework on have a system that’s 50 percent for landscape irrigation, requiring the upfront side is yours, but efficient, you have to water twice Lara Kirkner every city and county to adopt not much. You input a few key as long to get the dry spots wet,” the new standards or put their specifics: zip code, allowed Henderson points out. “Going © 2010 The Sheet, Inc. The Green own in place. Mono County opted watering days and the plant/ from six zones to four zones will Sheet is printed on recycled stock. to take the latter route and is soil type for each zone. You set save you some money on the Green Sheet submissions and let- currently working on developing it and, after a little fine-tuning, upfront side, maybe 33 percent, ters are welcome. Send to the edi- a conservation plan tailored to its can pretty much forget it. The but you’ll end up losing more than tor via e-mail or P.O. Box #8088, ESP-SMT takes over from there. that in the ability to control water individual localities. Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546. Locally, Henderson said he Your irrigation system waters only distribution and runoff.” Include a self-addressed stamped thinks residents (not to mention when the landscape requires it Which brings us to the price tag the area’s water supply) can and calculates the details for every of about $500. Think that’s a lot? envelope for mailed submissions. benefit from a new product, Rain zone of your sprinkler system. First, consider the savings that Bird’s ESP SMT Series Smart Timer Rain Bird’s operation manual will come off the top of your water “When the MCWD instituted system. was assembled using a baseline bill. Not enough? Okay, how about staged drought ordinances four Sure, there are other smart standard that was formulated tossing in a $400 rebate from seasons ago, the first thing we timers, but Henderson is under optimum laboratory Mammoth Community Water heard was, ‘I’ve got dry spots on particularly impressed by the Rain conditions, but Henderson said District just for purchasing a unit? my lawn.’ This system applies Bird, which he thinks can help it’s in the field where science And if that’s not enough, they the numbers for your specific users all but eliminate waste in meets creativity. “Most standard also offer more rebates for any area and is particularly good at landscape irrigation, and reduce clocks are typically adjusted one irrigation system upgrades you identifying weaknesses in your water use by as much as 70 or two times per year,” Henderson install. That’s how seriously they watering pattern. Since then the percent or more. observed. “This new clock updates take the irrigation issue. public has responded.” Henderson One thing every normal system every day, taking new humidity, Henderson said that as said he has five systems already has in common is that they all temperature and air condition Mammoth Lakes approaches at work, and another 53 lined up have to water until the dry spots readings.” build-out, and more developers to install once the winter weather get wet, Henderson said. What’s One user, High Sierra Energy put in units for more people to live subsides. “Everyone I’ve talked to different about the Rain Bird Foundation Executive Director and visit here, the reality of how about this has told me, ‘Yes, I want is how the system helps users Rick Phelps, said he’s particularly much water we need is quickly to do this!’” custom tailor the amount and enthused about having “million- moving to the top of priority lists. Contact Henderson with any time of watering on a zone-by- dollar” technology at work at “Up here, we’re spoiled, we’re questions at 760.934.3567 or earl. zone basis. The Smart Controller his home. “It wasn’t too long ago surrounded by water,” Henderson [email protected]. Check and weather sensor adjusts that this type of system was only said. “We may not have paid too out the Rain Bird smart controller watering times for each zone available to golf courses and larger much attention to it up until online at www.rainbirdespsmt. based on a mix of temperature, landscape applications (big hotels, recently, but we should.” com/. 2 I THE GREEN SHEET I SPRING 2010

MCWD puts new green foot forward Plans to install solar project this summer

By Kirkner

ammoth Community tional Development Council, a Water District’s wastewa- financing company that has been Mter treatment plant, that packaging small public agency vital part of our water system that projects and presenting them to you can often smell on a breezy federal agencies for funding for day when you drive by the Dis- more than 40 years. trict, uses a lot of energy. In an NDC obtains the loan and effort to offset rising energy costs, MCWD puts in some funding up MCWD plans to install a solar front as well. At the end of the system comprised of 3,806 pho- five years MCWD buys the system tovoltaic panels over 3.5 acres to from the financing partner at a run the 5-acre treatment plant. lower price because of the tax “We are still working out the fi- credits and additional rebates the nancing and the final design, but partner has received. we hope to get it built this sum- “Basically it’s a lease to own mer,” said John Pedersen, District system,” Pedersen explained. Engineer at MCWD. SPG Solar systems are 270 watt The financing is tricky, but not panels that rotate to follow the impossible. MCWD will work sun (single axis tracking systems), with SPG Solar, a company that therefore making them 20 per- PHOTO COURTESY SPG SOLAR builds turnkey solar power sys- cent more efficient, according to tems. SPG will construct the Pedersen. The rotation will also The Mammoth Community Water District plans to install a solar panel system, with system with the support of Na- help shed any snow that may panels similar to the one above, this summer. The project will be used to power build up on the panels. Step- the District’s wastewater treatment plant. by-step procedures will be pro- the District $1.5 million over the the property where the system grammed into the panels so they purchase price in the long haul will be placed. automatically know how to react not to mention the savings it will “The legislation changed the re- to wind, really low temperatures see from actual use of the system. striction on use of the land from and snow. They will also be high “The system is designed to wastewater treatment to public off the ground, not only to avoid break even,” Pedersen said. He purposes,” Pedersen said. “Since being buried in snow, but also to explained that April through the power produced by the Solar have the ability to function in po- August will be net generating PV system is going out to the tentially four feet of water since months while the rest of the SCE grid via our meter, it is not the location of choice is in the year will be net user months. In directly powering the wastewater District’s drainage ponds. other words, the District will be treatment plant, just offsetting “Strong sun at low tempera- nearly eliminating their electric the power used on the meter. I tures is ideal for the panels,” bill for the wastewater treatment believe we could have leased the Pedersen described. Apparently if plant, a savings of approximately property for a wastewater treat- the panels get too hot they do not $183,000 per year. ment use before the legislation. function as well, which means “Cost for power at the WWTP Now we can lease the land for Mammoth’s cooler temps should without Solar PV system is pres- public purposes such as hous- make the panels very happy. ently about $184,000 per year,” ing the Mono County Search and “It’s not the first time a system Pedersen explained. Rescue and power production to like this has been installed in the In addition, the proposed reduce MCWD energy costs.” Sierra,” Pedersen said. “The Truc- system would be producing the While the contract has not kee Sanitary District uses some- most power when MCWD is pay- been signed yet, and the funding thing similar.” Check out their ing the most for power. through NDC not yet approved, system at www.truckeesan.org. “The goals of the system are MCWD is hopeful. If lady luck The turnkey system is guaranteed to know our power costs for the does not smile in its direction, for 10 years. future and be able to keep cus- then the District would have to The estimated cost of the tomer rates low. Other benefits obtain its own financing in order system is $4.6 million. MCWD include lessening our carbon to continue to pursue the project will be expected to put in ap- footprint, using green, renewable and the tax credits and rebates proximately $706,000 as its down energy and obtaining credits for would be lost. payment. Then it will have to pay doing so,” Pedersen said. Renew- But the fact that the District is $10,000 per year for five years. At able energy credits could be used trying to put its green foot for- the end of five years MCWD can down the line as a commodity. ward has not gone unnoticed by expect to pay approximately $2.3 Legislation that was tacked on those in the “green” field. million to buy the system from to the Wilderness Bill, passed in TJ Chase of solar installation NDC. Total investment equals ap- 2009, gave the District the flex- proximately $3.06 million, saving ibility to do a lease agreement on see MCWD, page 7 ENVIRO TICKER: REDUCE YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT! LEAVING -> 4 I THE GREEN SHEET I SPRING 2010 Community Calendar and Connections

SHARP-en your skills UPCOMING UPCOMING In November 2009, the Sherwins Calendar Saturday, May 1/ 7000 ft. We will also hike a bit up Black Working Group (SWG) delivered the Owens Lake Spring Day Bird Census. Canyon to at least Lower Black Canyon Sherwins Area Recreation Plan, or UPCOMING Help census the migrating shorebirds Spring. Five miles of hiking at least half SHARP, to the Inyo National Forest and waterfowl at Owens Lake. We will of it up hill. Come prepared. for a full (INF). SHARP is a proposal for outdoor Saturday, April 17/ create a one-day snapshot of the lake’s day. Meet at 7 a.m. at the junction of recreation management and public Celebrate the 40th Anniversary of bird populations that will help with Warm Springs Rd. and East Side Rd. access in the Sherwins area to the Earth Day at the Village at Mammoth. management and protection. This is a Joint trip with The Bristlecone south of town, and it contains dozens Noon - 4 p.m. Check out products and Sign up by contacting Mike Prather Chapter of CNPS. For more information of ideas for trails and other facilities to services from local businesses. Learn [email protected] or contact Jerry at [email protected]. be enjoyed by the whole community. about recycling, the latest in energy 760.876.5807 Now, in partnership with the INF and efficiency, eco-craft projects for kids of Memorial weekend/ the Town of Mammoth Lakes, we’re all ages, door prizes, giveaways, & local InTouch MicroSpa is having a Spring Flex Your Power Celebration event at rock n’ roll from Flashback! For more ready to take the next step: convening Make-up event. Come, check out the Village at Mammoth. Mammoth information call 760.934.4650. the SHARP Trails Technical Committee Aveda’s all natural, amazing products Middle School’s Green Team will (SHARP TTC) and the Panorama Dome/ & get your face beautified with a celebrate their outreach efforts. For Sierra Green Building Association Solitude Canyon Working Group! professional esthetician. Call for more more information call the High Sierra is reaching out to the Eastern Sierra info. or appintment, 760.934.2836. Energy Foundation, 760.934.4650. Community for volunteers to start a SHARP Trails Technical Committee new chapter. Stop by and meet us at Tuesday, May 4/ Saturday, June 5/ our booth at Earth Day in the Village at Chamber of Commerce Mixer, National Trails Day, Gull Lake The SHARP TTC will work with Forest Mammoth. sponsored by Flex Your Power, High Service staff to refine SHARP proposals Join Friends of the Inyo and the June Sierra Energy Foundation & Mammoth Lake Trails Committee in building a selected by the INF to be considered Wednesday, April 21/ Brewing Company. 5 to 7 p.m., 94 trail around Gull Lake. Go to www. for implementation. Trail alignments, Garden Fest. Come celebrate the Berner Street, Mammoth. friendsoftheinyo.org for details. facilities, and other elements need to be beginning of growing season with developed further so that they may be Eastern Sierra Land Trust! Enjoy Sunday, June 6/ taken through the environmental review an afternoon of activities fostering Saturday, May 8/ South Shore Kayak with Stuart process (NEPA), have public input connection and growth among Black Canyon Hike/International Wilkinson & Mono Lake Committee solicited, and, pending decision status, community members interested in Migratory Bird Day. Celebrate Staff. $90 per person / $80 for member get funded and implemented. Your local foods and gardening. Snacks International Migratory Bird Day with limited to 12 participants. Enjoy a and refreshments will be provided. this strenuous and stunning hike. Meet assistance in this refinement process guided naturalist expedition along 3-6 p.m. ESLT Home Street Office. For at the Schulman Grove Visitors Center will expedite the planning process. Mono’s south shore. This natural more information email Sarah Spano at (off Highway 168) at 8 a.m. or at the As soon as the snow melts, the TTC history kayak tour will cover a wide [email protected] or call 760.873.4554. corner of Highways 395 and 168, just will be able to get into the field with north of Big Pine, at 7 a.m. No dogs, variety of topics relating to this unusual the help of INF specialists and staff. please. Email paulmc@friendsoftheinyo. Great Basin lake, such as geology, Members of the TTC will have a unique Saturday, April 24/ org for more information. ecology, history, and politics. Some opportunity to learn all about trail Grouse Mountain Hike. Slouching kayak experience is helpful, but not design and construction. beneath Humphreys and Basin, Saturday, May 22/ necessary; kayaks and safety equipment Grouse Mountain is a teeny hill in the ESLT Community Celebration, Benton are provided. Space is limited in this Buttermilk area, out of Bishop, barely Panorama/Solitude Working Group Hot Springs Ranch. Join ESLT and popular seminar, so register early at worth climbing. Or is it? See for yourself landowners Bill & Diane Bramlette for www.monolake.org! on this all day adventure through the One of the recommendations in the a day celebrating our community and Upper Buttermilk, with Todd Vogel SHARP Summer Proposal was that “... preserved lands in the Eastern Sierra. Saturday, June 12/ as your guide. Meet at 9 a.m. at the further study of the Solitude Canyon Fun for everyone with birding tours, an Baxter Pass Trail Fire Ecology Hike junction of the Buttermilk Road and and Panorama Dome areas should be Eastern Sierra artist paint out, barbecue Join Friends of the Inyo and Eastern West Line Street (Hwy 168). Bring food/ undertaken to analyze opportunities dinner, live music, campfire circle, star Sierra Audubon on a walk up the water for the day. Due to thick brush, for future trail access, connectivity, and party and more. Spend the night! For Baxter Pass Trail on the North Fork long pants are recommended. Call development. Site-specific, community- camping please contact ESLT at info@ of Oak Creek. This area was intensely 760.873.6500 for information, or email based working groups should be eslt.org, or if you would like to stay at burned during the 2007 Independence [email protected]. formed to conduct these studies.” The Benton Hot Springs Old House and Inn, Complex Fire. We’ll look at vegetation Panorama Dome/Solitude Canyon visit www.historicbentonhotsprings. recovery, search for Black-backed Working Group will go through a “mini- Tuesday, April 27/ com. Woodpeckers, and examine other fire Whiskey Creek Fundraising Dinner effects. Meet at the Mt. Whitney Fish Sherwins Working Group” process to Help preserve land while enjoying great Hatchery north of Independence at 8:30 explore and identify specific recreation Saturday, May 22/ company and a delicious meal. Eat Black Canyon and Marble Canyon, a.m. Visit www.friendsoftheinyo.org or opportunities in those two areas. The dinner with your friends at Whiskey White Mts. Black Canyon begins at www.esaudubon.org for info. result will be a set of recommendations Creek Restaurant in either Mammoth about 4500 ft at its opening on the similar to SHARP that will be presented or Bishop and ask your server to donate alluvial fan of the Owens Valley. At Friday-Sunday, June 18-20/ to the INF. the profits of your dinner to ESLT. about 5500 ft Marble Canyon forks Mono Lake Bird Chautauqua. If you’re interested in either Reservations are recommended but not off to the east, and we’ll hike up to Visit www.esaudubon.org for more opportunity please contact MLTPA required. Contact Sarah at sarah@eslt. the Montenegro Spring area at about information 760.934.3154, [email protected]. org or call 760.873.4554 for more info. YOUR CAR AT HOME 2X A WEEK CAN CUT GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS ->

THE GREEN SHEET I SPRING 2010 I 5 COMMENTARY beyond incubation Eastern Sierra can help grow clean energy businesses

By Rick Phelps benefit. The Eastern Sierra, while can make it here, you can make it huge in area, has smaller popu- anywhere.” mall business incubators that lations that can be used to test The logic of the Eastern Sierra help nurture the aspiring technologies and market strate- being a clean business propaga- Sentrepreneur are flourish- gies in a focused manner. In effect, tor appears sound, but how do we ing in many larger communities our smallness allows marketers to move in that direction? The appeal around the country. Often they gauge the qualitative face of the of the unique character of the re- are created and supported by local customer – not just the quantita- gion to clean energy entrepreneurs governments or regional organiza- tive demographics. argues for a regional approach. tions that recognize the economic Importantly, the people of the The idea’s promoter could be a benefits. Over the last 10 years, HSEF Executive Director Rick Phelps Eastern Sierra will demand that public or private sector entity, but the “incubator” movement has any clean energy technology be a substantial commitment in time market, or “roll out” strategies to expanded and is proving to be a environmentally friendly and and funding would likely be re- different market segments. popular model for growing “clean not adversely impact the pristine quired. I suggest now is the time to The Eastern Sierra offers a diver- energy” businesses, as explained nature of our region. Environmen- start thinking and talking about it. sity of land use from remote rural by The Alliance of Clean Energy tal factors cannot be ignored in Rick Phelps is Executive to more concentrated commercial Business Incubators in a descrip- today’s market and the Eastern Si- Director of the High Sierra Energy and residential neighborhoods. tion of their network: erra will continue to place the bar Foundation. The views expressed in Technologies that are being devel- “To assist clean energy entrepre- high for environmental standards. this column are those of the author oped for off-the-grid applications neurs and support the Alliance, In this sense the Eastern Sierra is and not necessarily those of his are easily tested with real custom- the Alliance members and the U.S. like New York (New York): “if you employer. Department of Energy’s National ers in extreme weather conditions. Renewable Energy Laboratory Marketing case studies will natu- (NREL) have developed an impres- rally follow and customers can sive network of investors, energy provide realistic reaction to prod- experts, and industry leaders who uct economics and pricing. stand ready to provide mentoring, The Eastern Sierra also has a financing, and introductions to the wealth of ready-to-harvest renew- global energy community.” able resources including sun, But where does the baby go wind, hydro-power and geother- when it leaves the incubator? mal. Specifically, there are myriad It would be a good diversion to locations in Alpine, Inyo and take the incubator/baby analogy Mono counties to test wind gen- through all the stages of raising eration with high wind velocity children and draw out the paral- and harsh weather conditions. We lels between growing babies and have year-round sun plus lots of growing businesses – and there snow, offering a laboratory to test are a lot, but that would not add solar collector technologies in a winter environment. Throughout FILE PHOTO much to the story other than some Geothermal is just one of many commodities in the Eastern Sierra that could help the Sierra there is flowing water laughs. Instead, let’s think about grow clean energy businesses. what happens to a clean energy that provides opportunities to test business when it leaves the incu- all aspects of micro-hydro. We bator. The business thrives, fails, or also live in a proven geothermal needs more help to succeed. When area and deliver significant renew- that “baby” business needs more able electricity to the grid. And, help to succeed, the Eastern Sierra there are even more opportunities region of California can help. for low temperature geothermal The Eastern Sierra, can be a for power generation and space “propagator,” which Webster heating. All those geothermal defines as “causing (something) to possibilities can be demonstrated increase in number or amount.” and market-tested in the Eastern Alpine, Inyo and Mono counties Sierra. are geographically bigger than six The Eastern Sierra has people states and provide an appealing and governments that are stewards environment to nurture a clean of the land and support innovative energy business that needs to energy technologies with posi- refine a product technology, test tive environmental and economic BY 1,600 POUNDS PER YEAR: SEALING CRACKS, GAPS, LEAKS AND ->

6 I THE GREEN SHEET I SPRING 2010 MCWD continued from page 4

PHOTO COURTESY MCWD Site map for the solar panel project at MCWD, set to be installed this summer. The solar panels are on the right while the wastewater treatment plant sits left.

company, Sierra Solar, felt that cially, which pump millions of the project was right on target. gallons of water annually could “In my opinion, this is a great see huge short term and long move,” Chase said. “From a term savings. practical standpoint, some of the “I could go on all day. Almost biggest users of power are com- every remote community on panies that pump water. The the eastside has a private com- amount of power needed to do munity water district, but I this type of work is enormous. If don’t know of a single one that you can utilize the sun’s power utilizes solar energy. Kudos to to pump water you’ll save the Mammoth Water District.” yourself a lot of money.” Chase Look for construction of the said there are a lot of busi- system this summer, as well as nesses around that could fol- a ribbon cutting for the opening low MCWD’s example, such as of the reclaimed water program gas stations, which use a lot of at Sierra Star. pumps, and golf courses espe- ADDING INSULATION IN YOUR HOME, CAN SAVE UP TO 20% ON HOME ->

THE GREEN SHEET I SPRING 2010 I 7 greening your vacation Adding volunteerism saves green, too!

By Stacy Corless, Friends of the Inyo magine waking up to the sun’s rays EVOLVE with a seven-day service trip bathing Mount Ritter and Banner to Thousand Island Lake in the Ansel IPeak in soft, warming light. The Adams Wilderness. Participants pay peaks’ reflection in Thousand Island a small fee for an all-inclusive, five- Lake makes you give pause before tak- to-seven day backcountry trail work ing a sip of your organic, locally roasted trip (guides, supplies packed in, all morning coffee. This place is amazing, backcountry meals, transportation to you think. And I’m making a difference trailhead if necessary). “Volunteers” by being here. will work a few hours each day, then More and more travelers are seeking have free time to hike, fish, and ex- vacations that connect them with na- plore the range of light. Travelers will ture or trips where they are of service. be offered discount lodging and retail PHOTO:TODD VOGEL/FOI What could be more rewarding than a through partnerships with participat- Green your vacation and get your hands dirty this summer with Friends of the volunteer wilderness vacation in Mam- ing businesses in Mammoth in order Inyo’s new EVOLVE program. moth’s spectacular backcountry? to encourage them to stay and play in town. Here’s a sample itinerary: evening the group meets, perhaps at A weekend work trip to Steelhead EVOLVE Day 1— Guests arrive in Mammoth a local restaurant, to go over the trip Lake, high atop McGee Creek Canyon, and check into their local lodging prop- details and to check supplies. offers a similarly spectacular experi- Friends of the Inyo (FOI) is bringing erty, where they will receive a welcome Day 2 — The group takes a shuttle to ence in a shorter timeframe. voluntourism to Mammoth through packet. Guests have time to shop at the Agnew Meadows Trailhead, where a new volunteer wilderness vacation local outdoor retail shops (coupons/ supplies are handed over to Forest The Summer of Stewardship 2010 program called EVOLVE (Eastside offers included in welcome packet) or Service packers. Along the scenic hike Volunteer Outdoor Learning Vacation visit area attractions such as a free sce- to the base camp near Thousand Island Single-day stewardship events allow Experience). In partnership with the nic gondola ride at Mammoth Moun- Lake, participants learn about local Mammoth visitors a chance to give Inyo National Forest, FOI is launching tain that’s included in the trip fee). That flora, fauna and geology, and also get a back from the comfort of their hotel Trails 101 lesson from their guides. room or condo. Building on the suc- Days 3-5 — From base camp, the cesses of 2009, FOI will again partner group sets to work on their projects, with Mammoth Lakes Trails and Public taking time each day to enjoy the Access Foundation (MLTPA) to host a incredible surroundings. Work projects series of trail work and cleanup events range from light trail maintenance and at the Mammoth region’s most popular campsite restoration/cleanup to heavy- Inyo National Forest recreation areas. duty trail reconstruction, depending on From June through September, locals participants’ abilities. Guides prepare and visitors can team up to care for the delicious backcountry breakfasts and places they love to play. A typical Sum- dinners, and lunch/snack fixings are mer of Stewardship event goes like this: set up each morning for on-the-trail volunteers show up (suited up in work eating. One full day off leaves plenty of attire: long pants, long-sleeve shirt, time for participants to hike, fish, climb sturdy shoes, hat and sunscreen) at and explore. 8:30 a.m., get a snack, learn about the Days 6-7 — The group hikes back to projects, choose their activity (painting Mammoth in time for a well-earned picnic tables, picking up trash, trim- dinner. Spa time and massages, plus ming brush on trails, restoring trail activity discounts will tempt partici- switchback cuts, etc.), work for three pants to stay in town an extra day. hours and then enjoy a well-earned lunch and raffle prizes. Locations include trails in the Mammoth Lakes Basin, Panorama Dome and Convict Lake. Whether it’s three hours, three days or a full week, giving back while getting out to the spectacular Mammoth Sierra makes for a rewarding trip.

Dates and Details

EVOLVE Thousand Island Lake: August 1-7 EVOLVE Steelhead Lake: August 19-22 Visit www.friendsoftheinyo.org for Summer of Stewardship dates and to sign up for an EVOLVE trip. HEATING AND COOLING COSTS: THE EARTH MIGHT SEEM LIKE IT HAS ->

8 I THE GREEN SHEET I SPRING 2010

OWENS continued from page 1 the Owens Valley—extracting local and habitat. Although environmental snowy plovers in California, harboring lar panels will not only be a renewable resources without much regard for the groups support the solar plan, they 10-15 percent of the state’s popula- energy source, but will also mitigate future health of the area. have also been playing the role of tion. The number of birds residing in the dust problem by slowing down the “DWP has a long history in the watchdog. They want to ensure DWP the area warranted the lake’s desig- winds that whip through the valley Eastern Sierra and there’s not a lot of will take the appropriate steps in nation as an important bird area of at high velocity. DWP has been using trust in many cases,” McQuilkin said. environmental planning, completing national significance. a wind tunnel to conduct tests for “[DWP] needs to show that this [solar] all the necessary documents and ad- DWP faces the challenge of protect- the feasibility of solar panels as dust project will be done in an open way dressing all environmental concerns. ing wildlife habitat while simultane- mitigation tools. DWP is hoping the that respects the Eastern Sierra.” “We’re interested in supporting any ously reaching its goal to conserve pilot project will prove this strategy’s McQuilkin said he wants DWP to well-placed, well-planned projects water by pumping less into the effectiveness. maintain transparency throughout that are sited appropriately and that lakebed. Prather said the ambitious aim is to the project, treating the Eastern Sierra don’t adversely impact public lands. “The idea is not to, by any stretch, complete a draft of the master plan as a partner, rather than just a project But the devil is in the details,” said eliminate what has been restored for by year’s end. The group working on site. So far, he said he hasn’t encoun- Sally Miller, senior field representative wildlife habitat, while at the same the comprehensive plan met for the tered any direct opposition to the for the Wilderness Society. time trying to save water,” said DWP’s first time in mid-March and plans to project, hoping the plan can move One detail yet to be decided is the Chris Plakos. “DWP is trying to figure meet once a month in Lone Pine to forward with minimal tension. Chris distribution and restoration of shore- out the most responsible way to do eke out the details. Plakos said DWP Plakos of DWP said the department line habitat. Currently, the City has that. Still, the habitat may change.” probably will not begin installation of has acknowledged the historical rift allowed shallow flooding to cover 30 The future layout of lakebed habitat the project for another couple years, and hopes to move forward in a col- square miles of the lakebed. Origi- may take the form of a range of shore- but that the mindful planning behind laborative way. nally, flooding was a dust mitigation line areas such as ponds, islands, its construction is a major step in the “I think that people are intrigued measure, but the byproduct has been open mudflats with no vegetation right direction. and interested, but also cautious,” a resurgence of birds to the area. and some with emergent vegetation, “The world can’t continue the way Plakos said. “The City has done a lot Mike Prather of Audubon said water Prather said. The aim would be to it’s going,” Plakos said. “Things need of stuff over the years—some good began pumping back into the lake concentrate a high amount of diversi- to change and we need to be looking and some not so good.” in 2001 and birds returned in larger ty within a smaller area, making more 50 years into the future for the best One major concern is how the numbers than expected. The lakebed room for solar panels. way for our kids and grandkids to project will affect the area’s wildlife became the largest nesting site for If all goes according to plan, the so- live.” FIDO OR THE ENVIRONMENT? Your favorite pal may be ruining your attempts at eco-friendliness

astern Sierrans love their pets, Robert and Brenda Vale has angered a Volkswagen Golf for a year, while two but has anyone ever thought pet owners who feel they are being hamsters equate to a plasma televi- Eabout what our beloved buddies singled out as troublemakers. sion and even the humble goldfish are doing to the environment? And if The Vales, specialists in sustainable burns energy equivalent to two mobile you have, would realizing that your living at Victoria University of Welling- telephones. pooch is less than eco-friendly make ton, analyzed popular brands of pet But Reha Huttin, president of you give him up for a more environ- food and calculated that a medium- France's 30 Million Friends animal mentally-sound hen? sized dog eats around 164 kilos (360 rights foundation says the human The following article is reprinted pounds) of meat and 95 kilos of cereal impact of eliminating pets would be with permission from the AFP and a year. equally devastating. discusses a study that came out at the Combine the land required to gener- "Pets are anti-depressants, they help end of last year, describing man’s best ate its food and a "medium" sized dog us cope with stress, they are good for friend as more harmful than an SUV. has an annual footprint of 0.84 hect- the elderly," Huttin told AFP. Read on and then comment at www. ares (2.07 acres) -- around twice the "Everyone should work out their thesheetnews.com. 0.41 hectares required by a 4x4 driving own environmental impact. I should 10,000 kilometres (6,200 miles) a year, be allowed to say that I walk instead of Polluting pets: The devastating including energy to build the car. using my car and that I don't eat meat, impact of man’s best friend To confirm the results, the New so why shouldn't I be allowed to have Scientist magazine asked John Barrett a little cat to alleviate my loneliness?" By: Isabelle Toussaint and at the Stockholm Environment Insti- Sylvie Comont, proud owner of Jurgen Hector tute in York, Britain, to calculate eco- seven cats and two dogs -- the envi- pawprints based on his own data. The ronmental equivalent of a small fleet PARIS (AFP) – Man's best friend could results were essentially the same. of cars -- says defiantly, "Our animals be one of the environment's worst "Owning a dog really is quite an give us so much that I don't feel like a enemies, according to a new study extravagance, mainly because of the polluter at all. which says the carbon pawprint of a carbon footprint of meat," Barrett "I think the love we have for our pet dog is more than double that of a said. animals and what they contribute to gas-guzzling sports utility vehicle. Other animals aren't much better for our lives outweighs the environmental But the revelation in the book "Time the environment, the Vales say. considerations. to Eat the Dog: The Real Guide to Cats have an eco-footprint of about Sustainable Living" by New Zealanders 0.15 hectares, slightly less than driving see FIDO, page 12 ABUNDANT WATER, BUT IN FACT ONLY ONE PERCENT OF ALL WATER ON ->

10 I THE GREEN SHEET I SPRING 2010 DON’T INSULATE YOURSELF FROM SAVINGS Buildings consume 40 percent of our nation’s energy resources

prevent moisture from entering walls in New Hampshire, a number in the to reduce conditions that can lead Eastern Sierra, as well as a few more to mold growth. By blocking gaps builders in the United States have and holes, you will have a first line of begun to comply with long-standing defense against the insects, rodents building codes that require sealing and other pests that can cause health of joints in the thermal envelope. problems for your family. Building officials will be next There are other options that claim and will enforce these air leakage comparable levels of performance requirements. but they are more expensive, the The energy code, best insulation jobsite has to be quarantined, and practices and best available the installers have to essentially wear insulation materials have all become a hazmat suit. greener and more efficient. Similar Local winds, snow loads, settling to gun laws here we have a need to and even earthquakes cause our enforce existing law [code requiring homes to move. Without durable, gaskets to address air leakage] more flexible insulation and air sealing, then anything else. There is little cracking and leakage occurs. R-49 doubt that the Eastern Sierra will take in 12-inch rafters as well as R-24 in a lead. We have a great opportunity to 6-inch stud walls can be achieved. dramatically reduce energy use today The letter “R” refers to the for new homes being built and in the resistance to heat flow, and the existing 80 million under-insulated higher the R the greater the U.S. homes. insulation. The 49 and 24 values are If you already own a home, through PHOTO COURTESY OWENS CORNING FIBERGLAS the maximum industry standard for the end of 2010, homeowners are First step: install a flexible, durable seal to critical areas. rafters and walls, respectively. The also eligible for a 30 percent tax approximate cost of R-24 insulation credit on the cost of the system for By Ed Cesnalis is 74 cents/sq.ft. and R-49 in the a maximum credit of $1,500 under rafters is $1.30/sq.ft. the American Reinvestment and ven well-insulated homes occurs. The sealant reduces air Despite major strides in energy Recovery Act of 2009. To find out how lose energy from air that infiltration by up to 70 percent, efficiency, the number one user of to take advantage of the Federal Tax Einfiltrates through cracks and won’t deteriorate and will maintain energy in the U.S. continues to be Credit for existing homes, visit www. crevices that naturally occur in most the seal throughout the life of the buildings, which consume 40 percent insulationtaxcredit.com. structures. In the past, builders have home. Twenty minutes later, the crew of our nation’s energy resources — not been aware of thermal bypass then adds insulation for thermal more energy than industry and more Ed Cesnalis is the owner and issues, so these problems were not protection. than transportation. president of Mammoth Lakes addressed during construction. In When used in a whole-home A builder in Arizona, a few more Insulation. fact, most builders are not addressing application, homeowners who them now. choose to air seal and insulate with Air sealing, combined with the EnergyComplete system can sufficient insulation, greatly save up to one-third on their heating enhances a home’s energy and cooling costs as compared to a savings, comfort and efficiency, home that only meets the minimum and Mammoth Lakes Insulation insulation requirements. is the first in the Eastern Sierra The U.S. Department of Energy to offer the Owens Corning™ estimates that space heating and EnergyComplete™ system (www. cooling accounts for almost half of energycompletehomes.com). a home’s total energy use. A large At Mammoth Lakes Insulation we source of a home’s heat loss or use a two-part system. First we apply gain, and resulting energy waste, is an expandable foam-based sealant to from air leakage or air infiltration. fill in joints and openings in critical In fact, according to the North areas where air leakage commonly American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA), air infiltration through a home can account for as much as 35 percent of the home’s energy use. A home with sufficient air sealing and insulation is quieter, PHOTO: STEVE JETER more comfortable and healthier. Second step: install R-49 manufactured in place fiberglass batts in roof, R-24 in The sealant portion of the walls. EnergyComplete system helps THE PLANET IS AVAILABLE FOR HUMANS: SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE. KEEP ->

THE GREEN SHEET I SPRING 2010 I 11 Make it ease-ier on yourself ... and the Sierra Get paid not to develop. ESLT will show you how.

By Lunch

ne thing I love about the East- said ESLT’s attention has also turned ern Sierra is that the vistas are to donated easements, which can still Ogenerally uncluttered, and if garner qualifying tax benefits. they are cluttered, they’re cluttered by Ferrell-Ingram grew up in Bishop livestock, not buildings. and is a “native plant restorationist” Credit the Eastern Sierra Land Trust by trade. “A few years after I got out (ESLT) with trying to keep it that way. of college, I discovered I was a plant ESLT, founded in 2001, is one of this freak,” she says. country’s approximately 1,900 non- She even married a botanist. profit, public benefit land trusts. A founding ESLT Board member, The goal of ESLT is to help preserve Ferrell-Ingram ultimately began important rural lands in a variety of working for ESLT and rose through ways, often through the facilitation/ the ranks of the organization. She purchase of conservation easements. succeeded Julie Bear as Exec. Director In its nine years of existence, ESLT about 18 months ago. has completed 11 projects. “My passion for this work is based As ESLT’s Executive Director Karen upon being raised here,” she said. Ferrell-Ingram explained, easements If you’d like to get involved in help- are a way of extracting some of the ing ESLT, call 760.873.4554 or log monetary value out of a property onto www.eslt.org. ESLT produces without having to sell it, subdivide it and participates in numerous events or change its use. PHOTO: STEPHEN INGRAM whose goal is to “connect people with For example, say you’ve got a prop- View of the White Mountains from the Benton Hot Springs Ranch conservation teh special lands we have here [in the erty that has been in a family for a easement. Eastern Sierra].” long time and the property owner has several heirs. based upon an appraisal process. easement for Centennial Ranch in The property owner may wish to Ferrell-Ingram said it usually works the Bridgeport Valley (owned by leave the property to his/her heirs, out to between 40-60% of the fee title John Lacey). A 7,000-acre easement but may not be so keen on the pros- value of the property. was arranged back in 2001 with the pect of the kids, sometime in the fu- Every easement is different, she California Rangeland Trust, but Lacey ture, possibly getting into internecine said. In the case of Montgomery has acquired 720 acres since that time quarrels or financial difficulty and Creek Ranch, an 818-acre property which he will also place into a conser- selling it off to a developer. owned by the Doonan family in Ben- vation easement. Ferrell-Ingram said Instead, ESLT can craft an ease- ton Valley, an easement was arranged that about one-third of the money ment which buys off the develop- which did allow for the construc- has been raised to facilitate the trans- ment rights, but otherwise leaves the tion of two future home sites for the action. ownership rights intact. children. With the economy in the tank and The value of an easement is reached ESLT is currently working on an grant funds drying up, Ferrell-Ingram FIDO continued from page 10 “I don’t want a life without animals,” than doggy doo -- owners who flush in wildlife-rich areas and keeping she told AFP. their litter down the toilet ultimately your cat indoors at night when it has And pets’ environmental impact is infect sea otters and other animals a particular thirst for other, smaller not limited to their carbon footprint, with toxoplasma gondii, which causes animals’ blood. as cats and dogs devastate wildlife, a killer brain disease. As with buying a car, humans are spread disease and pollute waterways, But despite the apocalyptic visions also encouraged to take the environ- the Vales say. of domesticated animals’ environmental impact of their future posses- With a total 7.7 million cats in mental impact, solutions exist, includ- sion/companion into account. Britain, more than 188 million wild ing reducing pets’ protein-rich meat But the best way of compensating animals are hunted, killed and eaten intake. for that paw or clawprint is to make by feline predators per year, or an “If pussy is scoffing ‘Fancy Feast’ sure your animal is dual purpose, the average 25 birds, mammals and frogs -- or some other food made from Vales urge. Get a hen, which offsets per cat, according to figures in the choice cuts of meat -- then the rela- its impact by laying edible eggs, or a New Scientist. tive impact is likely to be high,” said rabbit, prepared to make the ultimate Likewise, dogs decrease biodiversity Robert Vale. environmental sacrifice by ending up in areas they are walked, while their “If, on the other hand, the cat is fed on the dinner table. faeces cause high bacterial levels in on fish heads and other leftovers from “Rabbits are good, provided you eat rivers and streams, making the water the fishmonger, the impact will be them,” said Robert Vale. unsafe to drink, starving waterways of lower.” oxygen and killing aquatic life. Other potential positive steps Copyright © 2009 Agence France And cat poo can be even more toxic include avoiding walking your dog Presse JUST BELONGINGS YOU USE AND ENJOY REGULARLY. YOU WILL -> 12 I THE GREEN SHEET I SPRING 2010 FEED-IN continued from page 1 “GREEN”-TERTAINMENT generators in California. solar customers and will maybe get “As I understand it, this will only customers with smaller, more mod- pay 15-17 cents a KWh [kilowatt hour] est systems to expand to offset their IT’S THE END OF THE WORLD and has restricted capacity [California usage completely.” utilities would buy power from solar- Chase added that with the cost of AS WE KNOW IT ... NOT! panel generators of 1.5-3.0 megawatts solar panels falling and a multitude of By Wiggins in size, according to the article],” available rebates, there’s never been a Phelps said. “That’s only marginally better time to install solar. The world as we know it is com- date was moved back to December 2012 ing to an end,” said Danny Glover, and linked to the end of one of the cycles more than current rates. In Europe, “In the last year we saw a 30 cent playing the President of the United in the ancient Mayan calendar at the it’s a multiple of rates.” decline in the rebate amount per “ States in director Roland Emmerich’s winter solstice on Dec. 21, 2012. As for Another problem, according Phelps, watt, but we also saw an average disaster epic, “2012.” Not the kind of the Mayan calendar, it does not cease to is that even though FITs in the U.S. 70 cents a watt drop in solar panel message you want to send in an elec- exist on that date. It’s actually the end of would provide good benefits, ev- prices,” he pointed out. “One could tion year, but somehow approval ratings a Mayan long-count period, and just as eryone would end up paying more argue that the incentive is getting bet- don’t mean much when you’re facing our calendar starts a new year on Janu- whether they participated or not. In ter with less expensive solar panels.” “destabilization” of the Earth’s crust. ary 1, another long-count period begins order to compensate one installer, Another issue to think about when “2012” is but the latest in a series of for the Mayan calendar. everyone pays more. discussing solar in the Eastern Sierra, big-screen planet pummelings from Planetary alignments look really TJ Chase of local company Sierra according to Phelps, is transmission. Emmerich, who’s tried to rub us out with ominous in the movies, but in actual Solar had a different outlook on the Even if everyone agreed on the rate aliens in “Independence Day,” a clas- fact, NASA says there are none upcom- feed-in tariffs. increases, transmission lines would sic monster in “Godzilla” and climate ing in the next few decades. Earth will The new feed-in-tariff program have to be put somewhere in order to change in “The Day After Tomorrow,” not cross the galactic plane in 2012, and signed into law in October will be a get the power out of the area and to which showed what can happen when even if an alignment were to occur, its win/win for those who install solar the utility companies. The unsightli- Hollywood’s interpretation of global effects on the Earth would be negligible. systems large enough to have positive ness of these overhead lines would warming is taken to extremes. Each December the Earth and sun align annual power generation, Chase said. have to be taken into consideration. The so-called intelligentsia has with the center of the Milky Way gal- “The key is to produce more than Overall the FIT system, and general recently suggested a link between axy, an event of no consequence, NASA you use. If that is the case the utility solar implementation in California, is global warming and earthquakes and maintains. companies will be required to pay still growing and changing. According volcanoes. Even the fairly conservative Some disaster websites purport a you an established market rate for the to the www.marketwatch.com article, Wall Street Journal published a story on relationship between the rotation of the excess power you produce,” he said. the California Public Utilities Com- how climate change MAY play a part in Earth and its magnetic poles, with rever- “This is different from the past where mission is also working on its own what’s happening far beneath our feet. sals taking place every 400,000 years. As Of course, bear in mind this same intel- far as NASA can tell, such reversals do at the end of the year, if you were a ideas related to FITs, which include ligentsia has been wrong before, giving happen, but don’t do any harm. A polar- positive power producer your account requiring the state’s three large utili- us huge historical flops such as the Earth ity shift is, however, unlikely to happen was zeroed out and you didn’t owe ties, owned by PG&E Corp., Edison is flat, we’re heading for another ice age in the next few millennia, and in any anything except for some minimal International, and Sempra Energy, and the Y2K computer meltdown. case, NASA flatly states that a reversal of taxes.” “to collectively buy 1,000 megawatts Okay, so the science may be lacking at the Earth’s rotation is simply impossible. The downside was that any extra (MW) of power from solar-panel gen- the moment, but the very notion is too Academician Charles Hapgood did power produced got zeroed out, too. erators sized between 1 MW and 20 good to pass up. No wonder Tinseltown write about “Earth Crust Destabiliza- “I have seen some preliminary MW over four years through ‘reverse co-opted the concept for “2012,” spicing tion” in 1958. He speculated that ice at pricing structures and it’s pretty ap- auctions’ in which they would pick it up with some pseudo space science one or both poles could affect the Earth’s pealing. You will essentially be reim- the projects with the lowest bids to and spooky-sounding legend. rotational balance, causing slippage of bursed the most when you produce meet their requirements. The agency Emmerich is one of this generation’s the outer crust around its core, but was power during peak use periods (9 was still reviewing proposals for the “masters of disaster,” arguably a worthy never able to explain how such an event a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday). This program at the time the article was successor to Irwin Allen, who devas- could occur. type of program is sure to attract new written. tated 70’s audiences with “The Towering Solar flares peak about every 11 years Inferno” and “The Poseidon Adventure.” and can cause some interruption of And “2012” is textbook movie spectacle. satellite communications, although Predicated on a supposed end of the engineers are getting better at protect- world forecast by the Mayan calendar to ing electronics from most solar storms. occur on 12-21-12, the film’s jaw-drop- Another peak is set to occur sometime ping special effects and non-stop action during 2012-2014, but NASA predicts it require some suspension of disbelief to be fairly typical. Sorry, folks, no “mu- as Los Angeles crumbles, Yellowstone tant neutrinos”this time around. erupts, Hawaii burns and Washington That said, the end of the world never D.C. is wiped out by a tsunami, one right looked so good. My advice: make a big after another. bowl of popcorn and don’t take the “sci- On the other hand, the “science” is set ence” too seriously. After all, it’s Hol- up so seemingly plausible you may just lywood, and as Hitchcock was fond of (as I did) wonder how much is actually pointing out, “It’s only a movie!” true. Well, to save you a lot of Google You can rent “2012” at Take 2 Video in searching, I checked with some of my the Rite-Aid/Do-It Center plaza. pals at the National Aeronautics and William Wiggins is an entertainment Space Administration (NASA) to sepa- journalist from Los Angeles who’s rate fact from fiction. obsessed with recycling and proofs all his According to NASA, a planet suppos- columns electronically. No trees were used edly discovered by the Sumerians was in the writing of this article, but a few to collide with Earth in May 2003, but electrons may have been inconvenienced. PHOTO COURTESY SPG SOLAR when that didn’t happen, the doomsday NATURALLY PURCHASE LESS AND CREATE LESS WASTE: -> THE GREEN SHEET I SPRING 2010 I 13

LIVING GREEN WITH TAMMY HOOPER milestones along the green highway By Hooper he transition from lack of animals, and habitats. The Clean Air the event drew attention to how the growing consumer awareness of our environmental consciousness Act and Clean Water Act were also Earth is a closed system that all of challenged environment, the current Tto green knowledge for some is enacted in 1970 and 1972 respectively. life depends upon. The Biosphere 2 demand on natural resources cannot like flipping a switch (off). This new Recycling programs began in some experiment, however, was considered be ignored. What can your household paradigm has led us to wonder how, U.S. communities in response to a a scientific failure, as the sphere failed do? Conservation of a natural resource when and where the green movement trash glut as consumption increased. to maintain sustainable oxygen levels. begins with responsiveness and began. The year 2008 may have been The ecology movement of the 1970s In Kyoto, Japan, U.N. delegates adopt education. Consider a good starting the tipping point in the United States set the bar for the green movement a landmark agreement to reduce point to be estimating what your for awareness of green, but the history of today, emphasizing responsible global emissions of greenhouse gases. household’s energy needs really of environmental alertness is quite consumption and the protection of The Kyoto Protocol created the goals are. By being aware of your energy long. open land. and mechanisms for measuring and consumption you can compare it to 1950s – The Hubbert Curve. In 1980s – Green Party and Ozone capping the amount of greenhouse what your carbon footprint would 1957, a geologist working for the Shell Holes. The first Green Party forms in gas produced by nations. The most conservatively require and therefore Oil Company predicted the existing Western governments in Germany notable non-party to the Protocol is reduce your impact on this planet. fossil fuel reserves would be depleted (Die Grunen, “The Greens”). In the United States, which signed the You can find the definition of carbon rapidly once demand escalated. 1985, scientists discovered an Protocol but never ratified it. footprint and calculate the carbon Projected peak time was early 2000s. ozone hole over the Antarctic. This 2000s – Climate Change and footprint for your home at these 1960s – Silent Spring. Author, starts a worldwide drive to limit Gas Prices. In 2007, former Vice web sites: www.earthlab.com; www. Rachel Carson’s “Silent Spring” production of ozone-destroying President Al Gore, who produced “An conservation.org; www.carbonfund.org (1962) is credited with starting the chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). U.S. Inconvenient Truth,” won the Nobel Tammy Hooper is an eco-broker and environmental movement in the legislation arises to ban or limit the Peace Prize (and an Oscar). The plight licensed sales associate with Resort United States. use of CFCs in an effort to reduce the of polar bears from melting ice sheets Property Realty, Inc. Look for her 1970s – Ecology Awakening. In threat to the ozone layer in the Earth’s in the arctic became a rallying point column, “Living Green with Tammy 1971, Greenpeace was created to atmosphere. for green advocacy, and the gas-price Hooper,” regularly in “The Green Sheet.” protest nuclear testing off the Alaskan 1990s – Biospherians and Kyoto tipping point of 2008 made the world E-mail her at tammy@rockstarreal- coastline. The Endangered Species Act Protocol. The 1992 Biosphere 2 unable to ignore changes that may estate.com and visit www.rockstarreal- of 1973 was landmark U.S. legislation experiment was a publicity success. need to come. estate.com. to protect endangered plant life, Creating an enclosed environment, So where are we today? Despite the ISO 14001: TO BE OR NOT TO BE? The environmental policy debate over mandatory regulations By Rebecca Paranick-Poiset, Mammoth Mountain Ski Area s the Director of Govern- profits and minimizing losses. nies in all industries across the globe local resource constraints to name ment Relations and Environ- The International Organization the same? And even if one argues just a few. Amental Affairs at Mammoth for Standardization (ISO) 14001 was they are, is applying the same broad As one knowledgeable member of Mountain, one of my tasks has been more or less created to do just that. international environmental policy the Mammoth Mountain Team so to achieve the company’s goal of The organization’s principal activ- and regulation the most effective eloquently wrote “ski resorts rely on increasing public awareness of the ity is the development of standards way to make any one business act the quality of the environments in things that Mammoth Mountain is based on international consensus more sustainable in its pursuit of which they operate to attract cus- already doing in the realm of envi- that provide practical solutions profit? An age old policy debate and tomers, and a stable environment ronmental sustainability. Hence the for sectors of business, industry, for the most part one finds in devel- in which to operate that will provide “Think White Act Green” ad cam- technology, management, and the oped countries that as the pendulum consistent weather for consistent paign that you have found on the environment. ISO 14001 is primar- swings toward the pursuit of profit, natural and man-made snow.” back of this publication’s last three ily concerned with environmental the counter action is increased regu- At Mammoth Mountain, we are issues. management, meaning what the lation. Are we there yet? creating a long range strategic plan A second task has been to achieve company does to minimize harmful The ISO 14001 is not mandatory in and sustainability report that focuses the goal of creating a long range effects on the environment caused the United States, but should it be? on five key strategies or focus areas: environmental strategic plan and by its activities. Certification is avail- I argue no. The goals that create a climate and energy conservation, sustainability report benchmark- able to businesses indicating that strong environmental strategic plan water conservation, waste minimiza- ing what the company is doing, companies are conforming to the should be tailored to each business tion, healthy forest and ecosystems, and tracking its success in meet- generic requirements under ISO while learning from the breadth of and education and action. Each ing clearly defined environmental 14001, and environmental audits by industry knowledge and Best Man- strategy has unique opportunities to goals over time. Business 101 you third parties are available to ensure agement Practices. For instance, one tailor targets and leverage resources say, but where do the goals come environmental management systems must take into account the vari- through attainable daily tasks so that from? Business Policy? Public Policy? are properly implemented and main- ability of factors such as industry, Mammoth Mountain can continue to Environmental Policy? It is clearly tained. Voila! location, ownership, governance attract customers and work toward not as straightforward as maximizing Not a bad idea, but are all compa- structure, stakeholder relations, and greater environmental sustainability. SAVE MONEY, SAVE ENERGY, BUY GREEN AND SHOP LOCAL ... THE GREEN SHEET I SPRING 2010 I 15