2009-04-CCN by La Montanita Coop

april 2009

c onnec tion

free

20TH

ANNUAL

EARTH

CELEBRATE THE

FESTIVAL!

blocks on Silver Street between Carlisle and Tulane behind the Nob Hill Shopping Center.

April 26 Sunday, April 26th 10am-6pm 3500 Central Ave. SE • Nob Hill Co-op, Albuquerque or 20 years La Montanita Co-op has hosted our homage to the original 1970 Earth Day, the annual Celebrate the Earth Fest. This community festival began the first year we moved into our Nob Hill location in 1989 with a few organizations scattered around the “U” shaped front of the Nob Hill Shopping Center. Over the years, the event has grown substantially. Last year Silver Street between Carlisle and Tulane filled with over 125 tables from non-profit organizations, farmers, agricultural organizations and fine local artists.

Over the years the festival hosted the state’s first GMO TeachIn; provided workshops on food irradiation, the endocrinedisrupting effects of agricultural chemicals and their public health effects; hosted the Common Ground Summit that brought together The Wild Farm Alliance, local farmers and environmentalists to work on water and land use issues; led a discussion on climate change with speakers trained by Al Gore, utilizing his original Inconvenient Truth slide show and so much more. 20th Anniversary Special Events This year, to celebrate 20 years of community environmental education and action, we are honored to have as our co-sponsor our closest neighbor to the east, Immanuel Presbyterian Church. Immanuel has offered their Fellowship Hall, so we can host a variety of 20th Earth Fest special events. See details on these events, including a Transition Town Training, a GMO Teach-in, a children’s bike safety rodeo and more on page 2. La Montanita is honored to be able to host this spring community gathering! Again this year the festival will cover two

EARTH DAY IN SANTA FE Turn OFF TV, Turn ON LIFE Wednesday, April 22, 4-7pm AT THE SANTA FE CO-OP

The Santa Fe Co-op is pleased to be participating in Turn Off TV Week again this year. Each year Turn Off TV Week is sponsored by the Santa Fe Public Schools’ Office of Student Wellness and the Santa Fe TV Turn Off Committee. The Co-op will offer a free, healthy pizza party to honor all the elementary school children throughout the public school system who participated in the project and turned off their TVs for one whole week. We also welcome other children of all ages in the hopes of inspiring more of us to TURN OFF TV and TURN ON LIFE. Since this year’s TURN OFF TV, TURN ON LIFE event falls on Earth Day, joining the fun for youth environmental education will be the Sierra Club, Roots and Shoots, New Energy Economy, the Santa Fe Sustainable Commission’s Earth Care Youth Allies and others. There will also be an art-button-making area cosponsored by Apollo Art Studios. Don’t miss performances by the wonderful Loren Kahn Puppet Theater and Mariachi Differencia, the Santa Fe Youth Jazz Ensemble and the spirited fiddle playing of Meredith Mason. Local community organizations and children related businesses are all welcome to participate. To reserve your FREE space contact Robin at 877775-2667 or e-mail her at robins@lamontanita.coop.

Information, Education and Action As always you can expect an inspiring day filled with information, education and action booths from dozens of environmental, social and economic justice organizations from around the state. Meet local farmers and get seedlings for our “victory” gardens, drought resistant plants and beautiful art from fine local artists and crafts people. And of course you’ll get to eat great Co-op food. We are looking forward to having groups as diverse as Hawkwatch, Bethany Organic Farm, New Mexico Solar Energy Association, Amigos Bravos, New Mexico Wilderness Alliance, Citizens for Alternatives to Radioactive Dumping, Agua es Vida Action Team, Bountifuel Coop, Animal Protection of New Mexico, University of New Mexico Sustainability Department, New Mexico Organic Commodity Commission, Roots and Shoots, Bike ABQ, The Los Alamos Study Group, New Energy Economy, to name but a few of the many wonderful organizations confirmed at press time. Bike or Hike Once again we are honored to be working with Bike Albuquerque, the City of Albuquerque’s bicycle program and the Albuquerque Police Department on a wide variety of bike safety and education activities. Thanks to Commander Conrad, of the Southeast Sub Station, you can get to know our southeast area bike officers. Also thanks to the City of Albuquerque’s Chuck Malagodi and Astrid Webster for their help on all things bicycle! See page 2 for details.

other related issues. We at the Co-op firmly believe that with the same cooperative spirit that makes Celebrate the Earth Festival the beloved community event that it has become, we can and will overcome the challenges we face. We're hoping for a beautiful day so we can once again celebrate Mother Earth's blessing and reaffirm our commitment to restoring and sustaining our blue/green planetary gem. The street fills up quickly and we give first priority to environmental and justice organizations and farmers and farming organizations. For more info or to reserve your free booth space, please contact Robin at 217-2027, or toll free at 877775-2667, or at robins@lamontanita.coop. Join your friends and neighbors as we educate ourselves for positive action and paradigm shift and joyously dance in the streets at Albuquerque's favorite spring gathering.

Earth Fest Entertainment Schedule 10am: Red Road Crossing 11am: Three String Bale 12pm: Alma Flamenca 12:45pm: Dos Equis 1:30pm: Baile Baile Dance Company 2pm: Felix y los Gatos 3pm: Soul Kitchen w/ Chris Dracup/Hillary Smith 4pm: Wagogo 4:45pm: Earth Fest All Star Jam Band

A Community of Artists You can count on seeing some of our community’s fine local artists and crafts persons, hearing some of your favorite musicians and thrilling performances from our gifted local performers. We are honored to have some festival favorites returning. For more information on the FREE perfomances, see the full entertainment schedule on this page.

10am-3pm

Given our environmental and economic challenges, this year, the 20th anniversary of the Celebrate the Earth Festival has a special significance. We have much work to do on climate chaos, renewable clean energy, water quality and conservation, food self sufficiency and so many

2400 Rio Grande Blvd. NW Don’t miss this fun and educational family event. Get your seeds, veggie and flower starts, green garlic, tree pruning education and other gardening info and supplies. Sit at an umbrella-shaded table and enjoy free local music, Co-op food, friends and more. More info call 217-2027.

April4

garden PARTY

Earth Fest 20th Anniversary Special Event! Celebrating 20 years of Community Music and Dance: THE EARTH FEST ALL STAR JAM BAND ur Earth Day Celebration wouldn’t have grown to the community event that it is without the support of many gifted performing artists and fine musicians in our community.

Over the years the festival has been pleased to host some of the area’s most amazing bands, including Bonnie and the Boomerangs, The Ramblers, The Adobe Brothers, Animal Opera, the Broadway Elks, Thunderama, Wagogo, Chris Dracup Band, Stove and Jasper, to name but a few. At Earth Fest events we have been treated to a smorgasbord of musical genres with revolving bandmates. Terry Bluhm has a long association with the Coop Earth Fest both as a musician and sound technician. This year he put together the EARTH FEST ALL STAR JAM BAND that will feature the musicians and music of many of the bands who’ve played the Co-op Earth Fest over it’s first 20 years. A very special thanks to Terry Bluhm. In the early Earth Fest days there was no stage and no sound system; some of our musician friends just came and played. As the festival grew, we

needed a sound system. Andres Martinez, one of the finest sound technicians in the state, has provided excellent technical/sound support for the festival for over a decade. He ensures that all our wonderful performers sound great and are enjoyed over the hubbub of the thousands of festival goers each year. And he does this without disturbing our Nob Hill residential neighbors! Bravo and a very special thanks to Andres. A FLAMENCO DIVA No recognition of the gifts of our local artists would be complete without recognizing Eva EnciniasSandoval of the Flamenco Institute, a New Mexican cultural icon. It has been my great pleasure to watch her raise the next generation of Flamenco dancers. Alma Flamenca and Alma Flamenca de los Ninos have performed at the Earth Fest for over a decade, and it has been an honor to get to know Eva and work with the fabulous arts organization she has created. Brava, Eva! My deepest thanks. To all of you who have graced our stage in the past, and who we hope will continue to do so in the future, my most sincere thanks. Over the years you have put up with the many challenges our Earth Fest site presents (no parking, makeshift dressing rooms, no real back stage area, etc.) with the highest degree of professionalism and cooperation. To you all, my deepest appreciation for sharing your talent and ongoing help in making the Co-op Earth Fest so much fun and such a success year after year! -ROBIN SEYDEL

earth fest ‘09 A Community - Owned Natural Foods Grocery Store La Montanita Cooperative Nob Hill/ 7am-10pm M-S, 8am-10pm Sun. 3500 Central SE Albuq., NM 87106 265-4631 Valley/ 7am-10pm M-Sun. 2400 Rio Grande Blvd. NW Albuq., NM 87104 242-8800 Gallup/ 10am-7pm M-S, 11am-6pm Sun. 105 E. Coal Gallup, NM 87301 863-5383 Santa Fe/ 7am-10pm M-S, 8am-10pm Sun. 913 West Alameda Santa Fe, NM 87501 984-2852 Cooperative Distribution Center 3361 Columbia NE, Albuq., NM 87107 217-2010 Administrative Staff: 505-217-2001 TOLL FREE: 877-775-2667 (COOP) • General Manager/Terry Bowling 217-2020 terryb@lamontanita.coop • Controller/John Heckes 217-2026 johnh@lamontanita.coop • Computers/Info Technology/ David Varela 217-2011 tech@lamontanita.coop • Food Service/Bob Tero 217-2028 bobt@lamontanita.coop • Human Resources/Sharret Rose 217-2023 hr@lamontanita.coop • Marketing/Edite Cates 217-2024 editec@lamontanita.coop • Membership/Robin Seydel 217-2027 robins@lamontanita.coop • CDC/MichelleFranklin 217-2010 mf@lamontanita.coop Store Team Leaders: • Mark Lane/Nob Hill 265-4631 markl@lamontanita.coop • John Mulle/Valley 242-8800 jm@lamontanita.coop • William Prokopiack/Santa Fe 984-2852 willpro@lamontanita.coop • Alisha Olguin/Gallup 575-863-5383 alishao@lamontanita.coop Co-op Board of Directors: email: bod@lamontanita.coop President: Martha Whitman Vice President: Marshall Kovitz Secretary: Ariana Marchello Treasurer: Ken O’Brien William Bright Lonn Calanca Stephanie Dobbie Tamara Saimons Betsy Van Liet Membership Costs: $15 for 1 year/$200 Lifetime Membership Co-op Connection Staff: Managing Editor: Robin Seydel robins@lamontanita.coop Layout and Design: foxyrock inc Cover/Centerfold: Co-op Marketing Dept. Advertising: Robin Seydel Editorial Assistant: Kristin White kristinw@lamontanita.coop 217-2016 Printing: Vanguard Press Membership information is available at all four Co-op locations, or call 217-2027 or 877-775-2667 email: robins@lamontanita.coop Membership response to the newsletter is appreciated. Address typed, double-spaced copy to the Managing Editor, robins@lamontanita.coop website: www.lamontanita.coop Copyright © 2009 La Montanita Co-op Supermarket Reprints by prior permission. The Co-op Connection is printed on 65% postconsumer recycled paper. It is recyclable.

CO-OP

YOU OWN IT 2

20TH

ANNUAL EARTH FEST

SPECIALEVENTS! FREE Transition Town Mini Training

11am-1pm: Immanuel Presbyterian Church, Fellowship Hall Come to La Montanita’s 20th Annual Celebrate the Earth Fest on Silver Street behind the Nob Hill Co-op and get inspired by the Transition Town Movement! Enjoy a FREE 2-hour mini training in Immanuel Presbyterian Church’s Fellowship Hall from 11am to 1pm on Sunday, April 26th. We are honored to have Immanuel Church as one of our partners for the Celebrate the Earth Festivities. Immanuel is located across from the Nob Hill Shopping Center at Carlisle and Silver. This free mini training will introduce some of the topics to be covered more fully at a “Training for Transition” being planned for Albuquerque at the end of May.

The Celebrate the Earth Fest mini training preview will explore: raising awareness about peak oil; addressing the challenges of climate change; understanding the psychology of change; and deciding how best to take action. Trainers Maggie Seeley and Zaida Amaral have been training with members of the national and international Transition Town movement. Don’t miss this fun, FREE education on how we Transition to a more sustainable future. This special event is co-sponsored by Transition Town New Mexico, Immanuel Presbyterian Church and La Montanita Co-op.

FREE GMO Teach-In 10:30am: In the Tent on the West End of the Festival Site From the earliest days of the commercialization of genetically modified ingredients, the Co-op has been an activist organization working to educate our community and protect food safety, public health and our family farmers in relation to genetically engineered food. Over the years we have offered several Earth Fest Teach-ins on genetically modified organisms (GMOs). This year, with the push to genetically modify green chile, we are once again facing threats to one of our most culturally and economically sensitive crops.

In order to scale up our education on this issue, this year La Montanita Co-op is pleased to be co-sponsoring with Cuatro Portes, another GMO Teach-in. We are pleased to welcome Dr Charles Martin, sustainable agriculture researcher with the Alcalde Research Center; Emigdio Ballon, head of the Tesuque Pueblo’s Agricultural project; members of the Cuatro Portes/GMO Collaborative; and other speakers not confirmed at press time, to lead us in a discussion of this most important issue.

FREE Better by Degrees: Cycling for a Calmer Climate 10am-1:30pm: In the Tent on the West End of the Festival Site As in years past, La Montanita, the City of Albuquerque and BikeABQ are teaming up to celebrate Earth Day, the other mother’s day. Drop in as we learn the joys of riding, making highways and byways safe for the journey, doing all you can do and seeing all you can see, from the great vantage point of a bike. Einstein called it the most efficient of inventions. You can use it to build one of the best bodies. Join us, as Congressman Earl Blumenauer said, as we “convert from a carbon to a carbohydrate fuel economy” and you’ll find ways to save gas, burn calories and have fun along the way. Bring your children to our Bike Rodeo, a cycling safely experience for the young, between 10am and 1:30pm. Drive your bike to Earth Day, visit BikeABQ's information table, meet League of American Bicyclists’ instructors, both new and old, and receive a free Albuquerque bike map. We promise that you’ll enjoy yourself, learn something and breathe a little easier. If you can't make it and want to learn Traffic Skills 101, call Chuck Malagodi at 768BIKE. Classes will be held in April and in June.

FREE Eating: Getting Healthy, Going Beyond the Standard American Diet 2-3:15pm: Immanuel Presbyterian Church, Fellowship Hall View a half-hour clip of the powerful video “Eating” that looks at the links between our food and our health. Then participate in a spirited discussion facilitated by Jess Alford. When Alford, an award winning designer, photographer and Wild Earth Guardians Board of Directors member, found out he had cancer, he carefully researched all his options, studied macrobiotics, changed his diet and lifestyle and is now totally cancer free. A food, health and environmental activist, he inspires with his passion for good health though delicious eating.

FREE Sierra Club’s Home Energy Efficiency Workshop: The Low Carbon Diet 2-4pm: In the Tent on the West End of the Festival Site The Sierra Club will be offering a FREE home energy efficiency workshop under the tent on the west end of the Co-op Earth Fest. This workshop is in conjunction with their Cool Cities: Low Carbon Diet program. The aim is to empower households with detailed information about all the ways they can use less energy and use energy more efficiently. Check out their presentation on home efficiency, learn how you can become a leader in home energy efficiency or get financial aid to upgrade your home’s energy efficiency at the 20th Anniversary Co-op Earth Fest.

Restoring Acequia Liquidity: A VILLAGE

RESOURCE MODEL PETER COOKE a Cienega (the Wetlands) is a special region in Santa Fe County and the seat of the Santa Fe water basin. Through this region runs the La Cienega Creek. The area’s petroglyphs are testimony to prehistoric use. Indeed the area is recognized and protected by a number of Federal and State agencies.

At its heart is the Capilla Ditch, also known as the Acequia del Molino and currently registered as the Acequia Capilla Watercourse Association. La Cienega Creek is the historic source for the Capilla Ditch. It is now dry at the most important time, during the growing season. This creek, like the canary in the coal mine, is the health indicator for the Santa Fe Basin. Now is the time to refurbish, enhance and develop the creek and the ditch. The Acequia Capilla Watercourse Association has also incorporated its own bank, the Capilla Ditch Exchange with registration on file. It is the goal of the Acequia Capilla Watercourse Association to build a new knowledge economy using a local anchor Bank, the Capilla Ditch

Exchange, for La Cienega and the Santa Fe Basin at large. The Capilla Ditch Exchange will base its strength on water and its uses. This local bank will acquire and organize land and water to coordinate a variety of uses and practices so as to establish an appropriate village community model for self-sufficiency and interact with its neighbors for the next several decades and well into the future. Presently, some water rights have been deposited into the Capilla Ditch Exchange Bank for protection. A half dozen growing plots have been designated for this year’s growing season. The search to identify types and sources of water is continuing. Other neighboring areas are in the process of being identified. Contacts with appropriate governmental agencies have been initiated to protect, refurbish and maintain parts of the watercourse by presenting a basic plan for the La Cienega region. The Capilla Ditch is at the very early stages of resurging. As such it needs: a web-forum for communication, organizing of both local and global participants and the involvement of innovative business entrepreneurs and smart investors able to tackle long-term infrastructure projects. And finally, this spring, participants are needed for direct involvement in gardening efforts. For more information contact Sammy Montoya or go to acequiacapilla ditch@yahoo.com or call 505-6709937 or 505-983-9356.

April 2009

earth fest ‘09 THE SIERRA CLUB’S COOL CITIES Advancing CLEAN ENERGY and Building a GREEN ECONOMY SHRAYAS JAKTAR fter decades of struggle and anguish, it feels like we are entering a transformational period in history. We have the opportunity to finally move beyond an economy that trashes workers, communities and the planet. Finally, a clear direction is emerging that can set free our imagination and ingenuity to build a just economy that honors the Earth. Here are some things we at the Sierra Club are doing to help rebuild, repower and refuel our communities. BY

Change a Light BULB… The latest estimates from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are sobering: global warming pollution continues to climb with each passing year and has grown by more than 15% from 1990 to 2007. It is noteworthy that “this trend was primarily due to increases in carbon dioxide associated with fuel and electricity consumption” (EPA, 3/4/09). Our Cool Cities campaigns in Albuquerque and Santa Fe have led a massive program to help New Mexicans use electrical energy more efficiently. We have distributed 100,000 compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) since October 2007; often in partnership with faith communities, elementary schools, apartment complexes and other community groups. This has helped 25,000 households save about $500,000 a year on their electricity bills, while preventing the equivalent of 40,000 tons of carbon dioxide from being emitted into our atmosphere; mercury emissions will fall by the equivalent of 550 grams. We would like to give special thanks to NM Interfaith Power & Light for taking the lead in distributing nearly half the CFLs to their member congregations. In Albuquerque, our Cool Cities volunteer leaders are developing the Low Carbon Diet program. The aim is to empower households with detailed information about all the ways they can use less energy and use energy more efficiently. We are looking for volunteers and participants to attend and/or host Low Carbon Diet gatherings. Everyone will receive a free copy of the Low Carbon Diet guidebook,

and small reimbursements for home improvement materials may be available to those in financial need. For more details, check out our presentation on home efficiency at the Co-op’s Earth Day event this year. Similar to the Low Carbon Diet program, Santa Fe Cool Cities volunteers have initiated a new program called CoolBiz to help businesses lower their carbon footprints. We’re looking for volunteers in Albuquerque to help us kick-start a CoolBiz program here. More details and resources are available on the CoolBiz website: http://www.rdcnm.org/coolbiz. Change your WORLD... Tackling climate change and building a clean energy economy are great undertakings. We must do more than simply change our individual, household or business’s actions and behavior. For this reason, our Cool Cities campaigns engage with city governments to implement the big clean energy solutions to global climate change. Over the past several months, the City of Albuquerque has convened a Climate Action Task Force to develop a comprehensive plan outlining how Albuquerque can do its part to help solve global warming. We will be working to ensure that the Climate Action Plan is a strong and bold plan and that it is, in fact, implemented. The emphasis in the economic recovery package on investments in clean energy and a green economy hopefully mean that these plans will actually be funded too.

Valley

Co-op

CAMPAIGN

We need a broad-based coalition working together to seize the climate and economic crises as opportunities to transform our society. With the right measures in place, tens of thousands of jobs can be created throughout New Mexico in “green” industries such as energy efficient building construction and retrofitting, manufacturing of solar/wind energy components, and installation of solar/wind energy systems and others. These kinds of “green” jobs are not automatically good jobs – indeed, recent reports suggest otherwise – but we can and must make them so.

Gallup

Please join us in this effort to build a just economy that honors the Earth. For more information or to inquire about volunteer opportunities, contact the Sierra Club at 505243-7767.

The Jane Goodall Institute’s ROOTS & SHOOTS PROGRAM EMILY D. MILLSTEIN oots creep underground everywhere and make a firm foundation. Shoots seem very weak, but to reach the light, they can break open brick walls. Imagine that the brick walls are all the problems we have inflicted on our planet. Hundreds of thousands of roots & shoots, hundreds of thousands of young people around the world, can break through these walls. We CAN change the world.” - DR. JANE GOODALL BY

“R

In 1991 Dr. Jane Goodall was first inspired to create the Roots & Shoots program while in Dares Salaam, Tanzania. A group of students came to her wanting to learn more about animal behavior and environmental concerns. Hoping to make a difference, the groups went back to their school determined to form clubs with like-minded young people and created what would become the first ever Roots & Shoots group. Eighteen years later the concept of Roots & Shoots as an environmental and humanitarian youth program has become a global initiative. The Roots & Shoots Program is now in 100 countries worldwide and is a network of more than 100,000 members. In light of Dr. Jane Goodall’s vision, Roots & Shoots aims to foster respect and compassion for all living things, to promote understanding of all cultures and beliefs and to inspire each individual to take action to make the world a better place. Around the world youth are making a difference through community service projects to help animals, the environment and people; identifying problems in their communities, brainstorming solutions and taking action. Just three years ago Roots & Shoots came to the southwestern United States. Already groups across Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah have grown to include over 3,000 members. Schools, individuals, home-school

Santa Fe

groups, animal shelters and numerous other community centers have joined together to make a difference. At the start of each year, a team gets together to choose the focus for that year’s service learning and projects are formed based on the ideas of the students. Last year the group teamed with the organization Kids Against Hunger, a non-profit working to feed hungry people around the world. Students at Holy Ghost Roots & Shoots were able to raise an extraordinary $10,000 for food ingredients and packaged 97,000 servings of food that were delivered to homeless in New Mexico and overseas to Haiti. This year the group is extending their efforts to Pakistan and is working in collaboration with PeacePal, a program connecting youth internationally through letter writing. After learning that their pen pals’ school is sometimes without electricity, students raised the money to buy a generator for their friends in Pakistan. In the future the group hopes to develop a video conferencing system. “We’d really like the kids to be able to converse with each other about their daily lives,” states group leader David Tichnell. “This would help create crosscultural understanding and personalize the stories that kids are hearing on the news.” Roots & Shoots Four Corners is always welcoming new members. Currently we are seeking enthusiastic youth to join our many programs, such as one of our Animal Shelter Youth Boards or our Four Corners Youth Leadership Council. In June 2009 Roots & Shoots Four Corners will be holding a regional Youth Leadership Retreat at Wind River Ranch. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS EVENT OR ANY OTHER QUESTIONS REGARDING THE ROOTS & SHOOTS PROGRAM, please contact: Ray Powell, Regional Director rPowell@janegoodall.org or Emily Dietrich Millstein, Regional Program Manager eDietrichMillstein@janegoodall.org or at Roots & Shoots Four Corners, 216 Otero St., Santa Fe, NM 87501, 505-988-1670 or visit us on our website at www.rootsand shoots.org.

for more information

www.lamontanita.coop Co-op Values Cooperatives are based on the values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity and solidarity. In the tradition of their founders, cooperative members believe in the ethical values of honesty, openness, social responsibility and caring for others. Co-op Principles 1 Voluntary and Open Membership 2 Democratic Member Control 3 Member Economic Participation 4 Autonomy and Independence 5 Education, Training and Information 6 Cooperation among Cooperatives 7 Concern for Community The Co-op Connection is published by La Montanita Co-op Supermarket to provide information on La Montanita Co-op Supermarket, the cooperative movement, and the links between food, health, environment and community issues. Opinions expressed herein are of the authors and are not necessarily those of the Co-op.

CO-OP

YOU OWN IT April 2009

earth day

special

April 2009 4

CONCERNED CITIZENS FOR NUCLEAR

Working for Safe Drinking

W AT E R BY JONI

ARENDS, CONCERNED CITIZENS FOR NUCLEAR SAFETY n May 2000, about 7,000 acres of Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) property burned in the Cerro Grande Fire. With the burning of the Jemez Mountains more radioactive, hazardous and toxic contaminants from LANL began migrating through water pathways toward the Rio Grande. The Department of Energy (DOE), owner of LANL, did not take the necessary steps to stop the contaminant migration as required by their own orders to protect public health and the environment. As a result, every time it rains or snows, contaminants travel through surface and ground water to the Rio Grande and downstream communities, including Santa Fe and Albuquerque, where water projects are in use or being constructed to divert the river for drinking water.

There is a myth that 65 years of operations at LANL have not harmed our communities. The evidence suggests otherwise: PCBs are found in Los Alamos Canyon at 38,000 times the human health standard; hexavalent chromium (the dangerous contaminant made famous by Erin Brockovich) in the regional aquifer at 16 times the New Mexico groundwater protection standard; and since the Cerro Grande Fire more plutonium has migrated through Pueblo Canyon toward the Rio Grande than during the early days of LANL operations. Since the fire, Concerned Citizens for Nuclear Safety (CCNS) has devoted its efforts to addressing public health and environmental impacts of LANL operations on downwind and downstream communities by collaborating with whistleblowers and allied non-governmental organizations (NGOs). We also work with local, state and federal governments to ensure that community concerns are addressed and LANL follows the law. For the past five years, CCNS has collaborated with whistleblower Robert Gilkeson, a registered geologist who was the lead consultant to LANL’s groundwater protection program. More than a decade ago, Gilkeson designed a network of wells that would protect the groundwater from LANL contaminants. LANL did not follow the design. Through his dedication and determination, and after a series of independent reviews by government agencies and the National Academies of Science, LANL is beginning to install wells according to Gilkeson’s design. CCNS and Gilkeson are part of the NGO effort to negotiate a permit for hazardous waste operations at LANL that will be in place until 2020. Our focus has been on groundwater protection, the lack of the necessary seismic information for continued operations, and the open burning of hazardous waste. A public campaign about the revised draft permit will begin in July. CCNS collaborates with a number of NGOs, including those addressing river, spiritual, environmental, tribal, farming and acequia issues. Our collective efforts have resulted in the filing of a citizens’ lawsuit

fresh, delicious organic...co-op

action ALERT! PROTECT OUR

Precious Water! DO ONE OR ALL: Write to the Water Quality Control Commission and the Water Authority (ABCWUA) and ask them to include the Albuquerque reach in the safer standards for radionuclides. Also tell them that to protect public health and safety, New Mexico should adopt a perchlorate standard of 1 ug/L for the domestic water supply. ABCWUA at P.O. Box 1293, Albuquerque, NM 87103. Phone: 505-768-2500/Fax: 505-768-2580 | Email: wainfo@abcwua.org. The Water Quality Control Commission, NMED, 1190 St Francis Dr. Suite N4050, Santa Fe, NM 87505. 800-219-6157, 505-827-2855, Joyce.Medina @state.nm.us. Contact Senators Bingaman and Udall requesting funds for clean up of radioactive and hazardous wastes at Los Alamos, Sandia and Kirtland Air Force Base in order to protect our water supply. Also ask their support getting the EPA and the Atomic Energy Commission to change the surface and drinking water standards as follows: A) Maximum Contaminant Limit (MCL) for alpha-emitting long-lived transuranic radionuclides reduced from 15 to 0.15 picocuries per liter (pCi/L). This includes plutonium and americium. B)The tritium standard for domestic water supply reduced to 400 pCi/L. See the box with legislative contact info on page 5. For more info, an educational packet, to come to AVAT meetings or donate money e-mail: contactus@cardnm.org or call: 242-5511.

by Joni Arends against DOE for violations of the storm water requirements of the Clean Water Act in Los Alamos and Pueblo Canyons. Requirements include making sure that appropriate pollution controls are in place, proper monitoring is being done, and any discharges from buried waste sites comply with water quality standards. Los Alamos and Pueblo Canyons run basically east and west and lie north and south of the main

water is flowing through the Los Alamos and Pueblo Canyons to the Rio Grande. In such a case, the Buckman diversion would shut off and the contamination would continue to flow down the Rio Grande to the Gulf of Mexico, impacting communities including Albuquerque along the way. The early warning system already exists and provides the evidence of high levels of contaminants moving toward the Rio Grande. We don’t need an early warning system; we need DOE and LANL to clean up the contamination in the canyons! That’s one reason that we worked with the NM Conference of Churches and Southwest Research and Information Center to create a NM House Memorial, directed to our congressional delegation, to ensure funding is made available through the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 for LANL cleanup. Sponsored by House Speaker Ben Lujan, it passed through the House unanimously.

CLEAN it up!

Los Alamos town site, which was the location of the Manhattan Project. About two miles downstream from where the canyons flow to the Rio Grande is the Buckman site where Santa Fe pumps about 40% of its drinking water and is the location of its water diversion project. Since 2002, CCNS has worked to bring attention to LANL contaminants and Santa Fe’s drinking water. As a result, in November 2007, the Buckman Direct Diversion (BDD) Board wrote a very strongly worded letter to LANL including the request to “stop migration of LANL contaminants to the Rio Grande and to groundwater.” (http://www.bddproject.org/LANL_issues.htm) The BDD Board and DOE/LANL have been negotiating a memorandum of understanding to set up an early warning system that would alert the operators of the BDD Project that storm

SAFETY

Protecting waterways from hazardous and radioactive contaminant’s President Obama canceled the reliable replacement warhead and expanded plutonium pit production at LANL. Now is the time to turn LANL’s work toward life affirming science, non-proliferation and clean up. As a community, let our voices be heard for protection of our water and clean up of LANL’s contamination. As with all NGOs, your support is needed more than ever. Please send your tax-deductible contribution to: CCNS, 107 Cienega, Santa Fe, NM 87501. For more information contact 505-986-1973 or to keep informed about how you can participate in the July public process, please sign up to receive the weekly CCNS News Update and action alerts at www.nuclearactive.org.

Agua es Vida Action Team Safeguarding our TAP WATER LESLEY WEINSTOCK he San Juan Chama Water Diversion Project has been supplying 25% of Albuquerque’s tap water since December 2008. Ultimately, Albuquerque will receive 90% of our tap water from the Rio Grande. The Agua es Vida Action Team (AVAT) is a group of Albuquerque citizens with concerns about emerging and potential contaminants in the Rio Grande as the San Juan Chama Diversion Project moves forward. AVAT wants to help make sure that the plan to deal with these contaminants is adequate and comprehensive enough to assure that the water will be safe, especially for fetuses, children, elders and people with immune system deficiencies. BY

A full “List of Concerns” chart was published in the June 2007 Co-op Connection News (and is available from AVAT or online at www.lamontanita. coop). Some contaminates and concerns include: Endocrine disrupters such as bis-phenol A and perchlorate (a rocket fuel ingredient that interferes with thyroid function) are unregulated chemicals found in the Rio Grande. We recommend sensitive enough testing (parts per trillion) and effective filtration for pharmaceuticals. In order to protect public health and safety, New Mexico should adopt a perchlorate standard of 1 ug/L for domestic water supply. Disinfection byproducts from the use of ozone and chlorine can create Bromate and Trihalomethanes; increasing the risk of cancer, liver, kidney, central nervous system problems and miscarriages.

The CO-OP Food-Shed Project: Bringing local farmers together with Co-op shoppers for the best in fresh, fair and local food.

Aquifer Recharging: An engineering risk analysis should be performed regarding possible damage to aquifer water quality as a result of the chemicals being used to disinfect river water and the chemical contaminants already in river water being used for aquifer recharge. Plutonium in our tap water: In a letter on the issue, Governor Richardson states that the existing gross alpha MCL (maximum contamination level) is no longer protective and should be set at a more stringent level of 0.15 for the alpha emitting long-lived transuranic radionuclides like Plutonium 239. The testing for Plutonium is currently 100 times too lax. (See The Institute for Energy and Environmental Research website reports “Bad to the Bone” and “Healthy from the Start” at ieer.org for more information.) Colorado has already changed their standards for radionuclides and adopted 0.15 for Plutonium in surface water. AVAT believes here in New Mexico we need to do the same and include Plutonium 239 in the regulation as well as differentiate between the alpha emitters. The Tritium (radioactive hydrogen) standard for domestic water supply should be reduced from 20,000 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) to 400 pCi/L. The current standard of 20,000 pCi/L is not protective of human health and is especially dangerous to fetuses due to its ability to cross the placenta barrier. Both Colorado and California have adopted this more protective standard.

water is life

action

alert

April 2009 5

PROTECT OUR WATER

DEFEND the

says “for more than 3 months per year”). Ephemeral streams flow only in response to storm events (or snow melt).

Legislation is the Best Solution The Clean Water Restoration Act (CWRA) of 2009 would restore the traditional scope of protection intended by Congress. This means that all waters in New Mexico that were protected prior to 2001 would once again receive protection under the Clean Water Act. New Mexicans need these safeguards to achieve the goal of restoring and maintaining the chemical, physical and biological integrity of the state’s waters.

All closed basins in New Mexico could lose protection and be exposed to unregulated dumping. Closed basins are geographic regions in which all surface waters are contained within the region,

In 2007, then-Representative Udall supported the Clean Water Restoration Act. However, we need to get Senator Bingaman and the three new House members to support the new legislation. Ideally, they would co-sponsor the new bills when they appear.

CLEAN WATER ACT! MICHAEL JENSEN AMIGOS BRAVOS nce again, Congress is in a position to pass the Clean Water Restoration Act. The last attempt came in 2007, but a clear signal from President Bush that he would veto any such legislation stalled the process. BY

Now, with strong environmental protection signals coming from the Obama administration, it is time to get Congress to act. In late February, more than 160 leading freshwater scientists and engineers sent a letter to President Obama urging his support for the Clean Water Restoration Act (http://www. cleanwaternetwork.org/files/).

PROTECT New Mexico’s WATER!

Passage of the original Clean Water Act (CWA) in 1972 led to great progress in cleaning up and protecting rivers and streams across the country. However, Supreme Court rulings in 2001 and 2006 allowed the Bush administration and polluters to argue that the CWA no longer had broad application. This left numerous wetlands, streams, rivers, lakes and other waters historically covered by the Act without any federal protection from the Environmental Protection Agency or the Army Corps of Engineers, which began to argue that they had no jurisdiction to require permits or intervene in other ways.

like a bowl. These basins, which make up 20% of New Mexico’s land area, include the Estancia, the Tularosa, the Salt, the Mimbres, the Southwestern, the Plains of San Augustin and the North Plains.

What Is At Stake? If waters lose Clean Water Act protection, they are no longer protected from filling and dredging operations, pollution dumping, oil spills and weakening water quality standards by the state. Industry would be able to discharge contaminated water without concern for public health and safety.

Playa lakes, which are seasonally forming lakes, are also threatened under this policy, as are the remaining wetlands in the state (over 1/3 have already been destroyed). Playa lakes and wetlands help to recharge groundwater, store irrigation return flows and provide habitat and cover for wildlife and livestock.

In New Mexico, as much as 94% of the state’s stream miles are at risk from unregulated dumping. New Mexico has 99,332 stream miles that are considered “non-perennial.” Non-perennial waters are either “intermittent” or “ephemeral.” Intermittent streams flow continuously at least seasonally (the guidance

These non-perennial waters provide substantial revenue to the state from hunters and fishing fees and are an important part of the outdoor industry in the state. In 2001, recreational expenditures reached more than one billion dollars.

It is important to stress that the Clean Water Restoration Act will not create “new” Clean Water Act requirements. This legislation would simply restore the regulatory status quo prior to recent Supreme Court rulings and Bush administration policies. That is, it would restore application of the Clean Water Act to the way Congress originally intended – and the courts, the EPA and Army Corps have interpreted – prior to 2001. WE ARE ASKING YOU TO JOIN US IN CONVINCING OUR CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION TO SPONSOR THIS IMPORTANT LEGISLATION. Letters to President Obama urging him to put pressure on the Congress (like the letter mentioned above) would also be very useful.

PARTICIPATE IN

DEMOCRACY CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION CONTACT INFORMATION: Senator Jeff Bingaman 703 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510-3102 • Phone: 202-224-5521, Fax: 202-224-2852 Senator Tom Udall B40D Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington D.C., 20510 • Phone: 202-224-6621 Representative Martin T. Heinrich 1505 Longworth HOB, Washington, D.C. 20515 • Phone:202-225-6316, Fax: 202-225-4975 Representative Ben Ray Lujan 502 Cannon HOB, Washington, D.C. 20515 • Phone: 202-225-619, Fax: 202-226-1528 Representative Harry Teague 1007 Longworth HOB, Washington, D.C. 20515 • Phone: 202-225-2365, Fax: 202-225-9599

STOP OPEN BURNING OF HAZARDOUS WASTE IN ALBUQUERQUE UNBELIEVABLE BUT TRUE!

ACTION ALERT:

STOP Open Burning of Hazardous Wastes in Albuquerque The time to act is NOW! Kirtland’s open burn/detonation permit is about to be renewed for 10 more years. This would mean an additional 2 million pounds of wastes burned in our backyard, and potentially an additional 180,000 pounds of explosive wastes.

ew Mexico—the Land of Enchantment; home of some of the most beautiful sunsets on the planet, majestic mountains, blooming deserts and a focal point of holistic healing in the U.S. People visit and move here to escape the city smog and pollution, and to breathe the rarefied air. Or so they think.

STOP the

www .bacSee more at kyardch com ickens.

Burning

The shocking truth is that the population of Albuquerque is being inundated by unmonitored toxins released by the uncontrolled open burning of 200,000 pounds of hazardous wastes each year at Kirtland Air Force Base. In addition, Kirtland is legally permitted to detonate up to 18,000 pounds of explosive wastes per year. The exact chemicals and their concentrations released into our atmosphere are unknown, but at present, Kirtland is licensed to release flammable petroleum solvents, cyanides, perchlorates, mercury, lead, benzene, trichloroethylene (TCEs) and many other toxic substances. The gasses and fine particulates released have been linked to a variety of health problems, including asthma, cancer, hormonal changes, skin disease, reproductive issues and immune system suppression. The illnesses and mortality caused by decades of open burning have not been studied.

It may be tempting to think that these poisons are released into the stratosphere and do not directly affect us. However, a 2004 study by the Environmental Working Group and Commonweal tested umbilical cord blood in 10 newborns from various U.S. hospitals and found 287 chemicals including mercury. The great majority of these have been linked to cancer, brain injury and birth defects.

If you care about your health, the health of your children, future children, and loved ones, then contact: Kirtland Air Force Base Commander Col. Michael Duvall 846-7377, New Mexico Environment Department Secretary Ron Curry 827-2855, U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman 1-800-443-8658, U.S. Senator Tom Udall, Albuquerque 3466791, Santa Fe 526-5475. Demand that they work to stop all open burning and all but emergency detonation of weapons at Kirtland Air Force base. It is unconscionable that this exposure has been allowed to occur within a large metropolitan area and could be allowed to continue. This article is a collective effort of the group Protect Our Air and Water, a coalition of Albuquerque citizens, including health professionals, as well as the groups Citizen Action and Citizens for Alternatives to Radioactive Dumping. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT CARD at 242-5511, 266-2663 or contact us@card nm.org

CLEAN UP OUR AIR!

Sustainability meets Practicality A mobile egg producing , soil building chicken pen, with optional row cover for gardening. This pen can be used with woven electric fencing and is virtually predator proof. Egg laying boxes at rear with exterior access. Feeder, waterer, winter wrap and roosting dowels included. Row cover extra cost option.

Contact : thechickwagon@gmail.com or 575-312-1730 Local delivery available Look for us at local farmers markets too!

transition towns TRANSITION TOWN

TRAINING

MAGGIE SEELEY ave you ever wondered how life in the United States will change when global oil reserves are depleted and oil prices become very high? “Peak Oil” is the term used to describe the point in time when the maximum rate of global petroleum extraction is reached, after which the rate of production will enter terminal decline, and oil prices will dramatically increase. Some experts estimate the world will reach Peak Oil within the next ten years. BY

Throughout United States neighborhoods, citizen groups, cities and counties are working to develop fun and creative solutions to address the challenges of Peak Oil, reduce their carbon footprint and minimize the environmental damage creating climate change. Citizens are in the process of planting gardens for food, catching and recycling water, car pooling and sharing, exploring the use of renewable energy sources and using wetlands to clean grey water so it can be used again. Neighbors are becoming more neighborly.

LOCAL TRANSITION

PROJECTS

ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND SOLAR ENERGY BY CEDAR MOUNTAIN SOLAR Sierra Club Meeting Tuesday, April 21, 6:30-7:45pm REI's meeting room, at the Railyard • Learn about creating home energy efficiency, sustainable alternative energy solutions, reducing energy costs, and the positive impact of these creative solutions on the environment. You'll get practical, user-friendly, cost-effective strategies that effect you and your community for a more self reliant way of living. For more information, contact Jean Watts, 505-989-5010. SANTA FE COMMUNITY GARDENS Want to get going on growing food and greening the city? Connect with vibrant local community gardeners and help create some community gardens. Contact santafecommunitygardens.org to find out how.

April 2009 6 “Transition” is a grass roots movement begun in 2004 by Rob Hopkins of Totnes, England. It is a dynamic networking and planning model directed at reducing dependence on oil and responding to climate change with positive, innovative community solutions such as neighbors caring for neighbors, food gardens, bicycling, water harvesting, tool sharing, car pooling, more public transportation, recycling, farmer's markets, and an emphasis on producing and buying locally. Further, through the process of communities visioning the future that they would like to see, it looks to create a plan (an Energy Descent Action Plan) for each community in which they will lay out for themselves how, over the next 20 years, they will create the future they want. The City of Santa Fe, New Mexico, has a head start as a Transition Town. The Sustainable Santa Fe Commission, appointed by Mayor David Coss, and led by Camilla Bustamante, Louise Pape and others, has created an in-depth report that includes many transition oriented recommendations. Santa Fe citizens are getting involved in implementing this plan. Santa Fe will be the site of the first Transition Town training in New Mexico, to be held on April 18-19, Saturday and Sunday, from 9am to 5pm. David Johnson (Transition Portland, Oregon), Maggie Seeley and Zaida Amaral from Albuquerque are Transition certified trainers and bring together years of experience in natural resources management, organizational

behavior, group facilitation, strategic visioning, event planning and leadership for sustainability. CURRICULUM: The training includes the "fundamentals" for those wishing to set up, run and maintain a Transition Initiative. The goal is to help local groups launch their efforts in the most fun and efficient manner, drawing on the experience of successful Transition Initiatives around the globe. The program is packed with imaginative and inspiring insights into the theory, practice and structure of an effective Transition Initiative. WHO SHOULD ATTEND: Transition Initiative leaders, steering group members, working group members, and those considering Transition in their communities (whether in Santa Fe or beyond!) WHEN: Saturday and Sunday, April 18-19, 9am5pm. Santa Fe, location to be announced. Cost is $225.00 (Partial scholarships may be available. Please inquire.) REGISTRATION & INFO: Call Melanie Rubin at 505-261-3214 or email melanie@melanierubin coaching.com MORE INFORMATION ON THE TRANSITION MOVEMENT: The web site www.transitionus.org (national) and http://transitiontowns.org (international): regional http://transitionnewmexico.ning. com and for the Albuquerque Transition Supporters Group go to: http://transitionalbuquer que.ning.com

CO-OP TRANSITION TOWN

MEETINGS

The first Wednesday of every month. Next meeting April 1st, 6pm at the Santa Fe Co-op, 913 W. Alameda edge projects already in process in the community that is our shared Transition Town work.

Transition Town Meeting REPORT

n March 4th, thirty-eight community members came together at the Co-op on W. Alameda to continue the work of Transition Town Santa Fe. After enjoying some healthy snacks and schmooze time with one another, we focused on the Transition Town Handbook, by Rob Hopkins, that spawned the international movement that inspired these meetings. In a mini self education workshop, we looked at the model on the “psychology of change” presented by Hopkins. After going over the model, we broke up into small groups to discuss where we were individually in the change model, recognizing that we might relate to different levels of the model in various aspects of our lives. After briefly sharing our discoveries, we moved on to recognize and encourage participation in the many cutting

Our Transition Town Santa Fe meetings will continue April 1st with our repeating agenda: 1. Introductions and Announcements of Transition Town Events 2. Self Education and discussion about one of the chapters in The Transition Town Handbook 3. Descriptions of TT projects and how to get involved 4. Adjourn, and meet in small groups about the project of your choice. TT PROJECTS AND CONTACTS: Transition Town Training on April 18-19 in Santa Fe. This will be a full on Transition Town Training with Maggie Seeley and Zaida Amaral. See the above article for details.

Ampersand Sustainable Learning Center

Workshops that Foster the Transition

LOCAL SALE ITEMS SHOP LOCAL & SAVE Beneficial Farms Santa Fe, NM Fertile Eggs, 12 ct. Reg. $4.99, Sale $3.99

Udi’s Denver, CO Select Granola, 13 oz. Reg. $4.99, Sale $4.49

Soy Luscious Albuquerue, NM Mayo Nice, 16 oz. Reg. $4.59, Sale $3.99

Even more

LOCAL PRODUCTS on sale in our stores! VALID IN-STORE ONLY from 4/1-4/28, 2009:

Not all items available at all stores.

APRIL SPECIALS WANT TO SEE YOUR LOCAL PRODUCT ADVERTISED HERE? Contact Eli at elib@lamontanita.coop

BY AMANDA AND ANDY BRAMBLE mpersand Sustainable Learning Center in Cerrillos, New Mexico, is an off-grid site demonstrating sustainable systems, including permaculture, land restoration, organic gardening, passive solar design and wise-water techniques. Building is done with natural and salvaged materials, cooking with solar ovens, and for water, this learning center relies on rain catchment.

Ampersand Workshops with sliding scales include: Pathways to Sustainability: April 25, 1-6pm • This interactive workshop contains an overview of sustainable systems and practices appropriate for the Southwest, including solar energy and heating, greywater and rainwater systems, natural building methods, high desert gardening and land restoration. Instructor Amanda Bramble Passive Solar Water Heating: May 2, 10am -5pm • Steve Baer and Helene Beauchamp will show you how to create your own solar water heater in this one-day class and give examples of how it can be integrated with existing structures and systems. In the afternoon, we will

put together a passive thermosyphoning water heater with Zomeworks' “skymat” which will be plumbed into Ampersand's sustainable home. Steve Baer has been an inventor of passive solar techniques and products for nearly 40 years in the Albuquerque area. Helene Beauchamp studied Biology and Environmental Science at the University of Michigan and at the University of Geneva in Switzerland. Reading the Land: A Dialog: May 9, 10am-6pm • Joel Glandzberg will bring a deeper awareness of the land we stand on and the life it harbors. During this class explore Ampersand's diverse landscape of sandstone bluffs, volcanic geology, petrified wood and ancient petroglyphs. Joel Glanzberg has taught and practiced permaculture for over 20 years. To register, or for sliding scale fees, call Ampersand at 505-780-0535. Send a check with your phone and email to: Ampersand, PO Box 773, Cerrillos, NM 87010 or go to www.ampersandproject.org. or ampersandproject@

yahoo.com

co-op news THE INSIDE

April 2009 7

SCOOP:

FOOD SAFETY: It’s everywhere — in the newspaper, magazines or a quick flash on the evening news. Not surprisingly, consumers repeatedly cite the news media as the primary sources of nutrition and food safety information. Some years back, Princeton Research found that health news was the number one topic that consumers follow very closely. However, the same survey found half of all adults say that nutrition news and news about vitamins and supplements are two of the most confusing news topics. Reflecting on the recent salmonella outbreak from tainted peanut butter, it’s easy to see why confusion reigns when it comes to food safety. The FDA is so understaffed it only has enough personnel to audit every U.S. company once every five years. La Montanita has dedicated buyers whose mission is to provide you with the best food available. We make it our

business to know where your food comes from and take every precaution to ensure its safety. Our quest to source as much local food as possible via the Food-Shed project is another way we at the Co-op do our very best to provide you safe, reliable food products. An added benefit is that local food reduces food miles food travels before it reaches our homes. Given that this month we celebrate Earth Day, buying local food at the Co-op can help reduce the environmental costs of food production and distribution and benefit our planet. It has become fashionable to promote local food in the retail sector. It’s a great comfort to know that La Montanita has held this belief for years and when other retailers go to the next “new trend” we will be here doing as we always have, providing you, our members and shoppers, quality food you can depend on. -Terry

Calendar of Events 4/4 4/21 4/22 4/26 4/27 TBA

Valley Garden Party, Valley Co-op, 10am-3pm Board of Directors Meeting, Immanuel Church, 5:30pm Turn Off TV, Turn On Life, Santa Fe, see page 1 Celebrate the Earth Day, Nob Hill Co-op, 10am-6pm Board Member Engagement Committee, CDC, 5:30pm Finance Committee Meeting, CDC, 5pm

CO-OPS: A Solution-Based System A co-operative is an autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly-owned and democratically-controlled enterprise.

TAKING THE COOPERATIVE MODEL SERIOUSLY: BY

ARIANA MARCHELLO, BOARD

DIRECTORS

The CO-OP and the REVIVED Commons

eginning with the February meeting, the Co-op board began a new series of discussion sessions based on what we learned from the World Cafe event in November and the board retreat in September. Our first discussion session, considering the question “How do we take the cooperative model seriously?,” took off from two readings: “The Tragedy of the Commons,” an article by Garrett Hardin, and “What Happened to the Berkeley Co-op?,” a collection of opinions by people connected to the co-op on the demise of the Consumer Cooperative of Berkeley, edited by Michael Fullerton. “The Tragedy of the Commons,” published in Science in 1968, paints a grim picture of the whole planet facing misery mainly due to the overpopulation of a finite world with finite resources. Hardin posits that it is human nature to exploit the commons, through depletion or pollution, exhausting its value to the individual and the whole. He goes on to give examples of how many parts of the commons, such as agriculture and real estate, became enclosed (privatized) and access to their wealth became limited in order to retain the remaining value. The situation, in his view, had become dire enough to warrant infringement upon what are considered basic human rights through mutually agreed upon coercion. Our only freedom is in “the recognition of necessity.” What does this have to do with the Co-op and taking the cooperative model seriously? The current conditions of the world economy, and how we got here, have many people looking at other, more democratic, forms of economic organization. The cooperative model and associated principles have an opportunity to play a role in the restoration of the commons and the common-wealth through mutually agreed upon cooperation. La Montañita is an intentional commons — an ongoing enterprise of its members (owners), open to all who can use our services, that brings support, stability and sustainability to the commons through our many relationships with the wider community. Our

newly updated Ends policies emphasize this as continuing measurement of the Co-op’s overall achievement. In an equitable process through membership, members provide the capitalization for the Co-op and democratically control the capital. Management, as delegated by the board, operates the Co-op as a healthy, profitable business. No financial health, no Co-op. Again, in our Ends policies, La Montañita makes a link between the Co-op’s financial health and the well being of the members and the benefit to the greater community. These are some of the important cooperative principles that inform our definition of our success as a business and as a Co-op. Many Co-ops struggle, even in good times. Some fold, even a well established 50-year-old one. In discussing the information in “What Happened to the Berkeley Co-op?,” no one was surprised to find most of the essays describing, from different angles, bad business decisions compounded by challenging business conditions offered as the primary reasons for CCB’s demise. All businesses face these problems. But one essay looked closely at the history of events, as the Consumer Cooperative of Berkeley (CCB)’s death throes lasted many years, and found a systematic neglect of cooperative principles to be the true, underlying cause.

Classical Homeopathy Visceral Manipulation Craniosacral Therapy

MARY ALICE COOPER, MD St. Raphael Medical Center 204 Carlisle NE Albuquerque, NM 87106

505-266-6522

The principle of Education, in particular, was the most neglected. The ongoing education of member/owners and staff with clear, tangible food, cooperative and community building information was a hallmark of the healthy CCB. As the leadership of CCB became fragmented, this very important work degraded and was then discontinued altogether. Without the engagement of the membership in Co-op activities and decisions, Berkeley became “just another supermarket.” In the end, the commonwealth and the cooperative model are about the sharing of resources to meet common needs for healthy food, jobs, homes and strong communities. Most of our actions are going to be focused in the many levels of “local” that combined will have a large effect on the very networked “global” level. Educating ourselves about already “on the ground” models that will give us options for the future is the next step in our study sessions.

Member of International Society of Arboriculture and Society of Commercial Arboriculture ISA Certified, Licensed & Insured

232-2358 www.EricsTreeCare.com ericstreecare@yahoo.com

GALLUP GROOVE

IT SURE FEELS LIKE A NEW SEASON, starting seedlings under grow lights, sorting seed packets from Botanical Interests donated to our school from La Montanita, planning the garden for the next season, and harvesting the last of the winter-grown spinach, chard, lettuce and even a few carrots, from our Veggiegrower Gardens. But here at a 6,800 foot elevation we brace for the winds and the unexpected late snows (last year two inches on May 22nd!). We are enjoying all the Co-op has done to connect our students with the soil and the nutritious foods it can produce. Thanks, Steve Heil

MICRO GREENHOUSES

FLOURISH

SPRING IS HERE Time to Mulch

Order Composted Wood Chips Now $10 cu. yd. (reg. price $12 cu. yd.) Minimum 3 cu. yd. plus Delivery fee $55

SERVICES • Fruit and Shade Tree Pruning • Technical Removal • Planting • Cabling & Bracing • Fertilization • Root Rehabilitation Services

Pom Party Start your day off right with this protein packed, antioxidant loaded, morning eye opener!

Pom Morning Shake:

Local pom juice, soymilk or lowfat milk, fresh organic banana, almonds, protein powder, honey 16 oz $4.79

22 oz $5.99

Cure the blues with this energizing, antioxidant rich nutritious smoothie!

Pom Passion Smoothie: Local pom juice, organic fat free yogurt, organic blueberries, soymilk or low fat milk 16 oz $4.79

22 oz $5.99

Pom Shots: 6 oz $3.99

22 oz $5.49

Available at the Co-op Deli for a limited time.

Sunday April 26, 10AM TO 6PM Behind the Nob Hill Co-op, On Silver Street Between Carlisle and Tulane Come early and stay late. Dance in the streets with friends and neighbors. Celebrate life on earth at Albuquerqueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favorite spring gathering!

20th Earth Fest: SPECIAL EVENTS

Celebrate the Earth: ENTERTAINMENT

FREE Better by Degrees: Cycling for a Calmer Climate, 10AM TO 1:30PM Near the tent on the west end of the festival site

10:00AM 11:00AM 12:00PM 12:45PM 1:30PM 2:00PM 3:00PM 4:00PM 4:45PM

FREE GMO Teach-In, 10:30AM In the tent on the west end of the festival site FREE Transition Town Mini Training, 11AM TO 1PM Immanuel Presbyterian Church, Fellowship Hall FREE Sierra Clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Home Energy Efficiency Workshop: The Low Carbon Diet, 2PM TO 4PM In the tent on the west end of the festival site FREE Eating: Getting Healthy, Going Beyond the Standard American Diet, 2PM TO 3:15PM Immanuel Presbyterian Church, Fellowship Hall

Red Road Crossing Three String Bale Alma Flamenca Dos Equis Baile Baile Dance Company Felix y los Gatos Soul Kitchen w/ Chris Dracup & Hillary Smith Wagogo Earth Fest All Star Jam Band

Community

New Mexico Solar Energy Association, Amigos Bravos, New Mexico Wilderness Alliance, Citizens for Alternatives to Radioactive Dumping, Defenders of Wildlife, Albuquerque BioDiesel Project, Animal Protection of New Mexico, UNM Sustainability Dept, New Mexico Organic Commodity Commission, Sierra Club, New Energy Economy, Los Alamos Study Group, Albuquerque Center for Peace and Justice, Conservation Voters Alliance, Citizen Action, EQNM, Wild Earth Guardians, and many more.

Local Farmers

Bethany Organic Farm, Sparrow Hawk Farm, Dessert Woman Botanicals, No Cattle Farm, Soilutions, Veggiegrower Gardens

Earth Day in Santa Fe An Earth Day Celebration for All Ages Turn Off TV, Turn On Life Wednesday April 22nd, 4PM TO 7PM

Santa Fe Co-op , 913 W. Alameda in the Solana Shopping Center

On Wednesday April 22nd, the Co-op will offer a free healthy pizza party to honor all the elementary school children throughout the public school system who participated in the project and turned off their TVs for one whole week. We also welcome other children of all ages in the hopes of inspiring more of us to TURN OFF TV and TURN ON LIFE. Come and participate in this FREE, FUN FESTIVAL for children of all ages. Local community organizations and children related businesses are all welcome to participate. Call 877-775-2667 to reserve your space.

detox yourself healthy detox

Recipes Spring is a perfect time to detox. You can detox easily and effectively while you continue to eat as long as you eliminate foods and other substances that interfere with the detoxification process: dairy, grains with gluten, meat, shellfish, anything processed (including soy products), fatty nuts, nightshades (potatoes, tomatoes, peppers and eggplant), condiments, sugar, alcohol, caffeine or soda. April’s recipes include light meals that gently and safely cleanse your body. (Key: C = cup, T = tablespoon, t = teaspoon, lb = pound, oz = ounce, qt = quart) Detox Teriyaki Chicken The sauce in this recipe is detox-friendly because it doesn’t use sugar or soy, but it has a great depth of flavor and is the perfect consistency. FOR SAUCE 1/3 C balsamic vinegar 1/3 C agave syrup 1 t freshly grated ginger 1/4 t freshly ground black pepper 1 t barley miso 1 t mirin 1 T water Combine the balsamic, agave, ginger and pepper in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, lower to a simmer and cook for ten minutes. Cool and then add the miso, mirin and water. FOR CHICKEN 1 chicken breast 1 finely chopped scallion 4 sprigs cilantro, roughly chopped detox teriyaki sauce

April 2009 10

Marinate the chicken in the sauce (reserve a spoonful or two) for at least one hour. Marinate overnight in the refrigerator to fully absorb all the flavors.

1 lb roughly chopped strawberries 1 C silken tofu 1/2 outer rind of orange peel 1 t honey

Heat your grill to medium heat. Wipe off any excess marinade and grill the chicken for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Serve with the reserved sauce, cilantro and scallions. Serves 1.

Drain tofu and place it in blender or food processor. Add strawberries, honey and orange peel and process until smooth. Spoon into a dessert dish, refrigerate for 20 minutes, and enjoy!

Arugula Salad with Grilled Chicken Breast and Apricots

Spring Greens Gumbo Gather up everything green and make yourself and your family, or friends, a big pot of Spring Greens Gumbo.

1 T lime juice 1 T olive oil 1-3 oz organic boneless, skinless chicken breast 3 apricots, pitted and halved 1 C baby arugula 1 C mixed baby greens 1/4 C shaved Maui onion (or pearl onion) 1 T fresh lime juice 1 T extra virgin olive oil sea salt and pepper to taste Combine first three ingredients in zip-lock bag and marinate overnight. Grill chicken breast until done, about 5 minutes on each side. Grill apricots until marked with grill lines. Set aside to cool. Combine arugula, greens and onion in a large mixing bowl. Roughly chop apricot halves and add to bowl. Toss with lime juice and olive oil. Arrange on serving plate. Slice chicken breast on the diagonal in half-inch pieces. Serve on top of salad. Serves 1. Strawberry Detox Dessert Eating dessert while cleansing is possible if you use the right foods. The fruit portion of this treat contains high levels of vitamin C and helps to remove harmful free radicals from the bloodstream. Any food or herb that removes any potentially toxic bodily substances qualifies as a detoxifying agent.

2 T extra virgin olive oil 1 bunch scallions, chopped 2 stalks celery 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped 3 cloves garlic, chopped 8 C chopped greens (kale, chard, collards, mustard greens, arugula, dandelion greens, etc.) 1 t salt 6 C water or stock 1 bay leaf 1 t fresh thyme 1/2 t gumbo file Wash and chop the vegetables. Sauté onions, celery, and peppers in extra virgin olive oil with garlic. Then add chopped greens and a cup of water or stock, and sauté for one minute. Add salt. Add rest of water or stock as well as the bay leaf and thyme. Simmer until greens are very tender. Add file and blend if desired. Serves 4. Arame, Kale and Almonds with Detox Dressing Arame is an edible seaweed with a mild flavor; arame is a good introduction to seaweed because of its mild taste. It blends well with other flavors and is a rich source of iron. Arame can be found in the grocery section of the Co-op, health food stores or Asian markets.

1/2 C dry arame 1 red onion, sliced 4 C chopped kale 1/2 C toasted chopped almonds or pumpkin seeds DETOX DRESSING 1 C extra virgin olive oil 1/3 C fresh-squeezed lemon juice garlic (as much as you’d like) fresh chopped rosemary (dill is also nice) Combine all ingredients and enjoy on top of everything. Soak arame in water. Meanwhile, begin sautéing onion in water until soft. Drain arame and add to onions; sauté one minute. Combine and add chopped kale. Sauté until kale is tender. Add toasted almonds, top with detox dressing, and serve. This dish is great served warm and equally great cooled and served as a cold or room-temperature salad. Serves 4. Steamed Salmon and Greens You can steam the fish on a bed of anything—thinly sliced fennel, lemon, even scallions or leeks. small handful (roughly 1/4 C) of your favorite leafy herbs (parsley, basil, chervil, tarragon, etc.) 1 6 oz salmon filet 1 C of your favorite fresh greens (kale, spinach, dandelion, chard, etc.) 1 wedge of lemon Line your steamer with the herbs and lay the salmon filet on top. Steam for 11 minutes. Put the greens next to the fish and steam for an additional 7 minutes. Squeeze the lemon over the fish and greens and serve. Serves 1. Tender Dandelion Salad with Zippy Spring Dressing Gathering our own salad is a lovely way of connecting to the natural world. Dandelion greens are bursting with valuable

detox yourself carotenoids and vitamins, a true spring tonic that will enliven and nourish you and your family. 3 C dandelion leaves 2 thin slices red onion, separated into rings On a sunny day, grab a basket and venture out on a foraging expedition. Be sure to choose dandelion leaves from areas that have never been sprayed and are at least six feet from roadways, to avoid heavy metal contamination. When you have about 3 cups of young, tender leaves, bring them indoors and wash them gently. Serve, chilled if you like, and top with onion, along with the following dressing: ZIPPY SPRING DRESSING 2 T olive oil 2 T flaxseed oil 2 T apple cider vinegar 1 t anise seed (optional) 2 t fresh peppermint, chopped 2 t tamari 2 1/2 t honey mustard or miso

the body in spring, or whenever you feel weak or are recovering from illness. It relies on the deep flavors of root vegetables, sea vegetables, and shitake mushrooms. To increase its cleansing effect, add dandelion greens, nettles, or chicory leaf. It is a simple soup with subtle flavors. 1/2 large yellow onion, cut in quarters 5 dried shitake mushrooms, previously soaked in water to soften; reserve water for cooking 1 bunch parsley, including the stalks 3 small burdock roots, chopped, about 1.5 C 1 parsnip 2 small to medium carrots 2-3 stalks celery, chopped 4-5 slices fresh ginger root 1 piece of kombu sea veggie, broken into 4-5 pieces 1 piece of wakame sea veggie, same size as kombu white pepper to taste

Broccoli and Arugula Soup This is a clean, basic approach to soup that showcases the vegetable. You can make this with nearly anything: peas and basil, zucchini, carrots and ginger. In this case, broccoli is made a bit more dynamic with a handful of peppery arugula. When youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re detoxing and drinking lots of juices and smoothies, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a nice change to have something warm. 1 T olive oil 1 clove garlic, thinly sliced 1/2 yellow onion, roughly diced 1 head broccoli, cut into small florets (about 2/3 lb) 2 1/2 C water 1/4 t each coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper 3/4 C arugula (watercress would be good, too) 1/2 lemon Heat the olive oil in a medium nonstick saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and onion and sautĂŠ for just a minute or until fragrant. Add the broccoli and cook for four minutes or until bright green. Add the water, salt and pepper, bring to a boil, lower the heat and cover. Cook for eight minutes or until the broccoli is just tender. Pour the soup into a blender and puree with the arugula until quite smooth. Be very careful when blending hot liquids; start slowly and work in batches if necessary (you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want the steam to blow the lid off). Serve the soup with a bit of fresh lemon. Serves 2. Vegan Sea and Land Vegetable Soup for Spring This wonderful soup gently cleanses and renews

Add everything but the parsley leaves (put the stalks in) in 1.5 quarts of water and bring to a boil. Cook on a low medium heat until the onions are clear and the kombu is totally softened. Kombu will enlarge considerable, but will retain its shape, whereas the wakame will nearly dissolve.

Penny Holland M.A., L.P.C.C, L.M.T.

505-265-2256 LPCC Lic. 0494, LMT Lic. 1074

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Cook soup for about an hour. If you want carrots or celery less cooked, add them later. Add the parsley leaves with about 10 minutes left on the stove. When the soup is finished, you should really be able to taste each ingredient, from the onion to the wakame. Makes about 1.5 quarts. These recipes have been adapted and reprinted from the following sources: www.goop.com www.cathywong.com/detox_diet_recipe.html http://blog.bodymindwellnesscenter.com www.essenceplace.com/DetoxRecipes.html www.kripalu.org/article/521 www.care2.com

Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2020;Â&#x192;Â&#x201E;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2021; Â&#x192;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2022;

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Louise Miller, MA LPCC NCC Psychotherapy louise@louisemiller.org www.louisemiller.org

Phone (505) 385-0562 Albuquerque, NM

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April 2009 11

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energy & transport

Culture

& the electric car

DR. PAUL WATSON nce upon a time, 30-50 years ago, there was a person with a golf cart. It was electric. For whatever reason, convenience, ecological sensibility, or anarchistic bent, they decided to run an errand with it. The idea spread like wildfire.

CO-EVOLVING OUR

PSYCHE

They did so to provide practical, comfortable, relatively safe vehicles for generalized urban use. The result is a new breed of small, light, yet robust plug-in electric vehicle, (1) with the potential to not use fossil fuels at all (especially ones bought from foreign governments), (2) to be ultra-efficient when they indirectly do so (e.g., via coal-generated electricity), and (3) to themselves be emission free. These vehicles evolved, especially if freed from the

Such â&#x20AC;&#x153;Low Speed Vehiclesâ&#x20AC;? (LSVs), also often dubbed â&#x20AC;&#x153;Neighborhood Electric Vehicles,â&#x20AC;? were mostly used in sedate, controlled traffic environments. But they began showing up more and more on busy roads, even highways! State law enforcement rightly became concerned about mayhem and fatalities. States therefore begged DOTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) to write standard rules for LSVs: what safety features they should have to travel on state roads, how fast they should be allowed to go, etc. For decades NHTSA did nothing.

ETHICAL transportation

Spring is upon us, let

AGUA DULCE EARTHSCAPES

nal combustion engines, even allowing for the pollution associated with a typical 2009 American mix of electrical generation methods. But, sign up for 90% PNM wind power and you immediately have a wind-powered electric car. Install solar and you have a solar car. Policies Permitting! Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time for states like New Mexico to take the lead. There is an important related law pending in our New Mexico Legislature, perhaps on the Governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s desk ready for signing by the time you read this, namely, HB 294. If HB 294 becomes law, it would allow New Mexicans to purchase a â&#x20AC;&#x153;robustified,â&#x20AC;? car-like, fully electric vehicle and convert it via electronic reprogramming to an MSV able to travel safely and practically, up to 35 mph on roads posted for speeds of 45 mph or less. Five states have already passed such progressive MSV laws.

Then, when enough brave States finally wrote their own LSV rules, the Fed stepped in and set universal standards, commonly know as FMVSS500. They include a restriction on the LSVs top speed: 25 mph. Fast forward to todayâ&#x20AC;Ś Intertwined political crises, and humanitarian and ecological tragedies have come along due to American and global fossil fuel addictions. Along with sporadic, soon to become chronic, high oil and gas prices, these issues motivated talented people around the world to improve vastly upon golf carts and their closer LSV kin.

April 2009 12

onerous 25 mph LSV restriction, to serve as the basis for a green revolution in appropriate urban car technology â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Medium Speed Vehicles (MSVs). Since these cars are affordable and easily recharged with no added infrastructure needed other than a decent extension cord, they allow interested consumers to contribute substantially to the goals of reducing emissions and foreign oil reliance. Electric LSVs potentially convertible to MSVs have a purchase price from $14,500 to $21,000, about the same as a gasoline powered car. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll add about 65 cents to your PNM bill per full charge, which takes you about 40 miles, providing an energy efficiency equivalent of about 240 miles per gallon, and producing 77% fewer emissions than inter-

A final point: LSVs and MSVs are often shrugged off as â&#x20AC;&#x153;niche vehicles.â&#x20AC;? But, we need to realize how enormous their niche is: urban driving! Can we separate out the urban driving niche in our minds, and make a major cultural shift towards sustainability with the help of modern LSVs and MSVs? Do we really need to drive heavy, high horse power vehicles - even highway electric cars that may arrive soon - to do common errands in our towns and urban areas? Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s never made sense. And now, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s arguably unethical and immoral. FOR REAL-TIME HB 294 UPDATES SEE: http://www.nmlegis.gov/lcs/ or www.zenncarsabq.com DR. PAUL J. WATSON is a UNM Biology Professor and the owner of Electric Cars of Albuquerque, LLC.

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CREATING A CARBON EMISSIONS

Cap in New Mexico

MARIEL NANASI SENIOR POLICY ADVISOR, NEW ENERGY ECONOMY he New Mexico Environmental Law Center and New Energy Economy filed a petition this year with the New Mexico Environmental Improvement Board (EIB) asking the Board to establish a cap on global warming emissions. The EIB has reviewed the petition and has granted a hearing starting August 3, 2009. We would like to invite you and/or your organization to join the petition and appear at the hearings in August. (Go to newenergyeconomy.org.) BY

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2009 Outpost Benefit Concert Series

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New Mexico's proposed cap is based on the best available science and comes from recommendations from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which is composed of more than 1,200 leading international scientists. The IPCC has concluded that developed nations must reduce global warming pollution by at least 25% below 1990 levels by 2020 if we are to avoid catastrophic changes. Should the EIB approve the petition, New Mexico would lead the nation with the most significant and strongest regulations in the United States, and most importantly, we would highlight what needs to be done to actually solve the problem.

NOW

There are about thirty different fossil fuel companies that will be affected by our proposed regulation and they have a big voice and lots of money. Despite the climate change crisis and the impacts that are already upon us (high temperatures in midFebruary 2009, beetle bug infestation in New Mexicoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s forests) and the other effects that will be coming (less snow, drought, severe erosion, forest fires, etc.), these businesses are claiming: 1) there is no global warming, 2) carbon emissions are not air pollution and do not cause harm to the public, and 3) even if there is global warming and it is a public nuisance it costs too much to regulate and businesses are against it.

ACTION A L E R T: Carbon Cap Petition Recent economic analyses show that a cap on carbon emissions actually had a positive economic impact on green sectors of the economy, from farms to solar companies. New Energy Economy is looking for broad, statewide support to address the fossil fuel industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s arguments. A number of businesses from landscapers to bike stores to financial institutions, have already signed on to our legal petition to curb carbon emissions. Please join these forward-thinking individuals and businesses by going to www.NewEnergy Economy.org.

By acting now, New Mexico will have adequate time and opportunity to be well positioned to take advantage of the low-carbon economy by developing a welltrained workforce and to make necessary investments in clean technology. These green jobs will not be outsourced and do offer the potential of long term careers. By acting now we unleash the ingenuity of New Mexicans in developing the technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; technologies that will be needed throughout the world as all nations seek to mitigate climate change. As New Mexicans we can keep our focus locally and help revitalize a slumping regional and national economy and have a positive effect on our national security. A carbon cap on emissions must be seen as one of the tools to solving climate change. Of course, citizen involvement is critical. We must demand investment in localized organic agriculture, renewable energy sources, pathways out of poverty, create health and well-being, especially for low-income people, mass transit and smart electricity grids. The power of our voice and dollars consciously spent will encourage the world we need for our childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s children. Onward, for there is so much more ahead! For more info go to www.newenergyeconomy.org.

energy &

transport

Smart Grids: how smart? The POTENTIAL and the PITFALLS of Modernizing our Electric Grid MARK SARDELLA, LOCAL ENERGY resident Obama’s stimulus package, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, appropriates nearly $24 billion to modernize our country’s electric power grid, including an $11 billion outlay to make it “smart”. Those appropriations are stirring the hopes of renewable energy advocates, who foresee expanded opportunities for solar and wind technologies as well as a big, new role for plug-in electric and hybrid-electric vehicles.

Decentralizing our electric system by adding a lot of small generators would help achieve the Smart Grid project’s primary objectives of improving the reliability, security and efficiency of our electric system. Renewables also create more jobs per unit of energy, and with unemployment above 8 percent for the first time in 26 years, those jobs could provide relief. But what exactly is the vision for a smart grid? The characteristics were officially spelled out in Title 13 of former President Bush's Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, which imagines using digital communications and control technology enabling the variety of things connected to the grid to talk with one another. The idea is that by communicating, loads and sources on the grid could alter their behavior in beneficial ways. For example, if you plug your car in when you get home from work and it knows it doesn’t need to be fully charged until tomorrow morning, the start of the charging cycle might automatically be delayed until other loads turn off, per-

OUT SMARTING grid politics

haps when you go to bed. Smart appliances like air conditioners and refrigerators might limit the amount of cooling they do when the grid is approaching its limits or smart cars might offer up some of the energy in their batteries to help power the loads. Taking a Deeper Look is SMART But will the project dubbed Smart Grid be smart for consumers as well as for utilities? The name certainly implies a “no-brainer,” suggesting a win-win so obvious that we needn’t concern ourselves with the details. That’s usually a good clue to take a closer look. The first hint of a problem, beyond all the scary language about advancing the research on data mining and protecting the new grid against cyber-threats, is a curious passage that says if modernizing the grid renders obsolete any equipment owned by a utility, states must consider allowing utilities to bill their customers for the value of that equipment. In other words, if the

Transition Fuels for Transition Towns ERIC CHRISP & ASTRID WEBSTER he January issue of the Co-op Connection began with an article about transition towns. As suggested, transition towns are not such a new concept, just a new container in which a lot of really cool ongoing projects can be found. If something helps us convert to a better way of life with far fewer fossil fuels and no contribution to global warming, then it is the stuff of transition towns. BY

We envision an energy independent Albuquerque (including surrounding areas) which embraces the use of sustainable biofuels. As we bring this vision into being, we understand that fuel instead of food for people’s tables is unacceptable. The conundrum that is seldom talked about is that we really need both or we will have neither. Eventually we may have biodiesel from non-food derived algae. The production cost has come way down, but colonies that are sufficiently productive are, for now, too hard to sustain to be reliable or affordable. Moreover, the method favors huge industrial production, which does not meet our future needs or the transition town model. Jatropha, a shrub which grows wild on the boundaries of Mexican farmlands, is very promising but is still in the early development stages. Thus, our primary means of meeting our fuel needs is, for now, making biodiesel out of waste vegetable oil from restaurants. By making fuel out of waste products, we shift the paradigm from a food or fuel debate. When Richard Heinberg, a leading peak oil scholar and Transition Town booster, recently delivered the keynote address at the Sustainable Biodiesel Summit in San Francisco, he made the point that sustainably produced biodiesel (mostly from waste oil) is key to transition town success. Heinberg's main thrust was that we are about to go through a pretty hard time (crash is not too strong a term) and it is critical that we get sustainably produced biofuels in place to soften the landing. Heinberg points out that the most important functions of an orderly society, things most of us take for granted, are still dependent on fossil fuels. Those are emergency services (think ambulances), food provision (think tractors for farming and trucks that get

food to market), distribution of medicine and public transportation. Few people have done the thought experiments so as to picture a world without ambulances, fire trucks, police, buses or even their city health inspector or tax assessor. If you try it, you’ll find it's not pretty, but will likely move you to join the transition town movement. Our cities need massive transformation to become liveable in a post- petroleum world, that is, walkable, bikeable places. But transition will not happen overnight and will cost billions of dollars. In order to get there from here, we need liquid fuels at prices that allow the city to function. Switching horses (or to horses) in the middle of this stream is not an option. If we stop our current profligate use of fossil fuels, making sure we can feed and house all the people we have, we can start using biofuels for those key functions on which a civil society depends. There is enough grease to keep most, if not all, of that running in a pinch. Downshifting requires that we reduce demand while increasing our capacity to make renewable fuels locally. Anything not locally sourced is not sustainable. We build resilience so that in a crisis, our town can still function and avoid chaos. Converting used vegetable oil into biodiesel is a critical step in this transition. Even if there is no crisis in the next 5 years, our plan uses the demand generated by private citizens to build the infrastructure necessary to make fuel for essential services. Join Bountifuel Energies Coop (BE Cooperative for short) at La Montanita’s Earth Day on April 26, as we celebrate embracing the baby before throwing out the bathwater. We invite you to do as we do, walking and biking whenever you can, and when you can’t, drive a veggiecruiser powered by locally sourced and refined waste vegetable oil, putting Albuquerque on the fast track to being a sustainable city.

WASTE NOT WANT NOT!

April 2009 13 new grid is so smart it renders the old one useless, regulators could consider requiring ratepayers to pay off the dumb grid even as they make payments on the smart one. Compensate utilities for obsolete technology? It’s like saying we can have computers only if we agree to keep paying typewriter manufacturers for any losses they incur as a result. Another disturbing provision – this one in the stimulus bill – requires states seeking stimulus funding to provide assurances that they will work to implement rules ensuring that utilities won’t make less money as their customers use less energy. These rules, termed “revenue decoupling” because they decouple utility revenues from the volume of energy they sell, are being touted as a way to encourage utilities to help their customers conserve. The obvious problem is that under revenue decoupling, a single customer can still save money by cutting electricity use, but an entire community cannot. Once the revenue of a utility is guaranteed regardless of usage, it doesn’t matter how much energy the community conserves – together they are still obligated to pay the same amount to the utility. Revenue decoupling rules are, in reality, little more than thinly veiled attempts to guarantee the revenues of an industry that is hurtling headlong towards obsolescence. Feed-in INCENTIVES There is another way to go about it, and other countries are already well down the path. Denmark had wind but didn’t have the economic power to develop it, so instead they created a policy that enabled inventors and entrepreneurs to access renewable energy markets even before their inventions were market-ready. Within a few years, Denmark was designing and building some of the most advanced turbines in the wind industry, and the tiny country still controls 38 percent of the world market for wind turbines. What was Denmark’s secret? They simply opened up their power grid to every renewable electricity producer seeking a market, guaranteeing their right to interconnect and promising to buy every renewable kilowatt-hour produced at a premium price called a “feed-in tariff.” The flood of renewables that followed eventually necessitated upgrades to their grid, but those upgrades were driven by a policy of accommodating new players, rather than protecting incumbent ones. Forty-six countries now have feed-in tariffs, which have come to be known as the world’s most successful policy incentive for advancing distributed renewable energy. The Smart Grid project might succeed in modernizing the power grid. But unless we change its focus, it will fail to provide consumers with cheaper, cleaner and more reliable power. You can’t simply throw billions of dollars at the builders of the dumb grid and expect them to build a smart one. Modernizing the grid by creating entrepreneurial opportunities for small businesses is where the smart money is. For more information go to www.localenergy.org.

wild lands NEW MEXICO WILDERNESS

ALLIANCE

by Nathan Newcomer

A YEAR FOR THE

Our proposal would designate more than 20,000 acres of Wilderness within the park, which is a World Heritage Site and is considered by many to be an important spiritual and archeological site. If the road is paved, there will be a dramatic increase in traffic and tours, thus creating more pressure for expanding campgrounds, building restaurants and increasing infrastructure. If Wilderness status is obtained, no one will be able to transform this wild and beautiful park, and it will be able to maintain its integrity.

WILDERNESS

lection night was like a dream... After years of the Bush-Cheney doctrine on the environment, the clouds parted and at last let some sun shine in! Here in New Mexico, the sun shone brightly, as a full slate of pro-wilderness candidates were elected to Congress. So what does this all mean? The clear answer is that 2009 should, at long last, be a year for wilderness in New Mexico. On page 5 of this issue the addresses of our new congressional legislators are listed. Please take a moment and ask for their support on the campaigns to protect wilderness described below.

places that feed our soul

THE CAMPAIGNS: Doña Ana County: The Doña Ana proposal is a wide-ranging and important piece of legislation in this fast-growing community. The proposal will protect more than 400,000 acres of land surrounding the community of Las Cruces. The legislation will create a nearly 97,000acre National Conservation Area surrounding the Organ Mountains, protecting them from the increasing development of this sprawling community. To the southwest of Las Cruces will be more than 140,000 acres of Wilderness in the rugged West Potrillos. These cinder cone and grass expanses make for an otherworldly experience. To the north comes what many consider the heart of the proposal: the Sierra de Las Uvas, Broad Canyon and the Robledo Mountains. This connected expanse of land offers spectacular vistas, rugged canyons filled with petroglyphs, expansive grasslands and an important zone of biodiversity.

Ute Mountain: At more than 302,000 acres, this mix of National Conservation Area and Wilderness was first proposed when Governor Richardson was a congressman. The proposal would protect a large and beautiful swath of the Rio Grande Gorge and preserve the big, open space that defines this critical winter range for elk, deer, bear and coyote. It is a windswept landscape that needs protection now, before it is developed for wind energy or other projects that would fragment the land. Most of the area covered by this proposal would be protected as a National Conservation Area. This would allow for grazing and traditional wood gathering by the land grant community that has used this area for generations. The protection would allow this way of life to be maintained for generations to come. But both Ute Mountain and parts of Rio San Antonio would be designated Wilderness. This is an area conservationists have long sought to protect, and it is a world-class area in need of this designation. Chaco Canyon: Our proposal is complex but extremely important. The road that leads into Chaco Canyon may finally be paved. In working with the Park Service, we also discovered that a crucial separate unit of the park, designated to protect a ruin, was actually mapped incorrectly and lies outside the park’s boundaries.

The proposal would also have the boundaries of the separate unit brought into the park and would create a ninety-nine-year conservation easement through eight sections of state land that border the park, thus expanding the area of protection. Finally, we are working to create a zone of exclusion for at least two sections north of the park to stop the creeping oil and gas development that threatens the park’s integrity and fouls the clear air that has defined this beautiful treasure. Sabinoso: At more than 20,000 acres, Sabinoso is a wild and beautiful canyon about an hour east of Las Vegas on the Great Plains. It is home to a wide array of wildlife, including mountain lion, wild turkey, quail, bear, coyote and many reptile species. For more than three years, this proposal has worked its way through Congress and we have worked with local ranchers to make sure there is agreement on the boundaries. We at the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance are excited, as it is clear that 2009 presents a real chance of getting significant amounts of Wilderness for our state. This will thankfully make the land and the wildlife that call it home the real winners, beginning a process of breaking down the myths associated with wilderness, and people across this state and the West can come together to protect the lands we all love. For more information go to www.nmwild.org or call 505-843-8696. New Mexico Wilderness Alliance, 142 Truman St. Suite B1, Albuquerque, NM 87108.

ALBUQUERQUE W I L D L I F E F E D E R AT I O N

SER VICE PROJECT APRIL 17-19, CEBOLLA CANYON I THE PLACE: In 1987, the lava flows and surrounding volcanoes and sandstone mesas south of Grants became part of El Malpais National Monument managed by the National Park Service. Much of the surrounding public land became part of El Malpais National Conservation Area (NCA) managed by the Bureau of Land Management. This was the first NCA in the United States. Within the NCA, three Wilderness units were created: west Malpais Wilderness is south of the National Monument; east of Hwy 117, two units, both called Cebolla Wilderness, encompass the sandstone mesas that overlook the region.

NHI New Health Insight

April 2009 14

and set in motion much of the restoration work that has taken place. Cattle have been excluded for 12 years from the portion of the canyon where we will work. Last year, we found prominent evidence that the reintroduced beaver were alive and well and aiding the restoration process. The project will entail building rock structures in arroyos to aid in riparian restoration, planting willows, and possibly some work on a large spring that feeds the canyon. Bill Zeedyk, who pioneered many of these restoration techniques, will oversee the project. If time allows, we will take a tour of the previous restoration work that has occurred and see how the area is improving. This will be incredibly educational. We will camp in the canyon near the project site.

Contact: Gene Tatum at 505-255-1960, gtatum3 @msn.com for more info. Driving distance: 45 THE PROJECT: Gene Tatum, the project’s leader, holds minutes south of Grants; 2 hours west then this area near and dear to his heart. Gene worked for south of ABQ. BLM when the NCA was created. He worked diligently on BLM’s acquisition of private lands in Cebolla Canyon

H E L P A I D R I PA R I A N R E S T O R AT I O N !

THE CHICKWAGON:

B A C K YA R D F L O C K S M A D E F U N A N D E A S Y ! FRANCES DETERS omewhere deep in all our psyches is the farming dream. But farming is space and time consuming, so we leave it to others to provide our fresh vegetables and meat. One of the things we can grow ourselves, regardless of space, are eggs. To have a small flock of chickens is easy and fun. The Chickwagon has been designed and built to fill the needs of the backyard flock by Tom Delehanty and Frances Deters, of Pollo Real, who have been field testing chicken pen designs for years. BY

SHOP CO-OP AND SAVE BUY LOCAL

Made of 3/8” rebar and chicken wire, it’s strong enough to last forever, be predator resistant and light enough to move around. The quonset hut design makes it very wind resistant, and the 24 mil polywoven fabric covering has proven durability in the field. The beauty of these pens is their versatility and practicality. They fit

in the back of a pickup and can be converted to row covers using a 11 mil translucent polywoven fabric. The egg laying area is dark, cozy and accessible from the outside for easy removal of the eggs. Each pen comes with a feeder, water area and nesting pad. Last but not least is the importance of soil development. Because these pens are light enough for a person to move around, the soil under them will become richer for having had chickens on it. Many people refer to pens of this nature as “chicken tractors.” With well developed soil, it is easy and natural to grow a wonderful garden, hence the convertibility of The Chickwagon to a row cover. I invite everyone to come and see this innovative and unique design at Co-op’s Earth Fest at Nob Hill on April 26, 2009. Contact thechickwagon @gmail.com or call 575-312-1730.

community forum HUNGER GROW AWAY

COMMUNITY FOOD SECURITY KRISTIN WHITE ank Bruce, a horticultural therapist, and Tomi Jill Folk, director of Hunger Grow Away, a non-profit, 501 (c)(3), have devoted their lives to learning and empowering others in the area of food security and the creation of fully accessible community gardens. Their objective is to end hunger by teaching people how to grow their own food year round with limited space, water and time. They have written numerous publications on how “to be part of the solution to hunger, malnutrition and the diseases related to poor diet,” creating intergenerational and accessible gardens, and gardening for health.

Hank and Tomi travel quite a bit, speaking at food and health shows and schools. They offer resources and education and work closely with communities to be self reliant, creative and healthy. Tomi said, “It’s empowering to be self sufficient and to be able to provide food for oneself and others.” She is rewarded by seeing the infinite possibilities that emerge

from the process of planting in a way that is “acceptable or familiar to the people who will be growing the food.” One of the primary goals of Tomi and Hank is to learn something from every group with whom they work. Their preference is to partner with projects already in process. Once a need is established, they, together with community or group members, figure out what resources are available. Resources might include a grant writer, donations and other support services. Once resources have been identified and confirmed, the couple work with members to discover plant sources that are “nutritious, easy to cultivate and environmentally positive.” Working with the Navajo and Pueblo communities on a diabetes program are examples of collaborative projects Hank and Tomi have enjoyed with success. With funding in place they were able to focus on the needs of the community and on developing an appro-

April 2009 15

FULL HEARTS FOR FULL BELLIES priate garden. In one of the projects, they developed a micro-intensive garden that fit in a cart with large wheels so that the cart could be moved in correspondence with the sun’s position. Currently Hank is working with a non-profit organization called Give Kids the World, a project that is close to his heart. The organization exists to fulfill the wishes of children, from around the world, with life-threatening illnesses, and their families in experiencing a joyful, magical and cost-free visit to the theme parks in Central Florida. Members of the organization contacted Hank and asked him to help them build an accessible vegetable garden for the kids, full of whimsy and discovery. This project is particularly meaningful to Hank because of the legacy that will endure, planting it forward, for generations to come. One of the informational sheets that Hank and Tomi gave me is an excerpt from their book, Garden Projects for the Classroom and Special Learning Programs (published by Petals and Pages, 2004). The excerpt describes why gardening is better than TV. All that can be found on TV, music, changes of scenery (look at a hummingbird), and real life terror (snakes, spiders and hornets), can be found in the garden. Even better, you won’t find reruns in the garden. Each day is one of a kind. Working in the garden teaches patience, responsibility, cooperation and builds confidence and faith. Now that’s one to grow on.

C E L E B R AT I N G T H E L I F E O F H E R B A L I S T

MICHAEL MOORE

enowned herbalist and noted author Michael Moore, 68, died on February 20. Herbal enthusiasts have the opportunity to gather and celebrate the life and achievements of Michael Moore on April 17-19 in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, at the conference “Michael Moore and American Herbalism.”

A practicing herbalist since 1968, Michael taught and spoke at a variety of schools and conferences during his lifetime. He instructed and inspired thousands of people regarding medicinal herbs. He authored numerous important herb books, including Medicinal Plants of the Mountain West (1979), Medicinal Plants of the Desert and Canyon West (1989), and Medicinal Plants of the Pacific West (1993). Michael directed and taught at the Southwest School of Botanical Medicine in Bisbee, Arizona, as well as other schools in the US for 28 years, before retiring in 2006. The three-day conference honoring Michael’s life and accomplishments will include speakers, workshops,

exhibitions, a banquet, dancing and other activities. Speakers include herbalists Michael Tierra, Phyllis Hogan, Amanda McQuade Crawford, Daniel Gagnon, Deborah Brandt and many others. “Michael was a larger-than-life figure in the lives of many people,” Mark Blumenthal of the American Botanical Council (ABC) says. “He became the ‘godfather’ of the American herbal movement.” “Attending Michael Moore’s herbal program revolutionized my thinking completely,” said Holly Ferguson, ABC’s education director. “He was a brilliant, quirky and highly entertaining teacher. He gave us a historical, philosophical and political basis for creating a holistic understanding of medicinal herbs. This man will be truly missed, yet his spirit lives on in those of us who were inspired by his teachings.” For more information regarding registration, sponsorship, or donations, visit the website: www.mooreandmore2009.com. BY COURTNEY CAVALIERE

get on the

PEACE TRAIN!

FRESH DELICIOUS ORGANIC

S A T. A P R I L 1 8 7 P M S O U T H B R O A D W AY C U LT U R A L C E N T E R :

CO-OP Trade Initiative:

Poetry with Mary Oishi,

Bringing local farmers together with Co-op shoppers for the best in fresh, fair and local food.

R I C H A R D VA R G A S , A N D R E A S E R R A N O , H A K I M B E L L A M Y, C A T H Y A R E L L A N O , A M A N D A R I C H & JENNIFER VERNON

and a round robin open mic,

Two Locations! Nob Hill

Acupuncture Center Relief from stress, pain, digestive discomfort, colds & flu Most insurances accepted. 3415 Silver SE Albuquerque, New Mexico 87106 P: 505-265-5087 103 East Hill Gallup, New Mexico 87301 P: 505-863-8018

ALBUQUERQUE CITY

A L L W E L C O M E T O PA R T I C I PAT E ! $ 5 S U G G E S T E D D O N AT I O N

OPEN SPACE

F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N CALL 505-268-9557 OR w w w. a b q p e a c e a n d j u s t i c e . o r g

DIVISION EARTH DAY EDUCATION APRIL 18-19 • • • • • •

4/18 FREE YOGA FOR THE EARTH WORKSHOP 9-11AM 4/18-19 RECYCLED ART FAIR, 10AM-5PM ALSO: SUSTAINABILITY WORKSHOP· BIRDING AND PUPPETEERING FOR ALL AGES ANCIENT TOOL CRAFTING DEMO, LOW TOXICITY PRINTMAKING DEMO MAKE AND TAKE RECYCLED CRAFT PROJECTS 4/19 FREE BACKYARD COMPOSTING MADE EASY WORKSHOP 10AM-12:30PM (REGISTRATION REQUIRED) WITH JIM BROOKS

Events take place at Open Space Visitor Center. Call 897-8831 to register. The Open Space Visitor Center is located at 6500 Coors.

SPONSORED BY THE ALBUQUERQUE CENTER FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE

WORKSHOPS: APRIL 17, 7PM ECO-ACTIVIST DERRICK JENSEN $5 APRIL 18, 12:30-4:30PM C R E AT I V E A R T S W O R K S H O P S F R E E ! FOR ADDITONAL INFO A N D L O C AT I O N S c a l l 2 6 8 - 9 5 5 7

Enjoy all of the Spring Events at your Co-op! more details inside

Join La Montañita Co-op! Your community-owned natural foods grocery store

Why Join? -You Care! –about good food and how it is produced -You’re Empowered! –you help support the local/regional food-shed -You Support! –Co-op principles & values and community ownership -You Vote! –with your dollars for a strong local economy -You Participate! –providing direction and energy to the Co-op -You Receive! –member discounts, weekly specials and a patronage refund

You Own It!

–an economic alternative for a sustainable future

In so many ways it pays to be a La Montañita Co-op Member/Owner!

Great Reasons to be a Co-op Member • Pick up our monthly newsletter full of information on food, health, environment and your Co-op. • Member refund program: at the end of each fiscal year, if earnings are sufficient, refunds are returned to members based on purchases. • Weekly member-only coupon specials as featured in our weekly sales flyer. Pick it up every week at any location to save more than your annual membership fee each week. • Banking membership at the New Mexico Educators Federal Credit Union. • Member only discount days: take advantage of our special discount events throughout the year–for members only. • Special orders: on order large quantities or hard-to-find items at a 10% discount for members. • General membership meetings, Board positions and voting. Co-ops are democratic organizations. Your participation is encouraged.