Earth Day 2016 by Healdsburg Tribune Special Publications

Winners of the Earth Day coloring contest see Page 8

Earth Day activities see Page 5

A special section of The Healdsburg Tribune, The Cloverdale Reveille, The Windsor Times and Sonoma West Times & News

April 21, 2016

Sonoma County’s Earth Spirits County was green before it was mainstream

he spirit and legacy of 1970s Earth Day is not only alive and well in Sonoma County, but it has become codified in the law of the land and in a dozen public programs supporting environmental protection, energy conservation, open space preservation and mass transit development. If we were to take a brush and paint the United States in symbolic “green” Earth Day tones, we would have to reserve the greenest hues for Sonoma County, equal in shade to other regions such as the Pacific Northwest, rural New England and small dots of smart growth urban enclaves. Why and how did the lessons of the original Earth Day become such an endurable and living part of Sonoma County and its people? Although eternally blessed with a native beauty and expansive diversity of plants, animals, landscapes and abundant natural resources, Sonoma County in the 1970s also was part of a California with a booming population, historical public infrastructure development of dams, highways and new cities and a dominant political belief in a gold standard of “the more growth the better.” But a funny thing happened on the way to this Golden Temple of Eternal Expansion. One of the biggest jolts was the offshore oil spill at Santa Barbara in 1969 when 100,000 gallons of oil spilled from offshore drilling rigs onto the beaches, killing thousands of birds. Only a few years earlier, protesting citizens had blocked PG&E’s nuclear power plant development at Bodega Bay on the San Andreas fault line. An awakening had begun over some of the dirty and hidden costs of this Golden dream. In 1975, a major court case over the “Petaluma Plan” gave new growth control powers to local communities for the first time in America. The county’s most southern city had tripled in population since 1950 and Petalumans sought far-reaching protections against suburban sprawl and erosion of their small town rural character. The citizens won, and big parts of the “Petaluma Plan” were incorporated five years later into the county’s first modern General Plan, that has been steering Sonoma County’s city-centered growth ever since. Sonoma County’s proximity to San Francisco, Berkeley and the Bay Area also brought a shaggy,

to work with private owners to both protect private lands and provide new public access. Recent success stories have included the Mt. Taylor Regional Open Space and Healdsburg’s Fitch Mountain. The Open Space District was part of the effort to place the Gualala River watershed’s Preservation Ranch in open space protection and just recently celebrated the opening of the Sears Point marshlands. Sonoma Clean Power (sonomacleanpower.org) Created in 2008 by county voters, Sonoma Clean Power now serves all residents and businesses (except Healdsburg) with renewable and hydropower sources that has decreased overall greenhouse gas emissions by 53,579 metric tons in the last four years. SCP is a public-owned organization and is also becoming a major local employer. Center for Climate Protection (climateprotection.org) Founded in 2001, this non-government, nonprofit clearinghouse and action center today helps coordinate local actions by individuals, communiwalk beside me — A “grandfather” oak at Shiloh Park beckons the hiker to take to the trail. ties and 10 local governments to PHOTO BY raY HOlleY reduce greenhouse emissions through educational, monitoring and direct-action programs. The colorful and counterculture wave (It wasn’t just the young and fresh m) This nonprofit, volunteerstrong organization is dedicated to Solar Sonoma program is also of new settlers. Included were beards. Already here fighting the based here offering local residents young drop-outs from San good fight for open space and open both advocacy and education proand businesses information and grams about the health of the Francisco’s hippie days and cause- politics were Bill and Lucy support for solar power installaRussian River watershed. Topics seeking student graduates from Kortum, Rose Gafney, Barry tions, water and energy conservathat volunteers are currently UC Berkley and the new Sonoma Keane, Marty Griffin, Huey engaged in include riverside habi- tion projects and lending proState College in Cotati, opened in Johnson and other earth elders.) grams. tat restoration, water quality and 1961 with 250 students. Today, some 46 years since the SMART Sonoma-Marin Area quantity, gravel mining and forIn 1970, and for several years ecological awakenings of the first Rail Transit est-to-vineyard conversion issues. after, these newest county resiEarth Day, Sonoma County has (sonomamarintrain.org) A tax Annual projects include stream dents lived, sang and flaunted the become a place where Earth Day authority and government agency cleanups and a Great River Race, spirit of Earth Day. They moved can be celebrated every day of the was approved by Sonoma and back to the land, into communes, year and the opportunity to honor scheduled this year for May 21. Marin county voters in 2008 to Laguna de Santa Rosa tree houses and old farmsteads. Mother Earth is as close as a few build a commuter train and pedesFoundation They created food co-ops, open-air steps from local residents’ front trian/bicycle pathway along a 70(lagunafoundation.org) celebrations, creek cleanups and door or driveway. mile corridor between San Rafael Established in 1989 and hiring its tie-dyed fashions. They talked the Here are a few Earth Dayand Cloverdale to reduce congesfirst staff in 2002, this organizapolitics of honoring Mother Earth inspired resources and pursuits: tion keeps hundreds of volunteers tion on Highway 101 and decrease and they trashed mass conSonoma County Parks busy with habitat restoration and overall vehicle greenhouse gas sumerism. They started their own (parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov.) emissions. The first sections of the educational programs. The newspaper, the Sonoma County There are more than 50 parks, train service are scheduled to Laguna de Santa Rosa is a 22-mile Stump. They helped get Gov. trails and public access areas oper(Moonbeam) Jerry Brown elected ated by the county parks staff. An long fresh water estuary that sup- begin late this year. The development of the SMART train has ports 200 species. Ongoing issues and their most popular reading annual pass ($69, $49 for seniors) allowed the Sonoma-Marin region continue to be nearby agriculture material was the Whole Earth is a true bargain. County parks to win increased federal transit activity, urban wastewater disCatalogue. staff also offer interpretative proand energy conservation funds. charges, coordination of Guess what happened next? grams, group education sessions private/public land ownership and The massive infrastructure project These longhaired, barefoot, idealand volunteer work programs. has not been without controversy flood control. istic and (some) hedonistic young There is also the Sonoma County where long-range financial susSonoma County Agricultural people didn’t go away. They Parks Foundation (sonomacountytainability, adequate ridership and Preservation and Open Space became teachers, nurses, lawyers, parksfoundation.org) for anyone delayed completion of the most elected officials, mainstream jour- wishing to make further donations District (sonomaopenspace.org) northern segments still await testCreated by county voters in 1990, nalists and influential policy mak- or legacy contributions. ing. this public district has preserved ers. Look around — or look in the Russian Riverkeeper (rus– Rollie Atkinson over 106,000 acres and continues mirror — they are still here today. sianriverkeeper.drupalgardens.co

The Russian River: lifeblood of the region

he Russian River Watershed drains 1,500 square miles of fertile farmland, forests and towns. From Willits to Jenner, the river meanders 110 miles through two counties on its way to the Pacific Ocean. It provides clean drinking water to 600,000 people and is home to a remarkably diverse population of aquatic, terrestrial and flying creatures. A watershed is more than a river, even more than the smaller flows that feed that river. A watershed starts on a mountaintop or a ridgeline. Precipitation, geology and gravity combine to form rivulets, streams, creeks and washes. Seeds, sediment and silt are transported by water, ending up as farmland. The river itself heaves out of its banks in certain years, chang-

ing course, creating or reclaiming land, and always depositing rich sediment on the land of grateful farmers. The watershed encompasses multiple habitats. Kingfishers chatter and dive along waterways, Mountain Lions prowl the grasslands and King Snakes hunt for rattlers. The watershed – a river at its core – flows through communities of humans as well. Always an amenity, sometimes a peril, a source of pride and prosperity, the Russian River is a constant reminder of our connection to the coursing life of the land. The river was revered by our earliest natives, who were followed by settlers who sought to tame it. It’s now appreciated by the people who fish it, swim it, drink from it and have come to love it. – Ray Holley

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Thursday, April 21, 2016

Fish Friendly Farming Wine industry embracing stream health and “triple bottom line”

he Sonoma County Winegrowers is now accepting Fish Friendly Farming Sustainability Certification into its Sonoma County Sustainable program. “This is major news for our organization and our sustainability efforts here in Sonoma County,” said Sean Carroll of the Winegrowers in a press release. “It’s the culmination of over a year and half of collaboration between both organizations to enrich Fish Friendly Farming’s program to meet our strict standards for a triple bottom line approach to sustainability focused on people, planet and profit. Currently there are roughly 13,505 vineyard acres enrolled and 10,133 vineyard acres certified under Fish Friendly Farming in Sonoma County.” As Earth Day nears, Sonoma County Winegrowers announced this week that the Fish Friendly Farming (FFF) Environmental Certification Program is now an accepted option under the region’s globally recognized Sonoma County Sustainable Program. www.sonomawinegrape.org. Since committing to become the nation’s first 100 percent certified sustainable wine region by 2019, the Sonoma County Winegrowers have created a groundbreaking sustainability program to help ensure its grape growers continue to farm for generations to come. “I am very excited that Fish Friendly Farming will now be accepted under our Sonoma County Sustainable initiative,” said Karissa Kruse, president of Sonoma County Winegrowers. “This is another example of our ongoing commitment to build the strongest sustainability program possible, while also giving our growers another certification option that still maintains the strict standards we require to become Sonoma County Sustainable,” she said. The addition of Fish Friendly

healthy fish = healthy streams • Steelhead, like this hatchery fish, are strong indicators of the health of a waterway. Local fish and streams are under stress from habitat loss and development, but Fish Friendly Farming and other programs are leading the way toward recovery.

PHOTO BY raY HOlleY

Farming is the result of a year and half of collaboration between the two organizations to enrich the FFF sustainability program to meet the requirements of Sonoma County’s sustainability program. Sonoma County Winegrowers’ comprehensive approach to sustainability was recently recognized with California’s highest environmental honor, the Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award (GEELA). Sonoma County’s sustainability program takes a triple bottom-line approach that focuses on people, planet and profit, as well as an annual audit and third party certification. To meet this criteria, Fish Friendly Farming has expanded its strong environmental focus with new best practices addressing

the social equity and business aspects of sustainability. In addition, they now mandate an annual audit. Fish Friendly Farming will now require all their members including those outside of Sonoma County to comply with these new additions in order to remain certified Fish Friendly Farming With the addition of Fish Friendly Farming, Sonoma County’s grape growers now have four sustainability programs to select from that have been reviewed and vetted by environmental policy advocates, wine industry leaders and other stakeholders. include California They Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance, Fish Friendly Farming, Lodi Rules and SIP (Sustainability in

Practice). “It was critically important to Fish Friendly Farming that we be a key component in the Sonoma County Winegrowers’ sustainable offerings,” said Laurel Marcus, Fish Friendly Farming’s Executive Director. She added, “We have enhanced an already excellent program which will continue to benefit the environment and help salmon and steelhead populations recover in Sonoma County and throughout the west.” The Fish Friendly Farming Certification Program began in 1997 to assist Sonoma and Mendocino winegrape growers to comply with federal and state environmental laws and regulations. The program incorporates the Clean Water Act, Endangered

Species Act and California laws governing water rights, fish and wildlife habitat and pesticides. The program was not designed as a sustainability program and, until now, it did not provide certification for socially responsible or economically viable improvement. Currently there are roughly 13,505 vineyard acres enrolled and 10,133 vineyard acres certified under Fish Friendly Farming in Sonoma County. Since launching its sustainability efforts in 2014, Sonoma County Winegrowers have made significant progress and gained global recognition for their leadership. According to a Winegrowers press release, Kruse has traveled across the globe promoting Sonoma County’s sustainability efforts, while garnering several prestigious awards, including California’s highest environmental honor, the Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award (GEELA) and being named a “Game Changer” by BIZ Magazine. Northbay Currently, the Sonoma County Winegrowers are well ahead of their projections towards achieving 100 percent sustainability as a wine region. • 37,392 vineyard acres (64 percent) of Sonoma County’s 58,280 vineyard acres have been sustainably self-assessed; • 27,761 vineyard acres (48 percent) have been certified sustainable by a third party audit; • Close to 500 Sonoma County Sustainable signs have been distributed and are displayed in vineyards across the region • More than 1,280 Sonoma County grape growers participated in sustainability workshops, meetings and related events in 2015; and • More than 162,340 pounds of vineyard material was recycled by growers in 2015. – Submitted by Sonoma County Winegrowers

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Thursday, April 21, 2016

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‘Growmance’ A healthy obsession with local bounty grow·mance (grōˈmans) -noun 1. a feeling of excitement and affinity for the prospect of a stronger, more collaborative local food community.

local pig farmer coined the word “growmance” just as a cowbell echoed through the grange hall in Sebastopol. At that signal, a few dozen farmers took their seats on one side of a long row of tables, while an equal crowd of food buyers — chefs, distributers, grocers, even school cafeteria managers — arranged themselves on the other. And with a flurry of handshakes, this annual Farmer/Buyer Mixer kicked off for the third year in a row, a speeddating-styled undertaking to increase local food purchasing throughout the North Bay. Most people think of Sonoma County as a locavore’s epicurean Mecca, once deemed by the famed horticulturalist Luther Burbank as

“the chosen spot of all this earth as far as Nature is concerned.” And with year-round growing and fertile soils, in the century following Burbank’s arrival, this region spilled over with a bounty of apples, eggs, pears, wheat, prunes, milk — enough to feed the local community and still have enough left over to ship all across America. But this past December, in that bustling grange hall in Sebastopol, all those agrarian speed-daters were in fact engaged in something that today is quite radical: bringing back the love. Because despite the recent proliferation of farmers markets, farm-to-table eateries and a love affair with the buzzword “local” by marketers, Sonoma County residents rely more on imported food today than ever before. Where has the growmance gone? With skyrocketing costs in land and housing, together with onerous regulation and a deluge of cheap imports from factory farms in the Central Valley or as far

collaboration • Caiti Hachmyer of Red Farm with Tom Adamian, sous chef at Woodfour Brewing Company. PHOTO BY saraH BradBurY

away as Mexico and China, local agriculture has struggled to keep up. Value-added products such as wine, artisan cheese and now hard ciders have helped preserve much of the county’s remaining farmland. According to last year’s crop report, well over 60,000 acres are currently planted to winegrapes. But divvy up the 600 acres of vegetables among the half-million people who call Sonoma County home and they’d each get just a sevenfoot-by-seven-foot parcel. Doing her part to offset that ratio is Caiti Hachmyer of Red H Farm. Just south of Sebastopol, Hachmyer represents a new generation working to re-diversify the region’s bounty. Young, small-scale and focused on ecological practices, Hachmyer arrived to December’s Farmer/Buyer Mixer hoping to expand beyond just farmers markets and CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture, a weekly subscription-based model). To do so, she knows that her success hinges not just on market forces but upon relationships, too. “I’m a pretty small-scale grower,” she says, “so I need to find buyers who can work with me, who can be flexible or even sit down and help coordinate my planting schedule with their menu.” The pace of agriculture can’t always keep up with the pace of the food industry. And food trends, says Hachmyer, sometimes change faster than she can farm. “Padron peppers might be hot (no pun intended) one season, but by the time I plant, cultivate and harvest them, suddenly chefs are asking for shishitos. Knowing what to grow is kind of a chicken or egg challenge, which is why the (Farmer/Buyer Mixer) event was so valuable. I got a better idea of what to grow, when, how much and at what price.” Held in winter, the event’s aim wasn’t simply to match existing supply to existing demand, but to cultivate long-term relationships

in preparation for the coming season, partnerships like those that Hachmyer has forged with chef Tom Adamian of Woodfour Brewing Company. “Of course going through some big distributor would be easier,” says Adamian. “And that’d be fine, if I didn’t care where my ingredients came from. But for me, it’s worth the extra effort to know who’s growing your food, how they farm, their philosophy.” Adamian doesn’t simply know his farmer by name, but visits Hachmyer’s land, learns about her no-till soil techniques and why that matters. “The ability to see something growing and serve it that same evening is incredible. Most people come to the restaurant and just want good food and to enjoy a beer. And that’s fine.

Though lately we’re getting folks calling in ahead to ask how we source, where the food comes from. It’s nice validation for the extra effort we take — though I’d probably do it one way or another,” he says. Those phone calls are part of a growing trend. One in three people surveyed by a national market research firm recently claimed they’d pay up to 25 percent more for local food. But while food businesses like Safeway have responded to a disparity between demand for and supply of local food by stretching their definition of “local” to encompass a sometimes 800mile radius, the businesses that arrived to last December’s Farmer/Buyer Mixer are choosing to be more proactive. By forging See Growmance page 4

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Growmance ...

Thursday, April 21, 2016

Going direct: Try a CSA for fresh food

leader • Tim Page, co-founder of FEED Sonoma.

Continued from Page 3 relationships with local farmers—including many new farmers just getting started—these businesses are helping to incubate their own supply. Tim Page, local food distributor of FEED Sonoma, admits he showed up to the event with low expectations. Already working with nearly 60 local farms of every shape and size, Page assumed that if they were growing food, he already knew them. “I was pleasantly surprised,” he says. “I met farmers that I didn’t even know existed, plus several energetic new folks getting ready for their very first season.” FEED Sonoma works to build efficiency in the local food system, pledging a fair and transparent link between family farms and businesses of every kind, including Woodfour Brewing Company (it helps that FEED’s loading dock sits just a couple hundred feet

PHOTO BY saraH BradBurY

from the Sebastopol brewpub’s entrance). “Ultimately, an event like this is super important because while bigger farms might have sales and distribution reps, smaller farms need collaborative relationships. We need cross-pollination,” says Page. Not only did Page leave with a whole list of new farmers, but by the following week trucks were leaving FEED Sonoma with a brand new delivery of yacón, a crisp, sweet-tasting root vegetable that originated in the Andes but is now grown right here in Sonoma County. “Instant gratification!” said Page. Despite the huge progress made by FEED, chefs like Adamian everyone interviewed for this story agreed: we’ve got a long way to go before achieving a truly sustainable local food system. In short, says Page, “We need more farms! Take a closer look and you might discover that our system isn’t as efficient as we think. It needs healing. We in

ecostruction

Sonoma County should be setting an example for other communities. If we can’t do it here, who can?” From farmland access to Big Ag subsidies, Hachmyer recognizes the limits of “voting with your fork,” pointing to the systemic obstacles facing small-scale, family farms. But despite that, she says, “It really does come down to individual relationships and communication. Talk to your waiter, tell restaurants what you want, open up dialogue with your favorite food business and politely request more local options.” Knowing there’s more demand for local produce and buyers willing to work with farms like hers, Hachmyer feels more confident scaling up her operation. There are never guarantees in agriculture, but Hachmyer looks forward to 2016. – Evan Wiig Note: This story originally appeared in Sonoma Discoveries Magazine

Visiting a local farmers’ market in season is a delight. The combination of fresh and prepared food, flowers, crafts and people can be educational and fun. But, if you can’t get to the market, can it come to you? Or, can you find a variety of what you want in one quick stop at a predictable cost? Try Community Supported Agriculture, sometimes called Community Shared Agriculture (CSA). CSAs are all over Sonoma County’s Great Northwest and vary greatly in scope, size and price, but they amount to a subscription program for fresh food. Customers end up with a box of food each week and farmers have a reliable source of income and customers. Some CSAs require you to sign up and pay in advance at the beginning of the season. This is investing in your food supply at its most basic. The farmer can use your investment to plant, nurture and harvest crops and you share in the outcomes. Other programs let you pay by subscription and pick up your box on a regular basis, often once a week. Boxes might contain that week’s produce, recipe ideas, even eggs or bread. Specialty CSAs exist for local meat producers as well.

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As we ponder the implications of Earth Day, it would behoove us to remember that the Earth provides our sustenance and the farmers who tend it deserve our support. Want to find out more about CSAs in your area? Search for them online or better yet, ask your friends for a referral, post a message on social media or visit your favorite stall at the farmer’s market and ask if they have a CSA program. – Ray Holley

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Thursday, April 21, 2016

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A hands-on approach to Earth Day Earth Day activities and planet-friendly tips

ness to college campuses or donate to these worthy causes at www.earthday.org/campaigns.

he first Earth Day was held in 1970 to demonstrate support for environmental protection, and an estimated 20 million Americans participated. As this tradition grows larger, there are more and more activities to choose from for you and your loved ones to celebrate the only planet we have. Try out some of these fun activities to get involved to celebrate Earth Day.

Celebrate your community

Building and creative fun TinkerLab, run by arts educator, community builder and mom Rachelle Doorley, offers a list of “50 Earth Day Activities for Kids.” These easy crafts and playtime ideas are a perfect solution for busy parents and curious kids to have fun in the outdoors, with instructions for projects like a doit-yourself fairy garden, making tin can drums, building recycled trash sculptures and setting up a rainbow scavenger hunt. To see the list, visit www.tinkerlab.com/fiftyearth-day-activities.

Green your life For people who care about the world our children will grow up in, it is important to do your part to help, and it all starts in the home. Apples4TheTeacher, an educational resource for teachers and homeschoolers, offers easy tips on how to live a more environmentally positive lifestyle. Children can learn these tips and tricks too, which makes it easier for the whole family to get involved. Instead of throwing out items like grass clippings, fruit rinds, vegetable waste and coffee grounds, consider setting up a compost bin. There is plenty of literature on the best ways to compost, and which ingredients you can use. You can have a beautiful garden with very inexpensive fertilizer you made yourself. Recycling is something we all hear about, but not everyone takes to heart. Buy a separate bin and teach your children to sort between what is recyclable, and what is trash. You can make an activity out of it. Talk to your children about what should go in the recycle bin, and then ask them to make a sign with a list of those items so they can remember it better. Consider buying products that have minimal packaging and create less waste to go into the environment. For more in-depth explanations, go to www.apples4 theteacher.com/holidays/earth-day. Make sure the cleaning and beauty products you use are safe for the Earth. Many aerosol sprays and chemicals can be damaging for both the environment and for humans. Exfoliating microbeads found in many beauty products and soaps can flow to creeks and cause horrific pollution. Birds and fish mistake them for food, the plastic is absorbed into their body, and then we eat them and become sick. To see reviews on safe products for your family to use around the house, visit the Environmental Working Group’s site at www.ewg.org/guides.

earth ball • Children play at Memorial Beach in Healdsburg

and income.” ForestNation offers Tree Kits for purchase. For each one sold, they will plant a tree in a developing country to match. Each kit comes with a tree seed, tree-growing pot, instructions and a unique code. There are different varieties available, including Blue Spruce, American Sycamore and Maritime Pine. There’s even an option to register your tree to the ForestNation

list, and attach a name, message and photo to your tree. To view the Tree Kit selection, visit www.forestnation.com/youplant-one/tree-kit-species. The UC Master Gardener Program has an online resource describing which tress do well in Sonoma County at www.ucanr.edu/sites/scmg/Top_ Plants_Category_Parent/Trees/. Consider researching which trees are drought-resistant, in light of

PHOTO BY saraH BradBurY

California’s current rainfall deficit.

Start a global conversation For those who are serious about improving the environment, take a look at the campaigns offered through EarthDay.org. You can campaign to engage local officials and mayors to adopt greener policies, sign petitions to help stop poaching and animal extinction, help bring environmental aware-

The Lake Sonoma Recreational Area will celebrate this year’s Earth Day with two events – one oriented toward experienced hikers on April 22 and a second “family” event on Saturday, April 23. On Friday, April 22 – the actual Earth Day – a park volunteer will lead a hike (three to four miles long, depending on group vote) beginning at the Lone Rock parking area at 9:55 a.m. Walkers will follow loop trails on the ridgeline of Half-a-Canoe Trail. “These trails range from shady, single-wide tracks to a sunny, wider trail at the crest,” said Linda Clapp, retired park ranger and current chairman of the Friends of Lake Sonoma, the non-profit group that supports educational programs at the park. “Participants should bring their cameras to capture shots of wildflowers, birds and views of both Dry Creek and Warm Springs arms of the lake.” Sturdy tennis shoes and a walking pole are recommended. On Saturday, April 23, the park will host “Earth Day Family Fun” starting at 10:30 a.m. Volunteers will read “Earth Day, Birthday” with assistance from 12 animal friends – and participants – throughout the day. Art and craft projects will be available for all ages, and kids will be able to spin the quiz wheel and win a prize. An easy, nearly level family hike (one mile) will begin at 10:45 a.m. at the Lone Rock parking area. At 1:05 p.m., a moderate hike (1.5 miles) will start at the Woodland Ridge trail marker, located near the Milt Brandt Visitors Center. Wear walking shoes and bring your camera and water! All activities are free and day use fees at the park will be waived for participants. For more information, visit www.lakesonoma.org. Santa Rosa hosts an Earth Day celebration downtown at Courthouse Square from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday April 23, this free and family-friendly festival is a good way to inspire environmental awareness with earth-friendly products and crafts, great food and live performances. Or, celebrate in your own community by taking a walk, planting a tree or just enjoying the natural beauty around us. – Devin Marshall

Plant a tree A similar celebration, Arbor Day, is held on the last Friday of April. This year, it falls on April 29. Some people prefer to celebrate both holidays together by planting a tree on Earth Day. According to EarthDay.org, trees are necessary to combat climate change. They absorb excess harmful CO2 and pollutant gases in the air, filter them out and leave cleaner air for us to breathe. In addition, they say “Trees help communities achieve long-term economic and environmental sustain- appreciating the outdoors • A cloudy sky is reflected in a lake at Foothill Park in Windsor. ability and provide food, energy

PHOTO BY raY HOlleY

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Thursday, April 21, 2016

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Thursday, April 21, 2016

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Why Cycling Makes Sense With every mile you ride on a bike instead of driving alone in a car you prevent a pound of greenhouse gas emissions from entering the atmosphere.

id you know that the United States is comprehensively cataloging greenhouse gas emissions from the largest sources – an important initial step toward measurable and transparent reductions in carbon emissions, which will reduce air pollution and protect the health and welfare of the American people? In January 2012, the Obama Administration launched an online tool that makes comprehensive greenhouse gas emission data publicly available for 29 different industrial categories and other large sources of greenhouse gas pollution. President Obama directed the Federal Government – the largest energy consumer in the U.S. economy – to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions from direct sources such as building energy use and fuel consumption by 28 percent by 2020. He also directed federal agencies to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions from indirect sources, such as those from employee commuting, by 13 percent by 2020. By meeting these goals, federal agencies can save up to $11 billion dollars in energy costs and eliminate the equivalent of cumulative 235 million barrels of oil over the next decade. In 2011, the Administration released the first-ever comprehensive Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Inventory for the U.S. Government, allowing agencies to leverage data to gauge the effectiveness of their renewable energy investments and their energy and fuel efficiency efforts. – Colleen Curtis, from the White House blog

ow does bicycle commuting contribute to a clean environment? Bicycling uses no fuel. Bicycles take a lot less energy to make than a car. Bikes don’t require toxic batteries or motor oil. How much air pollution is prevented by commuting by bicycle? A 10 mile round trip commute five days a week for a year: Vehicle MPG Gasoline Emissions Small Car 35mpg 68 Gallons .7 Tons of CO2 1.3 Tons of CO2 Midsize Car 20mpg 124 Gallons SUV/4×4 14mpg 170 Gallons 1.9 Tons of CO2 And those are just the pollutants from fuel use. From the foam and plastic in its seats to the petroleum in its tires, each car is a small pollution factory. Several tons of waste and 1.2 billion cubic yards of polluted air are generated in its manufacture alone. In 2008 the U.S. produced 1.6 million billion metric tons of waste mining ore for automotive production. In the U.S. each year, painting and coating cars produces 40 million pounds of air releases and 24 million pounds of hazardous wastes. During its lifetime, on the road, each car produces another 1.3 billion cubic yards of polluted air and scatters an additional 40 pounds of worn tire particles, brake debris and worn road surface into the atmosphere. Bicycling significantly reduces transportation emissions while also reducing traffic congestion and the need for petroleum. – Bay Area Bike to Work Day

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• Chalk paint and wax (lots of brands) • Milk paint • Natural oils (linseed oil, hemp oil) • Major brands (Natural by Benjamin Moore) • Essential oils added to paints

Y The occupants of the International Space Station do not pollute their environment, or produce too much Carbon Dioxide, or deplete their resources. They know that in order to survive, they need to live in balance. Perhaps if we took the view that we are living on “Space Station Earth”, it might help all to see that we are all in this together. Everyone from every nation.

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Thursday, April 21, 2016

Coloring Contest Winners Thanks to all who participated in our coloring contest! Visit www.sonomawest.com for more examples.

Cheyenne S. 8 years old. Cloverdale

Sterling Y. 4 years old. Sebastopol

Christopher C. 6 years old. Windsor

Catherine J. 10 years old. Healdsburg

Editorial Rollie Atkinson Ray Holley Devin Marshall Evan Wiig Production Jim Schaefer DenĂŠe Rebotarro Eileen Mateo

Earth Day 2016 is a special supplement to the April 21, 2016 edition of:

The Healdsburg Tribune

The Windsor Times

SONOMA WEST T I M E S

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