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Carbon sequestration seminar at CSUB Wednesday Major dairy rule to be temporarily lifted How are local businesses going green? Two condors shot recently on Central Coast Get a free smog test at BC Saturday Organic food: Is it worth it? Save on energy-saving computer accessories Some areas of Kern ablaze with wildflowers Duraflame sues over fireplace rule in Bay Area Have you ever wondered, why don't we do that here? January 08 February 08 March 08 April 08 May 08 June 08 July 08 August 08 September 08 October 08 November 08 December 08 January 09 February 09 March 09 April 09 May 09 June 09 July 09 August 09 September 09 October 09 November 09
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I went on a mission a few weeks ago trying to find fresh, locally-grown produce. I thought this would be easy considering all the farms and orchards around here. But that was not the case. Some local farms have fruit stands but it seems the options are limited to what that farm specializes in -- oranges, nuts, grapes, etc. So then I checked out one of those impromptu, roadside stands that cropped up at an intersection near my house last weekend. But they were selling mangoes and pineapples grown in Central America. Most of the local farmers markets aren't up and running yet but I've heard the produce sold in these venues often come from non-local farms, too. Apparently, Green Frog Market and Young's carry some local produce. Anyone know where else one might find a decent selection of locally-grown food?
Earth Day is tomorrow so I've compiled a few news items here that I think are worthy of a peruse. Sign up to stop junk mail and get $1 From Greendimes: "Pankaj Shah, an “eco-preneur” who founded GreenDimes, a Palo Alto, California-based company that leads the nation in reducing the amount of postal junk mail sent to American mailboxes, is kicking his green status up a notch this week. Today Shah announced his campaign to pay 5 million people $1 each. Don’t need the dollar? GreenDimes will plant a tree for you. All he asks in exchange is that people sign up with GreenDimes to start getting rid of their junk mail. When all is said and done, Shah is just trying to do his part in the battle against global warming – and in doing so, he will prove that brands can combine consumerism with altruism, fine tuning the capitalist business model so it coincides with social and environmental good." Need a new lawn mower? The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District is distributing vouchers for steeply-discounted, electric lawn mowers to valley residents who trade-in their gas-powered machine. Those who take part will get a new, $399 air-friendly mower for $150. The program runs through May 31 but supplies are limited. Green tips to teach children First 5 California is encouraging parents and caregivers to teach young children how to live “green” to help ensure a healthier future for them and the planet. First 5 is a state commission funded by tobacco taxes to provide educational information to parents of children 5 and under.
Last week, the Vulcan project released a map of carbon emissions across the United States. Unsurprisingly, it looked pretty much like a population density map. This week, there's a new version: carbon emissions per capita. Check out the Wired blog post. If you look at the high-res map, the Bakersfield area looks red. When you zoom in, though, I think Bakersfield proper is actually green, and it's surrounding areas that are red — areas with high emissions and few people. It's hard to really pinpont Bako on the map, though. Maybe somebody with more mashup skillz than I can turn it into a layer and throw a highway layer on, so we could see better. -- James Geluso I worked on a story today about spring being an excellent time to visit one of the several nature preserves around Kern County. These sorts of places don't advertise so it's likely many people haven't heard of them. They're no trip to Disneyland but a great way to get out and enjoy the weather and the natural surroundings. Any other off-the-beat-path ideas for how to enjoy spring?
Would you carpool to work or take the bus to help clean the air? How about if you knew that vehicle exhaust contributes to 75 percent of the air pollution in Kern County, which boasts some of the dirtiest air in the nation? Sierra Club sued the city today over a recently-approved housing development in southwest Bakersfield the group has called “the worst example of urban sprawl you can imagine.”
Sierra Club says more homes in a remote part of the city are unnecessary given the downturn in the housing market and a backlog of yet-to-be-built homes. The group seems to think Bakersfield is sick of developments like Ten Section that shoot off from the city like tentacles. But the city contends these area were always envisioned for future growth. What do you think? Is Sierra Club's lawsuit needless or is this a fight worth picking?
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