1 thru 7 of 7  Boston’s triple bottom line
By Scotland Willis | Wednesday Jun 2, 2010
In early 2010 Sweden announced that its biomass energy outpaced its use of oil. Sweden now gets about 31.7 percent of its energy from biomass. The Swedish Energy Agency’s mission is to "promote the development of Sweden’s energy system so that it will become ecologically and economically sustainable." Boston’s Environmental Services lists its mission as to "preserve and enhance the resources of our built and natural environment and to promote affordable, efficient, reliable and safe energy systems for Boston residents" - not too different from Sweden’s Energy Agency. This suggests that we have the potential to meet similar goals sooner than what we are in pursuit of by 2050. The difference is that the political will to make the changes is often the greatest hurdle.
EarthFest a success no matter attendees’ motivation
By Scotland Willis | Tuesday May 25, 2010
There were probably over 100,000 people (according to event coordinators) who showed up for EarthFest on Saturday, May 22, at the Hatch Shell, and it was about as perfect a day as it could be for a celebration, and what better thing to celebrate than the Earth? It was a mixture of individuals from all over the city; a few people from Canada have also been making their way here for EarthFest every year for the past six years - or ever since their son has been going to college here.
Cycling on purpose
By Scotland Willis | Friday May 14, 2010
Sustainability does not always have to be an intense effort to persuade individuals to learn more about their carbon footprint, not drive gas-guzzlers, and buy carbon offsets. With a look at the pleasures of sustainability we just might convert a few more people.
Flood crud and the MWRA
By Scotland Willis | Monday May 3, 2010
Boston and North America in general are identified as low to no water-scarcity areas, based on the International Water Management Institute; a water main break in Weston, Mass., left many feeling very differently in an instant. There was a shift in the convenience of access to drinkable water on demand in Greater Boston and the surrounding areas. But exceptional plant management by the Massachusetts Water Resource Authority (MWRA) and Executive Director Frederick A. Laskey will allow us to get back online.
Tip of the iceberg
By Scotland Willis | Thursday Apr 29, 2010
Last week Mayor Menino received his Climate Action Leadership Committee’s (CALC) recommendations to meet the much needed goals in order for Boston to lead the country in climate control objectives. After reading over the report and recommendations I see lots of good thoughts around plans and objectives, but I am underwhelmed.
The green mile
By Scotland Willis | Tuesday Apr 20, 2010
I first began running in Colorado with my middle school track coach and metals shop teacher, Mr. Frick. It was a time when teachers still made house calls to inspired students who seemed to demonstrate promise. One visit in particular took us on a cross country run through the mountain trails behind where I lived. I didn’t consider myself a runner then nor an environmentalist, but here I am today, using the same source of inspiration to achieve a different goal. Now I occasionally take the Southwest Corridor as a substitute for the trails of Colorado. This time it lead me to the Boston Marathon.
Introducing ’Green Action’
By Scotland Willis | Tuesday Apr 13, 2010
I was recently approached by South End News and asked if I would be willing to write a "green" column for publication. I’m a native Bostonian, deeply involved with the neighborhood (a board member of USES) and have been working on sustainability issues since 1989, so it seemed like a natural fit. With that in mind, here’s a look at what sustainability means and what we’ll examine in this space in the future. I look forward to a hearty exchange of ideas and creating an environment we can all embrace.
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