[ Saturday, February 18, 2012; 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. ] at Northland Pioneer College, Snowflake, Arizona
Saturday, February 18, 2012 – 1 to 4 pm – Free admission

We are having a tribute to Barbara Kerr and Sherry Cole who invigorated a solar cooking movement when they lived in Tempe in the 1970′s. We’ve got some great speakers and everyone will have a chance to say [...]

[ Monday, February 20, 2012; Monday, March 12, 2012; ] PV101 Solar Electric Design and Installation (Grid-Direct) Workshop

This course will provide an overview of the three basic PV system applications, primarily focusing on grid-direct systems. The goal of the course is to create a fundamental understanding of the core concepts necessary to work with all PV systems, including: system components, site analysis, PV module criteria, [...]

[ Tuesday, January 24, 2012; 9:00 am to 10:30 am. ] Green for All and The Southern Arizona Green for All Coalition (SAGAC) invite you to our first Tucson Meet and Greet information session.

Join us on January 24th from 9:00 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. to learn more about how Tucson is engaging in a new initiative to build a broad-based coalition to address our local issues [...]

Ten Good Things About a (Not So) Bad Year
Medea Benjamin, CommonDreams
I had the privilege of starting out the year witnessing, firsthand, the unfolding of the Egyptian revolution in Tahrir Square. I saw people who had been muzzled their entire lives, especially women, suddenly discovering their collective voice. Singing, chanting, demanding, creating. And that became the [...]

The 12 most hopeful trends to build on in 2012
Published by YES! Magazine on Sat, 12/31/2011
Original article: http://www.yesmagazine.org/blogs/sarah-van-gelder/12-most-hopeful-trends-to-build-on-in-2012
by Sarah van Gelder
Who would have thought that some young people camped out in lower Manhattan with cardboard signs, a few sharpies, some donated pizza, and a bunch of smart phones could change so much?
The viral spread of [...]

[ Monday, February 13, 2012; 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. ] at DuVal Auditorium, University Medical Center, 1501 N Campbell Avenue

Sustainable Tucson’s February Meeting will be a special public lecture event in collaboration with the Tucson Audubon Society and the Community Water Coalition.

University of Arizona climate scientist Dr. Jonathan Overpeck will speak on Climate Change: What does it mean for Tucson and the Southwest?

Last year’s increase [...]

[ Monday, January 9, 2012; 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm. ] at Joel D. Valdez Main Library
101 N. Stone, Downtown (free lower level parking off Alameda St)

How do we “green” our homes and neighborhoods?
How do we work together and contribute to each other?
How do we prepare for climate change?
Join us on January 9th to learn of some exciting efforts now underway in your home town to [...]

Dreaming New Mexico has built a map of pragmatic and visionary solutions to create a more localized and green economy with greater local self-reliance and enhanced prosperity.
Peter Warshall is Co-Director of the Bioneers’ Dreaming New Mexico Project, and a world-renowned water steward, biodiversity and wildlife specialist, research scientist, conservationist, and environmental activist.

from 2011 September TEDx [...]

Inside the Civano Project: A Case Study of Large-Scale Sustainable Neighborhood Development (Mcgraw-Hill’s Greensource Series) 2009
By C. Alan Nichols and Jason A. Laros
Forward by Sustainable Tucson — Co-Founder Bob Cook
Forward
The following story is about a group of people who recognized a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and took it upon themselves to reinvent the future and work for [...]

[ Thursday, December 1, 2011; 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Wednesday, December 7, 2011; 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Thursday, December 8, 2011; 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm. Saturday, December 10, 2011; 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. ] Thursday, Dec. 1, at Corona Foothills Middle School, 16705 S. Houghton Rd., from 5 to 9 PM (and see comments below for further meetings at other locations)

From: Keith Willmarth <canduthis(at)toast.net>
Subject: Oppose the Rosemont Mine

I am sending this message to mobilize informed opposition to the proposed Rosemont Mine. Several organizations, in particular Save the Scenic [...]

By Caroline Dobuzinskis
 
(Ed Mazria’s  Revised One-Year, 4.5 Million-Jobs Investment Plan available here:)
 
With the job market crashing and a reported one in five mortgages underwater, the need for complex solutions to fix the US economy grows increasingly urgent. Ed Mazria, founder of the non-profit research and education organization Architecture 2030, has put forward a proposal to [...]

With half of all mortgaged homes “underwater” and owing more than their market value, housing prices continue to decline even after four years of collapsing prices. The ongoing global credit and debt crisis combined with declining house prices spell disaster for the home-building industry for at least the next decade. The escalating climate crisis also [...]

2012 Green Retrofit Economic Stimulus Proposal for Tucson
With half of all mortgaged homes “underwater” and owing more than their market value, housing prices continue to decline even after four years of collapsing prices. The ongoing global credit and debt crisis combined with declining house prices spell disaster for the home-building industry for at least the [...]

U.S. Delays Decision on Pipeline Until After Election
By JOHN M. BRODER and DAN FROSCH
published in New York Times 11/10/11
WASHINGTON — The Obama administration, under sharp pressure from officials in Nebraska and restive environmental activists, announced Thursday that it would review the route of the disputed Keystone XL oil pipeline, effectively delaying any decision about its [...]

Sustainable Tucson founding coalition member, Tom Greco gives a presentation on his transformational model of economic change to the International Conference on Sustainability, Transition and Culture Change: Vision, Action, Leadership. This TED-like talk is video-streamed from the conference and is viewable here:
 
http://www.livestream.com/localfuture/video?clipId=pla_ade24121-d46d-4448-863c-babe129a604f

UA Natural Resources Professor Emeritus Guy McPherson and Sustainable Tucson founding coalition member addresses the International Conference on Sustainability, Transition and Culture Change: Vision, Action, Leadership recounting his journey to personal accountability in the current crisis of civilization. Taking material from his latest book, “Walking Away From Empire” , Guy demonstrates Gandhi’s  recommendation: “Become the [...]

The Dark Side of the ‘Green’ City
By Andrew Ross
PHOENIX
The struggle to slow global warming will be won or lost in cities, which emit 80 percent of the world’s greenhouse gases. So “greening” the city is all the rage now. But if policy makers end up focusing only on those who can afford the low-carbon technologies [...]

(from The Vote Solar Initiative www.votesolar.org)
Friends,
Your elected utility regulators at the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) are considering cutting funding for the state’s solar programs. Can you help us urge the ACC to keep Arizona’s solar growth and job creation on track?
The ACC is currently reviewing the 2012 Renewable Energy Implementation Plans for three major [...]

[ Sunday, November 6, 2011; 11:30 am to 12:30 pm. ] Event: Occupy Tucson: Tar Sands Keystone XL Pipeline: Decision by Obama on behalf of the American People
Sunday, November 6, 11:30–12:30, followed by General Assembly meeting.
Amory Park, 221 S. 6th Ave. ??? moved to Veinte de Agosto Park at Church & Congress ???

This Sunday, exactly one year before the next presidential election, protesters plan to encircle the [...]

[ Monday, November 7, 2011 to Friday, November 11, 2011. ] Understanding PV (photovoltaics) with Ed Eaton, guest instructor

November 7-11 at Bean Tree Farm

Registration & info about this class: http://solarenergyclasses.com/workshops

Ed Eaton an ISP certified Master Trainer of Photovoltaics, has taught 3000+ students, and founded the Tucson Solar Potluck & Exhibition, now in it’s 30th year. Ed’s educational demonstrations and events for the general public, schools, environmental [...]

How Germany became Europe’s green leader: A look at four decades of sustainable policymaking
by Ralph Buehler, Arne Jungjohann, Melissa Keeley, Michael Mehling

In Brief
Over the last 40 years, all levels of government in Germany have retooled policies to promote growth that is more environmentally sustainable. Germany’s experiences can provide useful lessons for the United States (and [...]

[ Sunday, October 16, 2011; 11:00 am; ] Tucson Prepares for National Plug-In Day on October 16
By Benjamin Nead · October 07, 2011

Bob Oldfather, owner of Bookmans Books and a longtime supporter of electric cars, at a Tucson event for the rollout of the Nissan LEAF.  Tucson’s parade for National Plug In Day will begin at Bookmans’s Campbell and Grant location.

A few weeks [...]

[ Monday, October 10, 2011; 5:15 pm to 8:45 pm. ] Sustainable Tucson is offering a very special Book Sale fundraising event at our October  General Meeting. We have more than 150 titles, including some hard-to-find classics. The winter reading season is coming, so come and browse this rich collection of sustainability literature. You can shop with gifts in mind for particular friends, relatives, or colleagues [...]

The peak oil crisis: reality on hold
by Tom Whipple
 
As much of America bakes in some of the highest temperatures ever recorded and while Washington argues interminably over taxes, budget cuts and debt caps, one is struck by the unreality of it all. When the House of Representatives votes to preserve the incandescent light bulb for [...]

Welcome to the Post-Growth Economy
by Richard Heinberg
 
During recent weeks, evidence has piled up that U.S. and European economies, far from recovering, are swirling back into recession. Failure of American politicians to address the federal debt crisis, the U.S. credit rating downgrade, and increasing fragility of European economies have investors running for the hills.
 
Concern is being [...]

[ Saturday, September 24, 2011; 7:00 am to 11:00 am. ] Moving Planet – September 24th, 2011: A Day to Move Beyond Fossil Fuels

JOIN THE RIDE: Connect 2 river paths on 2 wheels!

Celebrate the linkup of the Santa Cruz and Rillito river paths and ride beyond fossil fuels. Meet on the plaza south of Drachman Hall on the UMC Campus (Helen St and Martin Av).

Ride starts [...]

Barbara Warren’s – My Comments – Creating a clean energy future for Arizona
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ep3iKOVn0RY
 
 

Learn about an important example of sustainable development in Egypt.
SEKEM, founded by Ibrahim Abouleish, winner of the Right Livelihood Award — the “Alternative Nobel”
 
Sekem: Born of the sun  5:17
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-D23-OjmoM&feature=fvsr
 
Ibrahim Abouleish – Founder Sekem Group   9:58
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2tmH1wK2YU
 
SEKEM English Part 1   9:51
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXXpamUjYmg
 
SEKEM English Part 2   2:47
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gn7T0bz7sPg
 
Sekem website film
http://www.sekem.com/english/Filmen.aspx
 
Official SEKEM website
http://www.sekem.com

[ Saturday, May 21, 2011; 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. ] Free Solar and Energy Efficiency Seminar
Arizona Energy Pros

3821 W. Costco Dr., Ste 119, Tucson, Az 85741

For all interested in attending a free energy efficiency and solar seminar. There will be some free drinks and snacks.

Get a free quote or stop by just to get some free information.

We have about 10 more seats to fill!
Call to [...]

Transition US is committed to enabling action-oriented programs at the national level.  The Home and Garden Challenge is just such an opportunity. Inspired by the the amazing work done in Sonoma County, CA last May where over 600 gardens were planted, we have decided to take it (inter)national this May 14th & 15th.
Organizing a Home [...]

[ Sunday, May 8, 2011; 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. ] Please join the Old Fort Lowell Neighborhood Association, the Arizona Solar Energy Association, and the Southern Arizona Regional Solar Partnership in a free solar home tour on May 8, 11-3. Check in at the Old San Pedro Chapel, 5230 E Ft Lowell, for a map of the houses. Meet neighbors who have gone solar and [...]

Russel Lowes recommends the following articles for some much needed good news on the energy front.
1. Global power generation by renewable energy sources outpaced that by nuclear energy for the first time in 2010, a recent report published by a U.S. think tank showed. Read the details here:

http://english.kyodonews.jp/news/2011/04/85866.html
 
2. Germany will drop nuclear power as [...]

 
So what is the sustainable path forward?
The most often-adopted definition of sustainability is “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”  What is important about this definition is that we have to consider the needs of future generations. What is most productive though is that [...]

[ Monday, June 13, 2011; 5:45 pm to 8:00 pm. ] On Becoming One Desert Community
A Desert Community is a group of people that have the culture, the tools and knowledge, and the commitment to thrive here in the normal times, and survive here, in the worst time.  Becoming a desert community is our future, or we don’t have one.

What will it take…  What can we [...]

[ Sunday, March 27, 2011; 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. ] Come celebrate the emergence of Antigone Books as the first 100% solar powered bookstore in the country!

Come celebrate with us at our Solar Party and Sale, Discounts, Giveaways and Drawings! Solar treats to eat!

We’re one of just three 100% solar businesses in Southern Arizona. The other two (Brooklyn Pizza and Sky Bar) are also [...]

[ Saturday, April 16, 2011; 10:00 am to 8:00 pm. ] Catalina State Park 11570 N. Oracle Rd.

Learn about solar energy at the 29th Annual Solar Potluck and Exhibition. Discover how to use solar energy to power your home, cook your food, heat your water and live more responsibly. Experience the flavors of solar-cooked food and enjoy solar-powered music, children’s activities, solar appliances and exhibitions. In [...]

[ Friday, March 11, 2011 12:30 pm to Wednesday, March 16, 2011 11:30 am. ]
March 11-16, 2011, Arizona State University
Welcome to the Conference Website for Resilience 2011;

Resilience 2011 website

A conference that will bring together scientists from a broad spectrum of disciplinary backgrounds who are interested in the major science and policy challenges that face us all as a result of global change. The conference is organized [...]

The Sierra Club’s new “Go Electric” campaign aims to make a rapid expansion in electric vehicles in the US a reality by advocating for policies that make EVs both affordable and accessible — and by debunking some common misconceptions.
You can read the complete article here.

[ Sunday, March 20, 2011; 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm. ] Time again to invite you all to proclaim local community from the rooftops. One rooftop at least.

Join in on the action on the roof of the Pennington St Parking Garage, 110 E. Pennington St.

What is Common Ground?

What it is… is a CELEBRATION, where every group, organization, congregation, small business, performer, artist, EVERYBODY in the Tucson [...]

The New York Times reminds us that getting to the natural gas that many see as an alternative source of “cleaner energy” may have equally serious threats to our water supply.
In the words of one expert:
“We’re burning the furniture to heat the house,” said John H. Quigley, who left last month as secretary of Pennsylvania’s [...]

The New York Times ran a heart warming story about the spread of renewable energy technology (primarily) solar, that is transforming the lives of the rural poor in Africa (and around the globe). There may be some lessons for us here. Read (and look at the pictures) here.

The Pittsburgh City Council unanimously adopted an ordinance banning corporations from conducting natural gas drilling in the city. The ordinance was drafted by the Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund (CELDF) at the invitation of Councilman Bill Peduto, and was introduced by Councilman Doug Shields. Read more here.

The New York Times has special section on energy covering: “New oil and gas sources, investing in coal, uranium prices, a diesel comeback and the risk solar storms pose to the power grid.” You can read these articles here.

[ Thursday, November 18, 2010; 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. ] THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA STUDIO SERIES PRESENTS POWER 2K10, AN ORIGINAL WORK ADDRESSING TOPICS ON SUSTAINABLE ENERGY (November 18-21).

The Harold Dixon Directing Studio in the Drama Building on the University of Arizona Campus, 1031 N. Olive Rd at the southeast corner of Park Avenue and Speedway Boulevard.

During the mid-30s, the Federal Theatre Project produced a [...]

The Pima County Hearing Administrator will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, November 10th at 10AM in the Public Works Building, 201 N. Stone Avenue, Basement, Conference Room C.
The hearing concerns a proposal to establish a solar power plant at 9000 N. Sanders Rd, on property owned by the City of Tucson. It is suggested [...]

[ Friday, October 15, 2010; 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm. ] Center for Creative Photography, University of Arizona, 1030 North Olive Road, Tucson

Dr. Arun Majumdar, director of ARPA-E, the U.S. government agency created to
promote and fund research and development of advanced energy technologies, will
deliver a public address at the University of Arizona on October 15.

One of the most influential leaders in U.S. energy research, he will [...]

[ Monday, October 18, 2010; 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. ] 

You are all invited to a dedication ceremony for Pima County’s Solar Electric Generating Facility. Be there when they flip the switch on the largest polycrystalline PV solar facility in Southern Arizona.

Directions:

Exit I-10 at Ruthrauff Road/W. El Camino del Cerro

Turn west off the ramp at W. El Camino del Cerro

The road to the solar site [...]

Tomas Friedman’s New York Times column describes the well funded effort to reverse California’s pioneering effort to reduce the impact of green house gas emissions.
“A.B. 32 was designed to put California on a path to reducing greenhouse gases in its air to 1990 levels by 2020. This would make the state a healthier [...]

[ Sunday, October 10, 2010; 12:30 pm to 6:30 pm. ] St. Phillips in the Hills, NE Corner of River Rd. and Campbell Ave.

Concerned about Global Warming?
10/10/10
Be a part of the
WORLDWIDE ENVIRONMENTAL MOVEMENT
initiated by 350.org.
BE PROACTIVE: Show our leaders that we’re learning and taking action! So should they!
Hear bells chime 350 times. LISTEN?
What is 350? Learn
Where are we [...]

[ Monday, November 8, 2010; 5:45 pm to 8:00 pm. ] Joel Valdez Main Library, Downtown, 101 N. Stone Ave

Free Parking in the Basement after 5PM

This month’s General Meeting will be focused on critical concerns about food security, food safety, and the steps that each of us can take to reduce our contribution to the region’s carbon footprint by changing our behavior toward food. We will [...]