TODAY’S ECO WAKE-UP CALL: Motorists wanting to buy an environmentally friendly car should choose a diesel model and forgo energy-draining luxuries such as air conditioning, according to a UK government campaign that ranks vehicles according to their carbon emissions. The UK Department for Transport is making an unprecedented intervention into the new car market today by telling drivers which are the “greenest” models in each class. Four of the five cars chosen to launch the campaign are diesel-powered. The only petrol car is the Toyota Prius hybrid. The campaign’s underlying message is that a diesel car is the best option to help to save the planet, unless you can afford a hybrid. A diesel car will typically travel at least 20 per cent farther for the same amount of fuel as a similar-sized petrol car. (Source: The Times of London - http://driving.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/driving/article2169884.ece).

In today’s show, Carolyn and Irv get all the dirt on diesel and it’s a lot cleaner than you think. Their guest, Michael Roach, the founder of CleanAIR Systems, a technology-based corporation that manufactures emissions control systems with worldwide distribution. Their products are designed to control air pollution for vehicles such as construction equipment and buses, as well as for industrial generators and power plants.

Resources

CleanAIR Systems (www.cleanairsys.com), a technology-based corporation manufacturing emissions control systems with worldwide distribution. Their products are designed to control air pollution for vehicles such as construction equipment and buses, as well as for industrial generators and power plants. Videos showing their emissions control products in use, as well as several animations explaining how the technology works:

CleanAir Systems on You Tube
http://youtube.com/CleanAIRSystemsInc

The CleanAIR AirZone Blog
CleanAir System’s onsite blog publishes the latest information on air pollution, clean energy and emissions control technology. Much of the information they publish comes directly from the Environmental Protection Agency, California Air Resources Board, and industry sources. Below are two entries that should be of help in understanding today’s state of emissions control.
http://www.cleanairsys.com/airzone-blog/index.htm

“What About Diesels?” This blog entry offers an example of how the auto industry in the U.S. has attempted to side track the development of the clean diesel vehicle (and sometimes offer misleading information) even though the American public is asking for this technology. The linked sources at the end of the entry are very helpful for further research. http://www.cleanairsys.com/airzone-blog/2007/07/what-about-diesels.html#links

New Report by EPA Details Cost-Effectiveness of Diesel Retrofits http://www.cleanairsys.com/airzone-blog/2007/07/new-report-by-epa-details-cost.html

Washington State University Extension Energy Program:

Diesel Particulate Matter Emission Reduction Measures

A short paper written in layman’s language offering a synopsis on diesel particulate pollution and measures being used to decrease emissions. http://www.energy.wsu.edu/documents/renewables/DieselPMEmissionReductionMeasures.pdf

Forbes Autos: “Modern diesels are an especially logical choice for a comeback, now that fuel efficiency is on the radars of U.S. consumers.” Fuel-efficient diesels dominate today’s European market, and German automakers are preparing to launch a host of so-called “50-state” diesels sellable in the entire U.S. market, starting next year. http://www.forbesautos.com/news/headlines/2007/july/fdc071307-ten-cars-not-in-us.html

Intro and Outtro Music:
A special thanks to Kevin Hays for his song “What Survives” off the Kevin Hays Trio CD. PLEASE, if like this music, check him out at KevinHays.com

TODAY’S ECO WAKE-UP CALL: In 2008, the world reaches an invisible but momentous milestone: For the first time in history, more than half its human population, 3.3 billion people, will be living in urban areas. (Source: United Nations Population Fund report: State of the World Population 2007 - Unleashing the Potential of Urban Growth www.unfpa.org/swp/2007/english/introduction.html).

In today’s show, Carolyn and Irv get sparked about this year’s Burning Man event themed “Green Man.” Burning Man is an intentional community that gathers in the Black Rock Desert of Nevada dedicated to self-expression, self-reliance and art as the center of community. They leave one week later, having left no trace. Our guest, Michael Gosney, has been attending Burning Man for over 12 years and this year will be producing a film documentary called “Burning Green”.

Resources

Michael Gosney and his multitude of green companies and projects:

Cyberset Music and Media
www.cyberset.cc

Green Century Institute
www.greencenturyinstitute.org

Interra Project
www.interraproject.org

Sacred Water Temple @ Burning Man
www.sacredwatertemple.org

Burning Man (www.burningman.com), an intentional community that gathers in the Black Rock Desert of Nevada dedicated to self-expression, self-reliance and art as the center of community. They leave one week later, having left no trace.

Burning Man Earth: A two minute fly-around of the 2007 Green Man pavilion in Google Earth: www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNWb1iyOHEY

Articles

About Burning Man 2007 - The Green Man: C-NET

http://news.com.com/Burning+Man+takes+on+green+tech/2100-11392_3-6181680.html

TODAY’S ECO WAKE-UP CALL: Loopholes in federal laws allow manufacturers to add phthalates to popular cosmetics and beauty aids. Tests have shown these chemicals can damage the lungs, liver and kidneys, and seriously harm the developing testes of male offspring. (Source - Environmental Working Group: www.ewg.org/reports/nottoopretty)

In today’s show, Carolyn and Irv talk about the “not so pretty” side of skincare and healthier, natural alternatives to really being beautiful. Our guests: Ulrike Klein, horticulturist and co-founder of Jurlique skin care and her daughter, Thora, who grew up picking herbs in Jurlique’s biodynamic fields.

Cosmetic No No List

• Parabens (methylparaben, propylparaben, etc.) are skin irritants; disturb your hormonal balance that has been found in breast cancer tumors. They are commonly found in shampoos, conditioners, lotions and deodorants.
• Propylene glycol is a strong irritant, may cause delayed allergic reactions, kidney, liver, nervous system damage, and has not been fully investigated for its potential to cause cancer. Check your makeup, deodorant, mouthwash, shaving lotions and baby lotion for this ingredient.
• Fragrance may irritate the skin and cause a variety of adverse reactions. It may contain hundreds of different chemicals, some are hazardous, some cause cancer. This is found in just about all cosmetics and personal care products, unless it says fragrance free.
• Sodium fluoride is a poison and its toxic effects can be delayed. It can cause death if swallowed. Check your toothpaste. Unless it says fluoride free, it most likely has some form of fluoride in it.
• Sodium lauryl sulfate is a skin and eye irritant, and may cause dry skin and eczema. It is found in shampoos, bubble bath, lotions, creams, and toothpaste.
• D&C colors and FD&C colors are primarily derived from coal tar which is known to cause cancer. Commonly used to add color to most commercial cosmetics and personal care products.

Source: Dying to Look Good by Dr. Christine H. Farlow, D.C. (www.dyingtolookgood.com), The Disturbing Truth About What’s Really in Your Cosmetics, Toiletries and Personal Care Products

Resources

Jurlique (www.jurlique.com), all natural skin care made with active, organic herbal extracts grown on their own biodynamic farm in South Australia.

Environmental Working Group (www.ewg.org), a non-profit environmental research group based in Washington DC).