March 2

U.S. Green Building Council-NM Luncheon

MCM Elegante Hotel, 2020 Menaul NE

“LEED certification from the GECI perspective” presented by Melanie Dubin of the Green Building Certification Institute. A behind the scenes picture of the process. Emerging Professionals: $18, Members: $25, Non-Member: $30 Open to the public. Pay in advance with PayPal at www.usgbcnm.org.

USGBC-NM Membership Directory

As a service to members and the general public, the USGBC-NM has launched a new Membership Directory to help members promote services and products. Members are encouraged to log on and update their profile with more complete information. www.usgbcnm.org.

March 4

Recycling Festival for kids

Hispanic Cultural Center

Sponsored by Roots and Shoots. Contact Lisa Silva, Environmental Educator: renu.nrg@gmail.com

March 5-26

High Country Gardens Spring Seminar Series

6921 Pan American Freeway

An excellent source of information on gardening in the Southwest. March 5, 10 am: Beautiful Waterwise Design, presented by Judith Phillips. Learn how to add style, aesthetics and value to your home landscape with the elements of exceptional xeriscape design. Book signing after talk; March 12, 10 am: Soil for the Soul. Learn how to add amendments to develop rich, fertile soil for abundant vegetables, flowers and strong trees. Presented by Greg Birkenfeld, president of Soil Mender; March 13, 10 am-4 pm: Guy Wolff Pottery Throwing Demo. Pottery will be auctioned off to benefit the Susan G. Komen Foundation; March 19, 10 am: Creating Shade with Flowering Trees. Presented by Jim Ord, sales rep with J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co.; March 26, 10 am: Container Planting demo with landscape architect Bob Ross. Learn to select and arrange the best vessels, soils and plants for stunning potted combinations and vertical hanging gardens, and how to grow food and even trees in containers through the seasons. Free admission. For more info, call 505.867.8585, or visit the website at hcgstores.com.

March 16, 7-9 pm

Lonely Are the Brave Benefit Screening and Presentations

Guild Cinema, 3405 Central Ave. NE

Lonely Are the Brave – Made in Albuquerque in 1962 using the Sandia Mountains as a dramatic landscape for a mythic struggle between the “last cowboy,” Jack Burns (played by Kirk Douglas), and the encroaching modern world. Based on Ed Abbey’s novel The Brave Cowboy. This event includes presentations by award-winning Santa Fe-based aural historian, Jack Loeffler, on the Life and Times of Ed Abbey, and Dave Foreman, founder of the Rewilding Institute, on Albuquerque in the early 1960’s. Admission is free, donations accepted. RSVP tickets available by calling NM Wilderness Alliance at 505.843.8696. Tickets also available at Guild box office.

March 17; March 7 Registration Deadline

LEED Green Associate Exam Prep

UNM Continuing Ed., 1634 University Blvd., NE – So. Bldg. Rm. 222

This course, presented by Green Ideas, outlines basic knowledge of LEED and sustainability. The exam must be passed to be eligible to pursue a specialty in the AP credential. Practice exams, online exam simulator, flash cards, study materials and more. Cost: $320 for USGBC-NM members and $350 for non-members. Go to usgbcnm.org to register. For info, contact Ryan Moore: ry_moore11@yahoo.com

March 17-19

Regional Challenge Science Fair

UNM’s Johnson Gym

Students have been working on solar projects for this event. Special Award judging will take place March 18: 12 noon registration, 3:45pm close of judging. Contact Jim Palmer: jdPalmer@frontier.net

March 19-20, 10 am – 5 pm

International Green Ideas Show

Expo New Mexico

Held in conjunction with the Ultimate Home Showcase, this show brings together inventors, companies and concerned groups from around the world to network, gain exposure and communicate cutting-edge innovations one-on-one with earth-conscious consumers. Hundreds of new home, home improvement and lifestyle exhibitors. Admission $8 – Adults, $5 – Juniors (13-17) and Seniors (65+), Kids free (12 & under) Visit www.hbashowcase.com for admission discount. Contact: 505.265.1582, bestofthewest@swcp.com (See ad on page XXX of this issue of GFT.)

March 22 – 23, 2011

Albuquerque Low Impact Development-GI Conference

National Hispanic Cultural Center

Second annual Albuquerque Arid LID-GI Conference. Sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency, Bernalillo County, SSCAFCA, City of Albuquerque, US Forest Service, AMAFCA, NMDOT, Middle Rio Grande Stormwater Team. Conference will focus on Green Infrastructure/Low Impact Development in Arid Environments. Registration ($75) is now open at https://www.regonline.com/2011_albuquerque_arid_lid_workshop. A limited number of scholarships are available. For more info, contact Steven Glass, CPSWQ Water Resources Planner, Bernalillo County Public Works Division, 505.224.1673

March 23, 1-5 pm

Workshop: Responsible Material Selection

UNM Continuing Education, 1634 University Blvd NE, So. Building – Rm 222

What makes a material green? All aspects of material selection will be presented, including material content, embodied energy, toxicity, maintenance protocol, designing to reduce use, and planning to minimize waste. Who should attend? Design, construction, real estate, government, operations & maintenance professionals. $150 USGBC-NM Members/$175 Non-members. 4 CEUs USGBC/AIA. To register, go to: www.usgbcnm.org

April 25, 5 pm – April 28, 6 pm

First Annual Intl. Indigenous Well Being Conference

Embassy Suites

“Planting the Sacred Roots of Healing and Well Being” A unique learning experience from indigenous and western perspectives that will connect spiritual, mental, social, and physical. Educators, health professionals, and community leaders and individuals are welcome. Keynote address, workshops, dialogue sessions, well being presentations, networking, traditional night, film review. Registration through April 25. 505.792.2900, www.seedgraduateinstitute.org

Albuquerque Backyard Farms Collaborative

A group of organizers who lead gardening and farming education organizations are coordinating efforts in teaching how to grow and eat healthy foods and herbs, and live a more sustainable lifestyle. Groups include: The Gardeners Guild, Mother Nature Gardens, Mid Region Council on Governments, Sunstone Herbs, Albuquerque Backyard Farms, The Source, Girls Gone Green, Transition Towns NM, UNM Sustainability Studies, San Jose Elementary School Gardens, Zia Elementary School Community Garden, and the Albuquerque Chicken Coop Tour. For more info, visit www.abqbackyardfarms.com/ABQ_Collaborative.html

2011 Edible Albuquerque Gardens Registry

See what people are doing in ABQ. An “edible garden” is any place you grow food near where you live – from growing on your terrace – to having a full-scale frontyard or backyard farm. E-mail: info@abqbackyardfarms.com or visit http://.2012abqgardens.ning.com

Beneficial Farms CSA

Now accepting members in Albuquerque. Weekly distribution at La Montanita Co-op Warehouse, 3361 Columbia Dr. NE. Beneficial Farms CSA works with up to 40 regional farms each year, and offers abundant, affordable shares of fresh fruit and vegetables and other local and regionally produced foods year round. All produce is grown with sustainable chemical free methods.

Rio Grande Community Farm Opportunities

RGCF is a non-profit, certified organic farm in Albq’s North Valley. Their mission is to connect people, earth, water and wildlife in an urban setting by farming sustainably, enhancing wildlife habitat, and providing fresh, certified organic food to diverse populations in Albq. The RGCF offers many opportunities for qualified volunteers.

RGCF programs include: Sustainable farming on 50 acres of Los Poblanos Fields Open Space, Community Garden, Education programs & gardening workshops, Americorps program (farmer training), Share the Harvest (donations to food banks), Farm to School (APS), Farm to Restaurant, Annual Maize Maze, Wildlife habitat program, Community partnerships and special events

RGCF is seeking board members. Individuals must have an interest in sustainable agriculture and be willing to serve as an ambassador for RGCF in the community. For more info, contact board president Stephanie Dobbie at 256.4343, stephanie@riograndefarm.org or visit the website www.riograndefarm.org

SANTA FE

Feb. 3-April 14

Climate Master™ Class

The NM Environment Dept. is offering an 11-week free series of classes on climate change and what you can do to reduce your greenhouse gas emissions in your daily life. Topics include Home Energy, Water, Transportation, Green Building, Renewable Energy, Yards, Consumption and Waste, Food, Sustainable Behavior, and Climate Change Communication. Local experts will discuss these topics. Community members are provided 30 hours of training and in return they “pay back” the program through 30 hours of volunteer service. Individual action is critical because individuals are the end users of most energy production via home heating and cooling, appliances, food, travel, and disposable products. Class is limited to 25 participants. See the website for details: www.nmenv.state.nm.us/aqb/NewMexicoClimateMasters. For more info, contact Emily Geery: emily.geery@state.nm.us or 505.476.4315.

March 3, 6:30 pm

Wild & Scenic Film Festival

James A. Little Theater

Films that speak to environmental concerns and celebrations of our planet and the work communities are doing to protect the places we love. The stories give us a sense of place and what it means to be responsible stewards of the earth. The festival kicks-off a national tour to over 100 communities. Introduction by Jack Loeffler. Hosted by the Quivira Coalition. Tickets $10. For details, visit www.quiviracoalition.org, e-mail cbaca@quiviracoalition.org or call 505.820.2544 ext. 2

March 5, 9 am-12 noon

Kraig Kraft book signing

SF Farmers’ Market

Kraig is co-author (with Gary Nabhan and Kurt Michael Friese) of Chasing Chiles: Hot spots along the Pepper Trail (Chelsea Green Publisher).

March 5, 10 am–4 pm

Wildness in Your Heart

Academy for the Love of Learning, New Center in Seton Village, 133 Seton Village Rd.

Finding Your Place In The “Family Of Things,” the natural world: the land around us, and our own inner “undomesticated” spirit. Relax more fully into Being and gain deep insight. The Academy carries forward E.T. Seton’s legacy. $75.00. To register: patty@aloveoflearning.org or 505.995.1860, www.aloveoflearning.org

March 5, 10 am-5 pm

Health and Wellness Expo

La Tienda, Eldorado

50 practitioners will have booths. Ongoing free lectures throughout the day, free drawings, and lots of worthwhile information available. Info: 505.466.6707

Sunday Mar. 6, 11am-12pm

Journeysantafe Weekly Talk

Travel Bug Bookstore

839 Paseo de Peralta

The Waldorf School Student Council speaks out on today’s issues. Free. Contributions donated to nonprofits. More info: 474.1457. Web site: journeysantafe.org

March 10, 12 Noon; March 7: RSVP deadline

American Institute of Architects/Santa Fe Luncheon

The Lodge, Santa Fe

Commercial Construction LEED Services speaker: Johnny Rehders, LEED AP. This program is eligible for one hour of continuing education credit, HSW, SD. $20 for AIA members, $25 guests. RSVP to aiasantafe@gmail.com

March 11, 7:30 pm

Laurianne Fiorentino Concert

Center for Spiritual Living, 505 Cam. de los Marquez

“Simple as the Sun: A Healing Journey Through the Divine” An inspirational evening with mystical songstress Fiorentino (guitar, voice, bamboo flute, ocarina), Dave Borton (trombone) and Kelvin McNeal (piano). Tickets: $20. 505.983.5022, www.lauriannefiorentino.com

March 16

New Mexico Rivers at the Roundhouse

State Capitol

Participate in efforts to educate state legislators about the importance of healthy rivers. For more info, call the Gila Conservation Coalition at 575.538.8078.

March 17, 10-4

Santa Fe Fix a Leak Event

Genoveva Chavez Center, 3221 Rodeo Rd.

Learn how to find and save water. An American home can waste, on average, more than 10,000 gallons of water every year due to running toilets, dripping faucets, and other household leaks. The city and county are partnering with EPA’s WaterSense® Program. In many cases, fixture replacement parts pay for themselves quickly and can be installed by handy do-it-yourselfers, or contact a plumbing professional. WaterSense® also partners with certified landscape professionals who can check irrigation systems for leaks. Visit www.epa.gov/watersense to find WaterSense products or an irrigation partner in your area. Contact Daniel: 505.955.4221

March 18, 7-11 pm

Youth Media Project’s Audio Revolution! Showcase

Santa Fe Complex

An evening to celebrate northern NM youth talent through music, dance, media, spoken word performances and a dance with local youth bands. Educational projects amplify youth voices and impart awareness and involvement in social issues. http://youthmediaproject.org

March 22, 6:30–9 pm

Finding the Hidden Gift in Disorientation: When Dilemmas Lead To Insight!

Academy for the Love of Learning, New Center in Seton Village, 133 Seton Village Rd.

The times when things seem to be falling apart are quite often the moments when our most powerful and life-changing learnings make themselves apparent. This is a free evening of exploration. RSVP is necessary to attend. Contact: 505.995.1860, patty@aloveoflearning.org or visit www.aloveoflearning.org

March 22, 23

Banff Mountain Film Festival

Lensic Performing Arts Center

Experience the adventure of climbing, mountain expeditions, remote cultures, and the world’s last great wild places. $15 per ticket, $25 both nights. Presented by the SF Conservation Trust. Info: 505.984.8221

March 25, 9:30 am–5 pm

Mapping the Territory: Creating The Ground for Personal Leadership and Action

Academy for the Love of Learning, New Center in Seton Village, 133 Seton Village Rd.

Reconsidering your work, imagining a life change, or feeling part of yourself is “unlived”? A vital step in visioning what could be — is becoming aware of what is! This day of reflection and exploration invites you to step back from your daily life, reconnect with your inspiration, and find your bearings. $85 earlybird by March 18. To register: 505.995.1860, patty@aloveoflearning.org, or visit www.aloveoflearning.org

March 28, 6:30-8:30

Green Drinks – Focused on Film

La Fonda Hotel, NM Room

The networking event’s guest speaker will be Holly Roach, owner of Green Production Resource. Launch of SFA’s Business to Film Project. www.santafealliance.com, www.greendrinks.org

March 31-April 1

Law of the Rio Grande

Inn at Loretto

11th annual conference. A discussion of hot topics in Colorado, NM and Texas. Learn from and network with the experts. Get the latest updates and possible solutions regarding the Rio Grande. Tuition: $695. To register: www.cle.com/santafe or 800.973.7130

April 7, 10 am-2 pm

Fantastic Futures

Campus Center at Santa Fe Community College

Spring Community Career, Education and Training Resource Fair addresses the needs of SFCC students, graduates and community members, and reflects the current local job market. Information available from career service agencies, employers, education and training programs, and small business development organizations. Contact: Patty Armstrong, 505.428.1406, patty.Armstrong@sfcc.edu, www.sfcc.edu/career_services

April 16, June 4, July 16

Permaculture Farm Community Days

Near Pojoaque, NM

The Permaculture Institute and Scott and Arina Pittman invite everyone interested in permaculture to join them on this year’s Community Days at their “Lots of Life in One Place” farm. See their energy-efficient strawbale house, visit gardens, orchards, animals and community; talk permaculture and meet like-minded people. Reservation required; $10 suggested donation. Contact Arina at 505.455.0514 or arina@permaculture.org

Saturdays, 4 pm

Green Talk Radio

KTRC – 1260 am

A new weekly show with Faren Dancer. At a time when our culture is requiring a major shift in how we relate to the Earth and our fossil fuel-based economy is poised for transition to a renewable future, awareness and knowledge are keys to true sustainability. Each week we will explore the issues, the politics, the science, and the evolution of consciousness that impact the balancing of life on our planet.

Santa Fe Creative Tourism Initiatives

Artists and craftsmen who offer workshops and classes within SF County are invited to list their offerings with Santa Fe Creative Tourism at www.SantaFeCreativeTourism.org. See “Get Involved” tab to list. This service is free and provided by the city of SF Arts Commission.

Save A Ton Recycling Campaign

The city of Santa Fe and the Santa Fe New Mexican have launched a campaign to double recycling in Santa Fe in one year. Santa Feans score way below state and national averages. For a city with its own recycling facility that envisions becoming a Zero Waste community, we can do better! People should get The Green Line in the Santa Fe New Mexican on the third Thursday of each month for a full page of recycling information. Find information on the Save A Ton campaign at www.sfnewmexican.com and click on Green Line or on Facebook. Contact Regina Wheeler, SF Solid Waste Director: 505.955.2209 or e-mail rawheeler@santafenm.gov

Volunteers Sought for Homeless Shelter Remodel

The former Pete’s Pet’s on Cerrillos Rd. is being converted into a shelter. The Interfaith Community Shelter Group is seeking a volunteer Registered Professional Electrical Engineer to design modifications to the existing electrical distribution system and a Registered Professional Mechanical Engineer to design modifications to the heating and ventilating system. For info, contact the project architect, Vahid Mojarrab at 505.412.1242.

HERE & THERE

March 3-4

MiaGreen – Green Convention of the Americas

Miami Convention Center, Miami, FL

More than 200 city & municipality governmental officials from the Southeast U.S. as well as from Mexico, Guatemala, Ecuador, Columbia, Costa Rica and more. More than 1,000 AIA architects. Green innovations in products, technology and services. Seminars ranging from: Designing & Building Greener Americas, Greening the Hospitality Industry, How To Be Green and Profitable, Green Building Operations, LEED Waste Management Strategies, The European Experience for Market-based Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction, Recycling in Construction, Remodeling & Renovation. 303.412.0000, mail@MiaGreen.com, www.miagreen.com

March 7, 5:15 p.m.

Las Vegas’ Farm to Restaurant Project

Luna Community College Cafeteria (off of Hot Springs Rd.), Las Vegas, NM

Farmers, ranchers, restauranteurs and chefs are encouraged to attend. The public is welcome. For directions and info, e-mail: einerlee@yahoo.com

March 10, 5:15 pm

Sustainable Las Vegas Meeting

NMHU Donnelly Library, Rm. 325, Las Vegas, NM

Local chapter of the NM Solar Energy Assn. Bob Wessely will speak on Las Vegas’ water situation: its issues, complexities, and how they are being addressed. Wessely co-founded and served as Technical Dir. of SciSo, Inc., a systems engineering firm providing design and management for government and industry technical projects over 29 years. He was a principal of the leadership team, which developed the Regional Water Plan for Sandoval, Bernalillo and Valencia Counties. He currently is a member of the L.V. Utility Advisory Committee and Vice President of the L.V. Community Water Board. For further info, call Emelie Olson: 505.454.3920.

March 11-16

Resilience 2011: Resilience, Innovation and Sustainability: Navigating the Complexities of Global Change

Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ

This 2nd Intl. Science and Policy Conference 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. www.resilience2011.org/

March 26, 8:30 am – 4 pm

Pueblos y Semillas Gathering and Seed Exchange

Northern NM College, 921 Paseo de Onate, Espanola

6th annual. Sponsored by the NM Food & Seed Sovereignty Alliance (NM Acequia Association, Traditional Native American Farmers’ Association, Honor Our Pueblo Existence, Tewa Women United) and Northern NM College. Bring seeds to share. Everyone welcome. For more info, call Pilar Trujillo: 505.995.9644 or pilar@lasacequias.org

April 6 – 8

CleanMed 2011

Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel, Phoenix, AZ.

Creating healthy environments. The industry’s premier conference on environmental sustainability for the healthcare sector. The event brings together healthcare professionals, university researchers, designers of professional buildings, and vendors of cleaner and safer products and services. This first and only conference dedicated to sustainable healthcare is expanding its focus on green buildings with two unique workshops: LEED for Healthcare and The Hospital of the Future, plus nine green building sessions. Main conference rate: $595. More info: 617.524.7021, pdiamond@igc.org

April 11-12

Sustainable Opportunities Summit and Expo

Marriott Denver City Center, Denver, CO

6th annual business sustainability conference, the largest in the Rocky Mountain region. Attendees from business, academia, and the public sector. This conference is co-hosted by CORE and the Deming Center for Entrepreneurship at the Leeds School of Business, University of CO. www.sosummit.org/home

April 15-18

Power Shift 2011 Conference

Washington, D.C.

For those interested in sustainability, green jobs and green economy, and teachers who have students who are passionate about getting involved in government policy, action and youth empowerment toward a sustainable future. The Energy Action Coalition is a youth-led coalition of 50 organizations working for a clean, just and renewable energy future.

http://powershift2011.org/

April 19-20 — Rocky Mountain Green

Denver, CO.

U.S.Green Building Council-Colorado will be hosting their annual Rocky Mountain Green annual spring conference. April 19 will include two pre-conference workshops: Homes 251-LEED for Homes Program Review and GPRO Fundamentals of Building Green. For more information on the workshops and conference, click here. Discounts for USGBC-NM members.

April 22-26

Land and Watershed Restoration in Native Country (Navajo/Dine) Navajo Reservation near Window Rock, AZ

Practical Permaculture Training. Workshop on land remediation and watershed restoration that includes working with forest, grazing and farmland. Led by Scott Pittman and Steve Vrooman. Students will work with Navajo Elders and local community members. This class is recommended for landowners, dryland farmers and ranchers, land restoration specialists, students of ecological design and biology, watershed management specialists, and permaculture graduates interested in dryland sustainability. Work cross-culturally with indigenous and non-indigenous people. Participants camp on the land and participate in food preparation. Fee: $775. More info: 505.455.0514, info@permaculture.org, www.permaculture.org/nm/index.php/site/featured_project

April 30, 10 am-4 pm

SynergyFest

Melody Park, Las Vegas, NM

Annual event. Volunteers are welcomed, now and during the event. For info, call Cheryl Zebrowski: 718-6932

Gifts from the Source

Visit Rio Grande Return’s online store to order gift packages with products from local farmers and producers. Each gift is in turn a gift back to the source – The Rio Grande. Conservation donations go towards spring and watershed restoration projects at Zia Pueblo and Hamaatsa. Info: www.riograndereturn.com, or call 505.466.1767 or toll free: 866.466.1767, E-mail: contact@riograndereturn.com

Celebrando de las Acequias 2010 Online Documentation

Two-day symposium held in Dixon, NM in June was organized by writer/ historian Juan Estevan Arellano and featured aural historian

Jack Loeffler on watershed-based thinking, professor Sylvia Rodriguez, Ph.D., on the sacred role of water in northern NM, Ethnobotanist Gary Nabhan, Ph.D., on the biology of adaptation and native foods as a basis of cultural and ecological resilience. There were also speakers on food policy, stream restoration and erosion control, new directions in acequia landscape planning, and acequia culture in the context of state policy. For complete documentation produced by the Arid Lands Institute at Woodbury University, go to: http://aridlands.woodbury.edu/public_programs/celebrando_2010.html

Veterans Green Jobs Academy

Northern NM College, Espanola

Workforce training and specific degree programs to support military veterans in fully accredited academic certificate and degree programs in areas of environmental science related to renewable energy, hazardous materials response, forestry, sustainable agriculture, wildland fire science, construction trades and others. A partnership with the NM Dept. of Veterans Services. For more info, call Dr. Biggs at 505.747.5453 or visit www.nnmc.edu/vetacademy.htm.

Community Land Trust Forming

For those seeking a truly affordable home, stability and self-sufficiency, the Community Land Trust model provides an alternative to landlessness and its accompanying ills. We are forming a rural, self-sustaining, Community Land Trust in northern NM and seek donations of land/funds, or founding members who can invest at least $10,000. To learn more about CLTs, read Kidnapped by the House, a 6-part series in Green Fire Times beginning in April 2010 at www.greenfiretimes.com or call Rebekah at 505.424.9475.

Statewide Computer Recycling Program

Computers do contain some environmentally sensitive materials. These can be safely removed or recycled, but only if the computers are kept out of landfills in the first place.

Goodwill Industries of NM, in partnership with Dell, is offering a free drop-off program for consumers who want to responsibly recycle any brand of used computer equipment in any condition, and request a donation receipt for tax purposes. All proceeds of value recovered from the equipment go to help New Mexicans seeking to overcome barriers to employment. For more info about Goodwill Industries of NM or to shop online, visit goodwillnm.org. For info about computer equipment donations, contact Ryan Stark: 505.881.6401, ext. 1920

Equipment can be brought to one of Goodwill/NM’s ten retail centers during regular business hours:

5000 San Mateo NE, Albuquerque (Northeast Heights)

6636 Caminito Coors NW, Albuquerque (Westside)

3211 Coors SW – Suite E, Albuquerque (South Valley)

1108 Juan Tabo NE, Albuquerque (Sandia Foothills)

2003 Southern – Suite 113A, Rio Rancho

3060 Cerrillos, Santa Fe

2601 N. Main, Roswell

1861 Hutton, Farmington

2005 N. Prince, Clovis

1820 E. Highway 66, Gallup

NM Green Chamber of Commerce

The NM Green Chamber of Commerce, with chapters around the state, has a business directory that is a great resource for conscious consumers looking for locally owned and environmentally friendly businesses in their area. Contribute to a sustainable future by supporting businesses in your city/town that are striving to be leaders in green business practices. Info: 505.859.3433, info@nmgreenchamber.com, http://nmgreenchamber.com/members?page=2

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Scene opens. Mid-November. A movie crew is set up on Rabbit Road; catering trucks, tents, generators are all lined up. The cast is dancing from foot to foot to keep warm. The crew is busy answering radio calls. A cell phone rings.

Man’s Voice: Was that Richard Gere directing traffic through our railroad crossing?

Me: Yes.

Man’s Voice: How much did they pay us?

Me: About $14,000 dollars.

Man’s Voice: Carry on.

This was the conversation I had on a frigid November morning in 2005 when, as the Marketing and PR Director for the Santa Fe Southern Railway, I worked with “The Flock,” a Richard Gere murder mystery filming on location on the rails, in the depot and at Rabbit Road Crossing. It was former president of the Railroad, Bob Sarr, calling to ask me why he was waved through his own crossing by Richard Gere. (Mr. Gere was an excellent traffic director, I might add, keeping it flowing without missing a beat.)

Between 2005 and 2007, Santa Fe Southern Railway worked with a half dozen films and commercials, and became known for being one of the most user-friendly trains to work with on films. And in those days, reports Carol Raymond, President and GM of the SFSR, they made nearly $200,000. “That was not small money for a business of our size. It made a big difference for us.” When the production manager needed to purchase railroad uniforms and costumes, for the most authentic look I sent them to the same stores where our own crew shops.

Today, local businesses are seeing great returns by investing their time and resources to connect with the film industry in New Mexico. We’re already seeing the economic impact of tourists who want to come to NM to visit the towns and parks where Oscar-winning movies have been filmed. “Crazy Heart” was like a 90 minute commercial for Santa Fe,” says Jon Hendry, business manger of IATSE Local 480, the film crew union that employs thousands of New Mexicans. Connecting more local businesses and learning how the industry can work for them and their bottom lines will have big impact on our local economy.

Let’s set up another scene: Movie company arrives in Santa Fe. Sets up a building with production offices with a hundred employees. They have a budget of nearly $5 million for lumber supplies alone. They need to build fast. They need a lumberyard that can accommodate them, possibly in the middle of the night. They don’t want to truck wood from Hollywood. They are a green production, meaning they will source as locally as possible, green their locations using biofuel generators and recycle everything they can. The local production team has lived here for over 10 years and knows exactly who can help.

What corporation can set up an office and spend millions of dollars in mere months? The economic impacts of the film industry cannot be ignored. And local businesses shouldn’t be ignored by the industry. They also have the most to learn and gain from the industry. Noah Bradley, Film Construction Coordinator, says, “Santa Fe vendors have the most to learn when it comes to doing business with films. My vendors in Albuquerque run circles around vendors in Santa Fe. Everything from slow turnaround time to a lack of inventory to high mark-ups are problems, and a lack of flexibility is of paramount concern. We do, however, have a few select businesses here in town that do a very good job. Film and TV have money to spend, and I would love to see it get spent as locally as possible.”

Santa Fe Alliance Launches City Funded Local Business to Film Project

In response to the growing need and desire of the film industry to purchase locally, and to help area businesses understand the ins and outs of the industry, the Santa Fe Alliance has received a $15,000 contract from the city of Santa Fe Economic Development Department to develop and implement a Business to Film Program. The program will provide a series of workshops to train local businesses to network with the film industry in NM, and link homegrown independent films to local businesses. This is a significant opportunity for our business community.

The workshops will focus on a wide spectrum of business sectors such as construction, plant nurseries, landscapers, hair and make-up professionals, caterers, hardware and building supplies, clothing and costumes, and many professional services.

The growing, vibrant NM film industry spends millions of dollars in local communities. Many film companies purchase from large corporate chain stores or bring supplies from out of state, but production companies have expressed a desire to work more closely with local businesses and commit to buying local. However, they are often not able to easily identify a business that can serve their unique needs, or the business does not have the capacity to serve them. Training and connecting local businesses to the film industry will help those businesses expand and keep more money circulating in the state’s economy. Dollars can multiply in the local tax base up to four times, providing greater community wealth and increased gross receipts tax.

The Santa Fe Alliance, a membership organization of nearly 500 locally owned businesses and nonprofits, is creating the program in partnership with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE Local 480), the Regional Development Corporation’s Rural Energy Development Initiative (RDC REDI), and the Santa Fe County Economic Development Department. A committee of film industry professionals and local businesses who successfully work with the film industry has been constituted, comprised of Noah Bradley (Film Construction Coordinator), David Breecker (Santa Fe Innovation Park), Jon Hendry (IATSE Local 480), Holly Roach (Green Production Resource), Claudio Ruben (One Spirit Films), Sam Sunshine Levy (Rio Grande Insurance), Lisa Van Allen (city of Santa Fe Film Liaison), Alton Walpole (Producer), and Eric Witt (NM Motion Pictures Association).

The Business to Film Program will formally launch at the March 27th Santa Fe Green Drinks event at the La Fonda Hotel. This film industry-focused Green Drinks and will feature guest speaker Holly Roach of Green Production Resource, who will talk about green filmmaking. For more information, visit www.santafealliance.com.

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Earl James

The world is getting smaller. We’ve heard that for decades now, referring to the increased speed of travel and the instantaneous nature of global communications: Witness the Egyptian revolution playing out worldwide via live internet streaming from a news service based in Doha.

But I’m referring to another revolutionary phenomenon, the slow awakening of the human species to our total interdependence when it comes to maintaining a livable and sustainable climate. Even though this awareness of our smallness has dawned too slowly for species already gone extinct, it still has the potential to draw us humans together in time to slow the death march of our many-legged and winged cousins, and perhaps even to save ourselves.

The Norwegian Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Wegger Chr. Strommen, and a gaggle of scientists and activists popped up at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center and delivered the by now far-too-familiar message: The Arctic is Melting and Deserts are Burning: Impacts Globally and Locally.

What made the message resonate differently this time was its delivery by a high-level representative of a nation that is taking a strong stand against global warming, and is openly – if diplomatically – through a multi-state tour – pressing the U.S. to do the same.

Scientists Kim Holmen (Norwegian Polar Institute) and Gregg Garfin (University of Arizona) plied the audience with tree ring data documenting such things as 2,000 years of the dance between high temperatures and drought in the American Southwest – just in case there were doubters in the audience – and charts mapping the trajectory of ongoing climate change that will bring even higher temperatures and even less water if left unabated.

Among the impacts of higher temperatures and less water are an increased rate and expanse of forest mortality, increased forest fires, and reduced snowpack runoff for crop irrigation. Add a growing population to that mix and the scene is set for any number of nightmare scenarios.

So what has this to do with the Arctic melting? And why is Norway so concerned? Accelerated melting of Arctic ice threatens Norway with rising seas along the coast where 80% of their people live, but it also threatens New Mexico (and the rest of the world) by intensifying and accelerating climate change.

The panel included an earnest video address by Douglas Holtz-Eakin, former Chief Economist of the U.S. Council of Economic Advisors, advocating for market-based solutions with a minimum of regulatory oversight that both progressives and conservatives could endorse. Obviously some grand compromise on incentives vs. regulations would have to be made, which will be difficult at best in today’s political climate.

That this message was delivered to us towards the middle of NM’s legislative session was fortuitous, threatened as our environmental protections are by a wave of anti-regulatory sentiment in the Roundhouse to undo every single piece of environmental legislation we have. This includes legally approved rules to cap greenhouse emissions across NM beginning in 2013, rules that fortunately were upheld by the NM Supreme Court.

But, alas, no one from the governor’s office was in attendance, though nearly 100 concerned citizens were, including Mayor Coss, who highlighted many of Santa Fe’s and Santa Fe County’s emission reduction initiatives, including establishment of solar power for the 1/3 of city’s wastewater facility, and for the Buckman Diversion project, as well as a retrofitting program with Youthworks. City Councilors Wurzburger and Calvert, County Commissioners Holian and Anaya, and representatives from Senators Bingaman and Udall and Representative Lujan were also in attendance.

So to a certain extent, the Ambassador and his team were speaking to the choir. But nevertheless the choir was challenged to help get our (American) act together and meet Norway’s efforts to control greenhouse gas emissions:

• Norway will reduce greenhouse gas emissions 30% below its 1990 levels by 2030, and will be carbon-neutral by 2050.

• Norway has both a carbon tax (30 USD/ton) and a cap-and-trade system.

• Norway does not allow gas-fired power plants to be built without carbon capture and storage capabilities.

When asked if we are too late with the silver bullet of [emissions reducing] technology, panelists responded by saying that we are already too late and are suffering consequences that will only get worse over the next 20 years, even if we stop adding excessive carbon to the atmosphere right now. Carbon concentrations are at 390 parts per million, and climbing. An international scientific consensus has identified the safe level of concentration to be 350 ppm.

While panelists stressed the urgency of action, no one was willing to outline a vision of what living on Earth, or more specifically in NM, would look like in fifty years if we don’t act now to slow warming.

This is a curious phenomenon – environmental advocates warn of catastrophe, but beyond detailing future species loss and/or temperatures rising and water declining, they don’t paint vivid pictures of daily life in Albuquerque, Dixon or Santa Fe fifty years from now, depending upon what actions we do or don’t take now.

Wouldn’t it be interesting to have a general idea of just where the necessary water will come from for a growing population? Maybe the answer is too scary to put out there, but at least since the Buddha’s era, philosophers and psychologists have asserted that humans make shifts in behavior at least partly out of anxiety, rather than acting rationally and logically. However, since denial seems to be the American default response to meltdown anxiety, proactive comprehensive planning for sustainability, in addition to the necessary political and legal activism necessary to turn things around, may be the answer.

Which is just what NM’s Bioneers’ are doing – though they weren’t participants in the Ambassador’s panel – with the Dreaming New Mexico program. (http://www.bioneers.org/campaigns/dreaming-new-mexico)

Dreaming New Mexico seeks to “build a prosperous restoration economy that embraces the rights of people and nature, grounded in social and economic justice.” Behind this sentence is an extremely thoughtful, highly organized and rational approach to understanding NM’s climate and culture, preparing for climate change impacts on food security and energy needs.

While they do not paint detailed, worst-case doomsday scenarios, a casual read through these highly informative pages does send a chill down the spine at the clear challenge we face. But it also generates hope, or at least the knowledge that we humans could, if we really wanted to, make the shift from unbridled, fear and greed-based consumption to measured, reasonable fear and hope-based consumption, conservation and sustainability.

Ambassador Strommenn’s visit created an opportunity for New Mexicans to take stock of just how far we have come in our march toward sustainability, to take pride in our accomplishments, and perhaps to reassess our priorities. Good job, Ambassador.

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The Arctic is Melting and Deserts are Burning: Impacts Globally and Locally was co-sponsored by New Energy Economy, Audubon New Mexico, and the New Mexico Environmental Law Center, with support from Avalon Trust, the Santa Fe Community Convention Center and Clean Air-Cool Planet.

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Earl James is a freelance writer living south of Santa Fe. He founded the NM Environment and Health Coalition in 2004 while working for the NM Environmental Law Center. A social change activist for four decades, he currently chairs the national advocacy organization Citizens for Global Solutions. His first novel, Bella Coola: The Rainforest Brought Them Home will be published later this year. www.earldjames.com

A sampling of comments heard following the presentations:

Tom Jervis, President, Audubon New Mexico: “I have thought for 30 years that the greatest thing we could do to change our economy is push energy efficiency. If we put a price on carbon, then it becomes cost-effective to conserve energy. I’m reluctant to let more areas of NM become environmental sacrifice zones, as has happened in the oil patches, for algae farms or wind farms if they are not done right, or if they are not needed. Conservation should be the first thing we do.”

Santa Fe Mayor David Coss: “It’s great to link-up with international visitors and realize what we’re doing in Santa Fe is a global concern, and to renew the commitment to keep educating.”

Councilman Chris Calvert: “I’ve introduced a resolution to update our long-range water supply plan specifically with climate change in mind, including precipitation patterns, storage capacities and other factors that we need to look at based upon what’s going to happen here in the Southwest.”

Karyn Stockdale, Executive Director, Audubon New Mexico: “New Mexico faces big challenges from climate change because so many bird and wildlife species depend upon the state’s sources of fresh water. We can no longer afford to wait and discuss this issue; the time to act is now.”

John Fogarty, President, New Energy Economy: “I think this event shows how the rest of the world is looking to NM for solutions to climate change. We’re seeing countries in Europe looking to NM for leadership. The rules we have enacted here to cut emissions are what the science says needs to be done and it’s what needs to be done to change our economy.”

Ambassador Strommen: “I cannot sit inside the [Washington, DC] beltway and think this is America. This is a way of reaching out and I think it’s appropriate.”

Mariel Nanasi, Executive Director, New Energy Economy: “We have a carbon cap that’s already been established in NM and we need to protect and make sure it is implemented.”

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The Biodynamic Farming and Gardening Association says: “Biodynamics is a type of organic farming that incorporates an understanding of ‘dynamic forces’ in nature not yet fully understood by science. By working creatively with these subtle energies, farmers and gardeners are able to significantly enhance the health of their farms and the quality and flavor of food.” Biodynamics is used globally, and has won wide recognition for “rescuing” the livelihoods of farmers in India, where so many have faced devastation from the unfortunate prescribed use of GMO (genetically modified organism) seeds. A talented garden designer, Maggie Lee of Santa Fe shared with me that part of her secret in creating sustainable and prolific flowering meadows and xeric perennial gardens is in the magic of her biodynamic compost laced with the “forces” of nature and loving preparation. Maggie’s 50-yard heaps of biodynamic compost generate the humus she uses for building living soil from the top down.

Rudolf Steiner popularized biodynamic concepts in his Agricultural Lectures in Europe in the 1920’s and little has changed in the way of biodynamic wisdom. Steiner said: “agriculture must be based on enlivening the soil: vitality must be retained within the realm of the living…it should never leave the realm of growth.” As Maggie explained, the point Steiner emphasized is to regard garden and landscape as living organisms born of living, energized soil, and to treat our landscape as a living friend. “Integral to biodynamic practices is building a soil/plant partnership that is self-regulating, i.e. plant growth in direct proportion to vitality in the soil….” (Terra Simpatico-Biodynamic Compost, by Maggie Lee, Biodynamic Journal, Spring, 2010). Fertility is delivered via nutrient-rich humus from compost and from green manure/cover crops, with minimal input of imported fertilizers.

The beginning process for making biodynamic compost with adequate air, water, warmth and nutrients, is similar to any organic compost preparation. Carbon-rich layers (dry leaves, straw, woodchips and other brown matter) 3-4 inches deep and nitrogen rich layers (green vegetation, kitchen veggie waste, manure) are alternated in a pile at least 4 feet by 4 feet by 3 feet high. The approximate ratio of carbon to nitrogen matter is 3:1. A small amount of old compost can be used as a starter source for microorganisms. The pile must be kept moist like a damp sponge. All the components, including air, are there to feed the bacteria, fungi and other organisms doing the composting work, breaking down the organic matter to the final stage of humus. The metabolism of the decomposers heats the pile in three stages, the maximum being around 130-140 degrees for a few days during the initial stage of breakdown. The temperature subsequently drops to 90-100 degrees, then to 68-80 degrees for the mesophilic stages of processing. During the formation of humus, which is the organic matter in living soil, the original components are broken down to various stages on the way to simple molecules, and then some of the simple molecules recombine and make larger organic molecules like humic and fulvic acids that do some of the work of the humus. These molecules, which are found in concentrated levels in humates, maintain the optimum structure of the soil environment for the plants’ absorption of nutrients, for maximum water retention, for microorganisms to thrive and to help nutrient exchange among the microorganisms, the roots and the soil.

What distinguishes biodynamic compost from “ordinary” compost is that enlivening natural “forces” or energies are infused into the final product via specially formulated energized “preparations.” Seven specific biodynamic preparations are added to a biodynamic pile via holes made using a crowbar or digging bar. Six holes are spaced evenly over the pile, so that the bottom of each hole is about half way to 2/3 down into the pile. Preps designated as 502 to 506 are humus-like solids, and are added to their individual holes (not mixed) and covered with soil or old compost. Prep 507 is liquid and is added to a gallon of lukewarm water and stirred vigorously, alternating in two directions for around 10 seconds each way for a total of 10 minutes. Half is poured into the sixth hole, and the rest sprayed over the entire pile. The preps infuse the pile with their energies and components. It’s best to use the preps on raw, fresh manure or on fresh heaps of compost. You can make your own preps, or one reliable source is the Josephine Porter Institute for Applied Biodynamics, P.O. Box 133, Woolwine VA 24185 (276.930.2463), www.jpibiodynamics.org.

Nature’s magic is in the biodynamic preps. Specific herbs, including yarrow, chamomile, stinging nettle, valerian, dandelion, and also oak bark, are the foundation for each of the preps. Each herb has a particular relationship to specific nutrient elements in the soil, like nitrogen, calcium, sulfur, potassium and phosphorous. Each prep corresponds to a particular metabolic or growth activity of plants or a particular mineral dynamic in the soil to allow utilization of cosmic forces. Air facilitates “inner mobility” in the pile of the subtle forces of the preps. Water is the “rhythm carrier,” holding energetic information that supports the “breath” or life of the compost. The special preparations used in biodynamic growing and compost result in more fully digested components in the final stabilized humus product. The preps promote a balance in the soil necessary for healthy plant growth. A detailed description of the preps is beyond the scope of this article. Further information can be obtained from the Josephine Porter Institute (see above) and from the Biodynamic Farming and Gardening Association, www.biodynamics.com. Maggie Lee may be contacted at Terra Flora Garden Design, www.gardengaia.com, 505.982.6879.

Susan Waterman has a Ph.D. in botany and over 25 years of experience in sustainable agriculture. For more info, visit www.harvestbyhand.com. Question? E-mail green@harvestbyhand.com

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Grant funds may finance any private business that will employ 50 or fewer new employees and has less than $1 million in projected gross revenues. The funds can also be used as a revolving loan, and can pay for technical assistance or for purchasing real or personal property to be leased to the business. Technical assistance could provide money for feasibility studies, business plans, business development training or workshops.

Applications will be selected based on an established competitive scoring process. Priority will be given to requests of $50,000 or less. Eligible initial applications will receive points for projects in the following categories:

• Renewable energy

• Local food systems and value-added agriculture

• Great regions: multi-county or multi-state projects that will establish best practices in the area of regional economic and community development

• Support of cooperatives

• Business programs in persistent poverty counties including: Catron, Cibola, Dona Ana, Guadalupe, Luna, McKinley, Mora, Rio Arriba, Roosevelt, San Juan, San Miguel, Socorro, and Taos.

• Underserved populations such as minority and women-owned businesses

More information can be obtained from the State Office in Albuquerque at 505.761.4953 or visit http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/BCP_rbeg.html.

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RMYC, based in Taos, provides young people ages 16-25 with “employment experiences that foster personal growth and leadership, job skills, healthy decision making and community involvement.” Most participants are Hispanic or American Indian. “Team service” projects have included things such as thinning forests, building parks and trails, restoring habitat, mentoring students, and planting community gardens. In some communities, there are after-school programs and summer conservation crews.

The youth corps is also looking to feed people in northern NM and plans to construct community greenhouses that can be used to educate students and others about agriculture and nutrition.

For more information about the Rocky Mountain Youth Corps, visit youthcorps.org or call 575. 751.1420.

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Solar advocates turned out at a Public Regulation Commission hearing to oppose the fee. They said it would negate the credit incentives people receive when installing small solar systems. PNM asserted that the fee would provide a customer’s share of the required investment for the utility’s costs in maintaining the ability for use of PNM’s power, which customers still utilize at times.

Sen. Peter Wirth (D-Santa Fe-25) has introduced legislation (SB-137) prohibiting additional rates on customer-generators, effectively repealing the provision of the 2010 HB-181 that allowed PNM to propose these solar access tariffs.

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24/7 looked at some of the factors that cause unhealthy diets and resulting obesity. These include income, access to healthy food sources, the ability to pay for healthy food, the concentration of fast food outlets, and the consumption of fruits, vegetables, sugar, fat, and soft drinks.

Some of this information came from the international general medical journal Lancet. Lancet reported that Body Mass Index (BMI), a recognized measurement of obesity, is higher on average in America than in any other nation. The Lancet report states that “U.S. eating habits and diets have been exported, many experts say. Nations which before had relatively lean diets which were high in grains and fruits now consume many more soft drinks and hamburgers.” 24/7 Wall Street also used a nationwide report funded by the U.S. Congress called “Access to Affordable and Nutritious Food – Measuring and Understanding Food Deserts And Their Consequences.”

24/7 Wall Street’s report on New Mexico:

Grocery Stores Per 1,000 Residents: 0.26 (23rd)

Amount Spent on Fast Food Per Capita: $737 (8th most)

Gallons of Soft Drinks Purchased Per Capita: 58 (12th least)

Pounds of Sweet Snacks Purchased Per Capita: 111 (13th least)

“New Mexico’s worst rankings occur in two metrics. It has the 44th-greatest percentage of households without a car that are more than 10 miles from a supermarket or grocery store and the 44th-greatest percentage of population that has low income and is more than 10 miles from a supermarket or grocery store, according to the U.S. Department of Ag1riculture. These metrics are significant because they suggest a lack of access to affordable and nutritious food. Residents may rely on fast food restaurants and convenience stores instead. NM has the eighth-greatest amount of money spent on fast food per capita among all the states considered.”

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Under state statute, all jurisdictions are now under the effect of the law. The codes include increased energy efficiency measures designed to facilitate smarter energy use. “These codes will save New Mexicans money, slow climate change, and conserve the state’s celebrated natural resources,” said Shrayas Jatkar, a local Sierra Club organizer. “This is a victory for us all.”

At the end of January, the NM Supreme Court ruled on two cases: New Energy Economy v. Martinez and Amigos Bravos v. Martinez, which raised similar legal challenges to the Governor’s attempts to halt publication of final rules intended to protect the environment. In those cases, having to do with energy utility greenhouse gas emissions and water protection from dairy industry discharges, the Supreme Court ruled that the Governor had overstepped her legal authority.

The new building codes could help NM residents and businesses save money on electric and gas bills by reducing their energy consumption by approximately 20 percent. According to the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP), the residential code will result in an average net savings of nearly $14 per month ($167 per year) for each homeowner, which adds up to $66 million saved over a ten-year period throughout the state. The new codes could also improve property values for homeowners and lower barriers to homeownership for low-income New Mexicans.

Advocates say the new code will stimulate NM’s energy efficiency product development and other clean energy sectors, creating new jobs, and make the state eligible to receive its fair share of $3.1 billion in funding from the State Energy Program under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

A phase-in period for code implementation will give industry, inspectors and local building officials time to become familiar with new rules and get training on how to abide by them.

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