Preventing Climate Change: What is “Carbon Cap-and-Trade”?
Scientists generally agree that the Earth is getting warmer. Climate change is expected to have many potentially disastrous effects, including melting polar ice caps (which will raise sea levels and inundate coastal areas), destruction of agricultural productivity, and an increase in the frequency and severity of destructive storms.
The primary cause of global warming is carbon dioxide emitted from burning oil, natural gas and coal, along with a smaller contribution from methane and a few other so-called greenhouse gases. These gases create a “greenhouse effect,” preventing heat from escaping the planet. The result is a slow but steady increase in the Earth's average temperature. Continue reading this article HERE »
(( back to top ))
A Rockin' 2008!
The fifth Annual Report from Rock the Earth is complete and can be found here. Highlights from 2008 include:
• RtE's continued mercurial growth in membership with over 2,300 active members (an increase of 12% over 2007).
• RtE legal and technical staff worked on over a dozen substantive matters, highlighted by continued work on RtE's first lawsuit against the National Park Service for their mismanagement of the stretch of the Colorado River that passes through Grand Canyon National Park.
• In our first litigation victory, Rock the Earth successfully aided the Oglala Sioux Tribe in challenging the expansion of a uranium mine in Nebraska, which has the potential to directly impact Tribal waters.
• RtE had a presence at over 152 concert dates throughout the United States.
• RtE raised nearly $150,000 from memberships, sponsorships, donations, auctions and grants, including significant funds from Incubus’ Make Yourself Foundation, Patagonia, the George & Miriam Martin Foundation, and the Compton Foundation.
If you would like a printed copy of the Annual Report, please request via info@RockTheEarth.org.
(( back to top ))
Green Apple / Earth Day
A Rockin’ Earth Day in Denver
In its fourth year, the Green Apple Festival (GAF) has announced plans to once again hold the largest Earth Day celebration EVER. Green Apple Festival is produced in partnership with Earth Day Network, the non-profit organization started by the original founders of Earth Day, and with The Climate Group/Together, an international coalition of governments and businesses committed to tackling climate change. Expanding to ten cities this year, GAF will take place in New York City, Boston, Washington DC, Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Austin, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle on April 17-19, 2009.
In 2009, in keeping with the challenges of our time, GAF will shift its main focus from festivals to large-scale Volunteer Action Projects on Earth Day weekend across the U.S. Meaningful actions give back to communities, restore and renew the Earth, and rebuild confidence in a healthy economic future. People of all ages want to be involved and to help!
We at Rock the Earth are honored to be playing a large part in organizing volunteer events in Denver, culminating in a private, FREE concert on Sunday, April 19, open by invitation only to volunteers who work GAF-sponsored volunteer events.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
This will be the largest Earth Day celebration ever held in Denver and we need all the help we can get. Rock the Earth will be heading up two large-scale volunteer events to help create a more sustainable Denver:
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Energy Efficiency Neighborhood Outreach
Rock the Earth and the City of Denver will be partnering in support of the City’s Neighborhood Collaborative Outreach Group. The Denver Neighborhood Collaborative Outreach group was formed to support the Climate Action Plan initiative that provides information to Denver residents regarding sustainability through outreach programs. During the morning and afternoon of Saturday, April 18, we will concentrate our collective resources on the Platt Park neighborhood in Denver, with the intent of improving energy efficiency and providing support materials to residents. During the “Blitz” day on April 18, hundreds of volunteers will visit hundreds of homes in the Platt Park neighborhood, and each home visited will be offered the following services:
• Front porch bulb replaced with a free CFL
• Free home recycling program sign up
• Reduction of junk mail
• Free tree for front yard
• Information about water use, household hazardous waste disposal and composting.
Every home will be offered a free energy audit (scheduled after April 18) that includes inspection of:
• Attic and wall insulation
• Furnace
• Duct work (sealing and insulation)
• Water heater
• Pipe insulation
• Refrigerator & freezer
And,
• Replacement of showerheads and aerators
• Installation of CFL’s (up to 10)
Lower income homes will be eligible for replacement of inefficient/outdated items identified in the energy audit, free of charge.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Community Garden Project
Rock the Earth will be partnering with Revision International to create a community garden in the Westwood neighborhood in Denver. April 19 will be the groundbreaking day where garden beds are prepped for spring planting.Along with the field work, volunteers will help educate community members about the importance of localized food supplies, and will provide neighborhoods with the information, tools and research necessary to begin their own neighborhood community supported agriculture. Food grown will supply local families, with 30% of all food grown to be donated to local families and organizations in need.
You can be a part of this meaningful project. All volunteers will receive complimentary meals & snacks, a free t-shirt, and best of all, tickets to a special Sunday evening volunteer concert at Cervante's Masterpiece Ballroom in Denver, featuring Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk & Friends. --Participate and join with thousands of other volunteers in celebration.
For more information or to sign up as a volunteer for either of these sustainability-focused community events, please write to info@rocktheearth.org. Include your name and telephone number, and let us know which event (or events) you are interested in being a part of.
One More Great Volunteer Opportunity:
Earth Day in Santa Cruz, CA
Saturday, April 18 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Benchlands at San Lorenzo Park (137 Dakota St.) in Santa Cruz. If you are interested in volunteering with Rock the Earth for this event, please contact tree@rocktheearth.org.
For more information GO HERE.
(( back to top ))
Rockin’ the Earth Day 2009
April 26
University of New Hampshire Solar Fest
The entire event is solar powered and runs from 11:00 a.m. to sunset. Our newest music partner, Barefoot Truth, will be headlining the event and has pledged to donate $1,000 to Rock the Earth in honor of Earth Day.
April 18-19
Sparkling Creations at 409 Oak St. in Hood River, Oregon is holding a special two-day Earth Day sale to encourage people to come shop at the store. Sparkling Creations has pledged to donate 15% of the weekend’s proceeds to RtE.
April 22
Earth Day DC, features Dubconscious at New Vegas Lounge in Washington, DC. A portion of the event’s proceeds with be donated to Rock the Earth.
Wedding Favors
We thank Rock the Earth members Melissa Sverchek & Greg Hans of Point Pleasant, New Jersey for their creative, earth-conscious wedding “favor” –that provided a generous $250 donation to Rock the Earth while providing organizational information to their guests. All of us at RtE wish Melissa and Greg much love and good luck. Cheers!
(( back to top ))
Calling All Businesses – It’s still not too late to Help us Rock Earth Day!
RtE is seeking businesses to collaborate with on the 39th anniversary of Earth Day - when events and celebrations take place throughout the week of April 18-25. By participating in a coordinated campaign, the impact can be more significant. Please consider donating a portion of your business' sales throughout the week to Rock the Earth, or pick a specific day that will let your customers know you are committed to doing your part in helping create a sustainable environment. In addition to cash donations, there are many other ways that you can be a part of this effort - please call our office at 303-454-3304, or write to Amy at info@rocktheearth.org for more information. As always, RtE will be a good steward of your contributions, and by working together we can all be part of the solution!
(( back to top ))
In the Key of Green – Green Your Pet
Most of us feel our pets are part of our family, yet how much thought do we put into what we feed this family member? Many of the most common pet food brands are made with the lowest quality ingredients, often made overseas with little or no oversight. This means poor nutrition for your pet, or worse, serious health problems – even death. Look for brands containing all-natural, whole foods and ingredients – not meat “by-products” and “fillers” made from corn. Avoid meats made with meat “meals” which are leftover animal parts, boiled and processed. Other common ingredients in pet food are grown using toxic pesticides or contain potentially hazardous synthetic preservatives, or are made from foods declared unsafe for human consumption. Thankfully, there are dozens of great natural brands to choose from, including Wellness, Innova, Solid Gold, California Natural and Pinnacle.
Visit www.naturalpet.com or www.onlynaturalpet.com to learn more about your pet’s nutritional needs.
(( back to top ))
March Auctions
March Auction #1:
Limited Edition Rock the Earth Summer Tour 2008 Poster
Signed by Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers
Designed, numbered (207/250) and signed by artist Ryan Kerrigan, this rare poster also includes autographs from the complete 2008 band line-up of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers: Tom Petty, Mike Campbell, Benmont Tench, Scott Thurston, Ron Blair and Steve Ferrone.
To bid on this rare item, GO HERE
March Auction #2:
Limited edition autographed 8x10 b/w photograph of Steve Kimock,
signed by Kimock and photographer Tobin Popenberg.
Numbered 8/10; includes certificate of authenticity.
To bid on this rare item, GO HERE
(( back to top ))
Member Benefit: FREE Tickets for Rock the Earth Members ONLY!
Did you know that as a Member of Rock the Earth you can win FREE TICKETS to concerts at Denver’s Gothic, Ogden and Bluebird Theaters, Boulder’s Fox Theatre, and the latest addition, New York’s The Fillmore at Irving Plaza -- in addition to some of the hottest shows around the country? This means that YOU could be Rockin’ out to Umphrey’s McGee, Franz Ferdinand, Conor Oberst, Jeff Beck, Tea Leaf Green, Railroad Earth, Avett Brothers, X, Derek Trucks, Glasvegas, the Toadies, Hot Buttered Rum and MANY MORE, ABSOLUTELY FREE!
Remember – you can only win these tickets if you are a current member of Rock the Earth, so make sure your membership is up-to-date before entering.
To enter, email info@rocktheearth.org. Include the show of your choice in the subject line, and your full name and contact details in the email. To volunteer at these shows contact volunteer@rocktheearth.org. For more information please visit www.rocktheearth.org.
For a complete list of upcoming Rock the Earth concerts, GO HERE.
(( back to top ))
Member Benefit: Discount tickets available for Top Music Festivals
Summer Camp Music Festival (May 22 – 24)
3 full nights of moe!
Summer Camp is a 3-day music festival held Memorial Day Weekend at Three Sisters Park in Chillicothe, Illinois. Started in 2001, over the years the festival has grown from 15 bands on 2 stages over 2 days, to over 60 bands on 5 stages over 3 days.
This year’s lineup includes 3 full performances by moe. Plus Willie Nelson, Umphrey’s McGee, Keller Williams, Les Claypool, Medeski, Scofield, Martin & Wood, Gomez, Girl Talk and the Dark Star Orchestra, among others.
We are able to offer $125 discount tix exclusively to RtE members. That’s $50+ off a 3-day camping pass. You must be a current member to enjoy this discount. Offer is non-transferable and tickets are limited. RtE Members should contact info@rocktheearth.org to purchase.
Summer Camp Green Team
Summer Camp Music Festival is looking for volunteers to help with recycling efforts. All information can be found on their website under RECYCLING, and interested parties can email vanessa@jaytv.com with any questions.
Del Fest (May 22 – 24)
DelFest is a family-friendly bluegrass music festival (May 22-24) celebrating the rich legacy of McCoury music by providing a forum for world-class musical collaborations while also exposing fresh new talent. Located amidst the lush landscape of the Appalachian Mountains in the charming Potomac River Valley town of Cumberland, MD, attractions include music all-day long, intimate artist workshops, late-night shows, an Arts & Craft Fair, a Kids Area, plentiful camping and RV hookups, and much more.
This year’s lineup includes the Del McCoury Band, Leftover Salmon, Old Crow Medicine Show, Sam Bush, Railroad Earth, The Travelin’ McCourys, Dark Star Orchestra (Acoustic and Electric) and Railroad Earth, among others.
We are able to offer RtE members $99 discount tickets – a savings of $40 for a 3-day camping pass. Tickets are limited and available to current RtE Members only. If interested, please contact info@rocktheearth.org for discount information and ticket order form.
Mountain Jam (May 29 -31)
Allman Brothers 40th anniversary exclusive Northeast festival appearance
Mountain Jam is a three-day music festival in upstate New York, held the weekend after Memorial Day. Gov’t Mule will anchor the festival, while the Allman Brothers will make their only Northeast festival appearance, along with Michael Franti & Spearhead, Ray LaMontagne, Derek Trucks Band, The Hold Steady, Railroad Earth, Brett Dennen and many others.
As noted here last month, we are offering RtE Members $100 discount tix – a savings of $55 for 3-day camping pass. You must be a current member to enjoy this discount. Offer is non-transferable. RtE Members should contact info@rocktheearth.org for discount information and a Members-Only ticket order form.
(( back to top ))
WANTED: Regional Volunteer Coordinator for Los Angeles
Having successfully launched new volunteer teams in Nashville and New York City during the month of March, Rock the Earth is now seeking an energetic and enthusiastic individual to help Rock the Earth establish a team of outreach volunteers in Los Angeles.
The Regional Volunteer Coordinator is responsible for supervising a team of volunteers to help spread the word about Rock the Earth's mission at a diverse range of concerts, festivals, and other local events. Targeted venue partners in LA include the Roxy Theater, the Nokia Theater, and the Hollywood Bowl. Recruitment and training support is provided by the National Volunteer Coordinator.
The Regional Volunteer Coordinator role requires a proactive, energetic and reliable person with a strong attention to detail, and the ability to motivate and manage volunteers, handle money and materials, and complete simple reports. In addition, the ideal candidate should be a positive communicator and have a strong interest in learning about and publicly discussing environmental issues with music fans, as well as establishing professional relationships with our band and venue partners.
If you are interested in joining our team or need more information, please send your name, location and contact details (email/phone) to volunteer@rocktheearth.org.
(( back to top ))
RtE Seeks Summer Outreach Interns
Are you interested in a summer internship with RtE? This summer we will once again tour the country! Our goal is to educate music fans and environmentalists about our mission and the environmental issues on which we are working. We will be signing up new members and volunteers, as well as continuing to build our relationships with musicians nationwide. We had great success during our 2008 Summer Tour, and look forward to reaching even greater heights in 2009! If you are interested in learning more about the Summer Outreach Intern positions, please email us at info@rocktheearth.org.
(( back to top ))
Volunteer Jam
We would like to thank non-staff volunteers who have rocked it big time during the month of March, and have gone above and beyond in their support for the Rock the Earth cause. We sincerely thank each of you for giving so generously of your time and in the value of your contribution to our organization. Shout outs to: Rishelle Aragon, Susan Beam, John Bergman, Drew Brightbill, Andrea Browne, Larry Byrd, Tay Dunklee, Kat Carver, Jonathon Cavitt, Shannon Clark, Jenni Coopersmith, Sarah England, Parry Ernsberger, John Guffey, Deanne Herman, Ashley Hollan, Brandi Honeycutt, Liz Lundy, Ashlley Meyers, Elnaz Nesva, Daniel Petrafesa, John Powers, Laurie Rochardt, Stacy Riley and Lisa Shara.
(( back to top ))
Rock the Earth Member Benefit: Your True Nature
Based in Fort Collins, Colorado, Your True Nature, www.yourtruenature.com, creates products that celebrate trees, gardening, the human-nature connection, and the flow and ease of life and human growth. In addition to books, journals and stationery, Your True Nature offers The Gift of a Tree cards that will reflect a tree planted in honor of a special person in protected areas to help reforest the earth.
Your True Nature follows the philosophy of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Replant! The company uses recycled paper and prints with soy-based inks. They participate in the 100% Replanted Program to replant trees for all of the paper they use in their business.
As a member of 1% For the Planet, Your True Nature donates 1% of its sales to environmental groups, and Rock the Earth is one of the nonprofit organizations listed on the 1% For the Planet website.
Rock the Earth members receive a 20% discount on all Your True Nature purchases!
To see a list of all Rock the Earth membership benefits GO HERE.
To find out how you can take advantage of these members-only benefits, write to info@rocktheearth.org.
(( back to top ))
What Rocks Your Earth?!?
Danny Louis (Gov’t. Mule)
A native of Woodstock, New York, composer and multi-instrumentalist Danny Louis is a member of one of the most respected and widely-acclaimed jambands, Gov’t Mule. He is featured on keyboards, guitar and trumpet and is co-writer of numerous Gov’t Mule songs. Throughout his career Danny has recorded and performed with many other major rock artists, including recent repeat appearances on keyboards with Cheap Trick at The Hollywood Bowl. Other artists Danny has played with include: Joe Cocker, Allman Brothers Band, The Kinks, The Cars, Coheed and Cambria, Levon Helm, Gregg Allman, Joan Osborne, UB-40, and Rosanne Cash, to name a few. In addition, Danny has composed both songs and scores for TV shows, feature films, and major ad campaigns. He loves outdoor sports and losing many golf balls.
What environmental issue(s) do you consider to be the most critical at this
time?
In order of criticality:
Global Warming: Both regionally and as a planet we need to vigorously clean up dirty fuel emissions and create sustainable alternatives or we may face disastrous environmental consequences in the very near future.
Clean Water: As the surface of water reflects back one's own image, so the content of water reflects how the environment is cared for here on earth. Some of the data I've been reading is truly frightening. If we aren't mindful of the growing clean water shortage and do not act to change this trend, oil won't be the only reason people are in conflict.
Overpopulation: Some places are just way too crowded to clean up after. Education cures overpopulation. Ultimately education cures many ills. When we fail to provide high-quality education to our children, we eventually become victims of our own ignorance.
What has inspired you to combine environmental activism with your art?
I'm not really qualified to help any other way. If your organization and people like you can help deliver the message, then we as artists should help you, gratefully.
Where is your favorite place in nature to go to find solace or inspiration?
I love a quiet place where I can sit under the shade of a tree, pick up a nice flat rock, and skip it on clear fresh water. We still have many places like that!
(( back to top ))
