Meetings

Wednesday, March 7, 7:00 PM

Robert B. Gibson. “Powering Los Alamos Through the 21st Century, Leading the Nation Towards Energy Independence

Hydrocarbon fuels are becoming more scarce. Meanwhile, their combustion products are raising global temperatures. The 19,000 residents of Los Alamos (not counting LANL) consume about 2500 TJ of energy annually for heating, electricity, and motor vehicle transportation. More than 95% of this is derived from hydrocarbons—natural gas, coal, and oil. Approximately 200,000 tons of carbon dioxide are released. Wiser use can greatly reduce the amount of energy we use. Conversion to alternate primary sources to meet remaining needs could greatly reduce hydrocarbon sources and “greenhouse gas” emissions. Solar, hydroelectric, and nuclear energy are all among the possible substitutes.  Los Alamos County recently decided to “pursue community-wide independence from hydrocarbon energy sources.” Robert will review potential paths to reaching that goal, and consider the intellectual and economic opportunities for Los Alamos.

Wednesday, April 4, 7:00 PM

Our Successes:  Science Fair Winners and the Environmental Powwow

Come and be amazed by our Sierra Club Science Fair winners as they present their winning projects!  After their presentations, we will have a slide show of our very successful, community-wide, “Environmental Powwow.”

Wednesday, May 2, 7:00 PM

Regina Wheeler talks trash:  "Recycling and Solid Waste Projects"

Los Alamos County’s Doyen of Trash, and the mover behind many of the recycle and renewable-energy projects in Los Alamos will tell us what’s happening in the County and how we can help.

Outings

Saturday, March 17. Canyon del Cobre area (Abiquiu). Strenuous.  Michael Di Rosa 663-0648.

Saturday, April 14. Hike to Window Rock near Española.  Moderate 8 miles. Bring lunch and plenty of water. Rainer & Ilse Bleck ibleck@yahoo.com or 662-2368.

The Pajarito Group’s First Los Alamos Environmental Powwow

            Nobody said it couldn’t be done, just that it would be a lot of work, but after weeks of organizing, when we finally began inviting others, the idea expanded like mycorrhizae.  And as symbiotically, the first invitees called others they knew who called more, until the Powwow ended up with groups as diverse as Los Alamos National Bank, Pajarito Environmental Education Center, and Energy Related Devices. 

            The Los Alamos connection to nature is historic. The founders of Los Alamos chose this location not only because of its isolation, but because of its physical beauty.  Perhaps it was because of the work they were doing, but the relationship between those developers of the bomb and the local wildlands, mountains, and canyons has been deep. The quote from one of the early women here sums it up:  We may not have had bathtubs, “…but oh God! we had the view!” Now the community has many environmental groups with scientists and residents as concerned with saving the planet as they were about saving democracy. 

            The Pajarito Group’s goal was to create a strong and united voice for environmental protection and for a sustainable Los Alamos.  The Powwow was a ravingly successful first step.

            About 200 participants moved among the displays, swapping ideas, hearing about activities and efforts, enjoying stimulating company, hors d’oeuvres (donated in part by Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods, and elegantly created by Group ExCom member Dave and wife Donna Gemeinhart), and the heartening, acoustic folk music of Monty and John reminiscent of the good-old-days of the Monkey Wrench Gang.

            Here is what we learned: 

            Powwow co-sponsor Los Alamos National Bank offers lower rates and fees for Eco-Smart loans. Los Alamos Family YMCA is hoping to incorporate green construction and programs as part of its goals.  Both Los Alamos Sustainable Energy Network (LASE) and Energy Independent Los Alamos have ideas that could actually create a renewable-energy community. 

            There’s a “Green Tag” you can purchase to offset your current pollution by buying an investment in development of new, renewable-energy facilities in New Mexico. Or get this—right here in Los Alamos, Energy Related Devices is developing both Solar Cell and Alternate Aerodynamic Windmill Technologies, as well as a remarkable Micro Fuel Cell™ technology designed to use processes that mimic a living cell.

            The Friends of Bandelier offers opportunities to provide support for special projects, such as archaeology, scientific research, and Native crafts expositions.  Los Alamos Cooperative Market hopes to create a local market selling products produced as locally and naturally as possible for the health of both human and the planet. Craig Martin’s Volunteer Task Force gives residents an excuse to both enjoy our local wildlands and help with conservation efforts and trail development.

            Los Alamos Sustainable Energy is dedicated to promoting the development, use, and education of sustainable energy in our community. The goal of the newly formed Los Amigos de Valles Caldera is to raise funds for important resource and infrastructure projects (including several wetlands projects) on the Preserve, thereby offsetting operating costs.

            NM Citizens for Clean Air and Water is an environmental advocacy group that uses their scientific and technical expertise to stop pollution, and in the end, to work toward a society in which both individuals and corporations will cooperate with the goal of a clean environment. The League of Women Voters has programs to sustain not only democracy but the Earth itself.

            The Pajarito Environmental Education Center (PEEC) is our local clearinghouse of environmental issues and activities, offering everything from a gift shop and herbarium, to kids camp, demonstration gardens, talks on energy and the environment, and ink-jet cartridge recycling.

            Los Alamos County’s Julie Williams-Hill of the Utilities Department presented the green energy and the water conservation programs of the county, and Public Works Department David Apple showed the green building programs of the County as it embarks on an ambitious agenda of upgrading the physical assets of the county.

            We keep quoting the maxim for untiring activists:  “Sometimes it’s hard when you wake up in the morning to choose whether to save the Earth or savor it.” But once in a while, we can actually measure the progress created by our efforts.  Once in a while—as at the Powwow, we can celebrate in the company of our compatriots who share the passion for preserving the one World we’re traveling on together.

            Please watch for the Blue Moon Production video of the Powwow to be presented on Los Alamos local access channel PAC 8.  Los Alamos National Bank was a sponsor.

Here’s the list of participants and their web pages:

Energy Independent Los Alamos          
The Family YMCA       http://www.laymca.org/
Energy Related Devices            http://www.energyrelatedevices.com/
Friends of Bandelier      http://www.friendsofbandelier.org/
Green Tags for Green Energy NM        https://www.greentagsusa.org/greentags/newmexico.cfm
League of Women Voters         http://www.lwvlosalamos.org/
Los Alamos County’s Green Building Program and Water Conservation Program         
http://www.lac-nm.us (or call 311)
Los Alamos Cooperative Market          http://www.lacoopmarket.com/
Los Alamos National Bank       http://www.lanb.com/
Los Alamos Sustainable Energy            http://www.lasenergy.net/
Los Alamos Volunteer Task Force        http://www.volunteertaskforce.org/
Los Amigos de Valles Caldera  http://www.vallescaldera.gov/about/
NM Citizens for Clean Air and Water   http://members.aol.com/nmcit/
Pajarito Environmental Education Center           https://www.Pajaritoeec.org/1a_home/index.htm

The Powwow also put forth a list of our favorite places for our Best of Los Alamos Open Spaces Survey.  Of the approximately 100 entries, the favorite of the favorites are as follows:

Best Trail:  Red Dot/Blue Dot
Best Bird Watching:  Pajarito Mountain
Best Downhill Ski/Snowboard:  One More Time
Best X-Country/Snow Shoe:  Canada Bonita/Nordic Center
Best Day Trip:  Bandelier
Best Biking:  Pajarito Mountain
Best Valles Caldera Activity:  Hiking
Best Rock Climbing:  Overlook Park
Best Bandelier Place:  Falls Trail
Best Dog Walk:  Bayo Canyon