AREDAY 2012: A Call to Action

Lovins and Ritter kicked off AREDay 2012. Click 4 pixThe 9th annual Amereican Renewable Energy Day  (AREDay) Summit, Expo and Film Fest. took place in Aspen this past weekend.   AREDay brings together energy efficient thought leaders, educators, entrepreneurs, government officials and more in one forum for discussions, panels, dialogue and networking.

Click 4 pix:  CALL TO ACTION

Experts such as Amory Lovins (Rocky Mountain Institute), Bill Ritter (former Governor of Colorado), 4 Star  General (ret.)Wesley Clark, Admiral (ret.) Dennis McGinn,  best selling author Thomas Friedman,  actress and activist Mariel Hemingway and almost 100 other speakers took the stage in an effort to save the planet.  

For the first time in history a majority of Americans (60%) believe that climate change is a reality.  Perhaps the fact that this past July was the warmest month in recorded history in America has something to do with it.  Perhaps the measurable increase in natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, typhoons,  forest fires and droughts have opened people's eyes.  Here in Aspen we see the effects of climate change first hand.  Last Winter was the worst snow season in Aspen in recent memory. We've seen incredible variations in weather...zero degrees one day...over 50 the next...that didn't used to happen.  Remember last March and April...more than 30 days in a row over 60 degrees...and how about that "snirt" we received in 2010 and 2011 from the dust and super-high winds in the Utah desert that dropped a layer of snow mixed with dirt on Aspen...that never happened before.

4 Star General Wesley Clark. Click 4 pix.The environment just might be the most crucial issue in our upcoming Presidential election...but no one is talking about it.  The environment could be more important to our future than the economy and jobs and Medicare and  college transcripts and tax returns.  Yet neither candidate addresses Climate Change. That makes me MAD.

While I enjoyed AREDay and it was very informative, I couldn't help but to read between the lines.  It's great that all the speakers shared their exhaustive research and their power point charts and promoted their books, patted each other on the back and alluded unfavorably to our "addiction to oil". Yada Yada Yada.  Where's the beef?   Who is moving the needle?  It's clear that there is an URGENT need to improve the way our world works and THE TIME is NOW.

Obviosly some progress is being made with solar and wind power, natural gas and other new and improved technologies...but it seems like a drop in the bucket.   The Federal Government apparently is willing to ignore the issue.  The change must come from the State and Local level.  Gov. Ritter who helped form the Center for New Energy Economy at Colorado State University has visited 33 States in the past year.  He made it clear that the people of America want an energy policy that reduces the risks of climate change and makes the U.S. independent of foreign oil.   Can it happen?  No one knows.

I came away from AREDay feeling scared and frustrated.  There is no clear solution.  Education and awareness have taken hold...but the planet Earth needs results--- ASAP.  It may sound like baby steps, but I urge all individuals  to change their behavior starting today.  Everyone needs to recycle.  We all need to reduce consumption. I know...life goes on...but every little bit helps.    The Earth is like a giant National Park... "take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints".  One more thing...leave a footprint that you can be proud of...if not for you...for your children and your children's children.

I'm not a scientist, I don't have all the facts...and unfortunately I don't have a simple solution...but I do know that the environment is wasting away before our eyes.  The people in Aspen do a pretty good job of protecting the planet (relative to other places) and that's important.  We need to think and act locally to preserve our own environment.  We in Aspen are lucky to live in paradise...let's work hard so that future generations can enjoy it too.

I'm not a super-duper climate hawk, I drive a car, I fly commercially, I use paper and plastic.  I'm just another guy, but I can see into the not so distant future and I'm very worried.   What I heard from the AREDay experts strikes a real fear in me, in fact it scares the sh*t out of me.   Climate change, gloabal warming, the enviroment...(maybe it needs a better name), but it's an URGENT Problem. 

The only thing standing in our way is Politics and Money.

Do your part...start today.  Live a more "GREEN" lifestyle.  Turn down the A/C,  take a shorter shower, turn off the lights when you leave the room...the planet earth depends on it.

Mariel Hemingway and the CVAC machine at AREDay. Click 4 pixTaj Mahal playing the blues to support the planet at AREDay. Click 4 pix

What the Duck?

Click 4 pixSometimes in Aspen it's all about the kiddies.  The Aspen Rotary Club hosted their 21st Annual DUCKY DERBY by dumping more than 10,000 rubber duckies into the Rio Grande River at No Problem Bridge.  The event raises well over $100,000 for Aspen's kids and their causes.  The Duck Derby and corresponding carnival in Rio Grande Park teaches kids about money, sales and responsibility.  Every $10 Duck entrant sold results in $9 going to a designated cause of the seller's choosing.  While AspenSpin has never entered into the parenting space...a few sick pix won't hurt anybody.

Click 4 Pix   WHAT the DUCK?

On Sunday The Aspen Science Center and Aspen Center for Physics hosted the ASPEN SCIENCE FESTIVAL.   Exhibits featuring gravity and waves, solar, bio fuel, biology and performances from Dr. KaBoom and Mr. Freeze kept the youngsters and their handlers enthralled.  A HUGE crowd of kiddies, parents, grandparents, nannies, dogs got to experience science in action.

CLICK 4 PIX  WHAT the DUCK?

What the Duck? Click 4 pix.

10,000 ducks floating the Rio Grande. Click for pix.

Energy Smart Colorado                              

Bike like a Billionaire in Aspen.

USA Pro Challenge. Aspen, August 22 & 23Aspen, Colorado is known for it's VIP experiences.  Sporting the correct wrist band or neck lanyard in Aspen can get you "anything you need".   The 2012 USA Pro Cycling Challenge bicycle race is pulling out all the VIP stops in it's second year. 

For VIP Experiences Contact:  Barbara Frank  BFrank@teamavsc.com  or 970-205-5102

For 2012 Aspen is playing host to the FINISH of STAGE 3 (August 22) and the START of STAGE 4 (August 23).   The USA Pro Challenge is the toughest bike race in the U.S. and they are bringing their entire bicycle traveling circus to Aspen.  Six of the top 13 finishers from this year's Tour de France, and all 5 of last years USA Pro leaders will be racing through the Colorado Rockies.  For the Aspen stages 126 elite riders from 24 countries will pedal up and down Independence Pass ...twice.  Teams from Radio Shack, BMC, Garmin and more will compete in Colorado.  The USA Pro features an interactive Festival / Expo in Wagner Park which includes live music from 80's rockers Anthem, contests, games, a sponsor's row and plenty of swag.

If you're fired up for a more unique experience, The USA Pro will offer plenty of VIP options.   As always the Patron Finish Tent ($500) will include an unobstructed view of the finish, extensive catered food, an open bar and the ONLY IN-TOWN PARKING.  The next day the Patron Start Tent ($150) will offer a catered breakfast, morning cocktails and access to the racers prior to the start.  The night of August 22, attend the STAGE 3.5 PARTY (contact B. Frank for Tickets) to benefit the Aspen Community Foundation. You'll need a police escort to attend The TOP of the PASS PARTY ($2500 per person or $22,000 for a van holding 11 people). This will be the ultimate private party at the apex of Independence Pass on August 23.

The top riders compete in AspenYou want the best VIP Experience of all.  You wanna be a playa?  You wanna impress the kiddies or the ladies?  Step up, kid...into the BIG TIME... Ride in the OFFICIAL USA PRO PACE CAR (price negotiable).  This one of a kind experience is available for both stages.  You can weave through the peloton (well maybe not weave) complete with expert commentary. 

For complete info about any of these tax deductible VIP events, contact:

BARBARA FRANK: bfrank@teamavsc.com   970-205-5102

Plastic Bags are BANNED in Aspen.

Aspen, Colorado bans single use plastic bags at grocery stores. The ban is effective 5/1/12Solana Beach, California voted to ban single use plastic bags at grocery and retail stores and restaurants. The ban will go into effect in approximately 3 months. s

 Act Locallly / Think Globally

On May 1, 2012 Aspen's three grocery stores will ban single use plastic bags. Plastic bags will no longer be an option.   City Market, Roxy's and Clark's Market will also impose a 20 cent fee for paper bags.  Carbondale is banning single use palstic bags too.  The City of Aspen is offering free cloth bags (while they last).  Click 4 details and other environmental tips from The CITY of ASPEN

Last week the Solana Beach, California City Council voted to ban the use of plastic bags in Grocery Stores, Restaurants and Retailers. A 10 cent fee will apply to each paper bag used.  Click here for the story.  Solana Beach bans Plastic Bags

Upon first glance a required ban of plastic bags in Aspen (population 6,658) and Solana Beach (population 12,867) seems like a drop in the bucket.    These are two very small towns...one in the Rocky Mountains and one in So. Cal. on the Pacific Coast. What they have in common is, both cities heavily rely on the environment for recreation, tourism and lifestyle.  In Aspen its the skiing and riding, the hiking, biking, fishing, camping etc. that make it happen.  In Solana Beach its the surfing and sponging and SUPing and fishing etc. that carry the day.  

According to the WorldWatch Institute a plastic bag ban in China has reduced usage by 66% and saved 40 billion bags and 1.6 million tons of petroleum.  Before the ban China was using 3 billion bags a day

It took me a while to realize how these "baby steps" can help and how important they are. Start in your own backyard, in your own neighborhood, in your own town.  Everybody needs to change their behavior immediately because climate change is upon us.  I'm not a scientist or a meteorologist, but I can see the weather changing right before my eyes....and I don't like it.  The entire World needs to react and take care of business.  Acting locally can have a tremendous impact on a Global problem.

Don't delay, start today.  It's not B.S. Take baby steps in your own house.

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Best Closing Day of All Time (and I don't mean the Party)

Aspen: Closing Day = POW Day.For the entire ski season in Aspen we've been Jones-ing for the POW.  Sure we got a little taste. A foot dropped directly on the ground in early December, and we did get those 4 snowy days in a row in February....pretty siiiiick. Other than that, not much  more than a dusting in the snow department.

THE POW PIX    and    THE PARTY PIX

Today is closing day in Aspen. Most people had already hung up their sticks weeks ago.  Temps had been 60 degrees or warmer for like 40 straight days.  In what seems like a true irony, last night it nuked continuously.  12"-15" up top was the call and almost a foot in town.  Whaaaaaaaaaaaat???   Your're kidding me, right?? It was the second dryest March in Colorado history and I had already packed away all my warm gear...and my ski quiver (including my fatties) was tuned and ready for next year.  Yesterday on Aspen Mountain there were more brown spots and exposed rock beds than I had ever seen during any ski season.  There were even a couple "stop and walks" on the cat tracks. But today, on closing day....a legit POW Day???

Click 4 pix.  THE POW PIX

The Bond of the POW.When I went to bed it was full-on dumping. This morning I awoke very early in anticipation.  I broke out the Carmelo-meter (my dog) to accurately determine the snow depth and POW quality.  Turns out it was siiiiiiiiiiiiiiiick.  My dog and I got some serious POW time at the base.  She was freaking out with joy and eventually (after an hour) Carmelo agreed to get back on her leash.  I then geared up quickly and pulled out my new side-stashes and hit the Gondy. All the usual suspects were there.  I tried not to think about the turf that was oh so close underneath.  It was no time for an injury.  Freshies and copious face shots were claimed.  It was a fabulous way to finish off a less than awesome season.  105 days...not a bad score.

THE PARTY at Aspen Highlands...it was decent.  Not like in years past.  If you ask me..something was off a beat.  Maybe it was the early closing (originally AH was to close on April 22).  Maybe it has evolved into such a BIG event that the expectations are unobtainable.  Maybe its just the party people and many of the hard core skiers and riders skipped it?  Maybe it has jumped the shark?   Sure, everyone was drinking their faces off and had their onesies on, but it just wasn't on par with past years. 

I did what I do...I took tons of sick pix.  

Click 4 Pix:  THE PARTY PIX.

!2"-15" of Fresh snow on Closing Day in Aspen. Click 4 POW pix.

4 miles high. The bus ride to Aspen Highlands. click 4 PARTY PIX.The Aspen Highlands Closing Day Party. Has it jumped the shark? Click 4 PARTY PIX.Wiggle, Wiggle, Wiggle at Aspen Highlands. Click 4 PARTY PIX.