April 20, 2008
Albuquerque Journal
Business and government swept up in Earth Day and the environmental movement
By Dan McKay , Journal Staff WriterFrom oil companies to Wal-Mart, it's obvious that "green" sells. Private companies and government agencies alike have scrambled this year to announce what they're doing for the environment— especially to combat global warming.
You'd be forgiven for thinking every day is Earth Day.
But this year's official, annual celebration of the environment is Tuesday. In Albuquerque, it will be a day for recycling on college campuses and giving away energy-efficient bulbs at grocery stores.
The growing popularity of everything green isn't lost on longtime activists.
James Olmsted, who recently founded an environmental club at Central New Mexico Community College, said he's no longer seen as a radical for supporting environmentalism.
"Mostly that's because it's actually being embraced commercially," said Olmsted, who's 53.
Companies have gotten into the act, too.
Wal-Mart this year opened a high-efficiency store in Bernalillo designed to cut greenhouse-gas emissions, and it has launched a nationwide campaign to promote energy-wise light bulbs. The Public Service Co. of New Mexico, meanwhile, has aired ads touting its wind-energy program, and oil companies are promoting their own environmental efforts.
And if that's not enough, the presidential election, Al Gore's film and the high price of gasoline have helped keep green issues in the news, activists say.
Government initiatives, local and national, have capitalized on the interest:
- New Mexico last year joined a dozen other states in adopting the "Clean Cars" program, which originated in California. The new rules— now the subject of litigation— would require 2011 model cars and trucks sold in the state to meet strict tailpipe-emission standards.
- Albuquerque has a green building code that takes effect in July. It puts into place a host of energy-efficiency requirements for homes and businesses, including new rules for furnaces and air conditioners.
- Mayor Martin Chávez grabbed headlines by making city employees watch part of "An Inconvenient Truth," the Gore film on global warming.
- Congress passed new fuel economy standards in December, requiring a 35 mpg standard by 2020.
- Santa Fe is considering a tax on grocery bags, and Taos is weighing whether to ban plastic grocery bags altogether. Proponents of the idea say disposable bags take up valuable space in landfills, and shoppers should find reusable bags instead.
- Albuquerque launched a pilot project to increase recycling in some neighborhoods. The city is providing bins for people to put their recyclables in. City workers empty the bin on the neighborhoods' regular trash days.
- Several of the initiatives face strong opposition. Auto dealers and other opponents have argued in court that the "Clean Car" program conflicts with federal law and would reduce the selection of vehicles sold in New Mexico.
- And developers warn that the green building code— in its current form— could cost homeowners thousands when they replace a furnace or similar equipment. Faced with strong opposition, Albuquerque postponed enforcement of the rule until July and will meet with industry representatives in the meantime.
Regardless of the opposition, the green movement is gaining momentum, activists say.
"I feel like, over the last year, there's been a real awakening in this country," said Shrayas Jatkar, an organizer for the Sierra Club. "I feel there's been a lot of movement in terms of global warming."
Arturo Sandoval, who owns a local consulting firm, helped organize the first Earth Day in 1970. He was the western regional coordinator for the event.
Sandoval admits feeling a little cynical about the green marketing efforts of multinational companies.
Nevertheless, he said, "I welcome the fact that there is clearly a mainstream emphasis and sense that we can no longer ignore critical environmental issues."
Raising awareness
Here's a look at some Albuquerque events centered on Earth Day:
The University of New Mexico's Duck Pond will be the site for the UNM students' Public Interest Research Group-sponsored celebration Tuesday. It will feature booths from on-campus groups in a "festival atmosphere" on display from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., PIRG volunteer Lee Drake said.
From 4:30 to 6 p.m., the Duck Pond will host Climate Crossroads, where student and community environmental groups can mingle while "honoring and showcasing" their work, Drake said.
UNM will also have the Alternative Transportation Fair at Cornell Mall near the Student Union Building from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The fair is sponsored by UNM Parking and Transportation. It will focus on celebrating alternative modes of getting around— including public transportation, skateboarding, alternative fuels, biking and even walking, said Cynthia Martin of UNM Parking and Transportation.
CNM will roll out its effort to make the campus more environmentally friendly with an event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday at Smith Brasher Hall. "An Inconvenient Truth" will be shown from 2 to 4 p.m. with popcorn.
The Whole Foods store on Carlisle NE will distribute information on making homes more energy efficient from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Sierra Club will pass out energy-efficient light bulbs there and at other events.
UNM will play host to a "Carbon Neutral" film festival, powered by a solar unit. Sustainability-themed movies will play at 6:30 each night, Monday through Friday.
It's at the Castetter Hall courtyard amphitheater. The event is free, but a $3 donation is suggested.
La Montañita Coop is sponsoring its 19th annual Celebrate the Earth Festival on April 27 from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. behind the La Montañita location at 3500 Central SE. The festival includes an all-day film fest, bike rodeo, all-day live music and local farmers and artists.
- The city of Albuquerque is holding the Q Jam festival May 24. Q Jam will feature live music while pushing for awareness of sustainability in the community. There will be an open invitation for local business people to showcase goods and services tied to green initiatives.