German and American Authors Compare Political Consumerism

Between Currywurst and Tofu: How Good Food Makes a Difference

German and American Authors Compare Political Consumerism

(Washington, DC, January 13, 2011) – Is what we eat still something we decide ourselves? Does the food industry control what will end up on our plates and what we are allowed to know about our food? On Wednesday, February 2, at 6:30 pm, the Goethe-Institut Washington will host “Between Currywurst and Tofu: How Good Food Makes a Difference,” a panel discussion by American and German authors who have written on this topic. The session will examine some of the food industry’s promises, what a balanced and sustainable diet looks like, and ways for consumers to keep having the last word about food.

Panelists:

Tanja Busse, freelance journalist for Die Zeit and Germany’s Greenpeace magazine
Mark Winne, food activist and former executive director of the Hartford Food System from 1979 to 2003
Moderated by Erik Assadourian, Senior Fellow, Transforming Cultures Project; Director, Worldwatch Institute

Tanja Busse is the author of the German non-fiction bestseller Die Einkaufsrevolution (2006), dealing with political consumerism, along with other publications dealing with agriculture and scandals in the food industry.

Mark Winne’s latest book, Food Rebels, Guerilla Gardeners, and Smart-Cookin’ Mamas: Fighting Back in an Age of Industrial Agriculture and Closing the Food Gap, challenges us to go beyond eating local food to become part of a larger solution that demands a system that sustains not just our bodies, but also our souls.

Reception follows with organic foods. This is part of the “Green Living” series of discussions organized in cooperation with the Heinrich Böll Foundation. No charge. RSVP to 202-289-1200 ext 163 or rsvp@washington.goethe.org

More: www.goethe.de/ins/us/was/ver/en6959906v.htm

About the Goethe-Institut:

On behalf of the Federal Republic of Germany, cultural institutes around the world provide cultural programs, language courses, support to educators, and up-to-date information on Germany in the context of Europe. Founded in 1990, Goethe-Institut Washington, DC is a center for German culture and language, and for the coordination of media projects for all of North America. From its location in the revitalized Downtown, the Goethe-Institut Washington reaches out to both individuals and organizations in the community, bridging the past, present, and future with high-quality events.

About the Heinrich Böll Foundation:

The Heinrich Böll Foundation is a political non-profit organization striving to promote democracy, civil society, equality and a healthy environment internationally. Headquartered in Berlin/Germany, the Heinrich Böll Foundation has 28 offices worldwide and cooperates with more than 200 partners in more than 60 countries.

Address:

812 Seventh St. NW

Washington, DC 20001

Metro: Gallery Place/Chinatown

202-289-1200

www.goethe.de/washington

Free Green Living Classes

Here are some great FREE opportunities to learn more about green living at Greater Goods!

Classes are presented by Anca Novacovici
Anca Novacovici is the founder and president of Eco-Coach, Inc., an environmental sustainability consultancy that provides services and tools to help businesses and individuals decrease their environmental footprint. She has led "greening" workshops, conducted green business audits, and helped with implementing more environmentally-friendly processes for clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to smaller businesses and individuals. Anca is a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) accredited professional and is on the Board of the Green Building Institute.


I. WEEKLY SOLAR SEMINARS
Cost: FREE • Limit 10 people per class
RSVP is Required.
Every Wednesday at 7pm, Greater Goods hosts a FREE seminar on everything you need to know about installing solar photovoltaic and solar water heating in your home or business. Join us!


II. GREEN LIVING CLASSES
Cost: FREE • Limit 5 people per class
RSVP is Required.


February
Energy Efficiency: The Basics – Thursday, February 12, 8pm to 9pm
Want to be conserve energy but don't know where to start? There are simple steps that you can take to make your home more energy efficient and save money, whether you own or rent your place. In this workshop, we will walk you through the basics, to help you get started right away.

The workshop will include:
An overview of the main energy hogs in the home and what you can do to decrease their energy consumption
10 easy steps you can take to be more energy efficient and save money
Suggested products and services to help you implement these steps
Additional resources to continue your education

Energy Efficiency: Advanced – Thursday, February 26, 8pm to 9pm
You've taken the basic steps to conserve energy – now what? If you'd like to learn more but don't have the time to do the research on your own, this workshop is for you.

The workshop will include:
5 more 'advanced' steps you can take to conserve energy
How to take these steps (they're not as easy as the initial 10!)
Suggested products and services to help you implement these
Additional resources and experts to call upon if need more information


March
Water Conservation – Thursday, March 12, 8pm to 9pm
Fresh water is key to our survival, yet many times we waste it without realizing it. This impacts the environment as well as our wallets! Come find out ways you can stop wasting fresh water.

This workshop will provide you with:
Information on the main water consuming appliances and activities in the home
Actions you can take to decrease your water consumption (and by definition, your water bill!)

Products and services that can help you conserve water
Resources that will provide you with more information

Waste & Recycling – Thursday, March 26, 8pm to 9pm
Confused about recycling in the District? Heard about composting but not sure what it's all about? Come find out the many ways you can reduce waste in your home!

This workshop will cover:
Reducing the amount of waste that enters your home
Recycling basics--what to recycle and what not to recycle; what happens to recycling in the District
Electronics and hazardous waste recycling
Composting -- in a backyard or an apartment
Suggested products and services to help you decrease waste
Additional resources for you to learn more!


April
Green Your Home 101 – Wednesday, April 9, 8pm to 9pm
You've heard all about the many steps you should be taking to make your home more eco-friendly, but where to start? If you're feeling overloaded by all the information that is out there and you're wondering how to get started, this is the course for you.

During the workshop you will:
Learn the impact that many of your daily activities have on your health and the environment (and your wallet!)

Identify key contributors to indoor air pollution
Walk out with easy steps you can take to make your home healthier and more eco-friendly

Get additional resources to make the transition easier!

Energy Efficiency: The Basics – Thursday, April 23, 8pm to 9pm
Want to be conserve energy but don't know where to start? There are simple steps that you can take to make your home more energy efficient and save money, whether you own or rent your place. In this workshop, we will walk you through the basics, to help you get started right away.

The workshop will include:
An overview of the main energy hogs in the home and what you can do to decrease their energy consumption
10 easy steps you can take to be more energy efficient and save money
Suggested products and services to help you implement these steps
Additional resources to continue your education

Internship Opportunity at the EPA

OFFICE OF WATER

U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

INTERNSHIP PROGRAM OPPORTUNITY

Washington, DC

Project # EPA, EPA Water 2009

Water Efficiency Team Internship, Municipal Support Division

About the Program: The WaterSense® Program is an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) partnership program working to increase the adoption of water-efficient products and services across the country. By reaching out to organizations and fostering public-private partnerships, we can greatly reduce water demand and realize major environmental, public health, and economic benefits by helping to improve water quality, maintain aquatic ecosystems, and protect drinking water resources.

The specific objectives of the program are to: reduce indoor and outdoor water use by making water-efficient products and practices more prevalent; help consumers differentiate among products and services; ensure product performance; promote innovation in product development and design; and support state and local water efficiency efforts.

Project Description: The Municipal Support Division (MSD) is in the Office of Wastewater Management within the EPA’s Office of Water. MSD is looking for an individual who is interested in the environment and the development of strategies that use market forces to encourage the adoption of more environmentally friendly technologies. The individual will experience, first hand, the analytical evaluation that goes into the development of a voluntary program. Also, the intern will have the opportunity to help develop, shape and promote program messages.

Specific Tasks: The intern will assist staff and senior management in the following activities: developing content for the WaterSense Web site and other program publications; drafting briefing materials for administration officials; conducting and analyzing target market and industry research; managing program outreach materials; assisting with program evaluation; performing administrative duties; and attending meetings with principals to discuss program development.

Expected Results: The intern will gain practical skills and knowledge in the area of water efficiency, public-private partnerships, market data analysis, conveying technical information to the business community, federal program development and program evaluation. He/she will also gain insight into federal government processes and contribute to the development of a variety of tools and materials to provide better information and guidance to the public on the benefits of water efficiency.

Intern Qualifications and Skills: The applicant should have received a bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, environmental science/studies or a related field within three years of the desired starting date. The intern should have an interest in the area of water and water efficiency. Excellent oral and written communication skills are essential. The intern should have experience in a variety of computer applications. The ability to think creativity is a must!

Stipend and Tenure: The appointment will initially be full time for a one-year period and may be renewed for additional years depending on the availability of funding. The annual stipend will be up to the equivalent of a GS 7 step 1 ($39,330 or $18.90 per hour) depending on education and experience. No travel or relocation expenses will be paid. The appointee will not be considered an employee of EPA.

The EPA mentor for this project is Virginia D. Lee, (202)564-0671, lee.virginiad@epa.gov.

The Internship Program for EPA Water is administered by the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education. Please refer to the ORISE website to find the notice and application instructions (http://orise.orau.gov/sep/needs/rgneeds.htm).

Recycling Discussion: Sept. 26, 2008

International Development Program Student Association
American University • School of International Service • www.idpsa.org


FRIDAY FORUM SERIES 2008-2009
Wastepickers: Informal Recycling in the Developing World

Friday, September 26th
4:30 – 6:00 PM
SIS Lounge

Panelist discussion including:

Bharati Chaturvedi
Founder, Director
Chintan Environmental
Research & Action Group

Peter F. Cohen
Anthropologist
Social Development Consultant
The World Bank

Sandra Cointreau
Solid Waste Management Advisor
Urban Sector Anchor
The World Bank

For further information, please call: 202-885-1657

International Campaign Internship with Earthworks

International Campaign Intern

EARTHWORKS (formerly the Mineral Policy Center) is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting communities and the environment from the impacts of mining. We are headquartered in Washington, DC.

The International Campaign works with mining-affected communities, grassroots organizations, and other national and international NGOs. We work with partners in Peru, Argentina, Ghana, Romania, Kyrgyzstan, and elsewhere.

In February 2004, we launched the No Dirty Gold campaign (http://www.nodirtygold.org), a public pressure campaign to educate consumers and retailers about gold mining and to enlist their support in changing the way gold is mined, bought, and sold. In the past 3 years, the campaign has made tremendous strides in raising the profile of gold mining and garnered national and international attention. The campaign has also received commitments from leading jewelers to working to source more responsibly produced gold.

We are seeking an intern with an interest in environmental and social justice campaigns and international grassroots work in support of local communities. The intern will be involved in conducting research on corporations, mines sites, and mining policy, writing campaign materials, supporting outreach activities, and helping to maintain websites and news lists. The intern will also assist the staff with general support in administration, fundraising, and outreach to members and partner organizations.

The position requires an advanced undergraduate or graduate student with self-motivation, excellent organizational, communication, and computer skills, and a commitment to environmental protection. Proficiency in Spanish preferred but not required. If you are a student, we will be glad to help you earn credit for your work. Interns work out of our DC office. We require a minimum three month commitment. We are currently looking for an intern for the fall and welcome applicants who want to be less than full-time. The pay for the full-time position is $900/month and part-time pay is proportional to hours worked.

To apply, please send your résumé, cover letter, and short writing sample.

Please email your application to scardiff'at'earthworksaction.org or mail/fax your application to

International Campaign Coordinator
EARTHWORKS
1612 K Street, NW, Suite 808
Washington DC, 20006
Fax: (202) 887-1875

Buying Green -- a Useful Website

A link passed on by a former student: www.greenhome.com

She notes, "I know commodifying the environment doesn't solve the problem but
here's a good site for the students who want to buy "green" products
anyways."