Endorsements for the National Sustainability Monthly Holidays
Green Megatrends highlights 12 top sustainability trends to help planet Earth. This naturally lends itself to having a special month for each trend. Having a monthly focus on each trend will help create breakthroughs in that area of sustainability.
Twelve months of focus will demonstrate the holistic approach needed to help reduce climate change. Having each sustainability month supported by groups associated with that trend could really inspire a major shift to sustainability and renewable energy in the USA.
–Ed Begley, Jr.
Renowned and Authoritative Green Celebrity
On February 16, 2005 the Kyoto Protocol, the international agreement to address climate disruption, became law for the 141 countries that have ratified it to date.
On that day, Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels launched the US Conference of Mayors Climate Protection Agreement to advance the goals of the Kyoto Protocol through leadership and action by at least 141 American cities. There are now over 1000 participating cities.
Therefore, it is highly appropriate for February to be designated National Sustainable Cities Month. During this month individuals and cities are starting to implement their plans for the New Year.
Cities are responsible for the majority of the world’s carbon emissions. Therefore, placing this month towards the beginning of the year gives National Sustainable Cities Month the significance it deserves.
–The Honorable T. M. Franklin Cownie
Mayor, City of Des Moines, Iowa
National Sustainability Monthly Holidays is a well-thought-out program to bring a spotlight to a different environmental issue every month and to create a critical mass advocating for change.
Congratulations on not just recognizing the problems, but doing something about it.
–Shel Horowitz
Green and Profitable
Internationally syndicated environmental columnist
Award-winning author of eight books including
Guerrilla Marketing Goes Green: Winning Strategies to Improve Your Profits and Your Planet
By highlighting different sustainability efforts each month, we perpetuate the single most important dialogue facing the nation; how to have enough going forward without causing irreparable harm along the way.
–Jodi Murphy
Planet Earth TV Show “Wrecklamation”
The built environment (where we spend over 90% of our time) is responsible for a third of greenhouse gas emissions, almost half of all energy use, three quarters of all electricity use and a lot of other waste.
Conversely, fixing that problem can generate jobs, revitalize our communities, improve our quality of life and go a long way to creating a more sustainable world. Building right the first time (the Living Building Challenge) and retrofitting our existing buildings are key parts of Climate Capitalism.
I did this in my house, focusing first on energy efficiency, then adding 5 kW of solar (enough to run an electric car, as well.) Doing this put money into my community, will save me money for the rest of my life, and gave me a much more comfortable home. You can do this, too.
September is a great month to build our economy through green development and sustainable business.
–Hunter Lovins
President, Natural Capitalism Solutions
Author, Climate Capitalism
Tesla Motors endorses the month of July as National Energy Independence Month and National Green Transportation Month.
Maker of increasingly affordable electric vehicles, Tesla is leading the global auto industry’s revolution toward a zero-emission future.
Widespread adoption of electric vehicles will play a major role in the vital transition from a hydrocarbon-based economy to a solar-electric economy. It’s terrific to see Green Megatrends attracting attention to this important issue.
–Tesla Motors
Set America Free believes that dependence on oil imports is one of the biggest security and financial problems for America. Up to 500 billion dollars is sent overseas annually to finance foreign oil.
Therefore, we heartily endorse July for National Energy Independence Month and National Green Transportation Month.
If these National Holidays are embraced, it could go a long way to help establish greater security and financial solvency for the USA.
–Gal Luft
Co-Founder, Set America Free
Set America Free is also co-founded by R. James Woolsey, former Under Secretary of the Navy and Director of CIA
In much of the U.S. May is a windy month, so it is very fitting that it be National Wind Energy Month.
What a great way to highlight the opportunity presented by wind energy — to turn irritation into income.
–Mike Bergey
President, Bergey Windpower
Former President, American Wind Energy Association (AWEA)
May, National Wind Energy Month
May for National Wind Energy month is fitting with the seasonal cycle of fresh growth and renewed appreciation for the gifts of the natural world.August, National Water Power and Conservation Month
The August heat in much of the Northern hemisphere is appropriate to emphasize the water month, and the need for conservation and technologies which can be efficient sources of potable water.–James Dehlsen
Father of American Wind Energy
Note: Mr. Dehlsen’s company, Zond Energy, was eventually purchased by GE.
This established GE as the USA leader in wind energy.
The sustainability of our planet hinges on numerous, inter-related issues but none with greater significance than buildings that will be constructed in the coming decade.
With buildings being responsible for 48 percent of US energy consumption and 46 percent of our country’s greenhouse gas emissions, the pace at which we move toward more sustainable designs will to a great degree determine not only the type of world we will leave for future generations but that which we will live in during our own generation.
As the design and construction community move beyond enhanced energy conservation toward even greater levels of efficiency, it will soon be realized that solar energy is not only economically feasible but necessary.
The key to this essential transition is education. Certainly the education of current and future consumers and decision-makers is essential, but even more important is the education of the entire construction industry from architects, engineers, and contractors to the appraisers and lenders.
By recognizing National Solar Energy Month (June), National Sustainable Buildings Month (September) and National Sustainable Education Month (October), the National Environmental Hall of Fame is not only pinpointing the key problems that separate us from a sustainable future but the solutions.
–Mike Nicklas, FAIA
President of the architectural firm Innovative Design
Both Past Chair of the American Solar Energy Society and President of the International Solar Energy Society
June, National Solar Energy Month
I very much respect the National Environmental Hall of Fame and support the National Sustainability Monthly Holidays.We must do everything in our power to acknowledge the crucial problems of climate change and the need to re-industrialize America by solving these problems.
I wish you every success,
–Stan Ovshinsky
Father of Thin Film Solar Energy
With over 250 patents, Dr. Ovshinsky is referred to as the Thomas Edison of Renewable Energy.
Riverkeeper commends the National Environmental Hall of Fame for the work it does to increase awareness about sustainability and foster solutions to our nation’s most critical environmental issues and energy needs.
As an organization dedicated to protecting the majestic Hudson River and drinking water supply that nine million New Yorkers rely on, we fully endorse the month of August as National Water Quality and Conservation Month. August is also a highly significant time of year for Riverkeeper’s Water Quality Testing Program.
National Sustainability Monthly Holidays are a great way to highlight important environmental issues and inspire people to make a difference in their daily lives.
–Paul Gallay
Hudson Riverkeeper & President
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. serves as Vice Chair and Chief Prosecuting Attorney for Riverkeeper.
Nature nourishes all things. Twelve National Sustainability Holidays point to what must be accomplished for life on planet Earth.
November is the month to give thanks. Making that National Environmental Stewardship Month allows us to give eco-thanks for all the blessings we have received.
–Randy Hayes
Founder, Rainforest Action Network
Solargenix Energy, LLC, as developer of Nevada Solar One, the groundbreaking Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) power plant located in Boulder City, Nevada endorses June as National Solar Energy Month.
Keep up the good work. If America catches on, we can create jobs, industries and security for this country as we did with the Kennedy Space Program.
–John Myles
CEO, Solargenix Energy, LLC
As the leading designer and manufacturer of concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) solar power systems that produce more energy per acre than any other solar technology, Amonix is in support of the National Sustainability Monthly Holidays, primarily June, National Solar Energy Month.
Utility scale solar power is generating more and more clean energy to offset traditional sources of power and this adoption will continue to become more predominant.
Thank you for your commitment to focusing on renewable energy sources.
–Vahan Garboushian
Founder, Chief Technology Officer and Board of Directors Chairman
Amonix
In keeping with our nation’s Independence Day, the Electric Auto Association endorses July as a National Energy Independence Month and National Green Transportation Month.
Every year our members convert conventional petroleum propelled vehicles to electric drive, a project that requires plenty of planning. The rewards are immeasurable, yet include: being able to fill up at home, being able to avoid many of the costly annual maintenance costs and improve the reliability of our transportation.
It is during the summer months that such conversion projects can make rapid progress, but the cars can be driven year round.
With over 75 chapters nationwide, our members stand ready to assist with skills, knowledge and tips so that others can experience the EV grin.
–Ron Freund
Chairman, Electric Auto Association
EV+PV = near self-sufficiency in energy!
I applaud your selection for the National Sustainability Monthly Holidays. I believe this will help my business when the opportunity arises.
I am working on a project that might benefit from this. The sustainability months would go a long way to help.
–Pierre Marcotte
President, SPM Windpower
The names of National Sustainability Monthly Holidays are well chosen and the timing is “right on” people’s schedule of activity and awareness.
I especially like January as “Renewables Month” as we begin again. I believe there are many aspects of creating the sustainable economy, and well-crafted reminders play an important role.
I wish you success in having this concept incorporated into calendars and on-going media presentation. It is not always obvious that our society and others on the Planet are transitioning to a sustainable economy so as to have a future.
–John Porterfield
RESNET (HERS) Rater, BPI Bldg Analyst, eZing, Inc.
I looked at your list and think it is right on target.
As I stated on the phone yesterday, March is the month that Community Sustainable Agriculture (CSA) members are joining and or starting their local CSA memberships.
My husband and I run a unique CSA in that we deliver to local (no more than 20 miles from farm to delivery point) drop off locations in an effort to cut down on gasoline consumption instead of delivering to our individual member’s homes. We also grow everything on our farm ourselves where many CSAs are collecting vegetables from several CSAs in order to supply their members. which also saves gasoline consumption.
Thank you for asking my opinion.
–Diana Whitaker
Sustainable Agriculture, owner of Fresh Edibles
I heartily agree with your selection for September as National Sustainable Buildings Month.
According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), buildings are responsible for approximately one third of global CO-2 output.
Emissions from buildings exceed agriculture and transportation combined, and are only second to the manufacturing sector.
–Cappy Kidd
Director of Energy Services
AKT Peerless Environmental and Energy Services
Sounds very well thought out. From a professional point of view, we really relate to the months of May, June, September and October.
We really appreciate what your group is doing.
–Charles and Deanne Crumpley
Weknow Technologies, Southwest Windpower – Texas / Oklahoma Master Dealer
I really appreciate the work your institution is doing to help raise awareness of environmental issues.
The placements for each month seem reasonable, particularly the months related to my professional areas of interest:
May, National Wind Energy Month; June, National Solar Energy Month; September, National Sustainable Buildings Month and October, National Green Homes and Schools Month.–Michael J. Mayhew, GBE (Green Building Engineer)
President, Heliotropic Technologies
Your selection of National Sustainability Monthly Holidays covers the whole range of technologies and social sciences. It’s very helpful because it raises awareness about what needs to be accomplished to help the planet.
My work includes sustainable transportation (July), wind energy (May), solar energy (June) and energy efficiency (September and October). All of these are addressed in what I believe is the most appropriate month for each area.
–John R. Root
President, The RootCellar