Judging by the time it took me this morning to sort through the environmental news, and that I now have 23 open Firefox tabs to read through, each with a story that is good news for Mother Earth, there are positive things happening 
Water
All mothers know the importance of clean water. After all how can we wash our hands, produce clean clothes for our family, and prepare safe food without it. Any efforts for clean, safe water are good news for the Earth and for our children.
At the World Water Forum in Istanbul last week, 100 countries pledged to clean up their water sources. That sounds great, though not everyone was happy with the outcome of this event. Yahoo Green has the article entitled World Water Forum Pledges Action.
In China $4.4 billion is being pledged to clean up whole river systems. The Environmental News Network has the story titled China Launches Vast Water Cleanup. One of the places which will benefit is Lake Tai, third largest freshwater lake in China. Let’s not take clean water for granted.
The New York Times reports on a town hall meeting in a Long Island county where they are considering legislation to control lawn fertilizers and prevent a threat to groundwater. The story is titled With Fertilizer Laws, Suffolk is Aiming for Cleaner Water. I say they should encourage people to turn their lawns into food as part of this cleanup. How about fresh veggies instead? If it’s good enough at the White House…
President Obama
Several news sources are reporting on the Obama’s vegetable garden. In one place it’s being called a Hippie Victory. A 7-year old was heard to say that the Obamas should quit playing and focus on the big problems. At Mother Jones you can read about the history of the White House Lawn and vegetable gardens at the White House. And Reuters India and the New York Times report it’s about healthy food and teaching kids. My teen daughter hopes it will inspire others to do the same and that they will be using organic methods. You can see the garden plan and read about how bees might have the ear of the First Lady at The Daily Green.
I’m pleased to see further proof that President Obama links the environment and the economy. The Environmental News Network has the story on commitment to renewable energy and energy independence through the budget proposal. Yahoo News reports that Obama is putting up $2.4 billion for electric vehicles. The Daily Green writes about his visit to Southern California Edison’s Electric Vehicle Technical Center and on Monday the White House hosted an event called Investing in Our Clean Energy Future. Let me see now, can you imagine G. W. Bush hosting an event with such a title? I’m just hoping all this green activity has real teeth and real results.
Various Good Green News
Now that I have pledged only to report the good news about changes and things that are positive for our lovely Earth, I feel really encouraged to find so much.
- The Daily Green reports that Sears are offering energy audits for homeowners in Los Angeles.
- If you’ve not heard of HR 875 yet you are about to. It’s about food safety and a new government organization to regulate it. I specifically asked Rhonda Janke about this in my interview about sustainable farming with her last week. The Daily Green reports on the myths and facts on HR 875.
- At the Los Angeles Times you can read about our new head of NOAA – National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Jane Lubchenko is a pioneering ecologist and marine biologist. If her impact can be as significant as the famous marine biologist Rachel Carson’s then we are in for some good change. Here’s hoping!
- Last Wednesday European power suppliers pledged to go carbon neutral by 2050.
- In India ‘untouchable’ women are adopting organic agriculture and they are harvesting the benefits. TreeHugger has the story.
- Last, but probably not least, the Christian Science Monitor reports on Fox’s political action thriller ‘24′ and how Jack Bauer is tackling global warming. Apprently they have the first TV show to go carbon neutral.
Which story is your favorite this week?
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Wow you’ve been a busy (wait for it) bee!
I had heard rumors that there was a veggie garden in the works at the White House. Not on board with Obama, but I gotta say that I like the idea of more folks getting down and dirty in the garden!
I am loving all of the good green news! I am especially excited about Jane Lubchenco heading up the NOAA – I think this is a very good sign that Obama is serious about his commitment to environmental issues.
The EPA put a halt on further mountaintop removal mine permits in Appalachia. Wahoo!
Ruralmama – I agree, a little dirt is good for us
Laura – I don’t know much about Jane Lubchenco. I shall have to do some research. Handyman Hubby says he hopes she is an effective administrator as well as a good scientist.
Janet – that is wonderful news. Yay!