An Ancient (but Modern) Source of Carbon

A new study concludes that fossil fuel emissions are likely contributors to a substantial amount of organic carbon found on glaciers in Alaska.
Fossil fuel emissions, which contain organic carbon, can speed up the rate of glacier melt when deposited on glacier surfaces. In addition, the organic molecules associated with these deposits can be transported in rivers and streams, affecting downstream aquatic ecosystems. Knowledge of the source and age of organic carbon in glaciers allows for a better understanding of these and other impacts.

Ridicules Farmers' Right to Grow Food without Genetic Contamination and Economic Harm

New York, NY - Judge Naomi Buchwald's February 24 decision dismissing the case of Organic Seed Growers and Trade Association et al v. Monsanto was met with great disappointment by organic farmers, seed growers and agricultural organizations—and a renewed commitment to fight on.

The City of Madison and Madison Parks are pleased to bring Ride the Drive, presented by Trek, back for its fourth year! We will be hosting two events this year: Ride the Drive-Downtown on June 3, 10am-3pm and Ride the Drive- Northside, August 12, 10am-3pm.

Second annual Madison Craft Beer Week hosts more than
100 events celebrating craft beer in and around Madison.

The 2012 Madison Craft Beer Week builds on a highly successful inaugural year, which saw thousands of craft beer lovers enjoy more than 100 events at more than 40 venues.

The February issue of the Sustainable Times is now available via subscriptions, as well as at advertisers' retail locations, Dane Buy Local members and sustainability-related events. This month's editorial focus is on the economics of sustainability.

Table of contents:

Page 3 Letter from the publisher:
‘We should let you all burn’
Page 4 Bulletin Board:
News from the sustainable community
Page 8 Economics of sustainability:
Moving towards a green economy
Page 14 Climate change:
Cowards in our democracy
Page 18 Green Building:
The house of the future

Over 150 small businesses, organizations, schools, and local officials appealed to the Public Service Commission (PSC) to restore full funding for a nationally recognized renewable energy program that reduces the cost of solar, wind, and biomass installations for Wisconsin utility customers.

In an open letter delivered to the PSC yesterday, the signers asked the PSC “to exercise its oversight authority over Focus on Energy and restore funding, without delay, for renewables at a level consistent with previous years’ allocations.”

Area authors Ronnie Hess, Joan Peterson, and Brook Soltvedt will be at Arcadia Books, 102 E. Jefferson Street in Spring Green on Saturday, February 11th, 4-6PM, to discuss their guidebooks and provide tips on getting the most out of one’s travel experience.

The richly detailed and well-researched Eat Smart culinary guidebooks explain how to
find the most delicious, authentic, and adventurous eating experiences. They offer an
enjoyable way to explore—both at home or abroad—the clues that food provides about

On February 18 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., families can create art from recyclables, take quizzes, start seeds, see a model train, make buttons, test their smarts about how much energy household items use, compare transit options, and energize themselves at the Monona Public Library. The final Energ!ze Monona event in a series of six, “Families Go Green” is a family-friendly afternoon of fun that will engage young and old in activities designed to enlighten about energy.

The Aldo Leopold Nature Center (ALNC) is seeking volunteers to assist with the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour’s stop in Madison on Tuesday, April 17 and Wednesday, April 18.

This is a terrific opportunity for individuals to see award-winning films for free while helping raise money to support children’s educational programs at the Aldo Leopold Nature Center.

Volunteer shifts include ushering, setting up and running a bike valet, light clean up. Times vary. To sign up or find out more information, call 608-216-9374 or email devcomm@naturenet.com.

As a first time participant at the World Spirits Competition, Yahara Bay emerged as the gold medal winner in two of the 12 spirit categories. Competing against spirits giants from around the world such as Dewars and Bacardi, four products were selected in each category and given medals; platinum, gold, silver and bronze.

Gold medals were given to Yahara Bay’s Premium Rum and Extra Dry Gin, competing in the White Rum and Gin categories. They were beat only by Don Q Cristal of Puerto Rico in the Rum category and Rogue Spruce of Newport, Oregon for Gin.