When the BioMass Hits the Wind Turbine

119 - Is Sustainability Sustainable?

It's fine to worry about the climate and whether our behaviors are sustainable when you have enough - enough to eat, a comfortable place to live, a sense of physical safety.  But how do we convey a sense of urgency to those struggling to get through the day?

How can our message be tailored to various demographics - student, young, old, white, black?

Join Annie and Jay Warmke of Blue Rock Station as they speak with Alexis Romero, a sustainability student at the University of Florida working to address these issues and concerns.

077 - Who Revived the Electric Car?

One hundred years ago the world changed - transitioning from the horse and buggy to the automobile.  Most of the cars in that age were electric, relying on big bulky batteries for power.  

Henry Ford and Charles Kettering doomed those early electrics (you will have to listen to find out how).  General Motors revived it in the 1990's, then killed it again.  But from the ashes emerged products like the Prius, and companies like Tesla.  

Annie and Jay Warmke of Blue Rock Station discuss how this time around everything is different - and how the electric car will change our society in ways as profound as the horseless carriage did 100 years ago.  (Repeat from April 2020)

118 – Preppers

The world is teetering on the edge of disaster. The Great Depression – the Cold War – 9-11 – Katrina – the 2008 Economic Meltdown – Covid...

Doesn't it make sense to build yourself a bunker, stock it with beans and ammunition, and wait out the Zombie Apocalypse? Is that what it means to be a “prepper.” Or is it just a common sense approach to have the skills and supplies on hand to deal with whatever emergency may come your way?

Join Annie and Jay Warmke of Blue Rock Station as they discuss the realities of living a sustainable life.

117 – Starting Your Own Sustainable Business

Many people hold the same dream. Quit your job, move to the country, live the simple life. Somehow create your own little business where you are in charge of your own destiny.

But before you tell your boss to shove it – you need to think long and hard about just what it takes to run a business... any business. Do you have what it takes? Do you have enough capital (time and money)? Is the reality of your dream really what you want?

Join Annie and Jay Warmke of Blue Rock Station as they discuss the realities of living a sustainable life.

116 – First Energy Scandal

In July 2020 the Ohio Speaker of the House, Larry Householder was arrested by the FBI and along with a group of utility lobbyists – charged in connection with a $61 million dollar “pay-to-play” scheme that netted First Energy somewhere between $1 – $2 billion dollars of taxpayer money.

This was the latest development in a pattern of corruption that places high-ranking Ohio politicians in league with state utility companies, not only lining their own pockets – but providing the motivation to weaken or repeal laws aimed at promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Join Annie and Jay Warmke of Blue Rock Station as they try to follow the money that plays a big part in the political opposition to trying to reduce the impact of fossil fuels on the only planet we have.

115 - Why Become a Flexitarian

The raising of livestock is one of the major contributors to greenhouse gas. 

Our industrial meat production processes are cruel and inhumane to the animals as well as the people who work within the system.

The over-eating of meat is a major contributor to the decline in health of the planet's population.

So why not change things up a bit?

Flexitarian is the new buzzword for those who have decided to give up a bit of meat, use meat substitutes, and generally try for a bit of moderation in their diet.  

Join Annie and Jay Warmke of Blue Rock Station for a discussion of the various challenges and complexities of living a sustainable life.

114 - Socially Responsible Investing

Every dollar you spend is a vote.  Every dollar you invest or save is also a vote.

How can you make sure that the companies you support also support an agenda and a world vision that you agree with?  And just what should you look for when trying to decide where to place your money?

Join Annie and Jay Warmke of Blue Rock Station as they speak with Michelle Wilson, Financial Planner and owner of Athens Impact Socially Responsible Investments as they discuss the evils and advantages of money.

113 - Have We Reached Peak Climate Change?

Since the beginnings of the industrial revolution, economic greed and industrial activity have behaved like frat boys at an open bar.  The result - a changing climate that threatens our very existence on this planet.

But have political will, economics and technology all aligned at this moment to ensure that the worst is behind us and the healing has begun?  President Biden has recently announced a $2 trillion sustainability package.  Corporations and investors are abandoning fossil fuel projects and flocking to renewables.  The solar industry grew 47% during a pandemic year. 

Join Annie and Jay Warmke of Blue Rock Station for a surprisingly hopeful discussion of the various challenges and complexities of living a sustainable life.

 

112 - Adapting Your Property to a Changing Climate

If you have been paying attention, you will notice that the climate is changing.  Plants and trees that used to thrive are dying off.  Pollinators are disappearing.  The seasons seem to arrive early - or late.  It is too wet, then too dry.

Climate change is real and it is here now.  So how can we adapt our property, gardens and forests to deal with this new reality?

Join Annie and Jay Warmke of Blue Rock Station for a discussion of the various challenges and complexities of living a sustainable life.

 

111 - Home Funerals, Sustainable Burials

We are all going to die someday.  So how would you like to go? 

Many people are opting to reject the industrialized death machine that has gradually emerged in our society - one that makes those who love you spectators rather than participants in what is, after all, a natural and inevitable end to being a part of this world. 

Join Annie and Jay Warmke of Blue Rock Station as they speak with Donna Baker, founder of Columbus Community Deathcare about the process of conducting a home funeral and burial options that are more natural and easier on this planet that we have come to know and love.