Wildlife Promise » Green Ball http://blog.nwf.org The National Wildlife Federation's blog Wed, 19 Jun 2013 12:25:10 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.1 Inauguration Renews Hope for Secure Climate Future http://blog.nwf.org/2013/01/inauguration-renews-hope-for-secure-climate-future/ http://blog.nwf.org/2013/01/inauguration-renews-hope-for-secure-climate-future/#comments Mon, 21 Jan 2013 19:15:08 +0000 Miles Grant http://blog.nwf.org/?p=73406 Read more >]]>

President Obama arrives for his Second Inaugural (photo by Chris Moody/Yahoo News)

President Barack Obama delivered his second inaugural address today, making a strong case for continued action to cut carbon pollution:

“We, the people, still believe that our obligations as Americans are not just to ourselves, but to all posterity. We will respond to the threat of climate change, knowing that the failure to do so would betray our children and future generations.

“Some may still deny the overwhelming judgment of science, but none can avoid the devastating impact of raging fires, and crippling drought, and more powerful storms.

“The path towards sustainable energy sources will be long and sometimes difficult. But America cannot resist this transition; we must lead it. We cannot cede to other nations the technology that will power new jobs and new industries—we must claim its promise. That is how we will maintain our economic vitality and our national treasure—our forests and waterways; our croplands and snow-capped peaks. That is how we will preserve our planet, commanded to our care by God. That’s what will lend meaning to the creed our fathers once declared.”

“Today, President Obama affirmed what we know in our hearts as well as our minds: we can no longer turn our head away while future generations are put in peril by climate change. His vision is clear, his resolve will be tested, and the work to protect our children’s future begins anew,” said Larry Schweiger, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. “The National Wildlife Federation’s four million supporters are ready to help achieve politics and policies that are sufficient to meet the challenge, cutting carbon pollution in half by 2030. My hope is renewed, because confronting climate change is not a cause of a president or a party but an imperative for the American people.”

Polls show President Obama has voters on his side. Two-thirds of voters (65 percent) say elected officials should take steps now to reduce the impact of climate change on future generations, while just 27 percent say we should wait for more evidence, according to a Zogby post-election poll.

Obama’s inaugural address capped a big weekend for conservation in Washington. On Sunday night, thousands of people gathered at the Newseum for the 2013 Green Inaugural Ball. The crowd included dozens of presidential cabinet secretaries, governors, and members of Congress. The night’s entertainment was headlined by will.i.am and included a  call for climate action from ”The Science Guy” Bill Nye.

>> See more photos from the Green Inaugural Ball Flickr Group

Vice President Joe Biden at the 2013 Green Inaugural Ball (photo by NWF’s Avelino Maestas)

But it was a surprise guest who got the loudest cheers:

“I also came to tell you what my green wish is: that we finally face up to climate change,” Vice President Joe Biden said during a surprise appearance at the “Green Ball,” an inaugural weekend event for environmental groups.

The vice president stressed that the environment would not be a second-tier issue and thanked the environmental community for its support for the president.

“I came to say thank you,” Biden said to thunderous applause.

We may not have to wait long to get the results of one test of the Obama administration’s commitment to cutting carbon pollution. A final decision on the Keystone XL tar sands pipeline could come any day now.

Take Action

Approving the Keystone XL tar sands pipeline would roll back much of the Obama administration’s gains in cutting carbon pollution and would threaten wildlife from Alberta to Texas. Please take a moment to ask President Obama to reject the Keystone XL tar sands pipeline now.

]]> http://blog.nwf.org/2013/01/inauguration-renews-hope-for-secure-climate-future/feed/ 8 What’s Happening at the Green Ball: Navigating Your Way around the Newseum http://blog.nwf.org/2013/01/whats-happening-at-the-green-ball-navigating-your-way-around-the-newseum/ http://blog.nwf.org/2013/01/whats-happening-at-the-green-ball-navigating-your-way-around-the-newseum/#comments Sat, 19 Jan 2013 23:49:29 +0000 Guest Author http://blog.nwf.org/?p=73395 Read more >]]> Guest post by Shelley Cohen

Are you one of the lucky 2013 Green Inaugural Ball ticket holders? Here is an insider’s guide to some of the eclectic, quirky and truly imaginative things going on at the Green Ball:

Green Wish

Feeling environmentally inspired at the Green Ball?  Tweet your eco wishes for president Obama using the #GreenWish hashtag.  Wishes will be shared during the ball on the Newseums news ticker, visible throughout the the building.  On the VIP floor, you can step into the interactive newsroom and make your TV news message for the President.  Either way, this is a great way to share your passion for the environment and unite with your eco-minded peers about what sustainable solutions we want to see in the future.

Green Carpet Experience

Feeling like an eco-star? Then walk one of the three green carpets at the event. The green carpet, supplied by the InterfaceFLOR’s Washington, D.C. store, is actually made up of carpet tiles. The green carpet is made of 100% recycled materials and will be recycled into new flooring after the event. The step and repeat, which is the background for the photo and bears the 2013 Green Ball Logo, is made of Bioflex, an eco-friendly and recyclable material. There will be one green carpet at the VIP entrance, one in the VIP lounge on the 7th floor, and one on the concourse level in front of the Conus media truck. Additionally, the lanyards for the credentials are 100% recyclable, and all of the branding in the Newseum on the stairway and 2nd floor are made from recyclable material.

Green Elevators

What is the green glow coming from the Newseum’s three glass elevators?  Step on for a ride and you will find yourself in the company of a green, glowing bar.  The bars in these three elevators will be serving the event’s exclusive signature cocktail, the OM-bama, created by expert mixologist, Natalie Bovis (aka the Liquid Muse), author of Edible Cocktails: Garden to Glass, and featuring organic ingredients and a splash of OM (Organic Mixology) Cocktail.  Love the drink, take home a recipe card and make it for your next green inspired event.

Environmental Film Clips

Need a break from the dancing, drinking and delectable edibles? Head on down to the documentary film theater on the concourse level and feast your eyes on clips from the latest eco-minded films, including those by award winning producers Davis Guggenheim and Jamie Redford. The D.C. Environmental Film Festival has also put together a special reel for Green Ball attendees. So take a break, kick up your heels, and enjoy the film clips created especially for your viewing pleasure. Want to see more after the Ball, check out the Environmental Film Festival in the Nation’s Capital, March 2013.

Exhibits and Views

The Berlin Wall Exhibit at the Newseum.

Want to take your breath away? From the Newseum balconies, you can see captivating views of the D.C. skyline including one of the best views U.S. Capitol in the District. Catch these views on the 2nd, 6th, and 7th floors. Additionally, all of the Newseum exhibits will be open, including the exhibit on the Berlin Wall on the Concourse level and the Presidents photo gallery on the 4th floor.

Décor with an Eco-Friendly, Urban Vibe

In keeping with the broad environmental, conservatory, and eco‐friendly nature of the Green Ball, the Newseum was decorated using materials such as retrieved wood, reclaimed metals, and potted green‐friendly plants in order to create an upscale, urban feel. Lucite used to create the bars can be reused and recycled, add a bit of drama to the event. For example, the three sided bar in the VIP lounge on the 7th floor will be constructed of a combination of corrugated, galvanized metal and reclaimed wood and the bar top will be designed from recycled brown paper bags. On the third floor check out the two tapas stations designed from white‐washed reclaimed wood that sit upon coordinating antiqued chunky wooden legs. Finally, on the 6th floor, the bar will be made from glossy old newsprint and lighted from within — a stunning tie‐in of the gallery and the Green Ball’s purpose.

Still a Few Tickets Available for the Green Ball

We still have a few tickets available. Come join the celebration!

Purchase tickets to the Green Inaugural Ball >>

Heading to the ball? Tweet using the #GreenBall2013 hashtag, and don’t forget to include your #GreenWish.

Shelley Cohen is Chair of the Greening Committee for the 2013 Green Inaugural Ball. Ms. Cohen is an urban eco-mom with eighteen years of experience in environment and energy-related fields. She currently serves as a Senior Project Developer for Ameresco where she specializes in developing renewable energy and energy conservation projects, and is responsible for developing over 15MWs of renewable energy. Prior employment included jobs with EPA, the White House, and the office of Senator Joseph Lieberman (CT). Ms. Cohen’s green home includes eco-friendly materials, 12kw of solar PV, a cool roof, rain barrel, organic garden, and has been featured in local and national media. Ms. Cohen serves on the board of the National Wildlife Federation, and in 2012 was trained as a Climate Leader through the Climate Reality Project.

]]> http://blog.nwf.org/2013/01/whats-happening-at-the-green-ball-navigating-your-way-around-the-newseum/feed/ 0 Gourmet Dining at the Green Inaugural Ball http://blog.nwf.org/2013/01/gourmet-dining-at-the-green-inaugural-ball/ http://blog.nwf.org/2013/01/gourmet-dining-at-the-green-inaugural-ball/#comments Fri, 18 Jan 2013 21:29:07 +0000 Guest Author http://blog.nwf.org/?p=73378 Read more >]]> Guest post by Shelley Cohen

One of the most frequently asked questions about the 2013 Green Inaugural Ball is, “Do I have to eat before the Ball?” Well there is an easy response: “Come hungry!”  The evening will feature epicurean delights from Wolfgang Puck Catering. Yes, the Chef who built Spago and made it the hottest Hollywood celebrity destination provides the in-house catering for the Newseum, where his delectable D.C. restaurant, The Source, also resides. Attendees can expect the highest quality gourmet food from the catering kitchen, which is overseen by Executive Chef Tom Blundell. There will be gourmet food, drink and dessert offerings throughout the night, and even a delectable nibble for guests to take home at the end of the night. Chef Blundell has created a menu for the Green Ball that reflects the commitment and values of the green community to eat local, sustainable and organic foods while providing a signature gourmet flare.

Spicy Tuna Tartare in a Sesame Miso Cone, one of the delectable dishes in store for guests at the 2013 Green Inaugural Ball.

Blundell takes sustainability in the kitchen seriously, from procurement through presentation. He calculates per-person food quantities in an effort to reduce costs and waste, and as an avid Maryland gardener, Chef Blundell knows all the local purveyors and sources of the freshest, seasonably available ingredients. Blundell is a master of molding and crafting perfect bites that do not need utensils or china to eat (and if utensils areneeded, it will either be compostable or reusable).

A Sustainable, Organic and Local Menu

The menu will feature vegetarian and vegan options as well as regional cuisine. Incredibly, 98% of the ingredients on the menu were procured from within 300 miles. This is truly a menu that pays homage to and celebrates local, organic and sustainable food.

Signature dishes include Wolfgang Puck Kobe beef sliders, Sesame Miso Cones with Carolina Yellow Fin Tuna Tartar, and a Charcuterie and Cheese bar.  The cheeses come from family owned farms and co-ops and use all organic ingredients. The fish, procured from ProFish, is MSC Chain of Custody certified, which is a comprehensive traceability program that tracks seafood from the point of sale back to an MSC-certified fishery.

There will also be a variety of vegan and vegetarian food offerings, including Locally Grown Organic Vegetable Crudités, Butternut Squash Shooters with Apple, and Vegetable Sushi Rolls with Soy Wasabi Drizzle. The evening culminates with scrumptious desserts around 11 pm, which will include Assorted Cheesecake and Truffle Lollipops, S’mores Parfaits, Mango pudding and Vanilla Bean Pudding Shots,and mini Chocolate Decadence Cakes & Cheesecakes.

Since the nibbles were so gourmet, we knew we had to create libations to match. If you need hydration after rocking out to will.i.am., grab one of the many featured flavors of Honest Tea, delivered in their Honest Tea-branded hybrid Saturn Vue. Feeling particularly patriotic? Reach for President Obama’s favorite flavor, Black Forrest Berry.

Looking for a libation with a bit more zing? Sip the Green Ball’s signature cocktail, the OM-Bama, created by professional mixologist Natalie Bovis (aka the Liquid Muse), author of Edible Cocktails: Garden to Glass. Natalie crafted the OM-Bama using a host of unique ingredients and OM (which stands for Organic Mixology) Cocktail, a new product that is bursting on to the market and into the hands of eco-minded consumers. See if you can identify the secret ingredient!

Looking for a sophisticated sip?  Check out our featured wine from New York’s Hunt County Vineyards. Not only do they use sustainable farming practices and compost residual harvest to make soil, but the heating and the cooling for the warehouse, tasting room, and production facility is generated with eight geothermal wells and a vertical-axis wind turbine.

Still hungry at the end of the night? Stonyfield Farms has shipped over frozen yogurt treats, including their chocolate dipped frozen yogurt bars. All food waste and waste from food prep activities will be composted, and all unused food will be used by the Newseum.   It is going to be a delicious night!

If you haven’t purchased your 2013 Green Inaugural Ball tickets, purchase them soon before the event sells out.
Heading to the Green Ball? Don’t forget to tweet using the #GreenBall2013 hashtag.

Shelley Cohen is Chair of the Greening Committee for the 2013 Green Inaugural Ball. Ms. Cohen is an urban eco-mom with eighteen years of experience in environment and energy-related fields. She currently serves as a Senior Project Developer for Ameresco where she specializes in developing renewable energy and energy conservation projects, and is responsible for developing over 15MWs of renewable energy. Prior employment included jobs with EPA, the White House, and the office of Senator Joseph Lieberman (CT). Ms. Cohen’s green home includes eco-friendly materials, 12kw of solar PV, a cool roof, rain barrel, organic garden, and has been featured in local and national media. Ms. Cohen serves on the board of the National Wildlife Federation, and in 2012 was trained as a Climate Leader through the Climate Reality Project.

]]> http://blog.nwf.org/2013/01/gourmet-dining-at-the-green-inaugural-ball/feed/ 0 Community in the Green Ball Kitchen http://blog.nwf.org/2013/01/community-in-the-kitchen/ http://blog.nwf.org/2013/01/community-in-the-kitchen/#comments Thu, 17 Jan 2013 21:25:45 +0000 Guest Author http://blog.nwf.org/?p=73271 Read more >]]> Guest post by Shelley Cohen

When planning an event the scale of the 2013 Green Inaugural Ball, it is easy to lose sight of what is truly important and why all of these amazing green groups have come together to host the Green Ball: to promote environmental protection, green jobs, and a reduced-carbon economy for future generations. The youth of today represent so much hope and love and all that is good with the world.  So when jumped at the opportunity to connect our efforts to ‘green’ the ball with a local school and meet with some students from their garden club.

Chef Tom Blundell and Thurgood Marshall Academy junior Stewart Cook discuss squash in the Newseum kitchen, where preparations are underway for the 2013 Green Inaugural Ball.

The organizers of the Green Ball reached out to DC Greens—an organization connecting communities to healthy food in the nation’s capital—to see if it was possible to procure fresh, local produce from one of the many school gardens around the District. DC Greens connected us with the Garden Club at Thurgood Marshall Academy in Anacostia, to see what products they had in their garden.  The students and their garden have been featured on TV, including on the Food Network’s Show Chopped, and they’re frequently highlighted by the White House. The garden was inspired by First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Moveprogram, which encourages healthy eating and living. Children at the school are engaged in planting, maintaining and harvesting ripe fruits and vegetables from the garden, and a robust cooking program teaches kids to cook what they grow.

High school junior Brianna Cook reaches a tentative hand out as Executive Chef Tom Blundell (right) and Sous Chef Oscar Kabayama, hold live lobsters in the Newseum kitchen.

The Newseum’s Chef Tom Blundell, of Wolfgang Puck Catering, invited representatives from the school to visit the Newseum and tour the kitchen and view food preparations for the Ball. The students presented Chef Tom with rosemary from the garden for use in some of the dishes that will be served to guests during the event. We were fortunate and excited to learn that their rosemary was thriving this time of year. Chef Tom said that he would infuse olive oil with the rosemary for use with the hummus, and they would use the remaining rosemary as garnish.

Chef Blundell fielded questions from the students about his cooking inspiration—his mom—and how he found a passion for cooking.  Having grown up on a farm, and then moving to Europe with his military family, Blundell was always exposed to fresh, farm-to-table ingredients. As a teen, he started working in kitchens as a dishwasher to earn extra money, but quickly realized the amazing connection between fresh ingredients and delicious food. He continued to work his way up through the kitchen ranks and realized that he could parlay his passion for food into a career. Chef Blundell now resides on a farm near the Eastern Chesapeake Shore in Maryland, where fresh produce and seafood are standard, and he brings his knowledge of these ingredients to Wolfgang Puck Catering.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Chef Blundell also encouraged the students to start with the basics, and to use simple, readily available ingredients to prepare homemade products rather than rely on store versions, such as salad dressing and pie crusts. Both items are simple and cheaper to make at home. The students were then whisked away to the kitchen for the big finale, to view the preparations for the Green Ball. It was exciting to see all of the preparations underway and recognize specific items from the menu as they were being prepared.

If you haven’t purchased your 2013 Green Inaugural Ball tickets, purchase them soon before the event sells out.
Heading to the Green Ball? Don’t forget to tweet using the #GreenBall2013 hashtag.

Shelley Cohen is Chair of the Greening Committee for the 2013 Green Inaugural Ball. Ms. Cohen is an urban eco-mom with eighteen years of experience in environment and energy-related fields. She currently serves as a Senior Project Developer for Ameresco where she specializes in developing renewable energy and energy conservation projects, and is responsible for developing over 15MWs of renewable energy. Prior employment included jobs with EPA, the White House, and the office of Senator Joseph Lieberman (CT). Ms. Cohen’s green home includes eco-friendly materials, 12kw of solar PV, a cool roof, rain barrel, organic garden, and has been featured in local and national media. Ms. Cohen serves on the board of the National Wildlife Federation, and in 2012 was trained as a Climate Leader through the Climate Reality Project.

]]> http://blog.nwf.org/2013/01/community-in-the-kitchen/feed/ 0 Updates to 2013 Green Inaugural Ball Lineup and Attendees http://blog.nwf.org/2013/01/updates-to-2013-green-inaugural-ball-lineup-and-attendees/ http://blog.nwf.org/2013/01/updates-to-2013-green-inaugural-ball-lineup-and-attendees/#comments Thu, 17 Jan 2013 18:24:35 +0000 NWF http://blog.nwf.org/?p=73266 Read more >]]> Nicholas David to perform at 2013 Green Ball

We’re thrilled to announce that The Voice’s Nicholas David will join our lineup of musical performers at the 2013 Green Inaugural Ball.

The singer/songwriter/pianist and second-place finisher is known for his creative twists on ‘60s and ‘70s classics. David also became famous for making his mentor Cee Lo Green cry after serenading his pregnant wife with “You Are So Beautiful.” Watch another one of his popular performances from The Voice below:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Renowned Saxophonist and seven-time Grammy Award winner Paul Winter has also been confirmed. Winter’s “earth music” celebrates the creatures and cultures of Earth, and has led him to be awarded the Courage of Conscience Award for creating music that celebrates the sacredness of life. Take a listen to Paul Winter’s beautiful performance of “Sun Singer” here:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Additional notable attendees who will be attending the ball are:

Secretary of Energy Steve Chu; U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood; Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus; Governor Elect Pat Quinn (IL);  Senators Tammy Baldwin (Wisc.), Maria Cantwell (Wash.), Angus King (Maine), Bernie Sanders (Vermont) , Sheldon Whitehouse (R.I.); and Representatives Ed Markey (Mass.), Bennie Thompson (Miss.).

Television legend and American science educator Bill Nye will also be attending, in addition to celebrity couple Nicole Ari Parker and Boris Kodjoe.

We hope to see you there! Don’t have your tickets yet? Act now, buy them here.

Heading to the ball? Tweet using the #GreenBall2013 hashtag, and don’t forget to include your #GreenWish.

]]> http://blog.nwf.org/2013/01/updates-to-2013-green-inaugural-ball-lineup-and-attendees/feed/ 3 Send Your #GreenWish to President Obama http://blog.nwf.org/2013/01/greenwish/ http://blog.nwf.org/2013/01/greenwish/#comments Wed, 16 Jan 2013 18:24:40 +0000 Danielle Brigida http://blog.nwf.org/?p=73105 Read more >]]> As we approach the 2013 Green Inaugural Ball, we’ve covered all the details of the night: picking the venue, carpooling to the event, and even sharing how we’re working to reduce waste. But what we also want to focus on the real purpose of the event: bringing together the environmental and clean energy communities to plan for and celebrate a greener future.

Whether or not you plan to attend the 2013 Green Inaugural Ball, we want you to be a part of this celebration. We want to start President Obama’s next term with positive wishes and ideas for the future. And so, we’re collecting your Green Wishes.

What #GreenWish do you have for the future?

We’re asking you to send us your wishes for the president, our country and for your community using the hashtag #GreenWish on Twitter or leaving comments on this post. Please keep it positive—let’s unite around what we want to see in the future to protect our public lands, wildlife and great waters, and also what kind of clean, sustainable solutions we want from the president.

What's Your #GreenWish?

What will we do with your wishes?

Before you take the plunge and start thinking about your wish, we should probably tell you that we’ll be showcasing these green wishes on the many displays in the Newseum the night of the ball. We’ll be taking full advantage of the Newseum’s latest technology and live broadcasting your green wishes throughout the venue. Don’t have a Twitter account? We invite you to sign up for one here.

We’re looking forward to hearing your thoughts and wishes for President Obama’s second term. See you on Sunday!

Looking for ideas? Here are some sample wishes:

  • “My #greenwish is to spend more time enjoying our country’s great outdoors!”
  • “My #greenwish is to take my kids fishing on cleaner waters in Ohio.”
  • “My #greenwish is for reforms to hard rock mining pollution laws.”
  • “My #greenwish is for the U.S. to embrace more clean renewable energy!”

Tickets Still Available for the Green Ball

We still have a few general admission and VIP tickets available. Come join the celebration!

Purchase tickets to the Green Inaugural Ball >>

Heading to the ball? Tweet using the #GreenBall2013 hashtag, and don’t forget to include your #GreenWish.

]]> http://blog.nwf.org/2013/01/greenwish/feed/ 7 Music, Sports and Politics meet at 2013 Green Inaugural Ball http://blog.nwf.org/2013/01/music-sports-and-politics-meet-at-2013-green-inaugural-ball/ http://blog.nwf.org/2013/01/music-sports-and-politics-meet-at-2013-green-inaugural-ball/#comments Tue, 15 Jan 2013 19:04:27 +0000 Guest Author http://blog.nwf.org/?p=73134 Read more >]]> Guest post from Shelley Cohen.

We’re just days away from the 2013 Green Inaugural Ball, and we’re excited to announce the latest in who will be sharing the night with attendees.

Will.I.Am will once again perform at the Green Inaugural Ball, following up his appearance at the 2009 Green Ball.

Making his return from the 2009 Ball, seven-time Grammy Award winner will.i.am will perform at this year’s event.

Listen to Will.I.Am’s latest collaboration with Britney Spears here:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Also performing will be Camp Freddy, a band composed of established musicians: Steve Stevens (Billy Idol, Michael Jackson); Matt Sorum (Guns and Roses, Velvet Revolver, The Cult); Mark McGrath (Sugar Ray, “E” Network host of “Extra); Billy Morrison (Billy Idol, The Cult); Chris Chaney (Alanis Morrissette, Janes Addiction); Donovan Leitch (Nancy Boy, Actor).

More performances by: New Orleans native and master trombonist, Trombone Shorty; Nicholas David (The Voice); and music mixed by DJ Neville C.

Among those mingling in the crowd will be Washington Redskins players Darrell Green, Lorenzo Alexander, Kedric Golston and Chris Wilson; The West Wing actor Melissa Fitzgerald; entertainers Tate Donovan, Les (Survivorman) Stroud and Gina Gershon; comedian Stephanie Miller and race car driver Leilani Munter.

A Who’s Who of Politicos will also be at the Green Inaugural Ball, including Gov-elect Jay Inslee (Wash.), Senators Michael Bennett (D-Colo.), Al Franken (D-Minn.), Mark Udall (D-Colo.),; and Representatives Elizabeth Esty, (D-Conn.), Tulsi Gabbard, (D-Hawaii), Edward Markey (D-Mass.), Jared Polis (D-Colo.), Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.) and Peter Welch (D-Vermont).

And of course, from the Obama Administration, guests will rub elbows with Rachel Jacobson, Assistant Administrator for Fish and Wildlife; Bob Perciasepe, Deputy EPA Administrator; Jason Weller, Chief Natural Resources Conservation Service, among others!

Last week, we announced Musical Director for Grammy Award-winning recording artist Alicia Keys, Onree Gill; famed Latin percussionist Sheila E.; and singer-songwriter Mayer Hawthorne will also be performing. Stay tuned for more talent to be announced in the upcoming days.

If you haven’t purchased your 2013 Green Inaugural Ball tickets, purchase them soon before the event sells out.
Heading to the Green Ball? Don’t forget to tweet using the #GreenBall2013 hashtag.

Shelley Cohen is Chair of the Greening Committee for the 2013 Green Inaugural Ball. Ms. Cohen is an urban eco-mom with eighteen years of experience in environment and energy-related fields. She currently serves as a Senior Project Developer for Ameresco where she specializes in developing renewable energy and energy conservation projects, and is responsible for developing over 15MWs of renewable energy. Prior employment included jobs with EPA, the White House, and the office of Senator Joseph Lieberman (CT). Ms. Cohen’s green home includes eco-friendly materials, 12kw of solar PV, a cool roof, rain barrel, organic garden, and has been featured in local and national media. Ms. Cohen serves on the board of the National Wildlife Federation, and in 2012 was trained as a Climate Leader through the Climate Reality Project.

]]> http://blog.nwf.org/2013/01/music-sports-and-politics-meet-at-2013-green-inaugural-ball/feed/ 2 Wasted? Not at the 2013 Green Inaugural Ball! http://blog.nwf.org/2013/01/wasted-not-at-the-2013-green-inaugural-ball/ http://blog.nwf.org/2013/01/wasted-not-at-the-2013-green-inaugural-ball/#comments Tue, 15 Jan 2013 15:23:06 +0000 Guest Author http://blog.nwf.org/?p=73106 Read more >]]> Guest post by Shelley Cohen

No trash cans? Correct! The 2013 Green Inaugural Ball will not have a need for trash cans. A commitment was made by the Newseum, Wolfgang Puck Catering, and event organizers to compost and recycle all waste generated by the event.

To reach the goal of a zero-waste event, the Newseum will only use serving materials that can be composted, such as bamboo skewers, or reused, such as glass ware. The Newseum will also transform all of their existing trash cans into compost and recycling receptacles so guests and staff will be able to contribute to the event’s composting effort.

The commitment to reducing waste goes beyond the front of the house and into the kitchen. Before the 2013 Green Inaugural Ball, the Wolfang Puck Catering culinary and pantry staff will receive extensive training on compostable materials and source separation from Compost Cab, a pioneer in the area of urban agriculture and community composting. Compost Cab is a locally-based compost pickup service launched by entrepreneur Jeremy Brosowsky that helps urban dwellers turn their food scraps back into food, reducing waste and creating fertile soil in the process.  Subscribers have the option to receive some soil in return for their yard or window-box or donate the soil generated to a local urban farm.  Since the Newseum does not have a need for compost, whatever compost is created from the materials collected from the event will be donated.

Chef Tom Blundell outlines the plan for composting and recycling for the 2013 Green Inaugural Ball. NWF photo by Shelley Cohen.

In the days leading up to the event, Compost Cab will be collecting compostables twice a day from the Newseum to help sustain the cleanliness standard maintained in the kitchen and the dock area where the waste will be collected.  Composted items will go to a combination of the Peninsula Compost Facility in Wilmington, Delaware, and Chesapeake Compost Works in Baltimore, Maryland, and will be collected in trucks that are specially designed to transport food scraps. All emissions that result from the transport of the compost will be offset by the event organizers.

The Wolfgang Puck Catering kitchen at the Newseum, led by Chef Tom Blundell, has also incorporated into its routine a number of waste minimization strategies, including:

  • Cardboard Recycling: large boxes and cardboard items are separated and broken down for recycling.
  • Compaction: waste is compacted to minimize space needs on the dock and in the landfill
  • Oil: Kitchen oil used for frying is separated and disposed of in a separate grease trap in the dock where it is picked up and recycled.
  • Light Bulbs: bulbs are broken down in a Lampinator, an eco-friendly lamp compressor that safely crushes the bulbs and separates the mercury from the glass and compresses it in a carbon filter.  This on-site machine reduces the need to dispose of the bulbs in a landfill, and eliminates the costs and emissions related to transporting the bulbs.
  • Bulk Purchases: Chef Tom reduces waste by buying in bulk and carefully calculating food amount.

The 2013 Green Inaugural Ball and the Newsuem have carefully collaborated to find as many areas to reduce waste as possible, and we are excited to offer guests a waste-free experience.

Haven’t purchased your 2013 Green Inaugural Ball ticket yet? Purchase them soon before the event sells out.
Already have you Green Ball ticket? Don’t forget to tweet using the #GreenBall2013 hashtag.

Shelley Cohen is Chair of the Greening Committee for the 2013 Green Inaugural Ball. Ms. Cohen is an urban eco-mom with eighteen years of experience in environment and energy-related fields. She currently serves as a Senior Project Developer for Ameresco where she specializes in developing renewable energy and energy conservation projects, and is responsible for developing over 15MWs of renewable energy. Prior employment included jobs with EPA, the White House, and the office of Senator Joseph Lieberman (CT). Ms. Cohen’s green home includes eco-friendly materials, 12kw of solar PV, a cool roof, rain barrel, organic garden, and has been featured in local and national media. Ms. Cohen serves on the board of the National Wildlife Federation, and in 2012 was trained as a Climate Leader through the Climate Reality Project.

]]> http://blog.nwf.org/2013/01/wasted-not-at-the-2013-green-inaugural-ball/feed/ 2 2013 Green Inaugural Ball Teams Up with Carbonfund.org Foundation http://blog.nwf.org/2013/01/2013-green-inaugural-ball-teams-up-with-carbonfund-org-foundation/ http://blog.nwf.org/2013/01/2013-green-inaugural-ball-teams-up-with-carbonfund-org-foundation/#comments Mon, 14 Jan 2013 15:33:43 +0000 Guest Author http://blog.nwf.org/?p=73060 Read more >]]> Guest post by Shelley Cohen. 

We all have a responsibility to reduce our carbon footprint and lessen the impact of global warming. That’s why the 2013 Green Inaugural Ball, aside from “greening” the event, has teamed up with Carbonfund.org Foundation to reduce its carbon footprint with two carbon offset projects: The Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge Reforestation Project and the New Bedford Landfill Gas-to-Energy Methane Project.

As a green event, we just couldn’t miss out on the opportunity to reduce the Green Ball’s climate impact, and help pave the road toward a clean energy future.

Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge Reforestation

Photo via Carbonfund.org. 

The Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge Reforestation Project, located in Tallulah, LA., is dedicated to restoring native bottomland hardwood forests in the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley region of Northeastern Louisiana.

This area was once covered in dense forests, but now it supports less than 20% of its original 22 million forested acres due to decades of land conversion for agriculture. Why are forestry projects important? They help offset the effects of climate change, and help improve the quality of top soil, reduce and control erosion, protect and filter water while reducing the threat of flooding, produce oxygen and nutrients and provide habitats for wildlife.

New Bedford Landfill Gas-to-Energy Methane Project

This landfill gas-to-energy plant, located in Greater New Bedford, MA., not only produces 3.3 megawatts hours of clean electricity, but also reduces the amount of methane released into our atmosphere. Why is the destruction of methane important? It’s approximately 21–to–23 times more powerful as a greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide, and a major contributor to climate change. A major concern about climate change is the release of an enormous amount of methane—previously trapped in permafrost in frozen tundra areas like Siberia and Northern Canada—into our atmosphere.

Want to reduce your carbon footprint? Check out this list produced by Carbonfund.org Foundation on how you can do just that:
http://www.carbonfund.org/reduce

About Carbonfund.org Foundation

Carbonfund.org Foundation is the leading nonprofit carbon-reduction and climate solutions organization, making it easy and affordable for individuals, businesses and organizations to reduce their climate impact by supporting third-party validated renewable energy, energy efficiency and reforestation projects. Carbonfund.org has over 600,000 individual supporters and over 1,800 business and nonprofit partners including Discovery, Motorola, Amtrak, Dell, JetBlue, Virgin America and Staples.

Haven’t purchased your 2013 Green Inaugural Ball ticket yet? Purchase them soon before the event sells out.
Heading to the Green Ball? Don’t forget to tweet using the #GreenBall2013 hashtag.

Shelley Cohen is Chair of the Greening Committee for the 2013 Green Inaugural Ball. Ms. Cohen is an urban eco-mom with eighteen years of experience in environment and energy-related fields. She currently serves as a Senior Project Developer for Ameresco where she specializes in developing renewable energy and energy conservation projects, and is responsible for developing over 15MWs of renewable energy. Prior employment included jobs with EPA, the White House, and the office of Senator Joseph Lieberman (CT). Ms. Cohen’s green home includes eco-friendly materials, 12kw of solar PV, a cool roof, rain barrel, organic garden, and has been featured in local and national media. Ms. Cohen serves on the board of the National Wildlife Federation, and in 2012 was trained as a Climate Leader through the Climate Reality Project.

]]> http://blog.nwf.org/2013/01/2013-green-inaugural-ball-teams-up-with-carbonfund-org-foundation/feed/ 0 Onree Gill, Sheila E. and Mayer Hawthorne to Perform at 2013 Green Inaugural Ball http://blog.nwf.org/2013/01/onree-gill-sheila-e-and-mayer-hawthorne-to-perform-at-2013-green-inaugural-ball/ http://blog.nwf.org/2013/01/onree-gill-sheila-e-and-mayer-hawthorne-to-perform-at-2013-green-inaugural-ball/#comments Thu, 10 Jan 2013 20:03:48 +0000 Guest Author http://blog.nwf.org/?p=72927 Read more >]]> Guest post by Shelley Cohen.

Just like the 2009 star-studded Green Inaugural Ball, this year’s event will bring together top leaders in the environment, energy, and green-technology communities to honor President Barack Obama. With such a broad and diverse audience, we knew our Green Ball lineup had to have a little bit of everything.

This year’s talent will be led by Onree Gill, Musical Director for Grammy Award-winning recording artist Alicia Keys; famed Latin percussionist Sheila E.; and singer-songwriter Mayer Hawthorne. Additional music talent will be announced in the upcoming days.

Onree Gill

Leading off the show will be Onree Gill, who has taken the music industry by surprise with his multi-talented abilities. His talent has led him to work with top artists such as Beyonce Knowles, Jay-Z, Alicia Keyes, John Mayer, Jennifer Hudson, Justin Timberlake, and more.

Sheila E.

Aside from being one of the most talented percussionists in the world, Sheila E. is known for her collaborations with Prince and Ringo Star. We’re excited to have her on board and to see her in action at the Green Ball. Here’s a video of when she performed on Dancing with the Stars:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Mayer Hawthorne

Mayer Hawthorne, whose music has been used in the hit show Ugly Betty and Kanye West’s short film “We Were Once a Fairy Tale,” will bring his vintage sound to the Green Ball. Listen to one of our all-time Hawthorne favorites here:

Click here to view the embedded video.

We hope to see you there! Don’t have your tickets yet? Act now, before the event is sold out.

Already set to attend the Green Ball? Don’t forget to tweet using the #GreenBall2013 hash tag.

Shelley Cohen is Chair of the Greening Committee for the 2013 Green Inaugural Ball. Ms. Cohen is an urban eco-mom with eighteen years of experience in environment and energy-related fields. She currently serves as a Senior Project Developer for Ameresco where she specializes in developing renewable energy and energy conservation projects, and is responsible for developing over 15MWs of renewable energy. Prior employment included jobs with EPA, the White House, and the office of Senator Joseph Lieberman (CT). Ms. Cohen’s green home includes eco-friendly materials, 12kw of solar PV, a cool roof, rain barrel, organic garden, and has been featured in local and national media. Ms. Cohen serves on the board of the National Wildlife Federation, and in 2012 was trained as a Climate Leader through the Climate Reality Project.

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