Green Rocks!

At a CAKE concert at the Mann Music Center in Philadelphia I was pleased with the musical performance, the vibe of the crowd, and also in the green efforts made prior to the close of the concert.

Lead singer, John McCrea did a fabulous job engaging in the audience in sing-a-long participation segments. The crowd was moved and rocked along with the band for the duration of the double set of tunes performed.

Prior to closing the show (with an amazing Encore of “The Distance”), McCrea – standing next to an apple tree seedling that was a bit taller than he was - asked for a volunteer. He was specific, however, that the volunteer needed to be willing to commit for 20 years (at a minimum) and be able to tell what type of tree seedling was being offered.

The volunteer also needed to have a yard in which he could plant the tree, own that land and commit to the responsible cultivation of the seedling. After an audience member guessed that the tree was a Fuji Apple Tree, the singer noted that the volunteer would need to be willing to share the fruit of the tree (with anyone that was at the concert and someday needed/wanted an apple!).

One lucky guy was chosen, but the entire audience was part of the commitment to support the growth of the tree.

I know it’s only one tree. But the green movement is all about people making small commitments that lead to a collective and positive environmental impact. Thanks CAKE for the reminder of the power of music to bring people together, and for your efforts to build a green community conscious following!

PS: Check out the CAKE website under “News” to get information on obtaining your own free tree, carpooling and even a link to register to Vote!

A Mammoth Message

While on vacation at Yellowstone National Park, I took a Hot Springs Discovery walking tour of the Mammoth Hot Springs area and learned some amazing facts about the thermal features there. The Ranger guiding the tour emphasized her theme of the importance of water to all life. As we walked along viewing the magnificent hot springs, vents and mud pots that comprise the area, we learned about the heat loving (thermophilic) bacteria that give the springs their dramatic colors, the power of water to mold and shape landscapes, and the essential link between water and life.

At the conclusion of the talk and walk, the Ranger took out a large 16 oz (reusable) water container and poured off all but about 1 oz. This she said represented the fresh water in the world if we were to eliminate all the salt water. From this meager 1 oz, she poured off all but a few drops. These, she dramatically concluded are all we have not so severely polluted which we can still live upon. Her message was clear. Protection and conservation are needed not only to sustain our fresh water supplies, but life on our planet as we know it.