RAIN· ' . MONTHLY NEWS·LETTER OF ECO NET ... VOLUME I, NUMBER 5 FEBRUARY 1975
Page 2 RAIN is a publication of ECO-NET, an environmental education network funded b by the Hill Foundation and an Environmental Education Grant. The office is at Environmental Education Center, Portland State University, P.O. Box 751, Portland, Or. Or., 97207. (503) 229-4692 Usual deadline for material: 18th of each month. ECO -NET/Energy Center/OMSI (503) 2: ":;~~ Charles Auch 248-5929 Linda Craig 248-5941 Dean Ivy 248-5929 Marcia Lynch 248-5920 Mary Lawrence 248-5940 Bob Phillips 248-5929 Rusty Whitney 248-5903 RAIN/EEC (503) 229-4692, 229-4683 Anita Helle Lee Johnson Steve Johnson (editor) Mary Wells (layout, design) EEC (503) 229-4682 Randi Krogstad Don Stotler Laura Williamson Cover Photo: Ancil Nance Typesetting: Irish Setter THANKS TO: Mary J o Anderson Julie Seltz Bill Bree Randy Skoog Casey Burns Fred Wiebe €GRICULTURE·Foo9} Jay Glatt, a director of the Oregon Dept. of Agriculture development program, will lead a five-member sales team representing U.S. agricultural products to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Kuwait in March, 1975. The cadre will display products in provided facilities as well as attend puissant business engagements. Oregon-Washington Farmers' Union 215 Front St. N.E. Salem, Or. 97301 The monthly publication ($1/yr. $10 for membership) is increasingly aware of alternatives, choices, crisis in energy and agriculture. Interest in general is in helping the small farmer survive. Recel)tly the Consumer Power League has taken over the back page. February 1975 RAIN RAIN is a monthly bulletin board. As stuff comes our way by phone, mail, feet, hands and mouth we make entries, abstracts, paragraphs. We emphasize environmental/energy related and communications kinds of information; and we are interested in the evolutionary possibilities of inter-disciplinary connections. Our geographic emphasis is the Pacific Northwest, though our prejudi-ce will be Oregon, and more specifically Portl~d. You can correct our bias by your feedback, sending us information on projects, exciting books, pieces, newsletters, ideas, photos, corrections. Positions and Situations is a place for you to locate others, more or less without our editorial intervention. If you are thinking about thinking about doing something here's the place to find next steps and connections. We have spent nearly as much time constructing our mailing list, as compiling the newsletter. It is presently composed of environmental educators, people doing energy related research, other newsletters, other centers, community organizers, governmental and private environmentally related groups and agencies. If you have other persons you think should receive RAIN, drop us a note. Why you may not be entered: We 'on't know about you, you are lost in brown boxes and manila envelopes, or we ran out of time and space. You will notice initials following some entries: The person submitting the entry is found in the list of contributors. In addition to RAIN, during the year we expect to publish: 1) City Survival, a short directory (or series) to information resources in Portland, 2). A Directory of Environmental Information Resources in the Paczfic Northwest, 3) How To Sheets, guides to getting things done, like how to find your way through governmental bureaucracies, 4) An Access Guide, to materials at EEC/Energy Center. Please mention RAIN when asking for information from individuals and groups, as it then encourages those people to keep us posted. The Organic Directory Prepared by Rodale Press Emmaus, Pa. 18049 $2.95 A 150-page directory to hundreds of natural foods, health foods outlets. 100page introduction includes general nutritional information, how to shop, food co-ops and conspiracies (how to start). Seedling stocks, according to Daryl Ray, state forest nursery manager, are running low, with no stock left of ponderosa pine, incense cedar, grand fir, black locust or hybrid poplar. Oregon 1973 timber harvest totals: 9.3 billion board feet (compared to 9.6 billion in 1972). Of that total: 3.5 billion from state forest lands, 1.5 billion Bureau of Land Management, 3.8 billion U.S. Forest Service lands,94.5 million Bureau of Indian Affairs. TILTH Rt. 5, Box 699 Shelton, Wn. 98584 (S.J.) The Agriculture Conference Directory is nearing completion. Maybe the first week of February. Copies will be distributed to conference attendees first. Forbes magazine, Nov. 1, 1974, reported that 800,000 living units were torn down in 1973 nationally ... if the U.S. builds at an annual rate of 1.6 million units, it means a net gain of only 800,000 units. Canned food as investment portfolio. The Sunday Telegraph, an English newspaper, has suggested to its readers that they put their money where their mouths are-"you can't eat share certificates, and you can't eat fine art. But a portfolio of food will always have an alternative use."
February 1975 Agricultural Development Division Agriculture Building 635 Capitol N.E. Salem, Or. 97310 503-378-3787 Specializes in knowing the 172 products produced in Oregon and acts as marketing consultant, resource coordinator, and transportation trouble shooter for the 37,500 small agri-business farm units in Oregon. Also serves as liaison between exporters and importers. Photo: David Weintraub Ecology of Compost State University of New York College of Environmental Science & Forestry Syracuse, NY 13210 A 12-page booklet; elemental, good introduction at 10i (ask for publications list too). Table 7. Distribution of total energy consumption for delivery of food processing output to final demand, 1963 l/0 1, 2 14 24 27 31 37 65 69 Indus try name Agr iculture Food processing Paper Chemicals Petroleum refining I ron & steel Transpor tat ion Trade Other producers Total energy coefficient (Btu/$-fina1 demand) Percent of total energy used directly by sector 16 30 6 10 5 6 12 3 12 57,700 Process Feasibility Study: The Anaerobic Digestion ofDairy Cow Manure at the State Reformatory Honor Farm, Monroe, Wash. 15 jan. 1975, by Ecotope Group. 120 120-page report includes section on anaerobic process, plant design criteria, actual design, plant operation and monitoring, investment payback; clear and comprehensive presentation on present state-of-the-art and its application to a 200-300 cow dairy farm. $8 per copy (postal money order only, no checks or cash) from the consultants, Ecotope Group Box 5599 Seattle, Wn. 98105 Organic Gardening and Farming Emmaus, Pa. 18049 Suggesting to their 800,000 readers that they read Small is Beautiful and Tools for Conviviality (Ivan Illich), Organic Gardening and Farming began the new year with a statement of purpose of "building security through living on the land." The January issue is the special seed issue; best sources of seeds in the country. In the same issue: The Mendocino 1,000. Approximatdy 1,000 "ownerbuilt homes in Mendocino County, California, have been cited for building code violations (using spring water, recycled lumber, compost privy). OEF suggests if you have been having problems, write to them: Chuck McCullagh. See also Energy, Education, Futures, Recycling ) NI•HmMI TIMPIIATUII INYIISION ~ N1GHT ----- COOl AIR WARM AIR INYia SION IIIIWUSHMI NOUN e.t-...,.k•-W••Ihrct.w"'""""-AlraMb. Alrle.w....,~~ ....... (R.Iproduced tlarouth the courtrsy of tile National Tu.berc&dosls Assocl4tlon) Oregon Hang Glider Assn. P.O. Box 3815 Portland, Or. 97268 $5/yr. newsletter and membership. Page 3 Carbon Monoxide concentrations in Spokane during recent air pollution alerts was 15% higher than any readings anywhere in Los Angeles during the entire year of 197 3. Eight-hour readings for CO reached 36 parts per million at the Monroe Street-Indiana Ave. monitoring station in Spokane on the evening of Oct. 18, 1974, far above the federal eight-hour standard of 9 parts per million which was set by the fed~ral government to protect human health. (EPA Bulletin) c;RCHITECTURE ) Oregon. Statewide Uniform Building Code to be adopted, to be effective . July 1, 1975, for the first time provides statewide uniformity, and communities that until now had no building codes will. As part of the buildin·g code is a mandatory.energy conservation measure, still to be written. Contact: Ron Schmidt State Capitol Bldg. Salem, Or. 97310 503-378-3121 Graphic: Barry Kahn Autonomous Dwellings Collective Rm. 259, Social Sciences Bldg. University of California Santa Cruz, Ca. 95064 A group working with a local environmental consulting firm (Joint Venture) and the environmental studies department of U of C. Compiling a comprehensive file on the use of alternative energy systems in housing: "We pave a dual filing system. A card access file identifies people, sources, materials and specific projects by type of life support system. This file is cross-referenced to information files and library sources. They are actively seeking persons willing to share information resources and will respond in kind. Continued on page 4
Page 4 ARCHITECTURE (continued from page 3) Our House ofStone Sharon Watson Lewis Stone House Publications Sweet, Idaho 83670 $2 which includes a supplement and short general architecture bibliography. The 20-page booklet from an experiential point of view. $2,000 for an 1100 sq. ft. house. You'll probably need more information, but the technique used is reported to be fairly easy. See also Community, Energy ) The Northwest Beautifucation Project 625 4th St. Lake Oswego, Or. 97034 636-7024 or 228-4741 Eileen Nolan Kressd, director. Founded in July 1973 under the sponsorship of the School of Arts and Crafts, to involve young people in painting street murals on bare walls in their communities. Workshops are available ($35), and if you would like a mural painted by kids in your school, community center or store, contact Ikie Kressel. (There is a fee to cover salary and cost of materials.) ~UDIO VISUAL National Audiovisual Center Distribution Branch Washington, D.C. 20409 ) Films on water pollution, solid waste, and noise. On loan free. Write for list and details. Public Media Center 2751 Hyde St. San Francisco, Ca. 94109 Produce good P.S.A. tapes on energy; some with a kind of Firesign Theater. Write for lists, costs. (Randy Skoog) COMMUNITY Council of Planning Librarians Exchange Bibliographies P.O. Box 229 Monticello, Ill. 61856 National group of librarians, planners and persons interested in library organization and research. Several hundred bibliographies available ranging from $1.50 to $5 .00. The several I've seen are good. Overload of course. Lots of areas of information about urban planning, et al, you might not expect. Write for list. Census Data for Community Action Data Access and Use Laboratory Data User Services Office Bureau of the Census Washington, D.C. 202 33 A 22-page booklet explaining availability, categories of statistics, etc. 50ct. Census data is available through the Dept. of Commerce (in Portland 921 SW Washington, 97205; in Seattle 1700 Westlake Ave. N. 98109). Many libraries also receive all or most census materials. €0MPUTERS Peoples Computer Company P.O. Box 310 Menlo Park, Ca. 9402 5 ) $5 for 5 issues. For several years now, in tabloid newsprint format. Mostly computer games developed by the company (a non-profit group), friends and readers. Some access and "social commentary"-though mostly outlines of computer games. (Also tapes and books are available.) (eDUCATION ) Maine Environmental Education Project Yarmouth, Maine 04096 The community inventory for Yarmouth, Maine, is attractive, useful; a model for.real time work studies; like an abbreviated carrying capacity study. Fisher Stoves I (J J/V)~.u16130 Bothwell Way N.r. Seattle, Wn. 98135 ~~~f . P Western Forestry Center or 421 N. Water St. ~ Silverton, Or. 98155 ~ I hear it's getting hard to find wood stoves. Fisher makes solid stoves with ~ood exhaust (heat circulating); with flat cooking surface. Priced from $245 to $350. (Randy Skoog) 4033 S.W. Canyon Rd. Portland, Or. 97221 228-1367 Starting a series beginning in June of this year; forestry tours to places like Bull Run watershed, Wind River Nursery, Larch Mountain, John Day or Grande Ronde River float. Write or call for details. Edcentric P.O. Box 10085 Eugene, Or. 97401 503-343-0810 February 1975 Edcentric is a radical education journal published 6 times yearly which critically examines both the conventional school system and the movement for educational change. It also attempts to link changes in education to the overall movement for social change. Subscriptions $6 individuals, $10 institutions. Sample copies are available. $1 single issue, $1.50 special issues, e.g. sexism, Chicano education, working _class education. Photo: David Weintraub Cleveland, Ohio, School G den ~ Program ' ~ tJrn 21,000 students in the program grew an estimated $622,000 worth of vegetables. The total cost of the program, operating since 1904, is estimated at ~ of 1% of the school budget. IDEAS (Institutional Development & Economic Affairs Service, Inc.) 1785 Massachusetts Ave., N.W. Washington, D.C. 20036 202-483-9045 Provides consultations, training workshops, technical and fund development assistance to groups wanting to begin a Foxfire-type publication. Usually this activity involves a high school, public school district, and/or state department of education. On occasion we have worked with and through arts and humanities councils, community action groups, historical societies, and bicen-
February 1975 tennial commissions. We publish a periodical called Exchange which serves as an information exchange among the various projects and those individuals interested in the Foxfire Learning Concept (a free service to projects; individuals may subscribe to Exchange for $3.00 per year). Finally, we have available for purchase various instructional materials in support of the Foxfire idea, including a teachers' guide entitled Moments, by Eliot Wigginton. (Murray Durst) FOXFIRE PROJECTS (December 1974) Adobe, Centennial High School, San Luis, Colorado 81152. Chicago experience in the San Luis Valley. Write for subscription rates. A/l-ab-wee, Nazareth High School, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands 00801. Folk culture and environmental subjects of the Virgin Islands. $6.00 yearly subscription. Bittersweet Lebanon High School, 416 North Adam Street, Lebanon, Missouri 65536. Crafts, folk music, people and traditions of Missouri's Ozarks. $6.00 yearly. Cityscape, Western High School, Washington, D.C. 20007. The Multi-ethnic experience in urban neighborhoods. $2.00 per issue. Clingstone, Greer High School, Greer, S.C. 29651. Heritage of a Piedmont community in the Carolinas. Write for subscription rate. Dovetail, Ronan High School, Ronan, Montana 59864. Examines "dovetailins" of white/Flathead Indian experience m Montana mountain region. $2.00 per issue. Foxfire, Rabun Gap-Nacoochee High School, Rabun Gap, Georgia 30568. Original Foxfire magazine describes crafts, folklife and traditions of the Southern Appalachians. $6.00 yearly subscription. Furrows, Mount View High School, Thorndike, Maine 04986. Subjects drawn from rural region of interior Maine. Write for subscription information. Guariquen, Associacion Dominicana de Boy Scouts, Santiago, Dominican Republic. Spanish language magazine describes traditions of rural Dominican life. $4.25 yearly subscription. Kil-Kaas-Git, Prince of Wales High School, Craig, Alaska 99921. Publication of Haida and Thlingit Indian students on Prince of Wales Island. $6.00 yearly subscription. Ko Kakou, Kailua High School, Kailua, Hawaii 96740. Old Hawaiian traditions and their modern interpretations of the island of Oahu. $6.00 subscription. Laulima, Ka'u High School, Pahala, Hawaii 96777. Rural traditions of Hawaiian and Philippino people and the island of Hawaii. $7.50 yearly subscription. Loblolly, Gary High School, Gary, Texas 75643. Subjects drawn from rural traditions of East Texas pine country. $5.00 subscription rate per year. Nanih Waiya, Choctaw Central High School, Philadelphia, Mississippi 39350. Traditions and life of the Mississippi Bank Choctaw Indians. $8.00 annual subscription. Pig's Eye, New City School, St. Paul, Minn. 55101. Examines orally-transmitted traditions and stories of Minnesota. Write for subscription rates. Salt, Kennebunk 1-ligh School, Kehnebunk, Maine 04046. Folklore, crafts and traditions of Main lobstermen and rural coastal region. $5.00 yearly subscription. Sea Chest, Cape Hatteras High School, Buxton, North Carolina 27936. Stories, traditions, and environment of the Outer Banks. $6.00 per year. Shenango, College for junior Americans, Edinboro State College, Farrell, Penn. 16121. Multi-ethnic traditions in an old industrial region in western Pennsylvania. Write for subscription rates. Skipjack, South Dorchester High School, Church Creek, Maryland 21622. Life and traditions among oystermen of the Chesapeake Bay. Write for subscription rates. Thistledown, Watkins Memorial High School, Pataskala, Ohio 43062. Rural life and traditions in Ohio. Write for subscription rates. Tsa'aszi, Ramah Navajo High School, Ramah, New Mexico 87321. Navajo Indian traditions, crafts, and stories. $8.00 annual subscription. Windfalls, North Buncombe High School, Weaverville, North Carolina 28787. Western Carolina mountain folklore and crafts. Write for subscription rates. Energy Center 309 Weil Hall University of Florida Gainesville, Fla. 32611 904-392-0941 Where Howard Odum does his energetics studies. The net energy concept which has been known in Oregon for some time through the State Office of Energy Research and Planning, according to a Newsweek article (Jan. 13 ), is being considered by the Federal Energy Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency. (For a good summary of Odum's work, see Whole Earth Epilog; and for some criticism by Hazel Henderson (Office of Technology Assessment, U.S. Congress) see Co-Evolution Quarterly, Winter Solstice issue. The Center for Science in the Public Interest 1779 Church St. N.W. Washington, D.C. 20036 202-332-6000 The Center is now coordinating the development of a Citizens Energy Platform by national and local poverty, consumer and environmental organizations. It will be presented by registered lobbying groups to the members of Congress as an alternative to the Ford Administration's energy legislation proposals. Persons wanting copies of the statement of principles or wishing to work on the platform itself should contact C.S.P.I. Nuclear Power, the Once Bright Hope From: Protect the Peninsula's-Future P.O. Box 1677 Sequim, Wn. 98382 It is $1.50, not $1.00 as stated in Rain No.4. Helion P.O. Box 4301 Sylmar, Ca. 91342 213-367-8291 Page 5 "We have developed a 12-or 16-foot windmill (conventional three-blade horizontal axis machine), the plans for which are about ready for publication. This machine has been designed to introduce do-it-yourself builders to the simplicity of all metal (aluminum) windwheel blades. This is a 2 to 5 kilowatt class machine. The photo shows a small prototype of one of several hybrid wjnd systems we have tested ... we have ongoing projects in solar and methane conversion. Additionally, we conduct lectures-with slides-at local libraries, 4H, and other groups...." (jack Park) Appropriate Technology Publications LTD 9 King Street London W.C. 2, U.K. All kinds of small scale, low impact technological devices/ideas. Also ask for publications list. They have done lots of field work, utilizing small scale, low energy, labor intensive mechanical aides. The Rasmussen Report, the study of nuclear reactor safety by the A!omic Energy Commission, has come under criticism in a recent Environmental Protection Agency Report. Especially critical of the AEC's definition of "acceptable risks." EPA Waterside Mall Bldg. 4th & M Streets Washington, D.C. 20002 Continued on page 6
Page 6 ENERGY (continued from page 5) Alcohol for Auto Use? Currently automobiles consume 13% of the energy used in this country, and yet, alarmingly, the average fuel consumption of American cars has fallen since 1970. There are two basic reasons for this: a) increases in poilution control equipment, which accounts for about 10% of the fuel economy penalty; and b) increased weight and the trend to power equipment which makes up another 10-12% penalty. Car makers could-boost fuel economy by returning to the use of high compression engines, but they would also have to return to using 100+ octane fuels. And, regrettably, it takes more crude oil to produce a barrel of high octane gasoline than a similar barrel of low octane fuel. Curiously, very little attention has been given to the scheme of adding alcohol to low octane gasoline.to gain the effect of higher octane ratings. Studies undertaken at M.I.T. on a number of unmodified, late model cars, show these advantages to a gasoline/alcohol mixture: a) fuel consumption increased from 5 to 13%; b) carbon monoxide emissions decreased by 14-72%; c) exhaust temperatures decreased 1-9%; d) acceleration increased up to 7%; and e) the virtual elimination of engine knock. Interestingly, a 10% alcohol/ 90% gasoline (90 octane) combination yields a fuel with an octane rating of 94, equivalent to the addition of 0.13 grams of tetraethyllead/liter of gasoline. While alcohol is produced rather easily by ordinary commercial methods, the feedstock is ethylene, a petroleum product in rather short supply and needed desperately for commercial fertilizers. Alcohol can also be produced by the fermentation process, in which any carbon containing product can be reduced to alcohol and carbon dioxide in the presence of certain yeasts (a process known to bakers and brewers for centuries). Most first-year biology students have done the experiment in a we~k's lab experience. Any kind of vegetatiOn waste material from canneries tanneries, food processors, etc. could be utilized. Perhaps a small portion of the $20 billion R&D bill now before the president earma_rked for nonnuclear energy might be directed to investigatio!1 of the feasibility of alcohol/gasoline mixtures for extending the supply of gasoline for automobile use. (Energy Office Newsletter, State of Or.) Alternative Sources of Energy Rt. 2, Box 90A Milaca, Mn. 56353 $5 for 6 issues. Most people know of this fine magazine. Dec. 1974 issue has especially interesting articles on algae research, driving with wood, solar CO!lference reports, solar heating in slab construction, recycling auto batteries . .. Producing Your Own Power. Edited by Carol H. Stoner. 322 pp. $8.95. Rodale Press Emmaus, Pa. 1974 This is probably the best introduction available, with sections written by ASE oldtimers like Henry Clews (Solar Wind Company), Don Marier (Alternative Sources of Energy), Ken Kern (Owner Built Home). Sections on wind, water, fire, solar, general energy needs. Good bibliographies and source listings. For both educational and practical applications. z 0 5 E FOSSIL ~ EGYP.TtAN BIRTH OF FUEL TIM: EMPI1RE I I I I I CH71ST I A;E I 6000 B.C. 5000 4000 3000 2000 1000 0 1000 2000 3000 If we enlarge the graph from the year 1860 to the year 2060 it would appear a. follows: u a: ~ .. "' ~ iii :r ~~--~.,...,1 TIME 1--+--+--+--11---f--+--+--f-+--t1860 FOSSIL FUEL AGE (George H. Ramsey, Mother Earth News) INFORMATION SOURCES ON THE LEGAL AND ECONOMIC ASPECTS OF RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES: AERO (Alternative Energy Research Organization Kye Cochran Northern Plains Resources Council 421 Stapleton Bldg. Billings, Mont. 59101 406-248-1154 They promote renewable energy sources and, as some members have built and are building ASE devices, will be able to contribute some ideas about costs and problems they have encountered with laws, if any. February 1975 Office of Energy Research & Planning Joel Schatz, Director Executive Dept. 185 13th St., N.E. Salem, Oregon 97302 503-378-4345 Ask for their complete array of studies including the July 1974 Interim Energy Study. They study energy economics using "net energy" analysis. Office of Energy Conservation & Allocation Ms. Julie Seltz State of Oregon Salem, Or. 97 302 503-452-0340 or 378-8444 They publish our State Energy Newsletter which often contains tidbits you might find useful, and Ms. Seltz can direct you to many more specific sources of information. Energy Information & Consetvation Center George Harvey 4220 E. Martin Way Olympia, Wash. 98504 206-75 3-5420 They also publish a newsletter which can keep you in touch with legal and economic energy news, as well as direct you to more specifically expert information sources. Prof. Jeffrey Cook College of Architecture Arizona State University Tempe, Az. 85281 602-965-7298 Source for information on 3-dimensional or "sun-rights" zoning for solar heating, costs of solar heating in new and old ("retrofitted") homes. Prof. John Schade School of Architecture University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee Milwaukee, Wise. 53201 414-964-4134 or 963-5339 He has written on the economics of renewable energy sources, life-cycle costing vs. present energy accounting systems and serves as an advisor on Wisconsin energy policy now being formed. MITRE Corporation Westgate R~search Park McLean, Va. 22101 703-790-7492 Request four reports on solar energy, MTR-6513, -6516,-6537, and -6544, being sure to get -6513, Systems Analysis of Solar Energy Programs, which identifies possible problems with solarbased energy systems. The phone will get you Mr. Richards, the Document Control Librarian.
I ~ February 1975 john Baird, Coordinator for Energy Policy U.S. Office of Education Dept. of H·ealth, Ed. & Welfare 5076 R.O.B. 3 7th & D Streets, S.W. Washington, D.C. 20202 202-245-9826 In trying to entice school boards to use solar heating for new buildings, he runs into many legal and economic questions which he has to satisfy. A/ternat(ve Sources of Energy Magazine Don Marier Rt. 2, Box 90A Milaca, Mn. 56353 Subscribe to ASE to keep up to date on developments. $5/yr. Marcia Lynch The Energy Center, OMSI 503-248-5920 Contact above for a copy of my statement at the Portland Project Independence hearings, "Wind and NuclearElectric Power: a Cost-Benefit Comparison" and ask for copies of the solar, wind, bioconversion and energetics information sheets. Robert Gray School of Architecture & Allied Arts University of Oregon Eugene, Or. 503-686-3656 · His 150-pg. master's thesis titled "The Impact of Solar Energy on Architecture" contains much useful information on zoning and planning for solar heating of homes and buildings. Gail L. Brees Institute for Environmental Studies University of Washington Seattle, Wash. 98195 Ask for a copy of his student discussion paper series 74-1 titled "Windpower: Evolution, Technological Status and Potential for Washington" which contains cost figures. (Lee johnson-all ofthe above entries) Undercu"ents 2 7 5 Fincley Rd. London NW3 England $5 surface mail, $10 air mail/yr. One of the two basic alternative technology communication vehicles in the British Isles. Frustrating because it's over there, but scientific dissemination and liberation at its best. Excerpt follows: Disbelieffollowed by amused surprise, bas been the reaction ofmost Alternative Technology enthusiasts to the news that the Duke ofEdinburgh is visiting the National Centre for the Develop.ment of Alternative Technology in Macbynlletb, Wales, at the end of October. Alternative Technology, until recently the almost-exclusive province of cranky eco-eccentrics, bas become respectable with a rapidity that bas taken most AT freaks' breath away. Elevated interest in the subject is not even confined to British Royals, as the visit of Queen juliana ofthe Netherlands to Sietz Leffiang's rather similar "Small Earth Project" near Eindhoven in mid-October makes abundantly clear. Equally clear is the fact that Alternative Technology enthusiasts are going to have to learn to deal in one way or another with increasingly frequent overtures from the Establishment. ... The Society for Environmental Improvement Limited which runs the National Centre, seems destined to become, at least in the mind ofthe general public, the standard bearer ofthe Alternative Technology "movement" in Britain. Yet very little is known about the Society in AT circles- apart from the vague general impression that it bas bidden wealth and considerable Establishment backing. To shed at least some additional light on the activities and motivations ofthis embryonic AT Superstar, Undercurrents visited the National Centre a few weeks ago and talked to the Chairman ofthe Society, Gerard Morgan-Grenville. The Energy Primer Available from: The Catbird Seat Bookstore 1236 S.W. Washington Portland, Or. 97205 or Whole Earth Truck Store 558 Santa Cruz Ave. Menlo Park, Ca. 94025 415-323-0313 Comprehensive, fairly technical book about renewable forms of energy-solar, wind, water and biofuels. The biofuels section covers biomass energy, agriculture, aquaculture, alcohol, methane and wood. The focus is on small-scale systems which can be applied to the needs of the individual, small group or community. (More than 1/4 of the book is devoted to reviews of books and hardware sources. Hundreds of illustrations and a dozen original articles are used to describe the workings of solar water heaters, space heaters and dryers, waterwheels, windmills, wind generators, wood burning heaters, alcohol stills and methane digesters.) The introduction and the final section of the book focuses on the need for energy conservation and some of the problems and potentials of integrated energy systems. $4.50 pe'r copy. Page7 A wind and solar incentives bill has been introduced into the Massachusetts Legislature by State Senator William M. Bulger (D-Boston). The bill, S. •1385, provides individuals and corporations with incentives through both the tax and mortgage mechanisms by providing an outright tax credit and/or deduction on the property or state income tax, and by providing state guaranteed mortgage insurance for that part of any mortgage covering solar or wind equipment costs and installation. For further information, write Francis Koster, Division of Continuing Education, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Mass. 01002, Phone (413) 545-3410. For a copy of S. 1385, write State Sen. Bulger, Mass. State Legislature, The State House, Boston, Mass. 0213 3. ( L.j.) Solar House Plans Henry Mathews Rt. 3, Box 768 Coos Bay, Or. 97420 $10 for plans of this Coos Bay solar heated home. One of the examples that contradicts the assumption of impractability of solar heating in northern homes. "The house was built in 1966 & 67. The solar heating system's materials cost less than $1,000 and took, working alone, approximately 3 months to build, including building an 8,000 gallon tank. Five weeks were spent in building this heat storage tank-my first tank. The sun provided 75% of the heating. An additional collector 2/3 size was added on Jan. 1, 1974. Solar has since then furnished approximately 90% of the h~ating." (From A~RO) Arthur W. Seplack, a technician at the Walton Ranger Station (Montana) shot a trespassing snowmobile to death, Dec. 27, 1974 (nobody was hurt). An investigation is underway. (Vancouver Columbian) The American Pet Population has increased by 25% in the past decade, now estimated at 60-80 million animals. The pets consume about 3.8 million tons of food a year, including 1 million tons of meat and fish by-products, and 2 million tons of grains, at a cost of $1.6 billion ... about 14 million American pets are destroyed every year at a cost of $125 million. In "The Worst American City" (Harper's, Jan. 74), Arthur M. Louis, using census data, appraises American cities in terms of 24 areas of support and failure, parks, crime, libraries, infant death, etc. and found Seattle to rank best and Portland sixth. Continued on page 9
Page 8 February 1975 ( ECO NE'I' REPOR'I'S ) Energy Center A free information sheet titled SOLAR HOME HEATING has recently been put together by Lee Johnson of The Energy Center. It lists what to read and where to get it under such headings as "the self-teaching path to building," "Oregon," "plans," "general surveys," "periodicals," "bibliographies," and "organizations." For free copies, write Ms. Marcia Lynch, The Energy Center, Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, 4015 S.W. Canyon Road, Portland, Ore. 97221. (Lee johnson) ECO NET Video The video tape catalog compiled by Eco-Net is now at the printer's and will soon be in the mails. RAIN Figuring that RAIN speaks for itself, I haven't reported on it in this space, but now it's time to take into account some possible near future changes. RAIN is funded until June 1975, as our choice of communication vehicle to explain what the EEC is about (which is often explaining what other people are doing). So, some choices have to be made. First, some background information: MAILING LIST. We started with a mailing list of about 700, the original Environmental Education Center list of environmental groups/agencies, educators, and persons interested in the center. The list is now about 4,300, which includes large dumpings by Bob Philips (video), Lee Johnson (energy, architecture), Marcia Lynch (The Energy Center), OPEN, NW Information Network, and my own hodge-podge. Waiting on the sidelines, wondering how to get on the list, is a pile about 15 inches tall (from Carol Costello), along with another 10 inches. COSTS. RAIN costs about $1,000 a month to produce, including layout fees, my salary, printing 5,000 copies, mailing, some purchases (review books, etc.), and there is probably $100 to $200 in hidden costs that I can't see cause I'm in the middle of them. INFORMATION FLOW. Sometimes everything looks relevant; other times any decision is capricious. And how do you judge what people need? Now, you take energy, for example. The field is glutted and it feels like choosing among movie magazines. Now and later we need people who would like to review things, take over a geographic or topical area. Sometimes only abstracting and pointing is restless. We have ideas and longer parcels of information we would like to have the time to produce, and now we are mostly running from one outside interference to another-of course skin is only so deep. IN PROCESS. Everything we put in RAIN is considered in process. The N.W. Environmental Directory (this issue) is in no way complete, but by sending it out, we hope to elicit responses that will make it complete. The RAIN catalog will be produced in the same way. FUTURE. I will soon be writing up a detailed description of RAIN, including exact costs of production, and options of use and support, that I see. Would like to share this with interested people. And even now-would you pay $3 to $5 per year? Could you contribute time, information, space? What things would you change? What are our coming information needs? What means other than subscription could we use to support RAIN? ($.].) EEC COORDINATED BY THE PSU ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER 373 LINCOLN HALL, EXTENSION 4621 The Environmental Living Studies Program at Portland State University offers education for creative, self-reliant living. The program draws from the course offerings of various academic departments--Biology, Chemistry, Applied Science, Art, Health and Physical Education, etc.--that relate to such life support systems as food production, shelter, health, nutrition, enerqy conservation and related practical technologies. Other courses of environmental interest, but not related to the environmental living theme, are listed in the PSU catalog. Courses offer both lower and upper division credit and are open to any full or part-time student with payment of regular course fees. The Environmental Living Studies Program is not a separate division within the University. ~Rather, it is an attempt to link various academic fields and subjects to student and community interest in defining and implementing, through education. innovative life styles that are in harmony with environmental concerns. The function of the program is to provide a focus and identity for those resources within the University--curriculum, teaching faculty, and research facility--that are applicable to the program's study area. Term & & Course Term & Dept. & Course ~ DescriE:tion ~ Dept. ~ oescriEtion ~ AA l99C Tapestry Weaving W-2 AA 256 Weaving PWS-3 AA l99E Domes and Other W-3 Space Geometry AA 1998 Non Loom Textiles W-2 BI 199 Organic Gardening S-3 BI 199 Horticulture F-3 BI 399 Plant Propagation F-3 BI 399 Poisonous & Useful S-3 Plants BI 410 Environment & F-3 Plant Response CH 410 Wine Making & SUM-3 Brewing Dept. & Course Term & Number DescriEtion ~ BI/ECON Environmental F-3 399 Economics BI 410 Field Ecology S-3 GEOG 209 Wt~ather & Climate FW-3 Dept. & Course Term & GEOG Physical Environment F-3 Number Desc r iEt ion ~ 199/410 of Portland GEOG Energy Crisis F-3 HE 250 Personal Health FWS-3 199/410 HE 199 Human Sexuality I'WS-3 ASE 399 Energy and the F-3 PE 185 Yoga I FWS-1 Future BI 199 Biology, Man FWS-3 PE 291 Life Saving PS-2 & Environment PE 180- Beg inning FWS-1 BI 410 Human Ecology W-3 90 Swimming HEC 214 Nutrition FWS-3 PE 185 Backpacking FS-1 CH 199 Community FWS -1 HE 252 Standard First FWS-3 Nutrition Aid HE 407 Standard and FWS-4 Advanced First Aid
February 1975 ENERGY (continued from page 7) The Oregon Energy Report, Transition has been published. This 500-page analysis of Oregon's energy- past, present and future-reviews the implications of various energy sources, including a net energy analysis of 14 energy supply systems, and a discussion of transition to a stable energy base. The report is available for $5 (defraying the cost of printing and mailing). Checks must be made payable to the State of Oregon and mailed to: Off. of Energy Research & Planning 185 13th N.E. Salem, Or. 97310 Strange Artifacts: A Sourcebook in Ancient Man. Compiled by William R. Corliss. $6.95. The Source Book Project Glen Arm, Maryland 21057 You've probably noticed the onslaught of books about things like spacemen landing in the inca world, pyramid powers, and 3,000 year old batteries. The Source Book brings together (in a good form: looseleaf- but odd smelling plastic) articles from some of the well respected specialty journals and general science magazines, all about unresolved archeological finds, et. Fascinating possibilities in the things we can't explain. It creates a strong sense of there-issomething-weird, even for skeptics (level 7 out of 10). (Other projects include more general searches for unexplained phenomena.) See also Grants, Agriculture, Information EuTURES ) Futures Conditional Magazine Northwest Regional Foundation Box 5296 Spokane, Wn. 99205 Formerly published by futurist Robert Theobald, this magazine has been transferred to the Northwest Regional Foundation in Spokane, Wash. In Spokane this two-year-old publication will be redesigned to become an information service for groups and communities that are using the Bicentennial as a vehicle for thinking about their future. Each year ten "information packages" will be published dealing with issues of community and futures concern. These packages will contain project ideas and models, a switchboard of events and experiments, and directions to other resources. The first issue of the new Futures Conditional will be available by the end of February. Subscription rates will be $20/year. The Futurist World Futurist Society P.O. Box 3036~ Bethesda Branch Washington, D.C. 20014 Often interested in high technology solution/salvation, the Oct. 74 issue is devoted to post-affluence, long-term energy goals. The futures people and energy scarcity, still an uncommon coalition. $2 single issues, $12/yr. Simulation Sharing Service 221 Willey St. Morgantown, W.V. 26505 ) An ecumenical service to promote the use of simulation/gaming in the church's ministry. $5 for 10 issues. Correspondents keeping others up to date. Not as detailed as simulation Gaming News. Obviously, especially for gaming in church. Write for sample copy. Creative Computing P.O. Box 789-M Morristown, N.J. 07960 201-267-5 559 Educational games in schools, computers and society-equipment. Jan/Feb. issue: computer-generated super 8 movies, limits to growth, palindromes, Plato project report, electronic jour~ nalism. Many reprints from other more technical computer journals. In upcoming issues: role of computer in expanding universe, space exploration-game of survival between various alien life forms such as intelligent gas, anti-material being, radioactive rock ... See also Computers The End ofAffluence. Paul Ehrlich, Ballantine Books, 1974. $1.95. Books are getting better in general, I think. It seems if this book were about 10 years ago it would be a polemica declaration in hardback cover. But The End ofAffluence is a $1.95 paperback and gives you very direct alternative actions. Real addresses. It is also a good pulling together of all those miscellaneous things you've heard about or kind of know, about weather change, famine, industrial dependencies and inefficiencies, protein economy. Action /solutions are political, educational (& research) as well as self-sufficiency and survival. Page 9 rt~----...) \90VERNMENT _ OPPORT NITIE • The Institute for Local Self-Reliance lS looking for two or three people to work on the development of a social accounting system, wrill.ng a news! ttcr, and other projects. Salary: $200 per month, write ILSR, 1717 18th St., NW, Washington, D.C. 20009 (202-232-4108). • The Prisoners Rights Project, a legal services program for prison inmates, is seeking an executive director. Applicants should have administrative and criminal or prison law backgrounds. Write: Richard Shapiro, Prisoners Rights Project, 2 Park Square, Boston, Mass. 02116. (617-482-2773). • Ralph ader's Public Citizen is seeking several people to do research, writmg, and other political work on the nuclear power issue. Write Faith Keating, 133 C St. ,S. E., Washington, D.C. 20003 (202-546-4936). • By February 7, 1975, comments must be submitted on the Agriculture Department's proposed labeling regulations governing geographic origin of meat an,d poultry products, See Fed. Reg. 11/27/74. • By March 6, 1975, comments must be received on the Food and Drug Administration's proposals governing poisonous or deleterious food contaminants. See Fed. Reg. 12/6/74. • By March 7, 1975, comments must be received by the Hazardous Materials Regulation Board's proposals governing hazard information systems. See Fe~. Reg. 12/10/74. • FromAprill6-17, 1975, Cornell University is sponsoring a nationwide "Conference on Energy, Agriculture and Waste Management," to focus on energy requirements for agricultural production and the feasibility of generating energy from agricultural wastes, For details, write: W.J. Jewell, 202Riley-RobbHall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853. • From June 5-8, 1975, the National Audubon Society and the Sierra Club will host the world's first privatel;)(:Sponsored international conference on the world's dwindling natural areas-- forests, grasslands, tundra, wetlands, islands, etc. It will take place in New York City. For more info, write: Earthcare, 777 United Nations Plaza, New York, N.Y. 10017. (GRANTS ) Northern California Committee for Environmental Information P.O. Box 761 Berkeley, Ca. 94701 Mfiliate of the Scientists' Institute for Public Information). Grant from the Office of Education $24,000 to develop written materials on the environmental significance of alternative sources of energy and pests and pest control practices. See also Information €NFORMATION ) ECOL, book catalog. American Library Assn., Chicago, 1974. 195 pp. $6.95. A catalog (annotated bibliography) of the conservation library of Minnesota; one of the best in the country. This could be quite useful for people wanting to set up libraries as well as a valuable reading list for teachers and students. (It does have some Minnesota region emphasis.) Continued on page 10
·t\n InT'RODuClTon To B~SIOJ<mtn<-7 · "Brainstorming, is the first in a series of RAIN-sheltered print tools designed to shape more positive and practical alternatives to a future in which the world's resources grow more scarce, and the rate of change call for changes in our attitudes and life styles. The Roughdrafts represent a philosophy about survival through dissemination of public information, learning to do things for ourselves, and moving beyond institutional territoriality. In large part, the philosophy has been envisioned by Don Stotler, Director of the Environmental Education Center, in his many books and publications over the last twenty-five years. . As the name "Roughdraft, implies, the information presented here is by no means the "last word, on a subject, but rather a tentative answer and a hitching post around which to organize our concerns for now. If the Roughdrafts speak to things that have been on your mind, we'd like to know about that. Hopefully, your copy of each Roughdraft will be flexible and durable enough that you can punch it out, hang it up, bring it to the park and on picnics, and pass it on to friends. Most important, we hope to hear about your visions and revisions of each draft. There are a few other ideas on our minds which will be shared in upcoming issues 0f RAIN. How to get funded, how to do a model block, how to close a street, and how to get centers started, are a few of them. What would you like to see in future drafts? Does anyone know how to tan leather? How about the best soap and candle-making recipes? RAIN will publish your Roughdrafts if we can be provided with the information, and we can pass on your suggestions for Roughdraft topics to people who might help us decide what to say about them. . .. . . . .. . . . . . .. . -......................................................................... oo1Re~ commenlS: To: [m>rROntnenTN....(Pl.JC5Jfm cenTeR- % .AniT~ HeLle Room 373 LJncol.n 1-1~ Po~~D SJNe Un1veRSi!)' PoRl!}J1D , 0Re00l1 97201
ROUGHDRAFT I BRAINSTORMING The North Park Blocks were the brainstorm of some of Portland's founding fathers: Daniel H. Lownsdale, Benjamin Park, Capt. john Chapman and Capt. John Couch.
STORMING THE BRAIN-WHAT IS IT? A GROUP THINKING PROCESS, A TECHNIQUE AND A TOOL FOR PRODUCING IDEAS FOR ANY GROUI • combats institutional boggle by generating new perspectives, projects and ideas What can be done about automobile industry layoffs? • stimulates the creation of new institutions How can halfa million dollars be raised for a museum ofscience and industry? • produces alternatives in a problem-crisis dilemma What can be done about low stream-flow in the winter months? • inventories resources in a subject area as a way of initiating a file or a directory What are some instances of urban agriculture in Portland? • enhances cooperation and trust among participants Determine a location A relaxed but interesting atmosphere, preferably new to most participants, stands the best chance of encouraging fresh perspectives. Determine a time The first and last days of the work week are not usually the best times to get the group's undivided attention. A poll of our office suggests that morning rather than afternoon may be a preferred time for idea-spinning. Many sessions will, by necessity, have to be held during evening hours or on Saturdays. Should a briefing document be prepared? Is it necessary to provide participants with background information? APPOINT A FACILITATOR The facilitator should be a good communicator, able to prevent some members from dominating and some from holding back, able to stimulate and restate ideas without taking sides. SELECT GROUP MEMBERS Depends, in part, on your purpose Creativity is not a criterion The brainstorming process produces ideas for folks like us. Different interests/experiences should be represented Invite people with opposing viewpoints. Balance the group in terms of those who are acquainted and those who aren't acquainted. The right amount of tension can result in a state of "creative instability," in which people are stimulated to express themsleves, but not inhibited by the expressions of others. STATE THE PROBLEM State the problem in a single sentence Write it on the chalkboard or on butcher paper where it will be visible throughout the session. After the statement has been drawn up by the group, the facilitator should ask for confirmation: Is this the way we want to state the problem?
LOGGING A BRAINSTORM During a brainstorming session, each new idea is, in one sense, a creative product of all of the other ideas which have been expressed. In a super-techno world, comments could be instantly reflected on a common exchange board which would be visible to everyone in the room. Before the session begins, however, consider some of these alternative methods of logging brainstorms. .The te:hnique which is chosen should maximize each individual's ability to gain from the ideas of others. The object ofa brainstorming session is to produce a maximum number of ideas. Encourage wild ideas Encourage humor Defer judgment Approving and disapproving comments are not allowed. Even if someone says "that's a great idea," spontaneity is interrupted. A disapproving statement expressed too early can squelch an idea which might later unfold. The question of how to encourage the expression · eas demands sensitivity on the part of the itator to the size and composition of the group. Here simple how-to-do-it formulas break down, and the importance of choosing a good facilitator is re-emphasized. LOOK AT LIMITATIONS AND POSSIBILITIES This signals the end of the bratnstorming session. Participants review log, applying judgments and evaluation of · al criteria. or every limitation there's a possibility. Don't throw out deas too quickly. 1. Use a chalkboard or butcher paper Chalkboard should be visible to everyone in the room. The facilitator or another member of the group performs the function of restating the comments as the session proceeds, although he does not interrupt the flow of ideas by offering them up for debate. The comments are summarized in key phrases which retain the essence ofthe comment. Writing the name of the person who is speaking next to the keyphrase comment is one way of verifying who said what and what was really said during the follow-up evaluation sessions. Key phrases may be arranged spatially and connected with arrows or other graphic indicators to show the interrelationship among ideas and the order of development. 2. Use a tape recorder The machine should be turned on at the beginning of the session and placed fairly unobtrusively in the room. It should be left undisturbed during the session itself. This method provides actual documentation for review during evaluation session. 3. Provide everyone in the room with scratch paper for notes This enables people to develop their thinking in idiosyncratic doodles, and to take home a self-styled copy of what went on during the session. This method should not, however, become an inhibitor. Try it. 4. Use 3" x 5" cards Herb Giffen, architect at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill in Portland, uses 3" x 5" cards during his brainstorming with clients. He jots down one major idea per card, and when the session is over, client and architect can work to arrange the cards in a pattern which best reflects their thinking. The 3" x 5" cards can substitute, in process, for the chalkboard technique.
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