Category: 2020

2020, CDC, COVID-19, Innovation, National Security March 19, 2020April 27, 2020

Why Can’t We Use Lightweight Hazmat Suits? | Innovation

Washington (GGM) Analysis | March 19, 2020
by Noreen Wise

As an American, it’s impossible for me not to try and overcome a traumatic challenge. It’s been ingrained in me since birth, that in a free society, especially one founded on capitalism, that innovation is the next step when challenges loom large.

A certain segment of American society will immediately jump into overdrive to conjure up a list of possibilities and then field feedback. So please forgive me for wondering why we all don’t invest in lightweight modern day hazmat suits. That’s just the American way. Imagine the endless new inventions if we try and save the livelihoods of some of the 20%, by attempting to minimize the trauma the cataclysmic covid-19 horror has netted.

I dusted off the old Cold Era hazmat suit I bought during a terrorism warning one year. It’s military issued, from a pawn shop. It must be 40 years old, but it will certainly suffice in a pinch (considering I missed the window of opportunity to buy a face mask AND hand sanitizer and may have to run out for food, since I missed that “stock up” chance as well). So, I’ve been stressing. This is better than nothing at all.

But as I was scrubbing the gloves clean last night (not sure why they were covered in gritty dust, and too scared to find out), I began to imagine modern iterations.

The takeaway? Let’s begin IMAGINING clever, new innovations to help us ALL get through this better than we would otherwise, and hopefully save a lot of lives and livelihoods along the way.

2020, Climate Action, Climate Change, Environment, Nature March 14, 2020April 27, 2020

Time to Plant Climate Gardens While We’re Stuck at Home

Washington (GGM) Analysis | March 14, 2020
by Noreen Wise

Backyard gardens are one of the easiest most inspiring ways to lower our carbon footprint. Adding multiple layers beneath trees and along fences, lining the front of homes. Shrubs, flowers, vines, ground cover. Ivy and creepers up and down walls, around mailboxes and lamplights. International cities like London and Paris have perfected this.

The best part about zeroing in on a giant burst of nature as the solution, is that it works immediately, especially if we all collectively execute ASAP, during these next few weeks while we’re stuck at home hoping tp stay clear of the coronavirus pandemic.

Imagine the positive impact.

In the nick of time, no less. We’re down to only nine years to save humanity from climatocalypse. So, the silver lining of being thrown into our current heart-wrenching calamity, with unexpected at-home time on our hands, is that we can pause and focus on the long term, and alter our destiny by conquering what otherwise would most likely be an improbable collective gardening effort.

Live in an apartment or condo? Balcony, patio and rooftop gardens or plantings on every available flat surface is a life-and-planet-saving difference. With a success rate as significant as this will be, at a minimal cost, we can all jump in first thing in the morning.

Bringing back nature, will not only be a giant leap forward in our progress at lowering our atmospheric carbon level back down to 350 PPM, but has multiple other valuable benefits.

Nature improves mental health, not only an emotional positive boost, but a sensory one as well. Sunlight provides the much needed daily dose of vitamin D that will keep our outlook positive and optimistic. Additionally, nature’s scent has an array of therapeutic properties. Some species are calming and supportive, while others keep us alert and energized. There’s also the tangible, yet little understood, sentient characteristics of nature that indicate plants and trees can problem solve, even connect with other plants and animals, as well as communicate with each other, and some believe communicate with humans, in addition to nurturing humans, .

Considering how many alarming societal threats we face — climate, suicides, drug addiction, physical and mental health — the fact that nature can aid in improving every single one of these, is a very compelling reason to quickly sow our climate gardens during this unexpected period of being stuck at home (at least it’s spring, the planting season). In fact, there’s no better way to keep our minds off this extended emergency, than to dig into a powerful solution that will not only bring back nature, but will keep us calm in a crisis.

Once nature is back, the wildlife that goes along with it will also return. Our planet will be healthy again, which will make humankind that much healthier too. It all begins right now, during these mandated weeks of social distancing.

Let’s GO!

2020, National Security, White House February 27, 2020April 27, 2020

Boycotting Future Dem Candidate Debates | Election 2020

Washington (GGM) Analysis | February 27, 2020
by Noreen Wise

Analyzing the second Democratic debate and the commentary that followed is almost too mystifying to process. Our country is on the brink of a global pandemic that we’re woefully unprepared for, which feels traumatizing if I stop and think about it, so I obviously won’t. Further, Attorney General William Barr simply must resign after leveling our rule of law for the benefit of our corrupt president, but we’re all so preoccupied with these other concerns that we’re not storming the streets, demanding Barr be removed from office. A patriot from the justice department insisted we have a human uprising to remove this enemy of justice. We simply must.

These life and democracy-threatening events are flagrant reminders of just how important it is to remove the 45th president of the United States with swift conviction during the 2020 election. So what happened on Tuesday night February 26, 2020? How can so many of us watch the debate and walk away with completely different impressions?

All I can deduce, is that the majority in the country following the debates, haven’t analyzed what it will take to defeat Trump in the 2020 election following his acquital, and what traits are an absolute must.

In actuality, if truth be told, we really shouldn’t have to. The vast majority of us don’t have the necessary security clearance to obtain all the information required to properly understand what a monster threat Russia is. Having enough money to defend our elections is a significant liability.

The Democratic leadership should be playing a much bigger role in narrowing down the Dem field to two. Right now, having to decide on the best candidate makes me feel the way I did when my parents were getting divorced. My brother, sisters and I loved both parents. When they began screaming at each other, I remember trying to fall asleep at night in tears, wondering why they couldn’t stop. Then we siblings were soon in conflict because a few were closer to Mom, and the others to Dad. This sustained nightmare scarred me for life.

And that’s exactly how I feel right now. Traumatized. Scared. Mad that several Dems can’t read their fate on the walls?

I refuse to watch another debate. The field needs to be narrowed down to two candidates before Tuesday, a moderate and an ultra liberal. The national poll shows Bernie & Mike as top two. I accept this.🇺🇸

2020, Oceans, sustainability February 18, 2020April 27, 2020

How Cool Is This? | Loop Shopping for Zero-Waste

Washington (GGM) Analysis | February 18, 2020
by Noreen Wise

The vast majority of plastic waste is product packaging. If our goal is to have a sustainable circular economy, and rid the environment of as much plastic waste as possible, we have to find a series of solutions to overhaul the way we package consumer products.

So why hasn’t Loop become a familiar buzzword and pathway for all of us to take advantage of for waste free weekly shopping? It’s quite brilliant.

No membership is required
We just pay a small one-time fee at the start for the returnable durable Loop Tote
We’ll use the Loop Tote with each shipment delivery which will eliminate the cardboard waste
All the products are delivered in reusable containers that are returned when we’re through
Most containers are stainless steel, while others are glass
Loop will sanitize each container and reuse

Loop has even managed to solve the toothpaste crisis, which has always seemed too tricky for a feasible alternative. Many of our favorite name brands are Loop partners. But most importantly, Loop is an excellent fix for personal care products that we use everyday and create the bulk of plastic waste.

Innovative creativity is so exciting.I’m IN… can’t wait to check it out!

2020, Climate Action, Climate Change, National Security February 14, 2020April 27, 2020

Why is the Sunshine State so Far Behind with Solar?

Washington (GGM) Analysis | February 14, 2020
by Noreen Wise

One would think that with all that sunshine Florida would be way out in front on solar power, but no such luck. How can this be with such dire warning threatening the state? Some scientists believe that Miami will be the first US metropolis to become uninhabitable as a result of climate change.

Florida should be sprinting to cut carbon. When homes, towns, and businesses overproduce solar power they can either store the excess in their home batteries or send it back to the grid and get paid (net metering). Why don’t Florida residents want to take advantage of one of their most valuable assets. They can earn an income from their overabundance of this vital natural resource.

Florida has the third largest population in the US:

California – 39.7million
Texas – 29.1
Florida – 21.6

Yet, according to vivant.Solar, Florida is ranked #10 in solar power:

California – 21,074 MW
North Carolina – 4,308 MW
Arizona – 3,400 MW
Nevada – 2,595 MW
New Jersey – 2,595 MW
Massachusetts – 2,011 MW
Texas – 1,874 MW
Utah – 1,599 MW
Georgia – 1,566 MW
Florida – 1,430 MW

It’s time to act. Florida’s carbon footprint is ranked #3 in country at 4.5 PPM. Residents have the ability to move the needle by taking advantage of natural resources. There are many state and federal incentives to assist with the transition. Let’s DO THIS!~

2020, Climate Action, Climate Change, Oceans February 10, 2020April 27, 2020

Are You Ever Confused About What Can Be Recycled? | Check Out This Link

Washington (GGM) Analysis | February 10, 2020
by Noreen Wise

Recycling has the world’s undivided attention as we strive to reach our lofty goal of zero waste. Proper recycling is of the utmost importance in the new circular economy era. As we attempt to deposit each item into the correct bin, it’s become more clear that the packaging industry has to be overhauled.

Paper labels stickered to a glass container is a very big problem. When glass is pure, it’s 100% recyclable. When paper stickers are added to the mix, it changes everything.
How about the bubble wrap mailing envelopes? Paper on the outside, plastic inside. These can’y be recycled, which is unacceptable.
Toothpaste has to have a package redesign as well. It’s impossible to recycle toothpaste tubes because they can’t be cleaned.
Plastic bags can’t be recycled. This includes bread bags, frozen fruit and vegetables, Saran wrap, sandwich bags, etc.
If we can’t reuse or recycle, we must refuse.

On the subject of cleaning, any plastic container that’s dirty cannot be recycled. Plastic packaging with skinny necks, and there are many, are a very serious problem. The hair conditioner I use, is nearly impossible to clean. I have to work so hard at it, I become aggravated at the selfish business practices of the manufacturer. My time is very valuable. Being forced to be clever and resourceful after a long day of work, so that the manufacturer’s job is easier, isn’t right.

Here’s an exceptional link that makes recycling super easy. Just enter the name of the item you want to recycle, and it will tell you how to take care of it.

By the way, plastic shopping bags cannot be recycled either. ZeroWaste.gov recommends that these be recycled by returning them to the store where they came from. Excellent idea! Better yet, invest in reusable bags to make your life easier, and the world a better place.~

2020, Climate Action, Climate Change, National Security February 2, 2020April 27, 2020

Climate Change & Education | US Botanic Garden in DC

Washington (GGM) Analysis | February 2, 2020
by Noreen Wise

With Italy’s official announcement at the beginning of the new year, that all schools will now teach sustainability & climate change, many American educators are looking for ways to incorporate climate change lesson plans into their curriculum.

This is a big deal. Education will curb the fears that many young students harbor when they hear repeated warnings about the future. News flashes on phones about apocalyptic wildfires that killed a billion animals, and destroyed thousands of homes, is massively anxiety provoking. Lack of information fuels their concern, and action oriented facts curb it.

With this in mind, it was very exciting to see the impactful event at the US Botanic Garden on Capitol Hill Thursday evening January 30, 2020 for teachers in the Washington DC and outlying suburbs. Interactive tables, featuring climate change lesson plans, were spread throughout the breathtaking flora. Sustainability, the environment and nature were also included. Very inspiring. Nature itself is therapeutic. Studying nature along with climate action will improve the mental health of our youth as we rush to adapt to the crushing reality of the climate crisis.

Modeling the importance of composting was powerful, especially on Capitol Hill where Mitch McConnell is blocking compositing in the dining halls in the Senate and House office buildings.

The following are several of the innovative lesson plans featured at the event:

Renewables and Nonrenewables, Oh My!
Waste Less, Recycle More
Greenhouse Manual by the US Botanic Garden: “exploring ways to incorporate a greenhouse as a hands-on learning environment for students of all ages.”
School Tree Planting Program
Native Knowledge, Teaching America’s Whole Story – created by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian
Living Earth Teach-In: Sustaining our Future through Indigenous Knowledge
Air Quality Action Guide
What You Should Know About Ground Level Ozone and Particle Pollution
An Educators Guide to the Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience (MWEE)
Oh, and creating seed pizzas that will make spring planting so much easier (this was amazing)

2020, Climate Action, National Security January 29, 2020October 31, 2020

Tesla Crushes It In 2019| How Will Other EVs Fair in 2020?

Washington (GGM) Analysis | January 29, 2020

by Noreen Wise After a ten year struggle to become profitable, Tesla nailed it in 2019. The 4th quarter was the turning point according to CNN. Some of the key factors for increased growth in consumer demand that put Tesla into the black are:

range
how long it takes to charge
how many public charging stations exist in local communities
and the EV car price

Every single one of these critical factors have moved in the right direction.

range increased with the new average at 200 miles per full charge
charging time went down significantly and now only averages a quick 20 minutes
public charging stations have mushroomed, not only businesses providing them in corporate parking lots to employees, but stores offering charging stations to consumers as a competitive advantage
EV car prices have dropped substantially

Climate action focused states such as New York, California, Connecticut and Massachusetts have crafted creative carrots and stick, incentives and regulations, creating a patchwork of solutions that are driving results. Very happy for Tesla to finally experience the upside of being an innovator, after schlepping through the painful wilderness for so long. In 2020, Tesla will have to face a much more competitive landscape, now that most of the obstacles in the EV marketplace have been eliminated. The following is CNET’s Road Show’s official 2020 EV lineup by range:

Tesla Model S |373 miles | $79,990
Tesla Model 3 | Long Range 330 miles | $44,500
Tesla Model X | 328 miles | $81,000
Chevrolet Bolt EV | 259 miles | $36,620
Hyundai Kona Electric | 258 miles | $36,990
Kia Niro EV (SUV) | 239 miles | $38,500
Jaguar I-Pace | 234 miles | $69,850
Nissan Leaf Plus | 226 miles | $36,550
Audi e-tron | 204 miles | $75,000
Porsche Taycan | 201 miles | $150,900
BMW i3 | 153 miles | $44,450
Nissan Leaf | 150 miles | $29,990
Mini Cooper SE | 110 miles | $20,000
Honda Clarity Electric | 89 miles | lease only

Very extensive options. But the Tesla Model 3 certainly shines amongst its peers.~

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is gallantarcher_3d_socialmedia.jpg

2020, National Security, Senate, Trump January 22, 2020January 22, 2020

1am White House Counsel Meltdown | John Bolton Matters

Washington (GGM) Analysis | January 22, 2020
by Noreen Wise

In the wee hours of the morning, between midnight and 1:00 AM Wednesday January 22, 2020, the GOP suffered a significant unforced error.

Technically the error wasn’t unforced, but rather a knee-jerk response to Jerry Nadler’s exceptional presentation of irrefutable facts that were impossible to dispute. Nadler’s skillful ability to outline what appears to be Bolton’s critical knowledge, followed by the questions that only Bolton would be able to answer, left viewers feeling very confident that GOP Senators would be forced to agree to Bolton being subpoenaed, for how could they not? What could Cipollone and Sekulow possibly say in response to Nadler?

White House Counsel Pat Cipollone, then appeared at the mic. His obvious anger at being cornered, resulted in what could only be described as “deranged.” Cipollone demanded that Nadler apologize for what he said, and for his “lies.” His tone was that of alarm. This created cognitive dissonance for viewers, who were aware of the facts, and had followed the House Impeachment Hearings.

Jay Sekulow jumped up and took the mic. Perhaps it was one too many Red Bulls, or the late hour after a marathon day of conflicted debates, but whatever it was, Sekulow’s guard was down. He sounded shrill and panicked over Nadler’s compelling facts, and the significance of Bolton in the impeachment trial outcome.

It suddenly became abundantly clear that what McConnell never anticipated, was that the 12 hour day might create human vulnerabilities that no one can predict. Very scientific human vulnerabilities, such as the impact sleep deprivation has on our response to stress. Whatever it was, the outcome was significant and blatant.

Nadler’s focus on Bolton, during which he outlined impactful facts and questions, caused a major stress reaction in the White House counsel. Nadler seemed startled by the unexpected commotion.

John Roberts stepped in to admonish both sides, reminding everyone about where they were.

The takeaway? John Bolton matters. John Bolton’s testimony is absolutely critical and appears to be the very evidence that will hang Donald Trump, and result in his removal from office.

John Bolton must be protected until he can testify.

2020, Gun Safety Legislation, National Security January 19, 2020January 19, 2020

Virginia’s Gun Rights Rally | What Virginian George Washington Proved About Guns

Washington (GGM) Analysis | January 19, 2020
by Noreen Wise

As the state of Virginia braces for what many fear may become Charlottesville Part 2, with 2A activists from around the country descending on Richmond, VA tomorrow,
Monday January 20, 2020 — Martin Luther King Day — it behooves all of us to remember that George Washington won the Revolutionary War with his rag-tag revolutionary fighters, the militia, by outsmarting the mighty British Royal Army, not by out gunning them.

When the Revolutionary War began on April 19, 1775, the British Army was the fiercest, most powerful army in the world. America had very little expectation of winning our lasting freedom from Britain.

However, George Washington was determined, none the less. Washington proved to be a brilliant military tactician, and calculated that if we couldn’t win with guns, with weaponry, we could win with smarts, our intelligence, in this case through deception. Washington masterfully pieced together a covert citizen spy ring, operating out of NYC and Long Island, the secret six. The mission: take back NYC and win the war.

Unbelievably, they succeeded, despite Benedict Arnold’s treasonous plot to turn over West Point to the British. Washington’s success was surely the result of Britain’s absolute faith and reliance on weapons.

So let’s keep this in mind tomorrow. May cooler heads prevail, and be reminded of George Washington’s enduring lesson, the one which our democracy was basically founded upon, that smarts are more valuable and effective than guns. American independence and our American democracy came to fruition through intelligence. Yes, protecting our rights, and acknowledging the rights of Americans to bear arms is very important, but must be filtered through the reality of the lens of modern times. Guns are one of the many tools required to maintain our freedom and secure our nation, of course, but gun rights aren’t meant to come at the exclusion of all else. Rather, they must be balanced alongside everything else. George Washington proved this.~