New Documentary Reveals Biomass Incineration Impacts
Earth Day 2019
Sierra Club California Summit: New Venue, New Format
New Documentary Reveals Biomass Incineration Impacts
By Daniel Barad
The documentary film Burned: Are Trees the New Coal? exposes the impacts of biomass incineration on forests, public health and the climate. Burned is produced by documentary film company Marlboro Productions and is available for free online streaming during the next three months.
Sierra Club California actively opposes large-scale biomass incinerators in the state. California’s 22 active biomass incinerators use outdated emission controls and release harmful air pollutants in high volumes. Biomass incineration in these plants also emits more CO2 than fossil fuels.
Despite their significant harms, biomass incinerators are designated as renewable energy sources in California. Their use for electricity generation displaces zero-carbon renewables like wind and solar because of this outdated classification.
The greenwashing of biomass incineration is not unique to California. Burned focuses on the southeastern United States where forests are clear cut, loaded onto cargo ships and incinerated in Europe and Eastern Asia. The energy produced as a result of this process is considered “renewable” and is counted towards their clean energy targets.
Burned disproves the fallacious science the biomass industry employs, reveals the real-life impacts of biomass incinerators, and shows the outstanding work of environmentalist activists who are pushing back.
Burned is an important and entertaining documentary. Click here to watch it on your next family movie night. Better yet, throw a viewing party and invite your friends, neighbors and fellow Sierra Club members.
And don’t let the fun stop there. Reach out to me after you have watched the movie at daniel.barad@sierraclub.org to learn more about what Sierra Club California is doing to oppose large-scale biomass incineration in our state and what you can do to help.
By Molly Culton
"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot,
Nothing is going to get better. It's not."
― Dr. Seuss, The Lorax
Monday, April 22 marks the 49th Earth Day celebration.
While every day is Earth Day here at Sierra Club California, this special day celebrates "the only home we’ve ever known". It’s a time to reflect on the impacts of human civilization to this planet and work towards building a more sustainable future.
Join your community and bring your friends and family to the fun. There are (FREE!) celebrations taking place all across the state. Check out the list below to find an event near you.
Berkeley: Berkeley Earth Day and the Wild and Scenic Film Festival, April 21, 10am - 5pm at the David Brower Center. Meet and connect with other environmentally conscious folks while enjoying food, films and more!
Chico: Earth Day at Chico State, April 22, 10am - 2pm at Trinity Commons on the CSU campus. Stop by for a sustainable clothing swap and a pop-up pantry with organic veggies.
Los Angeles: Earth Day LA, April 27, 8:30am - 1:30pm at Sun Valley Rec Center. Come plant trees with Councilmember Nury Martinez, CalFire and the Los Angeles Conservation Corps.
Oakland: Oakland Earth Day, April 20, all day, locations vary. Participate in cleanup, restoration and beautification projects all over Oakland -- including parks, creeks and neighborhoods. Tools will be provided.
Redding: Whole Earth & Watershed Festival, April 20, 11am - 5pm at Redding City Hall and Sculpture Park. With over 150 exhibitors, keynote speakers, an eco-fashion show, food, live music and beer -- it’s sure to be a great time!
Sacramento: Sac Earth Day, April 28, 11am - 4pm in Southside Park. Come enjoy delicious vegan food, live entertainment and crafts from local artists
Also, volunteer with One Tree Planted and plant some trees on April 22, 9am - 12pm at Bear River Habitat Trail (Olivehurst, CA).
San Diego: EarthFair 2019, April 28, 10am - 5pm in Balboa Park. Drawing around 60,000 visitors each year, it’s “the world's largest free Environmental Fair and Earth Day Celebration.” You won’t wanna miss it!
San Francisco: SF Earth Day in the Mission District, April 20, 11am - 7pm. The theme is “Green New Deal”. Enjoy live music on solar powered stages while learning about energy conservation and clean energy technology.
Santa Barbara: Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival, April 26- April 28 in Alameda Park. Three days of live music, arts and crafts, and hundreds of local vendors. Why have one day of earth-loving fun when you can have three?
Santa Cruz: Earth Day Santa Cruz, April 20, 11am - 4pm in San Lorenzo Park. Join us for an electric vehicle showcase, a photo booth, face painting and a climbing wall for kids.
Sierra Club California Summit: New Venue, New Format
By Kathryn Phillips
Sierra Club California’s annual summit will be moving to Southern California this year and reformatting to a one-day event.
The summit will be held in Pasadena, at Pasadena City College, on Saturday, October 26.
With the move of this annual event to a more urban location, the opportunity for Sierra Club members and allies to learn about key environmental issues and get involved with Sierra Club California will be easier than ever.
Among the topics that will be covered by panels of experts and activists this year will be clean transportation for all, clean water for all, and how to incorporate equity and justice into environmental activism.
The planning committee has also invited a terrific L.A.-based keynote speaker (to be announced in a future newsletter).
And there will be a chance to brainstorm about bill ideas and network with elected officials.
So save the date and make plans to be in Pasadena on Saturday, October 26. Watch this newsletter and our website for more details as the date approaches, including registration details.
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