Eco friendly hurricane preparedness? Why does it matter?

I’ve lived through Hurricanes Bob, Ernesto, Fran, Irene, Isabel, Jeanne, and Sandy, which was so fierce it was called a superstorm. I’ve had to survive several “derechos,” too. Plus, just three months ago, I was trapped for three hours in a terrifying flood and had to be rescued by first responders.

Especially with hurricanes, you know they’re coming, and you want to do everything possible to be prepared.  But before you rush out and buy cases of plastic bottled water, crates of paper plates, and bulk bags of single-serving plastic-wrapped food, take a pause.

You don’t need to give up your green lifestyle simply because a hurricane is coming your way!

Check out these 10 eco friendly survival tips. They are the same ones I follow whenever I’m faced with a hurricane or other natural disaster. I hope they’ll help you, too.

Eco Friendly Hurricane Preparedness Survival Guide

Here’s what you may need both during and after a hurricane – and how to keep it green.

Note: For convenience, I’ve provided Amazon links so you can see what I’m talking about. Plus, if you need these soon, you can get them delivered quickly. You may also be able to find most of these items at your local hardware or grocery store. If you do buy them at Amazon, I’ll earn a teeny, tiny commission that helps Big Green Purse bring you helpful info just like this. Thanks!

DRINKING WATER

You could lose access to your water supply if pumps stop working or if the supply becomes contaminated because there’s some kind of breakdown at your water treatment plant.

Authorities recommend you have a three day supply of water on hand for every person in your household. That means about three gallons of water per person, to use for drinking as well as cleaning.

Rather than buy cases of plastic water bottles, fill up gallon-sized water jugs with filtered tap water. You can also use pitchers, Thermoses, large water bottles and even cooking pots.

The LifeStaw Personal Water Filter removes bacteria, parasites and even microplastics so you have drinking water wherever you need it.

Large reusable water jugs are also a good option. Though I almost never recommend buying plastic,  reusable jugs that are used only occasionally can help you avoid dozens of single-use throwaways.

Here are two options. Both are collapsible, so you can store them and save them for the next emergency.

Wash all the containers well in hot water. Wait until the day the weather event begins. Then, fill up your containers and cover them tightly, then use sparingly as needed. The water should easily last for three days.

Don’t leave plastic containers in the hot sun.

Once they’re empty, let them dry out completely, then store them in a cool, dry place.

Finally, if you must buy bottled water, choose the largest containers rather than cases of single-use throwaways.

Need a new water bottle? Here are 5 we like!

PERSONAL HYGIENE

If by chance you do lose water, you’re still going to want to clean up.

Each person should have a washcloth available for their hands and face and a sponge bath or two.

You’ll find lots of soft organic cotton wash cloths here, as well as those made from bamboo.

Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Soap could come in handy as well. Get the unscented soap and use it for personal hygiene and to wash dishes.

Just remember that any soapy water can contaminate other water supplies, so if you pour soapy water out, make sure you do so at least 200 feet from a storm drain, creek or river.

Once an emergency has passed, this is still a great soap to use around the house.

Skip the antibacterial hand cleaners, but if you do need handi-wipes, look for those made with plant-based ingredients free of alcohol, parabens, sulfates, phthalates, artificial dyes, fragrances, and triclosan.

Babyganics Hand and Face Wipes is one option. Honest Co. is another.

NOTE: Baby wipes are NOT biodegradable. Nor should you flush them down a toilet. Check with your municipality as to whether they can be recycled in your community.

FOOD

Have food on hand that doesn’t require refrigeration or cooking. This could include canned tuna and other fish; dried cereal; fresh and dried fruit; peanut butter and jelly; snacks and cookies; soups; and breads and crackers.

If buying canned tuna and salmon, the two brands I think taste best are Sustainable Seas and Wild Planet.

Sustainable Seas sources tuna caught only by pole and line.

That way, there are no other fish or sea creatures unnecessarily caught in nets and killed.

Sustainable Seas is endorsed by The Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch Program and the Blue Ocean Institute. Plus, it tastes good!

Wild Planet sells salmon, tuna, sardines, anchovies, and more.

The pink salmon is really delicious, and can be eaten right from the can or mixed with a little mustard or other condiment.

Like Sustainable Seas, Wild Planet sources its tuna only from pole or troll catch fisheries, not purse seine nets that catch a lot of other fish or sea animals.

Other Food Tips:

In the event of a power outage, keep freezer closed. Open the refrigerator minimally and quickly. Make ice in advance and as soon as the power goes out, put big blocks of ice or ice cubes in your refrigerator to help keep it cool. Have a cooler out and ready if needed.

POWDERED, BOXED OR CANNED MILK AND MILK SUBSTITUTES

If you lose power, one of the first foods to spoil could be your milk. I personally love milk in my coffee and tea, so I always make sure I have some kind of milk on hand in the event of an emergency.

Though I don’t make a habit of buying single-serving milk, I keep a few cartons of single-serving organic milk boxes in my pantry for emergencies.

If you live dairy-free and prefer almond milk, you can also find single servings in a variety of flavors.

Brands like Silk are organic and Non-gmo verified.

COOKSTOVE OR GRILL

I have a gas stove, so even when I lose power I can cook because I can use a match to light a burner.

If you have an outdoor grill, make sure you have enough propane to meet your cooking needs for as long as the power outage lasts.

Skip a charcoal grill as they generate a lot of air pollution.

Here are some camping stoves that work well and are good to have around in a power outage.

Solar ovens could also come in handy – once the sun starts shining again!

LIGHTING

Candles – Avoid using tapers or any candle that could easily tip over and start a fire. Choose beeswax or soy candles, which are healthier than paraffin candles that emit air pollution.

This 100% beeswax emergency candle won’t tip over, and it will give off a lot of light.

You can also group tea light candles together to create a cozy light source. Keep them on a tray or dish, not just on your table or counter, and definitely don’t put them on paper as a precaution against fire.

LuminAid – LuminAID solar lanterns are inflatable and can be charged either by the sun or USB port. That means you can also use them to charge a cell phone.

I like this company because they also provide emergency relief to communities that are hard hit by storms.

They were very active in bringing lighting to residents in Puerto Rico after hurricanes there demolished the island power plants.

Head Lamp – The beauty of a head lamp is that it shines light in the direction you’re looking while freeing up your hands so you can do other activities.

This headlamp uses rechargeable batteries and shines enough light for reading, cooking and anything else you may need to do to make a power outage more tolerable.

Flashlights – LED flashlights give off very bright light. Most of them are battery powered, so if you opt for battery flashlights, use rechargeable batteries like this one does.

Rechargeable Batteries and Charger – You can get rechargers for most batteries. Recharging batteries reduces the number of batteries you’ll use over time.

My Big Green Purse community recommends using Energizer rechargeable batteries and the charger they come with, rather than a generic brand.

Solar Garden Lights – One Big Green Purse reader brings her solar powered garden lights in from outdoors and takes advantage of the light they emit. Brilliant!

DISHES and DINING

Resist the urge to buy a stack of paper plates, plastic forks and knives, and paper napkins. Greener options include:

Reusable plastic, like the options made by Preserve.

Again, I don’t advocate buying much plastic at all.

But these won’t break, so if you can’t wash them right away, you don’t have to worry about storing them. And once you get them, you can use them for picnics and parties, too.

Corelle – One Big Green Purse readers uses Corelle dinnerware as her back-up, not just for emergencies but for parties, too.

Corelle is extremely durable and doesn’t easily break so, like Preserve, could be a good option if you can’t wash it right away.

Another advantage of Corelle is that it is quite thin; it won’t take up a lot of room when you store it.

Camping plates – If you already go camping, you probably have a set of metal plates, bowls, cups, and cutlery.

If you don’t but your area is prone to power outages and other emergencies, now might be a time to get a set. These are indestructible, easy to store, and easy to clean.

If you don’t have the water to wash your dishes off right away, wipe them off with a damp sponge until you can. Dip them in a pot of water that you’ve added a couple of drops of bleach to if you need to reuse them; the bleach will help disinfect them.

By the way, reduce the need for dishes in the first place. Focus on one-plate or one-bowl meals and lots of finger foods.

Just in case you want to turn an emergency into a party,
don’t miss our post on plastic-free party supplies!

HAND CRANK RADIO

If you lose internet access, you can stay up-to-date on what’s happening by listening to a radio.

I personally prefer a radio like this one: it can be hand cranked when you have absolutely no power, but can also be charged by solar or battery.

It includes a flashlight and a port so you charge your cell phone, too.

CHARGERS

You’ll want to keep phones and other mobile devices charged, and possibly your lap top or computer.

Charge everything up in advance, and charge portable battery packs as well.

Car Lighter Charger – plug into your car’s cigarette lighter, or to the USB port in newer cars

Solar Chargers – There are a wide variety available to charge phones and other mobile devices, as well as laptops.

Keep in mind that if it’s stormy and cloudy, there may not be enough sun to charge your device. Charge them in advance, and recharge them when there’s enough sun to do so!

TRASH BAGS

If you end up with debris that can’t be recycled, use trash bags made from recycled materials, like these.

They’re made from 70% certified post consumer recycled materials and belong to 1% For the Planet.

I’d love to hear about how you prepare for a hurricane or other emergency.

Plus, please let me know if you have any recommendations for our eco friendly hurricane preparedness survival guide. What products and services make your life easier during a power outage or other natural disaster?

The post Eco Friendly Hurricane Preparedness Survival Guide appeared first on Big Green Purse.

Hurricane Harvey offered a grim reminder that there are still two months left in the official hurricane season. But when hurricane season ends, there could still be tornadoes, fires, blizzards and other extreme weather events. For the next few posts, I’m going to provide lists of and links to eco friendly emergency supplies that I hope will make it easier for you to deal with whatever disaster comes your way. They’re the same supplies I use in my own home, so I know they can come in handy if you lose power or water.

For today, here’s a general list of the supplies you need to get through the initial shock of a disaster, based on the recommendations of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Build Your Kit of Eco Friendly Emergency Supplies

Make sure your emergency kit is stocked with the items on the checklist below. Most of the items are inexpensive and easy to find, and any one of them could save your life.

Also, consider what unique needs your family might have, such as supplies for pets, seniors, or people with disabilities.

After an emergency, you may need to survive on your own for several days. Being prepared means having your own food, water and other supplies to last for at least 72 hours. Use this list as a starting point to figure out what you and your family need to make it through the first few days after a disaster strikes.

Basic Disaster Supplies Kit

As you assemble your kit, store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as waterproof plastic bins or a waterproof backpack.

A basic emergency supply kit should include the following recommended items:

• Water – One gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
• Water filter (Here’s a link to the LifeStraw pictured below; more options coming soon)
• Food – at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio (pictured right) with smart phone charger and flashlight, plus a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
• Flashlight with solar rechargeable batteries or a crank recharger
• First aid kit
• Extra rechargeable batteries
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask to help filter contaminated air
• Sleeping bags
• Tent or plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Manual can opener for food
• Local printed maps; don’t rely on being able to use Google Maps or Waze, as telecommunications and electricity may be down
• Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
• Waterproof poncho

Additional Emergency Supplies

Consider adding the following items to your emergency supply kit based on your individual needs:

• Prescription medications
• Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives
• Glasses and contact lense solution
• Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, diaper rash cream
• Pet food and extra water for your pet
• Cash or traveler’s checks
• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container
• Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes or boots
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
• Reusable mess kits, reusable stainless steel cups, plates, and cutlery
• Paper and pencil
• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

Keep your kit in a designated place and have it ready in case you need to leave your home quickly. Make sure all family members know where to find the kit.

If you think you may need to evacuate your home, put the kit right by your door or in your car so it is ready to go when you are.

The post Eco Friendly Emergency Supplies That Will Make Dealing With Disasters Easier appeared first on Big Green Purse.

Hurricane Harvey is not featured in Al Gore’s important new film, “An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power.” Ten years ago, when the Nobel Prize winner made “An Inconvenient Truth,” his first movie about climate change, a storm the size of Harvey was still theoretical. And there still seemed to be time to reverse the catastrophic effects burning coal and oil causes by sending billions of tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

But as Harvey has shown, time is running out. And as Gore shows in this sequel to the original blockbuster, that’s not just true in the U.S., but all over the world.

Apart from understanding the forces – natural and man made – that turned Harvey into the worst storm America has ever experienced, “An Inconvenient Sequel” is worth watching for three riveting reasons.

Why “An Inconvenient Sequel” is Worth Watching

First, it lays bare the impact climate change is having on humanity.

See: How Climate Change Makes Poison Ivy Worse

In one of the most heartbreaking and powerful scenes in the film, workers in Pakistan, anticipating the hundreds and possibly thousands of people who will die from a coming extreme heat wave, dig early graves for the hundreds and possibly thousands of people who will die when the heat wave hits.

In another stunning clip, people in India can’t walk across the street without their hot shoes literally melting into the black top.

Footage of the spread of the Zika virus and the devastation caused by Superstorm Sandy all further illustrate that climate change impacts are no longer a matter of “if” but of “how bad?”

Second, the film depicts just how viable getting energy from solar and wind has become. Says Gore, “If you look at what’s really happening in the economy, the economic argument actually is very strongly in favor of the Paris Agreement,” the international accord that encourages every country on the planet, including the U.S., to voluntarily commit to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions.

There are now twice as many jobs in the solar industry as in the coal industry, Gore reports. “Solar jobs are growing 17 times faster than other jobs in the U.S…. It’s one of the brightest spots in our economic revival.”

The single fastest-growing job over the next ten years, says Gore citing Bureau of Labor Statistics data, is wind turbine technician. “If you take the efficiency jobs and the renewable energy jobs and add them together, they’re significantly more numerous now than all of the jobs in fossil energy,” he continues.

What does the Pope think about climate change? See: Pope Francis Climate Change Message Calls for “Revolution” 

In the film, Gore visits Georgetown, Texas, “the reddest city in the reddest county in the reddest state” in the U.S., Mayor Dale Ross proudly reports. And yet, they’ve committed to going 100% renewable because it’s cleaner, more economical and the wave of the future.

Declares Mayor Ross, “The less junk you put in the air, the better.” Dohhh!

Third, Gore shows some of the inside workings that led to the unprecedented success of the Paris climate agreements. He does not mask his disdain for President Trump’s decision to withdraw the U.S. from those agreements.

Gore credits one unexpected actor with having a particularly outsized role in helping to convince the public that climate change is real: Mother Nature.

“Mother Nature has entered the debate,” he says, which is obvious in the wake of Hurricane Harvey.

“In the last seven years we’ve had 11 “One-in-1,000-year” downpours in the U.S. We have these floods, and droughts, and sea level rise events, and the melting ice, and tropical diseases. Every night now on the television news is like a nature hike through the book of Revelation.

“Even if some of the newscasters don’t connect the dots, people themselves are. People who don’t want to use the phrase “global warming” or “climate crisis” are saying, “Wait a minute. Something’s going on here that’s not right.”

“Mother Nature is persuading a lot of people who weren’t ready to believe what the scientists were saying.”

As Gore reflects on this, he projects the questions he expects future generations will ask:

“What were you thinking?!!”

“Couldn’t you hear what Mother Nature was screaming at you?”

An Inconvenient Sequel starts off a bit slowly, with a long focus on Al Gore himself and his day-to-day work networking, advocating, and the workshops he still gives to train climate change activists to carry his message into their communities.

There also could have been a much bigger focus on energy efficiency as another important solution to climate change.

While people argue about whether to use coal or wind, no one should be debating insulating their homes, pumping up their tires, or reducing the energy that’s lost when power is produced so many hundreds of miles away from where it’s actually needed that it needs to be sent along transmission lines that leak power all along the route.

But those are minor objections. Overall, this film does a terrific job showing the human impact of climate change while convincingly making the case for solar and wind to become the dominant sources of electricity.

Plus, its calls to action, though few, are eminently achievable. In “An Inconvenient Truth,” so many suggestions rolled across the screen that even my eyes glazed over. And besides, how many lightbulbs can one person change?

The recommendation at the end of “Sequel” is solid and unequivocal: Convince your town to go 100% renewable.

Yes. Absolutely.

Says Gore: “If President Trump refuses to lead, the American People will.”

So follow the recommendation of the film’s hashtag and “#beinconvenient.”

Al Gore – and Mother Nature – expect no less.

The post “An Inconvenient Sequel” Shows Hurricane Harvey Did Not Have to Happen appeared first on Big Green Purse.

WHAT ARE SOLAR CHARGING TABLES?

Increasingly, communities are turning to compact solar energy charging stations to help meet energy demand. One of the most flexible and easy-to-install that I’ve seen is the ConnecTable Solar Charging Station, produced by CarrierClass Green Infrastructure.

The ConnecTable resembles a nicely designed picnic or cafe table with one notable addition. It has an “umbrella” made from photovoltaic cells that convert solar energy into electricity. Sockets on the PV pole let consumers plug in to charge cell phones, iPads, lap tops and other mobile devices. They can also be used by crews in times of emergency to power any number of communications devices.

A big benefit of the ConnecTable is its portability. While some models can permanently be installed at college campuses, office complexes, resorts, parks, or shopping malls, they can also be brought in if an area’s utility grid goes down as a result of a big storm or other natural disaster. While several people can sit around one table, multiple tables can be combined to form a micro grid and backup power source during extended power outages.

As for affordability, qualifying organizations may be eligible for low-interest financing of the tables through the Sustainable Energy Fund. Tables qualify for the 30% investment tax credit offered to businesses that install solar. Colleges can also use designated green funds to purchase tables.

Keep an eye on other products CarrierClass Green Infrastructure (CCGI) has in the works. The company designs, sells and installs solar electric, solar thermal and custom off-grid solar power products for both commercial and residential customers.  As the reliability of traditional power supplies come into question, innovative solar technologies like those being developed by CCGI can be expected to play an increasingly important role in helping all of us stay plugged in.

Related articles

Rechargeable Batteries and Eco-Friendly Flashlights Will Help You Survive the Next Power Outtage

The post Solar Charging Tables Power Up Campuses, Malls, Disaster Areas & More appeared first on Big Green Purse.

At a conference I recently attended on rebuilding sustainably after natural disasters strike, the audience of educators, first responders, disaster experts, scientists, elected officials, public interest advocates and business leaders all agreed: most people do not have enough natural disaster insurance to protect themselves if a hurricane, storm, flood or fire hits. As the sponsor of this post, the Australian insurer HBF also points out that most travelers don’t carry adequate insurance in the event their holiday or business trip is disrupted by a natural disaster, either.

HOW MUCH NATURAL DISASTER INSURANCE DO YOU NEED?

Homeowners, renters and businesses should all have standard policies that protect loss and damage under relatively conventional conditions – a random fire, the unexpected tree falling on the roof.  But for catastrophic coverage? The answer to this question depends, to a great degree, on where you live and what your current policy covers. Areas subject to earthquakes, floods, hurricanes and frequent fires generally won’t find their damage covered by the standard policy.  Even if standard policies do cover structural damage related to a natural disaster, they may not cover total property lost. (When Superstorm Sandy came through my town last year, my standard homeowner’s policy covered damage to my roof and the internal painting and drywalling needed  to repair water damage in my living room. However, when my town experienced an earthquake a few years ago, my policy did not cover the repairs needed to replace cracked drywall.)

It makes sense to speak with your current insurer to be clear on what losses are covered, and which ones aren’t. “Disaster” policies can come with expensive price tags and high deductibles, so before you buy, calculate not only what you can afford but what it would cost to rebuild your home or replace your belongings.  For more suggestions on how to insure your home against natural disasters, visit United Policyholders, a non-profit organization offering useful consumer advice.

WHAT ABOUT TRAVEL INSURANCE?

I personally believe it makes sense to buy travel insurance to cover any trip costing more than $200. The price is usually very affordable, adding negligible cost to the overall ticket, and it comes in handy even if a trip is not disrupted by a disaster but needs to be cancelled or postponed for another reason. (I bought insurance on a family vacation I planned last winter, only to have to cancel the trip when my father passed away. I received the insurance reimbursement on the trip within a week or two of filing my claim.)

It’s also a good idea to buy coverage in case you need to be evacuated. What if the country you’re visiting is unexpectedly overwhelmed by a tsunami or a political revolution? Or you fall down the Matterhorn and break your leg? You may need to make a (relatively) quick exit or cover medical bills your own country insurance does not.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS IS KEY

The key is to be prepared. At home or for your business, review your existing policy, discuss your disaster risk with your insurance agent, and consider adding additional coverage if you can afford it and it will help you recover more quickly.

 When you travel,  take into account where you are going, what you’ll be doing when you get there, and what you might need to get medical treatment on the spot, or even leave your destination sooner than anticipated. Ask insurance companies like HBF for travel insurance quotes so you can make the best decision possible to protect yourself, your family, and your property.

NOTE: Our sponsors allow us to bring you useful information like this at no cost to you. Our editorial opinion remains our own. Thank you.

The post With More Natural Disasters, Do You Need More — or Different — Insurance? appeared first on Big Green Purse.

But for children in the Philippines and Syria, that definitely is not the case. And even though those places may be worlds away from you, I hope you’ll stop for a moment, read about the plight little ones in these two forlorn countries face and, through UNICEF Australia, decide there is something you can do to help.

THE PHILIPPINES

On Friday, November 8, a powerful typhoon called Haiyan struck the Philippines. You probably saw some of the initial news reports about the typhoon’s impact on communities across the country. Powerful winds ripped roofs off housing and uprooted trees. Flooding and the collapse of buildings killed thousands of people. Parents were separated from their children; millions of people lost their homes, their belongings, and their livelihoods.

Among other services, UNICEF is helping to reunite families and provide clean water and simple shelter. I was particularly moved by the story of five siblings who somehow managed to survive the typhoon. The oldest, an 18-year-old boy, stayed alive by clinging to the top of a tree branch with one arm while he held a younger brother with the other. His sister also wrapped her arms around a tree to keep from drowning when flood waters surged through their neighborhood. The three children have no idea how their younger brothers outlasted the storm, but they did, and were found sitting in the sand in front of what used to be their home. Their parents are gone.

UNICEF has opened a Child Friendly Space at a school where these kids and others are staying. The non-profit charity is providing food, water, and even technology to help the kids find extended family members who will take them in. But with all the children orphaned by Haiyan, this is an extremely daunting task. Your donation will help. As little as $41 will provide emergency food rations to nourish children and families. For $93, you can provide 7 heavy duty tarpaulin sets to shelter children who have lost their homes. And $140 can provide a basic family water kit for 10 families containing water purification tablets, soap and buckets.

Please respond to UNICEF’s Philippines Typhoon Haiyan Appeal today.

SYRIA

The war in Syria is also taking its greatest toll on the children who live there. Of the two million Syrians who have been forced to flee their homes, half are kids.

Exploding bombs and battle zones have created hell on earth for these youngsters. Because the country’s economy has collapsed, food is scarce and illness is rampant: more than a third of all hospitals in the country have closed. Says UNICEF, “An entire generation of Syrian children is at risk, growing up traumatised. They need shelter, clean water, medicine, food and education.”

That’s where you come in. For just $50, you can help buy clothes, blankets and other essentials for a family that had to leave everything behind when they fled their home. Help keep kids learning by sending $100, which will buy 122 exercise books and 1,818 pencils to maintain schooling for children who have suffered trauma. Whatever amount you can donate, UNICEF will put to good use, providing food, clothing, water, medicine and perhaps most importantly, a safe haven for kids who should be playing with balls, not worrying about bombs.

Donate today to help kids suffering in the Syria crisis. Thank you.

NOTE: We are grateful to UNICEF Australia for sponsoring this post and giving us the chance to tell you about ways you can help children in Syria and the Philippines overcome the trauma of natural disaster and war.

The post Children Slammed by Typhoons, War Need Your Help – Today. appeared first on Big Green Purse.

 On Sunday, November 17, 81 tornadoes hammered southeastern Illinois, impacting as many as nine states total, killing eight people, flattening hundreds of homes, and decimating farms and businesses. At one point, more than 19,000 people were without power.  Illinois Governor Patrick Quinn declared a state of emergency for seven counties. Said meteorologist Tom Skilling of Chicago’s WGN TV, “The storm may have produced the most powerful Illinois November tornado on record outside of St. Louis (and possibly elsewhere) and maybe one of the four most intense Great Lakes storms of the past five decades.”

 Just looking at the pictures of the devastation makes me shudder. I can’t imagine how terrifying it must have been to live through it, or how discouraging it must be for those who are sifting through the rubble for their personal belongings and wondering where they’re going to sleep, let alone live.

They’re also facing an important and not necessarily clear decision. Should they rebuild? And if so, how?

Ironically, these were exactly the same questions being debated in St. Louis at the Sustainable Disaster Recovery Conference just two days before the tornadoes exploded across the Midwest. The conference was convened by St. Louis University’s Center for Sustainability (SLU), Greensburg GreenTown, and GreenTown Joplin. Citizens in Greensburg and Joplin have become experts on tornadoes. Greensburg, Kansas was a small town of a little more than a thousand residents when 95% of it was wiped off the map by an EF-5 hurricane in 2007. Joplin, Missouri was almost as badly damaged when a tornado ravaged nearly 8,000 housing units and hundreds of businesses in 2011.

Both Greensburg and Joplin have made bold and inspiring commitments to rebuild their communities to be as sustainable as possible. In convening the Sustainable Disaster Recovery Conference with SLU, organizers hoped to raise awareness about the role sustainability can play in disaster response and recovery wherever the need arises. They put a particular focus on pre-disaster planning, emergency response, long-term recovery, and community resilience.   

The question of resilience came up over and over again during the two-day conference, as different speakers articulated what resilience means to them and their communities. The definition that clarified the concept for me was simply this:

Resilience is the ability to adapt to changing conditions and withstand and rapidly recover from disruptions due to emergencies.

Experts from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the American Association of Planners, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development all stressed how much advance planning increases resilience and recovery. Specifically, pre-planning helps in two important ways. First, it lessons the damage and injury a disaster will do. Second, it empowers communities and individuals to take charge of the recovery process, helping to reduce the sense of despair and hopelessness that might otherwise set in while speeding recovery and reducing the cost of rebuilding, should individuals, businesses and communities decide to do so.

 Daniel Wallach, the Founder and Executive Director of Greensburg GreenTown and GreenTown Joplin (pictured here on the left with Steve Hewitt, the former Greensburg City Administrator), noted that the most essential question citizens, elected officials, and business leaders must ask following any disaster is:

“What kind of community do we want after a disaster destroys the one we know?”

Coalitions of citizens, government institutions, and community organizations in Greensburg and Joplin have resoundingly answered that question by becoming shining examples of “green” rebuilding post-disaster. They’ve also shown that being able to successfully turn a vision of resilience into a reality is a challenge that requires the cooperation of local, state and federal agencies as well as the engagement of citizens who represent all sectors of society.

Added Steve Hewitt, as terrible as a disaster is, it creates “a blank canvas” and “a perfect opportunity” to create the kind of community we want for ourselves and our kids. He remains enthusiastic about rebuilding green because “it’s smart…a total no brainer! Rebuilding green creates jobs, promotes health, is fiscally responsible, practical, and creates new opportunities.”

Noted David Webb, Program Manager for the Center for Sustainability and the coordinator of the Conference, “Natural disasters of all kinds are showing signs of increased frequency and intensity, a recurring phenomenon that some scientists have referred to as “serial weather.”  The consequences are devastating to be sure but, like phoenixes rising from the ashes, towns and communities all over our nation and the world at large are emerging stronger and more resilient in the wake of devastating tragedies.

“Sustainable disaster recovery weaves the principles of sustainability into the systemic process of planning for, responding to, and recovering from (short- and long-term) natural disasters. In other words, sustainable disaster recovery,” concluded Webb, “is about planning and (re)constructing stronger, livable communities that are as efficient as they are resilient.  It’s never too early to start thinking about what to do when the “unthinkable” happens.” 

FOR MORE INFORMATION

To learn more about how communities can rebuild sustainably after natural disasters, please see the following:

 Greensburg GreenTown is a nonprofit organization established to help the people of Greensburg, Kansas rebuild as a model “green” community following the devastating tornado in May of 2007. The town has made a remarkable comeback, reinventing itself as a showcase for sustainable building and green living now recognized around the world. GreenTown works to make green building and living easily understood, appealing and accessible to all. 

GreenTown Joplin is a project of Greensburg GreenTown, the nonprofit organization that helped Greensburg, Kansas rebuild a “green,” energy-efficient community after the tornado of May 2007. GreenTown staff have been working in Joplin since August 2011, having assembled an advisory group of sustainability experts from the area who assist residents, business owners, and the City as they recover and rebuild after a devastating tornado hit the community in May of 2011. 

About the St. Louis University Center for Sustainability

Building on the Jesuit tradition of leadership and service, Saint Louis University’s Center for Sustainability uses interdisciplinary research, education, and development to advance sustainable approaches to the world’s social, economic and environmental challenges. The Center develops partnerships across businesses, government agencies, communities, and academic institutions that steward Earth’s resources to help build socially responsible, environmentally conscious, and economically prosperous communities.

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Rebuild Sustainably After Natural Disasters Strike

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Greensburg, Kansas provides a perfect example of how a town sheared down to the very ground it was built on has become a model of sustainability, not just for the U.S., but for the entire world.

At 9:45 pm on May 4, 2007, an EF5 tornado whipped through rural Greensburg, essentially destroying the entire town. (Photo at right from the GreensburgGreentown.org website; see more amazing photos on the blog of professional photographer Galen Buller.)

Within days, the community decided to rebuild their homes and businesses sustainably. Yes, they wanted to get their lives back on track. But they also wanted to create a “model green town” for the future. They formed a non-profit organization called Greensburg GreenTown, with an ambitious and inspiring vision (taken directly from their website, GreensburgGreentown.org):

Vision

Greensburg GreenTown exists to:

• Make it easier for residents to ascribe to and adhere to green practices, and to make green living appealing to people.
• Engage as many residents as possible in the enthusiastic pursuit of making Greensburg a model green community.
• Establish incentives in order to maximize the participation of businesses and residents in rebuilding Greensburg as a model green community.
• Bring in resources and support from around the country to make the dreams of Greensburg as a model green community a reality.
• Make it easier for builders, building supply companies, and local businesses to do business as green as possible.
• Work to spur economic development with a green emphasis.
• Serve the residents in an unbiased consumer advocate capacity, striving to get them the best value for their money as they rebuild their homes and businesses.

The impact that vision had on rebuilding led to substantial environmental gains for the community. When homes were rebuilt, they included:

* 400 dual-flush, low-flow toilets and dozens of water-saving sinks, estimated to now be saving up to 2,500,000 gallons of water per year over the pre-storm toilets

* 260 low-flow showerheads, saving the average family of three up to 2,700 gallons of water per year

* 300 sets of microfiber kitchen and bath cloths, saving every family that uses them money they might otherwise spend on paper towels (TADGreen, which donated the cloths, estimates that if each household in the U.S. replaced one roll of paper towels with an E-cloth, we could save 544,000 trees annually).

Residents also received instructions on how to use non-toxic products to clean their homes; reusable shopping bags to minimize use of disposable plastic bags; and subscriptions to Mother Earth News for regular information on topics like organic gardening and solar energy systems.

Meanwhile, a reclaimed lumber project was launched. Instead of dumping fallen trees in a landfill, the wood was salvaged so it could be used for furniture and trim. And thanks to energy efficiency improvements made when homes were rebuilt, the average Greensburg home now uses 41% less energy than a standard code home.

 On the business side, the town launched the Chain of Eco-Homes Project, a series of demonstration homes that feature a variety of building techniques, sizes, prices and energy-efficiency features. The Eco-Homes Project is intended to be the cornerstone of a new eco-tourism industry in Greensburg, where one of the first homes completed is also serving as an eco bed-and-breakfast for people who come to see and learn from these innovative Kansans.

Greensburg still has work to do to completely realize the inspiring vision it laid out when it created its Greentown idea. But it won’t be alone.  According to the non-profit Worldwatch Institute, in 2012, there were 905 natural catastrophes worldwide, 93 percent of which were related to tornados, hurricanes, floods, drought and other natural disasters. Here in the U.S. Hurricane Sandy and the devastation it caused in New York and New Jersey received much of the publicity, but the drought in the Midwest and floods in many other parts of the country have also left a wake of destruction that needs to be cleaned up and reclaimed.

And there’s more. As recently as last month, two massive tornadoes of equal power to the one that flattened Greensburg tore through Oklahoma. The first destroyed the city of Moore, a suburb of Oklahoma City; rebuilding it is estimated to cost $2 billion. The second ravaged an area 20 miles from Moore, with damage estimated to be in the hundreds of millions of dollars.

All of these communities can learn from Greensburg, and they should. While it can be hard for a home owner, local government, or business to feel they can afford to make sustainability upgrades to their existing homes and buildings, it only makes sense to do so when they’re rebuilding from scratch.

It also makes sense to do so as more and more scientific research links severe weather events to climate change. “Climate change” describes the alterations to climate and weather patterns that are occurring due to the build-up of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other gases in the atmosphere. CO2 comes from burning fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas. The only way to reduce CO2 build-up is to cut back on our use of fossil fuels. Greensburg, Kansas is showing us how to do that. Tornadoes, hurricanes and other extreme weather events are showing us that we must.

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BE PREPARED

* Stock up on flashlights, batteries, water, dry food, pet food, and candles before you need them. We were caught completely by surprise during the last storm, which knocked out power to our neighborhood for three-and-a-half days. Luckily, we had many of the devices I review below on hand; by the time we found an open store the next morning, they’d been cleaned out of almost all useful emergency supplies.

* Put emergency supplies where you can find them easily. I  keep two big bags full of battery-powered lamps, candles, flashlights and some snacks at the ready in the family room near our television set. The TV won’t work during a power outtage, but everyone knows where to find what they need to read or get around in the house.

* Create a checklist that’s relevant to your family, and review it with everyone in your household. Hopefully, in most cases, you won’t have to leave your home just because you lose your power. It’s a good idea to keep a bag packed with copies of your most important documents, medicine, and other essential items in case you need them.

SOLAR-POWERED BATTERIES 

Rechargeable batteries are terrific, but if your plug-in recharger uses electricity, it won’t help you much during an outtage. Keep a couple of solar-powered rechargers on hand to re-power the different sized batteries you may need. Or choose one versatile device, like the one pictured here, which is designed to charge 11 different types of batteries. A built-in meter shows you the strength of the sun, the strength of the current out-put from the solar panel, and the time required to fully charge the different types of batteries you have.  A built-in blocking diode prevents the reverse flow of electricity from charged batteries during storage.  A polycarbornate transparent cover makes the charger weather resistant. Though ideal in a power outtage, you can also use a recharger like this if you’re traveling, camping, boating, or anywhere else where you don’t have access to electricity.

SOLAR-POWERED FLASHLIGHTS

It’s pretty easy to power-up a solar flashlight – as long as you have sunlight and can set the light out where it gets full exposure for a few hours. This one  to the left is actually  two lights in one: an LED spotlight plus an adjustable LED lantern. You can recharge it by using its built-in solar panel or by drawing DC power from your vehicle’s cigarette lighter socket.

HAND-CRANKED FLASHLIGHTS & RADIOS 

Hand-cranked flashlights and radios are particularly convenient not only if you lose power, but if you have no sunlight for recharging your devices. I have a version of this model that I purchased after one outtage too many, which I keep in a handy kitchen drawer so I can find it any time I need it. What I like about it is that it has a great radio, built in flashlight, and a port so I can re-charge my cell phone as needed.

CHARGERS TO PLUG INTO CAR CIGARETTE LIGHTERS

As a matter of course, I keep a USB adapter like the one to the right plugged into my car’s cigarette lighter socket so I can easily recharge my cell phone when I’m driving, whether there’s a power outtage or not. I picked mine up at a local drugstore before the last storm hit.

HEADLAMPS

I use a headlamp like this one when I need to get around in the dark hands-free. It uses LED lights, so it is both extremely bright and very long-lasting. Keep two sets of batteries on hand so you can recharge one set while the other is in use.

This is the first in an ongoing series on eco-friendly emergency preparedness. You can find more great supply ideas in our store here.

NOTE: I have tried all of the devices described above at my own expense. If you purchase one from our Amazon store, we will earn a small commission that will help us continue to provide you with expert green living guidance. Thanks!  And if you have other devices that have helped you weather a power outtage, please let us know.

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Unlike Al Gore’s “An Inconvenient Truth,” “The 11th Hour” does not use slick powerpoint presentations, charts, and graphs to make its case. DiCaprio lets the footage of an earth under siege tell its own story, punctuated by commentary from fifty prominent eco thinkers and activists, including Nobel Prize winner Wangari Maathai. Says DiCaprio, “We face a convergence of crises…” and he wants to ensure his audience knows what those crises are.

It’s a dark, disturbing message, and would make for an unbearable film, if DiCaprio didn’t also extend some rays of hope to his audience. The film concludes with insights into new technologies that can help communities build a sustainable future, from “smart” cars to “green” roofs. “The time is now. The hope is you,” encourages DiCaprio through the film’s website, www.11thhouraction.com  “Let’s begin.”

To preview the film and find out when it will be shown in your area, visit www.11thhourfilm.com.

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