By: Tracey MacDermott
NFBPWC Environment and Sustainable Development Committee Chair (2024-2026)

Back to the Past

What A Second Trump Presidency Could Mean, And What We Must Do

This opinion piece was originally published in The Greater Park Hill News, where the author is a monthly columnist. Previous columns can be found here:

http://greaterparkhill.org/?s=tracey+macdermott

On election day, the citizens of the United States voted a climate denier into the highest office in the land.

There is no way to spin a positive with Donald Trump as president when it comes to the environment. His own words make a mockery of the biggest existential threat to humanity. He calls climate change a “big hoax.” He has targeted the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the signature bill of the Biden administration and the biggest climate legislation ever enacted by the United States. Trump wants to dismantle it. And for a second time, he has promised to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement.

During his first presidency, Trump’s mantra — “Drill, baby, drill” — was a call to open up federal lands to production of oil, natural gas and coal. His positions on federal lands, including selling them to private developers, mirrors the positions detailed in the hard-right Project 2025 manifesto.

In his first term, Trump shrunk Bears Ears, Grand Staircase-Escalante and other national monuments. He replaced the Clean Power Plan with a weaker regulation. He repealed the Clean Water Rule and wreaked havoc on more than 100 environmental regulations. What should we expect from this second term? Frankly, more of the same.

How we respond to this new administration’s policies is up to us. Will we have the courage to speak out and fight for the future of our shared planet?

I hope so. I do believe in the power of community. I believe in this community. Rise up, fight for what we can still save and let’s work together to secure a future for our kids. Push back on anyone who tells you we can’t, because together, we can.

(Read the full article at: https://greaterparkhill.org/earth-in-crisis-back-to-the-past/ )

By: Tracey MacDermott
NFBPWC Environment and Sustainable Development Committee Chair (2024-2026)

Tall Drink of Water More Must Be Done To Protect Us From Forever Chemicals

This opinion piece was originally published in The Greater Park Hill News, where the author is a monthly columnist. Previous columns can be found here: http://greaterparkhill.org/?s=tracey+macdermott

For several years you may have been hearing commercials about Camp Lejeune and water contamination. Maybe you wondered what it was about or simply ignored the infomercial. Maybe you got tired of being barraged about the contamination via constant television ads.

However, the presence of polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is a serious issue. At Camp Lejeune, a military base in North Carolina, toxic chemicals contaminated the drinking water for decades, beginning in the 1950s and into the 1980s. Many of the compounds that contaminated the water are PFAS — more commonly known as forever chemicals. They are linked to various cancers and other medical issues.

These chemicals do not naturally break down. The Veterans Administration compared the medical records of 172,000 veterans who had been at Camp Lejeune and 168,000 veterans who were at Camp Pendleton in California during the same time period. Camp Lejeune veterans had a 70 percent higher risk of developing Parkinson’s Disease.

Last year, The Guardian reported that chemicals that came from at least 245 US military bases have contaminated or threatened to pollute drinking water in nearby communities. The military’s use of firefighting foam, which releases the chemicals during discharge, is one of the largest PFAS polluters on the planet.

Forever chemicals can seep into drinking water supplies through various ways, including leaching from landfills, land application of contaminated sludge and treatment plants. The Environmental Protection Agency has confirmed that these chemicals are widespread. They are found in water, air, soil, and in fish across the globe.

Last year, Perfluoroocatanoic Acid — which is a type of forever chemical — was reclassified as a human carcinogen. While we know that exposure to these chemicals among military personnel outpaces the general public, we are all at risk. Forever chemicals are in cookware, waterproof clothing, even mascara. Avoiding them seems nearly impossible.

In April the Biden administration took critical action to protect communities from forever chemicals. President Biden committed historic levels of funding to combat forever chemicals pollution and to delivering clean water. The Safe Drinking Water Act standard for forever chemicals sets rules to safeguard public health and requires public water systems to monitor and reduce the levels of PFAS from drinking water in the United States.

In 2022 Biden also signed a bipartisan bill to provide assistance to victims of Agent Orange and toxic burn pits.

However, there are currently no similar protections in place for military personnel who have been exposed to unacceptable levels of forever chemicals. Last year Congressman Dan Kildee of Michigan introduced the Veterans Exposed to Toxic PFAS Act. While Congress is debating Kildee’s bill, and any subsequent pieces of legislation, what can you do to limit your own exposure? There are some simple measures to take:

1. Avoid products made with PFAS-treated fabric and stain resistant clothing and furniture.

2. Bring your own take-out container to restaurants (it’s best to use non-plastic containers). Food packaging, microwave popcorn bags and grease-resistant paper have been shown to contain PFAS. Although, the FDA has taken some steps to limit their use in food packaging. In Colorado, HB22-1345 prohibits distributing any product in food packaging that contains forever chemicals.

3. Replace your non-stick pans with stainless steel, cast-iron, glass or ceramics.

4. Don’t heat up food wrapped in grease-resistant packaging.

A few more things you can do: On Veteran’s Day, Nov. 11 — and every day — thank a vet. And, do what you can to reduce your risk. Work for a safe and healthy planet.

By: Tracey MacDermott
NFBPWC Environment and Sustainable Development Committee  Chair (2024-2026) 

Tale of Two Parties 

What the GOP And The Dems Say — And Don’t Say — About The Climate Crisis 

By Tracey MacDermott 

This opinion piece was originally published in The Greater Park Hill News, where the author is a monthly columnist.  Previous columns can be found here: http://greaterparkhill.org/?s=tracey+macdermott 

We are in the final push of election season and climate change is on our minds. Last month we reviewed the two  presidential candidates and their positions on climate. This month let’s explore the major parties’ platforms when it  comes to climate change. 

Project 2025, the Heritage Foundation’s playbook for a Republican administration, calls to dismantle clean energy  programs and continue to uplift the oil and gas companies. Is this also the position of the GOP platform? Republicans  at their national convention certainly pushed for more drilling, while remaining silent on climate change — seemingly in alignment with Project 2025.  

The GOP’s website (gop.com) lists six action items such as volunteering, “swamping” the vote and election integrity.  Glaringly absent are mentions of other issues on many voters’ minds — including global warming.  

Not all Republicans are ignoring the growing and urgent crisis. House members such as John Curtis of Utah and  Colorado’s Doug Lamborn (who is not seeking reelection) are part of the Conservative Climate Caucus (CCC). The  CCC’s webpage concurs that the climate is changing, and points a finger at China while pushing for innovation  through the free market.  

As this year will go down as the hottest on record, why isn’t the CCC pushing for innovative climate policy versus  “fighting against radical progressive climate proposals”? Might we be in our current mess because we have let the  free market control our energy sources and pollute the planet? 

The Sunrise Movement, a progressive youth-led organization, released a statement after the GOP convention: “Make  no mistake. Just because Republicans don't want to talk about their climate plans to voters, doesn ’t mean that their  radical, anti-climate agenda that empowers oil and gas billionaires to destroy our planet won’t be a top priority for  a second Trump administration. Another Trump presidency would cause catastrophic and irreversible damage to  our climate." 

By contrast, after President Biden passed the torch to Kamala Harris, the Sunrise Movement sent a letter to Harris  requesting the backing of the Green New Deal, affordable housing, prioritizing gun violence and other critical social  programs. Harris addressed many of these concerns during her speech at the Democratic National Convention. 

Some have criticized the Democrats for a lack of highlighting the climate crisis in its party platform. However,  consider the actions the Biden administration has taken on climate.  

Much like the Affordable Care Act, which insured more than 45 million people, the Inflation Reduction Act is the  biggest climate bill ever crafted, and indeed, championed by Democratic leadership. The final vote in the Senate was  51-50 — with all 50 Democrats in favor and all 50 Republicans voting no. Vice President Harris broke the tie, securing  victory for the planet.  

The Democratic National Committee ’s webpage includes a long list of concerns, from reproductive rights to voting  rights, LGBTQ+, growing the middle class, and yes climate change.  

The DNC also continues to speak out against environmental injustices inflicted in marginalized communities. This  is an injustice we must not look away from.  

Their website notes, “…we will work with affected frontline communities to develop a screening and mapping tool  to ensure racial and socioeconomic equity in federal climate, energy, and infrastructure programs and identify areas  of high cumulative pollution that threatens residents ’health and safety.” 

The DNC climate platform addresses our national parks and monuments, worker safety, air and water, threats to  farmers, and of course, the climate urgency we face. “…We believe the scientists: the window for unprecedented  and necessary action is closing and closing fast.”  

Yes, the window is closing and we as citizens of this planet cannot let it shut. The complete DNC’s statement on  climate change can be read at the link:  

democrats.org/where-we-stand/party-platform/combating-the-climate-crisis-and-pursuing-environmental justice/ 

Please, check out both of the parties’ platforms, review their climate positions — and vote.  

By: Tracey MacDermott NFBPWC Environment and Sustainable Development Committee  Chair (2024-2026) 

Like A Hurricane 

Climate News Is Scary. But We Can Still Control Which Way the Wind Blows 

By Tracey MacDermott 

This opinion piece was originally published in The Greater Park Hill News, where the author is a monthly columnist.  Previous columns can be found here: http://greaterparkhill.org/?s=tracey+macdermott 

Last month many news organizations — from The Guardian, Euronews and National Public Radio — all reported on  differing climate stories. None of it was uplifting.  

While hurricane Beryl was pummeling Texas, Mother Earth set on fire heat records and President Biden blasted  lawmakers for climate change denial.  

It may be no surprise to you that June was blazing hot across the nation. Here in Denver many of us were wondering  if this was the hottest June we could remember (it is). This of us who were lucky had access to air-conditioned spaces.  If you like to conserve energy by opening windows versus running your AC, this summer’s heat made that nearly  impossible.  

Worse, those without AC or a cooling system are stuck in dangerous, life-threatening heat. As we know, the climate  crisis doesn’t impact us all the same. Multiple news agencies this summer reported that Black residents in New York  City die from heat stress at double the rate of white residents. That is horrific, and unacceptable. 

In Denver, the mean temperature in June was 6 degrees above normal. You read that right, 6 degrees! In fact,  globally, June was the 13th straight month of record-warming temperatures and the 12th straight month we stayed  more than 1.5 degrees Celsius hotter than pre-industrial times. We are getting closer to the limit that was set forth  in the Paris Agreement to avoid catastrophic outcomes. We are crossing into dangerous territory.  

Scientists were not surprised by the broken records, but startled by how much Earth blew past those records. While  June was scorching hot for most of the US, Hurricane Beryl was gaining strength. It was the strongest hurricane  recorded in the Atlantic so early in the season. The burning of fossil fuels continues to drive up ocean temperatures  intensifying the number and severity of storms.  

Also last month, a study published in Nature Communications, reported that 50,000 gallons of water everyday are  melting away in the Juneau Icefield. Due to shorter winters and longer summers the ice field is retreating 4.6 times  faster than in the 1990s. Other devastating projections show that even if we can keep global temperatures to 1.5  degrees Celsius, we will still lose about half of the world’s glaciers by the end of the century.  

However, keeping to the goals from the Paris Agreement will help mitigate sharp sea level rise from melting glaciers  and give our next generations a chance. So, we must do our part right now. We cannot languish in hopelessness, as  not all hope is lost.  

We are the world’s second largest emitter of greenhouse gases. Yet the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act has the potential  to cut U.S. greenhouse gas emissions nearly in half by 2035. Are you able to tap into some of the city, state and  national rebates to switch from air conditioners to heat pumps or geothermal? If this is beyond your reach, simple  lifestyle changes add up and can be impactful.  

Talk with your family and friends who may not fully understand what is at stake. Each of us can do our part. The  collection of our small actions can help change our trajectory. 

You know what else is incredibly impactful and simple? VOTING. This year is a critical national election year, and  climate will be on the ballot in a big way. Climate policy in the U.S. impacts and influences the rest of the world. We  must elect leaders who take that role seriously.

By: Marikay Shellman, BPW Colorado Virtual Past Chair, NFBPWC Environment and Sustainable Development Committee (2022-2024) 

It has been my great pleasure to write articles for my fellow BPW members about the perils

 of pollinators and the actions (or non-actions) that we can take to give a helpful hand to our pollinators.  I have gained great knowledge in doing research for these articles which I will continue to use on my property.   

One of my many challenges has been to reduce my lawn from the large playground area I had when my children were young and had many friends over to run around.  Over the years I have slowly reduced the size of my huge lawn by taking out grass and adding raised garden beds and hedge rows.  This year I am taking it a step farther and leaving areas not mowed.  It actually looks pretty good.  I’ll see what happens as the summer progresses.  Just the other day my grandson and I noticed birds hanging out on some of the tall grass eating the seeds, a hopeful sight.  We also saw Monarch caterpillars on the milkweed last year. 

On another note, the Washington Post recently wrote an article on Fireflies, interviewing both Candice Fallon, Xerces Society, who presented to BPW ESD Earth Day 2023, and me.  Just this week Dr Schwarz, Fort Lewis College, has interest in studying the fireflies on my ranch. 

I greatly appreciate all the interest and support BPW has given me during my tenure as NFBPWC ESD Chair.  And for allowing me to write of my passion for pollinators.   

By: Marikay Shellman
NFBPWC Environment and Sustainable Development Committee Past Chair (2022-2024) 

The NFBPWC ESD Committee decided in our final meeting that as we pass the baton onto future Chair and committee members that it would be advantageous to repurpose other Environmental handouts for our newsletter articles.  For our August 2024 Newsletter article, I give the following example with excited permission from the Leave No Trace environmental group. 

It has been our great pleasure to share with our BPW members our many ideas on how to make a simple and meaningful act to have a positive impact on our Environment.  We are grateful to all of you for your continued support. 

 

NFBPWC is looking for the next Environment and Sustainable Development Chair.  If you are interested in joining this Committee, please email President Barbara Bozeman at president@nfbpwc.org. 

Marikay Shellman
BPW Colorado Virtual Chair
NFBPWC Environment and Sustainable Development 

In these hot summer months, the bugs start to bug us.  However, “If all mankind were to disappear, the world would regenerate back to the rich state of equilibrium that existed ten thousand years ago.   If insects were to vanish, the environment would collapse into chaos.”  E. O. Wilson. 

We know that insects pollinate about 90% of all flowering plants.  As these pollinated plants turn the energy of the sun into the food we eat, they are absorbing large amounts of carbon, sending it into their roots and then into the soil.  We need many interacting species of insects to sustain our complex food web.  Insects, in their many forms of predators and parasitoids, are also the earth’s pest control and in this way keep food webs in balance.    

Insects are essential for the rapid decomposition of plants, helping to create new plant life which provides vegetation for watersheds.  This activity keeps our water clean and provides protection from floods. Most vertebrates- freshwater fish, birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians- eat insects which additionally sustains the earth’s ecosystems.   

Rather than thinking of bugs as threatening and harmful, appreciate that humans would only last on this earth for a few months without insects.  We have killed many species of insects close to extinction, monarch butterflies, fireflies, species of bumblebees, moths, crickets, katydids and the list goes on.  Insects can coexist with humans.  We need to sustain them and to do that, we need plants to sustain them.  

Caterpillars are a keystone to food webs, pollinating a majority of plants and providing the most nutrition and edible food to vertebrates.  Native Plant Finder (http://www.nwf.org/NativePlantFinder) ranks plant according to their hosting ability for caterpillars.  Audubon also has a website, Plants for Birds (https://www.audubon.org/native-plants).  Oak, cherry and willow are the best hosts for many species of caterpillars.   

Rather than pulling out that insecticide, learn to appreciate all the benefits of insects. 

By: Marikay Shellman
BPW Colorado Virtual Chair, NFBPWC Environment and Sustainable Development Committee (2022-2024) Submission by Susan Oser 

 

 

 

By: Marikay Shellman,
BPW Colorado Virtual 
Chair, NFBPWC Environment and Sustainable Development Committee (2022-2024) 

Simple Acts:  Attracting Orioles and Hummingbirds to the “piece of Earth that you an influence” 

I set out Hummingbird feeders every year as soon as the first little guy comes winging by

 my window, some years as early as April.  Starting out years ago with one feeder, I now have 6 hummingbird feeders and one Oriole feeder.  It’s easy to make the mixture, one cup sugar to four cups of water, and challenging to keep up with filling those feeders, and so worth the cost of all that sugar!   

Three years ago, an Oriole showed up at one of the feeders, so I rushed out and bought an Oriole feeder.  Such pleasure!  Suggestions to attract Orioles (Baltimore and Orchard Orioles) include nectar feeders (recipe for nectar above), orange halves and jelly.  They also are attracted to yellow and white flowers and the bugs that are found in these flowers.  

Native plants with tubular-shaped flowers such as trumpet vine, honeysuckle (in which many of the hummingbirds nest), beebalm are a great source of nutrition for these birds as Native plants offer more nectar than other plants and attract insects that hummingbirds and Orioles eat.  Remember to plant in groups.  This type of mass planting is preferred by insects and birds alike. 

A suggested list of flowers to provide continual nectar (Rosann Kovalcik, Wild Birds Unlimited): Columbine, Phlox, Wild Geranium, Penstemon or Foxglove 

beardtongue, Blazing star, Beebalm, and Cardinal Flower.  

Trees and shrubs that provide dark fruits include: Serviceberry, Chokecherry, Cherry, Blueberry.  Caterpillars provide a much-needed protein source and they are attracted to all of the oak species, willows, cherries, prunes and birches. 

Another reason to leave your yard a bit untidy is that Orioles need long fiber strands to build their nests and hummingbirds use downy plant materials.   

Whether you have a yard or patio or balcony, creating a refuge for birds and insects with Native plants will create a good environment for not only wildlife, but also for you. 

By: Marikay Shellman, BPW Colorado Virtual Chair, NFBPWC Environment and Sustainable Development Committee (2022-2024) 

We all know that bugs are disappearing at an astounding rate.  We can all do something to help no matter how small your yard, even if it’s just a deck or balcony.  In that little “piece of Earth that you can influence” (Douglas Tallamy), you can create a microhabitat with small features including a rock, water source, leafy area.  This will provide bugs with shelter, food, water, and the ability to reproduce.  Hang up that rake and put away that leaf blower!  Leaving dead leaves, stems, brush piles (sticks in a flowerpot), you are providing not only nutrition for your soil, but also habitat for tiny insects. 

Don’t clean up the stems of perennial plants because seed heads provide feed for goldfinches and the stems provide shelter for overwintering insects and habitat for stem-nesting bees.  Plants will grow around them in the spring and many solitary native bees will nest in these stems yearround.  Notice as the weather warms that some stems have their

 ends blocked with mud or leaves or pebbles, possibly resin indicating that there is a nest inside.  Natural materials such as stems are a much healthier option than bee blocks and bee hotels.   

Creating habitat for Stem-Nesting bees is as easy as leaving dead flower stalks intact over the winter months.  When Spring arrives, cut back the dead flower stalks at varying heights from 8-24 inches and leaving the dead stumble to decompose naturally on the ground.  Female bees emerge and start nests in newly cut stems or stems laying on the ground.  As summer progresses, the new plant growth hides the dead flower stalk in which bee larvae are developing.  These native bees emerge in later summer months and repeat this cycle again.   

Stem-nesting bees frequently use Hyssop (Agastache), Echinacea, Sunflowers, Blazing Star (Liatris), Bee Balm 

(Monarda), Goldenrods (Solidago) Asters, Raspberries and other bramble bushes, Sumac (Rhus), and Elderberry. 

Bringing Back Pollinators is as easy as not tidying up your yard and garden so much.