Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: beach, Danka, Echo Movement, getgreenmusic, Greg Lavalliere, Hours Eastly, jacksonville florida, kira little, Lavo Entertainment, music scene, Ocean Club
d
Sunshine, palm trees, and beaches; three main reasons why I live in Jacksonville Beach Florida. They just scream relaxation, energy and fun. My personality is attracted to these beautiful things given to us by Mother Nature! Who wouldn’t love the things people spend thousands of dollars on a year for their vacation “spots”. Other than the beauty that surrounds me every day, Jax Beach offers an unbelievable music night life. One spot in particular that I would always recommend would be Ocean Club located at 401 North 1st Street. Ocean club is voted best of JaxClub in 2008. With great drink specials and live music from the best dj’s and bands Jacksonville has to offer! Every night provides something new, adventurous and entertaining!
A great friend of mine, Greg Lavalliere, owner of Lavo Entertainment, is just one of many promoters we can thank for 
bringing such an entertaining night life to the O.C. Greg has become well known for his Saturday night shows. Bringing in not only local entertainment of all genres but also making the connections to bring out of state bands to the O.C. If you have not yet attended one of his shows, I highly recommend it. You will get to view Jacksonville’s very own talent, talent from neighboring cities, and possibly out of town touring bands.
I decided this would be an awesome opportunity to promote GetGreenMusic. Besides word of mouth is the best advertisement, and what other way to help transition band artists and musicians into the green movement ot
her than include them in our interviews and promotions! July 23rd, Matt Henderson from the well known band DANKA, Hours Eastly and Echo Movement from New Jersey were scheduled to perform at the O.C. After doing a little research of each band it came across that this would be the best bands to start spreading the word of the green movement taking place in our fast paced music industry. Especially with the out of town band, Echo Movement, who you will be able to view our exclusive interview. Three great bands, to make the steps into helping our environment!!
Matt Henderson was the first act. He not only is very talented in the band DANKAbut also on his very own acoustic set. DANKA first enlightened us with their music in 2005. Their intriguing combination of reggae and punk style tunes creates an addictive obsession leaving you craving for more and more of them. They have captivated their audiences just by projecting their upbeat energy and on point rhythms. Matt Henderson on Guitar and Vocals, 
Blake Dunbar on Bass, Joe Bowater on Lead Guitar, Matt Blakely on Drums and Vocals, and Shaun Kerr on Keys and Percussions. These guys are a definite must see no matter where they are playing! Matt from DANKA will be playing at Ocean Club again on August 8th at 8pm for his acoustic set. For the entire DANKA band, mark your calendars for August 21st at the “Local Hero’s Café” in St. Augustine FL. For additional performance dates you may visit them at www.myspace.com/dankgoodness. With a fan following, each of us should note these guys are not just dedicated to their music, but also to the green movement. GetGreenMusic, appreciates their time used to encourage getting GREEN!
Hours Eastly, an unsigned band from Gainesville Florida. Their main focus is Rock music. This three man band consists of Mark Hodges on Bass and Vocals, Darrin Lindsay on Drums and Joey Putnam on Guitar. These guys may not seem like they can rip it up, but they are very well known in the Jacksonville music scene and their fan base seems to follow them accordingly. Hours Eastly could very well consider Jacksonville their second hometown as often as they play here locally. Fortunately Gainesville is only an hour away, so we get the privilege of having such great performances from this energetic three man rock band! I had the opportunity to speak with the band; they found getgreenmusicto be a refreshing, hip and exciting way to promote the green movement. Of course, new to the green movement we can only offer our help and advice to Hours Eastly and many other bands to encourage the transition into this ever growing movement. To see Hours Eastly live, their next show is August 28th in Gainesville FL at The Atlantic (Gainesville) w/ The Jacob Jeffries Band. For additional dates, you may visit their band website at www.myspace.com/hourseastly.
Then we have Echo Movement, a reggae band whom are very well educated on the green movement and who also is 
taking active parts consistently. Which apparently is the reason I believe I kept calling them Eco movement! Go figure! It turned to be an ongoing joke throughout the interview which you will see! So I found this band very intriguing. We all got together after the show and they gladly went more in depth about themselves and their musician inspirations. I will tell you one thing about these guys we call Echo Movement, they are so very close to each other and all of them want to stay true to themselves and to the music. They grow together and stick together, which is why these guys will go far. Of course I am sure they argue from time to time, but one of the guys in the band advised me that they have a mutual motto, they “hug it out”. At first I was a little questionable about the terms “hug it out” but I realized that it was their way to bypass the argument, the possible fight, then the awkward “making up” part, because no matter what, these guys were not going to break up as a band! So they would skip all the negative nonsense by going straight to the end, and “hug it out”. But aside from our fun personal experiences with Echo Movement, the birth of this well rounded band started with only 2 brothers.
Stephen and David were raised on the beaches of the New Jersey Shores. Growing up, the boys always had a passion for music. They were inspired and set by the rhythm of the ocean. At the age of five, Stephen was singing and David was playing the piano. Though the boys were very young when they found their desire to play instruments, it wasn’t until college that they started performing together. In 2005, the two brothers wrote, recorded and released their first full-length self-titled album as Echo Movement. It became an instant local hit as an ideal summer, surf and beach sound. Ecstatic of their local success, the boys decided to take their talent to the next level, and reach for their lifelong passion. Music! So Stephen and David were on t
he hunt for a band of musicians who could support their needs for global-reaching music but whom also had the same passion as they did. Member by member, musician by musician, the band assembled into 
a variety of influences and a flawless performance. Each person had their own niche’. It just so happens that each individual niche’ made the band one step closer to making the band sound complete. Echo Movement finally settled as an eight-piece group of music grads, philosophers and progressives. And as most of us know, there are numerous punk bands, rock bands that were geniuses, professors, and chemists but have graced us with some of the best music ever written. Echo Movement then evolved from feel-good beach music to feel-right mind music given to us by; Stephen Fowler on lead vocals and percussion, Dave Fowler on keyboards, bass and vocals, Colin Bell on the drums, Ed Davidoski on the guitar, Dan Gugger playing the b
ass, and Matt Lepik playing the saxophone.
What is “Echo Movement”?
“Echo Movement is about love. It’s about a passion to learn, communicate and appreciate life’s opportunities. It’s recognition of the ability to choose your level of involvement in humanity. It’s respect for the earth and our global community and an honor to the pursuit of happiness. It’s a shrine to the human range of emotions. It’s an expression of music, culture and freedom. Echo Movement is about love, and that is all you need.”
–Echo Movement
With sponsors such as Risky Clothing and Trilogy Arts Skateboards, the band has plenty of support to s
pread their love for music and their love for the environment. All sponsors are eco-friendly based. Check out their websites, they are super cool!
Echo Movement really inspired me as well. Here I am doing my part to make a difference in the world, through encouraging the music industry BIG and small to transition into the green movement by going to the getgreen site. Then I meet this amazing band who has already been implementing so many things they do on a daily basis in their personal lives as well as their musical lives that positively effects our environment. I was blown away by their dedication, love, respect and their different yet complimenting personalities. I would recommend anyone to see these guys perform. They hit close to home for me! Echo Movement is currently on tour right now, with the Vans Warp Tour but you can visit them at www.myspace.com/echomovement to find out if they are coming to a town near you.
Jacksonville Beach is definitely bringing the GREEN to the music scene! Every little bit we do helps. I feel if we reach all musicians, signed or unsigned, the music industry will be role models for all of society! We need those who are looked up to, idolized and commercialized to make a stand! The best way to start making a small difference is to create a FREE profile at GetGreenMusic! Remember, it’s the small things that add up to the even bigger things! “Help us save the planet one download at a time!”
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: 1990, air quality, bbq, burn season, earth, ecofriendly tips, electric probe, fireplace, kira little, low-VOC, paint, pollution, radial tires, smoking vehicles, solar power, water heating, wood, wood stove
“Kira’s 10 Giant Steps for GREENKIND Take 7″
1. Report smoking vehicles to your local air agency.
2. Don’t use your wood stove or fireplace when air quality is poor.
3. Avoid slow-burning, smoldering fires. They produce the largest amount of pollution.
4. Burn seasoned wood – it burns cleaner than green wood.
5. Use solar power for home and water heating.
6. Use low-VOC or water-based paints, stains, finishes and paint strippers.
7. Purchase radial tires and keep them properly inflated for your vehicle.
8. Paint with brushes or rollers instead of using spray paints to minimize harmful emissions. 
9. Ignite charcoal barbeques with an electric probe or other alternative to lighter fluid.
10. If you use a wood stove, use one sold after 1990. They are required to meet federal emissions standards and are more efficient and cleaner burning.
-Kira Little
Get Green, Be Green, Stay Green
Filed under: Uncategorized
1. Use mailer sheets for interoffice mail instead of an envelope.
2. Set up a bulletin board for memos instead of sending a copy to each employee. 
3. Use e-mail instead of paper correspondence.
4. Use recycled paper.
5. Use discarded paper for scrap paper.
6. Encourage your school and/or company to print documents with soy-based inks, which are less toxic.
7. Use a ceramic coffee mug instead of a disposable cup.
8.Ask your employer to consider flexible work schedules or telecommuting.
9. Recycle printer cartridges. 
10. Shut off electrical equipment in the evening when you leave work.
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: chain saws, erosion, fertilizer, grass, kira little, ladder, paper reuse, pesticide, pests, recycle, wildlife, wood chips
- Use recycled wood chips as mulch to keep weeds down, retain moisture and prevent erosion.
- Use only the required amount of fertilizer.
- Minimize pesticide use.
- Create a wildlife habitat in your yard.
- Water grass early in the morning.
- Rent or borrow items like ladders, chain saws, party decorations and others that are seldom used.
- Take actions that use non hazardous components (e.g., to ward off pests, plant marigolds in a garden instead of using pesticide).
- Put leaves in a compost heap instead of burning them or throwing them away. Yard debris too large for your compost bin should be taken to a yard-debris recycler.
- Copy and print on both sides of paper.
- Reuse items like envelopes, folders and paper clips.
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: Africa, California, cotton, craftingagreenworld.com, Craigslist, dressforsuccess.org, Ebay, eco-friendly clothing, environment, Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, Fast Fashion, fibers, freecycle.org, Goodwill, International Standards Organization, manufacturing, New York, Organic Trade Association, Paris, Patagonia, polyester, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, Salvation Army, shopping, Technical Textile Markets, Trans-America, trends, waste
SHOP TIL’ YOU DROP! Growing up as a child, I often dreamt about having the luxury to shop at every hig
h fashion stores all over the world. California, New York, and Paris were three main destinations that were scripted into my head as the best places to shop. Over the years I soon learned trends were set based on what society saw as “fit” and “cool”. Is this really what we want our children and all the younger generations to have “scripted” into their heads? I began to think about the clothes that I’ve purchased, grew out of, threw away, then purchased again, grew out of again and threw away again. It’s an endless cycle. With over 6 billion people in the world I began questioning, “How does this endless cycle effect our environment?” I decided it was time to be proactive and do a little research.
How does an item such as a T-shir
t, originally sold in a United States shopping mall to promote an American sports team end up being worn by an African teen? Globalization, consumerism, and recycling all congregate to connect these scenes. Globalization has made it possible to produce clothing at increasingly lower prices, prices so low that many consumers consider this clothing to be disposable. The New York Times Union calls it “fast fashion the clothing equivalent to fast food.
Although this “fast fashion” may seem convenient, affordable for consumers and the easiest way to stay true to the latest “trends,” fast fashion leaves a pollution footprint. Every step of the clothing life cycle generates potential environmental and occupational hazards. For example, polyester, the most widely used manufactured fiber, is made from petroleum. The demand for man-made fibers, especially polyester is due to the rise in production in the fashion industry. According to figures from the Technical Textile Markets it has nearly doubled in the last 15 years. The manufacture of polyester and other synthetic fabrics is an energy-intensive process requiring large amounts of crude oil and releasing emissions including unstable organic compounds, particulate matter, and acid gases such as hydrogen chloride, all of which can cause or aggravate respiratory disease. Volatile monomers, solvents, and other-by-products of polyester production are emitted in the wastewater from polyester manufacturing plants. The EPA, under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, considers many textile manufacturing facilities to be hazardous waste generators.
These issues of the production of man-made fabrics being detrimental to environmental health and safety are only one concern. Cotton is one of the most popular, versatile fibers used in manufacturing clothing, but has a 
significant environmental footprint. Cotton accounts for a quarter of all the subsidies that keep prices low and production high. Due to this high production at substantially low prices, it paves the way toward the globalization of fashion.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Solid Waste Americans collectively trashed 9 million tons of reusable clothes, footwear, towels and bedding in 2005. That is an ENORMOUS about of items that could go towards a good cause. Once bought, an estimated 21% of annual clothing purchases stay in the home, increasing the stocks of clothing and other textiles held by consumers. The stockpile of the increase in the “national wardrobe” represents a potentially large quantity of underlying waste that will eventually enter the solid waste stream. Yet, even today, the journey of a piece of clothing does not always end at a landfill. A portion of clothing purchases are recycled mainly in three ways: clothing may be resold by the primary consumer to other consumers at a lower price, it may be exported in bulk for sale in developing countries, or it may be chemically or mechanically recycled into raw material for the manufacture of other apparel and non-apparel products.
Approximately one-fifth of the clothing that is donated to charities are directly used or sold in their thrift shops. I myself donate all my used clothing items to places such as, Goodwill, and the Salvation Army. I soon learn that these types of thrift shops find other ways to fund their programs using the clothing and other textiles that can’t be sold at their stores. These charities end up selling them to textile recyclers at 5-7 cents per pound. Trans-America being one of the biggest of about 3,000 textile recyclers in the United States. According to figures from Trans-America, about 30% of these textiles are turned into absorbent wiping rags for industrial uses, and another 25-30% is recycled into fiber for use as stuffing for upholstery, insulation and the manufacture of paper products. Yes, this is considered recycling and reusing, but considering the mass quantity of waste to be recycled, are we really taking one step forward or are we just taking 3 steps back? 
To address the environmental impacts of fast fashion at its source, and to find a positive function in this increasingly competitive market, some manufacturers are aiming to develop “eco-fashions.” Eco-fashions have been defined by the International Standards Organization (ISO) as “Identifying the general environmental performance of a product within a product group based on its whole life-cycle in order to contribute to improvements in key environmental measures and to support sustainable consumption patterns.” The ISO is developing standards for a labeling system to identify clothing that meet criteria as environmentally friendly. Due to the fact that there are no specifics pertaining to what makes the clothing environmentally friendly, the industries as a whole are attempting numerous diverse approaches.
One approach has been to use grown cotton, hemp, bamboo, and other fiber crops that require fewer pesticides, irrigation and other inputs. Organic cotton is grown in at least 12 countries as of 2009. Organic cotton fiber grew by an estimated 22.7% over the previous year based on figures provided by the Organic Trade Association 2004 Manufacturer Survey. Unfortunately, organic cotton only represents 0.03% of worldwide cotton production. Nevertheless, about 60% of the energy used in the life cycle of a cotton T-shirt is related to post purchase washing and drying at high temperatures; transportation constitutes only a small portion of the energy profile to produce a cotton product. Does this mean it doesn’t make a huge impact to buy locally produced items? Some argue that this approach would cut severely into the livelihood of peoples in developing countries where the products are now being manufactured.
There are also some very unique approaches being initiated for consumers at so many different levels of the fashion spectrum. Patagonia, a major retailer in casual wear, has been selling fleece clothing made from postconsumer plastic soda bottles since 1993. 
This recycling process takes clear plastic bottles made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), melts them and reconfigures them into fibers that can be woven into fabrics and other applications. Patagonia is one of the first and largest clothing retailers to use this material. The company estimates that between 1993 and 2006 it saved 86 million soda bottles from ending up in the landfill. This is a HUGE approach to taking the initiative. If ALL retailers could put a plan into action such as Patagonia, think of what else we can save from the landfills.
As an average consumer, not aware of what entails producing a mass quantity of the “coolest” fashions will obviously not know what they can do to change their “scripted” ways set in place by our society. After doing my research, I was totally dumfounded on what I learned. I too, was the “average” consumer. I hope by reading this article, people, and our society will stop and second guess what they are buying. And if you are just one of those “shop til’ you drop,” must have the latest, kind of people, take a moment and at least consider the outcome of your old clothes. If you can’t participate in changing your ways at the beginning of the “fast fashion” clothing cycle, at least take the initiative to change the ending of your old clothing cycle. I have listed 5 things that can easily be portrayed. Take into consideration there are several more actions that one can take, I consider these my favorite.
- Have a clothing swap! Get with a group of friends and trade clothes that you don’t want anymore. Make it a clothing swap party! Even a clothing swap event! Admission will be to bring a certain number of clothing items. Have refreshments, music, finger foods, etc.
- Re-craft your old clothing into new pieces! I prefer the website www.craftingagreenworld.com. Crafting a Green World features do-it-yourself projects that incorporate reused, recycled, and natural materials. Find knitting, sewing, crocheting, and other project ideas for eco-friendly and fashionable clothes, crafts, gifts and more. If you don’t prefer to wear your ingenious creations, try selling them at a street fair.
- Sell your clothes! Ebay, Craigslist, garage sales, etc. You will be surprised what people will purchase. And you never know the clothes or items being sold, someone may pick them up to “re-craft” them for their own purpose to resell at that street fair I spoke about in number 2.
- Trade your clothes! www.freecycle.org is a HUGE network made up of over 4,600 groups with over 5.7 million members across the world. It’s a grassroots and entirely nonprofit movement of people who are giving and getting stuff for free in their own towns. This is very similar to number 1, except you can access all of these trades via your fingertips and the internet.
- Donate your clothes! When donating your old clothes or items, make sure to do your research on where your items could ultimately end up. Dressforsuccess.org is an awesome organization that takes women’s business attire that’s still in good condition and gives it to women in need of jobs. Goodwill where I typically like to take my old items, won’t give your stuff to the needy but rather they will sell your stuff and use each store’s proceeds to fund local Goodwill programs. And of course with the way the economy has been lately, you may even know of someone who is homeless and needs additional clothing to get them through these rough times.
No matter what steps you are taking to be “eco-friendly,” make sure the organizations you believe ar
e making the difference with you, are doing as they say they are doing. If we just assume these organizations are putting their words into action, we may be hurting ourselves more than helping. In other words, “dressing the part” towards success means nothing unless we are “Dressing for GREEN Success.”
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: aromatic herbs, baking soda, cedar chips, eco-friendly, grass, green, household cleaners, insect killers, kira little, lawn-mower, lead, lead-based paint, leaf blowers, mothballs, mouse, nutrients, paint, poisons, radon, rat, scouring pads, soil, traps, water
1. Buy the right amount of paint for the job.
2. Review labels of household cleaners you use. Consider alternatives like baking soda, scouring pads, water or a little more elbow grease.
3. When no good alternatives exist to a toxic item, find the least amount required for an effective, sanitary result.
4. If you have an older home, have paint in your home tested for lead. If you have lead-based paint, cover it with wall paper or other material instead of sanding it or burning it off.
5. Use traps instead of rat and mouse poisons and insect killers.
6. Have your home tested for radon.
7. Use cedar chips or aromatic herbs instead of mothballs.
8. Avoid using leaf blowers and other dust-producing equipment.
9. Use an electric lawn- mower instead of a gas-powered one.
10. Leave grass clippings on the yard-they decompose and return nutrients to the soil.
Kira Little
www.getgreenmusic.us/profile/kiralittle
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: eco homes, energy efficient, green electricity, insulation, kira little, lights, mercury, north carolina greenpower, steps for greenkind, trees
“Kira’s 10 giant steps for Greenkind take 3”
1. Insulate your home as best as you can.
2. Install weather stripping around all doors and windows.
3. Shut off electrical equipment in the evening when you leave work.
4. Plant trees to shade your home
5. Shade outside air conditioning units by trees or other means.
6. Replace old windows with energy efficient ones.
7. Use cold water instead of warm or hot water when possible.
8. Connect your outdoor lights to a timer.
9. Buy green electricity – electricity produced by low – or even zero-pollution facilities (NC
Greenpower for North Carolina – www.ncgreenpower.org). In your home-reduce toxicity.
10. Eliminate mercury from your home by purchasing items without mercury, and dispose of items containing mercury at an appropriate drop-off facility
By: Kira Little
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: getgreenmusic.org, environment, kira little, good vs evil, cause and effect, war, terror, iraq, saddam, Bill Clilnton, George Bush, Obama, United Nations, Green Vally reserve, kurds, February 27th, 2009, August 31, 2010, Laos, nuclear, Somalia, ICRC, Sudan's, landminds, William Little, tatepublishing.com, roadside bombs and democracy
Good versus evil. Cause and effect. All of these words come to mind when I think about the war on terror, and about our war on the environment. I don’t want to give an opinion either way about the war and its causes on the environment. I simply want to lay down information that I have read, heard through the media or through personal relationships. I also don’t want to put any less importance on one issue over the other. You as viewers will have to decide and develop your own opinions. As everyone, yes EVERYONE is entitled to their own opinions.
Why are we fighting in Iraq? Whether you’re a democrat, republican or independent we each have our own thoughts and mindset on if we should or should not be over there. Regardless, our opinions will not change the present warfare. There are several reasons in which I hear about consistently through the media. These I have put in chronological order are the ones that stick out to me, taking me back to the “cause and effect”.
- Saddam had several mandates that were given by the United Nations.
- Clinton said it was a direct threat prior to Bush taking office.
- Saddam was known to have killed thousands of kurds inside Iraq with WMD’s.
- Saddam over the entire Clinton administration refused thousands of inspections of weapon sites.
- Lack of any response from the United Nations made them look extremely weak. Several resolutions were passed to allow pressure to increase on Saddam. If he would have allowed inspection it would be possible that we might not be there today, and Saddam would be in power.
- Clinton and Bush were both realists. Clinton promised attacks if the mandates were not followed through with. Bush moved forward with the standing policy.
- The United States currently has over 400 years of oil available in the Green Valley reserve alone.
So could oil possibly be the reason for the war? Or does it make more sense to be over there to save millions of kurds? And if that was the real reason, why are we still there? Saddam is no longer an issue.
February 27th, 2009 President Obama announced his plans for withdrawing United States Troops from Iraq.
Obama is signaling an end of Iraq combat missions by August 31, 2010.
What about the war on the environment? What are some of the factors of war that cause so much damage to the planet we live on? Twentieth century technology, busily applied to the practice of war, has ensured a more deadly harvest. For example, landmines: planted in millions in war-torn countries across the world, killing long after wars are over, and denying agricultural use of the land in which they are hidden. A Khmer Rouge general called them ‘the perfect soldier’: cheap, efficient, expendable, never hungry, never needing sleep. But eighty percent of landmine victims are civilians, not soldiers; and nearly a quarter of those are children. Clearing mines is laborious, dangerous, and 30 times the cost of the weapon itself. So is clearing unexploded ordnance of all kinds (including worldwide munitions dumps which leak toxic wastes). The most severe UXO contamination in the world is in Laos. Bomb disposal teams have no records to work from.
But it’s the testing and manufacture of the nuclear bomb which has been responsible for some of the most profound and continuous environmental damage to life on earth. The complex mixture of contaminants found on many military sites is dynamically moving through the environment. Radiation problems affect people near nuclear plants in every country that has them. Repair and maintenance of many installations and equipment are dangerously inadequate. Nuclear waste is a global problem that will not go away, threatening environmental disaster on a HUGE scale: its poison, and toxic chemicals which accompany all weapon production, have travelled round the globe in the atmosphere and ocean currents; as well as water and air, they harm earth, plants that grow in it, and subsistent livestock and wildlife. Human exposure to nuclear and chemical tests and factories, or via the food chain, results in miscarriages, malformed fetuses, high infant mortality and congenital disorders, leukemia and other cancers, tumors, thyroid disorders, and complex debilitating and life-shortening syndromes. The number of reports of such harmful effects on health, habitat and culture – always at risk in war – continues to grow. Because war disrupts social structures, eco-structures are neglected and abused, with lasting and costly consequences.
All along the coast of Somalia huge sand dunes, 20 miles across, have crept from the sea towards the main coastal highway. When the dunes hit the road, a new road will need to be built. There used to be government plans to stop them. Now there’s nothing. The communication breakdown will be a social disaster. The ICRC, encouraging self-sufficiency and seawater fish in the conservative Somali diet, provided boats, nets, hooks and training – only to discover another of war’s ecological chain effects: the coastal waters off Somalia had become a free-for-all, all protocols for international fishing rights ignored. Resources are being fished unsustainably –almost a mining operation. Illegal fishermen now go armed, to protect what they perceive as their property rights.
It’s widely agreed that Sudan’s 1988 famine was caused by its protracted civil war. Southern Sudan has some of the most productive land in Africa; its people are hardworking farmers and herdsmen. If fighting stopped, they’d manage to survive. Instead, thousands have been forced out of their homes, thousands have died, and their land is uncared-for.
The earth’s environment is battered by war, its preparation, practice and aftermath. It is destroyed as an act of war; it is used as a weapon of war; and its destruction is expensive and sometimes irreversible. Its primary involvement with war is often secret, widely ignored, and easily forgotten.
People are beginning to act now! There is a treaty to ban landmines now. There are moves towards solving the problems of nuclear waste and weapon stockpiles. There is a growing global awareness – with charters to prove it – that war has created consequences which cross over boundaries and ignore most territories.
It’s the natural tendency of governments to suppress or talk down bad news. So it’s the duty of the rest of us – to uncover and publicize it wherever possible. Without the facts, there can’t be informed public opinion, nor a corporate will to deal with the disasters that war creates – dangerous not only for combatants but for civilians, not only for the duration of the war but far into the future, not for warring countries alone but for the whole world.
William Little
To truly understand what is going on overseas, not just pertaining to the war but also his input on how the war effects our world as a whole, I wanted to interview someone who had an experience firsthand. It just so happens it hit close to home for me and my family. My own father, William Little was hit by a roadside bomb in December 2006. My father and I are very close. I put a whole new meaning to the saying, “Daddy’s girl”. Growing up he always worked hard to make sure my mom, brother and I had a roof over our head and food on the table. We didn’t have the rich “high-life” by any means. But both my parents worked very hard, ALL the time to make sure we were happy and had everything we needed. Of course, the things my brother and I WANTED we had to earn by being responsible and learn to save. My brother and I would soon learn that you can’t always have what you want, but to be happy with the things you already have. Kids take this for granted every day. I am a lot like my dad. He is ambitious, goal oriented, good hearted, always likes to be around people he loves, self confident, funny, and very attractive of course! We are both very honest and opinionated people, but will not be afraid to admit when we are wrong. All of these reasons are why I felt he was the perfect candidate for this interview. He will be open and honest about his true feelings but still give us lucrative information about his experiences. William Little also just published a book called “Roadside Bombs and Democracy“
"Roadside Bombs and Democracy"
where you can purchase a copy at www.tatepublishing.com. Please feel free to send him messages and comments in regards to this interview at his get green page at www.getgreenmusic.us/profile/ronlittle.
Kira: “Based on your personal experience overseas participating in the war what things do you think we are doing right? What things should we change? Are we making a difference over there?”
William: “Whether we like it or not America has become the policeman of the world. Most countries are too self absorbed or afraid to get involved in many situations. The world is a dangerous place and terrorism is the enemy of all free nations and people. It has been debated whether we should have gotten involved in Afghanistan or Iraq. Our only other choice is to sit back and watch the world be consumed by fanatics bent on subjugating everyone in their path. They are like the Hitler’s and Mussolini’s of the world. They are more dangerous though because they are more subtle in their methods. God created man with the intent for us to get along with and love each other. Unfortunately war and murder has been with us since Cain killed Abel and will be with us until Christ returns. We have two options as a world power, close our borders and withdraw from the international scene and wait for the enemy to knock on our door. Or we can continue as we have and be involved in world affairs and do the best we can. Have we made mistakes, yes we have. But confronting our enemies and trying to bring and or preserve freedom has always been a messy imprecise affair.”
Kira: “What are you up to now? Working on a second book? If so what’s the title and what’s it about?”
William: “I am currently attending college in an attempt to get my degree. I am working on some book ideas for fiction, nothing definite yet, however.”
Kira: “Tell us what your book is about! Where can we buy one?”
William: “My book, “Roadside Bombs and Democracy”, is about my experiences in Iraq as a Civilian Police Advisor. It can be found at all the major book sites, Books-A-Million, Barnes and Noble and Amazon. It’s also available from the publisher at www.tatepublishing.com.”
Kira: “Do you think the war in Iraq is a positive or negative effect on our environment?”
William: “War always has a negative impact on the environment. Sometimes it can’t be helped.”
Kira: “What are your thoughts on the green movement?”
William: “Conservation of our resources/planet is always a good idea.”
Kira: “Do you believe the government is doing all they should be doing to help the planet?”
William: “I’m sure there is much, much more that all the nations could be doing. However, new projects should be initiated with prudence and common sense. Unfortunately, we depend on fossil fuels and this is not and I do believe cannot be changed overnight. We should however develop feasible short and long term plans to develop alternative fuels sources. Our first step should be to exploit our available fuel supplies and become independent from other sources, at the same time develop other energy methods.”
Kira: “Do you think if we spent as much time and money as we do on the war towards helping the planet, do you believe it would help our society come together as a hole?”
William: “Of course money would be better spent on social projects such as conservation; unfortunately we live in a world where people want to destroy us. The military and warfare are sometimes, regrettably, a necessary evil to maintain the security of this and other nations.”
Kira: “What acts or initiatives do you take to stay “green” and help the environment?”
William: “I recycle and try to conserve water and electricity.”
Kira: “What steps do you think you will take to do more?”
William: “I will continue to do the same.”
Kira: “What else do you want to tell our viewers? Any new “green” steps our viewers and your readers can look for in the future?”
William: “We all have a responsibility to do our part to conserve, even if it’s in the small, everyday things we do. My book is available for download from the publisher in lieu of purchasing an actual paperback version.”
Kira: “Thank you Dad! Thank you for all you did for this country. I love you!”
No matter what way you look at a topic of discussion involving war, politics, and the environment it all comes down to the “Cause and Effect”.
Our hands are our consequences
Or the “Good versus Evil”. The actions we take will ultimately have some sort of consequence. Maybe the decisions we have no control of, that result in negative effects on the environment, can be turned around in a positive direction with the help and awareness of our society as a whole. It seems that war will always be there. It’s a natural instinct our world was born with. But the world can adapt to the changes needed to be done a little bit at a time to make a HUGE difference! Help us make a difference! Www.getgreenmusic.org! We are “Saving the Planet one Download at a Time”.
Kira Little
Me
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: appliances, ceiling fans, clothes, electricity, environment, get green, kira little, microwave, stove, summer, winter
“Kira’s 10 Giant Steps for GREENKIND take 2!”
- Unplug seldom used appliances.
- Use a microwave when- ever you can instead of a conventional oven or stove.
- Wash clothes with warm or cold water instead of hot.
- Reverse your indoor ceiling fans for summer and winter operations as recommended.
- Turn off lights, computers and other appliances when not in use.
- Purchase appliances and office equipment with the Energy Star Label; old refridgerators, for example, use up to 50 more electricity than newer models.
- Only use electric appliances when you need them.
- Use compact fluorescent light bulbs to save money and energy.
- Keep your thermostat at 68 in winter and 78 in summer.
- Keep your thermostat higher in summer and lower in winter when you are away.
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: get green, guardian angel foundation, making of "pen and paper", national coalition against domestic violence, Ronnie Winter, Ronniw Winter, youth hotline
Friday June 26th, 2009
TGIF! A popular acronym used repeatedly every Friday. Time to kick your shoes off, grab your swim suits, and it’s time to party! Right? For most, the weekend is a time to relax, enjoy the sun and rest up for the next work week to come. For myself, on Friday June 26th, I sat in anticipation while preparing a list of interview questions for my very first National Act, we all know as “Red Jumpsuit Apparatus.” I knew the interview had to be straight and to the point. But in a way that allows viewers like you to understand the importance of being involved in the green movement. This is why so many artists/bands are getting green and promoting ways to stay “eco-friendly”. As you will see in our exclusive one on one interview with Ronnie Winter from Red Jumpsuit Apparatus.
Saturday morning, June 27th FINALLY came! I’ve been doing promotions, marketing and public speaking for many years, and for some reason I was anxious about this interview. Maybe it was because I feel like I am a part of something so BIG! Something so amazing that’s going to transform the way the world stays connected and the way we download our music. GetGreenMusic.org giving back to the planet, getting so many artists/celebrities involved and I have the opportunity to be a part of it! That surly has to be it!!
All anxiety put aside, I gather my camera, video camera and my prepared questions and set route to a town called Middleburg, Florida. Greg Lavalliere and Mike Sikes, two fellow GetGreen members and I, aka the “Tripod” make it to
Mike and Greg
the meeting point, where a hired driver in a van would pick us up! On our way to what seemed like FOREVER, one of the legs of the “tripod”, Greg gets a phone call from Ronnie Winter, the lead singer of Red Jumpsuit! Ronnie asked if we wanted to participate by being a part of his next music video, “Pen and Paper”. “Sure”, Greg replied. Greg turned and asked Mike and me if we were also interested in being a part of their newest video. How can anyone with a true passion for the music industry say no to an opportunity like that? “YES!!” I yelled with the utmost enthusiasm.
As if I wasn’t already anxious enough, I now get to be in the Red Jumpsuit video! The butterflies in my stomach tripled as if they evolved into mass producing rabbits! Nevertheless we arrived to our destination. And as stated there was a white van waiting on our arrival to take us to the green pastures of Middleburg Florida where I would be getting an all inclusive behind the scenes interview!
Not knowing what to expect once we stepped on the van, I made my own assumptions by the outside appearance. A solid white van with dark windows you can’t see through was all I had to make my assumption. I came to the decision that there was no way that I could know what to expect! I would just “roll with the punches”, as they say! Not looking back, Mike, Greg and I get in the steadily moving van about to leave us! Apparently we were all running late. With no time to play musical chairs I took a seat where I saw first available. I situated my things and took a look around. I realized at that moment that we were on the van with a local upcoming band from Jacksonville Florida, who have played plenty of shows, including shows with the Ataris, called “HELLO DANGER”. Not a national act just yet, but an
Hello Danger
awesome band with great talent.
I myself have such a true passion for the music/entertainment industry. I just have so much respect for all those musically inspired. Those who create, then share their music to all, shows a true passion and love for music! So I’m pretty stoked!
So, we are all chatting away as we are making our way to the FINAL destination, the house of Red Jumpsuit! As we ride along I speak to one of the members about their show with the Ataris, which took place at Ocean club at Jacksonville Beach Florida. I informed them that I attended that show and I even bought a shirt of theirs. “Great show and performance,” I proclaimed! I then asked them if I could take a few pictures of the group once we get to the set. I explained to them that getgreenmusic.org is a new website that combines music downloads and social networking to promote eco-friendly living in a fun mainstream way. The response from “HELLO DANGER” was just as I expected. They LOVED the idea of involving music within the green movement and they would be happy to contribute and participate in any way to help support such an amazing cause. I give them mad props for stepping up and being “GREEN”.
The van finally parks! Thank goodness, I thought to myself. I was ready for all the excitement and anticipation to unfold! We all piled out of the van as if it were a ticking time bomb! I guess everyone was as excited as me! In a single file line we waited to walk through a gate which was guarded by a member of the filming crew. One by one we were instructed to fill out a release form stating we were agreeing to be filmed for the video. No complaints from me! I signed the paper with a quickness!!
Immediately after arriving and signing the day away we were directed to meet inside the house where the first scene would be shot! Now, my experience with the Red Jumpsuit Director was so awesome! I’ve worked with lots of directors in the past, but this guy knows what he is doing! Bravo to the great director! I can’t wait to see the final video of “Pen and Paper”.
For the anticipation of all Red Jumpsuit fans I am unable to go into full details about the total making of the video. I will say this; the song “Pen and Paper” is about eliminating all the fake people from your past, out of your life! There is lots of destruction, excitement, energy and fire in this video!
Fire!
That’s right! FIRE! You will just have to wait until the video is released to see how meaningful and inspiring the song truly is! If you need the motivation or one last push to help you “86” those who have caused you so much pain in your past, you are encouraged to check out this song and video. I know I was excited to release the anger and stress by
Aftermath
eliminating all my “FAKE” people. Thank you Red Jumpsuit!!
The making of the video was about to come to an end and Ronnie Winter was able to sneak away to meet with us at getgreenmusic.org for the exclusive interview. Due to all the cameras and the amounts of people on the set we decided that the best spot to get the one on one was in Ronnie’s own room! That’s right ladies! I got to sit on Ronnie Winters bed!! Talk about a personal interview!
Kira: “So what have you guys been up to lately?”
Ronnie: “Actually believe it or not, this is the first summer we’ve had in almost 4 years off. So we’ve been hanging out in Middleburg and just doing a lot of Florida kind of stuff. I went to Black Creek a few times and doing a lot of skim boarding and a lot of wake boarding. And just relaxing and taking in the sun. It’s good to be home.”
Kira: “Awesome. I’ve seen some of your video! It’s going to be awesome! Lots of fire, lots of beating stuff up!”
Ronnie: “There’s a lot of action going on. Right here in our front yard. I feel pretty awesome about this video because 9 times out of 10 or even more, 99 times out of 100, when people film videos, it’s at some random house or some random place. But this is where we live. So I feel like I kind of brought it back to the “BURG”.”
Kira: “Awesome! Keeping it real, huh?”
Ronnie: “Totally! About as real as you can get.”
Kira: “I’ve seen it!”
Ronnie: “You can’t get much realer than what we are doing!”
Kira: “So, do you know anything about get green music?”
Ronnie: “I actually know quite a bit about it. I was just talking to Mike (props to Mike Sikes who filmed this exclusive interview) about it and he filled me in. It’s one of those things where we’ve done a lot of work since this band has been around. And as far as charity work we’ve done things with the national coalition against domestic violence, things with the youth hotline, which is 1.877.youthline and we actually have our own foundation as well called the Red Jumpsuit Apparatus guardian angel foundation. So just to know that you guys have something that gives back to the environment is really sweet to us. That’s something we haven’t actually addressed yet, that we definitely should have. So I am glad we were able to meet up. So far from everything I’ve heard, we support everything you guys are doing and we think its super “sick” and we are stoked to be a part of it.”
Kira: “What kind of green initiatives are you guys looking at?”
Ronnie: “Well, we actually, definitely recycle here which is what we feel like every person can do on their own level. We have 3 bins in the back for glass, plastic and for random non-food trash. Then we usually take our trash and bag it up separate. So that’s one thing that we do. As far as any other environmental issues are concerned we’re kind of new in the game. I mean, you guys are kind of bringing this to us.”
Kira: “You got to start somewhere, right?”
Ronnie: “Hey! I appreciate your help. I mean you guys are kind of helping us out a little bit.”
Kira: “Absolutely. Can you give our viewers any get green tips as far as what they should do? Or in the future what you guys will be doing yourselves?”
Ronnie: “The best thing I guess I can recommend is just the little things. Recycle what you can and then on top of that, be knowledgeable and not wasteful and know that this is everybody’s planet and not just ours. Our kids and our kids’ kids and our kids’, kid’s, kids have to live here. So just try to be mindful and I think a lot of little things add up to a big accomplishment.”
Kira: “Absolutely.”
Ronnie: “So, if we can all pull together we can make it happen. GET GREEN BABY!! GET GREEN!”
Kira: “Thank you so much for this interview time, we really appreciate it. And you can visit us on the website at www.getgreenmusic.org.”
Ronnie: “I’ll see you there!”
Kira: “See you there.”
What a fun filled day! It’s so inspiring to know that so many role models, such as Red Jumpsuit Apparatus still have time to not just “stop to smell the roses”, but also to realize the roses would no longer be there if we give up on our planet and ourselves. If an entire band that spends day in and day out on tour, practicing their music and recording in the studio has time to do their part for the green movement, what is our excuse? Society as a whole does not do enough! You will always here me say, “It’s not about the one big thing you do one time, but all the small things you do consistently that really has a true effect.” Not just an effect on the planet, but an effect on all of society. I call it, “Pay It Forward” or the “Domino Effect”.
So go out there, do a small part every day, and watch how you can cause a chain reaction! Getgreenmusic.org wants to create such an explosion for the green movement, but can’t do it without the support of all of you! Do your part and encourage others to take their first step for the green movement, by visiting us at www.getgreenmusic.org.
Thanks to all who made this possible! Look out for who I may interview next!
Get Green, Stay Green, Be Green!
ME!
