Stone buildings always seem to hold a qualities of permanence and handsomeness that is hard to imitate. Vermont is home to sandstone, slate, limestone, marble and brick buildings that date back to the American revolution. In the early days of New England civilization there was plenty of stone around to use for building forts, homes and meeting houses. In some cases, local clay was harvested to create bricks that were used extensively in buildings. Here is a modest sample of Vermont former schoolhouses, residences, and monuments built during the last 200 years. Do you notice any similarities in architecture?

Ethan Allen Monument in Burlington.

Ferrisburgh, Vermont Schoolhouse.

Addison, Vermont residence.

Pomeroy Building in Burlington.

Ferrisburg Summer Cottage.

Addison, Vermont Farmhouse.

Penfield at Basin Harbor Club

Image Credit: Starland.com

The classified ad above reminds me of Bill McKibben’s new book named Eaarth. One of his points is that our planet is increasingly different than the one we grew up on. Recently the media reported that a majority of Americans don’t believe climate change is real. Oh my! Sounds like the scientists need to forge some more documents to get more consensus! In the meantime, maybe some light-hearted humor will help soften the polarized distrust we see in our society. You might be crying through your laughter at some of these. Please feel free to share your favorite environmental joke in the comments section.

Experts say this global warming is serious, and they are predicting now that by the year 2050, we will be out of party ice. –David Letterman

According to a survey in this week’s Time magazine, 85% of Americans think global warming is happening. The other 15% work for the White House. –Jay Leno (2006)

How many climate sceptics does it take to change a lightbulb? A: None. It’s too early to say if the light bulb needs changing. –
Robert Butler, environmental blogger
Q

Al Gore announced he is finishing up a new book about global warming and the environment. Yeah, the first chapter talks about how you shouldn’t chop down trees to make a book that no one will read. –Conan O’Brien

Barbra Streisand told Diane Sawyer that we’re in a global warming crisis, and we can expect more and more intense storms, droughts and dust bowls. But before they act, weather experts say they’re still waiting to hear from Celine Dion. –Jay Leno

Governor Schwarzenegger spoke about the dangers of global warming. Schwarzenegger’s exact words were: fire, hot, bad.” –Conan O’Brien

NASA just released their new report on global warming or, as President Bush, calls it — Spring.” –Jay Leno (2006)

They say if the warming trend continues, by 2015 Hillary Clinton might actually thaw out. — Jay Leno

President Bush has a plan [to fight global warming]. We can lower the temperature dramatically just by switching from Fahrenheit to Celsius. — Jimmy Kimmel

A parish priest is to offer ‘eco-sinners’ the chance to confess in what is thought to be the first ‘green’ confessional booth. Obviously you can’t confess all your sins in one go but must separate bottle, paper and plastic confessions.
– mygreenweek.com

The following article was submitted by Katherine McGrath October 2009, who is a Junior at Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont.

Throughout the past few years there have been many attempts from Vermont and its bordering states so do their part in this up and coming eco-friendly movement. States are doing things on a much larger scale now-a-days in order to green up New England. On huge way that the states of Vermont and New York are participating in going green are by the recent installments of wind turbines. In Chateaugay, New York and Bolton, Vermont wind turbines have been built in order to acquire power which will be distributed throughout those regions.

In Chateaugay a series of wind farms (as they are referred to) were developed and built throughout 2007 and 2008. They build a total of 72 wind turbines ranging across the more eastern and central parts of the town. Each turbine will provide 1.5 MW of energy which is enough to power about 1,200 New York homes. “The developer has estimated the project would provide economic benefits of $152.9 million over 20 years” (DiSavino).

Pictures of the Chateaugay Wind Farm—By Leanne Gilardi

In Bolton, Vermont the turbine was build on top of the Vista Quad chair lift on Bolton Valley’s Ski and Resort Mountain. This is the most recent development of wind turbines in Vermont. Bolton Valley finished installing the 121 foot turbine in late Fall of this year, and is estimated to produces over 300,000 kilowatts to power the resort, and any excess energy will be used by local residents. This turbine is the first in Vermont to be on a ski resort mountain and is only the third in the United States. Owners of Bolton Valley Ski Resort Doug Nedde and Larry Williams are very happy with their decision and are proud to be doing their part for the planet by furthering their environmental support within their business plans.

More research is being done every day for the installments of more wind turbines in areas that would benefit greatly from having them. Not only are wind turbines being used to help the plants however there have also been installations of solar panels in many different areas. It is good to know that being part of an eco-friendly community is as easy going skiing at Bolton Valley in Vermont, or living in Chateaugay, New York.

DiSavino, Scott. “NY approves of Noble Chateaugay wind farm.” Reuters. N.p.,
Nov. 2007. Web. 5 Oct. 2009. environmentNews/idUSN0755034020071107>.

Mother nature has provided a spectacular backdrop to our lives over the past few weeks and we have tried to capture a piece of the delicious foliage here. The nights are getting longer and the leaves on the ground exceed the leaves in the trees. There are still awe-inspiring sights to find for those willing to find the light and the time. All photos taken by Glenn near Lake Champlain in Vermont.

Today we are fortunate to have another gallery contributed by Nathan Andrew Winters (aka @follownathan), fresh back from his 5 month bicycle trip across the USA. Don’t miss last Sunday’s gallery and last Monday’s blog post by Nathan. Tomorrow we have an interview with Nathan here in the blog with some more incredible photos. All photos today submitted by Nathan Winters.

This is the second article by Nathan Winters (@follownathan), writing about his travels on a bicycle trip across the US last summer. Last Monday we published the first article and Sunday photo galleries of his adventure. All photos are from Nathan’s camera. Enjoy!

What evidence did you see during your travels, of peoples’ concern for the changing climate?

The evidence that I saw in regards to climate change were overwhelming. Prior to this journey I had no idea that there were so many people in so many different communities taking action to prevent climate change and promoting sustainability. During my visit to Vermont it was as if I was preaching to the choir. Small orgs such as ReSource (formerly Recycle North) and Carshare VT were acting as great difference makers and the larger operations such as Seventh Generation and Green Mountain Coffee Roasters were using their resources to “do more with more”. It was fascinating. It was my visit to the Green Mountain state where I realized that there was a “revolution” taking place and that there were many “small people’ doing big things. The feeling of not being alone in my efforts was a tremendous weight lifted off of my shoulders.

What was your most alarming encounter with an environmental issue or pollution?

I think for me the most fascinating situation was in the Adirondacks. It is a very complex and unique situation over there. There is a great struggle between public and private land. Currently there is a great tension over the possible development of a ski resort in Tupper Lake which could be a huge lift on the local economy however there would be catastrophic environmental drawbacks. The struggle between the conservation groups, local people, economy and politics was so evident that you could feel the tension without hearing any words.

How did you measure your own carbon footprint on your trip?

I have never “measured” my carbon footprint at any point in my life. What I strive to do is know in my heart and with my actions that I am doing the best of my ability to be a good steward to the land. This includes thinking things through, making tough decisions and of course making sacrifices when it comes to fancy “nice to haves”. My time on Earth is borrowed and I would like to return it the same way it was given to me.

What surprises did you find on your trip?

I would have to say that my favorite hidden gems were my encounters with the Amish communities. I have read and understand their way of life but to have shared meals, prayers and discussed the modern world with them was without a doubt something that I will cherish forever.

What new environmental learning happened on your trip?

I think the biggest thing I learned is that it all comes down to accountability. It doesn’t matter if you are a large CAFO or a small CSA. We are in this together and the choices we make are what has the biggest impact either good or bad. Both on large and small scale.