Redistributing The Benefits of Globalization To Relieve Local Environmental Costs "http://www.planetizen.com/node/22369"

That low-priced cashmere sweater has a hidden cost "http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2003498352_cashmer e282.html"

Globalization Shmobalization "http://grist.org/news/daily/2007/01/05/5/"

RUSSIA: Toxic truth of secretive Siberian city "http://www.corpwatch.org/article.php?id=14443"

Norilsk Nickel, ... is the world's largest producer of both nickel and palladium. It made more than $2bn net profit in the first half of last year alone and company officials told us there is enough ore in the mines around Norilsk to keep them in business for at least another 30 years.

The largest use of palladium today is in catalytic converters.[7] "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palladium"

Are you really protecting the environment with technology, like catalytic converters, to clean up the air in your own backyard when it causes so much pollution elsewhere?

Someone really needs to do an assessment of the environmental costs of some of the "environmental" solutions we've come up with.

Someone really needs to do an assessment of the environmental costs of some of the "environmental" solutions we've come up with. .. in economics those are called either secondary or usually tertiary costs... lots of journal articles out there incorporating those costs wren.... but business, through politics, as we know it only ignores all that as 'clutter' and consequently the rape of the 'commons' continues :-(

Eat To Live: French alarm at food miles "http://www.upi.com/Consumer_Health_Daily/Reports/2007/04/19/eat_to_l ive_french_alarm_at_food_miles/"

{3} " ... in economics those are called either secondary or usually
tertiary costs... "

Also, there is the term "externalized" costs. Not all of externalized
costs can reasonably be given a monetary enumeration, which means
that economism is a false premise. The premise of economism is that
value may be measured, entirely, in monetary terms.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Externality

I believe this may be an example of externality--it's a copy of an e- mail I just sent to Mother Earth News referencing a promotional product they're using for Earth Day:

Dear Mother Earth,

How does a plastic earthball help the planet? Plastic is one of the largest problems facing the environment--it's made from coal or oil derivatives and decomposes slowly. It also clogs landfills and ends up accidentally in waterways.

Where are these earthballs made? I'm guessing overseas, probably China. How is the pollution generated in the manufacturing and shipping of these balls earth-friendly?

Shame on you.

Mother Earth replies:

"Rich, thank you for your thoughtful comment."

Nothing further.

Advertising revenue very frequently trumps editorial ethics and
commitment. Sad as it is. Wrong as it is.

Driving ourselves SICK

http://www.startribune.com/1244/story/1212527.html

Mexicans torch tequila fields for ethanol boom corn "http://www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSN2924142520070529 "

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexican farmers are setting ablaze fields of blue agave, the cactus-like plant used to make the fiery spirit tequila, and resowing the land with corn as soaring U.S. ethanol demand pushes up prices.

The switch to corn will contribute to an expected scarcity of agave in coming years, with officials predicting that farmers will plant between 25 percent and 35 percent less agave this year to turn the land over to corn.

"Those growers are going after what pays best now," said Ismael Vicente Ramirez, head of agriculture at Mexico's Tequila Regulatory Council.

The large, spiky-leaved agave thrives on high, arid land and can take eight years to reach maturity. To remove the plants, growers cut them at their stems and often burn the fields to remove the roots.

Tequila, drunk in shots and cocktails around the world, is named after a town in the western Mexican state of Jalisco.

In booming economies, cement is crucial for growth but an enemy of green "http://iht.com/articles/2007/10/21/business/cement.php"