Chitta Chatta With The Green Rapper at Greenrapper.com

Ep 15: The Green Dentistry

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 00:02:46 +0000

For our last episode of 2008, we head to Union Square in downtown San Francisco to check out the offices of the Green Dentist, Nammy Patel. In all aspects of their business, the Green Dentistry strives to be sustainable. From patient care, to interior design, to dental equipment, their common-sense approach to sustainability is a model for green businesses of all kinds.

Ep 14: Rosie the Riveter

Sun, 19 Oct 2008 05:01:14 +0000

This week, we're in Richmond, California visiting Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park. Park Ranger Naomi Torres gives us an inside look at the past, present, and future of this iconic park in the East Bay.

Ep 13: Girls for a Change

Sat, 04 Oct 2008 06:09:07 +0000

In this episode, we get the inside scoop from Carrie Ellett, National Program Director for Girls For A Change, a national organization that empowers girls to create social change in their own community. Started in the Bay Area, they are quickly expanding to cities all across America with their National Tour. Check it out and click here to find out how to help!

Ep 12: Urban Worm Bins

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 05:26:12 +0000

In this episode, C-diddy gets hungry and is confronted by a supernatural egg shell. We are then transported to the Greater Portland Oregon area to visit Nigel and Angie, a couple who have a garden on their 3rd story apartment porch. We learn how to create a space-saving worm bin to process compost as well as some all-natural methods for fixing nitrogen.

The Electric Vehicle Song

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 03:33:23 +0000

After taking my camera to the Silicon Valley EV Rally at Palo Alto High School this weekend, I was inspired to put together a super-short song and video. The valley is a hub for greentech innovation and the owners/inventors were cool folks who would let you ride in their creations. Thanks to the folks at Electroportal.com for letting me ride a sweet bike that improves your pedal speed. Another environmental rap for your ears:

Ep 11: The Grassroots Garden

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 06:25:29 +0000

Diversion of our nations food to biofuels has led to rising food costs and cuts in food surpluses. Low income workers and food banks have been hit the hardest. The grassroots garden is a huge community effort to supplement the diets of Lane County’s poorest citizens with fresh, organic fruits and vegetables. With support from local government, corporations, and community groups, the Grassroots Garden and Food For Lane County have taken on the challenge head on. In Episode 11, we chat with Merry of the Grassroots Garden in Eugene, Oregon and we find out how this community effort has energized people from all walks of life to address this increasingly serious issue.

Ep 10: The Green Bookworm

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 05:55:38 +0000

This week, we are back with Justin from Episode 9. Justin has worked in areas of sustainable development and the environment in the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Peru and the states. Ever since I've known him, he's always had a book in hand, taking advantage of any chance to read throughout his day. He gives us a run-down of some of his favorite green books which include: Eco-Pioneers by Steve Lerner, Plan B 3.0 by Lester Brown, The Natural Step for Communities by Sarah James & Torbjorn Lahti, Four Season Harvest by Eliot Coleman, Permaculture a Designer's Manual by Bill Mollison, and Natural Capitalism by Paul Hawkins. All of these books are available at your local library and Plan B 3.0 can be downloaded for free from the Earth Policy Institute.

Ep 9: Rural Opportunities

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 23:13:31 +0000

During a recent road trip to Oregon, we spoke with Justin Overdevest of Connecting Oregon for Rural Entrepreneurship (CORE). In partnership with Americorps, the University of Oregon, and the W.K. Kellogg foundation, Justin and various local groups are working to change the economic landscape of the Central Oregon Coast. Justin talks about the philosophy of the program and describes some of the projects in the works. They include everything from green initiatives to food production to arts and crafts. We meet Ryan Roberts, a young photographer who is involved with CORE. He shows us some of his photos that display the natural beauty of Oregon along with the economic reality of living on this rural coast.

Video Review: Half Dome at Yosemite National Park

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 21:23:09 +0000

The Green Rapper climbing team recently conquered the treacherous elevations of Half Dome and lived to tell of their adventure. See and hear how they survived the "Granite Steps of Insanity!" This video review gives great recommendations for any one considering this hike:

Review: Little Basin

Sat, 05 Jul 2008 18:44:26 +0000

Big Basin is California's first State Park, and Little Basin has ambitions to become one. We visited recently to see this former HP property that is now being protected by POST and the Sempervirens Fund.

Ep 8, Pt. 3: Aint Nobody’s Biofool - Smart Biodiesel Production

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 06:48:31 +0000

We learn about the four parts to Ray's process: Collecting the oil, processing the oil, distributing the fuel, and dealing with co-products of production. We find out which kind restaurants are preferred to collect from and we see the production facility that Ray uses to convert cooking oil into biodiesel.

Ep 8, Pt. 4: Aint Nobody’s Biofool - Smart Biodiesel Production

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 06:45:20 +0000

In this final segment, Ray explains how a Biodiesel Users Group works. Due to the skyrocketing fuel costs, biofuels have become relatively cheaper, though Ray tells how his production costs have also gone up. Ray articulates his dream of all biodiesel going to power school buses and explains how the do-it-yourself mentality of his process hearkens back to America's founding principles.

Ep 8, Pt. 2: Aint Nobody’s Biofool - Smart Biodiesel Production

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 06:03:50 +0000

Ray explains how localized production of biodiesel is best for a distributed resource such as used cooking oil. Using Ray's business model, a community biodiesel production facility could be started with a capital investment from between $ 5-10 K.

Ep 8, Pt. 1: Aint Nobody’s Biofool - Smart Biodiesel Production

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 06:03:01 +0000

In Episode 4, we met Hakan and Laura, a couple who use bio-fuel made from waste vegetable oil. They introduced us Ray Kemp, the man behind KF3 BioDiesel Production, and the subject of Episode 8. Ray has spent the last few years perfecting a process for locally made biodiesel that he produces with reclaimed equipment. He has also found valuable uses for the byproducts of the production process, making his company completely sustainable. Check out this four-part episode:

Ep.7: Trust the Open Space Pt. 3

Fri, 30 May 2008 05:50:22 +0000

Ep.7: Trust the Open Space Pt. 2

Wed, 28 May 2008 04:37:17 +0000

Ep.7: Trust the Open Space Pt. 1

Fri, 23 May 2008 14:23:13 +0000

For Episode 7, we visit with Kathleen Ward of Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) to learn how they are protecting the natural lands of the Bay Area Peninsula. Join us on a tour of three of their many beautiful protected properties. Feel inspired? Click here to donate!Part 1: POST and Pillar Point Bluff What exactly is a land trust? Kathleen explains how this non-profit organization works with the local communities to protect natural ecosystems and preserve natural beauty. Our first stop is at Pillar Point Bluff. We learn that while it may look neat, Pampas Grass actually steals natural resources from native plants. It might not be the best thing to use for your walking stick next time you go hiking.

Ep. 6: Solar Searching Pt. 3

Wed, 07 May 2008 06:17:44 +0000

Part Three: In the last segment, we visit a house that pays $0 in electricity bills. We see the components that make up a solar energy installation, including the inverter, the meter, and the solar panel modules. Finally, graham touches on maintenance, cost, and why 2008 is the best year to get a residential solar system.

Ep. 6: Solar Searching Pt. 2

Wed, 07 May 2008 05:57:16 +0000

Part Two: Next, we learn what different types of solar panel systems are available and how efficient they are, including new innovations, like “spray-on” solar panels.

Ep. 6: Solar Searching Pt. 1

Wed, 07 May 2008 05:47:11 +0000

Ep. 6: Solar Searching - Solar Energy Systems For Homes, Businesses, and Non-profitsFor Episode 6, we hit sunny Monterey Bay to speak with Graham Hunting of Blue Line Power, a clean energy company. We’ve split the episode up into three parts:Part One: Graham talks about how you can pay for a commercial or residential solar energy system. We visit the York School to see how real people have gotten off the grid and reduced their carbon footprint. We discuss rebates, tax credits, and green loans that are available to consumers. In the process, we find out how long a system lasts and how long it takes to get a return on investment.

Video Review: Avenue of the Giants and Humboldt Redwoods State Park

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 03:34:08 +0000

Last weekend, we went up the 101 to Humboldt Redwood State Park and checked out the Avenue of the Giants. After we had researched their website, we picked a campground and planned hikes and a trip to nearby Arcata and Eureka. This review gives a rundown of our campground pick and recommendations.

Episode 5: Jobs for the Youth

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 05:17:46 +0000

In our latest installment, we traveled across the Bay to speak with youth development veteran Mark Henderson. For 15 years, Mark has been helping inner-city youth get jobs in the city of Oakland. In this fifth episode, he talks with us about the current job situation for youth in Oakland and how Measure Y is addressing the challenges that youth face. Mark breaks down the specifics of using job skills training and employment as an incentive to keep youth in school, off the street, and out of trouble. He also touches on green collar jobs, and explains how regular folks can get involved to help youth and reduce crime in their neighborhood.

Video Review: Costanoa

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 06:59:10 +0000

I had a gift certificate to Costanoa in Pescadero, CA and finally got a chance to use it recently. Costanoa is a fancy camping spot with a hotel, cabins, and outdoor camping spots. Here's the low down:

Episode 4: Rollin' on Shrubs

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 02:17:32 +0000

In this episode, the Green Rapper cuts through the hype surrounding Biodiesel with Laura and Hakan, two ordinary citizens that have truly converted to a carbon neutral form of transportation. With a nominal startup fee (<$250 for storage tank and fuel pump) and zero mechanical modifications to their VW Golf TDI and Chevy Diesel Van, they use Biodiesel from KF3 BioDiesel Production to fuel their rides (at a slightly cheaper cost than regular diesel)! Find out how they safely store their alternate fuel and fill up from the comfort of their garage. To get started on your conversion, visit the National Biodiesel Board's Website.

Episode 3: Parks and Records

Mon, 03 Mar 2008 20:46:10 +0000

In this show, the Green Rapper heads to the Mission in San Francisco to catch up with Jon and Mimi of Mijuanito. As we vibe to the melodic sounds, we also find out how their green record label Parks and Records is making a difference. A concept that blends their two passions, music and mother nature, they share with us their 4-part mission to build a community of like-minded musicians and fans, release passionate indie-pop/ noise-rock albums, reduce waste through 100% recycled/reused packaging, and support organizations dedicated to making our planet greener.

Episode 2: Water Quality Control

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 07:07:27 +0000

In this episode, the Green Rapper heads to Redwood Creek in Marin County to talk water quality with Doug Kern. Doug is a scientist and teacher who is involved with restoration of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Doug shows us how to collect critical data about this precious resource. Find out how clean your tap water is compared with filtered water and water from a creek. Also, the Green Rapper finally gets confronted on his bathroom manners and then freestyles about it.

Episode 1: Global Warming... For Kids

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 03:01:18 +0000

For our first episode, we visit our good friends at the Crissy Field Center. The Center is a certified green building and an awesome place where kids learn how to protect the environment.

Watershed Event

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 02:19:48 +0000

Flipping the script on political rhetoric, The Green Rapper gets philosophical about war, the environment, and personal responsibility.