Coal Corruption and Zero Waste

Coal Corporations. Last week's Upper Big Branch mine disaster reminded America of the dangers of underground mining, but a closer look reveals that coal corporations make coal mining more dangerous than necessary. Lorelei Scarbro is a lifelong resident of West Virginia's Coal River Valley and a community organizer for Coal River Mountain Watch. She also works for the Coal River Wind Project, which aims to preserve mountains, reduce global warming, and improve life in coal communities by building a wind farm on Coal River Mountain. Back in November, I spoke to Lorelei after Massey Energy began blasting on that mountain, reducing the wind energy potential. On this week's show, we talk about the control of coal corporations on life and politics in Appalachian states. For news updates since this interview, check out Democracy Now!. (Photo credit: Ken Ward Jr.)

Zero My Waste. Michael Siminitus, recent UC Davis graduate and founder of Waste Busters, talks about his past work with the UC Davis campus to reach the waste diversion goals set by the University of California - zero-waste by 2020. Since graduating, Michael has turned his passion into a full-fledged business that helps event planners and businesses implement zero-waste plans. Recently, Michael has worked with the Davis Farmers Market to implement a zero-waste program for Picnic in the Park, diverting most of the organic waste to a local composting entity. To find out more about Waste Busters, visit the Zero My Waste website.

Listen. Use the player below to hear the show, or click "divShare" to get the mp3.

Announcements.

-The CSSC Convergence will take place at UCSD April 30-May 2. To register, visit this website.

-The film No Impact Man will screen in Davis on Tuesday April 20th, 6:30-8:30pm. Tickets are free, but must be reserved in advance. For more info....

Music Playlist.

"Come All You Coal Miners" by Sarah Ogun Gunning (Harlan County USA: songs of the coal miner's struggle on Rounder)

"Behind The Barricades" by David Rovics (Behind The Barricades: The Best of David Rovics on Daemon Records)

"You'll Never Leave Harlan Alive" by Darrell Scott, performed by Red Molly (James on Red Molly)