Save the Date; The Middle Class Task Force, created by President Obama and led by Vice President Joe Biden, will hold its first meeting on February 27th, which will specifically focus on green job creation. The meeting hopes to position green job creation as a “pathway to a strong middle class.”

This is part of President Obama’s multifaceted strategy in the Recovery Plan that promises to put 460,000 Americans back to work in the clean energy sector. The Task Force hopes to use the meeting to discuss the positive impact that green job creation will have on the middle class of America.  The Obama Administration believes that “more green jobs means more money” to the middle class and that green jobs “strengthen the foundation of this country.”

The strategy outlined in the Recovery Plan, calls for the creation of over 3,000 miles of new smart power grids, incentives for solar panel and wind turbine manufacturers, weatherizing of homes and office buildings and the renovation of schools.

Points you can expect will be covered at the meeting;

• The strategy to create Millions of New Green Jobs for Middle Class America
• Goals to ensure 10 percent of Our Electricity Comes from Renewable Sources by 2012, and 25 percent by 2025.
• Strategy to deploy the cheapest, cleanest, fastest energy source – Energy Efficiency.
• Incentives to encourage weatherizing of one million homes annually.

The meeting will take place in Philadelphia; we will update you once a location is and meeting agenda is announced. For more, please visit The White House

Blake Jones, President of Namaste Solar, a small Boulder-based solar electric company, is a true visionary in the sustainable energy field. His speech today, at President Obama’s stimulus bill signing, was full of optimism for green sector opportunities inherent in the bill. Perhaps the most fascinating story behind Blake is his foresight to understand the crossroads America stands in and the opportunity it has to take a leading position in global energy efficiency.

Namaste Solar, co-founded by Blake, was itself at a crossroads this year. The four year old company had grown from 3 to 55 employees over the last 3 years, but faced the prospects of hiring freezes, cutting working hours and laying off employees in the wake of the economic downturn. This was not a position Blake envisioned being in when he decided to pursue greener pastures by leaving the oil industry, where he worked as a Civil Engineer for Halliburton/Brown & Root.  

Blake’s speech today highlighted that the stimulus bill “offers new hope and optimism of the future.” According to Blake, the fast growth seen by Namaste over the last four years is representative of what thousands of other small companies have achieved in the solar and green energy field. In fact the overwhelming consensus within the solar industry is that the bill will stimulate growth in the industry. According to the US Solar Energy Industries Association, the bill will directly help US solar companies create 69,000 jobs this year and up to 138,000 more jobs over the next two years.

In his speech, Blake further pointed out that “every green Job created brings the US closer towards achieving energy independence, strengthening national security, bolstering the economy, protecting the environment and improving public health, all at the same time.” This is at the heart of why Blake left the oil industry, to keep the American dream alive. In a 2006 interview with lime.com, Blake talked about why he left Halliburton;

“While I still think oil and gas are fine, and they do make the world go round, the imbalance of power they create—too much political power, too much economic disparity between countries—can’t be sustained. We need a better-balanced portfolio. So I looked around and saw there were a bunch of new renewable energy technologies out there, and that’s where I wanted to go.”

Moving beyond petro to a greener sustainable energy future will take vision and foresight and Blake Jones is a trailblazer with both.

Lets face it, American automakers are struggling because of a lack of innovation and foresight of consumer demand for energy efficient cars. There is however one automaker shaking things up, Tesla Motors of San Carlos, California. Tesla gained its notoriety with the groundbreaking Roadster, an all-electric sports car with 248 hp, pushing it from 0 to 60 in 3.9 seconds and can go 244 miles per charge. However, the Roadster’s high price tag, upwards of $110, 000 USD, placed in out of reach for most consumers. This is about to change, if Tesla has its way.

Tesla announced recently that it’s on the verge of receiving $450 million from Department of Energy loans designed for retooling the auto industry and supporting vehicles with renewable energy. Although Tesla showed financial strains from its rapid growth in 2008, the company stands to gain much from policies of the Obama administration that will focus heavily on energy efficiency.

The group plans on utilizing the funds to build to build a $350 million production plant for a new sedan dubbed the Model S. Another $100 million will go towards expanding its battery supply business, which promises rapid growth, thanks to its partnership with Daimler to supply batteries for an electric smart car.

The Model S promises to position the group for a foray into mass production consumer vehicles. The Model S will have a base price of $60,000, however; it could cost less than $50,000 when you factor in tax breaks on electric cars plus a $10,000 price break that Tesla has promised its early adopters. While actual performance figures are yet to be determined, Tesla promises that the car will achieve 240 miles per charge and go from 0 to 60 in less than 6 seconds.

A prototype of the Model S is scheduled for a mid March premier.

The Eighth Annual Cinema For Peace Awards and Charity Gala took place on February 9^th 2009 at the historic “Konzerthaus” in Berlin. Invited guests included high profile figures of international film, all gathering to celebrate a selection of cinematic works that promote peace and tolerance. The recognized directors and actors were honored for their focus on highlighting humanity, peace and efficient climate protection, while raising significant funds for charity.

Celebrities included stars from media, film, music and politics like Leonardo DiCaprio, Catherine Deneuve, Mikhail Gorbachev, Bryan Adams, Christopher Lee and many more. Most notable was Leonardo DiCaprio, the medias favorite star of the night who had this to say about sustainability;

“It’s about supporting these new technologies. Whatever those technologies might be you have to create an economy for that and that means if you have the opportunity, if you have the means and if you so choose, try to endorse new forward thinking technologies.”  

DiCaprio was honored with the “International Green Film Award” for his commitment to the environment. BMW and Mikhail Gorbachev presented the award. Mikhail Gorbachev introduced DiCaprio on stage to an audience of over 600, to which DiCaprio shared a personal story of visiting his grandmother in Berlin as a young boy. DiCaprio, paying homage to the twenty year anniversary of the Peaceful Revolution and the fall of the Berlin Wall, commented;

“Solving the environmental crisis is our turning point. It is our next Berlin wall.”

BMW was the exclusive presenting partner at the awards for the third consecutive year. With the “International Green Film Award,” BMW recognizes outstanding cinematic achievements and personalities in the film businesses who have worked on behalf of the environment and climate protection. The award came with a $250,000 donation towards an environmental foundation or film project. It also offers a platform for environmental activists and dedicated artists to draw attention to as well as strengthen and encourage the public conscience for environmental issues. Jan Christiaan Koenders, Head of Brand Communication for BMW had this to say;

“Cinema for Peace stands for change and change needs a little joy. BMW is doing precisely this with the efficient dynamics program. We are committed to promoting emotions and visions at the same time.”

Throught the years, Leonardo DiCaprio has been a staunch activist of environmental issues. In addition to The Leonardo Dicaprio Foundation, which he set up at age 24, DiCapro also sits on the board of Global Green USA and the National Resources Defense Council. He has also financed and produced various short films and independent movies, including “Global Warming” and “Water Planet” as well as the environmental documentary “11^th Hour.”

The signing of two Presidential Memoranda’s today by President Obama was a direct acknowledgement of the eminent importance to move the U.S towards energy independence. In his speech that followed, the president further acknowledged that for many years and decades presidents have been calling for energy independence, but their voices were often overshadowed by rigid ideology driven by special interest groups and political rhetoric that prevented progress.

His first agenda this morning was to call for the passing of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan by congress, which is aimed at stimulating economic growth. The recovery plan promises to put 460,000 Americans back to work in the clean energy sector, beginning with the development of 3,000 miles of transmission lines to deliver clean energy. The Recovery Plan also promises to save $ 2 billion in annual taxpayer dollars by making 75% of federal building more efficient.

The second agenda signaled a shift in environmental policy by directing federal regulators to move swiftly in adopting stricter fuel efficiency standards. As Obama pointed out “Increasing fuel efficiency in our cars and trucks is the most important step we can take to break our cycle of dependence on foreign oil.” The president hopes it will spark innovation needed to ensure the survival of the US auto industry. Obama asked federal regulators to implement the new standards in time for the 2011 model year.

Obama also promised that his administration would keep working on a bipartisan basis in Washington and with industry partners across the country in hopes of forging a “comprehensive approach that makes our economy stronger and our nation more secure.”

For more information on Obama’s energy plan, please visit the White House 

Posting a 53% profit growth in the fourth quarter of 2008 and opening 14 new stores, while the U.S is in the midst of an economic crisis, what is American Apparel doing right?  Modern, yet classic designs, American Apparel strives to give their consumer a unique customer experience.  Through the use of unconventional marketing techniques, and real-life models, American Apparel strives to attract their young, fun and sophisticated customer, seeking to create timeless trends.

Defying conventional manufacturing methods, the brand has refused to seek labor overseas to cut costs.  The company, from its inception, has vowed to know its workers and pay them a living wage.  The average garment worker, making $25,000 per year, with the availability of affordable health insurance, is far more than the industry standard.  Additionally the company guarantees their employees full-time work, in an industry traditionally dominated by seasonal work.

American Apparel is a truly sweatshop-free vertically integrated approach to fashion design, manufacturing and distribution. All of the company’s products are designed, manufactured and marketed in downtown Los Angeles in the largest single garment factory in the United States.  The integration of all areas of the process, allows the company to control costs by having their pulse on the demand for products and controlling overproduction.

Sustainability is a key integral part of American Apparel’s commitment to remain at the forefront of innovation in apparel. 30% of its manufacturing facility is powered by solar energy. In addition, the company has made a significant commitment to using organic cotton with the launch of its Sustainable Edition apparel.

Additionally, the company has been active participants and proponents of immigration reform.  Since 2003 they have been posting ads showing their support for legislation to legalize the workforce in the US.  Their current campaign, “Legalize LA” demonstrates their continued commitment to tackling the legal and social issues surrounding legalizing undocumented workers in the US. 

For more information regarding the company and their advocacy work, please visit American Apparel

Images curtesy of American Apparel®, © 2008, all right reserved

When I first heard that my dear friend Richard would be starting this blog and wanted me to contribute beauty articles, I immediately jumped on the Internet for ideas and inspiration.  Because the website is entitled “Beyond Petro,” I immediately thought of petroleum…which made me think of petroleum jelly, which led me to lipgloss.  Well, I actually thought of lipstick, lipgloss, chapstick - whatever name and consistency, it’s a hobby of mine.  And when I say hobby, I actually mean an addiction.  Lipgloss is to me what cigarettes are to smokers, what alcohol is to drunks, what heroin is to heroin addicts…you get the picture. 

At any given time, no less than five different products weigh down my purse.  Lipgloss is so much of an issue that once, after changing purses and neglecting to put any back in my bag, I moped during an entire day trip with my boyfriend, purely because I felt naked without it.  Another time, looking at apartments, and being no less than half a mile away from my own, I realized I was without lipgloss and had to hightail it to the drugstore to remedy the situation.  Lipgloss is so much of an obsession of mine that I thought it would make a perfect topic for my first post on Beyond Petro.

Thinking in terms of “beyond” petroleum jelly, I envisioned making my own lipgloss from beeswax.  I figured, no big deal, I’ll just order some beeswax, find some small glass jars, and I’ll be a busy little bee in no time!  But then I remembered that I’m lazy and that there was kitchen labor involved.  And every time I find myself in a kitchen, I’m either asking my boyfriend Cory what’s for dinner or wondering when I’ll wake up.  So I decided to nix the idea of creating my own lipgloss.

Thankfully, the folks at Burt’s Bees are one step ahead of me.  Because Burt’s Bees is an “earth friendly, natural personal care company,” they are committed to using the best products in their cosmetics, including beeswax instead of petroleum in their lipgloss.  Their labels won’t freak you out with a bunch of scary chemicals, and you also don’t have to worry about them testing on animals.  My favorite is the Burt’s Bees Lip Shimmer.  It’s the consistency of chapstick and has Vitamin E to keep lips moisturized and smooth.  Once applied, it looks like a gloss with a little added shimmer, and the peppermint oil helps keep your breath fresh.  And it comes in a lot of yummy flavors, like guava, watermelon, champagne, and cocoa, and costs about the same as a venti Starbucks ($5).

Now I have this Lip Shimmer tucked away in a pocket of my purse at all times, I know that I’m ready for anything.  Except moping because I don’t have lipgloss.  I’m still sorry about that day, Cory…

Jessica Shenker/ Beauty Editor /

Burt’s Bees campaign image © 2008 Burt’s Bees. All rights reserved

At noon on January 20, 2009 our President elect Barack Obama will take the oath of office to be our President.  This day holds the promise of a new opportunity to have our voices heard.  A challenge has been posed to us all, to take a role in our nation, speak up, act and stand for something.

            The challenges that await us in this coming year are vast, but the solutions can come from all of us.  It’s about changing the current mindset; thinking outside the box and making dreams become reality.  Bedford Heights, Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland was hard hit by the outsourcing of manufacturing, as many US towns have been.  A manufacturing plant, Cardinal Fastener & Specialty Co. was the site of an interview with President-elect, Barack Obama.  Innovation and a vision of the changing needs of our country allowed this manufacturing plant to be transformed into one in which parts for wind turbines are manufactured with American steel, and American workers.  As our economy continues to falter, our ideals and visions of a cleaner, more energy independent future can come to fruition as we invest in sustainable energy sources.  A proposed 8 billion dollars have been allotted for renewable energy projects.

            Let our voices be heard as our new President seeks to hear them.  We at Beyond Petro want to send our sincere congratulations to our new President Barack Obama, and challenge you to speak up.  Remember as Confucius said, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”  Let us all take a step to a more prosperous and exciting future Beyond Petro.

Ever since Esperanza dropped on September of last year, we have yet to put this album down. Five months later this infectious album has left us insatiably yearning for more sounds from up and coming producer Guy J. As a matter of fact, the album has become the playlist staple of music at Beyond Petro, which needless to say has inspired much of our creative juices.

Guy J, over the last couple of years, has become an intrinsic force of the Israeli dance scene. Along with fellow countrymen Guy Gerber, Sholmi Aber, Chaim and Gel Abril, Guy has been at the forefront of what he calls “ a movement back towards the melody rich sounds on which House music is based.”

Esperanza is Guy J’s hotly anticipated full-length artist album, which picks up from his club smash hits Under Pressure, Geko and Save Me, from 2007. This album, is definitely well suited for the after club lounge hours.

Guy’s productions, with their driving beats, shimmering synths and journey-like qualities, embody characteristics from all manner of House music. Guy states “I didn’t set out to write an album – I just wrote tracks when I was in different moods, hence each track having different types of genres, different influences.” He adds, “This is the album I wanted to make… it has a warm sound… it’s very sexy and really tells a story.”

Guy fully exploits the opportunity to explore the length and breadth of his creative capacity. Alongside the dance floor orientated cuts on which he has built his reputation, Guy straddles moods of ambient, techno and electronica whilst constantly maintaining a melodic and highly emotive core. Anyone who appreciated the majesty of Nathan Fake’s ‘Drowning in a Sea of Love’ will instantly feel at home with ‘Esperanza’, as would fans of the Kompakt or Border Community sound where the focus is first and foremost on musicality.

‘Indigo Fields’ opens up the album perfectly and immediately encapsulates the rich tapestry of sound for which Guy J is famed. Following on, ‘Nebula’ highlights the dancefloor focused underbelly of the album by marrying dark, driving bass with Chicago-influenced synth-stabs that leave you doubtless of Guy’s sonic capabilities. ‘Geko’ again picks up a strand of the classic house blueprint albeit this time in slower and more twisted fashion. Guy’s first single ‘Under Pressure’ appears on the album in a slightly more restrained album version. Flourishes of synthesis and noise appear and disappear as the track travels patiently through peeks and troughs of intensity.

By the time ‘Druma’ jerks into the frame you realise you are experiencing the work of a genuine musical talent. Epic slabs of sound are stacked atop glitchy lo-fi drums which results in a listening experience that simply swallows you whole. Closing track ‘Esperanza’ completes the journey and in archetypal Guy J fashion it’s a musically dense trip that is dynamic enough to keep you hanging until the very last beat.

What is without question is that Guy has managed to produce an album that is brimming with soul, a feat which an artist can toil for an entire lifetime hoping to achieve.

Want to hear a sample and buy the album, please visit iTunes

Images courtesy of Guy J, © 2008 All rights reserved.

What makes art and one an artist? Jim Denevan makes freehand drawings in the sand, sometimes laboring for 7 hours and walking as many as 30 miles; all to accomplish what to him feels like a great sense of composure, meditation and relaxation.

The pure exhilaration of his work is often unseen to the naked eye from flat land, but from above the sky, it is an isolated phenomenon of beauty. Denevan views his works of art as sheer satisfaction, but yet to an audience lack definition. Denevan’s tools are unconventional, a broken stick or piece of wood, a rake and no measuring tools. His canvas is nature, an open stretch of beach or desert. His inspiration is his heart and mind.

To Denevan, a chef from California, there is an inherent respect for nature. Whether hosting a dinner of making a piece of art Jim believes that “For a time these tangible specific places exist in the indeterminate environment” and after some time, his motions, that are art, are erased when nature sweeps in a wave from the ocean or wind, and leaves no trace or impact to the environment.

To learn more, please visit Jim Denevan