SBA Part of USDA / University of Florida Biodiesel Workshop

Ft. Pierce, Florida –The Sustainable Biodiesel Alliance was a proud sponsor of a recent Biodiesel Workshop at the USDA Extension office at Ft. Pierce, Florida. Representatives from the USDA, University of Florida and Florida Power and Light were on hand with a host of local farmers considering biodiesel feedstock for use on available land. Representatives from local biodiesel producers and industry stakeholders also attended the event.

The event included an introduction by SBA Board Member Dr. Randall von Wedel and presentations by SBA Member Piedmont Biofuels, Florida Power and Light and the University of Florida. Rachel Burton of Piedmont Biofuels gave a presentation on the new enzymatic technology being designed and developed by Piedmont and Novazym . Florida Power and Light gave a history of their biodiesel use as a fleet and continued commitment to alternative energy.

After a day of presentations and discussion with the stakeholders of Florida’s biodiesel industry the group took a field trip to a new production location in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. GreenWave Biodiesel has just opened a state of the art production facility in the heart of Ft. Lauderdale. This entirely in door production facility will be capable of processing 4 million gallons of biodiesel from used cooking oil each year. The company is also committed to selling their product for use in Florida. “We want to create energy for Florida, from Florida feedstocks” said Eric Lesp’erance, Principal at Green Wave Biodiesel. The event was concluded with a tour of the University of Florida’s experimental oilseed project. Canola, Camolina and Salvia plots using different fertilizer mixes and farming techniques are being tested in the high-sand content soil in order to determine the most effective and profitable feedstocks for the local Florida ag-community.

The Sustainable Biodiesel Alliance was excited to be one of the principal sponsors of the event. “Events like this connect the local biodiesel community. The SBA will continue to promote regional efforts like this in order to empower the local biodiesel community.” Said Jeff Plowman, Executive Director of the SBA. For more information on the efforts of the USDA Extension and the University of Florida click HERE or visit the SBA at www.fuelresponsibly.org

Sustainable Biodiesel Alliance Teams up with Jack Johnson for 2010 U.S. Tour

Friday July 9th – Hartford, CT  The Sustainable Biodiesel Alliance was proud to be a part of the kick off shows on Jack Johnson’s ‘To The Sea Tour’. The SBA teamed up with local Connecticut Biodiesel Producer BioPur and displayed educational information on the benefits of community-based sustainable biodiesel.Concert-goers were excited to learn that biodiesel blends are available throughout New England for on road and home furnace heat uses.

The SBA asked booth visitors to take the time to write a letter to their Senators asking for the reinstatement of the FET Biodiesel Producers Credit. In only a matter of hours the Sustainable Biodiesel Alliance collected 43 letters to the U.S. Senate. Across the country the biodiesel industry is struggling to provide a local, green alternative fuel at a competitive price. The FET credit allows these producers to sell their product for the same or close to the price of petroleum diesel, giving consumers a real economically feasible choice.

Jack Johnson has been a member of the SBA Honorary Board of Directors since 2008 and continues to use biodiesel and biodiesel blends and promote the value of local, community-based biodiesel. This year’s ‘To The Sea’ tour is powered by the most local and sustainable biodiesel and biodiesel blends available. By using the Greening expertise of REVERB and teaming up with the SBA to source Biodiesel for all of his fueling stops, Jack Johnson is not only ‘Talking the Talk’…he is “Walking the Walk”!

For ‘To The Sea’ Tour stops in your area visit www.jackjohnsonmusic.com.

2010 SUSTAINABLE BIODIESEL SUMMIT: BRINGING TOGETHER THE SUSTAINABLE BIODIESEL MOVEMENT FROM THE ROOTS UP

February 1, 2010 [Los Angeles] – The seventh annual Sustainable Biodiesel Summit was held on February 6th and 7th at the Cross Timbers Winery in Grapevine, Texas. This exciting event brought together over seventy members of the sustainable biodiesel community to listen to presentations and discussions on topics crucial to today’s industry, and to discuss the direction of sustainable biodiesel.

This exciting and necessary event was made possible by a group of dedicated sponsors and organized by volunteers from the SBA, the RSB and other industry groups as well as individuals from across the industry. The success of this event was only possible because of the hard work of these volunteers.

Presenters from the Roundtable for Sustainable Biofuels, The Sustainable Biodiesel Alliance and the National Biodiesel Board were joined by RFS2 experts and biodiesel pioneers to help educate and uplift the industry they serve.

Sustainability and alternative fuel expert and industry pioneer Bill Holmberg was scheduled to be the keynote speaker for the event but due to extreme weather his presentation was given via tele-link. Although he was unable to attend in person his presentation was well received by a new generation striving for a sustainable industry

In addition to agreeing to speak at the 2010 Sustainable Biodiesel Summit, Bill Holmberg has accepted an invitation to join the Sustainable Biodiesel Alliance’s Advisory Committee. The SBA could not be more excited to welcome a pioneer of sustainability and the man who is responsible for biodiesel as an industry today to their ranks.

Bill Holmberg is a graduate of the US Naval Academy and a decorated veteran. Mr. Holmberg helped to pioneer the ethanol and biodiesel industries during the Carter administration.  He retired from the federal government at the Senior Executive Service level and spent an additional twenty-one years in the private sector, managing small businesses and associations relating to biofuels, including the New Uses Council and the Biomass Coordinating Council.  He is a founding member of the Sustainable Energy Coalition and a member of core group promoting the annual Energy Expos on the Hill in concert with the SEC and the Senate and House RE & EE Caucus.  He has been key member of the organizing committee of the Environmental and Clean Energy Inaugural Balls since 1989.

GREEN MUSIC GROUP LAUNCHES: Founding Members Dave Matthews Band, Linkin Park, Maroon 5, The Roots, Willie Nelson, Sheryl Crow, Bonnie Raitt, Barenaked Ladies, Guster, Warner Music Group, Brushfire Records, Shoreline Amphitheater, Comcast Center, Verizon Wireless Music Center, Wolftrap National Park for the Performing Arts, Brooklyn Bowl, and American Airlines Arena Host Launch Event for New Green Music Group Coalition

February 1, 2010 [Los Angeles] – Green Music Group (GMG), a coalition of environmental non-profit Reverb, celebrated its official launch this past weekend in Hollywood, CA. The high-profile coalition brings together musicians, industry leaders and music fans to create widespread environmental change within the music industry and around the globe. 

To celebrate its launch, Green Music Group founding members and friends gathered at Jane’s House in Hollywood for live performances by members of Dave Matthews Band, Guster, and Maroon 5.  Guests were treated to eco-friendly appetizers and drinks provided by Shin’s BBQ, VeeV, ZICO, Eel River, and Newton’s Vineyard. 

“Tonight we celebrated a watershed moment – music industry leaders and fans coming together to create significant change. Reverb has been helping individual artists and venues green their tours and shows for the last six years.  We wanted to do more – our founding artists, venues and labels wanted to do more, and our fans were calling on us to take the lead,” said Guster guitarist/vocalist Adam Gardner, who founded Reverb with his wife, environmentalist Lauren Sullivan. “Green Music Group answers that call by using the collective power of the music community to bring about real lasting environmental change.”

Since 2004, Reverb has greened over 80 major music tours while conducting grassroots outreach to over 10 million music fans.  The nonprofit group has also worked with various entities within the music world from record labels to radio stations.  Green Music Group will build upon what Reverb has already accomplished, creating and implementing industry-wide green guidelines and standards while providing a dynamic online community where fans can take action and learn more about environmental issues.

"DMB has been working with Reverb for a number of years to green our tours and have seen amazing results both backstage and from our fans' response,” said Dave Matthews Band.  “We are excited to exponentially multiply these results by joining forces with other like-minded bands through the Green Music Group."

Prominent music industry leaders agree.  "We are proud to have several of our venues as Founding Members of GMG,” expressed Live Nation CEO Michael Rapino. “We look forward to continued growth of our environmental efforts to follow the example set by these standouts and the other founders of Green Music Group."

GMG also participated in The Roots 6th Annual Jam Session later Saturday night as co-hosts with GMG
founding member, The Roots. Widely considered to be one of the most electrifying nights held during award season, this year’s Roots Jam Session was a “who’s who” of music’s best paired.  GMG joined the Roots for a continuous, spontaneous night of musical celebration and environmentalism for a packed, invite-only audience where guests were invited to screen print recycled t-shirts and where artists signed limited edition Jam Session posters, the proceeds of which will benefit GMG.   

Born out of the Internet age, Green Music Group has launched GreenMusicGroup.org, which provides fans and artists with a vibrant online community to engage in regular calls-to-action, beginning with the “GMG Challenge” set to launch next month. As additional incentive to join, fans who sign up in the next month are entered to win one of three eco-friendly guitars signed by GMG Founding Artists.

“Green Music Group's incredible reach and deep connection to young people has the power to be a major megaphone for our organization’s environmental campaigns," said Mike Brune, incoming Executive Director of the Sierra Club, a partner of GMG.  Other non-profit partners include: Oxfam America, Union of Concerned Scientists, Hip Hop Caucus, HeadCount, DoSomething.org, StopGlobalWarming.org, Music For Relief, Climate Counts, and Sustainable Biodiesel Alliance.

Green Music Group encourages everyone who loves music and wants to be at the forefront of change to join the coalition.

2009 SBA FALL FUNDRAISER FEATURING THE AMAZING ALANIS MORISSETTE

Los Angeles, California – The Sustainable Biodiesel Alliance hosted a fundraising dinner and concert on October 24th, to gather support for the cause of community-based, sustainable biodiesel. The evening’s festivities were held at the Elevate Films rooftop loft and included a breathtaking performance by seven-time Grammy Award winner Alanis Morissette.
“It is critical that we protect community-based biodiesel as a renewable energy alternative. Fundraisers like this allow us to do just that.” Said SBA Executive Director Jeff Plowman “We are very thankful to have the support of artists like Alanis to help us accomplish this important goal.”  The fundraiser did just that through ticket sales and a silent auction of donated memorabilia and products from supporting artists and companies.
While the work of the Sustainable Biodiesel Alliance is serious, the Fall fundraiser was a time for fun and appreciation of the amazing talents of vocalist Alanis Morissette. Morissette, an environmentalist herself, graciously donated her voice and time to help rally support for the cause of community-based sustainable energy. In addition the generous team at Elevate Films donated their breathtaking roof top space in downtown LA to make the atmosphere truly unforgettable.
The sold out event was a smashing success and helped raise spirits, awareness and critical funds for the work of the SBA. Such an amazing evening would not have been possible without the support of all those who participated, and our sponsors. The SBA would like to thank all our sponsors: Pacific Biodiesel, The Hard Rock Café, Elevate Films, Sturmann Industries, Mana Foods, EcoTechnologies Group, Alma Tequila, Eel River Brewing Company, Frey Vineyards and Ocean Organic Vodka.
*Check back soon for spotlight articles on the exciting work our sponsor companies are doing to help promote sustainability.

THE SUSTAINABLE BIODIESEL ALLIANCE AT THE 2009 ROTHBURY MUSIC FESTIVAL

This year the Sustainable Biodiesel Alliance was asked to be a part of the 2009 Rothbury Music Festival “Think Tank”. Executive Director, Jeff Plowman and Associate Director, Tanner Watt participated in discussion panels with environmental experts, representatives from city and state government and artists from the festival.
SBA E.D. Jeff Plowman spoke on the “Sustainable Cities of Tomorrow” panel with Adam Gardner (Guitarist/Vocalist for Guster and SBA Honorary Board Member), Michigan State Representative Dan Scripps, and Grand Rapids Mayor George Heartwell. This broad discussion addressed some very interesting issues including urban sprawl, the local and sustainable movements and community projects to create local energy, sustainably. These Town Hall style discussions answered audience questions and involved attendees and panelists alike. In addition to those present for the panels, the think tank discussions were recorded to be used as part of the Rothbury DVD that will be available later this year. SBA A.D. Tanner Watt, participated in a panel aimed at answering the question of whether new clean vehicle technologies will be the answer to the problems of the day, or whether personal sacrifice and educating the masses on ways individuals can adjust their day to day lives to lessen their negative impact on the environment and community will be a more effective solution. This exciting discussion included members of the environmental community as well as David Murphy from STS9. The SBA is grateful for the experience to get involved with an environmentally and socially conscious event like the Rothbury Music Festival. This event provided entertainment and camping to over 35,000 attendees, while providing easily accessible on-site composting, recycling and environmental education programs. In addition the festival gave visitors access to local, organic food and vending options and exposed concert-goers to local and nation-wide environmental and social programs.

2009 SBA Visionary Award Winner and Sustainable Biodiesel Alliance Honorary Board member Adam Gardner was not only a panelist on the 2009 Clean Cities "Think Tank" but also performed with his band Guster on the Ranch stage at this year's Rothbury festival. Pictured to the right Adam performs a solo acoustic set at Sunday's "Think Tank" festivities. Adam and wife, environmentalist Lauren Sullivan co-founded the non-profit Reverb, and work closely with the Sustainable Biodiesel Alliance on many projects. The SBA was excited to be part of the 2009 Campus Conscious Tour with Reverb and Guster. For more information on the work of Reverb click HERE or visit www.reverbrock.org.

To view photos and videos from this year's Rothbury Music Festival click HERE

THE SBA PRESENTS 2009 VISIONARY AWARDS

The SBA was on hand for the 2nd annual Rothbury Music Festival July 2nd-5th, 2009. Executive Director, Jeff Plowman and Associate Director Tanner Watt were guest speakers as part of the Environmental "Think Tank". During the weekend's festivities the Sustainable Biodiesel Alliance took the opportunity to have Honorary Board Chair Willie Nelson and SBA co-founder Annie Nelson present the 2009 Visionary Awards the Founders of Reverb, and to www.nearbio.com for excellence and advancement in the field of sustainability. SBA Honorary Board of Directors Chariman, Willie Nelson along with SBA staff presented the award to honoree Adam Gardner who accepted on behalf of himself and Lauren Sullivan who was not able to attend. While he could not be present, www.nearbio.com creator Kevin Kalajan happily accepted his award via live video stream. Every year the Sustainable biodiesel Alliances honors at least one individual and one organization for advancements in the field of sustainabile biodiesel.

This year the SBA honored the founders of Reverb, a non-profit greening organization that helps minimize the negative environmental impacts of music tours, concerts and events. The SBA also recognized www.nearbio.com this year, NearBio continues to develop the most in depth and accurate biodiesel locator engine available online today. For more information on the 2009 SBA Visionaires please use the following links: For more information on Reverb click HERE. For more information on NearBio Click HERE.