Think Tank sessions all about 'green'

ROTHBURY, Mich. (WOOD) - When Guster's Adam Gardner was asked to be a Rothbury panel member, discussing the path to sustainable energy, it was a no-brainer. Of course. But when he was asked to perform, his initial reaction was a big NO.

But there he sat at Sunday's Think Tank panel, perched in a chair, guitar in hand, ready to kick off the session.

"I've never played solo before, this is my debut as a solo artist," said Gardner, adding that the song he was about to play will be released on Guster's next album.

About 50 people attended the panel discussion, although 50 more probably dropped in and out of the stage area while roaming the fairgrounds. Think Tank sessions seem to be what Rothbury organizers are most proud of - intended to explore ideas on how to solve some of the planet's most pertinent problems. They integrate music and dialogue into short, focused sessions.

This particular one was moderated by Dr. Jamie Reaser, founder of the Energy Action Coalition "and a self-described country girl."

The goal of the following hour and 15 minutes? Building pathways to sustainable cities.

Panelist Mike Tidwell quoted Thomas Friedman of the New York Times when describing his take on the current situation.

We're really not having a green revolution in this country right now, we're having a green party, said Friedman in a recent column. Tidwell, an author, filmmaker and frequent guest on "Meet The Press" and NPR, agrees.

"There are pockets of green-ness, but it needs to go further, (we need to) push municipal leaders, and more so, national leaders," he said.

Tidwell also is the founder and director of the Chesapeake Climate Action Network, a grassroots nonprofit that strives to raise awareness about the impacts of global warming in the Washington, DC area.

"People will go green faster if we acknowledge the fact that this is a nation of laws, and if you really want to change the nation, you have to change the laws," he said.

He went on to discuss individuals, businesses and cities, which have the moral responsibility to make a change.

"I'm obnoxiously green. I mean, I got solar panels on my roof, I'm a vegetarian, I heat my house with sustainably locally grown corn," he said. "I get the go green personal thing, but I'm also simultaneously very committed to pushing my city, and pushing the United States Congress to make green change on the statutory level."

Some of the other panelists included Sustainable South Bronx Executive Director Miquela Craytor and Energy Action Coalition founder Billy Parish.

Other sessions throughout the weekend addressed the green economy, how to find and land a green job, voting for change and green energy.

Attendees are able to inquire in a question/answer-type setting.

This year's Think Tank director is Dr. Jonathan Gelbard, the executive director of the Conservation Value Institute.

The theme across the festival was Finding Energy Independence.

"What a great opportunity to celebrate this great miracle of music and the great outdoors; to have a festival that's committed to lowering its carbon footprint and to going green in sustainability," said Tidwell of Rothbury Festival.