“Under President Biden’s leadership, we are making historic investments in rail, which means fewer accidents and delays, faster travel times, and lower shipping costs for the American people.” “These projects will make American rail safer, more reliable, and more resilient, delivering tangible benefits to dozens of communities where railroads are located, and strengthening supply chains for the entire country.” USDOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
As a kid I used to play with my brother’s Lionel train set, and I particularly liked the miniature animals and people which I could place in the station or on the caboose (the last car on the train). I grew up in Brooklyn, and my mom Ruthie the QOFE (Queen of F’ing Everything) would often take me on the BMT subway line to downtown Brooklyn to shop at A&S and go to the Automat for lunch. I loved train rides, and for years I commuted from the suburbs to NYC on the Metro North Railroad. I have taken Amtrak trains to Washington DC and Boston, and I have ridden the rails in Europe. Train travel started in 1830 on Christmas Day when the first mechanical passenger train in the US opened for service. On May 10th 1869 the infamous ceremonial 17.6 karat golden spike (also known as The Last Spike) was driven in by Leland Stanford to join the rails of the first transcontinental railroad across the United States connecting the Central Pacific Railroad from Sacramento and the Union Pacific Railroad from Omaha. Over the next century, both passenger and freight rail exploded, laying the tracks for westward expansion and an economic boom. During his 36 years as a senator, President Biden traveled back and forth from Wilmington DE to Washington DC daily. The president says he’s logged more than 1 million miles on Amtrak during his public service career. Biden has asked “Why, in the United States of America, do we not have the best rail system in the world?” He noted that better train service in some of America’s busiest locales would help ease car traffic and potentially reduce fossil fuel use, he added, “There’s so much more we can do to better the environment and quality of life.” Passenger rail ridership has been on the decline, but people still like to take trains, and we need to improve the train system in the US, as Europe, Japan and China have more advanced rail systems, including high speed bullet trains. Polls do show that improved Amtrak services are important to Americans. It is a more sustainable way to travel and it can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from our transportation sector. Our monthly guest commentator, eco-activist, artist and sexy astrologist Charlotte Ghiorse joins us to discuss the importance of trains in the fight against climate change, plus some Astrology updates.
To listen to past TMSOG shows go to HudsonRiverRadio.com and Malcolmpresents.com. Follow The Many Shades of Green on Facebook, Instagram and Threads @tmshadesofgreen. Listen to TMSOG podcasts on all major podcast apps. #RaiseYourEcoConsciousness
TMSOG is proud to be on Feedspot’s list of the 50 Best Environmental Podcasts to follow in 2024 https://podcasts.feedspot.com/environmental_podcasts/
Do the electric slide into an EV (electric vehicle), and plug into a greener way to travel. My guest this week, Seth Leitman, a/k/a Green Living Guy, brings his expertise on vehicles that are electrifying the roadways. From Ford Fusion to Mitsubishi to Tesla, we learn about how the car industry is heading towards a more electric future. Seth’s Green Guru Guides and soon to be videos, are great tools to help you become a more sustainable Earthling. For more information go to greenlivingguy.com
It’s summer time, which means that your inner zen takes control, and dreams of lush green forests, cool lakes, warm oceans and tropical gardens become reality. Be a sustainable citizen, consider the environment, and tool around in an electric car. While camping, keep the bugs away with natural herbal products. Join me and my guests this week, Rusti (Paula) Wolintz, realtor extraordinaire, BFF and electric car owner to be. Bonnie Rogers, expert herbalist and founder of Bonnie’s Herbals, and Brian Horowitz, my co-host today, who is the host of 
Neither rain, nor fog, nor soggy dew could dampen the spirit of the Clearwater 2015 Festival. We spoke to many environmental activists and green entrepreneurs who are creating ideas, and spreading the message about the need to be proactive stewards of Mother Earth. Music echoed throughout the festival, with many performers motivating the populace to take a stand and raise their voices on environmental and social justice issues. Music icon David Crosby, sang new songs with lyrics that commented on the nation’s current state of affairs, and implored people to email, call or show up at the offices of their elected officials and make some noise. Pete Seeger would have been proud to see his vision perpetuated. For more info go to 
This week’s program takes place at the Bedford 2020 Summit and Solar Action Day. We spoke to Andrew Revkin, writer of the Dot Earth Blog for the New York Times, as well as Peter Olmsted, East Coast Regional Director for Vote Solar. We also spoke to Mayor Michael Cindrich of Mt. Kisco, NY about the solar projects on his agenda. Keynote Speaker Amory Lovins, of The Rocky Mountain Institute, spoke about new energy technologies that are on the horizon for the future of electricity. It was a gathering of innovators, educators and community, all working to promote solar and other renewable energy, in an effort to help create actionable solutions to green house gas emissions. A special thank you to Heather Flournoy for her hard work and hospitality. For more information go to 
There is currently a project to raise the Bayonne Bridge that spans Kill Van Kull in Staten Island and Bayonne, New Jersey. One would think that is a good thing, but if you look more closely the project will increase pollution, add toxins to the air and water, cause health problems (cancer, lung disease) and will be an environmental nightmare. Reverend Fletcher Harper explains why this project should be stopped, and how it also has a negative affect on truckers and the surrounding communities. Find out what sweatshops on wheels are, and how you can join the Coalition for Healthy Ports. Go to www.greenfaith.org for more information.
