tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60855687617266522792024-03-05T07:50:31.478-08:00The Green GradientA place to learn how to make the best green decisions for your home, and family. We welcome everyone from mint green, to forest green.Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07226357024187396856noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6085568761726652279.post-35390592121657924312014-06-28T10:30:00.000-07:002014-06-28T10:30:00.234-07:00Animals are selling what? (Part 1)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Bored Panda, a site I haven't really interacted with before, recently posted a list of very powerful ads from around the world that show animals in a different light than we are used to. The ads are meant to make people think about animals, or their situations, in a different way. The whole page is <a href="http://www.boredpanda.com/powerful-animal-ads/" target="_blank">here</a>, but I brought in some of my favorites below:<br />
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The first ads that I want to talk about, represent less than charismatic species. When biologists talk about charismatic species, we are talking about animals that the public, in general, finds cute, attractive, or are otherwise drawn to, in some way. This means that the organizations that represent their causes often get more money. And those that are not as "attractive" are often underrepresented.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="public-interest-public-awareness-ads-21" src="http://www.boredpanda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/public-interest-public-awareness-ads-21.jpg" height="320" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="236" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Commissioned by Sea Shepherd, this ad wants you to think of something "cute" being over fished, instead of less attractive tuna.</td></tr>
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The next ones, from WWF, tackle the same topic, but in a less bloody way. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="public-social-ads-animals-54" src="http://www.boredpanda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/public-social-ads-animals-54.jpg" height="208" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tuna as rhino.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="public-social-ads-animals-53" src="http://www.boredpanda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/public-social-ads-animals-53.jpg" height="208" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tuna as gorilla.</td></tr>
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In my opinion, the first one is more powerful, but then, Sea Shepherd is known for being more aggressive, and trying to get attention for the cause.<br />
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The next ads, and there are many on the Bored Panda page, deal with extinction. My favorites are the ones that have a picture of every animal of a certain species, in one ad, such as this one:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="public-social-ads-animals-114" src="http://www.boredpanda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/public-social-ads-animals-114.jpg" height="320" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="225" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From Endangered Wildlife Trust, this poster shows ALL 153 dugongs left in African waters.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="public-social-ads-animals-115" src="http://www.boredpanda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/public-social-ads-animals-115.jpg" height="320" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="223" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Again, from Endangered Wildlife Trust, this poster shows ALL 91 Riverine Rabbits left on the PLANET.</td></tr>
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I think it's easy for us to forget that extinction rates are extremely high, and unnatural. These are a good way for people to visualize what is actually going on in the world. It's one thing to read these facts, but to know that you are looking at the individuals has a much more powerful impact.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="public-social-ads-animals-4" src="http://www.boredpanda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/public-social-ads-animals-4.jpg" height="226" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From Bund, a German organization that I haven't previously heard of.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="public-social-ads-animals-6" src="http://www.boredpanda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/public-social-ads-animals-6.jpg" height="226" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another from Bund.</td></tr>
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These ads from Bund play on the time factor involved in trying to save these animals. Most times, people don't realize how close some species are to being extinct until they hear on the news that they are gone for good.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="public-social-ads-animals-118" src="http://www.boredpanda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/public-social-ads-animals-118.jpg" height="228" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From WWF.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="public-social-ads-animals-125" src="http://www.boredpanda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/public-social-ads-animals-125.jpg" height="226" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another from WWF.</td></tr>
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A couple from WWF. A well known organisation that uses a charismatic animal as it's icon, turns to less than charismatic animals to bring attention to the loss of species. <br />
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What I'm not sure most people realize about extinction is that once these animals are gone, they are gone. Okay, that sounds cliche, but it's true. Now, once these animals are gone, it leaves a hole in the web of life. That means that when an apex predator such as a shark goes extinct, or even has low population numbers, then all the other animals that were their food, or dependent on scraps from them, have trouble. For instance, with a decline in the shark population, seal numbers could significantly increase, resulting in pressure on the resources they, and others, depend on. This causes a chain reaction that could change the environment they depend on.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(All the above ads are copyrighted to their original owners. I have no ownership over these images.)</span>
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</script>Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07226357024187396856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6085568761726652279.post-52290266306963602112014-06-19T08:00:00.000-07:002014-06-19T08:00:02.585-07:00'Tis the season!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<img alt="Blue "jelly" balloon" src="http://balloonsblow.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Blue-jelly-balloon-1024x768.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></div>
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No, this isn't a poorly timed post. I'm talking about the season of balloons. That's a thing, right? Sure! With all the parties, BBQs, graduations, and fairs/markets, there are bunches of them around. Now, I don't have anything against balloons, per se. Mylar balloons don't bother me, but I really don't like latex balloons. Now, I'm not here to stomp on anyone's good time. Balloons are fine in certain situations, but where there is a problem is when people do balloon releases. This can be done for many reasons: school events, memorials, even by accident when they are in use outdoors. <br />
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Balloons that are released outdoors are a problem for the environment. What happens is, the balloons make their way to various habitats, including the ocean from a surprisingly inland distance, and animals mistake the balloons for food, or get caught up in the ribbon. <br />
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Below are some graphic photos of what can happen to animals that get caught up in bunches of balloons, or that ingest the balloons. <br />
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The following photos were found at the blog for <a href="http://balloonsblow.org/photo-gallery" target="_blank">Balloons Blow</a>, a group that works to educate the public on the dangers of balloon releases:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Black-footed Albatross killed by latex balloons & cotton string" src="http://balloonsblow.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Albatross3-1024x768.jpg" height="240" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 24px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Dead Black-footed Albatross entangled in latex balloons & cotton string on Zmudowski Beach, California.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://sanctuarysimon.org/news/index.php/2013/06/seabird-and-marine-mammal-entanglement/</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo: C.Miller/P. Brown (BeachCOMBERS)</span></div>
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This Albatross was clearly tangled in the string from the balloons wrapped around its body. When this happens, it can impede the bird's ability to fly, and feed. Occasionally, the string can get caught around the beak, making it impossible for the bird to even eat, slowly starving it to death.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Young Screech Owl hanging by balloon & its ribbon" src="http://balloonsblow.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/1049075_4995212327186_1163957863_o-1-1024x682.jpg" height="213" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">This young Screech Owl was found in Pinellas County, Florida hanging by its wing, for who knows how long, at Sawgrass Park. Fortunately, they were able to get a ladder & cut him down & bring him to Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo: D. Sauvageau</span></div>
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This poor owl was in a bird sanctuary, and still wasn't able to escape the balloon string. Balloons end up everywhere! There is no magic that keeps them from getting places they shouldn't be.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Blue "jelly" balloon" src="http://balloonsblow.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Blue-jelly-balloon-1024x768.jpg" height="240" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
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This, despite looking like a jelly fish, is a shredded balloon floating in the water. Much like sharks can mistake surfers for seals, sea turtles will look at this, and think they have found themselves a tasty snack. But, this is what happens:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Green sea turtle dead from plastic & balloons" src="http://balloonsblow.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/10320611_708784719167202_6066890827152215876_n.jpg" height="320" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="234" /></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">“This green sea turtle died from ingesting marine debris, including balloons and plastic bags. We find debris in 3 out of every 10 turtles.”<br />Both items at the bottom right are balloons. One purple and one white.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo: Kathy Townsend, Turtles in Trouble<br />April 2014</span></div>
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We end up with dead sea turtles. All sea turtle species are considered <a href="http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/species/turtles/" target="_blank">endangered</a>. <br />
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It's not just dead animals that suffer from balloon detritus. Beaches become littered with old balloons because they are brought there by winds. Imagine walking along a dune, and getting your ankle caught in the balloon ribbon.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Traveling great distances" src="http://balloonsblow.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Balloons.jpg" height="320" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="237" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; line-height: 24px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">This is a bouquet of blue latex balloons, falsely marketed as “biodegradable”, with plastic ribbons from Nashville, Tennessee found on the East Coast of Florida over 800 miles away.</span></span></td></tr>
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All I ask is that you use balloons responsibly. If you must have them, keep them indoors, and then dispose of them properly. There are plenty of other ways to celebrate an occasion than balloon releases:</div>
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<ul>
<li>plant a remembrance garden, adding to it every year</li>
<li>volunteer</li>
<li>make a donation in the name of the person, or event you are memorializing</li>
<li>blow bubbles</li>
<li>light a candle</li>
<li>use pinwheels</li>
<li>journal</li>
<li>throw an eco-friendly fundraiser</li>
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So, please, think twice before using balloons at your celebration. Not only do they have devastating effects, but there is also a helium shortage. More on that later . . .</div>
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This one is just for irony's sake:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Mylar Lorax balloon" src="http://balloonsblow.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/304668_274586812642494_2020477382_n.jpg" height="320" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="240" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; line-height: 24px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Community Cleanup Project, Seattle, Washington</span></span></td></tr>
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</script>Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07226357024187396856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6085568761726652279.post-78193203101937479722014-06-18T08:00:00.000-07:002014-06-18T08:00:04.042-07:00So much you can do to save the Earth!OK, OK, I know. We're not technically saving the Earth, here. It's not like the planet is going to implode if you throw that can into the trash, instead of the recycling bin. I think I finally realized the silliness of this statement when I read "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0345538986/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0345538986&linkCode=as2&tag=thegregra0d-20" target="_blank">Jurassic Park</a>" for the first time. Ian Malcom actually points it out. Of course. Although we won't be able to keep the planet from eventually destabilizing, and crashing into the sun, there are things that we can do to help keep the it clean. <br />
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I received my copy of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0833544721/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0833544721&linkCode=as2&tag=thegregra0d-20" target="_blank">50 Simple Things Kids Can Do To Save The Earth</a> when I was around 10 or 11. I still have it with my mini library that is currently packed away, awaiting the day that my daughter can read. There are so many great ideas in this book that I can't list them all, but there are ideas on saving water, recycling, and reusing items. This book was actually the impetus for my family starting to recycle in the early 90s. As annoyed as they were, my encouragement has paid off, and now my mother recycles EVERYTHING. She "blames" me for this.<br />
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I noticed recently that there is now (and may have been then) an "adult" version of this book: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1401322999/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1401322999&linkCode=as2&tag=thegregra0d-20" target="_blank">50 Simple Things You Can Do To Save The Earth</a>. I haven't read it, or even looked through it, but based on the children's version, I imagine there will be plenty of ideas. Some you may already know about, and even employ, but I'm sure there will be some surprises. I promise, though, there will be no suggestions of using only one square of toilet paper.
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</script>Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07226357024187396856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6085568761726652279.post-30610791891739151202014-06-14T11:00:00.000-07:002014-06-16T21:07:09.534-07:00Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen of 2014Every year, the <a href="http://www.ewg.org/" target="_blank">Environmental Working Group</a> puts out two lists. One is a list of the most pesticide contaminated produce (Dirty Dozen), and the other is a list of the cleanest (Clean Fifteen). Both lists have grown beyond their initial numbers, and there are now 51 items listed in the Dirty Dozen/Clean Fifteen, this year.<br />
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The Dirty Dozen (in order from heaviest pesticide load to lightest) and Clean Fifteen (read from bottom to top if you want to find the cleanest produce first):<br />
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<ol>
<li>Apples</li>
<li>Strawberries</li>
<li>Grapes</li>
<li>Celery</li>
<li>Peaches</li>
<li>Spinach</li>
<li>Sweet Bell Peppers</li>
<li>Nectarines - imported</li>
<li>Cucumbers</li>
<li>Cherry Tomatoes</li>
<li>Snap Peas - imported</li>
<li>Potatoes</li>
<li>Hot Peppers</li>
<li>Blueberries - domestic</li>
<li>Lettuce</li>
<li>Kale/Collard Greens</li>
<li>Plums</li>
<li>Cherries</li>
<li>Nectarines - domestic</li>
<li>Pears</li>
<li>Tangerines</li>
<li>Carrots</li>
<li>Blueberries - imported</li>
<li>Green Beans</li>
<li>Winter Squash</li>
<li>Summer Squash</li>
<li>Raspberries</li>
<li>Broccoli</li>
<li>Snap Peas - domestic</li>
<li>Green Onions</li>
<li>Oranges</li>
<li>Bananas</li>
<li>Tomatoes</li>
<li>Watermelon</li>
<li>Honeydew Melons</li>
<li>Mushrooms</li>
<li>Sweet Potatoes</li>
<li>Cauliflower</li>
<li>Cantaloupe</li>
<li>Grapefruit</li>
<li>Eggplant</li>
<li>Kiwi</li>
<li>Papayas</li>
<li>Mangoes</li>
<li>Asparagus</li>
<li>Onions</li>
<li>Sweet Peas - frozen</li>
<li>Cabbage</li>
<li>Pineapples</li>
<li>Sweet Corn</li>
<li>Avocados</li>
</ol>
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So, when you are rolling through the aisles of the grocery store, be sure to choose organic produce for most items, if it's possible. If it's not, then use this guide to choose the best options for you, and your household.</div>
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</script>Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07226357024187396856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6085568761726652279.post-8682141381378565262014-06-12T10:00:00.000-07:002014-06-16T21:06:47.284-07:00Green on the levelI feel like there are many environmental blogs, and publications that alienate a good number of people by trying to guilt them into doing more, or not even giving alternatives to help make better decisions. It seems to be either you are an environmentalist, or you're not. I think that approach does more harm than good. <br />
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Because people have varying levels of interest in the environment, I will be using a system to help people determine which articles they may find more interesting, practical, or accessible. Of course, this is purely subjective, based on my own interpretation. I hope everyone will read most of what I post, but I understand that not everyone will be interested in certain topics, or depth of coverage of a topic. <br />
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Without further ado, the levels of green that will be used as tags on articles from now on:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0LQPPbuBeHHU7wpBzRzR9H2HMHTuU9aUKfberPkFR1Z10ioLdZ5vWx9-pDqarxh5A1PC4Q5en9d76hIQNpyLsKy7QEhvG0fC3gCom3940tUl4h8JlfPHL9TKTTV_8CqEPyxX_0QE9lh2W/s1600/Green+Gradient+levels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0LQPPbuBeHHU7wpBzRzR9H2HMHTuU9aUKfberPkFR1Z10ioLdZ5vWx9-pDqarxh5A1PC4Q5en9d76hIQNpyLsKy7QEhvG0fC3gCom3940tUl4h8JlfPHL9TKTTV_8CqEPyxX_0QE9lh2W/s1600/Green+Gradient+levels.jpg" height="320" width="151" /></a></div>
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Mint Green - These will be easily accessible articles. They will have easy steps to take at home, or will be a quick read. More often than not, they will be lists.<br />
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Pistachio Green - These articles will have a little more substance. More than just a simple list, they will have some back ground information, but not a lot to make it easier to take in the information.<br />
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Emerald Green - Again, these will get a little deeper, and may be more technical in regard to the subject matter.<br />
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Jade Green - Getting to be deeper reads now. These will be more scientific in nature, and will have references for your own review.<br />
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Forest Green - These will be pure science reads. <br />
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Posts will probably fall more into the Mint, Emerald, and Forest categories, but for ones that are in between, Pistachio and Jade will be the go-tos.<br />
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Which category are you most interested in?
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</script>Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07226357024187396856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6085568761726652279.post-41825092237096343222012-10-08T10:51:00.001-07:002012-10-08T10:51:48.997-07:00Welcome back!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The past year has seen a big change on my end. I had a baby, and my schedule exploded accordingly. I feel ready to jump back into the world, and figured I would add this back onto my list of obligations. To celebrate my return, I am posting a great clip of Bill McKibben on Bill Mahar. Enjoy. :)</span><div>
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Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07226357024187396856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6085568761726652279.post-4954122065686694172011-06-13T12:22:00.000-07:002011-06-13T12:22:52.869-07:00Dirty Dozen 2011<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, the other day, I posted the "Dirty Dozen"; a list of fruits and vegetables that more readily retain pesticides versus those that do not. I saw today that the Environmental Working Group has released an updated list:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #010101; font-family: arial; line-height: 18px;"></span><br />
<div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7em; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 12px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1. Apples</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7em; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 12px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2. Celery</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7em; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 12px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">3. Strawberries</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7em; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 12px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">4. Peaches</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7em; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 12px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">5. Spinach</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7em; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 12px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">6. Imported nectarines</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7em; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 12px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">7. Imported grapes</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7em; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 12px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">8. Sweet bell peppers</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7em; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 12px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">9. Potatoes</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7em; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 12px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">10. Domestic blueberries</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7em; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 12px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">11. Lettuce</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7em; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 12px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">12. Kale/collard greens</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7em; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 12px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The group also lists the "Clean 15," or those that rank lowest in pesticide residues. These are:</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7em; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 12px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1. Onions</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7em; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 12px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2. Sweet Corn</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7em; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 12px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">3. Pineapples</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7em; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 12px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">4. Avocado</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7em; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 12px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">5. Asparagus</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7em; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 12px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">6. Sweet peas</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7em; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 12px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">7. Mangoes</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7em; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 12px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">8. Eggplant</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7em; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 12px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">9. Domestic cantaloupe</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7em; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 12px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">10. Kiwi</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7em; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 12px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">11. Cabbage</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7em; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 12px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">12. Watermelon</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7em; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 12px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">13. Sweet Potatoes</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7em; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 12px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">14. Grapefruit</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7em; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 12px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">15. Mushrooms</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7em; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 12px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Again, this something to keep in mind when allocating your food budget. Try to go organic where you can. </div>Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07226357024187396856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6085568761726652279.post-63989544387703990592011-06-04T14:04:00.000-07:002011-06-04T14:04:21.852-07:00The Dirty Dozen<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #23343a; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Now, we all know that organic food can be more expensive, than non-organic. It makes it a little difficult to to be consistent, and know that you are getting what you need out of your produce. This list has been floating around for a long time, but I feel it's essential to the discussion. If you are limited in your organic choices, or funding for your organic choices, you can still make better decisions in the produce department. If you can't go all organic, at least consider these two lists:</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #23343a; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #23343a; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">12 Most Contaminated</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #23343a; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
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<ul style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #23343a; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; list-style-type: square; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; padding-left: 30px;"><li>Peaches</li>
<li>Apples</li>
<li>Sweet Bell Peppers</li>
<li>Celery</li>
<li>Nectarines</li>
<li>Strawberries</li>
<li>Cherries</li>
<li>Pears</li>
<li>Grapes (Imported)</li>
<li>Spinach</li>
<li>Lettuce</li>
<li>Potatoes</li>
</ul><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #23343a; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-left: 40px;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #23343a; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">12 Least Contaminated</span></span><br />
<ul style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #23343a; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; list-style-type: square; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; padding-left: 30px;"><li>Onions</li>
<li>Avocado</li>
<li>Sweet Corn (Frozen)</li>
<li>Pineapples</li>
<li>Mango</li>
<li>Asparagus</li>
<li>Sweet Peas (Frozen)</li>
<li>Kiwi Fruit</li>
<li>Bananas</li>
<li>Cabbage</li>
<li>Broccoli</li>
<li>Papaya</li>
</ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #23343a; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">You'll notice that the "most contaminated" lists has a lot of fleshy fruit, and these can absorb many of the toxins easier than say a pineapple that has a tough skin. So, print this out, and bring it with you to the store. I know many of these aren't always available (organic strawberries are impossible to find in my area unless you go to Trader Joe's, or an organic farm), but at least you will be able to make an informed decision.</span></span></div>Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07226357024187396856noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6085568761726652279.post-827431502690127072011-05-31T10:18:00.000-07:002011-06-01T10:29:11.311-07:00Sylvia Earle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sylvia Earle spoke at Smith College's Commencement this past weekend. She is definitely one of my role models. She entered the world of marine science when it was completely male dominated.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ao6ExwOBfn8?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07226357024187396856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6085568761726652279.post-83790353955168811582011-05-30T19:20:00.000-07:002011-06-01T10:28:17.258-07:00Why?I was talking with a friend of mine yesterday, and we were discussing how confusing, and overwhelming "green" decisions can be. The need to take into consideration everything from biodegradability, to what kind of chemicals are leaching from plastics, to which companies use sustainable practices, and which ones test on animals is a lot to reconcile. <br />
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The way that I approach this is to consider what is best for my situation, and my family. I know, that sounds really self-centered. I typically have a problem with Johnny-come-latelys, and that statement reeks of that type of attitude. The truth is, I have been interested in "saving the planet" for as long as I can remember. I was even getting my family to recycle when I was about 12 years old. (Not easy.) I had found a book called "50 Simple Things Kids Can Do To Save The Earth" (the latest version: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Simple-Things-Kids-Save-Earth/dp/B003F76HOS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1306689435&sr=8-1">http://www.amazon.com/Simple-Things-Kids-Save-Earth/dp/B003F76HOS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1306689435&sr=8-1</a>), and I became an eco-warrior. You wouldn't know that by looking at me, or the way I live now. I don't garden (I have a notoriously black thumb), and I need air conditioning in the summer to survive. However, I do recycle everything that I can, I drive an economy car, and we just got our first compost bin in the backyard. (I really, really <i>want </i>to love gardening!) I buy organic, and am trying to become more of a locavore, but, admittedly, it's hard to break the grocery store habit. <br />
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Ultimately, I would like this to be a place of discussion, and ideas. I think that education really is the key to the future, and I've always known that we can do better than to say "you're either with us, or you're against us" in the environmental world. Once you start, it's easy to keep that momentum going, and even fun to find new ways to be green. I must disagree with Kermit, and say, "it is easy being green." Sometimes, it just takes baby steps.Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07226357024187396856noreply@blogger.com0