Turning Over a New (Green) Leaf

The Light Bulb Conspiracy = Planned Obsolescense

2011-08-22T21:07:00.000-07:00

Funny - I was just talking about this today, and then I stumble upon this video on YouTube this evening, where I find many scientific documentaries and quite a lot of things to think about.

This is something we should all be thinking about as we plan to spend lots and lots of money on things that will be outdated in no time at all!

After the video, you will see the link to the further parts, 2, 3 & 4...

"it's just the way the technology works, it's designed to fail...."

"Freedom and happiness through unlimited consumption: the American way of life in the 1950's became the foundation for the consumer society as we know it today..."

Conscious Media Network & Global Dimming

2011-05-14T04:21:00.000-07:00

I woke in the middle of the night recently, not so much from a nightmare but from a dream about the ravages the world has gone through with natural disasters, the death and destruction thereof...Recently though, I DID wake from terrifying nightmare about my home being full of water, my front yard was a swamp, and full of scary crocodile monsters and such...Luckily, later in the scary dream, my dog and I survive and later, walking in the sun, wonder what just happened....The dream clearly indicated to me my stress level related to the house and my fear of losing it through financial hardship created by the current world economy issues and lack of resources to keep bailing myself out...I'd also been watching the news, the weather channel specifically about the flooding and tornadoes with the third highest level of death and destruction.

I try to pat attention to science on a regular basis, as I've grown up fascinated with it. The climate especially fascinates me especially these days, I'm a sky watcher...I'm a sun lover, but adore the moon and stars of the night sky.

As I sat here wondering about the massive changes going on not only all over the planet on global scales, in my tiny little bubble of a life, massive changes are going on there as well..It's not only a mental process I'm going through, it's an emotional process, and a spiritual one. The world is changing dramatically and at an alarming rate. Sometimes, when I watch the news on television, for instance, I can feel the rumblings below the surface...it's scary to me sometimes, but it's all just part of the process to renewal. At some point, the world at large - and my tiny little sphere of life - we are going to have no choice, but to make changes...

Whilest surfing for something positive in the world wide web and digging through my bookmarks, I decided to surf around the Conscious Media Network and found this video which led me to viewing the Global Dimming documentary.

You can continue watching the additional segments on youtube.

Global Warming and Crop Yeilds

2011-05-07T07:21:00.000-07:00

NY Times article in Envionment

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/06/science/earth/06warming.html?_r=1&hpw

President Speaks about Climate Change in Copenhagen

2009-12-18T17:18:00.000-08:00

What do you really think of President Obama???

Obviously we need a clean energy economy!!! Changing the way we use and produce energy is essential to America's economic future...It just really should not be this hard and take this long for the government to get their heads out of their asses and actually ALLOW the changes to happen. It's really not that difficult to figure out.

NY Times Reports on Deadlock at Copenhagen...Protestors Arrested

2009-12-17T05:46:00.000-08:00

The Rich Are Destroying the Planet.....

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/17/science/earth/17climate.html?_r=1

http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=118094

Climate Conference in Copenhagen & The Story of Cap & Trade

2009-12-15T16:04:00.000-08:00

I have been an avid blogger since about the time that blogger first came about. This blog came about because I was designated "Green Machine" person at a company I worked for and had to get the company certified and blue, and all this great stuff...and my boss said, "Hell yeah" about the blog, and so I got paid to reseraching things and start that blog...I moved on to other job, things, and it's sat vacant for a while, whilest my attention has been elsewhere....

I love to blog and write about things near and dear to my heart, and the planet happens to be ONE of them! This morning I blearey eyed & half awake stumbled upon some independent new shows - and I NEVER watch the news, I HATE watching the news, I only get upset by it, so I try to keep news watching AND reading to a minimum and catch it (relevant news) from the conversations of others....

In any case, today I realized I've had my head in the sand for the past year or so at least in regards to the tiny details of the world at large...I've been more in touch with my own personal world in transition and what-not than that of the larger world around me. But thankfully, I'm sticking my head out of the shell a bit more now, and am aware of some really important things going on and I'm going to revive my Turning Over a New Green Leaf blog and hope you will share it with your friends, and so on....Information. It's all about information...Ideas...What are other people doing?? I'm always curious....

I have amassed many good links on the side and I'm setting about checking them all out for working order...But in the mean time, whilest I get this ball rolling again, I'll share these links and ideas today, and hopefully be expanding on more of this soon. Please, my politically minded friends: WRITE A POST! I will make you co-author of this blog!

Thank you for visiting, and do please check out the information here....And SHARE too!

Do check these links!!! Democracy Now - (My new favorite show) A daily TV/radio news program, hosted by Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez, airing on over 800 stations, pioneering the largest community media collaboration in the U.S. http://www.democracynow.org/

Check out THIS cool site about the Climate Conference in Copenhagen!!!
http://www.350.org/

Save This Planet!!

2008-04-21T10:31:00.001-07:00

Happy Earth Day 2008!!

2008-04-21T10:24:00.000-07:00

Join the Alliance for Climate Protection....

2008-02-03T10:42:00.001-08:00

Join the Alliance

Take the Pledge

YOU HAVE THE POWER!!!
USE IT!!!

My Hero......

2008-02-03T10:24:00.001-08:00

The Man

The Science

The Draft

More Sad, Unfortunate News...Who Can You Trust? Not PETA!!!!

2008-01-21T08:32:00.000-08:00

One of my blogger friends has posted something that is incredibly upsetting to me about PETA. Please read http://thepoodleanddogblog.typepad.com/the_poodle_and_dog_blog/2008/01/peta-reports-ye.html

And a frightening link to this information....http://www.petakillsanimals.com/

Reason Enough to Become Vegetarian .........

2008-01-18T14:09:00.001-08:00

One of my favorite bloggers has written an interesting post about the meat that we are all eating...This deserves a little look-see!

http://parisparfait.typepad.com/paris_parfait/2008/01/another-reason.html

7 Foods Every Woman Must Eat

2007-10-26T16:45:00.000-07:00

Here's good-food news: The more you munch on healthy eats, the less you need to worry about Friday night's fat burger and fries. Who says? Harvard. Its medical school has found that women who routinely nibble nutritiously slash their risk of dying from the usual culprits, including heart disease and cancer.

To up your odds of living a long and healthy life--despite occasional blow-outs at TGIF--make sure you regularly include these 7 nutritional powerhouses in your diet. "They're the cream of the healthy-foods crop," says Elizabeth Somer, RD, author of Age-Proof Your Body.

1. BERRIES
Why: Ounce for ounce, berries have more protective plant antioxidants than almost any other food. "These compounds not only lower your disease risks, they help prevent memory loss," says Somer.

How Much: Aim for a cup of berries--any berries, fresh or frozen--at least three times a week (berry researchers say eat a cup daily). Since berries are high in fill-you-up fiber, they may also help curb weight gain.

How:
Toss them in salads
Snack on them one by one, like healthy potato chips
Add them to yogurt, cereal, and smoothies
Stir them into anything you bake

2. SALMON
Why: Sure salmon is a prime source of omega-3s, the healthy fats that fend off heart disease and maybe more, but are you aware that a mere 3 ounces of the fish serves up 170% of your daily vitamin B12 and more than 80% of your D

How Much: Aim for two servings a week (and if one's tuna, that's okay).

How:
Broil, bake or poach it with dill
Toss it into pasta dishes and salads
If you're vegetarian or just not a fish-eater, get the key omega-3 fat called DHA in:
Silk Plus Omega-3 DHA Soymilk
Horizon Organic Milk Plus DHA
Oh Mama Nutrition Bars
Gold Circle Farm Eggs
Rachel's Wickedly Delicious Yogurts

3. LEAFY GREENS
Why: It's almost impossible to meet your nutritional needs without eating dark leafy greens, from spinach and romaine to collard greens and chard. They're huge sources of fiber; vitamins C and K; folic acid (a B vitamin that guards the heart and memory and fights birth defects); lutein, a vision protector; and four essential minerals: calcium, magnesium, iron, and potassium.

How Much: Two servings a day, and the darker, the better.

How:
Add arugula to your sandwich
Layer chard into lasagna
Fold spinach into omelets
Add any green to stir-fries, pasta dishes and soup

4. WHOLE GRAINS
Why: They have up to 96 percent more fiber, magnesium, zinc, chromium and vitamins E and B6 than refined grains. This nutritional powerhouse helps prevent the same health problems that refined grains help cause: heart disease, cancer, diabetes, hypertension and even obesity.

How Much: Ideally, all of the six daily grain servings you need should be whole, unrefined grains, but aim for at least three.

How:
Start your day with oatmeal or whole-grain cold cereal
Use 100% whole-wheat bread for toast and sandwiches
Switch to whole-wheat couscous and pasta
Opt for brown rice (instant is fine), whole-grain pretzels, even whole-wheat tortillas

5. NUTS
Why: They're excellent sources of protein, magnesium, B vitamins and E--trusty fighters in the war against heart disease and cancer. Yes, nuts are high in fat calories, but their fat is the heart-healthy kind. Replace junky snacks with them and you won't gain an ounce.

How Much: Up to five small fistfuls a week (roughly 1/4 cup or about 15-20 almonds, cashews, walnuts or pecans).

How:
Sprinkle plain or toasted nuts on salads instead of croutons
Mix them into cooked cous cous and brown rice
Stir them into cereal and yogurt
Use them to garnish a stir-fry just before serving

6. GOLDEN VEGGIES
Why: Just one serving of fiber-filled, deep-yellow-orange vegetables supplies five times the beta carotene you need daily to lower your cancer risk, defend against colds and other infections, and protect your skin from sun damage. The potassium in these veggies also keeps your heartbeat in sync and your blood pressure down.

How Much: Aim for two half-cup servings a day, the equivalent of one sweet potato, 12 canned apricot halves or a cup of butternut squash or carrots.

How: Try this sweet potato quickie from Somer's The Food & Mood Cookbook:
Cajun Sweet Potatoes
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Cut sweet potatoes into 1-inch thick slices and toss with olive oil, Cajun seasoning and freshly ground pepper.
3. Bake for 25 minutes or until lightly brown and cooked through, but still slightly crunchy.

7. YOGURT
Why: Low- or no-fat plain yogurt is a terrific source of B vitamins, protein, calcium and --if it has active cultures--the healthy bacteria known as probiotics, which crowd out disease-causing germs.

How Much: Four or more cups a week, if this is your main dairy source.

How: Cut back on sugar and calories by choosing plain yogurt and adding fruit, especially berries, and some granola. Or be more inventive:

Mix a dash of vanilla and chopped mint into yogurt and dollop on fruit
Use yogurt instead of sour cream for dips, sauces and salad dressings
Top baked potatoes with yogurt and chives
Thicken sauces and make soups "creamy" with yogurt
The payback part? As one of the Harvard researchers would likely tell you, eating a diverse diet that is low in calories and high in nutrients can make your RealAge as much as 4 years younger.

Posted on Yahoo Tue, Oct 16, 2007, 5:50 pm PDT

What if There Were a Natural Laundry Product That Grew on Trees?!?!

2007-10-05T16:05:00.000-07:00

WOW! Check out this story at NEWS TARGET . com !!

Green Sprouts Organic Baby & Family Fest!!

2007-09-13T08:31:00.000-07:00

In case you're interested, or know others that would be:
http://www.redirectguide.com/GreenSprouts/

Green Sprouts Organic Baby & Family Fest
Saturday, September 22nd 10am - 6pm at Peninsula Park, Portland
Produced by ReDirect Guide

60+ Seminars/exhibitors/demonstrations
Play groups for kids
Organic foods
Maternity & children's clothing swap
Eco-clothing
Green Homes
Health & Fitness
Fun, Fun, FUN!!!

Check it out!

Thinking Back and Thinking Forward....

2007-08-28T21:37:00.000-07:00

Heavy Contemplation at the Anniversary of Katrina......

Since I don't and have not had cable for 14 years, I find PBS the best source for news and science programming.

Tonight was just such a great night for scientific/weather/earth watch with the NOVA program on Hurricane Katrina. A subject hard for me to handle but close to my heart, since I was born in south Louisiana, and raised on the west bank of New Orleans. I spent a lot of time growing up at Cafe DuMonde . I remember most fondly the New Orleans Was Museum , and no matter how many times I visited it, I was always riveted, especially with the Chamber of Horrors and the swinging pendulum!!! Oh, the things we remember!!

It's difficult for me to watch the programming around Katrina, yet, I'm fascinated and drawn to it as though if I learned something from watching it, I could DO something to go back and change it all! Ahh, the dreamer in me!!

If you are interested in the hurricane of all hurricanes, visit these links and watch it for yourself. It's all related to global warming, and it's not going to be getting better anytime immediately soon, so preparation is probably a good bet.

Hurricane Katrina

The Storm That Drowned a City

Dimming The Sun

New Orleans residents Protesting Bush's Visit!!

Also, Check out Voice of America photos of New Orleans before and after Katrina!

Natural Cleaning: The power of baking soda, vinegar & lemon

2007-08-15T09:49:00.000-07:00

This is fabulous!! I was just about to start making my own videos doing just such "challenges" as this! Yeah! No need to buy wasteful products full of dangerous chemicals ever again!!

Here are some recipes for all purpose cleaning: countertops, floors, walls, carpet and upholstery:
* Dissolve 4 tablespoons of baking soda in one quart of warm water
* Add 1/2 cup vinegar to warm water (between 1 cup and 1 quart)
* Combine 1/4 cup white distilled vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon liquid soap and 3/4 cup warm water. Shake to blend.
* For really big jobs, coming 1/4 cup liquid soap, 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar and 2 galls of warm water in a pail and stir to blend.

Worm Composting 101

2007-08-15T09:39:00.000-07:00

WOW !! Here are some GREAT "how to" videos for you on setting up your own compost bin!!

PLEASE PLEASE COMPOST AT HOME!!!!

Timeless.....

2007-07-29T11:40:00.000-07:00

The Future Looks Scary....

2007-07-28T06:39:00.000-07:00

Want to know how to order a pizza in 2010? Click the link and see. . . turn up the volume. . . listen closely. . . watch the pointer carefully!

Click here:

http://aclu.org/pizza/images/screen.swf

This is funny, but the scary part about it is that it's probably not too far away from being reality.

The 11th Hour....

2007-07-25T08:58:00.000-07:00

Friend,

I am writing to tell you about my new environmental film, “The 11th Hour.” The film documents the environmental crises we face and the solutions we must begin to implement.

Please take a look at the trailer here: http://www.11thhouraction.com/trailer

With the help of over fifty of the world's most prominent thinkers and activists, including reformer Mikhail Gorbachev, physicist Stephen Hawking, and Nobel Prize winner Wangari Maathai, “The 11th Hour” documents the grave problems facing the planet's life systems. Global warming, deforestation, mass species extinction, and depletion of the oceans' habitats are all addressed.

However, the most powerful element of “The 11th Hour” is not a portrait of a planet in crisis, but an offering of hope and solutions. The film ends with a call for restorative action through reshaping human activity.

“The 11th Hour” is opening on August 17th in New York and Los Angeles. On the 24th it opens in other cities, and in the following weeks across the country. It would be great if you could go see it and bring a friend. You can go to www.11thhouraction.com to get more information on the movie and when it will play near you.

We need the message of this movie to hit as far and wide as possible.

The hope is us. Let's begin.

Thank You,

Leonardo DiCaprio

2007-07-19T10:27:00.000-07:00

The time is here - Speaker Nancy Pelosi is bringing a critical energy
bill to the House floor for a vote any day now.

When it gets there, House will vote to add two vital components that
will increase our fuel efficiency and create more renewable electricity
to this forward-looking bill.

This marks a vital turning point in our nation's shift away from fossil
fuels. Now we need to make sure our lawmakers are on board.

I've sent a message to my Representative, asking them to vote YES on the
amendments, and I hope you'll join me.

It only takes a minute -- but it could change the future, for
generations to come. Just click on the link below!

Thanks!

http://action.lcv.org/campaign/house_energy_bill?rk=y7AWT6F14bs4W

Urgent Attention is Required!!!

2007-07-11T08:40:00.000-07:00

Dear activists, colleagues, and friends,
It's FOX Attacks time... again.

In March we all took on Fox and we beat them. Bad. The Nevada Fox-sponsored presidential debates were canceled when our videos showing Fox's distortions were spread far and wide. Local bloggers worked like crazy, activists around the country wrote and called, and MoveOn used their strategic strength and smarts to bring it all home.

Now Fox is at it again. The only surprise this time is the amount of time and energy they are putting into denying that the sun sets in the west. Okay, well not exactly, but pretty close. They are fighting the scientific truth of the climate crisis and are claiming it just isn't so! I'm not kidding. Take a look at the video evidence, you won't believe what you see. (Well, maybe you will)

http://foxattacks.com/?utm_source=rgemail

Seen enough? Now it's time to get to work. Join with us, the Sierra Club, and MoveOn to put an end to this propaganda and distortion by appealing to Fox's advertisers. Specifically, Home Depot. Why? Because Home Depot says they care about the environment. So we're giving them a chance to prove it by asking them to stop advertising on Fox until it changes its lies and distortions about the climate crisis.

Tell Home Depot to stop advertising on Fox! http://action.sierraclub.org/foxattacks
No responsible company claiming to support the environment should be advertising with a corporation that consistently deceives America about the climate crisis. Rupert Murdoch says he wants to "get their house in order." Let's help him along by applying pressure to his bank accounts.

Thank you for joining us in this next FOX ATTACKS battle.

Robert Greenwald, DJK, and the Brave New Films team

---
Brave New Films is located at 10510 Culver Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232
and can be reached at info@bravenewfilms.org.

07 - 07 - 07 LIVE EARTH!!

2007-07-04T20:12:00.000-07:00

http://www.liveearth.org/

http://liveearth.msn.com/concerts

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2007/02/al_gore_announc.php

Plastics and Cancer

2007-06-21T09:32:00.000-07:00

Please circulate to all you know:
Johns Hopkins - Cancer News from Johns Hopkins

No plastic containers in microwaves

No water bottles in freezer

No plastic wrap in microwave

A dioxin chemical causes cancer, especially breast cancer.

Dioxins are highly poisonous to the cells of our bodies. Don't freeze
your plastic bottles with water in them as this releases dioxins from the
plastic.

Recently, Edward Fujimoto, Wellness Program Manager at Castle Hospital, was on a TV program to explain this health hazard. He talked about dioxins
and how bad they are for us.

He said that we should not be heating our food in the microwave using
plastic containers...

This especially applies to foods that contain fat.

The combination of fat, high heat, and plastics releases
dioxin into the food and ultimately into the cells of the body...

Instead, he recommends using glass, such as Corning Ware, Pyrex or
ceramic containers for heating food... You get the same results, only without
the dioxin. So such things as TV dinners, instant ramen and soups, etc.,
should be removed from the container and heated in something else.

Paper isn't bad but you don't know what is in the paper. It's just
safer to use tempered glass, Corning Ware, etc.

He reminded us that a while ago some of the fast food restaurants moved away from the foam containers to paper. The dioxin problem is one of the reasons...

Also, he pointed out that plastic wrap, such as Saran, is just as
dangerous when placed over foods to be cooked in the microwave. As the food is
nuked, the high heat causes poisonous toxins to actually melt out of the
plastic wrap and drip into the food.

Cover food with a paper towel instead.

This article should be sent to anyone important in your life!

Water Smarter - Think Like a Plant

2007-06-20T13:37:00.000-07:00

Just as you release water vapor when you breathe, plants do too - it's called transpiration. Plant transpiration is an invisible process. Even though you can't see the water, it is going into the air. When plants transpire faster than water is replaced, they can wilt or die.

Soils constantly lose water through evaporation. Evaporation increases as the days get hotter and longer in the summer.

Evapotranspiration, or ET, is the combination of water lost through evaporation and from transpiration. Generally, the amount of water lost through ET is equal to the amount of water that must be replaced to maintain healthy growing conditions. The rate of ET is affected by the amount of sun and wind, the air temperature, and other variables.

Read more about this at www.conserveh20.org

Water Conservation for Kids

2007-06-20T13:36:00.001-07:00

Visit the ConserveH20 website at www.conserveh20.org/kids for fun water conservation games and activities to play with your kids this summer!

Free Water-Wise Plant Guide!

2007-06-20T13:32:00.000-07:00

Local nurseries are overflowing with beautiful trees, shrubs, and flowers, waiting to make your yard a sanctuary. In order to help gardeners identify plants that are water - efficient, a number of organizations from the Willamette Valley printed a guidebook. The new "Water - Efficient Plants of the Willamette Valley" Guidebook is a full - color, photo - rich resource for novice and experienced gardeners. To order your copy of the new guidebook, visit www.portlandonline.com/water/conservationkits or call them at 503-823-4527.

Upcoming Events in Nature Discoveries

2007-06-12T09:18:00.001-07:00

A Midsummer Night's Celebration at Tryon Creek
Thursday June 21st, 7 to 9pm

Celebrate the longest day of the year with storytelling, activities and guided forest hikes at Tryon Creek State Natural Area. Free.

For more information, call (503) 636-4398 ext 109.

Oxbow Regional Park:

Fiddlin' in the park with Greg Clarke
Friday, July 6th, 8:30 - 9:30pm

Musician Greg Clarke brings us old-time tunes around the campfire. Enjoy the sounds of banjo, fiddle, mandolinl among the trees. It's a contagious performance sure to get your toes tapping!

Native American Stories
Saturday July 7th, 8:30 - 9:30 pm

Night is falling, the river is murmuring and the campfire beckons. Join us for an entrancing evening of stories with Northwest storyteller Ed Edmo.

Old-time bluegrass tunes
Friday, July 13th, 8:30 - 9:30pm

Bluegrass musicians Greg Stone and Lon Jones will play guitar and mandolin and sing old-time tunes around the campfire. Kick up your feet or just sit back and enjoy the music. With songs for all ages, this is a nice introduction to old-time music for kids.

Check out more family fun activities at Metro's page on Oxbow

Easy Green Cleaners Recipes

2007-06-12T09:03:00.000-07:00

I am starting to make my own cleaners at home now!! I found some pretty easy recipes in The Green Scene, little mailer mag that goes out to homes here in the city, put out by Metro

Glass Cleaner:

Combine 1 quart warm water with 1/4 cup white vinegar or 2 tablespoons lemon juice. (use both vinegar and lemon if you want the cleaning abilities of vinegar with the scent of lemon!) For a pleasant scents, add a drop of two of essential oil...

Tub & Tile Cleaner:

1 2/3 cups baking soda
1/2 cup liquid soap
2 tablespoons vinegar
1/2 cup water
a few drops of essential oils (optional)

Mix soda and soap. Add water, then add vinegar. Store in a squirt-top bottle and shake before using. Rinse thoroughly to avoide leaving a residue.

A New America Lou Dobbs spotlights the NAFTA Super Highway a

2007-06-05T10:13:00.001-07:00

And I thought we already HAD problems in this country! WOW, I guess not watching the news or reading the papers is a bad idea for me. I didn't realize the depth and scope of what is happening in my own country. And very sadly, it seems that there is no escape. Here I thought I was going to leave the country to escape! It's too late for that it seems....

People, make a stand!!! We have GOT to take our power back and make a stand. We are so screwed if we don't do something to stop this insanity. God help us.

Product Review - Shampoo & Conditioner

2007-06-02T11:03:00.000-07:00

When I'm not completely freaking out about what chemicals the government is letting us eat and put on our bodies, I'm doing my duty to test out so-called "natural" products and report on my findings!!

After trying a couple of brands from Trader Joes, I actually found something for my hair that I am now in love with! I'm really new to the product, and my hair is loving it! It has needed some serious love for a while now, most "natural" conditioners just not able to cut it for my particular type of hair. I decided to try Avalon Organic Botanicals Lavender Nourishing Shampoo & Conditioner, and WOW, I have to say, I'm impressed!!

My hair is rather thick kind of like a horses' mane (wait a minute, I am a horse!!) and it's jaw-dropping amazing for me to be able to effortlessly bring a comb from crown down through my hair without a huge struggle and more than likely some swear words, and this conditioner also makes my hair really sleek and shiny! AND NO METHYL PARABENS!!!

This product actually has the CONSCIOUSNESS IN COSMETICS seal by Avalon themselves stating their pledge for all to see right on the front of the bottle that reads: Our Pledge, Your Assurance. Safe, effective, pro-organic, body care without artificial colors, synthetic fragrances or parabens, E U compliant. You can further research this company on their website www.avalonorganics.com

If you have a Trader Joe's near you, I can highly recommend this product, and it's possible you can find it at Natures, Wild Oats and other similar stores!

Tainted Chinese products flood U.S. market

2007-05-26T16:42:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON, May 20 Tainted apples and toxic mushrooms were among 107 Chinese food imports detained at U.S. ports last month, it was reported Sunday.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration detained the imports, along with more than 1,000 Chinese shipments of tainted dietary supplements, toxic cosmetics and counterfeit medicines, the Washington Post reported.

The FDA found dried apples preserved with a cancer-causing chemical, frozen catfish with banned antibiotics, scallops and sardines coated with putrefying bacteria and mushrooms covered with illegal pesticides, the Post reported.

Federal inspection records show that China, for years, has flooded the United States with products unfit for human consumption and only a fraction of the products are believed to have been detected, the Post reported.

Consumer advocates and members of Congress are to renew their concerns during high-level trade talks with China in Washington this week, the Post said.

This article found at www.earthtimes.org Copyright 2007 by UPI

A kid doing a funny scene of Bush on Global Warming

2007-05-18T10:30:00.001-07:00

Greener Homes & Gardens Show! This Weekend!

2007-05-17T08:40:00.000-07:00

http://www.greenerhomesandgardens.com/about.htm

ONLY $3.00 ADMISSION!!! DON'T MISS THE SHOW!!!!

Welcome to the 2007 Greener Homes & Gardens Expo. Our 5th Annual sustainable home & garden show is designed to contribute to the tremendous momentum of public interest in green homes / building, sustainable landscaping / gardening, and alternative energy / biofuels. Additionally, we will feature two new exciting and timely pavilions:

The Biofuels/Alternative Vehicles Show: This pavilion is an expansion of last year's biofuel theme and will incorporate a greater variety of transportation options designed to reduce global warming, increase energy efficiency, and decrease dependency on fossil fuels.

New! The Self-Sustainability Forum: Preparedness, Self-Reliance & Relocalization
This new pavilion is focused on strengthening communities, self reliance, and preparedness. Concepts include neighborhood building, relocalization, food production & organic gardening, food preservation, alternative energy and modes of transportation, emergency readiness, rainwater collection, outdoor survival equipment global warming action, post carbon planning, and other related ideas.

If You're Not Freaking OUT, You're NOT Paying Attention!

2007-05-15T16:06:00.001-07:00

http://news.yahoo.com/s/livescience/20070515/sc_livescience/californiasizedareaoficemeltsinantarctica

Living Green Expo This Weekend!!

2007-05-09T13:43:00.000-07:00

http://www.omsi.org/visit/EventDetail.cfm?ID=93
May 12–13 at OMSI

Come to the first annual Living Green Expo, where you'll find information, ideas, resources, products and motivation for a more sustainable lifestyle. You can attend free workshops about solar power, green building and flooring options, volunteerism and a kid-friendly River Rangers program. You can even bring old electronics to recycle.

TriMet is a supporting sponsor of the two-day event, which is free with admission to OMSI.

Be sure to stop by the TriMet booth to get your free gift.

Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. both days. For more, visit KINK radio's website at kink.fm.

Hope to see you there!!!

Check It Out!

2007-05-09T08:50:00.000-07:00

http://www.betterworldclub.com/

Check out the Better World Road Assistance Club and their

Kicking Asphault Newsletter!!

SAVED BY THE SUN.....WHEN Will We Wake UP?????

2007-04-26T08:40:00.000-07:00

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/solar/

My apologies for being super busy on Earth Day and not doing a proper entry that day on Earth Festivities and the like! Next year, I'll be on that way in advance!

Fittingly, the other night I stumbled across an amazing NOVA program called

SAVED BY THE SUN.

If you follow the link above, you can get to their site and read all kinds of information on solar power! I highly recommend you watch this program with your family on OPB. Nova is FANTASTIC programming! You can even watch their programs ON LINE!!
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/programs/

The following paragraph taken from this link:

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/solar/about.html

"Other countries are pursuing solar power with far more gusto than the U.S. NOVA travels to Germany, which despite not being known for sunny weather, has become a solar mecca. By offering cash incentives, the government has encouraged many citizens, from city dwellers to a pig farmer, to put up solar panels. Astonishingly, Germany is now on track to produce 30 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2020. By contrast, the U.S. gets only 1 percent of its energy from solar and wind power. However, there are those, including Vijay Vaitheeswaran, energy correspondent for The Economist, who fear that Germany's expensive program could ultimately be hard to sustain."

Also, check out this amazing information about Kramer Solar Field in Kramer Junction California!! This is QUITE amazing to me! Read all about "Power From the Sun" at this link:

http://www.powerfromthesun.net/chapter1/Chapter1.htm

Here is another fantastic informational link to follow:

http://www.ecomall.com/biz/solarcat.htm

Largest Solar Park Opens in Germany! Read about it here:

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2006/04/largest_solar_p.php

TELL CONGRESS TO BRING BACK 40% SOLAR TAX CR EDITS!!!!

http://www.ecomall.com/activism/suntax.htm

"A patch of 100 square miles of open space covered with efficient solar panels such as in Nevada, where sun rays are powerful, could generate all the electrical power needs of the United States." - National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Think Before You Pink!!

2007-04-23T11:25:00.000-07:00

http://www.honeybeegardens.com/natural-cosmetics/products/cbnl.html

I am desperate to find a totally new cosmetic line to use. I mainly use lipstick, mascara and a little green or brown color on my eyes. Check the above link to HoneyBee Gardens for some great products!!!

In my research with even so-called “natural” products, I am finding the parabens and such that I am trying to completely eradicate from my use! I have found parabens in the Body Shop lipsticks as well, which is shocking & disturbing to me, since I believed that they had gone “natural” a while back. While their products DO contain natural ingredients, there are still hazardous chemicals being put into the cosmetics for its preserving action and preventing microbial growth in cosmetics.

I did a google search on “cosmetics WITHOUT parabens” and I came up with this link http://www.thinkbeforeyoupink.org/Pages/Resources.html

PLEASE check out the links they have provided there!!

Good luck and send me any comments on any of the products if you have in fact tried any of them! I will be posting my product findings as soon as possible!

Dangers in Pretty Packages......

2007-04-21T16:23:00.000-07:00

I sometimes stop by the Dollar Store to pick up my favorite Dollar Store item: the superconvienient Doggy Poop Bags. They are plastic, but this is the one thing I'm not sure how to change...I have to have the plastic to pick up the poop! It's the perfect size for little doggy doodys and are the best buck a girl with a dog could spend. I sometimes stop and smell the lotions and see if there really is a deal in there that can't be beat for a buck other than the fabulous PB's (Poop Bags!). I recently bought these really yummy smelling girly lotions, thinking I would keep one for myself, give one to the daughter, and one to my mom or a friend...Well, the boyfriend pointed out that there are some pretty scary ingredients in my lovely girly lotion!

The specific culprits of concern are:
Methylparaben
Propylparaben
Please Follow These Links!!!

CANCER CAUSING CHEMICALS!!!!

Again, I am brought back to my research and realizations about the fact that I really have to change my consuming habits, read labels, and only patronize businesses and companies that are trying to NOT kill me with their cosmetics and foods!

I really do hate waste, but what I have decided to do is to dispose of the lotions inside and clean the little containers out and use them for tacks, paper clips or other art findings and things....

I'm thinking about starting to make my own lotions. Actually, the boyfriend has made me some body lotions in the past....I am going to have a little conference and I'll get a recipe for you!

Until next time, READ YOUR LABLES!
RESEARCH and KNOW WHAT YOU'RE USING!!!

How To Prepare a Healthy Balanced Menu

2007-04-19T11:02:00.000-07:00

Found at http://nutrition.about.com/od/diets/ht/samplemenu1.htm

From Shereen Jegtvig,Your Guide to Nutrition.FREE Newsletter.
Here is one example of how to prepare a healthy, balanced menu for an entire day.

Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 10 to 30 minutes per meal.

Here's How:
Breakfast: one cup strawberries, one-half cup low fat cottage cheese with one tablespoon of sunflower seeds. One slice of whole grain toast.

Midmorning: one small apple, eight walnuts, two ounces lean sliced chicken breast.

Lunch: three cups salad consisting of dark green lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower and tomatoes with two teaspoons of walnut oil, two ounce organic beef patty served on a whole grain roll.

Mid afternoon: six ounces of tofu, one and one-half cups carrot sticks, one tablespoon of pumpkin seeds.

Dinner: one-half cup whole wheat spaghetti with one-forth cup organic marinara sauce and two ounces ground turkey. Two cups cooked green vegetables such as asparagus, spinach or broccoli drizzled with two teaspoons flax oil.

Evening Snack: six whole grain crackers with one ounce sliced cheese and one small apple.

Tips:
Drink at least six to eight glasses of water per day.
Choose whole grain breads and cereals.
More How To's from your Guide To Nutrition
Updated: February 11, 2007

Interview: Al Gore explains how you can fight global warming

2007-04-19T10:48:00.001-07:00

Here is a good place to start on researching global warming and the ideas in regards to living one's life as responsibly as possible. I will be having a movie night soon with Al's movie "An Inconvienient Truth". For more information, you can visit this site http://www.climatecrisis.net/

2007-04-06T10:43:00.001-07:00

WELCOME to my new blog for healthier living ideas and for a movement toward a simpler, more sustainable, conscious lifestyle.

The recent pet food recall really got me kicked into "activist" mode. I've always been one to want to fight for justice - and now, I'm waking up to the seriousness of what's in not only our animals' food, but our food, cosmetics, you name it, there's something bad in it! So, I'm seeking out healthier alternatives and simpler living, and if we all do the same, we CAN make a difference. I hope that even in your busy life, you will take the time to do your own research and make up your own mind about what you are willing to do for yours & your families' health and peace of mind. Please feel free to send me links and ideas to share. I plan to grow this resource page and share it with everyone! Please help me spread the word and send the link to anyone you believe will have an interest in these areas! I'll be working hard on my end to do my part and I hope you will too. Find places to shop, places to eat that are better for you and the planet. A lot of little steps make up a lot of distance, and it's obvious that we have a long way to go.....