tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-186642892024-02-28T06:28:01.823-05:00Conscious ConsumingThe Conscious Consuming Blog contains articles, events and opinions related to awareness of the effects of consumption and the influence of media and advertising on the environment and our lives.Conscious Consuminghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11032633495245967720noreply@blogger.comBlogger431125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18664289.post-55357294837780664062009-05-21T10:49:00.000-05:002009-05-21T10:49:06.589-05:00The Ugly Truth Behind Organic Food | | AlterNetAn <a href="http://www.alternet.org/story/140001/">interesting article</a> about organic food and farmworkers. Can we unite both environmental and social goals through our food?<div class="blogger-post-footer">Visit www.consciousconsuming.org for more info.</div>Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03980846051325554913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18664289.post-9974450234887391672009-05-20T10:30:00.000-05:002009-05-20T10:32:17.667-05:00Energy Efficiency in the Home<span style="font-weight: bold; font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: rgb(23, 75, 41); font-family: Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,sans-serif;font-family:Arial, Helvetica, Geneva, sans-serif;color:#174b29;" ><span>From our friends at <a href="http://www.ucsusa.org">UCS</a>:<br /><br />Don’t Toss Money out the Window<br /></span></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><span style="color: rgb(23, 75, 41); font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;color:#174b29;" ><span style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><span>May 2009<br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><a style="border-bottom-width: 0px;" href="http://action.ucsusa.org/site/R?i=rDf_tjjeTxmdNPcGrvEjgg.." target="_blank">Read this issue of Greentips online</a></span></span></span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);" ><span><span style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);" ><br /></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);" ><span><span style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);" >Windows let the sunshine in, but in many cases they also let the heat in (or out, in the winter). According to the Department of Energy, heat transfer through windows can account for 10 to 25 percent of your heating and air conditioning costs. Older, single-paned windows are the biggest energy wasters. </span></span></span></span></span> <p dir="ltr" style="margin-right: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);" ><span><span style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);" >Replacing older windows with energy-efficient ones can be expensive, but will save you money in the long run by reducing your energy use as much as 30 percent. Energy Star-rated windows are twice as efficient as typical models sold just 10 years ago. A variety of factors determine a window’s energy efficiency: </span></span></span></span></span></p> <ul dir="ltr"><li> <div style="margin-right: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);" ><span></span></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);" ><span><span style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);" ><strong>Solar heat</strong>. A window’s <strong>solar heat gain coefficient </strong>(SHGC), a value ranging from 0 to 1, indicates the fraction of incoming solar radiation admitted through a window. The higher the number, the more heat will be transmitted, so you want a high value in colder climates (to take advantage of free heat provided by sunlight) and a low value in warmer climates (to keep heat out and lower cooling costs).<br /><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div></li><li> <div style="margin-right: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);" ><span></span></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);" ><span><span style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);" ><strong>Heat transfer</strong>. The rate of heat transfer between the inside and outside of a home (unrelated to solar radiation) is known as a window’s <strong>U-factor</strong>, which generally ranges from 0.2 to 1.2. The lower the value, the less heat is lost from your home—especially helpful during the winter. Some double- or triple-paned windows also contain argon, an inert gas, between the panes to minimize heat transfer.<br /><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div></li><li> <div style="margin-right: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);" ><span></span></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);" ><span><span style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);" ><strong>Glazing</strong>. Most energy-efficient windows are coated to help reduce heat transfer. Low-emissivity (or “<strong>Low-E</strong>”) coatings, composed of microscopic metal particles, reduce heat transfer by 40 to 70 percent while still allowing most light through. Tinted and reflective glass are also available, but they block some incoming sunlight as well.<br /><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div></li><li> <div style="margin-right: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);" ><span></span></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);" ><span><span style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);" ><strong>Framing</strong>. Aluminum is a poor choice for window frames because it conducts heat readily.<br /><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div></li></ul> <p dir="ltr" style="margin-right: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);" ><span><span style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);" ><strong>Cost Considerations</strong> </span></span></span></span></span></p> <p dir="ltr" style="margin-right: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);" ><span><span style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);" >Windows purchased in 2009 or 2010 that meet specific efficiency criteria are eligible for a federal tax credit equal to 30 percent of the purchase price (up to a maximum of $1,500 for all qualifying home improvements). See the Related Resources for information on eligibility criteria. </span></span></span></span></span></p> <p dir="ltr" style="margin-right: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);" ><span><span style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);" >If you can’t replace your old windows now, there are other steps you can take:</span></span></span></span></span></p> <ul dir="ltr"><li> <div style="margin-right: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);" ><span></span></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);" ><span><span style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);" ><strong>Seal air leaks </strong>around windows with caulk or weatherstripping.<br /><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div></li><li> <div style="margin-right: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);" ><span></span></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);" ><span><span style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);" >Affix <strong>Low-E coated film </strong>directly to windows to help reduce heat loss.<br /><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div></li><li> <div style="margin-right: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);" ><span></span></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);" ><span><span style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);" >Install <strong>storm windows </strong>to reduce heat loss from single-pane windows by 25 to 50 percent. Low-E storm windows can cost less than a new energy-efficient window.<br /><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div></li><li> <div style="margin-right: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);" ><span></span></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);" ><span><span style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);" >Use <strong>insulating window treatments </strong>including shades, curtains, blinds, or awnings to block incoming sunlight in summer and keep heat in during the winter.</span></span></span></span></span></div></li></ul> <p dir="ltr" style="margin-right: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><span><span style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><strong>RELATED RESOURCES</strong></span></span></span></p> <p dir="ltr" style="margin-right: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><span><span style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><a href="http://action.ucsusa.org/site/R?i=u4jNnnALAa90f9hX35gBCA.." target="_blank">Efficient Windows Collaborative</a> </span></span></span></p> <p dir="ltr" style="margin-right: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><span><span style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><a href="http://action.ucsusa.org/site/R?i=sqNMxfGIZL_24WUcTiMnyQ.." target="_blank">Department of Energy—Window Tips</a> </span></span></span></p> <p dir="ltr" style="margin-right: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><span><span style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><a href="http://action.ucsusa.org/site/R?i=H_z8J_qim2cbp8tQ-o0hIw.." target="_blank">Energy Star—Rebates and Tax Credits for Windows, Doors, and Skylights</a></span></span></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Visit www.consciousconsuming.org for more info.</div>Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03980846051325554913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18664289.post-70283978369989573362009-04-30T15:51:00.002-05:002009-04-30T16:08:20.478-05:00Grow Your OwnIt's amazing to see the growth of the local food movement in the past year. I've mushed over it before, but if you need inspiration to get on the path, please read Barbara Kingsolver's <span style="font-style:italic;"><a href="http://www.animalvegetablemiracle.com/">Animal, Vegetable, Miracle.</a></span> You can also visit <a href="http://www.animalvegetablemiracle.com/Lawn%20gardens.html">this part of her site to see photos</a> about how people are growing veggies in their front yards; I find it so inspiring to read about these normal folks, making a big difference in their community food security, health, environment, and tastebuds! <br /><br />I'm no master gardener, by any stretch. Lucky for me, Boulder recently had a free "Vegetable Gardening for Beginners" workshop. Massachusetts has much more fertile soil than Colorado (and also the absence of summer hail, high winds, oppressive UV radiation, dry conditions, etc.), so I really needed this workshop. I learned what grows super easily here (radishes, tomatoes, potatoes, and greens), what it's possible to grow with some care and attention (lettuce, strawberries, peas and beans), and what does not do so well (carrots, asparagus). I'm really excited to get my plants in the ground, but around these parts I learned I have to wait until after the danger of the last hard frost, which is May 15th. And all that the presenters required of the sixty or so participants was an agreement to share the harvest with neighbors, friends, or <a href="http://www.communityfoodshare.org">Community Food Share</a>. How is THAT for walking the walk! I'm so excited to get my hands dirty; show my kids again the wonders of growing food from seed; eat some yummy, healthy, organically grown food; and share it with people who need it!<div class="blogger-post-footer">Visit www.consciousconsuming.org for more info.</div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361238994441499829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18664289.post-42665605347294024362009-04-30T15:29:00.003-05:002009-04-30T15:43:47.176-05:00EPA rules on Greenhouse GasesI didn't hear this bit of news until today, so I thought I'd share with you:<br /><br />April 17, 2009:<br /><a href="http://www.ecologicalinternet.org/">Ecological Internet </a>(EI) welcomes the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's ruling today that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases "may endanger public health or welfare", a finding that opens to door to future regulation of such emissions under the Clean Air Act. EI continues to demand that emission cuts be fast and large, that Congress not weaken planned E.P.A. carbon regulation, and that Congress abandon cap and trade legislation for a simple, highly effective, carbon tax. And that the U.S. leads at Copenhagen or feel the consequences.<br /><br />The E.P.A said in its proposed endangerment finding that "based on rigorous, peer-reviewed scientific analysis of six gases – carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons and sulfur hexafluoride – that... these gases are at unprecedented levels as a result of human emissions, and these high levels are very likely the cause of the increase in average temperatures and other changes in our climate." Human health and welfare was thus threatened by increased severity and intensity of storms; more frequent drought, heatwaves, and forest fires; rising sea levels; and harm to water resources, agriculture, wildlife and ecosystems.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Visit www.consciousconsuming.org for more info.</div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361238994441499829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18664289.post-88628368012230372082009-04-30T08:53:00.000-05:002009-04-30T08:53:00.238-05:00Merrimack Valley Green Energy Environmental Summit<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span><span><b style=""><i style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'Bell MT';"><span style="color:#008000;"><span style=""><span style="font-size:180%;"><span class="503522113-09042009">The Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce</span></span></span></span></span></i></b></span></span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span><span><b style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'Bell MT';"><span style=""><span class="503522113-09042009"></span></span></span></b><b style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'Bell MT';"><o:p><span style="font-size:180%;color:#008000;"><span class="503522113-09042009"><em>Presents..</em></span></span></o:p></span></b></span></span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span><span><b style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'Bell MT';"><o:p><span class="503522113-09042009"></span><span style="font-size:180%;color:#008000;"><span class="503522113-09042009"><em>The Merrimack Valley Green Energy Environmental Summit</em></span></span></o:p></span></b></span></span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span><span><b style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'Bell MT';"><o:p><span style="font-size:180%;color:#008000;"><span class="503522113-09042009"></span></span></o:p></span></b> </span></span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span><span><b style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'Bell MT';"><o:p><span class="503522113-09042009"></span><span style="font-size:180%;color:#008000;"><span class="503522113-09042009"><em>Keynote presentations by</em></span></span></o:p></span></b></span></span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span><span><b style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'Bell MT';"><o:p><span class="503522113-09042009"></span><span style="font-size:180%;color:#008000;"><span class="503522113-09042009"><em>Mass. Secretary Ian Bowles,</em></span></span></o:p></span></b></span></span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span><span><b style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'Bell MT';"><o:p><span class="503522113-09042009"></span><span style="font-size:180%;color:#008000;"><span class="503522113-09042009"><em>Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs</em></span></span></o:p></span></b></span></span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span><span><b style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'Bell MT';"><o:p><span style="font-size:180%;color:#008000;"><span class="503522113-09042009"></span></span></o:p></span></b> </span></span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span><span><b style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'Bell MT';"><o:p><span class="503522113-09042009"></span><span style="font-size:180%;color:#008000;"><span class="503522113-09042009"><em>Representative Barry Finegold, Chairman</em></span></span></o:p></span></b></span></span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span><span><b style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'Bell MT';"><o:p><span class="503522113-09042009"></span><span style="font-size:180%;color:#008000;"><span class="503522113-09042009"><em>Telecommunications, Utlities and Energy Committee</em></span></span></o:p></span></b></span></span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span><span><b style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'Bell MT';"><o:p><span class="503522113-09042009"></span><span style="font-size:180%;color:#008000;"><span class="503522113-09042009"><em>&</em></span></span></o:p></span></b></span></span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span><span><b style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'Bell MT';"><o:p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#008000;"><span class="503522113-09042009"><em>A special panel of local experts to assist you to reduce your energy costs now:</em></span></span></o:p></span></b></span></span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span><span><b style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'Bell MT';"><o:p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#008000;"><span class="503522113-09042009"></span></span></o:p></span></b> </span></span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span><span><b style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'Bell MT';"><o:p><span class="503522113-09042009"></span><span style="font-size:180%;color:#008000;"><span class="503522113-09042009"><em>As you face the every struggle with the high costs of energy for your cars/trucs, businesses, building and home, Your Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce has been working to help you address how you might reduce your energy costs NOW!!</em></span></span></o:p></span></b></span></span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span><span><b style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'Bell MT';"><o:p><span style="font-size:180%;color:#008000;"><span class="503522113-09042009"></span></span></o:p></span></b> </span></span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span><span><b style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'Bell MT';"><o:p><span class="503522113-09042009"></span><span style="font-size:180%;color:#008000;"><span class="503522113-09042009"><em>If you are a business or homeowner in the Merrimack Valley</em></span></span></o:p></span></b></span></span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span><span><b style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'Bell MT';"><o:p><span class="503522113-09042009"></span><span style="font-size:180%;color:#008000;"><span class="503522113-09042009"><em>you can't afford to miss this program!</em></span></span></o:p></span></b></span></span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span><span><b style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'Bell MT';"><o:p><span style="font-size:180%;color:#008000;"><span class="503522113-09042009"></span></span></o:p></span></b> </span></span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span><span><b style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'Bell MT';"><o:p><span class="503522113-09042009"></span><span style="font-size:180%;color:#008000;"><span class="503522113-09042009"><em>Thursday, May 14, 2009</em></span></span></o:p></span></b></span></span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span><span><b style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'Bell MT';"><o:p><span class="503522113-09042009"></span><em><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="color:#008000;"><span class="503522113-09042009">8:30AM-10:00AM<br /></span><span class="503522113-09042009">Osgood Landing, 1600 Osgood Street, North Andover, MA</span></span></span></em></o:p></span></b></span></span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span><span><b style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'Bell MT';"><o:p><span style="font-size:180%;color:#008000;"><em><span class="503522113-09042009"></span></em></span></o:p></span></b> </span></span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span><span><b style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'Bell MT';"><o:p><span class="503522113-09042009"></span><span style="font-size:130%;color:#008000;"><span class="503522113-09042009"><em>Thank you to your Sponsors: Title: Wheelabrator, North Andover</em></span></span></o:p></span></b></span></span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span><span><b style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'Bell MT';"><o:p><span class="503522113-09042009"></span><span style="color:#008000;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span class="503522113-09042009"><em> Program:</em></span> <span class="503522113-09042009"><em>Osgood Landing, Solectria Renewables</em></span></span></span></o:p></span></b></span></span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span><span><b style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'Bell MT';"><o:p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#008000;"><span class="503522113-09042009"><em> Associate: National Grid</em></span></span></o:p></span></b></span></span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span><span><b style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'Bell MT';"><o:p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#008000;"><span class="503522113-09042009"><em> Media: Eagle Tribune Publishing</em></span></span></o:p></span></b></span></span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span><span><b style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'Bell MT';"><o:p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#008000;"><span class="503522113-09042009"><em></em></span></span></o:p></span></b> </span></span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span><span><b style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'Bell MT';"><o:p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#008000;"><span class="503522113-09042009"><em>Your Company Name Could Be Here/ Call for sponsorship information</em></span></span></o:p></span></b></span></span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span><span><b style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'Bell MT';"><o:p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#008000;"><span class="503522113-09042009"><em></em></span></span></o:p></span></b> </span></span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span><span><b style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'Bell MT';"><o:p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#008000;"><span class="503522113-09042009"><em>Includes Full Breakfast</em></span></span></o:p></span></b></span></span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span><span><b style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'Bell MT';"><o:p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#008000;"><span class="503522113-09042009"><em>=======================================================================</em></span></span></o:p></span></b></span></span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span><span><b style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'Bell MT';"><o:p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#008000;"><span class="503522113-09042009"><em></em></span></span></o:p></span></b> </span></span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span><span><b style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'Bell MT';"><o:p><span style="font-size:100%;color:#008000;"><span class="503522113-09042009"><em>Members $20.00 MVCC Energy Summit Non-Members $30.00</em></span></span></o:p></span></b></span></span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span><span><b style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'Bell MT';"><o:p><span style="font-size:100%;color:#008000;"><span class="503522113-09042009"><em> Thursday, May 14,2009</em></span></span></o:p></span></b></span></span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span><span><b style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'Bell MT';"><o:p><span style="font-size:100%;color:#008000;"><span class="503522113-09042009"><em> Please make ____ reservations</em></span></span></o:p></span></b></span></span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span><span><b style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'Bell MT';"><o:p><span style="font-size:100%;color:#008000;"><span class="503522113-09042009"><em></em></span></span></o:p></span></b> </span></span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span><span><b style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'Bell MT';"><o:p><span style="font-size:100%;color:#008000;"><span class="503522113-09042009"><em>Name(s) ________________________________________ Company ______________________________</em></span></span></o:p></span></b></span></span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span><span><b style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'Bell MT';"><o:p><span style="font-size:100%;color:#008000;"><span class="503522113-09042009"><em></em></span></span></o:p></span></b> </span></span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span><span><b style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'Bell MT';"><o:p><span style="font-size:100%;color:#008000;"><span class="503522113-09042009"><em>City/ST/ZIP__________________________________________________________________________</em></span></span></o:p></span></b></span></span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span><span><b style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'Bell MT';"><o:p><span style="font-size:100%;color:#008000;"><span class="503522113-09042009"><em></em></span></span></o:p></span></b> </span></span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span><span><b style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'Bell MT';"><o:p><span style="font-size:100%;color:#008000;"><span class="503522113-09042009"><em>Check enclosed _________Pay at door________ Bill my account_______ Credit Card _____--</em></span></span></o:p></span></b></span></span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span><span><b style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'Bell MT';"><o:p><span style="font-size:100%;color:#008000;"><span class="503522113-09042009"><em></em></span></span></o:p></span></b> </span></span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span><span><b style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'Bell MT';"><o:p><span style="font-size:100%;color:#008000;"><span class="503522113-09042009"><em>Amex Mastercard Visa#________________________________________ exp. date_________</em></span></span></o:p></span></b></span></span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span><span><b style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'Bell MT';"><o:p><span style="font-size:100%;color:#008000;"><span class="503522113-09042009"><em></em></span></span></o:p></span></b> </span></span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span><span><b style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'Bell MT';"><o:p><span style="font-size:100%;color:#008000;"><span class="503522113-09042009"><em>Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce, 264 Essex Street, Lawrence, MA 01840</em></span></span></o:p></span></b></span></span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span><span><b style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'Bell MT';"><o:p><span style="font-size:100%;color:#008000;"><span class="503522113-09042009"><em>Tel#978-686-0900 Fax#978-794-9953</em></span></span></o:p></span></b></span></span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span><span><b style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'Bell MT';"><o:p><span style="font-size:100%;color:#008000;"><span class="503522113-09042009"><em><a title="blocked::http://www.merrimackvalleychamber.com/" href="http://www.merrimackvalleychamber.com/">www.merrimackvalleychamber.com</a></em></span></span></o:p></span></b></span></span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span><span><b style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'Bell MT';"><o:p><span style="font-size:100%;color:#008000;"><span class="503522113-09042009"><em></em></span></span></o:p></span></b> </span></span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span><span><b style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'Bell MT';"><o:p><span style="font-size:100%;color:#008000;"><span class="503522113-09042009"><em>This registration confirms your attendance</em></span></span></o:p></span></b></span></span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span><span><b style=""><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: 'Bell MT';"><o:p><span style="font-size:100%;color:#008000;"><span class="503522113-09042009"> </span></span></o:p></span></b></span></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Visit www.consciousconsuming.org for more info.</div>Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03980846051325554913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18664289.post-32471078217768879472009-04-29T08:52:00.000-05:002009-04-29T08:52:00.450-05:00Green Business Summit<p align="left"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;"><span style="font-family:Tahoma;">Join the Boston Business Journal on May 15th, 2009 as we honor the most innovative and effective leaders advancing "green" workplace policies in Greater Boston. <br />We will award honorees in the following categories: Innovation, Invention, Design, & Workplace:<br /></span><a title="blocked::http://cl.exct.net/?ju=fe28157671650c74771676&ls=fdf916797561057c7115767c&m=fefc1372746702&l=fe97167277660c7e70&s=fe2816777c64057a7c1573&jb=ffcf14&t= Click here" href="http://cl.exct.net/?ju=fe28157671650c74771676&ls=fdf916797561057c7115767c&m=fefc1372746702&l=fe97167277660c7e70&s=fe2816777c64057a7c1573&jb=ffcf14&t=">Click here</a> to see the honorees.</span></span></p> <p align="left"><span style="font-size:100%;">The morning will also feature a <strong>keynote by Ian Bowles, Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs. </strong></span></p> <p align="left"><span style="font-size:100%;">Panel discussion including:</span></p> <p align="left"><span style="font-size:100%;">Gideon Gradman, Vice President of Corporate Development with Ze-Gen Inc.</span></p> <p align="left"><span style="font-size:100%;">Jeff Andrews, Partner at Atlas Venture</span></p> <p align="left"><span style="font-size:100%;">John P. DeVillars, Partner Bluewave Strategies </span></p> <p align="left"><span style="font-size:100%;"><!-- Events & Nominations block --></span></p> <p mce_keep="true" align="left"><strong><em><a title="blocked::http://cl.exct.net/?ju=fe25157671650c74771679&ls=fdf916797561057c7115767c&m=fefc1372746702&l=fe97167277660c7e70&s=fe2816777c64057a7c1573&jb=ffcf14&t= Click here to register!" href="http://cl.exct.net/?ju=fe25157671650c74771679&ls=fdf916797561057c7115767c&m=fefc1372746702&l=fe97167277660c7e70&s=fe2816777c64057a7c1573&jb=ffcf14&t="><span title="blocked::http://cl.exct.net/?ju=fe25157671650c74771679&ls=fdf916797561057c7115767c&m=fefc1372746702&l=fe97167277660c7e70&s=fe2816777c64057a7c1573&jb=ffcf14&t=" style="font-size:180%;">Click here to register!</span></a></em></strong></p><span style="font-size:85%;"> <p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;font-size:100%;">Green Business Summit<br />Friday, May 15, 2009 7:00am<br />Sheraton Boston Hotel</span></p> <p><span style="font-family:Tahoma;font-size:100%;"><u>Sponsors</u><br />Bowditch & Dewey LLP <br />National Grid<br />Thomas G. Gallagher</span></p></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Visit www.consciousconsuming.org for more info.</div>Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03980846051325554913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18664289.post-75510577436102241762009-04-29T07:32:00.001-05:002009-04-29T07:33:40.158-05:00Earthworks call for volunteers!<div><span style="color:#996633;">From Earthworks, an urgent call for volunteers this Thursday!<br /><br /></span></div><blockquote><div><span style="color:#996633;">We are in the midst of establishing a new garden at the Hurley School in Boston's South End. Due to a shortfall of volunteers last weekend, we are putting out an urgent call for help so that we can complete the project. Please join us on Thursday evening for any amount of time between 4-8pm or on Sunday from 12-4pm. </span></div> <div> </div> <div><span style="color:#996633;">The project involves restoring a garden space to include edible and insect-attracting plants for our Outdoor Classroom students to study, care for, and harvest. The program at the Hurley School serves over 100 kids with hands on environmental science lessons twice a week. <div> </div> <div>Volunteering is also a good opportunity to learn about organic techniques and using edibles in the landscape. Please respond to this message or call our office if you are interested in signing up. We will provide instructions and directions for the events.</div></span></div></blockquote><div><span style="color:#996633;"><div></div></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Visit www.consciousconsuming.org for more info.</div>Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03980846051325554913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18664289.post-43673996298182134062009-04-28T14:00:00.000-05:002009-04-28T14:00:01.108-05:00Bee Demonstration at MIT!From our partners:<br /><br /> I'd like to let you know about "Buccaneers of Buzz: Celebrating<br /> the Honeybee" - a multi-media tapdance, voice, video and marimba<br /> extravaganza about beekeepers and their bees. This amazing piece<br /> by Rialto Arts has been awarded a Gold Star by the Massachusetts<br /> Cultural Council. I am privileged to be on the board of Rialto<br /> Arts (<a href="http://rialtoarts.org/">http://rialtoarts.org/</a>), a small non-profit with a mission<br /> of bringing nature and the performance arts together. Please<br /> consider attending the wonderful performance, being staged as<br /> part of the Cambridge Science Fair<br /><br /> May 1, 2 and 3<br /> Broad Institute Auditorium, MIT<br /> 7 Cambridge Center, Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA<br /><br /> Friday, May 1 at 7:30 PM - 6:45 hive demonstration and<br /> bee-keeping Q&A<br /> Saturday, May 2 at 7:30 PM - 6:45 hive demonstration and<br /> bee-keeping Q&A<br /> Sunday, May 3 at 4:00 PM - 3:15 hive demonstration and<br /> bee-keeping Q&A<br /><br /> Miranda Loud, Artistic Director, concept<br /> with Brian Jones, tap/narration,<br /> Yuko Yoshikawa, marimba,<br /> Miranda Loud, film, additional music and vocals<br /><br /> Tickets at the door or<br /> http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/56041<br /> $20 general<br /> $15 students/seniors<br /> children 12 and under free<br /> (no children under 6, please)<div class="blogger-post-footer">Visit www.consciousconsuming.org for more info.</div>Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03980846051325554913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18664289.post-60880882352010047882009-04-27T07:31:00.001-05:002009-04-27T07:33:23.374-05:00TONIGHT - Freshwater Forum at MITPlease join us tonight for a discussion about communities organizing to protect fresh waterways in New England! It will be a very interesting presentation and discussion. It will also be a great way to network and see other fellows from the region. I hope that you can make it! More information is below and on our website.<br /><br />Monday, <span>April</span> <span>27th</span> - Tonight!<br />Fresh Water and Waterways in New England<br />MIT School of Architecture and Planning<br />77 Massachusetts Ave - Stella Room<br />Cambridge, MA 02139<br />5:30-7:30PM<br />($10 Suggested donation)<br />Register here: <a title="http://www.elpnet.org/greaterbostonnetwork/issue_forum.php" href="http://www.elpnet.org/greaterbostonnetwork/issue_forum.php" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.elpnet.org/greaterbostonnetwork/issue_<span title="http://www.elpnet.org/greaterbostonnetwork/issue_forum.php">forum</span>.php</a> or at the door<div class="blogger-post-footer">Visit www.consciousconsuming.org for more info.</div>Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03980846051325554913noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18664289.post-564739108871414072009-04-26T13:55:00.001-05:002009-04-26T13:57:29.186-05:00Ask Johnson & Johnson to Stop Using Carcinogens in Baby ProductsFrom our partners:<br /><blockquote><br />The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics released a report revealing that toxic chemicals, like 1,4-dioxane and formaldehyde, are in baby products. Both of these chemicals cause cancer in animals, and formaldehyde is also known to cause skin rashes in people who are sensitive to the chemical.<br /><br />Johnson & Johnson responded by saying "The trace levels of certain compounds found by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics can result from processes that make our products gentle for babies and safe from bacteria growth,” and the Campaign should stop “alarming” parents. Please email Johnson & Johnson and let them know that that "a little bit of carcinogen in baby shampoo is OK" is NOT an acceptable stance! Click here to act <a href="http://bit.ly/jjaction" onmousedown="'UntrustedLink.bootstrap($(this)," target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://bit.ly/jjaction</a>.</blockquote><div class="blogger-post-footer">Visit www.consciousconsuming.org for more info.</div>Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03980846051325554913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18664289.post-76979366857265753492009-04-22T07:06:00.002-05:002009-04-24T07:09:19.304-05:00Earth Day Tips<h2>Happy Earth Day, All!</h2><br />Today we present a special post from my friend Ted, who has come up with this list of ways to help the environment. Enjoy!<br /><br /><h2>Very easy</h2><br /><ol><li>We'll start with a no-brainer: <b>Turn off the lights when you leave the room</b>.</li><br /><li>This one should've been drilled into your heads by now: <b>Replace most of your incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescents.</b> I buy them online, at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/note_redirect.php?note_id=69012511819&h=351673a3ea527fb3599e99b176a85f35&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.efi.org%2Fstore%2F" target="_blank" title="http://www.efi.org/store/">efi.org/store</a>. While you're at it, replace your halogen torchieres with <a href="http://www.facebook.com/note_redirect.php?note_id=69012511819&h=d22c0901e84169eb914049b68eb823c3&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.energyfederation.org%2Fconsumer%2Fdefault.php%2FcPath%2F175_3133" target="_blank" title="http://www.energyfederation.org/consumer/default.php/cPath/175_3133">compact fluorescent torchieres</a> on that site.</li><br /><li>If you have a notebook computer and a desktop, <b>use your notebook computer</b> unless you're beating someone up in an FPS or editing your next feature film. Notebook computers use less energy.</li><br /><li><b>Check the pressure in your car tires</b>. Improper pressure can cause bad fuel economy. If you're too lazy to do it yourself, have your mechanic check the next time you get your oil changed.</li><br /><li><b>During the summer, close the blinds</b> in rooms you're not using.</li><br /><li><b>Clean your dryer's lint trap before every use</b>. Your clothes will dry faster and you'll be at a lower risk for fire. ...of course, it's better to dry your clothes outside, but that's not always an option.</li><br /><li><b>Watch <i>An Inconvenient Truth</i></b>. Even if you've seen it before, see it again. Bring your friends. This movie started a green revolution, and now, years later, I feel that people are lapsing back into apathy. So I think it's important that people keep this on the forefront of their minds.</li><br /></ol><br /><h2>Easy</h2><br /><ol><li><b>Run the dishwasher and washing machine at night</b>. It puts less strain on the electrical grid.</li><br /><li><b>Turn off/suspend/hibernate your computer when you're not using it</b> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/note_redirect.php?note_id=69012511819&h=bde4a1254fc5e73ba4fa71cb1313d82b&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.energysavers.gov%2Fyour_home%2Fappliances%2Findex.cfm%2Fmytopic%3D10070" target="_blank" title="http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/appliances/index.cfm/mytopic=10070">for more than two hours</a>. Personally, I think you're fine turning it off even if you're gone for even 30 minutes, but since I don't do that, I can't beat anyone else up for that, either.</li><br /><li><b>Stop drinking bottled water</b>. Let's face it: this is really sh*tty for the environment. Brita's doing great advertising on this, right now, showing you that a bottle ends up in a landfill forever. But we're talking more than just landfills: as a New Jerseyan, if I drank water from a certain company in Maine, every bottle has to travel a minimum of 350 miles to make it to me. And that's just the final product: imagine where the plastic has to come from. <<i>Insert favorite deity here</i>> forbid if I wanted to drink water from the French Alps or the South Pacific.</li><br /><li>Here's another good rule of thumb: <b>Buy produce that's in season</b>. That's really a corollary to my last point, but a rather important one. Stuff that's not in season will probably have to travel from some place where it is in season. (<a href="http://www.facebook.com/note_redirect.php?note_id=69012511819&h=54aaa4563771ed30f1f876f0dd0aa0d9&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.epicurious.com%2Farticlesguides%2Fseasonalcooking%2Ffarmtotable%2Fseasonalingredientmap" target="_blank" title="http://www.epicurious.com/articlesguides/seasonalcooking/farmtotable/seasonalingredientmap">See what's in season right now.</a>)</li><br /><li><b>Buy locally-grown food</b>. Why? Same reason as the bottled water. Food that travels less uses less. <a href="http://www.facebook.com/note_redirect.php?note_id=69012511819&h=c83a24edac1e3e20b624053136ae39bf&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.worldwatch.org%2Fnode%2F6064" target="_blank" title="http://www.worldwatch.org/node/6064">It's a little more complicated than that</a>, but that's generally a good rule of thumb.</li><br /><li><b>Buy organic produce</b>. Why? Besides the fact that you put fewer pesticides and fertilizers in you, it also means less contamination of groundwater, better energy efficiency (don't ask me why, but organic farms tend to use less energy), better water efficiency, and lower soil erosion.</li><br /></ol><br /><h2>Medium</h2><br /><ol><li><b>Get yourself a <a href="http://www.facebook.com/note_redirect.php?note_id=69012511819&h=476b006ed50b087a4a748eab1b343805&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%2Fref%3Dnb_ss_gw%3Furl%3Dsearch-alias%253Daps%26field-keywords%3Dprogrammable%2Bthermostat%26x%3D0%26y%3D0" target="_blank" title="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=programmable+thermostat&x=0&y=0">programmable thermostat</a></b>. Set your heat and A/C lower whenever you're not home. They'll cost you $40 but save you a lot of money in the long run.</li><br /><li><b>Lump your driving chores together</b>. Unless you drive a plug-in car connected to a solar panel, you're not doing the planet any favors by driving to the grocery store every day. Spend a few minutes to plan ahead: buy stamps, pick up some milk, and drop off your dry cleaning <i>in the same trip</i>. Help the planet, give yourself more time at home, and put gas money back in your wallet, too.</li><br /><li><b>Offset your carbon emissions.</b> Go to <a href="http://www.facebook.com/note_redirect.php?note_id=69012511819&h=c2ad8b68b954f64a11e7706e4bf72642&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.carbonoffsetlist.org%2F" target="_blank" title="http://www.carbonoffsetlist.org/">CarbonOffsetList.org</a> for reputable organizations that do this. (I use <a href="http://www.facebook.com/note_redirect.php?note_id=69012511819&h=0db8d31813e02d9e1e9622f8873d043a&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.carbonfund.org%2F" target="_blank" title="http://www.carbonfund.org/">carbonfund.org</a>.) For $10, you can offset a ton of carbon emissions.</li><br /><li><b>Stop giving out useless gifts</b>. Adult gift-giving can sometimes get out of hand. Around the holidays, people feel compelled to give the proverbial fruitcakes and meaningless tchotchkes that get tossed or thrown in the basement. If I can't think of something tangible to give my friends, I donate to charity on their behalf or offset their carbon emissions. In fact, for this Earth Day, I offset five of my friends' carbon emissions. You may be receiving a card from me in the next day or two.</li><br /><li><b>Replace old showerheads</b> with <a href="http://www.facebook.com/note_redirect.php?note_id=69012511819&h=73c628ad8e7d50db82ada2cbb5d94152&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.energyfederation.org%2Fconsumer%2Fdefault.php%2FcPath%2F27" target="_blank" title="http://www.energyfederation.org/consumer/default.php/cPath/27">low-flow showerheads</a>. Also, get <a href="http://www.facebook.com/note_redirect.php?note_id=69012511819&h=400285f6acf02d484b7338cc8ce37cbb&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.energyfederation.org%2Fconsumer%2Fdefault.php%2FcPath%2F3486" target="_blank" title="http://www.energyfederation.org/consumer/default.php/cPath/3486">faucet aerators</a>, and if you have an old toilet, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/note_redirect.php?note_id=69012511819&h=2d88ef998b8e2abffc26400cbec7057b&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.energyfederation.org%2Fconsumer%2Fdefault.php%2FcPath%2F1232_280" target="_blank" title="http://www.energyfederation.org/consumer/default.php/cPath/1232_280">get one of these</a>.</li><br /></ol><br /><h2>Hardcore</h2><br /><ol><li><b>Buy a front-loading washing machine</b>. They typically use less water and energy than their top-loading counterparts.</li><br /><li><b>Buy LED lights</b>. LED bulbs are way more efficient than compact fluorescents. Not to mention they last tens of thousands of hours (effectively, years and years) and don't contain mercury. Only thing is that they cost a lot up front (<a href="http://www.facebook.com/note_redirect.php?note_id=69012511819&h=4b221872f3fc174db3689bc08696a106&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ccrane.com%2Flights%2Fled-light-bulbs%2Fgeobulb%2F" target="_blank" title="http://www.ccrane.com/lights/led-light-bulbs/geobulb/">a single 60W bulb replacement</a> can cost $120). That price will come down, eventually. But right now, LED night lights are relatively cheap. I own several of <a href="http://www.facebook.com/note_redirect.php?note_id=69012511819&h=9ea8a3817500cfd0f094161453c8b27d&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.energyfederation.org%2Fconsumer%2Fdefault.php%2FcPath%2F175_2029_3241" target="_blank" title="http://www.energyfederation.org/consumer/default.php/cPath/175_2029_3241">these</a> and love them. They emit a bluish light, but they're bright and last for years. Also good are LED Christmas lights. <a href="http://www.facebook.com/note_redirect.php?note_id=69012511819&h=930e5c88b9d69aff4aede558ef211544&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shop.foreverled.net%2Fcategory.sc%3FcategoryId%3D88" target="_blank" title="http://www.shop.foreverled.net/category.sc?categoryId=88">These Christmas lights</a> look like regular Christmas lights but cost pennies for the whole season and last for years without burning out.</li><br /><li><b>Write your Congressman</b> (or -woman) and tell them that you're a constituent who cares about global warming, who wants to see investments in renewable energy and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. In spite of our last president, I don't believe that environmentalism has to be a partisan issue. If you don't know who your three representatives are in Congress, look <a href="http://www.facebook.com/note_redirect.php?note_id=69012511819&h=b5c856b471297f041b79a14f51609164&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwhoismyrepresentative.com%2F" target="_blank" title="http://whoismyrepresentative.com/">here</a> (and also: shame on you! You probably voted for or against them at some point! :P).</li><br /><li>This may be "hardcore" but it may be one of the best investments you ever make: <b>Get an <a href="http://www.facebook.com/note_redirect.php?note_id=69012511819&h=963117c597b4e52970b7cfce4d729540&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.energysavers.gov%2Fyour_home%2Fenergy_audits%2Findex.cfm%2Fmytopic%3D11160" target="_blank" title="http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/energy_audits/index.cfm/mytopic=11160">energy audit</a> done for your home</b>. They may suggest that you weather-strip your home, replace old appliances, replace old windows with high-performing, triple-paned, inert gas-filled windows, or replace your insulation with blown-in cellulose insulation. <a href="http://www.facebook.com/note_redirect.php?note_id=69012511819&h=c6655ebfe914eb51380c8c67e84caaf1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.energystar.gov%2Findex.cfm%3Fc%3Dproducts.pr_tax_credits" target="_blank" title="http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=products.pr_tax_credits">Check out the tax credits</a> you can get for doing all this.</li><br /><li>Put your money where your mouth is and <b>invest in <a href="http://www.facebook.com/note_redirect.php?note_id=69012511819&h=bfc210ab0d676cd99b74369e7bb215de&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.socialinvest.org%2Fresources%2Fsriguide%2F" target="_blank" title="http://www.socialinvest.org/resources/sriguide/">environmentally- (and socially-) responsible stocks and mutual funds</a></b>. I'm no financial advice giver, but just to let you know, I used to invest in <a href="http://www.facebook.com/note_redirect.php?note_id=69012511819&h=ec1ba7a349a309eeac3b847839dd1755&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paxworld.com%2F" target="_blank" title="http://www.paxworld.com/">Pax World</a> mutual funds before the stock market took a nose dive.</li><br /><li><b>Broaden your focus from reusable shopping bags to the big picture</b>. Recycling is good, but understand that if you use your SUV to drive aluminum cans to the recycling center, you're shooting yourself in the foot. Think of the broader picture: how does your behavior impact the world? Where do you buy <a href="http://www.facebook.com/note_redirect.php?note_id=69012511819&h=ea3525756a7ee594a48b56a69f485569&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.betterworldhandbook.com%2Fgasoline.html" target="_blank" title="http://www.betterworldhandbook.com/gasoline.html">gasoline?</a> What kind of <a href="http://www.facebook.com/note_redirect.php?note_id=69012511819&h=14eef017f50fb9e37b121c865d7632d5&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.seventhgeneration.com%2F" target="_blank" title="http://www.seventhgeneration.com/">home products</a> do you use, like <a href="http://www.facebook.com/note_redirect.php?note_id=69012511819&h=280b7f5a7e372666d0c445750bf5139e&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.guardian.co.uk%2Fenvironment%2F2009%2Ffeb%2F26%2Ftoilet-roll-america" target="_blank" title="http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/feb/26/toilet-roll-america">toilet paper</a>? When you're waiting for a train at a graded crossing, do you <a href="http://www.facebook.com/note_redirect.php?note_id=69012511819&h=366a9a36dd1f08ea000d63d757b081b9&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.slate.com%2Fid%2F2192187%2F" target="_blank" title="http://www.slate.com/id/2192187/">idle your car</a>? Here's a hard one: do you buy clothes, gadgets, and other stuff to fill a void in your life? I'm afraid the list goes on. A little self-awareness goes a long way.</li></ol><div class="blogger-post-footer">Visit www.consciousconsuming.org for more info.</div>Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03980846051325554913noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18664289.post-12195878481070395022009-04-21T08:50:00.003-05:002009-04-21T09:01:40.071-05:00Getting Rid of "Green"There was an interesting interview with New York Times columnist Tom Friedman in <a href="http://www.newsweek.com/id/192484">Newsweek on April 13,2009 called "Getting Rid of Green."</a> I especially liked the following question, and his answer:<br /><br /><blockquote>You're critical of efforts to get people to make small, symbolic gestures to use less energy. What's wrong with that? <br /><br />The danger is you think that if you change your light bulbs [to compact fluorescents], you've solved the problem. My motto is, change your leaders, not your light bulbs. Because what leaders do is rewrite the rules. They rewrite the rules of what utilities can burn as energy. They rewrite the car-mileage rules. They rewrite the rules of whether a nuclear plant can be built. These are the only things that give you [change at the scale we need]. Without scale change right now, in terms of climate we're really cooked. You know, I come out of the world of covering foreign policy, and that trained me to look for where the leverage points are. I don't think the leverage points now are in more consciousness-raising.</blockquote><br /><br />Friedman is looking forward to the day when the word "green" disappears as a qualifier for a fuel efficient home, car, energy, etc...because all cars and homes and energy plants will be built to the highest standards of efficiency and sustainability. I get what he's saying, and I totally agree. Conscious Consuming is a non-profit based on education and consciousness-raising, and I guess we will have done our job when there is no longer a need for that, because government leaders will come to the consensus that a sustainable economy is better than a "growth at any cost" economy. I think we have a long way to go, but we're certainly off to a running start with the Obama administration and his appointees. Oh yeah, and everyone's shaken faith in our current economy doesn't hurt either.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Visit www.consciousconsuming.org for more info.</div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361238994441499829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18664289.post-62373787633794419292009-04-13T10:32:00.000-05:002009-04-13T10:32:00.971-05:00Eco Cycle's Green Star SchoolsNancy Dudek, the <a href="http://www.ecocycle.org/atschool">Eco-Cycle Green Star Schools </a>Coordinator here in Boulder County, shared some tips from local Green Star Schools in the Spring newsletter. Perhaps you can implement some of these ideas at your local school. I just finished reading <span style="font-style:italic;">Three Cups of Tea</span>, and am more convinced than ever that each of us can make a big difference if we just put in the time and energy. Thanks, Nancy, for letting me share this with our readers:<br /><br />Longmont Estates Elementary: <br />Head custodian, Cheryl Prentice, runs a custodial club with students in first through fifth grades. At the end of their lunch <br />period, these students help sweep the floor, wipe the tables and stand in the waste station line to help other students in <br />their grade level accurately sort their waste. Cheryl rewards these students for their extra efforts with gently used books <br />from Eco-Cycle’s Children’s Used Book Project.<br /><br />Community Montessori: <br />When conducting events at their school, Community Montessori encourages its school community to bring their own <br />reusable water bottles and provides them with a large dispenser of water to refill their durable containers. This greatly <br />reduces plastic water bottle waste, as well as eliminates the expense involved in purchasing bottled water for participants <br />at events. <br /><br />Eagle Crest Elementary: <br />Donna Chuang, member of Eagle Crest’s parent organization, asked for donations of any old, mismatched silverware that <br />might be found at home. Just three days after the Green Star Schools program was kicked-off, the school held their an- <br />nual Valentine’s Breakfast as a Zero Waste event using the donated silverware and purchased compostables. The silver- <br />ware supply will continue to be used by the school community to reduce both waste and expense for future events. <br /><br />Heatherwood Elementary: <br />Harriet Brown, paraprofessional working in Heatherwood’s teacher workroom, retrieves all one-sided paper found in the <br />recycling bin. When time from her work schedule allows, she cuts the sheets into fourths and prepares stacks of notepa- <br />per for school staff to (re)use. <br /><br />Niwot Elementary: <br />For the past two years, Niwot Elementary parent organization has sold Laptop Lunches (www.laptoplunches.com) at the <br />end of the school year with their school’s supply orders. This can be done as a fundraiser, but Niwot chooses to do it at <br />cost. Laptop Lunches gives them a discount for their fundraising purposes, and they pass that savings on to their families <br />to encourage the use of reusable containers.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Visit www.consciousconsuming.org for more info.</div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361238994441499829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18664289.post-82068874376613932722009-04-11T09:51:00.000-05:002009-04-11T09:51:00.328-05:00Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment ActYou have likely heard how the unchecked use of antibiotics on crowded CAFOs (confined animal feeding operations) has contributed to "supergerms" and antibiotic resistance. Well, according the the <a href="http://www.ucsusa.org">Union of Concerned Scientist's</a> latest issue of the FEED newsletter, "Senators Edward Kennedy (D-MA) and Olympia Snowe (R-ME) and Representative Louise Slaughter (D-NY) have reintroduced legislation to address the growing public health crisis of antibiotic resistance. The Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment Act (PAMTA) will help protect the effectiveness of antibiotics by curbing the overuse of antibiotics in the feed of livestock and poultry that are not sick. A mounting body of scientific evidence links this practice to the rise in antibiotic-resistant diseases in humans, including those caused by Salmonella, Campylobacter, and MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria. PAMTA will require the Food and Drug Administration to cancel approvals for the routine use of human antibiotics as a feed additive if the uses are found to be unsafe from a resistance point of view. Learn more about the bill (S. 619, H.R. 1549) and <a href="https://secure3.convio.net/ucs/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=1924&s_src=wac&s_subsrc=website&__utma=1.4015559792269180000.1237378186.1238770725.1239375390.3&__utmb=1.2.10.1239375390&__utmc=1&__utmx=-&__utmz=1.1239375390.3.3.utmcsr=google|utmccn=(organic)|utmcmd=organic|utmctr=ucs%20feed&__utmv=-&__utmk=180268708">urge your representatives in Congress to support it</a>!"<div class="blogger-post-footer">Visit www.consciousconsuming.org for more info.</div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361238994441499829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18664289.post-83917976871505440872009-04-10T09:38:00.002-05:002009-04-10T09:48:57.813-05:00Wild Wolves in DangerI don't know how much you've heard about the wolf debate, but I recently read a great picture book with my kids about what a positive difference their reintroduction to Yellowstone has had on biodiversity and water flows. According to <a href="http://www.defenders.org/">Defenders of Wildlife</a>, "Just last month, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced that the Bush-era wolf delisting rule would go ahead. Starting May 4th, more than 1,000 wolves in the region -- 2/3 of the current population -- could be killed... Return to the Wild, a new documentary from Mofilms, features Defenders’ Northern Rockies Representative Suzanne Stone and highlights our on-the-ground efforts to help ranchers and wolves peacefully coexist in the American West.<br /><br />You can <a href="http://www.returntothewild.com/download.html#">watch the 27-minute film for free in its entirety</a> or see the trailer below. You can also <a href="https://secure.defenders.org/site/Advocacy?pagename=homepage&page=UserAction&id=1393&s_einterest=C3C4">sign a petition</a> to urge President Obama to protect America's wild wolves.<br /><br />If you haven’t already done so, please write President Obama and urge him to stand up for our western wolves.<br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Zf5KBYr9eVA&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Zf5KBYr9eVA&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><div class="blogger-post-footer">Visit www.consciousconsuming.org for more info.</div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361238994441499829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18664289.post-61502840574999416752009-04-05T14:10:00.000-05:002009-04-05T14:10:00.196-05:00National Vacation Matters SummitFrom our friends at Take Back Your Time:<br />Mark the dates and make your reservations now for THE NATIONAL VACATION MATTERS SUMMIT<br />MONDAY, AUGUST 10 TO WEDNESDAY AUGUST 12, 2009<br />SEATTLE UNIVERSITY, SEATTLE, WASHINGTON<br /> <br />SPACE IS LIMITED. REGISTER BEFORE MAY 1 FOR A TOTAL<br />REGISTRATION FEE OF $95, AND $45 FOR STUDENTS. <br /> <br />MEDIA PASSES AVAILABLE (email jodg@comcast.net)<br /> <br />If spaces still remain after May 1, registration fees will increase to $125 and $65.<br /> <br />Tickets will be available from Brown Paper Tickets:<br /> <br />http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/62819<br /> <br />You are also welcome to register directly with TAKE BACK YOUR TIME. Simply send a check payable to TBYT/VACATION SUMMIT to:<br /> <br />Take Back Your Time<br />PO Box 18652<br />Seattle, WA 98109<br /> <br />Add your email address for confirmation. Otherwise, we will have a name tag and conference materials waiting for you at the registration desk at the beginning of the Summit.<br /> <br />WHY THIS CONFERENCE? WHY NOW?<br /> <br />Studies show that vacations are essential to physical and mental health. They provide the strongest of family-bonding memories. They improve workplace productivity and prevent burnout. They increase international contact and understanding. They offer opportunities for spiritual growth and joyful play. They provide employment and business opportunities in the travel industry. But the United States is the only industrial country that does not guarantees some vacation time by law and Americans get less vacation time than people in almost any other country of the world. <br /> <br />Times of economic crisis like the one we face today are also opportunities to envision the kind of economy and life we really want and to ask what really matters when it comes to quality of life. Just as the Great Depression led to the forty-hour week and the expansion of the middle class, these new hard times can lead us to new choices that honor the need for balance and leisure in our lives.<br /> <br />The Vacation Matters Summit is about learning and sharing what we know about the value of leisure travel and vacation time. We’ll be bringing together more than three hundred experts, researchers, advocates, stakeholders and interested citizens for the first-ever national gathering about the importance of vacation time. The program starts Monday evening with a welcome and reception and continues until early Wednesday afternoon. It includes eight plenary speakers and at least fifty workshop presenters.<br /> <br />We are still looking for workshop presenters and will be accepting proposals. Let me know if you are interested in presenting and I will forward the information to our workshop committee. Registration fee for presenters will be $25.<br /> <br />Here’s a sampling of some of the presentations you’ll hear:<br /> <br />The Business Case for More Vacation Time<br />Vacations: A Matter of Social Justice<br />Vacations and International Understanding: the Case of Hosteling<br />Simple Vacations<br />Volunteer Vacations<br />The Impact of Vacations on Workplace Stress and Health<br />A short History of the family vacation<br />Vacations and Family Memories<br />Why do Americans give up so much vacation time?<br />Labor’s stake in more vacation time<br />Using the Economic Stimulus to guarantee more vacation time<br />The Economic Crisis as an opportunity to re-think what matters<br />Vacations and Nature Deficit Disorder<br />Culture Shift: From Valuing Stuff to Valuing Time<br />Pilgrimage and the Spiritual Value of Vacations<br /> <br />And many more…<br /> <br />ACCOMMODATIONS AND FOOD<br /> <br />Please let us know whether you will need meals and accommodations while in Seattle. Seattle University offers single and double rooms in both residence halls and residence suites at modest prices ranging from $26 to $55 a night. Email me at: jodg@comcast.net<br /> <br />Residence halls—1 person in room: $31 per night; 2 persons in room: $26 each per night<br />Residence suites—1 person in room: $55 per night; 2 persons in room: $43 each per night<br /> <br />There are also a number of hotels in the immediate area.<br /> <br />Seattle University also offers a meal plan at $30 per day or you may purchase food in the dining area separately. There are also many restaurants in the area.<br /> <br />Please let us know your preferences. Space at Seattle University is limited and first-come, first serve.<br /> <br />Total conference costs including lodging, food and registration (but not travel costs) ranges from approximately $137 (presenters in residence halls) to $265 (non-<br />presenters in single room residence suites).<br /> <br />Summit begins at 6 pm Monday, August 10 and ends at 2 pm, Wednesday, August 12.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Visit www.consciousconsuming.org for more info.</div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361238994441499829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18664289.post-23081995137756318342009-04-03T09:59:00.002-05:002009-04-03T10:03:08.683-05:00International Climate Treaty gets a boost from Obama Administration"White House Announces International Meetings to Address Energy and Climate Issue"<br />By ANDREW C. REVKIN<br />Published: March 28, 2009 in The New York Times<br />The Obama administration announced Saturday that it had organized a series of meetings among representatives of 16 countries and the European Union to discuss energy and climate issues. The meetings, to be held in Washington in April and in La Maddalena, Italy, in July, will seek to resolve longstanding issues that have blocked the development of an international climate treaty. Read <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/29/us/politics/29forum.html?ref=us">full article here</a>.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Visit www.consciousconsuming.org for more info.</div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361238994441499829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18664289.post-39072675445830174222009-04-02T08:33:00.000-05:002009-04-02T08:33:04.515-05:00Baltimore Green GuideHey Baltimore friends! Have you seen your city's <a href="http://www.urbanitebaltimore.com/sub.cfm?ArticleID=1192&IssueID=71&SectionID=4">green guide</a>? This looks like an amazing list of companies and services that help you live a more environmentally-friendly life.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Visit www.consciousconsuming.org for more info.</div>Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03980846051325554913noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18664289.post-38987385122810544852009-04-01T10:41:00.000-05:002009-04-01T10:41:10.883-05:00Events - down:2:earth - An exploration into sustainable living.Bostonites, check out <a href="http://www.d2eboston.com/events/friday.php">down:2:earth</a>, the environmental expo happening at the Hynes Convention Center this weekend. Our friends at <a href="http://massfarmersmarkets.org">Federation of Massachusetts of Farmer's Markets</a> will be at the <a href="http://www.d2eboston.com/localbites.html">Local Bites</a> party on Friday night, and all through the expo. Hope you can stop by!<div class="blogger-post-footer">Visit www.consciousconsuming.org for more info.</div>Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03980846051325554913noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18664289.post-29675672689205519162009-03-31T14:23:00.000-05:002009-03-31T14:23:23.243-05:00Small Business Carbon Footprint CalculatorDo you own or run a small business and care about the impact you're having on the environment?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.nativeenergy.com/">Native Energy</a>, a Native American-owned wind energy company, has just put out a carbon footprint calculator for small businesses. It's a quick and easy way to estimate the amount of carbon you're adding to the atmosphere, or what my professors consider uncaptured revenue. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.rackspace.com/information/events/green/nativeenergy.php#begin">Check it out.</a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Visit www.consciousconsuming.org for more info.</div>Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03980846051325554913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18664289.post-75888693530279770022009-03-28T21:32:00.000-05:002009-03-28T21:32:00.340-05:00Crafty Mamas (and Papas)Mothering recently published an article called "Crafty Mamas," which highlighted four moms that have recently written books or launched businesses based on the rise of DIY (that's "do it yourself" to you and me) projects that conscious consumers might be into. <a href="http://mothering.com/lauraegleytaylor/backstory/five-crafty-mamas">Click here</a> for links to the websites of these moms, pictures of their work, and DIY inspiration.<br /><br />The author, <a href="http://artfulparent.wordpress.com/2009/02/27/my-mothering-article-is-out/">Jean Van't Hul</a>, shared these words of wisdom after interviewing the four featured crafters:<br /><br /><blockquote>Making something by hand can take longer than buying it, but many, including <a href="http://soulemama.typepad.com/">[Amanda Blake] Soule</a>, prefer the slower pace of life created by the handmade and the do-it-yourself. From making her own clothing and homewares to baking her own bread, shopping locally, and giving money and time to a community supported agriculture (CSA) farm, Soule's choices contribute to her family's slower pace of life. "While it may seem as though making things by hand takes more time and work, I actually think it can do quite the opposite. By choosing to create things ourselves, we--by default--consume less. We have less 'stuff,' and we do less shopping and a lot less running around. I think it's important to look at the whole picture."</blockquote><br /><br />If you aren't up to the challenge of crafting something new out of something old, you had better not peek at these sites. Take it from me, you will not be able to look without getting your creative juices flowing!<div class="blogger-post-footer">Visit www.consciousconsuming.org for more info.</div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361238994441499829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18664289.post-87505294998219557682009-03-26T21:13:00.000-05:002009-03-24T21:31:05.556-05:00Good News in the Downturn?Most of us know someone at this point who is out of work. Maybe not your best friend, but certainly a neighbor or family member. The unemployment rate hit 8.1% in March, and by all accounts will rise to 10-12% before the recession subsides. That's scary, and I'm not rejoicing in the fact that anyone has lost their jobs. However, as the saying goes, every dark cloud has a silver lining. According to a recent Newsweek article by Zachary Karabell, <a href="http://www.newsweek.com/id/188141">"The Biggest Thing to Fear is Fear:"</a><br /><br /><blockquote>The most obvious consequence is that personal savings jumped from under zero in the middle of 2008 to 5 percent in January. People have been socking away money and paying down debt. Outstanding credit-card debt has been decreasing for the past two months at least, and plunging auto sales are partly attributable to the unwillingness of many to incur new auto loans. Consumers are already rebuilding their own balance sheets.</blockquote><br /><br />Karabell goes on to say that the gradual return to spending from people on Main Street will lead the way out of the economic crises. Instead, I hope that people have used the past six months to reevaluate their priorities. Was it really that big of a deal to forgo the new car or Disney vacation and instead sock some money away in the bank to protect against a rainy day? It's nice to have a savings cushion and get your personal "balance sheet" in order. I know a lot of businesses have been lamenting the lack of consumer demand, but maybe the expectation that people will ALWAYS want to get something that is bigger and better is too demanding of consumers. There is such a thing as good enough, and maybe some of the businesses selling stuff people don't need <span style="font-style:italic;">should</span> be downsizing. Waiting to buy something until there is enough money to pay for it used to be a lot more common; hopefully some of the new savers out there will continue to live this way even as our economy recovers.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Visit www.consciousconsuming.org for more info.</div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361238994441499829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18664289.post-55477456871439683102009-03-24T20:57:00.002-05:002009-03-24T21:13:05.427-05:00Simple Funerals on the RiseNewsweek had an article recently by Matthew Philips called <a href="http://www.newsweek.com/id/188139">"When Death Comes Cheap,"</a> about the rise in "discount" funerals. Apparently, the cost of a casketed funeral has risen 30% from 2000 to 2008, with the price of a traditional funeral now costing nearly $10,000 (yikes!!!!). According to <a href="http://www.newsweek.com/id/188139">the Newsweek article</a>, however, a variety of discount funeral services are cropping up to meet customer demand for a simpler, thrifiter way:<br /><br /><blockquote>Now it's cultural shifts that are allowing some of these discount options to thrive. Chief among them is the growing acceptance of cremation, which accounted for less than 4 percent of funerals in the mid-1960s, but more than one third of them last year. (Some observers expect the cremation rate to hit 60 percent by 2025.) Cremation cuts out the three most expensive pieces of a funeral: the casket, the embalming process and the grave plot. Industry critics say that as consumer preference has shifted toward cremation, funeral homes are jacking up prices in an attempt to preserve profits in a declining market. </blockquote><br /><br />Cremation not only saves money for your loved ones, but packs a lower environmental footprint than being buried in a casket at the cemetary. It's morbid to think about (especially for you young, hip readers out there), but wouldn't it be better to think about it now, and talk with your loved ones about your wishes, than to have your family spend lots of money on something you might not even want (and let's face it, certainly don't NEED?). Are you reading this, honey?<div class="blogger-post-footer">Visit www.consciousconsuming.org for more info.</div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361238994441499829noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18664289.post-32675379111154788202009-03-20T15:48:00.000-05:002009-03-19T16:00:44.771-05:00Give and Be HappyNewsweek recently published an interesting article called <a href="http://www.newsweek.com/id/187010">"The Science Behind Our Generosity",</a> which sites a study that states that out of 30,000 Americans surveyed, those that give to charities were 43% more likely to say they were "very happy" about their lives.<blockquote>It may seem odd to talk about giving more now, when we all feel so tapped out and worried. But that's not a very good excuse. No matter how hard hit we are by the economic slowdown, we are still vastly better off than those who are so poor that they struggle to meet their basic needs. Yet, though it would take comparatively little effort on our part, few of us choose to help them. Why is that?</blockquote><br /><br />The article also sites a statistic from UNICEF, which tells us that nearly 10 million children under five die each year from causes like inadequate sanitation, malnutrition, and unclean water. Even though times are getting tighter for most Americans, the fact is that we could easily give more than we do. Eliminate all restaurant meals and you could give from $10-100 a month, depending on how often you eat out. Isn't it worth not eating out so a child can eat in?<div class="blogger-post-footer">Visit www.consciousconsuming.org for more info.</div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361238994441499829noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18664289.post-1765969003810262492009-03-18T07:08:00.004-05:002009-03-18T09:03:56.134-05:00Bioplastics: Not all their cracked up to be<a href="http://www.ucsusa.org/publications/greentips/">The Union of Concerned Scientists</a> is one of my favorite resources for scientific environmental information. Their latest issue of Greentips takes a look at "compostable" plastics. Personally I only use disposable/compostable utensils and plates once a year, at one of my daughter's birthday parties. If we have the party at home, I use our regular silverware; but every year one of my kids can have an "out" party (at a gymnastics place or something like that). I find it more convenient at these times to use disposable or compostable utensils and plates rather than bringing my own from home and the dirty ones back again. I know I shouldn't, but Irationalize it because it's only once a year. <br /><br /><blockquote>Unlike typical plastics made from crude oil, “bioplastics” are often made from plant matter such as corn starch, potato starch, cane sugar, and soy protein. A potentially renewable alternative to petroleum-based plastics would have the long-term benefits of reducing global warming pollution and our dependence on fossil fuels, but do bioplastics fit the bill? As they become more ubiquitous—in the form of grocery bags and disposable plates, food containers, and cutlery—numerous concerns have been raised about their true value:</blockquote><br /><br />Click<a href="http://www.ucsusa.org/publications/greentips/"> here</a> to read the full text of the article. Basically, UCS summarizes studies that show why we should be favoring durable or recycled good over bioplastics. Reasons include the fact that some people recycle (rather than compost) bioplastics, which contaminates the waste stream; the overuse of pesticides, fertilizer, and fossil fuels in the production crops grown for bioplastics; and the inability of most bioplastics to decompose in backyard compost situations.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Visit www.consciousconsuming.org for more info.</div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13361238994441499829noreply@blogger.com0