Daily Loaf

Here are some wonderful ways to green your festivities by starting a few planet friendly holiday traditions this year.

Here are five ideas to get you started:

1. Wrap it up. Think outside the wrapping paper aisle! Reuse old paper or make your own keepsake pieces with stamps and other art supplies. Borrow from Japanese culture and create a furoshiki, or traditional Japanese wrapping cloth – a beautiful scarf or embroidered towel can make a stunning and reusable gift wrap.
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During the holiday season people look for all kinds of ways to find unique, memorable, and innovative gifts. Because the modern world seems to be flooded in a sea of consumable products it isn’t often easy to find things that are unusual, earth-friendly, and affordable. At GoGreenItems.com, however, a shopper can get their hands on some excellent finds at fantastic prices.

Nowhere is this more apparent than in the assortment of recycled jewelry, hand bags, purses, pouches and clutches they offer. Currently the site has bags made from recycled juice boxes and telephone books, jewelry crafted from sea glass and old LPs (records), and much more.
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So it’s a week out and you haven’t shopped, planned a menu or sent invitations. Good. There’s hope for you, unlike those annoying ’plan ahead’ types.  Here’s your task list for a green, somewhat sustainable Thanksgiving Day.

1. Send email invitations – granted it’s too late for real paper ones sent snail mail, so your fail to plan has paid off.

2. Make your shopping list on the back of one of those useless return address envelopes you get with bills you pay online anyway. Now would be a good time to make sure you change your billing preference to paperless. Do it Today! points for you here. Oh and you Super Geeks who have eliminated paper billing, use the iPhone iHost app for Thanksgiving.

3. Know the people you invite to dinner. That will eliminate 99.9% of your Facebook friends, but this allows you to avoid serving food that won’t get eaten. So what if creamed pearl onions have been on the table since the Buccaneers’ throwback uniforms were worn by Lee Roy Selmon, bag it and go with another tradition like….

4. Serve locally grown veggies. If you’re lucky enough to be a Sweetwater Organic Community Farm member, skip to number 5. If not, the market is open this Sunday from 12 to 4pm. (Or check out one of these other farmers’ markets around Tampa Bay.)

5. Shop with a reusable bag. It doesn’t have to be one of those bought for that purpose, use the old beach bag  (it’ll love you for the change of scenery).
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What’s the buzz on the latest issues in the Green Community? Check out what you may have missed this last week:

City of Seminole recycling and sustainability discussion - A local activist held a discussion on recycling and sustainability at the Seminole Community Library on Monday, November 9.

1890s Ybor City: Green and sustainable (plus vintage postcards) – Grant Rimbey explores the green and sustainable nature of pre-urban renewal Ybor City.

BPA in plastics linked to aggressive behavior in children – Did you know that exposure to the BPA in the “bad” plastics has been linked to aggressiveness in children, as well as other diseases in humans?

Energy systems 2.0 – We are currently in an energy crisis, yet continuing to rely on old, out-of-date systems of provision that are no longer viable, economically or ecologically.
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A report released earlier this year by the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works claimed that green and clean energy jobs were lower paying than similar non-green jobs. For instance, it said that workers in renewable energy manufacturing facilities were making around $7-$10 an hour less than their non-green manufacturing counterparts. But a report from Clean Edge and PayScale released this past week says it may be quite the contrary for green collar jobs, which comes as good news to all of those who have lost their prior jobs due to the recession.

According to this Green Inc. article: “The median earnings found in the survey range from $36,100 a year for an insulation worker to $112,000 a year for design engineering managers in alternative energy, according to Al Lee, director of quantitative analysis at PayScale.” Mr. Lee also went on to say that several entry-level positions — including jobs as solar-energy system installers and solar fabrication technicians — require only high school or associate’s degrees and pay more than $40,000 annually.
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What’s the buzz on the latest issues in the Green Community? Check out what you may have missed this last week:

Builder goes green with their eco-friendly homes in Terrace Park, Tampa- One company, Rising Force Construction, has undertaken the task of creating affordable, energy efficient homes that promote sustainable living in Terrace Park, an established neighborhood just south of the University of South Florida.

Two more screenings scheduled for Fresh: New thinking about what we’re eating- You now have two more chances to see this new film about what’s wrong with the mega-industrial food industry.

Hope springs from tragedy: A city rebuilds to become better, stronger and greener- Greensburg, Kansas rebuilds to be an all green city. Vote in their green home design competition!
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In May 2007, the city of Greensburg, Kansas, was hit by an EF5 tornado that wiped out 95 percent of the city and killed eleven people. Now, the city is working on becoming better, stronger and greener.

Greensburg is now being rebuilt as a “green” town, with all city buildings being LEED certified platinum (the first city in the country to do so) and residents being educated on how to live greener and more sustainably. These efforts have been made possible with the help of Greensburg Greentown, a non-profit organization, and by charter supporters like Ben & Jerry’s, Brighter Planet, Clif Bar, and Stonyfield Farm, who have purchased ten wind turbines for the city.
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The Tampa City Council will revisit the issue of reclaimed water: specifically,  whether to put on the ballot a referendum asking citizens if they want to drink highly treated wastewater.

Actually, the Council agreed to do so back in June. But the controversial nature of it apparently demands more discussion.   Just a few weeks ago, the issue was discussed at Council and both Linda Saul-Sena and John Dingfelder again spoke strongly against it.  Saul-Sena had said that she had read an op-ed where Mayor Iorio spoke against it.

Miranda said that in fact wasn’t the case. Nevertheless, recalcitrant Council members have put the issue back on the agenda for today’s meeting.

Water is always a political issue in the Tampa Bay area, but it has been an especially potent one in 2009.

The Council voted 6-1 earlier this year to ban lawn sprinkling, going far beyond what any other local government did this year, as the drought dominated news headlines back in the spring.

Miranda’s proposal is hardly radical, as he is sure to tell the Council and those watching today’s meeting. Other places in the country are using this method. And the fact that the city dumps 55 million gallons of reclaimed water every day into the Bay is hardly a reason to maintain the status quo.

Last night the Council approved Mayor Pam Iorio’s $754 million budget, with the main topic of discussion being whether they should restore $1 million into making Zack Street in downtown an “avenue of the arts.”

Actually, the city wanted $2 million. The Council stripped that money out of the budget earlier in the month. Last night, neighborhood services administrator Santiago Corrada showed up, hat in hand, politely asking the council to restore a million.  They did, with Mary Mulhern and Linda Saul Sena saying “nyet.”

Download the report here.

Today the St. Pete City Council meets. Councilman Karl Nurse is expected to ask a committee to use new revenue to come from energy franchise agreements to help pay for energy efficiency upgrades to homes and businesses that would reduce the use of electricity. This is good timing, as a new report says Florida hasn’t been spending much money at all on such weatherization actions.

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A great opportunity crossed my path when Jamie Trahan from the USF Clean Energy Research Center called. As a local green builder, she thought I could help her search for homes to feature on the 14th annual ASES National Solar Tour being held across the country on October 3rd.

Sadly, I informed her although I researched installing solar on our super energy efficient homes, I couldn’t find a way to make it work. Our mission is to build sustainable and affordable. We went with a gas fired tankless hot water system. Yes, it is natural gas, not a renewable, but still better than a traditional water heater sapping electricity around the clock. I know everyone can relate to waiting for water to come from the tank to your shower and up to a comfortable temp, wasting gallons upon gallons of water in our already deprived region. Tankless saves money and almost more importantly, water. Would I have preferred solar? Damn straight I would, future homeowners of our Ec0-Craftsman would have benefited from a zero energy home, but solar is caught in a conundrum of sorts. There’s not the demand to spur mass production, which leads to lower costs while at the same time, there isn’t the mass production leading to lower cost which would spur demand.
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Yield: 10-16 portions

Ingredients:
French baguette or any long bread
1 jar of store-bought basil pesto (or use this recipe)
Fresh basil leaves
2-3 Roma tomatoes
4 – 8 bocconcini mozzarella cheese balls
Salt and pepper

Instructions:
1. Prepare the following and set aside:
- Slice the tomatoes
- Slice the mozzarella
- Slice the bread on an angle
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees

2. Spread a small amount of basil pesto onto each slice of bread and place on baking sheet.

3. Put a slice of tomato, basil leaf and cheese onto each slice of bread.

4. Roast the bruschettas in the oven for 7-10 minutes until cheese melts. Serve and enjoy!

Recipe by: Chef Cristian Feher
www.tampabaychef.com

The Age of Stupid is an eco docu-drama directed by Franny Armstrong (Mc Libel, Drowned Out) and will be shown as a “first of it’s kind” worldwide live event- simulcast live from a solar tent in New York to only 440 movie theaters in the nation, in conjunction with UN Climate Week.

The film stars Pete Postlethwaite (The Usual Suspects) as a global archivist in the future who is wondering why the heck people didn’t get the clue about global climate change and stop it when we still had a chance. It also interweaves six dramatic stories of people from around the globe facing different ecological crises and features present day news clips that are featured in this future media archive.

See the trailer after the jump:
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The Issue: Cleaning products that are full of chemicals!

The Larger Issues:
-Certain glass cleaners contain isopropyl alcohol which can irritate the skin, eyes, nose and throat, and ammonia which can irritate the skin and eyes and cause coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.

-Many all-purpose cleaners contain 2-butoxyethanol which can cause headaches, dizziness, lightheadedness and confusion, and eye, nose, throat and mouth irritation.

-Certain bathroom cleaners contain Sodium hypochlorite/chlorine which can irritate the skin; and cause eye damage, coughing and/or shortness of breath. Read the rest of this entry »

What’s the buzz on the latest issues in the Green Community? Check out what you may have missed this last week:

Finding an emotional connection with our planet- Doing so allows us to look at what our needs are in life and what is of the highest and greatest importance to us and our environment.

Best of the Bay Readers’ Poll 2009: The race for Greenest Politician has Linda Saul-Sena in the lead- Who do you think should take the title of this year’s Greenest Politician in the Bay?

Clean energy and anti-offshore drilling rally in Ybor this Thursday- Thursday, August 27th, join Sierra Club, 1Sky Florida, Southern Alliance for Clean Energy and other environmental groups for a real grassroots rally outside Big Oil’s staged gathering.
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So you’ve installed CFL bulbs in all of your light fixtures, low-flow shower heads and toilets, and use eco-friendly paint for your walls. That’s pretty green, right? That’s just “light green” compared to this house in Venice, CA that was renovated and is now green – literally.

As more people get turned on to sustainability and try to make more environmentally responsible choices, the usual starting point from which they begin is in their own homes. To be certain, they are varying degrees of ‘green’ homes. Some people install CFLs and call it a day, while others create 100% off-the-grid earth shelters built into the ground. Unfortunately, those attempting to further embrace sustainable ideals and lifestyles usually go ‘light green’ when it comes to their own home constructions/renovations. The bamboo floors, low flow toilets and the recycled glass countertops are nice gestures at sustainability, and can be components of a sustainable design, but in the grand scheme of things these features and fixtures by themselves do little environmentally speaking.

The newly renovated and retrofitted Brooks Avenue house in Venice, CA is one example of a home addition where the only thing that is ‘light green’ is the foliage of the vegetation growing on the exterior walls and roof. Designed by Bricault Design, the 1700 square foot addition was done out of need for more space to accommodate the owners’ growing family. Attaching to the original cottage, the addition almost takes up the entire lot.
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“Hi dream momma. I’ve had the exact same dream twice. I don’t really do much during the dream, but it is so vivid that i had to post it. So it starts off with me and my friend Alex in Miami. We quickly board a plane to Chicago,  and when we land I notice from the window that the airport and city does not look like Chicago (I’ve been there before). Instead it looks like a remote airstrip in the Pacific Northwest. Soon we meet a middle-aged dude (I forgot his name) and he explains that he has work for us. We ride in the back of his truck through a sinuous two-track dirt road through redwood-type trees for what seems like forever. We finally arrive at a warehouse complex in the middle of a temperate rain forest. It is snowing but all the vegetation is verdant and green. I change into winter clothes and soon I am doing menial tasks like screwing nails into the wall, climbing a ladder, and painting. Then I wake up … very confusing. However, I had almost this exact same dream a week ago, same place, Chicago, airstrip, same tasks, and warehouse … weird! What’s your take on it? Read the rest of this entry »

Play time with your dog is a special time. It’s when the two of you get to spend quality time together doing the things that you love. All dogs have a special toy that they play with the most such as a bone or a Frisbee. Many dogs enjoy playing ball with their owners.

If your pet loves chasing after a ball for hours on end then the Orbee-Tuff Ball toy is the perfect choice for your best friend. The Orbee-Tuff ball is eco-friendly dog toy and recyclable. It’s made in the US from non-toxic recyclable materials. Natural oils are used to create flexibility so it’s easy for your pet to hold onto it. They’re infused with natural mint oil that your dog will love and they’re extremely bouncy. Your beloved pet is sure to make it one of his favorite toys.
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What’s the buzz on the latest issues in the Green Community? Check out what you may have missed this last week:

Sustainable beer 101: A guide to growlers- Benefits of refillable beer jugs far exceed the lure of fresh tap beer.

Refresh your mind, body and spirit by reconnecting with nature- Living in such a busy world these days overloaded with technology leaves little time to get back to the basics and connect with the planet we live on. Take some time out of your busy schedule and reconnect with nature, which will balance you physically, mentally and spiritually.

Ronald McDonald gets a pie in the face from PETA protester- Ronald McDonald takes one in the kisser from a PETA protester who is against McDonald’s “controlled-atmosphere killing” of chickens.

St. Petersburg College and Tampa Bay green building chapter announce partnership- St Petersburg College’s Corporate Training Office announced a partnership with the Florida Gulf Coast Chapter (FGCC) of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) to provide a comprehensive sustainable building operations training course based on the LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance rating system.
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One of the largest producers of excess carbon dioxide — the cement industry — might get a green facelift in the next few years.

It is estimated that manufacturing conventional cement creates about 5 percent of global CO2 emissions (even more than the airline industry) by heating limestone and other ingredients to super-high temperatures. Some new cement companies are looking to change the process significantly and either lower or counter their CO2 production.

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What’s the buzz on the latest issues in the Green Community? Check out what you may have missed this last week:

St. Petersburg College’s new Natural Science, Mathematics and College of Education building is certified LEED® Gold- St. Petersburg College recently announced that for the second time in as many months, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has awarded LEED Gold certification for one of its new campus buildings.

Best of the Bay of the Day: Best organic smoothie- Believe it or not, algae and bee pollen add up to a delicious drink called the Spirulina Power Buzz. Read this to find out where to get one.

Tips to improve gas mileage (and save some green)- Do you have a lead foot or drive an inefficient automobile?  Here are a few simple tips to improve gas mileage and save a bunch of green!

Living Sustainably in Tampa Bay: Darren Brinkley, owner of REAL Building- Brinkley is the owner of REAL Building and home that he built for his family in St. Petersburg is the first home in Florida to achieve the LEED for Homes Gold Rating.
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Everyone needs a good quality wallet and there is none better than The wallet from English retreads. This is a stunning but practical wallet that any man would love to receive. It’s a bi-fold wallet that is designed with a bill holder for cash and four credit card pockets. Its simple but functional design makes it one of the best wallets available today. It’s also an eco-friendly product because it’s made from recycled inner tube.

When you open up the wallet, you’ll notice circular cutouts on both sides of the front two credit card holder slots. This exclusive design gives the wallet more flare, which in turn makes it more unique and fun. If you’re searching for the perfect gift for the loved one on your list, consider this item. It’s an excellent choice they’ll surly love and definitely a conversation piece.
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One of the best things you can do to impart flavor to vegetables is to roast them in the oven on high heat. With just a little salt and pepper and a drizzle of olive oil, you let the oven do the work and reap the rewards of a great soup base or side dish. It’s a foolproof and healthy way to bring fresh seasonal vegetables into your diet, and can be modified based on your preferences and what is available throughout the year.

This particular recipe is a hearty roasted tomato soup and is a simple and cozy dish with some crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich on the side. You can take this method and substitute mushrooms, butternut squash, or a variety of other options for the tomatoes. Feel free to swap out the Romas and vine-ripened tomatoes for whatever looks good at the store or is on hand at the time. The crushed tomatoes used here also help to ensure that a full flavor is achieved even if the fresh ones are lacking, so look for fire roasted if possible to optimize this boost.

Here’s the recipe: Read the rest of this entry »

Having grown up on the beach, I learned that I could never completely shake the sand out of my shoes.  I am forever imprinted with a stong connection to a shoreline. I was thrilled to discover the lastest project of one of my favorite websites – Treehugger.com.  They have introduced Blue August – a month long dedication to the water on our planet.

With water covering more than 70 percent of the globe and yet drinkable water in precious short supply, this is a most timely topic to dive into. You will discover the magnificent beauty and horrifying destruction of the lifeblood of the oceans – coral reefs. They take us on an in-depth look at marine life, water purification, rivers, and everything associated with impacting our beloved beaches.
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Do you have a lead foot or drive an inefficient automobile?  Here are a few simple tips to improve gas mileage and save a bunch of green!

The Issue: Poor gas mileage!

The Larger Issue:
-Oil is a non-renewable resource, and while there is debate as to how long it will last, we will eventually have to find new ways to fuel vehicles.

-Poor fuel economy increases our dependence on foreign oil.

-Burning gasoline and diesel contributes to air pollution and global warming.

-You will pay an extra $200 to $1500 each year by driving inefficient vehicles. This can cost many thousands of dollars over a vehicle’s lifetime.

-Oil spills from oil refining and oil transporting destroy ecosystems and pollute water.
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[About Best of the Bay of the Day: Creative Loafing is posting writers' and editors' picks for Best of the Bay each day until the BOTB issue is released on Sept. 16. Vote now on your own BOTB choices in our Readers' Poll!]

Algae and bee pollen in a smoothie? Yes, the deep green, kelp-colored drink with flecks of bright yellow may be a bit off-putting at first glance, but the strawberries and bananas give it a great fruity flavor. This tasty and nutrient-packed Spirulina Power Buzz smoothie can be found at Rollin’ Oats Cafe and Market at the St. Petersburg and Tampa locations.
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St. Petersburg College recently announced that for the second time in as many months, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has awarded LEED Gold certification for one of its new campus buildings.

The Natural Science, Mathematics and College of Education building on the Clearwater campus received the certification. The other LEED Gold building is the Student Services building on the St Petersburg/Gibbs campus.

LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and is a nationally accepted certifier of high performance and environmentally sensitive buildings. Gold is its second highest designation. Read the rest of this entry »

What’s the buzz on the latest issues in the Green Community? Check out what you may have missed this last week:

The Earth Charter: How ethics can change the world (video) – The Earth charter was created by thousands of people representing hundreds of countries aiming at a universal ethical code of conduct for human beings. How do we treat each other? How do we treat the world? These questions were raised and answered.

City of Tampa Green Business Designation Program- As of this week, the City of Tampa became one of just a handful of cities nationwide to start a green business designation program.  Outside of the West Coast (California and Washington state), Tampa will join major metropolitan areas like Philadelphia and Knoxville in rewarding private businesses that have become or want to become more environmentally-friendly.

Why buying recycled, repurposed products is so important- Preserving the Earth’s natural resources is vital to the future of the planet and all of its inhabitants. Buying recycled and repurposed products is a great way to make a positive impact on the environment by cutting back on waste and the resources needed to make new items.
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In 1967, that smug businessman from the film “The Graduate” took Dustin Hoffman’s character aside and declared “I just want to say one word to you, just one word: ‘plastics.’”  Ever since that iconic moment, plastic has signified society’s wasteful tendencies and has come to represent our “throwaway culture”.

The prepackaged bottle of water is the epitome of waste.

Plastic bottles are manufactured from non-renewable petroleum and natural gas.  Annually, Americans dispose of 29 billion water bottles, requiring 1.5-million barrels of crude oil (enough oil to keep 100,000 cars running for one year), resulting in the release of 2.5-million tons of carbon dioxide.  In addition, scientists have found that over time, plastic bottles can leach chemicals linked to birth defects, miscarriage and prostate cancer into the water. Read the rest of this entry »

Zora Neale Hurston: January 7, 1891 (Nostasulga, Alabama) – January 28, 1960 (Fort Pierce, Florida)

Zora Neale Hurston was a novelist, folklorist, and anthropologist whose fictional and factual accounts of black heritage are unparalleled. Her autobiography, Dust Tracks on a Road, begins with the words: “I have memories within that came out of the materials that went to make me. Time and place have had their say.” Zora’s “place” was the frontier wilderness of Florida. She grew up in Eatonville, the only incorporated all-black town in America. Playing in the pine barrens and oak scrub, she unconsciously absorbed impressions about the wild flora and fauna. The memory of these sights, smells, and sounds inspired her curiosity and creativity.

Zora explored and understood all parts of her home state of Florida. She traveled its every mile gathering folktales. Mules and Men, a collection of Hurston’s folklore from Florida, is rich in the magic of the natural world. The lyrical descriptions of settings, the realistic dialogue, and the haunting simplicity of symbols demonstrate her knowledge of real Florida.
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Do you receive way too much junk mail? Here are some tips to lighten your junk mail load:

The issue:

-Every year, each of us receives almost 560 pieces of junk mail, accounting for 43% of all delivered mail!

-Every year, the US EPA estimates 44% of junk mail isn’t even opened, creating four tons of waste!

-Every year, junk mail uses as much energy as almost three million cars!

-Every year, junk mail consumes 100 million trees or approximately 550,000 tons of paper!
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Buying “green“, eco-friendly products is becoming more and more popular in this day and age. But why is it so important? Preserving the Earth’s natural resources is vital to the future of the planet and all of its inhabitants. Buying recycled and repurposed products is a great way to make a positive impact on the environment by cutting back on waste and the resources needed to make new items.

Everything you do for the planet, no matter how small, can add up to make a huge difference. Just imagine how much energy and other natural resources would be saved if everyone made it a point to buy some type of green products regularly, whether its clothing, accessories, personal care products or something else.
By making that type of a commitment you’re taking the first step to saving the planet and its natural resources. Plus, there’re many other benefits to buying green. Some of them are listed below:
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Sustainability is the ability to meet present day needs without jeopardizing the future’s ability to provide for their needs as well. In order to have a sustainable system such as this it must be created equally in a democratic way. If sustainability is built only for the extremely rich the poor and middle class will be left out with ever rising costs of living. A green revolution is needed most from the bottom up, not the top down.

Social justice and peace are necessities for a sustainable society. The resources and manpower devoted to war are all we would need to combat global climate change and transition our economy from a fossil fuel dependent one to a cleaner/renewable energy/decentralized system. What would this story look like?

In 1992 a little girl named Severn Suzuki spoke at the Rio Earth Summit in Rio de Janiero:
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Looking for something green-related to do this weekend? Look no further than our own Green Community Calendar.

“What’s Transformation?” with Anne Adams PhD @ USF St. Pete- Fri., July 17; 7-9pm. The Essentials of Transformation with Anne Adams PhD. Introducing a Transformational Series presented by USF St Petersburg’s Bishop Center for Ethical Leadership & The Connection Partners Inc. What’s Transformation? How’s that different from change? What we’ve believed to be true isn’t working any more. Stories of fear and greed are giving way to those of generosity and compassion. What’s going on? Gain insights as to what’s behind this global shift. Free event. USF St Petersburg, Davis 130; 140 Seventh Ave South St., St Petersburg, FL 33701.

Ellenton Farmers Market- Saturday, July 18; 8 am – 1 pm. Ellenton Farmers’ Market will be the largest year-round market in florida that specializes in “green” natural, organic and environmentally friendly products that makes for a healthier lifestyle and a better environment. Located just North of the Prime Outlet Mall in Ellenton, Florida (exit 224, Old Exit 43, off I – 75).

Post July 4th Beach Cleanup in the Fort Desoto area- Saturday, July 18; 9 am-12:30 pm. The Ocean Conservancy will be conducting a cleanup on July 18th in the Fort Desoto area.
We are seeking volunteers to assist in removing marine debris from Bunces Pass, Terre Verde and Fort Desoto gulf pier from 9:00-12:30. If you are interested in attending, please RSVP to mailto:intern-fla@oceanconservancy.org with your beach of choice. If either beach suits you just let us know or we will place you where is needed.
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“Dear Dream Momma, In my dream I was walking with my little sister. She told me not to look behind me or I would get hurt. That made me feel very uncomfortable and trip out a little so I started to walk faster. I pulled hard on her arm but she pulled away and walked slower than before. I was afraid to turn around but I knew my sister was walking right behind me and I felt weird, like she was going to hurt me so I turned around to look at her and instantly she said, “don’t worry I’m not going to hurt you.” The way she said it was probably the scariest/weirdest part of the whole dream. In real life my sister and I are really close. What do you think it means?”

Dear Big Sister, the first thing that comes to mind is sibling rivalry. Something most of us has to deal with at one time or another. I’m guessing what your sister doesn’t want you to see, why she tells you in the dream not to look behind you, is her envy- something she’s aware of (and you are too, unconsciously) and doesn’t demonstrate unless you are not looking. Read the rest of this entry »

What’s the buzz on the latest issues in the Green Community? Check out what you may have missed this last week:

Celebrating Independence Day or creating environmental disaster? – Kelly Rothwell looks at the littered aftermath of Fourth of July celebrations and wonder why, instead of giving back in celebration of their freedom, people decide to light off fireworks, leaving mass amounts of debris in the water and on the beach.

Local Food: Dinner in, and from, the garden at Gateway Organic Farm – Chef Gui Alinat gives information about Gateway Organic Farm’s next “Dinner in the Garden” event, an incredible local foods experience featuring nine Bay area chefs.

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Back in 2007, when Congress passed a law setting more stringent rules on the manufacture of light bulbs, a lot of people sounded the death knell for Thomas Edison’s incandescent bulb. Australia got rid of them, along with a few other countries, and news articles and blog entries in the United States dubbed the planned phasing out as a full-on “ban.” Now, with President Obama’s most recent call to make lighting more efficient in homes and businesses, it again seems that the incandescent bulb will go the way of the dodo in the name of energy savings.

Or will it? It seems that some folks are instead using this governmental push for efficiency as the kick in the pants they needed to finally stop making outdated products. Read the rest of this entry »