I'm a sucker for contests, so I felt compelled to blog about the JELD-WEN® Reliable Lighthouse Restoration Initiative. Apparently, JELD-WEN® makes doors and windows for very intense climates. Every year for the past 4 years, they have supported a community initiative to replace the doors and windows at old lighthouses (hooray for historic preservation!)

This year, Bodie Island Lighthouse in North Carolina has made it to the final round! Make sure to vote (prior to September 7) to help restore the only North Carolina lighthouse on the finalist list.

Vote for Bodie!

What's 8 x 18 feet, is powered by solar panels, has a composting toilet, windows, a kitchen, a sleeping loft, a study nook, and recycled sailboats for ceilings?

The Tiny House! A Yale student has made her own environmentally-friendly house to bring to New Haven for the fall semester. Constructed by Elizabeth Turnbull with the help of friends, family, and other members of the community, this small home epitomizes eco-friendly living. Plus, estimated total costs are only about $11,000!

Check out the video to take a virtual tour of the house.

Granted, it's not for everyone. But it models a great way of thinking: down-sizing, as well as doing more with less, and doing more with reused or recycled products. Plus, she painted the house green...my favorite color. :)

No, seriously.

Some of you may remember this - as Jack Nicholson was a big time promoter.

On a CBC Marketplace airing in 1978, Jack Nicholson made news by advertising a potentially pollution-free fuel for cars. The fuel: hydrogen produced by solar power. The automobile: a standard Chevy with a standard engine. The emissions: steam (Jack suggests using the emissions for a steam bath). Pollutants are negligible and there's no risk of explosion. And, check it out - Jack made the car go in drive and reverse.

There are definitely other stories of oil-free cars out there. Anyone see the documentary, Who Killed the Electric Car?

Help us educate ourselves and share your fun and truth-telling links, by commenting to this blog.

Grady sent me this cool online tool called H2O Conserve, where you can calculate your water footprint (much like The Nature Conservancy's Carbon Footprint Calculator). From the H2O Conserve website:

"The Calculator gives you an estimate of the total amount of water you use, what is called your water footprint. The Calculator takes into account not only the water used in your home, but also the water used to produce the food you eat and the products you buy. Your water footprint includes other factors such as water utilized to cool power plants that provide your electricity, and water saved when you recycle. You may not drink, feel or see this water, but it makes up the great majority of your water footprint."

According to the calculator, the average American uses over 1,000 gallons of water a day. My estimated usage was 571.96 gallons a day. At the end of the "quiz" it also gives you some tips for things you can do to lower that number even more. Pretty cool little tool. Check it out and post your results below by adding a comment (I'm sure there are a lot of you out there who can one-up my 571.96 gallons a day figure!)

I'm a huge Pixar movie fan. Their last film, Cars, choked me up. So, I expected a lot out of their newest movie, WALL-E.

My husband and I went to see it last night, and within seconds of the movie starting, we looked at each other with shocked expressions.

Before getting to the theater, all we knew about the movie was based off of the marketing we'd seen: a cute and funny cartoon love-story with great graphics. So, we were taken aback when the movie opened with a scene of desolate urban wasteland - abandoned skyscrapers and mountains of trash piled just as high in cubes. The messages just balloon from there, hitting on the issues of consumerism, big box stores, in your face advertising, throw-away societies, and obesity. It was a bit surreal.

Truth be known, I'm pleased that the movie is not being marketed as an "environmental" or "anti-consumerism" movie - it likely wouldn't get the box office ratings it's getting if it had.

So, while you're enjoying your (3-day) 4th of July weekend, make sure you take a break from the heat and check out the movie for yourself and then tell us what you think.

Some of you may be familiar with the Sundance Channel—a cable network featuring independent films and documentaries. On Tuesdays at 9pm EST the Sundance Channel features a weekly documentary series called "Big Ideas for a Small Planet." From their website:

"BIG IDEAS FOR A SMALL PLANET is a documentary series presenting the forward-thinking designers, products and processes that are on the leading edge of a new green world. Each episode revolves around a different green theme as it spotlights a specific innovator or innovation that has the potential to transform our everyday lives."

You can visit their website to view the episode guide, watch clips of shows, or get a link to download the episodes on iTunes (if you don't have cable).

In addition, now through June 24 you can vote on your favorite new green idea through their "What's the Big Idea? Contest". Again from the website, the object of this contest is to

"...provide an opportunity for consumers to share, in an original video or photo/essay format, their innovative "Big Idea" to help people live a greener life."

You have to register to vote, but you can do so here: http://www.sundancechannel.com/members/Login. I particularly like the "Ornj is Grn" nominee—these folks make bags out of used construction fencing!"

Got plans for the weekend yet?

I hear the weather is forecasted to be beautiful! And, if you don't have your own garden to work in, I highly recommend checking out the 13th Annual Piedmont Farm Tour. Or even better, volunteer for the event.

The Piedmont Farm Tour is an annual tour for local farms in the Piedmont area of NC. And, the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association is asking for volunteer help on one or both days of the tour: Saturday, April 19 from 12-6:15pm and Sunday, April 20 from 12-6:15pm.

Check out these great perks for volunteering:

• Get a FREE Farm Tour T-shirt to show your support of local farms!

• Get a FREE Farm Tour button for you & a car full of your friends and family to attend the tour for free on the day you aren't volunteering.

• Get a HALF price ticket to Shakori Hills.

• Have a great time getting to know a farmer while supporting CFSA.

For more information or to volunteer, email Logan Yonavjak, Volunteer Coordinator. 

For more information on the Piedmont Farm Tour, click here.

Over 100 people attended the NC Conservation Network's 8th Annual Retreat last weekend! And, we can confidently say that fun was had by all at the event. Just check out our pictures.

Frank Warren, Greene County Citizens for Responsible Growth & Al Capehart, NC Rails to Trails cheers to a great 2008 Annual Retreat!

Billie Karel, Toxic Free NC; Lexie Danner, Elkland Art Center; Kelly McCoy, Todd Preservation Community Organization, Inc.; & Cindy Ball, Elkland Art Center found time to socialize during our Networking Reception.

Folks who attended told us that the most valuable part of the Annual Retreat was getting to meet so many other individuals and organizations working on environmental issues from across the state. And, we're glad that they did; because we know that a strong network means more environmental victories in NC!

Thanks to all who attended and presented at this year's event. And, we look forward to seeing everyone at the 9th Annual Retreat in 2009.

Just when I thought I'd heard it all, from Treehugger.com a DIY (do-it-yourself) kit to turn urine into fertilizer:

What role do our bodies play in larger ecosystems? That's the question asked by drinkpeedrinkpeedrinkpee, a project and installation that opens at Eyebeam in New York City today. The installation features a large scale physical diagram that shows the role our bodies play in the water cycle, and DIY kits for using your pee as plant fertilizer will be available.

Only for the true DIY'er.

If you're of the legal drinking age and concerned about making your St. Patrick's Day as truly green as possible, search no more. Forget the green high-tops and four-leaf-clover headbands and check out this article on making eco-responsible choices when it comes to drinking beers this holiday.

Some things to consider: Should you go glass or aluminum? Do local beers really leave less of an eco-footprint? How is the power generated for the production of the beer?

Many of you are already know about biodiesel. But, did you know that we have a local co-op (or two) here in the NC Piedmont? Check out one of our friends: Piedmont Biofuels Cooperative.

Most of the biodiesel produced at Piedmont Biofuels comes from chicken fat. However, Piedmont Biofuels Cooperative has taken on the task of collecting more used fryer oil (from local restaurants and cafeterias) in order to improve environmental and economic sustainability. 

In so doing, Piedmont Biofuels is looking for a few good folks to talk with restaurants and cafeterias in the triangle region about using Piedmont Biofuels as their oil collection service. 

It's a great chance to see what it takes to build a waste oil collection business all while spreading the word about biodiesel (while generally doing good). Piedmont Biofuels notes that applicants should be outgoing and good on their feet, excited about sustainability and know the triangle region reasonably well.

Heck, this is such a great and interesting cause that I'm excited enough to go talk to all my favorite restaurants!

If you want to learn more and/or help out, shoot Greg with Piedmont Biofuels an email to learn more.

Well, after a rather lengthy holiday break, I'm back in full-effect to wreak havoc on 2008. Over my break, I couldn't help but notice a lot of the things we've been discussing over the blog recently: the harsh reality of the drought, the rather excessive packaging our toy manufacturers create (I swear I spent at least an hour getting things out of that hard plastic for my niece), the need for a commuter rail in this state....the list goes on. And of course, I did notice some good things as well: the use of more artificial trees that can be used again and again and don't harbor dangerous pesticides that affect the tree farm workers, LOTS of carpooling, and even some really fabulous solar-powered walkway lights.

But what I want to know is...what did you all notice (the good, and the bad). Also, any New Year's resolutions you'd like to share?

So because I don't feel I spend quite enough time in front of my computer on the internet, I've been sucked into yet another website featuring green tips. This site, however, is different in the sense that it offers bi-weekly web videos....so it's more like watching TV than wasting time online. Which I guess is worse. But whatever.

Anyhoo, check out www.realworldgreen.com next time you need a distraction at work. Did I say "distraction at work?" I meant the next time you need something to do on your own, personal time.

The upcoming holidays are always a very special and busy time of year for me. With a large family (two parents, two siblings, two in-laws, and eight nieces and nephews), there's always a lot going on: a lot of Christmas lists being written (and read); a lot of presents to wrap (and unwrap); and, mainly, a lot of choices to make.

And you probably won't be surprised to hear that I'm the family member who is the most environmentally-minded...the one who the other family members tease and endearingly call a "treehugger." A recent article from the New York Times really explores this role that family members like me have started to play:

[...]the green evangelist of the family — the impassioned activist bent on eradicating the wasteful materialism of the holidays.[...]...is the family member who is the first to point out, over the bountiful Christmas dinner, that the 2.6 billion holiday cards sold each year in the United States could fill a landfill the size of a football field 10 stories high, or that those conventional lights on the Christmas tree contribute up to nine times as much greenhouse-gas emissions as the leaner-burning L.E.D. models; or that some Christmas-tree growers use as many as 40 different pesticides, as well as chemical colorants, on their crops.

I can't tell you how many times during the holiday season I want to get up on my soapbox and talk about making smart, eco-friendly choices regarding things like:

• Christmas trees;

• Wrapping paper;

• Holiday cards;
  

• Packaging;

• Buying junk, just for the sake of buying something; and
  

• Encouraging charity giving, instead of contributing to the waste steam.
  

I'd venture to guess that in most families (as in mine) it's not considered very holiday-spirited to go lecturing folks on toxic pesticides used to grow Christmas trees while at the same time putting immigrant and seasonal farmworkers at health risk. Or how the toy manufacturers contribute such an incredible amount of packaging to the waste stream (check out Tips for Reducing Packaging Waste).

Plus, the truth is, kids like to unwrap stuff. Actually, most adults like to unwrap stuff. It's fun. It's exciting. It's much better than just getting handed something. So how can I get all bent out of shape about wrapping paper when I see that little gleam in my nieces' and nephew's eyes?

I think what I've come to discover is that you can definitely be the "green evangelist" of the family without coming across as having an agenda if you handle things in a more subtle, helpful--but not pushy--manner. Of course, every family is different, but here are a few things I do to when playing the treehugger role at my family dinner table:

• Wrap it up. Ok, you don't have to forego the wrapping completely. You can always wrap in newspaper, recycled wrapping paper, or tree-free paper. The last time I gave my brother-in-law a gift, I wrapped it in paper made from hemp. He commented on the thickness and quality of the paper, and I mentioned what it was made of. Voila. Subtle, not pushy, but still supporting a cause I care about and educating family members on different options.
• 'O Christmas Tree'. Sending family members information on where they can buy organic Christmas trees or a brief article on why more people are opting for artificial trees is thoughtful and helpful. Complaining about their choices after the fact (or berating them before the fact) is pointless and distressing to all parties involved!
• Be resource-full. Every year, my brother-in-law comments on the amount of waste his kids' toys bring in during the holidays. This year, I'm finally going to follow up with him on some tips for eliminating (or retaliating against) excess packaging. The point here is to be a resource for your family whenever possible.
  
• Just pick one. One thing my family has recently started doing is Secret Santa with the adults. Basically, we all draw names and get one adult to buy a gift for. This saves us money, time, and frankly, a lot of crap that none of us really need anyway. Instead, we get one, nice, thoughtful gift.
• Give it away. Ask your family if they'd consider giving charitable donations one year instead of traditional gifts. Most charities have a way to give "in honor of" someone, a perfect way to spread holiday cheer. If you meet a lot of resistance with the suggestion, don't push it. But my guess is that at least someone in your family would be interested in the idea (and that's better than nothing!)
• Speak up, without preaching to. I always make a point to mention at holiday family gatherings if I've been doing anything that supports the green movement. For instance, I might mention that I bought an organic wreath at a local farm. Or maybe I found a cool website with green-gift ideas. Who knows? It just might spark a conversation. And if you get teased for being so "green," just smile. Being defensive won't bring anyone any holiday cheer, nor will it make your points better accepted.
• Think outside the [gift] box. Remember that giving a gift doesn't have to mean giving a cd, sweater, book, etc. Instead of contributing to the waste steam, you can give experiences. One thing I like to do for my nieces and nephew for their birthdays is have them over to my place, for a sleepover, complete with dinner and a trip to the movies (or the mall if I'm forced!)
  
• Shut up and sing. Sometimes, we just have to understand that other people's choices are not ours to make. Take comfort in the fact that you stand by your values, and do your best to educate those around you without alienating yourself from your family. At some point, you just have to stop expressing your opinion and start singing "Jingle Bells."
  

I've had several people direct me to a site called Ideal Bite...basically, a sassy website with easy to follow tips on being "green" and a rather funny blog on...well...lots of random stuff! You can sign up to get the daily tips, or just search the online archives. I found tons of tips on things like makeup, furniture, clothes, and much more. Oh, and if you have any brilliant green-y ideas, you can submit a tip yourself!

I wanted to pass along a website a friend referred me to, spotlighting "11 phenomenal images of earth." Some of the photos, taken from space, are frightening, some are awe-inspiring, but they're all worth checking out.

Holiday season is nearly upon us, and you may soon be looking for the perfect gift for friends and family. Or maybe you'd just like to grab a great deal on a little something for yourself.  Whatever you are looking for, we've got it! 

With over 100 items to choose from, you are sure to find something in the NC Conservation Network's online auction. Here's a sampling of the great items you can bid on:

• handmade Ikebana vase
• Patagonia travel bags
• Surf 'n Hike adventure at the beach
• four day trip to New York City
• Birds of the Carolinas signed by the author
• membership to the NC Museum of Natural Sciences

Thanks to our sponsors, the net proceeds from this auction will go directly to support the NC Conservation Network and our work to protect North Carolina's air, water, and quality of life.

Happy bidding!

September 12, 2007 at 4:18pm, the News & Observer reports that the Legislative worm project has taken a wrong turn.

Personally, I'd like to commend the NC Legislature for being innovative in their green projects. The worm project was a pet project of Senator Basnight's to compost food scraps, rather than shipping them off to a compost company.

We learned this afternoon that sadly, the first round of worms didn't make it. Thankfully they'll be bringing in some more worms this week. Let's just keep our fingers crossed that the back-up hermaphrodites make it!

I'm constantly being amazed by the folks at Google. According to some recent calculations, if their search engine screen was black instead of white, 750 mega watts/hour per year would be saved. So what did they do? They teamed up with folks at Heap Media and created Blackle (http://www.blackle.com).

Just like Google search, but in the dark.