How to Make a Difference

Can You Really Make a Difference?

2009-07-06T03:12:00.000-07:00

Overfishing
Global Poverty
Corporate Greed
War in the Congo
Whaling
The Great Northern Garbage Patch
Hunger
Genocide in Darfur
Deforestation
Toxins in our Food, Water, Air

In the face of all this does it really matter what we do as individuals?

I take reusable bags to the supermarket . . . but I only ever see one or two other shoppers doing the same thing when I go . . . should I bother?

We use cloth nappies for our kids, but we are definitely in a minority amongst the families I know. Is it worth the effort?

We use vinegar and baking soda to clean pretty much everything in the house - but from the horror expressed by a friend who came to help me clean the house the other day after I had been unwell, I am pretty sure that it is not the norm . . . does it make any difference?

Is it enough for us each to just do our bit? Does it really all add up? What are the most important things we can do to really make a difference?

What do you think?

What are Your Favourite Things?

2009-06-20T06:17:00.000-07:00

I discovered this gorgeous video via The Serendipity Factory.- an absolute treasure trove of serendipitous finds that will make a difference to your day! Enjoy!

My Favourite Things from kidswithcrayons on Vimeo.

What is Our Environmental Legacy?

2009-06-15T13:35:00.000-07:00

Image via Wikipedia

I am haunted by a picture I saw some time ago, of a man standing atop a dead blue whale, hacking it up for processing. I can't understand how this awe inspiring creature of the deep could be treated with anything less than incredulous wonder and how they could have been hunted to near extinction - between 1900 & the mid-1960's some 360,000 of them were killed (national geographic). What were people thinking back then?

While most of the world has stopped whaling, we are all still threatening the existence of these magnificent creatures - acidification of the seas, use of sonar, increased sea-going traffic, overfishing, cluttering the oceans with our rubbish . . .

What pictures will haunt my children and grandchildren and leave them shaking their heads at our thoughtless stupidity?

Do Your Home Work

2009-05-31T03:49:00.000-07:00

I was reading this great article form Yes! Magazine today - 31 Ways to Jump Start the Local Economy. I've come away feeling all inspired.

The ideas aren't earth shattering. As my venerable father commented, if we looked back to the time when he was growing up, many of the suggestions in the article, such as buying less, fixing things, putting down roots and being part of the community, were the norm.

My favourite idea is:

Do home work parties. Each month, go to a different household to do major home greening, a garden upgrade, or some deferred maintenance.

I can see that would be such a positive and uplifting thing to do in Mataura. The town is a little bit run down, and people don't have a whole lot of money. I would love to pull together some funding and help people to fix their homes, tidy their gardens and make the town look a little more loved. It would help create such a sense of pride in our town and community spirit.

I don't want to give you the wrong idea about Mataura. We have plenty of beautiful homes with well kept gardens that people obviously take pride in.

Wouldn't it be great if all the homes could look like that? And rather than bemoaning the fact that some people can't, or won't, maintain their houses why don't we step in as a community and help each other out?

10 Online Resources to Help You Become an Expert for Your Cause

2009-05-25T03:47:00.000-07:00

Image by degreezero2000 via Flickr

If you are going to be an effective advocate for your favourite charity you need to arm yourself with as much knowledge as possible (preferably related to your cause!). The internet is a great way to do this - if you know where to look.

Here's a list of 10 great places to go for information and discussion about the causes that you are passionate about:

Alltop is like an online magazine rack of popular topics and the stories are updated every hour. To find out more about your cause, simply type it in the search box. My favourite channel is Alltop Good - for all you need to know about doing good!
Addict-o-matic lets you perfom a search for your topic and creates a custom page with the search results that you can bookmark and refer to later. It searches on Twitter, Google, Friendfeed, You Tube, Digg, Flickr and more
Twitter is a cool micro-blogging/social networking tool that allows you to build a network of like minded people. Its amazing what you can learn from 140 character soundbites!

You can find people to follow using tools like Twibes (groups of Twitter users interested in particular topics. I love the Philanthropy Twibe) or Twellow (the Twitter yellow pages).

A great way to find Charities and Non-Profit organisations that use twitter is to check out #charitytuesday
Charity Evaluators such as Intelligent Giving and C harity Navigator can help you to choose a charity that is going to make the most efficient use of your donations. So you can be sure that your money is actually going to make a difference rather than be used to fund the organisation's operating costs!
Your chosen charity will more than likely have a website. Be sure to check it out. It should have plenty of information about the charity organisation - what they do , who they help, success stories and testimonials - as well as background information about the cause they work for.
Squidoo is a great place to find out more about the Cause(s) you are passionate about. People create Squidoo Lenses about a whole range of topics - simply search for the one that interests you.
GiveWell is a Charity Evaluator that conducts in-depth research on charities to help people accomplish as much good as possible with their donations. They focus primarily on how well the programmes work. So if you want to be sure that the charity you donate to is really having a positive effect on the people it serves - this is the place to find out!
Causecast is a place to explore issues and connect with a community of people wanting to make a difference. Its chock full of great information!
Big Think is a great place to find out what other people are thinking about your favourite cause. You can join in and share ideas or just read through what others have to say. They have a great collection of really interesting and knowledgeable experts on a variety of topics. It is a fascinating site!
Just Cause is a great site to find information about your favourite cause as well as inspiration to help you make a difference.

Where do you go to find out more about the causes you are passionate about?

Are You a Rebel with a Cause?

2009-05-19T01:00:00.000-07:00

Image by Blondi000 via Flickr

In times of economic turmoil, non-profit organisations need their supporters more than ever. When there is less money to go around, there is usually more need - and when you put that together with the fact that donating to charity is often first to be cut from the budget when money gets tight, you can see how charity organisations are caught between a rock and a hard place in the midst of recession.

Supporting the cause that you are passionate about isn't just about giving money. There are plenty of things you can do that can help your favourite non-profit out that won't cost you anything but a little of your time. Not that some financial support isn't needed - but if you are not able to give that just now, try some of the things below. You can make a difference!!

1. Become an expert
If you want to become an effective advocate for your cause, you need to be informed.

Read widely, talk with people who understand the cause you support, talk with people who have differing opinions from yours so you are aware of all sides of the issue - even if you disagree wholeheartedly!

The more you know the better you can answer other people's questions, counter other people's arguments and spread awareness about the cause you are passionate about.

2. Spread the word
Most charities don't have a ton of money to spend on marketing (and are often condemned if they are perceived as spending too much money on advertising) so they appreciate the work of their supporters bringing awareness to the cause!

3. Donate things you no longer need
You may (or may not) have spare cash to donate, but charity organisations need more than just money. You can donate clothing and other items to your local goodwill store, material scraps to your local school or pre-school, outgrown toys to the women's refuge . . .

4. Vote with your wallet
Be aware where your money goes. You may not be able to give money to support your cause - but by spending mindfully you can make sure you are not supporting companies and industries that go against your values.

5. Volunteer
If you have some time on your hands, consider volunteering for your favourite charity. Even if you only have an hour or two a month, you can make a difference. Volunteers are the lifeblood of most non-profit organisations.

6. Find ways to give for free
There are plenty of great opportunities to support causes you believe in online that cost you nothing. From Care2's Click to Donate, to Better the World, to Everywun . . . not to mention all the Facebook applications that donate money to charity.

What Causes do You Donate to?

2009-05-14T01:33:00.000-07:00

Share your favourite charities in the comments below.

Blog to Save the Atlantic Forest

2009-05-07T17:16:00.000-07:00

Image via Wikipedia

The Atlantic Forest needs your help!

It is one of the most endangered forests in the world according to The Nature Conservancy. In the last 100 years it has been reduced to only 7% of the area it once covered - and the deforestation is continuing.

SALVEASERRA is a fantastic organisation working to restore the Atlantic Forest by educating farmers about sustainable agro-forestry.

Farms in the Rainforest were opened with non-sustainable production methods that led to severe soil, water and landscape degradation which in turn led to increasing rural poverty and migration to the cities.

SALVEASERRA have pioneered a unique, two-pronged approach which addressess both the degradation of the environment and the plight of the rural poor. Local farmers are trained in agro-forestry technology and vegetable garden production to help them achieve more lasting and profitable agricultural results, be more self-sufficient and to take care of the environment.

Want to help SALVEASERRA restore the Atlantic Forest?

All you have to do is blog about them - and get as many people as you can to join with you!

How will that help?

Well . . . the clever folk at Zemanta have been working with Social Actions, an initiative that aggregates civic causes from more than 50 databases, to create a tool that recommends charitable causes to bloggers while they write. In recognition of their great work they were awarded 2nd prize at the Change The Web Challenge.

Zemanta have chosen to donate the $3000 prize money to charity - and the good guys at Social Innovation Greenhouse @ Weber Shandwick have generously offered to match that donation. But its up to bloggers to decide who gets the money.

The 5 charities with the most blog posts get to share the money!

What can SALVEASERRA do with its share of $6000? Plenty!

Consider this:
$50 buys 50 seedlings of fruit, palm or other rainforest trees
$100 makes it possible to plant and care for 30 of those trees
$50 buys 1000 vegetable seedlings such as lettuce, broccoli and carrots
$600 takes 30 community members for a full day environmental education programme
$2000 will donate an irrigated, organic vegetable garden that will feed 5 families and provide surplus produce to sell at market.

You have until the 6th of June to get your post out there and help SALVEASERRA! Find out more here.

This blog post is part of Zemanta's "Blogging For a Cause" campaign to raise awareness and funds for worthy causes that bloggers care about.

5 Ways to Reduce Packaging Waste

2009-04-29T04:31:00.000-07:00

Image via Wikipedia

The manufacture and disposal of product packaging affects the environment in a myraid of ways - from the extraction of virgen resources, emissions associated with production, the space it takes up in our landfills, to the litter on our roadsides.

While a certain amount of packaging is perhaps necessary, the main consideration of most manufacturers when it comes to packaging their products is simply to entice consumers to buy more stuff.

For most people, packaging makes up the bulk of their garbage It certainly seems to be the majority of litter I see in the streets (I suppose any advertising is good advertising right?).

Here's a few suggestions to help keep packaging out of the sea, the landfills and off the streets & roadsides:

1. Take Your Own Bags when you Shop

Need a reason why?

Five trillion plastic bags are made each year. Of these bags, one billion are thrown away, with only 1 percent finding their way into a recycle bin. The end result of this is around 1 billion birds and mammals dying each year by the ingestion of plastic. (From Treehugger: 20 Gut-Wrenching Statistics About the Destruction of the Environment)

2. Buy in Bulk

Whether you buy from your local Bin Inn bulk food store and take your own reusable containers or simply buy prepackaged food in super sized containers from the supermarket, buying in bulk means less packaging!

Shampoo would have to be a prime wasteful packaging culprit What's with offering a product that many people use every day or two in such small packages? If you want to go (almost) packaging free with your hair care use baking soda instead.

3. Make it From Scratch

Pasta sauce, biscuits, bread . . . make it yourself from real ingredients. It tastes better, is better for you, is often cheaper than the shop bought stuff . . .and there's no packaging to dispose of.

4. Brown Bag It

Take your own lunch to school or work. It will save you a bunch of money, and when you use reusable containers and cutlery it doesn't produce the packaging waste of a bought lunch.

5. Buy Less Stuff

Of course, the most effective way to reduce packaging waste is to not buy things in the first place. If it has excessive packaging leave it in the shop. Better still, write a letter to the store owner and the manufacturer and tell them why you chose not to buy their product.

EH2ED Challenge - Earth Day

2009-04-23T04:25:00.000-07:00

Happy Earth Day!

It dawned bright and beautiful here with a killer frost that killed off my nasturiums, runner beans and tomatoes. Winter is just around the corner!

Enjoy these great Earth Day posts from EH2ED Challengers:

At Green Pepper you can read up on the history of Earth Day.

Glue and Glitter marks Earth Day with an update on her container garden. It looks great and shows you don't have to have a lot of space to be able to grow at least some of your own food!

There are some awesome pictures of our planet taken from the Space Station at Paul Malouf.

Check out the discounts, freebies and eco-swag for Earth Day at The Fun Times Guide to Living Green.

Michele, at New England through Yummy Mommy's Eyes, wishes you a Happy Earth Day.

At No Regrets, Napmom talks about the green changes she has made over the EH2ED Challenge and asks how you are greening your life for Earth Day. Head on over and let her know!

after all the folderol shares the most valuable eco-lesson she ever learned.

Earth Promise has a round up of their "21 in 21" interview series.

In honour of Earth Day, Water - Use It Wisely have launched an awesome Water Saving Tip Widget. Get one for your blog!!
Visit Wateruseitwisely.com/100-ways-to-conserve for water-saving tips!
Retro Housewife, Lisa, has a great Earth Day video.

Cherie, at Renaissance Garden, has some Earth Day inspiration from the Bible.

The Mad White Woman has a great Earth Day post with Earth Day events from her local area.
"Even though today may be the official ‘end’ of the EH2ED Challenge, I still plan on sharing green tips here with you all that I come across that I think you might find useful, so I hope you continue to come back and check out our GO GREEN section listed at the top of the page. Be sure to get your entry in before tomorrow night as well for the Green Giveaway!"

EH2ED Challenge Earth Day Eve - Best of the Web

2009-04-22T02:08:00.000-07:00

Image by Kounelli via Flickr

Wow, the Earth Hour to Earth Day Challenge has co me to a close! Here's hoping you had fun and learnt a thing or two. I know I did - and I've discovered some great blogs and websites.

Here's the posts from EH2ED Challengers for Earth Day Eve. Enjoy!!

Cherie, at Renaissance Garden talks green living and common sense.

TRASHformations is greening your coffee and your transport.

Over at New England through Yummy Mommy's Eyes, Michele has some great Mother's Day gift ideas . . . and an EH2ED tip to reduce the number of plastic bags you use.

Napmom is cutting down on paper towels & napkins and has a great link to an easy pattern for making your own reusable cloth napkins.

after all the folderol talks about getting started with greening your life . . .

EH2ED Challenge in 140 characters or less:

@ParkHowell: EH2ED Challenge:, Day 24: Throw an eco-friendly Earth Day party! http://short.to/3xja

@oscar_soria: @EH2ED somewhere on this planet it is already #earthday, be the first to celebrate with us, watch this: http://bit.ly/FOzit

@WUIW: WUIW taking EH2ED Challenge-Support projects that use reclaimed wastewater for irrigation and industrial uses.

@BethBaldauf: 53 Ways to Save Energy (and $) at Home: http://four28.com/cpc/ebook/ConservingEnergyHousehold.pdf (via @coolpeoplecare) #EH2ED

EH2ED Challenge Day 23 - Best of the Web

2009-04-21T02:09:00.000-07:00

Image via Wikipedia

It's day 23 of the EH2ED Challenge. It seems like everyone is saving the best till last! There are some really fantastic posts today!

Please remember to stumble the posts you like or submit them to other social bookmarking sites. And follow the tweeple who's tweets you enjoy. Lets support the EH2ED Challenge and each other!

Winstons Girl at TRASHformations talks trees and reducing your energy costs.

At New England through Yummy Mommy's Eyes, Michele has some ideas for nutritious, organic baby snacks on the cheap.

There is a great green tip for readers at No Regrets.

Suffering from hay fever this spring (if you're lucky enough to be in the Northern Hemisphere!)? At after all the folderol there are some tried and true drug free methods to help combat seasonal allergies.

The Earth Promise "21 in 21" interview for today is with Matthew Owen of Cool Earth.
"Cool Earth enables everyone to be a climate change hero. Stopping rainforest destruction is the single most powerful action any of us can take, to keep 260 tonnes of carbon dioxide in each forest acre where it belongs. Cool Earth was created to help individuals, families, communities and companies do just that. We invest from the bottom up in rainforest communities to secure many thousands of acres of endangered forest and make sure that is worth more standing than it is destroyed. 76,000 individuals have joined with Cool Earth to prevent 14 million tonnes of climate changing co2 emissions. This makes Cool Earth Europe’s fastest growing Environmental institution that has now set its sights on the US."

Cherie, at Renaissance Garden, has a great post on why you should avoid using anti-bacterial soaps made with Triclosan.
"This chemical does not just go away. It is washed down out drains and carried into our natural environment where it can kill algae and cause endocrine problems with fish"

The Mad White Woman has a great green giveaway in honour of Earth Month. You could win a copy of 'New Day Revolution - How to Save the World in 24 Hours" by Stephen Moseley and Sam Davidson. Visit her blog to find out how!

Head over to ParkHowell.com and read today's inspiring post on the importance of taking action, on Earth Day and every day, to help save the planet - and probably a fair bit of money while you're at it!

Over at The Fun Times Guide to Living Green, Jeffrey introduces WE ADD UP.
"Organic cotton t-shirts + clever design + informational existentialism - eco snobbery = the awesomeness of WE ADD UP"

EH2ED Challenge in 140 characters or less:

@BethBaldauf: Unique designs, crafted one piece of trash at a time: http://tinyurl.com/dzgufy (expand) #EH2ED

@WUIW: WUIW taking EH2ED Challenge-Use a hose nozzle or turn off the water while you wash your car. You'll save up to 100 gallons every time.

@EH2ED: Go green when it comes to shoes: http://urlzen.com/dk3

@EH2ED: RT: @tmww - Green Giveaway http://bit.ly/kPWsi

@ParkHowell: EH2ED Challenge, Day 23: Learn the 12 things you can do to reduce particulate pollution. http://short.to/3xj3 and pick one.

EH2ED Challenge Day 22 - Best of the Web

2009-04-20T02:00:00.000-07:00

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

Here's the round up for Day 22 of the Earth Hour to Earth Day Challenge.

I can't believe that Earth Day is this Wednesday. Weather permitting I intend to take my wee girls out for a "bushwalk" in Dolamore Park. What do you have planned?

Please remember to stumble the posts you like or submit them to other social bookmarking sites. And follow the tweeple who's tweets you enjoy. Lets support the EH2ED Challenge and each other!

At ParkHowell.com there is a great article in their series How Commerce & Ecology can Coexist. It features Diane MacEachern of BigGreenPurse.com

TRASHformations EH2ED tip of the day is Don't Top Your Tank! Visit to find out why!

At New England through Yummy Mommy's Eyes, Michele has a review of the week's EH2ED Challenge tips.

after all the folderol talks about using what you've got . . .

Earth Promise have another great interview in their "21 in 21" series. Today it is with Sharon Feldman-Rowe of Eco-Bags Products.
"Sharon and her husband Blake have a profound appreciation for their environment. They live an eco-aware lifestyle, in Ossining, NY – located in Westchester County, 45 minutes north of NYC. Their progressive home has solar panels, a pellet stove, a complete recycling system, they compost, garden, use a solar oven, walk to school/work and of course – they all use their reusable ECOBAGS®!"

EH2ED Challenge in 140 characters or less:

@BethBaldauf: It's Fun Being Green! Find simple, easy & FUN ways to live green: http://bit.ly/uci7b (expand). Follow @JSDavis82 #EH2ED

@WUIW: WUIW taking EH2ED Challenge-Washing dark clothes in cold water saves water and energy while helping clothes keep their color.

@jasminepw: RT @kiwimeg: Frugal Green: It doesn't have to cost a lot to take care of the Earth http://ow.ly/3e28 #EH2ED

@ParkHowell: EH2ED Challenge, Day 22: Shorten showers to 5 mins. or less and save thousands of gallons every month. For 100+ tips: http://jijr.com/h4el

EH2ED Challenge Day 21 - Best of the Web

2009-04-19T03:13:00.000-07:00

Image by ...-Wink-... goodnight via Flickr

Today is Day 21 of the EH2ED Challenge. Earth Hour seems like something of a distant memory and Earth Day is looming just around the corner . . .

As per usual there are some great posts around the web. Enjoy!

Please remember to stumble the posts you like or submit them to other social bookmarking sites. And follow the tweeple who's tweets you enjoy. Lets support the EH2ED Challenge and each other!

TRASHformations has a post on the importance of eCycling.

At New England through Yummy Mommy's Eyes, Michele has a tip on removing pesticide and other chemical residue from your fruit and veges.

after all the folderol has a tip on the importance of knowing where your food comes from.

Earth Promise has a great interview in their EH2ED "21 in 21" interview series. This time it is with Jeffry Loch of Green Earth Technologies.

Cherie at Renaissance Garden has more on being green on a budget.

EH2ED Challenge in 140 characters or less:

@BethBaldauf: Cool, one-of-a-Kind Gifts Made from Recycled Materials http://tinyurl.com/6xm6r6 (expand) #EH2ED

@kiwimeg: Frugal Green: It doesn't have to cost a lot to take care of the Earth http://ow.ly/3e28 #EH2ED

@WUIW: WUIW taking EH2ED Challenge-Leave lower branches on trees to allow leaf litter to accumulate. This keeps soil cool and reduces evaporation.

@pavati: RT @kiwimeg:Precycling: Think Before You Buy - Ways2GoGreen.com http://ow.ly/2TyK #EH2ED

@sweetcupcake: RT @ParkHowell: EH2ED Challenge, Day 20: Learn how NOT to be an energy sucking appliance vampire. http://jijr.com/hxvZ

@kiwimeg: RT @greenmom: I wish Coca Cola had thought this out. Pretty dumb: http://tinyurl.com/dcyu3z (expand) Promoting Plastic for Earth day? #EH2ED

@ParkHowell: EH2ED Challenge, Day 21: Properly dispose of paint, insecticides and other harmful chemicals in your garage this weekend.http://jijr.com/h4ep

EH2ED Challenge Day 20 - Best of the Web

2009-04-18T02:40:00.000-07:00

Image by خليفه → خله على كيفه via Flickr

Its Day 20 of the Earth Hour to Earth Day Challenge. While Earth Day may be just around the corner its not too late to take part in the EH2ED Challenge. Visit Cool People Care for more info . . .

Don't forget to stumble the posts you like or submit them to other social bookmarking services. And follow the tweeple who's tweets you like. Let's promote the EH2ED Challenge and each other!

Earth Promise have a fantastic interview today with Alexandra Cousteau - Social Environmental Advocate and Granddaughter of Jacques Cousteau.
"Exploration and discovery have always been part of my life, not only of places but also of ideas. While my grandfather’s generation traveled the world discovering new places, its up to our generation to deliver the innovations that conserve our resources and protect our planet."

Napmom at No Regrets is heading to the local Farmers Market this weekend. Nothing beats fresh, local food!!

At after all the folderol its all about water today.

TRASHformations has a green tip for pet owners.

Michele, over at New England through Yummy Mommy's Eyes, has an easy guide for getting your yard ready for spring.

EH2ED Challenge in 140 characters or less:

@ParkHowell: EH2ED Challenge, Day 20: Learn how NOT to be an energy sucking appliance vampire. http://jijr.com/hxvZ

@BethBaldauf: Fun Blog to share fun and easy ways to be green:TrashFormations http://trashformations.blogspot.com/ #EH2ED

@EH2ED: Celebrate Earth Day and Earth Month and Earth everything else: http://urlzen.com/d51

@WUIW: WUIW taking EH2ED Challenge-Report broken pipes, open hydrants and errant sprinklers to the property owner or your water provider.

@kiwimeg: RT @SandyGuerriere: @NASA's Leading the Green on Earth Day -- check out what we're up to at http://www.nasa.gov/earthday #EH2ED

@BloggerSavvy: RT @ParkHowell EH2ED Download this directory of 100+ green websites for easy use and sharing in your daily life. http://jijr.com/hxvs

EH2ED Challenge Day 19 - Best of the Web

2009-04-17T02:21:00.000-07:00

Image by eyesplash Mikul via Flickr

Its Day 19 of the Earth Hour to Earth Day Challenge. I'm really going to miss it when its all over - I am really enjoying all the great posts and info from around the web!!

Earth Day may be less then a week away, but its not too late to take part in the EH2ED Challenge. Visit Cool People Care for more info . . .

Don't forget to stumble the posts you like or submit them to other social bookmarking services. And follow the tweeple who's tweets you like. Let's promote the EH2ED Challenge and each other!

At TRASHformations the advice for today is to Think Global and Drink Local!

New England through Yummy Mommy's Eyes has info on the new Disney move "Earth"

Cherie, at Renaissance Garden, has written a great post on being green on a budget.
"Over the years, I've heard people comment that they'd love to be more green, they just can't afford to. What?! I think the problem is that they're buying into the *greenwashing* movement, the concept of shopping our way to a better planet. Noooo. . .being green is about buying less and buying smarter."

No Regrets has a great list of environmental events coming up.

Earth Promise have a fascinating interview with Robert Stone, Director of the movie "Earth Days".
"EARTH DAYS is a feature length documentary about the origins of the modern environmental movement, told through the eyes of nine Americans who were inspired to act on what they believed was the most important challenge facing mankind."

EH2ED Challenge in 140 characters or less:

@EH2ED: A handy-dandy ebook that showcases ways to save energy at home: http://urlzen.com/cz7

@WUIW: WUIW taking EH2ED Challenge-Plant with finished compost to add water-holding and nutrient-rich organic matter to the soil.

@KeepTNSinging: is loving the @eh2ed updates. Thanks for the green inspiration @coolpeoplecare!

@Kare_At_EandM: RT @kiwimeg RT @GreenHour: Week 23 of 52 Ways to Love the Earth: The Brightest Green http://52waystolovetheearth.org/ #EH2ED

@BethBaldauf: Are you a smart green consumer? Don't be so sure! Check out the Greenwash Guide http://snipr.com/ft9q4 (expand) from @Futerra. Excellent!! #EH2ED

@kiwimeg: RT @EarthDayBDay ABC and 123: Theme Thursday: Earth Day (via earth day ideas - Google Blog Search) http://tinyurl.com/deukx8 (expand) #EH2ED

EH2ED Challenge Day 18 - Best of the Web

2009-04-16T01:08:00.000-07:00

Image via Wikipedia

Its Day 18 of the Earth Hour to Earth Day Challenge. There's all kinds of great green living info from around the web today. And its not too late to take part and spread the EH2ED message. Visit Cool People Care for more info . . .

Don't forget to stumble the posts you like or submit them to other social bookmarking services. And follow the tweeple who's tweets you like. Let's promote the EH2ED Challenge and each other!

The Mad White Woman has a great list of green links on todays EH2ED post.

At Water - Use it Wisely, Trina Tune, author of GreenFoot.com, talks composting. I usually compost directly into my garden - but have had to start a compost bin since our puppy started digging it up . . . she is just lucky she is very cute!!

Earth Promise has a brief interview with Yoko Ono in their EH2ED "21 in 21" interview series.

Michele, at New England through Yummy Mommy's Eyes, has a water savings tip on her (almost) Wordless Wednesday post.

TRASHformations has tips for more eco-friendly motoring - good for the planet and for your wallet!!

GlueandGlitter.com has great ideas for people wanting to 'go vegetarian' or just cut back on their meat eating.

EH2ED Challenge in 140 characters or less:

@BethBaldauf: Project Green Prom: Challenge high school students to green their proms (and prom prep) http://www.projectgreenprom.com/index.html #EH2ED

@BethBaldauf: Race to End Waste: Conservation Begins in the Classroom http://tinyurl.com/c9zaqa (expand) (Via @coolpeoplecare) #EH2ED

@WUIW: WUIW taking EH2ED Challenge-Use sprinklers with big drops close to the ground. Smaller drops and mist evaporate before hitting the ground.

@WUIW: New blog post: EH2ED Guest Blog Feature - Trina Tune, author of Greenfoot.com takes you through composting... http://wateruseitwisely.com

@BethBaldauf: RT @GenGreen Check out green tips, event calendar, directory widgets & FB app! http://tinyurl.com/c8rv4x (expand) #EH2ED http://ff.im/-29byg

@ParkHowell: EH2ED Challenge, Day 18: Download this directory of 100+ green websites for easy use and sharing in your daily life. http://jijr.com/hxvs

EH2ED Challenge Day 17 - Best of the Web

2009-04-15T02:52:00.000-07:00

Image by ♥ Kris ♥ via Flickr

Where has the time gone? Its Day 17 of the Earth Hour to Earth Day Challenge already! Its still not too late to join in the fun - visit Cool People Care for more info.

Don't forget to stumble the posts you like or submit them to other social bookmarking services. And follow the tweeple who's tweets you like. Let's promote the EH2ED Challenge and each other!

Jeffrey, At The Fun Times Guide to Living Green, contemplates whether Grist have it right with their Screw Earth Day campaign. Head on over and have your say . . .

TRASHformations gives some good reasons why you should be using recycled content paper.

Michele at New England through Yummy Mommy's Eyes is letting it all hang out today . . . and she's saving money and reducing her carbon footprint!

At No Regrets there's a tip for eco-friendly birthday celebrations.

after all the folderol is all about reusing and recycling today.

The folk at Earth Promise are talking with George Newall, creater of Schoolhouse Rock! and Schoolhouse Rock! Earth.

EH2ED Challenge in 140 characters or less:

@BethBaldauf: Need super-cool "green" gift? Check out TRASHformations - You'll Never See Trash the Same Way Again! http://www.trashformations.com #EH2ED

@WUIW: WUIW taking EH2ED Challenge-Listen for dripping faucets and running toilets. Fixing a leak can save 300 gallons a month or more.

@EH2ED: Wanna be more eco-friendly? Get your fair trade on:http://urlzen.com/cg8

@YukaYoneda: RT @ParkHowell: EH2ED Challenge, Day 16: Opt out of receiving wasteful yellow and white pages printed phone directories.http://jijr.com/hxvz

@kiwimeg: Precycling: Think Before You Buy - Ways2GoGreen.com http://ow.ly/2TyK #EH2ED

@ParkHowell: EH2ED Challenge, Day 17: Donate/recycle your clothes and items to Goodwill, and do some shopping while you're at it http://jijr.com/hxvu

EH2ED Challenge Day 16 - Best of the Web

2009-04-14T02:22:00.000-07:00

Image by Cesar R. via Flickr

We've made it to Day 16 of the Earth Hour to Earth Day Challenge. Its not too late to join in the fun - visit Cool People Care for more info.

Don't forget to stumble the posts you like or submit them to other social bookmarking services. And follow the tweeple who's tweets you like. Let's promote the EH2ED Challenge and each other!

TRASHformations is talking gardening - and sharing your bounty!

At Water - Use it Wisely, Diane MacEachern talks about the need to start conserving water immediately.

There are 7 great green websites to peruse at New England through Yummy Mommy's Eyes.

Got a wedding or special event coming up? At after all the folderol the EH2ED tip of the day is about eco-friendly cut flowers.

Earth Promise is interviewing Howard Waldman for their "21 in 21" interview series.
"Howard Waldman is the Green Dean for the Ethical Culture Fieldston School in Riverdale, New York. He works on sustainability issues at the school, both pertaining to the physical plant and curriculum development. In addition, he oversees work on the Middle School building’s green roof."

EH2ED Challenge in 140 characters or less:

@BethBaldauf: Easy Ways to Go Green - 13 Easy, Eco-Friendly House Tips http://tinyurl.com/daesk9 (expand) #EH2ED

@lauraleedooley: Just discovered @eh2ed - good source of green tips and resources ...

@marcmaxson: @kiwimeg RT @ParkHowell: Seven Reasons Why You Need to Do DoTheGreenThing.com: http://snipr.com/e89tq (expand) #EH2ED

@WUIW: WUIW taking EH2ED Challenge-Water only when necessary. More plants die from over-watering than from under-watering.

@jsdavis82: Super stoked for me and The Fun Times Guide to Living Green being featured in @eh2ed's daily email today. thanks @coolpeoplecare!

@ForMyKidsLLC: RT @kiwimeg: GREEN GIVEAWAY: Eco-Friendly Lunch Box from Lunchsense - The Fun Times Guide to Living Green http://ow.ly/2qmW #EH2ED

@WUIW: EH2ED Guest Blog Feature - Diane MacEachern, author of "Big Green Purse" talks about our need to conserve-http://tinyurl.com/ct5l5t

@BethBaldauf: Green Meeting and Events Standards: Drafts available for review & comment at http://wp.apexsolution.org #EH2ED

@ParkHowell: EH2ED Challenge, Day 16: Opt out of receiving wasteful yellow and white pages printed phone directories.http://jijr.com/hxvz

April 2009 Update from SALVEASERRA

2009-04-14T01:42:00.000-07:00

By Roberto Lamego - Project Director, April 13, 2009 10:39 AM

Dear donors and project friends,

Once again thank you for your support and donations that makes all this possible.

As we are about to finish our year plantation operations we want to share with you what we are do with our forests and the donated seedlings. Since 1995, SALVEASERRA recovers forests with agroforestry plantations methods in an effort to attract and convince economically land owners and cattle ranchers to protect the environment with the use of these ecological and economical possibilities that brings profits to them and avoids deforestation. As farmers have very little information about these agricultural techniques and procedures, our pilot demonstration areas are used in courses and field training programs to show students and land owners that it is possible to preserve the forest, protect biodiversity and obtain income doing things like we do. We add value to the forest with our planting methods.

All the work starts at the tree nursery and our nursery produces low cost seedlings and costs very little to maintain since it was built under the forest shade and with local materials. We have produced countless seedlings since we started planting and when we buy seedlings they are brought here until definitive planting. From the nursery the seedlings are taken to a place near the plantation areas and then separated by species before planting. Each tree species is planted in its best appropriate ecosystem condition. In our plantations, trees, palm trees and fruit trees are planted in squares that have 3 or 4 meters sides and a great quantity of new plants can be introduced in a small area. This year we opened three new areas for different agroforestry system planting plots. In two of them timber trees were mainly planted and the other one was directed to fruit trees. Remember that when you plant agroforestry systems you never stop planting and there is always room to plant something else in the same area. All plants must have an economical and ecological interest to be there and because these areas are ecologically balanced areas there are no pest attacks and ants are rarely a problem.

But maybe this is the easy part of the act of planting trees as people always forget that if we want these baby trees to become mature trees they have to be inspected and cared for at least 2 times a year and during 4 years. If you don't do this, there is an enormous chance that these very fragile seedlings will die, be it by drought, by fire, eaten by ants, crushed by branches or tree trunks, swallowed by lust vegetation or stepped up by cows. What I want to say is and it is absolutely necessary to have this always in mind, is that for at least 4 years, it is not possible to abandon these young trees after they are planted otherwise many plants will not survive and this international effort in resources and manpower to aid the environment will be useless and meaningless. I am very much concerned with this plant abandon situation because I have witnessed this happen many times here in Brazil and I would not like to see this happen with GlobalGiving Green so dearly donated trees. Donor must consider that in many situations one dollar one tree is not enough to make this sapling become a big, mature and reproductive tree.

I am writing this update in the middle of GlobalGiving's fundraising campaign, “Give a Little Green" and you can be sure that if you want to contribute, every extra dollar our project can obtain from this campaign will become a nice tree, timber, palm tree or fruit tree.

Who knows if some time donors will be able to visit the planting areas and plant a few trees with their hands?

Thank you all very much and all the best,

Roberto Lamego

The "Give A Little Green" campaign at GlobalGiving runs until 28th April. Every donation made before then is elegible for a 50% match - which means you have 50% more impact!!

There is also a "Green Challenge" running until the 28th of April - GlobalGiving Green projects are competing for additional funding. The three projects receiving the greatest number of donations will receive bounty prizes of $5,000, $2,500, and $1,000, respectively - so donate to SALVEASERRA and spread the word!!

You can also help SALVEASERRA by purchasing a WE ADD UP organic cotton t-shirt - 10% of your purchase will be donated to SALVEASERRA.

By downloading and using the How to Make a Difference Toolbar you will generate donations for SALVEASERRA - all at no cost to you!

EH2ED Challenge Day 15 - Best of the Web

2009-04-13T02:59:00.000-07:00

Image by woordenaar via Flickr

The Earth Hour to Earth Day Challenge is flying by! We're up to day 15 already - and there are some great green living ideas and inspirations in today's posts!

Don't forget to stumble the posts you like or submit them to other social bookmarking services. And follow the tweeple who's tweets you like. Let's promote the EH2ED Challenge and each other!

Today, TRASHformations has ideas to help reduce your paper trail.

At after all the folderol its all about greening your cleaning. Head on over and share your thoughts on green cleaners.

Adam Berg, the founder of Earth Promise is the subject of today's "21 in 21" interview series.
"Going green is not expensive. In fact, it will save you money. For example, take small steps around the house and in your daily life. If you make a point of conserving water, it is a positive step for the environment and it will bring your water bill down. If you can lessen the amount of time you drive, you will save money and help the crisis by using less gas. If you purchase energy efficient appliance, yes there is an initial cost, but the amount of electricity you use will decrease dramatically which will save you money and once again, help the environment. In most changes that the average person can make, there is a way to save money."

At 20 Something & in the Airforce, Jen introduces a great online bookstore that not only saves used books from landfills, but also helps raise money for global literacy.

EH2ED in 140 characters or less:
@kiwimeg: There are more great blogs on the #EH2ED Blogroll! Are you taking part? Let me know so I can add you to the list! http://ow.ly/2az8

@BethBaldauf: Eco Cheat Sheet: 20 simple, green-friendly actions! http://tinyurl.com/cwufcw (expand) #EH2ED

@WUIW: WUIW taking the EH2ED Challenge-Get 8 glasses of water/day by re-using water left over from cooked or steamed foods to start a soup.

@Nancyatlunch: RT @kiwimeg: GREEN GIVEAWAY: Eco-Friendly Lunch Box from Lunchsense - The Fun Times Guide to Living Green http://ow.ly/2qmW #EH2ED

@mandiengram: RT @BethBaldauf: Nonprofit Budgets Benefit from Greener Events by @rjleaman http://ow.ly/2HLb #EH2ED

@ParkHowell: EH2ED Challenge, Day 15: Use your blog to offset 350 pounds of C02 by placing the Brighter Planet badge on your site. http://short.to/3vmo

EH2ED Challenge Day 14 - Best of the Web

2009-04-12T03:05:00.000-07:00

Image by jimpg2 (Trying to catch up) via Flickr

Happy Easter!

Its Day 14 of the Earth Hour to Earth Day Challenge. We may be past the half way point, but its still not too late to join the action - visit Cool People Care to find out what its all about . . . then let me know if you take on the Challenge so I can add you to tomorrow's update.

Don't forget to stumble the posts you like or submit them to other social bookmarking services. And to follow the tweeple who's tweets you like. Lets promote the EH2ED Challenge and each other!!

If you missed the EH2ED Challenge over at New England through Yummy Mommy's Eyes then check out her round up of the weeks tips.

There is a great interview at Earth Promise with Eric Mangol, CEO of Figment Media LLC.
" . . . any action, no matter how small has an effect for the positive. Don’t dismiss it because you think it won’t make a difference. If we all do that it WILL have an effect. That’s why I love Earth Promise, because it helps you realize what you can do, organize it into specific actions and then remind yourself to actually carry it through."

There are beautiful cherry blossoms at No Regrets. As much as Autumn and Winter have their charms I have to admit I am a little jealous of those in the Northern Hemisphere that are launching into Spring!

EH2ED Challenge in 140 characters or less:
@WUIW: WUIW taking the EH2ED Challenge-Adjust your watering schedule each month to match seasonal weather conditions and landscape requirements.

@BethBaldauf: Give the ultimate eco-friendly gift http://tinyurl.com/cpm6ny (expand) #EH2ED

@ParkHowell: EH2ED Challenge, Day 14: Take Kohler’s 3-minute toilet quiz, and help Habitat for Humanity. http://jijr.com/hxtU

@kiwimeg: RT @Green4GoodDavid: Nice Tip as #EarthDay Approaches: 3 ways to recycle your old sneakers: http://tinyurl.com/cu3gog (expand) #EH2ED

EH2ED Challenge Day 13 - Best of the Web

2009-04-11T03:14:00.000-07:00

Image by Kounelli via Flickr

Its Day 13 Edition of the Earth Hour to Earth Day Challenge - which means we are half way through and there are only 13 days till Earth Day! What do you have planned for the big day?

Todays Edition of the EH2ED Challenge 'Best of the Web' is another great one! And its not to late to join the action - visit Cool People Care to find out what its all about . . . then let me know if you take on the Challenge so I can add you to tomorrow's update.

Don't forget to stumble the posts you like or submit them to other social bookmarking services. And to follow the tweeple who's tweets you like. Lets promote the EH2ED Challenge and each other!!

The Mad White Woman has a post today about Huggies Pure & Natural Nappies.

Stefanie Newman, eco-writer and founder of teensygreen is featured at Earth Promise today.

after all the folderol urges you to compost!

Park Howell gives you 11 ways to easily opt out of wasteful stuff and happily green your life at Water - Use it Wisely.

No Regrets is greening your lunch with todays EH2ED Challenge tip!

TRASHformations tells you how to make a pet-safe carpet deodoriser.

EH2ED Challenge in 140 characters or less:
@ParkHowell: EH2ED Challenge, Day 13: Sign up for CoolPeopleCare.org’s daily email on easy things you can do to help the planet five minutes at a time. http://jijr.com/hxtJ

@EH2ED: Free gardening ebook - make your garden greener: http://urlzen.com/bvm

@HealtheBay: Do something good on Earth Day, or better yet every day: take Earth Hour to Earth Day challenge: http://www.coolpeoplecare.org/about/eh2ed

@BethBaldauf: Green, Inc. A blog about energy, the environment and the bottom line. http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/ Follow @greeninc #EH2ED

@WUIW: EH2ED Guest Blog Feature-Park Howell Reveals 11 Ways to Easily Opt-Out of Wasteful Stuff and Green Your Life-http://tinyurl.com/d4ohuh

@WUIW: WUIW taking the EH2ED Challenge-Turn off the water while you wash your hair to save up to 150 gallons a month.

EH2ED Challenge Day 12 - Best of the Web

2009-04-10T02:07:00.000-07:00

Image by Chris Gin via Flickr

Welcome to the Day 12 Edition of the Earth Hour to Earth Day Challenge "Best of the Web". Its not to late to join the action - visit Cool People Care to find out what its all about . . . and let me know if you take on the Challenge so I can add you to tomorrow's update.

Don't forget to stumble the posts you like or submit them to other social bookmarking services. And to follow the tweeple who's tweets you like. Lets promote the EH2ED Challenge and each other!!

At Earth Promise the subject of the "21 in 21" interview for today is Leslie Drogin - Government Affairs Analyst at the law firm, K&L Gates, and former Senior Advisor for Policy and Legislative Affairs at the U.S. Department of Energy.

The EH2ED guest blog feature at Water - Use it Wisely is from Christi Wilhelmi of Gardenerd.com. She's talking about saving water in the garden. You can follow her on twitter at @gardenerd1.

Lisa at Retro Housewife goes Green, finds out how much plastic she uses in a day . . . do you know how much you use?

after all the folderol introduces you to a site that lets you plant trees for free and increase your eco knowledge at the same time!

TRASHformations asks you to take the Energy Star Pledge.

No Regrets is encouraging you to join in the fun at Earth Promises. And she gives a totally cool write up about this daily EH2ED Blog Carnival!

EH2ED in 140 Characters or less:

@WUIW: WUIW taking the EH2ED Challenge-Wash your pets outdoors in an area of your lawn that needs water.

@kiwimeg: kiwimeg Clean and Green: Natural Homemade Household Cleaners http://ow.ly/2vqE #EH2ED

@ParkHowell: EH2ED Challenge, Day 12: Wake up five minutes earlier every morning and put that time to use for a green project or thought. http://short.to/3v9d

@hakerlund: I email food & cosmetics manufacturers requesting 2 know if they a) use palm oil b) r looking 4 alternatives. #EH2ED #earthtweet #nopalmoil

@kiwimeg: How to Go Green: Earth Day : Planet Green http://ow.ly/2tRP #EH2ED

@EH2ED: Are you familiar with Kilowatt Ours? http://urlzen.com/bsy

@tmww: EH2ED Tweet - Going green has never been easier! http://bit.ly/Nc8d

@kiwimeg: Green Mamas Pad: I'm Having an Earth Day Party! http://ow.ly/2quP #EH2ED

@BethBaldauf: Columbia businesses, do Your Customers Know Your Business Is Green? Become a Green Business Member: http://www.coccpac.com/?pageid=12 #EH2ED

@WUIW: EH2ED Guest Blog Feature-Christy Wilhelmi of gardenerd.com takes water-saving to the garden-http://tinyurl.com/d4ohuh

@kiwimeg: GREEN GIVEAWAY: Eco-Friendly Lunch Box from Lunchsense - The Fun Times Guide to Living Green http://ow.ly/2qmW #EH2ED

EH2ED Challenge Day 11 - Best of the Web

2009-04-09T03:12:00.000-07:00

Image by from eye to pixel via Flickr

Welcome to the Day 11 Edition of the Earth Hour to Earth Day Challenge "Best of the Web". Its not to late to join the action - visit Cool People Care to find out what its all about . . . and let me know if you take on the Challenge so I can add you to tomorrow's update.

Don't forget to stumble the posts you like or submit them to other social bookmarking services. And to follow any tweeple who's tweets you like. Lets promote the EH2ED Challenge and each other!!

Today TRASHformations gives you some info on greening your workplace.

There's a great giveaway on at The Fun Times Guide to Living Green. They are giving you the chance to win an awesome eco-friendly lunch boxes from Lunchsense!

At New England through Yummy Mommy's Eyes, Michele is talking energy efficiency.

after all the folderol answers the question "How do I green my fridge?"

Earth Promise is talking to Matt Petersen, President and CEO of Global Green USA. 'As a child, I was struck by the imbalance between man and nature. My father shares a story of us sitting the park together when I was five years old and looking around at the trash and cans littering the area after a busy Sunday of picnics and parties. I said to my Dad “ we have to do something to take care of our planet, Dad.”'

Today's tip at No Regrets is how to Green your Sport!

EH2ED in 140 characters or less:

@WUIW: EH2ED Guest Blog Feature-Park Howell Reveals 11 Ways to Easily Opt-Out of Wasteful Stuff and Green Your Life-http://tinyurl.com/d4ohuh

@ParkHowell: EH2ED Challenge, Day 11: Make sure your irrigation timer is set appropriately for spring and summer. http://short.to/3vmd

@tmww: EH2ED Post - Check out this green mom - http://www.takesaplanet.com/

@WUIW: WUIW taking the EH2ED Challenge-Apply water only as fast as the soil can absorb it.

@WUIW: EH2ED Guest Blog Feature-Wendy Strgar, CEO of Good Clean Love talks saving water ecologically and emotionally-http://tinyurl.com/d4ohuh

@BethBaldauf: Nonprofit Budgets Benefit from Greener Events http://bit.ly/5YpBy (expand) by @rjleaman #EH2ED

@kiwimeg: A Little Greener Every Day: Earth Day is on April 22 but why wait till then? http://ow.ly/2oCe #EH2ED