Tread Earth Lightly

Starting the Garden

 

Though, a little late, we are finally getting the garden started. It's been raining, for what seems like years here, so I didn't mind being out in the blazing sun the past couple of days. I loosened up the soil by hand, no rototiller here, which was tiring, but what a great workout. Next, we need to put up a fence to keep the millions of Peter Rabbits out, and try to figure out how we are going to keep the family of groundhogs away from our radishes. Our seeds have already started to sprout, hopefully most will grow. I will be posting throughout the season on our garden venture and all of it's bounties (fingers crossed).

             

Noel Fedosh, a friend of mine, is an architect and furniture designer who specializes in green design. I recently got back in touch with him and found out about his sustainable designs; of course I had to feature him here and spread the word.

Noel attended the BArch program at Cornell University and currently works for Reed Architectural Group in Los Angeles, CA. He has also designed sets and other interior settings. Below is a little more, from his website, about his "green" designs:

 

"In January 2008, Noel Fedosh became a certified LEED AP (http://www.usgbc.org/), taking his collegiate focus on sustainable design practices to an applicable level. Upon completing his studies for the certification, Noel felt the desire to take the principles behind LEED and apply them to the scale of furniture design. The hope is to integrate "green" design principles throughout all aspects of a person's life, without having to fully commit to a LEED rated, sustainable house. Noel sees this as living a hybrid lifestyle; being able to vary ones level of desired sustainable consciousness through the customization of individual "parts". As the home is typically seen as a collective whole, the easiest means for customization and integration lie within the design of furniture. Hence came the philosophy behind the custom-designed eco-furniture offered through N:Wood Design."

Please visit his site to view more of his work and to contact him about designing something for your home.

N: Wood Design

This past Mother's Day I went to visit Longwood Gardens in the good old, neighboring state of Pennsylvania. My husband being a florist, as well as Yogi, had to work (it's a pretty big day for flowers haha!), so my stepfather tagged along with the kids and I. We had never been before, but had heard that it was an amazing place. Boy was it! Longwood Gardens is a great place for the whole family, or for a date with that special someone. The kids can run around, build forts, and climb tree houses. Couples can stroll through the flowers enjoying nature's beauty, and parents don't have to worry if their kids will sleep on the way home. Trust me, they'll be tired. Mother's Day, though busy, is probably one of the best time to go because everything is still in full bloom. Though, the tulips were done everything else was perfect. The Conservatory/Greenhouses were spectacular. My favorite section was the Orchid house. Some looked like creatures instead of flowers. I could go on and on about the plant life, but I don't want to bore you. Another awesome thing, which I did not expect, was all of the "Green" in the gardens, and I don't mean the grass. When we ate lunch there was more than just a recycling pail. The coffee was organic, some of the food was organic, and the utensils/cups/straws were all biodegradable. Wow! Now I know it's an environmental place, but this is amazing! Biodegradable straws! Whole Foods doesn't even do that! Though, they should..everyone should! Anyway, it made me appreciate Longwood Gardens even more. Here are some more pictures from our day in the gardens.

 

Even if you live far away, Longwood is definitely a place to come and visit. There is plenty to see and do at the Gardens, and in the surrounding area. I know this sounds like a review, I guess it kind of is, but I really enjoyed it and cannot wait to go back. And to bring my hubby next time who will appreciate it just as much, if not more, than I did. There is lots to do in the surrounding area too. From museums to wineries, and of course lots of places to eat.

Now I know what you're thinking...EEEWWWW! It's the same thought I had. Mats of hair around my plants? Hair is not supposed to mated, right? Well, after I looked more closely into this hair raising idea I began to see something good. Something not as gross as I first thought. Though, it still is a little odd. A company called Smart Grow  distributes mats, yes, made from human hair. Specifically human hair from China. I know, I know, China?! But apparently dark hair is better nutrient wise for the plants. And it is all collected and made in a good way. No one is losing their hair against their will. Hair is actually a commodity in China, instead of throwing it away barbers sell it to brokers. These brokers then sell it off to get made into wigs, hair mats for your garden, and even food additives (OK! Now that's not my cup of tea, but to each their own). So, what's so great about these mats anyway? Well, they help to keep and give more nutrients in your plants/gardens and they keep the weeds away helping your plants to grow larger and produce more. All without using any funky chemical fertilizers and herbicides. It's also easy to use and inexpensive. I have not tried these yet, but if you have please let me know what you think and how it worked for you.

To hear the source interview from Marketplace click here.

To purchase Smart Grow Mats click here.

  

    This past week my husband and I were fortunate enough to see Dr. Sylvia Earle (a Marine Biologist for National Geographic) speak for the Smart Talk Series. We also had the pleasure of meeting her before the talk, as you can see from the above picture.
    Her physical stature reminded me of my husband's Grandmother, yet her knowledge and wisdom was something that I had only read and dreamed about as a little girl. Throughout her talk I was continuously taken back in time to when I wanted to be a Biologist and work with any kind of creature I could find. Her knowledge of the oceans reminded me of when I meticulously read every National Geographic article I could get my hands on, and religiously watched the Discovery Channel's Shark Week. I so desperately wanted to dive in with those sharks, even though it frightened me. I believed, and still do, that I could help the Earth by learning as much as I could about its creatures and environmental emotions. Her love for the ocean, and all it's inhabitants, is inspirational and contagious. I gained more from her talk the other night than I had expected.
    Dr. Earle explained why the oceans are so important to us and to our struggling planet. How the ocean is the "blue heart of the planet," and that it is a greater source of oxygen for us than trees. She discussed her love of Google Earth and how she got them to start adding parts of the ocean into it. Google Earth is now blue as well as green. Her wish for all of us is to be able to see the ocean, to dive in and really get to know it. Before we are 81, like her mother was when she first went in.
    Her advice to everyone is to just be aware. Aware of everything we do and how it effects the world and oceans around us. To not only be aware, but to also bring that awareness to our children because they are our future. You don't have to be a scientist to do this either. Dr. Earle says that you can use whatever talent you already have, whether it is music, math, etc. to help bring awareness to others and into your own life. Also, to help the oceans and lands around you.
    Not only is she an inspiration when it comes to science and nature, but she is a role model for women everywhere. She grew up in a time when women becoming anything but housewives was unheard of. Yet she still became one of the greatest pioneers in her field as well as for her gender. Her determination and love for the great blue yonder helped her fulfill her dream, and helped make it possible for future, female generations  make their dreams come true. Even though I did not follow the path to becoming a Biologist, it is because of women like Dr. Sylvia Earle that I was even allowed to dream of becoming one. And have the opportunity to still to do so, if I choose. Who knows, maybe one day I will be in a cage hand feeding Great White Sharks submerged in the great blue heart of our planet. 

 

    If you have not seen her speak I highly recommend that you do. Dr. Sylvia Earle will inspire, as well as teach you something at the same time. Let her lead you into the wild blue yonder that is our ocean. Tickets for the 2009 Smart Talk Series are still on sale, highlighting many leading ladies like Dr. Earle. Below is a clip featuring her from National Geographic. Enjoy!

    Sugar and I don't mix, literally! Myself a Type 1 Diabetic, for the past 10 years now, I continually try to stay away from eating too much of it. However, I have a sweet tooth, or two, the size of Texas. If I don't get a sugar fix at least once a day I get cranky (just ask my husband). Though I try to eat homemade, organic, and mostly vegan sweets it is all still too much. After seeing this documentary below I have found another reason why sugar is not so good. And that reason is morality! The ethical and moral treatment of others and land. In this documentary the history of sugar and it's relationship with slavery, poverty, obesity, money, and politics are explained.

    Unfortunately it is a hard truth to swallow, but it one that must be eaten (No pun intended). I do believe that, even considering the predicament we as a human race are in, we can change and free ourselves from 'Big Sugar.' It starts with us as consumers and as parents and mentors. We can begin to stop buying the unethical sugar companies' products and make an effort to buy more responsibly farmed/manufactured sugar. Also, we can teach our future generations about the truth when it comes to sugar consumption and health. It is up to us! The dollar goes a long way especially when we use it in the right direction. Enjoy the film and please share your thoughts.

Part 1

Part 2

Maybe it's because I am of Italian decent, or that I am diabetic and have to be very conscious about what I eat, but when I hear about issues dealing with our food I get all fired up. Here is an amazing interview with Dr. Vandana Shiva from Cooking Up A Story, in which she discusses genetically modified food/seeds, organic farming, and world hunger. Please visit Cooking Up a Story for more details on this interview and much, much more! It is one of my favorite sites!

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Mister Jalopy is definitely going in right direction of "green." Instead of buying the hot new "green" product, he purchases the old and makes it new. With the recession looming over our heads more and more people are starting to buy second hand instead of new products. With his love for Saturday morning garage sales, Mister Jalopy was at the fore front of this movement way before the recession hit. Not only does he buy second hand he reuses and recycles those items to make awesome new things. From refurbishing old cars to making the World's Largest Ipod (yes there is still room in his life for new technologies) he takes creating to a whole new level. In this interview with Studio 360 Mister Jalopy remembers a time when everyone had a workbench in their house, and most communities had the neighbors whose hobby it was to repair radios, cars, etc. for fellow neighbors. In turn saving money, the planet, and creating stronger communities. So what happened to this ideal way of life? There are many factors causing this change, but a major one is the idea of making everything seem disposable without having any consequences. Though, maybe the recession can be seen as a good thing. Causing this disposable attitude to shift towards a more creative and thrifty way of life. Hopefully, with pioneers like Mister Jalopy, we can all have workbenches again, and join fellow neighbors at early morning garage sales. Below is the interview clip from Studio 360. Enjoy!!

I know what you're thinking: "Really the car of the future? Wasn't the Prius the car of the future?" The answer: no not really. It was a step in the right direction, but far from being the answer to our petroleum addiction. So now the new "Car of the Future" candidate is the Honda FCX Clarity. A hydrogen/battery powered, zero emission 4 door sedan. And it looks a lot like a normal car. It pretty much is a normal car except for how it's powered. As for safety they have that covered too because really that's the biggest concern. Sure, for my husband and most men, they like to know about the speed and power, as well as safety, but I could care less about how fast it goes from 0 to 60. Though this car is only available in California (for now hopefully), it is not an experimental or prototype vehicle. It is a certified, assembly-line produced car ready to be driven by the general public. More fueling stations just have to be opened world and nation wide. Here is Top Gear's review of the Honda Clarity.

How to Reuse Everyday Items w/ the Environmental Ninja

N: Wood Design

Noel Fedosh, a friend of mine, is an architect and furniture designer who specializes in green design. I recently got back in touch with him and found out about his sustainable designs; of course I had to feature him here and spread the word.

Noel attended the BArch program at Cornell University and currently works for Reed Architectural Group in Los Angeles, CA. He has also designed sets and other interior settings. Below is a little more, from his website, about his "green" designs:

 

"In January 2008, Noel Fedosh became a certified LEED AP (http://www.usgbc.org/), taking his collegiate focus on sustainable design practices to an applicable level. Upon completing his studies for the certification, Noel felt the desire to take the principles behind LEED and apply them to the scale of furniture design. The hope is to integrate "green" design principles throughout all aspects of a person's life, without having to fully commit to a LEED rated, sustainable house. Noel sees this as living a hybrid lifestyle; being able to vary ones level of desired sustainable consciousness through the customization of individual "parts". As the home is typically seen as a collective whole, the easiest means for customization and integration lie within the design of furniture. Hence came the philosophy behind the custom-designed eco-furniture offered through N:Wood Design."

Please visit his site to view more of his work and to contact him about designing something for your home.

N: Wood Design

Longwood Gardens - Growing Green & Being Green

This past Mother's Day I went to visit Longwood Gardens in the good old, neighboring state of Pennsylvania. My husband being a florist, as well as Yogi, had to work (it's a pretty big day for flowers haha!), so my stepfather tagged along with the kids and I. We had never been before, but had heard that it was an amazing place. Boy was it! Longwood Gardens is a great place for the whole family, or for a date with that special someone. The kids can run around, build forts, and climb tree houses. Couples can stroll through the flowers enjoying nature's beauty, and parents don't have to worry if their kids will sleep on the way home. Trust me, they'll be tired. Mother's Day, though busy, is probably one of the best time to go because everything is still in full bloom. Though, the tulips were done everything else was perfect. The Conservatory/Greenhouses were spectacular. My favorite section was the Orchid house. Some looked like creatures instead of flowers. I could go on and on about the plant life, but I don't want to bore you. Another awesome thing, which I did not expect, was all of the "Green" in the gardens, and I don't mean the grass. When we ate lunch there was more than just a recycling pail. The coffee was organic, some of the food was organic, and the utensils/cups/straws were all biodegradable. Wow! Now I know it's an environmental place, but this is amazing! Biodegradable straws! Whole Foods doesn't even do that! Though, they should..everyone should! Anyway, it made me appreciate Longwood Gardens even more. Here are some more pictures from our day in the gardens.

 

Even if you live far away, Longwood is definitely a place to come and visit. There is plenty to see and do at the Gardens, and in the surrounding area. I know this sounds like a review, I guess it kind of is, but I really enjoyed it and cannot wait to go back. And to bring my hubby next time who will appreciate it just as much, if not more, than I did. There is lots to do in the surrounding area too. From museums to wineries, and of course lots of places to eat.

Hair in Your Garden?

Now I know what you're thinking...EEEWWWW! It's the same thought I had. Mats of hair around my plants? Hair is not supposed to mated, right? Well, after I looked more closely into this hair raising idea I began to see something good. Something not as gross as I first thought. Though, it still is a little odd. A company called Smart Grow  distributes mats, yes, made from human hair. Specifically human hair from China. I know, I know, China?! But apparently dark hair is better nutrient wise for the plants. And it is all collected and made in a good way. No one is losing their hair against their will. Hair is actually a commodity in China, instead of throwing it away barbers sell it to brokers. These brokers then sell it off to get made into wigs, hair mats for your garden, and even food additives (OK! Now that's not my cup of tea, but to each their own). So, what's so great about these mats anyway? Well, they help to keep and give more nutrients in your plants/gardens and they keep the weeds away helping your plants to grow larger and produce more. All without using any funky chemical fertilizers and herbicides. It's also easy to use and inexpensive. I have not tried these yet, but if you have please let me know what you think and how it worked for you.

To hear the source interview from Marketplace click here.

To purchase Smart Grow Mats click here.

Smart Talk - Dr. Sylvia Earle Part 2

  

    This past week my husband and I were fortunate enough to see Dr. Sylvia Earle (a Marine Biologist for National Geographic) speak for the Smart Talk Series. We also had the pleasure of meeting her before the talk, as you can see from the above picture.
    Her physical stature reminded me of my husband's Grandmother, yet her knowledge and wisdom was something that I had only read and dreamed about as a little girl. Throughout her talk I was continuously taken back in time to when I wanted to be a Biologist and work with any kind of creature I could find. Her knowledge of the oceans reminded me of when I meticulously read every National Geographic article I could get my hands on, and religiously watched the Discovery Channel's Shark Week. I so desperately wanted to dive in with those sharks, even though it frightened me. I believed, and still do, that I could help the Earth by learning as much as I could about its creatures and environmental emotions. Her love for the ocean, and all it's inhabitants, is inspirational and contagious. I gained more from her talk the other night than I had expected.
    Dr. Earle explained why the oceans are so important to us and to our struggling planet. How the ocean is the "blue heart of the planet," and that it is a greater source of oxygen for us than trees. She discussed her love of Google Earth and how she got them to start adding parts of the ocean into it. Google Earth is now blue as well as green. Her wish for all of us is to be able to see the ocean, to dive in and really get to know it. Before we are 81, like her mother was when she first went in.
    Her advice to everyone is to just be aware. Aware of everything we do and how it effects the world and oceans around us. To not only be aware, but to also bring that awareness to our children because they are our future. You don't have to be a scientist to do this either. Dr. Earle says that you can use whatever talent you already have, whether it is music, math, etc. to help bring awareness to others and into your own life. Also, to help the oceans and lands around you.
    Not only is she an inspiration when it comes to science and nature, but she is a role model for women everywhere. She grew up in a time when women becoming anything but housewives was unheard of. Yet she still became one of the greatest pioneers in her field as well as for her gender. Her determination and love for the great blue yonder helped her fulfill her dream, and helped make it possible for future, female generations  make their dreams come true. Even though I did not follow the path to becoming a Biologist, it is because of women like Dr. Sylvia Earle that I was even allowed to dream of becoming one. And have the opportunity to still to do so, if I choose. Who knows, maybe one day I will be in a cage hand feeding Great White Sharks submerged in the great blue heart of our planet. 

 

    If you have not seen her speak I highly recommend that you do. Dr. Sylvia Earle will inspire, as well as teach you something at the same time. Let her lead you into the wild blue yonder that is our ocean. Tickets for the 2009 Smart Talk Series are still on sale, highlighting many leading ladies like Dr. Earle. Below is a clip featuring her from National Geographic. Enjoy!

Big Sugar - The truth & history of sugar.

    Sugar and I don't mix, literally! Myself a Type 1 Diabetic, for the past 10 years now, I continually try to stay away from eating too much of it. However, I have a sweet tooth, or two, the size of Texas. If I don't get a sugar fix at least once a day I get cranky (just ask my husband). Though I try to eat homemade, organic, and mostly vegan sweets it is all still too much. After seeing this documentary below I have found another reason why sugar is not so good. And that reason is morality! The ethical and moral treatment of others and land. In this documentary the history of sugar and it's relationship with slavery, poverty, obesity, money, and politics are explained.

    Unfortunately it is a hard truth to swallow, but it one that must be eaten (No pun intended). I do believe that, even considering the predicament we as a human race are in, we can change and free ourselves from 'Big Sugar.' It starts with us as consumers and as parents and mentors. We can begin to stop buying the unethical sugar companies' products and make an effort to buy more responsibly farmed/manufactured sugar. Also, we can teach our future generations about the truth when it comes to sugar consumption and health. It is up to us! The dollar goes a long way especially when we use it in the right direction. Enjoy the film and please share your thoughts.

Part 1

Part 2

Dr. Vandana Shiva Interview

Maybe it's because I am of Italian decent, or that I am diabetic and have to be very conscious about what I eat, but when I hear about issues dealing with our food I get all fired up. Here is an amazing interview with Dr. Vandana Shiva from Cooking Up A Story, in which she discusses genetically modified food/seeds, organic farming, and world hunger. Please visit Cooking Up a Story for more details on this interview and much, much more! It is one of my favorite sites!

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Mr. Jalopy on Studio 360

Mister Jalopy is definitely going in right direction of "green." Instead of buying the hot new "green" product, he purchases the old and makes it new. With the recession looming over our heads more and more people are starting to buy second hand instead of new products. With his love for Saturday morning garage sales, Mister Jalopy was at the fore front of this movement way before the recession hit. Not only does he buy second hand he reuses and recycles those items to make awesome new things. From refurbishing old cars to making the World's Largest Ipod (yes there is still room in his life for new technologies) he takes creating to a whole new level. In this interview with Studio 360 Mister Jalopy remembers a time when everyone had a workbench in their house, and most communities had the neighbors whose hobby it was to repair radios, cars, etc. for fellow neighbors. In turn saving money, the planet, and creating stronger communities. So what happened to this ideal way of life? There are many factors causing this change, but a major one is the idea of making everything seem disposable without having any consequences. Though, maybe the recession can be seen as a good thing. Causing this disposable attitude to shift towards a more creative and thrifty way of life. Hopefully, with pioneers like Mister Jalopy, we can all have workbenches again, and join fellow neighbors at early morning garage sales. Below is the interview clip from Studio 360. Enjoy!!

Honda FCX Clarity - The Car of the Future

I know what you're thinking: "Really the car of the future? Wasn't the Prius the car of the future?" The answer: no not really. It was a step in the right direction, but far from being the answer to our petroleum addiction. So now the new "Car of the Future" candidate is the Honda FCX Clarity. A hydrogen/battery powered, zero emission 4 door sedan. And it looks a lot like a normal car. It pretty much is a normal car except for how it's powered. As for safety they have that covered too because really that's the biggest concern. Sure, for my husband and most men, they like to know about the speed and power, as well as safety, but I could care less about how fast it goes from 0 to 60. Though this car is only available in California (for now hopefully), it is not an experimental or prototype vehicle. It is a certified, assembly-line produced car ready to be driven by the general public. More fueling stations just have to be opened world and nation wide. Here is Top Gear's review of the Honda Clarity.