To paraphrase Colbert, "Nation, you're doing one helloffa job."

... I like that Colbert refers to his viewing audience as "Nation." Stellar. That guy cracks me up ... Clever clever.

Regardless, I wanted to post this link ... From, hahaha, The Nation.

So, our administration is doing a bang-up job trying to get the country moving forward in the right direction. In the past 100 days, a whole lot has been done, but there is still so much more to forge ahead with.

For example ... green infrastructure ... job creation ... environmental legislation ... yeah, you're catching my drift. The article is done well and it helps me segue into this next link, brought to my attention by my good friend, Mr. Casey Rollins (how'dya' like that plug, budday??).

Just look at that grid, people!

God, bless NPR, would ya'? This is an incredible example of how to visualize American consumption ... and it's interactive!! What's not to like?? This goes along with the whole concept of revamping our infrastructure ... Oh, how long we've waited for the days when sustainable practice isn't just practice any longer! Those days will come, kiddos, but in the mean time the only way to change private industry is by making noise with your wallet. Let them know how you feel by how you spend!!!

That's all for now, I'm off for a run before I work overtime tonight. Wish me luck .. this girl is having trouble getting back into shape!

God speed, ya'll. Give a tree a smooch.

Love,
Say

It's Friday ... time for a PHOTO BLOG!

So, I know it's been a while since I've been able to upload my own photos to this here bloggy-wog ... but I've come back with a vengeance!

That being said .... here are some photos of

1) planting Bok Choy in the early spring wetness.





... and 2) Some more photos of WILD NH DAY!






Mark and I will be farther north this weekend ... we're dog-sitting for a friend. We're lucky because they live on a small pond in the lakes region- my friend Katie tells me that their resident blue heron is sitting on eggs at the moment! Perhaps I can get just close enough to get some photos (but not so close that she knows I'm there). Thank goodness for zoom lenses! If anything, I'll get some beautiful spring shots during the fantastic weather we're supposed to have.

I hope all of you have a fantastic weekend!
Be good, be outside, be with nature, be wise, be happy.

Love,
Say

En Vogue

This photo has been cruising blogs across the interwebs for a while. It depicts the satellites and debris that orbit the Earth (the view is facing the North Pole).

This photo makes me want to gag. We clutter so much that even our orbit looks like a trash heap. I sigh in frustration at the sight of it. But then again, I use a cell phone that requires a few of those satellites to be there ...

Now, I'm sure you all know that today is Earth Day- the international celebration of caring for the planet, our mother ship. I was walking through a department store last night and was amazed to see a jewelry set that included the recycling symbol, a small planet and a leaf. All three were enamel set in what looked like gold. This was in a department store that prefers selling "diamond-esk" jewelry at a killer price- all of it probably imported from a third-world country whose recycling and emissions standards are not taken as seriously as poverty, the spread of disease in slums, or a lack of education in poor communities.

Was the department store in question intent on spreading the message of stewardship? Probably not.

I popped into a popular clothing store after that ... this particular retail outlet is known for up-to-date fashions at very, very low prices. Most of their clothing is made in Indonesia. There were environmental references on graphic tees, dresses, jewelry, handbags ...



Don't get me wrong, I've been rocking recycling logos since I was a pre-pubescent ... but lately this surge of retail propaganda doesn't feel right ... How often do these large companies recycle? How much waste do they create? Are they making an effort to be better companies??

I went HERE to find out.

That's Gap Inc.'s Climate Counts Score Card. Climate Counts is mentioned here a fair amount- and they're based in New Hampshire! Who knew?! Not many people, and that's the problem ... Funded in part by Stonyfield Farms, Climate Counts is based in Manchester and rates companies across the country to let consumers know just how environmentally minded these companies are.

Nike, believe it or not, is their highest ranked apparel company.

So, with an overall score of 42 (out of a possible 100), they're working on getting better, but ultimately with conglomerates like Gap Inc. the bottom line is always the bottom line. Money drives the engine.

Since I started reading Gary Hirshberg's new book, the one I mentioned in my last post, I've realized why the man is so well off. Having a leader like him in our midst makes our communities all the better.

So, in honor of Earth Day, as you pick up litter, clear beaches, finally put recycling bins in your office- whatever you may be doing- let's let this concept sink in ...

If we really want to change the consumption rate of our society, we have to speak with our wallets.

I've been victim to choosing cheap over sustainable. It's hard not to most of the time; it's a tough economy and everyone is strapped for cash. Hence Walmart's never ceasing popularity. I've bought the cheap t-shirt. I've stocked up on discount accessories. It is a daunting task to shell out more cash in favor of the greater good ... the whole effort is hard as hell.

Recently, on GreenGuideNH, I read a tid-bit that said (and I'm paraphrasing): It's too difficult to try and change every bad habit you have all at once ... so pick one at a time and stick to your new ideal until it becomes a habit itself.

Baby steps. Avoiding frustration and exhaustion is the way to go. My habit is starting at the grocery store. I garden extensively, preserve the left-over produce and compost the waste. I've gotten into the habit of baking my own bread, a money saver for sure and when you get down to it, homemade bread is just the balls! It's delicious, all warm and new ... When I can't grow it or make it myself, I make an effort to find it locally. When Hannaford or Shaws is your only option, just read your labels. Support organic where you can, bring reusable bags and when in doubt- ask for help. There are resources all around you to help you find the most local produce at the best price. You needn't sell off your first born to eat well, join a CSA ... visit your local farmers' market for bulk staples (honey, butter, meats, veggies, breads, herbs, etc.).

I've pontificated enough ... Really, I wish you the best of luck, dear reader. I wish all of us the best of luck. I'm praying for an economic rebound, for a day when green will no longer describe a fad ... it'll just be a color in the rainbow. I'm praying for the day when sustainability is the norm and functioning outside of those parameters is financial suicide.

These days are coming ... and I'm hoping all the fad fashion trends are just a sign of the changing mind set and not another effort to green-wash a business into higher profit margins.

Happy Earth Day, everyone. Thank you for reading. I'll be back with more soon.

Hug a tree for me.
Love,
Say

Photos in my mind ...

Literally, the photos I was supposed to post up here this morning are only in my head at the moment- forgot the lap-top at home in the early morning rush. I'll update when I get home late this evening (hoorah for workin' overtime ... lining my pockets the only way I know how).

But, despite the lack of visual stimulation (which I find makes blogs a whole lot easier to pay attention to), let me at least tell you about my Saturday.

Though overcast with temperatures limbo-ing between chilly and balmy, it seems like several hundred (if not up to a thousand over the course of the day) made it out to the Concord Cooperative Market for their "Earth Day" thang they do every year. We met some very in-touch folks, scored a hazelnut sapling, ate some yummy tofu, ice cream, chocolate soup (I couldn't make that up!!), and so much more.






Across the street, Real Green Goods had a huge sale going on, where Mark and I scored some very healthy, very pretty Bok Choy.



We put some in the garden the next day, splitting the plunder with my Mom's little patch in her back yard. After that we swung over to the Fish and Game's Wild New Hampshire Day. It's about the same every year, but it's still fun to go see the Falconers, wild animals, fly fishing lessons, the hatchery truck, Forever Locked ... There is so much to do for families this time of year and it's encouraging to see a majority of these options catering to environmental education. We popped down into the F&G's Discovery Room before taking off. What a cool space, very artistically done and really quite engaging. The pictures speak for themselves.





When we got home we did some re-con work on the sprouts we've got. The pepper plant's true leaves were showing, as were the Zinnias (our most successful effort thus far). We planted melons and pumpkins again, we've just seen the first few sprouts of our heirloom tomato plants and we're giving the eggplant an other go (the first ones never really did anything, we think it has something to do with the room temperature. Everything seems to be starting really well, but we're sure we're going to have to rig a shop light over the little buggers soon- we don't want them straining for light too much ... then they won't be as productive as we want them to be.

April 22 is Earth Day this year. That's a Wednesday. I have to work late that night, but should be back in Concord by 6ish. Normally I try to take a few hours every Earth Day to clean up my neighborhood- anyone can join a group who cleans up beaches (I wish I lived closer so I could) ... anyone can find a spot with a clean-up event sponsored by an organization, but if I did that, who would clean up the street I live on? It's not too shabby, don't get me wrong, but there's still trash everywhere since the snow left. Wouldn't my neighbors prefer a clean sidewalk? Another favorite Earth Day effort of mine is finding trash on the trails I frequent in town. For example, when I lived at my parent's house I had access to hundreds of miles of trails. The loop I ran on (about 4 miles) was used heavily by snowmobilers in the winter. So, on Earth Day I would take the dog for a walk on the trails with a garbage bag in hand. Sometimes I ran out of space in the bag before I was done my walk. It's so easy for people to toss beer cans and oil canisters into the trees and forget about them, but the wildlife that thrives there can't forget it's there ... it's gross and it ruins my good time. That 'aint cool.

I'm curious, readers ... what do you do for Earth Day ... any small effort you make on behalf of the planet? What suggestions do you have for other readers? Please comment and let's see what kind of fun stuff we can learn!

I'll be writing later today, to update you on my most current reading venture (courtesy of my good friend Josh Robinson), "Stirring It Up; How to make mone and save the world" by Gary Hirshberg. I want to get a good chunk of it read before I put my opinion of it on you, but so far so good. He has an interesting philosophy (I'll be it a realistic one) of how to change our society's behaviors in regards to consumption and waste. There's still so much to share! Keep checking back!

Happy Monday, ya'll. Looks like the sun is headed for an afternoon nap- here's hoping we get some sunny days this week!
Be green, my friends.
Best,
Say

I promised you sprouts!

... and that's exactly what you'll get!






Look attem! They've grown so fast! Mark is worried they're stretching too much for light, so shop lights are on our to-do list.

Our eggplant isn't cuttin' it so far. I wish I knew why. The three sprouts we got kicked the bucket while we were up north this weekend. Ahh, the great north woods. What a wonderful place to be. My parent's have a camp up there, 2 hours from Concord, and it's been a part of my life since my mom was still Prego with me. I think it's pretty fantastic. Having a space like that to grow up in is part of why the environment means so much to me. If you feel connected to it, you're more apt to want to save it for future generations. That's why I say, "Send your children into the woods! Send them to summer camp! Send them to environmental camp! Show them God's good work and they will grow to appreciate it!"


In other news ... there's a gentlemen who wrote this great book, "Hot, Flat and Crowded." His name is Thomas L. Friedman. There is also a great weekly news magazine out there called "Newsweek."

Ever heard of these two? They're great. Recently, they worked together.

And now we've got this: an article about Mr. Friedman and why we shouldn't be so proud of using the term "Green".

American's are on a green high ... (badum'ching) ... and though the goal right now is to create a level playing field for environmentally friendly products, food, etc., versus the generic, easy stuff we've been raised on, the ULTIMATE goal should be to never have to use the term green at all.

Friedman really is a brilliant voice and I recommend his work to all of you. Another great book to read, that I've mentioned several times in other postings, is "The World Without Us" by Alan Weisman. What an incredible insight into the world ... well, without us.



There are so many great minds working to end our Earthly suffering and so many of those minds are reaching out to us, begging us to change our ways. Sure, if you're reading this you're already of like mind and putting things like this in your psyche will either ...
a) give you a coronary from the sheer guilt induced stress or
b) make you feel like all is lost, since everyone around you isn't bothering to put the work in ...

Regardless of what reaction you get, these ideas are the ones that will save us.

Raise your hand if you've ever felt super overwhelmed about all of this ... like no matter what you do, it won't be worth it 'cause dammit ... no one else is trying!!! Welcome to the environmental movement. It's a hard road, but all of us have to stand together on this.

I badger the hell out of my friends and family just to get them to recycle! RECYCLE! I shouldn't have to, but such is life. It will seem like an up-hill battle, but it is a battle worth fighting. As we see Earth Day around the bend, let's put some muscle into it, shall we??

More soon. Hug them trees like yer life depends on it!
xoxo
Say

To feel green and support the efforts of local journalists!

This is Mark with one of our Mammoth Sunflowers last fall.

This Friday ... just in time for my favorite holiday (one that I think should be a national day off to pick up after ourselves), Earth Day, the Concord Monitor and the wonderful folks involved with the Green Guide have launched ...

::drum roll please::

GREEN GUIDE NH!!! HOORAY!!!

Visit, visit, visit!!! Danielle Kronk (the lady in the know)0 gave me the heads up on this great addition to New Hampshire culture a little while ago and I have to give her and her staff HUGE props for doing such a tremendous job on it.

Well done, ya'll. Gaia is beaming, I can see her ear-to-ear grin now!

Ya' see ... it's folks like Danielle and crew that help to make this state and our communities a better place. Like my friend Suzan Ware Flower, another journalist who doesn't get enough recognition, when writers utilize these spaces- when they seek out platforms for educating their friends and neighbors- we're all a lot better off. They have important things to share and we should be listening.

In another sweet gesture by Danielle- you can reach my blog via the Green Guide web site.


Now, this is super exciting for me. I've been working on this little bloggy-thingy for over a year now. There have been lulls in my postings (specifically during the election and my transition from the Hippo to non-journalistic employment), but this is the best catalyst for me to get back on the band wagon.

To new readers: Let it be known ... sometimes I cuss. Sometimes I get politically charged. Sometimes I digress and get way off topic. Overall, I hope you feel a little more informed ... sometimes get a laugh ... and above all else, I hope you keep reading. ;-)

So, what are we talking about today, with this weather that is just making me itch to put my hands into the soil at the garden plot????

Let's talk GERMINATION.



Mark and I have several plants going ... here they are in order of planting over the past few weeks:

Black Eyed Susans
Catnip
Spearmint
Peppers (New Ace- best kind EVER.)
Eggplant
Broccoli
Zinnias
Azaleas
... and of what else we have, my brain log is weak. There are plenty more along the way, including pumpkins and melons, heirloom tomatoes, and most of the rest goes seed to soil ... summer squash, zucchini, mescaline and mustard greens, rainbow chard, radishes, sunflowers (Teddy Bears, a flower introduced to me by a farm at the Concord Farmer's Market), shelling peas, pole beans ...

::whew!::

We are going to be rolling in the veggies this summer. For those that were following my gardening ventures last summer, you know what a change this kind of variety is for us. For those unaware, Mark and I had much in the way of volume, but little in the way of veggie variety.

31 Tomato plants
20 New Ace peppers
12 Jalapeno plants
Not enough sweet peas
12 Summer Squash
A few gourds (really puny butternut squash)
Some gorgeous marigolds we got from the Fisherville Road prison greenhouse.

To all gardeners who know how vital marigolds are, get the Sunshine variety from the prison greenhouse. I have yet to see a marigold that rivals their vitality and the beauty of their blooms.


This is a shot of them in September, after several frosts ... and they're still kickin' it. Word.

That's about the only greenhouse plant we'll be buying this year, the rest is sitting on a fat kitchen table in my parent's livingroom in Bow. They have huge south facing windows that have allowed us to get some light to the germinating seeds with out running out and buying shop lights to hang over them. So far so good. I'll take pictures this weekend and post them here for all to see. It's quite a set-up ... a bit amateur hour, but we're not looking for awards ... we're just looking for a healthy, vibrant garden this year.

Now, Mark and I have a plot at the Concord Community Gardens. I'm fearful of putting their exact location here because our neighbors and ourselves have had several brushes with theft from our gardens. Yes ... people drive (or walk) to our plots with plastic bags and pick whatever they want from the gardens. One of our neighbors went on a long weekend vacation and came back to find half of his corn crop completely gone ... stolen by the worst thieves of all- the two legged kind. Mark and I spend at least 10 ours a week, almost always more, in our plot and to have our eggplant and herbs stolen was heartbreaking. We put good vibes out there, what kind of Karma would get our hard labor vandalized?? Hopefully this is an issue that will be addressed thanks to the survey sent out by NH DRED with our plot renewal forms. If you happen to bump into DRED at a local farm expo or farmers' market, take the survey and let them know your thoughts on the whole affair- that's how they can make these programs better for all of us.

Well, with all that said I have to be moving on for now. In the mean time, enjoy this gorgeous spring weather!!

Thanks for reading, go hug a tree.
Best,
Say

Watch TED, get your brain fed.

A good friend of mine turned me on to www.TED.com.

And through it I found this talk about using kites to generate electricity through wind power.

I highly recommend adding this to your bookmarks ... something great to open your mind to when you've got some time to kill at the office (not that I kill time while I'm here!).

Hope all is well. It's dark and grey in the world today. I'm really aching for some sunshine and warm air. Even more so, I'm aching for some dinner.

Cheers!