Fashion Victim Sited!!!

Yes, a fashion victim was sited yesterday at the Rite-Aid at the corner of Jones Franklin and Tryon! Very serious issue at hand. This falls under saving the world because no one likes a victim!!! This woman, bless her heart, had on a hunter green baggy t-shirt, black umbro-like shorts, a shiny black shoulder bag, and *gasp* wooden kitty heels in beige. There are serveral things wrong with this situation.

First off, I curse the man who invented the wooden kitty heel. That blot, blot, blot when you're walking drives me mad and they're so unpractical. Why have a shoe that doesn't bend with your natural foot movement? I have a cute pair from Guess that are hot pink with stones but they will forever be barried in my closet, and for good reasons!!

Second, I detest shoulder bags! Some are really cute mind you but the look is very hard to pull off without looking like a mom of three at Disney World! I totally understand that this purse didn't match because she could have gone out the night before and not had the time or energy to switch to something more simple or diverse. I too have been guilty of this on more than one occasion.

I want to go on record stating I am not making fun of this woman. I am from a fashion deprived small southern town and have seen MUCH WORSE! I just had to vent on the situation at hand. You have to keep in mind when you leave the house that people will in fact see you, unless you choose the drive through!

In the words of Paris Hilton (yes, I went there), “The only rule is don't be boring and dress cute wherever you go. Life is too short to blend in.” Amen sister, amen!!!

Repo(we)r America

I've been a member of Repower America for some time. This group is pushing for 100% clean electricity within 10 years. I feel like that's a little unreasonable but it's a good initial idea. I just got an ad emailed to me from their new campaign that's pretty neat!

DH Love Life

I found a link to Daryl Hannah's eco green earth friendly products for sustainable living, also known as love life goods. There is a slew of darling environmentally products listed including a hemp guitar, solar powered boat, compost materials, things for the family & kids, as well as home & body goods (soap, cleaners, etc.)! The products all look like a lot of things I need immediately!!! I don't even have a dog but those treats look scrumptios! I have plenty with friends with dogs, right?! Take a look, if you click around, there are links with information, video blogs, and more about sustainable topics.

Daryl Hannah was recently spotted on June 5th at the World Environment Day celebration in West Hollywood! Very cool scene there.

Waterless Car Washing

Even though we've had monsoon like rain fall this summer, there might be a droughtastic period in our immediate future, especially if these 90 degree days keep up! Well, I came across a waterless car wash system available in this crunch. This is great year round though to conserve water and keep car wash chemicals out of run off. Has anyone already tried something like this? I don't wash my car nearly enough but I think this would be pretty cool. It's not too expensive either! Let me know!!!

Raleigh Event Recycling

Courtesy of one my favorite green girls! Thanks for the update. There's hope for green event planning yet!

Raleigh Recycling can assist you with recycling at your event by lending you recycling containers. ClearStream recycling containers are easy to transport, are clearly labeled, and the transparent bags make them a breeze to monitor materials being placed in the containers. Containers are available on a first come, first serve basis, so make your request early! A maximum of 23 recycling containers are available. If ten or more containers are checked out you may also check out a rolling cart to tranport them on. There are no rental fees, however, if the containers are damaged or not returned you will be billed. We may also be able to provide a recycling truck for collection and/or display and would be happy to have a display table to help educate event visitors.

Green Planning

Reducing waste is much better than recycling or disposing of it. From the start, think green! Let folks know from the very first advertising (flyer, ad, web, etc.) that recycling will be available and to look for it! At the event, use signage and if possible, loud speakers to remind visitors.

• What type of event is it?
• What types of food and beverages will be availalbe? What will they be served in/on? If there are choices, make sure to choose the ones that can be recycled!
• How many vendors will there be? Make your vendors aware that you expect them to recycle and want them to be as waste free as possible.
• Identify which materials can be recycled.
• How many event visitors?
• Do you have sufficient garbage cans? Who will monitor and collect?
• Do you have sufficient recycling containers (at least 1 next to every other garbage can!)? Who will monitor and collect? Our recycling containers are clear allowing the public to clearly see the bin is for recycling so less trash gets in - especially true if you do not have folks staying at each station to direct visitors to the proper container.
• Are the bins clearly labeled? Are you directing visitors to the correct containers? Make them convenient and visible.
• Have you considered composting any of the food waste?

To request ClearStream recycling containers for your event, go to the Related Links frame in the upper right hand corner of this page and click on ClearStream Sign Out Form. On the Publications page, select the document "Sign Out Clear Streams" in either .doc or .pdf format. Complete the form and return it to Raleigh Recycling.

For More Information Contact:
Linda A. Leighton
Waste Reduction Specialist
Solid Waste Services Department
400 West Peace Street
Raleigh, NC 27603
919-996-6890

Zach Tracker

I just got wind of a truly amazing boy, founder of the Little Red Wagon Foundation Inc.!!! His name is Zach, he's only 11, and is walking from his home in Tampa to the Capitol building in D.C. raising awareness of homeless children in America. Statistics say there are 1.3 million children (under the age of 18) homeless. He began his journey on May 11th and next Monday, June 15th he will marching through Raleigh, NC! How cool is that?! According to sources, due to the nature of the event, time and a more specific location have not been decided. As soon as I know more, I will let you know!

Zach has a website and is on Twitter! (: Good luck buddy!!!

Green Planet Catering: Stock the BarN Party!

Host: Green Planet Catering
Where: Marks Creek Farm, 2949 Smithfield Rd. Knightdale, NC US
When: Sunday, June 14, 5:00PM


We would love for you and your family to join us in celebrating our new farm, Marks Creek Farm. This farm will provide much of the produce used in Green Planet Catering's kitchen, sold on-site, and available at local farmer's markets.

Join us for a Crawfish boil, Beef Brisket BBQ and other incredible food from Green Planet. Plan to participate in Field Day games (tug of war, three legged race, etc.)! Sign up to be a volunteer or member of our Farm for Food program.

What to bring? If you have used farm or gardening equipment you'd like to donate...we'll take it! This includes shovels, wheelbarrels, rakes, any useable wood scraps, metal roofing, old storage units...whatever you think would be useful on a sustainable farm (please no PVC products).

**REMEMBER TO SPRAY YOURSELF FOR BUGS BEFORE COMING.
WE DON'T SUPPLY ANY SORT OF INSECTICIDE**

Who can come? ANYONE!

What are the times? From 5pm until sunset. The farm looks back towards the sunset over Raleigh.

PLEASE RSVP FOR A PROPER FOOD COUNT. YOU DONT WANT TO MISS OUT!

RSVP at 919-360-0420

Jacques Cousteau

I read an article online about a Cousteau-inspired research adventure conducted by the Antinea Foundation. I think this is a grand idea. Jacques Cousteau was a huge idol of mine, as I'm sure he is to many marine scientists, and on World Oceans Day, who better to write about? I've read and thoroughly enjoyed some of his books including a biography. When I was in Middle School I wrote this little poem for an English assignment. Enjoy :-P

Jacques Cousteau

Jacques Cousteau could talk to killer whales;

He would feed them fish from silver pails.

In his job he saw many tiger sharks

And electric eels that give off sparks.

He always tried to give to me

Information about the deep blue sea.

Jacques sailed on the Calypso ship

and took pictures of his lengthy trip.

He photographed the ocean bottom,

And when he saw sunken ships, he would plot'em.

Using this, he gave to me

Information about the deep blue sea.

With all of his French Navy skills,

Jacques made movies of underwater seals.

He helped develop many inventions;

Everything he did was with good intentions.

Because he was all he could be,

He knew much about the deep blue sea!

Happy World Oceans Day!

A special day dedicated to helping protect and conserve our world oceans almost gets me as excited as Earth Day! Today is the 17th annual World Oceans Day!



One ocean. One climate. One future.

How can you celebrate?

Get involved! There are many groups you can join whether you donate time or money, every little bit helps.

Get informed! Investigate where your garbage is ending up. Recycle!! Test your ocean knowledge (I scored a 100).

Have children? Here is a list of things the whole family can enjoy!

A Fresh Perspective on Conservancy News

I just got word of a new environmental resource that I'm actually pretty pumped about. It's called Mother Nature News and is located at MNN.com! There are videos and blogs like most sites but this site in particular can be broken down into states. There is a list on the NC page for Top Green Businesses in the areas which I will be reading over before my next trip to a store. There looks to be something here for everyone. This site covers transportation, food (including recipes), technology, home, and even family lifestyle. Take a look around and let me know what you think!!

My favorite section is on the eco-friendly brews & wines. Tell me that's not awesome!!!