tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27033699428202240612023-11-16T03:23:40.781-08:00conserving amyconserving amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10286700880688415923noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703369942820224061.post-51420010546111145032011-05-10T18:02:00.000-07:002011-06-11T14:34:15.221-07:00single-use plastic bag recycling<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwJzx5p_6eVCM4jIC__g9bY_SXGKkmTNpv9J_RAlwafiE4wpPPsK4hUe_Lderbfi3JJl2ePj2DTPVl_nkYgTWNSHx7qGtBOwwtIEIghjXI9PBhfdowSpRFaZeYGWaJPSkYpE32H4mkjGYo/s1600/PlasticBags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="136px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwJzx5p_6eVCM4jIC__g9bY_SXGKkmTNpv9J_RAlwafiE4wpPPsK4hUe_Lderbfi3JJl2ePj2DTPVl_nkYgTWNSHx7qGtBOwwtIEIghjXI9PBhfdowSpRFaZeYGWaJPSkYpE32H4mkjGYo/s320/PlasticBags.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Ditching single-use plastic bags completely will be a challenge.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">(But if you read <a href="http://conservingamy.blogspot.com/2011/05/refuse-to-swim-in-sea-of-single-use.html">my last post</a> you may understand more and more why it’s so bothersome. How can I ignore those stats???) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">When nearly everything in a store is sold wrapped in thin-film plastic, it makes avoiding the nasty stuff really difficult. I mean, look at how many plastic bags our household of three accumulated over the last month or so?!?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">What’s even more disturbing, however, is that these can’t be recycled (in Ventura at least) through curbside pickup.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">EJ Harrison and Gold Coast Recycling used to accept them; but no longer. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">So, if you don’t want to toss them in the trash, you must take them yourself to a local grocer; one that offers a plastic bag drop-off service.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">What you may not know, and what’s important to note, is that many types of plastic bags can be held on to and recycled in this way; not just the typical plastic bags you carry your goods out in!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><a href="http://www.plasticbagrecycling.org/plasticbag/s01_consumers.html">Plasticbagrecycling.org</a> has created a nice list of items acceptable for recycling by most grocery stores. They include: </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Bread bags</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Cereal box liners</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="color: #404040; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Ziploc® Bags</span><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> <span lang="EN"></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Case wrap (snacks, water bottles)</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Newspaper bags</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Dry cleaning bags</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Produce bags</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Toilet paper, napkin and paper towel wraps</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Furniture and electronic wrap</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Plastic retail bags</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">And any clean, dry plastic bags labeled #2 or #4</span></li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">So, how ‘bout a little sharing time. What’s the afterlife like for plastic bags in your household? </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Were you aware they aren’t recycled curbside? Do you save and drop them off at your neighborhood grocery store? Toss them in the garbage? Reuse them as trashcan liners? Avoid them altogether? Never thought about it much before?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Give it a try. Hold on to your plastic bags for a month. The rate at which they accumulate may surprise you! </span></div>conserving amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10286700880688415923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703369942820224061.post-52602047734495124432011-05-03T19:20:00.000-07:002011-05-10T17:26:04.310-07:00refuse to swim in a sea of single-use plastic bags<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEBjdZuWVvFwIcDus4CtilxUt35iHdibTzFMCWzhB7UlrNiFEIpKZ9p2O-k5n14MmxxsjBgxjhDzIYG-ez-M-LKGlNjkaOUxYZRz0KuMW9SPKcIhJaLLqJZ2tM6866lwnsrqMWaoNlIVlS/s1600/ReusableBags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEBjdZuWVvFwIcDus4CtilxUt35iHdibTzFMCWzhB7UlrNiFEIpKZ9p2O-k5n14MmxxsjBgxjhDzIYG-ez-M-LKGlNjkaOUxYZRz0KuMW9SPKcIhJaLLqJZ2tM6866lwnsrqMWaoNlIVlS/s320/ReusableBags.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Creating another sustainable habit!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Reusable bags. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">For Trader Joes runs. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">For Target runs.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">For everything and anything runs. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">And here are some compelling reasons why:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 19.5pt 0pt 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 19.5pt 0pt 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">The average family accumulates 60 plastic bags in only four trips to the grocery store.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 19.5pt 0pt 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 19.5pt 0pt 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">It’s estimated that worldwide plastic bag consumption falls between 500 billion and 1 trillion bags annually. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 19.5pt 0pt 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 19.5pt 0pt 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">That breaks down to almost 1 million every minute.</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 19.5pt 0pt 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 19.5pt 0pt 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">One MILLION. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 19.5pt 0pt 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 19.5pt 0pt 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">EVERY minute. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 19.5pt 0pt 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 19.5pt 0pt 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Only 0.5% to 3% of all those bags wind up recycled.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 19.5pt 0pt 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 19.5pt 0pt 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">A single plastic bag can take up to 1,000 years to degrade and remain toxic even after they break down.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 19.5pt 0pt 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 19.5pt 0pt 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">1,000 years!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 19.5pt 0pt 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 19.5pt 0pt 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Not sure about y’all, but I’m just not alright with draping this planet in plastic. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 19.5pt 0pt 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 19.5pt 0pt 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Solution:</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 19.5pt 0pt 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 19.5pt 0pt 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Reduce and eventually eliminate use of single-use plastic bags.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 19.5pt 0pt 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 19.5pt 0pt 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Gone. Goodbye. Out of my life.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 19.5pt 0pt 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 19.5pt 0pt 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">There are a gazillion products in the world, however, that come wrapped in plastic bags; more on how I’ve been working to solve that problem by creating another sustainable habit in a future post.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 19.5pt 0pt 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 19.5pt 0pt 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">For now, we’re talking those filmy plastic bags typically used for carrying out goods from the store to the car; from the car to the home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 19.5pt 0pt 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 19.5pt 0pt 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">I have reusable totes that I carry around as often as I can, but it hasn’t yet become a habit to keep them easily accessible, at all times. When I forget them……….. And when feasible, I’ll shove purchases into my oversized purse (after paying of course!) to avoid walking out of an establishment with a paper or plastic bag full of guilt and my tail between my legs. But sometimes huge jugs of rice milk and boxes of Barbara’s (gotta love cereal for dinner) just don’t fit in the hobo-style over the shoulder purse. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">But enough is enough. No more half a**ing the reusable bag use. I’ve got to make this a consistent habit. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">I’m off to an alright start; I have two sturdy, reusable bags that serve their purpose each time I think far enough ahead to grab them before walking out the door.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Problem is, sometimes I forget them. And they’re a little stiff which makes keeping one in my purse pretty much impossible. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">So here’s the action plan:</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">You see that bag above? The greenish-white one from Traders? The one that costs a whopping $0.99? </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">I’ve got two of them and they’re both going and staying in the trunk of my car.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Will be purchasing two more this week to add to my stash. Maybe in a different design to mix it up a bit. This will hopefully solve the problem of bringing bags into the house and forgetting to bring them back out which creates the ultimate problem; finding myself on an impulse shopping trip without bags and too much food to fit in my purse.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">However. If I find myself without a car, without any of my four bags and in need of a carrying apparatus, I’ll be purchasing at least one of these bad boys:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://www.reuseit.com/store/reuseit-workhorse-original-bluesign-fabric-p-2391.html#product_details">The reuseit™ Bluesign Workhorse</a> - it folds into its own mini-sack attached inside the bag. Once stuffed into its pouch, it measures only 4" x 3" x 2," easily fitting into the palm of your hand and small enough to stash in a purse or pocket. Weighing in at only 1.5 ounces, these lightweights perform like champs. Each bag opens into a heavy-duty, water- and mildew-resistant 19"x 16" x 6" sack and holds up to 25 lbs. With this Workhorse, you may never have to take a plastic shopping bag again. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">That’s right! Never again. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Taking on the challenge with me? Live in the </span><place><city><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Ventura</span></city><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">, </span><state><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">California</span></state></place><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"> area and want to combine orders? Get a few Workhorses on the same ticket? Message me a.s.a.p. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Not ready for the challenge? <span style="font-size: small;"><strong>Hold on to those plastic bags then.</strong></span> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Yes, all of them. Upcoming post will share some responsible, eco-friendly ways to be rid of them. </span>conserving amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10286700880688415923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703369942820224061.post-13330007144047502692011-04-13T11:40:00.000-07:002011-04-13T11:45:44.000-07:00earth day, every day<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQORd45tzLnDcokGPpVi6yCtCvYCzqP7SvvnI3aMTTVGG_kJPLwWSIAJotKfV8uqV7wVl7ndedn8xighOJiD_I1N1B-lyTfgU12sjlN9W3vmgzk3gsF4Z1-8jkf9Qgbww-YglTJBx3qG-q/s1600/EarthDay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQORd45tzLnDcokGPpVi6yCtCvYCzqP7SvvnI3aMTTVGG_kJPLwWSIAJotKfV8uqV7wVl7ndedn8xighOJiD_I1N1B-lyTfgU12sjlN9W3vmgzk3gsF4Z1-8jkf9Qgbww-YglTJBx3qG-q/s1600/EarthDay.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit: <a href="http://www.venturacharterschool.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=219&Itemid=634">Ventura's Earth Day Eco Fest</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
How will you be celebrating Earth Day?!?!?<br />
<br />
If you're in or around the Ventura County area, there are plenty of events to check out!<br />
<br />
Here are just a few:<br />
<br />
Friday, April 15 - <a href="http://www.conejovalleyguide.com/local-events/earth-day-resource-expo-at-simi-valley-town-center-on-friday.html">Earth Day Resource Expo at Simi Valley Town Center</a><br />
Saturday, April 16 - <a href="http://www.cityofventura.net/event/earth-day-beach-cleanup">Ventura Earth Day Beach Cleanup</a><br />
Saturday, April 16 - <a href="http://www.venturacharterschool.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=219&Itemid=634">Ventura's Earth Day Eco Fest</a><br />
Saturday & Sunday, April 16 & 17 - <a href="http://www.sbearthday.org/">Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival</a><br />
Sunday, April 17 - <a href="http://www.cityofventura.net/event/arroyo-verde-park-cleanup-5">Arroyo Verde Park Cleanup</a><br />
Sunday, April 17 - <span style="color: #0066cc;"><u><a href="http://www.earthdaycamarillo.com/">2nd Annual Earth Day Event at Camarillo Community Center</a></u></span><br />
Sunday, April 17 - <span style="color: #0066cc;"><u><a href="http://earthdaywhalefest.org/">Earth Day Whale Fest at Leo Carrillo State Park</a></u></span><br />
Friday, April 22 - <span style="color: #0066cc;"><u><a href="http://www.conejovalleyguide.com/local-events/earth-day-celebration-at-legacy-park-in-malibu-on-friday-apr.html">Earth Day Celebration in Malibu</a></u></span><br />
Saturday, April 23 - <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Green-Business-Ventura-Expo/200675406611516?sk=wall">Ventura's Green Business Expo at the WAV</a><br />
Saturday, April 23 - <a href="http://www.ojaiearthday.com/">Earth Play Ojai</a><br />
Saturday & Sunday, April 22 & 23 - <span style="color: #0066cc;"><u><a href="http://www.topangaearthday.org/">12th Annual Topanga Earth Day Celebration</a></u></span><br />
Saturday, April 30 - <span style="color: #0066cc;"><u><a href="http://www.toaks.org/arbor">14th Annual Arbor/Earth Day Event in Thousand Oaks</a></u></span><br />
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Have I missed any of your favorites?conserving amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10286700880688415923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703369942820224061.post-47218646859180214392011-04-11T17:33:00.000-07:002011-04-11T17:46:33.273-07:00let the composting begin...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyCSDcZJfSU2l_5du0DxjNrnnjUldWAiN0TBWCHvG5qj0TJD1zLPh4fRCu4KKxnQqL17O2Lzm32F0oPIz16NOVdJTJYqhXXdC9BIDtIzJ7RMcTWUPTi7cwNxjSip2vWjjV1TPaXjnLW9j/s1600/ArroyoCowPoop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="75" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyCSDcZJfSU2l_5du0DxjNrnnjUldWAiN0TBWCHvG5qj0TJD1zLPh4fRCu4KKxnQqL17O2Lzm32F0oPIz16NOVdJTJYqhXXdC9BIDtIzJ7RMcTWUPTi7cwNxjSip2vWjjV1TPaXjnLW9j/s400/ArroyoCowPoop.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks to Master Gardener Lugo for helping me harvest cow poop.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Headed to Arroyo Verde Park over the weekend and hiked up the trails to grab some precious nitrogen rich material. Thankfully the sun had been shining a few days after the rains. A good thing because I was not prepared to handle any sludgy messes. These cow pies were perfectly baked on the outside, fresh on the inside.<br />
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Some revealed tiny creatures hidden underneath. <br />
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A sure sign of what's to come... Makes my skin crawl.<br />
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Ventured off to Lugo's next to tour his beautiful, extensive backyard garden. <br />
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Wow. He knows how to grow stuff; and he grows it well.<br />
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He was kind enough to share some green thumb secrets along with a massive bag of straw to help aerate my new compost pile.<br />
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Then it was off to my own backyard. Time to start filling the compost bin.<br />
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Here's what we started with:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYRne_xmTNIOjYIX_vSMP1V17cV_oPgoue7_64U6R3dfDPn7TQ1S5AT7Faw8NMUHmYG0DT9FH6BE4md-YI0nmy5u6kVkk30OWFC968UeLpX-J80TTGiZlzX12-m3_hkFumLXs0PVys4tMg/s1600/CompostIngrediants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYRne_xmTNIOjYIX_vSMP1V17cV_oPgoue7_64U6R3dfDPn7TQ1S5AT7Faw8NMUHmYG0DT9FH6BE4md-YI0nmy5u6kVkk30OWFC968UeLpX-J80TTGiZlzX12-m3_hkFumLXs0PVys4tMg/s400/CompostIngrediants.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Straw from Lugo.<br />
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Cow poop from Arroyo.<br />
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Shredded paper from Mom's super secret documents. <br />
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Grass from CSUCI. Thanks to the guys at Iron Wood Hall who mow campus lawns for offering up a whole bunch of green waste.<br />
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Checked on things yesterday and it looks alright. <br />
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Collecting food scraps under the kitchen sink to add to the pile in a few days, at which point I'll probably add some additional dry ingredients and give it all a good turn.<br />
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Don't think a first batch will be ready in time for tomato planting, but we'll see.<br />
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We will see.<br />
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New to composting as well? Not sure what to add? <a href="http://eartheasy.com/grow_compost.html">Here's another site</a> with a list of ready-to-use carbon and nitrogen rich material. Thanks Franky. <br />
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Questions? Have a resource you'd like to share? Leave a comment! <br />
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Else I'll send a few potato bugs to find you........conserving amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10286700880688415923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703369942820224061.post-29588928613323992902011-04-03T12:23:00.000-07:002011-04-04T14:59:12.774-07:00composting; more an experiment, less a science <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilIWOt2FIXb-5p5cHK1MGzCG3yavYV763xa6wOynLDT8rULNGuBhBZLQJYp3iQ14iwLEAUgRKVDauEd3wcc7k2_tYiW2va2vjnh56AxX0RB0hNYehyphenhyphenZqa-GZLSYaPWuKB5Y52172xOXbmL/s1600/CompostAmy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="158" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilIWOt2FIXb-5p5cHK1MGzCG3yavYV763xa6wOynLDT8rULNGuBhBZLQJYp3iQ14iwLEAUgRKVDauEd3wcc7k2_tYiW2va2vjnh56AxX0RB0hNYehyphenhyphenZqa-GZLSYaPWuKB5Y52172xOXbmL/s400/CompostAmy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Sharon Smith</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Woooooooooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhoooooooooooooooooooo!</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> <div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Finally. </span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Bought a compost bin. Only minor assembly required. </span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">And attended a workshop for a little push / support. </span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">The number ONE thing I learned and wish to share with you if you’re even <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">slightly</i> considering trying to compost: </span></b></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">It’s not a science. It’s an experiment.</span></i><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> </span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Tend to it every day or leave it alone for a six month period and you’ll likely come out with about the same results. </span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Awesome. </span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Keeping a compost alive will be far easier with my green thumb than keeping a garden alive. My mom’s the expert at that one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">So here’s the quick rundown; starter facts I walked away with: </span></b></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Get (or make) a bin.</span></b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> Purchase one through your city or just search for one online. They’ve got basic containers where you use your human strength to turn the soil with a good ‘ole fashioned pitchfork, drum-like bins that turn with a handle and some that aerate themselves, doing all the work for you.</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Set up</span></b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">your bin</b> in a spot with half shade and half sunlight. </span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Fill it up in layers.</span></b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> One third of the contents should be carbon material (brown leaves or newspaper) and two thirds should be nitrogen-rich (green grass clippings, kitchen scraps, coffee grounds AND filters, manure from non meat-eating animals). There are items you absolutely should NOT put in compost such as human/cat/dog feces, wet grass, meat, fats, bones, fish, dairy, cooking oil, anything with salad dressing… <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Moisture and air are important!</span></b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> Keep your compost moist by watering it one to two times a week (not too much though as over watering kills the compost so you’ll have to start over)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>as well as aerated by turning it frequently. Didn’t I tell ya? Not a science…</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">5. <strong>If it's steaming, it's working!</strong> Just a good sign that bacteria and organisms are doing their job and breaking stuff down. </span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">That’s it!</span></b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> Can take as little as two months to see some finished product!</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Move your compost bin after each cycle. </span></b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">The bottom is open to the earth, constantly feeding it nutrients. So share the goods with as much of your garden as possible by moving it around. </span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">The part I’m not looking forward to most: bugs.</span></b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> I was assured that they will come. And potentially some other critters. Ants MUST be kept away; too many and you’ve got to throw it out. Worms that wiggle their way in are fine, as are those annoying gnats that are bound to frequent your compost spot. To lesson all these guys’ presence, however, chop up food scraps and cover with compost as opposed to just dropping them in. Then put a lid on it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">There are millions of sites on the ‘how-to’ of composting but here are two that I like: </span></b></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><a href="http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/composting-for-dummies-cheat-sheet.html">Composting For Dummies</a></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><a href="http://www.recyclenow.com/home_composting/making_compost/step_by_step.html">Recycle now – Making Compost</a> (I’m sure I’ll be visiting this one frequently)</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">And there you have it.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Now it’s off to compost. I’ll post progress every now and then, in between highlights of the other sustainable habits we’ve been creating around here. If you already compost or are looking to start, would love to hear about your tips and tricks or progress…</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Alright. Time to get dirty.</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>conserving amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10286700880688415923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703369942820224061.post-4950155120869709682011-03-30T10:02:00.000-07:002011-04-01T14:08:46.319-07:00composting – on our way to zero waste<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjok6v9jBRWw6P4F7Tc1RvB6iiEdkGWPpssyGvFPGlwxJur8XqKdxz3Cm09qfd4BQi3qD6ByQR8yUdFfGTuwMBWi8DHmhTMnG3mjtJ0GCscTqZPAG1D9lEiWuTQIYlWOsS7EuxNOsLmhqsX/s1600/Compost.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjok6v9jBRWw6P4F7Tc1RvB6iiEdkGWPpssyGvFPGlwxJur8XqKdxz3Cm09qfd4BQi3qD6ByQR8yUdFfGTuwMBWi8DHmhTMnG3mjtJ0GCscTqZPAG1D9lEiWuTQIYlWOsS7EuxNOsLmhqsX/s200/Compost.jpg" width="164" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cleanairgardening/518559738/">Cleanairgardening</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Composting:</strong> <br />
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The recycling of organic material (food scraps, leaves, and grass) to be turned into a valuable soil amendment, used to enhance gardens, potted plants, and lawns.<br />
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Stats show that around 25% of U.S. municipal solid waste can be composted and used beneficially, rather than rotting in a landfill. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
<strong>Putting it in perspective:</strong> <br />
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A typical household throws away an estimated 474 pounds of food waste each year. <br />
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That’s about 1.5 pounds per person, per day in the States. <br />
<br />
These food scraps could theoretically be piled on a football field more than five miles high.<br />
<br />
Five MILES high. <br />
<br />
In a household of three women, we generate one 13 gallon bag of trash per week, down from nearly twice, sometimes three times that just a few months ago. I'd guess that about 10 gallons are food scraps. <br />
<br />
Zero waste. <br />
<br />
That’s the goal.<br />
<br />
The next sustainable habit to start come Saturday: <br />
<br />
Composting.<br />
<br />
If you’re in the Ventura area and you too want to enter into the complex world of composting or just learn a bit more about it, hit up the <br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>FREE Composting Workshop</strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Saturday, April 2, 2011<br />
At </strong></span><a href="http://www.supergarden.com/ventura-green-thumb-international.php"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Green Thumb Nursery</strong></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong> in Ventura<br />
1899 South Victoria Avenue<br />
From 10 to 11am</strong><br />
<br />
Refreshments and prizes will be provided. <br />
<br />
But everyone will have an opportunity to leave a winner because Green Thumb will be selling compost bins for over 50 percent off. <br />
<br />
50 PERCENT OFF!<br />
<br />
And those things full price can cost a pretty penny.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><a href="http://www.cityofventura.net/files/public_works/maintenance_services/environmental_services/resources/Trash_Flash_Bin%20Coupon_June_2004.pdf"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here’s your coupon</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. Print it out and bring it in. It's pretty much good for forever.<br />
<br />
What a steal. <br />
<br />
Hope to see you there.</span></span>conserving amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10286700880688415923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703369942820224061.post-61297369340888984712011-03-28T22:05:00.000-07:002011-03-28T22:09:06.847-07:00so right so smart; the power of one and the power of many influencing corporate environmental sustainability<div style="text-align: center;"><object height="195" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/eqDfs1xTxGY&rel=0&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/eqDfs1xTxGY&rel=0&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="320" height="195"></embed></object></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">This evening…</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">I left my comfort zone to attend a monthly meeting of the <a href="http://usgbcc4.clubwizard.com/About.cfm">U.S. Green Building Council’s California Central Coast Chapter</a> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">and found myself in a room full of industry experts, some who have been in the business of sustainability since long before I could likely pronounce the word, </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">unknowing of the rather unique opportunity that awaited me. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><a href="http://www.videoproject.com/sorightsosmart.html">So Right So Smart</a>.</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">An amazing documentary available to few (unfortunately) about Ray Anderson of <a href="http://www.interfaceglobal.com/Sustainability/Sustainability-in-Action.aspx">Interface Inc.</a></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8.5pt;">, </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">a man who transformed his business, his industry, his life to be more sustainable and as a result, more profitable in exponential ways, </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">enriching, motivating, changing the world around him.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">The film is a true testament that the transformative acts of</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">one</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">plus one</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">plus one</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">plus one</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">can literally change the way the world works. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">A reminder that corporations have the resources and the capability to lesson our cumulative impact on the environment. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">And that, through the power of OUR almighty dollar, through our purchasing decisions, we determine the directions in which big business head:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">toward conservation </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">or </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">devastation. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">The message is less, not more. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Demanding responsible products and practices from companies we choose to support.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Raise your brow, raise your voice. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Educate yourself and become more aware.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">The waste we produce doesn’t simply disappear. Just because it’s out of sight and out of mind doesn’t mean it’s out of landfills and ground water and oceans and air. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">For the future of our planet and our generations, we must be mindful of what lives our products and packaging will have when we’re through with them. If the purchase is necessary but can’t be recycled or reused, get creative by finding another brand or an alternative solution. No alternatives? Take a moment to contact the company CEO, demanding eco-conscious changes. Holler enough and they’ll listen because they need you and your dollars to survive. Ray listened. And took action, recruiting <a href="http://www.interfaceglobal.com/Sustainability/Partners.aspx">experts in the field</a> and those in his circle of influence to help him create a powerful movement, one that continues to be recognized and emulated by businesses in every industry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">In the end, we must never forget that this is a shared journey within a shared world that we will one day be leaving to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://blog.ted.com/2009/02/04/tomorrows_child/">Tomorrow’s Child</a></i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>conserving amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10286700880688415923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703369942820224061.post-78001500730014679972011-03-21T07:47:00.000-07:002011-03-21T07:55:42.724-07:00waste diversion in public spaces<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4zhrcI9U0Tks4UdOjolSYxHeCTVOZFO6-yuNGoWH7QKiEBhAiuJoWlHGS3ocWoSkwFXnLwOB83YXL3Xru4DUoT060ym7H1lHwXbmqi88oKSy3b0tXL13BDUF2NR8nhG22bYlf4y3WryIX/s1600/recycledowntown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4zhrcI9U0Tks4UdOjolSYxHeCTVOZFO6-yuNGoWH7QKiEBhAiuJoWlHGS3ocWoSkwFXnLwOB83YXL3Xru4DUoT060ym7H1lHwXbmqi88oKSy3b0tXL13BDUF2NR8nhG22bYlf4y3WryIX/s1600/recycledowntown.jpg" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
I frequent <a href="http://www.downtownventura.org/">Downtown <city><place>Ventura</place></city></a> a few times a week. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">And each trip home, I stop at the same light, stare at the same advertisement for Hollywood Fitness, think about how I should really get my derriere to the gym and ponder the need for such a boxy structure to display this mini-billboard. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">This was my thought process; for weeks. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Until one day... </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">While conducting research for a super secret project, I came in contact with a woman from <a href="http://www.keepcabeautiful.org/">Keep California Beautiful</a>. In short, I learned her organization had partnered with Creative Outdoor Advertising, which in turn began contracting with communities in <state><place>California</place></state> to include recycling bins as part of their streetscaping infrastructure.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><city><place>Ventura</place></city> was one of those communities. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">I pulled over to take a look at the Hollywood Fitness billboard thing. And sure enough, on the other side, were two openings;</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">One for trash.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">And one for recycling. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Wonder how long it would’ve taken, had I not connected with the KCB lady, for me to realize we had all of these new waste separation containers lining Main Street, encouraging passersby to become more mindful, consciously considering where they dispose of what. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Apparently over 1000 recycling units have been installed across 200 communities. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">We’ve got 20. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Have to say I’m a little disappointed it took this series of events to become aware of the little changes happening in my city; the ones that can potentially have a huge impact if enough are more attentive than I.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Curious. Is it just me? Have you noticed them? Used them? Like them? Feel indifferent about them? Want to see more of them?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Must say, it’s nice to know I’ll never need to shove bottles in my purse for recycling at home… When I’m wandering around downtown anyway. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>conserving amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10286700880688415923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703369942820224061.post-29853754286445948402011-03-16T08:49:00.000-07:002011-03-21T07:48:47.268-07:00harnessing the power of the sun; is it really that hard to go solar?<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">It’s difficult to write about creating sustainable habits (and go about day-to-day-life for that matter) when the world is grieving for lost lives in the wake of a horrendous natural disaster, scrambling to pick up broken pieces at the source as well as waiting in anticipation for the worse that may still be yet to come. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">I’m talking earthquake, tsunami… and the threat of nuclear meltdown.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Then I came upon this little FB post from a fan page I follow:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span class="messagebody2"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><em>Energy tip: it's not "clean" if it gives you cancer.</em></span></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Which made me think, ‘Yeah, you're right, it can’t be clean if it gives your cancer; so why are we ok with fueling our lives using stuff that gives us cancer?’ </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Though we’re not all scientists, engineers and physicists, we are still some mighty powerful people that share this place we call earth. And until we start demanding – I mean really making a fuss for – truly clean, renewable, sustainable energy, we will continue to face an eventual need to pop iodine pills and pull out that nuclear suit gathering dust in the hall closet.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">One of the most tangible and fairly immediate ways, I believe, to begin removing ourselves from the grasp of filthy fuels is to go: </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Solar. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">But it’s expensive. Involved. Complicated. Confusing. Overwhelming. Unattractive. Slow to return.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Yeah, maybe. But it beats cancer. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">If you’re in the market for solar, (hell, if you’re just thinking about considering being in the market for solar) you might take a look at these guys…</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><a href="http://1bog.org/">One Block Off the Grid</a> leverages the power in numbers to negotiate solar group discounts for interested homeowners. Advisers help explain the process and guide you along the way. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Wait a minute. I’m not the expert here. I’ll let them do the explaining.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Note: Think solar’s boring? Does anticipation of technical terms to come drive you to dreamland? Well this video isn’t short on humor and it won’t make you sleepy. Take five minutes to learn something new and giggle along the way. You deserve it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="225" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/16444388" width="400"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>conserving amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10286700880688415923noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703369942820224061.post-18941286697848808762011-02-13T21:38:00.000-08:002011-02-13T21:38:39.093-08:00volunteering conundrumI admit this post is just a tad off topic... But needed to get this out there. Somewhere.<br />
<br />
Attended an event over the weekend, hosted by a local environmental non-profit and overheard a fellow attendee make an interesting statement that went something like this:<br />
<br />
<em>You know, there are a lot of people out there loosing their jobs right now and they just need something to keep them busy, keep them from gettin' depressed. What better way than to volunteer, to help people.</em> <br />
<br />
Volunteering.<br />
<br />
Do you do it?<br />
<br />
If so, why do you volunteer?<br />
<br />
Because you're unemployed? Because it makes you feel better about yourself? Because it benefits society?<br />
<br />
I'll go first.<br />
<br />
Yes, I do it; volunteer. For a few local organizations.<br />
<br />
I volunteer because I currently have the time and the resources and the support system to do so. <br />
<br />
I am also one of those people currently out of work. When I'm not revising resumes, screening job listings and harassing hiring managers, I've got a little time to spare. But I look at volunteering as more than a way to fill it and more than a way to give back to the community that's helped raise me. Rather, I see it as an immediate and impactful opportunity to make connections with leaders and individuals in my field of interest. They say you should associate with those you wish to emulate.<br />
<br />
Wonder sometimes if that reason alone is too self-serving. Or is it acceptable if volunteering is helping others while helping ourselves? Does it achieve the same good in the end? <br />
<br />
Ok, your turn.<br />
<br />
Why do you volunteer?<br />
<br />
And if circumstances keep you from doing it, why <em>would</em> you?conserving amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10286700880688415923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703369942820224061.post-85024628538581788372011-02-08T07:35:00.000-08:002011-02-08T07:35:53.596-08:00reusable cup both recycled and recyclable? sold!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglflAhQiVS2gmw2clt66A-Dp9xW3G35WuCX3AZlQhvcwvksNaidnybsz3MZU_s3Yk4WDZxaqZMySAk0EiHokeN8sA8764b1t0Hin0Epjdt9mJB1o5sJk_NKsSWOHLXMjUiPyzr6o0DjKqP/s1600/Tumbler1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglflAhQiVS2gmw2clt66A-Dp9xW3G35WuCX3AZlQhvcwvksNaidnybsz3MZU_s3Yk4WDZxaqZMySAk0EiHokeN8sA8764b1t0Hin0Epjdt9mJB1o5sJk_NKsSWOHLXMjUiPyzr6o0DjKqP/s320/Tumbler1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Found it.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The sixteen ounce Transform Recycled & Recyclable Mug in Fern (read ‘funky lime green’) from Aladdin’s Sustain line.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Spent $9.99 at Target® last week for <a href="http://www.shopaladdin-pmi.com/detail/TCL+10-01086-001"><span style="color: purple;">this snazzy mug</span></a>. Truth be told, I haven’t put it down since. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Here’s why I like it… and no, I won’t be bashful about the fact that I’m a buyer attracted to color and cause-related marketing… </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN;">It’s bold. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN;">I chose a vibrant green, but </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Target®</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> had a few in ‘bubble-gumball blue’ (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">please</i> don’t try asking anyone in a red shirt and khaki pants for a reusable coffee mug in this color - that’s just what it looked like to me) and one in brown, perfect for hiding proof you used your mug a few days prior and failed to wash it out. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN;">It’s recycled and recyclable.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Yup, this is what did it. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN;">‘Use it. Love it. Recycle it. Begin again.’ The mug is made with eCycle</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">®, Aladdin’s proprietary mix of recycled plastics. Ninety-seven percent recycled food grade polypropylene containing twenty-five percent post consumer content makes this mug (sans lid) recyclable where number five plastic is collected. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Car-cup friendly. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Tried it. It’s true. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Dishwasher safe. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> Sounds a</span>wesome. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Microwave safe. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Neat idea. Not sure how it holds up though; the insulation has kept my drinks hot for well over an hour or until they’re gone. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Leak-proof.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">So far anyway. Have yet to turn the thing full of liquid on its head. If you want me to though, I will. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Because the above factors were all I needed to positively influence my purchasing decision (and I would allow them to again and again) I could care a little bit less about the one and only teeny-tiny little nuance in functionality that I realized recently was <a href="http://www1.epinions.com/review/Aladdin_Sustain_Recycled_Recyclable_Tumbler_epi/content_470298037892"><span style="color: purple;">noticed by another user / reviewer</span></a>. Thought it was just me. It doesn't deter me from my mug. Not a stitch. But I got a good laugh. You might too.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">In the end, for ten bucks and not a whole lot of research on a quick buy, I’d say I made out pretty well… </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN;">first few uses of the reusable cup</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">On Saturday, I hit up </span><city><place><span style="font-family: Arial;">Palermo</span></place></city><span style="font-family: Arial;">’s on my way to Farmers’ Market downtown (getting a head-start on a future sustainable habit!) and stood behind a woman with my same tumbler in the ‘gumball blue.’ So interesting how we start ‘seeing’ the things we were never ‘seeing’ before they gained importance in our lives, for one reason or another.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Forgot to remove my lid but the woman behind the counter surprisingly did it for me. No big deal. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><city><place><span style="font-family: Arial;">Palermo</span></place></city><span style="font-family: Arial;"> doesn’t offer a discount when you bring in your own cup, but that wouldn’t keep me from returning with it. I felt so proud taking this one small step; walking out with my Americano, knowing I’d be leaving nothing physical of it behind. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Walked around Farmers’ for a good forty-five. Drove home. Watered mom’s plants. Coffee was still surprisingly hot. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Sunday I stopped at Barnes and Noble to work on a massive homework assignment. Took my tumbler up to the Starbucks counter; remembered this time to remove my own lid. The cup was clean from the day before, but what do you know! The barista offered to rinse it out. Like magic.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And ten cents off my tea made it taste that much sweeter.</span> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Alright. I think I’ve dug the introduction of this reusable coffee cup habit deep into the ground, so it’s time to move on. I’ll return to the topic every now and then… When I slip up, am having some difficulty maintaining the habit or when something incredibly hilarious happens. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Habit number two to come very soon. And this one may be a little something for just the ladies... <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>conserving amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10286700880688415923noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703369942820224061.post-53293407220318776262011-02-02T14:03:00.000-08:002011-02-02T14:07:50.566-08:00breaking the bad paper-coffee-cup-on-the-go habit<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Why put myself through the perceived difficulties of bringing my own tumbler <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">everywhere</i> I go? </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">(If you want to skip my rambling, check out this quick video for a few compelling reasons…) </span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><object height="195" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/AlfszjapNb8&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/AlfszjapNb8&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="320" height="195"></embed></object></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Discovered via <a href="http://www.sustainabilityissexy.com/blog">Sustainability is Sexy</a></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The answer’s plain and simple: a majority of paper cups can’t be recycled. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The ones from most coffee shops, that is. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I’ll use Starbucks as an example, only because it’s the mammoth leader, the monstrous giant, the one company known the whole world round for coffee.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Currently, Starbucks paper cups are made from 10% post-consumer recycled fiber. That, however, does NOT mean the cup can be recycled. Yet. There apparently are plans to introduce a <a href="http://www.starbucks.com/blog/used-paper-cups-become-new-again"><span style="color: purple;">cup by 2015 that will be 100% reusable</span></a>. But until then, off to the landfill they go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN;">True, there are some chains, like Tully’s, that offer 100% compostable paper cups. Trouble is, they should actually be <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">composted</i> to be broken down most effectively. Otherwise, these cups are off to the landfill as well. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Here’s a really great resource on all things related to (in the blogger’s words) ‘eco-friendly coffee drinking’: <a href="http://www.sustainabilityissexy.com/blog/?tag=compostable"><span style="color: purple;">Sustainability is Sexy</span></a>. This linked article delves way deeper than I ever could into the current state of the paper coffee cup. Check it out… I mean, how could you not? Just the blog title’s enticing. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN;">So when it comes to paper cups, since recycling’s not an option and reusing just isn’t practical, reducing (eliminating actually) will be the way to go. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Bought a tumbler and am pretty darn excited to use it. Feature to come on the next blog post. And don’t you worry. I’ve stayed true to my promise and haven’t purchased coffee-to-go since announcing this commitment... </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Home-brewing instead. </span></div>conserving amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10286700880688415923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703369942820224061.post-81152043883546561762011-02-01T13:50:00.000-08:002011-02-02T14:08:53.959-08:00hot coffee cups on the go – paper or plastic?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFN_FiweAN6uJax-FRATNz5CR6TA79SVEtV37ZjsZ9Xpvns118ercxY5hSkAf5ruhihNsKbqseGBuj7ERRS8QiSu_ObSch3GEXyvlvln6rxiW7xv7MCqrwBd7pDzymW7Z31XZEKxMWodVN/s1600/PaperCups.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFN_FiweAN6uJax-FRATNz5CR6TA79SVEtV37ZjsZ9Xpvns118ercxY5hSkAf5ruhihNsKbqseGBuj7ERRS8QiSu_ObSch3GEXyvlvln6rxiW7xv7MCqrwBd7pDzymW7Z31XZEKxMWodVN/s320/PaperCups.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Reusable coffee cups. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Starbucks, Peet’s, Coffee Bean, </span><city><place><span style="font-family: Arial;">Palermo</span></place></city><span style="font-family: Arial;">; they’ll all gladly pour coffee into one.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">They create less waste and usually save a few nickels on each drink purchase… </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">So why has it been so hard for me to start? </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Conserving finances keeps me from actually purchasing a reusable cup.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Pretty POSITIVE I’ll consistently forget it in the sink at home. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Could keep my cup in the car after each use, but think I’ll have a hard time giving a dirty one over to the barista behind the counter. Paranoia will have me reeling; wondering if she thinks I’m a nasty, unsanitary, slob of a coffee drinker.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">And sometimes I car-hop. Which means I’d have to make that extra mental effort (do any of us really need more... stuff to remember?!?) to be sure I have my cup when I head out. Just in case. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Alright. There you have it. Reasons I continue to buy coffee in (typically) non-recyclable, non-biodegradable, non-compostable paper cups. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Stinginess. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Absentmindedness. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Fear of being judged. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>And just being plain lazy. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">And here are reasons why I’ve decided to take steps toward my <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">first sustainable habit: purchasing and consistently using a reusable coffee cup</b> (or tumbler they’re sometimes called). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">We’re talking about a one-time purchase of ten-or-so dollars here. This really isn’t a bad investment; most coffee shops offer discounts to patrons who bring in their own cups. Though it’s usually only small change (Starbucks discounts something like ten cents), small change adds up! (Side note: Don’t do the math… You’d have to buy a ton of tall Americano’s just to break even on the money you save bringing in your own cup. But in theory, you’ll eventually get there!) </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I’m 27 years old. It’s about time I got over giving a hoot about what others thought about me. I won’t forget my cup in the sink, because I’ll keep it in my car, hand it over the counter with pride and tip the barista the money I saved bringing in my own dishware as a ‘thank you’ for rinsing it out using the fancy upward-shooting-water-contraption-thing that makes washing the inside of coffee shop cups super easy. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">And the car-hopping… So perhaps I’ll invest in two? Or maybe there’s some innovative cup model out there functional or collapsible enough to keep in my bag of a purse?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The challenge seems a bit overwhelming.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">This means ZERO paper coffee cups for me (hopefully for the rest of forever). </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">If I do forget my reusable one, misplace it or leave it at home; no coffee to-go. </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Making my cup a part of me, like my purse, will be essential. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">But breaking this down into steps is slowly increasing confidence in feasibility. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Just have to focus on taking one small step a day. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">First is to find the perfect tumbler. Next is to avoid buying coffee until I do. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Coming up, I’ll share my purchase decision(s) with you. As well as what motivated me to make this change. That’s an eye-opening one. Don’t miss it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">In the meantime, anybody out there already made this a habit? Any tips for those just starting out? Funny stories? Something to look forward to? Would love to hear!</span></div>conserving amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10286700880688415923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703369942820224061.post-16164399864230531082011-01-28T13:38:00.000-08:002011-01-28T20:08:10.001-08:00eco-conscious habits: identifying, implementing and increasing daily acts of sustainability<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRROJRkxt-G72y2TT3y8VertUICiq4QLeLIsNnEqUlCf2LbE7pF9r66WFZap-32WqLPQFtu76AjHxv426ky9hpW6O8kEncd0iufb2ILrm4kWpEKzUN-I8WnwHxagYCi6bTNj-JNOAcx2L1/s1600/small+steps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRROJRkxt-G72y2TT3y8VertUICiq4QLeLIsNnEqUlCf2LbE7pF9r66WFZap-32WqLPQFtu76AjHxv426ky9hpW6O8kEncd0iufb2ILrm4kWpEKzUN-I8WnwHxagYCi6bTNj-JNOAcx2L1/s320/small+steps.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">here's to steps, big and small</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">It's possible you all are wondering how this is going to work out.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">In all honesty, I'm wondering too. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">But I’ve come to a simple resolution that I’m pretty confident will help make these challenges a reality: start small.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The goal here is not necessarily to uproot my entire life and disrupt the daily routine by making a million behavioral changes in the name of going green. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Rather, the primary focus is to choose one eco-conscious habit I would like to adopt and take adopting it one step at a time. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I’ll identify a challenge on the blog and try to best explain why the issues surrounding it are so important – to me, to you and to our future existence. I’ll candidly explore what about my mindset or actions or previously held beliefs have prevented me from embracing the desired behavior thus far. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Then, I’ll strategize ways to remove or work around the mental and physical obstacles which have plagued me in the past.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Next, I’ll implement them; the strategies. Do one thing, each day toward making the ideal habit a more full-fledged part of me.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Once I feel I have an alright handle on things, once I’ve had a taste of success and have repeated those success-inducing-actions repeatedly… I’ll identify the next challenge, incorporating it in with the others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Manageability is the key. I want to avoid become so overwhelmed I give up before I even begin; there’s A LOT to be done. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">So here’s to taking those first small steps… toward all goals. Whatever they may be!</span></div>conserving amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10286700880688415923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703369942820224061.post-4718749276738281032011-01-26T10:49:00.000-08:002011-01-26T10:50:00.108-08:00new year, new direction!<span style="font-family: Arial;">Conserving Amy was born of a challenge to conserve mind, body, spirit, sanity and a few natural California resources, all while training for my first marathon.</span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">It provided a personal platform to document the uniting of canyon trail and beach boardwalk runs with a growing knowledge of the need to protect these same places (and others like them) many of us love and enjoy. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">In a single month, my crew and I raised a few hundred dollars for a non-profit environmental conservation organization and I ran my first consecutive 26.2 miles. While training, I had a ton of time to think of ways I might continue challenging myself in the future; of ways to continue Conserving Amy.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">But all I could think about was the way I felt incredibly bothered by my driving to trails – and everywhere else for that matter. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Buying coffee after runs, to-go, in disposable cups. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Re-fueling with take-out from joints that sent food home in plastic bags. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The journey and careful reflection helped me realize that making an impact – or less of one - doesn’t have to come in the form of a check or donation, of saving a forest or adopting a coral reef. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Making an impact can be as simple as taking one small step, once-a-day, in my daily routine, toward a more sustainable, eco-conscious way of living. Only by changing my world first might I be able to one day help change the world.</span><br />
<br />
<em><span style="font-family: Arial;">Conserving Amy will call out and bring to light all of the non-environmentally-friendly habits I want to personally shake, but haven’t yet because ignoring them has been easy... And I know committing to thoughtful change will be hard.</span></em><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<br />
<em><span style="font-family: Arial;">I'll explore solutions in an effort to modify behavior, implement them in the best ways I know how and monitor progress day in and day out. It’s an experiment. An experience. And here on Conserving Amy, you’ll read and see it all.</span></em><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span>conserving amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10286700880688415923noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703369942820224061.post-15940545523017714722010-12-09T13:36:00.000-08:002011-01-18T20:53:47.935-08:00reflections<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxD0Fr9rGX3iFcyCCeOzYB9fmjhku3h0BnyrlmvFSC-KboMQa_dGmev6enL3kB-RSpueT95Qm8d27uyN7i7pQknsWBKsnq1fzok-OxtEbJpyrInrIVaT6yMm1ihCWO1OhGq7-ipTNSsCNw/s1600/NFEC.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="137" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxD0Fr9rGX3iFcyCCeOzYB9fmjhku3h0BnyrlmvFSC-KboMQa_dGmev6enL3kB-RSpueT95Qm8d27uyN7i7pQknsWBKsnq1fzok-OxtEbJpyrInrIVaT6yMm1ihCWO1OhGq7-ipTNSsCNw/s320/NFEC.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
One thing (among many) I love about Czech culture: <br />
<br />
When you're asked how things are going, you're expected to answer honestly.<br />
<br />
The traditionally American 'everything's fine' automated response won't suffice.<br />
<br />
Czechs want detail.<br />
<br />
The good, the bad and the ugly.<br />
<br />
So while reflecting on my first marathon experience, I won't pretend everything went wonderfully.<br />
<br />
Because it didn't.<br />
<br />
But I won't pretend the whole thing was completely hellish.<br />
<br />
Because it wasn't.<br />
<br />
What it did bring were a bunch of challenges. And despite some of them being totally sucky, some of them were pretty awesome.<br />
<br />
---<br />
<br />
The race was on Saturday. <br />
<br />
But let's go back to Friday around noon. <br />
<br />
I swear I'm loosing vision in my left eye from the sun's reflection off some car windshield. <br />
<br />
Nearly convinced I'm going blind. <br />
<br />
Until the headache and slight nausea hit. <br />
<br />
Which is when I realize these symptoms are all just signs of a potentially debilitating migraine. <br />
<br />
I eat, take some Ibuprofen and a nap to wake a few hours later with the pain (and accompanying worry I'd have to drop out the next day) nearly gone.<br />
<br />
Saturday morning around 3am.<br />
<br />
Franky whispers goodbye as he heads out the door for his 5am 50 mile race start. <br />
<br />
A friend drops him off and should bring the car back for my 6:45am departure.<br />
<br />
I fall asleep and am dreaming about running my warm up through the mall with Morgan when my phone rings. <br />
<br />
It's 5am and our driver's a bit turned around due to construction near the Bay Bridge on the horribly confusing one-way streets of San Francisco.<br />
<br />
I manage to clear the haze and direct him to the portable GPS under the seat, talk him through the touch screen steps to get my current location loaded and get him on his way back.<br />
<br />
I make coffee. Force myself to eat peanut butter on toast.<br />
<br />
He makes it. <br />
<br />
6:40am and I'm a bit ahead of schedule. It's starting to sprinkle.<br />
<br />
I arrive at the shuttle departure spot, hop on the bus and grab a seat.<br />
<br />
'Where'd you do your Ironman?' I hear from behind.<br />
<br />
Holy hell. I'm wearing Franky's hat... He's the Ironman finisher, not me. I try to explain and apologize for being so misleading but I love the quality of this thing and he doesn't wear it and it beats buying a new one and... <br />
<br />
I'm met with a blank stare so I turn around and look out at Alcatraz as we make our way over the Bay.<br />
<br />
8am and I'm trying to stay warm and dry.<br />
<br />
Since the early morning sprinkles began, we've had a few minutes of pouring rain come and go.<br />
<br />
9am and the weather's cleared up a bit. Unbeknown to me, the weather will only get better.<br />
<br />
I cross the start line and all time goes out the window.<br />
<br />
I'm only counting miles now.<br />
<br />
I start slow. Real slow. I need to ease into this thing.<br />
<br />
Mile 1 is flat, thankfully.<br />
<br />
Mile 2 begins a 2.5 mile ascent of a few hundred feet (well more like, 900 feet) followed by about the same distance of super sharp decline.<br />
<br />
I'll add quickly here that the total amount of feet climbed was somewhere around 4500... This is kind of hard to comprehend until you're on the course and it feels like you're running uphill 13 miles out and 13 miles back... Those downhills were few and far between.<br />
<br />
I can laugh now. <br />
<br />
By mile 6 I can't help but feel a sharp pain in my knee - something I'd never really felt before - which wouldn't leave me the rest of my run.<br />
<br />
Oh, and lest I forget, miles 7 through 18 were so ridiculously muddy, I almost fell twice and at times, my shoes barely hung on.<br />
<br />
Looking around, it didn't take much to remind myself that I wasn't the only one. <br />
<br />
At one point we were on a single track at the top of the cliff looking down over the water. It was still misty and cool and for a moment, there was no pain.<br />
<br />
The scenery was outrageous.<br />
<br />
I savored it for as long as I could. <br />
<br />
Eventually the view was behind me and the uncomfortable feeling in my knee returned. <br />
<br />
From that point forward I was consistently met with a friendly face, encouraging me and those around me on.<br />
<br />
Kind words were exchanged with others running the marathon, the 50k, the 50 as well as event staff, volunteers, photographers and bikers sharing the trail. <br />
<br />
The camaraderie, the energy was like nothing I'd ever experienced before.<br />
<br />
Despite the mud and the misty rain, we all continued on.<br />
<br />
With smiles. <br />
<br />
And for reasons I just simply can't explain, the rest of the run was amazing. <br />
<br />
By mile 26 I could see the finish line.<br />
<br />
Smell the food.<br />
<br />
Hear the cheers for finishers before me. <br />
<br />
I couldn't help but tear up a bit. <br />
<br />
All this training, all these runs.<br />
<br />
Leading up to today. <br />
<br />
And in just a few minutes, it would all come to an end. <br />
<br />
At 2:46pm, 5 hours and 46 minutes after my start, I crossed the finish line.<br />
<br />
14 minutes quicker than my super secret personal goal of finishing in under 6. <br />
<br />
And I'd do it all again.<br />
<br />
Everything.<br />
<br />
In a heartbeat. <br />
<br />
Massive hills, miles of mud, bum knee and all.<br />
<br />
Now that it's finally complete, here's one last THANK YOU to everyone who supported me in this endeavor, both with words of encouragement and with donations which have benefited <a href="http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/california/">The Nature Conservancy of California</a>. <br />
<br />
So, so, so very grateful.conserving amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10286700880688415923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703369942820224061.post-81059089355500974632010-11-30T16:53:00.000-08:002011-01-18T20:53:22.777-08:00running partner<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIfHAHmwAnhbES5vXUaskzewTMPTGqvw5bC76Wzyz5zUDb6fDhBDLqe1xo1FX__dB0H3iJoVSg0Rd-EOhI8CVr9SmqCVV54voor64MGB2qF8qZllmAcy7723g_3hAT0XlJJMB-6OiazjNk/s1600/franky.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIfHAHmwAnhbES5vXUaskzewTMPTGqvw5bC76Wzyz5zUDb6fDhBDLqe1xo1FX__dB0H3iJoVSg0Rd-EOhI8CVr9SmqCVV54voor64MGB2qF8qZllmAcy7723g_3hAT0XlJJMB-6OiazjNk/s320/franky.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left">For the past ten weeks or so, this is often what I see in front of me. </div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">My running partner. </div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">And dirt trail. </div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">I'm getting nervous. This marathon is in less than three days. </div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">Despite the physical and mental challenge training for this brought, it's been really rewarding to watch my body and mind adapt to mileage increases week by week.</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">13, 16, 18, 20... </div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">Walking to the start line Saturday I'll have a few twenty milers under my belt.</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">But I'm not gunna lie. </div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">Some consisted of teary, minor breakdowns. </div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">My biggest fear has been that I won't finish. </div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">Or that I won't finish strong. </div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">When I once confessed this out loud, my running partner assured me that if I did in fact finish strong, I hadn't tried hard enough.</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">Then he'd patiently wait for my emotions to pass, ready to continue on. </div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">...</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">Thanks for your help Franky. </div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">Though on Saturday you'll be miles ahead, I'll be pushing from behind, trying my best to leave it all out on the trail... </div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left"><br />
</div>conserving amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10286700880688415923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703369942820224061.post-79636870401301311982010-11-15T10:53:00.000-08:002011-01-18T20:52:56.706-08:00conserving financesMan time flies.<br />
<br />
Coming up on two weeks before the real conservation challenge begins!<br />
<br />
26.2 miles of the North Face Endurance Challenge. <br />
<br />
And with such a short amount of time left to raise a bit of moola for The Nature Conservancy of California, I decided it was time to reevaluate this fundraising goal.<br />
<br />
Everyone's focused on conserving cash.<br />
<br />
Myself included.<br />
<br />
<strong>So, I've changed the 100 dollar miles to a mere 10 in an effort to garner support for every single mile of this marathon.</strong><br />
<br />
I think I'm going to need it.<br />
<br />
That now puts the overall goal at only $260...<br />
<br />
Would love to have some of you with me on this journey!<br />
<br />
So to come along (if only on my race tee!) click <a href="http://www.firstgiving.com/conservingamy">here</a> to make a quick and secure online donation.<br />
<br />
Rest assured, your money will be put to great use.<br />
<br />
The Conservancy, which helps to protect California's natural lands and waters, is one of the most effective and efficient environmental organizations in the world, with <a href="http://www.forbes.com/lists/2006/14/pf_phil_06charities_Nature-Conservancy_CH0127.html" target="_blank"><em>Forbes</em> magazine</a> rating its fundraising efficiency at 88% in its annual survey of the largest U.S. charities.<br />
<br />
Almost 9 of your 10 dollars will help conserve some of <a href="http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/california/preserves/">these places in California</a> and...<br />
<br />
get me to the finish line!conserving amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10286700880688415923noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703369942820224061.post-15260453895863002732010-11-09T08:10:00.000-08:002011-01-18T20:52:35.852-08:00it’s national recycling week!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXSOXc6i2umiFAsm0fkR3P9xf0WRfTy7O_TJHN7pgqjSxe5qvfgMvAyIpgxV88FJhMQ9zC1TjZiixrxJZjbJvkrXjZ8NDOIF1hSWHBEQ15jYo9oF68qBJGZm_pIc2zgZ-hzk_M2MTi6Jbw/s1600/Trash_Intro_v3%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="80" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXSOXc6i2umiFAsm0fkR3P9xf0WRfTy7O_TJHN7pgqjSxe5qvfgMvAyIpgxV88FJhMQ9zC1TjZiixrxJZjbJvkrXjZ8NDOIF1hSWHBEQ15jYo9oF68qBJGZm_pIc2zgZ-hzk_M2MTi6Jbw/s320/Trash_Intro_v3%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: CNBC</td></tr>
</tbody></table><a href="http://www.planetark.org/campaigns/nrw.cfm">In Australia.</a> <br />
<br />
But that doesn’t mean we can’t get in on the celebration here in the States!<br />
<br />
Did you know: <br />
<br />
<strong>Americans buy nearly a BILLION bottles of water EVERY SINGLE WEEK!</strong><br />
<br />
That’s an average of more than three bottles per week for every man, woman and child in the country. <br />
<br />
And when the water’s gone?<br />
<br />
Only a small portion (something like 20 percent) of these 51 BILLION empty plastic bottles are recycled.<br />
<br />
<em>That’s two bottles out of ten!</em> <br />
<br />
The rest end up in landfills. <br />
<br />
Or oceans. <br />
<br />
Or in the tummy’s of unknowing sea creatures. <br />
<br />
Some of which we eat. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.cnbc.com/id/39311198/">Here’s a good look</a> at what happens to your bottles if you’ve got the energy to toss them into the recycler (as well as what happens to them if you don't). <br />
<br />
Reusable materials are turned into ‘flakes’ which can be used to produce anything from reusable shopping bags, tarps, car parts, furniture, household products, more water bottles (enough with the water bottles already!), T-shirts, blankets, carpets and rugs...<br />
<br />
If that isn’t encouragement enough to recycle,<br />
<br />
I highly recommend checking out this nice piece of video:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.cnbc.com/id/15840232/?video=1620084176&play=1">Trash INC: The Secret Life of Garbage</a><br />
<blockquote>Garbage. It's everywhere — even in the middle of the oceans — and it's pure gold for companies like Waste Management and Republic Services who dominate this $52 billion-a-year industry. From curbside collection by trucks costing $250,000 each, to per-ton tipping fees at landfills, there's money to be made at every point as more than half of the 250 million tons of trash created in the United States each year reaches its final resting place.</blockquote><blockquote>At a cost of $1 million per acre to construct, operate and ultimately close in an environmentally feasible method, modern landfills are technological marvels — a far cry from the town dump that still resonates in most people's perceptions. Not only do they make money for their owners, they add millions to the economic wellbeing of the towns that house them. Technologies, such as Landfill Natural Gas and Waste To Energy, are giving garbage a second life, turning trash into power sources and helping to solve mounting problems. It's particularly important in places like Hawaii, where disposal space is an issue, and in China, where land and energy are needed and trash is plentiful.<br />
<br />
One sure thing about the garbage business: it's always picking up.</blockquote>What will you throw away today?conserving amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10286700880688415923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703369942820224061.post-85670381838762814262010-11-08T11:38:00.000-08:002011-01-18T19:49:06.434-08:00twenty!So much for 18 miles on Sunday. <br />
<br />
Put in 20. <br />
<br />
Wasn't as horrible as I had anticipated. <br />
<br />
Perhaps because I took a day off Saturday - let my legs rest a bit. <br />
<br />
I don't run with an iPod.<br />
<br />
Prefer to listen to my body instead.<br />
<br />
Limbs and muscles first whispering, then talking, then shouting, then screaming... <br />
<br />
But between the point where they whisper and scream, they're quietly pleased.<br />
<br />
Thankful for the movement. <br />
<br />
Which is when I hear my thoughts the loudest. <br />
<br />
Sometimes they're words. Sometimes they're lyrics. <br />
<br />
Sunday I had this song playing in my head. <br />
<br />
And yeah, sometimes I sing along. <br />
<br />
Out loud.<br />
<br />
<object height="385" width="500"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/iWOyfLBYtuU?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/iWOyfLBYtuU?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="385"></embed></object>conserving amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10286700880688415923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703369942820224061.post-69274958069539315242010-11-05T14:53:00.000-07:002011-01-18T19:48:40.331-08:00matter over mind<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilucmoCyC9MBu1yLfNSktaOL9Ftbns3pZNw3Y18O34eTPTgmVqBcQQ3J1D_-_al_UmgiowLPW6knEReEYX3R4P80F1yc4miiuvrP-ZrEtp0i9dG6NvtEZKxna-F1kvk0eFxikEuG9Dw8kn/s1600/channelislands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="204" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilucmoCyC9MBu1yLfNSktaOL9Ftbns3pZNw3Y18O34eTPTgmVqBcQQ3J1D_-_al_UmgiowLPW6knEReEYX3R4P80F1yc4miiuvrP-ZrEtp0i9dG6NvtEZKxna-F1kvk0eFxikEuG9Dw8kn/s320/channelislands.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>Wednesday.</em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">9 miles on a relatively flat road.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Main goal was to conserve nothing.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Expend everything. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Well, almost everything. Right up until the point where I felt I would hurl. Regurgitate breakfast. And then pull back. (I really. Really. Hate. Barfing.)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">And it went well.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Completed the run, relatively quickly (for me anyway) with my insides still, well, inside. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>Thursday.</em> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">5 miles in the hills. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">A few of those miles being sharp inclines. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Goal was to conserve energy and finish the route strong. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><time hour="12" minute="0"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Midday</span></time><span style="font-family: Arial;">. And it was bloody hot. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The only thing about these warm, dry winds that doesn’t absolutely suck is the clear view out to the Pacific.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Finished two thirds of the course I’d planned.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Not necessarily because of the heat. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">But because of the lactic acid filled to my hips from the run the day before.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Each teeny, tiny step burned.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">In the end, I conserved nothing and felt I hadn’t had much to expend. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>Friday.</em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">6 to 7 pretty slow miles on rolling hills and the legs didn’t burn so bad.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Must push myself to do 18 this weekend.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Mind over matter this time. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Or I’m in for a world of pain come December 4. </span></div>conserving amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10286700880688415923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703369942820224061.post-33129050706474686802010-11-04T10:16:00.000-07:002011-01-18T19:46:19.616-08:00prop 21<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDrOrPz_IbN9JuljB7tSDDpG869A7XMdKqJiz0OEckMw37jAVfPAmfVYNeowlBaIuPT26_jZME0CmrZSBcO99p2KH2bIXTzmJQ_VD1O8d8OZVDw4TS1OMDLR5XbYfNkAzzSAE9wQS03Wdr/s1600/Yes21.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDrOrPz_IbN9JuljB7tSDDpG869A7XMdKqJiz0OEckMw37jAVfPAmfVYNeowlBaIuPT26_jZME0CmrZSBcO99p2KH2bIXTzmJQ_VD1O8d8OZVDw4TS1OMDLR5XbYfNkAzzSAE9wQS03Wdr/s1600/Yes21.gif" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Recall seeing this Yes on 21 outreach campaign prior to the November elections?</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The campaign endorsing the proposition that would <span style="color: black;">have helped provide </span></span><state><place><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">California</span></place></state><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black;"> state parks with stable and adequate funding to continue operating successfully?</span> </span><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">You may have…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Unlike traditional campaigns, the </span><a href="http://www.yesforstateparks.com/"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yes on Proposition 21</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"> grassroots and netroots campaign used a number of innovative online tools to engage real Californians from all walks of life in building support for the measure and spreading the message about the need for additional funding for state parks. </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">More than 760,000 Californians helped place Proposition 21 on the ballot while over 700 organizations (The Nature Conservancy, Audubon California, California State Parks Foundation and more) worked to show their support. </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Unfortunately, Prop 21 did not pass. </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">BUT! That’s not to say we cannot still ensure our state parks and open spaces are preserved long into the future. </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">‘The Conservancy plays a huge role in creating and supporting California State Parks,’ </span><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Mike Sweeney</span></strong><span style="font-family: Arial;">, executive director of The Nature Conservancy in </span><state><place><span style="font-family: Arial;">California</span></place></state><span style="font-family: Arial;"> is quoted as saying on the <a href="http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/california/features/yesforparks.html">organization’s website</a>. </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">On December 4, I’ll be running my first marathon in the Marin Headlands just north of </span><city><place><span style="font-family: Arial;">San Francisco and until then will</span></place></city></em></span><span style="color: #454545; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black;"><em> be raising funds for the Conservancy of California, an organization that works to preserve many of the lands and waters we all use and enjoy across the state!</em></span> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #454545; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you value our natural spaces as much as I do… Join me in this cause by making a small donation </span><a href="http://www.firstgiving.com/conservingamy"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>here</strong></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">To view specific projects in </span><state><place><span style="font-family: Arial;">California</span></place></state></span><span style="color: #454545; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black;"> your funds may support, click </span><a href="http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/california/preserves/"><span style="color: black;"><strong>here</strong></span></a><span style="color: black;">.</span> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #454545; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>A bit about the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marin_Headlands">Marin Headlands</a>:</strong> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #454545; font-family: Arial;">The </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN;">entire area (thousands of acres) is part of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Gate_National_Recreation_Area" title="Golden Gate National Recreation Area">Golden Gate National Recreation Area</a>. The Headlands' status as a park protects the habitat and populations of numerous animal species within just a few miles of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Francisco" title="San Francisco">San Francisco</a> and its suburbs. </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Recreational activities include hiking, biking, birding and sunbathing on surrounding beaches. </span></span></span></div>conserving amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10286700880688415923noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703369942820224061.post-76968971826672378512010-11-03T09:22:00.000-07:002011-01-18T19:48:07.533-08:00it's official!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With a half-marathon and the longest run of 16 miles under my belt I’ve finally faced my fears of failure and/or death by registering for The 2010 North Face Endurance Challenge! </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This will be my first full marathon attempt. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With a single goal: </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To finish. Alive. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So… you know those Terms and Conditions clauses we often agree to without reading fully?</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yeah, well, I read this one:</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><blockquote><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I understand that running can be a dangerous sport.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am voluntarily participating in the Events with knowledge of the dangers involved, including without limitation, the risks of death, disability, injury, loss, damages, the unavailability of medical care, or the negligence or deliberate act of another person <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">and I agree to accept any and all risks of injury, damage or death</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></blockquote></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sounds dramatic, but I suppose the precautions are necessary. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The risks are real. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">But instead of hitting the back button I let a single thought pass through my mind:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">What’s life worth living when we decide to play it safe?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Then hit ‘accept.’ </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">My next month will be jam packed with runs and workouts to help decrease my chances of a premature death… </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Oh and fundraising to support conservation of </span><state><place><span style="font-family: Arial;">California's</span></place></state><span style="font-family: Arial;"> natural lands and waters. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">It’d be nice to see you back here for updates and conversations on training, conservation and a whole lot more. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Take a look around the blog! There are a few ways you can <a href="http://conservingamy.blogspot.com/p/how-can-i-support.html">support this endeavor</a> which would be GREATLY appreciated!!!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Read about the event <a href="http://conservingamy.blogspot.com/p/marathon.html">here</a>. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Find out more about this personal challenge <a href="http://conservingamy.blogspot.com/p/conservation-challenge.html">here</a>. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Support </span><state><place><span style="font-family: Arial;">California</span></place></state><span style="font-family: Arial;"> conservation efforts <a href="http://www.firstgiving.com/conservingamy">here</a>. </span></div>conserving amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10286700880688415923noreply@blogger.com0