Global Warming? But It's Cold Outside!

Most areas of the U.S., as well as many areas in other countries, have been struggling this winter with cold, cold temperatures. As we bundle up and brace ourselves for that blast of arctic air which hits our faces as we leave the house, it's hard to believe that global warming is an issue. In fact, some people argue that this cold winter is evidence that there is no such thing as global warming.

Let's start with a definition from Wikipedia: "Global warming is the increase in the average temperature of Earth's near-surface air and oceans since the mid-20th century and its projected continuation."

Here's one from the EPA: "Global warming is an average increase in the temperature of the atmosphere near the Earth's surface and in the troposphere, which can contribute to changes in global climate patterns. Global warming can occur from a variety of causes, both natural and human induced. In common usage, "global warming" often refers to the warming that can occur as a result of increased emissions of greenhouse gases from human activities."

So ... we're not talking about a cold winter or even a hot summer. We're talking about an overall trend. And that trend shows us that the average temperature, near the earth's surface, is increasing:



As you'll notice ... the trend started out relatively flat and then it started to increase ... with the sharpest incline occurring during the last 20-30 years. It has been argued that global warming is the natural progression of a planet's life. And that's true. But one wonders if natural elements would have caused the dramatic spike in temperatures. Most experts say that the accelerated warming is caused by human activity.

So ... why do we care? After all, a warming trend ... and a change in climate ... is not necessarily bad for everyone. Some areas will find that warmer temperatures allow them to grow larger and more varied crops. And after this year's seriously cold temperatures, who wouldn't want the comfort of warm weather? But consider this ... a slight warming, over a long period of time, wouldn't be a big deal because all life would adapt. For example, as heat patterns slowly changed, altering the amount of available food, animal life would learn to consume other things or perhaps move to an area where there is adequate food. But that's not what's happening ... we're warming up fast, leaving no time to adjust to a new climate. Consequently, species are being lost. As you've heard me say, countless times, I believe that species extinction will have a direct, negative impact on our life.

What can we do? I'm happy you asked. Here are a few ideas:

• Reduce energy consumption (use energy efficient appliances, change light bulbs to CFLs or LEDs, etc.)
• Clean the air filters on your heating/cooling unit
• Reduce water consumption
• Eat meatless meals and avoid processed foods
• Buy local and organic
  
• Use "elbow grease" instead of electric power (use a push mower instead of a power mower ... use a broom or rake instead of a leaf blower)
• Keep the car in good working order (check the tires for proper inflation, fix any leaks, etc.)
• Reduce emissions while driving by going easy on the brake pedal and gas pedal
• Turn off the engine rather than idle (except when idling at a traffic light)
• Remove stuff from the trunk of a car and lighten it's weight (saves gas)
• Carpool or take public transportation
• Reduce, Reuse and Recycle

As you bundle up to head out into freezing temperatures ... just remember ... global warming is real and we, humans, are the cause of it's acceleration. Let's slow it back down.

As always ... I would love to hear from you!

Blog Action Day 2009

CLIMATE CHANGE


"Climate Change" ... "Global Warming" ... they are words that we hear a lot these days. We're told that the polar ice caps are melting and that species, like Polar Bears, will die and become extinct. Other animal and plant life ... those able to move ... are doing so, changing our ecosystems. There is evidence that our oceans are rising and some say that they will consume land at lower elevations, like parts of Florida. Weather patterns have already changed, causing extreme conditions in many parts of the world. How often, lately, have we heard of an area suffering drought one minute and floods the next?

All of these reports have a couple of things in common ... they are dramatic and they usually tell us that we must act now. But how? They don't tell us what we, individuals trying to do our best, can do to make things better.

Some climate change is part of our planet's natural life cycle. Throughout history, the earth has experienced events such as volcanic eruptions and changes in our orbit. We've gone through ice ages and long periods of warming. All of those events have had an affect on the earth's climate. But in the late 18th century, man got busy with the Industrial Revolution and became the largest contributor to global warming. Humans started burning fossil fuels (coal and oil) and started cutting down trees (deforestation). These activities kicked global warming into "over-drive" by causing a huge increase in concentrations of heat-trapping gasses in our atmosphere.

What does that mean to us? Well, when we use oil products or electricity, we release greenhouse gases. Growing food, burning wood in our fireplaces, raising livestock and tossing out garbage all release greenhouse gases. In fact, everything we do contributes, in some degree, to climate change. So, the way we can "act now" is to live "green" ... to put into action all of the ideas we've talked about in this blog and the suggestions that can be found throughout the blogosphere. We can pay attention to our every action and take the route with the least environmental impact. Every time we reduce our consumption (of everything), reuse things instead of tossing them out and recycle everything that can be recycled, we take a positive step towards slowing global warming.

I'm not a scientist or an expert on climate change. I'm just a person who wants to do the right thing. Perhaps it's true that the earth's course is set ... that there is nothing we can do to stop global warming. On the other hand, perhaps there is a lot we can do. If there is a chance ... even a small chance ... that my actions can help the earth and improve the quality of life, then ... I'm going to give it my best effort.

Won't you join me?

As always ... I would love to hear from you!

The urgent need for Green Energy by Gopal Ganapathy

Today I would like to introduce you to Gopal Ganapathy, the author of a very fine blog entitled Is it true? Amazing facts and Strange discoveries. Mr. Ganapathy writes about everything from a Chinese Cave House to the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World to, most recently, a post on The Visayan Spotted Deer of the Philippines. Is it true? is an amazing collection of unique posts about unusual subjects.

Today, Mr. Ganapathy has kindly agreed to share his thoughts on Green Energy with us. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

The urgent need for Green Energy

What is greenhouse effect? Very simple truth. Though solar heat mostly radiates back into the outer space, some of it is retained in the atmosphere itself, a process called the Greenhouse effect. This retained heat is essential for the survival of the Earth as otherwise the average temperature here in our planet would be a chilling minus 18 degrees Celsius. It is this greenhouse effect that provides us a comfortable average temperature of 14 degrees.

Now greenhouse gases are chemical compounds contributing greenhouse effect. They radiate sunlight back into the atmosphere as heat. The three man-made greenhouse gases, carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide are the major culprits since the Industrial Revolution in the Western countries caused mainly by fossil fuel combustion, rise in global population and resultant increase in agriculture. While methane concentrations are on the decline, human-made CO2 and nitrous oxide are likely to increase most in the next 100 years. Remember, in climate science, though methane is a more damaging greenhouse gas, its life in the atmosphere is only about 10 years as against 100 years for a molecule of CO2.

But all is not lost. We do have hopes and options. The concept of green energy is fast catching up across the world and several organizations are now actively promoting the concept of clean or green energy as against dirty energy like coal and oil, which affect our health and wealth with their toxic pollution as well as climate changes that we are all now greatly aware of. This green energy concept concentrates on numerous extremely simple options that each one of us can and should adopt. Yes, these involve lifestyle changes and policy changes. Avoidance of the need for new energy plants by energy recycling and also by more efficient buildings is likely to gain acceptance gradually. Fuel economy measures will reduce gasoline consumption dramatically by whopping 43%!!! Evaluation of energy loss in homes can be taken up. The recent stimulus package announced by President Obama offers financial benefits of up to $1500 for adopting home efficiency measures like solar water heaters or photo voltaic cells at 65% less than their cost last year thus making a $20,000 solar installation to cost as little as $6,000. Let us all grab this opportunity and save the Earth by adopting green and clean energy. Probably USA may take the rest of the world into the Green Energy Era where energy is going to be clean and cheap.

The benefits? This green energy will greatly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create new green jobs thereby improving the sagging economy of the nations. The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy estimates a saving of $168 billion in utility expenses as well as creation of about 222,000 new and permanent jobs in various fields and most importantly prevent the release of 262 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions by 2020, which is equivalent of taking 48 million cars off the road for one full year!!! This will completely avoid new 390 polluting plants from coming up. Imagine how the green earth will shine when this happens. Simple but true.

Source: Google

I'd like to thank Mr. Ganapathy for sharing this information with us ... and I'd like to encourage you to head over to his blog for some very interesting reading.

As always ... I would love to hear from you!

Field Trip ...

HAPPY EARTH DAY!!

I thought it might be fun to take another Field Trip ... to get out of these four walls and see something new. Are you with me?

Our trip, today, is to a warmer climate (they've had some pretty toasty weather lately) so ... you won't need a jacket ... but maybe sun glasses. OK ... gather up your things because we won't be coming back here. When you're ready, click on the bus below and climb aboard. Oh ... and after our field trip ... go out and hug a tree for Earth Day!

Guest Blogger - Kimberly B. Keilbach

Today we have a real treat. Kimberly B. Keilbach, of Global Warming is Good for Business, has kindly agreed to share some thoughts with us. If you've never been to Kimberly's blog, I suggest you check it out ... she, very beautifully, writes about the connection between global warming and business ... and how helping one can actually help the other.

A big THANK YOU to Kimberly for this wonderful article.


Corporate Social Responsibility is a buzz phrase these days that is often used hand-in-hand with “green” business practices. The words conjure up images of the CEO of some Fortune 500 company climbing up a tree to rescue a kitty or helping a little, old lady across the street.

Obviously, the criteria are a bit more involved than that. Corporate Responsibility Officer magazine recently released its 10th annual list of Best 100 Corporate Citizens, which ranked Russell 1000 Index companies according to their performance in: environment, climate change, human rights, employee relations, philanthropy, financial, and governance (including executive compensation).

However, corporate social responsibility is not a new concept. Back in the day, when most people worked on family farms or ran local mom-and-pop businesses, folks called it “doing the right thing.” They knew that if they didn’t play fair, people would stop coming to their shops, stop buying their produce, stop lending them money, stop hiring them. People behaved themselves because they knew they would be held accountable by their neighbors if they didn’t. It was just that simple.

Fortunately or not, we no longer live in small farming communities. We live in suburbs and cities and in greater, global social networks. We blog and twitter with people we have never met, who may live on continents far away. The good news is we can keep up with what’s going on almost instantaneously. The bad news is we often feel too insignificant to make a positive change. But, as Anita Roddick, entrepreneur and environmental activist, once said, "If you think you are too small to have an impact, try going to bed with a mosquito in the room."

So, what can we do?

According to Green America , a national non-profit organization, “If you own mutual funds, or you are a direct shareholder in a corporation, then you are part-owner of that company – someone with the right and responsibility of helping determine the direction that company will take.”

Green America offers strategies for people like you and me to invest in socially responsible ways, including tips for screening our investment portfolio for environmental sustainability, community involvement, employment equality, and other criteria in addition to monetary profits. I don’t agree with all of Green America’s screening criteria, but I do appreciate how the non-profit organization walks members step-by-step through the process of writing proxy letters to our 401K mutual funds, urging them to invest in corporations that meet those criteria which are important to us.

This free market approach to guiding corporations with our pocket books instead of with regulations is a win-win; it allows companies to be competitive and to meet their “triple bottom line” of economic profitability, environmental sustainability, and social responsibility. And, apparently, it’s working. Companies that are voluntarily enacting socially responsible policies are making profits. According to Corporate Responsibility Officer , “100 Best companies have out-paced the rest of their Russell 1000 brethren in three-year total return by 26 percent.” I wish my 401K had done so well.

Today, we expect corporations to be more responsible, to pollute less, to give back to the community more, to pay their employees fairly...and, oh yes, to make a profit for us. But we have to be willing to do our part too; we have to be informed and to invest in those companies that share our values. We don’t need to wait for the government to intervene. We can step up to the plate right now and remind our neighbors to “do the right thing.”

Kimberly B. Keilbach is professional writer and freelance journalist. She learned first-hand about the business of sustainability when she lived on her husband’s family farm. Since then, she has moved to Orange County, California, where she has had a chance to observe one of the most dynamic and entrepreneurial ecosystems in the world. Kimberly’s interest in innovation, creativity and people’s responses to change has prompted her to write her book Global Warming is Good for Business (www.globalwarmingisgoodforbusiness.com).

Again, I'd like to say a big THANK YOU to Kimberly for that interesting post.

As always ... I would love to hear from you.

Get ready ... only two weeks left!

Are you ready for Earth Hour 2009? As you know, this blog is all about easy ways to reduce our footprint on the earth ... and Earth Hour is one of the easiest, and fun, ways to do that.

On March 28th at 8:30 pm, for one hour, simply turn off your lights.

Simple, right?

Now here's the fun part ... turn Earth Hour into an environmental "holiday". We celebrate all kinds of things throughout the year ... why not a celebration for the earth. Make it fun ... something that you and your family will enjoy ... and will look forward to each year. Here are a few ideas:

• Pull out those board games which are collecting dust in the closet and play by flashlight ... your kids will love it.

• Have a romantic, candlelit dinner.

• Grab some blankets and lounge chairs, head outside, and watch the stars.

• Prepare some fun foods ahead of time and have a picnic in the living room ... by candle light.

• Tell ghost stories.

• Do you live in a warm climate? Perhaps close to the beach? Take a moonlight stroll.
  

• How about a bubble bath in a candlelit room with soft music from a battery operated CD player.

• Have a scavenger hunt.

So now it's your turn ... what ideas do you have for celebrating Earth Hour 2009? How creative can you get?

And here are two more things you can do:

1. Click over to the Earth Hour site and sign up. You'll be added to their "count" and they'll send you updates on the Earth Hour effort.
2. Tell everyone you know and encourage them to participate.

Join me in celebrating Earth Hour 2009.

Become part of a global effort!

As always ... I'd love to hear from you!

Three Easy Things

Here are three easy ways to help the earth today:

1. Watch the following video.
2. Mark your calendars for March 28, 2009, @ 8:30 pm.
3. Tell everyone you know.

For more information on Earth Hour 2009, click HERE.

For teacher/parent materials, and fun activities for kids, click HERE.

As always ... I would love to hear from you!

Friday Film Fest

I hope you enjoy the following videos:















Have a wonderful weekend!

Does it matter?

Recently, a reader asked "Are you optimistic about the future of the planet? About humankind's ability to fix the damage and take a greener path?" My initial thought was ... of course, every effort counts and we're making a difference. But then ... I began to really think about this and I wondered if that was the truth ... or if I just want it to be the truth.

In the fall I made a trip to Chicago ... it's a really nice city and has a lot going for it. Chicago has a wonderful mass transit system ... it's user friendly and convenient. Since parking is expensive and limited in the downtown area, walking is encouraged ... the sidewalks are wide and clean. Many establishments make use of revolving doors which have been proven to be energy efficient. On the other hand, the high rise buildings, across the street from where I stayed, left their lights and computers on all night. The Chicago River and Lake Michigan show signs of pollution ... as does the city in general. This isn't unique to Chicago but is a condition of most large cities.

In truth, the biggest threats to our environment are large companies and governments who won't make "green" changes.

But still ... there must be evidence that we're on the right path! So I went in search of it. Sadly, there isn't much. That may be because we are at the forefront of this effort and it simply takes time for things to change.

According to an article dated April 28, 2006 by the Environmental News Network, a report by the American Lung Association showed that there has been significant air quality improvement in the last decade. The report "found real improvement in air quality over much of the United States, due in part to reduced emissions from power plants." Researchers looked at the number of days deemed to have unhealthy air from 2002 to 2004, and compared it with the numbers from 1996 to 1998.

In an article dated January 23, 2008, a study was released that "indicated that water quality in the Egyptian segment of the River Nile improved considerably in the months of October and November 2007, giving rise to hopes that drinking water quality for many of Egypt’s 80 million people may improve. " This improvement came about by preventing industrial establishments from discharging their waste into the Nile.

So, there is hope. But what about our individual efforts ... do they matter? When we use environmentally friendly cleaning products in our homes and can breathe easier ... it matters. When we recognize a savings in the cost of water and energy or re-purpose an item instead of buying new ... it matters. And it matters, not only because of the immediate benefits we realize ... but because of the message we send. When we refuse to buy a product packaged in plastic we tell the manufacturers that it matters. When we vote for the candidate who seems to want cleaner fuel and sustainability, we tell the world that it matters. We have a voice and it can be heard through our actions. And let's face it ... as consumers, that voice is powerful.

My answer to the question is ... yes, I am optimistic about the future of the planet. I'm also confident about our individual efforts and their contribution to a better world. It may take awhile to see big results ... but they'll come. We just have to continue on the path!

On Monday, a guest author is going to share her thoughts on the subject ... I hope you'll stop by.

As always ... I would love to hear from you!

Merry Green Christmas, Everyone!

Cut Flowers and the Environment ...

For many, beautiful arrangements of fresh cut flowers are a must for a holiday table. Bouquets of unusual flowers make easy gifts ... grab a bundle from most supermarkets or order a bouquet online to be delivered. Whether one needs a hostess gift, something for a special someone or a gift for the "hard to please", cut flowers will accommodate. That's what the $40 billion a year, cut flower industry tells us. What they don't tell us is how bad they are for the environment.

Most cut flowers, approximately 79%, are grown in South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia. They are grown in climate controlled greenhouses using pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides ... including DDT and methyl-bromide which are banned in the U.S. These substances have been linked to health problems such as skin conditions, respiratory problems, impaired vision, and birth defects. Many of the people who staff the greenhouses, and who come in contact with the flowers on a daily basis, are now suffering from these problems.

Not only are workers being hurt ... the environment is suffering as well. Methyl-bromide has been linked to the destruction of the ozone layer. DDT usage has caused serious problems for many animal and bird populations. Small amounts of these chemicals are dangerous ... most greenhouses, however, aren't using just a little ... they are using a lot. It contaminates the ground and water, hurting animal and fish populations and it reduces the amount of drinkable water in many communities.

Once the growing stage is complete, the cut flowers are sent all over the world. They travel far distances, and as we've talked about before ... anything that travels a long distance is causing pollution and using a lot of resources to make the trip. An estimated 500 million make their way into the U.S. In order to pass inspection upon entry, they are often sprayed with more toxic chemicals so that no bugs or insects make the trip ... and so that each and every blossom looks it's best. Florists in this country touch these flowers and are reporting skin rashes and breathing problems.

There's still more ... once the flowers get to a florists shop, they are typically arranged using floral foam which helps to hold them in place. This foam is a petroleum bi-product that off gases formaldehyde when soaked in water. It is also non-biodegradable. A leaf shine product is typically used to shine up the greenery ... this is an aerosol product and aerosol products hurt the environment.

What about the flowers produced in the U.S.? Are they better? While they may not use banned chemicals, many farms and greenhouses use a lot of pesticides. These are harmful ... to the earth and all of her inhabitants.

So ... should one forgo cut flowers as a gift? Not necessarily. Look for organic flowers, grown locally if possible. Make a point of asking about that beautiful bouquet ... is it arranged with floral foam ... is it sprayed with anything. And by the way ... many live plants are grown in the same conditions so ... know where your product comes from. Basically, use the same guidelines buying cut flowers and plants as you would buying food.

As always ... I would love to hear from you!

Don't let the price of gas fool you ...

Before I get started on today's post, I'd like to suggest that you visit one of our bloggy friends: Water Once a Week. PlantBuddy has posted an excellent article on "green" giving this holiday season. She has some excellent ideas for living gifts. You can read her article here.

OK ... on to today's subject:

The price of gas, in our little town, is under $1.80/gallon. Not long ago it was over $4.00/gallon. I'm not sure what has caused the reduction in price. Some say that we, the consumers, are being manipulated into buying bigger, gas guzzling cars ... and well ... the "Big 3" have been begging for a bail out recently so ... that idea isn't totally without merit. However it happened, gas prices have dropped.

When the prices were at their highest, we all started looking at ways to reduce our gas consumption. We considered public transportation ... we planned our errands to make the most of a trip ... we stayed close to home instead of taking off on long driving vacations. We maintained our cars ... filled the tires appropriately ... and used cruise control ... all in an effort to make the most of each drop of gas. We did all of this because it was just too expensive to drive our cars. But guess what ... it's still too expensive to drive our cars. The cost is to our environment and our health.

Gasoline is a non-renewable resource. That means ... once it's gone, it's gone for good. And that day is rapidly approaching. At one time, they talked about running out of oil many generations into the future ... so far away that no one considered it to be a threat ... not even a remote threat. Now, just a few years later, they say it may happen within our lifetime. Think about all the ways we use oil and then imagine the day that there just isn't any. It will totally change life as we know it.

Even if one is a skeptic and feels that the chances of running out of oil are remote ... it cannot be denied that gas run automobiles pollute. We're talking greenhouse gas emissions here ... those gases that trap heat in the atmosphere and contribute to global warming. We're also talking air quality. Have you noticed how many more asthma cases there are these days and how many more people seem to have allergies? Pollution carries a high cost.

So here's the thing ... don't let the price of gas fool you into believing that it is no longer necessary to conserve. It is now more important than ever to conserve gas. We simply can't afford not to.

As always ... I would love to hear from you!

Art Supplies - Another View

In an earlier post (Eat your veggies), we talked about how eating meatless meals, even occasionally, reduces our footprint on the earth. The fact is that livestock pollute and if we reduce the demand for items containing animal products, we go a long way towards helping mother earth. Not ready to give up meat? Well, animal products show up in all kinds of things (cosmetics, soaps, etc.) so even if you're not ready to go "veggie", there are other ways to reduce the animal products one uses.

Today we have a special treat ... a guest author. A kind reader has submitted the following article for your consideration. In it we'll learn about some surprising items that contain animal products.

ART SUPPLIES: free of animal ingredients.

What’s in a Colour?
If you know where the pigment or dye comes from you have a great head start in knowing what you are working with and what you are participating in.

Some pigments are made from plants or minerals or are synthetic, but some are not. For instance, Ivory Black and Bone Black pigments are from charred animal bones. Lampblack, on the other hand, is pure carbon and not from animals at all. Here are some other colours that are not from animals: ochre, raw umber, burnt umber, burnt sienna, cadmium yellow, zinc oxide, gamboge, indigo, madder, cobalt blue, naphthol crimson and diozine. There are many others.

Great Books
The Artist's Handbook of Materials and Techniques by Ralph Mayer (great section on pigments)
Colour by Victoria Finlay.
Painting with Acrylics by Jenny Rodwell

Tips

-Cochineal is a scarlet dye made from ground up female cochineal insects.

-Ox gall is gall, obtained from cows, and used as the wetting agent in most watercolour paints.
Holbein has some watercolours that do not contain ox gall. Remember to find out what pigments are in the paint before buying the paint.
canada@holbeincanada.com http://www.holbeinhk.com/#
Here are a few of their ox gall free watercolours: Cadmium Red Deep, Cobalt Blue, Cadmium Yellow Deep, Lamp Black, Opera, Burnt Sienna, Ultramarine Deep. There are many more.

-Rabbit-skin glue comes from (you got it) rabbits. And it is used for sizing oil-painting supports.

-Gelatin is made from boiling animal skins, tendons, ligaments, etc. The highest-grade gelatin, made from the skins, hoofs, and bones of calves, is used in gesso. Watercolour and most papers are sized with gelatin. Gelatin is also used in many foods and to make gelatin capsules for vitamins etc. Accent Vellum, construction papers and handmade papers usually don’t have gelatin. There are some papers starting to come out that are sized with starch. Ask at your art store.

-Sepia ink is made from the inky substance from the sacs of squid and cuttlefish. India Ink or Chinese Ink is made of carbon or lampblack pigment, and a shellac binder. Shellac is obtained from secretions of an insect. http://www.temuss.com/html/shellac.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shellac
Damar Varnish is from a plant source. See, The Artist’s Handbook by Ralph Mayer.

-Water Soluble Ink seldom contains animal ingredients. Water Resistant Inks usually do contain animal ingredients, but no harm in asking. Check with the manufacturer via the internet and click on “Contact Us”.

-Charcoal comes from vines and willow, but bone charcoal doesn’t. The word “bone” is a dead give away. Ask before you buy.

-Graphite: mineral. Conte Crayon: natural pigments (iron oxides, carbon black, titanium dioxide), clay (kaolin) and a binder (cellulose ether).

-Pencils: Derwent does not use any beeswax in any of their products. Their charcoal pencils are made from pure charcoal, clay and pigment. The wax used in the pencils is from a plant source, the binding material is from a mineral source. They have a list of individual colour pencils that are free of animal products. Just ask them. Their Coloursoft pencils, Graphitint pencils, Aquatone pencils, metallics pencils, graphitone and Derwent Pastel Blocks are all free from animal ingredients. http://www.pencils.co.uk/enquiries_form.aspx www.pencils.co.uk

-Krylon has fixative sprays that do not contain animal ingredients http://www.krylon.com

-Yupo Paper (100% polypropylene) suitable for all watercolour techniques. Good for drawing and fixative sticks to it.

-Raw Fabrics: unsized organic hemp, bamboo, linen or cotton. Stretch the fabric on stretcher bars and put on Golden’s Absorbent Ground (100% polymer is on the label but ask to see if there is anything else in it ). It’s like gesso, but is absorbent for watercolours, and the Pastel Ground is for pastels and drawing. Also, charcoal on unsized fabric with a fixative spray afterwards works well. http://www.goldenpaints.com/technicaldata/absorb.php

-Natural brushes are natural hair that is harvested from farm raised or trapped animals, in particular sable (marten), squirrel or mongoose. Less expensive natural brushes are made of horsehair or bristles from pig or ox snouts and ears. There are now high quality synthetic brushes that are just as good as natural brushes. Winsor & Newton is just one of many who make synthetic brushes.

-Oil Pastels are made by combining raw pigments with animal fat and wax. Soft Pastel are usually free of animal ingredients. Here is a site on ingredients and also, another on how to make home-made pastels:
http://www.nmsdistribution.com/Pastel.htm
http://painting.about.com/library/weekly/aamakepastela.htm

Going straight to the manufacturer or company is a great way to learn what is in art supplies. More and more new products are being made that are free from animal ingredients. The internet has put us in easy reach of manufactures and companies who want to hear from us. A simple, polite request has power. It’s now easier than ever to ask for products that are free of animal ingredients.

When it comes to art materials, leave the animals out of it.

Compassionate change. Ask for it

Become an activist

In September we went to the fair. It's a lovely little fair ... full of community, family and "old timey" values. It's also full of Styrofoam food containers, garbage bins but no recycle bins (that we saw) and very few vegetarian/vegan food options. Call me crazy but ... it seems to me that a festival which celebrates agriculture, farming and "back to basics" lifestyles ... should be green.

My first impulse was to accept things as they are ... going green isn't always financially agreeable to organizations and as for the veggie food ... well, one doesn't go to a fair expecting to eat anything healthy. But then again ... maybe no one has asked the fair organizers to go green, letting them know that it's important and that people are watching ... and maybe people don't expect veggie food because it isn't offered.

The more I thought about it ... the more I needed to take action. So ... I searched the Internet for the names and email addresses of the organizers. Then I wrote very polite letters to them, thanking them for all they do and telling them what I enjoyed about the fair. Next, I suggested some easy changes ... putting out recycle bins .. encouraging their food vendors to discontinue the use of Styrofoam ... encouraging more vegetarian/vegan food options.

And guess what ... they wrote back. They told me of the green efforts they make behind the scenes. They said that they had a few recycle bins out but would put out more of them in prominent places. They said they would be happy to include more veggie food vendors and asked me for suggestions of restaurants which may be willing to attend (which I gave to them). They didn't address the Styrofoam issue but ... the seed has been planted.

Here's the point ... if we respectfully voice our concerns, maybe things will change. At the very least, it will let businesses and organizations know that it's important to the population ... to their customers. It will plant the seeds of change.

I'm hoping that next year, when we attend the fair, we'll see a lot of "green" going on. And if we do, I'll write more letters ... thanking them for their efforts.

So I challenge you ... write a letter ... make a call ... let your voice be heard. Congratulate those who are making efforts and make suggestions to those who can do better. Become an activist and make the world a better place.

As always ... I would love to hear from you!

Stop Global Warming ...

There is a great site out in cyberland that offers a lot of information. It's called Stop Global Warming and their web address is:

http://www.stopglobalwarming.org/default.asp

Here are some of their suggestions for things we can do to stop global warming:

Use Compact Fluorescent Bulbs
Replace 3 frequently used light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs. Save 300 lbs. of carbon dioxide and $60 per year.

Inflate Your Tires
Keep the tires on your car adequately inflated. Check them monthly. Save 250 lbs. of carbon dioxide and $840 per year.

Change Your Air Filter
Check your car's air filter monthly. Save 800 lbs. of carbon dioxide and $130 per year.

Fill the Dishwasher
Run your dishwasher only with a full load. Save 100 lbs. of carbon dioxide and $40 per year.

Use Recycled Paper
Make sure your printer paper is 100% post consumer recycled paper. Save 5 lbs. of carbon dioxide per ream of paper.

Adjust Your Thermostat
Move your heater thermostat down two degrees in winter and up two degrees in the summer. Save 2000 lbs of carbon dioxide and $98 per year.

Check Your Water heater
Keep your water heater thermostat no higher than 120°F. Save 550 lbs. of carbon dioxide and $30 per year.

Change the AC Filter
Clean or replace dirty air conditioner filters as recommended. Save 350 lbs. of carbon dioxide and $150 per year.

Take Shorter Showers
Showers account for 2/3 of all water heating costs. Save 350 lbs. of carbon dioxide and $99 per year.

Install a Low-Flow Showerhead
Using less water in the shower means less energy to heat the water. Save 350 lbs. of carbon dioxide and $150.

Buy Products Locally
Buy locally and reduce the amount of energy required to drive your products to your store.

Buy Energy Certificates
Help spur the renewable energy market and cut global warming pollution by buying wind certificates and green tags.

Buy Minimally Packaged Goods
Less packaging could reduce your garbage by about 10%. Save 1,200 pounds of carbon dioxide and $1,000 per year.

Buy a Hybrid Car
The average driver could save 16,000 lbs. of CO2 and $3,750 per year driving a hybrid

Buy a Fuel Efficient Car
Getting a few extra miles per gallon makes a big difference. Save thousands of lbs. of CO2 and a lot of money per year.

Carpool When You Can
Own a big vehicle? Carpooling with friends and co-workers saves fuel. Save 790 lbs. of carbon dioxide and hundreds of dollars per year.

Don't Idle in Your Car
Idling wastes money and gas, and generates pollution and global warming causing emissions. Except when in traffic, turn your engine off if you must wait for more than 30 seconds.

Reduce Garbage
Buy products with less packaging and recycle paper, plastic and glass. Save 1,000 lbs. of carbon dioxide per year.

Plant a Tree
Trees suck up carbon dioxide and make clean air for us to breathe. Save 2,000 lbs. of carbon dioxide per year.

Insulate Your Water Heater
Keep your water heater insulated could save 1,000 lbs. of carbon dioxide and $40 per year.

Replace Old Appliances
Inefficient appliances waste energy. Save hundreds of lbs. of carbon dioxide and hundreds of dollars per year.

Weatherize Your Home
Caulk and weather strip your doorways and windows. Save 1,700 lbs. of carbon dioxide and $274 per year.

Use a Push Mower
Use your muscles instead of fossil fuels and get some exercise. Save 80 lbs of carbon dioxide per year.

Unplug Un-Used Electronics
Even when electronic devices are turned off, they use energy. Save over 1,000 lbs of carbon dioxide and $256 per year.

Put on a Sweater
Instead of turning up the heat in your home, wear more clothes Save 1,000 lbs. of carbon dioxide and $250 per year.

Insulate Your Home
Make sure your walls and ceilings are insulated. Save 2,000 lbs. of carbon dioxide and $245 per year.

Air Dry Your Clothes
Line-dry your clothes in the spring and summer instead of using the dryer. Save 700 lbs. of carbon dioxide and $75 per year.

Switch to a Tankless Water Heater
Your water will be heated as you use it rather than keeping a tank of hot water. Save 300 lbs. of carbon dioxide and $390 per year.

Switch to Double Pane Windows
Double pane windows keep more heat inside your home so you use less energy. Save 10,000 lbs. of carbon dioxide and $436 per year.

Buy Organic Food
The chemicals used in modern agriculture pollute the water supply, and require energy to produce.

Bring Cloth Bags to the Market
Using your own cloth bag instead of plastic or paper bags reduces waste and requires no additional energy.

Turn off Your Computer
Shut off your computer when not in use, and save 200 lbs of C02. Conserve energy by using your computer's "sleep mode" instead of a screensaver.

Be a Meat Reducer
The average American diet contributes an extra 1.5 tons of greenhouse gases per year compared with a vegetarian diet. Eliminating meat and dairy intake one day a week can make a big difference.

Ditch the Plastic
2.5 million individual plastic water bottles are thrown away every hour in the US. Start using a reusable water bottle and just say no to plastic!