tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17769310603741561632012-01-21T16:30:25.442-05:00Earth-friendly resources for living lightly in North and South Carolina. Bringing ways to conserve water and energy; renewable energy and energy-efficient solutions for helping our environment; sources for buying local and organic foods and growing your own. We provide simple and green ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle in these beautiful lands.S. Conelynoreply@blogger.comBlogger1211100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-67401645763374440602011-08-21T21:18:00.024-04:002011-08-27T10:28:20.638-04:00

Passive energy houses are attractive to those of us who enjoy things that work automatically. We have been reading an issue of E- The Environmental Magazine about passive energy homes. The issue discusses passive homes that make heating and cooling almost unnecessary. Is that possible? I love the idea that homes and buildings can be designed so that they utilize heat recovery systems to deliver

S. Conelynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-52823743286366929762011-03-26T15:48:00.003-04:002011-03-26T15:53:38.855-04:00

In spring, our thoughts turn to our planet. We can't help it! with the new green, the flowering trees, the birds going crazy. So celebrate tonight and honor Earth Hour.Show your appreciation and turn off your lights for an hour starting at 8:30 p.m. your time. Thanks!

R. Deeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158990672354407103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-22333049783496665432010-11-27T10:10:00.004-05:002010-11-27T10:16:41.319-05:00

Our clean up days inspired us to build and install a monofilament fishing line recycling station. We found so much tangled line around the lake! So where do you recycle fishing line? It's tough and strong, and won't disintegrate. Instead, it will tangle us and any wildlife that might get near it. It can cause injuries and starvation to animals; it's a nuisance to boaters, and a danger to

S. Conelynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-87313422692591573702010-10-18T19:55:00.004-04:002010-10-31T04:06:09.965-04:00

We cleaned up in the NC Big Sweep! Tons of trash were collected and properly disposed. The Lake Wylie Covekeepers said there was a bit less than last year, and there were more volunteers. They hope that is because less refuse is being dumped in our wonderful waterways. A cove in Lake Wylie on our cleaning day Looking over the totals of stuff collected, I'm prompted to say thank you to Carolina

S. Conelynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-36127689276534423232010-09-28T19:56:00.004-04:002010-09-29T00:44:16.151-04:00

When we walk the roadways, we usually need a bag. We can't pass by litter without picking it up and disposing of it properly. So we love events like this, bringing our communities together in concert to clean up our land and water. On Saturday, October 2, volunteers from all over North Carolina will pick up litter from land and waterways. The NC Big Sweep stewardship project is part of an

S. Conelynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-48996316653518542152010-09-20T08:39:00.030-04:002010-09-21T10:25:59.032-04:00

Charlotte, NC hosted one of the hearings by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) last week. The hearing allowed citizens to comment on the EPA plans to regulate coal ash disposal.An overflowing conference room at the Holiday Inn Airport spilled out into the hall (in photo at right), through the lobby, and into another room full of people listening to the speakers remotely over an audio

S. Conelynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-10277467434298363692010-09-14T15:58:00.027-04:002010-09-15T12:36:19.442-04:00

A Piedmont-area group is offering a special event this weekend: the Second Annual Charlotte Area Farm Tour, on September 18-19, 2010. On those afternoons, from 1:30-6:30 p.m., twenty-seven local farms will open their barn doors for touring.Presented by Know Your Farms, a community-supported agriculture program, and the Carolina Farm Stewards Association, the tour will show us how local farms grow

S. Conelynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-41718934960693428012010-08-25T12:17:00.021-04:002010-09-07T11:58:50.828-04:00

Good for the Earth and the community-- a cleaner, greener fertilizer. Shootup is one of a new line of natural biofertilizers offered by Charleston-based Surya.These biofertilizers are soil treatments that are probiotic, meaning they contain natural beneficial microbes that help plants to thrive. The microbes convert elements in the air and soil into forms that plants can easily utilize.Surya

S. Conelynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-34509455697633453972010-07-15T11:39:00.000-04:002010-08-04T11:37:57.296-04:00

North Carolina is developing a plan—to reduce energy consumption and save money for our citizens. State Representatives Blue, Tolson, Glazier, and Harrison are the primary sponsors for House Bill 1050, designed to create an independent energy efficiency program.The Bill is to establish a comprehensive, statewide program, NC SAVE$ ENERGY. This program will lower energy consumption, save energy

S. Conelynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-12988875171120888992010-07-07T15:00:00.007-04:002010-07-07T16:02:39.027-04:00

You can plant a tree in a North or South Carolina State Park, if you vote for your state with a click. Odwalla, a juice and snack company, has dedicated $200,000 in trees for this Plant a Tree campaign. You can cast a vote for your favorite state; each vote counts for a dollar to be used to plant a tree in one of the state's parks. At the Plant a Tree site, it is easy to choose your state,

R. Deeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158990672354407103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-39260234839487924062010-05-08T22:30:00.007-04:002010-05-09T00:33:39.788-04:00

Thanks to all the Earth Month volunteers who helped clean up Carolina waterways! Here Coast Guardsmen are helping clean up Folly Beach, South Carolina. Petty Officer 2nd Class Drayton Parker and Petty Officer Gary Barnum remove sand fencing deposited by erosion, in this photo taken by Bob Orenstein.We continue to care for Carolina waters. Last Saturday the Old Town Cleanup was held in Bluffton

R. Deeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158990672354407103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-69127405331205965712010-04-30T07:06:00.001-04:002010-04-30T21:48:37.824-04:00

This blog is now located at http://carolinagreensense.blogspot.com/. You will be automatically redirected in 30 seconds, or you may click here. For feed subscribers, please update your feed subscriptions to http://carolinagreensense.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default.

S. Conelynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-22901032990540595222010-04-22T19:13:00.008-04:002010-04-22T19:37:51.276-04:00

William snapped himself with this elephant. It is such a great shot, I'm sharing it for Earth Day.The elephant is a resident of the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro. It's a lovely place to consider the beautiful creatures and plants that share the planet with us. We loved seeing so many of them.The NC Zoo produces a poster each year about endangered species. Ask at the Education building, and they

S. Conelynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-4880933622640869712010-04-16T22:00:00.011-04:002010-04-16T23:14:00.104-04:00

Earth Day was born 40 years ago. Friends of the Earth published an Environmental Handbook for the occasion, and sold a million copies. The Clean Air Act of 1970 was passed, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was established. Also that year, Mother Earth News was founded, supplying practical information for the thousands of people headed back to the land. The magazine was later based

R. Deeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158990672354407103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-41737689579208712782010-04-05T13:06:00.003-04:002010-04-11T21:26:39.284-04:00

Even though we can't change the economy overnight, it does help our morale to improve our surroundings. A little effort, and contribution to the common good, is valuable to our land and our people. It also gives us a great feeling, to achieve something that is good.So it is a pleasure to join in Keep America Beautiful's annual Great American Cleanup. The activity is going on through through May

S. Conelynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-19193189618256803802010-03-26T19:21:00.013-04:002010-03-27T10:49:49.275-04:00

The lights at North Carolina's State Capitol will go off for an hour tomorrow night at 8:30. We're celebrating Earth Hour! The official site shows last year's lights going off as the world turned. Join in - it's easy: turn off your lights for an hour at 8:30 pm. You can have a cookout or singalong, look at the stars, or catch up on your sleep. See you in the dark!

R. Deeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158990672354407103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-23562404781517704682010-03-25T13:39:00.002-04:002010-03-25T15:48:32.847-04:00

This season, we are planting Lemon Queen sunflowers in the garden, and hunting for bees. The Great Sunflower Project asks that we use that variety because it is especially attractive to the bees. We can help them in a fun and easy way, with this citizen science study. How do we start the hunt?Plant sunflowers, tell about the garden;watch bees come to visit the flowers,and report how many bees you

S. Conelynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-13617441141515725672010-03-14T21:20:00.002-04:002010-03-14T21:22:45.168-04:00

You can join people all over the globe showing that we appreciate our Earth. Just turn out the lights! For one hour, Saturday, March 27, from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m., local time. Last year, 80 million Americans flipped the switch. Even the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Eiffel Tower in Paris went dark.Sign up as an individual or organization or business at The Official US Site for Earth Hour. Find

R. Deeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158990672354407103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-58003486072673710772010-03-02T16:30:00.002-05:002010-03-02T16:59:05.162-05:00

Celebrate National Wildlife week by doing what comes naturally: play. Whatever you do—at home or school—do it outdoors! Plan now. Click and get tips and ideas for the week with a Family Activity Passport. Teachers can get wild at school with a custom Educator Activity Guide that shows how outdoor time is good for students. Find ideas to make your school greener and download nature-themed

R. Deeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158990672354407103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-26877566238318460432010-02-18T14:00:00.012-05:002010-02-18T14:25:14.806-05:00

Come to Celebrate Masonboro, and learn how you can help take care of Masonboro Island! Only five miles southeast of Wilmington, it is an undisturbed barrier island and estuarine system. The island is 8.4 miles long, with almost 90% covered by marsh and tidal flats. Masonboro Island is a protected site in a network called the National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERR). These sites have

R. Deeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158990672354407103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-4716899818312592642010-02-10T22:00:00.000-05:002010-02-10T22:05:18.098-05:00

You are invited to send in a video, 30 seconds or less, that shows how you would make the environment better. The catch? Use only 3 words. Green in 3 is sponsored by Duke University's Nicholas School of the Environment. One contest period ends this Friday, February 12th. But there are 3 (of course) periods in all. The deadlines for the last two are March 12th and April 9th. There will be at

R. Deeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158990672354407103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-61128773292830052442010-02-08T16:03:00.011-05:002010-02-08T16:42:08.912-05:00

We are thrilled to have a gorgeous blue sky today. The first forsythia blooms are showing, and the first tips of the daffodils are out and growing. Another sign of Spring to come: this weekend is The Great Backyard Bird Count!This is always a fun event to do with the family, and it's wonderful to do with children. It only takes fifteen minutes of observation to participate. There is a special joy

S. Conelynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-68007340602398779342010-01-29T17:46:00.001-05:002010-01-29T19:34:03.085-05:00

Habitat and Wildlife Keepers (HAWK) will meet the host of ETV's Expeditions with Pat on February 2, at 7:00 p.m. in the Matthews Community Center, 100 McDowell Street, Matthews, NC. This free event showcases the Clemson University naturalist and host of the ETV program, Patrick McMillan.The naturalist will tell us about changes that are happening in plants and animals of the Piedmont. Habitat

S. Conelynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-22965379997925875802010-01-26T18:54:00.006-05:002010-01-26T19:25:38.947-05:00

This name is so fun, I have to share it. The Winyah Rivers Foundation is having their annual River Roast South at a place called Hobcaw Barony.They offer an oyster roast, southern buffet, tea, beer, and wine. Food and drinks are from the Litchfield Beach Fish House and the New South Brewing Company. The annual meeting begins on Friday, January 29th at 5:00 p.m., and the oyster roast and buffet

S. Conelynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-24570759668843121622010-01-16T19:52:00.008-05:002010-01-16T20:44:57.363-05:00

Winter is a great time to plant a few trees, while the roots are dormant. The North Carolina Cooperative Extension office provides two tree giveaways on January 22nd.The TreeFest is a tree event on January 22 and 23 in Wilimington, NC. More than 12,000 trees will be given away-- up to five seedlings per resident. A $3 donation will help buy trees for next year’s event. The event runs from 10 a.m.

S. Conelynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-7552328883997624342009-12-29T21:00:00.018-05:002010-01-06T00:45:22.214-05:00

Clemson University has been awarded $98 million for research to support wind energy! It is the largest single grant ever received by the university, according to the Clemson Newsroom. The Department of Energy (DOE) is giving Clemson $45 million in federal financing under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Local sources are providing $53 million in matching money.In this five-year grant,

R. Deeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158990672354407103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-88717848721246623912009-11-14T08:19:00.029-05:002009-11-15T20:48:38.792-05:00

Thursday night, Sustainable North Carolina (SNC) gave awards to groups and individuals that advance sustainability in our state. Click on the names of this year's award winners to find out more about the great work they are doing!The first three awards go to businesses:The Triple Bottom Line award is for a company that successfully integrates social, environmental, and economic objectives. The

R. Deeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158990672354407103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-18099938306922044152009-10-24T22:00:00.002-04:002009-10-24T22:02:47.453-04:00

We applaud Duke University's plan to become "climate neutral" by 2024, one hundred years after its establishment. "Duke has long been a major center for the study of the environment," President Richard H. Brodhead said. "We are committed to being a leader in best practices in responding to climate change.” Since 2003, their new buildings have met the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental

R. Deeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158990672354407103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-29467230912716241472009-09-25T10:10:00.000-04:002009-09-25T11:07:24.105-04:00

A free event to celebrate National Public Lands Day is happening at the Cradle of Forestry on Saturday, September 26th. A Naturalist will lead a "Water Wonders" (Maravillas del Agua) walk on the paved Forest Festival Trail. The tour will tell about public lands and how the forests affect watersheds and water quality. Kids ages 5-12 can then play in a short game to learn more about the water cycle

S. Conelynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-14921764964351540582009-09-24T19:00:00.006-04:002010-01-09T21:11:00.206-05:00

Welcome to the home of Henry and Bertha Buchanan! Last month volunteers from Habitat for Humanity and the Sierra Club arrived to weatherize their house. It's part of a plan to preserve affordable housing, while reducing the need for energy. And the Buchanans will save on their monthly power bills. At 7 a.m. this Saturday morning, the partnership will tackle two more houses in South Charlotte.

R. Deeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158990672354407103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-15023649721373335712009-09-19T18:11:00.003-04:002009-09-20T02:14:31.299-04:00

The Riverspeak News from the Winyah Rivers Foundation offers an upcoming paddle trip on the Waccamaw River. This photo, taken by Ed Kay, shows members of the Yakkity Yakers Club on a previous river run. The paddle series, “If The River Could Talk,” continues with a new trip you can join. On Saturday, October 3rd, the morning float on the Waccamaw River departs at 9 a.m. from Wacca Wache Marina in

S. Conelynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-72151314618379511702009-08-27T00:03:00.003-04:002009-08-27T00:31:38.636-04:00

This evening, the farm of Mr. Garnett Carr in Roxboro, NC, will host an asparagus how-to class. I thought it was difficult, but the announcement states that this high-value vegetable crop is easy to grow.Presented by Carl Cantaluppi, a Horticulture Agent for the NC Cooperative Extension Service, the meeting will tour variety trial plots planted there. They will examine yields, discuss soil

S. Conelynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-16746419741873047872009-06-06T09:00:00.009-04:002009-09-20T15:03:26.877-04:00

Kathy Mattea, a self- described "recovering country music star," will be the host and feature performer at the Mountain Aid festival June 19th and 20th. Others appearing include Donna the Buffalo, the Slim Redmond Band, and Ben Sollee. This year's proceeds will go to the Pennies of Promise campaign, to build a school for the children of Marsh Fork Elementary. Their current school, in

R. Deeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158990672354407103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-71353377055160679752009-04-30T17:21:00.007-04:002009-05-01T13:22:02.488-04:00

As Earth Month draws to a close, let's recognize Duke University's brand new LEAF Award, for Lifetime Environmental Achievement in the Fine Arts.Robert Redford received the first LEAF during Duke's Reunion Activities. The photo at left is from Duke News. Since the early 70's, he has shown his concern for the environment and the arts in his films, and has used his talents and resources to share

R. Deeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158990672354407103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-31206690503372263992009-04-03T18:00:00.028-04:002009-04-05T07:40:35.235-04:00

After many days of rain, everyone is ready to get out. Let's play in the sun, and dig in the dirt! If you are ready to plant something, check out the native plant sales in the area. Native plants require less work, and grow better and easier than other species. They behave themselves, and don't require you to trim them (with a machete) in a couple of years. Some non-natives are invasive, even

S. Conelynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-57594707495749790512009-03-27T00:27:00.008-04:002009-03-27T01:55:45.287-04:00

"Bless your buttons," my Grandmother used to say. That was my feeling, when I saw the blue balloon buttons all over the area on the Earth Hour map. Thank you to Laurens, and Columbia, South Carolina for joining in; we are so glad you are participating. In North Carolina we see Wilmington, New Bern, Fayetteville, Raleigh, Carrboro, Winston-Salem, Davidson, Charlotte, Asheville, and Dillsboro are

S. Conelynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-70744892113388768522009-03-22T13:00:00.024-04:002009-03-22T14:35:57.781-04:00

One award was given to Jasper County, SC, to help in the restoration of their farmer's market in Ridgeland. You'll enjoy the video on their website, about how an old bean shed became Jasper County Farmer's Market and Auction Center. This season, the retail market will be open on Fridays, beginning April 24.At Riverview Charter School in Beaufort, volunteers from the Ward Edwards Company will

R. Deeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158990672354407103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-61085719267346931812009-03-09T16:20:00.011-04:002009-03-11T22:43:03.964-04:00

This just in: We have our first Earth Hour 2009 city in the Carolinas! Around 25 students from Lincolnton High School attended a City Council meeting to make a request. The students, members of the AP Earth and Environmental Science class, proposed that their town participate in Earth Hour and turn off all non-essential lights at 8:30 p.m. on March 28. The petition was granted, and Lincolnton, NC

R. Deeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158990672354407103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-59123298726027387172009-03-08T13:50:00.009-04:002009-03-08T14:54:41.274-04:00

We are enjoying our beautiful weather today! This is one of the lovely times of year when the temperatures are so comfortable, heating or cooling is unnecessary.Time went forward an hour this weekend for Daylight Savings, and as we adapt to the change in routines, I'm thinking of another hour marking this month. Our readers have asked us to participate in Earth Hour 2009, on March 28th, at 8:30

S. Conelynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-7355215311800129692009-02-22T21:30:00.001-05:002009-02-22T21:43:19.899-05:00

This spring, Clean Transportation, based at NC State University, will recognize individuals and groups for building better vehicles or advancing better fuel. They will present Mobile Clean Air Renewable Energy (CARE) awards in several categories.Local pioneers are making a difference: reducing gasoline consumption and working to reduce air pollution. We've written about biodiesel fuel made from

R. Deeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158990672354407103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-60952043593074556352009-02-18T13:00:00.010-05:002010-01-06T00:29:39.711-05:00

It's the 8K Run & 5K Family Fun Walk to Preserve and Improve Water Quality in the Charleston Area! Runners and walkers will head out from Folly Beach, SC, on Saturday, February 21st at 9 a.m.The event is hosted annually by the Masters of Environmental Studies Student Association (MESSA) of the College of Charleston. All proceeds are donated to a local non-profit group working to improve water

R. Deeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158990672354407103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-40517199216274148332009-02-14T13:48:00.021-05:002009-02-14T15:22:24.284-05:00

Kids can make some green for being green! There is time for South Carolina kids to compete in the Champions of the Environment annual contest. Entries are due March 13, 2009 for the Environmental Awareness Middle School Competition. It is open to middle school-aged students: 6th, 7th and 8th graders in a public, private, or home school setting. Students can enter in the essay or poster division

S. Conelynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-68192742147368319382009-02-01T10:42:00.007-05:002009-02-03T17:07:24.066-05:00

Wait! Before you recycle that orange juice container, take a closer look at it. I almost missed the side that shows the promotion for Tropicana's Rescue the Rainforest. Their offer says that you can save 100 square feet of rainforest for every carton code you enter on a web site.They ask for name, address, and e-mail, and you have the option to receive electronic announcements. That's something

S. Conelynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-23094244950108153062009-01-29T20:22:00.009-05:002009-01-30T10:28:13.060-05:00

It is really enjoyable to see what's happened This Week at Hilton Pond. The snow cover wasn't amazing this past week, but the bird studies really are. Be sure to scroll down that page to see the great photographs and read about them all. There is a good deal of information at Hilton Pond Center of Piedmont Natural History in York County, SC.Director Bill Hilton Jr. is apparently heading for Costa

S. Conelynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-75617966715306547132009-01-21T18:00:00.001-05:002009-01-21T21:05:33.252-05:00

What's a Cool City? The Sierra Club says it has committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions levels. On the Cool Cities America site, we can find local cities listed, from Bethania, NC, to Charleston, SC. Each city pursues its goal in its own way. A Cool City could increase its use of hybrid cars and renewable energy. Another might choose to connect greenways to bus routes and implement

R. Deeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158990672354407103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-70432178431687682372009-01-19T11:00:00.007-05:002009-01-19T11:48:40.965-05:00

If you have ever thought of visiting Wing Haven Gardens and Bird Sanctuary in Charlotte, Thursday would be a good time. Michael Balough will begin this year's lecture series, speaking about Dwarf Conifers in Southern Gardens. Wing Haven, almost three acres enclosed in brick walls, includes formal gardens, fountains, and statuary, integrated with woodland areas and paths, as shown in the photo at

R. Deeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158990672354407103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-12668127777030222122009-01-06T09:23:00.001-05:002009-01-09T09:36:25.862-05:00

Last month, a South Carolina group launched a company to create a better car litter bag. Do-GreenNow, based in Hilton Head, calls it the CarbageSac, intended to prevent highway litter. They must hate roadway trash as much as we do.The idea began in a pick-up truck on the way to a recycling center. President Bretton Griffin says it is designed to hang from the glove compartment or headrest posts,

S. Conelynoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-66867565381255273522009-01-03T10:40:00.002-05:002009-01-08T11:57:28.624-05:00

"Who threw out Aunt Emma's bug spray?"Here's a fun way learn about caring for our world. There are some neat resources on Citizens for Planet Earth, an educational campaign for the PBS series Journey to Planet Earth, hosted by Matt Damon. Another area offers field adventures that explore environmental issues. Check it out!

S. Conelynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-34068541601026008942008-12-15T11:13:00.003-05:002008-12-15T12:54:06.655-05:00

With so many different materials we use, recycling can sometimes be confusing. South Carolina's Recycling web site has some great information. This has resources for residents, teachers, students, and businesses.Teachers have lessons, materials, presentations, and grant funding information available. If students want help for a science fair, it provides a guidebook for creating projects that

S. Conelynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-54552248180852039872008-12-13T15:37:00.010-05:002008-12-13T17:16:19.753-05:00

For those of us charmed by local treasures in our gift-hunting, check out the goodies in the Homegrown Handmade Art Roads and Farm Trails of North Carolina."Travel along back roads to sample fresh goat cheese and scuppernong wine, artists' studios and sidewalk cafés," entices the site. The alliance between arts and agriculture in the Foothills, Piedmont, and Coastal areas has created trails to

S. Conelynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-34500578709543630842008-12-06T11:00:00.007-05:002008-12-06T12:46:59.669-05:00

Welcome to Reverend Sara Morgan's stand at the Health Department Market! The Department wants to make it easy for everyone to get their fruits and vegetables. This is in Wayne County, in eastern North Carolina. It's the site of a community that is working to build a sound food system for its people.The Wayne Food Initiative (WFI) has developed an ambitious program. They envision healthy,

R. Deeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158990672354407103noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-4782554943934350212008-12-02T09:41:00.006-05:002008-12-02T10:19:56.114-05:00

Have you seen Beidler Forest? Audubon South Carolina operates two wonderful centers: Francis Beidler Forest, and Silver Bluff along the Savannah River. The centers have educational and visitor programs to add to their natural resources.Francis Beidler Forest, in Four Holes Swamp, is a 16,000-acre wildlife sanctuary. It features a boardwalk that is almost two miles long, through an old-growth

S. Conelynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-84644880975930427062008-12-01T15:00:00.003-05:002010-01-06T00:16:42.958-05:00

Join me at the movies! On Thursday, December 4th, at 6:30 p.m., the Catawba River Film Festival will present an evening of short films.In Birthplace of the Winds, you can watch a National Geographic expedition in remote Alaska - explorers kayaking in waters among volcanic islands, following the routes of the native Aleuts. Other settings include Malawi and Hawaii. All four showings focus on

R. Deeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158990672354407103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-67371525709378782622008-11-17T18:30:00.004-05:002008-12-01T16:03:10.279-05:00

Can you help plant trees? On Saturday, volunteers are needed to plant thousands of them on the western side of Mountain Island Lake. This tree project, sponsored by the North Carolina Sierra Club and the Central Piedmont Group, helps filter groundwater and creates a buffer to keep our drinking water clean.The participants will meet at the Henderson Park Swim Club on November 22nd, work from 9:00

R. Deeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158990672354407103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-8658867928664747702008-11-12T13:00:00.003-05:002008-11-12T13:23:34.412-05:00

Last month, the North Carolina State Fair opened a day earlier, and the attendance on Sunday was a record for the last day. We especially applaud an exciting project at this year's event: around 8,000 gallons of used cooking oil was collected. The used vegetable oil will be converted into biodiesel fuel, to be used by the NC Department of Agriculture at their research stations. It's great to see

R. Deeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158990672354407103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-22550171468051636452008-10-28T11:10:00.013-04:002008-11-05T17:57:05.494-05:00

There are only a few more days left to enter this contest. Tom's of Maine is offering a car to those who are caring for their rivers and keeping them healthy. Send a video by October 31st to enter this River Stories Contest and win a Toyota Prius! It's nice that this company is working to offer environmentally-friendly products, and is also sponsoring the Rivers Awareness Partnership, providing

S. Conelynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-12317973495513395042008-10-20T20:00:00.001-04:002008-10-21T11:58:10.364-04:00

With the recent rains, my grass is luxuriant, an emerald carpet! I have neither aerated it nor fertilized it, just watched the free water coming down. But I will not be lulled into complacency. I remember the summers: when my grass was brown and so dry that it crackled when I stepped on it. So I am getting down to business, planning for next year. In my research, I'll look for plants that are

R. Deeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158990672354407103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-91118210132219888162008-10-07T16:00:00.001-04:002008-10-07T16:42:07.764-04:00

Nearly a thousand people attended the Green Building and Solar Tour in six communities in North Carolina last Saturday. The event continues this weekend in other cities. Check out the tours and activities to be held this Saturday, October 11th, in Asheville, Boone/High Country, Chatham County, Fayetteville, Hendersonville, and Raleigh.The NC Sustainable Energy Association (NCSEA) sponsors the

S. Conelynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-10775713907554244362008-10-02T18:28:00.003-04:002008-10-07T16:02:54.305-04:00

We've been exploring the wild areas, and the Green Building and Solar Tour has slipped up on us! This Saturday, October 4th, you can tour a range of commercial and residential buildings that have installed sustainable energy systems. Chapel Hill/Orange County, Charlotte, Durham, Greenville, Wilmington, and Winston-Salem will have tours available this weekend. This photo shows the solar hot

R. Deeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158990672354407103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-89675925163366271162008-10-01T21:52:00.007-04:002008-10-02T16:48:51.874-04:00

The recent tropical storm brought us rain, rain, rain! Rivers must have filled this past weekend. The Winyah Bay watershed is about 18,000 square miles, fed by four major rivers that drain into it. Most of the flow is from the Pee Dee-Yadkin river system, beginning in the Blue Ridge Mountains and streaming through the Piedmont to the sea.In Georgetown County, SC, between Myrtle Beach and

S. Conelynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-74682097662609531212008-09-25T17:45:00.000-04:002008-09-25T18:33:56.659-04:00

We are exploring our local treasures for National Estuaries Day this Saturday. This is amazing!Miles of ocean beaches in North Carolina: 320Miles of estuarine shoreline in the state: more than 8,000This estuarine system is the third largest in the country, with great economic importance to the coastal area. Ninety percent of commercial seafood species live at some time in an estuary. This is

S. Conelynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-48552148356044907652008-09-24T16:25:00.001-04:002008-09-24T17:10:22.837-04:00

"Where freshwater systems and rivers meet, and mix with a salty ocean."Be a part of the National Estuaries Day this Saturday, September 27th. The nationwide event offers a multitude of activities for the entire family. Check out the Research Reserves: some will offer guided walks, boat tours, live animal presentations, touch tanks, and kayak tours. Look for nature crafts for kids of all ages,

S. Conelynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-73131534464694110922008-09-22T15:50:00.003-04:002008-09-22T16:06:03.533-04:00

Beginning this Friday, a three-day workshop will explore how to raise healthy children in a toxic world, while helping our environment. The conference, Saving Our Kids, Healing Our Planet, will be held from September 26th to 28th in the Charlotte Convention Center.Highlights include renowned pediatricians, authors and environmentalists discussing children’s health and treatment for their ills,

R. Deeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158990672354407103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-80638186084066455012008-09-16T20:00:00.005-04:002008-09-17T15:55:12.309-04:00

We need workers who have good jobs, helping improve our air and water and protecting the environment for all of us. You are invited to learn how North Carolina can have this, at the day-long conference, "Growing a Just, Green Economy." It will be held on Saturday, September 20th, on the campus of North Carolina Central University in Durham, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. NCCU and over 20 other

R. Deeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158990672354407103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-57303559753473189952008-09-09T09:36:00.032-04:002008-09-10T10:48:40.002-04:00

The Catawba River flows from the Blue Ridge Mountains and continues west of Charlotte into South Carolina, where it becomes the Wateree River. This weekend, we can learn how to help protect the river and its watershed. The Central Piedmont Group of the NC Sierra Club and Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC), are sponsoring a meeting Saturday, September 13th to learn, "What Local Citizens can

R. Deeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158990672354407103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-39519037266444726142008-09-04T10:00:00.001-04:002008-09-04T10:13:35.357-04:00

Volunteers are needed to help count salamanders. The marbled and spotted salamanders give clues about the health of their environment and the impact of nearby development. This research project of the Catawba Lands Conservancy studies the salamanders (photo at left) by catching them in buckets. Each day volunteers need to check the buckets, record the number and species of salamanders caught, and

S. Conelynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-6096033460271054522008-09-02T15:00:00.004-04:002008-09-04T10:16:05.119-04:00

Union County and Rowan-Salisbury Schools are reducing harmful tailpipe emissions from their school buses. Thanks to NC State University's Clean Fuel Advanced Technology (CFAT) project!The CFAT grant is used for reducing vehicle emissions in North Carolina counties that do not meet federal air quality standards. Now in its third and final year, the program is funding a variety of projects, such as

R. Deeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158990672354407103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-37977274168119110582008-08-21T09:33:00.011-04:002008-09-04T10:19:22.184-04:00

Catch the The Naturalist's World, an exhibition of paintings, photographs, and ceramics of natural beauty by artists from eight states. Showing at the Elder Gallery in Charlotte through August 30, it includes pieces from Ceramist Warner Hyde, of North Carolina, presenting a body of work that originated from Carolina elements.Elder Gallery, located at 1427 South Boulevard, will donate twenty

S. Conelynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-54826728825532420282008-08-18T10:00:00.000-04:002008-08-18T10:18:34.204-04:00

Make plans to check out the Southern Energy and Environment Expo on August 22-24th at the Western NC Agricultural Center even if you need to travel to it. The annual event of renewable energy technologies also provides responsible environmental stewardship. They have so much to offer this year, it's worth a carpool and effort to go. The event offers exhibits and presentations on a range of

S. Conelynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-41923153638336255792008-08-09T12:13:00.002-04:002008-08-09T12:23:48.954-04:00

Image found at Art Renewal Center. Hope your day is filled with beauty!

S. Conelynoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-71848417545051630102008-08-06T18:30:00.003-04:002008-08-06T18:47:50.110-04:00

The Charlotte Convention Center was the first one in North Carolina to “go green.” For about 2 years, the Center has gone the extra mile, according to Mariel Littrell, the green representative for the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority. For some time, recycling receptacles have been provided, along with highly visible arrows, to encourage the recycling of bottles and cans. All cardboard is

R. Deeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158990672354407103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-12332803705481173772008-08-01T10:30:00.005-04:002008-08-01T14:45:00.266-04:00

What can you do with a green roof? The photo at right is an example shown at Live Roof where the city of Grand Haven, Michigan, planted their garbage container covers. These roofing systems provide storm water management, cooling effects and insulation that decrease energy costs, wildlife habitat for insects and birds, and they improve air quality by absorbing pollutants.There are already a

S. Conelynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-66004545275738362592008-07-27T17:33:00.000-04:002008-07-27T17:33:00.253-04:00

There is still time to see a turtle make a nest this week. Through this last week of July, a special guided walk at Edisto Beach State Park offers an informative program and hike down the beach, in search of nesting loggerhead sea turtles. The South Carolina location is a high-density nesting site with 60-90 nests laid annually within a small area. The park rangers protect the nests and educate

S. Conelynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-40668736830192920712008-07-21T21:00:00.002-04:002008-07-23T10:17:54.406-04:00

With more hot, dry weather still ahead, we are replacing some of our flowers or part of our lawns with less thirsty plants. Here's some advice for our area.Water-wise suggestions from Southern Gardens include this tip: for a dry garden, look for foliage that has gray or silvery leaves. Tiny hairs on the leaves and stems reduce the need for added water. Succulent plants like yuccas, sedum, and

R. Deeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158990672354407103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-41481893746458139722008-07-18T00:36:00.010-04:002008-07-18T11:06:14.657-04:00

Worldometers provides real-time, constant updating of some fascinating statistics about the world. Amazing to see a whole-world view in numbers, zooming by.Among the surprising are the energy numbers. The figures are measured in metric tons. No matter what energy is produced or consumed, the amount of solar energy striking the Earth's surface is three digits larger. Wow! I hope we can find

S. Conelynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-77793449674992004192008-07-15T10:04:00.001-04:002008-07-15T10:47:52.665-04:00

Yes, we love a festival that celebrates our area's beauty, natural resources, and culture. We like to celebrate, and we like watermelon! Let's go to the 100th anniversary of Pageland, SC, at the 2008 Pageland Watermelon Festival this weekend. Starting Friday evening, July 18, and offering events through Sunday, the festival brings live music, and entertainment, amusement rides, a pageant and a

S. Conelynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-70777808879977311672008-07-11T11:40:00.011-04:002008-07-11T16:51:08.463-04:00

How is your wild life? We have been recently visited by two small box turtles, and found it interesting that their species name is Terrapene carolina. Deer visit the yard, and munch on whatever is convenient. A red-tailed hawk with a nest nearby perched on my bird feeder, looking for an easy meal. A crow family has also been nesting here.The Carolina Wrens are funny in choosing nest sites. This

S. Conelynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-26277896210995268012008-07-09T13:02:00.005-04:002008-07-09T13:58:48.290-04:00

Aubrey Davis of the Outer Banks Brewing Station says that America’s first wind-powered brew pub is breezing along with the 10kw wind turbine in their backyard. Installed and started on April 22, the Bergey Windpower turbine is saving the restaurant and brewery about $250 to $300 per month on its electricity bill. Because they make their own brews there, they need a good bit of power for

S. Conelynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-32455284588437501532008-07-06T12:00:00.006-04:002008-07-06T13:05:40.354-04:00

If you've been using compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), you have probably been saving some money. The average household using them reduces its energy bill by $12 to $20 a month, according to estimates. But they contain a very small amount of mercury, so they need to be recycled when they're worn out.Now it's easier to find a place to recycle them. All 1,973 Home Depot stores are accepting

R. Deeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158990672354407103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-4260615475663267482008-07-02T13:40:00.008-04:002008-07-02T14:03:35.022-04:00

The July 4th weekend is a party on the beautiful Eno River. The Festival for the Eno on July 4-6 in Durham will have 100 music performers on five stages. There will be 85 craft artist displays and many other fun activities (including wading) at the river. The Eno River Association, which organizes the event, works for the preservation of the nature, culture, and history of the Eno River basin.

S. Conelynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-81805787787791586692008-07-01T06:52:00.008-04:002008-07-01T09:10:00.659-04:00

Going to see the Dave Matthews Band? Appearing tonight in Charlotte at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre and tomorrow night at Raleigh's Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion at Walnut Creek.These North Carolina venues are the first to participate in the DMB's new "So Much to Save" Recycling Program. Every person that recycles at the special Bama Green recycling stations will be eligible to vote for

R. Deeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158990672354407103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-41459380234985504022008-06-30T10:00:00.001-04:002008-07-15T15:41:14.641-04:00

You have a great idea for improving the environment in your community, and just the group to get it going. How could you get it funded? Healthy Community Grants up to $10,000 are available to community-based groups that offer solutions for local environmental problems -- the more creative and out-of-the-box, the better. The awards are intended to inspire people in selected counties in coastal

R. Deeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158990672354407103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-78187602134641564782008-06-25T10:05:00.007-04:002008-06-25T19:26:42.941-04:00

Dear June Bugs,We are glad you are not here.Almost the end of the month, and we have seen far less of those June bugs chomping on our plants this year. We're not sure if it helped, but last year we did establish a few wild geranium plants. My sister told us last year about this plant, native to Missouri, which is toxic to the Japanese beetles. She found it while reading in a gardening book.In

S. Conelynoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-47910330261700446732008-06-24T10:30:00.014-04:002008-06-25T11:55:31.495-04:00

We've been saying that fresh, locally grown food tastes better, contains more nutrients, and saves gasoline. In buying locally as much as possible, we believe that we are helping family farmers and the rural communities where they live. Through supporting family farms, such as the one on the left, from UNC News, we are moving toward sustainable agriculture.Some people have committed to eating a "

R. Deeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158990672354407103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-77387997857280556222008-06-19T12:51:00.007-04:002008-06-21T08:43:39.799-04:00

A gift for us, and for the bees! This weekend continues the 41st South Carolina Festival of Flowers in Greenwood, South Carolina. A celebration going on through the month of June, it offers many activities this weekend, including Flower Day, June 21st at the Park Seed Company’s Trial Gardens. These nine-acre gardens feature over 1000 varieties of annuals, perennials, and vegetables. They will be

S. Conelynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-20857036673271646952008-06-17T18:00:00.001-04:002008-06-17T21:39:30.944-04:00

We've collected the water we used to rinse fruits and vegetables. As we go out into our yard with a full bucket, we have to decide where to offer it. In these hot and dry days, which of our ornamental plants should get the water?Our trees are beautiful and provide needed shade and oxygen; their roots have to look for water far down in the ground. Azaleas and other bushes and shrubs also take time

R. Deeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158990672354407103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-3782327234839820172008-06-13T11:36:00.003-04:002009-02-18T12:15:26.274-05:00

Sweet car! Oh, it's electric?Mike Moore of AmpMobile Conversions adapted this 1979 Fiat Spider to run on electric batteries instead of gasoline.The Lake Wylie, SC auto expert is converting small cars and trucks to electric power. The process recycles vehicles which have a useable body. It uses parts made in America, and gives new life to an otherwise non-running car.Let's see what's under the

S. Conelynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-18140934676283538822008-06-08T22:48:00.002-04:002008-06-09T00:42:04.083-04:00

Last month, a public forum on wind energy was held in Surf City, NC. Royal Builders of Topsail Island worked with the NC Solar Center, the State Energy Office and the North Carolina Wind Working Group to bring a discussion on this renewable energy to the area. They invited people to learn about the benefits of wind energy, voice their concerns, and ask questions of environmental and technical

S. Conelynoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-15506560780285995512008-06-04T22:53:00.001-04:002008-06-04T23:44:57.223-04:00

"The Green Energy Fair last Saturday was a great success," reports Dennis Robison of the Chowan/Edenton Environmental Group. "While we haven't received the final count, we believe there were between 250 and 300 attendees."The group served 175 lunches provided by the Town of Edenton, North Carolina. The Fair had 20 exhibitors, ranging from high-end solar panels to vermiculture. The exhibitors were

S. Conelynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-29063939453056911762008-06-02T18:00:00.000-04:002008-06-02T18:10:53.922-04:00

The first "Got to be NC Festival," celebrating local farm products, will be held June 5th through the 8th at the State Fairgrounds in Raleigh. The Food Expo will feature tasty foods to sample and buy. The official NC Barbecue Cooking Championship will begin there on Friday.The festival will present a display of antique tractors, draft horse and antique tractor pulls, carnival rides, live music, a

R. Deeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158990672354407103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-66887205621342051032008-06-01T12:00:00.003-04:002008-06-01T12:23:46.572-04:00

The Piedmont Biofuels Cooperative is now offering the only biodiesel internship program of its kind in the world on their organic biofarm. They are accepting applications for their first internships at their pilot biodiesel plant, one to be held this year from June through August and another from September through December."Prospective candidates for the internships should want to leave a legacy,

R. Deeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158990672354407103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-50462658551531779002008-05-29T16:39:00.002-04:002008-05-29T16:52:45.511-04:00

The Green Energy Fair for the Town of Edenton and Chowan County is Saturday, May 31st. This coastal community is located on the Albemarle Sound in Northeastern North Carolina. The event is hosted by the Chowan/Edenton Environmental Group. They want to help residents save money and energy at home. The Green Energy Fair offers exhibits, vendor displays, free lunches, door prizes, and free energy

S. Conelynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-53015334942752373962008-05-27T13:54:00.001-04:002008-06-01T23:56:27.709-04:00

Kids are learning the three R's: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Our guest contributor today is H. Sheafor, a 13-year-old Carolina home-schooler. "Did you know that making plastic bags requires the energy equivalent to 4 million barrels of oil a year? Paper bags use 14 million trees annually."Reducing the use of these bags is a good start. Milk gallons and bottles of washing detergent are easier to carry

R. Deeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158990672354407103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-35861754032162074272008-05-26T12:01:00.001-04:002008-05-26T15:43:07.135-04:00

Here's a fun event for the whole family! On Saturday, May 31, the Land Conservation Celebration will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Redlair Farm & Forest, 144 Redlair Lane, Gastonia, NC. It presents activities for young and old, hikes through pristine woods, and opportunities to see incredible natural wonders found in the Piedmont. Look for live music, local artisans, community groups,

S. Conelynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-31083082067199868762008-05-22T11:42:00.001-04:002008-05-22T11:45:06.882-04:00

The Fields to Families organization provides an impressive harvest for the hungry. Their volunteers have already worked to pick 10,700 pounds of food this year. In Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester Counties of South Carolina, the non-profit group coordinates these donations of fresh produce from local gardens and farms. Last year, they distributed more than 43,000 pounds of food to area

S. Conelynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-11594188259743392912008-05-20T00:51:00.006-04:002008-05-20T16:50:19.246-04:00

We've found a new, comfortable way to conserve water in our area. When you turn on the hot water faucet, the water is warm immediately. A company called Today's Hot Water offers us a hot water recirculation system, already widely used in California and Colorado. The system uses a pump with a thermostatic valve. It sends the cooler water in the hot supply line back into the cold supply line,

S. Conelynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-51667829017568366462008-05-18T13:16:00.020-04:002008-05-18T19:14:48.286-04:00

The fibers from the cereal box and newspaper that you put into the recycling container may come back to you as paperboard -- in a shoe box, the back of your composition book, or the tube that holds Christmas wrapping paper.This area is home to some longtime recycling professionals. Carolina Paperboard was founded in Charlotte in 1938, and is still manufacturing 100% recycled paperboard in 2008. I

R. Deeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158990672354407103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-59960813431264817812008-05-15T12:17:00.004-04:002008-05-15T21:31:06.393-04:00

The First Annual Green Living Festival will be held starting tomorrow, on May 16-17, at the Omar Shrine Convention Center in Mt. Pleasant, SC. You'll find environmentally friendly products and services available in the Charleston area. The Green Living Festival brings out over 60 exhibitors, demonstrations, prizes, and food. It offers information on health and wellness for people and pets. The

S. Conelynoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-71557839526926616402008-05-14T10:20:00.010-04:002008-05-14T14:03:09.329-04:00

Pattie Baker, of Foodshed Planet, is challenging everyone to plant a Victory Garden. Here's a one-minute video that explains the idea. Whether you have gardened before or not, we have some resources to share with you.The original Victory Gardens were introduced in the United States to ensure an adequate food supply for civilians and troops during the world wars. Government agencies, civilian

R. Deeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04158990672354407103noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1776931060374156163.post-36742559676701923952008-05-12T17:20:00.001-04:002008-05-12T17:24:36.586-04:00

Meet in a relaxed environment, and chat over drinks? The Green Drinks association offers a welcome to those who are 'eco-conscious and eco-curious' as well as environmentalists. You can make new connections over a beer or a coffee. These informal sessions have a lively mixture of people from natural and green organizations, academia, government and business. The events are simple and unstructured

S. Conelynoreply@blogger.com1