Go Green at 4

How To Compost

2012-02-16T09:20:00.000-08:00

From beginners to experts, this web site is designed to be a hub for all composting information:

http://www.howtocompost.org/

What's YOUR Carbon Footprint?

2012-02-07T08:22:00.000-08:00

Want to know how much Co2 your household emits? Calculate it HERE

8 Uses for Cinnamon

2012-01-17T09:05:00.000-08:00

By Adam Verwymeren, Networx

It's one of the hallmark spices of baking and candy making, but cinnamon isn't just a way to give a sweet treat a little extra kick. This potent and versatile ingredient also has a ton of uses around the home - from cleaning products to mosquito control.

Tincture: Combine a handful of cinnamon chips with a cup of vodka to make a great-tasting and powerful tincture. Cinnamon tincture is a fantastic way to add a little zip to a cocktail, but you can also add a few drops to your afternoon tea for an extra dose of flavor. For the gents, you can dilute this potent potable with a little extra vodka for a great-smelling aftershave.

Air Freshener: Combine water and a few drops of cinnamon oil in a spray bottle and you've got an instant air freshener that's both economical and all-natural.

Moth Repellent: Replace foul-smelling mothballs with cinnamon-stuffed sachets. Combine the cinnamon with a handful of other spices, like cloves and bay leaves, and you'll have a moth-free house that smells great.

Potpourri: Add a stick or a few sprinkles of powdered cinnamon to boost a bowl of potpourri. For a more instant house-filling scent, try a cinnamon-flavored recipe for simmering potpourri on your stovetop.

DIY Valentines Day Gift: We found a great idea for Cinnamon-Stick Candles on Country Living. Hot glue a cinnamon stick to a jarred candle and wrap with natural ribbon. It would be a perfectly sweet and spicy gift for Valentine's Day.

Mouthwash: Mouthwash is one of those products that's so easy to make, it's a wonder we ever buy it. For an effective cinnamon-flavored mouthwash, simply add nine tablespoons of cinnamon to a cup of vodka. Let the mixture sit for two weeks and then strain through a coffee filter.

Ant Repellant: Has an army of ants invaded your home? Apartment Therapy suggests using cinnamon to keep the little critters at bay. Sprinkle the powdered version of the spice around any openings or crevices that give insects entrance to your home and they will steer clear, perhaps heading for the more welcoming environs of a neighbor's home instead.

Mosquito Larvae Killer: A 2004 study found that components in cinnamon oil are effective are killing mosquito larvae, offering a safe, environmentally friendly alternative to harsh insecticides. We're a little skeptical of this idea, and don't give a full endorsement yet. We prefer the approach of preventing breeding habitats on your property. A great, concise resource is a guide for preventing mosquito habitats on Baltimore landscaping published by the Baltimore County Department of Environmental Protection. (You don't have to live in Baltimore; it's a solid resource for anyone who lives in a climate where is potential for standing water on their property.)

Do you use cinnamon for any of the above? Do you use it for other things? Would you rather eat live snails than use cinnamon for jobs around the house? Talk to us! We love comments!

Adam Verwymeren writes for Exterminators Networx. Get ideas like this on Networx.

New Year's Resolution Generator

2011-12-30T09:10:00.000-08:00

Need a good New Year's resolution? Click HERE to generate ideas!

Did Santa Bring You A New Cell Phone?

2011-12-28T11:37:00.001-08:00

Don't pollute the landfill or let unused cell phones pile up in a drawer. Get cash for your old cell phone or donate obsolete models, including smartphones.

Recently upgraded cell phones can be sold for cash
Old cell phones can be recycled as emergency phones or donated to soldiers overseas – to donate a cell phone to a soldier, go to cellphonesforsoldiers.com and print out your free postage-paid shipping label
Obsolete models are reclaimed for valuable elements
Toxic materials are properly handled to protect the environment

Get a prepaid mailing box and send in your unwanted cell phone for evaluation. If it has resale value, you'll get a check in the mail. If not, the phone will be donated or properly disposed of.

42nd Annual Polar Bear Ride / Run

2011-12-22T12:05:00.000-08:00

42nd Annual Polar Bear Ride / Run
Bicycle Ride and 5K Fun Run
January 1, 2012

This Bicycle Ride and Fun Run is the highlight of Mid-Winter, since 1970.

Do gray winter skies bring you down? Do you long for the days of April when you get your bike out and join others who have been longing for a good bike ride? Well ladies and gentlemen mark January 1, 2012 on your calendars! Bundle up and get those tires aired up! The Break-Away Bicycle Club is putting on the 42^nd annual Polar Bear Ride/Run.

There are two routes to choose from, 15 or 25 miles. The ride will begin with a mass start at 9:45 AM followed by a 5K fun run at 12:00 PM. We will have a continental breakfast and a lunch for all those who participate. Registration for the ride is $25.
9:00 A.M. registartion starts
9:45 A.M. mass start for bikers
12:00 P.M. 5K Run / Walk

Rodgers Pavilion - Highland Park
902 W. Deffenbaugh
Kokomo, IN
Printable Registration Form
Online Registration

How Long Does Food Retain Its Nutritional Value?

2011-12-16T08:52:00.000-08:00

Click HERE!

Give Green!

2011-12-12T09:50:00.000-08:00

More than 50 great gift ideas from NRDC all aimed at saving the environment. From defending polar bears to protecting clean water ... from reviving rainforests to promoting renewable energy … you will find the perfect gift for a friend or loved one who cares deeply about our planet’s future.

Click HERE to give a green gift this Christmas.

What's YOUR Water Footprint?

2011-12-02T12:14:00.000-08:00

Click here to take a water tour through your home, yard, diet, and transportation and consumer choices! Then, pledge to cut your water footprint and help return more water to rivers, lakes, wetlands, underground aquifers, and freshwater species.

Cyber Monday Gives Back

2011-11-28T08:27:00.000-08:00

Shop online with GoodShop or iGive to automatically donate a portion of your sales to your favorite charity!

Sweet Potato Cupcakes

2011-11-21T12:11:00.000-08:00

Sweet Potato Cupcakes
1 box spice cake mix
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 cups mashed sweet potatoes
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup water
3 large eggs
1. Preheat oven to 350F. Line 24 muffin cups with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, combine cake mix, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.
3. In a medium bowl, combine sweet potatoes, oil, water, and eggs; add to cake mix mixture. Beat a medium speed with a mixer until smooth. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups, filling two-thirds full. Bake for 16-18 minutes or until a tester comes out clean (Mine had to bake for about 25 minutes — so check the timing!) Let cool in pan for 10 minutes and then cool completely on wire racks.
4. Spread cinnamon-cream cheese frosting evenly over cupcakes and garnish with cinnamon.
Cinnamon-Cream Cheese Frosting
1 package (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup butter, softened
2 Tablespoons heavy whipping cream
1 Tablespoon honey
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
7 cups powdered sugar
1. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, butter, cream, honey, and cinnamon at medium speed with a mixer until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until smooth.

Time to Winterize Your Home!

2011-11-08T11:50:00.000-08:00

Here are some ways you can lower your energy bill:
- Heat your home for free using sunlight. Open windows that face west and south.
- Set your thermostat to 68 degrees or lower -- even as low as 55 degrees at night. If you have a programmable thermostat, set it to turn on the heat an hour before you wake up.
- Switch your ceiling fans from rotating clockwise to counter-clockwise. This helps push down the warm air.

Kokomo Downtown Farmer's Winter Market

2011-10-31T12:11:00.000-07:00

Summer is over and the Kokomo downtown farmer’s market is closed for the season – but that doesn’t mean you can’t still have that Farmer’s Market experience!

Don’t miss the First day of the winter market!

Saturday, November 5th from 9am to 12pm at the YMCA in downtown Kokomo!

17 Creative Things to Do with Phone Books

2011-10-25T08:36:00.000-07:00

Go beyond recycling, and help reduce our paper use.

Click here:

http://www.thedailygreen.com/living-green/blogs/save-money/recycle-phone-books-460509

Waste Not!

2011-10-19T10:33:00.001-07:00

It's funny how some people are embarrassed by the state of their refrigerator… mine is full of leftovers that I’ll never get around to eating before it spoils.

Collectively, we waste about 55 million tons of food a year, or 40 percent of the food supply. Greenhouse gas emissions from the production, transport and disposal of all the food we could eat — but don't — adds up. Food waste is responsible for 135 million tons of greenhouse gases every year, or about 1.5 percent of all emissions.

So how does that break down for a family or an individual? The average family is responsible for about 1,800 pounds of emissions from food waste, while an individual contributes about 440 pounds a year!

But all this food that goes to rot isn't evenly distributed across the grocery store. For example, we waste about 35 percent of the chicken, fish and fruit we produce, while we only waste about 15 percent of the nuts and legumes on the market, according to USDA.

And some foods also have a much bigger impact on the climate than others. If you compare beef to tomatoes, beef has a much higher footprint.

Nearly 80 percent of the greenhouse gas emissions come from producing and processing food. If household food waste could be cut in half, a family of four could save $600 a year.

Making your refrigerator more efficient

2011-10-13T11:36:00.000-07:00

Most of us pay no attention to it. It's just there in the kitchen plugging along. You need to wake up and give your fridge a little TLC! Did you know that your refrigerator uses about 1/6 of your homes energy! It's real easy for those dials inside to get bumped around by oversize tubs of leftovers, so check those dials and temperatures. You should consult with the manufacturer,but in general the EPA recommends keeping refrigerators at 37 degrees and freezers at 3 degrees. Anything colder would be a waste of energy and money.
Keeping your refrigerator full will allow it to run at maximum efficiency. To help retain cold temperatures when the fridge or freezer are less full, place glass or ceramic pitchers of water in their compartments. Like using ice in a picnic cooler, this will insulate the interior and keep it cold.

Holistic and Organic pet foods

2011-10-12T11:39:00.000-07:00

You can better your pets health and reduce your fido or tabbys carbon paw print by going holistic or organic in their diet. Holistic dog and cat food is made from natural ingredients that are chosen for their nutritional benefits.Holistic dog and cat food are designed to be attuned to your pets body, which is why many holistic pet foods contain herbs.
Organic pet food has many advantages.These include reduction of skin ailments and allergies, more energy, a healthy weight, fewer digestive disorders, better overall health, stronger immunity, a better quality of life and a longer life. They are free of hormones,antibiotics, pesticides,herbicides,chemical additives, artificial colors and flavor enhancers. Often times the chemicals in your pets food are the reason for their problems.

Opt out of phone book delivery

2011-10-10T12:14:00.000-07:00

We all grew up with them, saw strong guys rip them in half on tv and actually used them. I am talking about the good old-fashioned phone book, whose time has passed. According to a survey most Americans have stopped using paper phone books. Unfortunately the same survey stated that a majority of us don't recycle our phone books while 70% of states still require them to be published.
To have you name taken off phone book distribution lists go to http://www.yellowpagesgoesgreen.org/ . However some publishers do not honor 3rd party requests for privacy reasons. so you may want to contact your local phone book provider, as well as register at the industry site http://www.yellowpagesoptout.com/ .
Why is opting out of receiving a phone book so important? More than 500 million phone directories are printed and distributed every year in the U.S., requiring 1.6 billion pounds of paper,3.2 billion kilowatt hours of electricity, and 7.2 million barrels of oil. Although publishers have been making strides to use recycled paper,which definitely helps, the industry still has a sizable carbon footprint.

Easy things you can do to winterize

2011-10-03T12:42:00.000-07:00

Temperatures in the 30s over the weekend were a chilly reminder of the need to winterize our homes.There are many easy and inexpensive ways to save energy and money this winter heating season. According to the US Department of Energy, drafts can waste 5% to 30% of your energy use. Start simple and break out the old friend the draft snake. Heck you dont even have to buy anything, just place a rolled up bath towel under your drafty door. It is very easy to forget, but changing or cleaning your furnace filters about once a month during heating season is vital to your furnaces efficiency. If you have a choice opt for the Hepa-filter, these remove almost 100% of the allergens in the air. This 3rd and final easy winterizing tip is going to sound a little crazy...but it's true! Using your ceiling fans in the winter can cut your heating cost by as much as 10%. Most ceiling units come with a switch that reverse the direction that the blade turns. Switching that ceiling fan to a clockwise rotation gets that warm air hovering around your ceiling circulating back into your living space!

Great time of year to pick your own

2011-09-29T12:35:00.000-07:00

Autumn arriving means the apple and pumkin seasons are upon us! It is a great time of year to pick your own produce. There is no more popular time to enjoy the fresh air and stroll through orchards or farm fields than the fall.Not only is this a wonderful experience for you and your family, it helps keep farmers in business. You may pay a little more or a little less for that basket of apples or a pumkin for carving,but you can be sure that the farmer is keeping more of the profits.
Besides providing the beautiful fall scenery and the other benifits to the ecosystem,farms require fewer government services than they pay in taxes. Compare that to a suburban house that could replace the unprofitable farm as a big tax drain. Bottom line: Healthy local farms are good for local taxpayers' bottom line!

Go old school, grab a rake!

2011-09-27T13:43:00.000-07:00

Autumn began last Friday, and we all know what is coming. The most despised chore of them all! Taking care of those leaves that have fallen. Leaf blowers may seem cool and convenient but they can pump out as much smog forming pollution as many cars do! The older models are even worse,lawn and garden equipment that was made before 1997 is responsible for as much as 5% of ozone-forming gasses. In addition to the pollution, these engines produce fine dust and soot that can damage lung tissue. It is kind of hard for your kids to play in piles of leaves when they are hacking and wheezing from the clean-up! Please grab a rake!

Point,click and help!

2011-09-26T13:21:00.000-07:00

Saving our precious natural resources is basically what going green is all about. If you save a little bit of the green in your pockets all the better! Enrolling in online bill options with your bank, credit card companies, cable, and utility providers saves you time, money and most importantly helps preserve our resources for other generations to enjoy. Paperless billing not only saves trees but it also eliminates the fossil fuels needed to get all those envelopes from them to you and back again.

Motion sensors take going green to the next level!

2011-09-23T12:35:00.000-07:00

While you are switching your lights to comcact fluorescent bulbs you can go even greener by also installing motion sensor lighting fixtures in key locations. These turn on only when movement is detected and turn off automatically, a feature that also helps with security. Not only is outdoor lighting a big waste of energy and dollars, but it can be disruptive to wildlife if your outside floodlights are left on all night.

Just say filler up!

2011-09-22T12:37:00.000-07:00

A very simple way of making a difference and living the green lifestyle is to get yourself a refillable cup for your beverages at home, work and on the go. If you buy a daily cup of coffee in a disposable container you are generating 22 3/4 pounds of waste per year. You would also be wasting money as well. Personal finance experts estimate that you would save about $358 annually if you made it at home. A ceramic or glass container for your hot drinks would be a wise choice for your hot drinks. Plastic containers can leak potentially harmful chemicals into your drink when heated up. But as we all know accidents do happen, ceramic and glass cups tend to break. Go out and get yourself a refillable stainless steel cup!

Energy Star Refrigerators

2011-09-21T12:33:00.000-07:00

If you are out there looking to upgrade your kitchen, be sure to look for an Energy Star appliance. Putting that upgrade on hold a little while might be a wise decision. Starting in 2014 a new refrigerator labeled with the Energy Star sticker will use 25% less electricity than one purchased today. At that time, believe it or not, the typical new refrigerator will use only about 1/5 the energy that the ones used when we were growing up. Amazing fact #2! The average refrigerator is 20% larger but costs 60% less! This shows how energy efficiency rules do not, as critics sometimes argue, lead to higher costs or worse service.

Sealing your driveway?

2011-09-19T13:18:00.000-07:00

The Autumn season arrives on the calendar this Friday. One chore of the home owner that rolls around this time of year for many is sealing up that driveway for the colder months. You should be very careful when chosing a contractor or if you are doing it yourself. It could be that you are spreading pollution without realizing it..Most sealants are made from coal tar,scientists have proven that coal tar based sealants are a major source of toxic pollution to our lakes and streams. If you must seal pavement, look for asphalt sealants. An even more ecofriendly option would be a gravel driveway.

Products to steer clear of

2011-09-16T12:28:00.000-07:00

There are many products out there that seem harmless enough on the surface, but can be harmful to you and the enviroment. You would figure that hand sanitizer would be something that would be benificial to you and your family. Be very careful when you choose. There is a chemical called Triclosen, that is found in hundreds of germ fighting products. This may cause damage to your liver and mess up your thyroid hormones.
Avoiding anything that is labeled as scented is a good move. The word "fragrance" on a label may stand for hundreds of chemicals. The laundry room is a good place to and seek out those hidden dangers.Look for unscented detergents and dryer sheets because coating your clothes with chemicals means you are exposed all day all over your skin!

Staying away from the supermarket?

2011-09-15T12:32:00.000-07:00

Going to the grocery store is a necessity, but not when it comes to buying your produce! The products will always be in season, and by that it just means that they were grown and harvested during peak conditions.The farmers maket brings you food from right outside your front door. The fresher your food is,the longer it will last and the fresher it will taste.
Some great things to look for in the autumn is Winter Squash, this is probably the most prevalent in the fall. Concord Grapes are in season and make a delicious healthy snack.

Making your own cleaning products

2011-09-14T12:13:00.000-07:00

I know a lot of you are getting those storm windows out of storage. The temperatures are falling and it is definately time to clean off our insulating friends. Do not make the mistake of reaching for that bottle of window cleaner. Instead of harsh chemical sprays,get those windows crystal clear with a simple solution of whithe vinegar, newspaper and a little elbow grease. You will save money and the hassle of needing to stock more cleaning supplies. 2 Tablespoons of vinegar with a gallon of water and dispense into a used spray bottle, and you are ready to go!

Getting the most from that bag!

2011-09-12T12:16:00.000-07:00

I am guilty of going through about 10 "disposable" sandwich bags a week. Those of you with school age children maybe go through more. Now there is a very nice option of putting that bag to use. The first option of course should be to reuse it, especially the freezer bags, they are very durable and easy to clean. If you can't reuse your sandwich bags there is a home for it! You can now recycle that bag at your local grocery or supermarket in their bag recycling bin.
Recently there was a partnership formed between Ziplock and Recycle Bank. This partnership means consumers can claim rewards for each Ziplock bag they recycle. The Recycle Bank rewards individuals for being green by assigning points for recycling and other actions. The points can be redeemed for rewards like gift cards and discounted products, much like your basic credit card rewards program. For more info check out recyclebank.com .

September is National Wilderness Month

2011-09-09T11:29:00.000-07:00

President Obama has declared September to be National Wilderness Month. If you need an excuse, there it is. Go outside and enjoy nature! This month also marks the 47th anniversery of the Wilderness Act, which has led to the protection of nearly 110 million acres of public lands set aside for future generations to enjoy.
Indiana has some great state parks to enjoy. Angel Mounds state park near Evansville has over 600 acres of nature to enjoy.Brown county state park is always a favorite in the Autumn.It is the largest of all the state parks,located on highway 46 between Bloomington and Columbus.Check out Fort Harrison state park just off I-465 near Indianapolis for a closer trip with the family.

Don't take our clean fresh water for granted!

2011-09-08T13:25:00.000-07:00

Many of you out there, myself included, turn that water faucet on and don't even give it a second thought. We are very fortunate here in our town to have clean safe city water, and many wells in the rural areas.Did you know that only about 1% of the worlds freshwater is available to us. DON'T WASTE IT! The fact is that ancient Romans had better water quality than half the people on earth. Studies have also shown that half of the worlds hospitalizations are due to water related disease.This one really shocked shocked me, brace yourself now...More people in the world now own cell phones than have access to a toilet. Conserving our water so everyone in the world can live happy healthy lives is vital!
Here are some simple, painless ways we can all go about conserving water.
1) Installing a low flow shower head--These are very easy to install and cost as little as $8
2) Turning off the tap when you brush your teeth
3)Watering your lawn in the morning.--The air is cooler and you use less due to evaporation.
4) Using a professional car wash instead of doing it yourself can save as much as 35-100 gallons.
5) Fixing that Leak!!! It may not look like that much but 1 leaky faucet can lose 3 gallons of water a day.

The advantages of getting an energy audit

2011-09-06T13:01:00.000-07:00

Do you ever get scared when you go to open up that energy bill? Gas or electric it can be kind of scary from time to time. Getting an energy audit may be of some benifit for you. Simply put an energy audit is an assessment of your homes energy efficiency.
To conduct your own energy audit, walk through your house and closely examine the areas around outlets,baseboards, window and door frames, fireplace dampers, pipes and attic hatches. If air can flow through these places, they need caulk or weather stripping.
A professional auditor will go into greater detail, studying past utility bills and using state of the art equipment to examine your house from room to room. The use of those kind of contractors may be necessary if you plan to take advantage of state or federal energy efficiency home improvement incentives.

The 2011 Indiana Innovation Award winners

2011-09-02T12:33:00.000-07:00

Here are just a few of many of the companies or organizations that are green friendly and really making a difference!
DelMar Information Technologies with their electronic poll book. this allows citzens to vote in multiple locations, saving lots of people gas and money.
People for Urban Progress with the Dome Bag Project. They salvaged 13 acres of material from the roof of the former RCA/Hoosier Dome and turned it into sellable goods, raising funds for this non-profit organization.
Delta Faucet came up with a great new product! The Touch 20 Faucet allows you to turn water on and off by just tapping anywhere on the faucet, minimizing cross-contamination and conserving water.

Superbowl XLVI 1st and Green Group Challenge

2011-09-01T11:35:00.000-07:00

The 2012 Indianapolis Superbowl Host Committee is inviting everone to join the 1st and Green Group Challenge! This should be a lot of fun as all the groups can tie in to Superbowl activities. This program is seeking out people for this competition to reduce their carbon emissions, save water and to promote enviromental awareness.
You can "draft" as many as 30 people to be in your group, get together with your group and create a group name and email address. Decide if your group will individually enter your actions or maybe you can pick a captain to gather and enter the teams results all at once.
Go to http://www.1standgreen.com/ and click on the sign up tab-click register as a group and just follw the instructions after that. Be sure to enter your actions at least once a week to start competing in the 1st & Green Group Challenge! Have fun...hut hut hike!

Recycling is crucial

2011-08-31T12:16:00.000-07:00

We all have to do our part, this place that we live belongs to all of us! Please think before you just toss something in the trash. Studies show that each one of us creates about 4.7 lbs of waste every day. In the U.S. 33.4% of solid waste is recycled or composted, 12.6% is burned and 54% makes it into landfills. In 1988 there were 8000 landfills but only 1754 in 2007. It kind of looks like we are running out of places to put it. There are some good trends to see though, it is not all gloom and doom! The disposal of waste in our landfills has decreased from 89% in 1980 to about 54% recently.

End of Summer, take a close look at your furnace.

2011-08-29T12:16:00.000-07:00

The overnight temperatures are getting into the 50's and if you are a wimp like me the furnace has already been on a few times. Replacing that old inefficient furnace could save you big headaches later when you are needing that heat this winter.
If you replace that old furnace with an Energy Star rated one you could get a $150 tax break if you get it in 2011. There are some estimates that say you could cut about half of your energy usage with one of these new ones! Heck that new Energy Star furnace will pay for itself over time!

Buying organic is not always necessary for living green

2011-08-26T11:59:00.000-07:00

Buying organic makes sense for the health of the earth,farm workers and your family. But if you are pinching pennies(and who isn't these days?) you can choose some of these tasty "clean & green" alternatives that are not organic.
Asparagus and onions face very few threats from pests and disease so the need for any chemicals is usually very small.We also have our thick skin friends! Avacados, sweet corn, pineapples and mangoes have such a thick outer skin or husk that the risk of chemicals gettin through is almost zero! Rinsing off all produce before you eat it, of course is a must!

What is the Carbon Footprint

2011-08-25T12:00:00.000-07:00

You have heard for several years now about this Carbon Footprint that we all leave and some of you like myself had no clue about what they were referring to. The Carbon Footprint is the total set of greenhouse gas emissions caused by an organization, event, product or person.
There are many ways that a person can reduce theirown Carbon Footprint. One very important way is to buy organic and buy local! Paying attention to packaging helps, for example buying loose tomatoes in the bin at the store as opposed to those in a box. Refill those water bottles instead of buying new ones. We can all pitch in and help by doing those little things.

Don't put that garden spade up just yet!

2011-08-24T12:39:00.000-07:00

It's not too late to plant a few hardy root veggies greens and herbs. There are several crops that can thrive if planted late in the summer.Crops like radishes,basil,mustard greens and spinach only take about one month to mature and can suvive a light frost.
There are many other autumn options for your garden. Crops like lettuce, swiss chard,kale and collard greens take as few as 40 days to mature. the kale and the collard greens are able to survive temps in the 20's. Beets and cabbage only take about 2 months to mature and can survive temps in the 20's as well.

Looking closer at the Energy Star products label

2011-08-22T12:33:00.000-07:00

Energy star labels do save you money on your utilities and are a big part of green living. For the first time ever, earlier this year the "Most Efficient Initiative" was launched. The list had clothes washers,televisions,central air conditioners and air source heat pumps, with lists of refrigerators coming soon.
The Energy Star Label also recomends replacing AC units that are over 12 years old. For a complete list of details go to energy star.gov , it is a very good resource for the green lifestyle.

Take advantage of these tax credits before they expire

2011-08-19T12:15:00.000-07:00

Here are some green home improvement projects that will earn you tax credits now but will probably expire on Dec. 31st, unless Congress votes to re-enact these programs, which seems unlikely in the present budget cutting enviroment.
BIOMASS STOVES: $300
CENTRAL AIR CONDITIONING: $300
ELECTRIC HEAT PUMPS,FURNACES & BOILERS: $150
ADVANCED MAIN AIR CIRCULATING FAN: $50
INSULATION AND ROOFING 10% OF THE COST, UP TO $500
GAS, OIL OR PROPANE WATER HEATERS: $300
ELECTRIC HEAT PUMP WATER HEATERS: $300
WINDOWS AND SKYLIGHTS: 10% OF THE COST, UP TO $200
DOORS: 10% OF THE COST, UP TO $500

To awn or not to awn that is the question

2011-08-18T12:58:00.000-07:00

Installing awnings for natural air-conditioning is great, green way to promote cooling and reduce your energy bills.
Awnings aren't just for stores and restaraunts anymore! Not only do they save energy but it makes good economic sense as well,by dressing up your home a bit and making it more attractive it should increase the value of your home.
The initial investment is a quite a bit but may pay off in the long run. Amazon has some Sunsetter brand 4 ft awnings for $195, 6ft for $220 and if you want to go all out go for the motorized ones available at cooking.com for $1690 for a 10ft and $2529 for an 18ft awning.

DON'T DO THOSE DISHES JUST YET!

2011-08-17T10:27:00.000-07:00

If you wash those dishes in a dishwasher instead of doing them by hand you will save about 35% of the water used to do a load by hand.
Finding green automatic dishwashing detergents that actually work can be a challenge.
7th generation automatic dishwashing detergent is tops on the list but is kind of pricey though, about $23 on amazon.com
Method Smarty Dish is a well rated brand as well and is widely available at mainstream grocery stores for a price on par with other brands.

Clean those filters!

2011-08-16T13:31:00.000-07:00

With cooler temperatures on the way,one easy thing you can do to save energy and money on your utility bills is to keep those filters clean on your furnace as well as the A/C units.
As much as half of the energy we use in our homes comes from heating or cooling it. Check your filters every month, if it looks dirty,change or clean it. At least change it every 3 months. Not only will this save energy and money on your utilities, it will prolong the life of your furnace/AC unit.

SHOULD YOU CONSIDER GETTING A WATER FILTER?

2011-08-15T11:18:00.000-07:00

The U.S. water supply is thought to be one of the safest in the world. If you are one of the folks out there getting your water from a well,you may want to think about making an investment in a filter, or having the quality of your water checked regularly.
For a home that has particular contaminant concerns use the Enviromental Working Group's water filter buying guide to find the best model. Prices start at about $80 so you don't have to spend a lot for a small piece of mind for you and your family.

Reasons to shop at your local Farmers Market

2011-08-12T12:25:00.000-07:00

There is no reason to settle for that bland supermarket tomatoe, not with over 7000 farmers markets nationwide! It's fresher,tastier and more than likely less expensive.
Your purchase will also help the local economy,since your food $ wont be going national corporation but a local resident and his or her workers.Local markets cut out the middle man,most of every dollar goes to the grower as opposed to the grocery store where growers get less than 10 cents on the dollar,

Cook your food,not your kitchen!

2011-08-11T13:18:00.000-07:00

That old saying,"slaving over a hot stove" is very true. Here is a few ways to avoid wasting energy this summer.
Try keeping the door between your kitchen and the rest of the house closed.
Limiting the time your ovens are on, in other words be ready to cook when you preheat the oven...PREPARE!
If you have a kitchen window, open it and put in a fan blowing out...Macgyver ventalation!
Whenever baking,cook multiple dishes at once if possible. Your oven uses more than 90% of the energy during the preheating process, while the food is actually cooking less than 10%
Saving the power your air-conditioner uses helps the enviroment and saves you money.

The top 6 green cleaning products

2011-08-10T13:21:00.000-07:00

1)Seventh Generation is a Vermont based company and continues to be a leader in the green cleaning market.
2)Ecover
3)Method...available at target
4)Mrs. Myers
5)Greenworks, released by Clorox a few years ago
6) Nature's source is a line of green cleaners by S.C. Johnson

Now before you go out and spend remember that some very useful cleaning products can be made in your home. Lemon juice, vineger and baking soda can do the job.

Going Green at the office

2011-08-08T12:10:00.000-07:00

There are many ways to be enviromentally friendly at the workplace, keep in mind that the greenest commute to work is the one not taken at all! Technology has made that very possible for some of us,video conferencing instant messaging and online seminars just to name a few.
Turn out the lights at the office and open up the blinds, 44% of electricity we use at work is from artificial lighting.
Save that paper!!! Printing on both sides is something we can all do at home and at work. If your office receives a lot of unwanted ads,newsletters and other junk mail you can stop it by a request at DIRECTMAIL.COM
Save that computer electricity as well by automatically putting it to sleep during short breaks, this can save energy use on your computer by 70%

REDUCING YOUR PETS CARBON PAW PRINT

2011-08-05T14:22:00.000-07:00

We have all heard about our carbon footprint but what about your pets carbon paw print?

Greening your pets isn't just for hippies...but a tie-die cat sounds kinda groovy eh? Seriously though there are ways you and Rover or Tabby can help the planet.
Purchasing eco-friendly gifts for starters,made from recycled materials or sustainable fibers(such as hemp and other nontoxic products)
Keeping your pet indoors helps, cats are hunters and the biggest danger to birds.
Natural and organic pet foods are minimally processed and contain meats that are raised sustainably.
Now the unpleasant task of #2. Get a biodegradable poop bag for the doggie walkers you dont want your dogs waste being in a landfill for 100 years! Cat people can do their part as well, steer clear of clumping clay litter.the clay is strip-mined which is harmful to the enviroment and the dust is not good for kitty to breathe.
And finally PLEASE adopt from a shelter! 70,000 puppies and kittens are born and abandoned every day in the United States.
Special thanks to Izzy(Sarah's dog) and Raputa(my cat) for inspiring todays post!

Natural Summer Protection

2011-08-04T13:40:00.000-07:00

The Summer days a but a precious few on the calender get out there and enjoy them but protect yourself naturally, here are a couple of simple ways to do that.

Natural bug repellents, avoid those that contain DEET, instead use ones from natural plant oils like citronella, lemongrass and cedarwood.

Suntan lotions vary in ingredients, stay away from those containing oxybenzone and vitamin A(retinyl palmitate) they may boost your skin cancer risk. You should opt for ones with mineral sunblock with(zinc or titanium)

And remember the best safest sunblock is a shirt and hat!

10 ways to go green and save some green!

2011-08-03T13:42:00.000-07:00

1) Save energy to save money. Compact fluorescent bulbs, unplugging appliances when you are not using them,washing clothes in cold water.

2)Save water to save money. Taking shorter shorter shorter showers,make sure you have a faucet aerator,and installing a low flow showerhead.

3)Less gas=more money(and better health) Walk or bike to work, Consider moving closer to work may cost a little at first but may pay off in the long run.

4)Eat smart! If you eat meat add one meatless meal a week Meat costs a lot at the stores and it's even more costly when you figure in therelated environmental and health costs.

5)Skip the bottled water. Use a filter to purify tap water instead of buying bottled water.Not only is it expensive but it generates a lot of trash for our landfills.

6)Think before you buy. Check out garage sales,thrift stores, and consignment shops for clothing and other everyday items.

7) Borrow instead of buy! Go to the library for your books and movies, this saves money, not to mention the ink and paper that goes into printing new books.

8)Buy smart. Buy in bulk and buy quality long lasting products. You may spend a bit more at first but in the long run it is worth it!

9) Keep electronics out of the trash! Keep your cell phones, computers and other electronics as long as possibe, and recycle them when the time comes.

10)Making your own cleaning supplies. Very simple and effective,all you need is baking soda,vinegar,lemon and soap. Making your own cleaning products saves money, time, and packaging not to mention your indoor air quality.

The No Child Left Inside Act of 2011

2011-07-25T09:06:00.000-07:00

Support the No Child Left Inside Act of 2011, which was re-introduced in Congress last week. The bipartisan bill would require states to adopt K-12 education "environmental literacy" plans that provide for student learning, particularly hands-on experiential learning, and teacher training. It would also provide federal grants for schools, nonprofit groups and others that provide environmental educational services with an expenditure of up to $100 million for the next five years. Read more here:
http://www.cbf.org/Page.aspx?pid=948

Buying an Air Conditioner? Buy Green!

2011-07-20T12:52:00.000-07:00

If you're in the market for a central air conditioner, check energystar.gov, where the agency plans to post new information soon about which Energy Star equipment is most efficient.

DIY Window Washing Solution

2011-07-18T10:11:00.001-07:00

Instead of harsh chemical sprays, get those windows and mirrors crystal clear with a simple solution of white vinegar, newspaper and a little elbow grease. You'll also save money and the hassle of needing to stock more cleaning supplies. It's simple: mix 2 tablespoons of white vinegar with a gallon of water, and dispense into a used spray bottle. Squirt on, then scrub with newspaper, not paper towels, which cause streaking.

Kokomo Downtown Farmers' Market

2011-07-07T10:52:00.000-07:00

Local food. Local flavor. A local experience.

http://kokomofarmersmarket.com/

Get Running!

2011-06-28T10:29:00.000-07:00

Haynes-Apperson 4 Mile Run/ 3 Mile Walk Entry Form
- Online Registration

Time: 8 AM
Location: Memorial Gymnasium, Central Middle School, Kokomo, IN
Contact: Mark Shorter, 2936 Congress Dr., Kokomo, IN 46902
Phone: (765) 455-2283
Email: Mark@ckrr.us

Haynes-Apperson Day Kids Track Meet Entry Form

Time: 9:00 AM
Location: Kautz Field, Central Middle School, Kokomo, IN

The New "Dirty Dozen" List of Produce

2011-06-15T09:24:00.000-07:00

from Yahoo!Green

A new report published by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) might make you re-think that "apple a day" -- if it's conventionally grown using pesticides.

According to the group's annual "dirty dozen" list of fruits and vegetables with the highest pesticide residues, apples ranked number one as the most-contaminated item, up from number four last year.

Other changes from the 2010 findings: this year, cherries dropped off the list, and lettuce, previously absent, now appears at number 11. The EWG uses data compiled by the USDA to produce these findings.

Dirty Dozen 2011

Apples

Celery

Strawberries

Peaches

Spinach

Nectarines (imported)

Grapes (imported)

Sweet bell peppers

Potatoes

Blueberries (domestic)

Lettuce

Kale/collard greens

The "clean fifteen" are also included in the report - these are fruits and veggies with the lowest levels of pesticides so there's no need to waste your money on organic versions. Some popular items include watermelon and avocado.

The EWG points out that if consumers simply chose their daily recommended five servings of fruit and vegetables from the least contaminated list over five from the dirty dozen, they would reduce the amount of pesticides ingested by 92% - without having to shell out extra money for organics.

Clean Fifteen 2011

Onions

Sweet corn

Pineapples

Avocado

Asparagus

Sweet peas

Mangoes

Eggplants

Cantaloupe (domestic)

Kiwi

Cabbage

Watermelon

Sweet potatoes

Grapefruit

Mushrooms

Pesticides on produce

Conventional farmers use an arsenal of pesticides to protect their crops from insects, bacteria, rodents, molds, and fungi. These substances can end up in the food supply. Washing and peeling fruit and vegetables can lower pesticide residues, but not necessarily. When the USDA tests for pesticides, they wash and peel fruit the same way a typical consumer would.

The National Institute of Environmental Health Services acknowledges that scientists do not have a full understanding of the health risks associated with exposure to agricultural pesticide residues through food, soil, water, or air. They also report that farmers who use pesticides experience an increase in neurological symptoms and that the harmful effects on children are greater than on adults.

Recent studies indicate that pregnant women should also be careful of their exposure to pesticides. Three studies published in 2011 in the Journal of Environmental Health Perspectives suggest pesticide exposure can harm the developing fetal brain.

Organic vs. conventional produce

Organic produce is grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. However, organics can be harder to find and prohibitively expensive. If you are concerned about consuming pesticides, the EWG's dirty dozen and clean fifteen lists can help you make the safest and most affordable choices.

By Sarah B. Weir

DIY Laundry Detergent & Dishwasher Soap

2011-06-14T10:57:00.000-07:00

Dishwasher Detergent
Here's a simple recipe for dishwasher soap:
• 1 cup of borax
• 1 cup of baking soda
• ¼ cup of table salt
• 2 packets (half an ounce) of unsweetened lemon Kool-Aid
You can try to save even more by buying ingredients in bulk, but another idea is to find smaller and much cheaper boxes at your local dollar store: a good idea to since you'll want to try a small amount at first to see if you like the results. The amounts listed above are good for 16 loads -- one tablespoon each -- so even small batches will last a while.
Other recipes online vary: For example, we found one that suggested combining only borax and baking soda, 1 tablespoon each per load. Another suggested adding a little citrus essential oil to make it smell nice: We didn't try that one, however, because we had difficulty finding inexpensive citrus oil online. Then there's this recipe, which goes in a different direction altogether:
• 2 bars of shredded Octagon soap
• 1 cup of baking soda
• ¼ cup of washing soda
• ¼ cup of lemon juice
This one calls for melting the shredded soap in five quarts of water and then mixing in the other ingredients. If that sounds a little like the recipe for laundry detergent we wrote about last year, that's because it is.
Laundry Detergent
Speaking of laundry detergent, that's easy, too. You'll need:
• 4 cups of water
• ⅓ bar of cheap soap, grated
• ½ cup washing soda (not baking soda)
• ½ cup of Borax (20 Mule Team)
• 5-gallon bucket for mixing
• 3 gallons of water
First, mix the grated soap in a saucepan with 4 cups of water, and heat on low until the soap is completely dissolved. Add hot water/soap mixture to 3 gallons of water in the 5-gallon bucket, stir in the washing soda and Borax, and continue stirring until thickened. Let the mix sit for 24 hours, and voila! Homemade laundry detergent.
Provided by http://finance.yahoo.com/family-home/article/112897/make-simple-cheap-detergents-moneytalks

Raising an Eco-Friendly Baby

2011-06-09T13:52:00.000-07:00

I’m expecting this summer and I’m very excited to start a new chapter of my life: motherhood. We’d like to raise our baby in an environmentally friendly way while also cutting down on costs. If you are planning to raise your baby green, here are some tips that will save you money:

Make Your Own Organic Baby Food -- Check with your pediatrician about making your own organic baby food. Organic carrots and sweet potatoes are some of the cheapest vegetables, and both last a very long time so stock up on these. Add a small amount of water and blend well in a food processor. Freeze in ice cube trays, and defrost as needed. Here's a great site for recipes and information: http://wholesomebabyfood.momtastic.com/organicsforhomemadebabyfood.htm

Use Cloth Diapers -- Consider trying bumGenius cloth diapers. These adjust to fit your baby and will last from the infant stage all the way until potty-training. Over time, the cost savings of using cloth diapers is significant, and you will keep diapers out of the landfill where they frequently take 100 years or more to decompose. Read more here: http://z925gogreen.blogspot.com/2011/03/surprise.html

Make Your Own Baby Wipes -- If you use cloth diapers, it makes sense to use cloth wipes too. Try baby wash cloths or cutting strips of flannel for baby wipes, and keep a spray bottle of watered down solution of baby wash or wtich hazel on the diaper changing table. Spray the wash cloth and you are good to go!

Buy Used-- There are plenty children’s resale shops here in Kokomo. It’s also garage sale season – so why pay retail for things that will be used for such a short period of time? Carseats, cribs, mattresses, baby carriers and breast pumps whould be purchased new, but clothing, strollers, changing tables, high chairs… these things can add up to huge savings if you get them gently used! Check this out:

http://z925gogreen.blogspot.com/2011/06/wee-cycle-here-in-kokomo.html

Breastfeed-- Breastfeeding qualifies as the most environment friendly food for your baby. Mother's milks is deemed as the most sterile and healthy food for a baby. Feed breast milk to your baby instead of formula food, as long it is practicable. For more info on breastfeeding see your local La Leche League group or visit: http://www.llli.org/

Composting Problems Solved

2011-06-09T11:54:00.000-07:00

For more info on composting, visit http://www.howtocompost.org/

Compost organic matter that has been decomposed and recycled as a fertilizer and soil amendment. Compost is also a key ingredient in organic farming.

Composting is a great way to be green at home, but when your compost pile starts to stink you’ve got a problem. A functioning compost pile should smell faintly like warm earth. There are several causes of foul-smelling compost, and several practical solutions. Stinky compost problems come down to “breakdowns in pile management largely due to neglect.

Though compost may seem like magic, it relies on little critters — either microbes or worms which require food, air and water. If the mix is right, the microbes produce compost, carbon dioxide and water vapor. Without enough oxygen or the wrong mix, it could start producing stinky volatile organic acids.

A good compost temperature is above 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

The other major source of compost-related odors is the food scrap pile in the kitchen awaiting the trip to the compost bin. Even worms have their standards.

Protect Yourself from the Sun!

2011-06-07T11:52:00.000-07:00

Exposure to UV radiation has increased over the years due to the depletion of the ozone layer, a naturally-occurring gas that filters the sun's UV radiation. For some people, overexposure to UV rays can lead to skin cancer, cataracts and weakened immune systems. To protect against sun-related damage, follow these rules:

Wear those shades. Sunglasses that provide 99-100% of UVA and UVB protection greatly reduce sun exposure that can lead to cataracts and other eye damage. Be sure to check the label when buying sunglasses to make sure they have proper UV protection.

Lather on the sunscreen. Use a sunscreen with Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15. Apply it liberally to all exposed areas of your body, particularly your ears, face, back and neck. Reapply every 2 hours when working, playing, or exercising outdoors; even waterproof sunscreen can come off when you towel off sweat or water.

Listen to the weather reports. The UV Index, developed by the National Weather Service and the Environmental Protection Agency, provides a forecast of the expected risk of overexposure to the sun and indicates the degree of caution that you should take when working, playing or exercising outdoors. Weather predictions in print and broadcast media announce the UV Index daily.

Stay clear of the midday sun as much as possible. The sun's UV rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you're spending the day at the beach, take refuge under a beach umbrella during those hours when the sun's rays are most intense.

Dress Up. Wear light, long-sleeved shirts and ankle-length pants if you're going to be out in the sun for long periods of time and you'd rather not wear sunscreen. A wide brimmed hat will shade your face, neck, ears and eyes.

Ozone Action Day

2011-06-06T14:03:00.000-07:00

An ozone action day has been declared. The officials at the Indiana department of environmental
management have called for an ozone action day on Tuesday, June 6 for the following Indiana counties...

Hamilton... Madison... Delaware... Hancock... Shelby... Johnson... Morgan...
Howard... Hendricks... Boone... Knox and Jackson...

An ozone action day means that a combination of the high
temperatures... light winds... and other factors... are expected to
produce conditions where high levels of ozone emissions... may
exceed federally mandated standards.

Here are some recommended actions that the public can take to reduce
ozone forming emissions.

Ride the bus instead of taking your car.
Car-pool with a friend or co-worker.
Reduce the amount of time spent in drive thru lanes.
Postpone filling or topping off your Gas Tank until after dark.
Put off mowing your lawn until after 600 PM.

Wee-Cycle Here in Kokomo!

2011-06-03T13:14:00.000-07:00

Wee-Cycling is the concept of helping families with infants and toddlers "go green" with new and gently used baby gear. So much baby gear is purchased at retail stores only to be used a couple times and sometimes not even at all. When you Wee-Cycle you contribute to environmental preservation by recycling and reusing baby gear and operating in an environmentally conscious manner.
Cribs, car seats, strollers, changing tables, bouncy seats, high chairs…the list of basic gear you need when you have a new baby is endless...and expensive. All parents want to be able to provide for their children. Wee-Cycling makes it affordable. These things can be purchased at local yard sales, resale shops and consignment stores - and then resold again!
There's a new place in town called "Itty Bitty Boutique" on 17th Street behind Markland Mall that I've fallen in love with. They call themselves "An Upscale Resale Boutique" and they have a little bit of everything for your itty bitty baby to your kindergardener. Also, since I've been pregnant I've found that maternity clothes can be quite expensive, and they have some really cute outfits that are affordable for moms-to-be!

Stop in and check out what they have for your little one - I've purchased some amazing outfits for by baby girl on the way, including this one (it's my favorite):

Go Green with the Great Indiana Radio Auction 24-Hour Sale

2011-06-02T08:29:00.000-07:00

If you’re finishing up your spring cleaning or if you own a business and want to get rid of years of tax/financial documents without them being able to get in someone's hands that could use the sensitive info, they’re the people who you can trust to get the job done. Once they shred it, they will provide a certificate of destruction and recycling. Right now Kokomo Confidential Shredders is offering a $100 certificate good toward on site pick-up shredding of all paper and cardboard on the Great Indiana Radio Auction for just $25! Check it out here:
http://www.indianaradioauction.com/catalog.asp?catid=450&n=Office-equipmentServices

Another green business is The Vapor Place located at101 N. Buckeye. Quitting smoking is difficult and the Electric Cigarette Green Smoke kit can help. This includes home plug in charger, car charger and your choice of flavor. 2 piece cigarette. A value of $140 and you can buy it now for just $30.00. Check it out here:
http://www.indianaradioauction.com/detail.asp?id=5406&n=The-Vapor-Place-Electric-Cigarette-Kit--14000

For people who appreciate a nice landscaping but lack a green thumb or just don't have the time to do it themselves, Belle Louise Designs is offering a certificate good for a custom landscape design portfolio for home or business. Portfolio includes a consultation meeting, a before and after picture with new landscape design, a graphed plan for placement and spacing, material list to complete project, maintenance and care manual, and tips and recommendations for additional hard-scape or plant additions. A value of $250 and you can buy it now for $70. Check it out here:
http://www.indianaradioauction.com/detail.asp?id=4550&n=Belle-Louise-Designs-Custom-Landscape-25000

Making sure your central air conditioning unit in your home is running efficiently can cut down on carbon emissions and save you lots of money in the long run. Amerigas Heating Cooling & Propane is offering a Central Air-Conditioning Check & tune-up, a value of $99 and you can buy it now for just $30. Check it out here:
http://www.indianaradioauction.com/detail.asp?id=4526&n=Amerigas-Heating-Cooling--Propane-AC-check-9900

Go green and enjoy the great outdoors! Have you ever wanted to try kayaking? Canoeing? Kokomo Canoe & Kayak Rentals is offering a $25 Gift Certificate toward rentals and you can buy it now for just $7.50! Check it out here:
http://www.indianaradioauction.com/detail.asp?id=5162&n=Kokomo-Canoe--Kayak-Rental-2500-Gift-Certificate

For a complete list of everything available on the Great Indiana Radio Auction, go to indianaradioauction.com

Eveything on the site is "Buy It Now" and the sale ends Friday, June 3rd at noon.

Happy shopping!

"Go Green at 4" On the Road!

2011-06-01T11:57:00.000-07:00

June 1st
4pm – 8pm

Sycamore and Union ()

Opening Day for Wednesday Evening Market! 6p.m. Free Education Class: Howard County Recycling District will be teaching "How to build a rain barrel". Live music at 5pm by Bobberlove.

Z92.5 will be broadcasting live from 4-5 with Sarah Page for "Go Green at 4!" Come on out and show support for our first evening market ever in downtown Kokomo.

COYOTE KIDS 2011

2011-05-20T09:21:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Coyote Kids 2011!

We are looking forward to our 7th season at Jackson Morrow Park!

Registration form is now available for downloading!

Who: Children 0-18 years old

What: Coyote Kids 2011

When: Thursday June 2nd-July 14th

Races begin at 6:30 pm

Heats for Toddler Trot and 50-yard gallop start at 6:15 pm

Where: Jackson Morrow Park

Why: Because running is fun!

If you have any questions, email CoyoteKids@gmail.com to contact a Coyote Kids Representative.

We promote healthy lifestyle through healthy habits!

http://coyotekids.ckrr.us/index.htm

Kokomo Downtown Farmer's Market

2011-05-19T13:15:00.000-07:00

Local food. Local flavor. A local experience.

http://www.kokomofarmersmarket.com/

Recycling Drop-Off Sites

2011-05-17T12:49:00.001-07:00

http://countyrecycling.org/dropoff.php

Bee-Attractors

2011-05-17T12:47:00.000-07:00

Annuals
Asters
Calliopsis
Clover
Marigolds
Poppies
Sunflowers
Zinnias

Perennials
Buttercups
Clematis
Cosmos
Crocuses
Dahlias
Echinacea
English Ivy
Foxglove
Geraniums
Germander
Globe Thistle
Hollyhocks
Hyacinth
Rock Cress
Roses
Sedum
Snowdrops
Squills
Tansy
Yellow Hyssop

Fruits & Veggies
Blackberries
Cantaloupe
Cucumbers
Gourds
Fruit Trees
Peppers
Pumpkins
Raspberries
Squash
Strawberries
Watermelons
Wild Garlic

Herbs
Bee Balm
Borage
Catnip
Coriander/Cilantro
Fennel
Lavender
Mints
Rosemary
Sage
Thyme

Shrubs
Blueberry
Butterfly Bush
Button Bush
Honeysuckle
Indigo
Privet

Trees
Alder
American Holly
Basswood
Black Gum
Black Locust
Buckeyes
Catalpa
Eastern Redbud
Golden Rain
Hawthorns
Hazels
Linden
Magnolia
Maples
Mountain Ash
Poplar
Sycamore
Tulip
Willows

Green Thumbs in Kokomo

2011-05-11T13:25:00.000-07:00

The Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance Downtown Association seeks adult and student volunteers to plant flowers outdoors downtown on May 21 from 8 a.m. until noon. Volunteers will meet at the Gazebo across from the City Building on Union Street. Please bring garden trowels and shovels. If you’d like to volunteer or if you have any questions, please call John Wiles at 438-9545 or email him at jwiles@greaterkokomo.com.

Go Green Cosmetics

2011-05-11T12:38:00.000-07:00

Cruelty Free Products:
http://www.beautyfool.net/which-beauty-brands-companies-do-not-test-on-animals/

Earth-Friendly Cosmetics:
Stella McCartney's Care, a luxurious skincare collection featuring 100% organic ingredients and recyclable containers, and Josie Maran cosmetics, whose mascara just won Allure Magazine's Editor's Choice award, and whose Sephora launch was recently covered by Treehugger.

Natural Carrot and Aloe Cream Sunburn Remedy

2011-05-10T10:24:00.001-07:00

The gel from the fleshy leaves of the aloe vera plant is ideal for soothing and speeding the healing of sunburn and other minor wounds. This gentle preparation, applied topically, can be used on children, too.
INGREDIENTS
2 carrots
1 cucumber
1/2 cup sesame oil
1 tsp beeswax
2 tsp emulsifying wax
½ cup aloe vera gel
1 tsp vitamin C powder
PREPARATION
1. Finely grate the carrot and cucumber and place in a large pan with the sesame oil. Heat very gently for 20 to 30 minutes. Strain, then return the liquid to the pan.
2. Add the beeswax and emulsifying wax to the pan, and stir while they melt. Whisk in the aloe vera and vitamin C powder. Keep whisking until the mixture becomes creamy and smooth.
3. Pour into a wide-mouthed jar, and let cool. The cream will thicken while cooling.
USE: Apply liberally to any sunburned or sore areas 2 or 3 times a day.
STORAGE: Keeps for up to 2 months in the refrigerator.

Plant A Tree & Leave A Legacy

2011-05-06T10:35:00.000-07:00

Plant a tree and leave a legacy – that’s what the Kokomo Parks Department is encouraging everyone in Kokomo to do. Tomorrow is a special day for you to get involved – Miller’s Landscaping and Foust Nursery have donated 21 large trees to be planted throughout Highland Park, Kokomo Beach and Northwest Park. Go green and meet rain or shine at First Church of the Nazarene tomorrow morning at 9:30 am or in the afternoon at 12:30 pm to plant a tree and leave a legacy in Kokomo. Bring shovels and wheelbarrows if you have them, or if not – just bring your smiling face! For more info, contact Mark Miller at 860-7400.

Coyote Kids 2011

2011-05-05T13:59:00.000-07:00

We are looking forward to our 7th season at Jackson Morrow Park!

Who: Children 0-18 years old

What: Coyote Kids 2011

When: Thursday June 2nd-July 14th

Races begin at 6:30 pm

Heats for Toddler Trot and 50-yard gallop start at 6:15 pm

Where: Jackson Morrow Park

Why: Because running is fun!

If you have any questions, email CoyoteKids@gmail.com to contact a Coyote Kids Representative.

Registration form is now available for downloading here:

http://coyotekids.ckrr.us/Coyote%20Kids%20registration%20form%202011.doc

Rain Barrels are Beneficial!

2011-04-28T09:41:00.000-07:00

With all the rain we’re having it’d be nice to collect it and use it. A rain barrel is the perfect way to do just that. Rain barrels are used to collect and store rain water runoff, typically from rooftops via rain gutters. Collecting and maintaining harvested rain has several advantages:

q Reduces the volume of water flowing to the sewer treatment facility

q Backup source of water during times of drought or between rain showers

q Helps to keep our creeks and beaches clean

q Naturally softened water - great for delicate houseplants, auto cleaning and window washing

q Saves money by lowering your water bill

q Reduces the need for additional tax dollars earmarked for sewer expansion

q Chlorine-free water helps maintain a healthy biotic community in the soil

The Howard County Recycling District is having Rain Barrel Workshops for all City of Kokomo and Howard County residents. You must call to reserve your spot as space is limited. 765-456-2274.

Get more details at http://countyrecycling.org/

Green Thumb Kids: Join Junior Master Gardeners!

2011-04-26T13:38:00.000-07:00

The JMG is an innovative 4-H youth gardening project designed for children in grades 3-5. It is modeled after the highly successful Master Gardener program and offers horticultural and environmental science education. This program is committed to helping young people become good gardeners and good citizens so they can make a positive contribution to their community, school and family.
The program is flexible, and we highly encourage completion of the individual projects in the youth handbook. As group leaders, we will introduce and explore the various topics with exciting projects and field trips. The program dates are listed below. Parent attendance is not required, but always welcome!

Date Time Location
May 9th, 2011 6:00-7:15 Kirkendall Nature Center
May 23rd, 2011 6:00-7:15 Kirkendall Nature Center
June 6th, 2011 6:00-8:00 Community Garden
June 20th, 2011 6:00-7:15 Kirkendall Nature Center
June 25th, 2011 various Garden Walk Fundraiser
July 11th, 2011 6:00-7:15 Kirkendall Nature Center
July 23rd, 2011 TBA IMA Grounds
August 8th, 2011 6:00-7:15 Kirkendall Nature Center
August 22nd, 2011 6:00-7:15 Kirkendall Nature Center
September 12th, 2011 6:00-8:00 Community Garden
September 26th, 2011 6:00-7:15 Kirkendall Nature Center
October 10th, 2011 TBA Fieldtrip: TBA
October 24th, 2011 6:00-7:15 Kirkendall Nature Center
November 14th, 2011 6:00-7:15 Kirkendall Nature Center
November 19th, 2011 TBA Service Project/Party TBA

If you have any questions please feel free to contact us!

Misha Jefferson (765) 271-1344 or Sabrina Parnham (765) 434-8699

Join us on facebook: Howard County JMG

Reduce Your Carbon Footprint: Ride The City Line Trolley!

2011-04-25T08:35:00.000-07:00

View the City Line Trolley routes here:

http://www.cityofkokomo.org/main.asp?SectionID=64

View the map and schedule here:

http://www.cityofkokomo.org/SiteImages/FileGallery/City_Line_Kokomo_Map__Schedules_10-8_31_10_340.pdf

2011 Bike Rodeo & Tour De Kokomo

2011-04-25T08:24:00.000-07:00

Cartridge World celebrates Earth Day

2011-04-19T10:03:00.000-07:00

Local Retailer Provides Small Businesses Money Savings
and a Way to Go Green on Earth Day and Every Day
Cartridge World celebrates Earth Day
with $10,000 'Go Green! Win Green' contest
Greg Bewley, owner of Cartridge World - Kokomo, provides a simple green solution for local
businesses who want to save money. As easy as changing a light bulb,
reusing printer cartridges helps reduce waste in landfills while it also
saves money. On Earth Day, April 22, 2011, when people everywhere are
considering what they can do to protect the environment, Cartridge World -
Kokomo offers a simple, quality solution than can have a significant
impact.
“Each year, more than 350 million cartridges are discarded into our
country’s landfills,” says Bewley. “Earth Day is the perfect time to
remind everybody that there is a better way to replace your ink and toner.
Most printer cartridges can be refilled or remanufactured. Using our
products for ink and toner replacement not only helps the environment, but
it can be substantially more affordable when compared to the cost of
buying a new cartridge.”
Consider these cartridge-related facts:
* The number of cartridges discarded in North American landfills each year
increases by 12 percent annually
* On average, eight cartridges per second are thrown away in the United
States.
* It takes about a gallon of oil to make a new laser cartridge.
* A laser cartridge thrown into landfill can take up to 450 years to
decompose. Some components made of industrial grade plastics will take
over a thousand years to decompose.
* Every remanufactured laser cartridge saves nearly 2.5 pounds of metal
and plastic waste from being deposited in landfills.
* 70 percent of used printer cartridges throughout the world are currently
being thrown out.
* In one year, if the world’s discarded cartridges were stacked
end-to-end; they would circle the earth over three times.
Businesses can do their part to save the planet without risking quality,
because Cartridge World products are backed by a 100% satisfaction
guarantee. “Our quality guarantee means our customers are able to feel
good about doing their part for the environment,” says Bewley. “At
Cartridge World - Kokomo, we are committed to providing value, quality,
and convenience.”
Go Green, Win Green with Cartridge World on Earth Day
Cartridge World is sponsoring a $10, 000 cash giveaway sweepstakes
incenting consumers to share how they have gone green in their home or
office. Beginning April 1, participants can register for the sweepstakes
and share their story at www.cartridgeworld.com/green. In an effort to
increase environmental awareness, Cartridge World will share the top ten
greenest ideas submitted by participants on their Facebook fan page
(http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Cartridge-World-North-America/103799973498).
"We are excited about the ‘Go Green, Win Green’ sweepstakes,” says
Bewley. “It encourages consumers and businesses to get involved on Earth
Day and to demonstrate how easy it can be to be environmentally
responsible. By using Cartridge World products, consumers can do their
part not just on Earth Day, but every day.”
For more information about reusing printer cartridges or about the "Go
Green, Win Green" sweepstakes, please contact Greg Bewley of Cartridge
World - Kokomo, located at 2110 B Boulevard Crossing, at (765) 456-3465 or
cwkokomo@comcast.net.
For more information call (888) 99-REFILL or visit
http://www.cartridgeworld.com/

The Post Office Goes Green!

2011-04-19T10:01:00.000-07:00

Check out the new stamps at the post office! Go green when you mail!

https://shop.usps.com/wcsstore/PostalStore/upload/htm/gogreen/?langId=-1&storeId=10052&storeId=10052&catalogId=10001&krypto=1sl2igLXZGXgkmSxfyF5jaSci8zZMgnnrFDpXimBtbOCwCFQG0HTAoCReTXOflZUKzX6Ay10p64%3D&ddkey=https:CategoryDisplay

Tomato, Melon and Cucumber Salad

2011-04-18T09:10:00.001-07:00

Ripe heirloom tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, pungent red onion, and fresh basil are gently tossed with ripe, juicy melon for a sweet surprise.
SERVINGS
6
INGREDIENTS
2 large red tomatoes, cut into 1-inch wedges (about 2 cups)
2 pounds melon, cut into 1/2- by 2 1/2-inch wedges
1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1/2-inch wedges
1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced (about 1/4 cup)
3 tablespoons red-wine vinegar
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh-ground pepper
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, sliced
PREPARATION
Make the salad: Gently toss tomatoes, melon, cucumber, and onion together in a large bowl and set aside. Combine vinegar, oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Pour vinaigrette over the melon mixture and toss to combine. Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours. Sprinkle with basil and serve.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
(based on individual servings)
Calories: 100
Total Fat: 5 g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sodium: 364 mg
Carbohydrates: 13 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 1 g

Ecycle it!

2011-04-15T10:14:00.000-07:00

Recycle your electronics in Kokomo at the Howard Count Recycling District!

http://countyrecycling.org/electronics.php

Run, Walk & Roll!

2011-04-14T11:38:00.001-07:00

The Run, Walk and Roll for Bona Vista Programs will be held on Saturday, April 23 at Highland Park in Kokomo. This family event includes a 5K run/walk and a one mile fun run/walk/roll. The 5K course is a scenic park and neighborhood route with small hills. The one mile course is a flat scenic park route. Age division awards will be given, as well as awards for the top runner and walker. The Run, Walk and Roll will feature live entertainment, food vendors and much more fun for the whole family. Registration cost is only $18 for the 5K and only $7.50 for the one mile race. Proceeds benefit Bona Vista Programs. This is a points-race for Club Kokomo Road Runners. For more information, and to print a registration form, please visit http://www.bonavista.org/, http://www.ckrr.us/.

How Long Does It Take To Decompose?

2011-04-07T09:05:00.001-07:00

Check out how long each of these products take to decompose in the environment…

Banana Peel: 3-4 weeks
Paper Bag: 1 month
Cardboard: 2 months
Wool Sock : 1 year
Tinned Steel Can: 50 years
Aluminum Can: 200-500 years (But if recycled, it can be reused within 6 weeks!)
Disposable Diapers: 550 years
Plastic Bags : 20-1000 years
Plastic Jug: 1 million years
Glass : 1-2 million years
Styrofoam: 1+ million years

Get Your Energy Audit HERE!

2011-04-05T11:56:00.001-07:00

http://www.duke-energy.com/indiana/savings/home-use-energy.asp

IUK GREEN WEEK SCHEDULE

2011-04-04T09:50:00.001-07:00

Monday April 4^th

11:30-12:30 Charlie Skoog will be here to discuss “Green” volunteer opportunities throughout the community in room KC130C. Pizza and soft drinks will be served during this event.

1:00-3:00 Ann Ihmes will be here from Criterion Water Labs, LLC to do water testing and will have a booth set up by the bookstore.

5:00-6:00 Travis Murphy will be here from Johnson Melloh Solutions, Inc. to discuss alternative energy in room KC130C.

Tuesday April 5^th

11:30-12:30 Gary Hill a member of the Wildcat Guardians will be here to discuss canoeing along the wildcat and freshwater mussels. Gary will have a slide presentation in room KC130A.

5:00-6:00 Bob Hoshaw, President of the Wildcat Guardians will be here to discuss what it takes to become a Wildcat Guardian and different exciting up and coming opportunities. He will also be showing a video in KC221.

5:30-7:30 Paul Watkins of Watkins Industries, LLC will be hosting a Technology Recycling Drive. For more information contact watkinsp@watkinslabs.com or visit watkinslabs.com/recycle. This event will take place in Alumni Hall.

Wednesday April 6^th

11:30-1:00 Paul Wyman, a Howard County Commissioner will be here to discuss how Howard County is staying Green in room KC130B.

1:00-3:00 Ann Ihmes will be here from Criterion Water Labs, LLC to do water testing and will have a booth set up by the bookstore.

1:30-3:30 The Sunspot Natural Market will be handing out goodies in front of the bookstore. Don’t forget IU Kokomo Discount Day is every Thursday!

5:30-6:30 Chris Rohaly will be here from Green Alternatives to discuss alternative energy and the it’s future in room KC130B.

Thursday April 7^th KIDS NIGHT

5:00-6:00 Kid’s Environmental Night- Kids will have the chance to learn about different types of water pollution by interacting with Enivroscape model which is courtesy of the Howard County Soil, And Water Conservation District. Kids will also have the chance to play corn hole. Kids will receive an environmental coloring book along with a set of soy crayons. This will be set up inside of Alumni Hall.

6:00-7:45 Kids can finish off the evening by watching an environmental children’s movie in Kresge Auditorium. Healthy refreshments will be served after the movie.

Friday April 8^th

8:00-10:00 IMPACT will be having a creek cleanup between Washington and LaFountain streets. Donuts and juice will be served before the event. We will meet behind Hunt Hall. Wear your outside work clothes! Water bottles and granola bars will be served after the event.

10:00-11:00 After the cleanup Leda Casey and Carrie Kinsey will be performing a water lab demonstration along the creek behind campus to conclude our Green Week festivities.

*All Green Week events are sponsored by IU Kokomo IMPACT

*Contact Vince Lorenz for more information at vjlorenz@umail.iu.edu

It's Spring! Start Grilling!

2011-04-04T09:38:00.000-07:00

Grilling brings out the natural flavor and sweetness of zucchini, yellow squash, red bell pepper, eggplant and onion in these savory tostadas.

SERVINGS: 6

INGREDIENTS
3/4 cup olive oil, plus additional oil for brushing tortillas
2 teaspoons chili powder
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
2 large zucchini unpeeled, ends trimmed
2 large yellow squash unpeeled, ends trimmed
2 red bell peppers
1 large eggplant, unpeeled, ends trimmed
1 large onion, cut into thin rounds

For the Salsa:
1 pound ripe tomatoes, seeded and diced
1/3 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice (about 2 limes)
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced, more or less to taste
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

6 whole wheat flour tortillas, 6-inch-diameter
3 ripe avocados
lime wedges for garnish (1 lime)

PREPARATION
1. Prepare the vegetables: cut the zucchini and yellow squash lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick slices. Seeded, derib and cut the green bell pepper into 1-inch wide strips. Cut the eggplant into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Cut the avocados in half lengthwise, peel and remove the pit removed, slice thinly.

2. Preheat the grill to 375°F, a medium-hot grill. Mix the olive oil, garlic, chili powder and salt in a large shallow bowl. Add the zucchini, yellow squash, bell pepper, eggplant and onion to the bowl. Using your hands, rub the seasonings into the vegetables. Grill the vegetables in batches until lightly charred, about 4 minutes per side, or until the vegetables are tender.

3. Combine the tomato, onion, cilantro, lime juice, jalapeño, salt and pepper in a nonmetallic bowl, and toss to combine. Taste and correct the seasonings. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate for up to two days. Toss before serving.

4. Lightly brush both sides of the tortillas with olive oil. Grill the tortilla until lightly charred on both sides, about 3 minutes total. Place 1 tortilla on each plate. Distribute the vegetables equally over the tortillas, top with salsa, sliced avocado and lime wedge. Serve.

NUTRITIONAL INFO
Based on individual servings.
580 calories
44g total fat
13g dietary fiber
10g protein
51g carbohydrate
0mg cholesterol
690mg sodium

Eat the Rainbow!

2011-03-30T10:21:00.000-07:00

Remember ROYGBIV? I do. The mnemonic is how I learned the seven colors of a rainbow—red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. Nowadays I use the acronym to represent the colors of food I should be eating. Because nature highlights the beneficial nutrients in fruits and vegetables by giving them bright colors, eating by color is an easy way to load up on nature’s superfoods.
Each color represents phytochemicals—compounds that benefit our health in different ways—which is why you should eat a colorful variety of vegetables. For example, anthocyanins and proanthocyanins—two antioxidants associated with keeping the heart healthy and the brain functioning optimally—make foods like blueberries, eggplant and cranberries blue, purple and deep red.

Read the full article here:
http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/health/the-3-colors-you-should-be-eating-more-of-2463885/

Go Greeners Beware!

2011-03-29T09:27:00.001-07:00

Inventors who have tried to develop Hydrogen powered car have been threatened and killed mysteriously in their quest to improve life on earth. Sometimes going green can be quite dangerous!

Planting trees can save you $ this summer!

2011-03-28T08:24:00.000-07:00

Large deciduous trees planted on the east, west, and northwest sides of your home create soothing shade from the hot summer sun and reduce summer air conditioning costs by up to 35%.

You use less energy and the utility company uses less energy, especially in the summer time at high demand time.
Less fossil fuel is consumed by the utility to create the energy, which means less carbon dioxide emissions.
Who said money doesn’t grow on trees?

Get more info at http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/tree-planting-tips-47072203

Calculate Your Carbon Footprint

2011-03-25T12:51:00.000-07:00

Want to know how much Co2 your household emits? Calculate it here:
http://www.carbonfootprint.com/calculator.aspx

Stop Junk Mail!

2011-03-25T12:18:00.001-07:00

Save a tree! It's only $1!
http://www.privacyrights.org/Letters/jm1.htm

Surprise!

2011-03-23T11:53:00.000-07:00

Big news to share with all my listening friends – I'm expecting! My husband and I are anxiously awaiting the arrival of our baby girl due in August!

Which brings me to going green “mom style!” We want to make eco-friendly decisions while raising a family, especially in the early years – which is why we've chosen to use cloth diapers. You wouldn't believe how many people think we're crazy for not doing disposables! But the fact is, we’ll be saving about $1,000 per child in the long run while not adding about 6,000 diapers per child to landfills – which by the way won't even start to decompose until our children are out of college! Disposable diapers are the third largest consumer waste item found in landfills and they take up to 200 years to fully decompose.

What’s amazing is the fact that cloth diapers have made incredible advances in design – they’re no longer rectangular strips of cloth fastened with safety pins! Many have adorable colors and patterns and are very easy to use. The brand I’ve found that fits my needs is bum genius. The bum genius 4.0 cloth diaper grows with your baby throughout the entire diaper process, from newborn to 35-plus pounds! You can choose snap or velcro closures and with an arsenal of 30 diapers you’ll only need to wash every 3 to 4 days.

The price alone had me sold – paying just over $500 now for cloth diapers verses over $1,500 for 2 years of disposables leaves more money to buy cute little outfits to match her stylish diapers! There are plenty of benefits to using cloth diapers, and you can even order them right here in Kokomo! For more info on cloth diapers and how to get started locally, visit http://www.hollyshobbyshop.com/!

Spring is Here! Start Gardening in Indiana!

2011-03-21T13:08:00.000-07:00

Garden plans for Indiana vary heavily depending on what portion of the state you reside in. Indiana has two seperate growing ("hardiness") zones in the state. Zone 5 is dominant throughout most of the state, with temperatures dropping to an average of -10 to -15 degrees fahrenheit during the winter while Zone 6 is more common for southern Indiana counties with temperatures of -5 to 0 degrees fahrenheit during the winter. Unless you intend to bring all plants in during colder winter months or scorching summer heat, avoid plants and fixtures that cannot handle the extremes in temperature and weather.

There are thousands of varieties of flowers that are hardy to zone 5. Blue orchid larkspur, flashback calendula, glorious polyheaded sunflowers, hopi red dye amaranth, bachelor buttons, foxy foxglove and red flame celosia are several of the many species that would flourish in zones 6 to 5. However, it should be noted that some plants in the same families are not hardy in these zones, especially other varieties of larkspur; larkspur chills easily and a late frost can likely wipe out your flowers.

Hundreds of trees and bushes will tolerate Indiana's colder weather. Blue spruces, cypress, white firs, silver firs, and pinyon pines will all scoff at Indiana's winters and weather the summers with ease. Deciduous trees such as maples, chestnuts, oaks and beeches should be considered since these hardy species should be able to survive their first winter with little help. Bushes such as holly, roses, and rhododendron mature into large, space consuming plants that will make a large yard or flowerbed appear less bare with fewer plants and all will enjoy the Indiana climate.

Almost all fruits, herbs and vegetables can be grown in Indiana's growing zones if the final frost has passed and your local housing association allows the plants. Apple and cherry trees are ideal for this climate since they thrive in both cold winters and warm summers. Perennial plants like mint or sage may have to be sheltered from colder weater or brought in during winter storms to survive until the next year. Vegetables should be sown after all chance of frost has passed and most will probably delight in the warmer weather.

Shapes should be kept simple unless you enjoy extensive yardwork. Raised box planters and squares are preferable if you have a grass yard that you will be planting the garden near since it is easier to mow around corners than around curves. Avoid placing multiple statues and ornaments in areas that are difficult to get to since these may need to be removed in the event of a winter storm. Sunlight and shadows should be taken into consideration when planning your garden, because it affects where you intend to plant each plant. For instance, planting full-sun plants in the afternoon shadow of a tree would prevent the plants from getting their necessary allotment of sunshine, eventually causing them to die. Indiana's sunlight is not particularly harsh so full-sun plants should be left out in the open, unobscured, as much as possible.

Are Your Beauty Products Cruelty-Free?

2011-03-21T10:28:00.000-07:00

To see if your beauty products have been tested on animals, check out the list:
http://www.beautyfool.net/which-beauty-brands-companies-do-not-test-on-animals/

Happy Pi Day! Calebrate With Blueberry Pie!

2011-03-14T09:09:00.001-07:00

SERVINGS
10 servings
INGREDIENTS
4 1/4cups all-purpose flour
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups unsalted butter, cubed and chilled
1/4 cup vegetable shortening
1 teaspoon vinegar
10-12 tablespoons cold water
3 pints fresh blueberries, stems removed
1/2 teaspoon fresh-grated ginger
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon cream
PREPARATION
1. Make the dough: Combine the flour, 1/4 cup sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Cut in the butter and shortening using a pastry blender, two knives, or your hands until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Add the vinegar and the water -- a few tablespoons at a time as necessary -- and mix until just combined. Gather dough into a ball and flatten into 2 equal-size disks. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours or overnight.
2. Make the pie: Preheat oven to 425° F. Roll 1 pastry disk on a lightly floured surface into a 1/16-inch-thick circle at least 12 inches in diameter. Transfer the dough to a pie plate and trim the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch overhang; fold the overhanging pastry under itself and pinch the dough to crimp it around the rim. Line the shell with parchment paper and fill with dried beans or pie weights. Blind-bake the shell until lightly brown -- about 10 minutes. Remove the beans and paper and bake for 10 more minutes. Cool on a wire rack. Reduce oven temperature to 400° F. Roll the second pastry disk on a lightly floured surface into a 1/16-inch-thick circle at least 12 inches in diameter. Cover and refrigerate. Toss the blueberries with the ginger, zest, lemon juice, and 3/4 cup sugar in a large bowl. Transfer the blueberry mixture to the prepared piecrust and drape the reserved dough over the pie and crimp the edges to seal. Lightly brush the top crust with the cream and sprinkle with remaining sugar, if desired. Cut slits into the top of the pie and loosely cover the crimped edge of the crust with strips of foil to prevent overbrowning. Bake pie for 15 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 375° F and continue baking until the blueberry filling bubbles and piecrust is golden brown -- about 45 minutes.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
(based on individual servings)
Calories: 631
Total Fat: 38.6 g
Cholesterol: 74.6 mg
Sodium: 115 mg
Carbohydrates: 66.4 g
Fiber: 3.4 g
Protein: 6.5 g

Recalls

2011-03-09T09:44:00.000-08:00

IT SEEMS LIKE THERE’S A NEW TOY BEING RECALLED EVERY DAY – AND OFTEN FOR CONTAINING LEAD-BASED PAINT – WHICH IS DANGEROUS. CHECK OUT THE LATEST TOY RECALLS AS WELL AS PRODUCT, FOOD AND PET-RELATED RECALLS HERE:

http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/lead-toy-recall-47103102?click=nav

Butterfly & Moth Watch!

2011-03-08T12:42:00.000-08:00

Collect and share data about Lepidoptera...err...moths and butterflies... :)
http://butterfliesandmoths.org/share