Easy Ways To Go Green!!!!!

Perhaps a bit lengthy - but I thought it a very useful read :)

Easy Ways To Go Green!!
You can be good to the earth--without giving up things you love. Plus, what those "eco" labels really mean.

At the supermarket
Be picky about produce
Download the "Shoppers' Guide to Pesticides in Produce" at www.ewg.org The wallet-size list sorts out the fruits and veggies that tend to be higher in pesticides (like apples and spinach) from produce with a lower count (like bananas and peas).

Choose "certified" coffee
Yuban coffee is Rainforest Alliance Certified (that means it's grown in a way that preserves the ecosystem). A Fair Trade Certified brand is Green Mountain Coffee Roasters. (Both brands are available at many markets.)

Support local farms
At www.eatwellguide.org, you can plug in your zip code and find suppliers of organic and sustainably produced meat, poultry, eggs, and more. If you buy locally, you won't have to rely on farms that ship food nationwide, which helps to decrease our dependence on oil and to cut back on gas emissions.

Tote your own grocery bag
Paper or plastic? Neither! If you're shopping for a small load, bring along a cute sack like the polka-dot tote, from Cath Kidston (www.cathkidston.com). Another practical option: the ACME Workhorse Style 1500 (www.reusablebags.com), which crunches into a tiny pouch that fits in your purse.

Pay attention to packaging
Every American produces about four and a half pounds of garbage a day. So before you buy something, eyeball the amount of cardboard, plastic, and/or other materials used for the box or wrapping. Wal-Mart is one big retailer that is waking up to the problem: The chain is replacing petroleum-based plastic containers with corn-based packaging for precut fruit, herbs, strawberries, and Brussels sprouts.

Around the house
Save money in the bathroom
Buy water-efficient showerheads. With low-flow models, a family of four can cut water usage by as much as 280 gallons a month-and yet not feel much difference in water pressure. Two we like: Kohler's Master Shower Eco (www.kohler.com) and Niagara Conservation's Earth Massage (www.niagaraconservation.com).

Bring home superhero plants
Certain greens can help remove indoor air pollutants like formaldehyde and benzene. Don't have the gardening gene? Golden pothos, English ivy, and peace lilies are all easy-to-grow toxin fighters.

Recycle rechargeables
Cell phones, digital cameras, and camcorders have made these batteries more popular than ever, but in certain states-Florida, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, and Vermont-it's illegal to throw them away. Wherever you live, you can find a nearby store that will recycle them for you; just go to www.rbrc.org and type in your zip code.

Adjust fridge and freezer temps
Refrigerators eat up the most electricity in the household. Maximize efficiency by keeping the fridge at 37°F. and the freezer at 0°F.

Lighten up with energy savings
Consider using compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs). They cost a bit more than regular bulbs, but you'll lower your electric bill and pay less in the long run-CFLs last up to ten times longer than traditional ones. (Worried that fluorescents will fill your house with a greenish glow? That's no longer a problem. When we compared a regular bulb with a GE Energy Star Qualified CFL, testers couldn't tell the difference.) You can buy CFLs at most hardware and home stores. To save more on lighting, install dimmer switches and use timers, indoors and out.

Recycle smart
From furniture to electronics, one person's trash is another's treasure-so when you want to dispose of an old item, don't make the dump your first stop. Two sites with alternatives: www.freecycle.org and www.earth911.org The Freecycle Network describes itself as "a place to give or receive what you have and don't need or what you need and don't have-[to keep] stuff out of landfills." The Earth 911 Web site offers community-specific resources, with a focus on recycling. Check out the home page to find out where you can recycle your computer, your cell phone-even used motor oil.

Entertaining
Protect the earth while you picnic
At your next outdoor party, ask people to write their names on disposable cups so they'll use only one (to make it easy, put out markers). If you use disposable dinnerware, buy the kind that won't clog landfills or kill trees. To try: EarthShell plates and bowls www.earthshell.com They're made from corn, potatoes, and limestone-and cost less than 6 cents per plate.

Remodeling
Take paint precautions
Most paint emits VOCs (volatile organic compounds), the same kind of chemicals found in gasoline and nail polish. But manufacturers like Sherwin-Williams have developed water-based products that perform well but give off virtually no VOCs. Krylon's H20 paint is the first low-VOC latex spray paint that can be cleaned up with soap and water. Made from 99 percent food-grade ingredients, Anna Sova's Healthy Wall Finish (www.annasova.com) leaves your rooms smelling vaguely like vanilla. To be at least minimally organic, use a water-based latex paint, not an oil-based alkyd paint-and remember, exterior paints should never be used indoors.

Raise the roof with recycled materials
If your old shingles need replacing, consider a Classic Metal Roofing System (www.classicroof.com). It's made from recycled aluminum cans but resembles traditional shakes or tiles. Thanks to the Energy Policy Act of 2005, installing this type of material can qualify you for a $500 tax credit.

Choose energy-efficient appliances
Look for the Energy Star label, awarded to fridges, washers, and other products that exceed government efficiency standards by using less water or electricity. For Energy Star appliances that have been tested by GHI, visit

Women's personal style
Dress in eco-chic clothing
Lara Miller's Melissa tunic is 100 percent bamboo, yet it's as soft as silk. (For stores, go to www.laramiller.net Linda Loudermilk, an eco-couture designer, uses fabric made from sasawashi (a Japanese leaf), along with bamboo, soya, and other exotic self-sustaining plants(www.lindaloudermilk.com).

Opt for new undies
Wearing 100 percent organic-cotton panties reduces your exposure to chemical pesticides in a sensitive area. Try Blue Canoe brand (www.goodhumans.com).

Make up with Mother Nature
Aveda's All-Sensitive Body Formula moisturizing body oil uses organic jojoba. What's more, most of Aveda's packaging is made from recycled material. A makeup line that's entirely organic: Nvey Eco (www.econveybeauty.com). We particularly like their eyeshadows.

Get sporty, eco-style
Patagonia's PCR fleece vest ($70) is made from recycled soda bottles.

Be clean (and green)
Pangea Organics soaps, which are made with organic and often Fair Trade Certified ingredients, are scented with oils like lavender and lemongrass. They come in a biodegradable carton that will start disintegrating within 48 hours if you plant it in your garden. Available at Whole Foods Markets.

Cooking and eating
Become a flexitarian
Swap out one meat dish a week for a veggie plate. Why? Because raising produce is "cheaper," in terms of energy, than raising animals. Log on to www.vegweb.com to find tasty, meatless recipes (our favorite: the lentil burgers).

Grill corn in its husk
Instead of stripping off the green leaves, soak the ear whole, then place it right on the barbecue-no aluminum foil required.

Go for the gold- coffee filters, that is
Spare trees by replacing paper filters in your coffeemaker with reusables (usually gold colored).

Get the organic habit
Switch to organic for at least one product that you buy every week.

Put it in park
Avoid drive-through windows, especially if there are long lines.

Compost
Instead of trashing food scraps, toss them into Gardener's Supply Company Kitchen Compost Crock, a ceramic countertop composter that's perfect for first-timers (www.gardeners.com).

Break out the bamboo
This plant is a far more sustainable natural resource than wood because it grows very quickly. Try the stylish bamboo bowls and cutting boards from TimberGrass (www.lamsonsharp.com).

Home office
Buy a laptop
It uses considerably less power than a desktop computer.

Get off junk mail lists
Register with the Direct Marketing Association's Mail Preference Service (www.dmaconsumers.org) and you'll see a significant reduction in mail after three months.

Double up on printing
Configure your printer so that it prints on both sides of the page. You know those extra pages you get when printing out one simple e-mail? Turn them over and put them back in the printer for reuse.

Invest the green way
Environmentally conscious mutual funds are increasingly available through 401(k) plans, especially if employees express interest. To learn more, log on to www.socialinvest.org then talk to your benefits administrator.

For kids
Buy organic for baby
Hanna Andersson makes her children's clothing- with 100 percent organic cotton grown without harmful chemicals (www.hannaandersson.com). This garment is also certified to meet the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 requirements, meaning every fabric, button, thread, and zipper is tested for over 100 potentially harmful substances. Another source for organic-cotton baby clothes is Wal-Mart's new George Baby line for sizes up to nine months.

Teach kids to be green
Give your little ones responsibility for your family's recycling and match whatever they make in deposits at the store. They'll learn about money and recycling at the same time.

In your yard
Mow-ercise!
Today's non-gasoline-powered reel lawn mowers are easier to push than the old models. Their eco-benefit: zero emissions (plus, you're getting great exercise). If you prefer a power mower, consider a quiet, battery-operated model from Black & Decker.

Warm up to solar energy
You may not be ready for a totally sun-powered home, but you can get a taste of the technology by using solar-powered lighting in your yard or on your patio. We like Malibu's Solar Floodlight (www.intermatic.com).

Go native
Plant flowers and shrubs that are well suited to your climate (the staff at your local nursery can help). The benefit: You'll use less fertilizer and pesticides.

Five eco labels you can really trust :
--USDA Organic
Seen on: Food products
What it means: Food is produced without antibiotics, genetic engineering, or most synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.

--Rainforest Alliance Certified
Seen on: Coffee, chocolate, bananas
What it means: Companies harvesting the food practice soil and water conservation; they also reduce the use of pesticides.

--Fair Trade Certified
Seen on: Coffee, tea, chocolate, fruit, rice, sugar
What it means: Food is grown on small farms; farmers receive a fair price.

--Certified Humane
Seen on: Eggs, meat
What it means: Animals raised for dairy, meat, and poultry products are treated humanely. Growth hormones are prohibited, and animals are raised on a diet without antibiotics.

--Green Seal
Seen on: Napkins, toilet paper, paper towels
What it means: they must meet recycling and bleaching standards.


Some great ideas!! :))
Just think of all the polar bears you'd be helping ((:

Congratulations to Jason!!

Oh My God! (I can't stop saying this!!)
A HUGE Congrats to Jason, who just got engaged!!!
I am SO happy for you!!!
Lots of Love to you both: always and forever!!
(my oldest best friend {since diaper years} is getting married!)

Merry Christmas Everyone!!!

Tony, April, and I wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Healthy and Happy New Year!!!
We hope all your wishes come true!! :)














(she's such a good sport!!)

Happy Birthday Adrian!!

Happy Birthday Adrian Belew!! Thank God you're Here! :)

Happy Hannukkah week!

Happy Hannukkah week to all! Is this menorah the cutest or what? :)
One of my 3 year olds made it in my class and I had to take a pic of it :)

Moonshine Band Pics

The Moonshine Band had a great gig, with special guest on guitar, Tony! (he's been busy with work & school but filled in last minute) Thanks for ALL who came down! Sorry I didn't take more pics... I was feeling under the weather as well as kicking back just enjoying the band! Thank you Mikey Mo for driving Tony and his equipment home (as well as carrying it up!) Hope to see you all again at the next gig soon :)
Until then.. stay well and happy, and Merry Christmas/Happy Hannukkah, and Happy New Year Everybody!!!!


(two of Larry's friends came up and jammed some great Stevie Ray Vaughn!)


Bob on drums, Leah on tam, and Jeff on guitar..


Mikey Mo on harp and keys, Tony & Larry.. (and 2 more below)

Peter Boyle :(

So sad, Peter Boyle passed away :(
What a great actor and man! I loved him in Young Frankenstein with Gene Wilder! And of course as Ray's father in: Everybody Loves Raymond.
I also just learned John Lennon was his best man at his wedding..
I will miss seeing him! Such a loss..

Augusto Pinochet finally dead.

SANTIAGO, Chile: General Augusto Pinochet, who overthrew Chile’s democratically elected Marxist president in a bloody coup and ruled this Andean nation for 17 years, died today of a heart attack, dashing hopes of victims of his regime’s abuses that he would be brought to justice. He was 91.

Quoted: "He died surrounded by his family, Dr. Juan Ignacio Vergara told reporters outside the hospital." All I can think of is the 3 thousand + who went missing or were brutally murdered by his hands, and didn't have that closure or option, let alone a body to bury in many instances.

Pinochet came to power in a bloody 1973 military coup that ousted elected socialist President Salvador Allende and was encouraged by the United States. I am deeply ashamed and embarrassed by the US involvement. It infuriates me, and at the same time, saddens me greatly..

During his regime more than 3,000 people died or disappeared due to political violence in Chile, which had enjoyed a long history of democratic rule. THREE THOUSAND PLUS!!!!! THAT is a LOT of people: peaceful people, women and children, peasants, husbands, wives and families. Included was one of my great loves, singer-songwriter-guitarist: Victor Jara. Victor was a Chilean educator, theatre director, poet, folk singer, songwriter, and political activist. He was prominent in the development of the Nueva cancion Chilena: New Chilean Song movement, that acquired considerable prominence during the socialist government of Salvador Allende. On the morning of September 12, Jara was taken, along with thousands, as a prisoner to the Chile Stadium (renamed the Estadio Victor Jara in September 2003). Many of them were tortured and killed there by the military forces. Jara was repeatedly beaten and tortured, resulting in the breaking of bones in his hands and upper torso. Fellow political prisoners have testified that his captors mockingly suggested that he play guitar for them as he lay on the ground. Defiantly, he sang part of a song supporting the Popular Unity coalition. He was murdered on September 15 after further beatings were followed by being machine gunned and left dead on a road on the outskirts of Santiago. Soon after, his body was taken to a city morgue. Before his death, he wrote a poem about the conditions of the prisoners in the stadium, the poem was written on a paper that was hidden inside a shoe of a friend. The poem was never named, but is commonly known as Estadio Chile.

Jara's wife, Joan, was allowed to come and retrieve his body from the site (and was able to confirm the physical abuse he had endured). After holding a funeral for her husband, Joan Jara fled the country in secret. Although the military regime managed to burn the vast majority of master recordings of Jara's music, (!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) Joan Jara managed to sneak recordings out of Chile, which were later copied and distributed worldwide. Joan Jara later wrote an account of Victor Jara's life and music, titled Victor: "An Unfinished Song" which I have tearfully read 3 times. It is incredibly moving and so personal....

An estimated 200,000 people fled into exile to escape repression, persecution, torture, curfews and censorship, while Pinochet’s secret police spearheaded Operation Condor, a coordinated effort by South America dictators to assassinate dissidents in each another’s countries. Included in these exiles were a band I have come to love dearly over the years: Inti Illimani. Forbidden from physically entering their own homeland for 15 years! They didn’t return permanently until 1990- when their music traveled the airwaves, influencing future members from afar. I have seen them twice here in the United States; the only two times they have come of my awareness, since my deep love and respect for them. Their music is absolutely beautiful and will always have a secret special place in my heart. I have also been lucky enough (my God, blessed enough!) to see a concert, meet all, and even break bread after with the band Congreso, whom have always been supporters and good friends with Inti Illimani. I honestly have never felt so honored in my entire life!

"Pinochet will go down in history alongside Caligula and Idi Amin as a byword for brutality and ignorance," said Chilean novelist Isabel Allende, niece of Salvador Allende, who killed himself during the Sept. 11, 1973, coup that launched Pinochet’s dictatorship. I couldn't agree more although a few other not so nice words accompany my mind.

I don't know if Perro-chet's (as Dan taught me to call him once) death is worth celebrating or rather more of a moment to remember & reflect - and not give him one ounce of our precious energy! But rather remember ALL those who suffered or were needlessly murdered and celebrate their lives, determinations, & spirits. And dance the cueca together for them:
Today we'll dance on their graves
Today we'll sing our freedom
Today we'll laugh in our joy
And we'll dance..... (As Zappa once called him, a lyric from 'Mr. Sting')

Too bad he was never rightfully punished for his crimes against humanity. I just heard he will even be denied a State funeral. I have to believe he's at the lowest bottom of Samsara right about now. (If he even makes it that far..) Not a nice place at all.

Today I hope peace and calm finally prevails for the people of Chile.
Today I pause. Today I take a deep breath with Chile.
I will never forget.

"Estadio Chile" Victor Jara's written last words:

We are 5,000 — here in this little part of the city
We are 5,000 — how many more will there be?
In the whole city, and in the country 10,000 hands
Which could seed the fields, make run the factories.
How much humanity — now with hunger, pain, panic and terror?

There are six of us — lost in space among the stars,
One dead, one beaten like I never believed a human could be so beaten.
The other four wanting to leave all the terror,
One leaping into space, other beating their heads against the wall
All with gazes fixed on death.

The military carry out their plans with precision;
Blood is medals for them, Slaughter is the badge of heroism.
Oh my God — is this the world you created?
Was it for this, the seven days, of amazement and toil?

The blood of companero Presidente is stronger than bombs
Is stronger than machine guns.
O you song, you come out so badly when I must sing — the terror!
What I see I never saw. What I have felt, and what I feel must come out!
"Hara brotar el momento! Hara brotar el momento!"

Victor Jara 1973.

Send a message to Congress via Al Gore!!

From Al Gore's website:

"I've been incredibly gratified by the response to An Inconvenient Truth. I'm extremely proud of all the work the team put into the film and it feels like it came at a crucial time. But now comes the hard work. We have to take this message to Washington. And we can't do it without you.
Yes, the new majority in Congress will be much more receptive on the importance of global warming. That's the good news. But I know from personal experience that the only thing that will make Washington really take notice and do more than give lip service to the problem of global warming is the prospect of millions of committed citizens taking action. It's time to join together and make that happen. Can you help?
First, I'm asking folks to hold house parties, in thousands of homes across the nation, to show the film and spread the word. We're doing the first wave on Saturday, December 16. Can you host a party? Or attend a party that one of your neighbors is hosting? Second, I'm asking everybody, whether you attend a party or not, to sign a postcard to your representatives, so that I can take a million postcards and messages to Washington in January and present them to the new Congress. We have to build the political will to do what has to be done. Luckily, in America, political will is a renewable resource.
Thank you,
-Al Gore"

Click on this link to send a post card:

http://www.algore.com/cards.html

Here is what I sent (at this late hour;)

Please, the time to do something is NOW! As Al Gore said, this isn't a political issue, it is a moral one. One that cannot be ignored any longer.

I personally wish & think energy saving lightbulbs should be the only ones available as well as Energy Star efficient appliances. Small changes can add up BIG time to help the Global Warming Issue we are facing as well as peoples pockets. Some people live pretty unconsciously unfortunatly! We need a bigger voice, one that is yours and the Governments! New laws need to be created to help stop Global Warming.

I hope you will stand by Al Gore as well as applaud him. He's spreading positive conscious karma to the whole world (not just the USA) and by the looks of it, he has a huge following right now as well! Isn't that something you'd like to be a part of? I know I do! Please keep this issue on your desk AND your mind as well as your political agenda.

And one last thing: when election time comes around again, I know I will be looking 'up' towards candidates that include these environmental issues in their agendas, as well as in their charactor. Looking forward to positive healthy changes from New York.

S.

Anthony Zenkus & Al Gore Pics!!!!!!

Anthony just posted these 2 awesome pics!!!! How cool is this??? :) He had a great time!!
Please see the movie, "An Inconvenient Truth" or check out these websites:

http://www.climatecrisis.net/
http://www.algore.com/
http://www.theclimateproject.org

Tony and I are brainstorming on a powerpoint gathering to be presented by Anthony! We are working out the location at present, (most likey a friend's house!) and have 50+ possible friends and family that we think would attend (minus a few I'm sure!). (Arranging a non-conflicting date is prob the most difficult aspect!!) We'll keep you posted when we work out the kinks. In the meantime, help spread the conscious word! Thanks again!





Way to GO Anthony!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Birthday Tony!!

Happy Most Wonderful Birthday Tony!!!! I love you sooo much! :) In honor of your birthday, here are some great pics, in no particular order.. some old, some new, and some inbetween. I hope all your wishes come true :) Rock on (:

Al Gore to be discussing An Inconvenient Truth on Oprah tomorrow!

Al Gore is scheduled to be on Oprah tomorrow, Tuesday December 5th, talking about his documentary "An Inconvenient Truth." For us New Yorkers, it's on channel 7 ABC at 4pm. You can also catch her rebroadcast it at 7pm on channel 10 (TV 55.)

I SO want everyone to see his film! It's time to take action and do something, NOW!

I can't say enough about my dear friend, Anthony Zenkus, who actually was chosen out of like 10 thousand applicants to meet with Al Gore and his advisors and flew out to meet them over the past week and weekend, being trained to present this very important powerpoint slideshow and discussion to New York!!! Way to go Anthony!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (I talked to him yesterday as he arrived home and got all the details!! Not to mention hanging out directly with Al Gore quite a few times, sharing some Petrone BTW lol, and even recieving a hug from him when he was leaving :) I am so proud of him and so proud to call him a friend! So, set your VCR's, or better yet, go and see or rent this film as soon as you can!
S.

Northport's Tree lighting ceremony last week

This is the big tree they lit while everyone sang carols..














This is a shot up Main Street...













This is when Santa came out on his sleigh all lit up. See that man holding the cute little baby wearing pink? That's Mike Johnson, a good friend of ours, holding his daughter, the most adorable baby ever, Katie :))













And last but not least, that's me sitting in the park's gazebo. First time they ever lit it all up like this! It's SO beautiful!!!