Saturday, December 8, 2007

I would like to first apologize to New Scientist magazine for using bad taste and calling them Cheapos. Their staff and reporters provide excellent coverage in understanding science and the world we live in. I would like to thank Claire Bowles, a PR officer with New Scientist for bringing it to my attention. My angst towards the magazine is directed by the fact that they will not put a majority of their work on line for free as other publications have done. That said, if you can get to a New Scientist magazine regularly either through subscription or otherwise, I do recommend it.


A Fresh Squeeze has put out some advice on how to be an eco friendly traveler. They have also teamed up with Vivaterra, to have a sign up program that will make you available to get a $200 gift certificate from Vivaterra.


ENN has been keeping track of the news in Bali where the international community is discussing a succession plan to Kyoto.
















Tuesday, December 4, 2007

December eco notes

Hey


A Fresh Squeeze has come out with some eco shopping ideas for the eco concious person. They also have information on how the Energy Star website can guide into purchasing eco friendly appliances. Don't forget to sign up for A Fresh Squeeze updates through wikipower.


There is a recent New Scientist article named "Why Go Green" discusses and breaks down the carbon footprint around the world. Unfortunately, you will have to go to a book store or library if you do not have a subscription. Cheapos!


ENN continues its fine reporting on climate change like the US Government's National Renewable Energy Lab's commitment to cut emissions by 75% and other relevant items.


Sierra Club is looking for your help in persuading your respective member in Congress to pass a strong energy bill that is currently under debate and close to a vote. Head to the web site and they will point you to your respective member in Congress.

Monday, December 3, 2007

HS students coming through

Hey

Students and faculty from Warren, Walter Payton College Prep, Northside College Prep, Julian, Francis Parker, Jones College Prep, North Lawndale College Prep, Hubbard High School, Von Stueben, and Curie came together on Nov 30 in a meeting hosted by DePaul's Environmental Science Chair James Montgomery to continue the "Greening the HS Campus" Partnership to discuss and find solutions for their respective institution's environmental issues.


The meeting centered around the idea of collectively bringing awareness of environmental issues to the schools' students and local community. Students from each school were able to talk about their ideas, goals and agendas during the meeting. To have such a group that represents a growing portion of the Chicago Community was very encouraging. Mike Mieszala, a faculty member at Warren High School was quoted as saying that "I really thought that the kids did a great job! There seems to be many positive experiences that can evolve from this."

Some of the solutions the students discussed ranged from simple paper recycling projects to recycling solar thermal panel installation to recycled art projects to eco friendly cutlery and trays.

The group will be meeting next in January. If you think you or someone you know might be interested in attending, please email keanemd@gmail.com for more details.

Monday, November 26, 2007

Holiday stuff, BP, articles, and more

Hey everyone



A Fresh Squeeze has put out a list of local eco friendly toy and gift making companies (Treeblocks, Scrappynation, Xeko, The Earth Friends, Building Blocks, Timeless Toys, and Chicago Kids Bookstore) for the holiday shopper.

They also have written about recycling issues in the city and how to still go about recycling your materials.


Environmental News Network has also covered eco friendly shops as well as having articles concerning the conservation, trade, and many environmentally friendly topics.


The Chicago Tribune has an article outlining what the effects of the BP waste dumping into Lake Michigan.


The New York Times wrote an article on Chicago's Green Alleys. It mentions the fact that the city is doing some innovative environmental things while still being unable to create a workable recycling program. In my opinion, this city has gone far too long without a well working recycling program and it is clear that the government of the city is not going to do anything about it. So I hope you will join me in letting our representatives know that this is unacceptable by contacting your alderman. The city's web site is www.cityofchicago.org.

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

RED and more

Doing some research, I found out about a company called Recycled Energy Development that takes factories waste heat and converts it into viable power. Check out the web site and take a look at the size of their projects. Please pass on this company's info to any manufacturing execs that you might know. This is quite a large initiative and it seems like this company makes a difference in lessening the amount of greenhouse gases released by substantial margins.



ENN has reported that auto sales hit a 15 year low. This can be looked at as a good thing or a bad thing. The number of new cars on the road is less but the number of older cars off the road is probably less also. The story is below.

http://www.enn.com/top_stories/article/25369

There are a ton of new articles on emagazine.com. They cover Chevy's "green" designation to having a low carbon diet.

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Environmental News Network

Hey


I have discovered a website named Environmental News Network. After spending some time perusing the site, I can tell you that its articles are informative and engaging. I recommend you take a look.


I know that the Bee movie with Jerry Seinfeld has a very important environmental message. The movie highlights the importance of the bees ability to pollinate the environment. It should be something kids and adults should remember the next time they see a flower filled landscape.

Monday, November 12, 2007

Veteran's day environmentalism notes

Hey everyone

First, happy veteran's day to all who have served or are serving now.

Now on to the environment!

The Sun Times today had a piece in the editorial section about cutting the recycling program due to budget concerns.
http://www.suntimes.com/news/commentary/645998,CST-EDT-edit12a.article

A Fresh Squeeze has provided an easy link to its site from wikipower. Click on the link below to sign up for its regular email information. It has provided this blog me with a lot of good information that has helped us all be more environmentally concious. I encourage you to click on the link below and sign up for their web updates (they come around once a week).


http://afreshsqueeze.com/index.php?site=6JF3JO9Z

There is an immense conference on energy being held in San Francisco on December 5th and 6th. It is run by Think Equity, one of the top investment firms around, and will have over 50 high level speakers. You can see the list by going to the Think Equity web site. If you have the time, I highly recommend it.

The Environmental Magazine has a great article on the amount of wind energy production, saying that it doubled 2007 expectations with over 4000 megawatts of power. The link is below.

http://www.emagazine.com/view/?3969

As always, let me know if you want to be added or taken off the email list. I don't divulge any info to anyone. Please tell others to check the site out and sign up on the email list. All comments and concerns are welcome.

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

Greenmaker Building Supply

Hey

Through A Fresh Squeeze email update, I was able to find a local building company named Greenmaker Building Supply that is focused on environmentally friendly materials and building processes. They are located here in Chicago on Pulaski. The fact that they are a local company motivated to bringing their clients the most effective building materials really excites me. I encourage you to check out the web site for their products and services.

As I said before, I found this information through the A Fresh Squeeze web site. I have found the updates very useful. You will want to give it a try.

The city of Chicago is playing with different ideas on how to make the city more green. There was an article in yesterday's Chicago Tribune that describes ways from improving the transportation emissions in both CTA vehicles and taxis, to new recycling programs.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/services/newspaper/printedition/tuesday/chi-tue_goinggreen_1106nov06,0,4369109.story

It should be noted though that the city is considering removing plans to improve the blue cart program because of budget concerns. This is alarming and we should not let the city bypass the recycling program just because they can't manage their books.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-council06nov06,0,85092.story

Let me know of any stories/topics/pics coming up and I will get them on the blog.

Mike

Monday, November 5, 2007

Solar Decathalon

Hey

I was watching the Sunday morning CBS show and there was a story about Washington DC holding a housing competition named Solar Decathalon. There are some amazing houses and it felt like watching an auto show. Click on the link for further info on the event.

Good Morning America showed a story about how sheep herders are are protecting their herds and the cheetahs that try to feed on them by using Anatolian dogs.

Over the summer I purchased some cloth shopping bags from Green Kits and mark the bag every time I use it and keep from using plastic bags(sort of like fighter pilots put kill marks on their planes). This week I passed 25. The cloth bags carry about two plastic bags of groceries. So I recommend purchasing a couple bags. I believe the ripple effect of using these bags instead of the plastic is enormous.

Continue to check out A Fresh Squeeze for more ways to improve your eco living.

Cheers and have a green week!

Thursday, October 25, 2007

CASE congratulations

Hey

Congratulations to the CASE club of Northside College Prep High School as they continue to get closer to being able to accept bids in regards to its solar project. The club projects that it will take one more grant that was only contingent on another grant being accepted. Stop by the CASE web site and take a look at all the great things that the Northside College Prep community is doing for the environment. It is really exciting that Northside will soon be at least partially off the grid

Sierra Club currently needs us to put some political leverage on our leaders. Head to the web site and sign a petition.

A Fresh Squeeze has got some interesting environmental and conservation ideas for the fall that include how to look great for Halloween while being friendly to the environment.

Monday, September 10, 2007

kick the plastic

Hey everyone



Recently, one Chicago's AYSO regions have put an emphasis on limiting the use of plastic water bottles during their current season. This is a big topic with the amount of unrecycled plastic bottles ending up in landfills skyrocketing in the last decade. This type of effort will immediately affect about four thousand families directly and countless others indirectly.

Congratulations and thanks to Rich Costello and the AYSO 418 board for making this an important topic to tackle.

A Fresh Squeeze has many different articles pertaining to this issue as well.


Mike

Tuesday, September 4, 2007

Tuesday's Notes

Hey

For those of you interested in a Volkswagon, or interested in cars in general, Carbon Fund has partnered with Volkswagon to promote its new factory's carbon output neutralization plans.

A Fresh Squeeze has continued to support environmental programs throughout the city. Please check out their web site to hear about the multitude of options and companies in the Chicagoland area that can continue the progress.

Cheers

Wednesday, August 8, 2007

Aug 7 Notes

Hey



Some good info on traveling options from A Fresh Squeeze are available at their website below.

Remember to aviod using BP gas as long as they think it is ok to dump into our lake.

Recently Pepsi was rated the number 1 large company for conservation/environmental concerns. They even have persuaded their bottling companies join in the act. Check out their ratings and news stories at www.pepsi.com. I do own shares in Pepsi.

The Sierra Club reported that the US Congress passed power legislation that should help the environment. You don't hear that often!

There is an interesting article on the on the benefits of the use of methane from waste over other fuels such as ethanol in SFO magazine.

Thursday, June 28, 2007

saying goodbye to paper

Hey

Recently I asked Jeff Solin, one of the Information Technology teachers at Northside to bring me up to speed on a project he is working on that will help minimize the paper usage at Northside College Prep High School.



He emailed me back with some excellent information.


· Used grant to purchase a $3000 networked digital sender (powerful scanner). This device is as easy to use as a photo copier, and works just as fast with color / bw / grayscale / double sided / etc. It can be used without a computer and it will either email you a pdf (or other file format), or it will store the file on the network for later retrieval. The idea is that teachers will scan what they need to distribute, and email it out or post it online for their students. If just one student decides to read it on screen, instead of print it, you have made progess.


· Train teachers on how to electronically collect, grade on a tablet with digital ink, and then redistribute student work. When done properly, you can completely eliminate the need for even one page of paper to be used in a multi-draft term paper or other writing assignment.


· Work with administration and counseling to handle all in-house correspondence over email using scans when necessary. There is no need for a purple sheet of paper with scholarship info to be printed 1000 times and then split into advisories and distributed to the teacher mailboxes. That not only wastes resources, but is time consuming. Throw the file in the digital sender, then attach it to an email out to all students…done.



I know that this is on a grand scale. But I hope this might spur others to look around their work or home and see if they can find ways to minimize the use of paper. Finding ways to minimize paper usage on the front end also creates less energy needed on the back end with waste removal and recycling.

A Fresh Squeeze has some fun outdoor activities that will get you looking for ways to improve the environment and at the same time lessening your carbon footprint. You can see these details at www.afreshsqueeze.com

Thursday, June 21, 2007

Solar Energy

Hey

I recently bought shares in a solar energy firm named First Solar. There was a Reuters article written today that discusses the strong possibilty that these companies will be able to offer consumers power at the same rates without subsidies in the next few years. The article is below. Even though there is a risk associated with the share purchase, I feel I have done the research to know which of the multitude of new firms have both the ability to get the job done and the outlook to continue to develop this technology.

http://yahoo.reuters.com/news/articlehybrid.aspx?storyID=urn:newsml:reuters.com:20070621:MTFH16663_2007-06-21_19-23-14_N21391988&type=comktNews&rpc=44

With summer in full swing, don't forget to purchase the flourescent light bulbs instead of conventional. It will help with the electric bill as you are blasting the air conditioning!

I also saw this little tidbit on a recent bill in Congress. Look at the comment about the taxes hurting production. Recently I wrote a post about how the oil companies just finished testimony about how production isn't the problem but refining capacity is full. I don't believe there was much more production when their taxes were slashed! Priceless

I wonder if and how any of the Democratic Presidential candidates voted on this bill as Ohio and Pennsylvania are major targets.

WASHINGTON (AP) - Senate Republicans on Thursday blocked a $32 billion package of tax breaks for renewable energy that would have been financed mostly by new taxes on major oil companies.Democrats came three votes short of overcoming a threatened GOP filibuster that was keeping the measure from being attached to a broader energy bill. Republican senators argued that the nearly $29 billion in additional taxes on major oil companies would have led to reduced production and higher gasoline prices.Because of Republican opposition, Democrats needed 60 votes to allow the package to come up for a vote, but fell short, 57-36. With a number of senators not voting, Democrats could resurren with or without the tax measures. ``There are still good things in the bill,'' he told reporters before the floor vote.The Senate later voted 61-32 to proceed further with the energy legislation.

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

Solar to the main stream

Hey

Can you see the light? There have been a couple of recent articles in regards to solar power coming to the main stream. Even though one of the articles I read was from The Environmental Magazine, the other was in SmartMoney, the Wall Street Journal Magazine. Some of the issues discussed were the quality and cost of the installation work, the amount of power generated, and the availability of government funds to pay for solar projects.

The one idea I came away with is that if you are interested in installing solar panels, be sure to do your homework.

For Father's Day, my dad has asked for a rain water saving device that you can use to later water your lawn and plants safely. Awesome.

As always, check out A Fresh Squeeze for energy conservation ideas.

Tuesday, June 5, 2007

Staying Cool this summer

Here are few ideas for staying cool during the summer.


http://finance.yahoo.com/expert/article/millionaire/35112



This is a post from our friends at A Fresh Squeeze

Stay Frosty and Save Green
Summer Tips for Your AC

Want the green scoop on chilling out this summer? The best ways to save money and energy start with your cooling systems.

The Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, a nonprofit based in Chicago, publishes a checklist of tips on how to stay cool in the summer. For every degree above 72 that you set your thermostat, the MEEA promises a three percent reduction in monthly cooling costs. They also recommend drawing the shades which can save you an additional 10%. The ideal companion for an air conditioning system is a programmable thermostat. These nifty little items allow users to dictate when—and for how long—the air conditioning system kicks on.

Above all, keep an eye on all your cooling systems, including your fridge, for leaks. These hard-to-spot culprits are often the source of inefficiencies, says Greg Ehrendreich, a policy associate with the MEEA. “As your cold air leaks out, whether through bad seals or your refrigerator door being left open for too long, then your pump and condenser have to work harder to remove that heat from the inside,” he says. To quickly check your refrigerator’s door seal, stick a dollar bill in the door and close it. If you can easily pull the bill out, you might want to look into a new door sealer.


Stay Frosty and Save Green
Summer Tips for Your AC

Want the green scoop on chilling out this summer? The best ways to save money and energy start with your cooling systems. The Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, a nonprofit based in Chicago, publishes a checklist of tips on how to stay cool in the summer. For every degree above 72 that you set your thermostat, the MEEA promises a three percent reduction in monthly cooling costs. They also recommend drawing the shades which can save you an additional 10%. The ideal companion for an air conditioning system is a
\u003ca href\u003d\"http://e2ma.net/go/615541124/512512/17195895/goto:http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c\u003dthermostats.pr_thermostats\" target\u003d\"_blank\" onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\"\>\u003cfont face\u003d\"arial,helvetica,sans-serif\" color\u003d\"#0000ff\" size\u003d\"2\"\>programmable thermostat\u003c/font\>\u003c/a\>\u003cfont face\u003d\"arial,helvetica,sans-serif\"\>\u003cfont size\u003d\"2\"\>. These nifty little items allow users to\ndictate when—and for how long—the air conditioning system kicks on. Above all, keep an eye on all your cooling systems,\nincluding your fridge, for leaks. These hard-to-spot culprits are often the source of inefficiencies, says Greg Ehrendreich, a policy associate with\nthe MEEA. “As your cold air leaks out, whether through bad seals or your refrigerator door being left open for too long, then your pump and\ncondenser have to work harder to remove that heat from the inside,” he says. To quickly check your refrigerator’s door seal,\nstick a dollar bill in the door and close it. If you can easily pull the bill out, you might want to look into a new door sealer. Learn more energy saving tips at programmable thermostat. These nifty little items allow users to dictate when—and for how long—the air conditioning system kicks on. Above all, keep an eye on all your cooling systems, including your fridge, for leaks. These hard-to-spot culprits are often the source of inefficiencies, says Greg Ehrendreich, a policy associate with the MEEA. “As your cold air leaks out, whether through bad seals or your refrigerator door being left open for too long, then your pump and condenser have to work harder to remove that heat from the inside,” he says. To quickly check your refrigerator’s door seal, stick a dollar bill in the door and close it. If you can easily pull the bill out, you might want to look into a new door sealer.

Saturday, June 2, 2007

Carbonfund.org

Hey

I was getting in my car to go to school today and the car in front of me had a www.carbonfund.org bumper sticker.

I checked it out and like it a lot. The group partners with companies and organizations to offset their carbon output. I recommend you take a look at it.

Another site I enjoy checking out is www.sierraclub.org. I'm sure most of you are familiar with it's fantastic conservation information.

Friday, June 1, 2007

Sweet Beesness

Hey

I have another update from A Fresh Squeeze:

Local BEESiness
Chicago Honey Co-Op

Credited as man’s first sweetener, honey has been used to treat everything from World War I wounds to everyday sunburns. This antioxidant-rich sweetener has even been rumored to alleviate allergies. The local pollen found in locally-produced honey is believed to boost the immune system—though few studies have tested this theory. So how can you reap the benefits of this healthy and tasty sweetener? Turns out, Chicago has its very own apiary suited for the job. Created in 2004, the Chicago Honey Co-Op is not only dedicated to sustainable agriculture, but to providing job training opportunities to the under-employed. The Chicago Honey Co-op, based in the west side neighborhood of North Lawndale, produces all-natural, chemical-free honey. But with over 100 hives, this apiary also creates beeswax candles, lip balm, and moisturizing bars—all of which can be found in farmers markets and shops throughout Chicagoland. An important tip for buyers: always purchase raw, organic honey. With so many potential health benefits, you want to make sure you’re getting the most for your money. The heating process can destroy honey’s natural antibacterial properties, while the pesticides used in non-organic hives can end up in your honey jar.
To locate Chicago Honey Co-op products, or to find out more information, be sure to visit www.chicagohoneycoop.com.

Don't forget to subscribe to the blog, tell me what you don't like, tell others what you do like, and email any comments or questions to keanemd@gmail.com

Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Aromalogics

This is another local environmental product.

Blue. A Better Way To Go Green.

At first glance you’d think these sleek cobalt bottles come from a pricey Mag Mile cosmetics boutique but you’d be wrong. Instead think dirt, grit, grease, grime, soap scum, water spots and any other not-so-pretty facts of life that come to mind. Now think locally manufactured, all natural, non-toxic, and available in more than a dozen mood-boosting scents.

Chicagoan Courtney Nichols created the Aromalogics line because her own cleaning products were literally making her sick. Couple that with a love of anything that smells good and you’ve got a powerful line of chic green cleaners that are shining homes from Maine to Alaska.

From lavender to lemongrass to cinnamon-sweet orange, there’s an Aromalogics scent for even the most discriminating of noses, and a reputation for product effectiveness that’s so impressive residential and commercial cleaning companies are putting them to work nationwide. Made from 100% plant based ingredients and infused with a surplus of ultra-fragrant, germ killing essential oils, Aromalogics is redefining the “green cleaning” experience altogether.
Wait, germ killing plant oils? That’s right, essential oils are powerfully antibacterial in nature and Aromalogics does not use them sparingly. Eucalyptus oil, for example, has been shown to kill 70% of staphylococcus bacteria by simply being diffused into the air of an affected room.

So you can finally dispose of any remaining household haz-mats you’ve been harboring and replace them with an intoxicatingly fragrant, all green alternative.
To learn more about Aromalogics visit http://e2ma.net/go/609784076/506216/16725783/goto:http://www.aromalogics.com/.
Now through June 5 use coupon code gogreenchicago to save 15% on your first order.

You can check on the RSS to be automatically notified when a new blog is entered.

Email keanemd@gmail.com for questions and comments

recent articles

Here are some short articles on environmental policy by the Canadian and US governments.

http://www.sfomag.com/enewsletter/detail.asp?ID=5188

http://www.sfomag.com/enewsletter/detail.asp?ID=5186

If you have any info to post on this matter or any other matter, post or email keanemd@gmail.com and I will post the info for you.

As always, if you do not want to be notified of blog updates, let me know with delist in the subject reply and I will stop sending you emails.

Cheers

Tuesday, May 29, 2007

Plumbing union= anti green

Hey

Comcast, our wonderful cable provider (cough, cough) is building a new site in Philadelphia that is supposed to have waterless urinals. That sounds great!

Except someone at the plumbers union realized that along with not needing water for the urinals, they would also not need the piping. So the union sued!

The result is that there is a five year contract for the water free urinals with the pipes put in just in case they are needed. What!?!?!?!

http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/story?id=1783912&page=1 (Thanks to ABC News for the story)

I think you can chalk this up to the union being pro environment except for when it affects their revenue stream!

I wonder how much carbon emissions were put into the air making the pipes that will not be used. They muffed this one. Keith Olberman would characterize them as being "Today's worst persons in the world!"

keanmd@gmail.com

Fresh Squeeze update

Hey

This is something I received from A Fresh Squeeze

Keep it Cool
"Hot Ideas for a Cool Planet"

There are a few time-honored ways of keeping cool in the summer. Popsicles, sprinklers, and trips to the lakefront come to mind. But if you’re looking for ways to keep the planet cool—that's usually a bigger challenge. Not this summer. Starting June 1st, learning how to fight climate change is as simple as a trip to the lake. Cool Globes is a public art project with a purpose—to inspire individuals and organizations to take action against global warming.

Stretching from the Field Museum to Navy Pier, over 100 globes will be on display along the lakefront.\nEach 5 foot tall globe features a different artist’s interpretation of a global warming solution. Find out about small steps you can take like\nwashing your clothes in cold water, as well as larger changes like geothermal energy. Wendy Abrams, founder of the project, says she’s “hoping people walk away with an idea of what they can do to impact climate change.” After the globes are unveiled on Friday, you can pledge to implement some of the Cool Globes suggestions. “Pick five and\nyou’ll be entered in a sweepstakes. The top prize is a Toyota Prius,” says Abrams. Next time you’re looking for a way to cool off, go to

Wednesday, May 23, 2007

New York = clean city?

Hey

I heard over the news yesterday that New York is going to have all their taxi cabs hybrid by 2012. With the fact that most traffic is stop and go, that should make a huge difference in the air quality in and around New York. Good for them. The story is below.

http://www.sierraclub.org/pressroom/releases/pr2005-07-01a.asp

If you have any info to post on this matter or any other matter, post or email keanemd@gmail.com and I will post the info for you

Wednesday, May 9, 2007

News from CASE

Hey Everyone

I am passing on some info from Northside's great CASE Club.

Thanks to Mike Coy for the information.

Students and colleagues – on July 13, 14, and 15, the Pitchfork Music Festival takes place in Union Park (Grand and Western). Lots of freaky, beautiful music will happen, and you have an opportunity to see and hear it all for free, and from the inside out (maybe even from backstage!).

CASE (the Community for Alternative Sources of Energy) are volunteering at to work the festival again this year. If we get enough volunteers, they will let CASE set up a table to advertise our club, and then they’ll give us money. Last year, we volunteered and they gave $500 to CASE. And everybody got to see the show for FREE!! This year, we’d like to get a total of 25 shifts, and they’ll give us $1500!

So – we’re looking for volunteers for 6-hour shifts on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. If you join us, you’ll “work” for 6 hours (11am-5pm or 4pm-10pm) checking wristbands, tickets, ID’s, helping bands set up, tear down, getting water for prima donna performers, etc. You also get a ticket for the show for that day. And you’ll be helping CASE help the environment. Sweet deal. You can work one, two, or all three days – it’s up to you.

If you want to join us (I think they want upperclassmen, but we can work on that), please respond to Tyler Johnson (cc’d above) with your choice of shift(s).

Shifts:
Friday, July 13: 4pm to 10pm
Saturday, July 14: 11am to 5pm OR 4pm to 10pm
Sunday, July 15: 11am to 5pm OR 4pm to 10pm

Check out https://mail.nscollegeprep.cps.k12.il.us/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.pitchforkmusicfestival.com/ for more details on which band is playing when.

You live in a big, beautiful city. Take advantage of opportunities like this that just fall into your laps. This may be a life-changing experience for you.

If you have any info to post on this matter or any other matter, post or email keanemd@gmail.com and I will post the info for you.

Thanks!

Thursday, May 3, 2007

Prince Charles the environmentalist

Hey

Did you know that Prince Charles is a serious environmentalist? I didn't. I watched a Nightline episode on his environmental activities last night. It was very informative.

I recommend going to Google and read some of the articles on his efforts.

PS - He isn't perfect. He recently flew to New York to pick up an award and I guess the carbon output for his trip was huge. That said, he is someone to look to i nthe environmental arena. I would even say he has done more than our Oscar friend Al.

If you have any info to post, post or email keanemd@gmail.com and I will post the info for you.

Thanks!

Wednesday, May 2, 2007

computer recycling and more

Hey

The city has a recycling center for computers and other items in the Goose Island neighborhood. The press release with information is below.

http://egov.cityofchicago.org/city/webportal/portalContentItemAction.do?BV_SessionID=@@@@1226813849.1178120004@@@@&BV_EngineID=cccdaddkkjejlikcefecelldffhdfgn.0&contentOID=536947319&contenTypeName=COC_EDITORIAL&topChannelName=Dept&blockName=Environment%2FI+Want+To&context=dept&channelId=0&programId=0&entityName=Environment&deptMainCategoryOID=

There is also an article in today's Chicago Tribune (front page) that talks about Global Warming with residents of Bangladesh. It is pretty interesting. Check it out.

If you have some information to be posted, email to keanemd@gmail.com and we will get the info posted.

Monday, April 30, 2007

Pepsi's energy buy

Hey

This is big corporate news. Pepsi plans to purchase over 1 billion dollars worth of energy credits over 3 years. This is a leader. If a company as large as Pepsi is coming to the table, there is no guessing how much of a difference our efforts can continue to make.

The article is below.

http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/070430/pepsico_renewable_energy.html?.v=1

Keep Green

If you have any info that you want on this blog but don't want to join Blogspot, email your comments to keanemd@gmail.com and your comments will be posted

Wednesday, April 25, 2007

environmental magazines

Hey

I am dropping a link to a couple of emagazines that I enjoy reading. There are some nice articles. Visit and let us know what you think. Are there any other magazine websites to look at?

http://www.emagazine.com/

www.consciouschoice.com


Keep Green

If you have any info that you want on this blog but don't want to join Blogspot, email your comments to keanemd@gmail.com and your comments will be posted.

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

Earth Box

Hey

One of the vendors at Green Scene will be Earth Box.

The Univeristy of Illinois and the Chicago School for Agricultural Science support and work with EarthBoxes as part of The Growing Connection. (See below) The Chicago Department of Parks and Recreaton also ordered EarthBoxes.

They have some great info on these boxes. I apologize but the info that was emailed to me is giving me problems copying and pasting over. So I will leave the contact info below.

For more information, go to www.earthbox.com. The contact info is below. Check it out.

Molly Quinn Philbin
Education Director
EarthBox
1300 Meylert Avenue
Scranton PA 18509
570-343-7921 ext 369

As always, send any and all info to keanemd@gmail.com and I will get it out there. Leave a comment if you like.

Mike

Friday, April 13, 2007

Ecological Home Ideas

Hey everyone

Coming up at Green Scene is a company named Ecological Home Ideas that you should really check out. The site itself has information on all aspects of greening a home from where to find a green contractor to what materials to use. They have a magazine, forums, contractor lists and much more.

If you are looking for a new home, or simply updating the place you live, this site is one that should be very useful.

As always feel free to email me any questions, and comment to keanemd@gmail.com.

Thursday, April 5, 2007

Vanity Fair

Hey


Vanity Fair has come out with their Green issue. I recommend checking it out. I believe the website is www.vf.com. They even have an decent article on the opposing view of global warning (:().

I don't know if this matters, but I'm in the process of trying to get my magazine subscriptions to only be web based. I believe that the articles from magazines and newspapers that we receive can easily be read online.

My sister has started taking the train and carpooling! This past Easter weekend she saved $40-50 in gas! Great job! Carpooling works!

Not even two weeks until Green Scene! The list of participating vendors is on the web site. There is even a wine tasting to be held this Friday! Check it all out at www.caseproject.org

Do you know of anything with the environment/energy going on? Let me know at keanemd@gmail.com and I will pass it on in a future entry.

Friday, March 23, 2007

Green Scene Day

Hey

On April 21, there is going to be a huge gathering of business and community behind Northside College Prep High School in Chicago. The school has really taken a proactive role in finding energy solutions for the school and community. You can find all the information you want at www.caseproject.org.

I would like to invite everyone that can make it out there. Please forward to everyone you know that can make it.

The local alderman will be giving, I SAID GIVING away the new light bulbs out to the community!!!!!!!!!!!! For that matter, it was announced today that the city of Chicago is giving away 500,000 light bulbs in the month of April. Here is the article:

http://egov.cityofchicago.org/city/webportal/portalContentItemAction.do?BV_SessionID=@@@@1302364365.1175015542@@@@&BV_EngineID=cccfaddkhmgjgmjcefecelldffhdfgn.0&contentOID=536951804&contenTypeName=COC_EDITORIAL&topChannelName=Dept&blockName=Environment%2FI+Want+To&context=dept&channelId=0&programId=0&entityName=Environment&deptMainCategoryOID=

Cheers to all

Intro

Hey everyone

Just started a new blog with regards to energy. Feel free to post, comment and email to keanemd@gmail.com with any information for the blog.