Another Citizen Loses a Garden Due to City Codes

During World War II, the government pushed Victory Gardens – gardens planted in public areas and residencies to help feed people during the war efforts. Today, it seems that many gardeners are seeing the wrath of the government when it comes to residential gardens Not long ago, I told you about the plight of the Helvengstons, a couple in Orlando who have been told by local government to dig up their front yard vegetable garden. Doing a little research, I found that there are several citizens who have been asked to get rid of their gardens – or worse Denise … Continue reading →

That’s Not Very Green, Orlando!

Jason and Jennifer Helvengston are residents of College Park, a section of Orlando, Florida. This area is close to downtown and popular among the working age citizens, of which the majority are homeowners. But, if you are a homeowner, do you have the right to do whatever you want on your land? No, according to College Park officials. See, Jason and Jennifer decided to set up a 25 x 25 foot micro-irrigated vegetable garden in their front yard. City code says your yard has to look “finished” and kept clean to keep property values up. Therefore, officials told Jason he … Continue reading →

Sandra Bullock Wins Humanitarian Award

Last Wednesday, the People’s Choice Awards was held at the Nokia Theater. These awards are pretty cool because the celebrity honors are chosen by the people rather than industry professionals like the other award shows. The Hunger Games won five awards, singer Katy Perry won three, and Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston won for best comedic actors. One special award went to Sandra Bullock, not for acting, but for her humanitarian efforts. Bullock was recognized for her many philanthropic efforts. She has been a great supporter of the American Red Cross, having given the organization millions over the years after … Continue reading →

Recycling Your Christmas Tree

Well, it’s New Year’s Eve and it is time for out with the old and that includes your live Christmas tree. I love live trees because they smell so good, but then there is always the question of what to do with it when you are done. Of course, you could always just put it on the side of the curb for trash pickup, but aren’t there some better, greener solutions? There are! First, many communities are now offering Christmas tree recycling pick-ups. And, if your community doesn’t offer pick-up, they may at least have a location you can take … Continue reading →

A Push for Safe Beauty Products

As I’ve warned before, your beauty products may be doing you harm. Right now, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t approve ingredients used in beauty products before they hit the shelves. Instead, that responsibility of safety falls on the beauty product companies. Still, there could be lead in your lipstick, lead acetate in your hair dye, and even formaldehyde and 1, 4-dioxane in you baby’s shampoo. But, that may change soon. The Safe Cosmetics Act was introduced in 2011. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics is hoping to convince the House of Representatives to support this bill, which would require … Continue reading →

Rhinos and Elephants in Danger

As you might guess, it is illegal to kill elephants and rhinos in Africa. However, with ivory and horns in high demand, it hasn’t stopped poaching. Most of the world’s population of rhinos is found in Africa – about 25,000. Of that, the organization Save the Rhinos estimates that 21,000 are in South Africa. But, the rhinos are being killed in almost record numbers by poachers. This year, 633 rhinos have been killed. The elephants of Africa aren’t faring much better. There were mass killings in both Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Why are these animals being … Continue reading →

Warming Hurts Ski Industry

What is it going to take for businesses to realize global warming is real? What about a loss in profits? Americans love to ski and play in the snow. And, it’s big business, bringing in an estimated $1.4 billion in state and local taxes and $1.7 billion in federal taxes alone. But, lack of snow fall, perhaps due to global warming, has slowed the industry. A report done by two University of New Hampshire researchers for Protect Our Winters and the Natural Resources Defense Council shows that global warming is hurting ski resorts. The study estimates the ski industry has … Continue reading →

Taking Care of Leftovers

I have blogged before about the alarming amount of food waste in America. But, I am guilty as well. We often don’t finish an entire meal and leftovers go in the fridge, only to be thrown out later because we don’t want to eat that same thing again so soon. Freezing food, even leftovers, is always an option. But, I always worry about freezer burn, which ruins the food. What can we do to alleviate freezer burn? Well, there are plastic bags that are airtight, helping you avoid freezer burn, but what if you are trying to avoid plastic? Some … Continue reading →

GreenHouse Foundation

The latest season of “The Voice” just wrapped and Cassadee Pope from Team Blake was named the winner. Cee Lo Green’s team didn’t produce the winner, but Green, who was a former member of Gnarls Barkley, is still a winner. He apparently takes is last name very seriously because he and sister Shedonna Alexander have founded the GreenHouse Foundation. The GreenHouse Foundation was founded to promote “green” education for disadvantaged children in school districts. The groundbreaking ceremony was held at Green’s alma mater – Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy. The students there received a donated greenhouse in which they can grow … Continue reading →