Today is the first-ever National Swap Day. Wish I had heard about this earlier; perhaps we could have set up a swap event here is Wichita Falls. Anyway, the intent is to recycle stuff you no longer want by swapping it for something else--the good ol' barter system.
I have lots of stuff I want to get rid of. Most of us do. We can have a garage sale, sell big items in the paper, give the things to charity or throw them away. Or we can trade them. The goal is to keep usable things out of the landfill, reduce the amount of resources we use to make new things, and keep more money in our own pocket. Sounds like a win-win for most except the consumerist economy.
Swapping with our neighbors would be the best alternative, but you can always try Swap.com. So consider reducing your impact on the environment by recycling your unwanted items for things you can use.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Friday, January 21, 2011
Sustainability for Everyone?
I came across an article today that sums up some of the concerns I have been having lately. When we talk sustainability, we're talking about a life style that allows us to live in such a way that we don't "use up" vital resources that others need to live on, now and in the future. But it does seem that many of the sustainable actions that get all the fanfare are high end and create the impression that they are the exclusive recourse of the well-to-do instead of the common person.
For now, organic is more expensive. Many of the devices that save energy, water and money have a high front-end cost. True, many things we can do to have a more sustainable lifestyle are not out of reach to many, but they are not what are in many of the articles about sustainability talk about. So some food for thought today.
For now, organic is more expensive. Many of the devices that save energy, water and money have a high front-end cost. True, many things we can do to have a more sustainable lifestyle are not out of reach to many, but they are not what are in many of the articles about sustainability talk about. So some food for thought today.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Two Great River Bend Programs Saturday
River Bend Nature Center has two great programs coming up on Saturday.
The Science Saturday program continues with a program on freshwater fish. Science Saturday programs are targeted to the 5 - 12 year old age group, although anyone can attend. The program begins at 1:00 PM and ends at 2:00. Admission is $3 per participant--accompanying adults for children under 12 (required) are free. There is an art program following at 2:30 PM for those who are interested.
If you are interested in native plants, Paul Dowlearn of Wichita Valley Nursery will be doing a program, "Native Plants in the Conservatory," from 10 AM - noon. Admission is $3 per person; members and children under 2 are free.
The Science Saturday program continues with a program on freshwater fish. Science Saturday programs are targeted to the 5 - 12 year old age group, although anyone can attend. The program begins at 1:00 PM and ends at 2:00. Admission is $3 per participant--accompanying adults for children under 12 (required) are free. There is an art program following at 2:30 PM for those who are interested.
If you are interested in native plants, Paul Dowlearn of Wichita Valley Nursery will be doing a program, "Native Plants in the Conservatory," from 10 AM - noon. Admission is $3 per person; members and children under 2 are free.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Pollinators
Just like many other living things today, pollinators are having a rough time. However, since we rely on pollinators for our food supply, their struggle should be of special concern. I have a membership in the Xerces Society, which is concerned with the conservation of invertebrates and their habitat. The organization publishes a fascinating little magazine called Wings.
The Xerces Society has been a champion of pollinators for years. They have several publications for sale and for free at their website. Their newest publication, Attracting Native Pollinators, is available for presale now on their website. I bought my copy and can't wait for it to get here.
Whether you purchase the book or not, look over some of the other downloads and fact sheets and consider improving your yard habitat to support these important invertebrates.
The Xerces Society has been a champion of pollinators for years. They have several publications for sale and for free at their website. Their newest publication, Attracting Native Pollinators, is available for presale now on their website. I bought my copy and can't wait for it to get here.
Whether you purchase the book or not, look over some of the other downloads and fact sheets and consider improving your yard habitat to support these important invertebrates.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Like to Eat/Grow Herbs?
The North Texas Unit of the Herb Society of the US is holding an educational session on February 26. Contact me at green.wichitafalls@gmail.com if you're interested in going. I am thinking about it.
Living Natural First
I enjoy listening to the Living Natural First radio program and enjoy many of the articles in their free monthly magazine. However, I usually don't listen to the radio program. I just don't get good reception of WBAP at my house. Paul and Nila Dowlearn from Wichita Valley Nursery will be the guests on this Sunday's program.
Today I found out that you can listen to the program on line and if you miss the program, they have the programs archived on the websites. As I write this, I am listening to a program on herbs.
You can also read copies of the magazine there, although I did find many of the links are broken. Hopefully someone will get that fixed.
You do have to sign up as a member of the radio program to access everything, but that is easy.
Check it out.
Today I found out that you can listen to the program on line and if you miss the program, they have the programs archived on the websites. As I write this, I am listening to a program on herbs.
You can also read copies of the magazine there, although I did find many of the links are broken. Hopefully someone will get that fixed.
You do have to sign up as a member of the radio program to access everything, but that is easy.
Check it out.
Interested in Wind Energy for Your Home?
I met an interesting person at my Associated Business Partners meeting on Thursday. Steve Pelsue joined the group while I was out the last few weeks. Steve owns several companies, but the one I want to bring to your attention today is North Texas Wind.
Many people are interested in the possibilities of wind energy for their homes and businesses, but a windmill just isn't feasible in town. I know of a couple of companies locally providing options--this is the newest. Don't forget federal tax incentives are available to help overcome the financial barrier to wind devices and you should be able to earn back your investment in a few years.
If you're evaluating options, give Steve a call a 940-642-5708.
I am glad to see more companies involved in sustainable products and services in our community. Remember, if you learn about any businesses providing similar items, be sure to let me know at green.wichitafalls@gmail.com.
Many people are interested in the possibilities of wind energy for their homes and businesses, but a windmill just isn't feasible in town. I know of a couple of companies locally providing options--this is the newest. Don't forget federal tax incentives are available to help overcome the financial barrier to wind devices and you should be able to earn back your investment in a few years.
If you're evaluating options, give Steve a call a 940-642-5708.
I am glad to see more companies involved in sustainable products and services in our community. Remember, if you learn about any businesses providing similar items, be sure to let me know at green.wichitafalls@gmail.com.
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