Dateline: Long Beach WA

I'm visiting family in Long Beach, WA, a town where I've spent many a long weekend through the years. Before my dad ever lived here, I often visited with a college friend, staying at her family's beach cabin. Here are a couple of thoughts inspired by this most-recent trip.

1) Recycling might be a simple matter of tossing a plastic bottle into a bin for most of us, but in rural areas there are few options. On the peninsula where my dad lives, there are a few reycling centers. That's fine for people who have some time on their hands, but what about everyone who's bogged down with work, school, taking kids to baseball, etc.? That makes recycling dark green, not light green.

2) We saw two dead porpoises on the beach. My friend, who also visits Long Beach, saw three dead porpoises recently. So ... what's happening to the porpoises? It can't be good. Apparently, a lot of marine animals in the area are killed when they are hit by ships -- a whale washed up on the beach not long ago. Longtime residents of the peninsula are saying that razor clams are more scarce than they used to be(clamming is a major tourist draw in the area, bringing thousands to town when there's a clamming season). All this makes me think that the human impact is growing more serious for marine life off the Washington coast. Because clams, whales, and the like are a big part of the economy, I'm thinkin' that even if you don't give a crap about porpoises, if you want to keep jobs on the peninsula, you've got to care.

3) I don't like clearcuts.

Cute Cat Picture

Happy Earth Day - What did you do for the planet today?

This is a cute video about how to be green at work. The actors look delighted to be green.



My work is not green-friendly. We don't have control of the termperature, many of the lights, or the windows and outside doors. There is no way to recycle. Every day, I bring home used paper, plastic yogurt cups, and soda cans to recycle here at home. I've asked others if they want me to take their used items home as well - but they don't.

p Preachiness Alert p

Which brings me to my next point. I, like most people, surround myself with like-minded individuals. This can give one the impression that everyone agrees with you. My friends tend to be artsy, activist, vegetarian or vegetarian-friendly, recycled-toilet-paper-using types. So I was a little surprised when I clicked on some Earth Day links (MSN has a cool story about green scams) and saw the vitriol being spouted in the comments sections. Just head over to YouTube and read the comments below the video seen above. Many people are ANGRY about the greening of our culture. It's funny, because to me, green living can only be an economic and social benefit.

Take global warming. So, I happen to want to make out with Al Gore, and therefore believe every word he says. But let's say that evil gnomes made him say all that stuff in his movie. Let's say global warming is the biggest glob of horse spit ever heard on earth. The changes we make due to the belief in global warming, however, can only be positive. Less pollution? Awesome. Less waste? Cool. More public transportation? Sign me up.

It just goes to show, fear of change - any change - runs deep.

Nearly Wordless Wednesday - Earth Day Edition

A few pics of some of the creatures with whom we share our planet:

For more info on Wordless Wednesday, check out My Charming Kids.

New Morning Routine

After an unusually-long spring, summer weather (87 degrees today!) has come to Houston. That means more hours when the air conditioner is chugging away. I've devised a new morning routine to try to save energy. Just before walking out the door, I ...

1) Pull the drapes. Last summer I bought some drapes with a reflective surface that faces outside. It's amazing how quickly just closing them can bring down the temperature in the house.

2) Turn off all the lights (I've always done that).

3) Turn the thermostat up. In the spring I turn it to 77, but once summer hits I'll turn it to 80 during the day. My a/c is pretty lame, so when I get home it's usually 83 or so in the house.

4) Unplug everything. This is the new part of the routine. I unplug the computer, microwave, phone charger, etc. But not the TiVo. Never the TiVo.

5) Give Wily his treats and sneak out the door while he is eating them.

I'm not sure how this routine will affect the energy bills. I'll let you know.

Just a note: Baby Stellan, over at My Charming Kids had surgery today in an attempt to correct his rapid heartbeat. Stellan's getting massive support from all around the world. Here's hoping that all those good thoughts and prayers are shared not only with Stellan, but with all of the sick kids out there tonight.

Just a note 2: Yes, tomorrow is Earth Day, and I'm not sure how I feel about that. Of course I'm happy that we take a moment to recognize the amazing planet upon which we depend, but I know that we need more than a day's worth of commitment.

Just a note 3: Our president, who continues to work his virtual community (seriously, Barack - stop emailing me! Michelle is going to get jealous!) is offering a limited edition, organic cotton T-shirt for those who donate $25 or more to support his energy plan. Unfortunately, it is not cute. But everybody needs T-shirts to work out in, right?

DIY ... Band-aid?

I made this DIY Band-aid the other day, because regular Band-aids give me hives wherever the Band-aid touches my skin. And no, it's not the latex I react to. I'm pretty sure it's the adhesive - my dad is allergic to adhesive too.

I made my Band-aid out of a Girl Scout bandana, torn into strips, and some sports tape (not touching the skin).

p Preachiness Alert p

It got me to thinking about all those young women who rolled bandages during World War I, and how cloth bandages - non-sterile - were once our only option. And then it got me to thinking about all the chemicals that touch our skin daily ... not something you want to let your mind dwell on for too long.


My friend Sarah saw a remarkable difference in her baby Eli's comfort when he switched from disposable diapers to biodegradable. And within a couple of days, my DIY Band-aid had done the trick. No more hives, no more cut. I'm not saying DIY first-aid is desirable; I'm just saying that it can't be a bad thing to take a moment to consider the things we expose our bodies to.

It kind of reminds me of that song from junior high (I believe it was C & C Music Factory), "Things That Make You Go Hmmm." When you think too long about some of the stuff we live with, where it comes from, and how it's made, it definitely makes you go hmm.

DIY Sunday - Quilted Postcard

This craft comes courtesy of my friend Liz, who is proof that anyone can DIY. Liz and I have been friends for many years, despite the fact that we have little in common besides a no-nonsense worldview, a passionate belief in education, a love of pop culture, and a penchant for inappropriate men. So, actually, that's quite a lot in common. But Liz is the sporty type, while I'm the crafty, sports-are-evil type.

Nevertheless, Liz has been committed to becoming a crafter, and her concerted effort has resulted in her carving out a crafty niche in our group of friends. In particular, she's turned her many T-shirts (fun run, camp, marathon, high school, etc) into quilts and other mementos. Recently, I was psyched to find a quilted postcard in my mailbox.

I'm going to re-create the instructions from my conversations with Liz about how the postcard was made, but adding your own inspiration will no doubt result in something better than I can describe.

Materials needed:

• Felt for background
• Fabric scraps (re-using old clothes for crafting, the way Liz does, is an environmentally-friendly way to get materials)
• Needle and thread
• Cardstock
• Fusible backing (this is iron-on sticky stuff that you get at the fabric store)
• Other decorations as you desire; but careful, they may add to the postage
• A postcard for a template (or guesstimate)

Step 1: Decide what kind of design you want. Simple geometric shapes will be best. If you want, draw them out on paper.

Step 2: Using the postcard as a template, cut the felt and the cardstock to postcard size.

Step 3: Cut your fabric scraps to create your design. Liz made a flower. You could make whatever you want. Skull and crossbones, anyone?

Step 4: Using your needle and thread, baste (that means, make quick stithches) your fabric pieces to the felt to create your design. Awesome!

Step 5: Write your message and the mailing address on the cardstock, just like you would on a postcard.

Step 6: Follow the directions on the fusible backing to stick the cardstock with the message onto the felt. Don't catch the cardstock on fire. Wait until everything is cooled off.

Step 7: Super! Go to the post office and weigh the postcard to see how much postage you need. Pay the smiling customer service rep, and mail the thing.

Wily doesn't realize it's a federal offense to read other people's mail!

Fox TV - Green It, Mean It ... hmm

I have to say, the Fox family of companies is a two-faced organization. On the one hand FoxNews is constantly bombarding us with hate-filled diatribes concealed as "news." On the other Fox and FX have some of the most unique, edgy programming out there.

Currently, Fox is running an Earth Month promotion called Green It, Mean It (Apparently Rupert Murdoch is a green guy. Weird, eh?) The network is, of course, running PSAs featuring actors from their programs giving green-living tips. The tips are actually pretty good - definitely light green-friendly, easy things you can do to make a difference. The celebrities, however, don't seem very invested in playing the parts of do-gooders.




More unique than a bunch of PSAs, however, is the fact that Fox is also including green-related plotlines in some of their top shows. And these definitely are not "very special" episodes where all the characters learn a lesson. Instead, environmentalism shows up in some funny and surprising ways. For instance, on House, the patient-of-the-week was an environmental activist who spouted green facts, but also was difficult to get along with and intransigent in his positions. On Bones, a body was found crushed in a bale of recycled cardboard. As I'm not a fan of preaching, I've been enjoying the winks to the greening of American culture. (Click here to watch the episode of Bones, but be warned: it is a pretty gross episode on a show that's known for its gory dead bodies).

If you want to check out more green tips from Fox, click here. My favorite tip - don't pre-heat your oven for more than 10 minutes to save energy (both from the stove itself, and because your a/c may just kick in if your oven is radiating heat). I'd never thought about that before, but it'll go on my list of light green strategies.

No-Buy Month - How's it going?

Sorry, I have been a bad blogger. Work has been crazy, blah, blah ... there's really no good excuse. But work has been crazy.

I'm currently ensconced in another hotel room, and have to do some work before bed (and I just learned that American Idol has become a crazy train ... Quentin Tarantino? "Falling Slowly" is an obscure song? That skinny girl with elbows at the judging table? See, staying in a hotel room can be a bit shocking sometimes.)

I wanted to take a moment, though, to update on how No-Buy Month is going. I've done well, though I did go out to the bar Friday night. And I'm psyched to see that now 30% of the loyal readership is involved in No-Buy Month.

Keep it up, and leave a comment below to let me know how it's going for you.

And just because it's been a while, here's a Cute Cat Picture for you:

Coming up: I promise to be better about posting, and I've got some recycling stuff to share, along with my thoughts on the Fox network's green promotion. Because I know you've been thinking ... I wonder what Catfish thinks about that?

Service Review - Wyndham Garden Hotel, Austin, TX

I stay in a hotel at least once every two weeks, usually more often. One time my friend Andy called while I was unpacking in yet another Radisson or Holiday Inn Express and asked what I was doing. I said something like, "You know, sometimes it's fun to just stay in a hotel, watch the TV, be by yourself."

And he said, "No. It's ALWAYS fun."

I have to say, he's right. Business travel has never lost its allure for me. It can get to be hectic sometimes, but I always enjoy a new place. I never get tired of flying over Texas and seeing the landscape, or of the tiny coffee makers in hotel rooms, or of local news in a distant city.

As much as I like hotels, they do, for the most part, have some generic qualities. None have ever inspired me to review them, or deserved to be in a blog about the environment.

Until now.

The Wyndham Garden Hotel in Austin may look, on the outside, like a typical business travelers' hotel. But the moment you walk inside, you're greeted by the uber-friendly staff who seem genuinely happy to see you. As you check-in, they explain this doo-hickey to you:

Of course I didn't have my camera when I needed it. Sorry about the phone photos.

You put your key into this slot in the wall, and it tells the computer brain of the place that you're home. When you do that, you're able to control the thermostat. When you take the key card out, control reverts to the hotel so they can save energy. Pretty savvy, eh? Saves them money AND saves the planet.

My room was spacious and comfortable, and the bed had pillows of a variety of softnesses (trust me, this is a big deal if you travel a lot). The bath products were lovely and citrusy-smelling. A big bonus - the alarm clock had very explicit instructions on how to set it. Again, this is a big deal if you travel a lot. It's hard to sleep if your unconscious is anxious about whether you set the alarm correctly. I actually bring my own alarm clock quite often. So, this alarm clock resulted in a good night's sleep.

The hotel also had all of your usual eco-friendly amenities:

And some that aren't so usual, such as the recycling stations in the hallway.

Of course, nothing is perfect, so there were a few kinks that need to be worked out. The service staff was stretched a bit thin, working the restaurant, the espresso bar, and room service. But they were very friendly, and the restaurant was certainly a cut above your usual highway hotel. They had lots of vegetarian options - my veggie burger was yum - and possibly the world's best bourbon bread pudding.

All in all, **** (out of 5) to the Wyndham Garden Austin.

No-Buy Month - Free Fun

Nothing beats the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center on a beautiful day. It's open from 7-7 every day, and they host classes and events as well.

Can you believe this is the middle of Houston?

The bluebonnets are the symbol of Texas. Their season is almost over.

This little guy was taking a rest by the turtle pond. Somehow, that doesn't seem like good decision making.

DIY Sunday - Not Keith's Pasta

While recipes aren't exactly DIY, I did create this one myself. It's a nothing-fancy, vegetarian, comfort-foody (if your comfort food involves goat cheese) dinner.

Not Keith's Pasta got its name because my friend Keith is very picky, and this pasta dish includes several incgredients that he can't stand. Unfortunately, his wife Kelly would probably love it, but I don't think she'll ever get to make it unless Keith goes out of town.

Ingredients:

1 container of cherub tomatoes, halved (you could use cherry or grape tomatoes as well)

Approximately 1 cup kalamata olives, pitted and chopped

1-2 tbsp. olive oil

veggie/chicken broth

1/4 c. white wine

1-2 tbsp. fish rub (it's a spice mix that usually consists of thyme, lemon pepper, garlic salt - you could substitute those things if you'd like)

1 package penne or ziti

1 package goat cheese crumbles

1 package/bunch basil, torn

Heat the olive oil in a large pan. Saute the tomatoes and olives together until the tomatoes get squishy. Add enough broth to just cover the tomatoes and olives. Pour in the wine and sprinkle generously with the fish rub. Stir. Lower heat and simmer.

While the tomato mixture is simmering, cook the pasta.

Drain the pasta and put it back into the saucepan or into a bowl. If you'd like, spray with 1-2 sprays of cooking spray to keep it from sticking together.

Drain any excess fluid from the tomato mixture and pour into the pasta.

Sprinkle with the goat cheese crumbles and the basil.

Then STIR! The goat cheese and tomato goodness become the pasta sauce. Hooray! You're ready to serve.

Organic Cotton and Bill Maher

These cute organic cotton onesies were on sale at Kohl's. I picked up several for all of my friends under the age of one. I've always been sort of skeptical about the need for organic clothes, but I have to say, these were much softer and cozier than the non-organic alternatives. These were made by Carter's and had a variety of hip designs. No Peter Pan collars in sight!

And now for something completely different...

Friday's episode of Real Time With Bill Maher, as usual, ended with the segment "New Rules." He ranted about how trash is overtaking our last unexplored areas of the earth. I won't add any commentary; Bill has enough for all of us.

If you want to skip ahead, it begins around minute 3:00.

No Buy Month Challenge! Day 2

Yay! I've had more than 500 hits on my blog, and more folk have joined the No-Buy Month Challenge -- now two are attempting No-Buy Month with me. That's about 20% of my loyal readership -- you do the math.

I was a bit tempted to falter and make a quick, 1-click Amazon purchase when I learned that Pride and Prejudice and Zombies is out. I'm a member of the target audience for a product like this -- people who love period pieces but wish there was a little more gore in Jane Austen. I reminded myself, however, that I have PBS's Little Dorrit to fulfill my quota of corsets, and David Grann's Lost City of Z to fulfill my quota of gore.

Little Dorrit is the Masterpiece Classic (now with more Laura Linney!) version of Dickens's classic tale -- if by classic you mean "the Dickens novel nobody reads." It's about debt, getting out of debt, and how people maintain their dignity -- or don't -- in times of economic crisis. Basically it's your most recent issue of the New York Times. With corsets. That's the thing about Dickens. Just when you think it's safe to throw him into the rubbish bin of "out," he saunters down the red carpet of "in." Check out installment 2 on Sunday. Check your local listings (I can't believe I just said that.)

Charles Dickens. Favorite of your English teacher. But don't hold that against him.

The Lost City of Z is a non-fiction book about the search for a mythical city in the Amazon. I'm learning a lot from it. Mostly, I'm learning that I never want to go to the Amazon. My favorite part was the description of "kissing bugs," which bite your lips, depositing a protozoa which kills you twenty years later. Gross!

All in all, I have plenty to entertain me without spending another dime.

No-Buy Month Begins!

Although it may not be patriotic* of me, I begin my second No-Buy Month of the year today. I challenged others to join me -- at least one person took up the challenge. It's not too late to take part. If you'd like to participate, add a comment below. And someone will get a prize!

The basic idea behind No-Buy Month is that you don't buy anything non-consumable. For me, it's not so much about saving money, but more about saving time (no more random Target runs sucking up the hours). Yesterday I stocked up on all of the yarn I could possibly need for knitting. My Netflix queue is updated. I am ready to roll!

p Preachiness Alert p

Does anyone else find it weird that in recent years our patriotism has been defined by a) not saying a single word against anything done by the administration, in the name of "Security"; and b) buying stuff?