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Joan Jett loves rock 'n roll... and Mother Earth
The animal activist and staunch vegetarian has announced that the packaging on her new Greatest Hits CD will be eco-friendly - made from 100% recycled paper and biodegradable trays.
“I’ve always appreciated nature,” she says, “trees, grass, birds, sun, and even insects. I obsessively recycle. I almost never turn on lights; I pretty much live in the dark. I don’t use a lot of water. I am a vegetarian, so I avoid contributing to the major environmental damage that the meat industry creates. I hope that soon we can make sure that everything we do is earth-friendly.” via ecorazzi
NASA's Earth Observatory released this incredible photo of the snow storm that hit the east coast over the weekend. Pretty impressive -covering 300 miles lengthwise, the satellite image shows the Potomac and Susquehanna Rivers from the Appalachian Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay.
From NASA: "The Mid-Atlantic states were completely white on Sunday, December 20, 2009, in the wake of a record-breaking snow storm. The storm deposited between 12 and 30 inches of snow in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. on December 19, according to the National Weather Service. For many locations, the snowfall totals broke records for the most snow to fall in a single December day."
When it's time for the big digout, there are a few ways to keep keep it green this winter:
1. Shoveling is better than using a snowblower. (I know, easier said than done with this particular storm.)
2. Some salts contain cyanide. Sand will help you not to slip on ice without the chemicals.
3. Do everything you can to avoid driving during a snowstorm. Instead, do what you can to stay in during the snow. If you have to go out, try to walk or at least carpool to reduce the amount of vehicles out there slipping, sliding, and creeping along behind salt trucks and snow plows on the roadways.
BANNING THE PLASTIC BAG
San Francisco is the first U.S. city set to ban plastic bags and Los Angeles City Council followed suit, approving a ban, effective July 2010. They also tacked on a 25-cent fee on paper or plastic bags—including biodegradable versions—after next year’s ban. Seven cents will go to stores and 18 cents will fund California's anti-pollution and recycling programs. LA uses two billion plastic bags each year and only 5% get recycled.
Once you break the habit, it's easy to live without plastic bags from stores... why wait for the ban? via treehugger
PLANT A TREE: MARYLAND WILL LOVE YOU (and give you a discount!)
Marylanders Plant Trees wants to reward you for planting a tree. The State is offering $25 discount coupons toward the purchase of native trees costing $50 or more.
Whether cleaning our air, reducing stormwater runoff into the Bay, or providing wildlife habitat, trees have a positive impact on the environment, and can reduce your home's energy usage with proper placement.
The State's goal is to have citizens plant 50,000 trees by 2010. Click here for more info, or to get a $25 discount coupon.
THE KOOKS: Phantom Power Vigilante
Eco Radio caught up with The Kooks singer, Luke Pritchard, after their show for WRNR listeners at Kyma. So what does he do to keep it green while on the road?
Unplug, unplug, unplug. Turns out he's all about reducing the phantom power drain that comes with leaving cell phones and laptops plugged in when they're already charged. Oh, and he loved that we call it 'phantom power' - wonder what they call it in the U.K.?
LINKS WE LIKE
Habitat for Humanity ReStore: Retail outlets where quality, used building materials are sold at a fraction of normal prices. You can also donate your surplus supplies for a tax deduction... and keep them out of the landfill. Click on the link for the location of stores in your area.
BioBag: Yes, most plastic bags are EVIL... but not these. Fully biodegradeable and compostable, they come in sizes to accomodate your kitchen, yard, and pet needs.
Green Boat Stuff: From galley gear to rope or hardware for your dinghy, they've got a full range of eco friendly boating supplies.
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation: Dedicated to restoring and protecting the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. Their website has loads of news, tips, and special event info.
The WE Campaign: The climate crisis is both urgent and solvable. This website aims to educate and empower the world to halt global warming. Founded by some guy named Al Gore.
Ecorazzi: The latest in green gossip from the worlds of music, film, TV, and fashion.
Annapolis Refuse and Recycling: Schedules and info on free hazardous waste disposal, bulk pickup, computer recycling and more.
Korks4Kids: They shouldn't be drinking wine yet, but they can benefit from the corks from your bottles of wine.
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