Go Green
Rockford Woman editor Jennie Pollock knows that we’re not going to transform our lifestyles overnight, but she looks for ways big and mostly small to protect our planet. Read about her experiences (she’s tried giving up plastic and meat, for example) and share your possible solutions here. |
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1 comment October 18th, 2008
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The planet and the Wicked Witch have something in common. Here’s some proof. It’s not so funny for Mother Earth.
3 comments October 17th, 2008
Columnist Geri Nikolai writes the level of recycling locally seems to be flat, not increasing, over the past few years. And she quotes…
As Sue Grans, spokeswoman for the Winnebago Landfill, said, “Those who recycle do so consistently. Those who don’t, never do.”
I think she has a point. I have a reputation of annoying certain co-workers about their glass tea bottles, Starbucks cups/lids and plastic Diet Cokes. … In the hopes they’ll recycle. Though I’m not sure it works.
And why is Geri, of the world of tulips and trees, writing about this topic? Because she set off a storm of complaints over …. garbage!
Add comment October 15th, 2008
One of my fellow blogs, ADwire, shares this.
I still stand by my assertion that I see so many “green” ads.
Add comment October 15th, 2008
In the last week, I’ve written about how the economy and foreclosures are bad for the environment.
This story on NPR reminds us that tough times also can call for innovation, like the 1970s energy crisis led to better windows. Yep, windows.
Reminds me: Does anyone know of any good used or green windows? And does anyone else love this song?
Add comment October 14th, 2008
Karen King, who owns Choices Natural Market in Rockford, says she encounters people fed up with “the conventional medical system” who are exploring or incorporating holistic healing options.
“I feel it is my duty to help,” she wrote me in an e-mail. So she started this blog for information, support and networking.
She’s set up areas for autism, ADHD, cancer, raw foodies and food allergies, for example.
Add comment October 13th, 2008
That’s the title of the free breakfast at 7 a.m. Oct. 22 at Mauh-Nah-Tee-See Country Club for Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful. The presentation will highlight KNIB’s contributions to the community. Call 815-964-7291 for info. Go if you want to learn more about the group.
Add comment October 12th, 2008
Global warming probably won’t rate as high a priority anymore, according to this article I saw on msnbc.com.
1 comment October 11th, 2008
In case you missed it:
The Winnebago County Forest Preserve acquired land this week on the western edge of the county.
Add comment October 10th, 2008
Southern California is going through a “disaster” because of the mortgage crisis. One of the unintended consequences is that companies have to “trash out” homes, pretty much dump everything from a foreclosed property into the landfill. You can see how they do this in this video story by Lisa Ling.
Apparently, hooking up with charities for the goods just didn’t work. The only recycling that happens is if a “trashout” employee likes the abandoned TV or table and takes it home.
There’s also a company that paints brown lawns green. At least it’s biodegradable.
Add comment October 9th, 2008
One of the newer business networking tools is LinkedIn, basically the Facebook of your 9-to-5 life.
I noticed that one of my connections, Ron Clewer, joined the Sustainable Energy Group on the site, which has nearly 300 members.
So I asked Clewer, Director of Residential Real Estate Development/Broker at William Charles Investments, why, since my previous dealings with him had been limited and related to a different subject area, the arts.
He obliged and credited the company’s philosophy. Below is part of his response:
As a development company, we have been looking for as many ideas to create green developments as possible. The purpose of joining the group is to keep my eye what options are open to us.
We are currently looking at options that go from soil usage and plantings for site ideas up to the actual construction materials and operations systems in residential and commercial structures, i.e. insulation material, geothermal, roofing, lighting, etc.
While we have a history of being environmentally friendly, the reality is we can all do more. (For example) we created Westlake Village in Winnebago. It was required to have about 10 acres in set aside wetlands; instead we set aside about 42 acres as a nature preserve and wetland protection area. At Westlake we also host the annual tree recycling program. Resident recycling is mandatory.
We also did the rain garden at Hudson Place Condos (the first in Rockford) on the North Main former Kmart site. Resident recycling also mandatory.
At our apartments and office spaces, years back we invested the additional monies into fluorescent replacement bulbs and fixtures vs. incandescent as a means to control common-area electrical uses. We also have preventative maintenance programs in place for all HVAC and plumbing equipment to keep them operating at peak performance.
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