It's Easy Being Green

Long before gasoline powered mowers, gardeners used different tools to trim up the lawn.  Whether it was a push reel, human-powered lawn mower or something as simple as a scythe, people lost the desire to use some hard work to keep up with the grass in their gardens.  Then came along the gasoline powered mower and the rest was, well history. I remember as a kid watching a neighbor of mine struggling with his electric lawn mower.  I always thought that was quite the novelty, knowing only one person... (more...)

If you’re like me, your ears perk up anytime you hear that a company is offering you to try their product for free.  That’s why I’ve been impressed with Kashi, every few months rolling out a new product that people can try for free.  I think it’s a great marketing ploy, especially in our current economic troubles.  Just a few weeks ago, Kashi was advertising a coupon to try one of their new frozen dinners for free so I decided to give it a shot. I haven’t been impressed... (more...)

Our latest prenatal visit to our midwife showed that my wife’s pregnancy is going great and that our little girl growing inside seems to be right where she needs to be.  It’s hard to believe that in just about 90 days, that little life inside of my wife’s belly will be plopped right into our arms.  I’m excited and know it will be such a tremendous experience. In the meantime, I have run across some more homemade items that you can use for your baby and that I will use for... (more...)

If you aren’t already familiar with the organization 25x’25 and are interested in our country’s progress in eliminating the usage of fossil fuels, you should check out the group’s new blog.  Their goal is that by 2025, 25% of America’s farms, ranches and forests will provide 25% of the total combined energy used by the U.S. They’re goal is also set on continuing to provide safe, abundant and affordable feed, fiber and food.  The group’s new blog, just rolled... (more...)

If you’re not an avid 60 Minutes watcher or missed Sunday night’s episode, you missed a great interview and profile of Alice Waters, the so-called mother of the slow food movement.  Shamefully, I have a couple of books with forwards by Alice Waters but didn’t know who she was until last night. Alice is a staunch advocate of local farmer’s markets and stands strong in support of sustainable agriculture.  Her L.A. based restaurants, including the world reknowned Chez Panisse,... (more...)

So one of my favorite bloggers, Hot Belly Mama, is hosting a great giveaway right now.  Since I’m getting ready to have a baby, my wife and I have been searching for an eco-friendly alternative to all the plastic diaper waste we could possibly contribute to the local landfill.  The Bumgenius diaper is one alternative we’ve looked at since we’re “eco-freaks” and have thought about giving them a try.  If you’re in the same boat, head over to her blog for a chance... (more...)

Frustration is beginning to set in over our ongoing home search.  As my regular readers may know, my wife is pregnant with our first child.  We’re expecting a bright, bouncing bundle of joy at the end of June and we just can’t wait.  In the meantime, we’re looking for a new place to live. The home we rented when we moved here to Indiana six months ago is falling apart around us and the landlords just don’t seem to care.  The basement is leaky and moldy, the cast iron pipes... (more...)