Friday, March 20, 2009

Ten Ideas for SolarDay 2009


Why don't we start a movement in Franklin County?  Here's some ideas of things to do for solar day - as a community

1 - SolarDay 2009, Run for the Sun:  how about a nice, friendly 5K walk and run event on a pleasant Sunday, June 21 - with proceeds donated to a fine, local environmental cause in your hometown.  A SolarDay Walk-A-Thon would also be great.

 2 - SolarDay 2009, show Me Your Solar: How about a self-guided tour of local solar homes and businesses so people can see, firsthand, how solar works on a practical basis?

 3 - SolarDay 2009, My Town Eco-Tour: Most towns have cool eco-elements many people don't know about.  Why not an Eco-Tour on SolarDay 2009 to check out the people and places that are living and working eco-friendly in your town?

 4 - SolarDay 2009, Going Green - Ten Steps To Sustainability: Need an expert for SolarDay?  Your local solar energy company can help, as can the U.S. Green Building  Council and local organizations that would be happy to discuss steps everyone can take to live better, greener lives.

 5 - SolarDay 2009, Save Energy: Again, your local solar company can give plenty of advice on saving energy in the home and workplace.  There are also experts from your local utility available to talk to SolarDay 2009 participants about saving energy - everything from turning back the thermostat to long-lasting, energy-efficient lightbulbs to natural lighting to . . . it's a long list of practical, inexpensive ideas that can help reduce the costs of energy in our daily lives.

 6 - SolarDay 2009, Eco-Home, Eco-Business:  We can start improving the quality of our homes and workplaces with low VOC paints, recycled carpets, natural glues and adhesives, natural cleaning products, recycled products, eco-friendly flooring and natural bamboo, FSC-certified wood products - this is a great place to start with an expert speaker about simple tips to improve the eco-quality of our homes and businesses.

 7 - SolarDay 2009, Start Your Organic Garden - you can't grow one without the sun.  Why not have an organic gardening expert at SolarDay 2009 to talk about chemical-free foods, natural and organic and biodynamic gardening.  All good.

 8 - SolarDay 2009, Solar Oven Competition: Speaking of food, why not have a solar-oven competition?  These are easy to build (just Google solar ovens), lots of different designs, you can actually cook food at SolarDay 2009, outside in the sun and offer those delectables to participants at your local event.  Rather cool - and hot enough to cook with.

 9 - SolarDay 2009, Green Getaway Silent Auction: Speaking of green, your organization can create a list of cool green destinations as a vacation getaway to the lucky bidder.  We've all obtained sponsors for silent auctions for our schools and organizations, why not a green getaway weekend package with a green hotel, local organic restaurant, maybe a natural winery - you get the idea. A little creativity and a little work will go a long way toward creating a fun, green getaway package.

 10 - SolarDay 2009, Green Photo Contest: Invite your community to post their green photos on your organization's website to share what folks are doing, in your town, to live green.

click here for the Hampton Today schedule

ten lads a leaping pic from Dragon Drop at flickr.com 

Solar Day


The first annual SolarDay (www.solarday.com) will be held statewide and nationwide on the first day of Summer - Sunday, June 21, 2009 - to educate the public about the benefits of solar energy and solar products.

 SolarDay is the first statewide and national recognition on the importance of solar energy to provide a source of energy that will reduce the U.S. dependence on fossil fuels and foreign oil.  This is an annual event held each year on the first day of Summer.

 John Reed, Director of SolarDay said: "While oil prices have recently declined, the party's over for cheap fossil fuels, forever.  The new Obama administration provides us with a fresh start to dramatically grow the solar and green energy we need to meet our energy needs. The importance of solar energy has been recognized by the U.S. Congress, which included an 8-year extension of the 30% energy investment tax credit (ITC) in the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, and removed the $2,000 cap which enables homeowners to fully use the 30% ITC."

 About SolarDay, 2009

 SolarDay 2009 is the first in an annual, state-by-state and national day of recognition for the growth of solar energy and solar products in the U.S. and a celebration of the growth in our energy independence.

 SolarDay will be held on the first day of Summer each year.

click here to see the schedule of events in Hampton 

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Why I Eat At Hardees


I had a meeting at Hardees.  We (I) chose Hardees because they have free wifi.  

I got there early and saw they had a sign for fish and chips.  That's a new item out here in the Midwest.  The general manager was working the register.  I asked her how she liked the fish and chips. She swallowed, hard.  Then she looked me right in the eye and said "the fish last year was better.  It's a lot of money for fish that isn't the absolute best. " 

Give that lady a medal!  A big whopping humungous blue ribbon of a medal.  She told the truth to a customer.  Guess where I'll keep eating?

I sat down and set up my computer.  I couldn't get the wifi to connect.  The manager (same lady) brought my food back to me and asked was I okay.  I told her I couldn't get connected.  She let me know she had no idea how to get connected, but ....now get this .... the cook did!  She said she'd send him back to help me.   He was there in minutes.  Static IP problems resolved quickly.

Guess where I'll keep eating?  

Interactive Website for Tough Times


Extension Launches Interactive Learning Website for Managing Tough Times

 Hard times are hitting families, farmers, businesses and communities that are struggling to stay on their feet. Iowa State University Extension can help put some balance back into these times. At Managing Tough Times, www.extension.iastate.edu/answers,  ISU Extension brings together facts, tools and experts so individuals, businesses and communities can answer the hard times with solutions. Most of these resources are no cost or low cost.

ISU Extension can help Iowans weather and survive the economic challenges facing our state and our nation,” said Jack Payne, vice president for ISU Extension and Outreach. “We’re bringing together many ISU Extension resources on one Web site so Iowans can take advantage of ‘one-stop shopping’ when they’re looking for help. This multiplies the outreach of our campus, county and field staff.”

The Managing Tough Times Farming in Today’s Changing Economy section offers calculators, articles, videos and expert contact information for the traditional farmer, as well as transitioning farmers and small scale farmers. Farmers who want help creating an in-depth financial plan to guide their decisions can connect with ISU Extension associates through the Web site. Farmers considering transitioning out of farming can watch a video that explains the help available through the Beginning Farmer Center.

Help lines, interactive Web sites, experts and publications that address family issues are available under the heading For Families and Households. Help is categorized under finances, nutrition and health, and coping with stress. Use the recipes, tips and expert blogs to provide nutritious meals on a limited budget. Find out how to connect with a listening and understanding ear through help lines like Iowa Concern (800) 447-1985 and Teen Line (800) 443-8336.

Businesses and communities experience special challenges during tough times, but knowing where to go for assistance makes it possible to manage those times. Managing Tough Time’s Surviving Economic Uncertainty link lists resource centers, experts, Web sites and current programs that can make a difference any time, but especially right now. Businesses that want to understand the market potential of government procurement or reduce the barriers inherent in government contracting are linked to contacts. A survey that can be used to better understand residents’ food security needs is linked to the site. It isn’t impossible to develop community and business leaders during these times; go to the site for a list of ISU Extension leadership programs.

Continually updated to meet changing needs, the Managing Tough Times Web site www.extension.iastate.edu/answers delivers the best available resources from Iowa State University Extension, land-grant universities and other reliable resources. With links to eXtension, Managing Tough Times is an interactive learning environment delivering the best, most researched knowledge from the smartest land-grant university minds across America.

Contacts:

Willy Klein, Extension Communications and External Relations, (515)294-0662, wklein@iastate.edu




Wednesday, March 18, 2009

John Wayne


Why not head over to the Waterloo Center for the Arts on 3/19 at 1:30 pm and see John Wayne, the fictionalized cowboy here in True Grit?  

The Waterloo Center for the Arts will be hosting a Spring Film Series entitled John Wayne, the Fictionalized Cowboy Hero, a five-film series devoted to one of Iowa's most beloved actors, John Wayne.

Follow the Duke’s journey as a Western film star and learn more about his prolific career that spanned over fifty years. All films are free, open to the public and will be held in Law Court Theatre. Open discussion will follow each film, moderated by Thorn Thornsberry.

The Waterloo Center for the Arts is located at 225 Commercial Street.  Visit this link for more info. 

photo courtesy of wikipedia

Need the dates for whats happening in Hampton Today?  Click here

Enjoy The Fruits of our Labor Workshop


Enjoying the Fruits of Our Labor” Horticulture Workshop, March 28

Franklin County Extension is holding an educational workshop on selecting cultivars of fruit trees, small fruits, and grapes for northern Iowa, Saturday, March 28, at the Franklin Farm Bureau Office in Hampton. General care, such as: planting, pruning, pest control, and harvesting will presented by graduate students and staff from the Department of Horticulture, Iowa State University.

One of the speakers, Barb Ristau, Franklin County Extension Families Program Assistant will demonstrate how to preserve harvested fruits. Canning fruits destroy the organisms that cause spoilage, such as molds, yeasts, and bacteria; canning also inactivates enzymes that can cause undesirable changes in flavor, color and texture of raw fruits. Because fruits are high in acid they can be safely processed in either a boiling water canner or a pressure canner. Freezing fruit is a quick, convenient, and popular way to preserve extra produce. Freezing is not as economical as canning, but it preserves more nutrients in food if properly done.

To learn more about growing, harvesting, and preserving fruits please pre-register by calling the Franklin County Extension Office at 641-456-4811 or go on-line at www.extension.iastate.edu/franklin Cost is $10.00 per person, $15.00 per couple. The workshop is approved for Master Gardener recertification training hours. Participants are asked to come dressed for an outdoor demonstration of pruning. The program will run from 8:30 -11:30 a.m.

Whats going on in Hampton?  click here   

picture courtesy of Stephen Poff over at flickr.com

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Why DO We Drink Green Beer on St. Patrick's Day?


Let's start off with just who is Saint Patrick. Patrick was actually born in Britain to pretty wealthy parents. He was kidnapped by Irish raiders and taken to Ireland when he was around 16. Poor fella, scared half to death and left to work with sheep in the fields – he turned to his religion to get through it all. His father was a deacon, though not particularly religious. Young Patrick was held captive 6 years and finally escaped. He made his way back to Britain, studied and returned to Ireland to spread the word of Christianity.

Now the Irish in 400 A.D. Didn't have many Christians among them. Most celebrated Pagan holidays which included a lot of bonfires. Saint Patrick got them to celebrate Easter with a bonfire! He also added a sun to the cross – now it's the familiar Celtic Cross.

Saint Patrick's Day is celebrated March 17th – the day Patrick died (somewhere around 460 A.D.). So why do we celebrate Saint Patrick's Day at all? Surely you've heard of the story of Saint Paddy chasing all the snakes out of Ireland? Supposedly he stood on a hilltop (Croagh Patrick is the name now) with a wooden staff and banished all the snakes. Not true. There were never any snakes to begin with. The story is a great metaphor for the eradication of pagan celebrations and holidays and the triumph of Christianity. 200 years after Patrick returned, Ireland was completely Christianized.

In 1962 the city of Chicago died the Chicago River green. Not because it was St. Paddy's day – they were trying to find polluters! Then the city workers got the brilliant idea to dye the river green on St. Patrick's day!

Now why do we drink green beer on Saint Patrick's day? Certainly not because we are Irish. Green is not even a favorite color and some consider it bad luck. And who would spoil a good Guiness by making it green?

Let's talk about Guiness. It has only four ingredients: malted barley, hops, yeast and water. It's got fewer calories than a pint of orange juice or skim milk. The roasting of the barley gives Guinness it's color and flavor and removes fermentable sugar from the malt. The closest genetic relative to the hops plant is cannabis. Hey – maybe that's where the green comes in!

Frankly, I can't find a single good reason why we drink green beer – at least from the consumer stand point. Now, having been a bartender in my youth – green beer was not only fun to make, but fun to watch the idiots drink! You'd buy the cheapest kegs available and sell the green beer at a ridiculous price and laugh all the way to the bank.

Jerome Holst, songwriter, states the following lyrics about green beer. It's the best reason I could find for green beer (though not the best for drinking it):

Now you may wonder how green beer
Got its fancy hue
Well once upon in Ireland
A leprechaun needed to
Relieve himself and so he pissed
Into a nearby stream
That just by chance was passing by
The local brewery...(magically delicious!) 

What's going on in Hampton?  click here

picture courtesy of creative commons at flickr.com 

What's Up In The Garden


What’s Up in the Garden, by Jackie Dohlman, Franklin County Master Gardener

Tips on Starting Eggplant Seeds, Soil Mix for Raised Beds, Pruning Blueberry Plants, and Black Knot Fungus

When should I sow eggplant seeds indoors?

Eggplant seedlings should be planted in the garden after the danger of frost is past. Eggplant can be planted outdoors in mid-May in central Iowa. Gardeners in southern Iowa can plant aboutone week earlier, while those in northern counties should waitone additional week. The last practical planting date is June 20. When starting plants indoors, sow seeds six to eight weeks prior to the anticipated outdoor planting date.

What would be a good soil mix for a raised bed?

An excellent soil mix can be prepared by mixing equal parts topsoil, organic matter (compost, well-rotted manure, or peat) and coarse sand.

Before filling a raised bed, work up the existing soil with a rototiller or spade. Add a few inches of the soil mix, then incorporate it into the existing soil. Continue to add and incorporate additional soil mix until the raised bed is filled. Incorporating the soil mix into the existing soil prevents the formation of distinct layers in the raised bed. Distinct layers of soil may impede water movement and discourage root growth.

What is the proper way to prune blueberries?

Blueberry plants are small to medium-sized shrubs. Blueberry yields and fruit quality decline when blueberry shoots (stems) reach five years of age. In late winter/early spring, prune out any dead or diseased stems. Also, prune out stems that are five years old and older. Allow one to two new shoots to develop each year.

There are black growths on the branches of my chokecherry. What should I do?

The black growths are probably black knot. Black knot is a fungal disease that occurs on chokecherry, European birdcherry, and several other wild and cultivated cherries and plums. The black swellings can vary from a few inches to a foot or more in length.

Black knot is caused by the fungus Apiosporina morbosa. Fungal spores produced on one-year-old and older galls initiate new infections. The knots are soft when newly formed and later become hard and black with age.

Black knot is difficult to control. If only a few galls are present, prune out the infected branches in late winter. When pruning, make the cut at least three to four inches below the gall. The pruned material should be removed from the area and destroyed. Several fungicide applications may help prevent future infections.

The fungicide applications should begin just before bud break and continue until after fruit set. Attempts to control black knot in badly infested trees are not likely to be successful. When dealing with severe black knot infections, the best options are to do nothing or remove the tree and replace it with a black knot resistant cherry or plum.

Got gardening questions? Contact the Hortline at (515) 294-3108 (Monday - Friday; 10 a.m. -12 noonand 1 - 4:30 p.m.) or send an e-mail to hortline@iastate.edu. For more gardening information visit us at Yard and Garden Online at www.yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu

Picture courtesy of audreyjm529 over at flickr.com  See what's going on in Hampton! 

Monday, March 16, 2009

Psssst....Saint Paddy's Day Sale!


We have a new sponsor here at Hampton Today. Michelle Hartman sent me an email, and well, she's probably going to kill me but ... SHE'S HAVING A SALE! This posting will only be here through March 18th. Take advantage. Her contact information is over on the left of this page. Here are the details!

Michelle is SPRING CLEANING & has many EXTRA NEW TUPPERWARE pieces FOR SALE at...
17% OFF plus NO SHIPPING COST or TAX (So actually it is 34% off)!!!! WOW What a deal!!

AND I CAN DELIVERY THEM TO YOU BY THE END OF THE WEEK!!!

PLEASE FEEL FREE TO SHARE THIS WITH YOUR FRIENDS!! Buy more than one item & I will throw in a VERY SPECIAL EXTRA GIFT for you!!!

Here is a list of what I have in stock & their SALE PRICES!!!
I have several of each of these items for sale!!!
Thasta Bowl - $17.85
Mega Thasta Bowl - $22.41
Cold Cut Keeper (9x13) - $22.41
Mix & Stor Pitcher - $16.60
Spatula - $14.53
Chip-n-Dip Bowl- $32.79 (clear & teal color)
Spring Fruit Tumblers Set of 4- $20.34
2qt Impressions Pitcher - $14.11
1 Gallon Impressions Pitcher - $16.60
Pastry Sheet - $19.09
Microwable Cereal Bowls - $14.94
Dora Kids Meal & Snack Set - $14.11
Disness Princess Canister Set - $12.45
Snack Cup Set - $9.13
Small (11 oz) Impression Tumblers Set of 4- $20.33
Large Ice Prism Bowl - $23.24
Ice Prisms Pitcher - $35.69
Can Opener - $26.56
Fridgesmart Large Round -$17.85
Wonderlier 3pc Bowl Set - $24.49
Fridge Stackables Set - $14.53
Large Stuffables Bowl Set - $37.77
Flatout 4cup Bowl Set - $14.11
Flatout 8cup Bowl - $14.11
Forget Me Not Set - $14.11
Modular Mate Rectangle #3 (Blue Seal) - $19.92
Large Crystalwave Divided Dish - $12.45
Large Radiance Serving Bowl - $28.64
Medium Radiance Serving Bowl - $20.34

Obituaries in the News

Ron Silver

NEW YORK (AP) — Actor Ron Silver, who won a Tony Award as a take-no-prisoners Hollywood producer in David Mamet's "Speed-the-Plow" and did a political about-face from loyal Democrat to Republican activist after the Sept. 11 attacks, has died. He was 62.

Silver died Sunday after a two-year battle with esophageal cancer, said Robin Bronk, executive director of The Creative Coalition, which Silver co-founded as an advocacy group for entertainers.

Silver, an Emmy nominee for a recurring role as a slick political strategist on "The West Wing," had a long history of balancing acting with left-leaning social and political causes. He help establish the Creative Coalition.

But after the 2001 terrorist attacks, longtime Democrat Silver turned heads in Hollywood with outspoken support of President George W. Bush over the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

His big-screen credits included "Ali," ''Reversal of Fortune," ''Enemies: A Love Story," ''Silkwood" and "Semi-Tough."

Besides "The West Wing," Silver was a regular or had recurring roles on such TV shows as "Veronica's Closet," ''Chicago Hope" and "Wiseguy." He directed and co-starred in the 1993 TV movie "Lifepod," a science-fiction update of Alfred Hitchcock's "Lifeboat."

Silver's Tony for "Speed-the-Plow" came in 1988, a year after he earned his first Emmy nomination, for the murder thriller "Billionaire Boys Club."


Joanne Gore Davis

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Altovise Joanne Gore Davis, a dancer and actress and the widow of Sammy Davis Jr., has died. She was 65.

Davis died Saturday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center after suffering a stroke, said Amy Malone, a publicist for her family.

Davis worked her way to the Broadway stage where she met the legendary entertainer when they performed together in the musical "Golden Boy" in 1967.

She became his third wife when they wed in 1970 (Davis was previously married to dancer Loray White and Swedish actress Mai Britt). They adopted a son and remained together until Davis died of throat cancer in 1990 at the age of 64.

After his death, she was left to sort through his multimillion IRS tax debt and oversee his troubled estate. Last year, she sued two former business partners in federal court, claiming they tricked her into signing away the rights to the estate. The suit is pending.
 
many thanks to the Globe Gazette!     

Aronia - A New Crop For Iowa


What is aronia?

Aronia melanocarpa is a perennial, deciduous shrub, native to the eastern half of the United States. Its native range extends north into Canada and south into Georgia, and includes only Winneshiek County in Iowa. Aronia is cold hardy to at least USDA Zone 3 (-40 degrees Fahrenheit). The cold tolerant blooms open in late spring, avoiding most spring frosts. The plants grow well on various soil types from boggy soils that are poorly drained to well-drained sites. The optimum pH is slightly acid (6-6.5), but aronia will tolerate a wider pH range (5-8.5).

Where is aronia grown commercially?
Early in the 20th century, aronia was introduced in Eastern Europe, Scandinavia and Russia where high quality, large fruited cultivars were selected. Thousands of acres of aronia are now grown in Eastern Europe.

The aronia berry industry in the United States is in the early stages of development. Production is centered on Harrison County in western Iowa. Currently, demand exceeds production. Most growers are planning to at least double their acres in 2009.

Are all aronia cultivars the same?
‘Autumn Magic’ and ‘Iraqis Beauty’ are the two most commonly sold ornamental cultivars of Aronia melanocarpa. These cultivars were selected for their ornamental traits. They grow only 3-4 feet tall and have exceptional orange-red fall foliage color on leaves that hang on late into the fall. They also have beautiful white flowers in late spring and shiny, dark green leaves that are not damaged by wind or pests. Aronia’s fall leaf color contrasts with its dark purple, edible berries that persist until late winter when songbirds eat them as a last resort. ‘McKenzie’ is a cultivar that was selected for its performance in conservation plantings or windbreak plantings, not for commercial berry production. It was released in 2008.

Viking’ and ‘Nero’ were selected in Russia for commercial fruit production. In the last 10 years, these two cultivars have been introduced back into the United States. Mature plants of ‘Viking’ aronia are six to eight feet tall with 40 or more shoots per plant. They are the size of a common lilac bush and live just as long.

When and how are aronia berries harvested?
The round, pea-sized (1/3 inch diameter), violet-black berries hang in clusters of up to 12 berries. Berries are harvested after they are ripe in late August or early September. Aronia berries can be harvested by hand or they can be mechanically harvested with a blueberry picker.

How are aronia berries used?
Aronia berries can be eaten fresh off the bush or used in bread, muffins, pies, cookies and other baked goods. They can be used to make tea, juice, stand alone aronia wine or blended with grapes or other fruits. Aronia fruit or fruit juice can be used to make jams, jellies, syrup, candy, salsa and barbeque sauce, and to flavor and color yogurt, sorbet, ice cream, milk and other products.

Aronia also makes good wildlife plantings or windbreaks. Its berries provide food for songbirds in mid- to late-winter.

What do aronia berries taste like?
Aronia berries have a distinctive, pleasant flavor. Astringency is the sensation that most people notice first. They will make your mouth pucker. This dry mouth feeling is caused by chemicals known as tannins. Tannins make dry wines dry. Many people like that dry, mouth puckering quality of dry wines and aronia berries. Freezing reduces the astringency of aronia berries.

When fully ripe, aronia berries have a sugar content as high as grapes or sweet cherries. They have a high acid content but are not sour when fully ripe.

Do aronia berries have health benefits?
Research has shown that aronia has more antioxidant power than other fruits including grapes, elderberries, blueberries, cranberries, raspberries, blackberries, prunes, cherries, bananas, oranges, apples and pears. Studies have shown that antioxidants help reduce the risk for cancer, heart disease, inflammation, diabetes, bacterial infections and neurological diseases in humans. They also slow the aging process.

Why grow aronia?
Aronia plants are easy to grow and maintain. The plants do not need trellising, spraying or bird netting. Mowing the grass planted between the rows is the only task, other than harvesting the berries, that needs to be done. Aronia is easy to grow organically.

This article is from the March 2009 issue of Acreage Living, Another article in this month’s issue--Rural Security Contacts: Eldon Everhart, Field Specialist, (712) 755-3104,  

Just a side note: Joe Pitsor is growing some of these berries and has promised the editor he'd keep her posted! 

See what's happening In Franklin County! 

picture courtesy of Tommy Fassbender over at Associated Content   

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Hampton Community Garden Plots Now Available


Want to garden but don’t have space for one? The Hampton community garden has 10’ by 10’ and 10’ by 20’ plots available to anyone who would like to try their hand at gardening. Rent for the plots will be $20 for the smaller plots and $40 for the larger plots. Some money will be refunded at the end of the year if the garden plot is cleaned up. The garden plots are located just east of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 1405 North Federal. Applications are available at the Franklin County Extension Office, and are due May 1.

Water will be available. Gardeners need to furnish seeds, plants and the desire to start growing those vegetables. Gardening technical help is available from the Franklin County Extension Office. For more information on the Hampton Community Garden, contact Lead Gardener Sandy Eckhardt at 456-5244.

picture is of Deb's no till garden last year (don't do this!)  Want to see what's happening in Hampton? 

Clean Ideas: Go Clean and Green



Whether it's a spring cleaning sweep or everyday household practices, there are ways to go green while making things clean. Here are some ideas from the Soap and Detergent Association newsletter.

1. you only run the dishwasher every few days, rinsing dishes before putting them in the dishwasher is an unnecessary step that wastes water. Scrape the dirty dishes, and then load the dishwasher.

2. When washing dishes by hand, use a sink filled with soap and water rather than washing under running water.

3. Replace incandescent lightbulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL). According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), if every household in the U.S. replaced one lightbulb with a CFL, it would prevent enough pollution to equal removing one million cars from the road.

4.Select the appropriate load size on the washing machine and follow the detergent manufacturer's instructions for the proper measure.

5 Sweep sidewalks and driveways rather than hosing them down.

6.Start a compost pile for food scraps, grass and other yard clippings, and dead plants. It'll reduce your amount of garbage and using compost will improve your garden.

7. Sort out the trash and recycle whatever you can. Recycle paper (printer paper, newspapers, mail, etc.), plastic, glass bottles, cardboard and aluminum cans. If your community doesn't collect recycling at the curb, take yours to a collection center.

8. Think before you throw something out. Donate duplicates or things you no longer use to a charity. You might also check out the web-based Freecycle Network. Freecycle is a grassroots, nonprofit movement of people who are giving and getting stuff for free in their own towns. Each local group is moderated by a volunteer and membership is free. Visit www.freecycle.org for more information.

9.Limit your use of paper cups, paper plates and paper napkins in favor of washable dinnerware and cloth napkins.

10. When replacing appliances, look for those that have an Energy Star rating. The right choices can save families about thirty percent ($400 a year) while reducing our emissions of greenhouse gases. 

picture courtesy of Editor B at flickr.com    See the weekly schedule in Franklin County - click here

If you still are using toxic products in your home to clean, go to www.debthinksgreen.com and find where you can use non-toxic products 

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