10/24/2008
A Teen Whodunit
by Natalia Jaster
I’m on the fence about this next book. Normally, I’m a fervent reader of young adult novels, and I was intrigued when I found Theodore Taylor’s The Weirdo because the story comprises an eco-centered plot, mystery and romance—a combination I hadn’t yet come across. ... Read Full Post

10/19/2008
Measuring Sustainable
by Yianna Bouyioukou & Marija Volkman
There is a lot of talk (and not enough action) regarding “green buildings.” But what does this term really mean? And what role will it play in architecture and construction in the future? ... Read Full Post

10/6/2008
That Autumn Aroma
by Michelle Walker
Autumn is my favorite time of year. I love the chilly weather of autumn, the smells of the autumn, and most importantly, the tastes of autumn.  As I turned my calendar to October 1st this past Wednesday, I immediately became excited about all the delicious treats that this month (and upcoming months) are guaranteed to bring. Pumpkin pie, apple gingerbread pie, spiced chai tea, warm scented candles, butternut squash soup, apple cider ... Read Full Post

9/30/2008
Green or "Vertically Green"—That Is the Question!
by Nikolette Orlandou
These days, with everyone striving towards a more “green”…everything, really… and with so many companies and products claiming to be green, earth-friendly, etc, one has to ask “how green is this product or company, really?” ... Read Full Post

9/29/2008
Can I Get a CHALLAH?!?
by Michelle Walker
This week in my “green” kitchen I will be making vegan challah in honor of the Jewish holiday, Rosh Hashanah.  For those of you who are not familiar with challah, it is a yummy sweet egg bread that is braided and baked.  It is divine and scrumptious and has a beautiful presentation. When served fresh and steamy, you will ensure that your guests remember that first bite for a very long time. ... Read Full Post

9/19/2008
Friend or Foe
by Natalia Jaster
A couple of weeks ago, I took T.C. Boyle’s literary novel, A Friend of the Earth, off the shelf and reread it for the second time. Initially, I was a bit worried that the story wouldn’t engage me the way it had before. In this case, I found that I appreciated Boyle’s novel even more than I did during my first reading. ... Read Full Post

9/15/2008
Organic At Your Doorstep
by Michelle Walker
I’ve found that some people are taken aback from eating organic not because of the added cost, but because of the inconvenience. Some people would rather go to a fast food drive-thru on their way home from work versus stopping at the local market to pick up some fresh organic produce, fruit, grains and meat. Trust me, I’ve been there too. However, there is an answer if “not enough time” is your excuse as to why you’re not eating organic and natural. ... Read Full Post

8/11/2008
A Little Green Lot
by Natalia Jaster
I’ve recently been undergoing a hunt for fiction that tackles the theme of a greener lifestyle. I was hoping to see how authors tell these stories, how they find a balance between embracing an agenda and entertaining an audience. And also just to find some really good reads. I began with children’s eco-books and came across Dale H. Fife’s The Empty Lot. ... Read Full Post

7/31/2008
Green Gifts For New (Green) Parents
by Shay Beider
As a new parent there are some wonderful green products on the market that can make life safer, healthier and happier for our little ones. Deirdre Imus has written a Green This! series of books which includes a book called “Growing Up Green” that contains useful information for parents. Some great green gifts for a new family include ... Read Full Post

7/28/2008
Empty Skies & Their Other
by Ken Beider
I like to begin each school year with a field trip all the way out into the wilds of the school parking lot. My purpose is to show, rather than tell, my students why focusing on that which they are already aware rather than on acquiring bits of knowledge that resides outside of their spheres of familiarity is, in part, what’s leading to the on-coming demise of our fair planet. For it’s not only them but all of us. ... Read Full Post