As We Approach Earth Day 2009!

In this note:

-A Rant
-Bloomington Farmers Market Opens
-A Few Garden Reminders from the Organic Gardening Association
- Every Garden A Kitchen Garden - OGA
- Want to Be A Farmer? Start Here - Video and information resource link
- Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
- EPA Halts Mountaintop Removal Mining Permits
- Fair Trade News - About Cadbury
- Urban Foraging - a Rising, Sustainable Fad
- World Fair Trade Day
- E-Waste Recycle Days - free re-cycling of home appliances and computer equipment!

May you be among a supportive family, friends, and community.

--------------------------------------------------
Of course most people now understand that EVERY DAY IS EARTH DAY! It is our home and needs lots of TLC. I know we have great abilities among us, and now is our time to begin where we are, working with the tools we have, along side our neighbors. We must hold close to our hearts that which we have left to work with. Let no one tell us that our rich land based heritage is lost. DO NOT let any business take control of that which we all need to live sustainability. Communities must hold together, and have (or work towards) the rights to clean water, clean air, food (open pollinated seeds, health care and good affordable housing for all citizens. When I think of bale outs, I think, what would it be like if the people who are supporting the mega corps were to be baled out? Ummm, what if the students were to be baled out? What if bale out money went to providing essential care to our citizens? It seems luney to me to provide millions to billions of dollars to failed businesses when the burden, the huge cost is placed on the backs of those who are struggling to hold on to their small businesses, homes, and in some cases feed their children.

Bloomington Farmers Market Opens Saturday, April 4th, 2009 stop by for fresh greens and lots of starter plants! Also, some CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) slots are still available!


Prune Fruit Trees - Prune fruit trees before buds swell. Sterilize pruning tools with a 10 percent solution of bleach before each cut, and dispose of branches properly. Prune out sucker growth, water sprouts and any diseased or dead branches. Remove branches that grow toward the center in order to open the crown.
Spray Dormant Oil

-Get ready to spray fruit trees with dormant oil. This will help control aphids, scales, mites and other insects. Make sure temperatures are above forty degrees with no chance of frost or rain for 24 hours. Don't spray if the day is windy.

Looking for more resources? Check out Gardening Resources at http://www.indianaholistichealth.net/gardeningresources.htm

Isn't Every Garden a Kitchen Garden?
We hear a lot these days about saving money by growing our own vegetables. This is a great thing to become involved in, and the best part is that you needn't plant five acres to have a garden. Kitchen gardens are rising in popularity and don't take... Read more »

Want to Be a New Farmer? Start Here

Small farming is on the rise. The USDA estimates there are more than 300,000 new farms in the U.S since 2002, with many being run by younger people. All those new farmers are looking for information on how to get started. Unlike academic or professional manuals, here’s a new, on-line resource book written by first time farmers on ways to be successful in farming.
The Greenhorns Guide to Beginning Farmers is written by a small, grass-roots, non-profit organization in Hudson, NY. Instead of a how-to guide for growing crop or raising animals, this book has sources of information and contact organizations that will help a beginning farmer get the knowledge they need to be successful. It includes information and resources on apprenticeships and internships, grants, loans, and innovative programs for obtaining land, pest management strategies, tools, and machinery. It includes sections on urban agriculture and even community activism.
Check out this informative resource guide free at: Greenhorns. http://thegreenhorns.net/resources/greeacres.pdf
Check out the video at - www.youtube.com/watch?v=zH7o3fxw6oE


Reduce your Carbon Footprint by Mowing Less

Many people are interested in reducing their carbon footprint in an effort to save energy and limit global warming. While driving less is one of the most obvious ways to do this, mowing your lawn less can also help.

Researchers at the Agricultural Institute of Canada in Ottawa calculated the amount of carbon emissions saved by mowing the average lawn less frequently. Researchers mowed plots of cool season grass lawns only 3 times a year and compared the carbon emissions with mowing similar plots every week. They measured the emissions from mowing a lawn at 0.4 pounds of carbon dioxide per square foot of lawn. To put this number into perspective, if you have a 2000 square foot lawn, mowing only 3 times a season will cut the carbon dioxide emissions by 600 pounds. That’s the equivalent of cutting back driving a car that gets 20 miles per gallon by 600 miles.
For a bigger picture perspective, when multiplied by the 50 million acres of lawn in the U.S., we could potentially reduce carbon emissions by more than 600 trillion pounds just by mowing less.
For more information, go to: Hort Ideas. http://users.mikrotec.com/~gwill/hi-art.htm#Article%204

EPA Halts Mountaintop Removal Mining Permits
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced last week that it is halting new permits for mountaintop removal coal mining until water quality impacts from the practice can be fully assessed.
Go to all articles - Go to this article
http://www.emagazine.com/view/?4625


Fair Trade News!
Cadbury Dairy Milk – the leading chocolate bar in the UK – has announced plans to begin using Fair Trade cocoa this summer. This is great news for cocoa farmers, which will boost Fair Trade Certified™ chocolate up to a full 15 percent of the chocolate market in England.

Please join us in celebrating this victory for Fair Trade, and at the same time, help us use this moment as an opportunity to persuade Cadbury to do better in the US.

Tell Cadbury thanks for taking this step in the UK – and ask them to expand Fair Trade in the US »


Urban Foraging - a Rising, Sustainable Fad
http://culturechange.org/go.html?374

Urban gardening will soon become as obvious a need as job generation, as
we put into perspective what it takes to survive.

In addition to creating gardens and orchards, foraging is already and will
always be vital. Foraging is part of hunter-gathering, the way we evolved
for millions of years. Following is a new report from a Portland, Oregon
weekly newspaper with handy tips and a healthy attitude for our times:

Man vs. Wild: From foraging to fermentation, how to hone your natural
instinct on a budget.
By Adrienne So, Willamette Week

You can take the man out of the wild, but you can’t take the wild out of
the man. Or, better said: you shouldn’t. The sun is coming out, the rains
are receding, and nature calls. Who cares if you don’t have the gas money
to motor out to Eagle Creek to go hiking?
...

To read the complete article, visit: http://culturechange.org/go.html?374


Be a Part of the World's Largest Coffee Break on May 9, 2009: World Fair Trade Day
May 9 - Green America is a proud sponsor of World Fair Trade Day, an international celebration of Fair Trade. The theme of this year’s World Fair Trade Day, Everything Is Better When It’s Fair, reminds us that Fair Trade is more than coffee, chocolate and handcrafts. Please join us to break last year’s record of the world’s largest Fair Trade coffee break.
http://www.fairtraderesource.org/wftd/wftd-09/fair-trade-break-action-guide/


E-Waste Recycle Days - If you are a member of the general public or an IU student, staff, or faculty member
Bloomington
Apr 30th - May 2nd, 9:00am - 2:00pm
Indiana University - Bloomington
N Dunn St & E 17th St (get directions)
Bloomington, Monroe, IN 47408

Indianapolis
Apr 30th - May 2nd, 9:00am - 2:00pm
Indiana State Fairgrounds
E 38th St & Coliseum Ave (get directions)
Indianapolis, IN 46205
http://indiana.poweron.com/p/default

SAVE ORGANIC FARMING

Contact your Congressman and Senators to express his opposition to HR 875, HR 814, HR 759, and SR 425 to SAVE ORGANIC FARMING Don't YOU want to?

Thanks for the note Robin!

Find Your Congressperson: https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml

Find Your Senator: http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

Green Drinks Bloomington - Mann Plumbing will discuss solar thermal and photovoltaic energy production

Green Drinks Bloomington
Date: Wednesday, March 25
Time: 5:30-8 pm (doors open at 5:30 pm, 6 - 6:30 pm program and short announcements; eating, drinking and socializing until 8 pm)
Location: Nick's English Hut in the Hoosier Room
Program: Mann Plumbing will discuss solar thermal and photovoltaic energy production.
Who: Anyone who is interested in green issues is welcome and encouraged to bring a friend. Since it's at Nick's, you need to be 21 to participate.
Cost: There's a requested donation of $5. Some finger food will be provided. Nick's will sell beverages and food off the menu.
Green Drinks Bloomington will be on the fourth Wednesday of every month at locations to be announced.
Contact, to be added to the monthly evite or if you're interested in presenting: greendrinksbloomington@gmail.com

Local Food News Update

Local Food News - http://www.greendove.net/foodnews.htm, has been updated along with the list of Farmer's Markets listings for CSA's (Community Supported Agriculture). Our sister site, Indiana Holistic Health Network - http://www.indianaholistichealth.net has updated its food and gardening related pages.

"Simply Healthy: Creating Sustainable Communities" 2008

“Simply Healthy: Creating Sustainable Communities”
Simply Living Fair and Wellness Expo 2008
“Local Food and Aging Well”

~ Thursday, November 13^th ~

Keynote Speaker: Judy Wicks

7:00pm, Monroe County Public Library, FREE

Judy Wicks, owner and founder of Philadelphia's 25-year-old White

Dog Cafe, is a national leader in the local, living economies movement will speak on “Local Living Economies: Green, Fair and Fun.”

~ Friday, November 14^th ~

Local Foods Dinner - 6:00pm- $35

Unitarian Universalist Church, 2120 N. Fee Lane

Enjoy a four-course dinner of locally grown, seasonal ingredients, including presentations from farmers. Learn about the Local Growers Guild and their work rebuilding our local food economy.

~ Saturday, November 15^th ~ 9:00-5:00

Simply Healthy Vendors – Free Area

Acupuncturist, Coaches, Chiropractors, Reiki, Artist and Artisans, Intuitive Readings, more!

Simply Healthy Workshops - $11/$9

Unitarian Universalist Church, 2120 N. Fee Lane

You choose from simple living, holistic,alternative health topics, eating and aging well through lectures, workshops, product demonstrations and discussion with experts.

Healing Sounds Concert -7:00pm, Saturday evening, - $13/$ 11

Unitarian Universalist Church, 2120 N. Fee Lane

Bil Whitefeather, Native American Flutes , Ryan Anderson, Sacred Healing Rhythms, Dark Side Tribal Belly Dancers, Baraka, Janiece Jaffee, Paul Swanson, Patricia C. Coleman Storytellers and Francis Miller and Pritam Hari

For more information about these events visit: www.indianaholistichealth.net/wellnessexpo.htm

Ticket information at - www.indianaholistichealth.net/wellnessexpotickets.htm

Tickets available at all Bloomingfoods Stores and Wandering Turtle Art Gallery!

If you have questions contact: simplyhlthy@gmail.com, or call: 812-331-0886

This event is Sponsored and supported by: Indiana Holistic Health Network, Center for Sustainable Living, The Good Life Alternative, Reiki Peace and Wellness Arts, Middleway Food Works, Local Growers Guild, Green Sanctuary Task Force on Global Climate Change of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington, Women Writing for a Change, Local Food, Green Dove Network, Inc., Wandering Turtle Art Gallery, WFHB Community Radio, Bloomington Office on Sustainability, Quilter's Comfort, HART ROCK, Indiana Living Green Magazine, White Rabbit Copy Services, Holistic Affordable Housing, Home Renovators, Wildwood Furniture, and others.

Visit //www.indianaholistichealth.net/wellnessexpo.htm to see all of our sponsors!

Local Food at "Simply Healthy:Creating Sustainable Communities"

Simply Healthy:Creating Sustainable Communities" Simply Living Fair and Wellness Expo, November 9th and 10th, 2007 is pleased to announce these food related workshops and presentations. Food Works of Middleway House will be set up in the Vendor/Exhibition area.

Live Well, Eat Locally" by Maggie Sullivan We are what we eat! Supporting local sustainable agriculture is not always easy, but the benefitsare well worth it. Where does your food come from? How was it grown? Did the farmer who grew it receive a fair wage? Has your food traveled further than you went on your last vacation? Come hear about how eating locally can make a difference in your health, the health of the environment, the strength of the local food economy, and the strength of your community. Maggie Sullivan is the director of the Local Growers Guild, a cooperative of small farms in southern and central Indiana.PO Box 2553, Bloomington, IN 47402-2553.

Green Living for a Healthier Life - Scarlett Winter, ND
This presentation explores how the old-fashioned values of using just what you need, farming and living in harmony with nature, and building communities may lead to drastically positive changes in the health and wellness of nations. Visit me in the Vendors Area.

Imagining a Future. Beyond Sustainability. Brandon Pitcher - Come and learn from some of the most exciting projects in systems design from around the world. ZERI (Zero Emissions Research and Initiatives) Practitioner, and 5 KDC Director, Brandon Pitcher, will expose you to several projects undertaken around the globe as well as here in Indiana. Inspired by Nature, innovations in health care, food, water, education, shelter, energy, and job creation will be explored. Please join in this fascinating look at what can be done when a group of committed individuals decide to go for their dreams.

Cooking with Herbs! (Children's Program) with Anna Tosick - Learn what fun herbs can be in the kitchen! We will make delicious herbal snacks and have an herbal tea party.

The Art of Healing with Whole Foods: Chinese Food Energetics Andy Reed -
In this workshop the student will learn how to make an Ayurvedic Healing spice paste based on Asian food energetics. Asian food energetics will be introduced to assist students to make dietary choices based on Traditional Asian Medical Theory. Understanding Asian food energetics can significantly increase our health by learning which foods are appropriate for us to eat as an individual. Foods which strengthen the immune system, promote the flow of qi, and otherwise assist the healing process will be presented. A simple Asian spice detoxification paste will be prepared which has been shown to prevent cancer, pacify inflammation, promote detoxification, and help to balance the bodies energetics.

PERMACULTURE - Want to stop global warming, restore the earth, reclaim eroded or damaged soil, live sustainably, grow food, and make your back yard a food forest? Permaculture knows how. Introduction and conversation about basic principles and practices of Permaculture. Led by
Andy Reed and Shodo Spring, members of the Bloomington Permaculture Guild.

Food Works for Middleway House is a full service catering business owned and operated by Middle Way House, an abused women's shelter in Bloomington, Indiana.Working to provide opportunities to women who are victims of domestic violence to become economically self-sufficient while providing real culinary skills, a safe and supportive work environment, and a valuable work history. Our goal to provide meals that are healthy, tasty and varied, and low in sodium sugar and fats. (812) 219-9525 or visit us online at www.middlewayfoodworks.org.

The 2nd Annual ''Simply Healthy: Creating Sustainable Communities” Simply Living Fair and Wellness Expo of the Indiana Holistic Health Network will take place November 9th and 10th, 2007 in the Unitarian Universalist Church, 2120 N. Fee Lane, Bloomington. This holistic, simply living and spiritual lifestyle fair and expo is presented this year by the Indiana Holistic Health Network and the Center for Sustainable Living in collaboration with the Caldwell Center. This year’s event incorporates the Simply Living Fair of the Center for Sustainable Living.

"Simply Healthy" will feature more than 20 workshops, a Free Vendors area where you can purchase art and holistic products, have psychic and astrological readings, eat food, discuss holistic services, attend a Healing Sound Concert and participate in '''Susun Weed, Herbalist and author's "Green Blessings, the Wise Woman Way" workshop and keynote presentation "Seven Medicines"!'''

“Simply Healthy” plans to be a great community opportunity to explore simply living, holistic and alternative health topics and resources through lectures, workshops and talking with experts.

After a day of workshops, relax Friday evening at the 7pm'''Healing Sound Concert'' fundraiser for the Simply Healthy Fair and Expo (only $11 in advance). Featuring the Women of Mass Percussion, Sally Todd, Pianist, Curtis Cantwell Jackson, Singer-Songwriter, The Gandharvas, poetry of Anna Tosick and Patricia C. Coleman, The Gandharvas and “Calling the Sounds of White Buffalo Calf Woman” with Lisa-Marie Napoli, Jeffrey Miller, Bil Whitefeather and other special guests. Native American drum, flute, and crystal singing bowls combine to create a multi-sensory performance celebrating the prophecy of White Buffalo Calf Woman. Her legend foretells of a time when civilization enters the Fifth World – a Time of Peace and Harmony.Opening Words by Reverend Barbara Carlson.

This concert offers a variety of sounds and ideas with the intent of putting forth healing vibrations. Healing Sound Concert Tickets can be purchased at Wandering Turtle Gallery at 224 North College Avenue, Bloomington (cash or check only).

To top off you Saturday, November 10th workshops, or your day with Susun, at 7:00pm come listen as Susun Weed will end "Simply Healthy" with her FREE keynote presentation '''"Seven Medicines" with special attention to cancer.

Details

Friday and Saturday Workshops, November 9th and 10th from 9:00am to 5:00 pm – choose from more than 20 workshops and presentations - $45/$40 Seniors and Students

Friday, 7:00pm - Healing Sound Concert -). Featuring the Women of Mass Percussion, Sally Todd, Pianist, Curtis Cantwell Jackson, Singer-Songwriter, The Gandharvas, poetry of Anna Tosick and Patricia C. Coleman, The Gandharvas and “Calling the Sounds of White Buffalo Calf Woman” with Lisa-Marie Napoli, Jeffrey Miller, Bil Whitefeather and other special guests. Opening Words by Reverend Barbara Carlson. Tickets can be purchased at Wandering Turtle Gallery at 224 North College Avenue, Bloomington ($11 cash or check only).

Saturday, November 10th '''Susun Weed in “Green Blessings, the Wise Woman Way”''' Workshop $100/$75 Seniors and Students

Saturday evening, at 7:00pm, Susun Weed will present a FREE Keynote on “Seven Medicines”- with special attention to cancer

For complete information about "Simply Healthy: Creating Sustainable Communities" and to register, visit http://www.indianaholistichealth.net/wellnessexpotickets.htm

Concert Tickets Available at Wandering Turtle Gallery, 224 North College Avenue, Bloomington

If you have questions contact - mail.ihhn(at)gmail.com, or Call - 812-331-0886

Please note that there will be an $5 additional charged at the door.

There are many VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE, email us at the address above and someone will contact you!

This Sponsored and supported by: Indiana Holistic Health Network, Center for Sustainable Living, The Good Life Alternative, Mountain Rose Herbs, Green Sanctuary Task Force of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington, Women Writing for a Change, Local Food, Caldwell Center, Green Dove Network, Inc., Wind River Acupuncture, WFHB Community Radio, BLOOM Mag, Quilter’s Comfort, with support from, HART ROCK, Holistic Affordable Housing (H!A!H!), WME3, Wonderlab, Home Renovators, Wildwood Furniture, One World Enterprises, Wandering Turtle Art Gallery, Avers, Indiana Living Green Magazine, Fons and Porter Quilting, Howard’s Book Store, Douglas Chamberlain, Soma Coffeehouse and Juice Bar and Laughing Planet Café, and Tendre Press.

For information, visit the website at http://www.indianaholistichealth.net or call 812-331-0886

Local Food Panel Discussion

The Green Sanctuary Task Force on Global Climate Change is hosting a panel discussion on local food at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Bloomington (2120 North Fee Lane) on Sunday, October 28 from 6:15 - 7:45pm.

Three panelists, Marti Crouch, Christine Barbour and Teresa Birtles, will discuss:

• differences between sustainable agriculture and the agribusiness model&
• the anticipated effects of global climate change on agriculture&
• the benefits of buying locally grown and raised food&
• options for purchasing local food products, even in the winter.

After introductory comments, there will be an opportunity to ask questions of the panelists. For more information, call Marcia Veldman at (812) 988-4956 or email her at meadowlk@bloomington.in.us.

Farmers Market Day

Today is Farmers Market day, heard a blurb on WFHB with Michael Simmons describing all the wonders to be found there. If you are in town, check it out, or go to another community market. Enjoy the fresh abundance of this season. Keep warm and if you have tender vegis outin the garden, cover them before evening, because temperatures are supposed to drop. Ah, spring!

Local Food News

Local Food News has been updated and some of its information appeared as a supplement in the Green Dove Peace Magazine .

Hello

Hello Local Food Bloomington - just a beautiful day in Indiana - more summer like than spring.