tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36204675973575136692024-02-18T20:04:54.821-08:00GreenthusiastEvery day green for every day people.Squid Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04156032764181767531noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3620467597357513669.post-59398781291597944552011-01-01T06:30:00.000-08:002011-01-01T06:40:59.385-08:00Litter Patrol<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyZFp0ij86BqRXo_I6TZlpl5AjAzRPswgfYpo0p2rEAfnezERdMbfQg7f0u1YieeXg1o_vtu6G3KgNGN6nI34jgZmyQyukE5lxQcw3C3laApC2SAFsc8-kt9z0RWjl2ykLBamPdgP0n9c/s1600/PLITTER.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyZFp0ij86BqRXo_I6TZlpl5AjAzRPswgfYpo0p2rEAfnezERdMbfQg7f0u1YieeXg1o_vtu6G3KgNGN6nI34jgZmyQyukE5lxQcw3C3laApC2SAFsc8-kt9z0RWjl2ykLBamPdgP0n9c/s200/PLITTER.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557226840976240226" /></a><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">While hiking around some mountain trails surrounding Phoenix, I am sorely disappointed over the amount and type of litter strewn about. The view was spoiled by plastic bags, giant convenient store drink cups, plastic bottles, food containers, and too much broken glass. What surprise me is there are ample and visible large 55-gallon trashcans located a few yards away. Did the trash blow out of the secured cans or are some of the park’s visitors the type who also leave their grocery cart a few parking spots from the cart return?</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:small;">A self-described neat freak, I grabbed the plastic bag stuck flapping in a bush and starting stuffing in as much litter as it would hold. I could have stayed there for hours filling several large trash bags. A young boy watched me and told his father, “I don’t understand why people still litter.” Me neither, kid.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:small;">As a member of Keep Smyrna Beautiful back in Georgia, I wished the quarterly Adopt-A-Mile volunteers were there with me. Armed with their handy pickers, we would have had that place cleaned up in no time. If each park visitor that day picked up just one thing, most of the litter could have been removed off the trail. It pains me to leave that park knowing more trash will eventually find its way back. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:small;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:small;">With the New Year ringing in I vow to carry my own litter patrol supplies wherever I travel. Be it locally around my own neighborhood or hiking other trails, I’ll have at the ready a plastic bag, gloves, reflective vest, and anti-bacterial wipes. Maybe I should have put on my Christmas list a personalized aluminum handy picker.</span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Squid Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04156032764181767531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3620467597357513669.post-3878300887776205332010-04-26T16:34:00.000-07:002010-04-26T16:54:53.239-07:00Bloom Where You’re Planted<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwcqnpPJwTFK8V_bsIaI8omY0r55RjxqExv5yW5SBifWXr1tlcbnbCTD-G6GY3YC9fqmZCSQ4KM1GQYJNqk0UF6_XTg_HF9a4vxG55bYHXu7AWqYl0BbEN_zKL5TkgqF5N0t72Klzsv18/s1600/gardentourlogo.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 176px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwcqnpPJwTFK8V_bsIaI8omY0r55RjxqExv5yW5SBifWXr1tlcbnbCTD-G6GY3YC9fqmZCSQ4KM1GQYJNqk0UF6_XTg_HF9a4vxG55bYHXu7AWqYl0BbEN_zKL5TkgqF5N0t72Klzsv18/s200/gardentourlogo.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464598674541738626" /></a><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The featured gardens on this year's Keep Smyrna Beautiful 2nd Annual Garden Tour are sure to inspire. Gain tips from local gardeners to create welcoming and eco-friendly spaces of your own. Tour a variety of unique settings highlighting native landscapes, wildlife sanctuaries, and creative water solutions.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Advance tickets are </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">$10</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">* </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">at the Smyrna Community Center, the Smyrna Recycling Center, and at the following locations:</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> 610 Burbank Hair Salon, Backyard Feed & Seed, Love Street Gifts, </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">and </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Pie-In-The-Sky. Proceeds from the Garden Tour will benefit the new Community Garden.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">*Tickets are $15 on the day of the tour, available at participating gardens and the Taylor Brawner House. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">For </span></span><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">lunch only</span></span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> on May 15, ticket holders will receive a </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">30% off</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> at Atkins Park and Shane’s Rib Shack, </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">25% off</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> at Village Café, and a</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> free</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> yummy Savannah bar at Great Harvest Bread Company! </span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Feathered Friends<br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The tour showcases two certified wildlife sanctuaries with native shrubs, wildflowers, water features, and woodland shade providing refuge year round.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Humans and birds alike enjoy the Bennett Woods garden. Established with hundreds of species of native trees and berry bushes, this garden also includes hundreds of Jonquils, year round color, fountain, game lawn, and a custom built brick oven and smoker.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The Vinings Estates garden welcomes all winged creatures with native shrubs and a butterfly garden, wildflowers, waterfall, and a wooded path leading to a secluded sitting area.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Edible Landscape<br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Several fruit trees, as well as blueberries and grapevines, along with herbs and vegetables adorn this garden in the Queens Gate subdivision. A pond takes advantage of lawn drainage. A fire pit and two seating areas maximize this petite and functional yard.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Cottage Garden<br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A short walk from Smyrna’s Village Green in Williams Park, a local artist shares her indie garden with urban chickens. Heirloom vegetable beds are decorated with found objects and antique bricks. The sunny organic garden cycles back to nourish a flower-cutting garden and wildflowers.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Private Escape<br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Also in Williams Park, enter this garden through a metal arbor draped with fragrant vines into a tranquil setting. Evergreens and flowering shrubs naturally obscure mechanics of the pool area built to resemble a small pond with waterfalls. Use of the outdoor entertaining area extends beyond seasons with professional lighting and a mosquito system.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Small Space, Big Impact<br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Woodlawn Gates neighborhood packs our </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">tour’s longest water feature, a Koi pond, and tons of rock. See how moisture from the AC unit resourcefully waters the vegetable garden. Low maintenance perennials, bulbs, trees, and bushes reduce water use.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">S</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">pecial Thanks to Our Sponsors: </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Bright Side, Downey Trees, Chick-Fil-A, Jack's New York Deli, Gina Bridges of Keller Williams Realty, Marietta Signs, Old South Bar-B-Q, City of Smyrna, Stone Forest, Tuxedo Pool Service, The Village Cafe. Visit their displays in our Tea Room at the Taylor Brawner House, featuring garden demos, plant sale, and light refreshments. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">And Thanks to the </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Friends of the Garden Tour</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">: </span></span></span><span style="line-height: 120%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Chris &</span></span></span></span><span style="line-height: 120%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="line-height: 120%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Teri Anulewicz, </span></span></span></span><span style="line-height: 120%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Atkins Park Tavern, </span></span></span></span><span style="line-height: 120%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Floral Creations Florist, Great Harvest Bread Company, </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: normal; font-weight: bold; "><span style="line-height: 120%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Howard's Restaurant, </span></span></span></span><span style="line-height: 120%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Love Street Gifts, Stone Distributors, </span></span></span></span><span style="line-height: 120%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Joan Stuart, Vinings Mortgage.<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">For more information visit KSB's </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/KeepSmyrnaBeautiful?ref=ts"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Facebook page</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. </span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:13px;"></span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;font-size:100%;"><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><o:p></o:p></p> <!--EndFragment--> </span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;"> <!--EndFragment--> </span></span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Squid Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04156032764181767531noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3620467597357513669.post-71444606234863109832010-03-26T17:35:00.000-07:002010-03-27T07:58:52.287-07:00Lights Out<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The global initiative sponsored by the World Wildlife Fund, Earth Hour, encourages everyone to turn off their lights on Saturday, March 27 from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Light some candles and tune into your family while contemplating what little steps can be taken to reduce your household energy consumption. </span></span><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Simple habits to adopt which reduce climate change can include turning off the lights in rooms when not in use, turning off water while brushing teeth, replacing energy hogging old appliances, turning down the thermostat, eliminating energy vampires by plugging appliances and electronics into power strips, switching to compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL), recycling, composting, and carpooling. Buying locally grown and produced foods can also help reduce the amount of fuel needed to ship food from faraway growing areas such as South America. Every little effort counts. </span></span><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">While turning off your home's lights for a mere hour may seem minor, consider last year's event which involved hundreds of millions of participants worldwide. Four-thousand cities in 87 countries turned off their lights in 2009 and saved millions of dollars in energy bills while raising awareness. Vote with your light switch, join this year's Earth Hour. For more information visit www.myearthhour.org.</span></span></div></div></div></div>Squid Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04156032764181767531noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3620467597357513669.post-55222778490900021232010-03-12T11:00:00.000-08:002010-03-16T18:02:52.989-07:00Arbor Day Dedication<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg81g5GG640QB4jg4c8cPXd98uEn-HF4nyIwfxi9cIv_T0G6UJL0bHurUiQcdog57aLRF9EB_yOhnZ6Wym1zMG6oe6nJRIfTxJcgLzvoiJGcjCbRDepmzqBKGOvMaLcs2p8nBHECJdzYW4/s1600-h/IMG_2309.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg81g5GG640QB4jg4c8cPXd98uEn-HF4nyIwfxi9cIv_T0G6UJL0bHurUiQcdog57aLRF9EB_yOhnZ6Wym1zMG6oe6nJRIfTxJcgLzvoiJGcjCbRDepmzqBKGOvMaLcs2p8nBHECJdzYW4/s200/IMG_2309.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447021963810094194" /></a><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A welcomed respite in the winter weather made a perfect day for a tree dedication. On cue, the sun shone warmly on the arboretum for Keep Smyrna Beautiful’s (KSB) annual Arbor Day Celebration. Ann Kirk, KSB Executive Director, and Pete Wood, Smyrna City Councilman, greeted families who gathered at the gazebo on the hill to honor loved ones with a tree dedication ceremony. In total, three native Georgia trees were hand selected for inclusion into the multi-acre area reserved behind the Smyrna Community Center.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A Swamp Chestnut Oak was dedicated to Gary Wehner for his work in founding and nurturing the arboretum over ten years ago. A Southern Sugar Maple and Buttonbush shrub, named for the tiny white button-shaped flowers that bloom in spring, were also dedicated to longtime Smyrna residents. Since the city’s first Arbor Day celebration in 1990, hundreds of trees and shrubs have been planted. The arboretum is almost full. The city’s long term goal to increase the tree canopy will ensure future dedications planned in other city areas.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Traditionally celebrated nationwide on the last Friday in April, Arbor Day in Georgia coincides with the best time to plant trees in the state. Visit the Arbor Day's <a href="http://www.arborday.org/">website</a> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">for more information and tree planting instructions.</span></span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Squid Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04156032764181767531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3620467597357513669.post-80090422214716507572010-03-11T09:00:00.000-08:002010-03-27T07:59:27.498-07:00An Education In Smart Reuse<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQvy7U09o5sp4oQ7hMdqYnKkoeBI6jAH8K8_AXoLpgNSymx2TGCKN5tly0giaiBkRBNf1qYmTrOuYq34dHIOnyLLj1OzGWO4SvzsdeIybh8_7mkzCX0_r4LNG2zyGqM55PH0GIPpV98Us/s1600-h/schoolsuppliesyg0.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 144px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQvy7U09o5sp4oQ7hMdqYnKkoeBI6jAH8K8_AXoLpgNSymx2TGCKN5tly0giaiBkRBNf1qYmTrOuYq34dHIOnyLLj1OzGWO4SvzsdeIybh8_7mkzCX0_r4LNG2zyGqM55PH0GIPpV98Us/s200/schoolsuppliesyg0.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447020321525923154" /></a><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Over a hundred dedicated teachers form a line outside the Cobb County School System warehouse on a chilly winter morning. Inside the cavernous stockroom a few dozen volunteers prepare donated materials for the Teachers Supply Store quarterly open house.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">School budgets are getting tighter than normal. Teachers get creative and purchase supplemental teaching supplies with their own salaries. Local companies and manufacturers have overstock, outdated products and byproducts that don't belong in the landfill. The nonprofit organization provides a helpful solution to repurpose useful items, transforming them into free educational materials. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Items such as carpet samples, fabric swatches, rolls of colored paper, twine, containers, buckets, cardboard storage boxes, Styrofoam, bubble wrap, MDF (medium-density fiber board), spools, specimen cups, and wooden blocks are used for science or art projects or classroom displays. Local companies also donate bulk quantities of paper, books, binders, posters, plastic storage bins, ink toner cartridges, envelopes, folders, and furniture.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Educators show proof of employment (school I.D., paycheck, or letter from an administrator) to enter the open house. Home school teachers are also permitted with a letter of intent. Teachers come from nearby counties and can take whatever they can carry out. First timers bring tote bags or boxes while seasoned open-housers graduate to push carts, rolling extra large suitcases, or brand new trash cans on wheels.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Already overflowing landfills get a break. Companies find a better use for unwanted items. Teachers’ pocketbooks are spared while accessing helpful education materials. Students benefit by stretching their creative imagination. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Visit the </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><a href="http://www.cobbk12.org/teacherssupplystore/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Teachers Supply Store</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> for more information, to donate items, and the date of the next quarterly open house. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <!--EndFragment-->Squid Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04156032764181767531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3620467597357513669.post-41393895776947041762010-02-23T07:42:00.000-08:002010-03-10T07:04:13.545-08:00Mobile Green Tips<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjveQNZcSy-m-Eca_MMfW3PaFTcidANf0PrQT9iCVUHjCvg3FSpk6uElO28KbpdEAGYHppwvgkLi2iQrYq024IvceswsHcLx764EEotuCgpYrfFGopT26kytyUAoGYdInwLEhkwm-b3uo8/s1600-h/14184231936-free_reverse_phone_number_lookup.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjveQNZcSy-m-Eca_MMfW3PaFTcidANf0PrQT9iCVUHjCvg3FSpk6uElO28KbpdEAGYHppwvgkLi2iQrYq024IvceswsHcLx764EEotuCgpYrfFGopT26kytyUAoGYdInwLEhkwm-b3uo8/s200/14184231936-free_reverse_phone_number_lookup.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447021143528196882" /></a><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Access green tips on the go. Get tips sent to your cellphone by texting GREENTIPS to 44636 (4INFO). A service brought to you by USA Today. </span></span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Squid Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04156032764181767531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3620467597357513669.post-74141631768192066712010-02-22T05:48:00.000-08:002010-02-23T07:41:28.564-08:00Closer to Home<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUV5TlRqFV4nuyfWa-3xtg-Y5cpozi1RRc9fPNIMah4TE6O_RpFJgjb-NrrRW2LZ48hGQ98ZSKLNdEp0yuDVOxAM3LNefMbS99HSqdVi8_bKIQCHHA2leOfn0X5az8gN-08jRNTYgfyPQ/s1600-h/113067_Garbage_revolution_starts_at_home.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 144px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUV5TlRqFV4nuyfWa-3xtg-Y5cpozi1RRc9fPNIMah4TE6O_RpFJgjb-NrrRW2LZ48hGQ98ZSKLNdEp0yuDVOxAM3LNefMbS99HSqdVi8_bKIQCHHA2leOfn0X5az8gN-08jRNTYgfyPQ/s200/113067_Garbage_revolution_starts_at_home.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441175283603235682" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This season's unusually frigid winter (dumping snow on 49 states) and the recent email admission from environmental scientist (dispelling the hype surrounding Global Warming) have some people reconsidering the importance of going green. If skepticism convinces us to forget about curbing greenhouse gas emissions, offsetting our carbon footprint, turning to more sustainable power, then maybe the new documentary </span></span><i><a href="http://www.garbagerevolution.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#339999;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Garbage: The Revolution Starts at Home</span></span></span></a></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, will bring the message closer to where we live. </span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">If “seeing is believing” than filmmaker’s, Andrew Nisker, latest project should persuade Doubting Thomases that the issue of careless human consumption is a physically real problem after all. How much does one family consume and discard over a 3-month period is answered in eye-popping detail.</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The family under scrutiny, Glen and Michele McDonald, agree to account for every piece of trash they create. Rather than haul away with the weekly garbage pickup, the McDonald’s trash quickly piles up in their garage. Nisker follows the trash cycle to expose the ugly truth of where our trash goes once it’s out of our sight. From kitchen scraps, bathroom waste, plastic water bottles and shopping bags, to the energy used to power Christmas lights and the fuel burned driving around town, viewers will begin to assess their own consumption and waste. </span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The social experiment and modern day archeological dig reveals what and how much our average society regularly uses and throws out. Without the unnecessary drama of witnessing a sea turtle choking on one of millions of plastic waste that ends up in the ocean, the visual magnitude of 3 months’ worth of household trash and where it eventually ends up should be enough to question our consuming behaviors. Thankfully the film is not available in Smell-O-Vision.</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Show times on the Sundance Channel: Tuesday, February 23 (9 PM</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">), </span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Wednesday, February 24 (4:15 AM)</span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, and </span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Sunday, February 28 (11 AM). The film is also available for purchase as an educational tool. </span></span></span></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> </span>Squid Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04156032764181767531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3620467597357513669.post-43891048408354380842010-01-22T16:47:00.000-08:002010-01-22T13:47:59.597-08:00Protect Your Identity and the Environment<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Today correspondences are received instantly and electronically saving time and natural resources. Paper trails consist of emails, texts, and PDF attachments. In some instances, hard copy documents containing sensitive personal information are printed out and filed for legal purposes.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Depending on the type of paperwork, organizational experts suggest households and businesses retain hard copy files for 3-5 years. Over the years these files add up. It’s not safe to dispose of files into the curbside recycling bin or into the dumpster without shredding. Rather than burn out the motor on a small home office shredder and fill up the landfills, Atlantans are encouraged to bring their old files* and the entire family for a fun day of activities at the 4th a</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">nnual </span></span><a href="http://www.cbsatlanta.com/shredderevent/index.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Great Shredder Event</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This year’s festivities is Saturday, Feb. 6th f</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">rom 10 am – 4 pm at the </span></span><a href="http://gwinnett.braves.milb.com/index.jsp?sid=t431"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Gwinnett Stadium</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. Sponsored by CBS Atlanta News and Bank of America, the event will include food, prizes, raffle, and a chance to meet your favorite CBS Atlanta News celebrity. Ask your “Tough Question” on camera, to be filmed for a future newscast.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Last year’s event shredded over 200 tons of paper - equivalent to saving 3,400 trees, 76,000 gallons of oil, 600 cubic yards of landfill, 800,000 kilowatts of energy (equals enough energy to power 71 houses per year), 1.4 million gallons of water, and 12,000 pounds of air pollution.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Also accepted this year for safe recycling are select electronics: Computers, Computer monitors, Computer keyboards, Computer mice, Fax machines, Printers, Printer ink cartridges, Gaming consoles, DVD players & VCRs, Cell phones & cell batteries, and Stereo systems. </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Electronics not accepted</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">at this event include: TV's, Microwaves, and Major appliances.</span></span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Donations of non-perishable food products will also be accepted by the </span></span><a href="http://www.acfb.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Atlanta Community Food Bank</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. Items most needed are: </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Peanut Butter, Canned Tuna, Canned Beans, Canned Soups, Stews and Pastas, 100% Fruit Juice, Canned Fruits and Vegetables, Macaroni and Cheese Dinners, and Whole Grain, Low Sugar Cereals.</span></span></span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Protect your identity and the environment. Get into the spirit and bring your team down to the stadium a day before the Super Bowl for a day of fun and safe recycling. </span></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">*Shredding Restrictions: 5 boxes/trash bags per person. No metal or plastic attachments. No newspapers, magazines or phone books.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <!--EndFragment-->Squid Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04156032764181767531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3620467597357513669.post-23538885712626821122010-01-16T14:13:00.000-08:002010-02-23T07:45:43.254-08:00Flush It Down Comes Around<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQxZpQGv6UjlyDOZWgXNQLD69iSA1Oo83wtk82Q28wM-dnvN6pThUl5bfiaMdPcar4MoY5wKjJDniVCIc5wUltlzzoiJTETmFve3HQANH-NZJX8zvSvadYlW8zRzy1KeuZddG9OWIO4SQ/s1600-h/do_not_flush_1_.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 155px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQxZpQGv6UjlyDOZWgXNQLD69iSA1Oo83wtk82Q28wM-dnvN6pThUl5bfiaMdPcar4MoY5wKjJDniVCIc5wUltlzzoiJTETmFve3HQANH-NZJX8zvSvadYlW8zRzy1KeuZddG9OWIO4SQ/s200/do_not_flush_1_.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427465709442746146" /></a><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Every living creature on the planet relies on water to survive. Yet our drinking water is compromised when chemicals are inadvertently introduced into our water systems. Millions of unused medications (over the counter and prescription) are disposed of in the trash, washed down sinks, or flushed into toilets.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Municipal water treatment plants are not equipped to filter out these medications. Several studies reveal chemicals are seeping into our environment harming the organisms in the water as well as those who use, drink, play, and work in it.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">In some states, strict laws govern the handling and proper disposal of prescription drugs. In addition to preventing medications from falling into unauthorized hands, when ready to be disposed of they are considered household hazardous waste. Take-back collection programs can only be managed with the presence of law enforcement agencies that have received approval from the federal Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA).</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Residents of Cobb County, Georgia have four opportunities in February to drop off unused pharmaceuticals for proper disposal. Together with Kaiser Permanente, Keep Cobb Beautiful is offering the first ever Medication Disposal Program for the public. Items accepted for drop off include: liquid and pill form medications, sharps and needles, diabetes materials, catheters, tubing, etc. No durable medical equipment (CPAP, nebulizers, etc).</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Drop off will only be allowed at participating Senior Centers between the hours of 9 a.m. and noon on select Saturdays (see schedule below). In compliance with Federal law, volunteers and law enforcement personnel will be at each location to collect medications and properly dispose of them </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">during these scheduled days and times ONLY</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Drop off will not be allowed at any other times.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">From </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">9 a.m. to noon</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> at the following participating locations on the </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Saturday</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> indicated:</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">February 6</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />Windy Hill Senior Center, 1885 Roswell Street, Smyrna, GA</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">February 13</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />North Cobb Senior Center, 4100 Highway 293, Acworth, GA</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">February 20</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />East Cobb Senior Center, 3332 Sandy Plains Road, Marietta, GA</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">February 27</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />West Cobb Senior Center, 4915 Dallas Highway, Powder Springs, GA</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">For more information, visit </span></span><a href="http://www.kcb.cobbcountyga.gov/meds-disposal-2010.htm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Keep Cobb Beautiful</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. </span></span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Squid Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04156032764181767531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3620467597357513669.post-85699073449899373552010-01-14T10:39:00.000-08:002010-01-14T11:21:04.017-08:00Project Overcoat<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjITESjLgq9usfSUFjTQQtDoCZON9Z9POFhhja5WrO0W0AihVlibKzK1_oqKBfW9mmpUsf3CbI_rFmt2H0U9QngKfJNIw2yhGwS8P7y8d2D8-kqM5aaOq0W1YxHzlVWPo9HbLYOeyMkPzs/s1600-h/ProjectOvercoat.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 120px; height: 116px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjITESjLgq9usfSUFjTQQtDoCZON9Z9POFhhja5WrO0W0AihVlibKzK1_oqKBfW9mmpUsf3CbI_rFmt2H0U9QngKfJNIw2yhGwS8P7y8d2D8-kqM5aaOq0W1YxHzlVWPo9HbLYOeyMkPzs/s200/ProjectOvercoat.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426677637479716850" /></a><br /><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">The holidays may be over but the spirit of giving doesn’t have to end. With families financially struggling through the current economy and frigid winter temperatures still lingering, generosity is as simple as donating coats and blankets. Donating reusable items is a good way to recycle and reduce items from entering the landfill.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Project Overcoat, an annual coat and blanket collection drive, kicked off on January 12 and runs through January 23. The goal is to collect and distribute over 17,000 new and gently used coats and blankets to be distributed through more than 60 nonprofit agencies serving men, women and children in need in metro Atlanta.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">The annual event is sponsored by Atlanta Union Mission, FOX 5, KISS 104.1 FM, FedEx, Kroger and United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta. Project Overcoat donation boxes are located at metro Atlanta Kroger stores. Federal Express picks up the collections and delivers them to the Atlanta Union Mission. The United Way along with the Atlanta Union Mission coordinate the distribution to the more than 60 agencies in need.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Giving is good for your spirit, helps those in need, and helps the environment by keeping items out of the trash. Rummage through your closets for extra coats and blankets and visit your area Kroger today. Share your generosity and keep the giving spirit going through the year. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <!--EndFragment-->Squid Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04156032764181767531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3620467597357513669.post-39638352150489804552010-01-12T13:43:00.000-08:002010-01-14T11:45:37.693-08:00Reuse for Medical Equipment<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaJPQTT7Ftv-FyYQr1HymEmaxTr0mvNO0p8boK19zrQW7mhzW_P9kx37ZILntoxxdg3KBZ9FrWgNAtTGlGnYa0SujZt3zhRCbfmhi_MD_CTMP0qVQmz9TdWfJvSa9vO08KhKA5_i5libo/s1600-h/crutch2.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 135px; height: 168px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaJPQTT7Ftv-FyYQr1HymEmaxTr0mvNO0p8boK19zrQW7mhzW_P9kx37ZILntoxxdg3KBZ9FrWgNAtTGlGnYa0SujZt3zhRCbfmhi_MD_CTMP0qVQmz9TdWfJvSa9vO08KhKA5_i5libo/s200/crutch2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425980168066265346" /></a><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Regardless of which side of the debate you take when it comes to the state of the American healthcare system, we can agree there are some who cannot afford access for basic healthcare needs. Each of us have either experienced a sprained muscle or broken bone once in our lives or know of a family member, colleague, or friend who has. Proper and immediate medical care is necessary to ensure recovery and reduce pain and discomfort.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">The average healing time is about 8-10 weeks often aided by the use of medical equipment such as crutches, braces, orthotics, prosthetics, slings, and ace bandages. While most medical plans cover these expenses, some individuals simply can’t afford them. For those of us who can, what becomes of the equipment after we’ve recovered and no longer need them? Do they linger in our garages, attics, or closets, or end up donated to a thrift store or thrown out in the trash?</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Embraced, a non-profit organization, is dedicated to collecting and distributing gently-used orthopaedic equipment to needy individuals. They aspire to distribute one million pieces, domestically and internationally, by the year 2011. Currently, the grass roots operation has 16 collection sites in the greater Atlanta area, located in doctor’s offices, physical therapy/rehabilitation clinics, gyms, and high schools. Pick up can be arranged for items that won’t fit into collection containers (i.e. wheelchairs, hospital beds and other items).</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">In addition to donations of equipment, Embraced welcomes financial donations through PayPal, corporate sponsors, and community-sponsored fundraiser events. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">100% of donations goes towards funding the project’s mission. For more information, visit </span></span><a href="http://www.embracedatlanta.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">www.embracedatlanta.org</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> or call (404) 592-4569.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <!--EndFragment-->Squid Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04156032764181767531noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3620467597357513669.post-76959510778026114102009-12-27T11:48:00.000-08:002010-01-14T11:41:51.104-08:00Recycling Resolution<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">As you prepare to start the New Year, did “Be more green” make it onto your list of resolutions? Start by considering the waste generated through the holiday season and vow to make your 2010 greener. The following are a few post-holidays recycling tips.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Packaging</span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">When possible, save reusable bits of wrapping paper, tissue, ribbons, gift bags and boxes for reuse for future gifts. Sort by type and neatly store in large gift bags hung on hangers in the spare closet. Recycle plastic clamshells and cardboard packaging in the curbside recycling bin. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">For future gift giving reduce packaging by using gift bags and decorative boxes that don’t require additional </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">paper wrapping. Just add a fabric or biodegradable raffetta bow. Consider greener packaging options like biodegradable paper, post-consumer paper, newspapers (such as the brightly colored comics section), brown craft paper or butcher paper decorated with food coloring instead of paint or glitter (which shouldn't be composted). </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">The UPS Store accepts returned packing peanuts or, better yet, find the type that biodegrades in water. Instead of packaging peanuts, use crumbled newspapers, craft paper or popped popcorn for cushioning. Ask the recipient of your gifts to "Please Recycle" after they've opened their gifts.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Greeting Cards</span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">While many </span></span><a href="http://www.elfyourself.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">electronic holiday cards</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> are available, there’s something special about receiving handwritten greetings the old fashioned way. When purchasing greeting cards, avoid those that feature foiled envelopes and embellishments. These can’t be tossed into recycle bins. Look for cards made from recycled content which can be recycled again. Look for speciality cards made with compostible paper or seed cards (that can be torn </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">up and planted to sprout up spring flowers).</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">A few creative ways to reuse old Christmas cards include cutting off the backs and making them into postcards, gift tags, ornaments or decorations. Frame or laminate the most sentimental or prettiest ones to display on tables, walls or mantels.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">School classrooms can use old cards for craft projects, illustrations, laminated placemats or coasters. Cut off the backs of old cards, bundle and send by U.S. Post to </span></span><a href="http://stjudesranch.org/help_card.php"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">St. Jude's Ranch</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> - they will make new cards from old ones. Send to: St. Jude’s Card Recycling, 100 St. Jude Street, P.O. Box 60100, Boulder City, NV 89006.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Lights</span></span></b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Trade in your old string of lights for energy efficient LED strands. They burn cooler, last longer, and use </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">much less electricity. Check out sales after the holidays. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Christmas Tree</span></span></b></p><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 123px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCFJaoh7wECsxPl8q8ANdES9vbM4lrAlGZkxWb1XV_eZjFmswGVeKGP5vGdWIVD5xhMs856Qx9InK5wPUJGqPKWqs_L9z6qsNye0I3dM8mrOd_32i_-YCIK5Z9278q3PIdzlE_j2b-tzk/s200/IMG_2177.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426681148886870466" /><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">For some, artificial trees may be easier and cleaner to set up and maintain than fresh cut trees. Them come prelight, don’t require water, won’t shed needles, and are better for the allergy prone. A quality one will last for many years and won't require driving around town each year to pick up. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">For those who prefer real Christmas trees, the benefits are they produce oxygen, prevent soil erosion, and provide shelter for wildlife while they are growing on tree farms. Trees are are harvested when they are about 4-5 years old. Tree farms plant replacement saplings for those that are cut. If you purchased one with </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">it’s root ball still intact, you can plant it in your yard after the holidays.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Some communities offer curbside pick up of yard waste, including Christmas trees, but branches must be cut down to less than four-feet long and bound by twine.</span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">In some areas, trees are sunk to the bottom of lakes, ponds, or the ocean to create temporary shelter for fish. Trees can also be chipped for mulch. Additionally, fresh greenery from wreaths or centerpieces can be composted. Make sure to remove all the lights, ornaments and tinsel before recycling.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">As a part of a statewide effort, </span></span><a href="http://www.keepgeorgiabeautiful.org/default.asp"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Keep Georgia Beautiful</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> hosts the annual </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Bring One for the Chipper</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> on Saturday, January 9, 2010. Participating recyclers will receive a seedling while supplies last. Find participating locations at the KGB web site.</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Check with your local solid waste department, Boy Scout troop, or Keep America Beautiful affiliate for more participating Christmas tree recycling events and year round recycling efforts. Have a Happy Green New Year. </span></span></span></span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Squid Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04156032764181767531noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3620467597357513669.post-70864116755661126962009-12-27T07:02:00.000-08:002010-01-13T10:12:51.579-08:00Scrooge's Wife Saves More Than Pennies<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">What happened after Ebenezer Scrooge transformed into a joyous loving soul following his night of A Christmas Carol? According to poet laureate Carol Ann Duffy, he married. Her new poem, </span></span><a href="http://tinyurl.com/6uwdd2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Mrs. Scrooge</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">, introduces his eco-conscious widow. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">She recycles, shuns plastic bags and water bottles, turns down the heat and turns off the lights. She buys secondhand and attempts to educate holiday shoppers against the evils of consumerism, the mistreatment of animals, and global warming. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">In this modern version of the holiday tale, her frugal habits are meant to save the planet. It has less to do with being a stingy selfish cheapskate like her husband's former self. In 2010, l</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">et us all e</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; line-height: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">mbrace her husband's encouraging words, </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">"</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Never give up. Don't think one ordinary human life can make no difference - for it can!"</span></span></span></span></span></p>Squid Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04156032764181767531noreply@blogger.com0