Green America Announces Green Grants Contest

Do you have a favorite local-community project? If so, now is your chance to give the project a little financial love. The national non-profit Green America is giving away four grants to inspiring local-community projects that bring together both the people and planet aspects of being green. And Green America is turning to folks like you and me for help.

How do you know if the project you have in mind fits the Green Grants Contest?

Personally, what I love about this contest is that the winners are not just focused on environmental responsibility but on social justice as well. It’s a new and complete way to define the word “green”… social justice + environmental responsibility = green.

Also, the projects you nominate do not have to be run by a non-profit. That’s right. Local schools, civic associations, religious groups, business owners, and even individuals are eligible as long as their project addresses both the people and planet aspects of being green.

Green America will provide one Grand Prize of $2,500 and three First Prizes of $1,000. Nominations will be accepted through June 7 and then Green America’s members will be invited to vote on the top ten nominees. The winners will be announced in late July.

If you believe your favorite local-community project qualifies then visit Green America to learn more. Good luck!

Who Is Mother Earth?

Who is Mother Earth?

The ancient Greeks first embraced the concept of Mother Earth. Mother Earth (or Gaia as she was known) was the mother of all of the gods. She gave birth to both the sea and the sky and was the source of all life. While the other more violent gods ultimately supplanted Gaia, she remained the mother of all in Greek mythology.

In more recent years, Dr. James Lovelock resurrected Gaia when he gave her name to the Gaia Hypothesis - a scientific theory that states that all of the living elements of the planet are actually part of one living ecosystem. What we do to the planet, we do to ourselves.

Rather than being a doom and gloom theory, Lovelock maintains that Gaia will prevail, regardless of what we do to her. Instead of being afraid for Mother Earth, Lovelock’s theory states that it is we who should be afraid. According to Lovelock, if we threaten her enough, Gaia will eliminate us to ensure that her ecosystem will survive - confirming once and for all that it isn’t a really good idea to mess with Mother Nature!

Mother’s Day gifts that don’t cost the Earth!

Mother’s Day gifts that don’t cost the Earth!

Good bet: Organic and/or locally-grown flowers

Better yet: A potted plant that comes with an offer to help plant it in her garden

Good bet: Organic and/or fair trade chocolates

Better yet: Hand-made goodies from your own kitchen

Good bet: Cards that are made from recycled paper, “tree-free” materials such as hemp or botanical paper embedded with seeds for planting

Better yet: Handmade cards made from recycled materials that send the message, “I care enough about you to make a one-of-a-kind greeting that is as unique as you are.”

Good bet: Natural personal care products and perfumes that are made from essential oils and natural ingredients

Better yet: A gift certificate for a spa treatment or a natural therapy such as a massage, aromatherapy or reflexology

Good bet: Brunch at her favourite restaurant

Better yet: A picnic lovingly prepared and served in her own backyard

Good bet: Gift wrap made from recycled materials

Better yet: Use tea towels or hand towels for gift wrap that can be reused over and over.