March/April 2011

MARCH/APRIL 2011 $13.40

ECO CITY: CHICAGO ACCOMMODATIONS, SHOPPING, DINING

NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY FEATURING:

SHANE NEIBART

NEWS: IMPACT OF THE GULF OIL SPILL ONE YEAR LATER

THE GREENEST CARS OF 2011

THE 411 ON ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

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THE REGULARS 4 CONTRIBUTORS 5 EXCURSION UPDATE 6 GREEN TIPS MARCH/APRIL 2011

HEALTH 8 FOOD FOR THOUGHT: RECIPES 10 6 ORGANIC PRODUCTS 12 WHY ORGANIC FOOD IS BETTER

ECO FASHION 14 SPRING TRENDS

PEOPLE 16 NATALIE PORTMAN: MOTHER EARTH

GREEN TRAVELS 18 ECO CITY: CHICAGO ACCOMMODATIONS SHOPPING EATING AND DINING ENTERTAINMENT GETTING AROUND

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NEWS

IMPACT OF THE GULF OIL SPILL: ONE YEAR LATER 34

PHOTOGRAPHY LAKE CONSTANCE: SHANE NEIBART 36

REAL LIFE

CLIMBING MOUNT KILIMANJARO 50 THE WAGNER FARM ARBORETUM 52

TECHNOLOGY THE ROAD TO GOING GREEN 56

THE GREEN DEAL 8 GREAT GREEN GREAT GIFTS UNDER $45 58

BOOKS AND MOVIES BOOK RELEASES AND DOCUMENTARIES 59

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Editor and Publisher Isabelle Jeng

Contributors Allie Cohen

Shane Neibart

This magazine was printed on FSC-certified paper.

Please recycle.

Copyright 2011 © Eco Innovation Magazine All Rights Reserved

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BEAUTIFUL, NATURALLY

GRAND CAYMAN ISLANDS Located: Waters of the Caribbean Why we love it: It has seven miles of pristine beaches, clear turquoise water, and soft, light sand. Things to do: Snorkeling, scuba diving, seafood dining, and romantic late-night walks along the shoreline Best time to visit: May

EXCURSION UPDATE

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MARCH/APRIL 2011 Use the light As winter’s darkness gets further and further away, spring’s bright sunlight comes closer to our windows. Take advantage of the free light – open your blinds and curtains, and do all of your work by sunlight instead of flipping the light switch on when you go from room to room. If you don’t work near a window, bring your stuff to the dining room and use the sunlight there. Every time you turn on the light, 1.5 pounds of carbon dioxide are released into the atmosphere.

Reuse bags When you get home from the grocery store, don’t throw out the plastic bags you used to hold your food – keep the ones without holes in them and store them in a cabinet. The next time you need to put another garbage bag into the garbage can, take one of the plastic bags out and use that instead. You can save money on actual garbage bags and keep more plastic out of the landfills.

Cut down on gas When you find that you need to run multiple errands at a time, load up the car and go to the dry-cleaners, the gas station, and the library in one trip, instead of driving somewhere only to complete one task. You’ll save on gas expenses and reduce carbon emissions.

GREEN TIPS

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For a greener future

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Fresh Fruit Salad Ingredients: 5 cups large green grapes

6 cups strawberries

6 bananas

4 peaches

5 kiwis

Sugar

1. Wash all of the fruits as necessary 2. Remove the peel from the bananas and kiwis, and remove the

leaves from the strawberries. 3. Remove stems from grapes. 4. Slice the strawberries into halves. 5. Slice the kiwi into round pieces. 6. Slice the peaches and bananas into small pieces and remove the pit

from the peach. 7. Put all of the sliced fruits into a large bowl 8. Toss it around so the fruits mix. 9. Refrigerate if desired. 10. Sprinkle sugar onto fruits before eating.

Serves 3

Food for Thought Tired of waiting for the water to boil or the freezer food to defrost? Here are two healthy recipes for you to try out.

Enjoy!

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Pesto Ingredients: 1 box of pasta (your choice)

2 cups of fresh, packed basil

2 cloves of garlic, minced

¼ cup virgin olive oil

Grated Parmesan cheese

1. Boil water and cook pasta

2. Wash the basil and clip off the stems. Put small batches in the food processor and add a bit of olive oil and garlic

3. Chop the basil until there are tiny pieces. Add more small batches and keep chopping. Make sure to pour enough olive oil in to make the basil stick together.

4. After the pasta is finished boiling, pour it into a colander and scrape the basil out of the food processor.

5. Put the pasta into a large bowl. Mix the basil into it 6. Add some Parmesan cheese to the pesto as you like.

Serves 4

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6 ORGANIC PRODUCTS FOR MARCH/APRIL

1 VANILLA BLOSSOM BODY WASH

$20 www.sephora.com

2 NVEY ORGANIC EYE SHADOW

$24 www.econveybeauty.com

3

MOISTURIZING SUNSCREEN LOTION (SPF 30)

$14 www.yvesrocherusa.com

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4

LIP SHINE by RMS BEAUTY

$29 www.saffronrouge.com

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ORGANIC MINERAL EYE SHADOW

$18 www.afterglowcosmetics.com

6

ORGANIC LIP BALM

$10.99 www.justnaturalskincare.com

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You open your refrigerator

door for your routine afternoon snack,

but there doesn’t seem to be

anything you feel like eating in there.

An apple from last night that is

already half-brown … three wrinkled

grapes that fell out of the bag two

weeks ago … and a box of Pops

cereal (what is it doing in there

again?). So you grab the milk and

pour yourself a bowl of cereal …

healthy right? Think again.

With the millions of people in

the world who go hungry every day,

we’re lucky to have many different

meals to choose from. But that

doesn’t mean we should scarf down

everything in sight. With continually

growing health risks every year, it’s

important for us to take care of our

bodies and eat right – and not just

because it’s healthy; it helps the

earth, too.

What exactly are organic

foods? They are naturally grown,

preservative-free, and processed

without the use of pesticides or any

other unnatural fertilization.

Compared to their counterparts,

organic foods have a significantly

higher amount of nutrients, including

higher levels of calcium, magnesium,

and iron, important components of

Vitamin C.

Organic produce is free of all

unnatural additives. For example, a

chicken would have been raised

without the use of growth hormones

or antibiotics. When food is processed

with significantly lower amounts of

artificial flavors, food coloring, and all

that other junk that’s bad for your

body, you’ll not only help yourself, but

you’ll be helping the environment.

After all, pesticides that are used on

farms can eventually harm the whole

food chain.

If the price is an issue, start

small; buy milk, eggs and dairy

products. You should also cut back

on less healthy food each week to

save up and eat healthier, because

your body deserves it.

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Help yourself, help the Earth

Why Organic Food is Better

“Organic food is

free of all unnatural additives.”

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Organic Eggplants

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Jacob Ash Military Hat

$6.95 www.rei.com

Jacob Ash has reconstructed the military hat to look more

sophisticated and stylish, something that looks great with both formal and casual

wear.

Drape Skirt $56

www.jonano.com This soft billowing skirt,

made from organic bamboo and cotton, can be worn for a stroll on a beach or just

around the house.

Athletic Flip-flop $13.20

www.autonomieproject.com Comfortable and well-fit, these deep blue flip-flops

can accompany you anywhere from the streets to

the beach. They’re FSC-certified and fair-trade.

Sunglasses $129

www.sunglasshut.com For every purchase of an eco

sunglass, one tree will be planted. The frame of this

spring necessity was constructed from recycled

metal and plastic.

ECO FASHION

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Pony Spot Boots by Renee

$212 www.beyondskin.co.uk

Who says you can’t wear boots in the spring? Not only are these vegan shoes, but they were made with faux

leather!

Karla Colleto One Shoulder

Angles Swimsuit $285

junoandjove.com This stylish one-piece will

look sharp on the beach with its unique three-tone design!

Tank top $14.98

www.backcountry.com This classic tank top is made

from 100% organic cotton and has an adorable elephant

design on it.

Beach Bag $76

www.seaglassorganic.com This two-color bag with a

unique design can really be used for anything, but we

want to take it to the beach. Better yet, it’s made from

recycled sailcloth!

SPRING TRENDS

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There’s no doubt Natalie Portman’s been busy throughout the last few years with box-office films like Black Swan and No Strings Attached (an upcoming romantic comedy). Although most of her time is tied up in filming, Portman is still an avid environmentalist and has been involved in numerous events advocating environmental awareness. Portman’s efforts to bring attention to such an important cause earn her the title as a timeless eco icon in our eyes.

WORLD PATROL KIDS You may not know this, but Portman has had a respect for the environment ever since she was a child. WPK is a youth group led by children that emphasized the need to recycle, and educated kids about many different aspects of preservation. At the Environmental Media Awards in 2010, when Portman had the honor of presenting the Corporate Responsibility Award, a video was shown of Portman and a few of her friends from WPK singing a song about recycling!

NATALIE PORTMAN: MOTHER EARTH

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MERCURY POLLUTION While pregnant with her baby, Portman wrote a letter addressed to the Environmental Protection Agency asking for more rigid and strict limitations on disposal of mercury. With a child on the way, there’s no question that Portman would want to reform public health. With the help of the Union of Concerned Scientists, she stated: “As you work to prepare and finalize limits on air toxics, we urge you to make these new standards as strong as possible to protect children across the country for generations to come.” Her letter was received well, and the EPA responded by beginning to draft new laws requiring toxic air pollution. REVERTING TO THE GREENSTYLE We’re sure Portman could easily afford any kind of fancy car she dreams of – but she owns a hybrid Prius, setting the ideal model for green-living. At the Oscars in 2005, Portman was among the many celebrities who were asked by the Green Cross International to arrive in energy-efficient cars to promote the environmental cause. SHORT-LIVED TE CASAN SHOES Celebrities aren’t recession-proof. When Portman started her own line of vegan shoes at Te Casan, she didn’t know that it would be shut down since it did not have enough buyers. (They were pretty expensive). But it’s the thought that counts. Being a vegan, Portman’s shoe line advocated animal rights – they were 100% cruelty-free, made without animal products like leather, fur and feathers. If keeping nature in check wasn’t one of her skills, we don’t know what is.

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Chicago Skyline

TRAVEL HIGHLIGHT

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ECO CITY: Chicago

If there were a greenest city contest,

Chicago, Illinois would win, hands down.

According to the U.S. Green Building

Council, it has about 145 LEED-certified

(Leadership in Energy and Environmental

Design) buildings, the most in any city in

the whole world. It doesn’t stop there;

with over 400 feet of sidewalk made of

recycled rubber and hundreds of rooftop

gardens, Chicago is quickly becoming a

world model for environmental

consciousness. The greenness is difficult

to contain – this travel guide lists Eco

Innovation’s top greenest places in

Chicago, so if you’re ever there, bon

voyage!

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1

TOP 5 OF Chi cago Hotel Allegro Chicago The Hotel Allegro Chicago is a Green Seal TM Silver Certified hotel. A truly environmentally-conscious hotel, Allegro has met a list of environmental standards – something not as easy as it sounds. Brightly lit with energy efficient light bulbs, this hotel really does cut down on its use of natural resources. Their cleaning products are completely free of toxic chemicals – you’ll sleep soundly (and safely!) on the rich, soft sheets. The best part? All of their paper and napkins have been made from recycled material, and will continue to be recycled. If you want to travel in sophistication, stop by the Hotel Allegro and enjoy your stay. www.hotelallegro.com

ACCOMMODATIONS

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2 Hotel Burnham A sister hotel of the Allegro, Hotel Burnham is just as green. Every guest room contains a recycling bin, making it extremely convenient to dispose of your plastics. The restaurant has various organic snacks and beverages to choose from so you can eat healthily during every meal. It doesn’t stop there – everything from clothes hangers to electronics is recycled. Guests who arrive in hybrid cars receive a discount, proof that Hotel Burnham advocates clean energy use. www.hotelburnham.com

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3

Hotel Felix It’s no wonder thousands of people flock to the Hotel Felix every month. As a LEED-certified hotel, Felix’s Green Roof Project is in progress. The lobby contains low voltage lighting,

and every room has fluorescent lights. The recycling program is magnificent – the hotel has its own “Recycling Room”, used to sort

all types of recyclables! The spa walls are composed of recycled material, and the fitness room has a recycled floor. Live in luxury while being environmentally conscious at the Hotel Felix! www.hotelfelixchicago.com

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4 Essex Inn The Essex Inn is taking a green initiative with many advanced features to help out the earth. With its own water conservation system, the Essex Inn can save millions of gallons per year. Linens and sheets are washed every third

day of your stay, unless otherwise requested. When you wake up to get some coffee, use a reusable coffee cup as opposed

to that harmful Styrofoam. The Essex Inn is obviously an avid supporter of a clean earth – enjoy your stay knowing that you’re helping them out! www.essexinn.com

Talbott Hotel The Talbott Hotel is a dedicated green lodging. 100% of the hotel’s energy runs on wind! Bath amenities that have not been used, or are partially used, are donated to charities for needy people. When you’re in your room, press the “eco-mode” button – that alerts the hotel staff that you want to change your sheets every other day, and that while you’re gone, the room temperature adjusts to save energy. Dining at the Talbott Hotel is pure heaven – you can eat your delicious Italian cuisine outside in the beautiful Chicago setting. www.talbotthotel.com

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SHOPPING Little Green Baby Little Green Baby is a small boutique located on Rockwell Street. It is one of the most eco-friendly baby stores we have ever encountered! Products include tiny little t-shirts, lunchboxes, and a huge selection of bonnets. The store itself has a beautiful tree mural on the back wall, giving off a warm vibe that welcomes new mothers. Like they say, go green – baby style. www.mylittlegreenbaby.com

Greenheart Shop A nonprofit, eco-friendly, fair-trade store, Greenheart sells everything from organic cotton t-shirts to recycled barn wood photo frames. All products are made from the most sustainable materials; Greenheart supports environmental living. Come visit this cute shop and get green gift sets, holiday themed products, or beautifully crafted jewelry. www.greenheartshop.org

Green Genes “Organic, recycled, and repurposed” is this store’s motto. Green Genes is another store that sells products made from organic and natural materials. Packaging material for shipping like boxes is reused, and items that can no longer be used are donated or used for other purposes. Green Genes teaches its customers that green-living is important, and encourages them to make smart decisions for a greener future. www.green-genes.com

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EATING & DINING Bleeding Heart Bakery Have a craving for cakes? Grab a bite at this scrumptious bakery, one of the oldest organic bakeries in Chicago. Besides using the most organic and healthy ingredients, this bakery use local and sustainable components to create their batches of delicious cupcakes. Get a taste of Chicago for your money’s worth! www.bleedingheartbakery.com

Big Jones Big Jones features “Coastal Southern Cooking” – with the most scrumptious meals made from locally-grown and sustainable food. The healthy ingredients come from farms that believe in the “humane treatment of farm animals.” Whether you’re stopping by for a quick brunch or sitting down to a delicious dinner, Big Jones will serve you with the most nutritious foods, the best of Chicago. Recommendations are the poached shrimp salad and the Cajun Ham and Cheese Omelet. Top off your dinner with a slice of red velvet cake! www.bigjoneschicago.com

Brown Trout If you’re looking for sophisticated dining, Brown Trout is your destination. The seafood comes from natural waters and organic products are used to encourage healthy eating. With their own green roof, Brown Trout grows its own herbs. Sit down for a mouth-watering 12-hour roasted pork shoulder or a delightful Canadian Lady Trout “Cosby” sandwich while your kids enjoy organic chicken fingers. www.browntroutchicago.com

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ENTERTAINMENT Allyu Spa The Ecovian gave the Allyua Spa five leaves for greenness, but we’re giving it six. Why? The Allyu spa treatments are practically 100% natural and organic. Their mission statement says, “We believe in treating ourselves, each other, and the earth with care and respect.” A relaxing massage from expert masseuses or a reflexology treatment will give you time to loosen up. www.allyuspa.com

Notebaert Nature Museum and Green Roof In for a bit of fresh air or a nature tour? This 17,000 square foot roof offers a panorama of the whole city of Chicago. The museum hosts events such as a family Nature Scavenger, tai chi lessons, and other interesting science learning workshops, and also offers volunteer opportunities. www.chias.org

Chicago Botanic Garden The CBG’s mission is to “promote the enjoyment, understanding, and conservation of plants and the natural world.” The 385 acres of garden abounds with various beautiful plants and flowers and gives visitors the chance to absorb stunning site of nature around them. Plant collection displays are also used for scientific research. You can attend workshops, lectures and demonstrations, and even attend the flower show. www.chicagobotanic.org

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GETTING AROUND

Biking The Bicycle Ambassadors Program has been put in effect by Mayor Daley. By 2015, Chicago plans to have about 500 miles of bikeways for bike-riders to cruise on and thousands of bike racks over the city. On city streets right now, there are more than 150 miles of bike lanes, making it both safe and fun to travel.

Public Transportation The Chicago Climate Action Plan is focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and Chicago residents help by using the Chicago Transit Authority bus and train lines. According to the City of Chicago SustainLane Submission, all hybrid buses run on Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel, a much cleaner gas.

Airport The Chicago O’Hare International Airport is LEED-certified! There are green roofs above three different buildings, a highlight of the O’Hare Modernization Program. Additionally, almost all of the construction material used at the airport was recovered and reused to keep them out of the landfills.

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O’Hare International Airport

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Now it’s nearly a year later. The United States government and BP can rush in attempt to clean up the oily mess, but the damage is already done. The oil spill has not only cost BP billions of dollars (and not just in cleaning up), but will impact the nation the most through its fishing industry, tourism, and wildlife.

Louisiana, Florida, and Alabama were hit the hardest by the oil spill, and in only ten months, according to the Alaska Dispatch, approximately 190 million gallons have been spilled. Can you imagine trying to clean that up? The U.S. may be pouring its funds into clean - up projects, and BP may be compensating financially for the trouble, but in the end, who is actually paying for this?

There Aren’t Plenty of Fish in the Sea

For decades, countless families have depended on the fishing industry as the main source of their business, but what happens when marine life is damaged and seafood production decreases? Family-owned restaurants have already seen their share of the silent shops and lack of orders, and to balance the demand for seafood, the prices will definitely increase by at least thirty percent.

But where will our Louisianans, famous for their seafood, attain the much-coveted fish? Suppliers from the East Coast are receiving calls from them, wondering if they can help continue the production through seafood sales. Lobsters and crabs will be considered a luxury from now on. Jennifer Wishon, a correspondent, says, “Some vendors could benefit, but overall, the oil spill is proving disastrous to the entire industry.” The U.S. and BP may be paying for the clean - up, but hundreds of thousands of people who live on the fishing industry will be washed out of business for years to come. Hope is the Thing with Feathers…?

Four hundred different species are threatened by the dangers the oil could cause to their health. These include turtles, innumerable species of birds, whales, shrimp, and few land animals such as the gray fox and white-tailed deer (Source: New Orleans Times – Picayune). The brown pelican, especially, is at risk because it only recently had its name removed from the endangered species list. While some birds do manage to escape the intoxicated lagoon, their feathers become oiled and stained, and they are unable to

Impact of the Gulf Oil Spill ONE YEAR LATER

By Isabelle Jeng

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Hope is the Thing with Feathers…?

Four hundred different species are threatened by the dangers the oil could cause to their health. These include turtles, innumerable species of birds, whales, shrimp, and few land animals such as the gray fox and white-tailed deer (Source: New Orleans Times – Picayune). The brown pelican, especially, is at risk because it only recently had its name removed from the endangered species list. While some birds do manage to escape the intoxicated lagoon, their feathers become oiled and stained, and they are unable to return to the ocean. How does it feel to plunge into the cool blue sea only to find that your home is now a sticky, suffocating hellhole? The worst part? They don’t even know what happened.

Southern Beaches

Everyone dreams of the perfect southern vacation enhanced with swanky seaside hotels and infinite vivacity in the nightlife. How about now? Most all businesses that thrived on the southern weather are beginning to foresee a bleak drop in tourism now; everyone from hotel owners to boat charters are receiving cancellations due to the abrupt decrease in attraction after the oil spill. With a tourism industry that earns up to more than $50 billion dollars a year, that’s a hit in the wallet. In the present generation, however, we realize that there are other places to visit that are just as nice as down South in America. Before long, everyone will know that vacationing in down there is no longer an option, and those nightclubs lit with their neon brights will be forgotten.

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NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY FEATURING:

SHANE NEIBART

“Nature gives to

every time and

season some

beauties of its

own.”

- Charles Dickens

Lake Constance, PA

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Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro

By Allie Cohen

I have always had a love of hiking and being outdoors. Also, after going to Africa with my family a few years ago I was desperate to return. Therefore, I was incredibly excited when I had the opportunity to climb Mount Kilimanjaro this summer. Although the climb presented a daunting physical challenge, I was delighted to be able to go on such an amazing trip.

After spending two weeks working at a local school in Tanzania and preparing by running and getting adjusted to the area’s high elevation, I was ready to start the climb. I went with a group of 11 other kids and 2 counselors. We hiked for about 5 to 6 hours every day for the first 6 days. On the way up we stayed in huts with no showers or modern bathrooms. I became very conscious of my body’s needs because I was under so much physical stress and had only basic resources. I was also highly perceptive of my surroundings. It was fascinating to see how the vegetation and climate changed as we ascended. The first day we started off in a forest, which by the second day changed to moorland. Later

my surroundings. It was fascinating to see how the vegetation and climate changed as we ascended. The first day we started off in a forest, which by the second day changed to moorland. Later it would change to an alpine desert with practically no vegetation.

On the last day, the day we hiked to the summit, we went from walking on sand to walking on snow. We began hiking at midnight, because our guides feared we would be discouraged if we could see the steep trail. We walked at an incredibly slow pace because we were reaching such a high altitude that its effects really began to take a toll. As the hours dragged on, many people got sick and even had to go down. I felt every possible symptom of altitude sickness I could imagine, and the freezing temperature did not help. The highest peak, Uhuru, is about 19,300 feet. As I was approaching it, the air was so thin I could b

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barely take two steps without stopping to catch my breath. However, as I looked around at the ice-covered terrain, I was thrilled to be seeing such a unique part of the world. To be surrounded by such a vast, foreign landscape was an unforgettable experience.

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro gave me a whole new appreciation for nature and how humans connect with it. I have never been more aware of how the environment controls the needs of one’s body. The difficulties I went through because of the altitude and climate taught me how powerful nature can be. Also, I was inspired by the beauty and rarity of my surroundings. I have never seen the vegetation in one area change so rapidly and so profoundly. It showed me that the world is full of natural wonders, and they should be treasured and respected so that we can enjoy them for years to come. I am so grateful to have climbed Mount Kilimanjaro because I got to experience being in one of the incredible places that nature has to offer us.

Have you had a chance to connect with nature? Tell us your story and you could be featured in the next issue of Eco Innovation! [email protected]

Top: Uhuru Peak Middle: Horombo, 12,000 feet up Bottom: Mt. Kilimanjaro Photos: Allie Cohen

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The Wagner Farm Arboretum Located in the heart of suburban Warren, New Jersey By Isabelle jeng

It’s always busy at the Wagner Farm – you can register for a plot at the community garden and plant fruits and vegetables all summer long. There are always people there; some prefer the morning, others the evening. Just watch out for the mosquitoes. Some days you might find Ernie there, the director of the Giving Garden. Maybe he’ll be sitting under the gazebo, shading himself from the sun, and sometimes he’s hard at work, clearing the rows of soil from weed.

Volunteers from all over the general area around Warren visit the farm in the summer. The Giving Garden needs the most work. Why is it called that? The WFS doesn’t just promote organic growth of food – the food produced from the Giving Garden is donated to help people in n

need, hence helping fight hunger. Volunteers perform a multitude of tasks, requiring preparation for the most miscellaneous jobs. It’s hard work, considering the 90 degree temperatures at noon and the lack of shade in the bright sun. One volunteer said, “I spent a good thirty minutes pulling carrots out from a boxed plot, and the next fifteen minutes plucking peas from their stalks. The next day, I created mounds in an empty square plot and planted about 100 seeds. I was running around and filling the watering cans every hour to water the rectangular plots. The sun is out all day so it’s important for them to get as much water as they can.” At the end of the day, the laborers’ backs hurt, their eyes are sore from avoiding the sun’s harsh glare, and their feet hurt from walking around so much. “But it’s

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all worth it,” another volunteer insists. You look around and think, ‘It’s been a long day, but we’ve gotten so much done – I’ve cleared the weeds in three different areas, dug trenches for the new squash plants, and washed the dirty carrots. I’m sweating and there’s dirt all over me, but I’m happy because I can move on to the cabbage and broccoli tomorrow.”

The property is so large that sometimes walking from one place to another takes up just as much time as doing the job itself. Across the parking lot of the Giving Garden, a smaller fenced garden, the Children’s Garden, also needs work. This is where kids from the local schools come for field trips, to learn about farming or planting. Right outside the fence is a circle of tree stumps, for sitting. Cute benches surround the fencing, creating a friendly and fun atmosphere. There’s even a bush maze with an arched entrance, further emphasizing the creativity of the farm structure. When you’re picking weeds at the Giving Garden and realize that the Children’s Garden needs work, too, the long walk across the gravel is something to look forward to – it’s serene and quiet.

Adding to the tranquility, this farm is surrounded by the most unique setting. Behind the farm sits a vast field of yellow grass, empty and overgrown. For acres, you can only see the woods and the Passaic River that flows between the trees. No one lives near the farm – it’s as if it was pulled out of a rural area and fit comfortably around the suburban town. There’s grassland across the road from the Wagner Farm,

town. There’s just a field of grass across the road from the Wagner Farm, and once in a while a car will drive past. You can really feel as one with the omnipresent nature – during one of my short breaks, I lied down on the grass and just watched the blue sky and the white clouds, listening to the bird chirps. One time a rabbit got into the Giving Garden and spent almost a week hopping around in it. When you close your eyes, it’s like everything rushes out of your head and the breeze lets you relax. The social experience is just as rich as the physical experience, though. The people at the community garden are outgoing and extremely interesting to talk to. Despite the age differences, there’s always something funny to laugh about, and I still keep in touch with a woman I met there two years ago, Lori. I only worked at the Wagner Farm for two months during one summer, but the experience was really just unforgettable, and not just because it was different from other volunteer opportunities I’ve done. It taught me how to handle stepping out of my comfort zone, and how to make the best of an experience that at first seems daunting. Farming may not be much of a trend in this century, but I’m glad I learned how to do it, and experienced the physical discomforts firsthand. When looking back to that summer, I think that what really got me going was how much nature was surrounding me and how much I appreciated working in such great proximity to it.

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The Road to Going Green The Most Eco-Friendly of 2011

Honda Civic GX

The 2011 Honda Civic runs on

100% natural gas – meaning there

are practically zero emissions. The

American Council for an Energy

Efficient Economy voted it as the

greenest vehicle of the year. The

Honda Civic can run for up to 36

miles per gallon, but driving times

must be carefully planned so it

doesn’t run out of gas. Want to

save a bunch of money for your

gas? Get the Honda Civic – it

only costs $25,000 and produces

75% fewer emissions than

conventional cars.

Technology

Ford Fusion Hybrid 2011

No doubt the Ford Fusion is one of

the greenest of the year. This car

can be driven at 41 miles per

gallon on the streets, and a

whopping 36 miles per gallon on

the highway. Priced at just a little

less than 30K, this affordable ride

will last you for years to come.

Standard features include a

leather steering wheel and

upgraded cloth seats, allowing

you to go green in style. With fuel-

efficient hybrid power, you can

save thousands of dollars on gas

per year and reduce emissions by

tons.

Lotus Elise

Want to drive a sporty car? The

Lotus Elise luxury sedan is priced

at almost $50,000 (yikes!) but it will

definitely be worth your money.

With a 46 mile per gallon

mileage, this car produces the

least amount of carbon dioxide

emissions out all the high-

performance sports cars,

according to netcarshow.com!

With an electric motor, the Lotus

Elise is battery-operated. Go from

0 to 60 in a mere 6 seconds, and

you’re cruising down the green

road.

www.ecoist.com

www.ecoist.com

www.globalgoodspartners.com www.thedailygreen.com

8Great Green Gifts under $45 for ANY occasion

Bamboo Breakfast Tray $45

This tray will become your best friend in the morning when you feel like relaxing in bed. It’s

made from recycled newspaper and coated with natural varnish.

Clutch $38

This sophisticated Ecoist accessory is made from recycled candy wrappers, proving that you can be green and stylish. It is waterproof and features a

detachable wristlet.

Clay Candle Holders $10

Choose from blue or green wax in a blackish-‐brown holder.

These tiny gifts will accent your home – or the home of whoever

you buy it for.

Eco-‐Herb Planter $11

Can’t find fresh herbs to go with that plate of pasta? These potted plants will supply you with yummy cooking. Keep them in the

kitchen year-‐round so you can enjoy them in

the winter!

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www.branchhome.com

www.greenfeet.com

www.uncommongoods.com

www.earthlust.com

Jimi Wallet $15

Made from 100% recycled plastic, these small money-‐holders are compact, water-‐

resistant, and recyclable! Choose from six fun colors and slide it into your front pocket when

you go out.

Reusuable Coffee Cup $9.75

Need a wake-‐up call? Buy this coffee cup for just under $10. The reusable silicon sleeve is a better alternative that keeps

cardboard waste out of landfills.

Journal $25

Have an urge to write a story or just fill up your diary? This beautiful plant-‐themed journal is here to listen. It’s pure joy in the form of 150 recycled pages!

Earthlust Tree Bottle $20.50

This one-‐liter metal bottle made with

naturally safe material can be reused, reducing the amount of plastic

that won’t be recycled. It comes with a caribiner attached to the cap for

easy transport.

ECO PICK

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Eaarth: Making a Life on a Tough Planet Written by Bill McKibben Buy it at: www.barnesandnoble.com

The Fate of Nature: Rediscovering Our Ability to Rescue the Earth Written by Charles Wohlforth Buy it at: www.amazon.com

Plastic Planet Documentary Directed by Werner Boote Buy it at: www.amazon.com

The Last Mountain Directed by Bill Haney In theatres June 2011

BOOKS AND MOVIES

Four Fish: The Future of the Last Wild Food Written by Paul Greenberg Release: May 2011

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PHOTO CREDITS:

CONTACT:

Pg. 9: top, healingdream/freedigitalphotos.net, bottom: domdeen/freedigitalphotos.net, pg. 12: Freedigitalphotos.met, pg. 18-19: Joe Pena, pg. 20: Hotel Allegro Chicago, pg. 21: Hotel Burnham, pg. 22-23 all: Hotel Felix, pg. 24: The Talbott Hotel, pg. 25: top - Arvind Balaraman, bottom – Nuchy Lee, pg. 26: middle – Hannah Chapman, bottom – Jean Scheijen, pg. 27: Kim Sledgister, pg. 29: Big Jones, pg. 30: top-Bleeding Heart Bakery, bottom-Brown Trout, pg. 34-35: Geri-Jean Blanchard, pg. 52. 54-55: Suzanne Smith

To contribute: [email protected] General information: [email protected] Visit: www.ecoinnovationmagazine.com

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More than 65,000 acres of rainforest are destroyed every day.

Visit www.ran.org to learn more.

March/April 2011

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Transcript of March/April 2011