Enjoy this newscast from Cleveland’s WKYC, where you get a little ‘behind-the-scenes’ look at WE ADD UP. Original airdate: April 22, 2008

We’re very proud of Beachwood High School’s “Green Dream.” Check out the mission of this group and get inspired in YOUR school!

We are a nation obsessed with food and I have to admit I’m right there with everyone else.  I’ve been working at changing my eating and buying habits to foods that are organic and/or locally produced.  What a challenge!  Now I have another challenge to add to that, one online food site has come up with a carbon calculator so I can see how much my dinner contributes to global warming.  Curious to see how your fare fairs?  Go here Low Carbon Diet Calculator. 

Bon Appitite!

Deb

Americans used to be known for speaking their minds.  When our government was off track, we were very vocal about letting them know what we wanted.  So where’s our voice now?  Where in the questioning of presidential candidates are the indepth interviews about future energy policy or climate change? The Congress isn’t going anywhere, why aren’t we putting pressure on them to press forward?   Our voices should be clamoring for answers and instead we’re silent.   

We are missing a huge ecomonic opportunity to be leaders in alternative energy technology and manufacturing.  Instead, while we do nothing, other countries are taking up the lead and we’ll be buying from them.  This article from the NYTimes sums up what our future will be if we continue to do nothing.

Can individual people impact the world?  For the answer just check your history book.  If we don’t speak up, it will be business as usual.  Our future will be dependence on other countries for technology, manufacturing, and oil.  Try your voice America, it still works.  You can make a difference. 

Deb

As further evidence of global warming’s effect, a huge portion of ice recently broke off of the Wilkins Ice Shelf in the Antarctic. This piece was 7 times the size of Manhattan! More details here.

 And even more details here.

We’re located in Ohio, and as you can imagine, primary election fever is strong here.  Seems everywhere you look a presidential candidate is waiting to meet us, our favorite TV shows are interrupted by the voice of Hillary or Barack.  It’s an exciting time to get to choose the direction we want our country to head.  Each of the candidates, McCain included, have comprehensive climate strategies on their agenda as president.  Yet, addressing climate change has not been given much attention in the debates or ads we’ve seen.  If you’re attending an upcoming rally or meeting in your neighborhood, or at any opportunity you get, make sure to be vocal and “Demand Change” in our climate and energy policies.  Demand the candidates talk openly about their commitments and ideas.  And, show that WE ADD UP with your Demand Change organic tee.

A study in Science journal reveals that only about 4% of the world’s oceans remain undamaged by human activity. The first detailed global map shows how climate change, pollution, fishing, and other human activities have taken their toll. All the more reason to keep recycling (keep that plastic out of the oceans) and commit to more activities that lessen your impact. We highly recommend you check out this article and see the maps. The good news is that the maps provide a good guide of the best places to focus conservation efforts.

Healthy and Tasty Tip of the Day:  Do you love seafood, but are concerned about the effects of overfishing and heavy metals?  We recently met Randy Hartnell, veteran fisherman and founder of Vital Choice, a company that provides only the absolute highest quality wild seafood.  They don’t sell to stores, they only sell directly to the customer.  Their seafood has the highest level of nutrients and the lowest level of contaminants of any seafood out there.  And, the taste is unbeatable.  Randy also happens to be a really great guy, motivated by all the right reasons.  Check out his company, Vital Choice.  He says, “Few retailers seek – or are able to identify – the best wild Alaska Salmon, less than 1% of which meet strict Vital Choice standards.”

Are you celebrating Valentine’s Day today with some of those cute candy hearts? “Be Mine.” “Kiss Me.” “I Love You.” Sounds innocent enough. But, the truth is, there are some not-so-eco-friendly ingredients in the hearts that are hard not to love. Maybe it’s time we find some alternative ways to spread the love and satisfy our sweet tooth. Read the full store here.

My advice?  Show the planet some love-  skip the candy hearts and shower together.  Happy Valentine’s Day!