paint your porch ceiling blue

Everyday, as they say, you learn something new. Today for me, it was this: people paint their porch ceilings blue to keep bugs away. Maybe I never noticed or never thought about it, but as my dear friend Anne was talking about this, we happened upon a porch with a blue ceiling.


Blue porch ceiling in Sea Cliff, NY

I did a little search to find out more about this tradition and it turns out there are other reasons people choose pale blue for their porch ceilings. Some do it to keep wasps from nesting and some to create the illusion of blue sky above. Still others do it to ward off evil spirits.

In the South, there's a name for this special hue, it's called haint blue. A haint is a spirit or ghost and some people even paint the trim on their house haint blue to keep the scaries away.

No matter the reason, it can be a soothing color to choose for your porch. Just be sure to opt for a zero- or low-VOC (volatile organic compound) exterior paint like those from Mythic Paint or Best Paint Company.



[Sources: My friend Anne and NPR]

park(ing) day this friday!

What the heck is Park(ing) Day?

Park(ing) Day is an international event that reclaims over 200 parking spots in 50 cities around the world and transforms them into engaging public spaces for one day a year.

Park(ing) Day NYC is an effort of the New York City Streets Renaissance which offers individuals and groups small grants to turn more than 50 parking spots throughout New York City's 5 boroughs into human-friendly places for a single day. These small, temporary public spaces provide a breath of relief from the auto-clogged reality of New York City, and aim to spark a dialogue about our valuable public space and how we choose to use it.

There's a spot not too far from me on the other side of the park at Cortelyou Ave and Argyle Rd. This particular park is hosted by Sustainable Flatbush blogger Anne Pope.

Sound like a good idea to you? Join the fun and find a spot in 4 out of the 5 boroughs.


[Image: Keka Marzagão]

[Park(ing) Day via Brooklyn Based]

this one's for the ladies

My friend Alison swears by this book. She says every woman of childbearing age should own it. That it tells you things that no one has ever told you about your health but that you need to know.

Here's the book:
Taking Charge of Your Fertility, 10th Anniversary Edition: The Definitive Guide to Natural Birth Control, Pregnancy Achievement, and Reproductive Health by Toni Weschler



The Amazon review:

This comprehensive book explains in lucid, assured terms how to practice the fertility awareness method (FAM), a natural, scientifically proven but little-known form of birth control (which is not to be confused with the woefully ineffective "rhythm" method). Author Toni Weschler has been teaching fertility awareness for almost 20 years, and it's only just now gaining in popularity. As the book explains, by using simple fertility signs including peaks in morning body temperature and changes in cervical position and cervical mucus, it's possible to determine when ovulation is taking place. Fertility awareness is therefore useful for not only couples who are trying to conceive, but for those who are aiming to avoid pregnancy without the use of chemical contraceptives. It will be of special interest to those women who have suffered from infertility; many FAM practitioners have told the author that by filling in the detailed charts in the book, they've realized that they were chronically miscarrying, even when their doctors told them they weren't conceiving at all. As the book explains, by charting body temperature, it's simple to tell when pregnancy has occurred--and when there's danger of miscarriage. Taking Charge of Your Fertility also explains how to choose the sex of your baby by timing intercourse according to certain fertility signs. It also features thorough, easy-to-understand explanations of hormones, the menstrual cycle, and menopause, along with fertility tests and treatments and their long- and short-term side effects, plus a topnotch resource section. Recommended for any woman who wants to better understand her body.
--Erica Jorgensen --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title. (Though I'd think it's not far off.)

While some of the customer reviews (8 out of 1,065) say this book is not helpful, or not appropriate for women with fertility issues, 981 reviewers gave the book 5 stars (that's a 92% approval rating). If you're thinking about pregnancy, how to conceive or how to prevent it, this book may be for you!

5 actions you can take right now

• Support wind farms vs coal mining [Coal River Wind]
• Urge moderators to ask candidates about climate change in the debates [Environmental Defense]
• Help keep dangerous chemicals out of household products [Care2 Petition Site]
• Lower gas prices by supporting clean energy not drilling [Union of Concerned Scientists]
• Help farmers recover from Hurricane Ike's destruction [Farm Aid]

VS

You can also pledge to help stop mountaintop removal by clicking and signing on my iLoveMountains link to the right!

dust bunnies, beware!

I've been rearranging some things in our apartment, finding new uses for existing furniture. But I've discovered something in the process -- man, this place is dusty! I'd like to chase away the dust bunnies, but I don't want to grab chemically fresh Pledge or any of its kin -- that stuff gives me a headache. So I'm whipping up some natural furniture cleaner.


[Image: Lisa Martin, Dust Bunny Challenge]

I did a little research and all it takes is a simple salad dressing. Really. All you need is some vinegar (distilled white works just fine, apple cider works but might stain) and a touch of olive oil or jojoba oil (it keeps longer 'cause it doesn't go rancid). Or some lemon juice and a bit of olive oil if you prefer the lemony fresh scent. Just dip a soft cloth (I used a thick cotton t-shirt rag) in the mixture and wipe on wood furniture. Works like a charm.

Here's a simple recipe using lemon oil, courtesy Annie Bond of Care2:

Lemon Oil Duster
Make sure the lemon oil is pure essential oil and doesn't contain petroleum distillates.

10 drops lemon oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
A few drops olive oil or jojoba

Dip a soft recycled cloth, such as one of flannel, in the lemon oil mixture, and wipe furniture.

the chevy volt revealed!

You've probably seen the ads for the new Chevy Volt showing the sporty concept version of this electric plug-in hybrid. Well, it doesn't look quite as sporty... more like Camry meets Malibu (thank you for the analogy, you know who you are). I guess they wanted to appeal to the masses, which is fine with me. The more drivers choosing clean powered vehicles, the better.

The concept


The production version

Check out a bunch of beauty shots at Jalopnik.

Read more at CNET.

Read the full PR below:

Chevrolet Volt Leads General Motors Into Its Second Century DETROIT - General Motors launched its next 100 years today by unveiling the much-anticipated production version of the Chevrolet Volt - a vehicle that delivers up to 40 miles of gasoline- and emissions-free electric driving, with the extended-range capability of hundreds of additional miles.

"Revealing the production version of the Chevy Volt is a great way to open our second century," said Rick Wagoner, GM Chairman and CEO. "The Volt is symbolic of GM's strong commitment to the future ... just the kind of technology innovation that our industry needs to respond to today's and tomorrow's energy and environmental challenges."

Form follows function
The design of the Chevrolet Volt production car has evolved from the original concept that was unveiled at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Because aerodynamics plays a key role in maximizing driving range, GM designers created an aerodynamically efficient design for the production vehicle. Many of the design cues from the concept vehicle endure in the production Volt, including the closed front grille, athletic stance, rear design graphics, outside rearview mirrors and more. The Volt's rounded and flush front fascia, tapered corners and grille are functional, enabling air to move easily around the car. In the rear, sharp edges and a carefully designed spoiler allow the air to flow off and away quickly. An aggressive rake on the windshield and back glass help reduce turbulence and drag.

Working closely with GM aerodynamicists to shape the Volt, design and engineering teams developed one of the most aerodynamic vehicles in GM's history. They spent hundreds of hours with the Volt in GM's wind tunnel, testing and re-testing parts such as the front and rear quarter panels, rear spoiler, rockers and side mirrors. Aerodynamic improvements enabled GM to reach the Volt's target of driving up to 40 miles (based on EPA city cycle) without using gasoline or producing emissions.

Read the rest here.

glamorous camping?

My boyfriend hates camping. The discomfort of sleeping on the ground, the syncopated cacophony of crickets and frogs, the inaccessibility to running water. But what about glamping?

This supposedly eco-friendly form of camping -- think luxury safari complete with raised platform tents or yurts and real beds -- might just appeal to him. The purist would probably disagree that this is actually camping or truly low-impact, but it's less stressful on the environment than a conventional resort with reduced energy and water usage. And it's one step closer to nature than a hotel or lodge would be.


[Image: Clayoquot Glamping Resort via Trendhunter]

From the NY Times:

At Mille Étoiles, a campsite with 14 yurts in the Rhône-Alpes region of France overlooking the dramatic Ardèche River gorge, the tents are built on oak and ash platforms and furnished (four-poster beds, oriental rugs, antiques) so guests feel, said Lodewijk van den Belt, one of the owners, “like you are in an Edwardian safari tent.” ...

On the California coast an hour south of San Francisco is Costanoa (www.costanoa.com), a lodge and camp surrounded by 30,000 acres of state parks and wildlife preserves, visitors would be hard-pressed to call their 76 tented bungalows “tents.” They are like stand-alone rooms with canvas walls and ceilings, hardwood floors and made-up beds with heated mattress pads (“So we can save energy by keeping the bungalow’s heat lower,” said Trevor Bridge, Costanoa’s general manager.)

While guests can choose to stay in the lodge or in a cabin, Mr. Bridge says the bungalows are sold out every summer and are popular even through the autumn (there are three comfort stations with bathrooms and showers). Campers can cook their own food on grilling stations throughout the campsite (picnic food and coal are available at the general store), or eat meals at the restaurant. There are an outdoor hot tub and a 24-hour dry sauna and spa. Weekend rates for a tented bungalow that can sleep three starts at $115.

Unfortunately, glamping isn't always quite as economical as regular ol' camping. At Paws Up in Montana, the rate starts at $695 per night for two (with all 3 meals included). And at Clayoquot on Vancouver Island, Canada, it's about $4500 US for the minimum 3-nights' stay -- on par with the price of a luxe African safari.

Read more about glamping in the NY Times.

greenwash hogwash

Eco-buyer Beware! is the title of a Time magazine article about all the greenwashing that's happening these days now that the sustainable lifestyle has hit primetime. The fear is that all of the illegitimate claims are not only going make it difficult for consumers to determine who is telling the truth, but the frustration that comes with it will bring down the whole green movement.

An excerpt:

If you're not yet sick of seeing whirling wind turbines and sun-dappled solar panels on TV, you will be: the new fall season is likely to feature a flood of green advertising. It's gotten so bad that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has been holding hearings over the past year to define the difference between genuine environmental claims and empty greenwash. It's not easy--and environmental advocates worry that truly green companies could get lost in all the clamor.

Read the full story.

[Image: Erik++ via Treehugger]

vegetarian shrinkage

A wake up call to vegetarians: get your vitamin B12!

A new study out of Melbourne, Australia has found that vegetarians are 6 times more likely to experience brain shrinkage than meat-eating counterparts. I haven't been able to find the actual study (which makes me a little suspicious, 'cause this news is going like hotcakes 'round the net). The reason for the brain shrinkage is said to be due to lack of vitamin B12, an essential nutrient only found in meat and yeast extracts like Marmite (or how 'bout a nice Vegemite sandwich?).

The part of the brain that's most affected by the shrinkage is the hippocampus, which is responsible for short term memory and spatial memory. So vegetarians and vegans, don't forget: take your vitamins!

[Source: Times of India]

The best daily vitamin supplements I've found are from New Chapter Organics. They seem expensive at around $45 a bottle, but that's for a 90 days (3 months) supply. They're made with organic ingredients and have double the recommended daily dose of B12. These vitamins are considered a cultured whole food, which means that the body will easily digest the nutrients in their most active form.

Every Woman's One Daily (90 tablets for $45.12)

• Naturally gluten free
• 100% vegetarian
• No artificial flavors or colors
• Each tablet contains 800 mcg of folate, a vitamin essential for woman's health, especially before and during pregnancy
  

Full nutrition info here.


Every Man's One Daily (90 tablets for $45.11)

• Naturally gluten free
• 100% vegetarian
• No artificial flavors or colors

Full nutrition info here.

eco news roundup: wildlife

• Will Central Africa's Forest Wildlife Be Eaten into Extinction? [Scientific American]
• Shhh, Listen — Rare Soundscapes of Vanishing Habitats [Wired]
• Greenland may break with international whale hunting restrictions [Green Daily]
• Roadsides can help bees survive [Green Daily]

eco news roundup: autos

• Home-Brewed Biodiesel Goes Primetime [Wired]
• Diesel Ford Fiesta Smokes Prius, Gets 62.5 MPG [Jalopnik]
• Peugeot Bringing a Hybrid to Le Mans [Wired]
• You'll Need The Gas Savings With Mercedes' $100K Hybrid [Wired]

62.5MPG Ford Fiesta (not for US!)

bug life

Watching insects is fascinating to me. Their world, the way they conduct their lives, is so alien to the way of humans. They seem to have a different order of business than us -- efficient, clearly purposeful. A bee goes from flower to flower, industriously collecting pollen. A butterfly, another pollinator, flutters over the ocean waves, down the beach, migrating south to die.

This weekend we went out to my [boyfriend's] sister and brother-in-law's place on Long Island. I captured (on camera) two small creatures -- both predators -- going about their business.

Mr. Mantis
For all I know he was a she. But we'd seen he/she before in the very same spot a few months earlier. I'm not sure what his/her plan was perched on the deck railing, but clearly Mr./Ms. Mantis was comfortable there. He/she was at ease enough to pose for these pictures and didn't move from that spot for at least an hour.


I see you!

We didn't observe any particular industrious behavior from Mr./Ms. Mantis, but among the sea grass he/she was camouflaged rather well from the birds above.

Apparently, mantises have great vision for insects -- they're able to see movement up to 60 feet away. Though a few weeks ago I think we came across a vision-impaired mantis who threw itself in the path of a moving car (pop!). We thought he was in the clear when the first tire missed him, but nope, that second tire got him. It was a sad sight.

Mantises are said to be good for organic gardens, since they eat other insects.

Ms. Spider (aka, Wolf Spider, aka, Wolfmother)
I'm pretty confident of the sex of this creature. This is a female, and I believe it's a cross spider (Araneus diadematus). This particular lady likes to hide in the corner, tucked in the door frame, awaiting her prey. Her male partner hung out in plain sight of us humans, but at a safe distance from the female (the male sometimes gets eaten by the female).



Dinnertime!


Come to mama!

My bro-in-law likes to feed the spider he lovingly calls the Wolf Spider. This particular feeding included a moth appetizer followed by a cricket main course. The cricket tried to play possum, but it clearly didn't work.



She's a beauty

farm aid 2008

What's wrong with our farm system? It's unsustainable, unsupportive to family farmers, and unhealthy to us all. But for over 20 years, Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, and Neil Young (and since 2001, Dave Matthews) have been striving to change that. As the face of Farm Aid, these musicians have seen their positive impact in the success of family farms, in the spread of the Good Food Movement, and through the development of grants that help farmers in need.

The concert
The Farm Aid concert, held next Saturday (9/20) in Mansfield, Massachusetts, is sold out this year. But you can still join the FarmYard fan club. If you join you get:

• A Farmers Kick A$$ totebag
• A chance to get special tickets to the FarmAid Concert
• Year-round access to the members-only site with exclusive photos and video, including the 2008 concert webcast
• 10% discount in the online store
• Quarterly drawings for free autographed items like t-shirts and program books

Who benefits
One of the groups Farm Aid funds is FoodRoutes, a non-profit that provides support to organizations that aim to rebuild local, community-based food systems. One of their efforts is Buy Fresh, Buy Local, which introduces consumers to local produce and the farmers who provide it.

Meet the farmers who've benefited from Farm Aid.

Watch this important message from Neil Young