My “aha” moment came at the hospital. In the third floor surgery waiting room, to be exact. I had brought up rice bowls from the café downstairs while a friend and I waited anxiously for the surgeon to reappear.
I looked in the bag and sighed…napkins, a plastic fork, salt packets, even though I had requested none of these and had grabbed a couple of stainless spoons and a china plate before they could protest. “I promise I’ll bring them back,” I said, bolting out the door.
But the fork looked—promising. Not your typical flimsy plastic affair, to break at the first stab into even the soggiest rice bowl. But a substantial, hefty, satin-finished thing of beauty. I turned it over to check for logos or the telltale dot left from the plastic manufacturing process. Nothing. Hm. Putting it to the true test, I nibbled hesitantly at the handle to see what it was made of. I looked up to see my friend staring at me. We both burst out laughing at the oddity of my gnawing at the fork, a welcome break from the stress of waiting for the surgeon’s report.
Finding the compostable fork in the carryout bag buoyed my spirits. I’ve had many disappointing plant-based polymer experiences, from leaking deli containers to the melting soup bowls at the family reunion. I’m always on the lookout for a better product.
So I ran back downstairs to ask the café employees where the flatware came from. They obligingly pulled out bags full of forks and spoons, noting with pride that the manufacturer had recently replaced even the plastic packaging itself with compostable bags. They said they had none of the usual problems with melting that can plague plant-based flatware. Back in the waiting room I plugged in my laptop and looked up the manufacturer—a mere hundred miles away!—and discovered the corn-based forks have a melting point of 185 degrees—not boiling, certainly, but pretty good. I’d rather not eat anything hotter than that, anyway.
Flushed with pride at my discovery, I savored the rest of my rice bowl. But what to do with my now slightly mangled fork? The café couldn’t take it back. I slipped it into my briefcase, knowing chances were slim I’d ever use it again; it would probably end up getting tossed into the city composting bin after riding around with me a few weeks.
I thought about the corn that someone grew, watered and fertilized, and harvested. The energy spent in designing and manufacturing the fork, packing it up and sending it, probably via diesel-fueled truck from Portland. Although I’d sure rather have bits of corn in my compost than a plastic fork wending its way down the creek into the ocean, I’m not sure that single-use fork is the best answer for the environment.
Unlike my stainless spoon. On the way out of the hospital that night, I slipped it into the bussing tray at the café to rejoin its mates with a satisfying clank. It’ll enjoy many reuses, have a story or two to tell, and probably outlast me in the process.
Mary Robertson
Eugene Contributing Editor
Mary Robertson serves as contributing editor to Cape Fear’s Going Green. She lives in Eugene, Oregon, where she enjoys singing, organic gardening, and nibbling on the occasional fork.
www.goinggreenpublications.com
Welcome to our Earth Day 2010 edition! Our features on “citizen science” research and reduction strategies can help you celebrate the Earth all year round. Find our complete directory of local resources— always available online—starting on page 12.
Mary Robertson, our Eugene editor, played an invaluable role in researching and writing this issue.
And, I confess—I was the one who bought the meltable soup bowls for the family reunion!
Valerie L. Robertson Editor-in-Chief3 Reduce—A Six-Letter Word?
6 Painted Buntings on the Rebound?
Citizen Science Helping Solve Mystery
8 Firebird Birding Project Takes Off
12 Local Resource Directory
18 Your Ecological House™—Home-Based Livelihood
20 Why All the Talk About Plastics?
Front Cover: Painted Buntings tend to return to the same feeders year after year, making them anticipated and welcome guests. This handsome banded male was photographed by Painted Bunting Observer Team (PBOT) member Debra Carr in her Stokes, South Carolina yard.
Cape Fear’s Going Green is a quarterly publication promoting eco-friendly resources and lifestyles in the Lower Cape Fear River Basin.
Publisher & Editor in Chief: Valerie Robertson
Sister City: Eugene, Oregon (Voted “Greenest City” 2006 by The Green Guide)
Eugene Contributing Editor: Mary Robertson
Advisors & Editorial Contributors: Kristina Brown, Jennifer Butler, Buddy Campbell, Debra Carr, Cape Fear River Watch, Jay DeChesere, Leah Fuller, the Kuuskoski family, Anna Martin, Claire McLaughlin, Christie Perry, Adeline Robertson, James A. Rotenberg, Jane Steigerwald, Bill Vinal, and Philip S. Wenz.
Cape Fear’s Going Green Going Green Publications
P. O. Box 3164 Wilmington, NC 28406 (910) 547-4390
www.goinggreenpublications.com
Cape Fear’s Going Green is available by subscription or on our Web site. Print copies are available at more than one hundred thirty area eco-friendly businesses and locations, including:
Angela’s Pepper-Picked Foods, B + O Design Studio, Mitzy Jonhkeer
Jewelry Art Studio, The Napping Cat, Old Growth Riverwood, Pomegranate Books, Progressive Gardens, Sambuca, Sapona Green Building Center, Tidal Creek Co-op, UNCW, WHQR, and the Shelton Herb Farm booth at area farmers’ markets.
Editorial: If you have story ideas or calendar items to suggest, email us at editor@goinggreenpublications.com, or call (910) 547-4390.
Advertising information: Email ads@goinggreenpublications.com.
Cape Fear’s Going Green is available free throughout Brunswick, Columbus, New Hanover, and Pender counties. If you have a business and would like to receive multiple copies for the public to pick up, please contact us.
photo by Mary RobertsonPaper or plastic? Hybrid or gasoline? Organic apples or conventional?
Sometimes the choices we face are bewildering. It can be hard to tell exactly what action might be best for the environment. But one strategy that almost always makes sense is reducing. It’s no accident that reduction is the first of the three tenets of waste reduction and sustainability: as in “Reduce-Reuse-Recycle. “ By reducing what we take in at the beginning, we’ll automatically have less to try and reuse and to recycle.
Recycling is the most glamorous of the three “Rs”—bundling the newspapers for the curbside collection can be rather satisfying. And there’s a certain small pleasure in rinsing out a plastic produce bag and hanging it to dry. Or buying that book or sweater secondhand, in the name of “reuse.”
But reducing has had a bad name— ever since Jimmy Carter’s infamous “malaise speech,” in which he urged Americans to drive less and more slowly and to turn down their thermostats. Putting on sweaters and staying home nights just didn’t sound appealing to us.
As a result, many of our green technologies have focused on increasing efficiency: i.e. getting more out of what we have. We pride ourselves—rightly so—on our ingenuity and technology. Coming up with more fuel-efficient cars or inexpensive compact fluorescent lights isn’t a bad thing: we need this type of technology.
But when we focus on efficiency, we might be missing the point. A compostable corn-based beer cup at the local brewfest is a thing of joy, and certainly better for the environment than its plastic
counterpart. But someone still had to grow the corn, fertilize and water it, harvest and process it, manufacture the cup, and ship it to the festival—where it will be used once, then, if it’s lucky, get thrown into the compost bin where it can break down. Is this the best use of our resources?
Our popular culture tells us every day that to help our sagging economy and maintain our chosen capitalist way of life, we need to buy stuff. More stuff. Lots of stuff. But capitalism doesn’t necessarily mean more—more choices, more decadence, buying more stuff. What it does mean is that the consumer gets to choose who makes what. Our buying decisions have a huge impact on what businesses thrive, what
Wilmington Earth Day Celebration
Sat. April 17, 010 • noon–6p Hugh MacRae Park • Free! Fun for the whole family! www.wilmingtonearthday.com
they extract and manufacture, how they treat their workers, what they package things in. One buying decision might be to not buy—to reuse, or repair, to borrow, to share, to maintain, instead, in order to minimize the stream of solid waste quickly overtaking our landfills.
What difference could we make if we just reduced at the source? Reduced our use of major resources, like water, energy, paper? Reduced the amount of trash heading for our landfills, or the toxins we produce? Let’s look at the first three of these closely interrelated categories in greater detail.
We live on a blue planet, yet most of this water is unavailable to us. Less than one per cent of the earth’s water is suitable for drinking. And we are quickly tainting this with toxins and runoff. Water rights have always been front and center in the American West: as environmentalist John Muir said, “Whiskey’s for drinking; water’s for fighting.” Recent droughts in the Carolinas have prompted watering restrictions and helped focus attention on the scarcity of fresh water throughout the country and world.
The average American uses about 183 gallons of fresh, drinkable water a day for drinking, cooking, flushing, washing, and watering plants. Landscaping slurps up a huge portion—about a third of the total water use for commercial and residential buildings. And much of our drinkable
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water gets used for things like flushing the toilets or watering plants. (In comparison, about 46 per cent of people in the world do not have water piped to their homes, and many get by on fewer than five gallons a day.)
And getting this water to us is costly: water and wastewater utilities use up 13 per cent of the electricity generated every day in the United States. In addition to this cost, our love affair with single-use bottled water threatens to drown us in a sea of plastic debris (for more on this see back page). It takes three liters of fresh water to produce and package each one-liter bottle of water.
The EPA estimates that just by becoming more mindful about our water use at home and becoming slightly more efficient we could cut over 50 gallons a day from our daily allotment. Every time we turn on the tap, or ignore that running toilet, we are making a choice to use some of this most precious of resources. And every drop we don’t pull from the tap is one that didn’t need to be treated with electricity and chemicals and then transported to our homes.
Install low-flow fixtures and faucet aerators at home, repair leaks immediately. Grass lawns use huge amounts of wa-
ter and chemicals to stay green—and you can’t eat them. Nor can many of our local species. Create a wildflower garden, plant a native groundcover, or grow vegetables instead. Native species are adapted to your area and shouldn’t need much care or water once they become established.
Use soaker hoses or drip irrigation instead of overhead sprinklers where possible.
Eat less meat. Americans eat more than 200 pounds of
meat per person each year. Factory-style animal agriculture is one of our most wasteful farming practices, consuming huge amounts of water and energy and contributing to soil erosion and toxic runoff. Choosing to eat vegetable protein instead of meat just one day a week could translate into big reductions in water use and toxic production.
When it comes time, replace your clothes washer with an efficient front-loading model. These save water and electricity, and are often accompanied by state and local rebates.
Stop buying bottled water. Install a water filter at home if needed.
Sweep sidewalks and porches instead of hosing them off.
Look into recycling water: greywater systems allow us to use this precious resource more efficiently
Harvest rain. Install a rain barrel or two; your plants will thank you.
When we turn on a light switch, run the air conditioning or boot up the computer, we’re just using electricity—seems clean enough. But what we don’t see is how it’s produced. Chances are that electricity was made by burning fossil fuels. Generating electricity is the single largest source of industrial carbon dioxide emissions (the primary greenhouse gas) in the United States. Power plants burn fuel—typically coal, gas or oil—to generate heat, which is used to boil the water to drive the turbines to generate the power. Whew!
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Volunteers and staff at this year’s free Earth Day Celebration in Wilmington won’t be getting their usual rations of bottled water on what normally proves to be a hot, sunny day. Cruel and unusual? Not at all—they’ll be able to refill their spiffy new metal bottles from chilled water jugs placed around the park. It’s just one example of how Celebration organizers are taking this year’s simple message:“Reduce,”to heart. Organizers are also spotlighting the growing problem of garbage, mostly plastic, accumulating in our oceans. Visit http://www.algalita.org for details.
In addition to replacing cases of bottled water (and the resulting plastic debris) with the reusable metal bottles, Earth Day Alliance Chair Shannon Culpepper points to these reduction strategies at this year’s Festival:
• free trolley service will run every 20 minutes from off-site parking to the festival to reduce parking and encourage attendees to carpool;
• by setting up large communal tents and providing exhibitors with tables and chairs, the Festival’s footprint in Hugh Macrae Park is reduced, allowing more folks to enjoy;
• event t-shirts this year are recycled—of half HDPE plastic and half cotton;
• food vendors will provide local, natural food and will be using plates and napkins that are recycled and recyclable;
• products sold at the Green market tent will be approved by the Earth Day Alliance;
• beer sold on site will be in reusable, collectible souvenir cups;
• the Earth Day Alliance will station containers throughout the area for recycling plastics, aluminum, and paper.
Want to make you own stabs at reducing on Earth Day? Here are some ideas:
• ride your bike to the Festival;
• find out about local businesses and how to support them;
• bring your own coffee mug or reusable water bottle, and bring a bandanna or two to use in place of napkins;
• visit booths to learn more about area CSAs and farmers markets;
• think before buying anything that will need to be thrown away soon.
And don’t forget to ride the trolley early for some nifty prizes! See you there.
Park at the Old Cinema 6 Theatre parking lot on Oleander; take a free shuttle to the festival.
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Along the way, the power plants need more water to cool and condense the steam—to the tune of about 136 billion gallons of water each day from our lakes, rivers, and oceans. In fact, two thirds of the fresh water in the Southeast is used to help produce energy. And even the “cleaner” hydroelectric power available in parts of the country comes at the expense of fragile salmon habitat.
Every kilowatt hour, or minute, or second, of electricity that we don’t use, is a piece of coal that didn’t need to get mined and burned in a generating plant.
Reduction strategies:
Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents where possible. Use “sleep” and “stand-by” modes for computers and copiers.
Put up a clothesline and use it. And don’t run the hot water tap unnecessarily. It not only wastes water, it wastes power—the bulk of residential power use goes toward heating water and drying clothes.
When the time comes, consider replacing your desktop computer with a laptop. Use a microwave or toaster oven for small kitchen tasks instead of the range.
We’ve heard a lot about this one, and $3 a gallon gasoline is enough to make anyone stop and think about our fossil fuel use. But we continue our love affair with easy travel. Transportation is responsible for a third of man-made carbon dioxide in the country and consumes 67 per cent of U.S. petroleum.
One effective strategy becoming more visible is buying locally. By supporting businesses that offer locally-made or grown items, you support someone who is using less fuel in shipping. By now most of us have heard about the “2,000-mile banana” (the average distance the fruit
UNCW hosts several events throughout Sustainability Week, April 13–22, several of which are open to the public. For details, see http://www.uncwil.edu/ sustainability/.
travels to our grocer’s shelves.) While most of us aren’t fortunate enough to live in an area that can meet all its residents’ food needs, we can be mindful and try to eat fruits and vegetables from closer to home.
Twenty-five per cent of our car trips are less than a mile long. Batch trips, ride a bike, or walk.
Keep your car engine tuned up and the tires properly inflated.
Try public transportation for a week. Then another.
Buy locally-grown and -made products when available.
The average American uses over 700 pounds of paper each year. Every year we cut down nearly 900 million trees to fuel our paper and pulp mills. About half of these go toward making printing and writing paper. While virgin fibers are needed to add strength to some types of paper, in many cases a recycled version is available and perfectly serviceable. Recycled paper production uses less water and power, and no trees.
Although our recycling rate for paper is approaching 50 per cent, a third of (continued on page 10)
The latest “State of the Birds” report, released March, 2010, warns that almost a third of our 800 North American bird species are either endangered, threatened or in significant decline. However, new data collected here in the Carolinas indicates things may be looking up for the Painted Bunting.
Backyard birders along coastal North Carolina and coastal and inland South Carolina frequently spot a vividly colored, finch-like bird at their feeders. “They often mistake it for an escaped, exotic bird—but it’s actually a native species,” says Dr. Jamie Rotenberg, a UNC–Wilmington professor who specializes in bird conservation. He says Wilmington—and the entire Cape Fear Coast—are within the breeding range of the Painted Bunting (Passerina ciris).
The adult male Painted Bunting is easily identifiable by his red breast, green back and indigo-blue head. Females, and young males up through their second year, are a bright, parrot green. This green
color serves as the perfect camouflage for nesting female Painted Buntings and their young in the low-lying, dense vegetation they commonly inhabit. This type of vegetation, known as “shrub-scrub,” is becoming harder to find along coastal Carolina, as development and changes in agricultural practices have eliminated a large portion of this habitat. Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) data collected for the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center showed that Painted Bunting populations in the southeast were declining at about 3.2% per year over the 30-year period ending 1999.
So in early 2005, Rotenberg and other enthusiasts created the Painted Bunting Observer Team (PBOT) as a grassroots campaign to learn more about the health of the Painted Bunting population in the Carolinas. Because Painted Buntings are easily attracted to backyard feeders, organizers hoped Wilmington area birders could report sightings at their feeders and help figure out what was happening to the colorful bird. By that summer, the
group had grown to 60 volunteers who routinely emailed sightings and photos to the team’s web site (www.paintedbuntings.org).
Today, PBOT has more than 600 members in North and South Carolina and Florida who have reported over 30,000 sightings to the PBOT web site. This open and collaborative approach to research, known as “citizen science,” allows the team to learn about Painted Bunting populations in a variety of locations that might not otherwise be included in traditional research: urban, suburban; private and public areas.
Painted Buntings will find something to eat in most basic seed mixes but, like this male, they enjoy white millet the most. The male Painted Bunting is easy to spot with his indigo blue head, green back and red breast.
This method also serves to spread information about conservation of the colorful birds and their vital habitat to a large audience of active and invested birders across the region. Citizen science is not new to bird studies;
This
fledgling what a great food source a backyard feeder can be. Both male and female Painted Buntings are green through their second year, after which the males will molt into their colorful adult plumage, while the females remain green.
other successful collaborations between researchers and backyard birders include Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count, and the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology’s Great Backyard Bird Count.
Since the spring of 2006, researchers have also banded over 2300 Painted Buntings to help identify and track individual birds more effectively. Each
bird is carefully caught, then banded with a unique combination of three colored bands and one numbered aluminum band provided by the North American Bird Banding Program before being released. Sightings and recaptures of the banded birds reveal specific information such as lifespan, migration patterns, and reproductive success.
Painted Buntings are neotropical migratory birds that remain in the Carolinas from mid-April through the end
of September. The extent of their travels is easy to see with the new banding program. In the winter of 2009 a homeowner in Stuart, Florida reported a banded bunting at her feeder. After checking records, Rotenberg found the bird had been originally captured and banded the previous summer on Bald Head Island— nearly 700 miles away.
“Banded birds also help PBOT volunteers answer one of their own most frequently asked questions—Are these the same birds returning to my feeders each year?” says Rotenberg. By spotting these uniquely marked individual birds, he says PBOT volun-
Painted Buntings can be timid around larger birds, especially on the feeder. This female feels more comfortable approaching a feeder decorated with artificial vines that provide some cover for her. She is banded with silver over pink on her right leg and purple over green on her left.
teers can now answer that question for themselves. “That bird returned to the same feeder in Stuart this year.”
I often like to say “I’d be a fool if I didn’t have my feeder clean and filled by April Fool’s Day!” Our Painted Buntings return to the Carolinas around mid-April every year, so the first few weeks of April are always a great time to make sure your feeder and birdbath are clean and full. Painted Buntings are not picky eaters, but they will reward you with many visits if you provide white millet in the feeder. Most importantly, leave some of that low-lying shrub-scrub vegetation that is emerging in your yard for these beautiful birds to nest in!
— Leah FullerIn order to make reliable estimates about the health of the Painted Bunting population, PBOT’s banding program will continue for at least 3-4 additional years. Meanwhile, preliminary banding results for North Carolina show a significant trend towards increasing populations. In addition, PBOT volunteers in North Carolina are reporting bird ratios at their feeders of about 1/3 adult males to 2/3 females and young males—a healthy proportion. If any one of these age groups or sex groups were declining, those ratios would be skewed. To corroborate the PBOT data, more recent BBS data from Patuxent now shows the same trend. “The good news is tempered by the fact that we don’t know why the population is rebounding,” says Rotenberg. “Is it more bird feeders across the landscape? Is our supplementary feeding helping the populations?” Volunteers hope to answer these questions, one sighting at a time.
Leah Fuller is the PBOT Program Coordinator, and is the technician for ornithology at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences. If you are interested in helping track Painted Buntings, please visit the PBOT web site (www.paintedbuntings. org) and consider becoming a Citizen Scientist. The site is also the place to view the more than 1,900 photos that PBOT volunteers have posted since the program began.
growth and health.
When high school science teacher Claire McLaughlin read Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature Deficit Disorder, she knew she had to do something. Richard Louv’s assertions in the book—that children who spend time in nature are more calm and focused, more able to study and learn, and ultimately more healthy—seemed to make perfect sense
McLaughlin, who teaches science and advises freshman at the Brunswick County Early College High School (ECHS,) began looking for ways to get her students outdoors. The school, located on the campus of Brunswick Community College, offers students an integrated curriculum and a way to earn college credit while completing high school. Students graduate in four years with a high school diploma, two years of college credit, and, administrators hope, a sense of being a responsible, effective citizen in the world.
The national “Great Backyard Bird Count” sounded like a great way to get started. The annual four-day event is
designed to encourage community participation, with birders around the country logging their checklists to create the country’s largest single snapshot of bird populations. Cornell University’s Lab of Ornithology tallies and interprets the results. The GBBC web site reminds us that “anyone who can identify even a few species can provide important information that enables scientists to learn more about how the environment is changing and how that affects our conservation priorities.”
McLaughlin felt this model of “citizen science” might help her get the students outside while allowing them to see the relevance of their efforts. “I want my students to be aware that science is based on observations made by people, that it can change, and that they can be part of that change.” She appealed to the local chapter of the Audubon Society for a volunteer to help prepare her students for the February count. Cape Fear Chapter President Cary Paynter knew just who to send—John Ennis. “Partly because he has taught an introductory birding class at
BCC, but largely because he is one of those rare people with a passion for sharing his knowledge with others,” says Paynter. “The project grew because John always thinks outside the box, and Claire knew a great opportunity when she saw it!”
Ennis showed up the second day back from winter break, and with his help, a one-time citizen scientist endeavor turned into the full time Firebird Birding Project at ECHS. He coached the students in bird identification, then came back the next week to help students install and fill a bird feeder donated by the Cape Fear Audubon Society and the Wild Bird and Garden store. Every school day since, students have refilled the feeder and logged their observations. And they began an in-depth study of birds. Not just the generalities of field marks and ranges. The students began to learn how birds think, and act. How they defend their territory, and communicate, and how they persevere.
With approval from the principal and help from other teachers, McLaughlin and the other freshman advisors at ECHS designed a course of bird study that meshed with the school’s innovative, rigorous, and research-based approach to learning. And, they decided every student in the freshman class—more than eighty students—should participate. “Claire did a wonderful job of leading students and teachers and providing learning activities,” says Ennis. “They divided the list among the four freshman “houses” and made each house responsible for learning about and being able to identify their birds.”
Soon, everyone at ECHS was interested. “I think almost all teachers who are currently teaching freshmen have incorporated birds into their lessons,” says McLaughlin, pointing to the cross-curricular nature of the project. She ticks off the actions and how they dovetail with the various disciplines. ”The students have interpreted bird poetry and written in the log (English), practiced estimating and made graphs
of bird songs (math), collected data and learned how to identify birds (science), and studied how birds exhibit perseverance and written thank you notes (character development).” Students learned how to estimate large numbers of birds quickly and accurately, and reviewed the note-taking system developed and used at Cornell.
By the time the Great Backyard Bird Count came around, the students were ready. In fact, the whole school was ready. Administrators designated February 12th a “Family Day,” where advisors design activities to help students build relationships with each other and the community. Everyone from the assistant principal to the school receptionist turned out to help count birds. They divided the BCC campus into segments based on their different habitats, and seven expert birders from the CFAS came out to help spot and identify birds.
The highlight of the day? Finding a bald eagle nest on school grounds. “It was mentioned in all the thank you notes the students wrote,” says McLaughlin. “The eagle nest was amazing and something none of us will forget—who knew that baby eagles were white and fluffy!” wrote one
student. As well as the birds that students counted in their own zone, all students got a chance to view the bald eagles sitting on their nest. With the best viewing area just three minutes by foot from her classroom, McLaughlin has since taken several parents for their own look at the eagle’s nest, a feature on the North Carolina Birding Trail that visits the BCC campus. That portion of the trail has been closed due to campus construction, but organizers hope to reopen it completely by July 2010.
Students tallied their bird counts, then submitted the data to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology to be included in this year’s national survey. Their results can be seen at the GBBC web site under “North Carolina.”
Will the Firebird Birding Project continue? You bet. Next year, all incoming freshmen will participate again. Teachers are planning a bird identification competition in April. And Ennis plans to bring his
telescope back soon so students can watch the growing eagle chicks.
“These students are the next generation of conservationists,” says McLaughlin. “They won’t want to bother conserving something they don’t care about, and they won’t care about it if they don’t know about it.” Thanks to McLaughlin, the staff at ECHS, and a team of helpful volunteers, all of the students there now have this chance.
The Firebird Birding Project was made possible through the generosity of the Cape Fear Audubon Society and Wild Bird & Garden, Inc.
In addition to its on-site bird walks and information sessions, Halyburton Park offers monthly bird-watching field trips, each one to explore a different location on the North Carolina Birding Trail.
The Annual Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) is a four-day event that engages bird watchers of all ages in counting birds to create a real-time snapshot of where the birds are across the continent and in Hawaii. The 14th GBBC will be held February 18–21, 2011. Each checklist submitted by participating “citizen scientists” helps researchers at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society learn more about how the birds are doing—and how to protect them and the environment we share. In 2009, participants turned in more than 93,600 checklists online, creating the continent’s largest instantaneous snapshot of bird populations ever recorded.
For more information about the GBBC, visit www.birdcount.org or www.birdsource.org/gbbc or contact the Cornell Lab of Ornithology at (800) 843-2473.
The NC Birding Trail is a driving trail linking birders with great birding sites across the state and the local communities in which they are found. North Carolina has an incredible diversity of habitats, which provide food and shelter for more then 440 species throughout the year. Visiting these sites is a fun way to learn to identify more birds, and to get ready for next winter’s bird counts. These hikes are typically approximately 2 miles. The cost of $10 includes transportation. For more information or to sign up, visit www.halyburtonpark.com or call (910)341-0075.
Recommended Web Sites:
Cape Fear Audubon Society: http://www.capefearaudubon.org
North Carolina Birding Trail: http://www.ncbirdingtrail.org/default.asp
Brunswick County Early College High School:
http://www.bcswan.net/education/school/school.php?sectionid=6 Cornell Lab of Ornithology: http://www.birds.cornell.edu/
Wild Bird & Garden, Inc: http://www.wildbirdgardeninc.com
Richard Louv’s web site: http://richardlouv.com/
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all our garbage is paper. Every piece of paper we don’t use is another tree that we didn’t have to cut down and process with toxic chemicals, using huge amounts of electricity and water.
Learn how to print and copy doublesided documents.
Convert newsletters and other mailing from paper to electronic versions. Make it easy for friends, staff, and employees to gain access to needed documents on demand via the internet rather than printing a set (often too large or small) amount.
Start seeing ways to reuse paper in stead of automatically pulling out a fresh sheet. The back of that phone bill envelope might make a fine shopping list.
Use cloth napkins at home, and bring them with you to picnics and cookouts.
Replace paper coffee filters with a permanent cloth or gold filter.
When ordering takeout, request they hold the utensils and napkins.
When eating out, bring your own container to take leftovers home.
Check out books from the library instead of buying them. Share magazine subscriptions with a friend. Support used book stores.
If you drink coffee out, take a travel mug everywhere you go.
Bring your reusable coffee cup to work. Ask your employer to quit purchasing one-time use cups and flatware; create a “durable” break room with mugs and spoons and real plates.
When you start seeing how water, and power, and paper are related, it becomes easier to make your choices. Imagine every time you flip on the light switch, you’re firing up a smoky coal-fired furnace. Imagine how precious the water going down the
sink might be to someone who has no water at all. And consider how electricity, and paper, and energy are interrelated. Reducing may not be glamorous, but it is imperative. To sustain ourselves, we will need to do all three things: reduce, reuse, and recycle. And most of all, we need to reduce.
Resources: http://www.reduce.org/ http://www.epa.gov/ http://www.kab.org/
The YWCA offers a series of week-long eco-camps, designed for children from 3rd to 8th grades. These camps are OUTDOOR ADVENTURE camps and are designed to teach and develop survival skills for outdoor recreation and appreciation.
Each week will incorporate science, ethics, team building, survival, history and art into the curriculum. The instructor for the camp is a “Leave No Trace” Master Educator and will also teach the international ethics for outdoor recreation in each camp. A field trip relevant to the topic is included each week. Also each week, participants go swimming at the YWCA.
June 21–June 25, 2010
Eco-explorer week:
Learn about local ecosystems and how they differ. We explore the ecosystems in New Hanover County, focusing on three on YWCA property: coastal forest, wetland and creek life.
July 19–July 23, 2010
Eco-adventure week:
Learn about and participate in different outdoor recreation activities. Discover the
many ways people around the world enjoy the outdoors, like hiking, backpacking, surfing, camping kayaking/canoeing, and biking.
August 2–August 6, 2010
Critters Outback week:
Learn about the animals that live in our region, enjoy and discover the wilderness around you! We will observe animals of New Hanover County; our 9-acre nature reserve allows children to watch critters in their own habitats.
August 16–August 20, 2010
Eco-media week:
Back by popular demand…this week is dedicated to producing a film or other media piece to express the importance of conservation and preservation of our resources.
Camp hours are from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday-Friday. Camp cost for each week is $190.00 plus YWCA membership, which costs $40 annually. Register by June 1. For details, call Stephanie Avery at (910)799-6820, ext. 114. Mini Eco-Camp sessions are also available, designed for grades K–2. The Wilmington YWCA is at 2815 S. College Road.
Presented by the Cape Fear Green Buillding Alliance (CFGBA), The Building Performance Workshop Series is scheduled to begin on May 12. Made possible in part by a grant award from the NC Green Business Fund and ARRA, the series of professional trainings combines classroom instruction with on-site, hands-on demonstrations. The principles and techniques taught during the trainings apply to both new and existing construction, but special focus will be placed on their application to existing homes. The curriculum is tailored to prepare trainees for certifications and jobs in the emerging home retrofit industry.
During the on-site training sessions, trainees will be able to apply the techniques they learn in the classroom to existing homes. These green retrofits are being performed through a collaboration with Wilmington Area Rebuilding Ministries (WARM), a non-profit organization that performs repairs on the homes of economically disadvantaged individuals.
Additional grant partners are Building Performance Specialists (BPS) and Sapona Green Building Center. BPS will provide instruction, energy audits and project management for the retrofits. Sapona will act as purchasing agent and materials supplier.
General registration is now open. The complete list of workshop topics and dates is posted below:
May 12 – Building Science/ House Characterization
May 19 – Sealing/Insulating the Envelope
May 26 – Targeted Weatherization
June 9, 10 Sealed/Closed Crawl
June 23 – Sealed Attics
July 7 – Targeted Weatherization
July 21 – High Performance HVAC
Aug 4 –Indoor Air Quality
Aug 18 – Building Science/ House Characterization
Aug 25 – Sealing/Insulating the Envelope
Sept 8 – Targeted Weatherization
Sept 22 –Water Heating Options
For more information or to register, visit www.cfgba.org or contact Joy Allen, Cape Fear Green Building Alliance, at (910)470-5697 or joy.a@cfgba.org.
The Cape Fear Green Building Alliance is a non-profit 501(c)3 corporation with the mission of promoting sustainable building practices. Formed in 2005, the CFGBA accomplishes its mission primarily through educational programs for both industry professionals and the general public. Monthly general meetings held the second Wednesday of each month feature informational presentations and are free and open to all.
Starting April 29, 2010, Cape Fear Green Building Alliance is resuming its monthly “Green Social,” held the last Thursday of the month. Come enjoy the rooftop and meet with people who share an interest in things green. Location: Reel Cafe rooftop, 100 So. Front Street, Wilmington.
Cape Fear Green Drinks, is held the second Thursday of each month, at Kefi, 2012 Eastwood Road, Wilmington. The event offers a casual place to network and a monthly speaker. Coming May 13: rain barrels and rain gardens. For details email Paul Pascarosa at cppascarosa@gba-inc.com.
Joining a local environmental organization is a great way to meet people who share your interest in the environment. Use this listing of local environmental organizations to find activities you’ll enjoy while you make every day earth day. Visit our Web site for a more comprehensive list, which includes national resources as well: www.goinggreenpublications.com/tips.html
Airlie Gardens
Historic public garden providing cultural and environmental education. www.airliegardens.org
American Institute of Architects–Wilmington Section
Continuing education seminars to members as well as public outreach to educate the public. www.aianc.org
Audubon North Carolina – Cape Fear
Audubon Society
To conserve and restore natural ecosystems within our region, focusing on birds and other wildlife for the benefit of humanity and North
Carolina’s biological diversity. www.capefearaudubon.org
Bald Head Island Conservancy
Protects and preserves the natural environment of the Smith Island complex. The Conservancy offers educational programs throughout the year weekly during the summer season to educate visitors about Bald Head Island’s unique environment. www.bhic.org
Brunswick Beekeepers Association
Established chapter of the North Carolina State Beekeepers Association. Receive personal advice from beekeepers in the local community
to learn beekeeping and to stay up-to-date on successful beekeeping methods.
www.ncbeekeepers.org/chapters.htm
Brunswick Community College
Offers Associate in Applied Science Degrees in horticulture and in aquaculture technology. BCC’s 2+2 agreement with UNCW enables BCC Aquaculture Technology students to transfer aquaculture coursework into UNCW’s B.S. Marine Biology program.
www.brunswick.cc.nc.us
Brunswick County Cooperative Extension Office
Information resource for residents of Brunswick County. brunswick.ces.ncsu.edu
Brunswick Electric Membership Cooperative BEMC is North Carolina’s fastest growing electric cooperative with over 62,000 customers.
www.bemc.org
Cape Fear Arch Conservation Collaboration
The Cape Fear Arch Conservation Collaboration is a nonprofit partnership of organizations and individuals created in 2006 to realize a vision for the Cape Fear Arch region where man’s and nature’s needs are properly balanced. Their mission: develop and implement a community conservation vision to build awareness, protection and stewardship of the region’s resources.
www.capefeararch.org
Cape Fear Biofuels
Co-op developing a biofuels infrastructure and related technologies in the region while creating moral, economic, and social value through sustainable development.
www.capefearbiofuels.com
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Cape Fear Citizens for a Safe Environment
Organized to fight the building of Hugo Neu landfill, now encouraging legislation to strengthen landfill regulations in North Carolina.
www.stopthedump.com
Cape Fear Climate Action Network
A local citizen network providing support, advocacy, and recognition for climate action initiatives in the Cape Fear region. www.capefearcan.com
Cape Fear Cyclists
The information hub for Southeastern cyclists! www.capefearcyclists.org
Cape Fear Community College (CFCC)
Architectural technology curriculum. www.cfcc.edu/programs/at
Cape Fear Economic Development Council (CFEDC)
CFEDC is an all-volunteer endeavor promoting innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship as essential to successful local economic growth, regional competitiveness, and jobs and income generation.
www.capefearedc.org
Cape Fear Green Building Alliance (CFGBA)
Promotes the construction of environmentally responsible, profitable, healthy places to live and work.
www.cfgba.org
Cape Fear Museum of History and Science
Oldest museum in North Carolina tells stories of the region’s history, science and cultures through exhibition and educational programs. www.capefearmuseum.com
Cape Fear Regional Beekeepers Association
Newly-formed chapter of the North Carolina State Beekeepers Association. Receive personal advice from beekeepers in the local communi-
Creating
• Weight-management system
• Anti-aging tonic
• Personal care & beauty products
• Nontoxic home care products
• Essential nutrition/multivitamins
ty to learn beekeeping and to stay up-to-date on successful beekeeping. email: methods.gldeagle@bellsouth.net
Cape Fear River Watch
Environmental education, advocacy and action for the Lower Cape Fear River basin. www.cfrw.us
Carolina Farm Stewardship Association
Carolina Farm Stewardship Association’s mission is to promote local and organic agriculture in the Carolinas by inspiring, educating and organizing farmers and consumers. Produces Carolina Guide to Local & Organic Food. www.carolinafarmstewards.org
Center for Environmental Farming Systems
The Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS) develops and promotes food and farming systems that protect the environment, strengthen local communities, and provide economic opportunities in North Carolina and beyond. CEFS is one of the nation’s largest centers for the study of environmentally sustainable farming practices.
www.cefs.ncsu.edu
City of Wilmington Stormwater Services
Maintains and improves the City’s stormwater drainage system for the protection of the community and the environment. Provides comprehensive stormwater management that takes into account both the quantity and quality of stormwater runoff. Stormwater education, outreach, and public involvement are important components of this mission.
www.wilmingtonnc.gov
Coastal Conservation Association (CCA)–Cape Fear Chapter
The purpose of Coastal Conservation Association of North Carolina is to advise and educate the public on conservation of marine resources. The objective of CCA is to conserve, promote and enhance the present and future availability of these coastal resources for the benefit and enjoyment of the general public.
www.capefearcca.com
Leading the environmental movement by example Shaklee is the first company in the world to obtain Climate Neutral certification and totally offset its C02 emissions, resulting in a net zero impact on the environment.
Dawn Berard 910-228-8879
Dawn@MyCinchStory.com
Dogwood Alliance
Nonprofit works to educate people about the importance of forests and the negative environmental impacts of business-as-usual paper production. Having achieved systemic change throughout the paper industry through public campaigns against office super stores--the largest retail paper sellers in the U.S.--they are now addressing protection for Southern forests and forests all over the world.
www.dogwoodalliance.org
Earth Day Alliance
Organizers of the Lower Cape Fear Celebration of Earth Day.
www.wilmingtonearthday.com
Electric Vehicle Automobile Association (EVAA) – Coastal Carolinas / Wilmington
Local chapter provides e-mail of current developments and legislation
www.eaaev.org or e-mail: pagepaterson@mac. com
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Harvesting Rain Water can help you:
• Save money and energy
• Preserve precious resources
• Meet your sustainability goals Residential • Commercial • Industrial
Call or visit us today to find out what Rain Water Harvesting can do for you: www.CFGreenSolutions.com 910.763.1630
continued from page 13
Environment North Carolina
This is a statewide, citizen-based environmental advocacy organization. The professional staff combines independent research, practical ideas and tough-minded advocacy to overcome the opposition of powerful special interests and win real results for North Carolina’s environment.
www.environmentnorthcarolina.org
Friends of Mountains to Sea Trail
The Mountains to Sea Trail of North Carolina is a 935+ mile trail consisting of footpaths, roads, and state bike routes. Efforts are underway so that one day a complete foot trail will reach across NC, from the Mountains to the Sea.
www.ncmst.org
Friends of the Lower Cape Fear, Inc.
A group of local citizens has created a web site to provide information about Titan America’s plans to build the 4th largest cement plant in the nation, along the banks of the Northeast Cape Fear River, just outside of Wilmington, NC. Friends of the Lower Cape Fear opposes this proposed cement plant because of the environmental impacts it will have on this coastal region.
www.StopTitan.org
1. Use durable, reusable bags at EVERY store, not just the grocery store.
2. Don’t bag your produce at the grocery store—leave loose, or take reusable mesh or muslin sacks for this, too.
3. Take your own “to-go” containers with you to a restaurant or a dinner party, if you expect to be taking leftovers home.
4. If you need to use a plastic bag—for instance, to pick up pet waste—use one that is biodegradable or compostable—i.e. made of vegetable matter.
5. When you are shopping, choose items that use less packaging or are compostable or recyclable. Avoid expanded polystyrene (Styrofoam) too.
6. Don’t litter, of course, but also pick up other people’s litter.
7. Recycle your plastics. New Hanover County and the City of Wilmington take plastics numbered 1 through 7.
8. Educate others about what you learn. To learn more about the problems of plastics in our oceans visit www. algalita.org.
Full Belly Project
Designs and distributes labor-saving, locally-replicable agricultural devices to relieve hunger and create economic opportunities in developing countries.
www.fullbellyproject.org
Historic Wilmington Foundation, Inc.
For 41 years the Historic Wilmington Foundation has worked to preserve the architectural and historical integrity of the Lower Cape Fear region. The HWF is a resource for advice on historical renovations and repairs and provides rehabilitation product advice and technical assistance, as well as tax credit information and assistance.
www.historicwilmington.org
Ingram Planetarium
State-of-the-art facility in Sunset Beach seats 85 people in its 40-ft dome theater. Our mission is to stimulate the general public’s interest and understanding of natural science, environment, and cultural history of the coastal region of the Carolinas. We encourage a broader understanding of our Earth, solar system, and universe by providing quality educational facilities for the public and school students through activities and exhibits.
www.ingramplanetarium.org
Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center
Dedicated to rescuing sea turtles and educating the public about them. Founder and Director Jean Beasley is Animal Planet’s Hero of the Year.
www.seaturtlehospital.org
This program honors residential, commercial and public development projects in Brunswick, Pender and New Hanover Counties that demonstrate outstanding environmental stewardship through the protection, conservation, improvement, and awareness of our natural resources.
www.stewardshipdev.com
Museum of Coastal Carolina, Ocean Isle Beach, NC
Our Mission is to stimulate interest and understanding of the natural science, environment, and cultural history of the Coastal Carolinas.
www.museumofcc.org
The Nature Conservancy
Three decades of conservation in North Carolina have led to 700,000 acres protected. www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/ states/northcarolina
New Hanover County Cooperative Extension Office
Information resource for residents of New Hanover County.
newhanover.ces.ncsu.edu
NC GreenPower
Independent, nonprofit organization established to improve North Carolina’s environment through voluntary contributions toward renewable energy. First statewide green energy program in the nation supported by all the state’s utilities.
www.ncgreenpower.org
Keep
This is a local non-profit that seeks to prevent litter, encourage waste reduction methods such as recycling, and promote community beautification projects. Their efforts include education and outreach, litter cleanups and tree and flower plantings.
www.nhcgov.com/AgnAndDpt/KAB/Pages/ KeepAmericaBeautifulofNHC.aspx
NC Native Plant Society – Cape Fear Chapter Promotes enjoyment and conservation of native plants and their habitats through education, protection, and propagation. e-mail: lara@ncwildflower.org
NC HealthyBuilt Homes program
The NC HealthyBuilt Homes Program provides a certificate for homes meeting “green home guidelines” built by residential builders who practice sustainable, high performance building strategies.
www.healthybuilthomes.org
NC Wildlife Resources Commission WRC is dedicated to the wise-use, conservation, and management of the state’s fish and wildlife resources.
www.ncwildlife.org
North Carolina Aquariums
Inspiring appreciation and conservation of North Carolina’s aquatic environments. The North Carolina Aquariums operate three facilities located on Roanoke Island, at Pine Knoll Shores, and at Fort Fisher.
www.ncaquariums.com
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North Carolina Coastal Federation
NCCF is a non-profit tax-exempt organization dedicated to involving citizens in decisions about managing coastal resources. It provides citizens and groups with technical information and assistance they need to take an active role in the stewardship of North Carolina’s coastal water quality and natural resources. www.nccoast.org
North Carolina Coastal Land Trust
Non-profit organization formed to help protect locally and regionally valuable natural areas and waters. www.coastallandtrust.org
North Carolina Conservation Network Network of organizations focused on protecting North Carolina’s environment and public health. “Action Center” gives suggestions on making your voice heard on environmental issues. Their “Legislator Look-up” lists your Federal and North Carolina elected officials, complete with email addresses. www.ncconservationnetwork.org
North Carolina Cooperative Extension
North Carolina Cooperative Extension is based at North Carolina’s two land-grant institutions, NC State University and NC A&T State University, in all 100 counties and on the Cherokee Reservation. www.ces.ncsu.edu
North Carolina Office of Environmental Education
The Office of Environmental Education serves as a clearinghouse linking people to Environmental Education materials, facilities, programs and professionals across the state. Staff serves all North Carolinians whether in the field of education, business, government, non-profit, or members of the general public. www.eenorthcarolina.org
North Carolina Shell Club
Dedicated to providing a friendly and enthusiastic organization where people of all levels of expertise, ranging from beginner to professional, can meet and share knowledge and information about the fascinating world of shells. www.ncshellclub.com
North Carolina Sierra Club– Cape Fear Chapter
The Sierra Club works to pass groundbreaking environmental legislation from local to national levels.
nc.sierraclub.org/capefear/index.html
North Carolina Solar Center
Clearinghouse for solar and other renewable energy programs, information, research,
technical assistance and training, for citizens of North Carolina and beyond. www.ncsc.ncsu.edu
North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association (NCSEA)
NCSEA is a 501c3 non-profit membership organization of individuals and businesses interested in sustainable energy. Located in Raleigh but active throughout the state, NCSEA works to ensure a sustainable future by promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency in North Carolina through education, public policy and economic development.
www.ncsustainableenergy.org or Energync. org
North Carolina Sustainable Building Design Competition (NCSBDC)
NCSBDC began in 2000 as a way to encourage students to learn and apply the lessons of sustainable design and construction, whether in universities, colleges or community colleges. Each year statewide winners see their design built as part of the grand prize. www.advancedenergy.org/sbdc/about/index. html
Pender County Cooperative Extension Office
Pender County Center gives our county’s residents easy access to the resources and expertise of NC State University and NC A&T State University. Through educational programs, publications, and events, Cooperative Extension agents deliver unbiased, researchbased information to Pender County citizens. We can answer your questions on a wide array of topics.
pender.ces.ncsu.edu
Penderwatch & Conservancy Advocates for the environment. www.penderwatch.org
SENCFS
The Southeastern North Carolina Food Systems (SENCFS) Project is a partnership of public and private institutions and agencies among six counties along and adjoining the I-74 corridor east of I-95. The SENCFS includes both rural and urban counties in order to maximize market opportunities and profits from the sales of local farm products for both local and regional markets.
www.feastsoutheastnc.org
SMARTT Challenge
The EV Challenge has expanded its focus to include not only electric but additional alternative transportation fuels and technologies. The program is now called the SMARTT Challenge. SMARTT is an acronym for “Students Making Advancements in Renewable Transportation Technology.”
http://thsev.blogspot.com/
Surfrider Foundation – Cape Fear Chapter Holding our elected officials responsible for the preservation of our natural resources and the continued smart, well planned growth of our city.
www.surfrider.org/capefear
Sustainable North Carolina
Accelerating the adoption of principles and practices that optimize economic prosperity, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship throughout our state.
www.sustainnc.org
Tidal Creek Co-op
Natural foods cooperative business. www.tidalcreek.coop
University of North Carolina–Wilmington (UNCW)
Environmental degree programs and extensive environmental course offerings.
www.uncwil.edu/edu
Wilmington-Cape Fear Home Builders Association
The largest trade association in eastern North Carolina, WCFHBA serves as the voice of the building and development industries in New Hanover and Pender Counties. It represents more than 1,025 member-firms, employing 9,000 individuals.
www.wilmingtonhomebuilders.com
This list of resources is also available online at www.goinggreenpublications.com/tips. html. Please let us know if you have a suggestion for the list.
The old Lakota was wise. He knew that man’s heart away from nature becomes hard.
Carolina Beach Farmers’ Market
Lake Park Blvd. at Atlantic Ave., Carolina Beach, NC
Open Saturday 8am-1pm, April 24-Oct. 9
Products: A variety of local, farm fresh seasonal vegetables and fruits, wine, NC peanut products, homemade baked goods, garden plants and herbs, fresh eggs, organic berries, free range meats, sauces and spices, hand made soaps and candles, unique arts and crafts, cooking demonstrations from local chefs and music by local musicians.
Phone: (910)431-8122 • Email:janetshere@earthlink.net
Directions: South on S. College Rd. (132) to Rte. 421 South to S. Lake Park Blvd. & Atlantic Ave.
Columbus County Community Farmers’ Market
132 Government Complex Rd., Whiteville, NC, Columbus Co.
Open Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday 7 am-noon
Products: Locally grown fresh fruits & produce in-season
Specials: Open-air market w/restrooms & free parking. Up to 20 farmers/ vendors. Promotional days with free produce samples & recipes
Phone: (910)6484575
Email: info@columbuscountyfarmersmarket.com
Web: www.columbuscountyfarmersmarket.com
Directions: Located 132 Government Complex Road between the Farm Services Bldg. & the Dept. of Social Services north of Whiteville. Green directional signs located throughout town.
Farmers’ Market at Poplar Grove
10200 US Hwy 17, Wilmington, NC, New Hanover Co.
Open Wednesday 8 am-1 pm; April 9 thru December 17
Products: Locally grown fresh fruits & produce in-season. Organic produce available.
Specials: Tours & school groups available
Phone: (910) 686-9518 • Email: bjr@poplargrove.com
Web: www.poplargrove.com
Directions: Located on the front lawn of Poplar Grove Plantation, on Hwy 17 approximately 9 miles north of Wilmington, NC
Riverfront Farmers’ Market
Market Street & N. Water Street, Wilmington, NC, New Hanover Co.
Open Saturday 8 am-12:30 pm; April 21 thru December 22
Products: Locally grown fresh fruits & produce in-season; seafood.
Specials: Weekly local musical entertainment, arts & crafts
Phone: 9105206875 • Email: rt.jones@wilmingtonnc.gov
Web: www.wilmingtonfarmers.com
Directions: Located 00-100 block of N. Water St. along the Cape Fear River in Historic Downtown Wilmington, next to Federal Courthouse
Shallotte Farmers’ Market
Corner of Hwy 130 & Main Street, Shallotte, NC, Brunswick Co.
Products: Locally grown fresh fruits & produce in-season
Phone: (910)754-5014 • Email: jlherrik@atmc.net
Open Saturday 8 am-noon; July 19 thru October 4
Directions: Located corner Hwy 130 (Whiteville Road) & Main Street behind BEMC
Wrightsville Beach Farmers’ Market
206 Causeway Drive Wrightsville Beach
Open Monday 8am- 1pm; May thru September
Products: A variety from vegetables and fruit to peanuts and herbs.
Phone: (910)256-7925 • Email: kryan@towb.org
Web: Wrightsville Beach Farmers’ Market
Directions: US 74/76 over Wrightsville Beach bridge. Market is on the right.
List courtesy of Southeastern North Carolina Food Systems Program
Come celebrate the kickoff of the Second Annual Wrightsville Beach Farmers Market’s 2010 season with a 5k Run & Fun Loop Walk on Saturday, May 1 at 9 a.m. at Wrightsville Beach Park. All proceeds from entry fees go directly towards expenses and advertising to support and promote the Farmers Market, which will be open from May 3 through September 27 in front of the Wrightsville Beach Post Office.
Pre-Race Registration will take place Friday, April 30 at O2 Fitness, 3p.m. until 7p.m. Race Day: Check-in begins at 7:30 a.m.; registration closes at 8:45 a.m. Race starts at 9 a.m. Loop walkers to follow runners.
Learn more about the Wrightsville Beach Farmers Market at www.wbfarmersmarket.com; call (910)262-5998 with any questions about the Run & Loop Walk.
Support your local farmers! Buy local at farmers markets or buy a share in a local CSA. Community Supported Agriculture is a way for individual consumers to make a financial commitment to a farm. Become a subscriber for a season for delivery of quality, locally-produced food—and the chance to meet the folks who grow your food!
Southeastern North Carolina Food Systems Program
Copper Guinea Farm, Atkinson, NC in partnership with SENC Foods (Farmer Co-op)
Contact: Molly Rousey (910)283-9578
The Jones Family Farm, Burgaw, NC
Contact: JoAnn Jones (910)367-6077 www.jonesfamilyfarmnc.com
Oakley Laurel Farm, Castle Hayne, NC
Contact: Robb Prichard
Black River Organic Farm, Ivanhoe, NC
Contact: Stefan Hartmann (910)532-2437 www.blackriverorganicfarm.com
Dogwood Farm, Maple Hill, NC
Contact: Mary & Nelson James (910)259-6946 www.localharvest.com
Cloven Woods Farm, Burgaw, NC
Contact: Tommy Taylor, tommy.taylor@cfauw.org
My Sister’s Farm, Burgaw, Contact: Joyce Bowman/Carol Jackson (910)259-9762
Cottle Farms, Rose Hill, Contact: Herbie Cottle 910-289-5034 www.cottletiptopfarms.com or Progressive Gardens (910)395-1156
The River to the Sea Bikeway (WMPO Bicycle Route 1) is an 11-mile, on- and off-road bicycle route that follows the Historic Beach Car Line, which carried vacationers from downtown Wilmington to Wrightsville Beach by trolley. The bikeway comprises neighborhood residential streets, off-road multi-use paths, and a few busy arterial roadways.
It begins at the foot of Market Street at the Riverwalk, within sight of the Battleship USS North Carolina. The bikeway then traverses the Old Wilmington, Bottom and Forest Hills neighborhoods before crossing Independence Boulevard and passing by Empie Park. From Empie Park to South Kerr Avenue, the bikeway follows Park Avenue, a quiet local street that passes by Audubon Station.
After merging with South Kerr Avenue and crossing South College Road, the bikeway passes through the
Ann Street Bicycle Boulevard Grand Opening Celebration
Celebrate the opening of the first bicycle boulevard in North Carolina with Mayor Bill Saffo on April 17, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center on So. 8th Street.
River to the Sea Ride
Take part of a free group bicycle ride from downtown Wilmington to Wrightsville Beach and back on May 1 at 8:30 a.m., starting at the foot of Market Street in downtown Wilmington.
Winter Park area on Pine Grove Drive and McMillan Avenue, before joining up with Park Avenue again. Between Wallace Avenue and 52nd Street, the bikeway utilizes an off-road path, with a spur to the University of North Carolina at Wilmington (WMPO Bicycle Route 1A) via Wooddale Drive. Between 52nd Street and Hinton Avenue, the bikeway follows on-road bicycle lanes on Park Avenue. Beyond Greenville Avenue, the ride is much more uncomfortable for recreational cyclists. Oleander Drive and Wrightsville Avenue are busy arterial roadways with few bicycle facilities and high-speed traffic, and there are several bridges to cross. This section is not recommended for recreational cyclists.
To reach the downtown Wilmington trailhead, follow U.S. Highway 74 toward Wilmington; take the Wilmington DOWNTOWN exit. Proceed south on North 3rd Street. Take a right onto Market Street and follow west to Riverfront Park. Parking is available on-street or in the city of Wilmington parking deck located at Market Street and North 2nd Street. The bikeway begins at the foot of Market Street at Water Street. Follow the bicycle Route 1 signs.
To reach the Empie Park parking area, follow U.S. Highway 76 to Independence Boulevard northbound. Take a right onto Park Avenue and an immediate left into the park driveway. The bikeway is on Park Avenue. Follow the bicycle Route 1 signs.
To reach the Wrightsville Beach trailhead, follow U.S. Highway 74 toward Wrightsville Beach. At the intersection of Salisbury Street and North Lumina Avenue, continue straight on Salisbury Street to the on-street parking area. The bikeway begins on Salisbury Street west of North Lumina Avenue. Follow the bicycle Route 1 signs. There is also additional parking at the Wrightsville Beach municipal complex at the intersection of Salisbury Street and Seawater Lane.
For more information, contact the Wilmington Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (WMPO), which is the regional transportation planning agency for the lower Cape Fear region of southeastern North Carolina. Write WMPO at P.O.Box 1810, Wilmington, N.C. 28402, call (910)341-3258 or visit www.wmpo.org. Information above provided courtesy of www.rivertoseabikeway.com.
I was completely surprised—and bursting with pride—when my accountant became a cabinetmaker.
Well, he wasn’t actually my accountant. He was my student in a cabinetmaking class I taught in 1981 through a school that teaches basic building skills to homeowners—and he also happened to be an accountant, with a nine-to-five desk job in San Francisco.
I didn’t think about his occupation— there were a dozen students, from all walks of life. I was showing them how they could save a little money by building or at least installing their own cabinets—demystifying the process and empowering them to use tools and become less dependent on specialists.
About nine months after the class ended, the unassuming accountant sent me a photo of a cabinet he built in his basement and a letter explaining that, over the objections of his middle-class family, he quit his desk job and started his own cabinet business. “Free at last,” he concluded.
I remembered him today as I contemplated ways for ordinary people to survive what I believe we’re headed for: a breakdown of the global economic order in which we Americans function as the great
consumers who, to paraphrase spiritualist Deepak Chopra, buy things that we don’t need using money that we don’t have to impress people we don’t like.
In my last column I argued that none of the structural changes needed to end casino-style financing and put our economy on a sustainable basis are likely to be made by the Wall Street/Washington cabal. The middle class is being wiped out—almost one third of Americans (91 million!) now live below the poverty line and the average income is $36,000 a year. If we Main Streeters are to survive, we’ll have to become both more self-reliant and more interdependent.
For those who can’t find work, or are forced to work for such low wages that it’s not worth their time, self-reliance usually means working from home, either as a self-employed individual or in partnership with others.
Home-based self-employment begins with an assessment of your most valuable asset—your home (owned, mortgaged or rented)—and its potential for generating a livelihood. Note that I said a livelihood, not merely an income, for most homes can support gardens, providing food, and accommodate the production of bartered goods and services as well as cash-based income. Some combination of self-sustenance, direct exchange and cashgenerating activity will be needed to build a sustainable economy within the disintegrating but still-dominant economic order.
You can provide many types of services at or from your home. For example, in Oakland, California, where many people have long been pressed to provide extra income for their families, I’ve seen garages converted into barber shops, bakeries and even a Red-Wing shoe store. Today’s home businesses include all types of internet-
based services from accounting to publishing to online catalogue stores.
The boarding room, an old idea with a modern twist, is making a spontaneous comeback in today’s economy. The Web site airbnb.com, launched in 2007, links travelers with homeowners who rent them a spare room for one night or several weeks, usually for far less than they could stay in a hotel. Airbnb puts the travelers and hosts in contact with one another before the rental date, so they can make sure they’re comfortable with the arrangement.
A boarding house also has the potential to provide meals for an extra fee. And just in case you think that eking out a living by home cooking represents an unfortunate, permanent regression to a less prosperous era, consider the story of a woman who once charged a small fee to provide Thanksgiving dinner to a few guests during the depths of the Great Depression. Her name was Cordelia Knott, and her legacy is a restaurant and a multimillion dollar theme park called Knott’s Berry Farm.
Along with its many benefits self-employment, which has always been part of our economy, entails risks, including limited production capacity and vulnerability to psychological and economic isolation. In a future column, I’ll explore partnering with others to establish a modern-day “cottage industry” at your ecological house.
© Philip S. Wenz, 2009 Philip S. (Skip) Wenz is a freelance writer specializing in ecological design issues. He was a general contractor, residential designer, teacher and writer in the San Francisco Bay Area. In the early 1990s he founded, and for ten years directed, the Ecological Design Program at the San Francisco Institute of Architecture. He also teaches “Creating Your Ecological House” at Berkeley’s Building Education Center and wrote the book, Adding to a House (Taunton Press, 1995). Skip now lives with his wife, Pam, in Corvallis, Oregon and divides his time between various writing projects and retrofitting his older home to be more environmentally friendly. He may be reached by email through his Web site at www.your-ecological-house.com.
Old Growth Riverwood Inc. of Wilmington has been selected for the 2009 Best of Business Award in the Wood household furniture category by the Small Business Commerce Association (SBCA).
The SBCA 2009 Award Program recognizes the top five percent of small businesses throughout the country. Using statistical research and consumer feedback, the SBCA identifies companies that exemplify what makes small business a vital part of the American economy.
Small Business Commerce Association is a San Francisco-based organization. The SBCA is a private sector entity provides tactical guidance with many day-to-day issues facing small business owners.
Old Growth Riverwood recovers logs from the Cape Fear River and reclaims beams from historic structures in the Cape Fear area. They transform this one-of-a-
This chest is one of many furniture items Old Growth Riverwood creates from wood it reclaims from the bottom of the Cape Fear River and from old buildings scheduled to
kind wood material into flooring, counter tops, molding, trim, mantles, and furniture for residential and commercial use.
Learn more about Old Growth Riverwood at their web site: www.oldgrowthriverwood.com, follow them on Facebook, or call them at (910)599-7333.
The City of Wilmington relies on reports from residents regarding water quality problems in our community. Local residents can now call the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Hotline to report water pollution in the City of Wilmington. Examples of pollution to report:
• Oil, paint, and other chemicals leaking or draining into storm drains or creeks
• Wastewater piped to a creek or ditch (i.e. from a washing machine, floor drain)
• Washing equipment outdoors using chemicals or dumping mopwater onto the ground
• Pouring or leaking auto fluids (motor oil, antifreeze, brake fluid, etc.) on the ground or into a storm drain
• Pumping chlorinated swimming pool water into the street, ditch, or storm drain
• Foam, excess bubbles, a chalky or milky appearance in a ditch, creek or waterway
• A strange odor coming from a storm drain
When a hotline report is received, a code enforcement officer investigates the complaint. Staff will visit the site to determine whether a violation has occurred and try to identify the source of pollution and the responsible party.
The party responsible is notified and advised on how to contain and clean up the pollution. Depending on the severity of the problem, a notice of violation may be issued and the responsible
party may receive a fine. Hotline calls can be made anonymously; however it is helpful for the city to obtain the reporter’s contact information in case they need more details.
When making a report, please provide as much information as possible, including date/time of incident, location, source and type of pollution if known, responsible party, and your contact info.
Phone Hotline: (910)341-1020. Report Online: www.wilmingtonnc.gov/ reportstormwaterpollution
Wilmington’s Earth Day Celebration organizers plan to spotlight the growing problem of debris—mostly-plastic—in our oceans. Why all the fuss? Plastic fills our life—we eat off it, sit on it, drive it, and chew on it. Plastics are lightweight, easy to form, and durable—making them an attractive choice for everything from grocery bags to teething rings to car bumpers. But these useful attributes are also part of the problem.
Plastic is not biodegradable, and very little of it gets recycled. About four per cent of the plastic shopping bags we accept each year get recycled properly. The rest end up in landfills, or worse—blowing away in the wind, across fields, into the streams and eventually into the ocean. It’s the same thing with plastic water bottles.
It’s easy to think of the oceans as huge—almost infinite. But we are quickly filling them up with garbage. Researchers estimate we have
dumped more than 100 million tons of plastic into our oceans. About twenty per cent comes from abandoned fishing gear, but the bulk comes directly from land.
Plastics have become so prevalent in our oceans, it is difficult to find a sample of water or of marine life without some plastic in it. In some parts of the ocean, where wind and sea currents conspire to herd the debris into a huge morass of plastic soup, researchers estimate plastic outweighs zooplankton by about 6 to 1. In the North Pacific Central Gyre, the plastic gently swirls in a mass twice as big as Texas.
In addition to entangling and choking marine life, plastics leach toxins and hormone-like compounds into the animals that eat plastic debris, mistaking it for food. These toxins disrupt plant and animal development, promote disease and can eventually make their way up the food chain to us.
Researchers point to several strategies to help reduce the flow of plastics into our waterways—screening storm drains and tighter control on plastic manufacturing to reduce accidental spills, for instance. Bio-plastics, made from plant resins which break down quickly into benign components, are another option. But most agree the best strategy is to stem the huge tide of plastics we daily throw away or lose.
For more information, read Bonnie Monteleone’s article, “Plastics in Our Oceans,” in the Summer 2009 issue of Cape Fear’s Going Green—available online at www.goinggreenpublications.com or at area Earth Day celebrations. You can visit www.algalita.org, or read Monteleone’s blog at www. theplasticocean.blogspot.com.
Did you know:
Recycling and reuse employs more than one million people. Over 1/3 of our waste is packaging material.
Source: http://vimeo.com/9437551.
As we went to press, James Turner was flying to Fort Collins, Colorado for a week of training and orientation at the corporate headquarters of Clean Air Lawn Care. Turner was one of two winners of Opportunity 2010, a contest to win a Clean Air Lawn Care franchise, which he won by garnering enough votes online at www.cleanairlawncare.com.
Site visitors could view videos created by the fifteen finalists, and vote for the most deserving. The other winner was Paul Hresko, of Denver, Colorado.
“I hope to be up and mowing within several weeks.” says Turner. “I am so incredibly grateful to have been given such an awesome opportunity and once again thank everyone that voted.”
Clean Air Lawn Care uses electric and biodiesel powered equipment for lawn mowing and landscape maintenance. Electric equipment is charged during the day by solar panels mounted on their trucks and overnight with wind power.
This hand-painted table is one example of the repurposed, American made furniture that will be available from Re-eco Design. You might want to buy it to be ready for Earth Day 2011.
Keep an eye out for their opening sometime this spring: the Holst family is opening Re-eco Design. It’s a unique environmentally friendly studio featuring artistic repurposed, fashion, furniture and fine art for home, garden and self. Ecopreneur work and consignments welcome. Located at 5323 Oleander Drive in Wilmington, you can reach them at (910)399-7068 or visit their web site, which is www.re-eco.com.
Work currently on display at ArtExposure, Rt 17,
Porters Neck
8044 Market St., Wilmington www.greenartstudio.com www.gregpatch.blogspot.com info@www.greenartstudio.com (910)616-9930