People Against Dirty

Looking for a greener way to clean your home? So am I.

It's refreshing to see the trend in so many companies working to market greener products. As a result, there is a wider selection, and the products themselves are more effective.

One company that I have been impressed with in my research is Method. Their products are biodegradable, innovative, effective, non-toxic, true clean smelling (like green tea, lavender, cucumber, grapefruit, magnolia or smell-free) and contained in recylclable packaging. Method's goal is to provide "A Cleaner Way of Cleaning".

When visiting their website, be sure to check out the People Against Dirty Blog.

To find more information about environmentally friendly cleaners, go here.

Site Spotlight: treehugger.com

Here is your ultimate guide to living the green life - treehugger.com.

The slogan: "We care about the environment. There. We said it."

The method: treehugger.com is a leading media outlet. They create newsletters, blogs, video segments, and even have a radio show available. High profile magazines and television shows find their information right here.

The Site: Find News, Suggestions, Solutions, Information on Environmentally Friendly Products and much, much more.

Artist Spotlight: Darren Holden

I recently had the opportunity to catch "Movin' Out" in Raleigh (Broadway Series South). My favorite part of this exciting show was definitely the band, with Darren Holden at the front as the "Piano Man".

Darren could be considered the stand in for Billy Joel himself, but he has a vocal quality and piano talent all of his own. He gives all the songs his own edge, and he definitely makes the piano rock (especially at the "rapid-fire" opening of "Angry Young Man").

The touring production of "Movin' Out" closes this month, so be sure to check it out if you can.

You can find out more about Darren at his official website.

Nancy Pelosi Makes History

Today, Nancy Pelosi made history as the first woman to be Speaker of the House. This makes her the most powerful female in Washington - only second in line to the presidency after the Vice President.

In her speech Pelosi encouraged action for all members of the Congress, saying "Let us stand together to move our country forward, seeking common ground for the common good. We have made history; now let us make progress for the American people. May God bless our work, and may God bless America."

A copy of her speeches and more information can be found at the official website.

Resolution

New year, new resolution. Mine?

This year I decided to take a long look at ways that I can help our environment. There are so many little things that can help us protect our planet.

So, 2007 is the year to be green!

Polar Bears May Get Protection

Sometime within the next 12 months, polar bears may be added as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act.

In the last few years, polar bear numbers have experienced a steady decline due to loss of habitat as a result of global warming.

Find more information about polar bears and conservation efforts at the following sources:
- US Fish & Wildlife Service
- Greenpeace
- National Geographic

Five From My Playlist - 12/12/2006

From my Best of Christmas...

1. "O Holy Night" - David Phelps, featuring Anthony Burger on the piano. "Homecoming Friends - Christmas in the Country". This rendition of the beautiful Christmas classic gives me chills. David Phelps is certainly one of the most talented singers I have ever heard.


2. "The First Noel / Mary, Mary" - Sarah McLachlan. "Wintersong". Sarah's new album is fabulous. I love every song on there, but this one is my favorite.


3. "Mary Did You Know" - Mark Lowry. "Homecoming Friends - Christmas, A Time for Joy". This dramatic rendition by the songwriter of this modern classic is very impressive. This song also features Anthony Burger on the piano. Wow.


4. "Jesus the Light of the World" - Jessy Dixon. "Homecoming Friends - Joy to the World". I love the take on this spiritual carol.


5. "Merry Christmas, My Love" - Allison Durham Speer. "Homecoming Friends - Christmas, A Time for Joy". Allison wrote this beautiful Christmas love song.

Banker for the Poor

Dr. Muhammad Yunus, also known as the "Banker for the Poor", and his Grameen Bank won the Nobel Prize for 2006.

Dr. Yunus started his bank by giving small loans to some of the poorest women in the world. These women would never qualify for traditional bank loans. The money empowered the women, and helped them to build their own businesses. The bank also gives them access to other financial services.

As the recepients of the loans pay back their loan, the money is then distributed to others in need of a loan.

Find out more about Dr. Yunus and the Grameen Foundation at the foundation's website.

Green & Noteworthy - Limited Brands Announces New Environmental Policy

Limited Brands, owner of retail brand Victoria's Secret, announced a new and refreshing environmental policy.

The company will cease in using paper made of pulp from natural wildlife refuges, and use 10% post consumer content (recycled) or paper certified by the Forest Stewardship Council instead. The clearance catalogs already use 80% post-consumer recycled content. 10% may seem small, but considering the mass mailings for Victoria's Secret, this number will definitely make a difference.

See the whole press release here.

Silent Reef Destroyers

The deceivingly beautiful creature that you see in this photograph is destroying one of our earth's most valuable natural habitats.

The Crown of Thorns Starfish feeds on the hard coral that is vital to the foundation of the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. In the past number of years, the population of these animals has grown so largely, that they are destroying coral at a much faster rate than it can recover.

The Crown of Thorns Starfish is a natural part of the ecological system in the area. However, with the chemicals introduced into the water by farming and the removal of the animal's natural predators by over-fishing, the population has skyrocketed.

The rate at which these animals are destroying the reef is quite alarming.

There is not an easy solution to this problem without further affecting the ecosystem. Currently, there is a program which employs divers that patrol the reef. The divers use the Starfish's own venom, injected in each of its legs, to destroy the animal. This process is extremely unefficient because of the rate at which the population of the animal grows.

Discovery HD Theater aired an excellent documentary on the subject, entitled "Predators of the Great Barrier Reef", that provides lots of information and high quality footage of the reef. You can also find more information on the subject by going to the control program's website - here.