What's Really Happening to the Bees?

You may already know that bee populations are declining in alarming numbers. Scientists are trying to figure out what's happening to them.

Bees are very important to humans because they pollinate many different plants, including plants we use for food.

Please check out this article from the BBC for the latest information on what's happening with the bee population.

Chicago Green Festival

What are you doing this weekend? Hop a train, a bus, or hop on your bike and get down to Navy Pier for the biggest Green and environmentally friendly event of the year!

May 22 - 23 is Chicago's 4th annual Chicago Green Festival brought to you by Green America and Global Exchange featuring hundreds of local and regional green businesses, non-profits, and community groups who are making a difference for you and the planet!

There will also be dozens of expert speakers on many interesting and current topics, lots of free samples, and the fabulous food court where you can taste so many different healthy yet delicious things!

You can find RECYCLE ME and local Chicago author and illustrator Alexandra Gnoske of Loui Saves the Earth at the Sweet Spot Cafe in booth 1230 with BOT Bakery. BOT Bakery makes handcrafted Organic-Vegan-Gluten-Free, baked goods!

There so much to see, learn, and experience (for kids too - and kids always get in free), you should stay for the whole weekend!

Green Business Owners You Should Know

Last month RECYCLE ME joined many other local green business and organizations at the North Lake Shore Community Earth Day 2010 event on the Loyola Campus.

We were fortunate enough to run into two of our favorite Green Business Owners: Marilyn Jones with Consolidated Printing from Chicago and Kathleen H. of Distinctive Green Interiors and Local Green Connect from Elgin.

Both woman are doing, and have been doing, wonderful things for the environment for years. Marilyn is the owner of the award winning Consolidated Printing who has been pioneering green printing since the 1970s. Check out their recent interview with NBC5 here.

Kathleen has got to be one of the busiest environmental proponents I know. Just this week she planted a 400 oak tree forest in Elgin. She heads up Distinctive Green Interiors helping people create eco responsible homes. She's amazing at connecting people and developing eco programs for businesses, schools, you name it!

So glad to know them both. And I hope you can check them both out as they are true (local) Green Business Owners making a difference in their communities and for the planet!

Summer Reading a Little Early! Loui Saves the Earth for kids of all ages

Local Author and Illustrator, Alexandra Gnoske, has just published Loui Saves the Earth a children's book with some local Chicago flair.

The book is an inspiring story of how a boy and his dog can make a difference for Planet Earth. It teaches, while entertaining, the importance of our everyday actions, and that everyone, even little kids, can make a big difference.

The author will be hosting a book release party on May 15th, from 3 - 5pm with readings at 330 and 430, at Drew's Eatery, 2207 W. Montrose. Ms. Gnoske will be giving away signed copies of her book to the first 15 people at the event.

You can also find her book on amazon.com.

Ms. Gnoske is big on teaching kids about nature and environmental issues. She has a degree in Wildlife Biology and a J.D. in Environmental Law. She previously taught at the Ozark Natural Science Center and continues engaging children with Loui Saves the Earth.

Her Blog is meant to empower children by acknowledging the everyday things they do that make a difference for the planet.

You can also find Ms. Gnoske selling her Recycle Me brand organic and water based cotton tees around Chicagoland. For more information on upcoming events and book signings please visit www.louisavestheearth.com. We recommending purchasing your book on amazon before an event in case the books run out!