What's Around the Corner?

I usually don't like to think about the new school year until about 24 hours before it starts, as my children are usually the first to go back - well before Labor Day - in the sweltering, humid days of August in Chicago.

But I've been thinking about the next school year for weeks now, for a few reasons, but  mostly because I am determined this will be the greenest school year ever, not only for my family, but also for our school.

When my children started attending elementary school there was no Earth Day celebration and every once in a while someone would ask me, "what are you planning for Earth Day?" Of course, as a Green Business Owner that's usually my busiest time of year and I am no where near the school or available.

However, this past year we held our first Earth Day Celebration with the help of the 7th grade science class. It was a great event and I was really honored to work with and talk with all the students.

This year I am determined to have multiple events. And as these events take planning, I am thinking about them and about school.

I think the following events are great learning opportunities for children, and I thought I would share them with you as maybe you don't know about these special days and would at least want them on your calendar, so you can attend an event or plan one yourself!

Green Halloween (Sept/Oct)
Food Day (October 24)
America Recycles Day (November 15)
World Water Day (March 22)
Earth Day (April 22)

Beyond these events, I'm also interested in having a green school year. That inspired me to write a small article for the August issue of Mindful Metropolis on some simple ways to have a greener school year.

Do you know any other events everyone should know about? Please leave them in the comments.

Thanks for caring about the environment and each other!

DORJE Heating and Power Systems: Renewable Energy for Your Home

Solar Panels, Wind Turbines, Geo-thermal energy. Wouldn't it be great to have renewable energy systems working for you? wouldn't it be great to reduce or eliminate your electric bill? Well of course! But who can afford to implement these green systems during this record breaking recession?

I'm here to tell you that you can afford renewable energy solutions now. How? With this incredible, out of the box company, DORJE Heating and Power Systems. DORJE was incorporated in 2009 by Don Jarrett, who says, "I was tired of watching other people going about trying to do the “right thing” the wrong way."

DORJE's in-house motto is “If you’re not managing your energy, who is?”  a reference to how much of our daily necessities we leave to other people to provide and manage. Jarrett is a professional biologist, with a focus on applied terrestrial ecology who raises heirloom dahlias and reads beekeeping books. He has helped site and build power plants and pipelines; but he's also built pipe organs for churches across the country. He's a bit of a nutty scientist, but those are the best kind; creative, out-of-the-box thinkers and doers.

What can DORJE do for you, the mindful consumer? DORJE does everything from wetland delineation and construction monitoring to environmental remediation. Their renewable energy work already includes breakthrough designs in rooftop wind and hydronic home heating; and they're just warming up.

DORJE renewable energy systems include:
    •    Wind - the Dorje vertical wind turbine delivers wind-power muscle right where you need it.
    •    Solar - Dorje uses polycarbonate crystal solar cells for a long life of reliable service and the best components available for your specific needs.
    •    Geothermal - works on the idea of temperature differential.
    •    Combined Systems - a compact 8' x 8' building houses the electrical equipment and battery banks, geothermal pumps and heat exchangers -- all outside of the main residence. The living space remains undisturbed.

But what really sets them apart is their Ready-Set-Go Program, "Your energy lifestyle on layaway!" Yes, layaway program. This well received program is a membership-driven block-credit program to help people start funding their own green projects without going into debt. Jarrett explains, "We try to make sure each project is weighted for maximum benefit right up front. We have people buying renewable energy systems on this program; we make sure they can see it come together in smaller sub-projects all along the way." And their systems are not proprietary. Other companies can come in later and add on or work within their universal systems.

Isn't that awesome?!

Want to learn more or make an appointment for an assessment? The folks at DORJE are always happy to talk to interested folk, and can be reached at 1.800.682.4950 or online at green-renewable-energy-solutions.com.

Alexandra Gnoske is an Environmental Expert. She is the Author/Illustrator of "Loui Saves the Earth" and Founder of RECYCLE ME.

ORIGINALLY WRITTEN FOR MINDFUL METROPOLIS' MINDFUL BUSINESS MATTERS BLOG

YES Green Living - New Green Home Store

YES Green Living is your source for all things Conservation. It's a store, museum, and learning facility where you can go to answer "How do I do that?" and "Where can I buy that?"



Owner and Founder Mitchell Furlett A. said it all started because of a drought in Georgia. When he and his family stopped at a hotel in Georgia in 2008 he noticed the water tanks in the toilets were filling up all the way wasting precious water. Funny thing to notice - unless your family business is plumbing. After talking with the hotel manager he realized most people didn't know about toilet retrofits and other products that Conserve water (and save money).

When Mitch returned home he stepped down from the family plumping business to start YES Water Conservation, a company that sells and installs water saving devices. In doing this he realized the need for Conservation education and the need to bring consumers, distributors and manufacturers together to learn, shop and live green.

Museum
When you walk into YGL you see a little house. It's the YGL Museum. The roof has solar panels, inside you'll find a toilet with a sink on top, upcycled light fixtures, renewable flooring, a compost container, upcycled kids furniture, and outside is a rain barrel. You can see how these items work in your home, touch them, try them out, purchase them, and YGL has a short list of local installers if you need them.

Store
As you walk through YGL you will find many Conservation products for your home including:

• Conservation Kits (gas, electric or water) that are a perfect house warming gift
• Recycled, Bamboo, and Cork flooring
• Water Conservation products
• Wind Turbines
• Solar Panels

YGL also highlights several local artists and manufacturers with unique green products that are upcycled, recycled, or focused on conservation that include:

• Accessories, bags, and other neat nick nacks from It's Our Earth based in Wheaton
• "Ferniture" Upcycled Kids in Evanston
• Funky upcycled light fixtures by Lighting Lease from Evanston
• Rain barrels beautifully painted by local artists

Learning Facility
What really ties all this together is the classes YGL offers so you don't have to figure out how to be green all by yourself. The most popular class is Conservation Investing which teaches you how to save money through conservation and greening your life. The class also highlights the additional benefits of health and safety when you invest in Conservation. YGL also has an education program for kids, "YES Eco-Heroes" and story time for preschoolers. Most classes are free and you can find out more by calling or visiting online.

YES Green Living is located in Evanston, IL at 2814 Central St., 60201, 847.834.YES3 (9373) YESGreenLiving.com. The store is open Monday through Saturday, 9-4 M, 9-5 T-F, and 10-3 S.

 

Alexandra Gnoske is an Environmental Expert, the Founder and President of RECYCLE ME, and the author of "Loui Saves the Earth."

 

ORIGINALLY WRITTEN FOR MINDFUL BUSINESS MATTERS, FEBRUARY 2011

Green Genes: Helping the Planet One Purchase at a Time

When you walk into Green Genes on 5111 Clark Street you'll find a bit of whimsy, a bit of charm, fun gifts for adults, cool stuff for tots - - and it's all good for Planet Earth!

When Heather and Tina, owners of Green Genes, decided to start their own retail business in Andersonville, there was no question it would be an environmentally responsible store as both ladies are very conscious of their planetary impact. With Heathers extensive background with children and art, they decided on "Green Genes," a store that focuses on green products for children and families. But when you take a closer look, it's so much more.

Caring and Well Educated Staff. First, the staff is exceptionally educated on the latest trends in health, safety, and environment. Many products are the latest, safest items for baby and family, from BPA free bottles to chemical free lotions and soaps that are great for the whole family.

Vintage. Take a moment to look around and you'll also find many vintage treasures. My two favorites are the vintage globes and the original Fischer Price little people. Brings back fond childhood memories. I'd buy both for myself (don't tell my kids!).

Local - Art. Green Genes is a great place to find local art and local products you aren't likely to find anywhere else. You can't get more local than the awesome prints (normally only found at art galleries) by Otto who lives right above the store! Green Genes also features artwork by artist in the neighborhood, Chicagoland, and Illinois. Heather herself has many collages and other unique and whimsical pieces. Some art can be personalized and even reproduced from your children's drawings. Many products are made locally. You can find cute outfits by The Pig Pen, made from upcycled fabrics; superhero capes and cravats (neck warmers) by Baby Hobo/Evanston; organic tot and baby clothing by Chicago business Chapter One Organics; and the ever popular and unique "Sweater Dudes" repurposed from sweaters by Green Gene's own Heather Muenstermann, just to name a few!

Everyday Needs. Green Genes also carries toys, books, clothing, dolls, cards, notepads, water bottles, diapers, hats, gloves, lunch box accessories, educational games, and much more.

Socially/Environmentally Responsible Business. Of course the Owners of Green Genes don't stop there. The store is decorated with VOC paint and vintage hardware, and the floors and counter are made from bamboo. They reuse boxes for shipping and generate less than 1 bag of garbage per week. During Andersonville's first annual Green Week this July, they collected old electronics, including PC's and accessories, VCR's, cell phones and more, that filled up 2 SUV's! Green Genes is also a proud sponsor of Chicago beach cleanups.

This holiday season check out Green Genes for some unique gifts and return for some great everyday products. No matter what you find, it's sure to be good for you and the planet!

Green Genes located at 5111 N. Clark Street, just south of Foster. The store is open Tuesday through Sunday (10am - 6pm Tues., Thur., Fri.,Sat.; 10am - 7pm Wed. and 12pm - 5pm Sunday) You can also shop online at http://store.green-genes.com/. Or call 773 944 9250 for more information.

Originally published in the Mindful Metropolis Mindful Business Matters series by Alexandra Gnoske.

The Number One Way to Teach Your Kids about Sustainability

We are living in a time when oil is covering the gulf, plastic islands are floating in our oceans, and BPA is contaminating our lives - it's even in our store receipts! How do we make sure our world is safe for our children and grandchildren?

While many people in the world are taking steps to lead healthier, safer lives for people and planet, the future is in the hands of our children. The best things we can do as parents, caregivers, and teachers is to teach them to live sustainable lives.

What is a sustainable lifestyle? According to Wikipedia, "Proponents of sustainable living aim to conduct their lives in manners that are consistent with sustainability, in natural balance and respectful of humanity's symbiotic relationship with the Earth's natural ecology and cycles."

There are many topics to cover with our kids, from organic foods to recycling to renewable energy. But what is the Number One way to teach our kids sustainability?

It's no secret. The Number One way to teach our kids how to live a sustainable life is by example! How do you live your life? What do your children see you do? What is important to you? We grew up in the culture of "better living through chemistry," and we have some bad habits. But it's time to break those habits for the sake of our future generations.

Kids are people too. Be honest and let them know that you aren't perfect, and learn together. Maybe you already recycle and commute, but it may be time to invest in that worm bin under your sink (did you know that the majority of municipal waste is compostable?). Maybe it's time to invest in non-toxic cleaners and detergents.

There are many ways to live sustainably, just start! Let your kids see you living sustainably and tell them why it's important. Include them. They probably have some great ideas to share with you too! Lead by example and help our children live sustainable lives today.

Helpful sites on living sustainably and sustainable products: Green Home Experts, Green Genes, Chicago Department of Environment, Recycle Me, Green Depot, Mindful Metropolis, Loui Saves the Earth, Chicago Electric Bicycles, Lollidoo Diapers, The Green Mama

Please add other helpful sites in comments!

Peaceable Kingdom hosted by Mindful Metropolis

Thursday, June 24th, Mindful Metropolis will host another community event, screening the film Peaceable Kingdom: the Journey Home at The Irish American Heritage Center beginning at 5:30pm.

Through Peaceable Kingdom, Producer James LaVeck explores the awakening conscience of several people who grew up in traditional farming culture and who have now come to question the basic premises of their inherited way of life.

Doors will open at 5:30pm with tickets available on site for $20.00 cash. Light fare will be available from Tsadakeeyah's Catering Gourmet Vegan Food and The Chicago Diner. There is a cash bar.

Mr. LaVeck will be available for Q & A after the film. This is an opportunity to learn about our farming heritage and better understand what happens on the farm.

Thank You Mindful Metropolis: Oh My God

Thursday evening Recycle Me sponsored the Oh My God sneak peak at Unity Church, hosted by Mindful Metropolis. There were many wonderful sponsors and attendees, and after the film a discussion lead by a very thoughtful panel of four spiritual leaders.

But this enlightening evening would not have been possible without Mindful Metropolis and their wonderful creative staff putting it together. Part of their mission is to bring the Chicago community together and this was a wonderful example of achieving that mission.

Recycle Me was honored to be a part of such a harmonious event.

Mindful Metropolis is working on having a second screening as this event sold out fast. They also mentioned the DVD would be available next year if you don't have a chance to go see it. You can check their website or sign up for updates to find out what is happening not only with Oh My God but with other sneak peaks as well.

Green Holiday Guide: Interviews with Green Businesses

Interview with Tim Winkler of Mindful Metropolis

Tim Winkler is an integral member of Mindful Metropolis, Chicago's Magazine for connecting it's Conscious Community.

RM: Tim, it's an interesting story. Can you tell me how Mindful Metropolis came to be?

TW: On March 24th, 2009, Chicago’s Conscious Choice magazine and its four affiliate magazines in New York, Los Angeles, Seattle and San Francisco were shut down by their corporate owner. The team from Chicago, myself included, met the very next day at Andie’s Restaurant in Andersonville, and decided to forge ahead and launch a new independent employee-owned publication, and Mindful Metropolis was born. It all happened so fast, we immediately scrambled to create a logo and identity, a mission statement, a temporary website, and re-sign advertisers in time to produce our first issue in May, not skipping a beat.

I'm still not sure how we were able to accomplish it. We just did what needed to be done to make it happen. With any other team of individuals, I’m not sure that it would be possible. I believe it happened because all of us were so mission driven, and did not want to leave Chicago without an eco-health and wellness publication. Most importantly, we had great faith, and trust in one another, without which, this herculean task, even if we were flush with funds, would not have happened.

RM: What is Mindful Metropolis' Mission?

TW: I like to summarize it as follows: I want us to educate and engage. I want Mindful Metropolis to be an independent, non-corporate influenced community media vehicle that shines a light on good people, doing good things for themselves, their community, and the environment.

Since launching Mindful Metropolis the reports from our delivery driver have been that the magazine is getting picked up at rates much higher than Conscious Choice, the response from the community has been phenomenal. Ultimately, we need to transform this enthusiasm into greater advertising and other revenue, so that we can increase our circulation and educate and engage greater and greater segments of metro Chicago’s population.

I’d like to see us to continue to give visibility to good people doing good things. Other media do this as well, but it is more essential to our mission than most. My hope is that when folks pick up Mindful Metropolis, they learn a little, are inspired to act in some small way, and become just a little bit more connected to their community and their planet.

RM: Tim, how does Mindful Metropolis connect with your own goals?

TW: I cannot tell you how surprised I am to find myself as an owner operator of a local community magazine. It was never in my plans, nor my dreams, but once I tried it on for size, I realized how well it fit.

My passions had always been those of an international or intercultural nature. I pursued traveling, studying and languages with fervor (Portuguese & Spanish). As I approached my late 30s I realized what I needed most for myself was a sense of being rooted in community, a community that was also close to family, and I fell into a job with Conscious Choice. I never thought I could sell an ad, or that I was personally a hyper-green conscious individual.

I arrived to the sustainability movement different from many, in that, although I cared about the planet, my focus was more on sustainable, respectful, autonomous, human community development. I realized how much the challenges we face in Chicago are not so different than those facing communities across the world. People are social animals. They cannot live in isolation. I’m learning that most people, most non-profits, and most business, work when they function in collaboration with others, and most importantly with kindness, my favorite human trait. I pushed hard for this section our mission statement: “We never forget that kindness is an environmental mission”. And there I had it, my past life, my past work, joined the environmental movement and became one, and whole. I couldn’t be happier.

RM: Where can readers find Mindful Metropolis?

TW: Mindful Metropolis is distributed at more than 600 locations around metro Chicago. Over 20% of our circulation is in metro Chicago Whole Foods Stores. We circulate everywhere from a street box, acupuncture clinic, to your local green business.
You can find the complete list of locations and search by zip code here: http://www.mindfulmetropolis.com/DropSpots
Additionally, individuals may opt to get a home subscription if they choose, for only $24/year at: http://www.mindfulmetropolis.com/Subscribe. We also have an e-flip digital magazine viewer that may be seen online at http://digital.mindfulmetropolis.com

RM: Tim, anything else you would like to add?

TW: A shout out to our readers, to let us know what you think. Call us, write us, send your ideas and feedback. We listen and we want to hear from you.

Thank you Tim!

Tim Winkler grew up in Peoria, Illinois, where much of his family still lives. He is very active in the Chicago Community, and involved with Victories of the Heart, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping men build more authentic personal relationships and more satisfying lives. He is also a huge White Sox fan (go Sox!), and is spending some personal time reconnecting with his favorite childhood activities: bowling, camping, and fishing.

Mindful Metropolis can be found online at http://www.mindfulmetropolis.com/Home where you can find Mindful Gift Ideas for the holidays.