Super Solar

Insterested in Solar power, but think it's too expensive? One Block Off the Grid is making solar accessable to everyone. You can sign up in your city, and they help facilitate the purchasing and installation of solar panels in bulk to cut down on costs. If you want to do more you can volunteer to be one of the coordinators in your area.

There is plenty of info at http://1bog.org/ They have plenty of tips on how to score tax rebates and other tips on insulating your house, etc... is there a tree in the way of your solar panel - a solar easement might be just what you need to help trim a few branches. Imagine having so much solar energy that the excess actually goes back into the grid for others to use!

now, if it would just stop raining here in New England....

IzzitGreen

This summer a new review network launched in Boston. Something like Yelp, but with a focus on...you guessed it... Green.  IzzitGreen.com features the cutest new mascot in a long time! A funny Green yeti with a little red bird.

Check us out and become our friend- Groovy Green Sisters is on IzzitGreen - ready to review all of our favorite places and ask the question.

Economic Boo Hooing Overshadows Global Warming Concerns

That's kind of the gist of this article in yesterday's New York Times, which talks about a recent poll that rated voter concerns on various issues. A sociologist in the article is quoted as saying that Obama will need to create a link between conservation/renewable energy and jobs/sustainable growth in order to "legitimate" climate change and gain support for his initiatives. I think he can pull it off!

An Interesting Encounter

I was shopping in a craft store for a few more crafty items for this Christmas, and I remembered to bring my own bag!

So as I approached the counter, I set it out and told the girl that I would like to use that. To my surprise, she asked me, "Why do you use those instead of plastic?" So, I amswered I thought it was better for the environment. Again, I was surprised that she launched into something about "Well, if people throw those into a landfill, then they are just as bad." OK. What? it's a REuseable bag.

So THEN, she mentions she heard that some banks may get rid of paper receipts. Stupidly I answered, "Yes, to save trees." So then she starts on about how banks are always trying to take people's money and she wants written proof of her transactions and that they should never ever do that. Whoa.

Well, I had two choices. Make some snide comment about how the planet is screwed and her bank ablance is not as important as saving the boreal forests, or just be silent and walk away. I chose option 2. It was obvious that nothing I could say would change her mind, so I took it as a lesson in how different people think about the whole 'green' movement and went on my way.

For me, the "Green" movement is a no brainer. Although, I will admit, it can be difficult and takes time to change your own attitudes about something. It takes persistance and patience. But someone who has trouble paying the bills each month is really thinking of day to day survival, not how they can improve the planet. Perhaps some even think it is obnoxious and want to be 'anti-green' on purpose. It is funny, however, that going green alot of times equates with saving money on energy, etc... and so is actually a great thing for folks who don't have alot!

Any thoughts?