This sounds like fun!
Upcoming Events at Abrams Creek Wetlands Preserve
Fall 2008
Nature Walks with special attention to native plants and migrating bird populations
8:00AM-9:30AM on the following Saturdays: October 18, November 1
Led by Naturalist Jim Smith - meet in front of Children of America, 631 Jubal Early Drive, Winchester, VA.
For more information contact Jim Lawrence at 667-0761 or
Winchester Department of Parks & Recreation at 662-4946
Friday, October 24, 2008
Greenwashing - genuine interest or genuine marketing?
So I've been thinking a lot about greenwashing lately. Greenwashing is the practice of marketing that your products or services are "green" without actually making a commitment to practice sound, sustainable business practices. With all the buzz words around getting so much hype, how do I tell if the product or company is "environmentally friendly" or "sustainable" or "green" or "eco-friendly" or "eco-conscious" or "energy efficient" (you get the idea). AND how do we, as those that are trying to live a little lighter on the earth, keep from being lumped in with the greenwashing crowd if we miss a part of the puzzle in our daily lives? (I don't know about you, but some days, its hard to live in the most eco friendly way, there are only so many eco-issues that I can keep track of at one time)
In the confusing world of green marketing, I'd like to offer this: educate yourself about one issue at a time and start checking into claims of that issue. If a company is making a specific claim about your current pet issue, check up on it. If a product claims to be "made of recycled content" (my latest pet issue) make sure that it actually is (I found out that the only regulation for that is 100% recycled content, so if a product has 1%, it can label itself as "made from recycled materials," a little tricky if you ask me!)
As for local businesses making green advertisements, look at their actions and not just their ads. Sustainability statements are great for that, but not all businesses have them, or even know that they should have them. If you're curious, ask. There are a lot of local folks that are doing the best they can and don't even realize that they're "eco-friendly." I, for one, am more satisfied by claims of "doing the best we can," because I know at least those claims are real.
The Guardian (a great UK news site) has just launched what should be an interesting look at the problem of greenwashing. I plan to make it part of my regular reading. You should consider it too.
Greening the valley one conversation at a time.
In the confusing world of green marketing, I'd like to offer this: educate yourself about one issue at a time and start checking into claims of that issue. If a company is making a specific claim about your current pet issue, check up on it. If a product claims to be "made of recycled content" (my latest pet issue) make sure that it actually is (I found out that the only regulation for that is 100% recycled content, so if a product has 1%, it can label itself as "made from recycled materials," a little tricky if you ask me!)
As for local businesses making green advertisements, look at their actions and not just their ads. Sustainability statements are great for that, but not all businesses have them, or even know that they should have them. If you're curious, ask. There are a lot of local folks that are doing the best they can and don't even realize that they're "eco-friendly." I, for one, am more satisfied by claims of "doing the best we can," because I know at least those claims are real.
The Guardian (a great UK news site) has just launched what should be an interesting look at the problem of greenwashing. I plan to make it part of my regular reading. You should consider it too.
Greening the valley one conversation at a time.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Green Workshops 101-1 in Winchester
Don't forget, Winchester's Going Green has a FREE workshop coming up on Monday November 3rd at 6:30pm at the Jim Barnett Park War Memorial Building. This one is 101-1, talking about the basics (but you can go to them in any order you wish!) they're open to anyone, not just city residents, so come out and learn all you can!
Click here to get more information and for registration.
Greening the Valley one conversation at a time.
Click here to get more information and for registration.
Greening the Valley one conversation at a time.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Green Workshops 101-4 City of Winchester
Don't forget, Winchester's Going Green has a FREE workshop coming up on Wednesday October 22 at 6:30pm at 15 North Cameron Street. This one is 101-4 (but you can go to them in any order you wish!)
Click here to get more information and for registration.
Greening the Valley one conversation at a time.
Click here to get more information and for registration.
Greening the Valley one conversation at a time.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Green 101 - Workshops for FREE
Did anyone know that the city of Winchester is offering FREE green workshops? I just found out as I was cruising the website. There are 4 sessions at several times throughout the winter (we've already missed a few, but that's okay because there will be more!).
Sessions cover everything from the bare basics to an in depth of each:
Solid waste - trash and composting
Energy efficiency - pretty self explanatory here
Water and soil waste - gardening, watering, safe cleaning supplies
Amazing that our city is providing some education for the general public. I'm going to try to make it to these, and you should too. Like I said, they're free to EVERYONE, not just city citizens.
Coming up this month they are:
Wednesday October 15 - 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Wednesday October 22
Monday November 3 - 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Monday November 10
Monday November 17
Monday November 24
Check this site for more information and for registration.
Greening the Valley one conversation at a time.
Sessions cover everything from the bare basics to an in depth of each:
Solid waste - trash and composting
Energy efficiency - pretty self explanatory here
Water and soil waste - gardening, watering, safe cleaning supplies
Amazing that our city is providing some education for the general public. I'm going to try to make it to these, and you should too. Like I said, they're free to EVERYONE, not just city citizens.
Coming up this month they are:
Wednesday October 15 - 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Wednesday October 22
Monday November 3 - 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Monday November 10
Monday November 17
Monday November 24
Check this site for more information and for registration.
Greening the Valley one conversation at a time.
Local Harvest Days
For the next 3 Saturdays at ZeroPak on Cameron Street, the "Z Street Market" managed by Lea Vittitow, will host its "Local Harvest Days" celebration. 3 Saturday afternoons from 1pm to 5pm (Oct 11, 18, and 25) .
Local produce vendors (YUM!)
Entertainers (YAY!)
Other businesses and agencies involved with fostering local sustainable economy concepts (I have to learn more about these folks!)
These folks will be present to entertain and educate local citizens about the "Buy Fresh Buy Local" movement.
The activities will culminate with the 60 vendor Virginia Organic Producers and Consumers Association "Farm and Food EXPO" 2 November. (more on that later)
It is so exciting to see that the Z-street market is taking off and becoming a great local resource. Personally, I plan to do most of my Christmas shopping there.
Local produce vendors (YUM!)
Entertainers (YAY!)
Other businesses and agencies involved with fostering local sustainable economy concepts (I have to learn more about these folks!)
These folks will be present to entertain and educate local citizens about the "Buy Fresh Buy Local" movement.
The activities will culminate with the 60 vendor Virginia Organic Producers and Consumers Association "Farm and Food EXPO" 2 November. (more on that later)
It is so exciting to see that the Z-street market is taking off and becoming a great local resource. Personally, I plan to do most of my Christmas shopping there.
Monday, October 6, 2008
October Green Drinks
Camino Real in Berryville will be hosting our next event. Chips and salsa for everyone! We'll be looking at a short video clip to get the conversation started. Invite your friends, we'll see you there!
Where? Camino Real at 16 Crow Street in Berryville, VA 22611
When? October 23rd at 5:30ish
Why? Chips and Salsa! Oh, and conversations about green things with other like minded folks.
Who goes? YOU and all of your friends! We’re hoping that this will be an informal way to meet and engage other like minded individuals in the area. Everyone from every profession and of every age is invited, so please, spread the word.
Get directions here
Where? Camino Real at 16 Crow Street in Berryville, VA 22611
When? October 23rd at 5:30ish
Why? Chips and Salsa! Oh, and conversations about green things with other like minded folks.
Who goes? YOU and all of your friends! We’re hoping that this will be an informal way to meet and engage other like minded individuals in the area. Everyone from every profession and of every age is invited, so please, spread the word.
Get directions here
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