Boston GreenScene

ARE YOU A PARENT? ARE YOU AWAKE?

by Heather Burns

I only needed to open the door a few days ago to my child's gymnasium and take one whiff of the newly polished floor to be reminded of how much work still needs to be done to create awareness, turn inaction into action and create real change when it comes to the toxic environment our children are exposed to. 

And while I may not be able to instantly control what school administrators put on floors, on the lunch menu, or on the school yards - I can create change to the degree I feel comfortable, have time for or feel compelled. 

Healthy Child, Healthy World is a stand up organization helping keep "conscious" parents like me well informed so I can make sound choices on behalf of my children. 

Local Social Entrepreneur's Big Idea: Big Citizenship

Being Green not only means being aware of environmental policies and opportunities around you, it means supporting local businesses, entrepreneurs, and even local authors.  One such author we are pleased to spread the word about is City Year co-founder, Brookline native, and former Massachusetts Senate candidate, Alan Khazei.  Khazei's new book, Big Citizenship: How Pragmatic Idealism Can Bring Out the Best in America, calls on all of us to step up and make a difference.  In a time of contentious, and often unproductive, public discourse, Khazei's call for Pragmatic Idealism is inspiring.  As one of the country's most successful social entrepreneurs, Khazei offers lessons learned, a blueprint for social start-up success, and advice to those striving make a difference in their communities.  Close to this site's heart, Kahzei also clearly identifies that the clean energy wave that our country so desperately needs cannot happen without a coordinated effort from all parties involved. In short, Khazei's new book is a must-read; just be prepared to jump off of your couch and take action after you turn the last page.

To find out more about Big Citizenship and book events happening in your community, check out www.bigcitizenship.us. 

Fun events with healthy treats!

Together with Bear Naked we would like to invite you to Live Bear Naked Tour events in Boston. Bear Naked is participating in these events in the hopes of sharing their delicious, pure granola and parfaits with active, healthy-living enthusiasts. They are also bringing Bear Naked swag to giveaway as a thank you for stopping by!

 

Bear Naked is participating in both smaller community events and major events focusing on healthy living, nutrition and fun. Here are a few of the events currently in the line-up:

 

·         Aug. 7-8 – Pan Mass Challenge

·         Aug. 7 – Naukabout Music Festival

·         Aug. 15 – Falmouth Road Race

 

You can read about what Bear Naked has been doing in Boston at the Live Tour blog. Have a healthy, fun summer!

 

Coolidge Corner Theater presents:Green Screens Series -Ingredients

The Coolidge Corner Theatre continues its Green Screens film series on Thursday, July 29 at 7:00 p.m with a one-night only presentation of INGREDIENTS, a critically acclaimed documentary that explores the thriving local food movement.  

 At the center of this movement are the passionate and committed farmers and chefs who are creating a sustainable food system.  Their collaborative efforts have resulted in healthy, great-tasting food and greater consumer awareness about the benefits of eating local. 

 

Event: HEET Weatherization Barnraising 2/28/2010

Home Energy Efficiency Team (HEET) is a grassroots nonprofit that organizes free weatherization parties to teach volunteers hands-on how to lower their energy bills and carbon emissions.  HEET consults with energy experts to pass on accurate information and aims to build community, create social marketing for energy efficiency and help facilitate exchanges of ideas.  Volunteer work includes weatherizing doors, sealing windows, caulking air leaks, and programing thermostats.  You can pitch in to help a neighbor, learn skills to help you save money at home, fight climate change, and meet other concerned Bay Staters!   No previous work experience required.

Who: Home Energy Efficiency Team (HEET)
When: Sunday, February 28, 2010, from 12:30-5:00pm
Where: 94 Spring Street, Cambridge, MA 02139
Contact: heet.cambridge@gmail.com, heetma.com
Cost: Free

Local Student Writes President Obama in Effort to Save the Oceans

VIA WickedLocal Wenham

Photo credit: Wicked Local photo by David Sokol

Hamilton - Eight-year-old Margaret Brown is on a mission to save the earth’s oceans and stop pollution around her. After a class trip to study tide pools turned up more trash than sea treasures, the Hamilton resident was spurred to action.

“I got a piece of paper and decided to write a letter to the president. When I was finished I went over to my Dad and asked if we could look up the address of the president,” Margaret said.

For months, she waited anxiously for a reply from 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Finally, just a few weeks ago, she received her answer.

“It was great. My grandmother writes in cursive like this,” Margaret said, referencing the envelope, “so I thought it was from her. Then my mom said ‘look at the return address,’ so I did, then I screamed. So, it was pretty cool.”

Pretty cool, indeed. The Buker School third-grader received a reply from the White House thanking her for her letter and encouraging her to continue with her academic goals and service. The letter ended, “Young people like you inspire me and give me great hope for the future. Thank you, again, for being in touch. The First Lady and I wish you all the best.” And it was signed, Barack Obama.

Margaret’s passion for the environment began at an early age. When asked when her interest in the environment began, she said, “It just started in second grade, and first grade. I just really want the planet to be a better planet.”

She went on to describe seeing the movie “Wall-E” which features a future world covered in trash. Of the movie, she said, “I just don’t want the future to be like that.” This fictional account along with the very real world around her has kept Margaret working for change.