November 2006 Archives

Saturday, December 16th
12-4pm
7125 Willow Avenue
Takoma Park, Md

Come see solar panels! View electric, biodiesel, and hybrid cars firsthand!
Eat solar-baked holiday cookies! Learn how to landscape your yard with
native plants! Buy wind power certificates and energy-saving light bulbs!
Test drive a tofu-powered lawn mower! And more!

This event is free and open to the public

Visit Chesapeake Climate Action Network for more information, or contact Anne Havemann. You can call CCAN at 301-891-6844.

Join hundreds of volunteers on December 9th
to “ticket” 20,000 Maryland SUVs Montgomery County

Saturday, December 9th - times vary at different locations - see below

On Saturday, December 9th hundreds of people from across Maryland will unite in an effort to promote a Statewide Clean Car Program. Together, we will issue 20,000 outreach tickets, asking SUV drivers to join us in a fun and positive way to let the Governor-elect O’Malley know that ALL drivers in Maryland want cleaner cars. Join us at one of the three Montgomery County Locations and create a strong, diverse movement for a Clean Car Program in Maryland. Details follow.

EarthTalk (From the Editors of E/The Environmental Magazine)

Dear EarthTalk: What exactly does “not tested on animals” mean on a product, like a shampoo? Where can I find products that are completely not tested on animals and are also eco-friendly?

- James Masarech, via e-mail

Many consumer products go through precise testing to make sure they are safe and healthy for people and the environment before they are made available in the marketplace. The downside is that many of these tests make use of live animals.

EARTH TALK (From the Editors of E/The Environmental Magazine)

Dear EarthTalk: Is it true that driving with soft tires wastes energy and results in more pollution?

- Nanci Graham, via e-mail

When tires are not inflated to the pounds per square inch (PSI) rating recommended by manufacturers, they are less “round” and require more energy to begin moving and to maintain speed. As such, under-inflated tires do indeed contribute to pollution and increase fuel costs.

In the November issue of the Voice, Robin Tierney wrote a review of the recent Green Festival that was held in October at the Convention Center. It is well worth checking the article out online because every one of the innovative green vendors that Robin describes includes a useful link.

I wasn't able to go. Sounds like a diverse group of businesses and products were displayed at the event. Robin's enthusiasm for their promise definitely rubbed off on me. If you went to the Green Festival, please comment here. Does anyone know of more events like this in our area?