hugyourearth

6 Upsides of the Down Economy

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 17:02:31 GMT

6 Upsides of the Down Economy

The recession may have a silver lining in the form of better quality of life. Learn how to save money and live well.

June 23, 2009 at 3:19PM by Jeff Yeager | Comment


Buzz up!

Note: Check out Jeff Yeager talking about saving money on ABC News Now

My father-in-law had a saying: "If you don't have a good time, you usually learn a good lesson." I'm reminded of that a lot these days during the current economic recession.

I'm not saying that the economic downturn is a good thing, particularly for people who have lost jobs or their homes. But fortunately that's not most Americans. For the rest of us, some involuntary belt tightening might have some silver linings. In other words, I think the current market corrections we're going through might just trigger some long overdue — and ultimately very positive — lifestyle corrections for many Americans.

Consider:

* We're borrowing less and putting more into savings. We've truly learned a lesson — albeit the hard way — about living beyond our means. In 2008, savings rates rose to 1.7%, coming off the lowest savings rates since the Great Depression. And figures recently released for April 2009 are even more impressive, showing the personal savings rate for the month at a 14-year-high of 5.7%.

* We're wasting less. AKA Using it up, making it last, doing without. This is clear from the increase in thrift store and re-sale store sales. Goodwill Store revenues in February were up 7.2% over last year, and for the first time in generations, many thrift stores are selling their wares faster than additional merchandise is being donated.

* We're building smaller homes. It's bad for your bank account and bad for the environment to construct, heat, cool, electrify, decorate, maintain and pay taxes and insurance on unnecessary square footage. For the first time in more than 10 years, the average size of new homes being built dropped by nearly 300 square feet, or 11%. Studies show that we, as humans, are inherently uncomfortable living in too large of spaces, and the recent economy has shown that we're definitely uncomfortable trying to pay for them. In with "Not So Big" and "Little Boxes"!

* We're driving less and staying around home more. When gas was at $4 a gallon, two-thirds of Americans said they changed their habits and drove less...and nothing awful happened because of it. It save resources, generates less pollution, and, because we're spending more time closer to home, it stands to bring our families and communities closer together. That's why I still continue to pay $4 a gallon at the pump, or, rather, pay myself the difference in my "$4 a Gallon Savings Club."

* We're eating lower on the food chain, which is usually healthier. Sales of poultry are up, red meat are down. We're buying more staples, and fewer processed foods. We're eating more fruits and vegetables, and raising a lot more of those ourselves: Home vegetable gardens are projected to be up 40% this year compared to 2007. If these trends continue, the next dire headline out of the recession might just be "American Obesity Epidemic Declines!"

* Hard times might help to revitalize local businesses/economies. In the long run, it stands to reason that the current recession might actually help to revitalize long struggling local businesses and economies. Consider these factors: * Transporting products from far away becomes less cost effective, making the produce at local farmers' markets, for example, more cost competitive. * Big national chains are going under in record numbers, opening the door to local/independent businesses. * Local businesses are more responsive to changing demands and have fewer, if any, demands by shareholders for higher returns on investment. * And many local communities, like those in the Berkshire region of Massachusetts, are taking matters into their own hands and finding creative ways to help local business not just survive, but thrive.

Happy Earth Day!

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 01:26:39 GMT

Happy Earth Day!

As summer here begins to bloom and spring draws to a close. It is really easy for one to make healthy green lifestyle changes. If you are a new reader, or someone who is new to changing the planet and wanting to make an impact here are some ideas.

1. Being it warmer and sunnier the obvious lifestyle one can do is not drive as much. This has been a lifestyle change that most people should know already, but seriously folks its a big one. Not only will it reduce your carbon foot print, but it will force you to get out and enjoy the sun which we all like to complain that we don't get enough of right? As well as being a tool for reducing the carbon it will also encourage exercise and a healthy living. Sitting in hours of traffic actually is said to be extremely unhealthy, as it promotes rage, lifelessness, stress and obviously polluting the air with carob. EcoSalon.com wrote an article about obesity and the environment and states that since the world in general (not just America as the world likes to assume) everyone has increased their food consumption. If we drop our food consumption, the food industry would stop increasing its production. What has this got to do with driving and the environment? If we all stopped driving, and started bicycling, walking, running, any other forms of transportation that uses less fuel, we might change our eating habits as well with the weight loss that one might achieve while becoming more active.

2. Along with the sunnier and drier weather that comes with summer, we are blessed with the earths' plants' fruits that are found naturally or are personally planted. Your challenge this season is to reduce as much food purchasing at the supermarket. Only buy things that you can't make yourself, or that are rather exotic. A challenge that comes builds off the previous tip is to adapt your diet to foods you would find that season. Typically if you would to find something that is off season it would A) Be highly expensive B) Come from a faraway land C) Probably be fresher as well. So for example, in the spring/summer time you would eat fruits and vegetables, that grow in the summer, fall utilize fruits and vegetables that grow in the fall, winter, etc. With the internet it is relatively easy to find websites where you could get potentially fresh foods year-'round. Check websites such as www.etsy.com, www.localharvest.org/ for foods that are of interest.
- Bake rather than buy processed food or buy from a bakery
- Buy an Aerogarden to grow fresh vegetables, herbs, and other plants year-'round it uses water, nutrients and air to grow, from the website, "NASA tested aeroponic technology grows plants in water, nutrients and air so simply and easily that anyone can succeed."
- Become vegetarian for environment reasons. A big factor in global warming is that our diets request a lot of processed meat. If we just take a step back and cut down our meat consumption, we won't need as many cows, and other meat-baring animals. As before, buy such things when they are in "season".
- Buy things when they are in season. They'll be more plentiful, fresher, cheaper, than when you buy anything 'off-season'. With this, buy organic as well. Things that are organic often taste better and provide us with less chemicals on our veggies and fruits. As well as other ingredients that go into our food.

3. Electricity is a big part of our society and we are consistently forgetting that it is a big part of our environment. A popular light reducing technique is the Phillips Compact Bulb From the "Green Home" website, "Philips lighting provide a much nicer light than other compact fluorescents. Based on a national average, you will save $50 on energy bills with these discount light bulbs and $20 more by not having to replace numerous incandescents. These full spectrum light bulbs are energy star compliant.

We've got the popular twister-shape CFL . It's a direct replacement for a 75-watt incandescent, offering energy savings, high-color rendering and super-long life. Lasts 5 years, based on 3-4 hours average usage, 7 days per week. "

There are many other ways to reduce electricity usage, but one way that I see the most beneficial is solar power. Some say that may be the less beneficial, but quite honestly, if there is no sun out, then do something else that requires no electricity! Cloudy but no rain? Still nice enough to go bicycling, hanging out with friends, doing something more productive than sitting on your computer chair on the internet. If you go solar power, plan your day. If you know that the sun isn't going to be out, or have not stored enough power, do something else.

The only thing that is needed for solar power are the panels. With the wind power the you have to have a lot of mills in order to have enough power from the wind stored, this creates a lot of money, material and power issues. Whereas, if the person bought solar power panels individually they wouldn't have to worry as much.
Also participate in the annual Earth Hour movement that encourages the individual, towns, and even large cities to turn off their lights for one hour. This also promotes healthy skies at night which is always a plus =)

4. Craft and create products for every day use from old materials. Recycle and Reuse are two of the three "R's" (recycle, reuse and reduce). If everyone were to take a day out of their lives to create some home product or decor from recycled and reused those materials to create something new. The whole purpose behind HugYourEarth is to do this. Find ways to completely transform your home into a place that supports itself from completely recycled and reused materials. Craft, recycle and reusing goes to the extent of the Earthship organization that builds an environmentally friendly earth house using materials based in that area. This helps the cost of things and the process as well. The company does not have to order supplies that take days to deliver. These 'ships' are built to be self efficient by recycling water, energy and other elements in order to operate, they use and reuse materials in that location and they are the ultimate environment craft that one can do to help.

Making HugYourEarth into a reality

Sun, 19 Apr 2009 01:17:58 GMT

I've been thinking about making HugYourEarth into a reality and the thing that is I see an opportunity for it. I joined Gamma Sigma Sigma which is a National open gender sorority devoted to doing service. I figured by making this into a service project it might be a way to branch out to the rest of the National chapters.
I figured the only way to make this unique is to sell Earth friendly products to help raise money for a specific earth related cause.
It might actually work.

Using Old Books

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 22:36:17 GMT

If you have old books that you don't mind using up here is a nice way or recycling them.
Turn them into nice festive decorations for each season. Here is an example from Craftster.org that a user posted.

v

http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=268026.0

Foaming Sanitizer

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 21:28:38 GMT

Delicate pink petals sprinkled in a field of violets. Soft. Young. Bright.

Our on-the-go hand cleanser is gentle on skin and convenient to carry, wherever you're headed
Kills germs without water
Usage:
Rub a dime-sized burst of foam onto dry hands.

More Foaming Sanitizer

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I don't know how Eco-Friendly this product is, but it's probably the most handy thing in the world. I don't know about you, but I like to feel clean and whenever my hands are not, I try to immediately wash them right away. In high school I was a tickler for clean hands. I would excuse myself often from class (not only to get a walk now-and-then but to wash my hands). I have also realized that I have gotten less sick after becoming a tickler for clean hands.

Now there's a cute little product that foams sanitizer for those cute smells from the bath and body work shop. Def. recommended!

Not a Paper Cup Cup

Sun, 10 Aug 2008 03:41:51 GMT

Not a Paper Cup Cup

We LOVE this cup - it beautifully tricks you into thinking it's paper when actually it's a sturdy double walled porcelain cup with silicone top. Couldn't be more eco-friendly - take it to your favorite coffee shop again and again. Cup measures 3 1/2" x 5".

Price: $22.50

sku: 439110

http://www.paper-source.com/cgi-bin/paper/439110.html?cm_id=3000.336

Earthy Craft....sortah

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 23:49:41 GMT

Earth
Pony Bead Pattern

You need:

25 Green Pony Beads
33 Blue Pony Beads
2 Yards Satin Cord
1 Lanyard Hook

Basic Instructions:
Fold your ribbon in half to find the center. Use a half hitch (see detail below) to secure it to lanyard hook. Lace beads using the pattern above right as a guide.

Blue

Green

http://www.makingfriends.com/ponybead/ponyearth.htm

--------------

Here is a fun craft to show your love for the earth. Simple yet...point making. You do not have to just use pony beads, you can use seed beads or just any bead really.

H.Y.E

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 23:45:04 GMT

So, I have found a way to make a profit for H.Y.E. We will sell environmentally friendly products but for a decent price. I have realized that in today's world, most environmentally friendly products are wayyyy too expensive for most people. We'll sell it at a discount. Members will have to pay a small fee and in return they get discounts at the store with our environmentally friendly products. Sounds good to me anyway.

Not so much Eco-Friendly

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 21:29:13 GMT

But www.wists.com is a great way to store all of those products you drooled over online!! To view my wists you can go here.

You can add the wists bookmark to your tabs so when you do find a product you like, you just hit the wists button and choose the products image and add keywords and a comment and boom! it is added to your wists. Wists I believe stands for "Wish Lists". It is a very good way to keep track of those products you really want or those you just dream of having :-)

PS. If you ever buy my dream island or house I may have to come after you...

English Prince Runs Car on Wine

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 19:15:59 GMT

LONDON, England (CNN) -- Britain's Prince Charles has converted his 38-year-old Aston Martin to run on biofuel made from surplus wine, his office revealed Tuesday.

Prince Charles with Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, on a visit to a whiskey distillery in Northern Ireland last month.

The car was a 21st birthday present from Queen Elizabeth, and the prince has converted it to run on 100 percent bioethanol as a way to reduce his carbon emissions, his office, Clarence House, said.

The prince has also converted his other cars -- several Jaguars, an Audi and a Range Rover -- to run on 100 percent biodiesel fuel made from used cooking oil, his office added.

Details of the prince's biofuel use were made public Monday in his household's 2008 Annual Review, which details the prince's income and activities over the past year.

The report says Charles and his household reduced their carbon footprint by 18 percent last year after switching to green electricity supplies and reducing their travel-related emissions.

Charles, 59, has a strong interest in environmental issues and rural affairs. He is active in environmental charities, and his food company, Duchy Originals, uses ingredients produced at his organic farm in Cornwall, southwestern England.

The biofuels are converted and provided by Green Fuels Limited, a British company that previously provided biodiesel to power the royal train, Clarence House said.

The wine used for the bioethanol comes from current vintage that remains after English wine producers reach the EU limit for annual wine production, a spokesman for Green Fuels said.

The prince uses wine from a vineyard close to his Highgrove Estate, the spokesman said.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/europe/07/01/royal.wine/

Now. If there was only a way to run my 1996 red chevy cavalier on English wine, I would not have to pay for gas ever again.

I wonder if he just put it into the gas tank and starter 'er up. It does sound like that. See, there is some use for my 1996 red chevy cavalier. Now, I just need to get it to Bethlehem, Pa from home. Hmm... I wonder if my aunt will purchase wine for me and send across to the US. She lives in London, so she'd be a great resource.

I should really look into it and buy some wine. That'd be super awesome if I can make it work with my 1996 red chevy cavalier.

Greeting Cards

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 03:43:02 GMT

I saw an idea awhile ago on craftster that uses old greeting cards and you made boxes out of them. I thought I bookmarked them, but I couldn't it. So I'll post it when I run across it again, but thought I'd share this idea.

Earthopoly - A must have for the Monopoly player

Sun, 13 Jul 2008 01:10:01 GMT

Product Detail - EARTHOPOLY

View Larger [+]

Product Dimensions: 1.5" H x 10" W x 20" L

GREETINGS FELLOW EARTHLINGS!

Earthopoly is a game celebrating Earth, one turn at a time!

Players become the caretakers of wondrous locations around the planet,

then increase their property value by collecting

Carbon Credits and trading them in for Clean Air.

AAHHHH!

It’s all fun and games until someone gets sent to the Dump!

So choose your token, (all made by nature of course!), and

advance to Go Green.

EARTHOPOLY ROCKS!

WANNA PLAY?

FOR THOSE WHO ARE INTERESTED IN MORE SPECIFICS…

We have tried to make our game as Earth-friendly as possible. All the paper is recyclable. The ink is vegetable oil-based ink. The game pieces are either made by nature or completely recyclable. Our goal in making this game was to have as little impact as possible on the planet and at the same time create a game that shares helpful information. And of course we wanted to make the game fun! But at some point if you’ve had enough fun with your game, please either pass it on to a friend or just deposit the parts in the appropriate recycling bin and let your game become something new!

http://www.lateforthesky.com

Make your own soda

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 01:13:27 GMT

The Penguin whimsically combines form and function in an elegantly designed countertop device. Sleek and stylish, the Penguin is about the size of a coffeemaker and effortlessly transforms water into sparkling water or soda in just seconds with no clean up. No more carrying, storing and disposing of bottles and cans. A tasteful addition to any kitchen, dining room or bar area.

Enjoy fresh, crisp refreshing sparkling water made precisely to your taste. Add a splash of fruit juice or twist of lemon or lime. And with the Penguin, you can even prepare fresh, healthy gourmet mixers and sodas.

The Penguin operates without batteries or electricity, making it perfectly portable from room to room ... or from house to yacht.

Soda-Club offers two other soda maker models: Edition 1 and Fountain Jet. Click here for more information.

Fresh Sparkling Water in 30 Seconds — and No Clean-up.
Make sparkling water and gourmet soda at the push of a button.


Step 1	Step 2	Step 3
Open the Penguin and remove the glass carafe. Fill the carafe with cold water up to the fill line.	Place the carafe into the stainless steel flask.	Pull the horn downward until it meets tightly with the flask. Then, using the locking lever, turn the flask clockwise until the horn is locked with the flask.


Step 4	Step 5
Push the carbonating lever downward several times in firm, short bursts. The water is carbonated when you hear the Penguin's signature whistling "chirp" sound. One chirp means the water is lightly carbonated; five chirps will make super-fizzy seltzer.	Press the pressure release button, open the flask by turning it counter-clockwise and remove the carafe from the Penguin. Enjoy!

» DOT Certified

Alco₂Jet® Penguin Carbonators

Made from modern, lightweight aluminum to the highest US safety standards, each Alco2Jet Penguin conveniently adds the fizz to about 45 carafes.

Each Penguin machine package includes at least two carbonators (under license) filled with CO₂ gas. Once empty, carbonators are easily exchanged for full ones by calling customer service at 1-800-SODACLUB or ordering on-line at sodaclubpenguin.com.

Order exchange carbonators online whenever you run out of gas. We'll collect your empty carbonators and send you full ones for just $12.49, plus applicable shipping – as low as 28¢ per carafe of sparkling water.

Glass Carafes

Elegant, reusable Penguin carafes are made to withstand carbonation. Penguin glass carafes will last indefinitely with proper care. Glass carafes are dishwasher safe. What's more, you'll help the environment by virtually eliminating the need to dispose of or recycle beverage containers.

Each carafe serves 620 ml (about 2/3 of a liter). Carafe includes a fizz-preserving stopper with a hermetic seal that keeps your sparkling water carbonated long after you first open it.

Each Penguin machine package includes at least two Penguin glass carafes. Additional carafes are available for purchase at select retailers or by ordering online at sodaclubpenguin.com.

» see all SodaMix flavors

Sodamix Flavors

In addition to sparkling water and seltzer, the Penguin enables you to prepare over 25 great-tasting regular, diet and caffeine-free flavors. Enjoy healthy, gourmet sodas, including classics (Cola, Lemon Lime and Root Beer), mixers (Ginger Ale and Tonic), and extra-ordinary fruit flavors like Orange-Mango, Cranberry-Raspberry and Pink Grapefruit, starting at just 45¢ per carfe.

Soda-Club is a healthy, sensible alternative to store-bought sodas. Regular flavors have 2/3 less sugar, carbs and calories than store-bought sodas, and contain much less sodium. Diet flavors are sweetened with Splenda® brand sweetener and contain no aspartame.

And using concentrated sodamix syrups means no more carrying, storing and recycling store-bought cans and bottles. Portion Packs each make a single carafe; whereas our large bottles (about the size of a can of soda) will make the equivalent of 18 carafes - that's 12 liters or about 36 cans!

http://www.sodaclubusa.com/Penguin/about.htm

Environmentalist President

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 19:50:31 GMT

If I were to run for President in my lifetime, it would focus around changing and reforming the environment. One of the things I wish to do would promote Earth Hour. Perhaps instead of doing so for one day, it would be pretty cool to do it for an hour a month, or so. Just stop the world completely for an hour and sit back and relax and watch the stars.

That would be pretty awesome I think.

If I were to run for president, what would you like to see me change regarding Environment wise?

Rainbow Library

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 04:21:03 GMT

DECOR / ECOSALON HOME

Mar 18, 2008 at 12:34 pm by Elaine Lipson
http://www.ecosalon.com

Booksmithing

Here's a fun idea: for today’s trendiest décor look, shelve your books by spine color for a rainbow of reading. It's a free, easy way to freshen your style.

Why don't we make better use of our books, decoratively speaking? I am completely addicted to books and love having them in my home, but I've realized lately that some of them are more clutter than collection. I want my library to reflect who I am today.

Future T-Shirt Designs

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 05:41:59 GMT

On my personal journal, I was talking about how I admired the polo shirts. Well, an idea popped into my head and I designed the first shirt for HYE. =) It's based off the Magic Eight ball design. So naturally, this will be called the, "Magic Eight Ball Design". Possibly on one of two of the three types of polos listed. I really like the Australian version of the polo in the left hand corner and would look pretty sweet with the MEB Design. White would be a good option too, any shade of green I don't think would be a good option. I am going to seriously consider the Australian version of the polo. But we'll see how that goes with ordering them and all.

Comments, Questions and thoughts are always welcomed.

PS: Keep on the look out for more designs.
PPS: Is copywrighted spelled like "writed" or "wrighted"? Idk...

Planning an Event? Use Biodegradable Cutlery, Plates and Bowls

Sun, 29 Jun 2008 21:36:18 GMT

Planning an Event? Use ecoproducts.com's Biodegradable Cutlery, Plates and Bowls. They're expensive, but they compost, and are environmentally friendly. Since they can be composted, I've heard you can digest these as well, but I wouldn't recommend it. The local farm that supports the Heifer International Project, uses these at their festivals. Its a great way to promote a Green Environment! =)

Earthship combined with the Eastern Eco-Home Project

Sun, 29 Jun 2008 16:39:41 GMT

Sarah Irani over at EcoSalon has directed her readers to an architectural site for Eco Homes. They are essentially called "EarthShips". The Earthship company is based in Taos, NM and builds homes that are entirely environmentally friendly. They use natural water, solar and wind electricity, and indigenous materials to build the homes. They also provide systems to make it more environmentally friendly to your region and climate.

The Phoenix Home over at Earthship.net

Water: Earthships catch water from the sky (rain & snow melt) and uses it four times. Water is heated from the sun and/or natural gas. Earthships can have city water as backup.

Electricity: Earthships produce their own electricity with a prepackaged photovoltaic / wind power system. This energy is stored in batteries and supplied to your electrical outlets. Earthships can have multiple sources of power, all automated, including grid-intertie.

Sewage: Earthships contain use and reuse all household sewage in indoor and outdoor treatment cells resulting in food production and landscaping with no pollution of aquifers. Toilets flush with greywater that does not smell.

Comfort: Earthships maintain comfortable temperatures in any climate. The planet Earth is a thermally stabilizing mass that delivers temperature without wire or pipes. The sun is a nuclear power plant that also delivers without wires or pipes.

Source: http://earthship.net/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=7

I'm considering on getting involved with this project. I want to see if I can make a partnership with the Earthships with Hug Your Earth. You can host demonstration sites in your area, so I might do that. They also allow you to do internships with the company. I'm going to consider doing that some point in the future. Perhaps before buying land and doing a demonstration Earthship for Hug Your Earth (hey, I can even rent it out :-) .)

Comments, questions and thoughts are always welcome.

Buying Foreclosure Homes

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 00:31:46 GMT

I have been thinking about how I am going to go through with the Eastern Eco-Home Project. This will be the biggest project of them all, and I think I may have a solution. I thought about how, at least in my town, all the houses have become these big monstrousities, that take up large amounts of material each house, and the energy to construct each house, and then in some places, have the house become a foreclosure. What if, the HYE Foundation, buys these houses, takes them down, but uses the material from that house to build a new environmentally friendly house? A whole new architecture and styling...then perhaps sell it back to the family who lost it, for less, or something similar. Or perhaps build a community, so the homeless can test out the difference in living in the eco-homes.

The focus of these eco-homes is to use what you have instead of what you don't have. Also, placing the home in the corner of the lot, rather than the center, will give the feeling of having more space. I got to make a visual. It will be better to understand. The homes will also be focused on using solar power energy and will have to be forced to follow certain rules.

So, see, if we buy out neighborhoods that are foreclosed, then, we can completely reconstruct the neighborhood into a new environmentally friendly neighborhood. Sure it's a change, and sure it's a change people might not like, but it could be the future, of this world....

Comments, thoughts and questions are always welcomed. =)

California Wild Fires

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 23:29:10 GMT

California Wild Fire Water (CWFW)
I feel so bad for the people in Southern California and their Wild Fires and lack of water. Couldn't we make a system as to store water and transport it across the country into basins so those fields can have sprinklers and use it to hydrate the brush?

Hmm. Something to think about. It could be another project of ours. Place water collecting systems in areas of the country where there is bounty full amounts of water, and then disperse it in Southern California with the sprinkler system.

Too Unnatural?

Wouldn't people like to keep it natural? Yes, BUT wouldn't people also want to have their homes? Sprinklers could just be turned on during dry seasons and not turned on all year.

Your thoughts please. =)

the Homeless

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 00:40:05 GMT

I really wish there was something we could do for the Homeless. But, really, there isn't much we can do. Sure the Homeless shelters are there to provide temporary space and care for the Homeless, but, the homeless are determined to get out of Homelessness than that's their issue. I know the stereotype of a homeless person is that the money you give them, they'll spend it on drugs, lottery tickets, etc.

My church (the Congregational Church) is doing something to help the homeless. They are having an in-house Hospitality project. The church is being served as a temporary home for these people so they can get their lives back together.

So...why can't we do something like that? Perhaps a family is willing to host one homeless person until they get their lives back together? So they have a place to stay, and go to work, etc. And then save enough money to buy their own homes, etc?

Wouldn't that work? Wouldn't there be problems? Wouldn't there be issues getting people to host the homeless? Yes. Yes, and yes.

Hmm...hosting...perhaps there's a way to do it. Perhaps. Any of you got any ideas or concerns or thoughts and comments?

Post them please

Headquarters

Sun, 22 Jun 2008 18:14:52 GMT

I have been looking for a place to have an actual Office for HYE. I found this really awesome place in Bethlehem, Pa. In the center of Bethlehem, which I think is a good spot. It was listed at Craigslist.org for "$900 / 1000ft² - Heart of downtown Bethlehem (648 N New St) (map)".

I think that's a pretty good deal. The place is a pretty cool too, apparently, there is an apartment behind it too, that would be awesome place to hang out. But in the building itself, there is a bar and a pretty open basement which could turn into a dance floor ;-)

Oh ideas.

I just gotta call the guy. I have saved the stuff and I can probably save money. If I can get the job at the Blue and Grey Cafe at Moravian and work mornings, as most people would probably be in classes. I can work till I earn enough to buy that place. Then I would have to save money for renovations, but that would be a group effort. Cause that would be a lot of money.

That sounds like a good plan. It would be cool if the group had its own space. Y'a know.

Commenter Spotlight Week: 15-21st

Sat, 21 Jun 2008 22:19:53 GMT

The Hug Your Earth Journal is starting a spotlight, to showcase those members who comment on the entries and share their ideas. This is for people who have shared something unique to me, or that is really environmental friendly.

For the Week of 15-21st the,

Commenter Spotlight goes to:

Jessica Pittman

(whorishness)

This week’s commenter spotlight goes to Jessica Pittman (

whorishness) for her creative use of those pesky Egg shells! Now, whenever you are cooking, be sure to save the largest part of the shell, or save bother halves, if they are decent.

Photography by Jessica Pittman (

whorishness)

She says, “This year I started all my garden plants in egg shells and my sister went out and bought seed starters (those pods you plant in the ground after) within 4 weeks I had amazing growth on everything. Peppers, snapdragons, pampas grasses, sunflowers and its 6 weeks later and she barely has anything. Snaps are so hard to transplant too but all I had to do was detach the hard shell from the soft membrane and poke a few holes in it and they are growing fantastically…

You take an empty egg shell, fill it with dirt and put the seed in. Water it a bit each day (I usually scoop water into my hand and let it run thru my fingers like rain water would). The calcium in the shell does amazing things for the plants and its composting all at the same time.”

Congratulations Jessica!

Celtic Holidays

Sat, 21 Jun 2008 17:02:18 GMT

Celtic Holidays

I was thinking last night as I stayed up till 2:00am watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer on surfthechannel.com that it would be awesome if the Celtic Holidays were accepted in the US. I mean, Halloween is accepted, but the American people have adopted it as more of a commercialized Holiday much like St. Valentine's Day.

But the Celtics were amazing at worshiping the Earth, and as part of the HYEF (Hug Your Earth Foundation) it would be awesome if the Celtic Holidays could become more recognized in the US. But perhaps without all the Religious material behind it, that way the religious material will be kept to the Celtics and anyone who follows the Holidays.

Instead we'll have little casual celebrations for each of the holidays. Like, a candle lit walk through the town on Imbolc to acknowledge the coming of light from the winter days. Or, "National Plant Day" on Beltane, and have large groups of people plant flowers, trees, etc. As Arbor Day is the day before. Or have a town wide Easter Egg hunt to celebrate new life as spring is arriving on Ostara.

Yeah, yeah, there might be some Religious conflicts especially in the Conservative towns, but if it's linked to an Organization that is helping the earth, would it not be that conflictive?

Perhaps, perhaps not, but HYEF might be perceived as a pagan cult, rather than a charity organization to help the earth.
We'll see, maybe not right away, since HYE is still young and still have no reputation.

Litha June 21^st

Summer Solstice

Samhain October 31^st

Halloween

Imbolc February 2nd

Beltane April 30^th

Also known as May Day

Lughnasadh / Lammas July 31st

Yule December 21^st

Ostara March 21

Spring or the Vernal Equinox also known as: Lady Day or Alban Eiler (Druidic)

Mabon September 21st
Autumn Equinox, 2nd Harvest

Grow your Own Tropical Plant #2: Coconuts

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 18:32:03 GMT

How To Plant and Grow A Coconut

To start a coconut from the seed, it is best to have the outer fibrous husk intact

Get a 3-gallon pot. Use high quality nursery soil mixed with 40% coarse sand. Add drainage rocks to the bottom of the pot

Lay your coconut husk on the ground and see what way it wants to rest. Plant your coconut husk 1/2 way into the soil in the same position

You can leave the pot in the sun or the shade. Water lightly to keep very lightly moist. Partial shade will likely be more successful

Be patient. The first time we started a coconut from seed it took 9 nine months to sprout. It is common for many palms to take many months to sprout. Don't over water as you'll rot them out.

Your coconut will first split its husk at the bottom and send down some roots. It may take several months before your coconut also splits the top of the husk pushing up its first fronds. In other words, your coconut will be growing and you won't even know it until it splits the top.

After your coconut spouts, your coconut can live in your 3-gallon pot for about 3-6 months. After that, plant it out or in another larger pot or directly into the soil. Incorporate lots of manure. Fertilize properly starting after sprouting 3 fronds.

Growing
If you plan to grow coconuts, better have patience, seven years of patience before you can expect to see any coconuts. The coconut palm, Cocos nucifera, is considered a "three generation tree," supporting a farmer, his children, and his grandchildren. Some trees, which can grow to a height of 60 to 100 feet, even survive all three generations. Cocos nucifera, nucifera meaning nut-bearing, has only one species that includes both the tall and the dwarf coconut tree, but many varieties exist within the species.

Though the coconut is commonly considered a nut, botanically it is classified as a drupe and is the largest of all fruit seeds. The coconut consists of the thin, strong outer layer or skin called the epicarp, the thick fibrous layer called mesocarp, and the dark brown hard shell called the endocarp that encases the coconut flesh. Just beneath the endocarp is the testa, the thin deep brown layer that clings to the white coconut meat.

The coconut palm is a striking tree with a tall slender trunk that keeps its same diameter from the base to the top. Beautiful, lacy fronds, about 25 to 35 of them, form an umbrella-like structure at the tree's zenith. The tree grows taller by forming new fronds that sprout from the top of the tree as the lower fronds die off.

Coconuts grow from the center of the fronds, close to the trunk. Unique to the coconut palm, each tree blooms thirteen times a year and produces all stages of growth at the same time, from tiny new green nuts to fully ripened brown nuts that are ready to fall from the tree.

Coconuts are persnickity about where they live. They cannot survive cold climates, and do poorly in temperate zones. Coconuts require the hot, humid weather of the tropical regions that stretch 25 degrees north to 25 degrees south of the equator all around the globe. There the sun shines steadily with plenty of rainfall to nurture the slow-growing coconut palm.

To begin the growing process, purchase a coconut with its husk completely intact. Just like sprouting any seeds and legumes, the coconut must be soaked in water, only longer, two or three days.

Next, prepare a pot that is large enough and deep enough for the coconut by putting big pieces of gravel or stones in the bottom to allow for good drainage. Add about two inches of sandy soil, then set the coconut on the soil with the pointed or bud end up. Add more soil until it covers about half the coconut. Then set the pot in a warm place such as a sunny window, near a warm oven, or on a radiator.

The next step requires patience and diligence. Pour warm water over the coconut husk every day, making sure it does not dry out. The sprouting process is very slow, sometimes taking six months or longer. Until the sprout appears, the coconut is receiving its nourishment from the white meat inside. The coconut water within provides the nut with all of its moisture requirements.

For a sprout to appear it must first pierce through one of the soft spots, often called eyes, of the coconut's hard inner shell and finally emerge from the large fibrous outer shell. When white roots begin to grow out, in about a year, the coconut can be planted in a large tub.

Coconuts planted at home are unlikely to thrive or produce a coconut. Today the nuts are a highly cultivated crop, where once they were a source of survival for natives of the tropics, providing the family's support with only a few trees.

Since commercially planted coconut palms are grown for maximum yield, some farmers use commercial fertilizer while others use a different method. With intercropping, an effective method of fertilization and land use, the farmer plants banana trees or other large crops among the coconut trees. After producing its crop, the banana trees are left to disintegrate, producing ideal compost to fertilize the soil.

Coconuts come in many varieties. Some are grown for their higher oil content, while others are favored for their higher sugar content. Many growers prefer the dwarf varieties. Though they lack the dramatic appearance of the tall trees, they are far easier to harvest. The dwarfs, which have a shorter lifespan, about 40 to 60 years, are also less vulnerable to a yellowing disease that kills many of the tall trees.

In agriculture, nothing is without its challenges. With all its advantages, the dwarf coconut palm also faces destruction from rodents. The creatures climb up the tree trunks and form communities under the protection of the feathery fronds, often putting a considerable dent in a farmer's crop. The farmers have tried to outwit the rats by putting metal bands around the tree trunks, but these have no effect on the rats that are already colonized in the trees.

How a farmer harvests the coconuts is a matter of choice. On the average, trees produce about 60 mature coconuts a year, though some will produce two or three times as many. The easiest method of harvesting and one that assures fully ripened coconuts, is to simply allow the ripe nuts to fall to the ground.

Alternatively, the farmer employs nimble skilled men to literally climb up to the top of the tree with a machete and cut the ripe nuts down. Still another method, one that requires considerable skill, is to attach a machete to a long bamboo pole and reach for the ripe nuts while standing on the ground. This last method often fails to provide accuracy and frequently brings down unripe nuts as well. In some countries, farmers have been able to train monkeys to gather the ripe coconuts.

Before the farmer sends his coconuts to market, he removes the thick, fibrous outer husks, making the coconuts easier for the consumer to open. The exception is young coconuts, which reach market with their outer husk partly cut away. To remove the husk, the farmer pounds the coconut against a spiked wooden post that is firmly secured in the ground.