February 2009

Colleges are reporting increased student interest in the environment, as reflected in program selection.  More students are choosing a minor or major in programs such as Environmental Studies or Environmental Policy.  This affects both the college community and the surrounding city.

Xericulture is an innovative approach to landscaping that uses little or no supplemental water.  Synonyms include “xerogardening,” ”xeriscape,” “xeriscaping,” and “water-wise landscape.” Closely related are “dry farming” or “dryland farming” for commercial agriculture.  These offer many benefits.

Plastic is among the most dangerous of pollutants, because it does not biodegrade and it can harm wildlife.  It gets into the ocean, even out into deep water, where animals ingest it and then sicken and die; and it stays there.  Even microscopic pieces cause trouble.

As climate change progresses, many places that are marginally inhabitable now will become uninhabitable, while some comfortable places will become marginal.  As habitat foreclosure makes people flee to safer places, political and social tensions tend to rise.  Watch for more news about “ecomigration” and related terms “ecogees” or “envirogees” for refugees displaced by climate change.  

California has suffered increasing problems due to drought.  Most recently, the federal water supply for irrigation has been cut off.  This negatively impacts not only farmers, but everyone who relies on California for fresh fruits and vegetables.  The water deficit promises more trouble to come.

Most people have attended a range of potluck feasts, from small to large, on various occasions … and of various qualities.  But do you know how to organize a potluck so that it’s not all potato salads?  A little advance planning goes a long way towards making your potluck a success.

This activity is designed to cultivate community on a blog by helping the readers get to know each other.

Spread the Comment Cheer!

Here are the instructions for the Weekend Meet’n’Greet:

• Leave a comment here.  You can tell people a little about yourself and your blog.  How do your interests intersect with Gaiatribe’s field?
• Next, visit the person who commented above you and read their latest blog post. 
• Leave a comment on their site that includes the tagline: Hello, Elizabeth Barrette sent me.

You’re all invited to participate.  You can visit more than one blog if you wish.  If you are the first person to comment, just say hello to me, and I’ll visit you too!  Remember that Gaiatribe uses CommentLuv, so every comment shows people what you are blogging about.  Finally, if your blog aspires to a thriving community, you might want to try the Weekend Meet’n’Greet meme there.

Writers need resources, and news services can provide good ones.  The trick is finding a news service that’s more than just a company rag.  Among my favorites is Truthout.

Previously I posted about communal living as a way to save money.  The following article features one family whose household now includes a total of twelve people.