By Carl GoldIn Marshy Point State Park I start the day very early at Hammerman Beach. Years ago, an agreement was reached to allow long distance swimmers to train outside the ropes before the beaches open for public use. My cure for Nature Deficit Disorder (NDD) begins, however, before I set foot in the water. I glance down and see fern moss near the base of the osprey nest in the parking lot. Emerald cushions with spores ready to explode with new single cell life cover the ground, inches away from asphalt. To the left […]
Continue readingThe Green Life
How Dangerous Are Lawn Care Chemicals?
Notice the yellow warning signs placed on a lawn after a professional lawn care treatment. Ask your lawn care provider for a list of all chemicals put on your lawn during the entire year. Look the chemicals up on the Internet searching for effects on children and pets. The commonly used lawn herbicides like 2-4-D and 2-4-5-T are essentially plant-growth hormones. They cause the plant to “grow itself to death.” That is why you see the dandelions turn upside down after being sprayed with 2-4-D or other similar chemicals. 2-4-D is one of the two […]
Continue readingAn Open Letter to First Lady Dr. Jill Biden: Please Grow Native Plants in the White House Gardens
Dear Dr. Biden: Like many Americans, we were thrilled to watch President Biden’s inauguration last week. We applaud the President’s recommitment to the Paris Climate accord and his pledge to take immediate actions to address the serious problem of climate change and its effects on the people of our country and the world. We are writing to suggest that you initiate a project to create a native plant garden at the White House and to expand any native plantings that are there already. As you probably know, Dr. Doug Tallamy, an entomologist at University of […]
Continue readingTowson’s Streams are Lovelier Than Ever in a Pandemic
I have enjoyed getting to know some of our streams, otherwise known as stormwater management channels, this Fall while working with our Green Towson Alliance stream cleanups. We first did the Herring Run branch from Towson High School, under the Aigburth Avenue bridge, northward to Radebaugh Park all the way up to near Burke Avenue. We GTAers also did a portion of the Herring Run branch behind the St. Andrews Lutheran Church on Taylor Avenue. I have explored a portion of the branch near my home that I had largely been unaware existed. Various sections […]
Continue readingWash Laundry, Not Too, Much Hang Dry
By Anne-Marie Bonneau (With apologies to Michael Pollan for another riff of his quote, “Eat food. Not too much. Mostly Plants.”) Why Does She Keep Posting Pictures of Her Underwear? Every several months, I’ll post a picture on Instagram of my laundry drying outside on my drying rack. I hear two basic reactions. Americans: “OMG where did you get your drying rack? I’d love one like it.”Everyone else: “Why are you posting this?”In most of the world, hanging up clothes to dry is normal, non-Instagrammable behavior. Here in the US, where many home owners associations […]
Continue readingClimate Crisis: Five More Changes
Cutting way back on single-use paper products seemed a no-brainer on my Climate Crisis Consumer Diet. I had used cloth table napkins when I had four kids at home, but as fewer people regularly came to the dinner table, I had inexplicably slipped back into using paper napkins. Last year, when I pulled out my stash of cloth napkins, I had lost my relaxed attitude about them. During dinner, I would cringe every time someone used one to wipe a greasy finger. Why was I so neurotic about them? Was I burdened by the thought […]
Continue readingCleaning Your Home Naturally
One way to take a step back from a closet full of plastic bottles filled with cleaning products that may contain harmful substances is to take a look at time-honored methods of cleaning. Just a few generations ago, people who lived in rural areas, who couldn’t readily run to a store to buy cleaning supplies, depended on using everyday products to clean their home. In fact, some old cookbooks included ‘recipes’ for cleaning solutions. Now more than ever, it makes sense to step back from those disposable floor cleaning pads and use an old-fashioned mop […]
Continue readingThrifting for the Holidays and Special Occasions
You can find very special things for the special times in your life in thrift stores. Halloween Thrift stores have long been a great source for Halloween costumes- Bell bottoms and disco platforms from the 70’s are a great example of used items you might find. Since thrift stores have come to realize that folks who generally don’t shop there do show up this time of year, many have started to stock new costumes, masks, decorations, etc. (Shop early for the best selection.) christmas You can find everything you’d look for in a full-price store […]
Continue readingFive changes I’ve made because of climate change
The scientific data we’ve been getting from the news media reached a pivotal point in the past year – our climate is changing, the natural world is changing and soon we will see consequences of extreme weather events in our own communities. My friends at Green Towson Alliance have talked a lot about what the scientific data is telling us – that many people will suffer as a result of climate change. While we are working to make bigger, positive changes to mitigate climate change – such as planting as many canopy, shade trees as […]
Continue readingThrifting – The Ultimate In Recyling
Thrifting is a great way to minimize waste, save money, and help save the planet. It is estimated that Americans throw away more than 68 pounds of clothing and textiles per person a year. Thrifting can also be considered a sport. How can I get the best stuff for the fewest dollars? Anyone can dash into Nordstrom’s and pick up pants in three colors with the help of the ever-present salesclerk. Thrifting takes time, attention to detail, imagination, and perseverance. With any luck, you too might win a “Thrifting Trophy” like a pair of Manolo […]
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