November 2011

As a “veggiequarium” (or the proper term, Pescetarian, one who abstains from eating any meat, except for seafood), it is always a concern when I hear about preventable, dangerous levels of mercury being released into the environment. The largest contributor to airborne mercury pollution in the United States is coal-powered power plants, more than all other industries combined.

Today is Veterans Day, a day for us to reflect on the sacrifices of the brave individuals fighting for our country and mourn the ones who have given their lives in the pursuit of liberty and freedom.

We're often told that there is no money to spend on jumpstarting the green economy. These days when you turn on the radio, go online or watch the nightly news the word that is singed into our collective psyche is austerity. Our elected officials try to tell us that we have to cut spending on vital programs which would put hundreds of thousands of people into hardship. They tell us that we must reduce the deficit at all costs even if it means that we balance it on the backs of people. The same goes for our national debt and the push to have it paid down at all costs.

Does your school provide nutritious, well-balanced meals for its students? Or, does your school promote fitness initiatives or allocate outdoor time for students during the school day? Maybe your school is reducing its footprint through energy efficiency measures, solar panel installations or geothermal efforts? Well, if you answered “Yes!” to any or all of these questions, YOUR school has the chance to receive a prestigious, national award from the U.S. Department of Education for its sustainability efforts.