Red, White and Blue... and Green?

On the Fourth of July, what's not to love? You've got hot dogs, fireworks, and patriotism galore! This year we challenge you to make your red, white and blue a little greener. Declare your food independence by sourcing ingredients for your holiday meals as locally and sustainably as possible. Buying local foods is good for our local farmers, our economies, our health, and our planet. Best of all, they taste delicious because they’re fresh from the soil.
A nonprofit organization from Maine called “Kitchen Gardeners International”, has launched the Food Independence Day campaign to encourage 50 states, 50 governors, and 50 first families to celebrate July 4th with locally sourced food. This group needs your help to ask your elected officials to eat sustainably this July fourth. To help you can pledge to join in the celebration of “edible independence” by eating healthy and delicious foods grown by your very own local farms, gardens and communities. To learn more click here.
Thanks to Nora for this tip, and HAPPY 4TH!!!

Every Step Counts

Tropical deforestation accounts for 1/5th of the world's greenhouse gas emissions. Deforestation in the Amazon is fueled by the growing number of cattle ranches. Nike, Timberland, Adidas, Reebok and other brands have cattle ranches to produce leather for their sneakers. When you support the brands, you are supporting deforestation and the rising amount of greenhouse gas.



For more information, and to speak out against deforestation of the rain forests, click here

American Clean Energy and Security Act

Last week, Congress passed a new bill, planning to cut carbon emissions by 80% by 2050. And also:

"To create clean energy jobs, achieve energy independence, reduce global warming pollution and transition to a clean energy economy."

More about the American Clean Energy and Security Act.

Newburyport Farmer's Market

Need something to do on lazy Sundays this summer? Make it something green, and support local business at the Newburyport Farmer's Market. Local farmers, artisans and businesses have tents where they sell their goods, most of which are organic and/or sustainably made. In addition, bands from the area perform each week and environmentally conscious organizations often set up booths to educate and spread awareness. This week Pingree's very own Transparent Four performed, and the River Valley Charter School's Environmental Action Club had an info table (check out their blog here!) The Market takes place every Sunday of the summer at The Tannery (parking can be found across the street.) See their website for more details.

Here are some pictures from this week's market!

Jack Johnson

Do you know what Jack Johnson is doing for the environment?

Currently, he works with or runs four charities to help endangered species and to educate children about the environment. Here is a site where you can learn more,
http://www.looktothestars.org/celebrity/474-jack-johnson

Check out Jack Johnson's song, "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle." He performs this song in both classroom settings to teach children as well as to a huge public audience.



Props to Tomas for sending us this information!

Think About the Trees!

Here's a photo of one of the signs that have been posted along the driveway to discourage idling during the Pingree Camp pick-up line.

"Secretary of Saving the Planet"

Pick up the June 25 Rolling Stone magazine (the one with Adam Lambert on the cover) to read about Steven Chu. Chu is a Nobel Prize in Physics winner and was picked as President Obama's Secretary of Energy back in January.

Here are some of his goals:
1) Smarter Buildings: He believes it is possible to cut energy consumption in buildings by a whopping 80%!

2) Better Biofuels: Chu wants to change our fuel to perennial grasses which packs double the energy content of corn.

3) Thinner Solar: He hopes to cover less than one precent of the Earth's deserts with thinner solar panels. This would supply the world's entire demand for electricity without producing a single ton of CO2.!

4) Living Batteries: As the technology becomes more advanced, batteries are becoming more stable and efficient.

5) Captured Carbon: Using genetically engineered bacteria, Chu hopes to capture CO2 from coal plants.