Natural Beauty: Aspen, CO
It’s been SUCH a busy summer! I hope everyone enjoyed it as much as I did! I took a little time off to relax, my Mom came to visit (YAY!) but I’m happy to be back. Anyway, I went on lots of excursions this past month including the beautiful Maroon Bells in Aspen, CO. A classic (and very picturesque) Colorado spot that I think is the most photographed place in the state.
Needless to say, it was breathtaking! Here’s some proof…
…She Can Be Saved
Take a few minutes to watch this touching video about our Mother Earth…
Vegalicious Veggie Links!
UGhhh, I’m so lazy! Actually, I’ve been a little busy with work and celebrating my fiance’s new job [Congrats, Andrew]! Anyway, after watching a documentary last night on the food we eat and how veganism is the way to go, I figured I’d share some veggie links. All are vegan and look delicious!
NJ Bans Fracking
Hooray! New Jersey has officially become the first state to ban hydraulic fracturing. More commonly known as “fracking”, this is a very controversial form of drilling for natural gas. Basically, it’s the process of injecting water, sand and chemicals into rock at an extremely high pressure in order to crack the rock and release natural gas. But there’s one very big problem with this: MAJOR contamination. Fracking results in loads of radioactive waste finding it’s way into to our water supply. Not cool.
Anyway, the NJ legislature has stood up for our health (and our planet’s health) and approved a state-wide ban on it. The only thing it needs is a signature from the Governor. Way to go NJ! I’m so proud of my home state. Now lets hope all of other states follow suit 
Kale is the New Spinach
Well, according to Mitch in Modern Family it is . Anyway, if you’re looking for a super food that has some great health benefits, then kale is definitely right for you. I’m a spinach girl myself, but have been trying to branch out a bit and explore the wonderful world of kale. Here’s why you should too:
1. Antioxidant power. Kale is a rich source of antioxidants, containing high amounts of vitamin C and A, and even the more powerful antioxidants like carotenoids and flavonoids. Antioxidants help prevent free radical damage that is associated with many diseases today such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease.
Senate Votes to End Corn Ethanol Subsidies
Yesterday, the Senate voted to put an end to the main corn ethanol tax credit known as the Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit, or VEETC and the ethanol import tariff. The final vote was 73-27!
According to NRDC, “The VEETC isn’t just wasteful and redundant, costing taxpayers $6 billion this year alone and getting almost nothing in return in domestic ethanol production or industry jobs above and beyond what is already mandated by the Renewable Fuel Standard, but it moves the country in the wrong direction.
Join a Community Garden This Summer
Looking for a summer activity that’s good for the environment? Participate in a community garden! It’s a great way to spend an afternoon, meet new people and beautify your neighborhood all at the same time. Gardening is therapeutic, relaxing and very rewarding. And, it’s the perfect solution for apartment dwellers who want to grow flowers and veggies, but don’t have the space (like me!).
National Get Outdoors Day 2011
Today is National Get Outdoors day! Even though this should really be everyday, it’s nice to have a reason to celebrate. The new annual event encourages people to get off their butts, away from the t.v. and outside to and have some fun. I think it’s a great reason to get everyone (especially our kids) out to experience and appreciate nature.
Here’s the link for more info: http://www.nationalgetoutdoorsday.org/
Quick Facts About Coal
Let’s get this straight. Coal is disgusting. And with all of the “clean” coal campaigns out there, it’s important to know the truth about dirty coal and the vast impact it has on the environment…
1. Significant air pollution. It’s the single largest source of air pollution in the world and is directly responsible for the increase in acid raid, smog and climate change. It is estimated that 3,700,000 tons of CO2 is emitted into our atmosphere each year from coal.
