Green Copywriter

This is tangential, but I'm so excited about it I just have to tell you!

Yesterday I got my first bona-fide check for a sales letter I wrote - I'm an official freelance copywriter!

The bank officer who opened my account for me said just looking at how excited I was made her day!

I can't tell you how thrilled I am. I've been writing for our own businesses for a while now(you can see my websites at MichelsenMusic.com - that's an early one, I'll be revamping the whole thing starting in January- and MarathonRenewableEnergy.com.) And it's one of those love-affair things. As soon as I started doing it I knew what I wanted to be when I grew up!

I plan to combine my passions and specialize in writing for companies which promote alternative energy and sustainable living.

I'll have my green copywriting website up by the end of the year, if all goes well. And I'll certainly let you know about it.

In the meantime, if you or someone you know would like to know how I can help you promote the heck out of your green business with direct response marketing materials and techniques that really work, do contact me. Together, we can create a greener tomorrow!

Insulating Winter Windows

The thermometer registered 9 below (Fahrenheit) this morning when I went to walk the dogs.

Since we live in an older house and it's not yet fully insulated (believe me, we're working on it!), we've figured out a few tricks for minimizing our heating bill (and our carbon footprint.)

One involves a rather unusual window treatment.

My husband Dan went out to a building supply place and bought several sheets of 1 1/2" Sturofoam insulation. He then cut it to fit inside the bedroom and office windows.

Part of our nightly ritual is putting these "heat-loss preventers" in place. It's amazing what a difference it makes in the level of comfort in the room. And they're easy to take down and set behind the door during the day to let in the natural light. (Often we'll leave them up as long as nobody's using the room.)

It may look a little out-of-the-ordinary, but on a day like this, who cares?

Think Before You Buy

I just got an email urging me to look into "Green gifts for your green sweetie."

Curious, I clicked the link and was taken to a page promoting items such as the "fountain jet home seltzer maker" (complete with "a seltzer machine, bottles and gas cartridges so you can get bubbling".)

How many people do you know who are so into seltzer that the manufacture, transport and eventual disposal of an electronic device like this would offset their consumption of (recyclable) seltzer bottles?

If you're really concerned about using bottles, why don't you start a campaign urging companies to start using reusable bottles? Or better yet, just drink good ol'plain water? It's better for you anyway.

"Green" is becoming such a buzzword that companies are jumping at every little chance to call themselves "sustainable."

Don't buy into it!

The Lazy Conservationist's Way to Save Energy

My husband poked his head in at my office door.

"What the heck are you doing down there?" he asked.

"I'm (mmfff!) trying to get my computer plugged back in, " came my muffled reply from amongst the tangle of wires and dust kittens inhabiting the dark recesses under my desk.

"Oh," he said, coolly leaning back against the door frame to observe my contortions. "You really don't have to do that, you know."

"Of course I do!" I replied indignantly, wiping a strand of cobweb from my eye. I glared at him. He knows as well as I do that the average American household could save up to 10% of their power bill each year - and reduce the amount of carbon pumped into the atmosphere - just by unplugging appliances when they're not in use.

"Cool your jets," he said smugly. "Why don't you just clear a path to that?"

"To what?" He seemed to be pointing to a blank wall.

"To the ground fault interruptor," he enunciated, in that tone of voice usually reserved for kindergarteners.

I peered past my stacks of books at the wall. There was some sort of electrical plate on the wall.

"Just push that in," he said, indicating a little button on the plate, "and it'll turn off the power to the entire circuit."

"Oh," I replied, heaving myself up from below. "Yeah. Thanks. I will."

He sauntered off to the kitchen, rolling his eyes.

Infuriating.

But as usual, he was right.

It really can be easy being green.

Popcorn

Mmmm...popcorn! Who doesn't love it?

But what a bunch of waste! Depending on the size of the bag and how hungry you are, one bag of microwave popcorn is about enough for 1-4 people. Then you throw out the bag.

Contrast this to a 1-2 pound bag of old-fashioned popcorn kernels. One dinky little bag contains enough popcorn to keep a large family happy throughout an entire film festival, and then some. And in many locations, the bag is recyclable.

Although popping your own has become a lost art, it's simple enough for a 12-year-old to master. All you need is a heavy-bottomed pot with a lid, some oil and unpopped corn. Pour a couple tablespoons of oil into the pot, follow with a single layer of popcorn kernels, and set it on medium high. Don't forget the lid.

You can let it rest for a few minutes while the oil heats up. But as soon as you hear popping, it's time to shake, rattle & roll! Shake your booty (and the pot, too) until the wild popping dies down.

Making a big production out of the shaking is part of the fun. Your kids will probably want to join in on the "popcorn dance." (And it's even more fun if you have a glass-lidded pot. Just make sure they don't fall off the chair in the excitement of watching the little yellow kernels explode into tender, fluffy white morsels.)

It may take a little practice before you get it just right, but when you do, don't be surprised if popcorn becomes a nightly ritual (don't forget to top it with real butter - there will be plenty of residual heat left in the pan to melt it!)

And guess what - you won't even have to feel guilty about the bag!

Quick Bag-Saving Tip

Keep a reusable bag or two stashed in your car. That way, you won't be forced to take home unwanted bags next time your sweetie calls and tells you to swing by the Piggly Wiggly on your way home from work.

(Thanks to my mom-in-law Sue for this idea!)

Tell the World What You Really Want for Christmas

Does the thought of presents piled under the Christmas tree make you cringe?

It doesn't have to mean you're the Scrooge of the 21st Century. Maybe you're just more concerned with the Earth's well-being than with adding more stuff to your stash.

But it can be hard to communicate such feelings to others without making them feel that you don't appreciate their gifts.

If you're nodding your head in agreement, you need to know about the Center for a New American Dream's Alternative Gift Registry. It's a free service for people like you who would like to move towards a more Earth-friendly giving scene.

• For you, the Alternative Gift Registry validates your wish for non-material, second-hand, homemade, and environmentally friendly gifts.
  
• For your loved ones, it takes the guesswork out of choosing a gift for someone who doesn't fit the traditional mold.
  
• And for everyone, it continues the proud tradition of gift-giving while helping celebrants focus on what matters most: a joyous celebration with loved ones to honor the important moments in our lives.

So go ahead and ask for what you really want, whether it's recycled socks, a donation to Save the Whales or an afternoon out with your favorite people. The Alternative Gift Registry will lend an air of authority to your crazy wish list. And it's a good bet you'll get at least some of what you want - and less of what you don't.

Sign up for free at www.alternativegiftregistry.org

Thoughts on Travel

There's nothing green about jet travel. On a flight from New York to Denver, for example, a commercial jet generates 850 to over 1,600 pounds of carbon dioxide per passenger. (You could drive your SUV around for a month for that.)

So you might want to think twice before hopping that plane unless you really have to.

But for those times when jet travel is unavoidable, here are some suggestions that may take a tiny bit of the sting out of it:

• Check with your airline to see if they have programs in place to help address the issue. For example, Northwest has partnered with The Nature Conservancy to create a Carbon Offset Program. Northwest's Carbon Emissions Calculator will estimate the amount of CO₂ emissions generated by your flight and provide a suggested voluntary carbon offset contribution to The Nature Conservancy® to remove or sequester CO₂ from the atmosphere. (Find out more at http://www.nwa.com/corpinfo/aircares/earthcares.html).
• Pack light. A heavy load burns more fuel.
• Bring your own water bottle. You won't be allowed to bring liquids through security, but once through you can fill your empty bottle at the drinking fountain. That way you can keep hydrated, but say "no" to disposable cups, cans and bottles.
• Patronize local businesses at your destination. Seek out local restaurants and specialty shops, especially those that offer locally grown and crafted items. Not only will you be supporting a more sustainable sector of the area's economy, but you'll come away with a much richer travel experience.
• Seek out greener lodging options. When choosing a hotel, ask what they do to protect the earth. (A good place to start your search is the "Green" Hotels Association's website: www.greenhotels.com.)
  

Bon voyage!

Vote for Hope

There are two ways to approach the world: with fear or with hope.

For the past eight years, we have allowed ourselves to be ruled by fear.

Fear that our enemies will get us.
Fear of losing our freedom.
Fear of change we can't control.

When we react with fear, we lose sight of our goals.

We build barricades to keep out the enemy - and wall ourselves in.
We hoard our wealth - and keep it from doing its job.
We hold onto a lifestyle that's driving us into the ground.

Fear leads to secrecy and lies and justification of evil deeds.

When we act with hope, we acknowledge our fear - but are able to take meaningful steps to meet it head on.

In the words of Franklin D. Roosevelt: "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself - nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance."

Today is Election Day. Listen carefully to our potential leaders. Are they offering a message of empowerment and hope - or are they doing their best to strike fear into the hearts of the people?

I'm going to the polls now to vote for hope - and hope for change.

Green's the Buzz

The other night I attended a networking meeting put on by our local Chamber of Commerce. I was there to promote my company, Marathon Renewable Energy, Inc. But a side benefit was that I gained insight into the average businessperson's attitude towards sustainable living.

Boy, what a difference from a year ago! "Green" is suddenly on everyone's radar screen. Even most of the more conservative bunch now agree that we need to do something about the environment.

He-loooo! We as a country have been embarrassingly slow in addressing this issue. (Germany was more ecologically aware 2 decades ago than we are now.) Our greed and lack of foresight have resulted in us being caught with our pants down.

Time to get ourselves a good pair of suspenders!

Here's something simple you can do to move the sustainability movement forward: get your tongue wagging!

The biggest thing we have to overcome is resistance to change. And the more people hear about something new, the faster they'll be to accept it.

You don't need to worry anymore about people thinking you're a hippie or a fanatic. When the guy next to you in line at the grocery store starts griping about the price of gas, talk about how great you feel now that you're riding your bike more often, or mention that you're looking to trade in your Suburban for a hybrid. (Or if you have a hybrid, casually mention what kind of mileage you're getting. This is fun - you can see the gears start to grind in their heads!)

It's about time the green movement got smart and started using effective marketing techniques. (The Republican Party has been doing it for years.) And nothing's more effective than testimonial and word of mouth.

Stock Up on Local Goodies

This is the best time to get really good deals on locally-grown produce.

I came back from the farmers' market today with 50 lb. sacks of potatoes and onions, a huge box of the last of the season's tomatoes, and a bushel of crisp Jonagold apples, along with a few bags full of other veggie treats. These were bought at bargain prices, as the farmers are trying to cash out of as much of their extra harvest as they can before the market closes for the winter. (Next week I'll use my trunk space to load up on squash, more apples, and perhaps some cabbages for cole slaw and sauerkraut.)

Buying local does more than just save you pennies. When you buy locally-grown food:

• You're supporting your hard-working farmer neighbors, who in turn pay taxes that support your local schools, fire departments, etc.
• You're saving the fuel that would have been burned by trucking your produce hundreds or thousands of miles from another state or country.
• You're treating yourself and your family to fresher, and most likely more nutritious (especially if you buy organic) food.
• You're investing in local agricultural infrastructure (a real step towards homeland security.)

I'm lucky enough to live in an 80-some year-old house with a fruit cellar. My kids and I hauled our loot down there, speculating about the yummy times ahead. Some of it will keep for weeks or months, to be prepared as needed, while other things will have to be either processed in batches as I find the time, or eaten quickly - for instance, we'll be having a lot of tomato-based dishes in the next couple weeks!

Most winter veggies will keep surprisingly long in any cool area with good ventilation. Just be sure to check your bounty frequently, use it timely, and remove any spoiled items promptly. Or, you can process your food for the winter by canning, freezing or drying. It's work, but it can be fun, especially if you do it with a friend.

Farmers' markets are a handy outlet for fresh, local veggies. but if you don't have one in your area, don't despair. Ask around at your local health food store or search the internet for the names of local producers. Or try advertising on Craigslist or bulletin boards that you'll buy locally grown produce. There are usually plenty of gardeners who'd be happy to make a couple extra bucks supplying you with healthy, tasty food!

Make Your Vote Count Double

Did you know there's a simple, legal way to double your vote?

Open your mouth!

That's right. According to one of the managers of the Obama campaign here in Wausau, for every 27 undecided people called by campaign volunteers, another voter comes to the polls.

Actually, if you just talk to people you meet in your daily routine, you'll probably do a lot better than one in 27 - because they won't view you as a salesperson. You don't have to try to convince them - just tell them your feelings and beliefs. And it's a pretty easy thing to do in this political climate.

Your opinion is more powerful than you may think!

Sustainable Deodorant

At your natural foods store, you can choose from a number of underarm deodorants covered in fancy packaging designed to make you feel cool and oh-so-progressive.

Want to know a secret?

The best deodorant I know of isn't even stocked with the personal products. You'll find it in the baking section, near the vanilla flavoring, corn starch and cookie sprinkles.

That's right - I'm talking about good, old fashioned baking soda.

• Baking soda does a great job keeping you socially acceptable (my husband uses it, too, so I know it's strong enough for the guys.)
• It comes in a biodegradable cardboard box. Or you may be lucky enough to find it in bulk and re-use your own container.
• It won't stain your clothing (at least, I've never had it happen.)
• It's aluminum - free, so you won't have to worry if it might give you Alzheimer's.
  
• It's really cheap.
• And it's great for all sorts of other uses, too.

Baking soda is easy to use. Just dampen your pits and apply a little by hand - it'll stick to your fingers in just the right amount if you moisten them first.

I keep some handy in my bathroom in a pretty little ceramic jar with a lid. It does double duty there, because it's in easy reach when I need a mild cleanser to clean the sink.

Give it a try - and let me know what you think!

Politics and the Environment

The environment is really not a partisan issue. Or at least it shouldn't be.

You might be surprised that the environmental movement's roots are deeply entwined with the Republican party - and not the way you may think.

Republican Teddy Roosevelt was a dedicated conservationist who is well known for signing the creation of 5 national parks into law. (He also attacked big business and was in favor of national, universal health care. Hmmmm...) And Congress first passed the Clean Air Act in 1955, and a major revision with much tougher standards in 1970 under Republican presidents - Eisenhower and Nixon, respectively.

So when a certain Republican contender for President spouts off about his "longstanding commitment to conserving America's natural resources and promoting environmental stewardship," and claims to be following in the footsteps of Theodore Roosevelt, it can sound pretty convincing.

But we owe it to ourselves to ferret out the truth when it comes to voting our beliefs. And to put it bluntly, the "straight talk" rarely issues from the candidates' mouths.

The League of Conservation Voters (LCV) rates members of Congress based on how their votes on political affect the environment. Each senator is assigned a percentage ranking indicating how frequently his decisions are pro-environment. 100% means he votes green all the time, 0% means never.

Well, guess what? Mr. McCain, with all his rhetoric about having "an obligation to future generations," has a lifetime score of only 27%. And in 2007? A big, fat ZERO!

Not that Obama is an environmental saint. His 2007 score was 67%. That leaves a lot of room for improvement. But it's a darn sight better than the alternative. And enough to prompt the LCV to endorse him in the race for President.

I know which one I'll be voting for.

And as for McCain? I suggest he learn to re-examine his roots.

Green vs. Tan

There are a lot of things we can do to reduce our impact on this overstressed world of ours. But while every little bit helps, it's good to realize the difference between products and practices that are truly green and those which are...well...just a little less brown.

Take the previous post. Yes, refining our driving skills will save a little bit on gas and help our autos last longer. But it doesn't change the fact that we're still driving, which is pretty darn brown.

Driving's just one example. Others abound.

Take recycling, for instance. Sure, it's good to recycle. But wouldn't it be even better not to use so many resources to begin with?

As you go about your day, think about the choices you are making. Are your actions truly green, or are they really more like...tan?

Just food for thought.

Save gas, go easy on your brakes.

The big silver Ford Explorer zoomed past me and screamed to a halt at the red light ahead of us. I kept my foot on the clutch and quietly coasted closer...closer...

YES! the light flashed green and, without breaking momentum, I was off and through, before the other driver even got her car going again.

If I sound a little smug, it's for good reason. Stepping on the brakes as little as possible allows you to enjoy these benefits:

• Less wear and tear on your brakes
• Significant gas savings so you pay less at the pump
• The occasional opportunity to blow other drivers away without even revving your engine, which allows you:
• A licensed sense of superiority.

Can't beat that!

$5 Major Appliance

I did some laundry this morning, and got to thinking about a workshop my husband attended at the Midwest Renewable Energy Association's Energy Fair a few years back.

The presenter had offered a "free major appliance" to workshop participants. At the end of the lecture on energy conservation, he made good on his promise, passing out...

Clotheslines!

When we moved into our new house, we deliberately decided against purchasing a clothes dryer.

I have no regrets. Sure, it takes a little longer to hang the clothes instead of just chucking them into the dryer, but we saved several hundred dollars right off the bat. But that's just the start.

According to the California Energy Commission, the average dryer lasts about 18 years, and costs about $85 per year to operate. At that rate, over its lifetime you will spend $1,530, just getting your clothes dry a little faster. (And future costs will be more, of course, as energy rates skyrocket.)

Compare that to the cost of a simple clothesline: $5, give or take a buck or two.

Some other advantages of doing it the old-fashioned way:

• In dry winter weather, letting your landry air-dry helps humidify your home.
• You'll have less wear and tear on your clothes, so they'll look nicer longer.
• You'll take a load off your conscience, realizing that you've eliminated the future disposal problem of a big hunk of solid waste, not to mention kept mercury out of the environment (if your electricity comes from a coal-burning power plant)
• If you don't already have a dryer, and elect not to get one, you'll save gallons of diesel fuel that would have been burned in transporting your machine, not to mention the savings on your back getting it into your basement!
• My tall friend Liz tells me she swears by hanging all her family's jeans to prevent them from shrinking up and becoming highwaters. (I'll take her word for it, being on the short side myself.)

We live a block away from a laundromat, so in a pinch I do have access to a dryer. But in 15 months since moving into our house, I have never felt I needed it.

So if you're looking for an easy way to give your environmental conscience a boost, go wash some clothes, and hang 'em!

Welcome to "Living Green!"

Welcome to "Living Green!"

"Green" has become such a buzzword lately, I almost hate to use it. To my mind, "green" or "eco" living is simply sensible living.

When we live green, we free ourselves from many of the negative aspects - the garbage and waste - of modern life. It's a way to center ourselves and lead a more balanced, healthier lifestyle. And (despite the high cost of organically-grown food) green living is very often cheaper living - which frees us up financially, too!

Although I'm no saint when it comes to treading lightly on the Earth, I have, over the years, picked up a number of good habits and quite a few kernels of knowledge. And this seems like as good a time as any to spread them around.

I hope that "Living Green" will:

• Encourage those of you thinking about making the switch to a more sustainable lifestyle to "just do it!"
• Provide practical suggestions anyone can use to make their lives a little greener
• Open up a green "idea exchange"
  
• And give those of us who've been at it a while a little extra reminder that we're on the right track. (To put it nicely. In other words, sometimes we all need a little kick in the butt to remember to do the right thing. Myself very much included.)

Like it or not, the planet is changing. Let's get together and do what we can to smooth the transition!