Beyond the Bite

Even though most people won’t get sick from West Nile virus, we owe it to our families, neighbors, pets and wildlife to reduce the incidence of this mosquito-borne disease. It’s not too early to begin thinking about next year’s mosquito season. One of the most effective, cheapest and environmentally benign ways to reduce the chance of infection is to eliminate mosquito-breeding grounds around your home. The West Nile virus has been found in 36 different varieties of mosquito, but the CDC still considers the Culex variety to be its primary vector. The Culex mosquito lays its eggs in murky, standing water such as in puddles, birdbaths and discarded tires.

Calling all Composters

Compost consists mainly of humus, a dark brown blend of biochemical compounds created when organic materials decompose. It is a complex creation—a living, breathing community of bacteria, fungi, insects and other microorganisms. Applying compost to your garden adds helpful nutrients to the soil, guards against diseases and pests, can enhance soil’s ability to hold water and air and may even extend plants" growing season. And processing your own materials keeps them out of landfills.

Looking South

As the American economy continues to lag, more and more socially and environmentally responsible investors are looking south to find promising venture capital opportunities. While much of the rest of the world is bogged down in recession and cowed by the specter of terrorism, Latin American businesses are operating in a relatively safe and fast-growing economic climate friendly to sustainable development and still rich in virgin natural resources. A small cadre of environmentally conscious venture funds—most of which feature a nonprofit component—have already invested almost $2 billion in sustainable forestry, organic agriculture, renewable energy and other green businesses in the region, and are poised to make significant returns over the coming decades. Individual investors are still welcome to invest in many of these funds.

Tools for Green Living

Once you have the perfect environmentally friendly gift, why cover it in traditional throwaway wrapping? Instead, try reusable wrapping from Wrapsacks. These fun cotton gift bags are available in six sizes, including candle and wine shapes. All you have to do is slip your gift in and tie on a card.

Wild Water

For some real whitewater rafting, give northern Maine a try, and you may get an environmental education as part of the bargain. This is one of the few places in the country still without back-to-back McDonalds and malls. If you want groceries, better pray they have what you want at the general store, because it’s a long haul to anywhere else.

Keeping Alaska Hog Farm-Free

When Richard Metteer began publicly pitching his vision for raising hundreds of thousands of hogs amidst some of Alaska’s most treasured ecosystems, he was met with protests from a diverse coalition of area residents.

Farming Butterflies

Conservationists and most butterfly breeders want the same thing; healthy, robust butterflies populating the Earth. Yet, heated opposition divides the two camps. Conservationists believe the ceremonial release of farmed butterflies has an unknown potential to negatively impact native species. Breeders believe their business not only enables a magical moment with nature, but helps to increase butterfly populations.

Getting Your Goat

Instead of hiring guys with weed-whackers and herbicides, more and more California cities and local homeowners associations are turning to goats.

Urban Wal-Marts

Wal-Mart’s usual procedure is to colonize open space or take over suburban shopping centers. It doesn’t usually locate in center cities, and that’s what makes its plans for New Orleans—as part of a Kabacoff master plan for replacing a demolished housing project—so unusual, and so reviled.

Just Juice

All-Natural Choices Avoid Synthetic Additives and Refined Sugar A dizzying array of ingredients and brands are available to consumers who are simply trying to find the healthiest juice. In your grocer’s cooler today are energy drinks, smoothies, blends, "old-fashioned" styles, herbals, all-natural juices and frozen juice from concentrate. What do you reach for, when all […]

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