Black and Into Green Mentioned in Heart&Soul Magazine

Look for two black and green bloggers in the April/May issue of Heart&Soul Magazine. Green energy entrepreneur and electrical engineer, Dr. Sonja Ebron of blackEnergy is featured on page 58 and Black and Into Green's author Gloria Ware (yours truly), is quoted as well. The issue is packed with "150 Ways to Go Green", many of which I have covered over the last year (great validation for me). As you can see, the lovely Jill Scott is gracing the cover. I just started reading this magazine in February and have found it to have a wealth of useful information for today's woman. I think I'm gonna subscribe. We have to support great black businesses you know. While you're at it, buy some energy saving products from Sonja.

Good Eats Vegetarian Style: Black Bean Quesadillas

• Check out my black bean quesadillas (courtesy of Cooking Light Magazine)! I am stuffed, even Mike is stuffed which says a lot for a 6' + teenager. This is a fiber and calcium rich food, both essential for optimum health. Black beans are also known to be a super food. Quick and dirty recipe:

Music (Wes Montgomery for me tonight)

24 oz black beans (1/2 mashed)

1 cup Low-fat Monterey Jack Cheese

1 thinly sliced jalapeno

8 whole grain tortillas

1 Avocado

Tablespoon lime juice

1/2 teaspoon salt

Mix mashed black beans with remaining beans. Spread on 4 tortillas, add cheese and pepper slices. Top with remaining tortillas. Cook each oiled skillet for 2-4 minutes each. Chop avocado, add lime, salt and whatever else you like with your avocados. Throw on top of quesidillas. Enjoy and wash down with some Trader Joe's mango lemonade. Say "Ahh!" The leftovers make a good breakfast, lunch or snack.

Spring Clean with Earth Friendly Charlies Soap

If my girl from Quiskaeya says that this is some good stuff, then darn it, I'll try it! Just in time for spring cleaning learn all about eco-friendly, animal friendly Charlies Soap products. Psst. You may qualify for some free stuff, but be careful, that how they get you hooked!

Earthhour Video of Cities Going Dark

I spent my Earthhour in the garden, clearing leaves, sticks and acorns by soy candlelight (mango coconut). Last year I played Mancala with my son, but he chose to hang out with his buddies this year (humpf!). The good news is that they were outside and not inside with the XBox. I had a good time anyway, reconnecting with the land after a long cold winter and getting a little exercise. The weirdest thing that happened was that I had two "aliens" and one alien focused radio show follow me on Twitter. A little creepy, but different. Anyway, check out this video courtesy of the Boston Globe of international landmarks going dark. Its pretty powerful. Makes you want to visit these places. (Click on the photo to see the Earthhour transformation)

More Green Job Tips: Entry level to Career Changers

You are probably going to throw up if I give you one more article on green jobs. Well, get your barf bags out, because here is one more article on green jobs, compliments of Greenbiz.com. Hey! We are at the forefront of a brave new green economy, might as well be ready.

Greening Up Some Bankers

I am responsible for setting the agenda, finding the speaker and leading the next Middle Market banking sales meeting . You know what I was thinking when I found this out right? Hmmm. "How can leverage this opportunity to squeeze in a little environmental education?" Generally speaking, unless you are talking about making sure there are no environmental issues with a property being considered for financing, your average commercial banker is very conservative and just not that into sustainability. That is changing, but verrrrry slowly in the Midwest. Anyway, I am planning to at least get the topic on the radar next month, via a presentation on energy conservation leases. What is an energy conservation lease? Simple, it is a type of loan that factors the cost savings that one will achieve through investments in their buildings that reduce energy and water usage, into their ability to pay the loan. For example:

Joanne has an older building that has generates very high gas bills. She decides to make some investments in windows, insulation and solar panels that will save her $1000 a month. That $1000 savings is included in the debt service (ability to pay the loan) calculation along with the net profits of her business.

The benefit to the banker of this vehicle is that we generate interest income. You always have to lead with the financial benefits when you are talking to bankers! Though unlike some financial products developed over the last decade, an energy conservation lease is a win-win for banker, building owner, consumer and the planet!

Greening Up My Church: Maybe

Today was my second Sunday returning to church after a year long hiatus. Spiritually my soul has been rejoicing in this decision.It appears that my timing was perfect! During church announcements, our pastor asked us to complete a survey to assess our interests in this summer's education programming As I diligently searched the categories listed to determine where "stewardship of the environment" would best fit, my prescient son, Michael, pointed to "Other". I looked at him and questioned "Why did you point there?" He responded "You were looking for a green category weren't you?" Wow. I was both impressed by his knowledge of his mother and a little concerned that maybe I was overdoing the green thing? Not!

More Resources for Budget Friendly Green Goods

We can never have enough resources for finding deals on green stuff. Check out the sites listed on the blog of my fellow Clevelander turned Tacomaian, Green For The Rest of Us, for more money saving opportunities. The list includes to sites for parents.

You Grow Girl Presents: Starting a Community Garden

Our lovely First Lady Michelle Obama has inspired us all to get green and dirty by planting a victory garden on the grounds of the White House. Talk about eco-feminism! I have to pinch myself whenever I see that we have such an amazing woman co-leading our nation (behind every man....). Anyway, did you notice that how involved the community into her efforts? If you are interested in starting a community garden or working with one, check out this comprehensive post from my favorite gardening website You Grow Girl. I am going to work on a community garden at an organization in Cleveland that provides rehabilitation services for women. I will be sure to post as I dig in! Just remember gardens can be beautiful as well as functional, be sure to toss in some edible flower seeds into your communities plot. In some areas flowers are a rare site. "Flowers are words which even a babe may understand." Arthur Cleveland Coxe

Eco-Feminism

You may have heard of eco-apartheid, eco-colonialism and eco-diversity, but are you familiar with eco-feminism? I know some of you will be very interested in this article. I am woman hear me roar....about mother earth. We woman always add a unique spin and perspective right?

Treehugger Interviews Dr. Wangari Maathai

A unique opportunity to actually hear the voice of this ebony beauty, politician, planter of trees and empowerer of women, Dr. Wangari Maathai.

Timberland Gets Some Green Sole

A new reason to sport your Tims. Timberland is rolling out a green boot this year with soles made out of old tires. Increasingly, shoe companies are introducing green shoe lines, Keds rolled out a new green sneaker and several other tennis shoe manufacturers are incorporating more sustainably produced shoes into their product lines. Shoes are one of the most chemical, water and oil utilizing wearables on the market. Ask for and purchase these shoes to encourage other manufacturers to follow suit. Check out Eco Shoe Source for more info on eco-friendly shoes of all styles.

Insurance Companies Taking Climate Change Seriously

Insurance companies are taking a closer look at potential risks of loss due to climate change. They are being asked by their governing bodies to evaluate exposure to losses as a result of weather related calamities, including wildfires, floods and wind damage. They are also being asked to better engage customers and policyholders on the issue of global warming and plans for reducing personal losses as a result of catastrophes. Travelers Insurance is ahead of the game, having created a green building policy for small business owners and premium discounts for hybrid vehicle owners. The green building policy will provide coverage for owners that have had losses, to rebuild, renovate or replace with green building practices.

Green For All National Conference Call: Grassroots Action toward a Green Recovery For All — Green For All

Green For All National Conference Call: Grassroots Action toward a Green Recovery For All — Green For All

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From Pollution-Based to Inclusively Green — Green For All

From Pollution-Based to Inclusively Green — Green For All

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They're Here....Green Stimulus Dollars

The first tranche of the $8B in weatherization stimulus dollars is on it's way to your state. If you work for a low income organization or advocate on behalf of low income families, now is a good time to request information on funding. The monies coming from the Department of Energy, can be used for such things as home energy audits, retrofitting of state and local government buildings, purchase of Energy Star appliances and energy conservation education. Click here for more information. Contractors are you on top of this opportunity?

Magic Mushrooms: Tumor Killers

I need some of those magic mushrooms man. Not the kind you're thinking of, but one of the varieties you would find at the grocery store or farmers market. Turns out that mushrooms, especially white button (cook first) and maitakes, may reduce your risk of breast cancer via their tumor blocking chemicals. Green tea is also beneficial. There's a guy at the farmers market that makes the best mushroom pesto - lots of olive oil, garlic and shrooms. Me and my son break open a box of stone ground wheat crackers and go to town on that pesto! Body + Soul magazine has a great collection of recipes for those looking to incorporate this magical fungi into their diets. Recipes feature shrooms and green veggies, burgers, roasted balsamic shrooms, fried rice with shitakes and mushrooms with pasta, thyme, chili pepper and parmesan...yum.

Wanted: Green Hotel in Atlanta Area

I am planning a trip to the ATL in May with my son and have started the search for an eco-friendly hotel. I found this article on the rise of the green hotel industry to be very helpful if you are looking to green your travel. I would love to hear your recommendations for eco-friendly hotels and other green venues in the area. Tips on restaurants are always welcome.

Thank you!

Hot Green Shoes!

Okay ladies, I know that you are filing, soaking, scrubbing and moisturizing this month so you can get those feet ready for some sexy spring gladiator sandals. You are also hitting the gym or the streets to get ready for beach season and may be in need of some new sneaks. But you are no ordinary lady, you are a conscious woman, so you need some conscious kicks. What in the heck are conscious kicks and where do you get them? Eco Shoe Source is a new blog that gives you the lowdown on eco-friendly shoes of all categories, including vegan, sustainable, vintage, ethical, fair trade and all styles - athletic, designer, sandals and boots. You can now go green from head to toe. Be sure to point out to your admirers of the provenance of your fashionable footwear. Thank you Eco Shoe Source!

Green Bible Rocks

I am so loving my new Green Bible! Inside you will find poetry, essays and green guides for Sunday School lessons. These features make reading the bible an even more pleasant and spiritual experience than usual. A search for a connection to God coupled with a love of nature drew me to want to know more about God's relationship and thoughts about nature. I started on my green spiritual journey several years ago, when I tried to grow a bible garden. Unfortunately Cleveland, Ohio, doesn't have the warm, sunny arid temperatures to successfully grow bible plants. So my garden is more inspired by the bible (and Africa), featuring vines, trees, stones and many bibically named plants. Did you know that trees, those great givers of oxygen, are mentioned 1,000 times and are featured in the first (Alpha) and last (Omega) chapters? Who knew? You will have a new respect for trees after reading this book. This green bible is truly amazing and wonderful. If you love God, nature, the environment and your neighbors of the world, you will fall in love with the bible all over again and look at the world from a fresh perspective. Spring is a perfect time for love and renewal so check it out for yourself! (You can buy it right on this site in the "Currently Reading" section, how convenient!)

Congress Finally Getting Serious About BPA Dangers

Our finances are not the only aspects of our lives affected by deregulation. This same lack of oversight has cause a meltdown in the lives of people who have died of cancer (who knows how many) as result of the synthetic estrogen BPA, found in common everyday household items-canned food, baby bottles, cups, dishes, you name it. Finally, legislators are promising to take action to ban this dangerous substance, please write your representative, to ensure they remain committed. People are dying for a bailout. 

When The Only Way You Can Grow Is Up

I could really relate to the title of this book, because I have dug up so much grass in my yard, that I have indeed started looking upwards for gardening inspiration.

New Gardening Books I Want

This is a must have book if you don't have a lot of space to work with, it has great photos and ideas for gardening with limited space. $29 at Anthropologie or you can ask your librarian to order it for you.

Cloth Napkins at Anthropologie and Other Finds

Cloth napkins at Anthropologie $6 each vs floral cloth napkins at Thriftique, $2.50 for four.

Spring Accessories at Anthropologie

Since the thrift store closed in 15 minutes, I thought I would take a trip to Anthropologie to compare goods and prices. Do these floral saucers look familiar? Very similar to the saucers at Thriftique right? Only these are $34 bucks. They are actually measuring cups, but can't you just see yourself using these to make some lemon cupcakes? I was able to restrain myself and pass them by...for now at least. 

Spring Accessories at Thriftique

More Anthropologie like accessories at Thriftique.