Dennis Haysbert (The Allstate Man)

Check out one of my favorite black and into green celebrities, Dennis Haysbert, at the annual Global Green Oscars pre-party. Need I say more?

Corporate Polluters the Big Winners in House Continuing Resolution - National Wildlife Federation

Corporate Polluters the Big Winners in House Continuing Resolution - National Wildlife Federation I understand that everyone has to take a hit in our nation's effort to balance the budget, but dang, it hurts. Review this list of targeted reductions to environmental initiatives and organizations to see how your favorite programs will be impacted and learn what you can do to voice your concerns.

"It's not nice to be a fool to mother nature!"

Healthy School Lunches / Healthy School Lunch Revolution

Healthy School Lunches / Healthy School Lunch Revolution

GOP Leaves No Stone Unturned, Much More on Chopping Block

GOP Leaves No Stone Unturned, Much More on Chopping Block A huge list of energy efficiency, sustainability and environmental programs at risk.

Great New Read: MacroWikinomics

Okay, last post of the night. I am enjoying the book, "MacroWikinomics" by Don TapScott and Anthony D. Williams. Good stuff on climate change, the environment and social justice. The premise of the book is how we can use the power of collaboration and the internet to "reboot business and the world". Off to read more of it now. Bon nuit!

A Bank That Encourages You To Be Green - Say What?!

Wow. A bank with a green conscious. Just discovered GreenChoiceBank, a bank opening soon in Chicago, Illinois. I'm green with envy. Here's why:

• 50% of senior management are LEED Accredited Professionals. Don't wake me, I'm dreaming.
• Branch to open in the Green Exchange, a sustainable economic development property
• Employees are encouraged and incented to use public transportation and purchase hybrids
• Clients are incented for making green living choices (beyond paperless statements)
• Sustainable business practices are incorporated into bank operations
• Bank will champion green practices and green jobs in the community

If you are like me and Tina Fey, you are saying "I want to go to there." No worries, GreenChoiceBank appears to have attractive deposit account terms and seems to be easy to work with even if you don't live anywhere near Chi-town.

I am going to follow the progress of this bank, as these are all initiatives that I encouraged my previous employer (a bank) to pursue in 2008. Big banks, like most large, conservative organizations are sloooow to change, so perhaps by 2020, they will have caught up with the practices of GreenChoiceBank. To be fair,some green practices were gradually starting to trickle in, but at the speed of molasses. Ask your bank about their green business practices.

H&M Unveils Recycled and Organic Fashion · Environmental Management & Energy News · Environmental Leader

H&M Unveils Recycled and Organic Fashion · Environmental Management & Energy News · Environmental Leader For you conscious fashionistas and fashionisters that don't have a fair trade store in your town, you may be in luck! H&M, which started offering low cost, organic fashions a few years ago, is expanding its offerings via its "Conscious Collections". According to the article, it may be an effort to remediate its image after it was busted throwing perfectly good new clothes in the trash, a policy it no longer it adheres to.

Fair Climate Newsletter: Social Justice, Grants and the Great Outdoors

Just got my Fair Climate Newsletter and wanted to share it with you. It's chocked full of good stuff that our folks are doing to make this a cleaner, greener, friendlier place to live. A sister from Detroit, Simone Lightfoot, is featured as the coordinator for the Regional Urban Initiative in the Great Lakes (which includes Cleveland). Rev. Yearwood of the Hip Hop Caucus, speaks at the Fair Climate Network National Summit, President Obama launches the Great Outdoors Initiative in an effort to get our kids to experience, enjoy and benefit from nature and there are multiple funding opportunities for green jobs, housing and educational projects. Here you go.

Not Soy Fast

Not Soy Fast As a survivor, I have to limit my soy intake, but this article suggests that we should all monitor our soy intake, especially processed soy found in many vegetarian soy products. I had a short-term minor neurological incident one morning last year, which I could not explain. After researching a possible cause and consulting my physician, my conclusion was that it may have been related to a reaction that I had from some soy Chikn nuggets eaten the night before. I can't confirm that, but after reading about neurotoxins found in some soy products, I felt compelled to toss that box of nuggets in the trash.

Happy Anniversary Let’s Move! FoodCorps Recruiting First Class of Service Members

Happy Anniversary Let’s Move! FoodCorps Recruiting First Class of Service Members Exciting green job opportunity for young folks in select states! Pass it on!

Chipotle Tomato Soup, Black Eyed Pea Meatballs wit...

A Profound Hatred of Meat: Chipotle Tomato Soup, Black Eyed Pea Meatballs wit...: "Soup again!? Yes! Get into it! Spicy tomato soup with chipotle peppers, garlic, black eyed peas and red onions served with tender meatballs..." This young lady has the best recipes. I'm going to try these "meatballs" next week.

Cool Thrifter Kickstarter Project

My thrifter readers will love this photography project, which seeks to document what Americans accumulate and throwaway via her visits to thrift stores in 50 states. If you like this project, you can support it financially. Check it out here.

Desperately Seeking Teen Friendly Meatless Monday Recipes

In my ongoing attempt to move towards a planet friendly and animal friendly diet, I have decided to incorporate Meatless Mondays into our lives. This is proving to be somewhat of a challenge, given the fact that I have a very tall and well built teen male in the household. In addition, he is not feeling the vegetarian argument. So I am easing into Meatless Mondays with cheese products, ie. spinach lasagna, mac and cheese. Can you share some of your most successful hearty man and teen friendly, preferably vegan recipes? My fellow is not much of a bean eater, though he is opening up to legumes as of late. The black eye pea dish with rice and cornbread, played well this New Year's. In the meantime, see the delish Allotment 2K butter bean and leek dish that I made for myself, below.

Who Needs Meat When You Have These Delish Vegan Gluten and Soy Free Burgers?



Made in Ohio and Eco-Friendly Packaging

 While not quite a vegetarian (I don't eat red meat or pork), I am learning how to incorporate more vegan and vegetarian sources of protein into my diet. Eating more raw foods, has been helpful in achieving that goal. I'm practically hooked on almonds! However, there comes a time when you want a nice, savory and fulfilling burger. Not happy with the soy filled vegetarian options that are on the market, I have been seeking a delish veggie burger alternative. Alas, I have hit the jackpot with not just one delish vegan soy and gluten free veggie burger option, but two! Oh, yeah. Check them out:

Foodies Artchoke Burger

Original Sunshine Burgers (Southwest Flavor also available)

These veggie and nut based burgers are so good. Our local raw food restaurant/grocer, Optimal Wellness Center, makes an excellent nut based spread that just adds to the taste excitement of these babies. I also like the premise taken by Original Sunshine (sunflower seeds), that they aren't trying to mimic the taste of a meat burger, but just make a good burger. I must say that they are favorful, dense and filling. The artichoke burgers are less dense, but packed with a savory goodness that I yearn for at lunch time. I enjoy these burgers with lettuce, tomato, avocado, cukes, onions and bbq sauce, mustard or the raw ranch spread I mentioned earlier. Usually I will sandwich between whole wheat pita or Ezekial bread. You could also enjoy the Artichoke burgers over a portion of brown rice and veggie gravy. Because both of these choices are soy free, I think your kids will enjoy them. My son hates the after taste associated with soy based vegetarian products. I found these burgers in the freezer section of Whole Foods, but check out the attached links to find out where can find them in your neighborhood.

Five Star Foodies - Offers a host of vegetarian products, recipes and testimonials

Original Sunshine Burgers - All organic, gmo free and lots of recipes

Bon Appetit!

Sustainability in Packaging 2011- February 22-24, 2011

Sustainability in Packaging 2011- February 22-24, 2011 This conference is a good indication of the positive momentum being gained in implementing greener business practices. Pay attention to the reduced amount of packaging that is being used in consumer goods and the marketing of that benefit "Now with 20% less packaging!". I have also seen more packaging being marketed as biodegradeable, especially as companies start to evaluate the impact of their products from cradle to grave.

The Green Job Interview Tips

The Green Job Interview - Urban Farm Online I heard on the news that 80 percent of Americans were going to be looking for new jobs this year. If you are a Black and Into Green reader, I can only assume that you may be seriously considering working for a green business or sustainability minded company. Check out the article for tips on ways in which you may want to tweek your job hunting approach.

Good luck!

FAMU Wins $50,000 Sustainability Grant

ShareThis The Huffington Post named the HBCU, Florida A&M University (FAMU), famed for its business program and awesome band, one of the nine most innovative colleges. It's adoption of sustainable practices was one reason for this recognition. FAMU was one of the winners of a Ford Foundation grant to promote the building of sustainable communities. $50,000 will be used to implement the proposal developed by FAMU students and professors for local farmers.

You go, FAMU!!

House Republicans Want to Cut Funds for Weatherization, Energy Star, IPCC, and More

House Republicans Want to Cut Funds for Weatherization, Energy Star, IPCC, and More
Elections Matter, but so does your voice. Use the Black and Into Green, "Write Your Rep" tools to express your opinion.

2010 Toyota Prius Review

2010 Toyota Prius Review Why not provide a review of th 2011 Toyota Prius? Because due to unforeseen mechanical issues with my ten year old Volvo, I am forced to enter the car market prematurely. Sigh. Of course, I have to walk the talk (or drive the talk) and seriously consider purchasing a hybrid. The fact that a magnet of a red Toyota Prius has graced a spot on my refrigerator for the past three years, is a good indication that I was leaning towards the purchase of a hybrid in the first place. Fortunately for me, the best deal so far that I have found is on a spicy tomato red 2010 Prius. I was also considering the sporty new Honda CR-Z hybrid (my son was really lobbying for this one), but passed for several reasons. The first is that as a gardener, a two seater is not going to work when I'm hauling pots of plants and bags of mulch in the spring and summer, also, the mpg and safety ratings weren't as high as those of the Prius. Lastly, I am not a fan of purchasing new cars which depreciate as soon as you drive them off of the lot. Though, I personally would have preferred to purchase a vehicle with Honda, given its efforts to address climate change. So wish me luck as I face the always pleasant (not) task of buying a car. Hopefully, I will post a photo of my new baby soon!

Brooklyn Farm Keeps on Truckin

Brooklyn Farm Keeps on Truckin’ Loving this! Creative spaces for urban gardening.

The Raw Mocha Angel: Applesauce

The Raw Mocha Angel: Applesauce Recipes and insights from a raw sister!

2011: A Green Odyssey

The title of this post is inspired by the Stanley Kubrick film, 2001: A Space Odyssey, that I watched for the first time last night. I know. Flash forward to 2011, and while we may not be on our way to Jupiter, there are some tremendous predictions for designing products and processes that create a cleaner, greener earth that may make the case for going to Jupiter, less pressing. While we have a long way to go towards living in a more eco-conscious world, there is much work to be done towards reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, eliminating wasteful processes and valuing natural services, I am seeing the signs of a green awakening everywhere. In 2010, a day did not pass without witnessing evidence of more sustainable business practices and green consumer goods. A really wild example came from a recruiting mailer addressed to my teen son, which exclusively highlighted the variety of sustainable practices and career opportunities of the sender. There was even an offer for an eco-friendly tote bag or t-shirt if he went online to request more information. Did this come from Peace Corp? Greenpeace? The Sierra Club? The EPA? No. It was a recruiting mailer from the National Guard! Wow. When the National Guard starts to go green, big things are poppin'. Either that or someone has a really targeted, on the money, marketing database. Could be both, given the times. But, I digress. The federal government, Wal-mart and other large corporations are evaluating the sustainable business practices of their suppliers and to various degrees, awarding business to the most environmentally friendly vendors. Packaging is shrinking and more often than not, highlighting the amount of recycled content, or sustainable forestry practices. Restaurants are buying produce and foods from local farmers and artisans,  and are using more non-styrofoam takeout boxes. Colleges are touting their green buildings and earth friendly practices, in addition to their sustainable business, alternative energy and sustainable agriculture degree programs. Go Bucks! Grocery stores and drug stores have a wider selection of organic, fair trade and eco-friendly product options. Urban eyesores are being converted to urban edens. I have yet to see a new construction project in my city that was not LEED certified and even existing office buildings are vying for the title of "most energy efficient" by pursuing Energy Star certification. It's beautiful. This progress flies in the face of all the outright lies that have been told about "job killing" climate change intiatives and ignorance displayed in 2010. There will be a big push to maintain the status quo in 2011, it will be a challenging journey on the path leading to a cleaner, greener, friendlier world. HAL 9000 is among us, but the momentum is on the side of change, so let's grab our helmets and go into hyperdrive by speaking out and up for ourselves and for those unable to advocate for themselves, buying green, living consciously and intentionally.

Thank you for role in making 2010 a greener year!

A Green Year In Review: 2010 Personal Green Goals

Banker Appropriate Fair Trade Earrings

It's that time of year again. Time to look back once last time to evaluate your progress in achieving those milestones that you set for yourself. Here are my 2010 green goals and my scorecard of achievement:

1. Take the bus to work once a week. Nope. Maybe $5 gallon gas will do the trick.
2. 20% clothing purchases from thrift, 20% fair trade or organic. I definitely achieved this goal for my casual clothing purchases, but didn't do such a great job for work related clothing items. Now that I'm in a less formal work environment, this should be easier to achieve. I have also found some nice work related options from an awesome fair trade store called Revive. The good news is that there are more fair trade shopping options available and more traditional fashion sites are offering vintage options. Check out http://www.freepeople.com/ and Modcloth to see for yourself.
3. Obtain LEED Accreditation. Decided against this one for now, too narrowly focused (green buildings), though the LEED for Neighborhoods is interesting. I'm going to investigate some certifications in other sustainable areas, such as business operations or urban agriculture, given my passions for entrepreneurship and gardening.
4. Green renovations for the bathroom. No. Unexpected auto maintenance expenses, nixed this one, but I'm hopeful for this year! Any ideas?
5. Energy Star appliances. See number four.
6. Apply permaculture principles to the garden. Of course! This was easy. My broccoli  and arugula didn't fare so well, but my curbside figs were awesome. This year, I should see the first harvest from the blackberry vine I planted. Pie anyone?
7. Host green events. I did incorporate a green business panel discussion for the Women's Economic Development Trade Show I co-chaired. It was very well received.
8. Promote Power of Place Based Education Principles. Got the ball rolling. Introduced the concept to our local US Green Building Council Green Schools Action Circle. Would like to expand upon this in 2011.
9. Act as a green coach to an African American business. Yes, Though one could say it was more about providing marketing coaching to a green business. A friend of mine launched the Summerville Farmers Market in Cincinnati's Avondale neighborhood last year. She did okay, but didn't start working on getting farmers until June, which is way too late. She needs to start looking for farmers, right...about...now. I suggested that she work with her local chapter of the Urban League to help her put together a solid business plan. I'm also going to suggest that she develop an internship program, so that she can get some help from local able bodied college students pursuing sustainable agriculture, marketing or urban planning degrees.
10. Make Five Green Business Presentations. 20% hit ratio on that one, but based on the number of green businesses I encounter in my new profession, our folks are keen on sustainable enterprise. I decided to concentrate my efforts on finding a new career, but God blessed me with a two-fer! How amazing is that?!

So, while I didn't hit all of my milestones, I did meet many of the key goals that I set and built a path towards even greater green successes in 2011. How did you do with your green goals for 2010? What were your obstacles, motivators? What are your green goals for 2011? I haven't finalized mine yet, but you will be the first to know, when I have them.

Happy New Year!

Two New Blogs I Like

I have been rewarded for posting this week, with the discovery to two wonderful blogs. The first is by a sister in Birmingham, Alabama with a passion for green living. It is Life The Green Way. She does a great job of covering eco-friendly products and gift ideas and she will knock your socks of with more amazing uses of vinegar! The other is from Scotland and is called Allotment 2 Kitchen. Grab yourself a cup of tea and a pen for taking notes, because you will enjoy the colorful photos of great vegetarian delights (recipes included), gardens and nature. I personally want to try to brussel sprouts pie and the lavender brownies!

We Will Miss You Vanilla Child

Okay, I'm not sure if Teena Marie was a green celebrity or not, but she was an awesome, low key, soulful and warm lady. If you know me, you know that I couldn't possibly miss this opportunity to say goodbye to the Lady T, her music got me through many trying times. She will be missed. (I bet she was eco-conscious though, how could one pen a song as amazing as Portugese Love and not love this green earth?)

Number One Awesome Personal Green High Impact Achievement of 2010

(Photo compliments of Climate Lab)

One of my goals for 2010 was to start a new career. Actually, since becoming a survivor a couple of years ago and facing that milestone birthday a few years back, I have been longing for meaningful,  conscious work. Well, really, I have been longing for meaningful, conscious work since my Buckeye days. As a senior, I worked at the Office of Black Student Programs and had the responsibility for the development and implementation of educational and attractive programing for students and the community. Inspired by Black Enterprise Magazine, I decided to put on a seminar about entrepreneurship, titled "Being Black and In the Green". Sounds familiar right? Back then, the green referenced mula baby! I brought in partners from The Ohio Department of Development to instruct folks on how to start a business. It was a successful program, in that two participants actually started businesses! Fast forward to 2009. I began thinking about ways to meld my passion for entrepreneurship, sustainability and an extensive banking background into a new career....and voila!... in 2010 funding came through at a nationally recognized entrepreneurial focused economic development organization to continue to expand its inclusion efforts. That would be, efforts in insuring that women and minorities have the vision and access to capital to grow large, high impact, high potential businesses. A big focus is on businesses with the potential to hire lots of folks in the urban areas of our region. So, as a senior advisor in our inclusion group, I have been entrenched in an exciting world of innovation, new ideas, VERY bright people, successful serial entrepreneurs, collaboration, venture capital and guess what? Lot's of sustainability focused business ideas - from folks of all hues. (I couldn't have written a better script for a dream job) A good sign that I was at an advanced and progressive organization, was that on the first day, I saw lots of recycling bins, ceramic mugs for coffee and the double sided option for printing documents. Always a good start, right? In fact, one of our target investment areas is alternative energy. So I have been busy, learning a new industry, reading through and hearing pitches for new business ideas, while helping our folk navigate the best path to developing and financing their businesses and their dreams. My experience with sustainable networks, green living and green business resources has already been helpful. I look forward to sharing these resources and new sustainable financing sources with you in 2011. Maybe 2011, will be your year to find the green job of your dreams! God Bless.