Something amazing has happened. Although there have been many instances similar to it in the past, this one seems more significant. Maybe it's the commercialism involved that makes it special. Or maybe it's the American dream, middle-class glamor that gives it so much appeal. Whatever it is, it has happened -- the green movement has gone suburban!...

Ah...the sounds of a quiet late summer evening -- locusts chirp, wind softly blows through the large tree in the backyard, a couple taking a late-night stroll whisper to each other. Let's not forget the most residual noise of the evening -- the constant buzz of my neighbor's air conditioner...

While interviewing Don Dittmer or Concordia this last week for a story about his congregation's 160th anniversary, a topic came up that I had planned on waiting to discuss. I was going to wait because this topic is controversial and sometimes brings out contradicting facts about the science behind the issue...

What would you think of if I said "Cherokee Purple," or maybe "German Stripe?" What would you imagine when I said "Sierra Beauty" or "Pink Pearl?" Most likely, its not the image of what those words actually represent -- tomatoes and apples. They're known as heirloom varieties -- fruits and vegetables (wherever you stand on that tomato debate) that have changed only by nature's design for sometimes thousands of years...

I'm going to accept some help from the professionals on this one. Afterall, being "eco-friendly" is not easy to do on your own. Often our habits and daily routines are so engrained that it's hard to see past our own -- reclaimed wood -- door. Not to mention who has the time and MONEY to put into building or living eco-friendly? That is why I bought a book to broaden my perspective on different ways to go green...

It's the first day of class and you realized you forgot to purchase a calculator for your dreaded math class. Or, you're about to make a delicious two-course dinner --because who really makes more than that in today's busy world--and you realize you've run out of onion...

Sitting here picking at a pancake the size of my head that is carefully cradled by the Styrofoam container graciously provided to me by Topsy's restaurant located across the street from our office, I ask myself why I have the right to write the first entry for what I hope to be a blog dedicated to practical environmental issues. Why as a Styrofoam using, soda drinking, McDonald's eating, wannabe truck owner do I have the right to inform you on what's good for the environment?...