Posts filed under 'Bright Ideas'
Happy Earth Day!
Today is Earth Day and I hope you are doing something special or adopting one new Earth friendly habit to make the world better for everyone. Enjoy!
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Add comment April 22, 2009
Recycling Technology – what to do with the stuff that is obsolete?
With Earth Day around the corner, I wanted to share this interesting article with you. It is on the National Geographic – Green Guide website. Can you believe that there is over 22 million tons of electronic waste each year!!???!!! With all the toxins in the electronics, there’s no telling the true amount of damage and the possible effects to people and the environment. In todays world, we all need Technology to “survive”, but the article brings important ideas to light as well as a few ways you can help out.
There are also a few good links listed to help :
-Buy computers rated by the EPA’s Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT), which rates models according to 51 environmental criteria, including takeback programs and the use of a minimum of 65 percent reusable or recyclable components. See www.epeat.net.
-Donate your old computer if it still works. The National Cristina Foundation (www.cristina.org) and Computers for Schools (www.pcsforschools.org) accept computers.
-Take non-working computers to nonprofits that can use them for job training, such as Per Scholas (www.perscholas.org).
-As a last resort, recycle your obsolete electronics at a responsible recycler approved by the Computer Takeback Campaign. See www.electronicstakeback.com.
Add comment April 15, 2009
Going Native Garden Tour
This is a pretty cool idea and a great start to enjoy Spring: Going Native Garden Tour. This is a free community-based tour of native gardens in the San Francisco Bay Area. People graciously open up their gardens on April 19th to share with the community. There are over 50 gardens included in this tour showcasing California native plants, reduced chemical, water & pesticide use, and improving habitat. I registered for the event. Hope to see you there!
Add comment April 9, 2009
Earth Hour Pics – Downtown San Francisco
Justin and I headed downtown to watch the lights go down in the city. It was chilly, but worth the wait. We stood on a pier to see both the city view and the Golden Gate Bridge. Check out the results.
For safety reasons, all of the lights on the bridge could not be turned off, but it is still a rare view to see without the towers lit up.
Not exactly total darkness in the city, but you can see these structures dark: Coit Tower (to the left) and Palace of Fine Arts (bottom right). If you look closely you can also notice other lights that were shut off in various buildings and the glow in the haze around the city was diminished slightly.
Afterward we headed downtown to Market Bar – a restaurant participating in Earth Hour – for a candlelit dinner and some live music powered by people riding stationary bicycles. 
Add comment March 31, 2009
Earth Hour – March 28th 8:30pm (in your time zone)
If you haven’t been hiding under a rock you have heard about Earth Hour happening tomorrow at 8:30pm. Here is a blurb from the Earth Hour Website explaining how Earth Hour started:
“Earth Hour began in Sydney in 2007, when 2.2 million homes and businesses switched off their lights for one hour. In 2008 the message had grown into a global sustainability movement, with 50 million people switching off their lights. Global landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Rome’s Colosseum, the Sydney Opera House and the Coca Cola billboard in Times Square all stood in darkness.
In 2009, Earth Hour is being taken to the next level, with the goal of 1 billion people switching off their lights as part of a global vote. Unlike any election in history, it is not about what country you’re from, but instead, what planet you’re from. VOTE EARTH is a global call to action for every individual, every business, and every community. A call to stand up and take control over the future of our planet. Over 74 countries and territories have pledged their support to VOTE EARTH during Earth Hour 2009, and this number is growing everyday.”
Have you signed up yet? Pledge to participate in Earth Hour here.
Add comment March 27, 2009
Filipino Wedding Ceremony
I really enjoyed viewing a Filipino wedding ceremony. It varies quite a bit from traditional wedding in the States. If you are looking for special rituals to add to your wedding, check out some of the wonderful symbolism in a Filipino wedding. Looking online, I found a site that explained things pretty well – click here. Check it out if you get a chance. The website is to the point and explains everything pretty simply. If you have another website please share it as I love learning more about different ceremonial traditions.
Beautiful setting at the Coconut Palace, Manila, Philippines
Minutes before the Ceremony
Getting a Closer Look
Veil Sponsors placing the veil
I love that towards the end of the ceremony, the bride and groom both said something special to their parents and gave them gifts. It was nice to have that moment to give thanks and appreciation to their parents. The wedding day flies by so fast so having this special time I thought was very touching.
Dove Release
The reception is up next…
1 comment February 23, 2009
Getting my new office together
My office is starting to come together now thanks to Craigslist and Amazon. I couldn’t bring everything with me from Raleigh as we only had a small Uhaul trailer to fit everything. Now it feels more like a productive space.
Confession: I have horrible posture when I sit at my desk. So in the spirit of trying to be healthier in 2009, I bought an Isokinetic chair for my desk from Amaon. It has not arrive yet, but should arrive later this week or early next. I am excited to try it out as I have heard good things about “ball chairs” and can’t wait to give it a spin myself. I have been trying to patiently wait for my new chair as currently sit at my desk on an ottoman that is WAY to short. I feel like a little kid sitting at the kitchen table trying to reach things – lol. So I broke down today and bought a folding chair from target. At least now I can sit at my desk and be more comfortable for the time being. I will let you know how the new ball chair works out when I get it. Here is what is looks like. Do you use a chair like this? What do you think?
1 comment February 18, 2009
New Hurrahs Magazine Available
Happy New Year!! I hope you are enjoying this sunny day. Justin, Keego and I went for a walk at Umstead Park. It was a little chilly, but the sun kept us warm. Ready to start your New Year’s Resolutions? Check out the new Hurrahs for classes and sign up to learn something new. To view the magazine online, click here.
Cover Image and additional images in this issue of Hurrahs by Forever Young Photography LLC.
Add comment January 1, 2009
