We are surrounded by stuff. If you have not already watched this video, “The Story of Stuff” by Annie Leonard, carve some time out of your day to watch this short 20 min film. In our day to day life, it is easy to not think about where all our stuff comes from or goes. This video puts it more into perspective.

The Story of Stuff

You can also listen to a podcast with Annie Leonard via Green Talk Radio. There is also The Story of Stuff book available as well.

This part is pretty interesting too:
“The alternative name of “Memorial Day” was first used in 1882. It did not become more common until after World War II, and was not declared the official name by Federal law until 1967. On June 28, 1968, the United States Congress passed the Uniform Holidays Bill, which moved three holidays from their traditional dates to a specified Monday in order to create a convenient three-day weekend. The holidays included Washington’s Birthday, now celebrated as Presidents’ Day; Veterans Day and Memorial Day. The change moved Memorial Day from its traditional May 30 date to the last Monday in May. The law took effect at the federal level in 1971.” ~ Wikipedia.

So now all the mystery is dissolved on why Memorial Day is celebrated on the last Monday of the month of May.

Forever Young Photography will be closed this Thursday through Monday for the Memorial Holiday. Sending prayers to all the fallen and those still fighting for our freedom.

Some areas that you might want to check out:
About: Greener: Forever Young Photography’s Environmental Policy
New About Section
Services: Gift Registry
Other New Services Featured: Heirloom Albums, Day After Wedding Photography, Restoration Services, Day in the Life Album

Take a look. Let me know what you think.

• Certification is only available to professional photographers.
• Complete an intensive application process and submit your environmental policy for your business.
• Further questions and verification of environmental policy.
• To achieve Basic level certification, applicants must demonstrating a sincere effort to integrate a minimum requirement of greener business practices.
• If you qualify for Basic Level certification, you will have the option to apply for the Premiere Level of certification.
• Premiere level members must demonstrate more integrated greener business practices, as well as a greater commitment to the environment by offering greener products.

Core Values stated for the Non-Profit Organization Greener Photography: “Photography is an art form that allows each of us to interpret the world around us. The nature of our tools and traditional materials makes photography a high-tech field; it is an energy-intensive activity. We believe that we can make our high-tech field more green by implementing environmentally-friendly practices, and encouraging suppliers to do the same.

• Preservation conserves all of the resources that go into creating photographic images. It is the single best thing we can do to reduce the impact of our photographs.
• Reduction: Reduce, Re-use, Recycle. While we are trying to produce the most archival products in our industry, we will do so while using the least energy-intensive products available.
• Local Production: Shipping and transport are some of the biggest sources of pollution. Anything that can be produced, manufactured and assembled locally will have a significantly lower environmental impact than components manufactured overseas.
• Cruelty-Free: Animals and people are as much part of the eco-system as water, air, and trees. We do not see a difference between environmentally harmful products and those produced in harmful working conditions.
• We want to drive the industry standards for environmental awareness and pollution reduction.”

• Have old CDs, DVDs that you don’t need anymore?  Here is a great way to recycle them through CD Recycling of America.
• Do you have clothes or household items to pass along? Donate them to Goodwill, Sell them on Craigslist, or gift them on Freecycle.
• Have a home project you want to start? Check out your local Habitat for Humanity Restores to see if they have some of the items you need. Reuse to help keep items out of landfills, find the items you need at a fraction of the price of buying them new, and your purchases help to support the Habitat for Humanity in your area.
• Have other items to get rid of, but don’t know how? Check out Earth911. “In our recycling database, we can help you find over 100,000 recycling locations across the country. With information provided by local governments, industry insiders, organizations and everyday consumers, you can recycle hundreds of products from packing peanuts to computers. We know where you need to go to get things done.”
• Now that you cleared out what you don’t need, ready to start cleaning? Check out this article for the How to go green cleaning to learn about a ton of great ideas, products, and more.

Happy Spring!

If you attended the show, check out your Bridal Gift Bag to find a great offer from Forever Young Photography LLC. But don’t wait too long, the awesome offer expires April 7th so contact me today to set up a time to meet.

Thanks again to all who attended. Also, a BIG thanks to Damian for volunteering to help me out at the show!

Website: I am really exited to start to roll out my new website design.  You will already start to notice changes to my site but please be patient as all the final tweaks are unrolled and the new portfolio section is revealed.  I will give you the “All Clear” when it is all up and running.  :-)  I promise you won’t have to wait long. In the mean time, you can always check out my blog for recent work and to learn more about Forever Young Photography LLC.

Earth Hour: If you have not heard of Earth Hour, you better check out the video below. Forever Young Photography has Pledged our Support for Earth Hour.

Bridal Show: Sunday is the Bass Lake Bridal Show.  March 28, 2010 from 1pm-4pm.  Come and sign up for a chance to win FREE Wedding Photography Coverage from Forever Young Photography!  Hope to see you there!

Here is an excerpt from the Earth Hour Website explaining Earth Hour:

“Earth Hour started in 2007 in Sydney, Australia when 2.2 million homes and businesses turned their lights off for one hour to make their stand against climate change. Only a year later and Earth Hour had become a global sustainability movement with more than 50 million people across 35 countries participating. Global landmarks such as the, Sydney Harbour Bridge, The CN Tower in Toronto, The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, and Rome’s Colosseum, all stood in darkness, as symbols of hope for a cause that grows more urgent by the hour.

In March 2009, hundreds of millions of people took part in the third Earth Hour. Over 4000 cities in 88 countries officially switched off to pledge their support for the planet, making Earth Hour 2009 the world’s largest global climate change initiative.”

Video About Earth Hour:

Here are some photographs I took in San Francisco of Earth Hour 2009.

New to The Jenna Kator Collection?
Featured on CNNmoney.com, Crains Detroit Business, and Hour Detroit on the A-List, The Jenna Kator Collection is making an imprint on the fashion front.

“The Jenna Kator Collection of designer handbags and accessories enhances self-confidence of women and allows them to be a fashionista! Our designer handbags and accessories are classic, yet trendy, while upholding complete sophistication. All collections will reflect an east coast style with a west coast attitude!” ~ jennakator.com

Looking for a new purse now? Check out jennakator.com to spruce up your 2010. You can order online and have everything shipped conveniently to you.
Want to learn more about the jenna kator collection?

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More to come about our upcoming photo shoot!!