It amazes me the waste that occurs and the money spent to “figure things out.”

I am happy that more people are jumping on the green bandwagon and in the beginning, I was even pleased with those who got into it for their own selfish reasons as they are still increasing sustainability and decreasing our footprint so that generations can enjoy the vast wonders and resources that the earth gives us.

Now, however, I find myself frustrated at the actual spend earmarked for “greening-up”. In Massachusetts, as in states across the US, President Obama has allocated funds to stimulate jobs, the economy and renewable energy projects and we are spending huge amounts of money on consultants to “advise” on what actions should be taken.

In new building design and retrofits of extensive projects like the Empire State Building, I see the need to have a detailed plan. …read more of Spend Wisely. Get Greened-up Now here

Have you wondered why areas with hot climates haven’t utilized solar energy more? I have, and am happy to say that there is a man who wants to make the sun and integral part of the way we live.

Syd Kitson, Chairman & CEO of Kitson & Partners has partnered with the state of Florida and formed an alliance of unlikely bed-partners. Government leaders, environmentalists, utilities and private business partners are coming together in a manner not seen before. They plan to create the first ALL solar and carbon neutral city!

Once a cattle ranch and nature preserve, is now the largest preservation land acquisition in the history of Florida. …read more of All Solar All The Time here

There is a huge transition to “going green” across the planet lately. Corporations looking to get on the green band wagon to; save money, get buyers loyalty, and get tax incentives have all lined up and started to do their part.

In this series I will focus on individual companies and projects that we as “green people” would like to know about and support. After all, if you had a choice between a green company and a “I don’t care about the environment” company, all else being equal, what would you pick?

I for one would rather support the company that has a “sustainability policy,” or a local small business apposed to a huge monopoly just because these are the players that cement our lives, add value to our communities and care about the consequences of their decisions and ultimately, they have to live here too! …read more of Going Green: Who’s In, Who’s Out here

Causes More Rain to Fall
Rainwater is absorbed by the roots of trees and transpired by leaves so that it can cycle back for use again as rainwater. Rain waters crops and refills drinking water supplies in reservoirs.

Just to see the way things are so highly connected and interlaced with each other, lets follow the wind. The sun’s heat drives the winds, then, the winds and the sun’s heat causes water to evaporate. When this water vapor turns into rain or snow and flows downhill into rivers or streams.

Trees Improve the Soil
The roots of plants hold soil in place. Fertile soil that is needed to grow crops would otherwise be washed away in rainstorms, decreasing the amount of soil available for agriculture. Rich soil transfers nutrients to food, which contributes to human health.

Fallen leaves and branches, by decaying, replace minerals in the soil and enrich it to support later plant growth. Roots also aerate the ground by helping air get beneath the soil surface. …read more of Trees Give Many Gifts here

Over the past 15 years working and communicating with people globally, I have noticed a pattern; where trees are cut down and land has been cleared, erosion and drought soon follow.

I remember talking to a woman in Kansas where the area was in the midst of another major drought. Mother Nature was not conforming to “modern farming”. When it did rain, the soil was washed away due to the lack of vegetation. My first thought was “Why did they cut all the trees down and reshape the plains?”

A simple solution is to plant some trees and other vegetation to hold the soil before it becomes barren. Encourage Mother Nature to re-boot herself.

Its not rocket science; trees are the key to maintaining life. They keep the heat island effect down, retain ground water, create oxygen, and evaporate water into the atmosphere. Most importantly, they remove tons of carbon dioxide from the air. …read more of Why Trees and Vegetation Are Important here