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One of the brightest, most engaging and most articulate on the subject of climate change, ocean acidification and all things green and sustainable, is Naples’ own, Cloe Waterfield. Recently, Ms. Waterfield was contracted of Naples to oversee energy savings work and develop a voluntary green business program. Last year she completed an energy audit for Collier County and delivered a summary of those findings and a 76 page report to county officials.
Heidi Van Korff a LEED certified Engineer, Designer and President of the firm, 
“Civil Engineering is more than standard designs and plans. It is about creating unique design and construction practices that are cost-effective, healthier, and easier to maintain. Sustainable Civil is committed to developing smart, innovative designs that protect our natural environment.”
The sources of energy, the way we move stuff around, are much the same as they were a generation ago. But that may be about to change. We are, or at least we should be, on the cusp of an energy transformation, driven by the rapidly falling cost of solar power. That’s right, solar power...
Due to circumstances beyond our control, Colin Beavan, the "No Impact Man" WILL NOT BE COMING TO SWFL on APRIL 13th and 14th. (Instead FGCU will host Fabian Cousteau)
We will not be launching a region wide "No Impact" Challenge at this time, but please feel free to take the challenge on your own!
Have you been wanting to reduce your "Carbon Footprint" and begin treading more lightly on the planet but didn't know how and where to start? Taking the "The No Impact" challenge for a week of carbon cleansing, will help to lead you down the path!
For those of you who've not yet heard about the unusual and impressive challenge that Colin and his family (wife and 1 year old daughter) undertook together in New York City, please take a moment and watch this short video...it outlines the different aspects of the experiment quite well.
We encourage you to jump right in and explore what this experiment is all about - it will help you to start down the path to greater sustainability.
The "No Impact Team" has actually done quite a nice job of consolidating the year long experiment that the Beavan's undertook into a rather effective one week challenge.
Check out the "No Impact Project" manual http://tinyurl.com/NoImpactProjectManual to get a good overview of the scope and structure of the challenge. And by all means, try to get your hands on a copy of "The No Impact Man" movie...it is actually quite entertaining and a good family film.
An excerpt from The New York Times states, "By pushing himself further than even the most conscientious recyclers and locavores are usually willing to go, Mr. Beavan hoped to raise awareness both about the ecological costs of overconsumption and about possible solutions to the problem." Although most of us will not end up going to the lengths that the Beavans did to reduce their impact on the environment, it seems the greatest take away may be the critical importance of examining the balance between enlightened self-interest and the ethical and moral weight of social responsibility.
A great read is one man's experience in taking the week-long "No Impact" Challenge which you can access by clicking this link http://eartheasy.com/blog/2010/01/reflections-on-a-one-week-carbon-cleanse/. . It gives a wonderful overview of how the week unfolds as he gently glides into reducing his impact on the planet.
Here's an excerpt.... "I was also able to better understand the concept that convenience and the “easy” way of doing things do not always equal greater happiness. It’s convenient to use the bags the grocery stores give me, but I feel so much better bringing my own reusable bags and saving all that waste from going into the landfill. It was “easier” driving to the gym, but I am way happier (and healthier) riding my bike!"
Hopefully, as you embark upon this intriguing challenge you will gain some enlightening insights. Please feel free to share your experiences here!
Hi Katie. That question couldn't be more perfect for me, since I am a petite Yorkie as well and I absolutely know what you mean about "strutting my stuff" for the other dogs in the hood! Why just look at me here admiring my reflection before I prance through the streets in my oh-so-adorable cotton Tee! But actually, I feel about walks the same way I feel about cuddles. It's not the quantity, but the quality. Some days you feel like having a quick paced walk and others you just like to smell the flowers or if you're like me, every blade of grass...and I mean every blade.
Try going around the block and working your way up to longer walks. You need to make sure you get proper exercise, but don't let your owner get you too overheated and don't forget, dogs can wear sunscreen too. If you are panting and tired when you are finished, then you've done pretty good. Try taking different routes and exploring different streets. Go to a dog park or start a walking club. If you live close to me and I think you might, maybe we could form our own workout/walking group. We can all get t-shirts and doggles (sunglasses for dogs) and show everyone how it's really done!
Oh yeah, one more thing. Make sure you get your feet and your body wiped off when you come in and tell your two legged friends to do the same thing...that way, you won't track any unwanted pesticides or chemicals in with you. Please get back to me and let me know what you think about the club idea. We can call ourselves Y.W.C.A. Yorkie Walking Club of America - how's that sound?
Well Liz, I hope I was able to answer your questions and could you please send me Katie's picture (along with her name) to my executive assistant at Kathy@DogsfortheEarth.com so they can join me in the fight for a cleaner Earth.
Well, gotta run and pick out my Turkey Day attire...
Puppy Hugs and Kisses to you!!
Tiffy the Earthdog over and out for DogsfortheEarth.com
Our very first question came in from Walter and we are happy to address his concerns...we think many of our fans and readers want to know the same information! Walt writes....