http://www.ugottagogreen.com/ en mzl1217@yahoo.com Copyright 2011 2011-11-11T04:40:02+00:00 http://www.ugottagogreen.com/post/no_impact_man_visit_to_swfl_cancelled/ http://www.ugottagogreen.com/post/no_impact_man_visit_to_swfl_cancelled/#When:21:11:09Z     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!   var a2a_config = a2a_config || {}; a2a_config.linkname = "U Gotta Go Green"; a2a_config.linkurl = "http://www.UGottaGoGreen.com"; a2a_config.show_title = 1; a2a_config.color_main = "74B02A"; a2a_config.color_border = "AECADB"; a2a_config.color_link_text = "333333"; a2a_config.color_link_text_hover = "333333"; a2a_config.color_arrow_hover = "fff"; a2a_config.prioritize = ["facebook", "twitter", "email", "printfriendly", "aim", "yahoo_buzz", "yahoo_messenger", "google_buzz", "plaxo_pulse", "linkedin", "technorati_favorites", "stumbleupon", "bebo", "tumblr", "digg", "hugg"]; 2011-04-13T21:11:09+00:00 http://www.ugottagogreen.com/post/3rd_annual_edison_college_greenfest_-_saturday_march_26_2011_1000_am_-/ http://www.ugottagogreen.com/post/3rd_annual_edison_college_greenfest_-_saturday_march_26_2011_1000_am_-/#When:07:14:07Z  Edison State College – Collier Campus is proud to present the 3rd annual green living Expo in Collier County - - Edison GreenFest.   On March 26th, 2011, from 10am until 4pm, The Edison GreenFest Expo will again present valuable information on a variety of sustainability issues and will showcase practical solutions through products, services, and practices which can reduce our community and global environmental impact.   What: Edison State College - Collier Campus hosts the 3rd GreenFest Expo, the area's largest annual green living festival in Collier County - bringing together business and organizations to share innovative products and services that are healthy, resource conserving, and good for the economy.   Who: Businesses and organizations in Southwest Florida will bring products and services to demonstrate on the following topics: Energy efficient homes - What is an Energy Star home? Should you install a solar water heater? Water conservation indoors and outdoors - Check out barrel irrigation. Alternative transportation - Ever ridden CAT, the Collier bus system? Try it on campus. Coastal protection - Who's keeping the beaches clean and how are they doing it? Bio-fuels - Florida's exciting new crop for creating bio-diesel, the jatropha. See it, learn about it. Local farm products - Buy local produce and saw palmetto honey. Food - How to make sustainable food choices Where: Edison State College, Collier Campus, 7007 Lely Cultural Pkwy Naples, Florida 34113 The 2010 GreenFest Expo had over 50 exhibitors and drew over 1000 attendees.  The reviews indicate the event was a rousing success.  Over 150 of Edison College students were involved in the planning, execution, and attending the Saturday event.   Nearly 75 children participated in the Kid’s Kove activities.  The Speaker’s Program was well received and will be expanded this year.   Since last year’s successful event the “Green” buzz has become a roar and is expected to continue growing. Major sponsors will again include Naples News, Natural Awakenings, WINK-FM, WAVV-FM, and UGottaGoGreen.com.  Mark your calendar now for this fun and informative family event!! A note to area businesses: Edison State College, Collier Campus’s over 4000 students will soon become business and government leaders, homeowners, and parents--and what they know and understand about sustainability will affect us all.  In addition, many of the nearly 400,000 Collier County residents are eager to understand how they can balance their lives for greater sustainability, save money, and still maintain their busy family lifestyles, but with less environmental impact. Your business may have the product, service or solution attendees need - it's not too late to join us as a sponsor or exhibitor at Edison GreenFest 2011, Collier Campus, 7007 Lely Cultural Pkwy Naples, Florida 34113 Of interest to many is the opportunity to display at our on campus Student GreenFest Days, March 29/30 in our shady Quad. You are welcome to come and participate in educating the future leaders of Collier, by showing many of our 4000 students, your Green technology, services, and products. There is no additional charge beyond the regular registration fee for the Saturday March 26th event. Contact Kirk Otto for details. For more information: Dr. Kirk Otto, GreenFest Coordinator at 239-732-3743 or kotto@edison.edu. Visit our Sustainability Website at www.edison.edu, Click on Collier Campus, then “Sustainability Initiative”.  var a2a_config = a2a_config || {}; a2a_config.linkname = "U Gotta Go Green"; a2a_config.linkurl = "http://www.UGottaGoGreen.com"; a2a_config.show_title = 1; a2a_config.color_main = "74B02A"; a2a_config.color_border = "AECADB"; a2a_config.color_link_text = "333333"; a2a_config.color_link_text_hover = "333333"; a2a_config.color_arrow_hover = "fff"; a2a_config.prioritize = ["facebook", "twitter", "email", "printfriendly", "aim", "yahoo_buzz", "yahoo_messenger", "google_buzz", "plaxo_pulse", "linkedin", "technorati_favorites", "stumbleupon", "bebo", "tumblr", "digg", "hugg"]; College Connection, Events 2011-03-26T07:14:07+00:00 http://www.ugottagogreen.com/post/2011_florida_renewable_energy_tour_comes_to_fgcu_thurs._feb.17th_500_-/ http://www.ugottagogreen.com/post/2011_florida_renewable_energy_tour_comes_to_fgcu_thurs._feb.17th_500_-/#When:01:43:46Z 2011 Florida Renewable Energy Tour announces Ft. Myers/Naples Tour Stop Florida Gulf Coast University will host an evening Town Hall after a day of touring solar and renewable energy installations in the Ft. Myers/Naples area. The Florida Alliance for Renewable Energy (FARE) is excited to announce the tour stop in its 2011 Renewable Energy Tour taking place on Thursday, February 17th. During the day the tour will consist of visits to various renewable energy installations in the area. At 5:00 p.m. Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) will host a Town Hall event engaging local and state legislators, local business leaders and groups as well as renewable energy and cleantech industry experts to discuss the advancement of renewable energy in Florida. The 2011 Renewable Energy Tour will be traveling across Florida, visiting 10 cities in the month of February, leading up to the beginning of March legislative session. The tour will focus on renewable energy policy, and discussion will include local job creation, manufacturing and export, and economic resurgence. The Fort Myers/Naples 2011 Florida Alliance for Renewable Energy Tour & Town-Hall Meeting Thursday, February 17, 2011 Tour Overview: The Fort Myers/Naples 2011 Florida Alliance for Renewable Energy (FARE) Tour & Town-Hall Meeting will take place at various locations throughout the day and evening of February 17, 2011. We have invited several distinguished Renewable/Clean Energy executives, prominent industry participants, policy experts and state and local Florida elected officials to tour various renewable energy sites, hold panel discussions and engage in industry expert talks. Please register now! THIS IS A FREE EVENT! Agenda: Thursday, February 17th, 2011 8:15 – 9:00 a.m. - Tour Kick-Off Breakfast! - Costco, Fort Myers Address: 10088 Gulf Center Drive, Fort Myers, FL 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. - Tour of FL Green Team, Fort Myers, FL Address: 2213 Andrea Lane, Fort Myers, FL Welcome Address & Tour – Reed Wilson, President, FL Green Team 11:00 – 11:45 a.m. - Tour of John Wolske’s Solar Electrical Power System Residence Address: 1833 Everest Parkway, Cape Coral, FL 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. - Hodges University, Fort Myers, FL Address: 4501 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers, FL, Kleist Community Room 364 Welcome Address - Joseph Frazier, Director of Campus Safety, Security and Disaster Preparedness, Hodges University Creating Renewable Energy Jobs and a Clean Energy Economy in the U.S. and Especially Florida - Dawn E. Dzurilla, Founder & Managing Partner, Gaia Human Capital Consultants Florida’s Future as a Leader in Biofuels and Alternative Fuels – Moderator: Thomas Mueller, Business Manager, Covanta Lee Roy Beckford, University of Florida Kenneth Spall, Managing Director, Algenol Biofuels 2:15 – 3:15 p.m. - Tour of Ray and Margaret Kordonowy’s Solar Electrical Power System Residence Address: 3621 Heritage Lane, Fort Myers, FL 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. - Tour of Florida Gulf Coast University’s 2 MW Solar Farm & 75 Kw Solar Thermal System Location: FGCU Visitors Center& FGCU’s Solar Farm Dell Jones, Vice President, Regenesis Power, LLC. Burt Saunders, Counsel at Gray Robinson, PA, former State Senator of Florida 4:30 – 5:00 p.m - Florida Gulf Coast University Town-Hall Registration Location: Sugden Hall, Ballroom A 5:00 – 7:30 p.m. - Florida Gulf Coast University - Town-Hall Meeting Begins Location: Sugden Hall, Ballroom A 5:00 – 5:15 p.m. - Welcome to FGCU! Hub of Innovation and Sustainability for Southwest, FL - Wilson G. Bradshaw, Ph.D., President, Florida Gulf Coast University 5:15 - 5:30 p.m. - Job Creation and Local Economic Growth Through Renewable Energy – Mike Antheil, Executive Director, Florida Alliance for Renewable Energy (FARE) 5:30 – 5:45 p.m. - Legislative Outlook – Richard Pinsky, Government Affairs Expert & FARE Lobbyist 5:45 – 7:15 p.m. - Panel Discussions: Panel One: Regional Economic Development Leaders & Officials Panel Two: Florida State Legislators 7:15 – 8:00 p.m. - Q&A Networking and Cocktail Reception to follow Location: FGCU Sugden Hall, Ballroom B Who will be attending? Elected Florida Officials Members of the Press College and University Administrators National Renewable Energy Leaders Regional Planning Councils Prominent academicians & faculty Local Business Leaders City& Local Green Commissions Undergraduate & Graduate Students City, County & Municipal employees Renewable & Clean Energy Supporters Job coalition & creation advocates As a resident in the Fort Myers/Naples region, you will want to be a part in shaping a regional “green economy” and advancing the renewable energy and energy efficiency future of Florida. The entire event is FREE, thanks to the kind generosity of our Hosts and Sponsors. “Thirty nine (39) U.S. States have set their own standards or have set exacting goals specifying that electric utilities generate a certain amount of electricity from renewable or alternative energy sources; Florida is presently not among them. These standards are called Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS). As Florida policymakers consider energy, environmental, conservation, economic development and job creation goals, an RPS would no doubt incentivize development of a stronger regional economy, create well-paying jobs and further increase Florida’s path toward environmental sustainability.” states, Dawn Dzurilla, Managing Partner of Gaia Human Capital Consultants and Coordinator of the 2011 Florida Renewable Energy Tour in Fort Myers/Naples. The 2011 Renewable Energy Tour is being held during the last 3 weeks of February 2011 with an official full schedule of locations and speakers posted at www.farenergy.org  For information about the Fort Myers/Naples tour contact Dawn Dzurilla at 212-734-4912 or at dawnd@gaiahumancapital.com. Cost: Free and open to the public Register for this tour stop now - click here  Volunteer for this event - click here Why you should be part of the tour: Be part of shaping the renewable energy and energy efficiency future of Florida Learn about pending legislation Interact with your elected officials Network with people from all phases and stages of involvement of renewable energy and energy efficiency projects Encourage and support a free market for renewable  energy in Florida Discussion Topics:                    Local job creation Local economic growth Free market forces Energy security Pending legislation Innovations in industry Municipal approach to renewables Trickledown economics of renewable energy Renewable energy finance About The Florida Alliance for Renewable Energy:  www.farenergy.org The Florida Alliance for Renewable Energy (FARE) is a coalition of concerned individuals, businesses, manufacturers, communities, agricultural stakeholders, associations, policy makers, non-profits, and renewable energy producers. FARE is dedicated to educating and engaging Floridians on Production Based Incentives. PBI's have proven to be the most wide-spread and effective legislation for the promotion of renewable energy. Support FARE today and help secure a future for Florida that includes job creation, energy security and environmental stewardship. About Gaia Human Capital Consultants: Founded in 2006, Gaia Human Capital Consultants (GHCC) has become a highly recognized and well respected Executive Search leader at the intersection of Executive Search and Renewable Energy and Cleantech industries. Leveraging decades of senior-level retained executive search, teambuilding and organizational experience, GHCC partners with firms and investors at all levels of development and size from early to mid-stage to late-stage companies to multinationals worldwide to attract, evaluate and secure world-class, senior-executive talent. GHCC has executed several search assignments for executives & professionals from CEO's to senior individual contributors. GHCC are active members of The American Council on Renewable Energy, The New England Clean Energy Council, The Florida Alliance for Renewable Energy and a host of Human Resource organizations. Additional information can be found at www.gaiahumancapital.com. Contact: Dawn E. Dzurilla, Fort Myers/Naples Coordinator - 2011 Florida Renewable Energy Tour dawnd@gaiahumancapital.com Energy & Sustainability, Events 2011-02-18T01:43:46+00:00 http://www.ugottagogreen.com/post/ask_tiffy...dogs_for_the_earth_official_spokesdog/ http://www.ugottagogreen.com/post/ask_tiffy...dogs_for_the_earth_official_spokesdog/#When:23:49:42Z Hello, I’m Tiffany, the Official Spokesdog for Dogs For The Earth and a bone-carrying member of U Gotta Go Green! Dogs For The Earth is dedicated to spreading the word about an all natural, eco-friendly lifestyle for pets. At Dogs For The Earth we know sometimes it’s not practical to do everything completely organic & eco-friendly; we say as long as everyone is doing their best, that’s all that matters. My job is to help you help your dog (and cats, too!) make good choices for the environment and healthy choices for themselves. You can ask me questions about anything: flea control, food, vaccinations, training, even poop. (I can give you the real poop on poop!) Anything that has to do with pet care is fair game...I can help you go 'au natural' and become a greener, cleaner pet!  That’s what I do. So ASK TIFFY now, I'm at your beg and call! My friend Kathy Splawn, co-founder of DogsfortheEarth.com will be doing all the typing for me since her paws are more adept on the keyboard. Kathy began her animal training as a Junior Zoo Keeper at the age of 12. From there she gained her Zoology degree at the University of Texas. Following 8 years at the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans, she received her Masters Degree as a Marine Scientist from the University of South Florida. Kathy's passion now is to help dogs! As an animal behaviorist & nutritionist, scientific reasoning supports all her advice. Certified by the red cross, Kathy is an active environmentalist & her ambition is to educate dog owners about the importance and availability of organic, natural products & lifestyles for pets. So post your questions below and let’s get started: the sooner you know, the sooner your pet will become the healthiest & happiest pet in town! ASK TIFFY NOW! Our latest question is one that many of us humans can relate to and comes from Little Gracie: Hello Tiffany, Can you help me? I am a tiny 6 year old poodle called Gracie.  Sometimes when I get up in the morning I have a  hunched up back.  I don't cry or wince when it is touched but I keep it hunched up.  My vet took x-rays but my back looked fine so he gave my mom some pain killers for me but we don't like pills in this house.  I saw on your web site you support natural and organic solutions to problems.  Can you help me & my hunched up back?  My mom is very worried & it makes me worry, too! Thank you Tiffy!   Tiffy explains how to put a smile on your dog's face when getting up out of bed! Hi Gracie,   Isn't it great to be a dog!!!  We really have a lot in common.  I have the same back issue.  Not every day, but often enough for me to be able to give advice.  Mine is from an old sports injury.  I got it surfing off the coast of Australia in the Great Barrier Reef.  Okay, truth be told, it was in the backyard in my swimming pool, but like fish stories, sports injuries get bigger everytime you tell them.  How did you get yours?  Was it skydiving, mountain climbing or playing touch football with the Big Dogs?  Well however it happened, I'm sorry you have to go through that. Here's some great tips that I think will help. When you awaken in the morning, after potties and breakfast of course, have your Mom help you with some stretching.  Lay on your side and she can lightly grab your front legs with one hand and your back legs with the other.  Slowly stretch your body to full extension and hold for a couple of seconds.  Start out slowly the first few days and work your way up. Doga (doggie Yoga) is another great way to learn some great exercise.  Ask your Mom to find a local class in your area.  Make sure you get plenty of exercise.  You don't want your back to get used to staying in one position.   Don't overdo it or you might find you have another injury "tail" to tell.  Tell your Mom to turn a heating pad on LOW and place a small towel on your back with the heating pad on top for 3-4 minutes.  It really feels great.  I LOVE it. There are also some great Organic, Natural  Joint and Back supplements that are great for imflammation.  These are the two that I use:    1. Seven Forests Liquidambar 15--A chinese herbal remedy that invigorates your meridians and stimulates your vessels to help get blood flow to your back area.  Your meridians are the pathways of the energy power, which carries some of the communitcation between different parts of the body.  Cool, Right??    2. Newton Homeopathic Rheumatic Joint Care--Relieves discomfort in mucles, tendons and joints.    One more thing Gracie, let me know if you live in the Naples area.  I would love to start a Doga class.  I'm not trained in Doga, but my friend Ali is and I'm sure she would be more than happy to be our teacher.  Please, no more skateboarding or waterskiing for now.   Namaste!!   Puppy Hugs and Kisses to you!! Tiffy the Earthdog over and out for DogsfortheEarth.com     I know you have all been itching to hear the answer to our next question from Cali! Hi Tiffy, First of all let me say, you sure are cute and look very smart, so here is my question for you.  I am a Schnauzer mix named Cali and although my Mom takes special care to wash all my bedding, somehow it is still itchy.  Can you help me?  I know she'll do whatever she can, so I am looking for some good advice. Hi Cali.  First of all, I want to wish you and your human family Peace, Prosperity and a Problem-free 2011!  Isn't it true, that itchy bedding leads to itchy skin and it always seems to itch worse right in the middle of your back where you find yourself spinning around in circles trying to get that one spot!  Instead of making yourself dizzy, lets see if I can help.   It sounds like it could be your detergent.  Some detergents have dyes and fragrances in them and some are just too harsh for your sweet delicate skin.  I have a friend that is a schnauzer and she tells me that her breed has very sensitive skin, so ask your human family to buy you a detergent that is free of dyes and fragrances.  It would be better for her as well, but maybe she just wants to try it first on you and then she'll see how great it really works. I know here at Dogs for the Earth headquarters we use "Seventh Generation" free and clear laundry detergent (available at your local supermarket). It is tough on dirt and stains, is hypoallergenic and best of all, it's biodegradable, so it won't harm this beautiful planet either.  It's a win, win situation for all.  By the way, did you know that if every household in the U.S. replaced just one bottle of petroleum-based laundry detergent with a plant-derived product like Seventh Generation, we could save 185,000 barrels of oil...enough to  heat and cool 10,600 U.S. homes for a year! Come to think of it, "Seventh Generation" should ask us to do a commercial for them...it works so well on my bedding they should call it "dogtergent".  I think we've found your solution, so keep in touch and let us know how your new dogtergent works for you! And in the New Year, please keep in mind this Iroquios quote from which Seventh Generaton derived its name..."In our every deliberation, we must consider the impact of our decisions on the next seven generations".   Puppy Hugs and Kisses to you!! Tiffy the Earthdog over and out for DogsfortheEarth.com   We were so happy to hear from Liz with a great question about how much activity and exercise smaller dogs should have... Tiff how much time does my owner need to walk me each day.  I am a petite Yorkie and I don’t know if my mom is walking me like she should.  How long should each walk be??  Besides I like being outside so I can show off to all the other breeds Love,  Katie   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.... Hi Tiffy, Finally!  I was really excited when I came across this site.  I can never trust the answers I get at the pet food store or even my Vet because they just don’t think along those lines.  Also, just a short year or so ago, me and my wife started eating and drinking as many organic products as we could in the way of substitution for other products.  We found out early on that you have to be very careful about the word ‘organic’!  If that’s true for people food it’s true for pet food too. So again, I’m so glad I now have a real source to get the true scoop on what’s really healthy for pets.  Dogs in my case. I have two Bernese Mountain Dog/Golden Retrievers’ that are about 100 lbs. each. According to the Vet they are both in healthy weight ranges for their sizes. They have no current medical issues. They get a good walk everyday but for the most part are home by themselves during the work week.  So, the basics then Tiffy, what dog food and treats do you recommend?  Also, what about flea/tic and worm medicine?  What’s the best of these for my particular dogs? I look forward to hearing from you! Thanks, Walt Wow Walt, you sure have a lot of questions and I am doggone happy to answer them.  It sounds like your dogs are already very happy and healthy.  You are right about their food....my FAVORITE subject by the way.....organic and natural ingredients are always the way to go, I mean who wants to eat a bunch of pesticides and preservatives anyway.  I prefer my steak without those nasty chemicals I can't even pronounce. When I first arrived at my people's home, I was actually 2 Yorkies in one.  I weighed almost 14 lbs.  WOW, that was a lot of extra weight to carry around.  I have my own line of Organic Dog Food that has really helped me in the last couple of years.  Now, I am at a perfect 7 lb., slim and trim weight and I never felt better.  I always say " if you take care of your body, it will take care of you".  Same goes for the Earth, by the way.  There is a really good website, www.onlynaturalpet.com and they have many good foods (almost as good as mine) that are only natural and organic as well.  The same goes for treats.  Just make sure they don't have any sugar or salt in them....we don't really need any in our diet and quite frankly, I'm sure my human friends could cut down a little as well!   One last thing about food (I could go on forever),  please get a couple of varieties, because just like you, we don't like to eat the same thing every morning and night.  We like to mix it up.  So, you are always welcome to try my Organic Dog Food (we send samples) or find other ones that are equally as healthy for your pet.   Fleas and Ticks and Worms, oh my!!  I think their only purpose in life is to bother me and all my furry friends.  I haven't had one in a while, but when I first moved to sunny Florida, whew, they really loved to bite me.  I learned the most important thing to do is to treat your environment.  A female flea can lay up to 300 eggs a day....can you believe it...300!  She must not do anything else all day but lay eggs!!!  There are a lot of products available that are not harmful to any of us but those pesky fleas.   Have you ever heard of diatomaceous earth?  It dehydrates the fleas and will NOT harm me or you.  It comes in powder form and you can even sprinkle it on your carpet and outdoor areas. Also, www.onlynaturalpet.com, mentioned above, carries a line of shampoos and conditioners that you can use simultaneously to rid your self of those nasty little buggers.  Also, if you get some garlic and brewers yeast tablets to mix in with your food, it really helps.  You know they say "Garlic keeps the Vampires Away" and for us dogs, fleas = vampires! Oh and one last think that you may want to consider, there's this really cool thing called a tic-clip that goes on your collar and sends out electromagnetic waves.  Not only will you look cool wearing your own piece of futuristic jewelry, but the fleas will be stopped by your super force field.  How about that??   Well Walt, I hope I was able to answer your questions and could you please send me your two dog's names along with a picture to my executive assistant at Kathy@DogsfortheEarth.com so they can join me in the fight for a cleaner Earth.  Now, I'm off to take a catnap.  Yes, dogs take them too.   Puppy Hugs and Kisses to you!! Tiffy the Earthdog over and out for DogsfortheEarth.com   Pets & Animals, Spotlight On... 2011-02-14T23:49:42+00:00 http://www.ugottagogreen.com/post/can_florida_reduce_its_annual_60_billion_expense_for_transportation_an/ http://www.ugottagogreen.com/post/can_florida_reduce_its_annual_60_billion_expense_for_transportation_an/#When:16:09:36Z Editorial: Florida should be a leader in biofuels Written by news-press.com Filed Under Opinion Here is an excerpt from the second half of an Op Ed article that came into our inbox today...what's your opinion? Let us hear from you and please take action in support of this issue by contacting your representative as outlined below! For the whole article :http://www.news-press.com/article/20110213/OPINION/110212029/0/GCLIVEFRONT/Editorial-Florida-should-leader-biofuels?odyssey=nav%7Chead Boost needed But without a boost from government, we could miss the opportunity to reduce Florida’s energy imports, now estimated at $60 billion annually for transportation and electricity fuel, and keep some of that money here to generate jobs. Jobs. That’s the magic word that could turn conservative dominated Tallahassee in favor of a policy to encourage biofuels. Gov. Rick Scott and the Legislature are intent on sweeping spending cuts. But Scott is equally committed to creating jobs. State Sen. Mike Bennett, whose District 21 includes part of Lee County, says “(Scott)’s going to be looking at what can create jobs in Florida quickly, and at the same time bring the cost of government down, for example by using bio-diesel in state trucks or school buses.” There is already a federal mandate that fuel companies use 36 billion gallons of ethanol a year by 2022.  With criticism growing of corn ethanol’s energy inefficiency, environmental impacts and controversial effects on engine parts, Florida should be trying to grab a part of that mandate with cleaner, more efficient biofuels. But there is a bigger issue. The costs of fossil fuels in terms of human disease; poisoned air, water and soil; or an altered climate are hard to calculate, but are real and inevitable, and fall ultimately on the taxpayer. They are a powerful argument in favor of aggressively encouraging clean, safe, renewable alternative energy, including Florida biofuels. Urge our leaders in Tallahassee to seize the opportunity to make Florida a world leader in biofuels. Contact them • Sen. Garrett Richter, District 37, 338-2777, richter.garrett.web@flsenate.gov • Sen. Lizbeth Benacquisto, District 27, 850-487-5356, benacquisto.lizbeth.web@flsenate.gov • Sen. Mike Bennett, District 21, 225-3697, bennett.mike.web@flsenate.gov • Rep. Ken Roberson, House District 71, 941-613-0914, ken.roberson@myfloridahouse.gov • Rep. Paige Kreegel, House District 72, 941-575-5820, paige.kreegel@myfloridahouse.gov • Rep. Matt Caldwell, House District 73, 533-2411, e-mail matt.caldwell@myfloridahouse.gov • Rep. Gary Aubuchon, House District 74, 344-4900, gary.aubuchon@myfloridahouse.gov • Rep. Trudi Williams, District 75, 433-6775, trudi.williams@myfloridahouse.gov • Senate President Mike Haridopolos, 850-487-5056, haridopolos.mike.web@flsenate.gov • House Speaker Dean Cannon, 850-488-2742, dean.cannon@myfloridahouse.gov • Gov. Rick Scott, visit flgov.com/contact-gov-scott/ to e-mail or write:   Office of Governor Rick Scott   The Capitol, 400 S. Monroe St.   Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001 Around the Region, Energy & Sustainability, Transportation & Cars 2011-02-14T16:09:36+00:00 http://www.ugottagogreen.com/post/join_1sky_for_the_swanky_south_beach_pollution_party/ http://www.ugottagogreen.com/post/join_1sky_for_the_swanky_south_beach_pollution_party/#When:01:48:54Z Join 1Sky for the Swanky South Beach “Pollution Party” Saturday, Feb 12th, starting at 7 PM Carlton Hotel, 1433 Collins Ave Miami Beach, FL Interested in A Caravan/Carpool to South Beach on Saturday for the Big Party? FREE Music, FREE Hors D'Oeuvres, Costume contest and Much more! Contact us at UGottaGoGreen@live.com and let us know... Come dressed as your most detested pollution!!!!!!  No cover! Live performances from local artists: Tom Gorrio (of Radar Vs. Wolf) Michael Quinn (with a special song about the BP Oil Spill) Pocket of Lollipops 1Sky continues building the local movement to stop climate change with parties nationwide this month. We are raising awareness about attempts to undermine The Clean Air Act by planning citizen visits in large groups to local congressional offices. In 2007, The Supreme Court ruled that the Environmental Protection Agency could begin using The Clean Air Act to regulate greenhouse gases from coal-fired power plants...our nation's largest single source of greenhouse gases and the biggest win to fight climate change! Now industries are trying to undo the ruling in legislation through Congress. But a citizen movement can stop them- it's the only thing that ever does! Our main goals: You signing up to join friends from 1Sky to meet with your local congressional leaders! Also, signing the petition for a ballot initiative to end new drilling in state waters- let the people vote! Let's try to gather a group from this area to network and support initiatves underway on the other coast in Florida! East meets West in South Beach!!! $2 drink specials for the first two hours, and specialty drink "Pollution on the Beach" Friends of all ages welcome as attendees will be carded at the bar. Free hors d'oeuvres!!!! Costume contest!!!! Discounted Room rates available for overnight stay!!!! RSVP at http://local.1sky.org/actions/events/show/348 sign up on facebook- see some of the others who are signing up and share the facebook announcement: http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/event.php?eid=137591479636815 Contact: Andrea Cuccaro, 1Sky Florida Organizer, 786-925-1151, 1skyflorida@gmail.com www.1sky.org -national site, www.1skyfl.org -local site var a2a_config = a2a_config || {}; a2a_config.linkname = "U Gotta Go Green"; a2a_config.linkurl = "http://www.UGottaGoGreen.com"; a2a_config.show_title = 1; a2a_config.color_main = "74B02A"; a2a_config.color_border = "AECADB"; a2a_config.color_link_text = "333333"; a2a_config.color_link_text_hover = "333333"; a2a_config.color_arrow_hover = "fff"; a2a_config.prioritize = ["facebook", "twitter", "email", "printfriendly", "aim", "yahoo_buzz", "yahoo_messenger", "google_buzz", "plaxo_pulse", "linkedin", "technorati_favorites", "stumbleupon", "bebo", "tumblr", "digg", "hugg"];   Events 2011-02-13T01:48:54+00:00 http://www.ugottagogreen.com/post/hot_off_the_press_-_officials_consider_u.s._41_shift/ http://www.ugottagogreen.com/post/hot_off_the_press_-_officials_consider_u.s._41_shift/#When:18:15:01Z Officials look into U.S. 41 shift  Written by Denes Husty III dhusty@news-press.com 11:37 PM, Feb. 9, 2011| 1:10 A.M. — City and county officials agreed to work together Wednesday to eliminate what is called “the Berlin Wall in Naples” — otherwise known as U.S. 41. The bustling, six-lane highway traveled by 40,000 to 50,000 vehicles a day effectively divides Naples into west and east zones, said Naples Councilwoman Margaret Sulik. Council members and county commissioners at a joint meeting will now have their staffs study the possibility of relocating U.S. 41 to the parallel Goodlette-Frank Road, Sulik said. What is now U.S. 41 — also known as Ninth Street — would revert to a local route that would create a business district friendlier to pedestrians and motorists, Sulik said. Two lanes could be eliminated to provide parking for easier access to businesses, she said. Currently, trying to walk across the road at what is known as the Four Corners — the intersection where U.S. 41 North, U.S. 41 East, Ninth Street South and Fifth Avenue South meet — “is like playing chicken,” Sulik said. “I think it’s worth looking into. More parking would be perfect. There is no parking here,” said Patty Kirk, owner of Captain Kirk’s Stone Crabs Inc. in the Fifth Avenue shopping district. No specific timeline has been set on the project, but both council members and commissioners hope to have detailed reports ready to present by the summer. Additional turn lanes would be needed for through traffic, and signs would be posted to turn Goodlette-Frank Road into U.S. 41 from Golden Gate Parkway south to U.S. 41 East, Sulik said. “It’s a need that has to be addressed for pedestrians, bicyclists and vehicles. A lot of county residents don’t go to the downtown area because of the traffic,” said local resident Michelle Avola, who represents a coalition of some 3,000 city and county residents who support the plan. Other options include better signs directing traffic destined for Miami or Marco Island to use alternate routes and pedestrian overpasses above U.S. 41, officials said. They said state and federal governments would have the final say on whether U.S. 41 is moved. What's your opinion??  Let us hear from you and tell us what you think...place your comments below and let's get a dialog started!! We're working on a Transportation Transformation in this region...please check out http://www.ugottagogreen.com/post/takin_it_to_the_streets_-_9_days_of_transportation_transformation_in_s/ and start thinking about ways in which you can get involved!! This is gonna be BIG!   var a2a_config = a2a_config || {}; a2a_config.linkname = "U Gotta Go Green"; a2a_config.linkurl = "http://www.UGottaGoGreen.com"; a2a_config.show_title = 1; a2a_config.color_main = "74B02A"; a2a_config.color_border = "AECADB"; a2a_config.color_link_text = "333333"; a2a_config.color_link_text_hover = "333333"; a2a_config.color_arrow_hover = "fff"; a2a_config.prioritize = ["facebook", "twitter", "email", "printfriendly", "aim", "yahoo_buzz", "yahoo_messenger", "google_buzz", "plaxo_pulse", "linkedin", "technorati_favorites", "stumbleupon", "bebo", "tumblr", "digg", "hugg"]; Around the Region, Transportation & Cars 2011-02-10T18:15:01+00:00 http://www.ugottagogreen.com/post/welcome_to_u_gotta_go_green/ http://www.ugottagogreen.com/post/welcome_to_u_gotta_go_green/#When:20:19:19Z Welcome to Southwest Florida's eco-networking, resource and information-sharing website. We hope that you enjoy our magazine-style, news digest format and find lots of interesting ways to get involved in the burgeoning green community.  As a comprehensive web portal and online community for everything and anything Green, Sustainable and Eco-friendly in the SWFL region, we encourage  you to stop in and check out what’s new on a daily basis.  You can think of us the Green Facebook for Southwest Florida where you can come and connect with others who are interested in your opinions, products and services! We can't wait for you to jump in and join the conversation. Please bear with us as we continue to develop and add features and functionality to the site.  We expect that there will be some growing pains for a while but hope that you see the tremendous power and potential of the UGottaGoGreen.com website.  We not only invite your input, comments, suggestions and feedback but are counting on your active participation and involvement. We need you, the community,  to make this a dynamic, useful and effective tool for positive environmental and economic impact in our local area! Our vision is to become a nexus of communication, interactive collaboration and activity for all of the important and pressing sustainability, energy and climate issues that  are affecting each and every one of us here in Southwest Florida. We see a tremendous need to connect and co-ordinate initiatives arising out of several different realms: Business and Commerce Local Government Academia/Education Scientific Community Residents/Visitors Only with more cooperative interaction and communication can we hope to create the synergy required to make substantive changes. We need to join forces, collaborate, support and promote one another and make sure that the left hand knows what the right hand is doing.  Together, we can and will make a difference. Won’t you please join us on the path to a “Greener” future? Here’s what you can do right now to help make this a thriving and empowered community: Advertise on our site to promote your Green business Enter your business with an “Enhanced” listing on the “U Gotta Go Green Business Directory” Sign up for our “Green Insider” Newsletter Add our RSS feed to your feed reader or website Join our Facebook fan page or Blog page at at http://bit.ly/UGottaGoGreenFacebook Tweet about our new website, an event or article Follow us on Twitter at http://Twitter.com/UGottaGoGreen.com Link to us on your website or blogroll Add our widget to your website or blog Make a comment about one of our articles using the comment box at the end of our posts Join our Meetup.com/UGottaGoGreen Activity group at http://Meetup.com/UGottaGoGreen Join our Online community at http://heyGottaGoGreen.ning.com, complete your member profile, and customize your own home page! Add your “Green, Eco-friendly, Environmentally Sustainable special interest or action group or, non-profit organization to our             http://heyUGottaGoGreen.ning.com/Groups online community “GreenGroups” listing Add a Blog entry, brief article or opinion commentary on our http://heyUGottaGoGreen.ning.com/Blog “Blog” Start a discussion on a forum topic on our http://heyUGottaGoGreen.ning.com/Forum “Forum” Create and/or discover a topic–related video and submit it to our http://heyUGottaGoGreen.ning.com/Videos online community “Member Contributed Videos” section Again, we welcome you to UGottaGoGreen.com and are hopeful and excited about the possibilities that lie ahead when the community unifies it's efforts to become more Green, Eco-friendly and Sustainable in Southwest Florida! Please feel free to contact us at info@UGottaGoGreen.com for more information, comments or suggestions. Yours in Hope, The U Gotta Go Green Team 2010-04-09T20:19:19+00:00 http://www.ugottagogreen.com/post/cloe_waterfield_scientis_extaordinaire/ http://www.ugottagogreen.com/post/cloe_waterfield_scientis_extaordinaire/#When:21:45:13Z 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. Keep your eyes and ears open for more news related to this research and what is being proposed to address the issues brought to light.  Below you will find a Naples Daily News cached article covering the presentation of the report as well as an excerpt from the actual document explaining the “Impacts of Climate Change in Collier County”. Ms. Waterfield is the founder of Twenty-fifty.com a scientific research and consulting company that helps organizations and individuals optimize the environment in their daily operations and long-term business goals.  It is optimistically named Twenty-Fifty because it’s been hypothesized that “Halving Carbon Dioxide Emissions By 2050 Could Stabilize Global Warming”.  The following information is taken from their website which you can visit by clicking on this link: Twenty-fifty.com. So what will Twenty-fifty be able to do for you? Provide practical guidance on how to consider the environment in your daily operations and to… Save money and help save the planet. Twenty-fifty provides comprehensive sustainability strategies to help you navigate the new green economy. They develop simple, adaptable plans to help municipalities, businesses and homeowners assess their environmental footprint (including greenhouse gas emissions), reduce waste, minimize resource use and educate residents, staff and clients. They identify and maximize the environmental attributes of your operation and grow new profit centers through green marketing. Concern for the environment is at an all-time high and set to climb as more and more consumers recognize the importance of being environmentally and socially responsible, and are willing to pay for it. With just a few simple changes you can maximize the efficiency of your home or place of work and send the profits where they should be, instead of out the window or down the drain. Twenty-fifty’s network of environmental professionals in south Florida and the Caribbean. can offer assistance in the following areas of expertise: Energy efficiency Environmental education Greenhouse gas management Waste and water minimization Sustainable building design Native landscaping design Green marketing and communications Field biology (monitoring/mapping tropical habitats) Environmental Impact Assessment Environmental Management Plans Twenty-fifty is based here in Naples, Florida, and they have project and academic links throughout south Florida, The Bahamas and Caribbean.  There is a growing advisory board with decades of experience in environmental operations, education and sustainability issues. Cloe Waterfield, Twenty-fifty in the News: Here's a few excerpts from a Naples Daily News article that appeared 12/02/09: ...Florida, with its miles of coastline, is the most vulnerable state in the nation to the effects of sea level rise, one of global warming’s biggest threats, environmental consultant Cloe Waterfield, who wrote the county audit, told commissioners this week. “I think that puts Collier County, right on the tip of peninsular Florida, at the forefront of those impacts,” she said. ...With Collier’s future at stake, Waterfield said, the county should consider setting even higher targets for the community. Commissioners took no action on the recommendations in the report, which had been awaiting a hearing since July. The audit acknowledges progress county government has already made to cut its own energy use, but the effort must extend to the county’s homes and businesses, the audit says. ...More than $3 million in economic stimulus money the county received this year to promote energy efficiency and conservation will add up to only a “drop in the bucket,” Waterfield said. Check out this article for more information: Collier’s carbon footprint a long way from 10 percent reduction goal » Naples Daily News And here is an excerpted section of the comprehensive report that Ms. Waterfield furnished to the county outlining the “Impacts of Climate Change in Collier County” (see Pew, 2009); A brief summary of the anticipated effects of climate change include: •Continued global temperature rise, •Continued rise in global sea levels (related to temperature rise as oceans warm and expand and glaciers and icecaps melt). Mid-range projections are for a rise of 2-3 feet by 2100. •Changes in marine and terrestrial habitat zones (for plants, including agricultural species, and wildlife). Further loss of coral reefs from bleaching and more frequent harmful algal blooms like red tide will occur, all exacerbated by rising temperatures. •Alterations in marine species lifecycles and distributions as CO2 is absorbed by the oceans leading to reduced Ph (acidification). •More intense and sporadic rainfall (flooding in some locations, drought in others) with additional pressure on aquifer water resources (from continued saltwater intrusion as seas push inland). Water will become more expensive as it becomes harder and more energy intensive to extract and treat it. •The potential of climate refugees, forced to flee inundated coastal areas. •Spread of vector borne disease. For Florida, particularly low lying tourism dependant coastal areas, the ramifications are potentially very serious. Governor Charlie Crist has described Florida as the most vulnerable state in the nation to the effect of climate change. The Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council and Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program released a draft climate change vulnerability assessment in June (Beever et al, 2009) which asserts that not only is climate change already underway in our region, but that of the study area (Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee and Collier Counties), Collier has the greatest area and percentage of total land vulnerable to sea level rise. The report identifies alteration of hydrology as the region’s most critical issue. A report from Tufts University (Stanton and Ackermann, 2007), estimated the financial loss to various sectors of the Florida economy at $92 billion by 2050. We are pleased to welcome Cloe Waterfield as one of our distinguished contributors. If you have the opportunity to engage the services of  Twenty-fifty, please let them know that you read about them on UGottaGoGreen.com and let us know about your experience with their business. Contributors, Energy & Sustainability 2010-01-26T21:45:13+00:00 http://www.ugottagogreen.com/post/this_year_green_drinks_meet_and_mingle_last_year_road_trip16/ http://www.ugottagogreen.com/post/this_year_green_drinks_meet_and_mingle_last_year_road_trip16/#When:19:24:24Z Heidi Van Korff a LEED certified Engineer, Designer and President of the firm, Sustainable Civil, took to the road in the middle of last year and travelled 9000 miles during a 4-month period on a “Sustainability Tour” taking her all over North America. She is a “Green” mover and a shaker wherever she goes and has been coordinating the Green Drinks Group here in the SWFL area. The “Green Drinks” program operates all over the country in an effort to convene interested parties in dialoging, communicating and learning more about sustainable building, design and living. The group meets monthly on the 2nd Tuesday of every month at the Coconut Point Hyatt Regency which is a 2-Palm certified hotel.  “Green Drinks” presents a great opportunity here in SWFL to get to know other professionals, business owners and service providers who work in fields related to the environment, green products or services or simply have passion for helping to forward sustainability initiatives. It is an easy-going group with plenty of lively conversation about a range of interesting issues and there’s often a short presentation on some related topic to kick things off. It begins at 6:00 and usually runs until about 8:00 p.m. There is usually a host sponsoring nice array of some free appetizers. So mark your calendars now and come out and meet, mingle and network with others every month who share your concern for the environment and our future sustainability. Click here for a map and directions to the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point. For more information: Heidi Van Korff -  352-207-8052 or heidi@sustainablecivil.com Check out: Green Drinks Meet and Mingle - U Gotta Go Green ! (Naples, FL) - Meetup.com Here’s a brief excerpt from a great article that was published in December 2009 in the Charlotte Florida weekly that highlights Ms. Van Korff’s adventure and speaks to the issues of sustainability. Going Green BY EVAN WILLIAMS ewilliams@floridaweekly.com In an attempt to track down a recent copy of Consumer Reports at a local library, the reference desk aide wondered what search term to plug into the computer. She was looking for an article on solar hot water heaters, as it wasn’t available free online. “Would it be under alternative energy?” her co-worker wondered out loud. “Solar power? Water heater? Green?” The silver-haired librarian wrinkled her nose at the last suggestion. “That’s kind of ambiguous,” she said. The meaning of “green” is vague because it has been used loosely to describe almost any environmental topic or claim. It has been used by newspapers, magazines, marketers and public speakers everywhere to refer to solar power, “clean coal,” building codes, organic cotton pants, a brand of paper towels, recycling, eating leftovers and many other things… For the Full Article: Charlotte Florida Weekly. “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.”   We are pleased to welcome Heidi Van Korff as one of our distinguished contributors.  If you have the opportunity to engage the services of Sustainable Civil, please let them know that you read about them on UGottaGoGreen.com and let us know about your experience with their business.   Building & Construction, Contributors 2010-01-26T19:24:24+00:00