With the consumer product industry’s ability to introduce new upgrades to products at a much faster pace, we’ve become more casual about “out with the old and in with the new”. Who doesn’t enjoy getting the latest and greatest in new technology?  If it’s affordable for us, why not? 

 

Because we’re consuming more and more of the world’s resources which in turn is creating more and more of the world’s waste. This is what bothered Annie Leonard and led her to create the film, The Story of Stuff, which has been viewed over 12 million times by people around the world. People had so many questions after viewing it, that last year she published her groundbreaking book of the same name, so people would have a greater understanding of the life cycle of all the stuff we use every day—where our cotton T-shirts, laptop computers, and aluminum cans come from, how they are produced, distributed, and consumed, and where they go when we throw them out.

 

Ms. Leonard’s book is this month’s Reading Green selection for discussion. Its full title is The Story of Stuff: How Our Obsession With Stuff Is Trashing The Planet, Our Communities, And Our Health - And A Vision For Change. Join us on Thursday, July 28 or on Saturday, July 30 when we'll be screening the 20 minute film and discussing it and the book. 

 

The book offers a well-researched and eye-opening account of the life cycle of all the stuff we buy and suggests some solutions for the problems created by all of it.  We’ll talk about those and some of the actions people can take to help lessen the environmental health impacts on our lives and how we can reduce our ecological footprint.

 

You do not have to have read the book to participate.  In fact, you might want to read it after seeing the movie and listening to the discussion.  It’s an easy read, eye-opening and enlightening.  It will make you think twice before you run out to buy the next new thing that the media tells you “you have to have”.

 

Small Electronics Recycling

The Library is continuing to collect small electronics for recycling in the blue bin near the Checkout Desk. We are working with Recycling Avenue, a nonprofit company run by a group of young adults who are physically challenged. All donated items are tax deductible. Forms are available on the bin. Learn more about Recycling Avenue.

 

With summer celebrations in full swing, you’re sure to be spending more time outdoors maybe at a BBQ or watching a fireworks display.  Unfortunately, the swarm of pesky mosquitos will be there too.  Here are a few tips on how to keep them at bay in some natural ways instead of spraying all those chemical-infused insect repellents

Do you have a favorite natural way to fend off mosquitoes? Let us know either here or on our Facebook page.

 

On a very recent dreary, cold day, I found myself pining away for a sign of summer and thinking, " wouldn’t it be perfect to be able to get up early on a warm and sunny Saturday morning and head down to the local farmers market"?  No longer just wishful thinking – the time has finally come!  Farmers markets are busting out everywhere and the Arlington Heights market opens this Saturday, June 11, right behind the library in the parking lot at Vail and Fremont. The market will run from now until Oct. 22 and the hours are 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

 

Farmers' markets offer farm-fresh, affordable, convenient, healthy local products such as: fruits, vegetables, cheeses, herbs, fish, flowers, baked goods, meat and much more.

 

Supporting a local farmers market is one of the greenest things you can do.  Why?

I'm a bit of a market aficionado always looking for the best of the best so if you've been to the Dane County one on the capital square in Madison, WI you'll know what I'm talking about.  That's worth at least one road trip over the summer, but there are so many in our area that you'll really enjoy getting to know. The Palatine and Elk Grove Village markets also have Master Gardener booths where you can ask the experts questions about anything that’s growing in your yard – veggies, herbs, flowers, perennials, etc.

 

Here are some tips I learned long ago after visiting my first farmers market a few years back:

 

And speaking of “growing”, don’t forget to register for our next Growing Green seminar, How Does Your Garden Grow, on Thursday, June 16 at 7 p.m.  We’ll have a team of gardeners talking about how to efficiently maintain your vegetable garden and reap the most from your plantings.

 

And  If you make it to one of the local markets this weekend, give us the dirt on what you thought was the best thing about it.   We’d love to hear from you here as well as on facebook and twitter.

 

 

No, I did not just misspell the name of our planet. It happens to be the name of 350.org  founder Bill McKibben’s latest book and the Library’s Reading Green book discussion choice this month. The full title of the book is Eaarth: Making a Life on a Tough New Planet.  “Eaarth” is the name McKibben has assigned both to his book and to the planet formerly known as Earth.

 

Today the Earth with one “a,” according to Mc­Kibben, no longer exists. It has been carbonized out of existence. Two-a Eaarth is now our home. However you feel about the whole global warming issue, McKibben’s book makes for a great discussion. At first glance the premise sounds a bit grim, but the book actually forges a more hopeful outlook towards sustainability. He offers suggestions for how we can adapt our habits and change our thinking by relying more on local economies. Buying products from local growers, farmers and food artisans keeps money in the community, supporting the local economy as a means towards sustaining the type of community that will be able to weather a changing planet. (excerpt here).

 

You do not have to read the book to join in the discussion, but you just might want to afterwards. Please join us this Thursday from 7-9 p.m in the Lindsey Room.