Sweet Orange

If you would like a few laughs–well, a lot of laughs–with your environmental awareness, then How to Boil a Frog is the film for you. To see what I mean, watch the trailer. Along with the laughs, the film “offers five surprising ways we can save civilization while making our own lives better.” The writer and director, Jon Cooksey, started out with the goal of disproving climate change but while doing the research became a believer.

How to Boil a Frog will be showing at the Chapman University Auditorium on Sunday, November 20^th. General admission is $7 in advance and $10 at the door. The senior and student ticket price is $3 in advance and $5 at the door. However, no one will be turned away.

Times are as follows:

• Presentations-3 pm
• Film screening and Q & A with the writer-4 pm
• Catered reception at Chapman’s Fish Interfaith Center-6 pm

More information on this screening is available at OCICE.org. In addition, the DVD is available online.

Some of the sponsors are United Religions Initiative, Orange County Interfaith Coalition for the Environment (OCICE), Westside Interfaith Council for a Parliament of the World’s Religions, Raul Wallenberg Institute of Ethnics,  Spiritual and Religious Alliance for Hope (S.A.R.A. H.), Church of the Foothills, Tustin, Aldersgate Methodist Church, Sierra Club OC Global Warming Committee, Sacred Seasons Center, Spiritual Salons, Unity and Diversity World Council.

Note: Additional information is available at Energy Bulletin.

The Orange County Interfaith Coalition for the Environment (OICE) is presenting an energy symposium this Sunday, November 6th, that will provide information on why you should care about environmental issues. Among other things, the presenters will discuss how our energy use is tied to our national security as well as how caring for the environment has not only practical consequences but is also a moral issue.

Here is a bit about the four presenters as written on the OCICE website:

Robert Siebert–”Bob retired from an engineering career (secure long range data communications) in 1989 and founded Energy Efficiency in the same year. Energy Efficiency was a privately held solar electric systems design and installation company through 2002, when he sold the company….As a result of his hands-on experience with solar and a long term interest in renewable energy, Bob has continued advocating for a greater role for energy efficiency and for energy sources such as solar, wind, and geothermal in our national energy mix.”

Miranda Ko–”One of the youngest trained presenters under Al Gore, Miranda has already worked at Sanyo, Brown University, Clinton Global Initiative University, and Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UCSD….In April 2011, Miranda was named Green Goddess of Women’s Health Magazine for her work with Al Gore and The Climate Reality Project, working as their Assistant Regional Manager for Southern California.”

Tom English, Ph.D.–”Dr. English is the President of the TESSI Endangered Species Institute, and the Creation Care Educator for the Presbyterian Church’s Synod of Southern California and Hawaii….He is currently featuring the effects of Climate Change and Extinction of Species on Food Supply and National Security.”

David Feldman, Ph. D.–”David Lewis Feldman is Chair of the Department of Planning, Policy and Design at the University of California, Irvine, and Professor of Political Science. His research and teaching interests include sustainable water resources management, global change and society, and environmental ethics.”

He has written numerous books and held numerous positions related to energy policy. Here are a few examples: Water (to be released in 2012), editor of The Geopolitics of Natural Resources (2011), and author of Water Policy for Sustainable Development (2007).

More in-depth descriptions of the event and the presenters are available on the OCICE website, but here are the basics:

What: Energy and Our Future Symposium

Time: 2 pm to 5 pm with registration at 1:30 pm

Location: Congregation B’Nai Israel (2111 Bryan Avenue, Tustin, CA  92780)

Cost: $10

Hope to see you there!

Not all gardening has to be in the ground, horizontal, or take up much space. Vertical gardening is what I am talking about. The Phytopod is one example, but numerous other possibilities exist. (However, I do particularly like the way the Phytopod looks.)

According to one of the ads for the Phytopod:

Your can have 20 square feet of planting area on a 2′ x 2′ footprint! Plant lettuce, basil, tomatoes, radishes, spinach, herbs, flowers–anything you would want in a garden patch…!

The example in the picture seems to be planted with some greens–great for a fall garden.

I like it! Renters, apartment dwellers, all who have limited space, rise up. Start your own garden.

Click here to see a video of how it works. (I suggest that you ignore the big bug at the beginning of the video, but that’s just me.)

Photo courtesy Vertical Home Gardens

To educate the world about the power of gourmet living foods!–118 Degrees Mission Statement

Here is an update to yesterday’s post: At noon, (after the Salad Bowl gardening lecture), you can watch a salad-making demonstration called Salad-Making 101 at the Great Park. Executive chef and owner of the Costa Mesa restaurant 118 Degrees, Jenni Ross, will give the presentation.

Here is more information as provided on the Great Park website:

Check out Chef Jenny Ross, owner of restaurant 118 Degrees, as she demonstrates a dressing recipe and talks about ways that you can use greens to create fresh, homemade salads. The demonstration will begin at noon at the Farm + Food Lab, immediately after the Salad Bowl Garden workshop.

Photo courtesy 118 Degrees

Operating a [gas powered] lawn mower for one hour produces as much pollution as driving a car 93 miles.–Mother Earth News

With the above quote in mind and the fact that gas mowers can be extremely noisy, you might consider taking advantage of the South Coast Air Quality Management district’s lawn mower exchange program. Of course, a manual mower would reduce the air and noise pollution even more. But if you are just not willing to go there, an electric mower could be an answer. If you live in the South Coast AQMD district, you qualify to exchange your gas lawn mower for a cordless rechargeable electric mower at a discounted price.

Here is what is being offered:

• The 14″ Neuton® (24v), which has a retail value of $400, can be purchased for $100.
• The 19″ Neuton® (36v), which has a retail value of $495, can be purchased for $160.
• The 19″ Black & Decker (24v), which has a retail value of $350, can be purchased for $100.
• The 19″ Black & Decker (36v), which has a retail value of $445, can be purchased for $160.
• The Black&Decker 19″ self-propelled mower, which has a retail value of $699, can be purchased for $230.
  Note: For more detailed information on each model, go to http://www.aqmd.gov/tao/lawnmower-registration.html.

Eligibility as written on the South County AQMD website is as follows:

• You must be a resident living within AQMD’s 4-county jurisdiction, which includes all of Orange County, most of Los Angeles County (excluding the Antelope Valley), almost all of Riverside County, and the non-desert portion of San Bernardino County.  You will be asked to show proof of residency (driver’s license, utility bill, etc.) when you come to exchange your mower.
• You must turn in a working gas mower.
• You must be at least 18 years of age.
• You must pre-register for one of the exchange events and have the reservation form showing your reservation number for that event.
• At the exchange event, you must pay $100, $160 or $230 depending on the model you choose. (Cash, Check, or Major Credit Cards Accepted).
• There is a limit of one mower per residence.

Upcoming exchange dates and locations are:

• Saddleback College in Mission Viejo on October 8
• Norco College in Norco on October 22

Note: Pre-registration is required. For more details or to register, go to http://www.aqmd.gov/tao/lawnmower.html, or call 1-888-425-6247 (Tuesday-Friday from 8 am to 5 pm).

The Orange County Great Park is hosting a fall garden lecture series. The lectures, which are held at the Great Park Farm and Food Lab, are now though November 5. All lectures are free. The next lecture is on Saturday, October 8 at 10 am.

Here is a description of the upcoming free talk that is straight from the Great Park’s website:

Author Amy Stewart (Wicked Bugs) will discuss bugs gone wild. It’s an A - Z of insect enemies, interspersed with stories that explore bugs’ sometimes odd behavior and our sometimes irrational responses to bugs.

Note: The Great Park uses sustainable practices. The 2009 American Planning Award given to the Great Park and comments from The Sustainable Sites Initiative are examples of this. However, the Great Park board accepted a donation from ScottsMiracle-Gro, a company that is associated with Monsanto, and ScottsMiracle-Gro will be the “exclusive lawn and garden products sponsor of the Orange County Great Park Farm + Food Lab and Community Gardens Program.”

If you follow these matters, you know that Monsanto receives a lot of criticism from the sustainable-practices community. I am not sure what to think of this partnership right now, but maybe that is a discussion for another time.

Photo courtesy Seeds of Change, an organic gardening and food company

According to Cindy McNatt, a columnist with the Orange County Register, Orange County’s first frost date is “sometimes never, but occasionally around Dec. 1.” Based on this date, Peaceful Valley, an organic gardening company, recommends the following general fall planting schedule for the Orange County.

When you scan down the list, you will see that according to the guide if you live in Orange County (at least most O.C. locations) and haven’t already planted, you missed most direct-sow and start-in-tray dates. However, these things are not written in stone, so you can always give it a try anyway. Or tuck the information away for next year and plant from seedlings that you buy locally or online. I like the list because it gives you an idea of what is possible for a fall produce garden.

• Beets-direct sow in the beginning of September
  varieties: Chioggia, Cylindra, Detroit Dark Red, Early Wonder Tall, Golden, Bull’s Blood, Green Top Bunching
• Broccoli-start in trays in August and transplant a few weeks later
  varieties: Di Ciccio, Calabrese, Rapinni
• Cabbage-start in tray in late August or early September then transplant a few weeks later, some varieties direct sow in early September
  varieties: Napa, Express Red, Pak Choi
• Carrot-direct sow in late July to mid-August
  varieties: Danvers, Kuroda, Little Finger, Scarlet Nantes, Chantenay
• Cauliflower-start in trays in late August and transplant a few weeks later
  varieties: Snowball
• Chard-direct sow in September
  varieties: Red Ruby, Fordhook Giant, Rainbow Beet, Yellow
• Endive-direct sow in August
  varieties: Batavian, PV Org Endive Tres Fine
• ArugulaGreens-direct sow in September
  
• Mustard-direct sow in September
  varieties: Giant Red
• Mizuna-direct sow in September
  varieties: Mizuna
• Tatsoi-direct sow in September
  varieties: Tatsoi
• Mesclun-direct sow in September
  varieties: Spicy Mix
• Spinach-direct sow in September
  varieties: Bloomsdale
• Dandelion Greens-direct sow in June
  varieties: Catalogna
• Mustard-direct sow in September
  varieties: Southern Giant Curled
• Mesclun Mix-direct sow in September
  varieties: Organic Mesclun Mix
• Kale-start in trays in August and transplant a few weeks later
  varieties: LacinatoKale, Red Russian
• Lettuce-direct sow in August to mid-September
  varieties: Royal, Sunset, Tango, Flame, Freckles, Little, Red Deer Tongue, Speckles, Black Seeded Simpson, Buttercrunch, Gourmet Mix, Merveille Des 4 Saisons, Parris Island Cos, Rouge D’Hiver, Green Salad Bowl, Red Salad Bowl, Dark Lolla Rosa, Red Oakleaf, Rubin   Organic Lettuce, Silvia Red Romaine, Summer Bibb, Iceberg Superior
• Onion-start in trays in June and early to mid-July and transplant a few weeks later
  varieties: Valencia, Rossa Di Milano, Torpedo Red Bottle, Walla Walla, Evergreen Bunching,
• Leek-start in trays in late June and transplant a few weeks later
  varieties: Varna
• Pea-direct sow in August
  varieties: Mammoth Melting, Oregon Sugar Pod, Progress #9, Sugar Snap
• Radish-direct sow late September to mid-October
  varieties: White BeautyRadish, Cherry Belle, China Rose, French Breakfast, White Icicle, German Giant, Pink Beauty, Sparkler, Easter Egg Mix
• Turnip-direct sow in late August to early September
  varieties: Purple Top, Seven Top, Golden Globe
• Kohlrabi-direct sow in early September
  varieties: Purple Vienna
• Rutabaga-direct sow in July

For more detailed information on the planting dates, the various plant varieties, and growing conditions for each plant, click on the Peaceful Valley Fall Planting Guide Calculator. Also, if you don’t live in Orange County, you can find the planting guide that is suitable for your area by entering the anticipated first-frost date for your location.

Graphic courtesy Peaceful Valley

Summer is over and summer garden produce is mostly a thing of the past. For many, fall is a time to let the garden go fallow. Not a bad idea, but a fall garden is entirely possible.

Look forward to peak flavor and performance of many crops that do not prosper in summer heat. Lower temperatures are ideal for producing crisp lettuces, without the bitterness or bolting that can occur in hot weather. Frost-kissed kale, Brussels sprouts and cabbage have a special sweetness. Carrots, beets and turnips also thrive in the fall garden and, after harvest, can be kept in a pantry or root cellar so you can enjoy their goodness well into winter. Collards, mustard and other greens also like cool weather.–Vicki Mattern, “Top Tips for Great Fall Gardens,” Mother Earth News

Note: In a few days, I will post some fall planting guide information that is specific to Orange County. Also, the Orange County Great Park is currently offering free fall gardening workshops, now through November 5.

Photo courtesy Seeds of Change, a company that specializes in many things organic

No fancy writing here or snappy title, just some basic information. So here it is:

If you are planning on installing a solar panel system for your home, some things that you will need to keep in mind are in the following checklist.

This checklist for installing a photovoltaic (PV) system was written by energy consultant, Rik DeGunther, and can be found in his book, Solar Power Your Home for Dummies.

1. Perform an energy audit and take conservation steps.

2. Determine the utility rate structure you’ll qualify for after the equipment is in place.

3. Review the physical installation options. (For example, roof conditions, size and shading.)

4. Decide how much to invest and how to finance it. (Be sure to check for federal, state and local incentives.)

5. Locate contractors and go out for formal bids.

6. Choose the best contractor and write the contract.

7. Wait for equipment to arrive (it’s rarely stock), approvals from building permits, subsidies, tax break and so on.

8. Allow for installation and inspections by the county and utility company.

9. Wait for the utility to put in a new meter and connect to the grid.

10. Get a tutorial on how to operate your system.

11. Submit any paperwork to utilities, states, and so on for final rebate payment.

12. Change your household habits to optimize system payback. (For example: If you’re on a tiered rate structure, or TOU rate structure, you probably need to change some of your consumptions habits in order to capitalize on the system.)

13. Maintain and repair the system.

Note: These steps might seem like a lot to take on, but your utility company or a qualified installer can handle many of these steps for you. In addition, reading the book will break down each step.

Additional information on solar energy that you might find helpful: The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Solar Power for Your Home by Dan Ramsey and David Hughes