Receive a DVD for a First Look at Sundance Channel's "The Green"

I thought perhaps I was in the wrong place when I saw that no one else had commented, but it says above to leave my idea here. I hope this doesn't mean that there aren't any other people with ideas out there! I'm curious about the show and I hope I can get it on my version of Dish Network.

I have a big idea I've been nurturing for a long time without ever bringing it into bloom. The gist of it is that we aren't very good at solving environmental problems because of problems built into our communication, problems which I believe could be remedied by adopting a different model for communication. It turns out that that model is water, and understanding the model requires understanding the mechanics and possibilities of water at a deeper level than we've ever done. But once set in motion, the idea is extremely visual and fascinating. The dry term is Water Information Theory, but the more appealing version is Liquid Communication. It comes complete with a simple model for problem-solving powerful enough to address the scale of modern environmental problems. I have written extensively about the idea if anyone is interested in knowing more. Thanks for reading my idea!

Unfortunately I don't have any BIG ideas for Greener Living. What I do have, however, is a neighbor that has steadily either completely removed or severely pruned back (what my Grandfather referred to as a 'Headache') all the trees on his property. Since he owns 3/4 of our block, this amounts to a lot of trees. My only response has been to make my little corner of the block as green as possible. I prune only what needs done, plant flowers and perennials, and have planted several trees.

As for the environment at large, there has been a major removal of trees along the highways and rural roads of this area. Prairie burning gets worse each year, even in fields that lay unused for grazing. Had I the money to do so, I would love to purchase any idle pasture land and plant trees to help replace what has been destroyed.

I am happy to note that a lot of farmers in the area grow clover or other greens in the off season, then till it back into the soil to help replace nutrients. These fields tend to have better crops (from what I can tell as I drive by) than fields that rely solely on chemicals. I do the same thing in my own little garden. It's the least I can do to help out.

I love the greener living method. We try to recycle everything that we can so they wont be filling the landfills up so fast. There is no recycling program in our area so we have to think of other ways to do this.

One of the ways that we are helping to keep the enviroment intact is to reuse vehicle tires. Many people just toss them. They are not allowd in land fills thus they present a unique challenge. In our area, it is often the norm to see them thrown over a hill just to get rid of them.

These tires can be used for so many things. We cut them up and use them for the walls of our raised bed gardens. They are easy to screw together for added strenth and for longer length. We also used the tires whole with the top cut off to plant things like squash and pumpkins in.

We have 27 acres of wooded land that we keep just for the fresh air that the trees can offer. It is amazing the difference in the air quality when trees are present. We love nature and do all we can do to protect the environment.

We also make our own cleaning supplies so that the commercial cleaners are not in the air or in the water.

As a retired environmental, health and safety manager, I've been working to live greenly for two decades. Within the last few years, I've especially tried to look for ways to use less resources. Here are two small examples of this type of initiative.

* Instead of washing bed sheets every week (once every seven days), I stretch the length of time between changing the sheets to nine days. This means I wash sheets 41 times in a year instead of 52 and save water and cleaning supplies. Stretching the time a day or two isn't significantly going to sacrifice cleanliness. If I'm ill, I wash sheets more often. This may not work for people who share a bed, but the concept of trying to stretch things a little longer can be applied to other areas.

* I used to wash my hair with shampoo and conditioner every day. Now I wet my hair every day to rinse out pollens and take the sleep wrinkles out of it, but I only wash my hair every other day. This saves water, shampoo and conditioner.

With both of these activities, I also save time. Changing to these practices also saves the energy and resources needed to process, transport and heat the water and supplies.

Other actions I've taken may be suitable for some individuals, but not all. Everyone is at a different stage in life, and what's appropriate at one stage may need to be changed to something else at a later stage.

* I carry cloth bags in the trunk of my car and take them into stores when I shop.

* I became a vegetarian and thereby eat lower on the food chain, which saves resources.

* I moved into multiple family housing, which saves considerable energy (and costs) for heating and cooling. I still get outdoors a lot--more than I did when I had a house--I walk in public natural areas. This is important to me since I am an avid amateur naturalist and birder.

Being a vegetarian, giving up a single-family home, cutting back on use of some products may make me sound like an ascetic, but I live a full and interesting life.

Individuals can do a lot, but we also need to enlist companies and organizations in greening their businesses. We need to let companies know that we support their efforts to green their companies. We can do this by investing in socially responsible companies, by purchasing products or services from a SR company, and by encouraging businesses and organizations to conserve resources and use less toxic materials in their products and packaging.

Land Use
* Encourage governments to set aside land for natural areas.
* Plant native plants or their cultivars because they are adapted to the climate conditions and won't need as much extra resources.
* Work on restoration of natural areas to get rid of invasive, introduced species.

A big thank you for helping me focus on how to further commit to a more sustainable, green life. In the past year, I've been able to cut down on driving; grouping my errands into one trip. And I've started having the garage mechanic check my tires to save wear and tear on tires, and save on gas. Those two were things I read about in an Earth Day ad. I already compost all my vegetable trimmings, have planted a garden ( well, planned one anyway! - it keeps snowing!)
I discontinued two magazine subscriptions, and now read them at the library. I've pretty much cut out junk food and buying over-packaged items at the store. My big resolution is to super recycle for the dump. Our dump managers sent out a call for more mixed paper, which I've been sloppy about. So I'll focus on that, and grab an armful of magazines and junk mail every time I go to the post office - and include that in my weekly dump run.

In 2003 when my husband and I started to build our vacation home we went Green. It is off-the-grid and will always be that way. Since we make our own power we have to be green when we are there. I never knew how much power you can get out of just one solar panel until we installed the first one. We hope to preserve our land in the best way we know how. The fresh air is precious to us there. We have already planned on planting more trees on the property (and making a Christmas Tree farm by relocating seedlings that are already on the property). Also, using energy efficient light bulbs is a must in both of our homes.

Recently we've been in touch with a wind power company about developing a clean energy solution on our land that other local residents can benefit from (I've posted 2 articles about this on Gather). I believe that if this company chooses us it is a huge step in the right direction for that entire area. Although we are not on the grid there, to be able to help local residents obtain clean power is key. Also the start of the whole process has allowed us to begin to educate others that just a few changes make all of the difference. Your home does not need to be on the grid in order to be a home!

Yesterday we picked up our $10 recycle center sticker for the year. We recycle (not burn) all of our yard waste. It is a shame when people burn their branches, leaves, and lawn clippings instead of dropping them off at the recycle center to be made into mulch and top soil.

Those are my big ideas (at least the ones in my own life). Live off the grid (or incorporate clean energy into your home via wind or solar power), use energy efficient light bulbs and appliances (it's amazing what you do when you have no choice!), and lastly recycle your yard waste--don't burn it!!

P.S. Pick me to review the DVD...I am looking forward to seeing it to implement more Green ideas into my own life. Also, I know what green ideas work from first-hand experience and I'm always looking to learn more! :)

Not sure I can compete with what eveyone here is doing, although I've been doing my share for many years both personally and professionally. I've rehabbed over 400 homes and made them more energy efficient using the best natural materials. Also installed solar energy water heaters and in one case a solar powered furnace all for a forward thinking city and county in CA.

On my own property which is only an acre, we hada hurricane which destroyed more than fifty trees. I've been plaonting new ones 15 at a time as I can afford it. I am very easy to get along with until a gardener decides to cut green branches off of my oak, pine and redwood trees which should not have been done. With the pepper trees and eucalyptus some trimming is needed. And I've gone back to doing all the yard work myself to make sure it is protected and will protect us.

I also like to grow as many vegetables and fruits as I can, without wasting any, so I don't overplant. In our area the fields are definitely left fallow after a season's crops have been harvested and the soil is rich. I also mulch.

Although I am not quite a vegetarian, my preference is for most vegetables and fish with some fruit and rice. Another reason why I like to grow my own organic produce. In our Valley most of the fresh foods available in the markets are organically grown locally.

I am very good at recycling and have also taken more than a year off of not watching television, which might seem strange since I'm a media consultant to radio and television producers. But when we had many power surges one after the other at the end of 2005, and my beautiful television set blew out, I decided not to have television for a while. And I've been fine without it. However, I do have one I can watch DVDs on and I would love to see the the Green DVD, before I decide to hook up to the Dish network. I've been a strong supporter of Robert Redford's environmental causes which are good for us. Would like to learn more.

I don't get the Sundance channel, but I believe in making the world greener. For Arbor Day, I always plant the 10 trees they send out...some do die but others
have lived grown and continue to beautify my surroundings. Hope this is a very
successful series on TV.

I get a lot of catalogs--about three that I want and most that I don't want. I also get a lot of solicitations for charitable giving. When a catalog I don't want arrives, I rip off the address page, which usually also has the contact phone number and immediately call and ask to be removed from the mail list. I tell them I want to save resources and save them money. I haven't used the formal removal services for this because there are some catalogs or mailings I want. This has worked very well for me.

When I receive a mailing requesting a donation that I'm not interested in making, I return the request in the envelope, using a stamp if necessary, asking them to remove the name and address on the request from their mail list.

I also did this for my sister. It takes a few minutes to respond to these mailings, but it saves me time in the long run. I don't have to lug the heavy catalogs downstairs in my condo building to be recycled. It also saves the resources used to make, store, transport and distribute the paper, ink, and chemicals used in these mailings.

Check out http://www.privacyrights.org/fs/fs4-junk.htm#MPS for more information about getting off mail lists.

I wanna watch the show!

1. I'd watch anything Robert Redford is in... Robert Redford is the Sexiest man alive :-)
2. I'm trying to live a greener life by doing more things each year to help and preserve the environment. We already practice all the recycling, conservation and organic gardening that we can implement.
3. I want to teach my kids and grandkids the responsibilities of living on a clean and healthy Earth.

OK, here is what I'm doing:
I'm about to sell my three year old car and go to Flexcar. I've signed up for my local city's "One Less Car" program and they are going to help fund my Flexcar for the first six months. If you can get rid of you car and go to a carsharing program I highly recommend it. Get rid of the car payment, get rid of the insurance payments and get back your freedom! I walk more, ride my bike and the bus. I've been living as if Ididn't own a car for the last six weeks to test out how it would be. I love it.
When I shop, my biggest priority is where it was made. Given the choice I will go for the more locally produced product. I just figure it has travelled less, used less fuel and created less greenhouse gases. My purchase also helps support my local economy. Plus, it is like a cool fun game where I try and read all the info and ask questions.
I love to buy my produce at the Farmer's Markets. I am lucky to live someplace with an active local farming community. The same reasons I listed above apply here, plus the added bonus of supporting local farmers.
I try to not use any disposable cups or utensils. If I do ge a to go cup I take it home with me to put in my compost bin (my city has a local composting program and you can put food-soilled paper products in it). Plastic knives, forks and spoons bum me out. The average use span for those is something like 45 seconds and they won't biodegrade.
So, the thing I think about is that it is simple choices like this (and ones listed above by others) that all of us can make that add up to making a difference. If more people begin making choices for lower carbon footprint products and services then those choices will drive businesses to create more of these products and services. Businesses are starting to respond to these issues and we as consumers have to purchasing muscles to keep pushing these issues as well as by doing things like this.
A cool idea would be to host a party to screen this movie and invite people who are not as likely to watch PBS and see what they think. Would the movie shift their thinking on choices they are making?
Now that would be fun!

I don't have cable so I would love to get this DVD. I am so impressed with all of the efforts I see going on here. I think it is important to become involved in your local community as well. We have a lovely arboretum here that I support as well as Japanese gardens. The more the community gets to appreciate nature on the local level, the more willing they are to take the steps necessary to go green.

Like many others, and this year in particular, my New Year's resolution has been to get greener. It's been a challenge, but what I have enjoyed most is getting reactions from regular folks when I bring in my own coffee cup to the local coffee shop or bring my cloth bags to the supermarket. I've also focused more this year on buying gifts that support the green movement. Really, when you begin looking around, there are myriad ways to help. However, I believe one of the most important components is making people feel comfortable taking green actions, encouraging friends, neighbors, and even strangers that it's not crazy, but wise, to do small things to make a difference.

I would love to see this show. Im a big fan of Redford, and I have many ideas for turning America a brighter shade of green. I have written several articles for my campus newspaper about our environmental awareness group here, and I'm a member as well. Educating the public about the global climate change crisis is so crucial these days. Just look at An Inconvenient Truth and the attention and awareness about environmental issues the movie has created. That's the best way to do it. I wish The Green the same luck, and to the Earth I wish the most positive progress in the coming years.
Later this year, a Canadian company, Iogen, will announce whether Idaho will get what could be the first large-scale commercial plant in the United States to produce fuel from straw. Not ethanol made from corn, as refineries in more than a hundred mostly small towns are now doing, but ethanol made from the native prairie grass, corn stalks, field waste and wood chips.

So cheers to native prairie grasses like switchgrass and lupine and turkey foot and blazing star and prairie clover!!! And to Iogen's straw refinery.

The University of Minnesota has done extensive research on the effectiveness of burning prairie grasses for fuel, and so far it seems like the best alternative to petroleum. Even better, perhaps, than ethanol, which lately has been looking somewhat like a savior. Ecologist David Tilman at the U of MN said,

"We actually get more energy from an acre of land growing prairie grasses [and] mixtures of prairie grasses and converting them into ethanol or into synthetic gas and diesel than you would by growing corn and soybeans and converting them into ethanol or biodiesel." (from NPR.org)

The best part is the abundance of this stuff--almost like the unlimited power of wind of hydro energy. There are boatloads of prairie grass, and it's (debatably) easy to grow. In any case, it's sustainable. Peace
more on my blog: gratefuldave.blogspot.com

We do not have cable either and all of us would like to see the show. We are a 3 generation household. I am nana, nanny, housekeeper, cook and homeschool teacher for most of my 10 grands. I teach the life skills you will not get in school including ethnic Hx. I am 1st generation in this country.

We are all envolved in recyle, safe energy and protect the planet. We must teach the children so that they can help save their home.

Thanks for responses on this. Unfortunately we do not have enough DVDs to give to everyone. But please stay tuned to read reviews from your fellow Gather members.

Many of you mentioned that you do not get the Sundance Channel. You are still a valued member of this group and we would still like to hear your thoughts on the environment and each topic the shows cover!

Pearl 2U, I got dibs first on anything Robert Redford the sexiest man on god's Green Earth does, or says or is involved in. He is great eye candy, great soul candy, a great actor and user friendly. That's why I joined this group. It ain't easy being Green, as Kermit the frog would say, but hey, somebody's got to do it. Do I get my DVD now? Oh yeah Sundance Rocks!

This is my first time posting and joining a group. You all sound like you do a lot.

I have just started trying to go green these last few years. I try to get organic foods and natural cleaning products. My next car ( I have informed Husband ) will be an electric car. Hopefully in a few years or maybe one who knows.

We are going to buy an electric mower this year. I would also love to put some solar panels in.

But We live on such a tight budget here in Michigan.
We are going to grow organic this year.
I have 600 pounds of organic manure and have ordered the organic seeds, We plan on growing enough to put up for the winter and to sell at local markets. This extra money will go for our green projects ( like the solar panels ) :o) We also compost, We do not recycle, because we have to pay for this and a Friend of ours works for this company and tells us that when the trucks come in, they just dump it in the land fill. So why waste my time and money for something that is not being done. I cant stand companies like this, but what can you do? when you live in no where land and they can get away with it.

I have my first grandchild and the father and mother got him a shirt saying that he will grow up to be an organic farmer.... ( If it is up to his grandmother, this will be true.

I would have loved to have seen The Green show but I can not get this channel. I love to watch all the organic shows like Sarah snow and the manic organic, They are helpful.
I hope this is OK for my post.

For those of you who do not have the Sundance Channel (or who missed this week's show), you can catch a few clips of the first episode of The Green here

And for those of you who love the legendary Robert Redford, here is a video clip for you!

Pearl, welcome to Gather. I'm glad that the issue of the environment is so important to you that you would make The Green your first group.

i have started going green within the past year.
I carry cloth bags for shopping (chico bags rollup inside themselves and fit in my glove box).
I am trying to become a raw foodist, but this is really hard. I am mainly eating raw organic fruits and vegetables.
I just found a book about making paper from the rinds of fruits and stalks of vegetables. I am working on starting my own little paper making endevour.
I light of the recent pet food scare, my dogs and cat have also switched to organic food.
I buy used clothing to cut down on costs as well as the need to make more.
I have recently approached my boss about recycling at work.
I send all of my used ink cartridges to charities that use them.
I am only buying natural cleaning products as well as personal care items.
I get a daily e-letter from idealbite.com that has helped me learn new things and new ways to help my planet.
Through bzzagent.com, i have been introduced to earthshare.org and have asked my employer to set up a way for staff to donate to them.
Earthshare.org also sends out an e-letter with tips on preserving our planet.
I may not be super green, but I am trying to find new ways to make a difference.

So many "Big Ideas" for the environment here! It looks like a lot of you should consider entering this contest.

I would love to review the DVD, I am always looking for ideas to share with people that can help turn around what we have done to this planet of ours.

What I'm finding in my personal experience is that going green is a sort of withdrawl process. After many years of wasteful living, it was hard not to grab that habitual styrofoam coffee cup at work in the morning. After living and using resources the wrong way, redirecting our lives to make a difference can be a challenge. Sometimes small things really add up. Our hospital recently decided to charge more for styrofoam take out containers in the cafeteria. Usage went way down! My spouse and I rethink our road trips, combining errands together in one particular direction or another. It's groups like this with specific ideas on living green that will re-educate and guide us on how to live gently on the Earth.