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Patricia
Dines
Freelance
Writer, Editor, Public Speaker & Graphic
Artist
Specializing
in Environmental & Community
Topics
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Do you want to hear
about my articles when they're
released? Just email that request
to (pd [at] patriciadines.info). Please
put "Patricia/Email list request" in the subject
line.
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RECENT
NEWS: QUICK
SUMMARY
I invite you to read my
recent writing:
* "Ask
EcoGirl: Standing Up for
the EPA,"Sonoma County Gazette,
January 2012.
* The
January/February Next STEP
newsletter, which offers you information and tips
that help you create a less-toxic life!
* "Ask
EcoGirl: From Gratitude
to Action,"Sonoma County Gazette,
December 2011.
* "Ask
EcoGirl: Honoring Change
and Tradition,"Sonoma County Gazette,
November 2011.
* The
November/December Next STEP
newsletter, which offers you information and tips
that help you create a less-toxic life!
>> You can also check out
my past STEP newsletters at www.healthyworld.org/STEPRecent.html.
* "Ask
EcoGirl: Encouraging Sane
Group Dynamics,"Sonoma County Gazette,
October 2011.
* "Ask
EcoGirl: Speaking
Effectively for the Earth,"Sonoma County
Gazette, September 2011.
* "Ask
EcoGirl: Reclaiming the
Sun as Our Ally,"Sonoma County
Gazette, August 2011.
*
"Green
Getaways," NorthBay biz magazine, July
2011.
* "Ask
EcoGirl: Is There Hope For
The Planet?"Sonoma County Gazette,
July 2011.
*
"Healing
Our Culture's Abuse of the Earth, Part II,"
Sonoma County Peace Press, June/July 2011.
* "Ask
EcoGirl: Love Your Local
Activist/Change Agent,"Sonoma County
Gazette, May 2011.
*
"Healing
Our Culture's Abuse of the Earth, Part I,"
Sonoma County Peace Press, April/May 2011.
* "Ask
EcoGirl: Detoxing Our Products
& Our World," Sonoma County
Gazette, April 2011.
* "Ask
EcoGirl: Detoxing
Cookware," Sonoma County Gazette,
March 2011.
*
"Profitable
Green," NorthBay biz magazine,
February 2011.
* "Ask
EcoGirl: Are Smart Phones
Green?," Sonoma County Gazette,
February 2011.
>> You can also check out
my past Ask EcoGirl columns at www.askecogirl.info/AEcolumns.html.
*
"Navigating
Nonprofit Technology," NorthBay biz
magazine, January 2011.
*
"True Green: Moving
beyond greenwashing to create authentic
eco-success," NorthBay biz magazine,
August 2010. (The cover article!)
*
"A Deeper Shade of
Green," NorthBay biz magazine, "Green Scene,"
March 2010.
*
"Sonoma
Compost: Celebrating 25 Years," Sonoma-Marin Farm
News , February 2010.
*
"Green Pinstripes:
Bringing sustainability to the executive suite,"
NorthBay biz magazine, February 2010.
*
"Financing a Greener
World," NorthBay biz magazine, August
2009.
*
"Uprooting the
Environmental Causes of Poverty & War,"
Sonoma County Peace Press, August 2009.
>> You can see my my full
list of articles at www.patriciadines.info/p_articleslist.html.
>> For my full
portfolio, see www.patriciadines.info/i_portfolio.html.
Also of
interest:
* Check
out my new "insanely useful" Ask
EcoGirl booklets. The
first two selections are - Detoxing Your Life and
Healthier Houscleaning!
* My
guest appearance on "The View from the Bay", the
ABC TV talk show, offering eco-tips and talking about my
work. August 19, 2009.
* My
interview on planetshifter.com, August 2009.
>> Scroll down to read the
details of these and more!
RECENT NEWS: DETAILS
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Ask
EcoGirl's newest column is available
The newest Ask EcoGirl has been
released and is ready for your viewing.
- January
2012: Standing Up for the EPA
- Some presidential candidates have said that
they'd abolish the EPA, citing supposed benefits
to voters. EcoGirl looks deeper and confirms
that the facts just don't support these
arguments, making this proposal indeed harmful
to our health and shared well-being. This
article can help you know the facts for yourself
and to inform others, so that we can together
stand up for the value of an even stronger
EPA.
You can read this column in the
January issue of the wonderful Sonoma County
Gazette, or at www.patriciadines.info/EcoGirl5e.html.
Plus that webpage has information about sending
questions to EcoGirl, receiving email alerts for
future columns, and including the informative and
empowering EcoGirl column in your periodical.
Click on Published
Columns to see all
previous columns - and future possible ones. Your
input and requests are most welcome!
Reader
feedback
"Anyone who is interested in
preserving our earth, its creatures, their
habitats, and well-being for all should be an
EcoGirl fan!"
Debra Birkinshaw, Boardmember, Peace
& Justice Center; Member, Green Sangha
Sonoma County
"Excellent articles Patricia - and fun to
read! Congratulations on the colorful front
page placement and thanks for continuing to
make a difference for the masses by educating
via your passion and talent for writing.
EcoGirl will soon be flying into other
communities and publications, I can feel it.
Good luck with her."
Melissa Weaver, Educator, Enhanced Health
Systems
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The
newest Next STEP newsletter is
released!
The Next STEP
newsletter provides empowering information
about toxics and alternatives. I'm the Editor and
Lead Writer of the newsletter, which is a City of
Sebastopol project, operated by volunteers, and
distributed in City water bills. Copies are also
available online. You can also contact me if you
want to receive email alerts when new issues are
published.
** IMPORTANT: Please remember to fill out and
send in the yellow Feedback card that comes in the
Jan/Feb bill. We want to know what's been
useful to you in past newsletters, and how we can
best serve you in future ones!
If you can't do this, as a secondary option, you
can also download a replacement form at www.healthyworld.org/STEPSurvey.html.
Just be sure to note on your name and address, if
you live in the town of Sebastopol, so it will be
counted as resident feedback.
Current issue:
Jan/Feb
2012 (Click link to
download)
* New Limits on Power Plant
Emissions. This past December, the EPA
announced that it's finally moving ahead with
regulations to limit toxic releases from
coal-fired power plants. Learn more about what's
planned, and the predicted benefits to our
health and pocketbooks. Our support is vital to
ensure that this action continues moving
forward.
* What's the Problem With Mercury?
Almost all Americans have at least trace amounts
of mercury in our bodies, largely because of
coal plant emissions. What are the impacts on
our rivers, food supply, and health?
* Removing Toxic Lead from Gasoline: A
Success Story. As we take on current
challenges, it's vital that we also celebrate
past successes. Learn how we've nearly
eliminated lead from gas worldwide, and how
that's benefited both our health and our
finances.
* What Pesticides Are In My Food? Two
online resources can help you see what toxic
pesticides are being regularly found on which
food items, and what foods are most important to
buy organic. Also, is it OK with you that our
food regularly has multiple poisons on it?
* Timely Tips. Handy resources to help
you learn what toxics are in everyday items, and
the less-toxic alternatives.
You can find answers to your specific
questions about toxics and alternatives online!
Just check out our online index by topic by
clicking here.That
page also offers you a chance to browse the
descriptions of recent issues, to see what
might catch your eye.
For more information about the STEP
program, click here.
Thank you to Jim Gleaves for his
assistance with this project; to the City Council
for creating it; and for City staff for helping to
make it possible.
Recent reader
feedback
"Thank you heartily [for]
your excellent two-page newsletter! I've learned
so much from it that I would not have
thought to research by myself. It's also a
striking example of good citizenship at
work!"
- Glenna Elliott
"Just wanted to say thank you for all your
positive information. My husband and I are
trying for our second child and I really
appreciated the article regarding autism cases
being higher when exposed to flea shampoos for
animals. This was a great eye opener for me
and I plan on using only non-toxic cleaners
pre-pregnancy and forever afterwards. This type
of information really does help all of us --
so again, thank you....I am so happy to be a
part of such a caring community."
- A Sebastopol Resident
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Ask
EcoGirl's newest column is available
The newest Ask EcoGirl has been
released and is ready for your viewing.
- December
2011: From Gratitude to Action
- Too often, children can devour their
Christmas gifts so quickly that they don't
really experience or appreciate each one, let
alone the person who gave it. In much the same
way, our culture is voraciously turning the
earth's amazing ecosystems into momentary
objects that we barely notice and quickly become
part of our overwhelming piles of waste. To help
remedy this, EcoGirl offers some easy ways that
we can redirect our actions towards sanity, and
through this more fully enjoy the objects and
experiences we have, reduce our harm to the
precious earth, and help ensure that there will
be happy times tomorrow!
You can read this column in the
December issue of the wonderful Sonoma County
Gazette, or at www.patriciadines.info/EcoGirl5d.html.
Plus that webpage has information about sending
questions to EcoGirl, receiving email alerts for
future columns, and including the informative and
empowering EcoGirl column in your periodical.
Click on Published
Columns to see all
previous columns - and future possible ones. Your
input and requests are most welcome!
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Ask
EcoGirl's newest column is available
The newest Ask EcoGirl has been
released and is ready for your viewing.
- November
2011: Honoring Change and Tradition
- Like many folks, EcoGirl has been fascinated
and thrilled to see people come out onto the
streets to call for major changes in our
system's structures. These movements offer us a
chance for the scale of change that we need to
steer ourselves away from so many crises,
including eco-collapse. EcoGirl offers her
thoughts about how we all can respond
constructively to the opportunity of this
powerful moment, wherever we are; what she feels
is vital for the movement's success; and how the
earth's ways can (and must) be included in the
new solutions. She also honors the tradition of
our winter celebrations by offering organized
and helpful lists full of ways that you can
honor the earth in all your holiday
activities.
You can read this column in the
November issue of the wonderful Sonoma County
Gazette, or at www.patriciadines.info/EcoGirl5c.html.
Plus that webpage has information about sending
questions to EcoGirl, receiving email alerts for
future columns, and including the informative and
empowering EcoGirl column in your periodical.
Click on Published
Columns to see all
previous columns - and future possible ones. Your
input and requests are most welcome!
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The
newest Next STEP newsletter is
released!
The Next STEP
newsletter provides empowering information
about toxics and alternatives. I'm the Editor and
Lead Writer of the newsletter, which is a City of
Sebastopol project, operated by volunteers, and
distributed in City water bills. Copies are also
available online. You can also contact me if you
want to receive email alerts when new issues are
published.
Current issue:
Nov/Dec
2011 (Click link to
download)
* Why Toxic Products Stay on the
Market So Long. As we consider how to
protect ourselves and our communities from toxic
materials, one significant question that comes
up is why products stay on the market so long. A
new report from the Natural Resources Defense
Council (NRDC) explores both industry tactics
that delay action for decades, and the
significant design flaws in our regulatory
system that let them get away with it. The NRDC
also suggests its remedies, including
much-needed reform of the federal TSCA
regulations.
* It's Raining Roundup. Two new
studies by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
found significant amounts of glyphosate
(Roundup's key ingredient) in the rain, streams,
and air of their survey areas. This shows how
much Roundup, and other pesticides, move from
their application site to risk harm to other
plants, crops, ecosystems, animals and people.
They also pollute our air, drinking water, and
food. This is just another argument against
using pesticides such as Roundup in our
lives.
* Should Everyday Consumer Products
Contain Triclosan? The antibacterial
chemical triclosan is commonly found in consumer
products such as soap, toothpaste, mouthwash, as
well as embedded into products such as toys,
bedding, and kitchen utensils. But evidence is
growing that it's not only harmful to human
health and the environment, but also doesn't
produce its claimed benefits in these products.
Learn more to decide if you want this in your
home.
You can find answers to your specific
questions about toxics and alternatives online!
Just check out our online index by topic by
clicking here.That
page also offers you a chance to browse the
descriptions of recent issues, to see what
might catch your eye.
For more information about the STEP
program, click here.
Thank you to Jim Gleaves for his
assistance with this project; to the City Council
for creating it; and for City staff for helping to
make it possible.
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Ask
EcoGirl's newest column is available
The newest Ask EcoGirl has been
released and is ready for your viewing.
- October
2011: Creating Sane Group Dynamics
- A key way that we can work on eco-issues is
through community groups, which allow us to join
together in creating a better world. However,
these groups are often so fraught with
unproductive conflict and covertly harmful
personal dynamics that people can shy away from
them. Does it have to be that way? Or can we
create productive and enjoyable experiences? In
this piece, EcoGirl shares her thoughts about
how we can constructively take on these groups'
inherent challenges in order to build effective
teams, move community issues forward, and
support our own personal growth!
You can read this column in the
October issue of the wonderful Sonoma County
Gazette, or at www.patriciadines.info/EcoGirl5b.html.
Plus that webpage has information about sending
questions to EcoGirl, receiving email alerts for
future columns, and including the informative and
empowering EcoGirl column in your periodical.
Click on Published
Columns to see all
previous columns - and future possible ones. Your
input and requests are most welcome!
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The
newest Next STEP newsletter is
released!
The Next STEP
newsletter provides empowering information
about toxics and alternatives. I'm the Editor and
Lead Writer of the newsletter, which is a City of
Sebastopol project, operated by volunteers, and
distributed in City water bills. Copies are also
available online. You can also contact me if you
want to receive email alerts when new issues are
published.
Current issue:
Sept/Oct
2011 (Click link to
download)
* Protecting Our Health From Toxics.
According to New York's Mount Sinai School
of Medicine, health care costs for children's
toxic exposure is estimated at $76.7 billion a
year. Learn more about what exposures they
found, and two prominent doctor's
recommendations for trimming toxics' harm.
* Supporting Much-Needed TSCA Reform.
Learn about how the "Safe Chemicals Act of 2011"
could make a huge difference in every American's
health, by overhauling the barely functioning
federal Toxics Substances Control Act (TSCA).
There's even a weblink to make it easy for you
to show your support!
* Fixing the System. Read author McKay
Jenkins' personal story of getting cancer,
investigating toxics, and writing a book about
what he found. His conclusion is that we can
make "smart personal choices" to reduce our
exposure, but that we're being involuntarily
exposed in so many ways that we must also look
at our overall systems.
* Detoxing Your Life. Get handy links
and tips for learning what's toxic, discarding
it safely, and using healthier options
instead.
* What Are the Health Care Costs of
Toxics? One overall estimate is that
environment-related diseases cost Americans
between $132 and $165 billion dollars a year.
Our country is struggling with high health care
costs, and the conversation usually focuses on
who should pay the bill. But what if we
recognized how much of that cost came from
toxics, and reduced our shared exposure in order
to save us both money and suffering?
* Scientists Shed New Light on Toxics'
Link to Parkinson's Disease. New research
shows the link once again, and reveals more
about the mechanisms.
You can find answers to your specific
questions about toxics and alternatives online!
Just check out our online index by topic by
clicking here.That
page also offers you a chance to browse the
descriptions of recent issues, to see what
might catch your eye.
For more information about the STEP
program, click here.
Thank you to Jim Gleaves for his
assistance with this project; to the City Council
for creating it; and for City staff for helping to
make it possible.
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Ask
EcoGirl's newest column is available
The newest Ask EcoGirl has been
released and is ready for your viewing.
- September
2011: Speaking Effectively for the
Earth
- A reader asks how she can talk to her uncle,
who's opposed to President Obama's recent
increase in car mileage standards, because he
thinks they're only harmful and that global
warming isn't real. EcoGirl offers her two quick
links to email him that address his key points,
and offers her general suggestions for being
persuasive in talking with people about
eco-issues.
You can read this column in the
September issue of the wonderful Sonoma County
Gazette, or at www.patriciadines.info/EcoGirl5a.html.
Plus that webpage has information about sending
questions to EcoGirl, receiving email alerts for
future columns, and including the informative and
empowering EcoGirl column in your periodical.
Click on Published
Columns to see all
previous columns - and future possible ones. Your
input and requests are most welcome!
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The
newest Next STEP newsletter is
released!
The Next STEP
newsletter provides empowering information
about toxics and alternatives. I'm the Editor and
Lead Writer of the newsletter, which is a City of
Sebastopol project, operated by volunteers, and
distributed in City water bills. Copies are also
available online. You can also contact me if you
want to receive email alerts when new issues are
published.
Current issue:
July/August
2011 (Click
link to download)
* Are You or Your Family Being
Exposed to Formaldehyde at Home, Work, or
School? Most folks are unaware that this
known toxic material is regularly appearing in
consumer products, including furniture,
clothing, building materials, and personal care
products. Find out more about how to protect
yourself!
* Signficiant Levels of Mercury & PCBs
Found in California Fish. The results of
this study impact anyone who fishes or eats
fish, and shows how much of our pollution is
impacting all the creatures who live in water
ecosystems.
* Developmental Disabilities Are
Increasing. However, the
scientifically-demonstrated link between them
and toxics is usually not reported.
* EPA Banning Many Home Rat Poison
Products. Learn what's being removed from
shelves, and be sure to remove them from your
homes and businesses too.
You can find answers to your specific
questions about toxics and alternatives online!
Just check out our online index by topic by
clicking here.That
page also offers you a chance to browse the
descriptions of recent issues, to see what
might catch your eye.
For more information about the STEP
program, click here.
Thank you to Jim Gleaves for his
assistance with this project; to the City Council
for creating it; and for City staff for helping to
make it possible.
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Ask
EcoGirl's newest column is available
The newest Ask EcoGirl has been
released and is ready for your viewing.
- August
2011: Reclaiming the Sun as Our Ally
- As climate disruption increasingly impacts
our everyday lives, and nuclear energy has
demonstrated that its risks far outweigh any
potential benefits, the question becomes once
again: How can we meet our energy needs in
eco-friendly ways? A key solution, says EcoGirl,
is for us to reclaim the sun as an elemental
ally in our quest. Then she offers us a variety
of specific creative ways that we can each do
just that. After all, the earth receives 20,000
times the energy we use each year, giving us
more than enough for our needs. All it takes is
for us to put it to use!
You can read this column in the
August issue of the wonderful Sonoma County
Gazette, or at www.patriciadines.info/EcoGirl4m.html.
Plus that webpage has information about sending
questions to EcoGirl, receiving email alerts for
future columns, and including the informative and
empowering EcoGirl column in your periodical.
Click on Published
Columns to see all
previous columns - and future possible ones. Your
input and requests are most welcome!
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I
invite you to read my new article in NorthBay biz
magazine:
- Green
Getaways
- by Patricia Dines
- July 2011
NorthBay biz magazine
- How North Bay businesses and visitors are
finding fun and opportunity in local
eco-tourism.
You can read this article in
NorthBay biz's July issue, on various local
newstands now. Or click here
to go straight to my article online (including the
"author's cut" of the text and a PDF of the
magazine content with graphics). Enjoy!
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Ask
EcoGirl's newest column is available
The newest Ask EcoGirl has been
released and is ready for your viewing.
- July
2011: Is There Hope for the Planet?
- It's easy to feel disheartened seeing all
the eco-crises in the world. Is there really
hope, or is an early death for the earth just
inevitable? EcoGirl answers that there is hope
-- to the extent that we take positive actions.
That's because the future scenarios aren't
black-and-white but a range of outcomes that
will unfold in better or worse ways depending on
the choices that we make. What's even more
exciting though is that we also benefit
personally by taking constructive action for the
earth and proactively embracing the upcoming
changes, because it reduces our pain while
creating more fun, aliveness, empowerment, and
business opportunity. Why would we choose
anything else?
You can read this column in the
July issue of the wonderful Sonoma County Gazette,
or at www.patriciadines.info/EcoGirl4k.html.
Plus that webpage has information about sending
questions to EcoGirl, receiving email alerts for
future columns, and including the informative and
empowering EcoGirl column in your periodical.
Click on Published
Columns to see all
previous columns - and future possible ones. Your
input and requests are most welcome!
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Read
my new Peace Press article: Healing Our Culture's
Abuse of the Earth, part II
Ah, the long-awaited part II
of my article is in the June/July issue of the
Sonoma County Peace Press. In it, I describe how we
can apply the abuse model to help steer our culture
away from eco-disaster and towards eco-survival and
happiness.
To find out more about how we
might do this, read my article in the June/July
Peace Press (page 9) or click here.
If you haven't read part I yet, click
here.
I hope you enjoy this article and find it
useful.
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Ask
EcoGirl's newest column is available
The newest Ask EcoGirl has been
released and is ready for your viewing.
- May
2011: Love Your Local Activist/Change
Agent
- No matter how bad you think the world is
now, imagine how much worse it would be without
the change agents (by whatever label or title)
who stepped back from their individual lives to
imagine and create something better for their
communities and our shared future. And yet those
of us working for a better world today can often
be considered odd ducks in this culture that's
so often focused on immediate personal rewards.
In this column, EcoGirl speaks up for her team
of innovating pioneers, and suggests that a
smart culture welcomes and nurtures its change
agents, valuing their essential role in steering
wisely and avoiding collective disaster. She
hopes that you'll be empowered by this
perspective -- and share it with others!
You can read this column in the
May issue of the wonderful Sonoma County Gazette,
or at www.patriciadines.info/EcoGirl4j.html.
Plus that webpage has information about sending
questions to EcoGirl, receiving email alerts for
future columns, and including the informative and
empowering EcoGirl column in your periodical.
Click on Published
Columns to see all
previous columns - and future possible ones. Your
input and requests are most welcome!
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The
newest Next STEP newsletter is
released!
The Next STEP
newsletter provides empowering information
about toxics and alternatives. I'm the Editor and
Lead Writer of the newsletter, which is a City of
Sebastopol project, operated by volunteers, and
distributed in City water bills. Copies are also
available online. You can also contact me if you
want to receive email alerts when new issues are
published.
Current issue:
May/June
2011 (Click
link to download)
* The STEP Survey results are
in. Thank you so much to the folks who
shared your thoughts about the newsletter,
including how you use it and what articles you'd
like to see in the future. Some of your desired
topics are already included in this issue!
* Cultivating Lush & Healthy Garden
Soil. Two readers asked for more information
about building garden soil, both to prevent
pests and produce more abundant yields. Here's
some key information and resources!
* More Ideas for Detoxing Cookware. As
a followup to the last issue, I share some
readers' suggestions for less-toxic nonstick
pans, and more.
* A Great Drain Declogger. I found a
new non-toxic solution, woo hoo!
* Answering Your Questions & Timely
Tips.
You can find answers to your specific
questions about toxics and alternatives online!
Just check out our online index by topic by
clicking here.That
page also offers you a chance to browse the
descriptions of recent issues, to see what
might catch your eye.
For more information about the STEP
program, click here.
Thank you to Jim Gleaves for his
assistance with this project; to the City Council
for creating it; and for City staff for helping to
make it possible.
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Read
my new Peace Press article: Healing Our Culture's
Abuse of the Earth
I was delighted to be invited
to write another article for the Sonoma County
Peace Press, published by the Sonoma County
Peace & Justice Center. The article was for the
Earth Day issue, and so I decided to discuss a
topic I've been thinking about for a while: how the
psychology of abuse is expressed not just in our
culture's families but also in our businesses,
politics -- and how we treat the beautiful sacred
earth. Therefore, I feel that we can apply this
model's principles to help steer our culture away
from eco-disaster and towards eco-survival and
happiness.
To find out more about how we
might does this, read my article in the April
Peace Press (first page) or click here.
I hope you enjoy this article and find it
useful.
And thank you so much to
the people who support me and my work, including my
ongoing development of my writing and my service. I
am very moved and grateful. Please know that you
are all woven into what I do. Thank
you!!
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Ask
EcoGirl's newest column is available
The newest Ask EcoGirl has been
released and is ready for your viewing.
- April
2011: Detoxing Our Products & Our
World
- How can we truly protect ourselves from the
multiple toxics permeating our products, bodies,
and world, given the overwhelming evidence that
they're threatening both our health and the
planet? This column describes some key resources
to avoid toxics in our personal lives, as well
as two approaches being taken to stop toxics at
their source, Green Chemistry and California's
Green Chemistry Initiative.
You can read this column in the
April issue of the wonderful Sonoma County Gazette,
or at www.patriciadines.info/EcoGirl4j.html.
Plus that webpage has information about sending
questions to EcoGirl, receiving email alerts for
future columns, and including the informative and
empowering EcoGirl column in your periodical.
Click on Published
Columns to see all
previous columns - and future possible ones. Your
input and requests are most welcome!
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Ask
EcoGirl's newest column is available
The newest Ask EcoGirl has been
released and is ready for your viewing.
- March
2011: Detoxing Cookware
- A reader asks how to avoid the toxic PFCs
used to make nonstick pans and other consumer
products. "What are our options?", she wonders.
"Those nonstick pans are so useful!" This
month's column describes the issues with PFCs,
what products they're in, and how to help reduce
our exposure by buying healthier cookware and
more.
You can read this column in the
March issue of the wonderful Sonoma County Gazette,
or at www.patriciadines.info/EcoGirl4h.html.
Plus that webpage has information about sending
questions to EcoGirl, receiving email alerts for
future columns, and including the informative and
empowering EcoGirl column in your periodical.
Click on Published
Columns to see all
previous columns - and future possible ones. Your
input and requests are most welcome!
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The
newest Next STEP newsletter is
released!
The Next STEP
newsletter provides empowering information
about toxics and alternatives. I'm the Editor and
Lead Writer of the newsletter, which is a City of
Sebastopol project, operated by volunteers, and
distributed in City water bills. Copies are also
available online. You can also contact me if you
want to receive email alerts when new issues are
published.
Current issue:
March/April
2011 (Click
link to download)
* Movie Night. The next time
you're seeing a movie, by yourself or with
others, consider looking beyond the predictable
mainstream formulas and celebrities to explore
the wonderful world of documentaries. This
article describes some engaging and topical film
options, and offers links to websites where you
can find more selections.
* Detoxing Cookware. A reader asks how
to avoid the toxic PFCs used to make nonstick
pans and other consumer products. "What are our
options?", she wonders. "Those nonstick pans are
so useful!" This month's column describes the
issues with PFCs, what products they're in, and
how to help reduce our exposure by buying
healthier cookware.
* Our voices are needed to effectively
implement California's Green Chemistry
Initiative. This innovative state initiative
seeks to encourage safer chemicals from the
start. Here's how you can help ensure that the
final rules are written to reflect it's great
vision.
* The EPA finally plans to limit rocket
fuel in our water and food. Find out
more!
You can find answers to your specific
questions about toxics and alternatives online!
Just check out our online index by topic by
clicking here.That
page also offers you a chance to browse the
descriptions of recent issues, to see what
might catch your eye.
For more information about the STEP
program, click here.
Thank you to Jim Gleaves for his
assistance with this project; to the City Council
for creating it; and for City staff for helping to
make it possible.
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I
invite you to read my new article in NorthBay biz
magazine:
- Profitable
Green
- by Patricia Dines
- February 2011
NorthBay biz magazine
- Is it still possible for businesses to be
both profitable and green? Regular biz
contributor Patricia Dines talks with local
business leaders to find out how green is
weathering today's economic storms.
You can read this article in
NorthBay biz's Feb. issue, on various local
newstands now. Or click here
to go straight to my article online (including the
"author's cut" of the text and a PDF of the
magazine content with graphics). Enjoy!
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Ask
EcoGirl's newest column is available
The newest Ask EcoGirl has been
released and is ready for your viewing.
- February
2011: Are Smart Phones Green?
- Smart phones, MP3 players, and other mobile
devices are sprouting up all over the place. But
are they good or bad for the earth? To help
answer that question, EcoGirl walks through her
assessment process for her latest purchase, the
iPod Touch. The web version of this article also
has additional information, resources, and app
recommendations!
You can read this column in the
February issue of the wonderful Sonoma County
Gazette, or at www.patriciadines.info/EcoGirl4g.html.
Plus that webpage has information about sending
questions to EcoGirl, receiving email alerts for
future columns, and including the informative and
empowering EcoGirl column in your periodical.
Click on Published
Columns to see all
previous columns - and future possible ones. Your
input and requests are most welcome!
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I
invite you to read my new article in NorthBay biz
magazine:
- Navigating
Nonprofit Technology
- by Patricia Dines
- January 2011
NorthBay biz magazine
- With budgets and workloads already
stretched thin, keeping up with technological
innovations can seem like just another task
added to the overflowing plates of local
nonprofits. But NorthBay biz has found
good news about how nonprofits can unlock
technology's potential to help them be more
effective in their missions.
And when nonprofits benefit, so
do we all! They're often the ones that lead in
addressing so many shared community issues, from
the environment to food security to community
health to improving government.
You can read this article in
NorthBay biz's Jan. issue, on various local
newstands now. Or click here
to go straight to my article online (including my
version of the text and a PDF of the magazine
version with graphics). Enjoy!
I had so much fun creating this
story and am so proud of how it came out! I hope
that it's fun and useful for you too. Please let me
know what you think! And thanks to everyone who
contributed to this piece.
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Ask
EcoGirl's newest column is available
The newest Ask EcoGirl has been
released and is ready for your viewing.
- January
2011: Connecting With Your Eco-Passion
- Most of us love the earth, but amidst life's
busyness, how do we make sure we follow through
with our good intentions to take care of her
this year? EcoGirl offers constructive tips for
eco-motivating yourself in ways that bypass
"should" and shame, and instead are fun,
inspirational, and aligned with your other goals
in life. Nurturing the earth can be a fun way to
nurture YOU!
You can read this column in the
January issue of the wonderful Sonoma County
Gazette, or at www.patriciadines.info/EcoGirl4f.html.
Plus that webpage has information about sending
questions to EcoGirl, receiving email alerts for
future columns, and including the informative and
empowering EcoGirl column in your periodical.
Click on Published
Columns to see all
previous columns - and future possible ones. Your
input and requests are most welcome!
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Ask
EcoGirl's newest column is available
The newest Ask EcoGirl has been
released and is ready for your viewing.
- December
2010: Nurturing Authentic Holiday Green
- With so many companies claiming to be green,
how do we choose products that are truly better
for the earth? EcoGirl can help! Read her column
this month for quick and easy tips for buying
and being authentically green, this holiday
season and all year 'round.
You can read this column in the
December issue of the wonderful Sonoma County
Gazette, or at www.patriciadines.info/EcoGirl4e.html.
Plus that webpage has information about sending
questions to EcoGirl, receiving email alerts for
future columns, and including the informative and
empowering EcoGirl column in your periodical.
Click on Published
Columns to see all
previous columns - and future possible ones. Your
input and requests are most welcome!
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The
newest Next STEP newsletter is
released!
The Next STEP
newsletter provides empowering information
about toxics and alternatives. I'm the Editor and
Lead Writer of the newsletter, which is a City of
Sebastopol project, operated by volunteers, and
distributed in City water bills. Copies are also
available online. You can also contact me if you
want to receive email alerts when new issues are
published.
Current issue:
November/December
2010 (Click
link to download)
Contents:
* Greening Chemistry. I recently
had a chance to see Green Chemistry pioneer Dr.
Paul Anastas speak at Bioneers, where he told
the compelling story about his path to
articulating and innovating methodologies for
chemicals to be designed to be safe from the
start.
* Take Action To Fix TSCA. Good news!
Finally, after being needed for decades,
Congressional leaders are taking serious action
to repair the broken federal Toxic Substances
Control Act (TSCA). TSCA's vision is great, to
protect us from toxics, but it has fallen far
short in so many key and shocking ways. However,
with our assistance and insistence, we can have
laws that truly protect our well-being.
* Detoxing Tips.
You can find answers to your specific
questions about toxics and alternatives online!
Just check out our online index by topic by
clicking here.That
page also offers you a chance to browse the
descriptions of recent issues, to see what
might catch your eye.
For more information about the STEP
program, click here.
Thank you to Jim Gleaves for his
assistance with this project; to the City Council
for creating it; and for City staff for helping to
make it possible.
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Ask
EcoGirl's newest column is available
The newest Ask EcoGirl has been
released and is ready for your viewing.
- November
2010: Sipping Earth-Friendly Holiday
Cheer
- Does it really make a difference if we serve
and bring eco-wines to our holiday events? Yes!
Here are the reasons that they're indeed better
for both your health and the planet. And they're
tasty too! EcoGirl also gives you tips for
sorting through the eco-labels to find ones you
like -- and even lets you in on her local
favorites!
You can read this column in the
November issue of the wonderful Sonoma County
Gazette, or at www.patriciadines.info/EcoGirl4d.html.
Plus that webpage has information about sending
questions to EcoGirl, receiving email alerts for
future columns, and including the informative and
empowering EcoGirl column in your periodical.
Click on Published
Columns to see all
previous columns - and future possible ones. Your
input and requests are most welcome!
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The
newest Next STEP newsletter is
released!
The Next STEP
newsletter provides empowering information
about toxics and alternatives. I'm the Editor and
Lead Writer of the newsletter, which is a City of
Sebastopol project, operated by volunteers, and
distributed in City water bills. Copies are also
available online. You can also contact me if you
want to receive email alerts when new issues are
published.
Current issue:
September/October
2010 (Click
link to download)
Contents:
* STEP Updates. Good news! With
this issue, The Next STEP returns to its
original two-page format. Also find out about
our online index by topic to past issues, and
how anyone can sign up to receive email alerts
when new STEP issues are posted online. And we
invite you to share your copy of STEP with
others!
* ADD, Toxics, & Mainstream Foods.
ADD/ADHD impacts an estimated 4.5 million
children, creating rippling financial and
emotional costs throughout their lives and our
society. Now new studies are finding connections
between ADD/ADHD and neurotoxic pesticides in
our bodies -- pesticides commonly found in
mainstream foods. Can understanding this link
help us reduce incidence of this illness?
* Pesticide Ban Encouraged, for
agricultural and other uses of the neurotoxic
chlorpyrifos.
* Support Cosmetics Regulation Reform.
Who knew that health and beauty products had
such toxic materials in them? Do we really need
lead in our lipstick?
* Protecting Sea Creatures -- &
Ourselves. A new study shows disturbing
levels of toxics in whales, revealing a level of
ocean pollution that risks harm to all sea life
and the millions of us who eat and depend upon
seafood.
You can find answers to your specific
questions about toxics and alternatives online!
Just check out our online index by topic by
clicking here.That
page also offers you a chance to browse the
descriptions of recent issues, to see what
might catch your eye.
For more information about the STEP
program, click here.
Thank you to Jim Gleaves for his
assistance with this project; to the City Council
for creating it; and for City staff for helping to
make it possible.
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I
invite you to read my new (cover!) article in
NorthBay biz magazine:
True
Green
Moving beyond greenwashing to create authentic
eco-success
EcoGirl Patricia Dines helps
NorthBay biz readers see beyond enticing green
façades to uncover the products and
approaches that support true environmental
change.
- Everywhere we turn, it seems we're
bombarded with ads for green products,
services, political candidates, ballot
measures and more. How on earth can we
identify the ones we want to support while
dodging the greenwashers -- those coated only
with a superficial green veneer to coax us
out of our hard-earned money and votes? More
importantly, how do we accurately describe
our own company's level of green without
overstating it and risking the wrath of the
green-savvy marketplace?
You can read this article in
NorthBay biz's Aug. issue, on various local
newstands now. Or click here
to go straight to my article online (including my
version of the text and a PDF of the magazine
version with graphics). Enjoy!
I had so much fun creating this
story and am so proud of how it came out! I hope
that it's fun and useful for you too. Please let me
know what you think! And thanks to everyone who
contributed to this piece.
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STEP UPDATE:
Good news!
At the 7/20 Sebastopol City Council meeting, the
Council decided unanimously to restore The Next
STEP newsletter to the original 2-page format
that it's been most of it's 10-year lifetime. I
felt that this format was needed to produce the
project's stated goal of reducing our shared use
and exposure to toxics, and I'm delighted that the
Council is still inspired by and supportive of that
objective. I'm feeling re-invigorated and excited
about continuing to produce this newsletter! -
Signed, Patricia Dines, Editor The Next STEP
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The
newest Next STEP newsletter is
released!
The Next STEP
newsletter provides empowering information
about toxics and alternatives. I'm the Editor and
Lead Writer of the newsletter, which is a City of
Sebastopol project, operated by volunteers, and
distributed in City water bills. Copies are also
available online. You can also contact me if you
want to receive email alerts when new issues are
published.
Current issue:
July/August
2010 (Click
link to download)
Contents:
* Choosing Healthy Sunscreens.
EWG gives low marks to 92% of brand name
products, for including toxics, making overblown
claims, or insufficiently protecting the skin
from sun damage.
* Flea & Tick Product Warning. The
US EPA recommends caution in using Frontline,
Advantage, and similar flea and tick
products.
* Prominent Reports Encourages Cancer
Prevention Through Toxics Reduction.
* Ask EcoGirl. If you haven't seen it
yet, I invite you to check out my monthly
friendly eco-advice column.
* Quick tips for finding toxics
information.
Note: This issue is one page instead of the
usual two, because of space constraints in the
mailing.
You can find answers to your specific
questions about toxics and alternatives online!
Just check out our online index by topic by
clicking here.That
page also offers you a chance to browse the
descriptions of recent issues, to see what
might catch your eye.
For more information about the STEP
program, click here.
Thank you to Jim Gleaves for his
assistance with this project; to the City Council
for creating it; and for City staff for helping to
make it possible.
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|
The
newest Next STEP newsletter is
released!
The Next STEP
newsletter provides empowering information
about toxics and alternatives. I'm the Editor and
Lead Writer of the newsletter, which is a City of
Sebastopol project, operated by volunteers, and
distributed in City water bills. Copies are also
available online. You can also contact me if you
want to receive email alerts when new issues are
published.
Current issue:
May/June
2010 (Click
link to download)
Contents:
* Report on our latest reader
survey. Results include: 88% say that they
find the newsletter helpful and interesting and
72% say that the newsletter has tangibly helped
them reduce their use of toxic. Additionally,
those using pesticides has dropped from 53% last
year to 35% this year -- and half of those folks
are using natural non-toxic options only. Read
the newsletter for more reader feedback.
* Easy actions, quick tips, and a note
about recent changes to the newsletter.
Note: This issue is one page instead of the
usual two, because of space constraints in the
mailing.
You can find answers to your specific
questions about toxics and alternatives online!
Just check out our online index by topic by
clicking here.That
page also offers you a chance to browse the
descriptions of recent issues, to see what
might catch your eye.
For more information about the STEP
program, click here.
Thank you to Jim Gleaves for his
assistance with this project; to the City Council
for creating it; and for City staff for helping to
make it possible.
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My
new Green Scene column in NorthBay
biz
I invite you to read my Green
Scene column in the March NorthBay biz magazine, on
newstands now or at this link, "A
Deeper Shade of
Green." This piece
gives you a look into Petaluma's Sonoma Compost
Company (SCC) and it's organic community composting
operation. For 25 years, SCC has been diverting
yard and ag waste from the landfill and turning it
into useful organic composts and mulches. Yes, this
is where your green can waste goes!
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The
newest Next STEP newsletter is
released!
The Next STEP
newsletter provides empowering information
about toxics and alternatives. I'm the Editor and
Lead Writer of the newsletter, which is a City of
Sebastopol project, operated by volunteers, and
distributed in City water bills. Copies are also
available online. You can also contact me if you
want to receive email alerts when new issues are
published.
Current issue:
March/April
2010 (Click
link to download)
Contents:
* Health Effects: Are Toxics Helping
Making Us Fat? - While certainly diet,
exercise, and genetics are key factors in our
weight levels, chemicals (nicknamed "obesogens")
are now being found to play a role in how much
weight we gain and how difficult it is to
maintain a healthy weight. The risk is
especially high for children in utero and during
their developing years. Find out more about
what's being learned.
Note: This issue is one page instead of the
usual two, because of space constraints in the
mailing.
You can find answers to your specific
questions about toxics and alternatives online!
Just check out our online index by topic by
clicking here.That
page also offers you a chance to browse the
descriptions of recent issues, to see what
might catch your eye.
For more information about the STEP
program, click here.
Thank you to Jim Gleaves for his
assistance with this project; to the City Council
for creating it; and for City staff for helping to
make it possible.
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My
new article in Sonoma-Marin Farm
News
I invite you to read my article
in the Feb. Sonoma-Marin Farm News,
"Sonoma
Compost: Celebrating 25
Years." This piece
gives you a peek behind the scenes at the wonderful
Sonoma Compost Company, which for 25 years has been
diverting yard and ag waste from the landfill and
turning it into useful organic composts and mulches
that nurture local farms and gardens.
Editor
feedback
"Dear Patricia - Thanks for the
story on Sonoma Compost. It's a great read that
our readers will find both interesting and
educational. We are happy to have the work of a
pro and welcome further stories by you on
topics related to the agricultural industry in
Sonoma and Marin Counties."
Tim Tesconi, Editor Sonoma-Marin Farm News,
Previously Ag Staff Writer for the Press
Democrat (33 years)
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Read
my new article in NorthBay biz magazine:
Green
Pinstripes
Bringing sustainability to the executive
suite...
NorthBay biz talks with three "sustainability
officers" to find out what such a job entails and
how, little by little, they're helping North Bay
companies reduce costs and save the
environment.
... To learn more, we talked with three local
pioneers: Lynelle Cameron, director of
sustainability for San Rafael's Autodesk; Geof
Syphers, CSO for Rohnert Park's Codding
Enterprises; and Colby Eierman, director of
sustainability for Glen Ellen's Benziger Family
Winery.
You can read this article in
NorthBay biz's Feb. issue, on various local
newstands now. Or click here
to go straight to my article. For the main Green
Issue link, click here.
Enjoy!
I had so much fun creating this
story and learning more about what these folks are
doing, and I hope you have fun reading it too.
Please let me know what you think!
(And thanks to everyone who
contributed to this piece, including Ryn Longmaid
for the original title and idea spark!)
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The
newest Next STEP newsletter is
released!
The Next STEP
newsletter provides empowering information
about toxics and alternatives. I'm the Editor and
Lead Writer of the newsletter, which is a City of
Sebastopol project, operated by volunteers, and
distributed in City water bills. Copies are also
available online. You can also contact me if you
want to receive email alerts when new issues are
published.
Current issue:
January/February
2010 (Click
link to download)
Contents:
* It's our anniversary - We're
celebrating nine years of publishing The Next
STEP newsletter. We want your input for what
we'll do this coming year! Sebastopol residents,
please return the yellow survey card with your
water bill to give us your feedback. Other folks
can email us at (STEP [at]
healthyworld.org) to let us know (1) what you
like about the newsletter; and (2) and what
you'd like to see in future issues.
* Discarding Wisely - If one of your
New Year's resolutions is ridding yourself of
unwanted items, this article will help you
discard your detritus (including toxics) in ways
that protect people and the planet.
* Composting in Sebastopol - Did you
know that 36% of Sonoma County's garbage is food
and other "organic" materials? You can reduce
your garbage flow, and maybe even save money, by
composting at home or in your green can. This
article tells you more!
* Quick Toxics Reduction Tips - Here's
quick information to help you - keep your pet
safe; support better toxics labeling for
household products; quickly know what's toxic
and the alternatives; understand how toxics
travel even to non-industrial areas - and find
out more!
Our past issues are all online, ready to
answer your specific questions about toxics and
alternatives! For more about ways you can
access this information, including our online index
by topic, click here.
On that page you'll see that I've created a
new way for you to access past STEP issues. In
addition to looking up information by topic, you
can also now browse the descriptions of the past
year's issues, to see what might catch your
eye.
For more information about the STEP
program, click here.
Thank you to Jim Gleaves for his
assistance with this project; to the City Council
for creating it; and for City staff for helping to
make it possible.
Recent reader
feedback
"Just wanted to say thank you for
all your positive information. My husband
and I are trying for our second child and I
really appreciated the article regarding autism
cases being higher when exposed to flea shampoos
for animals. This was a great eye opener for
me and I plan on using only non-toxic cleaners
pre-pregnancy and forever afterwards. This type
of information really does help all of us --
so again, thank you....I am so happy to be a
part of such a caring community."
- A Sebastopol Resident
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Announcing
my new "insanely useful" Ask EcoGirl
booklets
Eco-information
is everywhere, but there's way too much to
digest.
We're all drowning in
eco-information -- and our overwhelm can keep us
from acting. Where do we start? What are the most
useful actions to take? How do we integrate this
into our everyday lives?
Never fear
-- Ask EcoGirl is here!
EcoGirl understands -- and comes
to the rescue! She does the research for you,
pulling together the key information that you need
to move into action and get the results you need.
This is the fast lane to a healthier life for you
and the planet.
Booklet
titles available
* Detoxing Your Life:
Assessing & Reducing Your Exposure to Everyday
Toxics
* Healthier
Housecleaning: Easy, Less-toxic, & Cheaper
Ways to Create a Sparkling Home
To find out how to order your
very own copies of these "insanely useful"
booklets, and be informed when new ones are
released, click here.
EcoGirl:
Making it easy to be green!
Reader
feedback
"What impresses me is that it is SO
comprehensive for such a small booklet.
Often I see a flyer on one or two topics, but
you have packed so much in this, plus given
larger principles about how to think of these
things. You give simple suggestions that
anyone can follow and move themselves forward in
the ecological movement -- and feel good about
it. You make it appealing to do, not a
burden."
Don Scully, MFT
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I
have lots of great tips for greening your
holidays!
First, you can peruse my current
and past Ask EcoGirl columns, at www.AskEcoGirl.info/AEcolumns.html.
I also have lots of great ideas at www.healthyworld.org/ecoholidays.html.
I hope that you have fun exploring and find useful
ideas. And please share your own tips with me as
well. I love hearing other people's success
stories.
May we all help create happy
holidays for all!
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Read
my new article in NorthBay biz magazine: Seeking
Fulfillment
Hi all - My second article for
NorthBay biz magazine is out! In this piece, I
delved into a completely new topic for me: the
story behind last May's stunning crash of market
pioneer New Vine - and what it revealed about the
quietly booming market for third-party wine
shippers.
With wine store shelf space very
limited, wineries would like to reach customers
directly, However, they're often stopped by complex
and restrictive state shipping laws. Coming to the
rescue are third-party wine shippers who navigate
the shipping lanes behind the scenes, often in
creative ways, thus giving wineries access to more
sales.
This story was a fun chance for
me (and I hope my readers) to learn more about the
local wine industry, including this successful
segment, as well as explore different models for
reaching customers. I hope you find it of interest
too!
You can read this article in
NorthBay biz's new special Wine Issue, on various
local newstands. Look for the wine glass on front.
Or click here
to go straight to my article on my website, which
includes a scan of the article as published with
graphics. Enjoy!
- Patricia
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My
TV appearance went great!
On Aug. 19, I was a guest on
"The View From The Bay," a daily TV talk show
on San Francisco's ABC station KGO. It's hosted by
Spencer Christian and Janelle Wang and produced
live in San Francisco.
Being on the show was lots of
fun! I was delighted to share both my approach to
eco-action (by inspiring and empowering folks to
make a difference) and to offer their viewers some
easy eco-tips. Plus folks heard about my Ask
EcoGirl column and were invited to my presentations
at the Napa Fresh Aire Festival, August 28-30.
For more about my appearance,
including screen shots and a link to the video, see
www.patriciadines.info/m_ViewBay081909.html
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I had fun at
the Napa Fresh Aire Festival Aug.
28-30!
I was glad to have a chance to talk with others
about issues of health, the environment and more!
For more info, see www.patriciadines.info/m_NFA0809.html
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Read
my new article in NorthBay biz magazine: Financing
a Greener World
Learn more about Sonoma County's
innovative SCEIP program, which offers government
financing for increasing the energy or water
efficiency of a home or business. It'll also
finance solar and other alternative energy
projects! These projects can save us money, improve
our property's value - and are vital to reducing
our impact on the planet.
You can either see this
in the August issue of this monthly magazine, or
click here.
(And thanks Cassandra for your help scanning the
article!)
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Read
my new Peace Press article: Uprooting the
Environmental Causes of Poverty &
War
I was delighted to be invited
to write about the environment for the Sonoma
County Peace Press, published by the Sonoma
County Peace & Justice Center. One of my
passionate topics is the connection between
environmental and social justice issues -- another
chance for us to see that saving the earth is
saving us humans too! This piece uses as an
example the story of the Nigerian people and their
journey with the oil industry.
To read the article, see
the August Peace Press (page 5) or click
here.
(My web version also has bonus links for more
information on the topics discussed!) I hope that
you enjoy this article and find it of
interest.
And thank you so much to
the people who encourage and support me and my
work, my ongoing development of my writing and my
service. I am very moved and grateful. Please know
that you are all woven into what I do. Thank
you!!
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Read
the new interview with Patricia Dines on
planetshifter.com
Patricia Dines was recently
interviewed by Willi Paul of planetshifter.com.
Read more at www.planetshifter.com/node/1244
EXCERPTS
"My vision is that EcoGirl will fly across the
country, spreading her eco-empowerment to all!"
"(With my eco-writing and public speaking), I've
been innovating different ways of relating to
people - by being inspiring, empowering, and useful
- and getting people excited about being part of
the solution!"
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** Become an
Official Facebook EcoGirl Fan **
Stay connected to
EcoGirl, and support her goals, by becoming an
official Facebook EcoGirl fan. It's easy - just
click here <www.facebook.com/AskEcoGirl>.
p.s. Note the new easier direct
address - who hoo! Note: It isn't case
sensitive.
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My
new lead article "Greening Your Home - With No
Money
Down"
On the surface, Sonoma County's new $100
million Energy Independence Program (SCEIP) seems
simple enough, offering property owners government
financing to install solar equipment and improve
energy and water efficiency.
Yet, hiding beneath this mild-mannered exterior,
lies a powerful tool to help us solve some of our
most urgent shared problems. I've been watching
this program emerge for a while, so I'm delighted
to finally be able to tell you about its special
features.
To read this article and find out more, see the
April issue of the wonderful West County Gazette,
which features this article on its cover. Or click
here
to see both text and PDF versions of the
article.
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I'm
speaking at the March 28 Sustainability
Conference
You're invited to my talk at the Sat.
March 28 Sustainability Conference. It's being held
at 1:45 at Nit's Thai House in Guerneville (just
east of town).
My talk is titled "Detoxing Your Life."
My goal is to support folks in nurturing the
health of themselves, their families, and our
shared ecosystem by reducing exposure to everyday
toxics. I'll be offering a systematic approach I've
developed for identifying the everyday toxics in
all areas of your life, prioritizing the ones you
want to reduce, and making a plan for doing so. We
don't have to be powerless to the hidden toxics in
consumer products! In addition to personal actions,
I'll also take a look at community-level
actions.
Bring your specific questions! I've been
researching and writing about this topic for many
years, including writing The Next STEP newsletter
which gently educates people about everyday toxics
and effective alternatives. I'll also be very
interested to hear people's feedback on the
model!
For a full conference schedule, see
http://sustainableconference.sc5.info/CONFERENCESHEDpublic2web.htm
I look forward to seeing you there!
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My
article alerts email
list
If you want to
receive email alerts when my articles are
published, just email that request to me at
<caphealthyworld [at] yahoo.com>. I
won't use your email address for anything
else.
I hope that you find my writing
of interest, and that it serves our greater
connection with nature's wise ways. Thank you to
everyone who supports my work in the world; you
truly do help make it possible.
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Ask
EcoGirl Flies
Again
- In HopeDance!
Ask EcoGirl is appearing
once again in the wonderful HopeDance magazine,
with the column,"Taming Our Tiny Ant
Friends." Yes, we can protect our homes without
resorting to toxic sprays. Here's how!
View this column in the
January/February issue of HopeDance
and at <www.patriciadines.info/EcoGirl2e.html>.
Plus that webpage has information about sending
questions to EcoGirl, being informed about future
columns, and including the wonderful EcoGirl in
your periodical.
Click on Published
Columns to see all
previous columns - and future possible ones. Your
input and requests are most welcome!
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Patricia's
Poem Published in the Wonderful We'Moon
One of my poems has been
published in the 2009 We'Moon datebook. (We'Moon
suggests the notion of women being related
to the moon and its cycles.) I'm honored to
be part of this beautiful best-selling
goddess-inspired calendar, which brings forward
wonderful words and images that honor the poetry of
aligning with the Earth's sacred ways. Click
here
for more about We'Moon,
including ordering their upcoming calendars and
other products.
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Lead Article:
"Delighting
in Our Delicious Local
Farms"
The cover of the May
West County Gazette features my lead
article, "Delighting in Our Delicious Local Farms."
The Editor, Vesta, asked me to write this piece,
wanting to lead with something that was both fun
and informative, which she knows I love to do. With
my piece in hand, she did a beautiful job of laying
it out. We've both been delighted to hear the
enthusiastic reader feedback as well as see the
issue fly off newstands - with some places running
out in just a few days! Yay team!! (Of course, she
has lots of other wonderful articles in there too.
She's great at bringing forward a diversity of
interesting voices and info.)
You can view this article in the
May issue of the West
County Gazette. To
download the PDF, click here.
Reader
feedback
"Excellent articles Patricia - and
fun to read! Congratulations on the colorful
front page placement and thanks for
continuing to make a difference for the masses
by educating via your passion and talent for
writing. EcoGirl will soon be flying into
other communities and publications, I can feel
it.Good luck with her."
Melissa Weaver, Educator, Enhanced Health
Systems
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Patricia's
EcoNews Blog
(Reborn, In a New Updated Format!)
Here's a totally personal
selection of news stories that I think are
especially relevant for those of us who want a
better world for all. Topics include the
environment, energy, health, toxics, organics, the
economy, true democracy, and community. Plus I
include a little personal commentary along the
way!
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Your ideas and information
invited for an article I'm working
on:
Green consultants - I'm
looking for those in Sonoma County who offer to
help a homeowner or small business be more green.
I'm also interested in the experiences of those
who've used such services, and the questions of
those who would like to.
Just email me at pd [at]
patriciadines.info with your thoughts.
Thanks!
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What
the Latest News About Organics Really
Means
Scary headlines and
inaccurate articles are clouding consumers ability
to understand what's really going on right now.
Click here
to get the straight facts so you can make wise
choices and take meaningful actions.
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- We Had
Fun at the Harmony Festival
Patricia Dines was part of the
Global Cooling Panel at the (wonderful!) Harmony
Festival, Sunday June 10, at the Sonoma County
Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa. It was fun to connect
with folks and spread the word about the joy we can
feel when we make a positive difference in the
world.
The Festival is presented annually and has lots
of fun people, information, products, music, and
more. They call it "Northern
California's Premier Music, Camping &
Sustainable Lifestyle Festival." It's offerings
include "World Class Music & Speakers on
multiple stages for 3 Days and 3 Nights of
Entertainment, Arts, Ecology& Healthful
Living." This year's theme is "Promoting Global
Cooling." For more information, see www.harmonyfestival.com.
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Sebastopol
Peak Oil Report Released
Patricia Dines was
Executive Editor & Report Coordinator of the
report,
"Charting a Path for a New
Energy Future for Sebastopol."
This report was produced for the Sebastopol City
Council by the Sebastopol Citizens Advisory Group
on Energy Vulnerability (CAGE). The purpose was to
help the City explore how to maintain public
services in the face of anticipated significant
energy supply shortfalls (aka peak oil). Sebastopol
was one of the world's first cities to take formal
public action to explore this issue (just as it was
one of the first U.S. cities to commit to reducing
greenhouse gas emissions).
CAGE spent over a year in focused research and
analysis, understanding the facts and possible
scenarios, exploring innovative and realistic ways
to approach these issues, and understanding the
workings of Sebastopol's operations. The resulting
report was presented to the City Council by Ms.
Dines on April 3, 2007. All Councilmembers was
warmly appreciative of the quality of the
information and usefulness of the report.
Click here
for the resume page summarizing the report and the
responses.This page includes a link to an article
about this report and a link to the final
report.
Thank you to everyone in CAGE and beyond who
contributed to this report's successful completion,
and to the Sebastopol City Council for seeking to
look forward and act proactively in the best
interests of the community.
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