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Patricia Dines Freelance Writer, Editor, Public Speaker & Graphic Artist Specializing in Environmental & Community Topics 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. 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 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 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 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! 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! 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. 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! 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. 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! 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. 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! 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! 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! 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. 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! 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. 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!! 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! 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! 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. | 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! 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! 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. 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! 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! 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. 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! 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. 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. 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 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. 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. 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! 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. 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) 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!) 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 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 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! 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 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 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 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!) 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!! 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!" ** 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. 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. 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! 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. I'm now on Facebook How fun! (Thanks to Rachel Balunsat for encouraging me to do this.) Oh, and for those folks interested in such things - I'm also on LinkedIn, atwww.LinkedIn.com/in/PatriciaDines 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! 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. 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 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! 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! 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. 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. 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.

The photograph of Patricia Dines at the top of this page is by Chris Stewart, San Francisco Chronicle.
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