10 things fungi do for us

BBC says at best, check out the article here.

Do it yourself: laundry detergent...coming soon

I am working on a few projects right now, for some upcoming posts.  I have been thinking to myself what else I can cut out buying at the store, that I can do myself at home?  I have been thinking about this because I would like to be self sufficient.  What if the current industrial manufacturing process just fell apart?  I know this is unlikely to happen, but if it did, I would like to know I could survive, and maybe even have clean clothes.  Leading to my first upcoming project: home made laundry detergent.  

Laundry detergent can get a bit expensive.  Its pricey to ship which is reflected in the price, especially if you buy liquid detergent (you are paying to ship water).  Both laundry and dishwashing detergent can negatively affect your surrounding waterways too; by leaching phosphates.  Phosphates are known to stimulate algae blooms which suffocate plant and animals in the rivers and streams.

So by using a detergent with no phosphates, and less or no surfactants (this causes foam when waterways churn) we will be affecting the water quality less.  One of the biggest peeves I have heard is when 'eco soap' doesn't foam; but soap that foams a little or none does the same thing their foamy peers.  

The One Percent: Calling all designers!

The One Percent is an organization launched by Public Architecture in 2005, to allow designers and architects to give their time, creativity and care to non-profits in need of costly design services, pro bono.  

"1% of an 8 hour work day is 4.8 minutes.  Over the course of a 2,080-hour traditional work year, it amounts to just 20 hours per person per year." 

Considering that that's the amount of time you spend brushing your teeth, it makes sense that you can also help a brother, lady, doctor, patient, teacher, kid...out.  

Even if this isn't for you, I am positive that we were all inspired this week by President-Elect Obama's victory, and I see much more do-gooding coming to an everyone near you.

(this pie chart is 1% of your time in a year)

CSA Boxes, support your local farmer!

CSA: Community Supported Agriculture

What is it? In Chicago I use freshpicks to deliver a full box of fresh fruits and veggies from various local farms to me, every other week. Its chock full of amazing goodies, and they usually add in one or two small surprises (one week it was wild mushrooms, another homemade spaghetti sauce!)

Why is it good? You are supporting local farmers, you will be eating in season good, because its local, you will be able to experiement with fruits and vegetables you wouldn't normally pick up at the supermarket, and be able to spout off a jillion ideas for a parsnip to your friends.

What does it cost? Well, through freshpicks, you can determine the portion of food: and its $25 or $40 dollars...or you can shop through their (reasonably priced) offerings and make your own box! Deliver is an extra $5, not bad!

Perks? You can specify no dairy, no carrots, or only food from Illinois. They work with you to get you exactly what you want.

Last week I went and visited one of their large suppliers of milk: Traders Point Creamery, and there will be more on the excursion soon!

Go to Local Harvest to find a CSA near you.

Save Those Nutrients!

This week while you’re walking around the city enjoying the crisp fall air and delighting at the leaves tumbling down the street, take a moment to think ahead to next year. Instead of letting the street sweeper brush them all away, capture the nutrients of those fall colors for your garden next spring. A leaf compost pile is one of the simplest composts you can do. All it takes it the right container, those pretty crinkled leaves, a little activator, and time.

You can buy a compost bin at just about any mega-improvement store these days, but they are a little pricey for what is fundamentally a dirt holder. Instead, try making your own from salvaged or simple materials. I made this one from 10’ of chicken wire, 6 twist ties, and four metal stakes. It took me about twenty minutes to build – the biggest chunk of time going to hammering in the stakes. You can also try using an old garbage can, palettes, etc. My mom made a beautiful compost bin a couple years ago out of sticks woven into a huge basket. It also doubles as an art piece.

Here are the steps to start your spring garden compost:
1. Build an aerated “container”
2. Put down a layer that will allow air to circulate around your compost. I used sticks. You could also use a couple boards, spaced out bricks, etc.
3. Add leaves
4. Water them down
5. Add a heating agent like manure or bone meal
6. Repeat

Leaf composting is a great way to live locally and keep a little extra out of the landfill. Without food waste your compost should stay rat free. Have fun and happy Fall!

Vampire Electronics: save 75% of the energy you use!

Vampires can be sexy, but vampire electronics are not.  Vampire electronics suck on energy instead of blood, and consume more energy than you use when your appliances are ON!  Yes, this means even when your electronics are in the off position they are sucking away on the neck of your electricity bill.  It is unfortunately our appliances weren't designed to stop consuming energy when in the off position & still plugged in.  But alas, even designers don't think of everything.

If you are too lazy or forgetful (like me) to be plugging things in and out all the time, try the smart power strip by Gaiam.  It basically acts a shield to protect your electronics from wasteful energy use.  It may cost $39 dollars but you will save on that in your electricity bill, if you have your entertainment system plugged into it.  Even better, it reduces your carbon footprint, and maybe you can feel better about your Nintendo, Playstation, Wii and whatever other game console you have plugged in all at once :)

Guerrilla Gardening

I know you want to do it.  Gardening that is.  But you live in the city with a small patch of grass or weeds or maybe marigolds in the back yard and you have nowhere to plant your tomatoes and hops and rosemary!  OMG what to do.  

Guerrilla gardening may be your answer.  By far the most fantastic idea I've seen in a while.  I have been yearning for years to begin a community garden, to join with fellow fresh vegetable lovers to plant pretty things and pick them to eat orgasmically in just a few weeks.  But this idea is better...plant something in patches of mud or grass left untended or left to be ugscape (ugly scape: ie: nothing nice to look at); and plant something pretty!; whether it be a flower or a vegetable or an herb!  And then many more people than you can enjoy that little plot that was previously mud or pebbles.  Check out the guerrilla gardening website, then get excited, and THEN start your own group.  Beautify your neighborhood & mine, pretty please?