Global warming is real. Along with the participating US cities (Atlanta, Chicago, Phoenix, San Francisco), the World Wildlife Fund and millions of people around the world, join Earth Hour on Saturday, March 29, 2008, from 8 to 9 p.m - to make a bold statement about climate change. For one hour, residents, businesses and organizations across the world are being asked to voluntarily turn off lights to reduce energy consumption. We want to raise awareness about climate change and demonstrate that the people of the world can make a difference in the fight against global warming.

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If you are living in the Midwest or California, chances are you don’t know that disposing of your energy-saving fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) in the waste basket is against the law. Illegal, you ask, how can that be possible? Consumers are well aware that these new bulbs are much more energy efficient than the traditional incandescent bulbs, especially since we are bombarded regularly with advertising and news clips on how great this new technology is for our environment.

If you’ve recently installed some you no doubt have noticed that they take a while to heat up and tend to make a low buzzing noise. And if you are like me, you have even gotten a few duds that you’ve had to discard. No problem, right? Wrong. Fluorescent bulbs are made with mercury, a known neurotoxin, and if you live in the Midwest like I do it is actually illegal to just throw them in the trash. Worst yet, if you break one there is an 11 step protocol that you must follow to limit over contamination and risk the safety of your family. (more…)

The World’s Most Innovative, Trend-Setting Food & Lifestyle Products…All In One Show! Combined, these three events (All Things Organic Conference and Trade Show, The Spring Fancy Food Show and U.S. Food Export Showcase) offer more than 56,000 products from over 1000 exhibitors leading the fastest growing segments of the food industry. The event will be held at McCormick Place (Chicago, Illinois). Conference: April 26-29; Tradeshow: April 27-29, 2008. (more…)

If you are worried about the over-use of chemicals in your home then you should check out Green Home Experts, located at 823 S. Oak Park Avenue in Oak Park, Illinois. Owned by Maria Onesto Moran, this store is part of a new breed of hardware stores. They offer building supplies and home products that are environmentally friendly. So the next time you decide to do a little remodeling or home improvement check out some of their eco-friendly flooring, paints, insulation, water fixtures, counter tops, cabinets, mattresses, and more. Those that are just looking for small ticket items will happily find fluorescent light bulbs, non-toxic cleaning products, organic fabrics, and eco-friendly garden supplies. Open Tuesday through Sunday, Green Home Experts offer consultation services for architects, designers, decorators and contractors. Just contact the store for more details. (more…)

The Historic Chicago Bungalow and Green Home Expo will return to Chicago’s Merchandise Mart (8th Floor, 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, Chicago) for its 2007 show. This year’s Expo will take place on Saturday, October 27th, 2007 from 10am-4pm. (more…)

Families looking for creative ways to raise their children naturally in an artificial and chemically laden world may find some terrific resources at the Naturally Healthy Children’s Expo. The expo runs Friday through Sunday on the first weekend in October (5-7) at Chicago’s Navy Pier. Naturally Healthy Children’s Expo will feature renowned experts and interesting exhibits. Natural product vendors and service providers will host demonstrations on the exhibit floor. Visitors will also get the chance to watch live cooking shows performed by famous celebrity chefs. (more…)