Guests:

Paula Westmoreland from Ecological Gardens talks to us about permaculture gardening.  Ecological Garden's designs are based on permaculture design principles. Permaculture seeks to consciously design human-dominated landscapes so they have the diversity, stability, and resilence of natural ecosystems. They are committed to assessing the conditions on each site – big or small – and work with the site to help lay the foundation for abundance.  There is even a kit you can purchase that will enable you to grow a Climate Victory Garden.  This garden's types of plants and where they are planted will maximize your garden's carbon sequestration.  This is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint!  They also offer gardens that incorporate edible fruit and vegetable systems.  Make your backyard a producer of food and a carbon capture king!

Waters Realty & Cheri Kuhn are local Eco-Brokers!  Waters Realty is the first Green Brokerage in the Twin Cities area.   Cheri and her team can provide you with resources and information on making your home more energy efficient and reduce your utility bills!  They can also assist you in finding energy efficient financing which usually can offer a lower interest rate than traditional vehicles.

Tips, Info and Green Goodness:

Dark Green Tip #382 - Plant a Shade Tree

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Spring is a good time to plant many trees, which boost property value and have numerous benefits.

Shade trees can reduce the need for air conditioning by 7% to 40%, according to research by the Department of Energy and the Sacramento Municipal Utility District. Shaded walls are 9 to 36° F cooler at peak temperatures.

Trees raise property values and provide many other benefits. According to the U.S. Forest Service, a 1985 study estimated the values of an average 50-year old shade tree as: air conditioning worth $73, soil erosion and stormwater management worth $75, wildlife shelter worth $75, and air pollution control worth $50 — a total of $273. In 1989, a total value of $57,151 was estimated for the life of a typical tree.

Get the best results by planting trees to the west and southwest of buildings. Deciduous plants work well in temperate zones, because they block sunlight in summer but let it in during chilly months. Spring and fall are the best times to plant them.

Light Green Tip #4572 - Get rid of your battery powered gadgets and go with reusable batteries!

Do you love camping like Ryan does?  Check out

this no battery using, crankable, solar panneled, AM, FM, Weatherband radio, flashlight, cellphone charger!  This mulit-functional device will take the place of three important pieces of gear: the radio, flashlight, and solar charger.  Best part??? Never be in need and discover that your batteries are dead!  What a relief!  Click on the pic for more info!