GMG's Friday Find: Plant, Share and Care This Earth Day!

Back in the late 60's most people were not very concerned about our impact on planet Earth; those were the days of the hippie and flower-child power with protest the order of the day.  Americans were slurping leaded gas, air pollution was the smell of success and "environment" was a word you may get in a spelling bee.

Then along came Rachel Carson's New York Times bestseller, "Silent Spring," representing a watershed moment for the environmental movement, raising public awareness and concern for all living organisms and public health. Earth Day 1970 capitalized on a new emerging consciousness putting environmental concerns front and center, and that movement has continued uninterrupted with April 22nd marking the 43rd year of Earth Day.

There are many ways to celebrate Earth Day.  Almost every city in the country organizes events and activities to mark the occasion, you won't have to look far to see what's happening in your neck of the woods. In Columbus, Ohio they are holding Earth Day 2013: Stand Together, the largest volunteer service effort across the country to make Columbus communities greener.  People volunteer their labor and companies, like PRO-MIX, donate growing mixes. In the past 7 years efforts have resulted in over 40,000 hours of labor and 19,000 trees planted throughout the regions.  

Here are a few more suggestions you may consider for you and your family:


Costa Farms

Plant a Tree/Have a Plant Party  - Recent studies have shown how trees and our health and happiness are co-dependent, and studies have proven that houseplants provide much needed fresh air for the massive amount of time we spend indoors. If you aren't in the market for a tree, you can certainly run to your nearest market or home improvement center for a variety of houseplants that can clean your indoor air for better health. Another fun activity for kids is an Earth Day Plant Party where they decorate a kid-friendly container with stickers and then pop in little green heroes like ferns and snake plants. Remember to look for the O2 for You label!

Build/Design a Birdhouse/Make Homemade Seed - A fun project you can enjoy with kids is making a birdhouse or designing a birdfeeder and then crafting homemade birdseed that you can put in pine cones and other 'natural' finds. Teaching our children the value of caring for wildlife is a lesson they are sure to pass on to future generations.

Perky-Pet

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle all day long - There are so many ways to accomplish these goals, even for just one day.  Use less water in your morning shower, walk or bike to work and save gas, turn off your lights until it's dark, avoid using disposable plates and cutlery, bring your own bags to the grocery store and avoid the plastic bags, find a way to reuse an old household or garage item, and recycle everything you can. If it's not already, this mindset for just one day can be the beginning of a lifelong habit.

Hold a garage sale/Donate -  Spring is the perfect time to thin out closets and garages of unused or unwanted clutter.  A garage sale, whether community or neighborhood, can benefit many who don't have certain necessities or you can donate items to charities to resell for cash.  Involve your children and see if there aren't some toys, games and sporting equipment they can include, helping them understand that giving is a rewarding endeavor. 

James Farmer

Cook an Earth Day Meal - Plan a menu that uses locally produced food and decorate your table with found and/or recycled objects.  Have your guests participate in a wreath-making activity using material from your garden and produce from the grocery store or farmer's market. It's not only fun, everyone gets to go home with a fabulous wreath for the summer season.

Whatever we do on Earth Day is certainly something we can do everyday.  We are all stewards of the Earth and as John Muir said, "When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world." Happy Earth Day...everyday!

~Peggy
Garden Media Group

Trees Matter

A recent article in the New York Times titles, Why Trees Matter, makes the case, once again, for planting trees.

Jim Robbins, writer and author of "The Man Who Planted Trees” says, "trees are on the front lines of our changing climate... and are a potentially major answer to some of our most pressing environmental problems."

Robbins goes on to explain how trees help clean the ocean, filter water, create a heat shield, clean the air, absorb toxic chemical and release beneficial ones. 

In Japan, he explains, it's daily practice to take "A walk in the woods."  This was the part that hit home the most- since we've been touting biophilia a lot this year.  Nature heals!

They say it "reduces the level of stress chemicals in the body and increases natural killer cells in the immune system, which fight tumors and viruses. Studies in inner cities show that anxiety, depression and even crime are lower in a landscaped environment."

So, in honor of Earth Month (or what I like to call Earth Lifetime...) get out there and plant a tree.  PLANT A TREE!

Robbins says California Redwoods are the super trees, but go ahead and just plant something!

Katie @KatieGMG
Garden Media Group

This Earth Day, Use Houseplants To Sweep the Air Clean with O2 For You

Thank a plant on Earth Day. Silently and always “working”, these green heroes toil tirelessly to purify the environment, naturally cleansing the air and providing truly amazing health benefits! They filter indoor air 24/7 to sweep it clean from dangerous chemicals and toxins while continuously releasing fresh oxygen in homes and offices.

When selecting indoor plants, consider the plants “job”. Does it work the day shift or night shift? Is it for the home or office? Does it work in bright light or low light? This Plant Guide from O2 For You allows users to find houseplants that suit their conditions and fit their lifestyle.

According to a landmark NASA study, it is recommended that at least one or more medium sized houseplant for every 100 square feet in the home or office will help maximize the health benefits and freshen the air.

Why Are House Plants Green Heroes? People's lives depend on technology, but ordinary household products such as paints, tobacco smoke, printer ink and carpets hold hidden dangers that plants can help reduce.

Former NASA research scientist Dr. Bill Wolverton found plants improve air quality through their natural “filtering” ability. He discovered houseplants can absorb up to 87% of volatile organic compounds (VOC’s), like formaldehyde and benzene, found in many homes and offices.

Houseplants work round the clock to “clean” the air! How? They absorb these VOCs into the root zone where they’re broken down by microbes. Some of the hardest working plants are the peace lilies, ferns and palms.

Bring a Houseplant to Work Put a plant on your desk to feel happier, enjoy better health and be more productive. The NASA study recommends office workers should have at least one medium size plant in their “personal breathing space” at work to effectively remove indoor pollutants.

Research conducted in the Netherlands supports this, finding office workers who had plants in their workspace out performed co-workers without plants. Workers reported they felt better and their concentration improved with plants on their desks, especially working at computers!

Another test conducted in Norway reports that 25% fewer health problems occur, in particular respiratory ailments, headache, and fatigue, when plants were introduced to their workspace.

Snake plants, broad sword ferns and rubber plants are among the top ten air purifiers recommended by experts. They’re easy to grow, are natural humidifiers and remove airborne chemicals. Other green heroes are philodendrons, dieffenbachias and ZZ plants.

Take a Heavy Night Breather to Bed Some plants actually work at night while we sleep! These green heroes “breathe out” oxygen (O2) and absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) at night, rather than in the daytime, when the majority of plants do their “breathing.”

Kate Santos, director of research for Costa Farms, the largest indoor houseplant producer in North America, recommends snake plants and orchids, particularly in the bedroom. These natural botanical air purifiers make perfect bedroom buddies to refresh and beautify these spaces for a healthy, restful night’s sleep!

“Which plant you choose, and where you place your plants is important to reap optimum benefits,” says Santos.

Santos says to consider the light, humidity, and temperature to determine the best spot for a plant. “Put a Majesty Palm in your living room, fern in the family room and a Peace lily in the kitchen. Add golden pothos or heart leaf philodendron for beauty and maximum air cleansing benefits.”

Look for the ‘O2 for You’ displays at Lowe’s Home Depot, and Walmart nationwide this April.

-Stacey
Garden Media Group
 

The Rise of Conscious Consumption

Earth Day is just around the corner. You don't have to pick bugs by hand off your plants or wash your car in rainwater to be a good steward of our planet.

Decades after Earth Day launched in 1970, support for a cleaner earth, air and water for us and future generations has adherents from boardrooms to bedrooms throughout the world.

The message of sustainability and our roles as Mother Earth's caretakers is quietly shaping how we grow gardens in our own backyards or within communities.

Suzi McCoy, the Garden Media Group's chief garden trendspotter and green living expert, has long proclaimed, "Just plant something." And this message is catching on as statistics bear out.

According to the Garden Writers Association's 2011 Fall/Winter Lawn & Garden Survey of nearly one-thousand people across America, close to 70% of American consumers have a lawn or garden and three of five believe the issue of sustainability in gardening is important. (TechnoMetrica)

We're calling this trend: Conscious Consumption.

GWA's survey indicates that nearly 58% of respondents have reduced the use of chemicals and 53% have reduced or eliminated watering their lawns. Plus, 48% have used compost or other natural nutrients instead of chemical fertilizers, 66% have grown edible plants, veggies, fruit or herbs and more than 52% have created habitats for insects, birds and wildlife.

According to the 2010 Cone Survey 83% of consumers still want to see more brands, products and companies that support worthy causes.

"We finally moved from "me" to "we" and consider the earth and each other when we purchase," says McCoy.

You can preserve the earth's delicate eco-system and enjoy the wonder of nature in your little piece of heaven with American Beauties Native Plants. Their partnership with the National Wildlife Federation is an example of the mindshift. When you buy an American Beauties native plant, a donation is made to NWF's Certified Wildlife Habitat Program.

And the birds, butterflies and bees will thank you.

~Lynne Garden Media Group

Greening our Cities one plant at a time

Earth Day is just around the corner. It's a chance for all of us to make a positive impact on the environment by changing a few habits: (like remembering to turn off unnecessary lights, use energy efficient light bulbs, wash your laundry later in the evening, and more.)

But more than cultivating a few "eco-habits", we can influence and help our communities, towns and cities get onboard the green train to help protect and restore our infrastructures and natural resources.

Our GMG office is located southwest of Philadelphia, home of the Liberty Bell and historical treasures. Philly also boasts the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS), known for the world-class Philadelphia International Flower Show.

A little known fact is that PHS has been around since 1827 and is the oldest continuously running horticultural society in the U.S.

But PHS also has a wonderful program, Philadelphia Green, that's been in existence for over 30 years and uses horticulture "to build communities and improve the quality of life."

Besides revitalizing parks and green space and reclaiming abandoned land, PHS has recently partnered with three states for the campaign "Plant One Million." Plant what? Trees... in the Greater Philadelphia region, and in southern New Jersey and Delaware.

The U.S. Forest Service Chief, Tom Tidwell, attended the recent launch and revealed plans for the creation of the first Urban Field Station to help improve the environment in the Philadelphia area.

Tidwell said that the intent is to "increase tree canopy cover in the Greater Philadelphia region and improve the environment, create jobs, strengthen communities and improve air and water quality."

A tall order. But with the support of Mayor Michael Nutter's shared vision of "Philadelphia becoming America's greenest city," through this PHS initiative, as well as urban renewal projects with community gardens and vacant land restoration, the dream may very well become a reality, one plant at a time.

Green on, Philly.
photos courtesy of PHS: Love Park & Phila City Hall; South Philadelphia & community initiative; Aspen Park before/after; and school initiatives

Lynne, GMG

Share Your Love for Mother Nature on Earth Day

Here at GMG, we're all about giving back to Mother Nature, so for Earth Day (April 22nd) we thought we would share some simple solutions for going "green" on this day and every day.

I guarantee you'll feel good as you garden with a purpose inside and outside your home while giving back to Mother Nature. It's that easy!

Gardening for the Birds & Bees

You don’t need to water or fertilize or spray with harmful herbicides and pesticides to grow a beautiful garden. Let Mother Nature do the work to save time, money and natural resources. Going native in your garden with American Beauties Native Plants attract wildlife and help maintain our fragile eco-system. They’ve teamed up with the National Wildlife Federation to help gardeners create a Certified Wildlife Habitat that brings life to your landscape.

Houseplants with a Purpose

When it comes to “green", plants are King. As the earth’s lungs, plants clean the very air we

breathe and give back oxygen, moisture and natural beauty. Since most of us spend the majority of our time indoors, houseplants are the perfect solution to purify indoor air from volatile organic compounds as they freshen our indoor spaces. Costa Farms offers fascinating facts about how houseplants clean the air, plant guide and care tips, videos and more at www.o2foryou.org.

Eco-scaping

Earth day can be every day with a sustainable landscape design. Today, professional landscape designers are helping their clients achieve “green” landscapes. According to Bobbie Schwartz, president of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers, “Some clients are asking for sustainable design because they want to lessen their use of natural resources. Others, faced with mounting water bills, are asking for sustainable design with a desire for landscapes that will thrive with very little water once established.”

A hot trend that's gaining in popularity is low and no-water gardening called Xeriscaping, a style of landscape design that requires little to no watering. “Xeriscapes don’t need to look like desert landscapes,” says Schwartz. "They’re just as applicable in the Midwest and can be a beautiful mix of trees, shrubs, perennials, ornamental grasses, and groundcovers when well-designed.” To find a professional landscape designer for great garden and landscape designs for your home, visit www.apld.org.

Healthy soil, healthy plants

Healthy plants start with healthy soil. Earth-friendly, peat-free and 100% organic soils like Organic Mechanics Potting Soil are rich in minerals, nutrients and ‘good bugs’. They help give plants the “boost” they need to help grow strong, healthy roots. Recognizing the natural goodness in Organic Mechanics soils, Organic Gardening Magazine has recently awarded them with its “Seal of Approval” for its organic soils and soil amendments. “Our seal of approval recognizes that Organic Mechanics potting soils are right in line with our mission to work in harmony with nature, says Ethne Clarke, editor-in-chief.

On Earth Day and every day, here’s a thought to remember: “To me, sustainable means two things: not harming the earth and leaving it better for future generations,” says Schwartz.

I couldn’t have said it better!

Stacey GMG

Easy Earth Day Eco-Tips

You don't have to compost your kitchen waste or pick bugs off plants by hand to help the environment. From the red carpet to your favorite garden shop, "green" products are making it easy to have a beautiful yard while being good stewards of the earth in your own back yard. We here at GMG have gathered 3 surprisingly simple solutions for going "green" this Earth Day.

1. Plant, Plant, Plant!

Try 'Going Native' in your garden!

Long before cultivated gardens existed native plants ruled. Mother Nature designed these plants to thrive in specific places in the wild. "Natives should rule the garden," says Dr. Allan Armitage, world-renowned breeder and author of Native Plants for North America. "You pick the right plant for the right spot, and it will thrive for years with little to no care - and with a positive impact on the environment."

According to Armitage, native plants are perfect for low maintenance, environmentally minded gardens. After the first year, native plants give more reward with less work for the homeowner. You don't need to water or fertilize, spray with harmful herbicides and pesticides to grow a beautiful garden.

You can find American Beauties Native Plants® in distinctive pots with fact-filled tags at your local garden center.

2. Start with Healthy Soil

Pesticides and fungicides aren't safe for people, pets or even the planet. Eliminate the need for harmful garden chemicals by pampering your plants with healthy, nutrient-rich soil from the get go.

Healthy soil, rich in minerals, nutrients and 'good bugs,' maximizes a plant's own healthy immune system to let it naturally resist pests and diseases. Look for organic potting soils like Organic Mechanics available at your local garden center.

3. Water Responsibly

If you don't need to water your plants as often, you'll save time and money. But more importantly, you conserve water and protect the environment.

Substitute older cultivars with new and improved varieties bred to drink responsibly. Updated versions of classic plants like The Knock Out® Family of shrub roses require much less water than older cultivars while still offering the same great look gardeners love. Plus they are available at garden centers nationwide.

Happy Earth Day!

Stacey