cape fearâ€™s going green

Going Greenyour guide to local eco-friendly resources

Cape Fear’s

The State of Our Oceans Wild Bird & Garden Nature Photo ContestAudubon’s “Be a Good Egg” Program Helps Shorebirds

Volume 4 Issue 2www.GoinGGreenPublications.com Fall 2011

NEW FOOD DELIVERY SYSTEMS:

Where Does Your Food Come From?

Farm Stewardship Conference Sparks Local Innovation

Slow Money Arrives in Wilmington

� www.goinggreenpublications.com

Contents 3 DownEastConnect:NewFoodDeliverySystem 6 LocalPickleVendorsCreateFrozenDessertLine 7 MargaretSheltonEarnsYWCAEnvironmentalAward 8 YourEcologicalHouse CanBiocharSavethePlanet? TwoTurkeysandaBlessing 10 SlowMoneyComestoWilmington 11 UNCWMakesMovestoKeepGreen 12 AnnualCarolinaFarmStewardshipAssociationConference 13 WrappingUpaGreenHalloweenatN.C.Aquariumat FortFisher 14 ScientistsCallforConcertedInternationalActiontoSave World’sOceans 17 ReportFindsSignificantAdverseHealthEffectsfrom Titan’sProposedCementPlantEmissions 19 PortraitofanArtist:MarieSheppard 20 KingsofJunk 23 WildBird&GardenHoldsSecondAnnualNaturePhotoContest 24 AudubonNorthCarolinaKicksOffBeaGoodEgg/Sharethe BeachInitiative

Cape Fear’s Going Green isaquarterlypublicationpromotingeco-friendlyresourcesandlifestylesintheLowerCapeFearRiverBasin.

Publisher&EditorinChief:ValerieRobertson

SisterCity:Eugene,Oregon(Voted“GreenestCity”2006byThe Green Guide)

EugeneContributingEditor:MaryRobertson

Advisors&EditorialContributors:AudubonNorthCarolina,JessicaBerinson,CourtneyBowman,JenniferButler,NicoleCarpenter,JoyDavis,LizDurkin,KatFowler,WalkerGolder,CarolPeppeHewitt,GracieHutchens,MitzyJonkheer,theKuuskoskifamily,ChristiePerry,IdaPhillips,AdelineRobertson,GeorgeScheibner,PhilipS.Wenz.

Cape Fear’s Going GreenGoingGreenPublications

P.O.Box3164Wilmington,NC28406

(910)547-4390www.goinggreenpublications.com

Cape Fear’s Going GreenisavailablebysubscriptionoronourWebsite.

Printcopiesareavailableatmorethan100areaeco-friendlybusinessesandlocations,including:

Angela’sPepper-PickledFoods,CapeFearRainwaterHarvesting,OldGrowthRiverwood,Lovey’s,MottLandscaping,PomegranateBooks,

PortCityJava,ProgressiveGardens,Sambuca,SaponaGreenBuildingCenter,TidalCreekCo-op,UNCW,WHQR,WildBird&Garden,andthe

SheltonHerbFarmboothatareafarmers’markets.

Editorial:Ifyouhavestoryideasorcalendaritemstosuggest,[email protected],orcall(910)547-4390.

Advertisinginformation:[email protected].

Cape Fear’s Going Green isdistributedfreeofchargethroughoutBrunswick,Columbus,NewHanover,Onslow,andPendercounties.Ifyouhaveabusinessandwouldliketoreceivemultiplecopiesforthepublictopickup,pleasecontactus.

Letter from the EditorYouhaveadifferentrelationshipwithyourfoodonce

you’vegrownityourself.RaisingmyownlettucemeansinsteadofwolfingdownasaladIsometimespausetosavortheindividualleaves.Insteadofdowningahandfulofpecans,Iconsiderthatsomeonehadtobenddownandpickupeachnutandthenshellit.Knowingtheworkthatgoesintotheharvestmakesthepecansseemmorespecial.Myneighborhoodusedtobeapecangrove,soIamfortunatetogetnutsfrommyowntree,justastepfromthebackdoor.

AsIexaminetheproliferationoffood-buyingchoicesbecomingavailableintheCapeFearregion,Iamstruckbythechangeintheconversation.Before,thediscussionseemedtobeaboutwhetherbuyingorganicproducewas“worthit”—presumablytotheconsumer.NowIamaslikelytohearaboutpesticideuse,sustainablefarming,andcalculatingfoodmiles.Andourfoodvendorsareresponding:newfarmers’marketsareopening,Community-SupportedAgriculture(CSA)isontherise,andeveryoneseemstobetalkingabouteatinglocally.WhenIwalkintomylocalHarrisTeeterandsee,atopamountainofsweetpotatoes,ahand-letteredsignannouncingtheycamefrom81milesaway,Iknowthingsarechanging.

Weliketothinkthatouractionscanhaveaneffect—forgood—intheworld,butoftenthechoiceswemakeseemfarremovedfromourdesiredresult.Drivingfewermilesandswitchingtomoreefficientlightbulbsmakessense,butbydoingthesearewereallychallengingthestatusquo?

❧ ❧ ❧ Front Cover: Fall harvest—an armful of produce picked in just a few minutes from the back yard. Photo by Mary Robertson.

photo by George ScheibnerValerie Robertson demonstrates her dire need for food-growing classes, by showing off her entire carrot har-vest for 2011.

Enterthefooddiscussion.Choosingwhereandwhattobuy(orgrow,)prepare,andeatisoneofthemostpowerfulactionslefttousasindividuals.Itcanhaveanimmediateeffectonourhealth,ourcommunity’sviability,andthenation’spoliciesandculture.I’mseeingthesechangesinmycommunity,andrealizethatwithchoicesImakeeveryday—eveneatingahandfulofpecansfrommyownyard—I’mpartofthischange.

—ValerieL.RobertsonEditor

�Cape Fear’s Going GreenFall �011

local food

Down East Connect: New Food Delivery System Brings Rural Produce to Urban SettingsCreative Use of Internet Expands Local Food Buying Options

(continued on page 4)

There’sanexcitingnewwayforWilmingtonresidentstobuyfreshfooddirectlyfromlocalfarmers.Formerly,arearesidentseithervisitedalocalfarmers’marketorspecialtygrocerystore,signedupforaCSAshare(seesidebar),ordrovetoafarmer’sroadsidestandfortheirvegetables.

John Russ of B+L Farms dishes up some of his own greens for an attendee of a “Farmer Meet & Greet” event at Progressive Gardens. John and his wife Linda Russ were two of the farmers showcasing foods available through Down East Connect.

Now,thankstoacomputermodelimportedfromRutherfordCounty,individuals,chefs,andinstitutionalbuyerscangoonlinetosignupforweeklydeliveryofproduce,meat,eggsandotherproducts.ThisnewonlineorderingsystemmatchessmallNorthCarolinafarmers—primarilyinColumbusCounty—withconsumersinWilmington.Called“DownEastConnect,”theprogramallowspeopletoorderandpayforfoodrightfromhome.

Here’showitworks:anareashoppersetsupanaccountatthegroup’swebsiteandselectsfromalistofdeliverypoints(called“MetropolitanBuyingClubs”).Onceactive,theycangoonlineanytimetoseewhatfoodiscurrentlyavailable,andtoreadabouttheparticipatingfarmers.There’snofeetosignup,andtheminimumorderatonetimeis$10forindividuals.Chefsandinstitutionssuchashospitalsandschoolsgetfreedeliveryforordersof$200ormore;otherwisetheycanpaya$25deliverychargeforasmallerorder.

Cutofftimeforeachweek’sorderisnoononTuesday:that’swhentheparticipatingfarmerscanlogintoseewhathasbeenordered.Theyhaveuntil11a.m.Wednesdaymorningtoharvest,packageandlabel,anddeliverallorderstoaColumbusCountylocationineitherWhitevilleorTaborCity.Farmersusebarcodingequipmenttohelptracktheorders.DownEastConnectProjectManagerMarthaCampagnathenpicksupthefoodanddeliversittothevariousdeliveryloca-tions.Oncedelivered,buyerscanpickuptheirordersduringsetpick-uphours.Thevarietyofofferingshasexpandedquicklytoincludenotonlyproducebutbeef,pork,free-rangepoultryandeggs,juiceandcider,gritsandcorn,andbreadbakedusingfresh-milledflour.

OrganizerJoshHeinberg’smotivationforbringingthismodeltotheColumbusCounty/Wilmingtonareawasjobcreation.ThestateDepartmentofCommercerankscountiesbasedontheireconomicwell-be-ing—ColumbusCountyisdesignateda

“Tier1,”orthemosteconomicallydistressedcategory,andsmallfarmerstherearestrugglingtosurvive.YetrightnextdoorisNewHanoverCounty,withthemeansandinteresttobuylocal,freshproduce.Andcomputertechnologycanhelpsolvebothproblems.“Weareconnectingthesesmallfarmswithahungrypublicthattheywouldnotbeabletoreachifnotfortheinternet,”saysHeinberg.

AndfarmersgetmorethanjustanInternet-basedmarketfortheirgoods.Campagnahelpsthemdeveloponlinedescriptionsoftheirproduceandoftheirfarmingmethods,whichhelpsbuildrelationshipswiththelocalbuyers.Buyerscanevenarrangetopayavisittothefarmfromwhichtheybuytheirfood.Consumersliketoknowwheretheirfoodcomesfromaswellasknowingthey’resupportinglocalfarmers.

Manyconsumersaregettinguncom-fortablewithwhatpassesfor“food”today.Safetyrecalls,useofhormonesandantibi-otics,geneticengineeringandincreasedknowledgeofthewayfarmanimalshave

Buying Local: Some Direct Marketing AvenuesCommunity Supported Agriculture (CSA)

CommunitySupportedAgricultureisawayforthefood-buyingpublictocreatearelationshipwithafarmandtoreceiveaweeklybasketofproduce.Bymakingafinancialcommitmenttoafarm,peoplebecome“members”(or“shareholders,”or“subscribers”)oftheCSA.MostCSAfarmerspreferthatmemberspayfortheseasonup-front,butsomefarmerswillacceptweeklyormonthlypayments.SomeCSAsalsorequirethatmembersworkasmallnumberofhoursonthefarmduringthegrowingseason.

ACSAseasontypicallyrunsfromlatespringthroughearlyfall,buttherearewinterCSAs,particularlyinmildclimates.

Farmers’ Market Inafarmers’market,agroupoffarmersselltheirproductsonceortwiceaweekatadesignatedpublicplacelikeaparkorparkinglot.Somefarmers’marketshaveliveentertainment.Shoppingatafarm-ers’marketisagreatwaytomeetlocalfarmersandgetfresh,flavorfulproduce!

Farm Stand Afarmstandisaplacewhereasinglefarmsellsitsproduce,eitherfromthebackofatruckparkedonMainStreet,orfromaroadsidestandnearorontheirfarm.Generallyonlyopenduringwarmweather,farmstandsmaybe“selfserve.”

Food Cooperative (or Co-op) Foodcooperativesareworker-orcustomer-ownedentitiesthatprovidegroceryitemsofthehighestqualityandbestvaluetotheirmembers.Co-opscantaketheshapeofretailstoresorbuyingclubs.Allfoodco-opsarecommittedtoconsumereducation,productquality,andmembercontrol,andusuallysup-porttheirlocalcommunitiesbysellingproducegrownlocallybyfamilyfarms.

Source: www.LocalHarvest.org/descriptions.jsp


Inthesixmonthssincetheprogramstarted,thenumberofparticipatingfarmershasgrownfrom14to33,andnewfarmersareencouragedtosignup.Farmersdon’thavetobeinColumbusCountybutmustbeabletodelivertheirorderstoacentralColumbusCountylocationeachweekbythedeadline.Andtheyarefreetoofferanyproducttheymake,includingjamsandjel-liesandsoaps.DownEastConnectstaffvisiteveryfarmbeforesigningthemup,toverifytheirfarmingandproductdetails.HowardWallace,AgriculturalExtensionAgentfortheColumbusCountyCenteroftheNCCooperativeExtensionService,alsovisitseachfarmtoassesstheirfarmingpractices.

Farmersarefreetosettheirownprices;withoutthemiddlemanmarkupnorthecostoftravelingtoandfromstaffingastallatmarket,moreofthefooddollargoesdirectlytothem.Normallywhenaconsumerspendsonedollaronfood,thefarmreceives16centsofthatdollar.*DownEastConnectfarmersreceive80centsofthefoodpurchasedollar.

Anyindividualcansignuptobuyfoodifthey’rewillingtopickupthefoodfromanexistingMetropolitanBuyer’sClublocation.Ifthere’snotoneconvenient,DownEastConnectencouragesyoutofindenoughindividuals—usuallyabout20families—towarrantanewClubclosetoyourhome,officeorschool.

TheprogramismodeledafteroneintroducedinRutherfordCountyin2007byTimWill,thenExecutiveDirectorofFoothillsConnectBusiness&TechnologyCenter.Oncehigh-speedInternetbecameavailableinthisruralpartofthestate,itbecamepossibleforsmallfarmerstonotonlyreachtheirbuyersbuttocoordinateplantingschedulestoprovideexactlywhattheirlocalconsumerswantedwithoutwaste.Ensuringaconsistentsupplyoffreshpro-ducehelpslargercustomerslikerestaurantsandschoolstomakeuseoflocalproduce.

Accordingtoindustrystudies,apieceoffruitusuallytravelshundredsofmilestoreachtheaverageU.S.consumer.FooditemsorderedthroughDownEastConnect

routinelybeentreated—oftenconfinedandsubjectedtocruellivingconditions—havenothelpedconsumerconfidenceinthequalitynortheethicsofwhattheyeat.Andusingthe“organic”labeltochoosewhenshoppingdoesn’tnecessarilyguaranteemorehealthfulfood.Federalguidelines,labelinginconsistenciesandthefactthatmanysmallerfarmersjustdon’thavetheresourcestobe“certifiedorganic”meansshopperswantandneedtoknowmoreinordertomaketheirbuyingdecisions.TheincreasedtransparencyofprogramslikeDownEastConnectletstheconsumerhaveamuchbetterideaofexactlywhattheyaregetting,andwhetherthewayitisproducedalignswiththeirfoodgoals.

“Theproduceisextremelyfresh,reasonablypriced,andveryconvenientforpick-upandasamid-weekproduceoption.”saysElaineJack,ownerofSaponaGreenBuildingCenterandaregularDownEastConnectcustomer.“Ialsolikesupportingfarmerswhocan’tmaketheWilmingtonRiverfrontFarmers’Marketorotherstore-basedmarketsthatfocusonlocalfood.”

Heinbergpointsoutanotherbonus:flexibilityfortheconsumer.Theprogramoffers“allthefreshnesstheywouldexpectfromaCSAshare,butwiththeabilitytoorderasmuchoraslittleastheylike—orevennoneatall—inanyweek.Somelovethechallengeofthe‘potluck’natureofaCSA;thissystemworkswellforthosewhomaynotbeinterestedinlearninghowtopreparekohlrabi.”

“Eating Local,” Year-RoundFindinglocalproducethroughthewintercanbeachallengeasfarmers’marketscloseforthewintermonths;youmayhavetoseekadditionalsources.First,learnwhatproduceisavailableeachseason.Infallandwinter,lookforrootvegetables(sweetpotatoes,potatoes,beets),wintersquashes,peanuts,pecans,leeks,cabbages,greens(kale,collards),andmicrogreens.*ApplesareavailablefromwesternNorthCarolina.We’reusedtowaitinguntilspringforstraw-berries,andsummerforSilverQueencorn;tomatoesgrownoutdoorsdon’tmatureuntilJuly.Vendorsyoumeetatfarmers’marketsoftenhaveadditionalwaystodistributetheirpro-duce.Severalonlinesourcesareavailabletohelpyoufindfarms,CSAs,onlinebuyingclubs,farmers’markets,andfarmstandsnearyouallyearlong.

North Carolina:FeastDownEastserveselevencounties

inSoutheasternNorthCarolina http://www.FeastDownEast.org/NorthCarolinaFarmFresh http://www.ncfarmfresh.com/CarolinaFarmStewardshipAssociation http://carolinafarmstewards.org/Nationwide: LocalHarvest http://www.localharvest.org/

TidalCreekCo-opsponsorsan“EatLocal”Challengeeverysummer.Participantssignuponlineandcommittogettingapercent-ageoftheirfoodfromlocalsources.Evenanincreaseof5%canmakeadifference.www.tidalcreek.coop.TheCapeFearChapterofEarthSave,ana-tionalnonprofitthateducatespeopleabouthealthfulfoodchoices,hostsmonthlymeetingswithaspeakerandavegetarian/vegan/rawfoodpotluckemphasizinglocalproduce.Seehttp://senc.earthsave.orgorcall(910)200-6884.Jointhe“NC10%Campaign”andhelpTheCenterforEnvironmentalFarmingSystemssupportlocalfoodproducers,busi-nessesandcommunities.Registeratwww.nc10percent.comandpledgetospend10percentofyourfooddollarsonfoodsproducedorgrownlocally;orgrowyourown!Thegroupmonitorsprogressstate-widesoparticipantscanseewhateffectthecampaignishaving.* Microgreens are tiny edible greens grown from seeds of vegetables, herbs, or other plants. Only an inch or two long, including stem and leaves, they are tasty and nutritious.

local food New Food Delivery System – continued


This pre-Thanksgiving order included kohl-rabi from B & L Farms, China Rose radishes from Country Corners Farm, and organic collards from Greenlands Farm & Store, as well as a personal note with a hand-drawn turkey, wishing the cus-tomer a Happy Thanksgiving.

Photos this article by Valerie Robertson.

* U.S. Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service. See http://www.ers.usda.gov/Data/FoodDollar/app/


Encouraging one-on-one interactions between farmers, fishermen and chefs was the purpose of the Brunswick County Farmer-Chef Partnership Meeting held in June at Fishy Fishy Restaurant in Southport. Feast Down East hosts such meetings to foster business relationships that will cater to growing diner demand for locally sourced food, or food that is obtained from local sources. Here, Kea Meachum talks with Jon Haag of Brunswick Catch.

willtravelanaverageof42miles.“Peoplewanttofeelmorefoodsecure,”saysTonyKleese,AssociateofEarthwiseCompanyandformerExecutiveDirectoroftheCarolinaFarmStewardshipAssociation.“IfouridealinNorthCarolinaistogrowourownfood,haveourownfoodcomefromlessthan500miles,thisispos-siblebecausewehavemicroclimates,”heexplains.Becausethestatecontainssomanydifferentmicroclimates,foodssuch

asbroccoli,cabbage,kale—allthegreensandmustards—canbegrownsomewherewithinthestatealmostanymonthoftheyear.Whenweatheristoocoldforlettuceinthemountains,thecropgrowswellatthecoast.“Wehavetheopportunitytobearelativelyfood-securestate.”

DownEastConnectcurrentlydeliverstofourlocationsinWilmington,buthasplanstoexpandelsewhereinNewHanoverCountyandeventuallytoMyrtleBeach,

local food New Food Delivery System – continued

7 Reasons to Keep It LocalWhen You Buy Locally-Produced Foods, You…Buy Fresher, More Nutritious Foods

Locallygrownfruitsandvegetablesareusuallypurchasedbytheconsumerwithin24hoursofharvest.Producepickedattheheightoffreshnesstastesbetterandretainsmorenutritionalvalue.

Reduce Energy Consumption Locallyproducedanddistributedfoodstakelessefforttostoreandship,bothofwhichcanbeenergy-intensive,whichinturnpollutesairandwater.

Increase Regional Economic Health Buyinglocallygrownfoodskeepsmoneywithinthecommunity.Thiscontributestothehealthofallsectorsofthelocaleconomy,fromfarmertovendortoconsumer,helpingmakeamoresustain-ablelocaleconomy.

Encourage a Self-Sufficient Community Acommunitythatproducesitsownfoodhasmorecontroloverhowitsfoodisgrown.Inaddition,itreducesrelianceonfar-offfoodproducers,thusstabilizingitsownfoodsupply.

Help Preserve Biodiversity Farmerssellinglocallyarenotlimitedtothefewvarietiesthatarebredspecificallyforlongdistanceshipping,highyields,andlongshelflife.Oftentheyraiseandselldelicousheirloomvarietiesthatmaybehardtofindinsupermarkets.

Preserve the Rural Character of the Land Supportinglocalfarmersmeansmain-taininglocalfarmland.Direct-to-consum-erdistributionoffarmproductsallowssmallerfarmerstothriveandencourageslong-termhusbandryoffarmland.

Avoid Post-harvest Contamination Foodsthatrequireextensivestorageortransportationareroutinelywaxed,sprayedandirradiated.Locally-distrib-utedfoodrequireslittleornoneofthesemeasures.

Adapted from www.carolinafarmstewards.org.

Thelocalfoodmovementcontin-uestogrowwiththelaunchofwww.FeastDownEast.org,acommunitywebsiteresourcetohelpbuildthefoodeconomyofSoutheasternNorthCarolina.Developedbythelocalnon-profitgroupFeastDownEast,thesitemakesiteasierforconsumers,restaurants,schools,universities,hospitalsandotherfoodserviceoperationstoputlocalfoodsontheirplatesorintheirfacili-ties.Sitevisitorscan:

• Connectwithlocalfarmersandfoodiesvialivevideointerviews

• FindrestaurantsservinglocalfoodsourcedfromSoutheasternN.C.farmers

• Jointhe10%Campaignstatewidelocalfoodinitiative

• Getto“KnowYourFarmer”throughinsightfulpersonalprofiles

• Learnhowtostartacommunitygarden

New Website Puts Access to Local Food on Silver Platter for Southeastern N.C.

Farmerscanaccessmanymarketing,businessandfarmingresourcestohelpbuildandsustaintheirfarmbusinesses.ChefscanmarkettheirlocalfoodcuisinewhilelearningmoreaboutbuyingfromlocalfarmersthroughtheSENCFOODScoopera-tivedistributioncenterinBurgaw,NC.

TheUniversityofNorthCarolinaWilmingtonisthe“leadagent”forFeastDownEast,meaningthattheprogramisgrant-fundedthroughUNCW.FeastDownEastworkstounitepublicandprivateagenciestocreatealocalandregionalfoodsystemthatsupportslocalfarmers,increasesthesalesoflocalfarmproducts,educatesthepublicabouttheimportanceof“buyinglocal”andsustainsandexpandsfarmemployment,profitandownership.

LearnmoreaboutFeastDownEastprojects,includingtheirFebruary3,2012conference,atwww.FeastDownEast.org.

SouthCarolina.Theprogram’ssalesgoalforthefirstyearofoperationwas$10,000,agoaltheyhaveachievedinonlysixmonths.Heinberghopestheprogramwillultimatelyhelpcreatemorejobsinsuchsupportingareasascustomslaughterhouses,feedandseedstores,organicsuppliers,smallfarmmachinery,andseedsavers.

For more information on Down East Connect or to visit its online Farmers Fresh Market site, go to www.DownEastConnect.com.

� www.goinggreenpublications.com 17Cape Fear’s Going GreenEarth Day Edition 2010

Selling a green product?We’ll fi nd you green buyers!Cape Fear’s Going GreenAd Sales:(910)547-4390

transportation

Wilmington Celebrates New River to Sea Bikeway

Pickled okra, collards, cucumbers, and more!

Mik

e B

ryan

d

Angela’sPepper-Pickled

Foods


Foods


Foods


Foods

Hand packed in small batchesusing only local produce

Available at local farmers’ markets and at our kitchen:

2105 Carolina Beach Road1 Block North of Legion Stadium

M–F, 9:00–4:00(910) 343-8103

www.angelasppf.com

M–F, 9:00–4:00

A Century Farm & Bird Friendly Business

Herbs • VegetablesNatives

Butterfly & Bee Plants

340 Goodman Road, Leland910-253-5964

Year-Round • M-Sat 8-5

web page: LocalHarvest.org

The River to the Sea Bikeway (WMPO Bicycle Route 1) is an 11-mile, on- and off -road bicycle route that follows the Historic Beach Car Line, which carried vacationers from downtown Wilmington to Wrightsville Beach by trolley. The bike-way comprises neighborhood residential streets, off -road multi-use paths, and a few busy arterial roadways.

It begins at the foot of Market Street at the Riverwalk, within sight of the Battleship USS North Carolina. The bike-way then traverses the Old Wilmington, Bottom and Forest Hills neighborhoods before crossing Independence Boulevard and passing by Empie Park. From Empie Park to South Kerr Avenue, the bikeway follows Park Avenue, a quiet local street that passes by Audubon Station.

After merging with South Kerr Avenue and crossing South College Road, the bikeway passes through the

Winter Park area on Pine Grove Drive and McMillan Avenue, before joining up with Park Avenue again. Between Wallace Avenue and 52nd Street, the bikeway utilizes an off -road path, with a spur to the University of North Carolina at Wilmington (WMPO Bicycle Route 1A) via Wooddale Drive. Between 52nd Street and Hinton Avenue, the bikeway follows on-road bicycle lanes on Park Avenue. Beyond Greenville Avenue, the ride is much more uncomfortable for recreational cyclists. Oleander Drive and Wrightsville Avenue are busy arterial roadways with few bicycle facilities and high-speed traffi c, and there are sev-eral bridges to cross. This section is not recommended for recreational cyclists.

Access and ParkingTo reach the downtown Wilmington

trailhead, follow U.S. Highway 74 to-ward Wilmington; take the Wilmington DOWNTOWN exit. Proceed south on North 3rd Street. Take a right onto Market Street and follow west to Riverfront Park. Parking is available on-street or in the city of Wilmington parking deck located at Market Street and North 2nd Street. The bikeway begins at the foot of Market Street at Water Street. Follow the bicycle Route 1 signs.

To reach the Empie Park parking area, follow U.S. Highway 76 to Independence Boulevard northbound. Take a right onto Park Avenue and an immediate left into the park driveway. The bikeway is on Park Avenue. Follow the bicycle Route 1 signs.

To reach the Wrightsville Beach trailhead, follow U.S. Highway 74 toward Wrightsville Beach. At the intersection of Salisbury Street and North Lumina Avenue, continue straight on Salisbury Street to the on-street parking area. The bikeway begins on Salisbury Street west of North Lumina Avenue. Follow the bicycle Route 1 signs. There is also additional parking at the Wrightsville Beach municipal complex at the intersection of Salisbury Street and Seawater Lane.

For more information, contact the Wilmington Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (WMPO), which is the regional transportation planning agency for the lower Cape Fear region of southeastern North Carolina. Write WMPO at P.O.Box 1810, Wilmington, N.C. 28402, call (910)341-3258 or visit www.wmpo.org.

Information above provided courtesy of www.rivertoseabikeway.com.

Two Events Celebrating the BikewayAnn Street Bicycle Boulevard Grand Opening CelebrationCelebrate the opening of the fi rst bicycle boulevard in North Carolina with Mayor Bill Saff o on April 17, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center on So. 8th Street.River to the Sea RideTake part of a free group bicycle ride from downtown Wilmington to Wrightsville Beach and back on May 1 at 8:30 a.m., starting at the foot of Market Street in downtown Wilmington.

June 10is the deadline for our Summer 2010 issue [email protected] or call (910)547-4390

local food

Local Pickle Vendors Create Frozen Dessert Line

Save the date!Feast Down East

2nd Annual Regional Conference

February 3, 2012Workshops and resources for

farmers, fishermen, and food buyers

Bridging the Gap – Bringing Local Farmers to Market

UNCW Burney Centervisit www.feastdowneast.org for

details or call (910)383-1916

by Courtney Bowman

How many places in Wilmington can you buy a healthful, nutrient-packed frozen pop? Wouldn’t you be excited to find out?

ThemakersofAngela’sPepper-PickledFoodsareventuringintoanewmarketthissummer.OnAugust6,2011,foundersAngelaCannonandBillBrownlaunchedanewlineoffrozendessertsattheRiverfrontFarmers’MarketinWilmington.Alph’sBanana-FulRealFoodFreezes,basedonwholefoodswithnoaddedsugars,wheat,soy,orpreservatives,wereahitdespitethefactthatthemarketwasslowerduetomanycustomerstakingadvantageofNorthCarolina’ssalestax-freeweekend.Onecustomerwhotriedthepumpkinseedgingerflavorwasgreatlyimpressed.“It’sgreat!Hasalotofflavor,butnotoverpowering.Delicious!”shecommented.

Thisisnotyourordinaryfrozenpoponastick.Traditionallysellingonlypickledfoods,Angela’sdecidedtobringoutAlph’swhenco-founderBillBrownbecametiredoflookingforfrozendessertsthatcontainednodairyproductsorprocessedfoods.Hesetouttocreateatreatthatisbothtastyandvegetarianfriendly.Therearenoanimalproductstobefoundinthesedesserts,sotheyaresafeforvegetar-iansandvegans.Insteadofaddedsugarstosweetenthistreat,Alph’sissweetenedwiththeextractfromthesteviaplant.CannonandBrownworkedhardtocreatesomethingthateveryonecanenjoy,using

organicbananasandotherwholefoods.

Withnontraditionalflavorssuchaschipotle,Azteccoffee,avocado,androsehips,Alph’sgivescon-sumersauniqueaswellasnutritionalexperience.WhenBrownfirststartedoutmakingAlph’shehadover200recipes.Hehopestobringoutvariousflavorsandusefeedbacktocreatealineofprod-uctsthatarecustomerapproved.Bycombiningunusualflavorsandwholefoods,CannonandBrownhopetochangethewaypeoplethinkaboutfrozendesserts.

17Cape Fear’s Going GreenEarth Day Edition 2010

Selling a green product?We’ll fi nd you green buyers!Cape Fear’s Going GreenAd Sales:(910)547-4390

transportation

Wilmington Celebrates New River to Sea Bikeway

Pickled okra, collards, cucumbers, and more!

Mik

e B

ryan

d


Foods


Foods


Foods


Foods

Hand packed in small batchesusing only local produce

Available at local farmers’ markets and at our kitchen:

2105 Carolina Beach Road1 Block North of Legion Stadium

M–F, 9:00–4:00(910) 343-8103

www.angelasppf.com

M–F, 9:00–4:00

A Century Farm & Bird Friendly Business

Herbs • VegetablesNatives

Butterfly & Bee Plants

340 Goodman Road, Leland910-253-5964

Year-Round • M-Sat 8-5

web page: LocalHarvest.org

The River to the Sea Bikeway (WMPO Bicycle Route 1) is an 11-mile, on- and off -road bicycle route that follows the Historic Beach Car Line, which carried vacationers from downtown Wilmington to Wrightsville Beach by trolley. The bike-way comprises neighborhood residential streets, off -road multi-use paths, and a few busy arterial roadways.

It begins at the foot of Market Street at the Riverwalk, within sight of the Battleship USS North Carolina. The bike-way then traverses the Old Wilmington, Bottom and Forest Hills neighborhoods before crossing Independence Boulevard and passing by Empie Park. From Empie Park to South Kerr Avenue, the bikeway follows Park Avenue, a quiet local street that passes by Audubon Station.

After merging with South Kerr Avenue and crossing South College Road, the bikeway passes through the

Winter Park area on Pine Grove Drive and McMillan Avenue, before joining up with Park Avenue again. Between Wallace Avenue and 52nd Street, the bikeway utilizes an off -road path, with a spur to the University of North Carolina at Wilmington (WMPO Bicycle Route 1A) via Wooddale Drive. Between 52nd Street and Hinton Avenue, the bikeway follows on-road bicycle lanes on Park Avenue. Beyond Greenville Avenue, the ride is much more uncomfortable for recreational cyclists. Oleander Drive and Wrightsville Avenue are busy arterial roadways with few bicycle facilities and high-speed traffi c, and there are sev-eral bridges to cross. This section is not recommended for recreational cyclists.

Access and ParkingTo reach the downtown Wilmington

trailhead, follow U.S. Highway 74 to-ward Wilmington; take the Wilmington DOWNTOWN exit. Proceed south on North 3rd Street. Take a right onto Market Street and follow west to Riverfront Park. Parking is available on-street or in the city of Wilmington parking deck located at Market Street and North 2nd Street. The bikeway begins at the foot of Market Street at Water Street. Follow the bicycle Route 1 signs.

To reach the Empie Park parking area, follow U.S. Highway 76 to Independence Boulevard northbound. Take a right onto Park Avenue and an immediate left into the park driveway. The bikeway is on Park Avenue. Follow the bicycle Route 1 signs.

To reach the Wrightsville Beach trailhead, follow U.S. Highway 74 toward Wrightsville Beach. At the intersection of Salisbury Street and North Lumina Avenue, continue straight on Salisbury Street to the on-street parking area. The bikeway begins on Salisbury Street west of North Lumina Avenue. Follow the bicycle Route 1 signs. There is also additional parking at the Wrightsville Beach municipal complex at the intersection of Salisbury Street and Seawater Lane.

For more information, contact the Wilmington Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (WMPO), which is the regional transportation planning agency for the lower Cape Fear region of southeastern North Carolina. Write WMPO at P.O.Box 1810, Wilmington, N.C. 28402, call (910)341-3258 or visit www.wmpo.org.

Information above provided courtesy of www.rivertoseabikeway.com.

Two Events Celebrating the BikewayAnn Street Bicycle Boulevard Grand Opening CelebrationCelebrate the opening of the fi rst bicycle boulevard in North Carolina with Mayor Bill Saff o on April 17, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center on So. 8th Street.River to the Sea RideTake part of a free group bicycle ride from downtown Wilmington to Wrightsville Beach and back on May 1 at 8:30 a.m., starting at the foot of Market Street in downtown Wilmington.

June 10is the deadline for our Summer 2010 issue [email protected] or call (910)547-4390

“Don’tthinkicecream,”saysBrown.“Alph’siswaybeyondthat.”

Alph’sBanana-FulRealFoodFreezescanbefoundattheirstoreat2105CarolinaBeachRoadandatvariousfarm-ers’marketsaroundWilmington:RiverfrontFarmers’MarketonSaturdays,WrightsvilleBeachFarmers’MarketonMondays,PoplarGroveFarmers’MarketonWednesdays,andLelandFarmers’Market,openalter-nateSundays.Soon,CannonandBrownhopetoexpandtheavailabilityofthesetreatstolocalsupermarketsandgrocers.

Courtney Bowman recently received an MA in English from UNCW and works in her family’s new photography business.

photo by Courtney BowmanVisitors to Angela’s Pepper-Pickled Foods, no strangers to exotic fla-vors, can now buy dessert flavors from Carob Hemp to Peanut Cacao to the Pumpkin Seed Ginger shown here.


recognition

Margaret Shelton Earns YWCA Environmental Awardsegmentsofthefarm,withmeanderingdarkwaterbranchesandthickunderbrush,meansathrivingpopulationofbirds,butterflies,andcarnivorousplantscallthefarmhomeaswell.

SheltonhelpseducatefarmersofalltypesthroughherFacebookpage,newsletterandworkshopsatlocalfarm-ersmarkets.ShenotesthemildSouthernwintersallowforgardeningyear-round.“Youcanjumpinatanytime.”

Sheltonhopesencouragingresidentstoeatlocal,organicproducewillnotonlyhelpsustainlocalfarmersbutwillhelpresidentsrealizethehealthbenefitsofeatingmoremindfully.“IstartedgrowingvegetablesbecauseIwantedtoknowwhatmyfamilyate.Foodgrownwithoutpesticidesandheavychemicals:that’swhatIwanttoeat.Iwantittobenaturalandorganictofeedmyfamily.”

TheWomenofAchievementAwardsceremonyisheldannuallybytheYWCAoftheLowerCapeFear,celebratingaselectgroupofwomenandyoungleadersnominatedbytheirpeers.TheYWCAwasfoundedasanonprofitmembershipor-ganizationcommittedtoself-determinedsocialchangeforwomenofallracial,ethnicandeconomicgroups.

SheltonHerbFarmisopenMondaythroughSaturdayfrom8–5,at340GoodmanRoadinLeland.Bringthekids,andyoucanbuyforyourhomegardentransplantsofvegetables,herbsandflow-ersyear-round—fromamoreextensiveselectionthancanbetransportedtoareamarkets.InadditiontoRiverfront,youcanfindShelton’sproductseveryweek(inseason)atfarmers’marketsatPoplarGrove,Southport,Shallotte,WrightsvilleBeach,andLeland.SeeShelton’snewwebsite,www.sheltonherbfarmnc.com,orcall(910)253-5964toseedateseachisopen.

Wilmington’sRiverfrontFarmers’MarketisopenSaturdays8–1onN.WaterStreetthroughDecember17,andreopensApril2012.Freshfruits,berries,vegetables,plants,herbs,flowers,eggs,cheese,meat,seafood,honey,bakedgoods,legumes,pickleditems,jamsandjellies,wine,artandcraft.

bringfreshlocalproducetoarearesidents.ShehelpedcreatetheRiverfrontFarmers’MarketindowntownWilmington,andworkswith“FeastDownEast”(formerlySoutheasternNorthCarolinaFoodSystemsProgram),whichhelpslinksmallfarmerswithlocalmarketsinanefforttocreateasustainablelocalfoodsupply.“Farmers’marketsprovidealocationforfarmerstoselldirectlytothepublic.Locallygrownisfresher,hasbetterflavors,andbetternutri-tiongoesalongwiththis.Chefsatsomeofourbestrestaurantsareawareoftheflavordifferenceandareseekingoutlocalfarmsandfeaturingthemontheirmenus.”saysShelton.“Purchasingfromthelocalfarmer

by Mary Robertson

LelandfarmerMargaretSheltonwasrecognizedasa“WomanofAchievement”bytheYWCAMay20forherworkpromot-ingsustainableagricultureandprotectingtheenvironment.PanelistscitedShelton’sdecadesofenvironmentalactivismintheareainhonoringheratthisyear’sbanquet,notingshewasaleaderinworkingagainstBECO,ahigh-sulfurcruderefinerypro-posedontheCapeFearRiver,andinthecampaigntostoptheHugoNeuLandfillinBrunswickCounty.

Inadditiontoherenvironmentalwork,shehasbeeninvolvedinhelping

boostsourarea’seconomy.Themoneythatgoestothefarmerisinturnspentlocally.Networkingamongfarmers,chefs,anddistributorsisgrowing,tothebenefitofall.”

SheopenedSheltonHerbFarmin1986onlandherfamilyhadbeenworkingfortwocen-turies.Surroundedbynaturalsavannahandhardwoodforest,herfarmnowservesasateachingplaceforor-ganic,pesticide-freefarmingpractices.

Withhundredsofvarietiesofherbs,vegetables,nativeplantsandedibleflowers,thereisalwayssomethingtoplantorharvest.Sheltonisbusyyear-roundsupportinglocalcommunitygar-densandprovidingfreshorganicherbsandmicrogreenstolocalrestaurants.Retainingthewilder

photo by Valerie RobertsonMargaret Shelton welcomes visitors to her 200-year-old farm Monday through Friday between 8 and 5. Call ahead to make sure she is home, as she participates in many farmers’ markets. Kids are welcome, and can meet Holly (the dog) and Nutmeg (the pig), and numerous turkeys and guinea fowl who help prepare the land for planting. Well-mannered pets welcome, but please keep on a leash so as not to disturb the free-ranging poultry.


your ecological house™

Can Biochar Save the Planet?by Skip Wenz

Howdoyouliketheideaoffightingglobalwarmingbypumpingmillionsoftonsofartificialvolcanicashintotheat-mospheretocooltheplanet?Alternatively,wouldyousupportaplantosuspendgiant“mirrors”madeoffinewiremeshorshinyaluminumnanoparticlesinthelowerstratospheretoreflectsunlightawayfromtheearth?

Ifyouthinkthesesoundlikeex-pensive,harebrainedschemesrifewiththepotentialforseriousunintendedconsequences,you’reprobablyright.Yettheseandotherplanet-scaled“geo-engineering”notionsnotonlyarebeingproposed,butsomeareactuallybeingfinancedandimplementedinEnglandandelsewhere.(Seewww.guardian.co.uk/environment/geoengineering.)

Meanwhile,energycompaniesarecontinuingtoextractfossilfuelsfromeverylastcreviceoftheearth,andconspir-ingeconomicandpoliticalforcesmakeitunlikelythattherewillbeanyseriousattemptstoreducegreenhousegasemis-sionsforanothergeneration—bywhichtimeitcouldbetoolatetopreventthecatastrophicoverheatingoftheearth.Itincreasinglylookslikeourtechnocracywilldestroyitself,andusintheprocess.

Orwillit?

Whatiftherewereintroducedasimple,inexpensiveandearth-friendlyagriculturalpracticethatcouldsignificantlyreduceatmosphericcarbonandslowtheemis-sionsofthemorepotentgreenhousegasesmethaneandnitrousoxide?Whatifthatpracticeproducedenoughenergytofuelitself,andasanaddedbonusproducedasignificantamountofcarbon-negativeenergyintheformofbiofuels?

Whatifitalsoincreasedsoilfertilitybyretainingnutrients(whiledecreasingnutrientrunoff,whichpollutesnaturalwaterways),builthabitatforhelpfulsoilmicroorganisms,andimprovedsoilstabil-ityandtilth—eveninsomeoftheworld’spoorestsoils?

Finally,whatifthispracticewerereadilyscalableandcouldbeimplementedbyhomegardenersandcommercialfarmerseverywhere—spreadingquicklytomuchoftheearth’sarablelandtoformagiantintakesystemthatcouldsafelyremovemuchoftheexcesscarbondioxide(CO2)fromtheatmosphere?

Infact,thisagriculturalpracticewasintroducedover2,500yearsagobyAmazonianpeopleswhocreatedcharcoalfromvegetationby“burning”itinanoxy-gen-restrictedenvironment(pyrolysis)—probablyinpitscoveredwithathinlayerofdirtthatcausedthevegetationtosmolderratherthanburnoutright.(Seewww.motherearthnews.com/Organic-Gardening/Make-Biochar-To-Improve-Your-Soil.)

TheprehistoricAmazoniansthenworkedthatcharcoalintothefamouslypoorlocalsoilandaddedplantnutrientstoit,creatingarableplotsoflandcalledterrapreta(blackearth).(Charcoal,whichisclosetopurecarbon,isessentiallyinert,andwon’tnourishplants,butithelpsretainnutrientsandsupportsmicrobiallife.)

Someterrapretafieldsthatwereabandonedatleast500yearsago(withthecomingoftheEuropeans)remainfertiletothisday,provingthatburiedcarbonpersistsinthesoil.(JustasCO2persistsintheatmosphere,whichmustbe“scrubbed”ofexcessCO2ifwearetosloworreverseglobalwarming.)

Researchintothepropertiesofterrapretaandthebenefitsofusingvegeta-tion-basedcharcoal,nowdubbed“biochar,”alongwiththepressingneedtofindsolu-tionstothegreenhousegasproblem,havespawnedaninternationalmovementtopromotetheuseofbiocharinagriculture.TheexcellentwebsiteoftheInternationalBiocharInitiative(IBI)(www.biochar-international.org)servesasaprimerinbiocharapplicationsandreportsonhomeandindustrial-scalebiocharproductionfacilities,agriculturalresearchprojects,andconferencesandhappeningsworldwide.

Thecarbon-negativepotentialofbio-charagriculturalpracticeisthemainreasonforalltheexcitement.Itworkslikethis:Bestpracticerequiresbiochartobemadefromagriculturalandforestwasteonly,notfromplantsgrownforbiocharproduction.Oncethatwastebiomassisconvertedtobiocharit’sburied,sequesteringitscarbonforhun-dredsorthousandsofyears.Asnewplantsaregrowninthebiochar-amendedfields,theyabsorbmoreCO2,someofwhichisinturnconvertedtobiocharandburied.

ConservativepredictionsontheIBIwebsiteestablishthatbiocharagricul-turalpracticescansequesteroroffsetaminimumofonebilliontonsofcarbonperyearby2050,makingitamajortoolforcontrollingclimatechange.Perhapssomeofthatcarboncanbesequesteredatyourecologicalhouse.

©PhilipS.Wenz,2011

Philip S. (Skip) Wenz is a freelance writer specializing in ecological design issues. He was a general contractor, residential designer, teacher and writer in the San Francisco Bay Area. In the early 1990s he founded, and for ten years directed, the Ecological Design Program at the San Francisco Institute of Architecture. He also teaches “Creating Your Ecological House,” at Berkeley’s Building Education Center and wrote the book,AddingtoaHouse (Taunton Press, 1995).Skip now lives with his wife, Pam, in Corvallis, Oregon and divides his time between various writing projects and retrofitting his older home to be more environmentally friendly. He may be reached by email through his Web site at www.your-ecological-house.com.

call us todaycall us today


your ecological house™

Two Turkeys and a Blessingby Skip Wenz

IwassoexcitedIcouldhardlysitinmychairatthediningroomtableatmygrandparents’house.EverythirtysecondsIasked,“Isitreadyyet?”

“Notyet,”mymotherandgrandmotheransweredfromthekitchen.“We’restillpreparingtheThanksgivingturkey.”

Afterwhatseemedlikeaneternitytomychild’smind,theytriumphantlypro-ducedthelarge,magnificentbird,roastedtogoldenperfection.Ilookedatit,pausedlongenoughtocomprehendwhatIwasseeing,andburstintotears.

Theturkey,yousee,wasdead!

WehadbeenlearningaboutThanksgivingatmypre-school,studyingpicturesofPilgrimsinfunnyhatsandcolor-ingmimeographedpicturesofcorn,squashandwonderfulbrown-and-white-featheredturkeyswithballoonsthatsaid“gobble,gobble.”YoucanimaginemyexcitementwhenmymomtoldmetherewouldbearealturkeyatThanksgivingdinner!

Ineverforgotthatdeadturkey.DuringtheensuingdecadesIfrequentlydebatedwithmyselfaboutthevalueofabird’slife,whetheritwasOKforanenvironmentalisttoeatmeat,andwhethertherapaciousconsumptionthataccompaniesoursacredtraditions—aleftoverfromthemillenniaofscarcitythatprecededtheindustrialrevolu-tion—isappropriatefortoday’ssociety.

Ieventuallyconcludedthateatingalimitedamountofmeatwasacceptable.Wecannotlivewithoutkilling;astheBuddhistmonkandfamouswriterThichNhatHanhpointedout,wekillmillionsofmicroorgan-ismseverytimeweboilwatertomaketea.

Turkeyshaveconsciousness,sotheirdeathisperhapsmoremeaningfulthanthatofbacteria.Weshouldthereforebeallthemorethankfulforthegiftoftheirflesh,butacceptitnonethelessbecausedeathandreturningone’sbodytotheenvironmentispartofthegreatcycleoflife:somedaywewillallbepartofthefoodchain.

Butwealsohavetorespectlimits,bothmoralandphysical.Youdon’tkillforplea-

sure;youdon’ttakemorethanyouneed;andyoudon’twastewhatyou’vetaken.Yourintentiontempersyouractions.

Somysecondhorrorstoryinvolvingturkeysoccurredinmymiddleage,whenIwasinvitedtoThanksgivingdinneratthepalatialSanFranciscohomeofthewealthyrelativesofmythen-significantother.

Theaffairwassplendid,withfartoomuchexcellentfoodandwineservedata25-foot-longdiningtableappointedwithcrystal,gold-rimmedplatesandthebestsilver.

Afterdinner,Ivolunteeredtohelpinthekitchenwhere,tomyutterdismay,thehostbegantodismantleawhole,uneatenturkeyandcramitdownthegarbagedisposal.Itwasmorethanhisfamilywouldwanttoeatinthecomingdays,heexplained,anditwastoomuchtroubletofreeze.Besides,whowantedtoeatfrozenfood?

HewaslikewisehorrifiedwhenIgrabbedtheturkeyfromhim,stuffeditintoalargeplasticbag,andleftwithit.Mydéclasséactionembarrassedmywealthyhosts,butwhenIgavethestill-warmturkeytosomehomelesspeopleinaparkthatnight,mydescentfromsocialgracewasvindicated—formeatleast.

WhenIslowdownenoughtoreallyseethehomelessandthelessfortunateamongus,itiseasytofindmuchtobethankfulforinmyownlife.Myfamilyandfriends,myrelativelycomfortablelifestyleandwiderangeofchoicesareblessingsaplenty.

Butbeneaththatliesthemysteryofourveryexistence,anditsmanifestationinthesun,airandearththatsustainallofus.Indeed,howcanonebethankfulenoughforthegiftoflife?

Perhapsnotthroughmerethoughtsorwordsofgratitude,butthroughdeeds,throughgivingback.Perhapsbytakingthelittleactionsthatshowwecarefortheearthandourfellowhumans.

AsThanksgivingapproaches,changeyourfurnacefilter,plantocarpooltoyourThanksgivingdinner,inviteastrangertositatyourtable,teachachildtomake

Thanksgivingdecorationswithrecycledmaterials,buysmaller(andthereforelessexpensive)quantitiesofwholesome,organicfood,eatonlyfree-rangeturkeyanddonotwasteabite.

Saygraceifyouchoose,but,moreimportantly,actgraciouslyatyourecologi-calhouse.

©PhilipS.Wenz,2011

Philip S. (Skip) Wenz is a freelance writer specializing in ecological design issues. He was a general contractor, residential designer, teacher and writer in the San Francisco Bay Area. In the early 1990s he founded, and for ten years directed, the Ecological Design Program at the San Francisco Institute of Architecture. He also teaches “Creating Your Ecological House,” at Berkeley’s Building Education Center and wrote the book,AddingtoaHouse (Taunton Press, 1995).Skip now lives with his wife, Pam, in Corvallis, Oregon and divides his time between various writing projects and retrofitting his older home to be more environmentally friendly. He may be reached by email through his Web site at www.your-ecological-house.com.

Cape Fear’s Going GreenEnvironmental

Book Club!We discuss everything from

currents to classics.Come join us at 6pm at

Old Books on Front Street249 No. Front Street

January 3: Andy Wood’sBackyard Carolina

call (910)547-4390 for details

10 www.goinggreenpublications.com

local food

by Mary Robertson

Itallstartedin1989,theyeardelegatesfromfifteencountriesgatheredinParisandsignedamanifestocreatingthe“SlowFoodAssociation.”Organizersweredis-tressedbywhattheysawasanincreasingdisjointbetweenhowandwhereourfoodisproducedandhowweeat,epitomizedbythecentralizedanonymityofthefast-foodmeal.SlowFoodfounderandPresidentCarloPetrinihopedtoencourageareturntomoretraditionalwaysofeating.Byfosteringintentionaleating,localtradi-tionsandsustainablefarming,hehopedtoreconnectpeopletothepleasureofeating.

Aglobal,grassrootsorganization,SlowFoodtodayclaimsover100,000membersandover1,300chaptersworldwide.Thoseidealsofsustainability,localinvolvementandlong-termgainratherthanshort-termprofithavebegunshowingupinallsortsofplaces,fromhomedesigntoairtravel,restaurantstofashion.There’sevena“SlowCity”accreditationprogramthatevalu-atessmallcitiesbasedoncategorieslikeregionalflavor,localfood,andmanageabletransportation.

Whatifweappliedthesameconceptstoinvesting?Insteadofanindividual’sseekingthequickestgain,whatifinsteadweinvestedwithaneyetowardkeepingourcommunitiesashealthyaspossibleoverthelongterm?

That’swherethemembersof“SlowMoney”comein.InspiredbyWoodyTasch’s2009bookInquiries into the Nature of Slow Money: Investing As If Food, Farms and Fertility Mattered,groupsaroundthecoun-tryarematchingmission-relatedinvestorswithlocalfoodentrepreneurs.“Farmerswhoneedacashinfusiontogrownotonlytheircrops,butalsotheirbusinesses,arefindingcaring,enthusiasticlenderstohelpmakethathappen,”saysCarolPeppeHewittoftheTriangle-area-basedSlowMoneyNC.

HewittdrovedowninJulytospeakwithlocalcommunitymembersaboutthepossibilityofbringingthemodeltoWilmington.ExcitementinthemeetingroomatTidalCreekCo-opwashigh,and

Slow Money Comes to Wilmington

theattendeesdecidedonthespottocreateaWilmington-basedchapter.“Wehavealotoffarmersinthisareawhocouldusethehelp,”saysAlexandraEvans,oneofTidalCreek’smorethan3,000owners.

“Whetheryouarearecipientorinves-tor,gettinginvolvedultimatelyimprovesthelivesofallofus,”agreesCaseyMcCreery,co-ownerofalocalcompanythatproducessoilamendments.SheandpartnerJanePedrickhopetoapplyforthefirstroundofloansinthearea.

SlowMoneyNC,activesincemid2010,hasalreadymatcheddonorswithalmostadozensmallbusinesses,frombakerstosmallrestauranteurstopoultryandcheeseproducers.

Socially-responsibleinvestingisnoth-ingnew.Thankstoconsumerdemand,sincethemid-1990sinvestorshavehadnolackof“sociallyresponsible”investmentopportunitiesthroughtraditionalavenues.Butthisissomethingdifferent:matchinglocalinvestorsdirectlywithlocalentre-preneurs.Thelendersarewillingtotakeasmallerreturninexchangeforknowingexactlywheretheremoneyisgoing.The“middleman’scut”isgone;and,therecipi-entsoftheloansgetalow-interestboosttohelpthemsucceed.

Theinvestmentscanbeconsideredrisky—there’snoguaranteedreturn,andlendersarecounseledtouseonlydiscretionarymoneyfortheseventures.ButSlowMoneyinvestorsarenotlookingforcertainprofit:theyaremoreinterestedincreatingsustainablelocaleconomies,andareurgedtoinclude“meaning”asaninvestmentmetric.“Loaningmoneytolo-calsustainablefarmersandthebusinessesthatsupportthemhaspowerfulresults,”saysHewitt.“Greatfoodtoenjoy,aresur-genceofsustainablefarmsandastronger,moreresilientlocalfoodeconomy.”

Tasch’sbooksuggestsinvestingwithin50milesofyourhome.Thatmayseemdauntingatfirst,butthat’swherethenationalSlowMoneygroupcomesin.Theirwebsiteoffersinvestmentvehiclesforthosewithnonearbygroup.Butlocalgroupsarespringingupallover,andmorethanadozenstatesnowofferSlowMoneychapters.

ThefirstgatheringofSlowMoneyNCWilmington,heldSeptember14atCapeFearCommunityCollege,attractedtwodozenattendees—mostofthemappar-entlyinterestedinapplyingforloans.ButHewittsaysthatoftenprospectivelenderskeepalowprofileatfirst,onlyapproach-ingthoseseekingmoneyaftersomeinvestigation.

Attendeessnackedonhome-growntreatsandcider,whiletwogroupsofentre-preneursofferedtheirprojectsforconsid-eration.Thefirstteam,ofMcCreeryandPedrick,presenteddataonasoiladditivefororganicfarmerstheyhavedevelopedandwouldlikehelpbringingtomarket.Thesecondteam,ofHeatherandHenryBurkert—landscapearchitectswhosebusinesstookadownturninthesoureconomy—wantstoexpandtheofferingsfromtheirfamilydairygoatfarm.

MeghanBarronisstudyingsustain-ableagricultureandplanstotakeoverhergrandparents’ColumbusCountyfarm.ShedecidedtohelporganizefuturemeetingsintheWilmingtonarea,andisquicktopointoutthattheSlowMoneyconceptisn’tuntested,buthasbeenaroundforgenerations,onlyrecentlygivingwaytomoreimpersonalinvesting.“Itsimplymakessenseeconomicallytoinvestmoneywhereyoulive,workandplay,”shesays.“MaybeourfamiliesandneighborswouldbemoreapttoinvestinanideatheysupportifthereisanetworkandsysteminplaceaswithSlowFoodtoeasetheprocessoflending.”

OrganizersplantomeetagaininJanuary.Prospectiveinvestors,localfoodenthusiastsandentrepreneursareencour-agedtocontactinfo@slowmoneync.orgorcanreachMeghanBarrondirectlyatgrassyridgefarm@gmail.com.

11Cape Fear’s Going GreenFall �011

local food

UNCW Makes Moves to Keep Greenyear’s“Synergy”commonreadingselectionforUNCWfreshmen,reinforcingtheuniver-sity’sstrategicgoalofsustainability.BeavanguestlecturedduringthesameweekastheNoImpactLunch,markingthefirsttimeaSynergyauthorhaslecturedoncampus.

Thesuccessoftheeventledtoaweekly“Locally-InspiredChef’sTable”inthedininghall.Localfoodsarehighlightedonthecampusmenu,andareafarmers

Life in Trolldom

by Jessica Berinson, class of 2012 and Joy Davis, class of 2007

GoinggreenandsupportinglocalfoodaretwothingsthattheUniversityofNorthCarolinaWilmingtonispassionateabout.

Afterseveralyearsofgreeninitiativesincludingcampusrecyclingcampaigns,energy-savingfacilityupgrades,theintro-ductionofaneco-friendlycampusstoreandmore,UNCWhasbecomeakeyplayerinthelocalfoodmovement.

In2010,UNCWstudentswerein-troducedtothewaste-freelifestyleofauthorColinBeavan’sNo Impact Man. Byincorporatinghisinspiringstoryintothefreshmancurriculum,studentswerechallengedtoconsidertheimpactoftheircarbonfootprintandencouragedtoadoptanenvironmentallyfriendlylifestyle.

OneofthemanycampuseventsinspiredbyBeavan’sbookwasUNCW’sNoImpactLunch,whichstruckachordwithlocalfarmersandstudentsalike.Thelawnoftheschool’smaindininghallwastransformedintoafarmer’smarketwherestudentsexperiencedlocallygrownfood.Theevent’sfocusonsustainabilityandlocaleatingprovidedatangiblewayforstudentstounderstandtheirroleinsupportingtheircommunity’sfarmsandbusinesses.

Therewasacleartie-inbetweentheeventandtheNo Impact Manbook,last

areon-sitetotalktostudentsabouttheirfarmsandproducts.TheChef’sTablesandcampusfarmersmarketshavebecomeongoingcampustraditions.

Inthecommunity,UNCWservesastheleadagentforlocalfoodgroupFeastDownEast(formerlySoutheasternNorthCarolinaFoodSystemsProgram,orSENCFS).Theorganizationworkstosupportlocalfarmers,increasethesalesoflocalfarmproductsandeducatethepublicabouttheimportanceof“buyinglocal.”

Asasupporterofthestatewide10%Campaign,FeastDownEasturgescon-sumerstospend10percent,oralittleoveradollaraday,oftheirexistingbudgetonfoodsproducedlocally.SinceitsinceptioninMarch2011,UNCWCampusDininghasremainedcommittedtothecampaignbydailycookingwithherbs,meats,veg-etablesandotherproductsproducedbylocalfarmersandvendors.

Campus Dining Services at UNCW received an Honorable Mention award from the National Association of College and University Food Services (NACUFS) for its “No Impact Lunch” event in September, 2010.

by UNCW Photo ServiceLabeling lunch offerings with their city of origin helps UNCW students make a connection with the source of their food. Today’s meal: Smoked Turkey Quesadilla from Mount Olive, NC with Corn and Tomato Pico de Gallo from Hendersonville, NC.

Share your green initiative news!

Send your green news to [email protected]

1� www.goinggreenpublications.com

food & business news

Sibyl Mitchell-Simmons, Nicole Carpenter and Meg Shelton built this high-tunnel greenhouse during a workshop at last year’s Carolina Farm Stewardship Association Annual Conference, held in Winston-Salem in December, 2010.

Mitzy Jonkheer

Jewelry Art

Studio4410

Wrightsville Ave. 910.409.8758

local metalsmith

mitzymetal.com

andseveralothersfromtheirarea.Intotal,therewereover850farmers,extensionagents,foodactivists,businessownersandresearchersinattendance.

Overthecourseoftheweekend,participantshadtheopportunitytoattendworkshopsandseminarsontopicssuchasbusinessissuesforfarmers,holisticlandusepractices,value-addedproducts,andcookingwithlocalingredients,aswellasintroductoryclassesinsubjectslikebeekeeping,mushroomcultivation,backyardfruittrees,andvermiculture.Inoneclass,participantsbuiltaninexpensivegreenhouseinavacantlotdowntownwithWinston-SalemUrbanLeague.Inanother,presenterstaughtattendeeshowtousesocialmediasuchasfacebookandtwitter.

Manyissueswerediscussedanddebatedduringthesesessionsandaftereachonemembersoftheaudiencewereencouragedtoaskquestions.Someitemsthatcameupwereissuesinvolvingetha-nolfuel,SenateBill510(thenewFDAFoodSafetyModernizationAct),agritourism,lobbyingforsmall-tomedium-sizedfarmsandotherpoliticalissues,andadiscussionaboutthegroup’sgoalsfor2011.

Conferenceattendeesalsohadtheop-tionoftouringnearbyfarmsandgardens.OnesuchtourvisitedCarolinaHeritageVineyardandWinery,acertifiedorganicoperationownedbyPatandClydeColwell,whohavedegreesinViticultureandEnology.Pat,uponbeingaskedaboutherdecisiontoopenanorganicwinery,stated:“Wewantedtoberesponsiblebutknewnothingaboutorganicmethods.CFSAwasourprimaryeducator.We[attend]theannualconferencesreligiously.”Accordingtoconferenceparticipants,CFSAisareliableresourceforfarmers,gardeners,chefs,restaurants,researchers,students,activists,oranybodywantingtojointhefoodrevolution,amovementemphasizinglocalandsustainablefoodproduction.MarieWallaceofGrassyRidgeFarminRiegelwood,NCstated“MyhusbandandIhavebeencomingeveryyearforthepastfiveyears.Weenjoythenetworkingopportunities,andtheworkshopsareinvaluable.”

Annual Carolina Farm Stewardship Association Conference

Theconferencealsohostedanexhibi-tionhallwhereattendeescouldpurchasetools,books,seedsandmore.Theretheyhadaccesstonon-profitresourcesandabustlingseedexchangetablewherepeoplecouldleavetheirseedsforothersandtakehomenewvarietiesofvegeta-bles,herbsandfloweringplantsthatotherpeoplehadbroughttothetable.DougJonesofPiedmontBiofarmwasalargecontributortotheseedbank.

ThekeynotespeakerwasMichaelShuman,authorofThe Smallmart Revolution: How Local Businesses are Beating the Global Competition.

Whathavethesethreewomenbroughthomefromtheconference?Mitchell-SimmonshasbegunawormcompostingoperationinherCSAgarden,VeggiesbytheSea;Carpenterhasbegunaplantbreeding/seedsavingprojectandamushroomcompostingexperimentinherWilmingtonbackyard;andSheltonhasconstructedanewhigh-tunnelgreen-houseforwintergreensonherherbfarminLeland.

Carolina Farm Stewardship Association’s mission is to promote local and organic agri-culture in the Carolinas by inspiring, educat-ing and organizing farmers and consumers. The 27th Annual CFSA Conference will be held in Greenville, SC October 26–28, 2012. Their 2011 Conference was held in Durham, NC November 2011. Learn more at www.carolinafarmstewards.org or (919)542-2402.

by Nicole Carpenter

OnthemorningofDecember3,2010,MargaretShelton,SybilMitchell-SimmonsandNicoleCarpentermetfortheircarpooltoWinston-Salem,eagerlyanticipat-ingtheirweekendattheCarolinaFarmStewardshipAssociation(CFSA)AnnualConference.ThiswasMitchell-Simmons’andCarpenter’sfirstyearexperiencingtheevent,whileSheltonwasreturningforthefourthtime.Mitchell-Simmonswasgrantedoneof40scholarshipsfornewfarmersofferedbyCFSAtocovermealsandregistrationcosts.Attheconference,theymetfamiliarfaces:HerbieCottlefromCottleOrganics,ChristinDeenerandDavidHigginsfromFederalPointFarm,EmilyWiscofromBlackRiverFarm,TidalCreekCo-opProduceManagerCarlStephens,

Selling a green product?

We’ll find you green buyers!

Cape Fear’s Going Green Ad Sales

(910)547-4390print & online opportunities

1�Cape Fear’s Going GreenFall �011

UNCWOsher Lifelong Learning Institute OLLIcoursesandeventspresentawealthoflearningopportunitytothe50-and-oldercrowd.Payfortheseries,andattendasmanyofthelecturesasyoulike.

Science and Environmental AcademyThursdays, January 26 – May 1015 Sessions • 10 a.m. – Noon$50/semester for OLLI members;$80 non-members • Registration deadline Jan. 26ScienceandEnvironmentalAcademy(SEAandCoffee)meetsweeklytopresentrelevanttopicsfromthefieldsofscienceandtheenvironment.UNCWprofessorsandknowledgeablecommunitypresenterssharetheirexpertiseandofferopportunitiesforenjoyableinteractioninafriendly,relaxedsetting.

education & environment

“RootedinTime:BranchingtotheFuture”wasthethemefortheFortiethAnnualConferenceoftheNorthAmericanAssociationofEnvironmentalEducatorsheldattheLEEDSilverRaleighConventionCenterOctober12–15.Theinternationaleventdrewmorethan800attendeesfrom16countries.Thereweremorethan400sessions,lectures,fieldexperiences,andworkshops,includingthekeynoteaddressbyPenderCounty’sownJeanBeasley:“CapacityBuilding

CostumesandcandymakeforasweetHalloween.Afterward,however,theclutterandlitterhauntclosetsandlandfillsforyears.

WrapupthisspookyseasonwiththehelpoftheN.C.AquariumatFortFisher.Passalongthefunofaspecialoutfit,re-moveunwanteditemsfromyourhomeandrecycle.Donategently-usedcostumesandemptycandywrapperstotheAquariumaspartofourGreenHalloweeninitiative.

TheAquariumwillcollectthoseninjasuits,princessdressesandallotherspookyget-upsNov.1–30.Nextfall,familiescanselectnewcostumesfromthedonateditemsaspartofafreecostumeexchange.

ThisinitiativecontinuestheAquarium’sworkwithGreenHalloween,acommunityinitiativefocusedoncreatingchild-andEarth-friendlyholidaytraditions.

AnotherHalloweentradition,candyconsumption,producesascaryamountofwaste,withthepotentialtolitterourwaterwaysandoceans.Insteadoftrashingtheemptywrappers,savethemanddropthemoffattheAquarium.

March22 AllThingsWeatherwithStephenKeebler,Meteorologist,NationalWeatherService

March29 InvasiveSpeciesinNorthCarolinawithCharlotteGlen,AgriculturalAgent–Horticulture,N.C.CooperativeExtension–PenderCounty

April12 AspectsofScienceandTechnologywithWilliamHolt,Ph.D.,retiredhighschoolscienceteacherandresearcheratOakRidgeNationalLaboratory(andOLLIclassmate)

April19 N.C.CoastalFederationWaterQualityStrategiesandInitiativesfortheLockwoodFollyWatershedwithMikeGiles,CoastalAdvocate,NorthCarolinaCoastalFederation

April26 TheLowerCapeFearRiverProgramwithMichaelMallin,Ph.D.,CenterforMarineScience

May3 ParallelComputing,Multi-coreComputing,GridComputing,andCloudComputing:WhereAreWeHeaded?withClaytonFerner,Ph.D.,ComputerScience

May10 SunlightandShadowInteractionswithPetroglyphswithBrianDavis,Ph.D.,PhysicsandPhysicalOceanography

forConservation:SeaTurtlePolitics,EconomicsandEducation.”

“EnvironmentalEducatorsofNorthCarolinawereproudtohostthefirstNAAEEannualconferenceeverheldinNorthCarolina,”saidCertifiedEnvironmentalEducatorNancyKeith,whotraveledfromPenderCountyfortheconference.“Theydidawonderfuljobbringingadvocatesandeducatorstoenlightenandenergizeitsmembershipandcommunity.”

Wrapping up a Green Halloween at N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher

SEA and Coffee Topics— Spring 2012

TheAquariumcollectsemptywrap-persthroughouttheyearandsendsthemtoarecyclingpartner,TerraCycle,aspartofitsfocusonconservation.TerraCyclecre-atesrecyclingsystemsforhard-to-recyclewaste,turningtrashtotreasureintheformofnewproductslikeparkbenchesandbackpacks.ThispartnershipraisesmoneyforconservationeffortsattheAquarium.

NCAquariumatFortFisherislocatedjustsouthofKureBeach,nearthemouthoftheCapeFearRiver,onUS421,lessthan

amilefromtheFortFisherferryterminal.Hours:9:00amto5:00pmdaily(closedThanksgiving,Christmas,andNewYear’sDay).Generalinformation:www.ncaquari-ums.com

TheAquariumatFortFisherisoneofthreestate-ownedaquariumsoperatedbytheN.C.DepartmentofEnvironmentandNaturalResources.Allthreefacilitiesarededicatedtopromotingappreciationandconservationofthestate’saquaticnaturalresources.

NAAEE 40th Annual Conference Looks to the Future

January26 BiographyofCharlesDarwinwithWilliamMcCarthy,Ph.D.,History

February2 SPIDERS!(AndaFewOtherFriendswithoutBackbones)withAndyWood,EducationDirector–AudubonNorthCarolina

February9 UsingMarineMammalstoAddressGlobalScaleOceanIssueswithPeggySloan,Director–NCAquariumatFortFisher

February16 AbilityGardenwithPhyllisMeole,ExtensionAgent,Agriculture–Horticulture,NewHanoverCooperativeExtensionArboretum

February23 Water,ResourcesandIssues(GlobaltoLocal)withRogerShew,M.Sci.Ed.,GeographyandGeology

March1 WindowtotheDarkSideoftheUniversewithRussellHerman,Ph.D.,DepartmentChair–PhysicsandPhysicalOceanography

March8 ScienceintheSchoolSystemwithKimberlyBierstedt,K–12ScienceLeadTeacher,NHCPublicSchools

March15 MaintainingNavigableWaterswithJenniferOwens,EnvironmentalScientist,U.S.ArmyCorpsofEngineers

Visit www.uncw.edu/olli to see the Pathways Catalog, for class details or to register, or call (910)962-3195.


marine science

Scientists Call for Concerted International Action to

A high-level international workshop convened by the IPSO met at the University of Oxford earlier this year. It was the first inter-disciplinary international meeting of marine scientists of its kind, and was designed to consider the cumulative impact of multiple stressors on the ocean, including warming, acidification, and overfishing. by Mary Robertson

Anexpertpanelofscientistsiswarn-ingthatunlesswechangeouractionsdramatically,wemaybeonthevergeofcreatinglarge-scaleextinctioninouroceans.Thereport,fromtheInternationalProgrammeontheStateoftheOcean(IPSO),stemsfromaworkshopthatdrewscientistsfromsixcountriesandmultipledisciplinestoexaminethecombinedim-pactofmanystressors,includingoverfish-ing,acidification,warming,pollution,andhypoxia.

“Thefindingsareshocking,”Dr.AlanRogers,IPSO’sscientificdirector,saidinastatementreleasedwiththereport.“Wearelookingatconsequencesforhumankindthatwillimpactourlifetime,andworse,ourchildren’s,andgenerationsbeyondthat.”

Thescientistsalsonotedthedegrada-tionoftheoceansishappeningmuch

Thethree-dayIPSOworkshop,co-spon-soredbytheInternationalUnionforConservationofNature(IUCN),yieldedthefollowingreport:Rogers,A.D.&Laffoley,D.d’A.2011.International Earth system expert workshop on ocean stresses and impacts. Summaryreport.IPSOOxford,18pp.Thereportsummary(released21June2011)outlinesthemainfindingsandrecommendations,andisavailableonlineathttp://stateoftheocean.org.Thefullreportwillbereleasedatalaterdate.Afulllistofparticipantsappearsinthetableattheendofthelongversion.

morequicklythanpreviouslythought,asthevariouseffectscancombinewithdeadlyresults.Forinstance,acoralreefbleachesmoreeasilywhenbothincreasedtemperatureandacidificationarepresentthanfromeitheronealone.

Thepanelobservedthatthewarm-ingandacidificationoftheoceans,witharesultingincreaseinhypoxia(astateofloweredoxygen)arethethreefactorsthathavebeenpresentineverymassextinc-tioninEarth’shistory.Scientistsgenerallyagreethatoverthepast540millionyearstherehavebeenfivesuchextinctionevents,whenatleast50%ofthespeciesonearthhavedisappeared,themostrecentoccurring65millionyearsagotousheroutthe“ageofthegreatreptiles.”

Thisreportcameontheheelsofsev-eralothersthatpointtotroublingtrends.AWorldResourcesInstitutestudyreleasedlastspringsuggestedtheworld’scoralreefscouldbegoneby2050ifnosignifi-cantstepsaretaken.Arcticiceismeltingtwiceasfastaspreviouslythought.Mostrecently,federalanduniversityscientistspredictedtheannualGulfofMexico“deadzone”oflow-oxygenwaterwillbethelargestinhistory—aboutthesizeofLakeErie—duetoincreasedagriculturalrunofffromthefloodedMississippiRivervalley.TheAprilandMay2011floodlevelsinsevenMidwesternstateswereamongthemostdamagingrecordedinthelastcentury.Whenthenutrient-richwaterhitstheGulf,itcreatesamassivealgaebloom,forcingfish,shrimpandmanyotherspe-ciestofleeorfacedying.

Localresearchersagreedthereport’sfindingsaretroublingandhavenotedsimilarsignsoftheeffects.“Ouroceans,especiallythecoastalwatersweusemostheavily,aresufferingsubstantial,diverse,andcompoundingimpacts,”saidLawrenceCahoon,ProfessorofBiologyandMarineBiologyattheUniversityofNorthCarolina’sWilmingtoncampus.“Mostpeopledon’tknowthis,butwehaveaseasonalhypoxiazoneshowingupeverysummeroffMyrtleBeach.That’snotnormal.”

Cahoonaddedthatthebuildupofcarbondioxideintheatmospherenotonlycontributestoglobalwarmingbutacidifiesoceanwateraswell.“Andthepaceofthesechangesisalarming.Ineachcasewherewehavedataandprojectionsdatingbackadecadeormore,theob-servedchangesareonthehighendoftheforecastranges.Thisistrueforwarming,foriceretreat,forsealevelrise,andsoon.Thetakehomemessageisthattheabil-ityoftheoceanstosupporttheuseswehumanscurrentlyenjoyisbeingimpairedsubstantially.Wehavetwochoices:makechangesoradaptasbestwecan.”

MarineresearcherBonnieMonteleonecrossedseveraloceansaspartofhergraduateworkatUNCW.Shenotesover-fishing,combinedwiththeeverpresenceofplasticwasteintheoceans,seemtobecompoundingbothproblems.ShepointstoarecentpaperpublishedtheMarinePollutionBulletinasevidence:ofthe670fishnecropsiesdone,onethirdhadplasticintheirdigestivetractrangingfromoneto83pieces.Plasticsnotonlycontaintoxins,theyadsorb—oraccumulate—pollutantsfromoceanwater,therebyconcentrat-ingthem.“Fishmistakeplasticforfoodbecauseformillennia,anythingthatfloatstypicallymeantfood.Thiscausesanup-takeofchemicalssuchasDDTandPCBs,”saidMonteleone.Althoughnowbannedfrommanyapplicationsworldwide,thesecompoundsremaincirculatinginthemarineenvironmentandserveaspotentneurotoxinsandendocrinedisrupters.

“Whenanecosystemaslargeasouroceansshowssymptoms,thethresholdshavebeenalreadyexceeded,andtoreversethattrenditwilltakeanenormouseffort,”saidCarmeloTomas,alsoprofessorofBiologyandMarineBiologyatUNCW.“Fortunately,ecosystemsareintricateenoughtobeabletorecoverfrommanyabusesprovidedtheoffendingconditionsdonotcontinue.”

TheIPSOreportconcludedbycallingforimmediateandcoordinatedglobal


Note Damage to Marine Ecosystems Happening More Quickly than Previously


marine science

actiontopreventlarge-scaleextinctionofspecies.Butwhatactionstotake?

“Weneedtoshiftfromfossilfuelstocleanenergy,”saidZakKeith,localrepre-sentativeofOceana,theworld’slargestoceanconservationandadvocacyorgani-zation.”Thismeansbreakingtheoilhabitandbuildingcleanenergytotakeitsplace.Weshouldbefocusingonrenewableen-ergylikeoffshorewindandsolar.”Burningfossilfuelsisasignificantcontributortocarbondioxideemissions,whichtoppedtheIPSOlist.

SteveRossofUNCW’sCenterforMarineScience,agreedthecurrentsitua-tionisuntenable.“Theworld’spopulationistoolargeforthewaywemanagethings.Weeitherneedtochangeourmanage-mentorreducethepopulation,orbothwouldbebetter.Itmayalreadybetoolatetoreversesomeamountofthedam-agethatisgoingtopersistoverthenext50-100years.Butweneedtokeepitfrombecomingworse.”

TheIPSOreportoutlinedspecificstepsitsayswillneedtobetakentoavertcollapseoftheworld’soceans.Allofthem—reducingcarbonemissions,

managingfisheries,andcreatingmarineeco-preserves—requireamajorchangeinthepolicyandpracticeofhowhu-mansuseoceanresources.Thefailureofrecentattemptstoreachglobalconsen-sussuchastheKyotoagreementleavescientistsandpolicymakersalikeskepti-calabouttheprospectofimplementingsuchchanges.Thereport’scallforaglobalgovernanceoftheoceansseemsparticularlyunlikely.“Mostnationsrecognizethe200mileeconomiczonewithintheirshores.Whathappenstotheother80%oftheoceanisupforgrabs,”saidTomas.“Thereneedstobeaglobalpoliticalwill,andaneconomicincentivetomaintainit,tohelptheoceansreversetheirdownwardspiral.Theoutlookisnotveryencouraging.”

“OnethingtheIPSOreportdemon-strates[is]thatweneedtogetstarted,andstopgettingourscientificanalysisfrompoliticiansandindustriesthatbenefitfromthestatusquo,”saidKeith.To learn more, visit:http://stateoftheocean.orghttp://www.uncw.edu/cms/http://na.oceana.org/

Save World’s Oceans—Thought

2011 Coastal America’s Ocean Art Contest Submission deadline December 20, 2011

Aspartofacontinent-widecallforstudentart,twentyCentralEcosystemLearningCentersacrossNorthAmerica(CELCs)areacceptingentriesforthisyear’s“CoastalAmericaStudentArtContest.”Thecontestencouragesyoungartiststoconveytheimportanceoftheocean,coastsandGreatLakesbyinterpretingonetheSevenEssentialPrinciplesofOceanSciencescreatedbytheOceanLiteracyNetwork.Thepurposeistoenhancepublicawarenessoftheimportanceoftheoceaninourlivesandtoconveyhowpersonalactionsaffecttheocean.

ThecontestisopentoallstudentsintheUnitedStates,MexicoandCanadaenrolledingradesK–12aswellasfull-timeuniversityandcollegestudents.Entrieswillbejudgedbygrade-levelcategories:K–2,3–5,6–8,9–12anduniversityandcollege.Eachsubmissionmustreflectoneofthefollowingprinciples,andincludeashortnarrativeexplainingwhichprincipletheworkreflects:1. Earth has one big ocean with many features.2. The ocean and life in the ocean shape the

features of Earth.3. The ocean is a major influence on weather and

climate.4. The ocean makes Earth habitable.5. The ocean supports a great diversity of life and

ecosystems.6. The ocean and humans are inextricably linked.7. The ocean is largely unexplored.

ContestantsmustsubmittheirartworktotheCELCnearestthem;winningartwork2011-12 Series

(remainder of the series)

February7,2012: UNCW Shellfish Research Hatchery AmiE.Wilbur,Ph.D.,Director,UNCWShellfish

ResearchHatchery,AssociateProfessor,BiologyandMarineBiology,UNCW

April17,2012: The World of Deep-Sea Corals: The Hidden

Reefs SteveW.Ross,Ph.D.,ResearchProfessor,

CenterofMarineScience,UNCW [SeephotographsfromoneofDr.Ross’

expeditionsinCape Fear’s Going Green, Vol.2,Issue2:“DeepSeaCoralReefs.”]

The University of North Carolina–Wilmington Center for Marine Science (CMS) offers four distinguished lectures each academic year, featuring prominent speakers from UNCW faculty and other leading research institutions, from well-known environmental organizations, and from government agencies. The Planet Ocean Seminar Series is free and open to the public, and is held in the auditorium at CMS, 5600 Marvin K. Moss Lane. Due to limited seating, reservations are required. To make reservations or for further information, please call the CMS at 910-962-2301.

The Planet Ocean Seminar Series

2011-2012Participating

Coastal Ecosystem Learning Centers:

Contact a Coastal Ecosystem Learning Center near you or go to CoastalAmerica.gov to learn more.

Coastal America’s

OceanArtContest

Jim Toomey

Art Contest Poster.indd 1 9/13/11 8:46:32 AM

ateachCenterwilladvancetothenextlevel.TwoCELCsinNorthCarolinaareparticipating:NCAquariumlocationsatFt.FisherandRoanokeIsland.Seewww.coastal-america.govfortheCELCnearestyou,orcallMeganEnnesat(910)458-8257ext.234attheAquarium.


nc coast propertiesProperty Management Services

Long and Short Term Rentals Vacation and Corporate Rentals

Tenant Procurement Property Management

Real Estate Sales

910-470-4663910-520-1815

nccoastre.com

nature & gardening newsNC Sierra Club Meetings

TheCapeFearChapteroftheNCSierraClubmeetsthethirdMondayofeachmonthat6:30p.m.,typicallyatHalyburtonParkinWilmington.TheChapterisactivelyinvolvedinpromotingoffshorewindforNorthCarolinaandhelpingtheeffortsoftheStopTitanActionNetwork.December’smeetingwillbeasocialatSurfHouseonRacineDrive,opentothepublic.FormoreinformationcontactNCSierraClubChapterChairMacMontgomeryat(910)264-7862.

New Managers for Castle Street Community Garden

MariaOrtadoandChrisCurrituckarethenewmanagersofCastleStreetCommunityGarden,locatedat4thandCastleStreetinWilmington.BothhavebeeninvolvedwiththegardenpreviouslyandmanageothergardensindowntownWilmington.TheyaretakingoverfromKathrynSisler,originalorganizerofthegarden.Tolearnaboutparticipating,[email protected].

Vegan Group FormingBeoneofthefirsttojoinWilmington

Vegan,anewgrouptosupportpeopleinterestedinveganfoodchoices.ThegroupwascreatedasawayforWilmingtonareaveganstoshareinfoandplanmeet-ups,includingsupportinglocalrestaurantsofferingvegandishesonthemenu.Thegroupisopentoanyone;joinonFacebookatwww.facebook.com/groups/wilmingtonvegan/,[email protected].(Orphonethispublicationat(910)547-4390.)

Sueencouragesvegetariansandvegansworld-widetovisitalsotheHappyCowwebsitetorecordwhatyouknowaboutvegetarian-andvegan-friendlyrestaurantsandstoresinyourareaoftheworld:theURLiswww.happycow.net.

Aquaponics WebinarsTheAquaponicsGardenoffersfreewe-

binarsandonlinegardeningchatsatwww.theaquaponicsgarden.com.Aquaponicsdescribesasustainablefoodproductionsystemcombiningaquaculture(raisingfishintanks)withhydroponics(cultivatingplantsinwater)inasymbioticsystem,

wheretheby-productsfromthefishareusedasnutrientsfortheplants.Systemscanrangefromasmallhomeaquariumtoalargecommercialset-up,andusemuchlesswaterthanconventionalgardens.Call(910)232-7704fora$5tour(freeforchildren).

Progressive Gardens Opens Online Store

ProgressiveGardenshasrenovateditswebsitetoaddanonlinestoreatwww.progressivegardens.com.Thephysicalstoreat6005OleanderDrivecontinuestoofferaffordableone-sessionclassesinorganicgardening.Topicsincludecomposting,healingthesoil,designingafallgarden,growingfoodindoors,andvermiculture(worms).Asalways,anyonewhovisitsthestoreandbringsanemptygalloncontainermaketakehomeagallonofcompostteaforthegarden.

Library BodegaLibraryBodegahascelebrateditsone-

yearanniversaryat610RedCrossStreetinWilmington.StartedbyAllisterSnyderasawaytobringfresh,localproducetotheneighborhood,theproducemartalsoservescoffee,lattes,cappuccinosandicecream.There’salendinglibrary:bringabook,takeadifferentonehome;orsignupforaDVDborrowingmembership.(910)772-6400orfollowLibraryBodegaonFacebook.

CitruSolution CitruSolutionalsocelebratedits

one-yearanniversary:thisWilmingtoncompanyproducesCitruSpotterandothercleaningsolutions,fromallnaturalingre-dients.Getacquaintedwiththematwww.NCOrangeGuy.comorcall(910)685-5530.

Annual TreeFest TreeFest,anannualdistributionof

treeseedlings,willbeheldonFridayandSaturday,January20and21,10a.m.to5p.m.(oruntiltreesrunout)insideInde-pendenceMall,attheJCPenneyend.

Localresidentsareinvitedtopickupfivetreeseedlingstotakehomeandplantontheirproperty.Thereisasuggesteddonationof$3perhousehold.Details:(910)[email protected].

Cape Fear River Watch 2012 StriperFest Friday Jan. 13, 2012 • 6pm Banquet and AuctionSaturday Jan. 14, 2012 • 9am Striper Tournament & all-day educational activities!

Join Cape Fear River Watch for a two-day river restoration and education event along the beautiful Cape Fear River!

Friday night: our exciting Banquet and Auction. Be there Saturday morning to watch the electrifying start of our Tag and Release Striper Tournament or take a river tour to see the excite-ment firsthand! All day Saturday enjoy fun, free and informative activities for children and adults, including talks by fishery experts and hands-on educa-tional activities. Come learn about our fish restoration projects to benefit the Cape Fear Fishery and our economic future.

Call today for tickets! (910)[email protected] • cfrw.us


EmissionsfromTitanAmerica’spro-posedcementplantwillposeasignificanthealththreattoresidentsofthesoutheastcoast,accordingtoanewstudy.ThestudyevaluatedthehealtheffectsinNewHanover,Pender,andBrunswickcountiesofozoneandfineparticlepollutioncausedbytheproposedfacilityusingavailableairqualityinformationandTitan’sproposedemissions.ThestudywasconductedbyICFInternational,aleadingproviderofcon-sultingservicesandtechnologysolutionstogovernmentandcommercialclients.

Initsanalysis,ICFestimatedthepotentialhealtheffectsassociatedwithTitan’sproposedemissionsthatincludedacuterespiratoryharm,missedschool,decreasedworkerproductivity,asthmaattacksandprematuredeath.Increasesinemissionsofthepollutantsthatcre-ateozonecouldtriggerabout530casesofacuterespiratorysymptomsthatwillaccountfor320lostworkdayseachMaythroughSeptember,thestudyestimates.Theincreaseinozonecouldalsoresultinanestimated160lostschoolorcampdays

amongchildrenages5-17.Inaddition,thestudyestimatesthatTitan’spollutioncouldcauseapproximately320casesofacuterespiratorysymptomsandresultin54lostworkdaysduetofineparticlepollutionduringthatfive-monthperiodeachyear.

“AssoonasTitanannounceditsproject,residentsinthisareademandedtoknowhowitwouldaffecttheirhealth,”saidTracySkrabal,ascientistwithNorthCarolinaCoastalFederation.“Thisreportconfirmswhatwe’vesuspected,thataddingTitan’spollutiontoourareawillharmthehealthofourcitizens,andaddafinancialburdentothosewhosehealthiscompromised.”

ThestudyestimatesthehealtheffectsofTitan’sproposedprojectbyusingthecompany’semissionsdataandmodelsfrequentlyusedbytheU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgencyandstategovern-mentstoestimateairqualityimpacts.TitanAmerica,alsoknownasCarolinasCementCo.,isproposingtobuildoneofthenation’slargestcementplantsinCastleHayne,nearWilmington.

“Titancansignificantlyreduceitsproposedemissionsbeyondwhattheyhaveproposed,”saidGeoffGisler,astaffattorneywiththeSouthernEnvironmentalLawCenter.“Thisstudydemonstratesthedangeroffailingtodoso.”

Thousandsofpeople,includingmorethan200physiciansfromtheCapeFearRegion,haverepeatedlyaskedGov.BeverlyPerdueandtheN.C.DepartmentofEnvironmentandNaturalResourcestodelayissuingtheTitanairpermituntilmoreinformationisknownaboutthehealth,environmentalandeconomicef-fectsoftheproject.TheN.C.DivisionofAirQualityrecentlyissuedadraftairpermitforthecementplant.

Thestudywaspaidforbygrantfund-ingfromEducationFoundationofAmericaandbyindividualdonationsandresidents’fundraisingeffortsandcommissionedbytheStopTitanActionNetwork.

ThefullstudycanbefoundontheStopTitanActionNetworkwebsite(www.stoptitan.org).

Report Finds Significant Adverse Health Effects from Titan’s Proposed Cement Plant Emissions

health news

Follow us on Facebook

Actuary Alan Jameson uncovers a plot that threatens to blow the life insurance industry sky-high!

Follow his adventures in this elegantly-plotted murder mystery.

silverpendantmystery.com Th e Silver Pendant

by Haeworth Robertson Venture Books • Washington, DC

“A gripping, fast-paced story”“I could not put it down”“Cloaked with mystery”

Buy it today: Old Books on Front Street

Now available for your Nook or Kindlefr om Barnes & Noble or Amazon

...as seen in Wilmington during

Banned Books Week!

Where to Learn MoreCarolinasCementCompany,asubsidiary

ofTitanCement,planstobuildacementplantinCastleHayne,NorthCarolina.www.carolinascementproject.com.

TheStopTitanActionNetwork(STAN)isacoalitionofsevenorganizationsthatopposetheproposedTitanCementproject:theN.C.CoastalFederation,CapeFearRiverWatch,CitizensAgainstTitan,PenderWatch&Conservancy,theN.C.ChapteroftheSierraClub,SouthernEnvironmentalLawCenter,andDukeUniversity’sEnvironmentalLaw&PolicyClinic.http://stoptitan.com.

DocumentspertainingtothepermittingprocesscanbereadatthewebsiteoftheNCDepartmentofEnvironmentandNaturalResources,DivisionofAirQuality.http://ncair.org/permits/psd/titan.shtml.

Thenon-profitNorthCarolinaCoastalFederation(NCCF)protectstheNorthCarolinacoastthrougheducation,advocacyandhabitatrestorationandpreservation.Formoreinformationcall(252)393-8185orvisitNCCF’swebsiteatwww.nccoast.org.

LearnmoreaboutICFInternationalatwww.icfi.com.


eco-friendly art

where everyone is welcomeand ownership is optional

910.790.3376Call us today to learn how

we can help you

•long-termcare•postoperativeornewmothercare•medicationmonitoring•reliefforfamilyorothercaregivers•accompanimenttoappointments

Compassionate care for your special needs

Choice Caregivers, Inc.Choice Caregivers, Inc.

910.790.3376

•mealpreparation•assistancewithdailyliving•supplementalassistanceinnursinghome•alternativesettingcareatvacationsite•short-termcareforspecial-needsvisitors

formerDeputyCommissionerfortheTennesseeDepartmentofEnvironmentandConservationandafoundingboardmemberofCumberlandRegionTomorrow.

SELC’sannualReedEnvironmentalWritingAwardhastwocategories:Book,fornon-fictionbooks(notself-published),andJournalism,fornewspaper,magazine,andonlinewritingthatispublishedbyarecognizedinstitution(e.g.,newspaper,universityornon-profitorganization)andisjournalisticinnature.Prizesof$1,000areawardedtothewinnerineachcategory;winnerswillbepubliclyannouncedatSELC’sspecialeventduringtheVirginiaFestivaloftheBookonMarch24,2012.

Submissionsmustrelatetothenaturalenvironmentinatleastoneofthefol-lowingstates:Alabama,Georgia,NorthCarolina,SouthCarolina,TennesseeorVirginia.

Allsubmissionsmusthavebeenpublishedduringcalendaryear2011,andmustbereceivedbyJanuary13,2012.Nominationscanbemadebyanyone,includingtheauthororpublisher.

For more information, contact Cat McCue, SELC Senior Communications Manager, at (434)977-4090 or [email protected].

17th Annual Nature Writing Contest UnderwayTheSouthernEnvironmentalLaw

CenterisnowacceptingsubmissionsfortheannualPhillipD.ReedMemorialAwardforOutstandingWritingontheSouthernEnvironment.Theawardseekstoenhancepublicawarenessofthevalueandvulner-abilityoftheregion’snaturalheritagebygivingspecialrecognitiontowriterswhomosteffectivelytellthestoriesabouttheSouth’senvironment.

SELCwelcomesthreeoutstandingcon-servationiststothejudgespanelthisyear.BruzClarkispresidentandtreasureroftheChattanooga-basedLyndhurstFoundationandhasbeenaleadingenvironmentalphilanthropistintheSouthformanyyears.SilasHouseisanaward-winningauthorofsuchbooksasThe Coal Tattooandco-authorofSomething’s Rising: Appalachians Fighting Mountaintop Removal,andisassociateprofessorofAppalachianStudiesatBereaCollege.PaulSloanis

February 15is the deadline for ourSpring 2012 issue Send your news to:[email protected] or call (910)547-4390

Call us for help with family members over the holidays


eco-friendly art

by Mitzy Jonkheer

Whatdoyouwanttobewhenyougrowup?

Fromaveryearlyage,MarieSheppard’sanswertothatquestionwasalways,“Anartist.”Theadultsaroundhertriedtotalkheroutofthisdubiouscareerchoice.Sheremembersoneaskingher,“Really,areyousureaboutthat?”

MarieisaWilmingtonnative,oneofthelasttobebornatJamesWalkerMemorialHospital.Whenshewaseightyearsold,shebegantakingpaintingclassesfromaneighbor.Herloveofartcontinuedthroughhighschoolandintocollege,andsheeventuallygraduatedfromUNCWwithaBFAinvisualart.

MarieandIfirstmetin1996whenthegalleryIco-owned(Bauhaus)hostedherwork.Ifellinlovewithherpaint-ings—theirplayfulness;heramazinguseoflayersuponlayersofrich,glossytexture;acrylicpaintsothickthatata

Portrait of an Artist: Marie Shepparddistance,itresemblesapieceofstainedglass.Setagainstanaturalbackdrop—thenightsky,flowers,theocean—herearlypaintingsexploreclassicthemesofgoodandevil,fea-turingfairies,fairytalefiguresandothermythologicalfolk.

Thepaintingsintriguedme,butatthetimetheywereoutofmyfinancialreach.InsteadIputMarieonmy“Someday”list,reservedforthosetalentedartistswhoseworkIhopetopurchasewhenthetimeisright.(Ikeeptwootherartlistsaswell:the“Check”list,forartistswhoseworkI’veacquired,andthe“OnesthatGotAway,”forartistswhomovedoutoftownbeforeIhadachancetoaddoneoftheirpiecestomygrowingcollection.)

“Thepaintingisanexperi-encethathappensthroughasearchthroughthebackofmymind,usingcolorsandpat-ternsfromthenaturalworld,”Mariesays.Hernewestworkfeaturesseahorses,seaturtlesandbrightlycoloredsaltwater

“Elvin Dance,” acrylic on canvas.

Ifyouarelucky,youjustmayfindsomeofherrichly-texturedmasterpieces,setinvintageframes,hidingamongtheantiquesattheIvyCottagewheresheworks.Amonthago,Ibecametheproudownerof“TheThreeGraces,”featuringthreeredheadswhosespreadwingsaremosaicsofindigo,violet,purpleandblue.IalwaysknewI’dbringoneofMarie’spieceshome...someday.Itonlytook15years.

Marie Sheppard participates in the “green” movement by walking to work at the Ivy Cottage, a consignment shop specializing in high quality pre-owned furniture and furnishings. You can find Sheppard and her artwork at the Ivy Cottage, 3020 Market Street, Wilmington. (910)815-0907

Mitzy Jonkheer is a local artist and metal-smith. Born in Wilmington, raised on the Cape Fear, her studio is located between the two at 4410 Wrightsville Avenue.

“Tess the World Traveler,” acrylic on canvas.

TheAAIPharmaLearningCenterisde-velopingarecycledartproject,andinvitescommunitymemberstocontributeuseditemsthatcanbeusedbythechildrentomakeartwork.

Somesuggesteditems:Buttons,papertowelrolls,fabric,keys,cottonballs,se-quins,cardboard,shoeboxes,paper,wrap-pingpaper,screws,bolts,coloredelectricalwire,smallcontainers,rocks,shells,golfballs,golftees,oldtypewriters,carpet

AAI Pharma Learning Center Launches Recycled Art Center

fish.Shecallstheseherquickstudies,incontrastwithhermorecomplex,layeredpieces.Forthepastyearandahalf,she’sbeenhardatworkonapaintingofamermaid,combininghergrowinginter-estinmarinelifewithherlong-standingfascinationwithmythology.

squares,wallpaperbooks,oldradios,smallappliances(broken),posterboard,tiles,oranythingthatcanbesortedorcounted.

TheLearningCenterDirectorshopetogeteveryonethinkingaboutrecyclingandgoinggreen.Withongoingdonationstheycankeeptheirartclosetstockedandletthechildrengiveyouritemsnewlife.Ifyouhavedonationstooffer,[email protected](910)254-7384.

photos this page by Mitzy Jonkheer

�0 www.goinggreenpublications.com

business news

Buying or Selling, Going Green in Real Estate Has

Never Been So Easy

TOM GALE(910)[email protected]

by Liz Durkin

Oneperson’sjunkisanotherperson’s“green”castle.

Atleastthat’sthecaseforJunkKingoftheCarolinas,anewjunkremovalandhaulingcompanybasedinCharlotte.AftermanyyearsintheITindustry,TerendiusDavidandAnthonyLovedecidedtojoininasociallyconsciousbusinessventurethatservesthecommunityandisalsosustain-able.Recyclingasmuchas100percentofwhatispickedupfromhomesandbusi-nesses,JunkKingismakinggreenlivingsimpler.

“Peopledon’thavethetimeorenergytodisposeoftheirjunkproperly,sowedoallofthemuscleworkandremovetheitemsquicklyandprofessionallytoberecycled,”saidTerendiusDavid.“Owningabusinessinagrowingindustryisexcitingandallowsustoworkwithorganizationsthataremakingadifferenceinsomanycommunities.”

groupstopartnerwith,andasweexpandthroughoutNorthandSouthCarolina.”

JunkKingisprimarilyfocusedinmetroCharlottebutacceptsloadsfromtheCapeFearregionwhenthejobissufficientlylarge,particularlyconstructionsitesorlargebusinessclean-outs.

DavidandLovealsofindthisbusinessventureapowerfullearningtoolforthecommunityandtheirownchildren.Loveteacheshiscubscoutsandhissonto“leavenotrace”intheenvironment.“Whatbetterwaytocontinuetoshowthecubscoutsthatwearecommittedtokeepingacleanenvironmentthantoownagreenbusinessthatisdoingjustthat,”explainedDavid.

DavidandLovesaythenatureoftheworkmaynotbeglamorous,butpreserv-ingtheenvironmentiswhollyrewarding.

Tolearnmore,call1-800-995-JUNKorvisitwww.junk-king.com.

JunkKingdoesitsbesttogiveeveryitemahome,partneringwithlocalvendorsandcharitieswithinthesameregionswhereclientsareservedtoredistributeintotheirlocalcommunity.Providingfurnitureandhouseholditemstovariouswomen’ssheltersandtransitionhomeprogramsspon-soredbylocalchurchesinthegreaterCharlotte

Kings of Junk

Junk King of the Carolinas works with home owners, realtors, property managers and business owners, removing anything that does not consti-tute hazardous waste.

areaisonemeansofredistribution.ApartnershipwithAChild’sPlace,

aCharlottechildren’sshelter,todonatetoys,clothesandotheritems,isalsointheworks.Teamingupwithvariousrecyclingpartnersformetal,cardboard,electronicwasteandplasticsisanimportantcom-ponent,sojunkisallocatedproperlyand

avoidslandfills.

“Itisveryrewardingtoseetheitemswepickuprecycledinsomanydifferentways,whetheritbethroughametalvendororachar-ity,”saidLove.“Wearepreservingtheenvironmentaswelookintodifferentopportunitiesand

�1Cape Fear’s Going GreenFall �011

February 15is the deadline for ourSpring Earth Day 2012 issue Send your news to:[email protected] or call (910)547-4390

green building & business news

OneofthestrongestadvocatesofAppalachianStateUniversity’sSolarHomesteadproject,N.C.Gov.BevPerdue,madeastopinBooneonOctober28torecognizestudentsandfacultyfortheirparticipationintheU.S.DepartmentofEnergy’sinternational2011SolarDecathloncompetition.

Perduesignedaproclamationdeclar-ingOct.28–Nov.4asAppalachianStateUniversitySolarHomesteadWeek.“SolarHomestead”wasthenameofAppalachianState’sentryintheDecathlon.

“ThesestudentshaveshownAmericathatwecandothingsinNorthCarolina,”Perduesaid.“WeallknowthatinNorthCarolinagreenisgoldandthatwemustasapeoplefocusonbuildingagreenenter-priseforourstate.”

Thebiannualsolardecathloncompeti-tionchallengesstudentteamstodesignandconstructanenergy-efficientdwellingthatispoweredentirelybysolarenergy.Appalachian’sentrywonthecompetition’s

People’sChoiceAwardandalsorankedfirstinthehotwatercompetition,secondincommunications,thirdinarchitecture,andsixthinmarketappealandenergybalance.

AppalachianStatehasbeeninvitedbythegovernortodisplaytheSolarHomesteadinRaleighnextspringinconjunctionwiththeopeningofthe80,000-squarefootN.C.NatureResearchCenter,slatedtobeoneofthemostenergyefficientbuildingsinthestate.

Look in a future issue of GoingGreen for a student perspective on the Decathlon.


make every day earth day

716 S. 17th StreetWilmington NC 28401910.762.1505

www.saponagreen.comOPEN M-F 10-5, Sat 12-4

WATERCONSERVATIONlow-flow fixtures,rainwater harvesting

RENEWABLEENERGYsolar, wind andgeothermal

INTERIORSsustainable, recycled & non-toxic materials

counters by Icetone, floors by Plyboo & Teragen, paint by Safecoat

WATERCONSERVATION

RENEWABLEENERGY

INTERIORS

Dawn [email protected]

Leading the environmental movement by exampleShaklee is the first company in the world to obtain Climate Neutral certification and totally offset its C02 emissions, resulting in a net zero impact on the environment.

Creating healthier lives...

• Weight-management system• Anti-aging tonic• Personal care & beauty products• Nontoxic home care products• Essential nutrition/multivitamins www.MyCinchStory.com

928 No. 4th Street, Wilmington, NC

Harvesting Rain Water can help you:• Save money and energy• Preserve precious resources• Meet your sustainability goals

Residential • Commercial • Industrial

Call or visit us today to find out what Rain Water Harvesting can do for you:

www.CFGreenSolutions.com910.763.1630

Cape Fear Citizens for a Safe EnvironmentOrganized to fi ght the building of Hugo Neu landfi ll, now encouraging legislation to strengthen landfi ll regulations in North Carolina.www.stopthedump.com

Cape Fear Climate Action NetworkA local citizen network providing support, advocacy, and recognition for climate action initiatives in the Cape Fear region.www.capefearcan.com

Cape Fear CyclistsThe information hub for Southeastern cyclists!www.capefearcyclists.org

Cape Fear Community College (CFCC)Architectural technology curriculum.www.cfcc.edu/programs/at

Cape Fear Economic Development Council (CFEDC)CFEDC is an all-volunteer endeavor promoting innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship as essential to successful local economic growth, regional competitiveness, and jobs and income generation. www.capefearedc.org

Cape Fear Green Building Alliance (CFGBA)Promotes the construction of environmentally responsible, profi table, healthy places to live and work.www.cfgba.org

Cape Fear Museum of History and ScienceOldest museum in North Carolina tells stories of the region’s history, science and cultures through exhibition and educational programs.www.capefearmuseum.com

Cape Fear Regional Beekeepers AssociationNewly-formed chapter of the North Carolina State Beekeepers Association. Receive personal advice from beekeepers in the local communi-

ty to learn beekeeping and to stay up-to-date on successful beekeeping.email: [email protected]

Cape Fear River WatchEnvironmental education, advocacy and action for the Lower Cape Fear River basin.www.cfrw.us

Carolina Farm Stewardship AssociationCarolina Farm Stewardship Association’s mis-sion is to promote local and organic agriculture in the Carolinas by inspiring, educating and organizing farmers and consumers. Produces Carolina Guide to Local & Organic Food.www.carolinafarmstewards.org

Center for Environmental Farming SystemsThe Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS) develops and promotes food and farming systems that protect the environment, strengthen local communities, and provide economic opportunities in North Carolina and beyond. CEFS is one of the nation’s largest centers for the study of environmentally sustainable farming practices.www.cefs.ncsu.edu

City of Wilmington Stormwater ServicesMaintains and improves the City’s stormwater drainage system for the protection of the community and the environment. Provides comprehensive stormwater management that takes into account both the quantity and quality of stormwater runoff . Stormwater education, outreach, and public involvement are important components of this mission.www.wilmingtonnc.gov

Coastal Conservation Association (CCA)– Cape Fear ChapterThe purpose of Coastal Conservation Association of North Carolina is to advise and educate the public on conservation of marine resources. The objective of CCA is to conserve, promote and enhance the present and future availability of these coastal resources for the benefi t and enjoyment of the general public.www.capefearcca.com

Dogwood AllianceNonprofi t works to educate people about the importance of forests and the negative envi-ronmental impacts of business-as-usual paper production. Having achieved systemic change throughout the paper industry through public campaigns against offi ce super stores--the largest retail paper sellers in the U.S.--they are now addressing protection for Southern forests and forests all over the world.www.dogwoodalliance.org

Earth Day AllianceOrganizers of the Lower Cape Fear Celebration of Earth Day.www.wilmingtonearthday.com

Electric Vehicle Automobile Association (EVAA) – Coastal Carolinas / WilmingtonLocal chapter provides e-mail of current developments and legislationwww.eaaev.org or e-mail: [email protected]

local resourcescontinued from page 12


Residential • Commercial • Industrial1608 Queen Street, Wilmington, NC


green building

CFGBA Off ers Building Performance Workshops

Local Metalsmith

Presented by the Cape Fear Green Buillding Alliance (CFGBA), The Building Performance Workshop Series is scheduled to begin on May 12. Made possible in part by a grant award from the NC Green Business Fund and ARRA, the series of professional trainings combines classroom instruction with on-site, hands-on dem-onstrations. The principles and techniques taught during the trainings apply to both new and existing construction, but special focus will be placed on their application to existing homes. The curriculum is tailored to prepare trainees for certifi cations and jobs in the emerging home retrofi t industry.

During the on-site training sessions, trainees will be able to apply the tech-niques they learn in the classroom to existing homes. These green retrofi ts are being performed through a collabora-tion with Wilmington Area Rebuilding Ministries (WARM), a non-profi t organiza-tion that performs repairs on the homes of economically disadvantaged individuals.

Additional grant partners are Building Performance Specialists (BPS) and Sapona Green Building Center. BPS will provide instruction, energy audits and project management for the retrofi ts. Sapona will act as purchasing agent and materials supplier.

General registration is now open. The complete list of workshop topics and dates is posted below:

May 12 – Building Science/ House Characterization

SCOTT OGDEN, aiaSCOTT OGDEN, aiaSCOTT OGDEN, aiaSCOTT OGDEN, aiaSCOTT OGDEN, aia

LARA BERKLEYLARA BERKLEYLARA BERKLEYLARA BERKLEYLARA BERKLEY, asla, asla, asla, asla, aslasustainable

residential

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

ARCHITECTURE

commercial

www.b-and-o.netWILMINGTON, NC 28401 [910] 251.2707205 PRINCESS STREET

Green RooftopsGreen Walls

www.mottlandscaping.com(910)254-0500

Award- winning

See green roofs at

May 19 – Sealing/Insulating the Envelope

May 26 – Targeted Weatherization

June 9, 10 Sealed/Closed Crawl

June 23 – Sealed Attics

July 7 – Targeted Weatherization

July 21 – High Performance HVAC

Aug 4 –Indoor Air Quality

Aug 18 – Building Science/ House Characterization

Aug 25 – Sealing/Insulating the Envelope

Sept 8 – Targeted Weatherization

Sept 22 –Water Heating Options

For more information or to register, visit www.cfgba.org or contact Joy Allen, Cape Fear Green Building Alliance, at (910)470-5697 or [email protected].

The Cape Fear Green Building Alliance is a non-profi t 501(c)3 corporation with the mission of promoting sustainable building practices. Formed in 2005, the CFGBA accomplishes its mission primarily through educational programs for both industry professionals and the general public. Monthly general meetings held the second Wednesday of each month feature informational presentations and are free and open to all.

Green Social ReturnsStarting April 29, 2010, Cape Fear Green Building Alliance is resuming its monthly “Green Social,” held the last Thursday of the month. Come enjoy the rooftop and meet with people who share an interest in things green. Location: Reel Cafe rooftop, 100 So. Front Street, Wilmington.

Green Drinks at Kefi Cape Fear Green Drinks, is held the second Thursday of each month, at Kefi , 2012 Eastwood Road, Wilmington. The event off ers a casual place to network and a monthly speaker. Coming May 13: rain bar-rels and rain gardens. For details email Paul Pascarosa at [email protected].

Appalachian State Wins People’s Choice Award in Solar Decathlon Solar Architect Opens Second Office

WilmingtonarchitectMichaelJ.Connor,LEEDAP,hasexpandedhisarchi-tecturaldesignservicesfirmbyopeningasecondofficeinSavannah,Georgia.

AlternativeArchitecturespecializesinpassiveandactivesolarsystems,andothercutting-edgeenergy-efficientsystemsforresidential,commercialandinstitutionalbuildings.

ConnorcontinuestomaintainhisheadquartersinWilmington,NC.Formoreinformation,[email protected](910)397-0491.

B + O Design Studio RelocatesB+O:designstudio,PLLChasachieved

anewandsmallerfootprint.LandscapeArchitectLaraBerkleyandArchitectScottOgdenhavemovedtheirB+ODesignStudioofficefromdowntownWilmingtontoanewhomeoffice.

Theirnewmailingaddressis:B+O:designstudio,PLLC1319-CCMilitaryCutoffRoad#221Wilmington,NC28405

Theirwebsiteaddressremainswww.b-and-o.net,andtheirnewbusinesstelephonenumberis(910)821-0084.

See our 2011 Holiday Giving Guide for gift-giving ideas that are eco-friendly and mindful.Online from Cyber Monday (Nov. 28) through December 2011. www.goinggreenpublications.com

�� www.goinggreenpublications.com

stormwater

Make a contribution to bluer skies and cleaner air...

Renewable Energy & Carbon Offsets 866-533-NCGP www.ncgp.org

David James, P.E.

office(910) 791 1040cell(910)443 3184

[email protected]

308 Old Dairy Road, Suite 130Wilmington, NC 28405

SOLAR HOT WATER SYSTEMS

Let the SUN heat your water for free!

ADVANCEDSOLARdesign + installation

advancedsolar.biz (910)791-1040(910)443-3184

Call for a

free estimate!

catch the sun.

Thinking about Earth Day.every day.

Featuring...

commentary byAndy Wood, Education Director

for Audubon North CarolinaTuesdays

and

Science FridayFridays 2 – 4 p.m.

On air at 91.3 OnLine at whqr.orgIn person at

254 N. Front St., Wilmington

TreeFest Poetry Contest EntertheTreeFestPoetryContestfor

achancetowinatreeplantedinyourhonoratyourschool.ThecontestisopentoallgradelevelsinNewHanoverCounty.Poemsmustbe100wordsorlessandfol-lowtherulesofthetypeofpoemchosenbythestudent.Treesshouldbethefocusofthepoem,andentriesmustbetypedorlegiblyhandwritten.EntriesaredueJanuary13.

Fordetails,contactJenniferO’Keefeat(910)[email protected].

Ourpetsarebelovedmem-bersofourfamilies,buttheirwasteisaseriouswaterqualityandpublichealththreat.Whenitrains,uncollectedpetwasteiswasheddirectlyintolocalwaterwayswithnotreatment.

Bacteria,virusesandparasitesinpetwastecanmakesurfacewatersunsafeforactivitiessuchasswimming,fishing,shellfishinganddrinking.Pathogensinpetwastecanmakehumanssickwithdiseasesandinfectionssuchassalmonella,e.coli,giardiaandroundworms.

Nutrientsinpetwasteharmourwaterwaysbecausetheyproducealgaeandaquaticweedswhichuseuptheoxygenthatfishandaquaticlifeneedtosurvive.

AnewprogramcalledCaninesforCleanWaterencouragesdogownerstosignapledgepromisingtocleanupandproperlydisposeofpetwaste.PetownersreceiveaCaninesforCleanWaterbandana,dogtreatsandotherprogrammaterials.Onceapledgeissigned,petownerscanthensubmitaphotooftheirpettotheonlineCaninesPhotoGallery.CaninesforCleanWaterparticipatesinseveralpet-relatedeventsduringtheyear,givingpetsandtheirownerstheopportunitytomakeadifferenceforcleanwater.

FormoreinformationaboutCaninesforCleanWaterandupcomingevents,pleasevisit:www.wilmingtonnc.gov/canines

Sporting his “Canines for Clean Water” bandana, Brady shows how his human always bags pet waste.

Canines for Clean Water Promote Pet Waste Disposal

��Cape Fear’s Going GreenFall �011

avian news

Imagine the Possibilities in Your BackyardWild Bird & Garden

Hanover Center3501 Oleander Drive

Wilmington NC 28403910-343-6001

www.wildbirdgardeninc.com Wild Bird Garden

Sat., May 22: Painted Bunting Workshop 9:15-10:30 a.m. Native Plant Sale 2:30–4:30

ildird

WB

G &arden

ildird

arden This Holiday SeasonThis Holiday Season

Give the Gift of NatureGive the Gift of NatureThis Holiday Season

Give the Gift of Nature

Wild Bird & Garden Holds Second Annual Nature Photo Contest

WildBird&Gardeninvitesphotog-raphersofallagestoparticipateinitssecondannualnaturephotocontest.Therewillbeseparatecategoriesforworksubmittedbyadults(17yearsoldandover)andbykids(0-16yearsold).

Photosubjectmattermustberelatedinsomewaytowildlifeornature,andmustbesubmittedasan8"x10"photoonan11"x14"mat.Nodigitaltweakingisallowedexceptforcroppingandsharpen-ing.EntrantsmustbeabletosubmitaJPEGdigitalimageoftheirentry.

EntriesmaybesubmitedOctoberthroughDecember5,2011.Astheyarrive,entriesaredisplayedinthestoresothepubliccanvotefortheirfavoritesineachcategory.Everyvisitortothestoreisal-lowedtocastonevoteperdayforworkintheadultcategoryandonevoteperdayinthekidcategory.

Photossubmittedbyadultswillalsobejudgedbyateamoflocalprofes-sionalphotographers.EntriesareduebyDecember5,2011,butthesooneryou

significantcontributorstothehealthofthespecies.

AudubonmanagesMasonInletWaterbirdManagementAreaonthenorthendofWrightsvilleBeachthroughacooperativeagreementwithNewHanoverCountyandtheTownofWrightsvilleBeach.AudubonstaffoffersfreefieldtripstothissiteontheN.C.BirdingTraileveryFridayfrom9a.m.to11a.m.AprilthroughSeptember(orbyappointment,bycalling(910)686-7527).AudubonNorthCarolinaalsomonitorsbird-nestingactivityatthesouthendoftheislandthroughapartner-shipwiththeTownofWrightsvilleBeach.

AudubonNorthCarolina’scoastalsanctuarieslink19islandsthatproviderefugeformorethanathirdofthestate’snestingwaterbirds,some23,000pairsofbreedingbirds.

TheSharetheBeach/BeaGoodEggprojectisfundedbyAudubon/Toyota’sTogetherGreenInnovationGrants

enter,thegreateryourchancesinthepopularvote.

Therewillbeprizesforthewinnersineachcategory,andthewinningentrywillbepublishedinCape Fear’s Going Green. WinnersofthejudgedcompetitionandthepopularvotewillbeannouncedonDecember15,2011.Entrantsmust,ofcourse,holdallrightstotheirentries,whichmustnotcontainanytimestamportext.

Wild Bird & Garden is located in Hanover Center at 3501 Oleander Drive, Wilmington. For more contest details, call (910)343-6001 or visit www.wildbirdgardeninc.com, or stop by in person to see entries already on display. Winners will be published in our next issue.

Wild Bird & Garden hosts a variety of workshops about birds and how to support them in your own backyard. They also hold bird walks at Airlie Gardens the second Wednesday of each month. Regular admis-sion is $5 (free, for Airlie members). Stop by Wild Bird & Garden for a free admission pass for this month’s bird walk.

program.ItissupportedbythecoastaleducationeffortsofInternationalPaperFoundation,aswellastheTownofWrightsvilleBeachandNewHanoverCounty.

Audubon North Carolina is the state office of the National Audubon Society representing 14,000 grassroots members and ten local chapters across the state. With a century of conservation history in North Carolina, Audubon strives to conserve and restore the habitats we share with all wildlife, focusing on the needs of birds.

Audubon North Carolina achieves its mission through a blend of science-based research and conservation, education and outreach, and advocacy. Learn more at www.ncaudu-bon.org and at www.ncaudubonblog.org.

Be a Good Egg Initiative – continued from page 24

Cape Fear’s Going Green is proud to be a sponsor of Wild Bird & Garden’s Nature Photo Contest!

Share your green initiative news!

Send your green news to [email protected]

Free Compost Tea!

�� www.goinggreenpublications.com

touristseason.OnSunday,June26,2011,AudubonNorthCarolinakickedofftheGoodEgg/SharetheBeachinitiative,whichisaimedatraisingawarenessaboutthemigratorywaterbirdsthattraveltoNorthCarolina’sbeacheseveryspringandsummertonestandraisetheiryoung.

MorethanadozenAudubonstaffandvolunteerstalkedtobeachgoersatWrightsvilleBeachonSunday,givingthemclose-uplooksatnewlyhatchedbirdsthroughspottingscopes,askingthemtosignapledgeform,andgivingthem“GoodEgg”magnetsandbagsinexchange.TheteamalsotalkedtobeachgoersatthesouthendofWrightsvilleBeachonSaturdayandSunday,July2ndand3rd.

Anyonecantakethepledgeonlineatwww.goodeggnc.org,anewwebsitefeaturingimagesandinformationaboutbeach-nestingbirds.

FromAprilthroughAugust,thousandsofwaterbirdstraveltoNorthCarolina’sbeachestolaytheireggs(nest)onthebaresandatpopularvacationspotssuchasWrightsvilleBeachandLea-HutaffIslandinsoutheasternNorthCarolina.

malconversationswithbeachgoersmadeusrealizethatmanypeoplearesimplyun-awarethatsomebirdspeciesnestonthebeach.Aswell,peopledonotrealizethatiftheywalkintoanestingareaorallowadogintotheareaitcanhaveadevastatingimpactoneggsandbabybirds.OurhopeisthattheGoodEggcampaignwillraiseawarenessoftheseincrediblebirdspeciesthattravellongdistancestoraisetheiryoungonourbeaches.Wecanallgivethemafightingchancebyrespectingtheirnestingareasandenjoyingthebirdsfromadistance.”

InNovember2009,AudubonNorthCarolinahiredamarketingfirmtocon-ductarandomsurveyof600residentsofPender,NewHanover,andBrunswickcountiestoassesstheirawarenessandattitudesaboutbeach-nestingbirdsandconservation.Only44%ofthosesurveyedknewthatsomebirdsnestinthesandonthebeachwhile46%ofrespondentssaidthatbirdsnestintreesorawayfromthebeach.

WrightsvilleBeachisahotspotforbeach-nestingbirds,includingBlackSkimmers,LeastTerns,andAmericanOystercatchers.Approximately350pairsofLeastTerns,120pairsofBlackSkimmers,andseveralAmericanOystercatchersnestedatthebeachduringthe2011nest-ingseason.TheseLeastTernsaccountforapproximately10%oftheNorthCarolinabreedingpopulationofLeastTernsandare

Audubon North Carolina kicks off Be A Good Egg/Share the Beach initiativeOverthelastweekendinJune,174

beachgoersatWrightsvilleBeachsignedapledgeto“BeaGoodEgg”andsharethebeachwithcoastalbirdslikeLeastTernsandBlackSkimmersthatnestatNorthCarolina’scoastduringthepeak

Thesescrappysurvivorsmustbattletheelementstoprotecttheireggsandchicks.Thebirdsfacemanythreats,includingsevereweather,predators,andhumandisturbance.Whenapersonordogentersanestingareaadultbirdsbecomealarmedandflyofftheirnests,exposingtheirchicksandeggstopredatorsandextremetemperatures.Duringbird-nestingseason,AudubonbiologistsmarkoffnestingareasatthenorthandsouthendsofWrightsvilleBeachandotherAudubon-managedsiteswithropesandsignstodiscour-agepeoplefromenteringtheareas.Theroped-offsitesaretemporaryandaretypicallylocatedinduneareasawayfromthebeachfront.

“Webelievethatpeoplewhowalkintobird-nestingareasatthebeachdonotintendtoharmthebirds,”saidIdaPhillips,CommunicationsDirectoratAudubonNorthCarolina.“Overtheyears,ourinfor-

photo courtesy of Walker GolderAmerican oystercatcher chick rests at home on the beach. Shorebird nests are easily disrupted by loose dogs and pedestrians.

photo courtesy of Audubon“Don’t say a word, Just save the Bird!” cautions a new sign on the beach, drawn by Gracie Hutchens. Area children drew signs to alert the public to the need to share the beach with nesting birds.
