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A Segway you can sit in. The new Segway P.U.M.A prototype is the result of a partnership between Segway and GM. P.U.M.A stands for Personal Urban Mobility & Accessibility. An alternative transportation solution with a small footprint all the way around. This electric vehicle is small and versatile making it perfect for congested cities. More on this vehicle can be found at www.segway.com/blog.

Passengers: Currently configured for 2, but could carry more
Top speed: Aimed to travel between 25 and 35 mph (40 – 56 kph)
Range: Aimed to have a 25 – 35 mile range (40 – 56 km)
Weight: Currently ~300 lbs/136 kg
Charge time: ~5-8 hours
Recharge cost:Based on the current battery configuration, it’s about $0.60 in electricity to recharge.

bibi

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The 2009 Green Log  Awards were created to put the spotlight on innovative green building solutions. The voting has started and will take place from April 16 to May 11.

Please take a minute to go and vote for your favorite green building solution.
Go through the following 14 categories and vote for one of the nominees under each category.

Insulation Solutions & Systems
Includes innovations in the product used as insulation as well as the effectiveness of the insulation.

Structural Insulated Panels & Building Systems
Creative and unique alternatives to conventional stick-frame design or to be used in conjunction.

Green Consulting and Design
Companies and individuals who can provide expert knowledge to those trying to build green.

Stains & Finishes
Stains, coatings and paints that are designed to protect your structure while also protecting the environment.

Flooring
Green flooring options made from non-traditional and recycled sources such as glass, bamboo, and cork.

Building Materials
Innovative products which can be used in many areas of your green building project.

HVAC (heating, vents, ac)
Learn how these systems utilize new technologies to provide your home with heat and or cooling while reducing energy consumption.

Home Furnishings
Furnish your home with green furniture made from reclaimed wood or eco-friendly curtains and upholstery.

Countertops & Surfaces
Creative enviro-friendly surfaces made from recyclables and renewable material.

Renewable Energy Solutions
Generating and conserving power from the elements; sun, water, air.

Water Conservation & Systems
Systems and products designed to help us monitor and control our water usage.

Lighting Solutions
Innovative ways to bring light into your home while saving energy or utilizing recycled materials.

Product Review Websites
Websites that display or review potential green building products and solutions.

Green Building Informational Websites
Sites and Blogs dedicated to providing specific green building information.

bibi

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Who would have thought that you could be green while cooking. Green cooking brings up thoughts of organic and sustainable products, natural and local ingredients, but there are also things that you can do around the kitchen that will keep you in the green.
This month’s issue of Better Homes and Garden put together a list of easy ways to be a greener cook:

• Fill the Freezer: Use less energy by filling up your freezer. Take advantage of the bountiful of vegetables of summer, by freezing them for the winter.

• Put a lid on boiling water: This little trick will prevent heat and energy from escaping.

• Don’t Open that door: Stop yourself from peeking in the oven while things are cooking, this can drop the temperature to drop from 25 to 50 degrees, and cause you to have to cook things longer.

• No-waste Baking: This is a great tip to avoid wasting foil and parchment paper, buy a reusable nonstick silicone baking mat.

• Choose the right cookware: Choosing the right size pot or pan for what you are cooking can help you save energy and time.

• Fill’er up: Not running the dishwasher until it’s full to the rim and skipping the drying cycle will conserve energy and water.

• Unplug: Unplug anything that is not in use especially small appliances, you’d be surprise how much energy is used by appliances while not in use, and this goes for anything around the house that is plugged in but not in use.

• Lights Out: and last but not least, lights out when you leave any room.

bibi

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Here are some great tips to greening your home and saving money at the same time… Green a home, by using drinking water filters instead of bottled water, shower filters and bath balls to reduce water consumption and chlorine intake, furnace filters, green cleaning products, organic sheets to reduce allergens. All for under $250 dollars.

bibi

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Join the movement on March 28th, wherever your are in the world, turn off all the lights and enjoy a quite moment with friends and family in honor of the earth.

Vote Earth Your Light Switch is Your Vote

bibi

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I love it when I find ideas about taking things that would otherwise end up in the garbage and turning them into something useful.

I came across this site that does just that: it’s called FaveCrafts: Discover the Crafter in you. In it you’ll find a section called Green Crafting that has several articles that cover reusing materials from used wine bottles to old jeans, tin cans and trash that can be used as crafting materials. If crafting is your thing they also have a blog you can follow at www.FaveCraftsBlog.com.

Especially in these tough economic times, some of these ideas can come in handy when folks are looking for ways to keep the cost of gifting down. Some of these articles can be used to teach our children the importance of taking care of the environment and reusing as many materials as possible. The younger we teach them the more ingrained it will become.

Here is a list of some of their articles:

10 Ways to Reuse and Recycle Trash for Crafting

15 Homemade Christmas Ornaments: Recycled Paper Ornaments

Green Crafting Tip: Dress Up Wire Hangers

Homemade Cork Board

Recycled Market Tote Bag

Recycled Tin Can Luminaries

Turn Old Jeans into Pot Holders

Vinyl Record Bowl

Enjoy!!!

bibi

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The Recovery and Reinvestment Act that was signed into law by President Obama and went into effect just this last month, has some real goodies in the form of energy tax credits for the homeowner and upcoming work for the small business owners that can supply the labor.

Partly to boost the economy and partly to help make homes more energy efficient, the tax credits have been increased from 10% to 30% with a cap of $1500, except for major improvements such as Solar panels where you can take advantage of the full 30%, and the credit will be extended through 2010.

For small companies that can do these types of improvements it will be a great boost to their businesses once word gets out about the credits.

Some of the covered improvements will be:

Roof:

Can run a homeowner from 5-20 thousand dollars. To get the credit you must use “EnergyStar-rated asphalt or metal roof.”

Furnaces and Air Conditioners:

Run in the 4-5 thousand dollar range and must meet Energy saving Guidelines.

Water Heaters:

Can cost  up to 2 thousand for a Tankless water heater which are the most efficient, must meet “an energy factor of 0.82 or a thermal efficiency of at least 90%.”

Double Insulated Windows:

Can be expensive to do the whole house  at an average of $750 per window but definitely worth it, so the 30% credit will come in handy.

New Insulation:

Run 3 to 8 thousand for the whole house, and must meet the 2009 standards.

Solar Electric Panels:

Are probably the most expensive of all the upgrades, but the one that will make the most difference in the long run.

For more info go to EnergyStar.gov

bibi

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If you happen to be in Atlanta the next week, The American Craft Council  will be holding it’s annual American Craft Council Show for the second year in a row. It will feature artists who use the concept of “Going Green” as a method of artistic expression.

The show will be held in Atlanta March 13-15th at the Cobb Galeria Center. (directions here) Friday and Saturday, March 13-14: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; and Sunday, March 15: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Regular admission is $12 for one day, $18 for a two-day pass and all three days’ admission for $20. Children 12 and under are admitted free. American Craft Council members and those who join the non-profit organization at the show ($25 annual membership fee) are admitted free all weekend.

A preview Party on Thursday, March 12 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Cobb Galleria Centre. Tickets for the Preview Party are $75 each and can be purchased at www.craftcouncil.org/atlanta. Proceeds from the Preview Party jointly benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Metro Atlanta/Youth Art Connection and the American Craft Council.

The craft show will include over 200 artists, one quarter of which meet the Green Craft Standard by creating collectible treasures from cast-offs and reducing pollution and landfill use. The collection will include fine art pottery to metal works to distinctive wearable items to mixed media pieces. Some of the recycled materials used include exotic hardwoods and metals, stained glass, metal, fabric, buttons, stainless steel and granite.

The artist list includes the likes of Jewelry Artists Mayra Orama Muñiz and Erica Millner from MIO Studios, Paul Pearman, with his mosaic belt buckles, Clay Artist Kirsten Stingle, and Sculptor Dave Caudill.

To preview the show and to purchase tickets online, please visit: www.craftcouncil.org/atlanta.

bibi

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It is our responsibility to teach our kids to be responsible with mother earth, take care of her for their own good and for the good of future generations. Educating kids about making the right safe, healthy and green choices is what will make the difference in the future.

Fellow greenies over at TeensturningGreen.org are doing just that. Involving kids in the betterment of our earth, with projects such as the upcoming Project Green Prom which invites High School Students to “Green” their High School proms. Encouraging them to come up with green alternatives to hair, make up, skin and body care products and extending to include prom attire and accessories, decoration ,transportation and flower.

Project Green Prom is a contest that begins March 1st and ends March 30th. Participants must register, and basically shoot a video that is no more than 3 minutes, explaining how they plan to make their prom Green.  Videos will be judged on the following criteria:

• Be creative and imaginative (don’t just stand in front of the camera talking)
• Incorporate thoughtful and executable ideas to green your prom.
• Video may include or be produced by more than one person but must be submitted by one eligible contestant who will be the grand prize winner.
• You must have the support of your school administration should you win, to host a green prom and utilize the Project Green Prom winning prize.

Grand Prize:

Round trip airline tickets to New York for winner and guardian
One night hotel stay in Manhattan on April 5-6 to attend Press Conference
Transportation by hybrid courtesy of OZOcar

Among many other green goodies…

Check out the rest of the Grand Prize and 2nd through 4th place prizes

bibi

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Watch the video of the National Clean Energy Project Summit where the most important leaders of the nation gathered to discuss the very critical issues of renewable energy and ending our dependence on foreign oil. Watch the summit right here, and hear what they have to say about our future energy plans.

Then Join the Virtual March on Wahington, on April 1-3 the New Energy Army will virtually march on Washington. The Army will focus its energy during those three days on e-mails, calls and faxes to every Member of Congress. SIGN UP TODAY!

bibi

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bibi

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NATIONAL CLEAN ENERGY PROJECT: BUILDING THE NEW ECONOMY WEBCAST INFORMATION.

The Center for American Progress Action Fund will host an energy summit entitled “National Clean Energy Project: Building the New Economy” on Monday, February 23, 2009 in Washington, DC. The summit will focus on the modernization and expansion of the electrical grid, integrating energy efficiency and distributed generation into operation and regulation, rapidly increasing transmission capacity for renewable energy and reducing our nation’s dependence on foreign oil by examining short- and long term solutions to replace foreign oil with domestic resources to fuel vehicles and trucks, including natural gas. Some very interesting speakers will be there and more important will start the ball rolling on the road to independence from foreign oil.

Monday, Feb. 23 at 10:15 a.m. EST live streaming coverage of the New Energy Summit will be available on several sites:
www.nationalcleanenergyproject.org

www.pickensplan.com/summit/

www.americanprogressaction.org

EVENT SCHEDULE:

10:15-10:35 AM - National Clean Energy Project: Building the New Economy (open to media, live audience of 100-150)

· Opening Remarks and Participant Introductions: UN Foundation President Tim Wirth
Moderator opens and introduces the table of participants
· Remarks: Senator Harry Reid
· Remarks: President Bill Clinton
· Remarks: Vice President Al Gore
· Remarks: Speaker Nancy Pelosi
· Remarks: T. Boone Pickens
· Remarks: John Podesta

10:35 AM -12:30 PM - Moderated Discussion of Primary Principles

· Principle One – How do we build the modern electricity grid?
· Principle Two – How do we reduce our reliance on foreign oil?

12:45 PM Press Conference – Presentation of Discussion and Common Principles

bibi

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In this tough economy everyone is looking to save a buck. Bar and restaurant owners are going to love this story because it will not only help them reuse something that they are throwing down the drain everyday anyway but also turn it into something that will save them money.

The inventor of The EFuel100 MicroFueler™, last year came up with an invention that is the world’s first portable ethanol micro-refinery system. Now you may ask what does this have to do with Bar and restaurant owners? Well, this machine can turn any alcohol, including the leftover liquor, beer and wine that is thrown down the drain every day at bars and restaurants into ethanol that can be used to power cars, making it possible for homeowners and small businesses to safely and cost-effectively create their own fuel, on-site.

The MicroFueler is capable of producing 5 gallons of ethanol per day once fermentation is complete.

The idea seems to be catching on Sierra Nevada Brewing Company has cut a deal with the inventor of The EFuel100 MicroFueler™ to use the micro fueler to run it’s BioFuel fleet of trucks by using the ethanol created from it’s beer yeast waste.

Believe it or not the cost is very reasonable and will be available in the second quarter of 2009. There are also Federal and State tax credits to make it even more reasonable, even for homeowners. For more information on cost and how to order check it out at Efuel site.

What a great way to recycle what would otherwise be waste and be on our way to free ourselves from oil dependency.

bibi

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Foreign Oil Dependency should be addressed in the Stimulus Package. You and I can help make that happen by joining the Picken’s Plan Army, and letting our Congress know that we want change.

Get Involved…The Pickens Plan

bibi

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Have you ever thought about where that beautiful bouquet of flowers you got or are giving away for Valentines came from? Here is some food for thought, a cute video of a day in the life of flowers…

For more information you can go to: GivingPlants.com

bibi

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How green is your city?  Do you know if your city is keeping up with the environmental movement or lagging behind. If they want a part of that mega bucks stimulus package, they better get on board.  Entrepreneur Magazine has an article in the January issue about how some states are staying ahead of the game. If you don’t see your city on this list, get some pointers and pass them on to reps of your city and your state.

The following cities are on the forefront of implementing environmental programs for their residents, and taking action against global warming.

Austin, Texas:

Austin has a goal to power city facilities with renewable energies by the year 2010 and has a requirement for new single-family buildings to be net-zero energy capable by 2015.

Boston, Mass:

The mayor of Boston requiring all Taxi cabs to be Hybrids by the year 2015.

Chicago, Illinois:

Chicago has the only fully voluntary legally binding cap and trade program to reduce co2. The Green Exchange houses 100 green businesses, and Chicago has more Leed-Ceritfied Buildings than any other North American city.

Los Angeles, California:

LA has set a goal of 20% of the city’s energy resource to come from renewable energies by the year 2010. With a population of almost 4 million, that would be a sizable feat.

Minneapolis, Minnesota:

The city of Minneapolis has set a goal of reducing co2 emissions from it’s city operations 12% by 2012, and 20% by 2020.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania:

Philadelphia took the lead in 1999, by replacing all it’s traffic lights with LEDs.

Portland, Oregon:

Portland showed it’s bicycle friendly face to the city, consequently earning them a Platinum rating from the league of American Bicyclists.

San Francisco, California:

The city of San Francisco has the nations largest solar-incentive program. Providing $6,000 dollars in incentives for residential installations and $10,000 dollars for businesses that decide to go solar.

Seattle, Washington:

The mayor of Seattle got together 800 of the nations mayors to sign the US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement in which they pledge to meet or beat the Kyoto Protocol Targets for their cities.

Get a program going in your city, every city has some sort of Environmental Association, find out who they are and join up to get and give ideas to make our cities more environmentally friendly. With the stimulus package coming up there will be green opportunities that will be funded with this money, be at the forefront.

bibi

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This economy has caught many people by surprise. Many have lost their jobs or their businesses to the unexpected downturn. If you really look at the situation in hindsight it was inevitable. Among other human missteps of late, part of the reason for the downturn, is our dependence on oil. It was bound to come back and bite us in the you know what eventually, just like it did back in the seventies. Our refusal to learn the lesson is bound to repeat itself over and over unless we put an end to the dependence on oil, and move on to other forms of energy. Luckily we have a president that seems to be interested in making this happen. I’m sure that part of this infrastructure plan involves Green infrastructure.

Which bring us to the question, why not look at the bad economy as an opportunity? Maybe it’s time for a turn around, a time for Greenies like us to look into not only helping the planet but making a living at it too. Here is a list of Green Start-ups put out by Entrepreneur Magazine:

• Eco-tourism Travel Guide: Eco-tourism travel has caught fire with people that care about the environment and the impact that they can make on that environment both ecologically and socially. This would include activities such as adventure sports, wilderness adventure trips, nature travel and education. This venture is for someone who loves to travel and is or can become a knowledgeable guide who can organize “Genuine Green Trips”. With a relatively small initial investment and the commitment learn and to teach people about their impact on natural systems and native communities, this can be turned into a viable business.
• Green Advertising Agency: The Green Trend is gaining ground and businesses will need of advertisers specializing in getting the message out about their commitment to sustainability. Anyone with experience in graphic design, media, communications and sustainability can make a go of this.
• Green Start-up Finance Broker:Someone with a financial background and connections could delve into a business that finds investment money for new Green businesses.
• Green Home Remodeling: A person with knowledge of building, redecorating, interior design and sustainable materials could find a place in the home remodeling niche. Green building and remodeling has become smart and chic, helping people realize the energy efficiency and safety of their space would become quite profitable. I’m sure most people have seen those commercials about mesothelioma, which is a cancer caused by exposure to asbestos, a commonly used building material of the past. Just like asbestos there are many other toxic materials used in building that can be avoided, and people are becoming more informed and interested in living and working in these toxic-free environments.
• Green Cleaning Services: Green Janitorial Companies are sprouting up everywhere. Cleaning a space without all those nasty chemicals and fumes is a concept that is catching on quickly. There is a growing demand for cleaning services that perform their function without harming the environment or the people that work or live in these spaces. Schools are a niche that could be sought out.
• Eco-Salon:The health and beauty industry and their wide use of chemicals may be a thing of the past. Now come the Eco-Salons or healthy salons that provide healthy alternatives to the chemical laden treatments of the past. Salons and Day Spas Non-toxic substitutes are now widely available and becoming the trend.
• Eco-Friendly Furniture: Whether you are a designer or a retailer of furniture, this niche could be something for you. With all the materials ending up in the landfill, there is a need for artistic and innovative people to come up with furniture options for all these materials. And with a more conscientious society furniture made with eco-friendly and recycled materials is catching on.
• Low- Water Landscaping: For those with a green thumb, this business could be something for you. Developing landscaping that requires low-water use. Landscaping can be beautiful, but it can also be very expensive when it comes to water usage. Water conservation is big, very popular especially in the dryer states of the west. Xeriscaping as it’s called, is not hard to sell, when you can show your customers that by using drought tolerant plants they can save up to 50% in their water consumption, they are beautiful and easy to take care.
• Green B&B: The Green B&B is not your typical hotel, it is a business that incorporates some of the other businesses mentioned earlier. It uses sustainable building materials, green cleaning materials that are non-toxic to it’s guests. Readily offers recycling opportunities, uses the local organic fair, employs water conservation throughout the garden and in the toilets and sinks. Energy efficiency throughout with sensor lights, and also asks the guest to participate in the green experience.

bibi

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Aids is still around

It hasn’t gone away

Is not just a disease that homosexuals get

If you use drugs you open yourself up to the possibility

of getting AIDS

Don’t chance it

It’s your life…

bibi

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For the ladies out there, here is a list of famous hunks with a green thumb, so to speak. They not only make it a point to look good, but also to do good.

Leonardo Di Caprio

Besides being a greeny himself, he is out to convince others of the virtues of going green. You can catch him in several “environmental” productions.

• The 11th Hour a documentary about climate change.
• Greensburg chronicles the rebuilding of the town of Greensburg, Kansas which was wiped out by an EF5 tornado back in 2007 and is reinventing itself into totally sustainable and eco-friendly town.

George Clooney

He drives a one seater electric car called Tango and soon to be driving the $100k Tesla Roadster 100% electric, burns no oil and looks great. They both do.

Edward Norton

• While often playing the bad guy, the mysterious Edward Norton works with Friends of the High Line a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and reuse of the High Line - a 1.5 mile, elevated railway that runs along the West Side of Manhattan.
• He has also worked with National Geo on a series called Strange Days on Planet Earth on Climate change… Ecosystem degradation… Clean energy… Poverty… Disease…  Strange Days on Planet Earth connects some of the greatest issues of our day.

John Ledgend

• The legendary R&B singer has performed in the Live Earth Concerts in London, is spokesman for GQ’s The Gentleman’s Fund to support the five cornerstones essential to men: opportunity, health, education, environment, and justice.
• He is also involved in the Show Me Campaign helping impoverished villagers in Africa become self-sustaining.

Adam Levine

• The hot rocker from Maroon5 has been on “Gen E” Generation Environment spots promoting environmental awareness through public service announcements.
• Is actively involved in the “greening” of concert venues. ReverbRock…
• They are also involved with Global Cool who’s mission is to inspire one billion people to  reduce their co2 emissions by one tonne.

bibi

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If your in Atlanta the weekend of November 14/15 go check out the Broadcast Atlanta ENVIRO EXPO USA. It will be held at AmericasMart Convention Center. This environmental event is free.
Enjoy…

BroadcastAtlanta ENVIRO EXPO USA
Nov. 14-15, 2008
AmericasMart
240 Peachtree Street N.W. Building 3
Atlanta, GA 30303

Attend the region’s most diverse display of eco-friendly products and services, and hear experts share how to live a green lifestyle. Experience eco-friendly food, apparel, cosmetics, household, furniture and lawn and garden products. Indulge in organic food and home products, including olive oil, baby food, chocolate, honey, fresh herbs, seasonal vegetables, granola, and organic soap at the region’s most diverse display ofeco-friendly food, apparel, cosmetics, furniture, and lawn and garden products. Learn about green businesses in the water, energy, transportation, remodeling, recreation, and green-financing industries.

Attend University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service gardening demonstrations.

The Broadcast Atlanta ENVIRO EXPO USA will also feature:

• Green Hall Meeting- Learn how to Green It Up with community sustainability leaders, a town hall-style discussion with sustainability experts from the Environmental Protection Agency, local government agencies and area environmental organizations on Saturday, November 15^th from 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
• More than 20 expert speakers discussing topics ranging from eco-conscious landscaping to everyday water conservation.
• Activities for kids including, an appearance by the Radio Disney Street Team from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Also, children can participate in a bicycle-recycle relay, a Nike shoe throw and learn how Nike turns recycled shoes into basketball and tennis courts.

The Green Hall Meeting- Learn how to Green It Up with community sustainability leaders, is being held in conjunction with the Broadcast Atlanta ENVIRO EXPO USA on Saturday, November 15, from 1:30-3:00 p.m. in the atrium of the AmericasMart facility. This town hall-style discussion gives attendees an opportunity to ask questions of and learn from sustainability experts from the Environmental Protection Agency, local government agencies and area environmental organizations. The Green Hall Meeting will focus on identifying the issues that Atlantans face on local, state, and national levels in terms of creating a more sustainable environment and identifying the key resources that can solve those issues. Lynette Young of Sustainable Atlanta will moderate the discussion, which will include:

· Joe Bassista, City of Atlanta,

· Randy Hartmann, Georgia Department of Community Affairs

· Shana Udvarsky, Atlanta Water Department.

Join in the family fun and activities. Children can participate in a
bicycle-recycle relay and a Nike shoe throw, and they can see how Nike
turns recycled shoes into basketball and tennis courts. They also can
watch UGA Coop Extension Service gardening demonstrations to learn how to  make compost.
Free and open to the public. Visit www.enviroexpousa.org or call 770-517-0447

bibi

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