One hundred and fifty years ago, Abraham Lincoln helped establish the National Academy of Sciences to move the United States forward with independent, objective scientific assessment and discovery.  Thanks to groundbreaking research over the past century and half, our country has made staggering strides.  However, in more recent years, slamming science and innovation has become sport, as fully … Read more

A big fuss has been made about Keystone XL pipeline, although few people seem to fully understand why.  TransCanada’s controversial pipeline proposes to transport tar sands oil 1,700 miles across the United States.  Currently the Southern section is under construction, while the Northern section that crosses the U.S./Canada border is held up by State Department permit approval.   The Canadian … Read more

This month, I’m introducing 8 more leading green women pioneers and powerhouses positively impacting the North Shore and Chicago… a physician, clean energy accelerator, florist, social entrepreneur, organic food gardener, environmental lawyer, philanthropist and sustainability officer.  I’m specifically highlighting women from a wide spectrum of fields to show regardless of profession … Read more

Chicago has become a bona fide craft beer hotspot.  Thanks to pioneers like Goose Island, a slew of emerging and upstart micro breweries, such as Half Acre, Finch’s and Revolution, have joined the local scene over the past few years.   Not surprisingly, Chicagoans have quickly caught on to the better beer movement, acquiring a hearty appetite for quality, niche, small-batch beer.  Good … Read more

Meet eight more green women pioneers and powerhouses making a difference in the North Shore and Chicago…a window design team, environmental justice activist, restaurateur, building salvager, compost entrepreneur, journalist, public garden CEO and educator.  For this 3-part series, I specifically chose females to represent a wide spectrum of fields to show regardless of profession or for-purpose … Read more

Every March, the hottest green scene in the North Shore is the Going Green Matters fair in Wilmette. Despite the rainy gray day, this year’s seventh annual eco-event presented by Go Green Wilmette and the Village of Wilmette drew more than 1,000 residents, neighbors, public officials and volunteers!  It’s a wonderful opportunity to learn, connect and brainstorm about living more sustainability … Read more

One of the most important books I’ve ever read, Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide, revolves around a key premise.  Women can be the most effective change agents.  In the environmental realm, women have a long history of protecting the environment and human health.  Over the years, I’ve crossed paths with countless dedicated, savvy women that are making … Read more

I’m just not a fan of pesticides.  Dating back to Rachel Carson’s warnings in Silent Spring, there’s no question that pesticides are harmful to people, pets, farmers and wildlife.  Sadly, pesticide use is commonplace and pervasive in our daily lives.  Residues lurk in our food, water and air… and insidiously collect in our bodies.  As a parent, I’m hoping to lighten my family’s … Read more

Matt Damon and John Krasinski wrote (and star in) the current film Promised Land which hinges on a novel issue.  It spotlights the promise and perils a small farm town faces upon the prospects of shale gas drilling.  A similar storyline is unfolding in countless communities across the U.S. as advanced extraction techniques have driven a natural gas boom.  With enthusiastic economic … Read more

Last month we heard much about Plan B to avert the fiscal cliff.  I’ve been wondering what we can do to dodge the climate cliff.  While spending some time away with my family over the holidays, I did a little soul searching.  … Read more