Z Free: Green is the New Black?

Green is everywhere. Caring for the environment, also known as “being green”, has become a lifestyle and an industry. The changing weather patterns, threatened animal and plant species are forcing us all to take a closer look at our life on this blue, green planet Earth. Are we responsible for our action here? If we all contribute to the polluting of the planet, will we all contribute to its healing? If so, does race matter? A glance through most yoga magazines or a visit to many health-oriented activities reveals a lack of color. No, not colorful clothes, but people of color, melanated blacks and browns. On Feb. 28, 2008, Uptown Magazine presented “People of Color Don’t care About the Environment”. The night provided a wonderful opportunity to hear from some on the leading edge of including new faces and voices into the work of re-connecting man and nature.

The panel discussion was led by Simran Sethi, host of Sundance Channel’s The Green, and included Jarid Manos, environmentalist author of “Ghetto Plainsman”, Ludovic Blain, Racial Justice Entrepreneur, Omar Freilla of Green Worker Cooperatives of the South Bronx, Audrey Peterman, founder –Earthwise Productions and Sharon Levine of Concrete Safaris.

Opening with music by Marques Tolier and Rex Detiger, the discussion covered a wide range of areas. Some Key thoughts were: “The environmental movement is about all people.” (Simran Sethi); “We get the benefits of technology while the burdens go to poor people of color”(Omar Freilla) who are more likely to live near dump sites, electrical plants, water treatment facilities and the like; “The violence people do to the Earth mirrors the violence people do to each other.” (Jarid Manos); “Educating people about the environment is actually educating people about themselves.” (Sharon “Mac” Levine).

Although the hall was far from packed those who did attend were invigorated and motivated by the wide range of programs and activities presented by the panelists. I left agreeing with Jarid Manos who said, “ In the midst of so much devastation we can still celebrate . . . we grow as a society if we work to take care of others.” Others includes nature and the people we see every day.

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Is Graffiti Dead?

No! But here's a "underground" movement that can actually boost your property value.

Guerrilla gardening is political gardening, a form of nonviolent direct action, primarily practiced by environmentalists. Activists take over an abandoned piece of land which they don't own to grow crops or plants. Guerrilla gardeners believe in reclaiming land from perceived neglect or misuse and assigning a new purpose for it.

Guerrilla gardeners will sometimes carry out their actions late at night geared up with gardening gloves, watering cans, compost, seeds and plants. They plant and sow a new vegetable patch or flowering garden. Others will work more openly, actively seeking to engage with members of the local community....[wikipedia]

Twelve Tips From www.guerrillagardening.org

1. Spot some local orphaned land.
You will be amazed how many little grubby patches of unloved public space there are. Neglected flower beds, concrete planters sprouting litter and untamed plants, bare plots of mud.

2. Plan a mission.
Make a date in the diary for an evening attack, when trouble-making busy bodies are out of sight.

3. Find a local supply of plants.
The cheaper the better... The cheapest plants are ones that are free.

4. Choose plants for front line battle. Think hardy - resistant to water shortages and the cold, and in some locations pedestrian trampling! These plants need to look after themselves a lot of the time. Think impactful - colour, ever green foliage, scale. These plants need to really make a difference, for as much of the year as possible
5. Get some Wellington Shoes.

6. Bag some bags. Plastic bags, bin liners (not only can they keep your feet clean), but they are essential for clearing up the deteritous of war.

7. Regular Watering. One of the responsibilities of a Guerrilla Gardener is ongoing tendering.

8. Seed Grenades / seed bombs. For gardening those areas where access is difficult or a long dig is unsuitable, use a Seed Grenade - seeds and soil wrapped in an explosive capsule.

9. Chemical Warfare. Boost your plants with natural chemicals.

10. Garden with a girl. Having a girl on a dig (not only is as useful as the equivalent male troop) is a brilliant diversion should the cops pass by and get inqusitive.

11. Spread the word Let people know what you have done with a few flyers under doors near the guerrilla gardening war zone, a poster taped to a phone box or bus stop, a marker in the soil

12. Transportation. If you are not guerrilla gardening within walking distance from your home (the ideal) you will need some transportation