Better World Betty's Earth Week Recap

What an amazing week of celebrating the Earth. I was blessed to be a part of many Earth efforts around town where I was SERVING the Earth (last photo). One of Betty's fans commented: "Whoa - isn't Earth Day like Betty's "Christmas?"" It's true that it is a very special week. A time to CELEBRATE the efforts you are ALREADY doing to help the Earth or to RENEW efforts that you have been putting off because of your busy life or REDEDICATE time or energy or money to a new effort to help save our planet and its precious resources. Isn't this what every holiday is really about? Celebration, renewal, rededication.

My favorite part is connecting with the community members and other organizations and talking about more ideas for positive change. We are all on this bouncing ball together.

(PHOTOS: Me and the Bagel Lady at UVA's Eco-Market; Eric, Me, Sharon - community volunteers/change makers; Bruce Edmonds of the Rivanna Solid Waste and McIntire Recycling Center; Me serving the Earth)

BWB Highlights:

**Sunday: My very FIRST visit at Betty's Booth on Sunday's kickoff of Earth week at the Pavilion was a homeless man who wanted to start composting in his temporary housing. That was inspiring! He also told me about receiving a water kit from the city and installing it to the amazement of the other tenants.

EVERYONE, I mean everyone is making a difference out there.

**Sunday: Jen donating 15 dollars for one of my remaining BETTY T-shirts. (Still have a few left: email me...)

**Sunday: A listener of the Bruce and Betty radio show (it seems a tad hyperbole to call 12 minutes of radio a show) came to my booth and said, "So, are you Betty?" and I turned around to see if anyone besides me was standing there and oops no Betty. I looked at him rather sheepishly and said, "Betty is me." He looked so disappointed. No offense taken. I can totally relate. It's like reading Confederacy of Dunces and really wanting to sit down with Ignatius Reilly (OK, sorry Betty, not the most flattering of comparisons). But you get the idea. Betty is lovable and most times I wish she were real too. Now she is with me and all of us in spirit helping us take action - big and small ones everyday - to help the Earth.

**Tuesday: UVA Earth Week Garden Tour. I enjoyed listening to two landscape gardeners for the Pavilion Gardens at UVA at 1pm. They had some real wisdom as far as the impact he is seeing from global climate change. Even just a one percent shift in the Earth's temperature widens the distance insects are able to travel, thus creating a problem for investations of trees such as the hemlock in the area. One decried the folly of planting non-native plants year after year, only to watch them die, especially considering the drought-like conditions we've had in recent years. Boxwoods aren't native to the region, for example. They are a shallow rooted plant and therefore don't handle series of dry days where the moisture is deeper. Tradition at UVA is one thing, but "Good gardeners plant and watch, plant and watch." Continuing to plant non-native trees because of tradition is a waste of time and money, according to one landscaper, but so far it's an uphill battle getting anyone to listen. hmmmm. Talk louder?? (That's what Mother Nature is doing)

**A Betty faithful fan told me that on Spring Break she and her husband took "Betty walks" on the beach to pick up trash, sometimes asking "What would Betty do?" upon finding trash with mini bug inhabitants!

**Thursday, 40th Earth Day: UVA was loads of excitement as Bruce Edmonds and I did a remote broadcast in front of Newcomb Hall and then at the Amphitheater by the lawn - the Ecomarket with students, faculty and staff. LOVED Bruce's ECO-radio with a hand crank! The local bagel ladies were there as well as Retail Relay, Beer Run, Edible magazine, Habitat for Humanity, farmers, Feast! Earth lovers at large, let me tell you. THANKS to those of you who signed up to volunteer. Betty needs YOU!! Thanks for the interview Myles Henderson: http://www.newsplex.com/video?clipID=4725265&autoStart=true&contentID=91838494

**Friday 8:50am: Bruce and Betty show on 1061 the Corner on greening your lawn, Betty-style

The only regret: not hugging more TREES. Trees on Fire, that is, at their launch party this evening at Charlottesville's Paramount at 8pm. I cannot believe I am missing one of my favorite Organica Earth-loving bands tonight!

Thanks for another great Earth Day everyone,
BWB

p.s. Thanks Eric B and Howell B (volunteers), Bish Bailey at Bailey printing for doing some quick printing on recycled paper, and Pack N Mail on Pantops for cutting Betty a special on a way cool banner!

D.I.Y. green cleaners

Check out this month's column in Abode magazine here or on their website!

Mix up your own green cleaners

Time to spring clean! This month Betty gives you simple recipes to save greenbacks, and our green planet. These phosphate- and petroleum-free, biodegradable cleaners outshine harmful and unnecessary specific cleaning products. All you really need is baking soda, mild detergent (Dr. Bonner’s), lemon, kosher salt and (optional) tea tree oil.

Basic all-purpose cleaner: 1 cup vinegar, 1/2 cup baking soda, 1 gallon of water (many spray bottles are this size) and a lemon’s squeeze for aroma and anti-bacterial benefits. Use this in bathrooms (on tub and tile) and all countertops and appliances. For tougher stains sprinkle baking soda and kosher salt and apply elbow grease.

Natural disinfectant: 2 cups water, 3 T liquid soap, 20-30 drops of tea tree oil.
Clogged drains: ½ cup baking soda followed by 2 cups boiling water (unless you have plastic pipes). Still clogged? Add ½ cup of vinegar and watch it fizz, set, then flush.

Bathroom mold: 1 part hydrogen peroxide (3 percent) with 2 parts water. Spray; wait an hour before rinsing.

Carpet spills: If club soda fails, pour corn meal or corn starch, wait 15 minutes, and vacuum.

Hardwood floors: Local hardwood expert Will Rainey says you really don’t need to use anything special on hardwoods, just warm water (optional: a splash of vinegar).

Windows: 2 T of white vinegar per gallon of water. Wipe with newspaper (no need for paper towels).

Stubborn clothing stains: After a red wine stain on new white linens, I discovered this trick: hydrogen peroxide. Let it pull the stain off, then wash.

Happy green cleaning!
BWB

TAP into the global solution to safe water this weekend

Spring has sprung, y'all and it's time to be outside! Perfect time to enjoy a fresh glass of water and support Unicef's Tap Project right here in Charlottesville as a part of World Water Week. At the following 16 Charlottesville restaurants, pay just $1 for the glass of tap water you usually get for free. The money funds UNICEF drinking water projects around the globe.

Ariana Kebob, Aromas, Bang!, Blue Moon Diner, Bluegrass Grill, The College Inn, Eppie's, Fleurie, Horse & Hound Gastropub, Hotcakes, Ivy Inn, Orzo, Petit Pois, X Lounge, Zinc, and Zocalo.

This weekend is the second anniversary of the TAP Project, a nationwide event to bring awareness and solutions to safe, clean drinking water needed around the globe.

You know, the stuff you brushed your teeth with this morning and didn't even think twice about. Now I'm not pointing fingers here - I did the same. But it's a fact that here in America we take for granted fresh, clean water. So let Betty splash a little cold water on your face this morning...

Water Facts and Stats:

*Water-borne disease is the second highest cause of childhood death in the world – killing more than 4,100 children every day.

*UNICEF’s goal is to reduce the number of people without safe water and basic sanitation by 2015. Since 2007, the Tap Project has provided clean drinking water for more than 1 million children.

*Nearly 900 million people lack access to clean water…that’s the population of New York City multiplied more than 45 times over. With $1, UNICEF can provide a child with access to clean, safe water for 40 days, or 40 children with access to safe water for 1 day.

*All money raised via the Tap Project has gone toward UNICEF’s water, sanitation, and hygiene programs. Since 1990, UNICEF has helped 1.6 billion people gain access to clean water and sanitation.

*UNICEF works in more than 100 countries around the world to improve access to safe water and sanitation facilities in schools and communities, and to promote safe hygiene practices.

*A staggering 40% of the world’s population – more than 2.5 billion people – lack basic sanitation facilities.

*About one out of five people in sub-Saharan Africa rely on a clean drinking water source that is more than 30 minutes away.

*So I talked to Gwen Goodkin about how she became involved in Unicef's Tap Project, the exciting 16 restaurant participating this year in Charlottesville, and the important and tres easy thing for you to do: DONATE the money you would have spent on a drink and GET TAP WATER INSTEAD.



*Gwen is excited about the great publicity this year. She’s had help from Channel 29 TV Channel 29 TV, Chuck Baer of Black Baer Sealcoat (Ivy and Crozet folks, have you seen the billboard on Ivy Road - you know the one I'm talking about), and the folks at Lighthouse Studios Lighthouse for putting together an AMAZING PSA, and UnicefUnicef. I LOVE this woman! She gets things done. "All you need is a computer and laser printer and things just happen!" Betty loves positive thinking like this. Her 13-yr-old son (pictured above) has been a huge part of this year's campaign and commenced calling area restaurants while on vacation in Chicago!.

So your part is easy- here's all you do:

1) Take your and your friends and family and your LOCAL GREENBACKS out to a participating restaurant (the first pat on your back - way to keep your green here in the 'ville)
2) Tell them Better World Betty sent you (second pat on the back for supporting a local non-profit - thanks)
3) Then instead of having tap water (you usually have for FREE) or drinks, donate THAT money to the Tap Project! (third pat on the back for personally investing and taking action to solve the world's fresh water drinking problem! You rock.)

The Tap Project continues through next Saturday, March 27th. So you have all week!

Loving water, loving you!
BWB

P.S. From their website:

"What is the UNICEF Tap Project?

In 2007, the UNICEF Tap Project was born in New York City based on a simple concept: restaurants would ask their patrons to donate $1 or more for the tap water they usually enjoy for free, and all funds raised would support UNICEF’s efforts to bring clean and accessible water to millions of children around the world.

Growing from just 300 New York City restaurants in 2007 to thousands across the country today, the UNICEF Tap Project has quickly become a powerful national movement.

During World Water Week, March 21-27, 2010, the UNICEF Tap Project will once again raise awareness of the world water crisis and vital funds to help the millions of children it impacts daily. All funds raised support UNICEF's water, sanitation and hygiene programs, and the effort to bring clean and accessible water to millions of children around the world."

Painting with Betty...

This article can be found here, at Abode newsstands around town, or on Cville Weekly's website:cville abode

I’ve stared at enough white this winter, including walls—it’s time for color! And green painting can be fun and economical.

Pick the right paint, the first time!
If I wasn’t picky about color and material, I could head to Ivy MUC (Materials Utilization Center) and check their PEP (paint exchange program) paints; but I want to ensure a low-VOC or zero-VOC brand (like Natura from Benjamin Moore) to protect indoor and outdoor air.

Easy-to-clean latex-based paint with satin or semi-gloss finish is vital for my boys and me (outdated oil-based are higher polluting). Request Green Seal certification to limit and prohibit some toxins. My post-1978 home is lead-free, but be safe and visit www.epa.gov/lead for your project. I get 2-4 oz. samples and paint a 12x16 square behind a door: Colors can appear darker inside.

Stick to the basics
After rummaging my garage, I need one high-quality brush, an angled brush, a roller, painters’ tape, and a re-usable aluminum tray. I’ll borrow a step ladder and protect floors and furniture with old sheets or newspaper. Calling—instead of driving—around for prices and selection, I head to Nature Neutral, prep my walls with castile soap and water rinse (or a primer base) and I’m set! A paint calculator on the web tells me exactly how much I need.

Leftovers
If you have less than 1/4 can, let it dry outside. More? Use kitty litter or sawdust to soak up excess, and then dispose as trash. More than a gallon? Call local schools, Discovery Museum, other kid-centered places, or head to the Ivy MUC. (Notice the stunning red at Discovery Museum the next time you're there. That's my friend Kate's "Old World" - hysterical story behind that. When ordering her paint, she accidentally left off the "Romance" in "Old World Romance" and instead of a buttery, creamy color, she came home to vibrant cherry red!!) Reselling on craigslist is another option.

Happy painting!
BWB

Congratulations Cville Foodscapes

I was delighted to attend Sunday's launch at Random Row Books of a great new local business in town: Cville Foodscapes!

Built on the idea that there is too much lawn, not enough fresh garden food, six passionate individuals came together to help residents design, install and maintain home veggie gardens. Inspired by a love of gardening and a desire to see more food, not lawns (I love that book!), Wendy, Angel, Cassia, Sky, Sam, and Patrick have spent the past year creating a worker-owned cooperative business that helps Cville with their foodscaping! Besides offering a range of great services around gardening, they also will help you with your water harvesting and composting.

Wendy and I talked at length about the winding business path that lead them to this exciting day. And to our meeting - her friend Betsy has been raving about BWB and Betty's website and her husband actually attended January's Green Drinks and helped celebrate Betty's birthday! So we finally meet. Yeah! And what a light Wendy is! Well-spoken and enthusiastic about spreading their business. I was also happy to be reunited with smiley and completely huggable Angel Shockley. She and I communed in the dirt together while I was doing a work share at Roundabout Farm a couple years ago -- she was part of their on-site farm crew. I also met Patrick, who has an ultracool handout on how to make a flowerpot holder for your bike. I made one onsite (pictured here). Ruby (my bike) is so excited to have her very own marigold (from the seed exchange) blooming this spring if my thumb is as green as I want it to be!!

In talking with them both, I was impressed that they are not only creating a great business - helping people who don't know how or don't have the time or for other reasons just haven't taken the leap to having a home garden - but also the cooperative business model is forward-thinking and innovative enough to hopefully inspire other businesses to grow. They also have an already built in way to give back to the community and serve people who may not be able to afford their services: a "garden grant" program with QCC as their sponsor. A portion of their monthly revenue will go to support garden grants, which helps low-income families take advantage of fresh local food as well. Love it!

So if you've been thinking about taking the plunge into gardening, but are not quite sure how to start or what it entails, call the folks at Cville Foodscapes for a free consultation (their info should be in Betty's directory under Landscaping and Food shortly) (434) 806-6255 or email info@cvillefoodscapes.com or go to their website: www.cvillefoodscapes.com

Here's too edible lawns everywhere!
BWB

The Bruce and Betty show on 1061 w/ Paige Mattson: Gardening

This spring is going to be in full bloom before you know it! (Thank the heavens, right?!) I know I am feeling like one of those tightly closed buds just waiting for enough warm days and sunshine to bloom brighter than ever. So it's time to PLAN, then PLANT, then GROW your garden.

1- Preparing the soil:

I love to use the compost from my bin (though this year I moved into a smaller place with no room for an outside bin. Therefore, I'm not going to have as much need of compost because my gardening needs will be confined to pots and containers this year. I may just do smaller batches using a bin that can fit on the countertop or under the sink nicely). Composting can be done in a bin or if you have a big enough yard can be as simple as a pile covered with kitchen wire. The other essential ingredient is Panorama Pay Dirt from Steve Murray's booming business out in the county. Last year I found it at Southern States.

2- Seed selection:

Paige tells us it's time to start NOW if you plan on using seedlings. I need to confess that I may be better world Betty, but my thumb could stand getting greener for sure!! Two years running I've tried to start my seeds indoors with an embarassingly dismal success rate of about one plant out of every 30 seeds I plant. YIKES. I have had more success with starting herbs from seeds indoors - so I'll try that this year. I love Southern Seed Exchange - available at I.Y. (Integral Yoga) and I've even seen those at Whole Foods from time to time, who is carrying more and more local produce and other items.

3- Planting and Growing:

I recommend a LASAGNA GARDEN (pictured above). This is an ultra-cool way to garden and it's SO easy. First layer is newspaper (or thin cardboard, though I've never tried it so can't vouch for it) laid directly on top of the grass (or even weeds), then wet it down a bit. This is a 'brown' layer and now you want a 'green' layer: compost, coffee grounds, tea leaves/bags, fruit and veggie scraps, grass clippings, pay dirt. And then add another layer of newspaper or junk mail clippings or dry leaves and then another layer of 'green.' Top it off with pay dirt, plant your seedlings (after the threat of frost is over - around Mother's Day) and surround with some mulch.

The great advantage to lasagna garden is that you have:

- fewer weeds
- better water retention ( so it really cuts down on the water use)
- no back-wrenching digging (especially is this famous red clay of Virginia)

Now even if you don't have room for a big garden, you can opt for a patio garden using pots and large containers for herbs and tomatoes - consider a salsa garden. A pot of tomato, a pot of your favorite spicy hot pepper, and green pepper, and cilantro (I have to again confess that my cilantro has always gone to seed before I get a decent crop).

A word about deer and other varmints: the trick we have used is saving my boys' hair cut clippings and we hung it in bags around the garden (as well as urging them to pee around it -- Hey! I have two boys under the age of 10, what do you expect?)

Need more help? The barefoot gardener is part of a fundraising event at the Haven on Sunday, Feb 28th at 4pm (first and market) - he'll help you get started. Seeds, t-shirts, good people will abound.

Side note on mulch: the Ivy Muc facility has MULCH, aka organic vegetative material that is decent and economical (and not treated with nasty dyes and chemicals like some of the commercial brands) and for a fee you can have it delivered. I say decent because it's not thick - not the perty, fine chopped, dark kind. It's good for large areas.

Happy Gardening, from Betty and Bruce and Paige!

It goes without saying...

It goes without saying that a Better World, in my vision, includes the 55 million school-age young people in America. I've spoken about the numerous environmental steps that the city and county have implemented in recent years here in Charlottesville. From large-scale recycling and energy-savings to integrated pest management programs, they have been taking steps toward a healthier planet, beginning with the inside and outside of our schools. As important as these programs are, I believe they are at risk and to be perfectly honest are probably considered ancillary compared to what the schools are facing right now.

So tonight I am going to take a broader, big-picture approach to green: the sustainability of our future as a nation by urging you to take action and raise your voice to support properly funding our schools.

One of the most important collective endeavors we do as Americans is provide for an equal, dare I say excellent, education for all young people.

As a mother of two school-age boys, I am very concerned about the future quality of our schools here given the budget cuts (I read tier one, two and three last night here) that are looming large right now in Albemarle County. I won't go into excruciating detail, but as a middle school teacher I was stunned to see one of the proposed cuts was the elimination of a middle school vice-principal position (You all remember middle school, don't you?? Enough said)

I urge those of you with TEN extra minutes to sit down RIGHT NOW and write the board of supervisors and then write/email Delegate Rob Bell who is on the appropriations committee at the state level. My friend Brian Wheeler takes an in-depth look at the cuts, the ramifications, etc on his blog: School Matters http://schoolmatters.typepad.com/my_weblog/2010/02/budget_situation.html. (Brian, how do you do it all? You are amazing!)

As an involved mother with a background as an educator, I've seen the system from both sides and I don't envy the board and the state this difficult task of trying to make the budget work in these tough times, but we as a people, as a region, as a society need to remember the value of our future citizens and leaders of our nation: the young people.

I quote Hubert Humphrey when I say,"...the moral test of government is how that government treats those who are in the dawn of life, the children."

Please don't let our children down, our future, our hope.

Below is a list of ideas and talking points from a concerned PTO member:

The Board of Supervisors will meet on Wednesday, March 3, for a public hearing on the county budget, including the budget presented by the School Board. The SB voted to present a needs-based, rather than a balanced budget; the gap between what is needed (after significant cuts effect every building and program in the system). If we want the BOS to fund our schools, they need to hear from us, starting now. Many, many groups have already begun making their appeals to the BOS. As we saw from the redistricting issue, the people talking get heard, if enough of them speak to the same point.

You do not need to write anything long--a short and to the point message can be plenty persuasive, especially when a lot of them are received. "I am a taxpayer and voter in (fill in name of District here) and I believe our public schools are our community's most valuable asset. Do what it takes to fully fund the School Board's budget request."

Below is information gleaned from several web sites (which are noted below). The info can be used when you write, or when you talk to friends. If each of us encourages three or four people to write, we can make a difference. I suggest that you write a message to your supervisor, then send the same message to the rest of the BOS, so that all members have a sense of the strong feelings in the community for this.

the basic situation:

1) state revenue pays for almost half the cost of local education BUT:
state revenues, which are mostly income and sales taxes, have sharply fallen because so many people are out of work (thus less income to tax) and the rest are being cautious and cutting back on spending (thus lower sales tax revenue).

2) local revenues pay for almost half of the cost of local education BUT:
local revenues, which are mostly property taxes and sales taxes are also falling. sales taxes are falling as noted above.

3) property tax revenues MAY fall:
but property tax revenue does not have to fall: property tax revenue is a tax on the assessed value of the house. so as housing prices fall, the same tax RATE yields lower revenue. falling prices will shave $4million off county revenue if the rate is unchanged.


WHAT CAN BE DONE
1) The only thing the county controls in this situation is the local property tax RATE.

2) what's the math on property taxes:

the current rate is 0.742% (less than 1 % of assessed value, and well below the rate of 0.96% prevailing inthe 1990s)

if the county does nothing, and leaves the rate alone, revenue will keep falling and the school system will be implementing what they call "tier 2 and 3 reductions," which means eliminating entire programs.

if the county simply raises the rate to about 0.766%, property taxes stay the same for any given homeowner. this would close half the LOCAL $4 million budget gap, by retaining $2million in revenue for the county.
=> this is called an "equalized tax rate"

the county could also raise rates to roughly 0.786% and close the entire LOCAL gap.

3) what about the drop in STATE revenue, though?

In the best case state funding scenario, a property tax rate of 0.819% would balance the budget and increase ANNUAL tax payments by $146.19 for the median priced home (about $276,000) as compared to 2009. (you can multiply 0.053 * your NEW assessment to see what this means for you)

With the worst case state funding scenario (new reductions of $9 million), a property tax rate of 86.5 cents would fund the budget with only Tier 1 cuts implemented. That rate would increase ANNUAL tax payments by $272.08 for the median priced home as compared to 2009. (you can multiply 0.0985 * your NEW assessment to see what this means for you)

Can we afford to pay for our own schools? YES
Albemarle county is one of the richest counties in VA, but also one of the least taxed.
** Albemarle County in 2006-07 ranked 16th out of 134 localities in "revenue capacity" - how large is the property tax base - with 134th being lowest capacity
** Albemarle County in 2006-07 ranked 96th out of 134 localities in "revenue effort" - how much is that property tax base actually used - with 134th being lowest effort
** which is why Albemarle County in 2006-07 ranked 123rd out of 134 localities in level of "fiscal stress" - with 134th being lowest stress. this is not a high tax location relative to its amenities, quality schools, etc. and the fact is that good schools help keep property values high by making albemarle an atttractive place to live. most places with low property values have low property values because no one wants to live there.


Who to write to:
All of them in one easy address: bos@albemarle.org
Ann Mallek, White Hall : amallek@albemarle.org
Dennis Rooker, Jack Jouett: drooker@albemarle.org
Rodney Thomas, Rio: rthomas@albemarle.org
Ken Boyd, Rivanna: kboyd@albemarle.org
Duane Snow, Samuel Miller: dsnow@albemarle.org
Lindsay Dorrier, Scottsville: ldorrier@albemarle.org

Where the information in this email comes from:

Brian Wheeler’s post on what it would take to fund schools, with spreadsheet so you can run your own assessment through:
http://schoolmatters.typepad.com/my_weblog/2010/02/budget_situation.html

Jim Duncan’s post on the correlation of property values and quality of schools:
http://www.realcrozetva.com/2010/02/15/crozet-housing-prices-and-school-quality/

Report on the Comparative Revenue Capacity, Revenue Effort, and Fiscal Stress of Virginia's Counties and Cities 2006/2007 (most recent year available)

Write a letter to bos@albemarle.org to reach all of the county board of supervisors.

Then forward it to Delegate Rob Bell:
General Assembly Building P.O. Box 406
Room 812
Richmond, Virginia 23218
Phone: (804) 698-1058
Fax: (804) 698-6758
Constituent Viewpoint: (800)-889-0229
Email: DelegateRobBell@embarqmail.com

Albemarle Square
Mailing Address: 2309 Finch Court
Charlottesville, VA 22911
Phone: (434) 245-8900
Fax: (434)245-8903
Email: DelegateRobBell@embarqmail.com

Here's to a better-funded budget!