Got Wood? Lab Grown Wood! Plus what is “Plogging” and new innovations to reduce the Great Pacific Garbage Patch with Charlotte Ghiorse

The climate agenda was barely mentioned by either campaign in the 2024 election cycle, and it is virtually non-existent within the incoming administration, as after all, they say it is a hoax. Up is down and down is up! How do we make sense of this?

     It will be up to individuals and environmental organizations to stop the red line from destroying our precious lands. What we do as individuals is more important than ever. I was looking to find something that was fun and helpful in the context of being stewards of the planet. I came across an article about plogging, which piqued my interest. Yes, plogging! The term comes from Sweden and combines the Swedish word “plocka upp,” which means “to pick up,” with the English word “jogging.” Essentially, it’s jogging while picking up trash along the way. Plogging has become a global movement, combining fitness and environmental activism in a unique way. Picture it: you’re on a run, you spot some litter, you bend down to pick it up, and toss it into a bag you’re carrying. The environmental impact is very positive.  A single plogging session can result in bags of trash being removed from natural spaces, keeping plastic and other pollutants out of our oceans and helping wildlife. Plogging not only keeps the environment cleaner but also raises awareness. When people see others picking up trash while running, it’s a reminder of our shared responsibility to keep our spaces clean. Another topic that we discuss which recently got my attention is Lab Grown Wood. Charlotte Ghiorse, who is on this podcast episode, is our resident artist, eco-activist and astrologer. She sent me some info about Lab Wood and it is a very innovative idea. We also talk a tiny bit about the election, as well as an innovation the will help clean up the Great Pacific Garbage Patch a/k/a the Gyre. While many of us are shell shocked about what has happened in the US, we must try as the Brits say to “Keep Calm and Carry On”. There are many wonderful people doing amazing things to keep the environment safe and make the world a better place. For more info about Charlotte go to https://www.houseofchoclet.com and visit @Sexy Astrology on YouTube and Facebook. For info on plogging go to https://www.plogging.org/what-is-plogging

To listen to past TMSOG shows go to HudsonRiverRadio.com and Malcolmpresents.com. Follow The Many Shades of Green on Facebook, Instagram and Threads @tmshadesofgreen. Listen to TMSOG podcasts on all major podcast apps. #RaiseYourEcoConsciousness

TMSOG is on Feedspot’s list of the 50 Best Environmental Podcasts to follow in 2024!

Hurricanes, Plastic Pollution, Microplastics and Composting- plus Charlotte Ghiorse’s new art show “American Things”!

John Morales a meteorologist for NBC News in Miami said this on the air about Hurricane Milton: “It is gaining strength in the Gulf of Mexico, where you can imagine the seas are just so incredibly, incredibly hot, record hot, as you might imagine. You know what’s driving that. I don’t need to tell you — global warming, climate change leading to this. Fossil-fuel-driven climate change is causing the world’s oceans to rapidly warm. Warm water acts as jet fuel for tropical storms, allowing them to quickly gain strength.” Morales further said “It’s just an incredible, incredible, incredible hurricane,” and he started choking up, getting teary eyed, as he described the storm’s catastrophic drop in pressure over a 10-hour period. “I apologize. This is just — horrific.”

A recent NYT Opinion piece by Margaret Renki stated that there is no such thing as a climate haven anymore.  We all live in Florida now. Americans who still dismiss climate change outright must surely know this. They simply choose to parrot the talking points of the right-wing media figures who are paid by Big Oil — or Big Construction — to lie to vulnerable Americans and leave them ever more vulnerable. There’s no denying that we would be in much better shape today if utility companies and the fossil-fuel industry had not launched a new disinformation campaign to cover up the truth of climate change decades ago. One needs to question why GOP officials vote against measures that increase climate resilience and tell outrageous lies about the federal governments disaster response. Just keep on drillin’.

     Drilling, fracking, plastic and chemical production are all adding to global warming and GHG emissions. Fossil fuel emissions are wreaking havoc on the climate, which in large part is being sponsored by big oil and gas. So where does this all lead us and how can we take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions? Here’s an answer, educate yourself, be part of the solution not the problem. Believe in facts and science, and become involved in your community. Take your local, state and national representatives to task about climate change and environmental issues. Join an environmental group, and work to create policies that can put adaptation and resiliency into place. Lobby for less development, more open space, protect pollinators, stop using pesticides, and single use plastic. Become a steward of Mother Earth! Our resident eco-activist, artist and sexy astrologist Charlotte Ghiorse chimes in on what we can do about reducing plastic pollution and microplastics, as well as reducing food waste by composting. We also talk about fabricating wood and October Astrology. For more info go to houseofchoclet.com, bigreuse.org and NOAAClimate.gov. To help those affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton go to:https://www.redcross.org/about-us/our-work/disaster-relief/hurricane-relief.html, https://www.directrelief.org/emergency/hurricane-helene/ and World Central Kitchen https://donate.wck.org/give/628338/

To listen to past TMSOG shows go to HudsonRiverRadio.com and Malcolmpresents.com. Follow The Many Shades of Green on Facebook, Instagram and Threads @tmshadesofgreen. Listen to TMSOG podcasts on all major podcast apps. #RaiseYourEcoConsciousness

TMSOG is proud to be on Feedspot’s list of the 50 Best Environmental Podcasts to follow in 2024: https://podcasts.feedspot.com/environmental_podcasts/

Environmental Art: Does it impact Climate Change? Plus 4 Planets in Gemini… Eco-artist, Eco-activist and Sexy Astrologist Charlotte Ghiorse joins us to discuss these topics and more.

The shade of green for this episode of TMSOG is Hooker Green, which in this instance is purely PG. Hooker Green according to our resident eco-artist Charlotte Ghiorse, is a green with some red, which is left of mint and has a hint of pistachio.

Shades of green aside, I recently went to the Whitney Museum in NYC to see the Biennial Exhibit. There were many displays of modern artists using materials other than oil, watercolor or acrylic paints. Kiyan Williams a young upcoming artist displayed his work Ruins of Empire ll or The Earth Swallows the Master’s House on the outside terrace. The piece was totally composed of earth and depicted the north facade of the White House, which leans on one side and sinks into the floor. It also had an upside down flag on the top which got many museum visitors talking, as it seemed to strike a nerve with the currents events of the day. Another young artist, Ektor Garcia, had an interesting work displayed entitled Teotihuacan.  He used welded steel, waxed thread, cotton, bone, upholstery needles and white lace to create a work which hung with grace from the ceiling, and caught everyones eyes. Both of these artists produced works that were thought provoking and incorporated environmental themes, which got me thinking about environmental art, its origins and how it is viewed today. Environmental art can be traced back to prehistoric times, with early humans creating rock art and other forms of visual expression on natural surfaces. The earliest examples of this are cave paintings dating back to around 40,000 BCE. Those early forms of environmental art expressed the understanding of the natural world and the relationship of the painters their surroundings. Ecological related art primarily celebrates an artist’s connection with nature using natural materials, and is created in response to or in collaboration with the natural world. One can question if today’s environmental artists reflect what is happening to the planet today, as climate change is taking center stage. Within the last thirty odd years, it is becoming more and more about awakening to environmental concerns, and green practices.  The artist Christo always comes to mind when one thinks of environmental public art. Did he and his wife Jeanne-Claude, create The Gates to get people to walk in Central Park to be one with nature, or was there another motive? It got people together walking through orange colored drapes which took up twenty-three miles of pathways in Central Park from February 12th to the 27th, in 2005, in the dead of winter. It was popular, but the reactions were mixed. Many people loved Christo for brightening the bleak winter landscape and encouraging late-night pedestrian traffic in Central Park; but others hated him, accusing him of defacing the landscape. Public art can serve many purposes and it can also be political. Environmental art and public art have merged in recent years as more and more artists are creating works that are  focused on environmental issues which are created to be displayed in public spaces. Our monthly guest commentator, eco-activist, eco-artist and sexy astrologist Charlotte Ghiorse joins us to discuss her perspective on environmental art. We also get some Astrology updates as 4 planets are in Gemini plus much, much more. Check out https://www.houseofchoclet.com/ and Sexy Astrology on FaceBook and YouTube to get more info about what Charlotte is up to.

To listen to past TMSOG shows go to HudsonRiverRadio.com and Malcolmpresents.com. Follow The Many Shades of Green on Facebook, Instagram and Threads @tmshadesofgreen. Listen to TMSOG podcasts on all major podcast apps. #RaiseYourEcoConsciousness

TMSOG is proud to be on Feedspot’s list of the 50 Best Environmental Podcasts to follow in 2024: https://podcasts.feedspot.com/environmental_podcasts/

Plastic in the Clouds, Pluto in Aquarius and more with Artist, Eco-Activist and Sexy Astrologist, Charlotte Ghiorse

Plastic is everywhere. In our blood, in our food (beer, honey, salt) and more. A one liter of bottle of water contains 240,000 detectable plastic fragments. Microplastics are even in clouds! Joni Mitchell did not in a million years think that plastic would be inside clouds when she wrote the lyrics to her iconic tune “Both Sides Now” Joni wrote about the clouds and said:

But now they only block the sun

They rain and they snow on everyone

So many things I would have done

But clouds got in my way

I’ve looked at clouds from both sides now

From up and down and still somehow

It’s cloud illusions I recall

I really don’t know clouds at all

Plastic in clouds is not an illusion, so maybe the lyric needs to be updated to say:

Now microplastics are in the air

within the clouds and everywhere, 

now scientists are really scared 

they know what must be done, 

We have to work to clear the skies 

and wipe the plastic from our eyes,

from tears and rain we cannot hide

plastic cannot rule the way 

On this episode we focus on how plastic winds up in clouds. Researchers recently collected 28 samples of liquid from clouds at the top of Mount Tai in eastern China. They found microplastic fibers—from clothing, packaging, and tires—in their samples. Lower altitude and denser clouds contained greater amounts of microplastics. Plastic is now part of the Earth’s geology as it is in rocks, reefs, and shells, soil and more. It now has a geologic name: plastistones. We discuss how plastic is infiltrating the environment and getting into the clouds, and we delve into astrology-Pluto in Aquarius, with our resident eco-activist, artist, and sexy Astrologist, Charlotte Ghiorse. For more info about plastic/chemicals in our environment go to asc.org. Get more info about Charlotte via HouseofChoclet.com and Sexy Astrology on YouTube. Find more shows on HudsonRiverRadio.com, Malcolmpresents.com, and TMSOG – themanyshadesofgreen.com. Follow us and Like us on Facebook, Instagram and Threads @tmshadesofgreen, and listen and share TMSOG podcast on Apple, Amazon, Spotify, iHeart (Spreaker.com) and more. #RaiseYourEcoConsciousness

The Many Shades of Green is proud to be on Feedspot’s list of environmental podcasts to follow in 2024 (@ #8) https://podcasts.feedspot.com/environmental_podcasts/

Hopeful Solutions to Plastic Pollution with Eco-Activist, Artist and Sexy Astrologist Charlotte Ghiorse

According to earth.org plastic pollution is leaving behind impacts for generations to come. If our current rate of pollution continues, experts predict that there will be MORE PLASTIC THAN FISH IN THE OCEAN BY 2050. We need solutions, and there is ongoing research and many promising innovations on the horizon, as well as new discoveries which are happening daily to help reduce plastic pollution. There are scientists working on solutions from NASA Satellite Technology which finds micro-plastics in the ocean, and the mighty fungi has yet another important function, eating plastic, hail to the mushroom! Japanese Scientist and Inventor Akinori Ito invented a machine to recycle plastic bags into usable fuel oil. We simultaneously need to tackle the problem of plastic which is already in the water, as well as what to do with the plastic that is recycled and what needs to be done to reduce manufacturing of single use plastic. Corporations must do better in producing containers made with more sustainable materials at the point of production, that will not leave plastics in the earth for centuries.

On this episode, the shade of green is phthalo (a mixture of yellow ochre and a little cool green viridian), and we get some insight about what work is being done within the scientific community to help reduce plastic pollution and waste, with our resident eco-activist, artist and Sexy Astrologist Charlotte Ghiorse. We also intertwine astrology connections to the environment within the discussion (Mars in Sagittarius and Pluto in Capricorn). For more info go to houseofchoclet.com and visit Sexy Astrology on Facebook and YouTube. Visit Earth.org for eco news and for past TMSOG podcasts go to HudsonRiverRadio.com and Malcolmpresents.com. Please subscribe to The Many Shades of Green podcast on Spotify, Apple, Amazon, iHeart, Spreaker.com and more. Follow TMSOG on Facebook, Instagram and Threads @tmshadesofgreen. #RaiseYourEcoConsciousness

Smoke Gets in Your Eyes: Burning Forests, Food Waste, June Astrology and more with Charlotte Ghiorse

Do we ever think how far our food has traveled to be on our plate, and what it took to grow? Our mom’s used to yell at us “ don’t waste your food and clean your plate, there are kids who go hungry!” Mom of course, was right, and today, hunger is more widespread than ever, and more food is wasted which could be used to feed those in need. Food waste already accounts for roughly 8 percent of the world’s greenhouse gases. According to a UCLA study, 26% percent of the United States’ total greenhouse gas emissions comes from food production and consumption. Therefore, the choices we make when deciding what to eat really can have an impact. If all of the 80% of Americans who eat the standard American diet shifted their habits to eat fewer animal products, even if just a few times a week, the difference could be significant. On this episode our resident artist, filmmaker, astrologist, mother of three awesome kiddos, and Earth activist Charlotte Ghiorse joins us to discuss the problems and solutions of food waste, forests burning in Canada causing hazardous air quality, as well as how the astrological connections of the planets in June affect us.  For more info go to https://www.houseofchoclet.com/ You can find Sexy Astrology on YouTube and Facebook. Subscribe to TMSOG on all major podcast apps, on Instagram @tmshadesofgren and on HudsonRiverRadio.com and MalcolmPresents.com. #RaiseYourEcoConsciousness SaveButtonhookForest.org

Gulf Coast Love Story with Dayna Reggero, Founder of The Climate Listening Project

While oil & gas executives are planning massive expansions, we’re gathering to share stories of environmental injustice & continued hope.” Dayna Reggero

According to Earth Justice, pipeline spills can cause irreversible environmental destruction. Since 2001, there have been almost 700 reported incidents of serious pipeline failures. Over 2.6 million miles of oil and gas pipelines crisscross the country. Pipelines run through lakes, rivers, aquifers, and waterways, endangering the ecosystems and communities in their paths and fueling the climate crisis. Communities have the right to clean air, safe drinking water, and unspoiled lands, and they are being denied those rights by the harmful excesses of the fossil fuel industry. Our guest on this episode is Dayna Reggero who is an environmentalist, award winning documentarian, art activist and a guardian of Mother Earth. Her latest film project is called Gulf Coast Love Story, a collaborative Climate Listening Project which takes place in the Gulf Coast (Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida). Dayna has collaborated with artist activist Roishetta Ozane, photographer Rev. Michael Malcom, poet Ebony Stewart, and many Gulf Coast artists to produce a collaborative artistic endeavor visioning a better future grounded in the Gulf Coast Love. Artists involved with GulfCoastMurals.com take part in the project. It is a movement comprised of artists taking action to stop LNG exports, who envision a better future for the Gulf Coast. For more info go to DaynaReggero.com, https://gulfcoastlovestory.com/ For past shows on TMSOG go to HudsonRiverRadio.com and MalcolmPresents.com. Subscribe to our podcast on all major podcast apps.

Mothers Day in Retrograde, Mother X artwork, and some companies doing good!

Mother’s Day is fast approaching, and we celebrate all women on that day who are caregivers and providers who give of themselves with all their heart and soul. It is also important to celebrate the ultimate mother of us all, Mother Earth. We must be eco-conscious and think about what actions are needed to preserve Mother Nature, so perhaps Mother’s Day traditions can also make space for our collective Mother. In the astrological world, this year on April 21st, Mercury turned retrograde in Taurus, the earth sign that rules sensuality and our bodies. As it turns out, Mercury in Retrograde runs through Mother’s Day, and I am not sure what effect that will have on the moms of the world, all 2 billion of them, as they celebrate the day. What type of energy will wrap itself around moms and Mother Earth? 

It’s interesting to note that in the US, Mother’s Day actually began as a women’s movement to better the lives of Americans. Its origins spring from lifelong activists who championed efforts toward better health, welfare, and peace.  Mother Earth is a metaphor which  focuses on the nurturing and life-giving aspects of nature, and she is THE collective Mother. All mothers want a healthy, safe, clean and green planet so that current and future generations can thrive. As Mother’s Day endures and evolves, we continue to commemorate the many ways mothers have fought to better the lives of their children, from social welfare to non-violence to protecting the planet. On this episode, our resident astrologist, artist, mother of three awesome kiddos, film maker and voice for moms, Charlotte Ghiorse joins us to discuss Earth and Mother connections during this period of retrograde, as well as her Mother X art exhibits, various green subjects and more. For more info check out houseofchoclet.com and Sexy Astrologist on YouTube and Facebook. You can catch past shows on HudsonRiverRadio.com and MalcolmPresents.com #RaiseYourEcoConsciousness

“Motherhood Never Ends” with founder of The Museum of Motherhood, Joy Rose

May is Mother’s Month and we need to give thanks to Mother Earth and all she provides to keep all Earthlings Alive. Mother Earth is not just another mother, she is the greatest mother of them all! She needs to be cared for and protected every day. The same holds true for all mothers who care for others, as many times they neglect their health and well being in that role. There is a history of motherhood and which goes untold. We must be in control of our health, both on a physical and mental level. It’s ok to speak up for our needs, voice our opinions and take the time we need for ourselves. Let’s face it, we are in challenging times, and it is easy to feel down with all of the conversations about guns, corrupt politicians, and the obliteration of women’s reproductive rights and more. Is the mantra that moms can do it all is a myth? Moms need help, which is not always forthcoming, as it truly takes a village to raise a family. In the words of Joy Rose “Motherhood never ends!” Joy is the Founder and Acting Director of the Museum of Motherhood and she joins us on this episode to talk about the many shades of motherhood. Joy is a mother of four now adult kiddos (I knew them when they were littles). She also has two grands, and is a writer, Educator, Adjunct teacher, media maven and is truly a mom who rocks! Joy is a Shero in so many ways! For more info go to mommuseum.org

For past shows go to HudsonRiverRadio.com and malcolmpresents.com. Follow TMSOG on Facebook and on Instagram @tmshadesofgreen. Subscribe to The Many Shades of Green podcast on all major podcast apps #RaiseYourEcoConsciousness

Earth Connections with Charlotte Ghiorse

We are in Earth Month, and Mother Earth is not happy with us humans on many levels. We continue to pollute the land, air and water. We are giving Mother Nature a fever, as the planet is warming on a daily basis, which if not corrected soon, could make it tough for Earthlings to survive. We continue to ignore the science, the warnings, and while there is some hope, climate scientists and activists need a better PR campaign. In addition to global warming, we face multiple issues on the social justice front, as reproductive rights are slipping away, racism continues to invade state houses, the gun lobby is more important than the lives of 9 year olds, and we all numb to what the news throws at us daily. We need to shout in order to breathe. We need to pay attention to details, and perhaps the interaction of the planets can help us deal with our interactions on Earth. Our resident Artist and Founder of Sexy Astrology, Charlotte Ghiorse gives us some insight into how astrology is part of the big picture, and what role PLUTO and other planets are playing in current events. She gives our super podcast engineer Neil his astrology chart reading on air. Charlotte is a painter, video and performance artist, and a mom of three who has vision and a sense of depth that takes on life one day at a time.  For more info go to https://www.houseofchoclet.com/about-the-artist and for past shows go to HudsonRiverRadio.com and Malcolmpresents.com. Follow TMSOG on Facebook and on Instagram @tmshadesofgreen. Find TMSOG podcast on your favorite podcast app. #RaiseYourEcoConsciousness

A Blue print for Spring to protect Mother Nature.

Spring is upon us and we need to form a blue print to protect Mother Nature. It’s time to plant native, reduce your lawn by growing a meadow, and take steps to get away from the mow, blow and spraying harmful chemicals mindset. We need to live in balance with our wildlife, and like the Lorax, we must protect the trees, as each tree is an ecosystem unto itself.

 All flora and fauna need space to thrive and grow. Humans must work in a symbiotic relationship with all living organisms. Let’s start to change our ways a bit, and let nature take its course. Our resident wildlife and habitat guru, Victoria Alzapiedi guides us and gives some great info about how to work within your landscape to become more adaptive to the needs of the wildlife, insects, trees and shrubs, so that we can all be more resilient. Victoria is the co-founder of New Castle Healthy Yards, the New Castle Pollinator Pathways Coalition, and she started the Facebook group “The Nature of Westchester” an active community of nature lovers which now has more than 4000 members. Follow NCHY on Facebook and please subscribe to TMSOG on your favorite podcast app. For past shows go to HudsonRiverRadio.com and malcolmpresents.com #RaiseYourEcoConsciousness and help save a Forest: go to preservebuttonhook.org

The Environment, Astrology and solutions to waste in the fashion industry/culture with Charlotte Ghiorse

So let’s talk Astrology… Uranus in Taurus impacts the Environment. Taurus is an earth sign, so it’s associated with nature, the land, and farming, and it’s represented by the symbol of the bull and will stick around through the end of 2026. (Uranus’ transit through Taurus has also aligned with radical changes in the way we think about the environment). The conversation around climate change has become even more critical since Uranus entered Taurus, spurred in part by Swedish youth activist Greta Thunberg’s powerful speech at the U.N. Climate Action Summit in 2019. (Her first ever TED Talk was in 2018, just months after Uranus entered Taurus). There is so much waste produced by humans on planet Earth. Waste in the form of overproduction, lack of proper recycling and overuse of fossil fuel. One industry that has a high waste factor is the fashion industry, and Charlotte and I delve into that topic as well as how Neptune in Pisces with Saturn is working out for President Biden. Charlotte Ghiorse is TMSOG’s resident Sexy Astrologist and environmental contributor. In addition to her expertise in astrology and how it affects life on planet Earth, Charlotte is a painter, video and performance artist, and a mom of three, who has vision and a sense of depth that takes on life one day, hour, minute at a time. Visit Charlotte on her Sexy Astrology You Tube and Facebook pages and at www.houseofchoclet.com. Listen to TMSOG podcast on all major podcast apps and please subscribe on Spotify, Apple, Amazon, iHeart and more. For past shows go to hudsonriverradio.com and malcolmpresents.com. Follow us on Instagram @tmshadesofgreen. #RaiseYourEcoConsciousness