Nature – The Many Shades of Green

LA Fires and the Plastic Within, with monthly commentator Charlotte Ghiorse

“It Looks Like Hell! “It’s like you’re on a different planet.” quotes from LA residents in reaction to the fires.

“What we saw here in the last 24 hours is unprecedented,” LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell “I’ve never seen anything like this.”

On January 8th, 2025 roughly 2,500 firefighters assigned to the Eaton and Palisades blazes in Los Angeles, faced unprecedented/historic fires which they continue to endure daily. The fires fueled by extreme winds, bone-dry brush and low humidity have turned thousands of homes into ashes. As the large fires rage, plumes of smoke dot the sky, as embers get pushed by strong Santa Ana winds, engulfing homes seemingly at random. A stretch of New York Drive, a main thoroughfare in Pasadena, was left untouched while homes burned less than two blocks away. There is not enough fire personnel in L.A. County between all the departments to handle the fires. It has been a climate whiplash, as evidence continues to point to climate change as making wildfires more destructive, larger and more severe. Fifteen of the state’s 20 most destructive fires on record have occurred in the past 10 years, according to CAL Fire. Daniel Swain, a climate scientist with the UCLA Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, said on NASA‘s Earth Observatory website that “California’s fires have become more deadly because of warming temperatures.” Heat essentially turns the atmosphere into a giant sponge that draws moisture from plants and makes it possible for fires to burn hotter and longer. It must also be noted that there is so much plastic in homes, offices, and other areas that when it burns it emits toxins into the air. We also have to be concerned about pets and wildlife in the fire zones. Shelters are full and many animals have burns and they need medical attention. It is hard to determine the impact on the thousands of species living in trees and forest areas, it’s not just humans which are affected. So on this episode of TMSOG we talk about fires, as well as plastics within our environment, as tiny bits of plastic are now being found in humans. You should think twice before buying that single plastic bottle of water as it is hazardous to your health and the environment. We will uncover some facts about microplastics and why we must reduce consumption of products made of plastic and wrapped in plastic. We rundown those topics as well as January Astrology with our monthly resident commentator Charlotte Ghiorse, who is an artist, eco-activist and Sexy Astrologer. For more info go to https://www.houseofchoclet.com/ To donate to help those affected by the fires in LA go to World Central Kitchen https://donate.wck.org/give/499865/#!/donation/checkout and The Red Cross https://www.redcross.org/

To listen to past TMSOG shows go to https://hudsonriverradio.com/ and https://malcolmpresents.com Follow The Many Shades of Green on FB and Instagram @tmshadesofgreen and on Blue Sky @tmshadesofgreen.bsky.social. 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.

2024 Roundtable Wrap Up

“It is time for the people to run the government, not the other way around.” Jimmy Carter— Acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention in 1976. (Carter Presidential Library)

The bond of our common humanity is stronger than the divisiveness of our fears and prejudices.” — Carter’s closing remarks during his Nobel Peace Prize address.

The 39th President of the United States, Jimmy Carter passed into the heavens at the age of 100. In a word, he was a mensch, and he was a shining example of the good that can be done for society if one takes action to do so.

So here we are at the end of 2024, a year that has been tough in many ways, but as there is always a ying and a yang, there were some good things to balance out the bad. On this episode of TMSOG we reflect on the highs, lows, and everything in between from the past year. I truly cannot believe that we’re already wrapping up 2024. The year has flown by, and I would like to take a moment to thank our listeners for sticking with us through another crazy year. My favorite monthly resident commentators take part in a roundtable discussion of various topics that have been touched on throughout the year. George Polisner (founder of Civ.works) Charlotte Ghiorse ( Eco-activist, and Sexy Astrologer), Mark W. Sutton (author of How Democrats Can Win Back Men: Why Understanding Male Voters and Their Issues is Vital for Democratic Victory) and Victoria Alzapiedi (Founder of New Castle Healthy Yards and Chair of New Castle Conservation Board) inspire and inform us with some great information. Also chiming in we have my fellow Tush Twin Rusti Wolintz (Realtor and cannabis expert) plus my co-host Malcolm Burman and Neil Richter, our engineer extraordinaire and rock and roll aficionado. So tune in to our annual year end wrap up as we say adieu to 2024. We recap important events on the global and national levels, discuss the environment, social justice and other topics, and highlight some stories big and small. We also share some of our favorite moments from the year and talk about what’s coming in 2025. Check out these links for more info: https://www.oregonkelp.com/projects/sunflower-sea-star-recovery/ https://civ.works/ https://www.houseofchoclet.com/ https://earthjustice.org/ https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/where-we-work/priority-landscapes/appalachians/ https://www.mark-sutton.com/ Please visit New Castle Healthy Yards on Facebook.

To listen to past TMSOG shows go to https://hudsonriverradio.com/ and https://malcolmpresents.com Follow The Many Shades of Green on Facebook, Instagram and Threads @tmshadesofgreen and on Blue Sky @tmshadesofgreen.bsky.social. 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.

Naughty or Nice: UK Gives Up Coal For Christmas + Legal Personhood for Nature, Dr. Strangelove, Naughty Santa by HOP and more with George Polisner

It’s all fun and games ’til Santa checks the naughty list.”AND “Dear Santa, before I explain, how much do you know already?”- Unknown

In 2024, the line between naughty and nice has been blurred, and it has been hard to sift through the barrage of misinformation to separate the good from the bad, and the truth from the lies. There are days when we feel that we can get through things, and days when our emotions are at the bottom of the well. It’s been that type of year. So let’s look for what will raise our spirits in this holiday space. Is there anything good to give us hope? The answer is yes, even though democracy in the world is hanging by a thread, there have been some good policies and ideas put into place to revive my sense of well being.

On the environmental front, it turns out that in Ecuador, New Zealand, and Brazil; rivers, mountains, forests, waves, dolphins and whales have been given legal personhood. According to Jacqueline Gallant, who works for the Earth Rights Research and Action program at New York University School of Law, some countries are pushing the boundaries of legal imagination. Gallant stated that “Legal personhood provides the understanding that nature and living non-human beings should be understood as subjects [as opposed to objects] – with intrinsic value and interests and needs of their own.” We need to expand these actions to more countries so that nature can be truly represented. There is more positive environmental news which comes out of the UK. Coal has been polluting the atmosphere for decades and the UK has closed its last coal fired plant, which will reduce carbon emissions. The good eco-news keeps coming, as there are new ocean protections in the Azores, Amazon Deforestation reached a nine year low, and on El Hierro, the most westerly of the Canary Islands, energy generated via wind and water has enabled its 11,000 inhabitants to be completely self-sufficient in electricity for 10,000 hours since the project was established. Continuing in the victory column, the Supreme Court of the State of Montana upheld a landmark trial court decision from last August which decided in favor of 16 young people who said their health and futures were being jeopardized by climate change, which the state aggravates through its permitting of energy projects. So while gloom and doom seems pervasive in the US, as well as some democracies in the EU, Asia and other parts of the globe: innovators, scientists, engineers, lawyers, teachers and policy wonks are working to get the pendulum to swing in a more positive direction.

On this episode of TMSOG podcast, our resident environmentalist, political analyst and curmudgeon, George Polisner, founder of Civ.works, gives us some insight into environmental, economic and political issues. We talk about positive green news, nature being given legal personhood, Dr. Strangelove, externalities and the impending rise of an oligarchy in the US. For more info go to civ.works/defend. Check out The Museum of Motherhood https://mommuseum.org/ founded by Joy Rose. Take personal action and be proactive and if you can, please donate to an environmental organization which fights for the planet. Earth Justice is a wonderful organization to check out, as the Earth needs a good lawyer, go to https://earthjustice.org/

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 and on Blue Sky @tmshadesofgreen.bsky.social. Listen to TMSOG podcasts on all major podcast apps. #RaiseYourEcoConsciousness

TMSOG is on Feedspot’s list of the 50 Best Environmental Podcasts.

Climate Dads: Creating a Better Future with Ben Block and Jason Sandman

If we collaborate, exchange ideas, share experiences and create new tools, I predict that more families will make small but important changes that help combat climate change,” Climate Dads founder Ben Block.

Here’s the reality: Climate change is not some distant problem. It’s already impacting our lives, from hotter summers to extreme storms, to warmer oceans and to rising food costs. Parents have a dual responsibility—not just to protect their kids but also to empower them to be part of the solution. Parenting and climate action go hand in hand. Today we have two eco-conscious parents, Ben Block and Jason Sandman. Ben and Jason started the group Climate Dads out of concern for their children and the planet. Ben is a founder of Climate Dads, a group of male caregivers who give a damn about protecting future generations from the climate crisis. He is the father of two young boys, Corey and Noah. Ben and his wife live in Philly where he can be seen riding with his kids on their cargo bike, hiking the trails in their urban oasis, and eating lots of vegan cheesesteak. Jason Sandman is a Founding Partner of Climate Dads and resides in Philadelphia, PA with his wife and children. Originally from Buffalo, NY (Go Bills!), he is often comparing weather forecasts between the two cities and is reminded he made the right choice. He also has formed an enduring relationship with hoagies. Which is the best cheesesteaks in Philly-Gino’s or Pat’s? What is in a Vegan Hoagie? Follow @climatedads on social media to get more info. Also check out Dear Tomorrow (deartomorrrow.org) to collect first-person accounts from dads, describing their thoughts/emotions about climate change, sharing a message to future generations about what the future will hold/what they’re doing to try and create a better future.

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 and on Blue Sky at tmshadesofgreen.bsky.social. 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 and beyond!

Tips For Preparing Your Yard for Winter with Victoria Alzapiedi

Ob-La-D-, Ob-La-Da, life goes on, Brah, La La La La life goes on...

As per The Beatles, life does go on, but as far as the environment goes, I am not sure what is going to happen in terms of the climate, as America has elected a climate change denying president who panders to big oil and loves shouting “drill baby drill” from the rafters. Climate scientists, environmental organizations and those who tend the land have every reason to be scared out of their wits. The question is, how do we protect the land in spite of recent events? We cannot be silent, and we must push for legislation and protections for the flora and fauna on Mother Earth!

I consider myself lucky to live in a beautiful area and my property is covered with trees and wildlife which have a pesticide free zone to thrive on. As we are now in the Fall season, we need to take inventory of our property and make sure we take actions to maintain the biodiversity of the land. As trees shed their vibrant leaves, many of us feel the urge to rake them up, or more likely have them blown away by leaf blowers to clear our yards. But there are many ecological benefits of leaving those leaves right where they fall. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about supporting local ecosystems and enhancing soil health. Some home owners might be thinking about the aesthetics of a yard covered in leaves, but while some people prefer a tidy lawn, there are creative ways to embrace the natural beauty of fall. You could designate a “wild area” in your garden, use leaves as mulch around plants, or even create a leaf pile for children to play in! Victoria Alzapiedi co-founder of New Castle Healthy Yards gives us some great tips on preparing your yard for winter, how to manage your leaves and how climate change is affecting our gardens and land. For more information visit New Castle Healthy Yards on Facebook and check out National Wildlife Federation https://www.nwf.org/ and https://homegrownnationalpark.org/

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!

Native Plants, Pesticides NO! Pollinators, Keystone Species, Spotted Lantern Flies and Alien Ladybugs with Victoria Alzapiedi Co-founder of New Castle Healthy Yards

As humans, we need to raise our awareness of nature and the beauty which surrounds us, but alas, we always seem to look for ways to shorten our time to think about or take care of nature. We use leaf blowers to rapidly get leaves off our properties, and we apply pesticides to kill off the insects which might or might not cause us harm. Yes, ticks can carry Lyme’s disease and mosquitos can carry the West Nile virus, and I understand that we want to keep our families safe, but we need to understand that there are beneficial insects that are being destroyed and there are other ways to maintain our properties. Pesticides harm insects, wildlife and humans. As Fall approaches and mowers and blowers take over the landscape, we should educate ourselves about the practice of leaving leaves alone and planting native trees, shrubs and plants to protect pollinators. Pollinators are responsible not only for the reproduction of countless plants, but they are also instrumental in creating the seeds and fruits that feed wildlife – from songbirds to grizzly bears. When bees disappear, the ecological impacts are catastrophic. Pollinators need our help. Worldwide pollinator populations are declining due to habitat loss and pesticides. Native plants support pollinators and have evolved together as they need each other to survive. Victoria Alzapiedi, co-founder of New Castle Healthy Yards gives us important info on native plants and keystone species. We discuss how to plant a native garden, the importance of pollinators, alien ladybugs, what to do about Spotted Lantern Flies and why it is important to reduce pesticide use to have a healthy yard. For more info go to New Castle Healthy Yards on Facebook, The Nature Conservancy, https://www.nature.org/en-us/ Doug Tallamy’s Home Grown National Park https://homegrownnationalpark.org/ The Xerces Society https://www.xerces.org/
mynativegardenoasis.com and https://www.lesslawnmorelife.com

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/

It’s too Damn Hot! Recent World Temperatures Broke Records; Take Action and Join the Less Lawn More Life Movement; Victoria Alzapiedi Co-founder of New Castle Healthy Yards gives great info on how to take care of your garden and wildlife in these hotter times

“To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow” Audrey Hepburn

Summertime and the living is easy… well not as easy as we would like it to be. The climate is changing and it’s getting hotter with many more dry spells, which makes it harder to keep our plants from wilting. We are also having more extreme storms which makes it more difficult to maintain our lawns and gardens. We have to be resilient and adjust to the changing climate, as the weather, in a word, is weird. We have to bring back habitats and improve our ecological practices in our yards. There is a Less Lawn More Life movement which is about to take hold with an 8 week guided challenge to unleash the potential of your lawn. It is a joint project with Plan It Wild and Bedford 2030 and you can visit lesslawnmorelife.com to get info and to join the challenge. Adaptation and resilience are important in helping fight global warming and climate change. Victoria Alzapiedi, our resident garden, wildlife and healthy yards guru joins us to discuss how we can coexistence with nature and wildlife by starting in our own backyards. We talk about how we can grow meadows in lieu of lawns and protect wildlife, especially in these hotter times. Victoria is a co-founder of New Castle Healthy Yards, and is a member of the Town of New Castle Conservation Board, as well as the Climate Smart Communities Task Force. She started the Facebook group “The Nature of Westchester” an active community of nature lovers which now has more than 4800 members. Victoria is also a native plant gardening consultant and coach providing eco-friendly planting recommendations. Please visit mynativegardenoasis.com for more info. Follow New Castle Healthy Yards on Facebook, check out birds.cornell.edu and the National Wildlife Federation at nwf.org

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.

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/

New York City and Westchester County Water Threatened By PFAS Chemicals with Guests George Klein (member of Sierra Club’s Lower Hudson Group) and Richard Ruge (Civil Engineer and Water Treatment Expert)

Clean and safe water is a right for every Earthling on the planet. It is a very divisive political issue in countries, cities, towns and municipalities around the globe. On average, one individual human uses between 135 and 140 liters of water per day. Water is vital for all life, as no other molecule matches water when it comes to properties that support life. We must work to keep our drinking water free of toxins and chemicals, which is why we have to protect watersheds and water quality buffer areas in order to provide safe drinking water to the populous. Adverse environmental impacts affect communities, and on this episode of TMSOG, we talk about a water filtration plant set to be constructed and placed next to Westchester County Airport, which is a local airport in a suburb of NYC. Recently the Westchester County Board of Legislators approved a land swap that provides a 13.4-acre parcel to Westchester Joint Water Works (WJWW) that is adjacent to the airport. There continues to be strong opposition to construction of the facility, partly because the plant will be within the Kensico watershed. This watershed area is in close proximity to the airport where contaminated groundwater is being monitored and treated for assorted toxic chemicals including polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Recently, the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized the first-ever federal limits on toxic PFAS in drinking water, establishing the Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) of 4 parts per trillion (ppt) for the two most widely-detected PFAS chemicals, PFOA and PFOS. The EPA’s limits are now stricter than the 10 parts per trillion that is the current standard in New York State.

We talk to George Klein and Richard Ruge who are opposing the building of the water filtration plant so close the the Kensico watershed area near Westchester County Airport. George Klein has worked with the Sierra Club nationally and locally on issues of environmental sustainability since 1989. He is currently an activist with the Sierra Club’s Lower Hudson Group, which covers Westchester, Rockland and Putnam counties. The Lower Hudson Group works on local environmental issues, such as the climate emergency, limiting the impact of Westchester County Airport, the safe decommissioning of Indian Point Nuclear Plant and education and outreach programs. Richard Ruge has been working in the public water supply field for 40 years. He has a degree in civil engineering and holds a Grade 1B water treatment license from the NYS DOH. He was Chair, Vice Chair and Treasurer of the Westchester Water Works Conference and was a Trustee at Large for the New York Section of the American Water Works Association. For more info and to find ways to take action go to https://www.sierraclub.org/atlantic/lower-hudson

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/

Blackbirds Singing in the Dead of Night and How Wildlife Mammas Connect with Nature to Raise their Babies with Co-Founder of New Castle Healthy Yards, Victoria Alzapiedi

I was thinking about the podcast topics for this weeks’s episode of TMSOG while walking my Diva poodle Sparkles and I saw a number of blackbirds flying from tree to tree, and communicating with each other with loud screeches. It got me thinking about birds and what they do in the dead of night, as well as how they protect their young. It also got me thinking about the tune Blackbird, which most of us thought was about birds. As it turns out, we were wrong, as the lyrics of Blackbird by Paul McCartney were not actually written about blackbirds. The tune was written about the integration of schools across the American south during the civil rights era in the 60s. More specifically, Sir Paul was inspired by the images of the Little Rock 9 in Arkansas, being assaulted and jeered by an angry mob. It seems that the US has been consumed by angry mobs for centuries, including today, as angry mobs mixed with peaceful protesters converge on many college campuses, but that’s a topic for another time. Paul McCartney met two of the women who were part of the Little Rock 9, Mothershed and Eckford, at his Little Rock concert on April 30, 2016. He took to Twitter after the meeting to say, “Incredible to meet two of the Little Rock Nine–pioneers of the civil rights movement and inspiration for Blackbird.” It’s a wonderful example of music as a message, and we need more more songs like that right now. Since Mother’s Day is almost upon us, Victoria Alzapiedi, our resident garden, wildlife and healthy yards guru discusses the connection with wildlife mammas and their coexistence with nature. Malcolm chimed in with a spider story, so we chat about insects as well. Victoria is a co-founder of New Castle Healthy Yards, and is a member of the Town of New Castle Conservation Board. She is a member of Friends of Buttonhook, which is working to save a 20.3 acre forrest in the Town of New Castle. In addition, Victoria is the co-founder of the New Castle Pollinator Pathways Coalition, and started the Facebook group “The Nature of Westchester” an active community of nature lovers which now has more than 4000 members. She is also a Native plant gardening consultant and coach providing eco-friendly planting recommendations, visit her website mynativegardenoasis.com for more information. Also check out New Castle Healthy Yards on Facebook and help save a forest at https://www.preservebuttonhook.org/ Visit https://www.audubon.org/ for great info on birds.

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 podcast 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/

Building a Bridge: Garden & Music Connections and Butterfly Wings with Educator, Gardener & Musician Paul Clarke

We are in Earth month, Spring is in the air, music’s in the air and cherry blossoms are putting on a show. The trees and bushes are sprouting their light green buds and we are surrounded by Mother Earth’s beauty. Animals and birds scurry about for food, picking at the ground for insects and seeds. The ecosystems are working in harmony and concurrent to this, Community and school gardens are gearing up to start planting for the season. According to the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture, research shows school gardens have a positive impact on student learning, health, and nutrition. Gardening helps students become more engaged, as it is an immersive experience which teaches them valuable skills while establishing a greater sense of community. Our guest on this episode is Paul Clarke, a retired Special Ed teacher in NYC for over 25 years, who now works part-time as the Garden Coordinator of the Vito Marcantonio Community Peace Garden, an ongoing project he brought to life originally at P. S. 50, now Central Park East II. Paul is also a life-long song writer, and he calls his genre Theatrical Pop with Conscience. Before he began teaching, Paul participated in Music Under New York, an MTA-sponsored program that promotes subway musicians. He also wrote and performed musicals with homeless New Yorkers via a not-for-profit Manhattan community outreach program. We play his tune Build A Bridge, which has beautiful music and lyrics. Paul believes that beauty, nature, and kindness are powerful healers in our broken world. For more info go to paulclarkesongs.com. To get additional info about school gardens in NYC go to GrowNYC.org. 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 podcast 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/

Unpave the Parking Lot and Put Up a Paradise– Plus Tips for taking action on Climate Change. Do Something! Make a Difference! Get Great info from Victoria Alzapiedi, Co-founder of New Castle Healthy Yards

“I’m convinced that, powered by hope and fueled by courage and anger, we have the power to transform our collective future.” Dr. Katharine Hayhoe, atmospheric scientist and Chief Scientist for The Nature Conservancy.

In an interview with Aspen Ideas on March 8th of this years, Dr. Katharine Hayhoe discussed tips for talking about climate change and what might be done to combat climate issues. She said that “climate change is not only an environmental issue — it’s an everything issue. It affects the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. It puts our homes and our health at risk.” Katharine Hayhoe further stated that when people ask me “What can I do about climate change? I don’t respond with a prioritized list of actions to cut your carbon footprint. Instead, I say talk about it — where you live, where you work, where you study. Help people understand why it matters to them, and what we can do together to make a difference.” We must use our collective will to help us rise up to keep the conversation about the environment in the forefront, because there is no Planet B. Our resident garden, wildlife and healthy yards guru Victoria Alzapiedi gives us great information about what we can do within our communities to raise awareness about environmental issues, and the importance of taking action to help implement policies and laws that will help reduce our carbon footprint. Education and messaging are key to creating a cleaner and healthier landscape. Victoria is a co-founder of New Castle Healthy Yards, and is a member of the Town of New Castle Conservation Board, as well as the Climate Smart Communities Task Force. She is also a member of Friends of Buttonhook, which is working to save a 20.3 acre forrest in the Town of New Castle. In addition, she is the co-founder of the New Castle Pollinator Pathways Coalition, and started the Facebook group “The Nature of Westchester” an active community of nature lovers which now has more than 4000 members. Victoria is also a Native plant gardening consultant and coach providing eco-friendly planting recommendations (mynativegardenoasis.com). For more info check out New Castle Healthy Yards and The Nature of Westchester on Facebook, as well as The Nature Conservancy (preserve.nature.org). For past programs go to HudsonRiverRadio.com, Malcolmpresents.com and themanyshadesofgreen.com. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Threads @tmshadesofgreen. Listen to the podcast on all major podcast apps. #RaiseYourEcoconsciousness

TMSOG is proud to be listed in the number 8 spot on Feedspot’s 50 Best Environmental podcasts to follow in 2024- https://podcasts.feedspot.com/environmental_podcasts/