The ancient holistic practice of going to salt caves to aide breathing, which originated in Europe and Russia, has now come stateside, and has been brought into the 21st Century in the form of Dry Salt therapy rooms. My guests Ellen and Gary Patrick, have opened up Dry Salt Rooms in the New York metro area, to bring salt therapy to help those suffering from sinus and lung related problems, as well as certain types of skin problems. Dry Salt therapy which is also know as halotherapy, has natural properties and minerals which are antiviral, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial in nature. Go to breatheeasyusa.com to get more information about the benefits of Himalayan Pink Salt, feeling zen while in the Salt Room, and getting the relief you need to Breathe Easy.
Category: New York City
#1442: Annie Hauck-Lawson, Founder of Mompost
My guest this week is Annie Hauck-Lawson, author, nutritionist, master composter and the current Greening Director at Poly Prep Country Day School in Brooklyn. Annie co-edited the book Gastropolis: Food and New York City, and founded Brooklyn Mompost. She created the term “Food Voice,” and her recollections of her upbringing in Brooklyn, foraging for edibles in Prospect Park, fishing off the Brooklyn Coast, and starting one of the first Natural Food pushcarts in Brooklyn gives us great insight into her upbringing, which shaped her vision of the importance and connection we all have to food and nature. To get more information go to www.brooklynmompost.com
1431: Charlotte Ghiorse discusses ‘Sexy Astrology’
What is Sexy Astrology, and does it in anyway connect to the green world? My guest Charlotte Ghiorse and I talk about how astrology connects to the natural earth, and about her trademark issue which the NY Post article called “Sexy Astrologers At War.” We discuss how Charlotte’s mark greatly differs from the person disputing it. On a different note, tune in to overtime on The Many Shades of Green archives, to find out what Charlotte and I consider our favorite New York green spots, or in this case “G” spots that make us happy to be one with nature in the city. Hey, green radio can be sexy too! To find out more about Sexy Astrology go to sexyastrology.com and/or www.youtube.com/user/
#1428: Gennaro Brooks-Church, EcoBrooklyn
A river runs through it, and it is up on the roof. Tune in to find out how my guest Gennaro Brooks-Church, Director of EcoBrooklyn, created a river on a roof, which uses gray water and rain water filtration systems to cut down on water use, while creating a beautiful waterscape. We also discuss ways to keep your home more energy efficient, by using less waste, via reusable materials and installing passive heating and cooling systems. Water is a precious commodity, and we talk about the sewage/water issues affecting the neighborhoods closest to the Gowanus Canal. Gennaro is building green to keep his “Build It Forward” mantra alive for future generations. For more info go to www.ecobrooklyn.com
1427: Matt Goodman, NYC ITAC and SWAB
Join me and my guest Matt Goodman, as we discuss his role as the manager of the sustainable consulting practice at NYC ITAC, a non-profit consulting firm focused on growing NYC manufacturing. Matt is also a member of the Solid Waste Advisory Board (SWAB) a group that advises the Manhattan Borough President on solid waste management programs. He is a fine example of how the millennials are stepping up to help keep the planet clean and green. For info on NYC ITAC go to www.itac.org
#1426: Veronica Horvath, Environmental Advocate
My guest this week is Veronica Horvath, a member of Americorps, who coordinates environmental service learning programs at the Prospect Park Alliance. Veronica is passionate about all things green, but she is most concerned about water issues, and what needs to be done to keep water safe and clean. We talk a bit about her eco adventures in Jordan, and her role as a volunteer for Riverkeeper. Tune in to find out what items popped up on the shores of Brooklyn Bridge Park during the Riverkeeper Sweep event. Veronica’s passion about all things environmental is truly a breath of fresh air. For more info on Riverkeeper go to www.riverkeeper.org
1422: Joseph Mauricio, Meditation Coach and Comedian
Mind over matter is a truism. Joseph Mauricio brought his zen to this week’s show, as we touched on meditation, and how we all need to take time to slow down and clear our minds of the stresses of daily life. Joseph is the founder of Lifework Mindfulness Based Coaching Service, and the The Living Meditation Project. He is also a performer, storyteller, and he does stand-up as well as sketch and improvisational comedy. He has worked with Michael Moriarty and Alan Ginsberg, and has studied with Sakyong Mipham at retreats in the US and abroad. Find out how comedy and meditation connect to bring balance to one’s life. Visit www.josephmauricio.com to get more information about meditation classes and comedy shows, as laughter is a great way to release the zen in you.
#1422: Joseph Mauricio, Meditation Coach and Comedian
1421: The Margo Family
How special it was to have my mom Ruthie, the Queen of F’ing Everything join me in the studio for her 95th Birthday. Token Bros Phil and Mitch Margo were also there to celebrate mom, and to talk about growing up in Brooklyn and being sustainable before it became a buzzword. Mom talked about gardening and nature walks on Ocean Parkway, and vacant lots that grew wild flowers and shrubs that we used as cuttings. Throw in some politics and music to spice things up, and voila a birthday celebration turned into a show. My Dad Leon, was definitely looking down from the heavens and smiling. For more info on Phil and Mitch go to www.thetokens.com and check out a great reading tool www.margoreader.com.
1424: ‘The Plan?’, a film by Dr. Susan Rubin
Nowhere to Run, Nowhere to Hide, Dr. Susan Rubin and I discuss her new short documentary film, “The Plan(?)”, which focuses on the evacuation plan, or lack thereof for the Indian Point Nuclear Facility in Buchanan, NY. The plant is 35 miles north of NYC, and an orderly and safe evacuation scenario is a fantasy. Where would you go, and what would you do, should there be a catastrophic event at the plant? How do you safely evacuate 300,000 to 20 million people? Would you go to your local evacuation bus stop with the Blue and White signs?? Would you jump into your car and pray that the roads are clear? Are those options based in reality???
To find out more, tune in to the program, and please view the film “The Plan(?)” by viewing below or going to: www.vimeo.com/96615872
http://www.drsusanrubin.com/spread-plan/
#1424: The Plan, a film by Dr. Susan Rubin
Trailer for the film:
1418: June Stoyer, The Organic View
My guest this week is June Stoyer, radio host of The Organic View and bee advocate. Our discussion focuses on why bees are dying by the millions. One of the major culprits in this horrific scenario is the chemical neonicotinoids, a class of neuro-active insecticides chemically similar to nicotine. It is used to as a pesticide to kill insects on crops, and the residue is entering nectar and pollen which is fatal to bees. Neonicotinoids are present in the nursery plants you buy, so you must be very prudent in picking plants that are organically grown.
Organic produce is the way to go. In addition, we discuss another alarming practice called “Canned or Trophy Hunting,” which is decimating the Big Cat population in Africa. On a brighter note, June is a master composter and volunteers her time to the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens, a most beautiful and sustainable place. For more info go to www.theorganicview.com
#1423: Nancy Bruning, Green Gym Day
Nancy Bruning, founder of Nancercize, and organizer of Green Gym Day is my guest this week. We discuss the importance of using our city parks to walk, jog, play ball and hike, in order to connect with nature and keep fit. You don’t need to workout in an expensive gym, when there are “101 Things You Can Do on a Park Bench”…..by this we mean things like push-ups, knee bends and more. Hike the Heights in Northern Manhattan (on 6/7/14), and be a part of Green Gym Day (on 6/8/14). Go out and utilize public spaces and get moving, it is good for the body and the soul. For more information go to www.greengymday.org and www.nancercize.net.
1416: Sara Romanoski, East Village Community Coalition
The East Village in NYC is a mecca for the arts, the bohemian in all of us, and it is a NYC treasure that must be preserved. Sara Romanoski, Managing Director of the East Village Community Coalition, is working hard to maintain the character, architecture and sense of community in this vibrant and historic neighborhood in Manhattan. Community Gardens dot the area with flora and fauna, and buildings with rich histories must be cared for and cherished. One must often fight for what’s right, and legal actions to maintain these buildings are intense and involve many community residents, and yes, many lawyers. The plight of the old PS 64 building has been an example of how the community has come together to save the 100 plus year old structure. With the influx of new money comes certain changes that do not reflect the character of the neighborhood, which is why the East Village Community Coalition is working to preserve the past and build for the future. Please visit www.evccnyc.org to find out how you can help keep the East Village diverse, bohemian and beautiful.