We’re just deluged with “green” news today — a great way to start a Monday.
First, we spotted Brad Masi’s piece, posted at EcoWatch today, talking about the efforts by farmers to reclaim land that has been degraded, compacted and/or overfarmed — pointing to Oberlin’s 70-acre George Jones Farm, which transformed a former monoculture farm into a sustainable operation.
Masi spearheaded that transition 10 years ago and is one of the pioneers in Northeast Ohio’s sustainable food movement. He also founded the Oberlin-based New Agrarian Center; he’s now an independent consultant.
Then we got a missive from Congresswoman Marcia Fudge’s office, unveiling the Let’s Grow Act of 2012 she plans to introduce next week, intended to expand access to healthy food.
The Let’s Grow Act includes innovative provisions including Community Gardening and Urban Agriculture Grant programs, a Farm to Preschool Program, and a Fresh Incentive Program for the use of SNAP benefits at farmers markets.
Good luck getting something this useful through the House, congresswoman!
And finally, tomorrow night, the Cavs are hosting “Sustainablity Awareness Night” as part of NBA Green Week. So you don’t just get a game against the Charlotte Bobcats, but a whole raft of extra activities including a Soles4Souls dropoff where you can bring used shoes to be donated to charity; a free “Green Week” reusable grocery bag to the first 5,000 fans; and student winners of the Cavs Green Week Award displaying their projects in the concourse.
You'll also have the opportunity to watch the Cavs warm up in 100% organic cotton shirts under lights powered by donated Renewable Energy Credits. Sure, you won’t be able to tell, but you can feel virtuous just thinking about it. — Anastasia Pantsios
