GreenMark Public Relations®, Inc.

Cooler weather gives grass a great boost of energy as it gears up for winter, making early fall a good time for lawn maintenance. In the Sept. 7, 2008 edition of the Chicago Tribune, reporter Beth Botts asked Bill Leuenberger, Chalet’s lawn care manager, and Paul Tukey, founder of safelawns.org, for “10 things to do by fall to keep (or get) your grass looking great.” The first piece of advice is to mow the lawn. Set the blade so that the grass grows three to four inches. Taller grass means deeper, stronger roots. It also shades out many weed seeds so they can’t sprout. After mowing, leave the clippings. They will decompose and return their nutrients to the soil. Fall is the best time of year to reseed and over-seed. Whether clearing a spot for new grass or scattering seeds over patchy places, make sure it is well watered for thicker grass in the spring. Click here to read the article.

Daily Herald and Pioneer Press featured Chalet’s free fall education series on gardening and garden design topics in their calendar of events listings. These include times and directions as well as information on “Fall Lawn Care,” a free demonstration by horticulture specialists Jennifer Brennan and Bill Leuenberger on how to fertilize, core-aerate and re-seed your lawn this fall. Listings appeared Aug. 28, 2008 in Pioneer Press and Aug. 30, 2008 and Sept. 6, 2008 in Daily Herald.

Earthwise Environmental’s new web site has drawn the attention of the Daily Herald. In the Sunday business section on Aug. 31, 2008, Anna Marie Kukec reviewed some of the features including the new project photos and case studies on water management. The company was founded in 1995 by Robert S. Miller and now has 11 employees working in area hospitals, hotels, food processing plants and other companies. The new web site is geared toward company growth and serving the needs of their clients.

At the 2008 Democratic National Convention, AlGore said, “We are facing a planetary emergency, which, if not solved, would exceed anything we’ve ever experienced in the history of humankind.” While oil companies continue to make soaring profits, scientists predict that the North Polar ice cap will be completely gone by summer 2009. Among the increase in frequency of natural disasters such as fires, earthquakes and floods, scientists predict the very web of life is endangered by an unprecedented number of extinctions.

Gore says the climate crisis is intertwined with “the other two great challenges facing our nation: reviving our economy and strengthening our national security.” The solution? End our dependence on carbon-based fuels and invest in American innovation.

Thomas Edison said, “I’d put my money on the sun and solar energy. What a source of power!” He continued, “I hope we don’t have to wait until oil and coal run out before we tackle that.”

In 2008, we have all the materials to do what Edison implied, not only in harnessing solar power, but wind energy, geothermal power, conservation and efficiency.

The only way to solve this is by turning, “Yes we can” into “Yes we are!”

Jerry Harkavy of the Associated Press posted on Aug. 24, 2008 Farmers’ Almanac predictions for winter chills. On the 2008/09 winter, the 192-year-old publication says, “numb’s the word.” The 2009 edition of Farmers’ Almanac predicts colder than average temperatures that are “going to be catastrophic for millions of people,” according to almanac editor Peter Geiger.

Not every weather authority agrees with these predictions, however. The National Weather Service predicts a warmer winter over much of the country. Ed O’Lenic, chief of the operations branch at NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, says it’s impossible to predict the weather two years in advance. The article points out, however, that the almanac was accurate in its winter predictions in the 2008 edition.

Click here to read the article.

Click here to order the 2009 edition of Farmers’ Alamanc.

At least, according to Farmers’ Almanac, summer temperatures will be near-normal.

Farmers’ Almanac is loaded with helpful gardening tips, home remedies, monthly moon origins and more - so, naturally, it makes its way into some interesting blog posts.

In a blog post on brain freeze, published on Aug. 7, 2008 in the Boston.com Lifestyle section (from The Boston Globe), blogger Devra First writes about a mind numbing brain freeze she experienced after gulping her morning smoothie. She turned to several sources for information and relief including The Farmers’ Almanac, who offered this advice: “For instant relief, simply press either your tongue or your thumb firmly to the roof of your mouth. Taking a couple sips of a warm beverage may also help stop the pain. To prevent further ice cream headaches, remember to slow down and savor every delectable spoonful or sip.”
Click here to read the blog post.

Judy Walker of The Times-Picayune (Louisiana) blogged about “Some tips for preserving and using fresh herbs” on Aug. 16, 2008. She references Farmers’ Almanac extensively for suggestions on various ways to preserve August basil, rosemary and more. The two methods mentioned are drying and freezing. One can dry certain fresh herbs by tying them in small bunches and hanging them upside down in the sunlight. When freezing herbs: wash them first, then chop them and place them in an ice cube tray lined with nonstick spray. Once herb cubes are frozen, remove them and store them in plastic bags or jars with tight-fitting lids. The article then goes on to list several dishes the herbs can be used in.
Click here to read the blog post.

ADW Rich Travel is a blogger who not only loves to travel, but also enjoys Autumn in New England. That’s the name of his Aug. 19, 2008 blog post on his website. His focus is on Massachusetts: great cities to visit, cultural heritage spots and the best times to view fall colors. For the last one, he uses the Farmers’ Almanac fall foliage dates map found on their website, here.
Click here to read the blog post.

Travis Morse, of The Journal-Standard features the 8th annual Midwest Security & Police Conference/Expo (produced by ROC Exhibitions, Inc.) in the Aug. 8, 2008 article “Police Notebook: Medical marijuana topic of expo.” Drug critic Calvina Fay gave a presentation at the expo highlighting the tactics used by different groups to legalize marijuana for medicinal purposes. She says such a movement is ongoing in the Illinois State Congress and bills are being debated in committee. “Overall,” said Fay, “the legalization of medical marijuana may end up hurting patients who would benefit from ‘legitimate medicine.’” Fay is the executive director of Drug Free America Foundation, Inc.

Click here to view the article.

This exhibition also received mention in Joliet Herald-News, Freeport Journal-Star and Crain’s Chicago Business weekly events listing with dates, times, and a link to event registration.

“Plainfield touts rain barrels” is the headline from Janet Lundquist in the Aug. 6, 2008 edition of The Herald-News. The village of Plainfield, Illinois is developing an incentive plan for residents to conserve water by offering rain-barrels at a lower price in spring. The article has data provided by The Conservation Foundation, stating average homeowners pour up to 40 percent of their household water on lawns and gardens each summer. It also states that using rainwater, instead of water from the house will not only save money, but will also put fewer pesticides in natural rivers and streams and reduce the threat of erosion and floods. The article also mentions that while most the village trustees think issuing rain barrels to residents will encourage water conservation, others remain skeptical of the village subsidizing the program. The 55-gallon plastic rain barrels sell for $85 and the village is looking at offering them for $65. With or without the discounted price, the environmental value of a rain barrel remains its greatest incentive.

Abby Mandel Meyer was the founder of Chicago’s 10-year-old Green City Market – and GreenMark’s first client. I’ll never forget the first time I met her. She didn’t know me but greeted me with her famous ear-to-ear smile and a hug. She felt strongly about the importance of eating sustainably and about supporting local farmers and local chefs. Abby believed food should be respected and celebrated. She created a wonderful fresh food oasis for us to enjoy two days a week. But she was also creating a sustainable food network in Chicago that celebrated the abundance of the earth. Abby took great joy in watching children at the Market. She believed that they are the future of sustainability. Those of us who also believe that must continue what she started and ensure that her legacy of belief in the protection of the earth, the support of small family farms and the health of human beings continues.

Rest in peace, Abby.
Fondly,
Sue Markgraf

Click here to visit Greencitymarket.org.

Abby Mandel Meyer was the founder of Chicago’s 10-year-old Green City Market – and GreenMark’s first client. I’ll never forget the first time I met her. She didn’t know me but greeted me with her famous ear-to-ear smile and a hug. She felt strongly about the importance of eating sustainably and about supporting local farmers and local chefs. Abby believed food should be respected and celebrated. She created a wonderful fresh food oasis for us to enjoy two days a week. But she was also creating a sustainable food network in Chicago that celebrated the abundance of the earth. Abby took great joy in watching children at the Market. She believed that they are the future of sustainability. Those of us who also believe that must continue what she started and ensure that her legacy of belief in the protection of the earth, the support of small family farms and the health of human beings continues.

Rest in peace, Abby.
Fondly,
Sue Markgraf

Click here to visit Greencitymarket.org.