Durham Stream Clean-up

In honor of Earth Day, I wanted to do an environmental project for my April service commitment. A few years ago, I considered myself not quite an environmentalist, but at least an environment advocate. Lately, however, I realize I’ve done more things out of convenience (e.g., buying a plastic bottle of water at the gym instead of toting my own, using more disposable bags instead of reusable containers for packing lunch, etc.). It’s time I get back on track with doing a little more to create a little less trash. Yesterday’s project reinforced my commitment.

I met up with a group of about 15 volunteers to pick up trash along the Ellerbe Creek Greenway, part of a city-wide stream clean-up that was taking place in conjunction with the Durham Earth Day Festival. Bottles, dishes, and a bedspread were some of the things that our half of the group found just a few feet off the greenway, hidden under bushes, branches, vines and lots and lots of poison ivy. Each time we found a pile of trash, I was stunned. Why would someone dump their junk there? Little did I know that the other half of the group was picking up stuff like a couch, a highchair, baby toys and several pairs of shoes. Volunteers who have done the clean-up in years past reported that they have seen things like refrigerators and washing machines … right there along the greenway. Unbelievable. And infuriating!

Did I mention grocery carts?	In two hours, our group collected enough trash to make a difference in what people see (or don’t see) as they walk and bike along the trail. I left the project feeling disturbed by the trash that other people toss anyplace they like, but also reinvigorated about the efforts I can make to cut down on the trash I generate.

My One Green Act for Earth Day

In honor of Earth Day, I woke up today wondering what one thing I could do to help the environment. Halfway through the day, I saw a news item on the mind-boggling number of plastic bags that are used in the United States every year. You can see a very disturbing counter at the top of Reusable Bags website.

For a long time, I have been bothered by the number of plastic bags that my family brings home after each trip to the grocery store. I have thought more than once about finding cloth shopping bags, but I never took the time to find ones that would be just right. The ACME Bags that are available on the Reusable Bags website have very high marks from consumers, and they look like they will fit our shopping needs perfectly. I just ordered five of them.

Meanwhile, I am looking forward to my April service project this Saturday. I’m going to help clean up a local stream just before the Durham Earth Day Festival. Do a little good work and then enjoy an outdoor festival…what a great combo!?! Added bonus: The weather is supposed to be beautiful!

Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act: What Will Its Impact Be 30 Years From Now?

Today, President Obama signed the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, a bill that will triple the size of the AmeriCorps service program over the next eight years and expand ways for students to earn money for college through volunteer work. The bill outlines five areas in which people can serve: help the poor, improve education, encourage energy efficiency, strengthen access to health care and assist veterans.

During the current recession, AmeriCorps has received an unusually high number of applicants. According to the Corporation for National and Community Service, the organization that oversees AmeriCorps, they received 17,038 online applications in March. A year ago, in March 2008, they received 6,770 applications.

I’ve read in a couple of different articles that recent graduates are turning to volunteer service as a way to postpone their job hunts. Students signing on with AmeriCorps could have once-in-a-lifetime experiences serving worthwhile causes and then…fingers crossed…be in a better position for getting the better jobs that will be opening up as the economy improves.

I’m pleased with the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act because it makes the AmeriCorps 10-month community service program an option for more young adults. I wonder how the legislation will impact the generation of kids who take advantage of it? Will their AmeriCorps service be something that they do to simply sidestep today’s lack of jobs ... or more likely, in my opinion ... will it shape them in more ways than we can imagine?

SPCA of Wake County K9-3K Walk – April 18th

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) of Wake County is having its 10th Annual K9-3K Walk this Saturday, April 18th at Moore Square Park in downtown Raleigh. The festivities run 10am to 2pm, with the walk starting at 11am. Money raised will support the SPCA’s mission of “creating a more humane community where every adoptable pet has a home.”

In addition to the money that will be raised for a great cause, it sounds like a fun day with some entertaining dog contests kicking off at 12pm. As an owner of a lovable, but crazy Pug, I really wish I could make it to this event, but I have a prior commitment.

For full details on the K9-3K Walk, please visit the SPCA of Wake County website.

Also, it looks like the SPCA of Wake County has some great volunteer opportunities throughout the year. Volunteers are required to attend a basic orientation and make a minimum commitment of 25 hours per year.

Buster and I will have to catch this event next year.

Getting April Project Lined Up

I was looking forward to a Habitat for Humanity project this Saturday, but it just got cancelled. (I am finding that in order to meet my "one project per month" goal, I really must plan at least two projects.) April 22nd is Earth Day so it would of course make sense to take on an environmental project. A quick Google search led me to Durham’s Earth Day Festival on Saturday, April 25th. Before the festival begins, they are having a Stream Clean-up. I’m sending in my name now and keeping my fingers crossed that they can still use some help.

Food for Fashion Food Drive

Tomorrow (April 7th) through Thursday (April 9th), you can donate canned food to the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina and get 10% off your purchase at participating Old Navy stores. More information can be found halfway down the Food Bank's Events webpage. An easy way to give a little something while you are out picking up some warm weather clothes.