A mail subscription only resource, but certainly worth subscribing to,

the “Living Architecture Monitor” makes both encouraging

and high quality reading.

The Spring 2008 issue provides some great stories on how buildings,

historical or modern, can be transformed using green wall

and roof techniques in urban places. 

Enquiries about subscriptions can be made to:

http://www.greenroofs.org/ directly.

(image courtesy Caroline Nolan, greenroofs.org, copyright 2008.)

(copyright Monika Roleff 2008.)

The final in a series on food by Rebecca Gerendasy,

director of CookingUpAStory films, consider the views

discussed in Part Four of a dialogue and talk by

Michael Pollan about his latest book on real food and the logic of

it, as opposed to some modern scientific substitutes. 

This dialogue concerns the feedback from the book,

and the various outcomes resulting from its

discussion and circulation.  There is also some

author discussion on what his focus and intention was

in publishing this work.

“In Defense of Food” is valuable reading for anyone

interested in keeping vital foods “whole”.   It’s linked

in the sidebar, on Amazon.  This is an interesting topic,

as good nutrition concerns everyone, offering

some real food logic.

(copyright Monika Roleff 2008.)

(copyright cooking up a story, 2008.)

Wishing everyone around the globe a happy earth day.

Google is all dressed up for the occasion, and here are

some links from around the world, about what is happening

on this day:

Earth Day Network

Planeta.com

Earth Day Quiz

Newsbreak - Green Resource

Earth Day Positive News

And a most positive link just submitted by Rebecca Gerendasy of

CookingUpAStory that will amaze!

SkyVegetables. 

Also on the same theme,

a brilliant article by Fred Gerendasy, Rebecca’s partner in film

on the same idea: SkyVegetables - A Brilliant Notion.

Have a great one, wherever you are.

(copyright Monika Roleff 2008.)

Further on in a series on food by Rebecca Gerendasy,

director of CookingUpAStory films, consider the views

discussed in Part Three of a dialogue and talk by

Michael Pollan about his latest book on real food and the logic of

it, as opposed to some modern scientific substitutes. 

Focussing on real food, and the reasons for eating which

include cultural and pleasure aspects so vital to nutrition

and well being.

“In Defense of Food” is valuable reading for anyone

interested in keeping vital foods “whole”.   It’s linked

in the sidebar, on Amazon.  This is a fascinating discussion,

as good nutrition concerns everyone, offering

some real food logic.

(copyright Monika Roleff 2008.)

(copyright cooking up a story, 2008.)

MSNBC Green Roof Chicago News

In this linked article from Caroline at greenroofs.org, it’s plain to see

the value of green roofing ideas, and good evidence for

their usefulness.  Some of the benefits listed are the decrease of pollution

and storm runoff, which are definite positives.  If you have ever

been caught in a sudden city deluge you will appreciate this! 

Green Walls and roofs

are becoming something real.

For a take on residential green roofs, this link was

supplied by Joanne, of a quirky woodland style

home with a totally green roof in Wales, UK.

(copyright Monika Roleff 2008.)

In addition to the post regarding vertical gardens on walls in urban areas…thrilled to see a very stylish example on the Firth’s eco conscious store in London adopting the idea.  Learned about the store, Eco Age, on treehugger.com which is a great resource for all things green and emerging!  As can be seen from the photograph of the exterior of the store, the upper story is clothed in a very calming green, beautiful to see in the city. 

WorldGreenRoof.org shows other examples of greenery being incorporated into building design on roofs.  Featured on the link are some stunning photographs, expanding on this brilliant idea.

(copyright Monika Roleff 2008.)

Just a quick link posted below, to show the results of

last night’s global Earth Hour activity.

It was certainly interesting to try and

read by candlelight, really took some

adjustments, but the beauty and the glow

of the different atmosphere temporarily

brought reality back to an older, bygone era.

ABC Online - Earth Hour Results

(copyright Monika Roleff 2008.)

Just a quick article to show how a brilliant

designer, Patrick Blanc, is transforming

cities with vertical gardens.  Mr Blanc has

patented the vertical design*, allowing the greening

of city buildings, inside and out.  Take a look

at his wonderful website gallery, “Walls”, a slideshow of

beautiful, sustainable ideas.  Great concept for

getting nature back into urban places.

(copyright Monika Roleff 2008.)

*Mr Blanc’s designs are patented, therefore, are

not to be copied.  Further details on site link.

Further on in a series on food by Rebecca Gerendasy,

director of CookingUpAStory films, consider the views

discussed in Part Two of a dialogue and talk by

Michael Pollan about his latest book on real food and the logic of

it, as opposed to some modern scientific substitutes. 

“In Defense of Food” is valuable reading for anyone

interested in keeping vital foods “whole”.   It’s linked

in the sidebar, on Amazon.  This is a fascinating discussion,

as good nutrition concerns everyone, offering

some real food logic.

(copyright Monika Roleff 2008.)

(copyright cooking up a story, 2008.)

More urban egg co-op sustainability smarts on a community basis

by film maker, Rebecca Gerendasy, from the amazing

“CookingUpAStory” food films.  Watch and see how the

community can make things happen, on a

co-operative basis, when people get together, and

everyone involved benefits with fresh eggs every day.

(copyright Monika Roleff 2008.)

(copyright cookingupastory 2008.)