We must become the change we want to be.
– Mahatma Gandhi
Hi Everyone!
It's the Holidays again and 'tis the season to be wasteful! Over 2 billion holiday cards, excessive packaging, and wrapping are estimated to be picked up by the sanitation departments across America. That results in 6 million tons of waste during the holidays - more than any other country. As a family committed to protecting the planet, it's a painful fact for us to digest! As Americans, we are conditioned to excess - buying disposable items and not thinking about the impact that packaging has on the environment/global warming/oil/water. We are consuming more resources than the earth can produce as we rank first in offenders. If you take a look at some of the facts about global warming, you would not believe how our planet is drastically changing. Recommended documentary by Al Gore.
Even though we are becoming more aware as a nation and more corporations are thinking responsibly and reducing waste, we really need to step up and do our parts. And although it's hard to avoid for its randomness, Walmart is one of the most wasteful retailers, generating the most packaging and plastic bag waste. Despite their shady business practices, they are slowly beginning to "clean up their act" and jumping on the green bandwagon. Large and powerful corporations like Walmart need to set examples. Albeit that Whole Foods and Wild Oats are not for the budget-conscious, they carry organics which support organic farming and fair trade, purchase wind power credits and maintain eco-conscious business practices. They promote recycling within the markets and educate customers with their products. Trader Joe's carries many of the same products (under their label) and also practices being green! It makes a huge difference supporting and shopping markets such as these. Ethical eating!
Earlier this year, we repainted and redecorated our home. In doing that, we decided to create a more eco-friendly abode. The future of building is green. Realizing that it could not be as green as we wanted, we decided to build one that is. We chose cellulose insulation, solar wiring, a radiant barrier roof, xeriscape landscaping, low-flow shower heads, eco-smart toilets, sun shades, low voc paints, recycled carpeting, bamboo flooring with many more green and sustainable choices to make once finished. Many of these ideas can be implemented in any existing homes. The research has been very educational and it will enable us to lower our utilities and live in home with less toxins. It may not achieve LEED certification, but we can do our best! Buying things like hybrid cars and solar energy systems can also save on taxes, but there are lots of other ways to save with smaller, less-costly home upgrades that offer tax credits, thanks to the Energy Policy Act of 2005.
The future is green. It is reaching more people today. The problems are only getting worse, but we have the ability to make better choices everyday. Learn more about it on some of our links. We can do our part no matter how small it may seem, but it will make a difference. You may do many of the things already, but you can probably add a few more :) Think of our future and the future of our children. It's our responsibility to educate, listen and learn. You can bet we are "greening" our daughter!
As for us, we have been busier than ever! Jonathan is still plugging away with long hours at The (unstoppable) Light Group's FIX in Bellagio. They are rapidly expanding in the next 2 years, taking over and opening several restaurants. It includes a service-based hotel called Harmon, in the upcoming City Center Project - opening 2008. The Light Group has recently made the effort to go green.
Since Charlene is happily at home with Fallon, she started a small business called Plain Zane this year. Her functional and fashionable baby blanket attaches to strollers, car seats and baby carriers and a patent for it has been submitted. The simple idea became a hit in Las Vegas and after 8 shows this year, the blankets are beginning to make its way about the country. All products are made in Las Vegas and Plain Zane functions as green as possible - paperless, using recycled and reused packaging, earth-friendly detergents, while embarking on vertical integration. A sustainable blanket line is also in the works.
Fallon is 2 years and 3 months already! She has had an incredible year with activities, friends and just developing overall. She is the most talkative thing ever and prefers adults over kids...time for a sibling? In July, we took her to Sea World in San Diego with Mateo and the Ayala clan. She had a blast with Mateo being here for 2 weeks! In August, we went to Scottsdale and stayed at Hotel Valley Ho to celebrate Charlene's birthday. Fallon was in heaven at the pool, playing with her bubble gun from Uncle Bill & Aunt Rebecca. In November, we attended the beautiful wedding of Ray Mupas & Olivia Pham (Congrats!) in Anaheim where she danced all night! She also fell in love with Disneyland, home of Mickey and Minnie. Her current favorite things are: the ipod, swings, trains, Mickey Mouse, Eloise, adults, chocolate and blankets! We look forward to spending the Holidays in Ohio where Fallon can finally make snow angels:)
That is all for this year. It went too fast and we hope that things are not as crazy in 2007. We wish you all the best health, happiness and memories this Season with family and friends.
With Love,
Jonathan, Charlene & Fallon
(and our crazy pups, Panda & Poncho)
