Lights Out, Somebodys Home

Fun, easy, affordable ways to green up…

Youre probably proud of yourself for flipping off the light switch when you leave a room, as I have been since the days of my mother yelling, “hey man, were not independently wealthy!” as if she had eyes in the back of her head. But more recently, it has come to light (pun intended) that just turning lights, TVs, and stereos off when were done with them isnt enough.

A Year of Living Lightly

One mans decision to eliminate his familys impact on the environment in downtown Manhattan, has influenced many more than just his neighbors. Colin Beaven’s inner yearning to make a big difference to the health of the planet, has catapulted him into the eco spotlight with his film, No Impact Man. Here, The Green Dove shares an exclusive interview with the urban green warrior. We’re also giving readers the chance to win one of five No Impact Man DVDs.

Do New TVs Cause Harm to Your Health?

Years ago I read that children should be kept at least two feet from the television because of harmful electronic emissions. Is this still relevant? Is there a difference regarding this between older and new flat-screen models? – Horst E. Mehring, Oconomowoc, WI

Luckily for many of us and our kids, sitting “too” close to the TV isnt known to cause any human health issues. This myth prevails because back in the 1960s General Electric sold some new-fangled color TV sets that emitted excessive amounts of radiation-as much as 100,000 times more than federal health officials considered safe. GE quickly recalled and repaired the faulty TVs, but the stigma lingers to this day.

Oprah & Dustin Team up for Green

Dream of meeting Oprah? How about joining actor-extraordinaire Dustin Hoffman on set of his latest film? Thanks to Chartiybuzz’s sixth annual Chevy Chase Green Auction online, your wildest wishes could become oh-so-real. Celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey, Dustin Hoffman, Stephen Colbert, Dave Mathews Band, and Regis Philbin have teamed up to bring once-in-a-lifetime items and opportunities to the auction block. Proceeds benefit The GREEN Community Schools, who strive to create model GREEN schools and promote sustainability.

Are you Awake or Asleep?

By Miss Psychette

This week Ive formed a pretty strong decision. I hate television. I hate the way people arrange the furniture in their houses in a circle around it, making it the dominant focus. I hate the fact that the average home has more television sets than people. I hate the way people get so used to watching advertisements, they forget theyre hearing unfounded, biased drivel. I hate the way parents use TV to baby-sit their children, and that children arent playing outside and using their imaginations as a direct result.