Eco Arts; for the love of Mother Earth

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

http://www.awakenedradio.net/nurturing-your-creative-spirit.php

"How Creativity and Art Touches Our Lives"

The topic on The Eco Arts Council founder/director's

online radio show

"Nurturing Your Creative Spirit"

- host Glorie Iaccarino.

Learn about the Community Artist Approach. Understand perspectives from scientific, physiological,
and emotional perspectives on Creativity theories and receive some great ideas on creative activities and art-making projects you can do with the kiddos in your life and home community.

http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/audioPop.jsp?episodeId=784625&cmd=apop

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Communities need Eco Arts

The Eco Arts Council believes that there is a need to build strong, healthy cities by promoting the integration of traditional arts, Eco-Arts and a creative class culture in community revitalization and that creative placemaking should be given more attention, study and implementation in and around the Quad City area.

The role of arts and culture provides a positive contribution in re-energizing... communities and assists in social and economic aspects of life. The arts and culture are an integral part of life and, when embedded in cross-sector revitalization activities, it can contribute to positive and enduring economic, social and cultural change in communities.

We would like to see the arts and culture as a central topic of discussion in rebuilding and reinvigorating metropolitan areas as land use, housing, transportation, and economic development. As more organizations commit to creating opportunity for low-income and underrepresented people, from arts and culture organizations to community development corporations and other public-sector and nonprofit agencies, we can encourage participation in civic life and in discourse about the future of neighborhoods and cities.

We would like to see more talent and authentic culture in our diverse QCA communities that reveal character, provide distinct identity, and ground revitalization work in the genuine fabric of each community and support "Creative Collaborative Networking" that embrace efforts that respect and tap those assets.

Strategic integration of arts and culture is relatively new as is the concept of “creative placemaking", but cross-discipline, multi-sector work can take root with both and as we build a consciousness in the value of deliverate integration of arts and culture inrevitalization work. As we learn more about and share what creative placemaking activity is and to understand its effect on economic, social and cultural change in disinvested communities we hope others will test new approaches, identify lessons from current exemplary activities and promote the adoption of creative placemaking activity.

Contact us at: Ecoartscouncilqc@aol.com if you are interested in the following....
The value of Arts and Culture
Direct grantmaking and support for research, evaluation and other endeavors that advance field-wide and cross-sector understanding
An arts and or culture organization interested in community revitalization initiatives
Engaged in cross-discipline, cross-sector activities
Exhibit strong leadership and a community vision
Demonstrate commitment to sustained engagement and participation of all residents
Interested in neighborhood revitalization and community art projects, public art, etc.
Honor community distinctiveness

Friday, July 19, 2013

Innovations in Green Technology for Residences

By Sam Marquit

With the global market for green building materials expected to more than double from $116 billion in 2013 to $254 billion in 2020, it is clear that eco-friendly building trends are spreading. As a commercial contractor, I see how businesses use these materials, as well as how these materials have evolved over the years. Homes are catching up to businesses in this regard, which is only further feeding the boom.

An example of how a business can implement widespread eco-friendly materials and practices is the Palazzo hotel in Las Vegas. Nearly half of the building opens to the warm weather outside. Drip irrigation systems keep the hotel from over-watering. Turf grass keeps outdoor areas looking green without using water. All of this adds up to eight million gallons of water conserved annually. Due to its green practices, the hotel was recently named the “Most Eco Friendly hotel in America”.

Few homes can add up to the Palazzo, but it is possible to implement drip irrigation systems in residential areas. Homeowners can also use gray water to keep gardens watered. A big benefit of this type of water conservation is the money saved.

The scale and method of implementing green standards varies hugely across types of structures. However, products used in homes can also be used in business. In Cornell, Wisconsin, the Cornell Corporation is making and selling nail base roofing panels, as well as a product called ThermaCal Wall, which is a nail base panel for walls. You can use this product when you renovate or when building a new home.

When it comes to roofing, Powerhouse Solar Shingles, which can be used for small businesses and homes, are both the shingles for your roof and solar panels. While amazing, with an output of 12%, at least 6% less than most crystalline PV modules, these shingles are not as efficient. In order for Powerhouse Solar Shingles to be as effective as similar products mounted on aluminum, they need a larger area. Nonetheless, this green material has serious promise.

With innovations like these, homes can go a long way to reduce the carbon footprints of the people living within. Much like the Las Vegas hotels, you can have lush gardens, renewable energy and low water bills when you research new technologies and implement those that are most appropriate for your home, location and lifestyle.