Quilters Comfort Tea

Certified Organic and Kosher! Available in Bloomington at Shiisa Quilts, Bloomingfoods Downtown, Bloomingfoods East, Bloomington Visitors Center and Wandering Turtle Art Gallery

Our compost starts as manure from local stables then goes through the composting process to become a valuable addition to your soil. Each batch comes with a history sheet and an analysis. The history sheet shows the source of the compost and the steps taken to produce the compost. The analysis shows the amount of major and minor nutrients and pH of the compost. For more information call Dave at (812) 824-6875 or (812) 322-3547 or send an email to dashparsons@hughes.net

Centered around a patent-pending carbon footprint calculator, Climate Culture offers users personalized advice on the amount of carbon, energy, dollars and other resources they expend through hundreds of lifestyle choices and daily actions. The site's Personal Energy Advisor tool uses regionally specific datasets that reflect the types of energy generated, temperatures, incoming solar radiation, energy prices and other factors determined by ZIP code to power many of its personalized calculations. Users who join the free site begin by entering some basic information to calculate their current carbon footprint, and then choosing an avatar. They then find themselves on a virtual island that reflects their current level of energy consumption. The Reduction Center guides users to make changes in their lifestyle that will reduce their carbon footprint, such as installing a tankless water heater or using CFLs instead of traditional lightbulbs. For every reduction they make, users earn points that give them higher social status in the community along with access to more and more features in the site's online store for customizing their avatar and their world. Users can also earn points by helping friends green their lifestyles and by challenging others in real-world carbon-reduction contests. In addition, a variety of multiuser games can be used to earn points as well: each time a user plays or wins, one of Climate Culture's corporate sponsors donates money to offset 10 pounds of carbon dioxide. More Info

March 22nd - World Day for Water 2009 - World Water Day (WWD) will be guided by the theme 'Coping with Water Scarcity' under the leadership of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. This year's theme highlights the increasing significance of water scarcity worldwide and the need for increased integration and cooperation to ensure sustainable, efficient and equitable management of scarce water resources, both at international and local levels.

22 March of each year as World Water Day. Everybody is invited to devote the Day to concrete activities such as the promotion of public awareness through the publication and diffusion of documentaries and the organization of conferences, round tables, seminars, expositions and other events related to the conservation and development of water resources and the implementation of the recommendations of Agenda 21.

In 2009, the theme for World Water Day is "Shared Water - Shared Opportunities". Special focus will be placed on transboundary waters. Nurturing the opportunities for cooperation in transboundary water management helps build mutual respect, understanding and trust among countries. It promotes peace, security and sustainable economic growth. UNESCO leads the activities of this Day with the support of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

Editorial Ramblings

Greetings,

Thank you for taking the time to be here. This is a time of possibily directing ourselves to a healthy green America. We, don't seem to have a choice. The question I ponder, is, "How can we do so gracefully?" Many,are experiencing a painful time of shattering trials. My wish is that we realize that, "we" is the collective we, and all inhibitants need to be as well as we can get them. That we each need to find personal peace, that we all must connect our ways of being in this world, as seperate parts of one organism, and our best focus may be toward a consideration of sustainable abundance. That our cooperative support and interdepencence will give us the possibility of shaping ourselves into healthy sustainable communities of love and support.

We are the ones who will make the choices that move us collectively in a healthy sustainable direction. Working together, I believe that we can make it through the challenges of this time in history with with us choosing to work together.

The IHHN would like to be here in the future, working to connect the holistic wellness community through this site, maybe even a real office where you can come visit, With sustainability in mind, our 2009 Marketing Plan is available upon request. Advertising Rates have been updated, and there are many opportunities for you to save as you advertise with the IHHN. There are even opportunities for FREE ADs! Click for New Ad Rates!

Reiki Wellness Project for VETS,Families and Caregivers

This is the month when many focus on love. I hope we focus on loving ourselves and radiating that out to all those in our community and through the planet. Many of us understand that what we do with our time and money, is a clear message of what we value and an indicator of the community and world you want to inhabit.

"Simply Healthy: Creating Sustainable Communities" Simply Living Fair and Wellness Expo hosted Judy Wicks as keynote (below) because of the IHHN's, and other conveners interest in providing information that will contribute toward our mutual sustainablity through health, simply living, food and a strong local economy. Some local business were inspired to begin dialoging about connecting to the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE), and maybe establishing a Sustainable Business Network. As I hear more about this, I will pass it along. If you want to be added to the "Simply Healthy" Mailing List, contact Simply Healthy at simplyhlthy@gmail.com.

As the economy has shifted, I've heard a whispers of a Bloomington Barter network, and voices rising, asking, why we don't have a local currency?. Well some of you may recall that a number of years ago, Green Dove Network published a web resource page on Currencies that included information about local currencies in the US and around the world. That page was developed during a time when BLOOMinghours was still trying to make a go at being a viable local currency in the Bloomington community. There was even a barter network associated with it.

If I recall correctly, Mike Englert and the others put out a great amount of effort as pioneers of the beautiful local money. I say beautiful because the bills were designed by local artist. The BLOOMinghour connection, when last checked is still active. Last I checked, Ithaca Hours local currency in New York is doing quite well; and is integrated thoroughly into the community. You can use local currency when buying a car and even when purchasing a home, and the uses go on from there. Imagine the amount of money the Ithaca community keeps working to help itself stay healthy and sustainable! For more on local currencies Click Here. We will have to look to our Commission on Sustainability, to our local growers, to chickens, maybe to even having goats in some of the larger back yards: to magazines like Communities, to expand our knowledge of people working and living in a lot of diffrent kinds of communities, relationships and networks. To gain perspective and see that we can draw on knowledge gained. That we need to make hast and seek out the old timers for the wisdom of there memories, listen for ideas and inspirations. Determine your best direction.

Note - The CRANE previously looked at water suggesting it as an area needing our continued focus. The need to really pay attention to water has grown even greater. Find out what is going on in your communities and let us know.

New Wings Community Partnership

The New Wings Community Partnership project is a multi-use development designed to enhance the capacity of Middle Way House and the women and children it serves. It will provide housing and employment options, services for victims of violence, including childcare and youth programs, and serve as the focal point for a new community food sustainability endeavor at the former Coca-Cola Bottling Co. plant. Click to read more!

Middle Way House received a $25,000 Alternative Power and Energy grant from the Indiana Office of Energy and Defense Development to install solar thermal and electric systems, a 40% subsidy of the upfront cost of equipment and installation. Click here to learn more!

* By Ben Brabson, Ph.D. & Lisa Ramsden
The Herald-Times (Bloomington, !N), via Common Dreams, January 8, 2009
Straight to the Source

Why, do you suppose, the coal industry is spending $40 million a year on marketing to convince us that coal is "clean?" Twenty years ago "clean coal" meant that coal plants produced no mercury, no oxides of sulfur and nitrogen, and no particulates. Now, because of the devastating consequences of carbon dioxide on climate, "clean coal" also means no CO2.

At this moment, our principal energy sources are the carbon fuels: plentiful coal, dwindling oil and natural gas. Unfortunately, the carbon dioxide they produce when burned is also the principal cause of our rapidly changing climate.

Our short-term response is an immediate reduction in fossil fuel energy use, accompanied by immediate reduction in cost, pollution, and a slowing change in climate. Click to Read

* During World War I and World War II, the US government asked its citizens to plant gardens in order to support the war effort. Millions of people planted gardens. In 1943, Americans planted over 20 million Victory Gardens, and the harvest accounted for nearly a third of all the vegetables consumed in the country that year.
* Planting a Victory Garden today is a great way to relieve some of the strain of the worsening recession while reducing your carbon footprint.
* Planting a Victory Garden reduces global warming pollution, gasoline demand and the cost of food. Instead of traveling many miles on fossil fuels from farm to table, your food would travel from your garden to your table, saving you money and saving the planet! An Organic Consumer Action!

Health Care Reform Is Needed Now More than Ever!

With the US economy's downward spiral still accelerating and the federal government looking at its largest budget deficits since World War II, some are saying that this is not the time to expand health care coverage to all Americans.

But this is exactly the time for the Obama administration to move boldly on its campaign promise to implement a universal health care system. Click to continue

* Child Nutrition Act Reauthorization
Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine's Capitol Hill Briefing
By Chantal Clement
Organic Consumers Association, March 3, 2009
Straight to the Source

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama proposed a $1 billion a year increase in funding on Thursday for U.S. child nutrition programs including school lunches.

The increase would go to "improving program access, enhancing the nutritional quality of school meals, expanding nutrition research and evaluation and improving program oversight," said the White House.

(NaturalNews) A new petition calling for revolutionary health care reforms and health freedoms was launched today at www.HealthRevolutionPetition.org

A personal growth group starting March 12.

Core beliefs – our unconscious assumptions about how things are – shape how we experience our world. They can enrich our lives or limit them. When we become conscious of our core beliefs, we can change them - or simply let them go and be present in the moment.

This group includes mindfulness practices for daily use, plus exercises investigating core beliefs and the possibility of release.

2nd & 4th Thursdays, 7-8:30 pm. March 12, 26, April 9, 23, May 14, 28, June 11, 25

Facilitated by Shodo Spring, LCSW. Shodo is a psychotherapist and a Zen priest in training. She has professional experience with movement and holistic body therapies, has taught Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction, and has studied Process Work, Hakomi, and Gestalt work.

Sliding fee: $100-150 for 8 sessions, in advance. Size is limited, please register early.

Partial participation will be an option. People interested in coming to some but not all of the sessions can contact me for scheduling and payment information.

You are welcome to call with questions; therapists wishing to refer a client are also welcome to call.

The fee is set low in acknowledgment of current economic difficulties; if necessary inquire about a payment plan or work exchange.

For other arrangements contact Shodo.Spring@gmail.com, 812-339-4021.

When you volunteer for either of these support positions, you will receive a free Merchant or Practitioner Page Listing and service. In addition to this, as the Classified Ad Manager or Calendar Manager, you will be able to post up to two unique classifieds and calendar listings each month for your product or service, and receive one static, side border banner ad 120 X 60 pix on a page with your directory listing.

Interested, contact us. We request a six month commitment. Send information about yourself, any expertise you may have, and why you think you will be perfect for this job to: Manager at mail.ihhn(at)gmail.com.

*Peace is a Bright Delight by Gay Montague and Erin

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