' . . . It's a brand new year, and our resolutions it to focus on helping the the eco community become more profitable. That's the deal. We're here to serve. Florida EcoNet is community serving community, and we hope to serve you well. That being said, a few changes have taken place. You will notice even more writers than before as we include Slow Food Orlando, The Garden Club, Seaside Herb Society, St. John's River Water Management District, and columns on Feng Shui by Nancy Nashed of Wind Water Arts, natural beauty by Anne Nguyen of Shanti Aromatherapy, and permaculture by Jenny Nazak (AKA Trailer Park Girl). We regret to say that our pages will no longer be graced by the writings of our Fresh Green columnist, Joel Tippens. But we are happy to congratulate him on his new venture. Joel, and his nonprofit Fair Share, have been offered a position in Tennessee establishing community gardens and creating food security. This is a fabulous opportunity, and we know that you will join us as we congratulate him on his new endeavors, fulfilling his dreams, and wish him well. If you would still like to follow the endeavors of Fair Share, please continue to visit wedigfairshare.org We are happy to announce a change of roles. Nicole Miller and Ciana Maglio have resigned from their positions as Coordinator and Village Green Producer, and exchanged their duties and titles. Ciana will act as EcoNet Coordinator until our official election in May of this year. Nicole Miller will become our new Village Green Producer. Nicole has a degree in Magazine Journalism from the University of Florida, where she served as Editor of Wet Magazine, a publication she created with several classmates, and Writer and Circulation Manager for The Orange & Blue, the school's student publication. She also served as Editor of a non-profit's quarterly publication for a couple of years before joining us at The Village Green. She has some new and exciting ideas for The Village Green, and we are ecstatic to include as part of our team. If you are interested in writing for us, please contact Nicole at 561-843-3948 or email nicmillerole@gmail.com PS. Please visit our website floridaeconet.net for information on how you, too can help server your community, and the EcoNet. Green Wishes! Shannon & Ciana

WHOLE Teaching Children Money Skills

by Debra Parsons

Money management can begin at as young as age three or four, and there are many methods to use. One method that has intrigued me is the use of commission instead of allowance. To Start: To begin this process you want to teach your child the meaning of commission. Rather than an allowance for extra treats or rewards, the child is paid for age appropriate chores (cleaning room, folding laundry, etc.) using commission as the “prize.”

Choose an amount that suits your budget, such as a quarter or a dollar, and be sure to praise the child for a job well done, saying, "Thank you. This is your commission for being such a good helper." Now, is a great time for a meaningful hug. :-) This gives the child a realistic sense of the value of money, and often a sense of accomplishment and pride in earning it. Important safety reminder: Children are very curious. Use of coins may be dangerous without parental supervision. What to do with the money: This is a good time to teach money allocation. Maybe you want to inspire your child to save a percentage of the money. A good way of doing this is to have a small achievable goal, such as $100. A percentage of the commission can be allocated to go into “the bank.” Choose to either open an account at your local establishment, or do a craft project by decorating a container where your child can actually watch the money grow. A “jar” bank: I suggest you slightly crumple the paper money before adding it to “the bank.” This will give the money more visual dimension, and emphasize the prize for a job well done. When your child is old enough and the goal has been met, further reinforce the accomplishment by taking him/her to a local bank and allowing your child to open a savings account.

This is one option for beginning the life lessons that will help your child become a financially responsible adult. Debra Parsons is the director of WHOLE (Wise Holistic Observations of our Living Environment), empowering families on the journey of edification. The class focuses on positive interaction and conscientious stewardship. For more information, call (386) 675-8907.

From the Seaside Anise

by Denny Snyder

If you like licorice, you will like foods made

with anise because anise gives foods a licorice

flavor and fragrance. Anise is an herb grown as

an annual in northern climates. It can also be

grown here in Florida. Grow in full sun in well-

drained soil, away from strong winds. The plant

gets large, so thin seedlings to 1½ feet apart.

Collect the seeds before the seed heads open and

spread out to dry in the sun. Whole or ground seeds may be added to foods as

diverse as cookies, cakes, eggs, or spinach. The leaves may be used in salads.

Steeped in boiling water for 20 minutes, anise makes a pleasant tea used to ease

indigestion.

The Seaside Herb Society's members share their knowledge and love of herbs

through their talents in arts, crafts, cooking, and gardening. For information

about the Seaside Herb Society, call Denny Snyder at 443-497-0044.

Seaside Herb Society meets

3rd Saturday of the month

at 9:30 am

at Riverbridge Meeting House

(Northeast corner of Granada Boulevard (Rte. 40), and North Beach Street in

Ormond Beach)

$3 donation

open to the public

Visit FloridaEcoNet.net online Events Calendar for list of monthly speakers and

featured herbs.

by Marian Huey, Ormond Beach,

Seaside Herb Society

Springerles

4 eggs

1 lb powdered sugar

3 ½ c flour

1 tbsp anise seed

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp anise flavoring

3 tbsp melted butter

Beat eggs about 3 minutes, then add 10x powdered sugar. Combine flour, baking powder, and anise

seed in bowl. Add anise flavoring to egg mixture, then add the dry ingredients. Beat well. Add melted

butter. If too sticky, add ¼ c or so of flour.

On pastry board or sheet sprinkled with flour, roll out to about 8x12 inches, then roll with design

rolling pin or press in designs.

Let set uncovered overnight or from morning to evening.

Line baking sheet with parchment paper and set cookies on top.

Bake 15 min. at 300˚ F. Do not allow to brown.

A More Natural Life in the New Year

by Anne Nguyen

We are all looking for simple, natural ways to relieve stress and improve our lives. An excellent

alternative is aromatherapy using essential oils. Essential oils are pure plant essences that are extracted

in a concentrated form. Plants have evolved properties that help them cope with their natural

environments, to attract pollinators, for instance. We, too, can benefit from these properties, quickly

and effectively, because we share the same basic chemistry.

Plants have evolved properties that help them cope with their natural environments ... we share the same basic chemistry

Two of my favorite winter oils are Ravensara and Ylang Ylang:

Ravensara can be used to fight infections with all

age groups, and combined with Eucalyptus, is

especially good for warding off winter colds and

strengthening our immune systems.

Ylang Ylang is an exotic and sensual oil that

relaxes the mind and body. It is a great oil for

Valentine's Day because like most floral oils it

has aphrodisiac qualities.

for more information about these oils and how they can be used, check out this month's featured oils at

shantiaromatherapy.com or contact Anne at 386.589.9417.

Anne Nguyen is an Esthetician and Certified Aromatherapist, and owner of Shanti Aromatherapy. She

is available for natural skin care and aromatherapy consultations at Tuscan Sun Massage in Port

Orange.

Going Green with Beekeeping Makes Green

by Tom Bartlett

Beekeeping is a very rewarding hobby, sideline, or profession given agriculture’s dependence on bees. Honeybees account for over 80% of all insect pollination and contribute greatly to our local, state, federal, and international consumer products. It is estimated that over 240 fruits, nuts, and vegetables consumed by humans and other wildlife are largely dependent on honeybees for pollination. For a beekeeper, a pollination service is the number one way to make money and make a big contribution to the world ecosystem. In addition to pollination, honeybees provide the following by-products that are very beneficial to our health and economy: Honey is a pure food that is hydroscopic and antibacterial. Further, eating local honey can relieve many allergies.

“Honeybees account for over 80% of all insect pollination.” Pollen is one of the richest and purest natural foods, consisting of protein, sugars, carbohydrates, enzymes, minerals, and vitamins. Beeswax is used in drugs, cosmetics, artists’ materials, and candles Propolis is a sticky resin used as a health aid and for fine wood varnishes. Royal Jelly, with premium prices rivaling imported caviar, is used as a dietary supplement and fertility stimulant, not to mention, loaded with all the B vitamins. Bee Venom is used to treat arthritis, neuralgia, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even multiple sclerosis. Wow! Beekeeping is “Green” indeed!! Til Next Time! Bee Friendly! Tom Bartlett Master Beekeeper Backyard Beekeeper President of the Beekeepers of Volusia County, Fl.

MEET Beekeepers of Volusia County 4th Wednesday of each month

Volusia County Agricultural Center 6:30pm

Contact Tom Bartlett 386-756-2571

beekeeper7501@aol.com

IT!

Want to feel better about your space or the appearance of your workplace? Would you like others to feel the same? Start with a planter box or set of pots and form a container garden. Step 1: If possible, choose plants that you like to smell as well as see. This way you'll enjoy their beauty in two ways. Step 2: Next, share the beauty. Place your container garden in an area where it can be seen by others. Don't be surprised if a few neighbors or customers stop by just to smell the roses…. Learn more by joining DIG, Daytona Improvement Gardeners on Facebook, or email

digdaytona@gmail.com

by Kevin Bagwell

Coontie (Zamia pumila)

Coontie is a common native plant in our area typically found in either open pine flatwoods or coastal woodlands. Easily confused as a palm or fern, the coontie is actually in the cycad family (an ancient cone bearing family of plants) and is considered one of our oldest native plants. It has historical significance as a starch source for the Seminole Indians, who were able to transform the lethal raw stem into an edible product. Prized as a landscape plant, the coontie is cold tolerant and can be planted as a shrub, border plant, or en masse. The plant can tolerate full sun to full shade but performs best in a part sun location with well-drained soil. Please refrain from removing this plant from the wild – its transplant success rate is low and it is also considered a commercially exploited plant by the State of Florida. Kevin Bagwell is the president of the Florida Native Plant Society, Pawpaw Chapter, and owner of Full Moon Native Nursery in Port Orange. For more information on Kevin, visit fullmoonnatives.com

You have probably heard of the Council of Garden Clubs before today. It's not uncommon to see our work around the nation. But we are not here today to tell you of the history of our nation’s gardens or clubs, but rather as an introduction to the speaker we have chosen to give an overview of our local council and services.

The Council of Garden Clubs of the Halifax District was organized in 1948 to unify

the efforts of the garden clubs of this area and other organizations with a

similar objective of promoting education in horticulture, conservation, and the use of

plant material. The Council also promotes the development of a unified community

spirit by studying the needs of the community and supporting such projects as will

further these interests.

Currently there are seven member garden clubs, most of whom meet at the William

A. Finney Memorial Garden Center. The Garden Center was bequeathed to the

Council by Cora Mae Finney following her death in 1972. Her gracious home was

renovated and a garden room and patio were added. It was dedicated to the

Council in April 1973.

The Council has a long history of involvement in our community with members from

the seven clubs actively involved in various projects throughout the Halifax area.

If you would like more information on the Council please send a letter to the

address below.

THE COUNCIL OF GARDEN CLUBS OF THE

HALIFAX DISTRICT

837 N. Oleander Avenue

Daytona Beach, FL 32118

We look forward to hearing from you.

From Masters to Makers

$ = Sense! by Shawn Beckwith

Does investing in historic preservation activities make money and sense?

The easy and definite answer: Yes! Don't believe me? Follow the graph and see for yourself.

The attached graph shows what is created when the State of Florida invests tax dollars into

historic preservation grants.

Jobs

Jobs are created during the project and after with operation, as well as heritage tourism, and of

course ongoing maintenance.

“Jobs are created ... as well as Heritage Tourism.” Sustainability

Historic buildings are, by their nature, sustainable because their initial construction occurred

with physical comfort in mind. Built long before modern systems made structures more

comfortable, historic buildings incorporated innovative ways to light, heat, and cool buildings.

Windows were constructed to enhance ventilation and lighting. Canopies, awnings, shutters,

porches, balconies, and shade trees helped control heating and cooling. Additionally, the

historic buildings were fashioned from stronger, longer-lasting materials.

No trash, no waste

The demolition of existing buildings likewise adds further waste to already burdened landfills.

Thus, maintaining your historic building and using similar materials (i.e., by restoring or

replacing wood windows with wood and not vinyl) is economical and practical when

considering the entire life-cycle cost of the building. Century-old windows with the correct

periodic maintenance will last another 100 years (which would obviously be far less of an

expense than new vinyl windows!).

For more information on the Economic Impact Report, please visit

http://flheritage.com/economic-impact.cfm to download the entire executive summary.

D. Shawn Beckwith

Historic Restoration Specialist

Heritage Preservation Trust of Volusia County

Volusia County Historic Preservation Board

Going Green with Tomatoes Saves Money, Health and the Environment by Dana “Green Man” Venrick

The best part: You will never taste more delicious, luscious tomatoes than the ones grown in

100% organic Quality Green compost!

I believe you may be interested to hear the results of a comparison

between Quality Green Specialists’ 100% organic Quality Green

Premium-Blend Compost and one of the best commercial potting mixes

on the market, Jungle Growth.

Our test: For our comparison, we planted tomato plants (four in each bed) in two

12” deep raised beds, one with our Premium-Blend Compost and the

other with Jungle Growth (with needed minerals that we added), on

September 8, 2010.

Our results: Actual documented results: On December 10, 2010, we picked 156

tomatoes, weighing 30 pounds, from the bed with our Premium-

Blend Compost and 62 tomatoes, weighing 11 pounds, from the raised

bed with the amended Jungle Growth potting mix. These weights

included ripe tomatoes, green tomatoes, and unusable (frozen or

immature) tomatoes.

Our test was interrupted by an unexpectedly early December freeze. We

project that we would have harvested over 93.6 pounds of tomatoes

from the plants grown in our compost versus 31.0 pounds from the plants grown in Jungle

Growth if not for the freeze.

The best part: You will never taste more delicious, luscious tomatoes

than the ones grown in 100% organic Quality Green compost! Yum,

yum, yum! These were the best tomatoes I have ever eaten! The tomatoes grown in the Jungle

Growth were very good as well. Neither group of tomatoes had any pesticides applied and

there was very little decay (almost none in the compost) and no bug problems!

As for Money: Let’s assume that the tomatoes are worth $2 per pound, for the sake of our discussion, though

they are worth a lot more, believe me! It took one cu. ft. of compost per plant. The cost per cu.

ft. of Quality Green Premium-Blend Compost is less than $15 (retail is less than $18 per 1.25

cu. ft.). So for a cost of less than $60 for the compost (4 cu.ft. to grow four plants) and the

cost of the small tomato plants, there is a return of more than $127.00 (93.6 lbs x $2 per lb. =

$187.20, less $60 cost). That's better than interest at the bank!

Think of all the delicious, sweet, organic tomatoes you can grow, with minimal care, starting

early in 2011. Think of saving your health and the environment, as well as lots of money.

Start by growing your own fresh tomatoes and other vegetables in the best organic compost

in your own raised bed garden.

Give me a call, and I will be glad to give you more information.

Dana “Green Man” Venrick

Owner, Quality Green Specialists

386-837-3878

danavenrick@yahoo.com

http://www.qualitygreenspecialists.com

Slow Fish: a dedicated to local sea-food

by Cinthia Sandoval, Slow Food Orlando

My name is Cinthia Sandoval and I am an active member

of Slow Food Orlando, but more importantly, I am part

fishmonger.

Living on the longest coastline on the Atlantic Ocean, there

are no words for the depths of discouragement I feel upon

hearing that the most asked about fish is salmon. Granted

salmon is delicious, I have nothing against it other than the

fact that it has be flown thousands of miles on a plane for

us to eat. But, how about triggerfish, speckled sea trout, mangrove snapper,

golden crab, or one of the 70 commercial species of fish that can be found

right here on our coast? Why not keep our dollars within our local coastal

communities? This way we will help ensure the stability of our local

economy, promote a quality and fresh product, as well as keep our coastal

culture alive, and reassure a generation of future fishermen.

Slow Food USA envisions a future food system based on the principles of high quality and taste, environmental sustainability, and social justice–-in essence, a food system founded upon stewardship that is good, clean, and fair. Slow Food's events include farm tours, farm-to-table dinners, educational forums, and potlucks. Visit SlowFoodOrlando.org for updates on local events, meetings, contact information and opportunities. If you are interested in volunteering or information, please email Cinthia at cinthias@wildoceanmarket.com.

Tips from St. John's

Taking a few simple steps inside and outside can save water and money.

1. Turn off the water when you brush your teeth.

Turn off the spout while brushing, and keep that money in your wallet not washed down

the drain.

2. Fix the leak.

A leaky toilet or faucet can waste thousands of gallons of water each month, putting a

hefty dent in your wallet.

3. Lower the flow.

Installing low-flow toilets and showerheads can dramatically reduce your indoor water

consumption without reduced performance.

4. Water the smart way.

Overwatering a lawn can promote weeds and insect pests, as well as weakening grass

roots and trickling down the storm drains. Water when needed, maintain your irrigation

system and landscape with plants and grasses that require minimal water.

For more tips, visit the St. Johns River Water Management District’s Web page:

http://www.floridaswater.com/waterconservation/savingwater/index.html

The St. Johns River Water Management District is a regional agency of the state of

Florida whose mission is to protect and ensure the sustainable use of water resources.

The District is responsible for managing groundwater and surface water resources in all

or part of 18 counties in northeast and east-central Florida, including Alachua, Baker,

Bradford, Brevard, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Indian River, Lake, Marion, Nassau,

Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Putnam, St. Johns, Seminole, and Volusia counties. A

nine-member governing board appointed by Florida’s governor sets the policies for

operation of the agency.

Lifestyles of the Voluntarily Heatless by Jenny Nazak

This will be my fifth winter of voluntarily doing without heat in my home. Last winter I learned (via an article in the New York Times) that there are quite a few others doing the same – and they’re living in much colder places than I am! I'm one of those people who really, really hates being cold, which I define as anything below about 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius). This makes me a good person to ask for advice on how to stay warm without using a heater! THE MILLION DOLLAR QUESTION You might be wondering, "WHY would anyone VOLUNTARILY do without heat?" As it turns out, there are many reasons why people choose to do without heat: 1. TO SAVE MONEY. Sometimes this savings can amount to several hundred dollars a month! Almost as much as rent – maybe more than your rent! What would you do with that money?

2. TO CONSERVE RESOURCES. Remember Jimmy Carter addressing the American public from the White House in a sweater?

3. PHYSICAL AND/OR SPIRITUAL TRAINING. Many people believe that a spartan lifestyle promotes physical health and builds character. 4. And (something I personally find hard to believe, but it's true) SOME PEOPLE JUST DON'T MIND BEING COLD! Doing without heat might sound inconceivable to you. Then again.... What if there are some really simple tips, common-sense wisdom from other times and places, that would make it easier to go without heat? What if these "voluntarily heatless" people knew something you didn't? And what might you do with that

$75, $100, or several hundred more dollars a month that you're currently spending on heat? Hmmm....

“...Common-sense wisdom from other times and places.”

LAYERS, LAYERS, LAYERS Most people by now are familiar with the concept of dressing in layers. But not all layers are created equal! Some areas of the body seem to be particularly sensitive to cold: 1. THE FEET. It's amazing how quickly a person can start to feel cold even at moderate temperatures (65-68) if his/her feet are bare. Putting on socks or slippers warms you up quickly. 2. THE MIDSECTION. There's a Japanese garment called a haramaki (tummy warmer) that has recently entered the American fashion lexicon. Literally, it's a tube around your midsection. No particular need to purchase a haramaki; they are easy to rig up from available materials. Besides supplying essential warmth, a haramaki can add a stylish touch to your winter look. 3. And the biggie: YOUR HEAD! It's said that some 25% of the body's heat escapes through the head. If you're all bundled up but your head is bare, it's like cranking up the heat while you've got the door and windows wide open. EFFECTIVE LAYERING I bundle up in the following order: 1. Underpants and camisole, 2. Long-sleeved top and bottoms (long underwear or tights), 3. (Sometimes) fleece vest; lately, I usually opt for a haramaki instead 4. Sweater and pants (could also be quilted), 5. Socks (could be 2 layers, one thin nylon and one wool), 6. Fingerless gloves (I'm constantly crafting and typing so standard gloves are not an option), 7. Wool hat and muffler, 8. If going outdoors, nylon shell jacket, preferably with a hood. If staying indoors and sitting still, I might drape a wool blanket on my lap and/or over my shoulders. FABRIC

Not all fabrics are created equal: “When wet, cotton will wick the heat away from your body 25 times as fast as if you

just went naked!” 1. COTTON: Not for winter. When wet, cotton will wick the heat away from your body 25 times as fast as if you just went naked! A lot of people prefer cotton underwear, but you might want to look into silk as an alternative. 2. SYNTHETICS: Great for the long-underwear layer. Nice and streamlined, not bulky, can add warmth. Easy to dry. 3. SILK: Some people like silk long underwear. It's pretty warm. It does cost more and has to be washed in the Delicate cycle or by hand. 4. WOOL: THE BEST, if you ask me. Wool just rocks. It's warm, and it retains its insulating properties even when wet. It offers the best "Bang for the Bulk"! Keep your eyes open for good deals at vintage and thrift shops: You can find really good-quality cashmere and merino garments for bargain prices. The saying "They don't make 'em like they used to" definitely seems to apply here. 5. DOWN: Very nice and light, puffy so it traps warm air. Useless when wet, and can be a bit too bulky for indoor wear especially if you're typing or crafting or making coffee or something.

Jenny works as a publicist and registrar for the Austin (Texas) Permaculture Guild. She also

offers classes and consultation about composting, solar cooking, reducing/simplifying, and

other aspects of sustainable living. She moved to Ormond Beach from Austin in September

2010. You can reach her at 512-619-5363 or jnazak@yahoo.com

Excerpt reprinted with the permission of Jenny Nazak. For fuller article version, visit www.jennynazak.com

.

“Go Green” was designed by John R. Spinoso to show the many resources that are available in our community. It shows that by using these resources we can become a viable community. “Go Green” is meant to instill a sense of accomplishment and pride in the future, and inspire us to help the environment, the planet as a whole, thus protecting our present, and our future for generations to come. Every generation deserves a happier and better place to live. In our community and our beloved Planet Earth, to go green or not to go green is not the question, it's the answer. John R. Spinoso (aka Spino the Phantom Artist), received that moniker by doing Web design for random members on Myspace and Facebook when they first started, creating over 300 pieces of art in that endeavor. Spino has spent most of his life in the Graphic Arts field as a Draftsperson, Graphic Artist, Graphic Consultant, Art Director, Exhibit & Display Designer, and Sign Designer over the past 21 years while working for AT & T, mostly self-taught and on the job training. Over the years his increased interest in using Photoshop and the manipulation of photos and have created a unique style all his own. Spino considers himself a “green artist” using a Green PC to create all his artwork (HP Pavillion All-In-One), and dedicates many of his free hours volunteering to help make our world a better place to live in for ourselves and future generations.