TOXICS INFORMATION PROJECT (TIP)

LIBERTY GOODWIN, DIRECTOR

P.O. Box 40572, Providence, RI 02906

Tel. 401-351-9193, E-Mail: TIP@toxicsinfo.org

WEBSITE: www.toxicsinfo.org

(Lighting the Way to Less Toxic Living)

JOIN US AT THE RI SUSTAINABLE LIVING FESTIVAL,

SATURDAY, JUNE 9, 2007,

APEIRON CENTER FOR ENVIRONMENTAL LIVING, COVENTRY, RI

We’ll have an informational table and will be presenting the following two workshops:

ALTERNATIVES TO LAWNS

Eco-Friendly & Easy Options

Have you ever thought, “Why do I need a lawn anyway?” You don’t! (Or you certainly don’t need a big one). But you may be concerned that, “If I don’t have a lawn, then what?” Not to worry! Come to this discussion led by gardening and landscaping experts, and consider the alternatives! Here’s a great opportunity to get personal attention to your concerns from a great panel of expert organic gardeners and naturally oriented landscape folks! The discussion will be informal, and will allow attenders to ask lots of questions. If you are already a savvy gardener, bring your own experience and tips to share. If you are a novice wanting to do things in tune with nature, this is a perfect chance for help in getting started! We’ve invited two very knowledgeable local folks to lead this informal gathering:

Tysh McGrail, Woodscapes, Inc.: 106 Huntinghouse Rd., North
Scituate, R.I. Tel. 401-568-0673, E-Mail: woodscapesinc@cox.net

Tysh offers sustainable landscape designs and onsite consultations. Garden renovations and installations are also part of her practice. She is an active member of the New England Wildflower Society and the RI Wild Plant Society and encourages alternatives to traditional lawns. Tysh will share her resources for organic and ecologically focused materials and suppliers as well as recommending sustainable management techniques.

Melanie Brown, Wildesigns Gardening: Providence, RI, Tel. 508-264-7125,

E-Mail: gaiapontos@hotmail.com

Design, installation, and maintenance of organic gardens, lawns/lawn alternatives, seasonal displays & wildlife window boxes using native and non-Invasive plant species. Specializing in "Theme" gardens including butterfly gardens, herb/vegetable gardens, Japanese and Zen gardens, etc. Organic Garden Advising and Pest Control Services. Covering Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts. A free consultation is available by calling the number given above.

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REDUCING YOUR TOXIC FOOTPRINT AT HOME

As many of us take steps to reduce our energy use, recycle and avoid wasteful living, there is another way in which we can show our caring for the earth, its people and other living things. Chemicals in many of the products we use in our homes wind up in the rivers, the ground, the food we eat and the air we breathe. They have been found in our own blood and in that of animals - even as far away as polar bears at the North Pole. To truly tread lightly on the earth, we need to be aware of least and most healthy alternatives to choose and buy. We’ll talk about concerns and options for cleaning supplies, toys, pest control, furnishings, paints, carpeting, personal care products, least pesticided foods and more. The discussion will be led by two experienced New Englanders:

Joy Onash, Community Program Manager, MA Toxics Use Reduction Institute (TURI), University of Massachusetts Lowell, 978-934-4343, joy@turi.org

Joy is an engineer with over ten years of experience with industry, government, and institutions, assisting them with environmental compliance issues and pollution prevention projects. Her technical focus areas include hazardous waste, stormwater, wastewater, oil storage, and toxic use reduction. In her current position, she works with non-profit organizations, municipalities, and small business to promote the concept of toxics use reduction to help make Massachusetts a safer and healthier place to live and work.

Harris Parnell, Maine State Director for Toxics Action Center (TAC). RI Contact: Paul Schramski, Toxics Action Center, Providence, 401-421-0007, paul@toxicsaction.org

Harris began work with TAC six years ago as the Sludge Field Organizer in Maine, organizing residents around toxic sludge issues.  She also worked in Massachusetts on clean energy, hunger and homelessness, student and consumer rights, and other public interest issues.  Later, as director of a statewide water quality organization, she helped create the strongest standard for rocket fuel in drinking water in the country. Harris rejoined Toxics Action Center in May of 2006 and continues to work with the Alliance for a Clean and Healthy Maine to phase out persistent toxic chemicals found in consumer products.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THESE WORKSHOPS

AND ABOUT TOXICS INFORMATION PROJECT (TIP),

CONTACT: Liberty Goodwin, TIP Director: 401-351-9193,

E-MAIL: liberty@toxicsinfo.org , WEBSITE: www.toxicsinfo.org

FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS ABOUT THE RI SUSTAINABLE LIVING FESTIVAL AND TO BUY ADVANCE TICKETS ONLINE AT A DISCOUNT,

CONTACT: Apeiron Institute for Environmental Living, Tel. 401-397-3430,

E-Mail: info@apeiron.org or go to: www.apeiron.org/slf_fest_2007/slf_web_07_home.html

(Or just click on “RI Sustainable Living Festival” under Coming Events

at the Apeiron Home Page: www.apeiron.org )