A couple of years ago, my lifestyle seemed to necessitate my taking at least one international or domestic flight each year. I had stopped using a car, but somehow I hadn’t faced up to the fact that each flight added up to a few months’ worth of typical car travel. My carbon footprint was a few sizes too big for my feet, and my partner Barbara and I decided to take action. (more…)

I am always glad to get the email invite from an earnest collection of friends in Malibu, who cast out a call to a group of us online about weekly nature hikes, full moon picnics and midnight meteor shower gatherings. “Yes!” I cheer to myself. “THIS is why I left the whirlwind life of New York City; to jog along our breezy ocean boardwalk, and glide a kayak over the undulating kelp beds of Pt. Dume.” (more…)

Shocking how kids grow, isn’t it? I remember going to Baby Gap after my daughter, Averill, was born, and telling the saleswoman that I needed to return a newborn baby gift as it was too big. The woman, a mother of three, laughed and told me that in a week or two my newborn would fit that 3-6 month romper just fine. It was hard to imagine, but she was right. (more…)

“It’s a phenomenon you’ve created!”

These were the opening words in my e-mail to Edwin Datschefski.

It is called “Green Drinks.” Imagine a happy hour for the environmentally conscious. This informal, self-organizing network typically convenes monthly at a set date, time and venue. Breaking in is easy: simply approach someone and ask “Are you green?” and you will be made to feel welcome. (more…)