Clean the air with plants

I started a new job today and the first question my mother asked me was if my office had space and light for plants. I'm pleased to report that it does. Plants are great to have around. The beautify the environment, produce oxygen and clean the air. Given the high levels of insulation in today's modern buildings, plus the fact that many buildings have windows that don't even open, indoor air quality can be quite low. Some types of carpet, furniture, plastics, plywood, varnishes, stairs, and adhesives emit toxins that may result in "Sick building syndrome".  But don't worry, plants can help clean the air you breathe. Here are a few you can use:

* Boston fern - Ferns are great! I love to see them sporulate. They are easy to grow in medium to bright light. As with most plants, water them only when the soil feels dry.

* Peace lily - These have lovely white blossoms. And if the ever start drooping just give them some water and they'll perk back up again.

* Spider plant - One of my favorites! I like to clip and root the babies and give them to my friends. They are easy to grow in bright to medium light.

* Corn plant - This won't produce corn but it will clean your air. And it doesn't need much light.

* Snake plant/mother-in-law's tongue - Since I love and enjoy my mother-in-law to-be, I prefer the name "snake plant". (Of course, I like snakes, too!) These grow well in almost any type of light, and will forgive you if you forget to water them.

* English ivy - These look great as hanging plants, and are easy to grow in bright light.

* Janet Craig/Striped dracena - I haven't grown this plant but it sure is pretty! It needs bright to medium light.

So consider adding some plants to your work or home environment. Your lungs will thank you!

Live Ethically (Do the right thing)

We're all supposed to know the difference between right and wrong, but sometimes that distinction is not so clear. Get some help on ethical decision-making from these sources:

* The Ethics Guy - Bruce Weinstein's column is syndicated in my local paper, and may be in yours. On his site, you'll find an ethics quiz, a form to sign up for a free newsletter, and information on ethics training.

* Everyday Ethics - Joseph Telushkin's column tackles common ethics problems and questions.

* blog.bioethics.net - This blog is run by the editors of the American Journal of Bioethics and tracks bioethics stories around the world. It's updated sometimes three or more times daily so there's always something new. I like this site for two more reasons: 1) I'm working on an MA in bioethics so it helps me keep up-to-date for class. And 2) I started this blog as a direct result of hearing about blog.bioethics.net. They were the inspiration. Thanks y'all!

I believe very strongly in doing the right thing. I like to think that most of us do. Even when it's more work. Even when it's unpopular. Even when it's inconvenient. Even when it is different from what you've done in the past. Most of the time we know in our hearts what's right, even if we don't choose that path. Those choices are easy (even if the actions aren't). These sites are for those times when the choice is not so clear.

Fight breast cancer

Want to do something more than just click in your fight against breast cancer? How about running or walking to raise money for research, education and patient support. Here are two options, both sponsored by the Komen Foundation:

* The Breast Cancer 3 Day "is a 60-mile walk for women and men who want to make a personal difference in the fight against breast cancer. Participants walk 60 miles in three days, help raise millions of dollars for breast cancer research and patient support programs." Register at The www.the3day.org or call 800-996-3DAY.

* The Race for the Cure "is a series of 112 Races in the United States and two international Races, and the largest series of 5K runs/fitness walks in the world. This year, 1.5 million people are expected to participate." Remember you can run or walk.

And if you need more information on breast cancer call 1.800 I'M AWARE (1.800.462.9273) Monday - Friday, 9 am – 5:00 pm Central Time (TDD available).

These are two great ways to get some exercise (which is thought to reduce rates of cancer) and make a positive contribution as the same time. By participating in these walks and runs, you'll not only be helping others, you'll be helping yourself.

Control your TV

The television can be a great tool for education and entertainment, but you may not want to watch everything it has to offer. in addition, all television programming is not suitable for children. But how do you know which programs to avoid? There are several sites geared toward helping you make educated decisions about television viewing:

* Control Your TV is developed by the cable industry to help you make viewing decisions for your children.

* The National Cable and Telecommunications Association has prepared a report on "the industry's efforts to offer consumers choice, control and education."

* The TV Parental Guidelines site offers information on the TV ratings and the V-chip (which electronically reads television-programming ratings and allows parents to block programs they believe are unsuitable for their children.)

Most importantly, plan what your children can watch and stick to it. As I young child, my mother and I spent Sunday afternoons reviewing the newspaper's TV guide for the week. I'd let her know what I wanted to watch, and she'd circle what I was allowed to watch (usually no more than an hour a day). Amazingly enough, this actually worked. Being a kid, it was all I knew and I didn't know any better, so if a program wasn't circled I didn't watch it. I'd find something else to do, like read, play outside or call my grandmother.

So consider using these tools to regulate your or your child's viewing. Of course the best control is the on/off button. Use it liberally, and don't let the TV control you (or your children).

Insist on justice: Innocence Projects

Can you imagine being wrongly accused of a crime? And then convicted? And then sentenced to death? Unfortunately many people in the United States have lived (and died) just that scenario. Some, including the state of Illinois, argue that the number of innocent people sentenced to death (a punishment that is not reversible) is reason enough to outlaw the death penalty. I agree. But even if you don't, you may still prefer that your tax dollars not be used to incarcerate and kill innocent people.

With the advent of new scientific testing methods, particularly forensic DNA testing, many cases are being reevaluated. Innocent people are being discovered in prisons in every state. Here's how you can help free them:

* Get more information on the death penalty and innocence.

* Learn about and support the innocence projects in your state.

* Spread the word. Click the envelope below to e-mail this post to a friend, or compose your own letter.

Thanks to Jenrae for mentioning the Georgia Innocence Project in a comment which inspired this post.

Don't make the innocent pay for the sins of the guilty. Insist on justice. 152 innocent people have been freed so far. Who will be next? How will you help?

Learn more about Heifer

I just got the following e-mail:

"Dear Karama,

Heifer has learned that the CBS news show "60 Minutes," airing this Wednesday, Jan. 12, at 8 p.m. ET/PT (7 p.m. CT), will feature the inspiring story of Heifer recipient Beatrice Biira.

In the segment, CBS Correspondent Bob Simon accompanies Beatrice back to her home in Uganda to learn how an animal gift from Heifer helped transform her family's life.

Please help us spread the word by forwarding this email to all your friends!"

As regular readers know, Heifer is one of my favorite organizations for sustainable development. I hope you'll watch and enjoy this segment tomorrow night.

Recycle computers and electronics

Ever wonder what happens to computers and other electronics when they're no longer needed? Many folks simply trash them, meaning that chemicals such as cadmium, lead and mercury could leak from landfills and pollute our soil, water and air. Here are some other reasons to be concerned:

* In the next three years, individuals and organizations worldwide will replace more than 400 million computers.
* The average cell phone in the U.S. is replaced after just 18 months.
* More than 75 percent of all computers ever sold remain stockpiled in our closets, garages, office storage rooms and warehouses.

"So what can I do?"

* Visit EBay: Rethink to get more information on reusing and recycling computers and other electronics. In cooperation with several computer manufacturers, they offer ways to sell, donate or recycle your equipment.

* Read my October 14 post on cell phone recycling, to learn about ways your phone can be used to support your favorite nonprofit or end domestic violence.

* Read my November 10 post on donating office equipment to support college scholarships.

I have an old laptop by my bed that I haven't used in over 4 years. Guess it's time for me to do something with it. What about you?

Support your favorite non-profit

In my last post, I talked about working for non-profits as a way to improve your life and the lives of others. In the comments, Steve left a wonderful suggestion, upon which I'd like to expound. He suggested that we modify our email signatures to include a link to our favorite nonprofit. Here are some reasons why this is a great idea:

* It's a free and effective way to spread the word about your favorite organization.

* Someone you email might just need to know about that particular nonprofit.

* You can tailor the link to specific goings-on (e.g. CARE for the Tsunami survivors or United Way for King Day service projects)

So identify your favorite nonprofit(s) and link to them in your email signature. They'll be happy to receive the free publicity and you'd be doing a service for them and for your community. Thanks Steve!

Work for a non-profit

One of the ways we can be unbought and unbossed is by working for an organization whose purpose and mission we agree with morally and ethically. Often that can be accomplished by working for a non-profit organization. By definition their goal is not making money. One of my friends just left a large corporate law firm to work at a nonprofit, and she's so much happier. Consider these sites to start your non-profit job search:

* www.idealist.org
* www.opportunityknocks.org
* www.nonprofitjobs.org
* www.non.profit.jobs.com
* www.jobsatnonprofits.com
* www.nonprofitdirections.org (southern California)

Consider working for one of the organizations you support financially or otherwise. They'll already be aware of your commitment. Or investigate schools, libraries, churches and other organizations that have a mission other than profit. Note that you'll have to do off-line work as well. Brush up on your networking skills, get business cards (here for free), and polish your resume (consider putting it online for easy access). Feel free to share your tips as well. Good luck!

Claim unclaimed money, reprise

I originally posted on this on October 10, but thought it deserved a revisit. Last night, I ran into a friend I hadn't seen in a while, and she said that three of her family members found money using this site! Maybe now it's your turn . . .

There is great site that allows you to check for unclaimed money and other assets that may belong to you or your family. On my first visit there, I put in a family surname and found that the children of two of my deceased cousins have money waiting for them. I got in touch with them immediately to let them know.

To start your free search, visit the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators, a nonprofit organization. You never know what you might find! And if you happen upon a windfall, there are many worthy organizations that would be happy to receive a donation. You could send it to CARE for their work in Haiti, or donate to Heifer for their work in Armenia, or contribute to Doctors without Borders for their work in Sudan.

I'd love to hear about some success stories. Just comment below!

Drive hybrid

We're running out of excuses not to buy hybrid vehicles (and the automotive industry is running out of excuses not to build them). These cars, trucks and SUVs use gasoline and electricity to improve gas mileage and retain power. Some get so much gas mileage, that I could drive from Atlanta to Little Rock (535 miles), never have to stop for gas, and still have fuel left over! Here are some other reasons to consider hybrids:

* They're gentler on the environment since they have lower emissions.
* They reduce our dependence on foreign and domestic oil.
* They never have to be plugged in.
* They get excellent gas mileage. (This one bears repeating.)
* You'll spend less money on gas.
* You may receive a tax break for driving one.
* They're very quiet.
* Currently, four cars (Toyota Prius, Honda Insight, Civic and Accord), two trucks (GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado) and and an SUV (Ford Escape) are available so you're sure to find something that fits your needs.

To make your decision even easier, the federal government has a side-by-side comparison of currently available hybrid passenger cars and SUVs and trucks. So if you're considering a new car, think hybrid. What's your excuse now?

Be unbought, be unbossed

Reflecting on Saturday's death of Shirley Chisholm, I was reminded of her famous slogan "Unbought and unbossed." In honor of her, I considered the ways in which I am sometimes bought or bossed. How can I change that? Am I living an authentic life? Am I true to myself? I encourage you to consider these questions as well. It's an interesting and useful exercise, one that can be life-changing. I believe that is is our duty to God and to ourselves to continually strive to be better people. That mission ensures that the work of Shirley Chisholm and others like her is not in vain.

Avoid waste: disposable camera batteries

If you use disposable cameras, you may be throwing away a very useful part of the camera. Cameras with a flash have a battery that you can use again, usually a single AA. Remember, it's only been used a few times for the flash, and likely has a lot more life left in it. Click here for instructions and more information. Read it carefully so that you don't get shocked. You may be able to collect enough batteries to stop buying AAs, or at least you can get enough to replace the batteries in the TV remote (my goal).

Help increase mobility and increase independence

Sometimes, it doesn't take much for a person with atypical mobility to be independent, and contribute to society. Often, all it takes is a wheelchair, a walker or a cane. To learn more, read personal stories about the positive difference mobility equipment can make. Note that the need for wheelchairs and other equipment is higher because of the recent Indian Ocean Tsunami. Here are three ways you can help:

* The Mobility Project accepts donated mobility equipment (including wheelchairs, walkers, canes, and crutches) which they refurbish, and deliver to people all over the world. They also provide "sports programs for the disabled, to help them achieve greater confidence and health as well as ability with their mobility equipment" and they've "established wheelchair repair and refurbishing workshops in some of the countries where we work, [which provide] an opportunity for the disabled people in that area to learn valuable job skills as they work on the chairs." Click here to donate.

* Wheels for Humanity will recycle you donated wheelchair, deliver and personally fit it, at no cost, to children and adults in developing countries. In eight years, they've delivered over 21,000 chairs to people in over 50 countries. They also accept other ambulatory equipment. Click here to get more information and donate.

* The Wheelchair Foundation has donated or committed over 300,000 wheelchairs to people in 129 countries. If you donate $75, they will provide matching funds and deliver a wheelchair to a child, teen or adult without mobility,

Do you have a cane, wheelchair, walker or crutches gathering dust? Put it to work! Help someone increase their mobility and increase their independence. Most contributions are tax-deductible. Donate today!

Commit random acts of kindness: an open forum

Happy 2005!

I'm trying something new with this post. The goal is to offer you, the reader, a way to engage each other about a single topic. Let's discuss random acts of kindness. Perhaps you can list ones you've committed. Or maybe you can send a thank you to someone who was kind to you. Or you can send mad props (thanks and respect) to someone you've seen be randomly kind.

I'll start: My mother was in a long line a shoe store. Folks were grumpy since there was only only person working and the line was moving slowly. My mother had just gotten in the back of the line when the sales person ran out of quarters. Now he's making change with pennies and dimes and people are getting grumpier and more annoyed. He can't leave to get more quarters, and there's no one to send out to do it. My mother, seeing the situation, got out of line at went down the street to the bank where she got a $10 roll of quarters. Back at the store, she exchanged the quarters for a $10 bill much to the surprise and pleasure of the sales person and all the customers. Now that was a random act of kindness! Much props to Mommy!

Now it's your turn. Post a comment, read for ideas, and commit a random act of kindness today. It's a great way to start the new year, and a nice goal to have as the year progresses.