NY just passed a ban on plastic bags - effective next year - and I have become much more conscious of the plastic that I use every day, especially bags.  It is hard to avoid it, but I'm trying by buying bulk items at the Green market instead of packaged potatoes, carrots, apples, etc.

Forestry is now being seen as an important climate solution by policy experts.  Magnolia, cherry, plum, and apple trees are blooming in my city now and are breath-taking in their beauty. 

Supporting local farmers is really important because I think they are critical to resilient food security for my community.  If there are disruptions in the food system, we will depend on local farmers.

The term is new to  me. After watching a couple of videos I can see the advantage for land conservation as well as healthier ways to raise cattle, goats and sheep. The farmers using this approach are also able to earn more money from using their farm acreage in a way has multiple income streams. 

Every meeting needs an agenda and a meeting chairperson. That person should send out a potential agenda ahead of time for input from all members, make sure each participant has identified herself to the others and keep notes to be written up and sent out to everyone after the meeting has ended.

I have been walking in an urban setting and have been able to really see the new construction/development happening in downtown Troy. It also allows me to see the littler blowing around and to again notice how uneven most sidewalks are for pedestrians. Also, it is very evident that many drivers do not know about or adhere to the rule that pedestrians have the right of way in cross walks. The one use plastic bag ban may help this but having more garbage cans on streets with daily pickup would also be important. In terms of uneven sidewalks, I really would like to see the city take responsibility for repairing all sidewalks in a uniform manner. An finally, more signage at crosswalks is needed. 

Meat and potatoes as a mealtime staple has been standard in my family as far back as I can remember. I believe raising animals for food became easier after WWII and people felt it was a measure of success to have "a chicken in every pot". I also know that there is an addicting quality to fat, sugar and salt that has largely been ignored in our studies of nutrition. I see that changing slightly because of more attention being paid to real nutrition and partly to the  cost of meat.  It is sad to hear that my generation is less healthy than that of my parents. 

The issues remain the same here as anywhere - despite advances in recognizing that women and men can do equal work men continue to earn more for the same work. As more women continue to earn advanced degrees than men it is my hope that this will stop being the rule.

Scott Kellogg was great at spelling out possibility of  transforming urban dirt to urban gardens and compost sites close to home.