219 GreenConnect

Host Kathy Sipple speaks with Valerie Steil, ASID, President at Marc T. Nielsen Interiors in Valparaiso about making environmentally friendly choices at home. Steil is also host of her own radio program "Steil & Substance", part of the "Community Voices" magazine show on WVLP 98.3 FM in Valparaiso.

There are many ways to be conscious of the environment when furnishing and decorating our homes and/or workplaces. One of the first, and perhaps most overlooked, is to design it well, and purchase quality pieces, so it doesn't have to be redone any time soon. Then, make the best use of things you already have. After that, there are many factors that affect specific choices for new purchases.

Host Kathy Sipple speaks with Emily Russell about the benefits of eating local food, moving towards a more vegetable centered diet, and how vegetables nourish the body and calm the digestive system. We’ll also discuss how to get your children (and yourselves) eating more vegetables and reallyenjoying it. Find out how to use local food and farmer's markets to heal your body and raise healthy eaters.   Emily Russell holds a BA in Biology, Masters in Teaching, and a continuing education certificate as a Kid's Nutrition Specialist. She will lead a workshop "Raising Healthy Eaters - Kid's Nutrition Class" at Mothering By Nature in Valparaiso on Saturday, July 21st from 10-11:30am.

Emily Russell can be reached for consultation at 219-707-5430 or [email protected].

Host Kathy Sipple speaks with Susan Swarner from the Valpo Chain of Lakes Watershed Group about Naturepalooza! (aka Living with Lakes Seminar) to be held Saturday, June 16th. It is the 13th annual celebration of this event, held in conjunction with the Woodland Savanna Land Conservancy and Porter County Izaak Walton League.

More details at http://www.valpolakes.org/

Donna Stuckert Graham from the Recycling and Waste Reduction District of Porter County joins host Kathy Sipple to talk about Earth Day happenings planned for Saturday, April 21st at the Porter County Expo Center in Valparaiso.

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Host Kathy Sipple speaks with John Ervin of Primal Elegance about Synergistic Living Solutions.   In Northwest Indiana, there are over 70 invasive species of plants that threaten one or more things that we value. They impact our gardens, our farms, our woodlands, our ponds, our landscapes, and our comforts. Unlike the weeds with which we are most accustomed, like dandelions and thistles, these “super-weeds” not only dominate their habitat, but they alter it in ways that science is only now beginning to understand.   Due to their growth habits and their abilities to disperse, the techniques required to control these species are nearly as diverse as the plants themselves. In his 25 years as an ecologist, arborist, entomologist, and nurseryman, John Ervin has accumulated control methods, and sensibilities regarding invasive species.   John will discuss a few of these species, their significance, and his recommendations for the landowner.

Host Kathy Sipple speaks with conservationist Mike Echterling of the Lake County Fish & Game Association about his involvement in many local projects, including: his weekly show "Region Bass Buzz", the recent spotting of eagles here in Northwest Indiana, his work with Friends of the Little Calumet River and the upcoming 2nd Annual Little Calumet River Fest May 19th in Hammond where attendees are invited to "paddle, bike or walk the Little Cal and find out what you've been missing."

Helpful links:

http://www.lakecountyfishandgame.org

http://www.facebook.com/regionbassbuzz

http://www.facebook.com/littlecalumetriver

2012 Little Calumet River Fest

Host Kathy Sipple speaks to Simon Barrios, sommelier and local wine and spirit expert. Simon will share news about upcoming tastings and events as well as offer tips for meal pairings and recipes.

Host Kathy Sipple interviews Nicole Messacar, Education Coordinator at the LaPorte County Soil and Water Conservation District about upcoming workshops and programs. Topics include: rain gardens, the importance of cover crops and pollination.

Call in with your questions or comments.

Kathy Sipple interviews guest Lourdes Castellanos of Hammond, founder of Healthy U Expo, a 1-day educational event Saturday, March 24th at the Avalon Manor in Merrillville. Her mission  is to inform people of healthy, organic alternatives in the areas of health and wellness, fitness, nutrition, style and enviornment.

Featured seminars will include: 

Feng shui basics Eat local: know your food! Sugar and vitamin smarts Acupuncture and traditional Oriental Medicine Chi-Gung It Ain't Easy Being Green Reiki for you and your pet

Larry Alport, Chair for the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) South Suburban Chicago Branch Board Member, joins host Kathy Sipple. We'll discuss how Northwest Indiana residents can be come more knowledgeable about green homes, buildings and neighborhoods, and get involved in making our community more sustainable.