Cape Fear’s Going Green your guide to local eco-friendly resources

Solar & Green Building Tour

Topsail High Builds Electric Vehicles NC Wildflower of the Year Rain Barrels— How you can fight Full Belly Update from Malawi stormwater runoff

www.GoingGreenPublications.com Fall / Winter 2007 Premier Issue Letter from the Editor Contents Welcome to the premier issue of Cape Fear’s Going Green! 3 3rd Annual Solar & Green Tour Have you ever asked yourself these questions: Where does our 8 Why Collect Rain?— The Inherent Nature of Water water come from? Where does our recycling really go? What kind 9 Rain Barrels— A Simple Investment in Collecting Water of energy tax credits are available for North Carolinians? How can 9 Introducing Sustainable Features in Older Homes we promote a healthy garden without pesticides? Paper or plastic? Does it matter if I buy organic produce? How can I keep my pet 11 I Spy a Tree Game healthy and active? Would an electric car really work for me? 12 2007 NC Wildflower of the Year I know I have. As the reality of our finite resources becomes 13 Miss November more obvious each day, it can be hard to know what, if anything, we can do to help sustain our planet and the people on it. That’s 14 Garden Spider— Andy Wood Commentary why I started this magazine. 15 The Outdoor Classroom Going Green will serve as your guide to eco-friendly activities, 16 Full Belly Project Update— Email from Malawi products and services in the Lower Cape Fear. We will feature 18 Business News people who live and work in the Lower Cape Fear River Basin—the counties of southeastern North Carolina. 19 Topsail High School Steps Up to the EV Challenge We’ll cover a range of topics designed to help you make 19 Coastal Carolinas Electric Auto Association choices that can save you money, contribute to healthier living for 20 Business Briefs & Education Updates you and your family, and assist you in being kind to our planet. 21 Book Suggestions Over the course of the year we’ll discuss green building and sustainable architecture, water management, alternate energy, 21 A Green Roof Comes to Wilmington eco-friendly products, transportation, organic food and gardening, 22 Calendar and the enjoyment of nature. mmm Profiles of local individuals, groups, businesses, and events will show the variety of innovative projects our neighbors are On the Cover: New home by Anne & Bradshaw Builders is one of the homes pursuing. We’ll have articles on local plants and animals and the featured on this year’s Solar & Green Tour. Built on a narrow, deep infill lot in places they live. Business briefs, book reviews, and a calendar of downtown Wilmington, existing oak and magnolia trees were left in place. “green” events will suggest where to learn more about topics that Numerous energy conservation accommodations make this a comfortable interest you. An on-line version of our calendar—the first “green” and energy-efficient home. See page 6 for more details. calendar in the area—will be updated weekly to provide you with Photo by Valerie Robertson the latest information on what’s happening. Cape Fear’s Going Green is a bimonthly publication promoting eco-friendly We’ll also look at ideas from our sister Green City, Eugene, resources and lifestyles in the Lower Cape Fear River Basin. Oregon, and see what might apply here in Coastal Carolina. Publisher & Editor in Chief: Valerie Robertson This premier issue’s theme is Green Building. Whether you are building a new home or considering improvements to the one you Sister City: Eugene, Oregon (Voted “Greenest City” 2006 by The Green Guide) have, our report on this year’s Solar & Green Tour may give you Eugene Correspondent: Mary Robertson some ideas for products or features you’d like to have. Advisors & Editorial Contributors: Jessica Ashcraft, Bouty Baldridge, Lara In these pages I hope also to explore more subtle questions— Berkley, Jock Brandis, Brion Capo, Brian Connors, Laura Cotterman, Evan Folds, Steve Garrett, Gwenyfar, Ann Howard, Andy Jakes, Kathleen Jewell, those of scale, and possessions, and reusing, sharing resources, Chris Liloia, Karen Linehan, Scott Ogden, Page Paterson, Adeline Robertson, the nature of waste, the interconnectedness of our planet’s Lynn Ruck, David Ruehle, Linda Thomas, & Andy Wood inhabitants, and what really constitutes stewardship of our planet. Special thanks to Scott Ogden of B + O Design and the Cape Fear Green Don’t ever doubt that one person or one community can Building Alliance for their contributions to this issue. make a difference. You have already started making a difference by Cape Fear’s Going Green picking up this issue of Going Green. Going Green Publications — Valerie L. Robertson P. O. Box 3164 Wilmington, NC 28406 Editor (910) 547-4390 www.goinggreenpublications.com Cape Fear’s Going Green is available by subscription or on our Web site. Never doubt that a small Print copies are available at many area eco-friendly businesses and group of thoughtful, locations, including: B + O Design Studio, Folks Cafe, Pomegranate Books, Progressive Gardens, committed citizens can Sapona, Tidal Creek Co-op, UNCW, & WHQR change the world; indeed, Editorial: If you have story ideas or calendar items to suggest, email us at it’s the only thing that [email protected], or call (910) 547-4390. ever has. Advertising information: Email [email protected]. Margaret Mead Cape Fear’s Going Green is distributed free through Brunswick, New Hanover, and Pender counties. If you have a business and would like to receive multiple copies for the public to pick up, please contact us.

 www.goinggreenpublications.com 3rd Annual Solar & Green Tour Held each October, this year’s tour fea- In Wilmington, where working with green to the spectacular. Some ideas– such as building principles is more prevalent than appropriate combination of windows, tured nine sites in the Wilmington area, use of solar alone, our tour incorporates overhangs, and building orientation– could from new construction to retrofitting of both. Organized locally by the Cape Fear be seen incorporated in a wide variety of Green Building Alliance (CFGBA) and co- featured buildings. It was a year to learn historic buildings sponsored by North Carolina Sustainable about innovative wall technology, which Energy Association (NCSEA), the goal of the many are starting to use to create comfort- The Annual Solar Homes Tour began several tour is to allow the public to see examples of able, energy-efficient spaces. years ago as an opportunity for people to renewable energy technologies and energy- visit homes that incorporated solar prin- Friday evening prior to Saturday’s tour efficient practices in both residential and ciples in their design. Over time the tour grew CFGBA hosted a pre-tour social downtown commercial settings. in popularity, and more communities started at Bailey’s Park/Toomer’s Alley. New this year participating in the annual showcase. In This year’s Wilmington Area Solar and Green was a complimentary Green Expo of vendors 2007, 13 cities across North Carolina held Building Tour featured nine examples of and community organizations. tours, and an estimated 115,000 people green building practices, renewable energy To learn more, visit www.ases.org/tour or attended tours in cities nation-wide. As cities examples and low impact development www.ncsustainableenergy.org. adopted the event, they made it their own. techniques, ranging in scale from the modest

Site 5: John Wallace / Carolina Contractors John and Cynthia Wallace built their new two-story Mediterranean-style house around a south-facing courtyard. Using pre-cast insulated con- crete panels allowed them to re- duce on-site wall assembly time to under 8 hours. (Additional finishing took longer.) Superior Wall panels– in which concrete is bonded to insulation at the factory— give the structure a great “R value,” the measure of insulation’s effectiveness.Year- round comfort is enhanced by use of properly-sized overhangs, high quality windows and doors, contrete slab and tile, and a nar- row footprint to catch breezes. photos by Scott Ogden | B + O Design The Wallace house is slab on grade, built of pre-cast concrete panels, with Sustainable Features: a concrete tile roof. Oriented around a courtyard to the South shaded by mature trees, the house can capture the summer’s prevailing breezes. Passive Solar Elements: Windows are sized to minimize summer sun yet allow winter sun to Orientation warm the interior. West-facing windows are kept to a minimum and are 16” overhangs shaded by porches or future mature landscaping. All rainwater runoff is Porches on West elevation channeled across the front yard to decrease irrigation demand. Window size and placement Energy conservation measures: Rinnai tankless water heaters (2) 90+ furnaces (2) R-30 walls Low-E glass Climate control landscaping: Trees located to shade West elevation when mature Use of sustainable materials: Precast concrete exterior framing, & concrete roofing tiles Pre-cast insulated concrete panels for the first floor arrived by truck and were assembled in place that same day. Pictured here is the second set of 4000-lb. panels being lifted in place by a boom crane. Fall / Winter 2007 Cape Fear’s Going Green  3rd annual solar & green tour

Site 4: Independent Art Company— Dan Brawley & Dixon Stetler Sustainable Features: For under $300 and a lot of sweat materials are almost all reclaimed and Energy conservation measures: equity, this studio outbuilding and garden recycled from local sources (e.g., beams, replaced an unsightly parking lot. The Operational windows on all sides of metal, doors). This is do-it-yourself “green” building with roof vents for heat in its simplest and most inspired form— escape materials given a second life. Climate control landscaping: Dixon Stetler’s Weaving Studio sits Organic garden to south of studio behind the Wabi Sabi Warehouse at replaced asphalt parking lot (light Independent Art Company, an operat- industrial use) (reduction of “heat- ing artists’ studio facility in downtown island effect” of paved surfaces) Wilmington (itself an adaptive reuse of Use of sustainable materials: an old ‘70s light industrial warehouse All materials in the building are building). A small, square building with a recycled, except for 6 sheets of plywood, paint, and hardware simple slanting roof, the structure sits on the edge of the IAC’s herb, vegetable and fruit garden. Constructed and designed by roofing was a post-consumer purchase local artist Dan Brawley, the weaving stu- from Horton Iron and Metal Recyclers. The Wide overhangs in combination with appropriate- ly-placed windows allow low winter sun to warm dio consists primarily of recycled 4” x 12” sliding door to the studio was salvaged the structure’s interior in the winter, while block- heart pine timbers which were salvaged from the St. John’s Lodge during its ing excessive sunlight in the summer months. This from the Love Grove Park industrial com- renovation by the Children’s Museum of same idea can be seen in several of the building’s plex after its razing. The corrugated metal Wilmington. on this year’s tour. Site 2: Dietsche & Dietsche Building— D.P. Thomas Construction What makes a building “Green?” This is an historic rehabilitation of replaced missing, unsalvageable, or his- Green building, also called high a 130-year-old building on North Front torically inappropriate items (stair, powder performance or sustainable building, Street in Wilmington, performed by a room, storefront) with new, appropriate is characterized by innovative design husband-wife architectural team. They and environmentally-sensitive details and and construction practices that reduce materials. In addition to the energy-effi- or eliminate the negative impacts of restored all salvageable materials and de- buildings on the environment and the tails (structural elements, windows, floors, cient items mentioned in the sidebar, they building occupants. plaster walls, pressed tin ceiling), and used environmentally healthy low- and As described by the Cape Fear Green no-VOC paints and sealers, and natural Linoleum flooring. An existing toy store is Building Alliance, green building focuses Sustainable Features: on the following five main areas: relocating to the first floor store and the Active solar system(s): duo will relocate their office to the second • Energy efficiency & renewable Future photovoltaics energy floor. • Efficient & ecological water use & Passive solar elements: management Skylights • Sustainable site planning & land use Sonotubes • Conscious choice of materials & Energy conservation measures: resources Closed cell insulation • Healthful indoor air quality 14 SEER HVAC system The benefits of green building are On-demand hot water many, and they include: Low flush toilets • Reduced operating costs from Climate control landscaping: energy efficiency & lower water use Future green roof • Reduced overhead for maintenance Sonotubes & waste disposal • Improving health & worker produc- Other renewable energy features: tivity, performance & efficiency Daylighting • Protecting health of occupants Use of sustainable materials: • Lessening demands on local Building reuse infrastructure such as landfills, Materials reuse stormwater sewers & water supply Recycled blue jeans insulation

 www.goinggreenpublications.com 3rd annual solar & green tour

Site 3: Biel Residence— Panelwerx Jessica Biel’s home was one of the Insulated Panels, or “SIPs” for short. SIPs Biel’s utility bill for her 1800 sq.ft. first in New Hanover County to have are an EPA Energy Star-recognized build- house averages $40 per month— about exterior walls constructed of Structural ing component consisting of a layer of half what it Oriented Strand Board (OSB), an Expanded A SIP home under con- might cost struction looks like a Polystyrene foam core and another layer of for a more regular home, but con- OSB, bonded together to form a sandwich traditionally- struction takes a week panel. The overall façade of a SIP home constructed or less instead of the 4-6 is not affected by the use of the panels. home of weeks typically required The benefits of building with Structural comparable for a stick frame house. Insulated Panels include: a whole wall size. insulation value of R-18.2, a structure engineered to withstand 160 mph winds, and a reduction in construction timeline Sustainable Features: due to building in a span format. Energy conservation measures: Because the home’s tight exterior envelope is comprised of Structural Insulated Panels which have an EPS foam core, air infiltration through the walls is diminished resulting in reducing HVAC loads, equaling reduced energy consumption. Use of sustainable materials: SIP construction allows for little or no waste. Building components are Sips of North Carolina, Inc. was environmentally friendly. No off-gas- This home was built as an infill house, or one de- on hand at the Tour’s Green ing. Extra EPS foam can be returned signed to complement existing homes at the edge Expo, to show cross-sections of to its manufacturer to be recycled. of Wilmington’s Historic District. Panelwerx building material. Site 1: NY Hatters— Plantation Development Group This 25,111 square foot, three-story Because it is located in the historic district to meet this fire safety requirement, but mixed-use residential building under of Wilmington, a fire district, the exteriors also because they were familiar with its construction contains nine high-end had to be of non-combustible construc- use, and were aware that ICF produces a urban one-bedroom and studio units as tion. The builders chose 6” x 16” Insulated very strong structure, with extremely high well as 1,600 square feet of office space. Concrete Form (ICF) construction in part energy efficiency in its exterior walls. The building’s name is a nod to the dry cleaning and hat blocking estalishment that once occupied the space.

Sustainable Features: Use of sustainable materials: ICF Shell construction

Rendering of the NY Hatters building under con- struction in the 100 block of Grace Street, and building in process. The ICF walls come with rein- forcing in the blocks, and drywall can be screwed directly into it. The building will be finished with stucco on three sides and faced with brick and stone. Fall / Winter 2007 Cape Fear’s Going Green  3rd annual solar & green tour

Site 7: Princess Place House— Anne & Bradshaw Builders Sustainable Features: Passive solar elements: Featured on our cover, this new NC Healthybuilt, EPA Energy Star home was Southern orientation, solar tubes, roof cutouts for daylight, tree cover, built on Princess Place in downtown interior daylighting Wilmington, on a narrow, deep infill lot Energy conservation measures: with existing 30+ year old oaks, magno- Programmable thermostat, fluorescent lia, and grasses. All the trees were left bulbs, all Energy Star apppliances & undisturbed and 75% of the lot was left fans, dual flush toilets, icynene foam pervious. Trees provide shade in summer insulation—entire envelope, tankless over 80% of roof with little area available gas water heater, ductless mini-split for PV or solar collectors, so the builder HVAC, low flow faucets combined several techniques to introduce Climate control landscaping: natural light throughout the living space. Cutouts in the porch roof allow more natural light Xeriscape: all natural, indigenous plant- to reach the interior of this home. ings require no maintenance “Daylighting” is a term for controlled Unique solar features: admission of natural light into a space effectiveness of the heating and cooling Cutout porch roof design, glass block to reduce or eliminate need for electric systems in place. ceiling for daylight in bath, solar lighting. This is traditionally accomplished Another principle contributing to the tubes through placement of windows and livability of this home is its incorporation Other renewable energy features: skylights, but this house carries it several of Universal Design, or design that recog- Universal design for longevity, interior steps further. The house was sited on nizes that different people have different air filtration system the lot with sunlight in mind. Solar tubes capabilities, and that people’s abilities can Use of sustainable materials: channel light into overhead ceilings. An change over time. Attention to floor plan Cement board siding, recycled timber open floor plan and openings between as well as details of individual fixtures can beams, tile collected from multiple spaces allow light and air to move through contribute to the house being appropriate sites, recycled glass countertops, the building. Careful placement of open- for a broad range of people. all construction waste recycled & ings and glass block in interior walls allow collected for local reuse the natural light entering the house to Anne & Bradshaw Builders won the be enjoyed from multiple rooms. Careful Bronze Award in the Spring 2007 Parade of attention to air flow contributes to the Homes. Site 6: Port City Java— NCSU Dept. of Biological and Agricultural Engineering (BAE) (Jason Wright) A raingarden/bioretention area was built Managing Stormwater Runoff: to drain the existing 15,000 sq. ft. parking lot As rainwater flows to a neighboring of Port City Java’s corporate headquarters creek or river or ocean, it picks up oil and on Market Street, a few feet from Burnt Mill other pollutants from streets and other Creek. The bioretention area is divided into manmade, impervious surfaces (surfaces two cells, each approximately 5 feet wide, water cannot penetrate). Unchecked, it carries it right along with it into the wa- 1 foot deep, and 585 to 590 square feet. terway. Anything that slows the rainwater The cells are planted with a zoyzia grass on its course minimizes the amount of cover and planted with Dwarf Wax Myrtle. pollution that winds up in the waterway. Underdrains were installed in both cells, and The equipment located in this cell is used by This can be in the form of vegetation that NCSU monitors the water quality. NCSU to monitor parking lot runoff and the im- absorbs some of the water, or contours in pact of the bioretention area on water quality. the land that allow the water to seep into the soil more slowly. Rain gardens, or bioretention areas, are designed to collect water, which drains away in a matter of days. Plantings and soil combine to absorb and filter pollutants from runoff. Bioretention ponds hold a permanent pool of water in addition to storing stormwater runoff during rain events. North Carolina State University has been active in projects to improve water quality in Wilmington’s Burnt Mill Creek.

 www.goinggreenpublications.com 3rd annual solar & green tour Site 9: Senior Residence— Anchorage Builders Built on a bluff on the Intracoastal Waterway, the 9,000-square-foot, three- story residence in the Porter’s Neck neighborhood is a high-performance green-built house, with 50 photovoltaic solar panels located on both the main house and a 2-story detached carriage house. Chris Senior built the house for three generations of his family, and it generates approximately 1,000 kilo- watts a month from a 10-kilowatt solar- powered system. The house is grid-tied to Progress Energy through the NC GreenPower program, a program that Sustainable Features: helps North Carolinians with solar pho- Active solar system(s): tovoltaic generators connect with their 10kw net-metered system (50 GE Solar local utility. Rather than be “off the grid,” 200w panels, 3 inverters) the house uses power from Progress Passive solar elements: Energy and also feeds power back into 1st floor concrete mass the utility. Oriented for maximum active and passive solar performance, the 2’ overhangs above all south-facing windows house has all “green” materials. A series Energy conservation measures: of large overhangs and porches provide shading and cooling breezes. Icynene insulation Conditioned attics Site 8: Cahoon Residence— Building Performance Specialists Rinnai on-demand water heaters Larry and Reen Cahoon have steadily the south side, kept the roof as reflective Engineered HVAC system, 1 mini-split made their large split-level home more of heat as possible, and upgraded appli- Detergent-free washing machine energy-efficient in the 18 years they have ances to be more energy-efficient. “We 3 families (8 people) under 1 roof on 1 owned it. They’ve added insulation to have also reduced storm water runoff by footprint pipes and the attic, added sheathing on landscaping, use of rain barrels for water- Climate control landscaping: ing shrubs and garden, and using French Indigenous, salt-tolerant plantings drains around the pool patio. We have Pervious driveway Sustainable Features: reduced the negative impacts of lawn Low cost solar system(s): Active solar system(s): maintenance by using our own shallow Solar path lights well for watering (and filling the pool), Solar pool heating system Unique solar features: reducing lawn area by growing more Passive solar elements: Net-zero-energy home (NC natural flora, using soil testing for fertilizer Greenpower member) Energy-saving film on windows, reflec- application, and minimizing pesticide use.” tive grid on heat exchanger 2 solar boat lifts Retrofitted solar system/elements: Other renewable energy features: Solar-powered fan on greenhouse Ample daylighting Energy conservation measures: 100% compact fluorescent bulbs Compact fluorescent lights in most throughout fixtures Recycled furniture (NC antiques) Climate control landscaping: Use of sustainable materials: New shrubbery on South side New, indigenous, managed, Southern Low cost solar system(s): Yellow pine floors throughout Solar accent lights around pool and All HardiPanel (cement board exteriors) front walkway Low-VOC paints An avid swimmer, Larry has extended his swim- Use of sustainable materials: ming season by two months at either end by in- Pella high-performance casements Rain barrels (6, on all down spouts), na- stalling an active solar pool heating system with (located & sized to catch coastal tive lumber in landscaping, bamboo solar panels on the roof. (The system is active breezes) flooring in sun room rather than passive because a pump moves water Energy Star appliances/fixtures through the system.) Fall / Winter 2007 Cape Fear’s Going Green  conservation Why Collect Rain?– The Inherent Nature of Water by Evan Folds So the solution to future global war is It is the epitome of irony that water rain barrels! Ok, so it’s more complicated has become an endangered resource than that, but they make a lot of sense when it falls from the sky all around us. The in more ways than you may think. Most reality is that we are relying on reserves people envision saving money on their of water called aquifers that serve many water bill when they consider purchasing more vital functions than a human trough. a rain barrel, but there are in fact more We are simply using it faster than it can subtle benefits that turn out to be far more replenish itself. There are many repercus- profound. sions to the activity of water mining, most In order to fully consider an invest- Photo by Lynn Ruck | Rain Water Solutions of which we cannot measure directly. All ment in a rain barrel one must first Rain barrels can be linked or “chained” together so of life is directly connected to the quality articulate what we are collecting and why. that when the first barrell fills, the overflow starts and energetic state of our water. Viktor Water is life and all water is not the same. filling its neighbor. Schauberger was a leading thinker in this We elicit these understandings every time to electrically communicate. This is the regard, predicting boldly almost 100 years we purchase a bottle of water from the basis for homeopathy, biodynamic agri- ago that one day a gallon of water would store and shun the “drinking water” from culture, why a river meanders, why a virgin cost more than a gallon of gasoline, as our taps. In fact, very few of us have ever spring tastes more “alive” than the “drink- bottled water does today. Think about experienced pure water as H2O. Due to its ing water” from your tap, etc. For further that…in fact, a U.N. director-general unique structure water creates a dipole proof, research Dr. Masura Emoto and his recently predicted that wars will be fought moment, or a manifestation of polarity, in many investigations into the potentials of over water…wars over water? its molecule. This display of polarity allows water. Dr. Emoto discovered that human water to electrically vibrational energy, thoughts, words, ideas attract all matter, and music, affect the molecular structure Cape Fear Green Building Alliance seeks to bring positively or nega- of water, the very same water that com- together professionals in the building industry, tively charged, that prises over 70% of a mature human body including architects, designers, contractors, it comes into contact and covers about the same amount of our builders, realtors, and developers, and concerned with. This affinity to planet. Water is a very dynamic substance, members of the general public. everything elicits allowing its physical shape to easily adapt water’s role in natu- to whatever environment it experiences. VISIT CFGBA.ORG ral systems, to act However, its physical appearance is not as the grand com- the only thing that changes– the molecu- Our goal is to promote building municator between lar shape changes as well. The energy or approaches, collectively known as everything, even vibrations of the environment actually “green building”, that are destruction. Did you change the structure and potential of the environmentally responsible, health know that an item water. In this sense water not only has conscious, and financially sound. will not combust the ability to visually reflect the environ- if it has been fully ment, but it also molecularly reflects the Learn about CFGBA and other regional dehydrated? green building events, resources, and environment. green building basics. Participate in A further inves- So to bring this into context, rain- our online message board and learn tigation of water water is a clean slate energetically. It has how to become a CFGBA member. must be made here. completed its time under the forces of We support education for both industry Water has the ability levity and is offering itself to the world professionals and the public regarding of memory, not in as pure water ready to be imbued with green building practices, technologies, and a cognitive sense, the positive energies of natural environ- products, and are committed to furthering but in a vibrational ments. Unfortunately, we humans do not the awareness and presence of green sense. It harbors collectively consider water’s energetic building in the Cape Fear Region. and maintains the capacities when deciding how to deliver Come to our monthly meetings on the third energetic essences and utilize water. In order to fully appreci- Tuesday of every month at The Balcony located that it experiences, ate this context, we must understand that at the corner of Front and Dock St. (3rd floor particularly when there is a vital difference between living above Roudabush Cafe, Wilmington NC) impregnated by a water and water that has experienced the vortex, allowing life continued on page 10

 www.goinggreenpublications.com conservation *RAIN BARREL SALE* Rain Barrels a Simple Investment in Collecting Water In the end, rain barrels make sense on consider things such as mosquito control, Rain Barrels Must Be security, and overflow when planning th many levels. Not only do they save you your approach. A good rain barrel should Pre-Ordered by March 8 ! money and help the environment, but include overflow hoses to prevent runoff from running through the patio, screens they allow your plants to grow healthier. to keep mosquitoes out, bolts to keep A rain barrel is a mechanism for delib- children from climbing in, and options for 65-gallon barrels erate collection of rainwater and it is, in spigot placement on the face of the barrel. fact, a sustainable investment. Some third These options will mean that you will pay world countries utilize this technique for more for your rain barrel, but they are Cost: $95 collecting drinking water, but most in de- worth the investment. The only material (That’s 35% below retail value!) veloped countries use them for irrigation necessary other than the rain barrel and its and gardening. Not only will a rain barrel respective components is an elbow to di- pay for itself over time via cheaper water vert a gutter towards the barrel. It will take bills, but you will have far greater success too much time for the barrel to fill if simply in the garden and lawn. On average in left in the open to fill passively. This can ORDER by email North Carolina, we receive almost three also be accomplished by simply putting inches of rainfall per month throughout your rain barrel under a place of significant [email protected] or phone the year. If you have a 2,100 square-foot runoff under the roof, but is much more home, this translates into almost 3,700 efficient if you can dedicate a gutter. gallons of water falling on your roof each Builders of new homes can also con- Photo by Lynn Ruck | Rain Water Solutions 910-798-6032 month! sider using a cistern for “off the grid” water The rain barrel pictured here, designed by Mike The average rain barrel is around collection. With 3,700 gallons falling on Ruck of Rain Water Solutions, Inc., is a popular 60 gallons and there are several things the roof every month, it could be a smart choice in the Cape Fear area. The spigot on the long-term investment. front, threaded to accept a regular water hose, is to consider before purchasing one. positioned above ground level, for ease of access Pick up & pay on Obviously, one can make a simple rain For more information on using rain barrels, and to avoid any sediment that might collect in barrel out of mere buckets and a tap, but visit www.rainbarrelguide.com. the bottom of the barrel. Saturday, March 11th Introducing Sustainable Features in Older Homes Local sources of rain barrels 9am-2pm ~ Halyburton Park When Kevin Rhodes was renovating He uses the rainwater to irrigate his North Carolina manufacturer: his bungalow in downtown Wilmington, garden. The water pressure provided by Rain Water Solutions, Inc. he wanted to incorporate eco-friendly gravity alone is sufficient to water garden PO Box 10589, Raleigh, NC 27605-0589 www.rainwatersolutions.com *In addition, 10 lucky orders will be selected features without compromising the front plants, but if he wanted faster flow, Rhodes (919)835-1699 appearance of his historic house. says he would add a solar-operated water MoreRain info Water at: Solutions www.rainwatersolutions. designs are available comin to win $35 off at pick up. Exterior features include arrays of rain pump. The barrels are positioned along Wilmington from the following: barrells, which Rhodes chained together. the sides of the house, where they will City of Wilmington’s annual spring rain barrel be barely visible from the street once the drive: Email [email protected] for details plantings mature. Local Retail outlet: ProgressiveSAVE Gardens, IT FOR A SUNNY DAY! 5732-A Oleander Dr,Save Wilmington, money NC www. and conserve water by collecting rainwater Hot water for this 4,300 square foot progressivegardens.com (910)395-1156 house is provided by two 3x10 solar panels year-round to water your plants, lawn, and even wash your car. on the north elevation, placed there to maintain the appearance of the south front of the house. Although located on the north, the panels are tilted up at 30 Sponsored by New Hanover Soil & Water Conservation to 35 degrees to the south, and receive and Wilmington Stormwater Services. Four barrels chained together will hold a total of enough direct sun to heat the 80-gallon 260 gallons of rainwater. Elevation of the barrels hot water heater. off the ground increases the water flow from the Rhodes obtained his barrels at an spigots. When planning water flow, it’s useful to annual rain barrel drive, held by City of position barrels at the highest corner of your yard If you look closely at the front corner of the house, when possible, so that water hoses attached to Wilmington Storm Water Services. Email you’ll see the downspout angles back towards the the spigot can use gravity to channel the water [email protected] for details of their 2008 chimney, so that it empties into the first of two down to any point in your yard. Spring drive. barrels located at this corner of the house. Fall / Winter 2007 Cape Fear’s Going Green  why collect water? continued from page 8 artificial processes we put it satisfactory– our ecosystems through: filtration, ozonation, are degenerating, and we are fluoridation, chlorination, merely providing a crutch. and, finally, being delivered Are we that superficial that via straight-shooting and we value beauty over health, right-angled water pipes to especially when there are more our taps. Evidence of this can responsible and cost-effective ARCHITECTURE be obtained by a simple taste alternatives? commercial test of water from a living (virgin spring) and deadened This is merely the tip of the residential sustainable (bottled water, tap water, etc.) proverbial iceberg regarding source, or, discovering the the fascinating concepts and LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE energetic “high” associated science of water structure with paddling or surfing. and its potential and role in Next time you are ponder- life. Further research can be ing the existence of plant pursued using the following dis-ease and pest infestation terms or keywords: “Viktor in your landscapes think of Schauberger”, “Masaru Emoto”, your plants as you would “flowforms”, “homeopathy”. yourself. Imagine that you ate Biologist and inventor Evan SCOTT OGDEN, aia LARA BERKLEY, asla fast food and drank tap water Folds welcomes discussion of all day? In this context it may this and other topics. Owner ...DESIGNS FOR LIVING. www.b-and-o.net become easier to understand of Progressive Gardens in 205 PRINCESS STREET why it is necessary for us to Wilmington, he can be reached WILMINGTON, NC 28401 [910] 251.2707 use legions of chemicals and there or through either www. carcinogens in our landscapes progressivegardens.com or in order to keep them looking www.vortexbrewer.com. { Looking for customers who Is your home care about the environment? ready for its We can help you find second act? them. { Ad Sales: (910)547-4390

Is your kitchen stuck in the 1940s? Does your living room need to enter this century? And those bathrooms– their first act was impressive, but you’re over the ’60s wallpaper. It’s time for a second act. The transition is easy under the direction of Take 2 Construction. Not only do we have a great eye for design, we specialize in eco-friendly remodeling so you can feel even better about the changes you make. Give us a call for a free estimate–we’d love to talk with you about your ideas.

Richard Johnston [email protected] (910) 274-6450 “Landscape/Permaculture Design” REMODELS, REPAIRS, ADDITIONS & RESTORATIONS (910) 470-1030 INCLUDING FLOORS, CONCRETE COUNTERS, CABINETS, PAINTING, DECKS [email protected]

10 www.goinggreenpublications.com I Spy a Tree (For Free) Urban Forester Brion Capo has invented an online and community game to promote trees in our beautiful urban forest. How to Play the Game 1) Find the tree on the City of Wilmington Web site: Go to www.ci.wilmington.nc.us. Watch for the “I Spy A Tree” game to appear in rotation in the middle of the page, click on the words, and study the tree. 2) Find the tree in Wilmington: Find an address for the tree pictured for this month. 3) Email us your answer! From the pool of correct answers a randomly selected winner will be drawn. If that’s you, you will receive instructions on how to collect a FREE tree from one of the sponsors. A different sponsor will be used each month, along with a different tree picture. Thank you for looking around and enjoying the urban forest! Questions? Email [email protected]. Nurseries Supporting “I Spy A Tree (for Free)” Each month, one of the sponsors listed below will provide that month’s winner with a FREE tree. Akers Tree Movers, Bill Akers – 232-1700 Phillips Nursery, Glenda Phillips – 253-6692 The Transplanted Garden, Tom – 763-7448 Zone 8 Gardens, Dick – 792-1118 Rooks Lawn & Garden Center, Susan – 259-3302 Cross Garden Center, Derek – 791-5725 Five Oaks Nursery, Monica – 762-8637 Masonboro Home & Garden, Bob & Dawn York – 792-1499 Lou’s Flower Patch – 395-1004 Ash’s Japanese Maple Nursery – 270-4723 Brion Capo Pendercrest Gardens & Gifts, Alexis Williams – 452-1020 This Live Oak, Quercus virginiana, was the “mystery tree” for “I Spy A Tree” Fitness Tree Service, Stephen Snyder – 796-6507 earlier this year. The game winner was a member of the Sheriff’s Department who correctly identified the address of this majestic tree, and so won a young tree from one of the supporting nurseries.

Native Plant Society Opens Local Chapter Permaculture Classes Forming The North Carolina Native Plant at 7p.m. the third Tuesday of each month, Christopher Yermal and Neal Taylor Society (NCNPS) was formed more than 50 in the cafeteria of Cape Fear Community are starting a series of classes on perma- years ago to promote enjoyment and con- College’s north campus. culture, or permanent agriculture. Topics servation of native plants and their habi- On Saturday, November 17 the group under consideration are: building garden tats through education, protection, and will hold a Plant Walk to collect native soils, designing structures for energy propagation. Duane Truscott is organizing seeds. For details, email truscottd@ efficiency, livestock, and orchard design a Southeastern Chapter of the NCNPS. The bellsouth.net, or call (910)675-1205. For and management. To learn more about the first organizational meeting was held in information on NC Native Plant Society classes and field trips, call (910)470-1030 September, and the group plans to meet state-wide, visit www.ncwildflower.org. or email [email protected].

Fall / Winter 2007 Cape Fear’s Going Green 11 North Carolina Wildflower of the Year Project The North Carolina Botanical Garden and the Garden Club of North Carolina, Inc. are co-sponsors of the North Carolina Wildflower of the Year program. This conservation project was initiated in 1982. The project’s aim is to actively promote throughout the state and region an attrac- tive plant that is native to the southeastern United States. Over the years literally tens of thousands of gardeners have received the seeds and read the strong conser- vation message in the North Carolina Wildflower of the Year brochure. Seed supplies for the Swamp Sunflower have run out for the year, but they will be offered next year through the Botanical Garden’s “Native Plant Seed Photo by Chris Liloia | North Carolina Botanical Garden List,” which is mailed to all members of the North Carolina Botanical Garden in February. See the Botanical Garden’s web Swamp Sunflower site for information on membership and 2007 NC Wildflower of the Year on the 2008 North Carolina Wildflower of the Year, announced at the end of 2007: Swamp sunflower,Helianthus angustifolius, is a giant yellow http://ncbg.unc.edu. exclamation point at the end of the growing season. In October, after the summer phlox is done and many perennials are wind- For a brochure on the 2008 flower, send ing down for the year, the North Carolina Botanical Garden’s a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: native plant border suddenly experiences a burst of sunny 2008 NCWFOY golden color in the form of this cheerful plant. This clump-form- North Carolina Botanical Garden ing native perennial will reach 6 or more feet tall by 4 feet wide, CB 3375 Totten Center, UNC–CH and when it is covered in blooms it is simply stunning. Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3375 Few perennials produce such a density of flowers. Though each individual head is approximately 2 inches across, much smaller than those of its relative the annual sunflower, the overall effect is pure color. For most of the growing season the plant is more subtle. With narrow dark-green foliage and willowy stems, swamp sunflower provides a nice backdrop for spring and summer bloomers. As its flowers fade the foliage often takes on a lovely red color. Another bonus is that the ripening seed heads are bird feeders that you don’t have to fill! Swamp sunflower is so named because it is most often found growing in moist areas. In the garden it is happy in wet to average soil and prefers full sun. This is a plant that responds well to garden conditions and is considerably larger and more floriferous than its wild siblings. It is in its element in perennial borders and wet meadows but is also attractive as a specimen plant. Late-blooming asters, including New England and aro- matic American-asters (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae and S. oblongifolium, respectively), make good garden companions to swamp sunflower. Look for wild populations of swamp sunflower in the eastern United States ranging as far north as New York and as far west Photo by Laura Cotterman | North Carolina Botanical as Missouri and Texas. It is most commonly found growing in Garden Reprinted with permission from the North wetter sites such as swamps, marshes, and savannas. Carolina Botanical Garden Web site: ncbg.unc.edu 12 www.goinggreenpublications.com Miss November

Orb Spider Black and Yellow Argiope garden spider Seen here from the belly side, this spider is known for her large, symmetrical webs. Abundant in later summer and fall, and essentially blind, she has a highly developed sense of touch and will retreat to the side of the web or drop to the ground if disturbed. She also is called a writing spider because of the zig-zag pattern she adds to her web.

Fall / Winter 2007 Cape Fear’s Going Green 13 Garden Spiders— by Andy Wood sharp stinger protruding in a vain attempt The first incident occurred when I at stabbing its antagonist like a sewing opened a shed door that had apparently needle through a sheet. been the resting spot for a drowsy yellow After a brief pause the spider gingerly jacket wasp. The door’s sudden movement leaned in toward the wasp’s head region prompted the insect to take flight, only to deliver a venom-laced nip with her to be snatched from the air by a garden fangs. Once that had been done the spider spider’s web strategically located just retired to her resting spot in the web’s above the door’s upper right corner. center and there she waited for the venom The black and yellow spider, with a to do its handiwork so that she could later body fully an inch long, sensed the dis- eat her meal in safety. turbance in her web and in an instant she I’ve seen spiders react to stinging scampered from her resting spot to where insects this way before, but as though to the yellow jacket was pinned some ten underscore their uncanny ability to sense inches distant. And then an amazing thing danger, early one morning just a few days happened. The spider, somehow sensing after the yellow jacket affair, I was moving inherent danger with her catch, proceeded a piece of garden hose and in so doing dis- to wrap her prey with the thickest bands of turbed a large horsefly that had designs on spider web I have ever seen a spider pro- my leg. The robust black fly launched off duce. She did so by twisting the insect with my leg and in an instant became ensnared the tips of her long outstretched legs, all in a large circular garden spider web that the while keeping her soft body as far from neither of us had seen. The horsefly was her quarry as possible. In mere moments stuck just as the wasp had been in the all that could be seen of the insect was its shed spider’s web and as though sensing it best not struggle too forcefully, unlike the yellow jacket, the fly seemed to be extri- cating itself with very delicate movements of its front most legs. Just when I thought the fly might escape, the spider flinched, tugging the web as she did so. It was clear she distin- guished something in her web. A second flinch confirmed it and with sprightly steps she picked her way across the web straight to the fly and without pause, grabbed the insect with her jaws, as a dog would take a favorite toy. She retreated to the web’s familiar with the world around them and center, her new-caught prey clutched in with such knowledge, more likely to pro- her mouth and only then did she perform tect rather than eliminate these common, the ritualistic food wrap, but this time, often misunderstood and maybe underap- deploying barely enough webbing to be preciated, wonders of backyard nature. seen around the fly. Somehow, this spider Twice in the past two weeks Commentator knew the stingless fly presented no threat. Andy Wood has inadvertently contributed to These two incidents might be un- the untimely demise of small creatures near remarkable were it not for the fact that his home, though each incident had all the the black and yellow garden spider is all ingredients needed to inspire an accidental but completely blind. They may see light naturalist. and dark, but unless touched, they don’t Andy Wood is Education Director of respond to movements near them. And Audubon Carolina, and is the author of while this fact may be gleaned from the Backyard Carolina. His commentaries can internet, it is first-hand observations of a be heard every other Monday on WHQR; this spider in its silken web, outdoors in nature commentary originally aired on August 13, that is more likely to propel a curious and can be heard in the Public Arts section of person, young or old, to become more Web site www.whqr.org. 14 www.goinggreenpublications.com The Outdoor Classroom— Cultivating a lifelong love of nature! by Karen Linehan photos this page by Karen Linehan At the front of our school, just to the left of the main door, is a small area enclosed by a wooden fence. For several years it was just a plain swath of ordinary grass with a row of holly bushes planted tightly against the building. Yet, now this area is an enticing tangle of wildlife-friendly perennials and shrubs that grow in the lush splendor of early autumn. When viewed from outside of the fence, the garden appears impenetrable. Yet through the garden gate one may safely enter and trod upon a mulched path, which winds in figure-eight fashion around two central island plantings. It is here in this miniature jungle that our students may experience all of the many wonders that a garden can offer throughout the year. An ordinary school ground with grassy play areas and orna- mental landscaping will always yield some form of fascinating natural history. One may easily find the silken hammocks of sheetweb spiders in mature shrubbery, or the exquisite earthen egg chambers of mud daubers on aging brick walls. However, an intentional outdoor classroom with enhanced gardens of native Emily, Preston, and Kate show off milkweed seeds before letting them sail on plantings will offer a treasure trove of ecological diversity so rich the wind. The seeds come from butterflyweed (Asclepias tuberosa). that even the most determined educator will find it challenging to fully integrate it into the curriculum. outrageously designed flowers. If we Over the last four years our faculty, enter the garden quietly, we may catch students, and parents have enthusiastically sight of a Carolina Wren flitting among the worked to expand the “walls” of our school Beautyberry branches laden with bright, building to establish outdoor spaces for purple fruit. We marvel at the increasing the teaching of all subjects. Though our height of our October sunflowers that will campus is small we have converted several soon explode into supernovas of yellow underutilized areas into enchanting cor- flowers eight feet above our heads. We ridors of learning. Using North Carolina continue to be enraptured by the trans- native plants, we are attracting a wide formation of this common plot of grass diversity of insects, spiders, birds, reptiles, into an extraordinary habitat for wildlife and mammals that stimulate our students’ and learning. And, it is all just outside our Eastern black swallowtail caterpillar, which feeds classroom doors! natural curiosity about living things. These on plants that are members of the carrot family: wildlife oases make our own campus an im- parsley, dill, fennel, and Queen Anne’s Lace. Stu- Karen Linehan currently teaches 1st/2nd grade mediate resource for catching “teachable” dents grow parsley and fennel to attract these at Friends School of Wilmington and is a moments and transforming them into long- egg-laying female butterflies. former natural science educator with the NC term studies. Underlying these experiential deeper ethic of conservation. By creating Museum of Natural Sciences. lessons in science, social studies, math, opportunities for students to connect with and literature is the mission of planting a the natural world on their own school grounds, we are also cultivating a lifelong love for native animals and plants. During the past several weeks the milkweed in our garden has nourished scores of Monarch caterpillars, which are now metamorphosing into adult butterflies bound for Mexico. The passion-flower that scrambles along our garden fence is adorned by the orange, soft-prickled caterpillars of the Gulf Fritillary butterfly. The classes plant American Beautyberry (Calli- Profusion of plants in schoolyard garden offers Green Anoles stalk grasshoppers among carpa americana) in their garden to attract birds: rich learning opportunities for students at the the passion-flower leaves while Carpenter Carolina wrens, mockingbirds, brown thrashers, Friends School of Wilmington (primary campus). bees plumb the nectaries of the vine’s and American robins feast on the berries.

Fall / Winter 2007 Cape Fear’s Going Green 15 sustainable agriculture— Full Belly Project Update

Malawi

Malawi is a landlocked country located in southeastern Africa. It is bordered in the north and east by Tanzania, on the east, south and southwest by Mozambique and to Brian Connors | Peace Corps Malawi the west by Zambia. A borrowed peanut sheller was used to shell 30 tons of peanuts—called “groundnuts” in Malawi.

Cakes now available exclusively at our Tidal Creek location: 5329 Oleander Drive

16 www.goinggreenpublications.com Full Belly Project Update— Email from Malawi

In response to a request from From: Connors, Brian villagers in Mali, Wilmington Sent: Tuesday, August 07, 2007 9:12 AM resident Jock Brandis invented a To: [email protected] Subject: Malawi Update peanut sheller that can shell peanuts Hello, Jock - many times faster than is possible I’ve been away on Leave, followed by a training so I haven’t had time to let you by hand. Sun-dried peanut shells are know how things are going with the much harder than the commercially- sheller. I got the three sets of parts you sent the other day and this afternoon I dried shells found in the U.S., and walked them over to the metal shop but work? They agreed, and the upshot of it is having an affordable sheller is the guy was out. Will try tomorrow... this: Last Friday, Tim’s VDC completed their The cost will be about $28, and the half contract with the farmer after shelling 16 revolutionizing food processing and bag of cement brings the total cost to TONS OF GNUTS! Again, sixteen tons! They crop choices. Through Wilmington- about $35 for the whole thing. Add that did another contract for another farmer for the value of a few hours over a couple 7 tons, another for 3 tons, and a final one based Full Belly Project, shellers are of days and it comes out to be pretty for 4 tons. Final shelled amount was 30 tons cheap—compared to the lost value of in two months. On Monday they returned being distributed through many gnuts [groundnuts] that have been sitting the machine to me, but they’ve got their developing countries. in storage for months. match money in the bank. The shelling Here is a recent story involving the sheller: money wasn’t enough to cover all the match, but they quickly saw success and gathered Here is an email Brandis received New Peace Corps Volunteer Tim Strong was to raise the rest of the money in several from a Peace Corps Volunteer, telling in the office one day 8 weeks ago and we different ways. Borehole digging starts in were talking about the gnuts in his village. early September—first potable water in the how one village used a borrowed His community was looking for a way to village. Once the new parts are made, the raise match funding for a borehole (with VDC is going to make their own machine sheller to raise seed money to drill funding by the Ambassador’s Special Self and continue their work. They have plans to a borehole for the village’s first Help Fund)—Lots of money needed there! press oil, make gnut butter, and want to try We were standing outside and I pointed to mixing chili with the shells to burn overnight drinking water. the sheller and told him to take it, as he had in their farms to try to keep elephants out of a ride to his site that day, and suggested their farms. They’ve definitely got a eye on that he introduce it and see if it’d work as a the future now. money maker. We talked over some quick strategies for using it to raise This work would only have been possible the match money. by a dynamic Peace Corps Volunteer—all of 5 weeks in the field—a motivated com- Tim took the sheller and munity, and a gnut sheller. I have attached demoed it to the Village a few pictures here for your pleasure. Tim Development Committee is the first Volunteer in the village, and he’s (VDC) the next day, and a star. they hashed out a plan to charge people for shelling Where we go from here is figuring out how nuts. As they were demoing to make a production center, but I think the machine a business that may resolve itself when more villages man from a nearby village get the sheller. Let me know if you or walked by and watched. He anyone has any questions or suggestions. spoke up and said that he Take care! was in the area to buy gnuts, — Brian and they told him of their Brian Connors plan. Well, he asked, would Peace Corps Malawi photo by Brian Connors | Peace Corps Malawi you like to shell the nuts I’ve To learn more about the activities of Fully Peace Corps Volunteer Tim Strong and a villager in Malawi with a got and I’ll pay you for the Belly Project, visit www.fullbellyproject.org. sheller and nuts drying in the background.

Fall / Winter 2007 Cape Fear’s Going Green 17 business news Organic Meals “To Go” Looking for a great home- tions of the local grocery stores Bailey and Polites have OrganicArt Cuisine entrees cooked organic meal? Well, and began to fill her home with turned their personal quest to change monthly. Stop by or call Wilmington now has it. Co- the foods she thought best for find fresh, healthful food for to have your dinner selections owners Lori Bailey and Penny her family. Several years later, “I their families into a business pre-ordered for delivery or Polites have made it possible for feel great, and not to mention I they hope will help change the pick-up for a day, a week, or all all of us to enjoy home-cooked have lost a few pounds as well,” way we feed our family and month. organic meals without the says Bailey. friends. “From the oils to the OrganicArt Cuisine work. Whether you are looking Penny Polites, new to our herbs used you will be assured 4606 Maple Ave., Wilmington. for a quiet evening at home or area from Pittsburgh, believes that your meal is prepared of Telephone: (910)799-1700. entertaining family and friends in taking care of herself and organic ingredients.” Hours: 11a.m.– 7p.m. Mon–Thurs. you can now turn to OrganicArt her daughter. Part of that is Cuisine for prepared dinners, eating simple, healthful foods Green Building Center to Open available for delivery or pick-up. that have been minimally Elaine and Matt Jack plan a wide range of non-toxic and Bailey has lived in processed. Seeing the effects to open a building center fea- eco-friendly products, includ- Wilmington for over twenty of food additives on kids makes turing only green products in ing paint, flooring, countertops years. “After viewing a disturb- her realize that what we eat December 2007. The store will and partitions, and wall cover- ing movie, Supersize Me, I decid- plays a direct role in who we be located at Anderson Square, ings. For more information, ed to make big changes in my are emotionally, physically, and 4113 Oleander Drive, Suite B email them at SaponaGreen@ life and daily diet,” says Bailey. mentally. “All the spinach in the in Wilmington, and will carry gmail.com. The more she researched the world means nothing when state of nutrition the more she it’s been filled with pesticides became convinced our world and all the chemicals needed Tidal Creek Co-op Expands is in a self-destructive pattern. to mass produce quicker and Community Meeting Space Bailey scoured the organic sec- bigger crops,” says Polites. Host your next meeting electrical outlets. Additional at Tidal Creek! The Tidal Creek presentation tools and materi- A neighborhood coffee house Community Center is located als are also available, some and roaster, locally owned, upstairs from Tidal Creek Co-op for a fee. The tables can be at 5329 Oleander Drive in rearranged to suit the meeting offering the finest organic & Wilmington, North Carolina, and and facilitator’s needs. Light fair trade coffees and teas has two rooms available for rent. refreshments or catering from The Community Center can seat the Tidal Creek Café are also 1201 Princess Street ★ 910.362.1448 up to 30 people comfortably. available for a fee, if requested M - F 7am - 5pm This space is open and offers in advance. Sat & Sun 8am - 1pm plenty of natural light. The ★ Email [email protected] or 4023 Market Street 910.762.9511 smaller Conference Room is ap- M - TH 7am - 7pm call 910-799-2667 ext. 202 to propriate for private meetings Fri 7am - 9am: Live Music 7-9pm determine room availability or Sat & Sun 8am - 4pm and can seat up to 12. Tables obtain a room request form. and chairs are available, as are ★ THE STORY ★ Folks Cafe is a labor of love of Castle Hayne local Alan Swart and wife Griselda Garcia. After graduate school, Alan served in Nicaragua with the Peace Corps. Working with coffee farmers in Matagalpa, he met Griselda. Returning to Wilmington, they began a business to marry their passion for great coffee and Save Trees social responsibility. In 2001 Folks opened on 12th and Princess Streets, selling Organic and Fair Trade coffees. With much Buy Used Books love and community support, they now bring new life to the quirky location, “the historic Taco Bell building.” What can Old Books on Front Street “Connecting good people with good books since 1982” only be described as warm, welcoming, and colorful, you will enjoy their passion for coffee knowing that only Fair Trade and 22 North Front St. Wilmington, NC 28401 Organic Coffees and Teas will be served. (910) 763-4754

18 www.goinggreenpublications.com transportation Topsail High School Steps Up to the EV Challenge by David Ruehle alternative fuel education program. That premiere, the Earth Day celebrations, and The Topsail High School Electric year, the first class, 13 students, converted at events throughout the school district to Vehicle class was started in 2000, to a 1996 Ford Ranger to solely electric raise awareness among students in younger compete in the EV Challenge, a nationwide power, and competed in the EV Challenge, grades. winning 5th place overall, The class’ current project is upgrading and winning the Rookie of the Toyota Paseo. The conversion involves the Year award. installing a larger motor, a NetGain Since then, the Topsail Technologies WarP9 series wound DC High School EV class has motor. Also being upgraded is the car’s converted two more vehicles battery pack. Replacing the 13 Trojan to electric power, a 1992 30XHS batteries will be 12 Trojan T-1275 Toyota Paseo and a 1985 lead acid batteries. After completion of Pontiac Fiero, and has won this, the class hopes to expand into the realm of other alternative fuel vehicles, Steve Garrett three national electric vehicle possibly making a hybrid-electric vehicle The Topsail High School Electric Vehicle class participates annu- championships. On top of ally in the EV Challenge, a program designed to encourage high competing with electric this year, and will still compete in the school students to apply math, science and physics as they rebuild vehicles, the class also works newly-christened SMARTT Challenge, the a gasoline-powered vehicle into one that will run on alternative to promote alternative fuel latest permutation of the EV Challenge. fuel. Student teams compete with teams from throughout the U.S. research and raise alternative in the “Final Event,” a two-day rally. David Ruehle is a student in Topsail High fuel awareness. The class’ School’s EV class. For more information see In the 2007 EV Challenge the class won the overall Champion of electric vehicles can be seen www.kickngas.org or www.evchallenge. the Event award for the third straight year. The award-winning at many functions, such as the Topsail class is pictured here at the Final Event in Raleigh, along org, or watch the video at www.youtube. with two vehicles the class converted to run on electricity. Who Killed the Electric Car? com/watch?v=gy6zItzfk58. Gadget of the Month— Area Electric Vehicle Chapter Forms Monitor your gas mileage Thanks to the efforts of electric It’s not unusual to see Bouty Baldridge vehicle enthusiast Page Paterson, driving around Wilmington in one of there is now a Coastal Carolinas his electric vehicles. But what does he chapter of the Electric Automobile do when he can’t escape the need for a Association, or EAA. vehicle with greater range? The national group serves Bouty recommends a little device he as an information source on the bought and installed under the dash of his state of electric vehicle technol- gasoline-powered car; it displays a digital ogy worldwide, for its members reading of his mileage as well as other and the public, and encourages realtime information. experimentation in the building of If he accelerates too electric vehicles (EVs). It promotes fast, he sees his mpg improving energy and resource number plummet. efficiency, reducing emissions, and “I think if every car had a gauge to let improving vehicle safety. you know how much fuel you are using at Paterson reports there are 48 Bouty Baldridge and Page Paterson discuss the merits of any given moment we could see dramatic EAA chapters throughout the U.S. electrically-powered vehicles with attendees of the 2007 reductions of gas usage,” says Baldridge. and Canada, with a combined Wooden Boat Show, held at Cape Fear Community College. “It is very helpful in determining the most membership of more than 1400 site www.eaaev.org. Annual membership efficient driving habits.” And he can move enthusiasts. Local chapter members is $39 ($25 for students and seniors). All it it easily from one vehicle to another. receive the national newsletter as well takes to join the local chapter is to specify Called a ScanGauge, the device can as periodic email news updates about when joining the national group that display up to 4 of 12 possible gauges at developments in the industry. you want to be affiliated with the Coastal one time. It retails for $169.95 (including Learn about the national EAA or Carolinas Chapter. Questions? Email Page shipping) at www.scangauge.com. download a membership form from Web Paterson at [email protected].

Fall / Winter 2007 Cape Fear’s Going Green 19 business briefs & education updates Milestones & Awards Family of Farms label: Organic Valley UNC–Asheville’s environmental studies Christine McElwee, General (dairy/eggs/produce), Organic Prairie program. Many of us have enjoyed nature Manager of Tidal Creek Co-op, attended (meat) and Organic Logistics (fleets, walks led by Robin. the 51st Annual Consumer Cooperative biodiesel). CCROPP has two facilities in New Location for CFGBA North Carolina; Organic Valley products Management Association Conference in La Due to standing-room-only crowds are available locally at Tidal Creek, Lovey’s Crosse, Wisconsin in June. The conference all year, the Cape Fear Green Building and Harris Teeter. attracted 440 attendees from cooperatives Alliance has moved its monthly meetings throughout the U.S. and Canada. Victor E. Brown, Jr., owner of Solar to The Balcony on Dock Street, above Of particular interest was first-hand Weather Works, LLC, received a Renewable Roudabush’s and Yosake. Look for the exposure to CCROPP Cooperative, whose Energy Technologies diploma from NC CFGBA sign at the back entrance (the one more than 1100 member-famers sell State in August. with a street-level elevator) on Dock. Come their products under the Organic Valley Brown, a member of the NC early or stay late for dinner at Yosake. GreenPower Speaker’s Bureau, attended Cape Fear River Watch Big the Annual Meeting of Brunswick Electric Sweep Report Membership Corporation on September Cape Fear River Watch is happy to re- 22 at Odell Williamson Auditorium at port that on September 29, 2007 another Brunswick Community College. He spoke successful cleanup of Greenfield Lake was informally about the NC GreenPower executed. 65 volunteers and two CFRW program with many of the nearly 3,000 staff members participated in the much- members of the co-op attending the needed Big Sweep of the 100-acre lake. meeting. [To arrange for a speaker from Approximately 72 bags were collected, NC GreenPower to address your organiza- weighing in at over 500 hundred pounds tion, contact Lane Smith at (866)533-NCGP of garbage. or (919)857-9013.] Steve Mott and Shannon Rippy of NC Aquarium Photo Contest Mott Landscaping, Inc. have completed The North Carolina Aquariums are the following courses offered by Green seeking excellent underwater photos from Roofs for Healthy Cities: Green Roof amateur photographers. Each year, the Design 101 (Atlanta, GA); Green Roof state’s three public aquariums conduct an Infrastructure: Design & Installation 201; Underwater Photography Competition, Green Walls 101: Introduction to Systems designed for amateur and non-profes- & Design (Minneapolis, MN); and Green sional photographers. There is no entry Roof Waterproofing and Drainage 301 fee; entries may be digital or print, and (San Francisco, CA). Rippy’s first green roof must be postmarked by December 31, project upon her return was the rooftop 2007. Sponsored by East Carolina Bank, of Mott Landscaping’s office on Queen the contest highlights the state’s rich Street, downtown Wilmington. [See article, aquatic resources. For submission details page 21.] Information on Green Roofs for visit www.ncaquariums.com/aqnews.htm Healthy Cities is available at www.green- or call 1-800-832-FISH (3474). roofs.org. 2008 Cape Fear Nature Calendar Shore bird expert Robin Wood is Cape Fear River Watch, the environ- now in Asheville, NC starting classes at mental nonprofit entity that protects and improves the water quality of the Selling a green Cape Fear River Basin, is creating a nature calendar for 2008 local nature photos of product? the Cape Fear Region. The calendar will be sold throughout the Wilmington area We’ll find you with all proceeds going to Cape Fear River green buyers! Watch to help fund its many environmen- tal programs. Cape Fear’s Going Green For information on purchasing a Ad Sales: calendar, email [email protected] (910)547-4390 or [email protected]. Or you can call 910.264.6986 or 910.762.5606. 20 www.goinggreenpublications.com book suggestions from Pomegranate Books

The Not So Big House: Natural Remodeling for the A Blueprint for the Way We Not-So-Green House Really Live Carol Venolia and Kelly Lerner Sarah Susanka Lark Books • $24.95 Taunton Press • $22.95 So, you want a sustainable and envi- Susanka’s book was one of the first ronmentally friendly house but not to advocate a literal smaller footprint everyone has the luxury of starting as a way to tread lightly upon the from scratch. With Kelly Lerner and planet. She reviews 25 homes (new Carol Venolia’s designs and advice, and remodeled, from all over the U.S.), learn how you can go green by which exemplify the concept of qual- renovating an existing home. ity over quantity. She asks us to build only what we need for the activities we perform on a routine basis. Truly a The Natural House Daniel D. Chiras guide to a simpler but richer life. Chelsea Green • $35.00 The staff at Pomegranate Books offer some of their favorite This book takes an in-depth look at natural building methods, from books highlighting the green building theme of this first issue. Straw Bale to Papercrete. It is es- sential to those wanting to build an economical, environmentally- A Green Roof Comes to Wilmington conscious and energy-efficient The first thing home using the most innovative and Mott Landscaping’s natural products available. Shannon Rippy did upon her return from her recent green roof certifica- tion class was to install this green roof on the front portion of Mott’s of- fice in Wilmington. A “green roof” is A vantage point looking out the second story win- the result of plant- dow shows a closeup of the young plants and the ing rooftop vegeta- red rain drainage channels running between the tion in 2 inches or plant-filled areas. more of growing medium. Here, small plants are potted in a medium that is only 1/8 the weight of regular soil; the root ball is bundled in a fabric designed to disinte- grate as the young Solar PV Systems • Hurricane Protection plants fill in the Rain Harvesting Systems • Greenhouses space. The plants will absorb rain This view from the street shows the slope of the falling on the roof green roof covering the front porch of Mott Land- Licensed & Insured and thus diminish scaping’s office building, which contains approxi- stormwater runoff mately 150 young plants. The patterns formed 910-795-5518 to the nearby Cape over the surface of the porch roof will evolve over www.solarweatherworks.com Fear River. time as the plantings mature.

Fall / Winter 2007 Cape Fear’s Going Green 21 Guests welcome at monthly meetings of area organizations, unless marked “members only.” Direct: 910-442-1726 Calendar Motsy Cell: 910-465-9789 Send us your calendar items! walk to collect seeds from native Fax: 910-442-1727 Email information to calendar@ plants. CFCC north campus. For goinggreenpublications.com, details email Duane Truscott at Wynn or call 910.547.4390. The [email protected] or call online version of the calendar 910.675.1205. 5030 New Centre Drive, Suite A is updated weekly. January November 20 and February items received by Wilmington, NC 28403 Cape Fear Green Building Alliance December 12 are candidates for meets the 3rd Tuesday of the our print calendar as well. month. The Balcony, 3rd floor of [email protected] November 8 Roudabush building, corner of So. Film “Everything’s Cool,” a hot Front & Dock Street, Wilmington. Each Office is Independently documentary about global 7–9 p.m. For details check newslet- Owned and Operated warming from the producers ter on www.cfgba.org. of “Blue Vinyl,” will be shown at November 24 the 13th Annual Cucalorus Film Airlie Plant Walk, 10–11:30 a.m. Festival. 12:30 p.m. at Thalian Plant Walks are the 4th Wednesday Hall. Tickets available in advance of each month with Head of at cucalorus.org or at Jengo’s Gardens. Free to members, or free Playhouse, 815 Princess Street, with admission. www.airliegardens. Wilmington. $7 at the door, or a org or 910.798.7700. $50 Screening Pass for access to your choice of 120 films. November 28 Airlie Gardens: Growing Like a November 14 Weed! 9–10:30 a.m. New preschool Airlie Gardens bird hikes, 2nd program for Little Sprouts (chil- Wednesday of each month, with dren ages 2–5) and their parents. environmental educators. 8 a.m. November program is “Birds and 4606 Maple Avenue at Garden Services Center. Free Bugs.” www.airliegardens.org. to members, or free with admis- Wilmington sion. Bring your own binoculars, November 30 if you have any. 910.798.7700 or UNC–TV airs two episodes of (910)799-1700 www.airliegardens.org. Exploring North Carolina: November 17 1:30–2:00 a.m. “Birds of Winter” behind Taste of Italy NC Native Plant Society plant features snow geese and tundra

Greenhouse Supplies • Hydroponic Equipment Indoor Plant Lighting • Natural Pesticides Natural Lawn Care • Beneficial Insects Indoor/Outdoor Gardening Supplies Vortex Brewers • Science Projects Organic Seeds, Soils, & Fertilizers Composting • Rain Barrels Sprouts • Much More!!

5732-A Oleander Drive, Wilmington, NC • 910-395-1156 www.progressivegardens.com

22 www.goinggreenpublications.com over your honey at home on this kayak day December 15 Calendar tour. Includes basic instruction to kayaking. Aquarist Apprentice PM, for ages 10 and up. Transportation and equipment are provided. 2 p.m. at NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher. Take a swans, migratory waterfowl that winter Cost is $60; register by Nov. 26. 910.341.0836 or behind-the-scenes tour, help prepare animal throughout the state in staggering numbers. [email protected]. diets, and participate in some daily care 9:30–10:00 p.m. “Invaders Among Us” high- December 12 and maintenance tasks. Includes an animal lights invasive plant & animal species. Airlie Gardens bird hike with environmental feeding. Price $20. Call 910.458.7468 or email December 1 educators. 8 a.m. at Garden Services Center. [email protected] for reservations. Environmental seminar 9–11 a.m. (1st Saturday Free to members, or free with admission. Bring December 19 of the month), Cape Fear River Watch. Guest your own binoculars, if you have any. www. Airlie Gardens: Growing Like a Weed! speaker from NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher. airliegardens.org or 910.798.7700. 9–10:30 a.m. New preschool program for Little 910.762.5606 or www.cfrw.us. December 13 Sprouts (children ages 2–5) and their parents. December 2 Cape Fear Biofuels meets the 2nd Thursday December program is “Wild in the Winter.” Black River Mistletoe Kayak Tour 10 a.m.–4 p.m. of the month, 6–8 p.m. in Tidal Creek Co-op www.airliegardens.org. View mistletoe in its natural habitat, learn community room, 5329 Oleander Drive, For additional calendar listings, visit our Web about its life cycle, and harvest some to hang Wilmington. www.capefearbiofuels.org. site at www.goinggreenpublications.com.

 Fall / Winter 2007 Cape Fear’s Going Green 23 $4 says you care about a cleaner environment.

NC GreenPower — the easy, effective way for you to help protect the environment today and for the future. This independent, nonprofit organization is working to encourage the development of renewable energy sources such as the sun, wind and organic matter. And in order to succeed, we need your help!

You can help for as little as $4 a month. Every $4 block will add 100 kilowatt-hours of renewable energy to North Carolina’s power supply. The annual offset of carbon dioxide from one block of NC GreenPower subscribed monthly is approximately equivalent to 190 trees planted or 3000 miles not driven in your vehicle.

For your convenience, your tax-deductible contribution will be added to your monthly electric bill and will go directly to NC GreenPower. Funds are used to add cleaner, renewable energy to our state’s power supply. Together, we can make a difference. Whether you are a resident or a business, make NC GreenPower part of your commitment to a cleaner environment.

866-533-NCGP | 919-716-6398 | www.ncgreenpower.org www.ncgreenpower.org