Does writing really impact the environment? Absolutely! Here are just a few ways the publishing industry leaves a Bigfoot print on the planet:

*Carbon emissions from electronic devices: computers, monitors, printers, publishing presses, palm pilots, laptops, fax machines, and copier
*Trees used to make the thousands of sheets of paper, envelopes, pencils, and stamps needed to write, print, copy, produce, and mail submissions, books, and promotional materials
*Emissions from autos, trains, and airplanes used to ship books, submissions, and promotional materials...sometimes worldwide
*Emissions from same when traveling to book tours, writing conventions, and speaking engagements

...and so on.

In looking at the above, I realized there was much I could do to minimize these things, while still writing the stories I love. Thus I've developed the Green Writing Challenge, in the hope that this will raise awareness within the writing community.

*Submit your next manuscript electronically. (Less impact than printing/mailing hundreds of sheets of paper.)
*Reduce the number of mailings you send out
*Swap one regular promotional mass mailing in favor of an electronic mailing
*Skip one cross-country convention and do an online conference instead
*Switch from press kits and full-sized mailers to postcards
*Turn your computer and peripherals off when not in use
*Do late-night writing by candlelight, or use energy-saving bulbs
*Make one book appearance--or tour--a virtual tour online
*Use recycled paper, envelopes, and other materials whenever possible
*Do phone-in radio interviews instead of driving to the station
*If you have "white noise" in the background while you write--TV, DVD's, stereo...consider turning them off
*Use solar rechargers for equipment like your PDA, cell phone, MP3 player
*Reuse/recycle writing supplies/equipment through freecycle, thrift stores, etc. rather than buying new and trashing
*SPREAD THE WORD! Write about "Green" in your fiction or nonfiction, OR by telling people about the Green Writing Challenge!

Don't delay! Join my GREEN WRITING CHALLENGE today!

Congratulations for being a winner!

Be sure to grab one of these graphics to post on your lens, site, or blog...and link back here!

Here's a bracelet for ya...WWND?

In the search for answers to our global crisis, scientists are turning to cutting edge technology. How a spider spins silk, ounce for ounce stronger than steel...or how a peacock produces such brilliant colors when in fact it only contains brown pigment.

The study and application of such genius to meet our own needs is called "biomimicry," and it may hold some of the answers we need to reduce our dependence on Earth-impacting methods of consumerism. Some of the shocking discoveries include:

1. Bacteria use chemicals to communicate
2. Leaves are self-cleaning by design
3. Brighter colors can be produced at the design level through layering (like peacocks do) than by using harmful lead paints.
4. Glass that is seven times stronger than our current glass can be produced--without heat
5. Termites can keep their habitat at a constant temperature without fans or air conditioning

Other organisms found in nature cannot mine and burn fossil fuels to manufacture their homes and sustain their existence, and by so doing humans are hastening the extinction of countless species--including their own. By looking to the ingenious designs already in place throughout nature, we can find vital clues for our own preservation.

For more information on Biomimicry, visit www.biomimicryinstitute.org
www.biomimicry.net
www.11thhouraction.com