First things first: I’m sorry for taking a short hiatus, a few unpredictable things took control of my life for a couple of weeks but nothing to worry about.

Now back to business. Well, you see, although I wasn’t blogging these two weeks, I still kept an eye open to eco-friendlly products and happenings, and will be blogging about them within the next couple of days.

Today I want to focus on composting for two main reasons:

1-Gus and I recently got a composter.

2-Melissa Contreras from the Urban Oasis Project is giving a composting workshop this Saturday.

I had been asking you for recommendations for a short space/ balcony composter for some time (those worms I got last year at the Edible Garden Fest didn’t get too far) and we finally decided for one composter, which is happily recycling food scraps in our terrace.

We opted for the Garden Views E-Composter because it had good reviews and was in the low price range ($49.99). We actually first saw it in Target.com, but they don’t offer free shipping, so we ended up ordering it from Home Depot.

It ended up being a little bigger than we expected, but it was easy to assemble, and we don’t have to worry about it filling up too quickly.

For the last few weeks, we’ve been throwing in there all our food leftovers, as well as weeds and other unwanted plant matter, and there are all kinds of insects in there now. However, it’s been raining a lot lately, and the contents are starting to become sticky, almost like a paste. I’m not sure if this is how it’s supposed to be, so this brings us to the second reason why I’m writing about composting today.

If you’re interested in learning more about composting like I am, don’t miss this amazing workshop this Saturday at the Little River Market Garden. Learn all the basics for $15, plus get an exclusive tour of the Market Garden, an urban farm now offering organic CSAs. You can also stay for the Urban Oasis Project monthly vegetarian potluck following the workshop.

If you go:
What: Composting Workshop
Where: Little River Market Garden (rsvp for direcctions)
When: 5 p.m., Saturday, July 17.
How much: $15
More info: Visit the group’s facebook page or website for more information on how to sign up.

Enjoy your weekly calendar of eco-fun!

THURSDAY, JUNE 3

>Green Drinks West Palm BeachCome network with all your friends at a great location near the new waterfront off of Clematis Street. 6-8 p.m. at Pistache Bistro, 101 North Clematis Street, West Palm Beach.

>Organic Thursdays at Escopazzo: Weekly food and wine tastings at the SoBe organic Italian restaurant. Stop by between 7-9 p.m. for “We Do It Thursdays” and try 4 wines and appetizers for $20. 1311 Washington Ave.

>Tees for Trees at CAFEINA: Help the Bakehouse Art Complex get the landscape it deserves. $10 donation gets you a free cocktail. All proceeds go to BAC, a non-profit providing affordable studios, exhibition galleries, and professional development opportunities to local artists. A silent auction will feature tees created by resident BAC artists. 8 p.m. at Cafeina, 297 NE 32 St., Wynwood.

SATURDAY, JUNE 5

>Green House Tour:Lovers of good design and architecture shouldn’t miss this tour one of the first completely green houses in Dade County. Albert Harum-Alvarez -who’s running for Commissioner in District 8- and his family, will offer a tour of their energy efficient, solar-powered and environmentally-friendly home. The tour starts at 4 p.m. for design aficionados and at 5 p.m. for the curious yet less technical. Visit their site for more info and to RSVP.

>Volunteer at a local farm, then learn about permaculture: The urban farm Earth-N-Us will offer a free permaculture introduction class this Saturday in exchange of a few hours of volunteer services (note that this workshop is sometimes offered at the farm for a few hundred dollars, so the deal isn’t bad at all). Earth-N-Us is located at 7630 NE 1st Ave. Get there by 1 p.m. to complete enough volunteer hours. Email healthymarcus@gmail.com for details.

>Replenishing the kitchen: Get your weekly raw, vegan or healthy food supplies, plus buy fresh produce at the Coconut Grove Farmers Market, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., 3300 Grand Ave.

Image via mysza

Green living is about making better choices, including about what we wear – but if the tree hugging lifestyle is not particularly your call, maybe it’s time for a little eco-chic indulgence, like the 2nd Annual Go Green Fashionista Fashion Show & Shoe Drive June 18.

This eco-fashion show, benefiting the non-profit Barefoot 4 Haiti, will feature styles ranging from vintage clothing to original eco-friendly accessories and wardrobe vamping.

Some of the interesting designers will include Blooming by Inta, who specializes in creating Avant Garde pieces with newspaper, magazines and other recycled materials; and Jewelry by Catalina Mora, who uses orange peels, tagua, and coffee beans to create her accessories while having an amazing aroma to it.

You’ll be able to also sample the new Sheba Cloth Collection made from natural jute fiber grown in Bangladesh known to be rich in antioxidants and vitamin E, and 100% biodegradable.

If you go:
What: 2nd Annual Go Green Fashionista: Fashion Show & Shoe Drive for Barefoot 4 Haiti
When: 7 p.m. June 18
Where: MIA at Biscayne Ultra Lounge & Restaurant, 20 Biscayne Blvd. Miami.
More info: $10 admission. Bring gently worn or new shoes to provide footwear to the people of Haiti. Half off special drinks from 7-8 p.m. Fashion show starts at 8 p.m. More info at Soul of Miami.

Image courtesy of Fabienne Claude from Go Green Fashionista 2009

The list of fun eco-friendly weekend events has been getting longer and longer. Email me at editor@theecozine.com if you don’t see your event. Have a great weekend!

Thursday, May 27
>Green Drinks Boca/Delray: Mingle with eco professionals and locals in this green happy hour. Taste organic wines and foods while you learn how you start your company’s green team. 6:30 p.m. at 4th Generation Organic Market, 75 SE 3rd Street
Boca Raton.
>Organic Thursdays at Escopazzo: Weekly food and wine tastings at the SoBe organic Italian restaurant. Stop by between 7-9 p.m. for “We Do It Thursdays” and try 4 wines and appetizers for $20. 1311 Washington Ave.

Friday, May 28
>Free medication class: To celebrate Meditation Month, Ayama Yoga Center is offering free meditation classes and discounted packages to newbies every Friday in May. Stop by at 6 p.m. for your free class at the Ayama Yoga Center, 2624 NE 118th St., North Miami Beach.

Saturday, May 29
>Replenishing the kitchen: Get your weekly raw, vegan or healthy food supplies, plus buy fresh produce at the Coconut Grove Farmers Market, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., 3300 Grand Ave.

>Learn all about sprouting at the monthly SaveEarth potluck: The pro-vegan organization SaveEarth presents “Sprouting For Health,” a lecture to get you started on sprouting these rich, living and high-enzyme foods. Bring a vegan dish for 8 people and your own utensils. Free for members, $5 non-members. 6:15 p.m. at the Coral Gables Congregational Church, Fellowship Hall at 3010 DeSoto Blvd. Coral Gables

Sunday, May 30
>Tea ’n Sanity Health Fair: Celebrate the new address with organic food vendors, jewelry, aromatherapy, astrology, crystals, oils, and teas, plus yoga demos, Reiki, tai chi, karate, and chair massages. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Tea n’ Sanity, 12011 SW 131st Ave. 786-462-4341.

Tuesday, June 1
>Vegan Drinks Night: Bring your business cards and leave your worries for this fun, apres-work networking event! Meets 1st Tuesday of every month from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Sublime Restaurant & Bar 1431 N. Federal Hwy., Ft. Lauderdale, 954-615-1431

Image via audiinsperation

Tons of cool green events going on this weekend, starting today -cuz we know your weekend starts this early:

Wednesday, May 19
>Get fresh produce at the Roots in the City market: We’ve been alerted the market is still running despite rumors that it had closed for the season. Stop by 4-6 p.m. on the corner of NW 10th Street & 2nd Avenue.

>Join cyclists in a Ride of Silence: Show support for those killed or injured while biking during Bike Safety Month. The group will meet 6:30 p.m. at the Miami Seaquarium.

Thursday, May 20
>Get in the summer mood with this free Raw Picnic Class presented by Whole Foods. Learn how to make delicious and easy to pack raw vegan dishes. 2-3 p.m. at Whole Foods Miami Beach, 1020 Alton Rd.

>Organic Thursdays at Escopazzo: Weekly food and wine tastings at the SoBe organic Italian restaurant. Stop by between 7-9 p.m. for “We Do It Thursdays” and try 4 wines and appetizers for $20. 1311 Washington Ave.

Friday, May 21
>Free medication class: To celebrate Meditation Month, Ayama Yoga Center is offering free meditation classes and discounted packages to newbies every Friday in May. Stop by at 6 p.m. for your free class at the Ayama Yoga Center, 2624 NE 118th St., North Miami Beach.

Saturday, May 22
>Learn about local graffiti art while pedaling around town Emerge Miami brings us another Graffiti Bike Tour of Wynwood. Learn who are the artists behind the street art that has become distinctive of midtown. Meet 10 a.m. at 3501 NW 12th Ave. continue

April is gone and with it all the cool Earth-Day related events that April brought us. However, there’s still a lot of fun and environmentally friendly things to do this week.

Wedneday, April 28
>Active lifestyle networking: Join Miami Active’s monthly meeting. The group encourages the free exchange of information and ideas to promote active lifestyles and business networks. Free. 8:30 a.m., Wednesday, April 28 at Whole Foods Coral Gables, 6701 Red Road. Meets in the Lifestyle Center,

>Hear environmentalist Bill McKibben discuss his new book, “Eaarth: Making a Life on a Tough New Planet.” Believed to be one of the first to warn against climate change in his book “The End of Nature” 20 years ago, McKibben now insists that we need to acknowledge that we’ve waited too long, and that massive change is not only unavoidable but already under way. He’ll be at Books & Books in Coral Gables, 265 Aragon Ave. 8 p.m., Wednesday, April 28. Free.

>Stroll the gardens of Vizcaya under the moonlight: Don’t miss this romantic moonlight tour of the Vizcaya gardens. Enjoy live music, wine and delicious refreshments. 6:60 to 9 p.m., Wednesday, April 28. Tours leave at different intervals throughout the night. Vizcaya is located at 3251 South Miami Avenue Miami. Tickets: $15 for general admission, $10 for students, seniors and members.

Thursday, April 29
>Chilean food & wine tasting: Wanting to help Chile recover but can’t get on a plane? Support the country by supporting its cheese and wine at this free tasting. 5 to 7 p.m., Thursday, April 29. Whole Foods South Beach, 1020 Alton Rd.

>’80’s themed free yoga: SoBe Pilates is having an ’80s-themed grand opening party with MC Miss Elaine Lancaster. Stop by for free fitness demos, refreshments and raffles. 7-9 p.m., Thursday April 29. Located on 950 Arthur Godfrey Rd., Miami Beach. 305-763-8878. continue

Next Thursday, delight in organic and eco-friendly cocktails while meeting some of the up and coming green business owners in South Florida.

Green Drinks Miami has partnered with The Palms Hotel & Spa and the Everglades Foundation to celebrate Earth Day the sexy and sophisticated way only Miamians master: in an eco-stylish cocktail party and dinner by the beach.

Put on an eco-chic outfit and stop by The Palms for complimentary drinks, neck and shoulder massages, live beats by Agape, and free samples and presentations by eco-friendly companies and more.

This is the best way to learn about Green Drinks, the happy hour for green business owners and related professionals who wish to meet and network with other locals in the green industry.

The Palms is located at 3025 Collins Ave., Miami Beach. The event runs from 6 to 9 p.m. A $5 donation for the Everglades Foundation is encouraged. Hybrid and efficient cars park for free at the valet, otherwise it’s $9. For more networking time, stay for the two-course wholesome menu developed by Executive Chef Frank Jeannetti’s, which will be served for $29.

RSVP to gabriela@theagencypr.com by April 20.

Photo courtesy of pinksherbet

Earth Day-related promotions and sweepstakes are all over this year. Here are some of the sweepstakes and promotions The Ecozine compiled:

>Win a trip for two to Hawaii: Sierra Club wants to see which is the greenest State based on the number of people from each State willing to do a little more for the environment. All you have to do is agree to one of their five pledge choices such as using reusable bags for groceries, making an organic meal or biking for one trip instead of driving. Take the pledge and be automatically entered to win a trip to Hawaii for two. Looking at the interactive map, the Sunshine State doesn’t look that green at all, meaning we still need many Floridians to take the pledge. Learn more here

>Win a 9-day trip for two to Costa Rica: You might have noticed the new Whole Trade organic pineapples at Whole Foods. The grocery store recently awarded these pineapples with its own Whole Trade certification, meaning the fruits come from sustainable responsible farms and that the farmers are paid a decent wage and work in good conditions. To celebrate this, the market is sharing pineapple recipes in their site (try this fresh pineapple salsa) and is giving away a trip to Costa Rica. Sign up here.

>Win a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid dozens of energy efficient appliances: Target is giving away the Ford and more this month, including an electric scooter, a bicycle, a Clorox Greenworks home cleaning kit, a Burt’s Bees gift pack, a Kashi Klean Kanteen, a Planet Earth DVD Series and a Coca-Cola recycling bin or Coca-Cola RPET T-Shirt.Sign up here

>Win a 2011 Ford Fiesta: This month, Kellogg’s is giving away a 2011 Ford Fiesta worth $20,000. It takes a little longer to sign up because you actually have to register in their site, but it’s worth taking a efw minutes. Register here.

>Win a Ford Escape Hybrid Car: What is it with Ford and Earth Day Sweepstakes? Sprint is giving away this one. Just sign up here.

>Win $10,000 from eBay: Take eBay’s green challenge and be entered to win $10,000 worth of eBay credit. You need to open an eBay account to participate. Register here

>Win a $20,000 green home makeover: Purex, the clothes soap, is giving away this prize, along with a $1,000 daily prize. Win the home makeover by signing up here:

>Win a Ford Escape Hybrid You will need a 10-digit code from a Purina product to sign up at thePet Supplies site.

Photo courtesy of procsilas

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to watch some of the best and latest food-related documentaries, which will be screened locally as part of the Earth Month film series Let’s Re-take our Plates, organized by Whole Foods.

I’m particularly excited about No Impact Man, the documentary based on the Brooklyn family that decided to reduce their waste to the minimum for a whole year (I couldn’t drop the book). Other films include Fast Food Nation, Food. Inc, What’s on Your Plate? and The Garden, all very politically-charged films making strong arguments against the state of the food industry.

Here is the schedule:

Fast Food Nation
4:45 p.m, April 17
Cinema Paradiso
503 SE 6th Street, Ft. Lauderdale
$7

King Corn/ Big River
2:30 p.m. April 17
Cinema Paradiso
503 SE 6th Street, Ft. Lauderdale
$7

Food Inc.
2 p.m., April 18
Cinema Paradiso
503 SE 6th Street, Ft. Lauderdale
$7

The Garden
12 p.m., April 18
Cinema Paradiso
503 SE 6th Street, Ft. Lauderdale
$7

Food Inc.
5 p.m., April 19
Cobb Theater
11701 Lake Victoria Gardens Avenue, Palm Beach Gardens
$5

No Impact Man
7 p.m., April 19
Coral Gables Congregational Church
3010 De Soto Blvd., Coral Gables
$5

What’s on Your Plate?
5 p.m. April 20
Cobb Theater
11701 Lake Victoria Gardens Avenue, Palm Beach Gardens
$5

Fast Food Nation
5 p.m., April 21
Cobb Theater
11701 Lake Victoria Gardens Avenue, Palm Beach Gardens
$5

The Garden
8 p.m., April 21
Miami Beach Cinematheque
512 Espanola Way, Miami Beach
$10

End of the Line
5 p.m. April 22,
Cobb Theater
11701 Lake Victoria Gardens Avenue, Palm Beach Gardens
$5

Food Inc.
7:30 p.m., April 23
Temple Bet Shira
7500 SW 120th Street, Miami
$5

Visit the Let’s Re-take our Plates site for more information

The number of Earth Day events in South Florida grows every year, but that’s no excuse to miss any of them. Here’s a list of South Florida Earth Day 2010 events.

If you don’t see an event, please e-mail me at editor@theecozine.com

LET’S RE-TAKE OUR PLATES FILM SERIES
WHEN: April 10-23
WHERE: Locations across South Florida
WHY: This is your best chance to watch some of the best and newest documentaries showcasing what really goes into your food and how much damage we’re doing to our planet. Documentaries include No Impact Man, The Garden, Food Inc,
ADMISSION: $5-$7
MORE INFO: Click here to read more on the film series

EARTH DAY EVERYDAY
WHEN: Saturday April 17
TIME: 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, 3109 E. Sunrise Blvd. Ft. Lauderdale.
WHY: Speakers all day and booths with great, local environmentalists and conservationists.
ADMISSION: regular park admission, $6/ car, $2/ pedestrian
MORE INFO: click here

EARTH MIAMI ON JUNGLE ISLAND
WHEN: April 17-18
WHERE:1111 Parrot Jungle Trail, Miami.
WHY: Two-day festival commemorates Earth Day with eco-tours a local horticulturist, recycle animal sculpture display by South Florida schools, interactive eco-conscious activities and stations
ADMISSION: $20 when you bring a can or bottle to recycle
MORE INFO: Call (305) 400-7000‎ or visit www.JungleIsland.com

THE FALLS’ “GO GREEN” EXPO
WHEN: Saturday, April 17
TIME: 1-5 p.m. The Little Planet Helper’s Club from 2-4 p.m.
WHERE: The Falls’ Center Court, U.S. 1 and SW 136th Street.
WHY: Expo will showcase various businesses that will educate families about the importance of keeping the environment clean.
ADMISSION: Free
MORE INFO:Call 305-255-4571

EARTHFEST 2010
WHEN: Sunday, April 18th,
TIME: 12 to 6 p.m.
WHERE: Crandon Park Visitors & Biscayne Nature Center, 6767 Crandon Blvd. Key Biscayne.
WHY: Celebrates 40th anniversary of Earth Day. Includes performances by Expand the Love and hands-on nature workshops on organic gardening, every child outdoors, raw food preparation, yoga and deep ecology. Must bring concert blanket or portable chair.
ADMISSION: regular park entrance, $6/ person
MORE INFO: Call 305-323-8858 or click here

GREEN DRINKS SOUTH FLORIDA
WHEN: Thursday, April 22
TIME: 6:30 to 10 p.m.
WHERE: Boca Raton Resort and Country Club
WHY: This is a black-tie event with a green-tie flair. Network with green business owners, enjoy an ECO fashion show, watch the ECO lifestyle awards, and have a delicious organic buffet dinner.
ADMISSION: $125
MORE INFO: www.southfloridagreendrinks.org

MIAMI GOING GREEN
WHEN: Saturday, April 24
TIME: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
WHERE: Bayfront Park, 301 Biscayne Blvd, Miami
WHY: The team onboard the Bahamas to U.S. Solar-Powered Crossing expedition will arrive to Bayfront Park. Also, dozens of local vendors and green organizations will be there.
ADMISSION: free
MORE INFO: Click here

Image courtesy of flyingsinger

The Fertile Earth Foundation has been doing a lot lately, including starting a composting program with the City of Miami and getting some South Beach hotels to participate in it and compost their food waste.

The non-profits’ latest endeavor: a beer making class in collaboration with the Earth N’ Us Farm, which will take place this weekend at the farm.

“From Seeds to Suds, an Introduction to Homebrewing” is the best way for beer lovers who were always curious about brewing to get down and dirty. The class is also great for Miami’s locavores who sometimes wonder how to live the lifestyle without sacrificing the taste.

The class will cover many things, including:

• What equipment do I need in order to brew my own beer from home?
• What ingredients do I use to make beer?
o What other flavors can I add to my beer?
• How long does fermentation really take?
• Why and how is beer carbonated?

If you go:

WHAT: Beer making class
WHERE: Earth N’ US, 7630 NE 1st Ave
WHEN: Sunday, March 21, 2010 from 1to 5 p.m.
HOW MUCH: $45 now through March 20, $55 thereafter.
MORE INFO: Fertile Earth Foundation events

Photo courtesy of Trico741

Cities across the globe will celebrate Coastal Cleanup Day Sept. 19, and South Florida is not staying behind.

Why it’s important to cleanup the shore? The list of reasons could be endless.

Think of all the plastic bags, bottles and other garbage that end up in the ocean every year (read this if you haven’t heard about the Pacific Garbage Patch), or the chemicals that our garbage releases into the water (which by the way come back to us in the fish we eat) or the harm we cause to the ecosystem when animals confuse trash for food and end up intoxicating if not choking on it.

Oceans already receive enough mercury from the coal and other industries, which has become a worldwide concern, and the leftovers from someone’s day at the beach shouldn’t add to it.

Remember how Florida advertises having the longest shoreline in the nation? Let’s keep it clean. On Sept. 19, do your (future) children and grandchildren a favor and come out to help cleanup our beautiful shore.

Here are some of the organizations that will be doing cleanups that day. I’ll update the list as I hear from more organizations. Do you know of other organizations planning a cleanup? I’d love to read your comments.

MIAMI:

Miami-Dade Coastal Cleanup:It will have volunteers in more than 30 locations across the County. Registration is required. Check here for a location close to you. As if helping save the marine life weren’t enough, there will be an after party for volunteers at the Miami Seaquarium.
Visit www.miamidadecoastalcleanup.org for more information.

Environmental Coalition of Miami Beach: In addition to their monthly Monument Island cleanups, on Sept. 19, ECOMB is also having a cleanup of Teacher’s Island. Kayaks will be available at no cost for the Monument Island cleanup, which will add to the fun. You need to register no later than 48 hours before the event.Visit www.ecomb.org for more information.

Friends of Virginia Key: Friends of Virginia Key can help clean up the Key at three locations: Hobie Beach, Windsurfer Beach and Marine Stadium. After the cleanup, join Friends of Virginia Key and other groups in an alternate BYOS (bring your own sandwich) mixer at the Virginia Key Beach Park picnic area. Visit: www.virginiakeybeachpark.net for more information.

BROWARD:

Broward County Biological Resources Division: Volunteers will help cleanup coastal areas throughout the county. Pre-registration necessary. For more information visit www.broward.org/bio/coastalcleanup_announcement.htm.

PALM BEACH:

Keep Palm Beach County Beautiful Inc.: Volunteers will clean sites from Boca Raton to Tequesta and will receive free t-shirts (while supplies last) to commemorate the event and their efforts. For more info visit www.keeppbcbeautiful.org/fcc2009.htm.

Photo by Rene Ehrhardt

If you missed last month’s screening of Food, Inc., Robert Kenner’s exposé on the food industry’s unethical practices, you have three nights in a row to watch it this month. The Environmental Coalition of Miami Beach is sponsoring the screenings Aug. 21-23 at the Miami Beach Cinematheque.

In Food, Inc., Kenner lifts the veil on our nation’s food industry, exposing the highly mechanized underbelly that has been hidden from the American consumer with the consent of our government’s regulatory agencies, USDA and FDA. Our nation’s food supply is now controlled by a handful of corporations that often put profit ahead of consumer health, the livelihood of the American farmer, the safety of workers and our own environment.

The documentary features interviews with experts such as Eric Schlosser (Fast Food Nation), Michael Pollan (The Omnivore’s Dilemma, In Defense of Food: An Eater’s Manifesto) along with forward thinking social entrepreneurs like Stonyfield’s Gary Hirshberg and Polyface Farms’ Joel Salatin, Food, Inc.

Attend Friday’s screening for an introduction and Q&A with a TBA expert.

If you go:
What: Food, Inc. screening
When: 7 p.m., Aug. 21, 22 & 23.
Where: Miami Beach Cinematheque, 512 Espanola Way, South Beach.
Tickets: $10 regular admission; $7 for students, seniors and members.
More info: 305-673-4567 or www.mbcinema.com