michellefrey

Fans and eager readers waited in long lines at bookstores in the middle of the night and children all across the world are staying up way past their bedtimes to read the latest Harry Potter book. And, I am just as excited about the final book as everyone else.

But, I’m not excited to find out what happens to Harry and his friends (I must admit I don’t know the difference between a muggle and a hogwart).  I’m excited because the publisher of the book, Scholastic, finally agreed to print the book with a “forest friendly” policy.

This is HUGE news—since the book sold 8.3 millions copies in just 24 hours here in the United States. That’s a lot of paper and a lot of trees to make the paper!

Readers will be happy to know that the greener “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” contains a minimum of 30% post-consumer waste (pcw) fiber, and nearly two-thirds of the paper will be approved by the Forest Stewardship Council.

As deforestation and global climate change take their toll on our planet’s struggling ecosystems—it is uplifting to know that “we” as consumers have the power to change the course of the future. By demanding forest friendly books, driving energy efficient cars (not gas-guzzling SUVs), and bringing our own canvas bags shopping we can set in motion positive changes that will help our future.

This weekend, I just may pop into my local library and pick up one of the Harry Potter books to see what all the hype is about. If Harry can go Green—I can learn why Voldemort is so scary.

Hey everyone, I’m the newest member of the Greenpeace family working out of the Washington, DC office. I have made it through my first week and have to say that I am loving it here. To celebrate, I’ve put together my very own top ten list. If David Letterman can put together a top ten list – why can’t I?

Top Ten Things I learned my first week at Greenpeace:

10. Steller sea lions are still in trouble. And, even though they are “stellar” creatures, that isn’t how you spell their name.

9. There are solar panels on the roof of our building—I’m told they are used to heat up our water supply. Pretty cool!

8. Digg This and De.Li.Cious aren’t just groovy terms from the 70s, they are actual social networking websites. Who knew?

7. Everything leaks—secrets from the new Harry Potter book and nuclear power plants are examples of how leaks can occur even when everyone tries their “very best” to ensure that they won’t.

6. There are a lot of Vegetarians working here—as a vegetarian myself, I feel I’m in good company!

5. Now I don't feel obligated to stop and fill out the Greenpeace canvasser’s surveys on every corner, I can just tell them I too work for Greenpeace.

4. I better start exercising more – my co-workers enjoy sharing yummy baked goods.  So far this week, I have had vegan banana bread with chocolate chips, donuts and brownies.

3. Project Hot Seat is an awesome on-the ground and in-communities campaign to stop global warming.

2. Greenpeace has 5 ships. The biggest, Esperanza, is in the Bering Sea conducting scientific surveys of and working with native Alaskan communities to push for sustainable fishing practices. And, there is a live web cam on the ship where you can check out views from the deck without getting sea sick.

1.  From students to activists and volunteers—there are so many energetic and passionate people trying to save the planet. And, it’s infectious!

Whew – there’s my list. Keep up the good work, everyone!