i-tees

Lately with the iPhone, iTouch, Kindle and other assorted gadgets available, I’ve been thinking a lot about the gadgets that start piling up around and in drawers, and whether we’re being environmentally friendly.

Each time a new computer, gadget or phone comes out, we’re all eager to see them, buy them and use them, but what happens to the older models we already have. I have an older Apple desktop computer in the corner collecting dust and I’ve always thought, it’s my back up just in case these two explode someday, (which probably will never happen, because they’re also Apple…) but actually I would probably never turn it on because the software is now outdated. I also have an older scanner, and probably a few old cell phones in some drawer. Time to figure what to do with them… donate the Apple computer and scanner or look into a company that recycles parts.

Recently, I switched from Directv to Verizon FIOS and when I asked Directv what to do with the two old boxes and remotes, they had no real plan. They do not collect them or try to recycle them, which I thought was such a waste. They told me they belonged to me, I sure don’t understand this. They suggested I put them up on ebay. Are they kidding? Who’s going to buy this old equipment and for what, $5?

I do love the idea that by loading up my iPod Touch, I’m not buying paper books, plastic/paper containers of music or have to carry a laptop or portfolio, everything is stored within or I can connect via wifi. But to be honest, I really prefer reading a book with pages that I can hold with both hands, the same goes for a magazine.

I’m always concerned about being eco-friendly and spend more time reading blogs and websites so I can purchase less newspaper and  magazines, but perhaps it’s time to revisit the local public library. I haven’t been there in a while and it would be a much better way to read some of the latest or current books without buying them and adding even more books to my overloaded shelves.

I just came across two extraordinary websites and had to share. Maya Lin has created art and architecture, an amazing body of work that includes large-scale site-specific installations, intimate studio artworks and memorials.

Her latest and last memorial is called, “What is Missing?“ The mission of this Foundation is to bring awareness to the public about the present sixth mass extinction of species as well as emphasize that by preventing deforestation, we can reduce carbon emissions and protect species and habitats.

“The project proposes that we look at a memorial not as a singular static object, but as a work that can exist in several forms and in multiple sites. These formats include permanent Listening Cones placed at select science institutions, smaller site-specific sound and media installations, and more…”

Through Saturday, May 30th: What is Missing? by Maya Lin, presented by Creative Time, can be seen on a high definition 44 1/2 HD screen located on Broadway between 44th and 45th streets, in NYC. For those who cannot make it to Times Square, the video can viewed on the website.

The website itself is wonderfully designed and has innovative animated programming. I played the sounds over and over… and viewed the other links and content, then I went to the artists personal site and was thrilled to see yet another outstanding website. Clever ideas in viewing her galleries and the overall navigation.

Please visit these sites, view the work, listen to the sounds and read about the causes!

What is Missing?

Maya Lin

Yesterday was such a glorious day, the perfect day for an Earth Day Festival! Not a cloud in the sky, 65-70 and a slight breeze, fabulous.

Mary Jo, my business partner for our cause, FROGS ARE GREEN and I, packed up some giveaways and headed over to Liberty State Park. Our plan was to meet some of the other organizations as well as pass out postcards and wristbands to as many people as we could. We were thrilled to see thousands of people, young and old, and knew right away we hadn’t brought enough materials. Nevertheless, we gave out all we had and lots of kids smiled at the cute frog postcard and loved the bright green, eco-friendly wristbands. Folks stopped by and asked questions about frogs, and our cause.

We’ve already ordered more postcards and will tackle the Hoboken Arts & Music Festival next Saturday, May 2. Come out and meet us…

Tents at Liberty State Park, Earth Day Festival 2010