It’s true – in the future, you may actual gas up with a fuel that comes from seaweed or microscopic organisms that float in the ocean.  University of New Haven is in the midst of a research project that is pulling algae from Long Island Sound to test its potential to be turned into a biofuel.  I spent a day at sea with lead researcher and marine biologist Dr. Carmela Cuomo, her grad students, and a group of high school students who attend marine-focused high schools along Connecticut’s shoreline.  They’ve been pulling samples from the Sound, feeding them nutrients in their lab to create “super algae,” and testing them to see which would make the best biofuel. 

Dr. Carmela Cuomo analyzes algae data

Biofuels are created from lipids – the fat content – that are present in the algae (and any other fuel “source” – think corn, switch grass, kelp- all being tested in various labs across the country).  The lipids are extracted, then treated and turned into a fuel that could be used with a diesel engine.  Very cool.  And it all really makes sense.  Especially when you consider that the petroleum we drill for in the sea is actually made from ancient algae (or phytoplankton) that’s calcified over thousands of centuries.  In the words of Dr. Cuomo, with this project, “we’re just short-circuiting the process.”  Cuomo and crew will be pulling samples from the Sound through the end of the summer.   They will determine this Fall which algae is more productive as a biofuel.
You can watch the story in my Treading Lightly report.

Treading Lightly on CPTV's All Things Connecticut

In my research for the Treading Lightly segments on All Things Connecticut, my final piece featured a Fairfield medical practice that offers Ayurvedic Medicine. This is an ancient form of medicine founded in India. It falls under the umbrella of Naturopathy – an alternative form of medicine that relies on natural remedies and the body’s ability to heal itself (no synthetic drugs here). The Institute of Ayurvedic and Naturopathic Therapies is run by two doctors, who also happen to be married. The Drs. Kaushik have the only practice of its kind in Connecticut and is one of only a dozen nationwide. They say clientele is growing – they’re seeing people who travel from as far away as New Jersey and Maine.

The basic principle of Ayurveda, which means the science of life, is that there are essentially three body types: vata (people who are thin and hyperactive), pita (people who are medium built and energetic), and kapha (people who tend to be overweight and sluggish). These body types dictate the diet and exercise program that works best to restore and maintain optimum health. So there’s an emphasis on nutrition as well as eliminating the toxins that build up in a person’s system – the result of stress. Some of the therapies offered include saunas, enemas, and an ancient oil drip that involves warm oil being poured on the head (this looked like some form of Chinese water torture to me, but the woman undergoing the therapy swears by it).

While I was there, I met two patients who have spent years on maintenance medication and were just fed up with how those synthetic drugs impacted their moods and energy levels. With the acknowledgment of their traditional medical doctors, they embarked on a program to wean themselves off the drugs. Both say they enjoy the natural approach to medicine that the Institute offers.

Let me be perfectly clear here, no one is advocating the denial of Western medicine when there’s an emergency or a required surgery. Ayurvedic Medicine focuses on maintaining a general level of wellness so instead of relying on outside medication, it teaches people non-invasive, non-toxic ways to heal themselves. It also stresses the mind-body connection when it comes to chronic illnesses. And really, who can deny the fact that a positive outlook wields instrinsic healing powers?

In the words of one of the patients at the practice the day I was there, Eastern medicine counts its successes in thousands of years…modern medicine dates back to the 17th Century.
You can watch my story by clicking on the following link: http://www.cptv2.org/allthingsct/treading-lightly/institute-ayurvedic-and-naturopathic-treatments

So it’s finally happening.  I’m up and blogging.  I’ve been anticipating this for awhile because I have so much going on!

First and foremost, I’m working on my new show  “Shades of Green: New England” which features the most inspiring, passionate, authentic business owners you will ever meet!  Their mission: to set new industry standards doing the business that they love without leaving an impact on the Earth.  So here’s an example:  Day and Alison from GG2G, “Green Goods to Give and to Get”  (see below with baby Sophie – who’s actually more of a toddler these days).  They design funky handbags, belts, and headbands from used billboards.  Yes, those heavy-duty vinyl advertisements (Dunkin’ Donuts and Saab are big requests)  that line the highways –  turned into the coolest bags you’ve ever seen.  And they’re always looking for ways to keep other big items out  of the landfill by finding a use for them in their designs.  They’ve developed something of a reputation for this and people drop off  all sorts of materials at their store:  sailcloth (from actual sailboats), inner tubes from bicycles, even event banners – stuff that would otherwise wind up in a dumpster ends up on Day and Alison’s “drafting table” – incorporated into a chic new bag.

Day, Alison and Sophie from GG2G

Henry and Lisa Lovejoy of EcoFish

You will soon be able to meet these environmental pioneers when “Shades of Green: New England” launches.

The business owners I’ll introduce you to all share one thing in common: at some point in their business plan, they put “planet before profits.”  This is a recurring theme in the companies I’ll be profiling.  You will also be able to embrace this philosophy by wearing my new t-shirts.  Stay tuned for information on how to get one and what “green” cause a portion of the proceeds will support.