Come see us!

The Heights-Hillcrest Regional Chamber of Commerce (HRCC) will hold its 14th annual Business Expo today from 3:00-7:00 p.m. at Executive Caterers at Landerhaven. Oft-praised as the region’s most powerful business-to-business networking event, HRCC’s Business Expo offers an unparalleled opportunity to create relationships and build business with 1,000 peers both offering and seeking quality products and services. A business card is required for admission.

New this year is a special focus on Sustainability in Action, featuring HRCC members, vendors, and community partners whose operations, products, and/or services contribute to the evolving creation of a sustainable Northeast Ohio. And yes, Balanced Living will be there.
Expo attendees are encouraged BRING CLEAN, DRY PAPER (newspaper, catalogs, magazines, office & computer paper etc.) PLASTICS (#1-#7), and ALUMINUM CANS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ON-SITE RECYCLING DRIVE, coordinated by HRCC member and Expo sponsor Jakprints. Attendees who contribute recyclables will be entered into a drawing for a fantastic gift basket full of delights courtesy of HRCC's active members, including wine from Marchetti Company. "The more recyclables you bring, the more raffle tickets you'll get!" says Jakprints owner Dameon Guess. "We're making it easy and fun for everyone to do their part."

For more HRCC Business Expo information, please call the HRCC office, (216) 397-7322.

Gone with the Wind

Our nation’s dependence on fossil fuels could be gone, if we would only use the wind. In a surprising take, oil and gas executive T. Boone Pickens said the nation could reduce its dependence on imported oil by 38 percent if it used natural gas to power cars and trucks instead of generating electricity. Part of his plan would involve developing solar and wind power, but would also include generating more power using nuclear plants (which obviously comes with its own set of problems.)

“If wind plays a bigger part, and you bring solar on, and you take natural gas being used in electricity generation and move it to transportation, then you reduce the imports we need by 38 percent,” Pickens said. “That is huge. There hasn’t been anyone yet who’s come up with a similar plan.”

The state of Ohio is also looking to wind power for a sustainable future. The otherwise imperfect energy bill—filled with compromises—due to be signed by Gov. Strickland this week, requires utility companies to begin generating a portion of their power with wind, solar and other renewable technologies. Wind turbine installers have promised to rush into the Buckeye state after the bill becomes law, because opportunities here will be extensive, according to news reports.

Quote for the Weekend

"Repetition and ritual and their good results come in many forms. Changing the filter, wiping noses, washing dishes, checking the dipstick –– don't let yourself think these are distracting you from your more serious pursuits. Such a round of chores is not a set of difficulties we hope to escape so that we may do our 'practice' which will put us on a "path" -- it is our path."

-- Gary Snyder

Buying Green

A February 2008 survey sponsored by DoubleClick found that 60% of US adults who make online purchases say that it is very or extremely important to them that a company is environmentally conscious. Almost half of those who make online purchases said they specifically search for environmentally-friendly products at least some of the time.

More importantly, 45% of respondents who make online purchases said they would pay at least 5% more for a product that is promoted with environmentally-friendly attributes. An additional 22% were willing to pay at least 10% more. And 38% of respondents said the most attractive type of environmentally-conscious marketing focused on specific user benefits such as saving money on bills or products lasting longer.

Specific environmental benefits were a distant second, cited by 21% of those surveyed as the most attractive type of environmentally-friendly marketing.

At Balanced Living, we're doing our own survey on products and services. Please take the survey here.

Patient-Centered Care

Balanced Living enjoys a great partnership with Mind Body Spirit Connection. We will make it a point to get the word out about any event they are planning. To that ends, don't miss:

Patient-Centered Care: Learn about exciting transformation in northeastern Ohio as hospitals implement a patient-centered focus.

Speakers: Jeanette Michalak, Planetree, Director of Consultation; Michelle Cameron, RN; Cleveland Clinic, Program Manager or Nursing Wellness

Where: Wellington Catering, 777 Alpha Drive, Highland Heights (just west of I-271 off Wilson Mills Road)

Date: Aug 28, 08

Time: 5:30 pm Registration & Exhibitor Displays

Cost: $30 MBSC/AHMA members, medical students, seniors; $35 non-members; $20 program only.

Happy Earth Day

We think it's good karma that the redesign of our print magazine, relaunch of our web site, and the debut of our blog are all happening around Earth Day. Over the years, Earth Day has become almost a national holiday, with much excitement, many live events and massive media coverage. Balanced Living was proud to be part of Earthfest, The Earth Day Coalition's live event at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo this past Saturday. This local event does much to shine a light on sustainable living and best practices for an earth-centered lifestyle. What did you do to celebrate Earth Day?

Welcome!

Welcome to the new Balanced Living blog. We are pleased to begin publishing this blog in association with the relaunch of our web site. Come back often for local news, national commentary, updates, information, events, opportunities, magazine information, rumors, tips, advice, humor and much more. Balanced Living is Northeast Ohio's premier holistic health, body/mind/spirit, and sustainable-living resource.