For Purple Mountain's Majesty: The Smokies in Peril
Recently the National Parks Conservation Association released its 11th State of the Parks report which details threats to America's top ten most endangered National Parks. For the 6th year in a row, Great Smoky Mountain National Park is on that list. Over nine million people visit the Smokies each year, making it the most visited national park. But according to the report, the park, and the rich bio-diversity within, is threatened by air pollution, underfunding, invasive species and encroaching development. Since 1990 the park has had more than 280 ozone violations, and in 2002 only southern California and southeast Texas had more days where the ozone exceeded federal standards. Non-native pests and diseases are killing Fraser firs, hemlocks, dogwoods, butternuts and beech trees in the park's forests. And the NPCA fears that it is likely firs and hemlocks may disappear completely if the infes tations continue. Visit www.npca.org read the full report and find out how you can help.

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Pitch it Here: Collective Good Partners with Earth Share for Cell Phone Recycling
As cell phone technology changes rapidly, cell phone users are eager to trade in for the latest new gadget. Unfortunately, an estimated 130 million cell phones will end up in US landfills or incinerators each year, leaching tons of toxic waste. In fact a new study at the University of Florida funded by the EPA says that mobile phones and other mobile devices often release enough lead to be classified as hazardous waste under federal law. Recycling cell phones is a simple concept, but is rarely utilized--currently only about 1 percent of used phones are recycled. Collective Good hopes to change that by making cell phone recycling accessible and profitable for all involved. Collective Good works with about 300 charities that collect the phones and return them to Collective Good for a share of the profits. Earth Share of Georgia has recently partnered with Collect ive Good to recycle phones and reap some of the rewards. You can say 'no' to toxic waste and say 'yes' to supporting Earth Share by recycling your used phone the next time you stop in for a cup of joe at San Francisco Coffee House on North Highland Avenue in Atlanta. (More great locations to come. For more information on how the program works visit www.collectivegood.com.

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Roll Out the Green Carpet: Chemical-Free Lawn Care Tips
Want to reduce your eco-footprint? Consider going organic on your lawn this summer. There are 30 million acres of lawn (and counting) across the U.S. and according to the EPA, each of those lawns consumes about 10,000 gallons of water each year over and above rainfall. In 1999, there were 78 million pounds of insecticides, herbicides and fungicides purchased by consumers in the US--and that doesn't even include professional applications. As the saying goes, "we all live downstream." However, there are plenty of ways to keep your lawn green through and through that require little more than compost, organic fertilizer, a little patience and a willingness to pull an occasional weed. For priceless tips on creating an organic lawn visit the websites of National Audubon Society and National Wildlife Federation.

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Earth Day in Review
Three decades after the first Earth Day was established, Earth Day Georgia carries on the tradition by inspiring thousands of citizens and business leaders throughout the state to do just one simple thing to help our environment on Earth Day. This year, with the help of over 100 dedicated volunteers, Earth Share of Georgia organized a series of events that grossed $96,000 for conservation efforts in Georgia and encouraged volunteerism, environmental leadership and celebration of the communities where we live, work and play. Thanks to presenting sponsors Green Street Properties, The Coca-Cola Company and Whole Foods Market, for making Earth Day Georgia 2004 possible. Visit Earth Share's homepage for links to photo galleries from Green Day, the Earth Day Leadership Breakfast, Party in the Park and more!

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A Note From Earth Share of Georgia's New Executive Director Richard Judy
A scant two weeks into my new job at ESGA, I've already attended the Earth Share national conference as well as local and national board meetings, not to mention the time I've spent with the ESGA staff and some of the member groups. My head is spinning with information overload, but it's crystal clear that the staff is phenomenal and that the members of ESGA are a great resource for Georgia's environmental future. I've spent much of my adult life volunteering for environmental education, conservation and advocacy. Now, after three decades in corporate PR (for an oil company, no less!), I find myself on the not-for-profit side -- a professional greenie! I hope that my "for profit" perspective will help to crack through the wall of corporate giving. I look forward to help from all of you as I attempt to continue the momentum working with Elicia and Annie, two great staffer s. I extend best wishes to Mike and Polly as they move on. Also, I extend compliments to my predecessor Alice Rolls, a true environmental champion, who recently received Earth Share's Earl Blauner Award for professional achievement. Best of luck to her in her new endeavors. In the near future, I look forward to meeting as many of the people associated with ESGA as possible. Please call or email me if you have any questions or suggestions, 404-873-3173, richard@earthsharega.org.

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If you think the summer heat is making YOU thirsty, imagine how Atlanta's trees feel! Due to lower than average rainfall, Trees Atlanta seeks volunteers to help water and maintain young trees from June through October. Trees Atlanta also hosts volunteer tree care projects every Saturday from 9:00 AM-Noon in in-town neighborhoods and around parks and schools. Please contact Andy Kramb, andy@treesatlanta.org or call 404-522-4097.

Follow these links to volunteer opportunities with other Earth Share Member Groups:

Georgia Wildlife Federation

Sierra Club

Chattahoochee Nature Center

Elachee Nature Science Center

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A perfect summer day is when the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, the birds are singing, and the lawn mower is broken. --James Dent

Got Fleas?
Chances are if you live in Georgia and own a pet the answer is 'yes'. The little buggers don't die easily either. You have to kill them, their eggs and their larvae throughout your home and yard which may require multiple treatments--and some pretty nasty toxics. Below are some natural alternatives; a kindler, gentler bug killer, if you will:
•Citrus oil, often in the form of the extract d-limonene, is a common ingredient in natural pesticides that can kill fleas on contact. Another is pyrethrin, derived from chrysanthemums, which paralyzes fleas' nervous systems. Others include borax and salt, which dehydrates fleas; and soaps which suffocate and drown them.
•Garlic and nutritional yeast can be added to your pet's food. It produces a body odor that repels pests. A daily teaspoon of apple cider vinegar is another natural remedy.
•Vacuum rugs and furniture regularly during flea season.
•Tuck cedar blocks or herbal sachets bet ween the cushion of upholstered furniture. Some herbal powders can be sprinkled in bedding area to repel fleas and ticks.
•Use cedar-filled bedding for animals, available at most pet supply stores. Bed covers should be laundered weekly during flea season.
•In the yard, try spreading beneficial nematodes--tiny worms that infect and kill flea larvae. They can eliminate more than 90% of larvae in 24 hours following the first application. You can order nematodes online from specialty nurseries like
Arbico-Organics.com

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Ah, summer, what power you have to make us suffer and like it. -- Russel Baker

"Made in the Shade: How Urban Trees Improve Air Quality" on Thursday, July 15, 2004--
Trees Atlanta, the Clean Air Campaign, Cool Communities, Georgia Environmental Council, Georgia Forestry Commission, Georgia Urban Forest Council and P2AD invite you to "Made in the Shade: How Urban Trees Improve Air Quality" on Thursday, July 15, 2004 from 8:30 AM - Noon at the Capitol Education Center (180 Central Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30303). This summit features Maury Estes, Urban & Environmental Planner of NASA's Global Hydrology and Climate Center; David Nowak, PhD, USDA Forest Service; and Michael Rodgers, PhD, Director of the Air Quality Laboratory at the Georgia Tech School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences. Michael Halicki of The Clean Air Campaign will moderate a Q & A session following the presentations. Please RSVP by July 9 to Susan Reisch, Urban & Community Forestry Coordinator, Georgia Forestry Commission, 678-476-6227, sreisch@gfc.state.ga.us

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There is a pleasure in the pathless woods, There is a rapture on the lonely shore, There is society, where none intrudes, By the deep Sea, and music in its roar I love not Man the less, but Nature more. -- Lord Byron