I doubt the Romanian Ministry of Tourism was expecting the unveiling of its new identity to be so deeply scandalous. But that’s what happens when you establish an international brand around a glorified stock image. It all started innocently with an attempt at representing the lush, green landscape of the European nation. “Explore the Carpathian
Read MoreLeaf of the Day, No. 54, Growth Force
If you consider yesterday’s leaf, Growth Energy, to be the head of the beast, then today’s leaf, Growth Force, would be the rest of the body. That’s because Growth Force is the gathering place for the greater population in the agriculture industry. Under the Growth Force name, the biggest executives and smallest farmers alike unite
Read MoreLeaf of the Day, No. 53, Growth Energy
The ethanol industry relies heavily on subsidies to compete with foreign oil. So, the possibility of ethanol tax credits expiring is stirring the industry into frenzy. The federal government is growing tired of supporting the ethanol industry while it tries to sustain itself. In the beginning, ethanol attracted favor as an immediate, viable energy option.
Read MoreLeaf of the Day, No. 52, FAIRTRADE
We buy boatloads (literally) of foreign products because they are so darn cheap. The problem with that is that they are so darn cheap. It’s true, the upside is also the downside. There’s just not enough money to pay those who deserve it. Our addiction to cheap products takes advantage of foreign producers. Injustices like
Read MoreLeaf of the Day, No. 51, Cal Poly Organic Farm
As a life long city-slicker with little or no experience in farming (save for the occasional childhood tractor rides), it may be a bit unusual that I’m so fascinated with organic agriculture. But there is something to be said about getting your hands dirty, connecting with Mother Earth and, of course, getting to eat the
Read MoreLeaf of the Day, No. 50, Warped Tour Eco Initiative
Today is our 50th Leaf of the Day. We’re going strong with no signs of slowing down. After all, we’ve only really grazed the tip of the iceberg. Here we are, right in the thick of the summer music festival season, a time when hoards of concert-goers descend upon outdoor venues across the country. As
Read MoreLeaf of the Day, No. 49, Honda Insight
When Honda wanted to give Toyota a kick in the pants, it unveiled the 2010 Hybrid Insight at a price that is about $2,000 lower than Toyota’s ringer, the Prius. To Honda’s credit, the Insight seems to match up to the Prius’s features quite well even with a lower price tag. I recently read a
Read MoreLeaf of the Day, No. 48, Kiva
In 2006, Muhammed Yunus was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his and the Grameen Bank’s efforts to empower the rural poor in Bangladesh through micro-finance. It was a monumental decision that highlighted a paradigm shift in the minds of many. Most economic aide is delivered to larger organizations with the hope that it trickles
Read MoreLeaf of the Day, No. 47, Rural Learning Center
There’s an excitement around Rural Learning Center in small town of Howard, SD that cannot be ignored. Rural Learning Center came about as the result of a grassroots movement to revitalize Howard. With growing momentum, RLC has evolved into an organization that represents the progress of an entire region. It’s a true rags to riches
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