richlayers

Heather sent me a picture of the dress I'm wearing to her wedding at the end of June. I think this is the color we picked too, if I remember correctly, but it might be a slightly bolder red.



So. That's pretty much what I'll look like!

Okay, I'd be satisfied just with a copy of Pete's Dragon.

That's right, it's still Earth week. In fact if you take it literally it is always Earth week; every day is Earth day because, well, where else are you going to go? Until I see you camping out on Mars you might as well just get on the Earth day train.

You are here:


My mom put a coffee shop into her library. There's a $.25 discount on any drink if you bring your own cup. Earth friendly!

And some things that you can buy that are better for the planet than that stuff you normally buy:

Earth Friendly Products gives you an honest-to-goodness, power-packed
clean – without toxins, petrochemicals, bleach, ammonia, phosphates or
other harmful ingredients.

If you're looking for sustainably produced furniture, natural textiles, hemp twine, or eco-fashion, take a look at Earth Friendly Goods.

So enjoy your planet!

Dear Rachel,

Thank you for your story to our magazine, but unfortunately it isn't quite right for Fantasy. We hope that you continue trying, however, and look forward to many more submissions.

all the best,
Cat and Sean

Fantasy Magazine
www.fantasy-magazine.com

Yeah, let's just call it Earth Week! One day isn't enough! So make sure to turn out the lights when you aren't in the room!

This one is for the folks in Kansas, although check around, your state might be doing something similar!

____________________

Appliance Roundup to Help Families Give "Energy Hogs" the Boot--New Statewide Initiative to Reduce Energy Consumption, Lower Utility Costs for Homeowners and Renters--

Topeka, KS - Helping Kansas families cut energy consumption and reduce utility costs is the goal of a new statewide initiative launched by Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC). The Residential Appliance
Replacement Program allows income-eligible homeowners and renters to replace old, energy-hungry and unsafe appliances with new, energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly models.

"Installing energy-efficient appliances is one of the best ways to lower a household's energy costs," said Gary Allsup, KHRC Executive Director. "Kansas Housing is pleased to help families save both energy and money."

Cost savings from replacing outdated appliances can be substantial. While exact energy use depends on the particular model number, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that simply replacing a 20-year-old refrigerator with an ENERGY STAR qualified model will save roughly 700 kWh of electricity or more annually.

A total of $4 million in Low-Income Energy Assistance monies is available to fund the appliance replacement program. Financial assistance is available on a first-come, first serve basis. The program begins immediately; however, once funding runs out, the program will end.

To be eligible for the program, the applicant household's Adjusted Gross Income must not exceed 75 percent of the state median income. Income guidelines are as follows:

INCOME RESTRICTIONS

1 person_____$27,247
2 persons____$35,630
3 persons____$44,014
4 persons____$52,397

KHRC will review applications for program eligibility and certify that the applicant's household income meets program guidelines.

Appliances eligible for replacement include refrigerators, water heaters, heating and cooling systems and window air units. The appliance to be replaced must be at least 10 years old. Applicants must be a Kansas resident and the household where the work is completed must be within the state of Kansas. The property to be assisted must be the applicant's primary residence. Renters may qualify by having landowners complete a simple Property Owner Consent Form.

Anyone interested in applying for the program may download an application form through KHRC's website at www.kshousingcorp.org or they may call 1-785-291-3282.

Though any retailer may accept vouchers and participate in this program, a list of the participating vendors is available on KHRC's website and will be updated periodically as new vendors sign on. A step-by-step explanation of how the program operates is also available on KHRC's website or by calling the number listed above.

Note: Retailers participating in the program must deliver and install the selected new energy-efficient appliance, plus properly dispose of the old unit. If you're a retailer and would like to participate in the program, please call 785-296-7912 for details. Women and minority business owners and contractors are encouraged to apply.