Come by the shop to get your passports for tomorrows pub crawl.
Single $10 and 2 for $15--you can't beat that. You get a HARTride complimentary 1-day unlimited ride (public transportation means no driving). Help support the green effort and have a great time!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
Paint the Town Green and Back in the Day Events
Upcoming events for Tampa Street Market...
Friday Night May 1st - Paint the Town Green hosted by The Urban Charette -
We are putting together our own crew of mass transit minded partiers. If you love a good pub crawl and like to chat green, join us for a fun night out in Tampa. We are hoping to get a group on the bus in Seminole Heights and head downtown. We haven't picked a meeting place yet, options are Fly Bar, Cafe Hey, or the new Columbia Cafe at The History Center. You can email us with ideas at amy@tampastreetmarket.com Definitely we want to make it to the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts downtown as they are part of the event. Get more details at http://www.ecolutiontampa.com/
Before we start the crawl on Friday, we will be attending an art opening for Lynn Manos at Clayton Galleries at 4105 S. MacDill Ave. from 7-9 pm. If you're interested in seeing an extremely talented artist that currently calls Tampa home, check it out.
Friday Night May 15th, 7-9:30 pm - Back in the Day Bazaar at Tampa Street Market and Seminole Heights Antiques -
Don't miss our first night time event at our new location. Long overdue for a party, Loko Cuisine has put together a delicious menu and drinks so you can chat and shop while you cool down from the week. $15 covers food and drinks with special discounts up to 20% for the night only. See the awesome menu below or learn more at http://www.lokocuisine.com/
$15 Old School Menu with a Twist Includes:
Lipton's French onion dip with balsamic and rosemary, fresh veggies and Ruffles
Country fried chicken salad, green onion, celery, Frank's Red Hot Dressing
Pimento goat cheese sandwich on Wonder bread
Southern style potato salad with curry
Meat loaf, chipotle ketchup, fried onions
Deviled ham, sesame chili mayo
Iceberg wedge, tarragon caper thousand island
Beer, Wine, Soda
$15 Old School Menu with a Twist Includes:
Lipton's French onion dip with balsamic and rosemary, fresh veggies and Ruffles
Country fried chicken salad, green onion, celery, Frank's Red Hot Dressing
Pimento goat cheese sandwich on Wonder bread
Southern style potato salad with curry
Meat loaf, chipotle ketchup, fried onions
Deviled ham, sesame chili mayo
Iceberg wedge, tarragon caper thousand island
Beer, Wine, Soda
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Earth Day - This is a Call!
How do you celebrate Earth Day if you are in the Florida House?
Hopefully you voice your opposition to drilling within earshot of our coastline!
From the St. Pete Times -
TALLAHASSEE — In a full-barreled appeal to the House Policy Council, the oil and gas industry persuaded lawmakers to vote, 17-6, along party lines Tuesday for a bill that opens state waters to exploration and taps into new revenues for the state's ailing budget.
The council approved an amendment by Rep. Dean Cannon, R-Orlando, that would lift Florida's ban on oil drilling in state waters and replace it with a plan to allow the governor and Florida Cabinet to seek bidders for exploration and drilling in the Gulf of Mexico between 3 and 10 miles offshore.
From the St. Pete Times -
TALLAHASSEE — In a full-barreled appeal to the House Policy Council, the oil and gas industry persuaded lawmakers to vote, 17-6, along party lines Tuesday for a bill that opens state waters to exploration and taps into new revenues for the state's ailing budget.
The council approved an amendment by Rep. Dean Cannon, R-Orlando, that would lift Florida's ban on oil drilling in state waters and replace it with a plan to allow the governor and Florida Cabinet to seek bidders for exploration and drilling in the Gulf of Mexico between 3 and 10 miles offshore.
Here's the link:
http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/legislature/article994176.ece
For a reference: The Gandy Bridge is almost 3 miles long, and the distance from the tip of St. Pete to the Hillsborough side where the Skyway bridge ends is around 8 miles... Doesn't seem very far to me.
WARNING! - Rant to follow...
I love how if the economy tanks, the environment gets the bill. All of a sudden, the only way to restart our economy in Florida is to build, build, build where we wouldn't allow before by pushing permits through fast track procedures! Wetlands, who cares? Water restrictions? Not on my green grass! And drill baby, as close as you can. We need that revenue! Let's get those coffers full of oil money cause the environment doesn't pay as much or at all. Unless you count things like tourism, farming, and that silly alternative energy. Alternative energy! Sorry no time for that this session. Oh yeah and sales tax exemptions, not this year - no time. We've only got time for fat walleted special interests to buy us lunch and pay for tea parties. The environment can wait for the next session, can't it?!
Now I suppose is the time to recall that Earth Day is for celebration and for activism. As one of my favorite bands would say( the Fighters of Foo) - "This is a Call!" Let 'em know about it!
I love how if the economy tanks, the environment gets the bill. All of a sudden, the only way to restart our economy in Florida is to build, build, build where we wouldn't allow before by pushing permits through fast track procedures! Wetlands, who cares? Water restrictions? Not on my green grass! And drill baby, as close as you can. We need that revenue! Let's get those coffers full of oil money cause the environment doesn't pay as much or at all. Unless you count things like tourism, farming, and that silly alternative energy. Alternative energy! Sorry no time for that this session. Oh yeah and sales tax exemptions, not this year - no time. We've only got time for fat walleted special interests to buy us lunch and pay for tea parties. The environment can wait for the next session, can't it?!
Now I suppose is the time to recall that Earth Day is for celebration and for activism. As one of my favorite bands would say( the Fighters of Foo) - "This is a Call!" Let 'em know about it!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Celebrating Earth Day 2009
Tampa’s biggest Earth Day celebration, Earth Day Tampa Bay, was bigger and better than ever when it took over Lowry Park’s Band Shell area on Sunday, April 19, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The family-friendly festival featured exhibitors offering products, information and demonstrations on ways to help you create a healthy and sustainable lifestyle. There were children’s activity areas, live music, food vendors and fun! Headlining this year’s festival was The Nine Volts (www.theninevolts.com). The Cape Canaveral band performs rollicking feel-good Americana- roots rock music at venues across the state and was selected from nearly 40 applicant bands. 
Above - Groovy Cats and Dogs represent at the Earth Day Celebration - treat the earth and your animals better!
Below - The maker of our tye-died onesie below - Great folks at Sunshine Dye Dream (also did the WMNF tie dyed shirts this fund drive!)
Above - Seminole Heights Community Garden Table - Can You Dig It?!!!
Below - Shari and Danielle from Chi Chi Amor - dressing our kids with recycled and organic designs from Guatemalan artisans.
It's Our Nature - Awesome company and awesome t-shirts, organic and natural dyes.
Above - Groovy Cats and Dogs represent at the Earth Day Celebration - treat the earth and your animals better!Below - The maker of our tye-died onesie below - Great folks at Sunshine Dye Dream (also did the WMNF tie dyed shirts this fund drive!)
Above - Seminole Heights Community Garden Table - Can You Dig It?!!!
Below - Shari and Danielle from Chi Chi Amor - dressing our kids with recycled and organic designs from Guatemalan artisans.
It's Our Nature - Awesome company and awesome t-shirts, organic and natural dyes.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Found Cat--Has a home!!!!
We found this cute, grey and white kitty on our back porch a week or so ago. I was going to take it in to the humane society to get it fixed when I noticed that it had already been de-clawed. Who would abandon this sweet cat? She is small and has gained weight since I have been feeding her. She is the sweetest cat in the world and even lets Baci get up close to her. Here are a few pics.
I would keep her, but with a new baby and me being allergic--it is not the best idea.
Please email or call me if you want to adopt her. She is really sweet!!!
I would keep her, but with a new baby and me being allergic--it is not the best idea.
Please email or call me if you want to adopt her. She is really sweet!!!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Creative Loafing's Green 100
We made the list! Creative Loafing's Green 100 of Tampa Bay. A picture of our small black shutter cabinet is on the site! Here is the write-up:
Tampa Street Market. Amy and Charles Haynie run this store in Seminole Heights, which sells salvaged finds, recycled goods and other utilitarian green product, as well as artistic, original-design tables and benches. The shop's motto is "Rethink. Recycle. Rebuild." Their website has a blog about green ideas and goings-on.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Rainbarrels Get Back to the Garden
This morning a sunny plot on Violet Street in Seminole Heights saw some much-needed 
optimism that probably won't make the headline news. The street was lined with cars and people parked around the block to get to a morning meeting. Bikes were laying on their side just inside the gate. Why all the commotion? The county Extension Service came to us! That's right, you've heard of all those meetings and waiting lists to get a free rain barrel from the county. It looks like our Community Garden just jumped the line for us and got nearly forty people the information and vouchers to make a difference. The rep from Tampa Bay Water did a basic talk about how to make a rain barrel, why they are needed, and how they work. An hour later, this group was ready to do a rain dance and collect some gallons! I would love to think people were clamoring for rainbarrels after reading my article in New Heights magazine. It's probably got a lot more to do with our awesome community organizers. Thanks to Robin of Greener Pixels and her troops at the Community Garden for putting this together. If you haven't been getting in the loop on the garden updates, you should hit the site at http://www.seminoleheightscg.org/ and sign up. Now I just need to get them a bike rack...
optimism that probably won't make the headline news. The street was lined with cars and people parked around the block to get to a morning meeting. Bikes were laying on their side just inside the gate. Why all the commotion? The county Extension Service came to us! That's right, you've heard of all those meetings and waiting lists to get a free rain barrel from the county. It looks like our Community Garden just jumped the line for us and got nearly forty people the information and vouchers to make a difference. The rep from Tampa Bay Water did a basic talk about how to make a rain barrel, why they are needed, and how they work. An hour later, this group was ready to do a rain dance and collect some gallons! I would love to think people were clamoring for rainbarrels after reading my article in New Heights magazine. It's probably got a lot more to do with our awesome community organizers. Thanks to Robin of Greener Pixels and her troops at the Community Garden for putting this together. If you haven't been getting in the loop on the garden updates, you should hit the site at http://www.seminoleheightscg.org/ and sign up. Now I just need to get them a bike rack...Friday, March 20, 2009
Non-toxic cleaner recipes
I'm working on my article for the New Heights/Urban Corridor magazine that's coming up. This month, they want a story about simple home cleaner recipes. I thought I could post a few that I've turned up and ask for some feedback on things that work for you. I've been reading a book called Clean by Michael DeJong that has lots of these recipes. This was handed over by a friend at the store and is a great little reference book.
Here's two mold killers I've turned up in the search:
#1 - Distilled White vinegar - dump it straight in the spray bottle, cover the mold and let it set.
#2 - 2 teaspoons of tea tree oil diluted in 2 cups of water. Tea tree oil is pricey, but it smells better than the vinegar and is reportedly more effective.
Feel free to send back your homegrown recipes!
Here's two mold killers I've turned up in the search:
#1 - Distilled White vinegar - dump it straight in the spray bottle, cover the mold and let it set.
#2 - 2 teaspoons of tea tree oil diluted in 2 cups of water. Tea tree oil is pricey, but it smells better than the vinegar and is reportedly more effective.
Feel free to send back your homegrown recipes!
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Phthalates, Are they hurting our kids?
I have read and listened to quite a few debates about these chemicals. They are meant to stabilize fragrances and make plastics more flexible. These so called "safe' chemicals have been banned in some countries and have restricted use in California, but why if they are safe?
There have been studies that suggest that they act as hormonal disruptors and can cause reproductive birth defects. Some activists believe they may cause reproductive problems in boys and early puberty in girls.
What products contain these chemicals?
Baby shampoos, lotions and powders! As well as cosmetics, air fresheners, candles and other fragrance filled products.
In the study, they were found in elevated levels in the urine of babies who'd been recently shampooed, powdered or lotioned with baby products.
Rigorous scientific evidence in human studies is lacking. The current study offers no direct evidence that products the infants used contained phthalates, and no evidence that the chemicals in the babies' urine caused any harm. Still, the results worried environmental groups that support restrictions on these chemicals.
So, there may not be direct evidence that these chemicals harm us and our children, but in my opinion, I don't want to take a chance. I look for products marked "phthalate-free," or check labels for common phthalates, including DEP and DEHP. But the chemicals often don't appear on product labels. That's because retail products aren't required to list individual ingredients of fragrances, which are a common phthalate source.
Here is a little bit of the article I read on FoxNews.com of all places!
The Food and Drug Administration "has no compelling evidence that phthalates pose a safety risk when used in cosmetics," spokeswoman Stephanie Kwisnek said. "Should new data emerge, we will inform the public as well as the industry."
The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the health effects in humans are uncertain.
"Although several studies in people have explored possible associations with developmental and reproductive outcomes (semen quality, genital development in boys, shortened pregnancy, and premature breast development in young girls), more research is needed," a 2005 CDC report said.
The new study, which appears in February's issue of the journal Pediatrics, involved 163 babies. Most were white, ages 2 to 28 months and living in California, Minnesota and Missouri.
The researchers measured levels of several phthalates in urine from diapers. They also asked the mothers about use in the previous 24 hours of baby products including lotions, powders, diaper creams and baby wipes.
All urine samples had detectable levels of at least one phthalate, and most had levels of several more. The highest levels were linked with shampoos, lotions and powders, and were most prevalent in babies younger than 8 months.
Will you keep using these products or will you try to find alternatives?
Tell us what you think, we would love to hear your comments concerning this topic.
There have been studies that suggest that they act as hormonal disruptors and can cause reproductive birth defects. Some activists believe they may cause reproductive problems in boys and early puberty in girls.
What products contain these chemicals?
Baby shampoos, lotions and powders! As well as cosmetics, air fresheners, candles and other fragrance filled products.
In the study, they were found in elevated levels in the urine of babies who'd been recently shampooed, powdered or lotioned with baby products.
Rigorous scientific evidence in human studies is lacking. The current study offers no direct evidence that products the infants used contained phthalates, and no evidence that the chemicals in the babies' urine caused any harm. Still, the results worried environmental groups that support restrictions on these chemicals.
So, there may not be direct evidence that these chemicals harm us and our children, but in my opinion, I don't want to take a chance. I look for products marked "phthalate-free," or check labels for common phthalates, including DEP and DEHP. But the chemicals often don't appear on product labels. That's because retail products aren't required to list individual ingredients of fragrances, which are a common phthalate source.
Here is a little bit of the article I read on FoxNews.com of all places!
The Food and Drug Administration "has no compelling evidence that phthalates pose a safety risk when used in cosmetics," spokeswoman Stephanie Kwisnek said. "Should new data emerge, we will inform the public as well as the industry."
The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the health effects in humans are uncertain.
"Although several studies in people have explored possible associations with developmental and reproductive outcomes (semen quality, genital development in boys, shortened pregnancy, and premature breast development in young girls), more research is needed," a 2005 CDC report said.
The new study, which appears in February's issue of the journal Pediatrics, involved 163 babies. Most were white, ages 2 to 28 months and living in California, Minnesota and Missouri.
The researchers measured levels of several phthalates in urine from diapers. They also asked the mothers about use in the previous 24 hours of baby products including lotions, powders, diaper creams and baby wipes.
All urine samples had detectable levels of at least one phthalate, and most had levels of several more. The highest levels were linked with shampoos, lotions and powders, and were most prevalent in babies younger than 8 months.
Will you keep using these products or will you try to find alternatives?
Tell us what you think, we would love to hear your comments concerning this topic.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Online vs. In-store Shopping
We have just started selling online woohoo!! and we have a running debate that is echoed throughout the shoppers we know. A post on Treehugger this week addressed the question of which is greener online or in-store shopping. As most things are found in the classic "which is greener" debate - 
there is no straight answer. I used to think it was because we treehuggers are so hard to pin down. Everything depends and as our gardens teach us, the same things that work for everybody else don't always work for my garden. According to their research, they showed that ground shipping is more efficient than a trip to the store in an individual's car.
That would seemingly make it easy, but the added packaging adds a lot of waste and energy in shipping. What if you want it tomorrow? Air freight adds up to more energy costs as well. How big is the item? That weight and whether it gets packed alone make a difference. I recently accosted one of our green suppliers for additional packaging on an item. Unnecessary packaging is just as wasteful as the plastic bag at the grocery (worse though if you ship it). Most of this is common sense right?
If you are shopping local and moving something home without excess packaging, then that is a good decision too, right? Riding the bus or carpooling (anyone like to shop with friends?) are steps in the right direction. It's a lot to consider, but that is the green journey... Lots of choices and none of them perfect.
there is no straight answer. I used to think it was because we treehuggers are so hard to pin down. Everything depends and as our gardens teach us, the same things that work for everybody else don't always work for my garden. According to their research, they showed that ground shipping is more efficient than a trip to the store in an individual's car.That would seemingly make it easy, but the added packaging adds a lot of waste and energy in shipping. What if you want it tomorrow? Air freight adds up to more energy costs as well. How big is the item? That weight and whether it gets packed alone make a difference. I recently accosted one of our green suppliers for additional packaging on an item. Unnecessary packaging is just as wasteful as the plastic bag at the grocery (worse though if you ship it). Most of this is common sense right?
If you are shopping local and moving something home without excess packaging, then that is a good decision too, right? Riding the bus or carpooling (anyone like to shop with friends?) are steps in the right direction. It's a lot to consider, but that is the green journey... Lots of choices and none of them perfect.
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