G is for Garden: Humbly cultivating life04/12/2011 2 Comments   Growing up we had quite a basic garden, and by basic I mean 1 tomato plant and 1 cucumber plant. In my younger years I preferred bologna and cheetos and anything from a garden was far from my interest. Today, my refrigerator would tell you much differently. I try my best to be conscious of what I am eating, where it came from, and what it went through before it arrived on plate. Needless to say it is time for my very first garden! My 2 roommates and myself are giggling with excitement and well on our way to grocery shopping in our backyard. Once the idea was planted (ha, get it?) we started from square 1. We went to our local garden store, Down to Earth, and frolicked around like children at candy store. When all was said and done we went home with 3 pairs of gloves, 2 trowels (hand shovels), a 22 inch machete, planting guides, pamphlets, 2 70.8 L bags of pro-organic dirt mix, a whole slew of seeds, and broccoli and brussel sprout transplants. The next step was quite simple, all we had to do was look up! It is crucial that your vegetables and such are planted in their appropriate sunbathing location. Some need as much sun as possible, while others prefer the nice cool shade. Once we found the perfect spot for our plot it was time to get our hands dirty! We spent several afternoons turning grass, tending to the dirt, and uprooting and clearing out blackberry bushes (we basically had the blackberry version of the Amazon Rainforest in our backyard). Our next step is to get our April seeds, transplants, and spuds in the ground. Here is a list of our quite ambitious menu this year... s= seed t= transplant ss= sow seeds indoors spud= I'll give you one guess April carrot-s, potato-spud, broccoli-t, spinach-s, beets-s, chard-s, cabbage-ss, brussel sprouts-t after the April 15th Celery-t, cauliflower-t May winter and summer squash-s or t, cabbage-t (from previous sowed seeds), tomato-t, beans-s, kale-s or t,zucchini-s or t June cucumber-s We also intend on having several herbs and and plethora of flowers in our front and backyard. Tips to remember... -Read local planting guides to find out the best plants and varietals for your area. -Find out what part of your yard gets the most sunlight. -Determine which vegetables you want to plant as seeds and which will be transplants. -Keep a garden journal for memories and guidance in future years. -Sing, whistle, and laugh while you work! and were off! My roommates tackling the blackberry bushes. The jungle starts behind them and goes (we can now say went!) all the way down to our back fence. Turning over the extremely overgrown grass. Our backyard at its current state. Over zealous? I think not. With love and dirt, Amanda

Tour and Interview at West County Waste Water District04/09/2011

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Yesterday, April 7th, Melinda and Dani met the Digital Safari Team in Richmond, CA at the West County Wastewater District to conduct our first EVER official filming and interview. Our goal was to educate ourselves about "What happens to the water when it goes down the drain?". Joe Neugebauer, the WCWD's POSITIONPOSITION, was an incredible host. He took the time (even after his work hours) to do a filmed interview with us and then lead us on a tour of the facility. He shared with us the entire process of how water is treated after it leaves our homes. He also had great things to say about using non-toxic cleaners and how important it is to the treatment process.

Below are a summary of some of the answers taken from his interview, as transcribed by our Digital Safari Team. There will be more to come as the educational video evolves. Project finish date of the video - May 13th.

Below is a summary of the interview with Joe Neugebauer, Inspector at WCWD.


Can you describe how the sewer system works in basic terms? What happens to the water from our house's drain to the final location.

Water from the home ends up at the plant. Water goes through pipes to sewers, gravity then pushes the water down and ends up at the plant (which is why water-treatment plants are at a bottom). Sometimes the water can't get pushed down so there's pumps to 'push' the water.

How does WCWD treat water?

First, screen large particulates, settles, goes through the digester to break, microscopic bacteria eat the waste that matter couldn't settle out, the water gets disinfected because of viruses and bacteria with chlorine. But the chlorine can be toxic so it gets deactivated.

What can and cannot be removed from the water?

Doesn't separate organic compounds. Metals and toxic are hard to remove such as zinc and arsenic.

Where does the water go after treated at WCWD?

It is either reused or recycled. It can go to the delta, Chevron, or the Richmond Country Club.

What are your thoughts on using "green cleaning products" vs. traditional cleaning supplies?

Big on using biodegradable products! White vinegar and water is a good cleaner. Baking soda is also good and safe. If you need to use toxic, follow the instructions on the product and dispose it properly.

From your experience in the field, what is the reason societies choose to discard of their waste, into the water.

It's out of sight and out of mind. It is also a really effective way to dispose of the waste, and the treatment plants are made to replicate the natural process of waste breakdown found in nature.

Do you have any concerns about the condition of the water due to the public's use of traditional toxic cleaning products?

Yes. The chemicals might have to be dealt with years later. ex) Antibacterial soap.

Why do you think people use traditional cleaning products, instead of the greener variety on the market?

Because they work and people has used them for years and they're comfortable with what they're used to and it's hard to change what they're comfortable with.

What role does the solar field play in the water treatment at WCWD?

It is the largest one in the US. The solar panels equals to about 100+ homes. It generates about 35% of energy from the sun because it moves with the sun.

What are 5 tips you would like to share with the public about responsible wastewater management?

• Go to www.baywise.org to learn where to dispose specific items.
• After cooking with oils, fats, and grease, pour it into a can, save it, and send it to a local disposable house hazard waste. Oils, fats,and grease goes down the drain but hardens in the pipes.
• Mercury thermomater is toxic and has a lot of mercury - get a digital one free in exchange!
• Garbage disposals aren't that great because food can get stuck.
• Expired medications shouldn't be flushed because it might be a problem - bring it to a disposable faculty.

Are there any odd or funny stories you would like to share from your experience in working in a water treatment plant?

There are interesting things in the pipes - collections. There are also lots of money, rings, diamonds, etc.

Notes:Plant covers San Pablo, some of El Cerrito, North Richmond, & 2 other places.There are 120,000 people in the service area.

~Dani
PS - A special thanks to the Digital Safari Team for all their hard work and getting so involved yesterday. And also, super big thanks to Randy, their teacher, for driving them out and helping them along!

Progress Update on the Digital Safari Project

Progress Update on the Digital Safari Project04/08/2011

It has been about a month working with our team of marketing high school students from the Digital Safari Academy of Mt. Diablo Highschool, and it's been going great!

This group of four young women have been diligently creating and learning with us, to evolve D.r.e.e.m. Reality's media. Their goal is to great a new marketing package for us, including:

• Informational Brochures: "What is D.r.e.e.m. Reality" and "What is Sustainability?"
• New photos and graphics for the website
• An educational video about "What happens to the water that goes down our drains?"

We have evolved our package from our original goals (see this blog), to allow for more energy spent on these above mentioned projects.

The girls have been doing great, and progress seems to be evolving rapidly! Here's what we've accomplished together so far:

• Created concepts of logo ideas (for us to evolve in the future)
• Helped us refine our "What is D.r.e.e.m. Reality?" brochure - including content, graphics, layout, color scheme and more
• Working on creating the "What is Sustainability?" brochure
• Filmed and engaged in a tour at the West County Wastewater District for the creation of the educational video to come
• Worked closely together every Monday to continue progress on each of these projects

We're very proud of the team and are excited to keep creating together with them!

Here are the graphics they have come up with for logo ideas and brochure images:

Rainbow Kitchen DreemTeam Newsletter (Archive: 4/3/11)

Rainbow Kitchen DreemTeam Newsletter (Archive: 4/3/11)04/03/2011

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Aloha family!

In this Issue:
I. Rainbow Countdown
II. DreemTeam Update
III. Welcome to First Time Gathering Go-ers!



Rainbow Countdown!The Rainbow Gathering countdown is about 11-12 weeks away until Mid June (the range of dates most seem to be arriving, according to the surveys). That gives us about 2.5 months to get some real planning, supply gathering, info exchanging, and such done. The surveys are trickling in, and I know there are more people that are coming but may be worried to commit by filling in a survey. That's ok - that's why there is a scale of 1-10 on how sure you are! Submitting your survey helps me get an idea of how many people are possibly on board for the kitchen - no matter when or how you get there.

Go ahead - take the SUPER FUN SURVEY!

DreemTeam Update
With that, I'd like to welcome the new DreemTeam members that have contributed their surveys since the last newsletter, and honor the originals:

Dreemer Task Teams Sure? Dates JEnergy Education, Donation, Village Maint 40.00% June 30 - July 5 Rich in Spirit Camp Construc, Village Maint 100.00% June 16/21 and on Ashley M Food & Kitchen, Educat, Donation, Village Maint 100.00% July 1 – 7 Dani Phoenix Food & Kitchen, Educat, Donation, Village Maint 100.00% June 15 - July 15 Jefree Camp Construc, Village Maint 50.00% June 26 and on Candace E. Camp Construc, Village Maint, Food & Kitchen 100.00% July 1 – 8 Melinda Phoenix Education, Donation, Village Maint 100.00% June 15 - July 15 Ashley C. Health & First Aid 100.00% June 23 - July 5 Manda Village Mait 70.00% July 2 – 5Nikki Health & First Aid, Camp Construct 50.00% not sure Muddy MIggy Camp Construct 100.00% June 20 and on Avacado Andy Food & Kitchen 100.00% June 28 - July 8 Cali Desert Girl Camp Construct, Health & 1st Aid, Organizing 90.00% not sure Christo Food & Kitchen, Camp Construc, Education 90.00% June 28th and onMichelle Sunshine Camp Construct, Village Maint 80.00% June 28 - July 9 Raphael Education, Village Maint 90.00% June 27 - July 7 Chef Crystal Food & Kitchen, Health & First Aid 100.00% June 23 - July 5


*Special request - Raphael, can you confirm your email with us to make sure we can keep up communication with you? Projects@DreemReality.org*

Official Head Count (according to the surveys)
100% Sure Coming: 9
50 - 90% Sure Coming: 7
10 - 40% Sure Coming: 1

To view the DreemTeam Roster, click here! This has the bio of each team member including: Skills, Interests, Location, Commitment level, Survey Results, etc.

Now that we have an idea where people are interested in contributing their energy, I would like to establish "Leaders" of each task team. So far we have a few leaders confirmed and are still seeking a few more to cover the other Task Teams. Here are our official Task Team Leaders so far:

• Food and Kitchen Supplies - Crystal E., Ashley M., and Kait V.
• Health and First Aid - Ashley C.
• D.r.e.e.m. Education - Dani P
• Donation and Volunteer Organization - Melinda P

If you feel pulled to take part, we still need an official Leader for:

• Camp Construction
• Village Maintenance

As an overview, I anticipate the leaders roles to be:

• Create Supply List for their specialty
• Communicate with other members of that task team
• Begin collecting the supplies (as well as get others to also)
• Help me out with keeping people and duties on track (before and during the Gathering)
• Leaders of love and keeping the energy at peace

Those that can't be Leaders but are still interested in being part of these teams - let us know through completing your Super Fun Survey! I want to begin connecting leaders with team members very soon.

Welcome to First Time Gathering Go-ers!There are actually a lot of people coming to the Gathering for the first time! How wonderful! Our mailing list grows all the time.

For those who are interested in learning more about the Gathering, please check out these resources.

• DreemKitchen Page - main source of information we've gathered
• Facebook Event Page - a handy way to connect to others involved and receive updates
• "We Love You" film - a little documentary about the Gathering to give an idea of what it's about for those who have never been - and a reminder to those who have!
• Welcome Here - one of the unofficial websites for the Gathering. It has relatively up to date information on location confirmation
• Welcome Home - another unofficial site!
• Wikipedia Article on Rainbow Gatherings - a pretty good way to learn some more about it

Thank you for reading along! Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or ideas aboutDreemKitchen or any other Projects.

Shiny Days to You!


Dani Phoenix