Author Archives: Lou Murray, Ph.D.

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About Lou Murray, Ph.D.

I'm a retired medical researcher, retired professional writer/photographer, avid gardener, and active environmentalist living in southern California. I wrote a weekly newspaper column on environmental topics in the Huntington Beach Independent for many years. I also supervised environmental restoration projects and taught at the Orange County Conservation Corps before retiring in the summer of 2016. This blog chronicles my efforts to live a green life growing as much food as possible for my husband and myself on a 4,500 sq ft yard that is covered mainly by house, garage, driveway, and sidewalks. I am also dedicated to combatting global climate change.

Making prickly pear/apple butter

How to make a fruit butter from prickly pears and apples. Continue reading

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Saving Heirloom Seeds

Seeds from heirloom vegetables breed true, so save seeds for next year’s garden. Supporting heirloom seed companies also helps preserve genetic diversity. Continue reading

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The Garden of Perpetual Responsibility

Time to get off my soapbox and back to the garden. We have a small (6 ft x 15 ft) garden area at the side of the driveway that is enclosed by a brick and slump stone wall. The driveway … Continue reading

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Not too late to do more

Lifestyle changes can help combat global warming. Continue reading

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Fighting rising food costs

According to AOL’s Daily Finance report of Oct. 15 2009, the cost of groceries has risen 45% over the past two years. They’re set to rise another 5% over the next year. I do what I can to help put … Continue reading

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Water World

Save rainfall with rain barrels to conserve water and save energy. Continue reading

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