Bluedot Living

4 days ago | bluedotliving.com | Conor Mihell

To say that Brock Yordy has mud in his veins — a common descriptor of workers in the drilling trade — is an understatement. Yordy, 44, is a third-generation driller whose father and grandfather operated a water well business in Michigan. He grew up on construction sites, and although his life has taken some twists and turns, he’s always returned to the science and art of boring precise holes deep into the earth.

1 week ago | bluedotliving.com | Lucas Thors

Each municipality on Martha’s Vineyard has its own objectives when it comes to conservation, climate change, and other sustainability efforts, although town governments will often collaborate and share resources. The Vineyard Way’s MV Climate Action Planoutlines shared goals for Islanders to address climate change, promote resilience, and protect the vibrant ecosystem.

1 week ago | bluedotliving.com | Jamie Kageleiry

Pollination. It’s good for us, of course — 35% of the world’s food crops depend on pollinators having healthy ecosystems. In this Green Guide, we have several stories that seek to do just that — provide the best possible conditions for pollinators to do their work. Healthy soil, restored bogs, parks and preserves with unsegmented pollinator pathways, advice on how to install outdoor lighting to keep bugs and birds happy.

1 week ago | bluedotliving.com | Dianne Bright

Stepping into the Twenty-Four Blackbirds chocolate factory, the rich decadent smells and tastes are transporting. The lovely drinking chocolate is intense but not too sweet. Their cacao nibs have a sweet sharpness like being out in nature. Smelling the raw vanilla bean is surprising — more neutral than imagined. But actually tasting founder Mike Orlando’s truffles is divine: vanilla salted caramels, rose pink peppercorn, and blackberry vinegar caramel.

1 week ago | bluedotliving.com | Dianne Bright

Explore Ecology, a Santa Barbara–based environmental education nonprofit, teaches tens of thousands of students about greener living every year. Their recent Environmental Stewardship Awards Luncheon honored students and educators in the county who have become environmental leaders. One might imagine a student awards program could be dull, but the fervor and energy of the students stole the show.