Thursday, June 30, 2011

Greendependence Day




America is celebrating her 235th birthday this year!  I don’t know about you, but I want to do everything I can to keep our country and our planet beautiful!  So this July, I pledge to celebrate this monumental birthday by doing the following:


1.  While searching for seashells at the beach, I’m also going to pick up some trash.

2.  When I go to a picnic, I’m going to bring something everyone will love – and less of it - so that no food will go to waste.  I will bring it in a reusable container and will use as many organic and local foods as possible.  Of course I’ll carry it over in a reusable bag!

3.  Wherever I go, I’m going to make sure that I recycle everything I possibly can.

4.  It’s important in this hot weather to stay hydrated so I’m going to carry my reusable bottle everywhere I go.

5.  I will stay away from disposable plates and utensils.


Let's Keep America Beautiful during her 235th Birthday month and have a wonderful and safe 4th of July!

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Seasonal & Local

John and I decided that we really need to do more shopping at the farmer's market as the produce selection at the local grocery leaves little to be desired. 

During the summer months we're lucky because there is a small stand right on our corner.  But that doesn't open until the end of June.

Our other option is to trek down to Union Square which is challenging because of the crowds of people.

But recently, I discovered a small farmer's market 10 blocks from my apartment.  How I've been living here for two years and never realized this before is beyond me. 

On Saturday, John and I set out to visit this little gem.

We were very excited to arrive and find all of the amazing foods it had to offer. 

We went with the intention of buying ingredients to make gazpacho but we quickly learned that that wasn't going to happen as most of the ingredients still aren't in season. 

Our choices were limited as it is much smaller than the Union Square market however, it did the job. 

We bought asparagus, scallions, strawberries, kale and bread. 


I was mad at myself for having visited the Food Emporium the night before and buying non-organic potatoes and onions to make our breakfast when I could have purchased the local variety at the market.  I did buy organic peppers.  However, they were wrapped in plastic.  There's something wrong with that picture.  Below was our breakfast...



Last night, I roasted our beautiful, local asparagus, the other plastic wrapped pepper and the left over scallions to create a delicious dinner. 



This was followed by my kale chips (kale, salt, pepper and a tablespoon of olive oil.  Mix together and put in a 400 degree oven for 10 minutes.  Delish!)




I capped off the evening with the most amazing strawberries.



Finally, when all the veggies had been cut up and devoured, the scraps went into our new composter (look for a future post about that!).



As John and I test out our ability to eat local and seasonal, I can hardly wait to see what this week's farmer's market holds for us!

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

World Ocean Day

Iced coffee at the coffee shop
Includes:  coffee, plastic cup, plastic lid and straw

Lunch on the run 
Includes:  sandwich, potato salad, plastic utensils, plastic container and plastic bag

A beautiful seafood dinner
Includes:  garden salad, french-cut string beans, filet of fish stuffed with plastic bits

Hold on! 

Plastic bits?  That's a typo, right?

Well...not exactly.

The truth is, plastic never really goes away. It gets broken down into tiny particles that eventually find their way into the food chain (hence the beautiful seafood dinner).



Plastic has become a huge part of all our lives as you can see illustrated above.  So much so that we take for granted how much plastic we are actually using.  How long did it take you to consume that iced coffee?  Not as long as it's going to take to rid the planet of the cup, lid and straw. 

Laird Hamilton and Gabrielle Reece have created this video for World Ocean Day in association with the Plastic Pollution Coalition

Help keep our oceans clean...take one less piece of plastic today!   

Monday, June 6, 2011

And What Is So Fun As A Day In June

You say June, you might think wedding season and the summer solstice. 

I say June, I think Clearwater Festival, International Surf Day, Hands Across the Sand and, um, my birthday!




AN OLDIE BUT GOODIE!
If you're around the Hudson Valley area, The Clearwater Festival on June 18th & 19th always promises to be a great time.  This year's theme is Great Hudson River Revival, "Clearwater Generations."   "It is inspired by Pete Seeger’s vision and Clearwater’s mission - to inspire, educate, and activate the next generation of environmental leaders."





SURF’S UP!

Celebrate the great sport of surfing on International Surf Day - June 20th!  There are events taking place that whole weekend, including beach clean-ups!  Click on your part of the map to find an event near you! 



JOIN HANDS!
Hands Across the Sand will take place on June 25th!  Join people from all walks of life as they stand together to show their support for our coastlines and marine life.  Find an event in your area!



I'd love to hear what you participated in!  I'll see you at the beach!