If you haven’t already, take a closer look at those little sticky labels on the fruit and vegetables you buy at the grocery store.  Those numbers provide important information regarding just how the produce was grown.  So even is something is marked as organic, the sticker will reassure you that it is.

If the label has:

• 4 digits only: The produce was grown in a conventional manner which means with pesticides and other petroleum based chemicals or fertilizers.

• 8 + 4 digits: This produce is genetically modified, a GMO. It contains genes that were put there by someone else other than Mother Nature.

• 9 + 4 digits: This produce has been grown following organic farming practices.

In other words try this for a creative, (or perhaps hokey), attempt to remember:

4 in the store means pesticides knocking at my door.

8 is not at all great with all those GMO’s that I hate.

9 is fresh and fine. Organic and healthy for me and mine.

Now to dovetail the Environmental Working Group’s Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides, also known as the Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 list, here’s a handy chart I put together for an easier reference.

So don’t go bananas trying to keep up with all this information.  Feel free to copy the chart if it will help you on your next trip.  And keep these homemade recipes and tips in mind too when it’s time to clean your fruit.

What other kinds of things do you do?

Continuing on with a monthly green and healthy resolution to implement, in March the goal is to begin and/or increase the practice of using reusable items such as bags and bottles.

Let’s start with moving from disposable to reusable with a few suggested items to get you started.

Plastic water bottles/juice boxes TO stainless steel water bottles.  A no brainer for many, but still lots of opportunity for others to save money and reduce the waste by incorporating the use of aluminum or stainless steel bottles and reusable mugs for all beverages.  With so many options and sizes out there, it’s easy to find the right style to fit your needs.  I have a couple of large aluminum bottles I keep filled up and in the fridge to grab before my early morning workouts and throughout the day, as well as smaller 20 oz bottles for when my kids are on the go.  BPA free is the key feature to look for.

Paper/plastic bags  TO reusable totes. With a little willpower, you can kick the P&P habit.  With over 300 – 400 billion plastic bags distributed every year and 60,000 used every five seconds, that’s a lot of excess stuff going around. Plus the recycle rate is not that great so we see bags flying around the road, in the trees and ocean.  With reusable bags being sold just about everywhere, it’s getting easier to implement.  Or get crafty and make a tote from an old t-shirt!

Paper napkins/towels TO cloth napkins/towels. You probably have a few around the house anyway so  just start using what you have.  If not, go to the dollar store or second hand shop for inexpensive options or treat yourself to a nice, new set if that will help get you in the mood!    No big deal to toss in a few cloth napkins or dishtowels with the regular laundry.

Plastic baggies  TO reusable glass containers and snack/sandwich bags. Though I’m not totally free of plastic baggies, a few favorite items that have helped along the way are these great Fresh Snack Packs for sandwiches and snacks.  With their envelope style and velcro closure, it’s easy to pack and clean.  Add a fork and cloth napkin for a functional place setting to go. 

Plastic straws  TO stainless steel straws. With kids, I  used to buy gigantic packages of straws but once I got turned on to these stainless steel straws that was the end of that.  The kids love them too.  Easy to clean, they now have a spot in the drawer with the rest of our stainless serving utensils.  Though I was hesitant at first, after a first hand try, Glass Dharma offers a very durable glass straw as another option.

As with any change in behavior or habits, a little concentration and willpower is needed.  But once you get in the swing of things and begin to notice the absence of all this waste, you will soon wonder how and why you ever used these kinds of items in the past.   Just remember to ask yourself if a disposable item is truly needed.  In some cases, it may be but you’ll be surprised at how often you can overcome and get the same result with a much more refined way of doing so.

What are you doing and how have you been successful?

Sit, sit, sit. I don’t know about you, but after a fairly busy morning to include 6 am workouts two or three times per week, then buzzing around the kitchen to get the kids off to school, I sit for the rest of the day – hovered over my laptop, giving thanks to technology so I can work virtually from home and not have to clock as many miles in a car or plane seeing clients as in past years.  However, with all that sitting comes stiffness, tight shoulders and neck. And then once I’m done at my desk, it’s off to two different carpool lines where I sit some more! So it turns out most of my day, with the exception of a few trips up and down the stairs for a snack or to let the dog out, has been sitting.

There was a report on Rock Center recently (while sitting again) with obesity expert, Dr. James Levine who discusses just how toxic and detrimental for our health sitting can be.

We are sitting more than ever.  With a work schedule it may be unavoidable,  so what we can do during the business day and especially after hours are critical.  During this report, sitting was referred to as the new smoking.

Quick Highlights:

• Metabolic engines go to sleep when sitting, and calories burned practically cease, fat and cholesterol levels rise, insulin effectiveness decreases.
• Body is not built to sit all day – an unnatural way for us to be.
• Exercise is not enough if you are mainly sitting at a desk for the rest of the day.
• Those with sitting jobs have twice the rate of cardiovascular disease than those with standing jobs.
• Sitting for just for an hour is too long – Get up for 10 minutes and move every hour.

Other ideas to get up and move:

• Take the stairs.
• Park farther away.
• Drink from smaller cups or water bottles so you have to get up and refill more often.
• Stand up in meetings or during phone calls.
• Trade your office chair for this balance ball chair – I switched about a year ago due to all the sitting and subsequent stiffness – big difference when getting up as your core remains much more engaged.
• And something I did this morning – Set a  reminder on your phone or calendar every hour to prompt you to get up and move.

So stand up, check out the story above and the infographic below for more detail too.   Your thoughts?  For me – I’m quitting sitting!

Via: Medical Billing And Coding

Yes, it’s that time when we reflect on the past year and look ahead to the new one.  Many resolutions have been made and most will be abandoned.  If one of yours is to improve your “green” living habits, here’s a quick monthly at-a-glance list of a single task you can take on every month during the year.

I think the reason many of us do not succeed at our goals is that we may set too many or establish ones that are far too encompassing.  For example, this resolution to become more eco-friendly is broad, overwhelming, requires an attitudinal adjustment and a change in behavior making the follow through and commitment challenging.

Let’s consider this instead … it takes 21-30 days to change a habit or begin a new one.  Focus on just one of these goals each month and by the end of the year, you’ll wonder how you ever lived any differently.  So scan the list and follow in the order outlined to begin anew or improve your efforts. Or if you are already well on your way, move on and select another to implement.  At the first of each month, I’ll post the suggested resolution with more detail and tips to put into action.  Don’t forget to subscribe via RSS or email, fan and/or follow to automatically receive the monthly resolution reminders (as well as other posts too).

So here goes…

January - I will increase my recycling efforts this year.

Really?  But it’s true – I still see many a can or plastic bottle in trash bins all the time.  Now that a new year is upon us, it’s always great way to clean up, clear out and get organized.  So perhaps this resolution for January is to increase recycling efforts by getting your bins in order.  Find a space in your pantry, kitchen, laundry room or wherever will best work for you.  If you need to sort your recyclable items, look for a stackable bin so you can easily toss in the proper spot.    Also make a space for those plastic bags and take them to the nearest place to recycle – such as the grocery store that gave them to you in the first place.   Your motto this month, “Think before you sink” into the garbage.  Before you know it, you will be asking   “What about this? What about that?” and creating a bin out of coffee cans for those bottle caps and batteries that can also be recycled.

• February – I will reduce the amount of processed food in my household
• March - I will begin and/or increase my practice of using reusable items such as bags and bottles.
• April – I will plant a garden and/or begin shopping at my local farmer’s market.
• May – I will consider composting, even at the most basic level.
• June – I will begin water conservation efforts in my home and install a rain barrel.
• July - I will begin the practice of driving more efficiently to conserve fuel and reduce my carbon output.
• August – I will turn up the thermostat a few degrees and check for places in my home where the cool air may be escaping.
• September – I will reduce my energy consumption by turning off lights and appliances when not in use.
• October – I will precycle and consider the packaging and production efforts involved when making my purchasing decisions.
• November – I will decorate, shop, wrap and recycle responsibly for the holidays.
• December – I will donate unused items, clothing, household goods to a local charity, consignment or second-hand shop.
  

So there you have it.  Start out with just one or take on a few at a time.  Just don’t let yourself get overwhelmed and give up.  It’s a new year with twelve months to begin new habits for a more resourceful decade to come.

Happy New Year!

]]> http://thegreensamaritan.com/2013/01/a-monthly-at-a-glance-list-of-eco-resolutions-for-2010-2/feed/ 7 http://thegreensamaritan.com/2012/12/from-the-recycle-bin-10-green-gift-ideas-for-teacher/ http://thegreensamaritan.com/2012/12/from-the-recycle-bin-10-green-gift-ideas-for-teacher/#comments Mon, 10 Dec 2012 14:16:52 +0000 Jeanne http://thegreensamaritan.com/?p=4380

Black Friday has passed.  Cyber Monday has come and gone and in another week or so, school will be out.  What to do for those wonderful teachers who spend such critical time with our children.  Beth Almy, Educational Resource Coordinator at the Natural Science Center has put together a few great ideas.  As an instructor herself, she really knows what would bring a holiday smile to an educator’s face while being kind to our environment as well.  So if you are struggling for gift ideas for your child’s teacher…check these out for a little earthly inspiration.

Words from the Heart

Take the time to let the administration of your school know how much you appreciate your teacher. Send a note to the principal about something kind she or he has done for your child. Make sure you give the teacher a copy!

Keeping It Clean

Purchase a refillable natural hand sanitizer or lotion. Peel the labels off of the bottle and decorate it with scrapbooking stickers and ribbons. This personalized gift will be appreciated by the entire class throughout the winter season.

“Go To” Gifts

Teachers need a little fun time too! Gift certificates to restaurants and movie theaters are wonderful treats for educators who rarely get to treat themselves to lunch out or a matinee!

For Nature Lovers

Encourage educators to investigate their local parks and green spaces by giving them local trail books and field guides. Include these items with bird feeders, an assortment of seed packets, or a gift certificate to choose a tree at a nursery.

Vote for TOTES!

Re-usable tote bags are great gifts for everyone….not to mention the environment! Many retailers carry a variety of trendy packable totes. You can even purchase totes at the craft store ready to be personalized by the kids. Totes are a great substitute for paper wrapping and gift bags!

Farm Charm

Surprise your favorite teacher with a basket of fresh produce from your local farmers market. Include a sweet treat along with a set of recipe cards.

High Tech To-Go!

Data storage devices are great gifts that allow teachers to transport less paper back and forth between school and home. Not only do they come in a wide variety of colors and designs, but they are very affordable!

The Gift of Time

Share your time and talents with your child’s class. Give the teacher an hour off by teaching a special lesson while she enjoys a cup of coffee and her favorite book. If teaching is not your talent, offer to help her organize a project, clean the classroom or decorate a bulletin board. You can even bring her a home-cooked lunch to enjoy while you take the class to the cafeteria!

Gifts that Keep Giving

Donate to a teacher’s favorite charity, PTA , community organization or plant a tree in their honor. You can even gift a favorite book to the school or public library. Zoos and science centers also run programs where you can honor someone by providing enrichment toys and treats to the animals. The possibilities are endless and will be appreciated long past the holiday season.

Book It

Select a book or two with an earth-friendly theme that can be used in the class.  If possible, have all the children sign as an extra special memory.  The Great Kapoke Tree, Faces of the Earth, and Little Green Books are a few possibilities.

That’s A Wrap

When wrapping homemade goods and gifts for anyone this holiday season, think re-usable! The variety of inexpensive totes, decorative containers and fabric gift bags is truly inspiring. Think outside the box…and the wrapping paper!

As holidays approach, I am already thinking of family gifts to give that will be unique and something that may not normally be purchased by the receiver.  My goal is to avoid the mall at all costs and either shop responsibly online or in person with local merchants.

One idea that came to mind for our household, as well as family members, was that of a more natural pillow option.  How nice to lay your head on a pillow that offers a cleaner and greener sleep.  Having kids with allergies, what they sleep in and on is always a priority.   Shortly thereafter, I was contacted by Plushbeds and offered a pair of their natural talalay latex pillows to review.  Perfect timing, so I was grateful to receive a complimentary pair.

In doing some research on latex, here are the general benefits:

• Natural latex is derived from the sap of rubber trees which means no chemicals,  no pesticide treated cotton and more, versus its synthetic counterpart which is made from petrochemicals and requires airing out before use.   People with allergies may be extra sensitive to the synthetic version.

• Latex is firm, yet bouncy at the same time and will easily conform to your head to align your neck and spine for a more restful sleep even as you move about.

• Latex is very hypoallergenic and antimicrobial.  The open cell structure of latex breathes while you sleep so sweat, (yuck – but you know it happens) and moisture from your breath does not get soaked up into your pillow as with a traditional cotton pillow.  This lack of moisture therefore does not attract dust mites which are known to be one of the top reasons for indoor allergies and asthma.  Latex pillows and mattresses are often recommended as one of many options to reduce dust mites in the household.

• Natural latex will last years longer than the traditional pillow so when comparing costs, keep in mind the benefit here.

These are all enticing reasons for me to try out natural latex – especially for the allergy reasons.

Plushbeds natural talalay latex pillows are derived from sustainably-harvested botanical latex and have all the benefits mentioned above.  The pillows I received were a standard, but generous size.  The pillow maintains its form and though at first glance may not look as comfortable as a fluffy cotton or feather pillow, certainly proves otherwise.  I really didn’t think I would enjoy sleeping on it but did find it to be very comfortable and easy to adjust to.   The pillow comes with a zippered cotton cover to easily remove for washing.  Of course, the biggest motivators are the hypoallergenic and antimicrobial features as well as the durability over time versus a traditional pillow.

Special Offer for Green Samaritan Readers:

Plushbeds currently offers the pillows as a bonus gift for the purchase of a latex mattress but for a limited time is offering them as a separate item for sale at a promotional discount to TGS readers.  Simply call  1-888-449-5738 to order and mention this review for a buy one get one free promotion (limited to one offer per household).   Normally, a Plushbed natural talalay latex pillow sells for $79, $89, or $99 each (Standard, Queen, and King Sizes).  With this special promotion of $79 for two standard size, $89 for two Queen size or $99 for two King size pillows, there is no tax and free shipping, making this a great incentive to buy as a unique gift or to treat yourself to the gift of a cleaner, greener and healthier sleep.

This beautiful basil plant has served us well over the summer  growing season, and we enjoyed several homemade and fresh “farewell” Margherita pizzas over the weekend.  Now with the arrival of cooler days, it’s “thyme” to harvest what’s left and store for winter usage. Here area few quick tips to be as resourceful as we can  and still savor what is left of those fresh, homegrown herbs.

1. Drying Herbs.  This works best for low moisture herbs like dill, marjoram, rosemary and thyme.

• Pick the stems, shake and rinse off any dirt and/or that rogue insect.
• Remove the lower leaves and bundle 4-6 branches together, tying  with string or a rubber band.
• Place upside down in a brown paper bag, with stems out and tied closed.
• Punch small holes along the top for air circulation.
• Hang the bag in a warm, dark, area for about 2 to 4 weeks, checking every so often until dry.

Herbs with higher moisture content like basil, oregano, tarragon, lemon balm, and mint will mold if not dried quickly. For the best outcome, gather the herbs in smaller bundles and put in a well-ventilated area.

Oven drying is another option, is quicker and worked for my basil and will be doing the same for the oregano. Place the herbs on a cookie sheet and put in cool oven (140 – 200 degrees  or the warm mode)  3-4 hours.

Regardless of the method and to retain freshness:

• Store the dried herbs in air tight containers like a small glass jars or ziploc bags and in a cool, dry place.
• Herbs will retain more flavor if the leaves are left whole and crushed later at time of use.
• Label and date container. Dried herbs are best used within a year.
• Throw away at the first sign of mold.
• 1 teaspoon crumbled dried leaves = 1 tablespoon of fresh

2. Freezing. I really like this method and again best for high moisture herbs like basil.

• Chop up the herbs and put into an ice cube tray.
• Fill the cube with either water which will not diminish the flavor when used later, or another option is to use olive oil.
• Once frozen, pop out and store the cubes in a bag or container to use later to season up soups, casseroles and other dishes.

In addition to my basil, I have also done this with a store bought bunch of organic cilantro as I can never use it up all at once and have a favorite black bean and corn salsa recipe where this, along with olive oil, is a critical ingredient.

3. Grow indoors.  If you have the space and right amount of light throughout the day, this can be a good option.   Some of the easier herbs to grow indoors are parsley, lemongrass, baytree and mint.  Chives is also a good choice so I’m just moving my pot inside.  Check this article out from Chow for more information on what herbs do well indoors.

Hopefully one of these ways will help you keep a little bit of summertime around all year long. Now what to do this winter for my front yard garden!  Bon Appetite!

Grab a kid and head outside!  This week marks the annual “Take a Child Outside Week” that began in 2007 with environmental educators at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences.   Inspired by Richard Louv’s book, Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder, this week is aimed at breaking down barriers and providing ideas for parents, teachers and caregivers to help encourage appreciation and excitement of spending time outdoors as opposed to TV or video games.  The annual celebration has spread across the world with international partners in Canada, the United Kingdom and Belize.

Visit Take A Child Outside and via an interactive map, find out where  partner organizations are in your neck of the woods, as well as ideas for outdoor activities and other helpful links to spread the word.  While organized sports are often practiced and played outside, the goal is to really connect the child with the outdoors and nature in a way that you just don’t get on the ball field.

With beautiful Fall weather abounding, it’s a great way to enjoy, connect and teach a child to appreciate what our natural world has to offer.

Though we may try hard to stick with the Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 list when buying fruits and vegetables, there may be times we stray simply due to cost or availability.

In those cases, what are the best ways to wash and clean the conventional produce to remove any pesticides but also bacteria as well?  Here are few homemade recipes gathered along the way to include vinegar in all with variations that are simple and quick.

• Vinegar/Water Only:  Mix 3 parts water to 1 part vinegar in a spray bottle. Use the spray for smooth and harder produce and rinse with water.  For produce with lumpy or hard to reach places, soak for a few minutes then rinse with water. Vinegar is anti-bacterial.

• Vinegar/Water/Baking Soda/Lemon: 1 cup water, 1 cup white vinegar, 1 TB baking soda, 1/2 lemon. Pour the solution into a spray bottle and spray your produce.  Let sit for about 5 minutes before rinsing it off.  Lemon is a natural astringent. (From Dr. Oz)

• Vinegar/Water/ Hydrogen Peroxide: Soak produce in a sink of cold water, with vinegar and hydrogen peroxide added to it for 10 minutes. The hydrogen peroxide is also anti-bacterial and anti-viral. (From Dr. Mercola) .
  

• Vinegar/Water/Baking Soda/Lemon/Grape Seed Extract/Grapefruit Seed Extract: In a spray bottle, add 1 cup distilled water, 3/4 cup vinegar, 1 Tbs lemon juice, 2 Tbs baking soda and shake to mix.  Add 10 drops of grapefruit seed extract and 10 drops grape seed extract.  Grapefruit seed extract sanitizes the produce. Grape seed extract provides additional antioxidants.

And if you are wondering about store bought washes, there really isn’t any firm evidence to show any better efficacy.  A study a few years back by the editors of  Cook’s Illustrated showed that the vinegar rinses were just as effective, if not more, than a store-bought rinse.

One final suggestion, always best to rinse your produce before you use to avoid getting moldy like with strawberries.  And tip for lettuce, once rinsed and dried, store in an covered container lined with a  paper towel to absorb any excess moisture and keep crisper longer.

So what do you do or do you have another suggestion to share?