Tag: flickr
Eco-Vacations: When You Must Drive, Drive Efficiently
Eco-vacations are all the rage with trips to the rain forest or stays on organic farms increasing in popularity. Sometimes the only get away is a road trip to a nearby state or town. The most eco-friendly vacation is one spent at home, but not everyone can enjoy a “staycation” and most can’t afford those extravagant ”greencations”. So if you need to hit the road and enjoy some down town this summer, there are some tricks to help make your road trip more eco-sound.
When you must drive, here are some ways to drive efficiently.
Packed car
Drive Efficiently by Driving the Speed Limit
The posted speed limits aren’t just a suggestion, they’re the law. Furthermore, driving the speed limit is good for the earth. Driving above 70 miles per hour uses up to 25% more fuel. Lead foot got you down? Use the cruise control if your vehicle has this option or make it a point to check your speed more often. Saving bank at the pump more than makes this simple task worth while. Of course not paying a speeding tickets also sweetens the deal.
{car photo via bradleygee on Flickr}
Think About Aerodynamics
You can increase CO2 emissions up to 20% by adding more items to the outside of your car and by leaving the windows open at higher speeds. This aerodynamic drag is caused because air is no longer flowing fluently around the car. If you’re bringing bikes, you might want to consider rentals where you’re vacationing. Biking is becoming popular enough that many vacation hot spots offer inexpensive rentals.
Drop the Weight for More Efficiency
Think about the “family truckster” in the movie Vacation, that’s exactly what you should avoid. If you have belongings piled in the trunk and on top of the car than you definitely need to pare it down. You might start with each person’s gear. Make sure you bring the basics and the least amount of clothing. Most hotels have washers and rental until should as well. Toiletries are staples at hotels or you can buy bath essentials when you get to town. When possible, use multi-purpose toiletries. Try a two-in-one shampoo/conditioner and maybe try it as a body wash as well. Think cautiously about what goes in the vehicle. Do you really need it? Will it be used enough to call for its weight on the drive?
Keep on Moving
Stop and go traffic is pure death for eco-driving. Highway driving offers the least harmful effects on CO2 footprints so try to drive during off peak hours. If you’re cruising into Los Angeles at 5:00, be ready for disturbing amounts of stopping.If you can time your trip right though, you might be able to slide in before or after the traffic poses a problem. Also, don’t tailgate. Not only is this practice unsafe, it causes more braking. If you stay far enough behind you might be able to cruise a while longer before having to brake.
Airing up tires
Air Up Those Tires
Fuel Economy reports improvements in gas mileage of up to 3.3% with properly inflated tires. Also, start with tires in good condition. This not only increases safety, it helps promotes better gas mileage and lower CO2 emissions. It extends the life of the tire giving a little more relief to Mother Earth before she accepts another used tire.
{tire photo via Rosa Say on Flickr}
{Source: Fuel Economy}
So Are you headed out on a road trip this summer? What are your tips for easing up on carbon emissions and gas mileage?
No related posts.
See the rest here:
Eco-Vacations: When You Must Drive, Drive Efficiently
Last Minute Mother’s Day Gifts for Eco-Moms
Mother’s Day is a few days away, unless you’re in Mexico than you really blew it. If you waited until now for mom’s gift, don’t despair, we got you covered. We also think Mother’s Day is a perfect holiday for honoring Mother Earth and that special woman in your life.
Here are some last-minute Mother’s Day gifts for Eco-moms or lovely women looking to go green.
Clever Mother's Day cupcakes
Last Minute Gifts
Regurgitate Valentine’s gift ideas. Hey, we did a great job offering superb last-minute sweetheart gifts and most are perfect for mom so go check out the list.
Shop Indie for sustainable jewelry and wearable gifts. If you have a local Farmer’s Market, many take place on Saturdays, take a look at the amazing handmade products for sale by local artisans. Local Harvest offers a helpful tool for finding local markets.
Take a cue from Food Inc. and by from local ranchers. The Meat Shop in Phoenix, Arizona has a special Mother’s day package that includes breakfast meats from local farmers, a $10 gift card and a floral reusable tote for $35. This is a great way to help mom start shopping local. Not in Phoenix? No worries, most cities have a local butcher selling local, grass-fed meat. Again, Local Harvest will help find them.
Buy Used Books. But don’t head online to Amazon or some other big wig store, visit your local indie bookstore selling used books. Instead of buying a just one or two you’ll be able to buy a stack. Many of these shops also carry work from local artisans as well.
Wrap it Eco-Friendly. Once you find the perfect gift you’ll want to make it look amazing. Visit our tips on green wrapping ideas.
Feed Your Mama. Guess what? All those tasty gift ideas we talked about for Christmas are also perfect for Mother’s Day. Instead of Christmas tree cookies make flowers or something representing your special mom.
Give Her Memory-Making gifts. Speak to mom’s heart and buy non-materialistic gifts that matter and bring delightful memories for years to come.
{Cupcake photo via clevercupcakes on Flickr}
What are you buying that special woman in your life? Have any other green ideas to share? Leave them in the comments.
No related posts.
Here is the original post:
Last Minute Mother’s Day Gifts for Eco-Moms
Bountiful Baskets Brings Produce and More to Co-Op Newbies
Bountiful Baskets is a food co-op available in 19 states. The co-op offers 1/2 fruit and 1/2 vegetables at reasonable prices every other week. The produce is available for pick up at several locations within the specified states. It is run by volunteers allowing expansion as more families become involved.
Bountiful Baskets is a simple idea bringing produce and more healthy food options to co-op newbies.
Bountiful baskets produce
What is Bountiful Baskets?
Bountiful Baskets began as an idea from Sally Stevens and Tanya Jolly who already had experience running small co-ops. Seeing a need for expansion as more families yearned for healthy meals, they added some technology to their plan and Bountiful Baskets bloomed. What started with two locations grew to several across nineteen states. The sites are run by volunteers who give their time weekly or when possible. Volunteers get the baskets ready for pick up and do necessary check-ins.
{basket photo via pandavsbear on Flickr}
Sampling of bountiful baskets
Bountiful Baskets Offers Organic or Regular Options
Starting at $15 per order, Bountiful Baskets offers traditional produce along with some more exotic fare like papayas, pineapple and mangoes. Organic baskets were added this year at $25. Again, there’s a good sampling of several fruits and vegetables. They try to support local growers when possible but do use producers from out of state.While buying local is the best way to shop, there are demands from purchasers and that requires searching for products as close to home as possible.
{Bountiful basket photo via Inspired RD on Flickr}
Sourdough bread
Bountiful Baskets Offers Bread More
An added bonus in becoming a Bountiful Baskets member are the additional items available with subscriptions. Add ons include homemade bread, tortillas and specialty produce like Asian vegetables and salsa mixes. This helps families green their meals creatively without reaching too far out of their comfort zone. Sometimes there are nuts, granola, grains and even raw honey. At times there are larger bushels of fruit, great for canning and sharing. I can’t speak highly enough of the homemade bread and honey. Both were delicious and the sweet honey came from local bees, great for allergy sufferers.
{bread photo via Inspired RD on Flickr}
Produce from Bountiful Baskets in backpack and bike basket
Carpool or Take a Bike to Pick Up Your Bountiful Basket
The best part of the co-op is the proximity to many of its members. Here in Phoenix our local is within biking distance. With a backpack and bicycle basket it’s easy to bring your veggie treasures home. Some families take turns picking up all the baskets and delivering them or carpool to the spot. Remember to bring your reusable bags. They’ll have your bounty waiting in a basket but you’ll need a bag or box for delivery. They usually have some extra boxes or flats around but it’s always helpful to bring your own. Also, volunteering is easy and really adds to the community atmosphere. You also can discuss recipes and get great ideas from others.
{bike photo via TinyTall on Flickr}
For more information you can visit the FAQ page at Bountiful Baskets.
Have you tried Bountiful Baskets or a similar co-op? What has been your experience?
No related posts.
Read the original here:
Bountiful Baskets Brings Produce and More to Co-Op Newbies
Beef Replacements: Meat Alternatives for the Mad Cow Blues
Looking for beef replacements after the Californian dairy cow tested positive for Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy(BSE), often called Mad Cow Disease? BSE is transmitted to humans as variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD) causing neurological dysfunction including memory loss, motor dysfunction and eventually, death. While cases in the U.S are rare, the disease incubation is up to 40 years. Instead of risking further exposure, low as the risk may be, why not find alternatives for beef while enjoying added health benefits.
Here are some beef replacements sure to please the pickiest palates and avoid the Mad Cow Blues.
Black beans provide protein as well as fiber
Black Beans As Tasty Beef Replacement
The Cattlemen’s Association questions black beans as a replacement for beef because it takes more calories from black beans to make up the amount of protein in a serving of beef. It takes one and half cups of black beans recording 374 calories to equal the protein in 3 ounces of lean beef with only 180 calories. However, the important detail left unreported is how those beans are a complete meal in themselves with equal amounts fiber to protein. You are also getting antioxidants to fight off free radicals and decrease your risk of heart disease, some cancers and the signs of aging. Black beans mashed with spices and Bulgar wheat can become faux meatballs, hamburgers and even ground beef. Try them for your next beef enchiladas, tostadas or burger recipes.
{black bean photo via Morguefile}
Marinating Portobello mushroom
Mushrooms Instead of Meat
Mushrooms are one of the easiest substitutes for meat, all meats but especially steak. Portobello mushrooms have a rich meaty texture and taste requiring little treatment to transform them into a quality meat replacement. Simply brushing off a big Portobello and drizzling on some olive oil, salt and pepper becomes an elegant main course when grilled on the barbecue or on an iron-cast skillet. Using Bragg’s Aminos adds even more flavor additionally, sautéed onions and a smaller variety of mushrooms is simply divine. Of course the big cap makes a great burger especially when adding lots of toppings. A Hawaiian burger is pure indulgence by marinating the mushroom cap in shoyu and pineapple juice with a little agave nectar or honey. You can sprinkle in a little sesame oil and grated ginger for even more flavor. Drizzle the leftover sauce while cooking and top with pineapple slices.
{mushroom photo via digiyesica on Flickr}
Tempeh with broccoli
Tempted by Tempeh?
You will be. Tempeh is made from cooked, slightly fermented soybeans and has more flavor than traditional tofu. Its firmer texture makes it easier to cook with while still absorbing flavors during marinating. Slice the tempeh thinly and marinate in shoyu, with a little liquid smoke, sesame oil, ginger and garlic and saute with broccoli for a healthy alternative to beef and broccoli. Marinate in green chilies, garlic, cumin, pepper and red chili powder for delicious fajitas. Don’t forget the sautéed onions and bell peppers. You can also use both tempeh and Portobellos together to make a pretty delicious Philly cheese steak sandwich. I have made the Fake-Out Mac and Cheese with much success and instantly thought this “cheese” would be perfect for Philly cheese steak sandwiches. It has the gooey loveliness that you must have along with the peppers and onions.
{tempeh photo via sleepyneko on Flickr}
What’s your favorite beef replacement? What beef do you miss or would you miss most?
No related posts.
Here is the original post:
Beef Replacements: Meat Alternatives for the Mad Cow Blues
Incoming search terms:
- It takes one and half cups of black beans recording 374 calories to equal the protein
Pat’s Run: an Eco-Conscious Model for Charity Races
Under Tempe’s desert sun some 28,000 competitors walk and run a 4.2 mile trek in honor of Pat Tillman. Pat Tillman played for Arizona State University (ASU) in the stadium where the commemorative race ends. When Pat went on to don the Arizona Cardinal uniform he still chose to bike to practice and not take some flashy car. He was a simple man who went without the frivolities so many sports figures flaunt. He enlisted in the Army shortly after September 11, 2001 walking away from a $3.6 million NFL contract and died under friendly fire in Afghanistan. It makes sense that Pat’s Run strives to better its eco-efficiency every year to honor a man who gave his life for his country and became a model for simplicity and honor.
Here are five ways Pat’s Run is an eco-conscious model for charity races.
Clearly labeled recycle bin
The Green Team Keeps Pat’s Run Eco-Conscious
Pat’s Run is made up of volunteers working to make a safe, successful and eco-friendly charity race. To carry out their green goals the Pat Tillman Foundations enlists Tillman Scholars, ASU’s Green Team and last year local Pinnacle High School worked to accomplish their eco-agenda. ASU’s Green Team is part of the Campus Student Sustainability Initiatives (CSSI). They offer recycling and sustainability help at major ASU events. The eco crew worked closely with the City of Tempe to complete their goals which included the following five points.
{recycle bin photo via Morguefile}
Pat's Run 2011 finish line
1. Pat’s Run Recycles
For Pat’s Run 2011, volunteers oversaw the placement and use of 200 bins marked for trash and recycling. These bins were strategically placed throughout the finish line expo and stadium. It’s difficult to eliminate waste at charity races, but offering recycling receptacles helps lower the amount of trash headed for landfills.
{cc photo courtesy of sheiladeeisme on Flickr}
Typical schwag bag from an event
2. Minimization of the Schwag Bag
Schwag bags are the staple of special events, from sporting competitions to professional conventions. Some might not like the idea skimpy schwag bags but runners who know Pat’s story are okay with that. If the subject of the race could walk away from a 3.6 NFL contract than surely competitors can forego a few trial-sized energy bars. The infamous schwag bag from races includes coupons, sample sized treats and even full size energy drinks and water containers. This year, Pat’s Run used Virtual Race Bags. An email was sent to participants with a link to a Virtual Race Bag set up for Pat’s Run. The site collects and offers all the discounts and deals normally found in paper form in race schwag bags.
Plastic bottles at a recycling facility
3. Educating the Public on Being Green
The volunteers in charge of the race’s green initiatives designed and created green t-shirts to easily stand apart from other event workers. They use the race as a teaching moment to promote green living explaining the eco-minded details of the race and their impact on the environment.
{cc photo courtesy of Plan for Opportunity on Flickr}
A rusty old mail box
4. Using the Internet to Lower Paper Waste
While many races allow online registration, they may still send confirmations and t-shirts through the mail. It seems harmless but actually causes an increase in paper waste. Pat’s Run offers registration and confirmation, including signing of the participation waiver, all online. A confirmation email includes your participant number used to pick up your race shirt. Many participants running with friends or family have one member pick up all the shirts to cut down on transportation the three-day t-shirt pick up. This is not only an eco-minded endeavor, the move helped cut printing and paper costs by 1/3 which is significant for a charity event.
{mailbox photo via Morguefile}
Tempe light rail at ASU Stadium
5. Pat’s Run Supports Biking, Carpooling and Light Railing
ASU’s Sun Devil Stadium stands next to the Phoenix Metro’s Light Rail system which runs from central Phoenix through Tempe and on to Mesa. The Pat Tillman Foundation asks participants to use public transportation or carpooling to cut down on emission and traffic congestion the day of the race and when picking up t-shirts the days before the race.
{cc photo courtesy of Nick Bastian Tempe, AZ on Flickr}
{Source: Pat’s Run Race Program}
How do you feel about the waste produced by charity races? Is greening of these races important to you?
No related posts.
Planet Earth screening presented by Rooftop Films and BBC America for Earth Day
Celebrating Earth Day 2012, Rooftop Films and BBC America will present a free outdoor screening of the popular history series Planet Earth followed by the World Premiere of The Making of Planet Earth.
Planet Earth
About this Earth Day Event
Under the stars in nature’s embrace, enjoy the original, uncut film narrated by naturalist and world-famous Sir David Attenbourough. Earth-friendly fun and food trucks will add to the evening’s green festivities set to celebrate BBC America’s special two-day celebration of Earth Day, Saturday April 21st & Sunday April 22nd. The Making of Planet Earth is a World Premiere two-hour special, detailing the adventures of filmmakers who traveled the globe creating Planet Earth.
The Venue
The even takes place at Solar One, a solar-powered arts and education venue standing as a wonderful model for alternative energy sources. Solar One hosts several outdoor arts events including film screenings during the warmer months. Solar One collaborated for a highly successful 4th of July celebration along the water including a fireworks display. The venue is a perfect background for screening the eco-conscious Planet Earth.
The Details for Planet Earth Screening
Planet Earth will screen followed by The Making of Planet Earth on April 21, 2012. The doors open at 7:00pm with the show starting at 7:45pm. The pier at Solar One is located at 2420 FDR Drive New York, NY 10010 on 23rd Street and the East River. Taking the subway? Take the R/6 train to 23rd Street and walk straight east. The event is free and the first 250 admitted will also receive a free ticket to any Rooftop Films show this summer. This also includes shows opening night. Visit Rooftop Films for more information on this special Earth Day event.
{cc photo courtesy of stef thomas on Flickr}
If you live in New York or surrounding areas, are you planning on attending? Have you seen Planet Earth?
No related posts.
Read the rest here:
Planet Earth screening presented by Rooftop Films and BBC America for Earth Day
