Going Green While Camping
Now the schools are out, the camping begins. Whether it’s with an organized camp or you just head out with your family, either way you still need gear. When you’re planning on what to take with you, now is the perfect time to pack green.
There are a million good reasons to think green when camping - just the 2.7 billion juice boxes that end up in the landfills every year are reason enough, but cutting down on waste is always good too. Looking for a new source for fun eco-friendly alternatives? Look no further.
- The folks at Pearl River have great selections, and their colorful lunchboxes are a great way to start.
- Hello Kitty! Who doesn’t love the white 80’s icon from our youth? And now you can have her on your very own Sigg bottle. Too cute!
- And, of course, let’s not forget the team at Kids Konserve. They have a whole host of stainless steel containers - you’re sure to find the perfect one for your needs.
Eco-Friendly Celeb-Approved Clothes for Your Tot
When it comes to following the fashion trends of the celeb set, it’s a lot like window shopping. You can admire from afar, but the stuff isn’t entering your closet. It’s just too cost-prohibitive. After all, we’re not all making $25 million a picture. But every once in awhile, a bargain hits, and this time, it’s eco-friendly to boot.
Singer Sheryl Crow is a big fan of the organic cotton tees from Tiny Revolutionary, dressing her son Wyatt in their little shirts. And with a price point of $25 each, while it’s not cheap, it’s not quite as outlandish as some of the more traditional fare you seem them sporting in the pages of Us magazine. With the company giving a portion of the proceeds to different charities, it’s a purchase you can feel good about, and an article of clothing that you can happily put on your little one.
Happy shopping!
New Canaan Farmer’s Market
After arriving in the country by train, the New Canaan Farmer’s Market beckoned. While it does not offer the diversity in its offerings as Union Square, New Canaan delivers a lovely bounty. Garlic Scapes were most delightful, as were beet greens, 1960’s style strawberries, sugar snap peas, and red and green hothouse tomatoes. An impressive Focaccia, and fresh mozzarella rounded out the day’s purchases.
Fast, Simple, New Canaan Farmer’s Market Supper
Writers Wanted
Are you passionate about “going green?”
Do you go out of your way to support local farmers and/or buy organic?
Obsessed with what’s in our air? soil? water?
Interested in global warming or your carbon footprint?
Care about sustainable items or eco-living?
Then we have a place for you at Growers & Grocers. Why not join our team? We currently have openings for writers and would love to talk to you.
Interested in joining us? Drop Cate a line at info@wellfed.net.
Plates Made from Renewable Crops?
Just when you think you’ve heard of everything, something new comes along that changes all that. EarthShell has come up with a way for you to have your veggies … and then some. They have a new line of disposable plates and bowls that are made from renewable crops of potatoes and corn.
They are sturdy, microwave-safe and take up less space in the landfills once you’re done with them. Their “soak proof” claims certainly make them tempting. Of course the best thing is to not use disposable plates at all, but every once in awhile, there comes a time when convenience outweighs everything else. And at the bargain price of $1.50, at least this decision won’t break the bank either.
Crispy Green Snacks
While attending a conference at the Marriott Marquis Atlanta, I bought some Crispy Green Apples and Pears from the gift shop when the munchies hit. Now, I have a love-hate relationship with dried fruits because I like them, but often times find them rubbery and/or dry.
Not these. I really enjoyed the Fuji apples, which I found refreshing, crunchy and mouthwatering. While the package contains a single serving of fruit, I wanted more! I guess that’s why it’s good I bought the individually portioned package. There is a larger size bag available but the small bags, vacuum sealed bags are quite convenient.
If you try them, see if you can taste the difference. Crispy Green has a way of freeze-drying the fruit that I find irresistible right out of the bag. Sure, Crispy Green snacks are on the expensive side, but there are some things on which I will send the extra.
Crispy Green, Inc.
West Orange, New Jersey
973-679-4515
Sea Stones Create Unique and Beautiful Looks for the Home
I had the opportunity to attend the Kitchen/Bath Industry Show 2009 Conference in May and was intrigued by all the vendors. It was a little overwhelming for me, trying to come up with a plan of action. But once I got going, I got into a rhythm and mentally began creating my dream kitchen as I walked through the various aisles.
Originally from Boston, I was particularly charmed by Sea Stones. Bringing life into homes everywhere, the New Hampshire based company presents a unique and beautiful look to hooks, knobs, and even wine classes. Always keeping Mother Nature in mind, they gather stones from private rivers and beaches, with permission. When a stone is collected, [they] want to make sure there will always be a replacement for future gatherers. So for each one harvested, a new stone (purchased from a quarry) is planted in the water. Over the years, the water tumbles the rough ‘seed’ into a smooth, rounded stone. In the same spirit, hardwoods are supplied by responsible sawyers committed to conservation and the future of our forests. [Sea Stones] also plants 10 times the number of trees used each year for [their] backplates.
Green Summer Plans
As schools begin to wrap up across the country, it is time to think green while out and about. And it’s not difficult. Here are just a few tips everyone can do:
Look locally for fun outings. Creativity can be found in the most unassuming places. When you go on those outings, carpool or rent a hybrid.
Planning a family, or romantic, picnic? Pack your noshes in reusable containers, including utensils and cups. Add a lil’ touch of elegance by using cloth napkins. Pack fresh foods like vegetables, sandwiches, fruit or salads. Not only do these items help eliminate charcoal or lighter usage, but they are biodegradable. Don’t buy water! Bring your water (or other drinks) from home, in a resusable bottle to save on plastics, like Sigg bottles.
Greening Your Grocery Cart
When it comes to “being green” at the grocery store, it’s more than just buying organic items. Being environmentally conscience also extends to buying items that create less greenhouse gas to get the items from the water or ground to your shopping cart.In a recent issue of Self magazine, they shared some excellent tips to reduce your impact when shopping for groceries:
Celebrating the Slow Cook and Your Own Vegetable Garden
The movement for growing your own vegetables started long before Michelle Obama started digging around the White House gardens, but hurrah for her calling attention to such a wonderful thing. As my six-year-old son and I tend to our garden of various herbs and vegetables, it was fun to tell him that even the President has his own garden.
Just one mile from the White House, former reporter Ed Bruske is growing his own as well, long bucking the tradition of fast food and long waits in fancy restaurants. He and his gardens were recently featured in People magazine, and he answered a few questions on the benefits of growing your own:
What’s an easy crop for beginners?
Leafy greens, like lettuce. You can literally scatter the seeds and they grow like weeds.
When best to start?
As soon as possible. Cool-weather vegetables like peas and spinach you can plant before the last frost.
Buy Live Maine Lobster
Live Lobsters shipped all over the United States.
Recent Comments