Grill Your Veggies

Summer is a time for cookouts and hosting guests outdoors. Your goal should be to keep your parties eco friendly.  The main goals should be: eliminate plastic, don’t waste food, and eat plant based. In past posts, specifically Choose Glass from August 22nd, 2018 Give Thanks to Your Planet from November 14th, 2018 and Raise Less, Waste Less from April 8th, 2019, I had talked about the direct impacts of each of these issues and how exactly they are affecting our environment. Please refer back to those to refresh your memory and then read along here for a few tips and tricks and a recipe to test out for your next cookout.

Eliminate Plastic: Eliminating plastic and all single use products is simple but not convenient. Single use products are so normal that people don’t see it as a result of laziness, but it is. They are purchased for the ease of serving and being done but does running the dishwasher a few times and throwing in a load of laundry take that much out of your day? Next time it’s your turn to host, make an effort to make a difference. If you do, your guests will notice and maybe ask questions, and you too can inspire others to limit their footprint.

Don’t Waste Food: Wasting food is far too common. In this first world country, it can be difficult to see the value in leftovers but in certain areas, even in the United States, where food is scarce, people have a very different view. Two simple solutions are: 1. get a headcount.  This will help you prepare for who you have and 2. wrap up the leftovers to prevent them from being wasted.

Eat Plant Based: Eating plant based is becoming crucial to the maintenance of our earth and the slowing down of global warming. It can be a really tough transition for many families but it has been done and can be done. Why not start with one little backyard barbecue? Some of your comfort foods can remain but many have to be altered. Your next plant based cookout menu is just a google away but here is one of my favorite plant based burger recipes:

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Burgers (yields approx. 8 burgers)

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs sweet potato
• 0.33 c uncooked quinoa
• 1 c oats
• 1 c uncooked black beans (The blacks beans will have to soak the night before)
• 0.5 red onion
• 2 tsp cumin, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp paprika, 0.5 tsp cayenne, 0.5 tsp salt

1. Roast the Sweet Potatoes: Halve the sweet potatoes and roast at 400F until soft
2. Cook the Black Beans: Cover the black beans with water and bring to a boil. Then cover and cook on low heat until soft. Making sure there is always water in the pot.
3. Cook the Quinoa: Bring 0.33 c quinoa and 1 c water to a boil. Then cover and cook on loft heat until water is absorbed.
4. Blend or grind the oats to break up the flakes – not as fine as flour
5. Mix everything together
6. Shape the burgers
7. For cooking – the patties will hold together better if refrigerated or even frozen before cooking

Many times this blog talks about a small step in the right direction but serving one cookout completely free of single use products, animal products, and food waste is a huge step in the right direction. Limit your footprint with one impactful day and you will definitely see the difference in your dumpster that week.

Keep it Cool

Does it seem like no matter what the weather is outside, it’s never a comfortable temperature inside your house? Try to be cautious this summer and refrain from using unnecessary energy to cool your home. In a typical household the air conditioning is not even close to the largest energy consumer but in the summertime it can make a decent dent in your wallet. Many times the air conditioning usage and cost gets overlooked because it is typically much less than the heat in the winter time so by comparison, it seems meager.

The easiest way to reduce air conditioning usage without compromising comfort is to use fans to cool smaller areas for shorter periods of time rather than keeping the entire house at a steady temperature. Many people like it cooler when they sleep and a small fan near your bed is much more efficient than running central air conditioning all night long.

Next, try to utilize the natural air and open the windows every once and awhile. In the summer time it can be hard to find the perfect balance of getting fresh air, keeping out the bugs, embracing the breeze, and trapping the cool air inside but sometimes, it can work. As the temperature falls in the evening, that may be the perfect time to let some fresh air in and hopefully keep it in all night.

Here are some unconventional ways to keep the temperature down and feel cooler through the summer; switch to lighter sheets and blankets, keep the oven off, take cold showers, eat cold meals, wear lighter fabrics, and so much more!

Limit your footprint by staying cool with less air conditioning this summer.

Sunny Days

As summer is quickly approaching, sunscreen is going to a necessity in many of our bags. Sunscreen is one of the products I have really struggled with finding what I consider the most sustainable. As I continue my search, I wanted to share everything I have found and help you all take one small step in the right direction.

First, stick to lotion. I would consider this the obvious better choice as the detrimental effects of aerosol have been known for quite some time. The compounds released from an aerosol can are directly harming the ozone, which is our only natural sun protection. So really, aerosol sunscreen helps you temporarily protect your skin while permanently exposing you to more dangerous sun rays. This seems to be an endless cycle of needed protection.

Next, is the chemicals inside the sunscreen and how they affect marine life. I’m sure you have seen by now that many scientists are worried about the active ingredients in sunscreen and the damage they are causing to the coral reefs. There is a long list of ingredients to avoid and they all have long scientific names but you could easily access that list online if you are interested. However, all brands that have removed these ingredients are advertising as “reef safe” so you can easily locate the better option. Also, although there have not been too many studies about the effects on our skin and I am certainly not a scientist, if these ingredients are having such harsh effects on other life, how could it possibly be good for us? A more natural alternative is usually a better option for you and for all life.

Lastly, there is the concern of packaging. Sunscreen is difficult to find plastic free and even more difficult to find completely waste free. My one suggestion to keep your packaging minimal is to buy in large quantities. Buying the largest size you could logistically use is the best way to reduce waste. Think about the packaging to product ratio and keep it low.

So, what I have decided on for myself is BALM! Baby Natural Sunscreen. Yes, it is advertised for babies but it works on all skin. Baby sunscreen typically uses less chemicals and is better for skin sensitivities but other than that, it works like sunscreen. To me, it’s confusing why everyone doesn’t use baby skin products. Just because we care about our baby’s skin more than our own? Anyways, this sunscreen is natural, it comes in a glass jar, and it is made in America.It works for me but everyone is different.

This summer, think about the next best alternative for your sunscreen to make sure it is safe for you and the world around you. Limiting your footprint is easy when you take it one step at a time.

Happy Earth Day 2019

Today is Earth Day! April 22nd 1970 was the first day of a modern environmental movement and we celebrate that anniversary every year. This movement was to bring awareness to the consequences of our actions and that is truly essential to begin improving our lives and limiting our footprints.

In 2019, we have the technology to do research and we have the scientists who have provided us with the results, but to make a difference, everyone needs to take action. There are more and more environmental issues arising and the existing ones are getting larger. To learn about each one and how it came about, you could spend an endless amount of time doing research. There are issues in the rainforest, in the landfills, on the beaches, in the coral reefs, in the arctic, in the air, and so much more. Today I challenge you to spend some time getting more educated. Maybe just 10 or 20 minutes and maybe you get the whole family involved to read together. As you read about a few different aspects of our home (the earth) you will see that the causes vary slightly but they all root from human development and our ignorance to what once was. People used to live a much simpler life and as we become more advanced, we use more resources and harm more land. Turning around now is very difficult as we have become accustomed to what we have but a 180 degree turn is not the only option. Making a small difference is still a difference and I personally appreciate every effort made!

My hope for each of you is that you develop a sense of compassion for the earth and your heart will guide you away from the harmful habits of your life. If everyone continues their lifestyle exactly how it is now, the damage will only get worse. Today is a great chance to reconnect with the 1970 modern environmental movement. Bring awareness to the consequences and make a difference starting today. With so many people on this planet, we do not need a few people living in a perfectly sustainable life, we need everyone to make their best effort and do what suits their life. Limiting your footprint is easy when you take it just one step at a time.  

Hop to a Greener Earth

With every holiday comes extra shopping, gifting, eating, etc. Don’t forget about the basics: 1.  bring your reusable bags to the grocery store; 2. wear the clothes you already own before buying new; 3. only buy the food that you can eat; 4. bring your reusable water bottle everywhere you go and the list goes on. In this post, I have outlined a few Easter specific tips to get you ready for an eco friendly day of fun with your family.

Decorating Eggs: Try decorating artificial eggs! Cut out cardboard eggs and let the kids get creative using what you already have in the house. If you do some forethinking, you can save used tissue paper, wrapping paper, gifts bags, excess strings and ribbons, buttons off old shirts, newspapers, etc. This allows those materials to get one more use before going into the landfill. Get more creative by using flowers, sticks, rocks, and leaves, zero waste materials from outside.

Easter Baskets: First, avoid plastic. When shopping for an Easter basket, go for the canvas, wicker, or wooden basket. Also, the classic plastic grass filling can be substituted with a paper alternative, or even better, you could make your own by shredding up paper scraps from the recycling bin. Secondly, reuse, reuse, reuse. Keep your Easter basket and even your fake grass filling and use them year after year to save some money and reduce your consumption.

Candy Packaging: I know that for most families, candy in inevitable on Easter but how can you be more conscious to minimize waste. One easy way is to buy only single packaged candies. Avoid the candies that have a bunch of little bags inside a big bag. Instead, stick to jelly beans, M&M’s, Skittles, etc. Buying larger quantities in one big bag minimizes the packaging to product ratio and will help your family decrease waste. If you need to divy up that large bag without dumping it into the basket package free, consider reusing glass jars from past purchases and saving them again when Easter is over. Also, if you are a bulk shopper at whole foods (which you should be) they have a few different varieties of bulk candy that you can get “package free” by using the same bulk container you use for your other dry goods.

Plastic Eggs: For your traditional egg hunt in the yard, use as little plastic as possible. Keep those plastic eggs in good condition to be used year after year or find an alternative. The container is not really important to the kids, it what’s inside that counts. You can use any small jar/container that you have at home.

An Eco Friendly Activity: Make planting flowers, or even a tree your family’s go-to activity this year and years to come. Kids will have just as much fun getting messy with dirt as they do with paint and dye.  All while teaching your kids that plants are important and improving your neighborhoods air quality and providing a home for little critters. You can make a huge difference by swapping one plastic packed activity for one eco friendly activity.

An Alternative Holiday: If you want to limit your footprint and teach your family a valuable lesson, maybe you could consider celebrating this holiday selflessly. Save the money you spend on baskets, candy, and toys, and instead spend the day picking up trash, visiting a nursing home, volunteering at a free meal service, cleaning out your home to find donations, etc. The possibilities are endless and your impact will not go unseen.

Remember, one change makes a big difference. Pick up a few minor changes this holiday and limit your footprint one day at a time.

Raise Less, Use Less

It is actually becoming quite common to be pescatarian, vegetarian, or even vegan. People have their different reasons but one of the main reasons is the environmental consequences. Knowing these consequences is key in making the sacrifice for the environment. Believe it or not, animal agriculture emits more greenhouses gases than transportation. (peta.org) This is because the entire process of raising a cow to slaughtering it for meat is lengthy and uses many resources. But greenhouses gases are not the only concern that animal agriculture creates.

First, the amount of water used to get 1 pound of beef is almost 100 times the amount of water used to get 1 pound of tofu. (peta.org) This is because raising an animal, requires water to grow food, to drink, and to clean the barn. To eliminate a significant amount of the water usage on farms, humans could just eat the crops we have been growing for the animals.

Next, animals create waste, literally. Factory farms are a huge contributor to pollution in rivers, lakes, and in the air because of the large amounts of manure. Animal waste emits toxic airborne chemicals that are known to cause a variety of health issues in humans. There is no sewage for animal waste so many farms dump it into a man made “lagoon” right on the farm’s property. As it rains and the manure gets caught in the runoff, it contaminates the groundwater and the rivers and lake it will reside. Factory farmers work around water pollution limits by spraying liquid manure over the crops and into the air around the farm. As the wind carries the manure around, humans are breathing it in and it is polluting our air. (peta.org)

Then there is the destruction of physical land. Raising animals requires grazing land and land to grow crops for the animals food. To feed a human on a vegan diet, it takes 1/20th of the land. It is known to most that the rainforests are being destroyed and it is all due to humans. However, I think many people assume that the paper and wood industries are to thank for deforestation when in fact 90 percent of the deforestation in the Amazon rainforest since 1970 was all to create space for livestock grazing. Eating off the land is more sustainable than feeding someone else off the land so you can then eat them. (peta.org)

Lastly, there is the waste that humans create in the process. Food waste is a large issue and contributes greatly to global warming. If America’s food waste was its own country, it would be third, behind America and China, in emitting the most greenhouse gases. Now, that is just considering the gases released from the physical waste as it rots in a landfill. If you consider the factors listed above, eating animals products creates a larger impact than most see. The following bar graph shows the percentage of food wasted either in the store because it was not sold or in the consumer’s home because it was not eaten.

Now, just to be clear, it is not the animals that are harming the environment. It is the way that humans are dumping resources into animals to mass produce meat and dairy products. The animals were not a large issue until we as humans decided to take control.

One way to start is to eat vegan one day a week. This is a good opportunity to experiment with recipes and learn that there is more than raw salad. Another is to completely eliminate certain products. Switch to a plant based milk, use olive oil instead of butter, stop eating red meat, etc. As you learn more about eating without animal products, you and your family can make a huge difference and limit your footprint with every meal.

Harish. “Animals We Use and Abuse for Food We Do Not Eat.” Counting Animals, 27 Mar. 2013, www.countinganimals.com/animals-we-use-and-abuse-for-food-we-do-not-eat/.

“Meat and the Environment.” PETA, 8 Jan. 2019, www.peta.org/issues/animals-used-for-food/meat-environment/.

Use Resources Wisely

There are so many ways to be more environmentally friendly, sometimes we just don’t realize the difference we can make until the results are shown to us. Conserving water is one of the most advertised ways to be a little more eco friendly yet many of us have a lot of room to improve because we don’t realize the impact. In the United States, where we take water for granted, it is hard to see that water is a valuable resource. We have practically unlimited water coming out of our faucets so it doesn’t seem like minimizing our usage is necessary. But, there are many parts of the world without a plumbing system and no running water. For them, conserving water is a regular practice. Here is how you can help the United States improve our water usage:

The first step is the obvious, use less. Don’t let the water run while your brushing your teeth. Take shorter showers. Don’t take baths. These are the eco friendly practices everyone is typically aware of but maybe they are not executed as often as they could be. When you brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each, that time adds up fast and you could save a lot of water over a lifetime.

Now, to take it one step further, start to collect “wasted” water. One common practice for gardeners is to collect rainwater and use it on a dry day to water the plants. This is a great way to save water if you have indoor or outdoor plants but the rainwater cannot be used for much else. To continue with this idea of collecting water, you can collect the cold water that runs while you wait for the warm water to come. Whether it be when taking a shower, doing the dishes, or washing your hands, warm to hot water is typically preferred. If you keep a bucket or vase under the faucet while you wait for your desired temperature, you can use that water to drink, to cook, to wash your car, to water your plants, and so much more.

An average faucet has a flow rate between 1 and 1.5 gallons per minute and an average shower head has a flow rate between 2 and 2.5 gallons per minute. So, just one minute of wasted water everyday can make a large negative impact over time and similarly, just one minute of saved water everyday can make a large positive impact over time. Put yourself in someone else’s shoes. Someone who has to work for each gallon of water and does not have access to a warm shower. Maybe this will help you treat water, especially warm water, like the luxury it is. You don’t have to track your water usage to see how much you have improved, your water bill will do it for you. Compare each of your water bills with the previous and strive to limit your footprint each month.

Keep it Simple

As going zero waste is becoming more and more popular, there are many misleading posts and ideas around the process. I have seen many posts about some zero waste essentials or a zero waste starter kit and many of the things they advertise are completely unnecessary. One thing I wanted to address was the need to reduce what you buy.

So first, if you’re looking to start moving towards a zero waste lifestyle, don’t buy anything and don’t toss anything. Going through what you own, you will likely find everything you need. Here are a few examples of products people label as a “must have” for zero wasters:

A stainless steel straw: For some reason there are many movements against plastic straws, a small part of our country’s plastic waste. I am definitely for eliminating plastic straws but I do not believe buying a fancy straw with a carrying case and a cleaning tool is the correct solution. Unless you have little ones or older folks at home, are straws a necessity in your life? If you think buying a stainless steel straw will make significant impact in your life, then go out and get one. But, for most of us young adults and middle aged people, straws can be avoided and they should be.

Glass storage: When buying bulk goods, it is a good idea to have some sturdy containers to keep them in. Where I buy mine, you are not able to fill your own containers so I try to keep the store’s flimsy plastic containers in the best condition to be used over and over. But, going out and purchasing a large set of matching glass containers is not only costly to you but it means those jars were made just for that. Instead, save all the glass you already purchase and even ask your friends and family to save theirs if you don’t use enough. Recycling is great but reusing is better!

Reusable rags and tissues: These are definitely key things to have around but they can be obtained with zero cost. Instead of buying new, use torn towels or old clothing to make your own. If you enjoy sewing or if you want to make something a little nicer for your dinner table, you can get very creative with what you have. If not, cutting simple rectangles works well too.

Grocery totes and produce bags: Although there is a certain type of bag that you picture when you think of a reusable shopping bag, just about any bag does the trick. You don’t need to purchase reusable shopping bags to make a difference. You should use what you have and eliminate any single use bags.

The miscellaneous: Lastly, there are many different brushes, appliances, and cleaning product that are a more sustainable alternative to the ones you already have. Going zero waste does not mean throw everything away and start from the beginning. These sustainable alternatives should be substituted only when a substitution is needed. For example, Don’t by a bamboo toothbrush if your plastic one is still serving it’s purpose.

Going zero waste is not just about the physical garbage your family creates but the waste created in all aspects of life. A brand new product is wasteful from the manufacturing, the transportation, and the packaging. If it’s something you own and can use again, or something you can thrift from a second hand shop, you will save waste but also money. Limit your footprint by limiting your spending.

The Season of Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace

Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the Lenten Season. For many religions, this is a season of reflection and preparation for Easter. One of the most common practices during this time is to give up something you love, or something it would be difficult to live without. It is forty days long (not including Sundays) to represent Jesus’ forty days of fasting and suffering. However, nothing is stopping you from making a forty day sacrifice without the religious background.

From past experiences, giving up something for a short, predetermined amount of time, such as forty days, allows you to test yourself with a little bit of relief knowing it is only short term. Some of you may have already decided what to give up this year and some of you may have been planning to not participate at all. Either way, maybe this could be a good time to get a jump start on a “zero waste” journey. Below I have made a list of a few things that you can give up to help limit your footprint:

• Plastic grocery bags – Don’t forget your reusable bags. If you do, turn around to get them, you will only learn your lesson if you make an inconvenience out of the mistake.
• Television – The television is a large appliance that uses a lot of electricity. Giving up screen time for forty makes for a healthier you and a healthier environment.
• The dryer – In an average home, the dryer is one of top appliances for energy usage. Eliminating the dryer makes a huge impact on your bills and the environment.
• Packaged snacks – If you tend to eat a lot of prepackaged snacks, this could be a great time to try out a few recipes for a homemade alternative.
• Paper – Each time you reach for paper to jot down a phone number or a shopping list, opt for an electronic alternative.
• Meat – Being a vegetarian for forty days will significantly limit your footprint and help you experiment with new meals and realize there is more than salad and pasta.  
• Plastic bottles – This means giving up all store bought sodas and juices. You can find some farms that deliver fresh juice in refillable glass but other than that, stick to water.

At the end of your forty day trial, maybe you decide that the sacrifice you chose was much too difficult and taking smaller steps is a better idea, or maybe you decide to continue with your commitment. Either way, you have made a difference in limiting your footprint.

Dress for Success

Limiting your footprint comes from limiting your consumption. Every product requires materials, transportation, energy, resources, and more. If you use less, you will preserve more. My next challenge is to limit your consumption in your closet.

The first step is to think neutral and versatile when shopping for new pieces. An outfit that you will wear once is a substantial waste of everything that went into it, and the money you paid for it. If you need a very particular article for a one time use, consider renting, borrowing a friends, or buying second hand to donate back when you’re done. Fill your closet with neutral clothing that can pop with a bold accessory. This will avoid that one shirt that you only wear three times a year because it’s just too much for a regular day.

Next, think less is more. If your clothing is neutral and versatile, it is easy to keep a small closet. Black, white, grey, and tan can be mixed and matched together and spruced up with colorful jewelry, scarves, belts, ties, etc. Simplifying your closet may seem like a tricky task but learning to live with less is much easier than you may think and it makes choosing an outfit much easier in the morning.

If you like having a large closet and many options to choose from, one of the best ways to reduce your consumption without simplifying your wardrobe is to share. Embrace hand me downs and second hand shopping to make one article last until it cannot be worn any longer.

And don’t forget about your shoes. When shopping for shoes, the same suggestions apply but also think quality. If your shoes are versatile enough to wear almost daily, you want a shoe that will last. Buying new shoes every month would probably equate to just owning too many shoes and wearing each every once and awhile.

If you are looking to simplify your closet now, don’t jump straight to the end goal. First, go through your closet and decide which articles you have not worn in a long time or you do not wear frequently. These should be donated to second hand shops or passed down to a friend who would wear them more, not thrown away. Second, decide which articles are neutral and versatile and could work for you in a simplified closet. My suggestion is to keep these aside and try to avoid them. Wear the clothes that you would ideally get rid of until you can’t wear them anymore. This will ensure you have made the most of your purchase before deciding to retire them. Over time, your closet will very slowly shrink as everything gets worn out and as you replace the articles you didn’t want to let go of, you will be transforming to a simplified closet and a simplified life.

Lastly, don’t forget about recycling. Most curbside recycling companies do not accept textiles but there are facilities that will give you cash, like a scrap metal recycling yard. The small percentage of textiles that are recycled is saddening and I hope it’s because of a lack of knowledge not a lack of motivation. Don’t let your textiles end up in a landfill when you can make a difference. (Disclaimer: some places will not accept shoes, only fabric based things like shirts, pants, sheets, pillow cases, etc.)

Limit your footprint by simplifying your closet and limiting your consumption.