Meatless Monday! Veggie Pot Pies

           It's Meatless Monday! I was informed...by several people, that my first Meatless Monday post was well, wordy. So, I don't plan on bombarding you with statistics or lots of depressing facts. However, if you want to know more about why you should give Meatless Monday a try check out this website here.
           Instead, I'd like to share a yummy recipe that I found on Vegetarian Times' website. I've been wanting pot pies for some time now so I was super happy to try this out. I made it the other night and it really hit the spot. It was a big hit even with my meat-eating hubby! This is a crowd pleaser  for omnivores and herbivores alike.

Ingredient List

Serves 8

Dough

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup whole-wheat flour
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 4 Tbs. cold soy margarine, cut into pieces

Filling

• 2 Tbs. olive oil
• 1 medium leek, white and green parts chopped (1 1/2 cups)
• 1 1/2 cups chopped celery or fennel
• 2 large carrots, diced (1 cup)
• 8 oz. button mushrooms, thinly sliced
• 2 Tbs. all-purpose flour
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (2 tsp.)
• 4 oz. red-skinned potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes (1 1/2 cups)
• 2 1/4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 tsp. poultry seasoning
• 2 Tbs. creamy cashew butter, optional
• 6 asparagus spears, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup fresh or thawed frozen peas
• 1/2 cup fresh or thawed frozen corn kernels

Directions

1. To make Dough: Whisk together flours and salt in bowl. Cut or rub margarine into flour mixture until no large pieces remain. Stir in 3 to 4 Tbs. cold water until smooth dough forms. Wrap in plastic wrap, and chill while making Filling.

2. To make Filling: Heat oil in large pot over medium heat. Add leek, celery, carrots, and mushrooms; sauté 5 to 7 minutes, or until tender. Stir in flour 
and garlic, and cook 1 minute. Add potatoes, broth, and poultry seasoning. Cover, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer 10 minutes. Stir in cashew butter (if using), and 
cook 1 minute more. Remove from heat, and stir in asparagus, peas, and corn.

3. Preheat oven to 400°F. Roll out Dough to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into 8 4-inch rounds.

4. Divide Filling among 8 1-cup ramekins. Place dough rounds on top, pressing dough around sides of ramekins with fork to crimp and seal. Poke hole in top of each pot pie. Place pot pies on baking sheet, and bake 30 to 40 minutes, or until tops are golden brown. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Nutritional Information

Per pot pie: Calories: 244, Protein: 6g, Total fat: 10g, Saturated fat: 3g, Carbs: 35g, Cholesterol: mg, Sodium: 207mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugars: 5g

        

          I adjusted this slightly to fit us. I omitted a few ingredients and added a few. I also cut the recipe in half and just made one large pot pie in a 9x5 ceramic loaf pan (we don't have ramekins). This worked out great. However, if you decide to do it this way keep in mind your cooking time does increase by 10-20 minutes depending on your oven. A friend suggested adding faux chicken if you want that extra hearty feel. I liked it just fine without. Although, next time I think I will add some sort of legume (possibly chickpeas?) for a little protein boost. Oh and in case you're wondering, No, poultry seasoning does not contain poultry. It contains thyme, sage, rosemary, marjoram, pepper and nutmeg.  Overall, supper yummy. And if a novice cook like me can make this, anyone can! Happy Meatless Monday & bon appetite.

On The Road Again

           It's that time of year, the holidays are upon us. For many Americans this means traveling to see loved ones. Of course the best way to green your travels are to stay close to home or take the train to your destination. However that's not always an option. I love the Earth, but I love my family more. Thanksgiving is the one holiday a year that my huge family gathers under one roof. I missed last year's festivities because of sickness during my pregnancy. This year I plan on being there come Hell or high water....or an extra carbon footprint. But your road trip doesn't have to be an eco-disaster. Here are some tips to help your excursion over the hill to Grandmother's house a little greener.

Rent a Hybrid: Not all of us can own an electric car or the newest hybrid SUV, but you can rent one. It is an extra cost, but if you can swing it these babies can get upwards of 60mpg which will save a ton on gas.



Go the Speed Limit: I know, crazy right? But Ms. Daisy really was on to something. Your fuel mileage is better on the open road when you're not flooring it. Plus, you'll thank me when you pass that trooper hiding in the underpass and you were actually going the speed limit.




Skip the Fast Food: Yes, it's convenient, but it's also hugely wasteful and not so healthy to boot. Besides, during the holidays we are on our way to giant feasts. Do we really need that large fry and milkshake? Stock up on your favorite snacks pack them in your reusable snack bags. Fill up your reusable bottle with your beverage of choice & pack a small cooler with backups to get you through. If you stop for java don't forget your reusable coffee mug. You may need the pick-me-up or if you're like me, you just can't resist that pumpkin spice (decaf) goodness. Most places will even give you a small discount for using your own cup. Are you sensing a theme here? Reusable, reusable, reusable!

Line Up Green Lodging: If  you, your mother, your uncle, and who is that anyway? is too much for you under one roof during the holidays look for eco-savvy hotels, motels, or B&B's. Check out The Green Hotels Association or Environmentally Friendly Hotels for accommodations near your destination.


Offset it:  Plan some carbon offsets into your vacation budget to try to negate the carbon emissions of your trip. The money you spend on carbon offsets will be used to plant trees or support a renewable energy project, thereby “offsetting” the carbon emissions generated during your travel. Check out Carbon Neutral or Green Tags USA to calculate carbon emissions and purchase greentags.


Have a safe and happy holiday and as always, LESS IS MORE!

8 Tips for a Greener Thanksgiving

          We are T minus one week until Thanksgiving! Holidays are definitely not the most environmentally friendly time of the year. Especially if you have a huge family like I do. At our holiday table(s) we have anywhere from 40-60 people! It is one of my favorite holidays (a close second behind Christmas) for just this reason, but also hugely wasteful. According to RecycleWorks, from Thanksgiving to New Years Day, household waste increases by more than 25 percent. But with some careful planning and some easy tips you can help reduce that.

• When shopping for food try to choose organic and local. If you buy local, not only can you enjoy fresh food, but you will also support your local economy. Check for farmers’ markets, family farms, community-supported agriculture programs and U-Pick options in your area for the freshest produce, eggs, dairy and grass-fed meat. Also, consider buying organic wines to be more eco-conscious without sacrificing quality or taste (or go vegetarian or vegan for an even bigger environmental impact).  Checkout this website here to find fresh, organic food near you.

            With such a large family, we all contribute to the spread. I am the green bean casserole girl. It's a catchy title, I know. Usually I would make the easy peasy green bean casserole with canned green beans and cream of mushroom soup. This year I am trying my hand at making it from scratch. Not only will it be more eco-friendly since I plan on buying local and/or organic produce, but it will be healthier (with significantly less sodium & no BPA from the canned goods). I am going to go out on a limb here and say I'm willing to bet it will taste much better as well.

• Traveling tips- If you must travel take the train if possible. If each family reduced holiday gasoline consumption by 1 gallon (about 20 miles), we would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 1 million tons.

             That being said, my 5 month old son Brayden & I will be traveling, via car, to my family's in South Western Illinois. With a child who is not yet an unsupported sitter and bevy of baby stuff, the train just isn't practical. I'll address how to make your road trips as green as possible in a blog coming soon.

• When setting the table there are many options, all dependent upon how many guests will be present at your Thanksgiving celebration. If it is going to be a small gathering, get out your nice china for the occasion. Cloth napkins are also a plus. If you’re expecting a big crowd, organize it like a potluck and ask your guests to bring dishes and silverware for themselves. If disposable place settings are your only choice, opt for biodegradable and compostable utensils, napkins and plates, such as those from Biodegradable Store.com. The average dishwasher uses between 7 and 15 gallons of water per cycle. After the meal, be sure to fill the dishwasher to capacity before running it to save water and energy.

• Get extras at the thrift store – If you’re in need of a gravy boat, a vase for that organic bouquet centerpiece, a few extra glasses or a table runner, check your local thrift and consignment stores. Consignment stores in particular tend to stock up on things they think will be in demand during certain times of the year, so you might be surprise at the selection. It’s always better to buy secondhand! 

• Decorate with natural materials – There’s absolutely no reason to run out to the mall and purchase a bunch of Thanksgiving-themed junk that was made in China and will fall apart by next year. Skip the cheesy seasonal décor and take a cue from nature. Many people like to place pinecones in a bowl or basket as a centerpiece, or wind a string of white lights around some branches in a planter or tall vase. You could also purchase a living plant that can go into the garden next spring, or pick up a bouquet or organic blooms from your local independent florist. Or try your hand at some crafty homemade variations such as painted gourds or acorn napkin rings.

• Leftovers. So you've doled out as much as you could to family and friends and you still have left overs? Don’t forget to donate your leftovers to a food bank or nearby homeless shelter. And remember to compost your food scraps. Better yet, save them for a homemade soup broth!

• Skip the TV. I know, you think I'm nuts, but you have all year to veg out in front of the TV. Consider getting some fresh air or playing a board game. Take advantage of the time together with friends and family while decreasing your energy usage.

             In our family many of the women go for a walk (admittedly, I am usually too lazy after all that food) and it is a family tradition to play a men vs. women game of Trivial Pursuit. It's one of my favorite parts of the day hanging with family I don't get to see often enough and laughing so hard it hurts.

• Recycle of course! Last, but not least, get back to the basics and recycle. Encourage your guests to pitch in and clearly mark recycling bins. Recycling all packaging, as well as any beverage containers, will significantly reduce the number of times you have to take the trash out, as well as the amount of garbage you send to the landfill.

Have a great holiday and remember less is more!

Down But Not Out

          As I round out this first week of the challenge, I'm left feeling slightly disappointed. Today's blog won't be filled with statistics about all the harmful things you are ingesting, wearing, or using (a collective sigh from the three people that read this blog). Rather, I'd like to share my ups and downs of this week with you.
          Like most things you set your mind to, you start out with vigor; with unstoppable enthusiasm. And then real life comes along and slaps you in the face. Don't get me wrong, I'm not giving up already. It's just sometimes, in my head life is like a musical (don't judge me). I picture us all collectively mixing up our own cleaners to a catchy tune and sorting our recycling to a well choreographed dance number. The villain in this story are the big corporations that waste without a thought and secretly poison us with chemicals. The good guys are victorious in the end with a big, show stopping finale. Sadly, life isn't a musical and the "good" guys and "bad" guys aren't so easily discernible.
          Sunday we went over to my inlaws' for dinner, which we generally do weekly. Our lovable 2 year old golden retriever, Hallie, peed...in about 5 different places on my inlaws' carpet. She has this adorable habit of doing that whenever she gets overexcited. Apparently, seeing my husband's parents (despite the weekly trips) falls under this category. Having just started this challenge, I am hyper aware of waste and what everyone is using. My mother-in-law used an entire roll of paper towels to clean up the mess. She is no bad guy. In fact, I feel unbelievably lucky that she is my mother-in-law. However, I was mortified that my dog made a mess that required an  entire roll of paper towels to clean.
          Monday was the first time since the challenge that I was going out to eat. I was excited for time with a friend and fully set to embarrass her by adhering to the rules of the challenge. I came prepared with Tupperware (for my left overs) and my own cloth napkin. We had decided to go to Buffalo Wild Wings. My friend loves their wings and they have veggie burgers. Their veggie burgers are nothing special, but I'm a sucker for sauces and they have plenty! If you have ever been to a BWW you know that all of their food is served in a paper covered basket and their sauces come in a small plastic container. I had been thinking about the paper covered basket for days and still wasn't sure how I would handle it. I had decided that instead of my usual 3 or 4 sauces on the side that I liked to get, that I would choose only one then bring the container home with me to re-use.
          All of these ideas were great in theory. When it came time to order, I chickened out and didn't ask for an alternative to the paper covered basket. We also ordered chips and salsa and even the salsa arrived in a disposable paper cup. I didn't have any left overs (I was hungry) so I didn't need my Tupperware. Because of this, I forgot all about that darn sauce container. Arg. I did use my cloth napkin. One small victory.
          The next morning it was a good friend's birthday. Spur of the moment we decided to go out to a birthday breakfast. I thought, "Ah, this is my chance for redemption." Alas, a similar scenario played out. And when I didn't use my napkin, my friend kindly pointed out that they would probably throw it out anyhow. Sigh, she was right.
          On the way home we made a detour at the store so I could pick up my new organic, "eco-friendly" makeup I had decided on earlier that week. After spending what was probably an obscene amount of time reading packages to determine what was recyclable or reusable, we'll just say I was underwhelmed.
          It's easy to think, "What's the point? Am I even making a difference?" Well, I'm not giving up that easily. You are bound to stumble when you're learning to walk, and I don't plan on crawling through my life. I took yesterday off blogging to clear my head and focus on quality time with loved ones. I'm back today rejuvenated.
          It is not in spite of these road blocks that I continue my journey. It is because of them. Our society has become centered around convenience. My mother-in-law is not secretly rubbing her hands together, muhaha-ing that she plans to fill up the landfills one roll of paper towels at time. We are programmed to believe that convenience is king and it comes neatly packaged in an insurmountable amount of waste. Change is not convenient. It can seem horribly daunting to add to a life already full of work, kids, chores, ect. But this world is not ours. We are merely borrowing it from the next generation. Just like a courteous house guest, I'd like to leave it in better shape than I found it. I can't give up hope that we can make a change or where does that leave my children? Less IS more!

Meatless Monday

      
    Meatless Monday. You have probably heard this idea lately. What's it about? Are they (whoever "they" are) trying to conspire to turn us all into vegetarians and vegans? Yes. We (as in part of "they") attend weekly underground meetings and plot to trick you into eating the way we want you to, one meatless day at a time. Not really (and if you were saying, "I knew it!" you probably have some pretty interesting conspiracy theories).
        What is it really all about then? While I do happen to be vegetarian, I recognize that not everyone wants to be an organic vegan...wah, wah. So, why bother asking you to skip meat one day a week then? What good will that do? Conceivably, a lot. I won't bombard you with images of tortured animals or link you to some gut-wrenching Peta video. Instead, I'd like to focus on the environmental reasons why eating a little less meat can make a huge impact. And your body may thank me too.
          Most of the meat you can pick up at the grocery store and almost all "meat" that you grab at the drive thru comes from factory farms. Many of the packages adorn pictures of a small farm or a smiling cow, evoking images of rolling meadows and sparse animals happily grazing. For most big producers this is just not the case.
          In a healthy farm system, agriculture works in harmony with the natural environment. This begins with healthy soil that stores water and nutrients and provides a stable base to support plant roots. In a sustainable system, soil is kept in balance. Crops are rotated through the fields to replace nutrients in the soil. Where there is livestock, animals graze the land, then waste from those animals is used to fertilize the soil. The idea is that as farmers take from the land they also give back.
         

Animal Manure and Pollutants

          Factory farms concentrate an unnatural number of animals in one place, which creates an unmanageable amount of waste. For example, a single hog excretes up to 17.5 pounds of manure and urine each day (wow, right?). Put 1,000 hogs together, and that’s six million pounds of waste each year. On a factory farm containing 35,000 hogs, over four million pounds of waste are produced each week, and over 200 million pounds each year.
          The creation and disposal of such enormous quantities of waste has a devastating effect on the air, water and soil surrounding factory farms. Unlike human waste, livestock manure is not processed for sanitation. On factory farms it is commonly mixed with water and held in pits (called “lagoons”), and then spread or sprayed on cropland. But the system often suffers from an excess of manure: the lagoons can leak or spill, for instance, or the manure is over-applied to fields, which can cause it to run off into surface waters.
          Manure carries with it other substances that are used on industrial farms such as antibiotics and artificial growth hormones, which contaminate waterways and affect the plants and animals that live in them. Nutrients and heavy metals present in animal feed are also excreted by livestock. These include zinc, copper, chromium, arsenic, cadmium and even lead. In balanced amounts, some of these elements can be good for soil and promote plant growth. But as factory farms over-apply manure to fields, a significant quantity of nutrients builds up in the soil and can actually reduce the soil’s fertility. This damage is difficult to reverse, and ultimately puts fertile cropland out of use.

       

Air and Water Pollution

           Factory farms emit harmful gases and particles such as methane and hydrogen sulfide, which can contribute to global warming and harm the health of those living or working nearby. Air pollution results from the overuse of machinery, the mismanagement of manure, and the irresponsible feeding practices that characterize industrial farming.
          Chemical fertilizers and pesticides have turned agriculture into a leading source of water pollution in the United States. Runoff from factory farms kills fish, degrades aquatic habitats and threatens drinking water supplies. Additionally, factory farms use tremendous amounts of water, which cuts into our precious supplies of water that are not contaminated.

Feed Crops

          Factory farms also harm American farmland through their consumption of massive quantities of feed crops. Consider this: The average cow eats roughly 30 pounds of food each day. The beef industry raises more than 30 million cows each year. Some of those cows feed themselves by grazing on pasture, but the vast majority are raised in feedlots, where they eat corn and soybeans. The result: American cropland is pushed hard to produce an extraordinary amount of grain.

          Currently, the average rate of soil erosion on US cropland is seven tons per acre per year. This is a serious problem, because erosion causes fertile farmland to lose nutrients and water retention ability. Because the first thing to go is precious topsoil, the soil removed by erosion contains about three times more nutrients and 1.5 to five times more organic matter than that which remains behind. The National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service writes that erosion is the single greatest threat to soil productivity in the United States.

Now That I Know, What Can I Do To Help?

         You may be wondering with such staggering statistics, will one day a week even make a difference? Yes! Take water usage for instance. It takes about 60 pounds of water to produce a pound of potatoes, 108 for a pound of wheat, 168 for a pound of corn, 229 for a pound of rice, and 12,000 gallons for a pound of meat. If we all skipped just one day a week imagine the impact that could have!

          The rest of the week when you choose your meat choose quality over quantity. Support your local sustainable farmer. You will not only be helping the environment, but supporting small business and helping your community.  Use this great website to find a local farmer near you. If you choose local organic meats they may be more expensive, but they will also be free of antibiotics, hormones, and other dangerous elements such as arsenic. That's right, much of the chicken sold in the US contains arsenic. So do your health, your community, and the environment a favor and eat less meat and choose organic free range meats when possible. Less is more!

Check out the Meatless Monday website here to learn more & get great meatless recipes.

Be a Mean, GREEN, Cleaning Machine!

          A few years ago when our lovable golden retriever was just a puppy, my husband, George, was cleaning the toilet. He walked away for a minute to answer a phone call when Hallie (our furry first born child) decided to seize the opportunity to investigate the delicious looking blue liquid. She got one good tongue full before George caught her. Needless to say we were terribly worried about our baby and rushed her to the vet. Luckily, she was fine.
          Not far into the future and I was pregnant with our first child, Brayden. I decided that I no longer wanted all these chemicals in the house. If I couldn't even clean the house myself when I was pregnant, I certainly didn't want my child getting into the stuff. But we live in a time where we are bombarded with ads for the newest and greatest chemical laden cleaner for this and that. We are had to believe that we need a separate cleaner for every surface in our homes. One for the kitchen counter, one for the bathroom sink, one for the toilet, one for the floors, and well you get the point.
          Detergents, degreasers, stain removers and pesticides have made our homes miniature chemical factories. . If these hazardous products in the home are ingested, absorbed through the skin or inhaled they can cause illness that may only appear years later.
Over 100 chemicals commonly found in homes have been linked to allergies, birth defects, cancer, psychological abnormalities, skin reactions, headaches, depression, joint pain, chronic fatigue, chest pains, dizziness, loss of sleep, asthma. . .the list goes on.
          Research suggests that exposure to cleaning products or air fresheners that contain a certain volatile organic compound (VOC) called 1,4 dicholorobenzene (1,4 DCB), can reduce lung function by 4 percent. Another study found that the use of spray household cleaners could increase the risk of developing asthma by nearly 50 percent.
          A third study, reported by University of Washington researchers in the journal Environmental Impact Assessment Review, found that the fumes from air fresheners and fragrances contain hazardous toxins, none of which were listed on product labels since companies are not required by the federal government to disclose the ingredients in these products. Yet another study suggests that there is a strong link between breast cancer and air fresheners and mould and mildew removers.

          Here are the top six worst household offenders:
1. Ammonia
Not only can ammonia trigger asthma, it can kill if mixed with common bleach. Prolonged exposure to ammonia can cause chemical burns to the lungs and skin as well as scarring of the cornea.
2. Carpet Shampoo
Some shampoos used for carpets contain perchloroethylene, a known carcinogen, which can cause kidney, and nervous system damage. Some also have ammonium hydroxide, which is an eye, skin and lung irritant.
3. Dishwasher detergents
Many of the common dishwasher products have dry chlorine and are the #1 cause of accidental child poisonings. You can possibly absorb the particles of dry chlorine that may still remain on your dishes as you heat your food. Damage to mucous membranes and the throat are also some of the problems associated with dishwasher detergents.
4. Furniture polish
Petroleum distillates are often found in many furniture polishes. Now only are they very flammable, but they can also cause lung and skin cancer. Other chemicals in furniture polishes to watch out for are phenol and nitrobenzene which can be absorbed through the skin.
5. Toilet Bowl Cleaners
Often containing hydrochloride acid which is a corrosive, they can irritate the eyes and skin and can cause possible damage to the kidney sand liver. Toilet bowl cleaners are very dangerous if swallowed, causing vomiting, coma and under some circumstances, pulmonary edema.
6. Air fresheners
A common chemical in many air fresheners is formaldehyde, a suspected carcinogen, as well as phenol which can cause hives, and the burning and peeling of the skin.         

          Not only are these cleaners hazardous to your health, but they endanger the environment by contaminating our groundwater, lakes and oceans. Many common household cleaning products are actually classified as hazardous waste! The average household disposes of their cleaners in the trash or dumps it down the sink. Think before you pour waste down the sink. Only natural substances should be disposed in our sewer systems. If you decide to get rid of yours please take them to your county's hazardous waste collection center.
          The good news is you don't have to use any of this junk to have a clean house. Many brands offer "green" cleaners without harsh chemicals. Brands like Seventh Generation makes great eco-friendly cleaners. Even the makers of Clorox now have a green line called Green Works. While these are a vast improvement over the traditional cleaners, why spend $3-10 on a bottle of green cleaner when you can easily and cheaply make your own?

          In our house, we now use white vinegar and baking soda to clean almost everything. You can buy both in bulk for pennies on the dollar compared to the brand  name commercial cleaners. Mildly acidic white vinegar dissolves dirt, soap scum, and hard water deposits from smooth surfaces, yet is gentle enough to use in solution to clean hardwood flooring.
         White vinegar is a natural deodorizer, absorbing odors instead of covering them up. (And no, your bathroom won't smell like a salad! Any vinegar aroma disappears when dry.) With no coloring agents, white vinegar won't stain grout on tiled surfaces. 

• One part vinegar to one part water in a spray bottle will clean most countertops, floors, and mirrors.

          Undiluted white vinegar, straight from the jug, makes quick work of tougher cleaning problems involving hard water deposits or soap scum.

• Use undiluted white vinegar to scrub the inside of the toilet bowl. Before you begin, dump a bucket of water into the toilet to force water out of the bowl and allow access to the sides. Pour undiluted white vinegar around the bowl and scrub with a toilet brush to remove stains and odor. Use a pumice stone to remove any remaining hard water rings.

• Clean shower heads that have been clogged with mineral deposits with undiluted white vinegar. Place 1/4 to 1/2 cup vinegar in a plastic food storage bag, and secure the bag to the shower head with a rubber band. Let stand for 2 hours to overnight, then rinse and buff the fixture to a shiny finish.

• Add one cup of undiluted white vinegar to the laundry rinse cycle instead of commercial fabric softener. White vinegar softens clothes and cuts detergent residue--a plus for family members with sensitive skin.

• Put a bowl of 1-2 cups of vinegar in the microwave for 30seconds to one minute. It will loosen up food particles and stains to easily be wiped away.

          Baking soda's mild abrasive action and natural deodorizing properties make it a powerful replacement for harsh commercial scouring powders.

• Sprinkle baking soda onto a damp sponge to tackle grimy bathtub rings, scour vanities, or remove food deposits from the kitchen sink.

• For tougher grime, make a paste of baking soda and water, apply to the tub or sink, and allow to stand for 10 to 20 minutes. Dirt, soap scum and deposits soften and are easier to remove. 

• Slow-running drains? Keep bathroom drains running freely by pouring 1/2 to 3/4 cup baking soda into the drain, and dribbling just enough hot water to wash the solution down. Let stand for 2 hours to overnight, then flush thoroughly with hot water. The deodorizing effect is an added bonus! However, don't use this method on blocked drains.

• We also use baking soda to sprinkle in our diaper pale and trash can to keep odors at bay.

          When it comes to harsh chemical that can harm you, your family, your pets, and the environment, Less Is More! Happy cleaning!

No One Told Me There'd Be a Makeup Exam

It is day #3 and I've run out of makeup remover. Per the rules of the challenge I can't buy anything that I can make or that produces unnecessary waste. I currently use Neutrogena makeup remover wipes. Each of the cleansing towelettes is disposable and the packaging is not recyclable. Yeah, I'd say that's unnecessarily wasteful. It may surprise you that I still use these when I go out of my way to lesson my waste in so many other ways, but I've tried many different varieties and like these the best. I have sensitive skin and have a hard time finding facial products I like. So, I've stuck with these despite the waste.
          It's time for a change. I've read that olive oil is a great eye makeup remover. I decided to give it a go since we use olive oil nightly for our cooking and already have large amounts on hand. Apply it to your eyes with a soft cloth and leave on for two or three minutes. It should break down even the toughest waterproof mascara and condition your eyelashes as a bonus.

           I am also running dangerously low on my foundation and concealer. While makeup probably wouldn't be considered a hygienic basic, I will be replacing it with something. I would love to be one of those women who walks around sans makeup with her head held high. However, I don't wish to scare small children or be chased out of town by a pitchfork carrying mob.
          I began to peruse the internet for homemade makeup recipes. I found some great ideas for homemade lip balms here and homemade eyeshadow recipes aren't are to come by either, but seem to have some obscure ingredients. When I searched homemade foundation and concealer, the recipes were extremely complicated and included a plethora of ingredients and some chemicals. Hmm, that seems to defeat my purpose here.
          I decided to search instead for the most eco-friendly makeup. I came across Environmental Working Group's Cosmetics Database.  Here you can find out what ingredients are in the products you use and what hazard level they pose to you. Shockingly, my current "mineral" foundation and concealer earns a 4 and a 5 on the EWG's 0-10 scale. This is considered a moderate hazard and the site explains how they came up with this rating.

          After much research I decided on Physicians Formula Organic Wear. It scores a modest 1 on EWG's database. It was the first ECOCERT certified American organic makeup line; products contain 100% certified organic ingredients and are packaged in environmentally conscious paper (as opposed to plastic) compacts. Unlike some of the other high end organic makeups I came across, this line is readily available in local stores and is relatively affordable. I have tried some of this line in the past. It's not bad and I'm willing to give it a second chance. The only thing I really dislike is that each new compact or tub of loose powder comes with it's own brush. For an eco-line, that seems very wasteful and I plan on writing the company to tell them so.
          If you're ready for your makeup exam visit EWG's site. It's eye opening and worrying that so many of the products we put directly on our face may not only be affecting the environment, but our health. I guess the cost of beauty is more than skin deep. I've learned when it comes to makeup less is definitely more!

Compst. Because a Rind is a Terrible Thing to Waste.

          So, it is only Day #2 of my challenge and I am already thinking about purchasing something new. Gasp, but that is against the rules, you say. I know, I know. But it's for a worthy cause, I assure you. It is hard to talk about being "green" and making less waste without talking about composting. I have been thinking about this for some time now.
          However, I live in a small two bedroom condo (which is technically a one bedroom with a den) with my husband, our 5 month old baby, our golden retriever, AND we have another baby on the way. Suffice it to say, every square inch is precious. Our balcony is approximately 3 feet by 6 feet and is already home to 2 chairs, our small grill, a very small table, and the back end of an unsightly air conditioning unit housed in the wall. We love to cook. Well, my husband loves to cook and I love to bake. So, our modest (small) kitchen is packed to the brim as well. We already store our coffee pot, slow cooker, and recycling bin under the kitchen sink. Hmm, that pretty much eats up the two prime locations for a compost bin for apartment dwellers.
          All that being said, the more I think about it, the more determined I am to make space. Although space is not my only obstacle. Ah, my husband. You have to love him. Okay, you don't, but I do. I must say, he has been great. For a man who barely recycled when we met and ate a diet of doughnuts and hotdogs, he has come a long way. We are proud cloth diaperers. Much of the produce we purchase is organic, local, or both. He remembers the reusable bags more often than not and can be found cooking vegetarian meals (though he won't admit it) from scratch most nights of the week. He's reluctant to try some of my "hippie" ideas, but he's receptive to change and open to improvements as long as I approach them one at a time.
          Alas, he's put his foot down with composting. He's not opposed to composting per say, but he wants to know where I plan on putting this bin of mine. It's going to smell, he insists. What are we going to do with the compost when it's ready? After all, we (sadly) do not have a garden. I'm not going to lie, these are concerns of mine as well. But I think I have some pretty good answers...to two out of three questions anyway.
         In my understanding, if you achieve the right balance between wet kitchen scraps and dry bedding such as shredded paper and leaves, odor should not be an issue (let's hope). Although we don't have a garden, I do plan on planting as many flower boxes and Topsy Turvys full of veggies as I can next spring. Until then we can give it to whomever may want it for their house plants or garden. I have also heard of people selling or giving away their compost as fertilizer on craigslist. If all else fails I can throw it in one of our bushes. It can only help! I think I can fit a small homemade storage tub compost bin under that unsightly air conditioner on the balcony.
          However, it's been pointed out to me by a friend that I may want to wait until the spring to start my outdoor compost bin.Though the decomposition process produces considerable heat and can survive the winter once it has already began, chances are the organic material would freeze before it could begin if I started it now. SO, what is it that I want to buy you ask? This little guy here. While I could use a coffee can, this small compost bin has a built in carbon filter to help eliminate odors which will be helpful since I am not sure how often I'll be able to empty it. It's under $15 and is small enough to sit on the kitchen counter. Since I don't yet have a compost pile, we will generously be giving our scraps to friends' piles. You're welcome.
          Why am I willing to go to so much trouble when I will just be giving it away? Because it is estimated that over half of household garbage that ends up in a landfill could have been composted. That is hard to ignore. After all, a rind is a terrible thing to waste.
          If you are interesting in composting, check out the different methods here. There are also worm bins or vermicomposting which you can watch a video on here. If you are unsure what you can and cannot compost check out this list. And remember, when it comes to waste, Less Is More!
         
         
       

Is Our Environment In The Toilet?

          Today is day one of my self-imposed Less Is More Challenge. I began the day by evaluating what my daily routine consists of. What do I do? What do I use? What can I cut back on? I started scrutinizing every move. How much water am I using? How much toothpaste? And then I turned to toilet paper. How much am I using? Did I really need that much?
          My mind became consumed with toilet paper. Crazy, right? But think of all the little things you do and how they might add up. Plus, there are now a staggering 7 billion of us on this planet with over 3 million of us in the U.S. alone. Think of how much paper that is! Well, I have been doing exactly that. Thinking about it. According to The Toilet Paper Encyclopedia (yep, there's a toilet paper encyclopedia) the average person uses 20,805 sheets annually. Times that by roughly 3 million (just in the U.S.) and well, you get the point.
          So I was talking with my mom and she says, "You know, they have a tubeless toilet paper now. No cardboard." No, I didn't know this. How did I not know this?! Perhaps because I don't have cable. Anyway, my mind ventured to a whole new place. The cardboard, of course, the cardboard! I was so focused on the paper itself I completely forgot about those pesky tubes.
          The maker is Kimberly Clark, the company that produces Scott brand toilet paper. The 17 billion toilet paper tubes produced annually in the USA account for 160 million pounds of trash, according to Kimberly-Clark estimates, and could stretch more than a million miles placed end-to-end. That's from here to the moon and back -- twice. Most consumers toss, rather than recycle, used tubes, says Doug Daniels, brand manager at Kimberly-Clark. We happen to recycle our tubes, but yikes! That's a lot of waste!
          Now, I just wish some of my favorite eco-friendly brands such as Seventh Generation would catch on. But I will definitely be keeping my eye out for these the next time we run out.
          Of course, you could go a step further and go toilet paperless all together. Yes, people do this. There are reusable toilet wipes. That's right, wipe and wash. There's no paper, no cardboard, and no packaging. Sounds great, but I am just not there on my green journey. We use cloth diapers and have cut our use of paper towels to almost none, but this is still just a little much for me. If you are up for it, I say more power to you. I salute you!
          So for today, my mind's in the toilet. Let's try to be conscious of every thing we do. The little things add up to big waste. Less is More!

What is the Challenge? The Rules of the Game.

           Inspired by the Clean Bin Project, I have decided to give myself a slightly less ambitous challenge. Buy as little new "stuff" as possible over the course of a year and thus produce less waste in the process. This is not a new concept and I am by no means reinventing the wheel. However, I think it's a challenge worthy of us all.
      This will hopefully accomplish a few things. First and foremost, it will help the environment. How, you ask? With all that stuff comes packaging which usually ends up in the landfill. Not to mention the fuel and water it takes to make and usually ship said stuff to the store. And of course, sadly, that stuff that we once thought we couldn't live without usually ends up in the landfill as well. Secondly, I think it will help us evaluate what we really need. We live in a time where we think we need 17 different cleaners and we need the newest video game. Now, I am not suggesting that we all stop purchasing everything and send the economy into an even worse downward spiral, but I am suggesting we all take a look at what we use and what we waste.
           I brought this idea up to my husband today and got a somewhat skeptical glance. I said, "Hey, what man in their right mind wouldn't agree to his wife buying as little as possible in a year?" After all, consuming less definitely means spending less. I am frugal by nature. I grew up in a household with limited funds, but alas, like many I do love to shop. I love crafting and decorating...ah, pillows. I have some unhealthy obsession with throw pillows, but I digress.
           This will be a particularly difficult challenge with our second baby on the way and Christmas lurking around the corner. I am optimistic by nature and I feel up to it! So, that all being said, here are my rules:

• Food items and basic hygiene products are okay to purchase. However, I will try not to buy anything I can make (no household cleaners, no packaged baby food, I will be trying out that toothpaste recipe I've been wanting to give a whirl) and I will try to choose items with the least packaging that is recyclable. Also, I will cut out what I can. I don't need hairspray, perfume, nail polish, etc.

• Any material goods (clothes, strollers, etc.) should be purchased from thrift stores, craig's list, garage sales. If those avenues have been exhausted, a local vendor is the next option. But the point here is to buy as few material goods as possible.

• Produce as little unecessary waste as possible.

• Gifts to others will follow the same rules.

• Basically, less is more!

Okay, that's my plan! I'm excited to get started so I begin....NOW. I invite anybody up for a challenge to do this with me. I would love some company in this journey. If not, then sit back and I'll share my experiences and hopefully we can all learn something together. Or at the very least maybe you'll be entertained.