Project: Greenify | Guide to Going Green in Your Home, Office & Life

Organic Dessert Recipes for Your Valentine's Day Picnic

Valentine's Day is quickly approaching!

Previously, we've suggested trying a Valentine's Day organic picnic this year as a way to be more green and create an unforgettable date with your loved one. We've covered the main courses, but now we're left with dessert. Don't fret - you can easily make a delicious dessert that uses local and organic ingredients so you can keep you dish as green as possible. These recipes are fairly simple to make, and since they travel well, you can just tuck them into your picnic basket to enjoy with your Valentine.

Thus, if you're feeling adventurous, try these three recipes as a starting point! Most of these ingredients have organic versions that can be found at your local grocery store. You can also shop around at your local farmer's market, and if inspiration strikes, feel free to add your own touches!

Flourless Chocolate Cake

(Recipe courtesy of epicurious.com )

A surprisingly rich dessert to try is the flourless chocolate cake. Not only is this cake dense and delicious, it's also gluten-free! If your Valentine is a chocolate lover, you should definitely make this cake. Try it with homemade whipped cream or some organic raspberry preserves drizzled on top.

Ingredients

• 4 ounces fine-quality bittersweet chocolate (not unsweetened)
• 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder plus additional for sprinkling

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F and butter an 8-inch round baking pan. Line bottom with a round of wax paper and butter paper.
2. Chop chocolate into small pieces. In a double boiler or metal bowl set over a saucepan of barely simmering water melt chocolate with butter, stirring, until smooth.
3. Remove top of double boiler or bowl from heat and whisk sugar into chocolate mixture. Add eggs and whisk well. Sift 1/2 cup cocoa powder over chocolate mixture and whisk until just combined.
4. Pour batter into pan and bake in middle of oven 25 minutes, or until top has formed a thin crust. Cool cake in pan on a rack 5 minutes and invert onto a serving plate.
5. Dust cake with additional cocoa powder and serve with sorbet if desired. (Cake keeps, after being cooled completely, in an airtight container, 1 week.)

Big Soft Ginger Cookies

(Recipe courtesy of Allrecipes.com )

Ginger is amazing spice with plenty of health benefits, but did you know it's also an aphrodisiac? Try this recipe for ginger cookies to add a little spice to the end of your picnic. You can sandwich the cookies with homemade whipped cream or dip them in chocolate if you feel this recipe needs a little more oomph. These can be a nice alternative to the traditional chocolate-heavy Valentine's Day desserts without losing that richness.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup margarine, softened
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 2 tablespoons white sugar

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Sift together the flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the margarine and 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, then stir in the water and molasses. Gradually stir the sifted ingredients into the molasses mixture. Shape dough into walnut sized balls, and roll them in the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar. Place the cookies 2 inches apart onto an ungreased cookie sheet, and flatten slightly.
3. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container.

Lemon Meringue Tart for Two

(Recipe courtesy of EatingWell.com)

Feel like something lighter? Do you want to impress your Valentine with your culinary skills? You should try making this lemon tart. When you pull this delicacy out of the picnic basket, your loved one can't help but be amazed at this dessert. This dessert is also a nice change for those out there who don't prefer heavy, rich desserts. This light citrus tart will be a nice ending to an unforgettable Valentine's Day date.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour, for dusting
• 1 large egg, at room temperature, separated (see Baking Tip)
• 2 tablespoons plus 4 teaspoons sugar, divided
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Prepare Crust for Two.
3. Dust a work surface with flour and turn the dough out onto it. Dust the dough with flour and roll into an 8-inch circle, dusting with flour as necessary to prevent sticking. Transfer the crust to a 6-inch tart pan with 1-inch sides and removable bottom (see Sources or Equipment Tip). Press the crust into the bottom and up the sides, folding the overhanging dough back into the pan to form double-thick sides. Prick the bottom and sides with a fork.
4. Bake the crust until lightly browned, 20 to 22 minutes. Set aside to cool for 10 minutes. Increase the oven temperature to 425°.
5. While the crust is cooling, whisk egg yolk and 2 tablespoons sugar in a medium bowl until thick and pale yellow, about 1 minute. Whisk in cornstarch until combined.
6. Bring water, lemon zest and lemon juice to a boil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Remove from the heat. Whisk about half the lemon mixture into the yolk mixture in a slow, steady stream. Whisk the combined mixture back into the remaining lemon mixture in the pan. Return the pan to the stove and cook over low heat, whisking constantly, until thickened and pudding - like, 1 to 3 minutes. Pour into the prepared crust and spread evenly to the edges.
7. Beat egg white in a small bowl with an electric mixer at medium-high speed until soft peaks form. Beat in the remaining 4 teaspoons sugar in a slow, steady stream until stiff peaks form. Beat in vanilla. Mound the meringue over the warm filling; spread to the crust’s edges, forming peaks with a rubber spatula.
8. Bake the tart until the meringue is lightly browned, about 8 minutes. Let cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack and cool to room temperature before serving.

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Have An Organic Picnic This Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is quickly approaching!

For many people, planning that perfect date for your loved one on February 14th can be quite a stressful event. This year, why not try something simple like a picnic? With a picnic, you don't have to worry about securing a reservation at an over-booked restaurant, and you could even skip the drive by riding bikes together to your local park. Better yet, create a cozy and intimate environment in the privacy your backyard.

Most importantly, your picnic doesn't have to be a sad event with boring sandwiches and chips. Instead, you can easily transform this event to a very elegant and memorable date. What could be more romantic than leading your significant other to a calico-print blanket where you can dine together al fresco with a delicious homemade meal?

Compare this to long restaurant waits for dinner you'd endure just to eat over-priced Valentine's Day meals made with ingredients that you can't control. By making your own meal, you can determine exactly what goes in the food and you could even make the entire meal green. You can start by checking out your local farmer's market to purchase locally grown and sourced organic vegetables and meat. This simple step not only dramatically lowers your food's carbon footprint, but you may be able to find a myriad of new vegetables and ingredients that can inspire your next meal.

Start off your picnic with something classic like local organic cheeses and crackers, and then try a grilled vegetable sandwich as your main dish. Try this recipe as your starting point, but don't be afraid to experiment and add your own special ingredients.

California Grilled Veggie Sandwich

(Recipe courtesy of Allrecipes.com )

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/8 cup olive oil
• 1 cup sliced red bell peppers
• 1 small zucchini, sliced
• 1 red onion, sliced
• 1 small yellow squash, sliced
• 2 (4-x6-inch) focaccia bread pieces, split horizontally
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

Directions

1. In a bowl, mix the mayonnaise, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Set aside in the refrigerator.
2. Preheat the grill for high heat.
3. Brush vegetables with olive oil on each side. Brush grate with oil. Place bell peppers and zucchini closest to the middle of the grill, and set onion and squash pieces around them. Cook for about 3 minutes, turn, and cook for another 3 minutes. The peppers may take a bit longer. Remove from grill, and set aside.
4. Spread some of the mayonnaise mixture on the cut sides of the bread, and sprinkle each one with feta cheese. Place on the grill cheese side up, and cover with lid for 2 to 3 minutes. This will warm the bread, and slightly melt the cheese. Watch carefully so the bottoms don't burn. Remove from grill, and layer with the vegetables. Enjoy as open faced grilled sandwiches.

Next up, instead of the standard chips-and-dip fare, you should make this spinach pesto tossed with whole wheat pasta and cherry tomatoes. This dish is literally greener than any bag of chips you can buy at the store!

Spinach Basil Pesto

(Recipe Courtesy of Allrecipes.com )

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup baby spinach leaves
• 1/4 cup and 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves
• 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled and quartered
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1-1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Directions

1. Blend the spinach, basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, pepper, lemon juice, lemon zest, and 2 tablespoons olive oil in a food processor until nearly smooth, scraping the sides of the bowl with a spatula as necessary.
2. Drizzle the remaining olive oil into the mixture while processing until smooth.

If you chose to have your picnic in your backyard, you can finish the meal with mimosas made from organic champagne and freshly made orange juice. If you traveled to a public park, be sure to leave the alcohol at home, and try this delicious hot chocolate Valentine's Day recipe instead. Be sure to store it in a thermos to keep it extra toasty while you both savor the wonderful meal you've made for an unforgettable Valentine's Day with your loved one.

Real Deal Hot Chocolate

(Recipe courtesy of Chow.com )

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 5 ounces good-quality milk chocolate, coarsely chopped

Directions

1. Combine milk and cream in a small saucepan over medium heat and cook until simmering, about 4 minutes.
2. Add chocolate and whisk until completely melted and well incorporated, about 2 minutes. Serve immediately.

For a special added touch to increase the romance of the day, you should make these dishes with your significant other. Cooking together always makes for a memorable Valentine's Day event.

Check out our post on our sister blog Bounce Energy Savings for more recipe ideas!

American Heart Month: How Living Green Can Help With a Healthy Heart

The hearts that fill out eyes in February aren't just because Valentine’s Day - it's also American Heart Month. Each year, the greatest danger to Americans is heart disease: in particular, it's coronary heart disease that reveals itself in the form of a heart attack. However, you don't have to be a victim to the silent killer that plagues our country. Instead of falling prey to heart disease, use February as a starting point for living healthy. Your heart will love you for it!

While most people associate living a green lifestyle with being environmentally friendly, you can incorporate this philosophy in your daily life and dietary choices. In doing so, you will be giving your heart a fighting chance against heart disease as you improve your body inside and out. Here are some examples of ways to combine healthy living and a green lifestyle:

Stop eating processed and pre-cooked foods

Eat only foods that have a natural source, such as whole vegetables and fruits, in order to keep your arteries free of plaque-forming cholesterol. You will also be able to give your body a better nutrition level, fewer saturated fats, and lower sugar intake. Instead of feeling sluggish and out-of-whack, eating foods that fuel your body correctly will greatly increase your energy levels. Foods that have been manufactured and processed in a factory have reduced amounts of minerals, vitamins, and nutrients remaining in the product. This is due to the high temperatures necessary for package sealing, which are required to prevent bacteria or fungus from spoiling the food during shipping and storage. This manufacturing process has a further negative effect on the environment due to the amount of oil and gas used for heating as well as the chemical byproducts released when clean-up of the equipment occurs.

Cut out the salt

Another issue with processed and pre-cooked foods is that they are often laden with salt, which is used as a preservative and flavor enhancer. High levels of sodium are a literal heart-stopper for those with high blood pressure - another pronounced risk factor for heart disease.

Limit your intake to farm-raised organic animals

This specifically refers to animals that were not fed antibiotics, steroids, growth hormones, or other unhealthy additives while being raised. Also, animal products are high in saturated fats, so eliminating red meat from your diet is a good way to trim your fat intake. Better yet, steer clear of animals and animal products all together - go vegan for an extra-healthy diet that is really beneficial to the environment.

Say no to sugar

White processed sugar is chemically processed, and it adds unnecessary calories to your diet without providing any nutritional value. Consuming a high level of sugar is also a proven way to develop diabetes, which is an increased risk factor for those suffering from heart disease.

Ride your bike  

More urban dwellers across America are using their bikes for transportation rather than cranking up a car’s engine or even using public transportation. This way, you can get some much needed exercise, while reducing your carbon footprint. Physical inactivity is one of the risk factors for heart disease, so the more chances you give yourself to exert your body, the more chances you have to lose weight and become fit.

Stop smoking

With so many tests showing why we should not smoke, it makes you wonder why people still do it. Besides the addictive nature of cigarettes, smoking has proven especially dangerous to those who are already at risk for heart disease. The smoke from cigarettes, either from smoking cigarettes or via second-hand smoke, causes blood vessels and arteries to shrink, thereby reducing the circulation of blood circulation throughout the body. Smokers are two to four times more likely to develop coronary heart disease, while second-hand smoke increases a person’s risk for the disease by 30 percent. Performing cardiovascular exercises, such as running or bicycling, can become nearly impossible as lung capacity is drastically reduced due to the effects of smoking.

Now that you are aware of the different ways you can save your heart and improve your health, your next step should be to put a plan into action. Use American Heart Month to commit yourself to eating healthier and increase your physical activity in order to reduce your weight and improve your heart-health. As a result, you will soon find yourself living a more green lifestyle, as living healthier and living green go hand-in-hand. You will feel happier knowing that you are benefiting far more living things than just yourself.

Positive Lifestyle Changes That Will Impact Your Health and Your Finances

With fast food restaurants lining up on nearly every street corner in many suburban neighborhoods, people find it difficult to eat healthy. After all, you work all day long and the last thing that you want to do is make things more difficult by having to go home and cook. However, living a healthier lifestyle means eating foods with more nutritional value, such as fruits and vegetables. It also means becoming more active and exercising three to four times a week for 30 minutes. The intake of excessive amounts of tobacco products and alcohol is also not recommended.

To live a healthier lifestyle you should:

Eat healthy. Try to cut out or at least cut back excessively on fast food. If you really feel the need to eat it every once in a while treat yourself no more than once or twice a month. Eat more fruits and vegetables. Try to purchase them from local area farmers. Stop or cut back drastically on alcohol intake.

Stop smoking. Smoking can shorten your life severely or create irreversible damage that will affect your elder years negatively. If you are having trouble quitting, join a support group.

Exercise. Exercise several times a week for 30 minutes. Find an exercise regimen that you enjoy, so that you are more likely to stick with it. Choose something that you enjoy doing, such as biking, walking or aerobics. You can even combine the three doing a different form of exercise each session. Find a buddy to do it with. Go to the gym or join an exercise class. This is often a great form of encouragement and will keep the spirits uplifted. If you hate the exercise that you are doing you are likely to stop doing it altogether.

Exercising will not only tone your body, but will help to decrease your weight if you want to drop a few pounds. Being at a healthy weight will add years to your life.

Changing your lifestyle may be a big undertaking depending on where you are starting out. For some it could mean a complete turnaround. For others it may involve making only minor adjustments.

Here are some tips on how to get started living life healthier:

Start slowly. Wherever you are starting out just remember that lifestyle changes do not happen overnight. The best thing to do is to start out gradually, so that it becomes a way of life. View the changes as lifestyle changes. Avoid using the word diet when you are eating low cal and healthy. Start eating a few meals a week with increased vegetables and slowly build up to more. Start exercising for two days a week and then gradually build up to three or four days each week.

Commit. Make a good effort to change. Remind yourself of the benefits of living healthier. Set up a schedule for exercising. Make up healthy choice menus for meals. Do not allow yourself to slack off. Don’t think too long about exercising or it may not happen. Just get up and start moving yourself in the right direction.

As these changes become more a part of your life you will likely enjoy the changes that take place in your body. You will firmer and more toned. You will likely shed weight and admire what you see in the mirror. If you were a previous smoker you will wake up feeling better in the morning. Your taste buds and other senses will come alive. You will appreciate the financial benefits as well. With a healthier body there will be less doctor visits and a decreased need for medications. You will save money on tobacco if you were a smoker. You will have more money in your pocket to spend in a more productive manner.

Start living a healthier lifestyle today. Don’t put it off a minute longer, so that you can enjoy a healthier and happier life now. 

Go Local This Holiday Season: Farm Fresh Thanksgiving Meals

Grocery stores start ramping up for Thanksgiving even before they clear out the Halloween candy. Turkey and ham is advertised at less than a dollar a pound for certain weekend sales. Canned potatoes are buy one get one and the produce isle begins to develop color in both veggie selection and clearance signage. With all the great advertised deals at chain supermarkets, many people don't realize the benefits of creating a local Thanksgiving meal.

Local Food is Fresh and Real

A friend from Kenya who specializes in teaching people to cook healthy, natural meals once commented on the selection at national supermarkets in the Unites States. "If they never run out of produce, something's wrong," she said. "Apples don't grow all year long here. Where is the grocery store getting those apples?"

You can purchase the produce for traditional Thanksgiving meals at local farmer's markets. Sweet potatoes, potatoes, squash and pumpkins are all available during November. They are historical November table foods for that reason. Buying fruits and veggies from your local farmer ensures you are eating fresh grown food. You can even choose foods that were grown without harsh chemicals.

Farm Fresh Food is Often Healthier

The oversized turkey at the grocery store may feed a lot of people, but is it really food? Most mass-produced turkeys are raised on corn-based diets and hormones to promote growth. Local, free-range turkeys raised without hormones are much healthier. They usually taste better too. The same goes for vegetables, fruits and grains. You are more likely to buy products without additives or chemicals if you buy locally.

Buying Local Reduces Environmental Impact

The potato you buy at a grocery store in New Hampshire might hale from Idaho. That's a long way for a potato to travel. Food in a grocery store travels on average around 1,300 miles from harvest to purchase. It takes a lot of fuel to carry bulk foods over such distances, creating a large impact on the environment. Local food generally travels less than 150 miles and food purchased from a farmer's market averages even less travel. When you buy local, you support a process that consumes less resources.

Thanksgiving Foods Available from Local Farmers

In most areas, you can purchase almost all the ingredients for a holiday meal from farmer's markets and farm coop stores. Items that are locally grown or produced in many areas include:

• Turkey and other meats
• Vegetables, including corn, potatoes, squash, pumpkins and green beans
• Fruits
• Milk and other dairy products like butter and cheese
• Eggs
• Wine
• Sugar substitutes like honey

If you aren't into buying fresh and making food from scratch, there are plenty of options other than pre-packaged, preservative-laced canned or frozen goods. Many local businesses like bakeries, restaurants and caterers offer Thanksgiving packages. You can buy an entire meal made from natural or local products. You can also buy pies, baked goods, side dishes and entrees to supplement your Thanksgiving table.

You can provide delicious, healthy and environmentally friendly meal this Thanksgiving by shopping with local markets. Not only will you increase the taste and nutrition of your holiday table, you will also support local businesses and economy.

 

An All-Natural Pet: Tips for Holistic and Healthy Pet Care

People are growing increasingly concerned about protecting their health by carefully watching what they eat, drink and put on their hair and skin. Many people have even switched over to using all-natural products in an effort to improve their health and avoid exposure to toxic chemicals. People who have made the decision to eat well and use natural health care techniques are frequently concerned about their pets’ health and welfare, as well. Luckily, there are simple things that every pet owner can do to ensure that their pets get excellent nutrition, receive safe and natural solutions for ailments, and avoid the dangerous chemicals that are present in many products.

All-Natural Approaches to Pet Nutrition
Food choice is one of the most influential factors in determining your pet’s overall health and lifespan. In the past, pet owners were told to feed their animals a good commercial pet food and to avoid feeding them any “human food”. As the pet food industry has evolved over the years and more quality food options are being manufactured for animals, it is becoming increasingly apparent that our pets’ health is truly influenced by what they eat. Pet owners are now more educated about the ingredients that are put into dog and cat food, and are starting to demand higher quality products for their animals.

Most packaged pet food contains low quality meat, inferior grains, fillers, by-products and toxins like pesticides and preservatives. The food is also processed at high temperatures which destroy many important nutritional components such as vitamins, amino acids and natural digestive enzymes. Some research even suggests that processed pet food can suppress the activity of a pet’s immune system which, unfortunately, can lead to illness and premature death.

Luckily, there are many all-natural alternatives to processed pet food. Some owners take the time to make their own pet food using healthy, lean meats. There are also many natural pet foods available on the market today that do not contain by-products. Look for products without corn, wheat, soy, fillers, artificial colors and chemical preservatives. These products may be more expensive, but all-natural pet food can provide many health benefits to your pet. Many pet owners also use all-natural nutritional supplements to help ensure that their pets receive necessary vitamins and minerals.

After integrating these changes into your pet’s diet, you may notice that you animal has fewer skin ailments, allergies, and digestive disorders. After starting an all-natural diet, many animals also have increased energy and are able to maintain a healthier weight. All of these benefits improve your pet’s quality of life and help ensure that your animal will live a longer, healthier life.

Holistic Pet Care Products for Improved Animal Health
Proper nutrition is an essential component to building a better quality of life and increasing the longevity of your pet, but a holistic approach includes other aspects of animal care as well. Using all-natural pet grooming and pest control supplies can be extremely effective and allow you to protect your pet from the toxic chemical additives that are in many of these products. There are also many eco-friendly toys, beds, training aids and supplies available to environmentally-conscious animal lovers.

Preservatives and foaming agents are commonly used in human and pet products, however, there has not been much research done to test the long-term effects of these ingredients on people and their animals. These components are generally considered to be safe, but many people still choose to avoid using products with these ingredients until their impact on our and our animals' health is completely understood. Luckily, there are many natural pet shampoos and conditioners commercially available that use herbal extracts like aloe, jojoba oil, calendula, chamomile, sunflower seed oil, muru muru butter, neem oil, lemongrass, lavender, and citronella to help protect pets’ skin and keep insects at bay.

Animals are much smaller than humans, so it is no surprise that it is more difficult for their smaller organ systems to filter and eliminate toxins that are encountered in everyday life. Owners can help protect their pets’ health, improve their quality of life, and increase their lifespan by simply taking a more holistic, all-natural approach to their pet care regimen. What organic, all-natural products do you use to keep your pet healthy and happy for years to come?

12 Days of Christmas Conservation: Day 11 (Holiday Meal)

So you’ve bought the presents, prepped the house, and the relatives are in, all that’s left is to cook and eat! A green meal doesn’t have to consist of all vegetables and tofu. Here are ways you can have a delicious and green holiday feast.

The tofurkey is definitely a green holiday meal, but to some it isn’t appetizing. If you still want a real turkey at your table for your holiday meal, consider a Heritage or organic turkey. The difference between these turkeys and regular butterballs are that they are raised naturally, fed organic food, aren’t given any steroids, and are allowed to grow at a normal healthy rate.

If you are thinking about serving wine with dinner buy one produced locally. Ask your wine/liquor store for a list of local or in-state wineries to reduce your carbon footprint. There are many small vineyard producing prize-winning cross bred wines as far north as Minnesota.

Don’t forget the leftovers! If you have leftovers and don’t know what to do with them, find a food bank or a homeless shelter that takes in prepared meals. If not, you can turn your leftovers into other dishes or sandwiches.

12 Days of Christmas Conservation: Day 4 (In The Kitchen)

When the holidays roll around, you might find yourself in the kitchen cooking special holiday meals. Your kitchen appliances may be working overtime during this special time of the year. With your stove and oven being used to cook full meals, the dishwasher being run more than it’s used to, and the refrigerator door opening and closing frequently, your energy bill can increase. Here are a couple of tips to minimize your energy consumption while preparing a special holiday meal.

There’s a lot of space in your oven to cook several items at the same time. This can save the amount of time your oven will be kept running and using up electricity. Just make sure there’s enough room for heat to circulate between the dishes. Also make sure to not let the hot air escape by opening the door and taking a peek at what’s cooking inside. You could lower the temperature inside by as much as 25 degrees. This can increase cooking time and waste energy. Use the oven light instead.

People underestimate the power of the microwave. Microwaves use about 50% less energy than conventional ovens and get the job faster. Use them to cook smaller side dishes such as yams, vegetables, or to heat up leftover turkey and gravy.

A slow cooker is another great appliance that doesn’t get utilized as much. They’ll cook a whole meal for about 17 cents worth of electricity. Meals are usually easy to make too. Just throw in the ingredients in the crock pot for a couple hours and you’ll have a delicious entre. If you need some recipes for dishes to cook on a crock pot, try SlowandSimple.com.

My last tip is to not get too stressed about cooking the perfect holiday meal. Take a break from slaving away in the kitchen and enjoy the holidays with your loved ones.

Brew Up a Paper-less Green Solution: Make A Cloth Coffee Filter

Okay: not the best title.  But consider this: Coffee breathes life into us in the mornings.  Many of us cling to mugs and cups of it throughout the day.  With it, our worlds are just a little bit perkier; just a bit more bright and happy.

But woe for the morning without this dark, bitter-sweet elixir.  All because someone ran out of coffee filters -- a wee scrap of paper -- cars fly off bridges, trains crash, and planes plummet out from the skies.  

Okay, I'm exagerating a little.  But think about it: because of the way home coffee makers are made, that little scrap of paper is sometimes what determines whether you get your morning java fix or not.

Of course, there is an eco-smart way around this: use a coffee filter that not made of paper.  Think of it: you save trees, you save energy (by not making paper), and you save money.  Now I'll confess that while I have relied on filters made from nylon and types of plastic mesh, something tastes odd in my mug dawn mug of mud compared to those times when we used unbleached paper filters.

Fortunately, there is another way around this which is even more money-saving than using a plastic re-useable filter: make your own cloth coffee filter out of cotton.

The blog "greenmomintheburbs" at wordpress.com has assembled and simplified the process:

Using a tight-weave cotton fabric (such as handkerchief fabric or unbleached muslin–make sure you pre-wash it!), cut three circles about 9 inches in diameter.

(I use a paper coffee filter as a pattern and cut out the cloth according to that size.  The reason is I know the paper filter fits my coffeemaker's filter basket.)

Using an overlock or zigzag stitch, sew around the circumference of the circle through all three layers.

Press into the coffeemaker’s basket and spread out the way you would a paper filter. (Dampen and squeeze out the cloth before making the coffee.)

After use, compost grounds, thoroughly rinse out filter in hot water, wring well, and hang to dry.  After every few uses, give it a good vinegar rinse. (Or make five filters and toss them in the wash. This would be easier.)

In the end, you get a filter that has the same filter/flavoring characteristics of paper while also being reuseable.  Plus, you reduced your carbon footprint, save energy, and trees.  If you wear them out, you can always make another five or six for a fraction of the cost of a hundred disposable paper ones.

Ten Tips for a Green Thanksgiving

1: Don't eat Turkey.  Afterall, there are serious impacts by the livestock industry on the environment...

But alas, if you're like me, you can't resist the succulent flesh roasted to perfection with sage and onion dressing...and the gravy.  So, let's look a few alternatives..

1a:  Buy a fresh, free-range or certified organic turkey.

1b:  Buy a fresh turkey from a local farmer.  Be sure to check out the local farmer's markets.

Many poultry farmers currently are looking at raising heritage birds as opposed to the usual commercially bred birds .  Basically, these slower growing, free-range birds that produce lots of dark meat and flavor.

It can take up to two days to thaw a frozen turkey.  If you haven't gotten your bird yet, a fresh bird is your best bet.

1c:  Buy your produce items from a local farmer's market.  You'll find the quality to be more flavorful than produce trucked-in from a 1,000 miles way.

2:  To save energy cut down the roasting time, consider cutting the turkey into sections before cooking it.

3:  Not really a green tip but a safety note: if you plan to deep fry your turkey, do it outside and away from wooden structures like a deck.  Do not play or toss objects anywhere near one of these.  Deep fryers have notoriously unstable bases and spill easily.  It only takes one badly thrown football to turn a cozy Thanksgiving into a trip to the burn ward.

4:  Consider the number of diners.  This years, it seems that potluck-style dinners are more common for large family feeds.  This way, not only is the cost spread around but so too is the amount of preparation work.

5: Thanksgiving is time of family traditions so stick with the traditional favorite dishes your family enjoys.  Don't try making a new dish for 15 people that no one may like. If you do want to try something new, make it only a little of it -- call it a "sampler".  If it goes over well, you can add it to the menu next year.  If it bombs, you can eat it for lunch on Friday.

6: Setting the Table: If you're having a big dinner with lots of guests, you'll want to see if you have enough plates.  Instead of using disposable dinnerware, consider having guests bring their own place setting.  Your guests will know whose place is who's.  However, if you're planning on something a bit more formal, then look for disposable dinnerware that is biodegradeable and compostable.

7:  Leftovers.  Plan ahead what you can do with your leftovers.  If you don't have the storage space, encourage your guests to take some home with them.  While donating leftovers to foodbanks and homeless shelters sounds like a nice idea, these institutions might not take such items unless they are pre-packaged.  Be sure to check before your dinner to see if your donation would be welcome.

8:  Cook down leftover meat and bones for stock.  Once the turkey soup stock has cooled, remove the all the bones and pour your stock in resealable plastic containers.   Freeze for later use in other dishes using chicken or turkey stock.

9:  Lots of people in a house with a hot oven make lots of heat.  Turn down the thermostat.  You can also light candles to add a calm, relaxed mood to the dinner and allow you to turn off a few lights.  

10:   Choose Organic wines and other beverages to serve your guests.  100% Organic wines carry the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) organic seal to show the wine is made from 100% organically grown ingredients and monitored throughout production. Organic wine can contain only naturally occurring sulfites (stops firmentation) in less than 100 parts per million.