Why Organic??

How about being healthier? Organic farming omits the toxins and practices associated with factory farming. Not to mention the taste is amazing! Protecting the environment just by grocery shopping? Organic farming helps restore our earth by giving back vivacity and nutrients to the soil and keeps our water and air protected from pollution caused by pesticides and herbicides. Giving back to your community-- Nourishing partnerships are formed between consumers and family farmers when the decision to "go organic" is made. Choosing local and regionally grown food reduces fossil fuel consumption; money from sales of local/regional produce is more likely to find its way back into the community, and its fresher! These are just a few simple reasons why organic living is such a 'win-win' situation. Start small by choosing organic fruits and vegetables to snack on or make dinner with. There are usually 'Organic' sections of your regular grocery store, or take a day trip and experience your local farmer's market! As with any desire or goal—expanding our comfort zone is necessary to move forward into power. Power yields adventure and growth!

“School’s out for SUMMER!”

Have you decided on your vacation destination yet? Let's think about positively impacting the environment outside your comfort zone while you're away! A new way to travel and it's called: Ecotourism. The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) has defined Ecotourism as "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of the local people." Plan a trip where local culture, flora and fauna are the main attraction. Use a travel agency educated in Ecotourism* Minimize the impact/footprint you leave by: Using local transportation (bike taxis, horseback, cabs etc...) Using local services financially benefits and empowers the local community. Providing a positive experience for yourself and the local people. Practice the same environmentally conscious habits you do in daily life... everywhere! So let's make those hotel and vacation GOLD STAR ratings - GREEN STAR ratings! *Please visit www.ecotourism.org for more information.

More summer tips...

Now that we're well into a great start to summer: enjoying the weather, being outside, traveling, hanging out with your friends, or whatever it is you do during these months, there are some great ways to be green, just in case you didn't know how to do it. Find local activities that you can do that have a low environmental impact. These include visiting local parks, zoos, hiking trails, or the beach (if you have one). Or just step into your back yard and read a great book. If you’re into BBQs, use propane since it burns much cleaner than wood or charcoal. But if you do use charcoal, there are natural products like Cowboy Charcoal. And if you want to go all out, you can use a solar cooker. When you travel to your vacation spot this year, use the road or the rail as an alternative to flying. These are just some brief general guidelines that you can use any time of the year and will definitely be most impactful during the summer months, so be sure to do your part and have fun while in the sun!

How about green instead of red, white, and blue?

Just kidding! Of course you should celebrate tomorrow and go all out too. It's the perfect time to reconnect with your friends and family. As with any holiday, there will be barbeques, get-togethers, and all sorts of parties, and we all know what that means, lots of trash! Let me give you some hints on how to make it a green (environmentally) and a festive occasion for all to enjoy. Set up receptacles for all those cans (soda, alcohol, etc.) and bottles to be recycled Use real utensils instead of plastic like those all too well-known red cups Buy items in bulk with the least amount of packaging Encourage carpooling to the location of the festive occasion Use charcoal instead of propane, since it comes from wood and not fossil fuels Even if you don't celebrate this holiday, these are great tips for any party. Have lots of fun and be safe!