Holiday Prep Guide for Eco-Lovers: Festive and Green Home Decor

Do you love the holidays, but also the environment? There are plenty of festive ways to incorporate your green lifestyle into your home for the holidays. The first thing to always keep in mind is to simplify. Making things simple reduces costs, stress, and waste, and also gives us the time to slow down and really connect with others, which is what the holiday season is really all about anyway. Deck the halls with these stylish and eco-friendly ideas!

Christmas Tree Alternatives

You don’t have to go with a traditional tree to pack in the holiday cheer. For an easy to assemble/disassemble option, go with a recycled cardboard Christmas tree, such as this Moderno Christmas tree, this year. They’re attractive right out of the box, but can also be decorated with paper, paint or crayons, and can be displayed in clusters for a unique look. Cardboard trees also cut down on storage space, and are made from strong, 100% recycled material that can be recycled later as well.

Not into the cardboard look? You could also try a potted, living trees, such as an edible one made out of rosemary. These fragrant trees allow you to decorate without killing trees and double as herb gardens to spice up your holiday meals!

Tree Decor

Use recycled ornaments, such as those passed down in the family, or use old light bulbs to create new decorations this year using these three creative ideas. Ideas abound for decorating old bulbs of all shapes and sizes. With a little paint and/or glitter coating the bulbs, your tree will really shine!

And remember that less is more! To cut down on your energy use (and bill), you can use tinsel instead of lights to maximize the shine. But if you’re going to string lights around your tree and home this year, make sure they’re LED lights, which come in a variety of styles and colors and use 90-95% less energy than old-fashioned incandescent bulbs and shine for 200,000 hours of use. While you’re at it, set them on a timer, so they’re only used when you need them. It’s an efficient way to save money and the planet!

Homemade Wreaths

Not all wreaths require cutting branches off of trees, and Inhabitat’s DIY wreath created from recycled fabric scraps is a great example of a more eco-friendly alternative. Follow their easy guide to get started on your own!

Pillows and Other Decor

There are plenty of ideas on Pinterest for home decor, which can be quite overwhelming! But we’ve focused on a couple simple options for your home that won’t break the bank.

Create and toss these festive DIY throw pillows out of old sweaters on your sofa, chair or even in the bedroom for a quick holiday decor staple you can use for years.

For some table topper or bookshelf decor, try upcycling some wine bottles with metallic paint or create winter vases with some dollar store finds for a very cool look that will carry into the new year.

Set the Stage for Dining

Dress up your dining room for sit-down gatherings!

For a simple, yet stunning way to show off your holiday place settings, wrap each set with a wide, pretty ribbon. Save the ribbon for another party or to wrap presents later!

For a festive centerpiece display, use a cylindrical glass vase to display a tall pillar candle and holder surrounded by fruits and nuts, such as a colorful combination of walnuts, cranberries, and kumquats. For a vintage look, you can also create your own table runners and candle holders like these pretty candle holders by wrapping lace around Mason jars.

Besides the obvious use of menorahs that have been passed down for generations, buying or creating your own menorahs made out of reclaimed wood, metal, or glass is another stylish, eco-friendly look. Latkes taste so much better by the glow of the menorah, so light up your living space with these toxin-free, 100% beeswax, hand-dipped Hannukah candles.

During the busy holiday season we need some fast projects, and this DIY table runner requires only a great piece of fabric and some thread. But the best kind might be the “no-sew” variety, and HGTV has rounded up a few awesome table runner options that require zero sewing skills.

Hopefully, these ideas have sparked your imagination for even more eco-friendly possibilities for decorating your home this festive season.

[via Redesign Revolution]

10 Ways to Celebrate Food Day

Food Day, held each year on October 24, is dedicated to raising awareness about the impact our diets have on our health, the environment, and the people who produce our food. Want to join in the fun?

Here are ten ideas for making the most of this national celebration of healthy, affordable, and sustainable food.

1. Make a real meal. It doesn’t actually take that much longer to put a “real” meal on the table, rather than some concoction that’s frozen, over-processed, and not even particularly tasty. Need recipes for quick and easy suppers? Here you go.

2. Host a potluck supper. Like the idea of real food but hate to cook? Invite friends and family over for a potluck. Someone else can bring the appetizers, main dish, side dish and dessert. You supply the atmosphere, the location, and the drinks. Easy peasy!

3. Eat at a restaurant that offers local, organic food. More and more restaurants and fast food chains are choosing quality as well as convenience, by sourcing their ingredients from local farmers who have committed to growing their food sustainably. Here’s a list of some of the best.

4. Shop at a farmer’s market. Is there any better place to find locally grown, organic food? Plus, when you shop at a farmers market you’re putting money back into your local economy and helping to protect land from urban sprawl.

5. Join a CSA. Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) enables you to buy a share in the food a farmer produces. You’ll enjoy an abundance of fruits and vegetables you love, but probably be introduced to some delicious new varieties, as well. Kohlrabi, anyone?

6. Go meatless for a day, a week, or…? Some people don’t like the idea of “becoming” vegetarian, but what about going meatless one day a week? Here are some delicious vegetarian recipes that will give meatless new meaning.

7. Convene a community forum. You can make big changes happen by involving friends, neighbors, elected officials and policy makers in the conversation. You’ll find ideas here to help you get a community forum off the ground.

8. Watch a movie. Check out the Food Day organization’s Film Screening Guide. You’ll find reviews of compelling films about food and agriculture, plus suggestions on how to organize a film screening for friends, neighbors, elected officials and policy makers.

9. Eat everything in your refrigerator. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, consumers waste almost 30% of the food they buy. How? It gets “lost” in a cupboard. No one remembers to eat the leftovers and they rot. We simply buy too much. On Food Day, take stock of the food you already have. Eat what’s there before you buy more. If you’re putting food in the freezer, label it and date it so you know what it is and when you put it away.

10. Tell 5 friends about Food Day. The success of Food Day lies in people participating in it. Tell your friends and neighbors about it, and mention it on your social networks. Post pictures of the meals you make on Pinterest and Instagram, and share recipes on Facebook and Twitter. Make Food Day so much fun this year that you can’t wait until October 24 rolls around again next year.

[via Care2]

50 Grain-Free & Paleo Ground Beef Recipes

 

Whether you’re in a time crunch or are responsibly planning a week in advance, here are some mouth-watering grain-free dishes that call for ground beef (or ground beef can easily be substituted). Enjoy!

Burgers and Meatloaves

Paleo Burgers with Caramelized Balsamic Onions & Avocado – Joyful Healthy Eats

Salted Mocha Burgers – Popular Paleo

Stuffed Cheddar Beef Burgers – Delicious Obsessions

Burgers with Egg and Garlic Butter Balsamic – Primally Inspired

Sweet Potato Patties – Cinnamon Eats

Paleo Mini Meatloaves – Paleo Spirit

Gluten-Free Kangaroo Burgers – Economies of Kale (Can use ground beef! ;) )

Meatballs & Kebabs

Bacon Meatballs with Mango Honey Mustard Sauce – PaleOMG

BBQ Meatballs – Healing Cuisine by Elise

Butternut Squash Meatballs with Zucchini and Carrot – Cinnamon Eats

Hidden Liver Meatballs – Real Food RN

Sweet and Sour Paleo Meatballs – Gutsy By Nature

Meatballs – Food Your Body Will Thank You For

Sweet & Sour Meatballs – Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Grain-Free Italian Meatballs – Primally Inspired

Baked Chili Meatballs – Recipes to Nourish

Chelo Kebabs – And Here We Are

Kebabs with Roasted Butternut Squash and Zucchini – Cinnamon Eats

Entrees

 

Zucchini Noodles with Cranberries and Walnuts – The Organic Kitchen

Meatballs with Zucchini and Carrot “Pasta” – Cinnamon Eats

Easiest Crock Pot Taco Meat Ever – Delicious Obsessions

Shepherd’s Pie – Healing Cuisine by Elise

Twice-Baked Cheeseburger Spaghetti Squash – Popular Paleo

Potato-Free Shepherd’s Pie – It Takes Time

Healthy Butternut Squash Shepherd’s Pie – Primally Inspired

Ground Beef Cabbage Wraps – Fearless Eating

Sloppy “Rose” Lettuce Wraps – Recipes to Nourish

Creamy Plantain and Squash Ground Beef Mash – The Healthy Foodie

Paleo Ground Beef Stir-Fry with Wilted Napa Cabbage – Popular Paleo

Homemade Hamburger Helper – Healing Cuisine by Elise

Stuffed Winter Squash – Gutsy By Nature

Italian Spiced Beef Kefta with Avocado Cream Sauce – A Happy Healthnut

Paleo Cabbage Rolls (Galumpkis) – Sweet Potatoes and Social Change

Crock Pot Stuffed Peppers – Homemade Dutch Apple Pie

Furious Furikake Chilli Beef Hash – The Paleo Network

Zucchini Lasagna – Primal Palate

Spiced Beef Kofte with a Pomegranate Glaze – The Paleo Network

Seriously Delicious Spaghetti Sauce – Holistic Health Herbalist (You can use zoodles (made with this) or spaghetti squash for the noodles)

Grass Fed Meat and Vegetable Muffins – Cinnamon Eats

Grass Fed Persian Spiced Beef and Roasted Butternut Squash – Cinnamon Eats

Spaghetti Squash Frittata Meatza – Real Food RN (you can sub the ground pork for ground beef)

Grain-Free Mexican Flatbread – A Happy Healthnut

Soups & Salads

Bacon and BBQ Burger Salad – Primally Inspired

Black Bean and Kangaroo Chili – Can use ground beef! :)

Grilled Hamburger Salad – Healing Cuisine by Elise

Vegetable Beef Soup – Raising Generation Nourished

Beef & Cabbage Soup – Raia’s Recipes

Love Your Body Chili – Food Your Body Will Thank You For

Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Chili – Farm Fresh Eats (Can omit the corn)

Spicy Paleo Slow Cooker Chili – Oh Snap Let’s Eat

Taco Salad with Cilantro-Mint Guacamole Sauce – Recipes to Nourish

[via It's a Love Love Thing]

Red, White and GREEN - 7 Tips to an Earth-Friendly Independence Day

The Fourth of July is a great time to get some sun, have a little fun and forget about the daily grind as we celebrate our nation's birthday. But just because it's an excuse to party hardy, we shouldn't forget that keeping things green and protecting our environment over the holiday is just as important as making the perfect apple pie or lighting up the barbecue. With this in mind, here are seven ways you can add a little bit of green to your patriotic party and still have plenty of fun - read on!

Tip 1: Ditch the Plastics

Disposable plates/utensils/cups may be convenient for you, but not Mama Earth. You could have a ‘bring your own plate/cup’ theme where the most unusual/fun, different categories of plates could win a prize. You could even have a dish/cup swap. You start with one, but go home with something completely different. If you must, reach for biodegradable plates, try these bamboo products by Bambu when you’re out shopping for your soirée this week.

Tip 2: Buy Local and Organic Food

Who wants to worry about pesticides on this day of patriotism? We recommend steering clear of foods produced on factory farms — instead look for locally-grown and/or organic produce and meats for you grill. Buying locally is a great way to better educate yourself on what you’re putting into your mouth and it supports your local economy. And if you’re looking to reduce your environmental impact even further by going all-veggie, there are some delish animal-free selections out there, including the classic veggie burger and tofu-pups. These tasty vegetarian dishes avoid the pitfalls of industrial meat production, which contributes to much of the world’s water use, emissions, land use and oil consumption.

Tip 3: Grill Green

With over 60 million barbecues lighting up this Fourth of July, choosing the right grill and grilling accessories can do a lot to help the earth breathe easier. There are a variety of sustainably produced charcoal briquettes out there – including Wicked Good Charcoal, which is made from industrial scrap wood. Propane is also another good option as it produces close to half the emissions of generic charcoals. If you’re looking to save space in your backyard, try out Black+Blum’s Hot-Pot BBQ, which is cleverly disguised as a planter!

Tip 4: Make Your Own Healthy Sweet Treats

Did someone say POPSICLES? Sure store-bought cakes and pie are an age-old favorite, but they’re also laden with refined sugars and fat. So say poo poo the pie and whip up some fabulous popsicles instead! Homemade ice pops are the perfect way to cool down and to satiate a sweet tooth. You can prep and stock up on the pops in the freezer the day before your party, or for those on the go try a cooler filled with these frozen treats. One nifty design that caught our eye recently is the Zoku Quick Pop, which whips up popsicles in just under 7 minutes!

Tip 5: Switch on the Solar Light

If you plan on partying into the night, a great way to add some ambiance without impacting your electricity bill is with solar lamps and lanterns. Just set them out in the sun for the day and when dusk falls, voila – you’ve got yourself the perfect setting for an impromptu dance party or a romantic Independence night with your loved one.

Tip 6: Go for Green Fireworks

It’s hardly a Fourth of July without fireworks. Fireworks however don’t fare well when it comes to their green cred, but thankfully there are some companies out these putting out some alternatives that sparkle just as bright! Some sweet options we’ve seen include perchlorate-free fireworks and Chris Burton’s Sky Orbs. These colorful lamps can be lit to light up the night, but are also made from biodegradable and environmentally safe materials.

Tip 7: Pick up your waste and RECYCLE!

After this Fourth of July there are bound to be plenty of stray cans, bottles, streamers, plates, and forks littering streets and parks. Do yourself, your community, and the environment a favor by picking up all the leftover traces of your party and properly dispose of them, recycling all that you can. It’s an obvious tip, but it doesn’t hurt repeating.

[via Inhabitat]

Wilderness Dining: Healthy Food for Camping or Hiking

There's something special about eating outside. I don't know what it is, but food just tastes better in the great outdoors, whether that's in the back garden, on a picnic, or during a camping trip.  Packing healthy food for a camping or hiking trip can be tricky and even more so when you're vegetarian or vegan. You want the convenience of pre-made food, but not at the expense of your health. While you may spend several hours prepping all the food to ensure healthy eating on the trails, it's the necessary step to ensure you and your family have fresh, organic foods on the trails.

Staple foods and buy fresh ingredients as needed:

• Small bottle of olive oil
• Small jar of Marmite, jam or Nutella in a small pot
• Tins of beans/chopped tomatoes/sweetcorn
• Packet of microwave rice
• Packet of tortilla wraps
• Bread rolls
• Small bottle of organic tomato ketchup
• Small portions of dried herbs/spices in little bags  
• Tea bags
• Liter carton of fruit juice, frozen to use as ice pack in the cool box
• Packet of vegetarian dried burger/sausage mix or frozen burgers/sausages/veggie bacon

Cooking equipment with us:

• Camping kettle
• 2 x 1 ring gas stoves
• Small frying pan
• Small saucepan
• Small sharp vegetable knife
• Vegetable peeler
• Can/bottle opener
• Tongs/spatula/spoon
• Skewers
• Foil 
• Plastic cutlery/picnic set
• Small chopping board

All of the recipes/ideas below either require no cooking, or can be cooked on a one/two ring camping stove.

Breakfasts

• Fried eggs/omelette/baked beans/veggie bacon/veggie sausages/hash browns/tinned spaghetti with fresh bread.
• Warmed croissants/crumpets/mini pancakes/waffles/pastries.
• Scones with jam.
• Cereal with or without milk/non-dairy milk.
• Cereal/flapjack bar.
• Fresh/tinned fruit.

Lunches

• Filled sandwiches/baguettes/bagels.
• Tinned/packet soup and bread.
• Baked beans/tinned spaghetti and crusty bread.
• Instant noodles.
• Crudites, breads and dips - Buy tubs of dips (hummus, tzatziki, salsa etc), bread-sticks, pitta bread etc. Make cucumber, pepper and carrot crudites.
• Pittas stuffed with ready-made felafels and salad.
• Veggie burgers, hot dogs or sausages in bread rolls.
• Ready-made onion bhajis/vegetable pakoras/samosas with naan.

One Pan Camping Meals

Garlic mushrooms - heat a drop of oil/butter in a pan. Add sliced mushrooms, a chopped red pepper and a large clove of crushed garlic. Cook until most of the liquid has evaporated. Serve on warm ciabatta or garlic bread.

Quick veggie chilli/curry - Fry a chopped onion in a drop of oil. Add either 2-3 tsp mild chilli powder/fajita seasoning OR 1 tbsp curry powder/paste. Add a tin of ratatouille (or some chopped veg and a tin of chopped tomatoes) and a drained tin of beans/chickpeas/lentils. Bring to the boil and simmer for 5 minutes.  Serve with wraps/nachos or naan bread.

Macaroni cheese - Buy a pot of 'fresh' cheese sauce and a bag of fresh pasta. Cook the pasta and drain. Pour the sauce over and heat through.
(Vegan option - use a tub of 'fresh' tomato and basil sauce and egg-free pasta.)

Quorn & vegetable pilaf - Make a simplified version using packet rice: Fry a chopped onion in a little oil, add some chopped veggie sausages or meat-free pieces and cook for 5 minutes. Add 1-2 packets of flavored microwave rice and a drained tin of sweetcorn. Heat until piping hot, stirring regularly.

Vegetable fajitas - Make these with paneer/halloumi cheese, or Quorn pieces. Simplify spices by just using mild chilli powder or fajita seasoning.
(Vegan option - omit the cheese and add extra beans.)

Veggie couscous - a drop of oil in a pan. Fry 1 chopped onion until soft. Add a drained tin of chickpeas and heat through. Stir in 1 or 2 packets of instant Moroccan flavored couscous. Add the required amount of boiling water, cover and leave to heat through as directed.

Sloppy Joes - Make using ready-made bbq sauce.

Quick Mexican quesadillas/burritos - Heat a tortilla wrap in a pan, spread with some tinned refried beans a dollop of tomato salsa and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Roll up the wrap and flip over to warm through. Or try these green vegetable burritos or the very tasty Hawaiian quesadillas  (vegan option - use vegan melting cheese.)

Middle Eastern pittas -  Heat a wholemeal pitta in a pan, split open and spread the inside with some olive paste. Fill with a few ready-made falafels, a chopped tomato and some crumbled feta cheese. Pop back in the pan to heat through. (Vegan option - omit the feta.)

Pesto spaghetti - Don't panic, I realise that pesto generally contains Parmesan or Grana Padano cheese, which contain rennet, but I've found that the cheaper supermarket brands contain vegetarian 'hard cheese' instead (eg: ASDA smart price pesto.) Cook some fresh or dried spaghetti. Drain and add a good dollop of pesto. Stir through and serve.
(Vegan option - use vegan pesto or sun dried tomato paste.)

Cheese fondue - Add a glug of dry white wine and a handful of Gruyere cheese to a tub of fresh cheese sauce. Heat until bubbling gently. Alternatively, double wrap a whole Camembert cheese (plus box) in foil and cook on the bbq or stove for around 15 minutes, turning once or twice. Serve with chunks of ciabatta or breadsticks to dip in. 

Frittata - Fry a chopped onion and a pepper in some oil. Add a drained tin of sweetcorn and break in 4 eggs. Mix well and cook for a few minutes until the eggs are cooked through. Serve with crusty bread.


Patatas bravas - Heat 2 tbsp oil in a large pan/frying pan. Shallow fry some (partially-defrosted) frozen potato chunks until cooked. Throw in 1 jar of tomato and chilli sauce and heat through.

Two Pan Camping Meals

Noodles and stir fried vegetables - Buy a pack of stir fry vegetables, a sachet/jar of black bean or sweet and sour sauce and 2 small packs of 'quick noodles'. Boil a pan of water. Add the noodles, bring back to the boil, cover and remove from the heat.  Meanwhile, heat a drop of oil in a pan. Fry the veg for 2-3 minutes. Add the sauce and heat through. Drain the noodles and top with the veg and sauce.

Sausage and bean stew -  Chop an onion and fry in a drop of oil. Add some chopped veggie sausages and brown for a few minutes. Add a tin of tomatoes, a tin of baked beans, a small tin of sweetcorn and some mixed herbs. Cook for 10-15 minutes. Meanwhile make up some instant mash, or cook some pasta, new potatoes or rice.

Mexican rice burritos - Fill wraps with a combination of Mexican rice, refried beans and grated cheese.

[via We Don't Eat Anything With A Face]

9 Healthy Predinner Snacks

Dinner's at eight, but you just can't wait...try one of these nine healthy snacks to tide you over.

Cashew-Strawberry Crunch
Think of this as a gourmet cook's PB & J. Spread 1 tablespoon of cashew butter on a slice of Ryvita Fruit Crunch. (Or substitute peanut butter and Triscuits.) Drizzle with ½ tablespoon honey and top with sliced strawberries.

Health bonus: Nut butters are full of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.

One-Minute Antipasto Plate
Roll a thin slice of prosciutto or ham around a part-skim mozzarella string cheese. Eat with a few olives and grapes, or add roasted bell peppers (from a jar) drizzled with balsamic vinegar.

Health bonus: Contains almost a quarter of a woman's 1,000-milligram recommended daily allowance for calcium.

Pineapple and Pistachios
Combine about ¼ cup dried pineapple pieces with about 25 pistachio nuts. (For a treat, use chile-lime pistachio nuts, available at specialty stores.) Other winning dried-fruit-and-nut combos: raisins and peanuts, apricots and almonds, cherries and hazelnuts.

Health bonus: Pineapple and nuts are both good sources of antioxidants.

Cottage Cheese and Apples
Slice an apple, such as Fuji or Granny Smith, and top with ½ cup of low-fat cottage cheese (look for 4-ounce four-packs from Breakstone). Or replace the fresh apple with two drained cinnamon-spiced apple rings, such as Musselman's (which can be found in the canned-fruit aisle).

Health bonus: Provides protein, calcium, and fiber.

Cheese Melt
Spread ½ teaspoon of spicy mustard on a cocktail-size slice of thin whole-grain rye bread. Add a thin square of sharp Cheddar (about the same size as the bread) and broil until the cheese melts, then top with a slice of tomato and a sprinkling of caraway seeds.

Health bonus: Rich in calcium.

Parmesan Pita Crisps
Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan evenly over a 4-inch whole-wheat pita. Dust pita with ¼ teaspoon dried oregano and broil until the cheese browns. Cut into quarters.

Health bonus: Good balance of protein, fat, and fiber.

Creamy Feta-Walnut Dip
Place 2 cups plain nonfat yogurt in a sieve lined with a coffee filter. Let stand in the refrigerator for 1 hour or overnight. Discard the liquid and spoon the thickened yogurt into a small bowl. Add ¾ cup (3 ounces) crumbled Feta cheese, 2 cloves minced garlic, 2 tablespoons finely chopped toasted walnuts, ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon hot sauce. Mix well. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to blend. Makes 1½ cups.

Pair Feta-Walnut Dip with cherry tomatoes, a whole-wheat pita, or baby carrots.

Health bonus: An easy way to get calcium, protein, and monounsaturated fat.

Edamame
Grab a handful of frozen shelled soybeans and run them under steaming-hot water for a quick thaw. For a tangy twist, add a spritz of lemon.

Health bonus: Contains 8 grams of fiber and lots of cholesterol-lowering soy protein.

Fresh Vegetables With Dressing
Slice a cucumber into strips and place on a plate with baby carrots or baby corn. Dip in a lower-fat dressing, such as Annie's Naturals Roasted Red Pepper Vinaigrette or Trader Joe's Carrot-Ginger.

Health bonus: Fiber-rich and very low-calorie.

[via Real Simple]

Go green for Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is less than a week away, which means there are only a few days to buy the “perfect” gift for mom.  According to statisticbrain.com, $14.6 billion will be spent on Mother’s Day, with the average person spending around $126 on mom for her special day.

While flowers and diamonds are beautiful, and everyone loves a card and a day at the spa, these practices are not sustainable. Cutting flowers, mining diamonds, purchasing cards made of paper resources and wasting water at the spa are all the opposite of living green on Mother’s Day. Mom loves the sentiment of these things, but imagine how much more she would love sustainable gifts which are Mother Nature approved. Pair these gift ideas with a homemade card made with recycled paper and a meal of ethically sourced food for an awesome, green Mother’s Day this year.

Organic Tea, Wine and Chocolate

Moms love tea, wine and chocolate. Why not take the extra step to make these gifts organic and better yet, locally sourced, too? Organic tea is much better for you because it is processed with fewer chemicals, and the tea bags are also free of chemicals. Organic and ethically sourced chocolates and wines are also good for you, and your mom can rest easy knowing that she’s consuming these indulgences that are good for the environment as well as good for her body. If you don’t have a store near you where you can go purchase these items in person, try some great companies that ship from the web. For organic, fair trade tea, click here. For wine, click here. For delicious chocolates, click here.

Provide a Service

What mother doesn’t need something done for her around the house? Does she need her house cleaned from top to bottom, spring cleaning style? Does she need her yard cleaned up to get ready for the summer? Providing a service uses almost no resources, and if you do it yourself, you can make sure to do it in an eco-friendly way. For cleaning, use green cleaning products with no chemicals. You can find them in stores or make your own. For yard work, use chemical-free weed killers and fertilizers and plant an extra tree or bush.

Plan an Eco-Friendly Spa Day

Many spas and salons offer eco-friendly spa services. It might take a little extra work, but call around to salons and spas near you to see if you can find one that provides these services at reasonable prices. If you can’t find one near you, try buying your mom some eco-friendly spa products she can use at home. An added benefit to this is that it isn’t a one-time spay day; she can use the products you buy her whenever she needs a little bit of relaxation.

Plant Flowers Instead of Picking Them

I love the idea of planting a few rose bushes in lieu of a bouquet of flowers. Roses are easy to plant and hearty flowers that don’t take a whole lot of maintenance. Once they start blooming, it’s easy to pick flowers to make your own bouquet as you prune the bushes. If the mom in your life is an avid gardener, she will love the opportunity to plant more. If she’s not, consider planting the flowers for her. Then, she’s sure to enjoy their blooms all summer long.

Create Recycled Jewelry

If your mom is a lover of all things sparkling and shiny, consider recycling jewelry to create something new for her. Try raiding your own jewelry box or another family members for old pieces that are rarely worn. An experienced jeweler can melt these pieces down and create something entirely new and beautiful. This is also a wonderful thing to do because the piece you end up with will be especially unique for your mom while requiring no new resources to create. If you don’t have jewelry you’re willing to melt down, look for pieces that are made from recycled products. A simple search on Etsy will yeild many beautiful pieces out there made from recycled glass and metals that your mom will love.

[h/t Care 2]

Eco-Friendly Cinco de Mayo Festivities

Eco-friendly isn’t usually the first word that pops into your mind when you think ‘Cinco De Mayo,’ but it can be this year. With a few simple swaps you could be throwing an incredible eco-friendly Cinco De Mayo celebration. It doesn’t take a lot of effort, but it will make a big impact.

Potluck, Barbecue or Fiesta?

First, consider throwing a potluck or barbecue. Potlucks are more environmentally friendly as everyone is bringing something they made in a reusable container, therefore creating very little waste. Barbecues are also friendly on the environment for their low use of energy, if the correct fuel is used. Lump charcoal, propane, or an electric or solar grill are all better choices than charcoal briquettes and lighter fluid. Plus, cooking outside rather than in the kitchen helps to prevent your house from heating up and requiring the air conditioner to be run. Or, instead of cooking, bring home entrees for your fiesta from a restaurant. This is easily made eco-friendly if you bring your own containers, or use foil pans that can be recycled after use.

The Food

After deciding what kind of celebration you’ll be having, it’s time to purchase the food. Visit a farmers market first, for locally grown fresh produce and then head to the grocery store. Remember to bring your own bags, and select locally grown and/or organic items whenever possible.

You can also take your celebration one step further, and make it meatless. Whether you have a potluck, barbecue, or traditional fiesta, all can be made environmentally friendly by excluding meat. Meat not only has a much higher carbon footprint than vegetables, but also requires a lot more water to produce. And with so many delicious meat-free alternatives, its absence will hardly be missed. Serve options such as veggie fajitas, grilled veggie burritos, grilled pizza, cold pasta and potato salads, fruit salad, veggie burgers, bean and cheese dip, cheese enchiladas or tamales, nachos, etc.

When it comes to drinking, ask your guests to avoid stuffing anything, like a slice of fruit or used napkin, inside their bottle or can. This makes the bottle or can unable to be recycled, as it requires too much effort to extract whatever has been put inside. Also ask guests to put their recyclables in specially marked trashcans to be recycled later.

Decor and Aupplies

But before that, you’ll need to actually invite your guests. One of the easiest ways to do that, and go green for Cinco De Mayo, is to invite guests via Evite, rather than posting paper invites through the mail.

Purchasing and making eco-friendly party supplies is just as easy. Use real or compostable plates, cups, and utensils instead of plastic ones. Also select cloth table cloths and napkins, or those made of recycled materials.

Rather than purchasing a pinata, why not try making one out of paper bags (which can be recycled when the party is over)? Or make a colorful banner out of felt or cloth to decorate the space with. Also consider decorating with items like maracas and sombreros, or using brightly colored table cloths, cups and plates.

Lastly, encourage your guests to carpool to the celebration and, especially if alcohol is served, to share a cab home. With a few simple swaps, you can have a colorful and delicious eco-friendly Cinco De Mayo celebration this Saturday. Just remember to recycle and pick up any trash left behind. Happy Cinco De Mayo!

[via Examiner]

10 Incredible Vegan Recipes You Can Whip Up In 10 Minutes or Less

In today’s modern age of fast-pace everything, we tend to lose sight of what really matters — like quality, nutritious food, for instance. We aim for the convenient and least nutritious over the more healthier, wholesome (but longer to prepare) foods. Let’s take oatmeal for example: there’s the instant versus the slow-cooked oatmeal. The former is laden with sugar, salt, and other unnatural additives, while the latter is a bit longer to prepare, but contains little to no sodium or sugar (unless you decide to add them, of course) and has a myriad of benefits for you in the long run.

Translate that insight into other areas of a supermarket, such as the freezer aisle, and you’ve got yourself a unhealthy crisis. And, since we’ve learned that big food industries aren’t looking out for our best interests, it’s about time we say bye-bye to these processed food giants and make our own foods at home. Here are some easy tips to minimize your consumption of processed foods.

But, it will require time — lots of time that I don’t have, you might say. Nope! That’s only if you want to, of course, but home-cooking does not have to take hours away from your day. It’s all about planning. Know what you want to buy the week or weekend beforehand; designate a day of each week to plan what you want to have for the next. Your next step should be to go to market and bring a shopping list for ingredients you might not have for your upcoming recipes. It should be easy from here. Here are 5 secrets for making quick and healthy vegan meals at home. Just choose a recipe and get cracking! Here are 10 recipes made under 10 minutes or less to get your creative juices flowing:

1. Raw Vegan Veggie Stuffed Collard Wraps

 

2. Rich Vegan Soba Soup

 3. Vegan Chik’n Salad with Cranberries and Pistachios

 4. Raw Creamy Mushroom Soup with Avocado and Miso

5. Strawberry Mousse — Healthy, Vegan, and Guilt-Free

6. Healthy Vegan Cocoa Puff and Kamut Crispies 

7. Raw Peppermint Slice with Chocolate Ganache

8. Crunchy Raw Vegan Protein Bars

 

9. Raw Cocoa Bonbons

 

10. Raw Banana Ice Cream Sundae

[via One Green Planet]

10 Green Ideas For Earth Day

Got big plans for Earth Day? It's right around the corner, April 22, but feel free to celebrate all week long with these 10 great ideas for teaching kids about Earth Day and what they can do to help take care of our planet.

1. Serve up eco-snacks. Mix up some trail mix (with raisins, sunflowers, peanuts, almonds, chocolate chips) assemble one of these cute flower-power veggie trays, or whip up a batch of these yummy Earth Day bars. Celebrating the global nature of the ingredients (raisins from California, chocolate from Africa, coconut from the Philippines) is a cute idea, but it's still a good idea to look for locally sourced ingredients whenever possible!

2. Make a nature craft. Try your hand at one of these cute nature craft ideas, or get creative and come up with your own eco-masterpieces. 

3. Host an Earth Day 5K (or 1K). This may seem like a big endeavor for Earth Day, but don't let it scare you. Even if you don't decide to do a big community-wide event, you can still challenge your friends and neighbors to a run or walk in honor of Earth Day. It's the perfect way to get out and enjoy the planet and the day.

4. Take a walk. If an organized walk or run is too intimidating, you can still get outdoors for a walk around the block or local park with your own family. Check out these tips for exploring the outdoors with your kids.

5. Pick up a great green read. "The Lorax," "The Omnivore's Dilemma," "Seeds of Change," "The Giving Tree," "An Inconvenient Truth." There are so many great green reads to choose from. Check out MNN's book posts to find an old favorite or a new one to read in honor of Earth Day.

6. Plant a garden. Grab the kids, a shovel, and some seeds and hit the dirt with your family. Whether you plant one tomato plant in a pot or a large garden of fruits and veggies, gardening with your kids wil teach them about the cycles of nature and the beauty of growing your own food.

7. Watch an eco-flick. Snuggle up on the sofa with your kids and your favorite brand of organic popcorn to watch one of these family friendly eco-movies. In the mood for a sobering documentary? Try a classic like Al Gore's "An Inconvenient Truth" or a newer film like "Lunch Line," "Waiting For Superman," "The Cove" or "Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead."

8. Host an eco-swap. What better way to get rid of your old stuff than to give it to friends who will find another use for it? Gather up your friends and neighbors for a good old community swap where everybody brings a bag or two of stuff (clothes, toys, you name it,) and then goes home with a bag or two of newish items in exchange.

9. Recycle. Recycling is a great way for kids to get involved in taking care of the planet. Talk to your kids about the items that wind up in the recycling bin and how they can be recycled into new products. Or you can also check out some of the recycling opportunities available from groups like TerraCycle where you can earn money for your school or community organization by collecting items like candy wrappers or juice pouches so that they can be remade into cool new stuff.

10. Bring it home. Earth Day is the perfect day to talk to your kids about the green steps you take around the house to protect the planet and how they can help. Turning off lights and faucets, recycling, keeping the heat and air down low, and cleaning green are great ways to teach your kids about your family's impact on the planet, and the steps that you can all take to minimize it.

[via Mother Nature Network]

7 Ways to Revel in an Eco-Friendly Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras will be in full swing this week, and while it may be a traditional festival of excess, that doesn't mean it has to be wasteful. There are a lot of simple ways you can enjoy the Carnival and keep your eco-friendly wits about you. Hit the jump for our top 7 ideas!

Recycle your Beads

Mardi Gras ‘throws,’ the trinkets thrown by Krewe members from floats to parade goers, have a pretty rich history. Modern throws however, are largely made up of cheap plastic strings of beads, which end up littering the streets or thrown into trash cans. Some groups have started recycling these beads, such as Arc of Greater New Orleans, who follow parades with their “Catch and Release” float. The group encourages parade-goers to throw their beads back. Arc then sorts and resells the beads to Mardi Gras Krewes, reducing cost for the Krewes and wastage for everyone. The money Arc earns from sales goes directly back to their non-profit work. If you find yourself catching beads in a city where it’s not so easy to recycle, you can always try your hand at recycling them into colorful art work.

Regift Collectable Throws

In amongst the masses of plastic beads, you might be lucky enough to snag some more collectable throws. Traditional glass beads, commemorative doubloons, customized beads, decorated coconuts and all manner of flashing LED toys are just some of the items you might catch — and no, you really don’t need to remove your clothing to get them. If the trinkets aren’t your thing, there’s almost certainly a kid around too short to catch the throws, pass them along to those who’ll enjoy them and they’ll be far less likely to wind up in landfill.

Bring a Reusable Cup

If you’re celebrating Mardi Gras in a City with more liberal open container laws, such as New Orleans, bring your reusable cup. Chances are you’ll patronize more than one bar on your Mardi Gras travels, and while commemorative plastic cups are a treasured throw from various Mardi Gras Krewes, you certainly don’t need to collect (and throw out) a different cup from each bar you visit.

Bring a Reusable Water Bottle

It’s pretty important to stay hydrated through Mardi Gras Festivities, but waiting in line to buy bottles of water is neither environmentally friendly or a fun use of your parade time. Bring a reusable water bottle with you and you’ll be free to focus on the party, plus you’ll be surprised how many establishments provide Cambros of water for you to fill up your container with. It’s free, and often the line is much shorter than the one for more adult beverages.

Make your Own Costume

This is a bit of a Mardi Gras no-brainer. While it’s perfectly possible to pick up feathered masquerade headgear around a lot of parades, Mardi Gras is the perfect opportunity to channel your creative side and make a bright, fabulous festive outfit of your own. Dig through your own closet for any big-mistake purchases, embarrassing 80s relics or unwanted hand-me-downs and go to town. Check out thrift stores for gaudy colors and feather boas. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can turn your old newspapers into Mardi Gras masks. There are no rules to Mardi Gras costuming, so run wild and reuse.

Ride a Bike!

With any Mardi Gras celebration comes large crowds, and very often a certain amount of festive drinking. Bring your bike instead of your car, and not only will you find it easier and safer to get around, you’ll also avoid guzzling gas in traffic jams. If costume making got your creative juices flowing, you can even think about decorating your bike! If you’re joining Mardi Gras on vacation, look around for bicycle rental, and perhaps consider taking a bike tour while you’re there.

Support or Join a Green Krewe (Or Start One of Your Own)

This one’s a little more ambitious and takes a little more planning than other items on this list. Eco-aware Mardi Gras Krewes are beginning to pop up, and they have a lot of ground to cover. Aside from from the proliferation of plastic throws, Mardi Gras floats are often largely made of paper mache and crepe paper, and pulled by tractors or trucks. In New Orleans Krewe of Kolossus made their floats from recycled trash and other salvaged materials, while new-comer Verdi Gras make their beads from newspaper and salvaged wood in an effort to create a greener Mardi Gras less dependent on imported plastic goods. Chattanooga’s smaller Mardi Gras celebrations come complete with pedal-powered floats. In most cases, anyone can join a Mardi Gras Krewe, though membership dues vary wildly. There’s huge room for growth in the push for a green Mardi Gras, so if you can, jump in and support those who are working towards a greener Carnival!

[via Inhabitat]