Green Community Project

March is Water Month!

2009-03-06T12:42:00.002-05:00

Why water? Often our greatest blessings are things that we take for granted until they are threatened. Unlike much of the world’s citizens, in Mountain Lakes we are lucky knowing that there will be ample, quality water in our taps any time that we turn them on. Yet, in order to preserve this peace of mind into the future, we must learn to protect this precious resource now.

All this month, this blog will feature articles and tips surrounding water issues. To get started, visit the Nature Conservancy's interactive map to explore how different threats have an impact on watershed ecosystems.

Clean Coal

2009-02-26T08:26:00.002-05:00

This was posted on The Reality Blog from the folks at the Alliance for Climate Protection.

Landscaping is for the Birds

2009-02-17T12:50:00.002-05:00

Why should we care about the birds? Because diverse bird populations are a direct mark of a healthy ecosystem--their lack of habitat is an indication of forest health and their declining numbers can be a barometer of pollution. Birds benefit the environment by being agents of seed dispersal, voracious consumers of insects and rodents, and important to pollination. The Bird Education Network states, "People benefit because an environment that birds can thrive in is a healthy environment for humans."

What can YOU do to help the birds? NJ Audubon provides a list of Ten Tips for Backyard Habitats. A backyard habitat reduces the amount of your lawn which provides absolutely NO benefit to wildlife (except for deer & geese). If you choose native plants and shrubs, not only will you provide food for the birds, you will help replenish the understory in our woods. An extremely helpful online state-by-state plant finder (listing natives and invasives) can be found at eNature, and the U.S. Department of Transportation provides a comprehensive NJ list.

Whatever you do, don't plant invasive barberry or burning bush... their seeds are also dispersed by birds but the plants choke out what little native understory plants the deer don't eat.

Landscaping Saves Energy!

2009-02-15T00:05:00.002-05:00

Did you know that winter is a great time to assess the "bones" of your garden? We all know that trees and shrubs can soften the hard lines of our homes, but, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, they can help us reduce our heating and cooling costs as well.

Shade--by planting deciduous trees with high crowns to the south-east of your home and trees with low crowns to the west and south-west, you can decrease your air conditioning costs by 10% in 5 to 10 years. It's best to leave the south area of your yard open to allow passive solar heating in the winter. Remember to plan for shade around driveways, walkways and patios because those surfaces radiate and retain heat.

Windbreaks--can lower windchill near your home and trap snow to lessen drifts. Use dense evergreens and shrubs with low crowns and plant to the north and north-west of your home at a distance of two to five times the mature height of the tree/shrub.

Planting shrubs near your foundation creates air pockets that act as insulation in winter and summer. It's important to leave at least one foot of space more than the mature width of the shrub to prevent moisture problems (and leave elbow-room for maintenance).

So, what to plant? The Native Plant Society of New Jersey offers a list of native plants for Morris County and you can view our previous discussion about why to use native plants here.

Be My Green Valentine!

2009-01-29T13:01:00.005-05:00

Did you know that over 1 billion Valentine cards are sent annually? That's a lot of trees! Here are some suggestions to celebrate sustainably:

For the kids--homemade decorated cookies or lollipops are a sweet solution and scads of ideas for making your own valentines can be found at Family Fun. The most fun (and messy) idea is for plantable Valentines found at Thrifty Fun .

Flowers--if you aren't aware of the eco-issues surrounding the cut flower industry, you should at least be concerned about bringing these pesticide-laden lovelies into your home. You can help enact change by seeking out flowers with the Veriflora certification--ask for them at your favorite florist or online at Organic Bouquet.

Food--the Obama's chef, Sam Kass, believes in healthy and local food which is a much-needed boost to the local food movement. Show your family some love every day by serving locally-produced organic food! The February issue of Bon Appetit gives us a Valentine's Day menu that's easy enough for the kids to help as well as 50 ways to Eat Green. Try to avoid take-out: besides being laden with fat and salt, the plastic clamshell containers, disposable chopsticks or plastic cutlery, packets of condiments and napkins are definitely not eco-friendly. If you haven't visited this site already, Planet Green has a valuable Food & Health section where a search will provide recipes for some take-out favorites like this one for Spring Rolls.

Yellow is not Green

2009-01-23T01:07:00.003-05:00

Jeana found this on WiseBread.

In this day and age of the internet, free Google 411 and a host of other paperless directory services, what use do the big, fat phone directories serve? I don’t know about you, but when I get those large plastic bags filled with 3lb phone books, I usually put them straight in the recycling bin. We never use them. Now a website similar to the National No-Call registry is asking you to sign up and stop receiving these archaic books.
The facts speak loud and clear; the massive amount of money and resources the phone directory industry sucks up is phenomenal. This, from YellowPagesGoesGreen.org :
• 540 million directories are printed annually in the United States.
• The average weight of each directory is 3.62 lbs.
• 1.79 directories are printed for every man, woman and child in the US.
• The phone directory industry is worth over $13 billion in the US (that figure doubles to $26 billion worldwide).
• It takes 24 trees to make 1 ton of paper.
• It takes over 19 million trees to make half a trillion directories.
• It takes 380 gallons of oil to produce that ton of paper (over 7.2 billion barrels per 500,000,000 books).
• 3 cubic yards of waste are taken up by one ton of paper (that equates to 1.6 billion lbs per 500,000,000 books).
• Over 270,000 cubic yards of landfill are taken up per 500,000,000
• 7,000 gallons of water go into the production of one ton of paper.
• 4,000 kilowatts of energy are also needed to make that ton of paper (3.2 billion KW hours/500,000,000 books).
So much money, so many resources, all for nothing. However, if we all do something about it, maybe we can speed that process up. Simply click on this link and you’ll be directed to an opt-out page where you can opt out of both the yellow and white pages.

Green Dinner Table Talk

2009-01-19T11:37:00.002-05:00

Did you know?….that you can cook your family’s meal without the use of gas or electricity. The solar oven “Sun Cook” can reach temperatures up to 400 F, with sunshine alone. For more fun facts and photos about this style of cooking visit http://solarcooking.ca/ .

Did you know?…..that the energy efficiency of a one-mile urban trip by bicycle, when the cyclist is fueled by meat (which contains the embodied energy required to produce and transport one mile’s worth of meat energy to the cyclist’s home), according to one analysis, is equivalent to 31 miles per gallon.
But…the energy efficiency of a one-mile urban trip by bicycle when the cyclist is fueled by bread is 300 miles per gallon

Did you know?….Germany currently generates more solar power than any other country, in spite of having more cloudy days than sunny days.

Did you know?....Portugal has just plugged in Europe’s largest wind farm, located in its northern highlands. Cervantes would have loved it…..imagine Don Quixote and 120 wind turbines. Jointly, these turbines provide enough electricity to power one million homes. Other green projects under way in Portugal include a second, smaller wind farm; the world’s largest solar photovoltaic farm (in the south); and the world’s first commercial wave power plant. Vive Portugal!

Did you know?...The California EPA Air Resources Board has approved the scoping plan for California’s Global Warming Solutions Act (AB 32) as of December 11, 2008. The plan includes a renewable energy standard, adoption of a low carbon fuel standard, green jobs bills, water conservation, and sustainable forest and agriculture plans. Go California! [You can locate this 142 page plan at http://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/scopingplan/document/psp.pdf ]

Submitted to the GCP blog spot by Louise F.

Meatless Monday

2009-01-05T16:05:00.007-05:00

Happy New Year! I'm in the midst of taking down the decorations and wanted to comment on how much I liked with the LED lights I used this season. Unlike strands I'd purchased two seasons ago, the newer lights I got this year were easy to find and reasonably priced. I was pleased with the brightness of the lights, although the white-only strands had either a blue or green cast to them. What I found incredible was that each strand used so little energy that the manufacturers allowed 43 strands to be hooked together, compared to a maximum of three strands of incandescent lights. That completely solved the extension cord problem that I've had in the past.

Did you know that eating lentils at the new year is supposed to bring you prosperity? A quick online search reveals this custom began with the ancient Romans, possibly because lentils resemble small coins. The following is a recipe I've been using for over 30 years and is a family favorite. It is adapted from the More-with-Less Cookbook which I stumbled upon as a new bride and, thankfully, taught me how to really cook "from scratch".

Baked Lentils with Cheese

serves 6

375° for 1 hr., 15 min.

Combine in shallow 9 x 13" baking dish:

1 3/4 c. lentils, rinsed

2 c. water

1 whole bay leaf

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

1/8 tsp. each dried marjoram, sage, thyme

2 large onions, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 c. canned tomatoes (approx. one 14 ounce can)

Cover tightly and bake 30 minutes. Uncover and stir in:

2 large carrots, sliced 1/8" thin

2 stalks thinly sliced celery

Bake covered 40 minutes until vegetables are tender. Sprinkle on top:

3 c. shredded cheddar cheese

Bake, uncovered, 5 minutes until cheese melts.

Thoughts for a Greener Hanukkah

2008-12-08T13:50:00.004-05:00

A dear friend of our family is a rabbi, and as I was gathering material last week for this entry, I emailed him for his perspective. Rabbi Andrew Goodman shared these thoughts about Hanukkah: "... from the most basic level, Hanukkah is an important celebration for two reasons... neither of which are gift giving. On one hand, the holiday commemorates a victory over oppression from the Greeks. It commemorates religious integrity and standing up for/fighting for what you believe in and knowing when to act in the face of imminent annihilation. On the other hand, there is the theological importance of the miracle of oil, which should only have lasted for one day lasting for 8. From both of these perspectives, I think that a strong argument can be made for greening your life. We are aware of limited resources and should never forget the importance of having these most basic needs, and thus need to guard them. Also, as the Jews fought the Greeks, we too need to fight (not literally) for our existential longevity. Without our earth, we will not be able to survive and so, this threat is akin to the Greeks... and we too must act."

So how can you make Hanukkah a bit greener? Here are a few tips I've gathered:

shop for vintage menorahs, dreidels, gifts at antique stores, thrift shops or eBay. Shop online for sustainable dreidels and menorahs
shop for locally grown and organic potatoes, cheeses & other ingredients
candles-- beeswax candles burn slowly and are odorless, smokeless and virtually dripless; or look for them locally
fair trade gelt sources: Chocolate coins can be purchased online at Serrv and Global Exchange. They are also available at Whole Foods and Wegmans stores.
Green menorah campaign
A Light Among the Nations
suggestions for 8 days of environmental action to commemorate Hanukkah
Thinking Outside the Gift Box -- green gift suggestions

Holiday Dinner gone Local!

2008-12-05T11:54:00.009-05:00

Recently, Louise D. and I had a chat about the importance and benefits of buying food locally and she told me about all the fresh goodies found at Hamilton Farms. She's followed up by writing this description of her T-day dinner:

I procured the majority of my Thanksgiving dinner at Hamilton Farms and nearly everything was marked Jersey Fresh. They had wonderful new potatoes which I mashed with their skins on and used some more of them in our traditional "Aunt Sally's potato rolls". The waxed turnip was delicious and the first time there wasn't a speck of turnip left over ( hint- I mash it with butter, milk, salt, pepper and the secret ingredient a sprinkling of sugar). The carrots were incredible ( they still had the
tops on) and I love to cook/mash them with parsnips, which I also got at the farm. For those I mash them with the milk, butter, salt, pepper and some freshly grated nutmeg. The apples were all Jersey Fresh and I bought 1/2 bushel- so we will be having lots of apple items in the near future. My apple pie was sweetened with fresh local honey that I also got at the farm. My trick there is, you sweeten the pie with the honey and then sprinkle about a table spoon of sugar on the top of the pie. I bought the pie pumpkins- cut them in half- took the seeds out which I roasted ( yum yum) put them upside down on a baking dish and baked for about an hour. I then ran the pumpkin through the food processor and just added the other ingredients as well and the filling was ready for the crust. There were fresh Jersey cranberries, onions, celery, butter, milk, eggs, etc. I was checking out ( no lines) and said "if only I could get my turkey here". The answer was "you can". Those need to be ordered in advance but there were still 2 left- so I took them both and of course they were Jersey Fresh as well. Hint on cooking turkeys- I cook them in a brown paper bag. They take about 1/2 hour less time to cook, don't require basting ( none of that energy lost opening and closing the oven door), come out moist and tender and clean up is a snap. I didn't even have to soak the roasting pan. There was very little fat and the juice made wonderful gravy.

Hamilton Farms is a wonderful resource that is right in our back yard- open daily including Sunday. The produce store will be open through December and then open again April 1st.

Thanks, Louise!

Christmas Trees

2008-12-01T14:40:00.004-05:00

Is it December already? Here are some thoughts about the different choices surrounding your tree:

85% of artificial trees begin in overseas factories, contain metals and plastics that sometimes include PVC or lead and ultimately end up in landfills which make them the least eco-friendly choice. If you already own an artificial tree, keep using it or donate it to someone who will.
Potted or ball and burlap trees could be a good choice if the tree is maintained under the proper conditions: the tree should be adaptable to our climate, stored away from the wind and sun, not be allowed to freeze, remain indoors for only 7 to 10 days, kept moist but not flooded, and decorated with lights that don't give off any heat. After the holiday, the tree can't go directly outdoors into freezing temperatures; remove it to a sheltered location for a few days to acclimate. It is often wise to dig the hole where the tree will be replanted early and cover with mulch to keep the soil from freezing. Remember a 6 foot tree with root ball could weigh as much as 250 pounds.
The Arbor Day Foundation supports the use of traditional Christmas trees because the trees "are a renewable, sustainable resource, provide jobs in rural areas and support American families, provide the usual benefits of trees, including oxygen, CO2 uptake, erosion control, and wildlife habitat, help preserve open space and are biodegradable and recyclable." (taken from the November/December 2008 issue of Arbor Day.)

If you choose a traditional Christmas tree, consider supporting local growers for the freshest tree possible and remember to recycle that tree after the holiday! For more Green Christmas tips, visit this page at the National Geographic site!

Zero Water Filter with Almost Zero Waste

2008-11-24T13:53:00.003-05:00

from the National Geographic Green Guide
by Mary Logan Barmeyer

We've heard again and again that it's time to kick the plastic water bottle habit and head back to the tap. Despite evidence that our tap water is highly regulated and just as safe as bottled, news about pharmaceuticals and chemicals in drinking water or pipes that may contain lead, or even just bad tasting tap, can make us wary of getting our water straight from the faucet. Although most water filters can't eliminate every contaminant, they can help reduce them. But are unrecyclable water filters any better for the environment than recyclable plastic bottles? Not if you can recycle them.

Zero Technologies recently launched a recycling program for filters, the only program of its kind in the country. Ninety percent of the materials in its ZeroWater filters are recyclable--even the filter media are recycled for use in wastewater-treatment plants--and they can be shipped back to the company in their original packaging in exchange for a discount on replacements. (Zero is also one of the only companies to offer filter bottles made of glass, although the ABS plastic used in their other products has been tested to ensure no chemicals leach out).

ZeroWater's carbon and ion-exchange filter reduces dissolved solids in water down to zero parts per million, which you can test with a total dissolved solids (TDS) meter that comes with the filter. The filters are also NSF certified to remove lead, chlorine taste and odor, mercury, hydrogen sulfide, chromium, aluminum, zinc and iron.

ZeroWater filters are available online at www.zerowater.com. Half-gallon pitchers are $39.99, and larger 2.5 gallon bottles are $119.99 for glass or $99.99 for plastic.

Click for information on the Mountain Lakes drinking water supply and Mountain Lakes Consumer Confidence Report .

Prescription Drug Disposal

2008-11-21T12:20:00.005-05:00

An Associated Press investigation shows vast array of pharmaceuticals -- including antibiotics, anti-convulsants, mood stabilizers and sex hormones -- have been found in the drinking water supplies of at least 41 million Americans including 24 major metropolitan areas -- from Southern California to Northern New Jersey, from Detroit, Michigan, to Louisville, Kentucky. So many prescription drugs -- and over-the-counter medicines like acetaminophen and ibuprofen -- in so much of our drinking water is heightening worries among scientists of long-term consequences to human health.

One solution for proper medicine disposal is offered by SMARXT DISPOSAL. TM This public awareness campaign is a public-private partnership between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the American Pharmacists Association, and the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America. They recommend that you follow your medication prescriber’s instructions and use all medications as instructed. If you do not use all of your prescribed or over-the-counter medication, you can take a few small steps to make a huge impact in safeguarding lives and protecting the environment by disposing of unused medicines properly:

DO NOT FLUSH unused medications and DO NOT POUR them down a sink or drain .
Be proactive and dispose of unused medication in household trash. When discarding unused medications, ensure you protect children and pets from potentially negative effects:
Pour medication into a sealable plastic bag. If medication is a solid (pill, liquid capsule, etc.), crush it or add water to dissolve it.
Add kitty litter, sawdust, coffee grounds (or any material that mixes with the medication and makes it less appealing for pets and children to eat) to the plastic bag.
Seal the plastic bag and put it in the trash.
Remove and destroy ALL identifying personal information (prescription label) from all medication containers before recycling them or throwing them away.
Check for Approved State and Local Collection Programs. Another option is to check for approved state and local collection alternatives such as community based household hazardous waste collection programs. In certain states, you may be able to take your unused medications to your community pharmacy or other location for disposal.
Consult your pharmacist with any questions.

New Jersey does not currently have an operational program to allow for donation of unused prescription drugs for redistribution to needy individuals.
If you want to donate unused medication, contact the The Starfish Project, they will pay for all shipping costs of medications. If you would like to donate medical supplies, contact them and they can provide you with information on other organizations that collect medical supplies.

Making Fast Compost with Leaves

2008-11-13T15:51:00.006-05:00

Bonnie found this article from Horticulture Magazine:
Deciding to have an organic garden means doing two things: avoiding harmful chemicals and improving the soil. For many, banning chemicals comes as a no-brainer. Why would anyone choose to spread stuff that is hazardous to his or her personal environment? On the other hand, improving the soil, a huge part of organic growing, gets less attention than it deserves.

An important difference between “conventional” and “organic” growing is that conventional growing feeds the plant, while organic growing feeds the soil so it can feed the plant. Healthy soil provides everything a plant needs; the healthy plant shrugs off attacks by insects and diseases. A conventionally grown plant is a botanical junkie—it has to get that chemical fix or it will wither. Its immune system is weak, so without chemical protection, it dies.

Happily, soil improvement is cheap, easy, and guaranteed to be effective. Good soil is alive, literally. When school classes visit my garden or farm, I hold a double handful of compost out to the kids and tell them, “There are more living things in this than there are people in the world!” Their eyes pop open, but it is true. And the presence of beneficial microorganisms makes the difference between good healthy soil and the lifeless growing medium you find in some farm fields.

To bring soil back to life—or, rather, to bring life back to the soil—you just have to add vegetative matter. Compost is the classic method, but this is the best time of year to do it the easy way. Take all those leaves that fall from your trees, run over them with the lawn mower to chop them up a bit, and then spread them all over your garden, about six inches deep. Clear some space, a few inches wide, around the stems of trees and other perennials to keep mice from burrowing in. If you can get some straw or seaweed, spread those around too.

This is called sheet composting. By spring, most of what you laid down will have decomposed to make a lovely layer of worm-rich humus filled with beneficial organisms. Rake any still intact material aside as a basis for a new compost pile. Gently (you don't want to hurt those worms!) scratch the rotted material into the top three inches of the original soil, or plant right into it.

Do this every year, and your plants will thrive. No chemicals needed!

A Greener Cuppa Joe

2008-11-07T11:09:00.005-05:00

Jeana drinks a lot of coffee! She always has a pot going in the kitchen but recently saw something on a website about energy usage and coffee makers. This website estimated that the average homeowner wasted $200 a year keeping coffee warm, this doesn’t include the cost of brewing the coffee. Her solution – use a Thermos to keep the coffee warm. Now she brews a pot of coffee, then transfers the liquid to the Thermos and unplugs the coffee pot. She has hot coffee all day and some extra money in her pocket!

She also started buying coffee from an organization called Grounds for Change. They sell organic, fair trade, shade grown coffees and are members of 1% for the Planet. The coffee she uses is grown by a women’s co-op. The only downer is that the coffee is shipped from Poulsbo Washington, which is adding to carbon emissions but she tries to offset this by buying a large quantity at a time (10-15 pounds).

I've been wrestling with this issue for several years. I first switched to a single-serve brewer but didn't like all the used pods it created. When that broke, I switched to a brewer that let me fill my own pod which was messy and that machine broke because the instructions stated that the machine had to be left on all day which I didn't do. I also became concerned about the water being in contact with plastic. This summer I switched to using a french press. This method brews excellent coffee and only requires the energy used to boil the water (on the stove or electric kettle). It can also be used to brew tea. According to Ideal Bite, about $400 million goes to electricity used for coffeemakers in the US. I've been getting my coffee from the SmartWorld shop in Denville.

Those Pesky Bottle Caps

2008-11-03T11:46:00.004-05:00

We all know that we should NOT keep bottle caps on plastic bottles when we recycle them, right? Bonnie has forwarded this information from Wini Applegate,
Garden Club of NJ-Environmental/Conservation Chairman, National Garden Clubs, Inc- Environmental Schools Chairman:

"Good news in recycling! Until now, plastic caps have been tossed in the garbage, on the ground or in the water. The Aveda Company launched a new program to recycle plastic caps. It is a win-win situation. Plastic caps will be reused in making new caps and containers for their products. Applause for Aveda!

In the first week that I became involved with spreading the news, I was heartened by the positive reaction. I was also amazed to find out that so many were recycling plastic containers WITH THE CAPS ON, thinking that this was the proper thing to do. Actually there is no provision for the cap to be recycled and if it does not pop off during compression the bottle is tossed from the conveyer into the garbage and ultimately into the landfill.

Plastic caps have been one of the largest number of items collected at clean ups, according to statistics. Here is a very small item, that we can work together collecting that will make a difference. Please spread the word to your local municipality, library, county recycling department, schools, churches, businesses, clubs and organizations. I will be interested in your response and reaction."

Planning a Garage Sale? Have Items to Give Away?

2008-10-21T13:21:00.006-04:00

then remember to visit our Free Market website & keep those items out of the landfill! Sorry, Mountain Lakes residents only. Just follow the link in the second box in the column on the right. Questions? Email Susie Laker.

Green-o-Ween!

2008-10-15T10:54:00.006-04:00

This is copied from Low Impact Living.
Make Your Halloween Less Scary

Posted by Lisa Borden

Some things are scary: ghosts, goblins, vampires and bats. And some things are really scary: Genetically modified foods, toxic face paint, and insane piles of garbage.
And then there is the combination of all of these into one massive event: Halloween.

Halloween produces more boos, eeks, screeches and ding dongs than I can now handle…so, in an attempt to make sure my kids don’t hate me, my neighbours, family and friends don’t ridicule me (although I have gotten used to this by now), I inspire each of you to have a less scary Halloween.

I am pleased to share a few of my own simple initiatives/suggestions for a smarter Halloween. I hope you’ll read, adopt as many as possible and pass them along.

Since Halloween involves community…support yours. Buy your organic pumpkin at a farmers market, or better yet, pick your own. Growing a pumpkin takes an awful lot of pesticide and pumpkins take up lots of space in landfills and release greenhouse gases as they decompose. Make full use of your entire pumpkin by roasting the seeds (yummy and very healthy), make a soup or pie, and compost the pumpkin when you’re done.
Walk, do not drive. Stick to your neighbourhood…talk to your neighbours and enjoy the crisp fall air. It’s a bonus to get some exercise into your busy day.
Use a costume you already have in your possession, or borrow one.
If you do not have costumes already, make your own costume (and NO face paints – check all makeup at the Environmental Working Group’s Cosmetics Safety Database!) Remember dressing as a ballet dancer or hockey player? Easy. Plus, I really cannot understand choosing to put on an off-gassing, store-bought, made-in-china, phthalate laced, over packaged mask! Some costume ideas that are bright, easy and comfortable: a Whiteboard (all white clothing with a pen on a string around your neck and people can sign…now that is interactive!), a Compact Florescent Lightbulb (again, all white clothing with skinny white balloons in twisty shapes on your head), a Ghost (with an organic cotton sheet of course), a Jelly Fish (dressed in pink while opening and closing an umbrella).
Instead of turning on every light in your house, use old cans (Eden Organic uses cans that are bpa-free for their non-acid foods by the way) and punch holes in them, fill them with organic soy or beeswax candles and see what you can create (all reusable year after year…just keep adding to your collection).
Treats are treats. Kids love treats. You love your kids. What to do??? Every store has those colourful boxes lined up on shelves ready for us to buy (think of the resources wasted right there!). I shudder to now think of the artificial colours and flavours, refined, over-processed ingredients and dyes (that I know will be banned someday), that I put into my body. Try these: Glee Gum or Yummy Earth Lollipops – natural + even nut-free! Or how about giving away pencils made from recyclable materials? (Stop rolling your eyes!)
Of course, use a reusable bag. (you can always use a pillowcase too). And, if you do not yet have one, get a RuMe bag already! They are gorgeous, and it’s a reusable bag that even a man will use, imagine that! There is a size for everyone in your family from mini to macro, they fold right up to tuck away into your purse, briefcase, glove compartment or drawer and you’ll use them throughout the year.
Walk around with a solar charged, crank powered or shake and shine flashlight. A fabulous range of products powered by alternative energy that every household should have anyways in case of emergency (think solar energy powering your blackberry and shortwave radio).
Beware of phantom power. It’s sucking the life out of your bank account and the environment. You thought your electronics were all off at home? They are not really off, they’re just on stand-by. Exorcism procedure: Unplug stuff! (or use a power bar and shut it down completely).
Reduce everything, reuse as much as possible and recycle the balance (which is, hopefully not much).

So, be scary, but don’t spook our cherished kids and precious planet. A Happy, healthy and safe Halloweening to you all.

An after/other thought:

We know it’s not “safe” to give out unwrapped treats + fresh foods, but how is an over-packaged, over-processed piece of candy any safer?

About the author: Lisa Borden is an eco-advocate and mother of three, whose business is a direct reflection of her commitment to better, more responsible living. Her full-service marketing firm, Borden Communications + Design Inc. is based in Toronto and takes great pride in being an ethical business providing exceptional ideas.

Meatless Monday

2008-09-29T10:42:00.006-04:00

We've already talked about the importance of eating locally. After a season of enjoying the flavorful difference in locally grown & organic produce, I feel the choice to be a no-brainer: I get superior taste and freshness, the local farming industry gets a boost and my household carbon footprint is lessened. In fact, I've been feeling a bit smug until I had a chat with my friend who has been a vegetarian since Oprah had her run-in with the cattle industry. She pointed out that, not only was some beef raised under questionable conditions, but that it was a major contributor to greenhouse gasses. Recently, Carnegie Mellon researchers said: "We suggest that dietary shift can be a more effective means of lowering an average household's food-related climate footprint than 'buying local.' Shifting less than one day per week's worth of calories from red meat and dairy products to chicken, fish, eggs, or a vegetable-based diet achieves more GHG reduction than buying all locally sourced food."

I've been hearing about Meatless Mondays but was surprised to learn that it was the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that came up with idea to support their "Food will Win the War" campaign in 1917! Back then, they needed the food to feed our soldiers overseas. These days, we wage war on our dependence on foreign oil AND global warming. In her 1971 book, Diet for a Small Planet, Frances Moore Lappé states that "it is possible to implement an end to the gross waste of literally millions of tons of high-grade protein" and "to enjoy nutritionally sound protein from the richer and far more abundant sources that the earth provides." Eating meatless one day a week also has significant health benefits. All that is well and good, but at the end of a busy day, it has to be a dish that is quick to get on the table and the family has to like it! I'm going to commit to Meatless Mondays and to posting good recipes when I come across them. Here's one I tried last week which I found in the Sept. '08 issue of bon appétit (p.64).

Quinoa with Black Beans and Cilantro
4 TO 6 SERVINGS
PREP: 25 MINUTES TOTAL: 40 MINUTES
Recipe by the Bon Appétit Test Kitchen
September 2008
INGREDIENTS
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 cups chopped white onions
1 cup chopped red bell pepper
1 cup quinoa,* rinsed, drained
2 teaspoons chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cup water
1 15-ounce can black beans, rinsed, drained
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, divided
Crumbled Cotija cheese or feta cheese (optional)
PREPARATION
Heat oil in heavy medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onions and red pepper; sauté until beginning to soften, about 5 minutes. Stir in next 4 ingredients. Add water; bring to boil. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until quinoa is almost tender, about 14 minutes. Add beans and 1/4 cup cilantro; cook uncovered until heated through and liquid is fully absorbed, about 3 minutes. Transfer to bowl; sprinkle with 1/4 cup cilantro and cheese, if desired.
*A grain with a delicate flavor and a texture similar to that of couscous; available at natural foods stores.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
One serving contains the following:
Analysis is based on using 1 ounce crumbled Cotija cheese per serving.
Calories (kcal) 391.35
% Calories from Fat 30.3
Fat (g) 13.16
Saturated Fat (g) 5.07
Cholesterol (mg) 25.23
Carbohydrates (g) 53.04
Dietary Fiber (g) 10.24
Total Sugars (g) 5.56
Net Carbs (g) 42.79
Protein (g) 16.20

Two notes: 1) I didn't have black beans so I substituted a can of Amy's medium chili (made with tofu) and it was wonderful, 2) this dish is a good way to sneak in more vegetables (zucchini, carrots) than is called for.

Plastics are Forever

2008-09-23T14:22:00.003-04:00

We could all do with a little less plastic in our lives. All plastics are made from petroleum, a nonrenewable resource, and produced under extremely energy-intensive conditions. The matter is further complicated by the fact that nothing in nature, not even sunlight and oxygen, can break apart the bonds that hold plastic together, so they linger on our planet indefinitely. Rather than biodegrading, plastic photodegrades into dust, winding up in soil and in the air. In bodies of water, the plastic particles become a kind of toxic sponge, absorbing other harmful chemicals such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and the pesticide DDT. Those particles then get eaten by fish, which wind up back on our dinner plates.

RECYCLING PLASTIC:
Despite the problems with plastic, virtually all types can be recycled and used a few times before losing integrity (when the material has become too weak to recycle any more). However, confusing municipal recycling laws and limited access to recyclers who accept all types of plastic have kept recycling rates low and the amount of plastic waste in landfills high--and getting higher. In 2006, a mere 6.9 percent of plastic garbage we generated was recycled.
On a positive note, more stores are beginning to accept plastic bags for recycling, and other companies are offering to take back used plastic products. For instance, Styrofoam packing peanuts can be taken to any UPS store for reuse, and Stonyfield Farm accepts all its #5 PP yogurt cups and tubs back, reselling them to Preserve, a company that manufactures toothbrushes and reusable plastic dishes from the discarded cups.

WE CAN ALL DO OUR PART TO REDUCE PLASTIC USE:
Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping:

-Do not buy/use single-use water bottles! Purchase reusable and widely available #2 plastic or stainless-steel bottles.

-Avoid single-use, non-recyclable disposable packaging, such as Styrofoam meat trays, and clam-shell containers. Instead buy items in bulk and portion them out into reusable containers.

-Buy food in glass or metal containers (both 100% recyclable) whenever possible.

-Take your plastic grocery bags to a local Wal-Mart or Whole Foods to be recycled or check to see if your local market recycles them. Better yet, bring your own shopping bags with you wherever you go!

-Bring your own containers to restaurants, if you think you might have leftovers and don’t take plastic cutlery or condiment packets unless you really need them.

-Avoid plastic cooking tools; use stainless steel or wooden utensils instead.

-Buy household items, like detergent and cleaning supplies, in concentrated forms so that you get more product per package.

-Avoid all items wrapped in excessive packaging.

-Whenever possible look for products and packaging made from recycled materials. The higher the percentage of recycled content, the better.

-Pack school lunches in reusable containers and bags.

-Encourage your favorite coffee shops to provide reusable containers and enjoy your cup of coffee sitting down!

-Always recycle the plastics that you do use either at the recycling center, Swap-Shop or with ML FreeMarket. Example: toys, furniture, garden supplies.

By consistently following just a few of these suggestions you will make a difference!

Green Remodeling

2008-09-09T00:25:00.005-04:00

Did you know there now are guidelines for green remodeling? Clicking the box above will take you to the website for the U.S. Green Building Council which will help you understand things like LEED-certification and hydronic heating systems. Their 2008 Residential Guidelines can be found here. More and more new homes are being built with energy conservation and health in mind. A green remodeling project will not only reduce your energy consumption (and, eventually save you money), it can also make your home more competitive should you decide to put it on the market. You win, the U.S. wins, and the world wins!

CSA update and Planet Green

2008-08-20T14:03:00.003-04:00

Here's a picture of yesterday's share from the CSA that a few of us belong to (here's a link to an entry about our first visit). Included goodies are: summer squash, carrots, lettuce, celery, swiss chard, corn, cucumbers, green beans, peaches, asian pears, sweet and hot peppers, new potatoes, baby beets, onions, tomatoes, basil and edamame. Most weeks there are pick-your-own opportunities as well (including flowers), and there are cut herbs available. Having had my own veggie patch in the past, I've always appreciated that fresh produce has so much more flavor than store-bought, so that was no surprise. I am amazed at the variety of vegetables that have been available and my friends and I have had more than a few how-do-you-prepare-this phone calls when a new-to-us veggie has appeared in the week's harvest. I do find myself planning my meals around what's available and that has helped me to expand my culinary skills (which my husband really appreciates!)

After supper last night (which included one of those wonderful tomatoes!), I took a break from my marathon Olympics viewing to catch up on a couple of episodes of my favorite shows that I DVRd from Planet Green. The first show I'd like to recommend is Focus Earth with Bob Woodruff (produced by ABC news) which is a weekly news show that digs deeper into environmental topics. The other show I'm really enjoying is Supper Club where a "green" chef cooks for celebrities and authors who discuss environmental issues (both pros and cons) over their meal. Here are two interesting but random items from the show I viewed last night:

Author Tom Kostigan offered a tip he'd just learned. If you are at the grocery fish counter and you can't remember which fish is a healthier and/or sustainable choice, you can text "30644 fish X", with the X being the name of the fish you are wondering about, and you'll get a text right back with the pertinent information.
Author Sophie Uliano (Gorgeously Green) while debating whether the individual can truly make a difference or only governments can solve global warming stated, "You vote with your dollar." This just struck me to be very true.

Give your clothes a vacation

2008-08-06T16:45:00.004-04:00

....from the dryer! Summer is the perfect time to reduce your carbon footprint by using solar power to dry your clothes. According to the State of California, the use of a clothesline can save 1,000 mw/day of electricity and they are encouraging residents to use clotheslines to help prevent brownouts there. They estimated that by hanging out just 1/4 of your laundry, you'll save $30 per year. The EPW Blog states, " There were more than 88 million dryers in the US in 2005. 'If all Americans line-dried for just half a year, it would save 3.3% of the country’s total residential output of carbon dioxide, experts say.' 3.3%! That’s huge if you think about how much CO2 all the households in the US emit. As for the impact on the wallet, the average clothes dryer costs about $160/yr to run. "

Other benefits of hanging out: clothes smell great, less shrinkage, the sun kills germs, and clothes last longer (all that lint is worn-away fabric). I like it because I'm more aware of the outdoors--I have to be aware of the pollen count and plan for rain, although I do have lines strung in my basement for winter use.

I use an umbrella style clothesline which doesn't sag the way a line stretched from tree to tree does. Generally, I hang clothes upside down to prevent clothespin marks on my shoulders and things I don't want to fade get turned inside-out. I fold right off the line to smooth out any wrinkles but dressier clothes might need 2 to 3 minutes in the dryer on the "wrinkle release" setting. More tips can be found on the GardenWeb which has forums on all sorts of interesting topics!

Eco-friendly wallpaper removal

2008-07-29T12:11:00.002-04:00

Okay, I know this is not on the top of everyone's to-do list but you might be able to guide your painter toward this natural solution to removing wallpaper. My kitchen reno is now complete and as I emptied out the room we were using as our temporary kitchen, I decided it was the perfect time to remove the previous owner's 80's wallpaper. Never being patient enough to get on somebody's schedule, I decided to tackle this myself. Most of the paper was vinyl and peeled right off but there was a wall that had a different paper beneath which required the use of a steamer to remove. No scoring the wall, no spraying with DIF, just hold the steam plate in place for about 30 seconds, lightly scrape, and move to the next section. That wall took about 45 minutes. Next I had to tackle the residual glue stuck to all the walls. I had read that vinegar and water was all that's needed and, indeed, with a light action with a metal scrubbie, a rinse with a wet sponge and a final swipe with a dryish towel and I'm ready to spackle! I have to say that this method is far easier than any other method I've used. I just wish I'd stop thinking about pickles!!!

Rain Gardens

2008-07-07T15:41:00.006-04:00

Often, when we think about environmental issues, our focus is on our carbon footprint, the oil crisis or toxic products we are using in our homes. However, if you think back to last summer's water crisis in Georgia, you'll realize that water conservation is equally important.

Rain gardens can be an effective way to divert clean rainwater back into the ground water system instead of being wash over driveways, streets and sewers collecting contaminants from pets, lawn chemicals and road pollutants. Lynn sent me the following note and pictures. "I thought you might like to see the rain garden the Rockaway Valley Garden Club built last week. The water runs off the road into this area and all the plants are natives . It is located next to the grammar school on Valley Road in Boonton Twp. (take Powerville Road to Valley Road)."

Green Dumpsters Anyone?

2008-06-17T00:06:00.003-04:00

We are nearing the end of our kitchen renovation and trying to be as environmentally friendly as possible. I was able to sell much of my old kitchen components on Craig's List, but we were amazed that our contractor still managed to fill an entire dumpster with debris despite my hovering and pulling out what recyclables I could. Mary stopped by for a visit and told me about green dumpsters. What is a green dumpster, you say? Well, a traditional dumpster goes directly to the landfill, while about 75-85% of the contents of the green dumpster gets recycled. The green dumpsters also cost less.
Two weeks ago, she visited Cardella Waste, in North Bergen, a facility that recycles building waste. The trucks dump their loads, and the waste is separated into metals, plastic, concrete, wood, glass and sheetrock. They service large and small projects and have over 60 years experience in waste removal. They can contribute to LEED certification as well.
So, spread the word to your friends and mention the League of Women Voters if you contact Cardella’s. With the benefits of recycling and lower cost, who wouldn’t want a “green” dumpster?

More on Battling Bugs

2008-06-09T14:12:00.004-04:00

Last week's entry on emergency bug sprays was a response to my own bug crisis. Although I mentioned that overcrowding was stressing my usually garden-hardy Black-Eyed Susans, what we really need to talk about is that the best way to control pests is to maintain an organic garden with plenty of native plants. By using organic methods such as composting, using natural fertilizers and minerals, protecting beneficial insects by eliminating the use of broadly-applied pesticides, reducing pavement, corralling rain run-off, changing cultural attitudes toward lawns or just planting better adapted varieties of garden plants CAN break the cycle of chemical dependence that we've all become accustomed to. I was surprised to learn that bare soil in full sunlight is 25-35 degrees warmer than nearby soil under mulch or plant cover. Can large expanses of manicured lawn be that much cooler?

Bonnie sent me a link to this National Geographic Green Guide which suggests that "plant-based pest control comes from the beneficial bugs and insect-eating animals the plants attract. These pest-eaters include some birds (bluebirds, chickadees and hummingbirds are a few), bats, lizards, ladybugs, praying mantises, dragonflies, spiders, green lacewings, hoverflies, parasitic wasps and predatory mites. They will flock to a healthy, balanced ecosystem to fight the bug battle for you. Choose a varied mix of plants, with edibles alongside flowering plants like clovers, marigolds, and members of the mustard, sunflower, celery and carrot family, whose nectar helps feed beneficial bugs and birds. Keep these plants healthy year-round if you can, so beneficial insects have supplementary food and dependable shelter as they control bugs throughout the year." The NJ Audubon Society lists a dozen "must-haves" for a backyard habitat and Organic Gardening has suggestions for a wildlife garden (however, we should definitely skip the "treat" section with our local bear problem!)

BUGS!!

2008-06-05T16:37:00.006-04:00

Things had been going so well in the garden. I've been focusing my attention on the big picture--thinking about the hardscaping and landscaping that would give me the bones I need to start moving the overgrown clumps of perennials left by the previous owner. All that overcrowding really stresses the plants and, this week, I've had some major infestations of aphids and (I think) flea beetles. Naturally, I'm looking for organic pest control methods to wage war on these nasties. The aphids are easy to get rid of with a strong blast of water. My preferred method, however, is soaking the area with a spray of soapy water. I always mix it on the fly so I don't have exact measurements. You can see the dead aphids on the picture above--no live green aphids were to be found two days later.

The flea beetles are trickier to get rid of since they love the crowded conditions and undisturbed soil. If you look closely, you can see the telltale tiny holes they leave. The good news is that they are most harmful on tender young transplants and my established clumps of Black-eyed Susans should survive. Organic Gardening gives a very thorough explanation of their lifecycle and ways to limit their damage. I've also found a few blister beetles which are black and yellow, much like the cucumber beetle and they make bigger holes. This month's Organic Gardening Magazine gives a recipe for an all-purpose spray which, they say, works on a multitude of pests, including slugs and Japanese beetles:

Chop 1 garlic bulb and 1 small onion in a blender. Add 1 teaspoon powdered cayenne pepper and 1 quart water. Steep for 1 hour, then strain through cheesecloth. Add 1 Tablespoon liquid dish soap so the spray sticks to the plant leaves. Mix well. Spray the mixture on both sides of the leaves. Store remaining spray in a labeled jar in the fridge. Note: certain plants are very sensitive to soaps and can develop leaf burn. Always test on a leaf or two the day before spraying the whole plant.

Easy Composting

2008-05-29T10:55:00.007-04:00

I have been composting since I moved to Mountain Lakes. I have to admit that my original motive was more about saving those expensive green garbage bags than saving the earth. I can’t say I had the support of my family in this endeavor; they thought I was a little nuts. I chose to ignore them and my investment in a compost tumbler has paid off in what can only be described as beautiful dirt!
   I was intimidated at first because I read that you have to use a certain ratio of “brown” material to “green” material. Some to the information gets so detailed that it seems daunting. I just wanted to get rid of some of my garbage for free so I decided not to think too hard about carbon/nitrogen ratios and just started tossing my kitchen scraps and leaves in and gave the tumbler a turn every so often. Well, as the saying goes (sort of) “Compost Happens!” Sometimes it was a little wet and smelly, so I added brown leaves which tend to be plentiful in my yard regardless of the season.
   There are many ways to compost. Some people just have piles or areas separated with chicken wire; others build their own bins. It seemed easiest to go with something pre-made and there are many styles of compost bins and tumblers on the market. While these do require an initial cash outlay, you will still end up ahead in the long run when you add your home made dirt to your garden. Compost will improve the texture of your soil and will increase its ability to retain water. The organic matter in the compost provides food for microorganisms which keeps the soil in healthy balanced condition, reducing or eliminating the need for extra fertilizers.
   Kitchen scraps are ideal for composting. They are high in nitrogen which helps heat up the compost and speed up the process. It is helpful to keep a container in your kitchen to throw in egg shells, coffee grounds, fruit and vegetable peels…really anything that does not have bones, fat or oil (i.e., no meat). Empty the container into your compost as it fills up, Now that summer’s here I toss in melon rinds and they disappear! Large pieces will take longer to compost than small ones so if you want your garbage to disappear more quickly cut it into smaller pieces. You can also compost dryer lint, pet hair, newspapers and cardboard egg cartons.
   Oxygen is needed to move the breakdown process along. If you’re using a tumbler, give it a spin a few times a week. Piles and bins need to be mixed regularly. Compost needs to be moist; however, if it is too wet, it will smell bad!! If you find that your compost is wet and smelly, add more “brown materials” which include dry leaves, straw or wood chips. If the compost seems too dry, add the green materials which are the kitchen scraps and grass clippings.
   That’s all you have to do! If you prefer to understand the science behind it and get your brown to green ratios just right, there are many websites that will provide all the information you’re looking for and more. Here is a Compost Guide and another website with great information.
   Remember, composting not only saves your green garbage bags, it also saves the earth by reducing the amount of garbage going to the landfills. Use your garbage for the good of your garden! It’s a win-win situation.

Green Gathering

2008-05-23T23:50:00.003-04:00

Mountain Lakes Day will be a little greener this year thanks to the ML Cadette Girl Scout Troop 1855! The twelve eighth-grade girls are working this spring to increase environmental awareness in town. The troop has been investigating environmental issues and ways to communicate their message to the residents of Mountain Lakes. “We’ve got to start with kids because they are the ones who need to learn to take care of the environment now,” one Girl Scout said. The idea of a green fair was voted in as the best avenue for making the education fun. The “green” kid activities will include decorating clay pots and planting bee-friendly seeds, recycling games and activities, and decorating reusable shopping bags. A 100 percent organic dark “green” T-shirt that the Girl Scouts designed will be on sale for $10, promoting the troop’s mission: “Saving the Earth, One LAKER at a time.” The Girl Scouts are also inviting various environmental groups and eco-friendly product vendors to participate. See you there!

Tick Tubes--Tackle Lyme Disease the Green Way

2008-05-23T23:17:00.000-04:00

I've been trying, between rain drops, to get some gardening done and I've already found a few ticks this season. Louise has discovered an environmentally friendly way to handle deer tick problems in her yard which she has been using for two summers. Research indicates that the only known transmissable form of Lyme disease is carried by the white-footed mouse (a.k.a. field mouse). It is not carried by deer. The deer carry the adult tick, with or without Lyme disease, to different areas of habitat. Hence they spread the tick, but not the disease. The adult tick has to find another host to infect in order to spread the disease. Ticktubes target the white-footed mouse by providing nesting material (cotton balls) that is sprayed with damminix (a de-licer, tick killer). Since the white-footed mouse is part of the lifecycle of deer ticks, you will see a genuine decrease in deer ticks, as a result of ticktube application. Heavy rains may wash the damminx out of the cotton, therefore be clever in where you place the tubes (under bushes near the home or around the perimeter) and replace the tubes if they get hit hard by rain.

Gardening with Native Plants

2008-05-20T11:19:00.003-04:00

   Why Plant Natives? Natives add beauty to the landscape and preserve our natural heritage. They provide food and habitat for native wildlife; decrease the amount of water needed for landscape maintenance; protect water quality by controlling soil erosion and moderating floods and droughts; reduce the need for pesticides and fertilizers in the landscape AND save the homeowner money because native plantings cost less to maintain than turf.
   The Northern Chapter of The Native Plant Society of New Jersey invites gardeners, nature lovers and native plant enthusiasts to a meeting and free program on Tuesday, May 27th. The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. at the Frelinghuysen Arboretum’s Haggerty Education Center at 53 Hanover Avenue, Whippany, New Jersey. The program is entitled "Gardening with Native Plants." The program speaker will be Hubert Ling, Ph.D. Dr. Ling is an expert horticulturist, photographer and member of The Native Plant Society of New Jersey. Preview the beautiful photos by Ling on the Society’s web site; they are sure to whet your appetite for learning how to garden with New Jersey’s native plants.
   The Native Plant Society of New Jersey encourages appreciation of native flora and the preservation of native plants for future generations. For more information visit the Native Plant Society of NJ website.
   Click for directions to Frelinghuysen Arboretum, or call (973) 326-7603

Organic Lawn Care, Part 2

2008-05-14T13:27:00.004-04:00

Weed control seems to be the biggest reason that people use chemicals in their yards and herbicides certainly are needed to combat poison ivy or certain invasives like Japanese Knot Weed. I've never had a patio made from pavers before, and when all sorts of weeds came up between the cracks this spring, I decided to try a very simple organic solution to kill them. . . vinegar! The first article I read about it suggested a solution of 1 cup vinegar to 16 oz of water which is what I used in the above dandelion experiment. The pictures show the dandelion prior to spraying and then 2 days later. I had planned on taking another pic in two more days but the weed was basically gone! I also tried using the solution on some dandelions in the lawn but it did brown the grass. The dandelion grew back and I have resprayed, this time using 100% vinegar. Each time you attack a weed it will regrow weaker and eventually die. The really nice thing about the vinegar is that I don't have to wear protective clothes so I tend to do it more often. I've also read that you can use boiling water. Oh, the vinegar does not seem to affect garlic mustard, the bane of my existence right now.

Combatting weeds in the lawn requires a long-term strategy: a top dressing of compost starts microbial action in the soil, mowing your grass at the highest possible setting shades the soil which helps keep it moist and discourages weed seed germination, letting your grass clippings remain on the lawn actually serves as fertilizer because those microbes break them down and produce nitrogen, spreading corn gluten meal also inhibits weed germination and is another source of nitrogen, and watering infrequently but deeply promotes deep root growth and a thicker lawn. More in depth information provided by the ML Environmental Commission can be found here. I've been using organic methods at my previous homes for over 15 years. My experience is that your yard won't have an overnight transformation--it'll take about three years until your lawn can fight weeds and insects on its own, but your family, pets and our environment will be healthier for your effort.

Home Energy Audit Companies

2008-05-05T14:28:00.002-04:00

In a previous entry, I wrote about my very positive experience of having an home energy audit for my home, as part of the Green Community Project. Nicole has provided a list of all the companies the various Mountain Lakes families used for this "experiment". We feel comfortable recommending any of them!

Home Energy Diagnostics
"Residential Energy Audits"
51 Baldwin Street
Bloomfield , NJ 07003
(973) 680-1244 (phone)
TomTesta@comcast.net

Northeast Air Sealing
For a Comfortable and Energy Efficient Homes
P.O. Box 2774
Oak Ridge , NJ 07438
(973) 697-1528 (phone)
jeffb@northeastairsealing.com

GeoGenix
Home Audit Energy Experts
79 East River Road
Rumson , NJ 07760
(732) 895-9550 (phone)
(732) 676-7900 (fax)
thomas@geogenix.com

Green Living Solutions
"Save Energy, $ave Money, Save the Planet"
7 Fox Run Drive
Englewood , NJ 07631
(201) 390-4280 (phone)
contactus@greenlivingsolutionsnj.com

Organic Lawn Care

2008-04-30T01:32:00.000-04:00

This is our first spring here in Mountain Lakes and I'm just starting to learn the quirks of my new yard. I'm told by my neighbors that the previous owner was meticulous about caring for his lawn. I expected to see healthy grass and soil; instead I have thinning grass with shallow roots and dirt devoid of life. This tells me my lawn has been drenched with chemicals for decades. Feeding your lawn chemical fertilizers is like giving your toddler only sweets for every meal--you get a lot of action right away, but there is no nourishment and, ultimately, improper health. For your lawn an improper "diet" just leads to the need for more chemicals and never improves the soil.
Healthy soil is the basis for organic gardening. When the soil is alive with beneficial microbes and bugs it will feed and protect the plants you want to grow. All we have to do is feed the microbes and they do the rest of the job and these beneficial bacterial and fungi are found in finished compost. For a neglected yard such as mine, it will require approximately 1 cubic yard of finished compost per 1,000 square feet, raked into the lawn no more than 1/4" deep. Unfortunately, this will require burly helpers and an initial expense. The good news is that once those microbes are in place, it's really easy to keep them fed and working their magic in the soil. THAT will be a topic for another day; in the meantime, here is a list of FAQs for those who want to learn more now.

Cow Pots!

2008-04-28T21:42:00.002-04:00

If you’re like me, you’ve been chomping at the bit to get some plants into the ground. I know we have to wait until Mother’s Day to reliably put things out, but I always start plants from seed in the early spring. Usually, by Mid March I have to start working on my garden. I have always bought peat pots to start my seeds. They are very convenient, natural, and bio-degradable. Imagine my shock when I heard that they are not the most environmentally friendly option. According to a source I found online, approximately 60% of the world's wetlands are peat. Peatlands cover a total of around 3% of global land mass. About 7% of this total has been exploited for agriculture and forestry, with significant environmental repercussions. I wanted to continue my practice of planting early, but didn’t want to contribute to the demise of peat bogs. I found another option while searching on Organic Gardening, my favorite website for all things gardening. Environmentally-friendly CowPots are dairy fiber pot. CowPots are a 100% American-made product, made from a wholesome, renewable resource – can you guess what that resource is? These pots can be planted directly into soil and they will fully decompose with no throw-away. Cowpots actually attract beneficial earthworms! CowPots grow sturdier, healthier plants and encourage root development while adding soil-conditioning natural nutrients to your garden. They are odor-free and non-toxic. Green benefits of CowPots: reduces non-recyclable plastics, reduces municipal waste, promotes recycling of agricultural waste to horticultural benefit, doesn’t exploit sensitive peatlands. Go to mastergardening.com to buy.

Celebrate Earth Day!

2008-04-22T12:11:00.005-04:00

Macy's, J.C. Penney, and other retailers and manufacturers are turning Earth Day into a marketing event. Let's remember today, that we can't shop this problem away.

Take a minute to become part of the bigger picture:

Take an evening to learn about the future:

Green Community Project Movie Night

"The Future is Food"

Tuesday, April 29 at 7:30 pm

MLHS Media Center

Take this season to live a green life:

Check out these simple changes from Low Impact Living to reduce your carbon footprint.

Sunscreen Confusion

2008-04-21T12:25:00.005-04:00

I've always been active outdoors but have used sunscreen faithfully for at least 10 years now. I was shocked to find a suspicious spot on my nose last summer and even more shocked that it turned out to be a basal cell carcinoma. I had it removed & I'm okay, but it got me to wondering about how to better protect myself. The EPA SunWise page for has recommendations and an UV index forecast for our area. Since I do these things already, I decided to take a closer look at sunscreen itself. The Skin Cancer Foundation offers a list of recommended products that meet their criteria for effective UV sun protection products. Still, since many sunscreens, both chemical-based and organic, contain ingredients that may be harmful, I decided to delve a bit deeper. The Environmental Working Group offers a sunscreen database which rates sunscreen safety and effectiveness. It's all quite confusing. If you see me about town this summer wearing sunglasses, a hat, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt, you'll know why!

Emerald Lawns = Emerald Lakes

2008-04-17T15:10:00.011-04:00

Recently, I attended a Lake Community Meeting where a presentation was made to talk about why our lake was covered with green filamentous algae last summer. I learned so much at this lovely cocktail party. Nutrients such as nitrogen (leaves and branches), and phosphorous (in the soil) were found in our lake at rate limiting concentrations last summer. Also, we had much rain and good sunlight to give algae the growth opportunity in needs to thrive. We learned the source of nutrients that cause algae growth are run-off from the yards (fertilizer), run-off from the Canal , the big lake and the hill area. Also, organic vegetative matter (leaves and twigs) and Canada Geese excrement contribute to algae growth.
We learned that our town government does much to try to keep our lakes clean. We also talked about what we could do as individuals to make a difference.

Actions Individuals Can Take to Discourage Algae in Our Lakes

- Minimize Fertilizer (compromise on the quality of your lawn)
- Limit Fertilizer to only Once in the Spring
- Discuss with Your Landscaper the Town Ban on Phosphate Fertilizers
- Let Your Landscaper Know that You Can Go without an Emerald Green Lawn
- Attend Lake Management Meetings (2nd Tuesday of the Month)
- Advocate for our Lakes (educate residents about the phosphate fertilizer problem)
- Let Borough Manager Know if Canada Geese are a Problem on Your Property
- Plant a Riparian Buffer ( the bigger the buffer the better)
- Avoid excessive lawn sprinkling
- Allow lawn to go dormant during hottest part of summer (this is a natural part of the lawn life cycle, it will green up again when it cools off)
We know that many property owners love their lawns and gardens. Yet one of the lovely features in our town are the lakes where everyone can go on hot summer day. If everyone were willing to compromise a bit on lawn quality we would not have to add so many chemicals to our lakes. For some information on organic (non-phosphate) fertilizers, tips on discussing lakeside lawn management with your landscaper and other healthy lawn ideas, click here.

April Showers.....

2008-04-14T19:18:00.005-04:00

Jeana recently purchased a large blue plastic barrel on Craigslist and she's going to turn it into a homemade rain barrel to capture the rain that would normally run out of a downspout into the ground. Lynn received the rain barrel pictured here as a holiday gift from her daughter. Both Jeana and Lynn are concerned with the amount of water they use each year to water their outdoor plants. Rain barrels are a great way to harvest the water from your roof, and cut down on the amount of water you draw from the municipal supply. This is especially important now, since Mountain Lakes had water restrictions last summer, and they will likely continue.

I've been really excited about getting myself a rain barrel since I realized that we could probably hook it up to drip irrigation tubing and have it water my window boxes & flower pots! I'll post about it again when I get it up & running.

Another great tool for harvesting rainwater is a "Drought Buster" downspout redistributor. This nifty device attaches to the open end of a downspout on one end, and has a hook-up for a soaker hose at the other end. You can direct rain water to individual plants, instead of having it run onto walkways or pavement. You can find "Drought Busters" at cleanairgardening.com.
And don't forget to get a rain gauge. It can be really helpful in determining how much water your garden receives in a rain storm. You many not need to do any additional watering!

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Redux

2008-04-12T21:36:00.004-04:00

Spring Clean up 2008 TRASH DAY, Fri April 25 8:00-3:00 and Sat, April 26 8:00-3:00 at DPW, 55 Pocono Rd

It's that time of year again! Isn't it amazing how much junk can accumulate in just six months time? My husband is a neat freak and always manages to ferret out the stuff that I stick away for the kids' apartments, to sell on Craigslist, give away on freecycle, or for the garage sale that I never seem to hold. I feel tremendously guilty as I watch him load up the car with these "treasures", headed for the town trash day, knowing that somebody could be using that stuff. I'll bet I'm not the only one around that just hasn't gotten around to disposing of things that are too good for the trash, so the Green Community Project has come up with an idea we want to test--we call it the Mountain Lakes FreeMarket. Check it out if you have things you want to give away, have something you're looking for, or if you are just curious! Please consider this or other ways of sharing goods that you no longer want.

Another place to donate items is our local Habitat for Humanity ReStore, where they are celebrating their first anniversary on April 26th with a Shred-a-Thon. You can bring up to two banker's boxes of old receipts, bills, etc. to be shredded on site. There will be Green Organizing Expo vendors and, of course, amazing finds in the ReStore. More information can be found at the site linked above.

EARTH DAY is April 22. RECYCLE your old electronics
for Free! Dialogic & Advanced Recovery, Inc. will be hosting
electronics recycling days: May 2, 12PM to 6PM and May 3, 8AM to 3PM. Bring all your old electronics and computer equipment to the Dialogic Site:

1515 Route 10 Eastbound

(Between Rte 202 and Route 287)

Parsippany, NJ 07054

Open and Free to everyone!

AAUW BOOK/MEDIA SALE Drop-off Days, April 23, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and April 24, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. ML Library downstairs. Books, incl. children's, CD/DVD and tapes (no textbooks, enclopaedias, or records, please.) Info: (973) 887-1664.

Finally. . . Jenny told me about a fantastic program to recycle cell phones which can be donated to the Wireless Foundation's Call to Protect program. To get the shipping address, go to wirelessfoundation.com and click on the "call to protect" symbol on the left. Then click on "donate your phone." Plus, phones can also be dropped off at certain sites, including any Body Shop store in local malls -- Rockaway, Paramus, Short Hills. Laurel stumbled over this link, Call2Recycle, which can help you recycle your used portable rechargeable batteries and old cell phones. Rechargeable batteries are commonly found in cordless power tools, cellular and cordless phones, laptop computers, camcorders, digital cameras, and remote control toys.

This Week in the Garden

2008-04-08T20:16:00.009-04:00

Garden wisdom dictates that you should start tending your lawn when the forsythia bloom, so for the past few days I've dragged myself out from behind the computer and, reluctantly, assessed my yard. It's a total mess: weeds, grubs, moles, bare patches where grass should be, tons of leaves stockpiled for mulching new planting beds. I've got a lot of work ahead of me. Last year at my previous home, I just let the lawn service do their thing. However by August, when we moved here, one of our dogs had developed a horrible contact dermatitis that turned into a fungal infection. The vet said she was probably allergic to the chemicals on the grass and I had to bathe her twice a week and slather smelly lotion on her daily. Knowing I wanted to go organic this season, I've been doing some research and I'm surprised at how easy the non-chemical approach really is.

Here is our dog, Rosie, lying on our ravaged lawn! I need to stop the grubs from doing additional damage. Grubs (various beetle larvae) feast underground on the grass roots until they emerge in the summer as beetles & then attack plants above ground. The moles are there to eat the grubs and worms so nuking the grubs will help with the mole problem as well. You can treat Japanese beetle larvae with a powder called milky spore. The problem is that since Japanese beetles can fly well they will just come over from your neighbors yard if you are serving up some of their favorite plants. They can be fairly well managed by hand-picking and those yellow hanging traps. However lawn grubs are generally other kinds of beetles which can be effectively treated with microscopic parasites called beneficial nematodes which also attack cutworms, fleas, ants, termites (and more!) These nematodes are completely safe around humans & pets and you can read about them from experts in California as well as at Cornell and Rutgers. The Cornell article has more information than anyone could want but if you scroll down to the end, they offer a list of reputable sources... some of which I've actually shopped with before. So I'm placing an order. Next I'll be working on getting the grass to grow again. Stay tuned!

I also spent a pleasant sunny Sunday afternoon raking the leftover leaves from under the shrubbery. I love to garden and it just felt so good to be outdoors again. I was surprised to see some very green weeds (pictured here) that had wintered over. My Woodlands mentor & friend, Jerry, told me I'd found garlic mustard, a weed that develops dense stands in the spring threatening trilliums & trout lilies and has potentially negative impacts on trees and forest health. Michigan State University states that garlic mustard may be one of the most potentially harmful and difficult to control invasive plants. Keeping our woods and forests healthy is an integral component in slowing global warming. Fortunately we've had a wet spring so far and the plants came up with hardly a tug. I filled two bushels full in about ten minutes and my compost pile was grateful for some fresh greens to heat it up a bit!

Home Energy Audit

2008-04-05T20:11:00.003-04:00

The Carbon and Energy Audit group of the Green Community Project has been researching home energy audits and I volunteered to be among a group of families testing out various local audit companies. So yesterday Tom Testa, pictured above, came to check out our home. First he performed some safety checks to be sure we had safe carbon monoxide levels coming from our furnace and hot water heater as well as checking for gas leaks. Then he put the house through a series of tests. Here you see him installing a big fan at my front door that made negative pressure throughout the house so he could tell where leaks were. He had all kinds of amazing "toys" like that and was extremely knowledgeable about how home systems ought to work. I can't wait to get his report, which will include a cost-benefit analysis of changes we can implement to make our home more energy efficient. Members of the Mountain Lakes League of Women Voters can hear the Carbon and Energy Audit groups findings at either of the April meetings and updates from the other Green Community Project groups.

The Community Supported Garden at Genesis Farm

2008-03-30T12:15:00.006-04:00

After reading about Community Supported Agriculture (see the Locavore entry below this), Nicole and I decided to visit a CSA in Blairstown, NJ. The Community Supported Garden at Genesis Farm was a picturesque 30 minute drive from Mountain Lakes. It has been in operation since 1988.

Most CSAs operate only during the typical harvest season (May through November). This garden is different; it's greenhouse and root cellar allow individuals to have the option to purchase a winter share. Here we see swiss chard and rosemary growing in the greenhouse. Those huge rosemary plants peaking out in the background filled the greenhouse with a wonderful aroma. The greenhouse and garden buildings were powered by solar energy.

Most New Jersey farms aren't showing much green this time of year, but fall planting and a hoop greenhouse will bring this kale to shareholder tables this spring. Other early spring veggies are being protected from hard frost by row covers. A list of the vegetables, fruits, grains and herbs that the farm produces can be found on their website, linked above.

We were surprised at the variety of vege-tables offered here at the end of March. This day's share consisted of fresh mesclun mix, swiss chard, rosemary, potatoes (sweet, white, blue & fingerlings), onions, garlic, carrots, parsnips, turnips, celeriac, corn meal, sauerkraut, jerusalem artichoke & winter radish (which we got to taste, YUM!) There were other local products for sale: eggs, honey, bee's wax candles, locally milled flour and maple syrup.

We learned so much about gardening cycles and extending the growing season. It was fun to visit on "pick up" day and the garden was bustling with many friendly folks who were quick with their smiles & offered recipes for some of the unfamiliar vegetables. We were told that many people opt for a small share and coordinate pick up with others in their communities. Other CSAs offer drop-off locations such as Morristown. You can find out about them at Local Harvest.

How Far Does Your Food Travel?

2008-03-25T12:11:00.004-04:00

My friend, Marnie, wrote this piece!

Did you know most of the food Americans eat travels over 1500 miles to reach the plate? When I heard that, I was impressed. But the point was driven home when, in September, at the height of apple season here in the Northeast, my little organic co-operative received a box of apples shipped all the way from New Zealand. Was it even apple season down there? I started to look into this business of shipping food. I found that for every California calorie we eat, 87 calories of fuel are used trucking it here.

Certain things are imported (bananas, chocolate and coffee, for instance) that we simply can't grow here, so we just try to eat less of them. But my apples could have come from New York State or even Washington State, for that matter. Barbara Kinsgolver states in her book, Animal, Vegetable, Miracle, that the U.S. exports 1.1 million tons of potatoes and imports 1.4 million tons of potatoes. I'm working hard to find the logic. There is a growing movement of people trying to consume mostly locally grown and produced food. They call themselves "Locavores". As the idea catches on, we are finding more local farmer's markets each years as well as other ways to buy locally like CSAs. Also, keeping your own kitchen garden is therapeutic as well as productive, not to mention a great learning experience for your kids. You can't get more local than your own backyard.

There are many more local farmers' markets than one imagines. In New Jersey alone, there are almost 100 farmers markets. There are also 150 pick-your-own farms here. The CSA (community supported agriculture farm) allows a family or a group to buy a share of the harvest throughout the season. Visit the Local Harvest website to find local farmers markets and CSAs in your area.

Of course, not all produce is available throughout the year. Locavores learn to be content with shopping for and consuming seasonal foods. This isn't necessarily a bad thing. Hearty winters stews and refreshing summer fruit salad seems to be what our bodies crave during those seasons. Eating certain vegetables only in season makes them become a treat; in Germany, asparagus season is almost a national holiday!

Naturally, you don't have to completely follow the 100-mile Diet to the letter. Even small efforts to buy and eat locally will be healthier for you and for the planet!

Cheatneutral

2008-03-21T08:58:00.004-04:00

These affable boys give another perspective of carbon offsets with their British tongues firmly planted in their cheeks! They do offer a serious message behind the spoof which is explained more fully on their website.

Spring Cleaning

2008-03-17T02:45:00.000-04:00

As a girl, I spent some of my Spring breaks with my Grandmother, who took Spring cleaning very seriously: she washed windows and walls, the dotted swiss and lace curtains were laundered and pressed, rugs were taken outside and beaten, the linoleum was stripped and rewaxed and the furniture was buffed with butcher's wax. The air was heavy with the smell of ammonia, bleach, and who knows what else. Those smells signified that her house was clean.

These days, most of us take a more casual approach to cleaning but our cleaning products are still based on the bleach and ammonia of the past. Grandma had the good sense to fling open the windows on cleaning day whereas most of us are tackling cleaning on the fly between errands and carpools and never think to open the window just to spritz down the shower tile. As a result, our indoor air quality can adversely affect our health.

The EPA says: "There are many sources of indoor air pollution in any home. These include combustion sources such as oil, gas, kerosene, coal, wood, and tobacco products; building materials and furnishings as diverse as deteriorated, asbestos-containing insulation, wet or damp carpet, and cabinetry or furniture made of certain pressed wood products; products for household cleaning and maintenance, personal care, or hobbies; central heating and cooling systems and humidification devices; and outdoor sources such as radon, pesticides, and outdoor air pollution."

The Seventh Generation company has a comprehensive Guide to Creating a Healthy Home. They are one of many manufacturers that make green cleaning products which I've tried. Still, it bothers me to have so many bottles of products and I've started a personal mission to simplify my cleaning. I was talking to my neighbor, Joan, about this and she shared with me a pamphlet that she picked up from Greenpeace some years ago. They say that "the first step in 'detoxing' your home is knowing what substances to say 'NO' to." Plastics (which cause pollution in all stages of their production and use), solvents (which are often petroleum-based chemicals), aerosols (uh, you know these are a no-no, right?), and biocides (insecticides & herbicides which we'll cover later this Spring).

Greenpeace suggests that five basic ingredients can be used in many safe home-cleaning needs:

Baking soda--cleans and deodorizes, softens water to increase sudsing and cleaning power of soap, good scouring powder
Borax--cleans and deodorizes, excellent disinfectant, softens water, great for laundry, don't use near food, be sure to wear gloves
Soap--biodegrades safely and completely and is nontoxic. Purchase soap without synthetic scents, colors or additives.
Washing soda--cuts grease and removes stains, disinfects, softens water, also known as sodium carbonate, be sure to wear gloves
White vinegar--cuts grease and freshens.

A handy website listing recipes using these ingredients can be found here. The author includes tea tree oil which made me curious. I found a site that lists the efficacy of tea tree oil in killing all kinds of nasties, in fact, the oil is being used in England to combat MRSA in hospitals. I found another recipe for an all-purpose cleaner using 1/4 tsp tea tree oil to 1 quart of warm water.

Happy Spring!

Spring Break

2008-03-15T01:07:00.007-04:00

I haven't posted much here in the past month. One reason is that my friends and I (who make up the Household group of the Green Community Project) have been starting to research the next series of blog entries. We're interested in greening our yards, (literally!) by using sustainable practices--so stay tuned!

Another reason for my absence is my family's Spring break trip. Our kids are getting older and they live all over the country. Getting together is difficult and I miss them so much! Luckily we were able to fly to sunny Arizona, on mom & dad's nickel of course, and we had a wonderful time in a locale that was new to all of us.

Still, in the back of my mind, was a mention of carbon offsets that my friend, Nicole, made when talking about her family's trip this fall. I had never heard of that phrase and asked her about it. Carbon offsets are little shares of energy saving investments that folks can purchase to offset energy you are using. That concept didn't mean much to me until I participated in the League's Carbon Survey that I mentioned earlier in this blog. I was shocked to see that my seemingly limited travel habits were the major contributor to my carbon footprint. As a result, I am now researching the different carbon offset companies and plan to purchase offsets for our recent trip. My Googling turned up this interesting interview in Treehugger with the founder of Climate Care (an offset provider). Purchasing offsets seems to be like donating to charities--you need to do your research and find one that fits your beliefs.

Edit: since I posted this, I received an email from Laurel who has done a TON of research on this topic. She offers a link to a chart with many examples of companies that will allow a consumer to purchase offsets and a comparison between companies. Signing up with any of these programs might effectively reduce your CO2 contributions to ZERO! Additionally, she offered links that nicely explain carbon offsets, carbon credits, and personal carbon trading. Thanks Laurel!

Earth Hour 2008

2008-03-10T15:49:00.007-04:00

"Created to take a stand against the greatest threat our planet has ever faced, Earth Hour uses the simple action of turning off the lights for one hour to deliver a powerful message about the need for action on global warming. This simple act has captured the hearts and minds of people all over the world. As a result, at 8 pm March 29, 2008 millions of people in some of the world's major capital cities, including Copenhagen, Toronto, Chicago, Melbourne, Brisbane and Tel Aviv will unite and switch off for Earth Hour."

Click HERE to go to the Earth Hour 2008 website.

It's Not Easy Being Green

2008-01-27T00:35:00.000-05:00

It seems that more and more, products are claiming to be "green," but what does that really mean? A truly "green" product would be durable, repairable, energy efficient, made with recycled materials and eventually recyclable. It wouldn't create unnecessary waste, either with too much packaging or by a short useful life. The manufacture, use, disposal, and packaging would have minimal impact on the environment. If you really want to know how "green" a product is, read the label; but do we really know what "environmentally safe," recyclable" or "non-toxic" mean?

The U.S. FTC & EPA have given manufacturers guidelines for marketing their green products which can help you make choices that are friendly to the environment. Firts, you need to determine whether the claims refer to the product, the packaging, or both. If a label says "recycled," check to see how much of the product is recycled, which should be given as a percentage.

For a product to claim to be "non-toxic," the manufacturer must have reason to believe that no significant risk to the environment or people exists. Packaging claiming that the product is "earth friendly" or "eco-safe" doesn't really tell the entire story. All products and packaging have some environmental impact. These slogans don't give the consumer specific information needed to compare products. It's easy to look at two products and see which one contains more recycled material, but how do you measure "earth friendliness"?

You must decide for yourself what shade of "green" you are comfortable with. Do you want to focus your efforts on buying products that are manufactured locally, thus limiting your impact on transportation? Perhaps you care most about removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from your life. If so, plan to do without hair spray and windshield wiper fluid. Maybe all of the packaging that ends up in landfills drives you crazy and you want to buy products that are minimally packaged.

Each of us has to make our own decisions about how to go "green," but there are many resources to help educate ourselves. Check out a website called The Rotten Truth to learn some facts about reducing your garbage. Also, the U.S. Green Building Council has information about environmentally responsible building practices. Lastly, the FTC has issued Guides for the Use of Environmental Marketing Claims "Green Guides".

What Color is Your Car?

2008-01-25T11:43:00.000-05:00

Recently my family has been complaining about car sickness due to my lousy driving. Now that it's been brought to my attention, I realize that I do not accelerate smoothly and I'm hitting the gas pedal way too often. I thought, perhaps, that I should use cruise control more, but that doesn't really help me in the day-to-day local driving.

Knowing my driving is an issue, I decided to do a bit of research on driving habits in general. As long as I'm going to make changes, I want to be sure I'm doing all I can to drive green. Here are some things that we all can do to clean up our driving:

--accelerate gradually, using cruise control where possible

--obey the speed limit

--combine errands into one trip

--don't top off your gas tank

--conversely, don't drive on empty

--don't idle; it's bad for your car and the air around it

--keep your car maintain and inspected on time, paying particular attention to tire pressure

The kind of car you drive does make a difference. Hybrid technology is continually improving but there are many new models that get fantastic gas mileage now. It's important to know that the newer your car, the fewer emissions you are emitting, so try to drive your newest auto on poor air quality day. Because of our proximity to NYC and major highways, and the high population in our area, Morris County's air quality suffers. If you are interested in learning more about NJ air, the State DEP has up-to-date information.

Driving less should be part of our efforts. Consider carpooling, walking or riding a bike, shopping by phone or on-line, using public transportation and telecommuting.

REDUCE your WASTE line

2008-01-25T02:06:00.000-05:00

I read something the other day that really struck a chord with me, "When you throw something away, it never really goes away, it just leaves your house." The very best way to slow the landfill crisis is to reduce the amount of stuff we get rid of (called source reduction). This practice includes purchasing durable, long-lasting goods and seeking products and packaging that are as free of toxins as possible. Source reduction actually prevents the generation of waste and is the most preferable method of waste management. It avoids the cost of recycling, municipal composting, landfilling and combustion. It immeasurably conserves resources and reduces pollution.

But what does that mean to us? Well, believe it or not, collectively, the tiny efforts we make do have a big impact. We've already suggested tips on reducing junk mail and using reusable water bottles and by doing just these two things, my recycling bin has gone from heaping to manageable. It made me wonder how I could further reduce my recycling and garbage amount as well. I still have a lot of print material to recycle; I have to admit that I'm a magazine junkie. I've decided to really put myself on a gloss-free diet for the time being.... no more grocery store moments of weakness! I'm also planning to reduce the number of subscriptions I have and share the issues I do get with friends. We get two daily newspapers and I'm going to talk my husband into making one of them weekend only. Gee, maybe I'll finally have time to clean out those closets I've been meaning to get to! Another item I've been able to reduce from our household is the plastic grocery bag now that, once I empty my reusable bags after a shopping trip, I fold them and put them on top of my purse. That way I'm sure to take them to the car the next trip out. Bringing my own bags often generates "green chat" in the grocery line, I like to think I'm being a good influence on other shoppers. I have been trying different kinds of concentrated, eco-friendly cleaners which really helps in reducing plastic too. We'll be doing a separate blog entry on that soon.

I also took a hard look at what I was throwing away: lots of food, napkins, paper towels and tons of plastic packaging. I was talking to Bonnie who lived overseas. She said a third of the food bought in the UK ends up being thrown away. This wasted food is a waste of money and a major contributor to climate change. To help throw less food away, I'm rethinking the way I cook. My plan is to cook more AND cook less! I'll cook more by batch cooking--some meals like chili and soups lend themselves to be frozen and saved for those days when I just don't have the time to make something (and I'd be heading to the take-out section of the grocery, loading up on plastic boxes of prepared items). Other times, I'll cook less; making just enough so there won't be that extra pork chop or chicken breast that gets shoved back in the fridge and forgotten. For more ways to reduce your food waste, visit www.lovefoodhatewaste.com.

Reducing the paper napkins and paper towels was easy. I already had a pretty nice collection of cloth napkins which I decided to not save for company-only meals. I've found that if I dry them on a line or rack, I really don't have to iron them! Microfiber cloths have replaced paper towels for all but the messiest cleanups (like cat hair balls!) Plastic packaging is the toughest problem. I'm still trying to find out if newspaper bags can be recycled with the grocery bags. I'm trying to buy in bulk so I don't have as many shrink wrapped items.

The last suggestion I have for reducing your waste is a concept called "Product Service Systems". It's a new (at least to me) label for an idea that we're already familiar with where a centrally located product is shared (for free or fee) by many people. Libraries, public transportation, theaters, zoos and video stores are just some examples of PSS that we use, enabling us to buy fewer things. In the near future we'll be seeing more and more such as: Book Mooch (a book swap) and PeerFlix (a movie swap).

Enable REUSE

2008-01-16T12:27:00.000-05:00

When you think about the issue of reuse, most of us already feel comfortable with the concept as it applies to large scale items: we trade in our cars (and it's common to buy a used car) and we buy used homes. However, many of the things we throw away also could be used by someone else; especially unwanted clothes, furniture, household appliances & decorative items. Just some of the possible outlets for such items are Craigslist, freecycle, Habitat for Humanity, as well as resale, consignment and antique shops. A friend of mine, after moving, didn't want to bother recycling all the moving boxes so she placed a "free moving boxes" ad on Craigslist and a most appreciative, single mom came and picked them up. Another friend found a gorgeous china cabinet at our local Habitat for Humanity Re-store (102 Iron Mountain Rd., Mine Hill, NJ).

Many of the disposable products do have reusable alternatives.

One way to reuse old sneakers is a great program I just learned about called Reuse-a-Shoe, started by Nike in 1993, where worn-out athletic shoes of any brand are collected, processed and recycled into material used in sports surfaces. Patagonia is another company that is big on collecting and reusing resources. Since 1993, they adopted fleece into their produce line made from post consumer recycled plastic soda bottles and now collect their Capilene, Patagonia fleece, Polartec fleece clothing (from any maker) and Patagonia organic cotton t-shirts for recycling. Sony, Apple, Dell, and HP also have take-back programs. Sylvania has a $15 recycling kit that you can order; you can fill it with up to 15 CFLs and drop it off, at no additional charge, at FedEx Kinkos or the post office. Similarly, Office Depot offers a $5, $10, or $15 box to fill with old electronics that you can return to the store for recycling.

It doesn't stop there! Most carpeting is a petroleum-based product and carpet recycling can save 700,000 barrels of oil a year and 4.4 TRILLION BTUs. FLOR is a company that offers really cool carpet squares, some of which have recycled content. CarpetCycle is a company that will take your old carpet for recycling. You can drop off your carpet to them (it's in Elizabeth, just past the airport), or for folks within 1 hour of Newark (like us), they offer a removal service.

You probably already know that eyeglasses can be collected and reused for the Give the Gift of Sight organization. Collection boxes are available at LensCrafters, Pearle Vision, Target Optical, BJ's Optical, Sears Optical and Sunglass Hut stores or participating doctor's offices. Cell Phones can also be reused for charity. There was a collection box right at the store when I got my new phone.

There is so much more....I could go on and on. I'm finding that, when I don't know how to dispose of something, I simply do a web search and find all kinds of alternatives. We can do this!

Don't RECYCLE

2008-01-10T19:16:00.000-05:00

Ha! Got your attention, didn't I? I think many of us started recycling in earnest in the late '80s after this infamous barge, the Mobro 4000, sailed around the Atlantic with no place to dump New York City's trash. There was an outcry for curbside recycling and, once established in our community, most of us have dutifully separated out what we could, feeling noble that we are helping save the planet.

And so we are, if we recycle correctly. Culling junk mail, newspapers & magazines, gray and brown chipboard, corrugated cardboard and and brown paper bags is a no-brainer. It's even easier to rinse out the glass food & beverage containers and steel/tin cans to recycle. But then we have the plastic dilemma. I can't tell you how many times I've stood over my recycling bin trying to figure out if a #1 or #2 plastic container should be included and then tossed it in anyway. What's the harm, right?

Wrong, and here's why. Those #1 & #2 designations are actually inaccurate. For instance, those #1 berry containers and egg cartons are made of plastic that does not have the same properties as the #1 bottles. They don't have the same melting point so they can't be used in the molds to make recycled products. Sure, many of them get sorted out by the machines at the processing plant but if even one sneaks by the entire batch is contaminated and dumped. If too many of us get lax and dump ineligible items into the recycling bin, our entire town's recycling can get rejected at the next stop.

The more we do at the source (our homes) the better--rinse containers out, peel off the labels, remove and discard all caps and flatten everything (except the glass, of course). Recycle plastic bottles with pourable mouths only. Don't recycle berry or egg containers, take-out, store-bought or ready-made containers and no yogurt containers. "When in doubt, throw it out".

image source: "Garbage: Queen's Trashy Tale", The Queens Tribune

Happy New Year!

2008-01-05T23:58:00.000-05:00

The holidays were crazy at our house. I had two weeks of out-of-town company and at one point we had seven extra folks sleeping here! It was great to see everyone, but I sure am glad to turn the calendar page and start the new year. If you're like me, you've been thinking about resolutions for 2008. If you are really like me, your #1 resolution will be to get out and exercise more to counteract December's food excesses!

I guess I don't have to tell you that my real resolution is too try much harder to up my awareness of how I can live a greener lifestyle. On my walk today, I was appreciating our lovely lakes which add so much to our community even in the dead of winter. Water conservation and stewardship really should be foremost in our minds. I was talking to Mara about ways to save water. She found out that showering accounts for nearly 25% of the total water used in most households. Using a standard shower head, about 1-2 gallons of water literally go down the drain each minute. If you reduce your shower time from 10 minutes to 5, you can save more than 4200 gallons of water a year. You'd also reduce your utility bills because you won't have to heat as much water. I know that a hot shower is a great way to warm up on these frosty mornings, but a shorter shower would allow you to stay under those cozy blankets longer! Installing low-flow shower heads and toilets is another way to save. To make sure you're getting the best product, look for plumbing fixtures with the EPA's water sense label.

Sinks and dishwashers account for another 15% of water use in the average household. Don't let the water run while brushing your teeth. Soak your dishes or cookware instead of washing under running water. I replaced my ancient dishwasher this fall with one that rated high on the Energy Star listing. It only uses 6 gallons of water per use and doesn't have a heated dry cycle. It's much more space efficient too so there's extra room for the pots and pans that I used to wash by hand. The best part is that I hardly have to pre-rinse my dishes at all; just gooey stuff like melted cheese.

Later this year I plan to research outdoor water use and pollution but this is all I can wrap my head around right now!

Greener Gifting

2007-12-17T17:03:00.000-05:00

I started wrapping my holiday presents this week, and was struck, once again, by the amount of stuff required to make my gifts look festive. I remembered the article from the December 2007 issue of Better Homes and Gardens where Sara Snow was asked for some tips on earth-friendly celebrating. Did you know that if each family in the U.S. reused just two feet of ribbon we would save 38,000 miles of ribbon? We could tie a bow around the earth with the saved ribbon! Also, she says if every American family commits to wrapping three gifts in alternative wrappings (things like grocery bags, newspaper, old wall paper or fabric scraps) it would save enough wrapping paper to cover 45,000 football fields. And... what about making sure your holiday cards are printed on recycled paper. Each ton of recycled paper saves 380 gallons of oil and 17 trees. I am going to try most of these tips. Not only will I be saving the planet, I will probably save some money too!

Carbon Footprint Survey

2007-12-07T00:37:00.000-05:00

WE NEED YOU! Help the Green Community Project by filling out a Carbon Survey for your home. It is quick and easy! Results are submitted anonymously and confidentially
Click here to go to our survey

A Bigger Mailbox

2007-12-04T16:10:00.000-05:00

I was so tired of wrestling the mail out of our tiny mailbox, so I bought this larger one which I was installing when Jeana dropped by one day this week. I whined to her about the ridiculous amount of catalogues & other junk mail I get each day... between them and the newspapers, we recycle a nearly full garbage can of paper each week. Jeana told me that Americans receive almost 4 million TONS of junk mail each year which requires 100 million trees to produce. Reduced trees = increased global warming--even I see the connection. She told me that she was able to remove her address from all mailing lists by sending $1 (for processing) to:

Mail Preference Service

Direct Marketing Association

P.O. Box 643

Carmel, NY 10512-0643

Still, I like having some catalogues and would be reluctant to do away with all of them. I know that I should contact each catalog I don't want and ask to be removed from their list (but hey, I'm lazy). Jeana had an easier solution. One option is to subscribe to Green Dimes. For a one time $15 fee, you will receive a kit of information that requires activation. You will have to register with the Direct Marketing Association to ensure removal of your name. Green Dimes will monitor the DMA lists to make sure your name stays off their members' mailing lists. You can tailor your list to continue to receive catalogs from the companies whose information you wish to receive. Green Dimes will plant 10 trees in your name when you subscribe.

Nicole told me about another option that she's used (that's FREE!)....she signed up at Catalog Choice and has stopped 60 + catalogues already!!!! Stephanie adds that Catalog Choice is a sponsored project of the Ecology Center. It is endorsed by the National Wildlife Federation and the Natural Resources Defense Council, and funded by the Overbrook Foundation the Merck Family Fund and the Kendeda Fund. That's quite the pedigree!

To stop receiving credit card offers, call 1-888-5-OPT-OUT. To stop receiving ValPak coupon packets visit: www.coxtarget.com/mailsuppression/s/DisplayMailSuppressionForm.

Guess I didn't need to buy that bigger mailbox after all.

Tis the Season

2007-11-30T23:56:00.000-05:00

Wow! It's December 1st already! Lots of people I know are getting ready to put up their holiday lights. For the past couple of years, I've noticed a different kind of light at some homes; they gave off a more vivid color. When I learned they were called LED lights, I was able to score a couple of strands to try out last year and was very pleased with the effect. A couple of weeks ago, my friend, Lynn, told me about an article she'd read in Consumer Reports (Dec. 2007, p. 9) comparing LED and incandescent strands. In short, CR states that incandescent lights are brighter and cost less but the LEDs are last twice as long and use only 10% of the energy incandescent lights use. Also, the plastic LEDs are less likely to break than glass incandescent lights, run much cooler and therefore, are less of a fire risk.

Still, it's not environmentally sound to just toss out all of last year's lights, is it? As I weed through all the strands I own, I do plan on buying more LED lights as replacements. I got an email from Mara, telling me about an article in Better Homes and Gardens (Dec. 2007, p. 112-116) by Sara Snow with lots of suggestions for earth-friendly ways to celebrate the season; one of which is to put your lights on timers, limited to 6 hours per night. Even so, 1000 incandescent lights (only 10 strands!) will cost you $50 for the season compared to 50 cents to burn the same number of LEDs. I don't know about you, but I have WAY more than 10 strands just on my tree. I guess I'll have to rethink just how many lights to put up as well.

Going Green

2007-11-26T16:47:00.001-05:00

Hi! I'm Susie Laker. If you are like me, it seems that everywhere I turn, folks are talking about going green. I didn't pay much attention to it; after all, I've been recycling forever, have a compost bin in my yard, and take my own grocery bags to the market. When I attended the League of Women Voters Green Community kick-off meeting, I was feeling pretty smug, thinking I was way above the curve. That thought got shot down in a hurry and I found out there was so much more I could be doing to save money, save energy and help save the planet. Frankly, I was rather overwhelmed and didn't know where to begin. Luckily, my friends are knowledgeable about such things and are willing to help me learn to lessen our carbon footprint. This blog will chronicle my efforts to adopt climate-friendly lifestyle practices and to make my home "green".

New Jersey Clean Power Choice Program

2007-11-26T01:25:00.000-05:00

Last month at a meeting, the discussion turned toward ways that we could start implementing green practices. I was interested in finding something I could do right away that had a big impact on the environment. Someone was talking about a League member who asked her husband to buy cleaner energy as her birthday gift. I was intrigued! I didn't know that New Jersey offered renewable power sources (obviously, I fast forward through commercials on t.v. and don't look at those inserts in my bills!)

I asked some energy-savvy friends to enlighten me. Apparently 45% of our electricity is provided by coal burning plants and available renewable energy can come from solar, wind, hydroelectric or biomass sources. These benefit our environment and health and developing these alternatives will guarantee energy for the future because we won't have to rely on fossil fuels that may one day be depleted. They also explained that, although these types of energy cost more to produce right now because the technology is new, as more and more people request renewable energy, costs will fall. I balked at spending more for electricity until Margaret explained that the 14% increase (based on current rates) is equivalent to one or two lattes a week! I shouldn't drink so much coffee anyway.

I broached the topic with my husband. I really thought I'd have a hard time selling him on the idea but he agreed right away. Then I went to NJCleanPower.com, read about the different alternative energy providers and clicked on the link for the one I chose. I did need my account number which was on my electric bill. SIMPLE! It only took about ten minutes and for the price of a latte or two, I'm helping our kids have a healthier future!