One of the best things we can do for the planet and our bodies is to eat locally grown food. Many of our food items are processed and travel a long way to our local grocery store, and subsequently, our tables. Growing your own food in your backyard, or on your apartment patio, is probably rated the #1 way you can help the environment. As stated in another post, I want to start my garden at our new house (which we close on this Friday). So, stay tuned. I am afraid though, with this being my first garden, that it won't produce the variety or yield we require. So, as a back-up plan, we are joining a CSA, Community Supported Agriculture, establishment.
CSA's are farms that sell shares (or pieces of the harvest) to individuals and families by season. The one we are seriously considering joining sells it's shares for $400 for a 12 week season. That comes out to $33 bucks a week, give or take a little, each week. Since my produce is what will dictate the menu, I am hoping we will consume less meat and, as a result, spend less on food overall. But $33 is way less than I would spend at the grocery store, and the evironmental impact is profoundly less. I am so pleased to be taking this next step in my sustainably chic lifestyle.
I found my CSA though localharvest.org. Basically, I entered my zip and it provided a list of CSA's with reviews. I had about 2 within a distance that would work for us. Also, this website also has farmer's market listings and reviews. I found it to be super helpful.
The anticipated benefits seems almost endless. Not only, will my family be creating less pollution, we will be getting produce at peak ripeness and with minimal chemical residue, if any. So, not only will our bodies be better for it, but so will the common good of the air and climate. Another thing I am really looking forward to is how creative it will prompt me to get in the kitchen. Up until fairly recently, I had a variety of tastes, but mainly cooked the same foods over and over. I have been interested in exploring our food options, but this is going to, hopefully, exceed those expectations. The new things I will be cooking with include different types of squash, chard, different green beans, and leafy greens. It is very exciting and I think we are going to be healthier because of it. Plus, it is going to save money in the long run!
Monday, July 6, 2009
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Energy efficiency can also mean lower tax bills - NewsandSentinel.com | News, Sports, Jobs, Community Information - Parkersburg News and Sentinel
Energy efficiency can also mean lower tax bills - NewsandSentinel.com | News, Sports, Jobs, Community Information - Parkersburg News and Sentinel: "Energy efficiency can also mean lower tax bills"
This is talking about a federal tax break, including a 30% credit on major efficiency systems, like solar and geothermal.
This is talking about a federal tax break, including a 30% credit on major efficiency systems, like solar and geothermal.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Rainwater Harvesting Systems
Rainwater Harvesting Systems:
"Rainwater Harvesting Systems Aid Water Conservation"
The days of the Cistern are back. As easy as a covered bucket with a hole at the base of your home's gutter system, or as in depth as a 4000 gallon holding tank under a driveway with water permiable pavers that directs it to a rooftop garden and through the toilets and dishwasher. Systems like that are completely contained using the blackwater to water and fertilize a specialized section of plants.
So, with a predicted water shortage in the next couple decades conserving rainwater to use later in the season is essential. Right now, I am working on developing a non-plastic rainwater barrel composed of repurposed and recycled materials. I hope that I can do it on the cheap!
What are you doing to conserve water? I make sure to poor out all water into my house plants. I would love to hear your ideas...
"Rainwater Harvesting Systems Aid Water Conservation"
The days of the Cistern are back. As easy as a covered bucket with a hole at the base of your home's gutter system, or as in depth as a 4000 gallon holding tank under a driveway with water permiable pavers that directs it to a rooftop garden and through the toilets and dishwasher. Systems like that are completely contained using the blackwater to water and fertilize a specialized section of plants.
So, with a predicted water shortage in the next couple decades conserving rainwater to use later in the season is essential. Right now, I am working on developing a non-plastic rainwater barrel composed of repurposed and recycled materials. I hope that I can do it on the cheap!
What are you doing to conserve water? I make sure to poor out all water into my house plants. I would love to hear your ideas...
My Wish List
I want to
1. get active more, preferrably outside.
2. plant a late summer garden.
3. start a compost pile.
4. install a rainwater barrel. (engineered out of used materials)
5. reduce the amount of plastic in my household.
6. reduce our meat comsumption by half.
7. change the water heater to a tankless or geothermal model.
8. insulate attic with denim insulation.
9. install low flow water fixtures.
10.plant some trees on the property. (magnolia and dogwood)
We are in the process of buying a house and I have big plans to make it more energy efficient and to make our family more sustainable. We will join a CSA in Cumming, GA for the Fall season. We figure it will actually save us money on produce while ensuring no chemicals and major fuel expenditures to get it the product to us. I am looking forward to being forced to expand our diets and cooking because we will get veggies I may not normally buy.
1. get active more, preferrably outside.
2. plant a late summer garden.
3. start a compost pile.
4. install a rainwater barrel. (engineered out of used materials)
5. reduce the amount of plastic in my household.
6. reduce our meat comsumption by half.
7. change the water heater to a tankless or geothermal model.
8. insulate attic with denim insulation.
9. install low flow water fixtures.
10.plant some trees on the property. (magnolia and dogwood)
We are in the process of buying a house and I have big plans to make it more energy efficient and to make our family more sustainable. We will join a CSA in Cumming, GA for the Fall season. We figure it will actually save us money on produce while ensuring no chemicals and major fuel expenditures to get it the product to us. I am looking forward to being forced to expand our diets and cooking because we will get veggies I may not normally buy.
Save Energy, Save Money
You can save a good amount of money on your energy bills by making a few easy choices in your household.
1. Change all your lightbulbs to CFLs. Now even those hard to fit chandelier and recessed lighting bulbs are readily available in CFL. The difference in energy consumption is staggering, 40%. Compact Florescent Bulbs are an investment that will last over a year. The upfront cost may be more, but the long term savings pays for itself.
2. Wash all laundry in cold water. There is no need to wash anything in hot water. Your clothes, towels and sheets will get just as clean. The energy used to heat water is a major portion of your bill.
3. Hang laundry in the sun to dry. Go further than just washing in cold water, and let the sun take care of the rest. Clothes dryers aren't even available with the Energy Star rating they are such energy suckers. Evidently, the sun is a great stain remover (which will keep you from using those chemical products like "Spray N Wash").
4. Skip the bottled water. Bottled water is not really any cleaner or more pure than most municiple water systems. You are better off investing in a water filtration system, like Pur or Brita, than buying bottled water. You can make a huge impact in lessoning your footprint with this choice. Not only does the water go through some processing, but energy is consumed in the making and transporting of the bottles. Plus, plastic bottles will hang out forever in a landfill. And, the tops are not recyclable. Bring a stainless steel (not plastic) beverage container with you and refill it throughout the day.
5. Join a CSA (community supported agriculture). Buy locally grown food. By supporting local farmers, you can make a tremendous impact on your ecological footprint. Produce is schlept all over the world to end up on your table. Ever notice the beautiful strawberries in December? Well, that is because they are grown on the other side of the planet and shipped to your town.
These are just a few easy things you can do to lighten your ecological impact and be sustainably chic. Thinking that includes understanding of where items originate and the environmental impact of manufacturing and transportation with decisions based on minimal environmental degradation is what sustainably chic is all about. Green is the next generation of Earth friendly culture...
1. Change all your lightbulbs to CFLs. Now even those hard to fit chandelier and recessed lighting bulbs are readily available in CFL. The difference in energy consumption is staggering, 40%. Compact Florescent Bulbs are an investment that will last over a year. The upfront cost may be more, but the long term savings pays for itself.
2. Wash all laundry in cold water. There is no need to wash anything in hot water. Your clothes, towels and sheets will get just as clean. The energy used to heat water is a major portion of your bill.
3. Hang laundry in the sun to dry. Go further than just washing in cold water, and let the sun take care of the rest. Clothes dryers aren't even available with the Energy Star rating they are such energy suckers. Evidently, the sun is a great stain remover (which will keep you from using those chemical products like "Spray N Wash").
4. Skip the bottled water. Bottled water is not really any cleaner or more pure than most municiple water systems. You are better off investing in a water filtration system, like Pur or Brita, than buying bottled water. You can make a huge impact in lessoning your footprint with this choice. Not only does the water go through some processing, but energy is consumed in the making and transporting of the bottles. Plus, plastic bottles will hang out forever in a landfill. And, the tops are not recyclable. Bring a stainless steel (not plastic) beverage container with you and refill it throughout the day.
5. Join a CSA (community supported agriculture). Buy locally grown food. By supporting local farmers, you can make a tremendous impact on your ecological footprint. Produce is schlept all over the world to end up on your table. Ever notice the beautiful strawberries in December? Well, that is because they are grown on the other side of the planet and shipped to your town.
These are just a few easy things you can do to lighten your ecological impact and be sustainably chic. Thinking that includes understanding of where items originate and the environmental impact of manufacturing and transportation with decisions based on minimal environmental degradation is what sustainably chic is all about. Green is the next generation of Earth friendly culture...
The Beginning
Sustainably Chic Ga is a green consulting firm focused on living sustainably, thus preserving the planet for many generations to come. Sustainability has many definitions, but mainly, it entails the environmentally, economically and socially just practices that maintain a world suitable for future generations.
Live chic in the Southeast through sustainable practices, such as buying locally grown foods, using natural products, and following the reduce, repair, reuse, and recycle mantra. As being green becomes more popular, more and more information is thrown at us everyday. It can take a lot of time to understand what works and what consists of "greenwashing." You don't have to be a dirty hippie to live green. You can still be fashionable and on the go, with my tips to live in style while still being kind to the planet. I am continually educationing myself on the latest green living techniques, best products, and can even provide a rating of local farms and local food markets.
This new era should be more than about living green, but about making choices that are fair to all populations. In addition to providing green consulting, I will take you on my journey and through the challenges of truly living a sustainable lifestyle... chicly!
Live chic in the Southeast through sustainable practices, such as buying locally grown foods, using natural products, and following the reduce, repair, reuse, and recycle mantra. As being green becomes more popular, more and more information is thrown at us everyday. It can take a lot of time to understand what works and what consists of "greenwashing." You don't have to be a dirty hippie to live green. You can still be fashionable and on the go, with my tips to live in style while still being kind to the planet. I am continually educationing myself on the latest green living techniques, best products, and can even provide a rating of local farms and local food markets.
This new era should be more than about living green, but about making choices that are fair to all populations. In addition to providing green consulting, I will take you on my journey and through the challenges of truly living a sustainable lifestyle... chicly!
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