I'm dreaming of a green Christmas

Well, it's that time of year again.  My favorite time of year - Christmas.  Sometimes it's hard to remember to be environmentally conscious as we drive to the mall to shop till we drop and plug in thousands of tiny twinkling lights, but there are still ways to be green during the holidays.  Here are some ideas to help celebrate the season while still caring for the environment.

Gifts: Are you having trouble figuring out what to get that one person who's impossible to buy for.  Everyone has different interests and likes, making it especially hard on a person playing Santa.  One of my favorite gifts I have ever given was from Heifer International.  I was introduced to the organization a few years ago at a church fundraiser, and it's been a favorite ever since.  The money is used to give a family in need an animal, or a flock of animals, providing them with a sustainable income, which is often a food source as well. When the animal reproduces, some of its offspring are passed on to other struggling families in the community.  So, your donation continues to "pass on the gift."

You can also look for locally-made gifts.  People don't realize how many local stores and craft fairs are in their area.  Also, there are plenty of fair trade retailers that carry great gifts, like Ten Thousand Villages and Sugar Magnolia. I buy a lot of my gifts from these retailers because the gifts are beautiful, global, and all the products support artisans from around the world.

Sugar Magnolia on Hillsborough Street.

And, if you're feeling really crafty this holiday season consider making your own gifts.  The thoughtfulness behind gift giving is even more meaningful when your gift has a personal touch.  Crocheting is pretty easy to pick up.  Your grandma probably knows how and would love to show you.  If your grandma isn't much on knitting, there are plenty of online tutorials that give you step-by-step instructions.

A scarf and hat I made.

The tree: There isn't a clear consensus on whether artificial or real trees are better for the environment.  Live trees are biodegradable, not to mention they produce that terrific smell.  But, live trees are often loaded with pesticides and are trucked long distances.  Artificial trees, on the other hand, last for years, but they are made of plastic and lead.  At my parents' home in the mountains, we use both.  Because trees are grown in that area, we don't have to worry about buying a tree from halfway around the country.  We can literally drive five miles to a local tree farm.  You don't have to drive all the way to Boone or Asheville to get a live, locally grown tree.  Back Achers Christmas Tree Farm is a family owned tree farm situated on five acres on the southern edge of Raleigh.

Once your food coma has worn off and all the eggnog has disappeared, make sure to recycle your live tree.  Many cities have recycling services that will mulch discarded trees.  Goats will also gladly demolish your Christmas decorations.

Our 15-foot Christmas tree decked out with LED lights.

Decorations: LED lights use 1 to 3 kilowatt hours of energy, compared with 12 to 105 kWh for traditional incandescent lighting. LEDs don't get as hot as traditional lights, lowering the risk of fire, and if one bulb goes out, the rest of the string still works.  Try decorating your house with seasonal fruits and vegetables like pomegranates and gourds, which can be eaten later.  Ornaments are also an easy thing you can make yourself.  Household items like CDs and yarn can also be turned into any type of Christmas decoration. Besides, who wants to be out buying expensive decorations when you could be outside making a snowman - the ultimate low-impact holiday decor?

Don't stop being green after the holidays are over.  Make it a New Year's resolution to be green year round!

Cheap and organic

The famous seal (USDA)

If you walk into any grocery store around the country, you're bound to find at least a small section dedicated to organic food.  Organic is everywhere.  There are organic clothes, food, plants, and even mattresses.

But, is organic really better?  How can I shop for it on a budget?

The fuss over organic is true.  Organic foods are grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, chemical fertilizers, or genetically engineered ingredients.  Organic foods are minimally processed without artificial ingredients or preservatives.  That means all of those contaminants are kept out of your body.  Without the use of synthetic and chemical fertilizers, the air, water, and soil stays cleaner, too.

The fuss over high prices for organic food is also true.  In some parts of the nation a gallon of organic milk costs upwards of $5.00.  In today's economy it's hard to convince consumers to spend an extra 20-100 percent more on organic groceries, but buying organic on a budget can be done.

Farmers markets: Don't limit yourself to the organic section of Food Lion or Harris Teeter.  Check out your local farmers market.  The State Farmers Market in Raleigh has everything from local, organic fruits and vegetables to hormone-free beef products.  If you don't see a sign stating the produce is organic, be sure to ask. Some farmers may be making the transition to organic farming.  You should also get to know a few of the vendors.  If they recognize you from week to week, they are more likely to help you pick out the best produce and give you a good deal. 


Grocery store alternatives: You can find great deals on organic foods at retailers besides your typical grocery store.  I know Big Lots has a reputation for selling expired food, but I recently hit the jack pot there.  Big Lots sells tons of organic and natural household and food items like Muir Glen, Nature's Path, Kashi, and Method.  My best find was a huge box of Kashi Mountain Medley Granola for $6.00.  The small boxes at Kroger are $4.99.  Big Lots' products change from week to week, so you never know what kind of organic products it will have (just be sure to check the date on the box, too!).

Some of my Big Lots finds.

Buy in bulk: Buying in bulk can help you stretch your budget.  For beans, grains, and nuts, head straight for the large bags. You'll get more out of a large bag of beans than you will in a small, expensive can of organic beans.  You can store your dried goods in a cool, dry place or cook them all up at once and store the leftovers in the freezer.

Buy seasonal: Load up on seasonal fruits and vegetables for great prices. Right now apples, arugula, brussels sprouts, cabbage, collard greens, lettuce, parsnips, and much more are in season in North Carolina.  In-season products are cheaper than other foods which have to travel long distances to get to the grocery store.

Ease into organic. It can be a big step. Start by buying your favorite foods in organic, such as black beans or apples.  After a few trips to Big Lots and your local farmers market, you'll get the hang of finding the best deals on organic products.

Giving thanks and looking forward

I know everyone's stuffed with turkey and on the edge of a food coma, but go ahead and check out this new video the World Wildlife Foundation just released for Earth Hour 2011. It's really inspiring and makes me excited for the year ahead!

More than 128 countries will be participating in Earth Hour 2011. For 60 minutes, people are pledging to shut off their lights. Whole cities will go dark. So, Saturday, March 26, 2011, turn off your lights at 8:30 p.m. and sit in the dark for a good cause.

Bear hugs

If I buy a Nissan Leaf, will a polar bear come hug me? Joking aside, this commercial is pretty powerful. I'd like to see the manliest man not be somewhat affected by this bear's journey.

Green cleaning

Most of us college kids clean, right? Well, the next time you go to the store to grab something to clean your bathroom or kitchen, choose eco-friendly products. Did you know that companies are not required to list the ingredients of chemical cleaners? These cleaners can pollute the air inside your home and even cause health problems. According to U.S. EPA estimates, indoor air pollution levels can be as much as 100 times above outdoor air pollution levels.

So, how do you pick eco-friendly products? The easiest thing to do is to look for the government’s “Design for the Environment” logo. Products with this logo on the label means they only contain chemicals the EPA believes are the safe. These products are phthalates and heavy metal free. Products like Method and Clorox’s Green Works both have earned the “Design for the Environment” logo.

My arsenal of cleaning green cleaning products.

One of my favorite products is Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soap. A combination of organic extra virgin coconut, olive, jojoba and hemp oils, together with pure essential oils, creates this all-purpose soap. The label claims 18 uses, but I’m sure there are hundreds. Dr. Bronner’s can be diluted to make a simple cleaner, laundry detergent or even toothpaste. The soap is certified under the USDA National Organic Program and is Fair Trade.

If you’re running low on cash, basic green cleaners like vinegar and club soda can sometimes be just as effective as store-bought products. Vinegar and baking soda can become you’re perfect all-purpose cleaner, and it won’t harm the environment.  Cornstarch can be used to clean window, polish furniture, and shampoo carpets.

The next time you’re in a panic because your parents are coming over, reach for some natural, earth-friendly cleaning products. Using chemical cleaners may get rid of the dust on your table and the dirt on your floor, but it could also create whole new set of problems.

Green event brings energy to NC State

On any given day you can catch students, like myself, sleeping, studying or socializing in Caldwell Lounge. Last week, however, the normally quiet area became a lively environmental information hub.

The basics of photovoltaics.

NCSU students created posters for “Green Germany and the Transatlantic Climate Bridge,” which showcased research on Germany’s various environmental initiatives. Communication students researched how the media portrays environmental issues, engineers laid out the basics of photovoltaic cells, and political junkies researched German political party stances on green legislation.

The event, sponsored by the German Embassy and the German Studies program, helped answer the question, “What can Americans learn from Europe’s most efficient nation?”

Biking to keep the light on.

From a manufacturing and economic standpoint, Germany and the United States appear very similar. But from an environmental perspective, many differences arise between the two countries. The average per capita electricity use per year is nearly double in the United States.

To demonstrate the disparities in energy use, students could hop on the “Bike for Light.” The stationary bike was hooked up to a generator and when students pedaled, they produced energy to power a light. The interactive set up also allowed students to bike through the countries of the world based on energy consumption. Students began the trek in the country with the lowest energy consumption – the Gaza Strip. Iceland, with the most kWh per capita each year, was the bike’s last stop. I biked my way through Korea and ended in Peru.

It was great to see NC State students taking an initiative to learn about other countries and other approaches to environmental legislation.

Who knew you could bike from Korea to Peru?

Ditching the shampoo

No more!

You know they say everything comes back into style.  Unlike popped colors and 80s neon, this one I am happy about (although I've kept it a secret for some time).  A growing number of people, including myself, have ditched daily showers.  The NY Times reports "some people have all but abandoned the idea of soap, shampoo or deodorant and yet still manage to have friends, relationships and office jobs."  "The Great Unwashed" is what the newspaper calls these people, whose habits range from washing their hair less frequently to not using deodorant.

Daily cleansing has become a ritual and a norm for most people.  I don't recall what my elementary school bathing habits were, but I do remember that in middle school I began washing my hair every day.  I jumped in the shower every morning at 6:15 so I could wear my hair down like all the other girls in sixth grade.  Unfortunately, there was a bad side effect - my hair and skin became extremely dry.

I don't see this no-washing trend as an act of rebellion against societal norms or an environmental movement.  I think as we become more conscious of what is good for our bodies, we realize that showering once or even twice a day is completely unnecessary and time consuming - maybe we're even a little lazy.  Less showering has beauty and health benefits.  Many stylists actually recommend washing your hair only a few times a week.  I generally wash my hair every other day, depending on my activities.  I find this gets the job done.  I'm not stinky.  My hair looks decent.  And my skin is smooth.  So, I will revel in this new-found trend of minimal washing.

A guide to a “green Halloween”

Halloween is normally depicted as an orange and black holiday, but this year it’s taking on greener hues as people look for ways to make their trick-or-treating more eco-friendly.  Back in the day, Halloween was different. It was a low-budget holiday at my house.  Decorations and costumes were handmade by my mom. We used old sheets, cardboard boxes, and sweatpants.  Trick-or-treating was done on foot with my mom and dad accompanying my brother and I.  Back then, Halloween was green and we didn't even know it.  Make it a green Halloween this year.

Handmade, but creepy! (Perhapablog)

Costumes: One of the easiest ways to go green for Halloween is to reduce the amount of money you spend on costumes. Resist the temptation to buy another expensive costume that will only get worn for a few hours. Instead, look for ways to reuse or recycle old Halloween costumes or old clothes.  If I can't come up with any other costume idea, I use my "tiger lady" costume from sixth grade. Hey, I was chubby kid.

Trick-or-Treat Bags: Instead of spending money on fancy trick-or-treat bags, use a pillowcase. Believe it or not, pillowcases used to be the only kind of bag used at Halloween - I asked my parents.  Pillowcase candy bags are far more durable than those picked up at the store.

Delicious and packed full of protein!

Pumpkins: After Halloween is over, don’t let those seeds go to waste! They’re delicious roasted, or you can simply allow them to dry and leave them out for birds to eat.

Candy: For those who still want some sweet treats, consider going organic. Choose organic, all-natural, dye-free ingredients that have minimal or biodegradable packaging. Endangered Species chocolate has a line of Halloween-themed candies including ‘Organic Dark Chocolate Bug Bites’. Other ideas include organic fruit leather, dried fruit and fair trade chocolate ‘gold coins’.

Extra Candy: The Halloween Candy BuyBack program gives you $1 per pound of unwanted candy if you drop it off at a participating dentist’s office. Just plug in your zip on the website, then drop it off on Nov. 1. The candy will be sent to U.S. troops overseas.  There are several dentist offices in Cary and Raleigh that participate.

Transportation: Instead of having everyone take separate cars for the Halloween activities, when possible take public transportation or walk.  The Raleigh CAT bus is a fast, easy way to get to neighborhoods across the city.  Consider carpooling as another way to cut down on transportation expenses and fuel usage. 

The N.C. State Fair goes green

NC State Fair recycling bin

I’ve got the blues….the N.C. State Fair is over, and I never got a corn dog. But, don’t feel too bad for me. I did manage to eat some tasty fries and fresh grilled corn smothered in molten butter. This year, the North Carolina State Fair broke an attendance record. More than one million people entered the gates to try unusual food like the Krispy Kreme burger, ride the Ferris wheel and see goats, cows and horses.

The fair is an annual event for my family and I – we show dairy cows. This is the first time I have noticed a large scale recycling effort at the 11-day event. Back in 2008, fair organizers used biodiesel to fuel the Midway and collected used cooking oil, but those aren’t actions fairgoers can take an active part in. Last year, the fair put out recycling bins, but there were only 25 placed throughout the entire area. This year, visitors were encouraged to toss their plastic bottles in large recycling bins found near every trash can. A total of 90 recycling stations were set up inside buildings and out on the fairgrounds. I guess the State Fair read my blog post about the Mountain State Fair’s lack of recycling.

The high demand for fried Snickers and funnel cakes results in a lot of leftover cooking oil. Starting in 2008 with the “Funnel Cakes for Fuel” program, the fair collected more than 8,500 gallons of cooking oil. The oil was processed into B100 biodiesel and sent to the state’s 18 Agricultural Research Stations for use in farm equipment, as well as tractor-trailers that deliver supplies to N.C. schools. With all the food battered and dipped in bubbling oil, I’m sure the fair collected even more this year.

The fair also continued powering a few buildings with biodiesel and outfitted Dorton Arena with energy-efficient LED lights.

After the cows were herded out of the barn and the roller coasters were packed up, I’m sure the fair also broke a recycling record.

Local, fresh and on-campus

College students across the nation are proving their palettes are broader than pepperoni pizza and cheap beer. Harvard, the University of Maine, North Carolina State University, and many other colleges have discovered that on-campus farmers markets are an easy way to involve students' emerging interest sustainability with an irresistible medley of fresh food, local products and people.

NC State's Campus Farmers Market opened more than a year ago, and it continues to grow in popularity each week. Usually, nine vendors report to the market each Wednesday between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. When students first launched the market, it had just three vendors who participated.

Summer = Watermelon (Red & White for Life blog)

Students can pick up anything from staple fruits and vegetables to a variety of natural soaps and lip balms. The market provides on-campus and off-campus students a chance to eat fresh food. Most of the food is dorm friendly (meaning it doesn't have to be cooked in an oven). One my favorite market products comes from Yah's Best. I love their fresh pineapple salsa. It's sweeter than traditional salsa, but still goes great with all my favorite Mexican dishes. Last week I persevered the rain to try one of The Cookie People's triple chocolate cookies. Totally worth all the puddles I stepped in .

Nationally, small farms play a vital role in economic development. They are creating jobs and bringing money into their communities. Local farmers have goals that are not strictly financial. They closely examine their impact on the environment, workers and communities.

NCSU’s on-campus farmers market supports the 10 percent campaign, an effort to get North Carolinians to spend one-tenth of their food dollars locally. So far, more than 1,400 people have pledged the campaign and more than $600,000 have been spent locally by individuals, restaurants and businesses.

Ferris wheels and funnel cakes, but no recycling

I made the four-hour drive to the mountains last weekend for the 2010 Mountain State Fair in Asheville, N.C.

The smell of fried funnel cakes, sweat and livestock filled the cool evening air.  As I sat down on a bench to people watch and finish off the last of my hand-squeezed lemonade, I noticed the only place for my plastic lemonade cup to make its final resting place was in the trash.  Each trashcan, which were all within fifteen feet of each other, was overflowing with plastic soda bottles and aluminum cans.

A total of 185, 323 people entered the fair's gates this year and enjoyed all it had to offer.  They drove from far and wide to ride ferris wheels and eat fried twinkies.  When examining the impact of those short two weeks of fun, the reality of the environmental impact becomes apparent.

Not a recycling bin in sight! (2010 NC Mountain State Fair)

People should enjoy the fair.  It only happens once a year, but this should also be an opportunity for the public to be educated in easy ways to be environmentally conscious.  Recycling bins or bags seems like a simple fix to reduce the toll taken on the environment during fair time.  If bins were placed next to trash cans, people could easily throw away their leftover cotton candy and recycle their Pepsi soda can.

A "green guide" to the fair, similar to what the Minnesota State Fair created, could also emphasize using public transportation to save gas, time, headaches and carbon emissions.  The Oregon State Fair even began collecting used fair-food grease to create bio diesel fuel.  It's large gatherings, like fairs, that provide the opportunity to educate the public.

Raleigh recycling goes high tech

As I went on my routine morning jog, I noticed that today was recycling pick-up day in the neighborhood.  Before you get upset and think I don't recycle, I live in an apartment complex that is not on the city's collection route (I have to take my recycling to some bins at the back of the parking lot). 

For more than 20 years Raleigh citizens have placed their recyclable materials on the curb in green bins no bigger than 18 gallons.  The city's recycling program received a modern face lift in July.  Over the next four years, Raleigh will be shifting to a new system in which recyclables will be collected the same way as trash.  In place of the small bins currently used for recycling, residents will get 95-gallon roll-out carts similar to their garbage cans.

Raleigh's new recycling carts.

The new, easier-to-manage bins will hopefully increase recycling participation.  I was amazed to find out that nationally, 77 percent of Americans recycle something in their homes, according to a Harris Poll.  Unfortunately, the number of those who say they recycle nothing at all is higher in the South.

The problem looks worse when comparing age groups.  About three in 10 respondents aged 18 to 30 (these are college-aged kids like myself) don't separate their glass, aluminum and paper from their garbage, compared with 19 percent of seniors aged 62 and older (my mammaw recycles more than you).

Things you can recycle in Raleigh.

So why aren't people my age recycling?  Among the anti-recyclers, one in six said they don't recycle because it's not available in their area; 12 percent felt it takes too much effort. Another 11 percent said recycling is just a bunch of hoopla and doesn't make a difference; 6 percent said they were too busy and 5 percent found recycling too difficult.

I'd like to think that 77 percent of Americans do recycle, but I find it hard to believe.  I would be willing to bet they don't recycle all of the time, and they probably don't recycle as many things as they could. Some people I work with say they recycle, but turn around and throw their plastic water bottle in the office trash can.

We must first change our attitudes and opinions on recycling, then our actions will follow.

Green miser guide to Raleigh

If you're new to the Raleigh area, here's a quick green guide to the city of oaks. 

Eat, drink, and be merry: 
Protein power. Opt for grass-fed, free range, organic, and local meat, milk, and eggs. Grass-fed beef is leaner, has more omega-3s, and tastes better than conventional beef.  Organic milk and eggs are also free from artificial hormones.

Eat out. We're in a big city. Dine out at an eco-friendly restaurant that serves local, organic food like Zely & Ritz Tapas Restaurant.  You have to try the sweet potato gnocchi.

I gotta have my coffee. Drink coffee and tea that tastes better and does good. Whether you want to brew your own cup of Larry's Beans or hang out at a local coffee shop like Global Village, just make sure it's fair trade and organic.

Global Village on Hillsborough Street.

Have some fun 
Go to the movies. Local colleges and universities often play documentary movies about the environment. Also, check out the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival in the spring.

Do good. Lend a hand with a local nonprofit. Whether it's a green organization or not, you'll still be making an impact in your community.  I love volunteering at the SPCA of Wake County and the Salvation Army.

Shop 'til you drop. There are a ton of fair trade and local shops.  My favorite stop is Sugar Magnolia on Hillsborough Street.  Everything is fair trade, and it's all under $15.00!

Getting around

Bus stops are all over the city.

Catch the CAT.  Let's face it.  Driving in Raleigh is a hassle.  It seems like there's always a wreck on I-40.  Hopping on the city's CAT bus eliminates your time in the driver's seat.  Sit back, relax, and read a book while you cruise around the city.  You'll get in a lot of reading and save a lot of money.

Take a walk. It’s sunny out! When you search for an apartment, look for place that has walkable areas.  My apartment complex is located in a great neighborhood with sidewalks lining both sides of the street.  

Ride a bike. Raleigh residents love to bike and many streets around town now have bike lines. If you ride a bike, you'll save a lot of money and parking hassle.

A song of inspiration

First off, as you can see by my picture, I am not a Mister.  I just love those old Christmas claymation movies with Heat Miser and Snow Miser.  

He's out to make the planet greener! (The Year without a Santa Claus)

In fact, here's my rendition of their song:

I'm Mister Green Guru

I'm Mister Environment

I'm Mister Cares a Lot

I'm Mister Conscientious of the World

They call me Green Miser,

What ever I touch

Becomes sustainable in my clutch

I'm too much!

Joking aside, I plan to use this blog to show people on a budget and college students like myself, that being green is easy.