Gimmie A Beet!

EcoGriff

3.24.10

I am doing my best to make real life changes to be more eco-sensitive. This week I have begun walking to work. I am not able to walk all 5 days because Tuesdays and Thursdays are my days to drop Nate off at daycare. My goal is to walk at least two days per week. If possible, I will walk 3 days. So far, so good. I walked to work on Monday and Wednesday. I walked home on Monday. Wednesday, Kelly picked me up a couple of blocks from school. Tired? No. Nathan has swimming lessons on Wednesdays after work, and I would not be able to walk there in time.

Monday afternoon at about 5 pm, one of our student workers informed me that she and another student worker felt that I should be carrying mace with me for my walks home at night. When I inquired why, it was because they were concerned that I could be mugged. I am honored that these two were worried for my safety. The challenge with actualizing that is that something’s not right about a guy 6’2” and 260 pounds carrying mace. That would be some serious debits off the man card! (http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Man%20Card) Needless to say, I will not be carrying mace.

Today I tried another food new to my palate: Beets. Tuesday evening we ate the stems in an oyster sauce and Wednesday we ate the actual beet. I would never have thought to eat a beet. Why? No reason other than I have only ever seen canned beets and I think those are pickled. While I enjoy the occasional dill, I have not had a craving for the beet. What I am learning about myself is that I am becoming brave in my old age. In my youth, I would have taken the debits off the man card and maced the hell out of those beets! Today, I willingly put stuff in my mouth that I normally would not. Wait, maybe it is not my old age; maybe I am learning bad habits from my 2 year old. Anyway, I digress. How did the beets enter my world? This is thanks to our friend Jim. Over some cocktails at happy hour last week, we were talking about our meatless March. How we got on the subject of beets is beyond my recollection. I do however remembering Jim uttering a phrase something to the effect of “The beet is GREAT! I love the beet! This led to us buying beets at the Farmer’s Market on Saturday morning.

Why is it that we as a society think saying you are busy is a sign of accomplishment? (Sorry for the abrupt change in topic). Why do we think that saying that phrase “I am busy” protects our pride? Can we all be really that busy? If we are that busy, what are we busy doing? Is it important work? Will it change the world as we know it? Is it worth the time away from our family and friends? When people tell me they are busy, my first thought is “yeah, and?”. Look, I get that we as people feel the need to multitask our lives away. I get that when we are young we want to be older and when we finally are older, we wish we were younger. I get that filling your day with stuff is the American way. What I don’t get is the worth in it. I am learning every day from my son. He looks at the world with such amazement. Everything he does is new and awesome. The only multitasking he is doing is playing with cars and watching Dora the Explorer at the same time. At what age do we lose that? Why does it take retirement to get it back? Why is it that some people never get it back? Why is it that we put things above people? Why do we say “how are you doing?” we don’t care to hear the answer?

I get the fact that we need to work. I love what I do. I enjoy working. Here is the thing. When I pass, I do not want my headstone to read: “This guy worked his butt off.” “What a great employee.” I want it to say something like “What a great husband, father, friend, son, etc.” I know I have work to do in that department, I just hope I am not too busy doing things that don’t matter in the long run when I should be spending the time where it matters.

What does this have to do with the environment? Here is my take: There is purpose to why we are here. I believe that with all my heart. I love humanity enough to make changes in my life to protect our planet. You see for me, it is about being eco-sensitive so that humanity has a world that is livable. We need this planet to sustain our lives. Not the other way around. All the stuff we are putting into the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat, etc., can’t be good for us. I don’t claim to have all the answers, but I am seeking them. Imagine our possibilities if we all slow down, find our purpose and become inspired.

From the wisdom of Yogi Berra:

You've got to be very careful if you don't know where you are going, because you might not get there.

ECOcation:

https://www.myearthhour.org/home

Best,

EcoGriff

Don't Squeeze the...

EcoGriff

3.21.10

Have you ever talked with someone about 100 percent recycled toilet paper? It is almost like I can see people visualizing toilet paper being harvested from the sewer, put in a wheelbarrow, and then brought to some plant for processing. (I have actually had people say to me “EEW Gross”). Just for clarification, recycled toilet paper is made from recycled paper, not from used toilet paper.

It also does not mean that it feels like sandpaper on your behind! If you are used to using Charmin, yes, it will most likely feel a little thin compared to Charmin. Charmin most resembles using a washcloth, where Earth First toilet paper is between, say, public restroom and Charmin. Very sturdy, soft (but not spongy), and much better for the environment! Sure, some folks say it would be like using sandpaper on your most delicate area. I challenge you to test sandpaper and recycled toilet paper side by side. I am sure you will be very happy with the recycled!

I recently had a conversation with someone who said that they were proud of me and Kelly for making the switch to recycled toilet paper. They would not, however, be making the switch. They could not go back to the rough stuff. After some time to think about that comment and having a couple of laughs about it, it got me thinking. What were our forefathers using 234 years ago when we declared our Independence? Did they have debates over the softness of the toilet paper, or were they just happy to have some? I am trying to picture John Adams (1^st President to live in the White House) saying to Thomas Jefferson:

“Tom, enjoy the place. It has some beautiful views. I am going to miss everything about the place. Well, everything but the toilet paper. It is a bit rough on my delicate caboose. You may want to talk to someone about switching providers.”

“Thanks, Johnny. I will be sure to make the change. I wish it came on a roll. That would be efficient. Soft paper on roll.”

“Ok, Tom, you are a bit of a dreamer. Anyway, good luck with the place.”

Why toilet paper in this issue of EcoGriff? It started on Thursday. Kelly and I were out running some errands (had Thursday and Friday off). We were on our way home when we saw a new store called GO GREEN. I suggested we stop in. As we were in the store checking out their small selection of cleaning supplies and excellent prices on light bulbs, the owner says that customers rave about the toilet paper she carries. We had a brief discussing comparing various brands of recycled toilet paper when my wife says: “Can I use your bathroom? All this talk of toilet paper…” So off she goes. I begin talking with the owner about some of the various other products when Kelly emerges from the bathroom. We buy a drain cleaner solution that is environmentally safe and decide to buy 4 rolls of the toilet paper (it was only .59 per roll). We get back in the car and head for home. As we are driving, Kelly reaches into her pocket and pulls out a torn off piece of toilet paper. Yes, she tore off a piece for me to feel the softness. She said it was because she did not think we would buy it, but wanted me to be able to feel it. Really? Who does that? So when you are wondering how much your spouse loves you, you now have a measuring stick. Does this person love me enough to tear off a piece of toilet paper, and put it in their pocket for you to feel the softness? If the answer is yes, GOOD FOR YOU!

Note: Not all recycled toilet paper is made equal! Some are better than others. You will need to do your own “field” research. We have not exhausted our research, but currently Earth First is the brand of choice in our house (this is not the brand from the previous paragraph).

ECOcation:

Energy Efficiency: http://www.eere.energy.gov/

Toilet Paper: http://www.nrdc.org/land/forests/gtissue.asp

Best,

EcoGriff

Buffelgrass

EcoGriff

3.15.10

I read recently that 3.2 percent of U.S. adults are vegetarians. That is roughly 7.3 million people. The article said an additional 22.8 million U.S. adults say they follow a vegetarian inclined diet. So basically there are about 30 million people that take part in a vegetarian inspired meal plan. You would think that with 30 million people eating this way, there would be a way to stop canned beans from being the musical fruit that makes you toot.

Have you ever said yes to a volunteer opportunity without all the facts? This happened to me recently. Actually Saturday. I agreed to be a volunteer with my wife’s Emerging Leaders class. In my mind, we would be outdoors helping to keep Arizona beautiful by picking some weeds with a group called the Weedwackers. What happened was that of a class of 15 students, it was me, my wife, one of her co-workers and one student (and a bunch of people in the Weedwacker organization). Picking weeds happened if you call using a pickax to get them out of the ground, picking weeds. SERIOUSLY we were standing on the side of a mountain hacking away at the landscape trying to rid it of an invasive species called buffelgrass. You can’t just pull these suckers out of the ground, you have to chop a them, dig at them, beg them, what ever you can. Fire makes them stronger. I am still sore from swinging that darn pickax. Stupid buffelgrass.

I have begun reading Ready, Set, Green by Graham Hill and Meaghan O’Neill. Chapter 4 is called Eating Your Way Green. Sounds harmless. I wish that I never laid eyes on that chapter. Once I know the solution, I have to act on it. I can’t just pretend I did not know that stealing is against the law (metaphor). Prior to this I have really avoided the whole meat is bad issue. Well, I knew from other readings that reducing your meat consumption was better for the environment, but I was clearly in the dark on the whole picture.

Just so you are aware, I am not a “save the cow” kind of guy. I do not think highly of the intellectual ability of the cow or the chicken really. I do not believe they think of greener pastures as they stand face to butt day after day. If they have any thought it is more, “man, it freakin’ stinks in here.” That being said, I am concerned about the lack of concern from the USDA about the amount of hormones, antibiotics, and pesticides that cows are hanging out with that get into their bodies. When it gets in them, it gets in us. NO WAY that is good for anyone. I like a good antibiotic when I am sick, but come on. This book is not a shock factor book. It really dispels myths and helps us to make good choices for the environment and for ourselves. Knowledge is wonderful, but it comes with an expectation of sharing. Here is my share. I am not against meat. I love meat. I will not however be able to eat red meat again that I am not sure where it came from or who it has been hanging out with. Organic meat is the way to go. You can be confident that the meat is free from the extra debris. It may cost a little more, but boy is it worth it!

ECOcation:

Food news and issues: www.treehuggger.com

Planet-Friendly recipes: www.planetgreen.com

I will get some pictures up soon of our garden!

Best,
EcoGriff

Every Little Bit

EcoGriff

3.9.10

Why is it that people are fine with buying an expensive bottle of wine or six pack of beer or with spending top dollar at a restaurant for a plate of spaghetti, but think buying organic food is too expensive? How is it that those same people that hate Walmart are the same people shopping exclusively at chains that put the independent business out of business? We want to pay less, but at what cost?

Ok, I had to get that off my chest. Sorry, thanks for letting me rant. Oh wait, you didn’t even have a say. My bad. Let me rephrase that. Sorry, thanks for reading my rant.

My intro got me thinking. What is exactly considered an expensive bottle of wine? In my book I am thinking anything over $12. Am I more in the wino category than a sommelier? Now I am way off topic.

Let me start over….

Meatless March is still going strong. So far, so good. The best part about this is hearing the comments that my wife gets from people about me going meatless. Folks aren’t sure whether to say “good for you guys” to my wife or tell her how sorry they are for her! We both get comments from people like taking a month off of eating meat is some sort of hardship. Really, you want to know hardship? On November 1, 2008, we cancelled our cable. On November 5, 2008, the TV was nothing but fuzz. A part of me died that day. Just thinking about it now brings a tear to my eye. Wait, that’s not accurate. Well, sort of. I did cry on the inside on November 5^th, but have not looked back since. Taking a month off of meat will be a breeze. I will not however give up cheese or eggs, so don’t ask!

In my first post I mentioned we have also become urban gardeners. We currently have a bunch of things growing and are having a fun time guessing what it will look like when we pull them out of the dirt. This is our first attempt at this, and I am beginning to think we may have planted our stuff too close together and will have all our veggies growing together. Just yesterday I told Kelly that we may have created Lettish (that is lettuce and radish). Making salads will be easy. Just pick and eat. A ready-made salad! And people think going green is difficult:)

ECOcation:

Becoming more eco sensitive does not mean that you need to wear it on your sleeve (although you can with 100% organic cotton). Things have come a long way. You do not have to put yourself out there to be labeled a “tree hugger” or “Granola.” You can actually make simple choices that make big impacts. Just think how much things have improved since we all started to recycle. Yes, some things can get expensive. Becoming more eco sensitive is not about breaking our bank account or about making you feel guilty for enjoying a Twinkie or not knowing which types of paper can actually be recycled. First you need to learn where and how you can make a difference for now and for the future. Then decide what you feel comfortable with. Then go for it. Kelly and I continue to learn every day and become more eco sensitive where we can. We don’t have it all figured out yet and can’t afford to do it all, but every little bit helps.

Here is another website for your learning pleasure: www.greenyour.com

Best,
EcoGriff

Herbivore

EcoGriff

3.4.10

Is it a bad sign when you smell old grease heating up and the first thought that hits your mind is something like: “mmmmm bacon!”?

I am wondering when the feelings of fear will dissipate, and I will have confidence in the meat substitutes? Does that feeling ever go away? Do you just one day start fully trusting that things will be wonderful or do you just settle and say “how bad can it be really?” I have entered 3 meals prepared to literally choke them down.

The first was Quorn. Yes Quorn. A meat substitute made from a fungus that grows in England. It is pretty tasty! Quorn may just be the Beatles of the Fungus world! Get it? They are both from England and hugely popular? I can just hear the other Fungi talking. Man those Quorn are awesome! Sorry for the qualifier, but my wife did not get the reference.

Next was my first encounter with a veggie burger. It would be less scary if the restaurant would tell you what the hell is in it. They just list veggie burger. Is it don’t ask, don’t tell, or do they just not want to know either?

Third was a taste of split pea soup. Just a taste. I don’t like peas that much let alone split, pureed put in soup. The color is a bit odd looking to me as well. Maybe a name change is in order. Rather than split pea, it could be sweet pea, wonder pea, or I have to….

So, three times I prepared to choke down food, three times I was pleasantly surprised. Maybe veggies and fungi have gotten a bad rap. Maybe, but it has only been four days. Time will tell. So far, I just know that mushrooms aren’t the only fungi in town anymore!

On a side note….

Did you know that Herbivores consume plants to receive carbohydrates produced by photosynthesis and Carnivores eat the Herbivore for the same reason? This must be why humans that chose the path of vegetarianism decided on the name vegetarian or vegan rather than herbivore. Dinners got awkward when family and friends would invite them to dinner and when they arrived the hosts were wearing bibs and following them around with salt and butter. I could take this farther, but you get the picture.

ECOcation:

http://www.epa.gov/osw/conserve/rrr/

http://www.lazyenvironmentalist.com/

Best,

EcoGriff