Since I am so busy during the week, I really don’t have time to stop in the middle of my work day to make lunch. This means that I have had to come up with several make-ahead lunches that I can grab in between conference calls and projects. One of my favorites is Wild Selection® Solid White Albacore Tuna in Water on a bed of lettuce. Wild Selection® Solid White Albacore Tuna in Water is one of my favorites because inside you will find delicious, delicate tuna that comes from all-natural sources. There are three ingredients: white tuna, water, and salt. That’s it! Every can of tuna is Non-GMO verified too. Now, I obviously love the product, but what really gets me feeling passionate is the philosophy of the company behind the fish!
People talk a lot about sustainability nowadays but for the folks at Wild Selections, it is their entire business model. The entire product line is the only one in the world that is Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified as sustainable seafood. You can trust that the blue MSC eco-label on every can means that the fish inside only comes from well managed fisheries and healthy fish stocks. For even more proof, just log onto the Wild Selections website and actually see where the fish in your can was caught! If we want our oceans to be teeming with life in the future, everyone should start to follow Wild Selections’ lead.
Their commitment to ocean health and sustainability goes beyond just their products. For every can of Wild Selection Premium Seafood sold, they donate 13 cents to the World Wildlife Fund for marine conservation and to fishery improvement projects all over America. Wild Selections projects that by 2018, they will have donated a total of $1 Million towards saving our oceans. Partnerships between companies like Wild Selection and organizations like the World Wildlife Fund are helping lead the way to a sustainable tomorrow.
Wild Selections wants to make it as easy as possible for you to find their fantastic products. Check out their store locator to find stores where Wild Selections Seafood is sold. There are many other products available, including salmon, sardines, and shrimp. And you can be sure that every one is as environmentally friendly as their tuna!
If you want to learn more about how Wild Selections is helping to save our oceans with sustainable fishing, you can check out this infographic. Or you could visit their YouTube Channel to learn more about their partnership with the World Wildlife Fund and Marine Stewardship Council.
When all is said and done, it is just a delicious product. And one that will help you do your part to save our planet. You can’t ask for more than that!
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
Sometimes, it is easier to trick a teenager into eating healthy than to make a convincing argument. As a Stonyfield blogger, I receive shipments of yogurt periodically, and normally, my son won’t touch the stuff, he doesn’t’ care how good it is for him, he would rather skip it. I usually sneak yogurt into his smoothies, dips and a tablespoon on his baked potato! And I secretly don’t mind that he usually doesn’t like the fruit based yogurts, because I love the stuff! Ha!
But recently I discovered that Stonyfield Whole Milk Greek Yogurt comes in flavors that include real organic fruit cup sidecars. You just pull the top off the container and pour the contents of the fruit cup into the yogurt (Check out the photos). And or whatever reason Eben loves this! He has taken to eating one every day after school while doing his homework. The fruit is organic and delicious, mixing with the creamy yogurt to make a sweet snack. Eben likes them all: cherry, blueberry, strawberry, and honey. All organic, all sourced from all over North America!
These yogurt cups are fantastic for when you are on the go and you need a quick snack. For road trips, just toss them into a bag with some ice to keep them nice and cool until everyone in the car could use a healthy pick-me-up! Same with a day at the beach! If you and your kid are having a playdate in the park, bring a few cups along. Kids love them because the organic fruit or honey makes the whole milk yogurt taste like a sweet dessert. If you prefer yours without any additions, they also sell delicious plain yogurt as well as yogurt with a twist of vanilla bean!
The great thing about Stonyfield Yogurt is that you can trust they are only made with the best organic ingredients. They have never even come close to toxic pesticides and are non-GMO. Stonyfield guarantees that all of their products are both gluten-free and certified kosher. They source their ingredients from organic farms all over the United States and you can always be sure that the yogurt comes from cows that are pasture raised and ethically treated.
Stonyfield makes a ton of great products, but I think their Whole Milk Greek Yogurt might just be the best. Heck, if they can get my kid eating healthy yogurt, they must be good!
I am a Stonyfield blogger, and all opinions are my own.
NOTE FROM SWEET GREENS: This article wasn’t written by me. GD Environmental is a specialist waste collection and disposal company based in South Wales. Its aim is to improve local waste management by recycling more than 96% of all waste it collects, so if you’d like to see how many of your items are recycled, pay one of its centers a visit and see the magic at work! Thank you for supporting the companies that keep Sweet Greens in business. —————————————————————————————————
We all know that recycling is important and as safe waste management processes have grown in use over the past few years, many of our streets and much of our countryside now look cleaner than ever. But what about the areas of the world we don’t see on a regular basis, like underground at landfill sites or far out to sea?
Here we take a look at 5 of the most polluted seas in the world, what’s causing the rubbish pile up and what is being done to tackle this issue head on:
The Atlantic Ocean (Gulf of Mexico and North Atlantic)
As the second largest expanse of water (after the Pacific Ocean) it is unsurprising that the Atlantic Ocean is home to some of the world’s worst pockets of pollution. One of which is centered on the basin in the Gulf of Mexico.This enclosed section, surrounded by the USA, Mexico and Cuba, is known as one of the largest dead zones in the world. The water in the Gulf is highly polluted with nitrogen and phosphorous which has come from American agricultural practices. This means the water is hypoxic (low in oxygen) and fish cannot survive here.The North Atlantic is also highly polluted. The North Atlantic Garbage Patch is essentially a gigantic rubbish island which floats around in the North Atlantic Gyre. First discovered in 1972, the Patch has continued to grow and scientists now believe it is hundreds of miles wide with more than 200,000 pieces of waste per square mile.
Indian Ocean
According to the Indian Ocean Experiment (INDOEX), the Indian Ocean is extremely polluted, with nearly 4 million square miles of coverage. Scientists also claim that tropical cyclones are increasingly common in the Arabian Sea (part of the Indian Ocean) as a result of this pollution.In 2010, a monstrous plastic and chemical sludge patch was found floating in the Indian Ocean and is now categorized as the third largest of its kind in the world.
Mediterranean Sea
Many of us may be found sunbathing on the beaches of the Mediterranean Sea during the summer months, but did you know the Mediterranean is one of the most polluted oceans in the world?According to The United Nations Environment Program, there is 650 million tons of sewage and a combined 230,000 tons of mineral oil, mercury, lead and phosphates dumped into the Mediterranean Sea each year.
Baltic Sea
Overfishing and pollution mean species living in the Baltic Sea are at extreme risk. Along with oil spills, these threats have resulted in more than half of all fish species here being categorized as at a critical level. As a result the Finish government has rationed some types to avoid extinction.
Caribbean Sea
Another part of the world known for its beautiful sandy beaches, the Caribbean in the north of the Atlantic Ocean is recognized as one of the world’s worst affected areas by human activity. Waste and chemical pollution, oil spills, over-fishing and climate change all mean that marine life here is slowly dying off.
Cleaning the Seas One Bottle at a Time
From floating plastic bottle islands to chemical-induced hypoxic waters, all of this damage is man-made. So, it is our responsibility to rectify it and put things back the way they were.
One simple way you can help save our seas is to recycle more, because the less waste there is, the less likely it is to be dumped. That’s why using different types of reusable bags is a simple-yet-effective way of protecting the oceans as it means fewer plastics ending up in the seas. And if you will be using chemicals on your garden or agricultural land, make sure to use non-toxic alternatives. If you’d like to be even more hands on and you’re unhappy with the state of your local beach, why not sign up to become a litter picker along the shoreline this summer? Want more tips for cleaning up your 7 everyday habits that are killing the environment?
If everyone made a small effort today, the cleanliness of our seas could benefit hugely.
A Note from Sweet Greens: This post wasn’t written by me – thank you for supporting the companies that support Sweet Greens.
If you’re like me, part of kicking off a new week involves sitting down and planning out meals for the week ahead. Not only does it make it easier for me to get all my grocery shopping done in one trip, but it allows me to feel less stressed during the day knowing that I already have everything I need to whip up a quick and tasty meal for the family. It takes a little while to get into the habit, but once you’ve got it down, you’ll wonder why you weren’t already planning your meals in advance!
That doesn’t mean it isn’t sometimes still challenging to get enough variety into your diet, though. Many of us can slip into a groove where cooking the same foods week after week is both effortless and comforting, so we never try new things. I know this is what kept me from adding fish into our weekly plan for a long time! However, there are some pretty excellent reasons to consider making the change. Once you think about the benefits, it’s practically a no-brainer! But what exactly makes fish a good fit for your next week’s meals? Here’s what sold me on the idea.
Eating fish in moderation comes with measurable health benefits. It’s no secret that fish is chock full of omega-3 fatty acids, which doctors say keeps your heart healthy, but those acids also play a significant role in a young child’s brain development. If you’d prefer not to take fish oil supplements, adding fish into your weekly diet provides a simple, easy way to get those vital nutrients.
There are now sustainable seafood sources of seafood on the internet. What is the difference between sustainable and wild caught? According to the National Resources Defense Council, “The health of different species varies by fishery. Alaskan seafood such as salmon and halibut, when caught in sustainable ways, is generally good for you and the environment. Use the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch guide to learn which fisheries provide the most sustainable seafood choices.”
These sustainable sources can come right to your door with little difference over fresh fish.Rapid shipping and refrigeration technology combine to get fresh seafood delivered to your door. How amazing is that? You can even buy Alaskan seafood, including wild Alaskan salmon — a prime source of omega-3s. Just one serving delivers the equivalent of three days of fish oil capsules! Wild salmon is even better for you than farm-raised, so having a convenient way to obtain it is just incredible.
Fish like salmon are extremely easy to prepare in simple, healthy ways. Maybe you’ve been hesitant to put fish into your plan because you aren’t sure how to cook it. Don’t worry! Salmon especially, is easy to prepare. Even on my busiest days, it’s not hard to throw some fresh salmon into a tinfoil pouch with herbs, olive oil, and lemon. The foil pouch even acts as a serving tray – just throw it away after dinner! Who doesn’t love skipping the hassle of doing the dishes?
With all of that in mind, the choice to keep fish on the menu each week for my family was a simple one. Plus, when it’s just so easy to get fresh scallops, crab, fish, and even lobster delivered fresh, it’s hard to resist all the tempting dinner possibilities!
Next time you sit down to plan your weekly meals, give fish a second chance. Experiment with seafood more often and you might discover a brand new family favorite! Don’t forget to download my free meal plan sheet to make the process even easier. Use it to plan your next trip to the supermarket for all kinds of tasty side dishes to accompany fish!
I love seeing more of the world; traveling and experiencing life in different places has always been important to me. Travel can mean so much, by expanding our perceptions, promoting intercultural experiences, and helping us learn about and appreciate the planet we all share. Unfortunately, if you aren’t conscious about how you travel, it can also be a huge contributor to a larger carbon footprint, among other not-so-green issues.
Almost 100 million Americans travel each holiday season, and it’s no surprise that it doesn’t always bring good cheer — from high prices to bad weather and crowded airports. On top of this, booking holiday trips with travel rewards cards can be difficult due to inflexible flight times, low availability, or hard-to-get seats. Considering all this, is it possible to add concerns about “traveling green” to the already existing stresses of seasonal travel and still keep things simple? Luckily, I would say yes! It is not only possible, but reasonably simple to keep our environment in mind while traveling. Also, green travel practices can even save you some “green”, especially if you make wise use of travel reward programs.
Of course, traveling with a family also means that these days I want to simplify my travel planning, in order to get the most out of it without undue hassle. So I’ve put together some guidelines on how we minimize the environmental impact of our travel. Hopefully this will inspire you to take a closer look at how your own travel plans could be greener, whether you want to hit the beach or the slopes this winter!
Before You Travel: Planning and Packing Being an eco-friendly traveler starts with planning. Do your research online, and don’t print everything out or get stacks of paper brochures from a travel agent. Book online: whether you’re going back home, traveling to a new and interesting place, or simply escaping the winter weather, Venture Card from Capital One can help simplify your travel this holiday season and beyond. Keep any boarding passes or tickets on your mobile device instead of printing them off, where possible. I’ve personally found Capital One to be helpful when trying to keep my travel plans simple and straightforward to manage.
Pack as light as possible. The more weight trains, planes, and automobiles have to carry, the more fuel they use. Bring a reusable water bottle and shopping bag to cut down on single-use items during travel. If you got new toothpaste, adaptors, or other travel items before the trip recycle the packaging before leaving home — you’ll save suitcase space and not have to worry about finding somewhere to recycle while on the road.
Definitely take steps to minimize your home’s footprint while you’re on vacation. Turn off and unplug lights and other electronics to prevent them from “leaching” power even when they’re not in use. Turn down the thermostat and water heater, if you have one. You won’t be using them!
Keeping Your Stay Green Choose an eco-friendly hotel where possible. Do your research and check accrediting bodies for green hotels. You can get a sense of whether a company makes environmental ethics a priority by visiting their website. Or try calling them and asking a few questions, such as the following: Is the hotel locally owned and operated, and/or staffed by local employees? What kind of recycling programs are in place? How does the hotel work to reduce its energy consumption? Do they have a towel and sheet re-use initiative in place?
No matter where you’re staying, follow some basic guidelines to minimize energy use. When you shower, keep it short. Don’t run the water while brushing your teeth. Turn off all electronics as well as and heat or air-conditioning whenever you leave for the day. If you’re staying for multiple nights, make sure to keep sheets & towels instead of having them washed each day — if the hotel itself doesn’t have a policy on this, leave a note for the housekeeping staff. Even better, stay with family or friends when possible. A few more people in the house won’t change its energy usage too much, and you’ll have the benefit of a kitchen to prepare healthy meals in.
Use public transportation, bike rentals, and walk when you’re checking out the locale. While enjoying yourself, be sure to purchase food and other products from local vendors and use your reusable bag! Eating green while traveling isn’t that different from doing so at home. Try to include local and organic ingredients in every dish on the family table when cooking, and check out restaurants which follow sustainable practices.
I’ve found that these ways of staying true to my green lifestyle while traveling with the family actually make it more enjoyable and relaxing than having to change everything about our routine for a weekend or week. Finally, if you plan to travel a lot, consider a rewards card to get the most bang for your buck and stay on budget. The Venture Card is a travel rewards credit card offering double miles on every purchase – anywhere, anytime, and without the restrictions commonly found in rewards programs:
Cardholders decide when, where and how they want to use their miles. They’re redeemable on any travel-related expense – from flights to hotel stays, cruises and Uber rides.
Venture Card enables consumers to travel their way, without being tied to a single airline and without the hassle of advance booking and inconvenient flight times.
If you want to learn more about how Wild Selections is helping to save our oceans with sustainable fishing, you can check out this infographic. Or you could visit their YouTube Channel to learn more about their partnership with the World Wildlife Fund and Marine Stewardship Council.
