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Recycling 101: Are You Doing it Right?

January 16, 2013 3

Does your local area offer a recycling program? If so, you may be lucky enough that all you have to do is throw your recyclables in the recycling bin, then tote them to the curb on pick up day. However, did you know that in order for your recyclables to actually get recycled you need to follow a few simple tips? It’s true – first things first, you want to find out what items your local public works or recycling center can recycle, then follow these simple steps. 

1. Cleanliness Is Important
Cans, containers, bottles, and packaging caked in food and liquid aren’t going to make the cut. It makes it difficult to recycle if the bottles aren’t rinsed out. Also, please don’t tote your paper recyclables out to the curb while it is raining – wet paper and cardboard aren’t going to make the cut either.

2. Use The Right Bin
Depending on where you live and what type of recycling services are offered, you may or may not have several different colored bins for your recyclables. If you do have separate bins, please pay close attention to which recyclables go into which bin. Many bins will list on the side what items can be recycled in that particular bin. If not, please contact your recycling center and ask them which items you should be placing in each bin and stick to it!

3. Know What Is Recyclable? 
Just because your local recycling center recycles plastic – it doesn’t necessarily mean that they recycle all types of plastic. Check with your recycling center to find out which ones are suitable for recycling and then check the bottom of the item to find it’s recycling number. For example; our local Public Works Department does not recycle plastic milk and juice bottle caps. And many recycling centers do not recycle Styrofoam – it’s a good idea to find out what items your recycling center doesn’t recycle and then steer clear of those packaging options when doing your shopping.

4. Will They Pick Up Electronics, Household Items And Garden Debris? 
Not usually – again you will want to check with your local recycling center to find out what items they are able to recycle. A great resource for finding recycling centers for almost everything is Earth911.org – you can search by item and find a location in your area that can recycle it. However, if the item is in good working condition, please consider donating it – someone else most likely would love to have it! If you have a composter or your local community garden does – consider taking your garden debris there.

5. What About Hazardous Materials? 
These items usually need to be disposed of separately – again check with Earth911.org for local recycling centers. Hazardous materials include; batteries, motor oil, car batteries, pesticides, chemicals, paints etc; Also, many local grocery stores such as Whole Foods has recycling bins for batteries, plastic bags, and more.

Are you recycling properly? Or, are you guilty of throwing the milk jug and cap in the recycling bin?

photo via epSos.de

How to Make a Healthier Verison of Panera’s Broccoli Cheese Soup

January 14, 2013 2

We were excited to receive a large quantity of broccoli in our CSA box last week. However, after having broccoli as a side dish for a couple of nights, we were looking for other options. I asked the mister to find a healthier version of my favorite broccoli cheese soup – you know the one from Panera. Guess what? He came up with one that turned out super yummy (just ask Eben – he ate most of it!) Read on the full directions.

What you will need:

  • 1 tablespoon melted Earth Balance (vegan butter) or organic butter
  • 1/2 pound organic fresh broccoli (chopped)
  • 1/2 organic onion (chopped)
  • 2 cups vegetable stock
  • 2 cups organic fat-free half-and-half or 2% milk
  • 1 cup organic carrot (sliced, halved)
  • 1/4 cup melted Earth Balance (vegan butter) or organic butter
  • 1/4 cup organic whole-wheat flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon organic nutmeg
  • 8 ounces organic sharp cheddar cheese 
  • salt and pepper

Directions:

1. Saute the 1/2 organic onion in the 1 tablespoon of melted Earth Balance.
2. Over medium heat whisk the 1/4 cup melted Earth Balance with the whole-wheat flour for 3 minutes. 
3. While stirring add, the organic fat-free half-and-half or 2% organic milk.
4. Add the vegetable stock and let it simmer for about 15 minutes.
5. Add the organic broccoli, onion/butter mixture, and carrots. Then, cook over low-heat for about 20 minutes.
6. Add the organic cheese, and if you would like use a hand blender to blend to your preferred consistency. Stir in the salt, pepper and nutmeg.

Enjoy!

Sweet Greens Featured In Green Child Magazine

January 14, 2013 7

Hello, Friends. I am excited to share that my DIY tutorial for Polaroid Coasters was featured in the Winter 2013 edition of Green Child Magazine! (It’s on page 72-73). Yay!

If you aren’t familiar with Green Child Magazine, they are an eco-friendly magazine dedicated to raising a child the way nature intended and is full of great tips, diy’s, and articles, you can subscribe here.

Have a Lovely Green Weekend + A Few Green Things

January 11, 2013 3

Hello, Friends! How was your week? Were you able to get back into the swing of things? Do you have fun plans for the weekend? I am looking forward to a relaxing weekend at the beach – it is the only thing that I absolutely want to do! 

While I pack my beach bag, here are a few green things for you to enjoy this weekend:

– Long Island Cheese Pumpkin Dumplings – yum! 
– The world’s first vertical forest is nearly complete – I would love to visit. 
– These recycled puzzles are really cool and would make a great gift. 
– Chocolate Studded Oatmeal Bars sound delicious.
– Eben isn’t crazy about broccoli – however, I bet he would love these broccoli popper bites.
– I am starting to fill up my Green Valentine Pinterest Board!
– I could spend an afternoon making felt Penguins!
– Am I the only one who has a huge crush on Quails?
– Wow! I want a tomato and goat cheese sandwich!

I hope you have a great weekend full of fun and hopefully a little sunshine. I will see you back here on Monday!

xo,
Sweet Greens

photo credit

Farm To Table: 3 Ways To Prepare A Farmer’s Market Seasonal Salad

January 11, 2013 0

My family visits our local farmer’s market every other week. Partially because it is a great way to have fun while supporting our local farmers, but it is also because we pick up our bi-weekly CSA share there. When you shop at the farmer’s market or you are a member of a CSA, being creative is essential when it comes to deciding how to use all of the vegetables that you will find. For example, right now in Florida our farmer’s market is full of mixed greens, squash, peppers, winter fruits, strawberries, and root vegetables.

Since we are a busy family, finding time and creative ways to use all of those vegetables before they expire is very important to us. We have found the quickest way to use a lot of vegetables at once, regardless of the vegetables that we receive each week is by having a salad with our dinner every evening. The key is get creative with the fruit and vegetable combinations within each salad. If you aren’t creative, then the chance of your family actually enjoying the salads isn’t high. The idea is to use whatever fruits and vegetables are in season in your area. Jump over to Cascadian Farm to check out my favorite 3 seasonal salads that my family is enjoying; all of these salads use only the items that we get in our CSA box.

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