Video

If you get a chance, head on over to YouTube to view the class video (V1), and let me know what you think.  I'm very glad I was eventually able to export the final product.  Feel free to send your friends and family over to watch it as well.

Have a great Summer!!

Shirts are HERE!!!

If you ordered a shirt please contact me and we will figure out a time to exchange a nice, shiny, and new t-shirt for $16.  If you have friends that would like one they will cost $20.  They look really nice.  If you didn't order a shirt, no worries we have a variety of sizes left over.  As a reference, Heather and I are wearing mediums and Nick has on a large in the photo below.

 

Class is Over

Class is over and this semester has been good, a little frustrating at times but good. I learned how to ride a bike somewhat and will continue learning. I will continue walking on the trails I enjoy the serenity of them. I met a lot of good people and hope to see them around. This class was interesting.

Help me win Tia a bike

Hey there,

Does anyone still read this?

I have entered a contest with Mock Orange Bikes to win a bike.  I was thinking... I don't need a bike... who needs a bike?  Then I remembered Tia's story about her broken bike that the cave/camel crickets have claimed and how much she has really embraced biking outside.  I would love to give everyone a new bike, but I will need time to track down more contests :)  Its a really nice bike...

Ok, how can you help?  Go to the Mock Orange Bikes fan page on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Mock-Orange-Bikes/112966143303

Find this photo and "like" it.   Then tell your friends to like it and have their friends like it.  Voting is open until May 27th.  That is all!!

350--What's That?

In the summer of 2007, Arctic ice began to melt far more rapidly that scientists had expected. This is when the thawing of glaciers and the spread of droughts showed global warming was a present crisis, not a future threat. This is when George W. Bush, Jr., announced global climate change was indeed a national threat. Most importantly, this is when our leading climatologists gave up a number for the red line: 350—The number of parts per million CO2 in the atmosphere. Guess what? We’ve already passed it!

At a recent talk at Wake Forest’s Center for Sustainability, author Bill McKibben discussed the inspiring global movement that he’s led to help change the world’s understanding of its’ imminent danger. He’s even spurred the reforms necessary to get the planet back to safe CO2 levels.

According to him, above 350 parts per million carbon dioxide, the atmosphere heats too much for us to have a planet “similar to the one on which civilization developed and to which life on earth is adapted.” Well….Guess where we are today? 390 parts per million…and rising two parts per million per year. Tragic, huh? At 450 ppm, climatologists claim its atmospheric suicide. In the past when carbon levels rose to that height, sea levels rose 120 feet. Digest that…if you can still breathe.

He discussed one action that fascinated me. Around the dwindling Dead Sea, Israeli activists formed a huge human 2 on their shore, and the Palestinians a 5 on their beach, while in Jordan, a huge 0 was formed, proving that, even in places with deep division, people understand that the crisis that faces us now calls for one thing: UNITY.

He pointed out that rapidly getting the world off fossil duel is the most difficult task we’ve ever undertaken as a planet. Global movements are rare things—to work across linguistic boundaries, and the enormous divide between rich and poor, is extremely difficult.

His last comment—NO ONE (especially the United States Congress) has even begun to talk about spending the kind of money the developing world needs to adapt to the changes already coming at us…even in the Copenhagen treaty.

Graduation Robes--A New National Movement towards being Green!

My boyfriend recently graduated from Wake Forest University...and when he walked across the stage, we wore a graduation gown made COMPLETELY from recycled plastic bottles. Pretty Cool, huh? I thought so!

Then, come to find out, Salem College's Class of 2012 has also adopted this new intuitive and will be purchasing these gowns for the next graduating class! How exciting!

This new line of graduation wear, named "GreenWeaver" is made of fabric spun from molten plastic pellets. The result is a fabric so comfortably soft you have to feel it to believe it! It takes an average of 23 bottles to make each gown.

Today, here are the statistics:

5% of today's colleges and universities support GreenWeaver

310,000 graduates have worn, or plan to wear, GreenWeaver gowns this year as they graduate

7,130,000 bottles have been removed from the landfill to make these gowns

How's that for reducing our ecological footprint?!?

Check it out here!

$76 BILLION...a year

For what, you ask? Treating children in the United States who have lead poisoning. That's a larger number than autism and cancer...COMBINED.

Lead poisoning has been directly linked to environmental toxins and pollutants in our air, food, water, soil and homes.

A study that was published in the May issue of Health Affairs found childhood healthcare costs to be:

-- Lead poisoning, $50.9 billion.

-- Autism, $7.9 billion.

-- Intellectual disability, $5.4 billion.

-- Exposure to mercury, $5.1 billion.

-- Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, $5 billion.

-- Asthma, $2.2 billion.

-- Childhood cancer, $95 million.

Left unchecked, these preventable environmental factors will continue to harm the health of our children and push up healthcare costs. By updating environmental regulations and laws aimed at protecting the public's health, we can reduce the toll taken by such factors on children's health and the economy.

Bike To Work Week

As mentioned by Louise and Sarah, this is National Bike to Work Week. Monday I did just that. It was great, I could not wait until work was over so that I could ride home. It only took an extra 10 minutes and it was so enjoyable. I plan to bike commute more often, whenever my schedule allows. I found a route that allowed me to utilize sidewalks and side streets and never left me fearing for my life on the main roads. I was able to ride through some pretty nice neighborhoods and it felt like I was in a park for most of my ride. There was one hill that you can not get around as you ride into downtown; otherwise, I made excellent time. I hope to ride my bike to the Cobblestone Farmer's Market this morning, and I hope to see you there!

Boston implements new bike-sharing system!

BOSTON SHARES BIKES!

Boston implemented a new bike-sharing system in late April. It allows Boston-ers to rent bikes at just over 60 stations through the city. The new program is called New Balance Hubway. They have hopes of expanding the program to 5,000 bikes!

Renters will use swipe cards to use Hubway bicycles with costs of $5 per day, and free trips that are 30 minutes or shorter. There will be $85 annual memberships. Users will rent bikes from one station and return them at another across the city, with about 10 bikes available at each station.

“Over the past four years, we have taken great strides toward making Boston a city that welcomes and encourages bicycling but this innovative bike share system may be the most significant step yet,” said Boston Mayor Thomas Menino. “We have worked tirelessly to build the infrastructure necessary to support such a system and we are confident that there is no better time to make Hubway a reality. We have had the goal of going from worst to first, and with Hubway we’re nearly there."

So how can we go green in college? I have the answer...

In College, it's hard to go green...SO WE THINK.

As college students, we are just as capable of making a difference. Certain “green” habits are so easy and effortless, they can be worked into your everyday routine too!

1. Be aware of the energy we use at home. Use windows and ceiling fans for air, as opposed to air conditioners. Turn off lights when you leave the room, and use high efficency bulbs. I know they may be more expense, but in the long run, you'll save on those power bills we'll soon have to start paying.

2. Avoid packaging...in the grocery store that is. It's a waste of money and mother Earth.

3. Use reusable shopping bags. Not only are the cute, but they're helpful to our environment! They are also much stronger than plastic or paper bags, and can carry more too! One reusable shopping bag can hold the same amount as up to four plastic bags!! WOW! (Just digest that...)

4. RECYCLE, RECYCLE, RECYCLE...EVERYTHING! Starting a recycling bin for you and your roommate(s) is easier than you might think! There are so many different materials that can be recycled that we often don’t even think about.

5. Buy reusable water bottles. Bottom line: In the end, it's worth the extra money you'll save in the long run. Promise! Plus, you can decorate that Nalgene bottle with stickers too!

JUST THINK, THEN RECYCLE.

EVEN IN COLLEGE, WE CAN HELP OUR ENVIRONMENT TOO!

Final Blog of the semester

I have had an amazing time this semester getting to know everyone and being involved in a wonderfully informative class that I will be talking away so much knowledge from. Being a Interior Design major, taking Environmental Biology will most definitely be important to me when I become LEED certified and will give me the ability to help my clients pick out the best environmentally sound way to finish there renovation or design.
The final project, I would have to say, was my favorite part of the semester..aside from all the great biking excursions ;)
Creating the 'I Heart BIKE' design will hopefully generate curiosity and awareness, and be used for fundraisers and other community projects to come is a really great feeling!
Thanks everyone for helping in the whole process, and a special thanks to Kristen for sticking it out with me!!
Hope to see you girls in the future!!
Heather

Mulberries on the Greenway

I don't usually share mulberry tree locations with just anyone, since I want them all for myself.  I usually get funny looks as I'm climbing around the trees shoving fruit into my mouth. 

Not many people know that there is a lot of edible food right along sidewalks and city streets.  My two favorites that I have found in Winston Salem are these trees that you can make tea out of their flowers (after you dry them), and mulberries.  Yesterday while on the Salem Creek Greenway I found the mother-load of all mulberries.  No fewer than 20 trees, both black and white (I prefer black).  There is a broken limb over the green bridge on the way to the greenway and it is filled with ripe fruit.  So you are asking what the heck is a mulberry, well it looks kind of like a blackberry but is smaller and grows in a tree.  They are not usually as sweet, but they are really good.  I've made mulberry jam and pie before, when I was lucky enough to have a tree in my backyard.  Here is an upclose look at them if you are feeling adventurous.

Remember this week is National Bike to Work week! Bike On!

Guess What?! May is Bike Month!

Hello everyone!

A recent Media Article that I read on http://vienna.patch.com/articles/bike-to-work-week-begins

Explained that May is Bike Month. It was really cool to ready this article because I also recently heard a couple having a conversation at breakfast about how they planned on biking to work.

The article explains that ," May 16 marks the start of Bike to Work Week, a celebration that will culminate in Bike to Work Day on May 20th."

I also really liked how the author explained the benefits of biking to work, "Aside from the mental and physical health benefits, cycling to work can save you money. I’m guessing you've probably noticed that gas prices are climbing. Do the math and think about how many gallons and dollars you can

save by riding to work, even a few times a month. Now also think about how often you find yourself stuck in one of our many traffic jams where you sit and fume about not getting anywhere. On a bike, you rarely have to contend with such snarls, since you can generally navigate your way around them more easily than in a car.

Finally, not to preach, but we could all stand to tread a little more lightly on the planet, and use a smaller share of the Earth’s resources. Bikes don’t really pollute, and their carbon footprint is pretty darned small."

Last Week...I'm writing a little late.

Hey! So it's been a crazy, hectic 2 weeks in my life. But last week, I swam 4 times! It was great. It felt amazing--As a former competitive swimmer, being back in the water consistently is a nice way to relieve stress. I also ran twice.

ALSO....

I have really enjoyed the project in the class! It has been so much fun working with everyone, and I thoroughly enjoyed the "market" research we did with MyPlate. I thought the program was great, but had lots of potential for improvement. Working with Matt was very informative. I enjoyed this aspect of the class much more than I had originally thought.

Two Media Articles

Here is the link to the story I shared about blocking out the sun. Sorry it took me a while to post this one: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/04/04/geoengineering-sun-blocking_n_844324.html
And here's the one on the eco-city planned for Tinanjin, China: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/01/13/tianjin-eco-city_n_806972.html

28 day Veg Boot Camp

Hi All,

I read an article on vegetariantimes.com about a new 28 day healthy eating challenge.  I thought this fit very nicely into the topics we have discussed in class.  Remember back when we went over ecological footprints?  If you recall eating meat free can reduce your carbon footprint!

So why not reduce both your ecological footprint and your waistline?  Are you feeling adventurous?  With the end of the semester, you will be freed from limiting dining hall options, so this challenge may actually be realistic.  Give it a try and let us all know how it goes!  Link here

Sustainable Living

Hey everyone!

Sorry that I couldn't be in class on Wednesday. I heard that Desiree' gave a great guest lecture:)

My article for the week was on Sustainable Living. The link to the article is here: http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/wel

lness/sustainable-living-gurus-guide-to-

life/2011/03/23/AFR8iQqC_story.html

The article mainly talked about a man named Jeffery Hollender. He is one of the co-founders of Seventh Generation which is one of the earliest brands of environmentally friendly and socially responsible household products.

Hollender just wrote a new book called Planet Home, where he addresses many aspects of sustainable living. The book "details everything from eco-friendly condoms to fair-trade coffee while also serving as a call to arms to adapt a higher consciousness about sustainable living. His message is this: “What you do at home can impact the world around you, and the world around you can impact what you do at home.”

I thought it was really interesting how a person would create a wholeistic approach of sustainable living. I like the idea that it is a life style and not just something you do.

In an interview with the Washington Post, Hollender even touched on the issue that we have discussed in class.

If someone can do only one green thing in their home, what should it be?

Buy less stuff! It is more important to buy less stuff than to buy green stuff. We as a society consume way too much, and the planet simply can’t bear the impacts. Try this: Go for 30 days and, other than food, toothpaste and gasoline, don’t buy anything new. You’ll see how addicting consumption is. Buying less stuff is something that everyone can participate in, whether you’re 8 or 80.

This answer was also interesting to me.

What have you discovered about cleaning products that would surprise people?

The dangerous effects of the chemicals in these products that we don’t think about, like chlorine, can be shocking. When you mix a chlorine-based cleaner with an ammonia-based cleaner, it produces a gas that will quickly send you to the hospital and possibly kill you. Products are way overpowered for the job they have to do, but we want immediate results so we pull out the heavy guns and don’t pay attention to the collateral damage. It’s like having a bazooka to kill a fly!

See you in class,

Sarah

Food for Thought...

Upcycling Everywhere

My media article this week is taken from the Tehran Times. The writer shares several ideas on reusing grocery packaging. I learned so much from this article. For example, I had never thought of sticking glass bottles in my garden to collect heat and warm my plants. What a great idea! I hope everyone finds some useful tips here.

http://www.tehrantimes.com/index_View.asp?code=240000

Gas Extraction Standard Revised

My article this week was about the revised gas extraction standards proposed this week. The article states that Obama increased production of gas as a long term energy strategy but hopes not to have a safety and regulation breakdown. A panel was assembled to assess how to make the gas cleaner and safer, safety and environmental policies were put in place. Obama then outlined the strategy and new rules to make the bussiness safer as well. The practice would be done by hydraulic fracturing which is the infusion of high pressured fluid into a formation of underground gas pockets. Even though this could be safer it does have dangers such as the possible chemicals involved which would damage and pollute the water supply and soil, the article says things are being implemented to reduce this danger. The articlesays the republicans are against this because hydaulic fraturing would be wasteful because the EPA already regulates it. Neverthe less plans are going forward because of the benefit like generating new jobs and potential environmental benefits of the natural gas.

Fishery

I read an article recently about elderly animals and fisheries, I found it interesting because the author started the article by talking about his grandmother and how she loved groundfish and fisheries, he also states she can't remember any of this. Anyways he continues by talking about his experience with a marine biologist and fisheries that target certain fish such as orange roughy and Patagonian toothfish. He then states that there is irreplaceable fuel is burned to catch fish like the ones just stated which he says are irreplaceable because of course the fuel is made of irreplaceable fossil fuel. He ends the article by referring to Anne Innis Dagg book The Social Behavior of Older Animals and how not to neglect the animals exactly the elderly ones and to take care of the species fish and all.

15 of the world's most bike-friendly cities

 

CNN article 

Global Warming

I read an interesting article this week on global warming. It talked how global warming is a major factor in food price increases. Examples are wheat prices in Russia and China and places like France and India. The article also says how corn went down it talks about how temperatures have risen in Europe and how the plants are affected. I liked the article and how it really says how global warming can effect the world.

Hiking

I've fallen off the wagon as they say. I've been too busy to walk, much less hike and now the weather has returned to cooler temperatures. I mean like 30s!!! In the spring, I am having flashbacks of the past winter. Last week though, the weather was gorgeous and I did get to go hiking. Last week's total was a mere 15 miles.

To Drill or Not To Drill

Considering the energy debates occurring right now over gas and oil prices I thought these articles were particularly appropriate. The debate will continue, I think, over not if companies should drill, but how much. In our time though, there is now the debate about the environmental impact that these types of activities may have. Is it worth the trade off? How much of an impact does the new technology have versus the old? Is there really a difference?

http://articles.nydailynews.com/2011-04-13/news/29434345_1_gas-field-marcellus-shale-shale-gas-wells

http://geology.com/articles/marcellus-shale.shtml

Sustainable Design Resources

I found my article on Science Daily. It is the Catalogue of Sustainable Design Resources Developed. The article discusses how Jakki Dehn has been researching sustainable design for 17 years and is launching Rematerialise. Rematerialise is a catalogue of eco-friendly materials for use in the construction industry. Some of the things that are in the catalogue are insulation made from mushrooms, kitchen tops created from recycled glass, scaffolding board made from recycled polymers and many other things. The research was don at Kingston University in London. The materials that they discussed in the article are very good quality. So not only are they doing good by using recycled materials but they are making them into more useful items that will last a long time.

Threats to the Rich Biodiversity of Madagascar

http://www.wildmadagascar.org/conservation/threats.html

One night, I was watching the new Green Network on DirectTv, and they were doing a National Geographic type documentary on the treasures of Madagascar. To use the word treasure to describe the vast and diverse landscape as well as the rare, unique and beautiful variety of animal species is an understatement. Because of its geographical location, there has not been many new species introduced into the area, so the cameras were able to show the viewer the wonders of evolution when left alone to do what its supposed to do. When looking for a media article this week, I typed in Madagascar because I was so intrigued by what I learned from the tv program. I was disappointed, but not shocked to find that this place, like so many others have fallen victim to the many factors that rob of us natures beauty such as hunting, and deforestation. If any of you have the Green Network, I encourage you to tune in sometimes. They have wonderful documentaries about some of the same environmental issues we've discussed in class

Tia's Savory Sautee'd Spinach

Total Prep time, about 15 to 20 minutes

1lb of fresh leaf spinach or

2 bags of pre washed and cut spinach ( Whole Foods carries a reasonably priced organic brand)

2 tbs Olive Oil ( dark or light, depending on your taste)

1/2 small onion cut into slivers or for stronger flavor, 1 Tbs chopped dried onion

1/2 lemon ( optional)

salt to taste

If you choose not to use pre-bagged spinach, take care to wash your bunch thoroughly, sometimes soaking in salt water can get your spinach and other fresh greens a little cleaner. Preheat your largest skillet on medium heat with the olive oil. Carefully place all the spinach in the skillet. Its going to look like too much, but spinach cooks down very well, so don't be alarmed if it piles up. Reduce heat to low as spinach cooks down. Once the spinach as cooked down enough for you to move it around in the pan, you may add about 1/4 cup of water and salt( depending on your taste). Do not worry about adding more water because spinach contains lots of its own water, and as the leaves reduce you will see more of this liquid. After adding water, add onion, and heat till lightly simmering, stirring occasionally. Allow spinach to simmer for about 10 minutes. Serve beside any of your favorite main dish! I like mine with pan seared salmon. To add a tangy touch, squeeze a little lemon juice, and prepare yourself for a yummy, healthy dish!

Excercising and My Plate

For some reason, I have a mind blockage that, while entering my food intake on "My Plate", relieves you of the exercise aspect of the project. If I do not go over my calorie intake, I feel like I do not have to exercise. Mind boggling, isn't it? LOL! I have managed to walk a little this week, but not to the extent that I like to. I made a conscious effort to park away from the buildings and I also walked up and down the stairs in Main Hall, a couple of times, Monday night. (I was there a little early for class). As for the biking aspect, I have the best time biking. My last adventure was with you all at Salem Creek. I always laugh a lot when I ride. My husband and I have discussed purchasing a couple of used bikes to ride around in the neighborhood. I suppose my concern is my ability to continue biking after this class is over. I do not want to ride for a couple of months and then slowly get out of the habit. That would be a waste of money (that I do not have). In any event, I have a good time biking, laugh a lot, enjoy the outdoors and feel better about myself after the ride. Just like anything else we try to achieve, it takes effort and willingness to succeed. Bike On!

Pesticides

Hello everyone!

I have been doing a little research on why exactly we should buy organic vs. veggies and fruit in the stores. For obvious reasons, it is better for the environment, helps the local economy and they are healthier for you. I stumbled across an article that actually listed the 12 top vegetables and fruits that were tested for pesticides and pesticides were actually found. This information was compiled, worldwide, by the US Department of Agriculture, Consumer Reports and the Environmental Working Group. The following fruits and veggies SHOULD NOT be purchased anywhere but organically. The high percentage of pesticides were found after these items were thoroughly washed.

1. Nectarines - 97%


2. Celery - 94.5 %


3. Pears - 94.4%


4. Peaches - 93.7 %


5. Apples - 91%


6. Cherries - 91%


7. Strawberries - 90%


8. Imported Grapes - 86%


9. Spinach - 83.4%


10. Potatoes - 79.3%


11. Bell Peppers - 68%


12. Red Raspberries - 59%

The next list of fruits and veggies have none to very low contamination of pesticides. If you will notice, most of these items have very thick skins. However; if and when you can (I know organic is expensive and not always available) buy organic.

1. Asparagus


2. Avocados


3. Bananas


4. Broccoli


5. Cauliflower


6. Corn


7. Kiwi


8. Mangoes


9. Onions


10. Papaya


11. Pineapples


12. Sweet Peas

I hope this information will help you. I know it will me. It is certainly an eye opener. This article was found on About.com. My next mission is to find research on what the long term effects, of a little bit of pesticide, induced everyday, would have on the body. Especially children starting at an very young age into adulthood? Scary!

LEED Productivity Benefits

Although I was unable to make it to class on Monday, I see that the discussion was mainly on LEED certified building and materials. This is something, as an interior designer, I would love to become certified in after I graduate. The benefits of being able to provide clients with proper environmentally friendly and LEED certified homes or businesses, is very important to me. My article was one where researchers focused on the approximately 250 employees of two different companies that were in the process of relocating from older, conventional offices to new, LEED-certified offices. Employees answered questions about their perceived productivity, absenteeism, health, and overall well-being, one pre-move and one post-move. The results indicated substantial improvements in all areas surveyed and that the company gained basically an extra week of productivity from each employee by changing the environment to a greener one. This study is an great start in establishing a link between a green workspace and increased productivity.

Heather

Green Interior Design

Last JanTerm I took an entire class about green design. With my classmates I learned all about what it takes for a building to earn LEED certification and all the different ways people could plan ahead to reduce their impact on the environment. That is why I was so interested to read this article in the Times Herald about all the strides being made towards making home furnishings more environmentally friendly. The article talks about how many carpet scraps are simply discarded in landfills. To combat this issue, there are new floor coverings made of corn-based polymers that use 30% less energy to produce and release 60% fewer emissions during their production. It also mentions paints with few or no VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), which damage the atmosphere and can cause health problems for people exposed to them for long periods of time. Finally, the article looks at lighting. It mentions the fact that beginning on January 1, 2012 light bulbs will have to use 25% less energy. This means that traditional light bulbs will not meet the mark and will have to be replaced by compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and light emitting diodes (LEDs), which are both 75% more efficient. This law will help to increase efficiency and sustainability but will mean that light bulbs will be more expensive and must be recycled, both things that might be seen as inconvenient to consumers. Overall, these improvements in interior design show that America is headed in the right direction concerning the way that we build and furnish our homes.

Unfortunately this week was too hectic for me to get in any dedicated exercise time. Hopefully things will calm down a bit over the next few weeks and I can resume my walks and bike rides.

A Better Way to Eat Sweet Potatoes

For most of my life the only time I ate sweet potatoes was at Thanksgiving when they were covered in butter and brown sugar, which is not really the way most vegetables (or foods in general) should be eaten! But then I came to Winston-Salem and started to notice sweet potatoes in the Refectory and on menus in almost every restaurant I visited. One day I tried sweet potato fries and I don’t think I have missed the butter and brown sugar version a bit. I prefer my sweet potato fries baked even though they don’t get as crispy. I think they are so good, especially because they are super easy to make. As an added bonus, sweet potatoes are almost always available locally and cheaply in the supermarket and they are great at any time of the year. I don’t follow a specific recipe to make sweet potato fries, I just cut fresh sweet potatoes into strips, season them with salt and a drizzle of olive oil and put them in the oven for about thirty minutes at 425 degrees. They come out perfectly and taste great!

This week I went for part of a bike ride with the class and also went for a walk with my younger sister over the weekend.

Don't LEED Us Astray

Today in class we talked about LEED certification. I found a media article that discussed how wonderful the program is, but explains that a building’s LEED rating is more like a snapshot taken at its opening, not a promise of performance. The article address the need for an frequent renewal process to ensure that the building is remaining energy efficient. It is a great extension about what we talked about in class. Here is the link.

Searching For American ginseng

Today I want with 5 other students to Dr. Eskew's house in Virginia. We enjoyed a day of hiking around her property looking for American ginseng, a medicinal plant we are researching. It was a spectacular day and I had a lot of fun. I also took a bike ride this week on the Salem Creek Trail. With finals fast approaching and lots of things to do, its hard to find time to get in a good bike ride!

Fitness and MyPlate

So I have been very good for the entire month of April as far as fitness goes. I have been running at least 5 days a week, lifting two days a week, and when tennis ended I have been playing soccer. I'm pretty sure my body will make me pay for this as soon as I give it enough time to rest. The weather has been just so perfect for some of my workouts that I cannot pass up running when it's sunny outside. I have been doing rather well of watching what I am eating also. I have been trying to make sure I eat nutrient dense foods so my body will be able to keep working at its maximum potential. The only downside is that I have officially stopped using myplate to track my progress. I have found a number of things that make the source difficult to use and things that make it more time consuming than it has to be. I did track my food and exercise for over thirty days straight which I am proud of.

Ratatouille...French for Delicious Veggies

Okay, so ratatouille is not really French for delicious veggies, but when prepared this way I suggest this be the translation. It's so good, and so easy, and so easily manipulated that anyone can find a way to adjust this recipe to her taste. Here's what I started with, but have found more garlic, more black pepper and less salt to be to my liking. If you prepare it this way, know that you are treating yourself to two full servings of vegetables with only one 1 cup serving of ratatouille...that's if you can stop eating at 1 cup :).

1 medium eggplant (I prefer it peeled, but that's up to you), cut into 1 inch cubes
2 small zucchini, cut into 1/2 inch slices
1 medium green bell pepper (again, I peel it. I know that sounds weird but it changes the texture completely), chopped
1 medium onion, finely chopped (here's where a food processor is handy)
2 medium tomatoes, cut into fourths
1/4 cup olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons salt (sounds like a lot, right?)
1/4 teaspoon pepper (sounds like not enough, right?)
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped (definitely not enough, I use at least 3)

Cook all ingredients in 12-inch skillet over medium heat 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until zucchini is tender.

Bon Apetit!

Such an active week!

This week has been super! I've been SOOOOO active!

Monday: I played tennis with my boyfriend for about 2 hours. Now, since he doesn't actually know how to play tennis and lifts weights on the regular, he thought it was a home run derby contest. Needless to say, it was a lot of ball chasing, which still counts as exercise, right? Regardless, we both got something out of it...but the end of the two hours, we could at least volley the ball back and forth. He learned some tennis skills, aka, how NOT to hit it OFF the court, and I burned some calories.

Tuesday: I ran for just under 5 miles through Robinhood. It was a good run--I felt accomplished. I was tired and sore after, and let me tell you--I felt the burn on Wednesday.

Wednesday: In the spirit of Academic Day of Excellence, I did no physical exercise that day. Wait, that's NOT the spirit of ADE? Oh well, I was sore. Bottom line: my butt slept in, with my legs and lungs.

Thursday (aka Today): I swam TWICE today! I got back to my competitive swimming days. I sway just over 6,000 yards today...and I'm positive I'll pay tomorrow. I got out of the pool around 5pm, and slept a solid 3 hours...that's how tired I was.

Overall, I think it's been a good week of productiveness, well, physically. Let's NOT discuss the loads of work I've put off all week.

Veggies...from a Southern cookbook

I remember growing up in the South...and eating every vegetable known to man. I have picked three of the most "typical" Southern veggies to share!

The first being... FRIED GREEN TOMATOES.

You will need to cut 4 green tomatoes into 1/2-inch slices. You will need the following ingredients: 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, salt & pepper to your tasting (a.k.a. a "good amount" in the South), 1/2 cup cornmeal, 1 egg (You must beat "real good".), 1/2 cup milk, and some Canola oil. Mix together your cornmeal, flour, salt & pepper. Add the milk to your beaten egg, and soak the sliced green tomatoes in this mixture. Then, coat the tomatoes with the cornmeal/flour mixture. You will need to heat the Canola oil in the frying pan--about an inch deep is good. You will drop the tomatoes in and cook until golden brown.

My second choice is...COLLARD GREENS.

Wash and remove the stems of about 5 pounds of collard greens, or collards, or, simply, greens. Place about 1 pound of ham hock(s) in 3 quarts of water and bring to a boil. Reduce your heat, and cover. Allow the meat to cook until meat is tender, which normally takes about an hour. Then, cut your greens in half and place into your boiler. Add a whole chopped onion, roughly 2 tablespoons of sugar, and salt & pepper to your liking. Unfortunately, for us non-pork eaters, my mother has yet to find a tasty-SOUTHERN vegetarian option to this. But, for now, you can just leave out the ham, and replace the water with vegetable stock. (You'll want to add more salt & pepper, and possibly a clove of garlic.)

My last choice is my favorite...FRIED OKRA.

Go out to the garden, or you local farm, or your CSA basket, and pick some okra. Clean, de-steam, and slice. Beat 2 cups of milk with 2 eggs, "real good" now. Place the okra in this mixture, and let sit for about 15 minutes. Following this, you will drain the okra, small portions at a time. DO NOT DRAIN ALL AT ONCE. Then, in a large freezer bag, or mixing bowl, mix 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup yellow corn meal, and salt & pepper (somewhere between a 1/2-1 teaspoon ). Add the drained okra and shake until the okra is well coated. Heat 2 cups Canola oil in a skillet, cast iron is best...especially when it has years of fried okra seasoning inside! Place okra into the hot oil. Again, do this in small portions. Only turn once with spatula, cook until golden brown. Drain on paper towels in order to soak excess oil out. Repeat until all okra is fried. While fried okra takes some time, it's totally worth the time...and calories.

Hope you all enjoy a taste of the South. Beware: Contains CALORIES...and lots of them. But don't all things that taste sinfully delicious?

A "Blast" to the Past: Chernobyl 25 Years Later

"The 30-km radius around the Chernobyl nuclear power plant is known officially as the "zone of alienation."--Caught my attention...how about yours?


The photo above was taken in May 1986. It shows the damaged Chernobyl nuclear power plant.
As we discussed in class, this had devastating effects on its' victims, residents, and liquidators. Those effects are still seen today. My media article discussing Chernobyl today, with a flashback to the events of the past.

Even now, the effort to contain the Chernobyl accident is far from over: workers in white suits and respirator masks show up for work every day, constructing a new concrete shield to replace a massive sarcophagus built in 1986 that contains the still-radioactive core. The sarcophagus is starting to crumble and could collapse, which could release another radioactive cloud into the air. It's easy for those unaffected to leave the shambles of Chernobyl in a pile at the site of the former nuclear plant...but it's not that simple for 'victims' of Chernobyl. For, the live with that memory EVERY DAY.



"Neither Ukraine nor the world community has the right to turn its back" on Chernobyl, Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych said at the end of the conference. "The accident left a deep wound that we will have to cope with for many years."

Read here! http://www.time.com/time/health/article0,8599,2067562,00.html#ixzz1KsVJzFNn

National Bike and Pedestrian Documentation Project

Here are the assignments for the last weekly homework of the semester.  It is really important that everyone sticks to sampling between 4-6pm on your day, PLEASE arrive on time. Click on the map below to view it larger!  I have made some changes... and anywhere my name is a student could easily fill in.

Locations

1. Stratford Road between Georgia Avenue and Buena Vista Road - Lane & Heather (Tues)
2. Liberty Street between 4th Street and 5th Street - Erika, & Shannon (Tues)
3. Main Street between 3rd Street and 4th Street -Kristen & Nick (Thurs)
4. Main Street between Waughtown Street and Salem Avenue - Cassie & Amy (Tues)
5. Acadia Avenue between Broad Street and Hollyrood Street - Brittany & Tia (Tues)
6. Salem Creek Trail - Kiva & Sarah (Tues)
7. Salem Lake Trail - Nicole & Louise (Wednesday)
8. Muddy Creek Trail - Louise (Thursday)
9. Reynolda Road (at the Krankies trailer) - Louise (Tuesday)

We still need a student or two for the Muddy Creek Greenway.  I still need Desiree', Teshenia, Olivia, and Alannah to sign up for a day/location.

WS Journal Article on Moore's Springs Trails

http://www2.journalnow.com/entertainment/2011/apr/28/wsrel23-stokes-county-bike-trails-are-close-to-ope-ar-984406/

Earth Day 2011

In honor of Earth Day, my media article was a about getting people involved in helping the planet by doing small acts that could lead to big change. In an effort dubbed "A Billion Acts of Green," organizers are encouraging people to observe Earth Day, which just had it's 41st Anniversary, by pledging online at http://act.earthday.org/ to do something small but sustainable in their own lives to improve the planet's health. From switching to compact fluorescent light bulbs to reducing the use of pesticides and other toxic chemicals, it makes makes a difference!! And even though Earth Day holiday is passed, we all should still try to make small changes to help the environment everyday :)
Heather
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42710813/ns/world_news-world_environment/

Food That Travels Well

I just read an interesting article entitled "Food That Travels Well" from The New York Times, in reference to food and how far it travels. Environmental groups are pushing for labels to show how far food has traveled. The article points out that that eating locally would significantly reduce fossil fuel consumption. A typical carrot from Iowa has traveled 1,600 miles before we purchase it from our grocery stores. Potatoes, 1,200 miles and a chuck roast 600 miles. Seventy-five percent of apples, in New York, travel from the West Coast. "In this respect eating local joins recycling, biking to work and driving a hybrid as a realistic way that we can, as individuals, shrink our carbon footprint and be good stewards of the environment." Who does this sound like Dr. Allen? There is a flip side to this article that states, "... wouldn't it make more sense to stop obsessing over food miles and strengthen comparative geographical advantages." Maybe, but we have to be realistic that some crops are seasonal and the environment is not always prepared to grow local foods. Diets are different in different areas. Food, at some level, will always travel.

Cabbage Soup from Recipes For The Soul

Being from the south, I was very surprised that I had not heard of or tasted Cabbage Soup. This sounds good for a cold, wet, rainy day.

3 cups broth (chicken or beef)
2 garlic cloves
1/2 cup green beans
1/2 cup diced zucchini
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 1/2 cups diced green cabbage
diced tomatoes
celery
raw carrots
1/2 tsp. basil
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. oregano

Add broth to pan, then carrots, cabbage, tomatoes, celery and green beans. Season to taste, after carrots are done, add zucchini and cook until tender.

This recipe does not call for any bread, however; I am all about some Texas toast!

From the pages of Simply in Season...favorite cookbook

My favorite cookbook from my cupboard is hands down Simply in Season. I love the simplicity of the recipes, but most of all I absolutely love the layout. This cookbook is laid out by seasons. Each season encompasses only recipes of fruits and vegetables that are typically available during that season. It has helped to expand the types of foods we try in our household and we haven't found one we did not enjoy yet. Throughout the cookbook, below some of the recipes, are quotes from people who are consciously thinking of the issues faced by our world in regards to food, its availability etc. The thoughts are beautifully expressed.

Since we are starting to enter the growing season and my family took a little jaunt to a strawberry farm in South Carolina today, I decided to honor the strawberry. In the doldrums of the last weeks of winter, I find myself thinking of these recipes and how wonderful they will be when I finally get to enjoy them again. I deliberately try to avoid buying fruits and vegetables that are not in season from the grocery store or the stalls of the farmers at the farmers market who supplement their offerings with fruits and vegetables with those that are popular with customers but may not be in season. The pantry is raided until the growing season begins again. So I find, that I experience this delayed sense of gratification and when I am able to enjoy what I had not been able to partake of, oh it is indescribable really. Without further ado...in honor of the strawberry

Chilled Strawberry Soup

1 cup apple juice

3/4 cup water

2/3 cup sugar

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

Combine in saucepan and bring to boil over medium heat. (Or microwave in glass bowl until boiling.) Remove from heat; cool.

3 cups strawberries

1/4 cup water

Puree until smooth in blender. Pour into a large bowl.

2 cups plain yogurt

1 teaspoon vanilla

Add to pureed strawberries with apply juice mixture. Cover and refrigerate until well chilled. Garnish with additional strawberry halves (optional). The soup freezes well and is especially good with small ice crystals left in.

There will be strawberry soup in my future (this week) as I start working on the 6 gallons of strawberries I purchased today.

Strawberry Spinach Salad

*I've never added any of the toppings and just use a basic vinaigrette or a strawberry vinaigrette (if you would like the recipes for the dressings listed with the recipe, let me know). The fresh taste of the strawberries and spinach is just wonderful to me. I've also tried a spinach and grape salad which is really good in the summer. Enjoy!

4 cups spinach or other mixed greens (stems removed and torn)

1 cup fresh strawberries, peaches, blueberries kiwi fruit or a combination (sliced)

Combine with selected toppings. Pour half of selected dressing over salad just before serving, then more as needed. Refrigerate leftover dressing.

Topping options

2 green onions (chopped)

1 small red onion (cut into thin rings)

1 clove garlic (minced)

1/2 cup asparagus (cut into 1 inch pieces, blanched and chilled)

2 tablespoon sunflower seeds

1/2 cup bacon pieces (cooked and crumbled)

1/2 cup walnuts or slivered almonds (toasted)

1/2 cup salted peanuts

1/2 cup cheese (shredded)

1 teaspoon lemon or orange peel

1 cup cooked turkey (chopped)

More hiking

The spring weather has brought out my hiking group. We're fair weather hikers, I guess :). A group of ladies decided last year to start hiking together on trails in our neighbourhood. All last spring, summer and fall we hiked 3-4 times every week. Over the winter the group slowly went into hibernation as the cold and snow increased. Now that the sun is shining so gloriously, the weather is warmer, the trees are blooming and the hills are starting to look green with the unfurling of new leaves, the huffing heifers or holy cows, as one member wanted to name our group, are back on the trail. Just for the record, the rest of us vetoed the aforementioned names. It would have been entirely impossible to look someone in the eye and ask, 'Would you like to hike with us? We call ourselves the huffing heifers." As of today's date, we have no name. The beauty of the hiking group is the camaraderie, the community, the female solidarity in nature and the health benefits. At least two members of our group are cancer survivors and every time we hike, I think of our steps as being steps towards the goal of maintaining health. The past two weeks have brought a total of 30 miles on the trail. I love hiking!!

GARDEN!

Everyone, please be so excited about , not only, my mom's garden, but mine!! I planted tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and tommy toe tomatoes. It is really not all about me, even though I seem to focus on my world! LOL! You have to understand that this is tradition in my family (biggest tomato wins!). This is my first time trying! My dad passed away (he always won) and we are now, this year, in major competetion with the tomatoes. I am sore, sunburned and on a MISSION! I did find an article pertaining to the anger of people from Mexico, living here in the US and the neighbors objecting to them growing food in thier yards. I only read it briefly, however; I will focus on the article's content and relay more details. I am having the best time with this class! Bike ON!

Eggplant Recipe

Baked Eggplant

One of my favorite things is baked eggplant. This is my grandmas recipe and there are no actual measurements it is all done by taste so its easy to adjust for everyone. For this you will need an eggplant (or a few eggplants depending on how many you are serving or how hungry you are), a pie pan (or something to put the eggplant on when baking), some oil (whichever you have in the house would be fine), a tomato or two, some salt and pepper, and of course and oven (or microwave if you do not have an oven). To start you will need to preheat the oven to about 300 or 350 degrees. You need to poke holes in the eggplant(s). Then put them in the pie pan and bake until you can touch the eggplant and it is really soft. After that you should skin the eggplant and mash it up. You should also chop your tomato(es). It tastes really good with some oil, salt, pepper and chopped tomato in it. Enjoy!

YOU ARE TRAFFIC

 

Originally posted on urbancyclist.tumblr.com

Minty Clementine-Infused Vodka :)

This is a recipe for the girl who doesn't know how to use organic stuff haha. Whoever could that be?

So, I found a nifty website that has quite a few recipes. http://www.organicauthority.com/

I really like the website because it has photos,videos

and comments from website users. Look at this cool picture of organic carrots! -------->

I found this one and chose it to share because we all need something to drink with dinner and because I love Clementines!

Minty Clementine-Infused Vodka
Ingredients:
750 ml vodka (organic, if you please!)
4 clementines, peel on, quartered
1 small handful fresh mint, roughly chopped

Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a jar; seal well. Place in a cool place until flavors develop, about 3 to 4 days, shaking gently every day. Strain and store in a well-sealed container. Will keep for months.
Serving suggestions:
• Makeover the screwdriver: add infused vodka to fresh citrus juice and ice.
• Make a wintry spritzer: shake infused vodka with ice; top it off with spritzer of choice.
• Make a seasonal sparkler: mix infused vodka with champagne and a splash of juice for the high life

Have a great week!

Sarah

Tomato Pie

My favorite thing to eat in the summer are fresh tomatoes, so I thought I would give share one of my favorite recipes. While this recipe is not very health, it is extremely delicious. This recipe serves 6.

Tomato Pie

Ingredients

• 4 tomatoes, peeled and sliced
• 10 fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped green onion
• 1 (9-inch) prebaked deep dish pie shell
• 1 cup grated mozzarella
• 1 cup grated cheddar
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• Salt and pepper

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Place the tomatoes in a colander in the sink in 1 layer. Sprinkle with salt and allow to drain for 10 minutes.

Layer the tomato slices, basil, and onion in pie shell. Season with salt and pepper. Combine the grated cheeses and mayonnaise together. Spread mixture on top of the tomatoes and bake for 30 minutes or until lightly browned.

To serve, cut into slices and serve warm.