350 Rally Event @ The Park!

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Coordinator- Leah L.  and Jenaelha, Mama Knome

Gotta luv the eco tot’s taking action too!

350! 350! 350!

There weren’t many of us but we still united!

My sis came with her daughter and she looked so adorable.

You can’t see the 350’s on her cheeks or arms but she was proud!!

My We Add Up tee- cuz WE DO ADD UP!!!

I’m so glad I made it to this event. I met a few new people and left feeling  inspired and uplifted. I live in a small community so the turn out was as to be expected. I was very proud to be amongst other individuals who care about our planet too.

The original plan was to parade around the park with our pets but that did not happen. It was a very busy morning at the park and it was decided that we would stay put and hold our event where we were.  So, we gathered around to ring the bells we brought 350x!

During the ringing the coordinator Leah, discussed facts about climate change and what 350 meant. Even though we were a small group we shared a message and our time together and for me that was moving! I definitely need to be part of these kind of events more often. Having my niece and sister there made the event even more special!  350! 350! 350!

Blog Action Day, 2009: Climate Change

Today is Blog Action Day.

It is an annual event held every year that unites bloggers to unite in posting about the same issue on the same day. This year’s theme is Climate Change!

Climate Change is a very important topic right now: International Day of Climate Action is on October 24th, 2009.

On the 24th of October people from all over the world plan to rally about global warming, in hopes of sending out a message regarding the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere. In December the world’s leaders will meet in Copenhagen to discuss the climate and amend the current climate treaty.  Scientists say that 350 parts per million is the safe limit for humanity. Currently, we are at 390ppm! The message on the 24th will be 350. Let’s get together and take action! It’s time to put pressure on the leaders to create a just climate treaty that meets the latest science.

Nobel Peace Prize Winner and President Barack Obama has said that climate change is an urgent threat, and now is the time for him to lead the United States in confronting the climate crisis.  This is a chance for people around the world and in the United States to join together in telling President Obama that we want him to lead the United States in taking bold and significant action to reduce greenhouse gasses. Time is running out, and our planet can’t afford to wait.

Take action today- be part of those who are asking the President to act on climate change- add your name!

Carnival of the Green #194

Hello! Welcome to the Carnival of the Green. Brought to you by Treehugger but hosted by greenies, like me!

I’m happy to host this eco carnival and hope you enjoy the  green reads!

There’s lot’s of groovy green information to share this week, so let’s get started…

Last week’s Carnival of the Green was hosted by The Eco Chic. Be sure to visit and enter the current giveaways currently open at her site!

Want to start a hanging herb garden or learn to garden without much space? Micheal at the Urban Gardener will teach you how.

Kelly, at The Centsible Life gives you tips on how to keep your laundry routine green.  A must read for anyone who’s been thinking about making their own detergent!

Get your kids involved on an important issue facing our planet: climate change! Find out about the Cool the Earth program at Greening Families and green up your child’s school today!

Go back to school in eco style. Your kids will be hip and proud! Retro House Wife Goes Green talks about waste free lunches. Check out all the eco friendly fashionable options.

Also,  Humane Connection shares 10 tips for Helping Create a Humane School. What memories do you have of your childhood?

Eco Enviro Girl has a wonderful article on ways to create awe and wonder in our children and ourselves!

Read more

Meatless in May: Help Fight Global Warming

I’m not a big meat eater. I never have been and never will be. Especially, red meat. It’s not my favorite. I don’t crave a juicy piece of steak. I will eat chicken and fish. I’m not a huge fan of turkey or pork either. I was a vegetarian for 5 years. The reason I started eating meat again was mainly because I felt like I wasn’t getting enough protein. I became a vegetarian on a whim and really didn’t do my homework on nutrition and being a veggie until much later. I’d feel more comfortable being a vegetarian today with all the knowledge I’ve gained since then. I was young and immature.

Most of our meals are meatless since we are health conscience and don’t mind getting our protein in others ways for the planet’s sake… AND- for the sake of those poor animals!!!  I’m all for farm raised! Actually, my husband’s parents just purchased a half of half – farm raised steer. Raised purely on grain and grass- supplements and no chemicals- all organic.  I think this is a great way to go if you’re meat eater. My husband’s family are huge meat eaters. In fact, they raised many animals when my husband was younger through 4-H. They’ve sponsored many, many 4-H auctions and have had enough meat in their freezer to choke a horse!

Luckily, my husband has become wise to his meat eating ways and has made a huge improvement over the years. He was never a vegetarian but he came pretty darn close those last few years I was. He was totally fine with meat free meals and would hardly complain. Every once in awhile, he’d have a craving for steak but usually he was happy with what I’d serve. Currently, we try to go meatless as often as possible. If we have meat for dinner it’s usually chicken or fish.  Occasionally, my husband will have his way and cook up a steak. Everything in moderation, right?!?!

I didn’t realize that it was Meatless in May month until I stumbled upon the article on it at Your Daily Thread.

YourDailyThread.com and ChelseaGreen.com have partnered up to raise awareness about global warming…

The raising of livestock (animals for human consumption), specifically factory farming is a major contributor of green house gases that pollute ou planet.  The raising of these animals creates 18% of global greenhouse gases, more than all of the world’s cars and SUVS combined.

Take the pledge for the month of May and go Meatless!!! If you can’t do it for the month then maybe you can participate in Meatless Monday!!!

We’re going to serve up Portabello Mushroom Stroganoff for MM! My favorite…delish!

1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 tablespoons butter
1 (8-ounce) package sliced portobella mushrooms
1 1/2 cups of vegetable broth
1 1/2 cups sour cream
3 tablespoons flour
1/4 cup chopped flat leaf parsley
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
8 ounces medium egg noodles, cooked according to package directions

1. In large, heavy skillet over low heat, sauté onion in butter until softened. Increase heat to medium-high, add mushrooms and continue to sauté until mushrooms begin to brown. Remove mushroom and onion mixture to bowl. Set aside.
   In same skillet, over high heat, add broth to pan drippings, bring to a boil and reduce by 1/3. Lower heat to simmer and return mushroom/onion mixture to skillet.
   In a small bowl, combine sour cream and flour until smooth. Stir in sour cream mixture and continue stirring until sauce thickens, stir in parsley and season with salt and lot’s of fresh cracked pepper. Serve over hot cooked noodles.

Makes 3 to 4 servings.

A quote from David Letterman…

My husband and I LOVE David Letterman… while speaking with former news broadcaster, Tom Brokaw about global warming, he says,- “It’s not the greenhouses gases, it’s the White House gases!” LOL!  David also mentioned that the government has to lead the way in the Global Warming Campaign and back it up 100% not just the big corporate guys…!! Gotta, love that man!

National Vegetarian Week

Did you know that Methane gas is 24 times more potent than CO2 emissions (greenhouse gas)?!!?

According to the EPA, the world’s livestock are responsible for 25 percent of the world’s anthropogenic methane emissions (those that are human based)

This week is National Vegetarian Week- May 19- 25th! National Vegetarian Week is the annual awareness-raising campaign promoting inspirational vegetarian food and the benefits of a meat-free lifestyle. Celebrated by The Vegetarian Society since 1992, the week is now an established event and everyone from big corporations to primary schools, small community groups to members of the public are welcome to join. The above facts, definitely, make me reconsider my position as a meat eater! I have to admit that I don’t usually eat red meat but I do have the occassional steak every now and then. If I’m going to eat beef it’s usually in the form of tacos or meatloaf! I was once a vegetarian and had no problem substituting- using soy, black beans, lentils or tvp (textured vegetable protein) for tacos or meatloaf. To be honest, I’m not sure why I switched. We practice going meatless! Often times, I’ll cook plenty of meals without meat.  When you think of the environmental effects that raising cattle has on the planet…it’s hard to rationalize why they’re so good for you.

After reading the book The Food Revolution- How YOUR DIET Can Help Save Your Life and THE WORLD by John Robbins I was entirely convinced that we’re raising cattle for all the wrong reasons AND that a plant based diet is certainly more earth friendly! All I can say is that I highly recommend this read for anyone thinking about becoming a vegetarian or for a vegetarian who would like to know more. Robbins breaks down how meat eating contributes to the water, food, environmental and health crisis. You’ll learn a lot about animal cruelty and will also gain insight on the “you are what you eat” theory. Not only does Robbins go into great detail about a plant based diet but he also describes the importance of this place called home, Earth!

I would just like to shoot out a few more facts that I learned from the book and from the www.goveg.com

Nearly half the water consumed in this country is used for livestock;

In the U.S. animals are fed more than 70 percent of wheat, corn, and other grains we grow;

Research has shown that vegetarians are 50 percent less likely to develop heart disease, and they have 40 percent of the cancer rate of meat-eaters. Plus, meat-eaters are nine times more likely to be obese than vegans.

The consumption of meat, eggs, and dairy products has also been strongly linked to osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s, asthma, and male impotence. Scientists have also found that vegetarians have stronger immune systems than their meat-eating friends; this means that they are less susceptible to everyday illnesses like the flu. Vegetarians and vegans live, on average, six to 10 years longer than meat-eaters. A plant-based diet is the best diet for kids, too: Studies have shown that vegetarian kids grow taller and have higher IQs than their classmates, and they are at a reduced risk for heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and other diseases in the long run.  Studies have shown that even older people who switch to a vegetarian or vegan diet can prevent and even reverse many chronic ailments.

And, if you’re so inclined watch this video- Chew on This for a real eye opener-(discretion advised) go to www.meat.org

When you consider all the facts it’s really HARD to rationalize why we eat meat. Especially, with the hunger crisis, global warming and all the health issues related to eating meat. With all of this information starring at me… I decided to take the Veg pledge for 30 days- Fine by me, not sure sure what the Hubby will think! He’s usually pretty supportive…but LOVES his steak…mmrr, mmrr…

Now I turn the tables…  I challenge YOU- Why not take the VEG PLEDGE and pledge to be vegetarian for 30 days- I DID!!! 30 days too long?- How about for a week? Or one night a week- however, you choose- know that when you’re not eating meat you’re saving the planet! It’s up to us.  :) Order your FREE vegetarian starter kit, today! Have a Johnny Rocket’s in your area…(what a tease!)…they’re celebrating World Vegetarian Week by offering the Streamliner, Boca burger for FREE!! It’s only for a week…so head over to goveg.com and print out your coupon!!

Here’s a Meatless Monday recipe, to help kick start Veggie Week!

Eggplant Sandwiches

Ingredients:

• 1 small eggplant, halved and sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, or as needed
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 (6 inch) French sandwich rolls
• 1 small tomato, sliced
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven’s broiler. Brush eggplant slices with olive oil, and place them on a baking sheet or broiling pan. Place the pan about 6 inches from the heat source. Cook under the broiler for 10 minutes, or until tender and toasted.

2. Split the French rolls lengthwise, and toast. In a cup or small bowl, stir together the mayo and garlic. Spread this mixture on the toasted bread. Fill the rolls wih eggplant slices, tomato, feta cheese and basil leaves (eggplant can be substituted with portobella mushrooms and you can also do this recipe capri style with mozarella instead of Feta!)

To celebrate NVW- I will post a meatless recipe each time I blog this week.

Don’t forget to get your copy of TreeHugger’s Ready, Set Green… on sale in stores- MAY 20, 2008!