Change The World Wednesday (#CTWW) - Ban single use items

Welcome to Change The World Wednesday (#CTWW)!

Wondering how to live greener? You've come to the right place. Each week we challenge ourselves to try a new task ... or "amp up" something we're already doing. We raise our awareness, learn from each other and develop Eco-friendly skills which will improve our lives and protect our planet. Doing so together gives us power ... the power to Change The World!

If this is your first visit, please click HERE for information and a complete list of all the challenges we've taken on so far.

This post contains great information and I encourage you to read through it at your leisure ... however, if you are short on time, you might find the following quick links helpful:

• The #CTWW Gang
• The Honor Society
• My Final Thoughts on Our Last Challenge
• This Week's Challenge

Last week's challenge was a fun one ... we headed outside and spent some time with nature. I loved hearing about all the ways others got cozy with the natural world. I've always enjoyed being outside, listening to creature sounds, watching their interactions with us and each other, and learning about plants. It reminds me how closely we are related to all things on earth ... we breathe the same air, drink the same water ... it's a beautiful thing!

The Honor Society are those people who help us spread the "green" word by writing an article about our challenges and/or leaving pertinent comments.

Here's how EcoGrrl did this week: "My husband and I make it a habit to walk out into our garden as soon as we get out of bed in the morning and enjoy the stillness in the air and absorb our garden's beauty. It always helps me breathe better to just pad around out there barefoot in the early mornings and around dusk when I'm harvesting food from it. You might like this link, it came from my yoga teacher this morning about mindfulness and reminds me of why getting quiet time in nature is so important: http://www.buddhist-canon.com/PUBLIC/XIUZHENG/eat.htm "

In Change the World Wednesday – 25th Jun, Argentum Vulgaris reveals how not having a smartphone helps him to notice the natural world. He also shares an added bonus of spending time outside ... de-stressing. Be sure to take a look at the graphic towards the bottom of the post ... it says it all!

Airings on Design gave CTWW a nice, headline spot. The rest of that edition includes some great articles on home design. If you're thinking of changing the look and feel of your home, check it out ... there are some interesting ideas.

Welcome to Joanna, who joins us this week. She shares this: "I do a fair amount of walking but don't often take the opportunity to just amble along and enjoy nature. I'll take a wander through my local park this weekend, without headphones. Nature walks always make me feel calmer, so this is something I should do more often!" By the way, if you haven't checked out Joanna's blog, please do so ... she's on a journey to live greener and shares some wonderful thoughts and ideas with readers. Her approach is fresh and interesting. So stop by ... and say hello!

Vanessa joined us. She left this comment: "That's a great idea to try to change the world with one challenge at a time! I'll take yours to heart because I've been caught up in work and haven't been able to go outside and enjoy a peaceful morning with birds. Thanks for the reminder!"

Alicia didn't have any trouble accepting this challenge. Here are her comments: "My husband and I also go out in the early morning and check our garden. For the past several weeks I have been taking a good walk every morning before it starts to get hot. I have really been enjoying all the beautiful flowers that I have been seeing. Some of our neighbors have horses and some have cows and I love seeing them out in the pastures.I also spot a lot of different species of birds, lots of squirrels and some rabbits. Walks can be so peaceful and it is so nice to enjoy all of these wonderful things the Lord has put here for us."

Lois stopped by and shared this: "Now that winter is over, the last thing I want to do is be stuck indoors. I am outside the majority of the day even taking meals out in the field. My furniture projects get dragged outside where I work on them surrounded by bird song and visits by my other wild neighbors."

Clare accepted the challenge and offered us this: " It's so lovely to read the comments on this blog - I think you've built up a wonderful community of like-minded people who truly love being outdoors! I go and feed the birds first thing and then sit and watch them and enjoy the peace of my garden before the heat and the madness of the day! You could combine your time outdoors with another activity, which will keep you in even closer touch with nature - read about it here: http://www.ecofriendlylink.com/blog/forageforfood. and of course if you're appreciating nature, you'll probably want some Zen too - quick read here: http://www.ecofriendlylink.com/blog/zensavetheworld. Thanks Small for a most pleasurable CTWW task this week!"

Deborah joined in the fun and shared this: "Re: Change The World Wednesday (#CTWW) - Discovering Nature When it comes to nature, the best things in life are free! Spending time outside in the fresh air and natural environment really lifts me. And it doesn't have to cost a dime. Whether walking, running, biking, hiking or swimming, being out in nature is one of the best remedies for the "blues". I also talked about the therapeutic benefits of spending time among trees on my blog in the following post: http://urbannaturale.com/now-i-know-why-i-feel-calmer-around-trees-british-study-confirms-it/. I am so glad you shared this thought-provoking post at the Healthy Happy Green and Natural Party Blog Hop! I appreciate it!"

LadyJC accepted our challenge. She said: "I took a nature moment this week when I sat down under the pine tree in the backyard and looked up at the branches. The tree is magnificent and very tall, although a few branches short from the Winter storms. It's quite meditative and I could tell my dog was enjoying the quiet moment too because she sat on my lap and fell asleep! :) Here's a photo of it if you'd like to take a glimpse as well http://buff.ly/1iRSHHz. My more active commune with nature came in the form of foraging for mulberries. It was my first experience foraging in the city and I really enjoyed it. http://buff.ly/1iRTdoO Thank you so much for this challenge. Aside from my regular yard work I will try to add a calm moment with nature several times a week. It makes a huge difference, especially living in the big city! Off to read Clare's entry about foraging for food!"

Our Twitter friends joined the conversation and shared the following:

From @GiveTreeGifts
- Since we're blessed with a life in the country, we're able to take some time out for ourselves each day to enjoy nature
- 5 Reasons to Slow Down Your Life Today, and How to Do It bit.ly/1o2XIf2
- 21 Simple Ways to Slow Down and Enjoy Life ow.ly/yqY4W
- The 10 Essential Rules for Slowing Down and Enjoying Life More ow.ly/yqY8s
- "In all of living, have much fun and laughter. Life is to be enjoyed, not just endured." ... Gordon B. Hinckley
- "We're so busy watching out for what's just ahead of us that we don't take time to enjoy where we are." ... Bill Watterson
- "Stop seeking out the storms and enjoy more fully the sunlight." ... Gordon B. Hinckley
- "Enjoy life. There's plenty of time to be dead." ... Hans Christian Andersen
- "I finally figured out the only reason to be alive is to enjoy it." ... Rita Mae Brown
- "Life isn't just to be endured, it's to be enjoyed." ... Gordon B.Hinckley
- Enjoying Life in the Slow Lane ow.ly/yqYNW
- Slowing Down the Pace of Life ow.ly/yqYSh

From @GreenQueenofMod
- Bring #nature to your own yard; create a #wildlifehabitat. #gardenchat #birds #wildlife pic.twitter.com/Ox7wPA0zsx ow.ly/yrGVG
- Loving the joy of #birdsong in my own backyard. You can too! #nature #birds #habitatgarden pic.twitter.com/nqSK7bxE9N

From @FreshGriller
- Even though we may all be busy at times, it's nice to take a moment to step outside and notice just how beautiful nature can be

From @BG_garden
- I love bird watching in my garden! #CTWW #gardenchat

The #CTWW Gang are those folks who tweet our challenges using the hashtag #CTWW. If you're a Twitter member, I recommend following them ... they share great things. Let's meet them:

@71s9	@a_kiasi	@andreaptak
@apoenagi	@bethsegreen	@bg_garden
@bike2power	@catertomyman	@collegegogreen
@compingcrazzy	@crazykids6	@debsmikdav1
@eco_novice	@ecoexpert1	@freshcleanersaz
@freshgriller	@garry_rogers	@ginavalley
@givetreegifts	@greenglobaltrvl	@greenqueenofmod
@groovygreenlivi	@herbgir1972	@jadekerrion
@julienowell	@kaitlingarder	@laalicia
@ladyjcmuses	@leslieveg	@marjoriemcatee
@mizmeliz	@momfindsout	@nebulousmooch
@nicmanuel	@pberk	@realityarts
@shannongrissom	@spafloating	@superbsolutions
@susanheaney	@teco_batc	@theworld4realz
@thispeg	@treesgroup	@vanbordelon
@wencdj	@whopaysthepiper	@zenfarmz

My Final Thoughts:

There are so many benefits to spending time in nature. On a personal level, it helps us to relax and relieve the stress of our busy lives. On a global level, it gives us an appreciation for the world which we live in. We tend to protect what we love. And getting to know the world around us is one way to develop love.

Thanks, everyone! If you wrote an article, I Stumbled, Tweeted, Facebooked and posted it on Google +. You can help spread the "green" word by using the share features located below this post.

This Week's Challenge:

Outdoor meals usually mean
a lot of waste

During this time of year, many people enjoy picnics, outdoor parties, and camping trips. Unfortunately, those activities typically generate a lot of waste.

Plastic cups are convenient
but end up in landfills

While disposable items are convenient when we are away from home, they are a big problem for the environment!

Here's your challenge ...

This week, avoid the use of any single-use or disposable items. This includes paper towels, paper plates & cups, plastic utensils, plastic water bottles, aluminum cooking trays, etc. Instead, make the effort to use real plates, towels, etc. The idea is to eliminate waste.

OR ...

If you've already eliminated ALL single-use and disposable items, please reduce other waste. For example, plan meals this week so that no food is wasted. Before tossing an item out, try reusing it or offer it on Freecycle. The goal is to achieve zero waste this week.

SINCE WE'RE TALKING ABOUT ZERO WASTE ...

Mrs. Green has revealed the theme of this year's National Zero Waste week 2014, which begins on September 1, 2014. Head over, check it out, and then join in the fun. Don't wait until September, though ... there will be tons of great zero waste tips and ideas between now and the actual event (some you might be able to use this week).

Are you up for reducing eliminating waste this week? I know that you are!


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Until next time ...

WE'RE CHANGING THE WORLD ... ONE CHALLENGE AT A TIME!

My Vegan Life - Picnics, Grilling, and the 4th of July

In the US, we're celebrating our country's independence this weekend. Many people enjoy picnics, backyard grilling, and a lot of good food on the 4th of July.

I remember my first picnic as a vegan. We weren't thinking creatively and lunch consisted of raw carrots, celery, and tomatoes.

Raw veggies are great but, lunch, that day, was far from exciting.

These days we've gotten much better at planning delicious meals for our outdoor enjoyment.

We prepare traditional picnic foods (minus the meat) and even include grilled items.

It just takes a bit of imagination ... and some great recipes.


Here are a few ideas:

For the vegan grill

• Grilling vegetables brings out their natural sugars. Here's a Kabob recipe with an Indian flare.
• Tofu is excellent on the grill. It can be marinated before cooking or simply sprinkled with your favorite seasoning. If you like a little zest and heat in your food, try this recipe for Cilantro Lime Grilled Tofu. For more tofu grilling ideas, take a peek at 5 Tofu Recipes For The Grill (doesn't the BBQ'd tofu look delicious).
• How about Cauliflower Steaks? Grilling gives these beauties a smokey flavor (the recipe calls for cooking in the oven but one can easily place a cooking sheet on the grill or simply place the "steaks" directly on the rack).
• We recently featured JC's Grilled Portobello Burgers on Reduce Footprints. They'd make a perfect main course.
• Want to make things easy? Consider buying veggie burgers/hotdogs and cook them on the grill.
• Corn is arriving in our farmer's market. Try Elote (Mexican Grilled Corn).
• Here's a truly special idea: Grilled Artichokes. Can I hear a "YUM"?

Vegan side dishes

• What 4th of July feast would be complete without potato salad, which is usually made with mayonnaise and eggs. I found a great recipe for a Creamy Dill Potato Salad and another for a German Potato Salad, both vegan and full of flavor. Another idea is to simply dress a potato salad with an oil and vinegar salad dressing. The added benefit of these salads is that you won't have to worry about them spoiling in the summer heat.
• Another "must have" BBQ side dish, baked beans, is traditionally made with a good amount of bacon. Here's a yummy Vegan Version.
• Cole Slaw is a popular picnic side dish. This recipe for Creole Slaw makes my mouth water.
• I've never quite understood why people bring a gelatin salad to a picnic. After awhile in the heat, the dish turns to liquid. How about making a "jello" salad with agar agar. This plant-based ingredient acts like gelatin and has nutritional benefits. And ... it doesn't melt in heat! Check out Fruity Soy Agar Agar for a beautiful, refreshing, layered salad.
• Here's an easy idea! Arrange a bunch of beautiful, raw veggies around a container of hummus. Who doesn't like veggies and "dip".
• My friend, Alaiyo, recently shared a recipe for a beautiful Veggie Pasta Salad. I think it would be the perfect side dish for an outdoor meal.
• Need something to go with that veggie burger? How about Chile-Lime Sweet Potatoes? Oh yeah!!

Did someone say Vegan Desert?

• Nature has provided us with a simple-to-prepare, delicious desert: fruit! Cut up a watermelon and indulge. Bite into a ripe peach and savor the delicious juices. Fruit is a perfect desert!
• How many people LOVE homemade ice cream? Mmm ... there's nothing better than ice cream right out of the machine. And what kid (young or old) doesn't love licking the paddles. Here's a post with a bunch of dairy-free recipes: Homemade Vegan Ice Cream!.
• Want a simpler way to make ice cream? My friend, Alicia, came up with a brilliant recipe in All Natural Strawberry Banana Ice Cream. Yummy and healthy!
• Grilling fruit concentrates their flavor, making them a perfect picnic desert. Choose fruits that hold their shape, like apples, pineapple, nectarines, etc. Here' a "how to" post: Grilling Fruit. Now imagine topping the fruit with one of the above ice cream options. Are you drooling yet?
• How about a very patriotic Cake?
• Four words: Chocolate Fudge Brownie Recipe. Enough said!

There are endless possibilities for a vegan 4th of July picnic.

I hope that you and your family enjoy the day together, eating healthy, earth-friendly foods.

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY, EVERYONE!

This post is shared at Healthy, Happy, Green & Natural Party Hop and Share Your Stuff

Vegan Recipe - Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burger

My friend, JC, is a talented woman. She's a photographer and is soon to be featured at a show in Brooklyn (if you're in the area on July 18th, you can attend the EVENT which, in addition to fine art, will include food, drink, and music). She's also a talented artisan, dancer, and model. Did I say that she's a dedicated "greenie"? Yep, she regularly participates in activities on Reduce Footprints and I happen to know, from our chats, that she works very hard to employ green living techniques in all areas of her life.

If all that weren't enough, JC also cooks. All of the dishes which she shares on her blog, Lady JC Muses, are healthy and many are vegan. Each one includes fresh, in-season ingredients. She epitomizes clean eating with dishes that please the eye as well as the taste buds.

JC has graciously allowed me to share one of her recipes with you. I love the ingredients she's chosen for this dish, and the fact that it comes together quickly. Check it out ... and then, check out JC's blog!

Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burger

Ingredients

• Portobello Mushrooms
• Olive Oil
• Balsamic vinegar
• Marjoram
• Whole Wheat Buns
• Vegenaise or Other Vegan Mayo
• Kale
• Sundried Tomatoes

Method

1. Marinate mushrooms for 1/2 hour in equal parts olive oil & balsamic vinegar with a sprinkle of marjoram.
2. Grill mushrooms for approximately 5 minutes on each side. Remove from grill and let them rest.
3. In the meantime, prepare kale (sauté in a touch of oil until slightly wilted - can add garlic, salt & pepper to taste). Set aside.
4. Put a schmear of mayo on each bun.
5. Add the mushrooms.
6. Top with sautéed kale and a couple sundried tomatoes.
7. Enjoy this quick and delicious lunch.

Doesn't that look delicious ... and so easy to make! You can find the original recipe HERE and JC says that this recipe is perfect for leftover grilled mushrooms. Thanks, JC!!

If you have a vegan recipe which you'd like to share, please contact me HERE. And for all the recipes we've shared so far, be sure to visit our recipe page using the tabs at the top of this blog ... or by clicking HERE.

Image courtesy of Lady JC Muses

This post is shared at Plant-Based Potluck Party Link Up, Healthy Vegan Friday, and Real Food Fridays

This recipe was featured here: