Green Energy Ohio Tour - Saturday & Sunday - October 1 & 2, 2011

Green Energy Ohio Tour - Saturday & Sunday - October 1 & 2, 2011

Welcome to the 2011 Green Energy Ohio Tour, organized by Green Energy Ohio (GEO)!     

GEO is the Ohio Chapter of the American Solar Energy Society (ASES), and GEO's 9th Annual Tour is part of the National Solar Tour managed by ASES.  Formerly known as the "Ohio Solar Tour," in 2011 this FREE event is renamed the Green Energy Ohio Tour to better reflect the solar, wind, biomass, energy efficiency and other clean energy technologies.  

Thanks to Ohio Department of Development as Tour Sponsor and Tour Donors  and the hundreds of Site Owners and GEO Volunteers across Ohio!

This FREE statewide event on October 1 & 2 provides the unique opportunity for people to visit and  talk with owners living and working with clean energy technologies.   

Use GEO's website as an interactive tool to search 261 Open House Sites (see search tabs above) and over a dozen Guided Tours  in 137 communities in 51 counties across Ohio featured solar, wind, biomass, green design, energy-saving technologies and much more!  Register on-line and at each Tour Day Site for chances to win a FREE donated solar or energy efficiency site assessement.

Note:  Some of the links referenced in this post are my referral links.  You can read Saving Family Green's Material Connection Disclosure Policy here.

DIY: Puppet Theater

This is a super easy project that we created one day because we had a large piece of cardboard.

I scored the cardboard approximately 8"-12" from each end to create the structure for the theater.  Then I cut an opening to use as the place where the theater would take place.

Then the kids colored and decorated the inside and outside of the puppet theater.

Next I took a couple of pieces of fabric we had leftover and cut them to be a little larger than 1/2 the opening.  I taped a string across the top of the opening and used safety pins to secure the fabric to the string.  I also taped two loops of string on each side of the curtain to create hold backs for the curtains.

Note:  Some of the links referenced in this post are my referral links.  You can read Saving Family Green's Material Connection Disclosure Policy here. 

Local Green Events - 2011 Eat Local Challenge - Local Matters

2011 Eat Local Challenge - Local Matters

How to Participate:

1. The first step is easy: Choose at least three different ways through which you pledge to eat local.
2. Complete each activity and mark the card with a marker or sticker.
3. Spread the word!  Tell your friends about the challenge and join us for some great events during the Local Foods Week, October 1-8.
4. After you’ve completed three or more activities, submit it to Local Matters by October 14^th to be entered in the grand prize drawing!

You can submit your information online here.

You can also pick up and submit your Pledge Card at one of the following locations:

• The Greener Grocer and North Market
• Cup O’ Joe locations around Columbus
• Columbus Metro Libraries

CONTEST/PRIZE INFO

• 6 months of groceries through the Greener Grocer‘s Weekly Fresh Market Bag (WFMB)
• A pantry makeover from the Hills Market
• Catering for an event from Two Caterers
• A cooking class with Local Matters’ own Chef RB

More ideas for eating local and delicious

• Do your weekly shopping at a Farmers Market
• Challenge yourself to prepare a dinner using as many local ingredients as possible. (and then of course, feast with your friends or family!)
• Visit the farm of a local food that you purchase
• Try a vegetable or fruit that you’ve never tried before!
• Eat at a restaurant that uses local ingredients.
• Host a barbeque using local Ohio meats (try Bluescreek Farm Meats or Weiland’s Gourmet Market)
• Learn to can or preserve local foods so you can enjoy your jam all year long!
• Go berrypicking at a “U-Pick” farm
• Plant a fall garden.
• Buy a share of a farm through a CSA (community supported agriculture).

Note:  Some of the links referenced in this post are my referral links.  You can read Saving Family Green's Material Connection Disclosure Policy here.

Local Green Events - Local Foods Week (Sept. 30 - Oct. 8)

Schedule of Events:

Friday, September 30Local Foods Week Happy Hour (5-8 pm)
Visit bars and restaurants around Columbus to taste some of the best local brews, wines and liquors around along with some great food specials! Participating restaurants include Harvest Pizzeria, Latitude 41, Alana’s, Deepwood, SPAGIO, MoJoe Lounge Downtown and more.
 

Saturday, October 1

Kids Cook Off Challenge at WOSU@COSI (10 am – 1 pm) Admission is free
Join us for a special Local Matters Kids Cook-off Challenge! Sign up your 5-12 year old to compete in this fun, hands-on and delicious experience. In addition to the cook off we’ll have a variety of activities for kids of all ages and an Ohio apple tasting. For more information or to sign up your son or daughter for the Kids Cook Off Challenge email Lyndsey at murphylyndsey@gmail.com. Spaces are limited so sign up today!
Location: WOSU@COSI, 333 W. Broad St, Columbus

Grilled Cheese Throwdown in the Short North (4–7 pm) $5 admission
Chefs will compete alongside talented amateurs for the title of “grilled cheese master” using local breads, cheeses and toppings. Featured chefs include reigning “master” Kevin Caskey of Skillet, David MacLennan of Latitude 41, Catie Randazzo of the Jury Room, and Jeff Lindemeyer of Cameron’s American Bistro. Taste their amazing creations and cast your vote for the winner! Tickets are limited so reserve a spot for your taste buds today! http://grilledcheesethrowdown.eventbrite.com
Location: Poplar Park (just north of MoJoe Lounge) 600 N. High St, Columbus, OH

Yummy! Art Show Opening at Brothers Drake Meadery (7-11 pm) Admission is free
Yummy! is an art exhibition hosted by the Couchfire Collective which explores eating, drinking, cooking, dining, and everything related to food. Yummy! will showcase food-themed artwork by local artists as well as raise funds for the Mid-Ohio Foodbank and promote Local Matters’ Local Foods Week! Please bring non-perishable food items or a monetary donation for the foodbank. More details can be found here.
Location: Brothers Drake Meadery, 26 E. 5th Avenue, Columbus, 43201

Near East Side Harvest Festival (10 am-10 pm) $3 adults, $1 12-18 year olds, kids free
This festival will feature art, food demonstrations, music from jazz artist Sabrina Tutstone, a kids zone, and local growers. Sponsored by Full Circle Soil.
Location: 462 Kimball Place (at Mound), Columbus, OH 43205
 

Sunday, October 2

Food Cart Rally at Eartha Limited (4-8 pm) $5 ticket includes 1 drink ticket
An evening of music, drinks and amazing food from a dozen food carts celebrating local ingredients! Presented in partnership with the Small Business Beanstalk and Eartha Limited. And, with the help of Eartha Limited, the event will be zero waste! Tickets are limited to ensure short lines and adequate food for all. Purchase your tickets now! at  http://foodcartrally.eventbrite.com

Location: Eartha Limited, 371 Maier Place, Columbus, OH 43215 (on the Whittier Peninsula in Scioto Audubon Park)

Monday, October 3

Food Forum on Urban Farming at the Wexner Center (6:00-8:30 pm) Admission is free
We will hold a special edition of our monthly Central Ohio Food Forum featuring the experts! Urban farmers from all over Central Ohio will be on hand to share their stories and photographs from their operations. RSVP to make sure you have a seat! http://octoberfoodforum2011.eventbrite.com
Location: Wexner Center for the Arts, 1871 N. High St, Columbus, OH

Speakers include:
Wayne Shingler, Frijolito Farms
Trish Dehnbostel, Hoover YMCA Gardens
Ashley Laughlin, Franklinton Garden
Joseph Swain, Swainway Urban Farm
Jerry Ra, Compost & Gardens
Jessica Roach, Homesteader
Yolanda Moser, Godman Guild Association
Bill Dawson, Franklin Park Conservatory
Roger Beck, Cornerstone Garden
Tuesday, October 4

Movie Night at the Drexel in Bexley (7-9 pm) $7 admission
The inspiring documentary Fresh! will be screened and delicious movie snacks will be available. Tickets are limited so get yours today! http://lfwmovienight.eventbrite.com
Location: Drexel Theatre, 2254 E. Main St., Bexley, OH

Local Food Tour with Columbus Food Adventures
Local Foods Week tour presented by Columbus Food Adventures highlighting some of the city’s most talented chefs who emphasize local sourcing. Tour stops will include Skillet, Harvest Pizza, Market 65, Latitude 41, and Knead.
This tour is sold out!

Wednesday, October 5

Hungry Planet Presentation at Franklin Park Conservatory (7-9 pm) Admission is free
Presentation about the work of Local Matters as part of the Hungry Planet lecture series along with a cooking demonstration by Executive Director, Michael Jones.
Location: Garden Campus at Franklin Park Conservatory (accessed from S. Franklin Park Drive)

Local Food Tour with Columbus Food Adventures
Local Foods Week tour presented by Columbus Food Adventures highlighting some of the city’s most talented chefs who emphasize local sourcing. Tour stops will include Skillet, Harvest Pizza, Market 65, Latitude 41, and Knead.
This tour is sold out!

Thursday, October 6
Local Drink Tasting at House Wine (6-9 pm) $15
House Wine will offer a variety of Ohio beverages like Rockmill Brewery’s beers, mead from Brothers Drake, along with additional Ohio beers, wines and bites for their Thursday night tasting. Hosted in partnership with Drink Up Columbus.
Location: House Wine, 644 N. High St, Worthington, OH 43085

Speak Easy at Wild Goose Creative (7-9 pm) $5
This hilarious story telling event will focus on local food with the theme “Ohio Grown” in honor of Local Matters’ Local Foods Week! Event details can be found here.
Location: Wild Goose Creative, 2491 Summit St., Columbus, OH 43202

Fall Family Fun Dinner w/ Jeni (6-8:30 pm) $10 adults; $5 kids
Hills Market will present a buffet of Hills Own house-made chicken tenders (made with Gerber Chicken from Kidron, Ohio), Ohio sweet potato wedges and Ohio apple sauce. They will have Snowville Creamery milk to drink and Jeni Britton Bauer from Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams will present her Pumpkin Tiramisu Parfait for dessert. Ohio wine and beer cash bar will be available.
Reservations are required and can be made by calling 614.846.3220. Please let us know how many adults and how many kids (10 and under) will be in your party. Seating will be outside on our heated Veranda, so please dress accordingly.
Location: The Hills Market | 7860 Olentangy River Road Columbus, OH 43235

Jeni’s Happy Hour and Fall Flavor Preview (5-7 pm)
Preview Jeni’s Pumpkin Tiramisu Parfait during happy hour. Pumpkins, coffee, crean and whipped cream are all Ohio ingredients. Sales of the pumpkin parfaits will benefit Local Matters.
Location: Jeni’s locations (except German Village)

Local Food Tour with Columbus Food Adventures
Local Foods Week tour presented by Columbus Food Adventures highlighting some of the city’s most talented chefs who emphasize local sourcing. Tour stops will include Skillet, Harvest Pizza, Market 65, Latitude 41, and Knead.
One more ticket left – here!
 

Friday, October 7

Harvest Dinner (6-9 pm) $100 for dinner and the ball
Prior to the Harvest Ball, the Harvest Dinner will feature a fabulous seasonal five course dinner by Two Caterers. Suggested dress is cocktail attire. Tickets are now available!

Harvest Ball (9 pm-midnight) $20 in advance, $25 at the door
A party of grand proportions featuring great music from MoJoFlo, delicious local bites, a dessert bar and delightful drinks! Tickets are now available!
Location: Grange Insurance Audubon Center | 505 W. Whittier St., Columbus, OH 43215
Saturday, October 8

Market to Market Ride and North Market Harvest Festival (8 am -12 pm)
Ride your bike from the North Market to the Hills Market (and back!) or start in Worthington and make your way south. The Market to Market Ride is entering it’s fifth go-round with a special theme – Zombies vs. Pirates! Get into the fun of fall with this ride for foodies and cyclists of all ages. Details are available here.

You can read more here.

Note:  Some of the links referenced in this post are my referral links.  You can read Saving Family Green's Material Connection Disclosure Policy here.

Whole Foods Market® - This Week's Hot Deals (Ohio)

These prices are valid from September 28 thru October 4.

You can read all about the current coupon deals available in both the whole deal and available to print online here.

Sales appear to be regional or even by State. Please confirm with your store their coupon policy as some stores will allow you to use one manufacturer coupon + one Whole Foods coupon per item.

UPDATE:  Whole Foods (Dublin) is no longer accepting stacked coupons due to a change in store management. 


One Day Deals!    

TBD

This Week's Hot Deals!

FROM OUR BUTCHER Air-Chilled Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast
Roast with garlic and lemon for a quick, comforting meal. Raised on a
100% vegetarian diet with no antibiotics ever.
$4.99 lb
Reg. $6.49 lb

PERU Asparagus
Tender and tasty, these stalks make the ultimate side dish when serving meats and fish, whether broiled, roasted or quickly steamed in the microwave. Asparagus also adds nice flavor to stir-fries.
$2.99 lb
Reg. $3.99 lb

FARM-RAISED IN THAILAND Farm-Raised Shrimp Skewers
Grill, broil or steam for an appetizer or main course. Made with previously frozen, 28/34 count shrimp. Available in Plain, BBQ, Tandoori or Teriyaki flavors.
$2.00 ea
Reg. $2.49 ea

IMAGINE FOODS Organic Soups
Simmered with fresh herbs and seasonings. Add a crusty loaf of bread, and you’ve got a meal. In selected varieties.
(14.5 oz)
2 for $5
Reg. $3.19 ea
$1/2 Manuf. Coupon available here
+
$1/1 Whole Foods Coupon available here
Total:  $1 each! (If your Whole Foods allows you to stack coupons)

FROM OUR BUTCHER 90% Lean Ground Sirloin
$4.99 lb
Reg. $6.49 lb

FROM OUR BUTCHER Ground Turkey Breast
$5.49 lb
Reg. $6.99 lb

RICE FRUIT, GARDNERS, PENNSYLVANIA Gala Apples
(3-lb bag)
$2.99 ea
Reg. $3.99 ea

CALIFORNIA Organic Red Grapes
$2.49 lb
Reg. $3.49 lb

CALIFORNIA Pomegranates
$1.99 ea
Reg. $2.99 ea

FROM OUR CHEESEMONGERS Leerdammer Light Cheese
Perfect for melting on sandwiches!
$7.99 lb
Reg. $11.99 lb

NATURE’S PATH Organic Gluten-Free Cereal
In selected varieties. Non-GMO!
(10 – 13.25 oz)
2 for $7
Reg. $4.49 ea

CENTO San Marzano Tomatoes
(28 oz)
2 for $7
Reg. $4.99 ea

SLICED IN OUR DELI Smoked Turkey Breast
$7.49 lb
Reg. $9.99 lb

PROBAR Halo Bars
In selected varieties.
(1.3 oz)
4 for $5
Reg. $1.69 ea

SPECTRUM Ground Flaxseed
(14 oz)
$4.99 ea
Reg. $6.99 ea
$2/1 Whole Foods Coupon available here

GARDEN OF EATIN' Organic Tortilla Chips
(9 oz)
2 for $5
Reg. $3.49 ea

These Hot Deals! are local to Whole Foods Market - Ohio locations.

Check out even more Whole Foods Market deals by visiting Healthy Life Deals.

DIY: Freezing Peppers

So another step towards preserving food for the winter months included chopping lots of peppers and freezing in quart size freezer bags.  This is a super simple way to include great produce into your diet for minimal cost.  My husband makes a terrific pasta dish with red and yellow diced peppers and when he makes this in the winter it costs a fortune (in my opinion) to purchase from our local grocer.  However, by preserving these peppers now we will also save money.

I purchased two large baskets of peppers for $14 at a Produce Auction.

We chopped the peppers for my husband's pasta dish, chopped green peppers for use in texas chili and strips of peppers for use in other dishes and for fajitas. 

Want to hear something really sad?  After placing all these nicely cut peppers in my new deep freeze, the deep freeze stopped working and I lost it all!  Fortunately since our local Farmer's Market is still in full swing I was able to partially replenish the chopped peppers.

Saving Family Green's 2011 Food Preservation List to date:

DIY:  Freezing and Canning Tomato Sauce
DIY:  Freezing Corn 
DIY:  Homemade Pesto 


Note:  Some of the links referenced in this post are my referral links.  You can read Saving Family Green's Material Connection Disclosure Policy here.

Whole Foods Market® - This Week's Hot Deals (Ohio)

These prices are valid from September 21 thru September 27.

You can read all about the current coupon deals available in both the whole deal and available to print online here.

Sales appear to be regional or even by State. Please confirm with your store their coupon policy as some stores will allow you to use one manufacturer coupon + one Whole Foods coupon per item.

UPDATE:  Whole Foods (Dublin) is no longer accepting stacked coupons due to a change in store management. 


One Day Deals!    

TBD

This Week's Hot Deals!

CALIFORNIA/WASHINGTON Organic Bartlett Pears
Honey sweet and juicy. Stock up for snacking or try sliced and served for dessert with a dollop of ricotta and a drizzle of honey.
$1.79 lb
Reg. $2.49 lb

PENNSYLVANIA Organic Butternut Squash
99¢ lb
Reg. $1.69 lb

CALIFORNIA Organic Mixed Baby Kale
(5 oz)
$2.99 ea
Reg. $3.99 ea

FROM OUR BUTCHER Air-Chilled Buffalo-Style Chicken Wings
$2.49 lb
Reg. $3.49 lb

FROM OUR BUTCHER Beef Kabobs
In select flavors.
$7.99 lb
Reg. $9.99 lb

FROM OUR BUTCHER Flat Iron Steak
One of our great cuts for less! It’s a perfect steak for grilling and extra-tasty with one of our in-house marinades.
$7.99 lb
Reg. $9.99 lb

PRODUCT OF USA Wild-Caught King Salmon Fillet
Big, rich flavor and packed with omega-3s. Grill or pan-sear; serve with salsa, salad or a stir-fry.
$16.99 lb
Reg. $19.99 lb

CASCADIAN FARM Organic Granola Bars
Packed with satisfying organic ingredients for quick breakfasts and great snacking. In select varieties.
(7.4 oz)
2 for $7
Reg. $4.49 ea

EROS Organic Greek Yogurt
In select varieties. (6 oz)
4 for $5
Reg. $1.99 ea

STARFISH Gluten-Free Battered Haddock
Heat and serve! (10 oz)
$5.99 ea
Reg. $8.99 ea

NAKED Coconut Water
(11.2 fl oz)
2 for $3
Reg. $1.99 ea
$1/1 Manuf. Coupon available here

ODWALLA Smoothies 
In select flavors.
(64 fl oz)
$7.49 ea
Reg. $8.49 ea

SLICED IN OUR DELI WELLSHIRE FARMS Corned Beef
$8.49 lb
Reg. $10.99 lb

COUNTRY LIFE Dolphin Pals Kids Chewable Multivitamins
(90 tabs)
$12.99 ea
Reg. $19.99 ea

TOM’S OF MAINE Deodorant Bonus Pack
Get a free trial-sized soap with the purchase of a regular stick deodorant.
(2.25 oz)
Reg. $4.99 ea
$1/1 Manuf. Coupon 9/18 SmartSource Insert

ETHNIC GOURMET Frozen Entrées
In select flavors.
(10 – 11 oz)
2 for $6
Reg. $4.69 ea

These Hot Deals! are local to Whole Foods Market - Ohio locations.

Check out even more Whole Foods Market deals by visiting Healthy Life Deals.

Local Green Events: Central Ohio Car Free Day (9/22)

Local Green Events: Central Ohio Car Free Day is this Thursday, September 22, 2011.

What is Car Free Day?

Car Free Day is an international event to be celebrated in Central Ohio on Thursday, September 22, 2011. Get the latest updates on Facebook by searching for Central Ohio Car Free Day. Hear what local leaders have to say about Car Free Day by tuning into COTA's YouTube Channel.

CAR FREE DAY PLEDGES Be one of the many that will reduce or eliminate the use of their car on September 22. Just for one day consider your alternatives. The possibilities are endless. You can walk, ride your bike, take the bus or ride with a friend. Take your pledge to be car free today.

CAR FREE DAY SPOTS Also on September 22, be on the lookout for everyday parking spots that have been transformed into car free spots to demonstrate what our community could be like with fewer cars on the road. By taking a fair number of cars off the roads, people who live and work in central Ohio are given a chance to consider how our region might look and work with a lot fewer cars.

CAR FREE DAY EMPLOYER RECOGNITION AWARDS The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC), through its RideSolutions program, is recognizing four employers that offer solutions to improve mobility and air quality in our region. Join us on Wednesday, September 21 at Noon at The Columbus Commons' Lunch on the Lawn for a Car Free Day Pep Rally and Awards Ceremony honoring Bricker & Eckler, Columbus Food League, Franklin County Board of Commissioners, and The Ohio Department of Health for promoting alternative transportation options to their employees.

 

Note:  Some of the links referenced in this post are my referral links.  You can read Saving Family Green's Material Connection Disclosure Policy here.
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Sustainable Saturday - 10 Tips for Getting to Green as a Consumer

This week's Sustainable Saturday is the seventh part in the Series Getting to Green.  This Series focuses on easy, cost-effective ways to implement green ideas or concepts throughout your home and life. 

Sustainable Saturday - 10 Tips for Getting to Green as a Consumer

1.  Think Globally, Act Locally.  Simply give some thought to where the item was grown, produced, processed or shipped from.  For instance, while you might pay slightly more for an item like Organic Cheese from a local Farmer's Market, this product was grown (the cow), processed (made into cheese) and transported locally.  When you start to think about the impact on the environment from the standpoint of shipping (or use of fossil fuels), you can greatly reduce your overall impact on the environment by being a local consumer. 

2.  Bring Your Own Bags.  Another tip is if you forget and your grocery store for instance has paper bags, choose those and use them for bagging lawn waste, gathering items for your compost, or doing a cool craft with your children.

3. Purchase Organic Foods (Product, Dairy, Meat, etc.).  Many people say that if there is one thing Organic you purchase for your family, choose Organic dairy.  Choosing Organic can be consuming at times with all the labels proclaiming Natural, All Natural, Local, Organic, etc.  Make sure you understand what all these food labels actually mean you are purchasing:  Sustainable Saturday - Organic Food Labels.

4.  Purchase Locally Grown or Produced Foods.  As I've said before, many people will claim that locally grown foods are often Organic (although they don't always bear the pricey to receive Organic food label) and are better for you from a nutrients standpoint and better for the environment from a locally grown standpoint, than many Organic labels.  Many Organic produce is grown in other countries or at best shipped across the Country. 

5.  Purchase Produce in Season.  This is something you can easily follow by either purchasing produce that is on sale (most likely meaning in season) from your local grocery store or Farmer's market.

6.  Purchase Produce in Season AND in Bulk.  This is something we experienced for the first time in the last month in that we went to and purchased produce from a local (Amish) Produce Auction.  The great thing about a produce auction is you can buy in bulk, for a great price (less than a local Farmer's market) and you are buying chemical free food (in most cases) because the Amish do not use pesticides and other chemicals on their produce. 

7.  Preserve Food.  If my grandmother was still alive, I would be wanting to learn from her all the ways that she preserved food when she was raising a family (in the 1940s-50s).  Unfortunately, my mother did not pass down these strategies of food preservation as she raised myself and my sister in the 1980s when processed convenience foods were new and popular.  (If I ever see a bowl of fruit cocktail again, I may lose it!)  So, I've had to learn how-to preserve food by both canning and freezing. 

Saving Family Green's 2011 Food Preservation List to date:

DIY:  Freezing and Canning Tomato Sauce
DIY:  Freezing Corn 
DIY:  Homemade Pesto 

8.  Think about Packaging.  We recently made a step to reduce the packaging we use to pack our lunches everyday.  We use reusable lunch bags and reusable containers although we were still using plastic bags for sandwiches.  (Saran wrap has been banned from our house for years due to possible chemical leakage into food especially when used in the microwave.)  We purchased Kid Konserve Green 5-Pack Food Kozy from Amazon. 

You can also greatly reduce packaging by not buying individually packages snack items and instead by the large bag and place into smaller reusable containers.

9.   Use Green Cleaning Products or Make Your Own.  Making your own cleaning products is really the most environmentally friendly as you are most likely reducing the amount of fossil fuels that are being used to both make a product and for transportation.

10.   Purchase Quality Furniture - If you are purchasing new furniture, look for furniture that is made of solid wood and is preferably FSC (Forest Stewardship Council)-certified wood.  Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is a non-profit organization devoted to encouraging the responsible management of the world’s forests.

You can read the entire Getting to Green series here:   

Sustainable Saturday - 10 Tips for Getting to Green in the Living Areas (Living/ Dining/ Family/ Office)

Sustainable Saturday - 10 Tips for Getting to Green in the Kitchen 

Sustainable Saturday - 10 Tips for Getting to Green in the Bedroom

Sustainable Saturday - 10 Tips for Getting to Green in the Bathroom 

Sustainable Saturday - 10 Tips for Getting to Green in the Laundry Room 

Sustainable Saturday - 10 Tips for Getting to Green Outdoors and in the Garden 

Note:  Some of the links referenced in this post are my referral links.  You can read Saving Family Green's Material Connection Disclosure Policy here. Tweet
 

DIY: Freezing & Canning Tomato Sauce

After our adventure to a Produce Auction we had some work to do in regards to preserving this fresh produce for the coming months.  This is yet another DIY post related to the Produce we purchased with detailed information on the process we followed.

We purchased 20 lb. of Roma Tomatoes at the Produce Auction for $10.

First we boiled water and allowed the tomatoes to boil for 30 seconds - 1 minute to allow the skins to break open to easily remove.  After removing the tomatoes from the boiling water, we placed them in cold water.

We peeled the skins off the tomatoes and then cut them into quarters.  I did not remove the seeds from the tomatoes.

Then we placed the tomatoes in the blender to puree them (I currently do not have a food processor).

We preserved the roma tomatoes several different ways:

• After removing the skins and cutting into quarters, we canned pint size jars of tomatoes.
• Making tomato sauce by simply cooking the tomatoes for 2-3 hours until they formed a sauce consistency.  This sauce we froze in quart size freezer bags.
• Making tomato sauce using a recipe from Animal, Vegetable, Miracle which you can find here.  This sauce we froze in quart size freezer bags and we canned in pint size jars. 

Note:  Some of the links referenced in this post are my referral links.  You can read Saving Family Green's Material Connection Disclosure Policy here. Tweet

Whole Foods Market® - This Week's Hot Deals (Ohio)

These prices are valid from September 14 thru September 21.

You can read all about the current coupon deals available in both the whole deal and available to print online here.

Sales appear to be regional or even by State. Please confirm with your store their coupon policy as some stores will allow you to use one manufacturer coupon + one Whole Foods coupon per item.

UPDATE:  Whole Foods (Dublin) is no longer accepting stacked coupons due to a change in store management. 


One Day Deals!    

Tomorrow's One Day Deal Wild Caught Raw Shell On Shrimp U-15 Count (previously frozen, Product of the USA) $10.99/lb. Regularly $18.99/lb. Save $8.00.

This Week's Hot Deals!

FROM OUR BUTCHER Beef Skirt Steak
Makes an excellent steak sandwich. Raised on a vegetarian diet; no antibiotics ever and no added hormones.
$7.99 lb
Reg. $9.99 lb

FROM OUR BUTCHER Split Bone-In Chicken Breast
Perfect for roasting, and it’s air-chilled for best flavor and texture.
No antibiotics ever; raised on a vegetarian diet.
$2.99 lb
Reg. $4.49 lb

PRODUCT OF USA FRESH, WILD-CAUGHT West Coast Dover Sole
Pearly white fillets with a fresh, mild, exceedingly sweet flavor — a superb
choice for broiling, steaming or pan-searing. Fresh, never frozen.
$8.99 lb
Reg. $11.99 lb

CALIFORNIA
Organic Seedless Red Grapes
Large and sweet. Our buyers look for full and healthy grapes. A couple big bunches on a platter makes a lovely centerpiece and a refreshing
end to a meal.
$2.49 lb
Reg. $3.49 lb

FROM OUR BUTCHER 90% Lean Ground Sirloin
$4.99 lb
Reg. $6.49 lb

CALIFORNIA Organic Baby Broccoli
2 for $5
Reg. $2.99 ea

LADY MOON FARMS PENNSYLVANIA Organic Heirloom Tomatoes
$3.99 lb
Reg. $4.99 lb

FROM OUR SPECIALTY DEPARTMENT Farmhouse Gouda
Rich, raw milk Gouda from Holland.
$9.99 lb
Reg. $15.99 lb

ANNIE’S HOMEGROWN Crackers
In select varieties.
(7.5 oz)
2 for $5
Reg. $3.49 ea

KETTLE BRAND Potato Chips
In select flavors.
(13 oz)
2 for $7
Reg. $4.99 ea

IZZE Sparkling Juices
In select flavors.
(4-pack x 12 fl oz)
2 for $8
Reg. $5.49 ea

ARROWHEAD MILLS Organic Cereal
In select varieties.
(10 – 13 oz)
2 for $5
Reg. $4.49 – $4.99 ea

Whole Trade™ Rainbow Pompoms
(15- stem bunch)
$6.99 ea
Reg. $7.99 ea

GNU FOODS Flavor & Fiber Bars
Try Espresso Chip, Orange Cranberry or Cinnamon Raisin.
(1.6 oz)
$1.29 ea
Reg. $1.99 ea

GARDEN OF LIFE RAW Protein Powder
Raw, vegan and organic.
(22 oz)
$29.99 ea
Reg. $39.99 ea

SEVENTH GENERATION Diapers
(21 – 44 count)
$9.99 ea
Reg. $11.99 ea

These Hot Deals! are local to Whole Foods Market - Ohio locations.

Check out even more Whole Foods Market deals by visiting Your Green Helper.

Sustainable Saturday - 5 Tips for Eco-Friendly Tailgating!

I honestly can't believe it's that time of the year when it's time to think about football. As I listened to the band play last evening at our local high school football game, I had the realization that fall is on its way.

So you're headed to the game next weekend and you want to improve your overall experience by reducing the amount of trash associated with tailgating. As you can tell I bleed scarlet and gray (Ohio State) for those of you non-football fans. At Ohio State I've heard that the grounds staff spends something like an entire day cleaning up after a home football game due to the amount of trash. Now I agree that this is ridiculous in itself and people in general should take responsibility for their mess, what if everyone had incentive to take their trash home by placing it in their compost pile or getting perks for recycling.

In the past I've done posts on the benefits of both. You can read about Composting Basics and the RecycleBank program here, here and here.

5 Tips for Eco-Friendly Tailgating!

1.  Purchase compostable, biodegradable and sustainable paper products like ultra green, Earth Shell or Solo Bare.  I would like to point out that if you do purchase something that is biodegradable only or plan on placing one of the products listed above into a trash bag headed for the landfill, it will not biodegrade.  Nothing biodegrades a 100% in a landfill that is not a composting landfill.  If you place these products in a separate container or bag to be placed in your compost pile these products will easily break down, usually within a week in my experience, and you will benefit from rich compost for your garden and yard.

2.  Tasty Beverages are usually an essential part of any tailgating experience.  Whether you are talking about some Horizon Organic Chocolate Milk Boxes or some local brews.  One of our favorite companies is Great Lakes Brewing Company.  Great Lakes Brewing Company is a principle-centered, environmentally respectful and socially conscious company committed to crafting fresh, flavorful, high-quality beer and food for the enjoyment of their customers.  Located in on the West Side in Cleveland, OH, they distribute to 13 states in the U.S.

Great Lakes Brewing Company on Sustainability:

Great Lakes Brewing Company is an environmentally and socially conscious brewer of award-winning, all natural beer. The care that goes into the beer resonates from a commitment to the community and environment, otherwise known as the "Triple Bottom Line" - to engage in economic, social and environmental practices that achieve a sustainable, yet profitable, business.
We believe the Triple Bottom Line is going to become increasingly important as people focus more on responsible purchasing. This commitment to sustainability is present in almost every aspect of our business including:

• Reducing, reusing and recycling
• Changing natural resource use from "Take, Make, Waste" to "Take, Make, Remake"
• Implementing efficient energy practices
• Investing in the community through non-profit organizations
• Supporting sustainable urban renewal projects

You can read about their Pint Size Farm and even more Sustainable Initiatives here.

3. Meat is another essential for tailgating.  Look for either a Local Farmer's Market or Farm to purchase your meat to get a better quality product and lessen the impact on the environment.  We purchase meat from a farm in Ashtabula County.  You can also look for products like Laura's Lean Ground Beef at your local grocery store for a more environmentally friendly option.  

4.  Supplement some of your tailgate fair by going meatless.  A great way to do this is with beans (black, pinto, kidney) to make a variety of dishes like nachos, chili (a fan favorite), fajitas, etc.  I like to cook my beans ahead in a big pot and freeze them in quart freezer bags for easy use later on.  These are a great way to make a portion your tailgate fare meatless and so easy to grab a couple bags from the freezer and put them in the cooler.  

5. Purchase tailgate essentials from your local Farmer's Markets to get local and organic fresh produce, meats and even dairy products.  Not all items found at Farmer's Markets are Organic, however many people argue that Local and Fresh are just as important, if not more so than Organic. 

You can search for Local Farmer's Markets in your area at Local Harvest.

Read about The New Dirty Dozen:  12 Foods to Eat Organic


I suppose I've started a Series by accident.  You can read more about my Tips for Eco-Friendly living:

10 Tips to Buying Organic on a Budget
5 Tips for Eco-Friendly Back-to-School
5 Tips for a Eco-Friendly Vacation

Originally published by Saving Family Green in August 2010.

Note:  Some of the links referenced in this post are my referral links.  You can read Saving Family Green's Material Connection Disclosure Policy here. Tweet

Whole Foods Market® - This Week's Hot Deals (Ohio)

These prices are valid from September 7 thru September 13.

You can read all about the current coupon deals available in both the whole deal and available to print online here.

Sales appear to be regional or even by State. Please confirm with your store their coupon policy as some stores will allow you to use one manufacturer coupon + one Whole Foods coupon per item.

UPDATE:  Whole Foods (Dublin) is no longer accepting stacked coupons due to a change in store management. 


One Day Deals!    

Mmmm, gelato! This Friday, September 9, 2011, Telenti Gelato is our One Day Deal! Buy One Get One Free!!!

This Week's Hot Deals!

FROM OUR BUTCHER Boneless Sirloin Steaks
Give it a quick marinade for extra flavor and tenderness, then grill or broil. Excellent for kabobs and stir-fries too.
$7.99 lb
Reg. $9.99 lb

APPLEGATE FARMS Grilled Chicken Breast Strips
Fully cooked! Ready for sandwiches and topping salads. Choose Plain or Southwest flavored.
(8 oz)
$4.99 ea
Reg. $6.99 ea

PRODUCT OF USA Fresh, Wild Haddock Fillet
Mild, light flavor and buttery, flaky texture. Pan-sear or bake with a dusting of panko.
$8.99 lb
Reg. $10.99 lb

CALIFORNIA Organic Seedless Green Grapes
Sweet, crunchy, organically grown grapes at a price that’s too good to resist. Add to lunch boxes or roast some with pears and sweet
wine for dessert.
$2.49 lb
Reg. $3.49 lb

BELL & EVANS Breaded Chicken Tenders
In Plain or Gluten Free. (12 oz)
BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE
Reg. $6.99 ea

CALIFORNIA Organic Cantaloupe Chunks
$2.99 lb
Reg. $4.99 lb

PRODUCT OF CANADA Wild-Caught Snow Crab Legs
Previously Frozen.
$10.99 lb
Reg. $12.99 lb

ALLEGRO Sumatra Blue Batak Coffee
Available in Whole Bean or Ground.
(12 oz)
$9.99 ea
Reg. $14.99 ea

GARDEN OF EATIN’ Organic Tortilla Chips
In select flavors. (9 oz)
2 for $5
Reg. $3.49 ea

CALIFORNIA Organic Jewel or Garnet Yams
$1.69 lb
Reg. $2.29 lb

ZEVIA Diet Soda
In select varieties.
(6 pack x 12 fl oz)
$4.79 ea
Reg. $5.99 ea

SO DELICIOUS Organic Aseptic Coconut Milk
In select varieties.
(8 pack x 6.5 fl oz)
$6.99 ea
Reg. $8.99 ea

WELLSHIRE FARMS All-Natural Black Forest Ham
$7.99 lb
Reg. $10.99 lb

SLICE OF LIFE Adult Chewy Multivitamins
A 25¢ donation goes to Vitamin Angels with every purchase! (60 caps)
$14.99 ea
Reg. $19.99 ea

EO Lavender Liquid Soap
(12 fl oz)
$4.99 ea
Reg. $8.99 ea

RED FORK Frozen Pizza
In select flavors.
(12.5 – 13.5 oz)
$4.69 ea
Reg. $6.99 ea

These Hot Deals! are local to Whole Foods Market - Ohio locations.

Check out even more Whole Foods Market deals by visiting Your Green Helper.


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Sustainable Saturday - Transforming our Pantry 2011

This new Series, Transforming Our Pantry 2011, will focus on the things we will be doing to preserve local and homegrown food now that will last into the fall and winter months.  I will be posting the specifics of how we are preserving food in Friday's DIY (Do-It-Yourself) Posts.

A little background . . .

After reading the book Animal, Vegetable, Miracle we set some food goals at our house.

1. Grow, Purchase and Eat as much locally grown food as possible.  (Currently we buy vegetables in season from our local Farmer’s Market, purchase meat from a local vendor and grow a garden in our Back Yard.)
2. Preserve vegetables from our current Back Yard garden.
3. Preserve fruits and vegetables from our local Farmer’s Market.
4. Incorporate edible plants or possibly even a garden into our Front Yard landscaping.

I thought it would be interesting to document how our pantry and freezer (essentially our food supply) continues to "transform" as we implement new strategies and reinforce some old ones.  Above pictured is the tomato sauce that we canned after attending our first Produce Auction.  Locally produced maple syrup purchased at our local Farmer's Market.  While we purchase many organic items, including beans and tomato sauce, we still want to improve the quality and locality of the food we are placing in our pantry and ultimately eating.

As part of our adventure to a Produce Auction last week, we also stopped at a Amish Bulk Foods store.  Purchases at the Amish Bulk Foods store included:

Raw (Turbinado) Sugar
Whole Wheat Flour
White Flour
Oats
Brown Rice
Vanilla Extract
(and a few extras like Trail Bologna, Amish Cheeses, Banana chips and Yogurt Pretzels)

Note:  Some of the links referenced in this post are my referral links.  You can read Saving Family Green's Material Connection Disclosure Policy here.
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DIY: Freezing Corn

After our adventure to a Produce Auction we had some work to do in regards to preserving this fresh produce for the coming months.

We shucked the corn and boiled water to blanch the corn for 2-3 minutes.

After allowing the corn to boil for 2-3 minutes, we then placed the ears of corn in a ice water bath.  (Most of the ice had melted by the time I took this picture.)  Another blog I read mentioned freezing water in old butter containers or the like to have larger chunks of ice to cool the water that wouldn't melt as quickly as ice cubes.  You place the corn in the ice water to stop the cooking process.

We then placed the corn in a bowl until we were ready to cut the kernels off the cob.

After removing the kernels from the cob, we placed 3 cups of corn in each quart size freezer bag.

All of our loot from the Produce Auction ready for our new deep freeze.

Note:  Some of the links referenced in this post are my referral links.  You can read Saving Family Green's Material Connection Disclosure Policy here. Tweet

Whole Foods Market® - This Week's Hot Deals (Ohio)

These prices are valid from August 31 thru September 6 .

You can read all about the current coupon deals available in both the whole deal and available to print online here.

Sales appear to be regional or even by State. Please confirm with your store their coupon policy as some stores will allow you to use one manufacturer coupon + one Whole Foods coupon per item.

UPDATE:  Whole Foods (Dublin) is no longer accepting stacked coupons due to a change in store management. 


One Day Deals!   

Tomorrow only, come get your grass fed beef. It's $4.99/lb, regularly $6.99/lb. While supplies last.

This Week's Hot Deals!

FROM OUR BUTCHER Bone-In Beef Rib Steaks
King of the grill! Robust flavor and great marbling for a tender, juicy steak experience. Just add your favorite spice blend.
$10.99 lb
Reg. $13.99 lb

FROM OUR BUTCHER Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast
Easy weeknight staple that does it all — bake, broil, stir-fry or sauté.  Air-chilled for best flavor and texture.
$4.99 lb
Reg. $6.49 lb

PRODUCT OF CANADA Wild Turbot Fillet
This flatfish is similar to sole and cooks up moist and firm with a mild, sweet flavor. Great pan-fried, steamed or broiled with lemon and garlic. Previously frozen.
$9.99 lb
Reg. $12.99 lb

MEXICO Organic Kent Mangoes
Stock up now! We have some of the ripest, sweetest fruit around. Perfect for fruit salsa or try sprinkled
with cayenne pepper and
lime juice.
4 for $5
Reg. $1.99 ea

NEW JERSEY/PENNSYLVANIA Organic Grape Tomatoes
(1 pint)
2 for $4
Reg. $3.99 ea

STORE-MADE Fresh Pork, Chicken or Turkey Sausages
Selection may vary by store.
$4.49 lb
Reg. $5.99 lb

FARM-RAISED Whole Branzini
$8.99 lb
Reg. $10.99 lb

FROM OUR CHEESEMONGER Pavino Cheese
$9.99 lb
Reg. $13.99 lb

SWEET LEAF TEA Organic Bottled Teas or Lemonade
In select flavors. (16 fl oz)
5 for $5
Reg. $1.99 ea

CALIFORNIA Organic Mini Watermelon
$3.99 ea
Reg. $4.99 ea

Santa Cruz Organic Applesauce Cups
In select varieties.
(6 pack x 4 oz)
2 for $5
Reg. $4.49 ea

CROFTER’S Organic Fruit Spreads
In select varieties. (11 oz)
2 for $6
Reg. $4.49 ea

WELLSHIRE FARMS All-Natural Deli Beef Bologna
$6.74 lb
Reg. $8.99 lb

GARDEN OF LIFE Raw Vitamin C
A portion of this sale goes to Vitamin Angels and nourishing children in need. (60 caps)
$12.99 ea
Reg. $17.99 ea

BACH Rescue Gum
(17 count)
$3.99 ea
Reg. $5.99 ea

CRAZY RICHARD’S Peanut Butter
In select flavors.
(16 oz)
2 for $5
Reg. $3.79 ea

These Hot Deals! are local to Whole Foods Market - Ohio locations.

Check out even more Whole Foods Market deals by visiting Your Green Helper.


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