Sustainable Saturday - Zero Waste at Ohio Stadium (Home of the Ohio State Buckeyes)

Those who know me personally, know that I bleed scarlet and gray.  I am hoping to pass that tradition down today as my almost 6 year old daughter will attend her very first game in Ohio Stadium to watch the Ohio State Buckeyes football team take on Indiana.

Back in the Spring, Ohio State announced a Zero Waste Initiative for Ohio Stadium.  The goal:  To divert 90 percent of gameday waste from the landfill.

According to their website, Zero Waste at Ohio Stadium, they are tracking 57.4% on the season.  They break down the stats for each game here.

Looks like Ohio Stadium is among friends with Zero Waste Initiatives at the following Universities:

University of Colorado Boulder

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is challenging Colleges and Universities to participate in their Game Day Challenge.

The Game Day Challenge is a friendly competition for colleges and universities to promote waste reduction at their football games. This Challenge is an initiative of EPA’s WasteWise program.
During the challenge, colleges and universities implement waste reduction programs during home football games. Schools track and report waste reductions and disposal data that is used to rank the schools.

What a great initiative to get started even at your local high school football field?

Go Bucks!


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

the whole deal coupons (Nov/ Dec 2011) + Manufacturer Coupon Matchups!

If you like to shop at Whole Foods Market® you definitely need to check out the whole deal for recipes and money saving coupons.

the whole deal coupons are available in both the printed copy of the whole deal and as printable coupons online here. 

Depending on your local store policy, some stores will allow you to use one Whole Food coupons + one Manufacturer Coupon per item.  The corresponding manufacturer's coupons are listed below in addition to the Whole Foods coupon.

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

  

55¢ off any ONE (1) Alexia Oven Fry or Alexia Oven Red Product

+

$1/1 Manuf. Coupon available here or here 

$0.55/1 Manuf. Coupon available 10/2 SmartSource Insert

50¢ off any ONE (1) Annie's Organic Orchard Fruit Bites

$1.00 off any ONE (1) Arrowhead Mills Baking Product

$1.00 off any ONE (1) Box Celestial Seasonings Tea

+

$0.75/1 Manuf. Coupon available here

$1/1 Manuf. Coupon available 10/2 SmartSource Insert

$1.00 off any TWO (2) 32-oz Lifeway Lowfat Kefirs (excluding organic)

$1.00 off any ONE (1) Divine Fair Trade Chocolate Advent Calendar

$1.00 off any ONE (1) Dream Non-Dairy Beverage or Frozen Dessert 

+

$1/1 Manuf. Coupon available here

50¢ off any ONE (1) Icelandic Dairies Skyr

$5.00 off any ONE (1) Garden of Life RAW Meal or RAW Protein Powder

$1.00 off any ONE (1) Imagine Product

+

$1/2 Manuf. Coupon available here

$1/1 Manuf. Coupon available 10/16 SmartSource Insert

50¢ off any ONE (1) Lifeway BioKefir 4-pack

+

$0.50/1 Manuf. Coupon available here

$1.50 off any TWO (2) Nature's Path Organic Waffles or Hot Oatmeal

$1.00 off any TWO (2) Pacific Natural Foods 17.6-oz or 12-oz Organic Soups

+

$1/1 Manuf. Coupon available here

$1.00 off any ONE (1) Bag Popcorn Indiana Brand Product

+

$1/1 Manuf. Coupon available here

$1/1 Manuf. Coupon 9/25 SmartSource Insert

$1.00 off any ONE (1) Putumayo CD

$1.00 off any ONE (1) Earth Balance Organic Coconut Spread

+

$1/1 Manuf. Coupon available here (expires 11/10/11)

55¢ off any ONE (1) 10-oz San-J Tamari Soy Sauce
+
$0.55/1 Manuf. Coupon available here

$1.00 off any ONE (1) Spectrum Naturals Product
+
$0.50/1 Manuf. Coupon available Earth Fare Holiday Savings Booklet

$1.00 off any ONE (1) SunSpire Product

$1.00 off any ONE (1) 64-oz Earth Balance Organic Soymilk
+
$1/1 Manuf. Coupon available here (expires 11/10/11)

$1.00 off any ONE (1) Bag Terra Chips (4-oz bag or larger)
+
$1/1 Manuf. Coupon available 8/28 SmartSource Insert
$1/1 Manuf. Coupon available Earth Fare Holiday Savings Booklet

$2.00 off any ONE (1) Kyolic, Kyo-Green, Kyo-Dophilus or Moducare Product

$2.50 off any TWO (2) Zevia 6-packs
+
$1/1 Manuf. Coupon available here (IE) and here (FF)

$1.00 off any ONE (1) pkg Wellshire Bacon

50¢ off any ONE (1) loaf Ciabatta Bread (from our Bakery)

$1.00 off any ONE (1) box 365 Everyday Value® Daily Multi Pack (30 packets per box)

$1.00 off any ONE (1) 24-oz or 32-oz Health Starts Here™ Soup (from Prepared Foods department cold case)

75¢ off any ONE (1) 2-liter bottle 365 Everyday Value® Cola, Ginger Ale, Lemon Lime or Root Beer

50¢ off any ONE (1) 12-oz pkg 365 Everyday Value® Dark Chocolate Mini Chunks, White Chocolate Chunks, Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips or Organic Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (Online printable)

$2/1 off any ONE (1) 12-oz pkg 365 Everyday Value® Dark Chocolate Mini Chunks, White Chocolate Chunks, Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips or Organic Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (the whole deal, available in stores).

50¢ off any ONE (1) 3.5-oz bar Whole Foods Market™ Organic Chocolate Bar: Dark or Milk

50¢ off any ONE (1) bag 365 Everyday Value® Organic Wild Rice Mix, Rice & Lentil Medley or Rice Medley

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 November 1 thru November 8.

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!    

Wild-Caught Lobster Tails

Great steamed, broiled, or grilled!  Try them dipped in butter, with lemon, or seasoned with a favorite seafood marinade or rub. We recommend Seasoned Garlic Butter, found in our Seafood Department and made fresh from our Kitchen. Previously Frozen. 3-4 oz.

Sale $5.99/ea

Reg. $8.99/ea

This Week's Hot Deals!

Organic Butternut Squash
These sweet, nutty squashes are the stars of the autumn harvest—ready to be roasted with maple syrup or steamed and puréed for soup.
99¢ lb
Reg. $1.69 lb

CALIFORNIA Seedless Holiday Grapes
$2.49 lb
Reg. $3.49 lb

MEXICO Organic Euro Cucumber
2 for $5
Reg. $3.49 ea

WILD-CAUGHT Sockeye Salmon Fillet
Full flavor, rich texture and heart-healthy omega-3s. Just bake or boil, and serve with your favorite fall veggies. Previously frozen.
$9.99 lb
Reg. $12.99 lb

FROM OUR BUTCHER 85% Lean Ground Beef
Perfect for chili, meatloaf and a great burger.
$3.99 lb
Reg. $4.99 lb
 
FROM OUR BUTCHER Bone-In Beef Rib Steak
A steak-lover’s favorite. Just grill or broil for a tender, juicy steak. From cattle raised on a vegetarian diet with no antibiotics ever.
$10.99 lb
Reg. $13.99 lb

FROM OUR BUTCHER Beef Chuck Shoulder Roast
Perfect for pot roast.
$4.49 lb
Reg. $5.99 lb

ORGANIC VALLEY Butter
Stock up before the holidays! These award-winning butters are prized by gourmet chefs, and they’re a special treat on our freshly baked breads. In select varieties.
(1 pound)
$4.59 ea
Reg. $6.39 ea

IMAGINE FOODS Almond Dream or Rice Dream
Select varieties of nondairy beverages. (64 fl oz)
$3.99 ea
Reg. $4.99 ea

VERMONT BUTTER & CHEESE CREAMERY Crème Fraîche
(8 oz)
2 for $4
Reg. $3.99 ea

THREE SISTERS Cold Cereals
In select varieties.
(12–15.5 oz)
2 for $4
Reg. $3.59 ea

EO Bubble Baths
In select varieties.
(12 oz)
$5.99 ea
Reg. $11.99 ea

AMAZING GRASS Raw Reserve Powder
(8.5 oz)
$23.99 ea
Reg. $39.99 ea

IMMACULATE BAKING CO. Biscuits or Crescent Rolls
(8–16 oz)
2 for $5
Reg. $3.99 ea

ENJOY LIFE Chocolate Bars
In select varieties.
(1.4 oz)
4 for $5
Reg. $1.99 ea
$0.75/2 Manuf. Coupon available here

MEXICO Gourmet Medley Tomatoes
(12 oz)
$3.99 ea
Reg. $4.99 ea

Valid in our Washington, D.C.; Marlton and Princeton, New Jersey; Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia stores. Certain items may not be available in all stores.

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

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.

Sustainable Saturday - 10 Tips for Transitioning Your Family to Locally Grown Real Food

I've talked a lot about food lately.  Whether it be fresh produce from a Farmer's Market, growing a garden or food preservation, it's been primarily about food.

There are two reasons for that.  One is that I feel that in our home we have made many changes or transitions over the last 7+ years towards living a more sustainable life.  We have focused on green cleaning products, remodeling our home in a environmentally friendly and energy efficient way and making smart choices for personal care products.  We have for many years focused on eating locally, primarily during the Farmer's Market season, but have still purchased processed foods and purchased produce out of season from our local grocery store.

This year we have focused heavily on transitioning to primarily locally grown real foods.

Here are Saving Family Green's 10 Tips for Transitioning Your Family to Locally Grown Real Food:

1.  Stay out of the grocery store!  No, seriously.  Challenge yourself to only go to the grocery store once every two weeks or once a month.  Yes, you may need to purchase dairy primarily from a grocery store if you don't have a local farmer who can provide you with fresh eggs, milk, cheese and yogurt.  Staying out of the store should greatly reduce the amount of processed food you purchase.

2.  When you do visit the grocery store, buy produce in season at the grocery store.  For example, resist buying strawberries in January because you are guaranteed that they are from a far away place and asparagus in July.

3.  Read labels.  Do you know how many processed food items contain high fructose corn syrup?

4.  Buy produce, meat and dairy from a local Farmer's Market.  You can find one local to your area by visiting Local Harvest.

5.  Grow a garden.

6.  Find a local produce auction.  I have written before about produce auctions.  What better way to create a Real Food stockpile for your family!

7.  Preserve food for the months when you cannot either grow a garden, shop at a local Farmer's Market or Produce Auction.

8.  Cook simple meals with local and fresh meat, vegetables and fruit.  There is nothing wrong with something simple and even better if it doesn't contain canned soup or vegetables.

9.  Find a local source for baking supplies.  In Ohio there are quite a few Amish Bulk Foods stores which have primarily baking supplies.

10.  Bake your own bread.  (This is on my list of things to do.)  We currently buy bread from the store that does not contain high-fructose corn syrup.

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 October 26 thru November 1.

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!    

This Week's Hot Deals!

CALIFORNIA Pomegranates
Packed with delicious, sweet-tart seeds; rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Scatter in green salads or eat as is. Stored in the refrigerator, they’ll stay fresh about two months.
$1.99 ea
Reg. $2.99 ea

RED JACKET ORCHARDS GENEVA, NEW YORK Spiced Apple Cider
It’s the drink of the season, freshly pressed and so wonderfully spiced. Drink it cold, mix it with seltzer, or heat it up with a little rum.
(Half Gallon)
$2.99 ea
Reg. $3.99 ea

PERU Asparagus
$2.99 lb
Reg. $3.99 lb

CALIFORNIA Organic Red Seedless Grapes
$2.69 lb
Reg. $3.49 lb

Our Great Pumpkin Sale Is NOW!
2 for only $10!

FROM OUR BUTCHER Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast
Air-chilled for best flavor and texture.
$4.99 lb
Reg. $6.49 lb

FROM OUR BUTCHER Boneless Sirloin Steak
One of the most tender and flavorful cuts, ready to be grilled or broiled. 100% vegetarian diet with no added hormones or antibiotics ever.
$7.99 lb
Reg. $9.99 lb

PRODUCT OF USA WILD-CAUGHT Raw, Shell-On Shrimp
Pick up some of these tender, succulent shrimp for your favorite soups, curries and pastas. Or wrap in bacon for outstanding party fare. Previously frozen. (U–15 count)
$14.99 lb
Reg. $18.99 lb

WELLSHIRE FARMS All-Natural Beef Bologna
Sliced to order in our Prepared Foods Department.
$6.99 lb
Reg. $8.99 lb

BLOUNT Soups, Stews & Chowders
NEW! In select meat varieties.
(16 oz)
$3.99 ea
Reg. $5.99 ea

YOGAVIVE Apple Chips
(1.76 oz)
2 for $5
Reg. $3.99 ea

DESERT PEPPER Salsa
In select varieties.
(16 fl oz)
$2.99 ea
Reg. $4.99 ea

ETHNIC GOURMET FOODS Frozen Entrées
In select varieties.
(10–11 oz)
$2.99 ea
Reg. $4.99 ea

ENDANGERED SPECIES Chocolate Bars
In select varieties.
(3 oz)
2 for $4
Reg. $2.99 ea

FROM OUR CHEESEMONGERS CRAVE BROTHERS Mozzarella Log
(16 oz)
2 for $7.99
Reg. $7.99 ea

WHOLE FOODS MARKET™ Vitamin D 2000 IU
(250 caps)
$9.99 ea
Reg. $11.99 ea

MANITOBA HARVEST Hemp Seeds
(12 oz)
$8.99 ea

Reg. $11.99 ea 

Valid in our Washington, D.C.; Marlton and Princeton, New Jersey; Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia stores. Certain items may not be available in all stores.

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

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: Preserving Green Beans

This is yet another effort to preserve food for the coming winter months. We purchased lots of green beans at our local Farmer's Market with the intention of blanching and freezing the beans.

This is probably one of the easiest vegetables to preserve for the freezer.  You simply wash the beans, place them whole in boiling water for 2-3 minutes and then place them in ice water (this is what I chose to do anyways) to stop the cooking process.  Then place them in quart size freezer bags and place in the freezer.

It's really that easy and you will have fresh green beans (these were picked the morning we preserved them) for months to come.

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 October 19 thru October 25.

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!    

Come to Applefest!

Saturday, October 22nd

Celebrate all things apple with us during our big harvest tasting of heirloom varieties and other  favorites from local growers. We’ve planned a lot of fun family activities and tasty apple treats too.
For more details, check your store’s events calendar or Facebook page.

This Week's Hot Deals!

WASHINGTON STATE Organic Asian Pears
Firm, sweet and juicy. Enjoy raw as a snack or shredded for a crisp apple slaw. And they’re absolutely satisfying baked too.
2 for $4
Reg. $2.99 ea

CALIFORNIA  Holiday Seedless Red Grapes
$2.49 lb
Reg. $3.49 lb

CALIFORNIA  Organic Garnet or Jewel Yams
$1.49 lb
Reg. $1.99 lb

PRODUCT OF USA WILD-CAUGHT West Coast Dover Sole Fillet
Fish lover’s favorite: pearly white fillets with a mild, sweet flavor. Just bake, broil or poach. Fresh, never frozen.
$8.99 lb
Reg. $11.99 lb

FARM RAISED IN GREECE Whole Branzini Sea Bass
$8.99 lb
Reg. $10.99 lb

FROM OUR BUTCHER
Bone-In Beef Rib Steak & Roast
Robust flavor, excellent marbling; cooks up tender and juicy. Raised on a vegetarian diet with no antibiotics or added hormones.
$10.99 lb
Reg. $13.99 lb

FROM OUR BUTCHER
Bone-In
Pork Chops
In Regular or Quick-Fry.
$5.49 lb
Reg. $6.99 lb

KOCH Oven-Roasted Turkey Breast
Sliced to order in our Prepared Foods Department.
$7.99 lb
Reg. $9.99 lb

FROM OUR BAKERY Pumpkin Roll
Such a treat! Fresh pumpkin sponge cake rolled around a rich cream cheese frosting. Excellent with coffee.
$8.99 ea
Reg. $15.99 ea

LAKEWOOD ORGANIC Juices
In select varieties.
(32 fl oz)
$3.39 ea
Reg. $4.49 ea

MIGHTY LEAF TEA Boxed Tea
In select varieties.
(15 count)
$4.99 ea
Reg. $7.99 ea
$1.75/1 Manuf. Coupon available here

ZEVIA Diet Soda
In select varieties.
(6 pack x 12 fl oz)
$4.39 ea
Reg. $5.99 ea
$1/1 Manuf. Coupon available here (IE) and here (FF)
$5/4 Manuf. Coupon available here

MUIR GLEN ORGANIC Pasta Sauce
In select varieties.
(25.5 fl oz)
2 for $7
Reg. $4.49 ea
$1/2 Manuf. Coupon available here (IE) and here (FF)

ALLEGRO African Blend Coffee
In whole bean or ground.
(12 oz)
$9.99 ea
Reg. $13.99 ea

SHIKAI Borage Dry Skin Therapy
(8 oz)
$7.99 ea
Reg. $13.69 ea

RENEW LIFE Ultimate Flora Probiotics Bonus Pack
(30 caps) Comes with a free bottle of Super Critical Omega.
$33.99 ea
Reg. $49.99 ea


Valid in our Washington, D.C.; Marlton and Princeton, New Jersey; Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia stores. Certain items may not be available in all stores.

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

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.