Caitlin Chock's blogshttp://www.justmeans.com/editorials/ethicalconsumption/6.htmlFri, 25 May 2012 00:22:03 GMThttp://www.justmeans.com en hourly 1http://www.justmeans.com/Sustainable-Living-in-the-Kitchen--Meat-Free-Meal-Ideas/23624.htmlWed, 28 Jul 2010 21:02:00 GMTCaitlin Chock Few pleasures are able to delight like those of the palette, but if you want to live more in line with sustainable living credo than you may do well to opt out. Opt out of meat that isBUT don't confuse that with a lack of taste, variety, or the same deliciousness as you may be used to. While going vegetarian or vegan may seem like a daunting task, and unappealing to some, the truth is that with a little culinary creativity and inspiration you could be dining your way to first class meals and be Read Full Article ]]> Few pleasures are able to delight like those of the palette, but if you want to live more in line with sustainable living credo than you may do well to opt out. Opt out of meat that isBUT don't confuse that with a lack of taste, variety, or the same deliciousness as you may be used to. While going vegetarian or vegan may seem like a daunting task, and unappealing to some, the truth is that with a little culinary creativity and inspiration you could be dining your way to first class meals and be able to do your part in reducing your impact on the environment. In fact the meat, dairy, and egg industries alone accounted for over half the total US carbon emissions last year and if we all consciously reduced our intake of these three sectors we could make quite an impact in the right direction.For some it is not the lack of motivation to take this sustainable living plunge but more lack of ideas in the kitchen and for that this sustainable living in the kitchen series is here to help get you started. This recipe for Cashew Curry is in fact vegan meaning that it also ditches any egg or dairy products in addition to meat, but for those of you who find this stricter way of life too much to swallow, even implementing a vegetarian or vegan meal a few times a week is a positive step and nothing to be overlooked. It are the small changes that are most likely to be kept up with in the long run and then built upon. This sustainable living Cashew Curry recipe is courtesy of 101cookbooks.com.Ingredients:1 cup whole coconut milk1 - 2 tablespoons curry powderscant 1/2 teaspoon fine grain sea salt1/2 large red onion, chopped1 medium garlic clove, chopped1/3 cup water4 ounces firm tofu, cut into small cubes (optional)1 cup green beans, cut into 1-inch segments1 1/2 cups cauliflower, cut into tiny florets1/3 cup cashews, toasteda handful of cilantro, loosely choppedIn a large pot or skillet pour in half the coconut milk and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Add in the salt and curry powder and use a whisk to break up clumps that form.Add the garlic and chopped red onions and stir them into the mixture; cook here for one minute.After add in the water and other half of the coconut milk and continue to stir; finally add the tofu. You will now let the liquids cook down for a few minutes and then toss in the cauliflower and green beans. Allow this to simmer with the lid on for one to two minutes until you can see that the green beans and cauliflower have begun to cook.Take the pot off of the heat and add the cashews and then stir. Feel free to season to taste. Allow it to cool and then you can choose to garnish with some cilantro on top. This sustainable living recipe makes enough for two to three servings and you can up the eco-factor by opting to shop local to support not only your own community but negate transportation emissions. Teaching kids that meat free can be just as delicious and much more nutritious than hitting the drive through is also an important lesson to impart to the next generation.Photo credit: Erin Kkr]]>http://www.justmeans.com/Sustainable-Living-and-Scorching-Summer-Temps---Staying-Cool-to-Beat-the-Heat/23627.htmlMon, 26 Jul 2010 21:07:08 GMTCaitlin Chock Summer's heating up and if you are trying to stay cool but also adhere to sustainable living tactics you may be at odds between your morals and your sweat glands! Cranking up that air conditioning can be mighty tempting, but it will also drastically increase the carbon footprint of your home and you'll also be paying a pretty penny to your utility companies. Of course it isn't feasible for everyone to ditch their air conditioners entirely, (in some areas you'd probably be risking heat stroke!) t Read Full Article ]]> Summer's heating up and if you are trying to stay cool but also adhere to sustainable living tactics you may be at odds between your morals and your sweat glands! Cranking up that air conditioning can be mighty tempting, but it will also drastically increase the carbon footprint of your home and you'll also be paying a pretty penny to your utility companies. Of course it isn't feasible for everyone to ditch their air conditioners entirely, (in some areas you'd probably be risking heat stroke!) there are some things you can do to at least limit your reliance on them. So for those sweltering summer temperatures keep these sustainable living tips in mind.Go fans? Well, this may be an obvious one but if you use your fans wisely you can keep cool and save plenty in terms of energy consumption. Ceiling fans are one such option and you also want to make sure they are blowing in the correct, downward direction, so that you reap the most rewards. Secondly, placing portable fans in front of where you are sitting will keep that cool draft ablowing and you can then turn down that air conditioner and keep more in line with sustainable living. Another point to consider is that fans will be most effective in smaller quarters so do your best to shut the doors to rooms you are not currently using and then the area you are sitting in will be that much cooler. Finally seek out those energy star labels where you can and that includes fans.Cut the lights. This sustainable living tip will work two-fold; lights and other electronic appliances will increase the heat in a room and they only use up more energy. The more things running the hotter it will be; so the more things you can unplug the better. You will also be saving energy from those unplugged appliances as well, further reducing your overall consumption. Yet while you may think it is then best to open the windows for the extra sunlight, you could actually be making it worse and in this instance you'd be better off with just a few energy efficient lights on instead. The light from the sun will be offset by the amount of heat coming in and that will make you more reliant on the air conditioner inside. Unless it's significantly cooler outside, in the early mornings or nights, keep the windows and drapes closed and then only turn on enough lights so that you can see.Cook wisely. Seriously rethink that oven in the summer because it will heat up the whole house; also people are generally more apt to eating cooler foods during these times anyways. For sustainable living purposes if you are going to cook opt for the microwave or grill; summer is also a great time for a barbeque outside. By keeping the heat out of your meal times your AC won't be working as hard. Another point in terms of what you eat is to seek out foods with plenty of water content (think fruits and veggies) to keep you cool and always be sure to stay hydrated during these scorching summers. Sustainable living doesn't mean you have to be pitting it out indoors, with a few adjustments and savvy practices you can still be cool and eco-friendly.Photo credit: Bredger]]>http://www.justmeans.com/Sustainable-Living-in-the-Kitchen--Meat-Free-Meal-Ideas/22900.htmlSat, 24 Jul 2010 02:41:52 GMTCaitlin Chock Summer is in full swing and if you are looking to make a delicious meal that is both in line with sustainable living and a nice cool eat to offset those higher temperatures then this sustainable living in the kitchen recipe is for you. This ongoing series acknowledges that if you are able to eat in a vegetarian or vegan fashion for at least a few days of the week you can cut back the amount of carbon and waste generated by the meat, egg, and dairy industries a lot. These three sectors accounted Read Full Article ]]> Summer is in full swing and if you are looking to make a delicious meal that is both in line with sustainable living and a nice cool eat to offset those higher temperatures then this sustainable living in the kitchen recipe is for you. This ongoing series acknowledges that if you are able to eat in a vegetarian or vegan fashion for at least a few days of the week you can cut back the amount of carbon and waste generated by the meat, egg, and dairy industries a lot. These three sectors accounted for over half of the total amount of emissions across the US last year in not only manufacturing practices but shipping and more. Yet for those sustainable living folks who may have the drive and dedication to ditching meat from their diets, even if only for a few days a week, but are lacking on meal inspiration you can look to this series to get you started. This recipe is for an Italian Style Quinoa Salad and courtesy of FatFreeVegan.com; another bonus with many vegetarian style dishes is that they hold the potential to be healthier for you with lower fat contents and cholesterol levels. Quinoa itself is also a great way to get in some non-animal protein which is an important nutrient that you still need to be on the lookout for as you ditch meat.Ingredients: cup finely chopped onion2 cloves garlic, minced1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained1 3/4 cups water2 teaspoons each chopped fresh oregano and basil1 tablespoon chopped fresh Italian parsley1/4 cup chopped roasted or fresh red pepperSalt and pepper, to taste1-2 medium ripe tomatoes, cut into pieces2 tablespoons toasted slivered almonds2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (optional)1 tablespoon chopped basil, for garnishTake a medium size saucepan, place a lit on it, and heat it on a medium level heat for one to two minutes.Place in and saut onions for three to four minutes while continuing to stir. To avoid onions from sticking to the pan add either broth or water in one tablespoon increments. Rinse the quinoa and add it along with the garlic into the pan and continue to saut for another minute until you can see the onions are translucent.Add the water and then bring everything to a boil; once done reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pan.Simmer the combination for twelve minutes and then take the pan off of the heat and allow it to cool for five minutes. At this point fluff the mixture.Once the items are cooled you will add the roasted red pepper, herbs, and season to taste. Finally add the slivered almonds and tomatoes to the top; a dash of the nutritional yeast if you like, and you can use the basil as garnish.This light, healthy, and quick to make sustainable living recipe is a great lunch or dinner for a picnic, to pack and take to work, or just enjoy while out in the sunshine. You can also have the warm and fuzzy feeling of knowing that you are feeding your body well and also reducing your impact on the environment at the same time. Opt for local ingredients and serve this tasty meal to the whole family to impart to the kids how sustainable living can also be delish.Photo credit: Jules]]>http://www.justmeans.com/The-Disney-Channel-Spreads-Environmental-Awareness-Along-With-Their-Toons/22904.htmlTue, 20 Jul 2010 17:47:17 GMTCaitlin Chock In an effort to instill environmental awareness in the younger generation, Disney has created the Friends for Change campaign. Yes, between Hannah Montana and Jonas Brothers episodes there are now green infused segments with these same tween sensations touting the words of Mother Nature and doing what we can to preserve our planet. The future of course does rest in the tiny hands of these very same kids tuning in, and a part of being a responsible adult is passing on life lessons and important c Read Full Article ]]> In an effort to instill environmental awareness in the younger generation, Disney has created the Friends for Change campaign. Yes, between Hannah Montana and Jonas Brothers episodes there are now green infused segments with these same tween sensations touting the words of Mother Nature and doing what we can to preserve our planet. The future of course does rest in the tiny hands of these very same kids tuning in, and a part of being a responsible adult is passing on life lessons and important causes for them to support. Environmental awareness is one such worthy cause and if it takes some Disney starlettes to motivate eco-friendly efforts so be it.The Disney Friends for Change and Project Green has already inspired environmental awareness in these youths and in return select schools and programs are then featured on these Disney Channel segments. One such group has worked to rebuild their region after the a tragic wildfire, another class is supporting World Ocean's Day and cleaning out Lake Michigan, and there are even events where kids can join Disney Channel stars to plant trees. There are actually a lot of ways that the Friends for Change is implementing environmental awareness to their avid viewers and on multiple levels.The way the program works is you can log in to the website at http://disney.go.com/projectgreen/ and from there you will see all the action that is going on across US and globe, upcoming events, results on previous eco-friendly actions, and plenty of tips to green up your own daily lives and communities. There is a section to pledge specific actions in tune with environmental awareness such as: preserving water, cutting back on car trips, recycling, and more. It's neat in that there is a running tally that tracks how many are pledging to take certain actions which can be motivating to the younger ones; seeing they are joining up with a growing group. One of the main messages here is that every person can make a difference and united they are a strong force.On a bigger level the Friends for Change is also running a contest to award special groups working worldwide towards environmental awareness and spreading the green word a grant of $1 million. There are the Jane Goodall Institute, the World Wildlife Fund, the San Bernardino National Forest Association, and others; kids can then read about each group and place their vote for their favorite one. Again there is the running ticker to show who is leading the contest. This push for environmental awareness is a positive way Disney can use its mega-influence in the youth of today between slapstick cartoons and tweenie shows. Any program that spurs kids, or even adults too, to get out there and make a difference is worth backing; what's more is that it is a springboard for other communities to jump-start their own eco-friendly movements. Stories have been featured of kids inspired to create their own groups and enlist their friends to do goodin a corny way, the little "make a wave" mantra speaks volumes. And wouldn't you know it Demi Levato and the Joe Bro's took it and capitalizedwho better to sing an eco-themed song to get those kids chanting?Photo credit: Raymond Brown]]>http://www.justmeans.com/Extreme-Environmental-Awareness-or-Revamped-Recycling-A-House-of-Trash-is-Filled-With-Opportunities/21366.htmlSat, 17 Jul 2010 15:10:16 GMTCaitlin Chock When Dan Phillips decided to switch career paths he decided to take his mentality for environmental awareness with him. Creativity is a term that can only minimally describe what has evolved since 1997 and today at 64 Phillips has blended dumpster diving and construction with imagination and a social consciousness; the end result is literally reconstructing and building houses out of garbage for low income families. His explanations for using everything from picture frames and tile shards to mir Read Full Article ]]> When Dan Phillips decided to switch career paths he decided to take his mentality for environmental awareness with him. Creativity is a term that can only minimally describe what has evolved since 1997 and today at 64 Phillips has blended dumpster diving and construction with imagination and a social consciousness; the end result is literally reconstructing and building houses out of garbage for low income families. His explanations for using everything from picture frames and tile shards to mirrors, DVDs, corks, and even cattle bones? "You can't defy the laws of physics or building codes, but beyond that, the possibilities are endless," he states. Further, on his mission to improve the lives of the less financially fortunate, "Attractive, affordable housing is possible and I'm out to prove it." How's that a testament to not only environmental awareness but also the human spirit?Since beginning this new mission Phillips has constructed a total of 14 homes but what he has done to the community on a whole is incalculable. "Dan has changed the way we do things around here," acclaims the superintendent of solid waste in Huntsville, Texas Esther Herklotz, "I've been recycling all my life, and it never occurred to me to recycle a door." He has opened the eyes to not only the residents of his homes built upon environmental awareness but the rest of the neighborhoods as well. He now has a warehouse where manufacturers and demolition crews can donate their own discards for later usage instead of carting them off to traditional dumps; in turn they make out in they don't have to supply any fees for this unload. Those who are then given a chance at a solid home, albeit built rather ingeniously out of trash, are also offered a renewed outlook on life and a second chance. What's more is that Phillips is a stickler for the codings as well; you can be sure that nothing he erects won't pass a professional inspection, "He does everything in a very neat and well thought-out manner," credits master electrician Robert McCaffety. So with his environmental awareness, and penchant for recycling, Phillips still cuts no cornersunless of course it is all for the sake of design. "It doesn't matter if you don't have a complete set of anything because repetition creates pattern, repetition creates pattern, repetition creates pattern," a thoughtful prose by Phillips himself.Dan Phillips' unique zest for environmental awareness also has an artistic appeal that has attracted not only lookers but potential buyers. "My wife likes that house because it doesn't look like everyone else's, but, being a guy, what I like is that it has a galvanized metal roof that I'll never have to replace," remarks Alfredo Cerda who interestingly enough works for the United States Department of Homeland Security and now resides in this one of a kind Phoenix Commotion home. Just what draws that appeal of his wife Susan; it may be the shattered tile and wine cork mosaics lining the walls or perhaps even the porthole themed dcor made out of Pyrex bowl lids. Whichever is the case a house built on a steady foundation of environmental awareness and a creative recycling spirit has bolstered the sustainable living attitudes of both homeowners and the community.Yes Dan Phillips may be a pioneer in the houses of trash department but he is not alone in either his quest for recycling and environmental awareness nor with his knack for using his hands, "Look at kids playing with blocksI think it's in everyone's DNA to want to be a builder." For the kids of the future perhaps they can follow suit and in turn reuse wastes and recreate it into something both artistic and a basic necessity.Photo credit: Michael Stravato/NY Times]]>http://www.justmeans.com/Sustainable-Living-in-the-Kitchen--Meat-Free-Meal-Ideas/22164.htmlWed, 14 Jul 2010 18:28:47 GMTCaitlin Chock In the continuation of this sustainable living around the dining room table (or even the break room table if you are able to pack a delicious lunch in a reusable container and bring to work!) this next recipe is going to give you a tasty Italian favorite sans the meat. The meat industry, along with the egg and dairy market, is responsible for an enormous amount of carbon emissions and thus limiting our own consumption of these products is going to help green things up around here. While it is no Read Full Article ]]> In the continuation of this sustainable living around the dining room table (or even the break room table if you are able to pack a delicious lunch in a reusable container and bring to work!) this next recipe is going to give you a tasty Italian favorite sans the meat. The meat industry, along with the egg and dairy market, is responsible for an enormous amount of carbon emissions and thus limiting our own consumption of these products is going to help green things up around here. While it is not necessarily possible for everyone to stick to a vegetarian style diet, even some of the most dedicated sustainable living folks can get a hankering for a big bite of beef every now and then, finding alternative dishes is going to help limit your own impact on the environment.What's more is that many vegetarian style dishes come with health benefits (as long as you are mindful of the other ingredients and watch those portion sizes) as there potentially could be less saturated fat and cholesterol in the recipes. Eating fresh, local produce will not only give back to your local community and reduce transportation emissions but your body will thank you as you cut out some of the overly processed or injected junk. Feeding these sustainable living and healthy alternatives to your children will also foster a palette for the more fresh and natural ingredients and you can demonstrate that being conscious of what they put in their mouths has an impact not only on themselves but the rest of the environment as well. Children aren't born with the innate craving for a Happy Meal so serve them up some yummy vegetarian style home made dishes and enjoy!This sustainable living recipe is for Spinach Lasagna and it is actually vegan as well which means there is no usage of eggs or dairy either. It comes to you courtesy of ChooseVeg.com:1/2 lb. lasagna noodles2 10-oz. packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained1 lb. soft tofu1 lb. firm tofu1 Tbsp. sugar1/4 cup soy milk1/2 tsp. garlic powder2 Tbsp. lemon juice3 tsp. minced fresh basil2 tsp. salt 4 cups tomato sauceAs per the instructions on the noodle package cook them, drain, and then put to the side.The oven should be preheated to 350 F.Take the spinach and make sure to squeeze it as dry as you can and place to the side.Add the soy milk, tofu, garlic powder, basil, sugar, lemon juice, and salt into a blender, or instead a food processor, and mix all the ingredients until they are completely blended and smooth. Then add the spinach and stir.Using a 9" x 13" baking dish spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce along the bottom. The next layer will be with noodles and you will use roughly 1/3 of the entire amount cooked. The next layer will be of the tofu mixture.Repeat that same sequence and you will be left with an excess of 1/3 of the noodles and 1/3 of the tomato sauce. The last portion of noodles will then be added to the top and followed up by the last of the tomato sauce.Place the dish into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Once this sustainable living Spinach Lasagna has had time to cool it is ready to be dished up and enjoyed! It will serve between 6 and 8 (plenty for left-overs for another night or to pack for school or work) and you could pair it with a healthy serving of a fresh salad with the vegetables bought from your local farmer's market or even picked from your very own garden!Photo credit: Avlxyz]]>http://www.justmeans.com/Sustainable-Living-and-the-Car-Component--Turns-Out-Those-Tires-Make-a-Mighty-Difference/21369.htmlSat, 10 Jul 2010 18:35:58 GMTCaitlin Chock When one commonly thinks of sustainable living and looking to reduce their carbon footprint in terms of their car and transportation they usually think solely of the fueling system of the vehicle. Though outside of opting for say electric over gas there are other ways to boost the eco-friendly stats of the auto without even tackling the fueling source. For example even those sustainable living folks driving off of a gas car can still make their road trips less destructive to the environment by k Read Full Article ]]> When one commonly thinks of sustainable living and looking to reduce their carbon footprint in terms of their car and transportation they usually think solely of the fueling system of the vehicle. Though outside of opting for say electric over gas there are other ways to boost the eco-friendly stats of the auto without even tackling the fueling source. For example even those sustainable living folks driving off of a gas car can still make their road trips less destructive to the environment by keeping it in good working order; one such example is ensuring the tires are fully inflated so they run most efficiently.Speaking of tires, here we have what may be an oft overlooked opportunity to improve the eco-factor of a car regardless of what it is running off of. This is a two pronged argument; not only how the tires are able to improve gas mileage but also the process that goes into making them. "We found that 86 percent of the tire's environmental impact revolves around how it affects fuel consumption," noted Michelin North American technical director Forrest Patterson, "Only 12 percent of the carbon dioxide emissions associated with tires arise from the raw materials and manufacturing." Just what specifically is he referencing in terms of those raw materials? Up to 10 gallons of petroleum for just a single tire.Thus the race to supply the roadways with more efficient and sustainable living tires has been on; in fact it is interesting to note that in the beginning of the 20th century auto makers were actually using more sustainable resources to produce tires. Back in the day latex sap from rubber trees was the go to of choice yet it was only as technology, and the drive to cut costs, advanced that the ingredients shifted to crude oils and synthetic rubbers. So in appears that for the purposes of sustainable living perhaps we need to take a step back in time and reverse some of these 'advancements.'This has been an initiative implemented by a few companies worldwide; Sumitomo Rubber Industries in Japan unveiled their line of tires in 2006 that slashed the total usage of synthetic rubber by 50 percent. Unfortunately, these greener tires were found to then have less traction and didn't turn as well so to offset this they devised a way to give these treads a firmer grip. Finally these Enasave tires relied on vegetable processing oil instead of petroleum and even plant cellulose was integrated. Since then these tires have been improved upon and in 2008 were deemed 97 percent free of petroleum; the hope is to nix petroleum altogether by 2013.Sumitomo is joined by Yokohama Tire, also in Japan, with goals for tires in line with sustainable living with the dB Super E-spec models created out of oils made from orange peels and other natural rubbers. In the United States Oregon State University has been perfecting a recipe reliant on different plant fibers known as microcrystalline cellulose. Another benefit of these fibers is they reduce the weight of the tires and hence make them even more efficient, "If you take a half ounce out of a tire it saves a tremendous amount of fuel because it makes it easier to rotate the wheel," explains Mr. Herzlich one such individual involved in the project. So while there should still continues to be headway in refining the fueling of choice for your car, perhaps it is worth taking a closer look at those tires it is driving on.Photo credit: Grant Mathews]]>http://www.justmeans.com/MotherTongues---Shirts-and-Statements-of-Brotherhood-With-Ethical-Consumption-Values-to-Match/21681.htmlWed, 07 Jul 2010 13:16:04 GMTCaitlin Chock When Michelle Hamman decided to stray from her job as an electrical engineer she turned to her South African roots and her beliefs in ethical consumption for inspiration. Upon moving to the United States from her native country there were plenty of cultural and societal differences but one aspect in particular stood out strikingly clear and a came with a bit of remiss, "South Africa, and Africa in general, [has] a much more community-oriented culture than the US. The African concept of Ubuntu (I Read Full Article ]]> When Michelle Hamman decided to stray from her job as an electrical engineer she turned to her South African roots and her beliefs in ethical consumption for inspiration. Upon moving to the United States from her native country there were plenty of cultural and societal differences but one aspect in particular stood out strikingly clear and a came with a bit of remiss, "South Africa, and Africa in general, [has] a much more community-oriented culture than the US. The African concept of Ubuntu (I am because we are) is lived out daily in especially small villages," she recounts. As more time passed and she became settled in the United States this lack of united community still nagged at her core and she viewed it as an opportunity to make a change, a difference in not only the US but other countries as well. "I realized that every culture/country has some cultural concept that is unique," and thus MotherTongues apparel was born.MotherTongues began literally as an in home project between Michelle and her husband, Jaco, "I started small with 2 designs, thinking fellow immigrants would be interested," yet these unique t-shirts that come screened with words in inherent to one country that dignify a cultural ethic to the region soon took off, "I quickly realized that it doesn't matter which language a word is in, it is the deeper meaning of the word that sells the t-shirt." In only five short years MotherTongues has expanded to include words from 14 different countries and still retains the original mission to spread societal awareness, especially those pertaining to community, harmony, and brotherhood. The selection process for each printed shirt is also a meaningful rite itself as Michelle takes great care to understand not only the term but the way of life from the area in which it was born, "I love to find words/ideas/philosophies that we can all learn from and that will enrich our lives." This generally entails either visiting the country itself or personally conversing with those native to the country, "The 'perfect' word will describe a unique, positive attribute of a culture, and will not be translated into a single English word."MotherTongues thrives on diversity with such words as Gezellig (togetherness that knows no time) out of South Africa, Dadirri (listen, wonder, nurture, Mother Earth) from Aboriginal Australia, and Lagom (enough is as good as a feast) from the Swedish language are just a few examples. What marks this company as one interwoven even more with ethical consumption morals is that along with teaching and uniting fellow man Michelle and Jaco felt it only natural to constitute both fair trade and green creeds as they expanded their market, "I realized that that it only makes sense that the ethos of MotherTongues needs to grow to embrace the planet[and] to use Fair Trade/fair labor t-shirts, and not t-shirts made in sweatshops." It has been a journey in adding more and more green attributes to the business, "I've tried to make changes one at a time (organic cotton, Fair Trade apparel, 100% post consumer waste paper for hang tags, brochures, shipping envelopes and business cards, buying carbon offsets for office electricity and shipping.) I realize that no choice is 'perfect,' but every little change helps." The combined 'little changes' have thus certainly added up and is a message that all can take to heart; no positive change is worth neglecting nor it is not worth a due amount of praise. It is after all the slow and steady that in the end make it for the long run and are able to stay the course.Outside of manufacturing and shipping process, $1 from each shirt sold is donated to the Center for Women in Transition, "I knew from the start that MotherTongues should also try to help a charity/ies who help the marginalized in our society." This Center acts as a safe haven for both women and children against abuses such as sexual assault and domestic violence as well as a mediator to cope with any significant life-changing situations. Ethical consumption is not limited to merely the materialistic items themselves but can ideally encompass what else that tangible article can represent in fostering and supporting a better way of life for those less fortunate.In spanning the globe and reaching an ever-expanding public, MotherTongues offers to fellow ethical consumption enthusiasts and those wishing to promote both sustainable living and social consciousness yet another platform to do so. A glimpse into the lives of those living far off also brings a much more personal kinship and with it an understanding of their possible plights, a shared rejoice in their successes, and even the potential to adopt meaningful messages depicted in each of the terms screened on the shirts. Michelle herself has noted that just in the researching for her cause she has changed not only as a person but so has their entire family unit, "Personally I have grown significantly through this experienceAs a family we too, have changed, as we've become mindful to recycle more and consume lessThe values of community, peace, justice, and ecological well-being contained in the words transformed us, becoming part of our 'philosophy of life.'" This same opportunity she, through MotherTongues, wishes to impart to others and in turn shape the world to be more accepting and united. One shirt at a time perhaps Michelle can erase or erode a few of the stark walls and cold faces she was met with upon her very first move abroad.To learn more and see the shirts and other apparel from MotherTongues head to their website: http://www.mothertongues.com/ Additionally a special thanks to Michelle Hamman, owner, creator, and visionary for MotherTongues for the interview.Photo credits: MotherTongues]]>http://www.justmeans.com/Sustainable-Living-in-the-Kitchen--Meat-Fee-Meal-Ideas/20607.htmlSat, 03 Jul 2010 17:48:47 GMTCaitlin Chock For all of those looking to be a bit more in line with sustainable living around the dinner table you may have been following the buzz on how much ditching meat from your diet could reduce carbon emissions and in turn global warming. You don't have to go vegan and oust eggs and dairy too but at least making an effort to opt for vegetable alternatives to that burger a few times a week will make a huge difference. For meal ideas there is the Sustainable Living in the Kitchen: Meat Fee Meal Ideas s Read Full Article ]]> For all of those looking to be a bit more in line with sustainable living around the dinner table you may have been following the buzz on how much ditching meat from your diet could reduce carbon emissions and in turn global warming. You don't have to go vegan and oust eggs and dairy too but at least making an effort to opt for vegetable alternatives to that burger a few times a week will make a huge difference. For meal ideas there is the Sustainable Living in the Kitchen: Meat Fee Meal Ideas series to get you started.This week there is the Black Bean Chili-Topped Baked Sweet Potatoes courtesy of Beverly Lynn Bennett aka The Vegan Chef. There is her website Veganchef.com as well as books that are available for more delicious and sustainable living friendly foods and entrees. Here's the scoop for the chili:Ingredients:4 large sweet potatoes, washed well (do not peel)1/2 cup onion, diced1 1/2 t. olive oil1/2 cup green pepper, destemmed, deseeded, and diced1/2 cup Roma tomatoes, destemmed, deseeded, and diced2 t. garlic, minced1/2 t. chili powder1/2 t. ground cumin1/4 t. salt1/8 t. freshly ground black pepper1 - 15 oz. can black beans, rinsed, and drained1 - 8 oz. can tomato saucehot pepper sauce, to tasteDirections:1) Poke holes in the skins of the sweet potatoes with a fork in a few places. Place them on a cookie sheet and then on an oven-proof rack. These will be baked for 60-75 minutes at 400 degrees. When they are done they should be soft if you squeeze them a bit.2) With the sweet potatoes in the oven get a medium saucepan and add the olive oil. Saut the onions until they are soft, about 3 minutes. Once done in go the green peppers and continue to saut until all the ingredients are tender; about another 3 minutes. Add in the garlic, tomatoes, and seasonings and continue to saut for another 2 minutes.3) Add the tomato sauce and black beans to the pan and use the hot pepper sauce to season. Stir all ingredients and let the chili simmer for 10 minutes. You can continue to season to taste.4) Take the pan from the heat. Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and let them cool.5) To prepare put one of the sweet potatoes in a bowl, halve it, and then spoon chili over the top and enjoy!This sustainable living dinner or lunch will happily serve four diners and sure to put a smile on their face without so much as a beef patty. Going meat free just one day a week has been shown to make a huge difference worldwide and every little plate counts. There are also meat alternatives and soy cheeses that you can add to the mix that are also heart healthy being that they generally have lower fat and cholesterol levels. You'll find that dining on local vegetables and produce is not only in line with environmental awareness but good for your health. So raise a fork to sustainable living.Photo credit: EJ Chang]]>http://www.justmeans.com/Sustainable-Living-and-the-Quick-Guide-to-Plastics/20610.htmlWed, 30 Jun 2010 07:43:31 GMTCaitlin Chock It's been established that for sustainable living we should as a group do our best to limit the amount of plastics we purchase and use. However while there are plenty of reasons to abstain from plastics when we can (think ditching those one time use plastic water bottles) avoiding this material all together is nearly impossible. In fact if you use certain plastics wisely (and even creatively!) you could end up reducing the amount of waste that goes into landfills. An example would be opting for Read Full Article ]]> It's been established that for sustainable living we should as a group do our best to limit the amount of plastics we purchase and use. However while there are plenty of reasons to abstain from plastics when we can (think ditching those one time use plastic water bottles) avoiding this material all together is nearly impossible. In fact if you use certain plastics wisely (and even creatively!) you could end up reducing the amount of waste that goes into landfills. An example would be opting for reusable food containers instead of plastic wrap; you'd prolong the shelf life of your foods, limit waste, but also be strategically picking your plastics.So for the environmentally conscious and sustainable living folks what kinds of plastics are the 'good' and what are the 'bad' or even the ugly? This is kind of a complicated question because it has a few different factors, both health concerns and environmental. Let's start by dignifying that there are seven different plastic types:1- PET: these are going to be your drink bottles like water and soda as well as other food containers like oils, dressings, peanut butter, etc.2- HDPE: these are what you will find holding your dishwashing soaps and also milk or juice jugs3- PVC: this would be food wraps, certain oil containers in the kitchen, and also pipes for plumbing4- LDPE: here we have those plastic shopping bags, bags for beads, certain food wrappings, and bottles that are squeezable5- PP: here are straws, microwave dinner trays, yogurt containers, opaque water bottles, and bottles for your medicines6- PS: also known as Styrofoam, these are going to be cups and even plates and utensils, fish and meat trays, and toys7- OTHER: here is anything else that isn't categorized above and it can be a smorgasbord of any of the above plasticsHere is the sustainable living low down from here; different plastics are recycled and used for different purposes. Some you have to go out of your way to properly dispose of and some are able to be picked up curbside. For example plastics 1, 2, 5, and usually 6 are all able to be picked up through a traditional garbage service. For those plastic bags you will see more and more grocery markets having bins out front that you can dispose of them there; though hopefully you have become environmentally aware enough to ditch those for a reusable bag by now. You see it's being selective with what plastics you purchase and use and then making the effort to recycle them. What is interesting is that more and more manufacturers are doing what they can to recycle as much of their plastic products as possible; this is good news for sustainable living being that even the greenest of folks would have trouble ousting all things plastic. Finally in terms of the health safety of plastics that is also cause for debate and there are more and more studies being done. Certain plastics have been known to seep toxic chemicals if they are used around foods or even in the homes at all. This is no doubt scary but here are some plastic safety suggestions: plastics 3, 6, and 7 are the ones pegged as most hazardous to your health. Be on the lookout and you may want to avoid using these for items such as baby bottles, water bottles, even mattresses, and you shouldn't be heating your foods in them. One time use soda and water bottles, plastics 1, aren't as apt to seep chemicals but shouldn't be used again because they are prone to growing bacteria in them which can make you sick. This is just a crash course in plastics for sustainable living and there is plenty more that can be said on the topic no doubt! There are easily removed plastics from our lives (soda bottles, food wraps, plastic bags, etc.) which can be avoided but from there do your best to be a smart plastic consumerand then recycler!Photo credit: Marco Papale]]>http://www.justmeans.com/Sustainable-Living-in-the-Kitchen--Meat-Free-Meal-Ideas/19075.htmlMon, 21 Jun 2010 23:57:11 GMTCaitlin Chock In terms of sustainable living there has been more evidence that going meat free as much as possible, as well as limiting dairy and eggs too, would benefit the planet in a myriad of ways. These three sectors of industry account for just over half of the total annual carbon emissions, along with using up copious amounts of other resources like water, and by reducing meat, eggs, and dairy products from our dining room tables we could do much in the way to combat global warming. Still, even with al Read Full Article ]]> In terms of sustainable living there has been more evidence that going meat free as much as possible, as well as limiting dairy and eggs too, would benefit the planet in a myriad of ways. These three sectors of industry account for just over half of the total annual carbon emissions, along with using up copious amounts of other resources like water, and by reducing meat, eggs, and dairy products from our dining room tables we could do much in the way to combat global warming. Still, even with all the evidence in favor of sustainable living this can be tricky to do; changing and modifying our habits is always difficult but particularly so when it comes to what we eat. There is much more of an emotional connection to what we put in our mouths than what kind of light bulbs we are screwing into our lamps!Yet sustainable living is tremendously important and so is protecting our limited resources, and for that reason it's worth biting the bullet, or the tofu, and changing how we eat. Here we will have an ongoing series that will help in the effort for us all to go meat free as much as possible; some may be at a loss as to what to make so a few helpful recipes may get you started and then your own creative energies flowing so you can kick start your new kitchen habits. There are those that may wish to go vegetarian, or even vegan, but even if you just swap out a few meals that would have included meat you are making progress. Here is a rather easy recipe courtesy of Vegan.org to kick off the 'Sustainable Living in the Kitchen: Meat Free Meal Ideas' series:Tofu, Green Beans, and Cashews Stir-FryPreparation: For marinade- combine in bowl and wisk together o cup soy sauce o 2 teaspoon cornstarch o Add 14 oz firm, Chinese style tofu, drained and cubed On a baking sheet:o Bake cup raw cashews in the oven until golden brown at 350 degreesCooking: Cook 1 pound green beans in boiling water for three minutes and then drain. Reserve the marinade. Use 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a wok and fry the tofu for three minutes and set aside. Chop 1 red onion and use a small amount of oil to fry it until it is soft. Throw in the green beans, tofu, and the remainder of the marinade along with teaspoon of hot chili oil. Finally add the cashews and allow it to simmer for two minutes before serving.As you can see switching out the meat for tofu in this instance is quite easy and truth be told that tofu will absorb the rest of the flavors and is quite delicious! In fact you will find that sustainable living and cooking will not only benefit the environment but your health too; many meat alternatives have less fat and cholesterol which is both heart healthy and good for the waist line. To balance the meal out you could serve the stir fry over some brown rice and enjoy! Sustainable living isn't as difficult as it may at first seem; start with replacing meat on say Mondays and then see if you can increase from there.Photo credit: Whatley Dude]]>http://www.justmeans.com/Sustainable-Living-and-the-Tupperware-Connection/19071.htmlMon, 21 Jun 2010 23:56:03 GMTCaitlin Chock Alrighty so all ye sustainable living folks, there have been some recent commercials lately about the wonders of Tupperware: how they can preserve your food and in turn save you a bundle in terms of what you would have had to throw out. While the dialogue may not have been directly geared toward environmental awareness, the same information can be spelled out in that these magic little kitchen storage containers will be helping you to reduce the amount of waste you generate on a weekly basis. It Read Full Article ]]> Alrighty so all ye sustainable living folks, there have been some recent commercials lately about the wonders of Tupperware: how they can preserve your food and in turn save you a bundle in terms of what you would have had to throw out. While the dialogue may not have been directly geared toward environmental awareness, the same information can be spelled out in that these magic little kitchen storage containers will be helping you to reduce the amount of waste you generate on a weekly basis. It is a fact that tremendous amounts of food are left to rot in landfills (this is one of the biggest faults of the restaurant industry) but is there really something to be said for throwing a Tupperware party in favor of sustainable living?You don't have to crack out the guest list and become one of 'those' friends that everyone shirks away from or screens your calls in fear that they may be roped into one of your next little events, but there are some tips you can take from the home convenience brand. For those of us that may not be hip to all that has come out from this company as of late there are more than just food storage units, but mugs, glasses, food slicers, dicers, and much more. They have also cleaned up their production habits to be more green with the implementation of more efficient light systems and replacing some toxic chemicals used in the past. In getting back to sustainable living at home it was estimated that annually the United States sent 2 million tons of plastic wrap into landfills along with 360,000 tons of aluminum foil. It also turns out that many people still need to take a hint and ditch their plastic bags because there were still 1.5 tons of plastic bags left to waste away. A few tips to reduce that amount is to use reusable food containers, like Tupperware, where you could not only prolong the shelf life of your foods but also wash and then recycle those units instead of dumping foil and plastic into the trash can. Further, by using these containers to save leftovers you could not only spare yourself some time in the dinner routine but they are microwave safe and should you nuke that meal in the microwave instead of the oven you'd be reducing the amount of energy used by 50 percent.You can also take your sustainable living on the go; instead of filling up that cup of joe in a one time use Styrofoam cup opt for a reusable mug. Tupperware has models that are great for travel but so do other brands, so you don't have to play favorites so long as you aren't creating more waste each and every coffee run. Finally, in getting back to food waste alone, nearly 10 percent of the fruits and vegetables that Americans purchase go into the trash because they have spoiled and are then inedible. There are sustainable living alternatives such as Tupperware fridge units that have been designed just for such items and will be able to keep them fresh much longer and then allow them to end up in your belly instead of the landfill. Photo credit: Master Wit]]>http://www.justmeans.com/Sustainable-Living-and-Cell-Phone-Recycling-101/18184.htmlThu, 17 Jun 2010 22:27:32 GMTCaitlin Chock Out with the old and in with the new; there seems to be a sort of revolving door here when it comes to cell phones but for sustainable living purposes every time you upgrade you should be sure to recycle that old phone. There has been a lot of promotion in terms of cell phone recycling and more and more manufacturers and vendors are offering the opportunity to their customers to recycle their old cell phones. There are also cell phone recycling events that also act as a fundraiser for various ca Read Full Article ]]> Out with the old and in with the new; there seems to be a sort of revolving door here when it comes to cell phones but for sustainable living purposes every time you upgrade you should be sure to recycle that old phone. There has been a lot of promotion in terms of cell phone recycling and more and more manufacturers and vendors are offering the opportunity to their customers to recycle their old cell phones. There are also cell phone recycling events that also act as a fundraiser for various causes; there are even agencies whose sole purpose is to help a local charity or community set up their own cell phone recycling fundraiser.Truth be told, sustainable living friends, there is really no shortage when it comes to potential places to send your old cell phone on to a happier second life. From brands such as LG and their ecoMobolize program that will allow you to go online and print out a shipping label or instead ask for them to foot the postage bill and send a prepaid envelope to you to the good old tried and true method of just having a recycling bin at a drop-off where you can just chuck and run. There are also programs that take your old discarded cell phones and then let you pick out a particular charity that will then receive a donation on your behalf. So not only do you have the peace of mind knowing you are doing right by your sustainable living tenets but you even get a healthy extra dose of karma from spreading even more love to a worthy cause.When it comes to taking part or even hosting a cell phone recycling fundraiser there are multiple places you can turn to for guidance and an agenda. One such website is Eco-Cell.com where they will walk you through the process and you can choose to raise money for your own worthy cause (think of it like the new age version of selling girl scout cookies to raise fundsthe only down side one would suppose is that no cell phone, even the most in line with sustainable living, will ever fully live up to the glory of a Thin Mint) or you can opt to raise money for a different established charitable organization.The recycling creed hardly begins and ends with an old cell phone and that is really one of the basics of sustainable living both at home and worldwide. It's just that in our current times there are more and more technical gadgets that can double back for a second usage and some people are either unaware of that fact or are at a loss of where to send these products to be recycled. Along with cell phones there are places to send virtually all other devices and appliances that you have around your home and office; think computers, laptops, refrigerators, and even air conditioners. You can either check with the manufacturer or head to the EPA's website to look up the specifics on the appliance you wish to recycle. So if you are one of the gadget fanatics and have to have the latest models, make sure that as you blow through the outdated ones you do right by sustainable living and make sure it winds up recycled and not stewing in a landfill.Photo credit: Adrian Clark]]>http://www.justmeans.com/Chocolate-Sauce-as-a-Medium-to-Spread-Environmental-Awareness-on-Behalf-of-Birds--Suffering-Amidst-BP-Oil-Spill/18192.htmlMon, 14 Jun 2010 09:38:24 GMTCaitlin Chock Katherine Bish decided to take her art and transform it into a message of environmental awareness regarding the devastation wrought by the BP oil spill disaster. "What it must feel like to be a bird covered in oil," she queried. In this instance she hoped the old clich of a picture being worth a thousand words would ring true and that those behind the decisions leading up to and ultimately the fallout of the oil spill as well as people willing to reach out would hark these words. "I figured we'v Read Full Article ]]> Katherine Bish decided to take her art and transform it into a message of environmental awareness regarding the devastation wrought by the BP oil spill disaster. "What it must feel like to be a bird covered in oil," she queried. In this instance she hoped the old clich of a picture being worth a thousand words would ring true and that those behind the decisions leading up to and ultimately the fallout of the oil spill as well as people willing to reach out would hark these words. "I figured we've gotta do something here," she avowed, "I mean it's giving these animals a voice. And it's supposed to make you realize that we need to get down there and help them."Bish has been a photographer for years yet it wasn't until she saw the oil drenched wildlife and carnage caused by the oil leakage that she decided to turn her artistic medium into a fight on behalf of environmental awareness. She looked at the animal characters depicted at the sight of the spill and transformed them into human analogies; what would it look like if a tiny child was covered in oil and fighting to survive? The ultimate images were striking and it takes the perception of the full magnitude of lives lost, the lives of birds and wildlife, to new heights. In fact, as word spread about her project more and more volunteers began to show up to pose for the shoot. "I feel not only for the people in the region but especially the animals," voices Tim Pisani as one of the models. To get the pictures for her set-ups Bish took human models and doused them in chocolate sauce; albeit much more benign than oil of course but visually the difference is unforeseen. What is then created are photos reminiscent of almost wartime endeavors and the facades of her models are haunting. What Bish hoped to produce was just as such and to hit it home that while these flocks of birds and other innocent creatures may lack human intellect that by no means diminishes their plight and by paralleling that into what it would look like had these animals taken human form the set of photographs speaks volumes. In fact in posing with the chocolate sauce the artist noticed that even the people she was focusing her lens on took on the melancholy of the incident, "You just feel kind of smothered and miserable at that point and I can get that in their face. It gives you this emotion. It touches your heart to see this."True to form these images do stick with a person and they live up to her initial cause to spread environmental awareness. Yet at the same time the pictures also add a touch of the suffering of the people at the sight of the BP oil spill as well; these individuals may not literally be covered in oil as the wildlife are, but they are metaphorically so as their lives are dripping with the repercussions this obscene 'accident' has caused. They will no doubt have to alter their own livelihoods and their homes are far from recovering from the fractures. So in essence Bish's preaching of environmental awareness could as well me a message of social consciousness as well.Her shoot is not yet complete but Bish is planning an exhibit with the hopes to continue to reach others with her message of environmental awareness, "Eventually I'm going to have to gather up all the images I like and start showing them to the world." For more information you can visit her site: http://www.katherinebish.com/ and here are more pictures from her photo shoot.Photo credit: Katherine Bish and KSDK]]>http://www.justmeans.com/Environmental-Awareness-and-Going-Vegan--How-Realistic-is-it/17831.htmlFri, 11 Jun 2010 21:45:32 GMTCaitlin Chock It has recently been touted by the UN that with environmental awareness in mind many of the current planet woes could be solved by going vegan. That seems like a tall order for the millions of Americans who acclaim themselves as carnivores, but the focus wasn't only on what we put in our mouths but our entire consumerism. This includes not purchasing items that are made of leather or down and opting only for cruelty free documented products. It may sound extreme but let's first take a look at ju Read Full Article ]]> It has recently been touted by the UN that with environmental awareness in mind many of the current planet woes could be solved by going vegan. That seems like a tall order for the millions of Americans who acclaim themselves as carnivores, but the focus wasn't only on what we put in our mouths but our entire consumerism. This includes not purchasing items that are made of leather or down and opting only for cruelty free documented products. It may sound extreme but let's first take a look at just how much of a difference it makes to skip eating beef for one day.With environmental awareness in perspective it may be interesting to note that 51% of all of the greenhouse gasses released across the globe is comprised of the meat, egg, and dairy sector industry. So by passing on just pound of beef you would be reducing the consumption of 2,000 gallons of water each day. The same passing of the burger would displace the same amount of carbon released should you have similarly driven a car 38 miles. It would also equate to preserving 110 square feet of rain forest; so there are plenty of reasons to veg out but is this really practical?Surprisingly so; more and more vegan friendly options are made available not only across the food spectrum but there are even vegan approved shoes making their way into mainstream stores like Payless Shoes. There are plenty of clothing, cleaning essentials, and other accessories from websites such as The Vegetarian Site, Vegan Essentials, and Pangea. But when one's environmental awareness and palette are coupled what is one to do? There are more and more alternatives to meat, eggs, and dairy not only in faux swaps but in fruits too; it is interesting that your choices for egg replacements are not only in the kind of Egg Beaters and the like but if you are baking a cake you can use a banana in place of one egg. You can also opt for 2 Tbsp of corn starch or the same amount of potato starch in place of an egg. Stuck on other breakfast options? Well there is a whole list at Vegan.org but a sampling includes granola with soy or rice milk, pancakes, a fruit smoothie, or soy yogurt. There are lots of things vegans can eat but it just comes with a lot of label reading and consciousness as to what passes those lips. Admittedly looking over the guidelines it is evident that going vegan is tricky and a major commitment to environmental awareness but the information is out there. There are lists of vegan friendly restaurants at VegDining.com but even fast-food giants like Taco Bell and Subway do have you covered. When it does come to meat replacements there is tofu, tempeh, and veggie sandwich slices; the tastes and textures vary between brands and everyone's taste buds are going to react differently.The bottom line is there does need to be an adjustment and at least a limiting of meat, egg, and dairy products due to environmental awareness is a start. Perhaps that doesn't mean every family goes vegan or vegetarian but adopting at least some of the principals. If you can't put down that burger make it only once a week and then do your clothing shopping a la veg.Photo credit: Vegan Action]]>http://www.justmeans.com/Is-the-UN-Taking-Sustainable-Living-to-the-Extreme-Too-Much-to-Swallow-for-Some/17826.htmlWed, 09 Jun 2010 21:36:27 GMTCaitlin Chock In thinking of sustainable living many have become hip to the fact that beef is well, unsustainable. Between the farming practices, transportation, and even the gas those cows pass the carbon footprint, or hoofprint, is alarming. But while many Americans are still trying to swallow the fact that they can't as guilelessly as before down their burgers, all health reasons aside, there has been an ever more drastic movement gaining momentum: vegetarianism or even, gulp, veganism.What the heck is veg Read Full Article ]]> In thinking of sustainable living many have become hip to the fact that beef is well, unsustainable. Between the farming practices, transportation, and even the gas those cows pass the carbon footprint, or hoofprint, is alarming. But while many Americans are still trying to swallow the fact that they can't as guilelessly as before down their burgers, all health reasons aside, there has been an ever more drastic movement gaining momentum: vegetarianism or even, gulp, veganism.What the heck is veganism? Much stricter than eliminating just meat from the diet such as in vegetarianism, "vegans also avoid dairy and eggs, as well as fur, leather, wool, down, and cosmetics or chemical products tested on animals," as is outlined by the Vegan Action group. Veganism extends not only into what we eat but virtually everything we consume. Is this the epitome of sustainable living or is it a way of thinking that is just too outrageous for the masses to digest and instead lead them to give up all together?The UN has just recently released a statement that "a global shift towards a vegan diet is vital to save the world from hunger, fuel poverty and the worst impacts of climate change." The report went on to state, "A substantial reduction of impacts would only be possible with a substantial worldwide diet change, away from animal products." Surely there is merit to what is being said but with such a hard and fast list of what is off limits to consumers, the road ahead looks daunting especially when even the man behind Tofurky upon a sampling of his products admitted, "None were very good." Still that is not an excuse to give up, throw in the sustainable living towel, and head to McDonald's.Instead take it bit by bit and implement one change at a time; you may not ever wind up downing soy beans and soy meat like a champ but consciously opt for chicken at first and then take a sampling of the faux-meat spread. The industry is growing, there is a demand for it and for good reason, and surely refined recipes will appeal to a broader palette. The reasons behind going vegetarian or even vegan are aplenty and shouldn't be ignored but at the same time on overload of the ethics or modifications all at once may be a case of biting off more than you can chew. Sustainable living encompasses more that what is on our plates; it can start with changes around the dinner table and then looking at the other areas: cosmetics, ethical consumerism as it relates to animals on the whole, and becoming informed. Finally, depriving oneself all at once is only going to set one up for failure so if you just have to have that burger do so; but make it a 'treat' and perhaps offset that by supporting more sustainable living causes in retribution.Photo credit: Vegan Action]]>http://www.justmeans.com/Environmental-awareness-front-and-center--A-focus-on-the-Maldives/16463.htmlSat, 05 Jun 2010 17:00:45 GMTCaitlin Chock With the onset of summer many are planning their vacations; yet the next time you are suiting up for the beach be sure to pack some environmental awareness. While this may sound a bit corny to say it should be no shocker that the state of the oceans, along with other natural habitats, are suffering due to our own habits and energy consumption. The Deepwater Horizon oil spill is perhaps the latest example of the havoc inflicted on wildlife in a particularly delicate ecosystem, yet all around the Read Full Article ]]> With the onset of summer many are planning their vacations; yet the next time you are suiting up for the beach be sure to pack some environmental awareness. While this may sound a bit corny to say it should be no shocker that the state of the oceans, along with other natural habitats, are suffering due to our own habits and energy consumption. The Deepwater Horizon oil spill is perhaps the latest example of the havoc inflicted on wildlife in a particularly delicate ecosystem, yet all around the world those affected by the human hand have a mute voice in the matter.The Maldives are a chain of islands most notable for being paradises for tourists to fill their days with sun, sand, and stunning underwater views. The coral reefs are perhaps the largest draw and a major contributor to the economy of the islands as they are mostly supported due to vacationers and snorkelers looking to catch an eyeful. Alarmingly these natural specters are suffering on a multiple levels; firstly the coral reefs are being destroyed at an alarming rate due to holiday stayers aiming to take home a momento of these living creatures. Not all of the destruction is in fact conscious or with a lack of environmental awareness but due to the fragile nature of coral reefs they take a beating from flailing flippers and also overhead boating traffic. Sustainable living rules of the dive need to include the old 'look but don't touch' adage and diligence to be aware of what lies below when on top of the water.Yet the islands themselves may parish before too long due to global warming. These islands are situated not more than eight feet above sea level at their highest peaks and virtually 80% of the two thousand islands are below three feet over sea level. With the melting of the Polar Regions and other ramifications of our wasteful consumption habits it is projected that by 2100 all that will be left of these sandy escapes are memories. "Underwater. That's where we'll be," voices Mohamed Nasheed leading the fight for the Maldives and a need for environmental awareness. Sustainable living practices will influence not only the fate of this island chain and the coral expanses but the entirety of our planet. When planning the next vacation it is worth considering one closer to home in an effort to reduce the amount of carbon emissions released due to plane flights and other travel means. A camping trip would work on dual levels in that it would also spread an appreciation for the natural expanses to the little ones. Still, it is possible to head to a far away destination and still practice the environmental awareness words you preach; there are tips to make that vacation greener and at the end of it you can always purchase carbon offsets to ease your impact and any residual guilt.Photo credit: Nattu]]>http://www.justmeans.com/Oil-addiction-scorecard--4--Sustainable-living-in-what-we-buy/16466.htmlFri, 04 Jun 2010 17:11:21 GMTCaitlin Chock With each passing day the BP oil spill seems to be getting only worse in a myriad of ways; sustainable living has taken a mighty blow in the fallout and we can look to the Deepwater Horizon disaster as a beacon alerting the need for change. Continuing the sustainable living series centered around the United States' apparent addiction on oil where we drew a similarity between the twelve steps of AA to get us on the road to recovery, analyzing consumer packaging, getting critical about transportat Read Full Article ]]> With each passing day the BP oil spill seems to be getting only worse in a myriad of ways; sustainable living has taken a mighty blow in the fallout and we can look to the Deepwater Horizon disaster as a beacon alerting the need for change. Continuing the sustainable living series centered around the United States' apparent addiction on oil where we drew a similarity between the twelve steps of AA to get us on the road to recovery, analyzing consumer packaging, getting critical about transportation habits, and then identifying oil usage at home; here we take a look at the global supply chain.As a general sustainable living rule of thumb one can venture to say that the further away what you are purchasing is produced the more oil used and carbon has been released for it to get to your shopping cart. For this reason opting for the most local produce and supporting burgeoning markets in your community is better than the same grown hundreds of miles away. Transportation, just as it pertains to immediate daily routines, is one of the largest components of why meat is not the most eco-friendly choice. Outside of health reasons, more and more communities are taking steps to grow their own produce in co-op fashions or on school grounds and parks; what this brings to the residences are not only nutritious and affordable produce but it also cuts out plenty of potential carbon emission in the process.Still, not everything can be grown or made at home and that is why a part of sustainable living is being informed as to what companies are actually doing themselves in not only their production processes and shipping traits but also their packaging and if they partake in purchasing carbon offsets. It is crucial to do what is possible to cut down on oil consumption and waste at the forefront but in taking that thinking a step further by purchasing carbon offsets for what are released, businesses can in turn be greener. Individuals can also take the initiative and purchase offsets when they plan to take a vacation for example and displace what was released in the plane flight.The pressing consumer demand for more sustainable living business ethics is paramount to keep the momentum going in the right direction. Those companies that have already started need to pioneer forward and others that have yet to jump on board may need a little push to get in gear. That is where the individual holds direct power and by first choosing local and then opting for green you can sway the tides. The Deepwater Horizon oil spill has shown us just how an addiction to oil can blind us in what are responsible and ethical decisions in regards to energy outlets; how we get our supplies and goods is one component of oil consumption that needs addressing.Photo credit: Gabriel Kamener]]>http://www.justmeans.com/Oil-addiction-scorecard--3--Sustainable-living-in-home-habits/16469.htmlWed, 02 Jun 2010 19:00:29 GMTCaitlin Chock Through the latest sustainable living at home series in regards to the British Petroleum mess there has been likening the dependence of the United States on oil as a sort of addiction. Similar to what one may find in an AA layout one can see from the Scorecard just how far the use of oil has seeped into our lives and dictates our routines; it may be surprising to some just how much we each rely on this source of energy. Just as an addict begins to purge themselves of their own drug of choice it Read Full Article ]]> Through the latest sustainable living at home series in regards to the British Petroleum mess there has been likening the dependence of the United States on oil as a sort of addiction. Similar to what one may find in an AA layout one can see from the Scorecard just how far the use of oil has seeped into our lives and dictates our routines; it may be surprising to some just how much we each rely on this source of energy. Just as an addict begins to purge themselves of their own drug of choice it is a long process to wean a country so reliant off of the substance but again in keeping with the parallel to AA we can work our way through the twelve steps of sustainable living without oil.Admitting there is an addiction is the first part but from there actions speak much more volumes than words; there are many facets of oil consumption and along with consumer products and transportation methods covered in separate posts there are home environments and then the global supply chain. When we think about the homes that we live in, we like to feel safe in this environment, a place of security and that which we can hold a great amount of control over. Unfortunately, that security is at times a thin gauze over the reality in more ways than one; in relating to ethical consumption one instance are those currently displaced due to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Yet thinking immediately of your house, avenues to cut your reliance on oil are aplenty; thinking first of the specific kind of energy used to provide heating and cooling and what keep those lights burning bright. It is not feasible for everyone to gain access to the most renewable energy outlets such as wind and solar but at least opting for natural gas over fossil fuel and coal is a step in the right direction.Still it is possible to take sustainable living home for a portion of your home energy needs with scaled down versions of solar panels and wind turbines. These can be an investment in the short term but could potentially save you lots of money over the long haul and will preserve the environment exponentially. The amount of energy used in the home has perhaps just as much impact and that is why stressing energy saving practices such as using CFL and LEDs lights only when absolutely necessary (you can even purchase a dimmer switch to make lights even more green), grouping electrical cords on a powerstrip and only turning them on solely when in use, keeping the thermostat a few degrees lower in the winters and piling on blankets (doing the opposite come summer time), and outfitting your home with energy saving appliances. To get an even better idea of just how much energy your house is using take an audit and from there make monthly target goals to hit.All of these are sustainable living habits we must adopt as we titrate ourselves off of oil and how we use it. Those living around the immediate area of the BP oil spill have had their lives substantially altered and unless there are changes made this kind of tragedy will only happen again.Photo credit: Pink Sherbet Photography]]>http://www.justmeans.com/Is-the-United-States-a-classic-case-of-an-addict--What-the-BP-oil-spill-may-imply/16460.htmlWed, 02 Jun 2010 09:00:06 GMTCaitlin Chock It seems a bit obvious that environmental awareness was not the greatest priority (or ultimately even one at all) when plans surrounding the entire Deepwater Horizon executions were put into effect (which then led to the BP oil spill); but is that really a surprise? Sure, for years there has been constant talk of the United States being addicted to oil; this would often be put in little quotes and while it may be a hot topic and political platform, is all of the talk really just lip service?When Read Full Article ]]> It seems a bit obvious that environmental awareness was not the greatest priority (or ultimately even one at all) when plans surrounding the entire Deepwater Horizon executions were put into effect (which then led to the BP oil spill); but is that really a surprise? Sure, for years there has been constant talk of the United States being addicted to oil; this would often be put in little quotes and while it may be a hot topic and political platform, is all of the talk really just lip service?When one thinks of an addict what images pop to mind? Is it a junkie huddled on a street corner, out of money, but foregoing food and shelter to scrounge up enough cash for their next hit? Well perhaps in terms of ethical consumption and environmental awareness the visage of another kind of addict would instead be the businessman who commutes two hours to work through gridlock while staring into the window of his neighbor driving beside him? The soccer mom topping up her van, heading out for her third round of errands; the butcher only getting his meats shipped in thousands of miles away; or the executive playing down just how 'bad' their spill was? There may or may not have been conscious skewing of the estimates in regards to the BP oil spill; but then could not the same be said of a drug addict when telling his concerned friend just how much he actually used that day? The husband who gambled away too much but didn't want to burden his wife with the exact figures; sometimes isn't it just easier to cushion the blow or pad the truth? Isn't a diluted version of the truth just what the addicts want to believe too?Lots of questions, yes, but when it comes to being addicted to oil, just how well does that description fit with the current United States and to the masses? No doubt there has been plenty of talk about heightened environmental awareness and lots of plans thrown out there on how to get back on track. Still, isn't that generally the case with any other addiction? One more drink, one last spin of the wheel, one final binge before starting that diet tomorrow. There are many signs of addiction and perhaps the first would be 'neglecting one's responsibilities;' would that merit a check against the US? Up until this point has it already not become clear that even through years and years of planned propositions and green talk has there really been a big enough turnaround? Aren't then responsibilities to our environmental awareness being ignored despite more and more glaring warnings?A second symptom of addiction would be 'using drugs under dangerous conditions or taking risks while high.' Should we ask BP to answer that one for us? In all honesty though, setting up a disaster waiting to happen in a fragile region has occurred many times before and is still currently going on. Another interesting sign of addiction is when 'drug use is causing problems in your relationships;' surely the United States has not been the most popular child in the sandbox over the years or at the present moment.When the nonprofit organization of Helpguide.org outlines common signs of addition they do cite drugs when referencing that 'you've built up a drug tolerance,' still here again in terms of environmental awareness the term drug and oil could be used synonymously. Is it not true that as a whole the country has established a higher and more pressing need for this resource and the amounts for which we are able to reduce consumption for, or that companies are willing to budge, has become more marginal? Instead of ever even breathing the word cold turkey (for this would be the equivalent of taking wings off of an airplane) there are negotiations for exactly just how much of a reduction would be 'enough.' There then becomes the question of whether companies are more interested in purchasing carbon offsets just to erase the 'guilt' they have over their own usage and using that as a means to absolve the problem rather than work on it? Could the same not be then said with propositions for additional oil taxes; instead of making certain it never happens again there is just more additional planning for where the funds for clean-up will come from and the consequences that transpire once it is repeated.How high do gas prices really have to get before there is a significant drop in the amount of cars on the road? The truth is that there is still going to be the reliance on oil, but how can we downgrade from full blown addict to shall we say recreational user? That comes in not only volume but also recognizing it for what it is; has the United States hit rock bottom yet or even close? Until there is the internal shift and urge to change there is often no chance to break the cycle; environmental awareness has grown, to say otherwise would be to demean a lot of good work that has been done and green progress. Still, recovery is a bumpy road and there are always setbacks and varying degrees of being 'healthy.' It is possible for on one level to desperately want to end an addiction, usually due to the results that its continued usage brings, and still be torn on another in the all-consuming need to use. So it still begs to ask if the United States is just another 'drug addict'but more importantly is it willing to accept that for what it is and then change?In continuation of this post follows the Oil Addiction Scorecards that were created by Tiffany and myself to see what steps to take to wean ourselves off of our drug of choice. Further, follow ongoing news and how it relates to the BP oil spill across all of the news sections.Photo credit: Giuseppe Bognanni]]>