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Summer 2008 Newsletter
Greetings!
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 1. Ask the EcoTeam:
Green Summer Parties and Barbeques
Our Info Desk staff debuts its new Terrain column, Ask the EcoTeam, by answering the question "What makes a green barbeque?" Biodegradable cutlery, charcoal, tablecloths, food choices - it's all covered. Read our answer in Terrain.
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 2. Planes, Trains, and Biofueled-Hybrid-Offset-SUVs:
Tips for Eco-Friendlier Vacation Travel
Sometimes a vacation is when all our best intentions for eco-friendly living fly out the window and we find ourselves burning jet fuel and staying in accommodations that have a giant eco-footprint. On other vacations, we're living close to the earth, on just granola, candles, and a favorite tin cup. Whichever way you go, we offer you tips to help you have a great vacation and keep your impact on the planet to a minimum.
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 3. Our EcoDirectory Might Just Answer All of Your Questions
Since the Ecology Center was established almost 40 years ago our free Info Desk service has provided answers to the Bay Area's wide range of environmental questions. Our staff uses and maintains an extensive set of information databases that house past answers and an EcoDirectory of organizations, businesses, and agencies. The EcoDirectory is free and available online at ecologycenter.org/directory. You can use it to get answers and referrals for eco-friendlier living. A sample of listings include soil testing labs, recycled content products, fluorescent bulb disposal, green dry cleaners, green furniture and bedding, beekeeping resources, creeks groups, gardeners, CSAs, and lots more. Use the keywords or the search box - we think you'll find just what you're looking for!
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 4. Farm Fresh Choice:
Peruvian-Style Beet-Carrot Salad
The Farm Fresh Choice Program believes everyone has the right to nourishing food. Every week, rain or shine, Farm Fresh Choice provides our community access to quality pesticide free and organic produce. Since we all know the challenges of juggling family, finances and career responsibilities, our produce stands are conveniently located at afterschool and community centers in South and West Berkeley. By purchasing seasonal produce from our stands, your dollars empower small, local organic farmers of color, community-nutrition classes, and employ our local youth. Increasing awareness around our local food system and reclaiming our natural, ancient relationship with food and farming helps us battle the current epidemics of diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Come down and visit Farm Fresh Choice - because taking care of our community is taking good care of ourselves!
Peruvian-Style Beet-Carrot Salad
2 Cups beets, chopped
2 Cups carrots, chopped
1/2 Cup onion, finely chopped
1 clove garlic
1/4 Cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
Juice of 1-2 small-medium lemons
1/4 Cup olive oil
Sea salt and black pepper to your liking
1) Chop beets and carrots and place into a pot with 3/4 inch water. Steam on low-medium heat until soft and tender.
2) Scoop beets and carrots into large bowl. Drain any water left and save for soups/broths.
3) Add the remaining ingredients to your liking and mix well without mashing beet and carrots. Serve warm or cold.
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 5. Resource Center Staff's Top 10 Store Items
Carrie Bennett is the Ecology Center's Information Coordinator. These are her ten favorites items from the Ecology Center Store:
1. Aero-Tech Evolution Warm Compact
Fluorescent Light Bulbs - beautiful,
energy efficient light. This CFL's light
isn't bad!
2. EnviroTech File Folders - 100% post
consumer waste recycled paper.
Sturdy, kraft-colored folders.
3. Wide Mouth 6 Liter Recycled Glass Jar with Cork - perfect for storing rice and other grains.
4. BART and AC Transit Tickets - makes taking public transportation even more convenient.
5. Bumble Bar Organic Chocolate Crisp Snack Bar - delicious and nutty.
6. Dr. Bronner's Magic Hemp Lavender Castile Soap - gentle and great-smelling all-purpose
soap.
7. The Earth Moved: On the Remarkable Achievements of Earthworms by Amy Stewart - fun
and informative natural history book.
8. Create an Oasis with Greywater by Art Ludwig - in-depth guide to greywater.
9. How Groundhog's Garden Grew by Lynne Cherry - groundhog learns to grow and share
vegetables. Great illustrations!
10. All Good Lips Elemental Herbs Certified Organic Lip Balm - smooth and soothing.
Come down to our store and take a look at these and find your own favorites. We're open Tuesday - Saturday from 11am - 6pm at 2530 San Pablo Avenue in Berkeley.
Members always receive 10% off!
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Did you know that you can call us with your environmental questions? Our Info Desk staff will give you referrals and provide information to help you make sound ecological choices. Email erc@ecologycenter.org or give us a call at 510-548-2220 x233. To subscribe to or unsubscribe from this newsletter, send a note to newsletter@ecologycenter.org. This newsletter can also be found online at http://ecologycenter.org/newsletter
The Ecology Center is a membership organization providing environmental information and direct services to promote sustainable living and a healthy, socially just world. Please support this community resource for the environment by becoming a member or by making a donation. Support our work on-line at http://www.ecologycenter.org/donate/
[Photo credits: spash - ishrona, barbeque - technikhil, train - Loren Lloyd, beets - debris * / Breigh, cfl - Duane Storey] |
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