Quorn!

So in my efforts to become a green eater, I have found the best product ever! It wasn't around way back when, in my first efforts to be an herbivore, but thank goodness it's here! I present.....
Quorn is a meat-free, soy-free, all natural, low fat, alternative for those of us searching for just that! It is derived from mycoprotien, which is a type of fungi. I had never heard of this stuff before heading over to Whole Foods one day with my good friend Melissa. She enlightened me on its rumored deliciousness so we had to try it for ourselves. It was about $5.00 for a 12oz bag of chik'n tenders. This looks deceptively small, however, I have since made 3 spinach asiago wraps with it and STILL have some left in the bag. It has the flavor, texture, and appearance of chicken. It is great! I can't stop telling people about this stuff. It is the future of food!

They have a huge product line and are always coming out with new products in the US (been around in the UK for awhile). And on their website, they have a store locator based on your zipcode. There is also a great recipe database on their site in case you want to try one of their special reccomendations. I am hooked, and hopefully this green alternative to factory farms will be your new favorite product too!

Lets get Quorny!
GB

2009 Is Here!!!

I can't even believe that it is already here. 2009. Unbelievable....... really....... it is....... but, it just gives us all another reason to make resolutions to stick to in the coming year! I am so blessed that I don't want to change very much in my life. however, I have decided to make a drastic personal change, which was once a large part of my life, thanks to the support and influence of a good friend of mine. I have decided to return to a vegetarian lifestyle. I was previously a vegan and ran into some complications which were my own fault, but I have the strong desire to return to a kinder, healthier lifestyle once again.

Strangely enough, my decision came about when looking to replace my old razor (which is Gillette brand) with a cruelty-free branded one. For those of you that are not savvy in animal-unfriendly brands, Proctor and Gamble (who owns Gillette) is pretty much at the top of the list. I cannot even stomach to watch the videos and such that are displayed on the Internet about their animal testing practices. Check out some of my links to see the friendly/unfriendly brands
you may be using in your own home.

But anyways, here are my two favorite products: the Hok2 Wally, and the Hok2 Squeeze-N-Shave. Check them out. It's an easy way to transition into some basic cruelty-free products! Apparently the SnS is sooooooo popular, I can't find the vanilla in stock right now! Yikes!

Anyways, that is my big resolution for the year. Thought I would share it with ya. It benefits both myself and everything I love (animals and the planet!) So, be sure to make the most of your resolutions, if you make them, of course!

To a wonderful and prosperous 2009,
GB

The Holidays Are Upon Us!

Unbelievably, the holiday season has snuck up on me. My little "family" keeps me busy on my days off, so it's been quite the challenge to post regularly. But.......I'm back! So let's jump into dome holiday dilemmas.....

Christmas lights.....oh geeze.....the knots, and tangles, and dead bulbs.....what to do......well - let me tell you something! There are some great ways to properly dispose of your old icky lights in an Eco-friendly way. Then, you are free to purchase some of those super LEDs that I love so much :)

Here are some great sites to help you get into the green spirit:
With Michigan's struggling economy (I live here!) it is great to support some local companies trying to survive..... with HolidayLEDs.com, a huge Internet sensation, located in Jackson, MI, if you send in your old lights, they send you a coupon - win/win!

Also, check out local hardware stores also, such as ACE. Our local ACE has recycling programs in which they collect your lights at their stores. Doesn't get much easier does it?

Aren't convinced that LEDs are super? Well, according to thefuntimesguide.com, "Regular" incandescent Christmas light bulbs may lose their life after about 1,800 hours, whereas LED Christmas light bulbs will still be twinkling long after 4,000 hours. That's about 7 months of continuous testing! Want financial proof? Alrighty, according to LEDtronics.com,
35 LED Christmas lights only cost $0.31 in electricity a year based on the lights being on for 6 hours a night at $0.08 KWh rate.
35 incandescent Christmas lights cost $30.37 a year. 35 LED Christmas lights save $30.36 a year in electricity charges over incandescent lights.
70 LED Christmas lights only cost $0.61 in electricity a year based on the lights being on for 6 hours a night at $0.08 KWh rate.
70 incandescent Christmas lights cost $61.32 a year. 70 LED Christmas lights save $60.71 a year in electricity charges over incandescent lights.

There are so many colors and styles of LEDs, there are no excuses for you not to get some (and p.s., they look better!)

In other holiday news.....
The keen folks in the UK have created this wonderful little guide on how to lessen your own impact this holiday season.

As previously mentioned, I support the use of RECYCLED wrapping paper, newspaper, or even more fun.....re-usable shopping bags to wrap gifts this year! You can get really creative with these options, so don't fret, it can still get pretty elaborate ;) Also re-use the fancy gift bags you get and encourage their future re-use.
***And with the sad economy, maybe just make this year a season of appreciation and less physical gifts. I know that this has become a wonderful new tradition with my those close to me.

Although not for everyone, I like using artificial Christmas trees because of their obvious re-usability, their low damage on the tree population, and ability to choose the perfect color and size for your lifestyle. If you do, however, choose to have a real Christmas tree, please look into proper treecycling. Instead of simply trashing your outdated tree, look into more positive options for its future.

And finally, holiday cards. We all get 'em, we all love 'em, and then what? There are numerous organizations that can benefit from these once used holiday greetings. St. Jude's children's ranch offers a recycling service which allows ill children to make new cards from the once-given. Everyone that knows me knows how much I love kids, so please check out this organization. Not only for Christmas, but for every greeting card event, you can benefit the ranch. They are currently accepting cards until the end of February 2009. So, we all have plently of time to pack up our cards!

I hope you have enjoyed this edition of the Bean Blog. I love the holidays, so hopefully I will have some more coming really soon. To all of you and your loved ones, Happy Holidays and a wonderful New Year!

To a spectacular 2009!

GB

Target Rocks!

I can't get enough of Target....I always find the cutest, most wonderful items, no matter how completely unnecessary for my life/home they may be! As if that were not enough, Target is now putting the emphasis on the eco-friendly products and services they offer. There is something for everyone, even the little tykes. So check out my favorite item and services, and stop by your local Target to find your favorites too!!!

NatureMill Composters are available at Target.com. I do not personally have one, but they are at the top of my wish list. They come in a variety of colors and specs, even one for people with furry friends! Now that is something that not many companies can brag about. As always, I always encourage google-ing coupons before every large purchase and this is no different. Target is generally pretty easy to find 10% off coupons for, so hopefully in these difficult economic times, this will ease the $ pain and help reduce our personal waste at the same time.

Target offers too many products to mention on my lil blog, but their eco-offerings are great! Target puts energy efficient practices into effect at their stores and also implement highly green options in newly-constructed stores. They also donate unsold grocery items to second harvest to helo those in need in local communities. Target has won multiple awards and is partnered with many eco organizations in order to reduce their impact. Go Target!

Gold Star For Target!,
GB

Oh Starbucks..... :(

As a huge fan of Starbucks, it pains me to post this. However, the present circumstances of struggling around the globe make practices such as this completely unacceptable. The UK publication The Sun has made accusations about Starbucks H2O practices:

"…As part of a company policy aimed at preventing germ buildup
in its taps, Starbucks stores are directed to keep water running
constantly into a sink, called a dipper well, to clean utensils and wash away
food residue"

As a result of running water all day, every day at each of the
company’s 10,000 worldwide coffee emporiums, Starbucks wastes water in an amount The Sun estimated to be “enough daily water for the entire 2 million strong population of drought-hit Namibia in Africa or fill an Olympic pool every 83
minutes.”

This statistic is extremely disturbing to me and should be to everyone! I love all the yummy drinks that Starbucks creates just as much as the next person but this is a completely lazy, inconsiderate, WASTEFUL practice that needs to be changed. Starbucks claims that the company is now working on alternative solutions to reduce water consumption "as a priority" but it says switching to a new system will take a while.

Until that time is reached, I will be one of many that boycotts Starbucks and all of their products. In such a desperate time for so many, the thought of such waste is so disgusting that I could not bring myself to enter a cafe. I hope those of you with similar beliefs will also show Starbucks that this IS NOT ACCEPTABLE practice and that IT WILL NOT BE TOLERATED. From now on, I will be enjoying my shade-grown home brews and I hope you will find a sustainable source of delicious coffee as well.

Please post you own source of Eco-friendly coffee for others because it is a resource that many do not know can be destructive if not grown properly.

Bring on the Caffeine!

GB

Ipods!

Two very green thumbs up to one of my favorite companies, Apple, for introducing their new iPod line of mP3 players with the following improvements:

~Arsenic-free glass

~Brominated flame-retardent free

~Mercury-free

~PVC-free

The new line of iPod Nanos also comes in an assorted range of colors with great new features, so you can pick up a green one and rock out to your favorite tunes! Apple has been working hard over the past few years to improve the green-ness of their prodcuts.Take a look at Apple's environmental policies and what they plan to do in the future to reduce their impact on the planet.

Also, if you purchase a qualifying Apple computer, take advantage of their free recycling program for your current computer. It's a great way to reduce the amount of waste produced by the many electronics discarded each year.

With everyone carrying around an iPod these days, I thought it was important to mention Apple's efforts to be more conscious about their impact. Hope you find it as important and spread the word!

Until we meet again,

GB

A Fresh Coat of Paint

I'm getting ready to embark on some little home improvement projects and one that I think is great to do in the autumn season is interior painting. The cool breeze makes it bearable to leave the windows open and get all of the fresh air running through the house. This way Harley -------------> doesn't end up with heat stroke! Unfortunately, there are some pretty nasty volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in paints that aren't good for us or the environment. And these damaging components are leached out from painted surfaces for years after application. Here is an some info about green painting options for the interior of your home.

There have recently been many products released with little or no VOCs. They have a Green Seal on the can to help consumers identify these products. Eartheasy has a great directory of companies and products as well as the many benefits of using greener paints in your home. It also has tips for painters to ensure that no paint is unnecessarily wasted.

In comparison to traditional paint products, there are also completely natural alternatives that contain no VOCs or heavy metals commonly found in paints. These include clay paint, lime wash, and milk paint. Although these items are sometimes a bit more costly than other types of paint, they are completely natural and won't harm your family or the environment due to their use.

And when disposing of your paint-related items, here are some tips from Eartheasy:

~Avoid Cleaning Brushes and Rollers: Paint brushes and rollers used for an on-going project can be saved overnight, or even up to a week, without cleaning at all. Simply wrap the brush or roller snugly in a plastic bag, such as a bread or produce bag. Squeeze out air pockets and store away from light. The paint won't dry because air can't get to it. Simply unwrap the brush or roller the next day and continue with the job. (This works for water and oil-based paints and stains. It does not work for varnishes or lacquers.)

~ Clean Your Brushes Naturally: Turpentine, made from the resin of coniferous trees, is an environmentally-friendly solvent. It is excellent for cleaning brushes used with oil-based paints, and for cleaning up small drips. Use a short glass jar, filled no higher than the bristles. Add a few drops of dishwashing liquid. After cleaning the brush, rinse with water.

~ Store partially full cans upside down: Leftover paint can be saved for months if stored properly. Make sure the lids are well sealed, then store the cans upside down. This prevents air from getting insed the can and causing the paint to thicken and dry.

~ Remember the BUD rule: Buy no more product than you need. Ask your retailer for help in assessing the quantity you need. Use up all the product you buy. Give leftovers to a neighbor or community organization. Dispose of leftovers in a safe, responsible manner.

Hopefully you have some fun painting projects that you can complete with these great products. Let me know of any green painting experiences you have had and I will let you know how my projects turn out!

Let The Painting Begin!

GB

Hurricane Season Is In Full Effect

Well, it's been an interesting week. I spent part of it evacuating from Gustav while a trip to New Orleans! It was not the most pleasant vacation experience, but luckily I have family that took me in and made the rest of my trip great. Even with all the feverish stocking up of supplies I encountered while I was there, I managed to spread the green bug. Here are some green supply ideas for stocking up in an emergency situation (which you hopefully will never have to do).

A necessity for any emergency kit is lighting. Candles always come with a safety concern, so here is a wonderful alternative that is hand-crank charged and powered! This handy lantern also functions as an AM/FM radio, cell phone charger, and mp3 player. There is also an option to plug it into your car charger port for power as well. It has some nifty accessory functions like a siren, ultrasonic mosquito repeller, and even a compass. Check it out!

Another item that can be integrated into your kitchen supplies for use on a daily basis is a manual can opener. This handy item uses no energy and saves your counterspace at the same time. It's a necessity in the emergency kit because without power to open your non-perishables, they are pretty much useless. These can openers are cheap, green, and don't take up much space, so pick one up!

Also important, expecially in those stormy summer months is bug repellant. Non-aerosol, DEET free products are the only way to go. Buzz Away is a popular spray with a nice peppermint smell that leaves 'em coming back for more (everyone except the buggies, that is). This company also makes sunscreen with the same yummy scent, so you can get both and add them to your summer stash.

Remember your utensils, dishware, napkins, and trash bags - biodegradable of course! Can't leave your rubbish around after the storm passes.... :)

Hope this gives you some ideas to green up your emergency kit, or at least some items in your household. Take a look at what you may need in an emergent situation and make the effort to green it up a bit. It's easy, so hopefully this has given you the tools to get started and find your favorites. I would love to hear your suggestions/comments on these, or any other, important eco-friendly supplies in your survival kits as well - leave a comment!

Happy Trails!

GB

Take It From WALL-E....

Here is some more WALL-E for all of you. He is my favorite little greenie. Enjoy!

Spread The News!

It's so nice to hear about people becoming more conscious about their environmental impact. It is even nicer to meet people who have been doing it for years and have great tips to share! Here is some from my new friend Melanie I have been fortunate enough to meet through this very blog!

1. For wrapping gifts, i use fabric remnants with safety pins.

2. Instead of plastic sandwich bags i use either vegetable waxed parchment paper sandwich bags, or my fav is wrap-n-mats they are cloth w/ a plastic lining that you fold around a sandwich, veggies, etc and then secure w/ a velcro closure (very durable and easy to wash..i've tossed mine in the laundry)

3. "Flor" carpet squares for an eco conscious, versatile, and easy to clean area rug

4. Going veg saves approx 487 lbs of CO2 per person per year...buy organic and local, and this number is even greater

5. Garbage bags: this one has taken some time, but I found natural value makes an "eco safe" bag that is green in color but sturdier than the corn based biodegradable ones (i used those for a bit, but at the end of the week, when i went to take my garabage out, the bottom of the bag would fall out..kinda defeats the purpose, you know?) ....so these natural value eco safe ones are epi certified and are degradable..

6. In addition to buying local, look for non GMO products (especially rice, soy, and corn products), and/or buy organic or transitional...also, there are some great companies that have very strict practices (non GMO, no chemical fertilizers or pesticides) but do not have the paperwork to certify them organic ...it takes some diligence, but it's an easy thing to explore at your local farmers' market)

Hope this gets you greenies motivated! Thanks for the wonderful tips! Keep them coming :)

Keep It Clean!
GB