There is a wealth of literature out there about green and sustainable living, from blog posts to magazines, studies and articles, and of course- books! If you’re serious about living the green life, here are 5 great books that will make you want to paint the town green.
1. Easy Green Living: The Ultimate Guide to Simple, Eco-Friendly Choices for You and Your Home
This book by Renee Loux was written in 2008 and all of the material still holds true to this day. This book dismisses myths about green living and makes it known that living a sustainable lifestyle is affordable - and can even be easy! Most of us think that living green is probably better for the environment, but Loux reminds us that these green practices are also better for us as human beings as well. If you are serious about converting your lifestyle to a green one, then this book is for you.
2. It’s Easy Being Green: A Handbook for Earth-Friendly Living
This handy guide by Crissy Trask is helpful in so many ways. Trask’s easily digestible tips are great for anyone who wants to learn easy ways to be sustainable in everyday life. Some of these tips are so simple they will have you thinking, “hey - why didn’t I think of that?” While others will train your brain into thinking about sustainability a different way.
3. Sufficient: A Modern Guide to Sustainable Living
This gem by Tom Petherick is a newer sustainable living book compared to many others on the market. This sustainable living guide with a modern twist is perfect for the knowledgeable reader looking to learn more about sustainability. If you haven’t implemented sustainable living tactics already, after you read this book you will be inspired to do so in every aspect of your life.
4. Go Green, Live Rich: 50 Simple Ways to Save the Earth and Get Rich Trying
In this book by David Bach, readers will learn that you can most certainly still get “rich” while living a green lifestyle. If you’re worried that living green will cost you too much, I suggest you read this book. Live the great life - live the green life!
5. The Naturally Clean Home: 150 Super-Easy Herbal Formulas for Green Cleaning
This green-cleaning specific book by Karyn Siegel-Maier will open your eyes to the wonderful world of all things green cleaning. Your home will be a safe for your family and better for the environment if you choose to employ some of the green cleaning tactics in this book. Also, learn to clean with household items that you never thought you would use for cleaning! This book is a great read if you’re looking into alternatives to toxic cleaners.
What is your favorite green living read? Share with us in the comments below!
This is a quick and easy recipe that is loaded with nutrients and has the feel of comfort food.
- Pre-packaged Gnochi (I like the Whole Wheat Trader Joe’s Version)
- Jar of Pasta Sauce
- Kale, chopped
Prepare the Gnochi as the package requires. The last 45 seconds of the cooking time with the Gnochi put the Kale in the boiling water to blanch. Drain and rinse. Add back the Gnochi and Kale to the pan and add the pasta sauce. Serve and add the Parmesan.
Serves: 4
Fresh Sweet Corn is in season right now - this is a great light dinner for any season. Enjoy it cold or hot for Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner. Goes great with a simple Arugula salad.
- 1 Store bought Pie Crust
- 2 cups fresh corn kernels
- 1 cup half and half
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 cup shredded Sharp Cheddar
- 2 scallions, chopped
- 1/2 cup minced red bell pepper
Preheat the oven to 350F.
Combine the corn-and half and half in a blender and blend until smooth. Add the eggs, and salt and blend just to mix. Sprinkle all but 2 tablespoons of cheese on the pie crust. Pour in the corn mixture. Sprinkle scallions, green bell pepper, and remaining cheese over surface. Bake for 35 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
Serves 6
Cucumbers are a summertime favorite and are a great source of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and Magnesium. The also help prevent water retention!
- 1 large cucumber, peeled, seeded and cubed
- 1 large avocado, peeled
- 2 scallions (green and white parts included) chopped
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 2 Tbl lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground pepper, or to taste
In a food processor or blender combine the cucumber, avocado and scallions. Pulse until the mixture is thoroughly chopped. Add broth, sour cream and lemon juice and continue to process until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste and chill for 4 to 6 hours. Taste for seasoning and serve in chilled bowls with garnish.
We’ve already delved into the truth about bottled water. Now lets take a look at the truth about plastic, a material that has negative effects on our green earth. The infographic below explains in detail how plastic is affecting our planet each and every day.
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Source:Reusable Bags
This information is astounding, and really makes you think about plastic consumption. What was the most shocking information in this infographic in your eyes? Let us know in the comments below!
Yummy Breakfast!
Ever want to go out for a meal but worry about what exactly you will end up eating? Do you have food allergies or prefer organic/ humane sources of produce and protein? Nourish in Scottsdale has provided a haven for those dining out that have concerns about preparation and sourcing of ingredients. The owner, Kirstin Carey, has Celiac disease which is the inability of the body to process gluten and leads to serious complications if a gluten free diet is not adhered to. Unwilling to sacrifice her favorite foods, Nourish was developed out of her love of food and recreating dishes to be allergen free. Wheat/Gluten Intolerance is not the only allergy to be considered. Corn, Dairy, Soy, Egg, Nut, and Vegan preparations are all taken in stride.
Taking a look at menu can be a very liberating experience for someone who has been limited in dining out options. The menu clearly labels the dishes with what allergens they are free of. It really takes the guess work out of making a decision! If you are dining with others who have no allergy concerns, regular bread/pita options are available. The kitchen follows a strict no-cross contamination policy when handling non-gluten items.
I was excited to have breakfast at Nourish and was thrilled to be ordering a waffle that was Dairy, Egg, Gluten/Wheat Free! It was a healthy, delicious waffle that was made with chia seeds and cocoa powder. It arrived warm and fluffy. Served with Agave syrup it was a real treat. The air crisped sweet potato fries were a perfect side dish. My lunch date had an egg breakfast sandwich served with regular bread and the sweet potato hash. He heartily dove in and was staring longingly at my waffle, which I happily shared.
The menu has so many appetizing choices, it can definitely make you want to come back for more. The Nourish Healthy Colorful Mac & Cheese sounds delicious! The gluten free pizzas would make a perfect casual lunch with friends. A gluten free, organic wine and beer list also available. Do not miss the opportunity with dessert at Nourish. They offer the Lemon Island Cheesecake by Innocent Indulgence that is just divine. Nourish has also partnered with other local bakeries to provide other allergen free goodies.
Nourish will be hosting a Gluten Free Expo on August 13, 2011 and more information and tickets on this exciting event can be purchased here
