Eating Local to be Green
In North America, fruits and vegetables travel an average of 1,500 miles before reaching your dinner table.
What Can You Do?
Buying local not only saves energy used to ship produce, but also preserves flavor and nutrients. Here are three avenues for picking fresh, local produce.
* Visit the local farmers' market. Visit www.localharvest.org or ams.usda.gov/farmersmarkets/map.htm to find one in your area.
* Get involved with a community garden or start one on your own. See www.communitygarden.org to see what's growing in your neighborhood and for tips on planting your own crops.
* Join a Community Supported Agriculture group (CSA). CSA members prepay a fixed seasonal fee to a local farmer in exchange for a weekly share of the harvest, delivered to a location near your home. Don't wait, though. CSAs are popular and can fill up. For information on joining a CSA group near you, go to nal.usda.gov/afsic/csa, sare.org/csa or justfood.org.
Taken from www.greenguide.com.
Questions? Want to join the SBA Green Team? Email: greenteam@sba.pdx.edu for more information.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
SBA Green Team Tip of the Week (6/1/09)
Vinegar - The Miracle Cleaner
Yes, it’s true, vinegar is a miracle cleaner. It kills germs, bacteria and mildew due to its high acidity content. I think today we are all trying to find ways to avoid using harsh cleaning agents, yet many of the “environmentally-friendly” products sold at the store can be pricey. Vinegar is a great option as it’s very affordable and can be used to clean just about every surface in your home. Many people use vinegar, cut with water, to clean my kitchen and bathroom floors, counter tops and bathrooms. You can buy the big jugs of white distilled vinegar and your house will be spic and span. For the floor, use a cup or 2 of vinegar in a bucket of hot water. For counter tops, use vinegar cut with just a little bit of water, or straight if the counters are really dirty. The only surface you should never use vinegar on is marble, as it can damage it. Here are some other tips for cleaning with vinegar (from www.vinegartips.com).
Other cleaning tips using vinegar:
*To shine chrome sink fixtures that have a lime buildup, use a paste made of 2 tablespoons salt and 1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar.
*Make your own scouring cleanser by combining 1/4 cup baking soda with 1 tablespoon liquid detergent. Add just enough white distilled vinegar to give it a thick but creamy texture.
*Clean counter tops and make them smell sweet again with a cloth soaked in undiluted white distilled vinegar.
*Clean and deodorize a drain by pouring in 1 cup baking soda, then one cup hot white distilled vinegar. Let this sit for 5 minutes or so then run hot water down the drain.
*Deodorize the garbage disposal by pouring in 1/2 cup baking soda and 1/2 cup hot white distilled vinegar. Let sit for 5 minutes then run hot water down the disposal.
*Clean the microwave by mixing 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar and 1/2 cup water in a microwave-safe bowl. Bring it to a rolling boil inside the microwave. Baked-on food will be loosened, and odors will disappear. Wipe clean.
*Clean the shelves and walls of the refrigerator with a half-and-half solution of water and white distilled vinegar.
*To clean a grease splattered oven door window, saturate it with full-strength white distilled vinegar. Keep the door open for 10 to 15 minutes before wiping with a sponge.
*For cloudy glassware, soak paper towels or a cloth in full-strength white distilled vinegar and wrap around the inside and outside of the glass. Let sit awhile before rinsing clean.
*Remove the smell of spoiled food from a refrigerator by first rinsing the area with soap and water. Spray surfaces with full-strength white distilled vinegar and wipe them down with a damp cloth or sponge. Fill some containers with baking soda and place inside. Close the door and leave for a few days.
*To remove a label, decal, or price tag, cover with a cloth soaked in white distilled vinegar. Leave the cloth on overnight and the label should slide off.
*Renew sponges and dishrags by placing them in just enough water to cover them. Then add 1/4 cup white distilled vinegar. Let them soak overnight.
*Deodorize the toilet bowl by allowing 3 cups white distilled vinegar to sit in it for about a half hour before flushing.
*To make the toilet bowl sparkle, pour in a cup or more of diluted white distilled vinegar and let it sit several hours or overnight. Scrub well with the toilet brush and flush.
*Clean up pet accidents by first blotting up the area and then adding a white distilled vinegar-and-water solution. Blot until it is almost dry. Then sprinkle baking soda over the area and let it dry. Vacuum up the residue the next day.
*Create your own window cleaning solution by combining 1/2 cup non-sudsy ammonia, 1 cup white distilled vinegar, and 2 tablespoons cornstarch in a gallon of water.
*Clean woodwork and walls with a mixture of 1 cup white distilled vinegar, 1 cup baking soda, 1/2 cup ammonia and 1 gallon warm water. Wipe on with a sponge or damp—not wet—towel.
*Clean wood paneling with a solution of 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar, and 2 cups warm water. Wipe on with a soft cloth.
*Get decals off walls or doors by letting undiluted white distilled vinegar soak into them for several minutes before trying to peel them off. Repeat if necessary.
*Remove white water rings from wood with a solution of equal parts white distilled vinegar and vegetable oil. Rub with the grain.
*To kill germs, spray full-strength white distilled vinegar on doorknobs and then wipe them dry.
Questions? Want to join the SBA Green Team? Email: greenteam@sba.pdx.edu for more information.
Yes, it’s true, vinegar is a miracle cleaner. It kills germs, bacteria and mildew due to its high acidity content. I think today we are all trying to find ways to avoid using harsh cleaning agents, yet many of the “environmentally-friendly” products sold at the store can be pricey. Vinegar is a great option as it’s very affordable and can be used to clean just about every surface in your home. Many people use vinegar, cut with water, to clean my kitchen and bathroom floors, counter tops and bathrooms. You can buy the big jugs of white distilled vinegar and your house will be spic and span. For the floor, use a cup or 2 of vinegar in a bucket of hot water. For counter tops, use vinegar cut with just a little bit of water, or straight if the counters are really dirty. The only surface you should never use vinegar on is marble, as it can damage it. Here are some other tips for cleaning with vinegar (from www.vinegartips.com).
Other cleaning tips using vinegar:
*To shine chrome sink fixtures that have a lime buildup, use a paste made of 2 tablespoons salt and 1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar.
*Make your own scouring cleanser by combining 1/4 cup baking soda with 1 tablespoon liquid detergent. Add just enough white distilled vinegar to give it a thick but creamy texture.
*Clean counter tops and make them smell sweet again with a cloth soaked in undiluted white distilled vinegar.
*Clean and deodorize a drain by pouring in 1 cup baking soda, then one cup hot white distilled vinegar. Let this sit for 5 minutes or so then run hot water down the drain.
*Deodorize the garbage disposal by pouring in 1/2 cup baking soda and 1/2 cup hot white distilled vinegar. Let sit for 5 minutes then run hot water down the disposal.
*Clean the microwave by mixing 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar and 1/2 cup water in a microwave-safe bowl. Bring it to a rolling boil inside the microwave. Baked-on food will be loosened, and odors will disappear. Wipe clean.
*Clean the shelves and walls of the refrigerator with a half-and-half solution of water and white distilled vinegar.
*To clean a grease splattered oven door window, saturate it with full-strength white distilled vinegar. Keep the door open for 10 to 15 minutes before wiping with a sponge.
*For cloudy glassware, soak paper towels or a cloth in full-strength white distilled vinegar and wrap around the inside and outside of the glass. Let sit awhile before rinsing clean.
*Remove the smell of spoiled food from a refrigerator by first rinsing the area with soap and water. Spray surfaces with full-strength white distilled vinegar and wipe them down with a damp cloth or sponge. Fill some containers with baking soda and place inside. Close the door and leave for a few days.
*To remove a label, decal, or price tag, cover with a cloth soaked in white distilled vinegar. Leave the cloth on overnight and the label should slide off.
*Renew sponges and dishrags by placing them in just enough water to cover them. Then add 1/4 cup white distilled vinegar. Let them soak overnight.
*Deodorize the toilet bowl by allowing 3 cups white distilled vinegar to sit in it for about a half hour before flushing.
*To make the toilet bowl sparkle, pour in a cup or more of diluted white distilled vinegar and let it sit several hours or overnight. Scrub well with the toilet brush and flush.
*Clean up pet accidents by first blotting up the area and then adding a white distilled vinegar-and-water solution. Blot until it is almost dry. Then sprinkle baking soda over the area and let it dry. Vacuum up the residue the next day.
*Create your own window cleaning solution by combining 1/2 cup non-sudsy ammonia, 1 cup white distilled vinegar, and 2 tablespoons cornstarch in a gallon of water.
*Clean woodwork and walls with a mixture of 1 cup white distilled vinegar, 1 cup baking soda, 1/2 cup ammonia and 1 gallon warm water. Wipe on with a sponge or damp—not wet—towel.
*Clean wood paneling with a solution of 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar, and 2 cups warm water. Wipe on with a soft cloth.
*Get decals off walls or doors by letting undiluted white distilled vinegar soak into them for several minutes before trying to peel them off. Repeat if necessary.
*Remove white water rings from wood with a solution of equal parts white distilled vinegar and vegetable oil. Rub with the grain.
*To kill germs, spray full-strength white distilled vinegar on doorknobs and then wipe them dry.
Questions? Want to join the SBA Green Team? Email: greenteam@sba.pdx.edu for more information.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Why Compost?
So this morning we discussed helping to get people motivated to compost even though it may sometimes smell.
I was thinking about this and attempting to put together a few things for Pam since she requested some more information.
Here are my basic thoughts & some resources I have found:
• People will get excited about composting as they begin to see it working successfully. As soon as they see that it can be done in a way that doesn’t disturb any normal functioning & that some people are committed to it, we will get more support! (Kristina’s words!)
• If the smell becomes a problem in the lounge, we can always switch to having a smaller container in the freezer! All this will take is some feedback. I will post a sign that asks for people to send their comments to Faculty Services
• If people want to know more about composting, we can always direct them to some resources. Here are some that I have found:
http://whatcom.wsu.edu/ag/compost/fundamentals/
http://www.composters.com/docs/tips.html
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/extension/compostfacility/compost3.htm
http://vegweb.com/composting/
I hope this helps some! :)
I was thinking about this and attempting to put together a few things for Pam since she requested some more information.
Here are my basic thoughts & some resources I have found:
• People will get excited about composting as they begin to see it working successfully. As soon as they see that it can be done in a way that doesn’t disturb any normal functioning & that some people are committed to it, we will get more support! (Kristina’s words!)
• If the smell becomes a problem in the lounge, we can always switch to having a smaller container in the freezer! All this will take is some feedback. I will post a sign that asks for people to send their comments to Faculty Services
• If people want to know more about composting, we can always direct them to some resources. Here are some that I have found:
http://whatcom.wsu.edu/ag/compost/fundamentals/
http://www.composters.com/docs/tips.html
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/extension/compostfacility/compost3.htm
http://vegweb.com/composting/
I hope this helps some! :)
Meeting Minutes from 6/2/09
Hello, Green Team!
So I just wanted to pass along our minutes from the monthly meeting this morning! Here are the highlights:
Who attended: Pam, Kristina, Tracey, Rachel
State of Composting
• Kristina said the Dean's Office compost bin has been in place for the past couple of weeks and it is going well. People are excited about it and are using it.
• Rachel is going to bring in a large bin tomorrow for the faculty lounge (a kitty littler box) and will be posting signs and sending out an informative email
• Tracey said that the FILC office barely has food waste for the time being
• Pam brought up that there might be some hesitation around using a compost bin, especially in the faculty lounge since there are events held there. She suggested educating our colleagues to help get them on board (Rachel will be sending her fliers, etc.)
o Rachel offered to always take out the compost before an event in the faculty lounge to minimize hesitation. She simply requested a reminder for doing so.
o If we decide that people would like to have a small informative session about composting, Rachel can set up a meeting with the Sustainability Gas to do so.
• Rachel will be checking in on the Student Services office to see how composting is going and will then send out an email to all faculty & staff about our efforts
Recycle Works Initiative
• Rachel recapped the information she had been sent from Christina in HR about the process and asked if anyone would like to help her head up and oversee the process of trying to get certified.
o Kristina & Pam have volunteered to help begin the process as soon as Spring quarter comes to a close
State of Green Events and Discussions with Aramark
• One thing we discussed a lot was looking into the ways we can plan events in sustainable ways and how to work with Aramark to do so. Rachel said she would follow up and look into the state of the Green Event guide, etc.
Getting Net Impact Involved
• Pam mentioned that Net Impact is interested in possibly taking on a sustainability project. We decided to ask them to come up with something they would like to do and pitch it to us. If we like it, we will attempt to help them get it done, etc.
• Pam and Rachel will look into contacting them!
I believe that is all for now! Thanks, everyone!!
So I just wanted to pass along our minutes from the monthly meeting this morning! Here are the highlights:
Who attended: Pam, Kristina, Tracey, Rachel
State of Composting
• Kristina said the Dean's Office compost bin has been in place for the past couple of weeks and it is going well. People are excited about it and are using it.
• Rachel is going to bring in a large bin tomorrow for the faculty lounge (a kitty littler box) and will be posting signs and sending out an informative email
• Tracey said that the FILC office barely has food waste for the time being
• Pam brought up that there might be some hesitation around using a compost bin, especially in the faculty lounge since there are events held there. She suggested educating our colleagues to help get them on board (Rachel will be sending her fliers, etc.)
o Rachel offered to always take out the compost before an event in the faculty lounge to minimize hesitation. She simply requested a reminder for doing so.
o If we decide that people would like to have a small informative session about composting, Rachel can set up a meeting with the Sustainability Gas to do so.
• Rachel will be checking in on the Student Services office to see how composting is going and will then send out an email to all faculty & staff about our efforts
Recycle Works Initiative
• Rachel recapped the information she had been sent from Christina in HR about the process and asked if anyone would like to help her head up and oversee the process of trying to get certified.
o Kristina & Pam have volunteered to help begin the process as soon as Spring quarter comes to a close
State of Green Events and Discussions with Aramark
• One thing we discussed a lot was looking into the ways we can plan events in sustainable ways and how to work with Aramark to do so. Rachel said she would follow up and look into the state of the Green Event guide, etc.
Getting Net Impact Involved
• Pam mentioned that Net Impact is interested in possibly taking on a sustainability project. We decided to ask them to come up with something they would like to do and pitch it to us. If we like it, we will attempt to help them get it done, etc.
• Pam and Rachel will look into contacting them!
I believe that is all for now! Thanks, everyone!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)