I couldn’t agree more wholeheartedly with Andrew Knowlton’s assertion in this month’s Bon Appetit that it’s time to bring back the picnic. What could be a more eco summer weekend activity? You pack a couple sandwiches, a bottle of wine, connect a little bit with nature — and you don’t have to travel far to do it (any nice patch of green will do, whether it’s your city park or a spot on your front lawn).

But sometimes on a lazy weekend, it’s hard to get motivated and follow through on those picnic plans, in which case tired tree huggers might want to check out the Boxsal, a post-consumer cardboard picnic box that comes packed with all the eco-accoutrements (well, except food that is): compostable trays, bowls, cups utensils, napkins, and trash bag.

The Boxsal can be reused a few times before discarding, and you’ll certainly look like a hipster toting the Urban Picnic Boxsal with its old-school boom box design, but at $35 a pop, I can’t help but feel that the more sustainable option would be the original reusable, eco-friendly “picnic box”: It’s called a picnic basket, folks!

Pack it with some Preserve reusable picnicware, throw in a couple of cloth napkins, and take the money you saved and upgrade from that Two-Buck Chuck to an organic vintage.

–Jennifer Grayson

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Photo via Flickr: Karaemurphy

I already offered up my tips earlier this week via HuffPo for an eco-friendly 4th (though if those weren’t sufficient, feel free to check out last year’s Independence Day post), so I thought I’d give you a sneak peek at a new green trend in July 4th festivities — the laser light show.

I don’t want to be a total buzzkill and say you shouldn’t go enjoy the fireworks this weekend, but it’s worth noting that pyrotechnics are a pretty bum choice for the planet: They often contain harmful substances, like perchlorates and cadmium, that can wind up polluting our soil and groundwater.

The other hazard to the environment, of course, is the risk of wildfire; which is why city officials in Flagstaff, Arizona, had to cancel their 4th of July display this year.

A laser light show, sans those nasty chemicals, may offer a cleaner, greener thrill. It’s kind of missing the oomph of those old-fashioned firecrackers, but maybe it doesn’t translate as well to the screen. See for yourself:

[Watch video on YouTube]

I say may offer a greener thrill, because laser shows do require a lot of electricity to produce, which in turn releases nasty chemicals into the environment as well (thanks, coal-fired power plants!).

I have yet to see a detailed fireworks vs. laser light show ecological comparison; maybe I’ll get around to it next July 4th.

In the meantime, anyway you choose celebrate, have a great one! Here’s to another year of being red, white, and green.

–Jennifer Grayson

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Ayrshire Farm - Upperville, VA. Photo: Jeremy Fenske

Local food enthusiasts often use the term farm-to-plate; meaning, the way in which most of our food makes its way from its source to our dinner table. The average American meal travels nearly 1,500 miles before we even take our first bite, consuming large quantities of carbon-emitting fossil fuels over the course of its journey. It stands to reason, then, that if you want to reduce your impact on the planet, you should shop locally whenever possible.

But most city dwellers and suburbanites (myself included) who frequent weekly farmers markets to savor just-picked produce still have no idea what really goes on at the farm; the love and care, for instance, it takes to turn the milk of a grass-fed cow into that Point Reyes Blue you so greedily gobble up with your glass of Pinot Gris. After all, when was the last time you brought your plate to the actual farm?

It’s forging this kind of connection that is at the heart of Outstanding in the Field, which brings together the people who raise our food with the people who eat it, in a kind of utopian farm-dinner dining experience. Every summer, the OITF team tours the country, orchestrating alfresco family-style feasts that feature the talents of top local farmers, chefs, winemakers, and food artisans. And the settings are spectacular: Aside from the traditional farm mise en scène, former dinners have been staged in pastoral gardens, on majestic mountain tops — even in a secluded sea cave.

At $220 per person, an Outstanding in the Field dinner is, for most, a once-in-a-lifetime experience (the perfect green wedding gift, perhaps?). But at least you get bountiful bang for your buck: The price includes a five-course meal with wine pairings, gratuities, purveyor discussions, and a tour of the farm.

If you’re lucky enough to be able to splurge this year, just don’t hesitate when the tickets for the 2010 season go on sale this Saturday (at 9 am Pacific Time, according to the website — they’re not messing around): Last year’s events sold out within hours of their announcement.

Click here to see the North American tour schedule.

–Jennifer Grayson

Do this now: Outstanding in the Field out of your price range? Google “farm dinners” to find out what other offerings are in your area.

Related posts:
CSA concerns?
BK Farmyards makes it easy to grow your own fruits and veggies

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Photo via Flickr: Clean Wal-Mart

Most of you know by now that I’m not really big on buying things just for the sake of buying, even if those things are eco-friendly. There’s an interesting theory out there that the biggest contributor to global warming is not the incandescent bulbs in our homes or the gasoline in our cars — it’s all the stuff we buy.

Even so, I admit that when it comes to Valentine’s Day, part of me says, What a load of consumerist crap; while the other part of me says, Hey, where’s my chocolate? I’m not a total grinch, after all. And I do love chocolate.

But when it comes to the Valentine’s green gift guides floating around out there in the blogosphere, a lot of the stuff makes me cringe. Organic flowers shipped across the country? Panty sets made from recycled pine tree fiber? I hate to see green reduced to little more than a creative marketing tool.

Instead, why not use your own creativity to plan a thoughtful V-Day for your sweetie, without buying something you don’t need (even if it is green)? A few fun ideas:

Breakfast in bed. As far as I’m concerned, there’s no better way to pamper someone than the classic, home-cooked B in B (to my husband: hint, hint!). Some delicious and festive ideas: eggs benedict with red chile hollandaise, heart pancakes, or a french toast casserole.

Romantic picnic. If you live somewhere warm, pack a cooler with tomato and mozzarella sandwiches, a bottle of wine, and a chocolatey dessert. Then, hit your local state park or beach for a picnic. If you’re in a colder climate, pack it all in a basket and spread a blanket on the floor of your living room for an indoor outing. (Nice touch: Download a “nature sounds” track from iTunes to play in the background.)

Movie marathon. Valentine’s Day falls on a Sunday this year, so why not whip up a big batch of spicy cinnamon sugar popcorn and crawl back into bed for a rom-com movie marathon? (Or go for an anti-V-Day flick fest; check out the Syfy channel’s scary lineup for this Sunday.) Of course, you can also rent DVDs from your local library, video store, or use Netflix on demand.

Cupid cocktail party. If you’re single or just feel like adding more merriment to the mix, why not invite over a few friends and whip up a big batch of Valentine’s-inspired libations? Cut costs by making it a potluck: Ask each guest to bring a favorite drinking snack.

And the best part about all of these ideas: They’re perfect for all you procrastinators (myself included) who haven’t yet decided what to get your honey for Valentine’s Day!

–Jennifer Grayson

Do this now: Oh, and don’t forget to send Valentine’s e-cards instead of paper cards to your friends and family. Check out the stylish ones at Cocodot.

Related posts:
How to give gifts without giving ’stuff’
Green goods

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Photo via Flickr: Plindberg

Well, it all started with a rant about shrink-wrapped magazines. Three hundred and sixty-five days and 205 blog posts later, I’m thrilled to wish my little green baby a happy first birthday. I don’t see it as coincidence that my March issue of Marie Claire (the very one I complained about one year ago today) arrived yesterday without a plastic sleeve and with the address stamped on the cover — the world has become a lot more environmentally aware in the past year, and so have I.

I receive a lot of emails from people who think I know all the answers, but this blog has been a learning experience for me, too. I always considered myself an environmentalist, but sitting down and writing about it on an almost daily basis has forced me to take a much closer look at the way I live and the products I buy. Every day, I learn something new about how I can be a better steward of the earth; and inevitably, I say the same thing: “Why didn’t I think of doing this before?”

So, in honor of making it successfully to this milestone, I thought it’d be fun for me to share with you how I’ve personally become greener in a year’s time. Here, 12 things I’m doing now that I wasn’t doing this time last year — one for every month since I started this blog.

1. I’m meatless on Mondays. Actually, I now eat vegetarian about 75 percent of the time. When I do buy meat, dairy, or eggs, it’s organic and grass-fed all the way.

2. I bring my reusable water bottle with me everywhere. I used to grab the occasional bottle of water if I was out and about, but now I’d sooner go thirsty than buy a bottle of Dasani. If I forget my bottle, I find a water fountain or wait till I can have a glass of water at a cafe or restaurant.

3. If I have to buy packaged foods, I choose ones that are BPA-free. That means canned beans from Eden Organic, tomato paste in glass jars from Bionaturae, and soups in aseptic packaging from Pacific Foods and Dr. McDougall’s.

4. I collect vegetable scraps to put in my curbside compost collection bin.

5. I’m shopping more at the farmers market. I’ve been buying organic since 1994 (well, or guilt-tripping my family into buying organic, since I was in high school then). After reading The Omnivore’s Dilemma this year, I realized that organic alone is not enough; supporting local agriculture is just as important.

6. I try to avoid buying genetically modified foods and products whenever possible.

7. When it’s time for presents, I try to give experiences over “stuff.“ Take anniversaries: My husband and I have cooled it on the tchotchkies and opt for a romantic dinner out or treat ourselves to a couple of massages instead.

8. I only buy wine with a real cork.

9. I’ve replaced all the lights in my apartment with CFLs. It’s ugly, but my electricity bill is really low. I’m working on finding better looking alternatives.

10. I canceled my gym membership. And I haven’t gained a pound. I walk or hike outside, ride my bike, and hit the yoga studio a couple of times a week. No electricity required, and I get my daily dose of vitamin D.

11. When there’s a new book I want to read, I don’t buy it — I borrow it from the local library.

12. I’ve finally given up the Pantene (or hair crack, as I like to call it). The closest eco alternative I’ve found so far is Giovanni’s Smooth as Silk shampoo and conditioner. My hair doesn’t look quite the same, though, especially since I’ve been testing solid shampoos.

Thanks to all of you for your comments, insight, and support along the way. I couldn’t have made it this far without you! OK, I’m going to go bake that cake now…

–Jennifer Grayson

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Photo via Flickr: Woodleywonderworks

I now eat vegetarian 75 percent of the time. My husband, while he’s embraced Meatless Monday and definitely reduced the amount of meat in his diet (thanks, in part, to my trick of buying smaller cuts of meat and filling the void with more veggies and complex carbs), isn’t quite ready to eat vegetarian dinners three nights a week. But since we cook almost every night, it’s been a real challenge finding a way to feed us both without having to preparing two separate meals.

My friend Andrea has the same dilemma, and she came up with this brilliant solution: To avoid cooking two meals, she makes dinners where the meat can easily be added, like a vegetarian pasta dish with a few meatballs on the side for him, or a grilled vegetable medley where he’ll throw on a steak and she’ll add a meaty portobello. No muss, no fuss, and either partner can easily cook this way for the other.

Since I mentioned this tip on HuffPost last week, several people have asked for more meal suggestions. (I guess I’m not the only one out there who’s half of a vegetarian/omnivore couple.) You asked for it, you got it! (Toyota?)

Individual pizzas. Buy ready-made personal-sized pizza crusts, and let family members add their own mix of toppings: sliced pepperoni for the meat-eaters, and mixed veggies for you.

Homemade soup. Whip up a big batch of lentil soup, and cook a few sausages on the side that can be sliced and added to individual servings. This works with almost any soup: Make a side of shredded chicken for vegetarian tortilla soup, chunks of pancetta for split pea, or chop up a little smoked kielbasa for a kale and white bean stew.

Chopped salad. Depending on what’s in season, toss together a hearty chopped salad to which you can later add chicken or grilled shrimp. My favorite is based on a recipe from one of my favorite lunch spots in LA, Toast Bakery Cafe (romaine, tomatoes, jicama, corn, garbanzo beans, avocado, and mozzarella). Don’t forget to serve with crusty bread and plenty of butter.

–Jennifer Grayson

Do this now: For more recipe ideas, check out The Adaptable Feast: Satisfying Meals for the Vegetarians, Vegans, and Omnivores at Your Table (Sasquatch Books, 2009).

More Meatless Monday posts:
WATCH: Meatless Monday goes to the farmers market
5 tips for sticking with Meatless Mondays

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Tomorrow is supposed to be the first sunny day in Los Angeles after a brutal week of storms, so I know it might be a bit hard to persuade you to spend some time indoors; but the Go Green Expo only comes to LA once a year, and that once a year is this weekend. Everything has to dry out anyway, and it’s going to be sunny for months on end now — come on, you really don’t want to miss this.

I went yesterday (B2B and press day only) so I could give you all a sneak-preview, and while I certainly had fun nibbling my share of fair-trade chocolate and checking out the new 2010 Honda Insight, I really think the speaker panels are where it’s at. The one I attended was moderated by Planet 100 host Sarah Backhouse and featured eco-futurist John Picard, and I was really inspired to hear Picard’s message of working to become a green “rock star” in whatever field of work you’re in. If you’re already doing what you love, whether it’s running a restaurant or walking dogs, then fabulous — use that as your platform to raise environmental awareness.

The speaker schedule for today and Sunday promises to be equally as stellar and even more eco-star-studded: Ed Begley Jr., Mariel Hemingway, Mayim Bialik, Paul Pelosi, and Anna Getty, to name a few. And while you’re waiting to see them, you can check out the 300-plus booths showcasing cool green products and companies, take a free yoga class, see films from the Blue Planet Film Festival, or grab some local fare and a tipple at the restaurant and wine tasting pavilion.

Tickets are available at the door for $10 (weekend pass); children under 12 are free. If you don’t live in LA, don’t fret — the Go Green Expo comes to New York City, Philadelphia, and Atlanta later this year.

–Jennifer Grayson

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Photo via Flickr: Nexeus Fatale

I’m a big Freecycle fan. With its “one man’s trash is another’s treasure” concept, it helps keep waste out of landfills and inspires goodwill in the community, since all unwanted items are given away for free, rather than sold. There’s also a “wanted” section of the site where people can post for items they’re seeking. This can be helpful, I suppose, if you’re trying to find a match for your gently used Snuggie, but I’ve always wondered if people ever took advantage and asked for, say, a gently used BMW.

Well, wonder no longer: Evidently with Christmas fast approaching and the economy in the toilet, some Freecyclers are getting greedy, turning the message boards into a personal holiday wishlist.

From the email I received last week via the Los Angeles Freecycle moderators:

With the holiday season upon us, we anticipate a surge in the list of
WANTED posts. We get many Wanteds for expensive items. Occasionally some member will be willing to part with a treadmill, iPhone, nice furniture, a nice camper. And there’s certainly nothing wrong with asking for something you can use. But perhaps it’s time to ratchet down our expectations…. Freecycle’s aim is to keep tangible items from filling up our dumps.

I’ll admit, it kind of makes me chuckle to think that someone actually believes he’s going to get a shiny new iPhone via Freecycle (but I suppose stranger things have happened). It’s not a laughing matter, though: The moderators who sort through all these postings work for free, and advertising for unrealistic items just clogs up the process and undoubtedly results in frustrated Freecyclers with no other alternative but the dump.

–Jennifer Grayson

Do this now: Aside from not posting for frivolous items, you can help your local Freecycle community by becoming a moderator for the site. Click here to learn how.

Related post:
Reduce, reuse, Freecycle

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Two weeks before you have to squeeze yourself into an Herve Leger bandage dress for your brother’s New Year’s Eve wedding is probably not the best time to be stuffing yourself with potato latkes, but what the hell: It’s the third day of Chanukah and I’ve got a glut of sweet potatoes in the refrigerator. Besides, latkes just happen to be the perfect Meatless Monday meal.

This sweet potato version is in season right now, packed with vitamin A and other powerful antioxidants, and aside from being fried, is actually quite nutritious. Instead of frying, you can bake them on a lightly greased cookie sheet at 400 degrees for 40 minutes (flip halfway through), but I say in the spirit of Chanukah, why not celebrate the miracle of oil? Just feel free to chase them with a glass of red wine if you’re having them for dinner tonight.

Since I’ve got gluten-sensitive family members, I substituted rice flour for wheat in the recipe below. You can’t tell the difference.

Sweet Potato Latkes
3 medium sweet potatoes, coarsely grated
1/2 onion, chopped
2 eggs, lightly beaten
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
canola oil

Wash and peel sweet potatoes. Using a box grater or ultra course grater, shred potatoes into a large bowl. Add onion, egg, flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly until well blended. In a large skillet, add enough oil to generously coat bottom and heat on high until glistening. Drop potato mixture by rounded spoonfuls into pan; press with back of spoon to flatten. When edges appear brown and crisp, flip and cook for a minute or two more. Remove from pan and place on paper towels or a brown paper grocery bag (clever reuse!) to drain. Serve immediately, or place on a cookie sheet in a warm oven until you’ve fried up the whole batch.

My favorite is to serve them topped with crème fraîche and chives (especially glamorous for a holiday party), but they’re also delicious with sour cream or apple sauce. Enjoy for breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner. B’tayavon!

–Jennifer Grayson

Do this now: Need more inspiration for Meatless Monday? Sign up to have weekly recipes delivered to your inbox via Eater’s Digest.

More Meatless Monday posts:
Meatless Monday: Crustless rainbow chard quiche
Meatless Monday: Dr. McDougall’s BPA-free, vegan soups

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Image via Paperless Post; www.paperlesspost.com

Last week, I received a truly beautiful online invitation to a holiday party. In fact, so stylish was this evite — complete with a shimmery virtual envelope that “opened” when I clicked on it — that it made me rethink whether you could send a wedding invitation via email.

The company is called Paperless Post, and even though the site is still in beta, it’s already received a boatload of press, including write-ups in Vogue, The New York Times, W, and Lucky. And no wonder; as I discovered while hunting down a suitably elegant evite for my brother’s bachelor party (I’m the best “man,” and he requested a nice dinner in lieu of the traditional debauchery), it’s slim pickings out there when it comes to online invites with any real aesthetics.

So if you’re a procrastinator and haven’t yet sent out that invite for your holiday party — or are scoping invitations for your next dinner party or whatnot — save some trees and design a custom evite with Paperless Post. It’s free to join, and you only pay for the invitations you send. The prices are incredibly reasonable, too: You get 25 free “stamps” when you sign up (each stamp is good for one invite), and 100 stamps thereafter will set you back a whopping 8 bucks.

–Jennifer Grayson

Do this now: While you’re at it, do you really need to mail holiday greeting cards this year, just so people can take one look at your signature and then toss the card in the trash? Send an online holiday card via Paperless Post instead, and help save 2.5 million trees a year.

Related posts:
Green wedding: Give up the gift wrap
How to give gifts without giving ’stuff’

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