Fat Tax

Alright guys, been a long time since a post. I read this article and thought it was very interesting and thought provoking. What do you guys think?

Coolest part is the link between the movie "Cloudy with a chance of Meatballs" and our current national health issues, and money issues. Very good commentary I think...

http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/10/05/ruiz.obesity.tax/index.html?iref=mpstoryview

Veggible Molebake

Here's another yummy vegetarian casserole adapted from The Redwall Cookbook.

Serves 6

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons butter, plus some for pan
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3/4 cup heavy cream (we used evaporated skim milk instead)
3/4 cup vegetable stock or milk (we used vegetable stock)
2 egg yolks
salt and pepper, to taste
8 oz cauliflower florets, cooked
8 oz carrots, sliced and cooked
10 oz peas, cooked
2 large tomatoes, hulled and sliced (depending on size of pan)
1 cup (4 oz) grated cheddar cheese

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 400' F. Butter a casserole dish or 9-by-13 inch baking pan. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Sprinkle the flour in and cook, stirring, for 1 minute.
Gradually stir the cream and stock or milk into the mixture. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring, for 10 minutes.
In a bowl, beat the egg yolks well. Gradually whisk a few tablespoons of the hot mixture into the yolks, then whisk the yolks back into the saucepan. Heat, stirring, until the mixture begins to steam (do not let it boil). Take the pan off the heat and stir for another minute or two to cool. Season the sauce with salt and pepper
Spread the cauliflower in the bottom of the buttered baking dish. Layer in the carrots and then the peas. Pour the sauce over the casserole, then layer the tomato slices on the top. Season well with salt and pepper and sprinkle the grated cheese on top.
Bake until the cheese is melted, about 10 minutes. Torn on the broiler and broil the casserole, watching carefully, until the cheese is browned, 2 to 3 minutes.

The Green Lantern website

There is a weekly column in the Washington Post about environmental questions and since I had a question about recycling bags, I tracked it down. The website has a bunch of interesting articles for your occasional perusal.

Vegetable Casserole a la Foremole

This recipe is adapted from The Redwall Cookbook by Brian Jacques. Robert and I fixed it last night and it was a yummy vegetarian dish. This was the first time I bought, cooked, or ate a turnip or leek, that I know of!

Serves 4

Ingredients:

Butter for the casserole dish (non-stick spray likely fine as well)
4 large potatoes, scrubbed and sliced
4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced (about 32 baby carrots)
1-2 turnips or 1/2 a rutabaga, peeled and sliced (we used 2 small turnips but would use more next time)
4 leeks, cleaned and sliced (not the leaves)
1 cup vegetable stock (prefer organic in a box)
salt and pepper to taste
3/4 cup breadcrumbs, preferably whole wheat (we like Panko)
1 cup (4 oz) grated sharp cheddar cheese

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350. Grease large casserole with butter.
Arrange the vegetables in alternate layers in the dish, beginning and ending with potatoes.
Pour the stock over the vegetables and season with salt and pepper (and other herbs if desired).
Cover with a lid or foil and bake for 1 1/2 hours.
In a bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs and cheese and sprinkle them on top of the casserole.
Return the dish to the oven and bake, uncovered, until the topping is crisp and starting to brown, 10-15 more minutes.

Dad Y's Chunky Gazpacho Soup

We have enjoyed this greatly during summer months as the seasonal local vegetables come in. It’s great as a main course or appetizer with other summer dishes. It is frequently a staple on Wolf Trap or other picnic events. This recipe was developed by combining the recipes from the Joy of Cooking and Betty Crocker Cookbooks.

Liquid Base:
1 Large Can/Bottle of V-8 Juice (64 oz) can use low sodium if you want.
3 T Olive Oil
¼ cup Red Wine
Worcestershire Sauce-to taste (4-6 T)
Tabasco-to taste (2-3 t)
2 beef bouillon cubes (not critical)

Vegetables:
4-5 Tomatoes-cut in small pieces
1-2 Lg Cucumber-peeled, sliced and cut slices in quarters
2-3 Lg peppers-cut in bit size pieces (Yellow, Green, and Red)
1 Large Onion (sweet-Vidalia)-cut in bit size pieces

Herbs (to taste):
Parsley
Sage
Tarragon
Garlic
Basil
Black Ground Pepper

Chop vegetables in small, bite size pieces

Pour liquid base in large cook pot, put on Low-medium heat;
Add Vegetables and Herbs, stir

Cook for approximately 10-20 minutes

Cool, and then chill before serving. Add croutons, fresh parsley and sour cream as garnish on top.

The nice thing about this soup of Spanish origin, is that it can be prepared in advance (actually gets better each day!), is a wonderful summer soup, can be adjusted to individual tastes by adding favored herbs or other ingredients. I emphasize the cooking of the broth as I believe this blends the ingredients-some recipes will skip this. Additionally,, you can put mixture in a blender for a smooth texture as some advise-we like the chunky style. Enjoy!

Rain Barrel Art

You will need:

• Rain barrel
• Krylon Fusion Spray Paint for Plastic (we used a gray-blue color) or other spray paint for plastic
• MinWax Indoor/Outdoor Helmsman Spar Urethane or other urethane
• Paint brushes
• Acrylic paints
• Newspaper
• Tape
• Scissors

Directions:

1. Start with a completed Rain Barrel
2. Wash area to be painted of Rain Barrel according to Krylon directions
3. Cut out a pattern form from your newspaper that allows a large paintable space on your Rain Barrel (We used an oval shape)
4. Tape pattern on Rain Barrel
5. Tape newspaper around form to keep spray paint from getting on other parts of Barrel or surfaces nearby
6. Spray Krylon onto Barrel within form according to Krylon directions
7. Remove form
8. Paint using brushes and acrylic paints
9. Once dry, spray Urethane onto painting according to Urethane directions
10. Enjoy!

Buying from your own back yard

So its pretty common to hear of your local farmer's markets selling fruits and vegetables, but maybe not so common to get locally grown meat? Thats the subject of this recent cnn.com article on the emergence of CSA's (Community Supported Agriculture) of beginning to also offer locally "grown" meat from their farms.

As they say "Buying from a local CSA or just shopping at a local farm, you can see where it's coming from. You can talk to the farmers and figure out how the animals or the produce is raised."

We spend so much of our life eating, it would be nice to know for sure exactly where your food is coming from!

Take a look and see if you can find a CSA near you and we can maybe test it out for ourselves.

Garbage Patch Kids

I ran across this article from cnn.com on the garbage patch in the Pacific Ocean. Not too much "new" info or findings from their studies, but what they did re-iterate is that the garbage patch we may picture (mountains of garbage floating like icebergs) is more realistically tiny particles of plastic and debris floating just beneath the surface of the water. Of course this covers thousands of miles of ocean, quite a huge area!

Sometimes I feel most people will say "who cares!" unless it directly impacts them. Two sentences I saw were:

"Brainard says they find a lot of skeletons of seabirds on the Islands and "their gut content is just filled with plastic." Brainard says that has scientists wondering what other animals are eating this plastic. As the larger animals and marine life eat the smaller animals, this plastic eventually ends up in the human food supply, too."

Hard to think about your McDonalds wrapper ending back in your Big Mac after you throw the wrapper out the window! Hopefully with our reduce, re-use, recycle mindset that is slowly spreading, we'll be able to keep these garbage patches at bay until we can figure out a way to clean them up!

Mmmm mmmm Chilis!

Diane and I were out at Chilis the other night to use up a gift card we received as a gift. As we went, I remembered seeing in a past issue of Nutrition Action a section titled Xtreme Eating 2009, highlighting some incredibly unhealthy meals out. Chilis was nominated for two, including their Chili's big Mouth bites when taken as an appetizer they provide you 1,580 calories, 28 grams of sat fat (over 1 1/2 days worth) and 2,930 mg of sodium! And that's before your entree! Needless to say we searched the menu and I ended up getting something off of the Guiltless Grill portion of their menu, the portion that guarantees no more than 750 calories, 25 grams of fat and 8 grams of sat fat. My choice was the Guiltless buffalo grilled chicken sandwich, served with steamed veggies and Parmesan cheese.. Can you believe its served with GRILLED chicken, LOW-FAT Ranch and its served on a WHOLE WHEAT bun? The funniest part was though, that feeling confident with my choice, I still felt awkward saying "I'd like the GUILTLESS buffalo chicken sandwich please" and when I ordered it, the waitress kindly told me that "the sandwich is kind of small, I brought it out to a guy earlier today and he yelled at me and told me it was too small, just warning you." Do we really need a 1/2 pound of beef to be content with our meal out? Needless to say I was plenty full finishing the meal, and although we would've still been healthier at home, it was a nice meal out.

So I still can't tell if these Guiltless type sections of menus really work. Does the name help or hinder the section? Will I feel "unmanly" if I order from the Guiltless menu? Its too bad that a section of the menu has to be focused on this stuff, instead of maybe providing LOW FAT ranch dressing and WHOLE WHEAT buns on all meals, just as a start? Would consumers really notice a taste difference? Not sure what the answer is but I look forward to the day when restaurants willingly post their nutritional info on ALL their menu items so we all can make more informed choices!

Nutrition Action Healthletter--Red Meat

I've caught of few issues of Nutrition Action over the past few years, and I've always found it to be incredibly informative and sometimes pretty witty (plus getting 10 issues for $10 makes it a no brainer). The cover story of the latest issue tracked a recent study of the health effects of red and processed meats. While this particulary story wasn't all that ground breaking, I'm always intrigued by the data that lies behind the claims. This study found that people who eat the most red and processed meats have higher rates of heart disease (no surprise), certain kinds of cancer, and even diabetes.

I've been pretty impressed with the organization that puts out the monthly newsletter. The Center for Science in the Public Interest seems to do a good job of reviewing the available research and being upfront with potential flaws or conflicts of interest. The video below outlines their goals and progress over the last 30+ years.



Nutrition Action is a great way to keep up with the latest scientific studies concerning health. At about 16 pages its a quick read and there aren't even any ads!

Misleading Names

I stopped by the grocery store the other day to pick up a few things for dinner. Typically I've been going to The Fresh Market in Raleigh as they seem to have a pretty good selection of unprocessed foods and organics. I got some fresh kielbasa from the meat counter, but was disappointed when I saw that MSG was one of the ingredients. Is that typical for sausage?? Of course I could only determine this after it had already been packaged for me. It just goes to show that the name of a store (or an individual product for that matter) doesn't guarantee anything. It's one more reason why I enjoy EarthFare so much back home--I don't have to think too much once I'm inside.

Competing Environmental Interests

As sustainability issues have begun to play a much greater role, it seems it has become more common for green interests to have to compete against one another. Take this example from a New York Times article, "As Wind Power Grows, a Push to Tear Down Dams."

The Pacific Northwest has always had a higher percentage of renewable energy than the rest of the nation. Much of it comes from hydroelectric dams. Recently, there has been an increased push for additional renewables such as wind power. Because hydroelectric dams can be so damaging to local environments, particularly impacting Salmon populations, some environmental groups argue that new wind turbines will allow for the phase-out of dams. However, others, including the power companies, claim that doing so would only hinder their ability to provide "green" power.

It seems to me that we as a society are still unwilling to make the major sacrifices needed. Very rarely do these discussions center around becoming more efficient with the energy we already have. Creating renewable energy sources is a great way to slow the increase of coal and oil consumption. But an increasing human population and an increasing consumeristic culture around the world make me worry that major changes are needed. Do we have the capacity to make these drastic changes as a species? I hope so.

Marinated Zucchini and Summer Squash

A friend of mine belongs to a local CSA (Community Supported Agriculture--weekly produce comes from a local farm). This summer she has been overwhelmed with zucchinis and summer squashes. This simple recipe (originally from the food network) provides a great way to use up some of them as a great side dish.

• 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 2 tsp chopped fresh thyme
• 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• salt and pepper
• sliced zucchini and yellow squash

Combine the ingredients and allow the zucchini and squash to marinate for several hours. Grill the veggies on medium-high heat for several minutes, turning occasionally.

Tire Disposal

Have you ever wondered why most landfills won't accept vehicle tires? The key is understanding the process behind their production. In the 19th century, Charles Goodyear famously invented a process for increasing the durability of naturally occurring rubber. His process, known as vulcanization, uses sulfur to connect individual rubber strands making tires incredibly durable and incredibly difficult to breakdown. According to Alan Weisman in the World Without Us, "Tires drive landfill operators crazy, because when buried, they encircle a doughnut-shaped air bubble that wants to rise. Most garbage dumps no longer accept them, but for hundreds of years into the future, old tires will inexorably work their way to the surface of forgotten landfills."

Landfills that do accept tires often require them to be shredded, which is an expensive process. As a result, for many years tires were stockpiled around the country until a decision could be made as to their end use. Unfortunately, tire stockpiles pose two major hazards, fire and pests. If ignited, tires can produce toxic gases and can be difficult to extinguish. Additionally, their shape makes them an ideal habitat for pests such as mosquitoes and rodents.

The latest information from the EPA suggests that, as a country, we are doing a whole lot better in disposing of our tires. In 2003, over 80% of all tires were reused or recycled in some way. Many (about 40%) were used as an alternative fuel (called Tire-Derived Fuel) for making cement and paper. Another 20% were used in civil engineering projects as a lightweight fill. Playgrounds, running tracks, and roads have also been destinations for tires.

Old tires can also be turned into rather uncomfortable sandals!

If you have tires that you are looking to dispose of, many auto care centers will take and dispose of them for a small fee. In Northern Virginia, individuals may also take their used tires to the I-95 Landfill Complex or I-66 Transfer Station Complex for a small fee.

Return of the Beaver

An article in Monday's New York Times titled "Return of the Once-Rare Beaver? Not in My Yard." highlights another instance of humans butting heads with Nature.

Hunting and habitat loss lead to huge declines in the beaver population during the 18th and 19th centuries. However the return of woodlands to the Northeast and the dramatic reduction in beaver hunting have lead to a resurgence in their population. Residents now complain of problems caused by local beavers such as flooded yards and clogged septic systems, many without realizing the positive impacts that they can have on the local environment. Similar stories have arisen around the country about other animals like mountain lions, bears, alligators, and coyotes.

As human populations swell, will the environmental movement continue to be successful if people aren't willing to have the real Mother Nature in their backyard--one that could be slightly inconvenient (yet also beautiful and awe-inspiring) at times?


In an unrelated note, how awesome would it be to track Echidnas for your day job?

Granola Recipe

Granola Recipe from Food Matters:

• 5 cups rolled oats (not quick-cooking or instant) or other rolled grains
• 3 cups mixed nuts and seeds (sunflower seeds, chopped walnuts, pecans, almonds, and sesame seeds)
• 1 cup shredded, unsweetened coconut
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon, or other spices to taste
• .5 to 1 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 to 1.5 cups raisins or chopped dried fruit

1. Preheat the oven to 350. In a large bowl, combine the oats, nuts and seeds, coconut, cinnamon, sweetener, and vanilla. Toss well to thoroughly distribute the ingredients. Spread the mixture on a rimmed baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes or a little longer, stirring occasionally. The granola should brown evenly; the darker it gets without burning, the crunchier it will be.

2. Remove pan from oven and add fruit. Cool on a rack, stirring now and then until the granola reaches room temperature. Put in a sealed container and store in refrigerator; it will keep indefinitely.

Stainless Steel Water Bottles

Hey guys,
Diane and I were talking about water bottles and here is what I came up with--basically bottles with recyc symbols 2, 4 or 5 are okay--best is Kleen Kanteen Stainless Steel (not SIGG). I am going to look at what we have and consider....
Here's where I got the info.
http://gogreentravelgreen.com/green-environmentally-friendly-products-travel-gear/how-to-choose-a-healthy-water-bottle-and-34-resources/

Planet Stewards: Green Cleaning

It’s almost spring, Planet Stewards, and our thoughts turn to SPRING CLEANING! Well, perhaps this is an outdated thought but the concept of “greening” our cleaning methods, is very current. Have you looked recently under your kitchen sink, in your laundry area, in the bathroom, and out in the garage at the number of cleaning products you have purchased? Some may be your regular products, some purchased for a one time use, and a few bought due to an ad or coupon offer that appealed to your desire to have the cleanest, brightest or most germ-free home. My home was no different, until I began to learn more about the impact of some of these products not only on the health of our environment, but also on our own health and that of our families.

First, please keep reading. I know it can be overwhelming to consider “greening” your cleaning routine and you may have concerns about expense. When you consider both the long and short term benefits to your family and the planet, the small amount of time involved in making a gradual shift should seem negligible.

Second, it’s not necessary to discard your current cleaners. Use them up as you normally would and recycle the containers if appropriate. If you no longer have use for an item, you can consult the following Fairfax County website regarding the disposal of cleaning and other household products to be sure that they don’t require special handling: http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dpwes/trash/disphhw.htm.

Third, it’s not necessary to make the switch all at once. As you use up each product, for example, your laundry detergent, consult one of the many websites that can advise you as to a healthy choice for your family. One of my favorites is www.goodguide.com, a well-organized site that rates personal-care and household products. Seventh Generation’s laundry detergent, a top rated choice, is available at our local Giant Food stores. It is important to note that just because a product lists “green” or “natural” in its product name or description, does not automatically mean it is a good choice. I discovered that a “greenworks” product I had purchased without taking the time to do my five minutes of research was actually rated as “terrible” from a health perspective due to a known carcinogen among its ingredients. As you use up each of your current cleaning products, also consider whether it is truly necessary to replace it. In our “fear” of household odors, we purchase air fresheners and deodorizers that introduce chemicals, including possible carcinogens, to our household air unnecessarily. Use of fans, better air circulation or homemade options such as a box of baking soda are usually sufficient to solve the problem. We have also gone through a period of obsession with anti-bacterial cleansers, only to discover that we are breeding super germs by our excessive use of these products. Most experts seem to be recommending that use of these products should be limited to hospitals and similar environments.

Fourth, consider saving money on some of your household products by making your own. A huge bottle of distilled white vinegar, an enormous box of Arm and Hammer baking soda (much bigger than what’s needed for my homemade chocolate chip cookie habit), an old fashioned looking box of 20 Mule Team borax/washing soda, all from my local big box store (for me, Costco or Wal-mart) go a long way for kitchen and bathroom cleaning, window washing and laundry stains and they are very very cheap. Most of the time you don’t need the added chemicals and fragrances in more expensive products. A great website for DIY recipes and other information is www.biggreenpurse.com; you can find many other websites through your search engine. If you get into this is a big way, Green Clean, the Environmentally Sound Guide to Cleaning Your Home is an excellent reference available through Amazon and elsewhere. A chart entitled “Your Under-sink Makeover” from the excellent book, Healthy Child, Healthy World, compares the contents of a cabinet full of conventional cleaners with a greener, healthier cabinet. The cost of the latter much shorter list of cleaning ingredients was only one-fourth as large. The website for the national non-profit Healthy Child, Healthy World is www.healthychild.org.

Fifth, now that you are slowly replacing your more toxic cleaning products with more family friendly alternatives, it may be safe to get the kids involved in more of the household cleaning routines. Tell them about the changes you are making. You may be able to enlist their help with internet research or mixing the vinegar and water for window washing. We know that when our children go out in the world, they often maintain many of the same household routines they learned growing up. While the products may change, an alertness to choices that are healthy for their bodies and their planet will be a great legacy from you. Happy cleaning!