Monday, August 31, 2009

Zucchini-Stuffed Tomatoes

Another CSA-inspired recipe based on the fact that I needed to get rid of some tomatoes and zucchini, stat. This recipe is definitely zucchini-hater friendly, but definitely not tomato-hater friendly!



Jalapeno Pepper*
Onion*
Tomatoes*
Zucchini*
Basil*
Edamame*
Parmesan Cheese
Salt & Pepper
Mozzarella Cheese
Croutons

Saute onion. Grate zucchini and squeeze out extra water. Slice tomatoes in half and scoop out innards. Mix tomato innards with basil, edamame, jalapeno pepper, Parmesan cheese & salt and pepper (to taste). Spoon into tomato shells. Top with mozzarella cheese and bake in 350 degree oven for 15 minutes. Sprinkle with crumbled croutons. Eat. Enjoy.

*Ingredients received through CSA.

Saturday, August 22, 2009

American Idle

Are you exhausted by car exhaust? Try not to let your car sit idle for more than 10 to 20 seconds, as it lowers emissions and gas efficiency. Though it may seem obvious, idling gets 0 miles per gallon. Even in winter, you should only let your car sit idle for about 30 seconds to warm it up.

So next time you're sitting in standstill traffic on the highway or waiting for your passenger to run into the store for munchies, simply turn off your engine.



The Westerville City Schools, the Ohio Department of Transportation and other public or government agencies have recently teamed with the Ohio Green Fleet initiative to implement anti-idling policies and emission reductions, saving precious taxpayer money.

Monday, August 17, 2009

I Vant to Suck Your Blood

Dracula might "mwahahaha" me for saying this, but the only thing that finally convinced me to try giving blood again was the "green factor." Giving of your own renewable resource is eco-friendly and just plain nice.



I did this on a whim when the Bloodmobile showed up at work, so my lack of drinking fluids and stocking up on protein and iron made me quite dizzy, and a little bit "off" for the rest of the day. Next time, I will be more prepared!

High Stakes

Vamps are all the rage right now, but even Edward Cullen would balk to know how much energy is drained from household electronics that suck vampire energy when not in use.



Once you get in the habit, it's easy to unplug your microwave, toaster, sewing machine, electric toothbrush, laptop & phone charger when your done with them. To make it easier, try plugging them into outlets that are easily reachable.

Friday, August 7, 2009

Spread the Word

Whether it's biking to work, buying a composter, installing a digital thermostat or volunteering for ComFest, I would never have done these things if others hadn't taken the time to enlighten me.

Help take the guesswork out of eco-friendly adventures and spread the green gospel. For every "you're crazy" look you get, you'll also find someone who is genuinely interested and happy to commiserate.

So at your next dinner party or family reunion, tell about the time you pulled twenty hairbands covered in cat fur out from under your fridge while cleaning the coils for energy efficiency. Don't assume that no one cares; you'd be surprised by who will stop to listen!