Don't Believe in Climate Change? Why You Still Should Go Green.

I commonly get people who don't believe in climate change laugh at me for taking the time to 'be green'. Because of this I usually just ignore climate change as a reason to go green (although I still believe it is be a reason). Honestly, when I am say, buying flour at the store I don't think hmmm...I wonder if this product caused too much pollution in the atmosphere resulting in and imbalance to where global climate change would happen at a more rapid pace than it would naturally. Instead I think, is this product healthy? Healthy meaning no GMO, no bleaching, etc etc. Yes? Is this product ethical? Meaning did child slaves in a third world country grind this flour? Yes? Is this product local? Meaning I am making it so the future will have jobs in this area. Yes? Well then bag-o-flour, you have been deemed awesome and I will most definitely purchase you.

What I am trying to say is there are so many reasons to be eco-friendly. You don't need to believe in climate change to see that (we can just agree to disagree there). My reasons:
1. Healthier food-organic local eats mean a well rounded diet. Actually, they have found organic food really does have more vitamins that chemically grown food.
2. Better immune system-Exposing ourselves to health germs and staying away from chemicals means we are sick less.
3. Healthier air to breath-Everything you put in your home can be putting off chemicals that you are breathing in. The lung association said indoor air quality is so poor because of everything in our homes it should be a top concern!
4. Supporting local economy-local is a man factor in 'going green'. Buying local lets me know more about what I am buying, feel more welcomed and at home in the community, and supports the economy (which in the end supports me as a gov't worker :) )
5. Supporting American made-at least not made in china! Higher quality means it lasts longer, workers made a living wage, it didn't have to ship as far, and there are better standards against things like lead.
6. Saving money-by consuming minimally, conserving energy, gas and water I am saving money each month!
7. Healthier lives- I am not exposing my family to cheaply made products that have harmful chemicals or needless fragrances
8. The peace of mind knowing exactly what my money I am spending is funding and that it is in line with my ethical beliefs
9. Reducing waste-I hate clutter, by recycling and reducing consumption I know I am adding in creating a less cluttered, less commercialized, buy me type of America
10. Higher quality of life - when we are going 'green' activities they are active, group activities. They aren't just sitting in front of a tv all night. They are hanging clothes, gardening, cooking together, going for a walk, just enjoying the outdoors.

Of course we all slip up, we are not perfect. I bought pop-tarts last week for crying out loud! That doesn't mean I can't keep trying. I hear so many say they are overwhelmed by it so they just don't bother with any of it. Accept that we are human and can't be perfect, that doesn't mean we can't strive to be the best we can be! What are your reasons to 'go green' and why do you hesitate to try sometimes?

No Poo Yes Seitan

Man, it has been a while since I have been able to post! I am sneaking this one while LO is on the road back from her grandparents and DH is not yet home from work. I've been no-poing for almost month now, in fact, my whole family has (yay us!). Of course, there was basically no change for LO, she hasn't been exposed to shampoo long anyways and it was natural shampoo that she got to use anyways. DH's hair has been doing great too. He is pretty much in love with it and now attempts to convert everyone to it on the daily. My hair was doing great to start. I held of about 3-4 days before I washed it. The first time with baking soda only and about a week later I did it with soda and apple cider vinegar. IT FELT AWESOME! All was going well until we decided to go to a pool. Somehow the chemicals in the pool water have thrown my hair for a loop and it is in a detox process again, yuk! Note to self: why be natural and then go swim in literally a pool of chemicals, choose lake next time. I hope that it clears up soon. In the mean time it is ponytails and french braids for me!




On another note, I made Seitan for the first time. YUM. I feel more comfortable with seitan than tofu because the whole estrogen controversy. Anyone know if the health concerns are just surrounding processed soy? I have been avoiding edamame too, maybe unnecessarily. Anyways, the seitan was chorizo sausage which I used in burritos and was delious. I found the recipe in Viva Vegan by Terry Hope Romero. I highly recommend this cookbook vegan or not it is wonderful. I slightly altered the recipe so here is what I did:
1 1/2 c chicken stock (I know, it is already not vegan or vegetarian really but it was organic which is my main concern)
4 T organic ketchup
3 T olive oil
3 t red wine vinegar
6 cloves crushed garlic
1 2/3 c vital wheat gluten (I found this at dillons cause Blue Planet bought the last of it at the Natural Food Co-op)
1/4 c chickpea flour (found at the co-op)
3 T nutritional yeast (co-op)
4 t paprika
3 t oregano
2 t cumin
1 1/2 t cayene
2 t chipotle pepper
1 1/2 t salt
1/2 t black pepper

1. preheat to 350.
2. mix stock, ketchup, oil, vinegar, and garlic
3. in another bowl mix all the rest together
4. pour in liquid and stir with a rubber spatula until dough leaves sides of bowl (looks kinda soupy but once it stands it thickens into a dough so don't add any flour or anything)
5. knead/mix for 3 minutes
6. let rise 10 minutes
7. separate out into six logs 6" long and 1 1/2 thick. Wrap each in foil, kinda tight, but not too tight.
8. bake 35 minutes (so says the recipe, mine needed longer)
9. Cool 40 minutes. The books says it takes best if you chill overnight and heat it the next day which is what I did. So good and made the house smell good too!!

So, now I am obsessed with Seitan. Does anyone else make it? Want to share your recipes??