April 2010
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Spring planting Earth Day 2
88 South Main Street | Wallingford, CT 06492 | 203.294.9683 | SFS@SustainableFoodSystems.com
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JAMIE OLIVER'S
FOOD REVOLUTION

John, Jamie & Alden CC

We've been hard at work in Huntington WV working with Jamie Oliver to help make his revolution a reality. In the process we've come across a lot of school food service programs that have already begun their own revolution and we wanted to recognize them for the great work they've done. We realize that cost constraints and strict USDA nutritional guidelines are a huge challenge to overcome, but with the right approach, we can all get it done right.


THE EAST HARLEM SCHOOL NYC

We also have begun working with an inner city school in NYC - The East Harlem School in an attempt to convert their vegetarian menu to a fully sustainable one. One that emphasizes fresh, cooked from scratch and as much locally produced food as possible. We've also achieved a huge success in minimalizing the school's carbon footprint by eliminating their disposable service ware and reducing waste.

"Sustainable Food Systems has been hugely instrumental in improving the total health and well-being of our school community"

Ivan Hageman
Head of School
The East Harlem School

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Earth Day 2010
40 years and counting...

We are celebrating the 40th anniversary of Earth Day and WOW have we come a long way in spreading awareness!  But we have also done a lot of damage and there is a long road ahead to collectively undo what we have done!

Below is a list of 40 things anyone and everyone can do to make a difference. Please share this with as many people as you can - each small change contributes to a bigger change! Although we do not usually advocate printing, we are including a printable version of this list - only print if you promise to post it someplace that will encourage you to reduce, recycle and reuse daily!

If you have any suggestions to add to the list, please post on our Facebook page

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful,
committed people can change the world.
Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
Margaret Mead
 
REDUCE -  RECYCLE -  REUSE
  1. Measure your carbon footprint for home/business - use the list below to set goals to minimize your footprint by Earth Day 2011!
  2. Return wire hangers to your dry cleaner, 3.5 billion hangers end up in our landfills every year
  3. Reduce your paper usage, choose direct deposit, online banking, and paperless statements
  4. Use rechargeable batteries, one rechargeable battery can substitute for hundreds of single use batteries
  5. Take your own reusable bags to all stores, not just grocery stores
  6. Cancel the phone book delivery, it takes 17 to 31 trees to create 500 phone books
  7. Give a hoot don't pollute! If you see litter pick it up
  8. Unload your trunk, the lighter your load the less gas you consume
  9. Use concentrated soaps and cleaners - less packaging means less waste
  10. Carpool or use public transportation
  11. Walk or ride a bike to improve your inner and outer environment
  12. Make your next car a Hybrid or alternative fuel model
  13. Cold? Wear a sweater or use a blanket - do not crank up the heat!
  14. Purchase recycled paper products (paper towels, toilet paper, copy paper)
  15. Purchase green cleaning products or make your own cleaning products
  16. Compost! Teach a kid how to do it at home and then what to do with it when the compost is "cooked "
  17. Office composting? Save coffee grounds and tea bags, ask the greenest person in the office take them home for composting
  18. Change one light bulb, better yet, change more than one, to a CFL bulb. Read info for starting a light bulb recycling program in your business or community
  19. Use your favorite china mug instead of a paper hot cup. Even better if the mug is a daily reminder of a favorite memory or vacation spot
  20. Take a water bottle with you when you leave the house each day - it will become second nature to have it with you, just like your keys or cell phone
  21. Teach your kids to garden and then have them invite a friend to help
  22. Love worms - they are friends to gardens and humans
  23. Use newspaper in your garden for weed control 
  24. Give clothes, toys, books and housewares away - either by donating or passing along to friends/family - keep them out of the landfill
  25. Cook meals from scratch using local, seasonal ingredients
  26. Plant a tree
  27. Use less water in everything you do
  28. Start a rain barrel for plants - some communities even have rebate programs - check with your local water authority
  29. Teach a child to cook and respect food
  30. Teach a child to eat in season
  31. Renovating your home? Use "green" paints and varnishes that do not contain VOCs - use recycled/reclaimed materials whenever possible
  32. Completely shut down electronic devices when not in use - the little red or green light can increase your electric bill up to $70 per year - use a power strip that can be turned on and off
  33. Insulate your home! Check all windows and doors for drafts and only use heat and air conditioning when absolutely necessary - install ceiling fans to help keep your home cozy
  34. Invite birds into your garden aside from adding beauty and song they offer free pest removal and fertilization services
  35. Shop at farmers markets and frequent restaurants that support local farms
  36. Use eco-efficient gardening solutions - do not use chemicals - remember Soylent Green???
  37. Telecommuting, video conferences and webinars help to sustain business relationships and our environment
  38. Start or join a "green" effort in your neighborhood, school or business community
  39. Less is more - only buy what you need
  40. A trained environmental consultant can help find cracks in your home, office and food systems. This is an investment in our global future!
Sustainable Food Systems offers a unique consulting and technical assistance service that partners with institutions and organizations interested in incorporating people and planet healthy practices into their food programs. Utilizing sustainable practices in food production and preparation to strengthen our bodies, local communities and economies and the larger world around us. Let us help you deliver food better.

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