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Also in this issue:
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Congratulations to this issue's
Greenovator |
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Christine Keefe
So, how hard is it to "go green" in a busy metropolitan area? Easier than you think. I bought a single family home on a small piece of property four years ago after spending most of my adult life in a townhouse where recycling was the extent of my environmental commitment. I was determined not to get behind a lawn mower, so I planted native species plants and trees in my front and side yards. In the fall I bought a mulcher/chipper to convert fallen leaves into mulch for my plants. Since my plants are native, they are drought resistant and have grown quickly. The areas with these plants are now more attractive and colorful since the plants require less attention. I converted my backyard into a vegetable garden since it has a southern exposure. This endeavor has been very bountiful. I bought a rain barrel to collect rainwater, which I use for my garden during the hot summers. Is "going green" more work than a lawn with a few trees? Probably. But it is far more rewarding. I can pull my salad from the garden after work and enjoy pesticide free vegetables for six months of the year. Better yet, the savings are substantial. ~~~~~~~~~~~~
Are you our next month's Greenovator? Contact us to get your picture in this space. Pledge to live a greener lifestyle! Accept the challenge and find tips on how to live a more environmentally friendly life. |
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 The Local Food Advantage
There are many reasons to begin eating locally, from reducing one's carbon footprint to cooking with more flavorful fruits and vegetables. Food grown from local sources has traveled less distance and most likely has been treated with fewer pesticides than its counterpart. The shorter distance that local food travels means that it's typically fresher when it arrives on your plate, as it's spent less time in transit. Less time in transit also requires the use of less preservatives. Shopping at a farmers' market allows you to contribute to your local economy and support family owned farms as well. The majority of food from grocery stores comes from large, corporate farms, many of which are hundreds of miles away.
For more information on local foods and where to shop locally in Arlington, please refer to the following resources:
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100 Mile Diet: An endeavor of two Californians to eat food coming from only a 100 mile radius for one year.
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The Slow Food movement. Information on local events and how to get connected with others interested in eating locally. -
Piedmont Environmental Council's Buy Fresh Buy Local web site, which has listings of where to find local foods in Virginia. -
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Welcome to
ACE's Green Living E-Newletter
Through this newsletter, we'll provide regular updates about our Green Living Challenge, local events and workshops related to green living, and tips to green your lifestyle. | |
Dear ,
Come explore seasonal foods from Arlington's Farmers' Markets at a Locals Food Tasting Class on Monday, July 27 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. The event will be held in the Arlington Central Library Auditorium, 1015 N. Quincy St., Arlington.
Learn how to take advantage of all the great offerings from our farmers' markets, from selecting unusual fruits and vegetables to discovering new recipes made from seasonal produce.
The event is hosted by Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment and the Virginia Cooperative Extention. $15 per person. For more information or to reserve space, e-mail Alison Foster or call 703-228-7772.
Other upcoming events:
Worm Composting Basics. Tuesday, July 14, 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Whole Foods Market, 2700 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. This class will focus on vermicomposting, using worms to break down food waste into nutrient-rich soil. This technique is ideal for composting in places with limited space such as apartments, condominiums, or schools. Joe Keyser, "America's Compost King," will share an overview of composting basics, how to get started with composting with worms, and answer participant questions. Sponsored by Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment and Whole Foods Market. Pre-registration is required. Please contact Jackie Zovko or stop by the Whole Foods Market customer service desk.
ACE Booth at the Courthouse Farmers Market. Saturday, August 1, 8:00 a.m. to noon. Arlington County Courthouse Parking Lot, at the intersection of N. Courthouse Rd. and N. 14th St. Help ACE promote our green living challenge and BYOBag campaign. Volunteer for a one or two-hour shift by contacting Alison Foster via e-mail or at 703-228-7772.
ACE needs volunteers to support many other summer outreach events. Contact us for details and dates. Sincerely,
Elenor Hodges
Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment
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