Picking fruit can be fun for all ages

You’ve heard that tune, “Summertime, when the living is easy”?  Well this is one season when it is also easy to eat local. 

I really look forward to summer meals… everything is so, well, FRESH!  Whether you are picking from your own backyard garden, or you have joined a CSA (the video in the link will tell you all about CSAs and how to join), or just frequent a farmer’s market on Saturday mornings, you can be eating food that is day(s) from the dirt. 

Not only does eating local food save fuel useage and help your local economy, but it usually tastes better since it is picked when ripe.  Getting the experience of picking on a farm yourself is priceless, and a really great way to entice kids outside.   If you have not already read The Omnivore’s Dilemma, check out our previous post.  The advantages to knowing where your food comes from are countless for your health as well as the health of our earth.

Watch out, though, because you (and your kids if you have them) will eat local fruit like candy.  We can’t get enough of the sweet blueberries this year… yum.

Cloth napkins are functional and look great!

Simple Tips… Please add more in the comments section!

(1) Use cloth napkins. Not just for holiday dinners anymore! These are so easy to pick up at estate sales, but if you have to buy new there are cheap options at every big box store. Once you get in the habit, you will feel funny about ever using a paper napkin or paper towel in your home. Easy to throw in the laundry with your normal loads, cloth napkins are great for cleaning, better for constant kid spills and super durable.

(2) Buy Used. Good for your budget and the planet… most things can be bought used. We buy/ trade used almost all of our kid’s clothing and some of our own. Big ticket items are much less expensive pre-owned and unless you want the latest and greatest (insert hybrid cars here), there is always a great selection.

(3) Grow some veggies! If you saw my previous composting and Spring garden posts, you know this is a new and exciting adventure for our family, but I know there are many of you out there that are already pros. If you don’t have the land or leisure time for a garden, try to buy local produce whenever possible. www.localharvest.org can help you search for your nearest farmer’s market.

(4) Get a whiteboard. Dry erase or chalk boards are great ways to cut down on paper for household communication, grocery lists, etc. If you are a “list” person and need something to carry, use the back of junk mail and envelopes. This tip is especially important if you have kids. My kids LOVE to do crafts and draw. We are trying to differentiate for them when is is OK to use real paper (crafts, things they want to give to grandma) and when they should use the white board (all daily doodles!)

(5) Use Reusable gift wrap! You didn’t think I would forget this one, did you? check out www.fabricwrapper.com for wrapping for every occasion. So much waste is generated by disposable wrapping… please make this change!