Ideal Bite

Wondering how small changes can make a big difference?

Individually, they may not. But if enough of us adjust our habits a little, we'll make the world better – plus save some moola and enjoy ourselves while we're at it.

1. Go Towards the LED

Watch your holiday energy bills flat line by switching to strands of LED (light-emitting diode) lights – they use 90% less electricity than traditional holiday bulbs.

Why it matters—If 10,000 people use LED holiday lights rather than conventional ones, we'll save $34,700,000 on energy bills over the next 20 years. (Get the full Bite)

2. Waste Not

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I'm a daily email junkie. Honest. I probably get something on the order of 30-40 published emails every day.  This email addiction keeps me up-to-speed on everything from cool dictionary words to hot gear for the men in my life to random brain games to cute (but unsustainable) handbags.

Because I'm so diligent about reading my daily emails, I sometimes see trends in the way these publications talk about things.  And just occasionally, we sometimes rip those trends off.

My current favorite trend? Recaps of the most read, most opened, most

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I'm a daily email junkie. Honest. I probably get something on the order of 30-40 published emails every day.  This email addiction keeps me up-to-speed on everything from cool dictionary words to hot gear for the men in my life to random brain games to cute (but unsustainable) handbags.

Because I'm so diligent about reading my daily emails, I sometimes see trends in the way these publications talk about things.  And just occasionally, we sometimes rip those trends off.

My current favorite trend? Recaps of the most read, most opened, most

Read the full post... 

Last week I went skiing in beautiful Lake Tahoe. And after reading a good chunk of global warming research last year, I took great joy (I mean, more than usual) in spending a week outside, surrounded by snow. It was just plain fun, totally rejuvenating. 

It's great to see the National Ski Areas Association working toward making sure we can all continue shoop-shooping for years to come. Check out its Sustainable Slopes environmental charter.  Tons of major ski areas have signed on, including one of my favorite little gems, Mt. Rose.

-Jenifer Morgan...off to indulge in a little après work cocktail...

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Last week I went skiing in beautiful Lake Tahoe. And after reading a good chunk of global warming research last year, I took great joy (I mean, more than usual) in spending a week outside, surrounded by snow. It was just plain fun, totally rejuvenating. 

It's great to see the National Ski Areas Association working toward making sure we can all continue shoop-shooping for years to come. Check out its Sustainable Slopes environmental charter.  Tons of major ski areas have signed on, including one of my favorite little gems, Mt. Rose.

-Jenifer Morgan...off to indulge in a little après work cocktail...

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Waffles and pancakes have really always just been an excuse, a conduit if you will, or a kind of foil, for the real treat: butter and syrup. But I think there must be more to them. Somewhere out there, there must be a batter good enough to cook and eat alone. I’m ready to L’Eggo my Eggo if I can find a stellar waffle recipe (got one you’re willing to share?). Until then, is there really any harm in occasionally jumpstarting the day with a side order of Shady Maple syrup straight up?

-Jenifer Morgan…off to get a little sugar rush… Read the full post... 

Waffles and pancakes have really always just been an excuse, a conduit if you will, or a kind of foil, for the real treat: butter and syrup. But I think there must be more to them. Somewhere out there, there must be a batter good enough to cook and eat alone. I’m ready to L’Eggo my Eggo if I can find a stellar waffle recipe (got one you’re willing to share?). Until then, is there really any harm in occasionally jumpstarting the day with a side order of Shady Maple syrup straight up?

-Jenifer Morgan…off to get a little sugar rush… Read the full post... 

Keeping It Real: I have a backyard the size of a postage stamp, on top of a huge hill made out of bedrock. I am NOT digging a hole to China to tap into the earth's energy core.

So why the tip, you ask? Because some of you might just live somewhere like Yellowstone. You might just have 100 acres and a spare wad of cash lying around, and you might just give it a shot.

And the rest of us can simply drink geothermal vodka and plan our next vacation to Iceland...

-Heather... off to carbon offset yet another cross-country flight

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Believe it or not, I'm sitting in my black Dreamsacks PJs in a hotel in NYC as I write this blog.  I'm not kidding you - I love these jammies.  I love them so much that I got about 5 pair for people as Christmas presents.  Even have a photo of my mom, sister-in-law and me all decked out in our matching duds on Christmas Eve...  (they are going to kill me for posting late-night, tired, post-drinking, makeupless, everyone-has-a-cold photos.  FUN family reunion in Montana this summer for me... ;)  ).

Of course, the fact that they are fitted and have an Asian, cheongsam-inspired neckline is part of the draw for me.  I always wanted a cheongsam, but seeing how I am about 4 sizes too big for the largest one I could find while traveling in China a few years back, I've had to settle for the PJ

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You know, you gotta admire Don Quixote. Tenacity - even in the service of crazy - is an admirable trait.

Still, sometimes I feel like my attempts at living a balanced, green life are doing about as much good as tilting at windmills. Mostly, I feel that way when taking out my recycling. Even though there is 4 times as much recycling as garbage, I can't help but wonder how the hell I could use so much STUFF?

Ah well, windmill by windmill, I guess...

-Heather... off to crack an organic bottle of beer that I will have to recycle tomorrow...

 

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