Stuff

Not only do I want to make my home smart but I also want my home to be functional. I'm talking functional on a level where there are no unused spaces and there are no unused things.  I don't want to have rooms that are unused.   AND-I don't want stuff that just sits there and collects dust.  Stuff that makes me feel bad when I look at it because I should be doing something with it...I should be building it or reading it or knitting it or fitting into it.   

Stuff is funny in that it can trigger emotions like guilt or remorse.   It can conjure up the "I should haves" and "I could haves".  Well you know what... you didn't.  You didn't follow through with that acrylic art class a couple years ago because to be brutally honest, you can't paint. Sure you can make a decent abstract but so can a gorilla. When the teacher wanted you to paint objects with shadows, you failed.  Truth...but good for you for trying.   If you're not going to try again and I'm saying try again in the next couple of months then maybe those paints should go to someone else...like to a real artist or the next person who wants to try it out. 

What about those softball cleats.  You tried that too. Yes you tried to take up softball at the age of 31.  You never played softball a day in your life but your boyfriend and some friends were playing on a league and they sure had fun.  They needed a girl.  So you tried it. Hey- you're a good sport...you're even good at some sports.  But every Monday you got sick to your stomach thinking about having to play.  You literally got sick to your stomach standing in the out-field, 31 years old, praying that the ball didn't come to you.  And when it did you swore like a sailor as it flew through the air bound to land directly on your face.  You didn't even really bother putting up your glove...did you?  No, instead you looked at the others in the outfield hoping they would run towards you and save you from the disgrace of not only 1. Not being able to catch the ball but 2. Picking the ball up off the ground and not being able to throw it to the infield.

It's okay.  Give yourself credit for trying...cause isn't that one of the most beautiful things about life...trying? It's exciting to try something new...it's annoying to look at the items of your failed attempts.  Especially when there are other people who could be using those items right now and enjoying them!  Give the stuff away to friends, family, or strangers.  Sell it on Craigslist or Ebay or donate it to Goodwill or St. Vinny's or Easter Seals. There are so many great websites for getting rid of your stuff.  This is a neat one: http://www.tradesy.com .  If it's in good shape don't throw it away. 

Note: These are references to my own failed attempts.  I'll be putting softball cleats on Craigslist tonight.  Size 8.5 (Like New). 

And Mom - You can get rid of my violin.  I'm not going to start playing it again...hey think of the cute kids out there who would love to have their very own violin to play in orchestra!  Kids like us who didn't have enough money to buy one new. 

Smart Houses

My goal as a new home-owner is going to be making my home "SMART". 
I'm talking energy efficiency smart. This is going to require some work since our home is 103 years old with original windows, doors and perhaps the original attic insulation (which could be non-existent). In order to make our home efficient we have contacted Green Madison to schedule a Home Energy Audit.  http://www.cityofmadison.com/greenMadison/residents/index.cfm

Green Madison Provides the following services (taken from the website):

• Personal assistance—FREE, optional energy advocate guides you through the process and gives you tips for saving energy in your home.
  
  
• Proven testing—Professional energy consultant tests your home's energy efficiency and safety and provides personalized solutions.
  

• Quality improvements—Local, approved contractors make recommended energy improvements to your home. Trained energy consultants double check the work.
  
  
• Incentives—Financial incentives and a low-interest loan make it work within your budget.

Green Madison helps you coordinate with a consultant to provide the Home Energy Audit.  After the audit is complete you get a report card with suggestions on how to make your home more energy efficient.   The average cost of an audit is ~$400 but Green Madison will pay $200 when you coordinate with them.  

We're just in the beginning stages. We have our audit scheduled later in February.  I'm interested to see the suggestions that come back from our consultant.  If we implement some of the suggested changes and reduce our energy costs by a certain percentage point we can get reimbursed for portions of the contracting work. 

Focus on Energy is another program that will provide incentives for meeting energy efficiency goals.  City of Madison residents are eligible for incentives from both Green Madison and Focus on Energy! I'll update this when I have learned more about the process! 

Image is Powerful: Cameron Russell at TEDxMidAtlantic 2012

This is a great 10 minute video...all 12 year old girls should watch. Or just everybody...

Houses and Money

I think we are buying a house. I'm pretty sure it's happening. There's a signed agreement with the seller and I just signed something with the bank.  An inspection is pending and I'm certain more signatures will need to take place before it's official...but everything is moving in that direction.

It's a small house in a fabulous neighborhood.  You can see the bike-path from the kitchen and practically roll down a hill and hit some restaurants and shopping.  To me, it's perfect.  The yard is big enough for a garden and both Mike and I can walk/bus/bike to work and downtown. 

I've never spent this much money on anything in my life.  Even the down-payment and closing costs equal more than I've ever spent on anything.   It's overwhelming yet exciting.
To make the process less overwhelming, I've promised myself I'm not buying anything else (except food and necessities) until we're in this house.   

This is going to be hard tonight since I'm heading to State Street to have dinner with my sister and go shopping.  That will now be "window" shopping for me.   I don't really need anything or want anything but I do have a couple of special people I'd like to buy little gifts for...however that will have to wait.

I was in a yoga class yesterday and this song played during shavasana.  It made me think about the little house and my promise not to buy anything until I get into this house.

Society by Eddie Vedder: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRUGvArWXLk

"When you want more than you have, You think you need, And when you think more than you want, Your thoughts begin to bleed.  I think I need to find a bigger place 'Cause when you have more than you think, You need more space"

Back again

I'm certain that it's a sin in some part of the universe to completely ignore a blog for over 12 months.  Well...I'm back and a lot has changed in the past year.  Mike and I are still trying to live Greener Faster, though the ENACT challenge is completed.  Greener Faster has been more difficult recently as our efficient and commuter friendly condo was sold in August and we are now staying in a lovely home that is a distance of about a 30 minute drive to work.  We are looking for houses back in the heart of the city but have yet to find "the one".  Soon though....I know that we will be back within walking/biking/busing distance to everything in a nice efficient home with room for a garden.  

Being outside of the city has been a learning experience thus far.  It's hard for us to drive all the way home after work and then turn around to go back into the city, so usually when we get home we hunker down for the evening. We make dinner, clean the kitchen and then we stare at each-other for a long while trying to figure out what to do next.  When we were closer to the action we were always coming and going but this living arrangement has forced us to settle down.   Being outside of the action does have its advantages.  For one, I've done more puzzles in the past 4 months than I had in probably the past 20 years of my life.  It's very quiet here so I've been able to catch up on my reading -finishing the Hunger Games and 50 Shades trilogies back to back (classy I know but in my defense I also read To Kill a Mockingbird).  There's a ping-pong table in the basement and we have had heated matches most nights of the week.  According to Mike, I had a p-pong "break-through" tonight! ...the nightly practice has apparently paid off!  Can't wait to bring my skills to the streets or the next bar or house that has a table.  

It's very pretty out here right now with all the holiday lights on the houses...I hope we get some snow for skiing soon....except now we are going to have to drive in it!  I'm a terrible driver especially in snow (or rain or darkness...)

Awesome Raw and Vegan Breakfast

In September I followed a raw food and juice diet for 15 days.  During that time I dabbled in some raw recipes.  I made raw tabouli using cauliflower and I made raw carrot cake!  One of the best recipes that I found is this Rawsome Breakfast Mix and I wanted to share it!   I found the recipe at vegweb.com and and still make it for breakfast at least 3-4 times a week.   This is my version, but you can substitute different fruits and nuts to suit your own tastes. (for example, in Sept I used a peach instead of the pear and it was amazing)

Ingredients:
small handful of raw cashews
small handful of dried cranberries
1 organic apple
1 organic pear
1 stalk of organic celery
small handful of organic spinach. 

In a food processor, chop the cashews and cranberries until course. Add the rest of the ingredients and chop until the pear and apple are small chunks. Top with a sliced banana and a sprinkle of sunflower seeds.
If this version isn't sweet enough for you, add a drizzle of agave nectar or maple syrup and enjoy! 

It's simple and delicious and it keeps me full until lunch time!   Hope you get to try it! 

My vow this holiday season

It is that time of year again friends!  The time of year where countless individuals wake up before dawn to battle other deal hounds at the mall.  Where people stand in line.. after line..after line,  listening to the same  holiday songs on rotation singing from the ceiling.  Kids are crying, people are bickering, strangers are glaring..all with the same goal - to get the best deals on merchandise in hope that these items will put smiles on the faces of  family and friends this holiday season.  

If you're shopping this weekend, please try to shop small...and by that I mean try to shop small businesses.   If you really want to occupy Wall Street, shop at your locally owned businesses and not the super stores.  This Saturday has been deemed Small Business Saturday to support this cause.  You can find more information about the Saturday event and a list of local businesses here:  http://smallbusinesssaturday.com/
It's going to happen, as it does every holiday season...the parking lots in the mall will be full until January.  My family doesn't exchange gifts anymore...with the one exception of gifts given to my nephews who are age 5 and age 2.   Last year instead of exchanging gifts my family pooled some money and gave to Heifer International.  This year I'm guessing we will do the same.  

My nephews will get presents from me but for everyone else, my family and my friends...instead of giving you a present this holiday season, I vow to BE present.    I vow to be present when I'm with you...to listen, to look you in the eyes.  When I'm in a conversation with you, I vow  to stop the other things in my life from taking my attention away from you.  I vow to put away my phone.  I vow to forget about my grocery list and my work load and my plans for tomorrow and my regrets from yesterday.  I vow to be  present with you through the good moments and the bad moments.   I will be present with you when you make me laugh and present with you if you make me upset.    I will be present with you because I am grateful to have you in my life through all of our present moments.  

Safe shopping and eating!  If you find yourself in a crazy shopping crowd or unpleasant family conversation, breath deeply and remember, be present.

I was locked out and I couldn't get back in

Hey Friends.  I've been locked out of my blog since April.  I know.....it's September.  Things have been crazy this spring/summer with starting a new job and trying to "win" this Eco-Challenge and all!   But, excuses aside...we "won"!  Well we all "won" the challenge!    Each family did an awesome job.  We each made huge reductions  in our environmental impact and we all learned so much in the process.

Here are our results from the ENACT Greener Faster Challenge:

Natural Gas Usage:

Our 2009 therms/yr- 254

Our therms/yr from August 10’-August 11’- 212

We did 76% better than the Madison average of 856 therms/yr.  Not to mention we did 17% better than 2009 alone.

Electricity Usage:

Our 2009 kwh/yr- 5,934

Our kwh/yr from August 10’-August 11’-4,233

We did 32% better than the Madison average of 7, 200 kwh/yr!  The great part is that we improved by 29% from 2009. 

Average weekly recycling- 8.6lbs

Average weekly trash-5lbs

Miles Driven:

Odometer reading on August 1, 2010-56,888

Odometer reading on August 1, 2011-66,661

This means we drop 9,773 miles a year.  This is 25% better than the average Wisconsin car owner who drives 13,000 miles a year.  Since there are two of us driving this one car we each did 65% better than the average Madisonian.  Not too shabby!

Organic and Local Food:  Our average grocery trip was 85% local and organic

Water:

Our 2009 water total for six months- 28,257gallons/yr

Our water usage based on per person for August 10’-August 11’- 25,586gallons/yr

We improved our water usage by 10% and are now 47% better than the Madison average. ..

Thanks so much to Anne Nardi at ENACT for showing us the way as well as to the other families who participated in the competition.  ENACT  is looking for families to participate in the Challenge next year!  The challenge is to reduce your environmental footprint by 41% of the Madison average. As an incentive, there are great prizes to be won!  This year Mike and I won a gift certificate to Planet Bike and to DreamBikes in Madison!

 Though the Greener Faster Challenge has come to an end, our challenges continue....
 I plan on continuing by posting environmental/health related items as they catch my attention.

Farmers Market and Isthmus Green Day Event

It looks like it will be a cold and rain filled weekend...but it is April and Spring is in the air!

The Dane County Farmers Market kicks off the season this Saturday on the square.  I'm guessing we will see a lot of plants, cheese, and maple syrup!  And maybe some pie and baklava!
http://www.dcfm.org/

If the weather is not cooperating with you on Saturday and you're looking for a warmer place to mingle, the Isthmus Green Day event is being held at the Monona Terrace from 9am to 5pm.  Check out free samples from local "green" businesses and meander through the booths!  Learn about "green" building, "green" commuting, "green" eating and "green" living!  There will be cooking demonstrations as well as national speakers on the main stage.  ENACT will be there as well as some of the participants from the Greener, Faster Challenge.     Check it out...it's a good time.
http://www.isthmus.com/theguide/details.php?event=23307Green Day Event

Tickets are $5 at the door
Free admission for children under 12, and if you walk, take the bus or ride your bike.
Bring donations for Goodwill and get in free, too!

  

Personal Care Products - Health Tips from EWG | Environmental Working Group

I haven't finished reading "The Body Toxic" yet...but to continue discussions on my intention to be a more informed consumer, here are some great tips for reading personal product labels.

Know The Ingredients in your Personal Care Products - Health Tips from EWG | Environmental Working Group

I'm in the process right now of finishing all of the personal care products that I currently have in the home and my intention is to purchase organic/natural replacements when I finish the products I still have. As of today, I've only had to replace my face-lotion. It was slightly traumatic shopping around for a new lotion as I've been using Aveeno Face Lotion for over 10 years.

I've replaced my
Aveeno Positively Radiant Lotion - Active Ingredients: Avobenzone (3%), Octinoxate (7.5% Octyl Methoxycinnamate), Octisalate (2% Octyl Salicylate)
Inactive Ingredients: Arachidyl Alcohol, Arachidyl Glucoside, Behenyl Alcohol, Benzalkonium Chloride Solution, Benzyl Alcohol, BHT, Bis Phenylpropyl Dimethicone, Butylparaben, C12 15 Alkyl Benzoate, C13 14 Isoparaffin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Dimethicone, Disodium EDTA, Ethylene/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Ethylparaben, Fragrance, Glycerin, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Isobutylparaben, Laureth 7, Methylparaben, Mica, Panthenol, Phenoxyethanol, Polyacrylamide, Polymethylmethacrylate, Propylparaben, Silica, Steareth 2, Steareth 21, Titanium Dioxide, Water, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid

With

Aubrey Organics Sea Buckthorn & Cucumber with Ester-C Moisturizing Cream INGREDIENTS: Coconut Fatty Acid Cream Base, Organic Aloe Vera, Topical Ester-C®, Organic Rosa Mosqueta® Rose Hip Seed Oil, Organic Evening Primrose Oil, Canadian Willowherb Extract, Cucumber Extract, Aubrey's Preservative (Citrus Seed Extract, Vitamins A, C and E), Organic Shea Butter, Sea Buckthorn Oil, Cucumber Distillate, Lavender Water.

I've highlighted some of the potentially harmful ingredients in these two products....well actually only in the Aveeno product because the Aubrey product doesn't contain one that I'm aware of. There are 4 different paraben products in the Aveeno lotion.

What is a paraben and is it potentially harmful?  Here's a good over-view From Wikipedia:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paraben   
The verdict is still out, however, I think there's enough evidence for me to decide that I would like to avoid putting parabens on my body. 

Specifically I found this to be interesting: 

Sun exposure

Studies indicate that methylparaben applied on the skin may react with UVB leading to increased skin aging and DNA damage.
WAIT, WAIT, WAIT! 
There's methylparaben in the Aveeno Positively Radiant lotion. Lotion that I've been putting on my face for 10 years in hopes that it would help me become and then remain positively radiant.  It contains methylparaben...an ingredient that may increase skin aging and DNA damage when reacting with UVB rays?

So Aveeno-  is that the beauty of science + nature?

A 4oz bottle of the Aubrey Organics lotion costs about $2.00 more than the 4oz bottle of Aveeno. 

That's an extra $2.00 I don't mind spending. 

Styrofoam Recycling this Saturday in Madison

Do you have any styrofoam sitting around the house?   You know...that pesky white packaging material that you can't seem to throw away because you know it will never break-down and "return to nature".
Bring it to the Madison city transfer station, 121 E. Olin Ave on Saturday March 26th from 9am-1pm and it will be recycled/reused by Uniek Inc., a Waunakee picture frame and wall decor maker! They will be collecting the block-type styrofoam but not the packaging peanuts. 

If you have packaging peanuts sitting at home you can drop those off at UPS stores to be re-used or crumble them into the bottom of your potted plants when planting to use instead of rocks for drainage.  

link to the Styrofoam Recycling Story: 
http://host.madison.com/ct/news/local/environment/article_40b2b2e8-5481-11e0-b197-001cc4c002e0.html

Goings on in Madison

Tonight is the River Alliance of Wisconsin's Wild and Scenic Film Festival.  The films begin at 6:30pm at the Majestic Theater downtown Madison.  I've been to the past two festivals and the films are always inspirational and entertaining, plus proceeds go to the River Alliance.  Check out this year's selection here.  Wisconsin River Alliance
Enjoy a beer and a chance to win some door-prizes during the show!  We will be there!

I'll be boarding a jet-plane to Colorado this weekend for some snowy fun, but, for those who are left behind here are several opportunities to entertain yourself.

CANOECOPIA- at the Alliant Energy Center.   If you are in the market for new spring toys, go purchase that new Stand-Up-Paddleboard or a new paddle for your kayak or do some browsing of all the newest gear!    If you are not interested in spending loads of money, there are presentations through the day ranging from Wilderness First Aid to Yoga for Kayaking to Stories of Paddling in New Zealand or Paddling the Yukon River. It costs $10.00 to get into CanoeCopia but once you are in, all presentations are free.  Plus you can get a beverage and some nachos for the shows. mmm...nachos.

Last year Mike and I watched the film- Tales of the Last River Rat featuring Kenny Salwey. He is back this year and will be presenting his film Saturday at 2:30pm and 3:30pm and also Sunday at 12:30pm.
Kenny Salwey has lived close to the land on the Mississippi river and is an expert trapper, fisherman, hunter and herb collector.   He is an author, woodsman and river guide and I think he would get a long quite well with my father.   BBC-Natural World-Mississippi, Tales of the Last River Rat
The film is beautifully put together and would get even those who love winter the most ready for spring.


Bike-O-Rama- at the Alliant Energy Center Arena Building. Looking for a new bike?
My sister bought her bike at Bike-O-Rama last year and got a great deal!  Bike-O-Rama is free to enter and right next to CANOECOPIA so you can hit both with one stone. BikeORama

Madison Rally for your Rights-Tractorcade
Farmers will be joining the rally on the square this Saturday around 12:00-noon and they're bringing their tractors!  I think it's obvious that our rural communities will be hurt by the cuts Scott Walker is proposing to education, BadgerCare and the Buy Local Buy Wisconsin program.  Come out and join them to help support the working and middle class families in Wisconsin.  When you're done rallying in solidarity with our local farmers, please remember to support them by continuing to buy local!!   I wonder if Joel Salatin will fly in and join the party....

MACSAC ( Madison Area Community Supported Agriculture Coalition) CSA Open House. 
This Sunday from 1-4pm at the Monona Terrace.  This is a free opportunity to come meet local farmers that provide CSA shares!  Learn about your options for a CSA-share this year and sign up!  
This reminds me that Mike and I need to sign up for our CSA this year...before all the shares are taken. 
Don't forget that your Health Insurance Company might reimburse you for a portion of your share!  It's good for you and good for our local farmers! 

Saving Water

Last month, we were focusing on Saving Water. 
The average person in the US uses 80-100 gallons of water a day and most of that water is actually used to flush the toilet. 

Now, that's a lot of H2O! 

Here are a couple of things that can help reduce the amount of water going down the drain without spending  a lot of coin.   

Capture cold water from the shower that you would normally let run down the drain. 

- When you start your shower, capture the cold water with a bucket and place the bucket next to your toilet.  Next time you go to the bathroom, instead of flushing the toilet, pour your captured water into the toilet bowl (which triggers the toilet to flush).  You've just reused that shower water and saved a couple of gallons by not flushing your toilet!

We have just started using this trick-and it's surprisingly easy and hassle-free.  Visitor's might question the bucket of water next to the toilet...so feel free to share the helpful hint with inquiring friends.

-Here's another trick. When you start the shower, plug the drain and capture this water in the bottom of the tub.  Wash your delicate "hand-wash in cold water" items in the tub before your shower.  You probably have been putting that task off anyway...so you might-as-well reuse this water.  So go...and get after it before you jump into the shower in the morning.    You'll walk out the door with a nice sense of accomplishment, guaranteed! 

Convert your regular toilet to a low-flow toilet for free. 

The cheapest way is to install some sort of weight in the toilet’s tank. The weight will take up space and displace the water so less water is required to fill the tank. You could purchase a number of gadgets to do this or if you don't want to spend any money you can use a soda or 1/2 gallon milk container.  Fill the container about halfway with something heavy (rocks/marbles) and place the cap back on. Place the container into the water (in the tank of your toilet). Just make sure it’s not obstructing any of the components of the toilet. Ta'da!  You'll be saving water and money in no time! 

Check your toilet for leaks. 

So you're not sure if your toilet tank is leaking. Try putting a splash of food coloring in the tank.  If, next time you go to the toilet the water in the bowl is a that same bright blue or green, you have just discovered a leak.  A leak that is costing you money and wasting water.   Good work Sherlock...now go call a plumber!


Get an aerator for your sink faucet. 

Aerators reduce the water coming through the faucets by mixing it with air. The aerator separates a normal single flow of water into tiny streams of water and the water flow is reduced without feeling a reduction in water pressure.  Easy to install...and they're cheap!  Typically $1.00-$3.00.

http://www.google.com/search?q=faucet+airator&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a#q=faucet+aerator&hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=iH3&sa=X&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&prmd=ivns&source=univ&tbs=shop:1&tbo=u&ei=7Up1TcbeEMSblgeihOinAg&ved=0CD8QrQQ&bav=on.2,or.&fp=7e0c973786b8478e 

Time your showers
Do you know anybody who insists that it only takes them 10 minutes to get ready for work...and this includes a shower?  Usually, I've found that those people have a skewed perception of their abilities in the morning.   I have never made such a claim but I was curious to see how long I stood in the shower every morning.
I've recently moved the kitchen timer into the bathroom and I've been timing my showers.  I set the timer for 6 minutes and every time so far I've gotten out of the shower before the timer went off.
 See, there's no need to dilly-dally. 

Try it at home! 

If you have any other hints..I'd love to hear them.  The word on the street is that a low-flush toilet is one of the prizes in our Greener Faster Challenge!  

We Are Wisconsin

 

The weather should be better this weekend. 

Event Date: Saturday, March 5, 2011 - 12:00pm - 3:00pm

Taking place at:
Wisconsin State Capitol
Madison, WI
Musical guests: MICHELLE SHOCKED and JON LANGFORD of the MEKONS
Speakers:
Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin
State Rep. Kelda Helen Roys
Kabzuag Vaj of the community justice advocates at Freedom, Inc.
Leland Pan of the Student Labor Action Coalition
Jim Goodman of Family Farm Defenders
Paul Soglin and David Cieslewicz
Matt Nelson of Color of Change
MCs Patrick Depula with Sarah Ben Manski
. . . additional speakers and music,TBA.
First they came from the public sector unions. And we stood up for the unions, because we knew the rest of us were next.

photo courtesy of:  http://wearewisconsin.us/

Environmental Impacts of the WI Budget

The drama continues to unfold in Wisconsin under our new Governor Scott Walker.   He announced the 2-year budget yesterday, and while there are deep cuts to education and local governments there are also substantial changes that will no doubt affect the environment.  Specifically, state mandated recycling programs would be eliminated under the new budget.  Well, I was tired of sorting my recycling anyway.  Thanks Scotty!

But seriously, I'm struggling to understand how making huge cuts to our public schools and programs (for the future) like recycling will quote "benefit our children and grandchildren." And as Scott Walker said in his Budget Address, "we need a commitment to our future, so our children don't face even more dire consequences than what we face today."   

How does completely eliminating a mandated recycling program that has been in place for 15 years affect any of us in a positive way? 

find more info here: 
http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/environment/article_f397fd4a-4451-11e0-9e89-001cc4c03286.html