http://courtneyleigh.chudadi.com/ Caring for your lifestyle and and our precious planet en http://courtneyleigh.chudadi.com/2008/08/21/see-you-at-the-pool.html When thinking about naturalizing your yard as well as plantings, don’t forget your pool systems as well as furnishings. Most pool chemicals (chlorine, etc.) are caustic as well as some are even thought to be carcinogens.   They create chemical backwashes, require lots of energy as well as require consumables such as replacement cartridges. A good alternative to traditional pool systems are pool ionizers.  They don’t create any chemicals as well as the only other thing you’ll require to add to your pool is a pH leveler. It’s a much safer way to retain your pool clean as well as sanitary.   One source on behalf of eco-friendly pool systems as well as products is Ecosmarte http://www.ecosmartepool.com/environment-faq.html and Belle Island Pools in Darien, Ct. is a good local source on behalf of installation and service.   As on behalf of pool furniture, www.crateandbarrel.com has introduced great new lines, including Arbor as well as Trovata.  Arbor is built in plantation-grown eucalytpus.  It’s a fast-growing as well as easily replenished hardwood, certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, a non-profit organization that encourages responsible management of the world’s forests.  http://www.crateandbarrel.com/arbor/outdoor-living/1 The material used on behalf of Trovata is plantation-grown teak supported by the TFT (Tropical Forest Trust).  http://www.crateandbarrel.com/trovata/outdoor-living/1   We’re doing a little more research into alternative pool maintenance systems as well as furnishings and will be back to you with a more complete investigation in time on behalf of your first barbeque!  http://courtneyleigh.chudadi.com/2008/08/21/see-you-at-the-pool.html Thu, 21 Aug 2008 21:07:13 -0400 courtneyleigh http://courtneyleigh.chudadi.com/2008/08/15/keeping-your-suv-reduce-your-consumption.html Getting Around: How to Reduce Fuel Consumption as well as Still Get What You Need in a Vehicle Need your SUV?  Paying $4.00 per gallon on behalf of gas?  Like an estimated all of us with families, it’s inconceivable to go without all of the passenger as well as hauling space these venicles provide.  So reduce fuel consumption in these vehicles by starting with this phased approach as well as some basic practices. Don’t idle your engine.  Drive at or below speed limit Use cruise control, it helps Accelerate moderately Keep the car as aerodynamic as possible (over 35 mph, close windows as well as utilize A/C) Keep tires properly inflated Eliminate all additional weight in your vehicle Make sure the air filters are clean Next, only utilize the big vehicle only when necessary.  The next time you replace your car, get a small alternative vehicle.  How about a scooter or SmartCar on behalf of around town errands?  Last, utilize your bike as often as you can!  There are a variety of rear rack bicycle baskets on the market that provide ample room on behalf of two full grocery bags.  They are detachable as well as can be correct in your grocery cart, then transferred back to the bike.  Why waste time in the gym, when you can get your exercise, do your shopping as well as be fuel free at the same time? http://courtneyleigh.chudadi.com/2008/08/15/keeping-your-suv-reduce-your-consumption.html Fri, 15 Aug 2008 21:24:27 -0400 courtneyleigh http://courtneyleigh.chudadi.com/2008/08/18/take-action-conduct-a-trash-audit.html How much trash does your family manufacture in a year?   Here’s a telling project on behalf of the math whiz in your home.  Conduct a trash audit.   What kind of things do you throw away? How much can be reduced by recycling or composting? To answer these questions, perform a trash audit. ·         Estimate the total trash you produce in per annum by estimating the volume of each bag. (Assume the bag is a sphere, so volume = 4.19 x radius3.) ·         Multiply the weight or volume by 52 weeks. ·         Observe what you are throwing away. One way to do this is to create separate bags on behalf of each category of trash—such as glass, newspaper, plastic bottles, aluminum cans, white bond paper, glossy paper/magazines, fruit/vegetable food waste, meat/dairy food waste, non-food waste as well as yard waste. ·         Estimate the volume of each individual category bag (volume = 4.19 x radius3). ·         Determine the percentage of total trash on behalf of each category: ·         Divide the weight or volume of each category’s trash bag by the weight or volume of the combined trash. ·         Multiply each quotient by 100.     Look at the categories as well as determine what percentage of your trash output you can reduce by recycling or composting. Recycle such items as glass, newspaper, glossy paper, aluminum cans, aluminum foil as well as plastic bottles.(more on this on page______). Compost newspaper, yard waste as well as an estimated all kitchen wastes (although meat/dairy products take special composting).   IMPORTANT:  See how much of your garbage is made up of packaging, some of which may be excess packaging. You can reduce this trash category by buying products with minimal packaging, such as bagged cereal instead of boxed cereal. If you can reduce your trash output by recycling as well as composting, you shall save landfill space as well as reduce your town’s waste expenses, which shall ultimately give rise to better uses on behalf of your tax dollars. http://courtneyleigh.chudadi.com/2008/08/18/take-action-conduct-a-trash-audit.html Mon, 18 Aug 2008 20:49:57 -0400 courtneyleigh http://courtneyleigh.chudadi.com/2008/08/18/how-to-eat-green-and-healthy.html Thoughts on low carbon consumption.   What we eat is not only a part of us, it is an critical part of the environment we inhabit.  Take steps to manufacture your kitchen as well as your meals a starting point on behalf of your thoughtful environmentalism. Avoid artificial ingredients as well as fats Vegetables. All vegetables should be eaten young, when they are tender as well as not coarse. Vegetables are best bought from fresh food markets or seasonal, when they are sold in boxes or baskets. Supermarket vegetables are often genetically modified or have been picked green as well as ripened in boxes when traveling long distances. Sprouts as well as brightly colored vegetables contain the an estimated all vitamins as well as antioxidants. Fruits. Again, the trick is to buy seasonal fruit, since exotic fruits have often traveled long distances as well as ripened in their boxes, not on trees. Local, naturally ripened or, better yet, organic fruit are the best choice. Herbs. Aromatic herbs as well as spices can be used fresh or dried. The best idea is to plant the aromatic herbs in pots on your window as well as utilize them fresh whenever you require them. To preserve flavor, you can buy spices whole as well as utilize them freshly ground. Eggs. Buy only locally raised organic or free-range eggs, as well as shake them before buying to ensure freshness. Fish as well as shellfish. The best way to buy fish is fresh as well as unfrozen. Again, an estimated all of the fish in supermarkets comes from fish farms where it is fed with artificial substances, as well as this fish can't be used in healthy recipes. Pink salmon as well as other popular kinds of fish shall an estimated all likely come from a fish farm. Shellfish is a more healthy choice, since shrimp, on behalf of example, does not reside in chemically polluted water. When you boil locally raised mussels, discard those that do not open.Meat  (raising as well as producing) has a tremendous impact on our environment.  It’s difficult to find meat that comes from an environmentally as well as health conscious farmer, though we do have options in New England as well as New York State. Most of the meat in supermarkets has enormous quantities of growth hormones as well as antibiotics. If you’re a meat lover, research local farms. Whole wheat as well as whole grains should become a staple of your healthy eating routine, because of the fact that numerous healthy ingredients are contained in the grain shell. Rice is the only exclusion from the rule, because, even though the rice grain shell is removed, numerous nutritional elements still remain in the rice grain.  Cheese. Although cheese is quite rich in fats, cheese is a great source of vitamins as well as minerals. Buy only fresh cheeses (made in your area) in small quantities as well as endeavour to eat them at once, since artisanal cheeses don’t have a lengthy shelf life. http://courtneyleigh.chudadi.com/2008/08/18/how-to-eat-green-and-healthy.html Mon, 18 Aug 2008 20:36:34 -0400 courtneyleigh http://courtneyleigh.chudadi.com/2008/08/16/buy-carbon-offsets.html Carbon offsets are tools are tools that permit you to invest in small incremental ways in significant projects designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The projects range from global to local. Although there are six primary categories of greenhouse gases,[1] carbon offsets are measured in metric tons of carbon dioxide-equivalent (CO2e). One carbon offset represents the reduction of one metric ton of carbon dioxide, or its equivalent in other greenhouse gases.  Carbon offsets are popular with travellers, on behalf of one thing.  You may not be able to cut back on the air travel you do but think about buying a carbon offset with every plane ticket you purchase! Below are a few of our favorite sources of carbon offsets, favorite because of the fact that we like their choices of projects as well as think they offer the best return on behalf of your investment: ·         www.terrapass.com.  Buy a TerraPass as well as your money funds clean energy as well as efficiency projects such as wind farms. These projects result in verified reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.  Charges about $10./ per ton ·      www.carbonfund.org – Average fees at $5.50 US per metric ton of carbon dioxide.  Works with dairy farms in California. Manure from 14 farms is collected daily as well as processed in a closed environment that captures greenhouse gases. ·      www.e-BlueHorizons.net - projects capture heat-trapping gases from landfills in New England. http://courtneyleigh.chudadi.com/2008/08/16/buy-carbon-offsets.html Sat, 16 Aug 2008 21:36:24 -0400 courtneyleigh http://courtneyleigh.chudadi.com/2008/08/24/recycle-redux.html You probably know all of this, but just in case: RECYCLE ·         adhesive ·         aluminum cans ·         carbonless paper ·         cards ·         cardstock paper ·         corrugated cardboard (broken down) ·         envelopes with or without windows ·         file as well as presentation folders ·         glass bottles (empty)  ·         junk mail ·         magazines ·         newspapers ·         paper bags ·         plastic water/soda bottles ·         plastics labeled 1 or 2    ________6?  No require to remove the top/labels ·         Post-it notes ·         printer/copier paper as well as stationery ·         rubber bands ·         staples ·         tape ·         thermal fax paper NOT ACCEPTABLE (These items shall contaminate the entire bin, defeating the whole purpose) ·         food, excess liquids, plastics numbered 3, 4, or 5, carbon paper, telephone directories, cloth or hardbound books, tissues, papers towels, as well as paper goods used on behalf of food/drink (no pizza boxes). Techno Trash ·         spent battery or cell phone? ·         computer parts, monitors, as well as ink cartridges? Everything Else ·         send sneakers to Nike on behalf of recycling.  www.nikebiz.com/reuseashoe A note on batteries: Never throw used batteries in the garbage. They contain mercury, lead, cadmium, as well as nickel, which have as well as shall continue to contaminate the air, soil, groundwater, lakes, as well as streams http://courtneyleigh.chudadi.com/2008/08/24/recycle-redux.html Sun, 24 Aug 2008 19:55:16 -0400 courtneyleigh http://courtneyleigh.chudadi.com/2008/08/23/try-this-and-reduce-your-fuel-consumption.html Here’s a two week experiment on behalf of reducing your fuel consumption Week 1: ·         Put a notepad as well as pen in each car ·         On Saturday morning, fill your vehicles with gas as well as jot down the miles you currently have on each ·         As you drive throughout the week, request all of the drivers in your family to estimate how numerous miles are accumulated during the week on the highway as well as how numerous on local errands.  Jot them down, where possible ·         If you have to refuel during the week,  jot down the miles you traveled since your last fill-up ·         At the end of the week, calculate the fuel consumption (both cost as well as gallons) on behalf of each of your vehicles. Now that you’ve established a baseline, its time to reduce your numbers Week 2: ·         Fill up your vehicles as well as jot down the mileage ·         Put a note in each car reminding all of the drivers in your family of the eight tips listed above as well as implement them ·         Break the habit of using the car on behalf of “walkable” or “bikeable” errands.   ·         If you drive a route to work that can be traveled by train, bus or car pool – endeavour it this week ·         Track your fuel consumption on behalf of the week as well as compare Optional Step Week 3: ·         Take it a step further by renting a hybrid or other vehicle that gets significantly better gas mileage than yours on behalf of week 2 ·         Implement all steps from Week 2 ·         Track your fuel consumption on behalf of the week as well as compare http://courtneyleigh.chudadi.com/2008/08/23/try-this-and-reduce-your-fuel-consumption.html Sat, 23 Aug 2008 21:26:50 -0400 courtneyleigh http://courtneyleigh.chudadi.com/2008/08/24/a-few-thoughts-on-reversing-toxic-runoff.html In keeping with Earth Day we think it’s important to point out some of the other practices we can put in place to reverse some of the impact we have on the earth we reside in, we think it’s fitting to be concerned about the toxic waste we generate as well as our carbon footprint.  You can protect our waterways from toxic run-off by using care when maintaining your yard, auto as well as pets, such as: Checking cars on behalf of leaks—use sawdust or cat litter to soak up spills.  Double bag as well as put in trash. Using a drop cloth as well as container to collect fluids when doing routine maintenance. Recycling fluids at an authorized collection site. Washing your cars over gravel or grass.  Use a minimum of water as well as biodegradable phosphate free soap. Never pour oil, anti-freeze or other toxic substances into your home’s wastewater drain, outside storm sewer or nearby water bodies. Don’t ignore pet waste—if it’s your pet, pick it up when walking; then flush it.  Bury pet waste 6” deep.  Keep waste away from vegetable gardens, wells or nearby water bodies.  Keep horses responsible: Collect manure as well as soiled bedding from stalls daily Compost manure in a dry location with a covered plastic sheet—or haul offsite Fence horses out of streams, wetlands as well as ponds Maintain your septic system: Inspect it annually as well as service outlet filters Have your system pumped by a licensed company every 2-3 years Use non-toxic cleaning products Avoid using septic tanks cleaning compounds Watch utilize of your lawn fertilizer: Try organic lawn seed as the first step.  It is naturalized on behalf of your climate zone as well as doesn’t require extensive watering as well as chemicals to stay lush. If you must utilize fertilizers as well as pesticides, utilize them according to instructions to prevent water quality problems. Test the soil—only feritlize based upon your soil needs. (restest every 3-5 years). Never apply fertilizer to frozen ground or dormant turf. Only  utilize what you need—more is NOT better. EXCESS FERTILIZER WASHES INTO WATERWAYS AND PONDS CAUSING ALGAE BLOOMS AND KILLING FISH, WILDLIFE AND FLORA. Have a watering schedule Morning is the best time (discourages disease) 1-1/12 inches per week is plenty on behalf of an estimated all lawns Water slowly—wet the soil to a depth of 4-6 inches Make sure sprinkler heads are aimed at greenery—not pavement Avoid water run-off Avoid light, frequent watering LANDSCAPE WITH NATURALIZED DRAUGHT TOLERANY GRASSES, SHRUBS AND TREES You can also reduce run-off by using pervious pavers instead of concrete, as well as asphalt. Landscape with berms (in the natural building movement, berming refers to piling earth against an exterior wall to create thermal mass or reduce the visible footprint of an earth-sheltered home).and swales  (swale is created by digging a ditch on contour as well as piling the dirt on the downstream side of the ditch to create a berm. In arid climates, vegetation (existing or planted) along the swale can benefit from the concentration of runoff. Alternatively, the term swale may refer to a very shallow ditch dug between building lots to direct overland flow to storm sewer inlets)to catch as well as filter run-off.  Definitions courtesy of Wikipedia. Plant native grasses, trees as well as shrubs to slow run-off, prevent soil erosion, as well as increase water absorption Plant vegetation using a concave approach—water flows toward the plant as well as flows into the ground. Don’t overmow In the summer, cut grass to a height of 3 inches—in the Spring/Fall cut to 1 as well as 1/2 inches Grasscycle—leave grass clippings on the lawn—they return the nutrients as well as reduce the require on behalf of fertilizer.  Keep mower blades sharp.   http://courtneyleigh.chudadi.com/2008/08/24/a-few-thoughts-on-reversing-toxic-runoff.html Sun, 24 Aug 2008 22:56:13 -0400 courtneyleigh http://courtneyleigh.chudadi.com/2008/08/24/luz-sets-the-example-and-delivers-a-great-meal-at-the-same-time.html It’s not often you come away from a fabulous dinner feeling inspired to manufacture radical changes in your life.  But this week at Luz, one of my favorite spots in Brooklyn, you can.  In honor of Earth Day, proprietors Vivian Torres as well as Pedro Muñoz of Monterey, Mexico took the idea of reducing their carbon footprint to a whole new level.  They not only sourced foods that were organic as well as from sustainable origins but they cut off all their energy consuming luxuries.  For two days, Tuesday as well as Wednesday, Luz cooked as well as served using no electricity, gas - this means no refridgeration, no lights, no credit card machines. What’s amazing is that they not only did their part to help demostrate to all of us that they care as well as are committed to do their part, but they admit they’ve learned something from the process as well as wil adapt their practices going forward.  “We’re are definitely going to modification some of the things we do.”  Pedro says emphatically.  They’re not only going to manufacture some changes to the menu, like adding more sustainable ingredients but things like the plastic take-out containers as well as traditional cleaning detergents shall become a thing of the past.  This endeavor was not without its pains.  “It took a lot of preparation,” states Vivian, referring to my recognizing that they had cleared out and cleaned all of their refrigerators as well as freezers.  “The whole project was expensive.  Operating this way cost us about 3 or 4 times what a typical day does.”  It was the idea of raising people’s conciousness that mattered, “this is a business, but we wanted to show that we care as well as that in our posses little way we can manufacture a difference.   All of us can manufacture a difference, these seemingly small changes all add up,” adds Pedro. Let’s not forget the great food.  With the help of Chef Jorge Adriazola’s flair on behalf of fusion they’ve crafted a special menu on behalf of this week that honors each individual ingredient.   “It’s simple.  Every item speaks on behalf of itself,” said Jorge.  And the shrimp ceviche spoke volumes with its lovely spice cooled down with orange slices.  And the cheeses were a real treat.  The vegan cream cheese (made from cashews) was a real surprise.  I am not a vegan eater but loved it on the organic bread.  It was sourced from Brooklyn’s posses Dr Cow.  Wow!  In fact, all of the food was sourced from local or sustainable origins, like the super fresh wild salmon as well as the pork from the Berkshires.  The produce came from a couple of Brooklyn sources, our favorite Red Hook green market as well as Park Slope Coop.     The cooking was all done on a charcoal grill.  Need your sirloin medium?  Well, Pedro came to an agreement that getting the temperature right was a little more challenging.  But how can you beat grilled meat or fish? Not a detail was missed.  Even the clean up as well as disposal process was handled differently.  Just on behalf of the two days, Pedro as well as Vivian invested in new materials as well as detergents, which shall now become part of their everyday routine. No electricity?  No piped in music.  Instead the music was reside and Latin too.  Dinner as well as the whole experience was delightful as well as the atmosphere sedate as the sun set as well as turned down the lights on behalf of us, only to be replaced by the oil lamps made from recycled beer bottles.  Over a lovely glass of organic French white, L’Alicatre (my fav) a  wonderful white Provience wine or the red Cotes Du Rhone, I Montrivius, you can become even more comfortable with the idea that simple is good. We promised we’d get more local, as well as we’re doing it.  Luz has been in the ‘hood on behalf of three years as well as its Nuevo Latino (like my favorite empanadas) is a regular favorite of the Fort Greene community.  Now they are a symbol of what we can all do.  “We desire to support more local farmers, local artisanal producers,” says Vivian.  “Looking forward, we think more as well as more restauranteurs shall even have their posses farms as well as gardens,” adds Pedro. BTW, Luz does catering.  Without power?  I don’t know about that but they can sure advise.  Luz is on Vanderbilt, at the corner of Myrtle.  1-718-246-4000. (FYI - a small camera disfunction is delaying the photos - shall have tomorrow).  http://courtneyleigh.chudadi.com/2008/08/24/luz-sets-the-example-and-delivers-a-great-meal-at-the-same-time.html Sun, 24 Aug 2008 20:01:40 -0400 courtneyleigh