Easy Vegetarian Hors D'oeuvres

Pinterest is full of all sorts of recipe ideas, but lately I've been drawn to simple vegetarian appetizers! I must try these:

pears with goat cheese, craisins, and pistachios 

berry and goat cheese bruschetta 

English muffin pizzas with spinach and mozzarella 

watermelon cubes with feta and mint

All are easy for "lazy chefs" and can be made with organic ingredients! Yum!

Best Places for Free Nature Lectures in Boston

image courtesy of Deliciousbaby.com

The Museum of Science -  This spring the MOS is hosting a "lets talk about food" free lecture series. The next event is Lets Talk About Sustainable Seafood on 4/29/12. There are also other lectures coming up, like The Hunt for Asteroids and Inspiring Minds: Meet Women in Science

image courtesy of tripadvisor.com

The Peabody Museum at Harvard University - This wonderful museum is constantly holding events that are either free or relatively cheap. Sustainable policy enthusiasts will love the Trash Talk Lecture Series, and families will love the drop-in all ages events. 

image courtesy of foursquare.com

Mass Audubon Society - With locations throughout the state, Mass Audubon is a great way to fulfill your desire to learn in the suburbs. Many of the society's lectures are both free and take place outdoors. Take bird walks, go biking, or learn about wildlife in far off lands. 

Review: Gud Pearanormal Activity Natural Hand Cream

Pros                                                                            Cons                                
-Brand owned by Burt's Bees                                      -Not yet rated on the EWG Skindeep Database
-No parabens, petrochemicals, or pthalates                  -Has artificial fragrance
-Smells great
-Not tested on animals
-Good price ($8)
-Effective, thick, pleasant
-Widely available (Target)


Conclusion: The main reason this probably hasn't been rated by the EWG is because its a brand new product, so I'll let that slide. The only other negative is that it includes artificial fragrances, but this con is mostly outweighed by the fact that many of the other ingredients are natural and even organic. Plus the line of GUD products by Burt's Bees are about half the price of regular Burt's Bees products. I love that natural products like this one are now available to a wider market! I would definitely buy this product.

7 Ways to Green Your Easter Celebration

1. Make Easter baskets out of recycled/repurposed materials.

image courtesy of pinterest

2. Give goodies that reduce waste or have a green twist - think waterbottles, organic lip balm, tote bag, etc.

3. Choose organic and fair trade chocolates.

4. Avoid disposable plastic partyware (such as the faux grass in the basket pictured above).

5. Make your meal vegetarian-friendly. Include dishes made from organic vegetables and if you are serving meat, choose sustainably sourced meats (i.e. grass-fed, local, antibiotic-free).

6. Instead of purchasing flowers, decorate with found items and soy candles.

image courtesy of pinterest

7. Do something outside. My church hosts a "sunrise service" every Easter, during which the congregation climbs a local hill and watches the sunrise. It is a great way to incorporate a little exercise and respect for nature into the celebration!


This Weekend's Green Events: Boston University Eco Fest - Screening "Call of Life" at 7pm on Sunday.

RRR: Old Jeans into Soda Coozies!

Out of all the amazing DIY projects I've found on Pinterest, this is definitely one of my favorite:

Using an old pair of jeans to make a coozy with pockets - genius! There are plenty of ways to reuse jeans: make jorts, skirts, aprons, handbags, or just donate them - but this coozy is the most creative idea I've seen yet!

Today's Green Events: EnergyBar Spring Meetup (financial district), Clean Tech Open Launch Party (Kendall sq.)

Oh la la! Pret a Manger Brings Green Eats to Beantown

Many of you have probably stopped in a Pret a Manger in NYC or London, but did you know that it is a "green" restaurant/cafe? According to a recent Boston.com article, Pret a Manger uses natural and ethically sourced ingredients, and unsold items are donated to local charities at the end of the day! And .....Pret a Manger is opening a new location in Boston! (Located has yet to be announced). Keep your eyes peeled!

Image courtesy of Boston.com

Romney's Shift on Energy Goals

I usually try to avoid political stories on my blog because a heatlhy green lifestyle isn't just for one party or political leaning - it is for everyone. However, it is important for voters to be aware of their candidate's stance on environmental policies. For those of you following the republican primaries, this story may be of interest to you: On Energy Policy, Romney's Emphasis has Shifted.

As Governor of Massachusetts, Romney made great progress by introducing the Massachusetts Climate Protection Plan. But now, as a presidential candidate, he's been caught saying things like this:

"Let's aggressively develop our oil, our gas, our coal [and] our nuclear power," Romney says. "Look, [the] Marcellus Shale is a huge godsend for the nation. Let's develop it, aggressively."

Just some food for thought.

images and quotes are courtesy of NPR.org