Organic Wine is Easy to Find

Sorry for the late post, it has been a crazy day at work trying to get everything done before the LONG WEEKEND!
Tonight I'm headed up to the Adirondacks for a nice relaxing weekend in the mountains. Of course, my destination is a 6 hour drive away, so it isn't a carbon-free vacation by any means. But, I will get a chance to enjoy some nature and wildlife, which will be a nice change of pace.


Yesterday evening I made a wonderful discovery: organic wine can be found in just about any liquor store! I wrote earlier this month that I was going to try to drink exclusively biodynamic wines this summer, as I live quite close to the Wine Bottega. However, I was running a bit late for my book club meeting, so I ran into a corner liquor market that was en route. I did not go in with big expectations, but I was able to find a relatively cheap bottle ($14.99) that was made with organic grapes! Check it out!

Boston's Walk/Ride Day

One Friday every month, Boston and Cambridge commuters are encouraged to walk or ride a bike to work as part of Walk/Ride Day. Not only do participants cut down their carbon footprint and avoid Friday traffic, but they also have a chance to win prizes by filling out a survey. People can also win prizes by wearing green on Walk/Ride days and coming out to support the participants who may have walked or ridden many miles to work in order to reduce their impact.

Walk/Ride Days are hosted by the Green Streets Initiative which is an international grassroots organization.

I actually walk to work every day, but perhaps I'll start wearing green and filling out the survey in order to support the initiative! Its a great idea and has already spread to other areas - Maine, Ohio, and even England! Bostonians and Cambridgeans should be proud that this fabulous trend started here!

photo courtesy of Boston.com

Vogue Style Ethics

Add Vogue's "Style Ethics" Column to your must-read list! Each month, the world's best fashion magazine highlights socially, economically, and environmentally conscious fashion in the column. It is a great way to find out about high-fashion and high-end trends that are also making a positive change. Afterall, it is Vogue's mantra that there is "no limit to the power of fashion."

Green Tip: If you don't already have a subscription to the mag, go to the library or borrow a friend's copy instead of wasting the paper and gas to have a new subscription delivered to you. Vogue also has a great website where you can find old "style ethics" columns.

RRR: Don't Replace, Repair!

I will admit that I can be a sucker for "fast fashion" (meaning cheap clothes from places like H&M and Forever21). It is a bad habbit because the clothes are poor quality and aren't meant to last a long time, which means that they enter the waste stream faster and have a larger carbon footprint than higher quality clothing. I've tried to be better about staying away from fast fashion, and take care of the fast fashion items I already own. I try to make them last longer by air-drying them and washing them in cold water so that the colors don't fade. However, probably one of the best green skills to have if you are a fast fashion addict is to know how to sew!

Last weekend one of my super cheap handbags ripped. I was so disappointed, but instead of throwing it away, I was able to salvage it with a bit of needle and thread. As long as you don't look too closely at the stitching...it looks as good as new!

Boston Green Drinks Returns from Hiatus!

The informal networking group, Boston Green Drinks, is back and better/bigger than ever! The group meets monthly at area bars to discuss sustainability issues and make connections. A new facebook group has formed, and I highly recommend "liking" it in order to keep up to date with future events.

The first meeting of the newly re-vamped group will take place next Tuesday, June 28th at Kingston Station from 6pm - 9pm. Hope to see you there!

8 Ways to be Green at a Red Sox Game

1. Do "print at home" tickets instead of having them sent to you. This saves the gas related to shipping.

2. Slather on some chemical-free sunscreen, like Burt's Bees.

3. If you aren't really excited about Fenway food, eat before the game to avoid the waste of paper, trays, and ketchup packets.

4. Bring layers and rain gear. No need to buy one of those silly plastic rain ponchos if the skies open up. Come prepared instead.

5. Walk or take public transit to the game. The Kenmore stop on the green line is super-convenient, so save some money on cab fare and just take the T. If you're worried about crowds, leave before the last inning, or grab a beer at Cask'n'Flagon after the game to wait til the post-game rush to the T dies down.

6. Recycle as much as possible. Don't throw coke bottles or empty beer cups in the trash! There ARE recycling bins at Fenway, and for many games there are also Poland Springs Green Team volunteers who will come around and collect your recyclables.

7. Bring a PeopleTowel or reusable hand towel so you don't need to waste paper napkins.

8. Avoid free stickers, posters, programs, or anything that you will probably throw away after one night.

More Green Networking in Boston

Just discovered yet another green networking opportunity! The restaurant 75 Chestnut in Beacon Hill hosts "Environmental Thursdays" every week! View the invitation below:

Green Thursdays

Every Thursday starting at 5:00pm
Be sure to stop by for: Special Organic Martinis, Specials from renewable and sustainable foods, and Recycling Tips.



The path to a more sustainable life can be delicious!


75 Chestnut has sought to minimize our impact upon the earth, while maximizing our ability to deliver the earth’s nutritional bounty to our guests. You can join us on the path right now, simply by enjoying our new spring collection of environmentally friendly and sustainable menu items.