Energy Saving Tips

Humans have a penchant for taking things for granted whether we admit it or not. It could range from our health, to our loved ones, etc. However, many people tend to take the most important thing in our life for granted that trumps anything else; our planet.

From our wanderlusts, to the shop-a-holics, our planet is probably the last thing we think about when it comes to our everyday lives. We don't think about the behind the scenes of what goes on, the pollution, the resources used to create products or to get to our destination. As the "green" trend grows, this concern is reaching the masses than it has just 5 years ago.

Here are a few tips that I incorporate into my own everyday life:

1. Turn off electronics when not in use. This includes turning off lights that I do not use at home and work. Yes, I am -that person- that turns off lights in unused conference rooms, printer rooms, kitchenettes, etc. I also turn off unused power-strips to save on energy (they use more energy than you think). As far as air conditioning and heating goes, I rarely use them unless of course in the event of extreme "unbearable" weather. Rooming with the boyfriend leads to compromises in the situation.

2. Stop watching television. I haven't watched tv in years with the exception of being over someone's house and it's on. I never realized how quick you can get sucked into watching it. Laptops and computers are excellent to watch all of your movies and favorite shows anyway. Depending on how much you used your television, the savings could be tremendous or almost unnoticeable. Another great thing about not having a television is the need for cable television is gone. How much savings would that be $50, $75, $100 a month? Plus, you'll have more free time!

3. Walk whenever possible. Living right behind a co-op has its advantages. If I need anything I am out of, I can simply walk with my reusable bags and purchase them. Living next to a park and safe area ( I live in an historic town with its own police force, outside of that however, is not so safe ) also has its benefits as well. Going for a run or walk is a breeze and the lake is always beautiful. When I am at work, I always walk (with a co-worker) to the bank or food if I'm feeling adventurous.

4. Use reusable bags. I rarely go anywhere without my reusable bags! I also reuse produce bags for you guessed it fruits and vegetables! I am not sure how much plastic and paper pollution I've saved (I'm sure there is an online generator) but I know it's a good amount! I also do not use any bags at all if I can or if I'm making a big item purchase, I can put loose smaller items inside the container.

5. Use thrift stores. If you must shop, visit your local thrift store. There are so many treasures and clothes in great condition at very affordable prices. For anyone that loves labels, I found a pair of Juicy Couture Jeans for about $11.00 (org around $150)! Your mind, wallet and the Earth will feel great since you are spending less and not purchasing new items which uses resources to produce.

There are a ton of great ideas out there to save energy, reduce pollution and save money. These are my top five favorite since I practice them myself. Even small steps can make a big impact on our Earth to make it a cleaner, brighter, better place.

Poplar Spring Run for the Animals 2012

Each year the Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary holds a 5k fun run as well as a 1k fun walk at Wheaton Regional Park Wheaton, MD. A few major sponsors are A Well Fed World, Conscious Corner and The Boot Camp Girl.

The race started promptly at 8:00 am Sunday morning May 20, 2012. The race run through the park with various hilly spots. The temperature was around 70 degree that morning with most of the trail in shaded areas. The race had around 333 runners. Dogs were welcomed as well as their owners for the walk.

The first prize team this year was PCRM (Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine) with COK (Compassion Over Killing) is second place.

My time was:

Place    Name             Tim Net  Tim    Pace 

                208            Kimberly Moffatt          34:09          33:49     10:53


I look forward to next year's race and will surely beat my time.


 

Juicing for Life

As I grow older, I realize once I really started getting into fitness, my curiosity led me to look into how to fuel my body.

Watching Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead got the boyfriend and I thinking we should start juicing. The benefits are unbelievable. The body is able to digest the micro-nutrients easier and you are able to consume more fruits and vegetables rather than just eating them.



We purchased a Masticating Juicers / Single Gear / Single Auger Juicers.

Below is a recent juicing frenzy we went on. All of the ingredients are organic.

From left: pineapple, pears, gala apples, grapefruit, kiwis, limes, raspberries

From left: carrot juice, spinach, broccoli, apple pears, celery stalks, beets, fennel, asparagus, kale, cabbage, lacinto kale, potatoes, cucumbers, sweet potatos, carrots.

Making carrot juice

From left: cabbage, red cabbage, broccoli, kale, fennel & potatoes ready for juicing

From left: kale, apples, pears, celery, more kale in line

Cabbage cabbage everywhere

All of the juice from all of those yummy vegetables & fruits.

Each juice had it own flavor and of course we mixed flavors for a little excitement.
Juice is wonderful on your skin, digestive tract as well as your immune system.