Compromise

Our green activities have always been within the parameters that they must not make our lives too challenging. Therefore, when A came along, I knew we were bound to compromise on something. Our compromise has been line drying laundry. I still get a load on the line every once in a while, but where it was once peaceful to spend time just hanging laundry, it is now stressful to get A and the laundry outside, get the line up, keep him entertained, and get it all hung, just to repeat in reverse a few hours later.

We'll get around to line drying again, I'm sure. I can already see the days when he happily runs around the yard while I hang everything. Or maybe I'll be napping in a hammock while he does the laundry :)

The New Dirty Dozen list is out

If you want to limit your pesticide intake but don't want to go organic on everything (and until prices get reduced, who can afford that?) go organic on the following (in order from most pesticides to least):

The Environmental Working Group has come out with it's new "Dirty Dozen" and "Clean 15" lists. These lists name the top 12 most pesticide-ridden produce and the top 15 cleanest fruits and vegetables.

1. Apples
2. Celery
3. Strawberries
4. Peaches
5. Spinach
6. Imported Nectarines
7. Imported Grapes
8. Sweet Bell Peppers
9. Potatoes
10. Domestic Blueberries
11. Lettuce
12. Kale/Collard Greens
13. Cilantro

And feel free to indulge on non-organic items off the following list (in order starting with the cleanest):

1. 
2. Onions
3. Sweet Corn
4. Pineapple
5. Avocado
6. Asparagus
7. Frozen Sweet Peas
8. Mangoes
9. Eggplant
10. Domestic Canteloupe
11. Kiwi
12. Cabbage
13. Watermelon
14. Sweet Potatoes
15. Grapefruit
16. Mushrooms

*Thank you to E-The Environmental Magazine for bringing the updated list to my attention. 

Chicken

Nate and I eat a lot of chicken. After several years of eating free range chicken, I have found the most delicious chicken I've ever tasted. Bar 5 Meat and Poultry has a free range chicken breast that has been out of this world no matter how I prepare it. They are at the St. Paul Farmers' Market every Saturday.

One of the daughters on this family owned farm replied to my question about whether the chicken were free range, "They're so free range I have to check my shoes for chicken poop before I get on the school bus."

I enjoy eating happy chickens. 

Why I Breastfeed

I've been putting off this topic because it seems highly personal, but I think it's time to share the benefits I've found in breastfeeding.

First, the most obvious reason is that it is the best food for my baby. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for at least the first year. Breast milk offers more nutrients and antibodies than can be found in formula, and is uniquely adjusted to the needs of your baby in every moment; your body responds to baby's needs every time he eats.

Second, we save money. Formula is expensive! Breastfeeding just requires me to eat a few extra calories, which I'll happily do. In spite of my extra caloric intake, it also helps me to lose my baby weight. Gotta love that.

And then there are the environmental reasons. Formula comes in packaging, which must be thrown away, which means more junk in landfills. In addition, the packaging and formula require energy to be created. Using formula requires bottles, nipples, liners, etc. that must be produced, washed, and eventually thrown away. (To be fair, as a breastfeeding and pumping mom, I use bottles as well, but some women have lifestyles that allow them to exclusively breastfeed.) Finally, using formula requires fuel; a vehicle must get it to the store, and then you have to take your vehicle to go get it.

Breastfeeding is not without its difficulties. In my first weeks home with my newborn, a friend said to me "I don't know why you wouldn't breastfeed." I thought to myself, "I do." The first three weeks were incredibly difficult. My little (big) guy wanted to eat every 1-2 hours; my entire world had shifted to feeding the hungry boy. It was exhausting. But I also recall a very distinct moment when he was three weeks old and had finally started falling into a routine. He had just woken up and started eating, and I felt a sudden pleasure and bond in breastfeeding him. From there on, it has been an enjoyable experience. Even after an incredibly painful clogged duct at about 3 months, I'm happily breastfeeding.

I have all intentions of discontinuing breastfeeding at a year. Perhaps something will convince me to switch to formula before then. (Let's be honest; my baby doesn't have teeth yet, and I bet that's a whole new set of challenges.) But for now, I'm happy and proud to be breastfeeding. I know he's getting the best, and so is the planet.

 

Fat Tire Beer

I'm not a beer drinker, but Nate is. We were very excited to discover that his new beer of choice is also an incredibly socially responsible company. New Belgium Brewing makes Fat Tire Amber Ale. While Nate loves the flavor, we also both love what the company stands for. The "Company Core Values" include:

• Kindling social, environmental and cultural change as a business role model.
• Environmental stewardship: Honoring nature at every turn of the business
• Balancing the myriad needs of the company, our coworkers and their families.
• Having Fun.

What fantastic values. They demonstrate these values in a number of ways, including: 

• Wind powered
• Employee owned company
• Use of natural lighting
• Promotion of bike commuting
• Low-water landscaping
• Use of reclaimed materials
• Porous sidewalks

Nate can feel good about a beer that tastes good and that matches our socially responsible values. A great discovery just in time for the summer cabin season!