The Accidental Locavore: No New Year's Resolutions, but Three Green Goals for 2011

We’re all works in progress, and the reason we come to Web sites like EcoPlum, is to find ideas and help in living a greener, more environmentally friendly life. No matter why you do it, every step helps. How and what you eat is a big part of that. So, for 2011, here are a couple of goals the Accidental Locavore is setting. They’re not big; just some small steps in the right direction.

Greening Our Schools: Reducing Waste at Schools

Most of us have heard the phrase, “you are what you eat.” But the anthropology of garbage has also shown us that “we are what we throw away,” and the pictures aren’t pretty.

The EPA estimates that in 2008, Americans generated 250 million tons (or 500 billion pounds) of trash, almost 30 percent of the world’s global total.

The often uncomfortable topic of garbage has permeated our collective consciousness. The opening sequence of the 1973 cult movie Soylent Green showcases disturbing images of rapid industrialization, pollution and waste. Fast-forward to the post-apocalyptic visions of movies like Children of Men (2006) (based on PD James’ 1992 novel), and "Wall-E" (2008), set against a backdrop of environmental devastation caused by unsustainable consumption, and you’d think humans were preparing for a cultural shift.

Chryso's Beauty Buys: Gift Guide Eco-Friendly Fashion

It’s easy to get lost in the gift-giving craze of the holiday season. We all want those special people in our lives to smile from ear-to-ear when they unwrap our amazing gift. Sometimes, we can forget that we’ve been buying eco-friendly items all year long for good reason. Don’t let sustainability get tossed by the wayside, like crinkled up holiday wrapping. There are nice clothing options that will make your loved one say, “Wow” while you get to keep kosher with your conscience.

Dede's Green Scene: The Daily Show with Jon Stewart Presents: Earth

Do you remember burying a time capsule when you were younger - either with your school, or your childhood friends? Or maybe you watched the Bayside gang bury one on an episode of Saved by the Bell? People would bury things from the present in order for those of the future to dig them up and understand the past. Well, this is the premise of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart Presents: Earth, except it’s not for humans of Earth, but for aliens. This book is a guide for those who find themselves on Earth…once the human race is gone.

Go Green This Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving. A holiday known for turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and…being green! By making these simple swaps in your holiday meal, you can transform your Thanksgiving from an environmental nightmare to one as environmentally sustainable as the first Thanksgiving.

The Accidental Locavore: Green Giving? Here's an Easy Holiday Gift Idea Using Recycled Bottles: Tarragon Vinegar

Making tarragon vinegar is really easy and makes a great looking gift.

What you’ll need:

- As many bottles as you have gift recipients for. The year we did it, my husband had been drinking Lorina French Lemonade wine in lovely glass bottles, so we developed quite a collection. It’s also a great excuse to drink a lot of wine.·

- A bunch of tarragon. I’ve still got it growing (and running amuck) in my garden. Otherwise get a bunch or two from your local greenmarket or grocery. You’ll need one good sprig per bottle, washed.

- Cider vinegar - we bought a few gallons.

- A funnel or large pitcher to pour the heated vinegar.

- Corks or other closures for your bottles.

Designing Green with Robin Baron - Cooking up a Storm!

It’s our kitchens' busiest time of the year…the holidays! It’s the season of cookies, turkey, and all of your family’s holiday favorites. Amongst the chaos of entertaining, your energy usage racks up faster than your gift list! People always ask me whether gas or electric is better for cooking or baking and what is more energy efficient. Truth is, there are pros and cons to both and great energy efficient options for whatever your preference may be.

Hybrid Cars: Not as Green as You Think

Hybrid cars are considered an environmentally-safe alternative to traditional motor vehicles. This is attributed to hybrids having two power sources to tap from, essentially cutting the need to consume gasoline. While the earth certainly needs a vacation from gas-guzzlers, hybrids come with environmental problems of their own.

Greening Our Schools: The School Food Revolution Part Three

Last month, we learned about the individuals and organizations leading the “School Food Revolution.” In this final article in our series, we’ll find out why New York is at the forefront of that revolution. We’ll tell you about some of the incredible projects several New York schools are launching to improve cafeteria food and educate their children about healthy eating and sustainability.

Chryso's Beauty Buys: Eco-Friendly Hairspray

Welcome to my beauty column! We will devote this space to a different product category for the month, be it body wash, nail polish, or bath salts. We’ll let you know which brand outshined the rest in the categories of safety, environmental responsiveness, packaging, practicality and results, so that you can make informed choices about what you slather on, dust on, and lather up with. This month we review hairspray…