As a chef, I get joy out of coming up with creative ways to combine fresh produce and ingredients to make delicious meals. It's a great feeling when you are able to utilize leftovers, turn over product and do your job well. I hope all families at home think this way as well, because it saves you money and it's smart! I also like it when I can please people with my cooking, and support local farmers by buying the fruits of their labors. The local farmer's market is held every Saturday morning at the Portsmouth town hall and also around the area on other days of the week. Here you can help out the locals, eat fresh and enjoy your weekend morning with good music & good people. It's an easy and fun way to lead a healthy lifestyle! If you want, you can even grow your own veggies at home and cut out the middleman! Using a rainbarrel is a great way to save rainwater to water your garden and reduce your water use.
Besides shopping for, cooking & eating food, sustainability is needed in other parts of your life. Did you know that you could save $660 a year and 4300 lbs of carbon dioxide by buying a new car that gets 10 mgp better than your current vehicle? I encourage you to participate in the Cash For Clunkers program at your local auto dealer to take advantage of a great deal and achieve these savings. (*Note-Beware of shiesty dealers!) You can also benefit by using energy efficient applicances, low flow water conservation kits, energy strips and compact fluorescent light bulbs. Don't forget to recycle and reuse, too. The less we through away, the less gets put into landfills, and the less we have to worry about in the future!
So think smart, think green and start improving your life for the better! It will save you money, save your health, and save the Earth! :)
