ACT NOW: Support the Local Food for Local Schools Program TOMORROW!
It’s a win, win, win! The Local Food for Local Schools Reimbursement program (HB 1657) will help schools pay New Hampshire farmers and producers for New Hampshire made and grown food to serve as breakfast and lunch for New Hampshire students. It’s good for our farmers, who will have a stable market for their produce. It’sContinue reading “ACT NOW: Support the Local Food for Local Schools Program TOMORROW!”
My Green Resolutions for 2022
Each new year is a new chance for us to recommit to the planet. Last year I shared twelve resolutions, one for each month. Some of those resolutions, like eating vegetarian, avoiding disposables, growing my own food, reducing my waste, and staying local have been part of my life for a long time. Weatherizing myContinue reading “My Green Resolutions for 2022”
Wishing You a Cozy Holiday Week
Friends, how will you spending the holidays this year? I hope you’re able to take some time to rest, relax and recharge. Maybe that means skiing, sledding, snow-shoeing, subway riding or snuggling by the fire. It’s been quite the year and I hope you’re able to do whatever brings you joy. Hannah and I willContinue reading “Wishing You a Cozy Holiday Week”
Happy Solstice! Winter Tips, Tricks, and a Warm Soup Recipe
Happy winter, everyone! It’s really nice to have snow again on the winter solstice and maybe we’ll still have some for Christmas on Saturday. As New Hampshire warms (faster than most states), this may not always be the case, so let’s enjoy it while we have it! Now, for a few eco-tips about winter: StillContinue reading “Happy Solstice! Winter Tips, Tricks, and a Warm Soup Recipe”
December’s Zero Waste Wins and Struggles
Don’t know about you, but Thanksgiving through January tends to be super busy for my family. Yes, there are “the holidays” but both of my children also have their birthdays in December and January, and we always make sure they get their fair share of celebrating and adoration. So this time of year involves lostContinue reading “December’s Zero Waste Wins and Struggles”
Our 100 Day Wool Dress Challenge
For the past week, my six-year-old daughter and I have each been wearing the same dress. Both are long-sleeved with great pockets. Hers is a bluish gray. Mine is a bright teal blue. We love them so far, which is good, because we will be wearing them for the next 90 days! The 100 DayContinue reading “Our 100 Day Wool Dress Challenge”
“That’s not yogurt either” and other funny stories from my low-waste life
Whenever two cultures collide, there are bound to be some funny and awkward stories and low waste culture and standard American culture are no exceptions. I’ve had some really unpleasant experiences where people were rude, ignorant, or insulting, but for the most part, people are just kind of bewildered and curious about my low-waste lifestyle.Continue reading ““That’s not yogurt either” and other funny stories from my low-waste life”
The Christmas Tree Question
Driving home from Thanksgiving at my parents’ home, I was struck by how many people were already decorating for the winter holidays. You won’t ever find our family hanging lights the day after Thanksgiving, but you will find my husband outside digging a big hole in the almost-frozen ground to prepare for Christmas. The bigContinue reading “The Christmas Tree Question”
Global News to be Thankful for on Thanksgiving
I know most of the environmental news we hear is doom and gloom. It can be hard to bear and hard to get motivated when it feels like everything we love is slipping away, BUT good things are happening out there! Good people are doing wonderful things all around the world to preserve, restore, andContinue reading “Global News to be Thankful for on Thanksgiving”
I Tried It: Second Hand October
There are many reasons why I love writing for GreenLifeNH, but one is that it pushes me to further improve my eco-habits. You can’t talk the talk if you don’t at least try to walk the walk. There are therefore a few lifestyle changes that have been propelled by this site, such as switching toContinue reading “I Tried It: Second Hand October”
A Survival Guide for Black Friday and Cyber Monday
The voices are everywhere: Black Friday and Cyber Monday are coming, consumers! Make sure you wake up early so you don’t miss a minute! So many deals on the newest gadget and the cutest holiday decorations. Treat yourself – you deserve it! Spoil your family and friends – they will love it! Buy! Buy! Buy!Continue reading “A Survival Guide for Black Friday and Cyber Monday”
From Pumpkin Seed to Pumpkin Pie, A lesson in patience
Pumpkin seeds are one of the last seeds to be planted in the garden. They are big ones. Very satisfying to plant. I learned a method from my neighbor in the community garden: “Dig your pumpkin a pot,” she said, “and fill it with good soil”. So we dug “pots” for four pumpkin plants thisContinue reading “From Pumpkin Seed to Pumpkin Pie, A lesson in patience”
Why your shopping bags (and other personal changes) matter
I’ve been noticing a lot more electric and hybrid vehicles out on the road recently. Ever since my parents bought a Prius when I was in college, I have been doing an informal tally on the percentage of eco-vehicles I see and the number is definitely the highest it’s ever been. This matters for twoContinue reading “Why your shopping bags (and other personal changes) matter”
Stop! Don’t rake those leaves!
Hi, it’s me again. Your friendly neighborhood yard specialist. Here with some more unconventional advice to make your yard greener and friendlier to your neighbors of all shapes and sizes and fur color. This summer, I mentioned some strategies to make your yard a happier place for living creatures, including planting a pollinator garden andContinue reading “Stop! Don’t rake those leaves!”
October Zero Waste Wins and Struggles
This month has been a mixed bag in terms of zero waste and environmental efforts. I think I’ve mentioned before but my schedule has gone from 0-100 in the past month, as I’m back to work, school for a mid-life career switch, raising two kids and finding time to breathe. I actually love being busyContinue reading “October Zero Waste Wins and Struggles”
Three Easy Leftover Meals
Food waste is a real problem in this country. I know most people don’t think, “hey, I’ll buy this bag of spinach, leave it in my fridge for weeks, and then toss it in the garbage”, but it happens a lot. Yes, feeding scraps to your chickens or composting it, either on your own orContinue reading “Three Easy Leftover Meals”
Products We Use: Organic Cotton
We buy most of our clothing used from local shops or from online retailers, but there are some things I just can’t bring myself to buy used. Masks, underwear, bras, pajamas, socks, towels, and sheets are the obvious ones for me. All of these fabrics touch our bodies up close and personal and I’m justContinue reading “Products We Use: Organic Cotton”
Don’t Forget to Plant your Garlic on Halloween!
When I started growing my own food, I didn’t realize how easy it would be to be totally self-sufficient in some staple crops. No, we’re not even close to self-sufficient in potatoes or beans, but we’re getting closer with tomatoes and peppers. We have been able to grow and store all the butternut squash andContinue reading “Don’t Forget to Plant your Garlic on Halloween!”
Beyond Zero-Waste Efforts
I’ve been thinking about how I can work to prevent climate change on a larger scale. As someone with a full-time job, two children and is back in school for a mid-life career switch, my minutes are precious. I’m sure yours are too. I make a lot of my small swaps and speak up whenContinue reading “Beyond Zero-Waste Efforts”
Invasives are Everywhere! How can YOU help NH?!
This fall, I am participating in the UNH Cooperative Extension’s Master Gardener Program and I am absolutely loving it. This week one of the sessions was on invasive species in New Hampshire and I was astonished to learn that many of the plants and trees I see on a daily basis are not only invasive,Continue reading “Invasives are Everywhere! How can YOU help NH?!”
September Zero Waste Wins and Struggles
Well, school is back in session and my schedule has gone from zero to a million very quickly. Convenience and time saving hacks come into play, especially when I’m tired and don’t have a lot of energy to get it all done. Yet somehow the weeks are moving forward and I continue with my zeroContinue reading “September Zero Waste Wins and Struggles”
Clothesline Hacks 101
I’ve been using my new clothesline for almost a year now and I still love it as much as I did when we put it up in November 2020. I’m proud to say we now hang at least 80% of our laundry to dry now instead of using a dryer, which has made a significantContinue reading “Clothesline Hacks 101”
I Tried It: Reusable Steel Razor
I’ll be honest – I was really nervous about making this switch. I bought my steel razor a few weeks ago from Bona Fide and it sat in my bathroom cabinet, daring me to use it. I can be a bit klutzy and had been using Venus-brand shavers for a long time because they feltContinue reading “I Tried It: Reusable Steel Razor”
Why I grow my own food
In a world where I can drive ten minutes to the grocery store and buy perfectly clean, spot-free tomatoes and bright green, uniformly-sized greens, and scrubbed, spotless potatoes for less than $20, why did I just spend an hour bent over my garden, hands in the dirt, to harvest funny-shaped, nibbled tomatoes, greens, and potatoesContinue reading “Why I grow my own food”
Small Changes Add Up or How We Spent Our Rosh Hashanah
This past week, Jews around the world celebrated Rosh Hashanah – the Jewish New Year. The name literally means “head of the year” in Hebrew. Besides being a time to think reflectively about the past year, and ponder how you can improve during the next one, it is customary to celebrate with a big mealContinue reading “Small Changes Add Up or How We Spent Our Rosh Hashanah”
Why my foodie husband buys Michelob beer (the answer may surprise you)
I think my husband would take issue at being deemed a foodie, so let me quickly explain that my husband cares a lot about where his food – and his beer – comes from. We get a lot of our food from our own garden, make it ourselves, or buy it from local farmers andContinue reading “Why my foodie husband buys Michelob beer (the answer may surprise you)”
August’s Zero Waste Wins and Goals
For our family, this is the last true week of summer vacation before school starts again! Three of us head back to schedules and our daily routines. While I’d say we’re looking forward to getting into the swing of things, we’re also sad to say goodbye to leisurely beach and pool days. My to-do listContinue reading “August’s Zero Waste Wins and Goals”
My Five Favorite Gardening Books
I have been growing vegetables for six years now. Each year I gather a bigger, better harvest and feel more confident in my abilities, but I still have SO MUCH to learn. Luckily, there are hundreds of gardening books available to help me. Here are my five favorite books: Week-by-Week Vegetable Gardening Handbook by RonContinue reading “My Five Favorite Gardening Books”
Back to School Products We Use
It’s that time of year again! Time to pack up the dear children and send them back to school. When I was a kid, that always meant a trip to the mall for back to school clothes, shoes, and sometimes even a new backpack or lunchbox. Then we’d head to Staples for all new schoolContinue reading “Back to School Products We Use”
One Year of GreenLifeNH and a Giveaway!
It’s mid-August! The last few days have been a bit warm but lots of good stuff as well. In celebration, we are sharing a bit of what’s been giving us joy! Rachel: Breaking out of my comfort zone. It’s funny because I’m actually a creature of habit and thrive on routines and predictability. Yet, IContinue reading “One Year of GreenLifeNH and a Giveaway!”
Fun Recipes for Eating Local in August
It’s August in New Hampshire. Gardens are overflowing with fresh, local vegetables and fruits; chickens are laying lots of eggs and cows are giving lots of milk; orchards and berry bushes are laden with fruits. It’s a wonderful time to be a Granite Stater! I’ve included breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert ideas to get yourContinue reading “Fun Recipes for Eating Local in August”
Backyard Chickens – More than just eggs!
In April, we packed the kids into the car and headed over to Osborne’s Agway in Concord (one of my favorite places) to pick up six adorable balls of fluff, which would eventually become laying hens. Affectionately named Rufflet, Buttercup, Nita Chick, Piplup, Betty, and Cutie Pie (if you know my children, you can probablyContinue reading “Backyard Chickens – More than just eggs!”
NH EATS LOCAL KICKOFF: Eat Pancakes this Sunday!
This August, NH Food Alliance is hosting NH Eats Local Month – a whole month dedicated to celebrating the delicious food we grow and raise right here in New Hampshire. To kick off the month, they are encouraging all Granite Staters to come together to feast on pancakes with local NH syrup this Sunday, AugustContinue reading “NH EATS LOCAL KICKOFF: Eat Pancakes this Sunday!”
July’s Zero Waste Wins and Struggles
How has your summer been going? After a June marked by concerning heat, New Hampshire’s July has been filled with the opposite weather – lots of cooler temps and RAIN. Unfortunately it seems like a lot of the world has been experiencing a similar situation as well, especially Europe and China, which have seen record-breakingContinue reading “July’s Zero Waste Wins and Struggles”
Welcome, Pollinators!
In January, I posted a list of 12 Green Resolutions for 2021. The one I was the most excited about was #6: Be kind to your wild neighbors. This year I have been working hard to turn my yard into a habitat for birds, butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. My yard is a work inContinue reading “Welcome, Pollinators!”
Products We Use: Berkey Water Filter
Most people know that drinking safe, clean water is of paramount importance for our health, but many don’t take the necessary steps to protect themselves and their families from water contaminants. And many people drink bottled water, get water delivered, or filter their tap water through inefficient and insufficient filters into plastic containers (read: Brita).Continue reading “Products We Use: Berkey Water Filter”
I Tried It: Eco-Friendly Bathroom Tissue
Whenever I talk about switching to eco-friendlier products, toilet paper is often a hot topic. People feel quite strong about which type they use and tend to be cautious about switching. (As an aside, have you ever seen the Curb Your Enthusiasm where Larry’s house guests complain about the environmental toilet paper? It’s pretty funny.)Continue reading “I Tried It: Eco-Friendly Bathroom Tissue”
Weeds and Deer and Bugs, Oh My! How to keep nature from eating your vegetable garden without using chemicals
Three days of rain followed by two days of warm sun is perfect weather for growing vegetables – and weeds. I spent a good part of yesterday over at the community garden explaining to the weeds that, while I’m happy if they want to take over my yard, I’d prefer it if they could stayContinue reading “Weeds and Deer and Bugs, Oh My! How to keep nature from eating your vegetable garden without using chemicals”
1000 Hours and Other Updates
Now that summer is in full-swing, it’s obviously super easy to get outside. Not all days are perfect – it’s raining cats and dogs here today and I assured my children that I wouldn’t force them outdoors in this weather (though there is an argument for that type of thinking). If you consider days likeContinue reading “1000 Hours and Other Updates”
Sustainable Swaps for Awesome Summer Fun
Last year around this time, I wrote a post called Zero Waste Outdoor Activities with Kids, all about getting back to nature and simple old-fashioned summer fun. I focused on classic children’s activities like building bird houses, forts, and fairy houses, hiking, biking, and swimming, and I believe I even suggested you dust off yourContinue reading “Sustainable Swaps for Awesome Summer Fun”
June’s Zero Waste Wins and Struggles
The school year is over and it’s summer vacation! If you’re like me, your routines change during July and August, and that can affect your zero-waste habits. But don’t fret – some eco-friendly living is better than nothing and every little bit counts. Here’s what my family accomplished and temporarily relinquished over the past fewContinue reading “June’s Zero Waste Wins and Struggles”
Products We Use: Souper Cubes
I am all about eating healthy, home-cooked meals, but I am not all about cooking every day. Or every other day. So I buy (and grow) ingredients in bulk and cook them in bulk so I can just reach into the freezer for a pizza crust, some curry, cookies, muffins, or soup. We eat lotsContinue reading “Products We Use: Souper Cubes”
I Want to Make a Change, Where Do I Start?
I’m taking some time off this week, so thought I’d share some of our older posts that get buried in the back of the site. They all offer simple suggestions about thinking more sustainably. I always say that you don’t need to adopt an “all or nothing” philosophy in order to make a difference. ByContinue reading “I Want to Make a Change, Where Do I Start?”
State of my Green(er) Yard Report
We moved into a new home a little less than a year ago. Our goal is to make as many ecological changes as we can to the yard, within reason (since we don’t own the home and need to work on a budget). I’m so inspired by friends, family, and random people on the internetContinue reading “State of my Green(er) Yard Report”
Products We Use: Cleaning
True or false – a few months ago, before I started the bi-weekly cleaning of our bathrooms, I said “I’d rather be giving birth.” The answer is true. While I realize that’s dramatic, that’s how much I hate these types of chores. But I still clean because the alternative is worse. Over the years, ourContinue reading “Products We Use: Cleaning”
Skip the Box Pizza Delivery! Make six low-waste pizza crusts to freeze and use anytime
Pizza delivery is wasteful (the driving, the packaging) and expensive. Keep pizza easy and fun with this six crust recipe. It’s much healthier than restaurant pizza and just as good (my daughters think it’s better). Freeze five crusts and you’ll have easy dinners right at your fingertips. Why is this pizza low waste? We buyContinue reading “Skip the Box Pizza Delivery! Make six low-waste pizza crusts to freeze and use anytime”
1000 Hours Update and Planning for Summer
As I’ve mentioned before, and could have likely predicted, we’ve lost count of our 1000 hours over here. However, like many of you, our family has been spending way more time outside now that the weather is nicer. We are gardening, nature walking, playing in the yard and pretty soon swimming at our local poolContinue reading “1000 Hours Update and Planning for Summer”
How to STAY COOL this summer without AC
Summer weather is on its way. Instead of heading down the slippery slope of air conditioning your home (once you pop those units in for the first 90 degree day, they tend to stay on all summer), try these age-old and remarkably effective methods instead. Work with the natural rhythm of the summer day andContinue reading “How to STAY COOL this summer without AC”
My Low Waste Morning Routine
It occurred to me it might help to see how some of these low-waste behaviors fit together in a normal day, so today I’m going to share my morning routine. Striving for a low waste lifestyle is a matter of changing small habits, products, and behaviors over time. I didn’t wake up one morning andContinue reading “My Low Waste Morning Routine”
May’s Zero Waste Wins and Struggles
Somehow it’s May and we’re already nearing the end of the school year. It’s been quite the ride, correct? Yet the days move forward, the seasons change and I keep working on my zero-waste lifestyle in order to help the Earth. Like I always say, small actions add up to big ones. Every little bitContinue reading “May’s Zero Waste Wins and Struggles”
The Battle of Green Desert has begun
It’s time to man your battle stations against the most insidious enemy you never knew you had. It’s time to stop aiding and abetting the enemy. Don’t let the Green Desert continue to spread across New Hampshire. Seize the Day! The good news is this may be the easiest battle you’ve ever fought because allContinue reading “The Battle of Green Desert has begun”
I Tried It: Dairy-Free Yogurts
I had a different “I Tried It” post planned for this month, but then we had a tumultuous week (kid’s class got shut down due to Covid) and some family members were reluctant to rock the boat too much. In response, I decided to focus on hopefully painless food substitutions instead, since dairy and factoryContinue reading “I Tried It: Dairy-Free Yogurts”
1000 Hours Update and Mother’s Day Ideas!
Like I admitted last month, we’ve lost count over here with our 1000 hours challenge. However the weather keeps getting nicer and we consequently find ourselves naturally gravitating out of the house a bit more often and for longer stretches of time. There have obviously been a lot of downsides and tragedies with the CovidContinue reading “1000 Hours Update and Mother’s Day Ideas!”
Reusable Snack Bag Tutorial
Ditch those trashy, tasteless plastic bags and make your own fun, stylish reusable snack bags instead. Great for kids or adults, these bags can be made in any size, with any fabric. No sewing machine required (but you can use it, if you want!). STEP ONE: Choose your fabric and your pull-string. Arguably, the mostContinue reading “Reusable Snack Bag Tutorial”
Low Waste Snacking
Go to any grocery store and you will find row upon row of individually-packaged snacks. Gas stations, pharmacies, and even health food stores are fully stocked with snacks wrapped in plastic. Marketed as easier and more convenient, these snacks add so much waste to our lives and they are completely unnecessary. Many foods come unpackagedContinue reading “Low Waste Snacking”
April Zero Waste Wins and Struggles
As we’ve discussed here on the site, we’re all somewhere on our “zero-waste journey.” It’s pretty impossible to practice a perfect zero-waste lifestyle – society just doesn’t work that way – but we can all work towards making small changes and improvements towards helping the Earth. So I’ve made a decision to celebrate those accomplishmentsContinue reading “April Zero Waste Wins and Struggles”
Plant a little self-sufficiency this year
Backyard gardens and backyard chickens have had a Renaissance recently, thanks to Covid. It gives people a sense of security to know that their food is right in the backyard, not on a barge delayed from China. It was exciting to see so many new people joining the gardening community. I was surprised, however, atContinue reading “Plant a little self-sufficiency this year”
Avoiding Food Waste
Most environmentalists will tell you that food waste is one the leading contributors to climate change. Not necessarily the food itself, but the fact that it’s the item most excessively thrown into landfills. Think spoiled leftovers, rotten fruits or veggies or unopened/half eaten foods from a lunchbox. So what can we do? A few ideasContinue reading “Avoiding Food Waste”
Thank you, Earth!
Dear Earth, Thank you for all the magnificent forests, beaches, rivers, mountains, lakes, oceans, deserts, grasslands, and jungles. Thank you for the amazing animals that crawl, fly, walk, swim, and hop. Thank you for the air we breathe. Thank you for hot days and cold days, for snowy days and rainy days, and everything inContinue reading “Thank you, Earth!”
What’s Bringing You Joy in April?
RACHEL: Any rain we get! I feel like these things tend to sneak-up on us (unless you’re the type of person who meticulously tracks the weather), but New Hampshire is heading towards a drought again. It feels a bit early in the year, yet here we are. Hannah offers some great suggestions with preventative measuresContinue reading “What’s Bringing You Joy in April?”
Carbon Sequestration is the future (please read despite the boring title)
A recent headline on NPR caught my eye: Carbon Emissions Could Plummet. The Atmosphere Will Lag Behind. At first, my eye caught the words “emissions” and “plummet” in the same sentence and I got cautiously hopeful, then I saw the second clause and went back to my usual state of climate anxiety. Thanks to aContinue reading “Carbon Sequestration is the future (please read despite the boring title)”
Earth Day Prep
Earth Day is one week from today and there is so much to do! Trees and flowers to buy. Organizations to research. Gloves and bags to find. Books to borrow…. You may not think of Earth Day as a holiday that requires preparation, but a successful Earth Day requires just as much forethought as anyContinue reading “Earth Day Prep”
I Tried It: Meatless Ground “Beef”
By now, we all know that eating countless amounts of meat plays a factor in climate change. Some believe that we should stop entirely and adopt vegetarian diets, while others take a more measured approach. I have tried going “cold turkey” but usually revert to meat eating ways for various reasons. That said, I’m stillContinue reading “I Tried It: Meatless Ground “Beef””
USED is the new NEW
I was ten the first time my parents bought a new piece of furniture from a store. Before this momentous occasion, everything in their house was either from my dad’s great aunt, who had passed away the year they were married, or from the side of the road. My parents lingered over catalogs for daysContinue reading “USED is the new NEW”
Scenes from the Weekend
Happy Monday! I hope you had a nice weekend and were able to enjoy the warm weather (though I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that it made me a bit nervous). We had family in town, and celebrated a wedding anniversary, so spent the day in Maine. When we first moved to NH fromContinue reading “Scenes from the Weekend”
Guest Post! Why You Should Join a CSA
Today we have a guest post from Melina Caron of Local Harvest! Melina is the public face of Local Harvest and coordinates everything between the farmers and members, while ensuring smooth operations throughout the seasons. We were connected by my friend Barbara, who also helps the collective by teaching some cooking classes. Learn more aboutContinue reading “Guest Post! Why You Should Join a CSA”
Be the Change – Join these two challenges today!
The family and I have been working hard this spring on our new Square Foot Garden (post on that to follow). Our goal is to plant salad green and snack foods close at hand so we don’t have to bike to our community garden every time we want a snap pea or cherry tomato. WeContinue reading “Be the Change – Join these two challenges today!”
Guest Post! Make Your Own Soap
I’m part of a like-minded Facebook group of zero-wasters in NH and recently saw a post where Amy Lamb generously offered to give away some of her homemade soap. Of course, I jumped at the chance to learn more and asked Amy to share her recipe with us on GreenLifeNH. Amy graciously accepted and wroteContinue reading “Guest Post! Make Your Own Soap”
My Low Waste Breakfast – An introduction to bulk buying
Chances are you, like me, eat the same thing for breakfast most mornings. For my family, it’s oatmeal. Big hearty bowls of oatmeal, flavored with peanut butter, dried fruit, nuts, seeds, cinnamon, and a splash of maple syrup. When berries, apples, peaches, and other fruits are in season, we add those too. In order toContinue reading “My Low Waste Breakfast – An introduction to bulk buying”
Monthly Zero-Waste Wins
Happy Monday! As I’ve mentioned on the site before, I am somewhere in the middle of my zero-waste journey. I have some fast fashion clothes, still eat meat and drive a small sized SUV, but I’m working on making better choices for the future. In my opinion, little accomplishments add up to big ones andContinue reading “Monthly Zero-Waste Wins”
Green your Shaving Routine
Daily habits – like shaving – can be hugely wasteful. Each year, people go through can after can of shaving cream or gel, tons of disposable razors and/or disposable blades, and bottles of aftershave and lotion. But shaving, like your other daily habits, doesn’t need to be wasteful! Here are some products, tips, and tricksContinue reading “Green your Shaving Routine”
Maple Syrup is on tap at Kearsarge Gore Farm
When I texted my friend Sarah Hansen, of Kearsarge Gore Farm, last week to see if I could come learn about maple sugaring and take some pictures of the process, her response was enthusiastic: “Yes! The weather is A+++ next week.” When we arrived at the farm in Warner, everyone was busy, busy, busy. “It’sContinue reading “Maple Syrup is on tap at Kearsarge Gore Farm”
What’s Bringing You Joy in March?
While there’s a lot to stress about in the world – climate change, for example – there is also much to celebrate. Time for our monthly series “What’s Bringing You Joy?,” where Hannah and I share some recent items that have made us smile. Share with us too. We’d love to hear from you! RachelContinue reading “What’s Bringing You Joy in March?”
Small Wins: Tiptoeing into Sustainable Living
I have been listening to The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg on OverDrive whenever I am in the car. It’s fascinating on several levels, but the thought that keeps jumping out at me is this – sustainable, green living is all about habits, smallContinue reading “Small Wins: Tiptoeing into Sustainable Living”
I Tried It: Toothpaste Tabs
By now, you likely know that I am the less eco-evolved out of Hannah and me. When I talk about our GreenLifeNH work and team, I like to explain that Hannah is the paragon of all things “green,” while I am the average person who cares and is working towards small but collective changes. AsContinue reading “I Tried It: Toothpaste Tabs”
Seed Starting 101
The beautiful weather these last few days has had me thinking Spring, Spring, Spring! And Spring makes me think of gardening and gardening makes me think – it’s time to start some seeds! (I wrote last month about planning for your garden, if you want to start there). March is a good time to startContinue reading “Seed Starting 101”
Stop! Don’t trash that! Thin Plastics Edition
It happens all the time! I’m trying to be all low-waste and then suddenly there it is – plastic film. Birthday presents come shrink-wrapped in it. Produce comes enshrined in it. Lovely neighborly baked goods come packed in it. Toilet paper is encased in it. Somehow, even though I haven’t bought a sandwich bag inContinue reading “Stop! Don’t trash that! Thin Plastics Edition”
Why I am NOT a minimalist.
If you’ve been following GreenLifeNH for any length of time, you have probably noticed a theme to my posts. I’m all about buying less, taking care of what you have, and doing things yourself if you can. So, it would be a natural jump to assume I am a minimalist. In fact, minimalism and environmentalismContinue reading “Why I am NOT a minimalist.”
Spring is in the air!
Spring is in the air! Can you feel it everywhere? While I’m being a little grouchy about saying goodbye to winter (not sure why, maybe change is hard right now), there is something nice about opening the windows, feeling the fresh breeze and thinking about warmer and brighter days ahead. The temps are rising, andContinue reading “Spring is in the air!”
Five Eco-Don’ts when you’re Going Green
In January, I posted a list of 12 green resolutions for 2021. Now that it is (somehow!) March, I’m delving into all things reusable. We’ll talk about how to make lots of wonderful changes in your home that will help you reduce your waste and your impact on our wonderful planet. But, first, a fewContinue reading “Five Eco-Don’ts when you’re Going Green”
Five Questions with Laura Johnson of Design 645
I had a fun and inspiring chat with my friend, Laura Johnson, this weekend about sustainable ways to redecorate your home using what you have, found treasures, and eco-friendly materials. Laura runs Design 645, an interior design studio based in Hopkinton, New Hampshire. You can see Laura’s work on Instagram and Facebook. I think IContinue reading “Five Questions with Laura Johnson of Design 645”
What Are Your Recent Zero Waste Wins?
If you’ve been reading GreenLifeNH for a while, you likely know that I don’t drive an electric car and sometimes like a good hamburger. I know the perils and pitfalls of both and am working to improve my habits. Rather than eating a regular beef burger, it has become a once in a while treat.Continue reading “What Are Your Recent Zero Waste Wins?”
What to wear?! or Capsule Wardrobes 101
We’ve done several posts about shopping for clothing on this site, including Rachel’s posts on where to buy quality used clothes, Kidizen, and Pact. We’ve also written about how to wash and dry your clothes in a sustainable way. But we’ve never offered fashion advice… until now. I’ll be the first to admit that IContinue reading “What to wear?! or Capsule Wardrobes 101”
Guest Post! How to Make Homemade Gummies
Today we have a guest post from my friend Barbara! She and I first met a few years ago at a moms event and clicked right away. We have children who are the same age and she is one of my go-to friends for exploring the outdoors. She also knows a ton about gardening. EnjoyContinue reading “Guest Post! How to Make Homemade Gummies”
What’s Bringing You Joy In February?
Time for our monthly series where we share a little bit of what’s bringing us joy. Do you have something to add? Let us know. We’d love to hear from you! RACHEL – HANDED-DOWN SPORTSWEAR AND ICE-SKATING! As a native NYCer, I’m still amazed that ice-skating at the town pond has become part of myContinue reading “What’s Bringing You Joy In February?”
What’s your magic number?
This has been a cold February here in New Hampshire. Cold and snowy and Februarish and I’m not complaining in the slightest. But this month has been a test of our magic number, so I think it’s time we talk about it. Our magic number is 63. That is, we set our downstairs thermostat toContinue reading “What’s your magic number?”
Do You Participate in Politics?
(Short on time? Skip down to the “Action Here” section.) I was never a hugely political person. Sure, I always voted (anyone else get teary as they “pull the lever”?) and knew who the major players were, but I rarely paid attention to the day-to-day workings. Until November 2016 happened. I remember watching the newsContinue reading “Do You Participate in Politics?”
Guest Post! Rachel’s Husband Talks About His “So-Called Eco Life”
I don’t know when it first started. It may have been the scratchy toilet paper. Maybe it was the Seventh Generation baby wipes or suddenly not being able to find the paper towels. It could have been going from the Vanity Fair napkins to the big stack of cloth napkins on the kitchen table. Perhaps itContinue reading “Guest Post! Rachel’s Husband Talks About His “So-Called Eco Life””
Tom Brady is (almost) vegan!
There’s a lot of hype right now around Tom Brady and rightfully so. He is considered by many to be the best quarterback of all time. He has many records and achievements under his belt. He is also the oldest player to be named Super Bowl MVP and win a Super Bowl as the startingContinue reading “Tom Brady is (almost) vegan!”
Save our Marsh! Attend the Concord Hearing TODAY
We received an email yesterday from a reader letting us know that the Hoit Road Marsh Wildlife Management Area in Concord is in danger. NH House Bill 571 seeks to repeal recent prohibition of OHRV use on the Marsh, opening the vulnerable ecosystem up to motorcycles and other motorized vehicles. There will be a hearing on HBContinue reading “Save our Marsh! Attend the Concord Hearing TODAY”
Dreaming of Spring: Planning your 2021 Garden
This Monday was Imbolc, a Pagan celebration marking the midpoint between deep winter and first spring. At Imbolc, I always try to sort through my seeds from last year, check over my garden maps, and start dreaming of spring. For some of you, gardening may be old hat and you may already be pouring overContinue reading “Dreaming of Spring: Planning your 2021 Garden”
1000 Hours Monthly Check-In
It’s been about a month since I decided to commit my family to this challenge and I have to say that it’s been going pretty well. If you’re new to this program, you can read more about it on their site and my reasons for trying it. In a nutshell, more outdoor time is alwaysContinue reading “1000 Hours Monthly Check-In”
Portsmouth Bans Single-Use Plastics
You might have missed this recent headline amidst the craziness of December: Portsmouth high school students convinced city council to continue with a proposed city-wide single-use plastics ban, beginning in 2021. The council had intended to put off the ban for another two years, but students from the Eco Club collected over 225 signatures protestingContinue reading “Portsmouth Bans Single-Use Plastics”
What is Greenwashing?
Ever hear the old saying “if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” That’s how I feel about greenwashing. Greenwashing is the process of conveying a false impression or providing misleading information about how a company’s products are more environmentally sound. Greenwashing is considered an unsubstantiated claim to deceive consumers into believingContinue reading “What is Greenwashing?”
Only YOU can save New Hampshire’s forests
Our beautiful state of New Hampshire is the second most forested state in the nation. Nearly 84% of our land is covered with carbon-sequestering, oxygen-giving, awe-inspiring trees. Sometimes it’s hard to remember that large swaths of our planet are not. Taking care of our forests and keeping them healthy is everyone’s job. New Hampshire’s forestsContinue reading “Only YOU can save New Hampshire’s forests”
How Do You Buy Your Clothes?
I think a lot of people look at me and don’t assume that I’m an environmentalist. I’m not a fashionista but like to somewhat follow trends and look a little put together on days that I’m not in yoga pants! I’m also human and not impervious to a good sale, especially right now when everyoneContinue reading “How Do You Buy Your Clothes?”
It’s Burger Night! Hold the beef, please.
There are lots of burger alternatives out there, but there is really nothing compared with a freshly made, delicious, and healthy burger that the kids love and makes great leftovers. Think I’m dreaming? It took us awhile, but we finally found the perfect burger recipe in The High Protein Vegetarian Cookbook. Not only does theContinue reading “It’s Burger Night! Hold the beef, please.”
What’s Bringing You Joy in January?
Rachel: Inauguration Day! Without getting too much into politics, there is much to celebrate today. My two daughters get to watch the first woman and person of color become our Vice President. Joseph Biden has worked in public service for over forty years and will try to unite the country. Our environment also receives aContinue reading “What’s Bringing You Joy in January?”
Who’s paying for your burger?
Meat and dairy production accounts for around 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. – CarbonBrief The United States Department of Agriculture’s guideline for a healthy diet is illustrated with a plate divided into fourths. The largest portions on the plate are fruits and vegetables; next comes grains; and, lastly, proteins. The USDA lists the following foods asContinue reading “Who’s paying for your burger?”
My Top Five Cookbooks, plus one bonus
Let me preface this post by saying I am not an amazing cook. I am not a foodie. I do not pretend to be an expert on cookbooks. But I do know what I like and these cookbooks have been my go-tos for years now. I wholeheartedly recommend them. Two of these cookbooks are vegan;Continue reading “My Top Five Cookbooks, plus one bonus”
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