Giving Back- Wrapping up the No-Impact Challenge

 Although I wasn't completely diligent this week about following each piece of advice in the No-Impact Challenge, I don't think that was the point! Instead, it simply gave me some new tools to try out. It also made me aware that sometimes, doing less is really doing more for the environment.

Colin suggests taking an "Eco-Sabbath" on the last day of the challenge-a day away from appliances, motorized transportation, electronics, and money. Although I was unable to spend the day like this, I think I will be trying it on my day off- Tuesday- to see what it's like to turn off the computer, the cellphone, and possibly use the day to volunteer, bike, make a fresh salad, write, draw, and practice my french horn!

 Colin also suggests joining a "What's Your Tree" group or starting your own. Created by Julia Butterfly Hill, who sat for two years on the top of a 1,000 year old tree in Northern California, it was originally created for those who were inspired by her act to create groups in their own communities in order to amplify their own efforts for the environment by way of focusing their efforts.

Although there is not a group in my area, I am welcome to form my own group here in Chicago. I think it would be a great way to find others like myself who are working in their own small way to change the way that they live in order to share resources and make our impact larger! Or maybe make our impact smaller, I should say : ).

I must go to work (on Labor Day), but I hope I've given you, my readers, some food for thought. Don't just read, go out and try something different! You may find that it contributes not only to the environment but also to your own well-being. What isn't to love about that?

-Check out petitedancer25.etsy.com to purchase any of my items!-

Finding Local Food - The Quest for Fresh

As a youngster, I remember looking forward to seeing pick-up trucks pull into the Prairie Hills Mall parking lot and put up handmade signs advertising "Corn for Sale" or watching them set up tables full of tomatoes. Farmer's market time!

Well, guess, what? It's that time again! The focus for Wednedsday's No Impact Challenge was food. What better way to lower my impact then to take a trip to the nearest farmer's market?

Although Brandon and I spent most of the day calling property owners and checking out apartments, we also were lucky enough to fall upon the Andersonville Farmer's Market. To be honest, we were headed to the Hopleaf Bar to have a beer after all of our hard work :) but I'm so glad that we came upon the farmer's market so that I could bring my focus back to this challenge.

After checking out everything, we decided to purchase a loaf of bread from the Bennison Bakery in Evanston, IL (just down the street from my dance studio!), and a big bag of beautiful mushrooms that I later sauteed with Italian spices and sherry wine and placed on top of our veggie burgers! SOOOOO good!

We did eventually make it to Hopleaf Bar, where I decided to get a local beer from Half Acre Beer Co. The Daisy Cutter Pale Ale was refreshingly hoppy, perfect after our bike ride. It is made right here in Chicago, in Lincoln Park, and besides that, it was really tasty! You can check out Half Acre's blog here. They are also big cycling advocates, so I'm looking forward to touring their brewery when I have the chance. (All the more reason for you to visit, Mom and Dad!)

Notice the new widget on my sidebar. Just type in your zip code and it will find the nearest farmer's markets to you, and also tell you what foods are in season. It's a great tool!

All in all, a fantastic day in the neighborhood. I'll definitely be back to the Andersonville Farmer's Market soon, and look forward to visiting Hopleaf Bar to try more of their local beers! Who knew going local could be so tasty?


-Check out ragsbysockmonkey.etsy.com to purchase any of my items!-

Want to win one of my scarves? Here's how!

Photo by Lauren Baker

Hello friends!

Here is a short diversion from my No Impact Challenge- winning free stuff!

The fantastic blog Rikrak Studio is giving away one of my very own scarves (pictured above), along with many other beautiful items, to celebrate her birthday. Go to her blog here to see all of the wonderful packages that you could win and to find out how you can win these wonderful things : ).

All you have to do is follow the instructions. By "hearting" someone, following them on Twitter, becoming their "friend" on Facebook, or following their blog, you could win a package including one of my scarves, two 8 x 10 prints, teardrop earrings, and some lovely paper embellishments, all by different artists.

This is also a great way to discover new artists, and it's really quite simple. I also think that Rikrak Studio's blog is really lovely, and worth the visit.

I can't wait to see who becomes the new proud owner of one of my scarves!

-Check out petitedancer25.etsy.com to purchase any of my items!-