Highlights of my week

Hiking at Muir Beach

I owe you, faithful readers, an apology for not being very active on the blog recently. I'll give you an explanation and maybe at the same time a peek into my daily activities.


Last Thursday: The kids get interviewed by Scholastic News. Contrary to previous ones, they enthusiastically accepted to participate in the interview, as they are readers of the periodical at school (vs. People magazine, which they did not know existed).


Friday: I go to the dentist and my hygienist sparks up a discussion on dental alternatives. This woman is full of inventive ideas on how to floss without store-bought floss, and how to brush using twigs. She makes my cleaning a creative thinking delight! I'll have to try some of her ideas and maybe write about it here...
Me rolling


Saturday: We go to our neighbor's St. Patrick's Day potluck, and in front of the beautiful corned beef brisket, feel left out, having given up meat for Lent. I take my revenge on wine (which I gave up for Lent last year).


Sunday: Meat usually helps damper the effect of alcohol in my body... and without it I feel a bit of a hangover. But Scott and I take a hike on the coast and come back with a nice collection of mussels for dinner. Foraging my own protein makes me feel even better.


Monday: The whole family takes on its first "homemade tortilla" challenge, with no press and no rolling pin. As I write this I realize that I gave away my rolling pin a couple of years ago and had not needed it until then; a bottle did the job just fine (just like grandma used to do it). I rolled, Leo flipped, Max timed and Scott took pictures. They were delicious. Will do again!
Leo flippin'


Tuesday: I had a call with the programmers at FreeRange for our Bulk Finder App. It's coming along just great. I am not sure when it will be released yet, but I am so excited to share it with you! It will allow us to find bulk anywhere, even when we travel!


Yesterday: CNN came over for an interview and shoot, the weather was perfect and the kids are really getting used to having cameras around, they even seem aloof. If it airs, it will be the week of Earth Day, aka Superbowl day for The Zero Waste Home ;)


Today: I found out The View played a rerun of our segment... Welcome to you, new readers!


Max displaying the lack of veggies in his creation
-he focused on the flavor of the tortilla instead;)

Well these are the highlights that added interest to my week otherwise spent writing my book. The script is really where I spend most of my days lately. It's a lot of work and I sometimes feel overwhelmed by the amount of information that I would like to convey, but I am excited about getting all I that I know out of me to share with the rest of the world.



What was the highlight of your week?

Mini-Wardrobe Fave: The Red Dress

I am having way too much fun with this series.

Today, I played with my red dress. I bought it for its fit and color, but its versatility has proven to be its best advantage. I have taken it from a hike on the nearby mountain to a walk on the beach to a cocktail party, all on the same day! Here are some different looks:


1. With cage heels and clutch for a cocktail party

2. Topped with a pink tank top for a photo shoot ;) (that's what I wore for People Mag)


3. With a chunky 3/4 sleeve sweater and winter fedora for running errands.




4. With a denim shirt tied at the waist for a picnic in the park.



5. With tights and a long cardigan belted at the waist for going to the movies.



6. Over a red strapless dress, and accessorized with Scott's chunky scarf for brunch

7. With a black tank top, necklace, and cage heels for a dinner out.



8. Accessorized with summer fedora and sandals for a stroll on the beach.

9. Under a blazer, with boots for a day in the city.


10. On top of the Striped Shirt, with leggings for drinks with girlfriends.
Here I come, Beerworks!

Sarah's story


This week, Sarah shares her frustrations about ways to raise awareness in her community. I am truly impressed with her persistence. Thanks, Sarah for all you do and please keep in mind: "Energy and persistence conquer all things" Benjamin Franklin.


"In my Utah city, I am fortunate to feel a sense of community.  We watch each others’ kids.We bring dinners to families who have just had new babies.  We lend skilled labor and share knowledge.  I am proud to say that there is a high rate of volunteerism here—highest in the nation, in fact.

There is also a high rate of acquiring stuff.


Though there are regional pockets where prevailing trends advocate and facilitate reduced consumption, the American Dream of a big house, a bigcar and lots of beautiful things is still culturally relevant across much of the country.


Though we are nowhere near zero waste and have plenty of room for improvement, my family of 5 has been ahead of the trend when compared to the rest of our community.  Last year I took our (rather large) garbage bin out to the street only 5 times.  A lot of garbage to zero waste proponents, extremely little to my peers.


Because of this distinction of being comparatively weird (though lovably so), I try to act as an easy-going guide to my peers in this foreign world of less waste.


I started blogging. My tone was mostly to show a self-mockinghumor in daily green living.  People living conventional lifestyles can be easily spooked by what they perceive to be militant hippie-ism.  (Let’s face it, people, we can get a little freaky at times.) If I can introduce new ideas while infusing a bit of levity, maybe readers would be willing to at least listen. Then maybe give it a try.  Even if it’s just one thing.


I am not a natural at self-promotion or social media, so readership was minimal.  I decided to expand my outreach: community education through the local university extension.  I persuaded the administrators to add two new classes.  Two people signed up.  The classes were canceled.


Next attempt.  I approached newspapers to become a contributor in online communities.  One local paper took me on.  It’s hard to say how high the readership is.


On to civic involvement. I addressed the city council regarding environmentally-sustainable initiatives.  The council invited me to present at a work session at an upcoming meeting.  Nothing immediate or tangible came of that meeting.  But, maybe—I hoped—it got afoot in the door.


In another attempt at community education, I approached a large gardens/museum complex in the area and proposed a series of classes.  The first month, one person signed up.  The classes were again canceled. 


A few months later I met with a couple of the directors there to propose a revised approach.  They seemed hopeful.  Unfortunately nothing has, as yet, come of that meeting.


Being ahead of the market is frustrating.


Because this lifestyle is uncommon here and because most members of my community are beginners (if not pre-beginners), it is taking a while to lay the groundwork.  It is arduous and discouraging.  Though the feedback is positive when it is given, there is little action so I am often left with question marks.


At the same time, it is invigorating.


On my second attempt to work with city government, I approached the mayor and city council with a request.  For the past 7 summers I have organized a neighborhood “free yard sale.”  I am interested in expanding it to a citywide event and, therefore, need the city’s help.  I was asked to leave my contact information for follow-up.  After the meeting a couple of council members approached me with appreciation.  The mayor asked me to please call to make anappointment to meet with him.


Not quite sure what will happen, but it’s another foot in the door.


Utah’s recent history is shaped by the devoted footsteps of thousands of pioneers searching for a land they could call home.


Today there is a new generation of pioneers.  In communities across the world, people are steadfastly, footstep by symbolic footstep, sharing ways to live in greater harmony with nature and each other.


I reach out to the Zero Waste community and ask: what are some more ways I can get the word out? What are you (or someone you know) doing in your community?"