As I do every year on the 23rd of April, I remember my fave English teacher from High School – Frank Sullivan – and I revel in the way he taught me to LOVE Shakespeare. In case you were wondering, Shakespeare died on his birthday, April 23rd. (Another author who died April 23rd is Miguel de Cervantes from Alcala, Spain – we saw his home when we lived in Spain. Sully introduced me to him too – via Man of LaMancha). Thanks Sully!

Sunday was Earth Day and like any eco-minded citizen I was thinking of how what I do has an impact on Mother Earth. (Moment of truth – I hate it when people use “impact” as a verb.) Recently while traveling I had some food trash to toss and I was searching for a bin while waiting in line. One of my fellow travelers pointed out a recycling bin to me and I explained that it was TRASH, not recyclables. He went on a tirade about how he didn’t see the point in recycling because it didn’t make anything “cheaper”. In a controlled voice (difficult for me, let me assure you), I explained that recycling wasn’t about making things cheaper it was about not turning our planet into a gigantic landfill of steaming trash. Because he was truly ignorant and unwilling to learn, I recited the line about teaching a pig to sing in my head and turned my back on him.

I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do. Edward Everett Hale

Therein lies the truth to everything, but in my mind particularly to Earth Day. So here, in addition to recycling, is what I do to make a small difference:
– I have used canvas sacks for my groceries since 1988 – once again I was fashionable before it was cool. I now have too many bags – John says I need to get rid of some and pass them on to other eco-minded people. Call me if you want to own one of my collection.
– Our herb/veggie garden is organic. It’s not only about keeping chemicals off our food, it’s about not killing bees and not putting crap into our VERY shallow water table here in the desert.
– Support local Farmers, Co-Ops and Farmers’ Markets – I pick my own at Gilcrease, shop the Farmers’ Markets when I can get there (great for interesting, uncommon stuff, but WAY more expensive. Be prepared for a little sticker shock), and I recently started using Bountiful Baskets check them out! Not only are you supporting and encouraging local business, but locally produced food you buy doesn’t have to be flown in!
– I began composting – I know according to my HOA that I am not supposed to. But mine is contained, has no odor and my neighbors don’t even know I have it because it is well maintained. You can buy a bin at Costco or other retailer, here’s a pic of the one I use, and set it up in your back yard and get your own heap going.
– I buy sustainably caught, raised, and procured meat and fish when possible. Check out Monterey Aquarium’s Seafood Watch info on Sustainable Seafood. There’s even an app for your phone so you can check on the go! Thanks Rick Moonen for the education! Also check out Blue Oasis Shrimp (available at Albertson’s across the Vegas Valley) – grown in a sustainable facility in the desert believe it or not! No freezing, no jet fuel used for delivery, cleanly raised organic shrimp!
– I drive a car big enough for my purposes that gets at least 25 MPG on the highway.
– I support environmental charities like The Arbor Day Foundation.

To celebrate Earth Day this year, I made a Mainly Meatless dinner (of course there was bacon) of great seasonal veggies and falafel for dinner. The Meatless Monday movement has taken hold, but I don’t participate. I eat whatever strikes my fancy and if Veggie Night is Thursday instead of Monday, so what?

I challenge you to look at how you shop, eat, garden, recycle and see if you can make a small (or big) change that will make you feel like you are contributing to the GREEN solution.
This is what part of my garden looks like today. You see strawberries, mint, thyme, marjoram, mint and a tomato plant in the pot.

This week’s Food Memories are eating fiddle head ferns for the first time in more than 15 years (LOVE them), finding a vintage copy (older than I am!) of Larousse Gastronomique during a Cash Mob outing to Dead Poets Books, sushi and beer with the Bells, A fun Beer Festival at Tivoli Village, my first trip to the Downtown Farmers Market, and harvesting my own leeks! This weekend you can find me at the Foodie Fest at the Silverton. A portion of the proceeds will be going to my pet charity – Three Square Food Bank. Hope to see you there!

John at the Beer Fest