Lifestyle

Who's the best spokesperson for the environment? (Besides GPB...) Celeb power dominates influencing audiences both young and old. Founded in 1989, the nonprofit Environmental Media Association connects today's hottest celebs power to environmental awareness, spreading the green message through TV, film & music. They network with producers, writers  directors and many more to incorporate environmental messages in your everyday entertainment. The 22nd annual EMA awards (find out more about these special awards & see the interview clip, after the jump!)

Did you know that Americans use an estimated 500 million straws every DAY? That would fill 46,400 large school buses (just of straws, sans kids) each year. Crazy, right? Plastic straws are used for 5 minutes (or an hour max) and although some are recyclable (as typically #5 plastic), most people don't. Plus, people typically use straws in restaurants and you don't know what happens to those straws behind closed doors. (Hint: trash?) You know what they say, a second on the lips, forever on the landfill. (Or, something like that. right?!?) Next time you're dining out, (Find out more info & ideas, after the jump!)

When you think of the Midwest you may not immediately think "hip vegan cafes." I certainly didn't. The truth is some of my Midwest dining experiences have been challenging as someone who doesn't eat any meat or poultry. When I found out I would be spending a significant amount of time in Cleveland, Ohio I wondered what a veggie loving lady was to do... Cleveland offers an impressive restaurant scene with big-time restaurateurs like Michael Symon of The Chew and Rocco Whalen each providing several four star restaurants. But, during my time in this city I've noticed that they loooove their pig - and put it on everything from greens to fish.

Did you know that just 16% of Americans know what is going on in science,while 60% know what's happening in sports news. These statistics aren't exactly shocking, but they do demonstrate what the American population is tuned into... and what's slipping through the cracks. With this knowledge in mind national sports organizations and the NRDC (National Resources Defense Council) have joined forces to shed light on the importance of ecological stewardship.

At this risk of sounding like an annoying daytime television commercial, "Yes I suffer from terrible seasonal allergies." For me and other allergy sufferers fall can mean tissues, eye drops and lots of cursing your bad fortune. I've learned a few tricks over the years to help clean household air and reduce allergy symptoms:

Back to school... Back to school... (Those were the days...) Make your students'  journey back to school a sustainable one. This year, practice the 3 R's:

You're enjoying your fresh produce & CSA veggies now, but what are you going to do once the temps drop and fresh, local veggies aren't available? Hint: Preserve them! You can (Find out more, after the jump!)

After learning more about plastics (and especially how heating plastics can lead to nasty chemicals leaking), I've made a pledge to replace plastics with alternatives wherever I can... starting with my kitchen. Wean Green is a Canadian company "dedicated to providing parents with safe and environmental baby products that (find out more about Wean Green & kicking plastic from your kitchen, after the jump!)

40% of the food in the US is never eaten and thrown away, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council in a report released this week. This breaks down to 20+ lbs per person per month, 25% of the groceries purchased & wasting an estimated $1300-$2300 for a family of 4 annually. How can you waste less food?