Turtle Magic

I am fortunate to live within steps of the ocean, and even after 8 years here, I do not take that blessing for granted. Ever. I try to visit the beach daily, usually for sunrise walks, but even if I'm out of town or miss those jaunts for some reason, I never go more than a week without sticking my toes in the sand. It's a ritual, therapy, workout, nature immersion, and, sometimes, a social occasion. Over the years, I've gotten to know the "regulars," the mostly-women-but-a-few-men who also push themselves out of bed while it's still dark outside and make their way to the shore to walk, bike, or just sit quietly with their coffee and watch the sun rise over the sea. 

While every day is wonderful, each sunrise unique in its own way, now & then I'm treated to something truly special, an experience that is simply breathtaking and one which won't soon be forgotten. Over the past few weeks, I've had several of such moments. 

Our county has a very active sea turtle patrol & rescue who really work hard to ensure that the turtle population grows & thrives. During nesting season, the volunteers (again, mostly women) can be seen observing turtle tracks, marking nests, putting up barriers, then, when the time is right, gently digging up the sand to count and record eggs (both viable and not), and give the hatchlings some assistance if needed. (More about that here: http://www.turtlepatrol.com/about-us.html) 

It's quite rare to see a mama turtle nesting, and I had only witnessed this one time since moving here. Until July 26th. It was then that I came upon a Green Turtle who was digging the "body cave" into which she would lay her eggs. This was quite an event, let me tell you! She digs and tears with those massive flippers, sending sand and debris several feet into the air! Unfortunately, this lady appeared to be stuck in some plant life, and was struggling to continue her work. I called my "turtle lady" friend (whom I have on speed dial!) and she advised me to gently approach and untangle the growth. Oh. my. god.  I kept D on the phone as I proceeded to do just that. I don't know who was more nervous, me or the mama, but I approached slowly and spoke to her gently, hoping to assure her that I wasn't there to harm, only help. She looked me in the eye, I swear she did, and seemed to understand. I backed up, and she proceeded with her task, seemingly unencumbered. 

By this time, a small crowd had gathered, taking pictures and video, but remaining at a safe, respectful distance. We stood there for at least an hour, watching and waiting, until she completed her nesting and made her way to the shore. Barely a word was uttered, we were all truly awestruck and I spied a few of us were wiping tears from our eyes. It was simply magical, there's no other way to describe it, and I walked on air for the rest of the day, so grateful to have been a witness to this incredible event. 

I've had a couple other wonderful turtle-related moments recently, but I think I'll hold off on sharing them for now. I just want to sit and relive this day, and thank Mother Nature again for her amazing creatures. 

Michele~

PS Photos by my fellow sunrise walker, Linda Day. 

Cloth vs Paper?

photo by Cotton Coulson

With Earth Day right around the corner I thought I'd share some green-living articles & tips that have impacted me. This first article from Care 2 debates the paper towel/napkin vs cloth issue. Here in the Castle we use mostly cloth napkins and dish towels/rags, rely on paper only when necessary and when more sanitary. (Pet "messes" come to mind). I buy the napkins at thrift stores so I have a nice array of styles & colors, keep them in a wicker basket on the kitchen counter right next to the dishes.
Cloth is so much nicer, makes even a simple meal seem more special!

How about you all?

Paper Towels and Napkins vs. Cloth


By Melissa Breyer, Senior Producer, Care2 Green Living

Have you ever wondered whether dishtowels are better for the environment than paper towels, or if cloth napkins are greener than paper napkins? Some argue that the energy used to make and repeatedly wash a dishtowel may exceed that used for the manufacture of a paper towel, and many argue the other way around. In the battle of paper towels and napkins versus cloth, here are the green, greener, and greenest options.

SIMPLE SOLUTION: I didn't always use paper towels, in fact for years I shunned them as a waste of natural resources as well as money. But then came the three dogs and two kids, and I suddenly couldn't live without a roll on the counter. Although I use unbleached, 100 percent recycled paper towels and I supplement with cloth napkins and dishtowels, it still seems like such a guilty convenience. I think I'm going to have to take Annie's lead here and transition to cloth, full time. You should see her giant kitchen drawer filled with cloth napkins—it is such a simple pleasure and so kind to the trees. But in the meantime, my curiosity inspired some investigation of the issue, and this is what I found.

So Not-Green, At All! Paper—Virgin Fiber, Chlorine Bleached
Virgin fiber is that which comes straight from a tree. Doesn't it seem a waste to use a tree for a single-use item? Well how's this: If every household in the United States replaced one roll of virgin-fiber paper towels with 100 percent recycled paper towels, we could save 1.4 million trees. If every household in the United States replaced just one package of virgin fiber napkins with 100 percent recycled ones, we could save 1 million trees. With those numbers in mind, using virgin fiber for single use items seems simply outrageous.

Next up, bleach. Gleaming, bright white paper towels and napkins don't get that way naturally. There are several methods of bleaching paper products, some far better than others. The one to avoid is Elemental Chlorine (chlorine gas). This is the worst of the bunch, and is responsible for the release of chlorinated compounds like dioxins and furans, which are powerful carcinogens and mutagens. These chemicals can adversely affect immune systems and reproductive systems and are dreadful for aquatic life and wildlife. Bad, bad, bad. Elemental Chlorine Free (ECF) process may be okay—this method employs a chlorine derivative such as chlorine dioxide rather than chlorine gas, and is not the best choice, but is a cleaner process than the use of elemental chlorine.

Greenish: Paper—Partially Recycled, Alternative Bleaching
If you can't find paper products that are made of 100 percent recycled paper, look for ones with at least some recycled content. Also, steer away from products bleached with elemental chlorine and instead chose ones that use alternative bleaching. Process Chlorine Free (PCF) is a great choice, this process does not use not bleach with chlorine or its derivatives. Totally Chlorine Free (TCF) is the best choice—this is pulp that has never been bleached with chlorine or its derivatives.

Green: Paper—Totally Chlorine Free, 100 Percent Recycled
There are two types of materials used in recycled paper products: Post-consumer fiber and recovered fiber. Post-consumer fibers come from paper that has already been used by the consumer and sent to recycling. Recovered fiber is from paper waste leftover in manufacturing, such as trim, scraps, unused stock. When you are buying recycled paper products, strive for 100 percent recycled paper with a minimum of 90 percent post-consumer materials. The higher the post-consumer percentage, the more paper is being saved from hitting the landfill. Also look for Totally Chlorine Free (TCF) paper towels and napkins—these are brown, and a very pretty brown at that.

Greener: Cloth—Cotton
If you are hugely careless in your treatment of cloth napkins and dishtowels (like running a load of hot-water wash for a few barely-soiled napkins), paper can be the more eco-friendly option. But if you approach your cloth towels and napkins conscientiously, cloth is the greener option. Some say that washing cloth must be more energy-intensive than using paper, but electric dryers are actually twice as energy efficient as the manufacture of paper towels. When you factor in all of the components of making a paper towel or napkins (harvesting the material, processing and bleaching it, packaging it, shipping it, stocking it at a supermarket, transportation to and from the store to purchase it, etc). all for a single use, you find that the paper towels and napkins are about twice as energy-intensive and create more greenhouse gases overall. A cloth napkin or dishtowel may go through similar processes to get to your kitchen drawer, but it will stay there for many, many years, rather than being sent directly to the landfill.

Greenest: Cloth—Recycled and/or Hemp, Linen or Organic Cotton
Buy used cloth napkins and dishtowels. You can find lovely and fun ones at second hand stores, at flea markets and on eBay. You can make your own dishtowels by cutting up old sheets, towels, etc., and hemming the edges (same goes for napkins). If you are buying new dishtowels or napkins, remember that conventional cotton is a notoriously nasty crop in terms of pesticides, so aim to use organic cotton. Alternatively, choose hemp or linen which are more sustainable than conventional cotton. Follow the tips below for the greenest use of your cloth napkins and dishtowels.

Paper Towel and Napkin Green Tips

* Purchase paper towels made of 100 percent recycled materials.
* Look for paper products that contain a minimum of 90 percent post-consumer waste.
* Choose unbleached paper towels. If those are unavailable, opt for process chlorine free (PCF) next, or elemental chlorine free (ECF) as a last choice.
* Choose paper towels and napkins that have no added pigments, inks or dyes (say goodbye to that floral printed border).
* Select packaging with minimal environmental impact, such as that made of recycled and recyclable materials; imprinted with safe inks; and containing no toxic metals, dyes or inks.
* Seek items having the largest amount of product to minimize packaging, for example, high-capacity hardwound roll towels have 800 feet or more. Some brands are puffier and allow for fewer paper towels per roll or napkins per package.
* Avoid folded paper towels, it is too easy to use too many of them.
* Look for paper towels that are wound on a 100 percent recycled core.

Cloth Napkin and Dishtowel Green Tips

* Only wash when soiled. Most adults don't really dirty a napkin after every meal.
* Designate a place to store "in-use" napkins and use the same one until it is dirty.
* If you have a large family, designate a napkin ring for each member to identify their napkin between meals.
* Toss dirty napkins and dish towels in with other laundry.
* Use eco-friendly laundry detergent.
* Wash with cold water and line dry when weather permits.

Wolf Awareness Week

This is National Wolf Awareness Week as well as Blog Action Day so I'm choosing to focus on one of my special environmental causes - saving my precious wolves.

National Wolf Awareness Week, October 14-20, 2007 is a time to dispel misconceptions about wolves and to teach about the important role these predators play in maintaining healthy ecosystems. It takes place the 3rd week of October every year.

The wolf is a striking symbol of wild nature, yet it has long been shrouded by myth and superstition. Earlier this century, wolves were methodically exterminated from nearly all of their historic range.

National Wolf Awareness Week encourages conservation efforts not only for wolves, but for all wild species. Defenders of Wildlife sponsors events nationwide to celebrate wolves, please check out their website to see how you can help.



In addition, I have discovered an easy way to help the animals by doing something you're probably already doing: shopping!

IGive is a simple way to help the cause of your choice while making purchases from reputable online retailers, what a cool idea!

Here's the link to the Shy Wolf Sanctuary site, please take a peek and consider signing up to help the wolves and other animals that have taken refuge at this phenomenal place. Thanks so much!

Wolf Woman

I have told you before about my adoration of wolves. The book, Women Who Run With the Wolves literally changed my life and started this passion for La Loba, the Wild Woman, as well as wolves in general. They are my "token animal," the creature I feel most connected to. It's interesting because though I love dogs, I am more of a "cat person," admire their independence and playfulness and sleek way of carrying themselves. They share these traits with wolves, as I found out on my last birthday when Beren took me to Shy Wolf Sanctuary for a tour. I was able to see the wolves up close and personal, spend some time petting and cuddling them, got the whole tour of the sanctuary...it was absolutely amazing. I immediately knew I wanted to volunteer, but it's over an hour away and not something I could do very often. Still, I filled out my application, got approved and waited for the right time. That day was yesterday. Beren had a business meeting in the area so I drove over to meet him Tuesday night, had dinner and a lovely evening together, then Wednesday morning he headed off to work and I went to my wolves. Oh, I can't even tell you how wonderful it was to spend time with these magnificent creatures..I was able to enter into their pens, play with them, brush them..really get to know them. For the two hours I spent there, I was in heaven. I drove home completely filthy, covered in wolf kisses, yet with a peacefulness I've never felt before. Truly, it was a magical experience. I will not wait another year to go back, am already planning a way to make a monthly visit there. It was good for the animals, yes, but I am sure I reaped even more benefits myself. It was good for my Soul.



If any of you have the opportunity to do so, please take the time to visit Shy Wolf Sanctuary in Naples, FL. Even if you are not obsessed with wolves as I am, you'll enjoy seeing all of the other animals and you'll leave there with a greater respect for Mother Nature and all of her creatures.

The Nature Challenge

Mother-of-Invention went to see Dr. David Suzuki and has written a wonderful post about it, inspiring me to check out his website and join his Nature Challenge; I do many of these things already but there's always room for improvemnt. Anyone want to take the challenge with me? Mother Earth could use all the help she can get.

1. Reduce home energy by 10%

2. Eat meat-free meals once a week

3. Buy a fuel efficient, low-polluting car

4. Choose an energy efficient home and appliances

5. Stop using pesticides

6. Walk, bike or take transit to regular destinations

7. Prepare your meals with locally produced food

8. Choose a home close to regular destinations

9. Support alternatives to the car

10. Get involved, stay informed

On My Hearth: Sizzling Citrus Shrimp

This recipe is courtesy of Meatless Monday, am having it on Wednesday instead. I've made similar shrimp dishes before and really enjoy the simplicity as well as the bite of that red pepper! I put red pepper flakes on everything, I tell you! I'm planning to serve this alongside couscous, yummy!

I happen to have all of the ingredients on hand except for lemon juice so I am going to walk to the market right now with my cloth shopping bag and grab some lemons!

Poor Beren has a nasty cold so he has requested his tried & true cold cure-all: Campbell's Chicken Soup and grilled cheese sandwiches. I've tried to make him homemade chicken soup before but he swears it's the broth in Campbell's that makes him better. Who am I to argue?


Sizzling Citrus Shrimp
Makes 4 servings (3/4 cup each)

1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined (30-40 per pound)

For the Marinade:
3 tablespoon lemon juice
3 tablespoon dry white wine
2 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced

For the Sauce:
1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Combine lemon juice, wine, 2 teaspoon oil and garlic in a medium bowl. Add shrimp and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 15 minutes, tossing occasionally. Drain the shrimp marinade into a bowl. Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a 12-inch non stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook, turning once, until barely pink, about 30 seconds per side; transfer to a plate.

Add bay leaf, crushed red pepper and the reserved marinade to the pan; simmer for 4 minutes. Return the shrimp and any accumulated juices to the pan; heat through.

Season with salt, sprinkle with parsley and serve immediately.

Nutritional Information Per Serving
Calories 170, Total Fat 6g, Saturated Fat 1g, Cholesterol 172mg, Sodium 310mg, Total Carbohydrate 3g, Dietary Fiber 0g, Protein 23g

Santa Baby

Yes, I am one of those people who does holiday shopping early..really early. I usually start by early summer and like to be done by Thanksgiving, then I can relax and really enjoy the holiday season. Well, that hasn't happened in the past few years but I'm determined to get back on track now. I've already started picking up a few things here and there and will share the more interesting finds as I acquire them. (I run the risk of the gift recipients peeking but since my kids rarely venture here, I will take the chance).


I'm going to be leaning toward earth-friendly purchases as well; the first one is a good example, from The Emancipation Network: "a pathway of empowerment and hope in the fight to end human trafficking - the modern practice of slavery. We offer you a way to become involved in fighting trafficking, helping survivors, and educating others about this human rights crisis."

"Whether you are hitting the beach, travelling, or trawling for groceries, you will be glad to be sporting this unbelievably cool recycled rice bag tote bag. Made by girls rescued from slavery and exploitation, Hagar Cambodia."

After seeing this bag featured in a magazine, I knew I had to buy it for Kali and/or her boyfriend. They are both animal-lovers, and her sweetie works at a pet store in the tropical fish department! Since they are also artists and students, they often have to tote around a bunch of "stuff" so this tote bag will be perfect for them.

The bag arrived yesterday and I am very impressed! At $34, it's a bit more than I'd normally spend on such a thing but I feel good about where my money is going and am therefore willing to pay more. Now I see that it's worth every penny. Larger than I expected and the quality and workmanship are excellent, plus it's very cool looking! I think they'll both enjoy it if I can just hold out til Yule and not surprise them with it early!

Suburban Sprawl

To further the discussion about plastic bags and shopping in general, Patty over at Morning Ramble has been posting a bit about the demise of walking, a whole book was written about the rise of sprawl and its impact on the nation, and I just came across an article on Treehugger which bemoams the ever-increasing Suburban Sprawl:

Ten Things Wrong With Sprawl
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 05. 7.07

Treehugger often says that cities are the most sustainable way to live. The converse is that suburban sprawl is probably the worst. Preston at Jetson Green points us to James M. McElfish of the Environmental Law Institute, who lists ten problems with sprawl:

1. Sprawl development contributes to a loss of support for public facilities and public menities.
2. Sprawl undermines effective maintenance of existing infrastructure.
3. Sprawl increases societal costs for transportation.
4. Sprawl consumes more resources than other development patterns.
5. Sprawl separates urban poor people from jobs.
6. Sprawl imposes a tax on time.
7. Sprawl degrades water and air quality.
8. Sprawl results in the permanent alteration and destruction of habitats.
9. Sprawl creates difficulty in maintaining community.
10. Sprawl offers the promise of choice while only delivering more of the same.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So, what can we in Suburbia do about it? I have two commercial grocery stores within walking distance of my house, but it's not a comfortable walk and they are not the best shopping for organic, healthy foods. For that store I need to get into my car and drive. I so wish lived somewhere that I could walk to easily, pick up fresh items needed for that day, ala the "French way." Since I'm not in the position to move right now, are there other options? I'm open to thoughts and ideas, dear readers.

Witches Knickers

While striving to improve my family's "shade of green," I have stumbled upon several blogs which mention the whole plastic shopping bag issue, and I've come to realize that there is a now a controversy about a certain re-usable bag. I've also learned a new term, witches knickers, referring to plastic bags that end up hanging from trees! Such a cute expression for an annoying and potentially harmful situation.

I always knew about the dangers to sea turtles but this story just broke my heart!

In light of all this, I am filling my car trunk with the dozen or so tote bags we have lying around the house and am going to do the same with Lily's car. Kali and her boyfriend are very earth-conscious so I bet she has already eschewed those wretched plastic bags. I am determined to cut down severely on my use of such things, doing my small part to cut down on clutter both in my home and at my local landfill.

Does anyone else want to join me in the Prevention of Witches Knickers Project? I'm being playful about it but I'm truly dead serious; it's just one more tiny little thing we can to do help the healing of Mother Earth.

It's Not Easy Being Green

Earth Day seemed "bigger" to me this year, perhaps due to the whole Invonvenient Truth thing combined with Planet Earth. (I've started watching the latter, am terrified to view the former). My family has always been earth-conscious but, like this post by John Mayer, I imagine us to be "light green", choosing our battles and making changes that mean the most to us.

We eat a mostly-vegetarian, organic-whenever-possible diet, take full advantage of our city's recycling program, bring re-usable tote bags to the grocery store..when we remember. Lately there's been a lot of talk about the hazards of plastic, something I've been very concerned with for years. We have very little plastic in our kitchen, and I replace more & more of it with glass each year. Other than the Tupperware containers I bought years ago that hold dry pantry items, the majority of my food is stored in glass. I scour thrift stores for Pyrex casseroles and other storage containers that house leftovers, etc., my refrigerator is filled with them. I never, ever re-heat in plastic.

Now it's come to my attention that even the plastic water bottles aren't good for you. I've been toting my own for a while now, choosing to use my own filtered water instead of consuming dozens of bottles each week, but after some research I've decided to switch over to aluminum. Though I would love to have the cool Sigg bottles they are a bit out of my price range at the moment so I've found a comparable model on Amazon.

So that's where I am right now, a bit of minty green but aiming for kelly or perhaps even forest some day. One step at a time, we do what we can.