Here are a few simple changes we can all make to increase our sustainability and keep Portland green. Even taking on just one of these is a step in the right direction, don’t be intimidated, just jump in.
USE YOUR REUSABLE BAGS: By now most of us have multiple reusable cloth tote-style bags, but they don’t do any good if you don’t utilize them. Try putting them is various places to increase usage, put one in your car, briefcase or bike bag so when you unexpectedly find yourself at the store, you will be prepared. They’re not just for groceries, try taking them to other stores, too!
AVOID EXCESS PACKAGING: Choose loose tomatoes rather than plastic-wrapped or boxed ones, and 2 liters instead of cans or bottles when practical. Skip the plastic produce bags and buy in bulk when available. Carry this philosophy to the beauty and cleaning aisles too.
SWITCH YOUR BULBS: Compact fluorescent light bulbs use about 75% less energy that normal incandescent bulbs. These bulbs are more expensive, but it is a good investment as they need to be replaced much less often and will save on energy costs.
BUY LOCAL: When food travels less, carbon emissions are spared.
PLANT NATIVES: Species native to our environment are usually shipped shorter distances, easily grow here with less watering and are hearty through drought and flood. And our green leafy friends absorb carbon and emit clean oxygen, they also attract birds and butterflies to your garden.
SPEND AN EVENING IN CANDLELIGHT: Whether by yourself and a good book, your lover, your buddies and some cards, or the kids and a board game, make a night of using less energy. Then make a habit of it.
TAKE SHORTER SHOWERS: Place a battery powered clock where it can be seen, so you can monitor yourself.
GO SECONDHAND: Check out your local thrift stores, Craigslist or eBay, for goods when possible.
GO OUT IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD: Instead of driving across town for dinner, try walking somewhere close. You’ll boost your most local economy and reduce carbon emissions.
USE THE PUBLIC LIBRARY: Rather than buying new books
when possible.
UNPLUG WHEN NOT USING: Most appliances use energy when plugged in, even when they are not “on”. Don’t leave your cell phone charger plugged in when you are not charging up. A power strip is a good option for groups of electronics (TV, Cable box, gaming console, DVD player, etc.) so you can streamline and unplug them all at once.
With some of the freshest honey around, the husband and wife team, Sue and Mark Johnson, farm this delicacy locally in NW Portland. Not only is honey a natural gourmet treat, but it is also rumored to serve as a home remedy for many types of medicinal purposes – everything from a cough suppressant to a seasonal allergy cure. You can get this local delight at Uncle Paul’s Produce Market at SE 23rd and Hawthorne.
This unique pepper Jelly, has that “oh so addictive” quality with its sweet and spicy synthesis. It is also surprisingly versatile: add some to sour cream for an tangy dip, top off a baked potato, glaze your favorite meats and veggies or put a dollop inside your next quesadilla. One of the easiest ways to enjoy this flavorful treat is over a cream cheese with crackers. With both mild and spicy varieties, there is something for everyone. Check out TheCherryCountry.com to see all that the family-owned and organic cherry company (from Rickreall, OR) has to offer. You can buy their products online or at the Portland Farmers Market.
Enjoy this rustic sourdough bread, flavored with fresh rosemary and studded with calamata olives, when serving your favorite pasta dishes, or try it on its own, with just a little oil or butter. Lucky for lovers of freshly made breads and pastries, Grand Central Baking Company is easy to find, with six store locations in Portland. Their breads are also sold in many local grocery stores. To learn more about this neighborhood bakery and restaurant, visit them at 2230 SE Hawthorne, or online at GrandCentralBakery.com.
This concoction boasts a brilliantly blazing infusion of hot peppers that will wow you from your tongue to your toes. This unusual vodka is handcrafted from a secret blend of chili peppers, making it the perfect amount of spice to enjoy alone (if you are brave) or in a cocktail. The mixture brings the perfect amount of heat to tropical summertime drinks, or wintertime cocoa and toddies. You can find Hot Monkey at the New Deal store and distillery space at SE 9th Avenue & Main Street. Drop by their website for spirited cooking and drink recipes at NewDealDistillery.com.
ANGELO’S