EcoLocal Guide Blog - Sustainable Living Blog For Saratoga Springs & Upstate NY

REGION's MAPLE SUGARING SEASON UNDERWAY

2010-03-11T15:27:26Z

This Week's Warm Temperatures Generate First Sap Flows of Season

The 2010 Maple Sugaring Season began last week in the Upper Hudson region, with warmer temperatures generating sap flow in area maple trees. The season is off to a very strong start.

"This is what we wait for all year. The sap was running hard last week, kicking off a new maple season," said David Campbell, a Salem producer and president of the Upper Hudson Maple Producers Association.

Sugarmakers are reporting excellent quality syrup. Ideal sugar making temperatures are forecast for the next several days.

Meanwhile, sugarmakers are preparing for the fifteenth annual Maple Open House Weekend, expanded this year to two weekends, March 20-21 and March 27-28.

A ceremonial first tree tapping with State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker will be held at Dry Brook Sugarhouse in Salem at 12:30 p.m. Friday, March 19.

This year, there are more sugarhouses than ever participating in the self-guided tour.

For a complete listing of sugarhouses and a guide map, click on www.upperhudsonmaple.com.

Prime sap flow temperatures are 40 degrees or more during the day and below freezing at night. Maple season generally runs through early April.

The Upper Hudson region is among the biggest syrup producing regions in the country.

Yes, Virginia, You Can Find Local Vegetables in February - at the Saratoga Farmer's Market!

2010-02-02T15:35:38Z

A visit to the produce isle in any supermarket this time of year is, in effect, a trip around the world. While we are freezing up here in the great white north, folks down in Argentina, Chile and Brazil are growing the produce for our winter salad bowls. To remain healthy throughout the winter months, we need to eat veggies daily. But must we support the intercontinental food transport system, just to get our RDA of vitamins and minerals? You'd prefer to buy local, but with snow everywhere, that's not possible, right?

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There are veggies of all kinds, even greens! How can this be? Well, through the marvels of technology and tenacity, farmers like Mike Kilpatrick of the Kilpatrick Family Farm are growing vegetables in the winter. "We use hoop houses for winter growing," said Michael Kilpatrick. " All we need is the sun to shine and it gets amazingly warm inside," he explained. Fortunately, the lack of snowfall this year has the benefit of more solar gain for the winter farmer.

As proof, the Kilpatrick family farm's stand has an array of hearty greens available, from Arugula to Spinach, and Brussel Sprouts to Cabbages. "We were able to harvest a late crop of cabbage that was buried in the snow!" said Michael. "We planted late, and the plants got snowed on in December. The thaw we just had exposed the crop and we found it to be in great shape. We are selling it as braising greens."

In addition to the great greens, there are the usual winter root veggies such as carrots, potatoes, kolrabi and turnips.

With all these great options, there's plenty of opportunity for creativity in the winter kitchen. Not only will your meal be great tasting, but because it was locally sourced, the nutritional value will be superior to anything from South America that has sat in the belly of a boat for a week. Not only that, but chances are, like me, you will have developed a relationship with your farmer, and your support helps him continue to bring the best food to you week in and week out!

So, next time you're at the grocery store, bypass the produce isle, and instead, make Saturday your "veggie day" at the Saratoga Farmer's Market!

BTW - the Saratoga Farmers Market is not just about produce - you can find home spun local made woolens, artisan goat milk soap. Save your appetite and indulge in some delicious Mrs. London's pastries or the best breakfast burrito on the planet, made with local eggs and sausage by Funky Fresh Foods

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SHARING LOVE ART EXHIBIT 1/25 to 2/6

2010-02-01T19:10:12Z

A Benefit to Support 'Rebuilding Together Saratoga' & our Local Artists

SILENT AUCTION
SATURDAY February 6th
6:00 to 8:00pm

All unique pieces made with natural and recycled materials, created for the event.

- Discover a story behind each art piece
- Find a special Valentine's Day gift
- Support the local community

Hosted by Green Conscience Home and Garden
33 Church Street - Saratoga Springs - 518 306 5196

Organic Farming and Gardening Conference Comes to Saratoga Springs

2010-01-04T17:16:54Z

The Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York (NOFA-NY) announces Circles of Caring, their 28th Annual Organic Farming and Gardening Conference in Saratoga Springs, NY. The conference, which attracts more than 1,000 people each year, will take place from January 22- 24, 2010 at the Saratoga Hilton. Over the three day event, attendees can choose between more than 80 workshops which explore all types of organic farming, gardening, value-added processing, cooking and policy issues. Workshops are of interest to farmers, gardeners, educators, environmentalists, foodies, and more. A special focus this year is on Beginning Farmers. Starting with a reception for young farmers on Thursday Jan 21st, there is programming throughout the conference to help people who are just starting out in farming or are considering becoming a farmer. New this year, NOFA-NY will offer 75 scholarships to beginning farmers.

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The conference is rounded out with delicious meals prepared from local organic ingredients donated by NOFA-NY supporters, a large trade show, entertainment, and children's workshops. Information about registration, conference schedule, and trade show is available online: www.nofany.org. Questions? Contact Greg Swartz (570) 224-8515 conference@nofany.org

Sustainable Saratoga Buy Local Expo

2009-11-30T14:23:58Z

The next Sustainable Saratoga Task Force meeting is Tuesday evening, Dec. 1, 2009 from 7-9 p.m. in the Music Hall, above Saratoga Springs City Hall (third floor of 474 Broadway.)
The topic for the evening is the importance of buying local products and supporting local merchants.
The evening's agenda includes a brief discussion by several individuals actively involved in promoting and supporting 'buy local' initiatives, followed by opportunities to meet local business owners who will be displaying the types of products they can offer during the holiday season.
At the core of a sustainable community is easy access to a diverse array of goods and services - something we're happy to say Saratoga offers, and which Sustainable Saratoga is committed to supporting. As part of that commitment, we're offering the community an opportunity to learn more about the importance of buying local and the types of locally produced goods as well as "green" and sustainable products sold by local independent merchants.
The event is free and open to the public ( just in time to plan for the "gift-giving" season.)

Saratoga Spa 'Cross brings unique racing action to city

2009-10-22T01:03:24Z

150 athletes, 300 spectators expected at Belgian-style, fan-based
bicycle race and expo on Sunday

SARATOGA SPRINGS - Beginning at 9:15 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 25,
cyclocross racers from across New York State and New England will
converge on the Columbia Pavilion in Spa State Park for the
first-annual Saratoga Spa 'Cross.

]]> Europe, as a way to keep bicycle racers competing through the fall and
into winter, by moving them off of roads and onto muddy paths and open
fields. The sport is now a popular way for many bicycle racers to end
a season of road or mountain bike racing.

"It's a race that has never been held in Saratoga or the park and a
very unique type of event," said event promoter and cyclocross racer
John Onderdonk "We're hoping for a great turnout as we have designed
the course thinking about the spectators as well as the racers. There
are many great vantage points to watch, including hanging out in the
pavilion by the fire."

Athletes will compete throughout the day in categories broken out by
age or ability. Races for children 10-14, and beginner's categories
for adults begin at 9:15 a.m., to be followed by races for master's
athletes competing in 35+, 45+, and 55+ categories at 10 a.m.
Intermediate men will follow at 11 a.m. Elite women will race at 12:30
p.m., with the elite men to close out the day at 1:30 p.m.

There will be a cyclocross-style race for children under 10 at noon.

Cyclocross racing places demands on both a competitor's fitness and
their ability to navigate variable, and constantly changing terrain.
Cyclists using specialized bicycles with road-style handlebars but
wider, knobbed tires will complete multiple laps on a mile-long course
that will force them to navigate obstacles, jump over barriers, and to
dismount and run up hill while carrying their bike. With a course
marked by yellow tape, fans will have their choice of vantage point
-exciting fast stretches through the woods or on the run-up, where
racers will look for a cheer (or jeer) to get them over the top of the
climb.

"This race would not have been possible without the generous support
of our local sponsors, who are as excited as we are to be bringing
this unique event to Saratoga Springs," said promoter Andrew
Bernstein. "We were also glad to bring in food vendors and other local
businesses to our race expo, to add another element to the spectator
experience at Spa 'Cross."

Sponsors include Blue Sky Bicycles, Sigma Sports, the Olde Saratoga
Brewery, Eastern Mountain Sports, Embrocation Cycling Journal, and
Kubricki Construction.

In addition to racing action, spectators will enjoy a race expo, with
vendors from the Saratoga area, including: Blue Sky Bicycles, who will
have mechanics on hand to tune bikes for racers; KD Energy, makers of
organic, vegan energy bars; Happy Chain, a locally-produced chain
lubricant for bicycle chains; and Sigma Sports, maker of bicycle
accessories.

In addition, Saratoga Coffee Traders will be on hand to keep athletes
and spectators properly caffeinated, and Joe's Burrito, of Albany,
will serve chicken, beef, and vegetable burritos.

Spa 'Cross is the first-ever cyclocross race to be held in Saratoga
Springs, and is the seventh race of the NYCross.com series, a
nine-race series centered around the Capital Region.

To register online, please visit www.bikereg.com. For more
information, please visit us online at www.spacx.blogspot.com. Also,
you can find us on Facebook!

DIRECTIONS: I 87 to exit 13N. After exiting, head north on Route 9. Go
through the first set of lights. At the second light, turn left to
enter the park. Follow signs for the Columbia Pavilion.

Come to the LOCAL LIVING HARVEST FEST September 26

2009-09-10T15:08:49Z

A celebration of Local Farming, Community and Commerce

September 26, 2009 Saratoga Springs, NY

Two great locations - food, fun and live music by two of the regions best female fronted bands!

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PART 1: 12PM - 3PM: GROW LOCAL - SUSTAINABLE FOOD AND HEALTHY ECONOMIES
MOUZON HOUSE - HIGH ROCK AVENUE - Kids Age 12 and under get in FREE

LOCAL LUNCH Local chicken from Sap Bush Hollow with maque choux over risotto, vegetable beignets, Vietnamese fresh spring rolls,

and Farmer's Market Garbage Bread.

COOKING WITH THE SEASONS A lively cooking demonstration by chef-extraordinaire, David Pedinotti of Mouzon House.

Unlock the amazing farm-fresh flavors of seasonal, local ingredients year-round.

SHOPPING WITH YOUR VALUES Celebrate the release of our 2010 Local Living Guide edition--50% more businesses,

nearly 2X the savings. Receive 20% off at Harvest Fest! Support local, save big!

FARMONY: A short film and live music by Railbird. The debut performance of songs about three local farms,

a project funded by SPAF. Take home the Farmony songs for free!

KIDS KORNER WITH KATIE Make your own lunch with local ingredients: fresh apples, homemade jelly, local peanut butter

and fresh baked bread, among other local yummies! Other fun activities for kids will be offered!

3PM-5M - LOCAL COMMUNITY Meet and greet your neighborhood business people: participating merchants will double-up on

the coupon values in the 2010 Local Living Guide during these hours. Shop Local, Save Big!

6PM: THE SLOWDOWN - STEWS, BREWS AND MUSIC
Parting Glass Pub, Lake and Henry Streets

SLOW MONEY How Local Currency Builds Local Value: guest speaker: Jasmine Stine of Berkshares, Great Barrington, MA, Sponsored by Sustainable Saratoga Task Force

SLOW FOOD Autumn Stew Buffet - slow cooked, locally sourced beef and vegan versions & locally baked bread. Sponsored by Mack Brook Farm, Kilpatrick Family Farm & Bread Basket Bakery.

One Complimentary Beer or Apple Cider, Sponsored by Olde Saratoga Brewing Co. & Saratoga Apple

DESSERT Apple Crisp, Sponsored by Saratoga Apple

MUSIC FEATURE Slow-core electric blues with the Ashley Pond Band (voted Metroland's Best New Solo Artist)

$15/person Part 1 • $20/person Part 2 • $30/person Parts 1 & 2 • $10/person Music Only - 8:00PM

Advanced Sale Tickets available online at www.ecolocalliving.com
click on the Harvest Fest banner
or call 858-6866 for more information

ADIRONDACK LIVING SHOW AT SARATOGA SPRINGS CITY CENTER is eco-Local!

2009-08-15T00:14:22Z

I took advantage of the beautiful sunshine and road my bike to downtown Saratoga Springs to make my sales calls for the upcoming Harvest edition of the new eco-Local Living magazine, when I saw the signs at the City Center for the Adirondack Living Expo. Being a big fan and supporter of all thing Adirondack, I had to stop in and check out what was going on. The event is now in it's eighteenth season, and the promoters are taking advantage of the excitement that is downtown Saratoga in August to showcase the best of Adirondack craftsmen, green building technology and outdoor adventure.

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An example of the fine craftsmanship is Fred Beckhorn, who builds furniture and home accessories that accentuate the beauty of wood, with minimal processing and modification. This table is one of his pieces, made out of cross section of a burl that grew completely around the tree.

Fred's work highlights the beauty of the grain and the stress caused by burls and other deformities. The oval piece on top is actually the crotch of a double trunk, exposing the natural form of the wood as it begins to split into two. Each piece is an original, and many hours are devoted its final look.

When thinking about home remodeling, the kitchen is typically #1 on the list. Granite counter tops have been all the rage, but at a detriment to the environment. Most granite slabs are sourced from far away places on the planet, quarried in hazardous conditions, then shipped great distances to reach your kitchen. The fuel used in transport of these heavy slabs is tremendous, so even though granite is "natural" product, it certainly isn't very green. There is an alternative, and you can find it at the Adirondack Living Show. Scott Suchan of Granville Glass and Granite was displaying granite slabs quarried from local mines in North Creek. This is the same quarry that yields the coveted Adirondack Garnet, which is seen scattered through out the slabs.

Since Adirondack Granite is local, shipping costs are minimal; the quarry is operated by Barton Mines, which has more than a 100 year history of providing local jobs and economic value to our region. Barton Mines also has plans to install wind turbines on its quarry property, adding valuable green energy to the grid. So by choosing Adirondack Granite as your replacement countertop, you are helping local jobs, reducing pollution, and even helping the development of green nenergy in the area. Not to mention the fact that these countertops are gorgeous!

The Adirondack Living Show is also a great place to learn about tips and tricks to maximize energy efficiency in your cabin in the woods. David Sellers of David Sellers Mechanical, Inc., has a nice demonstration of how radiant heating works. You can touch a sample floor and feel the warmth. David said that he can build a system that can utilize the natural heat provided by the sun. Capturing the thermal energy of the sun and storing it in an auxiliary water tank acts like a heat battery. The stored water can be used for radiant heat of living space and domestic hot water needs. With the cost of propane and fuel continually rising, a solar thermal system pays for itself in just a few years, said David.

Regardless of what method you use to heat your home, you don't want to loose it to leaks and infiltration. The folks at Northeast Spray Foam have perhaps the best method available today to seal up a home and prevent heat loss. Doug Kwazneski had on display a very convincing demo of the three common insulation materials: fiberglass, cellulose and Icynene Spar Foam. A fan pushed air into the "house" to simulate infilration, and a ping pong ball placed over the "chimney" illustrated the movement of air and temperature differential. The Icynen house ping pong ball did not move, whereas the ping pong balls of the fiberglass and cellulose insulated houses floated on a column of escaping air.

Preventing heat loss this effectively obviously makes spary foam a green product. Doug then explained that Icynene has developed a new type of foam that is "greener" than any other, by utilizing caster oil in the formulation. Caster is a high oil plant seed that does not compete with food, like the soy based foams do. Plus, the caster oil content is 17%, compared to about 3% in soy based foams. The new Icynene foam is a combination of open and closed cells, giving it superior insulating properties. Its water based application is non toxic with off-gassing. With such great attributes, using Northeast Spray Foam may very well be the greenest investment you can make for your home. Capturing heat is like capturing money. A penny saved is a penny earned. And you're not only saving money, you actually helping to reduce our dependency of fossil fuels!

The Adirondack Living Show will be at the City Center all day Saturday and Sunday. Stop on by while enjoying this beautiful summer weekend - it's worth the trip from anywhere!

Adirondack Spintacular to Raise Scholarship Money and Awareness

2009-08-06T00:38:33Z

Looking for something fun to do with the kids? Need a day to enjoy the outdoors?
The eighth annual "Adirondack Spintacular", a 5K, six or twelve-mile cycle/run/walk event is scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2009, at 10:00 a.m. The event is co-sponsored by Positudes, Inc. and the Center for Donation and Transplant. The purpose of this event is to raise Hemophilia and Organ Donation awareness and raise money for the Lawrence Madeiros Memorial Scholarship fund. The scholarship is awarded annually to high school seniors living with a chronic disorder and continuing their education at an accredited college or university. Five-one thousand dollar scholarships were awarded this summer, and the recipients will be honored at this years' event. Over $30,000.00 in scholarships have been awarded since 2003.

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Because Larry was such a well-loved, positive person, he has left a legacy of enjoying life to the fullest - the Adirondack Spintacular fulfills much of what Larry was about - having fun, staying fit, enjoying the lake and the Adirondacks, and incorporating people of all ages and situations into a quality family event. Entrants may choose to ride bikes, run or walk. Any one may enter at the 5K, 12 mile, 6 mile, or 1 mile level. Awards will be presented to the top 2 finishers in each category, and by age. Physically challenged people are most welcome. Those who don't want to race, can enjoy a wonderful BBQ picnic when the race participants return at the Mayfield Fair Grounds for food, a silent auction, entertainment and lots of things that kids love to do.

The Adirondack Spintacular starts and finishes at the Mayfield Firehouse/Fairgrounds on School Street, Mayfield, NY (off Rte 30 N) and travels along a scenic 5K, 6 or 12-mile route along the Great Sacandaga Lake and its environs.

Last year, Adirondack Spintacular attracted over 400 participants. This year, Carol and her dedicated volunteers have raised the bar and hope for an increased number of participants, increased awareness, and to touch you emotionally.

Volunteers are also needed and welcome! To join us and participate in this important event, or learn more about us, please call (518) 863-8998, or email us for a registration packet carol@adirondackspintacular.com or visit www.adirondackspintacular.com .

Not Raining Today? Take a Hike!

2009-08-03T17:42:48Z

With daily rain showers, planning outdoor activities this summer has been sketchy. So when a day comes along like last Saturday, with sunshine and no rain in the forecast for at least 24 hours, it's an opportunity to get Up and Out like no other! There's one place in particular, that draws us and many others out on a bright summer day.

I'm talking, of course, about Hadley Mountain, in the northern corner of Saratoga County. A mere forty five minute drive from Saratoga Springs, Hadley Mountain is a nearby adventure that will release all those pent-up endorphins and give you that warm fuzzy feeling you've been missing.

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You see, Hadley not only has great views at the summit, it also is well know for its cache of blueberries. The fires that once scarred the old summit created the open ledge views, but also made for prime blueberry growing conditions.

The hike up Hadley is short - about a mile and a half to the summit and fire tower, but in that distance it delivers a plethora of sights, sounds and feelings that make for a great outing for everyone young and old. In fact, on this day we met a family with a small boy in tow, and a couple in their 80's who have hiked Hadley every year for most of their lives. Turns out the old man, Jack, was an early champion of the restoration of the Hadley Fire Tower. Now weakened by a stroke, he defies doctors' prognosis' and continues to hike his mountain.

With all the rain of late, the forest is a lush garden scape in full bloom. The flowers and fern gardens, and the babbling brook alongside the trail are nature's perfect landscaping.

The mid section of the trail is quite steep, and you'll soon feel the burn in your quads. Just when you think you've had enough, the trail flattens at a ridge, and the cool breeze quickly evaporates your hard earned sweat. After traversing the ridge, a half mile scramble up the summit ledge reveals the prize - a spectacular view of the Sacandaga River watershed and southern Adirondacks.

Of course, no hike up to Hadley would be complete without a visit to the Fire Tower. Hadley is one of three other Fire Towers in the Adirondacks that have a summer summit steward.

This year's host is Dan Rockefeller, from Galway. Hired as an intern from SUNY Potsdam, Dan instructs people on the carry-in-carry-out wilderness ethic. Some days, the summit of Hadley can become a busy place; managing the human impact can be somewhat of a challenge.

Sadly, earlier this year some visitors got out of hand and vandalized both the tower cab and the steward's cabin. Locked doors were breached, windows were broken, and structural damage was inflicted, all for no reason but to destroy a public asset. It is a shame that even a remote mountain is not safe from the insanity of man. It is odd that a place such as this that draws people to its flanks for peaceful inspiration can also lure those with malice on their minds.

The mountain, however, is a lover, not a fighter. Folks like Jack, who at 80 years young, still returns to his beloved Hadley Mountain, to receive it's love and heal it's wounds. Their care and nurturing of the mountain, it's trail and fire tower, are the reason why this hike is such a popular draw. Come quietly, with respect and admiration, listen, look and enjoy. And try to leave the place better because of your presence.

We need more Jacks in this world, and less jerks!

EARTH FRIENDLY WALLS OF BEAUTY AND COMFORT with New Products available locally

2009-08-03T16:27:51Z

by Sophie Gillet Castro & Karen Totino

Time outdoors in the summer and the beauty of nature may inspire us to beautify our interior. It's a great time to bring into the home colors and textures that will sustain us in the months to come.

It might not be financially sensible however to re-decorate the entire house. So why not focus on wall treatments this summer? ]]> Walls and ceilings contribute significantly to the mood of a space. They are the largest part of the framework of a room and they affect our overall experience.

When it comes to home renovations, in addition to visual changes one has to consider the impact on one's health. There are now some unusual new materials that offer both aesthetic and earth-friendliness, at quite affordable prices.

Imagine a product for wall application that not only gives texture but also cleans the air. It is called 'American Clay'. A blend of natural clay, recycled aggregates and mineral pigments that is mixed to water, it is applied like a plaster and gives your walls a beautiful warm finish. Once applied, clay produces negative ions that will work as an air filter (fighting off mold growth), and neutralize the effect of electromagnetic field created by computers and appliances.
This product is an environmentally friendly alternative to cement, gypsum, acrylic and lime plasters. It creates no waste, as you can reuse any excess of it, even after you've mixed it and it's dried - you just break it up and rehydrate it with water. It comes in 43 colors that can be mixed to create many more, and 3 different finishes. 'American Clay' cost approximately $1.50 to $1.70 per square foot.

A fresh coat of paint is a simple way to enliven your walls. Let yourself be inventive, innovative, daring perhaps. If your walls are a dull unadorned white, break up the monotony by using a different color on the ceiling, and/or one of the walls. If the room feels too dark, lighten it up with a vibrant color. Dare stripes or borders. And remember to choose a zero VOC's type paint (volatile organic compounds). Why? Because those chemical compounds in regular paints remain toxic for a long time, sometime years; they linger in the air and can become lung, skin, eye irritants, and affect indoor air quality.

One of our favorite non-toxic paint brand is 'Mythic'. This paint has absolutely no toxins, VOCs, or carcinogens. What is amazing is there is no trade off for performance. 'Mythic' goes on smoothly and is very durable. It has 1200 vibrant colors to choose from, and your choices are endless with the ability to match almost any color. Cost ranges between $43 and $45 per gallon.
Another approach to setting a different mood and change the style of a room is by using wallpaper. It is also very useful in concealing unevenness and flaws in walls. Conventional synthetic ones contain toxic solvents and off-gas VOC's. They end polluting land fills. Select a wallpaper that is vinyl-free, uses water-based inks on cellulose paper, and has a water-based glaze (which will tolerate light wiping). We favor 'Mod Green Pod' and 'Madison & Grow' wallpaper collections, which cost on average $15 per yard.
Finally, perhaps all you need in order to carry nature's harmony into your home, is a few panels of Kirei board. Made from reclaimed stalks of the sorghum plant and non-toxic adhesive, it is a very attractive substitute to wood. It can be applied as a partial or entire wall paneling, or just used as small size boards to feature art. Prices are more expensive but the effect is dramatic. 'Kirei' board costs approximately $9 per square foot.
Changes and improvements in the home do not have to be unaffordable and out of reach. In fact, all of the products described above can be found right here, downtown Saratoga Springs, in a brand new store. Green Conscience, located on Church street, carries an array of earth friendly products for the home and the garden: flooring, cabinetry, counter tops, insulation, home accessories, kitchen compost, rain barrels, gifts, etc. Many of these products have LEED credits associated with their use.

Whether you chose to bring a subtle or dramatic change to your interior this summer, may you enjoy contributing to a less toxic environment, and may this be a creative and delightful experience.

Sophie Gillet Castro is the founder of DAYAA Design, and provides interior decorating and organizing services. She focuses on space well being, incorporating Feng Shui and Vaastu principles - www.dayaadesign.com - 518-744 2287 (member of S.O.S - Saratoga Organizers and Stagers)

Karen Totino is the owner of Green Conscience Home & Garden, 33 Church Street in Saratoga Springs.
Green Conscience strives to be the leading local source of sustainable building materials, natural products and skilled trades people, and to help customers create healthy and beautiful spaces using products from ecologically responsible sources.
518-306-5196 - email: Karen@green-conscience.com

We welcome your questions and suggestions. Feel free to email us. Thank you.

SARATOGA COUNTY FAIR SHOWCASES LOCALLY MADE AND LOCALLY GROWN

2009-07-18T19:18:39Z

The Saratoga County Fair is wrapping up this weekend, so if you haven't had a chance to go yet, now's the time. The rain has passed and the sun is out, so head on down to Ballston Spa and check it out! The Fair may conjure up images of cheese fries, dizzying Midway rides and tractor pulls, but the Fair is also a showcase of the locally made and locally grown. I went into the Townley building and found displays featuring an amazing array of food and other products made right here in our region.

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Stewart's Ice Cream, Slyboro Hard Cider, Mapleland Farms Maple Sugar and candies,

Argyle Cheese Farmer yogurt and cheeses, Garden Works dried flowers, Smith's Pies, and many more items, all locally made. Of course you can buy many of these items direct from the producers, but you can also find them at the many independent grocers and farmers markets (see previous post "Buying Local From Local Grocers). Speaking of Farmers Markets, the Saratoga Farmers Market set up a table displaying items and information from their vendors. It's amazing to see the quality of food items that we have available to us at the Market.

The Saratoga County Dairy Pricess, Emma Heritage, was presiding over the Dairy Bar, where you can buy some fresh milk, provided by Stewarts Shops.

Stewarts buys their milk from local dairy farms, so it is not only fresher than the stuff in the big box store, your milk and ice cream purchases at Stewarts helps keep our local farms working and presering the open space in the region.

So while at the fair, go check out the Townley Building and all see all the Local Bounty! And when out shopping, look for the Pride of New York label, and buy local!

TRASH TO TREASURE: Local Artist Brings New Life to Junk

2009-07-16T14:23:56Z

By: Pamela A. Gibbs
Contributing Writer

WILTON - Asked if she could be described as a woman with a lot of junk in her trunk, sculptor miChelle Vara hooted with delight.

"You could definitely arrive at that conclusion," said miChelle, her laughter continuing. "But then again, the stuff really isn't junk to me."

The "stuff" in her trunk, and all around the grounds of her Wilton studio, includes antique metal tools, pipes and chains, bicycles, long-retired farm equipment, old car bumpers, a huge assortment of keys, and hundreds of other interesting metal objects rescued from a slow death-by-rust and now slated for new relevance in one of the artist's sculptures.

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Last year, a piece commissioned by New York State through the Lakes to Locks Passage program, was installed and dedicated at the Knox Trail Pocket Park in Schuylerville.

Titled "The Train of Artillery," the 18-foot-high piece depicts Gen. Henry Knox and his oxen. Close inspection of the design elements reveals miChelle's devotion to recycling found objects.

"Using a Model A frame or a '63 Chevy grill is a way to draw the viewer in, a way to get them to contemplate other uses for discarded items," she said. "And of course, it does a service to the planet."

Born in New Jersey, miChelle, 45, moved to the area more than a decade ago and kept busy with a growing airbrush and pin striping business while also working with her partner, Chad Wilson, on custom fencing, railings and gates. In her spare time, she created sculptures, dozens of which are on display inside and outside her Ballard Road studio.

Much of her current work is commissioned by individuals seeking a specific design that will be showcased on their property - a process which miChelle said she enjoys most because of the close creative interaction with clients. She said she encourages design input and welcomes clients who stop in at the studio to watch the progress of the work.

"During the design phase, I also spend time at the actual site to study the topography and the interplay of light and shadow that will influence how the piece is seen," said the artist. "I need to know if the sun will come up on the piece, illuminate it all day or only spotlight it as the sun sets."

Several new projects have consumed the past year, one of which is a 20-foot-tall representation of a mother and child.

"It's abstract and simple," miChelled explained. "But creating it hasn't been so simple. I've been hanging off a frame, moving across an I-beam with trolleys and climbing ladders a lot."

In July, miChelle's sculpture of Henry Hudson and his ship, the Half Moon, will be part of the 400th anniversary of his passage up the Hudson River. The Quadracentennial event
will be held at Kingston, with an opening reception on July 4th and exhibitions running through October 26th.

Her piece contains many of her signature elements, which often combine practicality and intentional humor.

"I made his eyebrows out of bicycle pedals," miChelle said, "and used nuts and bolts to represent his mind. His eyes are made out of old ship rings that were used to tie off boats, and I have a representation of Hudson's actual map of his passage. I made a hole in the map, to represent the unknown - and also to show that he really didn't know where he was going."

To view some of miChelle Vara's portfolio, visit www.mvarametalandpaint.com or contact her at 518-587-8706.

THE SUMMER ECO-LOCALIZER: Larry Schepici of Tosca Grille - Nurturing a Growing Relationship

2009-07-15T12:34:31Z

By Stacey Morris
Contributing Writer
Photos by David DeLozier

TROY - When Larry Schepici moved to Troy from Boston ten years ago, one of the first things he did was hop in his car and check out the farms in his new neighborhood.

"Where I come from, I was used to dealing with farmers," said the long-time chef. "It's just part of the restaurant scene in Boston."

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The first encounter that Tarbox had with Chef Larry was when he stopped by her farm stand, looking for Swiss Chard. "I handed him a bunch with large rumpled leaves, and he said, 'No, I want it this big,' holding his hands about five inches apart." she said. "I found some baby Swiss Chard for him, and he's been buying from me ever since." Tarbox Farm now dedicates about eighty percent of its production to Schepici's restaurants.

Bob Haber still remembers the day Schepici showed up and asked for a walking tour of his farm.

"By the time I showed him some of the bizarre things I was growing (such as the fuzzless Arctic Kiwi from Siberia), Larry was ecstatic," recalled Haber. The exoticness and the unforgettably sweet flavor of the fruit was just the caliber of ingredient he was looking to gild the menu of Tosca at 200 Broadway.

"He asked me if I'd custom-grow produce for him," recalled Haber, whose family farm dates back to the 1700s. "Back then I didn't know what that meant."

The two began poring over seed catalogs and selecting items to star on Tosca's menu for the following year - something that has become a tradition for Schepici each winter. Some of his custom-grown favorites include baby yellow carrots, candy-striped beets, and purple asparagus.

"He's a very adventurous chef," said Haber.

For years, Tosca has been a perennial award winner for its innovative menu and commitment to using local organic food. Now, Schepici has taken his ardor for local food a step further by implementing a chef demonstration pavilion at the Troy Farmers Market on Saturdays.

The event is designed to promote various uses of local produce in step-by-step instructionals from area chefs.

"We'll be focusing on products that don't get used as much, like rutabaga, white radishes, kohlrabi, and celeriac," said Schepici.

The demonstrations feature ideas for hot and cold preparation, tastings, and a recipe. Schepici started the series last month with four consecutive demonstrations. He said that future events will include Chris Tanner from Schenectady County Community College, Paul Dolan from Capital Region BOCES, and chefs Dale Miller, John Mozzarella.

The chef demonstrations will be year round and include seating so shoppers can sit and watch. "It's almost like we're on stage," said Schepici. "It's a lot of fun, and it helps promote the products and the chefs."

Chef Larry isn't stopping with the demonstrations. He plans to trumpet local farms at the market's Sept. 20 Chowderfest. "It will be the only chowder fest in the country where participating chefs are required to use local ingredients," explained Schepici. "There are a lot of things you an put in clam chowder besides celery and corn."

"If it wasn't for Larry urging us to grow new things, we probably wouldn't," said Habor. "We grow squash blossoms for him to stuff with cheeses. He secures the top and deep-fries them...I hear they're excellent. This year we're growing popcorn shoots for him. He requested yellow so they come out sweeter, so we'll have to grow them without any light whatsoever."

Schepici said that keeping a menu that's fresh, creative, and ever-evolving depends implicitly on local farmers.

"When a waiter goes to a table and tells customers about elk tenderloin from Creek's Edge Elk Farm near Canajoharie, and fresh ricotta from Dancing Ewe Farm in Granville, they love it. People want to support local farms. It's not a hard sell.

"I change the menu with each season based on what's available. Sometimes a crop doesn't work out for one reason or another, and everything is contingent upon weather. Great chefs have to be adaptable and able to change their menu on a whim."

Schepici said that in the last decade he has seen support grow exponentially for Albany-area farmers.

"People are getting smarter and want healthier food that doesn't travel on a plane or truck, or sit in a warehouse...and they don't want the pesticide and growth hormones. Troy just opened two new farmers markets: there's a mini farmers market at the monument from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays; and from 3 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays in Little Italy."

One improvement Chef Larry would like to see is more accessible delivery from farm to restaurant.

"I'm lucky because I have two farms near my house," he said. "If there was a way to implement a low-cost delivery system for farmers and restaurants, that would make local food more widely available."

It seems that Schepici's ideas for propagating local food keep churning. He recently opened Tosca, Etc. next to his restaurant, which offers fresh, organic meals to go for $15 and under. He has rented nearby space to renowned baker Chris Snye of The Placid Baker in Westport who will bake and sell organic breads.

Lining the picture windows of Tosca are herb beds framed by barrels of ripening San Marzano tomatoes.

"It's not enough to yield much of a supply, but we do use them on the menu," said Schepici. "And it shows we're walking the walk."

But when it comes to the beauty of local food, the chef doesn't mind doing a bit of talking. "Our Caesar salad is made with Baby Romaine from Littlefield Farms in Argyle, which specializes in lettuce. Then we do a salad with baby red and green romaine, wrapped in long cucumber slices, stand them tall on plate like a little bouquet, and mist with a three-citrus vinaigrette. Such nice greens you don't want to smother with balsamic. Simplicity is beauty."

REXFORD WOMAN TEACHES HOW TO "DRIVE" YOUR BIKE Vehicular Cycling Teaches Bicyclers to Share Road with Cars

2009-07-14T16:05:46Z

A bicycle safety instructor is teaching Capital Region cyclists how to "drive" their bikes.

"Every time I'm out on the road I see people making dangerous choices," said Tamara Flanders, a cycling instructor who is certified by the League of American Cyclists. "Some mis-educated people behind the wheel don't respect the right of cyclists to be on the road. On the other hand, some mis-educated bike riders don't follow proper road etiquette and make car drivers nervous or upset."

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"Cycling is safest when the bicycle is treated the same as other vehicles," Flanders said. "When you follow all the traffic laws, you are 'driving' your bike. This ensures your visibility and safety from the cars around you."

Now that summer is here, and more people are using bicycle transportation to avoid high gas prices, Flanders said it's crucial that cyclists and car drivers do everything in their power to avoid crashes.

"Knowing how to properly share the road can prevent nearly all of the car-bicycle crashes that happen," Flanders said.

Flanders will be teaching a variety of safe cycling courses this summer, including a cycling coaching program titled "Couch Potato to 25 Miles." This program will teach novice cycling skills, as well as vehicular cycling, while helping beginning cyclists build their skills and endurance to comfortably cycle 25 miles. Couch Potato to 25 miles is scheduled to start at the end of July 2009 and will utilize many of the beautiful sections of Mohawk-Hudson Bike-Hike Trail and select roadways in the Niskayuna and Schenectady areas.

Flanders also offers one-on-one bicycle coaching. During each session, she rides with her individual student, teaching him or her how to navigate roads safely and effectively on a bike.

In addition to teaching bicycle safety classes, Flanders is a holistic health counselor.

"Riding your bike safely is a great way to improve your health, raise your self esteem, and have a great time," she said

For information and to register for programs, visit: http://yourbodyawake.com/id4.html .