Ecolocal Guide: February 2009 Archives

photo courtesy of Capture Light Photography, Ballston Spa

There are 2.5 million weddings a year in the United States, making up a $70 billion dollar industry. The impact on the environment from these celebrations is substantial and many couples are searching for environmentally friendly options. How can eco-conscious brides and grooms-to-be plan their special day without sacrificing style or the environment? Ecolocal publisher David DeLozier recently talked with Kate Harrison, author of "The Green Bride Guide," to get answers.

By Mary Beth McCue  RD LDN CDN
Integrative Nutritionist

The thought of eating local sustainable foods can be quite daunting to many people.  So when I recommend this to my clients during the winter months, it can seem impossible to some.  But most people will find after slowly making these changes, and allowing the 20 - 30 days for them to become a life-style habit, that they are quite easy and more importantly - they feel so much healthier as a result.  

"Localvores" are people committed to eating foods grown within their local food-shed; many choose foods grown within a 100-mile radius of home; others branch out further. I suggest those living in our region to choose food choices from northeast sources; choosing those as close to home as possible.  The motivating components to making such a life-style change is that these local food advocates recognize there are huge economic, environmental, political, and health benefits to eating foods grown close to home.  It is a real "win-win" all the way around for the consumer, the local businesses and economy and the preservation of the earth as a whole.

Up and Out!
What to do, where to go and how to get there
By: Roger Fulton and Mike Carpenter

Too many of us overlook great outdoor activities because they are so close to home that we take them for granted. Or they are just far away enough that we don't even know about them.
Well, we're going to change that for you! In this regular column we will provide you with a fun and seasonal activity, a place to do it and we'll even give you explicit directions on how to get there.  Then it's up to you to get your spouse, family or friends to get "up and out" and join you for a great morning, afternoon, or an all day adventure.

By Stacey Allen
Contributing Writer

This time of year, more than ever, there's probably not one among us that hasn't imagined being off the grid... not having to worry about the cost of heating our home throughout the winter chill. Tucked away in the middle of 80 acres on the borders of Greenfield Center and Corinth, photographer Tom Stock and his wife, Roberta, are living just that life.

By Stacey Morris
Contributing Writer



GLENS FALLS - It's a Friday evening and Red Fox Bookstore is in the midst of hosting what is probably one of its more fragrant book signings.   Celebrated chef, cookbook author, and restaurateur Suvir Saran is on hand not only to sign copies of "Indian Home Cooking" and "American Masala," but to encourage customers to sample the fruits of his recipe collections.


At one end of the store is a table laden with Indian and Indian-inspired dishes from his books: Tamarind-Glazed Meatloaf, Better-