Lucy
Sap Gathering 2010
03/27/2010 20:04
In the olden days sap gathering was done by horse and man together. Now the gatherer uses a motorized vehicle with horsepower to retrieve the sap. Stonewall Farm is known by some throughout New England to be host of the event in which keeps the old tradition alive.
It was fun to see the men and women run back and forth between the trees and their containers emptying the buckets. Some teams were very quiet and concentrated while others were loud and yelling instructions to each other as they went. The three hours we were there passed quickly because it was so much fun. The shortest time a team made, I believe, was around 11:04. Next year I hope to be a bucket filler again, because on the course is where the all action is.
No more shampoo
03/21/2010 20:34
Why don’t I use shampoo or conditioner? Well it’s pretty much about my health. There are so many chemicals in those bottles. Didn’t your Chemistry teacher ever tell you that if you can’t pronounce those words they probably aren’t too good for you? It’s true, in this case at least. Take a look for yourself http://www.naturemoms.com/no-shampoo-alternative.html
Now I don’t just hop into the shower in the morning and not wet my hair or put anything in it at all. I used natural products to get my hair clean, baking soda and apple cider vinegar. That’s it. I like to think of the baking soda as my shampoo and the vinegar as my conditioner. If you choose to try the no poo way you have to understand that your hair will have to adjust to what you are doing. Don’t expect to have supermodel hair the first day you try it. It is sometimes tricky to figure out how much of each ingredient to use in your hair. But you’ll get the hang of it. And your hair will thank you.
A year in review and looking to the future
01/09/2010 20:24
The movie Avatar and the departure of some of friends who are going on a Kroka expedition reaffirmed how much I feel that I’m letting the club as well as our world down. I’m the president of Green Keene Teens. I should be able to inspire myself if not others to make things happen. Our club has been in a rut for a couple of months now. I’ve been trying to juggle so many commitments that I’ve put GKT aside so many times. But as the 1 year anniversary of Green Keene Teens nears I’m going to gear up for new opportunities for us. We have made a difference in the last year. Not as much as I would like but the year of 2010 will be even more successful.
In the next year you can expect Green Keene Teens to be volunteering again at Stonewall Farm as well as new locations. We will also be attending Green Up Keene Day again this year, as well as other events like Solar Fest at KSC. I hope that we can get the Spoons project off paper and turn it into reality, as well as getting silverware in Keene High.
Green is “in” at NYU
08/07/2009 19:59
I chose to put my coin in the Greenpeace bin.
Prep Day 1
07/10/2009 20:28
The bread recipe we used was very simple and quick. See the jist of it below. I did get a workout from all the kneading I had to do. But all of our loafs turned out really good.
1 cup warm (100 to 120 degree) water
1tbsp sugar
1tbsp yeast
1tsp salt (NOT 1 tbsp!!)
2 tbsp oil or room temperature unsalted butter
Remember to use 1/2 the water to start your yeast, and the other half goes directly into the flour. Yeast should rise for 5-10 minutes, until doubled in size. Put the salt in the flour, not in the yeast starter. Knead for 10-15 minutes. Let rise till doubled (about 1/2 hour), then punch down. Flatten, fold, and put in pan, then "proof" (final rise) for about 25 minutes (cut the top at about 20 minutes, to let it rise a little after that). Bake at 375 for 20-25 minutes, until crust is uniformly brown. Good luck.
Wasted School Supplies
07/07/2009 09:49
The sad part of it is, about half of the paper I got I didn’t even look at after it got passed around the room in school because it didn’t really help me learn or study. But of course I recycled everything I could. The folders and the binders that are trashed of still sitting in my room, maybe I’ll try to doctor them up for more use…?
For next year I’m going to try to get school supplies that are recycled or will be able to be recycled after use (binders). Here is a site to check out some of the products out there, that was just the first site that came up when I googled.
Brattleboro Coop!
07/07/2009 09:32
Last week I went to the coop with my friend. Even though my family doesn’t purchase many items from there, nor do we get the opportunity to go often the Brattleboro coop is store I would shop from if I had all the time in the world, and the choice.
If you have no idea what a coop is let me explain it a little. The Free Online Dictionary describes a coop as a jointly owned commercial enterprise (usually organized by farmers or consumers) that produces and distributes goods and services and is run for the benefit of its owners. The coop in Brattleboro has organic and local products along with some regular goods.
To find a coop near you visit here.
No Time to Slack
07/07/2009 09:26
We’ve all had those days, months, or years (for some people) where all we do is sit around the house doing nothing. It’s nice to have a break after all the end of the year tests and obligations are over. It’s nice to just relax and take a load off. But after a week or two of using the TV, video games, and the computer for your entertainment and staying up late, you start to resemble a zombie. At least that’s how I looked, with huge bags under my eyes. I bet my parents have expected me to raise my arms and charge them, moaning and moving very slowly.
It is not time to be cooped up inside. That is what we have to deal with during the school year; we don’t need to do it now. Go out and have a morning coffee with a friend downtown, in the afternoon go to the beach or the pool, and in the evening stroll around at the Swampbats game or get crazy at one of the contra dances in Nelson. This is the time of year that we get to break. Don’t waste it! Make this summer one to remember. Then when people ask you what you did last summer on the first day of school you’ll be able to say you did something rather than saying, “I didn’t do anything. Summer sucked.” You have to make things happen.
Big Truck Day
07/01/2009 09:46
Planting Trees
07/01/2009 09:38
This volunteering event was the most fulfilling volunteering I’ve done with the group. Maybe because I knew and got to see my impact right away when I planted the tree into the ground. And I’ll get to visit and see my trees grow! It was a really cool, and I hope I get to do it again soon!
BizKids
06/30/2009 09:19
I think it is awesome that teenagers are outwardly expressing an interest in how to save money and save the planet. The younger generation needs role models like the Biz Kid$ to get excited about the environment. That’s why I think this show is so great! The kids on the show were cool, fun and inspiring.
http://www.bizkids.com/default.aspx
Check out BizKid$ on Youtube too! http://www.youtube.com/user/BizKidsTV
Arts at Stonewall
05/24/2009 08:37
The two crafts we advised were painting rocks, and making caterpillars out clothes pins and pomp-poms. The kids were really polite and had great creative imaginations.
GKT Meeting #6
05/17/2009 19:38
I reiterated myself again telling everyone what Punta Mona was and I wanted the club to go there, and that the trip fundraising was going on. I urged them to start really making an effort so we can make the money for everyone who wants to go. It was suggested that we ask each member to pay for an amount of the trip on their own. This would help the club be not have a terribly big amount to raise.
Laura talked to the group about scheduling a day that Green Keene Teens would be at the Farmer’s Market here in Keene. She suggested that we plan a Saturday in June to do it. Scheduling the specific day will happen in the next week or so.
Brea told us a little bit about Harrisville’s Old Home Days that is scheduled around the second week of July. The event sounds like it would be a great place for GKT to sell products and promote being green! We talked about making things for raffles and maybe doing a kids game or craft.
We also brainstormed fundraising ideas. Many good ideas were thrown up in the air, such as making recycled cards and flowers, the plant-able paper, pine needle bags, potpourri, and the hanging oranges that smell good.
At Stonewall Farm again
05/13/2009 19:16
Last Saturday, May 9th, Alishia, Lily, Carolynn and I went to volunteer at Stonewall farm. This was our second (non-event) volunteering as Green Keene Teens. We prepared the garden for Stonewall’s art auction that evening, raked, and stacked wood.
By volunteering we not only want to benefit ourselves but also help others. We give back for what we take. Helping others is not only good karma but it is good way to connect with the people who give and receive the help.
NH Green Commute Week
05/11/2009 19:20
There are many prizes to be won if you are willing to pursue helping the environment in this way. Prizes and incentives include tickets to a Manchester Wolves game, to tickets on Amtrak. This week long event can also stimulate you to spend time riding with people you usually don’t. Try to work out your schedule to fit the needs of those that are heading in the same direction as you. If we all did that, we’d save gas!
To find out more about the special week and how you can get involved visit PATH’s website. Hope to see you out there not driving alone!
Solarfest!
05/01/2009 20:12
I got to Fiske Quad with Laura, Mina and Azzi, and Laura’s dad (who was our driver) at 10:30 to set up. Becky, the president of Campus Ecology greeted us right away with a smile. We got ourselves in order and watched the bands and crews getting ready to start the entertainment. The bands featured at Solarfest included Funknut, Birdfeeder, Hot Day at the Zoo, and Garaj Mahal. As the day progressed Carolynn, Lily, and Beth came to help out.
I don’t know if you have ever gone to an enviro music fest, but I have to say you need to go to one! The atmosphere of the event was tangibly happy and care free, it was amazing. Campus Ecology did a great job getting businesses, clubs, and volunteers to participate. There were free booths and crafts such as tie-dye, plant-a-plant, make your own trail mix, jewelry making, and hair wraps. People brought blankets and sat on the grass listening and dancing to the music. The music and weather were beautiful.
Thanks Hannah Grimes!
04/13/2009 18:35
Before the sale, Megan and Jennifer from Hannah Grimes met with Laura, Alishia, and me, to talk about writing up a press release that would go in their newsletter and maybe even the paper informing the readers about the club and the sale. Laura and Alishia wrote a really great press release. And the day of the sale came fast.
The sale started at about 11:30 on that Saturday morning. The team was prepared for the rainy weather, setting up with a table under an umbrella. The covered table was greatly appreciated when it started to pour! But the girls stayed positive about selling, and I believe we sold at least $100 worth of goods. It ended up being a good day as the remaining members snuggled together as we tried to get rid of our cookies.
For the remainder of the days leading up to Easter, Woolly Eggs, bunnies and baskets were sold at the store. I’m very glad Hannah Grimes has opened their doors to Green Keene Teens. We appreciate all the support they have given us thus far! Please visit the Hannah Grimes website and store for great gift ideas and even GKT products that might be there in the future!
Sap Gathering
04/04/2009 19:47
(Allie & Brea)
(Mina & Lucy & Beth)
We directed cars to the parking areas, from 8:50 to 2:00. A few of us were bucket fillers, from 12:00 to 4:00. There were hundreds of people at the event, and we were happy to be able to help out.
When I grow up I want to be just like Barbara and Michael…
03/29/2009 15:31
When I stepped inside the store I immediately thought, “This is the coolest place!” It really reminded me of the Brattleboro Coop but on a smaller scale. Someday (I hope a day that comes very soon), I believe 24 Carrots will grow to be just as big and great! Barbara and Michael are so warm and compassionate in their store, that anyone who walks into 24 Carrots feels like they are welcome. I like coming back to the store because they are so openly nice that you immediately get into a friendly relationship with them.
Barbara was so quick to jump on board to support GKT that she ordered 10 gallons of Green Keene Teens Laundry Soap from us on Wednesday—when we had just come by to give her a sample and say hello. We were hoping she would use the soap and spread the word. But she wanted to go further and provide a place to sell it!!! Barbara seems super excited about the club. She said, “Lucy, there are some people that just talk about doing things. You actually do them! You’re a do-er and that’s why I’m going to support you!” I couldn’t believe someone would be that quick to jump on the bandwagon without any persuasion. Barbara was so open to supporting us that I feel like she is a long lost aunt that wants her niece to do well. They have even put an ad in the Shopper News about our soap being sold at their store. And they’re talking to the newspaper about doing a bio on our club! I have to say, I’m the happiest girl in the world right now!
We chatted with both Michael and Barbara for a while and got on to the subject of our trip to Costa Rica. Michael lit up because he spent a year in Costa Rica after college and loved it. He wanted to know more about Punta Mona and where it was. After looking the website up really fast, he told us that the island is in the best and most beautiful region of the country. They want to be kept updated on the trip. I’m hoping they might want to chaperone??
I really encourage everyone to go and visit 24 Carrots. Buy what you can there. It is such an amazing place! They are open Tuesday-Saturday from10-7, Sunday from10-4, and closed on Mondays.
Check out their website here: http://www.24cfs.com/
Inexpensive Organic Clothing
03/22/2009 19:29
Why is buying organic clothes better? Think of it this way: buying organic clothes is kind of like buying organic produce and food. Organic clothes are made without chemicals like pesticides, herbicides, and defoliants. By buying these goods instead of the regular, average, chemically processed clothes we are supporting the earth to be used the right way- without killing it- and not hurting ourselves. The more people buy organic clothes (like the ones found at Target) the faster we can stop the production of non-organic products. As more and more people catch on, the price will go lower and lower because more companies will offer organic clothes to meet the demand!
Soap-Making
03/15/2009 17:59
While we were making the trips back and forth to the barn, my Mom and Dad were heating water on the stove to bring it to a boil. At the same time I was washing the jugs to make sure that there wasn’t any milk scum inside. After the water had boiled they turned each burner off and mixed the ingredients together in the water. Then we added all the liquids together into a 5 gallon bucket and stirred them gently. Making sure not to make too many bubbles.
After we had finished making one batch we would fill the jugs full and place them on the dining room table to be labeled. Once we had finished filling the 29 jugs, Mina, Olivia and I sat down and started attaching the logos and information to the jugs, while the parents started to clean up the kitchen. This was the hardest part of the whole process because the labels and the contact paper didn’t stick well to the milk bottle. We ended up putting the contact paper all the way around the bottle so the labels would not get wet and they wouldn’t fall off.
In all it took 5 people about 4 hours to create 29 gallons of laundry soap. Today Emily and Laura went out with Mom and sold 10 jugs! Some people asked how it works on clothes, so it was a good thing we’ve been using it. We made extra jugs for each of the GKT members, so they can try it themselves. It cleans well, and the borax and washing soda are both whitening agents. Some people use borax with their regular detergent, instead of bleach. If you have a really dirty load, use a little more (just like you would with regular detergent).
GKT Meeting #2
03/10/2009 17:13
Volunteering: We are currently getting ready to volunteer at Stonewall Farm. I handed out the volunteer packets to the members. We also talked about trying to volunteer and the Recycling Center. One of the men there offered to get us involved with a Green Up Keene Day. We will have more info about that soon.
Punta Mona: Briefly we went over the trip to Costa Rica that is planned for next February.
Fundraising: We planned when some of the members could make it over to my house to make laundry detergent. Mina, and Olivia helped me make 29 jugs of detergent yesterday. And today Emily and Laura went out and sold ten jugs and got donations. At the meeting we also talked about other potential fundraising ideas.
Earth Day: There were some ideas for doing some kind of event for Earth Day, but we decided against it because we have too many things to do right now. With getting the club started and yourselves well know. Big events will have to come in time.
Green Magazine: Laura had the idea of making a Green Magazine after the club got more settled. We decided if we pursue this idea, that we will have four issues a year corresponding with the seasons.
Bank Account: After we get our Non-profit Certificate we will be getting a bank account at one of the banks in town, so we can keep our money in perfect order. Laura and Katelyn are going to collaborating together to get an account.
Blog Ideas: I encourage everyone to try to write a blog entry or two. I provided them with ideas and prompts of what they could write about. Soon we will have more content on the site!
GKT Meeting #1
02/21/2009 14:25
I was curious to see who would show up at my first meeting of Green Keene Teens on Thursday Feb. 19th. I was overjoyed at how many people came and were enthusiastic about the club. We had an amazing meeting! When it was over and everyone was leaving Olivia said, “No offense, but I didn’t think it was going to be this fun!” It made me smile to see she was excited about what we’d been talking about. I was also very pleased at the energized response I got from everyone at the meeting. When I got home I already had emails with more ideas for fundraising and a blog waiting for me to read! I was impressed at the swiftness of my friends who really wanted to get things rolling.
If you happen to miss any meetings or are just wondering what we are talking about and planning check back here to see what we’ve done. I will be putting up a blog each time we have a meeting with the major things we have gone over and talked about.
Making all-purpose cleaner
01/28/2009 14:17
You might be thinking ‘How is making cleaners better than buying them at the store?’ Yes, store bought cleaners are easy to get. But are they really the better choice? Homemade cleaners have less impact on the earth. You have to remember that before the cleaners you buy get to your store they have to be made in a factory, put into those nifty spray bottles that usually only get used once, then they have to be shipped to your store. Having all the things you need to make your cleaner already at home would save all that energy that gets used to make package, and ship the cleaners. Cleaners you make at home (like mine) may not be a completely environmental. I’m not sure how you classify things as 100% environmental because usually any cleaning product has to have something in it like phosphate that will clean well (which usually hurt the earth). But homemade cleaners don’t have any chemicals that are made in a lab. You make them yourself. Also there isn’t a need to keep buying new bottles with the new cleaner in it. You can use the same bottle over and over again. Which saves plastic. Homemade cleaners are definitely better for the earth than store bought cleaners.
The recipe I have been using is Alice’s Wonder All-Purpose Cleaner. If you want to check it out here is the link. Homemade cleaners work just as well as manufactured cleaners. You may have your doubts about them, but just because they don’t have that harsh chemical smell doesn’t mean they aren’t working. If you’re interested, but still not convinced, join us at a “cleaner-making party” sometime soon. Stay tuned for dates and times.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rethink
01/23/2009 16:19
