GOING GREEN FOR SUMMER
Sustainable Living Made Simple
While summer is a favorite season for many, it’s also a time when people start slacking in their sustainability efforts. They start using more air conditioning or try other environmentally unfriendly methods. While there are certainly some days when we need the A/C, there are many more we can survive without it. In addition to turning off the air conditioner, there are other things we can do regularly to ensure a sustainable summer.
Here are a few practices to incorporate into your life this summer that will be less damaging to the environment than the alternatives. Control your home temperature and lighting. We all know how refreshing it can feel to walk into an air-conditioned home after a hot summer day, but air conditioners use a lot of energy. Instead of relying on the A/C, utilize your fans more often or open your windows after the sun goes down. Don’t leave your air conditioner on if you’re leaving the house for more than a few hours. Also, keep in mind that summer brings more sunlight, which means we can open the curtains and let the sunshine in instead of turning on a few lights. Get your produce from farmers markets. Farmers markets offer a great selection of local produce and other foods. If you’ve never been or don’t go regularly, you should make a habit of going as often as you can. Not only are you supporting local businesses and farmers, but you’re also helping the environment since you’re buying from vendors that don’t have to travel far to sell their products. Avoid using disposable products. Summer is the best time for picnics, and many will try to use Styrofoam cups and plastic utensils for easy cleanup. However, these items are incredibly harmful to the environment! Rather than buying single-use items, bring Tupperware or other reusable containers, and be sure to clean up after yourself.
The Best Broccoli Pesto Pasta
TAKE A BREAK
Inspired by TheModernProper.com
Ingredients
Directions
• 1/2 tsp salt • 4 cups broccoli • 1 lb penne pasta • 2 cups basil leaves • 2 garlic cloves, smashed • 1/4 cup pine nuts,
1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil over high heat. 2. Add broccoli and cook until tender (around 4 minutes). Using a slotted spoon, transfer broccoli to a blender. 3. Bring water back to a boil and add pasta. Cook until al dente and reserve 1 1/4 cups of pasta water. 4. In the blender, add basil, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, salt, and Parmesan cheese to the broccoli and blend until smooth. Slowly add pasta water until a sauce forms. 5. Drain pasta and transfer back to the pot. Mix sauce and pasta together until fully coated. 6. Top with more Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and chili flakes if desired.
plus more for serving
• 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese,
plus more for serving
• Red pepper
flakes (optional)
• 3 www.MelvinUpchurchSells.com
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