Retirement Planning Strategies - April 2021

Don’t Think — Just Go Green!

3 EASY WAYS TO REDUCE YOUR IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT

Living a sustainable, zero-waste lifestyle is all the rage these days. Celebrities like Mark Ruffalo, Jessica Alba, and Emma Watson continue to make big waves by supporting eco-conscious causes and by boasting their eco-friendly

products, consider shampoo bars or refillable bottles for hair care products from companies like Plaine Products or EcoRoots.

EAT LESS MEAT We’re not saying you have to give up your cheeseburgers or ribs, but opting for fewer meat-focused meals could create big impacts on a global scale. According to the Center for a Livable Future, if just 32% of Americans opted for meatless meals one day each week, it would be equivalent to reducing the impact of emissions from 1.6 million cars each year. Swap meat for beans, tofu, cauliflower, squashes, or a vegetarian soup. Delish.com has a great selection of vegetarian- based meals if you’re ready to give it a chance. SHOP LOCALLY When you venture into “Meatless Mondays” or search for products that reduce your single-use footprint, consider shopping locally. According to Transport & Environment, shipping could contribute to 10% of all carbon emissions by 2050. One way you can help reduce the reliance on global shipping is by focusing on locally sourced products and foods. Shop for produce at the local farmer’s market, seek out local crafters for gifts and household accessories , and buy your clothes from local retailers who purchased the materials locally. Large store chains can also have local sections that make this endeavor easier! To get started, check with your local Chamber of Commerce for a list of shops to visit.

products. Not everyone has the budget or the ability to go as eco- friendly as our celebrity counterparts, but “going green” isn’t as difficult as you may think. This Earth Day, try adapting some of these easy eco-friendly tips into your daily life! REDUCE YOUR RELIANCE ON SINGLE-USE ITEMS Swap out items like paper towels, plastic water bottles, travel size shampoos and conditioners, plastic straws and bags, and other single-use products that fulfill a need for you once and then end up in a landfill. Instead, find creative ways to avoid single-use products and reuse or recycle other everyday items instead. You can cut up old shirts to use as rags, fill up reusable water bottles instead of buying throwaway plastic ones, and carry cloth bags instead of taking plastic sacks at the grocery store. If you’re looking for new

BRAIN! Train Your

Rhubarb Oat Bars

INGREDIENTS

Inspired by TasteOfHome.com

• 1 1/2 cups fresh rhubarb, chopped • 1 cup packed brown sugar, divided

• 1 cup old-fashioned oats • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour • 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut • 1/2 tsp salt • 1/3 cup butter, melted thickened. Remove from heat and set aside. 6. In a large bowl, combine oats, flour, coconut, salt, and remaining brown sugar. Stir in butter until mixture is crumbly. 7. Press half of the oat mixture into the prepared baking dish, spread rhubarb mixture on top, then sprinkle with remaining oat mixture. 8. Bake 25–30 minutes until golden brown. Cool completely before enjoying!

• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice • 4 tbsp water, divided • 4 tsp cornstarch

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 F and grease an 8-inch square baking dish. 2. In a medium saucepan, bring rhubarb, 1/2 cup brown sugar, lemon juice, and 3 tbsp water to a boil. 3. Reduce heat to medium and cook until rhubarb is tender (about 5 minutes). 4. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and remaining water, stirring until smooth. 5. Gradually add to the rhubarb mixture, return to a boil, and cook until

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