Raw Food Tacos

Okay I'm back into the groove of eating lots of raw food after a fun time in our nation's capital. My latest recipe is from the book "Raw Food A Complete Guide for Every Meal of the Day". I really enjoy these recipes. So I am trying out tonight, tacos made with pistachios, walnuts, a chunk of leek, carrot and nama shoyu. I made my own taco spices using coriander, cumin, garlic powder and cayenne. Then I whipped up some guacomole, to which I added some leftover mango. Super food kale, will replace the traditional taco shell. There is also a very simple recipe for sour cream made out of cashews, but I'm out of cashews.

Green Travel: Washington D.C.

Last week I had the pleasure of traveling to Washington, D.C. with my son to attend an open house on the campus of George Washington University. We were quite impressed with the campus and the experience. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that my son Michael was going to stay overnight in the JJ Building, an eco-friendly dorm. I couldn't have planned that if I wanted to! While he was safely snoring away in the green dorm, I drove my eco-friendly (it was billed that way by Budget) rental car down the street to The Kimpton Hotel Palomar on P Street in Dupont Circle. I enjoy staying in Kimpton hotels due to their sustainability and social responsibility policies. They also let you bring your pets. How nice is it to have a recycling trash can in your room? Sweet. The next day,  I went for a sight seeing jog around the neighborhood, so quaint and charming with its rowhouses, front yard gardens, cafes, boutiques and restaurants. Heaven. Needing some nourishment, I stumbled upon an eco-friendly restaurant called Sweet Green that sold fresh soups and salads made with local in season produce and frozen yogurt. I thought it was so cool that it actuall had a bin in whci to place compostables. Even the utensils are compostable. It was great. Apparently, others felt the same way, as there was a major line. That afternoon, I picked up my son from GWU, where he was treated to a nice tee, a BPA free water bottle and a boxed lunch. After settling him into the hotel, I enjoyed a cup of tea with my friend and fellow social mediaite, Ananda Leeke of Go Green Sangha and BAP Living at a charming restaurant in Dupont Circle called Teaism. It was divine. Ananda took me down to her neck of the woods in the U street area, where I really enjoyed the beautiful greenery of the pocket gardens. The next day, Michael and I walked to the Georgetown area, where we enjoyed a wonderful lunch at another green restaurant, Farmers and Fishers in Washington Harbor, owned by a collective of farmers in the region. He said that their fish sandwich was awesome and I really enjoyed my veggie sandwich, "the farmers daughter", made with grilled rye bread, avocado, roasted veggies and brie. Amazing. After enjoying the Potomac River, we checked out some of the shops, including a cool vintage clothing store called Annie Creamcheese. The items were a bit pricey compared to what we can find in Cleveland, but there was a nice selection of vintage clothing for men and women. That evening we dined at B Smiths restaurant in Union Station, where I was pleased to find vegetarian ribs. On Sunday, we dined at another green restaurant, The Founding Farmers on Pennsylvania Avenue in Foggy Bottom and had a great brunch of chicken and waffles (I broke my meat free fast that day). I must say, by that point, I was getting used to a complete vegetarian lifestyle. I think I will be there completely once my son takes off for college. Anyway, I digress. There was a wonderful eco-friendly French bakery that we stopped at before heading back to C-Town, called Le Pain Quotidien. I ordered the chocolate brownie and the pistachio marzipan tart. To....die....for. I have never tasted store baked goods that were that amazingly delicious. I don't think I will be buying many baked goods, since I have been introduced to such refined deliciousness. I must say, that this was a pretty green trip, the only thing that was missing was the lack of fresh fruit. As soon as I arrived home, I killed a juicy green apple. Ahh, raw is good again. Green travel tips:

• Drive or take the train to your destination
• Rent an eco-friendly vehicle
• Pack your own snacks, including lots of fresh fruit, for the road and late nights in the hotel
• Fill up your own water bottle to stay hydrated while driving to your destination
• Stay in hotels that support the environment and give back to the planet
• Don't buy new clothes for your trip or purchase from vintage or consignment
• Stay in walkable areas, with plenty of public transportation
• Walk, walk, walk - try to go on walking tours if possible
• Take advantage of eco-friendly cab services
• Support local green businesses and restaurants
• Check out the cool vintage and thrift stores in the area

Bon voyage!

Easy Raw Food Dish: Tabbouleh With a Twist

I found this recipe in a new raw food uncookbook that I purchased last night, "Raw Food: A Complete Guide for Every Meal of the Day", by Erica Palmcranz and Irmela Lilja. I was a little concerned once I realized that the authors were Swedish (weird food?), but I discovered that while some of the recipes are different, they are so in a good way. Like this one!

Basically you take the following:

Bunch of parsley (great for digestion and alertness)
Thick slice of red onion (cancer fighter)
Large roma tomato
1/3 of a just ripe avocado (superfood)
Chop each item and mix together. Add about 1/4 cup of finely chopped raw almonds (I used almond meal). Mix again. Squeeze a nice amount of lemon on top, add about a tablespoon or two of extra virgin olive oil, season with salt and pepper to taste. This will make one serving for a meal, two for a side dish. Eat with pleasure and swipe the bowl with your finger to get every last delectable drop!

Green Drug Store Finds at Walgreens and CVS Pharmacies

Check out the latest green drug store finds. 1 &2) Hair care products free of parabens 3) Body wash and moisturizing products made with mostly natural ingredients and paraben free. $5.99 for about a 6 oz size of foot cream that works very well. Bonus - 1% of all profits go back to environmentally conscious organizations and projects. 4) Living in a house that is surrounded by maple and oak trees, I have more leaves than I can ever mulch with my mower, so I will use these biodegradeable lawn bags to hold the excess. My son asked if I was going to throw the bags in the ravine behind our home, but I told him that I didn't think people would realize the green bags were compostable, so I will probably experiment with them and keep them behind the shed to see how quickly they decompose. 5) Saving the best for last! Sunchips now come in fully compostable bags! The only problem is that if you are trying to sneak and eat some on the sly, the bag is incredibly noisy. I have found many green products at CVS and Walgreens, including, soy candles, recycled paper folders, Burts Bees products and other items. Wal-Mart also has a decent selection of organic and environmentally friendly products. It is nice to know that having respect for the environment and human safety is finally seen as economically viable, thanks to people like you that shop their values.

Women's Health And The Environment: New Science, New Solutions

On April 21st in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, hundreds of women, physicians, activists and environmentalists will converge upon the eco-friendly David L. Lawrence Convention Center, to address issues around the area of women's health and the environment. Lisa P. Jackson, EPA Chief, will give the keynote and the U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Regina M. Benjamin will kick-off the morning. This is going to be the place to be if you want to meet all of the players in the fight against environmental toxins. I will be there. Will you? Click here to register, it's free but spaces fill up fast.

This Week In The Indoor Garden

My houseplants have been delivering gifts of spring. Check them out! They can't wait for warmer days ahead. 1) Bird of Paradise 2) Pelargonium or S. African Geranium 3) Trandescantia Pendula

Finally, A Fighter For The Environment and Justice In The EPA

A change is gonna come. Is your business ready? Check out this article on Lisa P. Jackson's serious efforts to improving our environment.

My New Raw Food Staple: Live Un-Stir- Fry With Cauliflower "Rice"

This is the most delicious and satisfying raw entree recipe I have tried to date. It combines your typical stir fry veggies - cabbages, green onions, snow peas, red peppers and onions - with a few unconventional ingredients - cilantro and cashews. It is then topped with a Thai inspired sauce that is made with lemongrass, ginger, apple cider or plum vinegar,peppers, lime peel, agave, nama shoyu, garlic and tamarind paste. The full recipe can be found in the March issue of Vegetarian Times or online in its healthy recipe index in about another month. It is one of many delish recipes by Mark Reinfeld and Jennifer Murray, authors of "The 30 Minute Vegan" and "The Complete Idiots Guide to Eating Raw".

The "rice" that you see in the photo is made by pulsing 2 cups of cauliflower florets, 1/4 cup of macadamia or pine nuts, 1/2 tablespoon dehydrated onion flakes, 1/4 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp garlic powder in the food processor.

It lasts for about 3 days in the fridge, store the rice in a separate container. I like to eat this at room temperature.You can even pass it off as a salad at a potluck, but still enjoy the satisfaction of thinking of it as a stir fry when you are enjoying it!

Help Wanted: An Eco-Friendly Drain Cleaner That Works

This product drove me back to Drano. Any suggestions on an eco-friendly drain cleaner that works? I have tried vinegar and baking soda with hot water. Dud. Help!

Great Green Eclectic Funky and Ethnic Design Books To Feast Your Eyes On

I was in my favorite shop a while back enjoying these books and thought I would share a sneak peak into each of them with you. They weren't technically green interior design books, but are theoretically green, because they show you how to use thrift, flea market, natural and vintage finds to make a fabulous and cozy home. The two inch thick "African Interiors" book gives you a head rush simply by flipping through its pages with its myriad of motherland styles, designs and colors.

Elite Women Regional Economic Development Trade Summit

Hello friends! I apologize for not posting for a while, but I have been busy as the co-chair of an inaugural women's economic development event that takes place on May 5th in Cleveland, Ohio, "The Elite Women's Regional Economic Development Summit". I am meeting some amazingly talented women and some pretty cool guys as well as we plan for the big day. This program could not be organized without the collective efforts, talent and passion of these experts. The goal of this event is to help women business owners to take their companies to the next level. This will be done through bringing them together to exhibit, network and promote their businesses, participate in a selection of 30+ workshops and  two panel discussions. The workshops will be facilitated by gifted speakers and practitioners and will include topics on social media, marketing, access to capital, government contracting, procurement, affordable health insurance and of course....green business. You know if I'm part of something, green is going to be on the agenda and it will be as green as possible. In fact, we are going to feature a panel discussion titled "Green Is The New Black: Growing Your Profitability In The Green Economy" it will be attended by most of the participants that day. There will also be an afternoon panel discussion which addresses the issues of developing tomorrow's leaders. Following this event, will be a Women's Global Business Summit in September, so watch out world!

One part of our green event strategy is to reduce paper and use social media to promote the event as much as possible andI am working with some marketing and technology business ladies that know their stuff! I know the attendees will realize a huge return on their investments as I am learning quite a bit just from being around these experts. I will share some of our green promotional strategies and links to the event in another post.

That's all I have time for today!

Keep it green.

G To-Go Series / Utensils Solutions

G To-Go Series / Utensils Solutions Swiss Army Tools has developed an excellent tool for those of us that always leave our silverware at home. Think of the Swiss Army knife, but with a fork and spoon option. Eat, clean and put it in your purse or pocket. Just don't take it to the airport with you!

A Bird's Nest In A Pear Tree

I was at one of my favorite mid-town green eateries, Tastebuds, when I decided to take a look at the pear tree that I discovered last summer. I discovered it last year growing near a chain link fence in the back an urban parking lot, adjacent to a highway. It was pear palooza. Check out its winter profile, tucked in top branches you will see the outline of a bird's nest. It's nice to have an appreciation for beauty of a plant in all of its forms.

Green The Block 2010 Days of Action: March's Theme, "Women in the Green Economy" | Green The Block

Green The Block 2010 Days of Action: March's Theme, "Women in the Green Economy" Green The Block

It takes a woman to educate a nation baby! Sign up to host a Women in the Green Economy event in your town, just in time for Women's History Month.

On tour with The Black Eyed Peas - Join us! — Green For All

On tour with The Black Eyed Peas - Join us! — Green For All

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Leading The Way Into The Wilderness: Re-Engaging Black Folks With Nature

One of the best ways to engage folks in the environmental movement is to expose them to the wonders, beauty, mysteries and secrets of their ecological surroundings. Recently I volunteered to organize a hiking trip this summer for my church.  I am so excited to have the opportunity to immerse church members in the spirit of God's natural places and foster a zeal  for "creation care". The hope is that this trip will open the door for a greener church. Not that I am some great experienced hiker, but what I lack in experience, I make up for in enthusiasm and the ability to collaborate.(My career choices in high school were Park Ranger or Banker, I chose banker because I despise uniforms). The good news is that I have the remainder of winter and spring to plan for the excursion and I get to play park ranger for a day!

In Cleveland, Ohio, we are blessed with two park systems, a national park, Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP) and our local, state run park system, The Cleveland Metroparks. I am more familiar with CVNP as I have been on its grounds on several occasions, including, a camping trip with my son when he was in elementary school as part of an urban outreach program, diversity training through my job and last summer as part of an early Sunday morning "beat the heat" hike in celebration of my very green birthday. I was a little apprehensive when I initially showed up for that hike, as I was the only black person present - out in the woods, on a back road.....I know. Scary. For a micro-second, I thought about turning around. As I got out of the car with my game face on, I could sense the other hikers asking themselves, "Who is this black girl?" Luckily, my apprehensions dissipated as I absorbed their cheery greetings and advice. The rangers (a decent number are women) are very friendly at CVNP and it runs a very popular Underground Railroad re-enactment. I plan to do a lot more hiking this year, so in addition to planning for our church trip, I am also scoping out some opportunities for individuals or smaller groups. Anyway, the Metroparks system is home to our zoo and spread out over wide swaths of the Greater Cleveland area. I am leaning towards using this park system, as it is closer to home and provides nature guides and customizable programs for groups. I will incorporate environmental education and appreciation into our programs that day. The plan for now is to split the group of 100 hikers into two groups, one group will take a more leisurely, educational hike, while the other will take a more difficult five mile trail, which won't feature as much conversation. Both hikes will last about 1.5 hours. We will all then meet back at a shelter (they are reserved a year in advance, so pickings will be slim), eat, rest, fellowship and thank God for the natural blessings he shares with us. We will play games using creature care and nature related quotes from the bible and knowledge gleaned from the hiking trips. Nature guides will discuss other hiking opportunities offered by the park system and I will handout a few copies of the book by African American park gurus Audrey and Frank Peterman, "Legacy of the Land'. This book chronicles their 10 week journey through the national parks of 40 states and shares little known information about our historical ties to the park system (Buffalo Soldiers were some of the first park rangers). Copies of the DVD "The National Parks: America's Best Idea" by Ken Burns will also be given to winners of the games. I am getting excited just talking about it!!! So are you ready to get off of the couch and into the green woods? Here is a sampling of the variety of ways that you can engage with your local park:

• Dog lover hikes (bring your best friend)
• Art classes - nature as your muse, materials
• Birding (bring a mug full of hot coffee and learn more about these tiny dinosaurs)
• Music - jazz, blues, reggae and country are enjoyed at outdoor festivals and park lodges
• Gardening - learn about native plants that can be incorporated into your plot of land
• Rainbarrel workshops - lower your water bill with these babies
• Homeschooling programs - every child needs exposure to nature
• Women only hiking - network and learn new skills
• Snowshoeing - I heard that this is quite a workout
• Running programs - how cool would it be to run through the woods? (at least in this century)
• Farmers markets
• Urban hikes - for those of you without vehicles, catch a bus or bike to an urban trail near you
• Underground Railroad hikes - get a new appreciation for what our ancestors endured to be free
• Movie nights - bring the kids, some blankets and snacks and enjoy nature related movies

The good news is that the park systems would loooove to see you. There are several initiatives to attract more diverse visitors, which is wise give the direction of demographics in this country. To get started I recommend that you pick up the Peterman's new book and visit their website Pickup and Go, which will help you plan a trip. You can also go the following websites:

• State Parks Online
• National Park Systems
• Outdoor Afro
• Pickup and Go!

I really like the idea of having culturally edited information, because as African Americans we can have certain historically based concerns when it comes to being in wooded areas, in addition to specific concerns, such as issues with insects, our hair and our desire to look good - even in the woods baby!

So go on and plan your hiking trip, so you can be the Harriet Tubman of your family, place of worship, school or social organization and lead our folks to experience the wonders, joys, mysteries, beauty and respect of the natural areas that God has blessed us with.

Welcome GreenSoul Movement - "EatRight" Blog

Welcome GreenSoul Movement - "EatRight" Blog A wonderful reader shared this grassroots, soulful, green and raw blog. The website is authored by Crystal Riles and Azalea Blacock McCoy, two passionate and energetic Oakland sisters with a love of all things green, raw and earthy. Currently they are in the midst of documenting a journey of how to feed a family on good green unprocessed, unpackaged food instead of on the dollar menu at fast food restaurants, which unfortunately too many of our families are forced to do out of lack of ends and information. Michelle Obama should be all over this. I love their idea of buying a Vita-Mix (the ultimate raw food machine) for $10 on Craigslist, finding free fruit and veggies on Freecycle and Craigslist sites and organic veggies for $1 at the dollar store. The lovely ladies even provide great smoothie recipes to try out on your kids and other loved ones. This is truly keeping it real and accessible for all of us. I love it!

Keep up the great work Crystal and Azalea!

More Vegan and Vegetarian Dating Sites For Singles

Everyone seemed to like the raw food singles site I posted, so here are some more options for green, raw, vegan, vegetarian or getting there singles, compliments of VegNews Magazine. A couple of commenters also recommended Greensingles and Veggieconnection. Enjoy and let me know if you meet any cool people with these sites.

GreenChef Russell James | Wilted Kale with Chipotle Dressing

GreenChef Russell James Wilted Kale with Chipotle Dressing I'm making this superfood palooza tonight! Gliving has the best raw recipes.

Guide For Transitioning To A Healthier Diet

Guide For Transitioning To A Healthier Diet I think that this is one of the simplest and best explanations of the need t0 eat and how to eat a more plant based and raw diet that I have seen to date.

United Nations Haitian Crisis Update

I'm watching Anderson 360's live update from Haiti today and I'm touched by Anderson Cooper's commitment and sincerity in his coverage of the Haitian crisis. Found this excellent United Nations assessment on the needs, issues, reconstruction plans and challenges of Haiti. It includes information on aid needed and resources for giving and key contacts. You can even get on the mailing list for updates. I would love to hear how you are giving and your thoughts on saving the children of Haiti and reconstruction.

Tune In To BAP Living Radio Tonight at 7pm EST to Hear Green Living Tips

Hello Friends! Please join me tonight at 7pm EST to listen to my first day as Green Living Correspondent for BAP Living Radio. BAP (Black American Princess) Living was founded and created by author, yoga expert, lawyer, social media expert and genuine great lady, Ananda Leeke. Tune in tonight to learn more about present moment living and green living 101. Click here for more details on this evening's event.

Black and Into Green: Raw Food Singles#comments

Black and Into Green: Raw Food Singles#comments Check out the Greensoul website, referenced in this comment.

GreenChef Russell James | Valentines Chocolate Torte

GreenChef Russell James Valentines Chocolate Torte This is a more complicated, but decadent raw dessert to try.

Chocolate Raw Food Brownies - Just In Time For Valentines Day!

Okay, so perhaps you found a soul mate through the raw food hookup sites referenced yesterday. Yes! Now you want to impress him or her with your raw food unbaking skills. These chocolatey, good for you brownies are sooo quick and easy to make that you will have plenty of time to spend with your sweetie! Basic ingredients were almonds, cacao nibs, dried cherries and dates. Equipment needed - food processor and heart shaped cookie cutters. I topped them with chocolate frosting (raw of course). Recipe from Ani Phyo's Raw Desserts book. Teen taste test result - "These are good, but give me the real thing." Not bad coming from a kid who can down a package of double stuffed Oreos in two days! One day he will see the light my friends.