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The holiday season for many is a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness, but it's also a time when our environmental footprint tends to increase. As we celebrate together, it’s important to consider our environmental impact and take steps to reduce it.
In the US, the largest category of waste in landfills is food, with household garbage increasing by 25% during the holidays. This week, many families in the US will be gathering at the dinner table to celebrate everything they are thankful for. Each year, American families waste an estimated 305 million pounds of food from just Thanksgiving dinner. When we waste food, we also waste the energy, land, labor, and water it takes to grow, harvest, transport, and package the food. As you plan for your upcoming holiday gatherings, consider how you can take steps, both small and large, to reduce your impact.
When planning your celebration, make sure to seriously consider the number of guests attending to avoid over-preparing. While shopping, resist the urge to buy that "emergency" pie, snack, etc. and only purchase what you know you can use. Also, be sure to discuss and coordinate dishes with your guests in advance to avoid repeat or extra dishes. If you’re not sure how much food you need for the number of guests you are expecting, you could try Save the Food’s Guest-imator Tool at www.savethefood.com/guestimator.
Other great ways to reduce your gathering’s footprint is to search for locally-sourced ingredient options, choose reusable serving options, and ask guests to bring reusable containers for leftovers. When cleaning up, remember to ask guests what they enjoyed eating, rather than loading them up with a little bit of everything, so you can avoid those leftovers reaching someone else’s trash.
Check out our Pinterest for some great recipes to use-up leftover ingredients and consider donating boxed, canned, and bagged foods to the Anne Arundel County Food Bank. Every little bit you do to reduce food waste helps!
The end of November is a popular time to start decorating for the upcoming winter holidays. If you’re planning to decorate with real greenery, like fresh-cut trees, wreaths, garlands, etc., consider purchasing from local small businesses at Crofton Southbound Produce (right across the street from The Beacon), the Crofton Farmers Market, Y Worry Farm, & Bowie Farmer’s Market.
Approximately 40 million holiday trees are sold in the US each year. Recycled trees, wreaths, and garlands can be used for mulch, soil erosion barriers, and other environmentally-friendly uses! In fact, Anne Arundel County recycles trees and greenery at three recycling centers, one of which is only 10 mins from The Beacon:
Central Recycling Center
389 Burns Crossing Road, Severn, MD 21144
Monday – Friday, 8:00AM – 4:00PM
Don’t forget to also recycle these items this holiday season!: wrapping paper, tissue paper, greeting cards, catalogs/magazines, shipping/gift boxes, and newspapers. Additionally, wrapping paper can be reused as tissue paper for bagged presents, used in crafts, shredded into confetti for a New Year’s party, or used as packing material to keep fragile decorations safe.
This holiday season, let the spirit of sustainability guide your choices as you celebrate. Small changes in your habits and traditions can have a significant positive impact. May your holidays be both merry and green!
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With the start of September comes a bounty of seasonal fruits and vegetables, like peaches, apricots, nectarines, plums, blueberries, pumpkin, and more! Just a short walk or drive away from a number of local grocery stores, produce stands, and markets, the Beacon's location offers many options to find fresh, local produce and spark inspiration for your fall culinary creations.
An awesome way to make your grocery choices more sustainable and support your local community is to buy locally and seasonally. Buying locally, when possible, not only helps small businesses, it reduces the environmental impact of your food by cutting down on fuel consumption and emissions associated with transportation. Local produce also tends to be fresher and more nutritious, because it wasn't bred for long shipping times and an extended shelf life. Buying locally also allows you to look for farmers avoiding or reducing their use of pesticides, hormones, etc.
According to the Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation, if all Maryland families who are able spent ~$12 per week on locally-grown products for 8 weeks, $200 million would be invested back into the livelihoods and growth of local farmers! Click the farmer's market guide below to find some great places to find local produce and visit the AACED website at www.aaedc.org/agriculture/farmers-markets/agriculture-guide/ for the annual Arundel Grown Guide, a directory featuring local agricultural businesses, from produce, baked goods, and honey to eco tourism, vineyards, etc.
Late summer, early fall is the perfect time to enjoy a wide selection of seasonal produce. What seasonal ingredients are you most excited to use in your recipes this season? Check out the recipes below for some inspiration:
Cozy Entrees:
Butternut Squash Soup
Ingredients:
- 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1.5 Cup onion, diced
- 3 Cup carrots, diced
- 1 pkg (20 oz) Butternut Squash
- 1 container (32 oz) Vegetable Broth
- 1 Tbsp Vegetable Broth Concentrate
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Heat oil in stockpot on low. Add onions – cook, stirring occasionally, about 5 min, until soft, but not browned. Add carrots – cook, stirring occasionally, about 5 min. Increase heat to high. Add butternut squash and broth – bring to boil, about 7 min. Reduce heat to med-high. Simmer, about 30 min, until squash is tender. Add broth concentrate – stir. Remove from heat – cool slightly. Add mixture to blender in two batches – puree until smooth. Season as desired.
Turkey Pumpkin Crockpot Chili
Ingredients:
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 Tbsp ground coriander
- 1 Tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 2lbs ground turkey
- 2 Tbsp thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 (15oz) can pumpkin puree
- 1 (15oz) cans cannelini bean, drained
- 2 Cup chicken broth drained
- 1/2 c. heavy cream
Instructions:
- Saut̩: In a large stockpot or skillet set over medium, heat the olive oil and saut̩ the carrots and onions until they become soft Рabout 2 to 3 minutes.
- Toast the spices: Add the minced garlic, coriander, paprika, cumin, black pepper, fresh thyme, and salt and toss with the vegetables to toast slightly for 1 additional minute.
- Brown the meat: Move the vegetables to the side of the pot or skillet and add the ground turkey. Use a wooden spoon to break it down into small pieces as it browns and then toss it together with the other ingredients in the skillet.
- Set up the slow cooker. Add the mixture from the skillet to your slow cooker along with the pumpkin puree, beans, and broth (leave the cream out). Set the temperature to low for 4 to 5 hours or high for 2 to 3 hours. When ready to serve, stir the cream into the chili.
Breakfast Treats:
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
Ingredients:
- 1 Cup rolled oats
- 2 Cup milk or water
- 2 apples, diced
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 Tbsp honey or maple syrup
Instructions:
In a saucepan, combine oats, water or milk, and diced apples. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until oats are fully cooked and apples are softened. Stir in cinnamon and sweetener, if desired. Serve hot. Garnish as desired with chopped nuts, raisins, etc.
Blueberry Muffins:
- ½ Cup Butter
- 1 Cup Unsifted Flour
- 1 Cup Sugar + 1 Tbsp for topping
- 2 Large Eggs
- ½ Cup Milk
Preheat oven to 375°F. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy; add eggs one at a time and beat. In a second bowl, combine dry ingredients and stir until well combined. Gradually add dry ingredients to creamed mixture along with milk and vanilla. If desired, mash 1/2 c. blueberries and stir into batter, turning it blue-tinted. Next, add remaining blueberries and stir.
Prepare baking sheet with muffin cups and preferred method for greasing. Fill greased muffin cups with batter. Sprinkle with sugar, if desired. Bake for 25-30 mins. Remove and cool in pan. Run a knife around the edge of each muffin until it is loose and can be freed from the pan, then let cool. If desired, brush muffin tops with butter and sprinkle with sugar. Enjoy!
Fall Smoothies:
Apple Pie Chia Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 1 apple, cut into small pieces
- 1 c. of your preferred milk
- 2 Tbsp chiai seeds
- 1 Tbsp maple syrup
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- Pinch nutmeg & salt, to taste
Instructions: Blend all ingredients until smooth; add ice if desired. Note: You can replace maple syrup (or any of the sweeteners) with honey, agave or even stevia, if you prefer.
Power Pumpkin Seed Smoothie
Ingredients:
- ¼ Cup vanilla yogurt
- ¼ Cup pumpkin puree
- 1 Tbsp pumpkin seeds, raw
- ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 Tbsp maple syrup
- ¼ Cup you preferred milk
- 1 Cup ice
Instructions: Blend all ingredients until smooth; add ice if desired. Note: You can replace maple syrup (or any of the sweeteners) with honey, agave or even stevia, if you prefer.
Oatmeal Pear Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 1 large pear seeded and chopped
- ½ Cup your preferred milk
- ¼ Cup vanilla yogurt, low-fat
- ¼ Cup rolled or quick-cooked oats
- 1 Cup ice
- ½ Tbsp maple syrup
- 1 Tbsp almond butter
- ½ tsp ginger, finely grated
- Pinch cinnamon, to taste and extra to garnish
Instructions: Blend all ingredients until smooth; add ice if desired. Note: You can replace maple syrup (or any of the sweeteners) with honey, agave or even stevia, if you prefer.
Happy Fall, everyone!
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As the weather warms up and flowers begin to bloom, it's a reminder that spring is here. The new season, and the home refreshes that often come with it, provide an excellent opportunity to set sustainability goals and start new habits!
Do you have any sort of spring cleaning routine to welcome the new season? As you gear up for spring cleaning, consider the impact of the products used. There are many greener cleaning products on the market that are free from harmful chemicals, making them safer for you, your pets, little ones in the house, and everything they come in contact with when disposed of. Keep an eye-out for products that are plant-based, biodegradable, and eco-friendly, or consider a DIY option. Click here for a place to start.
An awesome idea for adding some literal green to your daily routine is to grow a mini garden on your balcony or patio. Not only will this provide you with the joy of live plants in your space, but, if you choose edible plants, such as herbs or small produce, you can enjoy using them in your meal or cocktail prep. Flowering plants also give pollinators a place to stop as they pass through our community. Check out some ideas on our Pinterest to get started with your balcony garden.
Spring is a popular time for shopping, as the changing weather and season motivates us to look for new clothing and home décor. However, it's important to consider the impact of new purchases on the environment. Itching for some new outfits? Consider a shopping trip to a local thrift/second-hand store store to find new-to-you pieces that contribute less to the waste of fast fashion. When shopping for new pieces, keep an eye out for brands that use eco-friendly materials and ethical production practices. When buying new pieces, sometimes spending a bit more is worth it to have items that will last years, rather than only a season or two.
When going through your clothing and housewares, it's also important to consider what you can reuse in a new way and what can be given a new life. There are so many ideas online for upcycling pre-loved clothing and housewares and, if you're certain you no longer have a use for them, consider donating items that still have life left in them to a secondhand shop, so they can find their way to a new owner, rather than simply being discarded. Check out some ideas to upcycle items you might already have.
Finally, as the weather warms up, consider taking some time to get outside! Take a walk or hike, ride a bike, or simply sit outside and enjoy the fresh air. By reconnecting with nature, you'll be more mindful of the impact of your actions on the environment. Keep an eye out for our next blog post with local outing ideas to connect with nature.
Spring is a wonderful time to practice sustainability and have a positive impact on the environment! Making small changes in our daily lives can make a big difference.
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How many times have you rushed out the door on your way to work with just a thermos or snack bar – if that? Or maybe you squeeze-in a drive-through stop to settle your rumbling stomach? This is super common and nothing to be embarrassed about! Our lives are busy and, sometimes, its easy to miss meals or settle for something less healthy, but quick, while rushing to work, running errands, and/or juggling family needs.
Maybe you had a New Year's resolution to eat healthier or get up earlier to have breakfast and are falling behind? Building new habits can be challenging, so it's always helpful to have a place to start. The Beacon is conveniently located within walking distance of three grocery stores (Target, Wegmans, & Safeway), which have everything you need to get started. Just a bit of planning and prep can actually save you time and money in the long-run. Check out these ideas and recipes to start everyday off right!
1) Overnight Oats – Start with oats, your favorite milk, and your favorite flavorings, such as honey, cinnamon, or vanilla. Then, you can add toppings, like fresh or dried fruit, nuts, chia seeds, jam/preserves, etc. Mix it all together and store it in the fridge for a quick and hearty breakfast.
- Blueberry Overnight Oats
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
- Frozen Fruit & Yogurt Overnight Oats
2) Make-Ahead Egg Muffins – You can make a quick batch of these at the start of the week and store them in the fridge for a grab-and-go breakfast. Simply mix together eggs and your favorite fillings, such as veggies and/or your favorite protein source, then bake in a muffin tin.
3) Baked Oatmeal – Like overnight oats, baked oatmeal can easily be customized to fit your taste preferences. They're a great option for a breakfast that is pastry-like and easy to eat by hand.
- Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal
- Peanut Butter & Banana Baked Oatmeal
- Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal
- Berry Baked Oatmeal
4) Breakfast Burritos – Do you prefer a heartier, hot breakfast? Make a big batch of breakfast burritos with eggs, beans, cheese, and your favorite veggies and/or protein, then freeze them to heat up as needed. Just like the other recipes in this list, breakfast burritos are very easily customized to your taste and dietary needs.
5) Smoothie Packs – Portion out your smoothie packs into bags or jars by pre-cutting your favorite fruits and veggies and including any additions your prefer, such as chia seeds, protein powder, etc. Store packs in the freezer until use. Then, all you have to do is add your preferred liquids, yogurt, milk, etc., and the smoothie pack to your blender and blend away.
6) Protein Pancakes – If you have a bit more time in the mornings, but not enough to make something from scratch, or just don't want to have to worry about cooking first thing in the morning, make-ahead pancakes might be a great option. You can make a big batch and freeze them. When you're ready to enjoy, defrost and top to your preference for a quick and fun breakfast.
Getting into the habit of meal prepping your breakfast can help you save time in the morning and make sure you get a nutritious start to your day. Check out our Pinterest for more recipe ideas and give a few a try to see how easy and delicious breakfast meal prepping can be!
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As the holiday season approaches, you might find yourself a bit overwhelmed – by excitement, stress, or both. Amidst all the holiday activity, considering your environmental impact may be low on the to-do list, but it is very important and putting some thought into your celebration’s impact may save you some extra stress and money, both before and after the festivities begin.
In the United States, the largest waste category in landfills is food. Did you know that, during the holiday season, average household garbage increases by 25%? During the week of Thanksgiving, alone, 200 million pounds of turkey gets tossed out and enough water is wasted to supply New York City for 100 days! As you plan for your upcoming holiday gatherings, consider how you and your loved ones can reduce this footprint during your celebrations.
Consider these tips to get you started with your low-waste holiday meal planning:
- When planning what dishes to serve, challenge yourself and your guests to coordinate and only make planned dishes, so you avoid making more food than you can eat.
- A great way to reduce energy usage around the holidays is to search for locally-sourced ingredient options – maybe visit a farmer’s market or keep an eye-out for butchers, shops, or supermarkets that source their meat, produce, and baked goods from local farms and other small businesses.
- Making some dishes from scratch can also cut down on the waste associated with packaging or shipping meal items across the country. You could even consider trying to prepare a meat-free holiday feast, since meat consumption tends to have a large environmental impact.
- Finally, choosing reusable serving and food storage options can reduce the amount of single-use trash produced by your gathering. Even compostable products would be a great alternative, as they’ll break down much faster in a landfill.
November is a great time to clean-out cupboards. An ingredient you need might just be hiding in the back! While shopping, resist the urge to buy that "emergency" pie, snack, side dish, etc. Only purchase what you know you can use before it spoils. Afterwards, choose recipes that use-up leftovers in other meals, so they don't take-up room in your fridge or go bad before you get a chance to use them. Check out the recipe lists below to get started with planning how to use your leftovers:
- Ahead of Thyme – 25 Best Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes
- The Food Network – Best Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes
- Pioneer Woman – Using Your Thanksgiving Leftovers
- Delish – Genius Ways to Use Thanksgiving Leftovers
As we celebrate everything we’re thankful for this season, let’s not forget that extra dry and canned food items, such as canned vegetables, cranberry sauce, pie fillings, soup, peanut butter, rice, pastas, flour, spices, etc. would be greatly appreciated by those experiencing food insecurity. The Anne Arundel County Food Bank, located just 15 minutes away from The Beacon, is a great place to support neighbors in need!
Every little bit we can do to reduce our consumption and waste, particularly around the holidays, makes a big difference!
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Welcome back cooler weather!
Summer 2022 has come and gone. Goodbye to shorts, flipflops, and relaxing by the pool, hello fuzzy socks, sweaters, and warm drinks! The fall equinox began on September 22 and people may feel a bit melancholy with the cooling temperatures and falling leaves. But Fall is a wonderful season and we have some great ideas for how you can embrace the changing season.
With the arrival of autumn, comes an abundance of season favorites, such as pumpkin spice, apple cider, cinnamon, etc. Did you know that this season is one of the best to get healthier due to the harvest of apples, grapes, peppers, tomatoes, pumpkin, and eggplant that can detox your body naturally? This is a great time to experiment with new recipes using these fruits and vegetables to help jump start your mind and body.
The start of a new season is the perfect time to begin new habits and create balance in your life. For example, you could try taking 10 minutes each morning to stretch and practice breathing techniques. Daily routines like this can help you focus and reinvigorate you for the day ahead. Remember that incorporating a little bit of exercise into your daily routine can also help you feel better. Try visiting our on-site fitness center for a more rigorous workout!
Everyone talks about spring cleaning, but, as the season changes, this is the perfect time to bring fresh balance and order to your home. Set goals to complete household chores that may have been neglected during the summertime. Don’t forget to swap out your summer wardrobe and sort through what you want to store, sell, or donate. We have GreenDrop boxes available on-site to make donations easy and convenient.
Are you pulling out your pumpkins and plaid, or maybe even getting ready for Halloween? Fall is the perfect time to refresh your home! For a more sustainable approach, consider picking-out decorations and costume pieces from a secondhand stores or making some of them yourself. Keep an eye here on our blog in early October for some great fall craft ideas and tag us on socials if you try any of them!
Happy fall, everyone!
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Many companies have adapted to a hybrid model, allowing employees to work a portion of the week at home and the remaining time in the office to help create a home/life balance. In doing so companies are finding increased productivity with reduced costs. Are you currently or planning to work from home? If the answer is yes, working from home doesn't have to be limited to your apartment.
Create a space that separates “home and office” so that your home isn’t synonymous with work; this will help you separate yourself from work and avoid burnout. The Beacon at Waugh Chapel offers several spaces right outside your door to help with this. The Business Center, Clubhouse and Games Room are all equipped with WiFi, a place to sit, and a bright, pleasant environment. You could also get some fresh air during your breaks by exploring the outdoor areas of the community, or even take your laptop outside and set-up at one of the patio tables.
These alternative places to work in our community are made for you and your comfort. We hope you are able take advantage of all of the spaces in our community to make your work from home experience more productive and relaxing!
Below are some tips for creating a successful work-from-home atmosphere:
- Stick to a schedule and create rituals. Some remote work positions have flexible hours, but setting and sticking to a schedule will help you maintain a work/life balance by staying focused throughout the day and allowing you step away from work at the end of your shift. Creating rituals can also help with this. Maybe brewing a cup a coffee or tea everyday could signify the start of the work day and taking an afternoon walk outside could replace a “commute” and signify a shift to home time.
- It can be a great refresh to take your work elsewhere, such as to the Business Center or onto your patio. This helps break-up the monotony and helps keep you from seeing your home as your sole workplace.
- Make sure you are taking plenty of breaks – 5-10mins where you can stand-up, move your body and give your eyes a screen break.
- If you have a pet – include them in your day. A few minutes with your best friend can change your whole mindset and give you the refresh you need to finish your work day on a positive note.
- Since you have access to your own kitchen and pantry, try to make healthy eating choices.
- Open a window – It may sound simple, but just a bit of fresh air or noises from outside can help you connect with the work around you and not make you feel cooped-up while working from home.
- Listening to music can give you more energy. Since you’re working from home, maybe try enjoying some upbeat or relaxing favorites – you likely don’t even need headphones.
- Encourage your colleagues to have virtual interactions where you can enjoy each other’s company outside of work – Maybe swap favorite recipes, start a book club, or just have a happy hour and hang out. Having this social time may improve your working relationships and strengthen your team.
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