The grass isn't always greener... In fact, it isn't green at all...

They say the grass is always greener, but - as you probably already know - grass isn't green at all. In fact, this guy goes so far as to say lawns are evil. We love this video, the facts it shares, and the way it makes us appreciate our drought-tolerant rocky yards all the more. If you've been looking for a little inspiration to render your yard more sustainable, this little movie could do the trick!

Recommended Read: Which is greener: a fake or real Christmas tree?

Over the last couple years, I haven't put up a Christmas tree because I've journeyed home to Iowa to celebrate the holiday with my family. This, 2010, will be my first Phoenix Christmas in my seven-plus years here, and yet I still haven't found the time to festoon my home in festive attire. Lazy? Maybe. Busy. Absolutely. Regardless, I've chosen instead to relish the Christmas ambience of the PR firm where I work, as well as that of my Scottsdale neighborhood, where lights shine merrily on many a house.

But mark my words: In 2011, I will have a Christmas tree. Oh, yes. Accordingly, I've been wondering whether I should seize a post-holiday sale opportunity to buy an artificial tree or simply plan to pick up a pretty pine or fresh fir from a tree lot on Black Friday??? (Another option: Come up with a creative alternative...)

Which is exactly why I was glad to see this article pop up in the New York Times. Not surprisingly, as with any attempt to determine how green a product or service is, figuring out whether fake or real tree more planet-friendly isn't exactly straightforward. Among the things to consider: carbon footprint, carbon emissions, years using the tree, driving involved to get the tree, the benefits of trees as crops, recyclability, etc. There's a lot to look at, and thankfully, this article can help. - A.F.

Mark your calendars! Local First Arizona's Fall Festival is around the bend

Cooler weather has arrived, which means it's almost time for Local First Arizona's Certified Local Fall Festival.

A celebration of Arizona-based businesses, the Certified Local Fall Festival will take place on Saturday, Nov. 13 at The Duck and Decanter on 16th and Camelback in Phoenix. The all-ages all-day event - which runs from 10 a.m. to 4  p.m. - features a mix of free food, live music, kid-friendly fun, as well as a showcase of goods and services offered by local companies.

Ecosaurus is excited to be participating in the festival for the second consecutive year, and our booth is set to feature great deals on green note cards and recycled gift wrap. Consider this event THE time to stock up on eco-friendly cards and wrapping paper for the 2010 holiday season. We look forward to seeing you there! 

Gazelle: Beautiful creature, nimble recycling service

It may be true that nothing runs like a Deere, but I would chance to argue that nothing recycles like a Gazelle. I read about Gazelle.com in a magazine a few months ago, but I just got around to visiting and making use of it. My post-supper mission: Test out the site as a means of recycling my 2003 iPod mini (R.I.P., January 2009) and my Motorola Razor phone (so old that I cannot remember when we met, only when we broke up so I could start going out with my iPhone).

My mood at the outset of this endeavor was one of gladness, knowing already that Gazelle would not only send me a box in which to ship my goods-gone-bad, but it would cover the costs of shipping them. Turns out, that's nothing. What's really something is how simple and streamlined the whole process is - and the fact you can make money along the way.

A search/listings setup makes it easy to identify the exact products you're ditching. (There are pictures to help, too, in case you need a visual.) The site then asks you to rate the functionality and condition of your gadgets in order to assess and assign value. Whether they are or aren't worth a dime, you still get to recycle the unwanted goods in a nearly hassle-free fashion.

What's cooler than that cool - and no, "ice cold" isn't the answer this time - is how Gazelle ends your transaction by letting you know that one of your items could be deemed of value upon arrival and inspection, and if so, Gazelle asks you how you would like to be compensated. In addition to offering standard options (PayPal, Amazon.com, etc.), it lets you donate your dollars and cents to charity and goes on to give you gads of non-profits from which to choose.

Recycling your unwanted electronics at Gazelle.com is an eco-friendly and effortless chore, and it can also be a money-making or charitable endeavor. It's fair to say Ecosaurus has a crush on Gazelle effective immediately. ~ A.F.

You Can Get With This...

For the last month or so, my sister and I haven't been able to get enough of that Kia Soul hamster commercial. You know the one. If one of us is in another room when it comes across the TV screen, we yell to the other to hurry in to sing along and mimic the dance moves. (Suddenly overcome by the urge to do the same? Go here.)
Loving this commercial so much and watching it so frequently means that, at least lately, my mind is limited to just one song ("The Choice Is Yours") and one image (hamsters in hoodies). Suffice it to say, I end up rapping and swaying in the break room, by the copier and through the halls, which has led to conversations during which others reveal their great affection for this very piece of advertising genius. Today, I achieved a whole new level of delight when my friend Beth told me her husband Dave, a frequent wearer of old school hoodies, not only digs the commercial but actually rented a Soul while out of town the other weekend. (Insert hamster squeaks here.)

But back to the point. The Kia hamsters have brought the Black Sheep and hoodies back into my music and wardrobe rotations respectively. I realized, too, that I could really use another hoodie come fall. And what do you know - a little research revealed I could get with this eco option, or I could get with that.

Maya Button-Up Hoodie by A.D.O. Clothing

THIS: Made by A.D.O. Clothing, this all-natural herb-infused hoodie is made from 100% organic cotton. Other features: engraved wood buttons and a drawstring for a relaxed fit. Available in navy or wine. Hand wash. About $48 + shipping.

THAT:  For those who like to ride big snowy hills and those who want to look urban hip while keeping warm during winter, Volcom's Green Thumb Organic Zip Hoodie is 100% organic cotton and decked out with low-impact screens inks and embroidery. $50 + shipping. Other options for guys and dolls can be found here. Doo. Dah. Dippity. ~A.F.

Summer Veggie Dish: Quick, Tasty and Low-Cal

Fresh vegetables are tastiest when in season - plus, it makes good dollars and sense to plan your meals when crops are most copious at the market. The following seasonal recipe marries wonderful flavors for a delightfully light and healthy side dish. We recommend doubling the quantities (it's that good), and perhaps tossing in a little yellow summer squash for added color.

SUMMER VEGETABLE BAKE 

starring one fruit, the tomato

Prep: About 5 minutes

Cook: About 25 minutes

Ingredients:

3 small zucchini

8 cherry tomatoes

1 small eggplant 

1 garlic glove

3 Tbls. extra virgin olive oil

3/4 C bread crumbs

3 Tbls. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

2 Tbls. chopped basil (optional)

3 oz. fresh mozzarella (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions: 

Preheat often to 400F. Cut all veggies into one-inch slices. Mince garlic. Place zucchini, tomatoes and eggplant in a bowl. Add oil, salt and pepper and toss to coat the veggies in the oil. Arrange in an oiled casserole dish that allows veggies to rest in a single layer across the pan. If desired, tuck slices of mozzarella between vegetables. Bake, basting a time or two with oil and juices, until veggies are golden (approx. 20 minutes). Meanwhile, mix bread crumbs, garlic, parsley and basil in a small bowl. Remove veggies from the oven, spoon bread-crumb mix over the veggies to soak up the juices, and put dish back into the oven for another 5 minutes (or until golden). Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve with bread.

Recipe from Mary Gwynn's "30-Minute Vegetarian Recipes" 

To learn more about the health benefits of a few ingredients, visit these links: 

Tomato: vitamin C, K and much more

Summer squash: hydrating and bearer of carotene, potassium and more 

Garlic: known to lower cholesterol, fight illness, infection and more

Summer offers windows for snail mail, crafts

While spending time outside tops most people's summertime activity lists - sometimes you have to stay in due to rain showers or limit your time under the harsh eye of the sun. Beyond knocking out cleaning, organizing and other productive tasks that line to-do lists, there remains time for creative and low-cost endeavors that are fun but often productive in their own right. One example? Designing snail-mail correspondence with paper scraps and old-school glue. To let her boyfriend back in Ames, Iowa, know she was thinking of him during her time in Phoenix, my sister put together this lovely little paper gem. The card's simplicity seduces, and its design and color palette communicate a sense of place. No doubt it'll brighten up that Iowa mailbox...

Sip and "C": O.J.-based power drinks for summer

Summer's here, and there's no reason why staying healthy and hydrated shouldn't be fun. Beat heat-induced sluggishness with these fresh and fruity power drinks. All three have an orange juice base, which means they are rich in vitamin C, fiber, folate, vitamin B1 (thiamin), potassium, vitamin A and calcium. According to WebMD, regular shots of O.J. can help fight cholesterol and control blood pressure - and who doesn't want that? So head to the kitchen, throw one of these babies together, pour it into a wine glass and drink to your health! 


Açai Ya! 
1/2 C Sambazon organic Açaí (available at Costco)
1/2 C of orange juice


Health benefits:
This particular brand of Açaí juice is rich in antioxidants, healthy omegas, fiber and protein. "Some studies show that Açaí fruit pulp has a very high antioxidant capacity with even more antioxidant content than cranberry, raspberry, blackberry, strawberry or blueberry. Studies are ongoing, though, and the jury is still out." –WebMD



Just Beet It
1/4 C red beet juice  
1/4 C carrot juice 
1/2 C orange juice 


If you don't have a juicer, simply use a blender and then strain the juice using a thin cloth. Be sure to wash, peel and chop vegetables before blending.


Health benefits:
Red beets have high levels of carotenoid, are an excellent source of folic acid and magnese, and are loaded with antioxidants. "Researchers believe the red pigment (called betacyanin) in beets could protect against development of cancerous cells and might play a role in reducing the inflammation associated with heart disease." –WebMD


Carrots are the richest vegetable source of vitamin A, with high levels of vitamin K and vitamin C. "The latest research on carrots shows these sweet, crunchy veggies may help control blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of developing diabetes. They're also a top cholesterol-fighting food, thanks to ample amounts of soluble fiber — the kind found in oats." –WebMD


Taken for Pomegranate 
1/2 C pomegranate juice
1/2 C orange juice


Health Benefits:
"Pomegranate juice is anti-inflammatory and rich in antioxidants. It contains some of the same polyphenols found in tea, as well as isoflavones found in soy, plus ellagic acid found in berries, which is believed to play a role in cancer cell death." –Dr. Weil


"A recent study by UCLA researcher Allan Pantuck, MD, and colleagues found that drinking only eight ounces of pomegranate juice a day had a significant effect on levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), which is widely used as a gauge of prostate health.  High PSA levels are a red flag for prostate cancer." –Harry Fisch, MD on www.doctoroz.com


"Eating pomegranates or drinking pomegranate juice may help prevent and slow the growth of some types of breast cancer. A new study shows a group of phytochemicals called ellagitannins found in abundance in pomegranates inhibited the growth of estrogen-responsive breast cancer in laboratory tests." –WebMD

Sentimental Sundays: Ansel Adams reminds us that art, beauty surround us

Yesterday we, the Ecosaurus contingent, visited the Phoenix Art Museum to lay eyes on the Ansel Adams exhibit. The display has held court since January, and the clock is running out for Valley denizens who wish to sneak a peek - only a week remains before the photos step down and journey back to Tucson.


The exhibit is wonderfully and thoughtfully displayed, grouped by early works, the Southwest, National Parks and architecture - with brief exposure to the color pictures commissioned by Arizona Highways and Kodak ("Wheat Fields" being a stunner), as well as a collection of glass-enclosed artifacts such as light meters, cameras, journals, photography workshop itineraries and more. The exhibit included flat-screen TVs, too, rolling clips of interviews done with Adams at the piano and behind the steering wheel. His words, tough to discern at times due to the recording quality of decades gone by, were poignant and poetic.


It's known going into the gallery that Adams is impressive - he's a cultural icon, to say the least. But his greatness is further revealed by what is relayed by the captions, the summaries, the videos and close inspection of the select photographs and transparencies. In addition to his abilities to endure weather and seize last-minute opportunities, envision the finished shot before snapping it, and to relay texture, mood and feeling through adept dark-room techniques, Adams's expressed desire to show Americans what the wilderness has to offer is telling of his character. He wanted others to enjoy his medium of choice, but more so he wanted people- all people regardless of age, class or culture - to enjoy what he captured through that medium: nature, the world. He strived through photography to inspire people to connect deeply with their surroundings, to realize the beauty in their day-to-day lives as well as all which lies beyond home in the depths of our National Parks. 


The emotions evoked by the exhibit are many, with awe overwhelming at times. Beyond the postcards and the book we acquired in the gift shop, we left with the reminder that, when viewed through the proper lens, life is art - and beauty surrounds us. ~ A.F. 

America's got talent, but Nature's got more

Did you know there is a World Tulip Summit? I didn't. By contrast, I have long been aware of the Tulip Time Festival held every May in Pella, Iowa. The tulip, by the by, is one of the sure signs of spring, so you can imagine how excited Midwestern people get about this plant's arrival and festival after a long, brow-beating winter. Accordingly, the Hawkeye State's flower festival is a powerful one, pulling in so many bloomin' souls from near and far that school buses and charter buses become about as hot as something, anything, Steve Jobs might bring to the marketplace. In fact, when I was in junior high, we had to schedule some of our end-of-year field trips with Tulip Time in mind. (This was extremely annoying to 14-year-olds who didn't give a rip about flowers.)

Though I wasn't aware of the international tulip gathering till today (thank you, pop-up ad on article about feng shui), I realize it's not surprising that tulips give rise to a world summit and an annual pilgrimage of Iowa's greener thumbs. Nature captivates and affects us in ways different from and to degrees much greater than the countless engineered creations that dominate our lives. (Landscape vs. lifescape?) While I truly appreciate and enjoy structures, architecture and the elements that adorn walls and occupy the spaces between them, I occasionally grow tired of these things. However, what lies outside of those walls in nature seldom bores and always fascinates. Now, and always really, the earth influences and inspires. Such is true for people and businesses, including our own Ecosaurus, perhaps especially during wildflower season.

Right now, the Arizona desert is in bloom. The shapes and colors of plants and cactuses are so stunning that you almost can't help feeling better, brighter and more beautiful for just gazing upon them. These eye-arresting ensembles worshipping the sky - and the good weather that nourishes them - have lured travelers to our state over the last weeks, and they're pulling residents out of their lifescapes into the landscapes of parks, preserves and neighborhoods like mine. I guess that's the nature of nature.

In closing, here are three ways to enjoy spring in the Valley:

1) Kick off your day at Chloe's Corner at Kierland Commons. The little patio - or a table just inside the open door - is the perfect perch for savoring a $.50 cup of coffee and whatever menu selection you make. Suggestions include the mushroom-spinach omelet; the yogurt, granola and berries mix; and/or a side of cranberry-walnut wheat toast.

2) Zip over to the Desert Botanical Gardens. Morning, afternoon and evening, this place offers plenty of earthy eye candy with a calming and/or romantic effect. Plus, its central location makes it easy to get to and home from. www.dbg.org

3) Pursue patio drinking or dining. There are countless great patios around town, including the one at Taggia at FireSky Resort and Spa. This destination is a client of mine and while I may be biased, my surveyed friends and colleagues agree that the outdoor dining area - which faces lush plantings and overlooks pools and fountains - is a delight day or night. The coastal Italian fare is fantastic, too. Not in the mood for Italian? Head to El Encanto in Cave Creek for amazing Mexican and a memorable sunset. ~A.F.

Kitchen Couture: Feast your eyes on delicious designer aprons

Ever wondered what to give your favorite foodie who seems to have every tool of the gourmet trade?Consider these hand-made aprons from Pamwares (shown), as previously featured on the Bliss blog. Other delicious outlets for kitchen couture include: Anthropologie or Fancy Boutique.