More Hip Than Hippie #299 - Foraging Food

In the last decade, the celebration of organic foods, farmer's markets, and artisanal producers has dovetailed with a renewed passion for wild delicacies. On the forefront of this movement is longtime "huntress" Connie Green.

Everywhere humans have lived, there is food to be foraged. If you have the desire to be closer to your food and get in touch with nature, you have what it takes to be a forager. The Hipsters chat with 'Huntress' Connie Green about wild food, sustainability and the fungus among us.

Beer and Chocolate:

Beer: Our new Favorite Listeners are Ewen & Jesamine, who sent us a fab care package all the way from Scotland! Bitter & Twisted Blond Beer from Harviestoun Brewery might well have been named for us. Dori: 5 hips; Val: 5 hips

Chocolate: They also sent along a bar of Valrhona Grand Cru Abinao. At 85% cacoa, it's billed as Intense and Tannic. We just call it Dessert. Cheers! Dori: 4 hips; Val: 5 hips.

Hip News and Finds

Finds:

• Java jar. Here's a genius idea: create a recyclable, BPA-free plastic lid that fits on a canning jar...Cuppow! Instant travel mug! Wish we'd thought of it.
• E-waste management. Come on, time to get rid of those old electronics you're never going to use. Gadgetabulous makes it easy to sell, consign, donate or recycle your formerly awesome gizmos.

Hip News

• Oil for one... British Petroleum lost its bid to make contractor Transocean pay part of the damages from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The case goes to court in Louisiana on February 27th.
• ...and one for Oil. Meanwhile, Brazil is mulling criminal charges against Chevron execs after an offshore spill in November.

Teenie Weenie Greenie™

Beat the Bag Monster! It's time to take the Annual Plastic Bag Challenge. Take a moment to tally up the approximate number of plastic bags you use in a year. Now, solemly swear to cut that number in half this year. Write down your target number and sign it. If you're already below 50, then we Double Dog Dare you to use 10 or less!

Foraging Food

Did you know there's a feast underfoot? Everywhere humans have lived, there is food to be foraged. If you have the desire to be closer to your food and get in touch with nature, you have what it takes to be a forager. 'Huntress' Connie Green has been at it for over 30 years; she literally wrote the book on finding the fungus among us!

• Connie and chef Sarah Scott wrote The Wild Table, "an invitation into the romantic, mysterious, and delicious world of exotic, foraged food."
• She sells a collection of sustainable gathered edibles on her website, Wine Forest Wild Foods.
• Connie works closely with famed chef Thomas Keller, the guy who taught Val to roast a chicken.
• Learn the ropes of foraging from members of your local Mycological Society or Native Plant Society.
• After a tough day of gathering goodies, kick back with a Douglas fir martini!

Listener E-mails

We didn't have to forage for emails! Keep sending your questions, comments, tips, brainstorms and epiphanies to hip@greenfeet.com. You guys rock our world!

• Karen in S. Carolina is ready to make some kombucha tea. We also recommend the soap from Rand Hill Naturals.
• Kelly in Washington shares an article about the dreaded K Cups. Maybe Keurig's Ekobrew K Cup is a better alternative.
• Melissa in Texas needs info on wind turbines. She's also a proud member of her local Surfrider Foundation.
• Tom in England has a new garden and a new blog: The Suburban Allotment! Revisit our show on Permaculture 101 for enlightening info.
• Katie in Texas wants the scoop on baby jammies. Here it is: skip them and get sweats & longjohns! Use an organic crib mattress to stay chemical-free.
• Lacey in Colorado shares lots of green tips and inspiration on her blog.
• Donna in England warns gardeners to Keep Monsanto Out by sourcing your seeds.

Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for Groundhog Day or any day!

Twitter goes green on #EcoMonday! Follow Val on Twitter: GrnDiva, at your service! Add us to your friends on Facebook!

Remember to vote for us at Podcast Alley, and leave a glowing review at iTunes!

More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com. Check out our blog!

More Hip Than Hippie #298 - Citizen Scientists

Scientific research is moving out of the laboratory and into the hands of Citizen Scientists.

Are you a stargazer? Birdwatcher? Ham radio operator? You have the makings of a citizen scientist. The Hipsters investigate the galaxy of opportunites out there for curious minds to contribute to scientific research. Also, Dori deals with 20/50 vision while Val deals with having a hot husband.

Beer and Chocolate:

Beer: It's beer...it's coffee...it's Cappuccino Stout! Our friends at Lagunitas Brewing Co. continue to impress with this yummy seasonal brew. Dori: 5 hips; Val: 5 hips

Chocolate: Our new Favorite Listener is Donna in England! She sent us make-up chocolate from across the pond, and it was well worth the postage. Montezuma's Very Dark 73% bar scores well in flavor, consistency and mouth-feel. It also pairs perfectly with a hearty beer. Dori: 5 hips; Val: 5 hips.

Hip News and Finds

Finds:

• Val's Favorite Thing! An insulated, unlined stainless steel water bottle that fits in a cupholder? That's S'well! This stylish bottle is full of good karma, too; 10% of all proceeds are donated to WaterAid.
• The Un-cola. There's more than one way to make soda without the carbonation. Whip up a batch of Urban Homestead Soda! Thanks to Listener Carri for posting this on our Facebook page.
• Will it "Sting"? Scientists have named a new species of Rocky Mountain beetle after actor/environmentalist/dreamboat Robert Redford.
• Sacrebleu! Our Zero Waste amie Bea Johnson is featured in People magazine. But, will she buy a copy?

Hip News

• Grand gesture. Calling it a "national treasure that must be protected", the Obama administration finalized a ban on new mining near the Grand Canyon.
• Hickory Dickory Doom. The Doomsday Clock has moved one minute closer to midnight. The Bulletin of Atomic Scientists made the move in response to failed leadership, climate change and Japan's nuclear disaster last year.

Teenie Weenie Greenie™

Save the Kales! If you have veggies in the fridge that are a bit past their peak, don't toss them out! Val shares her recipe for Veggie Drawer Soup:

Ingredients:

• 5 Tbsp butter (I replace with about 2Tbsp EVOO - adjust as needed)
• 1 lb chopped veggies
• 6 cups chicken or veggie stock
• 24 oz diced potatoes (roughly 4 medium potatoes)
• 3/4 cup cream ( I just use 2% milk - for Paleo, coconut milk works great)
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Melt butter, add chopped veggies and simmer to soften but not brown.
• Add stock and potatoes, bring to boil, cook for 20 minutes.
• Puree the soup with an immersion blender or food mill.
• Stir in cream and season with salt and pepper. Keep warm until ready to serve.

Val loves pairing this with grilled cheese on crusty bread.

Citizen Scientists

Scientific research is moving out of the laboratory and into the hands of Citizen Scientists. From astronomy to zoology, there's a project for everyone. You don't need training or a college degree, you just need a healthy dose of curiosity and a desire to help provide answers we can all use!

• Some of the oldest (and coolest) Citizen Science projects are the Christmas Bird Count and SETI@home.
• Where do you begin? Look for a variety of fun projects at places like SciStarter, Scientific American, Cornell Lab of Ornithology and NASA.
• Perform projects on the go! SciSpy and WildLab use mobile technology.
• Tombstones? Frogs? Roadkill? Find an unusual project to suit your tastes.
• DIY projects from MAKE magazine inspired the Maker movement, which is a form of citizen science. Check out a Maker Faire near you!
• For more info, visit the Citizen Scientists League or the Citizen Science Alliance.

Listener E-mails

Our inbox runneth over! Thanks for all the great emails. Send your questions, comments, tips, brainstorms and epiphanies to hip@greenfeet.com. We love to hear from you!

• Mike in Oakland, CA would like to counter arguments that wind power is too expensive. Here's what the EWEA has to say.
• Kristy in Texas has cookware questions. Among other things, we recommend USA Pans, made with recycled steel and aluminum.
• Patrick in North Carolina also has cookware questions. For you, sir, the ManPan.
• Christine in Arizona also has cookware questions. Orgreenic, anyone?
• Amy in San Diego, CA is getting rid of plastic in her kitchen. Read about her progress on her blog, Seven Grey Sweaters.
• Dolores in Cleveland, OH is collecting karma points with her personal mitvah. You'll love Linda Cohen's book, 1,000 Mitzvahs.
• Allison in Kansasgets to travel to Japan! Pack multi-purpose items, reusuables, and quick-drying clothes. Leave some space for souvenirs (and chocolate for your fave podcast hosts).
• Wendy in Tampa, Florida needs to start a farmer's market!
• Allison in Mississippi thinks we'll dig b. organic, a TV show on PBS. We think you're right.
• James in Erie, PA appreciates the 'pay it forward' posts on Facebook. Basically, you offer something handmade to the first 5 people who "Like" your post...but they have to repost and do the same.

Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for Chinese New Year or any day!

Twitter goes green on #EcoMonday! Follow Val on Twitter: GrnDiva, at your service! Add us to your friends on Facebook!

Remember to vote for us at Podcast Alley, and leave a glowing review at iTunes!

More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com. Check out our blog!

More Hip Than Hippie #297 - 7 Green Days

No matter where you are on the path toward a lighter footprint, you can gain some inspiration from taking the 7 Day Green Challenge.

Happy New Year! Are you willing to set aside a week to pursue the challenge of a greener life? The Hipsters forego the usual resolutions to bring you a different sort of green inspiration, courtesy of The Environmental Blog. Also, Val climbs the geek ladder while Dori's family prepares for the zombie apocalypse.

Beer and Chocolate:

Beer: Fresh off the beer truck, Ruthless Rye IPA is the latest seasonal offering from Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. We're fans of the bold hop flavors and the smooth finish. Dori: 5 hips; Val: 5 hips

Chocolate: Kelly in Washington continues her reign as our Favorite Listener! We tried another Seattle Chocolates fave, the Coconut Macaroon Truffle Bar. The soft, lovely chocolate with minced coconut and sea salt combines for a nice flavor. Dori: 5 hips; Val: 4 hips.

Hip News and Finds

Finds:

• 'Temp'-tation. Home heating is now sexy! The Nest Learning Thermostat is a user-friendly device designed by the guys behind the iPod. We can't wait to see what they do with the water heater.
• Hip Lit. Rediscover Fix, Freeze, Feast, a fab book by clever Hipster Kati Neville. She'll teach you how to save money while eating real food.
• Chew the moose. Give your pup a piece of Bullwinkle. Moose antler dog chews are delicious, nutritious, and don't splinter.

Hip News

• Hornswoggled. In South Africa, rhino poachingis at an all-time high as the price of rhino horns outpaces gold. Note to Asia: ingesting the horns WILL NOT cure cancer.
• Sock it to me! The US Forest Service needs your socks. They'll fill 'em full of bait so they can photograph the elusive Pacific fisher. Send lonely unused socks to: Sierra Nevada Adaptive Management Project, 40799 Elliott Drive, Oakhurst, CA 93644.

Teenie Weenie Greenie™

What's Your Word? Whether or not you're creating a vision board for the new year, come up with a word that will define your goals. Try to choose an action word and display it where you'll see it every day. It really works!

7 Green Days

With a new year comes a chance to renew your committment to living a greener life. No matter where you are on the path toward a lighter footprint, you can gain some inspiration from taking the 7 Day Green Challenge. Enjoy!

• Day 1: Crafty Day.  Repurpose old items into something new with DIY craft projects. Collect bits & pieces in a craft drawer for future adventures.
• Day 2: Delectable Day.  Freshen up your diet with something new, like an unusual fruit or veggie from the farmer's market. Ask the farmer or grocer how to prepare it or just find a recipe online. Just make sure it's real food, not processed.
• Day 3: Contribution Day.  Put something you have into circulation. Give money to a good cause, donate clothes to charity, bring some groceries to a food bank. Even something small can make a big difference.
• Day 4: Stone Age Day.  Are you ready to unplug your appliances, put away your car keys and abandon the internet for 24 hours? This challenge is about reducing your carbon footprint to nearly zero, just for a little while. Good luck.
• Day 5: Petition Day.  Make sure your voice is heard. Find petitions online at Green America, Care2, Credo and more.
• Day 6: Hippie Day.  Before you can hug a tree, you need to plant one! Find your town at the Alliance for Community Trees or donate a tree through Plant a Billion Trees.
• Day 7: Advocacy Day.  Spread the word to family and friends. Be sure to keep the message positive. Share your favorite tips...and your favorite podcast! (hint hint)

Listener E-mails

Hello? Is this thing on? We need emails! Send your questions, comments, tips, brainstorms and epiphanies to hip@greenfeet.com. Don't make us sing again!

Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for Amelia Earhart Day or any day!

Twitter goes green on #EcoMonday! Follow Val on Twitter: GrnDiva, at your service! Add us to your friends on Facebook!

Remember to vote for us at Podcast Alley, and leave a glowing review at iTunes!

More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com. Check out our blog!