This is the time of year when I can barely fit my farmers’ market purchases in my bike basket. Late summer and early fall combine to create more abundant choices than any other time of the year. Here are a few of my top local, organic picks for early September with some ideas for enjoying them. Hopefully wherever you are, you are enjoying similar abundance!

Vegetables:

Eggplant

Always slice, salt, and let drain for 30-45 minutes and pat dry before proceeding with your …

Tags: fall foods , farm fresh , quick ideas , simple recipes , tips

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Cell phones, laptops, the Blackberry, iPods, texting, Twitter. Do you ever feel a little too in touch with the world? Next time you’re suffering from technology overload, cut the cord and spend some quality time with Mother Earth for a weekend. Here are some basic tips for a few days off the grid and out in nature.

Make a list of everything you need and check it twice. There won’t be a convenience …

Tags: guide , lifestyle , nature , Off the Grid , tips

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Now that you know all about the Top 10 Green iPhone Apps, here are some creative ways to be eco-friendly with your iPhone.

Instead of writing down your grocery list and wasting paper, record a voice memo.

Look up directions to a vegan restaurant and treat one of your pals to her first taste of tofu.

Shoot a short how-to video of an eco-friendly project and post it on the web.

…

Tags: green , iphone , lifestyle , sustainability , tips

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Ever wish the florist’s shop were run more like a buffet? You could stand in line with a vase in hand and ask for six pink daisies, four orange roses and six yellow lilies. Welcome to the fun-filled world of flower arranging! But, before you break your dependence on professional florists and set out on your own, brush up on the basics of this fascinating art form to craft beautiful bouquets.

Brainstorming is the first essential step in every creative process. Decide whether you’d …

Tags: DIY , flower arrangements , guide , lifestyle , tips

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Are fuel costs stressing you out? Can’t spring for a new fuel-sipping ride? When you seek to improve the fuel-efficiency of a vehicle, the journey must start inside your own head. When you learn to control emotions on the road, you reduce the impulse to stomp on the pedals. Eliminate those aggressive tendencies and you’ll experience a significant improvement in your vehicle’s mile per gallon (MPG) average.

Of course, while that mantra might sound swell and dandy, does it really work when you’re stuck in traffic twice a …

Tags: car , driving , fuel efficiency , gas mileage , how to , howto , tips

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We’re halfway through 2009 – how are your greening efforts going? By now, you’ve switched to energy efficient lighting, kicked disposable water bottles to the curb, bought a reusable shopping tote and you’re hungry for more.

Here’s some extra eco wisdom to make this year your greenest (and most bank-account-friendly) yet:

Replace your chemical-ridden cleaners with natural alternatives.

Put up a clothes line and hang your clothes out to dry. This simple …

Tags: going green , how to , howto , saving money , tips

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How often do you have to stop and fill up your tank? Frequent trips to the gas station may be a sign that you’re not maximizing your car’s fuel efficiency. As it turns out, trading your ride in for a hybrid isn’t the only way to improve your gas mileage. Here are some simple pointers to get started.

Lighten your load. Take out your golf clubs, toolbox and other heavy items when you don’t need them. Any extra weight reduces your car’s fuel efficiency….

Tags: cars , driving , fuel efficiency , howto , hypermiling , lifestyle , tips

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Buying a new toothbrush every three months may be dentist recommended, but it sure isn’t eco approved. Yeah, strict oral hygiene is important, but it still seems a bit wasteful to us green gals who rack our brains for ways to reuse things before tossing them in the trash. To spare you the headache, here are some ideas.

Dusting my keyboard has never been easier than with the help of an old toothbrush. This precise tool makes it a cinch to clean between the keys….

Tags: eco friendly , hack , howto , reuse , tips , toothbrush

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What do you picture when you think about summer barbeques? If visions of greasy burgers, CO2-emitting charcoal and trash bags filled with disposable plates, napkins and wasted food come to mind, here are some green tips to celebrate this seasonal milestone with respect for Mother Nature.

The centerpiece of any good BBQ is the grill, so invest in an eco-friendly one. What are your greenest options? Gas and charcoal versions both have their drawbacks: gas grills rely on non-renewable resources, while charcoal grills release carbon …

Tags: barbeque , green , grill , guide , howto , lighting , summer , tips , vegan , vegetarian , Verterra

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