PAM is not my friend, and she shouldn't be yours either!

I know that cooking can be a grueling task, and as cooks we try to take shortcuts whenever possible. One of the main ones being the use of commercial cooking sprays. I understand that taking the time to drizzle oil onto a surface and spread it evenly takes precious time, but I assure you that out of all the shortcuts one can take when cooking this should NOT be one of them.

Do you know exactly what is in that expensive little can of air besides cooking oil? Let's step back and take a good look at it: what does the can remind you of?

...Hairspray!

Okay okay. So the ingredients aren't the same, but they do involve some sort of chemical propellant to release the spray from the can. It is even listed on the can of cooking spray:

Even the "all natural" PAM contains propellant. (and corn..GMO much?)

What is propellant exactly?

*Propellants are vaporized into pressurized gas. They are used to make carbonated drinks, whipped cream and cooking-oil spray. The function of a propellant is to incorporate pressurized gas into the product. A propellant is a substance that produces gas under pressure. Liquid propellants, such as nitrous oxide, are used in food. Propellants in asthma sprays are known to be one of the causes of coughing and bronchospasms. Propellants are known to have carcinogenic properties. Excess consumption and usage is unhealthy.

EWW! I don't know about you, but I don't want pressurized gasses in my food. Upon further research, I discovered that the main use of propellants is for rocket and other similar fuels. Not something I want on my pancakes.

Yeah, yeah. The MSDA says it is safe! But Monsanto and the FDA say that GMO's are okay as well as rBST growth hormones, etc. I say, trust your instinct. Honestly, if it isn't USDA organic certified, I don't trust it. 

If you need some more reasons to chuck that can into the trash and never look back, I will give you my top 3:

1. Cooking sprays contain unhealthy additives.
Who intentionally adds nasty ingredients like soy lecithin, mono/diglycerides, dimethylpolysiloxane, dimethyl silicone, or artificial flavors to their food? Well.. If you are using PAM or something similar, that is EXACTLY what you are doing, especially when opting for artificially flavored varieties, like butter. 

2. Cooking sprays typically contain genetically modified organisms AKA- GMO's and non sustainable ingredients.
The vast majority of the ingredients contained in cooking spray are derived from genetically modified seeds, which have been altered so that growers can use more pesticides :( Genetically Modified foods tend to contain much higher levels of pesticides than conventional crops, therefore increasing the risks of these already dangerous chemicals.

3. Cooking sprays are bad for the environment.
Cooking sprays are unfriendly to the environment for several reasons. First, all of them contain unspecified propellants (I hate that certain ingredients don't have to be fully disclosed), usually nitrous oxide. Nitrous Oxide is a greenhouse gas, doesn't break down easily, and may impact our environment for decades. Secondly is the sheer amount of waste from using such products. I find it to be unnecessary. These cans are not as easy to recycle, and often deter users from doing so after finishing the product. Also, recycling is not a solid solution as it in itself creates a ton of pollution and uses a lot of energy.

"But what can I do about it.." you ask? Simple! Do what our ancestors did and take the time to wipe the vessel down by hand. This way, you can use whichever oil you prefer. If you are steadfast of using a spray, search online for a refillable one!

As a general rule for myself, I don't buy anything ConAgra. Even if it is organic, I don't feel as if they deserve my money. Not until they clean up their act!



*Source- InrFood.com

If it Doesn't Smell, Don't Wash it!

This is one of the many phrases I live by. Sure.. it may have stemmed from being a lazy college student, BUT the fact of the matter is that I am doing one more thing to help the environment. It may sound gross to some people, but it is as easy as it sounds. If your laundry doesn't smell, it most likely isn't that dirty. I will give you grass stains, ink/paint stains, etc. Otherwise, it doesn't need washing!

Did you know? 

That by cutting out just one load of laundry a week per household we would save enough water to fill seven million swimming pools each year. Wowzers.

So keep in mind: If it looks clean and smells clean, then it probably is clean!

Tips:
Hang worn clothing outside on a line to freshen up.
Get the wrinkles out by misting your clothes with water and using your hands to flatten them out.

Don't let "Natural" fool you!

If you think about it, what exactly is natural? I feel like if it isn't strongly manipulated in a lab somewhere, it is somehow a natural product. Although, just because something is natural, doesn't mean it is safe. A lot of companies have been popping up all over the place, claiming that their product is natural. Upon further inspection, you can easily spot out the facades. The first warning sign that the product you are interested in is deceitful is when you find words you can't pronounce under the ingredients list. Sure, some fancier products, and more organic/scientific products will have the ingredients listed by their scientific name. That is different, and is easy to distinguish. So, do your research. Just because something says organic or natural on the product, doesn't make it 100% so.

Tips on how to spot the Natural from the "natural" products:

• Scan for hard to pronounce words. Google them if necessary.
• Check for the words "fragrance" "perfume". True natural and organic products only use essential oils. 
• How much does this item cost? More often than not, the real deal is more costly. The fakers easily persuade the less educated into buying their products because they are cheaper.
• How is the product packaged? True, dedicated natural products usually look professional, earthy, and are packaged to be more eco friendly. I find it hard to believe that something in an aerosol can is really all that natural.
• Use your own judgment. If you have any doubts, just skip on that product for now until you learn more about it. I find nothing wrong in snapping a photo of the ingredients list to study at home later before making a purchase. 

How do you feel about companies labeling their products as natural, when they truly aren't?

Going Green the Easy Way

"Going Green" doesn't have to be as daunting as everyone makes it sound. It also doesn't have to be life changing. 
  
I have always liked to think of myself as "a nature girl". I absolutely love (almost) everything about being outside. Spending my free time hiking, kayaking, disc golfing, etc. throughout my life has opened my eyes to just how fragile nature is.

Going down that train of thought brought on an epiphany:

                              "What am I giving back to Mother Earth?"

Now for some honesty. I am not very motivated when it comes to changing my life or doing things I simply just don't want to do. So, I spent hours online and at the library coming up with a plan to become more green little by little. I decided to share with you all of the little things I do on my day to day as I reach my "Green Goal".
 

Switch to Fluorescent Bulbs!

I really don't mid them as much as some people seem to..

If you are one of them, try changing the lights you don't use as much: closets, bathrooms, hallways, etc.

Turn off Computers Nightly 

I do this, as well as unplugging everything that's not in use.

By doing this you can save up to $15/year!

(You might scoff at $15, but that can buy me enough gas to take a day trip to the beach!)

TIP: Have computer set to turn on at a certain time in the morning.

 

Don't Rinse

 Not rinsing the dishes before using the dishwasher can save up to 20 gallons per LOAD!

Don't Pre-Heat!

It really isn't necessary unless you are baking.

TIP: Be Patient! Do not open the oven.

Wash in Cold Water (or at least warm)

Also- only launder when you have a full load.

 

 

Hang Dry 

Not only will you help save energy and money, you will be saving your favorite clothes. Not drying them helps your clothes to not deteriorate as quickly.

TBH: I am guilty of drying my towels.. I don't like em crunchy. (any tips for that!?)

"Meatless Monday" 

Monday can be substituted for any day, as long as you are going vegetarian once a week! 

Did you know: ONE pound of beef takes about 2,500 gallons of water to produce!? 

 Wrap Creatively

I think I have done this one since I was itty bitty. Sometimes, being green just comes natural. I always liked to use the comics from the newspaper to wrap presents, or make a collage from random magazine pages. I have even used old fabric, used wrapping paper from gifts received, and old maps! Get creative, the possibilities are endless!

Turn off Water Between Brushing

Okay.. I admit that I do forget to do this sometimes. The running water relaxes me and I get carried away. I do try to do this though, as I can save several gallons of water by turning it off between brushing.

 

 Take a Shorter Shower

My showers have always been short (unless I fall asleep). So I have just been "Navy Showering" which simply means I turn the water off when I am not directly using it. This also saves electricity because being wet without the hot water on makes me freeze, so I shut off the AC as well.

Shower With a Partner 

WOOOO!

OR: If your tots are similar aged bathe em together! They will have more fun while conserving water.

  

Use Cruise Control

I always do this is possible. Honestly, it is mainly because I am a little heavy footed when it comes to driving causing me to accidentally speed.

 Water Your Grass in the AM

 Go to a Car Wash

Many people think washing your car at home will save water, but it is the exact opposite, in fact. The car wash is quick and easy, and has been perfected to use as little water (and chemicals) as possible.

 Don't Use Plastic Bags

Plastic is.. well.. gross to be entirely truthful. Although many reusable bags may very well be made with some form of plastic, they hold up much better and can be washed!

When I lived in Austin, Tx they implemented a city wide ban for Single use Paper and Plastic Bags!

Check it out! Austin Bag Ban

Use Rechargeable Batteries

I play too many video games to not use these. 

I have saved so much money over the years.

A few more easy steps I am working on: Support smaller businesses by buying locally or at Farmers Markets, Turn out the lights when leaving a room, recycle recycle recycle, Ride your bike to places whenever possible, Donate items you don't/rarely use, Carpool, Clean your refrigerator coils, Keep your car maintained, Rent a Hybrid when going on long trips, Buy Hemp!, Share your magazines instead of throwing them out, and more.

 Do you have a "Green Goal"? If yes, what steps are you taking to treat the planet better?