From Grist: How to Green your Grocery List

Keeping with the theme of promoting greater food sustainability, Grist offers some suggestions on how to choose healthier and greener at the grocery store. Check out:


How To Green your Grocery List

Sitka Public Markets this Month

Seems everyone is getting into the Farmers Market swing!

Check out the three market events scheduled in Sitka this month, by visiting:

Sitka Farmers Markets

Featuring Locally Grown Produce, Fresh and Frozen Seafood, Food Vendors, Roasted Coffee, Kids Activities, Crafts, Entertainment and More!



Photo courtesy of http://roadmarx.wordpress.com/2007/01/24/heads-up/

POLL: Should the Juneau Farmers Market Include Produce from Around the State?

No doubt you've noticed the particularly cold, wet, dreary summer we've been having. Recognizing too, that starting a farmers market tradition takes time to catch hold, we have a question for you:

Should we open up the market to produce from other communities around Alaska?

Post your response here!

Either way, the Farmers Market is shaping up to be a great event, so don't miss it! Remember to save Saturday August 30th.

Offerings will include:

Individuals selling locally grown and harvested foods and products
Local Businesses showcasing their locally produced foods and garden products
Non-Profits Organizations offering garden products and baked goods with local fruits
Door Prizes
Informational tables on gardening and harvesting resources

Presentations and Demonstrations!
Backyard Greenhouse Construction (Art Chance)
Local Edible and Medicinal Plants (Carol Biggs)
Dressing Wild Fish and Game (Alaska Dept. of Fish and Game)
Local Resources for Gardeners (Ed Buyarski)
Edible Bulbs: Growing Garlic and Onions (Joe Orsi)
How to Make Your own Cheese (Missy McMillan)
Using Flowers for Vinegar Flavoring (Sonja Koukel, UAF Cooperative Extension Service)

Our Neighbors in Sustainability

Juneau isn't the only Alaska community striving to become more sustainable. Grass roots efforts are underway in several other cities, including Kodiak, Homer, Sitka and Haines.

Check out these links to learn more:

KODIAK

SITKA

HOMER

HAINES

July 14: Assembly approves Sustainability Fund

From KINY NEWS ONLINE:

"The CBJ Assembly has approved the creation of a fund within the CBJ general fund to receive donations earmarked for energy savings projects. Private donations would initially stock the Sustainability Fund.

"At Monday night's Assembly meeting Mayor Bruce Botelho said that amount could be between $500,000 and $1 million dollars depending on the number of participants. The fund would be used as a source of capitol for energy conservation devices and projects that the city manager forwards to the Assembly for consideration. The money that's saved would be deposited back into the fund to replenish it along with the private funding sources. Private donations would initially stock the Sustainability Fund.

"At last night's meeting Finance Committee Chair David Stone said several private companies have expressed interest in contributing to the fund but he was not at liberty to identify them. However, last night, Kirby Day of Princess Cruises spoke in support of the fund."

Energy Efficiency Can Pay for Itself

Alaska Housing Finance Corporation has $100 million set aside for energy rebates to help homeowners of all incomes make their homes more energy efficient. Another $200 million has been set aside to provide weatherization assistance to low and moderate income renters and homeowners. See article in today's Anchorage Daily News.

For more information on how to take advantage of these programs that will help you save on energy costs, go to AHFC.

Image courtesy of All Cape Insulation, MA