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Checked out your local CSA options lately?

2012-05-22T15:12:04Z

Family and friends complaining about the cost of local or organic produce? Direct them to their nearest CSA (community supported agriculture).

Photo: Laryssa Wirstiuk, The Jersey City Independent

It's a great way for consumers to buy seasonal from local farmers. Every week or so during the season, CSA participants received a large box of vegetables or fruit from their farmer. Singles don't tune out. There are many CSAs that offer reduced portions for smaller households. Also, consider sharing your order with a friend or co-worker. CSAs are also great for farmers because they can better plan their seasonal crops and proudly share their labor of love with their neighbors in the surrounding community.

A friend of CG suggested we check out Garden State organic produce from Purple Dragon Organic Food Coop. Not sure where to go to find local produce in your area? Check with Local Harvest for CSAs, coops and farmers markets near you. They have a helpful directory that will allow you to search by city, state or zip code. Happy munching!

Green Festival 2012 NYC: A Recap

2012-05-01T14:51:35Z

by Ayana Free, Editor

I had a wonderful time attending the Green Festival 2012 on Earth Day, Sunday April 22. There were great speakers, fun exhibits for the kids, and wonderful green products to sample. Here is a summary of my favorites:

PANEL: "Occupy the Dream Presents: Corporations are not People, Money is not Speech!" - Occupying the Main Stage was an engaging panel on the impact of the Citizens United decision and the adverse impact of money on democratic politics. Occupy the Dream panelSpeakers Russell Simmons, Dr. Benjamin Chavis, David DeGraw, Josh Silver spoke passionately about the issues and answered audience questions, motivating young attendants to get involved and remain active in local and national politics.

PAMPER: There were numerous women-owned companies selling fantastic green products. The Lotus Odyssey sells aromatic hand-crafted soaps made with essential oils. The proceeds go to support a women's shelter in India. I purchased a Lucky Seven bag (with small bars of seven different soaps). So far, Devi Nectar is my favorite bar. It has a natural exfoliant and smells amazing.

MUNCH: There were several delicious vegetarian and vegan vendors. I also sampled some delicious chocolate and vegan cheese. My chocolate award goes to Divine. These scrumptions chocolate bars are made with fair trade, shade-grown and sun-dried cocoa beans from a women-owned co-op in Ghana. The co-op also owns a portion of the business. Try their dark chocolate with ginger and orange! No need to wait for a special occasion or the next Green Festival to treat yourself to this chocolate goodness. I picked up a bar at my nearest Duane Reade.

FASHION: I tried on several of Sprout's new timepieces. Looking for an eco-luxe watch? Consider Sprout's new line.
This new line (non-vegan) features corn resin cases, mother of pearl dials, conflict-free diamond accents and fish leather scale bands.

Want to get involved? The Green Festival is headed to Chicago this upcoming weekend (May 5-6), then to Washington, DC in September and out west to both San Francisco and LA in November. Please click here for scheduling details.

Earth Day 2012 in the NYC: Celebrate the Earth in the Big Apple

2012-04-21T16:45:39Z

The weather is great! Take your bike and pets to the park. On your way, explore Earth Day activities all over the NYC. There are tons of great, green events all throughout all the five boroughs.

Manhattan

Everything’s Grand

Take the train to Earth Day New York’s Annual NYC EarthFair inside and outside the Grand Central Terminal. There are lots of kid friendly activities, including books, nutrition and outdoor concerts.

Where: Grand Central Terminal, 87 E 42nd Street

When: Fri-Sat, April 19-21 (inside in Vanderbilt Hall) and Fri-Sat, April 20-21 (outside Grand Central).

Bright Lights, Big City

Sometimes it’s fun to play tourist. Head to Times Square, enjoy the exhibits, green vehicle display and fun concerts, including Broadway performers.

Where: Times Square

When: Sat, April 21

Go Big, Go Sustainable

For a veritable explosion of activity, go to the New York City Green Festival at the Jacob Javits Center. Come check out a host of exhibits and excellent featured speakers, including Van Jones!

Where: Jacob Javits Center, 655 W. 34th Street

When: Sat-Sun, April 21-22, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Bronx

Plant Trees by the Riverside

Bronx River Alliance volunteers will plant native plants and shrubs donated by Million Trees NYC along the waterfront to green the park and protect the Bronx River.

Where: Shoelace Park - 217th Street at Bronx Blvd

When: Sat, April 21 10-1pm

Brooklyn

Green goods in the heart of BK

Celebrate the Earth in Green in Bklyn - a great one-stop local eco shop. They have a full day of activities planned including community gardening, vegan treats and local honey tasting.

Where: Green in BKLYN, 432 Myrtle Ave

When: Sun, April 22

April showers bring May flowers

Celebrate Earth day in May at the fifth annual Go Green! Greenpoint! Earth Day Festival in McCarren Park in the center of Greenpoint & Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Bring the kids and dogs to this great community event complete with educational exhibits, arts & crafts, children's activities, and live music.

When: Sat, May 5, 11 AM - 5 PM

Where: McCarren Park, Brooklyn

Queens

Flowers for princesses and princes

Wander through the Queens Botanical Garden with your little ones. Head to the Earth Day children’s activity table, free with admission.

Where: Queens Botanical Garden,  43-50 Main Street,  Flushing

When: Sun, April 22, 1-4pm

Nobel Peace Prize Awarded to Three Women Leaders

2011-10-07T16:01:10Z

What could be a better posthumous nod to Wangari Maathai than the recognition of three outstanding women leaders and activists for the Nobel Peace Prize? The winners were Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, fellow Liberian and peace activist Leymah Gbowee, and Yemeni pro-democracy campaigner Tawakul Karman. The Nobel Prize Committee announced that collectively, these women are being honored for their "non-violent struggle for the safety of women and for women’s rights to full participation in peace-building work." President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Leymah Gbowee

Besides Maathai, there have been nine other women awarded this distinction. This year's award winners demonstrate, as Maathai did, that women of color can make powerful changes in the world by having the courage to speak their truths. Their focused tenacity in the face of political and violent opposition is inspiring. Hopefully, this award will bring increased attention to women's rights and peace-building efforts, particularly in Africa and the Middle East. Yemeni activist Tawakul Karman

In Memoriam: Wangari Maathai

2011-09-26T19:25:48Z

Wangari Maathai, Kenyan environmentalist and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, passed away at the age of 71. Known around the world for her activism and advocacy for women, Maathai may be best remembered for the simple courage of encouraging women to plant trees. She founded the Green Belt Movement in the 1970's, teaching women to plant trees as a way to maintain the fuel supply and prevent soil erosion. Discouraged by the Kenyan government and dissuaded by her university faculty peers, she faced life's challenges with humor, grace and strength.

Here at chocolate granola, we take a moment of silence to remember this great woman warrior, peace maker, activist. Please see below for news coverage of her passing, interview clips and other links.

NYTimes coverage of her passing
Environmental icon:
Memories from her colleagues
Nobel prize interview and recognition
Kenyan and United Nations legacy

Happy Earth Day

2011-04-22T17:07:48Z

Celebrate the 41^st anniversary of Earth Day in the Big Apple: Check out these free events across the city. Almost all of these events are great for families of all ages.

One Stop Green Celebration: Earth Day NY

Thursday, April 21, 2011 - 12:00pm - Friday, April 22, 2011 - 6:00pm

Grand Central Station Vanderbilt Avenue btwn 42nd & 45th Streets in Manhattan.

Earth Day NY, a two-day festival of art, music, and the environment. A large exhibit area highlights environmental groups, green businesses and kid’s activities that will include educational interactive displays. While there, check out Recycle-A-Bicycle, a community-based non-profit organization and bike shop that provides educational training programs, encourages environmental stewardship and promotes everyday bicycle use. Recycle-A-Bicycle will be selling recycled bicycle jewelry and crafts at Earth Day NY.

Flashing Lights, Big City

April 22 (11 am - 5 pm)

Times Square

Head to midtown for an interactive exhibit area in Times Square highlighting green businesses, non-profits, and eco-friendly sponsors. One exciting feature will be the CO2 E drive, a "runway show" of green vehicles.

Green Runways, Ecolux Fashion

April 22-23

Bloomingdale’s Soho location

Eco-fashionistas head to Bloomingdale’s in Soho this week through Saturday, April 23 for green fashion. Bloomie’s Soho is hosting "The GreenShows Spring Ecolux Designer Pop-Up Shop" with ten fashion and accessories designers. The designers presenting their Spring/Summer 2011 collections include Samantha Pleet, Suzanne Rae, Ajna Collection, Robin Brouillette, H. Fredriksson, Artists and Revolutionaries, The Battalion, and 2011 Ecco Domani Fashion Fund winner for sustainable design, STUDY by Tara St James, Sprout and The Sway.

Grow a Green Surprise

Saturday, April 23, 2011 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Central Park Conservatory

If the weather permits, take the little tykes to Central Park for their Recycled Container Gardening. Bring a clean empty soup or vegetable can. The park will provide the craft materials and plant to turn these cans into beautiful planters. All ages welcome. Your little ones will enjoy getting their hands dirty with this fun, creative project.

Dreaming of a Cleaner Planet

Friday, April 22 at 3:30 pm
Battery Park
Kids can make a dream catcher out of plastic container tops and other recycled materials at the Battery Park City Library, Manhattan's first green LEED certified branch. Free for ages 4-10.

Celebrate Earth Day in Brooklyn

Saturday, April 23 11 a. -5 pm (raindate Sunday April 24)

IKEA Erie Basin Park, Red Hook

Join Brooklynites for the Ceremonial Launch of the Giant Floating Earth Ball, which symbolizes a commitment to mitigating the impact of climate change. The EnviroMedia Mobile Mobile- The Amazing Traveling Nature & Maritime Museum presents several activities including live music, public tours of the Mobile Nature and Maritime Museum, e-recyvling and an Aquatic Ecology Lab.

Celebrate Earth Day in the Bronx

April 22-23

Earth Day Garden Walk
April 22, 2011

Wave Hill

Celebrate Earth Day with the family by participating in this kid-friendly garden walk. Hunt for early-blooming flowers, creepy crawly critters and other signs of spring with a garden interpreter. Ideal for ages 6+. Free with admission to grounds: $8 adults, $4 students/seniors, $2 children 6+; admission is free until 12pm.

April 23, 2011
Wave Hill Ecology Building, 10 am -1:00 pm

Artist Miwa Koizumi will show garden visitors how to reuse colored plastic bags and recycle them into rain hats, rain gear and Earth Day flags and flowers for a festive Earth Day parade. The event is free and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

Last Minute Green Valentine's Day Ideas

2011-02-14T18:23:58Z

You've waited till the last minute and need to come up with a great last minute Valentine's Day gift. Whether the thought of Valentine’s Day makes you giddy or roll your eyes, take a little time out this season to remind that special person how much you care. If you live in the NY area, you know that New York is a delightfully romantic city – the art, architecture, restaurants and parks all set the stage for a romantic night out on the town. Celebrate Valentine’s Day in an earth-friendly way. You can keep all the romance while making new eco-chic memories.

UPON A STARRY NIGHT

New York has plenty of naturally romantic scenery. You can bundle up and enjoy a walk through the snow-covered trees in Central park. Wander indoors through one of the city’s numerous museums. This Valentine’s Day, look up for romance at the American Museum of Natural History’s Hayden Planetarium Space Theater. Their Romance Under the Stars night includes a champagne and hors d’oeuvres cocktail hour with the Josh Rutner Quartet. Following the cocktail hour, lean back and watch a narrated tour of the night sky.

SWEET DREAMS ARE MADE OF THESE

Someone you care about has candy-coated dreams. Indulge yourself or your loved one with organic chocolates. Vosges Haut-Chocolat offers delicious organic or vegan truffles in beautiful purple recycled or recyclable packaging. Vosges’ commitment to making delicious organic chocolate is matched by their green mission – their New York boutique is powered by renewable energy. Have a long-distance admirer? Shop online at Theo Chocolate. This Seattle-based company offers organic, fair trade chocolates. While they are well known for their chocolate bars, Theo’s Casonova Caramel collection is sure to please with four different caramel flavors. Prefer cupcakes to candy? Try Babycakes. This vegan kosher Big Apple bakery makes yummy cupcakes, brownies and cookies with all-natural and organic ingredients.

COLORING KIDS

Even if you do not celebrate Valentine’s Day, your kids may want to get cards or candy to exchange at school. The Stubby Pencil Studio has a great creative option. They offer Valentines cards with cute animals and messages that are made from recycled paper. Your kids can color the cards and personalize the messages. Also, for each dozen of “Color-n-Kids” Valentines cards, the Stubby Pencil Studio is including twelve tasty Yummy Earth organic lollipops. This set was a hit with my nieces and nephew. Your kids will be also a hit at school!

LET LOVE BLOSSOM

Valentine’s Day is the most important day of the year –for florists. If you want to send a beautiful bouquet, it is not too late to send a great organic bouquet. Gardenia Organic is one of the oldest, most reputable sustainable New York florists and is a VeriFlora preferred retailer. Their “Modern Romance” arrangement features deep-colored roses that takes a chic twist on a traditional bouquet. Want to create a unique arrangement or decorate your apartment with your sweetheart’s favorite flowers? You can work with the florists at Stem NYC. Their sustainably grown flowers and dramatic arrangements are a favorite for city event planners.

THE WAY TO A MAN’S (OR WOMAN'S) HEART

Few experiences are more romantic than a candlelit dinner. If you are a wiz in the kitchen, whip up a homemade meal with organic or locally produced ingredients and set the stage with aromatic soy candles. If you would rather go out to eat, there are plenty of amazing options. For a fun and flirty dinner, try DirtCandy. Their cozy and contemporary restaurant will win over your special one with their inventive vegetarian menu. For a more traditionally romantic setting, take off your boots and kneel for a delicious meal at Hangawi. This Korean gourmet restaurant offers a prix fixe vegetarian Valentine’s menu that will wow your senses.

Have a Merry Green Holiday!

2010-12-22T15:37:48Z

There are many ways to celebrate the winter holidays in style while leaving a lighter, greener footprint. Here’s Chocolate Granola’s 2010 guide to greening your holidays. Although many of these suggestions are for the NY and DC metro areas, they can definitely apply elsewhere.

Deck the Halls with Sustainable Decor
Whether you are having holiday parties or simply sprucing up your home, think about using natural decorations. Carefully arranged branches or seasonal fruit can make a dramatic statement or cozy up a plain corner. Almost any combination of cones, fruit or twigs looks impressive in a clear glass container. Try making a centerpiece of soy candles. Candlelight softens large spaces and makes even the smallest apartment seem romantic. There are many naturally scented soy candles. Soy wax burns cleaner and longer than paraffin wax. Try de-luxe’s Maison scented candles or Self Essentials’ aromatherapy soy pillar candles. Both companies use 100% pure soy wax made from soy grown by American farmers.

While I do not have a tree in my apartment, my fond holiday memories include my Dad singing carols and decorating the tree with old family ornaments. For those who associate the season with crisp smell of pine cones and evergreen leaves, consider buying your wreaths or trees from responsible growers. Green in Vermont, which services Brooklyn, New York and Licking Creek Trees in the Washington, D.C. area are some of the farms which use certified organic farming practices and offer Christmas trees.

Adorn your tree or wreath with energy efficient LED-lights. While the initial cost is higher than traditional bulbs, these bulbs will save you up to 90% in electricity costs! That’s a nice way to save some green while lighting up the winter nights. Check out Environmental Lights, they offer a multitude of LED lights for inside or outdoor usage. After the holidays, remember to recycle your tree! The NYC Department of Sanitation conducts special collections for Christmas trees every January. Your tree will be mulched and recycled to support other city plants. If you live in New Jersey, consider getting your tree from the 14^th Street Garden Center. They will deliver your trees and pick them up for recycling afterward.

Bag an Apple
You will surprise and delight vegans and techies alike with Matt and Nat accessories. These bags are cool enough to impress the fashionistas, durable enough to endure the morning commute and not made using any animal products. Think Marc Jacobs meets Seattle sensibility. These forward thinking designers consistently put forth classy collections that are full of thoughtful detailing. According to their website, each product contains at least one recycled element. Many of the fixtures are made of antique brass and the 100% recycled suede lining is made from recycled plastic bottles. Matt and Nat recently began offering special bags for Apple products. What makes a Mac even cooler? Putting it in a sleek, socially responsible bag.

Go Vintage
Going vintage is not just for Williamsburg hipsters. It is more eco-friendly to reuse than to purchase new items. It keeps good quality items from being tossed into landfills, reduces the resources it takes to produce and ship new products, and is often less expensive than buying new, more cheaply-made made stuff. But no one said you have to give up style to be green. Often you will get better quality and more unique pieces at a vintage store. Some of my favorite handbags and shoes are my mother's from the seventies. A worn leather bag or briefcase adds sophistication and character to any outfit. Legacy, a NY store, offers online shopping for designer or signature vintage pieces.

Looking to put a twinkle in your loved ones' eyes? Give accessories that make a statement. There are many chic and beautiful vintage jewelers. Whether you are looking for casual cocktail rings or estate jewelry, there are tons of options.

Experience Gifts
Give the one thing that no one else can give them - your undivided attention. Treat your loved ones to dinner and a show. If you are a great cook, grab the ingredients from your local farmer’s market and make a memorable meal. Not exactly Alice Waters in the kitchen? Don’t worry, a lot of restaurants are locavore-friendly. Find a restaurant that serves fresh, seasonal ingredients. The Savoy in Soho is a great place for winter dining. After enjoying a savory meal, head uptown for the shows. I love seeing Alvin Ailey in December. Go on a night when they are performing “Revelations”; it always brings down the house. Have little ones? Take them to ice skating in an outdoor rink. Maybe you can start a new seasonal tradition. The entire family will have a blast and you can relive the experience again and again.

Been there, done that? What about making your gifts together? Paint a ceramic. Knit a sweater. Bake tasty treats. Make homemade soap or scented candles. There are lots of kits for the craft lover in your household. This year, join them in making homemade gifts. They do not have to be perfect. The fun of making something together will be a present in and of itself.

Pay it Forward
What do you give the person who has everything? Maybe this year you give them the warm feeling that comes from being altruistic. Millions of people are suffering from natural disasters. Instead of buying more stuff, give a gift of hope. Donate to a favorite charity instead. Many charities will send notices explaining exactly what was given on your behalf. If Waiting for Superman made you cry, donate to a classroom through DonorsChoose.org's Classroom Project. Feeling like you want to give to farmers? Heifer International provides agricultural families worldwide with marketable farm animals. Give a flock of chicks, a goat or a water buffalo. Bet no one in the family ever got one of those before! Not sure what to give but think your in-laws might be less than thrilled with a card saying thanks for the gaggle of geese? The UK-based organization WorldVision has a catalog of “must have gifts” that features numerous ideas for much needed charitable gifts.

Have a Merry Green Holiday!

2010-12-22T15:24:34Z

There are many ways to celebrate the winter holidays in style while leaving a lighter, greener footprint. Here is Chocolate Granola’s 2010 guide to greening your holidays.

Deck the Halls with Sustainable Decor
Whether you are having holiday parties or simply sprucing up your home, think about using natural decorations. Carefully arranged branches or seasonal fruit can make a dramatic statement or cozy up a plain corner. Almost any combination of cones, fruit or twigs looks impressive in a clear glass container. Try making a centerpiece of soy candles. Candlelight softens large spaces and makes even the smallest apartment seem romantic. There are many naturally scented soy candles. Soy wax burns cleaner and longer than paraffin wax. Try de-luxe’s Maison scented candles or Self Essentials’ aromatherapy soy pillar candles. Both companies use 100% pure soy wax made from soy grown by American farmers.

While I do not have a tree in my apartment, my fond holiday memories include my Dad singing carols and decorating the tree with old family ornaments. For those who associate the season with crisp smell of pine cones and evergreen leaves, consider buying your wreaths or trees from responsible growers. Green in Vermont (http://greenvermont.blogspot.com/), which services Brooklyn, New York and Licking Creek Trees in the Washington, D.C. area (http://www.beyondpesticides.org/christmastrees/lickingcreektrees.pdf) are some of the farms which use certified organic farming practices and offer Christmas trees.

Adorn your tree or wreath with energy efficient LED-lights. While the initial cost is higher than traditional bulbs, these bulbs will save you up to 90% in electricity costs! That’s a nice way to save some green while lighting up the winter nights. Check out Environmental Lights (http://www.environmentallights.com/categories/1004/led-christmas-lights), they offer a multitude of LED lights for inside or outdoor usage. After the
holidays, remember to recycle your tree! The NYC Department of Sanitation conducts special collections for Christmas trees every January. Your tree will be mulched and recycled to support other city plants. If you live in New Jersey, consider getting your tree from the 14^th Street Garden Center (http://www.14thstreetgardencenter.com/delivery.html). They will deliver your trees and pick them up for recycling afterward.

Bag an Apple
You will surprise and delight the [vegetarians] vegans and techies alike with Matt and Nat accessories. These bags are cool enough to impress the fashionistas, durable enough to endure the morning commute and not made using any animal products. Think Marc Jacobs meets Seattle sensibility. These forward thinking designers consistently put forth classy collections that are full of thoughtful detailing. According to their website [http://www.mattandnat.com/info/about/], each product contains at least one recycled element. Many of the fixtures are made of antique brass and the 100% recycled suede lining is made from recycled plastic bottles. Matt and Nat recently began offering special bags for Apple products. What makes a Mac even cooler? Putting it in a sleek, socially responsible bag.

Go Vintage
Going vintage is not just for Williamsburg hipsters. It is more eco-friendly to reuse than to purchase new items. It keeps good quality items from being tossed into landfills, reduces the resources it takes to produce and ship new products, and is often less expensive than buying new, more cheaply-made made stuff. But no one said you have to give up style to be green. Often you will get better quality and more unique pieces at a vintage store. Some of my favorite handbags and shoes are my mother's from the seventies. A worn leather bag or briefcase adds sophistication and character to any outfit. Legacy, a NY store, offers online shopping for designer or signature vintage pieces. (http://www.legacy-nyc.com/legacyfront.html )

Looking to put a twinkle in your loved ones' eyes? Give accessories that make a statement. There are many chic and beautiful vintage jewelers. Whether you are looking for casual cocktail rings or estate jewelry, there are tons of options.

Experience Gifts
Give the one thing that no one else can give them - your undivided attention. Treat your loved ones to dinner and a show. If you are a great cook, grab the ingredients from your local farmer’s market and make a memorable meal. Not exactly Alice Waters in the kitchen? Don’t worry, a lot of restaurants are locavore-friendly. Find a restaurant that serves fresh, seasonal ingredients. The Savoy in Soho is a great place for winter dining. After enjoying a savory meal, head uptown for the shows. I love seeing Alvin Ailey in December. Go on a night when they are performing “Revelations”; it always brings down the house. Have little ones? Take them to F.A.O. Schwartz or going ice skating in Rockefeller Center. Maybe you can start a new seasonal tradition. The entire family will have a blast and you can relive the experience again and again.

Been there, done that? What about making your gifts together? Paint a ceramic. Knit a sweater. Bake tasty treats. Make homemade soap or scented candles. There are lots of kits for the craft lover in your household. This year, join them in making homemade gifts. They do not have to be perfect. The fun of making something together will be a present in and of itself.

Pay it Forward
What do you give the person who has everything? Maybe this year you give them the warm feeling that comes from being altruistic. Millions of people are suffering from natural disasters. Instead of buying more stuff, give a gift of hope. Donate to a favorite charity instead. Many charities will send notices explaining exactly what was given on your behalf. If Waiting for Superman made you cry, donate to a classroom through DonorsChoose.org's Classroom Project. Feeling like you want to give to farmers? Heifer International provides agricultural families worldwide with marketable farm animals. Give a flock of chicks, a goat or a water buffalo. Not sure what to give but think your in-laws might be less than thrilled with a card saying thanks for the gaggle of geese? The UK-based organization WorldVision has a catalog of “must have gifts” that features numerous ideas for much needed charitable gifts.

Green Guide to Labor Day: Get outside and enjoy some green fun in the sun!

2010-09-03T20:50:42Z

Sadly, the summer is coming to an end. Make sure to enjoy the upcoming holiday weekend. In celebration of the long weekend and the end of a wonderful summer, here is chocolate granola's Green Guide to Labor Day. From family cookouts to street fairs, there's summer fun for everyone!

Staycationing? From cookouts to cozing up to a book, sometimes the most relaxing -and affordable- vacations can be had right in your own backyard or local park. Grill in the backyard or a neighborhood park and invite over your friends and family. Tempt their tastebuds with black-bean burgers or corn on the cob, they'll love this easy grilled corn recipe. Quench your thirst with homemade lemonade or a can of BlueSky organic ginger ale (all natural and sweetened with cane sugar). Forget about the styrofoam or plastic. If you can’t use your own plates, consider using Bambu plates and utensils. These certified organic bamboo biodegradable sets provide a chic backdrop to your food that’ll impress your friends and can be tossed in a compost bin afterward.

In need of quiet time? Grab a blanket and a book and head outdoors. Few things beat the luxury of reading a good book in a cozy spot. In the mood for the classics? Find a good used bookstore and catch up on your summer reading list. Itching for a beach read? Consider downloading an audiobook that you can listen to while you travel to the beach, saving the juicy parts for when you stretch out soaking up the rays.

Been there, done that? You're a tough crowd. Looking for a little more action, how about Brazilian dancers or a free jazz concert? Great music, good food...your weekend's looking better already! Check out some of things there are to do in NY, DC and Chicago.

New York: There's always something tasty to munch in the Big Apple. How about churrasco or plantains? Grab a napkin and your dancing shoes, there are two parades heading our way.

Brasil is here! Saturday and Sunday will be a celebration of all things Brazilian. Head to Sixth Ave between 43rd and 57th Sts for a massive Brazilian street fair including hundreds of vendors and live performances. Check out the full schedule of Brazilian Day events.
West Indian-Americans represent! There is a West Indian American Day Carnival Festival all weekend culminating in a Labor Day parade from Eastern Pkwy and Schenectady Ave to Flatbush Ave. Saturday features a Steel Band competition. Check out the full schedule of West Indian American Carnival events.
Take an air-conditioned break from all that partying and head uptown to the The Studio Museum in Harlem. On Sunday admission is free courtesy of Target Sundays.

Washington, D.C.: The nation's capital was once fondly known as "chocolate city." There are lots of chocolate granola faves all over town. Take the kids to the Smithsonian to enjoy the free museums or sit outside on the Mall and relax near the monuments.

D.C.= Dave Chappelle. This hometown favorite will be doing standup at the famous Lincoln Theatre Friday, September 3. He'll probably eat at Ben's Chili Bowl beforehand. Check him out or stop by any of the other U street haunts.
Red, white and blues: On Saturday, go check out the free Blues Festival at the Carter Barron Amphitheatre in Rock Creek Park.

Chicago: You don't need a holiday as an excuse to celebrate the delicious food cooking all over Chicago. Eat out, support a local restaurant! After that, walk to the end of Navy Pier and enjoy the view.

The Windy City will celebrate its 32^nd annual Chicago Jazz Festival. While the city mourns the upcoming change in weather, it celebrates with a weekend of free jazz concerts in Grant Park and Millennium Park from September 2 through September 5.