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Why Choose Dairy Free Ice Cream? Cool Treats with a Conscience Who doesn’t love a delicious, cool, sweet, creamy treat on a hot day?  Or any day for that matter?  Sadly, regular diary ice cream can have a lot of negative implications from contributing to green house gasses to raising your cholesterol.  Choosing a plant based alternative is not only guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds, but do a lot more for your health and the planet in the process. Environmental Impact The dairy industry is HUGE and it is one of the biggest contributors to methane emissions, water use and deforestation.  Did you know, 1 gallon of milk = 144 gallons of water , that’s insane! An average dairy cow produces 11,000 gallons of milk in it's lifetime, thats 1,584,00 gallons of water per cow. There are roughly 280 million dairy cows in the world. A Healthier Choice Aside from avoiding dairy for allergy or intolerance reasons, vegan ice creams often have fewer saturated fats and are free from cholesterol.  They can also be easier to digest for those with sensitive tummies even if you don’t have an intolerance.  If you are following a diet, vegan ice cream fits a range of dietary lifestyles: vegan, dairy-free, paleo (sometimes), or just those looking for cleaner ingredients. Ethical Alignment Many people choose vegan ice cream for animal welfare reasons.  No cows involved means a kinder choice.  If interested in learning more about animal farming practices, check out this list of animal abuse, food industry, & climate documentaries.  Full disclaimer: some of these can be upsetting! An easy solution - Discover your best dairy free ice cream! What if there was a way to enjoy your sweet treat without all the guilt?  Look no further, we have you covered with 20 awesome recipes you are going to LOVE …and there are options for all of you allergy conscious folks out there too!  These vegan ice cream recipes prove you don’t have to compromise flavor to make healthier, planet-friendly choices.  Read on to find the best dairy free ice cream to scoop into! Vegan oatmeal ice cream Dairy free Gluten free adaptable Nut free adaptable Banana free No refined sugar 5 ingredients Photo & Recipe Source: feastingonfruit.com Coconut Milk Chocolate Ice Cream Vegan Dairy free Gluten free Banana free 5 ingredients Photo & Recipe Source: bananasaboutlife.com Blueberry Frozen Yogurt Dairy free Gluten free Nut free Banana free No refined sugar 5 - 6 ingredients Photo & Recipe Source: feastingonfruit.com Raspberry Nice Cream Dairy free Gluten free 5 -6 ingredients Photo & Recipe Source: elephantasticvegan.com Maple Cinnamon Sweet Potato Ice Cream Dairy free Gluten free Nut free adaptable - swap milk Banana free No refined sugar 5 ingredients Photo & Recipe Source: nutritionyoucantrust.com Chickpea Cookie Dough Nice Cream Vegan oatmeal ice cream Dairy free Gluten free Nut free adaptable - swap nut butter for sunflower seed butter 6 ingredients Photo & Recipe Source: allpurposeveggies.com Easy No-Churn Vegan Lemon Ice Cream Dairy free Gluten free Banana free No refined sugar 6 ingredients Photo & Recipe Source: eatingbyelaine.com Scoop Smarter: A Sweet Ending Choosing dairy-free ice cream is more than just hopping on a trend, t’s a small, satisfying way to support your health, the planet, and a more compassionate food system. Whether you’re vegan, lactose-intolerant, eco-conscious, or just curious, these plant-based treats offer all the indulgence without the baggage. With so many delicious options and creative recipes out there, there’s never been a better time to make the switch. From rich chocolatey blends to fruity tropical scoops, you can enjoy your favorite flavors while knowing you’re making a better choice for your body and the world around you. So grab your spoon (or cone!), dig into one of these tasty recipes, and treat yourself to something that’s cool in every sense of the word. Your taste buds, and the planet, will thank you. Looking for more plant based inspiration? Check out 10 Quick & Easy Vegan Recipes: Plant-Based Dinners for Busy Weeknights

Sustainability doesn’t have to be hard or expensive.    It’s not unusual to get overwhelmed when thinking about all the ways we waste or negatively impact the environment.  On some level it seems hopeless and sometimes it can be easy to think ‘why bother?’ or ‘what difference is it going to make?’  To make things even more difficult, so many so-called ‘green solutions’ can cost an arm and a leg.  Well, I’m here to tell you, stop stressing!  Yes, we should always be striving to make more sustainable choices and purchases, but it doesn’t have to require a lot of effort or money. By making small changes to everyday habits, your efforts multiply. Simply by using a reusable coffee cup, you can save upwards of 165 disposable cups a year that would otherwise end up in a landfill for decades to come!  A small habit done every day is more effective than a big change that doesn’t last. It doesn’t have to be expensive either. Switching to small reusable items can save hundreds of dollars annually, year after year. Now that we are feeling a little better about everything, read on for 10 easy eco friendly habits that add up to a major victory. Reusable water bottles. Carry a reusable water bottle or a reusable anything for that matter!  Keeping a small handful of reusable items that replace everyday disposable items is a big deal.  In your purse, car, backpack or even your pocket, you can easily fit items like a foldable pocket tote, bamboo or metal utensils, reusable water bottle or coffee mug.  Small changes made everyday add up to have a big impact!   It's estimated that “Americans purchase about 50 billion water bottles per year, averaging about 13 bottles per month for every person in the U.S.! That means by using a reusable water bottle, you could save an average of 156 plastic bottles annually.” You can save over $1,300 a year just by switching to a reusable water bottle. That’s a nice weekend getaway! Say no to receipts. While most people don’t think much of a small slip of paper, saying ‘no’ to a receipt going forward is one of the easiest changes you can make that will have a positive impact on the environment.  A simple receipt contributes to deforestation as well as energy and water consumption.  Furthermore, the thermal coating on modern receipts make them very difficult to recycle and I’ll bet you didn’t know, those magical thermal pieces of paper are coated with BPA, a substance known to cause a myriad of health problems just from exposure.  Next time ask for a digital receipt and skip the paper. Switch to LED bulbs. What do you mean you haven’t done this yet?  If you are one of the few people who haven’t made the switch yet, I highly recommend you do this asap.  With rising energy costs, this one is a no-brainer.  It’s estimated that LED lights use about 20% of the energy of an incandescent bulb and they last way longer, compounding your savings.  If keeping a few extra bucks in your wallet isn’t good enough, LED bulbs produce less heat, lower your air conditioning demand, do not contain hazardous mercury, unlike CFL bulbs, have superior brightness and allow for customizable brightness and color. Compost your food scraps. Food waste is the single largest source of waste in the U.S.  According to the EPA it accounts for over 24% of the waste stream.  And while you might think it might decompose in the landfill and somehow find its way back to dirt, it does not.  Most landfills are ‘dry’ landfills lined with a plastic barrier so hazardous components do not leach into the ground and ultimately, our drinking water.  Think of a massive plastic trash bag. Even without a liner, there is no aeration, microbes, etc to allow for the decomposition of food materials in landfills.  Simply, conditions aren’t right.   Studies have also shown that the nutritional value of food grown today is significantly lower than it was in the 40’s and 50’s contributing to nutritional deficits in the population.  Returning food scraps back to the earth, returns nutrients for new plants, food sources for animals, bugs and microbes and reduces methane produced in landfills. Make the change and begin composting whenever you can.  Starting a compost area in your yard is easy to do.  You don’t need much space.  Many towns and villages even have composting programs that pick up or allow you to drop off bags of food scraps.  Learn more about composting in this Composting 101  article. Unplug unused devices. You may be coming across this idea a little more often these days.  Appliances and devices that are not in use, but that are still plugged in, actually continue to draw power.  It’s due to a little something called standby mode and the more appliances and devices that we get that are tied to the internet, the worse this problem is going to get.  While it is difficult to pin down exactly how much power an average household uses from standby power alone, it is estimated to be between 5 - 10%.   Imagine getting a 10% discount on your electric bill just for unplugging items that are not in use.   Before you say, ‘That’s way too much work or inconvenient.’, I agree.  I don’t want to reach behind my tv, modem, etc to make sure my devices aren't energy vampires either.  But there’s good news, we’re not the first ones to think about that.  Enter, smart power strips .  These power strips come with plugs that are dedicated to staying powered all the time, while the others turn off with a switch.  So for instance, if you would like to keep your internet running 24/7 so your wifi works at al times, you can leave that on, while flipping the switch to completely disconnect your computer monitor, radio or whatever you don’t need to use.  Some of these power strips can get very fancy with energy consumption monitors, voice control, timers, etc.  Check with your local utility company, oftentimes, they will offer rebates for qualifying purchases. Depending on your energy consumption and lifestyle, savings generally far outweigh the cost of the smart strip and you will be reducing your carbon footprint with every flip of the switch. Wash your clothes in cold water. You need to start doing this!  Washing in cold water is just as good as washing items in warm water AND your clothes will last much longer!  Colors won’t fade as fast and there will be noticeably less wear and tear.  The only items I wash warm are sheets, towels and under clothes for sanitary purposes.  Everything else gets the cold shoulder. When you wash your clothes in hot water, you have to heat the water, which uses gas or electricity and if it’s gas, it will create exhaust, all of which are bad for the planet.  Additionally, the cost of washing a load in hot water vs. cold can also be up to 6x more expensive.  Even if each load is relatively cheap, that adds up over a year. Try meatless Mondays. Did you know: A quarter of global emissions come from food More than half of food emissions come from animal products Half of all farmed animal emissions come from beef or lamb When comparing diets, “ a meatlovers diet is twice the carbon for print of a vegetarian/vegan diet ” And that’s just the environmental part.  Your body and your wallet will also benefit from this small change.  And that’s all it is, a small change!  Instead of tacos with beef, go with beans and extra toppings.  Instead of pasta with meat sauce, add fresh herbs to tomato sauce.  The possibilities are endless. Say no to junk mail. Take 5 minutes to opt out of catalogs and pre-approved credit card offers using sites like DMAchoice  or OptOutPrescreen.com . This small step can significantly reduce paper waste and clutter.  Less paper means less deforestation, less water consumption, less energy in processing, less chemicals in printing, and les transportation to end up in your mail box.  This one is an easy win. Shop secondhand. The textile industry is one of the worst contributors to water pollution due to the discharge of toxic chemicals from dyeing, finishing, and fabric treatment processes. These pollutants can contaminate waterways, harm aquatic ecosystems, and pose health risks to communities living nearby.  Fast fashion, clothing that is produced cheaply and goes out of style very quickly, is a major contributor.  Clothing that doesn’t last or styles that do not endure ultimately end up in landfills.  Fight fast fashion by shopping at second hand shops! Walk or bike for short trips. Break out our sneaks or your bike!  Diving is the biggest cause of global warming. Period. “ Experts agree that cars   contribute 26% of all manmade greenhouses gases  that are released into the atmosphere.” Source: https://blueandgreentomorrow.com/environment/walking-drastically-cuts-carbon-footprint-helps-waistline/#google_vignette      Walking or biking is also better for your health. In an age when more of us are sitting at desks or long commutes, every step counts.  Even 20 minutes of walking or biking every day can have drastic effects on your health and mood. Walking can actually save you time.  I personally live in an area somewhere between urban and suburban.  Many times, I find walking down the road to my nearest shopping plaza for groceries or take out is faster  than driving.  Still not convinced or maybe you have physical limitations?  Consider using public transportation when possible.  Bring a book or your laptop and catch up on a train or bus ride.  30 people riding in one vehicle vs. one person riding in 30 vehicles is a big difference. Small Changes, Big Impact Next time you feel overwhelmed by the sate of pollution, trash and environmental concerns, come back to this idea of small changes creating a big impact.  It’s impossible to be perfect all of the time, and in our modern world, it can seem difficult or expensive to make changes toward sustainability, but it doesn’t have to be!   Just remember, daily habits multiply.  A reusable water bottle saves an average of 167 plastic bottles per year. Multiply that by a few habits and the impact adds up quickly. You also don’t have to overhaul your whole life in one shot.  One habit, repeated daily, is more powerful than a major change you can’t sustain. Don’t downplay the ripple effect.  When friends and family see your easy swaps, they’re more likely to adopt them too. One person’s habits can influence dozens more.  Be the positive change you want to see. Go slow, small wins build momentum.  Starting small builds confidence. Once one change sticks, you're more motivated to try another which ultimately leads to long-term lifestyle shifts.

Have you ever wondered what to do with your food scraps besides throwing them out?  There are multiple things you can do with your food scraps from feeding animals, regrowing from cuttings, but the single easiest thing to do is composting. Composting Matters Food waste is the single largest source of waste in the U.S.  According to the EPA, it accounts for over 24% of the waste stream .  And while you might think it might decompose in the landfill and somehow find its way back to dirt, it does not.  Most landfills are ‘dry’ landfills lined with a plastic barrier so hazardous components do not leach into the ground and ultimately drinking water.  Think massive plastic trash bag. Even without a liner, there is no aeration, microbes, etc to allow for the decomposition of food materials in landfills.  Simply, conditions aren’t right.   Furthermore, studies have shown that the nutritional value of food grown today is significantly lower than it was in the 40’s and 50’s contributing to nutritional deficits.  Returning food scraps back to the earth, returns nutrients for new plants, food sources for animals, bugs and microbes and reduces methane produced in landfills. Compost, a.k.a. ‘black gold’, is one of the best and easiest things you can do for your garden and the environment. It ’s easier than you think! Contrary to popular belief, composting is not messy or complicated.  You don’t have to be a hardcore gardener to make it work for you either.  Composting kitchen scraps can even be done without a backyard or any fancy equipment. Whether you're tossing food scraps into a curbside bin, using a small worm bin under your sink, or collecting leftovers in a sealed container for drop-off, composting you can easily fit it into your routine with minimal effort. All you need to do is separate your food waste from your trash and once it becomes a habit, it’s as natural as recycling. There are also many tools and community resources that make it even easier, from countertop bins with charcoal filters to compost pickup services in many cities. The key is starting small and letting your system grow with you. So start saving your food scraps and get ready for an easy crash course to composting! What Is Composting? Let’s keep it short and simple for now: Composting is the natural process of recycling organic matter, like food scrap or yard waste (grass clipping, leaves, etc) into a nutrient-rich soil amendment.  When you allow organic matter to naturally decay, microorganisms and sometimes worms break it down back into soil.  The end result is “black gold” that enriches soil and reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers. Types of Composting There are many different ways to compost. From back yards to countertop options, there is really no excuse anymore not to compost.  And now that you know almost 24% of our waste stream is food waste, it’s the perfect time to jump on the bandwagon. 1. Backyard Composting Ideal for: people with outdoor space What you need: bin or open pile, mix of browns (carbon) and greens (nitrogen) Can accept: fruit/veg scraps, coffee grounds, eggshells, yard clippings 2. Indoor/Bokashi Composting Ideal for: small apartments, people without outdoor space Uses airtight container + microbial starter (fermentation-based) Faster and odor-controlled 3. Vermicomposting (Worm Bins) Ideal for: indoor or garage setups Worms eat food scraps → castings = rich fertilizer Fun and kid-friendly 4. Municipal or Drop-off Composting Ideal for: those who don’t want to compost at home Many cities offer curbside pickup or community drop-offs Great for items not suitable for home compost (meat, dairy) Composting Basics – How to Get Started Now that you’ve chosen which type of composting method best suits your lifestyle, have a look at some basic rules of composting to avoid any of the pitfalls like items not decomposing or unpleasant odors. The Golden Ratio: Greens vs. Browns The Golden Ration refers to the ration of green organic waste and brown organic waste.  Greens are typically wet, nitrogen-rich items like fruit and vegetable scraps or items like coffee grounds.  Browns are typically dry and carbon-rich.  These include items like fall leaves, shredded paper or cardboard.  It’s best practice to aim for 2 to 3 parts brown to one part green.  Alternating layers of brown and green is also essential as it will allow for better decomposition. What Should I Compost? (And What Should I NOT?) Tools to Make It Easier You don’t need a lot of fancy gear to start composting, but the right tools can make the process a little easier and more efficient. Here’s a breakdown of simple tools that can help streamline your setup, whether you’re composting indoors or out. Countertop Scrap Bin Countertop scrap bins are a good way to collect your food scraps throughout the day before transferring them to your main compost system.  If you are taking advantage of a town or city composting program, sometimes they will provide compostable, lined composting bags than can be tossed into a composter all together.  If you choose to acquire a countertop scrap bin, look for one that: Has a lid and charcoal filter to prevent odors Is small enough to sit on your counter but holds a day or two of scraps Is easy to clean (stainless steel or dishwasher-safe plastic are great choices) Tip: Line it with newspaper or a compostable bag for easy cleanup. Compost Bin or Tumbler If you have the space to composting at home in your backyard or balcony, a good bin helps keep everything neat and contained. There are a variety of composers out there to choose from, but here are a few of the most common: Stationary bins : These are basic and budget-friendly.  They are great for low maintenance, slow composting.  Tumblers : These are usually shaped like a sideways barrel on a stand.  They are enclosed and easy to rotate, which speeds up the breakdown process.  For fastest results, you will have to turn anywhere from daily to once per week depending on your waste load. DIY options : This is where you can get creative.  Repurpose trash cans, crates, or buckets are all options.  The main thing you want to worry about is making sure you have  airflow either by drilling holes or using screens/chickenwire.   I personally have repurposed pallets to create 4 ‘bays’ with removable front panels.  Each pallet ‘bay’ is lined with chickenwire to both prevent scraps from falling through wood slats and allowing air flow.  Truth be told, I don’t turn my piles more than once a month.  I simply layer as well as possible and once one bay fills up, I move on to the next. The full bays will be mostly dirt and the volume will be greatly reduced by the time you circle back to it.   My last set of 4 took 10 years to completely fill and I put everything from food scraps to grass clippings and fallen leaves! Browns Bucket or Storage Container Browns buckets are for storing your “browns” (dry materials like leaves, shredded paper, or cardboard) in a separate bin so you always have carbon material on hand to balance out your food scraps.  I’ve never had the need for one of these, but if you fin that your organic waste production isn’t always the right balance of greens vs browns, this might be a good idea. Compost Aerator or Turning Tool If you are a little less lazy than I am OR if you want to get some of that black gold a little quicker, you may want to get yourself a decent aerator to turning tool.  Regularly mixing your compost helps oxygen reach the materials and speeds up decomposition.  This can look like something as simple as a pitch fork or fancy as a compost crank. Moisture Meter or Compost Thermometer (Optional) This is for people who are really getting into efficient composting (or perhaps those who are troubleshooting). A moisture meter  ensures your pile isn’t too dry or too soggy A compost thermometer  helps you know when your pile is active and breaking down efficiently Common Composting Problems Problem 1: It Smells Bad Likely too many greens or too wet Fix: add more browns (like shredded paper), stir regularly Problem 2: It’s Not Breaking Down Might be too dry or not enough nitrogen Fix: add greens (fruit/veg scraps), lightly moisten, mix well Problem 3: Attracting Pests Likely due to meat/dairy or uncovered food scraps Fix: bury scraps under browns and avoid composting animal products Start Composting Today! Now that you have completed Composting 101, you are ready to get out there and make some ‘black gold’ of your own!  When starting out, remember, composting isn’t all-or-nothing. Do your best, starting small makes a big difference.   If you need some motivation while starting out, think of all the benefits of composting.  You can reduce your own personal trash that goes to the landfill on average by 25%.  That’s a lot of trash.  When your food scraps turn back to dirt, you will have the absolute best soil for your garden.  Your flowers and veggies will thank you and you will be rewarded with bigger blooms and more nutritious foods.  Most importantly, you are actively reducing your carbon footprint and climate impact.

Enjoy a sustainable lifestyle with activities that align with your eco-values! In this section, you'll find inspiring ideas for low-impact hobbies, mindful entertainment, and green alternatives for fun that support the planet. Dive in for ways to relax, explore, and create while keeping sustainability at the heart of your leisure. Eco-Friendly Activities Enjoy a sustainable lifestyle with activities that align with your eco-values! In this section, you'll find inspiring ideas for low-impact hobbies, mindful entertainment, and green alternatives for fun that support the planet. Dive in for ways to relax, explore, and create while keeping sustainability at the heart of your leisure. 10 Eco-Friendly Destinations for Sustainable Travel Lovers Eco-friendly destinations for sustainable travel lovers who want to experience the beauty of nature without contributing to its degradation. Nov 1, 2024 5 min read 7 views 0 comments 2 likes. Post not marked as liked 2

Explore the world with a lighter footprint! Our eco-friendly travel section is your guide to sustainable adventures, from low-impact destinations and eco-conscious accommodations to tips for reducing your carbon footprint on the road. Discover how to travel mindfully and make every journey a greener one. Green Travel Explore the world with a lighter footprint! Our eco-friendly travel section is your guide to sustainable adventures, from low-impact destinations and eco-conscious accommodations to tips for reducing your carbon footprint on the road. Discover how to travel mindfully and make every journey a greener one. 6 Sustainable Cutlery Brands: Plastic Free Alternatives For Everyone One plastic fork can take over 200 years to break down! Discover 6 sustainable and reusable cutlery brands to reduce your impact. Dec 24, 2024 3 min read 12 views 0 comments Post not marked as liked 10 Eco-Friendly Destinations for Sustainable Travel Lovers Eco-friendly destinations for sustainable travel lovers who want to experience the beauty of nature without contributing to its degradation. Nov 1, 2024 5 min read 7 views 0 comments 2 likes. Post not marked as liked 2

Embrace a lifestyle that leaves no trace! Our zero waste section offers practical tips, product swaps, and inspiring ideas to help you reduce waste and simplify your daily routine. From reusable essentials to waste-free home hacks, discover how small changes can make a big difference for the planet. Food & Recipes Discover delicious recipes that are as kind to the planet as they are to your taste buds. Our sustainable food section emphasizes plant-forward, seasonal, and low-waste meals that make the most of every ingredient. From creative ways to use leftovers to tips on sourcing eco-conscious ingredients, dive in and cook with purpose! Composting 101: A Simple Guide to Turning Food Waste into Black Gold Contrary to popular belief, composting is not messy or complicated. You don’t have to be a hardcore gardener to make it work for you either. Composting kitchen scraps can even be done without a backyard or any fancy equipment. Whether you're tossing food scraps into a curbside bin, using a small worm bin under your sink, or collecting leftovers in a sealed container for drop-off, composting you can easily fit it into your routine with minimal effort. 7 days ago 6 min read 8 views 0 comments Post not marked as liked 10 Quick & Easy Vegan Recipes: Plant-Based Dinners for Busy Weeknights Finding quick, healthy, and satisfying meals can feel like a juggling act. Discover 10 Easy Plant-Based Recipes for Weeknights for everyone Dec 12, 2024 5 min read 22 views 0 comments 3 likes. Post not marked as liked 3 From Harvest to Holiday: Easy Seasonal Appetizer Recipes for Entertaining Discover the perfect blend of sustainability and flavor with these Easy Appetizer Recipes for your seasonal gatherings. Embrace the harvest! Dec 1, 2024 3 min read 7 views 0 comments 3 likes. Post not marked as liked 3