Waste = Food

Click here to view this inspiring documentary in it's entirety (49 minutes, 23 seconds) about the Cradle to Cradle design concept of a brilliant chemist/architect team. Basically, their idea is to change the way we produce and build everything so that any waste that is generated becomes safely transformed back into food for our biosphere.

In other words, using this concept, there is no more waste. That might be hard to imagine until you learn about the ideas of these visionaries. This documentary gave me hope for a possible solution to our landfill problems.

Fresh Pineapple $2.99 at Publix - Last Day

Today is the last day that fresh pineapple is on sale for $2.99 at Publix (it's regularly $4.99). It's cored and peeled for you and it is so much more delicious than canned pineapple.

Since this is such a good price, I stocked up. I cut up the pineapple into small pieces and divided it into portions appropriate for smoothies. I put those portions into covered plastic bowls and put them in the freezer. I've used my frozen pineapple for smoothies several times this week and it worked great! It added a little extra cold to the smoothie without having to water it down with ice.

Another favorite smoothie ingredient of mine, Bolthouse Farms 100% Carrot Juice, is also on Advantage Buy at Publix for 2 for $6. I'm not sure how long this will last. If you think your carrot juice will expire before you can use it, you can pour it into an ice cube tray. Then you can add your cubes to your smoothie.

Click here for my favorite green smoothie recipe.

Free Nature Valley Samples

Click here for free samples of Nature Valley nut clusters and granola bars. Although these products have a bit too much sugar for my liking (and they are not organic), they're not too bad.

Horizon Organic Coupons

Click here for Horizon Organic coupons.

Community Supported Agriculture is Healthy, Green and Frugal

I am so excited to report that I am now a member of the Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program at Sweetwater Organic Community Farm. I can't wait to pick up my first share of produce in November!

If you are not familiar with Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), it is basically a way for farmers and consumers to share the risks and rewards of farming. As a consumer, you pay a membership fee and donate some time to the farm. In return, you get locally-grown organic produce. It's great for your health, the environment, and your budget! Click here to learn about other benefits of CSA.

If you don't live in the Tampa Bay area, click here to find a CSA near you.

Here's what membership at Sweetwater entails:

• I purchased a half membership for $390. That means I will receive one share of farm produce every other week. A full membership costs $700 and gets you a share every week.
  
• How does the cost compare to grocery stores? The cost of a share to CSA members is $16-$25 per pickup. According to Sweetwater's price comparison, the same produce would cost $35-$50 at local health food stores.
• A share typically consists of 2 to 4 grocery bags filled with 10 to 15 different items.
• Pick-ups are from November to May.
• Shares are picked up at Sweetwater Farm in West Comanche in Tampa. Members can also pick up at the St Petersburg Saturday Morning Market.
  
• Members are also required to volunteer at least 4 hours to the farm. I'm actually quite excited about this part, as I hope to learn something about organic gardening.
• If your not sure if this will work for you, consider sharing the the cost of membership (and the produce) with a friend or family member. My parents are splitting the cost with me!
  

Shares are still available at Sweetwater last time I checked. Click here to get the application.

Reusable Bags Earn Extra Bucks at CVS

You can now earn Extra Bucks at CVS by using your reusable bags! That's green and frugal!

Here's how to earn Extra Bucks by using your reusable bags:

• First need to buy a Green Bag Tag for 99 cents. The tag is a leaf-shaped card that attaches to your reusable bag.
  
• At the time of the transaction, present your Extra Care Card, Green Bag Tag, and reusable bag to the cashier.
• There is a limit of one Green Bag Tag use per scan per day per household.
  
• Every fourth purchase your Extra Bucks will print at the bottom of your cash register receipt as a $1 coupon good for your next purchase.
  

Thanks Couponing to Disney for this information.

Codes for Free Movies at Blockbuster Express

Use these codes to get free movies at Blockbuster Express kiosks.

• DT99A (expires 10/15/09)
• GW9RA2 (expires 10/21/09)
• GE99A (expires 10/23/09)

Click here to find a kiosk near you. Most Florida Publix stores will have a Blockbuster Express kiosk by November 1 (click here for the full story).

Free Hot Beverage at 7-11

Click here for a coupon for a FREE 12 oz. coffee, cappuccino, hot chocolate or tea at 7-Eleven. You can print the coupon as many times as you want. Sometimes these valuable coupons don't stay online very long, so print yours out soon! Thanks Deal Seeking Mom.