Demeter's Garden

Our potluck today was AWESOME! Thanks to everyone who came! I wish those of you who had to work this weekend could have come, it was a beautiful day outside today! I like April in Georgia, it’s nice and warm outside but the bugs aren’t out en force yet. Even the pollen wasn’t too bad today! Oh yes, and of course I had recycled paper towel for napkins, biodegradable paper plates, and recyclable plastic cups! Most of the plastic party cups seem to be #6 plastic, which they don’t take at our local recycling center. These cups were #1 plastic, which is accepted anywhere pop bottles are!

What is great about having a vegan potluck?

• Spending a beautiful day outside!
• Getting to try authentic Indian food for the first time.
• Getting to try jicama for the first time.
• Having a whole table filled with things I can eat!

Before the summer got very, very hot here in Georgia, my husband and I had started going on some short hikes.  It’s great exercise and a good way to get out into nature. Here are some ways to find green spaces near you!

• I’m a member of The Nature Conservancy, and I’m also a big fan of Google Maps mashups, so I love this interactive map that helps you find nature preserves near you!
• Find a national park on the National Park Service website, or check with your local state to find a state park near you. Here’s a guide to state parks here in Georgia.
• Looking for a place to hike? Try LocalHikes.com, The Backpacker.com, TrailDatabase.org (lots of international links), or OuterQuest (for adventure travel).
• Check your local library for books about hiking for beginners. Check the travel books to find hikes near you. I really enjoyed 60 Hikes within 60 Miles: Atlanta. There are books in this series for many major metropolitan areas.
• Worried your kids aren’t spending enough time in nature? Try the National Wildlife Federation’s Green Hour website, a new initiative to encourage parents to get their kids outdoors (found via Green Mom Finds).

Don’t forget to check your local parks department, you’ll be surprised to find how many opportunities to get out into nature are right in your own neighborhood!