Celebrate Earth Day!

Today, April 22nd we celebrate this precious planet that we call home. This year's Earth Day theme is "End Plastic Pollution." That is a bold statement, since this material has become so ubiquitous in our lives. According to the Earth Day Network, the organizer of Earth Day events across the globe, their goals for 2018 "include ending single-use plastics, promoting alternatives to fossil fuel-based materials, promoting 100 percent recycling of plastics, corporate and government accountability and changing human behavior concerning plastics."

By simply becoming more conscientious in our shopping and disposal decision, we can all make a difference. Although I am a good steward of the environment, and if you are reading this blog, you are too, I have learned that I can always do better. As I reported back in January, recycling plastic bags and wraps is one of those ways. So many things come wrapped in plastic, like our daily newspaper delivery. In addition to reusing these bags to pick up pet waste, I collect the extras and recycle them at our local grocery store. It amazes me how much plastic wrap I collect within just a few days.

Plastic wrap awaiting recycling.

When possible, I try and purchase items without extra wrapping. If I feel that items are unnecessarily wrapped in plastic I contact the manufacturer and let them know. Your voice as a consumer can influence their sustainability goals, particularly as the problems of plastic pollution in the oceans has become more publicly recognized and as outlets for recycling these materials become more scarce.

If possible, try and get outside today and enjoy the signs of Spring that are emerging, from the sounds of peepers and wood frogs, to the smells of the soil as it comes alive, to the sights of the first daffodils, there is much to celebrate. And, don't forget to bring a big to pick up those plastic containers on the side of the road that are now visible since the snow has melted.

It won't be long before these daffodils are in bloom.

Shrimp on Bed of Zucchini

A light and simple weeknight meal which uses a bed of zucchini in place of pasta or rice.


Ingredients:
1/2 cup onion
3 cloves garlic
fresh parsley (1 - 2 Tablespoons)
3 Tablespoons butter
4 Tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cracked pepper
1/2 cup white wine
juice from 1/2 lemon
1 cup Panko crumbs
1 medium zucchini
1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp

Grease large casserole dish. Shred zucchini in food processor, set aside. Chop onion and garlic. Melt half the butter with the oil and saute onions for about 3 minutes and then add garlic and stir for 30 seconds. Season shrimp with salt and pepper and add to skillet. Cook 2 minutes, then turn and cook for an additional minute. Remove shrimp. Add lemon juice and wine to pan, stirring until it begins to butter. Add remaining butter and oil and stir until melted. Place shrimp in casserole dish, then add zucchini, mix slightly and poor sauce over both. Return pan to medium low heat and add panko, stirring until golden. Sprinkle over the top of dish and bake at 400 degrees for 12 minutes or until bubbling. Serve immediately with parsley sprinkled on top.

Looking for Signs of Spring

April is an unpredictable month. The sun definitely shines a bit brighter and the longer days indicate that winter is past, but sometimes the season just doesn't want to let go. That was the case this past weekend. We drove North to Vermont Friday afternoon and encountered snow most of the way. Saturday morning the sun was out briefly, but snow returned throughout the day as the temperature remained below freezing. 

The wind blows snow across Lake Memphremagog

Nevertheless, Saturday afternoon I put on my hat and mittens and walked along the lake looking for some signs of Spring. The nice thing about early Spring is that trees and brush take on a different appearance before their leaves come out and I realize that although the landscape may initially appear dull and uninteresting their is actually lots of color to be seen.

The branches of Red-Osier Dogwood stand out among other wetland plants in Spring

One of the most recognizable wetland species and a welcome sign of spring are the fuzzy white catkins of pussy willows.

Pussy willows and clouds are a nice contrast to a bright blue sky

It's amazing that the berries of this viburnum were able to survive the cold and wind of a very long winter.

Post-Winter berries of viburnum

Although most of the lake was still covered with ice, fishermen were out drilling holes through the ice Saturday morning, there were some open areas of water. This was fortunate for those migratory birds that decided to return before ice-out.

Canada Geese and a Mallard brave the cold water in April

If you have been near water this month, you have probably heard some red-winged blackbirds. Another common bird that you may here this time of year are Common Grackles.  These two were making quite a racket as they perched at the top of a tree.

Common Grackles 

Even though I won't be putting away my winter clothing yet, I know that the upcoming days will continue to reveal the sights and sounds of a new season of life.