The Bag Monster

It’s a bird! No, it’s a plane! No, silly… it’s the Bag Monster!

This is no joke, people. There is a man who dresses himself up as the “Bag Monster” – a costume composed of about 500 plastic bags, the same number that the average American consumes in just one year. He is traveling the country to raise awareness about the effects of single-use plastic bags on our environment, as the vast majority of the 100 BILLION bags consumed in this country every year end up in landfills – or even worse, the ocean. Ever heard of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch? Yeah, I thought so.

Some find him quirky and all around nuts. I think he’s brilliant – bringing humor to a critical environmental adversity in order to increase public awareness. I mean, seriously. Who isn't going to pay attention to a grown man wearing nothing but 500 plastic bags?

Check out his page for updates, photos, and laughs. If you’re lucky, he could be coming to a town near you!

http://www.bagmonster.com/

A Farmers Market Frenzy

Farmers Markets: who doesn't love them? Sure they can be more expensive, although this is not always the case. And even when they are, most people find that it's worth the extra change. You enjoy fresh produce, consume less pesticides and other harmful chemicals while simultaneously supporting your local farmers, and therefore stimulating your local economy. As an added bonus, you're doing something good for the environment.

You see, your typical apple or squash or tomato travels an average of 1,494 miles from its point of origin to the produce section of your local grocery store. Compare that to an average distance of 56 miles that your fruits and veggies at the nearest farmers market have traveled. That's a lot of unnecessary CO2 that's being released into the atmosphere. 27 times as much, to be exact.

And is it just me, or is the corn from that local farmer sweeter? The apples crunchier? It's probably my mind playing tricks on me, but I'm inclined to believe that things really do taste better when they are grown only a few zip codes away.

Lucky for me, there is an abundance of farmers markets in New York. It's no wonder the city was named after a (large) piece of fruit! I was shocked to find how many more farms and farmers markets that there are on the East Coast in comparison to the West Coast.

Lucky for you, you can go to http://www.localharvest.org/ and find the nearest farms, farmers markets, and other locations selling locally grown, organic food.

And perhaps you'll stumble upon some not-so-common items like I did this morning when I found a man selling ostrich eggs.

Go. Browse. Buy. Eat. Enjoy. Repeat.

And don't forget to bring along your reusable grocery bag :)

Back in the Big Apple

I know, I know....... shame on me. Big time. I could take this opportunity to touch briefly on the last several months of my blogging absence in an effort to explain why I've been so delinquent, but I think it's best just to pick up and proceed. If you know me well, you know what I've been up to. And if you don't know me..... well, then I'm not exactly sure what you're doing reading this blog in the first place. So shoo, stranger... shoo!

Moving on.... literally. To New York! In my first week and a half back at The Palace, I'm already off and running. I am working with a friend to hopefully encourage the New York Hotel Association to implement a sustainability program, met with the Consul General of Haiti to discuss how the hospitality industry can assist them during this most difficult time (especially with America's focus having shifted almost entirely (and understandably) to the oil spill), and contracted a new bottled water company to replace our current vendor (BOOOOO Fiji! - more on this later). The point is, reader, I'm all over the place. I'm like Leonardo DiCaprio in 'Catch Me If You Can' - only instead of stealing millions of dollars and running from the IRS, I'm doing what I can to preserve our natural environment :) In between sips of pinot and episodes of Criminal Minds, of course.

I am in no way trying to 'toot my own horn', I am simply thrilled at the momentum I've gained in such a short period of time. I feel like Dorothy when she was on her way to meet the Wizard. I'm on the brink of something wonderful... and have the potential to make the kind of impact I have always dreamed of.

I tip my hat off to the ever-witty and eloquent Sir Winston Churchill, who put it perfectly when he said, 'We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give'. And, I'm going to give it all I've got.

Coastal Comparisons

I've always thought of New York as being this massive, sprawling city - and have become overwhelmed just thinking about the hustle and bustle of the fast-paced New York lifestyle. Meanwhile, across the country, I have for years loved San Francisco for it's "7 x 7" small-for-a-big-city vibe. And while the whole of New York City (all boroughs included) is large, Manhattan itself is surprisingly small... coming in at exactly half the size of my beloved City by the Bay. One thing that New York definitely has over anywhere else I've been is the amazing subway system. Is it dirty and crowded? Usually. But you can get just about anywhere in a jiffy (read: New York Minute). If you choose to walk, you can count on an easy, flat terrain... unlike the hills of SF. And while I am especially appreciative of this on days of extreme weather, I deeply miss the exercise and amazing views that those SF hills provide. I still feel a bit lost here from time to time, but am gradually finding my niche... thanks to friends old and new.

As much as I'm loving this amazing new city and actively making the most of my time here, the waves of sadness and longing for home remain a constant. Home is home, and nothing will ever compare. But, as opposed to letting it get me down, you can bet your bottom dollar that I am painting the town red while I'm here. I'm leaving my mark... just watch me.

A Foodie's Frenzy

Everything tastes better in New York. Savoring a bite here and a sip there, I could easily eat my way through this city. And based on the satisfaction that I've found with each passing meal, it might even be worth the physical repercussions associated with such gross over-indulgence. The most difficult part of approaching any meal here is determining the destination. With over half of my meals leaving me longing for more, I am presented with a persistent dilemma: Do I return and treat myself to a guaranteed enjoyable experience, or do I risk disappointment and try something new? Manhattan alone holds over 10,000 restaurants, bakeries and cafes. Overwhelming? Absolutely. But in the best possible way.

Don't you worry, Reader, I hear myself. It's borderline embarrassing... knowing that I speak of past meals in a way that many reflect upon a long-lost love. I can't help it. Food is and always has been one of my greatest passions in life. Grocery shopping, cooking, baking, eating, serving... I love it all! And this city is exploding with dishes that will make your taste buds dance as though they were two-stepping with Fred Astair.

I'm beginning to compile a comprehensive list of all of the places I've been with notes on the dishes, service, and overall experience. Upon completion, this said list will be shared. Think of it as your own little black book of the hidden gems of New York dining. Cuban, Morroccan, Mexican, Italian, Japanese... I'm covering it all. I'm on a mission - determined to leave no stone unturned, no roll left behind.

Speaking of which, it's time for dinner. Bon Appetit!!!

Empire State of Mind

After just one week in this metropolitan maze, it's clear that New York is a city swollen with promises of opportunities and success. Like a faint but persistant voice in the night, the words "anything is possible" haunt natives and tourists alike. It's all too easy to embrace the small fish/big pond feeling.... but even so, the city doesn't feel quite as vast as I had imagined, thanks in great part to my iPhone - which I would truly be lost without. Even so, my phone and I are in a love/hate relationship at the moment. With just under 19 million people buzzing about, it's no wonder I'm dropping more calls than Tiger Woods has girlfriends (bad joke, I know). That aside... that little hand-held device has quickly become my trusted companion... always guiding me where I need to be. Thank you, Steve Jobs :)

The city is simply stunning... twinkling with excitement and activity. And while the snow has mostly melted along the streets, the soil of Central Park remains perfectly frosted with winter's touch. Camera in hand, I spent the whole weekend exploring... searching for the next great shot. There is so much to see, and I don't want to miss a single thing.

The long workdays have provided me with a sense of excitement and accomplishment, while also helping to dilute the sense of loneliness that can only be expected when you plant yourself 3,000 miles away from your home and those you hold closest to heart. I have already connected with old friends from college and other past lives, however even the social engagements, neighborhood explorations and the daily fresh linens and other comforts of my room can't distract me from missing those that I left behind.

Not surprisingly, Empire State of Mind has become my theme song... following me wherever my feet take me. Whether riding the subway on my way to SoHo or strolling through Times Square, I know that it will get easier and that everything is going to work out just in the way that it was meant to. As the song goes, These streets will make you feel brand new... bright lights will inspire you... let's hear it for New York, New York, New York........

SF City Girl Greens The Big Apple!

As many of you know..... upon my last day with The Ritz-Carlton I was offered (and quickly accepted) my dream job: to implement an Environmental Conservation and Social Responsibility program at The Palace Hotel in New York City. Aside from providing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and amazing resume-builder, I get to enjoy the following perks:

• A room in The Palace for the duration of my time here (Chuck Bass, anyone??)
• A gorgeous direct view of St. Patrick's Cathedral from my room
• Club access offering delectable bites and scrumptious sips
• Free in-house laundry & dry cleaning, and......
• Daily maid service (insert delighted squeal here)

It may sound like I'm bragging (and who am I kidding... sometimes a girl can't help herself!)... but I just can't seem to wrap my head around it! Needless to say, I'm starting to develop welts from pinching myself too hard and too often, as I'm half-convinced that this is all a big joke... which would be a very mean trick to play. Of course, waking up and realizing this has all been a dream seems far more likely than the reality of the situation.

As fortunate and excited as I am about this amazing opportunity, it wasn't easy leaving my loved ones. I only had one week to pull myself together and move to New York... and with the quick turnaround came a whirlwind of emotions. However, I am comforted in knowing that I will be returning to my beloved City by the Bay once I get this program up and running... which should be within a few short months. I am living my own dream: making a positive (and hopefully lasting) environmental impact while exploring one of the most amazing cities in the world. I will have much to keep me occupied between work and exploring the Big Apple... which is truly a Foodie's paradise. And if you know anything about me, you know that food is and always has been one of the greatest loves of my life. Move over Anthony Bourdain.... I already have a running list of places I can't wait to visit... many of which will surely be documented in this blog :)

So stay tuned for updates, adventures, photos, restaurant reviews, and random thoughts. And in the meantime... enjoy the view from my room. I certainly am ;) XOXO

Change

Alright peeps! One of my fans has been (gently) hounding me for quite some time to get back into blogging. These days you would never know it, but writing is and always has been one of my favorite pastimes.... which is why I should be more proactive about dedicating at least a few minutes out of each day to the written word. J - you asked for it! This one's for you :)

Change is difficult, no matter how you cut it or how it is brought forth. And with big change comes a whirlwind of emotions: confusion, fear, and hope, not to mention that persistent queasiness that refuses to loosen its grip on your tummy. 2010 has already brought a great deal of change into this lady's life. As you may know, I tend to take my New Year's Resolutions pretty seriously. Last year I chose to run a half-marathon, and in case you haven't kept up... that proved to be successful as I'll be running my fourth this coming Sunday. It's no great feat as I'm slow and greatly lack consistency in training, but at the end of the day... I have turned one goal into a glowing reality almost four times over. My goal for 2010? To be more fiscally conservative and put more into my savings then I have in recent years. So, I left my darling (though troubled) studio and the comfort of having my own place... and moved into a flat in Russian Hill. In so doing I've taken on 2 awesome roommates and am saving almost $400/month on rent. So... I found the timing to be quite serendipitous when I found out my job was eliminated a couple of weeks ago. While I'd already begun to submit my resume around, timing is suddenly of the essence whereas before I could interview and submit my resume... all at a relaxing, comfortable pace.

I'm now three days away from my last day here at Le Ritz.... and while I haven't solidified my next move, a number of offers have presented themselves. Now while I recognize this to be a positive, I can't help but feel overwhelmed with the pressure to balance choosing the right opportunity without rushing into a position that doesn't provide the necessary emotional and financial well-being. I'm a firm believer in sayings such as "What's meant to be will be" and "If He brings you to it, He will bring you through it".... and have found that reminding myself of these words of wisdom (repeatedly) are about the only thing that can slow my racing heart rate and push back the tears as I fight the frustrations and panic attacks that arise from the feeling of completely losing control.

Yup, 2010 has already brought forth a great deal of change. And for change to prove successful, one must make adjustments and not be afraid to venture out of their comfort zone. Is it easy? Of course not. But, I keep reminding myself that the best things never are.

Ritz-Carlton Featured in Green Blog!

How pleased was I to arrive to work today only to be notified that two Ritz-Carlton properties were highlighted in the widely followed blog, Green Daily. Loving it!

As they said, "Luxury and Green CAN Coexist". Enjoy - xo.

http://www.greendaily.com/2009/09/16/ritz-carlton-shows-that-luxury-and-green-can-coexist/

Composting in Style!

Here's the situation: You're at work, and you need to blow your nose. Or toss your coffee cup. Or throw away the quarter of a bagel you aren't going to finish. What do you do?

• A) Get up to find the nearest compost bin (which is, to be honest, not so near...) - or -
• B) Chuck it into the trash

If you're like most people, you'll choose the later option. Nobody wants to get up time after time again to throw out one tiny tissue, and I can't blame them. Time is money and we all have better things to do than making multiple runs to dispose of these items. Even I, the "Composting Queen", have been known to throw out a tissue or two in my day. That's why I'm SO excited about my newest "green" initiative. Check this out, friends: I'm ordering a bunch of these for my co-workers in an effort to solve the above dilemma:

This bucket (which anybody can fit into their office as it's only 10 in x 8 in x 8 in) is ventilated on all sides, including the top and bottom. It allows food waste to breathe which reduces the foul odor that other composting bins are unable to mask. It's genious, really. Just empty your biodegradable bag once a week into the nearest large composting bin, and re-line the small bucket with a new BioBag. (BioBags are only $3.29 for a box of 25 bags).

Now there's really no excuse for trashing all of your compostables. No more "I don't have time to run to the compost bin 10 times a day"... because now, you don't have to!

But wait... it gets better! I've done extensive research on pricing of both the buckets and the biodegradable bags. The best deals can be found here: http://www.buygreen.com/biobagmaxairiicompostingbuckets.aspx.

There. You're now only a click away :) Go Green!!!