Given everything that is currently going on in the world I thought it would be a good idea to talk about one of the most important things we can all do. It is easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of our daily lives. Lately, we have seen firsthand just how big of a difference kindness and small acts can have on the world around us. We have also seen just how terrible things can get when we neglect others and our environment. During mass lockdowns, we saw firsthand how much air pollution we produce just from going about our daily routines. Sometimes it can feel as if there is more work to do than there is time to do it. The purpose of this post is to teach you some quick and easy things anyone can do that will have a big impact in the long run.
When It Rains It Pours
Global warming and climate change have significantly impacted our planet. Leonardo DiCaprio asserts in his documentary that it is the other countries of the world that are feeling the weight of what we do. The United States is one of the largest producers of greenhouse gasses. We need to take it upon ourselves to make the changes necessary to preserve our planet for future generations. The great news is those changes do not have to be big or dramatic to make a difference.
Reuse Reduce Recycle
Reduce your amount of trash, and recycle or reuse anything and everything you can. Buy products from environmentally friendly companies, like the Adidas Company, who produces some of their sneakers from waste pulled from the ocean.
Cleanup Campaigns
These are perfect at the school level. Once or twice a month, teachers or other community leaders can take students and their parents to different areas in their community to pick up trash. Contact local and social media channels to get the word out and get more people involved.
Make Your Surroundings Green
You can with a garden or with just a small potted plant. Make planting a habit. Plants act as natural air purifiers, removing carbon from the air and releasing oxygen.
Move Your Legs, Not Your Wheels
Dust off that old bicycle. Cycling benefits the environment and your health. Maybe you can bike to work a few days a week, or on small errands. Anything helps!
Environmental Friendly Cosmetics
Try using products that have the green tag on the back. Cosmetics with this ozone protection mark are environment-friendly.
New Style Gift Wrapping
Use old newspapers or magazines as wrapping paper. It saves money, and it’s totally on-trend right now. It supports the climate in a big way by preventing even more waste.
Start ‘Use Me’ Campaigns
Try installing bins on your street. Start with baby steps; place a trash bin outside your home and encourage people to throw their trash in that, rather than on the street. Put a catchy, logical, or emotional slogan beside your bin to attract people.
Small changes can have big impacts. Look at your home and your lifestyle and see what changes you can implement to help take care of our planet.
-Dr. Dee
Cranberry White Chocolate Tart
Gluten Free Vegan Serves
Crust
- 1 ½ Cups Gluten-Free Oats
- ½ Cup Almonds
- 5 Tbsp Coconut Oil Melted
- 2 Tbsp Maple Syrup
Berry Filling
- ½ Cup Orange Juice
- 2 Cups Cranberries
- ½ Cup Water
- 1 tsp Agar Agar
- ¼ Cup Maple Syrup
Chocolate Topping
- ⅔ Cup Coconut Milk
- ⅓ Cup Cashew Pulp
- 1 Cup Cashews Soaked
- ¾ Cup Cacao Butter
- ¼ Cup Maple Syrup
- Pinch of Sea Salt
- 4 Tbsp Vegan White Chocolate
Directions:
To prepare the crust add oats and almonds into a food processor. Blend until combined after which you will want to add in the oil and syrup. Continue to process into a moist mixture. Remove mixture and firmly press into the tart pan making sure to press up the sides as well. Bake at 350 degrees F for 10-15 minutes or until the crust is a golden brown. Let cool for 5-10 minutes then transfer to a cooling rack.
In a small saucepan add cranberries, water, juice, and syrup simmer for 10-15 minutes over low to medium heat. Blend cranberries into a puree (you may need to add a little bit of additional water). Add in agar and simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Set aside for 2-3 minutes and transfer to tart and chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
To prepare the chocolate layer, melt chocolate and butter using a double boiler. In a food processor blend cashews, pulp, milk, and syrup. Blend until completely smooth. Add melted chocolate mixture and continue to process until smooth. Pour mixture onto the tart and transfer to the refrigerator to set for about 2-3 hours. Garnish with cranberries and white chocolate chips.
Need A Hand?
A happy and healthy life is closer than you may think. Our health is something that we all have to deal with daily, and when we don’t feel our best, it shows. If you are tired of just making it through your day then you NEED to start investing in your health today! You are not alone on this journey. If you ever need any help I am always here to do just that. Even if it is something as small as just acting as a sounding board. Do you have any questions or concerns I can help you with? Feel free to contact me directly at [email protected] or you can even book a one-on-one call with me. Be sure to subscribe to gain access to tons of free goodies and check back daily for more great recipes and information!