My heart was nearly broken last summer when I noticed that a family member’s plum tree was so heavily laden with fruit that hundreds of beautiful plums were rotting on the ground. I decided to harvest the entire tree. Since one person can only make so much jam and I knew most of my friends were too busy to take on a plum project like this, I started surfing the internets to see if there was some way I could unload a ton of gorgeous, perfectly ripe Santa Rosa plums.

That’s when I found Forage Oakland – a site run by a woman who has mapped publicly accessible trees all over my city. She always asks permission before harvesting and she harvests everything on her bicycle and redistributes the fruit. I can’t think of a greener and more socially just idea. I met her when she came to get the plums I’d harvested, which ended up at a giant Eat In organized by Slow Food Nation, enjoyed by all.

Turns out that this urban foraging thing is a bit of a movement. There are groups springing up all over the country – not to be confused with Freegans – a philosophy I support in principal, though you’ll never catch me dumpster diving. I prefer the idea of waste diversion before it hits the dumpster. Portland, Oregon has a network, Santa Fe has a map, LA has Fallen Fruit, San Francisco has a wild foraged food CSA.

Lest you think urban foraging is just for those of us on the balmy West Coast, Chicago has Nance Klehm. And Canada has The Clever Mom.

Anybody can do it. What a great way to get to know your neighbors, build community, start a bartering circle, feed the homeless, or simply avoid the waste of fallen fruit.

Though it’s winter here in Northern California, there are still plenty of laden grapefruit, orange, and Meyer Lemon trees full of lovely fruits. Watch for Friday’s recipe using Meyer lemons and in the meantime, leave a comment on any urban foraging projects in your area.

Image: bentza

The post The New Hunter Gatherers: Urban Foragers appeared first on EcoSalon.

With 40+ posts a week here at EcoSalon, you may not catch every one, so here’s my weekly roundup of popular posts from each blog:

Kim guides you to theBest Eco-Friendly Laptop Bagsin FASHION

You take time to look professional and stylish, only to clutter your look lugging around a frumpy, masculine computer bag. No longer: these laptop carriers are comfortable, stylish and green.

Luanne is Nuts Over Walnut Wallpaper in DECOR

You’ll be nuts about this incredible boutique’s remarkable designs, too. The prints are fresh, beautiful, and timeless; the sources are artisan, eco, vintage and more.

Sarah shares An Easy Way to Green Your Diet in WELLNESS

Going green begins with what you eat. You know salads help you tread more gently (literally). But they can get booooring. Don’t miss these tips to add some flavor to your green routine.

Mike recommends A Mother’s Day Gift to Last All Year in ARTISAN

Not only is this gift inspired, unique and memorable – it’s truly eco-friendly. Even moms who haven’t gone green will love this thoughtful present (and it’s the perfect gentle nudge).

Yours Truly: 13 Last Minute Ways to Celebrate Earth Day in LIFESTYLE

Earth Day is over, but in my opinion, every day is Earth Day. Try my 13 simple green steps that work for any day of the year. What are you waiting for?

There are more great posts! Don’t miss:

Carlie: This versatile ecoKashmere tunic is made from bamboo.
Allison: Deal of the week: a warm vest that’s sweet, not sporty.
Larkyn: Eco baubles from a Boston artist.
Elaine: Manolos for the mindful.
Vanessa: Salmon? No way! Opt for this overlooked seafood.
Tina: Enough faux bois: we’re bringing bois back.
Bonnie: Feeling sluggish? You need the Veggie Vitality cocktail.

What’s your favorite?

The post Best of EcoSalon: Weekly Highlights appeared first on EcoSalon.

With 40+ posts a week here at EcoSalon, you may not catch every one! Here’s my weekly roundup of popular posts from each blog:

Allison finds A Ring for All Moods in FASHION

We adore this agate mood ring that’s chic earth mama, not cheesy 70s relic.

Tina shares A Gentle Guide in Your Home in DECOR

Create Zen-like serenity in your home with a little help from Buddha’s calm countenance.

Vanessa starts The 5 Day Eat-Low-on-the-Food-Chain Challenge in WELLNESS

News pundits toss around the terms "global warming" and "climate crisis" like beach balls, but while they’re bloviating, what  can you actually do to save the planet? Start with your dinner plate.

Elaine spots Artful Adornment from Ananda Khalsa in ARTISAN

Artisan jewelry turned out in paneled bracelets, chunky rings and eye-catching earrings – all painted with sweet little birds. Need I say more?

Vanessa spills 7 Signs of a Green Restaurant (Plus 5 Resources to Find Them!) in LIFESTYLE

Want more? Don’t miss:

Sarah: What to do with old makeup brushes.
Larkyn: The DIY gene: you either have it or you don’t.
Mike: Challenging the silly notion that expensive = value.
Kim: Can women over 25 wear spring’s sexy, silky shorts?
Carlie: Why should the rug underfoot be boring?
Luanne: Not fawning over fauna decor? Not to worry.
Bonnie: Banish insomnia with a grown-up version of warm milk.

The post Best of EcoSalon: Weekly Highlights appeared first on EcoSalon.

"Sara, don’t reheat the coffee!"

Wise words from an office mate who caught me in the hopeful (all right, desperate) act of reheating my latte.  What she meant was that by "reheating the coffee", we are tempted try to recreate the memorable intensity of a satisfying experience, whether it’s that infamous trip to Palm Springs with your best girlfriend…or just a really great latte. Of course, this never works because it – whatever "it" is – is no longer fresh but forced.

The time he said "I love you" – and meant it. The hug to erase all hurts. The school-of-fish sensation when everyone in the room is sparkling with the energy of the moment.

And then, we have to clean up the petals – you can’t put the past in the microwave. It’s a bittersweet truth and a reminder to be mindful and grateful, right now. Soon enough, the present gets swept away.

This week’s featured photographer:  gadl "After the wedding"

The post Weekly Photo: After the Wedding appeared first on EcoSalon.

With 40+ posts a week here at EcoSalon, you may not catch every one! Here’s my weekly roundup of can’t-miss posts from each blog:

Kim says Don’t Let the MuuMuus Get You Down

You know what? They were getting me down. Thanks, Kim, for finding some chic tunics we can all feel good in – not a trace of muumuu to be found. FASHION

Tina finds Rapidly Renewable Relaxation

Water hyacinth is remade into this ultra modern, yet exotically-textured, seating pod. DECOR

Elaine shares 5 Reason to Join a CSA Right Now

Variety. Health. Community. Green. Have you signed up for a CSA yet? WELLNESS

Larkyn scoops Custom Heels Fit for an Eco Rock Star

Bring back your love for 80s street glamour with these exciting hand-painted, customizable vintage pumps. ARTISAN

Sarah spots The Dish on Twist

These eco-friendly sponges are biodegradable. Squeeze them into your green cleaning routine. LIFESTYLE

Have a wonderful weekend.

The post Best of EcoSalon: Weekly Highlights appeared first on EcoSalon.

We live in a culture where beauty is just another commodity and our things own us instead of the other way around. Things to fix us, things to make us better, things to make us beautiful. Of course, when we focus only on external sources of improvement, we are reduced to mere things, as well. Ours may be a culture that sanctions shopping as the highest good and considers a perfect appearance of paramount importance, but despite the crush of it all, I hope you’ll stop for this moment to remember:

You’re already beautiful.

Visit YouAreBeautiful to learn more, and forward this post to all your friends who need to be reminded that they’re very beautiful, indeed. To our male readers, please make your mom’s, sister’s, daughter’s, girlfriend’s or wife’s day and do the same.

This Week’s Featured Photographer: *Zara

The post Weekly Photo: You Are Beautiful appeared first on EcoSalon.

We’re turning off the power.

Tomorrow at 8 p.m., cities around the world will be pulling the plug for Earth Hour – more than 200 of them, to be exact. World Wildlife Fund’s climate change statement originated in Sydney in 2007 but has quickly evolved into a global event. Over 100 cities in the States will be participating tomorrow (local time). But even if your city has other weekend plans, you can still make a personal impact with the simple flick of a switch.

– via Treehugger

Image: James Jordan

The post What Are You Doing This Weekend? appeared first on EcoSalon.

Whatever you’ve done, he does not approve.

I’m choosing Mr. Angry as this week’s photo because every time I look at him, he makes me laugh. We all know those souls who take themselves a little too seriously, don’t we? Of course, sometimes it’s you. Combative, self-righteous, or garden-variety moral outrage, we all have those moments where we become comically defiant. (I know this because I am famous among my friends and family for what they refer to as “lectures”. I prefer passionate expression but that’s me.)

Fortunately, in the company of those who love and respect us, our tempests in teapots quickly simmer down and we can laugh at ourselves. As for Mr. Angry, I fear he’s fluffed beyond repair.

Featured photographer: law_keven

The post Weekly Photo: Mr. Angry appeared first on EcoSalon.

Sara, your editor, here. I hope you’ll take a moment with me to enjoy this cheerful slice of life pictured above. Take a moment to forget about tasks and things and lists and stuff.

It’s easy to dwell on the past and worry about the future instead of accepting the joy in the present moment. Our culture all but sanctions it. You don’t have to read Eckhart Tolle (or any of his philosophical predecessors) to know that the act of simply being is essential to fulfillment.

Personally, I’m just not a big fan of this all-American "pursuit of happiness". To me, it seems that grasping for happiness is elusive at best and impossible at worst – and the more we fight for it, the more stressful life gets.
I believe that focusing on contentment is much more realistic – and human. As my best friend says, how often do we stop to breathe, to be still, to appreciate that life is right now?

As you get to know others at EcoSalon, I hope you’ll feel both inspired and welcomed. This site is a gathering place for you to feel refreshed. By Fridays, the last thing most of us want is another task to complete or habit to instill – we’re scattered and worn out.

Every Friday, I’ll be sharing a favorite photograph with you so we can all take a moment just to be. If you want, leave a comment about those flowers, or take this as an opportunity to share with other readers what you’re grateful for. (You never know whom you might inspire.)

Take a breath: just be.

Featured photographer: Felixion

The post Being appeared first on EcoSalon.