Chew!

Carbon Trust, an independent carbon foot printing agency, measured the carbon footprint of a popular two-litre packaged orange drink and found it to be equal to a carbon dioxide emission of 1.7 kg! This came from the emissions during its processing, packaging and transportation. On the other hand, munching an orange grown locally would have caused a negligible footprint. The point is, what is needed is not one single action but a comprehensive lifestyle change.

From Hindu Metro Plus here

What is your carbon foot print? I am not social activist in any sense, and I do consume all kinds of packaged foods. Infact, I have not even followed on the Copenhagen Summit. But, when I read something like this, my stomach churns and I feel so damn small - almost feel like being invisible.

One of Sadhguru's quotes went like this - If you look at the organisation, capability and the certainity with which a simple ant is conducting its life, you will see you aer quite stupid.

This quote hit me harder only today. Is there any other species, other than humans - who leaves carbon prints? Why is it our tongues carve those orange juices and not bite into a orange? Why are we so persistent on only buying a car,because we are economically more strong - and not spend the same in paying 2 rupees more for organically grown produce?

Nowdays, I am like yuucckk at humans, yeah, that includes me. And - there are no castes in animaldom too.

Eat your plate!

What excessive googling skills, and a passion for food can land you into - http://www.bakeys.com/EdibleCutlery.html

Amazed at their efforts to use jowar, shorgum for making edible cutlery, and the colours from vegetables. Not had a chance to personally use them, but a definite move in social entrepreneurship.

Kitchen Dates - Theraphy

Have you ever gone on a date?

To do some work?

And to learn new recipes?

If no, then you are missing kitchen dates!

I have been on atleast 8 -10 kitchen dates with Chitra Ma, over the last 10 months. And I must say, my personal self has improved drastically. The following are some changes I observe:

A sense of always 'having something to do' - I have a dozen recipes on my "To try" list, at any given point of time.
Better googling skills. Ask me where dill leaves are there in chennai, or where ricotta is available.
More knowledge - Ask me how to use a thermometer in cooking or on how Ferrero Rochers are made. I will tellyou.
More Responsibility - Suprisingly, I have started talking to much older people ( 60+) on recipes, cooking, and traditions. I somehow feel a lot responsible when I talk to older people on things they know best.
More than all this, it is the creative juices flowing. After a tiring week, the best way to unwind is to bake something. This diwali, I made quite some mithai, and felt over the top for most of it. It is so important to have a hobby, and to indulge in it regularly.At least to keep me going! My Kitchen - My Theraphy