Garbage with Guilt – Getting a Grip on Wasting Food
By Aly Wagonseller
It’s dinner time and the hunt for suitable ingredients worthy of turning out a healthy meal has begun. You’ve been to the grocery store, perhaps even several times this week, but despite numerous half opened bags of salad mix, your refrigerator yields not one morsel of lettuce, tomato or cucumber fit for human consumption. A trip to the pantry isn’t much better–a disappointing co-mingling of nearly empty pasta packages, potatoes with rapidly growing eyes, and a half eaten Pop Tart that someone felt compelled to repackage in Saran Wrap. Surely the extra freezer in the garage would comply, with its gargantuan, haphazardly torn open box of taquitos and enough freezer burned ground turkey to feed an army.
Sound remotely familiar? You’re certainly not alone. We are a nation of food wasters, with inclinations to both buy and cook more than we need, improperly store what we do have and impulse buy to our heart’s content. It’s a habit with great cost to us, to those who live in poverty and to our environment.
What’s the Big Deal?
Americans spend more than $475 billion annually at the grocery store, yet according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, up to one-fifth of that food, nearly $95 billion, is routinely tossed in the trash. That’s an awful lot of dough to fritter away on food that never made it past your taste buds, but it’s not just about you. The reality is that according to the latest USDA Household Food Security Report performed in 2009, more than 250,000 Southern Nevadans struggle with hunger. National figures hover around 50 million people, largely children, that don’t get enough to eat, despite the fact that Americans throw away more than 33 million tons of edible food annually. That’s enough viable food to not only feed those in need on a local and national level, but the entire globe.
All this rotting food in the landfill has consequences on the environment as well. According to a 2009 study done by the Environmental Protection Agency, unlike other garbage that is successfully being reduced by recycling efforts, food waste has doubled in the past 30 years, making up more than 20% of total trash sent to the landfill. Indirectly, the fossil fuels used to package and transport food, as well as more than 11 trillion gallons of water to grow and process it, are thrown away right along with it. Add to this the methane gas and C02 emissions from decomposing food, mainly meat and dairy products, and you’ve got yourself a major contributor to climate change. Americans spend billions of tax dollars in an effort to find ways to conserve resources and improve upon the environment, yet food waste is a major offender that’s only getting worse.
What’s a Foodie to Do?
Of course we don’t waste food on purpose; after all, “cleaning our plates” was emphatically encouraged in the majority of Boomer and Gen Xer households. But busy lifestyles, a lack of planning and “deals” that are just too good to pass up wreck havoc on reducing the food waste chain. A few changes can make a big difference.
Get Real
How much you really need to buy and eat is a question that, when honestly answered, can lead to real progress. Start by opening your eyes to everything you waste and when it’s being wasted. Are you constantly throwing away spoiled fruit, vegetables and dairy products? If so, it’s time to say no to two for one bargains and bagfuls of produce, opting for only the amount you can consume before your next shopping trip. Alternately, if you are routinely scraping extra rice, noodles and protein off plates into the disposal, progressively prepare one less serving than you’d normally make until you find a balance between satisfied diners and little to no food waste.
Don’t forget restaurant and fast food visits either. Most portion sizes are far too large for one person to eat on their own, and really can be shared. Unless you are absolutely certain that what’s in your doggie bag will enthusiastically be consumed as leftovers two days from now, consider ordering a smaller version or splitting the order with another family member.
Get Organized
Taking time out of a busy schedule is difficult, but getting organized in terms of both purchasing and storing your food will prevent waste and save you money. Start by cleaning out your refrigerator, pantry and freezer section, grouping food items in a logical manner so that they’re easily visible. Consider purchasing various sizes of see-through containers for organizing everything from refrigerated leftovers to dry goods like pasta. They’re particularly useful for snack items like potato chips or crackers that otherwise get tossed due to mangled packaging that can’t be resealed. Invest in cabinet organizers and pull out shelves to provide easy access to food in deep pantries. Once you’re working with a clean slate, institute a few rules to keep things in check.
- Plan meals weekly and around staples you know you have on hand. Do not rely on memory! Take a short inventory prior to shopping to prevent buying something you already have.
- Be honest. If you know a busy schedule will necessitate picking up fast food two days a week, only plan and buy enough for five days of cooking.
- Only purchase bulk items that you know your family can eat before the flavor is diminished. If you must purchase meat in bulk, make sure it can be eaten within a month or two, and that it is properly wrapped for freezing.
- Routinely rotate older food to the front of refrigerators, freezers or pantries. Keep tabs on quantities and expiration dates so that these foods can be utilized in recipes in a timely fashion.
- Be aware of, but not overly zealous about expiration dates. A “best if used by” date does not necessarily mean a product is destined for the trash bin. Use common sense, sight and smell to determine freshness.
Stick to your guns; only purchase what you really eat, buy far less of it, know where to find it and use it before it becomes stale.
Get Techie
Did you know that if you store your cottage cheese upside down it will stay fresher longer? Or that if you need only a few drops of lemon juice, piercing the fruit with a skewer rather than cutting it in half will keep the lemon from drying out? Easy, yet impactful ideas like these can be found by doing a Google search on reducing food waste. The websites www.wastedfood.com, produced by Jonathan Bloom, author of American Wasteland, and www.supercook.com are great for finding information on anything from how to keep your food fresh to recipe ideas with what you have in your pantry. Give it a click to find ways that work for your family and lifestyle.
We’ve made huge strides in recycling our cans, glass and paper products. Still, we continue to litter landfills with groceries that not only create environmental stress but could be utilized for those in need. It’s not a simple fix, nor can one person do it all, but with some effort, we can all give food conservation a try.
Buying Less Really Can Help
So how does purchasing only what you really use in terms of perishable food items help those struggling with hunger? After all, you can’t just donate that half empty carton of milk to the food bank, right?
Actually, in a round-about way, you can. Three Square of Southern Nevada, an organization that collects food for nonprofit and faith-based charities that serve the hungry, has rescued more than eight million pounds of food and groceries that otherwise would have gone to waste. Via their Food Rescue Program, Three Square picks up daily donations of fruits, vegetables, meat and dairy products that are close to code but still edible from collaborating stores including Albertsons, Smith’s and Fresh & Easy. They then provide the food to their partners for distribution to those in need. Think about it when you’re tossing that second bag of rotting spinach you acquired on a two for one sale into the trash can. If you can’t eat it before it spoils, someone else who is hungry can. Visit www.threesquare.org for more information.
Out N About
Out N About
Barbara Kenig
By Callie Thomas
Peter Rabbit and “Bugs” aren’t the only famous bunnies around. Resident Barbara Kenig, a.k.a. “E Bunny” has been hopping down the Easter trail with baskets of goodies for thousands of children in need over the past 21 years. “When my son Jay was just three years old he asked me if I was the Easter Bunny. My husband Howard’s nickname for me was Bunny, so it was inevitable that I decided to call our grass-roots community outreach effort E Bunny,” says Kenig. The E Bunny program started while Barbara and her family lived in Detroit; she started it here when she moved to Las Vegas twelve years ago. ‘It was funny because I”m Jewish,’ she said. ‘But it”s all about the kids. Everybody remembers them at Christmas and the big holidays, but nobody thinks about Easter.”
Formerly a radio and television producer, Kenig gradually moved into PR and Publicity to co-found the PR firm In the Public Eye with her husband. Currently, she utilizes her talents in reaching the media to raise awareness for individuals, businesses and charitable events and causes–particularly her own labor of love, E Bunny. The way Kenig looks at it, the baskets represent more than just a sweet treat or new toy for the children. “The meaning of Easter is so important to these families…the baskets bring a message of hope and renewal at a time when it’s needed most.”
With this effort, Barbara Kenig has garnered support from individuals and local businesses and has transcended religion to put smiles on the faces of thousands of children who live under impoverished circumstances. “Economic influences have made it more difficult for so many families who struggle day to day just to put food on the table for their children, and in many cases, a roof over their heads,” says Kenig. “We get requests from shelters and groups that help the homeless every year. We look for groups and organizations that aren’t sponsored by large charities or outreach programs. We look for those who otherwise wouldn’t have Easter baskets for the kids.” E Bunny has grown to provide as many as 2,750 baskets to children in 2009 and more than 1,800 in 2010.
Businesses and individuals donate pre-packaged Easter baskets that may be purchased at any grocery, drugstore or general department store. Last year the E Bunny delivered baskets to organizations including the Las Vegas City and Rescue Missions, Straight from the Streets, Clark County Social Services, the Las Vegas Housing Authority, Social Services, Lutheran Social Services, Nevada Social Services, Heads Up, Family Promise and Safe House. Kenig has garnered the support of local celebrities who have lent their time to public service announcements including Rich Little and Lance Burton. “Over the years, it’s been a blessing and a mitzvah to be part of the magic that’s created when community comes together to bring joy to our children in need.”
Barbara spends much of her time from January through Easter on the E Bunny program each year. The rest of the year she takes on other public relations responsibilities for various charitable causes that are brought to her through friends and associates. Kenig has been associated with L’Dor V’Dor, a senior outreach group at Temple Beth Shalom, Straight from the Streets homeless advocates, The Jewish Federation Food Pantry and Las Vegas Rescue Mission. She also enjoys passing out stuffed animals given to her by Ty inc. and other manufacturers of plush goods to children in hospitals and in the poorest areas of the city. She draws strength from the support of her family, maintaining a positive attitude and doing something to make a difference. “I believe we are here to help one another…the best thing we can do in life is get out of ourselves and do something for someone else.”
For information on donating Easter baskets through the E Bunny program, visit http://communitylink.reviewjournal.com/lvrj/ebunny.
Anne Schadler
By Callie Thomas
When spring arrives, the notion of “reinvention” is a popular topic among magazine publishers in just about every category, from women’s lifestyle to sports to financial guidance. When the weather turns a bit warmer, the idea of banishing the winter blues is even more appealing as visions of fresh starts dance in our psyche. Reinventing one’s self can be as simple as changing your style, adopting a new game plan or becoming more fiscally responsible. But what if the reinvention is something much more transformational, like dealing with the stress, anxiety and depression caused by a devastating illness like cancer? Resident Anne Schadler is convinced that yoga is the path to self inquiry and awakening the healing forces from within. In the last five years, Anne has conducted 780 classes for 15,000 students who would agree.
Originally from Kansas City, Anne earned a Bachelor’s degree in dance, which led her to New York and ultimately to Las Vegas where she danced in the show Jubilee at Bally’s Hotel. She pursued an interest in marketing and went on to a career at Neiman Marcus as the Public Relations Manager. It was about that time that she also became intrigued by yoga, primarily for the physical benefits, but as Schadler says, “You don’t find yoga; yoga finds you.” She began to notice changes taking place in her life and in those around her. “Yoga put me on the path of self discovery, and to this day the journey continues even in my present role of teaching yoga privately and with people living with cancer.”
Through yoga, Schadler found her life’s calling and shares her knowledge and giving spirit with cancer patients through the Nevada Cancer Institute (NVCI). The nonprofit organization combines the best in research, education, early detection, prevention and high-quality patient care to help each patient in their battle against cancer. Studies have shown that breast cancer patients who participate in yoga have improved health and quality of life. Yoga helps to develop greater internal calm, strengthens the immune system, and enables patients to fight their disease by tapping into their inner, spiritual dimension.
Anne is a 200-hour registered yoga instructor and her experience encompasses a wide range of teachings. She draws inspiration to benefit her students through regular travels to India. Her efforts are well received by her students who have described her as “kind,” “patient” and “very giving.” Last November she was named a Local Hero by the Bank of America Charitable Foundation. She is one of five to receive the coveted recognition. The program is a national philanthropic initiative that recognizes community leaders who contribute to the health of their neighborhood through volunteer services and civic engagement. The program also supports nonprofit organizations by allowing recipients to direct $5,000 to the nonprofit of their choice. Schadler chose to direct her funds to NVCI. “To me, teaching yoga is a reward in and of itself,” Anne said. “Seeing cancer patients gain strength during my class is truly a joy.”
In addition to NVCI, Anne and her husband John, who is managing partner of SK & G Advertising, support other charitable organizations such as the Andre Agassi Foundation for Education, Cleveland Clinic’s Lou Ruvo Brain Institute, The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, the Nathan Adelson Hospice, Three Square and Volunteers in Medicine of Southern Nevada. “We are very blessed, and we know how important it is for our community to be of service to others; to give and give selflessly,” she said. “We are a part of the fabric of the community and we each play an integral role in its health, vitality and growth.”
Tracy Atamian
By Callie Thomas
Today’s lifestyle means a lot of rushing around, longer work days and a hefty dose of stress that goes with meeting the demands of work, taking care of family and just trying to get the laundry done somewhere in between. When you finally get to carve out a little “me” time one of those retreats just might be a stroll through a sweet boutique known as Tracy’s, named after the owner, founder and resident Tracy Atamian.
Tracy’s is like a breath of fresh air; a throwback to a slower time when family-owned businesses treated customers to lots of warmth and hospitality–and where they really know your name. From the swinging screen door to the personal greeting by Miss Belle, the shop kitty, customers feel at ease among the unique gifts and home décor. “I got started doing the Art Festival Circuits in Las Vegas,” says Atamian, “I also opened up my home and gave home shows. With great encouragement from my family and friends I opened Tracy’s. Everyone receives great customer service and is treated to fabulous complimentary gift wrap.”
The little shop has also become an important meeting place for many amazing women who have become friends and allowed Atamian to gain an important awareness of the needs in the community. “At Tracy’s, we always love to host parties, and with each party, we always attach it to a charity,” she said.
Tracy and her husband Rodney are parents to a baby girl named Lily Rose, and so it is understandable that one of her favorite charitable organizations is Baby’s Bounty. Baby’s Bounty provides essential clothing and gear to babies born into disadvantaged families. With the rising number of homelessness among families and young children, newborns are often released from the hospital without proper clothing and supplies. Hospital and Clark County officials have confirmed that many families were leaving the hospital without any supplies whatsoever for their newborn children. Through Baby’s Bounty, each baby in need receives a diaper bag filled with new and gently used infant clothing, blankets, bottles, toiletries and vital equipment such as a car seat, stroller, portable crib and more. The organization’s founder, Kim Amato, became a dear friend of Tracy’s through the shop, so assisting the organization was a natural fit.
“Baby’s Bounty definitely resonates in my heart. It is a small nonprofit organization with very big aspirations! As a friend of Kim’s I see first-hand the passion and devotion she puts into this charity on a daily basis. Baby’s Bounty has helped over 800 babies in just the past few years.” Tracy donates 10% of her daily baby section proceeds to Baby’s Bounty on an on-going basis.
Tracy’s is also involved with other local charities, including the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, Opportunity Village, Shade Tree, Stillpoint Center for Spiritual Development, Breast Cancer Awareness and Three Square Food Bank’s Back-Pack Program. “I feel in our great state that no child should go hungry,” Tracy said. “We must provide our children with nourishment…we are feeding our future. To assist the various organizations, Tracy has introduced “Good to Give” as well as “Baking for a Cause” where cupcakes, cookies and cakes are sold to raise funds.
Tracy Atamian is a successful business woman, wife and mother who stays true to herself and does what she loves most. “Without Tracy’s I would not be able to support the causes that are important to me, because my clients are very generous in giving back to the community. I hope that my story inspires other businesses to embrace the spirit of giving… because it’s always Good to Give.”
Noah Kohn, M.D.
By Callie Thomas
Imagine what the world would be like if every apple represented an opportunity to truly keep the doctor away for Nevada’s children. As wonderful as that folk tale may be, the reality is that children need doctors. But recent studies have shown that nearly one in five children entering kindergarten have no form of health insurance and most have not seen a doctor in years. Resident Dr. Noah Kohn was determined to make a difference and did something about it.
Kohn originally hailed from the Washington, DC area where he attended medical school at Georgetown University. While in Washington he also met his wife, Erin Bilbray-Kohn, a third generation Nevadan. He completed his pediatric training at the University of Virginia where he worked in a variety of settings including primary care, pediatric emergency and urgent care as well as inpatient (hospitalist) settings. “All of these experiences have given me the opportunity to see the needs of children,” said Kohn. “I founded and run Clinics in Schools, a nonprofit, free clinic for uninsured children.”
Clinics in Schools is the only year-round, full-time, completely free clinic for children in the state of Nevada. Primary care medical services are provided to children out of two clinics which are located on the campuses of Reynaldo Martinez Elementary School in North Las Vegas and Sister Cynthia Cunningham Elementary School in the eastern part of Las Vegas. Services are provided completely free to any child under the age of 18, and to anyone 18 or older who is still enrolled in school.
Since opening the clinics three years ago, the medical team has provided child care, sports physicals, sick care and vaccinations to over 14,000 children. In 2010 alone, Clinics in Schools provided care to over 5,000 children. “Serious or life-threatening problems aren’t generally more common in these children,” Dr. Noah says, “but in many cases these problems would have gone undetected until it was too late.” Over the past three years since the organization was formed, Clinics in Schools medical staff has been able to identify several serious medical conditions in time for the children to be treated and cured. “Without Clinics in Schools these children would have been far more ill before obtaining medical care and might have even succumbed to the illnesses.”
The lion’s share of funding for the clinics comes from the United Way of Southern Nevada; however, there are many throughout the community who have graciously supported the organization. The group recently held its second Annual Golden Apple Gala at Gold Boutique Nightclub and Lounge inside Aria Resort & Casino. The cornerstone event drew corporate sponsorships as well as private donations to help fund the operations of Clinics in Schools. Dr. Kohn hopes to eventually expand operations throughout Nevada.
In addition to his work with the clinics, Noah Kohn has also served on the Board of Olive Crest Homes and Services for Abused and Neglected Children. He has also assisted on the Nevada State Health Division’s Advisory Council on Fitness and Wellness for three years and continues to serve as an ex-oficio member. He is especially honored to be able to serve on the Campaign Council of the United Way of Southern Nevada.
Dr. Kohn and his wife are the parents of two young daughters. Caroline is eight and aspires to be a navy pilot, astronaut AND the first female Governor of Nevada. Daughter Daisy is five and committed to her lifelong goal of growing up to be Tinker Bell. They are proud to instill their passion for giving back to their daughters. “As a child, my family didn’t have much, but we were always cared for both by our parents and others in our community. I wouldn’t be able to do what I do without that community support, so it is important to me to give back to others in need.”
Aid for AIDS of Nevada
This little piggy went to market. This little piggy stayed home. Aid for AIDS of Nevada’s little piggies raised $20,925.61 to prove that every little piggy does count! In fairness, they didn’t do it alone. They had help from AFAN and some generous donors on a mission to increase awareness, fight prejudice and improve education for HIV/AIDS.
During the Every Piggy Counts initiative, AFAN handed out approximately 500 wee little piggy banks throughout the community. Families were then encouraged to fatten up those piggies with loose change and return them to AFAN in commemoration of World AIDS Day, observed on December 1st each year. Some came back heavier than others–Donny tipped the scales with a whopping $1000 in his belly–but in the end they all brought home plenty of bacon. All donations went to support AFAN’s continual fight against HIV/AIDS in Southern Nevada.
Mac King’s Magical Literacy Tour
Mac King might be best known for tickling funny bones with humor and magic as a headliner at Harrah’s, but lately he’s been busy mastering a different sort of trick; fostering a love of reading in the community through his Magical Literacy Tour.
The tour launched in February at the Orleans Arena, where fans of the Wranglers hockey team were invited to bring donations of new and gently-used books to the games. After all was said and done, the event raised more than 800 books that were donated to Clark County READS, an initiative of the Public Education Foundation.
King’s ultimate goal is to promote childhood literacy and provide more opportunities for children. “Reading is very important to me because it literally changed my life,” said King. “I want every child to have the same opportunity and explore new worlds and ideas through the magic of reading.” The Orleans Arena was but one stop on the literacy tour. During Nevada Reading Week he’s stopping at four at-risk elementary schools in Las Vegas to deliver the books that were collected. Ta-daaaa! For more info, visit www.mackingshow.com or www.ccpef.org.
Volunteer Center of Southern Nevada and Jamba Juice
Kindness is contagious, and thanks to the Volunteer Center of Southern Nevada and Jamba Juice, it’s delicious as well! In recognition of Random Acts of Kindness Week, held February 14-20, local do-gooders were treated to an original sized smoothie for reporting what they did to put a smile on someone else’s face.
To help encourage good deeds, the Volunteer Center provided ideas on their website, as well as posted inspirational messages on Facebook and Twitter. “Random Acts of Kindness Week was about seeing what small efforts you can do to make a big difference within your community,” said Robin Kelley, director of the Volunteer Center of Southern Nevada. “Ideas ranged from greeting people with a smile, or complimenting everyone you encountered on a single day, to donating blood or volunteering time through our center.”
Collecting a refreshing reward was simply icing on the cake, with local Jamba Juice locations offering up their own blend of good cheer. “We were proud to take part in this partnership with United Way’s Volunteer Center and promote the pay-it-forward concept during Random Acts of Kindness Week,” said Cary Karrer, district manager of Jamba Juice Las Vegas. “We are always looking for ways to give back to the community.” For information on future volunteer opportunities, visit United Way’s Volunteer Center at www.uwsn.org/volunteer.
Las Vegas Jiffy Lube
Change your oil; change a life. That was the sentiment behind Jiffy Lube Service Centers’ recent event to kick off their ongoing Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) campaign. The event held on February 12th invited vehicle owners to make two important changes; one for their car’s health, and one for children and adults fighting muscle disease.
Participants were encouraged to visit one of 18 Jiffy Lube Service Centers to receive $10 off a signature service oil change. In addition, those who contributed $3 or more to MDA received a special Make a Muscle, Make a Difference coupon book with over $85 in preventative vehicle maintenance coupons. ‘We are pleased to offer our customers the chance to make a difference and enjoy incredible savings,’ said Julie Jensen, Jiffy Lube Market Manager.
Donations collected will benefit over 455 families in Southern Nevada fighting neuromuscular disease. It’s all part of Jiffy Lube’s new national effort to raise more than $500,000 to help accelerate MDA-funded worldwide research seeking treatments and cures, while simultaneously providing comprehensive medical and health care services to individuals affected by neuromuscular diseases. Jiffy Lube will continue to accept donations through March 20th. Car maintenance and charity in a jiffy? We like it. To learn more about the campaign, visit www.jiffylubecharity.com.
