Wednesday, June 3, 2009 -- 12:53 p.m.

Practically Green is moving to ChicagoNow!

Don't worry--it's not far. I'm going to have all the same great stuff, plus some new features in the coming month--it just has a different look. For now, you'll find all my past posts here. But I'll be blogging to ChicagoNow from now on.

And there are plenty of other exciting blogs there for you too, including some other RedEye faves and brand new blogs that I'm sure you'll get addicted to.

See you there!

Thursday, May 28, 2009 -- 8:59 p.m.

I just read on the Tribune's Web site that Chase is pulling out of their bike valet sponsorship, effectively ending the free valet service downtown. I know that companies are having financial crises, but it'll be a shame if the program ends.

It's a great way to persuade people to ride their bikes downtown to the festivals in and around Grant Park. I know I'm more likely to ride if I know that I don't have to lug around my lock--or find a spot where my bike won't get stolen.

But in some good bike valet news, the story mentions that a lot more events are paying for the service. For example, the Do-Division Street Fest this weekend will provide the service at Division and Leavitt. Just don't drink and ride!

Do you use the bike valet downtown? And is it a service you appreciate? Would you pay for it?

Wednesday, May 27, 2009 -- 3:32 p.m.

I had planned on using this morning to go to the Green City Market, get in a short run and do some other shopping before I had to leave for work. Unfortunately, our cable was being screwy, so I had to be around for the Comcast person to come by between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

But I HAD to get to the farmers market and run.

So, I devised another plan. I ran to the farmers market--ended up with only a few bunches of asparagus and some mixed lettuce--and took the train home ... where I added on to my already brilliant plan. I had seen a recipe of sorts on the New York Times' Bitten blog where the contributing author used fresh mozzarella and ricotta, asparagus and a homemade crust to made pizza. I had the asparagus and the makings for dough--I just needed the cheese.

I stopped off at Whole Foods and picked up some organic milk, then managed to get home before 10 to start cooking--and waiting for Comcast.

First I made the dough using a recipe from Mark Bittman's "How to Cook Everything Vegetarian" (also the same Bittman of the Bitten blog). Then I started on the mozzarella cheese, which I managed to not screw up! I even tried to use the whey to make ricotta cheese (also a topping on the pizza), though that didn't work too well. I ended up with about 2 spoonfuls. Nevertheless, everything came together, and I had a beautiful pizza by the time 1 o'clock rolled around.

Naturally, Comcast rang the doorbell rang exactly at 1--just as I was about to take a bite of my pizza. :)

Friday, May 22, 2009 - 4:02 p.m.

OK, so generally I don't like braggarts. I don't like to brag, and I don't like others that do so either. I will make an exception, though, for establishments that tout their green behavior.

On my trip to Oregon a few weeks ago, I visited several restaurants and bars that proudly displayed their eco-accomplishments on the menu, on a wall, on their beers ... wherever it suited them, really. And I'm not talking about the stupid things companies often brag about--recycling they're required to do by the city, for example. I'm referring to actual actions that are helping the environment, an example of which can be seen in this photo of a menu at BridgePort Brewery in Portland.

Oh, and this patting oneself on the back thing refers to places that support charitable organizations too--brag all you want. You're doing something that's good for the community.

In a world where advertising executives try to come up with ways to manipulate us into wanting/needing to buy a product, its sometimes hard to know what you support and what you've been convinced to support.

And, yes, it's true that places that put their green accomplishments out there are winning me over with words like "local," "energy efficient," and "compost."

But at least it's something I can stand behind.

Thursday, May 21, 2009 -- 8:25 a.m.

I just discovered this site via The New York Times: GoodGuide.com. It's awesome. If you're looking for information on everyday products--specifically the possible social, health and environmental effects they may have--this is the site for you.

The Times did a great Q&A with the founder, who started looking up information on products when he realized he didn't know what was in the stuff he was using on his young daughter. The site is still in beta mode, but it already has some great info on a scale that's easy to understand and use.

Here, for example, is the site's rating for Arm & Hammer carpet deodorizer--it gets a very low rating based on several factors.

Check it out and see how your favorite products rate.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009 -- 9:30 p.m.

Start dusting off your bikes if you haven't already--it's time for Bike the Drive!

It's supposed to be a beautiful day, and it's a great chance to see the city like you've never seen it before ... unless you've done Bike the Drive before, of course. In which case, it's a tradition that should be followed!

You can bike either 15 or 30 miles--there also are earlier turnaround points--and ride as fast or slow as you'd like. No pressure! You're not being timed ... Except, you do have to be off Lake Shore Drive by 9:45 a.m. It starts at 5:30 a.m., though, so you've got plenty of time if you want it.

And kids are welcome, so don't let that keep you away! They can ride on their own, in a trailer or on a tagalong.

Plus, it's a great way to start off your biking season and get a little exercise while you're at it.

Hope to see you out there!

Wednesday, May 20, 2009 -- 8:05 p.m.

I was only able to go for about an hour and a half, but I still had a ton of fun at the Green Festival at Navy Pier on Saturday!

It was great to see so many people there listening to speakers, talking to exhibitors and just walking around. To me, it seemed like there were a lot more booths on solar panels and other things to help greenify homes. I also loved all the great information on where/how to recycle cell phones and the local shops selling products.

This year, I was determined to try some food from the restaurants that had set up shop. Among them: Soul Vegetarian East, Chicago Diner and Cousin's Incredible Vitality. I ended up with a plate from Soul Veg, since I rarely get far enough south to try them. On it was some cooked kale, a corn muffin and seitan barbecue (or maybe ribs? Forgive me for not knowing my meat products!). They were out of the mac n' cheese :( But still delicious and very satisfying!

I also made a few purchases at Abbey Brown, a local soap shop--all their products are made in-house. Their soap smells divine, and I might have to end up at the West Loop shop again sometime in the future.

Sadly, I didn't have time for much else. But if anyone else had favorites from the Green Fest, I'd love to hear about them!

Saturday, May 16, 2009 -- 10:07 a.m.

What are you doing this weekend? I hope it's going to the Green Festival at Navy Pier! The festivities, which will be going on from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, are a great chance to get out and see and hear about what's new (or at least new to you) in the green world.

In addition to 150 speakers, the festival is host to workshops, kids' activities, lots of samples, music and organic food, beer and wine.

It's also a great place to check out green businesses that might have products you're interested in. Last year, I found a CSA for a friend, as well as some products I now love.

Plus, it's only $10 to get in--if you ride your bike, the bus, you're a senior or a student. Otherwise it's $15. Kids under 18 get in for free.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009 -- 9:52 p.m.

Wanna eat local? Apparently, you can eat Lays potato chips, then ...

Wednesday, May 13, 2009 -- 12:57 p.m.

Here's what I picked up at the Green City Market this morning:

>> 2 bunches of asparagus--$4
>> 1/2 bunch of spring onions (split with a friend)--$1.50
>> 3/4 pound of French fingerling potatoes--$1.50
>> A little organic jalapeno plant--$3

Grand total: $10

I love farmers markets ...