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Short of coming across as a
complete "Tree Hugger," I am on board with the RRR concept. Reduce, Reuse,
Recycle was something my mom taught me. But, somewhere along the way,
the convenience of not giving this concept much thought worked its way into my,
'got to have it' life and my 'toss it' lifestyle. It's much easier accepting everyone's idea that 'more is
better.' But, Mama was right, 'the less you have the less you need.'
 Reduce, Reuse, Recycle is not
a new concept. It was prevalent after the The Great Depression. People learned
to live with less and reuse what they had until it was useless. Remember shoe
repair shops and darning a hole in a sock? Remember collecting glass soda
bottles to return to the grocery store for credit? Remember a week's worth of
leftovers? How many ways could my mother cook a potato? We didn't seem to have
as much waste, not as much trash. We weren't charged for recycling, and we
weren't even mandated to recycle! We just did it!
As we think about the impact
the philosophy Reduce, Reuse, Recycle can make on our lives and our countries,
let us band together this year and make a conscientious effort to practice it
daily. After all, RRR is about
more than the plastic and glass we put into our landfills and recycling. RRR is
also about looking at things in a completely new way so we can repurpose them
more efficiently.
To get others involved, I
encourage you to think outside the box.
Be the inspiration for your friends and begin this practice by including
this concept in your next party.
Recently during my turn to
host Bunco, I created a theme around the basic principles of RRR. I asked my
guests to bring three new items they bought, received as gifts or no longer
needed or used. I included examples with my invitations to help my guests in
choosing various items. I suggested a pair of fashionable shoes that are too
small. Or, a pair of slacks that don't fit just right and that tacky knick-knack
someone gave them.The concept is to have everyone recycle items they have for
items they would rather have. Try playing a round of Dirty Bingo to get your
guest excited about the items. 
Save the trees and send your
invitations via the internet. Search the aisles of your favorite market for
recycled products you can use. There are many choices in recycled paper
products, like plates, napkins and my favorite, toilet paper.
When your guests arrive, give
each guest a reusable mesh or cloth grocery bag you have personalized with
their name. They can use these to take away their RRR treasures. This bag will
also serve as a gentle reminder to RRR when possible. For your menu, it's a
perfect time to try out some of my favorite vegetarian recipes.
There are all types of events
you can host to develop the concept of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle into play.
Parents might like a RRR Baby Exchange. Instead, have everyone bring the
clothes or toys their child has outgrown, or even maternity clothes. Then let
everyone go shopping. You may even enjoy a RRR clothes exchange with your
friends. Have your guests bring ten gently used or new items to put together in
one room. Display the items as if they were in a cute boutique. No money is
exchanged, but everyone goes home with something new. This is a great way to
supplement your wardrobe.
Our economy may fluctuate.
Therefore, when we experience tough times we develop a keen sense of seeing our
lives in a different light. We can live more simply; Reduce. We can repurpose
almost anything; Reuse. We can think before we toss it; Recycle. After all,
Mama said, "Necessity is the mother of invention." And, what do you know? Mama
was right!
Spinach Quiche
INGREDIENTS
1 Pkg. Stouffers Frozen
Spinach Souffle Thawed
2 eggs, beat lightly
3 Tablespoons Milk
2 teaspoons chopped onion
1/2 Cup sliced mushrooms
3/4 Cup, cooked & crumbled
Vegan Bacon
3/4 Cup sliced Swiss cheese,
cut into strips
Salt & Pepper to taste
Mix all ingredients together
and pour into a unbaked 9 inch pie shell. Bake at 400 degrees for 25-30
minutes. Serves 4-6
Chutney Cheese Pate
INGREDIENTS
1 3oz. package cream cheese
(room temperature)
1/2 Cup or 2oz. shredded sharp
cheddar cheese (room temperature)
2 tsp. dry sherry
1/4 tsp. curry powder
1/8 tsp. salt
1/2 Cup Major Grey's Chutney
Finely chopped green onions
with tops
Combine first five
ingredients; beat by hand until smooth. Shape into circle about 1/2 thick. (I put
it between plastic paper to form.) Chill until firm. Before serving spread
chutney over top and sprinkle with green chopped onions. Serve with crackers or
sliced baguettes. Makes about 1 cup. You can double recipe for a party.
 Black Bean Salsa
INGREDIENTS
2 Cans black beans (drained
and rinsed)
1 Can whole kernel corn
(drained)
2 Small or 1 medium tomato
1 Red pepper (diced)
1/4 Cup jalapeno pepper (diced
fine)
2 tbs. Lime juice
1/4 Cup red wine vinegar
1/4 Cup chopped cilantro
salt & pepper to
taste.
The Oysters
10-12 Freshly shucked oysters
seafood breader
blackening spice
Mix all ingredients in bowl.
Refrigerate. Serve with tortilla chips. (The longer it sits in the refrigerator
the better it is.) A native of North Carolina,
Claudette lives with her husband John in Wilmington. She is the proud
mother of two children and one beautiful grandson. A passion for cooking,
reading, family and travel, she refuels her spirit on the beach
as often as possible.
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