Categories
Eco Eats

Vegetarian Lasagna for Meatless Monday

Meatless Monday is here again! We have found a yummy vegetarian lasagna that not only tastes amazing but you won’t even miss the meat!

Ingredients

9 uncooked lasagna noodles (wheat preferable)

1/2 cup chopped onion

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 cups diced zucchini

1-1/2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms

1 cup thinly sliced carrots

1/2 cup diced green pepper

1/2 cup diced sweet red pepper

1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes

1-1/2 cups water

1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste

1 teaspoon sugar

1 teaspoon fresh basil (dried works too)

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1 carton (15 ounces) reduced-fat ricotta cheese

1-1/2 cups (6 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided

1/4 cup grated Romano cheese

Directions

Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan coated with cooking spray, sauté onion and garlic for 3 minutes. Add the zucchini, mushrooms, carrots and peppers; cook and stir until tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes, water, tomato paste and seasonings. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Remove 2 cups sauce and set aside.

Drain noodles; set aside. Combine the ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella and Romano cheese. In an ungreased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish, layer a third of the remaining sauce, three noodles and half of the cheese mixture. Repeat layers. Top with remaining sauce and noodles. Spread reserved sauce over top.

Cover and bake at 350° for 45 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle with remaining mozzarella. Bake 5-10 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. Let stand for 15 minutes before cutting. Yield: 8 servings.

Nutritional Analysis: Serving Size: About 8/One piece equals 244 calories/ 9 g fat (5 g saturated fat)/ 32 mg cholesterol/ 672 mg sodium/ 26 g carbohydrate/ 4 g fiber/17 g protein.

 

Categories
Gadgets & Gear

2 Solar Flashlights to Keep Handy

Need a flashlight and the batteries are dead? How many times has that happened to you? Have no fear because solar powered flashlights are here! With so many great solar powered models on the market it is hard to know what exactly to look for. It is best to determine what you and your family needs are then decide what kind of flashlight model to get!

A solar flashlight is a flashlight that stores energy from the sun, using solar power as a source of light when it gets turned on. A typical solar powered flashlight has a small amount of solar panels, normally in the handle; which makes the flashlight easy to use! Other models include a crank that creates light was well or even hybrid models that include a hand crank and solar panels or a set of batteries and a hand crank. There are even some flashlights that include radios (very handy in emergency situations).

Many stores have solar flashlights such as Bass Pro Shops and Target and you can shop around online and also order directly from the manufacturers. If you buy a good solar flashlight is should last you a long time. You can throw it in your toolbox and forget about it, just do not forget to place the flashlight in the sun to charge!

Here are two great solar powered flashlights you should consider buying:

  • Goal Zero 90107 Solo Solar Powered Flashlight

This flashlight includes solar powered panels as well as a crank and a AC/DC output to power this flashlight. It has a long battery life and can be charged in as little as 10 minutes with the hand crank. It costs about $25 dollars online not including shipping and handling on Amazon.com.

  • Dorcy 3 LED Dynamo & Solar Flashlight

This flashlight has solar panels and a crank shaft to charge the batteries. It features three bright LED lights. It costs $20.59 plus shipping and handling and you can find it at opticsplanet.com.

Categories
Articles Eco Tips Featured

6 Ways to Green Your Bath & Body

Bathrooms tend to be one of most wasteful places in our homes. Water runs longer than necessary in the shower or in sinks, paper products are over-used, and many dollars are spent on high-end spa or beauty products that usually aren’t very healthy for our homes or bodies. Get greener in the bathroom and make a few of these easy modifications using eco-friendly products.

Create a Home Spa. Use natural ingredients you already have at home to create your own body scrubs such as sugar and sea salt. Blend with herbs and essential oils.

Watch the Water. Turn off the faucet while you brush your teeth, shave, or lather up your hair.

Go Low Flow. Invest in a low flow shower head and toilet to conserve water.

Use Multi-Purpose Castile Soap. Organic castile soap has many uses. Use it to clean kids, adults, pets and even as a cleaner for the bathroom.

Buy Recycled Toilet Tissue. 100% post-consumer content tissue cuts back on over consumption of trees, water, and energy resources.

Recycle Empty Glass Jars. Reuse empty glass jars to store cotton swabs, toothbrushes or cotton balls instead of spending the money on special containers.