Energy Sustainability Summit

On Friday, October 23 and Saturday, October 24, join state, regional and national experts in a statewide dialogue on energy efficiency and money saving energy innovations. Experts and innovators will gather in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, to discuss energy efficiency initiatives and how to finance them. The event will take place at Snow King Resort, Friday from 8:15 am to 4 pm and Saturday from 8:15 am to 1:00 pm.

The event will have six panel discussions led by local, regional, and national experts. On Friday panel discussions include energy efficiency, Wyoming’s renewable energy opportunities, system-wide innovations (Smart Grid and other innovative technologies), and financing energy efficiency and the new energy future. On Saturday panel discussions include the economic benefits of carbon offsets and the role of fossil fuels in an energy constrained future: exploring opportunities for cheap, reliable, available energy in a carbon constrained world. The cost to attend both days of the conference is a very reasonable $35.

The objectives of the conference are:

• List of recommendations at the community and state level
• Outline of a community action plan
• Higher levels of commitment to energy conservation and efficiency
• Research projects on energy and financing
• Networking opportunities for state, county and municipal leaders to share resources, highlight service providers, and generate community support for energy sustainability

There are two free events at the Center for the Arts on Saturday evening as part of the conference:

· At 1:30 there will be a public screening of the movie, ‘Crude’ with opening remarks by John R. Tozzi from Cambridge Investments. From acclaimed filmmaker Joe Berlinger (Brother’s Keeper, Paradise Lost, Metallica: Some Kind of Monster), Crude is the epic story of one of the largest and most controversial environmental lawsuits on the planet. The inside story of the infamous “Amazon Chernobyl” case, Crude is a real-life high stakes legal drama, set against a backdrop of the environmental movement, global politics, celebrity activism, human rights advocacy, the media, multinational corporate power, and rapidly-disappearing indigenous cultures.

· At 7 PM R. James Woolsey, Former C.I.A. Director and energy efficiency advocate will deliver the keynote address for the Energy Sustainability Summit

The Energy Sustainability Summit will kickoff on Thursday, Oct. 22^nd with the Action Plan Resolution signing at Snow King Resort. This monumental occasion will feature the signing of the Energy Sustainability Project between the Town of Jackson, Teton County and Lower Valley Energy. This will be followed by a discussion led by Larry Pardee, Director of Public Works Town of Jackson on the baseline data energy research done by the Town of Jackson.

For more information on the Energy Sustainability Summit and the Energy Sustainability Project tune into KHOL 89.1 Tuesday Oct. 20^th at 3PM to listen to Lights Off, community radio’s local sustainability program. This week’s show will feature a discussion about the upcoming conference and the Energy Sustainability Project with Mayor Mark Barron of the Town of Jackson and Larry Pardee, Director of Public Works Town of Jackson.

350.org International Day of Climate Action

Saturday, Oct. 24^th 2009 is also the international day of climate action orchestrated by 350.org. 350.org is an organization whose goal is to decrease the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere from its current rate of 387 parts per million to 350 parts per million. 350 parts per million is considered to be the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere that is safe for humanity. 350.org is calling on people around the world to organize an action on October. 24^th incorporating the number 350 at an iconic place in their community, and then to upload a photo of their event to www.350.org . Over 3,972 actions are being conducted in 164 countries.

In Jackson not only are we having the Energy Sustainability Summit on Saturday October 24^th, we are also having an event at 1:00 PM at the Davey Jackson Elementary School to recognize the International Day of Climate Action. The event is organized by InterConnections 21 and sponsored by 1% for the Tetons. The event will feature a keynote speaker, tree planting & refreshments. As part of 350.org call to action, InterConnections 21 will be planting 350 trees in Teton County over the next year.

Popularity: 16% [?]

Come meet Teton County’s local and regional farmers and enjoy this year’s harvest at the Jackson Whole Grocer for their 2^nd annual festival. Sample grilled beef & lamb from local ranchers, delicacies from local food producers, breweries, wineries & mead makers. Purchase food from their deli, local products and produce from local farmers’ last harvest of the season. Watch free demonstrations, enjoy kids’ activities, listen to local musicians and celebrate the end of another growing season!

When: Saturday, September 26, 11am-4pm

Where: Jackson Whole Grocer’s parking lot, rain or shine!

For more information on the event or to get a complete list of participants contact Steve Michel, JWG’s Director of Sustainability at 733-0450 or stevenm@jacksonwholegrocer.com.

Popularity: 6% [?]

Corn-on-the-cob, watermelon, and fresh strawberries are favorite summer foods. Though we have access to these foods year round, there is nothing like freshly harvested varieties available in the summer that are grown close to home even here in northern Wyoming! Here are some nutritional highlights:

Watermelon

Watermelon is related to cantaloupe, squash, cucumber and pumpkin and was first cultivated in Egypt. China is the world’s top producer of watermelons as well as Russia where a popular wine is also made from this fruit. In Japan watermelons are forced to grow square to fit in small Japanese refrigerators. All parts of the watermelon are edible and in other parts of the world the rind is often pickled and the seeds roasted.

Watermelon is a concentrated source of antioxidants – vitamins A & C and the phytonutrient lycopene (also found in tomatoes and pink grapefruit). This fruit is also a very good source of vitamin B6 and good source of vitamin B1 (thiamin), magnesium and potassium. Watermelon’s high water content (92%) makes it a great calorie bargain at just 46 calories per cup (and less than 12 grams of carbohydrate and nearly a gram of fiber). Antioxidant levels rise as fruit ripens so in addition to taste it is more nutritious to eat watermelons and other fruit when they are fully ripened.

Strawberries

Strawberries have been a symbol of passion in many cultures due to their heart shape and red color. In ancient times these berries were used medicinally to treat melancholy, fevers and blood diseases. Today we know these delicious berries are a good source of antioxidant nutrients, low in calories and high in fiber making them a boon to heart health and part of a diet to prevent several chronic diseases.

Fresh strawberries are one of summer’s most delightful treats. Though we now have access to strawberries any time of year, summer is when they are freshest and you are likely to find berries grown closer to home. The taste of strawberries depends on the variety, weather and ripeness when picked. Strawberries do not ripen after picking and make sure the green cap is still in tact – removing this activates an enzyme that breaks down the vitamin C in the berry.

The dots on the outer skin of strawberries are seeds. Each berry contains an average of 200 seeds, making them a good source of dietary fiber (3 grams in just 10 medium size berries – and only 36 calories!). Strawberries are also one of the richest food sources of vitamin C and contain potassium, manganese, folate and the cancer-fighting phytonutrients ellagic acid and anthocyanins.

Corn

Corn (also known as maize) is a cereal grain and often consumed fresh as a vegetable. Corn is an important food plant native to America and thought to have originated in either Mexico or Central America. Corn comes in a rainbow of colors, including violet, blue, and black. Darker varieties contain greater quantities of antioxidant pigments called anthocyanins. Blue corn tortillas contain about 20% more protein and 8% less starch giving them a lower glycemic index than the more common version made with white corn

Corn kernels fresh off the cob are a whole, unprocessed grain providing many health benefits. One medium ear has 106 calories, 18 grams of carb, 4.9 grams of fiber, 3.5 grams of protein, 2 grams of fat, and nearly 20% of the Daily Value for calcium (42 grams). Corn is a good source of many nutrients including the B vitamins thiamin (B1), pantothenic acid (B5) and folate, vitamin C, phosphorus and manganese. Corn is also a good source of dietary fiber and the phytonutrient beta-cryptoxanthin, an orange-red carotenoid that holds promise in protecting against lung cancer.

Popularity: 18% [?]

Cosmic Apple Gardens, Victor ID

In our continuing effort to source local products and support local farmers and our economy, Jackson Whole Grocer is now having a weekly, in store farmer’s market. We will be featuring fresh produce from our local farmers in Star Valley, Teton Valley and the surrounding area every Wednesday now through the rest of the growing season (September or October). We are working with our local farmers to get an abundance of produce in every Wednesday and will be displaying it in the front of the store from 8 am until it is sold out.

Come get fresh, seasonal produce direct from the farm to the market, only days after being harvested.

We will be featuring produce from the following farmers:

+Alpenglow Farms         +Robinson Family Farms             +Wyomatoes
+Cosmic Apple              +Mountain Meadow Farm             +Liberty Tomato
+Fish Creek Farms        +Morgan Gourmet Garlic Farm +Fuller Farms
+Mountain Valley Mushrooms

Cosmic Apple Farms, Victor ID

Popularity: 10% [?]

Many people think of snacks as a necessity for kids and an indulgence for adults. Perhaps this is because what is often presented as “snack food” is high in fat, salt, sugar and other refined carbohydrates. The reality is that healthy snacks are a good way to get you from one meal to the next with plenty of energy and allow you to arrive at the meal hungry but not ravenous. Being overly hungry makes it more difficult to choose healthier options and you are more likely to eat too much, too fast.

Healthy snacks are also an easy way to boost your intake of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and even beans - all plant foods that provide vitamins, minerals, beneficial plant compounds, and dietary fiber. A mix of high fiber carbohydrate foods and protein help fill you up and keep you feeling full longer than carbohydrates by themselves. This combination also helps keep blood sugar and energy levels steady. Carbohydrates give you energy and are what your brain likes best for fuel and “good fats” found in plant foods like nuts and avocado keep body cells healthy and make food taste good. Protein is important for your immune system and to build muscle, blood cells, hormones, brain chemicals, and more.

Tips for healthy snacking:

· Plan ahead to insure healthy snacks are available. Take a small cooler or insulated bag for foods that need to be kept cool and make sure you like what you bring!

· Choose whole foods often especially fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, beans and legumes, low fat dairy and fish.

· Be a conscious eater – this means focus on eating without distractions when you can (television, computer, work, driving, etc.)

· Eat slowly and listen to your body to know when to stop eating. It takes your brain 20 minutes to get the signal that your body is satisfied.

Healthy Snack Ideas:

· Packet of Justin’s Peanut or Almond butter spread on apple or banana slices

· Low or nonfat yogurt and fresh or frozen fruit

· Whole grain crackers & sliced avocado

· String cheese, Laughing Cow cheese, (or other 1 oz. portion of cheese) & sliced pears

· Slices of fresh veggies (red bell pepper, jicama, snap peas) dipped in hummus

· Trail mix made with nuts, seeds, and dried fruit

· Black Bean Dip & baked tortilla chips or toasted corn tortilla

· Popcorn sprinkled with Cajun spice or nutritional yeast flakes

· Tuna or salmon (small can or packet) & whole grain crackers, tortilla or pita pocket

· Lean, “natural” Buffalo or turkey jerky (no nitrites and minimal processing) & grapes

· Unsweetened apple sauce & small handful of almonds or walnuts

· Smoothie made with fruit, yogurt, and either lowfat milk or 100% juice

Come to Jackson Whole Grocer on Monday, July 27 from noon to 2 pm for our weekly food demo. Cara Liberatore, Exum Mountain Guide and one of JWG’s nutritional consultants will be sampling delicious, healthy summer snacks for kids of all ages.

Popularity: 32% [?]

In 1984 President Ronald Reagan designated July as National Ice Cream Month and the third Sunday of the month as National Ice Cream Day. In celebration of this tasty holiday, on Monday, July 20 from noon to 2 pm the Jackson Whole Grocer will be sampling ice cream! We will feature locally made ice cream from Moo’s Gourmet in Jackson and Reed’s Dairy in Idaho Falls as well as two delicious non-dairy varieites. Two of the alternative favorites we’re featuring are Luna & Larry’s Coconut Bliss, made with coconut milk and Living Harvest’s Tempt made from rich and creamy hempmilk. So while you’re swinging by to pick up lunch, stop by our table outside and celebrate National Ice Cream Month with us!

Popularity: 13% [?]