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3 easy things you can do to reduce waste

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Sooooo I’m sure you’ve heard, but our planet is kind of dying, and quickly. It’s really devastating to think that we as humans have managed to single handedly destroy the earth. What many of us fail to realize is that every single person’s contribution plays a role.

“It’s just one straw”- said 8 Billion People

Not only is buying locally a great way to reduce waste, it also supports local produce farmers!
  1. This may be the most generic tip one can give but seriously one of the easiest ways to reduce alot of waste is to use reusable shopping bags, or here’s a crazy idea, get ready for this one… don’t use one at all. I mean seriously, why do we as humans run into the grocery store to pick up one ingredient and feel the need to put our single item in a plastic bag instead of just carrying it to our car? No clue, but I find it kinda ridiculous. But, for the times that bags are necessary I’ve gone ahead and linked a few options for you! Zero Waste Washable Cotton Set Bulk Food & Mesh Produce Bags w/Drawstring: https://www.amazon.com/Reusable-Produce-Bags-Grocery-Shopping/dp/B07FB6T1LB/ref=sr_1_10?keywords=reusable+farmers+market+produce+bags&qid=1557777651&s=gateway&sr=8-10 Basic black reusable bags: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075NQVHPM/ref=twister_B075NS7H25?_encoding=UTF8&th=1
  2. Bring a reusable straw in your purse or car with you! This is something I’ve started doing over the past few months and I’m so glad it has become a habit of mine. I have tons of metal straws in my kitchen. I keep a few in my bags and car so I have them while I am on the go. I just make sure to rinse it out prior to putting it back in my purse so I have it for next time! Not only metal straws, but another great option are glass straws! Although it might just be one plastic straw, they all add up. I buy mine on amazon and I LOVE them! If you want to go the extra mile and bring your own glass or cup to your favorite coffee shop or smoothie shack, 9 times out of 10 they are more than happy to use your reusable cup and, a total bonus that not enough people know about, is the fact that many places will give a discount on your order! Stainless steel straw: https://www.amazon.com/YIHONG-Stainless-Drinking-Tumblers-Rumblers/dp/B01L1YXQEU/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2L5Z5IEGJLODF&keywords=stainless+steel+straws&qid=1557774053&s=hpc&sprefix=stainless%2Chpc%2C235&sr=1-3 Glass straws: https://www.amazon.com/Drinking-Reusable-Healthy-Friendly-Cleaning/dp/B01N00OEJQ/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=OTLTB69XC9E&keywords=glass+straws&qid=1557774172&s=hpc&sprefix=glass+straws%2Chpc%2C238&sr=1-1-spons&psc=1
  3. Buy in bulk & locally! Not only is this saving plastic but it will also save you money! I personally like to buy things like rice, oats, and superfoods (chia, goji berries, etc.) in bulk! When buying these foods I bring my own tight-knit mesh or cotton bags and then transfer into my glass jars at home. These types of bags are also perfect for produce that you might need a bag for, like apples, potatoes, limes etc. These are what I use: https://www.amazon.com/Estefanlo-Eco-Friendly-Lightweight-See-Through-Drawstring/dp/B07QCRZSC1/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?keywords=reusable+out+bag&qid=1557775167&s=gateway&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1
farmers market freshness

I think the main point of the whole “save the earth” movement is to put forth effort. Your small contributions do make a difference. Yes, there are times that you’ll forget your reusable bags or straw but the point is that you are trying your best, and that alone makes an impact!

Its mango season! And we want them in everything…

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Here on Maui there is a mango tree on almost every street, and come April the trees are packed with ripe and juicy mangoes. Today we wanted to share three different recipes to incorporate them into your meals! We know that not everyone is lucky enough to be able to walk a block away from their house to a tree full of ripe fruit… but thankfully costcos and trader joes all over the main land have y’all covered!

One of my favorite things to have for breakfast is an easy 4 ingredient chia pudding! This pudding is so thick and creamy, and tastes absolutely amazing!

Vegan Mango Chia Pudding

servings: 4

What you’ll need:

  • 2 large mangoes
  • 1/2 cup chia seeds
  • 1.5 cups milk alternative (I prefer coconut milk)
  • 1-2 TBSP sweetener of your choice (optional (agave, honey, maple syrup, etc.))

In a blender, puree 1 of the mangoes and chop the other into small pieces. Next, Combine and whisk together the puree, chia, milk alternative, and your chosen sweetener in a bowl. Mix in the fresh pieces of mango and place in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes.

Scoop into a cup and top with fresh mango & coconut flakes! Enjoy for breakfast, lunch, or a snack! So delicious and super filling as well!

Mango Bread

I have a serious obsession with banana bread so this mango bread is a dream come true and so so simple. This recipe doesn’t call for anything crazy, so that means no running to the store for an ingredient you will only use once, which will undoubtedly end up sitting in the back of your pantry for the years to come. I wish I could claim that the recipe below is super healthy, but hey, the truth is, its got processed sugar… sometimes ya gotta splurge. We’re doin our best to find a balance, and when it comes to baking ya gotta do what ya gotta do.

servings: 10 slices | prep time: 15 minutes | bake time: 50 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups chopped mango
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 cups flour
  • 3 flax eggs (1 TBSP ground flax with 3 TBSP warm water = 1 egg)
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup grated coconut
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 2 tsp. baking soda
  • 1- 2 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil
  • Brown sugar, organic sugar, coconut, vanilla essence, oil, and flax eggs
  • Flour, Baking soda, Salt and Cinnamon
  • After blending all ingredients together, your batter should look something like this.

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350F.
  2. Grease loaf pan
  3. In a blender, pulse the mango for 30 seconds.
  4. Add brown sugar, organic sugar, coconut, vanilla essence, oil, and flax eggs and pulse for another minute.
  5. Mix in the dry ingredients: Flour, Baking soda, Salt and Cinnamon.
  6. Pour into a loaf pan and bake for 55 minutes. Be sure to check the bread with a toothpick to make sure it is cooked through before removing from the oven! Let cool for 10-20 minutes.
  7. Serve warm & enjoy the taste of heaven in your mouth.

Mango Salsa

This recipe has got to be one of my favorite things we have come up with. We ate the entire 2 cup serving of this salsa in one sitting… It’s just too good.

Ingredients:

  • 1 & 1/2 cups of fresh diced mango
  • 1/2 can of black beans (rinsed and drained)
  • 1/2 of an onion (diced)
  • 2 TBSP lime juice (fresh)
  • 3 TBSP chopped cilantro
  • 1 tsp. cumin
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. chili powder
  • 3 TBSP chopped green onion
  • 1 TBSP finely chopped purple cabbage

Instructions:

  1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl!
  2. Taste! – add salt or lime if needed.
  3. Enjoy!!

^^The mango salsa is pictured above being served with our vegan tacos!! This was literally my favorite meal we have ever made.

The salsa would also be great with chips, as well as on Nachos. It is an extremely versatile food and would pair well with almost anything!

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Hope you guys try these recipes out and love them as much as we do!