How Green is Big Sky Country

How green is your state? Now you can know for sure. Forbes just released rankings that separate the haves from the have nots when it comes to being environmentally conscious.You’d probably expect to see some of the smaller East coast states near the top of the list — places like Vermont and Connecticut, that have progressive environmental policies and shorter average drive times for commuters. Still others might surprise you — like New Jersey, for instance, that may soon lose its dubious distinction as the “armpit of America.” And then there’s California, a state that, despite it’s tough regulations, not surprisingly wasn’t even in the top 10.

The states that got the highest rankings were the ones with the smallest carbon footprints (meaning they emit relatively low levels of carbon dioxide), the best air quality, and the most green buildings (as certified by the . Those toward the bottom — places like Wyoming and Alaska — might be nice places to get in touch with nature, but they aren’t working hard enough to protect it. And those at the very bottom — places like Mississippi and West Virgina — are green disasters.

Red faces (instead of green) that your state is at the bottom of the rankings? Check out this site for a comprehensive list of environmental organizations in your area, find one you like, and give them a call. After all, even the biggest changes still happen one person at a time.

PS Big Sky Country ranked 22nd…But do want to do your bit to help? Here are some simple but effective ideas for you.
Starting today do all, or even some, of the following:

• Support local shops.
• Read the labels on the food you buy and find out where the ingredients come from.
• Buy a local alternative, if you can. (here in Montana, it’s not only tastier it supports our local farmers!)
• Buy only what you know you will eat and not too much.
• Buy food that tastes good rather than looks good.

There are plenty of resources to sustain yourself. .And what’s real still plentiful right now is the ubiquitous pomegranate Better get your mitts on these pretty quick, since the season tis almost over. Pomegranates,are juicy and nutritious superfruits You can eat them for breakfast or snacks and sometimes I even toss them in some yogurt alone or along with other fruit But we’re waffling here this morning.. *sigh* .. it’s innkeeper’s perogative at breakfast. Trust me, this one’s simple.

We use Arrowhead Mills Multigrain Pancake and Waffle Mix. It has whole bunch of organic flours. The texture of pancakes and waffles made with this mix is a little crumbly because of the organic corn flour it contains, and takes some getting used to. But once you are a convert, there is no going back to the regular brands. I follow the recipe for waffles that is on the packet to make crispy waffles. The pomegranate added a sweet-tart juiciness to the waffle and the indulgent whipped cream just made it all better.

It takes one person, one family, one community at a time to realize the benefits of living green. If you start talking to others about what you are doing to help the earth, then maybe they will start doing the same things and then tell others. Plenty of resources to sustain yourself. Go gently.

Action is the foundational key to all success.“
- Pablo Picasso