December 2008 eNewsletter

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Welcome to OurOhio.org

Recycle your Christmas tree this year

Before sending your live-cut Christmas tree to the trash, remember that it can find new life after the holidays. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) reminds Ohioans that their trees can be recycled into a variety of uses, including mulch, compost and wildlife habitat.

“Recycling a live-cut tree gives it a second life that can benefit Ohio’s environment and increase wildlife habitat,” said Ron Kolbash, chief of the ODNR Division of Recycling & Litter Prevention. “I am pleased to see that more and more communities are offering wise alternatives for these trees other than discarding them in our landfills.”

Click here to find out more about tree recycling.  To learn about starting a recycling program in your area, click here.

December Recipe Highlight

Sugared Pecans

1 egg white
1 tablespoon water
1 pound pecan halves
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. Beat egg white and water into froth. Place froth mixture in a plastic zip-closure bag, add pecans to coat. Place coated pecans in another zip-closure bag and add sugar mixture and shake well. Pour pecans onto a well-greased shallow baking sheet. Bake for 40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. Cool on wax paper. 

Click here for other holiday treat recipes.

Reduce Waste by Eating
Smarter

Research in the United States estimates that at least 14 percent of purchased food ends up in the garbage. Some may view this as a call to return to the “clean your plate” mentality emblematic of the mid-20th century, but this would be unwise. With a skyrocketing obesity epidemic and a mounting national health crisis, it’s time for a new approach: These statistics can motivate eaters to reduce waste, cut grocery costs and safeguard Americans’ health by shopping and eating smarter.

Food waste reportedly makes up about 12 percent of landfill material. Aside from the costly operating budgets of these facilities, the environment is paying the real price. As organic materials (like vegetables, fruits and grains) decompose in landfills, they release the greenhouse gas methane into the environment. In fact, landfills are the largest source of methane emissions in the country. While composting plant foods, which does not produce methane, is one solution, strategies for wasting less food should also be explored.

Click here for tips on shopping smarter and what to do with leftovers.

Our Ohio Television Series

The Our Ohio television series, airing on public television stations around the state, takes viewers across Ohio to meet the faces and visit the places that touch our values, culture, heritage and much more.  Stations airing Our Ohio can be found by clicking here. 

Coming up next on Our Ohio
Our Ohio features the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway, Civil War reenactments, Ohio horse racing and Polo, the Pik Crew and much more.
 
Click here for complete episode descriptions and schedules.

Is there an Our Ohio segment you wanted to watch but missed?  You may be able to watch it online.  Click on each category to view our online video library for animals, farm fresh food, gardening and people and places.

Caring for Houseplants in
Winter

With the first day of winter fast approaching, many avid gardeners are turning their attention indoors to their houseplants and searching for the correct methods to care for them. What is the best way to keep these plants alive in the harsh environments of our Ohio homes? Here are some quick tips to help ease the transition to indoor plants and indoor gardening.

In the fall, the growth of houseplants slows down. They are still green and alive, but are not actively growing. Even during this inactive time, which extends through fall, winter, and early spring, these plants continue to require light and some water. The plant will start growing again next spring, when the day length is longer and the temperatures are higher.

Start by knowing the name of your houseplant. This not the name you have given it, like Harold or Phoebe, but the actual plant name: Philodendron ‘Xanadu’ or Sansevieria, for example. Once you know the proper name you can correctly determine the plant’s needs.

Click here for other tips on watering, lighting, dealing with humidity, temperature and fertilizing.

Making Financial Resolutions

It’s that time of year when we all start to think about our New Year’s resolutions and ask ourselves, “What can I do to make next year better than this one?” For many younger people, the answer often is to get in shape – physically that is. But do you think about your financial fitness?

Younger men and women alike usually overlook the idea of reassessing their financial fitness at the start of each new year. After wrapping up the holiday season, when you’re not too sure what’s left in your bank accounts, it’s a perfect time to review your entire financial situation and look forward to the future.

Click here for some simple steps, suggested by Nationwide's Consumer Solutions Center, toward improving your financial fitness.

Last Minute Shopping?

An Ohio Farm Bureau membership makes a great untraditional, inexpensive gift that will keep your friends and family up to date on all that is happening throughout Ohio.  Why not give the gift that lasts all year long? 

Members can access a variety of savings, including preferred pricing on Nationwide Insurance products; discounts from Dodge, Sherwin Williams, major hotels and car rentals, as well as access to individual health plans through SuperMed - Ohio Farm Bureau by Medical Mutual of Ohio and much more! 

Members also receive a subscription to the award-winning Our Ohio magazine with information on food, travel and issues affecting Ohioans.  For a complete list of member benefits, click here.

Our members include farmers, gardeners, food enthusiasts, teachers, nature fans and anyone who enjoys rural Ohio. We’ve got something for just about everyone.

Click here to purchase your gift membership and have it expedited today, or call 1.888.GrowWithFB!