frantique1’s Recent Comments

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  Without question these subsidies must be eliminated - perhaps gradually, but none the less eliminated. Energy production must be turned around ASAPOn Fossil fuel subsidies dwarf clean energy subsidies; Obama wants to eliminate them posted 1 month, 3 weeks ago 13 Responses

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  Very interesting and disturbing article.  I was born and raised on a diversified farm and was a partner in a similar operation (one family operation) for another 15 years as an adult.  I have great respect for anyone raising grass fed animals, free range poultry of various kinds, and practices conservation methods in crop management.  It is very important that everyone becomes very conscious of how their choices in the marketplace affect demand for all products.  I buy very few shoes and they are never made of plastic.  Leather shoes will last a long time if taken care of.  I have shoes in my closet that are 20-30 years old.  I dress very stylishly and create a stir when I pull out shoes from 1976 to wear to the symphony.  We have all gotten too wrapped up in what the marketing/advertising, fashion magazines etc. tell us.  Stop the 'trend' and 'fashion' idea. We can all make a difference. 

  However, do we want to put oil produced fabrics in our automobiles, furniture, bedding etc.?  It surely is a dilemma.  My suggestion is 'be conscious' and use what you buy carefully to extend its life.  Corporations are all about speed and money - if it doesn't fit into their rigid process it goes to the landfill.

  On Greenpeace: your boots are made for climate change posted 5 months, 3 weeks ago 3 Responses

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  Black Walnuts

  Black walnuts can be used as a substitute for English walnuts, hickory nuts, pecans anytime.  However, be aware that the flavor is quite pungent.  I would suggest that you toast them slightly before using them and try them in a small recipe to taste.
  They are delectable in rich fudge!  On How to turn black walnuts into a delicious dish posted 1 year, 1 month ago 2 Responses

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  Fresh Greens by topsymax13

  I agree with the salad spinner.  When I bring fresh romaine, spinach and other fresh greens home I take it apart, rinse it thorougly in the spinner in water to which I have added several drops of 3% peroxide.  Then I spin thoroughly and drain off all water. Store in the refrigerator in the spinner and you will be amazed how much longer the fresh greens last while being fresh and crisp.  I also can, dry or freeze vegetables and fruits when in season.  Asparagus soup, carrot soup, rhubarb crunch, baked apples, pesto are fabulous in the middle of winter or when a work crunch normally would send many people to the fast food restaurant. Freeze all foods in glass jars for best results. Fruit and tomatoes should never be stored in the refrigerator.
  Since I grow a garden I am regularly making soups when the swiss chard, spinach, tomaotes,are getting ahead of me. The rabbits and deer tend to ravage much of my garden unfortunately even though I live in a fairly large city. However, the garden is the best therapy after working all day.
  My mother used to say "1/2 - 1 hour from garden to the table (or canning/freezer container). She was absolutely right.   On Umbra on storing produce posted 1 year, 4 months ago 15 Responses

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  Fur vs. Synthetics

  Everyone should educate themselves as to where and how your clothing and other consumer goods are made.  I will wear fur and wool until we stop sacrificing American soldiers on the altar of $100/barrel oil.  Petroleum is used/refined (read: polluting our air using more oil to operate refineries) for making synthetic fibers to wrap ourselves in, carpet to snuggle our tootsies in and artificial furs - yes they are made from petroleum - to be fashionable.
  I am an interior designer - clients don't want to use wool because of the mistaken idea that you kill the animal to obtain wool! Sheep are sheared yearly to obtain one of the finest fibers for clothing, carpet, upholstery fabric, drapery fabric.  Wool lasts longer and cleans better.  (Smartwool)  I try very hard to educate people about eco-friendly ways to decorate.  
  Please, wear your leather shoes! Leather is much healthier for your feet; plasics don't allow your feet to breath so you will be prone to fungus, etc. Leather is used from slaughtered animals from that steak you just ate for dinner.

  Many eco-friendly clothing designers are switching back to wool for the fibers.  It is much more comfortable than fleece (oil)and cleans much easier.  If you must have carpet that will become home to all the chemicals that you paint on your driveway and have sprayed on your lawn, make a point to buy carpet made from recycled plastics and have your old carpet recycled - mills will take it back. Please don't pile it on the curb to go to the landfill.

  I encourage clients to re-use or at least take things to Habitat Restore or to hazardous waste.  I reuse old wood floors, refinish existing to look like it has history.

  Learn to sew and remake old jeans into potholders, old wool sweaters into mittens, make liners for your boots out of old fur.  

  The opportunities are endless with a little research and creativityOn Umbra on (inherited) fur coats posted 1 year, 10 months ago 60 Responses