Traveling Food Exhibition

The Smithsonian Institute will be showing Key Ingredients:
America by Food at the Agana Shopping Center this Saturday, August 1, at 6pm.

It is rare that traveling exhibits make their way out to Guam. And even better that it will be featuring local cuisine. So, take advantage of this opportunity if your curiousity is tantalized.

See you there!

New on Island

 

(sunset from my apartment)

I have recently met some wonderful people that have just moved to Guam. Yes, it is challenging to live here when you first arrive. It can be daunting, especially for vegans/vegetarians, but finding other like-minded people is key.

Being an herbivore on this island has its challenges. Here are some things that I've done to acclimate to local life:

• Going to a barbeque, fiesta, or party: You might want to ask if you can bring a dish to share. That way, you have something to eat besides salad and dessert. Or you can always eat before you arrive. People here are accomodating and will feel like bad hosts of they don't have something for you to eat.

• Meeting friends at a restaurant: Call the restaurant ahead of time to make sure there are choices for your diet. There are often appetizers that are vegetarian or vegan. If not, it would be wise not to show up famished and to have a backup plan for your meal. Also, next time you go out with friends, you should pick the restaurant!

• Introduce your new friends to herbivory: I love to convert my carnivorous friends to herbivory. I do this through my cooking, rather than preaching. Experiencing veganism through taste has reached far more people than talking has ever done. I am proud to say I am well known for my vegan chocolate cakes, and an invitation to share a meal at my place is much coveted, especially during the holidays. 

• Share your food: One of my friends has been made a spectacle during lunch at work. "What will the vegan eat today?" is what is on their minds. Don't take this the wrong way. People are curious and may tease you. It is a part of being friendly. Think of this as your opportunity to show them a new and healthy way of being. Bring extra food to share during lunch or bring a whole dish that you made for the lunch room. Tantalize them through taste...

•  Know where to shop: The Payless at Micronesian Mall is great for one-stop shopping. They can be a bit pricey, but they have most everything. To save a buck on fresh produce, go to American Grocery in Dededo. I walk out of there with three full bags of vegetables and fruit and $30 less in my wallet. For specialty nonperishables, I go to Simply Food and Healthy Hearts. If any of these places they don't carry something, they can order it for you.
  

With an increasing interest in healthy lifestyles on Guam, it won't be long before being vegan is the new sexy and thing. We are just way ahead of the curve!

Recycling, Yes Please!

 (image borrowed from guampdn.com)

Let's face it. We live on an island, and the space needed to store our garbage will overflow into our daily lives, if it has not already. The Ordot Dump is beyond capacity, and we still need a place to throw our trash. Why not recycle? Sure, it takes a little more effort, but the rewards will pay off for us in the future.

For those of us who have already made recycling a habit, why not extend that recycling arm other aspects of our lives? Such as starting to recycle at work, church, or places that we frequent.

We can also make an impact to businesses by voicing our opinion about trading styrofoam and plastics for compostable plant based disposables. If you want to go an extra step like some of my superstar friends, you can bring your own reusable container to pick up take out food and use reusable bags to carry your groceries.

It is easier to recycle if you have a community of people committed to doing it. How do you meet these wonderful people? Why not volunteer?

"The iRecycle program and the Green Army are looking for people who can simply stand at a recycling atoll and help carnival-goers put their recyclables in the correct bin and trash in the right can. When the bags get full, the volunteers pull them out. Volunteers at the end of the night help gather all the bags together as far as I understand.

Volunteer shifts vary depending on the day but we need a lot of help in the evening hours. The carnival runs every day so don't worry about there not being space for your help!

See either Peggy Denney at 484-9415 or Ann Marie (email below) If you would like to sign up for a night. If you don't feel like signing up, just show up and find Peggy. She is down there every night!"                                               - from Tammy Jo

In the end, these will not be small gestures if we all contribute to helping our island.

Did you know...
Where to Recycle on Guam
Aluminum Can Recycling Helps Schools on Guam