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FROM THE EDITOR
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Upon registration, home delivery There has never been a
subscribers to The Commercial better time to get out and
Appeal receive access to the digital experience your local farmers
product at no additional cost. markets. Around the Greater
Memphis area over a dozen
Raise your profile venues are available to
Elevate your company’s profile shoppers and potential
within the Green Community. Send vendors alike.
us a short article or a project outline In fact, they are becoming
for consideration in Going Green, so commonplace that any day
explaining what you are doing to of the week you can find a
“green up” your lifestyle? Include
your preferred contact phone local market open for business.
number. And thanks to loosening
state regulations, customers
Send in your e-mail can now sample the produce,
address baked goods, and other treats
We’ll share information and
offered.
resources to help readers of Going But it isn’t just about food.
Green swap money-saving tips and Local artists, artisans and
information related to “green” issues craftsman make their goods
and events. Send to available too — from bamboo
keplinger@commercialappeal.com. cutting boards and knife
You can also follow Going Green sharpening to eye catching
on Facebook and at hand-made decorative garden
twitter.com/GoGreenMemphis .
stones and locally-grown
flowers. farmers markets have
Editor: Kim Coleman, 529-5243, a lot to offer.
goinggreen@commercialappeal.com The growth will keep local
Community Editor: Emily Adams dollars supporting local
Keplinger, business and that is good for
keplinger@commercialappeal.com Memphis.
The Commercial Appeal May 2011 | GOING GREEN 3
24 Shelby Farms
playground uses
In full swing
12 Farmers Markest proliferate,
eco-friendly
concepts in design
thanks to dedicated
producers and willing 26 Build for people,
not cars, experts
shoppers say is key to future
Micro Greens...
Green Snap...
Strawberries best
plucked right off plant
I FIND BERRIES irresistible,
but none more so than the first
fruit of spring — the
strawberry.
Traveled, refrigerated berries
lack the heady perfume and
rich flavor found in a sun-
warmed, ripe
berry just
plucked from
the plant. The
distance from
plant to my
mouth is just
less than
6 feet. Think MELISSA
of the global PETERSEN
warming I’m
Eating Local,
preventing! Eating Green
The
strawberries we see
commercially are actually a
perennial herb. Related to the
rose family, modern, cultivated
strawberries are the result of a
natural hybridization. The
berries are hardy, high-yield
and large compared to their
wild cousins.
If you’re lucky enough to
discover a tiny wild berry, be
Chris Desmond/Special to The Commercial Appeal sure to try it. (I found a few in
Arron Watson 16, from Atoka holds a large juicy Germantown the other day. No
Camarosa strawberry picked fresh in the fields. need to look for them: I
The Commercial Appeal May 2011 | GOING GREEN 11
FARMERS
MARKETS
ARE By Kjeld Petersen / Special to Going Green
OFF
in bloom, and anxious shoppers are
awaiting the first true farmers’ markets
of the year.
What’s in store for the markets
this season? New rules, a number of
AND
new markets and new faces and will
make this a special year.
RUNNING
14 GOING GREEN | May 2011 commercialappeal.com
Not all markets will accept EBT farmers and producers – with or
cards and not all markets will without a double ‘green-buck’s’
benefit from the GrowMemphis and program. This is another easy win-
Wholesome Wave Foundation win for consumers, markets and our
partnership this year. However it is local producers.
a much needed start especially in
areas where grocery stores and New markets and new faces
produce aisles have vanished. It wasn’t that long ago – in the
Promoting a diet filled with fresh past five years for sure, that only a
fruits and vegetables is important to few (and many say only two)
our community’s health and well- farmers’ markets existed in the
being. By making EBT transfers great Memphis area.
easier and more widespread we help The red barn at the Agricenter
the under-served parts of our and the downtown Memphis
community as well as our local Farmers’ Market seemed to be our
The Commercial Appeal May 2011 | GOING GREEN 19
only choices. With their successes as an What to look for this month
example, coupled with exploding
consumer demand for locally grown and Here is an abbreviated list of what’s
produced foods, new markets have been available at farmers markets this month.
coming along at a steady pace. May: Beets, Blackberries, Bok Choi ,
The 2011 farmers’ market season will Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, English Peas,
dawn on a total of 18 markets covering Garlic, Green Beans, Green Tomatoes,
our entire area and every day of the Salad Greens, Snap Peas, Strawberries,
week. Sugar Peas, Sweet Potatoes, Swiss Chard,
Stretching now from Arlington and Tomatoes (Hydroponic), Turnip Greens,
Millington north of the city to northern Turnips, Wax Beans, White Potatoes
Mississippi and western Arkansas,
farmers’ markets both new and with a and producers come in. From all around
few seasons under their belts will be the area, more farms have started to
opening soon. The opportunity to look at the markets as their primary
choose local products over commodity ‘retail’ outlet. And more farms are
or imported foods has never been better. producing crops for retail sale instead of
Consumers are anxious this year to get for commodities.
caught up on the local food news, catch Expect to see many new producers at
a pint of early strawberries or buy a the markets this year which, along with
handful of late winter spinach and the growing number of markets, is a
greens. very positive sign for our local food
Spring is a great time for the markets economy.
and for shoppers. Many new producers Simply put, it means farmers and
will be seen this year in support of the producers will make enough money to
new markets and many of the ‘old- stay in business and support their
standby’ producers will now be in two, families, which keeps farmland as
three or even more markets to meet farmland and not houses or strip-malls.
demand. It also supports our tax base through
The increase in the number of markets increased localized spending and
puts pressure on existing farmers to provides consumers with fresher and
grow or produce more. This is more nutritious food options, especially
sometimes a very difficult or even in under-served areas.
impossible task to accomplish. A farmer The positive growth keeps the
with a set amount of acreage decided farmers’ markets open and bustling and
during the winter what to plant this enables them to be able to deliver on the
spring and in what amounts to support social and community service
their operations. components of their mission. And they
With some, there will simply not be are the true winners in the farmers’
enough produce to go around to more market season ahead.
than one or two markets. But the Kjeld Petersen is a local chef, community
markets exist, and the customers will be gardener, beekeeper and a contributing editor
waiting, and that is where new farmers to Edible Memphis magazine.
20 GOING GREEN | May 2011 commercialappeal.com
LOCAL NEWS
daughter to Memphis for treatment, more than 250 families from 27 states
they went back home to Ft. Fort and five other countries. Of that
Myers , Fla. and started the support number, the group has provided
organization. housing for 120 families and some
He looked at other cities with major stay for many months at a time.
children’s hospitals such as “As long as we’ve been here, the
Philadelphia and Cincinnati, but need has been ever present,” Horrocks
decided to headquarter the new said. “Although we are based in
venture in Memphis. Memphis we have worked with
“For us, all roads pointed back to families at 12 other children’s
Memphis,” Horrocks said. “It wasn’t hospitals, providing emotional
our original plan, but it was God’s support.”
plan for us.” In fact, the need has been so great
In summer 2006, the family moved that Habitat for Hope has launched a
to Millington, into a large house that Barn Raising Project.
sits on 50 bucolic acres of land in the The name goes back to the days
Shelby Forest area. when community members gathered
The 4,500-square-foot house now when a new family moved in to help
functions as a hospitality house, in them build a barn.
which guest families can gather and The Barn Raising Project is a
discuss their concerns. planned community that includes
“Building the community spread to eight cottages, a community center
the building,” he said. and stables, all of which will be built
The Horrocks divided the house by volunteers using sustainable
into several living areas and live in the building methods and landscaping.
home as a host family, and there is Fisher & Arnold Inc., an
also a two-bedroom apartment where architectural firm, initially helped with
a family can live, and two guest the planning. Then Barry Yoakum, a
bedrooms. principal at Memphis-based firm
The guest rooms basically serve as Archimania, took a shine to the idea
bed-and-breakfast type and began talking to other architects
accommodations. about the project.
Habitat for Hope also has two Now a group of nine architects is
apartments in Downtown it offers to working together, and each one will
families, all free of charge. design one of the houses in the new
So far, Habitat for Hope has helped community.
By Tom Charlier
Fun for
charlier@commercialappeal.com
all ages
for months to come.
“Unlike most playgrounds, ours is
actually going to look better over time,”
park communications director Jen
Andrews.
Over the coming months and years, a
Shelby Farms playground leafy canopy of willows and native
flowers and vines will grow around a
to get better with time winding latticework of recycled steel,
The Commercial Appeal May 2011 | GOING GREEN 25
from studies of “natural play” done tree house, a climbing wall and other
by Shelby Farms Park elements. The swings, including one
Conservancys. Park officials also got known as the “teeter-totter,” were
inspiration from children who took made by a German company noted
part in a play “workshop” last year, for its innovative equipment.
designing their own playgrounds The playground project also
and specifying their preferences. featured the restoration of an
With its tunnel-like structure and adjoining wooded area, which is one
openings, the arbor “provides a of the seven total play nests.
sense of exploration and discovery,” Amid all the child-centric
Adams said. equipment and features, there are
“It’s an organizing, living piece of areas set aside for parents,
the playground,” she said. including one with some chairs
Tucked into the twists and turns nestled in the shade.
of the arbor are a half-dozen play “It’s designed as a quiet spot,”
“nests” featuring slides, swings, a Adams said.
The Commercial Appeal May 2011 | GOING GREEN 27
As people continue to
strive for more sustainable
lives, it seems natural to look
closely not only at the things
we can do as individuals, but
also at the way in which our
neighborhoods and
communities develop.
Geoffrey Anderson,
executive director of Smart
Growth America, a national
coalition that provides
information to help cities
expand in a sustainable
manner, said several elements
are essential in smart growth.
Giving people choices
about transportation is very
important, he said.
“Transportation is so
intimately connected to our
daily lives,” Anderson said.
The cost of owning a car, in
terms of gas, maintenance
and repair, is $8,000 to
$10,000 a year, he said.
Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal files
With a reduction in car travel
by altering street routes and
I-240 eastbound traffic seen from the Shady increasing use of public transit
Grove over pass slows to a crawl late one like the light rail system,
evening. Experts believe such transportation Portland, Ore., reduced the
woes in the Memphis area can be alleviated with average commute by 4 miles
proper city planning. and residents experienced $2.6
28 GOING GREEN | May 2011 commercialappeal.com
A fitting
cause
Bartlett student
begins a chapter of
Becca’s Closet
Regan Perkins (left) is
founder of the Memphis/
Mid-South chapter of
Becca’s Closet.
COMMUNITY
RELATIONS
Local businesses step up to support green ideas, events
By Suzanne Thompson / Special to Going Green
Corporate America hasn’t always been known for it’s commitment to improving the
cities they operate in. As green practices have grown in popularity and significance,
the practice of company “greenwashing” — or faking concern for the environment —
increased as well. Fortunately, in Memphis it is quite the opposite.
These area businesses are trying to make a bigger impact on the community and a
smaller one on the world. So what better day to get outside and connect with other like-
minded Memphians than on Earth Day?
By sponsoring a variety of celebrations, FedEx, International Paper and more are
building bridges and impacting the locals in a good way.
past six years — since it started. events such as kite making, a birds of
“FedEx values community and is prey demonstration, rocket launches
committed to connecting the world in and wind surfing. Officials agree that
responsible and resourceful ways. sponsoring the event is not only good
Shelby Farms is a remarkable park in for business, but good for the city.
which we can celebrate and appreciate “Shelby Farms Park Conservancy
the earth; this is why we have been provides an opportunity to impact the
sponsoring Shelby Farms Earth Day quality of life in our community,” said
celebrations for years,” said Stephanie Trina Poquette, director, community
Butler, manager of corporate relations.
contributions and volunteers. Other high level sponsors of
Earth Week at Shelby Farms:
Pinnacle Airlines Presenting Sponsors: First
Pinnacle Airlines is a primary Tennessee Foundation, the Hyde
sponsor for Earth Week, and this is not Family Foundation and Whole Foods,
the first time that the airline has Primary Sponsors: Smith &
supported Earth Week. Nephew
Not all corporate sponsorship of
“Pinnacle significantly expanded its
Earth-friendly programs are directly
environmental initiatives last year. We
related to Earth Day, TruGreen, for
have partnered with Shelby Farms
example, sponsors several events at
many times before, including this
the Memphis Botanic Gardens.
event. We chose to return as a key
For Spring Blooms, the company
sponsor because we believe in the
provided funding to support the
long-term mission of Shelby Farms and
planting of more than 21,000 new bulbs
see this as a key part of our community
to bloom this spring at the Garden.
investment,” said Joe Williams,
director of corporate communications
for Pinnacle Airlines Corp.
Williams said he believes Shelby
Farms is a major draw for the
Memphis business community.
“In the larger picture, Shelby Farms
impact reaches beyond its
environmental leadership. It’s a
priceless amenity that is important to
economic development and business
recruiting, and is an essential element
of our community’s quality of life.”
Jim Weber/The Commercial Appeal files
AutoZone Aalyah Jobbins, 6, and a crew of
AutoZone sponsors SkyFest, which volunteers from Smith and Nephew pot
is a part of the Down to Earth seedlings to be grown and planted at
Celebration. This family event features Shelby Farms as part of Earth Day event.
36 GOING GREEN | May 2011 commercialappeal.com
EarthSmart extends
outreach into communities
communities so there are a host of The NFWF has parlayed the $500,000
initiatives under the new program’s from FedEx this year into a total of
banner, according to Tidwell. $1.32 million in conservation resources,
One of those, called Sustainable Cities, Bond said.
involves hands-on participation in The Wolf River Conservancy, this
community service projects by FedEx year’s Memphis grant recipient, received
employees and began last year in six cities: more than $80,000.
Memphis, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Bond said FedEx’s program is
New York, Washington and Pittsburgh. different from that of many other
This year Seattle, Dallas, Boston, companies that provide financial support
Philadelphia, Chicago and Indianapolis for nonprofit organizations.
have been added, Tidwell said. “We’re very excited to be working
FedEx has contributed a total of with FedEx because FedEx is one of few
$500,000 in grant money, $400,000 of corporations that get their employees
which was given this year to nonprofit involved,” he said.
organizations in all 12 cities. On May 9, a group of FedEx employees
The community service projects will are expected to gather at the Wolf River
take place over a two-month period that Greenway in Germantown at 11:30 a.m.
began on April 19. They will be clearing out an invasive
Projects in each city are different and plant called privet hedge on a strip of the
focus on a single goal, such as a beach Wolf River Greenway along Humphreys
clean-up, removing weeds and other Boulevard near Shady Grove Road.
invasive plant species or tree planting. Privets are an exotic shrub from China
The Memphis community service which is used in landscaping. However,
initiative will take place on May 9 along it tends to overtake native plants.
the Wolf River Greenway, where Keith Kirkland, director of outreach
volunteers from FedEx will gather to and landscape for the Wolf River
clear an invasive plant called privet hedge Conservancy, said that is what has
from a section of the greenway. As part of happened in that section of the
the support from FedEx, the Wolf River greenway. Although the shrubbery is a
Conservancy will receive a grant award. natural barrier from the road, the privet
The National Fish and Wildlife needs to be replaced with plants that
Foundation (NFWF), a nonprofit will be healthier to the overall habitat.
organization, acts as the grantor, using “It works as a screen, and not a
money from companies like FedEx to particularly attractive one, between the
leverage matching funds from global street and the Wolf River Greenway,” he
organizations, which last year totaled said.
$180 million. The invasive plant can grow to
“It’s a collaboration between many heights of 20 feet.
different parties,” said Joe Bond, Funds from the city of Memphis will
director of corporate relations for NFWF. provide native plants, such as sawgrass,
Since NFWF was created, it has put water lilies and water oaks to plant in
approximately $1.8 billion into national the areas where the hedge growth has
conservation efforts, said Bond. been removed, Kirkland said.
38 GOING GREEN | May 2011 commercialappeal.com
MY GREEN JOB
that you never master a task. Always be What is something about yourself
open to new perspective. that most people don’t know about
Person I most admire: My husband, you... I’m a health nut by nature, but I
Grant, for his unconditional love and often crave candied cherry slices and
passion; my father for his loyalty and circus peanuts.
vigor for life; and my mother for her Change I would like to see: I’d like
sense of equality and resilience to see Memphis become more
Hobbies: Exercising, enjoying good pedestrian-friendly with less of a need
food, reading, watching movies, tennis to drive all over the city for essentials.
TRANSPORTATION
A revolution on wheels
Volunteers spread gospel of bicycles from Midtown church
a membership and memberships “You can pick out all your parts
are earned through hours of individually and build it from
volunteer work. scratch, or you can pick out a bike
“In order to actually be able to that is put together and maybe
work on a bike, you have to first go needs a tune-up and some part,”
through the volunteer training said John Paul Shaffer, Revolutions
program, in which you disassemble volunteer coordinator.
wheels. You disassemble bikes,” Most of the people who come
Siracusa said. “We are working on through the program have no
dozens of bikes and wheels in the experience working on bicycles.
volunteer program every week.” “These are people who have
After volunteering for 10 hours never worked on bikes in their
at Revolutions, there is a fee of lives, and they are building a bike,
$40, which entitles the member to usually from scratch, for the very
choose a bike from the inventory of first time,” Siracusa said.
used, donated bikes. Revolutions is open seven hours
The Commercial Appeal May 2011 | GOING GREEN 43
FAITH
sharing
other institutions,” said Julia Hicks,
director of missions at the church.
Several years ago, Hicks and Cheryl
Cornish, pastor, decided they wanted to
start doing something intentional for the
First Congo follows path to environment.
Who better to act as chair of their
environmental awareness sustainability committee than member
Betsy Howard, a chemical engineer who
The Commercial Appeal May 2011 | GOING GREEN 45
ENERGY
A BRIGHT FUTURE
Consumer interest in solar panel installations rising
By Suzanne Thompson
Special to Going Green
Business owners who already sell and install solar panels have
the jump in an industry that is growing in leaps and bounds.
Malikia Griffin, owner of MCCG Solar Energy Inc., started his
Horn Lake, Miss., business nearly four years ago, and has seen
the demand for solar energy steadily rise.
“People are more interested because they want to know what
it is and how it works,” he said.
Solar panels, which can range in price from $500 to $1,500
each, depending on size, do require an initial significant financial
commitment, but the payback is relatively fast, Griffin said.
“Solar panels usually pay for themselves in eight to 10
years,” he said.
The Commercial Appeal May 2011 | GOING GREEN 47
To install the panels he sells, Griffin Memphis firms win solar grants
works with companies in two other Several Memphis-area companies have won
cities to handle the installation, one in grants totaling about $777,000 in grants for
Jackson, Tenn., and the other in solar projects from the Tennessee Solar
Brighton, Tenn. Institute.
MCCG Solar provides a detailed MidSouth Sustainable Energy Solutions
overall energy evaluation for prospective was awarded $428,000. The company will use
clients. the funds to begin manufacturing components
of its Weather Smart Racking Response System.
“We take a thorough, detailed look at Shelby Electric Co. will use a $183,656
what (power) they are using,” he said. grant to install solar panels on its
Using a computerized system, Griffin administration building.
can take potential customers’ utility bills Sharp Manufacturing Co. of America will
and help them determine how much train 40 employees with a $50,000 grant to
savings they would yield by installing run an expansion of its solar panel module
solar panels on their homes or businesses. manufacturing line.
Tri-State Armature & Electrical Works Inc.
Harnessing the power of a natural was awarded $47,330 to train employees on
resource makes sense, and Griffin has energy efficiency, sales and installation..
the resources and know-how to help LabFour received grants totaling $49,796 to
people do just that. make its building more efficient and to train its
“It’s taking something that is given to trainers in solar panel installation.
you all day — sunlight — you just need
the technology to collect it,” he said.
Jefferson Sanders purchased solar the 5,000 panels at the solar farm in
panels from Griffin for his 3,500-square- Brownsville, Tenn., and currently
foot Southaven home about a year ago. Schaf’s company has three or four
Prior to installing the panels, he said projects scheduled in West Tennessee.
his family’s average electric bill was There’s not much competition in the
$500 to $600. solar installation field at this time, he said.
“I can honestly say we’ve saved. Our But that is changing.
last Entergy bill was $75,” he said. In January, the Tennessee Solar
One of the other companies Griffin Institute gave a class in solar installation
uses for installation of the solar panels at the University of Memphis.
he sells is Southern Solar & Electric The popularity of the course is
Inc., in Brighton, Tenn. indicative of a rising interest in solar
Cost for installation is about $7 per panel installation, said Earl Pomeroy,
watt of energy, said Terry Schaf, vice one of the co-instructors from the
president of Southern Solar & Electric. University of Tennessee Center for
Griffin also does general contracting Industrial Science Services.
work and Schaf is a licensed electrician, “Ultimately, this course was about
but the solar end of both their work force development and teaching
businesses continues to expand. the skills necessary to put people to
“It is really starting to pick up,” he said. work, and the high turnout tells me that
Southern Solar & Electric installed people are interested in solar.”
48 GOING GREEN | May 2011 commercialappeal.com
EDITORIAL
SCHOOLS Douglass
leads city
Energy savvy
schools’
green
initiatives
FOOD
The Commercial Appeal May 2011 | GOING GREEN 53
FRESH IDEAS
Make a salad into a hearty meal with lots of fresh
ingredients and a little protein
By Susan Snapp “For a hearty meal, just add your
Special to The Commercial Appeal favorite protein. Top the salad with
a warm piece of grilled meat or
Main-dish salads are the perfect fish. If you prefer a cold salad,
entrée for the lighter dining fare of combine shredded, chilled chicken
spring and summer. with the greens. Toss in some of
With prepackaged greens and your favorite veggies,
abundant local produce, salads fruits or nuts to add different
filled with a variety of tasty tastes and textures. Crumbles or
ingredients are an easy way to grated cheeses also make flavorful
change up weeknight menus. And additions.”
with the addition of protein, they Chef Rick Saviori of Thyme
become a meal. Bistro in East Memphis suggests
“A salad can be so much more the French cooking technique “en
than just a precursor to a meal or a papillote” as an easy way to prepare
bland diet food, “ said chef Jennifer fish at home to be used as a salad
Chandler of Memphis, author of topper or a simple meal on its own.
“Simply Salads.” “Dishes made from “At home I like to bake it wrapped
leafy greens make a delicious and in foil with vegetables and add
healthy main attraction of any meal. white wine, ginger, soy and sesame
The Primavera Salad at Thyme Bistro features flank steak and Maytag
blue cheese. It’s one of the signature main-dish salads served at the
East Memphis restaurant.
Photos by Kyle Kurlick/Special to The Commercial Appeal
54 GOING GREEN | May 2011 commercialappeal.com
Chef Rick Saviori of Thyme Bistro suggests using common items like canned
tuna and beans to help transform a salad into a main dish. Dress it up with
olives, roasted peppers, olive oil, salt, pepper and lemon juice.
oil, “ Saviori said. “I like to use some chicken. I would pick all the meat off
Asian flavors to make it different. the bones and make a chicken salad
This is a great way to cook fish at out of it with some celery, pecans or
home. There is very little cleanup by walnuts and some onion.”
cooking everything in one pouch.” And to top off salad creations,
Saviori also pointed to common both chefs noted the ease of making
pantry items that can be added to dressings at home.
make a hearty salad.
“I am a big fan of homemade
“Most people I know have tuna dressings, “ Chandler said. “They
and canned beans at home, “ he said. are economical, healthier and taste
“This makes a great salad — just add better. Most dressings can be made
some olive oil, salt, pepper, lemon using pantry staples, such as vinegar
juice and put it over lettuce, maybe and oil. I use ingredients like
with some olives or roasted peppers. mustards and herbs to add flavor.”
You could also buy rotisserie
The Commercial Appeal May 2011 | GOING GREEN 55
For the dressing: Mix the vinegar, side). Let the steak rest. Dice the
shallot and garlic in a bowl. Add mustard vegetables. Slice the steak very thinly and
and whisk. Slowly add oil into bowl make sure you cut against the grain.
whisking quickly to emulsify the Shingle the slices on a sheet pan and top
vinaigrette. Add salt and pepper to taste. them with the blue cheese. Put it in the
For the salad: Cut both ends off the broiler and cook until the cheese melts
vegetables. Then lengthwise slice the and browns. Mix spinach and balsamic
vegetables in ¼-inch slices. Brush with oil vinaigrette in a bowl and divide it up into 4
and season with salt and pepper and grill plates. Top the spinach with 1/2 cup of
or roast until they are tender (but not the diced vegetable mixture. Top each
mushy). Season steak with salt, pepper salad with equal portion of steak. Makes 4
and balsamic vinegar. Grill the steak to a servings.
medium rare (about 5 minutes on each Source: Rick Saviori of Thyme Bistro
For the dressing: In a small bowl and immerse in an ice bath to stop the
whisk together the vinegar, peanut cooking process. Drain again and place
butter, ginger, soy sauce, honey, in a large salad bowl.
sesame oil, canola oil and red pepper Add the salad blend, chicken, carrots,
flakes. Season with salt and pepper to scallions, cilantro and peanuts and
taste. toss. Add the dressing to taste and
For the salad: Bring salted water to gently toss to coat. Garnish with lime
a boil in a medium pot. Add snow peas wedges. Serve immediately. Makes 4
and cook until vibrant green and crisp dinner salads.
tender, 1 to 2 minutes. Drain the peas From “Simply Salads” by Jennifer Chandler
56 GOING GREEN | May 2011 commercialappeal.com
By Suzanne Thompson
better
comes to energy efficiency today.
Slight modifications to older homes
can not only be energy efficient, but
offer an old world charm that promotes
a sense of community that is lacking in
In terms of sustainability newer designs.
“The most sustainable house is the
a home that already one that already exists,” said John
Pruett, principal in Pruett Architects.
exists is a good choice “I do a lot of rehabbing.”
58 GOING GREEN | May 2011 commercialappeal.com
“For thousands of years, residential the sidewalk to the front door, whereas
buildings have been built to rely on newer homes often don’t have that,
natural resources. It was no different because the driveway leads to a garage or
here,” he said. carport where residents enter and leave.
Other things typical of older homes Dom Nozzi, who operates a Colorado-
that are often absent in new subdivision based community design consulting
due to clear cutting, is the presence of firm, Walkable Streets, said newer
old-growth trees, which shade the neighborhoods tend to be planned with
houses from sun in the sweltering heat traffic flow, not people, in mind.
of Memphis summers. “Pedestrians become an afterthought
Jeannie Mandelker, who lives in a in modern architectural design,” he said.
home in the Evergreen District with her Also important for encouraging
boyfriend Phil Ashford, said their house pedestrian traffic is what Nozzi likes to
is shaded by trees. Built in 1915 it has call, “lovable” houses.
high ceilings as well, which draw “Older, more historic homes tend to
summer heat upward. be more lovable,” he said, and when a
Mandelker said in hotter months, she neighborhood is visually appealing,
usually keeps the thermostat set around people are more likely to get out and
78 or 80 degrees, and supplements walk to nearby stores in the community.
central air with the use of ceiling fans. Older homes, he said, tend to be
She said she considers her house to be sturdier, because of the ways in which
breathable, because of the open spaces. they were constructed.
“It’s a more livable environment,” she Pruett agrees that the choice of
said. building materials makes a difference in
Older homes are typically built closer to several ways.
the street, which encourages pedestrian “There’s a tremendous amount of
traffic, fostering a sense of community. charm. They are made of real materials,”
“You’re walking the dog, and you’re he said, though he was quick to add that
close to your neighbors, so you can there’s not necessarily anything wrong
speak to them and get to know them,” with construction of new homes.
Mandelker said. “All new homes are not bad, just as all
Another thing she loves about her old homes are not good,” Pruett said.
Midtown home is the front porch, which A common problem with older homes
has a swing and Mandelker said she and is that they are drafty, but issues like
Ashford use the porch often to socialize that can easily be resolved with applying
with neighbors. caulking and making other changes.
“We sit outside and have a glass of “Check into insulation,” Pruett
tea, or lemonade. Sometimes we invite advises, because many older homes don’t
the neighbors for cocktails or have some have much and some don’t have any.
wine. It’s a great community.” Other changes that can be made to
Pruett said older subdivisions were older homes include changing out the
planned with that in mind. Most older windows, light fixtures and appliances
homes have a walkway that leads from with more energy efficient ones.
60 GOING GREEN | May 2011 commercialappeal.com
Boxing veggies
Elevated beds yield
more produce in
tighter spaces