It's a hard truth. None of us are as green as we could be. Even the die hard tree huggers have their issues. After all, didn't Kermit admit, "It's not easy being green?!" I'll be the first to confess that I could do more to be eco-conscious. If I were to rate myself on the green scale, I would be something close to aged celery rather than a deep shade of forest!

A recent survey has found that most Americans fall into the pale green category. About 20% surveyed said they suffer from green guilt and many admitted to not recycling all that they should. Just over half said they recycle glass, cardboard, and newspaper. One-third said they recycle their unwanted electronics. The survey also asked respondents the big question: Why aren't you recycling? The answers varied from "it's too much effort" to "I don't know how to start." Less than 20% of those surveyed incorporated other green habits into their lives, such as turning off lights and unplugging appliances when not in use, taking a reusable mug to the local coffee shop, or bringing canvas bags (or just reusing plastic) to the grocery store. Nearly half of those questioned just didn't think that one person could have any impact on the future of the environment.

While environmentalist gurus would find these numbers discouraging, there is a little ray of green light shining from the masses. Through public education, the eco-ignorant (me included) are learning that each of us can make a difference. Start with JUST ONE THING. If everyone just recycled their morning paper, it would prevent 6 million tons of waste from going to landfills. Did you know:

• For every ton of paper that is recycled, the following is saved: 7,000 gallons of water; 380 gallons of oil; and enough electricity to power an average house for six months.
• You can run a TV for six hours on the amount of electricity that is saved by recycling one aluminum can.
• By recycling just one glass bottle, you save enough electricity to power a 100-watt bulb for four hours.

To do our part to help you Go Green, Sana Vida presents our new monthly feature: JUST ONE THING

Everyday Green Living Tip #1

Change A Light Bulb
By replacing a standard bulb with a compact fluorescent one you will get more light for less money and save a lot of energy!

DID YOU KNOW...
Wild salmon is one of the best sources for omega- 3 fatty acids. Research indicates that omega-3 fatty acids can lower triglyceride levels, increase HDL cholesterol, help minimize inflammation and blood clotting, and keep blood vessels healthy. These fatty acids are found primarily in oily fish that live in deep, cold water, such as salmon, mackerel, black cod, sardines, and herring. Omega-3 fatty acids derived from molecularly distilled fish oils are naturally high in both EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). EPA supports heart health. DHA makes up membranes of nerve cells in the brain and is thought to play an important role in normal brain development and function. Wild salmon also has one of the lowest mercury counts of any fish!

GINGER SESAME ALASKAN SALMON

1 sheet heavy aluminum foil
4 thin onion slices, separated into rings
2 medium carrots, shredded
1 (16-24 oz.) Alaskan Salmon fillet, fresh
2 tsp. fresh ginger, grated
2 Tbsp. seasoned rice vinegar
2 tsp. sesame oil
salt & pepper to taste
fresh spinach leaves

Center onion and carrot on foil sheet. Top with salmon fillet. In a small bowl, combine ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Pour over salmon. Season with salt and pepper. Wrap and seal foil to form a packet. Cook covered, 20-25 minutes on a medium- hot grill, until fish flakes easily with a fork (or bake on a cookie sheet in the oven at 450 F for 16-20 minutes). Serve salmon topped with onion and carrots on a fresh bed of spinach. Sprinkle with additional seasoned rice vinegar, if desired. Serves 4.

Beginner's Hatha Yoga Series
This series teaches beginner's gentle hatha yoga poses in combination with breath, stretching and relaxation. Students will recognize a definite strengthening and lengthening of their bodies with more confidence and proper alignment in their practice, safely and effectively. This series is perfect for those: completely new to yoga (or it has been a long time) or those who prefer a much more gentle style of class.
Instructor: Gina Caccavalla.

Series Prices: One class per week - $40 for series
Two classes per week - $80 for series (recommended)
Choose between Tuesday and/or Thursday at 10:30 am. May session begins May 1st.

Must be pre-registered and pre-paid.
Sorry, no refunds or credits after series begins.
Missed classes can be made up within the same series.

Weight Management & More Support Session
Who: Persons seeking a holistic lifestyle change.
What: Friendly, non-judgmental guidance and support to alleviate excess weight, eating disorders, stress, anxiety, depression, addiction, pain, and suppressed emotion.
When: The fourth Saturday of each month.
Time: 10:30a - 12:30p
Cost: $35 (vegetarian snacks offered)
Facilitators: Gina Caccavalla & Patti McCormick.