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Seaweeds many nutritional benefits include being rich in iron, magnesium, iodine, and the omega-3 fatty acids.  Plus there's that great "umami" flavor.  Umami is Japanese for "pleasant savory taste".  These are the reasons we humans love to add seaweed to our diet- but what about our dogs? 

Turns out seaweed is a great addition to our dog's diet.  Those same powerful nutrients that benefit humans help improve our dog's coat and skin.  Nori, the unseasoned sushi wraps can make great training treats for your dog.  That umami taste sensation is similar to a rich, meaty bone.

If you are lucky enough to live near the beach, washed ashore seaweed is NOT a safe dog treat.  In general, my Puerto Rican street dog Tuffy eats a lot of gross things on the beach- but she's never shown an interest in beach seaweed.  The dangers are possible pollutants, salt poisoning and expansion as the dried seaweed expands in the tummy.  

If you're looking for a good seaweed rich supplement for your dog check out the Maine company Source.  Susan Domizi developed a nutritional product to help her horse's health.  One of the problems of modern society is our soils may be depleted and not have all the essential micronutrients that our dogs need.  Source for dogs contains "selected seaweeds plus the added benefits of yeast cultures, brewers yeast, garlic powder, vitamin E, zinc and natural beef flavor."

Source also makes a human supplement which I use but that's another blog!

Find out more on the Source website- https://www.4source.com/product/source-plus-for-dogs/

Find out more about seaweeds in general by visiting the Maine Seaweed Council website- http://www.seaweedcouncil.org/

I'm committed to purchasing as zero waste and plastic free as possible knowing full well I will fail.  Failure is part of the journey and you have to accept the times when you mess up and try and figure out ways to do better.

I was shopping recently at my local grocery store.  Normally I shop at a variety of stores especially when purchasing certain products including yogurt.  The thing was I just didn't have time.  I missed my yoga class because of appointments so I knew I just had to buy everything at the big grocery store.

I did pretty well.  I brought a container for my chicken.  Was able to stand on tiptoes to reach the mayo packaged in a glass bottle.  Bought a bunch of fresh veggies that I simply put in my basket.

I realized as I was walking towards the yogurt that this would be my "fail".  The menu was spicy Indian and I needed plain yogurt.  I also knew that while there were some choices of glass for snack yogurt, plain yogurt is packed in plastic containers.  I know I could reuse the containers for food storage but normally I buy local, farm fresh yogurt in glass bottles.

Voila!  My local Hannaford's was carrying Maine Milk House Yogurt in mason jars.  This is a big deal.  First, as a sustainable shopper I love to see choices in the mainstream shops.  It raises awareness for all and makes it easy for Zero Wasters rushed for time.  It's also really important to encourage and financially support small businesses who make the decision to pack their products as eco friendly as possible.  When a company makes this decision they generally lose money.  It's our experience that eco packaging cost at least double conventional, plastic packaging.

The truth is our cheap plastic packaging is subsidized- it's subsidized by our planet.   

Shop sustainable.

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On my bucket list is a trip to Ireland.   Sadly Ireland is not on my calendar.  The next best thing is to treat myself to a seaweed spa day right at home.  It takes a bit of time, planning and bathroom cleaning- but I'm worth it and so are you!  Give yourself the gift of you.

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Earth Day was the idea of Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin.  He felt that environmental issues and awareness needed to be more prominent in both the media and in politics so he created the first official Earth Day back in 1970. 

Of course, Earth Day should be everyday.  This year, the official theme is "Environmental and Climate Literacy".  In order to get a bit more literate in this area I'm reading Naomi Klein's "This Changes Everything- Capitalism vs the Climate".  It's not an easy read for me, I tend to like complex mysteries that allow me to escape into a book and this book makes you think.  Another everyday way to celebrate our planet is to get outside and pick up trash.  Noticing all the bits of litter can be very eye opening.  Besides helping to make the earth a tiny bit cleaner you are setting an example for others.  People need to see folks out there not ignoring litter but picking it up. 

It's nice to get out and about and connect with others on this Earth Day Celebration.  Here's a list of events around the state of ME. 

MID-COAST MAINE

JUST EAT IT- A FOOD WASTE STORY

Sunday April 22 at the Strand Theatre in downtown Rockland

This event is hosted by Renew Rockland, The Strand and Good Tern Coop.  Check out their Facebook Page for more info.

EARTH DAY CHORAL CONCERT

Camden’s Quasimodal Chorus will celebrate the Earth with song.  At the Camden Public Library on Sunday starts at 2:00 and a donation of $10 is suggested.  More info- http://www.librarycamden.org/event/spring-concert-april-2/

EARTH DAY WORK DAY at MOFGA

Earth Day Planting Day on Sat April 21 from 9-3 at the Common Ground Education Center in Unity.  More info from MOFGA.

A WALK FOR MOTHER EARTH

Sears Island to Belfast on Sat April 21 from 8-3.  Here's a link to the route.

SOUTHERN MAINE

CELEBRATE SCIENCE & EARTH DAY- WHAT WOULD RACHEL DO?

This event honors Rachel Carson and is from 10-2 on Sat at the Waterhouse Center in downtown Kennebunk.  More info here-https://www.someplaneteers.org/

TERRA MATTERS YOUTH CLIMATE SUMMIT

Sat 9-12 at Hannaford Hall in Portland.  Environmental clubs from Me's high and middle schools will present their projects.  After the event join the march and rally and remember to bring your refillable containers for food and drink.  More info here- http://terramatters.org/

EARTH FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES AT THE PORTLAND CHILDREN'S MUSEUM

Seeds,mud, stories, face painting and more! From 10:30 to 4:30, cost of admission to the museum.  More info- https://www.portlandmaine.com/events/earth-day/ 

WELLS RESERVE AT LAUDHOLM

This place is beautiful and on Earth Day there are family friendly events including bird watching, a concert, beach clean-up and more.  https://www.wellsreserve.org/

A DAY OF MINDFULNESS

If you'd like to experience peace and quiet head to Nurture Thru Nature Retreat

starting at 9:30  for singing, chanting, meditation and more peaceful activities.  Check it out- http://www.ntnretreats.com/

DOWN EAST

EARTH DAY AT COLLEGE OF THE ATLANTIC

Roadside cleanup, picnic lunch, puppet show, e car and a showing of the film 

"The Story of Stuff".  More info-http://www.coa.edu/calendar/#!event_id/28712/view/event

I know this list is incomplete- feel free to add any events in the comment section.