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Spring Cleaning by: Laura
During the festive season of Passover, it feels great to clean out the home, cleanse the mind, body, and soul, and bring change into our lives. Cleaning removes old dust and stale energy. It helps to bring clarity to the new season - fresh and ready to start a new cycle.
Over the past 2 weeks, I have had the opportunity to help with the Passover cleaning at CityTree. There were some similarities and some differences to my standard cleaning at home. One important task was to wash down the Center windows. We used a product called EM. I think EM means “effective microorganisms” and is a safe all-natural cleaning solution. The smell is slightly vinegary, but it is not harsh at all on the hands and really fulfills its cleaning duties. The product seeks to keep the balance of nature in check by not destroying the healthy and beneficial bacteria present. This product is way more eco-friendly and helps to sustain the environment’s biodiversity. EM works to build an alliance with the earth while
removing harmful bacteria from surfaces.
For more information on EM, come by CityTree and give the windows a nice clean.
Wash Wash Washin Dishes
Washing dishes is a mental and physical challenge for me. I don't mind it much, but it is hard work which does require a certain level of commitment. Washing is an imperative task that keeps the kitchen running and at CityTree, there are clear guidelines and responsibilities for washing dishes. One example is the responsibility of checking under the sink to confirm the bucket is not yet full.
Let me explain further. CityTree plumbing is unique. The center uses a bucket system which makes it possible to capture and then recycle the kitchen sink water to flush the toilet. They also teach a technique for washing which uses two washing bowls- one for scrubbing and one for rinsing. The two bowl system helps minimize water use by scrubbing several dishes at once then holding them in the first bowl while the second bowl is used for rinsing. The flowing water collected from rinsing is then used to moisten the next group of dishes for scrubbing. Scrub scrub scrub… rinse rinse. Repeat. Thank you for reading my leaf and hope you have a great day! Best regards, Laura
Community lunch at CityTree by: Laura
When I started as an intern, Tami informed me that I would be assisting with the community lunch on Thursdays. I did not know what to expect but I knew it would be interesting. I was totally surprised by the experience. As an intern I get the opportunity to eat and work at the lunch. This offers me a unique view and education about the world of the kitchen. I am particularly interested in the life and on-goings of this space. For me, the kitchen is the soul. The food challenged me to think outside of the box - which I thought was really cool. Thanks for reading my leaf and have a great day!
Best regards, Laura
Mooove over dairy by: Laura
My name is Laura and I am a new intern at CityTree. I am also completely 100% obsessed with dairy. I love cheese, adore milk, and dream about cream and butter. However, I have come to better understand that while my tastebuds may like these products my whole system is suffering as a result of their consumption. This is a sad realization and one that I have not been willing to face until my time at CityTree. Though, I am happy to report that there are options out there for people like me- hardcore dairy cravers interested in alternatives. I recently attended a "no dairy" ice cream and cheese workshop taught by Tami. She showed step by step how to create "creamy" concoctions with absolutely zero dairy. It is somewhat complicated but going to workshop made me feel more aware of my options and empowered by the ideas. I would suggest this workshop for anyone excited to try something new. The class can be taught in Hebrew or English and leaves you eager to try more treats! The cheeses are really something special. Thanks for reading my leaf and have a great day.
Best regards, Laura
!Guest Bloggers: Bec, Lani, Noah, Hannah, and Steph
Arriving at City Tree for the first time as a group of well-intentioned but ecologically naive Australians was something we did with quite a lot of good faith, not knowing exactly what we were getting into. Over a month on, we're glad we had that faith.
CityTree Day 4 01/07/10
So many phone calls! Tami and her permaculture course left for an all day-vegetable seminar in Beit Tzion, thus I became queen for the day at CityTree. I sat at my throne in the office, answering phone calls as best as I could (Hebrew sure can be tricky over the phone!), translating parts of the website (see last weeks entry!, and working on a grant application.
;Bialik circle was a buzz of activity
So what does that place do again?
As I jabber away about my incredible experiences volunteering at CityTree, I realize that many readers are yearning for a more complete explanation of the place itself, especially one in their mother tongue. What follows is the beginnings of the to-be-english-section of the Tree's website. Enjoy the bigger picture!
CityTree Day 3 30/6/10
What a busy day! I arrived at CityTree, well rested this time, and got right to work with a new group of students from Australia who are volunteering here as part of their gap year program. Ah, I could feel the nostalgia from my gap year program last year begin to creep in as we got to talking about what they were up to. ::sigh::. read on
CityTree Day 2 16/6/10
Per Tami’s request, I arrived at CityTree an hour earlier that usual to learn the ins and outs of watering the garden that surrounds the apartment. I have to admit, the anti-morning-person in me was not so happy about this situation. Regardless, I girded my loins and faced my fear of the early morn to learn more about the upkeep of the garden. CityTree did not disappoint. read on
CityTree Day 1, 9/6/10
After a short bus ride from nearby Ra’anana I arrived at Tami Zori’s humble abode--a literal tree in the carefree historical district of downtown Tel Aviv. Situated in a cozy corner by Kikar Bialik (Bialik Circle), CityTree in my mind is the heart of all things environmental in Tel Aviv. read on