The Independent Way on Independence Day

Freedom from Single-Use Plastic

Annie and LJ are a fictional couple introduced to the readers of the Healthy Healing Eats blog in January 2020. Their story line promotes healthy eating and earth-friendly practices.

Kaboom! The fireworks exploded into a glittery cherry, then a silvery cascading shower of sparkling lights. As Annie and LJ watched the display, they looked at each other and smiled. They were watching it at the annual family picnic. This year’s gathering, though smaller than before, was even more joyous due to months of social isolation. There were cries of delight as family members arrived; many with their own water bottles as instructed by the invite that declared this year’s picnic is plastic-free.

The day started early; they had risen to harvest tomatoes, watermelon, and basil from the garden. Their contribution to the picnic included an Heirloom Tomato Salad with Basil Sea Salt and a Strawberry-Watermelon salad with Basil-Cayenne Syrup. Annie found the recipes in the Afro-Vegan cookbook by @Bryantterry.

As they began prepping the veggies, Annie said, “Everything looks so good, LJ. We harvested these beauties at their peak of freshness, so the watermelon and strawberries are super sweet, and the basil is seriously fragrant.”