H2O - The Stuff of Life

Water -- it's on all our minds these days, as late summer temperatures soar and the drought of 2012 worsens across much of the country. Charles Fishman wrote an op-ed for the New York Times last week called "Don't Waste the Drought," on what the general public can do to help conserve water and green our communities for the future. While taking shorter showers does help, there are many other initiatives we could be taking to mitigate the consequences of the drought -- harvesting rain water for public parks, and re-vamping our water distribution systems. 

For more of a global perspective, check out the International Lifeline Fund, an organization devoted to providing rural communities in war-torn Northern Uganda with reliable and affordable sources of clean drinking water, along with vital health and sanitation training. Here at Teaism we are currently selling International Lifeline Fund water bottles, for a more eco-friendly way to drink your daily fill of H₂O. 100% of the proceeds from sales of the water bottles go to the International Lifeline Fund, so buying one directly impacts communities in Northern Uganda. 

"Our vision is simple. We are passionate about creating a world in which no one is forced to drink contaminated water or expose themselves, their families and their environment to the harms associated with cooking on an open fire." 

Teaism also participates in TapIt DC - a network of local businesses providing tap water refills on the go. We always have a cooler of cold filtered water and cups for your drinking convenience. So grab a Lifeline Fund bottle and fill up for a good cause!

"Thousands have lived without love, not one without water."
W. H. Auden

Meatless Mondays and other New Developments

Okonomiyaki has finally arrived at Dupont Circle and it's making a splash. We're doing Meatless Mondays at our flagship location, with the deliciously savory Okonomiyaki as the daily special. The cabbage pancake comes with a skewer of grilled veggies, Wasabi mayonnaise and special sauce, and I'm willing to bet you won't miss the Tuna Handroll for long...

To the chagrin of many of our devoted regulars, the Shrimp Rolls have also disappeared. Not to worry though -- we're doing Shrimp Salad instead, made with sustainable Oregon Bay baby shrimp, vermicelli noodles, cabbage, carrots, and a tangy orange vinaigrette. I am happy to report that multiple customers who were initially aghast at the removal of the shrimp rolls from the menu returned to tell me that they really enjoyed the new Shrimp Salad!

And if you're missing the Tofu Noodle salad, give the Shrimp Salad a try -- what could be more refreshing on a muggy August day than a chilled noodle salad?