Gorgeous and Green

It's Tea Time!

2009-09-17T10:24:00.001-07:00

Green Tea is Awesome! I have found that Green Tea is Packed with Benefits, and it's great for your health. I have been drinking very much of it these pass few days, and I can really see an improvement. My energy levels skyrocketed, and I just felt good :)

Click Here to Read About Green Tea & Weight Loss.

It's a much better alternative then Soda or Coffee. Studies show that Coffee can actually increase fatigue instead of the other way around.

It's Tea Time!

Got Orgone?

2009-08-30T18:23:00.000-07:00

Orgone, What is Orgone? To Learn More about Orgone Visit this Amazing Website, http://www.fifthelementorgone.com/

My Mother and I were searching through the internet, and we came upon a website which mentioned the term "Orgone" or "Orgonite." At that time, we didn't know what it was or what it did. But we started researching about it, and we took a deep interest. .

We bought Orgone Pyramids for my Mother and I, and they were beautifully made in Canada by a special artist. We layed them next to our beds, and we felt so RELAXED! I slept so peacefully, and my dreams have become more vivid and alive. My energy increased tremendously.

Have you tried Orgone Yet?

Aloe Vera Heals

2009-08-30T17:43:00.000-07:00

Aloe Vera has always been a miracle plant for me.

I remember coming home when I was little, with a scraped knee and my mom would bring me the Aloe Vera we had stored in our fridge. I remember when my mom applied the aloe vera on my injury, my pain instantly vanished, and I felt better and it healed within a couple of days. Aloe Vera has many benefits, and It indeed helped me in my times of need.

Here is an Article Talking About Aloe Vera's Benefits:

We can actually see the health benefits, which makes this supplement very appealing. The proprieties in this product have a profound effect on our skin, digestive system and energy levels. There is no wonder why health and food industry has adopted this natural component to its nutrition line, hoping for much further development. Click Here To Read More..

Tumbleweed Tiny Terrific!

2009-08-17T10:17:00.000-07:00

The Small House Movement Believes Less is More, Especially in a Recession

At only 120 square feet, two is company – and three is really a crowd. The house is too small to meet building code minimum standards. It’s a vehicle, reports CBS News correspondent Jim Axelrod.

But it’s got all the comforts of home, and plenty of storage space.
Shafer is at the forefront of the “small house” movement – a school of thought that less is more, especially in a recession. Click Here to Read More..

Check out these Tiny Houses! Aren't they cool? It's convenient, and easy to keep clean. It's Cute and it's even better for the environment. Check them out Here

Indian Goodness..

2009-07-16T16:08:00.000-07:00

I have been skeptical about the food being sold in local grocery stores for a long time. After doing my research, and reading the back of the labels on some foods, I noticed this was not doing good to my body and I needed to make a change. So I have been eating Organically for 2 years now, and I'm feeling fantastic. I buy most of my food from my local indian food store, and I'm loving it! The food is fresh, 100% real and it's healthy. I read the back of the labels, and there's no Artificial Food coloring, Artificial flavors, or MSG, just all natural delicious food. So I made my daily stop at the indian store today and picked up some Ghobi Paratha. It's kinda like a tortilla but made with whole wheat flour, and it's filled with spices and Cauliflower. Yummmm..

Look Around

2009-07-07T10:21:00.001-07:00

There are some things I have learned growing up. One thing I learned is that we should learn to look on the positive side of things, and realize that everything is the way it is, and everything happens for a reason. I also believe that we all come with a special mission, even if sometimes we don’t feel like we are doing anything, we are actually helping in some way. We can help in so many ways, and we don’t need money to do it. Just a smile can turn someone’s day bright.

Another thing I have learned, is that we have to stop and learn to be aware of all the beauty that is around us every day. The Sun still comes up in the morning, Nature is still blooming, and it’s all there for us. Sometimes we get too caught up with our hectic lives, and we forget to look around. Let’s not worry about the past or the future. Let’s enjoy today, right NOW!

Nature's Magic Cleanser

2009-06-30T09:03:00.000-07:00

28 Practical Uses for Vinegar, Nature's Magic Cleanser
By Michelle Satanek

Have you overlooked the many practical uses of vinegar? Cleans, Disinfects, and kills 99 percent of bacteria, 82 percent of mold, and 80 percent of germs (viruses).

Here are twenty-seven uses for vinegar:

* Deodorize your sink drains: Pour a cup down your drain, let stand about thirty minutes, then run cold water.

* Unclog a drain: Dump 1 cup of baking soda down your drain and follow it with 1 cup of vinegar. When they mix, they foam and expand, cleaning your drain. Allow a few minutes for the mixture to do it's job, then flush with hot water for several minutes.

* Disinfect and clean wood cutting boards: Rub with vinegar to disinfect and clean. If your cutting board has deep grooves, you can also soak the board in vinegar for 5-10 minutes.

* Cut grease: When washing greasy pans or dishes, add a few tablespoons of vinegar to your soapy dishwater.

* Clean the dishwasher: Vinegar reduces soap build up, so throw a cup of vinegar in your dishwasher and let it run a full (empty) cycle once a month or so.

* Clean the coffeepot: Hard water can clog a coffeepot and cause yucky buildup inside it. To remedy this, pour 1 cup vinegar in your coffeepot, fill the rest of the way with water, then run it through a cycle as usual (without coffee grounds in the filter). Rinse the coffeepot out. Fill it with fresh water and run another cycle without coffee to rinse the inside of the coffee maker.

* Loosen food grime and clean the microwave: Place a microwave-safe bowl with 2 cups water, 1/2 cup vinegar inside the microwave and microwave on full power for 3-4 minutes (it needs to boil). Keep your microwave closed for a few minutes to allow the steam to loosen the grime, then open your microwave, carefully remove the bowl, and wipe clean!

* Clean windows: Mix 1 cup vinegar with 5 cups water, and you've got a great window cleaner. If you must have blue window cleaner, just a few drops of blue food coloring!

* Remove grease from kitchen walls: Put straight vinegar on a dishcloth to wipe grease off kitchen walls, or the stovetop.

* Remove pet urine stains (and smells) from carpet: Mix about 1/4 cup of vinegar to a quart of water. Soak a washcloth in the mixture and blot the area several times.

* Clean kitchen and bathroom faucets: Soak a paper towel in vinegar then wrap it around your faucet to remove mineral deposits.

* Clean and shine no-wax vinyl or linoleum floors: Mix 1 gallon of water with 1/2 cup vinegar in a bucket, then mop or scrub your floor with the solution.
* Inexpensive scouring powder: Combine two tablespoons each of vinegar and baking soda for an effective scouring powder.

* Clean the toilet rim: Put straight 5% vinegar in a squirt bottle and use it to clean the rim of the toilet. It disinfects, too!

* Prevent mold and mildew in the shower: Wipe down tile or Formica shower walls with a sponge or cloth dampened with water and vinegar. The vinegar will clean the walls and inhibit the growth of mold and mildew.

* Unclog the showerhead: Mineral deposits from hard water can cause a sputtering, clogged shower head. Place the showerhead in a pot, add enough vinegar to completely cover it. Heat the vinegar to just below boiling, then remove from heat. Allow to sit for at least 6 hours. The acid in the vinegar will eat away the deposits. Rinse the showerhead well, and it's ready to go again.

* Get rid of the funky smell in that lunchbox: Soak a piece of plain bread in vinegar, then place it in the lunchbox overnight and the smell will disappear!

* Remove rust: To get rid of rust, soak items in vinegar (do not dilute). This will work on any metals.

* Remove residue and styling product build up from hair: After shampooing, rinse your hair with a mixture of 1/2 vinegar, 1/2 warm water to remove all the build up and get rid of that dullness.

* Eliminate smells: Run a hot tub of water and pour in one or two cups of vinegar. Hang smelly clothes on hangers along your shower curtain rod. This will remove smoke and other tough smells.

* Get rid of stickers, decals and sticky residues: Rub a few coats of vinegar on the area and allow to soak. Then wash off with a wet washcloth and the sticky will rub right off.

* Polish patent leather purses and shoes: Place vinegar on a clean cloth, then rub over patent leather. Wipe dry with another clean cloth.

* Remove stains: Rub a small amount of vinegar gently on fruit, jelly, mustard or coffee type stains and wash as usual. No more stain!

* Clean your glasses: Place a drop of vinegar on the lens, then rub with a cotton cloth.

* Get the smell out of your cloth diapers! Next time those cloth diapers start to smell, add a 1/2 to 1 cup of vinegar in your last rinse.

* Polish
your car: Rub vinegar on chrome to clean and shine it.

* Remove bumper stickers: Soak a cloth in vinegar and lay it over the bumper sticker. Allow to soak a few minutes. The bumper sticker should peel right off. Rub vinegar over the area to remove the sticky residue, if necessary.

* Next time you have a sore throat, try gargling with cider vinegar!

Eco Love

2009-06-29T08:33:00.000-07:00

When it comes to romance don’t just save it for Valentine’s Day, living green provides plenty of opportunities to smother your significant other with two of the most important aspects of any romantic relationship: love and intimacy.

‘Green’ is the new ‘red,’ when it comes to romance and passion, so why not plan a sustainable surprise for your partner on a weekend when he/she least expects it?

Here are some ideas that are sure to make your weekend a green ‘Affair to Remember!’

1. Chocolates for your significant other

Photo by pink_fish13

The Aztecs believed that chocolate had aphrodisiac qualities that invigorated men and made women feel less inhibited. So if chocolates are your tried and tested method to whet your partner’s taste buds then consider organic and sustainable brands like Dagoba or Green & Black.

2. Plant a tree in your lover’s name
What could possibly be more romantic? Nearly everyone is familiar with the idea of carving a lover’s name on a tree. Why just scratch the surface when you can memorialize your love by planting a tree in his or her name. The tree will grow and flourish even as your love does.

You can plant trees in the name of your partner through nonprofit organizations such as Heifer International or Trees for Life International. They will plant the trees in developing countries to help local villagers become more self-sufficient.

Or if you prefer your dollars stay closer to home, you can choose a company like TreeGivers.com that will plant your tree in the U.S. or Canada.

3. Breakfast in bed
Why bother with an expensive dinner out when snuggling up under a luxurious pure silk blanket is so much more romantic! The weekends are always a great time to ‘sleep in’. So forget about your Saturday morning errands and indulge your partner with a decadent breakfast tray of fair trade coffee and organic strawberries dipped in honey, the “nectar of Aphrodite” (Greek goddess of beauty and sexual rapture).

4. Generate electricity by saving energy
Now you already know that turning the thermostat can cut back on energy use. So why not stay warm by snuggling together under the covers? It makes for a completely carbon-neutral way to heat things up, and by heat, I refer to the electricity created by you and your partner!

5. A decadent home spa ritual to tickle your significant other’s senses
The power of touch helps couples create a strong bond for lasting passion in their relationship. So why not relax your partner with a sensual aromatherapy massage a la Yours Truly. Use organic essential oils like lavender to create calm and rose to set the mood for passion.

6. Consider a sumptuous soak for two
Follow your aromatherapy massage with a sumptuous soak for two in an aromatic bath filled with fragrant flower petals. Most florists throw away flowers at the end of the day. So pop around to your local florist late on a Friday evening to see what they have left in stock. Chances are, they will be only too happy to clear out their inventory. Enhance the mood by decorating your bath area with soy or beeswax candles and pour some freshly squeezed fruit juice for two.

7. Bike ride + picnic
Take time out to bike with your significant other to a secluded spot in the country, beach or nearby park. Then spend a leisurely afternoon enjoying the summer weather and don’t forget to take a picnic filled with organic foods that stimulate the senses just as much as the landscape does.

8. Sustainable Lingerie
If you simply want to stay in bed all day, then you might want to consider modeling some sustainable lingerie for an extra little piece of bedroom drama. It’s ultimately sexy and not even that expensive. Try Enamore’s sexy lingerie made from organic and sustainable materials like cotton, silk, and soy. Or, try the French eco-friendly brand g=9.8 which creates sexy, colorful undergarments made from cultivated pine trees!

Benefits of Turmeric, A Magical Powder.

2009-06-23T10:33:00.000-07:00

To Traditional Ayurvedics, Turmeric is seen as an excellent natural antibiotic, while at the same time it strengthens digestion and helps improve intestinal flora. As such it is a good anti-bacterial for those chronically weak or ill. It's not only purifies the blood, but also warms it and stimulates formation of new blood tissue.

Turmeric gives the energy of the divine mother and grants prosperity. It is effective for cleansing the chakras (nadi-shodhana), purifying thechannels of the subtle body. It helps stretch the ligaments and is, therefore, good for the practice of hatha yoga. Turmeric promotes proper metabolism in the body, correcting both excesses and deficiencies. It aids in the digestion of protein.

Externally, it can be used with honey for sprains, strains, bruise or itch. It is tonic to the skin, for which purpose it can be taken internally as a milk decoction. Turmeric is aromatic and a stimulant and has many helpful functions. It is bitter, slightly pungent and a good blood purifier, and works as a tonic to aid digestion and relieve congestion. It has a soothing action on respiratory ailments such as cough and asthma. It also is antiarthritic and acts as a natural anti-bacterial. Turmeric may be added to high-protein food to assist digestion and prevent the formation of gas. It is effectively used to maintain the flora of the large intestine.

I personally have been using alot of Curry and Turmeric in my food. It tastes and smells great, and I even apply some turmeric powder paste on my face before bedtime, and it clears my acne, since it fights bacteria. Evidently, turmeric has great powers to even out skin tone and aid a healthy looking complexion.

Commonly Used Herbs that Heal

2009-06-20T08:53:00.000-07:00

1. Rosemary
Rosemary has been used as a brain tonic in Chinese traditional medicine for thousands of years. Rosemary contains volatile oils that help stimulate brain activities and increase brain alertness. One compound it contains, cineole, has been found to enhance the ability of rat to navigate mazes. So skip the harsh coffee and spice up your energy level with rosemary. Other benefits? Rosemary also aids in digestion and perks up your immune system. Steep it as tea, use in your poultry dishes and soups--or just crush some up to fill your home with an energizing scent.

Growing tips: Rosemary needs to live in a very sunny window and may even need supplemental light. It is sensitive to overwatering so keep it on the dry side.

2. Mint
Peppermint, spearmint, and other mint-family plants are considered one of the most versatile herbs in traditional Chinese medicine. Peppermint has many well-documented properties: It increases healthy gastric secretions, relaxes the intestines, soothes spasms, settles the stomach, and alleviates gas. In a culture marked by poor diet and digestion--and the heartburn that comes with it--peppermint can be your best friend. Additionally, peppermint is rich in antioxidants that support good vision and also cleanses your liver, helping to eliminate harmful toxins from your body. Steep peppermint as a tea and drink it a half an hour after mealtimes for untroubled digestion.

Growing tips: Mint is an easy-to-grow herb that is invasive, so be sure to grow it in its own pot.

3. Oregano
When you're suffering from cold or flu, steep oregano in a pot of water and inhale the vapors, which are antibacterial, antiviral and decongesting. This immunity-enhancing herb also settles digestion and prevents bloating.

Growing tips: Oregano needs a lot of light to grow so find a window with direct light or grow out-of-doors.

4. Sage
Chinese traditional medicine has long used sage to help prevent the loss of mental function that comes with age. Sage has been found to increase oxygen to the brain cortex and to help improve concentration. Sage is easy on the digestion. Cook it up in soups and poultry dishes.

Growing tips: Sage can be a bit difficult to grow. It is very sensitive to overwatering because it is more susceptible to mildew than other herbs.

5. Chives
A member of the garlic and onion family, chives have been used throughout history for natural healing because they contain a substantial amount of vitamin C as well as essential minerals such as potassium, calcium, iron and folic acid. In Chinese medicine they are used to clear stuffy noses, prevent bad breath, ease stomach aches, strengthen the lower back, and improve poor circulation that gives you cold hands and feet. Some serving suggestions? Chop up chives and add them to stir-fries or mix in with ground poultry to stuff ravioli or dumplings.

Growing tips: Chives are fairly easy to grow because they don't require as much light as other herbs.

6. Basil
A favorite herb in Italian cooking, basil's scent can perk up your energy level and it is filled with luteolin, a bioflavonoid that studies have shown to be the best protection of cell DNA from radiation.

Growing tips: Basil can be more difficult to grow. Your best bet is to grow it during warm, bright summer months.

7. Cilantro
Cilantro is an energy tonic that can boost your immune system and smooth out your digestion. Use it in your cooking to get its health benefits.

Growing tips: Cilantro, the name for the stems and leaves of the coriander plant, can be hard to grow. Sow the coriander seeds in a thick concentration in a shallow tray.

8. Parsley
Parsley is used in a Chinese folk remedy for cooling the liver and clearing the eyes. Parsley is packed with luteolin, and there is some evidence that this helps protect the eye from UV radiation damage and from glycation, a process in which sticky sugar molecules bind up protein, potentially damaging the retina. The age-old folk remedy recipe for vision protection is a juice blend of celery, peppermint, and Chinese parsley, made fresh daily.

Growing tips: Parsley doesn't need very much sun, but it is a slow grower, so don't expect a high yield.

Herbal Tea Recipes
Aside from use in cooking, all of the above herbs can be used to make aromatic potent teas. You may use the herbs individually or experiment with combinations. For example, to make a tea that soothes digestion and prevents bloating: Steep 1 teaspoon each of mint, rosemary, oregano, cilantro, sage and basil and in a cup of hot filtered water for five minutes.

Other herbal teas that can bring big benefits to your health are my specially formulated Ancient Treasures tea and Internal Cleanse tea, which will gently cleanse your body of toxins and bring you emotional tranquility.

Green Gift Ideas!

2009-06-11T18:04:00.000-07:00

Not only is June the start of the summer season but June 17th is also a day dedicated to honoring the fathers in our lives. While on our own hunt for that perfect Father’s Day gift, we came across some interesting and eco-friendly ideas that we think are worth sharing.

A green, living and long lasting gift

How about a beautiful and calming bonsai to put in Dad’s office or around the house? One of our favorite stores, Organic Bouquet, offers several different varieties, including a maple bonsai that actually changes colors with the seasons. All of Organic Bouquet’s offerings are certified organic or by Veriflora, the first green label certification for the floral industry. A shocking percentage of the floral industry’s stock comes from overseas, loaded with pesticides and harvested in unsafe labor environment. Our moms absolutely loved their organic flower bouquets so shouldn’t Dad get the same special treatment on Father’s Day?

Hip case for that hip multi-media Dad

Who said eco-friendly Father’s Day gifts can’t be cool. There are now plenty of bags and cases available for those on-the-go Dads and their electronic gadgets. How excited would Dad be if you presented him with a sleek handcrafted case for his Nano, made with the protection of recycled Columbian truck tires? If this rubber can withstand tons of cargo over rough roads, it can definitely protect his Nano (or other iPod products) from his daily grind. Check out these and other stylist cases at Solio

Stylish Organic Shirt and Shorts for Summer

How about a nice casual outfit for those lovely summer romps in the park, backyard or just around the house? This great lightweight organic cotton T from PrAna is simple, artistic and beats the mall-common Gap T, hands down. You can pair it with organic cotton Mojave shorts, comfortable but tough enough for even a climb.

Stirred but Not Shaken Recycled Martini Glasses

Made from recycled glass in California, these Fire & Light Martini Glasses come in 8 beautiful colors and are perfect for that cool martini aperitif before the Father’s Day feast or any other social occasion. Check out these glasses and the whole Fire & Light collection at 3rLiving

A Scrumptious Meal: on the Town or at Home

Speaking of Father’s Day feast, the Bay Area offers a wonderful variety of restaurants that serve delicious cuisine created from organic, seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. If Dad rather have a restaurant quality meal at home, talk to a local personal chef to create that experience, fuss-free.

Food for Thought

If Dad is an avid reader, how about some summertime reading before firing up the BBQ? One of our favorites is the Omnivore’s Dilemma. Delivered with wit, humor and insight, Michael Pollan has changed the way we look at our food and how we chose the food that goes into our and our family’s bodies. Epicureans, food industry experts and our users all agree this is a must read.

Quality Time with Family and Nature

Finding unique and thoughtful gifts for Dad is fun but why not top it off with some family time together in nature, away from noise, traffic and other daily stresses. We are blessed with an abundance of natural beauty in the Bay Area, from parks, beaches to nature preserves. There are also plenty of great day hikes to explore.

On a parting note, Happy Father’s Day to Dads everywhere!

CindyC and CindyW

Cob Houses Cool.

2009-05-31T16:50:00.000-07:00

What is cob?

Cob building dates back hundreds of years ago, and cob houses built over 500 years ago in Europe are still inhabited to this day. That’s pretty dang impressive considering the simple nature and composition of the material: buckets of wet clay and sand are mixed by foot (or by horse, oxen, concrete mixer, or even Bobcat excavators) and then combined with straw to produce a sticky, malleable material that can be rolled into palm-sized loaves (or “cobs”, which is where the name originated) and then laid onto a foundation and sculpted by hand to build thick and massive cob walls.

The properties of cob

Cob structures are monolithic: layers of material are worked together to produce one massive structure, compared to something like adobe, which is typically made into forms that can be stacked like bricks. When cob dries, it resembles rock or concrete in its hardness. With a nice thick coat of plaster, cob can withstand significant weathering before it starts to (slowly) wear away. Exterior cob walls can range anywhere from over one to three feet thick: the thicker they are, the more heat they are capable of storing. You see, cob is not very insulative, compared to say, straw bale buildings. Cob has better “thermal mass“, which means it is capable of capturing and storing large amounts of heat. The best way to do this? Stick a flue pipe through a cob bench and heat up your furniture with a rocket stove.

Cob: beautiful and environmental

The main components of cob building - sand, clay, and straw, come directly from the earth, oftentimes right beneath our feet. (For example: all of the clay I am using in my cob house comes straight from the soil on the property here at Dancing Rabbit Ecovillage.) Therefore, cob has very low embodied energy, meaning there is little energy wasted in manufacturing and transporting materials over great distances. Call it a “local and organic” kind of building technique. Not only that, but it’s beautiful, too: cob lends itself to smooth and curvy home design, with rounded doorways and curved walls. Shelves and storage nooks can be built directly into walls.

Cobbing is simple and cooperative

Cob building is intuitive and requires little to no experience and no heavy machinery. People of all ages can easily start mixing material and “cobbing” together, and gain a basic understanding of the building technique. It’s definitely a labor-intensive process, so it benefits from large groups of people. (I’ve worked with up to ten people at a time and it’s nothing short of a party!)
Where to learn more about cob

Celebrate Earth Day, Everyday.

2009-05-31T16:44:00.000-07:00

Even though Earth Day was one month ago today, every day is Earth Day around here. Here are some tips to incorporate Earth Day’s ideals and values in your own life throughout the year.

Recycle- Take a solid look at your trash. Even if you have green intentions, it’s likely that you probably have some recyclables thrown out in the mix. Also remember E-Waste like cell phones, MP3’s and laptops can all be recycled and re-purposed. Check out Waste Farmers to get you started.

Freecycle- If you don’t need your old stuff, then think about giving them to somebody else who does. Clothes, books, electronics, and furniture can all be freecycled quite easily.

Reuse- Many household items have a longer life span than we readily give them credit for: plastic forks, reusable tableware, portable mugs and other disposables. Why send all of this stuff to landfills when you can use it again and again…and again.

Go local- There’s plenty of delicious and healthy food right in your neighborhood. Support your local farmers while enjoying fresh produce and organically grown goodies. Eat Local Challenge can help you find a farmer close to you.

Follow a low carbon diet- Many of the foods you eat every day, even the so-called healthy ones, are responsible for releasing a high amount of emissions into the environment. Check out the low carbon calculator to help you figure out how to adjust your diet to protect the planet.

Beautiful Provence.

2009-05-22T18:06:00.000-07:00

I found this video of beautiful provence, france and it takes you to another world. Very Beautiful, I enjoyed watching it, enjoy.

Synonymous with lazy days spent in the afternoon sun, Provence is a land of vivid contrasts. From the rugged limestone terrain of the north to the wetlands in the south, it's a place that has always attracted people. Journey through an aromatic wilderness of wild herbs and lavender, and immerse yourself in the sun-drenched landscape.

The Organic Pharmacy

2009-05-19T16:37:00.000-07:00

For those of you who are on a quest for the purest of all pure beauty products we think we may have found the Holy Grail for you! In a small corner of west London stands an inconspicuous looking store which, once you are on the inside, turns into a treasure trove of lotions and potions in their purest organic form. The Organic Pharmacy is a one-stop shop for the best in natural beauty and health care. Amongst other well known brands such as Dr Hauschka and Living Nature, they make their own brand, a comprehensive range which is hand made in small batches by the in-store homeopathic pharmacists.
The Pharmacy also has a health clinic where you can have a general health assessment, a skin consultation, and they can design a personal detox programme for you.

They have herbal and homeopathic remedies for all sorts of ailments and even have special pre-prepared ‘kits’ such as the ‘Quit Smoking Kit’ or the ‘The Complete Acne Kit’. For that extra bit of luxury their beauty rooms offer some amazing treatments; their Rose Crystal Lymphatic facial is considered by many to best one of the best in London. Although as with most things organic, especially in London, they come at rather a higher price than your average beauty treatment, so treat is the operative word, but one that might just be worth saving your pennies for.

The Organic Pharmacy was started by Margo and Francesco Marrone and their London shop has been doing good business since 2002. They tell us that ‘The Organic Pharmacy is the first and only pharmacy in the world dedicated to health and beauty using organic products and treatments. Fully registered with The Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, we choose to specialize ONLY in herbs, homeopathy and organic skin care.’ The Organic Pharmacy promise is: No artificial preservatives, No artificial colourants, No artificial fragrances, No petrochemicals, No harsh detergents,
No DEA, TEA, No toxic ingredients, No animal testing.

The good news for those of you who don’t pass through the London vicinity on a regular basis is that The Organic Pharmacy is stocked in various outlets around the world. Including Ireland, Denmark, Germany, Switzerland, Australia, Hong Kong, Taiwan and in America – although I am afraid its only the New Yorkers who are in luck! To find out where your nearest stockist might be or to order products over the internet go to: www.theorganicpharmacy.com and find out why going organic is the best way to look after your skin inside and out.

Green Workout Tips

2009-05-19T16:18:00.000-07:00

1. Curb your consumerism. Buy less active wear, expensive running shoes and/or fad, workout gizmos (that you know are NOT quick-fixes for proper exercise and diet). You’ll leave a smaller carbon footprint and leave more money in your wallet too.

2. Recycle your water/sports bottles. Buy a recyclable water bottle instead of plastic one-use water bottles. Recyclable water bottles will save you big bucks in the long run, as most designer waters are very expensive. Many individual 16-ounce designer waters that include minerals and vitamins are now over $2.00 a bottle. These outrageously overpriced waters are unnecessary, as you can obtain all your vitamins and minerals by eating a sensible diet along with taking a daily multivitamin. Did you know that according to the Container Recycling Institute only 23% of plastic bottles are recycled in the US? 38 billion plastic bottles go into landfills in the US each year. Plastic bottles take up to 1000 years to biodegrade. I recommend these two recyclable water bottle companies: Sigg and Klean Kanteen.

3. Use biodegradable body products. Buy biodegradable body wash and shampoo in bulk, which will save you money and decrease bottle use. Then, fill them into smaller, personal-use size reusable bottles. Most major discount retailers sell biodegradable body wash and shampoo in bulk and oftentimes run brand-name specials.

4. Join a neighborhood gym that’s within walking distance to where you work and/or live. You’ll be supporting the local economy and saving car gas emissions and costly parking fees.

5. If the weather is fine, walk outside it’s free. Did you know that out of all motorized pieces of fitness equipment, treadmills use the most energy?

6. Use organic cotton and/or bamboo, or reclaimed fabric towels. Lots of discount retailers sell eco-friendly towels, such as organic cotton, bamboo, or organic cotton-bamboo blend. For example Bed, Bath, and Beyond a nationwide retail store, sells them for reasonable prices. They routinely offer 20% coupon specials, which make the towels even more affordable. And, bamboo towels are extremely soft, luxuriant, and absorbent.

7. Buy recycled and/or natural fitness products. Fitness product manufacturers such as Gaiam and Natural Fitness Inc., are beginning to manufacture products using recycled materials, especially rubber.

8. Choose eco-friendly organic and/or recycled active wear. Today, there seems to be an over abundance of green materials being made into clothing. Time will tell what materials consumers like best due to price, performance, look, and feel. LuLuLemon and Gaiam offer organic cotton and soy fiber blend, seaweed blend, and recycled polyester active wear for men and women that is form flattering, comfortable, and long-lasting. (I like LuLuLemon, because their clothes look and fit me best, and their retail stores are built eco-friendly too.) Brooks Sports makes a biodegradable athletic running shoe. Another frugally green idea is to shop your local, upscale thrift shops. The best days to find great clothes are Mondays and Tuesdays after folks have dropped off their clothing over the weekend. Thrift shops are hit and miss so you may need to visit them more than once.

9. If you upgrade your home gym, make it eco-friendly. You can easily incorporate all these planet friendly measures when creating your home gym.

10. Buy used workout DVDs, as it’s a great way to recycle and save money too. You can find great quality, popular used home workout DVDs for less than half price at Amazon.com, EBay.com, and Half.com.

Recycle your Jeans!

2009-05-13T17:20:00.000-07:00

Got a pile of old, ripped jeans in need of recycling? You might have heard about home insulation made from denim, but don’t know how to donate.

Well Bonded Logic makes insulation out of old denim, proof of which is that Newsweek profile of Adrian Grenier. The tree-hugging “Entourage” star is caught posing suggestively in front of his recycled jeans wall at his eco home in Brooklyn. Hot.

Most of the fabric Bonded Logic uses comes from factory floors, but some does come from jeans-wearing consumers, as well. Send yours to Green Jeans Insulation, at this address:

Fair Indigo Denim Drive
c/o Green Jeans Insulation Inc.
1109 W. Milwaukee St.
Stoughton, WI 53589

Once you’ve got the old things off your hands, consider replacing them with sustainable, organic ones. The denim industry—what with all that toxic blue dye, stone washing, and chemical-intensive cotton—has been known to really do a number on rivers, soil, and Mama earth at large. Fortunately, enough companies are now making sustainable jeans that you can green your pants without sacrificing style. We love Sling and Stones and J Brand’s new green line. Nothing comes between you and your sustainable slacks.

Plenty is an environmental media company dedicated to exploring and giving voice to the green revolution that will define the 21st Century. Click here to subscribe to Plenty.

By Tobin Hack, Plenty magazine

Magical Beauty Secret!

2009-05-05T17:45:00.000-07:00

Dry skin, a paper cut, maybe even a tummy ache? Try a drop of coconut oil. Offering a myriad of health benefits, coconut oil is affordable, readily available and completely natural. Here are six reasons to give it a try:

1. Skin Care: Wanna look like you just came back from an hour of yoga? Coconut oil works wonders as a moisturizer for all skin types, especially dry skin and aging skin, leaving you refreshed and looking wide-awake. No headstand required! The fat in the oil helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles without any irritation. Coconut oil can also help with skin problems like psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema and other skin conditions. In fact, the oil is frequently used in expensive skin care products.

2. Stress Relief: Long day at the office, kids won’t stop screaming and your dog left a little “present” on your vintage bedspread? Relieve mental fatigue by applying coconut oil to the head in a circular, massaging motion. The natural aroma of coconuts is extremely soothing thus helping to lower your stress level.

3. Digestion: The saturated fats in coconut oil have anti-bacterial properties that help control, parasites, and fungi that cause indigestion and other digestion related problems such as irritable bowel syndrome. The fat in coconut oil also aids in the absorption of vitamins, minerals and amino acids, making you healthier all around.

4. Fitness: Coconut oil has been proven to stimulate your metabolism, improve thyroid function, and escalate energy levels, all of which help decrease your unwanted fat, while increasing muscle. Because of this, coconut oil has shot to popularity by being the world’s only natural low-calorie fat. Sign me up!

5. Healing: When applied on scrapes and cuts, coconut oil forms a thin, chemical layer which protects the wound from outside dust, bacteria and virus. Coconut oil speeds up the healing process of bruises by repairing damaged tissues. Plus, it smells a heck-of-a-lot better than anything from the pharmacy.

6. Hair Care: $20 hair conditioners? I don’t think so! Coconut oil is one of the most nutritious products you can put on your hair. Massage a bit of the oil onto your scalp and presto – no more dandruff. Since it provides the essential proteins required for nourishing damaged hair, it’s used in a ton of over-the-counter hair products anyway. Why not cut to the chase and skip all the unnecessary chemicals?

My Mom and I recently found that Coconut Oil has been a Beauty Secret for quite some time. We tried it on our hair, and wow what a difference it made! It can be used for many things, and it's natural so you don't have to worry about harsh chemicals and damage. Also it's reasonably priced, you can find it on http://www.nextag.com/

Organic, Is it worth it ?

2009-04-27T08:24:00.000-07:00

Eating Organic can be a great step towards a long and healthy life. I think it's much healthier for our bodies, and we won't be exposed to so many chemicals, or GM (Genetically Modified) Foods.

What are your thoughts on Eating Organic? Is it worth the Extra Money?

Leave Your Comments.

Reuse your Yogurt

2009-04-27T08:01:00.000-07:00

Yoghurt pots are notoriously difficult to recycle. Yoghurt pots are made from polystyrene, which is a plastic that is not typically recycled. Since you can’t recycle yoghurt pots, here are some suggestions on how you can reuse them.

As with all plastic containers, where possible keep them for storage.

You can also use them for filling with fruit squash or juice before freezing to make ice lollies!
Schools & playgroups may use them as craft materials

They can be used in the garden as pots for seedlings or cane covers.

They can be cut into strips and used as plant labellers. You just need a permanent marker to write on them.

Puncture the bottom of 2 pots, thread a string between them, and then children can use them as a cheap telephone!

These are some Great and Creative Ideas!
Now it's your turn, do you have any Eco-Friendly Tips?

How will You Celebrate Mother Earth?

2009-04-19T09:06:00.000-07:00

Earth Day is the largest, most widely celebrated international environmental event. Earth Day helps celebrate Earth’s unique place in the universe. It is the only planet in our solar system teeming with incredible biodiversity. Learning about and protecting this biodiversity is what Earth Day is all about. People all over the world celebrate our efforts to protect plants and animals and to clean up the world we live in.

Why Celebrate Earth Day?

Earth Day reminds us we all share the same planet. Sharing Earth means taking responsibility for what we use and how we use it. It is a day to think of the environmental challenges we face and how to solve them. Protecting Earth is every person’s and every country’s responsibility.

Parties All Around the Globe

People traditionally celebrate Earth Day with the ringing of bells, often bells of peace. The tradition of bell ringing is practiced all over the world on Earth Day. Representatives from Palestine, Austria, and Russia have all rung a Peace Bell in a ceremony celebrating the protection of the environment and of Earth’s many species.

Children in India put on this “Save the Earth” skit to celebrate the planet and to raise environmental awareness.

A Rally in India

In India, one Earth Day was celebrated by approximately 1,200 kids. They held a rally during which they carried signs with slogans and messages about preserving all of nature. The children also performed skits about the environment. The India Habitat Center held painting and quiz competitions. At other events, kids presented a “Children’s Clean Air Manifesto” to the president’s wife. Then they held a Children’s Bicycle Rally to promote nonpolluting forms of transportation.

In Kenya, Earth Day is celebrated along with the country’s National Tree Planting Day. Citizens and students plant trees in order to preserve forests and keep the environment clean.

More Trees for Kenya

In Kenya, distinguished guests and schoolchildren planted 1,000 trees in Nairobi’s endangered Karura forest. The plantings were in honor of Earth Day and Kenya’s National Tree Planting Day on April 21.

Field trips and outdoor projects are a great way to learn more about Earth, your environment, and all the interesting things that live there.

Theme Parties in China

China celebrates Earth Day each year with a theme. One year the theme was Protection of Geographic Relics and Scientific Development. This theme highlighted the importance of preserving cultural history and artifacts. Another year the theme focused on sustainable use of natural resources in China and all over the world.

Earth Day Down Under

In Australia, a group dressed in animal costumes held a parade in which they carried flags and banners in support of protecting Yellabinna (yell-uh-BEE-nah), the world’s largest stretch of mallee wilderness. Another Earth Day celebration drew attention to air pollution by organizing a large “car-less” day. Many central Sydney streets were blocked off to cars. These car-free streets became the site of an Earth Day festival with music, theater, and educational exhibits.

Join the Earth Day Party

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan rings the peace bell at a Peace Bell Ringing Ceremony.

Come join the party with millions of other kids and celebrate your Earth! Earth Day celebrations provide a chance to remember what an amazing planet we live on.

How have you celebrated Earth Day in the past?

Making Earth-friendly Choices

There are many different things each of us can do to help protect species, keep Earth clean, and fix damage that has been done. For example, using fewer natural resources will help make sure there are enough resources to go around. It will also help make sure that future generations won’t run out of the things we all need, like clean water, air, and soil.

Protecting Endangered Species

Conservation of endangered species is an important part of Earth Day and taking care of the planet every day. At the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Kenya in Africa, orphaned baby rhinoceroses and elephants are raised by keepers. Eventually, they are released back into their wild habitat.

Along with pollution, things like habitat destruction and poaching are causing some species to become endangered. Finding ways to protect and save endangered species is a primary goal of conservation groups. Earth Day celebrations are a great opportunity for these groups to teach us all about the planet and how every person can make a difference.

So how will you celebrate our home Planet Earth? Mabye Plant a Tree? Sing a Song? Wear a Festive Green Shirt? No matter what you choose to do, you can be a part of a great experience, while making a difference in our world today.

Not Buying It? How to Trade the Stuff You Already Have

2009-04-19T07:38:00.000-07:00

By Veronica Peterson, Editor, Care2 Healthy & Green Living

In light of the current economic debacle, some internet sites have discovered the way to our collective hearts is not through our wallets but instead through community. Below are a few creative (and free) solutions to save a bit of coin and feel good while doing it.

1. Craigslist
How it works: This “classified-type-site” allows you to list anything you have for sale or want to trade at no charge.
Pros: They have a “Free Stuff” category where you can find everything from moving boxes to used dental equipment (hey, I’m not judging) and a “Barter” category that allows you to post your skills or goods for trade.
Cons: Craiglisters are notorious flakes and are not terribly proficient at returning e-mails. It’s always best to speak to someone on the phone before making the trek to their house.

2. Freecycle
How it works: The name says it all. Everything on this site is, you guessed it, free. Their goal is to keep stuff moving throughout the community and out of landfills. Got a rusty BBQ or half empty can of paint? Chances are good that someone wants it.
Pros: Freecycle has facilitated over a million trades since its inception.
Cons: The site isn’t terribly easy to navigate and you must sign-up to browse their selection of free stuff.

3. Favorpals
How it works: Their motto is “A world without money” and right they are.
Trade your skilled labor for someone else’s.
Pros: It’s one of the only sites that converts your unique skills into a commodity.
Cons: You must join before you’re able to see if there are even people in your area to trade skills with. It’s limited to urban communities.

4. I don’t need it, you can have it
How it works: People donate items they no longer have use for.
Pros: Very parent-friendly. There is a lot of stuff on here that’s new or nearly new and they have an international scope.
Cons: They’re limited to big cities and some categories are pretty sparse.

5. Garden Web
How it works: Green thumbs from around the world keep in touch to trade plants and seeds.
Pros: Easy to use and a great opportunity to find illusive strains of heirloom plants.
Cons: You must pay for shipping.

6. Swaptree
How it works: Using their simple form, just enter the bar code on the books, video games, CDs or DVDs you want to trade. They then apply an algorithm to your item and list thousands you are able to trade for it.
Pros: Very easy to use, lets you make a wishlist for future “wants” and many of the items are brand new.
Cons: You may have to monitor often as popular items go fast.

Top 5 Eco-Friendly Clothing Lines That Won’t Break the Bank

2009-04-14T15:33:00.000-07:00

Eco-friendlier clothing options that don’t break the bank do exist. Check out these top five below, and make sure to let us know about other affordable eco-friendly clothing options by leaving comments below.

1) American Apparel - Made in the US and sweatshop free. Plus, we all know it’s a great place to find inexpensive basics like leggings, t shirts, hoodies, etc. Currently, their cotton clothes are made from 20% organic materials, and they’re hoping to bump that up to 80% in the near future. They also recycle over a million pounds of scrap fabric per year and have solar panels on the roof of their LA headquarters.

2) Levi Strauss - They’re leading the jean pack in greening up denim clothing. They use organic cotton, recycled zippers and buttons, and use natural indigo dye. A pair of new Levi’s will run you no more than $70, and you know you’ll wear them forever!

3) Jonano - Offers designer women’s fashions made from certified organic cotton, bamboo, and hemp fabrics. Very cute stuff! Their clothing is also made using Fair Labor practices, which is an added bonus. They use natural dyes with a low environmental impact, as well as recycled packaging and shipping materials. Prices range from around $30-$115.

4) Rawganique - Their clothing is made from hemp and organic cotton, and they offer a large selection for women and men both. Additionally, they’ve got a huge accessories selection, so if you’re in the market for organic sheets, towels, socks, footwear, bags, and even jewelry, definitely check them out. Cotton/hemp tops are around $30-50 and dresses are $60-80.

5) REI - Great outdoor clothing line that can function as everyday wear as well. They’re pioneers in producing outdoor gear made from low-impact, organic, and recyclable materials. They’ve also implemented an eco-sensitive labeling system indicated what greener materials were used.

5 Best Foods For Gorgeous Skin

2009-04-14T15:26:00.000-07:00

1. Low fat yogurt …

Low fat dairy products are full of vitamin A. This essential vitamin does wonders for our skin. If you have a thyroid problem or diabetes that’s another reason for you to stock up on organic law fat yogurts!

2. Berries …

I am talking about plums, strawberries, blueberries and blackberries (No, not the phone!). These berries have a great antioxidant capacity which means - the more of these we have, the longer our skin will look youthful and healthy!

3. Salmon …

Our skin needs essential fatty acids. If fish isn’t your thing, try walnuts, flax seed or canola oil. All these will give you an amazing result! Omega 3 and Omega 6 may sound like a Sci-fi flick, but these fatty acids are a must for a beautiful
, well moisturized skin.

4. Green tea …

teacup-1

This drink contains polyphenols which have anti-inflammatory characteristics. And despite what they say, a good tea will not dehydrate your body, it will only work as an anti-oxidant and an anti-inflammatory agent that’ll keep bacteria at bay and will fight off those free radicals that make our skin age early.

5. Water …

Did I even need to mention it? :) Good hydration is our skin’s best friend, right? And I’m talking about good bottled or filtered water in its purest form and not sodas or energy drinks. So ensure that you’re getting at least 8 glasses of water a day for your beautiful skin.

How to Make Bombay Potatoes, Yum!

2009-04-13T17:40:00.000-07:00

Taste Sensations: How To Make Bombay Potatoes

How To Make Bombay Potatoes

Bombay Potatoes are a popular accompaniment to any Indian meal . But how many of us actually know how to make them?

You will need:

2 tbsp Cooking Oil
17 ½ oz Potatoes , parboiled
1 tsp Mustard Seeds
1 Bay Leaf
½ Inch piece of ginger , grated
1 medium Onion , Peeled and sliced
½ tsp Turmeric Powder
1 tsp Coriander powder
½ tsp Chilli Powder
pinch Salt
1 tsp Lemon juice
1 tbsp Fresh coriander leaves , roughly chopped
1 tsp Grated garlic
2 tomatoes , chopped
1 knife
1 colinder
1 wok or frying pan
1 wooden or metal spoon

Step 1:

Boil Potatoes and Set Aside

Boil the potatoes in their skin. Put them in a colander and run cold water over them. Peel the potatoes and cut them into 2 inch sized pieces. Keep aside.

Step 2:

Heat Oil

Heat the oil in a wok.

Step 3:

Add Mustard Seeds

Add mustard seeds and Bay leaf. Allow the seeds to splutter. It is a good idea to keep the lid on here, as seeds jump all over if you don't.

Step 4:

Add Ginger and Onions

Add the ginger and onions. Fry until the onion is medium brown.

Step 5:

Add Spices

Turn the heat down and add all ground spices. Give a quick stir to release flavours.

Step 6:

Add Potatoes

Add the potatoes, turn the heat up to medium and stir fry the potatoes for a few minutes, until all potatoes are well coated with spices.

Step 7:

Cook and Stir

Cook for a further 5 minutes on a low to medium heat, stirring gently from time to time, taking care not to break the potatoes.

Step 8:

Serve

Add coriander leaves and serve hot

Eat Asparagus, Fight Cancer By Melissa Breyer

2009-04-13T17:11:00.000-07:00

Just writing the word “asparagus” makes my mouth water and encourages my heart to beat a little quicker. When I imagine the flavor of asparagus, I’m washed in the feeling of sun-warmth on my back, the smell of wet dirt, and that child-like pleasure of seeing new green life poking through the dark soil. It’s a sweeping reaction to get from a vegetable!

Part of it is just that it’s spring. Finally spring. And I am easily moved by little things like the turn of the seasons. Part of it is that I really love the taste of asparagus. And part of it is that I think we have the potential to react in strong ways to things that have inherently beneficial health benefits. (And yes, maybe I react strongly to french fries as well, but that’s another story.)

So, asparagus. According to the National Cancer Institute, asparagus is the food highest in glutathione, an important anti-carcinogen. It is also rich in two cancer-blocking vitamins (A and C) as well as the mineral selenium. These three nutrients have been singled out in several studies as fierce cancer fighters. A 5.3 ounce serving (only 20 calories!) provides 60 percent of the recommended daily allowance for folacin which is necessary for blood cell formation, growth, and prevention of liver disease. Folacin has been shown to play a significant role in the prevention of neural tube defects, such as spina bifida, that cause paralysis and death in 2,500 babies each year. It is also an excellent source of potassium, fiber, thiamin, vitamin B6, and is one of the richest sources of rutin, a compound which strengthens capillary walls.

Asparagus is harvested from March through June, depending on where you are–early asparagus is pencil-thin and the spears thicken as the season progresses. Most people assume that the thinner the spear, the more tender, but often times tenderness has to do with freshness, not thickness. Your best bet is to buy asparagus that is locally-grown–fresh farmer’s market asparagus practically melts in your mouth! Here in the U.S. we generally eat our asparagus green–white asparagus, popular in Europe, is grown under soil to keep it from becoming green. I believe in the full-range-of-color eating philosophy, so I like mine green. When shopping, look for smooth skin, bright green color, compact heads, and freshly cut ends.

Asparagus is very versatile in terms of cooking; it can be roasted, grilled, steamed, boiled, sauteed, pureed, and eaten raw. I love it in all of its guises. I probably most love it prepared simply, but I will admit that asparagus has a starring role in one of my more decadent food inclinations: roasted skinny spears tossed in truffle oil and sea salt, then topped with a poached egg. (That made me have to take a deep breath and calm myself.) Here are two other great things to do with asparagus:

Simple Roasted Asparagus
2 pounds asparagus, tough ends snapped off
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1. Preheat oven to 450F. You may either cut the asparagus in 2-inch pieces or leave whole. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, toss gently to coat, and spread in a single layer on a baking sheet.

2. Roast the asparagus until just tender, around 6 to 8 minutes.

Or, make a velvety asparagus soup.

Halo Makes Pets Healthy.

2009-04-13T16:46:00.000-07:00

I was Researching on the Internet about what I could do about my Dog's Tummy aches and I started to wonder why he was not eating his food. I started to do my research and found the truth about popular brand name dog foods, and what they really contained. I even found a video about this, but it's too horrifying to put on here. After I found out how Dog Food was REALLY made, I began to search for something that my dog could eat, and that would not cause any harm to him either. I came across Organic Dog Foods, Food Made from Veggies and it was something that I wanted to try. So i found out about "Halo" Dog food. You have probably heard of it, since Ellen is the Co- Owner of the company and she talks about it sometimes on her show.

So I thought I would give it a try. Once my dog started eating this food, I noticed a big difference right away. He was a healthy and happy dog. He no longer has fatigue, or Tummy troubles, or vomiting. He now has more energy to do his normal daily exercise, and he looks and feels Great! So I want all of you pet owners to know, to always make sure what you are feeding your beloved pet. Always READ THE INGREDIENTS! There are many Organic Pet Foods to Choose From, and It will make a big difference, and it could even save your Pet's Life.

To Learn More About Halo Dog Food Visit their Main Site : http://www.halopets.com/

To Find out what is really in Commercial Pet Food Click Here: http://www.preciouspets.org/truth.htm

Keep your Colon Clean and Healthy

2009-04-12T07:05:00.000-07:00

Colon cancer is on the rise, with significantly more people being diagnosed with this potentially deadly disease below age 50 than previously. Although colon cancer used to be considered a disease of the elderly, probably because it was diagnosed mostly in older people, it now is seen in those who are much younger. During the 20th century, lifestyles became more sedentary and foods were processed more than before, a combination of factors that may have contributed to unhealthy eating habits and lack of exercise that allows chemically-laced food to sit in the colon for longer periods of time. This allows these substances to have a prolonged effect on bowel tissue, which can lead to the growth of polyps, and ultimately, to colon cancer.

Cleansing the internal organs is as important as keeping external skin and hair clean. There are several things a person can do to improve colon health:

1. Eat a balanced diet. Get a nutritious supply of all the core food groups, including dairy, protein, fruits and vegetables, and fats. A well-rounded supply will help to ensure that your body receives all the nourishment it needs to function properly. If you are not getting adequate nutrition, consider taking a daily vitamin and mineral supplement that can add key elements to your diet.

2. Avoid processed foods. Eliminate or at least reduce the amount of food that has artificial preservatives. These include lunchmeats, sausage, ham, and hot dogs, many of which contain sodium nitrites and sodium nitrates, both of which have been shown to play a role in the development of colon cancer. Salt, another common preservative that takes a variety of forms in different foods, also may promote the development of cancer. Cook fresh food instead of buying those that have a longer shelf life due to added chemicals.

3. Drink plenty of water. Try to have at least eight glasses, eight ounces each, of clear water or beverages daily. Fluids help to clean your system by gently washing out offensive bacteria and germs that can harbor in the colon and lead to illness or problems.

4. Get daily exercise. Ask your doctor to recommend a suitable exercise program that will help you get enough activity to keep your colon working as it should. Don't overdo it, or you could get injured. Start slow with a walking or swimming program that will you get used to an exercise routine.

5. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables or other types of roughage. Your body needs fiber to keep clean. Fibrous foods act like a brush that sweeps through your body's organs and passages to get rid of unwanted debris. Fiber gives your colon a necessary workout to keep you from getting constipated. Regular bowel movements help to keep the colon functioning properly.

Don't forget to have annual medical checkups after you reach the age of 40. With proper care, your colon should do its job the rest of your life.

In Courtesy of: Charles Kassotis

Being Vegetarian Brings Benefits!

2009-04-07T17:18:00.000-07:00

Live Longer by Eating Veggies

Want to have a better chance of maintaining a healthy body weight as you grow older? Become a vegetarian. It had been proven that vegetarians have much faster metabolisms than meateaters. In the inevitable slowing of the metabolism with age that results in weight gain, vegetarians have a big advantage.

Recently, a study was conducted that showed that vegetarians have resting metabolic rates (RMR) that are 11% higher than the RMR's of nonvegetarians. A heightened RMR will allow a person to burn fat and calories a lot more quickly than average. On the other hand, a lower RMR will increase the risk of becoming overweight and developing serious health problems that are related to weight issues (like diabetes, heart disease, and strokes). So, by merely substituting every meat dish with a tasty vegetarian dish you can actually increase both your quality of life and your life span.

Good Reason To Eliminate Meat
Did you know that poultry producers and pig farmers routinely use arsenic as a growth stimulant for the animals? Strangely enough, federal law permits the usage of arsenic in commercial animal raising. The trick is that the government stipulates that commercial livestock farmers must stop adding arsenic to the animal feed at least 5 days before the slaughter so that arsenic residue levels will reach a legal level that is approved by the FDA (.55 parts per million).

The truth is, however, that several studies indicate that many livestock farmers do not adhere to these regulations. In fact, the USDA estimates that about 16% of the nation's poultry supply contains levels of arsenic that are above the legal limit. Do your body a favor and skip those meat meals; treat your body to vegetarian entrees instead.

Vegetarian Diet Can Prevent Impotence

Real men are vegetarians! OK, maybe not all real men are vegetarians but one of the biggest benefits of a vegetarian diet for men is that it can help fight impotence. Believe it or not, it was been proven that a diet with a meat base that is high in fat can curb a man's sexual appetite.

Fatty foods like chicken fingers and bacon cheeseburgers cause a higher body fat level which lessens testosterone levels--this can increase the chances of impotence. The reason? Lots of fat can clog the arteries, including arteries that pump blood to the penis. Arterial blockages are a major contributer to impotence problems today.

So, fellas, next time you're cruising through that fast food drive-through, pass on the cheeseburger and opt for a salad or yogurt parfait instead.

Skip Those Menopausal Symptoms

Ladies, ladies, we all dread it…the big "M." Menopause isn't something that any of us look forward to but did you know that a huge vegetarian benefit is that a meatless diet can fight menopaual symptoms. There are many unpleasant symptoms associated with menopause such as hot flashes, sleeplessness, depression, water retention, weight gain, mood swings, and loss of sexual desires (yikes!)

A study was actually done where 15,000 women were questioned about their personal experiences with menopause. Vegetarian women reported having far less symptoms than women with meat in their diets. Scientists believe that the reason is that plants contain natural estrogens (there is a relationship between falling estrogen levels and increased menopausal symptoms). Consuming more fruits, vegetables, and grains can actually curtail the drop of estrogen levels.

Reap the Benefits of a Vegetarian Diet Monetary Wise

Do you want to have some extra cash in your pocket? Who doesn't?! According to studies, people living on vegetarian diets are reaping financial benefits left and right. An average American family spends an estimated $4,000 a year on meat products. Can you imagine how much money you could save if you completely cut meat out of your diet?

Vegetarian Diet Can Reduce Your Cholesterol Levels

Want to have a cholesterol-free diet? Well, my friend, ditch the meat. There is not one single fruit or vegetable that contains any cholesterol; it is a fact that cholesterol only comes from animal sources. Keep in mind that every time you eat a meatless dish you're doing your body a favor and it will end up thanking you in the long run with better health.

In addition, increasing the amount of oat bran or beans in your diet can drastically decrease cholesterol readings (a daily intake of oat bran that is slightly more than a cup or a daily ingestion of 1/2 cup of cooked beans has been proken to reduce cholesterol by 20 %). Try eating soup cups filled with beans or trying out some great vegetarian chili mixes.

Choose Bees Wax , Save the World

2009-03-24T20:33:00.001-07:00

Consider the circle of life and the interconnectedness of all things. Everything that we humans do, every choice we make, every dollar we spend, has an effect.

Consider the relationship of humans and bees. Honeybees are vitally important creatures in nature. They are also the principal pollinators of our fruit, nut and vegetable crops.

Without bees, life as we know it would change drastically for the worse. With the current trend, this is a very real and dreadful possibility.

Humans have so poisoned the ecosystem with chemical agriculture (oil, again) that today the bees are dying worldwide in alarming and record numbers. When we support chemical agriculture, we contribute to that devastation. But when we choose to support organic agriculture, we contribute to the healing, to health in general. When we buy and burn chemical candles, we harm ourselves and our world. When we support beekeepers and bees, well, we help save the world. Simple as that.

Why Beeswax? Because we care about our health and our world.

Choose well. Pass it on.

Do you know what's in your Shampoo?

2009-03-24T19:58:00.000-07:00

Well you would be shocked to know that most brands of Shampoo have a chemical called Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. Found in many personal care products such as Soaps, Shampoos, Toothpaste, etc. This chemical could cause irritation and even cancer! It's even the same chemical used to clean garage floors!

We switched to Organic and Natural Shampoos, which gives you a clean the natural way. We found one that is very affordable and great for your hair. It's Italian Red Grape Shampoo, which can treat damaged hair too. It's 100% Vegan and has no parabens, Sodium Laureth/Sodium Lauryl Sulfates, phthalates, artificial fragrances or colors, silicones, EDTA, glycol or petroleum based ingredients. Cruelty free and biodegradable.

I've used it myself and it really helped treat my dry hair, and makes it very soft and healthy. And it smells wonderful! So choose Organic, and try it for yourself.

Click Here For Great Organic Products...

Adoption the Best Option!

2009-03-17T16:55:00.000-07:00

Study after study shows that pets are good for our health. Their unconditional love and wonderful kindness reduce our stress levels and increase our serotonin intake. Sadly, fewer than half of family pets live out their lives with their original families. That’s an estimated seven million animals entering our shelter system every year, many simply through the irresponsibility of careless owners. If you’re thinking of adopting an animal for yourself or your family, here are some tips:

• Avoid impulses “There are so many great (shelter) dogs and cats in need of a home,” says Babara Savidge, owner of Olive: Green Goods for Modern Dogs. “That said, don’t be completely swayed by a cute face. Take some time to think about what’s important to you in a pet. Make a list of what you want, what you don’t want, and what you can compromise on–before you even look. A little pre-thought will go a long way to ensuring a good fit for both parties.”

• Meet Your Match. More than 250 shelters across the U.S. use a “Meet your Match” program. The potential owners are required to fill out lengthy questionnaires stating desires and behaviors. In this way, the more knowledgeable handlers at the shelters can point the owners in the direction of a breed or animal that would suit their lifestyle well. Occasionally, owners are introduced to breeds that they never would have considered, helping “less-popular” pets find loving homes.

• Rely on the shelter workers for advice and knowledge. Many pet stores view each pet as a potential sale, while the shelter workers, often volunteers, are invested in every animal they help and want to find the placement that will work best for all parties.

• Do your research. Just because you live in an apartment doesn’t mean you can’t adopt. “Several large breed dogs, older dogs and cats are well-suited to apartment life,” says Shannon Boyer of the Arizona Animal Welfare League. “These animals are pretty sedentary and are very happy and healthy with just a couple short walks each day.”• Introduce your current pets. Many shelters will allow you to bring your current pets into the environment to ensure that everyone feels comfortable with the new addition. If your adoptee is shy, many shelters have programs that will help with training and socializing.

Remember, you are now responsible for a life so this is not a decision to be taken lightly. Consider the pros and cons. Are you ready for both the work and rewards that come with owning a pet?

by Veronica Peterson

So many pets need a good home, and adoption is the best option. Because you will be saving a life and giving that animal a loving home where he/she can be happy. I enjoy having a pet because, they do give unconditional love every day, and they never expect anything in return. My dog taught me that love is a very powerful thing, and that is where true happiness lies. He also taught me to be grateful for each day, and for my loved ones. If your thinking of adopting a pet and considered all the Tips above, you can check out this website, which can help you find the right pet for you. http://www.petfinder.com/

Homemade Toothpaste!

2009-03-17T16:45:00.000-07:00

Skip the harmful chemicals in many commercial toothpastes and make your own. This is a simple, inexpensive, odor-eliminating, tooth-whitening, and very effective formula from Organic Body Care Recipes (Storey, 2007) By Stephanie Tourles.

Ingredients
1 teaspoon baking soda1/2 teaspoon sea salt, finely ground1 drop peppermint, spearmint, sweet orange, clove, or cinnamon bark essential oil A few drops tap water.

Combine ingredients in a small bowl and mix them thoroughly with a toothbrush, your finger, or a small spoon until a smooth, thick paste forms.

The paste shouldn’t be too runny; it has to stay on your toothbrush.

Dip your toothbrush into the paste and use as you would regular commercial toothpaste.

by Melissa Breyer

Milk Alternatives

2009-03-13T16:17:00.000-07:00

Some people have pretty compelling arguments against drinking milk. And while it’s true that we are the only species to drink the milk of another species—we are also the only species that cooks its food and can open a bottle of red wine (should we give that up too?). Truth be told, there are a number of persuasive reasons to wean oneself from cow milk—find out here if you should stop drinking milk, and read about non-dairy alternatives.

The Vegan Case

Animal rights proponents point to the cruelty inherent in industrial farming. The animals are treated terribly and the milk is can be quite unhealthy. (See Easy Greening: Cow Milk). In addition, there are serious environmental problems that dairy farms create. The dairy-products industry is the primary source of smog-forming pollutants in California; a single cow emits more of these harmful gases than a car does. The last common argument for a dairy free life is that cow’s milk is made for cows. We are the only mammal that drinks the milk of another mammal—and we were just not meant to do that, as evidenced by our inadequate lactase production.

Intolerance and Allergies

Lactase is the enzyme produced in our small intestine that breaks down lactose, the natural sugar in any milk. In toddler-hood we begin producing less lactase. It is the reduction of lactase that leads to lactose intolerance—which is the inability to properly digest milk. Millions of Americans are lactose intolerant, and an estimated 90 percent of Asian-Americans and 75 percent of Native- and African-Americans suffer from the condition. Lactose intolerance can cause bloating, gas, cramps, vomiting, headaches, rashes, and asthma. Having a milk allergy is different: in this case the body has an allergic reaction to one or more of the proteins in milk (casein, whey, and lactalbumin). Milk allergies can incite gastric distress, as well as skin problems like rashes and eczema, and runny noses or nasal congestion.

The Calcium Issue

But if we require so much calcium, it might seem that our bodies really do need milk. Well. According to an authoritative article in the British newspaper The Guardian, Anne Karpf exhaustively explores the problems with milk. Here is just one fascinating fact she doles out: “American women are among the biggest consumers of calcium in the world, yet still have one of the highest levels of osteoporosis in the world…Most Chinese people eat and drink no dairy products and consume only half the calcium of Americans…yet osteoporosis is uncommon in China despite an average life expectancy of 70.” She goes on to propose that the bone loss and deteriorating bone tissue that take place in osteoporosis are due not to calcium deficiency but rather to its resorption: it’s not that our bodies don’t get enough calcium, rather that they excrete too much of what they already have. Is our need for calcium from dairy just a very deep-seated myth? Okay, I am grappling with this one. We have been programmed since childhood to believe in the necessity of milk and calcium, but those statistics are hard to ignore.

The Alternatives:

Almond Milk

With only 2 grams of protein per 8 ounces, almond milk is not that impressive in the protein department—but almonds are one of the healthiest foods around. They’re rich in magnesium, potassium, manganese, copper, the antioxidants vitamin E and selenium, and calcium. Almond milk has a nice sweet, nutty flavor and a good consistency, which makes it good for drinking as well as a good dairy substitute in cooking.

Hemp Milk

A personal favorite: Hemp milk is new to the market and is made from seeds grown in Canada, where growing hemp is legal. It is a good source of omega-3 and -6 essential fatty acids, calcium, and phosphorous, and is commonly fortified with other vitamins and minerals. One (very delicious) brand, Living Harvest, states that unlike soy protein, hemp protein doesn’t contain high levels of enzyme inhibitors, phytates, which can interfere with the proper assimilation of essential minerals, or oligosaccharides which cause flatulence and stomach distress.

Oat Milk

Oat milk is gaining in popularity and availability. It is high in fiber, is cholesterol and lactose free, and contains vitamin E, folic acid, and other trace elements and minerals. Oats are also rich in phytochemicals, naturally occurring chemicals in plants that help fight diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and stroke. It is said to be highly tolerated by people with multiple allergies—however it’s not good for people with gluten intolerance.

Rice Milk

Rice milk is processed from brown rice and typically contains rice syrup, evaporated cane juice or another natural sweetener. It is usually fortified with calcium or vitamin D. It is generally very sweet, and pretty watery. The main drawback of rice milk is that it is mainly just a source of carbohydrates—it is a good dairy substitute for cooking, but shouldn’t be used as a replacement for nutrients.

Soy Milk

There was a time when soy was considered nothing short of a miracle bean. But times have changed. The preponderance of GMO strains drifting into soy fields is alarming (it is estimated that 90 percent of soy is genetically modified), and people are increasingly acquiring quite serious allergies to soy. If you drink a lot of soy milk, you might want to read the arguments about possible health issues associated with soy. Dr. Kaayle Daniel, author of the book The Whole Soy Story: The Dark Side of America’s Health Food says: “Soy isoflavones–the plant estrogens in soy most often credited with cancer prevention–are listed as carcinogens in many toxicology textbooks. They have also been proven to be mutagenic, clastogenic and teratogenic.” Excessive soy intake has also been linked to an increased risk of thyroid disease, and some feel that soy’s phytoestrogens may attenuate testosterone levels in boys. The jury may still be out on soy, but the bottom line might just be that soy milk is significantly more processed than the other milk alternatives.

By: Melissa Breyer

Non-Toxic Bird Feeder Cleaning

2009-03-13T16:03:00.000-07:00

Cleaning your bird feeders once a month, year round, is important for the health of the birds. It is recommended that hummingbird feeders be cleaned every four days. And it is important to make sure you avoid toxic cleaners.

Fungi such as Aspergillus fumigatus, a fungus which causes respiratory infections in birds, can grow on the feeders.
Here is a non-toxic solution and technique to make this chore easier and safe for the birds.
If you are enthusiastic about bird feeding and operate more than a couple of feeders, cleaning them on a rotating schedule will prevent having to clean them all at once–a potentially burdensome task.

Obtain a tub big enough to hold your birdfeeder(s), a scrub brush, outdoor hose, gloves, scent-free liquid soap or detergent, and white distilled vinegar.

Place your feeder in the tub outdoors, fill it it with warm water and a squirt of liquid soap or detergent. Wearing gloves, scrub the parts of the feeder you can reach, and rinse thoroughly with a hose.
Empty the tub and fill it with clean water and 4 cups of vinegar.

Let the feeder soak for 1 hour. Rinse thoroughly.

Also, make sure that you call wildlife officials immediately if you notice that the birds in your vicinity seem sick.

By: Annie Bond

How to Recycle your used Electronics

2009-02-28T20:37:00.000-08:00

Most people love getting new gadgets for the holidays, whether they are tech-savvy professionals or folks who never figured out how to program their VCRs or set up a MySpace page. This year there are more possibilities than ever to find under the tree, from the revolutionary, highly accessible Wii Nintendo console to sophisticated cell phones that are connecting people in new ways. Even underprivileged children around the world are now receiving discount laptops in record numbers, hopefully helping to breach the digital divide.

But the burgeoning market of electronics and accelerating pace of technology have meant increased environmental impact. This is perhaps never more true than after the holidays, when people clean out their old gear in favor of the new shiny toys and appliances they have just received, or purchased through gifts, bonuses or seasonal sales. With the 2009 change in TV transmissions around the corner, even more e-waste is being generated. Plus, consider that the average cell phone user changes handsets every 18 months.

The good news is awareness of the potential ecological impact is also rising, and there are ways to make a difference, especially at the end of your product's life.
It's no small step, considering that 20 to 50 million tons of electronics waste (often called e-waste) is discarded globally every year, according to Greenpeace. If all that e-rubbish were put into containers on a train it would go once around the world! E-waste is the fastest growing component of the municipal solid waste stream, and currently makes up five percent of all municipal solid waste.

In the past, no one thought of recycling computers and other electronics. The only option was tossing them on the curb. But these days engineers have taken notice that electronics usually contain a wealth of valuable materials. Plus, recycling almost always means lower net carbon emissions, which is something everyone is now paying closer attention to because of global warming. Finally, electronics are made with a sizable amount of lead, cadmium, brominated fire retardants and plastics that can leach toxic breakdown products — that's stuff no one wants in their water supply!

The Consumer Electronics Association, which represents electronics manufacturers, encourages people to recycle their e-waste, and has set up a handy Website to make the process simple. Log on to mygreenelectronics.org, where you can search for local recycling drop-off points by zip code and product category. You'll also find tips and info on electronics recycling, and a cool energy calculator that will show you how much juice each product uses

Grow Seedlings in Junk Containers

2009-02-26T13:49:00.000-08:00

Seedlings should be planted indoors about four to eight weeks before the last frost date for your area. All you really need are organic soil, seeds and containers—and when it comes to that last item, look no further than your own home.

Rather than heading to the local gardening supply store or co-op for those flimsy plastic seedling planters used by greenhouses, consider repurposing items that would otherwise end up in the trash. Not only will you be eliminating the need for those disposable containers—they always seem to tear—you'll be reusing an item before you recycle it (big eco-karma points!).

The containers that can be used for seedlings are pretty much endless: any shallow plastic, wood or metal container will do.

Here are my top picks for re-purposed seedling containers:

milk cartons
egg cartons
tuna or salmon tins
Jello and pudding cups
bottoms of plastic pop bottles
Lunchables trays
Philadelphia Cream Cheese containers
plastic cookie trays

Poke holes in the bottoms of the containers to ensure the roots of your plants get enough aeration to maintain a healthy and not-too-moist soil. For small containers, think one plant per "pot," but if you're using a larger container, sow seeds 2 inches apart to prevent overcrowding (very bad for seedlings' health). If you notice seedlings are touching when they start to sprout, transplant some to another container. And remember, keep your burgeoning plants warm! Air temperature should be at least 75°F during the day and 65°F at night.

When the frost is gone for good, transplant your veggies and plants into the garden or an outdoor planter—you can garden just about anywhere—but be sure to keep up the eco-friendly gardening!

Eco-Friendly Things You Can Do with Baking Soda

2009-02-26T13:32:00.000-08:00

We all own a box of baking soda and now that we are facing some economically challenging times ahead, it makes sense to take a trip to the dollar store to stock up on a few more boxes of this precious eco-friendly powder.

Here's just 10 great things you can do with plain old baking soda:

Clear a clogged drain: Mix ½ cup of baking soda with ½ cup of white vinegar (careful as when you add the vinegar, it may bubble over). Pour down drain followed by 2 cups of boiling water.

Deodorize your dishwasher: Simply sprinkle ½ cup of baking soda on the bottom of your dishwasher before running a cycle.

Freshen up your sponge: If your kitchen sponge or towel starts to get a bit stinky, soak it overnight in 2 cups of warm water, 2 tbsp of baking soda and 5 drops of tea tree oil.

Deodorize your carpet or rug: Lightly sprinkle baking soda over your carpet. Let it settle for ½ an hour and then vacuum.

Dandruff remedy: Wet your hair and then rub a handful of baking soda vigorously into your scalp. Shampoo and condition with sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)-free products and repeat for the next 5 or 6 times that you wash your hair.

Mouthwash: If you have bad breath or it's the night after a heavy dose of garlicky pasta, dissolve 1 tsp of baking soda in an 8-ounce glass of water and use as a mouthwash or gargle.

Clean combs, brushes: freshen up your bristles by whirling them around in a bowl of 3 cups of warm water and 2tsp of baking soda.

Moldy shower curtains: Throw a mildew/mold stained shower curtain into the washing machine with a couple of bath towels. Add 1 cup of baking soda to the detergent and add 1 cup of vinegar to rinse cycle.

Paving stones: Keep the weeds from growing in between paving stones by sprinkling baking soda onto the paving stones and sweep it into the cracks.

Clean your grill: scour yucky grill racks with a paste made from 2tbsp baking soda and 2tbsp of water. Apply paste with a brush, leave for 15 minutes and then rinse.

I Love how Baking Soda can be used for almost anything, and it only cost 99 cents or less!

The Healthy Eats for Our Pets.

2009-02-22T09:48:00.000-08:00

Does price make a difference?

In March 2007, more than 100 brands of pet food tainted with melamine-laced wheat gluten were recalled. This included more expensive brands like Iams, Eukanuba, Hill's Science Diet and Purina Mighty Dog. It turns out there's not much difference between high-end and low-end commercial pet food -- both contain plenty of fillers like wheat gluten.

The toxic gluten has been traced back to China, where it's common practice to plump up food products with just about any cheap ingredient available. After close to 4,000 pets died, the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine launched a massive recall of pet foods.

Green means better nutrition

The Animal Protection Institute recommends buying organic foods

Popular Organic commercial Foods include:

Newman's Own Organics: dry and wet food for dogs and cats with no hormones, antibiotics, pesticides, herbicides or chemical additives.

Innova: dog and cat food with organic lean meats, cottage cheese, whole grains, vegetables and fruit high in Omega 6 and Omega 3 essentials oils.

Nature's Variety: canned and dry dog food has 40 percent more meat proteins combined with Omega rich grains, herbs and vegetables like carrots, spinach and broccoli. Their high protein cat food includes favourites like salmon, chicken and turkey.

Show kitty the meat! Our domestic cats may be too lazy to hunt but they still need an exclusively meat diet.

InstinctsTC, manufactured by Feline Future, is a blend of dry ingredients with amino acids, minerals and trace elements that can be added to ground chicken or turkey to create a protein-rich cat food.

Wild Kitty offers unprocessed protein and fat with no grains and very little water, making it nutritionally dense. They even have exotic blends like the Sushi and Conch dinner for the gourmet cat.

It's Important that we learn the Dangers of Commercial Pet Food and we should turn to Organic and Natural Foods, so our pets can be healthy!

Bottled Water, Not so Safe.

2009-02-22T09:19:00.000-08:00

Be honest. How often do you recycle that plastic water bottle? Are you one of the 88 percent who throw their bottle out? Collectively we are dumping 40 million plastic water bottles per day. Stop using plastic water bottles and reduce your carbon footprint. (You'll also save money.)

True be told: 40% of bottled water starts out as tap water. Companies, like Coca Cola and Pepsi, take the water for free, running it through some filters, pour it into a bottle with a fancy name and then sell it back to us at a price 240 to 10,000 times higher than tap water.

Clever marketing has made us believe that bottle water is healthier and much more pure than tap water. But a four year study by the (NRDC) found plenty of bacteria and chemicals in bottled water. Since there are currently no regulations in place for bottled water it's hard to know exactly what you are buying.

Tips for Bottled Water:

If your water smells like plastic, even just a hint, don't drink it. Dump it or return it.

Keep your bottled water away from heat or sunlight. Hot plastic leaches chemicals more easily.

Don't buy water that has been on the shelf longer than six months. Ask the store how long it's been on the shelf. Dust is usually not a good sign.

Don't reuse bottles made for single use. They are breeding grounds for bacteria and will also start to break down quickly, easily releasing chemicals
Go with stainless steel or glass whenever possible.

Buy in bulk and stay away from the individual bottles.

Drink tap water. Buy a home water filter and start carrying tap in your stainless steel bottle. Save money and the planet.

My First Veggy Garden

2009-02-20T14:08:00.000-08:00

I just started planting Vegetables, and this is my Cucumber Plant at day 3. So Exciting! It's a great experience, watching it grow each day.

Reasons for Starting a Vegetable Garden

2009-02-20T13:53:00.000-08:00

The Top Ten Reasons for Growing Your Own Vegetables Are:

1. Good Exercise!

I can't promise you that by growing your own vegetables you'll end up looking like Angelina Jolie or Jessica Simpson. I can promise you that by growing your own vegetables you'll get plenty of good exercise and sunshine so that you will end up looking like the best YOU possible.

2. Good Health!

Growing and eating your own vegetables is a healthy alternative to purchasing store-bought fresh vegetables that have been sprayed with pesticides and handled by who knows who, or canned and frozen veggies that have had all the vitamins and minerals sapped out of them.

3. Cheaper!

By growing your own vegetables you will save money on your weekly food shopping budget, especially if you are savvy enough to start your vegetables from seeds. After you've harvested your crop, you can save even more money by checking out my free recipes right here at, Fresh Cooking from your Garden.

4. Organic Vegetables!

Organic vegetables are by far the healthiest to eat. Growing your own is the safest way to know for sure that there was nothing unhealthy used in the growing process. If you do decide to use some pesticides, and not be totally organic, you have full control over how much, which type, and when to use them.

5. Yard Appeal!

A well-kept vegetable garden is just as attractive as a bed of flowers. You can even mix some flowers into your vegetable garden to make it all the more beautiful. A beautiful garden can add value to your home and make your yard a favorite place for you and your family to spend time.

6. Mental Stress Buster!

Tending a garden goes a long way to help relieve stress. Pulling weeds does a lot more for you than just housekeeping for your garden. Pulling weeds is an excellent way to rid your body of excess stress and tension. Watering your garden is another relaxing pass time that not only helps your garden grow but also soothes the soul.

7. Exotic!

Where can you find purple green beans and white eggplant? How about round zucchini and Heirloom tomatoes? Blue Corn? White Pumpkins? By growing your own, you can plant many different and exotic vegetables that you won't find at the local Home Depot or Lowe's gardening center. It's amazing how many different types of vegetables there are that many people have never heard of or seen. Search through some seed catalogs and see what you can find. (Hint: The kiddies will love this as much as you do!)

8. Family Togetherness!

Instead of sitting around the boob tube watching the simpsons, get the whole family outside in the garden once a week. Not only will they learn how to grow tomatoes, but you will learn what's going on in their lives simply by spending some good quality time together.

9. Vegetables On Demand!

Surprise company for dinner? Not a problem, when you've got your own garden growing just outside your back door. Salads are easy when you're in a rush. A quick change in the dinner schedule, not to worry when you've got plenty of options growing at your fingertips. Forgot to pull something out of the freezer? Pull some veggies from the garden and toss them on the grill. Dinner is served!

10. Fun!

Gardening is a lot of fun when you don't look at it as another tedious chore. I love watching my plants grow and mature. For me the best part is watching the babies arrive and develop into full-grown vegetables that are free for the picking. And when you're done, you get to eat them. Can you think of anything more fun than eating? Okay. So maybe you can think of other things more fun but I bet eating runs a close second!

Ocala the Beautiful

2009-02-20T13:19:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures I took at Rainbow Springs State Park in Ocala,Florida. You can find alot of wildlife at this park. Like Squirrels, Otters, Turtles, Alligators, Humming Birds, And Owls. It's a very peaceful and beautiful place.

House Plants Clean Indoor Air?

2009-02-19T19:14:00.000-08:00

Can common houseplants clean your indoor air? Some scientists say they can. The reason: Many plants can act as natural air filters; improving your indoor air quality by absorbing contaminants. And, of course, all plants contribute to healthy air by converting carbon dioxide to oxygen.
Studies have shown that some common plants can be effective at removing formaldehyde, benzene, carbon monoxide, and other nasty pollutants.NASA published the first studies over two decades ago. Since then, other scientists have supported its findings.

Which plants should you choose?

Dr. Bill Wolverton, a former NASA scientist who was involved in the original research, suggests Peace Lily, Areca Palm, Lady Palm, Ficus Alii, and Golden Pathos because they are easy to take care of and are among the most effective at removing air pollutants.

Researchers at the University of Georgia say the best purifiers of the 32 plant species they tested include: Purple Waffle Plant, English Ivy, Purple Heart, Foxtail Fern, and Wax Plant.
When it comes to indoor air quality we can use all the help we can get. The air inside our homes can be more seriously polluted than outdoor air thanks in part to many of the products we use. That's not great news when you consider that we spend about 90 percent of our time indoors.