Celebrate Earth Day, Everyday.

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.

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

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

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!

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!

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 ?

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

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?

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

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

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

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.