DailyGreen

Fluoride-free Water Campaign for Halloween: Nifty Free Handouts

2011-10-25T02:16:00.000-04:00

Halloween Campaign!

The Journal of Natural Food and Health is sponsoring a fluoride-free campaign to increase awareness and education on life-long health effects from fluoride exposures. We have produced very powerful fluoride-free handouts that are 4 x 5” and prints four to a page. The claims are backed up by a link to 500 references to studies and papers. The handouts can be given out during Halloween to trick-or-treaters or given at the door by the trick-or-treaters—or used at any time.

Click here to download Halloween Handouts on Floride!

On a tube of fluoride toothpaste FDA warns if a pea-size amount in swallowed, call the Poison Control Center. This is the same amount of fluoride in just an 8-ounce glass of water. On other dental products, the FDA-required Drug Facts label tells us that its safety or effectiveness is unknown. Fluoridation of drinking water is mass medication, without informed consent, with no controlled dose, with no medical monitoring and without FDA approval. Fluoride is a drug, a potent neurotoxin. People have the right to know its side effects. Fluoride in drinking water is neither safe nor effective, and is not necessary.

Did you know the latest CDC comprehensive dental survey shows 41% of children have fluoride toxicity and damaged teeth (fluorosis) with white and brown spots from water fluoridation? In fact, the CDC and ADA warned six years ago that infants should not have fluoridated water, but they have never launched a public awareness program. How does fluoride damage the joints, the thyroid and the brain?

What can you do? Help educate others with the simple science and facts. Download hese nifty fluoride-free handouts; it’s safe, effective and necessary– it’s even free and fun! By participating you will receive two free eBooks on health and nutrition on Halloween (details below).

The Truth About Plastic

2011-06-29T11:04:00.000-04:00

By Susan Freinkel

A century ago when plastics first began to be used in everyday life, people fell in love with them. And for good reason: plastics made possible many of the benefits of modern life, from wash ‘n’ wear clothing to computers and cell phones to the replacement joints and organs that keep many of us going late in life. Yet that love affair has a darker side, much of it stemming from the careless and shortsighted ways in which plastics are all too often produced and used. Let me share five anecdotes that speak to that:

1. Plastic trash can now be found in all the world’s oceans, and on even the most remote and pristine beaches, from the Alaskan wilderness to islands bordering Antarctica.

During a visit to a beach near the tip of Point Reyes (a big protected national park in northern California) I found dozens of pieces of plastic debris, including shotgun casings, dead disposable lighters, half of a plastic patio chair, hunks of nylon rope and a bunch of pre-production pellets. When I scooped up handfuls of sand and looked at them closely, I realized the sand was suffused with tiny plastic fragments. Plastic doesn’t break down; it only breaks up into smaller and smaller pieces. That “accumulation and fragmentation of plastics” is “one of the most ubiquitous and long-lasting recent changes to the surface of our planet,” says British biologist David Barnes.

2. Plastic pollution is exacting a heavy toll on wildlife. It’s been documented as the cause of injuries or deaths in 267 different species, including seals, seabirds and amphibians like the Leatherback Turtle, a species that survived the extinction of the dinosaurs.

Midway atoll, a tiny speck of land in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, serves as nesting ground for the Laysan albatross, magnificent birds that fly great distances in search of food for their young. Because they scavenge from an area in the ocean where plastic debris accumulates, the birds are now also accumulating plastic. Studies suggest nearly every one of the 1.2 million albatross on Midway has some quantity of plastic in their stomachs. In autopsies of dead birds, biologists have extracted toothbrushes, lighters, toy soldiers, bottle caps, pen caps, plastic fragments, and in one case, a dog tag traced to a U.S. Navy fighter who was shot down in 1944.

3. One of the plastics most widely used in medicine and in consumer goods—vinyl—can leach chemicals that may interfere with hormones. I visited a neonatal intensive care nursery where I saw a tiny fragile, premature baby who was hooked up to multiple vinyl IV bags and tubing. The bags and tubes were delivering medicines and nutrients the baby needed, but they were also leaching phthalates into her bloodstream—chemicals that can mimic testosterone and during critical points of development may affect a child’s system in ways that lead to various health problems years from now, including fertility issues, allergies, and liver toxicity.

4. We have produced nearly as much plastic in the first ten years of the 21st century as in the entire preceding 100 years. In the U.S. alone, consumption of plastic has risen tenfold since 1960. But it’s the undeveloped world where we’ll see the biggest jump in consumption in coming decades—in places like India, China or Africa where people understandably want the same consumer goods and conveniences that the developed world enjoys. Unfortunately these are also places with less developed systems for recycling and disposing of plastics, raising the specter of even worse plastic pollution.

5. Most used plastics are recycled in China. I learned this when I tracked what happened to the plastic soda bottles I put in my recycling bin and discovered they were being shipped from San Francisco to China. There the bottles would turned into polyester fiber, used to make clothing, carpet, pillows among other things. That fact is 40 years after the first recycling programs were established in the U.S., we are still recycling only about 28 percent of all plastic bottles and less than ten percent of plastics in general.

What Can We Do About Our Plastic Consumption?

Plastic is so integral to modern life that we can’t—and probably don’t—want to entirely relinquish it. But there are ways to make for a better, healthier relationship:

1. Refuse single-use freebies: Bring your own bag when shopping. Carry a travel mug for your daily caffeine fix. Tell your waiter you don’t need a straw. Instead of buying bottled water, stay hydrated from reusable bottles made of metal or BPA-free plastic.

2. Reuse where possible: Give that sandwich baggie a week’s workout; use that empty yogurt tub for leftovers.

3. Use your purchasing power to support companies that are trying to use less packaging and healthier kinds of plastic.

4. Learn what you can recycle. Find out what plastics your community recycler accepts. Explore other recycling resources: UPS stores will take back shipping peanuts; many grocery chains will take used bags and plastic film; many office supply chains will take back used printer cartridges.

5. Don’t cook in plastic. Heat can cause hazardous chemicals to leach out of some polymers, so transfer food to glass before microwaving.

Source: www.green-talk.com

Zero-Packaging Grocery Store to Open in Austin, Texas

2011-06-26T15:16:00.000-04:00

Austin, Texas is already home to Whole Foods, but that won't stop a group of entrepreneurs from founding a new grocery store right in the natural food behemoth's backyard. While the new store In.gredients will also specialize in local and organic ingredients, there's one major difference between this venture and its hometown competion: In.gredients promises to be the country's first ever "package-free, zero waste grocery store."

The idea is so simple, it's surprising that no one in the United States has implemented it yet. (The United Kingdom, on the other hand, got the bulk food-only Unpackaged in London last year). Just like many people bring tote bags to the grocery store, shoppers at In.gredients will be encouraged to bring their own containers to pack up items like grains, oils, and dairy. If a shopper doesn't have his own containers, the store will provide compostable ones. It's as if the specialty bulk food section rebelled and took over the rest of a traditional grocery store. In.gredients will replace unhealthy, overpackaged junk with local, organic, and natural foods, and moonlight as a community center with cooking classes, gardening workshops, and art shows on the side.

“Truth be told, what’s normal in the grocery business isn’t healthy for consumers or the environment," In.gredients co-founder Christian Lane said in a press release. Americans add 570 million pounds of food packaging to their landfills each day, while pre-packaged foods force consumers to buy more than they need, stuffing their bellies and their trash bins: 27 percent of food brought into U.S. kitchens ends up getting tossed out.

In.gredients's founders hope to open the grocery store's doors in East Austin this fall, provided that the funding goes through.

Source: www.good.is

A Five-fold Path for Divine Dating in the 21st Century

2011-04-15T09:49:00.001-04:00

By Guest writer: LiYana Silver

Have you ever wondered if dating is a modern form of torture, an iron maiden slowly squeezing the last breaths from our hopeful hearts? Is the dating pool a mass of muck and mire to be paddled through in hopes of reaching the far-off shores of our ideal relationship? Or could dating be a transcendent experience, a meeting of gods and goddesses in shining, soul-opening moments over cocktails? Could dating be divine? I consulted four other relationship experts who offered some heavenly answers to these worldly questions and revealed a five-fold path that can illuminates our way.

Dating. It ain’t what it used to be. The entire rulebook of courtship seems to have changed. The hows, wheres, whens, whats and whys barely even resemble those of our parents or grandparents. The internet is just over a generation old, drastically influencing how and where we meet people. How do you know when is the right time to call, to have sex, to stop dating other people? What we do on dates – and why – is also open for interpretation; are you looking for a soul-mate, life-partner, mother-of-your-children or a no-strings-fling?

If my ten years of private practice as a relationship coach have made anything clear, it’s that relationships are truly complex. However, the recipe for lasting love calls for five vital ingredients, and four other expert dating coaches echo my findings. So, what are these five ingredients; what is this five-fold path we help our clients walk, amble and saunter along? It’s a concept, an acronym and a memorable verb; and it’s what most of us wish we could do on yet another agonizing date: A.S.C.E.N.D. A is for Appreciation; S for Self-awareness and Self-care; C for Communication, E for Ending the war of the sexes, N for Negotiation; and D for Divine dating.

But let’s start with what we would like so much to ASCEND from shall we? Why is dating such a misery, a drudgery and an ongoing opportunity for dashed hopes and painful rejection? Mama Gena, Queen of Pleasure, and founder and facilitator of the Womanly Arts Mastery Program, and author of Mama Gena’s School of Womanly Arts says it’s due in part to our abundant expectations, as well as our baggage and past disappointments that we haul around with us from date to date. Our poor partner has to attempt to overcome our history of unmet expectations, hurt feelings and broken heartedness in only a few short hours.

Jordan Harbinger is a dating coach and teacher with The Art of Charm, which offers men primarily the skills of natural charisma, body language, presence and being their authentic selves without apology. He points to our – and especially men’s – prideful egos as one of the main pitfalls to pleasurable dating. With our attention on how the other person is perceiving and judging us, and how and if we are measuring up, there’s little room left to be present with our date. Add to that our fear and shame about admitting we’ve got a lot to learn about dating, relationship and social dynamics. We feel like we should already know how to be great on a date, amazing lovers and fantastic communicators. We truly need that relationship education that almost none of us actually got.

In addition, dating and mating rituals are far from clearly defined. Is he supposed to call on Wednesday for a date on Saturday? Is she supposed to text midday and demand a steamy meeting later in the evening? Reid Mahalko is a bi-coastal sex educator and coach for relationship self-esteem and sexual self-confidence. He chimes in, reminding us that although we often manage to find decent people – which used to be reason enough for our parents and grandparents to make a lifelong marriage work – that is no longer enough. We need to learn to, as Reid puts it, “date our species.” We expect more out of our relationships than ever before; sure our date needs to be a decent person, but we also expect to meet our emotional, intellectual, financial, familial spiritual, social and sexual match as well.

Hollywood’s leading love and relationship expert Lauren Frances, who counsels A-list celebrities and mentors women around the globe in creating what she calls “legendary love affairs,” adds that the fundamental underlying obstacle to enjoyable dating is our lack of clear intention. Why are we dating, to what end? What do we want to get out of courtship? Until somewhat recently, dating was a means to the endpoint of marriage, which created a lot of psychological safety.

Many of the women I work with experience what I call “Groundhog-Day Dating.” Like Bill Murray in the 1993 movie who awoke day after day destined to repeat the same painful patterns, so it is for many of us in dating. We inherit these relationship ruts from our families of origins and our culture. We are often perplexed that our hard work and good will does nothing to shift our attraction to the “wrong” person over and over again. We KNOW what to do, but we don’t.

So, now that we know how and why dating sucks so bad, how do we start to have a blast instead? We A.S.C.E.N.D.

Starting with Appreciation is key. Deceptively simple and often overlooked, appreciation in and of itself it doesn’t always solve complex issues or turn the date around, but it paves the way. And without it, the date – and likely the rest of the relationship – is headed downhill. Appreciation is afoot when you relish the experience of the date itself, approve of your own self, and acknowledge the human being you’re on the date with – even if not the right man or woman for you. “The more you honor your own journey and appreciate every step you took, the more you will draw toward you the best experiences,” says Mama Gena.

The second step of the five-fold path is Self-awareness. Get on intimate terms with what you want, what makes you happy, what thrills you, your deal-breakers, the things you can’t stand and even those things you think you don’t deserve but secretly hope for. Knowing want you want is sexy. Get really clear who and what “your species” is – as Reid Mihalko instructs – so you can see if you are on a date with them! This second step also includes Self-care. The date starts before the date; the more you invest in making yourself delicious, the more you both will enjoy yourselves. Mind follows body and body follows mind.

The third ingredient in your delicious dating recipe is Communication: words to sweetly break the ice, to gracefully extract yourself from an uncomfortable date, to get you started appreciating the human being you’re with. Be kind, be interested in this person. Rather than judgments, focus on finding commonalities and connecting on an emotional level.

Fourthly, E is for Ending the war of the sexes. In case you didn’t notice, there is a sea of misunderstanding separating us from true partnership. When we know men and women truly want (nope, not just to get in her pants or to get at his credit card), we can actually begin to have a sweet dating experience. In our heart of hearts, women want most to be seen, to receive enlivening attention, and to be noticed afresh each moment. See her, hear her, notice her, for real. Guys want to be appreciated, respected and supported in their purpose. As a teacher of mine once said, “Be happy and blame it on him.”

Lauren Frances reminds us of the fifth step, Negotiation. Dates, she says, especially first ones are mainly for “romantic research and checking for compatibility coordinates. If you are marriage-minded, ask your date if he or she believes in marriage – and listen very carefully to the answer. If he or she balks, you’ve done a great job of uncovering a serious relationship incompatibility. You WANT to scare the wrong suitors off! Harmony in relationships comes from an alignment of “mutual romantic intention.’” I always say it’s more a question of sorting through all our options than desperately hoping for this one to be The One. They can be a truly great person, but not a right fit for you. If you are not clear where you are going, it’s hard to get there.

The sixth ingredient is D for Divine Dating, where all these five steps have been leading. To turn an ordinary dating experience into a transcendent one, begin with no expectations, while holding strongly what you deeply desire. Stay present; feeling seen, heard and truly appreciated are the things of falling in love as well as lasting love. Continue to not taking anything personally, especially on first encounters. Make sure to make the date somehow meaningful, so none of your time spent with another person is ever wasted time. Although you may want a coach to help access it, remember that you have all you need inside. Although you may need a course to remind you, notice that on the other side of your insecurities is the truth of your magnificence.

Not every date will result in a happy ending, but each can be an affirmation that you are showing up for your love life fully and you are taking the right actions. Become more committed to your divine dating experience than feeling bad about your failures. Develop a point of view about your partner that is loving, even if he or she isn’t a fit for your relationship intentions. Who you are in every moment – including swapping stories over margaritas – is who you are in life and in love. Says Mama Gena, “We are each responsible for bringing the recognition of our own divinity, which allows us to see it in the other.”

LiYana Silver, Relationship Expert and regular contributor to New York Spirit, is known for her bold, fresh guidance for women and their partners, who want to ASCEND out of painful patterns and relationship ruts and into partnerships that are strong, sexy, sane and sustainable in the 21st Century. For belief re-patterning, coaching, Change Your Relationship Destiny and Reclaim Your Radiance courses, and to make the complex actionable and the perplexing pleasurable, visit her website: www.love3point0.com.

***

• For Mama Gena’s Womanly Arts Mastery Arts program and upcoming Pleasure Bootcamp: www.mamagenas.com.

• For Jordan Harbinger, his team of coaches and Attraction Arts weeklong programs for men in NYC in June 2010: www.theartofcharm.com.

• For Reid Mihalko’s downloadable products on sex and relationship as well as coaching: www.reidaboutsex.com.

• For Lauren Frances’ Romantic Reboot tele-classes, Online Profile writing seminars, free Manhandling PodCasts, and amazing Man Magnet Makeover Seminars in NYC in June: www.laurenfrances.com.

Green-Up Your Day

2011-04-06T20:55:00.000-04:00

By guest writer, Veronica Winsch
Copyright 2011

More and more we are thinking of ways to be “green”, have less of an impact on our environment, lighten our carbon footprint. I recently finished reading The Green Book The Everyday Guide to Saving the Planet One Simple Step at a Time by Elizabeth Rogers and Thomas M. Kostigen www.readthegreenbook.com. I must admit, reading this book left me felling overwhelmed. There is so much we do that has a negative impact on our planet. Of course, there are obvious choices that are more responsible. Like driving a Prius instead of an Escalade. We can bring a canvas bag when we go shopping. We can choose not to litter. We can teach our kids to think of the bigger / planet-sustaining picture as they mature. But beyond these common acts there was stuff that really opened up my eyes. Like the choice of voice mail over an answering machine! Can you believe it? When you consider the millions of phones and answering machines plugged into the wall, sapping electricity twenty-four hours a day, you start to get a picture of small choices with big impact.

The idea behind this book was to have the reader consider each choice and multiply it by 200 million or so. Yeah – big stuff! And that can be overwhelming.

For me, the most egregious offense I have seen in the past ten years is bottled water. Single-serving beverages in general, they are everywhere and mostly packaged in plastic. Have you noticed all the real estate taken up by beverages at your grocery store and deli? There is no more room there for fruit and vegetables, i.e. real food. That bothers me.

How many plastic bottles do you buy? Think beyond beverages. Look at laundry detergent, body wash, ketchup, tennis balls. Take that number and multiply it by the number of friends you have, then you start to get an idea of the impact on our planet. Even if all of those bottles can be recycled, which would be ideal, there is still energy expended in recycling. Reuse and conservation are the ultimate goals. I encourage you to use products that can be refilled. Buy detergent that comes in a box or bag, instead of a bottle. Use a bar of soap instead of body wash. Simple stuff, but not what we tend to think about. Usually, the green option leaves you with more money in your wallet as well. Now there is some real incentive for you.

For years, I have been re-using plastic bottles to carry water when away from home. In my kitchen I have a quality water filter hooked up to my tap and I refill a bottle before going out. This was a good start for me, but I was concerned about the deterioration and leaching of the plastic into my pure water. Recently, I bought two glass “love” bottles. Two sizes, two shapes, both very beautiful. Picture the guy on a camel traveling through the desert. Does he whip our a bottle of Poland Spring? No. He carries a flask or a canteen.

Remember the days before bottled water? You could actually drink the stuff that came out of the faucet. My dad told us when we grew up, “you always have a cup to drink water if you put your two hands together.” I bet you think your bottled water is of a higher quality than what comes out of the tap? Think again. Tap water is more strictly regulated than bottled water. Sixty million water bottles are tossed each day in the United States alone! That is madness. Wait it gets better: Considering that plastic is derived from petroleum, It takes 1.5 million barrels of OIL annually to satisfy America’s demand for bottled water. Do we really need to add to our already exorbitant need for fossil fuels?

So, what can you do?

Stop drinking so much water? No! I would never advocate that. Each body function requires hydration. Actually, so many common health issues are caused by dehydration – especially headaches and constipation. What I suggest is that you invest in a good water purifier. Then, bring your water with you when you leave the house. Yeah, it is a little more work, but at least you won’t be lugging big bottles of water from the grocery store anymore. Plus, isn’t our planet and your health worth it?

New Yorkers boast about the quality of their drinking water – it is good but still not perfect. Trust me, if you saw the rusty slime that oozes off of the charcoal block every time I change my filter you would be sold on this idea in an instant. That rusty slime is what your poor kidneys have to work hard to keep out of your blood stream when you are using a wimpy filter – or no filter at all. Also, you must keep in mind, the quality of your drinking water is only as clean as the pipes and plumbing system through which it arrives.

Here are the resources:

Love Bottle, glass water bottles: http://www.lovebottle.net/index.asp

Multi Pure home water filtration systems: http://www.multipureco.com/

I beg you, think about the plastics you use and dispose of on a regular basis. Consider areas where you could cut back and eliminate overuse. And at the very least, please recycle all that you can.

If you are stumped as to where you can make changes, please call or write to me immediately. I would love to help you green-up your day!
www.HolisticLivingNow.com
212-774-1944

About the Author:
As a catalyst for change in the lives of others, Veronica Winsch transformed into a wellness practitioner to motivate and empower adults and children to live their best life. Veronica believes that when you are living in the flow and light of the universe you then inspire and give permission to others to do the same. That makes the world a better place – plain and simple!

Family wellness is a major part of the work Veronica does in settings such as Children’s Hospital at Montefiore, Girls Education and Mentoring Services (GEMS), Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Care and Prevention, Union City High School and in her own private practice, Holistic Living Now. Improving nutrition, one bite at a time, is her focus and using a traditional approach, she leads families into the kitchen to create healthy meals together. Veronica sees food as the catalyst for deep connection, confidence, creativity, and ensuring self-reliance. By teaching families how to cook together, she gives adults and children access to these valuable tools through each meal.
212-774-1944
www.HolisticLivingNow.com

Toxins in Home Insulation

2011-03-23T19:31:00.000-04:00

By Guest Writer: Krista Peterson

With the number of people adapting holistic lifestyles increasing every day, much of the attention to detail is focused on everyday household items, such as alternatives to cleaners and healthier, organic food products. While taking these steps are a huge part of living green, your house’s insulation and building materials may be effecting the indoor air quality. If you’re living in a home built prior to the 1980’s, it would be wise to have the insulation checked for asbestos.

Asbestos was a common material used throughout the 1900’s in all sorts of construction, insulation, lining, and building products. It was being used from shipyards to factories, and even into home insulation. When many of these workers in asbestos containing structures began to get diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer, asbestos began to essentially be banned in most areas. With the risk of potential lawsuits due to the fact that mesothelioma life expectancy is so low after diagnosis, companies and builders were no longer taking chances with this type of construction material. While asbestos isn’t used in any modern structures, some older homes and buildings may still contain the fiber within their insulation today. If needed at all, the removal process is not a do-it-yourself project and should definitely involve a trained professional to cut out the risk of exposure.

There are a number of alternatives in insulation products that if used, will not only cut down on the risk of toxins in the home, but also improve the house’s overall environmental sustainability. There are some great organic alternatives in insulation, while some of the more popular options include cotton fiber, cellulose, fiberglass, and spray polyurethane foam or SPF. Cotton fiber uses batted material, sometimes even shards of denim that have been treated to make them fire and heat retardant. Cellulose is another great option, as it’s constructed from finely shredded paper or newsprint and made out of 85 percent of recycled content. Spray polyurethane foam is extremely easy to install and may end up being the best insulation alternative as far as efficiency is concerned. It’s said to fill cracks and spaces tighter than any other option, thus conserving as much energy as possible. Although, fiberglass has been used for a number of years as an insulation material, distributors are making strides to make it one of the most eco-friendly options around. Not only are today’s fiberglass options made from recycled materials, they have extremely higher air quality than most types of insulation.

While most people may not be at risk of toxins from their own home insulation, some residents in older homes built before the 1980’s may be exposed to some health risks. Using some of these organic insulation products will provide residents with the most safety from toxins and a higher indoor air quality than any other alternative type of insulation. Even with the newest modern homes, green insulation products and other organic building materials offer the chance to increase energy efficiency, while still being cost effective.

About the Author
Krista Peterson is a recent graduate from the University of Central Florida and aspiring writer. As a Health and Safety Advocate, she shares a strong passion for the wellness of our community and environment. Krista uses her writings to spread awareness of such issues to help encourage others to live the healthiest and most eco-friendly lifestyle possible. She can be contacted by email at krista.peterson925@gmail.com.

Mercury Found in Corn Syrup

2009-01-27T17:08:00.002-05:00

Almost half of tested samples of commercial high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) contained mercury, which was also found in nearly a third of 55 popular brand-name food and beverage products where HFCS is the first- or second-highest labeled ingredient, according to two new U.S. studies.

HFCS has replaced sugar as the sweetener in many beverages and foods such as breads, cereals, breakfast bars, lunch meats, yogurts, soups and condiments. On average, Americans consume about 12 teaspoons per day of HFCS, but teens and other high consumers can take in 80 percent more HFCS than average.

"Mercury is toxic in all its forms. Given how much high-fructose corn syrup is consumed by children, it could be a significant additional source of mercury never before considered. We are calling for immediate changes by industry and the [U.S. Food and Drug Administration] to help stop this avoidable mercury contamination of the food supply," said the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy's Dr. David Wallinga, a co-author of both studies.

Source: Washington Post

Delhi, India to Ban Plastic Bags

2009-01-19T05:25:00.002-05:00

New Delhi has banned the use of plastic bags in all shops, starting very soon. Notification has been sent out to all shopkeepers, and they are being given 10 to 12 days to fall into line. After that, traders will have to pay a penalty or spend five years in prison (what!). That's the new law that the Delhi government says it is ready to enforce. Civil servants said that punitive measures were needed after another law prohibiting plastic bags was ignored. However they do accept that the new ban will have to be implemented slowly.

Source: Treehugger.com

FDA to Reconsider Plastic Bottle Risk

2008-12-27T16:20:00.001-05:00

What are they thinking????

"WEEKS after its own advisory board accused the Food and Drug Administration of failing to adequately consider research about the dangers of bisphenol-A, found in many plastic baby bottles, plastic food containers and metal can linings, the agency has agreed to reconsider the issue.

The F.D.A.’s draft risk assessment in August, finding the chemical safe as it is now used, stood out against a tide of recent scientific opinion. The National Toxicology Program, part of the Department of Health and Human Services, has said there was reason to be concerned that BPA, as the chemical is called, could harm the brain, behavior and the prostate gland in fetuses, infants and children. Canada added the chemical to its list of toxic substances this year and has said it will ban BPA from polycarbonate baby bottles.

In September, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that adults with high levels of BPA in their urine were more prone to heart and liver disease and diabetes."

For more on the article see EWG link below:

NYT: F.D.A. to Reconsider Plastic Bottle Risk | Environmental Working Group

California To Residents: Don't Flush Your Meds Into Our Rivers

2008-09-27T11:19:00.000-04:00

The state of California has a warning for its 36 million residents: Do not flush pharmaceuticals down the toilet or drain, or they may end up in a river near you.

Or, it turns out, even in the drinking water.

State and local officials are teaming with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for a "No Drugs Down the Drain Week," starting with events Oct. 2. The program recommends that drugs be dropped at special collection sites or tossed in the trash.

California To Residents: Don't Flush Your Meds Into Our Rivers

Organic food to be cheaper than other produce - Telegraph

2008-09-27T07:35:00.000-04:00

This is exciting, I would love to see the prices of organic food drop! Organic food to be cheaper than other produce - Telegraph

Picking strawberries at the farm

2008-06-07T19:29:00.000-04:00

Right now, strawberries are a win-win fruit. They're in season, they're bursting with sweetness, and they're low-cal. One way to jump-start eating healthier and more pleasurably, while burning fewer fossil fuels: Pick your own. Buying from a local farm eliminates the carbon costs totted up in "food miles," the distance food is trucked or flown from farm to plate. Locally grown produce travels an average 56 miles from farm to institutional markets, while conventional produce travels an average 1,454 miles, or almost 27 times as far, according to a study by the Iowa State University Leopold Institute for Sustainable Agriculture. When you go to the farm, you're getting the fruit at its freshest; while it's true that you've travelled, and not the food, well...you've still supported a local farmer, which strengthens the local food system.

Another reason: Strawberries are among the most pesticided crops, according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG); in their 2003 produce study, 90% of strawberries tested had residues of 36 different pesticides, including nervous-system-damaging organophosphates. EWG advises that, particularly if you have young children, you choose organic rather than conventional strawberries.

The same would go for picking, of course; you wouldn't want your kids exposed to pesticides in the strawberry rows. If you can't find a certified organic local grower, ask the farmer if they avoid or reduce pesticides. Some may be in transitional organic mode, others may practice integrated pest management (IPM), which uses pesticides only as a last resort. To find farms nearest you, go to PickYourOwn.org, and look for the word ORGANIC next to the names.

If you've got children, whether they're toddlers or teenagers, picking strawberries is a great activity for family bonding and burning off steam. Pick bushels, make shortcake and pies, and start putting up preserves.

Picking strawberries at the farm — Plenty Magazine

Things You Should Never buy

2008-06-07T14:52:00.003-04:00

I'm always finding ways to be more "green" in my daily life. When I see Styrofoam take-away containers at food-joints, it just irks me.

Here's a great list of eco-sin items that we all should never buy.

Things You Should Never buy - Greenopolis.com

What's In Season - December

2005-12-01T12:00:00.000-05:00

Local seasonal foods are tastier, fresher and more nutritious.
Why? It’s because the produce has been harvested in the last fews days and has only travelled a short distance to market. This means less packaging, processing and refrigeration. All good for the environment (no flying in food from all corners of the planet)and your health.

Here is a list of fruits and veggies that are in season for December:

Apples
Brussels sprouts
Chicory
Cranberries
Dates
Grapefruit
Greens (cooking)
Kumquats
Leeks
Oranges
Parsnips
Pears
Persimmons
Pomegranates
Shallots
Star fruit
Sweet potatoes
Tangelos
Tangerines
Winter squash

Great all year:

Avocados
Bananas
Broccoli
Cabbage
Carrots
Cauliflower
Celery
Garlic
Ginger
Kiwifruit
Lemons
Limes
Mushrooms
Onions
Pineapple
Potatoes
Radishes
Scallions
Snow Peas
Spinach
Sprouts

Note: If you live in and area with favorable growing conditions, many of these vegetables are available to you throughout the seasons.

What's In Season - November

2005-11-09T12:00:00.000-05:00

Apples
Bell peppers
Brussels sprouts
Chicory
Cranberries
Dates
Grapes
Greens (cooking)
Kumquats
Leeks
Lettuce (leaf and head)
Okra
Parsnips
Pears
Persimmons
Pomegranates
Pumpkins
Shallots
Star fruit
Sweet potatoes
Tangelos
Tangerines
Turnips
Watercress
Winter squash

Great all year:

Avocados
Bananas
Broccoli
Cabbage
Carrots
Cauliflower
Celery
Garlic
Ginger
Kiwifruit
Lemons
Limes
Mushrooms
Onions
Pineapple
Potatoes
Radishes
Scallions
Snow Peas
Spinach
Sprouts

Note: If you live in and area with favorable growing conditions, many of these vegetables are available to you throughout the seasons.

What's In Season - October

2005-10-01T14:00:00.000-04:00

Apples
Beets
Brussels sprouts
Chicory
Cranberries
Dates
Figs
Grapes
Kumquats
Leeks
Lettuce (leaf and head)
Okra
Oranges
Parsnips
Pears
Peppers
Persimmons
Pomegranates
Pumpkins
Raspberries
Shallots
Star fruit
Turnips
Watercress
Winter squash

Great all year:

Avocados
Bananas
Broccoli
Cabbage
Carrots
Cauliflower
Celery
Garlic
Ginger
Kiwifruit
Lemons
Limes
Mushrooms
Onions
Pineapple
Potatoes
Radishes
Scallions
Snow Peas
Spinach
Sprouts

Note: If you live in and area with favorable growing conditions, many of these vegetables are available to you throughout the seasons.

Organic Earth

2005-09-29T14:32:00.000-04:00

The earth is our nurturer, giving us life, land, and sustenance. Because of population growth, the demand for her gifts is ever increasing and simply living from day to day can now have a negative impact on the balance of nature. The byproduct of many needs is the release of toxic substances into the water, air, and soil. One way to minimize your impact on the earth is to try and use organic products as much as possible and to garden organically yourself if you have space. Though organic fruits and vegetables have become popular, the term "organic" can apply to any product produced from natural substances, including cloth and beauty items. Organic farming promotes a healthy earth, clean water, and healthy people. Organic products are created using natural ingredients that were grown without chemical pesticides and fertilizers; haven't been treated with preservatives, hormones, or medicines; and don't contain artificial additives. Using organic products whenever possible not only helps lessen your exposure to harmful chemicals but also helps the health of mother earth as well. Organic farming uses helpful insects to combat pests and natural fertilizers like compost and manure, or crop rotation, to keep vital nutrients in the soil. Healthy soil contains microbes beneficial to plants and thick earthy hummus that retains water, reducing the need for artificial irrigation and the rate of top soil erosion. The benefits of using organic products go far beyond health concerns. Organic farming promotes necessary biodiversity through seed collecting and by encouraging wildlife to thrive alongside humans. We have only just recently begun to understand the effects of chemical-intensive growing on the environment. Organic farming of vegetables, cotton, or any other crop, is a gentle way to reap the earth's bounty and is conducive to a healthy ecosystem. Sometimes the results are slightly more expensive, but the environmental and health costs can be much higher and increased demand for such products can help to lower prices. Your use of organic products encourages a world where birds and insects help control pests, wildlife is an essential part of farming, and nutrition takes precedence over mass production.

Taken from DailyOM - A daily source for nurturing your mind, body & spirit. Every weekday, DailyOM will send you inspirational thoughts for a happy, healthy and fulfilling day.

To-Go Ware

2005-09-16T08:48:00.000-04:00

To-Go Ware® Utensil Set

This utensil set is a toolkit to help reduce your ecological footprint and keep you connected to the world. Enjoy eating with organic utensils made of bamboo, which is highly durable and can be grown and harvested sustainably. "Throwaway" plastic cutlery consists of petrochemicals that create dioxins and other toxic chemicals harmful to the environment, as well as contributing to wasteful habits that feed the landfill rather than nourishing our lives. In addition, the holder itself has been produced by WEAVE, a women's cooperative on the Thai-Burma border. By purchasing this utensil set, you will have contributed to their advancement and empowerment, and made a positive impact to global community. Now that is hip!

For more information go to: to-goware.com

What's In Season - September

2005-09-01T12:00:00.000-04:00

Apples
Arugula
Beans
Beets
Corn
Cucumbers
Dates
Eggplant
Fennel
Figs
Grapes
Lettuce (head and leaf)
Mangoes
Melons
Okra
Pears
Peppers
Plums
Pumpkins
Raspberries
Shallots
Sorrel
Summer squash
Tomatoes
Watercress
Watermelon
Winter squash

Great all year:

Avocados
Bananas
Broccoli
Cabbage
Carrots
Cauliflower
Celery
Garlic
Ginger
Kiwifruit
Lemons
Limes
Mushrooms
Onions
Pineapple
Potatoes
Radishes
Scallions
Snow Peas
Spinach
Sprouts

Note: If you live in and area with favorable growing conditions, many of these vegetables are available to you throughout the seasons.

A Coca-Cola Story

2005-08-30T08:27:00.000-04:00

Once upon a time (in 2001, to be specific), the Coca-Cola corporation built a bottling plant in a small and remote Indian village in the state of Kerala. In exchange for sucking vast amounts of water out of the local land, the mighty corporation promised to bring the people great wealth. But within a few short months, the village people began to notice their wells were running dry, so they complained to the corporation. Coca-Cola calmed the concerns of the people and attempted to win back their favor by giving them vast amounts of free fertilizer, saying it would grow bountiful crops beyond their wildest dreams. After several years of use, we arrive at the present day when the village people have suddenly discovered the fertilizer is actually the bottling plant's waste sludge and is laden with cadmium, a highly toxic, cancer-causing heavy metal. The village soil and water are now too heavily contaminated to safely occupy human life, so the plant was shut down last week. Moral of the story: Don't drink Coke..........drink Pepsi! Just kidding, Pepsi is actually in the process of being thrown out of India for similar crimes, as well.

For more information go to commondreams.org or organicconsumers.org

Healthy Ways to Cook

2005-08-22T10:25:00.000-04:00

Even if you use the healthiest of ingredients in your recipes, certain cooking techniques can literally eradicate the goodness from foods. Try the following techniques for healthy cooking:

Avoid using charcoal or gas grills, which can increase the production of cancer-causing chemicals. Use an electric grill instead.

Steam your vegetables. Boiling can deplete vegetables of many of their nutrients, while steaming removes far less of the good stuff, and leaves vegetables with a wonderful taste and texture.

To reduce the amount of fat when cooking, use broiling, baking and roasting pans (drizzle your items with extra-virgin olive oil instead of drowning them in butter or margarine). Chinese steamers or stir-fry pans are also good options.

Never microwave anything in plastic wrap or plastic containers.

Replace all saturated fats in your kitchen with extra-virgin olive oil, canola oil, or grapeseed or walnut oils - these monounsaturated fats are far healthier than their saturated relatives.

For more information on heathy cooking tips go to: drweil.com

What's In Season - August

2005-08-01T06:00:00.000-04:00

Apples
Apricots
Arugula
Basil
Beans
Beets
Blueberries
Corn
Cucumbers
Dates
Eggplant
Fennel
Figs
Grapes
Mangoes
Melons
Nectarines
Okra
Peaches
Peppers
Plums
Raspberries
Sorrel
Summer squash
Tomatoes
Watermelon

Great all year:

Avocados
Bananas
Broccoli
Cabbage
Carrots
Cauliflower
Celery
Garlic
Ginger
Kiwifruit
Lemons
Limes
Mushrooms
Onions
Pineapple
Potatoes
Radishes
Scallions
Snow Peas
Spinach
Sprouts

Note: If you live in and area with favorable growing conditions, many of these vegetables are available to you throughout the seasons.

Slow Walks Burn More Calories

2005-07-14T17:41:00.000-04:00

Results of a small study published in the May 2005 issue of Obesity Research and conducted at the University of Colorado at Boulder found that obese adults burn more calories per mile when they stroll than when they walk at a faster pace. What’s more, the researchers say that a more leisurely pace can benefit the obese more than the brisk walking usually recommended as exercise for former couch potatoes by easing stress on the joints, thus lowering the risk of arthritis and injuries. The Colorado researchers studied 20 obese men and women and 20 men and women of normal weight as they walked a specified course at different speeds. The investigators found that the obese burned more calories when they walked at a slower pace for a longer period than they did when they walked briskly. The same team also found that, when performing identical exercises, obese individuals burned only 10 percent more calories than normal weight subjects did even though their weight was much more than 10 percent higher.

For more information on this article go to: webmd.com

Consumers Beware: Teflon Can Give you Cancer

2005-07-13T09:45:00.000-04:00

Organic Consumers Associations has just announced that using Teflon cookware can give you cancer. After ignoring numerous warnings from independent scientists for years, the "nonstick" chemical used in Teflon has now officially been categorized as a "likely carcinogen" by the U.S. government's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). EPA scientists found four different types of tumors in lab animals exposed to the chemical. The agency announced it plans to collect millions of dollars in fines from DuPont, the maker of Teflon, for concealing studies indicating related health and environmental risks for over two decades.

For more information go to organicconsumers.org

10 Most Common Chemical Ingredients in Skin Products

2005-07-06T17:00:00.000-04:00

If you look at the ingredients of every skin-care product you currently own or almost all supposed "healthy" and expensive skin-care products sold in any store, you will find a combination of the following dangerous, chemical and synthetic ingredients. Please keep in mind that when you use ANYTHING on your skin or hair, ALL of the ingredients absorb into your body. Skin absorption is so potent that an increasing number of medicines are in patch form.

Applying creams and oils is NO DIFFERENT from eating them, because they enter the blood-stream regardless if they are ingested in the mouth or absorbed through the skin!

1) Methyl, Propyl, Butyl, and Ethyl Paraben- Some combination of these synthetic ingredients are in almost EVERY skin and hair product made today. Widely known to be highly toxic and cause allergic/skin reactions. Companies use this dangerous ingredient, because it is extremely cheap and extends the shelf life of the product by inhibiting microbial growth.

2) Propylene Glycol -This Petroleum by-product is a synthetic ingredient used as a humectant. Also used as an INDUSTRIAL ANTI-FREEZE to de-ice airplanes!!! This toxic ingredient causes many allergic reactions. Research data states that through skin contact it can cause "liver abnormalities and kidney damage."

3) DMDM Hydrantoin - A Petro-chemical used as an ANTI-FREEZE in cars.

4) Sodium Laurel Sulfate - This highly toxic synthetic substance (used for foaming abilities) causes urinary tract, bladder and kidney infections, genital disorders, eye irritations, skin rashes, hair loss, scalp scurf similar to dandruff, and allergic reactions.

5) Synthetic Colors - Labeled as FD&C or D&C, followed by a color number such as FD&C Red 6. These highly toxic substances are usually coal-tar based and have been linked as cancer causing agents.

6) Synthetic Fragrances - Most Products will simply say "Fragrance" which means any combination of the cheapest 200 synthetic, toxic ingredients the company can find. Causes headaches, dizziness, rashes, violent coughing, vomiting, skin irritations etc...

7) Triethanolamine (TEA)/Diethanolamine (DEA) - Used to adjust the pH balance, but toxic and causes eye problems, and dryness of skin and hair. DEA has been linked with kidney, liver and other organ damage according to several government-funded research. One study found that the topical application of DEA in rodents resulted in anemia, kidney degeneration, and nerve damage to the brain and spinal cord. (Melnick et al., 1994) Even more disturbing was that several animals died before the study ended. Approximately 200 million pounds of DEA are produced annually in the U.S., most of which goes into personal care products. (USITC, 1990).

8) Imidazolidinyl Urea and Diazolidinyl Urea - Used as a a preservative, but a primary cause of contact dermatitis. You might see these toxic chemicals under the names Germall II and Germall 115, which release formaldehyde at just over 10°.

9) Behentrimonium Chloride - Toxic ammonia compound. Ingestion can be fatal. Concentrations as low as0.1% can be irritating to the eyes and cause necrosis (tissue death) of mucus membranes.

10) Titanium, Zirconium, Benzalkonium, Bismuth, Antimony (*1), Barium (*2), Aluminum, Tin, Chromium, Benzene & PCBs. - According to Dr. Hulda Reghi Clark, all of these ingredients are extremely dangerous. *1 - Breast cancer cases show Titanium, Zirconium, Benzalkonium, Bismuth, Antimony, and Aluminum accumulation in the breast. *2 -Barium is described in the Merck Index as a "caution". ALL water or acid soluble Barium is POISONOUS! 10ed. P.139, 1983.

You must ask yourself if you wish to continue supporting companies who will do anything to you, animals, or the environment to make money. At least now you know what you are paying for...

What's In Season - July

2005-07-01T12:00:00.000-04:00

Apricots
Arugula
Basil
Beans
Beets
Blackberries
Blueberries
Cherries
Corn
Cucumbers
Eggplant
Fennel
Mangoes
Melons
Okra
Peaches
Peppers
Plums
Raspberries
Sorrel
Strawberries
Summer squash
Tomatoes
Watermelon

Great all year:

Avocados
Bananas
Broccoli
Cabbage
Carrots
Cauliflower
Celery
Garlic
Ginger
Kiwifruit
Lemons
Limes
Mushrooms
Onions
Pineapple
Potatoes
Radishes
Scallions
Snow Peas
Spinach
Sprouts

Note: If you live in and area with favorable growing conditions, many of these vegetables are available to you throughout the seasons.

People Against Dirty

2005-06-30T16:15:00.000-04:00

The guys at Method Home are so cool. Founders, Eric Ryan & Adam Lowry are all for clean. Clean air, clean water, clean homes, and clean living. Their premium home care products are highly effective, safe, and packaged with respect for both your design sensibilities and the environment. Your home is a reflection of who you are and how you want to live. So why not live clean?

You can start off by trying Method's starter kit which includes: all-purpose spray cleaner, dish soap, biodegradable wipes, hand wash, triple-concentrated laundry detergent and dryer sheets all for USD $24.99. You'll be hooked! Check out Methodhome.com for more information on some cool, hip, safe eco friendly cleaning products. Their smart and stylish packaging will look swell on your shevles too!

Ten Good Reasons to Buy Organic

2005-06-19T20:28:00.000-04:00

Organic products meet stringent standards
Organic certification is the public’s assurance that products have been grown and handled according to strict procedures without persistent toxic chemical inputs.
Organic food tastes great!
It’s common sense – well-balanced soils produce strong, healthy plants that become nourishing food for people and animals.
Organic production reduces health risks
Many EPA-approved pesticides were registered long before extensive research linked these chemicals to cancer and other diseases. Organic agriculture is one way to prevent any more of these chemicals from getting into the air, earth and water that sustain us.
Organic farms respect our water resources
The elimination of polluting chemicals and nitrogen leaching, done in combination with soil building, protects and conserves water resources.
Organic farmers build healthy soil
Soil is the foundation of the food chain. The primary focus of organic farming is to use practices that build healthy soils.
Organic farmers work in harmony with nature
Organic agricultural respects the balance demanded of a healthy ecosystem: wildlife is encouraged by including forage crops in rotation and by retaining fence rows, wetlands, and other natural areas.
Organic producers are leaders in innovative research
Organic farmers have led the way, largely at their own expense, with innovative on-farm research aimed at reducing pesticide use and minimizing agriculture’s impact on the environment.
Organic producers strive to preserve diversity
The loss of a large variety of species (biodiversity) is one of the most pressing environmental concerns. The good news is that many organic farmers and gardeners have been collecting and preserving seeds, and growing unusual varieties for decades.
Organic farming helps keep rural communities healthy
USDA reported that in 1997, half of U.S. farm production came from only 2% of farms. Organic agriculture can be a lifeline for small farms because it offers an alternative market where sellers can command fair prices for crops.
Organic abundance – Foods and non-foods alike!
Now every food category has an organic alternative. And non-food agricultural products are being grown organically – even cotton, which most experts felt could not be grown this way.

Click here for more information on the various Organic Farming Associations

Tongue Scraping for Health

2005-06-16T14:32:00.000-04:00

Despite its recent exposure in the U.S., tongue cleaning is not a new practice. Long before we had terms like "plaque" and "halitosis," tongue scraping was a common practice in many cultures such as ancient India, Egypt and China.

The idea behind tongue scraping is simple: old mucus from meat, sugar, dairy and processed foods form a layer of coating on the tongue. This not only masks the taste of food by coating the tastebuds, but also keeps us tasting and craving those "old" foods.

Therefore, when starting to eat and enjoy natural foods such as vegetables and whole grains, the odds are against us if old mucus residues are on the tongue, as well as oral bacteria and debris. Tongue scraping helps to eliminate the layer of mucus by physically scraping it off on a daily basis, as opposed to brushing one’s tongue, which usually does little more than mash the mucus and bacterial debris down into the tongue.

Tongue scraping also reduces breath odors and bacteria by 75%, making breath fresh. And, it's safe and natural!

People report dramatically reduced cravings, the ability to better TASTE the essence of clean food and, as a result, weight loss, control over bingeing and cleaner breath after using the tongue scraper 2-3 times a day.

How to use the tongue scraper:

Apply a few quick strokes, 2 – 3 times a day.
Use the rounded cleaning edge to scrape gently down the tongue several times while
applying slight pressure.
Rinse under running water and gently scrape again until no white residue is left.
There should be no pain or gagging involved whatsoever. If you feel any discomfort, you’re probably scraping too hard or starting too far back on the tongue.

You can purchase tongue scrapers at drugstore.com

Are Plastic Water Bottles Safe?

2005-06-15T13:48:00.000-04:00

Recent studies link toxins such as bisphenol-a (BPA) to breast cancers and reproductive mutations. Plastics migrate carcinogens including BPA during regular use, exposure to heat, and especially after cleaning.

For those of you concerned with plastic water bottles, there is an alternative! Klean Kanteen is a reusable, light weight, risk-free stainless steel container that does not leach toxins into its contents.

Perfect for hikers, bikers, kids and anyone who keeps themselves hydrated. Rinse after use to keep it clean. This canteen works for cold or hot beverages. Slim design fits into most bottle holders.

It does a body good!

Click here for more information on Plastic Water Bottle Safety.

To purchase this and other cool "green" finds go to greenfeet.com

Ayurvedic Insight - Raisins

2005-06-14T10:22:00.000-04:00

Raisins are dried grapes.

One of the star fruits in Indian cuisine, ripe brown raisins are found dotted about in rich milk puddings, ensconced inside sweet syrupy cheese balls called Gulabjamuns, and stirred into fragrant rice.

Ayurvedic Physicians say there is a reason why raisins are used so generously in Indian cooking from times immemorial. The ancient sages and rishis of India taught the people to weave the use of raisins and other healing foods into their everyday lives. This enabled them to eat healthy food without thinking of it as "medicinal." Just like education is very effective when combined with entertainment, healing foods also work best when you also enjoy their taste. Just so with raisins.

In Ayurveda, raisins are considered a highly beneficial food. Ayurveda scriptures say they have great medicinal value. Some aspects of the psycho-physiology where raisins work best:

The lungs: Raisins lubricate the body's channels-particularly the lungs. Therefore, people with less than robust respiratory systems find them very healing.
The brain: Raisins have a medhya effect, which supports the brain and nurtures it.
The mind: Taken in quantities and combinations recommended by a qualified ayurvedic practitioner, raisins can uplift and balance the emotions.
The throat: Raisins with milk or water can relieve thirst.
The bowel: Raisins soaked overnight and taken in the morning support bowel movements.
The womb: Women who want to get pregnant have been known to benefit by including raisins in their diet-raisins are considered bringhana foods, supportive of natural fertility.

For more info on Rasins: mapi.com

Chocolate = Health Food

2005-06-13T18:07:00.000-04:00

The "prototype" of chocolate milk was a foamy mess of cacao dregs with chili peppers that Indians in the Americas traditionally drank to stimulate energy, digestion and sexuality. This concoction worked because cacao is rich in phenol, an antioxidant that is also found in red wine. The U.S. Magazine Natural Health notes that phenol lowers blood pressure, make our vascular system ore elestic, and reduces the risk of blood clots. Note that milk chcoclate contains 2 to 3 times less phenol, so if you're enjoying chocolate for your health, choose the dark variety.

Ode Magazine voted Green & Black's chocolate one of their Top 20 Organic selections of the best natural products and sutainable companies.

Go to Green & Black's to find out where you can buy it in your area.

Protein Tips for Vegetarians

2005-06-13T17:36:00.000-04:00

A vegetarian diet is associated with better health - lower cholesterol levels, increased anti-oxidants and greater intake of essential fatty acids. But vegetarianism can also lead to certain nutritional deficiencies, according the Australia's Nature&Health Magazine. Animal proteins contain a more full spectrum of essential fatty acids, while most vegetable proteins are less "complete". This is why variety is important. Those eating a vegetarian diet should understand the importance of classic protein combinations, such as re-fried beans on whole wheat bread, whole grain muesli and milk, chili beans with brown rice and vegetables stir-fried with tofu and cashew nuts. For fat, lean more towards seeds, nuts and healthy oils like linseed and olive oil. Also remember that calcium, iron, zinc and vitamin B12 are more difficult to absorb from vegetables sources. There is calcium in figs (usually in muesli or granola) and tahini (use in a salad dressing, substitute of peanut butter, or blend with chickpeas for a yummy dip). It's important to get enough vitamin C to absorb adequate iron. Zinc can be found in sunflower seeds, tahini, seaweed, and almonds, just to name a few. There are no vegetable sources of B12; a supplement is therefore recommended.

For the recipe of the rice and beans pictured go to: C & F Foods Inc.

Smart. Proud. Hungry.

2005-06-12T10:40:00.000-04:00

Hey Smarty-pants, brown-bag your lunches in style and feel proud that each day you are helping cut down on the 25 million tons of placstic that end up in landfills each year. Storage is a snap: Just wrap the plate, bowl, and cup in the place mat and secure it with the stainless utensils.

Find this and other great eco finds at vesselstore.com

How to Recycle Thermometers

2005-06-12T10:19:00.000-04:00

When a thermometer breaks, the amount of liquid mercury it contains is roughly enough to contaminate all the fish in a 20-acre lake - and enough to cause neurological damage in people, especially children. Several states have now banned the sale of mercury thermometers and are urging consumers to use such alternatives as digital electronic thermometers.

But don't throw your old mercury thermometer or old home thermostats in the trash - it will end up in a landfill or an incinerator, where it will vaporize into the air or find its way into the food supply through fish. Instead, check epa.gov/epaoswer/hazwaste/mercury/collction.htm for mercury-recycling programs in your area. If you can't find one, contact your local hazardous waste hauler.

Natural Remedies for Depression

2005-06-11T13:00:00.000-04:00

B vitamins—richly supplied in brown rice and beans; also in brewer’s yeast
Vinegar—ideally unpasteurized
Apple, especially green organic (avoid "Delicious" variety non-organic apples)
Cabbage, especially in the form of unpasteurized sauerkraut
Blue green algae (Aphanizomenon flos-aquae)
Exercise—very effective if practiced daily
Meditation—very effective once skill is gained
Avoid peanuts, pork, margarine, bad fats, deep fried foods, refined foods, overeating, late-night eating and too much saturated fat
Essential oils: Peppermint, spearmint, lavender, ylang ylang, grapefruit, clary sage, melissa; take in 1 drop doses daily in water or 1 teasp olive oil
Herbs in teas, pills, capsules, and extracts:

mints of all kinds
chamomile
St. Johnswort
citrus peel
licorice root
lemon balm leaf (sour, spicy, cool)
saffron (spicy, sweet, bitter, neutral)

For more information on how you can combat depression naturally, you can contact Holistic Health Counselor, Charita Singh for a free 1 hour health consultation. See how one conversation can change your life.

The Healthiest "Paint" you can Buy

2005-06-10T16:24:00.000-04:00

.

Anna Sova Luxury Organics, paint that's made from up to 99 percent food-grade ingredients and none of the harmful compounds (solvents, mercury, formaldehyde, benzene) found in ordinary latex. Safe for children and pregnant women, they're pretty, to boot: Colors range from soft pastels to deep browns.

Add a $9 bottle of Anna Sova Organic Aromatherapy and your room will smell like fresh lemons, vanilla, orange and cloves, or sandalwood and spices — rather than headache-inducing chemicals.

Available online at annasova.com.

Preserved Produce

2005-06-10T16:17:00.000-04:00

Get your recommended daily allowance of fruits and vegetables with these delicate decorative parchment bowls, constructed from slices of fresh produce. Designer Margaret Dorfman presses the materials until they are dehydrated, then crafts the one-of-a-kind bowls from overlapping strips of parchment. Perfect for potpourri and lovely when illuminated by a glass votive candle. Use decoratively, not for food. Like any other botanical, wreath or dry flower, color lightens with exposure to light. Many flavors to choose from, with blood orange the newest and sturdiest. Made in USA each bowl is $28

Available at uncommongoods.com

Ayurvedic Insight - Headaches

2005-06-10T15:35:00.000-04:00

When you pop a painkiller to relieve a headache you are actually trying to quieten your body's distress signals instead of discovering and addressing the underlying imbalance.

The culprit is usually an imbalanced Vata-the most dominant and restless of the three doshas.

How Vata Headaches Happen

There are several factors that can cause Vata to go out of balance. Some of them are:
- Not sleeping well
- Not eating foods that nurture the brain
- Eating very dry or cold foods
- Eating leftovers or junk foods
- Keeping an irregular routine of meals and sleep
- Overexposure to cool, dry air
- Excessive reading, television watching or stressing at work
- Excessive air travel
- Not enough water

Before popping a painkiller, try drinking 2 glasses of water and wait 20 minutes, that usually does the trick.

More info on Ayurvedic Headache Cures are available at mapi.com

What's In Season - June

2005-06-01T12:00:00.000-04:00

Apricots
Arugula
Asparagus
Basil
Beans
Beets
Blackberries
Blueberries
Cherries
Chives
Dandelion greens
Fennel
Lettuce (leaf)
Mangoes
Melons
Okra
Papayas
Peaches
Peas
Peppers
Plums
Rhubarb
Raspberries
Sorrel
Strawberries
Summer squash
Watermelon

Great all year:

Avocados
Bananas
Broccoli
Cabbage
Carrots
Cauliflower
Celery
Garlic
Ginger
Kiwifruit
Lemons
Limes
Mushrooms
Onions
Pineapple
Potatoes
Radishes
Scallions
Snow Peas
Spinach
Sprouts

Note: If you live in and area with favorable growing conditions, many of these vegetables are available to you throughout the seasons.

What's In Season - May

2005-05-01T12:00:00.000-04:00

Artichokes
Asparagus
Beans
Blackberries
Blueberries
Cherries
Chives
Dandelion greens
Fennel
Fiddlehead ferns
Horseradish
Lettuce (leaf and head)
Mangoes
Melons
Okra
Papayas
Peaches
Peas
Rhubarb
Sorrel
Strawberries
Summer squash
Watermelon

Great all year:

Avocados
Bananas
Broccoli
Cabbage
Carrots
Cauliflower
Celery
Garlic
Ginger
Kiwifruit
Lemons
Limes
Mushrooms
Onions
Pineapple
Potatoes
Radishes
Scallions
Snow Peas
Spinach
Sprouts

Note: If you live in and area with favorable growing conditions, many of these vegetables are available to you throughout the seasons.

What's In Season - April

2005-04-01T12:00:00.000-05:00

Local seasonal foods are tastier, fresher and more nutritious. Why? It’s because the produce has been harvested in the last fews days and has only travelled a short distance to market. This means less packaging, processing and refrigeration. All good for the environment (no flying in food from all corners of the planet)and your health.

Here is a list of fruits and veggies that are in season for April:

Artichokes
Asparagus
Beans
Chicory
Chives
Dandelion greens
Horseradish
LeeksLettuce (leaf and head)
Oranges
Papayas
Peas
Rhubarb
Shallots
Turnips
Watercress

Great all year:

Avocados
Bananas
Broccoli
Cabbage
Carrots
Cauliflower
Celery
Garlic
Ginger
Kiwifruit
Lemons
Limes
Mushrooms
Onions
Pineapple
Potatoes
Radishes
Scallions
Snow Peas
Spinach
Sprouts

Note: If you live in and area with favorable growing conditions, many of these vegetables are available to you throughout the seasons.

What's In Season - March

2005-03-01T12:00:00.000-05:00

Local seasonal foods are tastier, fresher and more nutritious. Why? It’s because the produce has been harvested in the last fews days and has only travelled a short distance to market. This means less packaging, processing and refrigeration. All good for the environment (no flying in food from all corners of the planet)and your health.

Here is a list of fruits and veggies that are in season for March:

Artichokes
Asparagus
Chicory
Chives
Dandelion Greens
Grapefruit
Greens
Horseradish
Leeks
Lettuce (leaf and head)
Oranges
Parsnips
Peas
Rhubarb
Shallots

Great all year:

Avocados
Bananas
Broccoli
Cabbage
Carrots
Cauliflower
Celery
Garlic
Ginger
Kiwifruit
Lemons
Limes
Mushrooms
Onions
Pineapple
Potatoes
Radishes
Scallions
Snow Peas
Spinach
Sprouts

Note: If you live in and area with favorable growing conditions, many of these vegetables are available to you throughout the seasons.

What's In Season - February

2005-02-01T12:00:00.000-05:00

Brussels Sprouts
Cauliflower
Chicory
Fennel
Grapefruit
Greens (cooking)
Leeks
Oranges
Parsnips
Pears
Shallots
Sweet Potatoes
Tangelos
Tangerines
Turnips

Great all year:

Avocados
Bananas
Broccoli
Cabbage
Carrots
Cauliflower
Celery
Garlic
Ginger
Kiwifruit
Lemons
Limes
Mushrooms
Onions
Pineapple
Potatoes
Radishes
Scallions
Snow Peas
Spinach
Sprouts

Note: If you live in and area with favorable growing conditions, many of these vegetables are available to you throughout the seasons.

What's In Season - January

2005-01-01T12:00:00.000-05:00

Brussels sprouts
Chicory
Grapefruit
Greens (cooking)
Leeks
Oranges
Parsnips
Pears
Shallots
Sweet Potatoes
Tangelos
Tangerines
Turnips
Winter Squash

Great all year:

Avocados
Bananas
Broccoli
Cabbage
Carrots
Cauliflower
Celery
Garlic
Ginger
Kiwifruit
Lemons
Limes
Mushrooms
Onions
Pineapple
Potatoes
Radishes
Scallions
Snow Peas
Spinach
Sprouts

Note: If you live in and area with favorable growing conditions, many of these vegetables are available to you throughout the seasons.