December 2010
67 posts
82 Environmental Organizations Seek Ban on Hand...
It’s hard to imagine this country 100 years ago with little more than soap and water to protect people from germs. How did they survive amidst their filthy countrymen? Well, as it turns out, we weren’t nearly as toxic then as we are today. We’ve entered into a new era of germs—superbugs that won’t die, and threats that weren’t nearly as present in past centuries as...
The Food Safety Bill Passed, But Fears Have Not
Mixed emotions are meeting the Food Safety Bill, which passed through Senate on December 27th, 2010. While some are calling it ‘fake’ and a threat to small family farms, trusted voices for healthy and safe food, Michael Pollan, author of _Omnivore’s Dilemma_ and _Food Rules: An Eater’s Manual_ and Eric Schlosser, author of _Fast Food Nation _support the bill....
Chocolate Cures Coughs: Well, Sort Of
UK scientists are working on a breakthrough in treating common coughs. Seasonal illnesses such as colds and the flu can often lead to nagging, hacking coughs that last weeks after other symptoms have diminished, responding poorly to prescription, over-the-counter remedies, cough drops and herbal teas all boasting cough suppressing properties. The active ingredient in this new remedy may surprise...
New Research Says Carbs, Not Fats, Make You Fat
Has Dr. Atkins come back from the grave? A backpedaling of opinion on the link between diets high in fat and the onset of diseases such as obesity, diabetes and hypertension have led doctors to revisit carbohydrates in the battle of the bulge. http://dlvr.it/CFjq8
Windowsill Gardening: How to Keep a Little Green...
I love cold weather; fall is my favorite season, and the idea of winter coming just behind only makes it better. But I still hate the loss of the beautiful view out of my kitchen window; after the red and orange and gold of fall, I’m left with brown. The huge expanse of trees across the road is just a huge expanse of brown, and the grass in my front yard fades to a dingy yellow. Even the...
Got Antibiotic-Resistant-Make-You-Sick Milk?
Recent research published by the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment reveals a growing number of antibiotic resistant strains of pathogens used in livestock animals. http://dlvr.it/CClFl
DIY Holiday Gift Guide: Delicious Beauty for Him,...
If you’re scrambling - as many of us are - to come up with some thoughtful, organic present substance come tomorrow, there’s still time to whip up one, two or all of our Do-It-Yourself Holiday Gift Ideas. That said, these need not be relegated to Christmas. Whip them up as the perfect gifts all year long… especially for yourself. \READ THE REST… http://dlvr.it/CClF9
How to Get Your Kids Outside in Winter
As a parent of three active, energetic young children, I have one automatic outlet that will save my sanity: open a door and send them outside. In spring, we splash in puddles and make mudpies. In summer, we turn on the sprinkler or hide out in the shade of the woods. In fall, we hike our trails and rake leaves. I can be totally involved or just nearby, but they can run, jump, yell, and get that...
5 Sugar Overdose Antidotes
It would be really nice if we could all stick to healthful eating through the holidays… but who are we fooling? Temptation arrives on the hour, every hour – whether it be Grandma’s famous pie, office Christmas cupcakes, holiday party cocktails, homemade cookies from the neighbor, or OA’s very own _Organic Cranberry Tea Spice Cake_ – our sugar intake is bound to spike. Sure, we...
29 Million Pounds of Antibiotics Used on US...
For the first time, the Food and Drug Administration released a report on antibiotic use in factory farms, totaling the number at some 29 million pounds of drugs—mostly used to prevent illness rather than treat it—were distributed to livestock in 2009. http://dlvr.it/Bw7X4
7 All-Natural Stocking Stuffers
One of the best (albeit tricky) parts of Christmas shopping is finding fun and useful gifts to stuff those stockings with - that aren’t just superfluous filler gifts that is. In addition to our Do-It-Yourself recipes for making your own bath salts and soaps, here are a few all-natural ideas for your family and friends. \READ THE REST… http://dlvr.it/Bw7Wp
Good Housekeeping Goes Vegan
Keeping a good house can also mean keeping a vegan house, at least according to the folks at Good Housekeeping Magazine who have announced the forthcoming release of a cookbook, _Simple Vegan!: Delicious Meat-Free, Dairy-Free Recipes Every Family Will Love_, due in stores in March 2011. \READ THE REST… http://dlvr.it/BrdV1
DIY Holiday Gift Idea #4: Sweet Scrub for a Sexy...
In our series of handmade gifts that take price, time and effort into consideration - whilst not skimping on thoughtfulness - comes something so sublimely sweet you’ll want to rub it all over your body. And by all means, please do! This brown sugar body scrub and polish creates a sumptuous take-the-spa-home experience… and can make the perfect gift for couples with instructions on how...
America's Greenest Restaurant Is...
Environmentalism doesn’t have to mean you’re hunting down whaling boats in the Antarctic or living in trees in Humboldt or being Al Gore-esque (well… you know what we mean). Modernity provides us an unlimited amount of opportunities to explore the greatest — and greenest — human potential in accessible and creative ways. \READ THE REST… http://dlvr.it/Bn2dC
Families That Dine Together, Stay Together
A new ten-year study from The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University shows that children who eat meals with their families frequently (five times per week or more) are half as likely to try marijuana or smoke cigarettes as their friends who rarely get to sit down and dine with the fam. \READ THE REST… http://dlvr.it/Bn2cJ
A Minimalist's Guide to Holiday Gifting
You think_ tchotchke _is a Russian novelist. You’ve never bought a souvenir, a bauble or a trinket. Clutter makes you hyperventilate. There’s something to be said for the Zen-like state of living without encumbering _things _all around us. Even studies have shown that a de-cluttered living environment can be more conducive to creativity, focus and happiness. But being anti-thing can...
Kids Prefer Less Sugary Breakfast Cereal, Study...
A new study conducted by Yale’s Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity revealed something startling about kids: they’re not as prone to choosing sugar as we may think. At least when it comes to breakfast cereals. http://dlvr.it/BkGR8
Organic Gift Baskets for Pampered Pets
Still wondering what to get your furry friend or pet lover for the holidays? Look no further than the world’s first line of Organic Pet Gift Baskets from Organic Pet Boutique. The Organic Pet Gift Basket is stocked with their best selling, high-quality eco brands like Planet Dog, Simply Fido, Happytails, West Paw, and more. \READ THE REST… http://dlvr.it/BfnC4
7 Reasons You'll Never Want to Leave Your Bed...
_Welcome back handmade expert, Brittni Mehlhoff!_ Believe it or not, on average, we spend roughly one-third of our lives sleeping. One-third! That’s a heck of a lot of time. So, it makes sense to invest in quality, cozy (and beautiful) bedding and accessories if you’re going to be spending all that time in one spot. Right? \READ THE REST… http://dlvr.it/Bfn7Y
Avoid Common Pet Dangers Come Christmas
Since last season’s comical (in hindsight) family drama, you could do with a holiday free of all that stress. Now that the tree is trimmed, the house is decorated and the presents are wrapped, there is just one more thing… keep your dog safe. Avoid these common Christmas doggie dangers so there are no unwanted surprises… only good ones. \READ THE REST… http://dlvr.it/BcJKn
No Bones About It: Using the Entire Holiday Turkey
Make no bones about it: The holidays inevitably result in a gigantic turkey carcass that you’re stuck starting at, wondering how to use up. In the past, it was Mom’s job to make the most of those leftovers, but times have changed, and it’s now up to you to step up to the (holiday) plate. Here’s the painless way to make the most of those leftover bones, including a few nifty uses you definitely...
Banned in Europe, Food Coloring Linked to Behavior...
In 1976, M&M candies discontinued their “Red M” amidst concerns over the potentially fatal risk of red food coloring that contained amaranth (in FD&C Red #2), suspected as being cancer-causing. Though M&M did not use this dye in the product pulled from store shelves, fears about red-dyed foods were so heightened, the red-colored candy did not return for more than a decade....
Sexual Healing: Sex High Good for Health
Have you ever noticed how your mood changes after sex? Whether guy or gal, there is a markedly altered chemical shift that occurs _post-O _regardless of how you felt before; and its effects can be pretty significant. You and your partner may even feel like you’re high on something other than each other — and you are; it’s called Dopamine. \READ THE REST… http://dlvr.it/BWqJR
4 Ways to Wrap Your Gifts Greenly
The first thing that pops to mind when ruminating over eco-friendly gift wrap tends to be last week’s comic section. And while we’re not saying this can’t be executed to cute and even classy effect, there are other, more elegant ways to wrap gifts that you might consider this season - and of course in keeping with a green line of action. \READ THE REST… http://dlvr.it/BWqJ5
Fishy ‘Eco’ Seafood Labels Investigated
You hear it all the time, “fish is good for you.” It’s heart healthy, contains essential fatty acids like Omega-3’s and it’s leaner than other meats. Perhaps you even imagine your meal came via a quiet little boat with a fishing rod dangling over the edge. But what’s lingering at the other end of that pole is more like a giant mutant man-eating shark — toxic,...
Barcelona, A Green Roof Gardener's Dream
Sunny year round, Barcelona is an ideal location to start a rooftop garden. That’s why, from the depths of the Mediterranean metropolis sprout slender green beans, carrots, and shiny red peppers. In the soft arid breeze, olive, fig, lemon and orange trees sway. \READ THE REST… http://dlvr.it/BSX0H
DIY Holiday Gift Idea #3: Pedicure Gift Set
Though some of us would be reticent to admit, this time of year most could benefit from some extra special foot care. With heaters and high heels, we can be left dry, cracked and foot health left wanting. Putting together a basket of foot nurturing products is the perfect useful gift, with added special points if you make it yourself, all natural and organic. \READ THE REST…...
6 Handmade Green Gifts for Guys
Welcome handmade expert Brittni Mehlhoff to Organic Authority with this fabulous guest post! Cracking the code on guy gifts this time of year isn’t always easy. In fact, sometimes, it’s a downright challenge. Luckily, I am here to help get those guys crossed off your list with six eco friendly, handmade gifts they’ll love from Etsy. \READ THE REST… http://dlvr.it/BPNfX
3 Thoughts on Creating a Meaningful, Eco Holiday
Holiday traditions are important to us; they hold us together, remind us of who we are, and give us a way to pass our own memories down from one generation to the next. But sometimes these benefits can get offset by the craziness of trying to do it all: trying to squeeze in so many special moments that we spend money and time we don’t have on activities, events and gifts that don’t...
Christmas Eve in NYC: Seafood Spots for La Vigilia...
Seafood lovers, prepare to have your appetite whet. Every Christmas Eve Italian-Americans ditch the holiday ham for the Feast of the Seven Fishes or La Vigilia. Secure your Christmas Eve fish fest in NYC at one of these restaurants. \READ THE REST… http://dlvr.it/BNq4N
Making Scents of Christmas with DIY Pine Potpourri
Along with presents, snow angels and the neighbor who fabulously (albeit energy consumptive) overdid it with lights and decor, a quintessential part of the holidays is the fresh smell of Christmas trees wafting through the air. Even if you’re going all eco this season and skipping the tree, you can still make your home smell like pine… and we’re not talking about one of those pine scented rearview...
Toxic Ingredient Found in Soy Products Labeled...
Soy has been at the center of controversy for some time. Long considered a staple health food and indispensable protein source for vegetarians, the ubiquity of this diverse bean has also been linked with health issues, clear-cutting rain forest, and now a new concern has cropped up: the presence of a highly neuro-toxic petrochemical compound called hexane. http://dlvr.it/BMc62
Kindle Takes on the Kitchen
If you haven’t already sent your wish list off to Santa, you may want to add a Kindle or iPad along with that set of Le Creuset cookware. Nearly 90 cookbooks from the world’s top chefs have gone digital. New releases come from those beloved recipe connoisseurs: Giada De Laurentiis, Iron Chef Bobby Flay, NY Times own Mark Bittman, David Chang, locavore Alice Waters and the only woman...
GMO Oranges Coming to a Glass Near You
True or False: Drinking a glass of Florida orange juice is one of the healthiest ways to start your day. Okay, well it’s kind of a trick question because you may not be able to drink orange juice much longer, unless you have a secret stash of it somewhere. Insects throughout Florida orange crops are spreading a devastating bacterial blight, commonly called “greening.”...
You Go Green Girl: The Contest Continues for...
The countdown has begun, and you only have until December 31 at midnight to prove you’re the next “Green It Girl” - quite the New Year’s Resolution! Project Green Search is creating a once-in-a-lifetime (well, actually this is the second season) experience for one passionate, eco-tastic lady. Is it you? It could be… ask yourself these questions? \READ THE REST…...
10 Ways to Waste Less Food
Americans waste 27% of all food available for consumption – that’s nearly a pound of food per day for every person in the nation and amounts to nearly 30 million tons of food waste per year. Yet at the same time, 12 million children in American are in danger of going hungry. Many families depend on free school breakfasts and lunches, which are the only meals that some students eat all day....
Whole Foods and Trader Joe's Throwing Out Millions...
Wal Mart is the largest purchaser of organic food in the U.S. surpassing likelier suspects, Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s. And the retail giant has one-upped them again by enacting a company-wide donation policy on short-dated or mildly damaged foods while the top two natural food chains let perfectly edible products rot in dumpsters and landfills. \READ THE REST… http://dlvr.it/BFRqP
5 Steps to a Stress-Free Family Holiday
It’s past Thanksgiving, which means it’s open season for marketers, managers and your mother-in-law to tell you what you should be doing, buying, getting, giving, spending, baking, making and wrapping for the perfect family holiday. In order to preserve some of that holiday spirit for your whole family, here are a few ways to keep your sanity in check in the...
5 DIY Ideas for a Crafty Christmas Full of Green
Green is _the_ color for the holiday season - from wreaths and trees to lights and stockings - so why not take it a step further and decorate with truly “green” items? One of the best ways to go green is to get crafty with these edible decorations from your favorite holiday foods. OK, we know you’re not Martha Stewart but trust us, they are so easy even a kid can make these. Here is a list of our...
5 DIY Ideas for a Crafty Christmas Full of Green
Green is _the_ color for the holiday season - from wreaths and trees to lights and stockings - so why not take it a step further and decorate with truly “green” items? One of the best ways to go green is to get crafty with these edible decorations from your favorite holiday foods. OK, we know you’re not Martha Stewart but trust us, they are so easy even a kid can make these. Here is a list of our...
6 Tips for Healthy Food Combining
Blame evolution for not working fast enough, but our digestive systems are far more antiquated, finicky and delicate than the many food-like items marketed at us would have you believe. During the holidays we’re usually obsessing over whether or not we’re gaining weight from all the food that seems to magically appear in our mouths in pastry form. But another, potentially more...
Map Reveals Massive Increase in Factory Farming
If you haven’t seen it yet, Food & Water Watch launched an incredible updated version of its online Factory Farm Map. Users are able to view the locations and drastically increased numbers of factory farms between 1997 and 2007. Sort by cattle, dairy cows, pigs, broiler and layer chickens, or view them all at once to see the massive impact factory farming has on our country....
Six Handmade Green Gifts for Guys
Welcome handmade expert Brittni Mehlhoff to Organic Authority with this fabulous guest post! Cracking the code on guy gifts this time of year isn’t always easy. In fact, sometimes, it’s a downright challenge. Luckily, I am here to help get those guys crossed off your list with six eco friendly, handmade gifts they’ll love from Etsy. \READ THE REST… http://dlvr.it/B6hvF
Sexual Healing for Cold & Flu Prevention
Calling Dr. Love: Welcome to the first in our series on sex. It seems sex is integral to our health! Stay tuned… Research has shown that frequent sexual activity — having an orgasm at least twice a week — can keep you from getting sick this winter. Individuals who engage in regular sexual activity have been shown to produce higher levels of immunoglobulin (IGA), an anti-body that can prevent...
Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Green Bean Casserole was originally invented by the Campbell Soup Company as a promotional ploy. And the plan was so successful that today many consider the dish a staple for the holiday season. Of course, for others of us, it conjures up memories of soggy canned veggies and a generally tasteless dish… but it doesn’t have to be that way! Lose the canned soup, and make a more organic,...
5 Holiday Gifts for Under $20
Okay, so our financial woes are not totally over yet. But that doesn’t mean we all have to go gift-less this holiday season. There are a number of great eco-friendly holiday gift ideas around $20 or less that are thoughtful and practical. I don’t know about you, but when I think of gifts, I usually try to get something I know people wouldn’t buy for themselves, but would still...
9 Holiday Hangover Cures
Eat, drink and be merry… and you will feel it in the morning. Along with holiday cheer often comes too many cocktails - but this is no season to wallow in bed and feel miserable. Follow these guidelines and cure your holiday hangover faster than you can say, “Who wants some nog?” \READ THE REST… http://dlvr.it/B2ykj
Green Bean Casserole Recipes… Sans Campbells!
Green Bean Casserole was originally invented by the Campbell Soup Company as a promotional ploy. And the plan was so successful that today many consider the dish a staple for the holiday season. Of course, for others of us, it conjures up memories of soggy canned veggies and a generally tasteless dish… but it doesn’t have to be that way! Lose the canned soup, and make a more organic,...
Cancer-Causing Strawberries Approved in California
Over two dozen California legislators and more than 50 scientists - including five Nobel laureates – objected to California’s use of methyl iodide on California strawberry crops, but, the measure was approved on December 1st. http://dlvr.it/B0LVJ
Super Foods Move to Sesame Street
Fifteen percent of American households in this country are financially incapable of providing fundamental nutritional needs for more than 9 million children. Beloved children’s program, Sesame Street, is aiming to fix that with the launch of their new Super Foods Kits. The program sponsors, who include UnitedHealthCare and The Merck Foundation, are distributing 400,000 of these kits in...
