June 2011
99 posts
Fraudulent Fish Labels Causing an Ocean of...
A New York Times article last week revealed that researchers are finding widespread fraudulent labeling of seafood in supermarkets and on restaurant menus. http://dlvr.it/Tff6Q
May 2011
112 posts
Yoga for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Most commonly associated with avid computer users (and I’m sure smart phones aren’t helping the situation!), Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is far more than an annoyance and can sometimes prove so painful that the affected hand is simply unusable. Think nerve disorder: Generally a repetitive motion causes pressure on the median nerve, which controls sensations in the thumb, index and middle...
5 'Green' Wal-Mart Initiatives: Are They Effective...
Whether we like the retail behemoth or not, Wal-Mart is taking major steps towards a green future that may transform the way businesses are run, and even help save the human race. Pulitzer Prize winner Edward Humes’ latest book, _Force of Nature: The Unlikely Story of Wal-Mart’s Green Revolution, _dives into the corporation’s green face-lift that has made them a legitimate...
How to Brighten Whites and Remove Stains Naturally
Who wants to wear dulled out, once-white clothes? Nothing looks less appealing than drab - not quite gray but definitely not white - clothes. Whites should appear crisp and fresh, and pure as a summer’s day. Unfortunately hard water and age can turn whites cloudy-colored or not-so-pretty yellow.
Plus whites actually seem to attract stains. It seems like you only spill coffee or red wine down...
Alice Waters: The Revolution Will Be Delicious
Known as the outspoken Berkeley, California chef and founder of restaurant Chez Pannise, Alice Waters appeared on _The Wall Street Journal’s Big Interview_ last week to talk food, politics and feeding the world as the 40th anniversary of her landmark restaurant nears. http://dlvr.it/TSR0m
Urban Fruit Foraging 101: Finding Good Free Food...
There’s one thing that all of us have to do day in and day out: Open mouth and insert food. Piece of cake, right? (Oooo, that sounds good.) Fortunately, the physical act of eating happens to rank exceedingly high on the master list of life’s basic pleasures, but before you nom-nom your way through that slab of chocolate rum tres leches, the sobering _powers that be_ continue to remind us that...
The Best Gluten Free Pancakes
The secret to these light and fluffy gluten free pancakes is Simpli’s Gluten Free Apricot Oatmeal: large oats rolled thin create a pleasantly light texture not often found in gluten free pancakes.
READ THE REST… http://dlvr.it/TSQzg
Test Tube T-Bones: Growing Meat Without A Face
It’s been 3 years since PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) made headlines with one of its most controversial campaigns: the animal protection organization offered $1 million to the scientist(s) that could create lab-grown meat by June 30, 2012. http://dlvr.it/TRg9d
DIY Natural Makeup Remover
Makeup remover: Without it, all our towels have face prints stained into them… yet we still manage to have racoon eyes and clogged pores. Or, lashes that become brittle and break, or even premature signs of aging! With it, however, this is what we tend to get: 1,4-dioxane, coal tar dyes, diazolidinyl urea, DMDM Hydantoin, formaldehyde, parabens, polyethylene glycols (PEGs), polysorbate...
DIY Foot Care Round Up
Anyone don a pair of sandals last week… much to your own horror, and perhaps someone else’s? Foot care can become careless in those frigid months, concealed behind thick wool socks and big black boots. But, come spring and you may want to take a good gander at where your feet could use some TLC… now that you’re unleashing them to the world, that is.
Here, we’re...
5 Ways to Clean Your Home With (Yes) Vodka
Vodka doesn’t just make other people look better; it can make your home look better too. No cocktails required. This handy alcohol can work cleaning wonders all around the home.
I hear your concerns. You’d probably much rather sip organic vodka in a tasty Bloody Mary than use it to scrub grime off your tile floors. I get it, but cleaning your home with vodka doesn’t require using the good...
Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook to Only Eat Meat He...
Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg has announced that he will only eat animals he actually kills himself this year in a self-imposed ‘personal challenge.” http://dlvr.it/TGv8J
Stop Bugging Me: Natural DIY Pesticide
You’ve worked so hard to get your summer garden blossoming. All those daily pep talks and Mozart have really done the trick. Don’t let pesky pests ruin all your hard work and dedication. Keep bugs at bay with your own natural DIY pesticide mix.
READ THE REST… http://dlvr.it/TFQR9
Too Many Antibiotics in Your Meat Lands the FDA in...
Citing a failure by the FDA to address the link between an overuse of antibiotics in livestock and the rise in antibiotic resistant infections in humans has led to a lawsuit filed against the agency by several environmental and animal interest groups. http://dlvr.it/T9Pf5
Organic Breakfast Ideas for Kids
Elke, 2, is my adventurous eater. Breakfast is eggs with cheese. Fruits of all kinds. Pancakes with blueberries. Scones. Breakfast burritos. Jake, 7, eats cereal. Every. Single. Morning. No joke. Our top two are Cheerios and Organic Clifford Crunch. No milk. Dry. Three grapes or a slice of apple.
My guilt about his breakfast has become more overwhelming since having a daughter who will eat...
New Study Shows GMO Toxins in 93 Percent of...
A recent study conducted by independent physicians at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Sherbrooke Hospital Centre in Quebec, Canada found traces of toxic chemicals from genetically modified organisms in 93 percent of pregnant women and in 80 percent of umbilical cords tested. http://dlvr.it/T3J87
Get Your Hardwood, Tile or Laminate Floors Clean...
Thinking about all the dirt, grime and other unmentionable substances (I’ll let your imagination run wild with that one) that shoes and pets’ paws track into your home can leave you feeling a tad squeamish. Maybe even so grossed out that you’d consider coating bleach across every non-carpeted floor in your home just to get rid of whatever gunk may lurk underfoot. No, you green cleaning lovers...
Forks Over Knives: A Food Documentary Asking 'Eat...
A film of one man’s journey to becoming disease-free from eating plant foods, “Forks Over Knives” gives America a glimpse into why we have become so disease-ridden, and what we can do to fix the epidemic. The entire premise is based on the thesis: adapt a whole food, plant-based diet to prevent (and even reverse) disease and enjoy a long, healthy life.
READ THE REST…...
7 Ways to Green Your Yard With Less Water
Did you know that inside your home could be five times more polluted than outside? So, don’t just let your yard sit there like a pretty picture while you spend summer inside watching Adam Sandler movies. Your yard can (and should!) transform your home in many ways. Yards improve our quality of life—they’re a place for spending time outdoors and breathing fresh air; they can bring an...
4 Yoga Poses for Sciatica Back Pain Relief
Sciatica… sucks. And anyone who has it is well aware of this painful reminder. The pain is the result of a compression and inflammation of the spinal nerves which cause a sharp pain to radiate from the lower back down the leg and foot in a pattern determined by the affected nerve. It can feel electric in nature… but not in a good way.
Some aspects of yoga don’t seem to...
McDonald’s To Buy 1 Million Cage-Free Eggs Per...
In a recent announcement to its shareholders, McDonald’s revealed plans to begin purchasing 1 million cage-free eggs every month. http://dlvr.it/SnFzZ
Packaged Food Design Flaws Create Millions of Tons...
After a recent report made headlines when it was revealed that one third of all food—1 billion tons—ends up uneaten and in landfills around the world, some hopeful news has surfaced about reducing food waste through packaging innovation. http://dlvr.it/SnG02
7 Ways To Reuse Plastic Bags You’ve Never Thought...
Heard any good eco-curse words lately? Oh yes you _have_. Take ‘fracking’, for instance. It’s the perfect stress-relieving pseudo-expletive to hurl at someone who gets your goose in a gander, conveying equal parts environmental frustration and linguistical ‘grrrrrr’ without running the risk of offending your grandmother. Technically referring to the natural gas extraction process that...
9 Things to Do with Lemon
Ah, the lovely lemon! Nothing screams summer like this bright yellow fruit. Bursting with citrus flavor and a fresh aroma, tart and tangy lemons are pretty and perfect for cooking, drinking and a whole lot more. Incorporate lemon into your life and get in the mood for sunshine and blue skies!
\READ THE REST… [http://www.organicauthority.com/sanctuary/9-things-to-do-with-lemon.html]...
9 Ways to Road Trip for Less
Do you need to get away? Hit the road towards the horizon with the pedal to the medal and a breeze in your hair?
You may not think you can afford to take a vacation this year, but think again. Traveling is a matter of priorities, and if you want to see the world bad enough, you can, with only a few minor sacrifices along the way.
\READ THE REST…...
Juice Beauty: Redefining Organic Skincare
Ladies, we love skin care products, right? It’s almost as if the ritual of caring for our skin is as beneficial as the products themselves (almost!). But sometimes, the products aren’t beneficial at all; in fact, they can be downright harmful to our skin, as well as expose the rest of our precious organs and tissues to harsh chemicals and toxic ingredients. With loose regulations...
A Green Roof Blooms in Palm Springs
Most people don’t think of a roof top as a highly valuable real estate asset. With the growth of the green roof industry – up 28.5% in North America in 2010 – that’s all changing.
A green roof sits on top of a conventional rooftop, transcending it with a bevy of benefits. A green roof contributes to biodiversity, can help combat global warming, manages pollution-causing...
Make a Home Office in Your... Closet?
A closet office? Say what? Don’t get your paper clips in a twist. Transforming an underutilized closet into a functional home office only takes a few simple tweaks. Even in the teeniest of spaces.
With a little ingenuity and a bit of work, a closet can easily fit the bill for a practical, and may I say pretty darn cute, home office. Find out how to make over your closet.
\READ THE...
The Pros and Cons of a Raw Food Diet for Your Dog
Some people swear by feeding their dog a raw food diet. For others, the concept just makes them swear. Proponents will sing you the gospel of raw food, claiming it will do everything from making your dog’s coat shinier to clearing up medical issues to working as a sort of “fountain of youth” that will extend your dog’s life. Opponents say that a raw diet can lead to severe health problems for...
Four Fish Dishes - No, Not Fish Sticks - Your...
My son is the pickiest eater on the planet. I know your child is picky too, but don’t fight me on this because my son is even pickier. Promise.
Here’s a good example about his quasi-relationship with vegetables. He considers six peas his vegetable serving for the day. He wipes the dressing off a tiny piece of spinach with a paper towel and then chews it in his mouth for 10...
The Fresh Air Fund: Host a Kid for a Summer...
If New York City seems a little less crowded this summer that may be due in part to the Fresh Air Fund. This independent non-profit agency has been providing free summer vacations for thousands of New York’s kids since 1877.
\READ THE REST… [http://www.organicauthority.com/kids/the-fresh-air-fund-host-a-kid-for-a-summer-vacation-theyll-never-forget.html] http://dlvr.it/SSXHk
Why Is the USDA Withholding Pesticide Residue...
USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack is being urged by the nation’s top physicians, scientists and the Environmental Working Group (EWG) to release overdue data on pesticide levels for fruits and vegetables tested in 2010. http://dlvr.it/SM8Sq
5 Yummy Stops on a NYC-to-Cape Cod Road Trip
Anyone who’s ever visited the Cape during peak season knows at least two things: 1) There is no better place in the continental U.S. to find clam strips, and 2) Traffic is a nightmare. The latter, however, isn’t quite as bad - and is almost enjoyable - when offbeat stops are made along the way.
\READ THE REST…...
Why Worm Poop Is An Organic Gardening Savior
Were you one of those inquisitive little children who innocently sawed writhing worms in half with a twig just to witness the regeneration process that you learned about in science class? Yowchhh. While scissors may have caused them far less trauma than using a dull, crude, mini _tree-machete_, hopefully now – in your adult life – you make a concerted effort to wield no wormy weapons, instead...
New Study: Dark Chocolate Aids in Post-Workout...
Good news for exercising enthusiasts and chocolate lovers. A new study found that dark chocolate is helpful in reducing oxidative stress after exercise. http://dlvr.it/SFz5H
3 Major US Airlines Seek to Stop Airplane...
American Airlines, United and Continental Airlines are the target of criticism from six environmental organizations over the airlines’ efforts to have their pollution accountability significantly reduced. http://dlvr.it/SDhLN
Make Your Own Rainwater Collection System
Not all rainy days are a wash! Take advantage of those raindrops by creating your own rainwater collection system. A 1,000-square-foot roof can yield as much as 600 gallons of water during a rainfall accumulation of 1 inch. So whether it’s pouring or just a little drizzle, every bit will count in your new collection. Bonus: It’s not only good for the environment but it’ll save you money, too!...
6 Mineral Makeup Ingredients That Are Anything But...
So you just treated yourself to some cool mineral makeup, _huh_? Let’s take a peek at your fresh new palette. Ooooo, very nice – especially the Ke$ha-inspired blue. Magazines constantly tout the eco-friendly benefits of such finely milled, earth-derived pigments because they’re pure and simple, just the way that Mother Nature intended. No chemicals, no fillers, no funky business cooked up in a...
Hot Dog Days are Here Again
Americans eat almost 20 billion dollars worth of hot dogs a year. That works out to about 70 hot dogs per person, per year. And, an estimated 95 percent of U.S. homes serve hot dogs at one meal or another. So with summer right around the corner, expect it to be full-fledged frankfurter time. Despite how many dogs are downed each year, there is still debate on what actually goes into those pink...
DIY Sea Salt Spray for You Boho Beach Goddesses
In a perfect world, summer would mean long, drowsy days spent lounging beachside - the warm breeze, loads of vitamin D, coconut creams and sea salt wafting through your hair. You’re left relaxed, smelling and looking like the beach - wavy, texturized hair that is oh-so sexy.
\READ THE REST…...
Improper Chemical Use Causes Exploding Chinese...
No, it’s not Gallagher’s watermelon smashing comeback act. Nearly two-dozen Chinese farmers are reporting cases of “exploding” watermelons. http://dlvr.it/SBPbm
Square Foot Gardening: Lessons from the LA...
As a twenty-something year old trying to rock the organic life in Los Angeles, things can get tricky sometimes. Yes, I shop at the farmers market each week, and yes, I recycle, and yes, I cook from scratch… but is it enough? I dream of growing my own fruits and vegetables throughout the year, harvesting fennel and zucchini in the spring and perhaps tomatoes and spinach in the summer. To...
5 Steps to Protect Yourself from Radiation...
The situation at the Japanese nuclear plants at Fukushima remains tenuous and the possibility of radiation exposure uncertain.
Protection from radiation exposure is not proven science and it would be difficult to conduct a research study. However, the advice given here is based on our understanding of how body detoxification works, and how to maximize its benefits.
\READ THE...
Is There Meat Glue in Your Steak… And Yogurt?
If you’re gearing up for barbecue grilling season, you may want to consider sticking with veggie burgers. Recent news that all but one country in the EU reversed their ban on the practice of using “meat glue” has shined a light on the controversial practice widely used here in America, which actually extends beyond the burger. http://dlvr.it/S3xFM
8 Free Smartphone Apps That Offer Nutritional...
There are a few left-of-center people out there who – despite surfing the internet infinite times each day and being bona fide social networking junkies – still haven’t quite jumped on the smartphone application train. And then there are the rest of us who can’t imagine willing breaking from the alluring tractor beam of our impossibly neatola hand-held toys…’scuse me…_organizational lifestyle...
Make Your Own Garden Fresh Delish Relish
We’re heading straight into grilling season, and you know what that means: Jars of condiments that seem to have strange reproductive powers—cluttering up your fridge.
Have you ever thought of making your own? It’s healthier, cheaper and you can reduce your carbon footprint using your fresh garden veggies, especially in these easy sweet pickle relish recipes (ok, technically...
Week 5: Yoga to Open Your Heart
We round out our weekly series on yoga with an Open Heart. What began with Yoga for a Powerful Core, taking on true empowerment, flowed into Yoga for Balance, equated to an all around poise in living. Week three focused on a “Yoga Butt” cum something greater. And last week was Yoga for Strong, Sexy Arms… more on that empowerment.
And now, your heart. All desires for a...
Grilling: Should You Be Concerned About Cancer?
It’s always a keystone ritual in the yearly spring ceremonies. When the weather finally turns warm, the last snow has finally fallen (or has it?), and you’re running barefoot in the newly budded grass, it’s time to roll out the ole grill from storage, dust it off, and get ready for summer dining season—al fresco, au natural. Burgers, hot dogs, and tofu kebabs—oh my!
But there’s an ugly...
Farmers Markets Offer Cheaper Organic Options than...
Think your local farmers market or community supported agriculture program is too expensive or indulgent? You might want to think again before you opt instead for a trip to your local supermarket. A recent report conducted by a Bard College Center for Environmental Policy grad student revealed that prices were consistently lower at farmers markets than supermarkets. http://dlvr.it/Ryy79
DIY Automatic Dishwasher Soap That’s Naturally...
Drive-through windows, microwave ovens and liposuction. These seemingly oddball things share one distinctive quality in common – they cater to our instant gratification society. After all…why wait until tomorrow for something that we can have right _here _and right _now_? Part of the pure convenience of living in our current day and age is that we don’t have to break a sweat in order to have...
