April 2012
100 posts
From Old Jar to Lush Microcosm: How to Make A...
Terrariums are decorative mini-landscapes made from just about any kind of clear container, from old jars and fish tanks to light bulbs and soda bottles. As a naturally self-regulating environment, terrariums are a low-maintenance way for the busy urban biophiliac to be around plant life at home or in the office. This Victorian favorite is also a perfect hands-on teaching tool for helping kids...
Manicure Menace: Unlabeled Toxins Taint Popular...
A new report released by the Department of Toxic Substances Control found an alarming number of California salon brand nail polishes commonly marketed as free of several known toxins actually contained high levels of the harmful chemicals. http://dlvr.it/1RSrQn
2 DIY Ways to Tame That Mane
With flyaways, static hair and good ol’ windy days, sometimes your tresses just won’t stay put. Time to spritz on some hairspray, right?
Turning to a can of conventional hairspray may tame your unruly mane, but you’ll let loose a slew of chemicals into the air for your lungs to breath in and for your skin to absorb. Many everyday hairspray brands, especially anything aerosol, contain...
Winnie-the-Pooh Loves Local Honey, And So Do We!
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“That buzzing noise means something. Now, the only reason for making a buzzing noise that I know of is because you are… a bee! And the only reason for being a bee is to make honey. And the only reason for making honey is so I can eat it.” - Winnie-the-Pooh
If you’ve ever watched your children’s Winnie-the-Pooh cartoons or read the books by A. A. Milne, you...
Investigation Finds Major Mistreatment of Hens at...
The Humane Society of the United States has released video footage taken earlier this year of an undercover investigation conducted at a Pennsylvania egg factory owned by Kreider Farms. The footage reveals shocking animal abuse, filth and rotting corpses at one of the nation’s largest egg factories. http://dlvr.it/1RJ5JM
Agent Orange 2.0? Why Won’t The EPA Ban Toxic...
The NRDC (National Resources Defense Council) did not have a good week. After news that the FDA dismissed a federal court ruling that the agency needed to enforce viable options for dealing with antibiotic resistant pathogens resulting from the overuse of antibiotics in livestock feed, word came that the EPA denied the organization’s petition to ban the chemical 2,4-D.
After news that...
One Glassy Garden: Growing Herbs in Mason Jars
Forget the usual terracotta and (ugh!) plastic pots for container gardening. When you grow herbs in mason jars, you can have garden fresh ingredients on hand and also add some style to a sunny windowsill.
Read more… http://dlvr.it/1R6Wwk
Waste Not, Save A Lot: How to Plan for the Farmers...
Sturdy walking shoes? Check. Pocket umbrella and billed cap? Check. A cooler and empty jars? Wait, no check? Well, that’s okay. Early in the season, it’s hard to remember the little things we can do to make our farmers market experience greener. Yes, going to the farmers market is a green activity all in itself, but with some simple prep and 15 minutes of forethought, you can assemble a farmers...
Foraging for Food: Go Wild With Dock
Foraging can be an easy and super-fun way to get local, organic produce—for free! And as spring is springing across the country, wild greens are popping up all around, too, offering a veritable salad bar for the picking. One of the easiest and tastiest greens to find is wild dock.
Read more… http://dlvr.it/1R6Ww7
Outrage Flies Over FDA ‘Guidelines’ to Control...
After filing a lawsuit last year aimed at forcing action over excessive antibiotic use in livestock production, the NRDC (National Resources Defense Council) has called the agency’s recommendations an “ineffective response” for dealing with the alarming rise in antibiotic resistance, according to a statement released by the non-profit organization. http://dlvr.it/1Qv8rS
Spring Chillin': Grapefruit Lavender Ice Cream
Indulge this spring in a homemade ice cream recipe that’s low in sugar, dairy-free and full of luscious flavor: Grapefruit Lavender Ice Cream. This heavenly recipe has just a hint of tangy citrus, and a whole lotta floral aroma from the real lavender infusion. Enjoy on a sunny patio or while taking a break from gardening in the backyard.
Read more… http://dlvr.it/1Qv8pN
Beyond Pink Slime: What Else Is Allowed in Our...
Think “pink slime” was the end of it? Think again.
Read more… http://dlvr.it/1Qv8jT
A Day in The Life of A Big Mac
Two all-beef patties. Special sauce. Lettuce. Cheese. Pickles. Onions. Sesame-seed bun. Even if you’ve never eaten one, you likely know the description as that of McDonald’s signature Big Mac sandwich. The iconic hamburger is the definitive fast-food menu item: filling, quick and cheap, but what are we really getting for our $3 sandwich? Certainly there’s more to it than just...
3 Warning Signs You May Have Pesticide Poisoning
From lawns to lunch, water to wind, pesticides are lurking everywhere, yet we can’t often see or smell them. In fact, they’re most often completely invisible. But the threat is ever-present. The EPA estimates that more than 5 billion pounds of pesticides are applied in the U.S. every year on agricultural crops, parks and public land, home gardens and lawns. And the health risks...
6 Apps for A Happier Plate
Your smart phone could be the key to a happier belly and a more balanced plate. A slew of mobile apps have appeared with the goal of improving the way you eat, and we’ve picked six of our favorites that deserve a spot on your home screen.
Read more… http://dlvr.it/1Qg26m
Spring Greens: 5 Luscious Varieties to Plant Now
Nothing compares to that first bowl of tender, fresh salad straight from your own garden. And, spring greens are just the thing to inspire you to get your planting started. But don’t just grow green lettuce! Greens come in all sorts of shapes and flavors. Choose a few unique varieties to turn that first salad into a gourmet homegrown experience. Here are some of our favorites.
Read...
From Lawn to Line: Home Pesticides Poisoning West...
West Coast salmon, an already threatened species, are the victim of a new, potentially detrimental threat according to a recent evaluation conducted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Fisheries Service. http://dlvr.it/1QfpQz
Is Raw Chocolate Really Better for You?
From the milky-high-fructose-corn-syrup-laden-barely-enough-to-really-taste-it to the pure, whole, organic cacao bean, one thing is undeniable: it’s chocolate. The chocoholic, while satisfied often with just the tiniest speck of the rich, creamy, and bitter bean, has been bombarded in recent years with scores of organic, Fair Trade, super dark and flavored chocolate options. The selection...
As the Communal Table Trend Grows, New Etiquette...
As the communal table trend continues and diners sit elbow-to-elbow with complete strangers at restaurants all over the nation, there is a new need for communal table etiquette guidelines.
Read more… http://dlvr.it/1QS79w
To Be, Or Not To Be Organic: 2 Southwestern...
Here at OrganicAuthority, we’re happy to be your guides on an adventure through the world of locally made organic cheeses. We’ve already visited the Northeast, Wisconsin and Oregon. Today, let’s continue our journey through local cheesemakers by taking a look at Southwestern cheeses.
Read more… http://dlvr.it/1QS79C
