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2011-04-22T18:41:00.001-04:00

Are Your Pet’s Expenses Tax Deductible?

2011-03-31T18:58:00.000-04:00

The non-passing of the HAPPY Act (HR 3501) at the end of the 111^th Congress left a lot of pet owners sad. If enacted, the bill would have given a $3,500 tax credit to pet owners with qualifying expenses. And the depression grows around this time of year when many of us are treading in piles of receipts and credit card bills in an attempt to itemize and deduct all that we can. Adding up pet care costs can be disturbing. It’s one of those things that you may not really want to know, if you want to stay in love with your pet.

As important as our pets are in our lives, nothing raises an accountant ’s hackles more than seeing “four dependents” listed on the tax return of a single man with a dog, two fish, and a ferret.

So, you’ve heard it before, and you’ll ask it again this year and probably again next year, but here is the answer you don’t want to hear: Your pets are not deductible. Their healthcare is not deductible. Their food, leash, sweater, exercise equipment, and bones are not deductible.

It may cheer you up to hear that there are some pet deductions that are legitimite. Here are some good ones to discuss with your accountant—not your friend from the dog park, your accountant:

1. Pet moving costs

Here’s where your pet is considered to be a part of the family…the family property. If you qualify for moving expense deductions (i.e. if you move because you changed jobs), then moving expenses are deductible, including the cost of moving pets.

2. Seeing eye/service dog

The law allows for: “The costs of buying, training, and maintaining a service animal to assist an individual with mental disabilities may qualify as medical care.” This isn’t just your pet who keeps you company when your buddies are all out of town. You have to prove the service animal is being used primarily for your illness. Be sure to have a medical doctor’s note in your files.

3. Guard dog

This is primarily for home-based businesses. Caution: as protective as your Pekinese can be, the IRS may not be too impressed with him or your very moody cat. A guard dog should be registered, trained, and of a likely breed (German Shepherd, Rottweiler, Doberman, etc).

4. Donations to animal shelters

While adoption fees are not deductible, money that you donate to the shelter out of gratitude may be. Be sure to check with the organization to clarify its non-profit status.

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2011-01-30T06:15:00.000-05:00

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Support Free Access to Birth Control!

2011-01-24T11:55:00.000-05:00

Target: Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius
Sponsored by: CREDO Action

We have a chance to make birth control for women free by designating it preventative health care -- but we'll have to ensure the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) listens to women and not Catholic Bishops when it comes to women's reproductive health.

The White House has repeatedly failed to counter conservative initiatives that leave women without comprehensive health care. HHS's refusal to make birth control free for most women as long as it's designated as "preventative health care" is only the latest blow to women's reproductive health.

Fortunately, HHS is revisiting this decision. But the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops testified at the first meeting of the decision-making panel -- why would they weigh in on what qualifies as preventative health care for women?

Tell the Secretary of HHS Kathleen Sebelius to listen to women, not Catholic Bishops, and recommend providing free access to birth control.

Sign it now: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/188/445/074/

Guys, this is an important issue for you as well. The letter being sent on your behalf (after signing the petition) will be as follows:

Dear Secretary Sebelius,

I stand for women's reproductive health. The Department of Health and Human Services should listen to women, not the Catholic Bishops, and mandate free access to birth control.

[Your comments will be inserted here.]

Sincerely,
[Your name here]

Broken & Beaten Cat Now Up For Adoption!

2010-06-06T02:07:00.001-04:00

June is Adopt-A-Cat Month. It’s the inspiration of the American Humane Association to call attention to the nearly 4 million cats that are abandoned every year. It’s also a reminder to the public that cats left to fend for themselves, are at risk for disease, abuse, starvation and many other dangers. A young cat by the name of Broke Back is one of these felines, but she not just a statistic. She is a real cat that someone threw away like the trash. Here is her story of abuse and the spirit to survive.

Broke Back is a terrible name for a cat, but it was the nickname given to her by the animal rescue group that saved her life. It was their way to lighten the tragic moment when they crawled under an abandoned trailer and found her twisted body.

Broke Back had been under the trailer for several days with a broken back, pelvis and hip.

Details from neighbors at the trailer park are sketchy about how the Tortoiseshell cat got hurt, but it was apparent to the rescue group that she had been beaten and left to die. That would have happened if a neighbor hadn’t taken the time to call for help.

The Heaven Can Wait Animal Society (HCWS) in Las Vegas, NV took Broke Back to a local veterinary hospital for a complete evaluation. Dr. David Henderson found that in addition to having a broken back, hip and pelvis, the cat also had multiple fractures in her spine. He explained the cat faced several surgeries over the next few months and many more months of rehabilitation.

HCWS made the decision to have the costly surgeries performed and over the next seven months, Broke Back underwent a series of operations to repair the damage done to her.

Nearly one year later Broke Back has not only healed, but she is ready to be adopted. The cat has also dropped her nickname for the more suitable name of Katira. It means “ray of light.”

Elaine Warken, the group’s Cat Coordinator reported on the organization’s blog, “Broke Back will make a wonderful family pet.”

“Yea, she limps a little, but hey she also uses the litter box, rolls over, plays with other cats and loves to purr. Even though her nickname is Broke Back, there is nothing broken about this cat’s spirit,” wrote Warken.

Click Here to see the complete story and photos of Broke Back's recovery.

Help the American Humane Association spread the word about Adopt-A-Cat Month. Please share with others that “wonderful cats of every breed, age and personality waiting for homes in animal shelters.”

7 Foods Banned in Europe - Still In The U.S.!

2010-05-24T02:16:00.002-04:00

Modified Foods
Although the E.U. is continuously coming under attack for policies banning GM foods, the community is highly suspicious of genetically modified foods, and the agro-industrial pressures that drive their use. The problem with GM foods is that there is simply not sufficient research and understanding to inform good public policy. In spite of widespread GM use without apparent negative impacts in other countries, the recent public reaction to trans-fats are reason enough to support a precautionary principle for the food supply chain.
Pesticides in Your Food
The E.U. has acted against the worst pesticides typically found as residuals in the food chain. A ban on 22 pesticides was passed at the E.U. level, and is pending approval by the Member States. Critics claim the ban will raise prices and may harm malaria control, but advocates of the ban say action must be taken against the pesticides which are known to cause harm to health and nevertheless consistently found in studies of food consumption.
Bovine Growth Hormone
This drug, known as rBGH for short, is not allowed in Europe. In contrast, U.S. citizens struggle even for laws that allow hormone-free labeling so that consumers have a choice. This should be an easy black-and-white decision for all regulators and any corporation that is really concerned about sustainability: give consumers the information. We deserve control over our food choice.
Chlorinated Chickens
Amid cries that eating American chickens would degrade European citizens to the status of guinea pigs, the E.U. continued a ban on chickens washed in chlorine. The ban effectively prevents all import of chickens from the U.S. into Europe. If chicken chlorination is “totally absurd” and “outrageous” for Europeans, what does that mean for Americans?

Food Contact Chemicals
Phthalates and Bisphenols in plastic are really beneficial. They help manufacturers create plastic products with the softness and moldability needed to fulfill consumer needs. But when the food contact additives are found in the food and liquids contained by those plastics, trouble starts. Both the U.S. and Europe stringently regulate food contact use of chemicals. However, the standard of approval is different. In Europe, the precautionary principle requires that the suppliers of chemicals prove their additives safe, or they will be banned. Of course, although the E.U. has banned phthalates in toys, both phthalates and bisphenol-A remain approved for food contact uses — subject to strict regulations on their use.
Stevia, the natural sweetener
The U.S. recently approved this “natural” sweetener as a food additive. Previously, it was sold in the U.S. under the less stringent dietary supplement laws. It has been embraced in Japan for over three decades, but E.U. bans still stand — pointing to potential disturbances in fertility and other negative health impacts. But the sweetener is credited with potentially positive health effects too. Is this a case where consumer choice should prevail?
Planned Ban: Food Dyes
Many food dyes previously recognized as safe are suspected of contributing to attention deficit disorder. Action is afoot as the UK evaluates a ban on synthetic food colors. Regulation in the E.U. often starts through the leadership of one Member State, which pushes the concepts up to Brussels after a proof-of-concept pilot phase. Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Blue 2, Green 3, Orange B, and Red 3 are among the food colors associated with hyperactivity.

Scariest Fast Food Breakfasts

2010-05-21T14:29:00.002-04:00

How would you like to meet your daily sodium and saturated fat allowance, as well as nearly half of your daily calorie needs, in one quick breakfast eaten on the road? It’s becoming progressively easy these day as food technicians, chefs and market researchers, holed away in corporate fast food “studios,” are busy developing monstrous new breakfast items. Trying to claim as much of the $57 billion fast food breakfast market as they can, the fast food giants are drumming up increasingly cheesy, steak-y, fried chicken-y breakfast dishes that tap into flavor combinations that have proven successful for lunch and dinner items. It’s no longer eggs and English muffins for fast food breakfast–breakfast burger anyone?

What’s most striking about some of these high-calorie items–aside from the unsustainable, industrial, often GMO and synthetic ingredients–is the very high sodium and saturated fat content. According to the USDA, the current recommendation for sodium consumption is less than 2,300 milligrams a day. For saturated fat, the maximum allowance is between 18 grams to 31 grams, depending on your caloric intake needs. (You can calculate your caloric need with this calculator from the Mayo Clinic.) Many of these breakfast items meet or exceed the daily sodium and fat allowances, and provide much more than one-third of your daily caloric needs.

1. Carl’s Jr Breakfast Burger
Yes, I’m afraid you read that right, “breakfast” and “burger” in the same menu item. How do you turn a regular burger into a breakfast burger? By adding not only an egg–but an egg, bacon, American cheese and hash brown nuggets too!

Calories: 780
Fat Calories: 370
Total Fat: 51 grams
Sat Fat: 15 grams
Sodium: 1460

2. McDonald’s Big Breakfast with Hotcakes
Chances are that if you are ordering a breakfast that contains scrambled eggs, sausage, hash brown, hotcakes and a biscuit, you’re probably not really watching your waistline (well, watching it increase, maybe) but still, the tally for this corpulent combination is quite impressive.

Calories: 1150
Fat Calories: 540
Total Fat: 59 grams
Sat Fat: 20 grams
Sodium: 2260

If you decide to go with something less bulky, like the McSkillet Burrito with Sausage, you’ll still be ringing up 610 calories. The “best bet” here is the Egg McMuffin at 300 calories and 5 grams of saturated fat. But then again, the sound of “Pasteurized Process American Cheese, Canadian Style Bacon, and Liquid Margarine” may leave you a little blue in the gills…

3. Burger King Biscuits and Sausage Gravy Platter
I can’t decide which one is worse, the Biscuits and Sausage Gravy Platter or the Double Croissan’wich with Sausage Egg and Cheese. Calories are the same, but you can have 35 grams of fat with 2350 mg of sodium (that’s your limit for the day), or you can opt for the 49 grams of fat with 1520 mg of sodium.

Calories: 680
Fat Calories: 310
Total Fat: 35 grams
Sat Fat: 28 grams
Sodium: 2350

4. Burger King Double Croissan’wich with Sausage Egg and Cheese
Does the cutesy name make it any less threatening?

Calories: 680
Fat Calories: 421
Total Fat: 49 grams
Sat Fat: 18 grams
Sodium: 1520

5. Hardee’s Double Sausage Egg n’ Cheese Biscuit
Anytime you start saying “double sausage” when talking about a meal, you should just know to expect trouble…like 21-grams-of-saturated-fat kind of trouble. Along with your RDA for sodium and saturated fat all scooped up with this one sandwich, you can pretty much eat nothing else besides celery for the day. The problem with any of the biscuit meals here is that the biscuit alone is 370 calories.

Calories: 830
Fat Calories: 570
Total Fat: 63 grams
Sat Fat: 21 grams
Sodium: 2100

6. Hardee’s Loaded Breakfast Burrito
Can you imagine? “Eggs, crumbled sausage, bacon and diced ham, lots of shredded cheddar cheese, then wrapped in a warm flour tortilla. Served with zesty salsa.” I like the use of “zesty”–as if it somehow lightens this overwhelming brick of animal fat disguised as a burrito.

Calories: 760
Fat Calories: 400
Total Fat: 49 grams
Sat Fat: 21 grams
Sodium: 1380

7. Hardee’s Low Carb Breakfast Bowl
So, you think maybe the low carb option is going to be the better option? How does this sound: “eggs topped with a sausage patty and a slice of Swiss cheese, then piled with a loaded omelet (with crumbled sausage, bacon, diced, ham and shredded cheddar), then finished with more shredded cheddar and sprinkled with bacon bits.” Sounds like “call 9-1-1″ to me.

Calories: 620
Fat Calories: 450
Total Fat: 50 grams
Sat Fat: 21 grams
Sodium: 1380

8. Jack in the Box Steak and Egg Burrito
I don’t know who came up with the idea of steak and eggs for breakfast, but, ouch. Even worse when they are wrapped up in a tortilla along with hash browns, cheddar cheese, jack cheese and a bunch of sauce.

Calories: 821
Fat Calories: 450
Total Fat: 48 grams
Sat Fat: 15 grams
Sodium: 1616

9. Jack in the Box Extreme Sausage Sandwich
When a regular sausage sandwich just isn’t enough…

Calories: 690
Fat Calories: 445
Total Fat: 41 grams
Sat Fat: 17 grams
Sodium: 1356

10. Chick-fil-A Sausage Biscuit
The Chick-fil-A Sausage Biscuit is not too much better or worse than the other sausage biscuits. The general problem with a biscuit breakfast is that it is not that large of meal, yet you are using up a lot of calories for a lot of junk and animal fat.

Calories: 590
Fat Calories: 370
Total Fat: 41 grams
Sat Fat: 16 grams
Sodium: 1250

11. Chick-fil-A Chicken Egg and Cheese Bagel on a Sunflower Mutligrain Bagel
Well it’s nice that they opted for a multigrain bagel studded with sunflower seeds, but does that really hide the fact that there is a slab of fried chickenbetween the eggs and American cheese?

Calories: 530
Fat Calories: 200
Total Fat: 23 grams
Sat Fat:7 grams
Sodium: 1330

Ripped Fish + Overfishing 'Solution'

2010-03-19T19:19:00.003-04:00

The increase in the popularity of fish as well as the every growing human population has led to the creation of a ripped fish. Professor Terry Bradley of the University of Rhode Island, has found a way to create trouts that produce 20% more muscle than the average trout.

For over ten years, Professor Bradley has been trying to address a way to create more food while spending the same amount on feed and equipment. While Bradley's super fish are a new development, the concept of creating animals that produce more muscle is not. Since the 1950s, the desire for meatier animals led to the popularization of genetically engineered cattle, namely the Belgian Blue. This cattle contain a natural mutation that inhibits the myostatin gene. This gene is what controls muscle growth. When this muscle is truncated, the lean muscles grow at an accelerated rate, leading to double-muscling [Source: Wikipedia]. Bradley takes the same concept and applies it towards fish.

When Bradley first began the experiments, he was unsure of the results, since fish have different muscle development than animals. However after 500 hours of injecting rainbow trout eggs with different types of DNA that inhibit myostatin, 300 of the 20,000 eggs developed the "six-pack" effect [Source: Science Daily]. Those fish that carried this trait were then bred with all of the offspring expressing the desired trait. This could be a huge boon to the fish farms as they could farm the same amount of fish but make more money while spending the same amount. Not only that, but this could help decrease the amount of bottom-trawling occuring in our oceans and over-fishing in our lakes and streams. The study of how these genes affect fish and mammals could also shed light on muscle wasting diseases in humans [Source: URI].

A major issue still facing Bradley is whether these transgenic fish meet regulatory standards. But besides that, there are many variables to consider before allowing these bodybuilder fish for public consumption:
1. Will there be any side effects for those eating the fish?
2. If they somehow made it to the wild, how will they affect the natural ecosystem?
3. Will more lean muscle decrease the amount of good fat in fish(i.e. omega-3 fatty acid)?

There are still many unanswered questions, and while the proposition seems attractive, especially to those who own fisheries, there is still not enough information to begin mass production. Still, this news could help to decrease the overfishing problem all over the world.

I'm one of the many avid fishers out there - unlike some, though, I only keep fish I am planning on consuming. This isn't a nation-wide outlook and many still keep fish they have no intention of consuming. I'm still unsure as to whether or not the "ripped fish phenomenon" is going to effect my lifestyle or my fishing habits. What are your thoughts on this article?

Five Great Gifts Made From....An Old Coat? That Hideous Sweater? Awesome.

2009-12-04T11:29:00.004-05:00

Ah, the winter holidays. Even before your Thanksgiving turkey (or Tofurkey) has fully digested, retail stores have already sprung into full-on holiday mode. Garland arches over every aisle. Sleigh bells play overhead. Coffee shops break out the peppermint/eggnog/gingerbread lattes. In such a sweet environment, who wouldn’t be lulled into spending a fortune on presents and stocking stuffers?

Before you lift your credit card though, think about heading to a different shopping destination: Your closet. Do you have an old coat you no longer wear? If so, here are five ways to recycle it into cute stocking stuffers.

1. Button ring

We got this idea from Lorelei’s Blog: Inside the Studio. Check out theirexcellent button ring tutorial.

2. Button bobby pin

These hair accessories couldn’t be easier to make. Do make sure though that you use the right tools: Plain old pins won’t cut it, so read Lenny da Vinci’s step by step instructions for one-of-a-kind button bobby pins.

3. Fabric frame

By this point you’ve successfully de-buttoned your old coat; now it’s time to upcycle the fabric body. We like How Stuff Works’ directions for turning that fabric into a picture frame.

4. Wrist cuffs

Now put the rest of your coat’s fabric to work by making a slew of wrist cuffs. Cut Out + Keep offers a 4-step process for transforming scrap fabric into chunky bracelets.

5. Tea clutch

If you’re feeling really inspired, use your coat’s remaining fabric body and inner lining to make this sharp tea clutch. The Object Project recommends materials like tweed and satin (perhaps what your old coat was made out of to begin with), but feel free to substitute two different fabrics. Whip out your scissors, and read their tea clutch how-to.

For more easy homemade gift ideas, click here.

The Dangers of Antibiotics

2009-11-28T20:18:00.004-05:00

In the 1930s, a discovery was made that changed the medical world and our entire lives as a result. Sulfa drugs were unleashed as successful combatants against harmful bacteria, and the following decade, penicillin was developed to do the same. With these power antibiotics at their disposal, doctors were able to treat illnesses that had previously confounded them.

Fast-forward to many years later, when antibiotics of all kinds are now the go-to prescription for just about every illness. At this point, our reliance on them is more like abuse. Antibiotics are used all too commonly–most egregiously, for diseases they can’t even treat–and that’s resulting in their overall ineffectiveness. Not only does such frequent pill popping cause relatively unknown side effects, but it can become deadly on a global level if it continues unabated.

What They’re Really Good For
Antibiotics have prevented countless deaths since their creation, but even too much of a good thing can have disastrous results. The worst part is that most people, including some in the medical industry, aren’t fully aware of the problem. In March 2009, pharmacies around the U.S. gave away free antibiotics to promote health in cash-strapped times. Luckily, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stepped in and advised people against treating antibiotics like all-purpose medicine or, even worse, taking them like multivitamins.

Therein lies the biggest problem with antibiotics overuse–people think of them as wonder drugs that can heal anything. But they’re effective only against bacteria, so if someone has an ear infection, tuberculosis, or other bacterial infection, an antibiotic prescription makes sense. Antibiotics don’t have any effect on viral illnesses, which include colds and flu.

Unfortunately, this fact has been lost in a sea of misinformation. A survey that Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network conducted from 1998 to 1999 found that 32 percent of the population believed antibiotics should be taken for colds. Over half of those surveyed were unaware of any potential risks associated with them. But consumers aren’t the only ones perpetuating the myth–in 2001, over 31 percent of antibiotic prescriptions were for colds or sore throats.

A Newly Discovered Side Effect
Taking antibiotics isn’t always an easy process, especially for those especially sensitive to medication. Feeling nauseated or actually throwing up is fairly common when someone’s taking the pills, as are diarrhea and skin issues. Kidney stone development, an increased reaction to sunlight, and blood clot formations are much rarer but can occur, depending on the type of antibiotic prescribed. But a recent study suggests that there are even more dangerous side effects to worry about.

The study, sponsored by the CDC and published in the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, targeted a group of pregnant women. Researchers found that those with babies who had birth defects had a higher incidence of taking two types of antibiotics (sulfa drugs and nitrofurantoins) for urinary tract infections than mothers with unaffected babies did. The mothers taking sulfa drugs tended to have babies with weak hearts and brain illnesses, as well as smaller-than-average arms and legs. Nitrofurantoins were linked to heart issues and cleft palates.

When Medicine Gets Deadly
Even if the really serious side effects are isolated to small parts of the population, antibiotics’ increasing ineffectiveness is a problem that impacts all of us. Antibiotics work by flushing out all bacteria–including the good kind that keeps us healthy, which is another big problem–out of our systems to get rid of the infection. But when they don’t eradicate all of the bad kind, it results in hyper-resistant bacteria that require a stronger form of antibiotics. These superbugs leave scientists scrambling to create new and more potent treatments, but the overuse of antibiotics leaves them with very little to work with anymore. Now there are a multitude of bacterial strains that no existing antibiotic can treat. It’s such a widespread problem that Dr. Perry Hookman, a gastroenterologist who teaches at the University of Miami, called it a “global threat” in an interview with The New York Times.

Clostridium difficile, or C. difficile, is an example of this issue. The rates of C. difficile, once confined mostly to hospitals and other health care facilities, have risen drastically this decade, and the strain’s deadlier than ever. It’s actually brought on in part by antibiotic use–the drugs kill off the beneficial bacteria in our guts, making way for C. difficile to take root. Even after treatment–which is another round of antibiotics–some patients continue showing symptoms. An estimated 20 percent of affected people will get sick all over again later.

The Global Implications
The indiscriminate use of antibiotics extends beyond humans–they’re even used to treat and prevent diseases in animals. So even if we use antibiotics wisely, there’s a chance we’ll still be overexposed if we consume animal products. The best course of action is education. People need to learn not only about what antibiotics can and can’t do, but about alternative treatments as well. If we keep abusing antibiotics, eventually we’ll be out of solutions for all bacterial infections, and then a cold or a sore throat will be the least of our worries.

This doesn’t mean that antibiotics don’t have their place in medicine; in some cases, their improvement to our well-being has been immeasurable. But in order to keep it that way, we need to understand and respect their limits, especially during flu season. As the old saying goes, everything in moderation–even when it’s something as helpful as medicine.

Use, don't abuse and be a healthy consumer.

Vegetarian Bayou Jambalaya Recipe

2009-06-23T18:35:00.002-04:00

Adapted from Rice and Spice by Robin Robertson (Harvard Common Press, 2000).

You won’t miss the meat or seafood in this glorious vegetarian version of the Creole classic. New Orleans fire and flavor along with colorful anti-oxidant nutrition and satisfying ease of preparation. Pure bayou bliss!

INGREDIENTS

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 small onion, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup coarsely chopped celery
1 green bell pepper, coarsely chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 16-ounce cans diced tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon file powder (look in your local gourmet food store)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon Tabasco sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup water
1 1/2 cups cooked or canned pinto beans, rinsed if canned
4 ounces tempeh, cubed
8 ounces vegetarian sausage links, cut into 1-inch pieces
6 cups hot cooked brown rice

1. In a large pot, heat 1 1/2 teaspoons of the oil over medium heat until hot. Add onion, celery, and bell pepper and saute for 5 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften. Add garlic, tomatoes, tomato paste, file powder, parsley, Tabasco sauce, salt, and water. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft. Stir in the pinto beans.

2. Meanwhile, heat the remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add tempeh and vegetarian sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.

3. Add tempeh and sausage to tomato mixture and simmer about 5 minutes, until flavors are well blended. Adjust seasonings and serve over hot cooked rice.

Serves 4 to 6.

Sustainable Gardening .101: Small Spaces + Urban Planning

2009-06-16T00:12:00.003-04:00

Do you avoid gardening due to a lack of space? Living with limited space should not prohibit you from reaping the benefits of homegrown fresh food. My previous post about kitchen gardens spoke about creating a home garden that is just steps away from your kitchen. Many of the same principles can be employed using a little creativity when growing plants in containers on patios, balconies, rooftops or windowsills.

I recently read, Fresh Food From Small Spaces: The Square Inch Gardener’s Guide to Year-Round Growing, Fermenting, and Sprouting, by R.J. Ruppenthal. He claims that it’s possible for a person to produce 20% of their own food in a small space. Ruppenthal, a California attorney and professor, has lived in city homes and feeds his family homegrown food 365 days per year. His book is a practical primer for urban food production grown in small spaces. It gives advice on many aspects of container gardening, from growing vegetable crops to making yogurt. The chapter on composting with worms gives a detailed account on how worms generate healthful fertilizer for plants. I knew worms were advantageous to composting, but I was fascinated to learn that using worms for composting will make plants stronger and more pest-resistant.

Here are some questions and answers adapted from an interview with R.J. Ruppenthal:

What if your home has no yard, no soil?

Get a container and fill it with good soil and organic fertilizer. Some low maintenance vegetables include: lettuce, tomatoes, spinach, carrots and beets. Depending on your climate and what you like to eat, you could grow fruit too.

What is a misconception about gardening in a small space?

Conventional wisdom holds that vegetable gardening requires 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Some vegetables can be sprouted inside with space and light restrictions.

How can people who live in small spaces gain more control over what they eat and can they become more reliant?

Growing fresh food is a positive step toward sustainability. With rising food prices, you can save money and lessen your carbon footprint by rescuing the resources that are wasted on food production.

How about urban farmers markets?

Farmers markets are important. They support small farmers, who get a direct local outlet for their produce. City folk are attracted to farmers markets because the food is grown with great care and just picked and people like having a connection to something that is real.

Farm to table promotes sustainable, local agriculture, but backyard or container to table gardens are about as close to nature that your taste buds can get. Do you have a garden at your home? If not, here are 10 inspiring small gardens from Apartment Therapy’s, The Kitchen. Do you have a garden at your home?

Sustainable Gardening .101: Kitchen Gardens

2009-06-10T16:24:00.004-04:00

Do you know where your food comes from? In the last few months there has been a flurry of books and articles on the subject of sustainable food. First Lady, Michelle Obama, helped break ground on a new White House organic “kitchen garden”. The White House kitchen garden will be the first working garden since Eleanor Roosevelt planted a so-called “victory garden” at the height of World War II. The Obamas’ garden with its proposed 55 varieties of vegetables sends a message about where they want their food to come from.

Home kitchen gardens can be one of the most sustainable food options for people who want to know where their food comes from. Kitchen gardens can provide a living tapestry of healthy vegetables and fruits, just steps away from your kitchen. My family's kitchen garden is an integral part of our home. It sits a stones throw from our kitchen out the back door. We know where to go when someone says, “I need chives for the soup” or, “Who wants to help with the salad?”

The French have been designing jardin potagers, or kitchen gardens, for centuries. Kitchen gardens serve as functional, practical and beautiful additions to many homes. These gardens are typically located outside of a kitchen and include herbs, vegetables and fruits. Some kitchen gardens contain medicinal plants and flowers. Having immediate access from the kitchen is optimal for harvesting while cooking. Kitchen gardens can be easier to tend because they have clearly defined beds and paths.

Creating a bountiful kitchen garden can be an economical and healthy addition your home. Planned kitchen gardens still have an element of trial and error, like all gardens, but worth the experimentation.

What you need:
• graph paper
• wooden dividers or an arrangement of pots
• watering supply
• trellises or stakes
• sunlight
• plants-vegetables, fruits, herbs, flowers

Here are some things to consider when planning a kitchen garden:
• Divide each bed into rectangles (or whatever shape will fit in your space).
• Plot out on graph paper the types and numbers of plants you think you’ll be able to fit into the space. Raised beds will allow for a more efficient use of space.
• It’s said that vegetables are like people, they thrive on companionship. Vegetables may yield up to twice as much when they are surrounded with companion plants. Here is an article about companion planting that outlines which vegetables are best friends.
• Think about combining plants that will create patterns of color and texture: a square of red leaf lettuce with deep green basil in the middle; the ferny fronds of fennel surrounding the bold leaves of cabbage.
• Plan for the spread and height of each vegetable, so the beds don’t get too overgrown, and so you’re able to find and reach the vegetables as they ripen.
• Plant intensively and close together so that there is little room for weeds and the plants shade each other.

I'll post some more next time for would-be gardener's with small spaces. (Urban planners? Have hope!)

Attention ZYRTEC Allergy Users!

2009-05-30T12:39:00.003-04:00

In the land of allergies, there's not much we can be hopeful for - beyond taking a medicine that will stop the sniffles and itchies for a while. But Zytrec has done something I've never really seen before...

You can now use your allergies for a good cause.

That's right, Zytrec has put on a promotion where you can take the UPC codes from your Zyrtec packaging and convert it into an instant $2 for one of three major charities. How can you participate? It's easy.

Just follow this link to leave your mark.

There is going to be a cap of $300,000 per charity, the money to be split up evenly between these guys:

National Trust for Historic Preservation
ASPCA
World Wildlife Fund

So please get involved - and put those sniffles to good use! Tell any of your allergy sufferers to participate!

- Tara

Happy Earth Day! - 7 Tips For Green Eating

2009-04-22T18:35:00.003-04:00

It’s Earth Day. Which means that you might be experiencing a rush of media extolling the virtues of reusable shopping bags, the evils of single use water bottles, and the importance of organic food. And seasonal food. And local food. And so on. All important issues, but I’m guessing a lot of you know about these things by now. So may I interest you in some other ideas on how to make an impact with your food choices?

Don’t get me wrong. My closet’s packed with cheerleading outfits for the basic tenets of green eating: local, seasonal, organic. They are, in my opinion, vastly important. So I’ll pay tribute to them, quickly, in tip number one–and then cut to the chase with six other tips that see less of the spotlight.

1. Buy Local, Seasonal, Organic.
Shop locally to decrease the fuel consumption of transportation–shop at farmer’s markets, CSAs, food co-ops, and markets that sell local products. Even big box stores are hopping on the local food train. Eat seasonally, which essentially means that you are eating locally, which means that you are not supporting the fuel consumption of cross-country, cross-global transportation. This can be challenging for those of us living in, say, Brooklyn in the winter, but you’d be surprised by all the things you can do with dark greens and winter squash! Support organic agriculture. There, said.

2. Don’t Buy Organic.
What??? Organic should be first choice when it’s locally grown, but consider that shipping a pound of organic apples across the country increases fuel and greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent more than if they had been consumed at their point of harvest. And much of the organic produce on the market is now shipped across the planet. Meanwhile, many local farmers practice organic methods but don’t certify organic because it is expensive and labor-intensive administratively. Since each type of crop needs to be registered, for a smaller farm growing a variety of food it becomes a Herculean task. If you shop at a farmer’s market, talk to your vendors and see if they use eco-friendly agricultural methods–many of the farmers I have talked to do so because they recognize the importance of keeping their land healthy. Consider buying non-organic locally grown produce over non-local organic produce, if you can determine that it was grown conscientiously.

3. Yes, Eat Your Weeds.
Dandelions, purslane, chickweed, stinging nettle, lamb’s quarter, burdock? Yum! Skip the herbicides, and celebrate your weeds instead with a hot pan and some olive oil. Many plants now maligned as bothersome invaders of the perfect lawn were long used as food greens. Just make sure that you identify the plant species correctly. I, for one, go absolutely shivery in the knees for dandelions–you could be, too, by looking at these pages:

Eating Dandelions
Cream of Dandelion Soup
Homemade Dandelion Syrup

4. Minimize Your Meat.
Meat is the most resource-intensive food on the plate. It takes much more energy, water and resources to produce a pound of meat, than a pound of grain or produce. (A pound of beef can require about 12,000 gallons of water to produce, compared to 60 gallons for a pound of potatoes.) In addition, agricultural hormones and antibiotics lead to pollution of soil, air, and water.

If you eat meat, aim for meat from animals who were raised humanely; grass-fed, and without hormones or antibiotics. Try hard to avoid factory farmed meat which relies on large-scale industrialized and intensive agricultural practices that are focused on profit with animals kept indoors and restricted in mobility. Each industry has its own abusive practices, and some are much more cruel than others. For example, the chicken, egg, turkey, and pork industries tend to be far more abusive to animals than the beef industry. A growing number of producers are raising animals without intensive confinement. Refining your diet by choosing cage-free animal products, instead of the conventional factory farm products that fill most supermarket shelves, will help to reduce animal suffering. Happy animals are part of a happy planet.

Try slowly cutting out meat from your diet. Become the term that Mark Bittman of The New York Times has coined–a Lessmeatatarian! He is vegan daily until 6:00 PM.

And, trust me, this is torture for me - a die-hard meat-lover. The bloodier it is, the better. But there are benefits.

5. Eat Antiques.
Grow and shop for heirloom vegetables–varieties that have been around for a long time–to help promote biodiversity. Heirloom varieties can be knobby, speckled, bursting with flavor and loaded with character–they’re not industrially-raised supermarket produce designed for life in a truck and a shelf. With big agriculture growing only a small variety of the same bio-engineered (often patented and sterile) seeds, we run the risk of letting thousands and thousands of generations-old fruits and vegetables become extinct. The same goes for grains and beans. Heirloom beans are awesome; their flavor and texture do justice to their poetic names such as Black Valentine or Butterscotch Calypso.

Learn about heirloom beans and how to cook them here.

6. Mind Your Chills and Hot Flashes
Your refrigerator can be one of the biggest energy drains in your home. Here’s the cooling-efficiency cheat sheet cribbed from Sustainable Dave’s (much more comprehensive) post, Putting the Deep Freeze On Your Energy Loss: Do the dollar bill trick on the seal to check air-tightness; keep the fridge and freezer full; keep the fridge at 35 to 38F degrees, and the freezer around 0F; clean the coils; keep it in a cool place.

Meanwhile, keep the heat out of the kitchen by cooking outside–outdoor grills use less energy than your stove and keep heat out of the house, reducing energy needed to feed hungry air conditioners. And being outside is nice.

7. Love Your Coffee Farmer.
Lord knows I try to be good about my eating habits, but then, there’s coffee. I can manage to eat straight from my farmer’s market all winter long, but I can’t seem to shake the coffee. And until someone figures out a way to grow coffee beans in New York’s climate (which isn’t going to happen any time soon–fingers crossed), it’s a decidedly not-local item.

Especially with coffee, the consumer’s spending power can really make a difference. Coffee is the world’s second most valuable traded commodity, behind only petroleum. Second, isn’t that interesting? Imagine the impact of our shopping? According to Global Exchange, there are approximately 25 million farmers and coffee workers in over 50 countries involved in producing coffee around the world. Coffee producers are kept in a cycle of poverty and debt by the current global economy designed to exploit cheap labor and keep consumer prices low. Buying Fair Trade Certified coffee ensures a proper wage and working conditions for those who harvest and handle it, and has strong environmental standards built into its certification process that protect watersheds and virgin forests, help prevent erosion, promote natural soil fertility and water conservation, and prohibit GMOs and many synthetic chemicals. Look for the Fair Trade Certified label on your beans or in your coffee shop.

6 Quick Fatigue Fighters

2009-03-31T15:50:00.003-04:00

We all know that secret stash of chocolate or third cup of coffee won’t do our bodies any good, yet when fatigue sets in, who doesn’t reach mindlessly (and with a good measure of guilt) for a quick pick-me-up? Turns out there’s a biological reason for your lack of willpower: Your body is declaring its need for energy. Fast.

“By definition, all foods provide energy, because calories are energy,” says Tara Gidus, RD, a dietician in Orlando, Florida. But the type of food you choose plays a huge role in how energized or lethargic you feel after you’ve digested it. While the body breaks all foods down into simple sugars, sweet and processed foods cause blood sugar to spike quickly (giving us immediate energy) and then dip (making us “crash” and leaving us looking for another boost). The key to avoiding those quick highs and longer lows? Choose foods that the body metabolizes slowly.

Here are six nutritionist-approved energy boosters that will keep your metabolism revved and have you feeling less drained throughout the day.

Oats
Carbohydrates may have gotten a bad rap in recent times, but they are actually an ideal source of quick energy thanks to the body’s ability to digest them almost immediately. But before you embrace buttered toast as your breakfast staple, remember that the most effective carbs come packed with fiber–like oats. Just a half cup of cooked oats provides a whopping four grams of dietary fiber, which takes a long time to digest and therefore slows the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream. The result? High, steady energy and a curbed appetite, says Gidus. Feeling dependent on the morning jolt you’ve come to expect from your sugary breakfast cereal? Add a little honey or molasses to your bowl of oatmeal; both of these nutrient-rich natural sweeteners provide a quick shot of energy. Paired with the slow-release energy from oats, this breakfast will give you the best shot at steering clear of a mid-morning slump.

Bananas
One of few fruits that contain both simple and complex carbohydrates, bananas deliver immediate energy and longer-lasting endurance. No wonder athletes rely on them. Easy-to-digest, potassium-rich bananas make a great snack before a big meeting or lunchtime power walk. To further slow down and extend the energy release this power fruit provides, spread some protein, like peanut butter or cottage cheese, on bite-size slices.

Bell peppers
Mixing these veggies in an omelet or salad does much more than add a colorful crunch: Bell peppers are a stellar source of vitamin C, which plays a key role in helping the body burn fat for energy. Vitamin C sparks the production of carnitine, a molecule that transports fat to the part of the cell where it’s metabolized, helping to burn more of it overall (and helping your metabolism stay revved and working as efficiently as possible).

Nuts
Nuts are a tasty little energy food thanks to their heart-healthy monounsaturated fat content, which gives them nine calories per gram (compared with four calories per gram in carbs and proteins). Research shows that eating monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, popularly known as “good fats,” instead of saturated and trans fats, slows the digestion of food, which keeps your metabolism firing and helps you feel full for longer periods of time. Plus, these good fats have also been shown to reduce the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and other illnesses. Just remember that a little goes a long way. To keep from overdoing it on this easy-to-pop snack, measure out your servings with a shot glass.

Green tea
Swap your afternoon coffee with a cup of green tea and you’ll get a post-lunch pick-me-up that won’t make you jittery for the rest of the day. Caffeine stimulates the sympathetic nervous system (the part responsible for our “fight or flight” response to danger) and can quickly boost alertness and performance, says William Evans, PhD, director of the nutrition, metabolism, and exercise laboratory at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Green tea delivers less caffeine than coffee, but it also contains another natural stimulant, theophylline, that has caffeine-like effects. The result? A boost that’s similar to what you get from coffee, minus the energy-sapping withdrawal. Just remember, any caffeinated food or beverage can cause dehydration, so keep chugging your body’s natural regulator–water–too.

Sweet potatoes
With chart-topping levels of vitamin A in the form of beta-carotene, sweet potatoes are loaded with important antioxidants, the body’s best defense against free radicals (which proliferate when we’re stressed or overly tired). Described by Gidus as “a nice package of very nutrient-dense food,” this root vegetable contains fewer than 100 calories, yet provides 28 grams of carbohydrates and more than 100 percent of your daily requirement of beta-carotene. Sweet potatoes are also an excellent source of vitamin C, and they’re full of fiber, vitamin B6, iron, and other nutrients, too.

Natural Toothpaste Solutions & Homemade Toothpaste

2009-03-15T20:32:00.003-04:00

Find yourself standing perplexed in the middle of the toothpaste aisle, trying to find brands that don’t contain harmful chemicals like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)? Jot down the following guidelines before you return to the store.

Got sensitive teeth?
• Look for alkalizing agents such as baking soda, Co-Q10, and aloe vera, which reduce inflammation in the mouth and soothe irritated gums.
• Avoid SLS, which can dry out your mouth and may cause canker sores, says Harold Katz, DDS. Also steer clear of sugar (marked on the ingredients label as sucrose or glucose) and alcohol.
• We like SLS-free Natural Sensitive Care from Tom’s of Maine, which uses potassium nitrate and aloe to soothe sensitive teeth and gums. $5.99, 4 oz.

Want a brighter smile?
• Look for natural abrasives made from peelu or diatomaceous earth (soft sediment), which will gently remove stains without harming tooth enamel.
• Avoid hydrogen peroxide and glycerin, which are drying and can lead to tooth sensitivity. Also stay away from harsh abrasives, such as sand, chalk, or alumina.
• We like Peelu toothpaste which uses the natural fibers of the Indian peelu tree to safely brighten your smile. $5, 7 oz.

Need extra tartar control?
• Look for xylitol. This natural sugar fights and even heals developing cavities by stopping the growth of the bacteria that cause tooth decay. Also look for Co-Q10, which has been shown to heal and prevent gingivitis, as well as gum-soothing aloe.
• Avoid fluoride, a common ingredient in tartar control and cavity-fighting toothpastes. Once you’re 25, fluoride no longer strengthens enamel, says Katz.
• We like Kiss My Face Tartar Control. Combining xylitol, Co-Q10, aloe, and olive-leaf extract, this toothpaste helps prevent cavities while boosting your whole-mouth health. $5.99, 4.3 oz.

Natural Solutions: Vibrant Health, Balanced Living offers its readers the latest news on health conditions, herbs and supplements, natural beauty products, healing foods and conscious living. Click here for a free sample issue.

Feeling like saving some money and being healthier? Skip the harmful chemicals in many commercial toothpastes and make your own. This is a simple, inexpensive, odor-eliminating, tooth-whitening, and very effective formula from Organic Body Care Recipes (Storey, 2007) By Stephanie Tourles.

INGREDIENTS
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon sea salt, finely ground
1 drop peppermint, spearmint, sweet orange, clove, or cinnamon bark essential oil
A few drops tap water

Combine ingredients in a small bowl and mix them thoroughly with a toothbrush, your finger, or a small spoon until a smooth, thick paste forms. The paste shouldn’t be too runny; it has to stay on your toothbrush.

Dip your toothbrush into the paste and use as you would regular commercial toothpaste.

Milk Alternatives - Recipe Supplement

2009-03-12T13:17:00.003-04:00

Wow! It took me quite a while to get this up here...Sorry about that everyone!

Don't forget to voice your opinion in the poll to your left. Thanks. - Tara

There are dozens of methods for making milk alternatives. Some call for soaking, blanching, and peeling of nuts, some don’t. Some are straightforward, some are more complicated. Raw nuts are often specified to meet the needs of people who prefer raw food, but cooked nuts work just as well. Sweeteners are a big issue here. Agave nectar is a wonderful alternative to honey because it is low on the glycemic index and is vegan—but can be hard to find. Honey and maple syrup are good alternatives to processed sugar. Pitted dates and banana can be used to sweeten as well as to create a thicker texture. We suggest playing around with the recipes here (and the different sweeteners) until you find the perfect fit for your needs. All of these milks need to be refrigerated, and should keep for at least 2 days.

30-SECOND NUT MILK
Inspired by Raw Food, Real World (Regan Books, 2005)
2 heaping tablespoons raw nut butter
2 cups filtered water
Pinch of sea salt
2 tablespoons agave nectar or 1 packet stevia
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon coconut butter (optional)

1. In a blender, puree all ingredients until smooth.

BASIC ALMOND MILK
1 cup raw almonds, soaked at least 4 hours
3 cups filtered water

1. In a high-speed blender blend the nuts and water for about 2 minutes until the nuts are completely blended.
2. Strain the mix through multiple layers of cheesecloth in a colander two times.

ALMOND NOG
Adapted from a recipe at www.rawglow.com
1 batch basic almond milk
5 large soft pitted dates
2 very ripe bananas
1 vanilla bean, scraped
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup raw macadamia nuts (optional)

In a high-speed blender add all ingredients and blend until combined.
Adjust sweetness to taste by adding more or less dates.
The macadamia nuts are optional but they will give the drink a thicker consistency.

CASHEW MILK
1/2 cup raw cashew pieces
2 cups water
1 tablespoon maple syrup

Combine cashews with 1 cup water and maple syrup in blender.
Blend on high until thick and creamy.
Slowly add remaining water and blend on high for 2 minutes.
Strain if desired.

HEMP MILK
Hemp milk contains 33 percent protein and Canadian studies point to hemp protein as being the highest quality found in any plant. Hemp also offers well-balanced essential fatty acids that our bodies require and don’t make themselves. The key for making quick and easy hemp milk is to buy shelled hemp seeds. I called four local natural food stores and all carried shelled hemp seeds, so it is easy to go this route. Otherwise you have to take extra measures to strain out the shells. Check the dates on your seeds to make sure that you buy the freshest seeds possible. Store in a dark place. Sunlight will destroy the oils’ benefits and make the seeds rancid.

¼ cup shelled hemp seeds
1 cup warm water
Flavoring (vanilla, honey, etc.)

1. Combine all the ingredients in a blender.

Some recipes for unshelled hemp seeds are more complex, ”>but here is an example.

HORCHATA
Inspired by a recipe by Gale Gand from the Food Network
1 cup long grain white rice
2 cups almonds
1-inch piece cinnamon bark
8 cups water
1/2 organic sugar (or your favorite sweetener)

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. Wash and drain the rice.
2. Use a spice grinder, or electric coffee grinder, and grind the rice until fine.

3. Combine rice with the almonds and cinnamon bark. Add 3 1/2 cups water, cover, and let sit overnight.
4. In a blender, blend rice mixture until smooth. Add 2 1/2 cups of water and continue blending. Add sweetener and vanilla extract.
5. Strain horchata with a metal strainer, and then again using a double layer of cheesecloth.
6. Add up to an additional 2 cups of water until it you get the consistency you like.

MACADAMIA MILK
Inspired by Raw Food, Real World (Regan Books, 2005)
1 cup macadmaia nuts, soaked 1 hour or more
3 cups filtered water
3 tablespoons agave nectar
2 tablespoons coconut butter (optional)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract (optional)
pinch of sea salt
(optional)

1. In a blender, blend the nuts and water on high speed for about 2 minutes.
2. Add the rest of the ingredients and blend to combine.
3. Strain if you want it super creamy, or drink as is.

OAT MILK
2 cups cooked oatmeal
4 cups water
1 ripe banana
1 teaspoon vanilla
Pinch of salt (optional)
Sweetener to taste (if desired)

1. Place all ingredients in blender and process until smooth about 2-3 minutes.
2. Chill, and shake before using.

RICE MILK
Inspired by a recipe from Mothering Magazine

1/2 cup brown rice
8 cups water
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
3 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1. Place rice, 8 cups water, and salt in pan.
2. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat, reduce heat to low and simmer 3 hours, or until rice is very soft. (You can also do this in a slow cooker overnight.)
3. In blender, puree rice mixture with remaining ingredients. You will have to do it in two batches. Puree each batch at least 2 or 3 minutes to completely liquefy the rice.
4. Add more water if you prefer it thinner.

Milk Alternatives - A Three Part Series, Part III

2009-03-02T15:04:00.003-05:00

Some people have pretty compelling arguments against drinking milk. And while it’s true that we are the only species to drink the milk of another species—we are also the only species that cooks its food and can open a bottle of red wine (should we give that up too?). Truth be told, there are a number of persuasive reasons to wean oneself from cow milk—find out here if you should stop drinking milk, and read about non-dairy alternatives.

Personally, I’ve hopped on and off the milk-drinking fence so many times I am not sure which side I’m on. But a few things are sure: If you are vegan, lactose intolerant, or have a milk allergy, you probably use milk alternatives. Some might also switch to milk alternatives for taste, or to lower their saturated fat intake (although skim cow’s milk is non-fat, some find milk alternatives are a better tasting way to avoid saturated fat). I would convert, once and for all, to non-dairy milk if I couldn’t get milk from rBGH-free cows.

The Vegan Case
Animal rights proponents point to the cruelty inherent in industrial farming. The animals are treated terribly and the milk is can be quite unhealthy. (See "Cow Milk" from a couple of posts ago). In addition, there are serious environmental problems that dairy farms create. The dairy-products industry is the primary source of smog-forming pollutants in California; a single cow emits more of these harmful gases than a car does. The last common argument for a dairy free life is that cow’s milk is made for cows. We are the only mammal that drinks the milk of another mammal—and we were just not meant to do that, as evidenced by our inadequate lactase production.

Intolerance and Allergies
Lactase is the enzyme produced in our small intestine that breaks down lactose, the natural sugar in any milk. In toddler-hood we begin producing less lactase. It is the reduction of lactase that leads to lactose intolerance—which is the inability to properly digest milk. Millions of Americans are lactose intolerant, and an estimated 90 percent of Asian-Americans and 75 percent of Native- and African-Americans suffer from the condition. Lactose intolerance can cause bloating, gas, cramps, vomiting, headaches, rashes, and asthma. Having a milk allergy is different: in this case the body has an allergic reaction to one or more of the proteins in milk (casein, whey, and lactalbumin). Milk allergies can incite gastric distress, as well as skin problems like rashes and eczema, and runny noses or nasal congestion.

The Calcium Issue
But if we require so much calcium, it might seem that our bodies really do need milk. According to an authoritative article in the British newspaper The Guardian, Anne Karpf exhaustively explores the problems with milk. Here is just one fascinating fact she doles out: “American women are among the biggest consumers of calcium in the world, yet still have one of the highest levels of osteoporosis in the world…Most Chinese people eat and drink no dairy products and consume only half the calcium of Americans…yet osteoporosis is uncommon in China despite an average life expectancy of 70.” She goes on to propose that the bone loss and deteriorating bone tissue that take place in osteoporosis are due not to calcium deficiency but rather to its resorption: it’s not that our bodies don’t get enough calcium, rather that they excrete too much of what they already have. Is our need for calcium from dairy just a very deep-seated myth? Okay, I am grappling with this one. We have been programmed since childhood to believe in the necessity of milk and calcium, but those statistics are hard to ignore.

The Alternatives
With all of that in mind, here’s a quick round up of the alternatives. One of the reasons that milk is so popular is because it’s an excellent source of fortified (added) calcium, B12, riboflavin, and vitamin D. (As well as a very strong dairy industry and their lobbying arms.) Milk alternatives won’t automatically contain those ingredients, so be sure to look for a brand that is fortified.

Read the Labels
Also, when selecting a milk alternative be sure to compare nutritional labels. You’ll be amazed by the amount of sugar some of these products have. One popular brand of soy milk rang in with a dizzying 19 grams of sugar per serving: that’s the equivalent of almost five teaspoons of sugar!

Almond Milk
With only 2 grams of protein per 8 ounces, almond milk is not that impressive in the protein department—but almonds are one of the healthiest foods around. They’re rich in magnesium, potassium, manganese, copper, the antioxidants vitamin E and selenium, and calcium. Almond milk has a nice sweet, nutty flavor and a good consistency, which makes it good for drinking as well as a good dairy substitute in cooking.

Hemp Milk
A personal favorite: Hemp milk is new to the market and is made from seeds grown in Canada, where growing hemp is legal. It is a good source of omega-3 and -6 essential fatty acids, calcium, and phosphorous, and is commonly fortified with other vitamins and minerals. One (very delicious) brand, Living Harvest, states that unlike soy protein, hemp protein doesn’t contain high levels of enzyme inhibitors, phytates, which can interfere with the proper assimilation of essential minerals, or oligosaccharides which cause flatulence and stomach distress.

Oat Milk
Oat milk is gaining in popularity and availability. It is high in fiber, is cholesterol and lactose free, and contains vitamin E, folic acid, and other trace elements and minerals. Oats are also rich in phytochemicals, naturally occurring chemicals in plants that help fight diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and stroke. It is said to be highly tolerated by people with multiple allergies—however it’s not good for people with gluten intolerance.

Rice Milk
Rice milk is processed from brown rice and typically contains rice syrup, evaporated cane juice or another natural sweetener. It is usually fortified with calcium or vitamin D. It is generally very sweet, and pretty watery. The main drawback of rice milk is that it is mainly just a source of carbohydrates—it is a good dairy substitute for cooking, but shouldn’t be used as a replacement for nutrients.

Soy Milk
There was a time when soy was considered nothing short of a miracle bean. But times have changed. The preponderance of GMO strains drifting into soy fields is alarming (it is estimated that 90 percent of soy is genetically modified), and people are increasingly acquiring quite serious allergies to soy. If you drink a lot of soy milk, you might want to read the arguments about possible health issues associated with soy. Dr. Kaayle Daniel, author of the book The Whole Soy Story: The Dark Side of America’s Health Food says: “Soy isoflavones–the plant estrogens in soy most often credited with cancer prevention–are listed as carcinogens in many toxicology textbooks. They have also been proven to be mutagenic, clastogenic and teratogenic.” Excessive soy intake has also been linked to an increased risk of thyroid disease, and some feel that soy’s phytoestrogens may attenuate testosterone levels in boys. The jury may still be out on soy, but the bottom line might just be that soy milk is significantly more processed than the other milk alternatives.

Not-Milk Milk Recipes
Milk alternatives are surprisingly easy to make at home. See our collection of simple, delicious, and quick nut, seed and grain milk recipes in the next post!

Raw Milk - A Three Part Series, Part II

2009-02-26T23:17:00.003-05:00

One day my boyfriend announced that he wanted to buy a cow so that we could drink raw (non-pasteurized) milk. Now this wouldn’t be a new animal for our farm, since we live in New York. Hmmm. And, isn’t pasteurization a good thing? The debate about raw milk versus pasteurized is a heated one, and comprises the second part of our series on milk. Here’s what I found about raw milk (and whether or not we bought the cow).

The Raw Milk Laws
As it turns out, my boyfriend didn’t want to install a cow in our urban garden, he wanted to join a cow-share program; a covert way of gaining access to a beverage pretty difficult to buy in our state. Drinking raw milk is not illegal, but in many areas, purchasing it for human consumption is. Each state determines the details of raw milk sales. It is illegal to sell it for human consumption in 15 states, and available with restrictions in 26 states. Around these restrictions raw milk lovers have been scrambling to set up clandestine routines to get their milk. One of several loopholes used by consumers is a cow-share program, which allows the shareholder a percentage of milk from “their” cow. The cow lives on a dairy farm and is cared for and milked by a farmer, the milk is then delivered to you-thus no money is actually exchanged for the milk itself.

Why Pasteurize?
When I first starting hearing about raw milk my mind went straight back to a grade school black and white educational film about the miracle of pasteurization-how treating milk with heat followed by rapid cooling would kill all of the evil pathogens lurking in there. And looking at the history of the dairy industry, pasteurization was indeed a bit of a miracle. With 19th century industrialization came very unsanitary dairy farms. When pasteurization was introduced to dirty Victorian milk, infant survival rates saw a dramatic increase. By 1917, pasteurization was legally required or officially encouraged in most big cities.

By eliminating most of the pathogens that cause disease, including E. coli, salmonella and listeria, health official say that pasteurization has helped lower infectious-disease rates in the U.S. more than 90 percent over the past century. So pasteurization seems good-but I am also inclined to have a deeper trust in food that has seen as little processing as possible, albiet from clean farms, so the idea of raw milk was very intriguing. And if it’s so unhealthy, why are so many seemingly intelligent people drinking it?!

Types of Pasteurization
There are four types of pasteurization, each with a designated minimum temperature to which the milk must be subjected for a minimum amount of time. They range from Vat Pasteurization which requires that milk be held at 145 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes, to Ultra Pasteurization (UP) which requires a minimum temperature of 280 degrees Fahrenheit for 2 seconds. Most national brands of milk are ultra-pasteurized because it is quick and dramatically increases shelf life (UP milk can stay fresh for up to two months). Vat pasteurization, the most gentle of the methods, is a costlier process and the milk has a shorter shelf life. (Hence it is not viable for large-scale dairy farms.) Vat pasteurization is the method for preparing milk for starter cultures in the processing of cheese, yogurt, and buttermilk-that suggests to me that the vat process leaves some life in the milk.

Why Raw?
Advocates for raw milk claim that the process of pasteurization destroys the beneficial bacteria, proteins, and enzymes that aid in digestion. Specifically, raw milk contains immunoglobins, lipase and phosphates that are killed by heat. Raw milk contains vitamins C, B12 and B6, much of which can be lost to pasteurization. Healthy bacteria naturally found in milk, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, is also lost during heat treatment. Raw milk proponents point out that these “friendly” bacteria aid in digestion and boost immunity. According to an article in Time Magazine, some people with a history of digestive-tract problems, such as Crohn’s disease, swear by the curative powers of non-pasteurized milk. Others praise its nutritional value and its ability to strengthen the immune system.

A common observation among raw milk proponents is that the dangerous pathogens found in raw milk are directly connected to the outrageously awful conditions of factory farming-mostly due to diseased animals. It is far easier to pasteurize milk than to stop industrialized farming. When you get milk from a clean, smaller farm where the animals are healthy, raw milk is not dangerous.

Our Cows
Quite frankly, the argument for raw milk makes perfect sense to me, but in the end I just couldn’t completely shake a lifetime of pasteurization dogma. Maybe if my boyfriend and I could buy raw milk legally and locally I would have been swayed-but as it is we ended up with a compromise. We take occasional trips two hours north to buy raw milk at Hawthorne Valley Farm, one of the farms in our state that is certified to sell raw milk. But the bulk of our milk is purchased weekly at our local farmers market. We are fortunate to have an amazing dairy farm that supplies high-quality milk to the city markets. The milk is minimally processed-it is not homogenized (meaning that the cream can separate to the top) and it is vat pasteurized, retaining some of that healthy bacteria.

By purchasing this less processed milk we get clean milk that hasn’t had the daylights zapped out of it, we support a local family farm, cut down on waste with returnable glass bottles, and it is actually cheaper than supermarket organic milk. But the best part? We get to drive upstate to the farm and visit the 55 hormone-free, grass-chomping cows that are making our milk-it’s almost like having our own cows.

Cow Milk - A Three Part Series, Part I

2009-02-25T19:24:00.002-05:00

For many, milk is nearly as fundamental as water—the definition of “wholesome” in a glass. The choice has traditionally been simple: whole or skim? But as the scientific and political debates about different kinds of milk increase, so do the options. The choices are confounding. In this first of a series of three on milk, find out the one sure thing we recommend about milk.

Health-conscious people, animal advocates, the scientific community, and the dairy industry all have very strong feelings about milk. I have seen debates among friends fierce enough to rival the Hatfields and McCoys: Organic vs. conventional, raw vs. pasteurized, animal vs. soy. And when you bring in the literature from professionals—oh boy.

In the midst of all the arguments, despite the conflicting information pelting us from non-dairy proponents on one side and dairy industry advocates on the other, our research has made one thing clear. If you drink cow’s milk, make sure it is free of Recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone (rBGH)!

The rBGH Hormone Story
Oh rBGH, you naughty little genetically engineered hormone. Developed by Monsanto in the 1980s and marketed under the name Posilac, rBGH (also called rSBT) was approved by the FDA in 1993. Approved by the FDA? Sounds good, safe even. However, in a strange twist of procedure, rBHG was tested on 30 rats for only 90 days—while most studies required by the FDA are performed on hundreds of rats and last for two years before approval is granted. How in the world can a genetically engineered hormone be deemed safe in 90 days?!

We won’t go into reports of Monsanto employees working for the FDA and all of the thrilling intrigue there…or the details about Monsanto’s history with horrifying chemicals…or Monsanto’s role in genetic modification.

Most of the World Has Banned It
No, we won’t go there—but we will tell you that Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, and all 25 nations of the European Union have banned rBGH. Codex Alimentarius, the U.N. body that sets food safety standards, has refused to approve the safety of rBGH not once, not twice, but three times.

With rBGH Human Cancer Cells Can Multiply Faster
rBGH is injected into dairy cows to increase milk production by stimulating a growth hormone called Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1). We humans absorb this IGF-1, and guess what, it makes our cells grow faster, including cancer cells. It doesn’t take a hypochondriac to worry about what extra doses of cell-growing hormones might do to a body. As it turns out, it is no surprise that numerous studies have determined that increased levels of this hormone are connected to increased risks of prostrate, breast, colon, pancreatic, and lung cancers.

With rBGH You’ll Get Cow Antibiotics in Your Milk
With the 10 to 15 percent increase in milk production from rBGH, also comes a whopping increase in the rates of mastitis, an infection of the udders. Along with the problem this presents to the poor cow, this affects our milk in two ways. To treat mastitis the infected cows are pumped with antibiotics, which can pass through the milk.

Some people have allergies to specific antibiotics and their unexpected presence in food can cause reactions. Also, frequent exposure to low level antibiotics can cause resistance to them so that they are ineffective when needed to fight a human infection. According to the Centers for Disease Control, overuse of agricultural antibiotics is the biggest contributor to food-borne, antibiotic-resistant infections in humans.

…And Pus
Beyond the possibility of antibiotics being passed through milk to humans—mastitis causes another substance to pass to the drinker as well. And this isn’t pretty. As with all infections, mastitis creates an increased somatic cell count—which is the nice way of saying pus. This may sound far-fetched at first, like vegan propaganda or an urban food myth—but the FDA has an actual acceptable level of somatic cells allowed in milk. So there you go. Up to 750,000 somatic cells per milliliter are allowed in milk. Yuck.

What You Can Do
We try to be pretty open-minded here, but when it comes to milk we have one guiding principal that we’ll go to the mat for: If you can buy organic, do. It costs more, but it is an important place to spend the money if you can.

If you have a choice between organic brands, buy from smaller local dairy farms rather than national brands. As well, if you are unable to buy organic try to purchase milk produced from smaller local dairy farms. Smaller farms rely less on industrial dairy practices and have lower infection rates. Since Monsanto has lawsuits against dairies that label their milk “rBGH-free” some cartons may not use that specific language. Look for “hormone free” and “antibiotic free.”

The lobbying powers of Monsanto and the dairy industry are exceptionally strong, as is the literature from the scientific and anti-dairy communities. It really boils down to a “he said-she said” scenario. But even without all of the statistics and scientific facts being batted around, at the very least, who wants to drink milk from cows treated with a genetically modified hormone to make them produce more milk—polluted milk from infected, aching cows? Strive for milk from natural, happy cows—milk as wholesome as milk should be.

Coming up: Raw Milk, and Milk Alternatives. Stay tuned!

Recipe: Grapefruit Brulee

2009-02-19T13:49:00.002-05:00

Here’s a simple dessert, a fit cure for wintertime blues. Simply broil the grapefruit slices until warm and irresistible. Follow them up with a strong cup of aromatic jasmine or Earl Grey tea.

INGREDIENTS
3 large pink or ruby-red grapefruits
6 tablespoons packed dark brown sugar
1 tablespoon butter cut into tiny pieces
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

1. Position oven rack about 5 inches from broiler; preheat broiler.

2. Slice the stem end and opposite end off each grapefruit. Stand the grapefruit, one cut-end down, on a work surface. Cut off the rind and pith with a sharp knife, making sure to remove all the white pith. Cut each fruit into 4 rounds, about 1/2 inch thick, by making slices parallel to the ones you made on the top and bottom.

3. Place the slices in a large baking pan in a single layer. Top each with 1 1/2 teaspoons brown sugar, dot with butter and sprinkle with a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg.

4. Broil the grapefruit until bubbling and starting to brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Drizzle pan juices over each serving.

Serves 6.

Recipe nutrition per serving: 121 calories; 2 g fat (1 g saturated fat, 0g mono unsaturated fat); 5 mg cholesterol; 27 g carbohydrates; 1 g protein; 2 g fiber; 5 mg sodium; 215 mg potassium.

Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin C (60% daily value), Vitamin A (30% dv).

2 Carbohydrate Servings.

Exchanges: 1 fruit, 1 other carbohydrate, 1/2 fat.

Salmonella Outbreak and Pets

2009-02-18T10:19:00.002-05:00

The peanut product recall seems to have taken on a life of it’s own. It’s not just peanut butter–the list wanders all over the place from brownie and donut products to salad dressings and pet food and treats. The FDA says that the risk of animals contracting salmonellosis is minimal, yet you should check the pet food products on the lengthy recall list to avoid any unnecessary risk.

Signs that your pet may have salmonella:

• Dogs and cats that become ill from salmonella generally will have diarrhea that may contain blood or mucus.
• Affected animals may seem more tired than usual, and may have a fever or vomit.
• Some cats do not have diarrhea, but will have a decreased appetite, fever, and excess salivation.
• Some dogs or cats may have Salmonella but may not appear to be sick. Well animals can be carriers and infect other animals or humans.

If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, contact your veterinarian.

Below is the list of “recalling firms” of pet food products. Check out the FDA list for links to the specific products and more information like UPC Code Number, lot descriptions, packaging size, etc.

Aggieville USA, Mountain Grove, MO
American Nutrition, Inc.
Carolina Prime
Carolina Prime Pet
Farm Style
Grreat Choice
Happy Tails
Healthy Hide
Healthy-hide Deli-wrap
Hill Country Fare
Integrity
Mill Creek
Next Gen Pet Products
Northwest Royal
Premium
Salix
Shoppers Valu
Springfield Prize
Vita Bone Flavors
Vita Snacks
Western Family Biscuits
Western Trade Group, Inc.
Yeaster

Also note that there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet food products. To prevent foodborne illness when handling pet foods and treats, wash hands with hot water and soap before and after handling pet foods and treats and wash pet food bowls and utensils with hot water and soap after each use.

Again, if you believe your pet may be experiencing symptoms of salmonella, please bring your pet to your local veterinarian as soon as possible.

Euthanasia Alternative: Pet Hospice

2009-02-16T13:27:00.000-05:00

Up until just a few years ago, people had one treatment option for their terminally ill pets–euthanasia–and the average veterinarian thought it better to get it over with sooner rather than later. But if Eleonora Babayants had listened to the veterinarian who advised her to put her dog Lima to sleep immediately, she and Lima would have lost out on their additional three years together. Instead of euthanasia, Babayants elected to care for Lima at home, using a relatively new program for dying pets called “pet hospice.” Pet hospice allows a dying animal to live out the rest of its life at home, pain free and surrounded by its loved ones.

“Human hospice and pet hospice are very similar ideas, because pet hospice is modeled on human hospice programs,” says Kathryn Marocchino, president and founder of Nikki Hospice Foundation for pets, a nonprofit organization that links sympathetic veterinarians with pet owners and provides education and advocacy concerning pet hospice. “The basic tenet is that you live each day until you die, and you make the best of it. And in both humans and animals, making the best of it revolves around pain management,” she says.

Veterinarians who are willing to work with individual clients to provide pet hospice at home can help train owners to deal with many of the day-to-day tasks that make caring for a dying pet so difficult. These include keeping the pet out of pain, teaching owners how to administer medications at home, even shots and IVs, instructing owners on how to keep wounds clean and prevent bedsores, and providing other suggestions to keep the pet comfortable.

“The pet owner needs a vet who is willing to support the owner with anything that may arise when taking care of a dying pet,” Babayants says. “In the case of my vet, she was willing to provide the hospice care for me.” She said, “If it gets to the point where I need to come to the house and help, I will.” Babayants says that although it was a bit intimidating for her, she learned how to give Lima fluids under the skin, administered shots, and learned what signs to look for to keep the dog out of pain. “The owner has to be willing to learn these basic medical techniques, but with the support of a vet who is willing to help, I found I could do anything I needed to,” Babayants says.

Another option for pet hospice care is frequent in-home visits from people trained in end-of-life care, like the veterinary students who participate in the Colorado State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Pet Hospice program. From a medical point of view, it can be difficult and scary to have a terminally ill pet at home, according to Co-Team Manager of CSU’s program, Christie Long, “especially if they require a lot of support, like administering fluids for rehydration, giving medications, keeping feeding tubes clean. It’s so stressful for a sick animal to be brought into the clinic, so we can have a much less stressed patient if we can keep the pet comfortable at home.”

CSU’s hospice service is one of the only formal programs in the country to offer structured in-home hospice care, free of charge, but many other veterinarians are willingto work with owners on an individual basis to provide hospice care to pets. Nikki Hospice Foundation for pets offers no in-home services itself, but it offers referrals to a network of willing pet hospice veterinarians across the country.

When to say goodbye
Sometimes pet owners are so subjectively devoted to the idea of keeping their pets alive that they can’t see when it’s time to let go. According to Long, it’s the responsibility of the hospice team to carefully assess the animal’s pain level and encourage owners to make the decision to euthanize when the pet can’t be kept pain free. “One of our standards for accepting a pet into the hospice program is if the animal can be made comfortable at home, because we don’t want to assist you with keeping an animal alive who’s in pain,” Long says. “And sometimes, when the animal no longer can be kept out of pain and has no quality of life, then euthanasia can often be the best gift.” While the CSU team will never force euthanasia, they will withdraw from a case if they feel the animal is suffering needlessly and they can’t persuade the owner to choose euthanasia.

The Nikki Hospice Foundation for pets takes a slightly different approach, advocating for the owners’ right to choose how and when their pet dies, including the right to refuse euthanasia altogether. Marocchino founded the organization out of her own grief at finding no end-of-life assistance when her beloved cat, Nikki, was dying of acute feline kidney failure. Marocchino had taken Nikki to an emergency animal clinic, where vets pressured her to euthanize Nikki on the spot.

Instead of putting Nikki to sleep immediately, Marocchino took her to the University of California Davis, where they also recommended euthanizing the cat. “I had trained as a human hospice volunteer the year before, and so I kept asking if we couldn’t do some kind of home hospice care,” Marocchino says. “I was looking for pain management at home, but there just wasn’t anything they could offer me. So in the end, we made the decision to euthanize her there at UC Davis, on a cold steel table.” Marocchino, extremely traumatized by the event, walked away deciding then and there to help found a pet hospice foundation so that no one would ever have to go through what she had just suffered.

Despite the organization’s stance on freedom to choose euthanasia or not, Marocchino is clear that she personally believes the owner should let go when a pet cannot be kept pain free. “The point isn’t to just extend the animal’s life, it’s only if you can take advantage of that quality time,” Marocchino explains. “If the pet can’t be kept out of pain, or if it’s comatose, then it’s time to let go.” But the main point she makes is that the choice must lie solely with the pet owner–not with the veterinarian or even the hospice providers.

Grief, but no regrets
When you talk to owners who have gone the hospice route, they share one clear trait: They have no regrets. Nancy Haugen, an assistant clinical professor at the University of California at San Francisco School of Medicine, who chose in-home care over euthanasia for her dog, Brinn, says pet hospice allowed her to focus on her dog’s needs and encouraged her to follow her own intuition for his care. “When you can just focus on your own instincts, and on the animal’s instincts, that ends up creating a situation where there’s no regrets,” Haugen says. “Pet hospice gives us permission to trust a really old primitive part of us, and to trust the nature of the dog or cat. It allows a powerful end-of-life experience where there’s sorrow and grief, which is very natural, instead of trauma and regret.”

When Babayants chose the challenging path of pet hospice for her dog, Lima, she had no idea what she was getting herself into. But with the help of her regular veterinarian, Babayants was able to keep Lima comfortable so they could enjoy their final time together. “She had a very happy three years, she didn’t suffer, she ate, she went for long walks,” Babayants says. “The best doctors in the whole world, when they tell you how long your pet has to live, can’t really know for sure. We would have lost those three years together if I’d just put Lima to sleep. When she passed away, I was in terrible grief, but I never felt any regret.”

For more information:
Nikki Hospice Foundation
CSU’s Pet Hospice Program
The American Association of Human-Animal Bond Veterinarians

Easy Greening: Water Bottles

2009-02-06T22:04:00.000-05:00

It is estimated that Americans will drink more than 30 billion single-serving bottles of water this year. Since these bottles are non-returnable, two million tons worth of that everlasting plastic will end up in landfills–and roads, and beaches, and streams. Refilling used plastic water bottles offers a number of safety risks; so just how are we supposed to responsibly quench our thirst on the go?

Plastic water bottles are non-returnable and since they are generally used away from the home they rarely see the inside of a recycling bin. Most water bottles are made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and have a lower recycling rate than any other common packaging materials, according to a report by the Container Recycling Institute (CRI). The quick solution many have adopted is simply refilling plastic water bottles from the tap—but alas, these bottles are not made or regulated for reuse and quite possibly don’t have the physical characteristics required to be safely reused.

Along with the possibility of bacterial contamination is the risk that PET is likely to leach some ugly little phthalates (known hormone disrupters) into your water. Harder polycarbonate (PET 7) bottles, like those used by hikers, can leach a known endocrine disruptive chemical, bisphenol-A (BPA), according to research published by the journal Current Biology.

Solution: Get yourself a nifty eco-friendly, safe, reusable water bottle. Look for one made from aluminum or stainless steel, inert materials that have 0.0 percent leaching. Fill it up with filtered water from your tap, and you’re good to go. Is it as convenient as buying a frosty plastic bottle of water when your thirst summons? No. But will it save you money, protect your health from leaching toxins, and make the planet a better place? Yes! So go ahead, quench in peace…

Sigg Swiss Engineered Water Bottles

Klean Kanteen

Power Up Your Diet For 2009

2009-01-05T12:00:00.001-05:00

Are you or a loved one feeling fatigued after the holidays? While part of it may be from all the celebrating, part of that dragging feeling may be coming from your diet.

It's easy to let a healthy diet slip away during the holidays, but it is equally important to take stock of what you are eating and make sure you are getting a healthy balance of nutrients. Vegetarians may feel particularly sluggish and fatigued if they are not getting enough iron in their diets.

Foods rich in iron include beans, lentils, iron-fortified cereals, dark green leafy vegetables, dried fruit, nuts and seeds. Make sure you get enough iron to power you through the new year! For today's Action, try a tasty recipe for iron-rich lentil almond burgers.

While I'm not a huge fan of vegetarian or vegan meals (I have a tolerance factor of zero for icky foods), these vegetarian burgers are just the thing to have on hand if you’re rushing around or have company for the holidays. Keep them in the fridge or freezer, and pull them out to have on buns or on their own with sliced tomatoes and relish. Or try them with roasted potatoes and roasted broccoli.

INGREDIENTS
6 cups water
1 cup brown lentils or green French lentils (see note)
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
3/4 cup finely chopped carrot
1/3 cup finely chopped shallots (about 2 medium)
1/3 cup finely chopped celery (about 1 stalk)
1/4 cup sliced almonds
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 large egg yolk, lightly beaten (or flaxseed substitute)
1 tablespoon lemon juice

1. Bring water to a boil in a large saucepan. Stir in lentils, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until very tender and beginning to break down, about 25 minutes for brown lentils or 30 minutes for green lentils. Drain in a fine-mesh sieve.

2. Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add carrot, shallots and celery and cook, stirring, until softened, about 3 minutes. Add almonds, thyme, salt and pepper; continue cooking until the almonds are lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a food processor; add 1 cup of the cooked lentils. Pulse several times, scraping down the sides once or twice, until the mixture is coarsely ground.

3. Transfer to a large bowl; stir in the remaining lentils. Let cool for 10 minutes. Mix in egg yolk (or flaxseed) and lemon juice. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.

4. Form the lentil mixture into 5 patties. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a large non-stick skillet, preferably cast-iron, over medium-high heat. Add the patties and cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Turn gently and continue to cook until lightly browned and heated through, 3 to 4 minutes more. Serve immediately, or allow to cool then freeze.

Note: French green lentils are smaller and firmer than brown lentils. They cook more quickly, too, in about 20 minutes. They can be found in natural-foods stores and some larger supermarkets.

Nutrition per serving: 228 calories; 9 g fat (1 g saturated fat, 6g mono unsaturated fat); 41 mg cholesterol; 27 g carbohydrates; 11 g protein; 7 g fiber; 276 mg sodium; 467 mg potassium.

Nutrtion Bonus: Folate (53% daily value), Vitamin A (50% dv), Fiber (40% dv), Iron (20% dv), Potassium (16% dv).

1 Carbohydrate Servings.

Exchanges: 1 1/2 starch, 1 very lean meat, 2 fat (mono).

YELLOW PEPPER RELISH
A colorful relish for the burgers, this is also great stirred into nonfat yogurt for a vegetable dip or combined with light mayonnaise for a zippy salad dressing.

INGREDIENTS
3 cups water
3 yellow bell peppers, seeded
2 medium onions, peeled
1/3 cup maple syrup
1/3 cup cider vinegar
1 1/2 tablespoons frozen pineapple juice concentrate
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 serrano chile or jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced (optional)

1. Put water on to boil in a medium saucepan.

2. Meanwhile, shred peppers and onions with the large-hole side of a box grater into a large bowl. Finely chop any remaining pieces of onion or pepper and add them to the bowl. Cover with the boiling water and set aside for 10 minutes. Drain in a large colander for 5 minutes (don’t squeeze out any moisture).

3. Place the shredded vegetables, sugar, vinegar, pineapple juice concentrate, salt and chile (or jalapeno), if using, in a large saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to medium-low and gently simmer until thickened and tender, 25 to 30 minutes. If the mixture gets too dry before the peppers are tender, add water, 2 tablespoons at a time. Refrigerate, uncovered, until chilled, about 2 hours.

Visit EatingWell.com for free quick and easy healthy recipe collections!

Christmas Tree Safety

2008-12-23T10:08:00.000-05:00

Sometimes video says much more than words. The U.S. Fire Administration and the National Fire Protection Agency both have amazing videos of dry Christmas trees fires. Most people probably know dry Christmas trees are a fire hazard, but it’s kind of hard to picture what that really means. Watch the videos. Literally a few seconds is all it takes for an entire Christmas tree to turn into an uncontrollable inferno.

If you are a procrastinator and haven’t decorated for Christmas yet, you might:
Skip the Christmas tree altogether. I may sound like the Grinch, but it is possible to decorate a home from stem to stern for Christmas without sacrificing a tree.
Go with a live tree. Live trees, properly cared for, will stay green and are not fire hazards. You have the added benefit of knowing a tree wasn’t cut down for your holidays.

If you have bought a Christmas tree, the key is to keep it watered at all times. This should keep it green and fire resistant through Christmas. You should check it every day to make sure it still has water. Other things to keep in mind:
• Keep the tree at least 3 feet away from heat sources like heat vents or radiators.
• Definitely no open flames near the tree (i.e., no candles, incense, lighters or matches).
• Check your Christmas light cords and make sure they are in good condition.
• Make sure your lights are designed for indoor use and have the label of an independent testing agency like UL or FM Global.
• Read the warnings that come with the Christmas lights as they typically limit how many strings of lights can be plugged together.
• Don’t overload electrical outlets.
• Unplug the lights before you go to bed or you might use an electric timer to automatically turn off the lights at a set hour in case you fall asleep without turning them out.
• Get rid of the tree before it gets to dry–when the needles start to drop, it is time to go.

Andrew Peterson is a Certified Industrial Hygienist with over 10 years of experience working in the environmental and occupational health field. In addition to writing, he is currently the Environment, Health and Safety Manager for a medium-sized company that has been voted one of Fortune Magazine’s Best Places to Work and one of CRO Magazine’s 100 Best Corporate Citizens. He lives in California with his wife and adopted pound puppies.

Outdoor Winter Fun (+ Notice!)

2008-11-23T19:56:00.000-05:00

Note: Hey guys! Thanks for sticking with the blog and checking back for updates. I just wanted to let you all know that I will be away from November 23rd until at least December 10th. I'm spending some time with the family and am leaving the laptop as far away from me as humanly possible. In the meantime, check out this next blog post and catch up on the ones you've missed! Have a great Thanksgiving! - Tará

“It is not enough to take people out of doors. We must teach them to enjoy it.” —Ernest Thomas Seton

I’ve always enjoyed it. For those of you who are more city-bred, though, winter joys probably consisted of seeing department store holiday windows, maybe ice skating once or twice, but mostly of staying warm, indoors and boot-free. I'm from upstate New York and during the winter, I want to enjoy a new romance with nature. And I hope to teach others not to be wintertime couch potatoes, but instead to look forward to being out in the winter wonderland.

Finally, I’ve stopped denying the fact that winter is COLD! Enjoying the outdoors in winter is much easier when you’re not shivering and freezing. Investing in a warm coat, boots, gloves and a hat made of natural, breathable materials for all will lessen whining and increase the fun factor.

Beyond the pricier winter fun options of skiing and the like, there are many ways to cultivate an appreciation of the outdoors during winter.

Observing Snowflakes
You know those huge, detailed snowflake ornaments decorating stores and holiday trees this time of year? Well, they kind of look like the real thing (except the real thing doesn’t come in red, lilac or blue). Taking a walk or standing outside during a snowfall is a great way to remember the infinite creativity in nature. After being outside long enough for your clothes to cool down, observe the beautiful falling crystals as they stick to your gloves or sleeves. Each undamaged snowflake has six arms, yet like us, each one is unique, a fact that should boggle even an adult mind.

You can even catch some snowflakes! It's easy and I used to do this all the time as a kid. For the winter, stock up on some black construction paper and throw it in your freezer.

Yup, that's right! You're freezing paper.

When those big, beautiful snowflakes start to fall down, carry an ice-cold sheet of construction paper out with you and hold it to the sky. when the snowflakes fall on them, they'll stay cool, allowing you to get a glimpse of their fantastic shapes and sizes!

Hunting for Nests
After the first heavy snowfall, hunt for bird nests. They will be the snow-covered mounds in the trees and bushes around your home, neighborhood or park, now made visible by the falling of the leaves and the clumping of the white snow. Did you have any idea there were so many feathery families living so near during the warmer seasons?

The Classics
There’s nothing like a good old-fashioned snowball fight or sled ride. Just play fair to keep it fun.

Feng Shui For Winter Nights

2008-11-23T03:26:00.000-05:00

From Divine Design by Betsy Stang, certified Feng Shui consultant.

Red is not just for Santa! Red is the color of warmth, of fire, of yang. It is the antidote for the cold yin nights of winter. Warm your nights with just the right chi by practicing these feng shui tips for winter colors, light, warmth, safety and sharing.

Winter Colors and Light

Red
Replace some of your summer blues with reds and oranges. Think pillows, quilts and place settings. You will feel warmer and less depressed. A cozy red or burgundy throw on the chair or on the bed will make you feel wonderful, and cut down on the need to turn up the heat.

Orange
Cook orange. Pumpkins and squash are plentiful and give you the good carbohydrates and nutrients that you need for winter.

Light up the Night
Get at least one full spectrum light for a reading area. The complete spectrum will relieve seasonal affective disorder and help your eyes. Plants love full spectrum light so you can put some greenery nearby, and create a small winter garden that will cheer you up and help provide oxygen for your rooms.

Long evenings mean it is time to replace light bulbs. Think energy conserving compact fluorescents, especially for outside lights and accent areas. Your pocket book and your planet will thank you. There are even energy conserving Christmas lights that are now standard in Canada. Solar path lights won’t go all night at this time of year, but they probably are on sale and will light your way home in the evening with no strain on the environment. Additionally, in February, as the days lengthen, they will glitter most of the night, even in the snow, and will make you smile for years to come.

Warm up your Windows .
Check to make sure all windows shut well. If you have single paned glass which lets the cold wind into the house, find some cheerful thick fabric, valances or drapes, which can cut your heating costs all winter and is a terrific way to change the feel of a room. The Victorians covered their windows for a reason; their homes were drafty! When you feel an uncovered window on a cold night, it’s cold! So think warm and add fabric.

Remove or cover your air conditioners. If removal is difficult get some wonderful natural fabric from your local fabric store and create a cover. Tip: Double-sided Velcro is amazing for the sewing challenged!

Watch For Fire
Get the chimney ready for Santa. It is the time to have your boiler and fireplace checked and cleaned. Too many house fires or clogged boilers are caused by the lack of taking this step. All combustible materials create residue which in time builds up, so be safe, be warm and be pro-active. This expense could save you thousands.

Pay Attention to Your Floor, Your Grounding
Remove any dangerously slippery bath mat. The backing does disintegrate, and think about a cozy rug for your bedroom or sitting area. Please think about natural materials so you are not creating a toxic environment. Artificial rugs off-gas and pollute a closed environment; you could expose yourself and your family to illnesses. Look for Tibetan or other tribal rugs made from natural fiber and plant dyes.

Tell Stories; Share with Others
Get some good books. The wintertime has always been storytelling time among all traditions, so let the indoor time give you a chance to expand your mind, either for sheer pleasure or to learn something new you have been meaning to get to but haven’t had the chance.

Lastly, share your home with your friends. Long winter evenings are great for sharing food and conversation. Being with those you love will remind you of how much you have to be grateful for.

And as your gratitude increases take some of your old clothing and household goods to a local shelter or Goodwill and spread some cheer around. You will also get rid of your clutter and make room for the new.

My Favourite Cold & Flu Remedies

2008-11-18T12:45:00.001-05:00

It's that time of year again! And, no, I'm not talking about white Christmases and turkey dinners...I'm talking about cold & flu season. If you want to stay healthy over the holidays, try these great tips and formulas.

This is going to be a large post, so brace yourselves. If one remedy doesn't sound appealing to you, or if you're allergic to any of the ingredients, another remedy follows!

I’ve included teas, soups, homemade syrups, and more—all natural, all comforting, all effective. Great care for colds and flu, right here.

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Avoiding the flu is on many people’s minds, particularly this year with a worldwide flu vaccine shortage.

The good news is that people have been using essential oils for centuries to ward off illnesses, and we have an antibacterial room spray that can help in just this way. If you are unlucky enough to come down with a case of the flu, or a bad cold, there are many natural herbal and homeopathic remedies that also really help. Here is a list of these as well, so you can ride out such an illness with the least amount of misery!

Antibacterial Room Spray
Here is an excellent antiseptic and freshening room spray. It contains lavender and thyme oils, both of which are antiseptic and specifific to lung infections. If you are traveling, you might like to use it in your hotel room.

1. Fill a 2-ounce glass spray bottle with distilled water.
2. Add to it 7 drops of lavender oil and 4 drops of thyme oil.
3. Replace the spray top and spray!

Echinacea
Echinacea stimulates the immune system and helps the body rid itself of microbial infection. Echinace angustifolia and E. purpurrea are equally effective, and many products contain E. pallida as well. Start taking Echinacea tincture –30 to 45 drops 3x a day—a week before traveling to obtain ints immune –enhancing effects.

While all treatments work differently, depending on the individual, experience shows that Echinacea can knock out a cold if taken at the onset of symptoms.

Astragalus
Another effective immune-enhancing formula is a combination of astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) and Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) taken as a tincture twice a day, 20 to 30 drops per dose. This formula is appropriate to take daily throughout the cold and flu season. Begin a month prior to travel.

Boneset
Boneset (Eupatorium perforoliatum is an immune stimulant that assaults bacteria. In the 1700s and 1800s most U.S. homes in the Northeast had boneset drying from the rafters. It was used effectively to treat a flue epidemic in Pennysylvania in 800.

Redroot
This effective botanical stimulates and cleanses the lymph system. The lymph system is responsible for processing and cleansing the body of the byproducts of fighting infection.

Boneset, Redroot, and Echinachea
Make this formula blend yourself by buying single-herb tinctures of each of the three herbs and combine them in a larger jar. Fill a 2-ounce tincture bottle with some of the resulting formula and you’re all set. This remedy is good to take 20 to 30 drops at a time, every hour, at the onset of cold or flu symptoms.

Homeopathic Formula
A standard remedy for flu is the homeopathic formula Oscillococcinum. Manufactured by Boiron, Oscillo is taken like any other homeopathic remedy—sublingually (allowed to dissolve under the tongue) 30 minutes before or after eating or drinking anything except water. The standard dosage is three vials; each vial contains hundreds of minute pellets. As soon as you feel flu symptoms, take a vial of Oscillo. Repeat with the second vial six hours alter, and with the third six hours after the second.

Note: These recommendations are offered as information only, not as a medical recommendation, or to be used independently of your working with your doctor.

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If You Have a Cold but Need to Attend a Meeting

(From Beauty Feng Shui, by Chao-Hsiu Chen (Inner Traditions, 2000).

Heat 2 glasses of cola (try to find a healthy kind) with 10 thick slices of fresh ginger. Add 2 tablespoons honey and the juice of a lemon and drink the mixture. (This recipe is very popular in Hong Kong.)

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Herbal Bath Soothing Cold Remedy

Like several of my friends, I’m just recovering from a nasty cold brought on, I think, by the stress of adjusting to the falling temperature of my not-so-heated place of residence. I was eager to try this great formula–and the good news is that it really helped unstop my nose and soothe my sniffling soul. Plus it was pure pleasure to loll in such fragrant waters for a few minutes. (Warm baths are one of my favorite de-stressors, hands down!)

Get the simple and effective formula here to save for a sneezy day:

INGREDIENTS

2 cups boiling water
2 tablespoons dried eucalyptus
4 tablespoons dried rosemary
4 tablespoons dried lavender buds
2 tablespoons dried rosebuds (I didn’t have any of these on hand, but the formula still worked without them)

Steep the herbs in the boiling water for 30 minutes, then strain and add the liquid to a warm bath.

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Zesty Cider Cold and Flu Formula

Adapted from 50 Simple Ways to Pamper Yourself, by Stephanie Tourles (Storey Books, 1999).

Here is a great natural formula—with a spicy, zesty, delicious flavor#—that offers relief from cold and flu symptoms, and is an effective natural antibiotic.

Several healing ingredients make this tasty formula one that you can drink at the first sign of a cold or flu to help open up your sinuses and bronchial passages. You can also gargle with it for relief from sore throats. We plan to print this out and keep it handy all fall and winter long; when the sniffles hit, this will help! Here’s the recipe:

INGREDIENTS (Try to use organic if at all possible)

25 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons dried or 3 tablespoons fresh Echinacea root, grated or chopped
1/3 cup fresh horseradish root, grated
1/4 cup fresh gingerroot, peeled and sliced
1 large white onion, diced
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper powder
Honey to sweeten, if desired
Raw apple cider vinegar, 1 quart or less

1. Place all dry ingredients in a 1-quart wide mouth jar. Fill to the top with vinegar. Cover the top of the jar with plastic wrap, then screw on the lid.

2. Refrigerate for six weeks so the flavor can develop and soften. Shake daily. There’s no need to strain and bottle it unless you want to. The flavor keeps getting better and bolder the longer the formula is allowed to steep.

3. At the first sign of a cold or flu, take 2 tablespoons of this formula with a warm water chaser. Rinse mouth out well after swallowing the cider. Repeat once or twice daily for the duration of the illness. You should feel your sinus and bronchial passages quickly open and your breathing become easier.

4. For a sore throat, gargle with the formula for 60 seconds, spit, then rinse out your mouth. You should feel immediate relief.

Makes about 1 quart.

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Honey Thyme for Colds and Flu

Cold and flu season is upon us, but we have an ancient remedy for congestion, coughs, and sore throats that is simply the bees’ knees!

It calls for honey, the sweetest of healers, and thyme, a wonderful herb with antibacterial properties that had been used by Wise Ones for centuries to alleviate the miseries of colds and flus. Easy to make and delicious to use:

INGREDIENTS
1 cup honey
1/2 cup fresh thyme or 1/4 cup dried thyme

1. In a small saucepan, combine the two ingredients and heat gently over low heat for 15 to 20 minutes, being sure not to let the honey boil or scorch.

2. Remove from heat and allow the honey to cool. Strain out the herbs, then bottle the honey and label it.

3. To relieve colds, coughs, and sore throats, take 1 teaspoon of this thyme-infused honey three times a day. You could also add a teaspoon of it to a cup of regular hot tea and sip slowly.

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Herbs for the Flu, Tested By Science

Adapted from The Antibiotic Alternative: The Natural Guide to Fighting Infection and Maintaining a Healthy Immune System by Cindy L. A. Jones, Ph.D. (Inner Traditions, 2000).

It is getting to be time that we all get a bit more sophisticated about the flu, what with the Avian flu fears looming as a possible global pandemic. Vaccinations, antiviral drugs and pharmaceuticals are not the focus of this article, but finding effective herbs to help combat the illness is.

A flu and cold are often difficult to differentiate, but a flu is usually worse. Symptoms include a fever with chills, runny nose, cough, headache, and a feeling of malaise or tiredness. Although the most acute symptoms usually subside within three days, symptoms such as weakness and coughing may persist for ten days. Even though the flu is typically self-limiting, serious complications can arise in the very young or the elderly or those with a preexisting disease.

Two herbs have stood the test of science as being effective against the flu. Find out which ones, here:

The ideal approach to the flu is, of course, prevention. This might be accomplished by improving the immune system, especially in the fall as flu season approaches. Several studies have shown that astragalus (Astragalus membranaceous) extracts can stimulate the immune system. Use astragalus as an extract or add the root to soups.

If you do get the flu, here are two herbs shown to help reduce the severity of the illness.

1. Elder (Sambucus nigra) has a tradition of use for the treatment of colds and flu and has stood the test of science. The flowers from this plant have demonstrated antiviral activity against both influenza types A and B, as well as herpes simplex virus type 1. It also possesses anti-inflammatory activity.

A clinical study showed that a standardized elderberry extract, Sambucol, improved the symptoms of influenza with a complete recovery in two to three days, compared to a six-day recovery period for the group not receiving the herb. In this study patients were diagnosed with influenza type B. Elder may act by stimulating the body’s own interferon or by preventing attachment of the virus to the body’s surfaces.

2. Licorce root has also demonstrated antiviral activity. When mice infected with lethal doses of influenza virus were treated with glycyrrhizin, an active component of licorice, they were protected from death due to the virus and had less lung damage than did mice treated with saline controls.

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Restorative Roasted Garlic Soup

Adapted from The Border Cookbook, by Cheryl Alters Jamison and Bill Jamison (Harvard Common Press, 1995).

Some recipes for garlic soup are so laden with cream that the salubrious effects of the garlic are certainly thwarted. In this recipe for roasted garlic soup, you will find no cream. No dairy at all in fact. Instead, a creative combination of flavors with a Mexican spin that is as perky as it is restorative.

Roasting and simmering mellow the garlic’s sharpness and enhance its underlying sweetness.

This is one delicious way to boost your immune system so you can avoid the flu, or to nourish yourself if you’ve caught it.

INGREDIENTS

3 whole heads of garlic
2 tablespoons vegetable oil, preferably peanut
1 medium onion, sliced thin
8 cups vegetable stock
1 to 2 dried or canned chipotle chiles
1/2 teaspoon salt, or more to taste
1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds, toasted and ground
Juice of 1/2 to 1 lime
Toasted thin flour tortilla strips and sliced avocado, for garnish (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

2. Coat garlic with a thin film of the oil, reserving the remaining oil. Place garlic in a shallow pan and bake it until very soft, about 45 minutes. When garlic is cool enough to handle, peel all the cloves and reserve them.

3. Pour 1 tablespoon of the oil into a large saucepan or Dutch oven and warm over medium heat. Add the onion to the oil and saute until it’s softened and lightly colored. Transfer the mixture to a blender and add the reserved garlic. Puree, adding a little stock if necessary to blend the mixture.

4. Add remaining oil to the saucepan and warm it over medium-high heat. Pour in the blender mixture, being careful of any splatters, and saute it until it just begins to dry out and color. Add the rest of the stock, the chipotle, salt, and cumin, and reduce the heat to medium. Simmer the soup for 25 to 30 minutes, remove it from the heat, and add the lime juice.

5. Divide the tortilla strips and avocado between the bowls and pour the hot soup over them. Serve immediately.

Serves 6 to 8.

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Garlic Potato Healing Soup Recipe

Adapted from The Findhorn Book of Vegetarian Recipes, by Kay Lynne Sherman (Findhorn Press, 2003).

Here is a folk remedy for those days when you’re out of sorts and not feeling well. Comforting and packed with the healing power of garlic, this soup is good for what ails you!

Keep the recipe on hand to make whenever you or a loved one is feeling under the weather: Garlic Potato Healing Soup is a keeper.

INGREDIENTS

1 teaspoon caraway seeds, crushed with a mortar and pestle
2 cups chopped potatoes
7 cups good-quality vegetable stock or water
1 teaspoon salt
4 cloves garlic, crushed
1 tablespoon butter
Croutons for garnish (optional)

1. Simmer potatoes and caraway seeds in stock or water for 20 minutes, or until potatoes are very soft.

2. Add crushed garlic and butter, stirring to combine thoroughly.

3. Serve hot with croutons on top, if desired.

Serves 2.

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Grandma’s Healing Soup Recipe

Inspired by Soup Makes the Meal, by Ken Haedrich (Harvard Common Press, 2001).

The author of this wonderful cookbook says he’s been making this light restorative soup for his kids when they’re sick for years–but that it’s so delicious, you don’t have to be sick to enjoy it! Either way, its luscious fragrance helps to clear the sinuses, with potatoes that are soothing to the digestive tract and a delightful broth filled with spinach, parsley, leeks, and garlic for minerals, vitamins, and healing antioxidants plus some winter root vegetables for sweetness. It reminded Cait of a lovely soup her Grandma used to make.

A steaming bowlful on a cold winter day is so wonderfully soothing
and comforting–and it is very quick to make.

INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large leek, well-washed, white parts only, chopped
1 large carrot, peeled and diced
1 large potato, diced
1 parsnip, peeled and diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
5 cups vegetable stock
Salt to taste
Handful fresh parsley leaves, chopped
Large handful fresh spinach leaves (around 4 ounces), rinsed and coarsely chopped
Freshly-ground black pepper, to taste

1. In a soup pot, heat the olive oil and add the leeks, carrot, potato, parsnip, and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, over medium heat about 5 minutes. Add stock and salt to taste, then bring to a simmer.

2. Simmer soup, partially covered, for about 5 minutes, then stir in parsley and spinach. Simmer, partially covered, about 5 more minutes. Add pepper to taste and serve piping hot.

Serves 4 to 5.

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French Healing Tea Recipe

The French sip this tea for pure pleasure, but it is also wonderfully healing for sore throats, upper respiratory troubles, and tummy bugs. It’s been a brutal flu season here in upstate New York, but this delicious tea has helped all of us who have tried it.

The recipe only calls for one herbal ingredient, and you probably have it on your kitchen shelf. As you sip, think of cozy French farmhouses surrounded by fields just beginning to thaw after the long cold winter. The sun is getting stronger. Spring is returning. Life is good.

INGREDIENTS

1 cup boiling water
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (1 teaspoon fresh)

1. Place thyme in cup and cover with boiling water. Cover and allow to steep for 10 minutes.

2. Strain and serve, with honey and/or lemon, if you like.

Makes one serving.

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Warming Winter Good Health Tea

Adapted from The Great American Detox Cookbook, by Alex Jamieson (Rodale Press, 2005).

Most of us will eat some things over the holidays that we knew aren't all that good for us. Some of us are surrounded by sneezing and coughing co-workers. All of us could use a little help staying healthy. That’s where this wonderful tea comes in handy.

The author of this great cookbook helped her filmmaker fiance Morgan Spurlock come back from the brink after he ate a fast-food diet for a month for his movie “Super-Size Me.” She devised this super recipe to help us digest our meals more fully and to boost our immune systems. It has anti-depression ingredients, antiviral and antibacterial ingredients, relaxing ingredients—and it tastes delicious! Try the recipe, and enjoy better health this winter:

INGREDIENTS

4 cups water
3 slices fresh ginger, cut to the thickness of a quarter (warming, immune enhancer)
1 1-inch piece licorice root (antiviral, antibacterial, fights depression)
1 1/2-inch piece cinnamon stick (warming, digestive support, useful for diabetes)
1 tablespoon organic orange rind (sweet)
1 tablespoon dried parsley (digestive aid)
1 teaspoon dried lemon balm (relaxing, aromatic)
1 clove (warming, digestive aid)

1. In a pot, bring the water to a boil. Remove from heat and add remaining ingredients.

2. Steep 5 to 15 minutes. Strain and drink twice a day.

Makes 4 cups.

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Stay healthy! - Tara

Operation Christmas Child

2008-11-16T01:17:00.000-05:00

Operation Christmas Child brings joy and hope to children in desperate situations around the world through gift-filled shoe boxes. Since 1993, more than 61 million shoe boxes have been packed, shipped, and delivered across the globe. People of all ages can be involved in this simple, hands-on missions project while focusing on the meaning of Christmas.

I've done this myself for many years. It's very rewarding, fun and helps a kid have some fun on Christmas where they would normally just view it as "another day." Please do it up! Even dollar store items can make a kid's whole year! - Tara

National Collection Week is November 17-24.

How to Pack a Shoe Box

1. SHOE BOX

PRINT THESE INSTRUCTIONS AND LABELS
Click to download.

Use an empty shoe box (standard size, please) or a small plastic container. You can wrap the box (lid separately), but wrapping is not required. Most importantly, pray for the child who will receive your gift.

2. BOY OR GIRL?

Determine whether your gift will be for a boy or a girl, and the child’s age category: 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14. Print out the appropriate boy/girl label by downloading the artwork to the right. Mark the correct age category on the label, and tape the label to the top of your box.

3. FILL WITH GIFTS

Fill the box with a variety of gifts that will bring delight to a child. Use the gift ideas provided on the bottom of this page.

4. INCLUDE YOUR DONATION

Please donate $7 or more for each shoe box you prepare to help cover shipping and other project costs. You can give online by using our EZGIVE option, or you can write a check to Samaritan’s Purse (note “OCC” on memo line) and place it in an envelope on top of the gift items inside your box. If you or your family are preparing more than one shoe box, please make one combined donation.

5. DROP OFF

Place a rubber band around each closed shoe box and drop off at the Collection Center nearest you during our collection week November 17 - 24.

For locations and hours of collection visit our Drop-Off Locations page where you can find the nearest place to take your shoe box by entering your ZIP Code or you can call 1-800-353-5949.

You can also send your shoe box gift to:
Samaritan’s Purse
Operation Christmas Child
801 Bamboo Road
Boone, NC 28607

GIFT IDEAS

TOYS
small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, jump ropes, small Etch A Sketch®, toys that light up or make noise (with extra batteries), Slinky®, etc.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES
pens, pencils and sharpener, crayons or markers, stamps and ink pad sets, writing pads or paper, solar calculators, coloring and picture books, etc.

HYGIENE ITEMS
toothbrush, toothpaste, mild bar soap (in a plastic bag), comb, washcloth, etc.

OTHER
Hard candy and lollipops (please double bag all candy), mints, gum, T-shirts, socks, ball caps; sunglasses, hair clips, toy jewelry, watches, flashlights (with extra batteries)

A PERSONAL NOTE
In a separate envelope, you may enclose a note to the child and a photo of yourself or your family. (If you include your name and address, the child may write back.)

DO NOT INCLUDE:
Used or damaged items; war-related items such as toy guns, knives or military figures; chocolate or food; out-of-date candy; liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snowglobes or glass containers; aerosol cans

NEED LABELS?
Click to download.

SHOE BOX LABELS

Click on the image here for printable artwork of the labels and a donation form. If you are not using our online EZGIVE option, fill out the form and include it in your box with your donation to receive a tax receipt. (Gifts are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law.)

National Collection Week is November 17-24, 2008.

Operation Christmas Child operates hundreds of collection centers across the country. These centers will be open during the week of November 17-24. If you need information on drop-off locations, have any questions or want to know what the purpose of this organization is, please visit the Operation Christmas Child website!

Homemade Henna Tattoos

2008-11-15T01:21:00.000-05:00

Being a tattoo artist, I understand the need to decorate your body. As for kids (and even us 'older folk') there seems to be some primal desire to draw on your body - be it with pens, markers, paint or even a sad attempt with a pencil. Smiley faces on the knee, a butterfly on the arm, intricate pirate treasure maps on the tummy, yikes. So there’s skin-drawing, and there’s also temporary tattoos–put them together and you have a great green family activity: Henna tattoos. I have a wonderful book for parents called The Creative Family by Amanda Blake Soule (Trumpeter Books, 2008) that goes beyond basic arts and crafts and offers up come lovely activities that stretch outside of the proverbial “box”. Here what the author writes about Henna Art:

Henna is a traditional art of painting the body with paste made from the leaves of the henna plant. It has been used for nearly 5,000 years as an important element of many rituals and traditions. Today, many women are using henna as part of their birth blessings, and it is also gaining popularity as a decorative art for everyone. I particularly like henna as a way to mark a celebration of any kind–it’s a fun activity to do with others and just right for children.

A plant derivative, henna is non-toxic and safe for children, making it a wonderful art form to use as a family. Henna kits are readily available at your local natural foods store and at some craft supply stores, but it can be fun to make it yourself too. Keep in mind that it is relatively different each time you make it, depending on the henna and its consistency, the air temperature where you are, and so forth. You needn’t be afraid to experiment a bit to find the best henna mixture for your circumstances.

What You’ll Need
(All of these items can be found at your local natural foods store.)

Black tea (in a tea bag)
Eucalyptus essential oil
Approximately 1 cup henna powder
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon ground cloves

What to Do
1. Boil 2 inches of water in a saucepan. Take the pan off the heat and add the black teabag to infuse for several hours.

2. Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil and allow to infuse overnight.

3. Heat the mixture to a warm temperature, then slowly add it to a bowl of henna powder and ground cloves, stirring with a wooden spoon. You may not need to use all of the water. You want a thin paste, almost the consistency of yogurt.

4. Add lemon juice, then add more of the water mixture until it resembles the consistency of toothpaste.

5. Transfer the paste to a plastic bag, in which it can be stored for us to two days. Leftover paste can be frozen, though I’ve had mixed results in doing that.

Applying the Henna
There are a variety of application methods to choose from. Application bottles are available at craft supply stores, but a more available method is with an icing bag fitted with a very small metal decorating tip. If that isn’t available, you can make your own with a strong freezer bag by cutting a very small tip off one of the corners and being sure that the henna is sealed in at the top. You’ll squeeze the henna out the small tip just as you would frosting. You can also use the tip of a paintbrush to paint the paste on, but there is much less control, meaning the lines will be thicker. Once you have the henna prepared and in an applicator of some kind, it can be applied to the body as follows:

1. Wash the surface of the skin to be painted, making sure that all dirt, lotions, and oils are removed.

2. Apply a tiny amount of eucalyptus oil to the area. This will hold the art longer.

3. Using whatever method of application you’ve chosen, apply the henna to the skin.

4. The henna will dry partially in a short period of time, but try not to touch it much until it is fully dry, which can be up to a half-hour. The henna paste will fall off on its own, leaving the paint behind on your skin.

5. Once it is completely dry, after about 4 hours, the rest of the paste can be brushed off, and the skin can be washed.

6. Depending on the strength of your henna, the art can last anywhere from days to weeks. To hold the color longer, use care when washing the area, putting lotion over it when bathing or getting it wet. On the other hand, if you would like to remove the henna sooner, wash it often.

World Diabetes Day

2008-11-14T10:27:00.000-05:00

Friday, November 14 is World Diabetes Day. Diabetes is relentless, debilitating and deadly. In the U.S., one-third of children born today will face the reality with living with diabetes - unless something is done to stop it.

On this important day, and throughout American Diabetes Month, we need to educate ourselves about how to prevent and eradicate this disease, band together to share our experiences and hold our leaders accountable.

For today's Action, visit the American Diabetes Association's website and learn how you can help Kiss Diabetes Goodbye.

I'm Taking Action!

Benefits of Biking

2008-11-11T22:43:00.001-05:00

Okay, we all know bikes are one of the few methods of getting there that doesn’t produce carbon dioxide emissions. But biking also offers far-reaching benefits to you.

Find out what biking can do for you and the planet:

Easy on the Earth
Rather than adding to the pollution problem, biking is a completely clean form of transportation. The only fuel it burns is your own calories!

Biking is also quiet, a huge plus for all of us suffering from the ill effects of noise pollution.

Fitness
Not only good for the atmosphere, biking is good for your derriere, and lots of other body-parts as well. Firming, toning, calorie-burning: Biking has it beat over driving any day of the week.

How many calories will you burn in a hour of moderate biking? Or 30 minutes? Find out with this handy biking calorie-calculator.

Boosting Your Mood
Even moderate exercise, like a leisurely bike ride, will boost levels of euphoria-producing hormones called endorphins. Translation: You can bike away your blues.

Enjoying the Scene
When we whiz past scenery in a car, we miss so much. The slower pace of biking enables ups to experience the beauty of locale. Avid bikers report the satisfaction of smelling newly mown grass, or flowering trees, or the fertile damp earth as one of the added bonuses of cycling.

Meeting Like-Minded Others
You can bet that fellow cyclers are probably health-and-environmentally-minded. Many bikers say that deep friendships often form among cycling enthusiasts because of their common ground.

Dealing With Obsolete Computers

2008-11-09T18:24:00.000-05:00

Schools and Goodwill stores used to be thrilled to be the recipient of a used computer. No more! Computers become obsolete so fast, that computers just a few years old can’t do much more that help in writing a letter. Computers are now a significant part of our hazardous waste stream.

The Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition estimates that the 315 million computers expected to become obsolete by the year 2004 would contain, among other hazardous wastes, 1.2 billion pounds of lead, 2 million pounds of cadmium, 400,000 pounds of mercury and 1.2 million pounds of chromium. Many municipalities ban the disposal of computer and television equipment.

Consider upgrading computers before throwing them out.
If your computer is broken, check your Yellow Pages for computer repair services and fix your existing computer before buying a new one.
Find a computer reseller near you by visiting the database of national retailers at Recycler’s World was established as a worldwide “trading site for information related to secondary or recyclable commodities, by-products, used and surplus items or materials.” The exchange covers used computer items, cartridge remanufacturing and recycling, computer scrap and dismantling, and recycling traders and recyclers.
Call your local municipality and ask about programs for obsolete computers in your area. A Massachusetts company has devised a way of melting down computer plastic and using it to fill potholes! Who knows what computer reusing entrepreneur may be living near you? RecycleNet Help Line: (519) 767-2913.

Time Out: SocialVibe

2008-11-07T23:29:00.000-05:00

Hey guys!

Many of my readers are members of a site called SocialVibe. For those who aren't, what would you think about a site that donated money to a charity of your choice simply by having people visit your web page, blog, MySpace, Facebook or anywhere else you can put an HTML code?

That's right - one of the most revolutionary websites of the 21st century is alive, kicking and saving lives.

Here's the deal: You sign up to SocialVibe. If all you want to share with a website is your email and a password for that site - you're okay here. Everything else is optional. When you sign up, you choose from one of the many charities that are supported...From charities for veterans to children to animals to education and disaster relief. After that, you choose a sponsor. Some of the sponsors are Ed Hardy, Jones Soda, MAC, and Calvin Klein.

The sponsors are the ones who will be donating the money to your charity. After you do all that, they'll give you a personalized code and a thing called a 'badge' that you can resize and pick your own colours for. Here's my badge:

If you see that, guess what? You just donated to charity.

Just by looking at this page, my sponsor (Jones Soda) gave my charity (Direct Relief International) some money. And this is how it will work for you. It's not intrusive, it's easy to do and, hey, how many times do you hear a person saying that their MySpace page saved a boys life in Africa? Or maybe donated 150 books to a needy school?

Get your charity on. Sign up with SocialVibe today.

(Oh, and as an extra bonus: everyone who signs up to SocialVibe via any of the links on this blog, SocialVibe automatically donates $1 to Direct Relief International. Rock on!)

- Tara

Limiting Your Java Waste Starts at Home (by Sustainable Dave)

2008-11-05T18:27:00.000-05:00

I was planning on jumping straight to ways to avoid coffee cup waste on the road, but I realized that the problem can be avoided much earlier: Don’t even hit the coffee shops to begin with.

While this may seem like an overly simplified way to go about things (many of my ideas are), let’s think about it. Say the average cup of coffee at your local Coffee Peets & Starbucks conglomerate costs $2. If you get a cup of coffee every morning, five days a week, over a 50-week period (I’m assuming you have a nice boss and get two weeks paid vacation … and dental), that’s $500 over the course of a year.

While $500 seems like enough of an incentive, it doesn’t stop there. You’ve also got to factor in the wasted time standing in line in the store (3 minutes per cup would add up to 12.5 hours during a year), the waste you are creating (250 cups, covers, and warmer sleeves), and, while it can’t be quantified, the extra money you are paying in taxes for all that waste to be disposed of (where do you think landfill and recycling money comes from?). So it’s costing you a lot more than you even recognize, it’s just that because it’s spread out over time, it doesn’t seem that bad.

As an alternative that will save you money, save on waste, and save on time, I’d like to suggest trying to make your cup of joe at home.

Let’s start with coffee makers. There are a ton of electric models on the market and if you have one, then by all means, dust it off and see if it still works. Having said that, if you don’t own one, consider buying one used on (www.craigslist.org) craigslist or a similar site. Some may balk at buying a used coffee maker, but run a concentrate of vinegar and water through it a few times, clean it up, and it’ll be good as new. We had a used Mr. Coffee (or was it a Ms. Coffee, I can’t recall) that we used for years that cost us $10 at a tag sale. One note, however: Unplug them when not in use. Doing so will not only be safer (ever leave it on when you head out of the house for the day?) but will save on energy (that little clock timer is sucking power every second it’s plugged in).

Now, staying with the auto drip coffeemaker theme for a second, let’s talk about filters. There are really two ways to go; “disposable” and reusable. The paper “disposable” filters come in white (bleached) and brown (unbleached) and there is some debate over whether or not the bleached ones are a problem as they may leach chemicals into your java. I don’t really need to see any big studies to recognize that a chance of drinking bleach doesn’t sit as well with me as opting not to in the first place, so I’d go with the brown ones if “disposable” is your choice.

While the paper filters do a slightly better job at catching all of the grounds, a metal reusable is a much better way to go in my opinion. The paper filters will run you about $2 for a 100-pack while the reusable (which you can toss in the dishwasher if you’d like) will run you just under $10. The metal filters will save you money and cut down on waste. We’ve been using them for years and have never had a complaint.

Back to coffee makers, if electric auto is your thing, than have at it. Personally, I prefer one of two less energy intensive methods. The first is a French drip coffee maker. We actually have one from camping a few years ago and use it all the time. You put in grounds, pour in hot water let it sit, and plunge. No mess, no fuss, and a really good cup of coffee. The other method is similar to an auto called a Melitta. It’s basically a carafe that has a little filter holder on top. Pour the water in and it will filter through the grounds, emptying down into the carafe. Voila, coffee sans coffee maker.

As for the coffee itself, here’s my suggestion. Many stores now sell coffee in bulk using their own generic bags. Fill one of these up, pay for it, bring it home (you can grind at the store or at home) and then empty the coffee into an airtight container (a Tupperware will work fine). Then fold up the bag, stick it in your reusable shopping bag and you’ll have it there next time to bring back to the store. You’ll never have to toss one of those plastic/metallic coffee bean bags in the trash again.

A pound of coffee will make somewhere in the neighborhood of 50 cups of coffee (by my estimation) and will sell for about $10 or less. For 250 cups of coffee, you’re looking at $50 compared to $500 on the go, and you’re cutting down on your waste stream by a major factor. And while we’re on coffee, I’d suggest checking out fair trade beans as opposed to non-fair trade. The prices are now comparable and you’ll feel better for having supported a sustainable living wage for the farmers.

And finally, wondering what to do with those coffee grounds when you are done with making your morning cup, check out these tips for more than enough ideas.

While making your cup at home may seem like a lot of work it really isn’t. If you have an auto drip maker, you can set it up the night before, plug it in before your shower and voila, coffee when you are done. If you are using one of the other methods I mentioned, you can look for your eyeglasses while the water is boiling, and then it’s just pouring it over the grinds, add milk and sugar, and drink.

Like anything else, making your own coffee at home takes a bit of experimenting and a bit of training, but you’ll soon realize it’s not that hard. There are a few costs that I can’t quantify, like the electricity/gas it takes to boil the water, but overall, you’ll more than save the price of a maker and metal filter in the first year alone. If anyone has any other energy/waste saving tips on the coffee making front, please feel free to share.

Next up: Coffee on the road and how to avoid those darn cups.

Dave Chameides is an environmental educator and freelance filmmaker. He writes alternative fuel articles for Edmunds.com and maintains the blogs 365 Days of Trash and Achieving Sustainability. While he is presently saving all of his trash for a year to better understand his environmental impact, his main focus is sustainability through education and believes that with knowledge all things are possible.

A Quick Voter Guide - Voting Today And Being Prepared!

2008-11-04T03:33:00.000-05:00

Here is a quick voter guide to help you be prepared for today...

Step One - Know where you need to go to vote, it may not be where you think. The easiest and fastest way to find out where you will need to go, is to check out GoVote.org - Voting Made Easy. They even provide the telephone number of your local election office in case you have any questions. This is an excellent resource.

*Some states require a voter to provide identification (such as a drivers license). Here is a map from CNN that shows whether or not you will need to provide identification.

Step Two - Know the issues. Don't just listen to campaign commercials, and stump speeches. There are many sites that can help you understand where the candidates stand on the issues that are important to you. Here are just a few...

The Vote Gopher allows you to search just about any political issue, and see where the candidates stand.

ExpertVoter.org is a great spot to get video answers to what each candidate's policies are on the issues.

Here is the VoteMatch Quiz - you can take that matches your views on the issues with a candidate.

Another informative site is America.gov

Each of the candidates have websites that give detailed information on their policies.

Here is Barack Obama on The Issues

Here is John McCain on The Issues

Taxes - The Obama sight also has a tax calculator that tells you how much you will save on your taxes with with both candidates. You should check it out. Just enter your income, and it calculates your savings.

CandidAnswers 2008 - Is a guide to where the candidates stand on environmental issues.

Step Three - Know what ballot initiatives you will be asked to vote on in your state. Here is a the Ballot Initiative Strategy Center you can click the state you are voting in, and get information on the ballot initiatives you will be asked to vote on.

Step Four - Be prepared for long lines. Not everyone will be waiting in long lines to vote, but many will be. Your best bet is to be prepared.

- Bring a folding chair (if possible bring one for someone else to).

- Don't forget an umbrella if there is a chance of rain, and a heavy coat or blanket if you live in the cold states.

- Bring water, hot chocolate, or coffee and some snacks.

- Go in the middle of the day if possible.

Lastly...

Just in case you run into any problems at your polling place, bring your cell phone and this number for Election Protection - 1-866-OUR-VOTE or (1-866-687-8683)

You can also use your phone to call friends and family, and make sure they have voted.

Top 10 Superfoods for Fall

2008-11-02T22:48:00.000-05:00

I, for one, love the idea that there are superfoods–certain edibles that go the extra mile in terms of nutritional chutzpah. They may not leap tall buildings, but superfoods are purported to fight the evil villains of heart disease, high cholesterol, cancer and a host of other diseases. Blueberries, for example, have become a superfood darling for their powerful punch of antoxidants–and I have to say, they do seem pretty mighty to me.

That said, I think some of the trendy superfoods are stealing the spotlight from the true heart of the matter–from the everyday heroes. It seems to me that almost any grain or produce that is grown organically, unprocessed and prepared gently, has much to offer. I just can’t see a list of ten superfoods that earn obvious rank. In fact, if you look at 10 “Top 10 Superfoods” lists, you will see that they vary widely.

The truth is, most good food from nature is pretty super. So with that in mind, I like taking a seasonal approach. Rather than debating the merits of acai berries over goji berries, I prefer to look at what’s in season, and work with the nutritional workhorses that I can get here and now. These are my favorites for fall, based primarily on nutritional variety and strength, but that also give me that primal, sensuous satisfaction that comes with eating what’s in season:

Sweet Potatoes and Pumpkin
I go crazy for these flavors come fall, and no wonder: The dark orange vegetable family outdoes all others in vitamin A content. Sweet potatoes are also packed with antioxidants, vitamin C, calcium, and potassium. Other dark orange vegetable standouts include pumpkin, carrots, butternut squash, and orange bell peppers.

Cruciferous Vegetables
Crucifers such as broccoli, cabbage, kale, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, collards and turnips contain indole alkaloids that may help prevent cancer. They are also high in fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Along with their fabulous flavor, once you get the hang of cooking them, they may have an added bonus: they may help bolster memory as you age. Researchers at Harvard Medical School found that women who eat the most of these foods are the least likely to be forgetful.

Pomegranates
Pomegranates have very high antioxidant activity, offering brain and memory protection. And research shows that drinking pomegranate juice may help with lowering the risk for hardening of the arteries or atherosclerosis. And they're my personal favourite on the list!

Beets
The pigment that gives beets their super-beautiful fuschia depth-betacyanin-is also a powerful cancer-fighting agent. Beets’ potential effectiveness against colon cancer, in particular, has been demonstrated in several studies. Beets are also particularly rich in the B vitamin folate.

The Alliums
Garlic, onions, leeks, scallions, chives and shallots contain sulfur compounds that may protect against heart disease and some cancers, they can all help the liver eliminate toxins and carcinogens.

Beans
An excellent source of protein, antioxidants, folic acid, potassium, dietary fiber and complex carbohydrates, beans are flavorful, nutritionally dense, inexpensive and versatile. Read about heirloom varieties and cooking tips.

Olive oil
Several large studies suggest that the monosaturated fat in olive oil is good for the heart. Olive oil lowers bad cholesterol levels and increases good cholesterol. It is hgih in antioxidants–and is one of the superstars of the Mediterranean diet. Recent research shows that heart-attack survivors on a Mediterranean diet had half the death rates of those on an ordinary low-fat diet.

Tea
The caffeine content in tea is useful for stimulating alertness, mood and motivation, but is also a rich source of the antioxidant called catechins. Studies suggest that catechins protect the artery walls against the damage that causes heart disease and prevents formation of blood clots. It also does wonders for the spirit on a cool autumn day.

Red Wine
Grapes provide vitamin C, vitamin B1 and vitamin B6–red grapes also contain powerful phytochemicals (especially phenolics) that may help decrease risk of cardiovascular disease. These phenolic compounds are housed mostly in the skin of the red grapes, which is what makes red wine red. Resveratrol, a polyphenolic stilbene found in the skins of red fruits including grapes, may be responsible for some of the health benefits ascribed to the consumption of red wine. Resveratrol has been shown to have anti-oxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory activity.

The Halloween Hangover: Fructose and Your Digestive System

2008-11-01T20:36:00.001-04:00

Here is an article on fructose that I am going to forward to a number of friends who have digestive problems that they can’t seem to get rid of. From The Sugar Fix: The High-Fructose Fallout That is Making You Fat and Sick, by Richard J. Johnson, MD, the book is a fascinating read. Here is the excerpt on the Halloween Hangover. See if it sounds familiar:

Call it the Halloween Hangover: Filling up on sweets often leads to an upset stomach. This is because many people have difficulty digesting the fructose in sugar, HFCS, and other sweeteners. But it’s not only candy-munching trick-or-treaters who are affected by this problem, known as fructose malabsorption (or sometimes dietary fructose intolerance.) If you have been experiencing unexplained digestive problems, fructose could be the cause.

As fructose travels through the digestive system, it eventually enters the small intestine. From there, it normally is absorbed into the bloodstream. But some people absorb fructose less efficiently than others so. In these cases, fructose enters into the large intestine, where it is broken down by bacteria, producing large amounts of hydrogen gas. Fructose can also suck water into the colon.

Fructose malabsorption causes a variety of gastronintestinal problems, including abdominal pain, bloating, cramps, flatulence, diarrhea, and constipation. Bacteria can convert fructose to compounds called ketoacids; in rare cases, this could cause the blood to become dangerously acidic, a condition that can lead to rapid breathing, confusion, and other symptoms. In one small 2005 study published in The Journal of the American Dietetic Association, researchers asked 15 volunteers to drink water laced with 25 grams of fructose, which is similar to the amount found in a 12-ounce can of non-diet soda. Breath tests that measure hydrogen determined that more than half of the subjects had evidence of fructose malabsorption. Six of the volunteers developed gas or rumbling sounds in their stomachs, and one experienced abdominal pain. When the dose was increased by 50 grams of fructose, breath tests showed that 11 of the 15 volunteers had reached the threshold for fructose malabsorption.

Recent research suggests that fructose may be one cause of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a condition that affects up to one in five Americans. Previously, the foods and beverages most commonly linked to IBS were wheat and other grains, chocolate, and dairy products, as well as alcohol. Now studies suggest that many people who complain of IBS symptoms have fructose malabsorption. In a University of Iowa study, for example, more than one-third of people with IBS-like symptoms had dietary fructose intolerance.

If you struggle with gastrointestinal problems, adopting a low-fructose diet may help. A 2006 study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association found that 74 percent of IBS patients who cut back on their fructose consumption experienced a significant drop in gastrointestinal symptoms.

Eco-Halloween Costumes to DIY For!

2008-10-30T16:57:00.000-04:00

Last minute Halloween-costume blues got you down? Take a look at some inexpensive, eco-friendly costume designs to save your sanity (and a few trees!)

Halloween always seems to bring out the parental paranoia. I suppose it’s no surprise with kids running around after dark, knocking on the doors of people you may or may not know, and essentially taking candy from strangers.

What I don’t hear is any concern about the costumes. And with the mounting evidence of BPA in plastics, and the ever-present danger of off-gassing from things like PVC shower curtains, shouldn’t the same precaution be applied to your kid’s Halloween costumes?

They are often packaged in plastic and when you open them they do not smell good, probably due to the synthetic paint and dyes. Halloween costumes chock full of chemicals sure sound scary to me! (If your child insists on one of these costumes, at least wash it–if you can–or air it out before they wear it.)

So those smelly plasticized costumes might not good for your child’s health, but it’s a given that they are not the best thing for the planet. So here are some Halloween costume ideas that borrow from the reduce, reuse, recycle principle–costumes you can put together from stuff around the house or things you can pick up at a thrift store. No need to even pull out the sewing machine, and you might even save a little green while you’re at it–and who doesn’t like that?

Recycling bin: Grab some paper, cans, bottles, etc., and attach them to your child’s clothing. This is one costume that’s creative and on message.

The versatility of a white sheet: There’s the old standby ghost, or rewatch “Animal House” and make your kid a toga. If you’re feeling especially crafty, tear the sheet into strips and make a mummy costume. Just make sure you reuse those strips as rags instead of throwing them into the trash.

Ride ‘em, cowboy (or cowgirl): Blue jeans, a checked shirt, boots and hat–I’ll bet your kid has at least one or two of these items. Find some rope and make a lasso. As a bonus, tie a bandanna around your dog’s neck as the perfect trick-or-treating accessory. My 4-year-old nephew did this last year and it was a big hit.

Blast from the past: This one can be really fun, with some bell-bottoms, a tie-dye T-shirt or and a headband for a 60s hippie. (Don’t forget to tell your kid to display the two-fingered peace sign!) Or grab the fringe leather jacket/hand-knitted poncho/paisley psychedelic polyester shirt in the back of the closet–you know you kept them for a reason–for a 70s-themed look. Or pull out those leg warmers and shoulder pads for a not-so-pleasant reminder of the unfashionable 80s. Your kids will probably get a good laugh out of it at least!

Sleepwalker: Dress them up in their pajamas and slippers, mess up their hair and they’re all set.

Make like a tree, and leave: If your backyard is as full of fallen leaves as mine, this one is a snap. Attach the leaves to your kids clothes, hair and shoes. And the bonus is that the costume can go straight into the green waste can.

Ballerina/Princess/Fairy: A leotard, a poofy skirt and some great accessories can turn your little girl into her fantasy.

Box robot: If you’ve got a cardboard box around the house, you’ve got the start of a great costume. Just cut out holes for the arms and head, then let the imagination of you and your child be your guide. Just make sure you use non-toxic glue, markers and paint when doing the decorating.

Please share your ideas in the comments and have a safe and happy Halloween!

Real Halloween Treats, Not Sugary Tricks

2008-10-29T22:22:00.000-04:00

Anyone with young children has probably seen first-hand the effects of Halloween candy overload on sensitive systems. Yipes! But we don’t want to be killjoys: trick-or-treating is a magical part of the Halloween experience. So here are some great ideas for alternatives to the candy bars and other sugary horrors that will fill most kids’ trick-or-treat bags this Halloween.

These easy-to-find imaginative treats won’t add to the sugar load, only to the fun!

Food Treats
These make healthier alternatives to the usual glut of sugary stuff:

Small boxes of organic raisins
Bags of trail mix or peanuts in the shell
Envelopes of instant cocoa
Organic mozzarella sticks
All-natural 100 percent juice boxes
Healthy chewing gum (natural flavors and sweeteners, no dyes)
Sun Drops (sort of like dye-free M&Ms)
Small boxes of healthy cookies or crackers

------------------------------------------------

Let’s face it–most kids want candy at Halloween. This year, why not satisfy their sweet tooth, while making a contribution to the lives of others by distributing fair trade certified chocolates? It’s kind of like combining candy-giving with making a Unicef donation in one shot–something fun for the kids, something good for the world.

Check out the chocolate gold coins and chocolate eggs, made from cocoa grown by farmers in Ghana. Your purchase of these chocolate bars, made of organic cocoa and sugar, and supports small farm families in the Dominican Republic and Paraguay.

Yes, these goodies are pricier than the bulk packaged candies at the supermarket, but you get what you pay for. And in this case the payoff is big: happy kids, fairly paid farmers, and, be honest, you’re going to eat a few yourself!

Find Fair Trade Certified chocolate here:
• Divine Chocolate
• Global Exchange
• Dagoba Chocolate

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Non-Food Treats
My friends live in a village where they gets upwards of 150 trick-or-treaters. If you get mobbed at Halloween, you could try my method: I cleaned out my piggy bank and doled out the spare change. My little ghoulies and ghosties were thrilled.

Other fun ideas for non-edibles include rubber spiders, stickers, small packets of crayons or markers, pencils with fun-shaped erasers, miniature pumpkins, or small charms. Look in your local dollar store for fun and inexpensive goodies.

Happy Halloween!

Protect Pets On Halloween!

2008-10-28T12:06:00.000-04:00

Halloween brings lots of spooky, scary and sweet fun for our kids, but it can bring dangers for our pets. Chocolate is toxic for animals; trick-or-treating noise can be truly frightening for our furry friends.

For today's Daily Action, read these precautions we have gathered from animal shelters and veterinarians and keep your pets safe for Halloween!

The following is a list of precautions suggested and recommended by numerous animal shelters and veterinarians designed to keep pets safe on Halloween.

NOISES and STRANGE STRANGERS:
Trick or treaters can cause loud and excessive noise and frighten your pet, so try to keep your pets inside in a quiet room where they are insulated from the Halloween rukus. : )

Pets, especially dogs, that are easily excitable or threatened by strangers should be kept from the front door so they cannot bite anyone or run into the street. With many people visiting the home in strange attire, even normally calm pets might overreact.

Keep pets on a shorter-than-normal leash if you plan on walking outside on Halloween. Again, scary and weird looking trick-or-treaters could provoke aggression in even the nicest pet.

KISS OF DEATH
Candy, especially chocolate, is toxic for animals and can cause vomiting, restlessness, heart disturbances, and even death. Ask kids not to share candy with pets.

CANDLES
Be careful with lit pumpkins and candles because pets can knock them over and start a fire. Therefore ensure that all burning objects are out of pet’s reach. Remember that cats can jump high, and birds can fly, so try to confine a pet if it demonstrates an “unhealthy” interest in flames (e.g. it puts its paws in lit pumpkins or tries to play with candles).

PETS IN DISGUISE
Avoid costumes held in place by rubber bands, which can be uncomfortable and, more important, rubber bands mistakenly left on a pet can quickly burrow into the animal’s skin and cause injury. Additionally, rubber bands in the wrong place can choke a bird.

If a pet wears a costume, make sure it is not constricting, causing your pet to trip, or blocking its vision. Do not force a pet to wear a costume if it demonstrates discomfort. All of the above can cause undue stress and possibly cause aggression in even the nicest dog, goldfish, or iguana.

EVIL IN THE NIGHT
Don’t leave pets outside on Halloween. Many animals disappear as pranksters and those with darker intentions tease, abduct, torture, or even kill pets.

Be especially watchful of black cats, who which are frequent targets of cruel activities on Halloween. Try to keep black cats inside for the week of Halloween. Many animal shelters make black cats unavailable for adoption the week before Halloween because of black cat abuse.

Add Your Entry To The Democracy Diaries!

2008-10-27T16:48:00.000-04:00

Our friends at the Advancement Project have constructed the "Democracy Diaries" in an effort to give voters a chance to be a part of a virtual book that will document the excitement of real people in the 2008 presidential election.

Each entry in the Diary is a unique voice that represents the millions of unique voices that will be voting this November. Every voter has an opinion and now is your chance to publish and share that reason to vote with the world.

For today's Daily Action, add your entry to the Democracy Diaries!

I'm Taking Action!

12 Tips to Stretch a Tank of Gas

2008-10-26T00:36:00.000-04:00

We can conserve gas with some car maintenance steps. For example, we can get 6 to 20 percent higher mpg with a properly tuned engine. Keeping a mileage record will tell us when our gas mileage is slipping, which is a signal for a tune-up.

Here are 12 more tips for how to stretch a tank of gas.

1. You can easily take care of a few items without going to a service station. One of them is the air filter. A clogged air filter leaves your engine gasping for breath and means you’re probably running with a “rich” mixture, that is, more gas and less air. Many department and auto stores carry air filters, and they are simple to change. A clogged air filter can cost you 1 mpg. Replace your air filter regularly.

2. Dirty oil cuts back engine efficiency, so make sure your oil is changed according to the car manufacturer’s recommended schedule. You can change your own, and buying your own oil is much cheaper. There’s a drain plug under your engine that will come out readily with a wrench. Have a bucket ready to catch the dirty oil, and remember to dispose of it safely.

3. If your fan belt is too tight, your engine is working too hard and wasting gas. The belt should give a little to finger pressure when the engine is not running. if it doesn’t, you can easily adjust the tension with a wrench.

4. Badly worn spark plugs can cost you as much as 2 mpg. This is probably a job for a trained technician.

5. The car has been a way of life for most Americans. There are alternatives. These include mass transit, bike paths, and carpools.

6. Heavier cars are more costly to run. A reduction of 200 pounds in automotive weight typically improves fuel economy by nearly 5 percent.

7. Use the air conditioner in your car as little as possible. It uses a lot of gas. Roll down the windows and get some fresh air!

8. Using cruise control can save gas. If you drive on the open road often, staying at a constant speed will save fuel.

9. If you are taking a trip, start early in the day while traffic is light. Plan to stop for meals at times when traffic is heavy.

10. Don’t let your car idle for a long time to warm it up. Also, don’t let your car idle for more than a minute after it is warmed up—this idling wastes more gas than restarting your car.

11. Do not rev the engine and then quickly shut your car off. This wastes gas. It also pumps raw gasoline into the cylinder walls. This can wash away a film of oil that protects the cylinders and will increase engine wear.

12. Check your tires. Your owner’s manual has important information on your tires, including the correct air pressure that should be in them. Underinflation of your tires can cost you as much as 1 mpg. Radial tires have 50 percent less road resistance, so they give you 3 to 19 percent better mpg.

What's Your Encore Moment?

2008-10-18T19:10:00.001-04:00

People in encore careers are changing the way that people think about work in the second half of life, and creating a new kind of work that combines personal passion, social purpose and continued income to make a difference in their communities.

Some people get there because of a sudden calling. For others, it's a gradual shift in their priorities. In both cases, there's a moment of realization that they would like to do something more with their lives.

Have you, a loved one or friend had such an encore moment? For today's Daily Action, share the story with Encore.org and inspire others to find encore careers.

I'm Taking Action!

Teen Dating Violence Prevention

2008-10-15T21:14:00.003-04:00

You Are Invited to A Special Online Preview of
The 2009 Teen Dating Violence Prevention Campaign

Please join Cindy Dyer of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) and Esta Soler of the Family Violence Prevention Fund for an informative web event on teen dating violence.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008
11:00 AM ET

OVW’s upcoming prevention campaign, launching in early 2009, will address teen dating violence. This web conference will review the research shaping the new campaign, including qualitative research on social norms and dating behaviors among teens. It also will include an overview of the elements of the innovative new campaign.

You must REGISTER if you are planning to participate in this web conference, co-hosted by the California Coalition Against Sexual Assault. The number of participants is limited, so be sure to register now! A toll-free telephone number and webinar link will be sent to you via email after you register.

The presentation will be available on www.OVW.usdoj.gov and www.endabuse.org following the web conference.

Save Energy: Unplug!

2008-10-14T19:54:00.000-04:00

We're in the midst of a global crisis that is both financial and environmental. Here's one simple way to save energy, reduce global warming emissions and save money - unplug appliances and chargers when you're not using them.

Think about all of the gadgets you may have, and how many chargers you have for them - cell phones, mp3 players, digital cameras, laptops, you name it. All of these chargers draw energy when plugged in, even if they're not actively charging anything. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, 75% of the energy used to power home electronics is consumed when those appliances are turned off!

For today's Daily Action, pledge to scan your home and unplug seldom-used appliances and chargers when they're not in use.

Stop the Eleventh-Hour Assault on Endangered Species

2008-10-13T02:19:00.000-04:00

Target: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Sponsored by: Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund

It may be the eleventh hour of the Bush/Cheney Administration, but that's not stopping their efforts to undermine the Endangered Species Act.

The Administration wants to make serious changes to this landmark law that would eliminate some of the most important checks and balances that protect our polar bears, wolverines, whales and other imperiled wildlife. By striking at the very heart of this landmark conservation bill, these changes would severely limit interagency consultations and would prevent expert agencies from considering how greenhouse gas emissions affect endangered wildlife.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is only taking public comments on this proposal until October 15th – but we need to hear from you by Monday night so we can deliver your comments. Please speak out now for polar bears, wolves and the nearly 1,400 species currently protected under the Endangered Species Act!

Help Save the Lives of Malnourished Children

2008-10-12T00:42:00.000-04:00

Did you know that there are an estimated 178 million children that are malnourished across the globe? Even more shocking, only 3 percent of those children receive treatment.

Fortunately, you can take action if you're an American Express cardholder. Our friends at the International Medical Corps help feed more than 35,000 children every month, and IMC is a finalist in the American Express Members Project, an online voting contest that awards $2.5 million in funding.

For today's Daily Action, cast your vote for the International Medical Corps and help bring hope to malnourished children. If you're not a cardholder, be sure you share this action with friends and family who are so IMC can get the funding it needs to help malnourished children!

I'm Taking Action!

Protect American Voter Rights

Learn all the details you need to know to ensure your vote is counted this Election Day! Visit the nonpartisan site of Just Vote '08.

Take Action >>

'Happy' Halloween from the FDA

2008-10-10T15:34:00.000-04:00

Dear Tara,

If the Wall Street bailout was hard to swallow, the government is preparing a Halloween trick that just may be impossible to stomach.

The Food and Drug Administration is opening the way for grocery stores to sell food made from genetically engineered animals. And the agency is proposing that these products, called “Frankenfoods” by some, be sold to you without your knowledge.

Sign our online petition demanding that food from genetically engineered animals be labeled. We have the right to know what we are eating!

Genetically engineered animals are not a far-off, exotic concept. It’s happening right now. Goats are engineered with spider genes to produce silk in their milk. And pigs carry mouse and bacterial DNA to improve their digestion.

The jury is still out on whether food from these animals is safe for humans or the environment. And the ethics of such changes have yet to be considered.
The FDA says they will conduct a safety review before these foods can be sold for human consumption. But consumers won’t know if they’re buying genetically engineered food, because the agency isn’t going to require a label.

We know what’s in the can of soup we buy because the label tells us. Shouldn’t we know if the meat we buy comes from a pig with another animal’s genes, or whether our milk has insect DNA in it?
Sign our petition and show the FDA that Americans want to know what’s in their food!
We have until Nov. 18 to collect signatures. Please forward this message on to others so they can sign too. Let’s stop this Halloween trick before it starts.

Sincerely,
Jean Halloran
NotInMyFood.org
A project of Consumers Union
101 Truman Ave.
Yonkers, NY 10703

Make Election Day a Federal Holiday!

2008-10-06T21:25:00.000-04:00

Target: President Bush

Sponsored by: Care2

The health of democracy depends on the participation of all its people - for every voice to be heard and every vote counted. But right now, the United States is failing in that responsibility. In 2006, only 41.3 percent of the total eligible voters turned out to vote.

Studies show that the #1 reason people fail to vote is because of difficulty in getting to the polls. The federal government requires that employers grant employees the ability to vote on Election Day, but that's clearly not enough. If we take democracy seriously, then Election Day needs to be a holiday, so that everyone has the chance to do their civic duty.

Voting is the most fundamental obligation of our democracy, and it's worth dedicating a day to it. Urge the President to protect the American democracy by making Election Day a federal holiday!

Sign the petition!

Make the Election About the Issues, Not Character Attacks!

2008-10-03T07:54:00.000-04:00

Target: Presidential Campaigns
Sponsored by: Care2

How many houses does John McCain have? Is Barack Obama a celebrity? Is the media coverage of Sarah Palin sexist? Is Joe Biden showing too much emotion when he tears up over how his sons became Steelers fans?

More importantly, why are these the questions dominating the news cycle? The 2008 presidential election should be about the issues, and the over-coverage of the non-political aspects of this presidential race is disheartening.

Instead of focusing on negative attacks on each other, both candidates' campaigns should make a concerted effort to have their views on the issues be what people are talking about. Voters will then be able to decide which candidate's views match their own most closely on the issues that matter to them. Tell the candidates: Stick to the issues!

Demand the Clean Energy Future We Deserve

2008-10-03T07:44:00.001-04:00

Sponsor: League of Conservation Voters

Offshore platforms littering the nation's coasts. Oil derricks pumping in the last refuges of Alaska. And even more record profits for Big Oil.

It's a grim future if Big Oil has its way -- but we still have time to stop them and promote the clean energy future we deserve.

In the last weeks before the election and into the next year, legislators will be considering measures that would open up millions of acres to more drilling -- even though Big Oil already has permission to drill on almost 70 million acres -- and even though Bush's own Department of Energy has admitted that more drilling will not lower gas prices!

Drilling along our coastlines and in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge will not solve our country's energy problems or ease our dangerous addiction to oil. We cannot allow Congress to be fooled by the smooth talk of Big Oil -- take action today!

Send an Ecard to Save a Pet

2008-10-02T22:55:00.000-04:00

In less than two weeks, over 90,000 people have voted for their favorite local animal shelter or rescue group to win $10,000 in Care2's "America's Favorite Animal Shelter" contest. And each week for five weeks during the contest a random group will win $1,000 - to make sure that every group, no matter how small, has an equal chance of winning a much needed donation to save homeless pets' lives.

Since October is National Adopt A Dog Month, you can promote dog adoption and animal rescue by helping us spread the word about this contest!

For today's Daily Action, send a quick, cute Care2 eCard to tell your friends about our "America's Favorite Animal Shelter" contest and ask them to vote today!

I'm Taking Action!

Reducing Exposure to Suspicious Products

2008-10-01T13:01:00.000-04:00

You might think two people addressing the same problem, looking at the same data would draw the same conclusions, but life just isn’t that easy. Special interests often have too much at stake.

Take bisphenol A (BPA) for example. A new study published in the Journal of American Medical Association links Bisphenol A exposure in adults to increased risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. This study found adults with the highest concentration of bisphenol A in their blood were twice as likely as those with the lowest concentration to have diabetes and cardiovascular disease (keeping in mind that over 90 percent of us have bisphenol A in our blood at this very moment according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

This study is one of many that link low level bisphenol A exposure to a host of adverse health effects. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and other industry groups point out that the studies are not conclusive, and surprise, surprise MORE RESEARCH IS NEEDED (which is a classic delay tactic). I’m sure there conclusions have nothing to due with the huge profitability and growth of bisphenol A use.

At some point, we all need to make our own decisions about what is safe and what isn’t. To me, there seems to be plenty of evidence against bisphenol A to warrant its removal from my life. The same can be said for several other substances as well like the materials used to make non-stick pans. PFOA, a chemical used in non-stick, has been listed as a likely human carcinogen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Industry will never admit they are exposing the population to a hazardous carcinogen, but they are phasing its use out by 2015.

What can we do to minimize our exposure?
1. Get rid of #7 recyclable plastics. This type of plastic usually contains bisphenol A.
2. Check baby bottles to make sure they are bisphenol A-free.
3. If you have #7 plastics, don’t microwave them or wash them in the dishwasher. Heating them up will accelerate the release of bisphenol A.
4. Ditch the non-stick pans. Life will truly be more miserable, but you will be cutting down your exposure to PFOA.
5. Choose certified organic beauty care products including shampoos that are paraben-free (another chemical under some suspicion).
6. Choose furniture wisely. Try to find mattresses and couches that do not use brominated flame retardants (yet another chemical associated with adverse health effects).

We may not be able to totally eliminate our exposure to these chemicals, but with some minor effort and perhaps a little inconvenience, we can definitely reduce our exposure to them.

Donate or Recycle Your Old Cell Phone

2008-09-30T19:01:00.000-04:00

Up to 130 million cell phones are thrown away in the United States each year. Instead of opting for the latest gizmos, use your cell phone for as long as possible before buying another. And when you do replace it, be sure to give your old one to a good cause.

Please check out www.collectivegood.com to see who you can donate your phone to, and to find out why donating or recycling your old phone is so important!

For Today's Daily Action, I will find charities to donate my phone to, and read about the hazards of throwing away old phones!

I'm Taking Action!

Learn More About Volunteering Abroad with Cross-Cultural Solutions

2008-09-29T19:43:00.000-04:00

If you've ever traveled abroad, you know how enriching experiencing another culture can be. But have you thought of combining your interest in making a real difference in people's lives with international travel?

Cross-Cultural Solutions gives you the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution, working side-by-side with local people and sharing in the goals of a community that warmly welcomes you.

Taylor's experience at an orphanage in Costa Rica is representative of many international volunteers. "I can't tell you how it feels to see wide smiles and little eyes running to you at 8 a.m. You are the highlight of their day and your presence does change the world, because it changes those children," Taylor says. "I gave them something they otherwise would not have - I gave them love, I gave them my time, and I did it because they needed it, and really looking back, I needed it too."

Make your dreams of volunteering abroad a reality, and engage in an experience that will profoundly enrich your life and the lives of others. Fill out the form here to get more information from Cross-Cultural Solutions, a non-profit organization that helps make it easy and safe to volunteer abroad. CCS programs are available in 12 countries, with start dates year-round, and lengths of stay from 1 to 12 weeks.

Have an Herb-tastic Dinner!

2008-09-29T00:31:00.001-04:00

Tonight at dinner, how about using some fresh parsley or cilantro? These herbs not only make meals extra tasty, they also have incredible health benefits! The leaves, seeds and essential oils all have different ways to boost your health, such as reducing levels of cholesterol, fighting against free radical damage and more. For today's Daily Action, add some green to your plate by using parsley or cilantro.

I'm Taking Action!

What Is Your Peace Quotient?

2008-09-29T00:23:00.000-04:00

We are often urged to practice peace with every step. But how closely do our behaviors match up to this ideal?

Here’s a fun quiz to give you an idea of where you fit in on the spectrum of peace. You may want to share it with your friends and co-workers! Take the Peace Quotient Quiz here to see how well you practice peace in your daily life:

Which of the following is CLOSEST to the response you would usually have to the following situations?

1. When someone tailgates me, I usually:
a. Mouth obscenities at them or flip them the bird.
b. Slow down to really, really aggravate them.
c. Pull over so they can pass me.

2. When a salesperson is really snippy to me, I usually:
a. Snarl at them or make rude remarks to them.
b. Report them to their supervisor.
c. Make an effort to be especially friendly, since they must be having a bad day.

3. When a serious misunderstanding crops up between me and a friend, I usually:
a. Yell at the person or write them a nasty note.
b. Talk behind the person’s back to our other friends, to make sure everyone is on my side.
c. Suggest a meeting so we can talk the problem through.

4. A loved one is very upset with me for something I did. I usually:
a. Remind him or her of the obnoxious things she or he has done in the past. The best defense is a good offense!
b. Get back at them by giving them the cold shoulder and punishing them with silence.
c. Empathize with them for feeling upset.

5. After an especially grueling day at work, I usually:
a. Take it out on those nearest and dearest to me. I can be a real bear!
b. Pour myself a stiff drink or flip on the television.
c. Take a brisk walk, meditate, or take a soothing bath to wind down and de-stress.

6. In my group of friends or relatives, I am usually:
a. The cause of conflicts, or at least at the center of them.
b. The one who keeps conflicts going by talking about people behind their backs.
c. The person others come to for advice on resolving conflicts.

7. The following most clearly sums up my attitude to life in general:
a. Nuke ‘em. Or, sue the bastards.
b. Trust no one. Everyone is out for themselves.
c. We’re all in this together, so we may as well do our best to get along.

SCORE:

If you answered mostly a, you tend to be a bit belligerent and pugnacious. You might benefit from an anger management course! And have you had your blood pressure checked lately?

If you answered mostly b, you are more passive-aggressive. You usually avoid direct confrontation, but you’re not exactly promoting peace, either. You might want to get some assertiveness training so you can be more direct without being aggressive.

If you answered mostly c, congratulations! You are doing your best to being peace and understanding to your little corner of the world.

Stop the #1 Killer of African Children

2008-09-28T03:07:00.000-04:00

Sponsor: William J. Clinton Foundation

Malaria is the single greatest killer of children in Africa. And even though this disease is completely curable, one to three million children will still die, because for many families in developing countries, effective treatments and preventative bed nets are too expensive.

Last year, the Clinton Foundation launched a pilot subsidy program in Tanzania--the country with the highest rate of deaths from malaria in southern Africa--to make safe, effective malaria treatment available to those who couldn't normally afford treatment. The initial findings of the pilot showed a drop in price from $10 to $0.50 in pilot areas--a 95 percent decrease.

But they can't do this alone. Please support President Clinton and the Clinton Foundation in their goal to increase access to affordable ACTs to people around the world.

More about this petition »

Alaska's Dead Wolf Pups Demand Justice!

2008-09-27T16:35:00.001-04:00

Please help spread the word to demand justice for Alaska's slaughtered wolves! Use our tell-a-friend tool to send a message to your friends about this petition, and then grab a web badge below to use on your blog, website, Care2, Facebook or MySpace profiles:

copy this code: <a href="http://go.care2.com/16757164"></a>	copy this code: <a href="http://go.care2.com/16757164"></a>

Hold Governments Accountable for Natural Resource Corruption

2008-09-27T14:50:00.000-04:00

Sponsor: Oxfam America

Natural resources shouldn't be a burden on the poor. Yet in many countries around the world, revenues from natural resources are propping up dictators, fueling conflict, and deepening poverty.

But you can help change that today. There's a bill in the Senate that would help poor communities hold their governments accountable.

The Extractive Industries Transparency Disclosure (EITD) Act would require payments made between oil, gas, and mining companies and their host governments to be publicized. Too often profits from natural resources are secretly diverted to accounts of corrupt leaders or used to fund conflict and repression.

More than 60 percent of the world's poorest people live in countries rich in natural resources, but they rarely share in that wealth. Natural resources should help lift people out of poverty, but for many developing countries that window is closing fast. Ask your Senators to co-sponsor the EITD Act.

More about this petition »
(Signatures needed: 10,000 - Current signatures: 523)

Help Show the Faces of Hunger

2008-09-26T18:20:00.001-04:00

The first Freedom from Hunger Day was celebrated on April 28, 2006 with the goal of raising awareness of global hunger and promoting Freedom from Hunger's empowerment of women around the world. But this year, it takes on new meaning as the world witnesses the devestation of the Global Hunger Crisis. A crisis that is about women -- mothers who want nothing more than to be able to feed their families.

For today's Daily Action, help raise awareness of Freedom from Hunger Day and the meaningful ways that everyday people can help women in the fight against hunger. Send an e-card and let the world see the faces of hunger.

i'm taking action

People Who Took Action: 1,039

Help The Gulf Coast Recover From Hurricane Gustav! - A Message From The Oxafam President

2008-09-04T18:20:00.000-04:00

This blog will not be updated very often this month and possibly a bit of next month. Tara is in the process of preparing her boyfriend for driving school, moving, and getting her cats adjusted to their new home at her mothers house in anticipation of being more permanently on the road as a truck driver. Please stay tuned and thank you for the support!

Dear Readers,

Hurricane Gustav struck the Gulf Coast yesterday, damaging fragile communities still recovering from Hurricane Katrina.

Over 2 million people have evacuated the region. Effective government efforts helped save lives, and the damage was less intense in some major metropolitan areas than many feared—but at-risk, low-lying communities are flooded, roofs are torn off, crops are destroyed, and residents face major challenges in rebuilding their lives.

Our staff is already on the ground. We have been there since Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, working closely with 25 organizations in Mississippi and Louisiana, and we will continue to help our local partners provide relief supplies, volunteer labor, and rebuilding assistance. The need is great.

Please donate now and help Gulf Coast residents recover from this disaster.

Gustav took a direct path through vulnerable communities that Oxfam has supported since Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and where rebuilding efforts are still not even halfway finished.

Homes, businesses, community centers, and churches have been damaged in coastal communities, both by high winds and flooding. Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal has called Gustav "a serious storm that has caused major damage."

We just got word from Peg Case, director of TRAC, Oxfam's partner organization in Houma, LA. Houma was directly in the path of the storm, and TRAC is focusing on coordinating the efforts of 30-40 relief organizations—a critical role to ensure an effective response.

Peg is still waiting to hear whether her house is safe, and she expressed concern for bayou communities hit by the storm surge. "We know there's water in there," she told us. "How high, we don't know."

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita have left people significantly more vulnerable to this hurricane. Many are still living in trailers or mobile homes. Their homes are halfway rebuilt, their savings exhausted, and most are unable to purchase insurance. Seniors, poor people, people who are disabled, and immigrants are particularly vulnerable.

Your donation will help more people return to their homes and their lives more quickly.

We will be monitoring the situation as it progresses in the coming days and ensuring your support goes directly to where it's most needed. Stay tuned to www.oxfamamerica.org for the latest updates.

Thank you so much for your generous support at this critical time.

Sincerely,

Raymond C. Offenheiser
President
Oxfam America

American Workers Deserve Better (+ Announcement)

2008-08-29T10:12:00.000-04:00

This blog will not be updated until September 2nd, 2008. Tara is in the process
of preparing her boyfriend for driving school, moving, and getting her cats adjusted to their new home at her mothers house in anticipation of being more permanently on the road as a truck driver. Please stay tuned and thank you for the support!

Sponsor: Care2

The U.S. holiday Labor Day came out of the labor movement as a way to celebrate the contributions of American workers. But this year, it marks another anniversary of our government's failure to pass the Employee Free Choice Act, a bill that would give back the rights that America's workers are too often denied.

The Employee Free Choice Act is a bipartisan legislation that would hold anti-union employers accountable, guarantee workers a fair, simple, direct method for organizing and force employers to stop dragging out contract negotiations.

Workers deserve a free choice and a fair chance to form a union if they want to - without risking their livelihood to do so. It's time to give working families the freedoms and protections they deserve.

This Labor Day, urge your Senator to pass the Employee Free Choice Act and stand up for the rights of American workers!

More about this petition »

Hot Weather Window Tips

2008-08-27T12:55:00.000-04:00

Adapted from Real Goods Solar Living Source Book,edited by Doug Pratt and executive editor John Schaeffer.

The main source of heat gain through windows in the warmer months is from sunlight. Here are some tips for handling the sun that will help keep your house cool.

Install white window shades or mini-blinds. It’s a simple, old-fashioned practice. Mini-blinds can reduce solar heat gain by 40-50 percent.
Close south and west-facing curtains. Do this during the day for any window that lets direct sunlight in. Keep these windows closed, too.
Install awnings
Another good, old-fashioned solution is to install awnings. Awnings work best on south-facing windows where there’s insufficient roof overhang to provide shade. Canvas awnings are more expensive than shades, but they stop the heat on the outside of your building, and they don’t obstruct the view.
Hang tightly-woven screens or bamboo shades outside the window during the summer. They’ll reduce your view, but are inexpensive and stop 60 percent to 80 percent of the sun’s heat from getting to the window.
Plant trees or build a trellis
Deciduous (leaf-bearing) trees planted to the south or particularly to the
west of your building provide valuable shade. One mature shade tree can
provide as much cooling as five air conditioners (although they’re a bit
difficult to transplant at that stage, so the sooner you plant the better).
Deciduous trees block summer sun, but drop their leaves to allow half or
more
of the winter sun’s energy to warm you on clear winter days.
Apply low-e films
Low-e films are thin metal coatings allow the shortwave
radiation of solar energy to pass in, but block most of the long-wave
thermal energy trying to get back out. Low-e films block most solar heat
gain while transmitting most visible light.
(see shop for supplies, below)
Exotic Infills
The other new technology commonly found in new windows is exotic infills.
Instead of filling the space between panes with air, many windows are now
available with argon, or krypton, exotic gas infills that have lower
conductivity than air, and boost R-values. These inert gases occur naturally
in the atmosphere, and are harmless even if the window breaks.

Recapture the Flag

2008-08-24T15:41:00.001-04:00

Sponsored by: Common Cause

It's been a tough few years for "we the people."

The Bush Administration has seized, consolidated and wielded executive power in ways unparalleled in modern American history. And on January 21, 2009, the next president of the United States and the next Congress will confront a host of critical issues created by our leaders under the guise of protecting America from terrorists.

The abuses of power include disregard for fundamental principles of American democracy -- separation of powers and our system of checks-and-balances; politicization of the justice system; grotesque acts of torture; disregard for international laws and institutions; and violations of fundamental civil rights and liberties at home and abroad.

President Bush will leave the White House in a few months, but these problems will remain. Now, and for the foreseeable future, we as a nation must fight to reclaim and preserve our fundamental values of liberty and justice, and ensure that the unprecedented power grabs of recent years don't set a dangerous precedent for the future. We must stop the erosion of our Constitution. We must recapture the flag.

Sign the petition!

Signature goal: 20,000

Current signatures: 5,969

No More Travel Abuses by the Department of Homeland Security!

2008-08-24T01:04:00.000-04:00

Target: U.S. Congress
Sponsored by: American Civil Liberties Union

Traveling shouldn't mean checking your rights when you're checking your luggage. Yet the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) continues to ask Americans to sacrifice more and more of their privacy for an illusion of security.

Among the DHS' offenses are:

1. Security agents who search laptops and other electronics as Americans enter the United States, with no suspicion of wrongdoing.

2. Invasive airport scanners that let agents conduct virtual strip searches of passengers.

3. A terrorist watch list with more than 1 million names on it, growing by 20,000 names per month.

4. A proposal to have every traveler wear an "electro-muscular disruption" bracelet that airline personnel or marshals could use to shock passengers into submission.

These policies are invasive, abusive and ineffective. It's time for some sanity when it comes to security. Tell Congress we need humane, effective reforms that will keep us safe while protecting citizens' dignity.

Sign this petition!

Signature goal: 10,000

Current signatures: 3,294

Beyond Paper: Eco-Friendly Crafts, DIY Fingerpaints & Playdough!

2008-08-21T14:08:00.000-04:00

Today's Quote: Some things are simple and some things you make difficult for yourself.

Lena Rai, Cheboygan, MI
Click to visit her SocialVibe page! =)

By Terri Hall-Jackson, contributing writer, Care 2

Sometimes I think kindergarten teachers should be arrested because of the mounds of paper that are sent home on a daily basis. The father of my child’s preschool buddy looked mortified at me when I said that, but I could wallpaper my entire home with the voluminous amounts of printables and doodles that enter our doorway Monday through Friday, September through June.

I was kidding about the kindergarten teachers, of course. I love, love, love and deeply respect them. And I love seeing my children express themselves artistically. But the extensive use of paper does drive me nuts.

When doing crafts at home, may I suggest going paperless? Or at least recycle paper by creating a bin of paper that is clean on one side for kids to draw, doodle and play games on. If you are interested in crafts that don’t require the use of clean sheets of paper, consider the following activities.

1. Make a mosaic out of scraps of broken tiles, pictures from old magazines, paper scraps, odd cards from board games that are no longer played with. Potential material options are limitless.

2. Instead of using paper, how about making your own recycled paper and holiday cards, using ingredients such as newspaper, junk mail, paper scraps and dried flowers?

3. Check out resourcefulschools.org to learn how to make a kite, woven placemats, book covers and more out of old paper bags.

4. Before dumping items into the trash or recycle containers at home, consider if there’s any potential artistic use for them. A milk container could become a bird feeder. Can you see that baby jar as a snow globe or a paperweight? For more ideas on turning trash into art, check out The Imagination Factory’s Trash Matcher.

By Melissa Breyer, Producer, Care2 Green Living

With summer vacation in full swing, the constant clamoring for more Play-Doh and finger paints may be ringing in your ears. While buying toys that require creativity and young hands rather than batteries is certainly preferable—we have a better idea.

Homemade art and craft materials are all natural, non-commercial, inexpensive to make, eliminate excess packaging, and encourage creativity and resourcefulness. There is a bit of magic in seeing modest kitchen ingredients transformed into toy store favorites—and these recipes are as much fun to make as they are to play with afterwards.

Finger Paints
1 cup cornstarch
1/2 cup water
1/3 cup soap flakes melted with 1/2 cup
boiling water
Juice dyes (see below)

Make your own soap flakes by grating a bar of homemade hand soap (available at your health food store) until you have 1/3 of a cup of soap flakes. Combine the cornstarch, water, and melted soap in a bowl. Stir to blend. Let the mixture set until it has become thick. Divide into separate bowls and stir in juice dyes for color.

Play Dough
1 cup flour
1/2 cup salt
1 cup water
2 tablespoons oil
2 tablespoons cream of tartar

Stir together flour, cream of tartar, salt and oil, and slowly add water. Cook over medium heat stirring frequently until dough becomes stiff. Spread onto wax paper and let cool. Knead the dough with your hands until it reaches a good play dough consistency.

Springy Play Dough
2 cups baking soda
1 1/2 cups water
1 cup cornstarch

Mix with a fork until smooth. Boil over medium heat until thickened. Remove from heat and carefully spread on wax paper, cookie sheet or a plate until cool. Play.

To Add Color or Scent
For an extra sensory addition to your art materials, you can add color and/or fragrance. These additions are food-based and fun!

Adding Color: Juice Dyes
Experiment with different foods: try berries, beets, walnut hulls, cranberries, or tea. Combine 1/4 cup of the food material with 2 cups of water and simmer over low heat for an hour. Strain if necessary and store in a covered, glass jar. You can also use the juice from canned beets, which requires no cooking. Straight turmeric mixed into a paste with a little water will give you a vibrant yellow hue. Once you have your dyes prepared, add to finger paints or divide your play dough into balls and knead in color.

Adding Scent:
This couldn’t be easier, just add a few drops of flavor extract, vanilla or peppermint extract for example, from your spice cupboard.

Take Action!

Are Your Pet’s Expenses Tax Deductible?

Automatically (and for free!) generate $1 for Direct Relief.

Support Free Access to Birth Control!

Broken & Beaten Cat Now Up For Adoption!

7 Foods Banned in Europe - Still In The U.S.!

Scariest Fast Food Breakfasts

Ripped Fish + Overfishing 'Solution'

Five Great Gifts Made From....An Old Coat? That Hideous Sweater? Awesome.

The Dangers of Antibiotics

Vegetarian Bayou Jambalaya Recipe

Sustainable Gardening .101: Small Spaces + Urban Planning

Sustainable Gardening .101: Kitchen Gardens

Attention ZYRTEC Allergy Users!

Happy Earth Day! - 7 Tips For Green Eating

6 Quick Fatigue Fighters

Natural Toothpaste Solutions & Homemade Toothpaste

Milk Alternatives - Recipe Supplement

Milk Alternatives - A Three Part Series, Part III

Raw Milk - A Three Part Series, Part II

Cow Milk - A Three Part Series, Part I

Recipe: Grapefruit Brulee

Salmonella Outbreak and Pets

Euthanasia Alternative: Pet Hospice

Easy Greening: Water Bottles

Power Up Your Diet For 2009

Christmas Tree Safety

Outdoor Winter Fun (+ Notice!)

Feng Shui For Winter Nights

My Favourite Cold & Flu Remedies

Herbal Bath Soothing Cold Remedy

Zesty Cider Cold and Flu Formula

Honey Thyme for Colds and Flu

Herbs for the Flu, Tested By Science

Restorative Roasted Garlic Soup

Garlic Potato Healing Soup Recipe

Grandma’s Healing Soup Recipe

French Healing Tea Recipe

Warming Winter Good Health Tea

Operation Christmas Child

How to Pack a Shoe Box

1. SHOE BOX

2. BOY OR GIRL?

3. FILL WITH GIFTS

4. INCLUDE YOUR DONATION

5. DROP OFF

GIFT IDEAS

NEED LABELS?Click to download.

SHOE BOX LABELS

National Collection Week is November 17-24, 2008.

Homemade Henna Tattoos

World Diabetes Day

Benefits of Biking

Dealing With Obsolete Computers

Time Out: SocialVibe

Limiting Your Java Waste Starts at Home (by Sustainable Dave)

A Quick Voter Guide - Voting Today And Being Prepared!

Top 10 Superfoods for Fall

The Halloween Hangover: Fructose and Your Digestive System

Eco-Halloween Costumes to DIY For!

Real Halloween Treats, Not Sugary Tricks

Protect Pets On Halloween!

Add Your Entry To The Democracy Diaries!

12 Tips to Stretch a Tank of Gas

What's Your Encore Moment?

Teen Dating Violence Prevention

You Are Invited to A Special Online Preview of The 2009 Teen Dating Violence Prevention Campaign

Save Energy: Unplug!

Stop the Eleventh-Hour Assault on Endangered Species

Help Save the Lives of Malnourished Children

'Happy' Halloween from the FDA

Make Election Day a Federal Holiday!

Make the Election About the Issues, Not Character Attacks!

Demand the Clean Energy Future We Deserve

Send an Ecard to Save a Pet

Reducing Exposure to Suspicious Products

Donate or Recycle Your Old Cell Phone

Learn More About Volunteering Abroad with Cross-Cultural Solutions

Have an Herb-tastic Dinner!

What Is Your Peace Quotient?

NEED LABELS?
Click to download.

You Are Invited to A Special Online Preview of
The 2009 Teen Dating Violence Prevention Campaign