I'm a subscriber to organizations that encourage the consumer to "Go Green." My most recent issue of "Energy Times" (available free in your health food store) has an article titled "Green Home, Sound Body" (March 2009, pp. 40-48). Imagine my delight (3/13) when the NBC-TV "Today" show did a segment regarding friendly cleaning products. Click here to actually view.
"Energy Times" is an attractive magazine with lots of valuable information!! You can subscribe for one year, for $10., by sending a check to Marketing Services, P.O. Box 11190, Reno, NV 89510-1190, or phone 1-800-937-0500. For "free," you can receive an online subscription by registering at http://www.energytimes.com/. (Their most recent articles have not been archived.)
The Energy Times referenced article got me where I live: The last point was "Trade in the SUV." Sorry, can't do that!! Payments on a hybrid, or small car, would cost this old lady more than the extra gas consumed. (Sorry!! I'd really like to use less gas!!) But I'm thrifty: I rarely leave home, and I plan all stops for every trip.
Showing posts with label Eco-friendly. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Eco-friendly. Show all posts
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
Paper or plastic?
I'm posting a short message because my itchy, burning, watery, eyes limit my time in front of the computer.
Check their website for further details. I'm listing this message on my blog because I'm super-sensitive about plastic bags!! (So is San Francisco!!) Personally, I have several colorful tote bags that I carry into the market so I don't have to use their plastic bags. If I forget... then I neatly bag the bags and return them to a recycling center. My colorful tote bags came from a Thrift Shop and cost less than a dollar each. We don't have to pay $16. but if we can afford it, it makes a nice statement.
Paper or plastic? As an enlightened Biter, you can say “Neither!” Show off your light-green, sassy style in the checkout line with our custom designed Biter Bags. Made of biodegradable but durable jute (coated with recycled plastic for easy cleaning), these bags will tote your groceries, gym clothes, and farmer’s market finds in true eco-style. Buy a few to keep in the trunk of your car or close to the door so you’re ready for any last-minute errands.
Why care?
Worldwide, more than one million plastic bags are used every minute. In the United States, about 12 million barrels of oil and 14 million trees go to producing plastic and paper bags each year. Each year, about 4 billion plastic bags end up as litter. Just one acre of jute consumes over 13,228 pounds of CO2. Jute was grown in India and is Fair Trade Certified. Bags are designed in the USA. $12 each, plus $3.95 for shipping and handling within the U.S.
Why care?
Worldwide, more than one million plastic bags are used every minute. In the United States, about 12 million barrels of oil and 14 million trees go to producing plastic and paper bags each year. Each year, about 4 billion plastic bags end up as litter. Just one acre of jute consumes over 13,228 pounds of CO2. Jute was grown in India and is Fair Trade Certified. Bags are designed in the USA. $12 each, plus $3.95 for shipping and handling within the U.S.
Check their website for further details. I'm listing this message on my blog because I'm super-sensitive about plastic bags!! (So is San Francisco!!) Personally, I have several colorful tote bags that I carry into the market so I don't have to use their plastic bags. If I forget... then I neatly bag the bags and return them to a recycling center. My colorful tote bags came from a Thrift Shop and cost less than a dollar each. We don't have to pay $16. but if we can afford it, it makes a nice statement.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Get Lean while Eating GREEN !
I never cease to be amazed by the number of web sites I did not know about!! Since I started my "blog," readers have advised me of new and valuable information. This came from http://www.EatRightAmerica.com/ Enjoy!!
Get Lean while Eating GREEN!
Most people have no idea how our choice of food affects global ecology; however, USA Today (Dec. 18) stated that 75% of Americans plan to try to be more GREEN in 2008.
Most of the information on this website deals with the vast health benefits associated with eating the natural diet for humans, but there are many other reasons for eating this way. In addition to being rewarded with vibrant health and effortless & permanent weight loss, you will be doing your part to save the planet. As you may know by now, we are advocating a very nutrient-dense diet, which requires you to dramatically increase your consumption of whole, unrefined, plant-based foods; particularly leafy green vegetables which contain the most nutrients per calorie of any food. As you move in the direction of more plant-based foods in your diet, you will be contributing greatly to:
Saving the Planet
Reducing Cruelty to Animals
Feeding the Children of the World
How so, you might ask? It's really quite simple and it's also very well documented, but for a variety of reasons we will explain later, this knowledge passes through many media filters and never seems to make it to the mainstream public. Here's a few things that you may not know:
Did you know that the raising of livestock for our dinner tables causes 30% more global warming than all of the cars, trucks, airplanes, ships and trains in the world...combined?
Did you know that the amount of fresh water required to produce just ten pounds of steak is enough water to provide for all household uses for a family of four for a full YEAR?
Did you know that you can feed 2,000 plant-eaters on the same amount of land that it requires to feed just 100 people who eat the Standard American Diet (S.A.D.)?
The above facts are well-documented. In a November 2006 U.N. Report entitled Livestock's Long Shadow, it explored in depth the vast amount of damage being done to our planet due to the raising of livestock for food. The report offered few solutions since the authors, like almost everyone else, didn't even consider that a gradual shift to a plant-based diet was even possible, much less advisable. We now know that, not only is it possible, it is scientifically proven to be the healthiest diet that you can eat.
We are not talking vegetarian or vegan, we are simply talking about dramatically increasing the proportion of whole plant-based foods in your diet...for health reasons. Using simple first-grade math, if you increase the amount of plants in your diet, you will naturally decrease the amount of meat and/or dairy. Naturally, as you eat to optimize your health, you will be making a huge contribution to the environment, the animals and the children.
You may be asking yourself right about now, why haven't I heard all of this before. Why didn't Al Gore and the media tell us about that U.N. Report? With all of the hoopla about global warming, you would think that would be big news, wouldn't you? Well, if you stop and think about it, there are trillions of dollars at stake for many industries when you talk about eating fewer animals and more plants. Even though a gradual shift to a plant-based diet would save billions of lives, feed far more people, and do wonderful things for the environment; our entire system is built around sustaining itself and creating more sales and profits for all involved.
In his landmark book, The China Study, Dr. T. Colin Campbell, summed up the environmental questions very succinctly, "It turns out that if we eat the way that promotes the best health for ourselves, we also promote the best health for the planet." In the same book, he tries to explain how the "system" works as it relates to nutrition and the ability of our food choices to make dramatic improvements in our health. Here's how he explains why you haven't heard any of this before:
"There is a wealth of published research that suggests that the diseases of affluence are a result of poor nutrition; not poor genes or bad luck. So why doesn't the medical system take nutrition seriously? Four words: money, power, ego and control. While it is unfair to generalize about individual doctors, it is safe to say that the system they work in, the system that currently takes responsibility for promoting the health of Americans, is failing us. Most, but not all, of the confusion about nutrition is created in legal, fully disclosed ways and is disseminated by unsuspecting, well-intentioned people, whether they are researchers, politicians, or journalists. The entire system--government, science, medicine, industry and media--promotes profits over health, technology over food and confusion over clarity. The most damaging aspect of the system is not sensational, nor is it likely to create much of a stir upon its discovery. It is a silent enemy that few people see and understand."
There are many reasons why you will not soon hear the "truth about nutrition" from your doctor, the truth about food from the evening news, or the truth about the environment from Al Gore or any other politician. But that doesn't mean that you shouldn't learn the truth for yourself. If you truly want to learn more about the environmental, animal rights and political issues, we recommend that you read these very well documented books:
Diet for a New America by John Robbins
Mad Cowboy by Howard Lyman
The China Study by T. Colin Campbell
After reading all of the above, you might then wish to write your congressional representatives urging them to do something about our political system that ignores the very powerful truths that could have such a huge positive impact on health care, global warming, world hunger and cruelty to animals. The solution is so refreshingly simple in its concept yet so unbelievable complex in its execution.
Are you someone who cares about the environment? You may even refer to yourself as an environmentalist; seems like everyone claims to be one these days. You may have a problem after reading the above three books, because once you learn the truth about what is causing many of our environmental problems, you may have trouble continuing to call yourself an environmentalist. That is, unless you start moving away from eating the Standard American Diet consisting of meat, fish and dairy three meals a day.
Good luck and God Bless as you begin to move in the planet-friendly direction of optimal health. Best regards, Jim Hicks
Jim Hicks is a devout follower of Dr. Fuhrman’s Eat For Health dietary program and a very good friend to Eat Right America’s Founders. I would suggest you visit his website http://www.harmonyearth.net/.
Kevin Leville
CEO Eat Right America
Copyright 2007 Nutritional Excellence, LLC. All rights reserved. All material provided on the EatRightAmerica.com website is provided for informational or educational purposes only. Consult a physician regarding the applicability of any opinions or recommendations with respect to your symptoms or medical condition.
Terms of Use Privacy Policy
Get Lean while Eating GREEN!
Most people have no idea how our choice of food affects global ecology; however, USA Today (Dec. 18) stated that 75% of Americans plan to try to be more GREEN in 2008.
Most of the information on this website deals with the vast health benefits associated with eating the natural diet for humans, but there are many other reasons for eating this way. In addition to being rewarded with vibrant health and effortless & permanent weight loss, you will be doing your part to save the planet. As you may know by now, we are advocating a very nutrient-dense diet, which requires you to dramatically increase your consumption of whole, unrefined, plant-based foods; particularly leafy green vegetables which contain the most nutrients per calorie of any food. As you move in the direction of more plant-based foods in your diet, you will be contributing greatly to:
Saving the Planet
Reducing Cruelty to Animals
Feeding the Children of the World
How so, you might ask? It's really quite simple and it's also very well documented, but for a variety of reasons we will explain later, this knowledge passes through many media filters and never seems to make it to the mainstream public. Here's a few things that you may not know:
Did you know that the raising of livestock for our dinner tables causes 30% more global warming than all of the cars, trucks, airplanes, ships and trains in the world...combined?
Did you know that the amount of fresh water required to produce just ten pounds of steak is enough water to provide for all household uses for a family of four for a full YEAR?
Did you know that you can feed 2,000 plant-eaters on the same amount of land that it requires to feed just 100 people who eat the Standard American Diet (S.A.D.)?
The above facts are well-documented. In a November 2006 U.N. Report entitled Livestock's Long Shadow, it explored in depth the vast amount of damage being done to our planet due to the raising of livestock for food. The report offered few solutions since the authors, like almost everyone else, didn't even consider that a gradual shift to a plant-based diet was even possible, much less advisable. We now know that, not only is it possible, it is scientifically proven to be the healthiest diet that you can eat.
We are not talking vegetarian or vegan, we are simply talking about dramatically increasing the proportion of whole plant-based foods in your diet...for health reasons. Using simple first-grade math, if you increase the amount of plants in your diet, you will naturally decrease the amount of meat and/or dairy. Naturally, as you eat to optimize your health, you will be making a huge contribution to the environment, the animals and the children.
You may be asking yourself right about now, why haven't I heard all of this before. Why didn't Al Gore and the media tell us about that U.N. Report? With all of the hoopla about global warming, you would think that would be big news, wouldn't you? Well, if you stop and think about it, there are trillions of dollars at stake for many industries when you talk about eating fewer animals and more plants. Even though a gradual shift to a plant-based diet would save billions of lives, feed far more people, and do wonderful things for the environment; our entire system is built around sustaining itself and creating more sales and profits for all involved.
In his landmark book, The China Study, Dr. T. Colin Campbell, summed up the environmental questions very succinctly, "It turns out that if we eat the way that promotes the best health for ourselves, we also promote the best health for the planet." In the same book, he tries to explain how the "system" works as it relates to nutrition and the ability of our food choices to make dramatic improvements in our health. Here's how he explains why you haven't heard any of this before:
"There is a wealth of published research that suggests that the diseases of affluence are a result of poor nutrition; not poor genes or bad luck. So why doesn't the medical system take nutrition seriously? Four words: money, power, ego and control. While it is unfair to generalize about individual doctors, it is safe to say that the system they work in, the system that currently takes responsibility for promoting the health of Americans, is failing us. Most, but not all, of the confusion about nutrition is created in legal, fully disclosed ways and is disseminated by unsuspecting, well-intentioned people, whether they are researchers, politicians, or journalists. The entire system--government, science, medicine, industry and media--promotes profits over health, technology over food and confusion over clarity. The most damaging aspect of the system is not sensational, nor is it likely to create much of a stir upon its discovery. It is a silent enemy that few people see and understand."
There are many reasons why you will not soon hear the "truth about nutrition" from your doctor, the truth about food from the evening news, or the truth about the environment from Al Gore or any other politician. But that doesn't mean that you shouldn't learn the truth for yourself. If you truly want to learn more about the environmental, animal rights and political issues, we recommend that you read these very well documented books:
Diet for a New America by John Robbins
Mad Cowboy by Howard Lyman
The China Study by T. Colin Campbell
After reading all of the above, you might then wish to write your congressional representatives urging them to do something about our political system that ignores the very powerful truths that could have such a huge positive impact on health care, global warming, world hunger and cruelty to animals. The solution is so refreshingly simple in its concept yet so unbelievable complex in its execution.
Are you someone who cares about the environment? You may even refer to yourself as an environmentalist; seems like everyone claims to be one these days. You may have a problem after reading the above three books, because once you learn the truth about what is causing many of our environmental problems, you may have trouble continuing to call yourself an environmentalist. That is, unless you start moving away from eating the Standard American Diet consisting of meat, fish and dairy three meals a day.
Good luck and God Bless as you begin to move in the planet-friendly direction of optimal health. Best regards, Jim Hicks
Jim Hicks is a devout follower of Dr. Fuhrman’s Eat For Health dietary program and a very good friend to Eat Right America’s Founders. I would suggest you visit his website http://www.harmonyearth.net/.
Kevin Leville
CEO Eat Right America
Copyright 2007 Nutritional Excellence, LLC. All rights reserved. All material provided on the EatRightAmerica.com website is provided for informational or educational purposes only. Consult a physician regarding the applicability of any opinions or recommendations with respect to your symptoms or medical condition.
Terms of Use Privacy Policy
Monday, December 22, 2008
Dreaming of a Green Christmas
By Megan O’Neill
(This is so well written, I couldn't resist sharing it with you. Why should I reinvent the wheel? Personally, I am "keen" on "green"!!)
For a season so focused on family, it’s amazing that, during Christmas, so many of us overlook our Mother Earth: We drive from store to store searching for presents, we travel long distances to attend parties, plus, Americans throw away an estimated one million extra tons of garbage each week between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day! For those who want to celebrate in a more eco-friendly style, we’ve gathered some tips to help you green your holiday traditions.
Burn Cleaner Candles
Most of us love the warm glow of candles come Christmas, in Advent wreaths, the kitchen, and everywhere else in the house. But did you know that some candles can contribute to indoor air pollution? Make sure any candle you purchase has a metal-free wick to avoid releasing lead into the air (that means tossing any you bought before October of 2003, when lead wicks were finally banned). Candles made from beeswax, vegetable wax or soy are also much cleaner burning than those made with paraffin wax, which is a petroleum product. And don’t forget to trim your wick to 1/4” before lighting to limit the amount of smoke that enters the air.
Use Earth-Loving Lights
Deck your house and tree with energy-saving LED (light-emitting diode) lights. You can now find them in every shape, size and color imaginable and they use about 33% less energy than traditional incandescent lights, so they’ll save you money, too. According to a study conducted by the U.S. Department of Energy, if everyone replaced their Christmas lights with LED strings, in just one month, we’d save at least 2 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity—enough to power 200,000 homes for an entire year!
Green Your Evergreen
Each year, over 30 million Christmas trees are uprooted and sold in North America alone. This year, try purchasing a tree that has its roots intact, then planting it in your yard once it has served its seasonal purpose. Another option is to recycle your tree. When you throw your tree into the trash, it ends up occupying valuable landfill space, whereas recycling turns it into wood chips which can be used to mulch gardens and parks. Visit Earth911 and enter your zip code to find a “treecycling” center in your area.
Get In the Carpool Lane
When driving to church, holiday parties, or even the mall for shopping excursions, why not do so with others? You’ll save on gas and reduce your carbon footprint, while spending time with friends and family you may otherwise rarely run into during the hectic holiday season.
A Hostess Gift Worth Giving
Looking for a useful, unique, and thoughtful host or hostess gift? Consider making a donation to an environmental charity. By doing so, you’ll be improving the world while reducing waste—after all, how many bars of soap, hand towels or holiday mugs does one person really need? At JustGive.org, you can search through more than 1 million different charitable organizations, learn more about each, and then purchase gift certificates that recipients can redeem as donations for their charity of choice.
Don’t Toss Old Toys
Kids inevitably outgrow their toys. Instead of tossing what they’re tired of into the trash, why not donate your family’s gently used games, dolls, and other playthings to families who are less fortunate? Bring them to your local Salvation Army thrift store or check with your church to find out if they will be collecting both old and new toys for families in need. Just be sure to only offer up items that are clean and that aren’t missing any pieces or parts.
Be An Earth-Wise Wrap Star
Stocking up on wrapping paper that ends up in piles on the floor and in the trash post unwrapping can be costly, not just for you but for the Earth, as well. Chances are, your friends and family won’t mind if you wrap your gifts in recycled brown paper bags, or newspaper, as it is what’s inside (and the thought!) that counts, right? For wrapping options that are a bit prettier, look for rolls made from recycled paper. You can find some at Fish Lips Paper Designs and Paporganics.com.
Stay Green By Keeping Clean
When the holidays are over and the house guests are all gone, clean up with safer, less-toxic cleaning products. Most cleansers are loaded with chemicals that can be harmful to your health and pollute the water and air. Switching to non-toxic, all natural products (that contain ingredients your grandmother used to clean the house with) is a simple way to be green and clean. Some great brands to look for: Method, Seventh Generation, and Ecover. You can also try your hand at making your own household cleansers by checking out the tips at The Daily Green.
Cut Back on Cards
Reduce paper waste by sending your loved ones E-Cards instead of traditional paper cards. Hallmark.com offers plenty of free options, as do sites like Bluemountain.com and Egreetings.com. If only old-fashioned Christmas cards will cut it for you, look for those that are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council: Cards with the FSC logo on the back are made from recycled paper or from trees that were grown and harvested in a sustainable manner.
I mailed over sixty Christmas cards, personalized with a couple of paragraphs of information. I already had the cards from previous years' "after Christmas" sales so, in essence, I am recycling (right??). I had the Madonna stamps because (two months ago) I had every intention of sending cards and a "newsletter." The newsletter didn't get written because I've been depressed. Frankly, I'm looking forward to January 2nd. Until next time, Lorraine wishing you a blessed Christmas!!
(This is so well written, I couldn't resist sharing it with you. Why should I reinvent the wheel? Personally, I am "keen" on "green"!!)
For a season so focused on family, it’s amazing that, during Christmas, so many of us overlook our Mother Earth: We drive from store to store searching for presents, we travel long distances to attend parties, plus, Americans throw away an estimated one million extra tons of garbage each week between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day! For those who want to celebrate in a more eco-friendly style, we’ve gathered some tips to help you green your holiday traditions.
Burn Cleaner Candles
Most of us love the warm glow of candles come Christmas, in Advent wreaths, the kitchen, and everywhere else in the house. But did you know that some candles can contribute to indoor air pollution? Make sure any candle you purchase has a metal-free wick to avoid releasing lead into the air (that means tossing any you bought before October of 2003, when lead wicks were finally banned). Candles made from beeswax, vegetable wax or soy are also much cleaner burning than those made with paraffin wax, which is a petroleum product. And don’t forget to trim your wick to 1/4” before lighting to limit the amount of smoke that enters the air.
Use Earth-Loving Lights
Deck your house and tree with energy-saving LED (light-emitting diode) lights. You can now find them in every shape, size and color imaginable and they use about 33% less energy than traditional incandescent lights, so they’ll save you money, too. According to a study conducted by the U.S. Department of Energy, if everyone replaced their Christmas lights with LED strings, in just one month, we’d save at least 2 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity—enough to power 200,000 homes for an entire year!
Green Your Evergreen
Each year, over 30 million Christmas trees are uprooted and sold in North America alone. This year, try purchasing a tree that has its roots intact, then planting it in your yard once it has served its seasonal purpose. Another option is to recycle your tree. When you throw your tree into the trash, it ends up occupying valuable landfill space, whereas recycling turns it into wood chips which can be used to mulch gardens and parks. Visit Earth911 and enter your zip code to find a “treecycling” center in your area.
Get In the Carpool Lane
When driving to church, holiday parties, or even the mall for shopping excursions, why not do so with others? You’ll save on gas and reduce your carbon footprint, while spending time with friends and family you may otherwise rarely run into during the hectic holiday season.
A Hostess Gift Worth Giving
Looking for a useful, unique, and thoughtful host or hostess gift? Consider making a donation to an environmental charity. By doing so, you’ll be improving the world while reducing waste—after all, how many bars of soap, hand towels or holiday mugs does one person really need? At JustGive.org, you can search through more than 1 million different charitable organizations, learn more about each, and then purchase gift certificates that recipients can redeem as donations for their charity of choice.
Don’t Toss Old Toys
Kids inevitably outgrow their toys. Instead of tossing what they’re tired of into the trash, why not donate your family’s gently used games, dolls, and other playthings to families who are less fortunate? Bring them to your local Salvation Army thrift store or check with your church to find out if they will be collecting both old and new toys for families in need. Just be sure to only offer up items that are clean and that aren’t missing any pieces or parts.
Be An Earth-Wise Wrap Star
Stocking up on wrapping paper that ends up in piles on the floor and in the trash post unwrapping can be costly, not just for you but for the Earth, as well. Chances are, your friends and family won’t mind if you wrap your gifts in recycled brown paper bags, or newspaper, as it is what’s inside (and the thought!) that counts, right? For wrapping options that are a bit prettier, look for rolls made from recycled paper. You can find some at Fish Lips Paper Designs and Paporganics.com.
Stay Green By Keeping Clean
When the holidays are over and the house guests are all gone, clean up with safer, less-toxic cleaning products. Most cleansers are loaded with chemicals that can be harmful to your health and pollute the water and air. Switching to non-toxic, all natural products (that contain ingredients your grandmother used to clean the house with) is a simple way to be green and clean. Some great brands to look for: Method, Seventh Generation, and Ecover. You can also try your hand at making your own household cleansers by checking out the tips at The Daily Green.
Cut Back on Cards
Reduce paper waste by sending your loved ones E-Cards instead of traditional paper cards. Hallmark.com offers plenty of free options, as do sites like Bluemountain.com and Egreetings.com. If only old-fashioned Christmas cards will cut it for you, look for those that are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council: Cards with the FSC logo on the back are made from recycled paper or from trees that were grown and harvested in a sustainable manner.
I mailed over sixty Christmas cards, personalized with a couple of paragraphs of information. I already had the cards from previous years' "after Christmas" sales so, in essence, I am recycling (right??). I had the Madonna stamps because (two months ago) I had every intention of sending cards and a "newsletter." The newsletter didn't get written because I've been depressed. Frankly, I'm looking forward to January 2nd. Until next time, Lorraine wishing you a blessed Christmas!!
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