May 2008 Archives
blogNails Aren't Just For Painting
By Nicole Ohebshalom, Radiant Living Wellness
As Sara was filling out her nutrition history form, I took a glance at her nails. Her nail beds showed up as thin, concaved, and had raised ridges. I suggested she gets her iron tested. People don't come into a nutrition consultation reporting nail problems but I check them anyway. They offer so many clues to what is going on inside of a person.
Sara returned to our next session with a doctor's report of iron deficiency. Her nails gave us a great lead to not only what is going on with her health but also what nutritious foods to bring into her life to make it healthy and happy. The imperfections that may not look like much to you can provide valuable clues about your overall health to a trained eye.
As Sara was filling out her nutrition history form, I took a glance at her nails. Her nail beds showed up as thin, concaved, and had raised ridges. I suggested she gets her iron tested. People don't come into a nutrition consultation reporting nail problems but I check them anyway. They offer so many clues to what is going on inside of a person.
Sara returned to our next session with a doctor's report of iron deficiency. Her nails gave us a great lead to not only what is going on with her health but also what nutritious foods to bring into her life to make it healthy and happy. The imperfections that may not look like much to you can provide valuable clues about your overall health to a trained eye.
ask mr. greenSoil of Slytherin?
Hi Mr. Green!
We just bought a house in Lake County California and know that much of the soil there is serpentine. I'm looking at various ways to start a garden. One way is in raised beds; another is building a deck garden. I'm curious- could I amend the soil in some way to grow vegetables, flowers, etc. If I can amend how would I do it? I know that Serpentine Soil contains asbestos so digging up the current land would not be a possibility. Can you advise me about this soil?
Thanks for your time,
Tumultuous Topsoil
We just bought a house in Lake County California and know that much of the soil there is serpentine. I'm looking at various ways to start a garden. One way is in raised beds; another is building a deck garden. I'm curious- could I amend the soil in some way to grow vegetables, flowers, etc. If I can amend how would I do it? I know that Serpentine Soil contains asbestos so digging up the current land would not be a possibility. Can you advise me about this soil? Thanks for your time,
Tumultuous Topsoil
blogTreating Cancer with a Green Lifestyle
By Mary Beth Gonzalez, iVillage.com
Do you ever try to put a particularly tough day in perspective and calm yourself by saying "hey, it isn't like I'm curing cancer". As if curing cancer is commonly known to be the toughest task in the world and the act of doing so would justify all extraordinary and self-less efforts. What if you could help prevent cancer in you and your family partially through simple green living? What if this seemingly difficult task was made easier by adopting the principles of adopting an organic and eco-friendly lifestyle? What if you could help prevent cancer by changing the choices you make everyday?
Sound too good to be true? I know. I hear it everyday. People are immediately skeptical. My husband, Dr. Nicholas Gonzalez, has been treating cancer patients for over 20 years with his own medical protocol based on personalized diets, nutritional supplements and a non-toxic, green lifestyle. He can best explain his treatment and results so I'll provide a link to his website where you can find case studies, press, testimonials and details on his protocol.
What you won't find on his website is what you can do yourself to create the safest, least toxic environment possible for you and your family.
Do you ever try to put a particularly tough day in perspective and calm yourself by saying "hey, it isn't like I'm curing cancer". As if curing cancer is commonly known to be the toughest task in the world and the act of doing so would justify all extraordinary and self-less efforts. What if you could help prevent cancer in you and your family partially through simple green living? What if this seemingly difficult task was made easier by adopting the principles of adopting an organic and eco-friendly lifestyle? What if you could help prevent cancer by changing the choices you make everyday?
Sound too good to be true? I know. I hear it everyday. People are immediately skeptical. My husband, Dr. Nicholas Gonzalez, has been treating cancer patients for over 20 years with his own medical protocol based on personalized diets, nutritional supplements and a non-toxic, green lifestyle. He can best explain his treatment and results so I'll provide a link to his website where you can find case studies, press, testimonials and details on his protocol.
What you won't find on his website is what you can do yourself to create the safest, least toxic environment possible for you and your family.
blogHow did Susan Short start Deep Green Living?
By Susan Short, Deep Green Living
My husband and I have a hotel down in Costa Rica, and I am responsible for all the environmental aspects of the property. Our dream was to create a comfortable retreat where guests could experience living in harmony with the local ecology. To this end, I formed a team and we started by focusing on issues such as water conservation and how to foster wildlife through our garden design. The process has grown and evolved, and so many exciting have been implemented, all in response to constantly asking ourselves "How can we enjoy this special place without ruining it? How can we conserve, protect and possibly even nurture something more vibrant?"
After two years of learning and working in Costa Rica, I returned home to NYC inspired to look at my home environment through a new lens. I didn't see the city as being separate from 'nature'. I was acutely aware that our everyday actions are impacting the people, plants and animals around us - not to mention our air quality, water quality and the global climate.
My husband and I have a hotel down in Costa Rica, and I am responsible for all the environmental aspects of the property. Our dream was to create a comfortable retreat where guests could experience living in harmony with the local ecology. To this end, I formed a team and we started by focusing on issues such as water conservation and how to foster wildlife through our garden design. The process has grown and evolved, and so many exciting have been implemented, all in response to constantly asking ourselves "How can we enjoy this special place without ruining it? How can we conserve, protect and possibly even nurture something more vibrant?"
After two years of learning and working in Costa Rica, I returned home to NYC inspired to look at my home environment through a new lens. I didn't see the city as being separate from 'nature'. I was acutely aware that our everyday actions are impacting the people, plants and animals around us - not to mention our air quality, water quality and the global climate.
ask mr. greenThe Greenest Generation?
Dear Mr. Green,
I'm a child of the Great Depression, a World War II veteran and of a generation that seems to have already embraced "green" since before it was fashionable. Growing up with very little money, we always had to be conservative. My mother would make our clothes and then we would make those clothes last what seemed a lifetime, passing them on to younger members of our family for years! We knew the real value of a neighbor was not in the friendly competition that keeps our lawns greener than the others but in the helping hands we could lend each other. I understand that the newer generations have a lot more "fun" than we had when I was growing up with video games and I even enjoy indulging with my grand kids from time to time, but what I'm wondering is where did the disconnect happen between my generation and the new?
Signed,
Green Old Timer
I'm a child of the Great Depression, a World War II veteran and of a generation that seems to have already embraced "green" since before it was fashionable. Growing up with very little money, we always had to be conservative. My mother would make our clothes and then we would make those clothes last what seemed a lifetime, passing them on to younger members of our family for years! We knew the real value of a neighbor was not in the friendly competition that keeps our lawns greener than the others but in the helping hands we could lend each other. I understand that the newer generations have a lot more "fun" than we had when I was growing up with video games and I even enjoy indulging with my grand kids from time to time, but what I'm wondering is where did the disconnect happen between my generation and the new?
Signed,
Green Old Timer
blogGreen Grillers
By Nicole Ohebshalom, Radiant Living Wellness
This Memorial Day weekend grillers across the country are being dusted off. It's May, the spring season is in full gear and the summer heat is just around the corner. It is the mark of the backyard barbeques and outdoor parties. Vegetarians to omnivores are shopping for just about everything they want to eat. Whether you're grilling a simple dinner on the deck or heading out for a picnic on the beach, everyone wants to serve fresh delicious dishes for their guest and themselves. When I think of fresh tasty foods, clearly one of the first thoughts that come to mind is farmer's market. My local greenmarket, is just blocks away from my apartment (yes, I realize I'm extraordinarily lucky and grateful for it.) I can confidently say that you can't beat the taste, quality and often price of grocery shopping at the greenmarket. It encourages me to taste new things, get creative when cooking and get to know where my food's coming from, always a bonus.
This Memorial Day weekend grillers across the country are being dusted off. It's May, the spring season is in full gear and the summer heat is just around the corner. It is the mark of the backyard barbeques and outdoor parties. Vegetarians to omnivores are shopping for just about everything they want to eat. Whether you're grilling a simple dinner on the deck or heading out for a picnic on the beach, everyone wants to serve fresh delicious dishes for their guest and themselves. When I think of fresh tasty foods, clearly one of the first thoughts that come to mind is farmer's market. My local greenmarket, is just blocks away from my apartment (yes, I realize I'm extraordinarily lucky and grateful for it.) I can confidently say that you can't beat the taste, quality and often price of grocery shopping at the greenmarket. It encourages me to taste new things, get creative when cooking and get to know where my food's coming from, always a bonus.
blogGreen Anxiety
By Mary Beth Gonzalez, iVillage.com
I think I'm making myself sick. When I'm not thinking about new ways to go green, I'm thinking about how to get rid of the things in my life that aren't green. As my green options have increased, so does my anxiety over making my life even greener.
Seven years ago, when I first started learning how to live an eco-friendly lifestyle, green products and information on how to go green were not easily available. There were just a few local options for where to get local and organic food, and only a few companies (many online or catalog companies) who made non-toxic cleaning supplies, natural personal care products and organic sheets/towels. Back then, finding low VOC paint, reverse osmosis water filters, natural carpeting, natural fiber clothing and sustainable furniture was very difficult. Yet, committed as I was to this eco-lifestyle, I searched out and found the few, true, green companies and just resolved myself to knowing that I was doing my best.
I think I'm making myself sick. When I'm not thinking about new ways to go green, I'm thinking about how to get rid of the things in my life that aren't green. As my green options have increased, so does my anxiety over making my life even greener.
Seven years ago, when I first started learning how to live an eco-friendly lifestyle, green products and information on how to go green were not easily available. There were just a few local options for where to get local and organic food, and only a few companies (many online or catalog companies) who made non-toxic cleaning supplies, natural personal care products and organic sheets/towels. Back then, finding low VOC paint, reverse osmosis water filters, natural carpeting, natural fiber clothing and sustainable furniture was very difficult. Yet, committed as I was to this eco-lifestyle, I searched out and found the few, true, green companies and just resolved myself to knowing that I was doing my best.
ask mr. greenGreen Tween Projects
Dear Mr. Green,
I am ten years old and would really love to help save the environment. But I need some ideas how. I always turn the water off when brushing my teeth, and I recycle cans and bottles, even ones I find on the street. I am energy efficient. I turn off the lights when I leave a room. Sometimes I even do stuff in my room with the light off, the only thing lighting my room is the bright sun streaming from the windows. But I still don't feel like I am doing enough. I feel like I should be doing more than I am. I feel like I am being just plain lazy. I really want to help save the environment, and I'm doing whatever I can think of, but it's not enough. I need to do something different. Something that really makes me feel like I just saved some green. I need some ideas, please.
Sincerely,
Granola Girl
I am ten years old and would really love to help save the environment. But I need some ideas how. I always turn the water off when brushing my teeth, and I recycle cans and bottles, even ones I find on the street. I am energy efficient. I turn off the lights when I leave a room. Sometimes I even do stuff in my room with the light off, the only thing lighting my room is the bright sun streaming from the windows. But I still don't feel like I am doing enough. I feel like I should be doing more than I am. I feel like I am being just plain lazy. I really want to help save the environment, and I'm doing whatever I can think of, but it's not enough. I need to do something different. Something that really makes me feel like I just saved some green. I need some ideas, please.
Sincerely,
Granola Girl
blogLosing The Belly Rolls with Whole Grains
By Nicole Ohebshalom, Radiant Living Wellness
More brown rice, please!
New research shows that filling up on whole grains may be better for your belly as well as your heart. A recent clinical study at Penn State reports that whole grains have helped dieters lose more abdominal fat and improve levels of inflammation that are linked to reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The researchers in the Penn State study recruited 50 obese adults who live with a metabolic syndrome. Two groups were created. One group focused on whole grains, and the other group consumed refined grains. Both groups received the same dietary advice on weight loss and exercise.
The study found those who trimmed calories and increased their whole-grain intake shed more belly fat and lowered their blood levels of C-reactive protein (CRP). CRP is a chronic, low-level inflammation in the blood levels. When CRP and abdominal fat are in excess there is a link to heart attack and stroke. In this study, the scale of C-reactive protein reduction in the whole-grain group was similar to that seen with the use of statin drugs. More proof of how powerful our diets are to the health and happiness in our life.
More brown rice, please!
New research shows that filling up on whole grains may be better for your belly as well as your heart. A recent clinical study at Penn State reports that whole grains have helped dieters lose more abdominal fat and improve levels of inflammation that are linked to reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The researchers in the Penn State study recruited 50 obese adults who live with a metabolic syndrome. Two groups were created. One group focused on whole grains, and the other group consumed refined grains. Both groups received the same dietary advice on weight loss and exercise.
The study found those who trimmed calories and increased their whole-grain intake shed more belly fat and lowered their blood levels of C-reactive protein (CRP). CRP is a chronic, low-level inflammation in the blood levels. When CRP and abdominal fat are in excess there is a link to heart attack and stroke. In this study, the scale of C-reactive protein reduction in the whole-grain group was similar to that seen with the use of statin drugs. More proof of how powerful our diets are to the health and happiness in our life.
blogGo Ahead, Be Selfish
By Maggie Shi, iVillage.com
So I admit I'm not the greenest person in the world. I still use plastic grocery bags. I drink bottled water. Sometimes I forget to turn my computer monitor off at the end of the day, and I rarely remember to use the blue recycle bin when I'm throwing out papers at work. I'm certainly in favor of saving energy, reducing waste, saving the world and all that. These are, unquestionably, good things. But truthfully, sometimes I'm just too lazy or too... selfish (there, I said it) to actually do all the good stuff I'm supposed to. And you know what? I suspect I'm not alone. I'm sure there are others of you out there who are still using energy-hogging incandescent light bulbs and are guzzling down $9 bottles of Poland Spring with reckless abandon.
But here's what I say: Embrace your inner selfishness, because while you're doing good deeds for yourself, you can still live a greener life. For example: Buying locally grown food. I'm lucky enough to have a farmers' market right across the street from my home; the produce and other goods I find there are fresher and cheaper than the soggy celery and limp lettuce that are in the grocery store nearby. The payoff? I get higher-quality produce at a lower price, while helping to preserve rural land by supporting small local farmers who practice sustainable farming. Plus, many of the goods for sale are naturally grown and some are organic, which brings me to my next selfish act: buying organic.
So I admit I'm not the greenest person in the world. I still use plastic grocery bags. I drink bottled water. Sometimes I forget to turn my computer monitor off at the end of the day, and I rarely remember to use the blue recycle bin when I'm throwing out papers at work. I'm certainly in favor of saving energy, reducing waste, saving the world and all that. These are, unquestionably, good things. But truthfully, sometimes I'm just too lazy or too... selfish (there, I said it) to actually do all the good stuff I'm supposed to. And you know what? I suspect I'm not alone. I'm sure there are others of you out there who are still using energy-hogging incandescent light bulbs and are guzzling down $9 bottles of Poland Spring with reckless abandon.
But here's what I say: Embrace your inner selfishness, because while you're doing good deeds for yourself, you can still live a greener life. For example: Buying locally grown food. I'm lucky enough to have a farmers' market right across the street from my home; the produce and other goods I find there are fresher and cheaper than the soggy celery and limp lettuce that are in the grocery store nearby. The payoff? I get higher-quality produce at a lower price, while helping to preserve rural land by supporting small local farmers who practice sustainable farming. Plus, many of the goods for sale are naturally grown and some are organic, which brings me to my next selfish act: buying organic.
blogThink Being a Mom Means All Work and No Play?
By Nicole Walters, GreenisUniversal.com
Just in time for Mother's Day, let's explore the sensual side of green. If the mating habits of insects like the earthworm, bee and dragon fly can be sensual, that is. Who better than hot mama, Isabella Rossellini, to dress up in bug costumes and explore the "strange and scandalous ways that insects copulate"? Lest you think she is just the pretty face in this short film series, you would do well to know that Green Porno (yes, that is the name!) was also conceived, written and co-directed by Rossellini. The series was recently featured at the Sundance, Berlin and Tribeca Film
Festivals where audiences were left shocked and, quite like myself, in stitches.
Now you will get to enjoy it too - and without the prying eyes of other audience members as you watch the series on your iPhone, iPod, Zune, cell phone, or home computer.
Just in time for Mother's Day, let's explore the sensual side of green. If the mating habits of insects like the earthworm, bee and dragon fly can be sensual, that is. Who better than hot mama, Isabella Rossellini, to dress up in bug costumes and explore the "strange and scandalous ways that insects copulate"? Lest you think she is just the pretty face in this short film series, you would do well to know that Green Porno (yes, that is the name!) was also conceived, written and co-directed by Rossellini. The series was recently featured at the Sundance, Berlin and Tribeca Film
Festivals where audiences were left shocked and, quite like myself, in stitches.
Now you will get to enjoy it too - and without the prying eyes of other audience members as you watch the series on your iPhone, iPod, Zune, cell phone, or home computer.
blogThe Ultimate Green Mother's Day Gift
By Mary Beth Gonzalez, iVillage.com
Here at iVillage, we hear a lot about what Moms really want. And it isn't jewelry or a scarf or even breakfast in bed. What Mom really, really wants is a good night's sleep!
Mom has a lot on her mind at night and while we cannot make all Mom's worries or her To Do list go away this Mother's Day, we can help create the ultimate, environmentally-friendly, non-toxic, sleep environment so when her head does hit the pillow, she can have the best night's sleep of her life, every night.
Here are a few suggestions for the Ultimate Green Mother's Day Gift:
Here at iVillage, we hear a lot about what Moms really want. And it isn't jewelry or a scarf or even breakfast in bed. What Mom really, really wants is a good night's sleep!
Mom has a lot on her mind at night and while we cannot make all Mom's worries or her To Do list go away this Mother's Day, we can help create the ultimate, environmentally-friendly, non-toxic, sleep environment so when her head does hit the pillow, she can have the best night's sleep of her life, every night.
Here are a few suggestions for the Ultimate Green Mother's Day Gift:
ask mr. greenWho Is Your Daddy and What Is He To Do?
Dear Mr. Green,
I'm an eco-minded family man, looking for an eco-friendly way to spend Mother's Day with my wife and kids. I know all about the "stuff" I can buy her that leaves less of a carbon footprint on the earth, like recycled gold jewelry and fresh, locally grown flowers, but after all the recycled wrapping paper has been torn, what can we do as a family to celebrate the mother of us all - Mother Earth?
Signed,
Mama's Boy
blogThe Hunt for Answers is Over
As Earth Week rounded out, Our Eco Fact Finder Treasure Hunt also met its end. We promised prizes, and they'll be delivered shortly to the lucky winners (no packing peanuts!). We also promised answers, so here they are:
Day 1
Question: How many plastic bottles per day do Americans toss into landfills?
Answer: 30 million
Day 2
Question: What is one example of eco-friendly fabric?
Answers: organic cotton, soybean protein fiber, sasawashi, bamboo
blogThe Eco-Savvy Mother's Recipe
By Nicole Ohebshalom, Radiant Living Wellness
Who doesn't want to raise healthy kids and give them the best possible start in life? If you are a new mother you are probably beginning to make many new decisions. A very important decision is to decide what environment you want your baby to be raised in. Adequate nutrition is vital to keep your babies growth and health on track. Babies need more nutrients than adults because of their growing bodies. The best choice for your baby and the environment is to live consciously.
Take the plunge and begin pureeing all sorts of food!
Who doesn't want to raise healthy kids and give them the best possible start in life? If you are a new mother you are probably beginning to make many new decisions. A very important decision is to decide what environment you want your baby to be raised in. Adequate nutrition is vital to keep your babies growth and health on track. Babies need more nutrients than adults because of their growing bodies. The best choice for your baby and the environment is to live consciously.
Take the plunge and begin pureeing all sorts of food!
ask mr. greenTake Life's Lemons... And Clean With Them?
Dear Mr. Green,
After a lifetime of mess, I have finally hired the best cleaning woman in the universe! Sadly, she believes that bleach is the answer to everything, even my laundry! How do I teach her there are better ways to clean without using such toxic chemicals?
All the Best,
Messy Missy
