May 2008 Archives
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
