Raw Food Diet: How Many Percent Raw Do We Have to Eat to be Considered a Raw Foodist?

Author: Linda Loo

The word "percent", has been mentioned continuously in the raw food world. We hear it all the time - 100% raw, 90% raw, or 75% raw...

Sometimes its as if 100% is some kind of a destination, and once we get there, its Hooray, but its almost a shame if we ever leave.

In actual fact, raw foodism is NOT a destination. Rather, it is a process of discovery.

Discovery about ourselves, how our body works and ultimately how we affect others around us.

You may already know that eating live foods instead of processed, "dead" foods, frees the body of unnecessary burdens and feeds essential nutrients to your cells.

And so for instance, if we used to eat a breakfast of microwaved pancakes with butter, but we now switch to fresh bananas with nut butter, a number of things are going to happen:

First of all, our digestive organs do not have to deal with the complex carbohydrates, processed sugar and saturated fats from the pancakes.

Hence, the body will not feel the slight comatose (its still slight because the day just began!) which usually comes after eating a starchy/fats/processed sugar combination.

Second, we are not eating microwaved ie. chemically altered foods, anymore. The impact of chemically altered foods are at worst damaging to our cells, and at best unknown!

Yes, Science has not yet uncovered the full spectrum of detriment which DNA altered foods can do to our bodies.

Third, we are flooding our bodies with first-hand natural sugars, nutrients and live enzymes from the bananas/nut butter combo.

These require less effort to assimilate (compared to the pancakes) and nourishment is delivered straight to our cells.

As a result, we feel full, energetic, alive and happy! We are now reaping the benefits of a raw food diet.

The benefits of a raw food diet can be enjoyed by taking in as many raw foods as possible.

It doesn't mean you have to be 100%, or 90%, it doesn't even have to be a percentage. Being 100% raw may not even be an appropriate goal for you in the first place. Just go at your own pace.

A person can be a 100% raw foodist, but totally unhealthy because he is overeating only a specific type of food and thus missing out on other valuable nutrients.

Or she could be overeating nuts and oils, have digestive disorders and thus suffer more from weight issues than ever!

These examples would definitely not see those incredible health benefits often raved about in the raw food world.

And does it mean that if we ever fall off from the 100% mark, we berate ourselves and take off in the opposite direction altogether?

Absolutely not! Raw foods, remember, is an on-going journey. It is an amazing process where you discover about yourself.

And it all begins with discovering how the foods you eat can affect you physiologically, emotionally and spiritually.

As long as we are mindful to eat as much unaltered, raw and fresh organic foods as we can get our hands on, we are on the right track.

So, Raw Foodism re-defined:

A Raw Foodist can be someone who acknowledges that foods he/she eat have an impact on him/her, and strives to give him/herself the best possible nutrients out of every meal.

Relax, enjoy your food and start living your life :)

(C)Copyright 2008, Linda Loo

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/nutrition-articles/raw-food-diet-how-many-percent-raw-do-we-have-to-eat-to-be-considered-a-raw-foodist-592573.html

About the Author
Linda has always been passionate about the Science of Nutrition for beauty, weight-loss, energy & longevity. She is also a successful Raw Foodist & Certified Raw Food Chef and is ever so delighted to share this gift of knowledge with fellow health enthusiasts! Visit http://rawfoodlifestyles.com/ for more free juicy information on how you can eat your way to a flawless complexion, a sexy body, AND abundant energy now!

Green Your Life With Eco-Friendly Resolutions For 2010

As 2010 quickly arrives,
here is a link to help inspire
you to make a list of green resolutions!

10 Eco-Friendly New Year Resolutions

Are Body Creams Healthy?

Author: Joan Gosselin

What if I told you that your body creams might be harmful to your health? The chemical additives contained in most of the popular body lotion and creams might not cause you any problems directly, but they are not the only chemicals that you’re exposed to every day. It’s the way that these components interact which may present the greatest health risk.

Body creams and other cosmetic products should not contain possibly harmful ingredients, but they do. It should be mandatory by law that the cosmetics companies stop using chemicals in the products that we put on our bodies. These chemicals enter our bodies through our skin, and can then cause a myriad of problems.

The same chemicals found in body lotion and creams have been found in breast milk, and in the children who ingested the milk. Some of these chemicals have been linked to birth defects, and even cancer. If nothing else, there should be some kind of moral obligation on the part of the manufacturers to not include ingredients that could be harmful to their loyal customer’s health.

The Environmental Protection Agency and the state of California list Phthalates, Formaldehyde, Ethylene Oxide, and Acrylamide as both known carcinogens and as reproductive toxins. These problems are sharply on the rise in the human population. These poisons have been seen to have an effect on animal and aquatic life as well.

All of these ingredients can be found in most of the body creams found on the cosmetics shelves today. You can also find Mercury in mascara, and Lead in lipstick. There are also Dioxins, which are chlorinated chemical derivatives known to increase the likelihood of cancer.

Since the use of chemicals is such a prevalent part of our daily lives, it would be next to impossible not to receive at least a measure of exposure. You shouldn’t have to expect that contact to come from your body lotion and creams though.

One way to be sure of the purity of the ingredients found in your body creams is to find a cosmetics company that has signed the “Compact for Safe Cosmetics”. This is an agreement brought about by the European Union as a way to guarantee the quality of cosmetic products. Europe’s regulations on chemical use in body creams are far stricter than those in the United States.

Some other ingredients that are not advisable for body lotion and creams are liquid Petrolatum (Mineral oil) and alcohol. Petrolatum will make your skin feel moister initially, but it is not absorbable by the skin and will result in clogged pores. You should avoid products containing alcohol simply because of the drying effect.

Instead, you should look for body lotion and creams containing organic ingredients such as jojoba wax, olive oil, and grape seed oil. These ingredients all are high in antioxidant properties, and contain vitamins like B5. These qualities will offer you protection from free radical damage, and will help to protect your skin from the damaging rays of the sun.

If you look hard enough for your body creams, you can find the health and purity that you deserve.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/skin-care-articles/are-body-creams-healthy-515674.html

About the Author:
Joan is a natural health enthusiast and researcher with a keen interest in skin care. She is a regular contributor to www.good-healthy-skin-site.com, a site dedicated to natural anti-aging skin care treatments.

Eco-Friendly Flour Sack Kitchen Towels and Napkins

This vintage tractor embroidery design was featured on a flour sack dish towel that was made by Vicki Adamski, local artisan at the Antigo, Wisconsin, Farmers' Market. The towel is extra large and super absorbent, my #1 piece for drying dishes.

To cut down on paper disposal, replace your paper towel and paper napkins with flour sack napkins. OR check out the fun Fabkins, cloth napkins for kids. I'm no kid but I like these Garden Friends fabkins!

Paper Towels & Napkins vs. Cloth

Jojoba Oil....liquid Gold

Author: Gregg Waldron

The Jojoba plant, pronounced ho-ho-bah, grows in the deserts of the Southwestern U.S. and Mexico. The plant produces a bean pod that when heated, secretes an oil. Actually, the oil is really a wax that becomes liquid at room temperature. The oil has a similar chemical make-up to the sebum oil that our skin produces naturally. Jojoba oil is one of the most easily absorbed oils found. It is biodegradale and non-toxic.

Because of the amazing properties of Jojoba, it is commonly used in skin care and hair products. In fact, Native Americans have used Jojoba oil for centuries for everything from a treatment for cuts, to sunburn relief.

The benefits of jojoba on the skin are numerous. It penetrates the skin rapidly and helps reduce water loss. It can clean clogged pores and restore the skin"s natural pH balance. It can help reduce wrinkles and minimize stretch marks. Jojoba is also very helpful in treating eczema, acne and many other skin problems. It can help fight skin surface roughness, flakiness and fine lines.

Most people would assume that an oil would make their acne worse, but this is not the case with jojoba oil. Because of jojoba's unique molecular structure, it mixes nicely with the skin's natural oils. Jojoba's anti-bacterial properties help inhibit the growth of acne causing bacteria.

Jojoba is also very beneficial to hair. It is a natural moisturizer and conditioner because it's structure is so similar to the natural oil produced by the sebaceous glands in the scalp. Jojoba oil is able to penetrate the hair shaft to loosen and dissolve sebum build-up.

Jojoba oil continues to show what a great discovery it has been. It is helping people all over the world improve the looks of their skin and hair. Be it in skin care products or in hair care products, jojoba is an essential part of the personal care industry.

Article Source: http://67.212.166.35/skin-care-articles/jojoba-oilliquid-gold-266755.html

About the Author:
Gregg Waldron lives in Phoenix Arizona with his family. He is a published author and owner of Desert Soap Company. www.allnatural-soap.com

The Many Health Benefits Of Coconut Oil

Author: Dianne Ronnow

Have you heard about coconut oil yet? People are adding coconut oil to their diets and are getting incredible results. They are losing weight, getting more energy, and getting healthier.

Coconut oil is safe to use, and does not turn to fat in your body. It raises the metabolism, so you burn more fat and have more energy. It does not increase your cholesterol, but actually helps lower it. Coconut oil is wonderful diet addition for just about everyone.

Coconut oil is full of healthy benefits. Next to mother's milk, it is nature's highest source of medium chain fatty acids (MTC's), which raise the body's metabolism, leading to weight loss. It has fatty acids such as lauric acid and monoglycerides, similar to mother's breast milk.

When lauric acid is consumed in the body, whether through mother's milk or coconut oil, it enhances the immune system to help the body fight infections, diseases, bad bacteria and yeast invasions. Lauric aid is known to be anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial.

Coconut oil raises the metabolism, which helps people who are trying to lose weight and people suffering from thyroid problems. Coconut stabilizes the blood sugar levels, helping with diabetes. It also protects the heart cells from damage.

Coconut oil helps relieve the symptoms of menopause, and pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS). Many women who suffer the effects of PMS have found the symptoms lessened when coconut oil was consumed often in their diet.

Coconut oil does not raise cholesterol. Studies have shown that people who use coconut oil have lower cholesterol than those who do not, even when the people consuming coconut also eat other high cholesterol foods like eggs and meat.

Coconut oil smells good, tastes pleasant and is so good for our bodies that some people consume it straight, by the tablespoon, and use it in place of other oils on their salads. Many people also use it as an ingredient when juicing or making smoothies.

If all this good news isn't enough, coconut oil one of the best things you can apply directly on your skin and hair. It not only gives temporary relief to skin problems like rashes, but it aids in healing and restoring skin to a younger appearance. It has also been known to help with people who suffer from yeast infections in the skin, and there is solid research that shows the MCTs in coconut oil do overcome yeast infections. Coconut oil also makes an excellent massage oil.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/the-many-health-benefits-of-coconut-oil-16288.html

About the Author:
By Dianne Ronnow, © 2005 Mohave Publishing. From the FREE ebook on coconut oil found at Coconut-Oil-Diet.com. Discover the secrets of coconut oil and weight loss at http://Coconut-Oil-Diet.com now!

Happy Earth Day! Take A Walk On The Green Side..

Just in time for Earth Day...

Check out my
Take A Walk On The Green Side
merchandise!

Green Your Life Store

Order your one-of-a-kind Take A Walk on the Green Side t-shirt here!
Check out all the fun merchandise here

A Great Green Wedding

Author: Paige Green

A great green wedding

Dressed in white can have a green twist. There are a number of ways to make your perfect day as environmentally friendly as possible. Here are some important ideas to consider for a great green wedding:

Invitations - everyone knows that the right paper stock is one of the most important decisions you can make when it comes to pre wedding day planning. But instead of going for a heavy card stock with environmentally damaging gloss or matte, consider if you need to have paper invitations at all!

Many wedding websites have sprung up to allow couples to plan their day and give guests all the information they need in paper saving electronic format. Couples can upload photos, tell their special story and direct guests to their registry on line. Many also have an RSVP feature so you can manage your list with a few clicks of the mouse. You and your mother can argue over background colours and menu patterns to your hearts 'content!

Dress - The right dress makes the memories. That doesn't mean you need to spend a small fortune (not to mention create a heavy environmental cost) with a tailor made piece that will just sit in your wardrobe for years to come. Consider vintage pieces or family pieces, there is nothing more sentimental to your mother, than walking down the aisle in same dress she wore back in the day. (You can tailor and amend it to suit your own taste and fashion of course!) Meanwhile, some companies create beautiful custom made pieces from sustainable fabrics , such as hemp, bamboo or organic cotton. Some even "upcycle" older gowns.

Gifts - Do you really want to face the possibility of ending up with two chip dippers or a variety of toasters that you'll have some trouble returning? You can use your special day to promote some well deserving charities and eco causes. Ask your guests to make a donation to your favourite in lieu of presents, then you can be sure you're getting the exact model of kettle you want!

Flowers - Consider the season when picking your flower arrangements. Out of season arrangements are often shipped from overseas adding to miles and emissions. There are also a number of issues regarding the ethics of the cut flower industry, with many sources citing cheap labour and unfair work conditions. Australia is abundant with beautiful species of wattles, banksias and colourful kangaroo paws for a truly unique look. Better yet, go organic!

Food - Organic caterers are all the rage. They provide some of the best food that you know is pesticide free and delightfully delicious. Look for a baker that uses organic eggs and flour and other sustainable ingredients.

Venue and transport - Pick a venue that's easy to get to and encourage your guests to carpool, or better yet, provide some shuttle bus transport yourself. Having the reception in the same place as the ceremony also cuts down on travel and emissions.

Rings - Eco is a girl's best friend. Lots of great companies "up cycle" jewellery from older pieces. Take in an old family heirloom and have it recrafted to create your own one of a kind piece.

Find more green wedding ideas from the Green Pages, Australia's number one green directory.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/weddings-articles/a-great-green-wedding-773848.html

About the Author:
Australia's number one green directory and environmental news source at www.thegreenpages.com.au

I love Laundry Berries! Soap Nuts-100% Natural Laundry Detergent

Have you discovered Laundry Berries yet?
This is all I wash my laundry with now!
Super cost effective and all natural.

$10 + $3.50 S&H
6 0z Laundry Berries/Soap Nuts
Includes drawstring bag & instructions!

6 0z package = 60 loads of wash!

Washing Laundry with Soap Nuts/Laundry Berries.

It does not get much simpler. Doing laundry can even be fun! Really.

Most laundry detergents on the shelves of our supermarkets contain numerous chemical substances, synthetic dyes, fragrances and fillers. These chemical substances are effective in deeply penetrating our clothes - cleaning, sanitizing and scenting them. However, these same chemicals build up in our clothes and linens and transfer to our skin leading to short term and/or long term skin troubles for some individuals. They break down fabric fibers and fade colors and they are harmful to our environment. Soap Nuts are simply a better way.

Basic Laundry Directions: The simplest, most common and traditional method of washing laundry with soap nuts is by using the raw nuts in a drawstring bag, and simply tossing the bag in with your laundry.

Can I use soapnuts in my high-efficiency (or front loading) washing machine?
Absolutely! In fact, because they don’t create many suds, soapnuts are great for high-efficiency (HE, or front-loading) washers! A front-loading washing machine requires a special detergent, called HE detergent, to allow it to clean your laundry properly. HE detergent is unique because it doesn’t produce lots of suds like regular detergent does.

Soapnuts are naturally a low-sudsing product — with no added fillers, dyes or chemicals to create bubbles in the wash. But even without the bubbles, you will find that the soapnuts will thoroughly clean your laundry.

Warm or Hot Water Wash:
Put 4 or 5 soap nut shells or equivalent pieces, about a half-ounce, in cotton or muslin drawstring bag and tie bag securely.

Toss in washing machine before you add your clothes.

Remove from washer at end of the wash to dry (leave soap nuts in bag).

Re-use the same soap nuts 3 to 5 times (or more). The soap nuts are no longer effective when they become thin, mushy and very light tan or gray. You can then toss them on your compost heap because soap nuts are naturally biodegradeable. Keep the muslin bag and reuse.

Cold Water Wash:
Simply make a cup of soap nut 'tea' by soaking 4 or 5 bagged soap nuts in a cup of very hot water for approximately 3 minutes.

Pour both the soap nuts liquid and bag in wash.

Remove from washer at end of the wash to dry (leave soap nuts in bag).

Re-use 3 to 5 times (or more). Soap nuts are no longer effective when they thin, turn soft, mushy and very light tan or gray.

Get started with Laundry Berries today!

6 oz Laundry Berries/Soap Nuts
$10.00 + $3.50 S&H

6 oz = 60 Loads of Wash!

Take A Walk On The Green Side. Eco-Friendly Items. Green Your Life Store.

Check out my "Take A Walk On The Green Side" items. Click on links to see up close.

• Take A Walk On The Green Side-Tote Bag

Fun Stuff

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Eight Green Gift Ideas

Author: Virginia Ginsburg
Copyright (c) 2008 Virginia Ginsburg

Giving green gifts is increasingly popular, as it provides an opportunity for your gift to stand out from the crowd and make a positive impact on the Earth.

When giving a green gift, you have to consider several elements, including the gift itself, its source, its packaging, and the company providing it. These elements all make an impact on the Earth, and thus deserve careful consideration.

First of all, the gift itself must be considered. Ideally, its contents should be organic, or at least have a minimum impact on the Earth. For example, paper products should be recycled; cloth products should be made of organic fibers like cotton, bamboo or hemp. Wooden products should be made of fast-growing woods or recycled hard woods.

Second, the packaging of the product should be minimal to reduce waste. Seek zero packaging when possible. Next best is recycled paper packaging. The least desirable packaging is plastic, which takes significant energy to produce and is difficult to recycle. If the only option is plastic packaging, seek minimal amounts of plastic.

Third, the source of the gift is important based on both human rights considerations and transportation costs. It's no secret that most U.S. companies manufacture their products outside of the U.S. This is sometimes the only option when it comes to economy, but you can be a conscious consumer by researching the country of origin to determine how likely it is that they frequently are cited for human rights violations. The fuel costs involved in shipping products from foreign countries vary, but can make a significant impact on the product's overall cost to the environment.

Finally, consider the company itself. It may surprise you to discover that some companies that sell green products are actually not green at all. They may actually be less than green companies. Other companies that use less sustainable products may in fact be greener overall when you consider product sourcing and packaging. The best thing to do is to think beyond the label on a product and do a little bit of research. Consider the concepts above and apply them to all of your green purchases for more conscious consumption.

Eight Easy Options For Green Gift Giving

1. Gift Certificates - require almost no transportation resources or packaging, and ensure the recipient will get exactly what he or she wants. Choose local, environmentally-conscious companies from which to secure the certificates.

2. Organic Products - are often sourced from environmentally-conscious companies that minimize their impact on the world. Consider clothing, accessories and beauty items.

3. Charity Donation - requires no transportation resources or packaging, and directly make a positive impact on the world. Check out organizations that benefit global resource initiatives, focusing on something meaningful to the recipient like water or air quality, or wildlife protection.

4. Local Home-Made Products - buying locally-made products supports the local economy and minimizes transportation impact. Look for hand-made gift items like bags, decorative boxes and children's toys.

5. Massage - a hands-on gift requires almost no waste, and the only products required are a little bit of massage oil.

6. Eco Spa Day - while many spas use treatments that are tested on animals and contain ingredients that don't meet the green standard, eco spas specialize in treating guests to luxury without negatively impacting the Earth.

7. Home-Made Food - if you like to cook, select the best organic and locally-grown products available and prepare a home-made meal that you can either share or drop off. Don't live nearby? Bake organic cookies and send them in the mail.

8. Week of Groceries - take the task of grocery shopping off their to-do list by visiting the local farmer's market or responsible grocery store. Remember to include some recipes for how they can cook the food!

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/eight-green-gift-ideas-509854.html

About the Author:
Virginia Ginsburg specializes in research related to ecologically-sound life and business practices. She writes about green living and socially-conscious investing. Her company, Green Baby Gifts http://www.greenbabygiftsonline.com , specializes in gifts that are both beautiful and ecologically-sound.

Soap Nuts!

Author: Cathy Herard

If you haven't already heard of or tried soap nuts, you are going to want to find out where you can get them and wonder why you haven't been using them your entire laundry washing life! They are amazing and grow on trees. Basically, soap nuts are the dried shells of the soapberry. The shells actually contain a substance called saponin, which provides a soaping affect, but no foaming like chemical filled commercial "detergents." The trees grow in India and Nepal and are a sustainable resource that gives a source of income to the local population. I have personally switched to using soap nuts for my laundry needs and am way more pleased than ever! There are no harsh chemicals being used to launder my family's clothing and better yet, I don't use any type of fabric softener because the soap nuts do that naturally! Just like with traditional detergents, soap nuts sometimes need a little "support" in getting out tougher odors and stains. I usually add borax if this is the case with my laundry.

Soap nuts are truly the most organic and pure way of cleaning your laundry and other things around your home. There is minimal waste(no big plastic jug like with commerical detergents) for a much smaller impact on the environment! My favorite soap nuts are from a company called NaturOli. A visit to their website gives you a feeling of relaxation, purity, and wellness! Besides soap nuts they offer many other pure and natural products as well. I love and have tried several of their skincare line as well as their soap nuts! Check them out, you will be glad you did. www.letsbegreentogether.com www.naturoli.com

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/wellness-articles/soap-nuts-635107.html

About the Author:
Cathy is an advocate for all things eco-friendly which includes everything organic and and as close to natural as possible. She is devoted to creating a healthier environment for her family and their future.

Olive Oil Skin Care Tricks For Healthy Skin

Author: James Allen

We all want to keep our skin looking and feeling as young and healthy as possible, right? Because the price of many skin care products is so high though, you might think you'll never be able to afford to give your skin the treatment it deserves. Stop thinking that way. You see, one of the best products you can use to improve and maintain your skin's health is also one of the simplest and least expensive. It's olive oil. Here's just a few olive oil skin care solutions you can start using today.

Many name-brand skin moisturizers are not only expensive, but contain many unnatural chemicals in them. If you want to save money and improve the suppleness and glow of your skin, replace these with a simple mixture of one cup virgin olive oil mixed with a half a cup of white vinegar and half a cup of water. You can use this as you would any moisturizing cream. You'll find that the olive oil immediately makes your skin feel softer, while the mild acidic properties of the vinegar help cleanse the skin.

You can use this on your face, your feet and your hands. (Don't get any in your eyes though.) If you use this as an overnight treatment, put cotton gloves or socks on to improve the results.

Keep in mind, olive oil is quite effective straight out of the bottle too, especially when rubbed on dry patches of skin. This is great for particular problem areas such as ankles, elbows and knees. Take your time to rub it gently into these areas, but don't overdo it as excessive rubbing could further crack and damage these dry spots before they have time to moisturize and heal.

Also, some people have reported excellent results in terms of improved skin glow just from adding a few tablespoons of quality olive oil to their bath. A few drops of your favorite oil, such as patchouli or sandalwood added to the mix makes for very relaxing tub time that will further improve your skin with no real effort at all.

There are other areas of your skin that often need extra care and attention and olive oil works wonders for these too. For example, chapped and dried lips will benefit very quickly from the application of a bit of oil. Furthermore, if you have a problem with dried and cracking fingernails, or flaking of the skin around your cuticles, you may find that soaking your fingers in a bowl of oil for fifteen or twenty minutes each day puts an end to these annoyances.

So before you go and shell out any more of your hard-earned cash for expensive skin care products, swing by your local grocery store or natural food store and pick up a bottle of inexpensive virgin olive oil instead. Not only will you save money, you may also discover this natural skin care solution is even more effective.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/olive-oil-skin-care-tricks-for-healthy-skin-95394.html

About the Author:
Many people also add nutritional supplements such as sea vegg to their diet to improve skin health. If you're concerned about your skin, you can learn more about this and other effective supplements by visiting http://www.1ThinkHealthy.com right now.

What Types of Women's Personal Care Products are Safe for You and the Planet?

Author: Anne Harvester

We pay attention to the safety of our cars. You strive to ensure your family eats healthy foods. Many of these facets of concern have been pounded into our heads since we were little girls. Unfortunately, this same scrutiny is not applied to items with which we come into the closest contact. Are you sure your women's personal care products are safe?

Safe personal care products are a necessity for both your family and yourself. This ranges from your child's soap to your collection of cosmetic products. Many women wrongly assume that cosmetics are just for fashion. This is not the case. A mineral cosmetic provides for both flawless appearing skin as well as UV ray protection. Safe cosmetics are both natural and often possess additional protective qualities.

Many undesirable ingredients work their way into commonly found women's personal care products. Many cosmetic products are derived from petroleum products. These best remain in the tank of your car as opposed to residing on your skin. Mineral makeup, however, is fully natural and excludes micronized titanium dioxide which is another wonder of science best left in the lab as opposed to on your face. Safe cosmetics facilitate both healthy skin as well as beauty.

Safe cosmetics are characterized by organic ingredients. This differentiates them from many popular products which contain a litany of potential irritants and allergy triggers. Shampoos and conditioners often contain Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) which is best avoided. Similarly, deodorants with aluminum chlorhydrate are best left on the shelf as opposed to on the most sensitive of skin under your arms.

Women's personal care products do not have to be manufactured with such ingredients. Many providers go the extra step to thoroughly scrutinize everything that goes into their products. They'll produce a mineral cosmetic using kaolin clay instead of employing harsh artificial chemicals. As indicated, mineral makeup provides for a shield from the sun granting you additional years of wrinkle free skin.

It is not only women's personal care products that require careful selection. Your entire family deserves the same benefits yielded to you from your organic cosmetic line. It is important to know what goes in everything from your kid's toothpaste to your husband's hair conditioner. Unfortunately, you know it is difficult enough to get them to pick up their clothes let alone be conscious of the compositions of the many products they reflexively use on a daily basis.

The chemicals used in many women's personal care products don't remain forever on your body. Upon bathing they end up swirling down the drain and right out into your local ecosystem. Many today are assuming personal responsibility for the substances they emit into the environment, and natural products allow for a feeling of satisfaction in this arena. Quality organic personal care products improve both your health as well as that of the wildlife around you.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/cosmetics-articles/what-types-of-womens-personal-care-products-are-safe-for-you-and-the-planet-434809.html

About the Author:
A new eBook by Flora Stay, D.D.S. offers invaluable insight into the hidden information on the labels of all the Personal Care Products in your house. Get your FREE copy today »

Are You A Locavore?

From Dictionary.com we bring you the word locavore!

Definition:	a person who attempts to eat only foods grown locally
Example:	Locavores grow their own food or buy foodstuffs grown within their region.

Which one are YOU?
Post your answer in the comment section!

• I am a locavore
• I want to be a locavore
• I don't want to be a locavore
  

WRAP-N-MAT® , Re-Usable Sandwich and Placemat in One. Eco Print

Re-usable Sandwich Wraps

With the holidays coming up, here is a great gift!

This eco-friendly WRAP-N-MAT® , is a re-usable sandwich and placemat in one.

From the Healthy Kichenware website-"The eco print wrap 'n mat is the eco friendly way to wrap your sandwich and carry it in your lunch box. Plus once you unwrap your sandwich you will have a nice place mat to set up your picnic or lunch on. The inside is made out of PEVA which keeps your food fresh and dry. Unlike PVC, PEVA is not processed with chlorine. This wrap'n mat comes in an eco cotton/polyester blend with sayings such as "reuse, recycle, zero waste..." printed on a cream colored background."

Order your WRAP-N-MAT® here!

Eight Green Gift Ideas

Author: Virginia Ginsburg

Giving green gifts is increasingly popular, as it provides an opportunity for your gift to stand out from the crowd and make a positive impact on the Earth.

When giving a green gift, you have to consider several elements, including the gift itself, its source, its packaging, and the company providing it. These elements all make an impact on the Earth, and thus deserve careful consideration.

First of all, the gift itself must be considered. Ideally, its contents should be organic, or at least have a minimum impact on the Earth. For example, paper products should be recycled; cloth products should be made of organic fibers like cotton, bamboo or hemp. Wooden products should be made of fast-growing woods or recycled hard woods.

Second, the packaging of the product should be minimal to reduce waste. Seek zero packaging when possible. Next best is recycled paper packaging. The least desirable packaging is plastic, which takes significant energy to produce and is difficult to recycle. If the only option is plastic packaging, seek minimal amounts of plastic.

Third, the source of the gift is important based on both human rights considerations and transportation costs. It's no secret that most U.S. companies manufacture their products outside of the U.S. This is sometimes the only option when it comes to economy, but you can be a conscious consumer by researching the country of origin to determine how likely it is that they frequently are cited for human rights violations. The fuel costs involved in shipping products from foreign countries vary, but can make a significant impact on the product's overall cost to the environment.

Finally, consider the company itself. It may surprise you to discover that some companies that sell green products are actually not green at all. They may actually be less than green companies. Other companies that use less sustainable products may in fact be greener overall when you consider product sourcing and packaging. The best thing to do is to think beyond the label on a product and do a little bit of research. Consider the concepts above and apply them to all of your green purchases for more conscious consumption.

Eight Easy Options For Green Gift Giving

1. Gift Certificates - require almost no transportation resources or packaging, and ensure the recipient will get exactly what he or she wants. Choose local, environmentally-conscious companies from which to secure the certificates.

2. Organic Products - are often sourced from environmentally-conscious companies that minimize their impact on the world. Consider clothing, accessories and beauty items.

3. Charity Donation - requires no transportation resources or packaging, and directly make a positive impact on the world. Check out organizations that benefit global resource initiatives, focusing on something meaningful to the recipient like water or air quality, or wildlife protection.

4. Local Home-Made Products - buying locally-made products supports the local economy and minimizes transportation impact. Look for hand-made gift items like bags, decorative boxes and children's toys.

5. Massage - a hands-on gift requires almost no waste, and the only products required are a little bit of massage oil.

6. Eco Spa Day - while many spas use treatments that are tested on animals and contain ingredients that don't meet the green standard, eco spas specialize in treating guests to luxury without negatively impacting the Earth.

7. Home-Made Food - if you like to cook, select the best organic and locally-grown products available and prepare a home-made meal that you can either share or drop off. Don't live nearby? Bake organic cookies and send them in the mail.

8. Week of Groceries - take the task of grocery shopping off their to-do list by visiting the local farmer's market or responsible grocery store. Remember to include some recipes for how they can cook the food!

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/eight-green-gift-ideas-509854.html

About the Author:
Virginia Ginsburg specializes in research related to ecologically-sound life and business practices. She writes about green living and socially-conscious investing. Her company, Green Baby Gifts http://www.greenbabygiftsonline.com/ , specializes in gifts that are both beautiful and ecologically-sound.

Going Green is not Just for Big Business-You Can Grow Eco-profits, Too!

Author: Ruth Klein

The world of big business is making daily headlines by "going green" after discovering that what's good for the planet is also proving good for business.

IBM recently announced "Project Big Green," a $1 billion initiative to reduce energy consumption by offering new lines of energy-efficient IT products.

Wal-Mart is adding solar power to more than 20 stores.

PepsiCo is buying renewable energy certificates to offset its carbon footprint. Even major banks and energy firms are being asked by shareholders to prove that they, too, are going green.

It's not just the biggest businesses that are attracting new customers and shareholders and reaping huge profits by "going green." Small businesses also are growing eco-profits by embracing surprisingly inexpensive strategies to add value to their products, services and brand.

Consider these innovative examples:

- Bob Smith of Mad River Brewing Company in Blue Lake, California, has attracted positive publicity (and new customers) by promoting his efforts to reduce his small firm's waste output and take other environmentally conscious steps. In turn, he has received welcome positive publicity from the press. "What PR budget? That is our PR budget," he told the Albuquerque Tribune about "going green" to market his business.

-In Florida, Natalie Kelly formed Home Therapy Cleaning Services, which uses only nontoxic, all-natural cleaning products for her home cleaning business. She used to sell aromatherapy candles from her home, she told the St. Petersburg Times, but today uses an aromatherapy baking soda blend to freshen carpets.

Here's what you can do:

- Two inexpensive ways any small business or solo entrepreneur can go green are to change light bulbs to energy-efficient bulbs and use biodegradable cleaning products.

- With that done, tell your customers and the media about these simple ways to go green. You will have just earned instant credibility as a green business, and also as a media resource for simple, effective ways to "go green."

- Many communities online and offline are forming networks to exchange energy-saving ideas for home and business. Form your own energy network, enlisting neighborhood businesses that will welcome another opportunity to show they're going green, too. The plus for you is that you will have just positioned yourself and your business as a community environmental leader.

- Copy what the New York Times called "Phase 2" of the corporate response to global warming. Partner with an environmental group. Travelocity invites customers to donate an extra $10 to $40, which goes to the Conservation Fund to plant trees to offset the carbon used by a client to take a trip. Whole Foods invites customers to buy a $5 "wind power card" that goes to Renewable Choice Energy to build wind farms. What local environmental group can you partner with to promote on your Web site (and vice versa), to set aside a day that a percentage of profits will go to that organization or to make their fliers available at your business?

- Make use of readily available, free information to hand out with your business literature or to make available in your office. For example, create a one-page flier on your letterhead inviting clients to calculate their own carbon footprint by visiting http://multimedia.wri.org/safeclimate_calculator.cfm.

- Go deeper green! Attend a "green" conference in your community or region, and promote your attendance. (Go to Google.com and type in "green" and "conference" and your area to find out when and where they are scheduled.) Write a "green" article on simple ways you are going green and submit it to one of the dozens of "green" Web sites and blogs that invite reader contributions. It's a great way to market your smart ideas and your business!

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/business-articles/going-green-is-not-just-for-big-businessyou-can-grow-ecoprofits-too-268998.html

About the Author:
Ruth Klein, the De-Stress Diva (tm) and Branding Guru, is the proverbial Woman About Town. Holding a Master's in Clinical Psychology, consulting with renowned businesses - small and large. Ruth is a consultant, author, speaker, radio show host, branding strategist and productivity coach. http://www.ruthklein.com .

Eco-Friendly Holiday Gifts-Reusable Tote Bags, Organic Foods, Seventh Generation Household Items,Natural Cosmetics & Personal Care

Instead of using traditional wrapping paper this holiday season, consider putting your eco-friendly gifts in a basket or reusable tote bag instead. More wrapping ideas: Sunday comic section Pages from a catalog Recycled paper (think paporganics.com) Fabric Brown paper bag & decorate According to Recycle Now the materials that go into making some wrapping paper result in it not always being accepted for recycling:wrapping paper is often dyed, laminated and/or contains non-paper additives such as gold and silver coloured shapes, glitter, plastics etc which cannot be recycled. What items to select for your gift? Pick a theme: Seventh Generation household items Personal Care & Cosmetics Organic Food

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