Steps Families Can Take to Living Green

Author: Britt Michaelian

I do not consider myself to be a huge environmentalist but, I am proud to say that I saved my allowance to join Greenpeace in the 80s. As an adult, I now realize the importance of having an awareness about our impact on the earth and sharing this with our children.

We may not be able to save our planet from every black cloud, but it is important to be responsible and respectful to the earth on a daily basis.

There are simple steps that we can all take to help live in a more green, earth friendly way. We do not have to change our lives drastically and with a few adjustments, nothing will seem to be different (for the exception of the land fills not being as full, our energy and water bills not being quite as high, and our knowing that we are doing our part in living a conscious and environmentally friendly way).

The following is a list of simple steps that families can take to living green. It is not a complete list, but a starting point. The important thing here is that parents and caregivers discuss these steps and ENFORCE them. If parents teach children to live green at an early age, children will naturally respect the earth.

I know there are many more things we can do, so I encourage you to please send us your great tips too! The earth thanks you and so do we!

Steps to Living Green:

1. Turn off the lights and the TV when you are not in the room. Better yet, turn the TV off all together and grab a book!

2. Get energy efficient appliances. This will help save on your electric bills as well as helping the environment!

3. Change out all of your old incandescent light bulbs with the new energy efficient florescent bulbs. They not only save you money, but time- you do not need to replace them as often and there is less waste from needing fewer bulbs!

4. There is one thing that is better than these new energy saving light bulbs and that is natural light. If it is light out, open the shades and catch some rays! Natural sun light helps with seasonal depression and vitamin D!

5. Recycle all of your plastic and glass bottles and aluminum cans. We have been hearing this for years, so do it! Every little bit counts.

6. Get a water purifying filtration system, or just a container with a filter like a Britta and STOP using those plastic water bottles! .

7. Buy a kitchen timer and put it next to each shower in your home. Take the 4 minute shower. One minute for shampoo, one for soap, one for conditioner and one to rinse. Shave with the water off in between soaping and rinsing. This is HUGE in helping with water consumption, especially if you have more than one child taking showers. Better yet, take showers with more than one person at a time and still keep it to minutes! Make it a game!

8. Turn the water off while brushing teeth and while washing hands. After a quick initial rinse, turn the water off during lather and turn on again for a thorough rinse to finish up. For extra dirty hands, use a washcloth to remove dirt, not running water!

9. Recycle toilet paper and towel rolls. Better yet, if your kids are in preschool or grade school, save up the rolls and give them to the school. Kids can always make great art or science projects using paper towel and toilet paper rolls!

10. Fix leaky faucets as soon as the start to leak. Do not procrastinate on this kind of stuff. It not only costs you money, but wastes way more water than you realize.

11. Switch your household cleaners, dish soaps and hand soaps to environmentally friendly ones. The chemicals in bleaches and harsh chemicals are not only bad for earth, they are bad for you! Think cancer and fertility issues, not that much fun.

12. Every time that you go to the store to stock up on supplies for the house or office, look for recycled or green products. This way, you will know you are at least trying to be green!

13. Organic is the way to go. Buy from local farmers if you can and buy most, if not all of your produce from the organic section. Again, this not only benefits the earth, but your body does not need all of those pesticides and chemicals- more cancer and infertility, yuck!

14. Even shampoos and cosmetics companies are starting to go green. And these products are actually good! Give them a try!

15. Be open to trying new things that are green. The more open you are, the sooner you will find out that this whole green movement is kind of fun and definitely makes you feel like you are being responsible! What could feel better than that?

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/environment-articles/steps-families-can-take-living-green-379071.html

About the Author:
Britt Michaelian, MA is the founder and CEO of Responsible Family Company. Her DVD, Care for Kids: The Essential Guide to Preparing Caregivers educates caregivers about medical emergencies. Sign up for her newsletter to receive a free Child Safety Report at http://www.responsiblefamily.com

Facts About Global Warming You Should Know

Author: Nathalie Fiset

Global warming is not a 20th century phenomenon. It has, in fact, occurred in the past more than once, along with periods of extreme cold known as the ice ages. With so much written and reported about global warming, sometimes it's difficult to detect which is fact and which is just part of scientific scare tactics. Here are some facts about global warming that might help:

What exactly is global warming?

Global warming is basically the increase in the temperatures of the Earth's atmosphere, land masses and oceans. The Earth's surface temperature is at an average of 59F and over the last hundred years, this figure has risen to about 1F. By the year 2100, the average change in the temperature of the Earth could range from 2.5F to about 10F, enough to melt glaciers and polar ice caps.

The cause of global warming

Global warming has and will always occur naturally. Why it has become such a concern in our lifetime is due to the fact that human activities and practices have contributed significantly to its occurrence and severity. With the advent of industrialization and careless environmental practices, we have caused the increase in the average global temperatures by contributing negatively to the greenhouse effect.

This began about 240 years ago, when the Industrial Revolution was born. As more and more fossil fuels in the form of oil were mined and burned, gases as the by-product of that process began to be released in the atmosphere. Currently, it is estimated that 75% of the increase in the carbon dioxide content of the Earth's atmosphere is caused by the burning of these fossil fuels.

Global warming and the greenhouse effect

Global warming is related to changes in the Earth's greenhouse effect. Gases naturally occur in the Earth's atmosphere and act both to protect and retain heat. These gases include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and water vapor. Of these, water vapor is the most dominant and abundant greenhouse gas.

Global warming and the greenhouse effect are not the same thing. The greenhouse effect refers to a natural process that occurs in the Earth's atmosphere. If this process is disrupted, then it could contribute to global warming.

As the sun's rays hit the Earth, heat is bounced back to the atmosphere where these gases contain the heat and keep it there to warm the planet. This is an important natural process and allows life forms to flourish and survive. Problems only occur when these gases multiply and build-up, containing heat too efficiently and thus warming the Earth's atmosphere.

As the Earth's average temperature rises, effects in its landmasses and sea water level become apparent. Polar ice caps melt along with glaciers, contributing to higher and warmer sea levels. By the end of the century, it is estimated that sea levels can increase from 4 inches to a high of about 40 inches if global warming continues unabated.

Global warming can also affect the behavior of the winds and can also contribute to a harsher and drier climate, with frequent visitings of strong hurricanes. Water from heavier rainfall will not stay long to irrigate the land, however because with a warmer climate, water on the Earth's surface will evaporate quickly. This has a significant effect on agricultural practices not only in the US but also for the rest of the world.

Another phenomenon that is equated with global warming is the El Nino. The El Nino phenomenon has occurred for possibly thousands of years and is not caused directly by global warming. However, changes in the average temperature of the planet can contribute to its severity and frequency.

The other human practices that contribute to global warming

The agricultural revolution has also contributed to global warming. As more and more communities need lands converted from forests to residential and commercial areas, biomass is reduced, contributing to the increase in the presence of carbon dioxide in those regions. Since carbon dioxide is processed by plants and trees, their absence contributes to its increase.

It is estimated that about 25% of the annual increase in the carbon dioxide found in the Earth's atmosphere is caused by extreme changes and usage of the Earth's natural resources. Other practices also include deforestation, salinization, desertification and overgrazing also contribute to global warming. However, many scientists surmise and agree that the contribution is slight and indirect.

Facing the facts of global warming

Countries all over the world have just begun to acknowledge the negative effects of global warming not only to the world's politics and economy but also to humankind in general. Many of the world's governments have encouraged implementation of measures to try to counteract the problem of global warming through careful measures and practices designed to protect and respect the environment.

How these measures will fare and contribute to the long-term maintenance of our planet, though, remains to be seen.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/environment-articles/facts-about-global-warming-you-should-know-131079.html

About the Author:
For more information now go to: http://www.solutionstoearthdestruction.com
http://www.stopearthdestruction.com/index.html

Soft Drinks-The Drinks of Champions?

Author: Craig Burton

One of the most heavily promoted and "coolest" products around are soft drinks. Millions are spent on superstars advertising coke, pepsi and the like. We know they are not healthy but how damaging is that innocent - and many would say satisfying - can of coke to our health?

In the following article I will outline:

1. The current soft drink epidemic

2. The ingredients

3. The physical cost from soft drink ingredients

1. The current soft drink epidemic

In the U.K. in 2004 nearly 14 billion litres of soft drink were consumed. The 2004 total soft drinks figure represents an increase of 47% over the past ten years. (1)

In Australia soft drink consumption increased by over 30% in the 10 years to 1999. 50% of 16-18 year olds consumed soft drinks every day. (2)

These popular beverages account for more than a quarter of all drinks consumed in the United States. More than 56.9 billion liters were sold in 2000 - that works out to at least one can per day for every man, woman and child. Soft drink consumption among children and adolescents rose 41% between 1989-1991 and 1994-1995, mostly displacing milk and juice, the leading sources of many vitamins and minerals in the American diet. (3)

2. The ingredients

One can of soft drink has about:
• 10-13 teaspoons of sugar
• 30 to 55 mg of caffeine
• And additionally it is loaded with artificial food colors and sulphites

3. Physical costs from soft drink ingredients

• Sugar: Soft drink manufacturers are the largest single user of refined sugar in the United States. It is a proven fact that sugar increases insulin levels, which can lead to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, premature aging and numerous other negative side effects including associated tooth disease problems.

• Caffeine: Caffeinated drinks cause many nervous system reactions including the jitters and insomnia. High caffeine use is associated with high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, elevated blood cholesterol levels, vitamin and mineral depletion that potentially leads to disease.

• Aspartame: This chemical is used as a sugar substitute in diet soda. There are over 92 different health side effects associated with aspartame consumption including brain tumors, birth defects, diabetes, emotional disorders and epilepsy/seizures. Further, when aspartame is stored for long periods of time or kept in warm areas it changes to methanol, an alcohol that converts to formaldehyde and formic acid, which are known carcinogens. Please see February and March Peak Performance editions to read more on this deadly product.

• Phosphoric Acid: May interfere with the body's ability to use calcium, which can lead to osteoporosis or softening of the teeth and bones. Phosphoric acid also neutralizes the hydrochloric acid in your stomach, which can interfere with digestion, making it difficult to utilize nutrients. (4)

• Benzene: Recent random government testing of soft drinks found five of them contaminated with levels of benzene (which is a cancer-causing chemical linked to leukemia) that exceeded federal standards set for benzene in drinking water. Benzene is able to form in beverages that contain vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and the preservatives sodium benzoate or potassium benzoate. Exposure to heat and light can trigger the formation. (5)

Looking at the consumption statistics and related health consequences I have no doubt soft drinks are one of the main reasons from a nutritionally perspective why many people suffer health problems. Aside from the negative effects of the soda itself, drinking a lot of it is likely to leave you with little appetite for whole foods that your body needs to function at its best.

Your 3d Coach
Craig Burton
References
(1) http://www.researchandmarkets.com/ reportinfo.asp? report_id=302947.
(2) http://www.nutritionaustralia.com.au/SNAC/ soft-drink-final-paper.pdf
(3) Squires, S, The Amazing Statistics and Dangers of Soda Pop, 2001 http://www.mercola.com/2001/mar/10/ soda_pop_dangers.htm
(4) Mercola, J, The Real Dangers of Soda to You and Your Children, mercola.com, 2003 http://www.mercola.com/2003/jul/9/soda_dangers.htm
(5) Soft Drinks: Disease in a can, bloomberg.com, May 20, 2006

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/soft-drinks-the-drinks-of-champions-195102.html

About the Author:
Article by Craig Burton. Craig is a prominent European based holistic health and fitness coach and founder of 3D Personal Training Systems. Craig is a Sports Science graduate with postgraduate accreditations in nutrition, massage, athletic training, and corrective exercise therapy.

He is the author of "The 21 Day Roadmap to Health" available at http://www.21dayroadmap.com.

Receive your FREE 3d pts tools including the 7 Part Series: Success Strategies for transforming the body, mind and spirit, our FREE monthly Peak Performance Newsletter and our FREE questionnaire to find out more about your current health status at http://www.3dpts.com/freetools.

For more information and articles on health and fitness visit http://www.3dpts.com/articles.

Eating Non-Organic Beef: Hormone Connection

I just read "The Hormone Connection-Revolutionary Discoveries Linking Hormones & Women's Health Problems", a book by Gale Maleskey and according to Carlos Sonnenschein, M.D., professor in the department of Anatomy and Cellular Biology at Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston, "eating hormone-treated beef may be one reason why girls in the U.S. reach puberty earlier than in the past.

In the mid 19th century, the average girl began to menstruate at 15-years old. Today, girls' 1st period arrives 2-3 years earlier."
Dr. Sonnenschein also believes that by increasing their lifetime exposure to estrogen, eating hormone-treated beef may increase girls' future risk of breast cancer.

This is a great book chocked full of information. A must-read for every family!

Xylitol Epic Gum & Mints: NO Aspartame & Sugar-Free

Whew! I found a sugar-free gum and mints that have NO aspartame in them. Instead they are sweetened with 100% Xylitol, which is a "healthy alternative to sugar".

As a frequent gum chewer, I'm thrilled that I don't have to give up my gum chewing days. Instead, I will replace my conventional aspartame filled junk with Epic Gum. This gum is kid friendly too.

Xylitol has benefits!
http://www.epicdental.com/t-learn-about-xylitol.aspx

How is Epic kid friendly?
http://www.epicdental.com/t-improve-kids-hygiene-habits.aspx

Learn more about Epic
http://www.epicdental.com

What are the dangers of aspartame?
http://www.sweetpoison.com/aspartame-information.html

Source:
http://safety.lovetoknow.com/Dangers_in_Aspartame
According to numerous reports, 75 percent or more of food reactions reported to the FDA are aspartame-related. Some reported reactions thought to be caused by aspartame include:

• Headache
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Memory loss
• Fatigue
• Vision loss

Environmental Health Perspectives (EHP) has a very recent study out that covers its findings on how aspartame in low doses does affect one’s probability of developing cancer. This study also reports that when fetuses are exposed to aspartame, the life-long rates for developing cancer can increase.

U.S. .Senator Russell Feingold: T. Boone Pickens' Energy Independence Pledge

Here is the e-mail letter I received from U.S. Senator Russell Feingold in response to writing him (and other members of Congress) to join with T. Boone Pickens and supporters in calling for an Energy Independence Plan to be enacted within the first 100 days of the next administration.

Write to your members of Congress by clicking on link now!

http://action.pickensplan.com/c.hdKGIKNqEoG/b.4478389/k.67AB/PickensPlan_Action_Center/siteapps/advocacy/ActionItem.aspx?c=hdKGIKNqEoG&b=4478389&aid=11235

The letter goes as follows:

Dear XXX,

Thank you for contacting me regarding renewable energy. I appreciate hearing from you on this important issue. In order to protect our environment, our economy, and our national security, we must encourage the increased use of renewable energy and increased energy efficiency.

In the Senate, I have strongly supported efforts to expand the use of renewable energy. On December 13, 2007, I voted for a comprehensive Senate energy bill (H.R. 6) which will help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by raising energy efficiency standards for lighting, appliances, and government buildings; increasing the renewable fuel standard from 8.5 billion gallons in 2008 to 36 billion gallons in 2022; and setting strong but reasonable Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards. On December 19, 2007, the President signed the bill into law.

During consideration of H.R. 6, I supported efforts to establish a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) requiring that 15 percent of the country's electricity come from renewable sources by 2020. Enactment of an RPS would promote energy diversity, stimulate significant job creation, and deliver substantial environmental benefits. Unfortunately, the Senate rejected a motion to include an RPS in the bill.

I have also consistently supported and voted for the extension of renewable energy tax credits. During debate on H.R. 6, I supported a proposal to repeal nearly $13 billion in tax breaks for oil and gas companies over ten years and use that money, among other things, to provide multiyear extensions of tax credits for wind and solar projects, as well as promote energy efficiency. I was disappointed the Senate narrowly rejected a motion to include this tax plan in the bill. I also voted to include clean energy tax incentives in H.R. 5140, the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008; unfortunately, the final version of H.R. 5140, which was signed into law on February 13, 2008, did not include the critical clean energy tax incentives.

On October 1, 2008, the Senate passed H.R. 1424, the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, which included the renewable energy tax incentives I had previously voted for. The bill passed the House on October 3, 2008, and was signed into law by the President later that day. I am pleased that we succeeded in extending tax incentives for homeowners and industry to spur more efficient homes and appliances, renewable electricity, alternative vehicles, and renewable fuels.

You might also be interested to know that on September 11, 2008, I introduced the Energy and Technology Advancement (ETA) Act, which would help move new energy technologies from the research and development phase to the marketplace. In addition, my bill would encourage the USDA to pursue a biorefinery pilot plant that will allow businesses to partner with the federal government to test biofuel technologies, increasing the chance of commercialization. S. 3472 has been referred to the Senate Agriculture Committee. I look forward to Senate consideration of this legislation.

Thanks again for contacting me. Please feel free to do so in the future about this, or any other issue of concern to you.

Ada Cosmetics: Vegan Mineral Veil Foundation & Mineral Blush. Why Mineral Makeup?

In my quest to find a vegan foundation and blush that is NOT linked to cancer, I have discovered Ada (ah-dah) Cosmetics. They produce a mineral veil foundation and a mineral blush that both rate a 1 on the Skin Deep database (www.cosmeticsdatabase.org). Yay!

Where can you purchase Ada Cosmetics?
Visit Natural Healthcare Store for your Ada Cosmetics products.

Ada Cosmetics is a signor of Campaign for Safe Cosmetics AND NIRC's "Truth in Labeling".
They have pledged to use natural ingredients and assures the use of NO chemical ingredients known or thought to have major negative effects including LINKS TO CANCER. They do not test on animals.

To learn more about Ada Cosmetics, visit them here:
http://www.adacosmetics.com/store/Cosmetics-p-1-c-251.html

Why Mineral Make-Up?
SOURCE: http://www.naturalhealthcarestore.com/makeupwhyada.htm

• Purity! Mineral cosmetics are loose powders containing crushed minerals that have been extracted from the Earth's surface. Many dermatologists report that because high quality mineral cosmetics eliminate the use of classic "irritants" such as fragrances, binders, synthetics, dyes, and preservatives it is considered "purer" and can be kinder and gentler to the skin (see Dr. Endorsements). Additionally, it's not absorbed into the skin and won't clog pores, but actually adheres to the skin providing perfect coverage all day!

• Natural SPF! Mineral make-up is formulated with a high concentration of the natural minerals titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which are two ingredients commonly used in sunscreens. These minerals offer a natural sun protection effectively blocking both UVA and UVB rays. Ada Cosmetics offer protection of up to SPF20.

• Water Resistant! Mineral make-up is water resistant and does not smear with perspiration making it the perfect choice active individuals. Great for athletes including swimmers, runners and bikers in addition to anyone who might get caught in the rain. Just pat dry with a towel!

• Non-Comedogenic, Non-Acnegenic, Anti-inflammatory! Mineral make-up is so gentle it's recommended by many Doctors! Two of the main ingredients in mineral make-up, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, are known for their natural anti-inflammatory properties (see Dr. Endorsements).

Why Ada Cosmetics?

• Better Prices! Ada Cosmetics provides it mineral cosmetics at the best price! As compared with the top brands you'll save 40% to 85%!

• Better Ingredients! Ada Cosmetics prides itself on using only top quality ingredients! As such, Ada is a step above Bare Minerals and Sheer Cover as it excludes Bismuth Oxy-Chloride an ingredient known to irritate the skin causing itching, rashes, and cystic acne. See our comparison chart below!

• Dr. Endorsements! As a result of its high quality ingredients Ada has received multiple Dr. Endorsements supporting the safe, effective and therapeutic effects of their make-up products.

• Pure and Natural! Ada Cosmetics is a proud signer of both the NIRC's "Truth in Labeling" pledge and the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics Pledge. These pledges commit that Ada both uses natural ingredients and assures the use of no chemical ingredients known or thought to have major negative effects including links to cancer. Note that many major cosmetic companies have thus far refused to sign this pledge including Bare Minerals and Sheer Cover (as of 11/5/07). Review links to Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and NIRC.

Order Ada Cosmetics at Natural Healthcare Store now!