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10 Easy Steps to Achieving Optimal Health, Balance and Longevity

2012-01-07T04:53:58Z

It's no secret that we live in a toxic world. The sad irony of the situation is that everyone is looking for the fountain of youth in a world where the only fountains we have access to are contaminated with chlorine, fluoride, and every other toxic chemical brew under the sun. The world's leading healers from every indigenous culture will tell you that the key to everlasting health is a three-limbed model of mental, spiritual, and physical nurturing, the end goal of which is ultimate balance. In western culture we call this anomaly disease prevention. The three-limbs correlate as the following 1) detoxification, 2) complete nutritional conciliation accompanied with regular physical exercise 3) total psychological and spiritual symbiosis via stress control, meditation, and body/mind vindication .

This body, mind, and spiritual model for happiness is not new, in fact, it is one of the oldest models in religious, medical and psycho-spiritual history. The model is actually quite simplistic in juxtaposition to the desultory backdrop of an information-inundated, chemically ADD-invoking, homogenized complex modern world. Unfortunately, we westerners have the indelible talent of complicating almost everything that we deem worthy enough to methodically delve into. We relish in the drama of materializing the value of wealth, and devaluing the presence of self-ingenuity and the commitment to persevere. We have traded the cavalier endeavors of study, commitment, and application to propagate the instantaneous ad-driven and propaganda-fueled google default for our professional and personal enrichment and education. Instant gratification and convenience has replaced hard work and perseverance. Something that was once as simple as reconnecting to nature and looking to our inner self for strength, has been replaced and diminished by looking externally for situational and material happiness.

The paradox of living in the age of information is that instead of being "tuned in" we have all now "checked out" in pursuit of a plastic and unreachable goal of perfection, that has, since birth been inserted and conditioned into our consumerist- washed brains: that the more money and power we have, the more fulfilled lives we will lead. But to spare your eyes from glossing over and my hands from cramping, I will say this: happiness, however we may define it, is much closer than we think.

And so the question should not be: how do we live in the real world in this crazy and overly-idealistic way? The question should be: How do we live in this crazy world in a real way? In my book, physical, mental, and spiritual vindication are completely and irrevocably intertwined. And the first step in that three-limbed equation is physical health. But the fact of the matter, is that most people do not consider their health until something has gone terribly awry; then it's the only thing they can think about. Disease prevention, a top priority in many eastern cultures, is just now in the past two decades or so, becoming successfully integrated into our western medical culture. The symbiotic amalgamation of western and eastern medical philosophies will inevitably change the future of the medical frontier as we know it; the marriage of the two converging rather than diverging for a complementary, holistic approach to the human body's emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being.

According to the world's most famous and in-demand naturopathic doctors, including world-renowned Dr. Brian and Dr. Anna Maria Clement, it has been discovered (and scientifically proven) that there are basic steps we can take to boost our physical and mental health to a whole new level. Here are just a few simple and demonstrable habits we can pick up on a daily or weekly basis to become pro-active about claiming our health and longevity. We are empowered as human beings to take back control of our health, and therefore our happiness! Granted, a lot of these things are common sense, but in this day and age, I think it's not unfair to assume that a lot of our common sense has been thrown out with the bathwater.

1. Water- Make sure to drink the equivalent of one-half your body weight in ounces per day, about 8-10 glasses of filtered or spring water. Be weary of bottled water, as BPA leaches into the drinking water when water heats up as it gets shipped. You can distill your own water, or drink natural spring water in glass bottles. If you can afford a water purification system, Wellness Water is the way to go.

2. Nutrition- Get the earth back in your food chain. Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables daily. Choose organic whenever possible. If you can, try to aim for 50% raw fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, grains, and greens in your diet. Raw foods are the most easily digestible, nutritionally whole and complete foods on the planet. If struggling with health issues, then a 100% raw organic vegan diet is recommended. Eat regular meals in a relaxed environment.

CHEW YOUR FOOD. Eat whole foods and avoid processed and refined "food". Include healthy fats (omega 3,6,9), which you can always supplement with Udo's oil (can find at any whole foods or natural foods store in the refrigerated supplement section). Minimize intake of meat, dairy, refined sugar, caffeine, alcohol, and cooked starches, as these foods both offset the pH balance of your body (making it far too acidic), as well as severely clog the colon, which is essential to keep flowing smoothly for optimal health.

Supplements- Be careful to steer clear of less-than reputable companies selling pharmaceutical-grade, chemically-laden brews that are completely non-absorbable and in some cases even dangerous. I implicitly trust the company LifeGive, as this brand of supplements is manufactured and distributed through Dr. Brian Clement's Hippocrates Health Institute (the world's preeminent leader in the field of natural and complementary health care and education since 1956).

Wheatgrass- try to ingest 2oz of wheatgrass at least once a week, if not once or twice a day. If you are doing nothing else with your diet or lifestyle, just doing this once a day will completely turn your life around for the better. Visit here to read more about the incredible benefits of wheatgrass.

Enzymes- More and more, research is showing that enzymes are quite literally the missing link to solving the ever-present quagmire of anti-aging and reversing the aging process. Since we are born with only a certain number of enzymes at birth, the depletion of our bodies' enzyme reserves is believed to be the main cause of aging and disease. Without enzymes our bodies cannot properly digest food, combat illness, defend against immune system assaults, repair old damage, or fight off serious inflammatory diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. You can buy LifeGive's digestive enzymes online here.

Miraculous Supplements: The Algaes- Every where you turn you can't help but read about "superfoods". "Superfoods this" and "superfoods that", everywhere you look! There is no such thing as a superfood people, there's just nutritious food, and junk food. EXCEPT for the algaes. Spirulina, Chorella, and Blue-Green Algae are quite literally the most healing, oxygen and enzymatically-rich, phyto-nutrient-filled miracles on the face of the earth. Blue-Green algae was the first life form on this planet, serving as the original DNA structure for all subsidiary life on the planet, and is therefore the most complete. Particularly blue-green algae has been scientifically proven to promote optimal brain function, as well as reverse cases of ADD/ADHD and learning disabilities at a jaw-dropping rate.

3. Blood sugar regulation- Blood sugar disregulation is a very common and it has serious health consequences, including diabetes, heart disease, infertility, obesity and more. Blood sugar disregulation can be combated by eating small, more frequent meals that contain protein/fiber/healthy fats, avoiding simple sugars and saturated fats, and by engaging in regular exercise.

4. Healthy Digestion- A healthy digestive system is essential for absorbing nutrients, excreting waste, keeping unwanted substances/pathogens out of the body, and maintaining a healthy immune system and nervous system. Avoiding food sensitivities and supporting the system with natural digestive aids and probiotics are keys to a healthy gastrointestinal tract (the best probiotic supplement is manfuctured by LifeGive), but you can also get good probiotics by eating fermented foods such as rejuvelac or sauerkraut.

5. Elimination/Cleansing- Ridding the body of its normal metabolic waste in addition to the toxins accumulated from the enviroment is essential to proper functioning. Ground flax seeds, castor oil packs, skin brushing, sweating (saunas or exercise) support healthy elimination. Another great tactic (kids cover your ears) are weekly enemas, they clean and hydrate the colon for optimal functionality.

6. Movement/Exercise- Movement is important for SOO many reasons-stress reduction, circulation/cardiovascular health, weight control, mood, sleep, blood sugar, bowel function, and respiratory health are all affected.

Getting outside and moving daily is a great goal. Exercise is especially important for your brain's ability to produce certain "happiness" hormones; so yes, those people jogging down the side of the road at dusk actually ARE on drugs (well, organically-induced naturally occurring hormones, but nevertheless...)

7. Sleep- A good night's sleep will improve your memory and immune system, and is essential to balancing your hormonal systems, which rely on a circadian rhythm. Get between 7-8 hours of sleep in absolute darkness every night for optimal wellness.

8. Stress Reduction- An essential component of healthy living, stress reduction can come in many forms, including breathing exercises, medication, yoga, tai chi, visualization, music, walking in nature, communing with pets, and more. I don't know about you, but parking my butt in front of the TV or on a couch with a good book for an hour or so releases a ton of stress and allows me to unwind every night.

9. Play/Spirit-Do something FUN every day!!! Laughter is essential for stress management and a healthy heart. Connection with something beyond oneself is also a vital part of health and well-being. If that means setting aside one hour out of every day to browse through trashy gossip magazines then so be it! Or it could be something as simple as grooming yourself, to something spontaneous like trying out that new pole-dancing cardio class your gym is offering!

10. Sunshine Therapy.

Get outside in the sun daily for optimal brain function, immune function, cancer prevention, mood, bone health etc. You will find no Vitamin D supplement on the market that is a better substitute then pure unadulterated sunlight. Be careful not to go into direct sunlight. Try to go out between 9-11am, or 2 hours before sunset, and when using sunscreen, make sure to use only ORGANIC sunscreen such as Aubrey Organics (can be found at Whole Foods or natural health food stores!)

If you can incorporate as little as one of these simple tips, the difference in your life will be unmeasurable, and you will have the unadulterated pleasure of reaching over your own back, giving yourself a congratulatory pat, and saying to yourself with confidence, "yeah, I did that for myself". Believe me, there is no better feeling!

dishwasher

2012-01-06T19:05:30Z

Appliances account for as much as 20 percent of your energy bill--replacing your dishwasher with an Energy Star model can save over $25 a year in energy costs.

Smell Your Way Into a Better Mood

2012-01-05T01:08:54Z

Nothing transforms a mood more swiftly than properly engaging your most influential sense: the sense of smell. Lavender bubble bath can soothe away the stress of meetings, conference calls and lists. Lemon makes us keenly aware of a freshly scrubbed kitchen on Saturday morning, and it doesn't feel quite like the holidays without the smells of pumpkin and spice, pine needles and roasted turkey. Of course, we have our own personal favorites that we ritually douse ourselves in before work, cocktail hour, or a night out on the town. Triggering memories, different scents evoke all sorts of emotions, both good and bad. And while people spend hundreds of dollars on their favorite fragrances, it is barely recognized that most scented products are created with toxic synthetic materials-- most of which are derived from petroleum. These toxic substances can irritate the skin, eyes, and/or lungs and induce asthma attacks. Using environmentally safe aromas to shift your mood can be beneficial to your health and consequently, even better for the environment.

A Few Basic Types

Energizing

These scents are usually citrus smells i.e. grapefruit, lemon, and orange, and are best used when you need to feel alert.

The next time you have to rework your budget, or clean house, try this all natural simmer pot recipe.

Lemon peel
Lime peel
1 cup fresh or dried peppermint leaves
1 cup fresh or dried sage leaves

Calming

When its time to destress, lavender is definitely a popular scent. However, there are other calming fragrances that can also settle the nerves.

Jasmine: known to prevent both nervousness and sadness
Chamomile: an herb with natural destressors
Bergamot: derived from the bergamot fruit (citrus family), this oil promotes a more relaxed and happy feeling
Sandalwood: a woodsy scent that helps to relax the mind and regain clarity

Transform a hectic day by sipping a cup of jasmine or chamomile tea, light a soy candle, or add a few drops of essential oils into your bubble bath before bed.

Down and Out

In these cases, it's always best to revisit positive experiences. Unfortunately, sometimes these scents are difficult to replicate. You can't bake shortbread cookies every time you get homesick, but you can slather on an all natural vanilla scented lotion. In these cases, tap into what you enjoy the most. For example, if you know that you prefer floral scents, treat yourself to a fresh bouquet or make scents according to your type.

Remember, synthetic fragrance is not limited to body sprays, but includes scented hand and body soaps, detergents, and house cleaning substances. These can be harmful to your body. Additionally, as these products go down the drain, their negative impact on the ecosystem increases. Explore your options with natural scents and reduce the amount of toxins released into the environment and your body.

Note: Essential oils must always be researched prior to use, some (like ginger) can produce heat, and others can also irritate the skin if not diluted properly. Light carrier oils like vegetable or walnut oil should be used in conjunction with your scent of choice.

Eco Real Estate and Sustainable Housing Markets

2012-01-02T20:42:25Z

In the post World War II America, California began to lead the way with innovative and sustainable architecture, construction, and design. Many iconic structures of that time still remain standing testimonials that a natural balance between man and nature can be achieved. California lacked many natural resources compared to its neighboring states, and as a result was forced to design cities that were efficient as well as cost effective. Los Angeles soon rose to become known as the "city of the future", and continues to set the precedent of progressive energy efficient housing.

"Sustainable housing is the only foreseeable way for humanity to remain in existence on this planet," says real estate broker Mr. Brain Ades. "That does not always mean erecting wind turbines or installing solar panels. It can be a number of small, intelligent choices to your home that compound into a large return."

Brian Ades is one of many newly emerging "eco-brokers" who specialize in selling and remodeling homes that are more energy efficient in Los Angeles, California. Brian works with many mid-century homes, which are ideal for sustainability since they were originally built to capitalize and work with the natural world. Many of these homes offer clean simplicity, abundant floor space, and ample windows, which work well with the climate and geography of Los Angeles.

"Eco real estate" allows a buyer more independence and wider range of options when looking for homes, ultimately giving residences the chance to live in a simpler, cleaner, and more comfortable living space. In addition to having a home that runs with less expense, homes equipped with energy efficient methods steadily increase in value over time.

"It is a more involved and responsible way of conducting business," says Brian. "I work closely with buyers to see what they desire in a home. I act as guide to inform them of responsible and advantageous energy alternatives as well as leading them to have a home that works best for them. I help to create tangible monthly savings with healthier choices."

The philosophy behind eco real-estate transcends into a myriad of other avenues as well. Brian has carefully selected Habitat for Humanity as the benefactor for his Participation Drive in Los Angeles, which is an organization that creates safe and affordable homes for those in need. In addition to building responsibly, Brain works to recycle surplus materials as well as unused appliances from other building sites, creating less waste as well as offering resources to those who can use them. This creates a more cost effective operation and translates simply into, more housing for much less money.

"The word "green" is just semantics. It all ultimately synthesizes down to a personal responsibility and individual choice. It is all about how effectively and intelligently we can utilize the limited resources we are given."

Holiday Sale! Sustainable Holiday Gift Ideas for You, Friends and Family

2011-12-20T23:02:57Z

Christmas is next week and the New Year is upon us! If you have been scouring the internet for last minute deals on holiday gifts and chanced upon EcoHomeResource, we are NOT going to disappoint you! Our mission? Very simple - To help you create a healthy and earth friendly home (and beyond!) at an affordable price. Whether you are looking to gift yourself or friends and family, a guide to a sustainable lifestyle, these ideas ARE bound to have lifelong benefits!

Gift idea # 1: Start with the "hub of you home" - the kitchen. Buy 'The Natural Kitchen' by Deborah Eden Tull (Sustainability Coach and Meditation Teacher) on sale NOW at SaveGreenNow for only $13. The Natural Kitchen is more than just greening your kitchen -- it is your one step guide to mindful, sustainable food shopping, planning, preparation, cooking and eating in the city.

Gift idea #2: Holidays can be stressful and we always have new resolutions to keep up with in the coming year. Transition to 2012 in Peace and Joy, bring Mindfulness, Balance and Resilience into your daily life and give yourself the "Gift of Support for your Dreams and Resolutions" as you transition to the New Year - 50% discount on Personal Coaching Sessions with Deborah Eden Tull.

Deborah Eden Tull is one of my favorite people. She is a caring soul and truly wants to help people live happier and healthier lives. She has dedicated her life to this quest and she "walks the walk". I highly recommend her hands-on workshops and coaching sessions (in-person and phone sessions available)!

Visit SaveGreenNow.com for more information.

Natural, Handcrafted Soap Review: YesterYear Soap Company

2011-12-08T17:05:38Z

It's review time once again! I got a chance to use and review all-natural, handcrafted soaps from YesterYear Soap Company. The soaps arrived in a beautiful gift box (a set of 3 bars - Summer Citrus, Cherry Almond and Mango Papaya) and I was impressed from the very beginning by the packaging and the sweet aroma. Couldn't wait to use them the next day!

My favorite out of the three? The Summer Citrus! The soap has a light scent and the moment you use it, you can tell the difference from a commercial brand. It glides over your skin smoothly, lathers up adequately and leaves your skin feeling clean, moisturized and rejuvenated. No dryness or itchiness associated with the chemicals present in a conventional bar of soap. Another plus point - it leaves a fresh fragrance in your bathroom!

YesterYear Soap Company preserves the timeless craft of artisan soap making - their soaps are handmade, one bar at a time, by human hands. No factories. The soaps are created from the purest and most natural ingredients (organic whenever possible) without added chemicals, preservatives or synthetic fragrances. Each soap bar balances the bar's hardness, lather quality and moisturizing ability perfectly to give your skin a soothing, moisturizing and cleansing experience. Here are a few facts about their soaps.

What gives YesterYear Soap its fragrance?

Their fragrance oils are either essential oils or blends of natural aroma components that are created to smell like the real thing. Many of their fragrance oils are blended from essential oils, but because they are not guaranteed to be 100% essential oil they are called fragrance oils.

What makes their soap better?

A good bar soap balances bar hardness (durability), lather quality (both fluffiness and stability), and moisturizing ability. These different properties come from the different fatty acids that make up molecules of the vegetable oils we use as the base of our soap. Unfortunately, the fatty acids that are moisturizing are not those that contribute much to lather quality, and the ones that make great lather are drying to our skin. A perfect bar soap is the result of carefully balancing the fatty acids to maximize the bar's hardness, lather quality, and moisturizing ability.

Visit their website for more information on the YesterYear Soap Company story and to learn more about their soaps.

Organic Cotton Handbags on SALE for ONLY $19.50 - Holiday Promotion

2011-12-07T18:29:51Z

Take the art off the walls and wear it on your handbag. These super chic, artistic organic cotton Cross Body Bags are from Eco Art Productions and they are on SALE for ONLY $19.50 on SaveGreenNow!

The artwork on each of these handbags is by a noted American Artist -- the original art work is screened onto the bags using water based dyes. Their current Artists include Jasika Nicole (YES you got it right! Astrid Farnsworth from the TV show Fringe!), Jennifer Garant, Joanna Gregores, Kiara Sausedo, Raul del Rio, Sharon Watts and Shirly Novak.

A thoughtful and unique holiday gift for family and friends. Choose from 15 original designs....GRAB the offer TODAY at SaveGreenNow. Sale ENDS Sunday, Dec 11, 2011.

Energy Efficent Holiday Lighting

2011-12-05T17:53:51Z

With the holiday season steadfastly approaching, proper holiday lighting for one's home becomes a more prominent issue.

For the most efficient holiday lights (in terms of longevity and brightness to energy consumption) LED lights are the optimal choice. LED's, or Light Emitting Diode, are a semi conducting light source in which electrons are able to recombine with electron holes within the device, producing energy in the form of photons or visible light.

LED's consume up to 80% less energy than contemporary incandescent lights, and with their increasing popularity and constant innovation, one can expect their efficiency to increase. LED's are cool operating, consume about 10% of the electricity of standard bulbs, and have almost 10 times the durability. Since LED's are cool operating, they can be left lit for extended periods of time, making them ideal for both indoor and outdoor use.

A typical strand of 50 incandescent lights utilizes 300 watts of power. At the national average of 9.81 cents per kWh, that equals 3 cents an hour, per strand. Powering these lights 5 hours a day for 30 days equates to a lighting cost of $4.50. Multiply this by the number of strands lit in one's home, one can clearly see the energy cost compounds quite quickly. Comparatively a strand of 50 LED lights uses approximately 4 watts. Calculating this cost yields LED's at about 6 cents. Thus, powering 10 strands of brighter LED lights would cost less than $6.00 for the same duration of time.

LED's come in a wide spectrum of colors as well as standard white. Because of the reaction that creates LED light, each bulb operates independently, so if one bulb burns out, it does not affect the performance of the rest of the circuit. LED's are available in numerous decorations such as string lights as well as icicle lights, snowmen, reindeer, and trees.

Energy efficiency extends past the bulbs one chooses to use. Setting lights on a daily timer can prove to be an invaluable way to budget one's energy consumption as well.

For more information about creating a more energy efficient lighting display visit energystar.gov.

Sources:

http://www.energystar.gov

http://www.consumerenergycenter.org

http://saveenergy.com

Images:

www.gizmodo.com

Stop Ingesting Toxic Chemicals from your Lipstick!

2011-12-01T20:46:31Z

Did you know that our skin absorbs almost everything it comes in contact with and lip products can be ingested? Yes! That branded lipstick or lipliner you use regularly could be very well filled with unregulated chemicals and toxic ingredients such as phthalates, formaldehyde, petroleum, parabens, benzene and lead -- which have been linked to various diseases -- breast cancer, reproductive disorders, birth defects and developmental disabilities in children.

Make a switch to a 100% natural, chemical-free brand TODAY for ONLY $15! EcoHomeResource's sister site, SaveGreenNow.com is offering a 42% discount on naturally elegant, toxin-free lipsticks and lipliners from FACEFACTS BY Lori -- producer of natural color cosmetics made with organic ingredients and bath and body care products. Available in 8 fabulous shades, very moisturizing and long lasting. HURRY and grab the offer! Deals ENDS Sunday, Dec 4, 2011.

Visit SaveGreenNow.com to avail the offer.

Thanksgiving "Healthy Recipe" Contest!

2011-11-17T22:02:16Z

Share your healthy Thanksgiving recipe with us and we will feature you and your recipe on Eco Home Resource!

All you have to do is "Like" our EcoHomeResource Facebook page and send us your recipe to karen@ecohomeresource.com. If you have a website/blog which focuses on any aspect of healthy living, let us know and we will include a link!

The winner's name and recipe will be published on Tuesday, 22nd Nov. Hurry! Send us your entries soon!

Planning a Festive Eco-Friendly Thanksgiving, that Gives Back!

2011-11-17T19:49:27Z

Giving thanks and sharing not just with friends and family, but your community and earth as well, is the spot-on way to celebrate this season. After all, Thanksgiving, it's to celebrate and give thanks for good harvest and rejoice together - in family and community - after hard work and blessings. Here are a few ways to ensure you get the most out of your holiday, as well as the earth you give thanks to.

Choosing your turkey

Where your turkey comes from matters to your family's health, its local impact, and how it was humanely raised and slaughtered.

But why does all this matter if the overwhelming majority of turkeys are meant to be consumed anyway? Because before your turkey is brought to your table, most turkeys' lives found on the market today suffered through genetic manipulation, poor living conditions, transportation and lastly, often painful and prolonged slaughter.

An overwhelming percentage of big-brand turkeys today were genetically manipulated to grow twice as fast and twice as large as they're naturally supposed to. Would you be disappointed in an all-natural bird's size? It's quite possible as the average turkey raised commercially in the U.S. has grown in weight by 57 percent - from an average of 18 pounds to 28.2 pounds, most likely altering your eyes' expectations for an all-natural bird.

Unfortunately, catering to consumer tastes has come at the animals' expense, with the birds living painful lives with bodies too big for their legs and organs. All those hormones pumped into their bodies are also not the best for your own family's consumption.

To learn more about transportation conditions and barbaric methods of slaughter - ignored when large companies are overrun by so many birds - check out AdoptaTurkey.org. While this organization provides adoption methods for thousands of these mistreated birds, it's also a great way to learn the benefits of buying a bird from a local farm - if going vegan or turkey-less this season isn't for you.

Find a local farm near you: http://www.localharvest.org/

Buy local

The benefits of buying locally grown food goes beyond supporting your local economy, farmers and markets. It tastes better too. Food grown and packaged for maximum shelf life is not only obviously less fresh, but it has an unbalanced amount in comparison of preservatives. Local produce also request less fuel and carbon emission for its delivery to store shelves.

Waste

Paper plates, especially anything made of Styrofoam is wasteful and destructive to the environment.

Appreciate and rediscover what you have already have available to you around your home rather than purchasing new dining ware or using disposable plates, utensils and cups.

Home-made Decorations

It's easy to join the feeling of the original thanksgiving between the pilgrims and the Indians with all-natural table toppers and decorations that can be made from the resources found around you.

Fall leaves and branches can be turned into garlands or can wrap around a glass-covered candle as a center piece, while pine cones can be set up as name-tag holders, scented with cinnamon sticks or cloves to bring fall's festivities outside, in.

Scroll through dozens of home-made decoration ideas presented by Martha Stewart here.

And learn how to decorate your table with homemade pine cone name placements here.

Also, watch and learn how to make an autumn wreath from items found outside your home below:

Give back

What better way to give thanks this season than to give back. Start a new tradition with your friends and family to contribute to the very land and its resources that have provided you with your meal.

Plant a tree, start a garden, tidy a public place of misplaced trash, or make a donation. Share your thanks and appreciation. It's not just a way to help others, but even without hearing a thank you in return, studies show that it's a pleasurable experience that can boost personal happiness and even lower stress.

Invite your neighbors

At a time where many families face economic struggles, whether some are more apparent or hidden than others, what better way than to come together and share each others' company and feast. It not only reduces waste in each family contributing to one large meal rather than separate ones at different locations, but again, it follows the original Thanksgiving tradition inspired by community sharing each other's blessings.

Sources:
http://www.adoptaturkey.org/aat/issues/index.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2059957/Forget-chocolate-sex-money--caring-bring-just-pleasure-benefit
health.html#ixzz1dnkiTktB

Images:
http://www.ucreateparties.com/
http://www.chattanoogafarmy.com/WHATS-TO-EAT-THIS-WEEK.html
http://www.localharvest.org/fresh-turkey-C19126
http://www.projectwedding.com/wedding-ideas/diy-pinecone-seating-card-holders
http://www.ucreateparties.com/
http://richandsarahchristensen.blogspot.com/2011/08/manners-etiquette-wednesdays-table.html

Geothermal Heat: Ground Heat Pumps

2011-11-14T19:23:43Z

A geothermal heat pump, or ground heat pump (as they are more commonly referred) is a central heating and cooling system that utilizes the moderate and constant temperature of the Earth's interior to circulate air through one's home. A few feet below the Earth's surface the temperature remains constant all year around. Although these temperature fluctuate depending on the latitude, at least six to ten feet underground the temperature ranges from 50 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 25 degrees Celsius). Utilizing this principle during the winter months, warm air incubated by the Earth is pumped into one's home. During the summer month's warm air is drawn from the home and circulated underground. Ground heat pumps differ from standard geothermal heat in that the heat circulated is not generated by the earth's interior, but merely regulated as it enters the system. Ground heat pumps are more energy efficient than standard heat pumps in that they do not use excess energy to change the temperature of the air, but channel the air underground.

The efficiency of ground heat pump system can be further amplified by utilizing seasonal thermal storage and interseasonal heat transfer. Heat drawn in from warm summer months can be stored in banks and then retrieved during the winter. The air stored requires no additional energy to regulate and can be accessed anytime the homeowner wishes. The efficiency of seasonal thermal storage increases with the scale of the system, and is most advantageous when applied to commercial or large district heating systems.
Ground heat pumps move more heat energy than the energy it consumes; thus the total output energy is greater than the input. This results in a positive net efficiency. To provide perspective, traditional heating methods, such as electrical heaters, coal and natural gas operate from 46% to 72% and can never reach efficiency above 100%.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has called ground source heat pumps the most energy efficient, environmentally clean, and cost effective space conditioning systems available. For an added benefit, many ground heat pump systems can be equipped with a desuperheater, which is designed to heat water under the same principle. However homes equipped with the desuperheater usually only benefit during summer months when warm air drawn from the home is used to heat to water instead of being expelled.

The only downside to ground heat pump systems is the initial installation cost. The type of underground pipe system, the depth, as well as the bedrock and foundation are all aspects that come into play when planning construction. However once the pipe system is in place maintenance on the system is quite low since the system is not exposed to any weathering or erosion. The ground pump loop is an organized system of pipes. Depending on the latitude and type of system desired, the orientation of these pipes establishes the efficiency of the system. In most cases the loop is constructed from high-density polyethylene, which is lightweight and durable through a wide range of temperatures. The joints that connect sections of pipes are fused together which allow an airtight seal.

Although the ground heat pump is a fairly simple system in theory, a professional must complete its installation. Technical knowledge of proper design, depth, and construction must be required. Visit The International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA) and Geothermal Exchange Organization (GEO) to find qualified installers in the United States. In addition, one can visit energystar.gov for more information about the benefits and costs of owning and installing a ground heat pump in one's area.

Sources:
http://www1.eere.energy.gov/geothermal/heatpumps.html
http://www.consumerenergycenter.org/home/heating_cooling/geothermal.html
http://www.energystar.gov
Images:
http://www.1thing.com

Organic Clothing: The Little Seed

2011-11-13T21:30:06Z

The Little Seed is an organic clothing company with the disparate philosophy of creating and selling quality organic clothing. Founded by Soleil Moon Frye and Paige Goldberg Tolmach in 2007, The Little Seed aims to take a positive progressive step for the future with a safe and eco-responsible attitude towards the manufacture and distribution of clothing for children.

With only one physical location in Los Angeles, California, The Little Seed is determined to reduce emission by basing their operations online. In addition, The Little Seed is G.O.T.S. certified. This means that they operate under the Global Organic Textile Service, and thus adhere to strict regulations in order to ensure that their products are safe and organic.

The Little Seed manufactures clothing with raw and organic cotton and uses low impact, natural dyes. Their products are manufactured locally in Los Angeles, and all inventory that the store offers is eco friendly in some way. This ranges from non-toxic items, recycled products and organic textiles.

The Little Seed is not just about clothing, it is also a forerunner and advocate of eco-friendly manufacturing and is didactic on distributing safe merchandise responsibly. The company continues to expand online, as well as offering a wider selection in their retail shop. The retail store has added a recent inventory of music and offers a class for arts and crafts. The Little Seed website is more than just an online store, it offers a community for other like-minded shoppers. The community can share videos, blogs and new articles revolving around the idea of eco-responsibility and sustainable development.

For more specific information about organic clothing, refer my article entitled Sustainable Fashion: The Production of Organic Clothing. And for further information about The Little Seed visit: www.thelittleseed.com.

My True Nature - Natural Bath Products for your Baby

2011-10-31T23:39:59Z

Meet Kelly Boyd, the founder and owner of My True Nature - 100% natural and organic bath and body products for kids, in fact great for kids with eczema or sensitive skin!

Q1 (Priyanka): Kelly - tell us a little about yourself and your company. How did it all start?

(Kelly): The idea for My True Nature™ came after my first baby was born. Like many mothers, I wanted to create a safe home environment. But when I couldn't find a line of soaps and shampoos that had 100% natural ingredients, performed as well as typical mainstream products, and were completely free of genetically modified organisms, parabens, petrochemicals, phthalates, sulfates, synthetic dyes, synthetic fragrances, triclosan or preservatives, I decided to start producing them myself. Before I knew it, I had a line of products that my friends and family loved. I started selling them by word of mouth, and the business has grown from there.

Q2 (Priyanka): What was the inspiration behind TubbyTown and its playful cartoon characters? Which character do your kids like the most?

(Kelly): When I started using my products at home, I put cartoon labels on the bottles to make them laugh. I mean, who doesn't love to make their kids laugh? It is intoxicating. My kids loved them, and that's when the idea for TubbyTown™, a make-believe bath-time wonderland, was born. TubbyTown™'s residents currently include Dewey the dragon, Daisy the skunk, Clio the teddy bear and Ollie the octopus. Each has its own distinctive personality, and its own dedicated bath-time product. I know your little ones will look forward to playing with them each time they step into the tub just like mine do.

My daughter Adeline's favorite character is Daisy the skunk and my son Fletcher's favorite is Dewey the Dragon.

Q3 (Priyanka): Which was the very first product that you launched? Do you have a personal favorite?

(Kelly): We launched the shampoo/body wash and bubble bath at the same time and they were the first. My favorite product and the one I am most proud of is the lotion which is due out early next year. It is terrific for kids with eczema or sensitive skin. I think it is going to be a big hit with a lot of kids and moms. It is Clio the Teddy Bear's product.

Q4 (Priyanka): It must have been quite a journey for you to come this far. What has been your most memorable business experience till now?

(Kelly): I think the most memorable moments so far have come around hearing my customers' stories. They have great stories and I love so much to hear how our products help their kids' skin. I had one mom tell me that she didn't even like taking her baby out in public because she had such eczema and dry skin. Then she started using our products and now her baby's skin is perfect! She is thrilled. These kinds of stories make me so happy.

Q5 (Priyanka): You are a mom and an entrepreneur. How do you balance your work life with family time? What advice do you have for moms like you looking to launch a successful career in business?

It is a challenge for all of us for sure. And there is no silver bullet perfect solution. I think the first and most important thing to do is to decide in your own mind what comes first...your family or your job. If you can keep that as the key in making every decision it helps prioritize. For me and for my priorities, I have found that it is easiest to have a job that can "flow" with me and my home life. If I can get things done in small time increments and also if I can involve my kids in what I do, it makes things a lot easier. Having a rigid schedule that can't be flexible to drive kids here and there, to have playdates, or to be put aside if a child is ill and needs attention makes life more complicated. Flexibility is key. That being said, it also means that you have to be willing to do what it takes to get the job done which for me often means I am working every evening after the kids are in bed.

Q6 (Priyanka): What is a typical business day like for you and your family? Being a mother of 2, how do you ensure that your office stays kid-friendly?

(Kelly): Wow! The typical business day for me is to get up and spend about an hour answering e-mails before my kids get up. Then I get them ready for school (my son) or the day (my daughter who is still in pre-school and only goes in the afternoons). Then back to answering e-mails and calls. Actually my daughter helps me a lot some days. She likes to help and there is a lot that she can do. I basically go back and forth between trying to fit work in and spending time with my kids for the rest of the day. It is a big challenge for sure, but they are learning how small businesses run which I think is great.

Q7 (Priyanka): What environmentally friendly choices have you made for your home and your business?

(Kelly): We try to do everything we can to be sustainable with the business as well as our home. At home, we eat only organic fruits, veggies, meat and eggs. Mostly from local farms. We print as little as possible and try to do most business marketing online. We reuse boxes and packaging. For the business, we get our products manufactured locally of mostly local raw materials. We offer gallon refills of our products and encourage customers to reuse their bottles. All of our packaging is recycled plastic. Those things help but we are a work in progress like most homes and businesses!

Q8 (Priyanka): Your favorite green website would be....?

(Kelly): I love Abe's Market. Great products from great little companies. A terrific place to find unique green products and fun stuff!

Q9 (Priyanka): What is the future of My True Nature? Can we expect to see the TubbyTown characters on Cartoon Network/Disney some day?

(Kelly): I don't know about on the Cartoon Network, but you should soon see us in iPad and iPhone apps! We are in the process of finishing a great bath book, we have organic bath towels in the works, and truly the iPad/iPhone apps aren't far off. Stay tuned to hear more! The towels will be out soon and everything else to follow...

Q10 (Priyanka): And to wind up, what is the one thing you would like to say about your products which sets you apart from the rest?

(Kelly): They are cute, fun and bring bath friends to life, yet incredibly high quality natural & organic ingredients. They are perfect for kids (fun) and moms (natural & organic) and I believe that makes them unique in the green marketplace.

Residential Solar Panels for Home Heating and Cooling

2011-10-30T15:39:20Z

A solar panel is an assembly of connected photovoltaic cells that absorb and convert energy from the sun into electricity. Solar panels operate through the principle photovoltaic effect.

First observed in 1839, the voltaic effect is the creation of voltage due to the exposure of electromagnetic radiation, most commonly in the form of visible light from the sun. Electrons from the light rays are absorbed by the panel's surface and then can be transferred through conduction bands resulting in the gradual build up of voltage between the electrodes. These electrical connectors are organized and created in series to achieve the desired output voltage.

A single solar panel can only produce a limited amount of power, and thus are normally used as a component of a larger photovoltaic system in order to generate enough power to supply residential or commercial institutions. An entire solar voltaic system typically includes several solar panels, a current inverter, and a battery with wiring connecting the system into a complete circuit.

Solar home heating and cooling are the most cost effective to the consumer when they are used for the majority of the year. One should invest in a solar panel system as long as a steady, reliable amount of sunlight is accessible, which in most cases is pragmatic. Solar panel systems are most economical when replacing standard heating systems like electricity, propane, and oil. Commercial systems range from $40 to $80 per square foot, but the cost often decreases with larger systems. Most panels offer a ten-year warranty but most panels have a life cycle of several decades.

For homeowners, selecting the appropriate solar energy system depends on factors such as the location, home design and architecture, and average heating and cooling needs of one's home. The local climate, the type and efficiency of the solar panels themselves, also play a pivotal role in measuring effectiveness. It is optimal for panels to provide approximately 40%-80% of one's home energy needs. Systems providing less than 40% of the heat needed for a home are rarely cost-effective except when using solar air heater collectors that heat one or two rooms and require no heat storage. A well-designed and insulated home that incorporates passive solar heating techniques will require a smaller and less costly heating system of any type, and may need very little supplemental heat other than solar.

Owning and capitalizing on solar panels has a number of advantages. Solar power is an energy source that does not consume any resources or produce any significant pollution or waste. Many government programs offer tax breaks to individuals who utilize solar electric systems. In addition some new programs pay homeowners for any extra power generated by their solar system. If ones solar panels are producing more energy than required, it may be sold back to energy providers and be turned into literal free profit. Although an advantageous endeavor, harnessing solar power is still in its infancy. Innovation in contemporary panels have led to more efficient and cheaper panels, however for many homeowners, installing a supplemental solar panel system is still quite unobtainable. It is important for anyone thinking of purchasing solar panels, to check with the building codes, regulations, and restrictions. Also one must be sure that the roof can handle the extra weight of the panels and that the current electrical system can operate in conjunction with the panels. In addition, government hosted websites such as http://www.energysavers.gov, offer information specified for one's state, and city.

Sources:

http://www.energysavers.gov/

http://solarenergyfact.org

http://greenliving.nationalgeographic.com/advantages-disadvantages-solar-power

http://www.solarhome.org/

Images:

http://solarenergyfact.org