"tips & tricks to help you live a healthy lifestyle without putting a big impact on the earth"

21 December 2010

green decorating :)

For many of us, December brings the holidays, and whether it’s Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, or Christmas that’s celebrated, family and tradition are always in the forefront.

To celebrate, we can add some festive touches from our own natural landscape and bring the sense of calm and serenity we usually feel in our gardens inside our homes during this often-hectic time.

Here are some quick and easy ideas using collected branches, seeds, plants, leaves, fruit, and other natural items to extend the garden’s bounty into the winter holiday season.

Related: Real vs Fake Christmas Trees

  • One of the simplest things to do is to decorate the house with fresh greenery from your garden. Greenery gathered from your own garden will be much fresher than any that you can buy. Just remember when gathering live greenery from your shrubs and trees you are actually pruning the plants so carefully consider which branches to cut and which ones to leave.
  • You can use the greenery to create garlands, wreaths, swags, and to add to centerpieces and flower arrangements.
  • Door ornaments are quick and easy to make from evergreen branches. Wrap a sturdy wire around the ends of branches of several types of evergreens for contrasting color and texture. Then add a large bow to cover the attachment point. You can also substitute rope or raffia for the ribbon for a more natural look.
  • Use winter berries from your shrubs such as holly, pyracantha, and toyon to add to your garlands and wreaths.
  • To add unique color to your decorations, attach shiny, red, and gold apples to your wreaths and garlands. Cranberries, citrus, and pomegranates also look great in holiday decorations.
  • Gather dried pods, pine cones, dried wildflowers, and twigs and display them in a basket. They can be used as they are, sprayed with gold or silver paint, or sprayed with potpourri oil. You can also put a dab of glue on each point of the pine cone and sprinkle them with glitter.

Related: 4 Natural DIY Holiday Decorations

  • All different sizes of candles, from votives to pillars, can be scattered with metallic painted pinecones and branches of leaves to make a decoration for the mantle.
  • For a simple Hanukkah centerpiece, you can light nine assorted candles (to represent the nine candles on the Menorah). Scatter colorful clementine or other tangerines from your garden, dreidels, and chocolate gelt with the candles. That way, between dinner courses, your family and friends can snack on a tangerine or chocolate and the children can play with the dreidels.
  • Add some sparkle to your decorations by including glitter or small mirrors.
  • Use fruit for decorating your holiday table. Pears and small apples are great for spray painting with metallic colors or in your favorite holiday color.
  • Oranges, lemons, or apples sprinkled with cinnamon or cardamom and stuck with whole cloves make fragrant pomander balls and are a great rainy day project for the whole family.


Read more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/holiday-decorating-from-the-garden.html#ixzz18oDey7Is

13 November 2010

Biscuit the puppy

4 OF MY FRIENDS WHERE TAKEN DOWN TO A ROOM YESTERDAY AND THEN I COULD HEAR THEM SCREAMING AND CRYING FOR A VERY LONG TIME AND THEN THEY STOPPED AND NOW I CAN'T HEAR THEM AT ALL ANYMORE. I KNOW THAT I AM REALLY SCARED AND DON'T WANT WHATEVER HAPPENED TO THEM TO HAPPEN TO ME. I SAW THE PEOPLE WHO LOOK AFTER ME HERE AT THE POUND LOOK AT ME WITH SAD EYES AND SAID THAT I WOULD BE NEXT IF NO ONE COMES TO TAKE ME HOME WITH THEM! SO CAN'T SOMEONE OUT THERE PLEASE COME AND TAKE ME HOME SO I WON'T HAVE TO BE SCARED ANYMORE? I DON'T WANT TO GO DOWN TO THAT BAD ROOM!!! I'M ONLY A PUPPY AND I WANT TO RUN AND PLAY AND GIVE KISSES TO SOMEONE. PLEASE???




BISCUIT

Yellow Labrador Retriever Mix, Large Baby Male
I am a gorgeous 5 month old... pup in kennel 8. I may have a little Husky in my mix? ***Must be 18 years of age or older to adopt***

http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/17818558

PLEASE CONTACT MARTY IF YOU CAN SPONSOR ME--EVEN $5 COULD MAKE THE DIFFERENCE--IT IS A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH!
PLEASE HELP ME!!

See PayPal address below!

Contact:
Marty Conklin
Trumbull County Dog Pound
Warren, OH 44484
330-299-0434 home
330-647-3892 cell
marty.conklin@gmail.com
PAYPAL ADDRESS: dlconklin70@gmail.com
Vezi mai mult

10 November 2010

PROSECUTE DINOS KOUKOS FOR PREPARING TO BURN A POOR KITTEN'S EYES


SIGN THE PETITION: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/prosecute-dinos-koukos-for-preparing-to-burn-a-poor-kittens-eyes/

THE PICTURE SHOWS A GREEK GUY PREPARING TO BURN THE POOR KITTEN'S EYES!

THIS CANNOT BE TOLERATED IN ANY SHAPE OR FORM!


Show their government that we need them to enforce stronger animal protection laws.
PLEASE make constructive comments. You want their government to hear you, so please be tasteful. They will come to this petition and read your comments. Since This petition is on public viewing...All they have to do is view it.
In addition, send, copy and paste to let them see the full note in copy of the e-mail.


Greek crime line:ccu@ath.forthnet.gr
Also the chief of police:pressoffice@astynomia.gr
Trikala municipality who have or had a notoriously cruel mayor webpress@trikalacity.gr; dim_trik@otenet.gr; info@trikala.gr
Trikala municipality mayor webpress@trikalacity.gr; dim_trik@otenet.gr; info@trikala.gr


***SHARE THIS PETITION!***
This is one great shot of the monster, Let's get his picture out there! SHARE THIS PETITION, SHOW THE WORLD HE NEEDS TO BE CAUGHT!

I AM ASKING YOU TO SEND E-MAILS TO SHOW YOUR DISGUST AND ASKING FOR JUSTICE TO:


Greek crime line:
ccu@ath.forthnet.gr Also the chief of police:pressoffice@astynomia.gr

Trikala municipality who have or had a notoriously cruel mayor webpress@trikalacity.gr; dim_trik@otenet.gr; info@trikala.gr

His name is Dinos Koukos, he lives in Trikala and either he is or was ...a student in at the 3rd highschool of Trikala. Send a protest email to his school mail@3lyk-trikal.tri.sch.gr his school group on facebook is

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=24556280319

Send a message to
3rd High School of Trikala
mail@3lyk-trikal.tri.sch.gr,2431022571,2431030435

This is the link to report to Interpol:
http://www.interpol.int/public/organisedcrime/default.asp

Kirsty Bob is good at dealing with monsters like this through interpol, message her too.

PLEASE SAVE AND ATTACH THE PHOTOS AS EVIDENCE

09 November 2010

8 Ways to Reuse Old T-Shirts

BY BECKY STRIEPE

We all have them in our dressers: a couple of t-shirts that are past their prime, but we just can’t get rid of them. Whether it’s from an awesome concert or a really special family reunion, you can give an old t-shirt a new life with some crafty skills!

1. Laptop Cozy

The folks at Make share a quickie tutorial for turning a t-shirt into a laptop case by simply folding the shirt in half with the wrong sides in, stitching up the sides, then flipping it back.

2. Pillow

Cut a straight line from shoulder to shoulder and from sleeves to the bottom hem. Trim as much off of the bottom of the shirt as you like, then stitch it up inside out, leaving a bit of room to flip and stuff. Once you’ve flipped and stuffed your pillow, close the seam with a whip stitch or a sneaky ladder stitch and you're ready to go!

3. Quilt

Is that collection of shirts a little bit out of hand? You can turn a bunch of old t-shirts into a super-comfy memory quilt! Just cut your shirts into squares, piece them together, and sew it up! If you’re new to quilting, About has some great, quick tips for quilters to help you out.

4. Skirt

Ready for the quickest refashion yet? Cute Circuit shows you how to turn an old shirt into a skirt in 30 seconds flat!

5. Necklace

Dollar Store Crafts shows you how to make a simple, elegant t-shirt necklace. I like how she added decorative beads to spice things up.

6. Grocery Bag

A grocery bag is another super-quick t-shirt craft. The ever-fabulous Martha Stewart walks you through how to turn an old shirt into a reusable grocery bag.

7. Applique

Is a little spot, tear, or stain keeping your favorite shirt from being wearable? That’s easy as pie to fix up! Just cover that pesky spot with your very own applique. You can use something store bought, or cut shapes you like out of fabric or felt and stitch it right on. If you’re using a machine to stitch, you’ll want to put interfacing inside the shirt behind where you’ll be stitching, or the fabric could pucker around the stitches.

8. Undies

Over at SuperNaturale, Logan shows you how to transform an old tee into a comfy pair of undies.



Read more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/8-ways-to-reuse-old-t-shirts.html/8#ixzz14rIKmZD7

07 November 2010

5 greenest pets! By samantha

You can use eco-friendly initiatives to go green in nearly every aspect of your life, including the house you live in, the cars you drive and the food you eat — but what about the pets you love? From teaching responsibility to providing unconditional companionship, furry friends can certainly change your life for the better, but can they also change the environment for the worse?

Just like people, animals multiply, require food and shelter, produce waste, and use a variety of accessories such as toys and bedding that require a manufacturing process — all of which contribute to shaping and defining their carbon paw print. But just as we have the ability to make more sustainable choices within our own activities and lifestyles, there are more eco-friendly approaches when it comes to pet ownership as well. Check out the top five options for getting a green pet.

Adopted Pets

One way a potential pet owner can take the eco-friendly route is by opting for a “recycled” pet of sorts through shelter adoption. These organizations have plenty of pets of various ages and breeds to choose from. In fact, up to 8 million dogs and cats — including many purebreds — enter animal shelters every year, according to the Human Society of the United States (HSUS). However, many potential owners still decide to buy their pets from pet stores or directly from breeders, which only adds to the problem of pet overpopulation by creating a demand for additional pets that need homes. As a result, animal shelters put down nearly 4 million animals a year, because the number of potential pets far outweighs the number of actual adoptions. Pet overpopulation can create serious issues for the environment, including increased waste production, as well as the need for additional farming space to provide enough food to feed those extra mouths. Adopting a shelter pet and having it spayed or neutered may, in a small way, help with combating this problem.

Why You Should Adopt a Less-Adoptable Pet

Indoor Cats

If you’re a proud cat owner, making the decision to keep your kitty indoors can do a lot to help keep the environment in balance. First, wildlife such as birds, squirrels and butterflies will thank you for saving their lives. Outdoor cats love to hunt, not out of a necessity for food but because they’re instinctually compelled to do so. According to the U.S. Department of Fish & Wildlife, these pets’ annual kill counts are in the hundreds of millions — one recent study estimates that domestic rural cats kill 39 million birds in Wisconsin alone. This can cause profound damage to the ecosystem, including the extinction of certain bird species, which has led to the development of programs such as Cats Indoors!, a program created by the American Bird Conservancy and promoted by the Audubon Society. Cat feces are also an environmental foe, because they contain parasites, such as toxoplasma gondii, that can wreak havoc on local water sources and the health of other outdoor creatures. Keep it green by keeping kitty inside.

Bringing an Outdoor Cat Inside

Double Duty Pets

Getting a pet that provides an additional benefit beyond companionship and love can also be a green choice. For example, one of the latest trends in eco-friendly pet ownership — even in urban areas — is keeping and raising chickens, which lay eggs that owners can keep for personal use. Some may find these birds less cuddly and pet-like than cats or dogs, but many who’ve raised them say that chickens can be trained to come when called and sometimes enjoy petting and lap-holding. Of course, anyone considering chicken ownership should make sure they’re able to provide proper living conditions for the animals, which includes allowing them the ability to move around and spread their wings, along with providing accommodations for adequate food, water and shelter. Also, many cities have regulations about how — or even if — you can keep chickens at your house, so it’s a good idea to find out what the rules are in your area before bringing home any hens. If chicks are out of the question, you still have dual-purpose pet options: Some other animals, such as rabbits, also can prove to be more than just a cuddly sidekick, since their droppings can be used in compost piles.

Build a Backyard Chicken Coop

Small Dogs

For dog lovers — especially those that live in tight quarters — opting for a smaller breed will not only help your personal space feel, well, more spacious, it will keep things in check from an environmental perspective as well. In their 2009 book “Time to Eat the Dog: The real guide to sustainable living,” Dr. Robert and professor Brenda Vale maintained that even a medium-size dog eats up to 360 pounds of food per year and has an environmental impact greater than that of an SUV driven 10,000 kilometers (6,213 miles) a year. In general, smaller dogs, such as Yorkshire terriers or chihuahuas, eat less than, say, Labrador retrievers, St. Bernards or German shepherds. This means less food that needs to be produced and packaged, and less waste that’s created as a result. Of course, this is not to say you should totally rule out medium or large breeds, but if your living space is already small, sticking with a small pet might be the greenest way to go.

Where Did Small Dogs Come From?

Low-Maintenance Pets

When people play around with the idea of a getting a pet, dogs and cats are often the first types of animals that come to mind. But there are other choices out there, and some of them are much more eco-friendly. For example, hamsters, birds, snakes and fish typically require minimal food and produce less waste. They also generally need only a minimal number of toys and very little bedding or other accessories. According to the American Pet Products Association, Americans spend billions of dollars each year on their pet supplies — many of which, toys in particular, are made from plastic. Their production can take its toll on the environment, so getting a pet that needs less may help you start out on a greener foot.

If you do decide to get a low-maintenance pet, however, proceed with caution. It’s possible to accidentally stray into exotic pet territory, which includes certain types of frogs and lizards, among other creatures. These exotic pets often need very specialized (and costly) habitats to mimic their natural environments as closely as possible. Not only could you end up spending more time and money than you initially bargained for, you may find that you’re actually hurting the environment by using special filters and chemicals needed to maintain your pet’s tank.

Ultimately, though, being eco-conscious while choosing a pet can be a rewarding process. You’ll take strides — big or small — toward improving the planet’s overall well-being while finding a pet you can love for years to come.



Read more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/top-5-greenest-pets.html?page=7#ixzz14fhCubUo

03 November 2010

LOST CAT

I was on holiday in Sydney.
I was walking around Leichardt when my attention was brought by
a lost cat poster. I am always sad when I see these but it broke my heart
when I read the poster, it said:

LOST CAT
My cat is lost and desperately
needs his medication.
He responds to the name "Yesto".

It made me really sad so had a look for him,
when I was in a quiet street where a cat might
be hiding in the bushes I called out his name.
Sadly i had no luck,
but if anyone happens to be in Leichardt it would be great
if you had a look for the poor soul.
if you do happen to find him, the poster said he was a Russian blue
and to call George: 0404 368 939

20 October 2010

75 things you didn't know you could compost

The basics of composting are simple. Most people know they can compost fruit and vegetable peels, leaves, and grass clippings. But what about that tea bag you used this morning? Or the fur that collects in the brush when you groom your cat?

The following list is meant to get you thinking about your compost possibilities. Not every item on the list is for everyone, and that’s fine. Imagine how much trash we could prevent from going into the landfills if each of us just decided to compost a few more things. Here are 75 ideas to get you started.

From the Kitchen

  1. Coffee grounds and filters
  2. Tea bags
  3. Used paper napkins
  4. Pizza boxes, ripped into smaller pieces
  5. Paper bags, either ripped or balled up
  6. The crumbs you sweep off of the counters and floors
  7. Plain cooked pasta
  8. Plain cooked rice
  9. Stale bread
  10. Paper towel rolls
  11. Stale saltine crackers
  12. Stale cereal
  13. Used paper plates (as long as they don’t have a waxy coating)
  14. Cellophane bags (be sure it’s really Cellophane and not just clear plastic—there’s a difference.)
  15. Nut shells (except for walnut shells, which can be toxic to plants)
  16. Old herbs and spices
  17. Stale pretzels
  18. Pizza crusts
  19. Cereal boxes (tear them into smaller pieces first)
  20. Wine corks
  21. Moldy cheese
  22. Melted ice cream
  23. Old jelly, jam, or preserves
  24. Stale beer and wine
  25. Paper egg cartons
  26. Toothpicks
  27. Bamboo skewers
  28. Paper cupcake or muffin cups

From the Bathroom

  1. Used facial tissues
  2. Hair from your hairbrush
  3. Toilet paper rolls
  4. Old loofahs
  5. Nail clippings
  6. Urine
  7. 100% cotton cotton balls
  8. Cotton swabs made from 100% cotton and cardboard (not plastic) sticks

Personal Items

It might be a good idea to bury these items in your pile. Just sayin’.

  1. Cardboard tampon applicators
  2. Latex condoms

From the Laundry Room

  1. Dryer lint
  2. Old/stained cotton clothing—rip or cut it into smaller pieces
  3. Old wool clothing—rip or cut it into smaller pieces

    From the Office

    1. Bills and other documents you’ve shredded
    2. Envelopes (minus the plastic window)
    3. Pencil shavings
    4. Sticky notes
    5. Business cards (as long as they’re not glossy)
    6. Receipts

    Around the House

    1. Contents of your vacuum cleaner bag or canister
    2. Newspapers (shredded or torn into smaller pieces)
    3. Subscription cards from magazines
    4. Leaves trimmed from houseplants
    5. Dead houseplants and their soil
    6. Flowers from floral arrangements
    7. Natural potpourri
    8. Used matches
    9. Ashes from the fireplace, barbecue grill, or outdoor fire pit

    Party and Holiday Supplies

    1. Wrapping paper rolls
    2. Paper table cloths
    3. Crepe paper streamers
    4. Latex balloons
    5. Raffia
    6. Excelsior
    7. Jack o’ Lanterns
    8. Those hay bales you used as part of your outdoor fall decor
    9. Natural holiday wreaths
    10. Your Christmas tree. Chop it up with some pruners first (or use a wood chipper, if you have one…)
    11. Evergreen garlands

    Pet-Related

    1. Fur from the dog or cat brush
    2. Droppings and bedding from your rabbit/gerbil/hamsters, etc.
    3. Newspaper/droppings from the bottom of the bird cage
    4. Feathers
    5. Alfalfa hay or pellets (usually fed to rabbits)
    6. Rawhide dog chews
    7. Fish food
    8. Dry dog or cat food

    I know that the longer I’ve had a compost pile, the more likely I’ve been to take a second look at something I was preparing to throw in the trash. “Hmm. Can I compost this?” is a frequent question in my house. And, as you can see, it’s surprising how often you can answer “Yes!”

    By Colleen Vanderlinden, Planet Green

    Read more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/75-things-you-can-compost.html?page=2#ixzz12y6eAd00

15 October 2010

The free rice game!

Hello everyone!
I hope your having a great day!
I just wanted to bring up a website that I think is awesome,
that's right,
the free rice game!
In this game you have to take an ongoing quiz with your choice of subject,
for each question you get right, the sponsors of the website donate ten grains of rice to a family in need, play longer, donate more rice, and best of all, IT'S FREE!
Free rice game: http://www.freerice.com/
more websites like this: http://sites.google.com/site/helpingtheworld12/online-offline-places-to-go

11 October 2010

Healthy caramel apples!

Caramel apples, everyone loves them,

but how to eat them without putting on weight?

here a recipe to make delicious, healthy

Caramel Apples!


6 organic apples
2 cups dates soaked in 1 cup water, and mashed down
2 tablespoons raw tahini
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tiny pinch Celtic salt
2 cups walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts or other nut of your choice

Pulse the nuts in a food processor and transfer to a bowl.
Poke a chopstick through 6 apples.
In a food processor, blend till smooth, the soaked dates, vanilla and salt.
Using a butter knife, apply the date paste to each apple. Swirl in nuts. Chill in the refrigerator. Enjoy this October delight!



Read more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/healthy-caramel-apples.html?page=2#ixzz12P64lZYb

30 September 2010

vegetarian day!

Hi everyone!
sorry I haven't posted for a while, but i have been very busy!
Anyway enough about that, I have something very exiting to say!
It's world vegetarian day!
here is an awesome vegetarian meal made with spring produce from http://www.cuisine.com.au/recipe/spring-minestrone

ingredients
  • 100g small soup pasta, e.g. stelline (little stars)
  • 2 leeks, trimmed
  • 2 celery stalks
  • 6 baby carrots
  • 1 green and 1 yellow zucchini
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin
  • olive oil
  • 1.2L chicken or vegetable stock or water, boiling
  • 500g broad beans, shelled
  • 100g shelled peas
  • Sea salt and pepper
  • Freshly shaved parmesan or pecorino
  • 2 tbsp pesto

Method
  • Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan and cook the leeks and celery until soft. Add the carrots and toss well. Add the boiling stock, and simmer for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, cook the broad beans and peas for 5 mins in simmering salted water, drain and refresh. Peel the broad beans.

    Add the zucchini, broad beans, peas and pasta to the soup and simmer for a further 5 or 10 mins, keeping the colours bright. Season with salt and pepper and ladle into shallow pasta bowls.

    To serve

    Spoon a little pesto into each bowl and scatter with cheese.

    Serves 4.

10 September 2010

Vegan Sources of Vitamins & Minerals

Calcium
broccoli, green leafy vegetables (such as kale, bok choy, collard and turnip greens), tofu, blackstrap molasses, chickpeas, many beans, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, almonds, flax seeds, brazil nuts, dried figs, dried fruit.

Iron
green leafy vegetables & sea vegetables, legumes/beans, nuts & seeds, blackstrap molasses, dried fruits, watermelon, prune juice, spinach, cereals, whole grains.

Magnesium
brown rice, cooked spinach, beans/legumes, almonds/nuts, dried figs, broccoli, cooked oatmeal, wheat germ/bran, whole grains, green leafy vegetables, bananas, peanuts.

Phosphorus
pinto beans, cereal grains, almonds, nuts, dried beans, peas, lentils, peanuts, brown rice, avocados, spinach, many vegetables, yeast.

Potassium
raisins, bananas, raw and cooked spinach, potatoes, baked sweet potatoes, winter squash, raw cauliflower, avocados, kiwifruit, dried fruits, tomatoes, oranges, grapefruit, strawberries, honeydew melon, cantaloupe, dried apricots.

Zinc
pumpkin seeds, whole grains/cereals, legumes, lentils, peas, soy foods, nuts, sunflower seeds, wheat germ, yeast, garbanzo beans, raw collard greens, spinach, corn.

Selenium
brazil nuts, whole grains, kidney beans (depending on the soil they are grown in), yeast.

Manganese
brown rice & whole grains, cereals, cooked oatmeal, wheat germ, nuts, seeds, legumes, cooked spinach & kale, black beans, almonds, avocados, pineapples, strawberries.

Molybdenum
beans, breads, cereals, cooked spinach, strawberries.

Pantothenic Acid
whole grain cereals, legumes, mushrooms, peanuts, soybeans, avocados, sunflower seeds, bananas, oranges, cooked collard greens, baked potato, broccoli.

Chromium
whole grains, nuts, broccoli, apples, peanuts, cooked spinach, mushrooms.

Biotin
cereals & whole grains, breads, yeast, almonds, peanuts, molasses, legumes.

Copper
nuts and seeds, whole grains, dried beans, mushrooms.

Folic Acid
legumes, lentils, oranges, whole grains, asparagus, spinach, romaine lettuce.

Iodine
iodine-rich sea vegetables, kelp, vegetables grown in iodine-rich soil.

Vitamin A
carrots, winter squashes (acorn and butternut), sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, apricots, spinach, kale, turnip greens, broccoli, red bell peppers and other greens.

Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)
brown rice & whole grains, bread, pasta, oatmeal, brewers and nutritional yeast, legumes, cereals, sunflower seeds, nuts, watermelon, raw wheat germ.

Riboflavin
yeast, beans, cereals, whole grains, spinach, broccoli, wheat germ, mushrooms.

Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
legumes, brown rice, green vegetables, potatoes, tomatoes, broccoli.

Vitamin B6
whole grains, peanuts, nuts/legumes, soybeans, walnuts, bananas, watermelon

Vitamin C
bell peppers, broccoli, tomatoes, strawberries, oranges/orange juice, grapefruit, tomatoes, brussels sprouts, cabbage, collard greens, turnip greens, spinach, potatoes, melon, berries, papayas, romaine lettuce, watercress.

Vitamin D
The most significant supply of Vitamin D comes from sunlight exposure on the skin. Vitamin D-2 supplements are available, as well as Vitamin D fortified plant milks & cereals. Fortified vegan products contain Vitamin D-2 (ergocalciferol) as opposed to animal-derived Vitamin D-3 (cholecalciferol).

Vitamin E
safflower/vegetable oils, sunflower seeds, raw wheat germ, nuts, peanuts, green leafy vegetables, whole wheat flour, whole grains, spinach.

Vitamin K
green leafy vegetables, spinach, turnip greens, kale, parsley, brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, soybeans and soybean oil, cabbage, green tea, tomatoes.

Vitamin B12
Red Star ‘Vegetarian Support Formula’ Nutritional Yeast
, B-12 fortified non-dairy milks and cereals. Vegan B-12 supplements: VegLife (certified vegan) B-12 supplement, Twin Labs ‘Vegetarian Formula’ B-12 Sublingual Dots, etc.


this source of inormation came from Angel Flinn

04 September 2010

Fruits and Veggies Matter!

Benefits of Fruits and Veggies

  • Fruits and vegetables are important to overall health, adding essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber that reduce the risk of many chronic diseases. People who eat more generous amounts as part of a healthy diet tend to have lower rates of diseases such as stroke, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers.
  • Fruits and veggies are naturally low in calories.
  • Consuming fruits and veggies satisfies hunger and helps stave off those cravings for empty calories.
  • There’s nothing quite like biting into a fresh, crisp piece of fruit or a grilled, lightly seasoned vegetable. You just can’t beat it!
  • With fruits and veggies as part of your daily meal plan, you will have increased energy. Seriously, you’ll feel a whole lot better.
  • The National Fruit & Vegetable Program says that all fresh, frozen, dried, or canned fruits and vegetables and 100 percent juice products are acceptable — as long as you make sure there are no added sugars, syrups, salt, butter, or cream sauces.

Recommended Daily Dose
We’re all different and so are our dietary needs, depending on our health status, age, and other factors. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends a range from two to six and one-half cups per day. There’s no need to stress out about amounts or make things more complicated than they need to be; simply making fruits and vegetables the focal point of every meal will help you meet your recommended amount each day.

Dietary Supplements and Fortified Food
There are many fortified foods and dietary supplements on the market that can help, but nothing gives the full benefits like fresh fruits and vegetables. Even if you do take supplements, it is still recommended that you meet your nutritional needs primarily through foods.

BY Ann Pietrangelo

25 August 2010

22 uses for lemon peels (by Melissa Breyer)

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. But what to do with all those lemon peels? Don’t toss them; put them to work. Lemon juice is about 5 to 6 percent citric acid and has a pH level of between 2 and 3. This low pH acidity makes lemon juice a great ally in breaking down rust and mineral stains, but gentle enough to not dull finishes. There is generally sufficient juice left in used lemon halves to tackle small tasks, and it all comes with its own applicator (the rind itself). Plus, the oil in the peel is perfect for clever culinary applications, and not bad in the beauty department either. Here’s what you can do:

Around the House

1. Clean greasy messes
Greasy pans? Splattered stove tops? Messy counters? If your kitchen has been the victim of some sloppy sauteing, try using lemon halves before bringing out possibly toxic chemical cleaners. Sprinkle some salt (for abrasion) on a juiced lemon half and rub on the greasy areas, wipe up with a towel. (Be careful using lemon on marble counter tops, or any other surface which may be sensitive to acid).

2. Clean your tea kettle or coffee pot
For mineral deposit build up in your tea kettle, fill the kettle with water, add a handful of thin slices of lemon peel and bring to a boil. Turn off heat and let sit for an hour, drain, and rinse well. For coffee pots, add ice, salt and lemon rinds to the empty pot; swish and swirl for a minute or two, dump, and rinse. Hello, sparkly.

3. Clean your microwave
All it takes is one exploding bowl of food to render the interior of your microwave officially gunked, sometimes gunked with cement-like properties. Rather than using strong chemical cleaners, try this: Add lemon rinds to a microwave-safe bowl filled halfway with water. Cook on high for 5 minutes, allowing the water to boil and the steam to condense on the walls and tops of the oven. Carefully remove the hot bowl and wipe away the mess with a towel.

4. Deodorize the garbage disposal
Use lemon peels to deodorize the garbage disposal (and make your kitchen smell awesome at the same time). It is a great way to finally dispose of spent lemon peels after you have used them for any of these applications.

5. Polish chrome
Mineral deposits on chrome faucets and other tarnished chrome make haste in the presence of lemon–rub with a squeezed lemon half, rinse, and lightly buff with a soft cloth.

6. Polish copper
A halved lemon dipped in salt or baking powder can also be used to brighten copper cookware, as well as brass, chrome, or stainless steel. Dip a juiced lemon half in salt (you also use baking soda or cream of tartar for the salt) and rub on the affected area. Let it stay on for 5 minutes. Then rinse in warm water and polish dry.

7. Clean a stainless steel sink
Use the same method described to polish chrome, applied to any stainless sink.

8. Keep insects out
Many pests abhor the acid in lemon. You can chop of the peels and place them along thresholds, windowsills, and near any cracks or holes where ants or pests may be entering. For other ways to combat pests naturally, see 7 Steps to Chemical-Free Pest Control.

9. Make a scented humidifier
If your home suffers from dry heat in the winter, you can put lemon peels in a pot of water and simmer on the lowest stove-top setting to humidify and scent the air.

10. Refresh cutting boards
Because of lemon’s low pH, it has antibacterial properties that make is a good choice for refreshing cutting boards. After proper disinfecting (see: How to Clean Your Cutting Board) give the surface a rub with a halved lemon, let sit for a few minutes, and rinse.

To eat

11. Keep brown sugar soft
If your brown sugar most often turns into brick sugar, try adding some lemon peel (with traces of pulp and pith removed) to help keep it moist and easy to use. (For all recipes using lemon peel, try to use organic lemons–and scrub the peel well to remove any residues and wax.)

12. Make zest
Zest is the best! Zest is simply grated peel, and is the epitome of lemon essence–it can be used fresh, dried, or frozen. If you don’t have an official zester, you can use the smallest size of a box grater. (If you know you will be using lemons for zest, it is easier to grate the zest from the lemon before juicing them.) To dry zest, spread it on a towel and leave out until dried, then store in a jar. To freeze, use a freezer-safe container. Use zest in salads, marinades, baked goods, grain dishes, etc.

13. Make Vegan Lemon Biscotti
Once you’ve made some zest, make these Vegan Lemon Biscotti cookies. De-li-cious!

14. Make twists
Strips of peel, aka twists, are good in cocktails, sparkling water, and tap water. Use a vegetable peeler to make long strips, or use a knife and cut the peel into long strips, cutting away the white pith which is bitter. These can also be frozen in a freezer-safe container or bag.

15. Make lemon extract powder
Make zest or twists (above) making sure to remove any of the white (bitter) pith–and dry the strips skin-side down on a plate until they’re dried, about 3 or 4 days. Put in a blender (or spice grinder) and pulverize into a powder. Use the powdered peel in place of extract or zest in recipes.

16. Make Lemon Sugar
You can make lemon extract powder (see above) and add it to sugar, or you can use fresh twists, put them in a jar with sugar and let the peel’s oil infuse the sugar.

17. Make Lemon Pepper
Mix lemon extract powder (see above) with freshly cracked pepper.

18. Make candied lemon peel
Orange or grapefruit peel can be candied too. Yum. Candied peels are pretty easy to make, and can be eaten plain, or dipped in melted chocolate, used in cake, cookie, candy, or bread recipes. These recipes for candied citrus and ginger use Sucanat, the most wholesome sugar you can buy.

For Beauty

19. Lighten age spots
Many folk remedies suggest using lemon peel to help lighten age spots–apply a small piece to the affected area and leave on for an hour. You can also try one of these 5 natural ways to lighten age spots.

20. Soften dry elbows
Use a half lemon sprinkled with baking soda on elbows, just place your elbow in the lemon and twist the lemon (like you are juicing it) for several minutes. Rinse and dry.

21. Use on your skin
Lemon peels can be very lightly rubbed on your face for a nice skin tonic, then rinse. (And be careful around your eyes.)

22. Make a sugar scrub
Mix 1/2 a cup of sugar with finely chopped lemon peel and enough olive oil to make a paste. Wet your body in the shower, turn off the water and massage sugar mix all over your skin, rinse, be soft! You can also try any of these 5 simple homemade sugar scrubs as well.

By Melissa Breyer

link: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/22-uses-for-lemon-peels.html?page=5

20 August 2010

Make Your Own Natural Body Lotion (owned by Michelle Schoffro Cook)

If you’re tired of all the chemicals and synthetic fragrances in most store-bought creams and lotions, you might want to consider making your own. Most people think that making creams and body lotions is difficult but it’s actually fairly easy. I frequently make my own and give them as gifts to friends and family members who seem to love them.

If you can, I recommend that you keep an old blender, a small- to medium-size glass bowl, and a spatula that you use solely for making natural aromatherapy products. While you can use your kitchen blender, the beeswax found in natural creams can leave a residue on the blender and utensils used.

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 3/4 cup of pure oil (I like sweet almond oil since it absorbs well and doesn’t leave a greasy film. It’s available in most health food stores
  • 1 cup of pure water (or you can use rose water–available in health food stores)
  • 2 Tablespoons of shaved beeswax (most health food stores sell plain beeswax. Be sure to avoid other types of wax since they are made of petroleum byproducts)
  • 30 drops of essential oils (like lavender, ylang ylang, bergamot, or other oil. Make sure you avoid “fragrance oil” since it is synthetic. Lavender is a great one to start with since it is aromatic but also soothes sunburns, other types of burns, and is healing for most skin types).
  • a glass jar or small glass jars for storing the lotion

    How to make the lotion:

    Pour the oil into a Pyrex measuring cup and add the shaved beeswax. Set it in a saucepan of water that reaches about halfway up the side of the Pyrex container. Heat over the stove until the beeswax dissolves and remove from the stove immediately. Allow to cool for a minute or two but not longer than that since the beeswax will begin to harden.

    Pour the water into your blender and begin blending it on high speed with the lid on (with a hole left in the lid for pouring the beeswax-oil mixture). Slowly pour the oil-beeswax mixture into the water. It will begin to emulsify as you continue pouring the oil. It normally begins to thicken after about three-quarters of the oil has been incorporated. Continue adding the oil until you’ve incorporated all of it into the water.

    Add the drops of essential oils you’ve selected. Blend them into the lotion.

    Pour the lotion into the glass jars you’ve selected for storing the cream. Use the spatula to remove any remaining lotion from the blender.

    The lotion lasts for about 6 months and is best kept at cool temperatures to prolong shelf life. You can store it in the fridge if you choose to keep it fresh.

    That’s it. It’s not as hard as you might think and your skin and the rest of your body will thank you for giving it healing natural lotion rather than the harsh chemicals that are found in most creams and lotions. Enjoy!

election day

who are you voting for?
(no judging other people)

13 August 2010

Ditch the Plastic: DIY Knitted Shopping Bag

Hey, where’d you get that great shopping bag? Oh, it’s so cute. Can I touch it?” Did you ever carry a little puppy around? If so, strangers clamor for a touch and to ogle the precious pup. If you needed any more incentives for ditching the plastic bag (Melissa’s got a bunch of them here), this DIY knitted bag will elicit the puppy effect at the grocery store, farmers market and food coop.

Those of you who read my blog EcoNesting DIY know that knitting is my favorite DIY addiction. I have been following Mason-Dixon Knitting authors Kay Gardiner and Ann Meador Shayne since their first book came out. In an editorial review about the book at Amazon, the authors, are considered “the rock stars of the knitting community.” Kay and Ann are so witty, opinionated and chatty that I feel like I have a knitting group inside of my computer every time I click onto their blog. I highly recommend checking Mason-Dixon out. I suspect non-knitters would also find plenty of inspiration on this site.

I spoke with Kay and they have agreed to pass along the knitting pattern for a hand knitted reusable Monteagle Bag here. Kay says this pattern is one of their favorites, but they seem to coddle all their knitting patterns like puppies.

Kay and Ann encourage you to make a batch of these, which will accomplish several things:

1. You will learn some totally insane new stitch patterns.
2. You will use up some linen or cotton yarn that has been lingering in your stash.
3. You will wave goodbye to that drawer full of plastic grocery bags you didn’t much know what to do with anyway.
4. You will get to talk to people at the grocery store who envy your bag and want to know where you “bought” it (the puppy effect).

Kay says, “One ‘eco’ thing about the Monteagle Bag is that it can be made in almost any linen or cotton yarn (including the cheap-but-tough dishcloth cotton brands), and it looks great made of several leftover colors. So it’s a way of using yarn that would otherwise be wasted or (shriek!) thrown into the landfill. On our blog, we have posted links to YouTube demonstrations of the two novel stitches used in the bag, Veil stitch and a double-wrapped twisted stitch. These two stitches are new to most knitters, although they are not truly new at all.”

Want to join me in cranking out some reusable bags for groceries, laundry, gifts, the beach and maybe even to carry puppy food

i do not own any of this, all rights reserved to Ronnie Citron-Fink

link: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/ditch-the-plastic-bags-diy-knitted-shopping-bag.html

11 August 2010

jodie the mustang of courage

This is Jodie, she is a 14 yr old BLM Mustang Mare. Jodie was almost a statistic in that the eventuality of her going to slaughter was a real possibility. Then she would have become one of the 100,000 horses that do go to slaughter annually. She has been starved, abused & beaten (whip marks on face). She is but one Wild Horse rescue and this is her, story…
http://itsmylifeandiwilldecide.blogspot.com/

08 August 2010

what to grow in august 2010 (AUS)

Warm climates
Before the Full Moon, cabbage, open-headed Chinese cabbage, grain crops, lettuce, mizuna, silver beet, spring onions, tatsoi and dill can be sown or planted out, and rocket and a green manure crop of wheat can be sown directly into beds. Sow chickpea, nasturtium, and sunflower when soil feels warm to touch.
During First Quarter phase, bush and climbing beans, and rosella can be sown. Capsicum, cucumber, eggplant, rockmelon, summer squash, tomato, watermelon and zucchini can be sown in a cold frame or warm, protected area.
During Full Moon phase, carrot, Jerusalem artichoke, potato (Brisbane and areas south), and radish can be sown directly into beds. Asparagus seed, beetroot, rosemary, thyme and watercress can be sown or planted out. Avocado, citrus, macadamia and potted grapes can be planted.

Warm climates
Gardeners in very warm areas have time to sow late crops of many varieties.
Before the Full Moon, cabbage, lettuce, parsley, and spring onions can be sown or planted out. Grain crops, NZ spinach, silver beet and sunflower can be sown directly into beds, as well as a green manure crop of wheat or lablab.
During First Quarter phase, capsicum, cucumber, eggplant, parsley, rockmelon, rosella, summer squash, sweet corn, tomato, watermelon and zucchini can be sown or planted out. Bush and climbing beans and sweet corn can be sown directly into beds.
During Full Moon phase, carrot, radish and sweet potato can be sown direct. Avocado, banana, banana passionfruit, citrus and passionfruit can be planted.

Temperate climates
Sowing and planting this month will depend on whether your area is prone to frosts. Gardeners in Temperate areas with access to a cold frame can get an early start this month with some warmth-loving varieties.
Before the Full Moon, grain crops and mizuna can be sown directly into beds, as well as a green manure crop of clover, field pea, barley, or wheat. Dwarf peas and chamomile can be sown directly into beds in colder areas. Celery, leek and lettuce can be sown in a cold frame.
In frost-free areas, Chinese cabbage, rocket, silver beet, spring onions, tatsoi and coriander can also be sown directly into beds.
During First Quarter phase, capsicum, cucumber, leek and tomato can be sown in a cold frame.
During Full Moon phase, Jerusalem artichoke and potato can be sown directly into beds; also carrot in frost-free areas. Asparagus seed and beetroot can be sown in a cold frame. In frost-free areas, rosemary, thyme, avocado, and potted grapes can be planted.

Cool climates
August is still too cold and frosty for most plantings.
Before the Full Moon, English spinach can be sown directly into beds, as well as a green manure crop of broad bean (Faba bean) or field pea. Celery, leek and lettuce can be sown in a cold frame.
During First Quarter phase, dwarf peas can be sown directly into beds. Tomatoes and chamomile can be sown in a cold frame. In very cold areas, broad beans can be sown. (See post on when to sow Broad beans and peas for your local climate.)
During Full Moon phase, Jerusalem artichoke and potato can be sown directly into beds, and late season onions can be sown or planted out. Asparagus seed can be sown in a cold frame. Herbaceous perennial crowns can be planted. In very cold areas, deciduous trees, shrubs and vines can be planted.

This content has come from http://aussieorganicgardening.com/?p=828 i do not own it.

stop killing dogs petition

Over 2 million dogs are brutally killed in South Korea every year.

That's over 5,000 dogs a day who get strangled, burned, electrocuted or beaten to death for their meat.

The South Korean government has accepted Animal Protection Laws which make animal torture illegal, but those laws have never been properly enforced in the country. The dog meat industry continues to thrive and the officials are reluctant and indifferent to ban it.

please, Please, PLEASE visit the stop killing dogs petition to stop this disgusting truth!

06 August 2010

Another Performing Elephant Dies

Another Performing Elephant Dies
End The Use Of Elephants At Southwick’s Zoo And Flea World

Throughout her life, the elephant Dondi was forced to give performances, photos ops, and rides, spending her summers in a small and utterly inadequate display at the Southwick’s Zoo in Mendon, Massachusetts, and her winters at a flea market and amusement park called Flea World in Sanford, Florida. Last week, Dondi died unexpectedly from unknown causes, ending her sad and unnatural life.

Elephant DondiIDA immediately filed a complaint with the USDA, urging an investigation into Dondi’s death, which raised a red flag because at age 36 she should have been in the prime of life. Elephants have a natural lifespan of 60-70 years.

We also sent a letter to Southwick’s Zoo President Justine Brewer, urging the zoo to publicly release Dondi’s veterinary records and autopsy reports, and to end the practice of displaying elephants, as its tiny exhibit fails to meet elephants’ complex needs.

The Southwick’s Zoo has a history of using elephants for performances and rides during the summer months, and apparently wasn’t too picky about its providers. Before Dondi, Southwick’s used an elephant named Judy, whose handler originally leased her from the notorious Hawthorn Corporation (one of the many elephants the company was forced to relinquish due to serious violations of the Animal Welfare Act). She died in 2007, and was found to have tuberculosis.

At Flea World, Dondi gave rides and performed circus tricks designed to elicit laughs as people watched her shimmy to throbbing dance music and sit upright on a pedestal as her trainer stood atop her head. These performances were called “educational.”

Dondi was “owned” by Phil Schacht, who obtained the elephant from Thailand in 1975. Though he claims she was a beloved part of his family, he unfortunately did not do what was best for her. Dondi was held alone, which is extremely detrimental to elephants because of their highly social nature, confined in cramped pens, and trucked back and forth across the country. She performed with Circus Flora in 2007.

Please help give Dondi’s death meaning by ensuring that the Southwick’s Zoo and Flea World do not replace her with yet another suffering elephant.


Please visit helpelephants.com at https://secure2.convio.net/ida/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=1585 to take action

01 August 2010

eco-freindly recipes!

Hi everyone! This is my new blog, and I thought, what other way to start it off than with food!
Who doesn't like food? So, anyway here a
re a couple of organic (healthy and eco-friendly!) recipes!

Organic Green Garlic & Broccoli Orzo Pasta Recipe


Serves 3-4

Ingredients:

1 cup orzo 1 head of broccoli
1/2 - 1 cup of green garlic (depending on how strong or mild the garlic is)
1/2 stick of organic butter
3-4 tablespoons of olive oil
1/2 teaspoon capers, finely chopped
3 anchovy filets, finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice (preferably Meyer lemon)
1/4 cup of fresh herbs - marjoram and Italian parsley , about 2 tablespoons of marjoram and 1 tablespoon of Italian parsley, roughly chopped Grated parmesan cheese for garnish

Method:

Follow instructions on package to prepare orzo pasta.

Bring a medium size pot of salted water to a boil (water should taste like the ocean). Meanwhile, remove stems from broccoli crowns, and slice crowns into bite size pieces. Prep an ice water bath to blanch and shock broccoli crowns. Once water has come to a full rolling boil, place broccoli crowns in water and cook until they are just under fork tender and bright green. Remove broccoli and place in ice water bath.

Wash green garlic and remove tough outer skin. Trim root and cut away tough upper portion of green leaf. Cut lower tender part into thin rounds.

In another medium saucepan over medium heat, bring butter, olive oil, green garlic, anchovy fillets, capers, lemon zest, juice to a simmer and reduce to low. Simmer about 10 minutes.

Toss with broccoli and pasta, taste for seasoning and adjust with a little salt and pepper. Serve immediately and garnish with parmesan if desired.


Easy Lentil Salad with Radicchio and Veggies Recipe


Serves 4

Ingredients:

1 cup French green lentils
1/2 head radicchio, sliced thin and chopped
3 tablespoons of shallots, finely chopped
2 radishes, sliced thin and chopped
1/2 cup of carrots, peeled and grated
1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar
3 tablespoons of roughly chopped parsley and basil
Sea salt
Fresh ground pepper

Method:

Place lentils in a medium size sauce pan and cover with about three inches of filtered water and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook until just tender about 20-30 minutes, do not overcook or they will become mushy (add more water if necessary). Drain lentils.

Toss lentils with red wine vinegar, salt and fresh ground pepper. Let sit for 5 minutes. Toss with olive oil, shallots, radicchio, radishes and fresh herbs. Taste and adjust seasoning for flavor. Can be served chilled or room temperature.


Organic Heirloom Carrot Salad

Ingredients:
4 large heirloom carrots (shop your local farmers market), or carrot of choice
1/2 cup of raisins
1 - 1" piece of ginger root, peeled and grated
2 teaspoons of lemon zest
1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice
3/4 teaspoon of salt
1/2 cup of crème fraiche
pepper



Method:
Peel and cut carrots into batons about 2 inches long and 1/4 inch square.
Whisk together ginger root, lemon zest and juice, salt, carrots and raisins, taste and adjust seasonings. Chill and serve.

please note all these recipes came from the wonderful website "organic authority"
http://www.organicauthority.com/