Take a drive through the countryside, and you’ll see that many rural residents plant their own gardens. This is certainly not a new trend. Those who own their own land have long enjoyed the benefits of growing fruits and vegetables for their families and friends, and sometimes to sell. Read the rest of this entry

Because it is hidden in our walls, most of us do not really think about insulation or what it’s made of. But more and more people are looking to “green” options for insulating their homes and buildings, not only because it’s healthier for the occupants, but also because the manufacture and use of green insulation is better for the environment. Mainstream insulation can contain fiberglass, formaldehyde, and other toxic components. Here are some examples of eco-friendly, healthy insulation materials. Read the rest of this entry

Avid gardeners take great pride in their flowers. They plant them with loving care, water and fertilize them frequently, and work diligently to prevent pests and disease from harming them. For a large flower garden, this can be a near full-time job.

But planting a garden doesn’t appeal to everyone. Many flower lovers would like to have beautiful plants adorning their property, but they don’t have enough time to spend tending them. Even those who do have gardens often find themselves wishing they didn’t require so much work. But in many cases, they’re creating more work for themselves by planting the wrong kinds of flowers. Read the rest of this entry

You’re familiar with coffee and tea, and maybe even chai, but have you heard of yerba mate? Yerba mate is an evergreen plant, which grows in various countries in South America including Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, and Brazil.

Yerba mate is made by infusing the dry leaves in hot water, much like making tea. It has a very interesting and unique flavor, rather like grass or hay. Some people compare it to green tea and others say it tastes like herbal. Regardless, unlike other beverages it doesn’t become bitter if it’s steeped too long. Read the rest of this entry

Did you grow up in a house with a linoleum kitchen floor? Many of us did, but did you know that linoleum is considered a “green” flooring option? Many people use “linoleum” as a generic term for all flooring that is not wood, carpet, or tile. But true linoleum should not be confused with vinyl flooring, which is often called linoleum. Vinyl flooring is made from petroleum products and synthetic materials. True linoleum is made from the following natural ingredients: Read the rest of this entry

Pasta and white rice are staples in pantries around the world. They go with just about anything from gravy to tomato sauce; they’re filling and they’re quite tasty. The trouble is they have very little nutritional value, and a diet rich in white pasta and rice can actually cause health problems including systemic inflammation, diabetes and other complications. Read the rest of this entry

Fairtrade is the global movement to bring about a better world through regulating and labeling products Fairtrade if they meet certain criteria.

These criteria relate to fair pricing, employment practices and environmental sustainability. They help build local businesses, agriculture and artists. Read the rest of this entry

Tea tree oil is the essential oil derived from the leaves of the Melaleuca tree. The tree is found in Australia. It has been heralded for having anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral properties that make it a favorite among alternative health professionals and natural practitioners.
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Homeowners tend to have a great sense of pride associated with their lawns. They keep them cut short, use pesticides to keep them weed-free, and water them during dry spells. It takes a lot of work, but they feel that it’s worth it to maintain a neat and tidy appearance. Read the rest of this entry

Love to dye your hair but not so happy about the chemicals involved and the possible harm to your hair, health and the environment? Henna may be exactly what you’ve been looking for. Read the rest of this entry