Eco-Friendly Eating

If you're living a green lifestyle or are looking for ways to implement it, the food you put on your table may be something you've overlooked. Eco-friendly eating is not necessarily complicated, but it does involve some awareness and possible small changes.

"Sustainable" food choices are those foods that are grown and harvested in environmentally responsible ways. For example, crops that are heavily sprayed with pesticides and fungicides are not only considered less healthy for you, but such conventional farming methods also result in the eventual "death" of the soil and toxic run-off.

Here are some tips on how to apply the green lifestyle to what you eat.

Sustainable Seafood

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The issue of sustainability as it applies to seafood has come to the fore lately. Fish, especially salmon, is considered a very healthy food and a good source of healthy fats and protein. However, some seafood is not considered sustainable.

Species such as orange roughy and Atlantic cod are not sustainable choices due to their endangered populations. Sources say that mussels, tilapia and sardines are, at this point, sustainable choices of seafood.

It's worth pointing out that farm-raised fish are not necessarily the most sustainable choice either; sometimes, wild-caught is better. When in doubt, look for wild-caught fish (it's considered healthier anyhow) that's been certified by the Marine Stewardship Council.

Pesticide-Free Produce

It's probably a no-brainer to point out organic produce as the more sustainable choice - but sometimes it's more complicated than that. For instance, if you are choosing between an organic bell pepper imported from Holland, or a conventional bell pepper grown at a small farm and transported only a few miles, the latter would probably be the most sustainable choice. Less fuel was used to bring the local pepper to your market, and the pepper was probably not sprayed with preservatives or mold-inhibiting chemicals to prepare it for transport.

It's also worth asking if the local farmer uses pesticides or other chemicals (he/she may not, even though the "organic" label is not applied to his/her produce).

Of course, if you can do it, growing your own organic produce is an eco-friendly choice. (See our Sustainable Gardening page for more help with that.)

Filet of grass-fed beef. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Naturally Raised Meats

Large-scale agribusiness and the meat industry has become a concern for eco-conscious people the world over. The problem with some beef cattle is that they are grown (or "produced") on large feed lots that are a source of potentially toxic and unsanitary run-off, and grass-fed beef may mean large areas of forest have been cleared to make way for grazing cattle.

However, lean, grass-fed, free-range beef is usually considered a sustainable choice, as is free-range chicken. Again, local is better; and if you know a hunter, see about getting some venison (that's about as free-range and grass-fed as it gets!). You also might know a local farmer who might consider selling you some fresh chickens or turkeys.

Some experts point out that simply cutting back on meat is an eco-friendly choice, too. Health experts agree that limiting your consumption of red meat is better for you anyway. Most adults should consume no more than 4-6oz of meat per day. Try adding more varied proteins to your diet, such as beans or quinoa, and implement a "Meatless Monday" for at least one day per week that's meat-free. Your health - and your planet - will benefit.

Your Gifts Make a Difference This Holiday Season

When the holidays come around it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.  You want to show your appreciation to your clients and business associates, but the commercialism and potential for waste can leave you with a sense of guilt.  There’s a solution!  You can give gifts that make a difference in the world. 

Giving gifts that make a difference is a great way to not only feel good about what you’re giving, but also to spread awareness for your cause and potentially earn more respect in the eyes of your associates and clients. 

Here are just a few ideas on how to make a difference with holiday gifts - keep these in mind for Black Friday tomorrow, and the rest of your holiday shopping this year!

WFTO Fair Trade Organization Mark (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Give Fair Trade Gifts

Fair trade is a global initiative that works to ensure all people, artisans, farmers and locally-owned businesses around the world are treated fairly. That means pricing and production are fair as well as environmentally sustainable.  Fair trade products are labeled by the Fair Trade organization and can include items like:

* Coffee
* Chocolate
* Wine
* Artwork
* Textiles and things made from textiles including bags, blankets and so on

Give Recycled Gifts

No, we don’t mean re-gifting!  Recycled gifts are gifts made from recycled materials.  Some examples include:

* Desk accessories
* Bags, totes and portfolios
* Artwork

Give Environmentally-Conscious Gifts

Many products are now created with the environment in mind, for example solar lights, bags and accessories.  Plants are also a great environmentally-conscious gift to give, or shares in a farm or CSA program.

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Give Gifts that Give Back

If you have a charity that you strongly believe in or a cause you promote, sometimes giving a gift that supports that cause or charity is a great way to share your passion.  Additionally, if your client or business associate is passionate about something, then contributing to that charity or participating in the cause may also be a great way to give a gift that makes a difference.

Giving a gift that makes a difference is a little more complicated than simply ordering a bunch of pens from the local marketing business.  However, you’ll feel good about your efforts and you’ll make a great impression.  Spend a little time, thought, and effort this holiday season and find a gift that makes everyone feel good! 

About The Sustainable Furniture Council

Unless you’re involved in the interior design or furniture manufacturing industry or are deeply involved in the green movement, you may not have heard of the Sustainable Furniture Council.  However, they are an organization worth getting to know.

The Sustainable Furniture Council (recently renamed the Sustainable Furnishings Council) is a non-profit group of suppliers, manufacturers, retailers, and designers formed to promote sustainable practices in their industry.  Members of the SFC believe that we’re facing dangerous global climate changes and it’s our responsibility to take action.  They believe in taking steps to minimize carbon emissions, waste stream pollutants, un-recyclable content and primary materials from unsustainable sources.

The SFC Life Cycle Assessment 

The Life Cycle Assessment, or LCA, is a system of requirements that must be met to qualify for FTC environmental marketing guides and attorney general green guides.  Meaning, you cannot say you’re environmentally friendly without having gone through a life cycle assessment to prove you are.  It’s a standardization process to make sure all claims are valid and all products are equal.

So What is a Life Cycle Assessment?

In order to obtain sustainable product certification, the LCA identifies twelve environmental benefits or impacts including:

Streamlined Life Cycle Assessment Matrix for all alternatives (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

1. Global Warming
2. Acidification
3. Ozone Depletion
4. Eutrophication, (the effect on our water supply when it receives too many nutrients from chemical fertilizers and run off)
5. Photochemical Smog
6. Human Health
7. Ecological Toxicity
8. Fossil Fuel Depletion
9. Habitat Alteration
10. Criteria Air Pollutants
11. Water Intake
12. Solid and Hazardous Waste

How does the LCA affect the SFC? 

The SFC believe that the LCA is the best method for analyzing the environmental impact of their products, which include all the materials that go into their products.  They have goals that include:

* Raising awareness of the sustainability issue
* Assisting companies in adopting good practices
* Serving as an information clearing house for sustainability
* Creating a symbol of assurance for consumers (companies and products can obtain an SFC member certification to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and environmentally-friendly practices)

The SFC really does support what they call the triple bottom line of PEOPLE - PLANET – PROFITS.  They’re leaders in the industry and are setting the standards in sustainable furniture and design manufacturing. You can find more about them on their website: http://www.sustainablefurnishings.org/

Which Is Greener - Handcrafted Furniture or Mass-Produced Furniture?

There’s a bit of a debate between furniture manufacturers, designers and environmentalists about which practice is most sustainable: handcrafted furniture or mass-produced furniture.  Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of each so you can decide for yourself.

Guadua furniture at the National Bamboo and Guadua Investigation Center, Córdoba, Quindío, Colombia. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Handcrafted Furniture

When comparing handcrafted furniture and mass-produced furniture, you’re essentially comparing apples and oranges or perhaps organic apples and oranges.  You have to look at the variables for each to decide which is better.  Initially you might think that organic apples are much better than oranges; however, if they’ve traveled from Australia to land on your table in Chicago then there is a lot of energy used and pollution created on that trip.  The same holds true for furniture.

Handcrafted furniture is the best bet if it’s created with reclaimed or sustainable wood.  For example, bamboo is a sustainable wood because it grows quite quickly and can be harvested from bamboo farms without destroying forests.

Additionally, handcrafted furniture is better if it’s stained or painted with VOC-free or low VOC finishes.

Is it upholstered?  If the answer is yes, then handcrafted furniture would be considered better than mass-produced if the upholstery is reclaimed, recycled or some type of organic and environmentally-friendly fabric.

Finally, where did that piece of furniture come from?  If it was shipped to your community all the way from China then that presents some environmental challenges because the shipping will use up all sorts of fossil fuels and pour carbon emissions into the atmosphere.

So is mass-produced furniture the answer? 

Project made by Dama Design to show overall concern with ecodesign and reuse of materials. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Generally, no.  In most cases, mass-produced furniture commits all of the above environmental sins and then some - including unsafe manufacturing processes, environmental pollution, chemical pollution and more.  However, as people become more and more conscious and particular about what they buy and how they contribute to the environmental situation we’re in, more and more manufacturers are answering the call.

Mass-produced furniture can be green.  It can be made with recycled materials, it can be finished with environmentally-friendly paints or stains and it can be created locally.

One way to make sure your mass-produced furniture meets sustainability standards is to check to see if the manufacturer is recognized by the SFC or Sustainable Furnishings Council.  They have a rigorous life-cycle analysis and if your manufacturer meets their approval it may very well be better than that handcrafted piece of furniture.  You can check the Sustainable Furnishings Council website to find out if a retailer or manufacturer meets their criteria. (For more about the SFC, check back for Thursday's post.)

What Is Fairtrade & Why Should You Care?

I discovered a new store yesterday - well, really just new to me - it's been there a few years, but the few times I was in the area it was outside of their business hours. It's such a cool little store - all focused on natural, sustainable, local and fairtrade products. (I browsed for far too long!)

You may have seen some packages labeled "Fairtrade" on a visit to your local market.  Or perhaps you’ve noticed the media addressing the topic of Fairtrade.  Even notable Starbucks Coffee has started an initiative to use only Fairtrade coffee in their establishments.  But what exactly is Fairtrade?

Fairtrade Certified quinoa producers in Ecuador (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Fairtrade is essentially an organized system to ensure that producers, artisans and businesses worldwide are treated fairly.  That means fair pricing and practices.  Fairtrade also works to ensure environmental sustainability, fair labor conditions, and the reinvestment of resources into local communities - something that's good for everyone.  Essentially, Fairtrade is for the betterment of all.

So who regulates Fairtrade and who determines if a product or business can be labeled Fairtrade?  Internationally, there is the Fairtrade Labeling Organization, or FLO, which co-ordinates Fairtrade labeling at an international level.  Their offices are located in Bonn, Germany and they:

* Set international Fairtrade standards
* Organize support for producers around the world
* Develop global Fairtrade strategy
* Promote trade justice internationally

Nationally, there is the Fair Trade Federation.  The FTF was established to strengthen and promote North American organizations fully committed to fair trade. The Federation is part of the global Fairtrade movement, building equitable and sustainable trading partnerships and creating opportunities to alleviate poverty.

WFTO Fair Trade Organization Mark (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Likewise, there is also a European Fair Trade Association. EFTA's goal is to promote fair trade and to make fair trade importing more efficient and effective.

Fairtrade Action Network was established to connect volunteers who are interested in promoting fair trade. Their goal is to create an internet community to share ideas and experiences on fair trade campaigning.

As you can see, Fairtrade is a global initiative. According to FLO, in 2008, Fairtrade certified sales amounted to approximately $4.08 billion worldwide, a 22% year-to-year increase.  As per December 2008, 746 producer organizations in 58 developing countries were Fairtrade certified.

Buying Fairtrade products helps to ensure people around the world are essentially treated fairly.  It brings global commerce to a whole new level.  The Fairtrade label gives you the confidence the people who made your product are living a better life.  It’s a great movement - one you can be proud to participate in. For more ideas on how you can get involved, check back for Wednesday's post.

Do You Know Where Your Food Comes From?

As seen in the eye-opening documentary, Food, Inc., the industrialization of food has meant the addition of preservatives, pesticides, and many other chemicals which can be harmful to our health and to the environment.  Additionally, it means that there are generally only a handful of large farms growing the majority of any particular crop throughout the country.  That means distribution is costly both in terms of money and resources.  However, not all food is created equally.  Some foods are better than others - both for you and the rest of the planet - and getting your food from quality, sustainable sources can benefit you in more ways than one. 

Environmental contamination with pesticides (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Here’s how to know where your food comes from and to make an educated buying decision.

#1.  Check your food’s mileage.  Many foods come from half way around the world to land on your kitchen table.  That means that they’re often harvested early (and green), robbing you of nutrients.  It also means that to make the trip they are filled with preservatives and pesticides to maximize productivity and enhance longevity.  To find out where a food comes from, simply check the label.  It will say, "Grown and raised in Iowa" or "California oranges", or "Farm-raised in Thailand" and so on.

Buying food that comes from just down the street, or at least within your home state, accomplishes two things.  It helps to ensure you’re not receiving nutrient-poor foods or foods heavily loaded with toxins. It also reduces the carbon footprint and helps the environment.

#2.  Buy according to what is in season. Buying strawberries in December is definitely going to cost you more in terms of carbon footprint and money than buying them in June or July (at least in most areas of the world). 

#3.  Buy fruits and vegetables locally.  Buy your fruits and vegetables from local organic farmers who can charge much less for their produce because they don’t have to pay for distribution.  Additionally, you’re helping to sustain your local economy and you’re ensuring that thousands of gallons in fuel are not required to get the produce from the farm to your table. 

Organic, locally grown food at a farm market. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Joining a CSA (community sustained agriculture) program (my favorite!) or shopping at your local farmer’s market is also a great way to buy foods which are both healthy for you and the environment. CSAs are most often organic farms and do not pour pesticides, chemical fertilizers, and fungicides into the earth.

#4.  Try growing a few fruits and veggies on your own.  Whether you live in a small space or you have acres of land, you can grow your own herbs, fruits and vegetables.  This not only provides immense satisfaction, it saves you money and is good for the sustainability of our planet. (See our sustainable gardening blog for tips and helpful resources on starting your own garden, or visit www.newholisticliving.com/sustainablegardening.html.)

#5.  Finally, whenever possible, buy organic.  Organic farmers treat your food and the planet with more respect.  Unlike industrialized farms, they do not use chemical pesticides, fungicides or fertilizers.  They use sustainable practices to keep you and our planet healthy.

Knowing where your food comes from is important for the planet, but it’s also important for your own health and the health of your family.  Pay attention and take measures to buy your food from sustainable resources.  You’ll be glad you did.

Learn More About Your Food:
   

Take Action to Support the Local Farms & Foods Act!

We don't jump on the bandwagon for many causes, but this is an important one for all of us. Americans are clamoring for more locally and sustainably grown food that is better for our health and the environment (and tastes better too!). But the farmers producing sustainable food for local markets need help to compete with the bigger, better-financed conglomerates. Especially in these tough economic times, it makes sense to support healthier local food systems that will boost your local economy and create thousands of jobs. The Local Farms, Food and Jobs Act is definitely worth your support - it is a strong bill that could have a big impact.

This bill will do some really terrific things, such as:

Image via Wikipedia:: Provide more money for local farmers' markets and to help farmers adopt organic methods.
:: Allow schools to use more of their federal funding to buy fresh, local foods.
:: Make it easier for low-income families to use food stamps at farmers' markets.
:: Increase support for local processing and distribution networks so schools, hospitals, stores and restaurants can more easily purchase healthy food directly from local farmers.
:: Improve credit and crop insurance for diversified and organic farmers producing for local markets.

With the 2012 farm bill fast upon us, this is going to be a big year in the fight to level the playing field for local farmers and to ensure greater access to healthy, sustainably produced food. This bill is a crucial part of that fight. We need to make sure our representatives understand that we want our food to come from local farmers, and that we expect Congress and the US Department of Agriculture to do their parts. It's clear we're ready for something different - now.

Click here to email your elected officials today and urge them to co-sponsor this important local food bill:
http://action.ewg.org/p/dia/action/public/index.sjs?action_KEY=1963

Thank you for standing up for healthy, local food!

Video - Sustainable Building for the Future

Here is a pretty cool video about a sustainable building project. It's a bit light on audio description, so be sure to pay attention to the text-overs, and check out the really cool looking finished building at the end!

Plus it will give you a whole new respect for ants.... :-)

Sustainable Buildings
How a new way of thinking about the buildings we live in will help solve issues of sustainability by reducing carbon emissions so you can become carbon neutral. This is about making buildings 'nutritious' for mind, health and ecology.

Sustainable Building Products for Your Home

Building a new home or renovating an existing one? You might want to consider using sustainable building products. Sustainable building products have come down in price over the past few years. You may be able to receive a tax credit for using them. And you’ll be doing a large part to help the environment.

Image via WikipediaWhat Are Sustainable Building Products?

Sustainable building products are products that are easily replenished. They come from sustainable resources. One example is bamboo. Anyone who has a stand of bamboo in their backyard can testify that bamboo grows very quickly, and any plants that are cut down are quickly replenished.

Another example might be solar cells. They’re not made of sustainable materials. However, they produce sustainable energy. They harness the sun’s power and convert it into electricity in your home.


What Qualifies a Building Product as Sustainable?

There are no certification boards to stamp something as sustainable. However you can look for a few keywords to help you make a decision. Some keywords include:

* Recycled Content
* Low-Emitting Materials
* FSC certified
* Zero VOC emissions
* Energy savings
* Low flow – water savings

Where Can You Find Sustainable Building Products?

Depending on your home project you may be able to find much of what you need at your local home store. For example, if you’re remodeling your home you might choose:
* Cork
* Cement
* Bamboo

Image via WikipediaThese work well for flooring or countertop options.

You might also choose to utilize reclaimed wood products or reclaimed appliances. In many communities you can find a facility that takes:

* Countertops,
* Cabinets,
* Appliances
* And even things like toilets, faucets and sinks.

You can often repurpose or refinish these items to use in your home project.

Consider also low emissions products when you’re painting or using an adhesive. Even carpet adhesives can be sustainable and environmentally friendly. Or, they can be toxic to your health. And most carpet installation companies offer both low emission adhesives and the standard adhesives.

If you’re planning a large project you might consider consulting with a green architect, contractor, or designer. They can help you get professional discounts on sustainable home building products. These discounts can really add up.

Before you begin any home building project, the first step is to plan. Take a look at the resources your project requires, then explore your options. Where can you use sustainable and environmentally friendly products? Where can you find them locally? How much will they cost? How much will they save? Remember many states are offering tax incentives and credits for sustainable building projects.

Remodeling or building a home is an exciting time. You can make sure your home is a source of pride. Using sustainable building products can make it look great and do your part to help the environment at the same time. It’s a win win!

How to Raise Environmentally Responsible Kids

If you are concerned about the future of the environment, it makes sense to raise your children to be environmentally responsible. After all, the future belongs to them. Investing in your kids and making them aware of the planet is one of the most environmentally responsible things you can do.

Image via WikipediaHere are some ideas on how you can raise your kids to respect the planet and want to preserve it!

* Foster a love of nature in your kids. Get out into it and go on hikes, field trips (literally), picnics, cookouts, camping, and fishing trips. Consider getting bikes for the family and going out biking in the woods or on trails. Take your kids to play in a nearby park or encourage them to play outdoors in your yard. This means limiting television and other electronic pursuits.

* Identify plants, animals, constellations, leaves, and other things in nature. Check out some field guides and take your kids to a natural area. Then collect and identify flowers, leaves, feathers, rocks, and so forth.

* Encourage your kids to participate in local clean-up projects. Consider beginning one if your neighborhood or community does not already have such an event. It's very eye-opening for your kids to see the extent of the trash and litter that builds up in a given area.

Image by woodleywonderworks via Flickr* Grow your own food if possible, even if it's just a few plants in containers. Your kids will be enlightened to see what it takes to grow food and how the natural elements (air, water, sunlight) come together to produce food. (Check out our Sustainable Gardening blog, where we do occasionally feature articles on including your kids in creating your own sustainable garden.)

* Recycle with your kids. This doesn't just mean having them help organize recyclables into bins and taking them to the facility. It also means teaching them creative recycling - how to fix and refurbish, for example, instead of throwing something out and buying a new replacement. Encourage your kids to make their own toys and crafts, especially out of recyclables, rather than going to a craft store or buying new toys.

* Gather wild foods. Children usually love this. Get a good book on gathering wild foods, or find an expert in your area who can show you. Whether it's raiding a blackberry patch, gathering nuts, or picking dandelion greens to cook as a potherb, harvesting nature's gifts really fosters a sense of appreciation for everything nature has to offer.

* Include your kids in your household energy-saving goals. Make sure everyone is on board with shortening showers and turning off lights. Make sure they know why - it's not just about lowering the utility bills.

Helping your kids learn the impact of their decisions, and their responsibility for their environment, will equip them to move forward into this new century in a responsible and sustainable way. Remember that our kids will be the scientists of the future, developing innovative ways to keep our species alive and well for centuries to come. Give them a good start by teaching them how they can have a positive impact on their planet.

Fun Video for the Kids on Green Living

Introduce your kids to the concept of living clean and green, through this fun little video which can serve as a great teaching tool! Through this story of an imaginary bug community, your kids can learn fun and simple ways to contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle and a healthier planet. This is a great way to start a discussion about what your family can do in your own home to make a difference.

Check it out, and share with your kids - and if you don't have kids, pass this blog link on to someone who does!

The Energy Comes From Within: A Green Living Story By Lennar
Lennar is proud to present a new video storybook that includes everything to help kids and families start living a greener life. Follow the adventures of a smart little lightning bug named Joules, as he and his friends come up with a plan to help sav...

Affordable Green Living Tips to Make Your Home Eco-Friendly

Here are some great and affordable tips to "green" your home and help improve both your health and the health of the world around you at the same time. While most people tend to think of "green living" as involving buying a bunch of expensive products, and therefore something that is too costly to attempt, in reality the opposite is often true.

Many or even most tips on living greener and being more eco-friendly are actually money-savers as well! This is a great article that gives some good info on various ways to make your home more environmentally friendly, while saving money at the same time.

Affordable Green Living Tips to Make Your Home Eco-Friendly
Any family can take steps toward green living with simple, affordable changes. Many eco-friendly home improvements require little if any money. ... Affordable Green Living Tips to Make Your Home Eco-Friendly ... some consumers think an environmentally friendly lifestyle is financially out of reach. Many small ways of going green make a positive impact on the environment and your health. Small, cost-effective green lifestyle changes add up to significant savings over time. ...
Publish Date: 10/24/2010 20:14
http://www.suite101.com/content/affordable-green-living-tips-to-make-your-home-eco-friendly-a300463


And remember to subscribe to our green living newsletter, and get your free checklist for ways to reduce toxins in your home!

Green Living Made Easy - Video

Here is a short video on energy (and money!) - saving tips that anyone can implement. You'd be surprised at how many easy ideas there are to reduce your impact and keep you healthier as well - and it's simple! (And of course you know I love the "eat local" tip! If you want some ideas on how to find great local foods, just visit our website at: http://www.newholisticliving.com/csa.html)

Green Living Made Easy - The Eco-Friendly Lifestyle
Go Green this week on Six Minute Style as host Susan Doherty walks you through your home, room by room, with simple steps designed to help you save the planet and your cash. Yes, green living is good for your wallet too!

Related articles on Green Living:

• LiveGreenFest to emphasize green practices (mysanantonio.com)
• Some Green Inspiration for Your Monday (greenyourdecor.com)

13 Easy Green Living Tips for Everyone

Here is a great list of easy tips that anyone can implement, to keep both your environment and your body cleaner, greener, and healthier. Living green doesn't have to be difficult or expensive, and isn't limited to a particular race, income, or age -- anyone, anywhere can help keep our planet clean and healthy. These ideas are a great place to start!

Image by davesag via FlickrHealthy Green Living Tips
13 Easy Green Living Tips for Everyone To live green means to help our environment from the dangers that are destroying it. Green living starts with each of us. Here are just few easy tips to help you get started. 1. ...
Publish Date: 10/03/2010 13:03
http://www.begreenblogsite.com/be-green/healthy-green-living-tips/

Got more ideas of your own?  Feel free to share below. Also visit  http://www.newholisticliving.com/toxicload.html for more ideas, and to download a free checklist on reducing toxins in your home!

 

Related articles on Green Living Tips:

• 10 Green Living Tips Websites We Love (ecosalon.com)
• Live Green, Save Green(SM) Identifies Ways to Help Reduce Energy Bills During Summer Heat (prnewswire.com)
• Five Easy Tips to Start a Green Life Today (socyberty.com)

Do's & Don'ts of Green Living - Video

Here is a helpful video on green living, including some realistic tips you can use in your every day life, how to stick to your "green" changes, and more. 

The one nearest and dearest to my heart is local food (as those who have read my cooking from scratch and sustainable gardening blogs well know!), and I am in total agreement with her ranking of food choices. Watch this short video and tell us what you think....

Do's and Don'ts of Green Living
In this clip www.WatchMojo.com learns some of the most realistic ways to go green, as well as some surprising tips for the eco-minded.



 So what's your green passion?  We'd love to hear your comments on ways you have chosen to "live greener"!

Related articles on Green Living:

• Change Your Lifestyle with Green Shopping (socyberty.com)
• Green Living: Would You Pay Extra for an Eco-Friendly Home? (blisstree.com)

Recent News in Green Living

Image by PicturePurrfect685 via Flickr
Here are some excellent recent articles I found on the topic of living greener. The first one is great food for thought, and the others offer some helpful tips - particularly the video at the third link.  These are good ideas that all of us can implement to live cleaner and greener, and build a healthier world for all of us.
As always, please feel free to post your own suggestions in the comments section below!



Going Green for the Average Person | Green Living Tips and Ideas
Going Green-how to Upgrade the Environment. Environmentally friendly houses are a factor an exceptional environment and save owners money. By reducing energy consumption, utility bills... Categorized under: green living. ...
Publish Date: 09/24/2010 16:27
http://www.getgreenliving.com/going-green-for-the-average-person/

What Is Green Living All About?
Green living can be defined as the lifestyle that preserves the environment and natural resources for human beings and other life.
Publish Date: 09/23/2010 8:21
http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/What-Is-Green-Living-All-About-/1584296

10 Tips To Go Green At Home | Green Living Explained
www.EnergyBrainiac.com - 10 Tips To Go Green At Home 10 Ways to Go Green and Save Green | Worldwatch Institute · Environment ...
Publish Date: 09/24/2010 2:39
http://greenlivingexplained.com/green-living-tips/green-videos/10-tips-to-go-green-at-home/

 

More Related Articles on Green Living:

• Going green shouldn't make you see red (kinaxis.com)
• NOW IS THE TIME FOR GREEN INDUSTRY [Carl Dodd] (ecademy.com)

Welcome to our new blog on living greener, and reducing your toxic load!

Thanks for visiting our new blog!  This is part of our network of blogs for new holistic living. This blog will focus on articles, tips, and resources for reducing the toxins in your body and the environment, leading to a longer and healthier life for yourself, your family, and the planet as a whole.

Image via WikipediaWe will offer weekly articles and videos on relevant topics pertaining to toxic load and green living, product reviews for "green" and natural products, tips, recommendations, and many other valuable resources.

We always welcome comments and questions!  You can always find more resources, product recommendations and information, as well as contact info, on our website at http://www.newholisticliving.com/toxicload.html

Thanks for stopping by, and we look forward to hearing from you!

Related articles on Green Living:

• 10 Ways to Save the World and Your Health (lifescript.com)
• A Greener You, a Greener Earth (socyberty.com)
• Ten Tips for A Cleaner, Greener Home (mythoughtsideasandramblings.com)