Eat Less of Everything

If this were as simple as it sounds, we wouldn't have an obesity problem in this country. Americans' portion sizes keep growing, and so do our waistlines. No matter how green our food is, each bite takes a toll on the environment through production, packaging, and transport. So, cutting down -- by preparing and ordering less, not just tossing out half of what's on your plate -- automatically reduces your carbon footprint, not to mention your caloric intake. And if you have children, you have even more reason to cut down on food intake since children's obesity is a rising epidemic nationwide.

Eat Less Meat

It's no secret that big industrial beef and pork farms pollute water and threaten biodiversity. But did you know that the methane emitted by cows is 21 times more potent a greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide? Just producing enough meat for one hamburger emits the same amount of greenhouse gas as a six-mile car ride. And this country, along with other Westernized nations, is one of the worst offenders: We eat an average of 8 ounces of meat per person daily, more than twice the amount consumed by people in developing countries. Need more reason to cut down on meat, how about money savings....read on?

Eliminate Processed Foods

Most of the food we consume has been processed in one form or another. In fact, almost 30 percent of the energy used by the food industry goes into processing the stuff we eat. Eliminating all processed foods could cut your food-related carbon footprint by almost a third (not to mention make you MUCH healthier).

Be Takeout-Savvy

Yes, to be really, really green, you would always cook at home with all that wonderful produce from your garden or the local farmers' market. But sometimes, that's not possible. Next time you place an order, say you don't want any paper napkins; if every American gave up one paper napkin a day, we'd save a billion pounds of paper from going to landfills each year. Also decline plastic utensils, individual condiment packets, and chopsticks, the latter of which cost China about 25 million trees a year to make. And ask if you can bring your own container and have them fill it for you. After all, how many packets of soy sauce does one person need?

B.Y.O. Bag

For one week, count how many disposable bags you get. Make a couple of trips to the grocery store, grab lunch from your favorite sandwich shop, pick up a prescription at the pharmacy -- it seriously adds up. In the United States alone, we go through 100 billion plastic bags per year, less than 1 percent of which get recycled. Bringing a sturdy tote wherever you go is one of the easiest Earth-friendly changes you can make -check out these stylish eco-totes!

Drink Organic Too

It's not just what you eat that matters. All those pesticides and chemical fertilizers are used to produce your juice, milk, coffee, tea, wine, and cocktails, too. On top of that, coffee is often grown on land where rain forests once thrived. By destroying rain forests, we're not only increasing the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, but also sending half of all bird species in those areas into extinction. Luckily, organic coffee is easy to find, as are organic cocoa, organic tea and wine.

Wean Yourself off the Water Bottle

You know plastic water bottles are bad. But do you know how bad? Americans go through an estimated 70 million-plus water bottles a day, and a mere 14 percent get recycled. It's not just that they're taking up space in our landfills. Vast quantities of oil are consumed to make, transport, and dispose of them. What's more, the manufacturing of plastic bottles actually requires two times more water than the bottles will ultimately contain-buy reusable water bottles instead, some even have filters!

Great Sun Tea Recipe!

LEMONY HERBAL TEA
This lovely, light tea is delicious as a warm after-dinner beverage. It's also refreshing when iced — as is or combined with a fruity juice.
4 cups boiling water
2 tablespoons peppermint leaf
2 tablespoons raspberry leaf
4 tablespoons lemongrass
honey to taste (optional)
Place ingredients in pitcher and place in sun for 2-4 hours.  Alternate method: Pour boiling water over herbs. Steep five minutes. Strain and serve. Sweeten with honey, if you like. Another option: Combine equal parts brewed tea with equal parts fruit juice (such as apple). Garnish with lemon and serve over ice. Safety Note: Lemongrass has not been proven safe for consumption during pregnancy.

Kitchen Cure for Fatigue: Blackstrap Molasses

Ongoing fatigue can have many causes, so it needs a physician's diagnosis and care. But for women suffering from run-of-the-mill, postmenstrual fatigue, blackstrap molasses -- a good source of iron, calcium, and other minerals -- can work wonders.

Kitchen Cure for Sinusitis: Oregano & Rosemary

Steam is the best way to deliver the healing power of herbs to congested sinuses. Oregano and rosemary have antiviral, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties. Plus, they're bronchodilators, so they help you breathe.

Kitchen Cure for Cough: Mustard

For a dry cough, ground mustard helps loosen congestion and reduce inflammation. A topical pack is effective, but be sure to check it every three to five minutes. Mustard can irritate or even burn the skin.

Kitchen Cure for Sadness: Cinnamon

While clinical depression needs medical attention, a simpler solution can help the everyday blues. Cinnamon is safe, it contains no sugar, and clinical research has shown it even helps stabilize blood sugar levels. Take some whenever you're feeling out of sorts.

Kitchen Cure for Colds: Garlic

Raw garlic's strong antimicrobial properties make it effective for fending off and treating the common cold. It works best as an early intervention. A good method -- chewing raw cloves with added honey -- is the most pungent, but not the only way to get it down.

Kitchen Cure for Skin Infections: Honey

Raw honey has dozens of uses, healing infections from scrapes and sores among them. The osmotic action promotes granulation of the tissue and draws infection out of the body. Manuka honey, available at natural-foods stores, can even be used for uncomplicated skin infections from methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Kitchen Cure for Insomnia: Sesame Oil & Milk

To treat insomnia at home, start with the obvious: Instead of working or watching the news before bed, write in a journal or make a to-do list so those worries don't distract your mind. While you're decompressing, indulge in this sleep solutions: If you fall asleep easily but don't stay asleep, a sesame oil foot massage will ground and calm you. If your problem is falling asleep, warm milk works wonders.

Kitchen Cure for Constipation: Pesto

For relief of occasional constipation, look no further than your favorite pasta topper. Basil is fantastic for constipation since it helps de-stress the body, while the flavor helps digestion.

Kitchen Cure for Flatulence: Chai

Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and allspice are the best remedies for flatulence. Take these spices individually -- a little cinnamon on toast or ginger tea after a meal -- or get them all in a cup of chai tea.

Kitchen Cure for Stuffy Head: Salsa

When cold season hits, keep spicy salsa on hand. Hot chili peppers can break up a cold or stuffy sinus by thinning the mucus in the nasal passages so that it's easier to expel, and they do the same thing in the lungs -- making it easier to expectorate. Plus, they're one of the top sources of vitamin C.

Kitchen Cure for Nausea: Ginger

Ginger is a near-universal remedy for nausea. But as with so much else in life, it goes down easier with a spoonful of sugar-in the form of a syrup. Sugar draws out ginger's intracellular fluid so you end up with a healing remedy that tastes good.

Kitchen Cure for Fever: Vinegar

Another remedy with dozens of uses, apple-cider vinegar can help break a fever. You add it to water and wash your arms and legs. Since it's acidic, it speeds heat loss as it evaporates off the skin.

Kitchen Cure for Hot Flashes: Soy Sauce

Women who suffer from the symptoms of menopause, especially hot flashes and night sweats, may benefit from eating a little soy every day. You may want to skip the tofu and use soy sauce instead. Only about a third of women in the West are able to convert compounds in soy to their most active form, but if you get your soy in fermented form, such as in soy sauce or miso, the conversion has been done for you. The estrogen-like compounds are readily available.

Kitchen Cure for IBS: Asparagus

The Greeks and Romans used asparagus for toothaches and bee stings. But it might work best for symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).It's a prebiotic which means it helps to populate the intestinal tract with friendly bacteria, which will in turn help balance IBS symptoms.

The Food Pyramid is out, and "MyPlate" is in. What do you think of the redesign?

MyPlate by USDA

The first lady, Michelle Obama, on Thursday relegated the government’s well-known food pyramid to the sands of history, unveiling a new, simpler image of a plate divided into basic food groups. The new design, called MyPlate, was conceived as a crucial part of Mrs. Obama’s campaign against obesity, by reminding consumers about the basics of a healthy diet.

Mold Remover

Vinegar is a great all-purpose cleaner; use it straight for tough jobs, or dilute it with water. Tea-tree oil is a natural fungicide and can help disinfect surfaces -- mix 2 teaspoons with 2 cups water. To whiten stained tiles or grout, use a mixture of 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide to 1 cup water.All of these solutions can be sprayed onto a surface, allowed to dry, then wiped with a damp cloth.

Natural Carpet Stain Remover

Pour a small amount of soda water onto a fresh carpet spill, and blot with a towel. Don't rub, as you may mat the fibers. If the stain is set, try hydrogen peroxide: Pour some onto a clean, white cloth, then press cloth to carpet. Wait about 15 minutes, blot with a clean cloth. There should be no need to rinse. For tougher stains, try our natural carpet cleaners.

DIY Tub and Tile Cleaner

Vinegar works well on soap scum and mineral deposits, but rinse thoroughly, as it can corrode some fixtures and etch glaze on tiles. You can also try tea tree oil -- 2 drops tea tree oil with 1 cup water -- in a spray bottle. A natural antiseptic and fungicide, tea tree oil costs more than vinegar but will kill most types of mold and help prevent growth; as with all concentrated oils, it should be used with caution, as it can trigger allergic reactions if it comes into contact with skin.

Natural Cleaners Work!

Contrary to popular belief, you don't need high-octane chemicals to render a home spic-and-span. Try these brands of natural cleaners - the great reviews we get from our customers are proof they get the job done!

Natural Laundry Detergents

Your laundry will smell fresh, not cloying, with Scented Natural Blue Eucalyptus Lavender Detergent by Seventh Generation. And many concentrated, natural laundry detergents also come in larger sizes to save you money and reduce packaging in our landfills.

Make Everyday Earth Day!

The concept that we magically put aside one day to reduce our footprint which will magically compensate for 364 days of unrelenting consumerism & unthinking damage seems silly. Perhaps the best way to honor Mother Earth is to enjoy her beauty. Get out in Nature. Meditate outdoors or do yoga in your backyard. Return to a simpler, more balanced life & be present in all that you do.

Bug Bites: Banana

Close encounters of the buzzing kind are inevitable when you spend time outdoors. But you'll find quick relief in the fruit bowl. With its high antioxidant content banana peel can calm inflamed bug bites, especially itchy mosquito bites.

Try It: Apply the banana peel, fruit-side down, directly on the bite and hold it there until the itching or burning subsides. Enjoy the fruit as a healthy snack.

Headache: Peppermint

Peppermint extract or oil, used commonly in baking, doubles as a reliable headache cure -- one backed by several small clinical trials and lots of anecdotal evidence.

Try It: Fill a small bowl with ice water and add 5 to 7 drops of peppermint oil. Dip a washcloth into the bowl, wring it out, and apply the compress to your forehead for 10 to 15 minutes. Alternatively, add several drops of the oil to a washcloth, throw it into the corner of a shower, and climb into the minty steam.

Sprains and Strains: Lettuce

Lettuce's anti-inflammatory effects make it a good topical remedy for simple sprains and strains since lettuce is rich in lactucin, a calming alkaloid.

Try It: Chop up a few cold lettuce leaves, apply to the sprained area, and wrap loosely in an elastic bandage. Change the poultice when it grows hot.

Indigestion: Ginger & Salt

In the Ayurvedic view, indigestion often stems from weak "digestive fire," known as agni. Stoke yours -- and prevent indigestion -- by taking ginger and salt before a meal.

Try It: Grate an inch of peeled, fresh ginger. Take a pinch or two and mix with a pinch or two of sea salt to make a paste. Chew on the mixture for a minute or two, then swallow. Wash it down with warm water and enjoy your meal.

UTIs: Cranberry

Many folk remedies exist outside the realm of science; they've just always worked. But certain remedies have the additional backing of research. Cranberry juice has emerged in multiple clinical trials as an effective treatment for urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Try It: Drink a cup of 100 percent cranberry juice (or 1 tablespoon of concentrate dissolved in a cup of water) at the first sign of infection; repeat three or more times daily until symptoms abate. If you don't see an improvement after 48 hours, see your doctor.

PMS Bloating: Sage

If you tend to gain a pants size during your monthly cycle, banish the bloat with homemade sage tea. Common kitchen sage

has drying properties that make it a terrific mild diuretic with no known side effects. As a bonus, sage tea is also an effective remedy for PMS-related moodiness.

Try It: Boil 1/3 teaspoon of dried or fresh sage in a cup of water and strain; drink three or four times a day when you're bloated.

Toothache: Clove

If the dentist isn't close at hand, seek relief in the spice cabinet. Clove will immediately numb the gum and fight whatever infection might be brewing underneath.

Try It: Add a few drops of water to 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves to make a thick paste. Pack on the sore gum for 5 to 10 minutes, then spit out. Repeat as needed. Be careful not to rub your eyes after applying. Not for use on babies and toddlers (unless it's very diluted).

Sore Throat: Honey, Lemon & Cayenne

When you're having trouble swallowing, honey, lemon, and cayenne pepper can bring soothing relief. The lemon contracts inflamed tissues and provides vitamin C, the honey soothes and disinfects, and the cayenne stimulates circulation and encourages healing.

Try It: Fill a tablespoon halfway with honey, and then squeeze a lemon to fill the spoon with juice. Sprinkle on 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, put the spoon in your mouth, and suck on it slowly. Repeat as needed.

Blemishes, Rashes, and Burns:Turmeric

Turmeric's many healing properties make it effective for a wide range of skin conditions. "It's antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antitumoral," explains Hansen. Use it topically to bring pimples to a head quickly and soothe acne, scrapes, and sunburns. (In India, they even sell Band-Aids infused with the spice.) It stains, so be sure to wash your hands after use.

Try It: Add several drops of water or aloe-vera juice (available at health-food stores) to 1/2 teaspoon of powdered turmeric to make a thin paste. With your fingers, spread the mixture on blemishes, sunburns, or acne. Leave on for up to an hour, then rinse.

Spice Up Your Health with Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a versatile and aromatic spice rich in polyphenolic compounds that act as protective antioxidants. In one recent study, cinnamon was shown to reduce the oxidative stress and impaired fasting glucose (two risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease and diabetes) in overweight and obese adults

Spice Up Your Health with Cayenne

The fiery and flavorful cayenne pepper contains a potent active compound known as capsaicin, which is responsible for the burning sensation caused by coming in contact with this spice. Capsaicin's anti-inflammatory properties make it an excellent topical pain reliever. The potent antioxidant powers of the cayenne pepper also come from capsaicin, which has been shown in several studies to inhibit the growth of breast and prostate tumors in mice.

Spice Up your Health with Turmeric

This bright yellow spice is well-known as a component of curry powder. Turmeric contains a high concentration of curcumin, a natural compound with powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.  One study involving mice concluded that curcumin may help protect the brain from the oxidative damage that is thought to contribute to Alzheimer's

Spice Up Your Health with Ginger

According to an article in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, ginger is one of the top food sources of antioxidants. In addition to fighting free radicals, ginger may also help those suffering with joint issues. In one study, ginger showed a statistically significant effect on reducing symptoms associated with osteoarthritis in the knee. Ginger is also a popular remedy for occasional nausea and stomach upset.

L-Arginine plus Herbs and Vitamins to get You in the Mood

L-arginine is an amino acid that's converted in the body to nitric oxide, which causes blood vessels to dilate for healthy blood flow. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 108 women ages 22 to 73 who reported lack of sexual desire were given placebo or a combination of L-arginine, herbs (Ginkgo biloba, Korean ginseng, damiana), vitamins and minerals. There was a significant improvement in sexual desire across all age groups for the combination of L-arginine plus herbs and vitamins as compared to placebo. Premenopausal and perimenopausal women appeared to benefit the most with significant improvement in several sexual areas.

Maca to Get You in the Mood

Maca is a Peruvian plant (Lepidium meyenii) found in high-altitude areas of the Andes mountains and is rich in minerals, fatty acids and beneficial phytochemicals. It was used traditionally by South Americans to enhance fertility and improve sexual performance in both men and women. To test the effect of Maca on sexual desire, a 12-week double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial was conducted on a group of men from 21 to 56 years old. Self-assessment of sexual desire was scored at four, eight and 12 weeks. An improvement in sexual desire was observed with Maca starting at eight weeks of treatment.

Korean Ginseng to Get You in the Mood

Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) is a plant native to China and Korea. Its roots contain active components called ginsenosides believed to be responsible for the herb's health-promoting effects. In a 2007 study, 60 men with sexual health issues were given 1,000 mg of Korean red ginseng, or placebo, three times daily for 12 weeks1. In the ginseng group, 67 percent of men reported improved erection and scored significantly higher on a test used to measure erectile function than those taking placebo.

Must-Have Pantry Spice- Cumin

Used as a medicine in ancient Egypt, cumin is still extolled for its health benefits: It's believed to stimulate the pancreatic enzymes responsible for digestion and the liver enzymes that handle detoxification. Incorporate cumin into black beans, or make a simple spice butter to serve with corn on the cob.

Must-Have Pantry Spice- Paprika

Ground from dried peppers, paprika can be smoky, fruity, or bitter. Applied topically, the capsaicin in peppers has been known to relieve headaches, psoriasis, and shingles. Pair smoked paprika with parsnips and butternut squash, or sprinkle Spanish pimenton dulce on your morning eggs.

Must-Have Pantry Spice- Curry Powder

Curry spice blend contains nutritional heavy hitters like fenugreek, which relieves everything from bronchitis to menstrual cramps, and turmeric, whose potent antioxidants help prevent cell damage. Add a dash to potato soup, or whip together with mayonnaise for a tasty egg salad.

Must-Have Pantry Spice- Bay Leaf

This venerable spice, a distant relative of cinnamon and avocado, is an unsung hero of the modern kitchen. Bay Leaf's aromatic, slightly astringent flavor is essential to countless stocks, soups, sauces, and marinades. For a sweet adventure, add a leaf to rice pudding, poached pears, or stewed apricots.

Must-Have Pantry Spice- Nutmeg

Once used to fight the spread of bubonic plague, nutmeg improves digestion and, when applied topically, soothes joint and muscle pain. Its woodsy flavor is most familiar from holiday classics such as apple pie, but this delicate spice adds an intriguing note to savory comfort food too. Dust it over roast lamb, macaroni and cheese, or creamed spinach.

Must-Have Pantry Spice- Cinnamon

Most cinnamon on the market today is actually cassia (not at EdiblenNture), the dried bark of a tropical laurel tree. (The real stuff is lighter in color and sweeter in flavor.) Cinnamon oil is a powerful antiseptic, and the spice is believed to help regulate blood sugar and cholesterol. Toss a stick into beef stew, or use as a stirrer for coffee, chai tea, or hot cocoa.

Must-Have Pantry Spice- Red Pepper Flakes

Put on the table in lieu of black pepper in Hungary, Turkey, and the Middle East, red pepper flakes add a welcome kick to almost any dish. They're also an excellent source of vitamins A and C, capable of preventing ulcers and treating diarrhea.

Must-Have Pantry Spice-Black Pepper

The world's most popular spice is so ubiquitous that its health value is often overlooked. (Capsaicin, the alkaloid that gives pepper its bite, stimulates digestion, circulation, and perspiration.) It's also a cooling agent. For a refreshing drink, try an Indian-style glass of sweetened lime juice and soda garnished with black pepper.

How About this Postparty Hangover?

Restore, rehydrate, and recover with these natural remedies. Pre-party plant foods are high in antioxidants and other compounds that help reduce the oxidative stress alcohol causes. To feel like yourself again, try a restorative breakfast of oatmeal with walnuts (omega-3s help reduce inflammation) and blueberries (packed with polyphenols and vitamin C).

I'm Exhausted! How Can I Get My Energy Back?

Spreading yourself thin is an invitation for illness, as fatigue weakens immune response. Keep your body in fighting form with the following stay-strong strategies. Maintain a balance of whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and fruits and vegetables.

The Flu Gets Me Every Year. How Can I Stop It?

Influenza comes on like a freight train, with high fever, headache, fatigue, chills, body aches, and respiratory illness. Douse free radicals and repair and strengthen immune cells with a cascade of antioxidant and nutrient-rich foods. Prepare a meal with any of these immune-boosting flu fighters: mushrooms, red bell pepper, sweet potatoes or pumpkin, garlic, Brazil nuts, whole grains, and beans.

How Can I Beat Back a Blue Mood This Winter?

Cold and dark days make it common to feel a dip in serotonin levels. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in oily fish (such as salmon and sardines), have been shown to improve cognitive function. Lentils, meanwhile, are a rich source of the amino acid tryptophan, a precursor to serotonin.

What Foods Should I Eat to Up My Immunity?

Citrus is bursting with vitamin C, and your body absorbs extra cold-fighting antioxidants from the combo of pink grapefruit, which also contains the phytochemical lycopene.

I Have a Sore Throat and Feel a Cold Coming On. Help!

Indoor air breeds colds and coughs, but common-sense therapies -- like eating fruits and veggies and scrubbing hands clean -- are still the most effective way to keep germs at bay this winter.

Studies have shown that green tea (steeped 3 to 5 minutes) is the best food source of catechins, plant compounds that halt oxidative damage to cells. Flavor it with fresh, anti-inflammatory ginger and pomegranate for an extra nutrient punch.

Natural Winter Remedies: Licorice

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has immune-boosting and throat-soothing properties that make it an excellent addition to cough and cold formulas.

How to use: For coughs, make a tea that combines mullein leaf with a pinch of licorice. Safety note: People who have high blood pressure should avoid this herb or use the deglycyrrhizinated form (look for "DGL" on packaging).

Natural Winter Remedies: Sage

Common culinary sage (Salvia officinalis) can help to ease sore throats and dry up sinuses.

How to use: For a sore throat, make a strong tea by pouring 4 ounces of water over 2 teaspoons of dried or fresh sage. Cool to room temperature. Gargle until the mixture is gone. Repeat three times daily. For drippy sinuses, drink a cup of regular-strength sage tea.

Natural Winter Remedies: Yin Chiao

This centuries-old Chinese formula stars a number of immune-boosting herbs and can help ease cold symptoms such as sneezing and congestion.

How to use: Use at the first sign of illness; follow package directions or consult with a TCM practitioner.

Natural Winter Remedies: Tulsi

Believed to boost overall health, tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) -- also known as holy basil -- contains antiviral and antibacterial compounds. It may help prevent illness when used over time.

How to use: Tulsi makes a delicious tea; look for it in packaged form or brew your own with loose tulsi. Aim for two to three cups daily.

Natural Winter Remedies: Mullein

Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) has expectorant and soothing properties that make it a cough treatment supreme.

How to use: For coughs, try mullein tea: Pour a cup of boiling water over a tablespoon of mullein leaves; let steep for 20 minutes and strain. Add honey and lemon to mask the bitter taste. Treat ear infections with drops of oil infused with mullein and garlic.

Natural Winter Remedies: Eleuthero

Also known as Siberian ginseng, this well-studied herb (Eleutherococcus senticosus) can help your body resist the effects of stress and boost your immune system.

How to use: Take in tincture or capsule form, or make an immunity chai by blending eleuthero with cardamom, ginger, and cinnamon. Simmer for 20 minutes and strain; drink two to three cups daily.

Natural Winter Remedies: Eucalyptus

With antibacterial and expectorant properties, eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) can loosen congestion and help you breathe easier.

How to use: Pour near-boiling water into a pot. Add a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil, turn off heat, and drape a towel over your head and the pot. Breathe for five minutes. Safety note: Do not use essential oils internally.