Go Green With Everything

Pilates Exercise and Equipment

2011-12-03T12:25:00.000-08:00

Pilates exercise is a stumpy force workout. It combines a sequence of inhaling techniques with stretching and is applicable to all age groups. Pilates helps the body's core muscles, including those in the back, abdomen, and buttocks gain flexibility and strength, besides allowing better mental focus. Pilate equipment is designed to define the muscles with strength-resistance workouts. Pilates movements can be categorized into three exercise groups directed towards strengthening muscle groups, flexibility that improves the range of motion, and mobility exercise that trains the body to move more easily.

More than a habit of exercise or getting physical, pilates is complete coordination of body, mind and spirit. And, pilates equipment, allows you to work on each of the basic pilates elements, by lying down, sitting, kneeling or standing. The pilates mat, a basic piece of equipment, allows this type of activity and is very affordable.

Another important piece of equipment are the pilate balls and bands--the magic circles found under the name of exercise rings. The right choice of clothing could also be thought of as pilate equipment in that it provides for success if the clothing allows liberal and free movement.

Along with the proper equipment, do not neglect proper nutrition. This means getting the right amount of fat, carbohydrates and protein the body demands. Selecting organic raw food and getting lots of fruits and leafy green vegetables is a stellar move for your health. Electing for an abundance of processed foods allows unwanted chemicals into the body that can only cause harm over time.

Finally, be sure to investigate locations for the best quality in mats, balls, bands and clothing. You are investing in yourself and want the best in your training. Regular use of pilates will lead to improved posture and stabilization of the torso--which allows other body parts to operate more easily. You will also find that the body's metabolism will naturally rise over time. Making pilates a regular part of your daily life would be a wise decision for anyone to make.

The Value of Jumping Rope

2011-11-05T11:58:00.000-07:00

Looking for a simple exercise to improve your aerobic training? Jumping rope may just be your answer as it is excellent when conditioning the aerobic system. This exercise presents a total-body exercise appropriate for athletes and the exercise fanatic. Not only is it inexpensive, but jumping rope is a portable form of exercise convenient for any age.

Most individuals, some time during childhood, has jumped rope somewhere or sometime. From the playground, jumping rope has developed into a competent way to strengthen your body and improve cardiovascular health.

All you really need is a pair of good gym shoes and a jumping rope. Though it is easily learned by simply turning the rope and jumping repeatedly, a rope with a swivel handle makes that movement even easier. Almost anyone can enjoy this exercise unless you have knee, joint or hip problems.

Jumping rope adds to health by improving posture, attaining better reflexes and helping you increase power in the lower body. It can burn up to 1,000 calories an hour (depending on weight and speed) and tones the entire body. All the chief muscle groups in both upper and lower body are working out as you undertake the exercise.

You simply do not need the expensive machine to get in shape. Regular use of the jumping rope provides one of the best pathways to fitness you may elect to do. Start a regular training routine and rest assured, you will have an enjoyable experience while jumping to a new and hearty you!

Healthy Eating: Treading the Road to Wellness

2011-09-26T16:40:00.000-07:00

What you eat really does matter! A healthy eating menu can comprise all varieties of favorite foods and is not intended to make you feel deprived or famished. It is generally accepted that healthy eating is balanced, nutrition-boosting, and beneficial for the entire body.

Food choices reduce lots of health troubles ranging from cancer, heart disease and diabetes. Think of a diet change and commit yourself to take this as a solid first step. Don't make a drastic change all at once; what you need to make is simple adjustments. Start out slowly when you wna to make changes in eating habits. Change them over time, not all at once! This is too often the typical mistake made and a reason why many individuals fail when deciding upon a change of diet.

A healthy eating plan goes further than just taking control of the food you put on your plate. How you think about that food you will partake in is another important step to victory. Today's additives amount to a whole lot of toxins we inadvertently ingest. Cutting down or eliminating sugar, meat and diary is yet another way we can help our bodies and selves.

What is needed for nourishment? Slow down, think about what you are eating and chew it even more slowly. The first step in digestion is the mouth! This is one of the primary rules of macrobiotics.

Small changes made to your healthy eating plan will make you feel better about how you are taking care of yourself. Not only will you feel great, but you will also have control over your weight. Your features will naturally improve, along with your wallet. With a little knowledge about food, cooking for yourself or friends will be far more enjoyable as well.

It's time for all of us to live up to our potential. One best way for that to happen is to take a first step for healthy eating and you will discover yourself on the road to personal growth very soon.

Ankle Weights: Benefits and Caution

2011-08-29T11:59:00.000-07:00

Walking is an exercise engaged in by many. It's an effective means to both lose weight and burn body fat. Many times, however, the amount of calories we burn by walking does not meet our goals. One of the ways be can increase caloric expenditure is by employing ankle weights--an effective means of strengthening and toning leg muscles.

Ankle weights can be used in a variety of ways. Beginners should, as much as possible, seek the guidance of a personal trainer, therapist or physician to determine the appropriate weight to use and what type of workout that would be most beneficial.

The advantages of using ankle weights are significant and they are easy to use. Simply wrap the ankle weight carefully around your leg. This instantly adds resistance to leg movement and will burn calories while developing muscles. Whether you walk with them, run with them, or have them on while doing a strength workout, ankle weights are an affordable fitness solution. They are also lighter than the dumbbells used in many routines but can be even more effective.

Another benefit of walking with weights on is that it gradually builds fitness while also promoting balance. Important to remember: progress on a gradual schedule. Don't try to pile on a lot of weight initially as this can cause injury rather easily. Take things literally one step at a time.

Another item to be aware of is your present physical condition. This should dictate the manner in which we use any weight. If you feel any pain in your legs or shins while using the weights, you need to stop immediately. This may occur, particularly when challenging one self running on an incline. As stated earlier, always check with a doctor before beginning any weight training routine.

If you have never experienced ankle weights, perhaps this is a good time to accept the challenge. Just use common sense in their use, and things should turn out fine.

A Call to Action

2011-08-20T09:31:00.000-07:00

Most health conscious individuals exercise on a daily basis. Depending on what a person can handle and on what part of his or her body targeted, there are diverse forms of exercise to choose from. Exercise is necessary these days because the emergence of technological innovations has reduced or has at least eliminated the manual effort in doing things.

There is nothing wrong with dancing with the tech revolution since we know it saves us hours every day and removes hard work from household chores. Yet, for this very reason, we do need to replace the fitness-generating activities that these machines have eliminated--with exercise.

Exercise creates an impact on almost every aspect of health and life. After working out, a person feels better, becomes more content and, ironically, turns more active. This makes exercise imperative for all of us. While we are all conscious that exercise is very important for the body, it may not be amiss to state that some of us are not totally aware of the many advantages. The benefits include: it helps keep the heart and lungs in good conditions; it allows us to get better sleep; it boosts our mood and lessens stress; it improves physical appearance and self-esteem; it keeps us fit and when we see that we look fit, we then feel confident about ourselves.

Furthermore, exercise puts off muscle wasting as we grow older and stops bone loss that can result from osteoporosis during mature years. It calms blood sugar, lowers blood pressure and enhances the running of blood and oxygen throughout the body. According to studies, increased flow of oxygen to the brain has the effect of improving memory and learning.

Most people don't realize how important it is to have a properly functioning body. They believe the incorrect notion that when everyone gets older, the body is supposed to become delicate, it begins to deteriorate and becomes subject to all manner of illnesses. Applying an exercise plan and a little common sense will avert that from occurring, or at least slow it down considerably.

Our technologically developed society is causing more stress and is making an active way of life more and more unnecessary. The world's growing obesity outbreak is, to a large extent, a proof of that. There is no magic medication that will fix this ever worsening condition. A choice has to be made on an individual basis to exercise.

Look to 1 Source Now to help you meet your exercise and supplemental needs.

Go Green With Everything

2010-05-09T09:37:00.000-07:00

Go Green With Everything has evolved into another format or WordPress blog so that I can be more flexible with content and delivery. You may enjoy reading the past blogs on this page and/or continue on to the new content by clicking the title of this blog or simply visit http://www.gogreenwitheverything.com. New information will periodically be added to this blog however and if you enjoyed reading this column, relevant content that will be added in the future.

benefits of cayenne

2010-03-10T08:38:00.000-08:00

Holy smokes! I've found a great new herb that is healthy and invigorating. The name of the herb is cayenne, and I discovered its benefits by reading the book, Left for Dead, by Dick Quinn. This is the story of a gentleman who had a heart attack and near death experience at the time, was later suggested for a second bypass, but instead, inadvertently, taking the advice of a stranger, consumed several capsules of cayenne and turned his life and health around. Needless to say, he needed no more drugs or surgery again.

The experience was so profound that wanting to spread the word about the benefits of cayenne, he started a company that distributed the herb in its pure and natural form. This personal adventure can be read in more detail at Hubpages.com under the article "Can an Everyday Herb Save Your Life?" written by wildwade.

As I was saying, since then, I have used this herb myself. A capsule of 40,000 heat units, three times a day is enough to invigorate me and give me more energy. Dick Quinn takes several of his own capsules which are 100,000 units a day. Actually at his company, Cayenne Company, which you can google, he offers what is called "Heart Food Caps" that contain the lesser cayenne but also include garlic and hawthorn berry which he says works synergistically to promote good health. If you have never tried cayenne, I recommend that you do. You may not realize what you are missing.

Vitamin D Foods

2010-02-06T09:25:00.000-08:00

Vitamin D is perhaps the most talked about vitamin in the news today. The easiest source, of course, is from the sun. We folks that live in northern climates, however, do not always see the sun that often--especially during the winter. Therefore, we must look to other sources of Vitamin D: either take the vitamin orally or obtain in by eating vitamin D foods.

The correct amount of Vitamin D seems a bit controversial. I have read reputable reports that say one has to consume great amounts before any harm comes to the body. Others, say anywhere from 5,000 I.U. to 10.000 I.U a day--more if you are suffering from a medical issue. Since most people are tested deficient in this vitamin, we need to get a fair amount since it is critical in improving our immune system. If you are suffering from the flu, for instance, you need to take additional vitamin D. Research reports even show that a deficiency can lead to an increased risk of fibromyalgia. I'll let you read the ample research out there on the benefits of vitamin D in improving health and extending our lifespan.

So where do we find Vitamin D Foods? The following list includes foods that are high in Vitamin D: all per 100 grams contain--fish oil (10000 IU), mushrooms (1660 IU), catfish (500 IU), salmon (466 IU), herring (680 IU), sardines (480), cereal (335 IU), oysters (320 IU), oatmeal (335 IU), whole milk (310 IU) and infant formula (310 IU), margarine 1 tsp. (250 IU), 1 whole egg (20 IU), and swiss cheese (12 IU).

Probably the best way to determine vitamin D foods is to stop and read the back of food labels. This is a habit we all should develop for our own good. If you feel that you are not getting enough, you may also supplement with a vitamin D tablet. Just be careful not to monitor what you put into your body.

green tea and barley grass

2010-01-23T07:43:00.000-08:00

Thinking of alkalizing your body a little more? As some of you know, the ideal PH of the body is 7.4; the balance between the acid and alkaline level in our blood. When we get too much acid, then the body has to either get rid of it quickly or store it as fat. Too much acid can also affect the health of the body's organs. Two foods you may want to try are green tea and barley grass.

The benefits of drinking green tea are too numerous to mention. It seems as each week that goes by there is another report of how green tea helps the body--specifically fighting against cancer and heart disease. Green tea's antioxidants called catechins look for free radicals in the body and destroy them. Green tea has a special antioxidant (epigallocatechin-3-gallate or EGCG) that is particularly effective. Its antioxidants seem to relax the blood vessels and lessen the possibility of clogging. You may want to Google to find the many convincing studies that encourage one to drink at least two to four cups daily.

The benefits of barley grass are just as many. Barley grass contains thousands of enzymes and is 45% protein. Barley contains about 11 times the calcium in cow's milk and 30 times the amount of B1. It contains organic sodium which helps dissolve the calcium around joints so is very good for arthritis. Most importantly is contains chlorophyll, like all green leafy plants, that helps deliver oxygen to the blood. Barley grass helps with weight loss and is good for the heart. You may take it in tablet form or as a juice.

So if you have never tried either or these wonderful nutritional supplements, you owe it to yourself to try. You may be pleasantly suprised and your body will definitely thank you for it.

advantages of aromatherapy

2010-01-06T06:46:00.000-08:00

Today I would like to direct your attention to the advantages of aromatherapy. Aromatherapy has been used throughout the ages by man to improve his health and recover from illnesses. The ancient Greeks understood the power of oils from plants, including the scent of the oil, in keeping them well. If you have never looked into this, you owe it to yourself to do so.

The great thing is that there are so many essential oils available today. If you have problems with indigestion, then peppermint with a drop of chamomile, may help solve the problem. A cold this time of year can be alleviated with a drop of eucalyptus on a tissue placed over your nose as you go to sleep. Sore throat? Blend six drops of tea tree with three drops of thyme. Just want to relax and have a feeling of peace and calm, try lavender. Continued use of essential oils will begin to detoxify the body as well.

Sound exciting? Well, it is! There is so much to learn and I find myself just learning a little bit each day. The most profound oil I have used thus far is called Thieves. It is a blend of clove, rosemary, cinammon and other aromatics that was originally used by a group of thieves in the fourteenth century France. They would rob plague victims with immunity from the disease with the use of this oil, which they would ingest. Eventually, when they were apprehended, they gave up the treasured recipe for a lesser punishment.

Both my wife and I have used Thieves successfully to ward off flu and colds this season, and I feel uplifted when I drink a drop or two in my morning tea. I have recommended this to my friends (it can be obtained by clicking on the title of this blog). Lemon is another oil that I have used with success. Lemon contains the antioxidant d-limonene which is believed to boost the body's natural defense. I use it to flavor food and beverages.

One note of caution: these essential oils that I am talking about are very strong! You only need drops or a drop of one to be effective. Always read the literature before deciding how you will implement it for your physical or mental health.

As mentioned, there are many oils and blends of oils (over 75), and it takes time to learn about them and how to apply for maximum effectiveness. But it is well worth it--and if you have never explored the world of aromatherapy, you may find it has been just what you have been looking for to improve your life.

Organic Acres: New Concept in Gardening

2009-12-25T14:01:00.000-08:00

I hope that all of you are enjoying this holiday season! It gives us all a chance to be with relatives and friends, many of whom we have not enjoyed company with in a while. Recently, I was introduced to a new concept in organic gardening by a friend that you may or may not find interesting. I think it is worth sharing.

Organic Acres is a new organization, currently in pre-launch till early January, that allows members to select organic crops and a particular sized garden, then actually watch their exclusive crop grow. When ready, the vegetables or whatever you are growing, may be shipped to your address. Or, if you choose, you may sell them (at your own price) to other members. Better yet, you may give them away to a charity.

To me, this sounds like a good idea. Why? Because I think growing organically is the way to go to protect your health and your families. Today's food, especially packaged food, has been tampered with. Chemicals which you do not even know the name of have been added to your food that you ingest into your body. And we do this unthinkingly because we trust that brand name (and we have been conditioned to do just that). Now you have control of what you will eat, and if it's whole foods, so much the better for you.

For those of us who do not own a farm, Organic Acres, allows us to farm. They even offer a variety of garden lots to choose from. If you become a member early, you are eligible for profit sharing with the company (the Pioneer Program). There are a lot of other great perks as well, but you can read about them by accessing the home page. Just click on the title of this blog and you should be taken to the Organic Acres home page.

I would love to hear your comments on this!

Fish Tank Aquariums

2009-12-09T08:10:00.000-08:00

I know this may sound a little strange to bring up aquariums on this site, but I have just been introduced to them and want you to consider them for green living. Many of us have had goldfish as youngsters. I remember winning a few at fairs during my elementary years. Remember trying to throw a ping pong ball into a bowl containing a goldfish and then winning the bowl and fish? Well, I do. It's was thrilling at the young age!

Today I do not have to throw a ping pong ball and neither do you. And what is more that bowl can now be a beautiful aquarium filled with not one, but many fish--and not just goldfish. I love to watch the exotic saltwater species, names I can not pronounce or remember. It's not important. What is important is the calm and peaceful feeling I receive just watching them. It really does put me at ease.

Fish tank aquariums also puts others at ease. They are great conversational pieces when you have friends over for parties. Kids love staring watching the fish maneuver through the water. The colors themselves are beguiling: beautiful reds, bright oranges, greens, yellows and of course, blue. That color combination you can control with choice of coral, sand, fish , and other accessories.

When is the last time you have had an aquarium in your house? Perhaps you might want to try that over the holiday season. It might just make it a bit more relaxing. If you have kids, it's a great way to teach them about ecosystems and the ocean. How about a little responsibility in helping you keep the fish in great health?

Aquariums also make great gifts, not only for young children, but also adults. An aquarium looks great on an Executive Desk. Think about it; perhaps your next pet is a fish.

macrobiotic diet foods

2009-12-01T17:50:00.000-08:00

Few people are aware of the advantages of macrobiotic diet foods. In fact, few people even know about macrobiotics. I came across the macrobiotic diet and way of life when reading The Macrobiotic Way by Michio Kushi. This book was introduced by a friend and teacher of macrobiotics who saved her own life by following this diet.

To protect her privacy, I will not reveal her name. However, she had cancer throughout her body and was given only a few weeks to live. Within eight months of macrobiotics, she had cleansed her body and is totally alive and vibrant today. That inspired me and I took her cooking class. Today I try to eat the foods that are recommended as much as I can.

What are macrobiotic foods? They are principally whole foods that are organic and that are eaten during their season and obtained through local sources. To offer a definitive list is more of a scope than this blog. If you would like more detailed information, please visit http://www.greenworldtree.com/macrobiotic-diet-foods.html where you will be given a more complete listing and explanation, as well as how to find books upon macrobiotics.

But let me share that this diet focuses upon whole grain and whole-grain products such as brown rice, barley, millet,rye,whole wheat,buckwheat, and whole-wheat noodles, as examples. The grouping of organic vegetables includes broccoli,green beans,brussels sprouts,cabbage,collard greens,sweet corn,kale,mushrooms,onions,squash,turnips and watercress, among others. The legumes consumed include adzuki beans, black beans,chickpeas,lentils,lima beans,pinto beans,soybeans,and split peas. Again,the lists are more detailed in the books themselves.

But macrobiotics also includes an attitude towards life and living. It has been practiced for thousands of years in Eastern cultures and honors the concept of yin and yang. In the macrobiotic diet, one learns to chew food slowly until it is in liquid form in the mouth. This makes it so much easier to digest and reap full nutrition. One also learns to compliment the diet with exercise that all can perform and enjoy. A time for daily reflection is also set aside.

It is the purpose of this post to "whet your appetite" to macrobiotics, and hopefully you will want to experience a way of eating that has returned health and longevity to so many. It may also bring you closer to yourself and the world as a whole.

Biodegradable Bags

2009-11-17T07:57:00.000-08:00

Over the last few years, the use of environmentally friendly bags has increased. Perhaps you have noticed this yourself while at the local grocery store. More people have become conscious of the harm plastic bags inflict upon the environment. And many realize how using biodegradable bags help to improve our earth.

Biodegradable bags, unlike bags made out of unnatural materials, do break down. They do not remain for years and years in city dumps and leak chemicals into the land, but rather dissolve into the earth's soil. Money is also saved by using these bags because trees do not need to be cut down and used for paper bags. Biodegradable bags are readily available (click on the title of this post to view both environmentally friendly, as well as, biodegradable bags) and their use needs to be promoted more by government officials.

If you can not afford biodegradable bags (and they are coming down in price very nicely), it is important to use environmentally friendly bags. By that I mean bags that are made from 100% natural or organic cotton. Not only have the use of these bags increased, but they have also become very fashionable as you can obtain bags in different colors and styles. So not only can you feel good about the bags you tote, but also about saving our environment!

Just think of the number of plastic bags you may have used on a recent grocery trip. Now multiply that by the number of trips you make in a year's time. That's a lot of bags! When you think of the number of people in just your community alone, you can gain an appreciation of what a great savings to our environment it would be if people decided to use biodegradable or environmentally friendly bags to shop.

If you are one of those individuals who do, thank you very much!!! If you are willing to try, I also thank you as does our Mother Earth.

Going Green Business?

2009-10-31T09:15:00.000-07:00

Recently, I came across a green business that I am completely happy with. I can't say that about many and I have been involved in quite a few over the years, resulting in frustration and loss of money. The reason I favor OnlyGreen is the commitment of the owners (Bob Kafato,George Kontos, and Norman Dodd) and the fellow EcoAdvisors that I work with.

The mission statement of OnlyGreen reads "Our mission is to make your transition into a greener lifestyle as seamless as possible. We continually evaluate products to ensure that we offer the highest quality, most cost effective alternatives available. Through our team of EcoAdvisors, we educate consumers so that they can make informed purchasing decisions. Together, we offer a smarter way to adopt a healthy and ecologically friendly way of life."

If you love green living and want to share the green lifestyle with others, this business opportunity may be perfect for you and your friends. It can be an exciting way to make money while you influence others to live in a green way.

The green products are just what we have been looking for. You can take a look at them by clicking on the title of this post above. You will then be taken to a page on my green website that further explains this opportunity and shows some representative green items. On this page, you can click on any of the hyperlinks to visit a page with my picture and full details on OnlyGreen, a Products section and then an Opportunities section if you are still interested.

I have started using the Soapberry laundry wash and find it extraordinary. Likewise I use the dryer balls to save a lot of money. My dog, Max, loves the EcoPaws Hemp Chew. And I use the Dog Soap to clean him after playing. You will find products in the online catalog to not only clean, but also appearing in clothing, snacks and beverages, the office and paper & plastic alternatives, and more.

A part time business is not work when you love what you are doing. I find anything to do with promoting a green lifestyle to be important. I hope that you find it rewarding as well. If you are not interested in a business, then perhaps you are a supporter of using green products (no money expensive than what you use currently). OnlyGreen's logo reads "Products, Services and Lifestyle."

Close to the Skin

2009-10-22T07:31:00.000-07:00

I never really thought about it much.... Today's blog falls into that category and it pertains to what we place on our skin. The skin is an organ though not many people regard it in that way. They should! The skin is our body's largest organ and whatever we place upon it, gets ABSORBED by the body.

Think about this for a moment. Individuals who have trouble breaking the difficult smoking habit often resort to a patch just placed upon the skin. My father who has a memory issue was also given a patch to place on his skin rather than a shot or ingested drug. The medicine still enters the body, but not as fast--it is slowly absorbed.

That gets me thinking about what I have placed upon my skin. Sun Screen whenever I am out golfing on a sunny day first of all. The shampoo that I use daily on my scalp and the deoderant that I spread under my arms after I bath. Moreover, the water itself that pours over my body as I shower or take a bath. Any toxic chemicals in that water would be absorbed through by skin!

It's all very frightening and shocking when you consider it all. And it's just in the last few years that I myself have become aware of this. Unfortunately, growing up my mother or father were ignorant, like most parents in the later part of the century, of toxins in food or water. The amount of synthetic ingredients in food and genetically altered food were probably not as great as today.

Is there any doubt that we should all be going green with everything in our modern lives? It's a question of survival and survival is no more apparent than the present moment--in our finances and in our health. But please, the whole point of this blog is to alert the reader that we need to be extra cautious of what we place upon our skin.

Feng Shui

2009-10-11T13:44:00.000-07:00

I guess you are wondering what feng shui has to do with the green world. But there is a connection. After currently taking a course at a local community college, I notice that selecting the proper green landscape or adding a plant or two in the right spot in the home can make a difference.

Feng Shi is an ancient Chinese art of improving your life by being sensitive to how your environment is arranged. Its influence has definitely picked up in the West over the last five to ten years. My first suggestion is to enroll in a class or purchase a feng shui text (such as David Kennedy's Feng Shui for Dummies) to begin learning how the arrangement of energy fields affects how we feel and think.

Though this may seem far-fetched, the notion that every "thing" including ourselves contains specific vibrations is not new. The ancient Greeks released this fact as well. Therefore, it would seem plausible that all items within a field would affect each other's behavior. That is why when you meet someone, you may feel either good or bad "vibrations."

Feng Shui as you will discover can be applied not only to your home or each individual room, but also your entire landscaping on your lot. The energies of nature affect your personal progress.
The decisions we make from what we decide to plant in our front yards to how we design our front walk or driveway will influence the flow of energy or "chi."

The only way to see if this is legit, is to try it out for yourself. What do you have to loose? If you are not comfortable making changes at home, then try it out in the office. It's all about our relation to the five elements: earth, fire, water, metal, air. Doesn't it make sense that sense we are energy beings that items within our reality will necessarily affect how we function?

This post is just to open your mind to that idea and hopefully you will at least dabble into the realm of feng shui and use it to create a more free-flowing green environment.

Creating the Green Office

2009-09-29T12:15:00.000-07:00

Not only can we make an impact on the environment at home, but we can also contribute significantly at the office. Yes, establishing a green office may be one of your priorities in living green. And getting to that office is the first step.

Making a decision to car pool, take a bus, ride a bicycle or even walk helps save energy and money in your wallet. If just enough of us would have the courage to do this, to break our every day habits, what a difference it would make on the planet! We have to lead by example.

Likewise, how we operate in our office environment also sets an example. Conserving in our use of paper is easy to do. Paper is the greatest waste product around the office. Trees are a declining natural resource and it is up to us to save our forests (which have already been decimated by the terrible summer forest fires). Technology has been invented to allow us to cut down drastically on the use of paper, but do we really need to have a hard copy of that e-mail? Couldn't we record more information on CD's or memory cards? Let's develop a mentality of using paper only when absolutely necessary.

Be sure to recycle used paper in the office. And when you purchase new paper, consider buying recycled paper. Try to reuse the back side of paper if possible. Likewise envelopes, binders and folders can be reused in some instances.

It would be great to work in an ideal temperature forever, but, we can save energy by turning down that office thermostat just a bit. Considering our office furniture as well, we can save by using recycled furniture or simply repairing chairs and desks rather than quickly replacing them.

Many steps can be taken to create the green office. Like so many things, it's entirely up to us, though, to take the first one! When we do make that decision, however, we begin to change our world.

Go Green: Will It Last Forever?

2009-09-18T14:41:00.000-07:00

This post is dedicated to the question in back of some people's minds that is the green movement going to last or is it just a fad or phase that we are going through. It is this writer's contention that it is going to last and not only that but it will EVOLVE. That's right, it will grow--just like a green plant that is buried in the soil.

Some of my friends do not buy into the green movement. That's fine because they have a right to believe and think as they do. Obviously, I firmly believe differently. I have seen changes in my home from using compact flourescent bulbs (at first), then changing my shower heads, to buying different washers and dryers: how simple choices can save money and reduce energy consumption. Just that alone, if everyone would agree to do that, would make a radical difference.

What else can one person do? If you scroll down my blogs, you will see a number of decisions individuals can make that will "make a difference." Yes, this is one movement that works! We can radically change the world for the better when getting involved in the green movement. It is going to last and is not a fad. I wish the President would get more behind it than he does, but he has a lot on his plate right now....

So though this blog is low on content, it is high on attitude and inspiration. Go green is a motto that will only become more accepted and sound more pleasant to our ears when we realize all that going green means to individual life and the planet!

Go Green By Planting a Tree

2009-09-12T12:00:00.000-07:00

Just asking: when was the last time that you planted a tree? When was the last time that you used tree products? Isn't it time that we all gave a little back by planting a tree? When you think of the benefits that trees give to the environment--helping to get rid of carbon dioxide, sheltering birds and animals, in some cases providing food and needed shade, and the sheer beauty that add to our landscapes and the earth in general--it's a wonder that we all do not schedule time to make this happen.

When I think of trees, I remember my early days in Boy Scouts when he learned about the various types of trees and even created large boards that identified them to help others learn. Spending so much time in the forest, we learned to instinctively love trees and want to be near them. But as an adult, much of that feeling has waned, unfortunately. Now I need to push myself to schedule time in nature--and I never regret it! The warm feeling one gets walking through nature can not be replaced and it can fully understand someone wanting to hug a tree.

The Arbor Day Foundation is a national organization that, of course, promotes the planting of trees. In fact, if you join, you may send two cards to friends or relatives, for which you have planted a tree in their honor. You will also receive a Rain Forest Rescue Calendar, The Tree Book (to help identify), and a free year of coffee. Not bad at all for the membership fee of only $10.00. So if you cannot actually get out to plant a tree yourself, feel that you have helped the planet by joining this organization (www.arborday.org). Recently they have also been sending trees to your home to plant when you join. Check out the website for the latest deal!

Do you really want to make a difference? Start your own group in the community. Trees Forever (www.treesforever.org) can assist you in the "nuts and bolts of planting trees" and the how-to in setting up your own group. How exciting! Well, no matter what your level of involvement, it would certainly benefit us all if each one of us could be involved. Think about it and also think what the trees have given us and what more they yet have to give...

Go Green by Restoring

2009-09-05T08:48:00.000-07:00

In thinking about ways to go green and alter our wasteful lifestyle, one of the best moves is to try to repair items rather than just throwing them away. In the past I was always quick to jettison anything that did not work and just buy a new one. First that comes to mind is furniture. Old chairs or couches could have been restored I am sure, but that was before I had a green mindset or even knew about the green movement....

Think about all the cars that have been conveniently trashed under the "Cash for Clunkers" program. Yes, gas and energy will be saved purchasing a greener car; that is positive. But I also viewed many perfectly good and suprisingly newer cars that could have been used many more years just crunched and discarded. Perhaps there should have been an age limit on those cars as well..

Getting back to furniture, many cabinets or living room furniture could be restored. Taking the time to refinish wood furniture would add years to their use as well as put money in your pocket. Reupholstering furniture or just purchasing slipcovers to throw over old furniture is definitely the green thing to do. Who knows? If may be fun and the start of a new hobby.

Another thing to consider is to give your old furniture away. There are plenty of organizations in all communities that would be glad to come and get it rather than toss it on the garbage dump.
Check out the organization Freecycle (www.freecycle.org) to discover a network of individuals who give away unwanted items.

So there is much more we can do to help ourselves, others and our planet when we just stop to think about it. Restoring and repairing should be green priorities.

Green Matters...

2009-08-27T15:22:00.000-07:00

Wow! It seems impossible that the summer is winding down. It seemed yesterday that I was looking forward to its arrival. I hope that I can not say the same for the green movement. It seemed only yesterday that the concern for everything green started. Now it is going strong and I hope that it will continue. It really is a mindset, a way of thinking, that is much stronger than a fad.

When we take a look around today, we see evidence that green will stay. The currently ending "Cash for Clunkers" is motivated not only economically to help the auto industry, but ecologically to help save our environment. Likewise the discussed rebates on appliances to move more toward Energy Star models to also help our lives. More and more green businesses are now apparent and more and more businesses are striving to meet green building standards. Locally, the Cleveland Clinic has strived to meet those standards.

The green movement to produce more organic clothing is picking up momentum. More and more people are committing to the recycling effort; in fact, in many communities it is mandated. Most impressively, new green jobs have emerged that never before existed or even thought of. A new generation is growing up green.

Yes, green matters. Big time when you stop and look around. That's a win-win situation for everyone that gets involved and there is so much to do and learn. That's very reassuring and something to keep us going as we move from day to day, establishing a green world for ourselves and our children's children.

Ecotourism

2009-08-19T17:15:00.000-07:00

A new green vocabulary term to enter our language is "ecotourism." This term is currently used rather freely, but The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) says it is "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and sustains the well-being of the local people."

You may access this organization by going to http://www.ecotourism.org. There you will find further detail about what is considered when using this term. For example, it should include the following: a. build cultural as well as environmental respect b. minimize impact upon the environment c. provide positive experience for both host and visitor d. benefit conservation financially and many other qualifications. Furthermore, we are talking about trips into usually unpolluted areas and that the trip actually enhances the local economy and "indigenous atmosphere." Check out the site.

So what are some examples? The first thought would be a local area to cut down on travel expenses, but then again if you are benefiting the region you wish to travel to maybe longer distances is not so bad. Where are people going to? Answers: 1. Central America to both beach and rainforest areas 2. Africa Visit national parks, deserts and rainforests (Kenya) 3. Europe Lots of opportunities for bicycling and hiking throughout the land. 4. North America includes many national parks and when we consider Alaska or our neighbors in Canada more options are provided. Actually, there are probably thousands of places to visit if we take time to investigate.

So if you want to challenge yourself and have fun at the same time, plan a green vacation and become an ecotourist. But leave no trace of your visit, unless you have contributed to further greening of the planet.

What about landfills?

2009-08-10T17:37:00.000-07:00

I recently came across an article on the website smart2begreen.com that brought up the issue of landfills. Never really gave that one much thought, but I should have. Just this summer I can recall driving past a gigantic landfill in Ohio with a friend of mine. We both nearly passed out from the smell and the size of it. My heart went out to the people who had to live around it.

On the website some facts about where our trash goes was shared: "In the U.S., about 32.5% of solid waste is recycled, 12.5% is burned, and 55% is buried in landfills." That's a lot of trash that is simply covered up, year after year. And now it is becoming more and more noticeable.

Another frightening thought is that not everyone is religious about what they dispose of and it is quite likely that paints, cleaning fluids, batteries, pesticides, etc. end up in the trash pile we call a landfill. Though landfills are supposed to be separated from the ground by a bottom liner, exactly how safe is that? Will any of the toxic ingredients make it into the groundwater?

This calls again for each one of us to take the time to recycle and reuse whenever possible. We must be vigilant in our disposal of trash and think about this landfill problem more often. We also need to talk about this problem with our friends and acquaintances so more is done.

Danger in the Bedroom

2009-08-03T17:53:00.000-07:00

Going green encompasses a large area of living beginning with what we eat, how we dispose of garbage, how we clean up, the carpeting and rugs on our floor and if that is not enought to think about--there's more to sleep on...

The quality of our pillows, mattresses and bedcovers with which we engage one third of our life enters into the picture big time. Pillows can harvest spawning grounds for dust mites. Besides breathing in these mini-creatures, we must also be aware of the chemical fumes given off by synthetic materials and/or poly-fill that makes up many pillows (this also makes them very flammable). To get rid of them, be sure to wash pillow cases in hot water each week or better yet buy undyed cotton organic pillow covers that have no flame retardants.

A dust mite cover will also be needed for your mattress. The best move is to purchase a green mattress though they are pricey. Otherwise you face using a mattress that contains polyuretane foams which have PBDE or other flame retardants in them. Vacuuming your mattress is a good idea. Try to use a vacuum with a HEPA filter.

In addition, the furniture in the room if made from particle board or plywood contain adhesive glue that gases off volatile organic compounds (VOC). These are known to cause ill health effects.
These VOCs can also be emitted from the carpeting in the room or rugs themselves. The only option is to clean the carpeting without using additional chemicals and if possible do not use it at all.

Plenty to think about! Yes, but the good side of this is that we now are aware of the toxins around us on a daily basis. We can do something about them!

Going Green with Enjoyable Exercise

2009-07-28T09:06:00.000-07:00

When thinking about getting the most out of life and reaching one's potential, the thought always gets around to exercise. Granted it's hard work and sometimes it's tough getting one's self moving off the couch or in front of the computer screen and to an exercise machine or out the door to a gym. Someone once stated that the hardest way is usually the easiest way and that's true for exercise.

If we focus on the benefits we reap, however, from the exercise it's often hard not to engage. Stop and think about it and you will come up with some of the following:
1. Exercise makes us feel better about ourselves and so increases our self-esteem.
2. Exercise releases endorphins which make us feel physically better and puts us in a much better mood.
3. Exercise helps us loose weight or keep excess off.
4. Exercise strengthens our body, developing muscle and delivering oxygen.
5. Exercise makes it easier to sleep at night.
6. Exercise helps us avoid health conditions by lowering cholesterol and reducing the development of plaque.
7. Exercise can be fun.

It's the last item that we all need to consider. Find a form of exercise that you don't have to moan about, but that can bring lasting enjoyment. If you haven't tried yoga or pilates, perhaps you would enjoy either one. How about taking a walk in nature or pleasant job for just fifteen minutes. Play a sport: tennis, basketball, or sand volleyball. Summer is a great time for swimming. Or you may want to set up a special location that you custom make for yourself: a personal exercise station with your favorite music.

If you are serious about self-improvement, you will not want to overlook exercise. Using the best equipment is a good investment as well. Visit http://www.greenworldtree.com/bestexerciseequipment.html for places to begin. The most important decision you can make is to exercise on a regular basis--but try to have fun so you will keep it going....

Go Green with a Small Garden

2009-07-22T17:28:00.000-07:00

When you think of creating a garden, sometimes all the details make a person shudder, particularly if you are a busy person. The overwhelming tasks of designing, renting a tiller to prepare the soil, purchasing the needed materials and then the constant oversight needed with a larger garden may turn some people away.

However, most all of us can manage a small garden. There is not much work to filling a large plastic tub with top soil, compost and needed organic nutrients, dropping a few seeds to plant and then watering at regular intervals. If you are a busy person, this will give you a needed interval away from the computer and household chores to get out in the sunshine and appreciate nature a little more. Other rewards of course will be the harvest of green beans, tomatoes, spinach or whatever else you choose to plant and care for. What is really great is that it will be all organic and so, so very good for your own health.

The more ambitious may want to try something creative such as a rooftop garden. Of course, you must be able to seal the roof well before starting. Looking at the stars at night while munching on your own organic carrots or tomatoes is an experience not all may partake in.
Yes, even a small garden can make a big difference in your life and may get you to look upon it with a more positive and relaxed perspective. Try it and thinking about that larger garden may be more intriguing...

MOSS: Climate Change Largely Irreversible

2009-07-19T10:33:00.000-07:00

MOSS: Climate Change Largely Irreversible

Go Green: Monitoring Your Vehicle

2009-07-17T17:19:00.000-07:00

One way to go green and save money this year is to monitor your vehicle (s) use. If you are driving the same way you did as a young man or woman, you may, out of habit, be loosing money over the course of the year.

For instance, I have saved money just by learning to coast to red lights or stop signs. Prior to this I used to continue with my foot on the pedal, thus burning extra gas. Now I seldom if ever do that--so I know that I have saved a lot of gas over the past few years.

Another time and energy saver is that I plan my trips. I used to just jump in the car whenever I felt like it to go to a store. Now I write down what I need and make one longer trip to several stores and save money. No big deal for most people, but for me it was!

You will save BIG of course if you can simply walk or ride a bike in place of driving. The calories you will burn and the circulation and exercise you give to your body is an even larger bonus than the money you save and keep in your wallet.

But just being conscious of your driving habits and how you drive (not accelerating or rapid braking when unneeded) will make quite a difference in the long run (or drive).

Go Green: Green America

2009-07-13T05:44:00.000-07:00

Going green with one's lifestyle is certainly a great move. Learning how to eat, clean, live and reuse helps one's longevity and our planet. But if more individuals could take it a step or two further, this snowball running down the mountain we call the green movement would grow much faster.

What I mean by this statement is that by participating and joining in on activities sponsored by green organizations such as LOHAS (Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability) or Green America (formerly Co-op America), green living would not just be an option, but a way of life for us all. Some of the projects, for example, designed by Green America include the following:
1. Launching Project LEAP--Low-carbon Energy Accelation Plan to show how energy efficiency, solar, and plug-in vehicles can combine to re-start the economy and reduce carbon emissions by 90% by 2050.
2. Better Paper Project: a move to push large publishers of magazines to use recyclable paper. This would be a huge step forward to protect the forests and the environment.
3. Expand the number of Green Festivals: Green Festivals are held in major cities to demonstrate what consumers and businesses can do to create a green future.

Your membership supports projects like the above and in return you will receive a copy of the latest National Green Pages, the quarterly Green American, and issues of Real Green.
Cost of membership is a donation of $20.oo and up. Go to http://www.greenamericatoday.org/

There are other organizations (LOHAS: http://www.lohas.com/ ), of course, or you can start your own. It's something to think about and then act on.

Want to learn more about living green, visit http://www.greenworldtree.com

Go Green with Nature's Beauty

2009-07-09T08:02:00.000-07:00

Hello, Everyone!
Just returned from a vacation in North Carolina mountains (Ashville) and was simply awestruck by Nature's beauty. My immediate reaction was that we need to preserve the natural beauty of the trees and river streams while we still can. We take things too often for granted as if they will always be there. Man is making a terrible mistake by not taking steps to guard against his own indiscriminate actions against nature.
The other thought that entertained my mind was that population needs to be controlled. There was just too many people building in the mountain resort that was designed to be a getaway. With the rapid building going on, it will soon be a congested area and people will not be able to "get away" from anyone or anything.
Please do get away now and enjoy nature while we still have it. Then contribute in any way that you can to fight against efforts to reduce our forested lands. Going green means not only living a sensitive life in what you eat, how you live and what you reuse, but it must now also mean taking action to preserve what's now left of nature's beauty.

Lighting: An Easy Step to Go Green

2009-07-02T07:21:00.000-07:00

If you are new to the green movement and want to save money easily, perhaps your first step or move should be to examine the lighting in your home or office. For years most of us have relied upon incandescent bulbs and replaced bulbs as needed. This method is more time-consuming and also more expensive.

To save money, first be sure that you are taking advantage of natural lighting. Are the drapes closed or windows covered most of the time? Then you are not taking advantage of light that can be used naturally--from the sun. Adding an overhead skylight may be to your advantage in the long run. The use of solar tubes, which are funnels that redirect sunlight to dark areas or closets, is yet another option. Skylights also are available that open to let air in during warm months and solar tubes are sold with fans attached to help ventilate your home.

In addition, as you may know already, the use of compact fluorescent bulbs (CFL) saves the day. CFLs uses one third less energy and lasts up to ten times longer than incandescents. Then there is the light-emitting diodes (LEDs). LEDs last from 40,000 to 80,000 hours far outpacing the incandescents (1-2,000 hours). They cost a little more initially, but last so much longer.

One more option you may want to explore is the use of solar power. Solar lighting powers a lot of exterior lighting around the house, but there are other solar-powered sources of light such as solar lanterns as well.

If you have not tried any of the other means of lighting, you owe it to yourself to do that. I would just like to add that I am going on vacation and will not be posting again until July 10. Thanks for visiting and have a good week!

Organic Clothing, An Important Part of Going Green

2009-06-29T11:57:00.000-07:00

Organic clothing is starting to gain more and more attention. More stores are appearing that sell green clothing than ever before. Even WalMart is looking towards organic clothing. The interest in organic clothing is primarily to save energy and damage to the environment. Did you know that to manufacture a pair of cotton jeans and a T-shirt requires about a pound of fertilizer and pesticide (Ready, Set, Green by Graham Hill and Meaghan O'Neill). Cotton also demands a lot of water in its processing. In contrast, hemp and bamboo need very little fertilizer. So it is very important that the cotton grow organically without fertilizers and other chemicals.

Along with this is the idea that if you consider yourself part of the green movement, shouldn't you also adapt the look and lifestyle? That means dressing the part. Store that sell organic clothing made from cotton, hemp or bamboo need your support. You can visit two outstanding stores in Gaiam and Nubious Organics at http://www.greenworldtree.com/organicclothing.html These are two stores I have ordered from myself so I can recommend their quality.

Thank you for making the decision to wear organic clothing. You are a part of the solution, not a part of the problem (as they used to say a time ago). You can further that positive impact when taking care of your clothes by washing them in cold water and then hanging them on the clothes line to dry rather than the conventional dryer. But hey, you get five stars regardless!

Air Purifiying Your Home

2009-06-26T14:18:00.000-07:00

In the July/August issue of Natural Home magazine, Jim Hackler reminds us of the importance of quality in indoor air filters for your home. What is most remarkable, and this has been stated in several articles, is the poor quality of air within our houses. There are so many contaminants from carpets to furniture to even the paint on the walls that most home dwellers are not even aware of.

In fact, the EPA, as pointed out in this article, estimates that there are two to five times more pollutants inside the home, than outdoors. That's pretty shocking to me and most folks. What should we do? The answer is to obtain the best air purifier that we can afford, but selecting the best is not always that easy. As Jim points out in this article, you want an air filter that has a high Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating. This indicates how well your filter captures micron-size particles.

Hospitals normally have units that contain HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) grade filters and if you purchase filters with a MERV rating of 17 to 20 then that equalizes the efficiency of HEPA filters. There are other types of air filters such as electronic air cleaners which use electricity to trap particles which are excellent, but emit ozone which is a down side. Others are also mentioned, but the HEPA filters seem to reign supreme.

This is something you will need to research yourself carefully. AllerAir has always manufactured high quality HEPA filters in their units and you may check that out by going to http://www.greenworldtree.com/airpurifiers.html for some of their best models. In any case, you and your family need clean air to achieve optimal health, but be careful what you buy.

Recycling the Televisions

2009-06-23T06:08:00.000-07:00

The big switch to digital has now taken place after a long winter's wait and a slight postponement. Now we have a slight problem. Many individuals are simply trashing the television rather than buying a digital converter. You can just imagine the amount of televisions ending up in the landfills. These televisions also contain dangerous lead and mercury that can seep back into the soil.

What are the alternatives? The first option is simply to keep that television set and live with it. Not a bad option and you are saving money. Who knows, that extra set might come in handy some time in the future. If you must dispose of the old tv, then there are several waste management places to call in your phone book or Best Buy is collecting old tele-
visions and other electronics. You pay them $10.00, but you get a $10 gift certificate to the store in return.

Yet another option is to donate the set to a non-profit organization. To find one in your area, you can go to http://www.earth911.com and just type in your zip code. But be sure the television works before donating! It has also been reported that some manufacturers are offering a buy-back program on older televisions. You will have to contact them to see if that's possible.

There are always options when it comes to keeping the world a little greener and we must all become more conscious of them and make good decisions.

Green Lawn and Garden: Composting

2009-06-20T11:10:00.000-07:00

Composting: Webster's dictionary defines it as "a mixture of decomposing organic matter, as from leaves and manure, used to improve soil structure and provide nutrients." If you haven't ever thought of saving your grass clippings, food scraps, coffee grounds, fruit scraps, etc., perhaps now is a good time to give it a try and compost--especially if you have a garden or are thinking of one or you just want to maintain a green lawn and garden. Organic waste such as this serves as a good fertilizer for not only the garden, but yes, the lawn itself.

First of all, you will need a composter area or site to deposit and keep your waste. You can either keep it in a pile or create your own storage bin. If you go online, you will find several for sale (http://www.greenworldtree.com/lawnandgarden.html go to the Gardens Alive icon) or you may build you own. It is preferable to keep the pile or bin a little wet or moist (moisture content about 40-60 percent) to allow the microorganisms to work well in breaking down the waste. Also be sure to turn the pile over a few times now and then to let oxygen in the aid the decomposition. It will not take too long before you will be ready to put this mess to good use.

Also, remember that this is just another way to go green and help save our earth. Composting is what occurs naturally in nature and you will see examples when you go on a nature walk. The incinerator in our homes is not environmentally friendly. Composting is a natural form of recycling! So give it a go. You won't regret it and you will grow healthier vegetables and have a greener lawn.

Going Green at Home: Buying Locally

2009-06-17T14:00:00.000-07:00

Something to keep in mind over the summer especially is that the ability to purchase food locally is easier than ever. Of course I am speaking as a native of Northern Ohio. This rather volatile climate seems cold most of the time (winter lasts five months) and local stands of fresh organic fruits and vegetables are just not available--unless it's summer.

Farmers Markets are more abundant during this time of year. That means you do not have to eat fruit and vegetables that have been sprayed or traveled from some foreign land over 1500 miles away to make it to your home. To find your nearest farmers market, you can just go to: www.ams.usda.gov/farmersmarket.

If you are eating organic, this also means you will most likely enjoy better health. Organic food tastes a whole lot better as well. You are also supporting local farms that do not use natural gas (to make fertilizer). Organic farms are required to use organic compost and soil amendments. We also want to support family farms!

Going green at home includes eating organic greens and summer is the best time for it.

Think Green: Change Your World

2009-06-15T06:09:00.000-07:00

Here's an experiement: for only one week try to change your thinking about what you reuse or can save. Keep track of your energy savings efforts and see what a difference you have made. Simple steps such as turning off computers, televisions, and applicances not being used, less water during showers or bathing, using your own bags for groceries,watching what you throw away as used, turning off lights when leaving a room or saving energy by walking or sharing a ride--collectively make a difference.
Now, of course, if enough people jump on the bandwagon, what a BIG difference!
The trick is to get more people involved and if you decide to participate, you serve as a model for others. That is a powerful teaching tool. The decision is always up to each individual, but taking that first step is simply to think green and then your world and our world begins to change in a positive direction! Thank yourself and others for going green!

Green Living: That Coffee Cup!

2009-06-12T07:34:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday! The thought for today involving green living pertains to that warm cup of coffee, tea (or even a beverage) we might innocently be drinking from a styrofoam cup. As reported in Chris Prelitz's Green Made Easy book that just came out this year (http://www.greenworldtree.com/bookreviews.html), styrofoam looses part of itself after each use. This translates that a small part of it (of course we couldn't notice) is transferred to the drink we are consuming. The Environmental Protection Agency classifies styrene (styroforam) as a possible human carcinogen. That's really a frightening thought. What's more frightening is that I did not know about it until this year. Another of those "wish I knew this 20 years ago!" thoughts.
A startling fact, also reported in this great book, is that "typically 25 billion styrofoam cups a year end up in landfills. Countless others break up and end up floating in our oceans and waterways. It only takes a few hundred years for them to break down....
So the point of this blog is to avoid using styrofoam cups at all cost. Bring your own ceramic or stainless steel mug from home for this weekend's picnic! Have a good one!

Born to Go Green....

2009-06-10T08:01:00.000-07:00

Just thinking...Did you know that by nature we are designed to eat plants? For one thing, our teeth are not meant to tear meat; in other words, we do not have fangs or rows of incisors. In support of that, our long digestive tract was not designed to move meat along so it sits and putrifies before leaving our bodies. In fact, you can find 31 comparisons between carnivores and herbivores in Dr. Doug Graham's The 80/10/10 Diet that without a doubt places humans in the vegetarian category. And some of the longest living people around the world were vegetarians.
So why do we eat so much meat? Could it be that we are being sold a bill of goods and have been simply conditioned to doing this since the day we were born? I wish that I was aware of the b enefits of eating green or going green at a younger age. It would have been a no-brainer for me then, but I just trusted in what my parents told me (they were conditioned, too!) and so it goes--or went.
Just a thought for today. Something you might want to ponder--even if could be a bit discomforting.... Living green, and especially eating green foods, make a lot of common sense.

Green Living: Improving the Mind

2009-06-07T17:13:00.000-07:00

Green living implies a healthy body and mind. I have just discovered a book that really opens the mind about how what we eat has a direct correspondence to brain function. If you are experiencing a "brain fog," perhaps it is because of that burger smothered with cheese and catsup or pizza that you ate later that night...
Dr. Mark Hyman has authored the best-selling The UltraMind Solution: Fix Your Broken Brain by Healing Your Body First (2009). The doctor uses his own personal health problems as an example and details how he overcame them following a protocol he calls "The Seven Keys to UltraWellness." What I enjoyed the most was his discussion in Chapter 14 about "Eating Right for Your Brain: A Science-Based, Whole-Foods Approach to Eating--Food as Medicine."
Dr. Hyman outlaws sugar in any form, especially high-fructose corn syrup. Other foods to avoid include toxic fats (trans or hydrogenated) found in crackers,chips,candies,cookies,etc.), food additives and chemicals (found in any food in a box,can or package), toxin rich foods (red meats, large predatory fish like shark or swordfish) and addictions (caffeine and alcohol). In addition, he says to stay away from dairy (milk, cheese,yogurt) and gluten (wheat, barley, rye). Just avoiding the preceding foods on this list should make your brain better!
Foods that the doctor recommends are real foods--whole,unprocessed fresh foods like vegetables,fruit,whole grains,beans, nuts,seeds and lean animal protein. Eat local foods that are in season and choose organic whenever possible.
Now this news is not that new, but it certainly is great reinforcement from what I have been reading. The entire book I recommend to you because you will learn things about your body and the way it operates that you never knew before. You should be able to easily pick this up at your local book store. Enjoy.

Holistic Pet Care: Pet Food

2009-06-05T06:40:00.000-07:00

Today I would like to talk a bit about the food we give our pets. Often we blindly trust brand names we see at the local supermarket or convenience store--and that is a mistake! I was quickly made aware of this in reading a report issued by Dr. Lisa Newman and Mike Adams called "Pet Food Ingredients Revealed."

In this report the authors stated that most popular pet foods are made from poor quality ingredients and serve, more or less, as a dumping ground for animal parts unsuitable for humans. They caution pet owners to heed the following:

1. Read the ingredient labels just as we would normally do for our own food consumption.

2. Don't be fooled by words such as "natural" or "wholesome."

3. Beware of the artificial coloring added to give the food a pleasing appearance, but is really toxic material added.

4. Purchase your pet food at a health food store or online retailer--not big box stores or groceries.

The entire report goes on to detail the right ingredients to look for and how it should be prorated on a package as well as other helpful information. You may access this report including some quality stores that sell organic food for pets on the same webpage at http://www.greenworldtree.com/holisticpetcare.html.

If you do not have a pet at home, this would be information that a friend who loves animals would surely appreciate.

Tree-Givers

2009-06-03T07:28:00.000-07:00

I came across a gift idea a while ago that you might be interested in. After awhile we all get somewhat jaded with gifts we receive: the tie, shirt,bathrobe,perfumes,wallets, etc. Many gifts are even predictable. I bet you have never given or received a tree planted in your honor as a present.
Tree-Givers is a business that will plant a tree in your state certified in your name. You will even receive a certificate of the planting. A nice gift for people you know who love nature or are very humane. I gave this gift to my aunt and she broke down in tears in appreciation. It is the type of gift that I myself would love to receive!
If you are interested you may receive further information by visiting http://www.greenworldtree.com/savetheearth.html and click on the animated icon for further information.

Hemp Foods, Chia Seed and Maca

2009-05-31T13:38:00.000-07:00

A wide variety of delicious foods are available based on hemp food, chia seed and maca. These foods are GMO-free, contain no refined sugar, synthetic vitamins, hydrogenated or trans fatty acids.

For example, hemp seed is a great source of protein and the percentage of essential fatty acids is larger in hemp than soy. Chia seeds contain five times the calcium of milk and more Omega 3 than flaxseed. Maca, a root vegetable from the Andes, has been eaten since Incan times for its great nutritional and healing effects.

If you haven't had the chance to try out the many great food options available, please visit http://www.greenworldtree.com/hempfood.html and take a look. You will see a variety of food products and further information about the great nutritional value each has to offer you.

Detoxing the floor--what's there?

2009-05-29T07:37:00.000-07:00

Just read some information you may want to know... In an article in Green America's Real Green Newsletter (Spring 2009), it reports that carpeting (used to have wall-to-wall carpeting) could be a major source of health problems!

Apparently carpeting acts like a sinkhole for common irritants such as dust mites,pet dander, mold, etc. Furthermore,the EPA reports that 80 percent of people's pesticide exposure occurs indoors--caused by tracking outdoor pesticides on the soles of the shoes. They go on to say that even the best vacuum or carpet cleaner service can not remove all that gets trapped in the carpeting.

This news seems major to me. It makes you rethink about replacing old carpeting, and replace with (what is being recommended) renewable and nontoxic cork,bamboo, natural linoleum or sustainably harvested wood.

Something simple as asking family and guests to remove shoes upon entering the house can help. Using a hepa vacuum will also do a better job of sucking up the dust mites and other fine particles.

The more I read about green living, the more I realize how much we have been in the dark about all that we have taken for granted about daily eating and living that contributes to early illness or death....

Green Thinking: A Thought for Today and Tomorrow

2009-05-27T07:06:00.000-07:00

One great philosopher, it might have been Emerson, said something like "This time, like all time, is a good time, if we but know what to do with it." How true that is, and how refreshing and hopeful as well. At any time, we can make things happen if we so decide. We don't have to wait for a good or best time because it is here in the present!

How often we are stymied by others' thinking, the media, or past experiences and so get defeated, ironically, by ourselves that things cannot be accomplished at the moment. But if we keep Emerson's quote in mind, we realize that all time is good, and that at any time, we can change our reality and put something into action. As humans we have that creativity and need to seize the power of the moment and use it to our advantage.

Green Cleaning Products

2009-05-26T12:11:00.001-07:00

"If I only knew that twenty years ago..." certainly applies to our choices of cleaning products. I was just reading an article condemning the use of aerosal products over spray and how aerosal releases toxic amounts of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) into the home environment. And if you have read up on the toxic chemicals in our everyday cleaning products, you know what I am talking about. But it's so hard to change habits and ways of doing things, I guess, and combating the barrage of advertisements one confronts on a daily basis.
I would like to recommend a cleaner that is all-in-one and that is safe to use. It is environmentally safe,non-toxic,non-flammable and organic. It also works like a charm on all your household cleaning needs. This all natural plant based cleaner is called Nature's Grime Buster (http://www.greenworldtree.com/green-cleaning-products.html) and sells for less per use than the leading brands we have been using over the years.
So why not give it a try, break free of a bad habit of cleaning and put your mind at ease?

Eating Raw Foods

2009-05-24T09:41:00.000-07:00

Hello, again! I hope you are enjoying this long holiday weekend and also taking a moment to express appreciation in thought or deed towards the veterans of war who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
I continue to be highly, highly impressed by all the literature that I continue to read about the benefits of eating raw foods. It's simply amazing the change in health reported by individuals who had the courage to change their diet by sticking to a raw foods menu as much as possible.
If you don't know what I am talking about, I urge you to investigate this wonderful gift of health from raw foods. An excellent book that I have ordered for myself is called The Live Food Factor by Susan Schenck--a comprehensive guide to the ultimate diet for body, mind, spirit and planet. Go to www.greenworldtree.com/eatingrawfoods.html for further information.
Reading into raw foods is so worth your time!

Thinking about a Sustainable Landscape

2009-05-23T17:33:00.000-07:00

Something to think about if you are creating a landscape or putting in a new lawn is the sustainability of the grass or shrubbery. Some grasses use more water than others. Buffalo grass would use the least. Likewise some plants such as a hibiscus need above average amounts of water and flowers like the impatiens also use up a lot of water. A person might be able to save money while conserving on water at the same time... Looking for some more information on the organic lawn or lawn and garden? Check out http://www.greenworldtree.com/lawnandgarden.html.

A Green Way of Life

2009-05-22T08:04:00.000-07:00

Hello! And thanks for visiting my blog! My initial entry will be to explain this blog's existence--much like explaining your own existence. Pretty easy, right?

Go green with everything reflects my attitude towards life. The green movement is all about preserving that which is green: our health, our home, our pets, our environment and our Earth. To me, this makes complete sense.

I express this opinion on my website: http://www.greenworldtree.com/ which you may want to check out. You will find information as well as links/icons to visit other sites I think would help you live healthy and reach your own potential. Isn't that why we are here in the first place? To live healthy, be happy and fulfill our destiny?

That's all for now. I will keep my blogs short and speak and share with you when I have something to share you may find interesting or of value. Have a great day existing--like a healthy flower, plant, tree or individual.

Wade