I am not a person who is drawn towards electronics and techno things. Anything that requires reading a manual or even a plug-in makes me somewhat nervous. I usually push forward on it but if there is another way to do it then I will find it.
There for, I am pro air filters - they are pretty simple to use. They are important aspects of keeping our homes’ air quality good and free from household toxins like plywood and particle board (woods found in furniture and in the building of most houses), and formaldehyde that floats around. I did own an air filter when I was living in Portland and I really liked having it until I needed a filter replacement, which was hard to track down.
I have now entered the world of using what nature has given us…houseplants. Not only do they bring both beauty and peace in our home and they are able to break down these toxins by breathing in carbon dioxide and churning out oxygen thus making indoor air quality much cleaner. Yes, I have to remember to water them but my kids like to help, and we manage to keep them alive.
Here are some suggestions (and they are quite easy to find at a nursery).
Most palms are great – I have a few bamboo palms in my house and I love the look of them. Others include: areca, lady, and dwarf date palm.
Rubber plants
English ivy
Peace lily (my other favorite)
spider plant
Be well,
PS this is a great healthy and green holiday gift!
This was written by a colleague ( and good friend) of mine. We have very similar thoughts on disease, disease prevention and overall health and lifestyle choices. I was excited to read her updated perspective on the Swine Flu. She makes me laugh about being “naive” about the overall health of Americans. To me, it just makes sense to eat well, exercise, laugh, drink water, wash your hands and take a few supplements. But really that is what we need to teach the general public - the basics for optimal healthy living or just being.
I say we become proactive in our way of living, embrace what we have and strive towards making changes in our daily life so we can achieve optima health. We can all make healthier choices whether it be breathing deeply, to eating more vegetables or just being more present with life in general!
Please take a moment and read Dr. Anderson-Ross’s blog and my last blog entry on H1N1. I want to pass on as much as I can about health - the pros and cons to everything - people can then make the best decision for themselves and their families.
For all those art enthusiasts or who have children who are crazy about doodling with colour, you really need to check out this Boulder based company ~ it is beautiful.
But not only is it beautiful, it is a brilliant natural art supply company that makes you feel good about your kids hands getting colourful with paint, clay well you name it. The art supplies are all-natural, certified organic and environmentally friendly ( and so is the packaging!)
They are now available in Whole Foods Market and will soon be available in selected Starbucks stores. Keep you eye out for these…they are great gifts to everyone!
My husband is a general contractor who is LEED certified and is working towards getting schools and businesses to become more sustainable. There are so many ways for businesses to do this and if we have the government to help, well, that is fantastic!
Schools are becoming greener and it may not happen over night but it is in the works. Hawaii seems the ideal place to be putting “greener schools” into action as we have sun, wind and salt water. Let’s hope it happens!
“Preliminary tests suggest the bile-acid filling is just as durable as conventional fillings and even more resistant to cracking.”
The reason I like this sentence is that my mercury filling were expanding and contracting due to eating hot and cold foods putting pressure on my jaw, thus creating TMJ and cracking my teeth. I learned this when I had my amalgam fillings taken out and replaced with porcelain. It was beyond one of the healthiest things I have ever done for myself. My TMJ went away immediately, my dreams became so vivid and eventually my fatigue subsided ( not completely as I had young kids!).
This is brilliant contribution to the dental world. I hope it works out, as it would be wonderful to have something more natural and less toxic for our bodies.
Ask your dentist about it – I am going to for sure!
I purchased a necklace from Billy Would Designs because I loved the look but then learning more about the company I realized I loved the whole sustainable aspect of it.
Each piece is unique. The pieces are handmade from rescued exotic hardwood (rescued meaning reclaimed from woodworkers who would otherwise throw their wood scraps out) and accented with sterling silver.
It was very difficult to chose a piece because they are all so beautiful with a twist of funk, simplicity and elegance. I have had many complements on my necklace! Visit her site and enjoy what she has to offer ( and maybe treat yourself to a present!)
Be healthy!
PS I purchased the Solid Disc but I loved the rings. She mentioned to me that she would a custom order which would be fantastic…and something to look into for holiday gifts!
I believe I first heard about the concept of “meatless mondays” was from the Michael Pollan who wrote, The Omnivore’s Dilemma. I thought it was a clever idea so did a little more research and came across this video:
The video is inspiring and educational. It may seem a little heavy but I like how they give a simple and easy solution. By just having a “meatless monday” can make a profound, healthy impact on helping our planet.
So take some time and watch the video, go to their website to learn more and then teach your children what you have learned. It is really important.
I was listening to an inspiring topic on NPR a week or so ago. They were talking about the new recycling law that was recently passed in San Francisco. I already was familiar with some of the composting programs in SF- restaurants giving their leftover foods to compost companies who then give the compost to the farmers that supply their foods to the restaurants (nice little cycle!).
But now it will be mandatory for all - residents included! There will be three garbage bins - one for trash, one for recyclables and one for compost ( this is so COOL!).
The city has a goal to reach zero waste to landfills by 2020 and it looks like the garbage collectors will be the ones making sure this happens. Residents will be reminded on how to properly separate their “wastes” from home. If anyone is found repeatedly not cooperating, they will be fined.
This is great article about the law in the NY Times . We do some composting at home and we definitely recycle as much as we can. I wrote a recent blog about Vancouver’s recycling bins and all of this are great reminder for us all to try a little harder for our planet and really ourselves.
Ok…I wear some makeup and yes, I enjoy it! I am always on the scout for the best lip gloss, mascara and blush as these are my everyday staples.
I came across the company, TARTE, a few years ago and have been using some of their products since. I really love the owners story and her philosophy on having healthy formulas.
A few months ago I started hanging my clothes outside. It was a test…..as my electric bill was still much too high despite our installation of a solar water heater.
At first I thought I would be adding to my overflowing “to do” list, but I found the time I spent outside, in the sun, was a perfect time to relax and think about all that I am grateful for. I am more in tune with weather and just being present.
Then came the electric bill. ONE HUNDRED DOLLARSlower! And I was still using the dryer on rainy days.
I am now fully addicted and committed.
With the summer months approaching I suggest to everyone to get that line up! Have the kids help (although they are much better at taking the clothes off than hanging!).
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PS this is a great healthy and green holiday gift!
