I ask you to consider honoring Mother Earth everyday. We can not continue to take from our resources and never give back in return. There needs to be a balance in nature. We have moved so far away from living in harmony with nature. The foods that we eat no longer come from the local community. We drive when we can walk or bike. We make several trips when they could be minimized. We spray pesticides and bug killer like they do no harm. We consume to try to fulfill a deeper need…

Where will it stop? How much ’stuff’ do we truly need? How big do our homes need to really be? How many cars do we need? When will we begin to live in harmony with the earth that nurtures us? We in North America are perhaps spoiled and lazy and it is time to wake up and realize that you can make a difference in many ways. Be an example to your children and grandchildren.

You can help celebrate earth day every single day in so many small ways. If you will just do it. If you aren’t ready to move to the woods and live in a yurt with a composting toilet and no electricity like some of us that’s okay, but you can still make a difference! Here are a few ways to help you begin celebrating the earth each and everyday and you may just have fun doing it:

1. Join Freecycle. Freecycle can be found online at www.freecycle.org You can join your local group to give away things that you no longer need or get the items you need from others. It’s all free!

2. Shop at thrift stores. By buying second hand clothes and household goods you save the environment and help various causes. Finding a local thrift store in your community helps your local area too.

3. Bike, walk or take transit. Do you really need to drive three blocks to the market? Come on, you can use the exercise and may enjoy the moment by meeting a few folks along the way. And if it’s too far to walk or bike then try transit.

4. Buy local organic food, eat wild foods or grow a garden. Buying local organic food not only helps your community farmers but saves on the transportation of food and helps you by getting fresher and healthier food into your body…putting you in sync with the area of the earth that you live on. Growing your own garden is the best for those that are willing and even better is to eat ethically harvested wild foods.

5. Recycling is so easy these days. You can recycle just about anything. Be creative.

6. Plant trees. For all the trees we cut down…lets plant a few in their place. They help us breathe.

7. Have a green baby. Come on mamas use those cloth diapers and cloth baby wipes. They are so much easier then you may think with snaps and velcro. The money you will save is amazing and they are healthier for your baby as well as Mother Earth. Try elimination communication.

8. Use the library. Instead of buying more magazines and books use the library. There is interlibrary loan if they don’t have what you are looking for in your community. Just ask and they will help you out.

9. Hang your clothes on the line. There is nothing like the smell of fresh laundry coming off the line. You can turn it in to a totally zen moment when you are outside hanging the clothes. Saving on your electricity and enjoying the simplified life is not so bad.

10. Use cloth shopping bags. So, you probably think only granola, sandal wearing folks use cloth bags to go to the market…well, yeah some of us are but come on and join us. Those plastic bags can be easily replaced with creative cloth bags. Some places are even banning the plastic.

11. Use eco friendly cleaners. There are many eco cleaners that are found in your local health food stores or even your markets. However, you can easily make your own with some simple household goods such as vinegar and baking soda. Much better for you and the earth.

12. Make your home more energy efficient. Spend the extra money for making your home more energy efficient and it will pay off in the long run. Check out your area for possible tax incentives as well.

I could go on and on with ideas as I sit here, but you get the idea. You can all do something. So, if you don’t mind please do you part. We are all in this together and the sooner that we become cooperative and live in harmony with the earth and each other..the happier and healthier we will be. Celebrate earth day everyday by making a difference…in whatever way you choose.

Author: Lisa R. Marshall
About the author: Lisa R. Marshall is the facilitator of Path to Nature….honoring life through whole health, natural living, herbal healing, sacred celebrations & journeys. Path to Nature’s vision is to help people recognize their ability to empower themselves. She is a also a mother and doula. Lisa is a facilitator to those who want to make changes in their lives. Visit http://www.Pathtonature.org for further information or to contact the author.

Image Source: http://flickr.com/photos/aussiegall/759309122/

• emagazine.com
• oregonlive.com

In summarizing irradiated food, the author Amanda states, “So what you get with irradiation is weird-looking, off-tasting food, with fewer nutrients and a larger environmental impact, that costs significantly more than fresh food. Oh, and it might kill you.” What is the solution? Seek out locally grown, organic produce and animal products and be especially wary of anything labeled pasteurized.

• Red Composting Worms
• Rubbermaid Bin
• Worm bedding such as old leaves, grass clippings or shredded newspapers

You can put it under your sink, feed it anything compostable, do your part to save the environment and get some excellent fertilizer for your lawn or garden (for free).

Author: John Wishley

Gardening is one of the most relaxing and rewarding hobbies which also carries benefits like bringing the entire family together and providing good health. While growing flowers is simply aesthetic joy, growing your own vegetables and herbs is something more practical and you can enjoy the crops in a much greater way. Having your own organic salad garden will ensure fresh and organic foods on your table all year round.

Reasons to Grow Organic Salad Garden
The main concern we all have when we purchase from a store is that the vegetables and salad may not be fresh and/or they are chemically treated. Chemicals are more likely than not to have side affects on our health, especially when consumed regularly; therefore many people seek out organic produce or choose to take the initiative of growing their own vegetables in an organic environment. Starting and maintaining an organic salad garden is easy and you will delight in having fresh from-your-garden salad everyday to accompany your meals.

Starting an Organic Salad Garden
The first and basic thing in starting an organic salad garden - as well as any organic garden at all - is to ensure that the soil in which you are going to plant the vegetables is not chemically treated in any way. Then you need to get the seeds from an organic store only to ensure that they are not treated artificially either. Maintaining an all organic salad garden also implies the use of chemical-free fertilizers and pest control, which can also be found in organic stores.

If your lawn has already been chemically treated then use pots, hanging baskets or raised beds with organic soil.

Start a worm composting bin for the best, organic fertilizer that costs only pennies

Never, ever use pesticides. Search the internet for natural methods of pest control. If it kills bugs then who knows what it is doing to your cells.

Lettuce, for example, is very easy to grow - it only needs plenty of water and sunlight. However, if it is winter and you have a green house you must ensure it has adequate light or else it will not grow very well.

Having Salad Everyday Improves Health
Salad is a very healthy complement to your food, which will not only add a dash of taste but will ensure that your metabolism works fine, blood stays purified and provides iron to the body. Having salad that is organically grown ensures that you don’t alter any of those properties nor compromise on your beliefs.

It takes very little to start your organic salad garden today. You can also get your family to help with planting - and all of you will be able to enjoy wonderful results together. Besides, gardening is also a great way to bond with the family and teach the kids some great life lessons such as, eat right and exercise in order to lead a happy and long life. You can achieve these numerous positive results by such simple thing as growing an organic salad garden.

“Successful vegetable gardens are not accidental. They are the results of planning, constant care, and the will to make things grow. Among the many things a vegetable garden may offer toward a satisfying experience are fresh air, exercise, sunshine, knowledge, supplemental income, mental therapy, and fresh food, rich in vitamins and minerals, harvested at the best stage of maturity.” Organic Vegetable Gardening

Buy the Book: Organic Salad Garden

About the author:
For more information on Organic salad gardens check out Myorganicgardeningsecrets.com. You’ll find answers to questions many others in your situation have asked before.For a limited time you can get your very own copy of our award winning Organic Gardening Software at absolutely no cost.

“The USDA issued the largest beef recall in history Feb. 17 after the Humane Society released undercover video showing workers at Chino-based Westland/Hallmark Meat Co. shoving sick or crippled cows with forklifts to get them to stand. The video also showed workers dragging sick cows with chains, shocking them with electric prods and shooting streams of water in their noses and faces. The lawsuit says the workers were trying to get the animals to stand, even briefly, so they could be considered acceptable for human consumption.” Foxnews.com

This is about more than the quality of meat that we eat. It is about how we as a society are treating our animal friends. The meat industry is an appalling example of our disconnect and callousness toward animals. The same people who adore their cats and dogs are perfectly willing to eat the meat of an animal tortured on its path to slaughter.

Even if Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer manages to reduce the torture with spot checks (rather than security cameras), we still have the issue of why the cows are sick and crippled to begin with. It is very simple. They are being fed a very unnatural diet of grain, fermented feed, antibiotics and hormones. Free range, grass fed cows are quite literally a totally different animal.

“Before factory farming took hold in the 1960’s……….meat was free of antibiotics, added hormones, feed additives, flavor enhancers, age-delaying gases and salt-water solutions. Mad cow disease and the deadliest strain of E. coli — 0157:H7 — did not exist. People dined on rare steaks and steak tartare (raw ground beef) with little fear.” Motherearthnews.com

Eating supermarket beef is not only supporting blatant cruelty to animals, but the stuff you are putting in your mouth cannot be called food. It is disgusting. The easiest way that you can do your part to end this needless suffering is to go vegan or vegetarian. If that is not an option at this time for you or your family, then please seek out grass fed beef for both the well being of the livestock and for the well being of your family.

Buy the Book: Pasture Perfect by Jo Robinson

By: Carrie Lauth

Are you convinced of the benefits of eating organic, but the price tag has got you down? The good news is that with a little creativity and perhaps a change in routine, it is possible to eat a mostly organic diet within the confines of your existing grocery budget. Try some of these ideas that have worked for my family.

Farmer’s Markets
Search your newspaper or online for farmer’s markets in your area. Many times these small farmers utilize organic practices, but you can always ask if in doubt. You can also find “you pick” farms locally if you search. These often have great prices since you have to do the work! Going berry picking is fun as well as educational. Bring the kids and make a day of it.

Buy In Bulk
Larger health grocery stores often have a nice variety of bulk items. Some have bulk bins that allow you to bring your own containers for your grains, soap, maple syrup, and many other products. These can offer huge savings, especially on certain items like spices and herbs. While it may seem odd to buy a 15 pound bag of organic brown rice, if you eat it frequently and have a little space in your freezer, bulk is a smart idea. Bring a calculator and see how much the cost is per serving. You might be pleasantly surprised. Large wholesale chains are also now offering some organic choices.

Skip Boxed and Prepared Foods
Grocery stores typically have a fairly large selection of boxed, convenience foods in the organic section. But you pay a premium for these products. The same goes for precut and washed veggies and fruit.

Spend More Time in the Kitchen
A homemade stew made from organic ingredients will still cost less than non-organic frozen lasagna. It will also be much healthier, without preservatives and other additives. If you have a bread machine gathering dust somewhere, put it to use and make a couple of loaves a week with organic flour. You’ll likely still save money over premade bread from the store. This would be a great task to assign one of your kids.

“From Manhattan to Mexico, from China to Chile, farmers, consumers and independent businesses are resisting the invasion of Wal-Mart and the Corporate Chain stores and building grassroots power through local, green, and just commerce.” –Breaking the Chains Call to Action (sign the petition here) Organic Consumers.org

Know What’s Important to Buy Organic
There are certain foods that are more likely to contain pesticide residues. For instance, fatty items like dairy products, butter, and meats. If you’re on a tight budget, it would be better to buy these items organic than organic produce. Why? Because hormones and pesticide residues will collect in the fatty tissues of animals. You can’t really wash a stick of butter!

Focus on Veggies
If you eat more whole grains, vegetables and beans and use meat as a topping or seasoning agent, you’ll naturally spend much less. Many families find that they can afford to eat mostly organic when they eat less animal protein. Try making vegetarian, bean based dinners at least 3 nights a week.

CSAs and Co-Ops
Do a Google search to find a local community sustained agriculture (CSA) that allows you to trade a little work (or a little money) for fresh organic homegrown goods. You can also join a co-op to buy just about anything from boxed organic food, vitamins and personal care items. Or just get together with a friend to pool your resources and buy from companies that offer a wholesale program. Search online for co-ops for everything from organic skin care to vitamins to raw milk.

Grow Your Own
If growing your own garden seems overwhelming, just start with one tomato plant or a small windowbox herb garden. Enlist the help of your kids and make it into an educational experience. Or find a neighbor who you can start a small garden with and share the work.

Go Online for Organics
Believe it or not, you can save money by buying organic food online. Some retailers offer free shipping with a small minimum purchase, others offer great prices on bulk items. You can also find coupon codes for some of the retailers. The time and gas savings can also make it very worthwhile.

If you would like to find a local co-op/farm/csa or farmers market then check out localharvest.org Nothing near you? You can easily buy delicious, fresh organics online at diamondorganics.com but you will still be impacting the environment with shipping unfortunately but the quality is far superior to what you will usually find in your grocery store that your geographic location may leave you no choice. Learn more about organic foods by visiting Organic Consumers and The Environmental Working Group.

About the author:
Are you a busy Mom who is looking for natural solutions for your family’s health? Visit http://www.NaturalMomsHealth.com and download your free report. For free healthy whole foods recipes, check out http://www.NaturalMomsRecipes.com

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