Ok, we know… your saying to yourself, we just got done with Christmas, why on earth are you covering another holiday already?

Listen, we’re not a big fan of Valentine’s Day.  Just think, for a moment, about all the waste that’s produced for this holiday. The pink teddy bears, the endless greeting cards, the chocolate…and that’s only the tip of the iceberg. Who really needs all this waste? Not only is it expensive, but it’s just another way to encourage consumption and send more clutter into our homes.

Here are some fast facts from the U.S. Census Bureau:

•    Each year, 180 million Valentine’s Day cards are exchanged in the U.S. And, this number excludes cards exchanged in classrooms between children.

•    65% of American households typically participate in Valentine’s Day by exchanging cards, going out on a date, or buying a gift such as chocolates, a plush toy, flowers, or jewelry.

•    Over 36 million boxes of chocolate are sold each year.

So that being said, how can we celebrate Valentine’s Day and do something good for the planet at the same time? Why not turn this Hallmark holiday into an opportunity to support ethical and eco-conscious businesses with your dollars while simultaneously showing your special someone just how you feel?

We came up with a few ideas…

•    The good ‘ol e-card. Think twice before you waste money on a paper card. Or better yet, tell your special someone in person that you care. After all, why let a greeting card speak for your heart?

•    If you’re aiming to buy flowers this year, then find a local producer. Most flowers, especially roses, are shipped to the U.S. from South America, thousands of miles away. This wastes tons of gas and puts boatloads of Co2 into the air. Buying locally-grown flowers means that’s one less bouquet that has to be shipped that far.

•    Want to take your date to dinner? Then think about supporting an organic or vegan restaurant that uses locally-grown produce. Or,  better yet, think about whipping up an intimate meal at home.

•    Make a donation to an environmental organization on behalf of the person.

•    What would Valentine’s Day be without a box of chocolate? Well, if you want to have a green Valentine’s Day then go with organic chocolate. Most health food and organic markets carry organic chocolates. And if you can, go with a brand that’s organic and supports Fair Trade, like Sweet Earth Organic Chocolate. Or you can do even more good by purchasing Endangered Species Chocolate. 10% of each sale goes towards protecting animals and their habitat.

•    Want to buy a book or movie as a gift? Well, look for it used on Half.com or Ebay.com. Buying used is a great way to give life to old things. And, used things don’t consume new resources. I buy all my books and movies through Half.com, and I can say I’ve never had a problem with any of their sellers; they’re awesome.

•    Give natural perfumes and fragrances. Popular mainstream fragrances are chemical cocktails. By buying natural fragrances, you’ll be showing you not only care for the environment, but the person’s health.

Happy Valentines Day!

When was the last time you looked at the ingredient label of your favorite dog or cat food? Behind innocent-sounding words like “meat byproducts” and “meat meal” are horrific manufacturing practices that would turn your stomach. The nutritional considerations of pet foods go beyond the sources of meat in them. Pet food manufacturers add dangerous preservatives and vitamin fortifications that actually make your pets’ food less healthy.

What if we fed our pets a simpler version of what we eat ourselves? Just like feeding yourself, it might take a bit of planning, and little knowledge, but it’s worth the effort. Your pets will thank you.

Here are some tips along with a couple of recipes to get you started.

1.    Variety is important. Rotating protein and carbohydrate sources will help cover all the nutritional bases.

2.    Good protein sources include human-grade raw ground round or sirloin; ground poultry (higher –fat dark meat is best— pets require more fat than humans do); and occasionally organ meats, all from animals raised without antibiotics or hormones. If you are concerned about feeding your pet raw meat, cook it lightly.

3.    Good sources of carbohydrates include fruits, vegetables. Pets usually like apples, carrots, green beans and yams just to name a few.

4.    Both cats and dogs have high calcium requirements. Add one teaspoon of powdered calcium , eggshell powder or bonemeal to each pound of raw meat and work it in before you add anything else.

5.    Portion sizes vary according to size, age and activity level.

6.    Make sure and monitor your pet closely when introducing new food. If you notice excessive licking, inflames ears, or digestive problems switch to a simplified diet.

Beef Dinner For Dogs

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef
1 ounce beef heart or liver
10 ounces cooked brown rice
2 ounces mixed greens
1 teaspoon eggshell powder or bonemeal
½ teaspoon iodized salt

Method

1.    In a frying pan, cook meat until lightly browned
2.    Mix cooked meat, rice, greens, and other ingredients.
3.    Divide into portions and immediately freeze what cannot be eaten in the next two or three days.

Daily ration:
Toy- 1-2 cups
Medium- 6-7 cups
Large- about 8 cups
Giant – 9+ cups

Cat Dinner

6 oz. roasted turkey breast.

1/2 c. cooked white rice.

5 tsp canola oil.?1/4 tsp salt substitute (potasium cloride).

1/8 tsp salt with iodine

1000 mg taurine (health food store).

1 ground up childs vitaman/mineral tab. (garlic press works so well!)

1 1/2 tsp bone meal (health food store)

Divide into portions and immediately freeze what cannot be eaten within the next few days.

Can you share any of your ideas on eating healthy for pets? We would love to hear from you. Leave in the comments section below.

After spending considerable time choosing organic produce and preparing nutritious food for our families, it can be pretty frustrating to learn that the products we are using to cook, bake, eat and store food with may actually put our families’ health at risk.

Materials such as Teflon, BPA, lead, aluminum, phthalates and melamine are commonly found in everyday kitchenware products yet have been tied to disturbing health issues.  The good news is there are many safer alternatives as well as things to avoid.

Avoid plastic whenever possible when it comes to food and beverage. Hard plastics can contain BPA, which is a developmental, neural and reproductive toxin. Scientists have linked very low doses of BPA exposure to cancers, impaired immune function, early onset of puberty, obesity, diabetes and hyperactivity. It can be transferred from plastic into food and drink. A recent study found that even BPA-free plastics contain synthetic chemicals which can migrate into food.

Follow these plastic guidelines: If you do use plastic in the kitchen, Choose BPA-Free, PVC-free plastic labeled #2, #4 and #5. Do not heat plastic in the microwave (“microwave-safe” only means that the plastic won’t actually melt—the extreme heat of the oven will increase transference of chemicals.) Do not store fatty, greasy or acidic foods in plastic. Do not use scratched, badly worn or cloudy plastics for your food and beverages. Hand-wash plastics to avoid wear and tear. Avoid hard plastic melamine dishes. They are made by combining the chemical melamine with formaldehyde (which is a known human carcinogen). Studies have shown that formaldehyde can leach from dishware.

Safer Food Storage choices include: glass, 304 grade stainless steel, food-grade silicone—all of which do not leach chemicals into your food.

When it comes to dishware, tempered glass is a great choice, followed by ceramic dishware with lead-free glaze. If you are concerned about breakage, food-grade silicone, high quality 304-grade stainless steel and bamboo containing food-safe finishes are all safe options.

Avoid conventional chemical nonstick coatings. They are manufactured using perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), which is considered “a likely human carcinogen.” When heated, cookware coated with Teflon and other nonstick surfaces emits fumes that can kill birds and potentially sicken people. Overheating of nonstick pans and any scratching or chipping of the materials can cause these chemicals to be released.

Avoid non-anodized aluminum cookware. Aluminum from pots and pans can migrate in measurable amounts into food. Aluminum has been linked to brain disorders as well as behavioral abnormalities and is considered a toxic substance by the Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry. Many companies are switching from aluminum to anodized aluminum to create a more stable product. In this treatment, the aluminum is dipped into a chemical bath to create a more durable layer, so that the aluminum can’t as easily leach into food. But questions about aluminum in general remain. If the pan is scratched it can leach—so still not the safest choice.

The safest materials for cookware and bakeware include: glass, high quality 304 grade stainless steel, cast iron and lead-free ceramic cookware.

Use nontoxic cleaning products, avoiding bleach, ammonia and synthetic fragrances or dyes.

Filter tap water for drinking and cooking. Find a high-quality filter than can remove heavy metals, chlorine, VOCs and other contaminants.

4 Simple Detox Tips for the New Year- Courtesy of Food Matters

New years resolutions can be challenging at times so why not simply start by adding more good things into your diet as opposed to taking things out. Add these 4 simple detox tips to your day and you’ll be sure to feel great in no time. Here’s to a healthy and happy 2012!

1. Drink More Water

Too often we misinterpret thirst for hunger. Our signal for thirst may cause us to eat as we mistake it for hunger pains. Reach for water first and make sure you are well hydrated before eating any meal throughout the day. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Where possible make sure to drink your water at least 30 minutes before eating as this will allow time for the water to properly penetrate the cells of your body and hydrate your stomach lining in preparation for proper digestion.  Adding lemon juice and apple cider vinegar to water or green it up with barley grass powder, wheatgrass powder, spirulina or chlorella. Yum!

2. Add A Green Juice To Your Day

Green juices are an amazing way to add life giving and detoxifying plant chlorophyll to your bloodstream.

Green Juice Recipe Ideas:

Celery, lemon and pear (or apple) – Celery, cucumber, lemon (leave the skin on) and pear (or apple)- Celery, cucumber, kale, lemon and pear (or apple) – Celery, cucumber, lemon, parsley and pear (or apple) I also like to stir whatever green powders you have laying around the house add into  juices to green them up even more! Again try barley grass, wheatgrass, spirulina or chlorella powders

3. Add More Parsley and Cilantro (Corriander) To Your Diet

Parsley and cilantro (corriander) are very powerful natural green plant foods for detoxing heavy metals out of your body. Add these amazing herbs to juices, salads, soups and meals.

Heavy Metal Detox Pesto Recipe:

•    4 cloves garlic

•    1/3 cup Brazil nuts (selenium source) or macadamia nuts

•    1/3 cup sunflower seeds (cysteine source)

•    1/3 cup pumpkin seeds (zinc, magnesium sources)

•    1 cup fresh cilantro (corriander)

•    1 cup parsley

•    2/3 cup cold pressed olive oil

•    4 tablespoons lemon juice (Vitamin C source)

•    Big pinch of sea salt and or dulse flakes to flavor

Soak the seeds and nuts over night to release the enzyme exhibitors. Process the parsley, cilantro (corriander) and olive oil in a blender until chopped. Add the garlic, nuts, and seeds, salt / dulse and lemon juice and mix until the mixture is finely blended into a paste. Store in dark glass jars if possible. It freezes well also if needs be. Enjoy!

4. Breathe Deep Into Your Abdomen

Deep breathing, where you fill your belly and expand your diaphragm downwards, is one of the most powerful exercise you can do to activate your lymph system which helps to detoxify your body. Think of your lymph system as your own personal garbage removal system.

Practise 10 deep slow breaths counting 4 seconds in, 8 seconds hold and 8 seconds out. You can do this exercize watching the TV, walking the dog, during meditation or whilst practising yoga.

According to the ‘Tao of Breathing’ up to 70% of our body’s waste products are eliminated via our lungs and the rest through the urine, skin and feces. When the efficiency of our lungs is reduced due to poor breathing less oxygen is available to our cells, it slows down the flow of blood which carries wastes from the kidneys and lungs. Our lymphatic system which fights off viral and bacterial invaders is weakened along with a slower digestive process.Breathe long slow and deep in a mindful state as often as possible.

Here’s to a healthy, happy and wonderfully abundant 2012!

Eating seasonally. What does this mean for you? To enjoy the full nourishment of food, you must make your menu a seasonal one. In different parts of the world, and even in different regions of one country, seasonal menus can vary. Ensure optimal nourishment in every season.

Each season Who’s Green provides you with a guide of in-season fruits and vegetables. Make sure to take a look before you head to the grocery store.

Winter Fruits

Grapefruit

*  Choose a grapefruit that feels heavy for its size

*  Fruit should give slightly when squeezed.

*  Look for unblemished peel.

*  Loaded with vitamin C!

Lemons

*  Choose lemons heavy for their size.

*  Look for unblemished, smooth skin.

*   Will keep for up to three weeks in the fridge.

*   Great source of vitamin C

Oranges

*  Find oranges heavy for their size.

*  Rind color not necessarily an indication of flavor.

*  Oranges are also a great source of soluble fiber and folate.

Pears

*   A great source of both vitamin C and fiber.

*   Try different varieties like Bosc, Anjou, Red, Comice as they taste very different!

*   Here’s a helpful hint, keep the skin on to get extra nutrients.

Clementines

*    A kid-friendly snack kids LOVE clementines because they are easy to peel, seedless and taste so sweet!

*   A great source of vitamin C and a good alternative to traditional desserts.

Rhubarb

*   If you haven’t tried this interesting fruit yet, try something new!

*   Cut the stalks in 1/2 and place in a pan with water to cover. Simmer until soft. Add sugar and frozen or fresh strawberries to taste. Tastes great over vanilla or plain yogurt or even a little ice cream!

*   Since rhubarb leaves contain poisonous substances, never eat it raw. Always be sure to cook it well.

Winter Vegetables

Radishes

*  Buy radishes with green tops attached for freshness.

*  Remove tops as soon as you get home.

*  Store up to two weeks in refrigerator.

Rutabega

*  Look for smaller rutabegas, as they will be sweeter.

*  Check for an unblemished skin.

Turnips

*   Select turnips smaller than three inches in diameter.
*   Store in a plastic bag up to one week in refrigerator.

Greens: Mustard, Turnip, Watercress, Spinach

*   Great source of vitamins A, C, folate and fiber.

*   Add chopped greens to vegetable soup or try mixing greens into your typical salad

Kale

*  Look for dark green leaves (may have tinges of purple).

*  Find kale with sturdy stems.

*  Do not store longer than a week.

Leeks

*  The smaller the leek, the more tender.

*  Can be stored up to a week in the refrigerator.

Broccoli, Cauliflower, Brussels Sprouts

*  These cruciferous powerhouses are loaded with vitamins and disease-fighting antioxidants

*  Want a quick snack? Try tossing the veggies with a little olive oil and roasting in a 450-degree oven for 15-20 minutes.

Sweet potatoes and winter squash

*  Great source of vitamin A and fiber

*  Acorn or butternut squash can be a nice alternative to white potatoes for dinner. Split the squash in 1/2, scrape out the seeds and bake in a shallow pan with a 1/2 inch of water flesh side down for 30-40 minutes in a    350-degree oven. Top with a little light butter spread and a sprinkling of brown sugar.

Chinese (Savoy) Cabbage

* Packed with vitamin C!

*  For a little added flavor, add chopped cabbage to minestrone or vegetable soups, or mix into a tossed salad and top it off with a ginger dressing.

Haas Avocado (can be classified as either a vegetable or fruit)

*  A great source of heart-healthy fats, plus vitamins A and C, potassium and fiber.

*  Instead of mayonnaise, try adding them to a salad or sandwich.

Fennel

*  Another good source of vitamin C

*  Fennel has a slightly licorice taste, so it’s a good flavor enhancer in pasta sauces, cole slaw and any Waldorf salad. Thinly slice the white base and leave off the feather-like stalk.

Chestnuts

*  Fresh chestnuts may be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week

The holiday season produces an hefty quantity of waste. What better way to return those materials to the Earth than composting.  After all, composting is the Earth’s natural  recycling program. You add materials from around the house that you once considered garbage, and they will decompose into feasts for worms and microbes and produce rich soil for your garden. By composting, you’re using your waste to create more life.

You must learn how to compost correctly, or you’ll just be creating a toxic dump in your backyard. But composting is not as daunting as it sounds: You’re basically throwing stuff in a bin and mixing it with other stuff, rather than tossing it in the garbage can. Composting does take time, though; it will take between six and 12 months for your composter to produce the dark brown, nearly black material that you can add to the soil in the garden.

The holiday season is one of the best sources of composting material. Starting a compost pile in the winter isn’t ideal because compost must be kept dry and because you’ll have more grass clippings and other greenery in the spring. But if you already compost, the holidays produce plenty of material that can be returned to mother Earth by being composted.

Here are some basic  composting  pointers to get you started.??Choose a quality composter or make your own.

You’ll need a Composter

You may choose to purchase one or make yourself. There are many types of  composters  on the market: tumblers, grates, bins, pods, even glorified garbage cans. Research and compare the various types online or at a local garden shop and decide which one suits your needs and space requirements; just be sure it has a lid.

Alternatively you may choose to make a composter yourself with stakes and chicken wire or recycled wooden pallets. Binding, screwing or wiring four wooden pallets together to make a box creates an easy, functional composter and keeps the pallets out of the landfill. Ask a local business if they can spare a few.

Choose where to a locate your Composter

Use a level spot with excellent drainage away from walls or wooden fences. If you can it is a good idea to keep the composter away from trees as well because their roots will seek the moisture and nutrients in your compost pile.

You’ll need to allocate 4 or 5 square feet of space; the more space you have, the easier it will be to access. Holiday scraps you may compost  Now that your composter set up, it’s important that you use it correctly. Begin by laying down a base layer consisting of branches and twigs about 6 inches deep.  A wooden pallet may also work well as a base layer. This will assist the air circulation under the material you will add to the composter. Creating proportionate layers of brown and green material is a smart strategy.

Much of your Holiday waste is compostable like wreaths made from evergreens or other greens, cut flowers and, of course, plants.

Your green layer might include:

•    Grass clippings

•    Tea leaves and  organic  tea bags

•    Coffee grounds

•    Dead flowers

•    Weeds ( just leaves; not roots or seeds)

•    Old plants

Your brown layer might include:

•    Wood material, twigs, wood chips (best if shredded)

•    Coffee grounds

•    Recycled brown paper, cardboard, paper-towel rolls (best if shredded)

•    Leaves (in moderate amounts) and pinecones

•    Eggshells and paper egg cartons

•    Sawdust, wood shavings

•    Hay and straw (in small quantities)

•    Clothes dryer lint, pet and human hairs

•    Uncooked kitchen scraps

Items that should not be composted:

•    Meat or fish

•    Grease, oil or cooked food scraps

•    Kitty litter

•    Manure of any type

•    Dirty diapers

•    Ashes from your barbecue

Kitchen scraps are abundant during the holidays, and most of these scraps qualify as either green or brown material, depending on what you decide to cook for your holiday meals.

A good practice is to set aside a bin in your kitchen for collecting food preparation scraps. Consider a stainless steel bucket with a lid, which you can keep on your kitchen counter within easy reach.

The lists above are worth keeping on hand until you memorize them.  Pay careful attention to what not to include, and begin collecting your scraps.

Remember, cooked food should never be added to a compost pile as it lacks the necessary enzymes that break it down. When your counter-top container is full, empty it into your composter and mix it in. If you’re just getting started and the composter is empty, it is advisable to toss in some grass clippings to cover your kitchen scraps to deter pests.

Happy Composting!

Winter is here! With it comes the cold and flu season and uncomfortable dry skin.  We can’t guarantee that you won’t be hit with a cold or the flu, but we do think  you can increase your odds of staying well with these natural strategies.

Drink Plenty of Fluids~

Water flushes your system, washing out the poisons as it rehydrates you. A typical, healthy adult needs eight 8-ounce glasses of fluids each day

Drink your lemons.~

Lemon is the ideal food for restoring acid-alkali balance. Drinking freshly squeezed lemon juice in water, or adding it to tea, salad dressings (in place of vinegar), baking or cooking, helps maintain the body’s internal “climate” at a pH which supports healthy bacteria instead of the viruses and harmful bacteria which thrive in more acidic environments. Apple cider vinegar is another great way to improve your body’s alkalinity.

Get gargling~

Japanese researchers found that a daily gargling with water reduces your cold risk. People who gargled with water were 36 percent less likely to be struck down when compared with non-garglers. The study suggests that simple water gargling is effective to prevent upper respiratory tract infections.

Microwave your toothbrush~

Run your toothbrush through the microwave on high for ten seconds to kill germs that can cause colds and other illnesses. You think it gets your teeth clean — and it does. But once you’re done brushing, your toothbrush is a breeding ground for germs. Sterilize it in the microwave before you use it, or store it in hydrogen peroxide (rinse well before using), or simply replace it every month when you change the page on your calendar and after you’ve had a cold.

Thyme for a Cough~

Try this as a natural way to make that cough feel better,
Add three tablespoons of dried thyme to one pint of boiling water. Let cool, then add one cup of honey. Take one teaspoon every hour as needed. You can store the mix in the fridge for up to three months.

Vitamin C to Prevent Colds~

Cold and flu season in the U.S. stretches from November to March. And most people come down with a cold – two or three of them per season.
Boost your immune system with natural food sources of vitamin C. Some examples are:  Sweet Red Pepper, Kiwi, Sweet Green Pepper, Oranges, Grapefruit Juice, Vegetable Juice Cocktail, Strawberries and Brussel Sprouts

Tea for Sore Throats~

For a sore throat, the tea remedy is as old as time, it seems. Try jujube tea for an extra vitamin C boost.

Carrots for Headaches~

Phytonutrients in fresh produce, like the beta-carotene in carrots, can reduce inflammation in the blood vessels of the brain. Eating two cups a day can help some people reduce headache incidence by 70 percent!

Lavender for Anxiety~

Lavender can help. Apply lavender oil or a sachet to your pulse points — the arteries at your wrists, neck and feet are a good start — for a subtle soothing experience.

Walnuts for Dry Skin~

Dry, cracked skin is a part of the season for many — but it doesn’t have to be so bad.

Fortify your skin by eating one ounce of walnuts daily. Within two weeks, the natural omega-3 oils will not only keep your energy levels up, but improve the elasticity and natural moisture in your skin.

Honey Yogurt Lotion for Dry Skin~

If dry skin has already set in, set about soothing and restoring cracked, itchy spots with this natural salve.
2 tablespoons honey?1/2 cup plain regular yogurt ?1 teaspoon grapefruit zest?1 cup iced black tea

Apply mixture of first three ingredients to skin and leave for 15 minutes. Splash off with the tea.

Nurture yourself~

Make sure you take time to yourself, spend some time with friends, and indulge yourself in a massage, a hot bath, or an energy work session when you want one. Our bodies respond to our emotions – if you’re feeling harassed and anxious, it can manifest in a sore throat or a cold.

Create a space within yourself and your living environment for harmony, self-love and joy (giving thanks, prayer and blessing the abundance in your life and of the world around you helps). Pay attention to warning signs of sore throat or exhaustion so you can keep them from getting worse. Take a “mental health day” every few months to make sure your emotional needs are met. When you’re happy, you’re far less likely to get sick.

Here’s hoping that we made your winter season a little more healthy!

Let’s talk about organic beers and breweries. When discussing organic beer, perhaps the most important question to start with is, why brew organic beer at all? The easy answer is, why not?

In many other product markets organic options flourish, so it seems natural—or maybe even organic—that the craft beer industry would eventually join in.

Levels of Organic Certification

But are all organic beers created equal? Organic certification has several different levels. The highest level of certification is “100 Percent Organic,” and is achieved when only organically produced ingredients and processing aids are used (i.e. no chemicals or pesticides).

Next is “Organic,” which are those products that contain at least 95 percent organically produced ingredients. The remaining ingredients must be proven not to be available in organic form in the quantity and quality needed for the product.

The non-organic ingredients must be included in the USDA’s National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances. At present, hops usually comprise the non-organic component of certified organic beers, because some varieties can be hard to obtain in organic form.

The fact that 5 percent or less of the ingredients in a certified organic beer are not organic hasn’t deterred most consumers from the products. This is normally due to the consumer being unaware of the 95 percent threshold, they feel that 95 percent organic is sufficient, or because they have determined that their organic beers of choice are made with organic hops.

However, some consumers, hops growers, and brewers feel differently. Some argue that consumers who choose organic beer are making a conscious decision about what they put into their bodies, and feel that any pesticides or chemicals are unacceptable. Some beer lovers also choose organic beer because organic farms help reduce pollution to soil and water.

The Logic of Buying Local

Purchasing from locally based vintners and brewers helps support small, family-owned businesses that make our communities diverse and unique. On most days, when visiting a local craft beer or wine producer, you’ll get to meet the brewmaster or head vintner and witness part of the fermentation process. Many small vineyards or brewing facilities host tastings and other events, too.

Buying local helps keep profits circulating in your community, instead of heading up the food-stream to the coffers of remote corporations.

In addition, even when they are not certified organic, small-scale brewing and wine-making is good for the environment, because:

•    In most cases, these “micros” are consumed locally, reducing the negative environmental effects caused by long-distance transportation.

•    Many microbreweries also use large, refillable containers called “growlers.” Customers pop ?into the brewpub facility and get a quick fill-up, thereby reducing unnecessary packaging-and they get a break on the price as well.

•    The glass bottles and cardboard packages conventionally used to store craft beers or local wines are easily recyclable in most areas.

Whether or not you drink organic beer,  we can all agree that organic is a noble direction. With the many different beer styles out there, organic beers can either be your sole style (or ‘soul’ style!), or just another type of beer you drink. Regardless, let’s give a big round of “O”-plause for the efforts of organic breweries and beers! Do you have any favorite organic breweries or U.S. organic beers?

Please share with us in the comment section below!

There are many ways to build a house to make it more environmentally friendly. One way is to use alternative building materials which are recycled, from renewable sources, or energy efficient. Let’s look at some of the choices of alternative building materials and the pros and cons of each type.

Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)

These panels are made of a foam insulation core sandwiched between fiberglass panels; much like gypsum board is manufactured. The panels are structural, so the house doesn’t need a wood frame for support. The panels are lightweight, quickly assembled, and more airtight than traditional frame houses. The process requires a little expertise to assemble correctly and costs about 10% more than a traditional frame house.

Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)

Similar to building with legos, expanded polystyrene (EPS) blocks are stacked upon each other, held together with metal connectors, and then filled with concrete. The EPS blocks provide temperature and noise insulation, while the concrete core provides structural sturdiness and thermal mass to modulate temperature fluctuations. Simple to erect, and structurally sound, ICFs provide great insulation qualities to reduce heating and cooling costs. The concrete used is not exactly eco friendly, but new concrete products will help to minimize the environmental impact.

Adobe

Adobe construction is the name generally given to any construction process that uses clay as the primary building material. People have been building houses out of dirt since ancient times, and it is a very common construction method in many regions. The dirt is usually combined with something that binds it together and then dried in the sun.

Homes and other buildings made of adobe have a few advantages. For one thing, adobe construction results in structures that have a tendency to stay cool in the summer, and this makes them popular in hotter climates. It’s also generally true that many people in the environmental movement favor various forms of adobe construction. This is partly because it doesn’t rely on synthetic materials and partly because it doesn’t use up as many wood resources.

Engineered Wood Products

Engineered wood products use recycled wood and wood by-products bonded together with resins to form structural components for the building sector. These products will save old growth trees, are lighter in weight and structurally superior to traditional dimensional lumber, and save in material and shipping costs. The construction techniques are similar to traditional building techniques, but the products can be more eco-friendly.

Straw Bales

An interesting choice for home construction is the common bale of straw. In this building technique, straw bales are stacked on rebar rods anchored into a traditional or ICF (insulating concrete form) foundation, and then covered with stucco, or other flame resistant coating. The straw provides the structural and insulating components required to make quiet, warm house. From the outside the structure looks just like any adobe house with thick walls and deep windows.

Materials are cheap and the construction inexpensive, but the straw is susceptible to water damage and mildew, as well as vermin infestation if the outer coating is faulty.

Underground or Earth-Bermed Housing

Building you new house mostly or completely underground provides tremendous insulation advantages or reduced construction costs. Similar to building a basement, a cement or ICF house built underground is warm and quiet. Lighting can be an issue, as well as flooding, if the drainage is not properly designed.

Other Alternative Building Materials

You are only limited by your imagination (and the local building codes) in the materials that you can use to build your home. I’ve seen houses built out of wine bottles, shipping containers, retired railroad cars, and other recycled materials. If it appeals to you, is environmentally friendly, and meets building codes, then it is a good alternative building material for you.

It’s that time of year again, and we are all facing the same thing- colder temperatures. During these chilly months it is easy to crank up the heat and not think twice about the damage your warm house is having on the environment.

How many times have you left your house for a full day at work and not turned the heat down? What you probably didn’t realize is that for every degree you turn down your thermostat you can save between 1% and 3% in your heating costs.

Want to learn more ways to make your home a winter wonderland for you, your family and the environment? Take a look at these helpful tips such as running your fans in reverse, changing your furnace filters and lowering the temperature of your water heater.

Invest in a Programmable Thermostat

It’s wasteful to heat an empty house, so why not take advantage of a programmable thermostat? These thermostats will automatically lower your household temperature while you sleep, are away at work, as well as bringing the heat back up when you wake or arrive home.

With proper use, you’ll never notice the difference in temperature, but your bank account certainly will — you could end up saving more than 10 per cent on your home heating costs. And now, with so many easy-to-use Energy Star certified options, like the new Ecobee Smart Thermostat, you can change your home heating and cooling preferences whenever you want with at-home display panels or online through your WiFi network.

Run Fans in Reverse

Most people think of fans only when they want to be cool, but many ceiling units come with a handy switch that reverses the direction of the blades. Counterclockwise rotation produces cooling breezes while switching to clockwise makes it warmer: air pooled near the ceiling is circulated back into the living space – cutting your heating costs as much as 10%!

Turn Down your Water Heater

While many conventional water heaters are set to 140 degrees F by installers, most households don’t need that much steam, and end up paying for it — in dollars and the occasional scalding burn. Lowering the temperature to 120 degrees F (or lower) would reduce your water heating costs by 6% to 10%.

If you start to wonder why you need a tank at all, then you may be ready for a tankless water heater, or to go solar. If you are in the market for a new water heater, take advantage of the federal tax credit, which pays 30% of the cost for solar water heaters, or up to $1,500 for conventional systems. (Note: 2011 tax credits are less generous.)

Dress To Impress

Gone are the days (for most of us at least) when we can afford to lounge around in our underwear while it’s frosty outside. Remember what we said about each degree on the thermostat costing you money?
Roughly speaking, a light long-sleeved sweater is worth about 2 degrees in added warmth, while a heavy sweater adds about 4 degrees. So snuggle up and start saving.

Buy organic cotton thermal long johns for everyone in the family and wear layers of clothing made from breathable organic fabrics.

Seal It Up

One of the simplest ways to retain heat and reduce energy costs this winter is by installing proper weather-stripping and caulking around the house. Once all doors and windows are properly sealed, it’s time to plug those less obvious air leaks. An easy way to find hidden drafts is to hold a lit stick of incense around baseboards, light fixtures and electrical outlets – a strong leak will make the stick glow brighter and blow the smoke away, while smaller leaks will puff the smoke in a distinct direction.

Change Furnace Filters

Yes it’s easy to forget, but it’s important to replace or clean furnace filters once a month during the heating season. Dirty filters restrict airflow and increase energy demand.
Mind your pipes and gutters

By making sure that your gutters are clean and pipes are protected, you can save yourself some major repair headaches down the road. Keeping your gutters free of leaves, sticks and other debris will help melting snow and ice to flow freely, and prevent ice dams that can cause water damage to your home’s roof and walls.

Turning off the water to your outside garden hose spigots and draining the lines will  prevent water inside from freezing and expanding, which could lead to cracked pipes, water damage and waste. Also, look for any pipes inside that aren’t insulated and run through unheated spaces like garages and basements, and wrap them in insulation sleeves to prevent freezing and breakage — remember, there’s nothing worse than being knee-deep in a flooded basement in the dead of winter.

It’s likely you won’t even notice these small changes like this in your lifestyle, but what you will notice is the decrease in your heating bill, and future generations will notice the difference in state of the environment.