Non Toxic Vision

Have a green Christmas

According to an article I read in Newsweek "Americans will send out almost 2 billion holiday cards, use more than 38,000 miles of ribbon and leave millions of Christmas trees by the curb." I am in no way suggesting to stop this madness. However we should be a lot more mindful.

Also use LED lights instead of conventional bulbs, which will save you up to 80 - 90 % of your energy bill. Try to say NO to shopping bags offered in stores (I find those tiny ones for cosmetics especially annoying) - instead bring your own. Are you recycling wrapping paper? Did you ever think about using newspaper instead? Send holiday cards online. Or for the personal touch - scan in you family picture and send it via email. You save your mailman a lot of weight and remember it is not only about the paper - it also needs to be transported! So minimize you carbon footprint. If you have additional ideas on how you can save let me and I'll be glad to post your comments.

The life of a plactic bag

Did you know that the average life of a plastic bag is only 25 minutes?

A very troubling thought considering that a bag will eventually end up in a landfill and pollute our environment for the next 100 years. When I grew up in Austria you had to pay for the plastic bag in stores so my mom would always bring a shopping bag - most of the time a wicker basket, that could be put on her bicycle. For her it was unthinkable to go shopping without that basket - she would have considered it a waste. To this day you need to pay for the plastic bag in Austria - not much, but it is a constant reminder of the impact it has on the environment.

Easy to Grow, Healing and Medicinal Plants

ALOE VERA

Most common use: The juice from the plant is used as a topical treatment for sunburns and minor skin abrasions.

How to use it: Break off part of a leaf and apply the exuding gel to the affected area.

How to grow: Aloe vera is a native to tropical warm climate. However it is easy to grow and maintain in a pot and can even be kept indoors in a sunny window.

ECHINACEA

Most common use: believed to stimulate the immune system and protect against the common cold. It is also thought to have anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties.

How to use: 2 - 3 tablespoons of dried leaves or 1 - 2 tablespoons of dried roots and steep in hot water to make tea. The leaves may be used at any time, it will take 2 - 3 years before the roots (which are more potent) will be ready to be harvested.

How to grow: the most medicinally one is Echinacea angustifolia, which has a higher concentration of chemically active compounds. Plant it in well-drained, sandy soil. The plant requires full sun and should be planted in early spring.

CHAMOMILE

Most common use: a calming herb, that is often used as mild sedative to control anxiety and insomnia. Also used for digestion problems and helps calm an upset or "nervous" stomach.

How to use: 4 - 5 tablespoons of dried flowers and steep in hot water for tea.

How to grow: plant in well-drained soil amended with compost where the plants receives morning sun. Water the plant regularly (it likes to stay moist).

LEMON BALM

Most common use: to treat insomnia, anxiety and digestive problems

Hot to use: 1/4 to 1 teaspoon of dried leaves in hot water for tea

How to grow: Plant seads in pots, the plants prefers moist soil, cut back regularly to keep from flowering. Full sun and afternoon shade works great for this plant.

CAYENNE PEPPER

Most common use: All types of chiles contain capsaicin, which stimulates digestion and helps absorb nutrients from food. It also stimulates circulation and blood flow and helps to relieve sinus congestion.

How to use: Head cold: make a tea with the juice from half a lemon, teaspoon of dried ginger and a pinch of dried cayenne - drink several times a day. Or just add chiles to your food.

How to grow: very easy to grow in full sun. Harvest the plants when they are fully grown (check the instructions that come with most plants). With chile-plants it really depends on the type.  

Yoga mats

Hugger Mat Earth Elements Mat U$ 74.94 at www.huggermugger.com

This mat is made without using toxins and is composed  of a hydrogen and carbon foam that slows the growth of bacteria. The light weight also makes it perfect for traveling. Despite it's textured surface this mat is also less sticky compared with other mats.

NU Source Terra Pure Mat U$ 34.99 at www.nu-sourceinc.com

Free of PVC, latex and rubber - this mat is made of thermal plastic elastomer (a carbon- and hydrogen-based foam that retains less sweat). So Bikram Yogis watch out - this might not be the mat for you.

Flip the switch

This is an easy contribution: Turn off your computer and save up to 950 pounds of carbon dioxide per year (research done by the World Wildlife Fund). Save even more and plug your computer into a Smart Strip, and use the other sockets for peripherals, like your monitor, printer, scanner and modem. When you turn off your computer the Smart unit will automatically shut off the power to the other sockets. Buy your smart strip at www.smarthomeusa.com

Go paperless

I recently received information from my bank urging me to go paperless. This information is even printed on recycled paper. And: I really liked it. An easy contribution everybody can make. Besides what do you do with paper statements anywhy? File them away in a drawer? Accumulating clutter. What I really liked about the offer was the fact that my bank will make a donation to the National Arbor Day Foundation - who will plant a tree in a national forest - for every account converted to Paperless Statements (with a maximum of 200,000 trees for the initiative). Support and convert....

The skinny on Kleenex

We did some research on facial tissue in our office: "Kleenex" is the worst way to go: they are using "old growth forrest". Check out what products NOT to buy: www.kimberly-clark.com/ourbrands/consuer_brands.aspx - in comparisson Marcal's "Fluff Out's". This company uses recycled paper - so this is way better: www.marcalpaper.com 

Skin Deep Organics

As the Agriculture Department is applying its organic food standards to personal care products I feel some research, which usually would have been done by me, has been taken off my hands. I do like the fact that it is now clearly labeled and regulated. Dr. Bronner's, the company that produces my favorite soap, helped in the endeavor to apply the organic standards. thx Dr. Bronner's

Trilogy: Pure Botanics for your Face

The products are made from a combination of plant, flower, fruit and vegetable extracts, which are chosen for their ability to improve the health and appearance of your skin. Made in New Zealand Triology products are biodegradable and also come in environmental and user friendly packaging. www.trilogyproducts.co.nz