Alarming levels of arsenic, a toxin that can cause bladder, lung and skin cancer, are showing up in rice. Why? It has to do with the way we grow food. Soil naturally contains some arsenic. But many of the pesticides and herbicides used on conventional farms add much more arsenic to the ground. Consumer Reports, […]
Looking for Meatless Monday Casseroles? Here You Go!
Farmers markets, roadside stands and bins in the grocery store are full of the ripe ingredients that combine to make recipes from La Tartine Gourmande, a new cookbook from Beatrice Peltre that emphasizes fresh, organic and seasonal cooking. The book itself features everything I like in a collection of recipes: simple directions, straightforward lists of […]
Eating Organic Produce Will Reduce Your Exposure to Toxic Chemicals
Eating fruits and vegetables that are grown without pesticides reduces the amount of toxic chemicals you eat. If you choose organically farmed beef, you’ll also minimize your exposure to antibiotic-resistant bacteria. These conclusions seem obvious, but Stanford University put them to the test. In a recent analysis of 230 field studies and 17 human studies […]
Simple, Non-Toxic Ways to Protect Yourself from West Nile Virus
West Nile Virus is on the rise in the United States, a consequence of the climate change that is bringing more extreme weather conditions to many parts of the country. The Centers for Disease Control report that, “since 1999, 30,000 people have been reported as getting sick with West Nile Virus. Occasionally, an infected person may […]
Safe, Eco-Friendly Lunch Boxes Save Money and Reduce Waste, Too
Research commissioned by the Center for Environmental Health in Oakland, California showed that the lining in some kids’ lunch boxes contained high levels of lead. Lead can harm children even in minute amounts because it hinders brain development and can cause a variety of behavior and other developmental disorders. Children may be exposed to the lead in lunch […]
Save Money on School Supplies & Go Green: Swap
Back-to-school shopping can put a real dent in a family’s budget and create a carbon footprint a mile wide. To save money on school supplies, why not set up a swap with your neighbors and friends? You’ll save money and green the shopping beast, too. Another bonus? You’ll reduce clutter and teach the kids to share. […]
How Good Are Your Kids at Saving Energy?
How good are your kids at saving energy? Here’s your chance to find out. Team ENERGY STAR, the Environmental Protection Agency’s program to teach kids about energy efficiency, is holding an essay contest for kids. The purpose of the contest is two-fold. First and foremost, Team ENERGY STAR wants to recognize kids for […]
7 Reasons Why You Should Get a Tree Survey
412viewsA much-loved part of our natural scenery, trees bring harmony, tranquility, health and environmental well-being to a community. They add beauty to our yards and streets. They provide welcome shade on hot days. They act as a natural windbreak, muffle street sounds and other noise, and provide important habitat for wildlife. They help filter the […]

