The Election is over and whether or not your favorites won, there's an easy way to guarantee a win for the planet! After months of being sent flyers, brochures, direct mail & other election material, it's time to put them where they belong......In the Trash RECYCLING!
Happy Earth Day! To complete our Earth Day Tips countdown we've listed the top environmental concerns people have and the categories you can take action and support.
For the last few weeks or even months, many of us have started to contemplate what things we want to change and improve on for the new year. It can be a time of dread or excitement or both. Many times when taking new strides or attempting big changes, it is easier to accomplish your goal by starting with a small step and easing your way into it. The purpose of this article is to get you into the mindset of being open to new ideas & small step brain training.
Last night as many of you know, they drew the numbers for the record-breaking $587.5 million Powerball Lottery. Here in Minnesota the state generated more than $10 million in sales, which was also a record. While on the surface these numbers really didn't mean much to me as I didn't win, it did lead me to find a silver lining in the process. After checking my numbers and finding out I wouldn't be receiving more than $4 for my numbers, I wanted to see who won. In the process I came across the "Where The Money Goes" page and was immediately much less disappointed in my lottery outcome. Here's what I found out.....
Most dieters are aware of metabolism and it's effects on an individual's weight. Metabolism is a process that serves many important functions, including converting food and drinks into energy and using energy to construct certain components of cells. For the typical dieter, metabolism can be a natural-born enemy, a process that simply isn't fast enough for dieters to lose weight. Even more frustrating, a person's metabolism can hinge on genetics and gender. People may inherit a speedy or slow metabolism. Gender also plays a role as men have a tendency to burn more calories than women, even while resting. Those who inherited a speedy metabolism are often the people who can seemingly eat whatever they want without gaining a pound.
We like the majority of our Earth Day Tips to be low cost or no cost, but still have a big impact. Earth Day Tip #4 is no exception and can actually make a bigger impact on you and the planet than you may think. Tip 4 is Bring Some Green Inside. We mean this in the form of growing a small plant or plants in you house. This tip focuses on your "mini environment" as we tend to spend much more time indoors than out these days. Many studies have shown that the air in our homes is 2-5 times more polluted than outdoors and many times even more.
Do you drink flame retardant chemicals? You may unknowingly down the toxic chemical if you choose certain sports drink flavors or popular sodas. Used for purely cosmetic reasons—to keep artificial ingredients well mixed in the liquid—brominated vegetable oil, or BVO, is a dirty food industry secret gaining national attention. Now, PepsiCo, the corporation that manufactures Gatorade, says it will be removing BVO from Gatorade products.
Do Antimicrobial soaps and sanitizers do More Harm than Good? Does it seem that this time of year (and increasingly all year long) more and more people are reaching for hand sanitizer? The importance of properly washing your hands is undisputed, but what are you washing them with?
With 1/3 of December now gone, D-day for New Years Resolutions is almost here. For millions of Men and Women, that resolution will be to lose weight and keep it off! And many of those people it will not be on their 1st attempt at that goal. So with more and more people making this a goal and fewer and fewer of them being successful, we wanted to look at the top {blank} reasons most people fail in their weight loss attempts.
Its April again and with this great month comes Earth Month, Week & Earth Day. Our founders birthday is also Earth Day so we always enjoy a fun Earth Day Birthday! Last year we did a countdown to Earth Day with 7 Tips leading up to the 22nd, and this year we will again do a countdown. The 5 day countdown this year will go Today - Friday and end on the Monday of Earth Day.
For our 3rd Earth Day Tip, we wanted to play to you creators! Someone who likes to take something old or used and make not only something creative, but really cool & different. We're also going off an idea that is not necessarily new, but has picked up a newer alias called "Upcycling". There are a ton of materials that can be upcycled as well as different levels of difficulty to pulling them off, so we chose 6 ideas we though landed somewhere in the middle. So lets get into it -
It’s not that we’re completely clueless about shielding ourselves from the sun’s harmful UV rays, it’s just that we slip up in the details, such as how long to wait before putting on more sunscreen, when to toss the half used bottle, and what body parts are most vulnerable to solar radiation. This, in part, might explain why the rate of skin cancer in the US remains stubbornly high. It’s the most common form of cancer affecting more people than breast. Lung, Prostate, and colon cancers combined. And its deadliest form, melanoma, is on the rise.
I came across this project a while back, and as someone who takes an interest in the evolving world or green architecture & buildings I wanted to share it with our audience as part of a new spotlight for people who are doing really cool, green & forward thinking projects around the world.
So yesterday I downloaded the new Shaklee 180 App for my Ipad (also available for the Iphone & Androids) and I haven't been able to put it down since! I am on the 2nd half of the program which is called "Lean & Healthy" which teaches you how to keep the weight off long term or for people who are looking to tone up and not necessarily lose weight... like me. If you are looking for weight loss help or just looking to lean / tone up than lets look at some pictures from this very cool app.
It's our countdown to Earth Day 2013! One question I wish I’d known the answer to a long time ago is: Are things like Mr Clean magic erasers safe?
It's here and everything's live! Find out why so many people are excited for this totally unique & credible program. Because we are the #1 Natural Nutrition in the Nation, we can bring that knowledge & success to help people get lean & healthy at the same time! Go from "Before" to "After" to "After-After"
Over the next two weeks we'll be celebrating the holidays and that means we're getting closer to our Healthy Weight 180 launch! So we wanted to share a couple pictures of 1 part of the system, the cool, fun & different technology we'll all have access to in our healthy weight goals! One of the coolest things about this is that every time you use one of these tools you'll earn points towards weekly, monthly (every 90 days) & grand prize(s) (every 180 days). There are some really huge and exciting prizes, we'll be releasing those details in next weeks post.
How about another reason to build your immune system and prevent disease from grabbing you? Antibiotics trigger weight gain. This overlooked factor in gaining weight or not being able to lose weight has been identified by researchers. The human digestive tract is a lush ecosystem containing microorganisms that play a crucial role in digestion. But research shows that changing the delicate mix of bacteria may lead to weight gain.
While thinking of topics for this article, we wanted to stay away from the predictable topics like "Avoiding Holiday Weight Gain" that people might expect to see from a business that promotes a proactive and healthy lifestyle. We believe in doing enough health related things right, so that you don't have to attach non celebratory things like "sacrifice", "give up" "stay away from" to your Holidays, but can still stay healthy.
Summer days are here and we are ready for all fun in the sun! Just don’t let it take a toll on your skin.
It’s not that we’re completely clueless about shielding ourselves from the sun’s harmful UV rays, it’s just that we slip up in the details, such as how long to wait before putting on more sunscreen, when to toss the half used bottle, and what body parts are most vulnerable to solar radiation. This, in part, might explain why the rate of skin cancer in the US remains stubbornly high. It’s the most common form of cancer affecting more people than breast. Lung, Prostate, and colon cancers combined. And its deadliest form, melanoma, is on the rise.
Over the past few decades, scientists have shed light on the different types of ultraviolet rays and their toll on skin. The most common form of solar radiation, UVA penetrates deeper layers of the skin. Thee rays are responsible for tans and premature aging, such as wrinkles and brown spots, UVB rays, on the other hand, primarily affect the skin’s outermost layer, causing visible sunburns Despite these differences, UVA and UVB rays have one thing in common BOTH HAVE BEEN SHOWN TO CAUSE CELL MUTATION THAT LEAD TO SKIN CANCER. AVOID THEM!
To save your skin, we asked top experts to spell out the need-to-know stats and timelines and keep your family protected during all those fun times in the sun.
How quickly a tea bag can soothe the sting of a sunburn. Compounds in black tea called tannins act as an anti-inflammatory on the skin. This can tone down the redness and prevent peeling. Steep a black tea bag in boiling water, let it cool, and dab it on your burn Leave it on for two to five minutes and repeat this process several times through the day.
How long it takes to apply sunscreen to the bottoms of your feet. Much like the scalp this area often gets overlooked. Slather or spray sunscreen over your entire foot, including the soles and between toes. While you’re at it, scan for any suspicious-looking spots or moles: One in two people diagnosed with foot melanoma die within five years, often because the cancer is detected too late.
Time it takes your scalp to sizzle. Even if you have a thick hair, those rays can sneak in and burn uncovered patches, like your part. Because the sun beats directly down on the scalp, it’s one of the fastest places to burn. This might explain why 6 percent of melanoma cases occur on the scalp and neck.
Time it takes sunscreen to kick into action. Today’s formulas use chemical compounds such as avobenzone and oxybenzone to filter out UV rays. But in order for these ingredients to work they first have to penetrate the skin. So slather on the sunscreen on everyone at least 15 minutes before going out. If you’re in a rush, use one with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to get instant protection. Rather than being absorbed into skin, these ingredients sit on the surface to block UV rays.
Time it takes a fair skinned person to develop a second-degree (read:blistering) sunburn on a bright day. (Its 24 minutes for those with darker complexions.) After waiting all year for vacation you might be tempted to make a beeline for the beach. But even a quick dip sans sunscreen is dangerous. Research show that intermittent exposure-short bouts of intense sun after spending most of your time indoors-is a stronger risk factor for skin cancer that everyday rays. That’s because a hefty dose of UV radiation triggers cancer-causing mutations while temporarily weakening the immune system-a double whammy for skin cells. The sun is most intense form 10am to 4 pm. So apply a sunscreen with a SPF of at least 30. Also use broad spectrum, meaning protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Reapply every 2 hours.
How quickly you can get a sunburn on a cloudy day. Don’t be fooled by overcast weather. Up to 80% of UVA rays can pierce cloud cover. It’s possible to burn just as quickly on a hazy day as it is in sunny weather.
Time it takes unprotected eyes to get sunburned. Just as with skin, ultraviolet light can fry the cornea, the transparent tissue that covers the front of the eyeball. Inflammation develops several hours after sun exposure, triggering pain, irritation, and a temporary loss of vision. To protect your eyes and fend off damage that leads to serious conditions such as cataracts and macular degeneration, slip on sunglasses. Look for a pair labeled to block both UVA and UVB rays. Also a wide brim hat will safeguard the eyelids, which is another tender area for sunburn.
Maximum time you can go without reapplying sunscreen if you’re swimming or sweating a lot. But that only holds true if you’re sporting a sunscreen labeled “water-resistant (80minutes)” If your bottle says “water –resistant (40 minutes)” you’ll need to apply twice as often. Restart the clock each time you towel off.
Time it takes to build up sun protection from the inside out. According to studies done in Germany, daily consumption of 90 milligrams (mg) of beta-carotene- the antioxidant found in red, yellow and orange veggies can provide your skin with a natural SPF of up to 4. While this doesn’t mean you can skip the sunscreen, it does provide a little extra protection and can lessen the damage of a burn if you do get one. For the amount of beta-carotene used in the study you’d have to eat 11 cups of carrots. Luckily, you don’t have to chomp from dawn til dusk for your skins sake. An easier route, Is to consider a 13+ mg beta carotene supplement, such as Shaklee’s CarotoMax which contains these highly beneficial skin protecting carotenoids.
How long it takes everyday sun exposure to break down collagen the protein responsible for a firm, smooth complexion. The sun is to blame for 80% of aging in the skin. This includes sagginess, but also an uneven tone. As defense against solar radiation the skin produces excess melanin, which shows up as brown spots. Get in the habit of putting on sunscreen on every morning beneath your moisturizer and makeup.
How long sunscreens remain fully effective. Over time active ingredients break down. But if you are applying the right amount, a 6 ounce bottle would only last for about six applications. So check the expiration date on your bottle. If it’s past its prime, toss it. Also keep your bottle in a cool place as the compounds in sunscreens can degrade in hot temps.
How long it takes someone who frequents tanning beds to develop skin cancer. The UV rays from those bulbs can be up to 12 times as strong as the sun, putting you on the fast track to disease. Tanning bed use increases the risk o basal-cell carcinoma by 69 %. Another study shows it ups your odds of melanoma by 74%. Just one trip to the tanning salon is harmful, and don’t buy into the myth that building a “base” tan offers protection at the beach. Although you might feel safe because there’s less of a burning sensation the damage to your skin is already done.
So that’s the sunburn timeline: 12 key times to remember. Use this information to help get your sun safely this year and avoid those looming skin related problems. See more information and recommended products here. Leave a comment below with your thoughts and share this post with those you know will like it.
Happy Earth Day! To complete our Earth Day Tips countdown we’ve listed the top environmental concerns people have and the categories you can take action and support. From water pollution to global warming, environmental issues affect every person, animal, community, and nation on the planet. As increasing evidence supports the devastating effect humans have on the environment, more people are taking steps to protect the environment and educate others about environmental problems. There are so many different areas you can choose to help, everyone is sure to find a cause to get behind.
Contamination of fresh water used for household needs, including pollution of oceans, rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, ranks top on the list of environmental concerns for many Americans. More than half of respondents stated they worry about the safety of their drinking water a great deal.
General worry over water pollution and associated environmental issues greatly concerns half of all Americans who participated in the poll. Related issues include acid rain, ocean dumping, urban runoff, oil spills, ocean acidification, and wastewater.
Soil erosion, soil conservation, soil salination, and soil contamination by waste, pesticides, and lead worries 50 percent of Americans.
More than 40 percent of Americans expressed concern about wildlife conservation and associated environmental issues, such as endangered species, animal and plant extinction, coral bleaching, introduction of invasive species, poaching, and loss of natural animal habitats resulting in relocation and a break in the food chain.
Concerns over air pollution have remained steady over the last decade, with more than 40 percent of Americans worried about indoor and outdoor air quality, carbon emissions, tropospheric ozone, particulate matter, sulfur oxides, volatile organic compounds, radon, refrigerants, and methane emissions.
including bacteria, viruses, molds, mildew, dander, dust, mites, pollen, ventilation and infection.
and the responsibility of individuals to reduce their effect on the environment, including the use of renewable energy sources (solar power, geothermal heat pumps), recycling, and sustainable living.
and issues related to global warming, such as the greenhouse effect, global dimming, and the gradual rise in sea level.
and over-consumption and their effect on the planet.
and the impact of dams on the environment.
destruction and associated environmental concerns, such as aquaculture, estuaries, shellfish protection, landscaping, wetlands, and ecological restoration.
issues, including renewable energy for home and business, energy efficiency, and fossil fuel depletion.
and its effect on marine ecosystems, blast fishing, cyanide fishing, bottom trawling, whaling, and over-fishing.
concerns and the effects of hormones, antibiotics, preservatives, toxic contamination, and lack of quality control on health.
including concerns about genetically modified foods and genetic pollution.
irrigation, overgrazing, monoculture, methane emissions, and the damaging environmental effects of deforestation for farming and cattle.
and related problems, such as desertification and soil and land pollution.
urban sprawl, lack of free space, and habitat destruction and fragmentation.
deforestation, clear-cutting, destruction of wildlife habitats, and greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming.
and its role in global warming, acid mine drainage, and soil and air pollution resulting from toxic emissions and heavy metals.
and the future effects of nanopollution and nanotoxicology.
and their impact on all aspects of the environment.
including the effects of nuclear fallout, nuclear meltdown, radioactive waste, and the population’s reliance on nuclear power.
issues, such as light pollution and noise pollution, and their effects on human health and behavior.
concerns, such as continued building and burial.
and damage to the Earth’s ozone layer caused by CFC.
the need for newer, cleaner energy sources, and exploitation of natural resources.
and issues such as reducing reliance on fossil fuels, supporting local farmers and merchants, encouraging green practices and building, consideration of native wildlife, and adoption of mass transportation and cleaner methods of commuting.
including chlorofluorocarbons, heavy metals, pesticides, herbicides, toxic waste, PCB, DDT, bioaccumulation, endocrine disruptors, asbestos, and poorly implemented hazardous waste management.
and associated environmental issues, such as litter, landfills, recycling, incineration, marine debris, E-waste, and contamination of water and soil caused by improper disposal and leaching toxins.
So pick a topic and turn that concern into action this year & do your part to impact this world we all share. Happy Earth Day!
Today’s Earth Day Tip is all about getting kids involved. Here are some fun ideas to inspire and encourage the young people in our lives to value and protect the earth and all its living creatures.
This Earth Day, let the kids lead and you’re sure to have a fun and rewarding experience that will show them how to be good stewards of the earth. Check out our Earth Day Tip #1 on Monday.
For our 3rd Earth Day Tip, we wanted to play to you creators! Someone who likes to take something old or used and make not only something creative, but really cool & different. We’re also going off an idea that is not necessarily new, but has picked up a newer alias called “Upcycling“. There are a ton of materials that can be upcycled as well as different levels of difficulty to pulling them off, so we chose 6 ideas we though landed somewhere in the middle. So lets get into it -
This idea takes used pallets that are touched up a bit and makes them into a pallet bench with center table. Great for morning coffee, lunch, or a evening glass of wine!
This next idea is pretty simple, not much modifying here. It involves using an old pallet to make a vertical herb garden that can be put really anywhere depending on the size you choose.
Bird houses or feeders can be made from a lot of different recycled products, but we thought this one was a bit cooler. Just in case you needed another re-use for your old glass bottles, this simple DIY bird feeder is made using scrap wood, wire, a hook, the base of a plastic bottle, and an old glass sauce bottle or wine bottle.
This idea again takes a wine bottle, but this time turns it into a vibrant mosaic table top torch! A little bit more involved and time consuming, but would be a sure “fire” conversation starter!
Believe it or not this next one is actually made from discarded plastic bottles. The bottoms are cut to look like flowers and can be used to create dramatically beautiful curtains, light fixture or room divider.
One of my personal favorites, this idea takes recycled cardboard and turns it into ultra cool & stunning lights. A Seattle and Amsterdam based design studio graypants is behind the idea.
So there it is, 6 cool Earth Day ideas for upcycling and getting creative. To see more ideas and pictures follow us on Pinterest Let us know what you thought in the comments below and share this post with others you think could benefit from it. See you tomorrow for Earth Day Tip #2.
We like the majority of our Earth Day Tips to be low cost or no cost, but still have a big impact. Earth Day Tip #4 is no exception and can actually make a bigger impact on you and the planet than you may think. Tip 4 is Bring Some Green Inside.
We mean this in the form of growing a small plant or plants in you house. This tip focuses on your “mini environment” as we tend to spend much more time indoors than out these days. Many studies have shown that the air in our homes is 2-5 times more polluted than outdoors and many times even more.
On of the first list of air filtering plants was compiled by NASA as part of the NASA Clean Air Study,which researched ways to clean air in space stations. As well as absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, as all plants do, these plants also eliminate significant amounts of benzene, formaldehyde and/or trichloroethylene. This can be especially helpful in today’s age where toxic “air fresheners” & pungent laundry products are pushed more and more. You can read more about this at http://www.nasa.gov/
If you’re looking for something a little bit more intriguing than a houseplant, try planting some fresh herbs that you can then use to spice
up everyday meals. Basil, Thyme and Dill are some popular choices and have some great fresh clean smells.
In addition to the air benefits, you can also improve your home environment in a positive psychological way too. Green is nature’s color. It is restful, soothing, cheerful and health giving. It symbolizes nature and the natural world and also is associated with tranquility and good luck. It is also said that the color green promotes stress relief and an overall calming effect. I don’t know about you but all those sound good to me!
It just goes to show how many small yet impactfull things we can do in our own environments to make an difference in the overall health
of our planet. So go out this week and bring some green inside.
Leave you comments below and share this post with others who could benefit from this information. See you tomorrow!