Herbal Stress Relief Bath with Lavender and Oatmeal

Photo credit: melodi2 from morguefile.com
Instead of soaking in a tub full of bubbles that can irritate the skin, try a natural herbal stress relief bath. Trade in the synthetic fragrances and preservatives for skin nourishing ingredients with a lavender and oatmeal soak. Lavender essential oil will normalize the skin, reduce inflammation and help to destroy bacteria on the skin. It also has a calming effect on the mind, easing tension and anxiety. Oatmeal will sooth and soften dry skin. And of course the hot water is relaxing for tired, aching muscles.

To make an herbal stress relief bath with oatmeal and lavender add one to two cups of dried oats to a muslin pouch. Add this to bath water while the tub is filling with hot water to let the emollient compounds and nutrients of the oats to infuse into the water. Meanwhile, add eight drops of lavender essential oil to a cup of water. You can also use a cup of milk as a carrier for the essential oils for a more skin-softening effect. Add the lavender to bath water right before getting in.

Soak in this herbal bath for twenty minutes to relieve stress naturally while also giving your skin a nourishing botanical treatment. This is an excellent natural alternative to synthetic bubble bath products which contain chemical ingredients that are not good for your skin or the environment. Using natural bath additives such as essential oils and herbs is a great way to reduce your exposure to chemicals while also pampering. Just make sure to make this herbal bath a once a week treat to avoid heavy water usage!

Try a Pair of Hemp Socks This Winter

photo by Knit.Spin

If you've never tried hemp clothing before, now is the time to try out this natural fiber. There are so many benefits of choosing hemp fibers over synthetic fibers, and even cotton — benefits for the environment but also for the consumer. Why not buy a pair of warm, breathable hemp socks to keep your feet warm and dry over the winter? A pair of organic, natural socks is a great way to introduce yourself, or someone else, to the benefits of hemp clothing.

Hemp as a Major Textile

Most people think of cotton when they think of natural fibers, but cotton is by far the least eco-friendly fiber. It simply dominates the market. The amount of water alone to grow a field of cotton, let alone the pesticides and chemical fertilizers that are used for non-organic cotton growth, has been devastating farm land around the world for decades. The Environmental Justice Foundation put out a report on the negative effects of growing cotton on the environment and on human health.

Hemp on the other hand is a much hardier plant that does not require the massive water use or the chemical pesticides and fertilizers. It also leaves the soil in an improved condition after use, with more nutrients for the next crop to use. Growing hemp for fibers is not something new. This natural fiber has been grown for clothing and paper for 12,000 years. It is very strong and long-lasting. Your hemp socks are not going to end up with holes in the toes and heels as is often the case after a year or two of washing with cotton and synthetic fibers.

What Are Hemp Socks Like?

Hemp socks are soft and warm. They blend well with other natural fibers such as cotton, flax and bamboo. Not only will they last longer, but they are more resistant to mold than other fibers, making them a great choice for people with sweaty feet. While an ideal warm winter sock, hemp socks are also great in the summer as your skin will stay dry with a breathable, natural fiber. While you can throw your eco-friendly socks in the washer, it is best to keep them out of the dryer. One more clothing item to line dry and save energy with! Try out a pair of hemp socks this winter and see what your feet think.

The Eco Advantages of Reusable Grocery Bags and Where to Find Them

photo by Kat

Its the twenty-first century and it is time for plastic and paper grocery bags to be a thing of the past. Like many products of the twentieth century, from gas-guzzling cars to clothes dryers, they do not make sense in terms of efficiency, expense or the environment. Plastic and paper bags cost stores money, an expense that it inevitably passed on to the consumer. They also have a negative impact on the environment. Why not make the switch to reusable grocery bags? There are so many advantages for the environment, but also for you.

The Facts on Plastic and Paper

Both plastic and paper bags are made from the earth's natural resources — plastic bags are made from oil and paper bags are made from trees. The extraction and manufacturing process of both materials also puts a strain on the environment. After use, what happens to these bags? Some are recycled, but the majority of bags become trash and end up in landfills. From 1 to 3 percent of all plastic bags produced (and hundreds of billions are produced each year) end up as stray bags, jeopardizing marine life, clogging sewer piper and simply polluting, according to the Environmental Literacy Council.

Benefits of Reusable Bags

Switching to reusable grocery bags is a simple way to make this environmental nightmare go away. Many grocery stores now sell reusable bags for one to two dollars. You can also find cute reusable bags online — try Envirosax for washable, designer bags. ChicoBag offers customized reusable grocery bags made from a variety of materials, including their trademarked rePETe fabric, which is made from 100 percent post-consumer recycled plastic bottles.

From the cute and customized to the standard and sturdy, these bags can be used for years, over and over again. Reusable bags are designed to be super strong, able to carry much more weight than a typical plastic or paper bag. They also are easier to carry, with handles that are not going to break.

Using reusable grocery bags just makes sense. For a few dollars you never have to worry about the hassle of using and properly disposing of paper or plastic. Also, you can use reusable grocery bags for, well anything. When you go shopping for clothes, books, hardware supplies, when you need a few things for a road trip, or to bring a bottle of wine to a friend's house, you have a bag to carry whatever you need.

Saving Used Coffee Grounds for Gardening

photo by Steven DePolo

Why coffee grounds? How can they enhance the growth and well-being of plants? Isn't coffee too acidic for the soil? Used coffee grounds are in fact an excellent organic material for gardening. They are a rich source of nitrogen. This element feeds beneficial microbes which break down other organic matter, and supplies nutrition to plants. They make a safe, natural substitute to manure for compost piles, as they are approximately two percent nitrogen by volume.

Researchers have also found that the presence of the grounds in compost piles helps sustain higher temperatures. These temperatures are ideal for preventing potentially harmful pathogens and kill seeds from surviving. Old coffee grounds have also been shown to improve soil structure and attract earthworms. As most of the acids are leeched out into your cup of coffee while brewing, the grounds are actually close to neutral, with an average pH ranging from 6.5 to 6.8. With a knowledge of proper use, used grounds are an ideal substance for growing better plants.

To use coffee grounds effectively they must be broken down before being placed around plants. Before composting, they have a carbon to nitrogen ratio of twenty to one, which is about the same as animal manure. In this state they can potentially stunt the growth of plants. Composting transforms the grounds into a beneficial source of nitrogen.

How to compost the used grounds? One easy way is to spread them on the top of soil weeks or months before planting, and cover with a layer of leaves or bulk mulch. You can also simply toss the used coffee grounds into your existing compost pile. This will allow the material to break down over time. It can then be mixed into the soil as a nitrogen fertilizer or added to houseplants.

Not only are used coffee grounds great for gardening, but this practical use is good for the environment as well. Coffee grounds are thrown away, eventually ending up in landfills. As they decompose in the waste stream they actually contribute to greenhouse gas emissions by emitting methane. While your daily consumption of coffee may not be that high, the amount of coffee grounds thrown away every day by coffee shops is enormous. By making connections with local cafés, asking for their used grounds, you are supplying yourself with free, natural fertilizer and reducing waste and greenhouse has emissions.

Organic Gardening at Home

photo by Steven De Polo

What is organic gardening? What are the 'rules' that a home gardener has to follow to practice this more eco-friendly version of an already environmentally-friendly past time? What are the benefits of practicing organic home gardening rather then sticking with more conventional methods?

Organic gardening at home is fun, really easy and very rewarding. Where commercial farmers face many challenges in converting to organic, sustainable methods, the home gardener has it easy. With a few simple changes and some patience you can have your own organic garden and organic vegetables, fruits and herbs to enjoy.

Essentially organic gardening is simply growing plants without the use of anything synthetic. Instead of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, eco-friendly alternatives are used such as homemade compost to nourish and improve the soil and techniques such as companion planting to help manage pests. Everything that is put into the earth or used to encourage growth is natural, beneficial and never poses any risk, such as tainting the soil with chemicals.

The result? Produce is also free of toxins (unless there are still some chemical residues in the soil from previous years or even from nearby pollutants). Fruits, vegetables and herbs are fresh and full of flavor. You don't have to pay extra to have organic produce in your kitchen — the organic home gardener grows it themselves. Also, the soil quality is improved for the future.

Fertilizers such as compost, manure, bone meal and other natural substances add nutrients to the soil and beneficial microbes and improve soil texture. Natural mulches such as organic coir, pine needles, straw and compost also act as a source of nourishment. Techniques such as companion planting and crop rotation serve to encourage optimal growth and maintain nutrient balance and sustainability. Basically, organic home gardening is all about being positive. Everyone wins, the gardener, the soil and the environment. With proper techniques and your own home compost pile there isn't even the need to spend more money to go organic.

While organic gardening is much more than a few simple changes, in fact it is more of a philosophy, to step into the world of eco-friendly gardening practices you really don't need to leap that far.

Growing Cooking Herbs at Home

photo by Lizard

Part of living a greener lifestyle is doing things yourself. An easy, fun eco project is to start growing your own cooking herbs. You can easily grow enough plants in small pots, making it feasible to have fresh herbs growing all year round even if you are limited on space.

Growing herbs yourself you will reduce what you need, reducing the negative effects of processing, packaging and transportation, while increasing your ability to produce for yourself and even share with others. You'll also save a little money and may even be inspired to cook at home more.

Which are the best herbs to grow indoors? How exactly does one start an indoor herb garden? First make sure you have what you need — suitable pots, potting soil and a sunny location in the home such as a windowsill. You can use almost anything for planting containers, although they must be clean (don't use previously used containers that held cleaning products or anything with chemicals) and you need to be able to poke small holes or a hole in the bottom for drainage. Recycle plastic milk jugs or soda bottles if you want. Simply cut off the tops and poke small holes in the bottom. You can always purchase three or four small pots. If you enjoy gardening you will get plenty of use out of them. Size does matter. Usually for herbs smaller pots are suitable, such as a four or six inch container, at least six inches deep.

Fill with potting soil, not dirt from outside, leaving about two inches of space from the top of the soil to the top of the container. If possible use organic potting soil. You can also make your own if you have access to compost. Use 2 parts of compost with 1 part garden soil and 1 part sand.

Which herbs are easy to grow indoors? Try:

• Thyme
• Sage
• Basil
• Chives
• Mint
• Oregano
• Rosemary

Start from seed or visit your local nursery for small plants. How to care for your herbs? Lots of sun and not too much water. The soil shouldn't remain moist. Once you've mastered growing cooking herbs you can start your own indoor vegetable garden.

Should You Phase Out Your Incandescent Light Bulbs?

photo by Anton Fomkin

Unless manufacturers can develop a more energy-efficient bulb, eventually you will have to phase out your incandescent lights. (According to the New York Times article by Leora Broydo Vestel, "Incandescent Bulbs Return to the Cutting Edge," July, 5, 2009, the incandescent bulb may not be dead yet. Manufacturers such as Phillips Lighting are coming out with more efficient incandescent bulbs). According to the Energy Independence and Security Act, in 2012 all light bulbs on the market must be 25 to 30 percent more efficient then the typical incandescents available today. California, always leading the pack in going green, has already begin the phase out of incandescent light bulbs; stores are not allowed to re-stock their 100-watt bulbs. Lower watt bulbs such as the 75, 60 and 40-watt incandescents will be phased out in subsequent years.

Why now phase out your own not so eco-friendly lighting products the next time you make a trip to Home Depot or your local hardware stores? Compact fluorescent (CFL) and LED bulbs offer a longer-lasting, more energy efficient alternative. Incandescent bulbs use a whopping 90 percent of their energy to produce heat rather then light, leading to millions of tons of unnecessary pollution being released into the air each year. CFL bulbs are more comparable to incandescent lighting — they are basically equal in terms of brightness, and although the upfront cost is more, they save money on electricity bills and you won't need to buy as many bulbs overall. LED lights are not as bright but they last much longer then both CFL's and incandescent bulbs.

When you do start your household phase out of incandescent light bulbs be sure to dispose of your CFL light bulbs properly (they have to be recycled). LED's, which do not contain mercury like CFL bulbs do, do not have to be recycled.

Two Recipes for a Natural Homemade Kitchen Floor Cleaner

photo by Alan L

Regularly cleaning the kitchen floor is important for getting rid of bacteria and dirt that can easily find its way onto your floor. While conventional cleaners can certainly kill bacteria and remove dirt, they also come with a negative side — harsh chemicals. It is possible to use natural products, or even to make your own to avoid the introduction of chemicals into the air, your home and the environment. Natural ingredients such as lemon juice, vinegar and essential oils also have anti-bacterial properties. They leave a fresh scent after cleaning as well, and unlike conventional products, are completely non-toxic. Try these recipes for a natural homemade kitchen floor cleaner.

Lemon and Baking Soda Natural Floor Cleaner

• 1 fresh lemon
• 2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
• 3 tablespoons of baking soda
• 1 gallon of warm to hot water

Fill a small bucket with the warm water. Add the fresh lemon juice, vinegar and baking soda and then stir. Use to wash the kitchen floor. You can also use it as an all-purpose cleaner for countertops, the stove and refrigerator.

Homemade Floor Cleaner with Essential Oils

• 15 drops of essential oil
• 1 gallon of warm to hot water

Simply add the essential oil to the water. Great essential oils for cleaning include lemon, orange, lime, peppermint, pine and tea tree. Blend the citrus oils together, using five drops of each for an uplifting homemade kitchen cleaner. Peppermint, pine and tea tree make a more invigorating blend. As with the lemon, vinegar and baking soda blend, you can use the antiseptic power of essential oils on kitchen countertops and other surfaces.

5 Easy to Grow Vegetables

photo by Medved

Spring is here and you're ready to start your organic vegetable garden — but what should you plant? Which vegetables grow well together? What about easy to grow vegetables for the novice gardener?

Growing your own veggies is a great way to:

• Save money
• Eat organic
• Cut down on the eco effects of food transportation and packaging

Organic fruits and vegetables are increasingly expensive. At the same time, the sustainability and health benefits make going organic an important green living step. If you haven't already, this is the year to start your own little plot of sustainable, eco-friendly, organic food — may as well go for the vegetables that are easier to grow and work well together in terms of companion planting.

Start your cop with these 5 easy growing veggies:

photo by CDC

1. Beans
2. Lettuce
3. Carrots
4. Beets
5. Cucumbers

If you want to plant a couple companion herbs, consider borage, which has lovely little purple flowers that attract honeybees and predatory insects, and sage, which repels bean parasites.

How to Compost Kitchen Scraps for Your Organic Garden

photo by Andrew Taylor

The warm weather is moving in, the soil is thawing — time to fold in a rich layer of organic compost to improve the quality of your soil. If you don't already have a compost pile sitting out back, filling with decomposing organic refuse, now is as good a time as any to start.

An easy to way begin is by using kitchen scraps for compost. This way you can reduce your own personal contribution to the waste stream and at the same time provide nourishing, bioactive matter for your growing plants. Instead of tossing citrus peels, broccoli stalks and tea bags in the trash, gather them together throughout the day and then move them to your compost bin or pile outside.

To make composting kitchen scraps more efficient, and less messy, use a compost pail to store scraps in between trips to the outdoor pile. They are relatively inexpensive, they can be stored under the kitchen sink and they have a lid to hold in decaying vegetable scrap odors.

What kitchen scraps can you use for your compost pile? All,

• Fruit rinds, peels and cores
• Vegetables
• Sea greens
• Grains, cereals and pasta
• Egg shells
• Tea bags
• Coffee grounds 

photo by Steven DePolo

which have not been processed, cooked in oils or salted. Animal products, oils and fish are not good compost scraps. Stick with the fresh, unadulterated, natural, plant-based foods. Also, if you want to keep your garden organic and chemical-free, try to minimize non-organic kitchen scraps as much as possible.

Knowing how to compost kitchen scraps you can really take advantage of your own waste and take a step in the sustainable direction. Be patient with your decomposing pile, turn it every three to four days at first and then once a week and don't forget to add your yard clippings once the grass starts growing.