Water Neutral

So the new phrase in the sustainable living world is "water neutral". This phrase was first used in 2002 at the World Summit on Sustainable Development. The world is starting to not only recognize what they eat, where they shop, what they discard but now it is coming to realize how much water one consumes. Each day we all waste water and if we can become more aware of what and where we are wasting water, then we can be "water neutral". You can check out this site to help calculate how much water you are using and where you can cut back. You might be surprised at how much you are wasting and how much you can save. Sometimes the first step is just recognizing and becoming aware of a situation. So good luck to you as you become more "water neutral"!

10 Foods To Help Reduce Cancer

Researches have found that people who eat a better, healthier diet can reduce their risk of cancer by nearly 60%. Below is a list of foods that are known to help reduce cancer risk. Remember, that choosing the organic options in these foods will contain higher levels of antioxidants and the other compounds that are known to reduce the risk of cancer.

1. Garlic - Garlic contains a number of compounds that can protect against cancer, especially that of the skin, colon, and lungs.

2. Dark Leafy Greens - Dark greens are rich sources of antioxidants called carotenoids. These scavenge dangerous free radicals from the body before they can promote cancer growth.

3. Grapes - Grapes (and red wine) contain the chemical resveratrol, which is a very potent antioxidant that can prevent cell damage before it begins.

4. Green Tea - The flavonoids in green tea have been shown to slow or prevent the development of several types of cancer including colon, liver, breast, and prostate.

5. Tomatoes - The compound lycopene, (which is most easily absorbed from cooked tomatoes) has been shown to prevent prostate cancer, as well as cancer of the breast, lung, and stomach.

6. Blueberries - Of all the berries, blueberries are the richest in cancer fighting compounds. They are beneficial in the prevention of all types of cancer.

7. Flaxseeds - Flax contains lignans, which can have an antioxidant effect and block or suppress cancerous changes. The omega-3 fatty acids can also help protect against colon cancer.

8. Mushrooms - Many mushrooms contain compounds that can help the body fight cancer and build the immune system as well.

9. Cruciferous Vegetables - Vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts contain strong antioxidants that may help decrease cancer risk.

10. Whole Grains - Whole grains contain a variety of anti-cancer compounds including antioxidants, fiber, and phytoestrogens. These can help decrease the risk of developing most types of cancer.

(List taken from www.eatdrinkbetter.com)

Autism and the Enivronment

In the past few years, there has been a rising concern that vaccinations have a role in the increased rate of autism. However, a new study done by University of California Davis reports that there is a link between autism and environmental factors. They have found a correlation between fetal and infant exposure to pesticides, household chemicals, and viruses and the rise of children diagnosed with autism. Items such as certain household cleaners and cosmetics containing phthalates, may be a link to autism. So, what can you do? Try finding household cleaners that are "green", use cosmetic products that are more natural, and even try using soaps that are free from chemicals. This study is just another testament of how the environment truly does effect our health.

Here are some quick tips to help you avoid GMO ingredients and "Frankenfoods."


1) Look for products that voluntarily label themselves as GMO or GE-free.

2) Buy Organic: Products certified as "Organic" are not allowed to contain genetically modified ingredients.

3) Avoid non-organic products that contain the most common genetically engineered ingredients: corn (corn syrup, corn meal, corn oil, etc.), fructose, dextrose, glucose, modified food starch, ingredients including the word "soy" (soy flour, soy lecithin, etc.), vegetable oil, vegetable protein, canola oil (also called rapeseed oil), cottonseed oil, and sugar from sugar beets.

Those Pesky Little Produce Stickers

Want to know how your supermarket produce was grown? Then check its price look-up code (PLU). Those little stickers affixed to your pears and potatoes reveal a lot more than how much you'll pay. If the number is:

5 digits, starting with 8 - The produce was genetically modified.

5 digits, starting with 9 - The produce was grown organically.

4 digits - The produce was grown conventionally (neither organic nor genetically modified).

New Energy Saving Appliances AFTER Jan 1

Congress has recently instated a new bill that will allow a $500 kick back to those who buy energy saving appliances after Jan 1. So if you are interested in doing more to be more green and to save some more money...wait just until Jan 1! In the meantime, you can caulk your air conditioner and then fix your baseboards and windows by caulking them as well. Try to keep the warm air in and the cold air- lessening the amount of energy needed to warm up your home. Also, turn down your water heater to 130 degrees- that's still warm enough to get a hot shower. Then lastly, always turn off ligths and electrical equipment- it will save you money and save energy.

Obama is Promising Green

Our President elect, Barrack Obama, has promised to have a green agenda. This past week he has promised the nation that he will fight climate change. He has plans to reduce emissions and he has promised $15 billion a year to go to low-carbon energy- including solar, wind, nuclear and next-generation biofuels.



Obama has said, "Delay is no longer an option,. Denial is no longer an acceptable response. The stakes are too high. The consequences, too serious."

So our President elect has our hopes up and hopefully he can help deliver a greener tomorrow.

For more information you can read this article.