The less optimistic among us love to point out that “green” is a trend, and, like all trends, that it will fade with time. I proudly say that I’m not green because it’s trendy, but because it’s who I am. I strive for beauty and balance in my life, and that means respecting the people, plants and animals around me. I’ve raised my standards and have come to expect a world where everybody cares about the consequences of their actions.

More than just an accumulation of ecologically-sound actions, being green has to be who you are. It’s an intuitive thing; it means taking into account your neighbors, the trees in your yard, the birds nesting in that tree, and the bugs that sustain those birds. It means being aware of the big web that holds this world together, and then letting your actions come from that awareness. Everything is interconnected.

Respect, self-awareness and future-thinking are at the heart of being green. Nobody can do it all, but all of us can do our best. I don't think green is a trend; I think we're all finally waking up to ask the important question: how will my actions affect the seventh generation?

Image: Mayr

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As the sun moves through its yearly apex, the bright rays shine through my windows and bring light to all those dirty little things I was able to ignore in the darker winter months. There are great tips all over EcoSalon for naturally removing the nitty gritty from your kitchen and your clothes. But now I need to polish my silver earrings, shine my Tibetan singing bowl and make my iron skillet look pretty enough to cook in again.

Here are some old-fashioned, non-toxic ways to clean metal:

Iron: Scrub down your iron item with a little water and some steel wool. Once it’s clean, let it dry completely and rub in a little oil to keep it from rusting again.

Silver: Make a paste out of baking soda and water. Leave it on the silver for a minute, rinse with hot water and polish! If your silver is heavily tarnished, leave the paste on for an hour.

Pewter: Pewter can be washed in warm, soapy water and then polished clean.

Chrome: A lot of places recommend cleaning chrome with diluted ammonia, but that’s not something I want to keep around my house. Try rubbing the chrome with a piece of aluminum foil dipped in white vinegar instead.

Brass and Copper: Years ago a friend recommended ketchup for cleaning my copper bracelet, and it worked! It’s the acidity that does the cleaning, so a mix of lemon juice and baking soda will do the trick. If the tarnish is too heavy, soak your items in hot vinegar and salt until you see the shine, then take it out and rinse.

Et voila! Sit back and enjoy the shine, chemical free!

Image: Jones G Gallery

via The Good Human

If you’ve ever considered vacationing in Taos, consider staying in an Earthship for the night. Earthships are surprising constructions,  made mainly from old tires, aluminum bottles and cans. Far from looking like a trash heap, Earthships are elegant, well-insulated and built to blend into the natural environment.

Located 15 minutes outside of Taos in the high New Mexican desert, HelioHouse’s Earthship serves as an educational, sustainable vacation rental and boasts comfortable furnishings, a full kitchen and beautiful views. They’ve even got wireless internet.

But besides the creature comforts, HelioHouse – and all Earthships – uses passive solar, passive ventilation, rainwater catchment, graywater systems, and onsite solar sewage treatment, to create off-grid, wholly sustainable living.

By staying at HelioHouse you can support innovative green design and at the same time learn about a very viable alternative, green building method. Consider this an education vacation.

Check out the DVD Garbage Warrior to learn more about Earthship innovator and biotect Michael Reynolds.

I have a friend who swears that dark cherry juice with cacao powder will enhance your mood, and though I can’t vouch for the L-tryptohan (a serotonin producer) he claims this combo contains, I can tell you it’s a blend that just feels good (and tastes divine!).

There are, however, proven foods to give our brains a “feel good” boost. Without getting too technical, serotonin is a neurotransmitter which produces feelings of satisfaction and tranquility. Dopamine is another one, creating focus and pleasure. I did some research on how to naturally boost these neurotransmitters and here’s what I found:

Complete protein produces dopamine. Keep in mind, eating too much protein in a meal will cancel out dopamine’s alertness and make you sleepy.
Foods containing complete protein are meat, poultry, eggs and certain vegetarian combinations such as rice and beans, corn and cheese, beans with nuts and seeds, or quinoa. Bragg Liquid Aminos is a great tasting supplement.
Carbs (sugars and starches) produce serotonin. Think breads, grains and veggies. But you have to eat your carbs without protein or fat, or serotonin production will be inhibited. That’s why some foods high in L-tryptophan (protein-rich cottage cheese, turkey, and eggs) won’t boost your serotonin.
Simple sugar gives the quickest serotonin rush (this explains why we crave candy), but also the hardest crash. Complex carbohydrates (brown rice, potatoes, pasta) give a slower, more extended boost.
For added serotonin, try pasta with low-fat sauce, rice with steamed vegetables, potatoes (no butter!), veggie sushi or lentils with steamed broccoli. And of course, cacao.
Overindulging in alcohol, caffeine or stress depletes neurotransmitters, putting you in a worse mood and making it harder to use food as a medicine.

Keep in mind, there’s no quick fix. You can’t just eat a slice of bread, sit back and expect to be happy; brain chemistry is more complex than that. The best solution is to eat a well-balanced diet of organic, whole foods. Perhaps you were expecting a magic pill?

Sources:
The Facts About Fitness
Go Ask Alice
About.com

Image: Ruth L

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I’ve been fully vegetarian for the past few years, and on-and-off for at least a decade, and although there’s been much more awareness about meat-free sources of protein, one question I get a lot is “How do you get enough iron?”

This is a great question because as a woman, I need almost twice as much iron as a man. I’ve suffered iron deficiency at times, but over the years I finally figured out what I need to eat in order to keep myself energetic and balanced. Here are my blood-building essentials.

Dark Green Superfoods: Spirulina, chlorella and wheat grass are the superfoods of green. Every day or two I take a teaspoon of spirulina in a glass of juice. Haven't had any iron problems since.
Dark Leafy Greens: Though they’re not as high in iron as the superfoods, leafy greens like spinach, kale and mustard are good to incorporate regularly into salads.
Nuts and Seeds: Tahini (sesame butter) and almonds top the list in this category.
Dried Fruits: Dried figs, apricots, peaches and raisins. I put these in my luxurious snack mix.
Beans: Garbanzo beans (the main ingredient in hummus), lentils, black, kidney and pinto beans. I eat a meal incorporating legumes at least two or three times a week.
Vitamin C: It’s very important to eat enough citrus fruits and berries, because vitamin C helps your body better absorb iron.

The real answer to getting enough iron is a balanced, varied diet of whole foods, plus the green superfood boost. It’s as tasty and easy as that.

Images: derek purdy

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I’m sure you’ve heard it a million times, “You’re a human being, not a human doing.” Um, yeah, so what does that mean? How are you just supposed to "be" when there a million things pressing on your time? Work, home duties, family obligations - life!

Well, maybe you can make time for some sleep yoga. Yoga Nidra, the yoga of sleep, involves nothing more than laying down in shavasana, relaxing, and listening to some guided meditation. And as easy as that sounds, it can be really challenging. When was the last time you were able to clear your mind and be still?

The incredible thing about Yoga Nidra is that it helps you reach a state of being that transcends all your problems and obligations. For a few moments you can float in perfect bliss and feel who you truly are. It’s from this kind of mental state that brilliant insights arise. You may reach a new perspective on your activities, something that’ll make the doing part of life so much easier. So give yourself a chance to just be - you deserve it.

Image: devilpato1

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A lot of things are called “nature’s candy", but the date really is. Sweet, luscious, just a bit gooey – could it get any better than that? Actually, it does. With calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium, plus a range of vitamins and amino acids, dates make a great part of a well-rounded diet. They're also a smart sweet if you're watching your blood sugar - the glycemic score of dates is a very low 9.

In the middle of the day when I start to crave candy, I satiate the urge with stuffed dates. I'll split the date open, remove the pit and then fill it up with whatever I have on hand. Here are some favorite stuffing combinations for a decadent treat:

Fill the dates with cacao nibs and almond butter and roll them in coconut flakes.

Bleu cheese (foodies know the sweet-pungent contrast really works well!)

For an Algerian dessert, stuff the dates with marzipan and sprinkle with powdered sugar.

I’ve never tried this one, but it sounds intriguing: stuff the dates with almonds and then wrap them with thin slices of bacon or proscuitto. Secure with a toothpick and bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes, until the bacon crisps.

Fill them with mascarpone or cream cheese (flavored with lemon juice and honey). You can eat this as-is, or wrap prosciutto around it and bake it as above.

Blend a mixture of pistachios, orange juice, orange zest and a pinch of sea salt until you get a thick paste. Fill your dates with this for a very Middle Eastern flavor.

Make a mixture of roasted sesame seeds, sliced almonds and crushed cardamom. Stuff and enjoy.

Whip up some of my chocolate-avocado pudding and top with chopped dates. Mmmmm.

Image: cyancey

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Sweating out the summer? Here are some tips to keep you beautiful and healthy throughout the heat.

First, don’t forget your biodegradable, petroleum free, marine safe sunscreen.

You’ve gotta protect your face with a sustainably made sunhat.

If you’re sick of the daily bout with a razor, try waxing your legs instead. Moom wax is made of truly natural, virtually edible ingredients.

Keep your skin well-exfoliated with organic body scrub.

This is the perfect time of year to exercise outside. You may not be fit enough for beach yoga, but even yard work counts! Do some stretching on the grass, run in the park, or organize a group game with the neighbors.

Stay hydrated! Drink plenty of water, of course, and eat sweet, hydrating fruit for lunch. Here’s a fantastic recipe for luxurious fruit salad.

The driest time of the year is also the most important time to conserve water. Here are 14 pretty painless water conservation tips that everyone needs to know.

Enjoy your summer, everyone. I hate to say it, but turn off your computer (yes, sniff, step away from EcoSalon) and go outside! We’ll still be here when you’re ready to come inside and cool off.

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Image: Thiago Floriano

To paraphrase Gandhi, you have to be the change you want to see in the world. If you don’t do it, who will? We’re depending on you (yes, you!) to take the first steps to show everyone how it’s done. Are you up to the challenge? Here’s how you can be the change:

Be the Change in Your Relationships

Communicate. If you’re serious about having profound and loving personal relationships, you have to learn about effective communication. One little-known tip is that listening is just as important as speaking. Check out Non-Violent Communication; it's the best method I know for teaching the communication skills we never learned growing up.

Be Honest. Lying never, ever pays off. You’ll know you did something wrong, and subconsciously so will your partner. Either be transparent with your partner or don’t do those things you'll have to lie about.

Own Up To Your Part. You are not a victim! You play a part in everything that happens in your relationship. Quit blaming others so you can get to the real nitty-gritty of communication, honesty, growth and love.

Look in the Mirror. Do you always like what you see when you look at your loved ones? Remember, they are mirrors showing you parts of yourself. Keep this in mind when the emotional triggers are pulled, and use this information to help you develop more understanding and better connections with the people in your life.

Study Tantra. It’s not all about sex, I swear, but it does make it better. Actually, Tantra teaches about self-love, masculine-feminine balance, and a profound spiritual connection with your partner and the world. Go on, try it.

Be the Change at Work

Do What You Love. You’re not doing anyone any good by suffering at a job you hate. Take a risk and follow your heart. What have you got to lose but your chains? You'll never regret being courageous. (Daring is not the same thing as irresponsible, so try to take calculated risks, not foolish ones.)

Be of Service. Does your occupation contribute to making the world a better place? Enlightened connection with the world requires that we pursue positive and meaningful work, or we’ll just be pursuing empty, egoic dreams.

Don’t Sell Your Soul for Money. Doing something you don’t feel good about just for the money ultimately crushes your soul. It’s always better to do the right thing. Imagine what the world would be if everybody did? But don't feel guilty for being a career go-getter, either - you can use your position and money for the greater good.

Know When to Take a Break. Or a Vacation. Burnout creates more stress, worse health, lower morale and less productivity. Why let yourself get to that point at all?

Consider Work a Classroom. You spend so much time on the job, why not use the arising challenges as a chance to practice being present, compassionate and communicative? Learn to see your job as a springboard for your personal evolution.

Be the Change in Your Health

Eat Consciously. It doesn’t matter so much what you eat as how you eat it, and why. Emotional eating drives us straight to empty foods, whereas self-love makes us want to treat our bodies in the best way. Are you feeding your human machine the finest superfoods, or are you filling up your old clunker with junk?

Move Your Body. Dance, run, bike to the grocery store, do yard work, walk the dog, lift heavy boxes, stretch or do yoga. I don’t care what you do, just get up and do something! Give your heart a reason to pump blood!

Eliminate Toxic Products. Consider every product you use in your house and on your body. Are they poisonous? Carcinogenic? Educate yourself about household and cosmetic chemicals and phase them out of your life forever.

Heal All Your Bodies. It’s humbling to realize that your physical health is deeply intertwined with your emotional and mental health, too. This means you have to look at underlying issues when addressing physical symptoms. Be brave and don’t be afraid to dig a little deeper.

Rest, Relaxation and Relief. Sound, sex, and breathing: there are so many wonderful ways to relieve stress. Use them!

Be the Change for the Environment

Ride Your Bike. Or use public transportation as much as you can. Everybody’s transportation needs are different, but it’s important to set an intention to move yourself around in a healthier, more sustainable manner.

Reduce Electronic Appliance Use. Turn out the lights when you leave the room, unplug appliances when not in use, enjoy evenings by candlelight, and sit outside under the summer moon. Instant bliss.

Ask the Big Question. When making purchasing, lifestyle and household decisions, ask yourself “If everybody else did this too, what would the world be like?”

Reduce. Reuse. Simplify. The simpler your needs, the less resources have to be taken from the environment to support them. Remember, Zen is in.

Learn About Permaculture. It’s more than just an incredibly efficient way to garden; Permaculture principles can be applied to businesses and society in general. Self-sufficient and sustainable to the core - it's the triple bottom line.

Be the Change in Your Self

Don’t Be Afraid of Therapy. There are so many different ways to unravel your inner knots, it would be silly not to give them a try. Why reinvent the wheel and try to figure it all out yourself? Sometimes you need the help of someone with experience. Check out yoga therapy, sound therapy, and dance therapy in addition to traditional talk therapies.

Meditate. Even if you don’t set aside time for seated or walking meditation, make an effort to be mindful and present in all that you do. That’s what’s called living meditation.

Be Creative. Keep a journal, carry a sketchbook, make jewelry, funkify your clothes, grow a garden – anything that puts your best energies into material form. The good of the world depends on your creative contributions.

Maintain A Spiritual Connection. No matter what your faith, the world is sweeter and makes much more sense when you live by the belief that we are interconnected and essentially all One.

Identify Your Purpose and Passion. Then let that purpose and passion guide your life. Follow your bliss!

How will you be the change today?

Image: Mayr

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Listen up, ladies, I want you to back away from that Midol. Monthly cramps and backaches may plague us from time to time, but they’re not a required part of the program. Over the years I’ve discovered some natural ways to help relieve period pains.

Diet: One summer I had vegan, semi-raw roommates and I adapted my diet to theirs. For the first time in my life, I had no cramps, backaches, or any other uncomfortable menstrual symptoms. Since then I’ve been paying close attention to my diet and notice that on months when I overindulge in cooked foods, and the big no-no’s (coffee, alcohol, chocolate, fatty and salty foods), my symptoms come on a lot stronger. It may sound cliché, but diet really matters.

Chinese Medicine: Dong Quai is a Chinese herb which strengthens the uterus. I buy it as a tincture and drink a weak formula (about 10 drops in a glass of water) every few days throughout the month. A few days before my period, I increase the strength. Follow the recommended dosage on the label and do not exceed it! (I overdid it once and suffered cramps that were far worse than normal. Ouch!)

Medicinal Herbs: A great topical pain reliever is cannabis oil, rubbed on the lower back and belly. Now, I’m not advocating illegal activity, but if you live in California and know someone with a medical marijuana prescription, ask them for a handful, put it in a small jar and pour olive oil over it. Let it sit for at least a few weeks and you’ll have a very potent medicinal oil. A little of this goes a long way.

Downtime: If you can manage it, take a day off. I’ve found that my energy is low on the first day of my little moon and I’m just not productive at all. Why force it? Take care of yourself. Our society works on arbitrary standards of time, while your body in is cycle with a giant celestial body, the moon. Heed nature’s call and give yourself a break, will ya?

You can also try Sara's crampbark remedy.

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Image: greencolander