Organic Cleaning Products are Toxin Free

Have you noticed that many stores are now carrying organic cleaning products? Before you purchase, it is best to go to a sight like  EWG for great advice.

A popular movement towards green cleaning has been underway for the past few years. Here are a few basic points to remember when shopping in the store or  on your favorite green online store.

What is Green Cleaning?

• This is cleaning that is done with organic cleaning products; these are toxin free products that do not present the harmful chemicals of common commercial products. Green cleaning companies are supposed to be held to much higher standards than are required by either federal or state regulations.

• What is the Purpose of Going Green?
  The purpose is to finally address the large variety of illnesses that have sprung from exposure to commercially branded cleaning products. Not only have people suffered from the use of such products; our environment has taken quite a toll from them as well.

• What is the Benefit of Green Cleaning?
  The benefit of green cleaning is that we discover and use healthful and safe ways to maintain our clean environment. We protect our health when we live green because we minimize if not eliminate toxins in our environment. Often by living green we can avoid illnesses that toxins can present, and allow our bodies to heal if we’ve already gotten sick from toxin exposure.

Dangers of Toxic Chemical Cleaning Agents

When we are exposed to chemical cleaning products, it increases our risk of developing allergies, contributes to the development of cancer, and reduces our immunity. With all of these potential health risks facing us, it’s no wonder that we are all searching for healthier alternatives.

What, do you suppose, drives the push for more research? Suits, probably. These toxic chemicals are making people sick. They go to the doctor as a result of falling ill only for the doctor to determine that these toxins are the cause. Research has shown that benzene, formalin, and other solvents are all harmful to our health. This has caused our legislators to enact regulations to limit our exposure to them.

Still, it’s surprising, however, that many of these chemicals have not been banned at this point since their dangers are known. For this reason, we see the movement toward organic cleaning materials.

Organic cleaning products are a safe, natural alternative to the harmful chemicals found in traditional cleansers. For the most part, they are relatively easy to find. Though you might have a bit of difficulty in locating organic cleaning agents at one of your favorite retailers, you should not have any trouble finding them at health food stores or online. In fact, many people prefer shopping for organic cleaning products online because the internet offers a greater number of products from which to choose.

Shop for Organic Cleaning Agents

As you search for organic cleaning products, keep in mind that you still need to carefully read product labels. Some products might say they are “natural” or “organic”, but in reality, they might not actually meet this claim. Become familiar with the ingredients that are most commonly used in both traditional and organic cleaning products so that you can become an informed consumer, and learn how to choose the safest products for your home.

In the United States, one way that you can be more confident that you are purchasing truly organic cleaning products is by looking for the National Organic Program on products before buying them. Organic cleaning products, on the other hand, might still have a stamp of approval from an accrediting agency indicating that they have gone through a standard regulatory process in order to certify that they only sell true organic items.

When you take the time to become better informed about the choices that are available to you, you’ll learn that organic cleaning products are easy to find, and will probably fit nicely into your budget. The overall benefit to you and your family will make you wonder why you didn’t make the switch sooner.

or What’s the deal with organic foods?

by Karen A. Teeters

Years ago my immune system was in poor shape. I suffered from so called seasonal allergies all year round so my body was fighting those natural foreign substances all the time even though things like mold, dander and pollen really could not hurt me.

I discovered that supplements could build up my immune system and make me feel better. I was feeling run down all the time so you can imagine that when I discovered supplements, I thought it was a miracle.

But many years later I made a better discovery. Naturally or organic grown whole foods like fruits and vegetables had all these great vitamins and nutrients in them. The healthy, organic soil is the source of the nutrients. And my body could absorb these nutrients in a natural healthy way that built up my immune system even better than supplements. Agribusiness no longer farms in this older, organic fashion and thus the conventional whole foods do not contain the nutrients our bodies need to thrive.

Here are two great videos I discovered on YouTube. They are offered by an educational health video company called PsycheTruth. So what’s the deal with organic foods? Watch on…

Youtube LinkOne

Youtube LinkTwo

What is your opinion? Do you buy organic to get the nutrients your body needs naturally? What difference has it made in your health?

Nourish, and Detoxify the Body

Guest Post from Organic LifeStyle Magazine

by Carrie Ciula

Watermelon

The cooling qualities of watermelon make it wonderful for a quick and easy summer detox staple. Add the delicious factor into the mix, and you’re sailing along with a warm weather cleansing trifecta! With positive effects on the kidney, bladder, heart, stomach, colon, and liver, watermelon works to cleanse (nearly) the entire body! According to traditional Chinese medicine, it cools the energetic channels in the body that are dominated by fire-making.

It is therapeutically helpful in cases of urinary tract infections. for those who cannot tolerate high sugar foods, watermelon juice can be fermented (using the same cultures and process as kefir) into a refreshingly fizzy, sugar-free drink.

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Sprouts

Sprouts are, literally, bursting with life. Sprouting is the natural process of transforming a dormant seed to a living seed. Grains, legumes, and other seeds that have been sprouted sport an impressive amount of precious enzymes, and aside from being important to digestion, enzymes play a role in the ongoing process of detoxification.

Sprouts are rich in plant-based protein and are an excellent source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. To top it all off, sprouts offer an easy way to keep fresh, inexpensive food in your home, year round.

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Cucumber

Largely due to faddish, eye-covering cucumber pics strewn about nearly every magazine, few of us are a stranger to the cooling potential of cucumber. Chinese medicine believes that cucumber has a cleansing effect on the blood and clears internal heat from the body, which is helpful for inflammatory conditions…it also believes cucumbers have a soothing effect on the nerves and aid in the treatment of insomnia. While this cooling fruit’s thirst quenching nature makes it a great summer treat eaten alone, it is equally incredible juiced and/or infused into a pitcher of water- in the same way many people do with lemon or lime.

Aloe Vera

There is a reason that bottles of aloe vera gel line grocery store shelves every summer season. if you have ever sliced open an aloe leaf to slather it over a sunburn, you’re already familiar with its cooling savvy. Taken internally, aloe reduces heat and has intestinal stimulating abilities. for this reason, when used mindfully, it can be an effective treatment for constipation. While good quality, organic bottled aloe can be found, it is best fresh, scooped straight from the leaf, with all of its cooling constituents entirely intact.

Purslane

Ahhh…..purslane. ((Love!)) Purslane is a special plant~ rare in its qualities, but not in its findings. it is actually a very common and beneficial weed. What is extraordinarily brilliant about purslane is its omega 3 content- unusual for a land vegetable, as most omega 3 comes from oily fish and micro-algae. Like many of the other hot weather friendly foods, purslane is a contender when it comes to cooling inflammation in the body. it is a potent detoxifier and effectively dissipates internal heat. Make an omega 3 rich meal by adding a handful of purslane- fresh from the yard- into your favorite salad or smoothie.

Carrie Ciula is a writer, educator and mind/body therapist, focusing on health and sustainability through indigenous nutrition and vibrational medicine. Carrie is passionate about restoring a connection with our Earth~ in a way that allows transformational healing for both ourselves and the planet~ and celebrating this connection between our personal well-being and wild lands through sustainable living practice, wild/whole food education and energetic healing. Carrie works, lives (…and plays) in Indianapolis. Her website is www.carrieciula.com. Read more about Carrie Ciula

Guest Video/Blog from The Hour Interview with Ed

The actor and environmental activist talks about 40 years of living green.

The Moment it All Changed:

“I started in 1970 with the first Earth Day… I was 20 years old — I’d lived two decades in that horrible choking smog… I’d had enough, I said, ‘Earth Day, sign me up! I want to be part of the solution, not part of the problem.’ I started recycling, composting, I rode my bike around, I took public transportation.”

On Riding His Bike to an Oscars Party:

“I was thought of as more odd than I am today, if that’s possible.”

On how his Eco-Friendly House fit into the Hollywood Lifestyle:

“There was a time when people thought it was really weird, and people said, ‘Ed, have you fallen on hard economic times?’ They literally thought there was something wrong, that I’d had a bankruptcy filing or something.”

Thank you to The Hour for this story.

Ed Begley walks his talk and even has his own natural cleaning product, Begley’s Best.

Courtesy of:  ChasingGreen.org

It isn’t enough to simply write about going green, I have to actually follow my own advice in order to make a real impact. I know from experience that revising one’s routine and accommodating for an environmental conscience takes work. And just like any new habit, going green takes cultivation to become second nature. To help you get started, I’m sharing some of the green things I did today. Keep reading to see just how quick and easy going green can be.

6:30 am – I used to bring a new plastic water bottle to the gym each day, but this morning I filled up a reusable bottle with filtered tap water instead. As a bonus it’s cheaper to do this then to buy a 12 pack of single use water bottles each two weeks.

7:40 am – Before I left the house for work, I banished vampire energy by unplugging my cell phone charger, coffee pot, toaster, and stereo. I also quickly switched off the power-strip that’s connected to my TV and DVD player. Light Switch

7:45 am – Listening to my father’s voice in my head, I turned off all the lights in the house before leaving.

7: 50 am – My car is not fuel-efficient by any means, so I left the gas guzzler behind and walked the short distance to work.

10:52 am – When I needed to print something off the computer at work, I reduced paper waste by using both sides.

12:47 pm – I was getting sick of receiving my Macy’s statement in the mail each month even though I pay my bill and manage my account online. So I called them on my lunch break and signed up for paperless statements that will be sent to my email account. Reusable Shopping Bags

5:56 pm – Before going to the grocery store, I stopped by my house to pick up my reusable shopping bags that I store in the kitchen pantry.

6:12 pm – At the grocery store, I bought local fruits and vegetables to support the farmers in my community. Not only are they fresher the produce doesn’t have to be shipped across the country to get to my neighborhood store.

7:42 pm – After dinner I saved water and energy by not running the not-quite-full load of dishes in the dishwasher. I’ll do it tomorrow after breakfast even though I’ll have to use the miss-matched spoon for my cereal in the morning since it’s the only one left that’s clean.

8:23 pm – I chose to do my laundry in cold water and hung everything up on an indoor drying rack.

Passion for Earth Day, Everyday

This Earth Day Weekend, I will not be going to an Earth Day”event”. Instead I will be going to a car show with my husband Scott because that is part of our business. He is so totally passionate about cars and that is part of what I love about him. I love that he is passionate about cars, about the planet, about good health. And me, well I’ll be learning more about cars at the show but I will be beaming because we will be sharing our new car website that I created. I am passionate about websites and what they can do for people’s passions.

So what has all this to do about Earth day you say? While I am  very devoted to being green and making wise earth choices, I think as individuals when we pursue our passions, really good things happen for our relationships, for our planet. You can call me a love and peace hippy guru, you can call me a new age freak, but I prefer to think of myself as someone who can see the potential. When you can see the potential in yourself  you start flying with your passions,  and  then you can more easily see the potential and passion in everyone!

Maybe with everyone’s passions flying we will manifest  earth day every day. What are you doing this Earth Day weekend and every day thereafter?  Make it  happen with passion!

Passion for Nature

Karen Teeters is a devoted blogger  and website designer. If you you like this  little bit of opinion, feel free to share it and just link back to http:/www.greenlivingzone.com. To enjoy more of Karen’s work go to http://www.fivestarsitemakers.com and check out the portfolio page. Namaste.

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Green Tips for your Green World

Here are Ten Green, Simple, Healthy Ideas to remember and use  from day to day as you strive to stay on your ‘Stepping Lightly” and “Living Simply” path. So whether you are on a trip to the grocery store or writing a things to do list, keep these ideas  in mind or posted on your board.

List – Courtesy of GreenIdeasToday.com

Vinegar

1. Vinegar – Refined processed vinegar is usually a dilution of acetic acid. It works as a great cleaning product and can replace glass cleaners (that contain ammonia) for most practical cleaning applications.

Natural vinegar, like apple cider vinegar has been around for centuries and is a source of vitamins and a natural health remedy.

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Baking Soda

2. Baking Soda – A natural abrasive all-purpose cleaner, baking soda can be used to brush your teeth and soothe minor skin irritations.

It is also an effective odor remover and can be used to keep fridges smelling fresh. This will replace cleaners that contain calcium hypochlorite that can react to release chlorine gas.

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lemons

3. Lemons – Possess a wonderful, natural flavor and smell that can’t be reproduced artificially. In addition to traditional use in cooking; lemons are also a natural cleaner and ares anti-bacterial due to  high acid content.

Lemons are also used in home remedies.

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hemp

4. Hemp – Seeds contain all the necessary amino acids and fatty acids necessary to maintain human life. Hemp seed oil can be used for a variety of purposes such as a nutritious food additive and as an ingredient in skin creams.

Hemp fibers are used in rope, paper and for various construction products. Hemp can also be used to produce plastic as an alternative to petrochemical based plastics.

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clothesline

5. Clothes Lines – It is estimated that 5% of residential energy use goes toward clothes dryers. Hanging your clothes to dry will save energy and will provide the addedd benefit of making your clothes smell nice and fresh.

Dryers can be dangerous and start fires if their vents aren’t cleaned. They are also a source of dust in the home.

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water

6. Water – Nothing refreshes or quenches thirst like water. Water is basically free and municipal water that is filtered is a cheap, healthy alternative to bottled water.

Bottled water tends to catch a lot of flack from environmentalists, but, for my money soda pop is  worse. All of the problems of bottled water plus a whole lot of sugar, artificial flavours and chemicals. Water, the drink that refreshes.

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Bicycling

7. Bicycles – A practical low-carbon footprint transportation mechanism and good form of exercise. Riding a bike burns around 400-500 calories/hour.

Remember, when  you are riding to wear  a helmet and bright clothes to make sure you can be seen.

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beans

8. Beans – A high source of protein, dietary fiber, low in fat and complex carbohydrates. Many beans need to be cooked to make them edible (soybeans, kidney beans); when raw they contain toxins.

Much of the developing world rely on beans as a key source of dietary protein.

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bamboo

9. Bamboo –More and more products are made from bamboo. Although, not a local product bamboo is a renewable resource and is actually a grass rather than a tree.

Bamboo is a source of food and used as a fiber in clothes. Its wood is used in construction and flooring, and in kitchen utensils. Clothing made from bamboo is is hypoallergenic and wicks away moisture.

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Herbs

10. Fresh Herbs – Can easily be grown in your backyard or even on a window sill. Some  favorites include: basil, cilantro, dill, organo, parsley and rosemary.

Herbs are a source of natural flavour (instead of MSG).

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For more great green livng tips refer to Green Living Magazine Online and Subscribe to their newsletter.

Have more great ideas? Share them with our readers right here!

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Each person’s effort to live sustainably, peacefully, simply on this planet earth will be expressed in a unique manner. We are interdependent of each other and I believe to survive on this planet and to survive as a race that the majority of us need to make a different choice. Saving Gaia, our sumptuous green planet Earth is the biggest benefit of going green,stepping lightly and living simply. It is time to scale the consumption back.

Get out of the rat race and become a human being. You can read articles about how our individual actions effect the earth. But now it’s time for each of us to take action and in our own unique ways, be kinder to ourselves, live healthier and go green. I invite you to comment on my posts as I review books, products, services and resources and  as I share a few of my own insights to help us all create a greener, simpler path.

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Keeping it green and simple,

Karen Ann Teeters

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