Pack your food articles properly - Make it Green

Packed foods adore the shelf of every store. In fact, by packing, the shopkeeper tries to keep you away from the food article you want to buy. You are denied the opportunity of feeling the article before buying.

Why not packed food?

One interesting fact is that by properly packing the food, the life of the article increases. At the same time one does not know when the item was procured by the trader and when he packed it. Precisely speaking, one does not know how fresh the packed food is. As a matter of general principle, it is always safe to use organic papers or packaging materials instead of plastic. Alternatively, buy the food article in bulk; pack it well in small quantity using organic packing products. That retains the freshness of the article packed.

Packing cheese:

This is one of the most commonly used food product. Some of the manufacturers cut the cheese into small pieces and then over pack it also. Experts say that over packed cheese is over processed. Instead, buy the cheese in enough quantity and cut it into required pieces as and when required.

Raisins and other food products:

Here also, the Raisins and Prunes are cut into small pieces and they are packed. These individual packs are put in a plastic bag. The plastic reacts with the food articles and it may even spoil the food. Instead, buy the Raisins and prunes in required quantity, put them in small reusable organic containers and put them in a large organic box. Of course, this is exactly what the trader has done, but you put your actual requirement in individual reusable organic boxes. Unfortunately, while packing food articles most of the organic packaging procedure is not followed. The separate pack of food adoring the store’s shelf is a mere waste of space and time consumed in packing the item. Instead, one should buy it in large quantity and pack it at home using reusable organic packaging procedure. The strangest scene is pickles which are packed in small quantity. Why should one not buy them in large quantity and pull out the required quantity as and when required?

Packing lunch:

Another interesting packing is of lunch. The entire menu is packed separately in small quantity and then all these individual packs are put in one cover. In fact, now disposable covers are available and that is quite convenient and that is the best way to go green. That retains the freshness of the food article.

Are you Obese? Then think of how frequently you are using plastic articles in your daily life

Plastic is a combination of many chemicals. Researchers have found that most of the chemicals used in the making of plastic are dangerous to the human body. They say that these chemicals react with whatever materials are stored in the plastic and it becomes the source for many ailments.

How it reacts?

Some of the known reasons for obesity are lifestyle, eating habits and lack of exercise. Interestingly, researchers have found that Obesogenes, one of the chemicals used in the making of plastic has the potency to camouflage itself into a natural hormone. This camouflaged hormone then starts to react in a disastrous manner and it upsets the entire endocrine system. This ‘misled’ endocrine system starts to secrete more fat cells. Although fat cell by itself does not cause obesity, it makes it difficult to lose weight because it embraces fat.

Timing is important:

The reaction of Obesogenes during the important period of change of metabolic activities causes a change of metabolic mechanism. For example, the age of attaining puberty is very important in the life of every woman. Similarly the period of pregnancy and the period immediately after delivery of the child is another era of changing metabolic activity. Researchers say that reaction of Obesogenes, particularly during this important period of metabolic change will cause obesity.

Results of the research:

The experiments done so far are restricted to the animals like rodents, mice, etc. Researchers in the University of California say that behavior and making of fat cells in rodents and mice is exactly similar to that of human beings. Researchers have also found that those humans who are obese do have higher levels of Obesogenes. Of course the cause and effect of Obesogenes on the humans is still under study and no conclusions have been arrived at as yet. But correlating the results of research carried out on rodents and mice compels one to make a general conclusion that Obesogenes cause obesity. In fact researchers give one more example; a person who is not obese could be a voracious eater but he is still thin. A person who is obese and practices strict diet still gains weight! This is because the person who is not obese has less of Obesogenes compared to the person who is obese!

With all these results, the scientists are of the opinion that Obesogenes present in plastic takes the person to the road to obesity.

$50 Giveaway at NaturesOrganicMarket.com

Natures Organic Market Newsletter January 5th, 2010 Dear Rod, $50 Giveaway for writing a review of an organic product on Natures Organic Market. All you have to do is write a quality product review and once we approve the review you will be automatically entered into a drawing for a $50 gift certificate. Winner will be announced at the end of February. The reviews do not have to be 5 stars to qualify. We are looking for real reviews of eco friendly products that you have used to support customers in finding the right products for them. New Years Eve Sale 15% to 35% Off Organic and Green Products Featured Product More Milk Plus - 16% Off More Milk Plus offers breastfeeding mothers a safe and effective organic supplement to naturally increase breast milk production. New product More Milk Special Blend is a combination of More Milk Plus and Goat's Rue Go to More Milk Plus More Great Organic Products On Sale Natures Organic Market is offering its best and most popular products at severe discounts for 2010. Find some of your favorite products listed below or go to the New Years Eve Sale to see all the great savings. Clif Energy Bars- 6% Off Hand Sanitizing Wipes - 41% Off Toy Cleaner Wipes - 31% Off Rainforest Facial Cream - 28% Off Natures Organic Market is now offering Daily Special Offers. Everyday one product is reduced even more to support organic shopping. Visit Natures Organic Market and click the Daily Special Offer banner to see today's special offer. Sincerely, Rod Hoss Natures Organic Market Save 35% No need to enter any coupon code. All discounts are automatic and will show up instantly in your shopping cart. Plus, take additional savings with multiple item orders. Offer Expires: Discounts are automatic

Sustainable Coffe Set to Surge in Brazil

Thanks to the combined efforts of the Rainforest Alliance, IMAFLORA and the Brazilian Coffee Industry Association (ABIC, for its name in Portuguese), sustainable coffee is set to surge in Brazil, the world's largest coffee-producing nation. By combining the ABIC's industry connections and IMAFLORA and the Rainforest Alliance's on-the-ground knowledge of responsible coffee production, the organizations hope to increase awareness of the Rainforest Alliance within the Brazilian coffee industry in order to increase domestic demand as well as the total supply of certified coffee. The collaboration will also help to educate the national coffee industry about environmental stewardship, biodiversity conservation and the enhancement of rural livelihoods.

Importance of Renewable energy to fight global warming

The world is totally dependent on electricity as a source of power. Electricity is being produced using all possible technologies; hydroelectric, fossil technology like coal, uranium, solar technology, wind technology, etc. Of all these methods, hydroelectricity, solar technology and wind technology are considered to be the safest procedures to produce electricity. Ecologists fear that all other methods like fossil technology and using uranium for producing electricity will cause imbalance of the ecology sooner or later.

Solar energy:

In fact, this was one of the main issues discussed at the UN climate conference held recently in Copenhagen. One of the most favored views was to shift to solar energy as an alternative energy or renewable source of energy. Scientists estimate that to meet the present energy requirement of about 15 terra watts, about 340 square miles of land will be required; which is almost equal to 3% of the surface of America.

Can we produce so much energy?

Scientists say it is certainly possible. However, there are some skeptics who say that solar energy is not available throughout the year and in every place across the globe and so it cannot be depended on as a source of energy. But the scientists rule out this theory. They say that the safe power generation technology now being used viz., hydroelectric, solar and wind technology put together can produce about 40 times more energy than the present consumption level. So they say renewable energy is certainly possible and would become a reality.

What is holding this up?

Some say that it is the energy producing companies who are holding this up because they need to invest in billions for the changeover. But the governments have to play the role of catalyst. The solar energy can be produced in small quantities to meet the needs of the local wards, etc. This is one of the ways to meet the demand for power. Further, the government should help the electricity producing companies to restructure themselves to solar technology. Then the companies will certainly take up producing electricity using solar energy. In fact, solar energy and wind energy are the two safest and cleanest forms of producing electricity.

Although this may involve huge investment; considering the benefits, it is certainly worth investing in such projects. The governments all over the world have to give serious thought to this to save this planet and to arrest the depleting natural resources. This is the best remedy to the problem of global warming.

The planet needs your support for healthier food

The food we grow should be healthy and should be free from pesticides and other artificial ingredients which are most dangerous for the living creatures in this world. It also spoils the environment and in the long run the entire atmosphere in the world gets spoiled. It would lead to a situation where the world may become unfit to live for the future generation. The remedy for this situation is to practice sustainable farming.

Sustainable farming:

The answer to such a situation is to take to sustainable farming. By practicing sustainable farming we protect the environment, protect the health of the soil, cut the cost of production and add value to the product the farmer sells. This is a three pronged attack to save the world without affecting the interests of people. This protects the nature and the ecology and therefore it is beneficial for everyone. Therefore, by this method, the need of the present is met and we do preserve what is needed for the future generations by a mechanism of balancing the natural and human resources. Considering the advantages both in the short run as well as in the long run, many countries across the globe are eagerly attempting to shift to sustainable farming as the best answer to make the world a fit place to live.

Seasonal crops:

Mother earth knows what we need. So, depending on the geographical location and the local weather condition, nature has given us fruits and vegetables which are apt for the climate where the person lives. For example, apple which is grown in one part of the globe is suitable for the particular weather condition prevailing in that region. In fact, it may not be beneficial for those living in the other part of the globe. Therefore, the ideal situation is that those living in the respective region should eat products grown there instead of taking fruits and vegetables grown in the other part of the globe. By this process, fresh fruits and vegetables can be consumed at the respective place where they are grown. But, we make an all out effort to transport the fruits and vegetables to other areas where they may not be beneficial because of weather conditions or geographical conditions of that particular region.

The information of seasonal crops and where they are available has been published. It contains a list of local markets where the seasonal crops are available. In fact, the details available are so exhaustive; they contain even the names of farmers or farms where they were grown, etc.

Off Shore Drilling: Worth the Oil or False Hope?

This fiscal year has seen many economic fluctuations on account of the consumption, production and the changes in the prices of oil. Off shore drilling of oil is now the trend as it is comparatively less expensive oil production but it has its own environmental effects. The environment faces many risks because of the off shore drilling of oil.

Off shore drilling is basically the extraction of oil beneath the floor of oil through the fields which are under the ocean. First time this part of technology was started in the year 1887. Now many countries are producing oil in the quantity of billions of gallons with this technology.

Effects of Off Shore Drilling on Environment:

There are many risks to environment which are associated with off shore drilling and these include:
• Discharge of toxins
• Danger for the marine life
• Destruction of the habitat on coasts
• Impact on the livelihood of the coastal residents, etc.

The most important thing related to off shore drilling is that the impact of transporting the oil is far more dangerous than the drilling itself. Transporting the oil through the pipelines is made through covering several hundred miles of the coastal areas and this is resulting into the erosion of coasts and is becoming a danger for the beaches.

Ban on the off shore drilling:

The US government has its right to make the legislation regarding the extraction of the mineral resources and the government had passed the law banning the offshore drilling for the time period of 1981 to the year 2008 because of the risks to the environment, but this time period has ended now. Now the states can issue the license to the oil companies for the offshore drilling and Virginia State has already started giving license.

Impact of Lifting Up the Ban on Environment:

The immediate impact of lifting up the ban from off shore drilling is still not known but there is some psychological impact for sure. This is the general thinking among the citizens that US has more oil resources which can affect negatively. This can make the citizens believe that their country has plenty of oil to become energy independent.

The fact is this that drilling the oil takes a lot of time ranging from five to ten years. So the impact of this will come in the long run.

Offshore drilling must be avoided in order to avoid the environmental risks and to make the earth green.

Recycling Waste into Stuff

Recycling of Post Consumer Products:

The products which are thrown into the waste after their use and are then picked up from the waste are called the post consumer products. These products have completed their life according to the use of consumer and after wards these post consumer products can be used for recycling. The post consumer products are different from the waste which is generated by the industries and known as the post industrial waste.

The waste from industry is normally recycled as it is easy to pick up. The consumer waste is difficult to pick up but it is important to recycle it to avoid it going to landfill.

It is a great challenge to pick up the post consumer products for recycling by the industries as the industrial waste is normally sent for recycling but the waste or disposal of the consumers is not necessarily sent for recycling. The main reason behind this is the unavailability of the market for the collected consumer wastes. This also results into the filling up of the landfills of the municipal corporations and environmental pollution. The advocates of the green environment are asking the big companies to use more of the recycled products from the post consumer products. The packaging waste can be recycled by these companies and this will help to keep the environment green by saving the trees cut for the production of same packaging material or paper bags. This will generate a good effect on the global environment as well with the survival of more and more forests and trees.

You can help to make the environment clean and green by sending your used products for recycling as this will avoid the wastage of the resources and you can make new products from the old products after recycling.

There are many manufacturers who are making a clever use of the post consumer products by making new products through recycling. What you need to do is the designing and you can give a complete new look to the old stuff.

The paper and packaging industry is making use of the post consumer products for recycling and they are effectively contributing to the go green cause. So in order to support your environment to be greener, you must send and donate the useless products and the packaging waste to the recycling companies for better utilization of the waste.

Save the Remaining Cook Inlet Beluga!

The Cook Inlet is the most heavily populated and rapidly growing watershed in Alaska. It is also the home of the Cook Inlet beluga whale, one of the most endangered marine mammals in the world.

Save the Cook Inlet beluga. »

In the 1980s, their population numbered approximately 1,300. But the beluga's habitat has been subject to dramatic increases in offshore oil and gas development, as well as increased pollution and sewage runoff.

Today, there are only 300 Cook Inlet beluga whales left. »

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Fisheries Service wants to save the Cook Inlet beluga. On December 1, they announced a plan to designate more than 3,000 square miles of ocean as critical habitat for this highly endangered species. The plan is open to public comment, and they need to hear your support for this proposal!

Contact NOAA and let them know that designating critical habitat would be a crucial first step in protecting the Cook Inlet beluga. »

How to Go Green- Fitness Workouts

During holidays as people have a lot more options and time for eating, they usually end up with a weight gain. Since the holiday season is followed by the wedding and party season; you get worried about your weight gain and try to work out to reduce the weight. This work out is normally either on treadmill or other electronic equipment which consumes a lot of energy and power resources. You can avoid all this wastage by following the green ways of workouts.

Tips for Green Workouts:

1. You can start your workout by staying at home. There are many exercises like yoga which only require a mat and you can start with your green workouts. So get some videos of such exercises and stay at home.

2. If you do not want to stay home, you can go outside and work out green by wearing a pair of joggers and jogging. Hiking and climbing at local hill station is also a very good and green way for workout.

3. You can also join the gym as the cost which you are going to pay for the purchase of your own equipment is much more than what you have to pay at the gym. Also you can workout for couple of months to reduce weight at the gym and then a simple daily walk and jogging will help you maintain the weight.

4. It will be very good if you join a group of people while walking or jogging outside as it will help you follow the routine. You can share the equipment with the team and this will save money at everyone’s end in the team.

5. If you want to get the best results of the workout, then avoid using food in any of the processed form and eat fresh and organic as much as you can.

6. It is difficult to get time daily for the exercise and this requires a change of routine and lifestyle at your end. You can workout by walking to the office or the postal office or to the nearby shopping mall instead of using bike or car. This will save fuel and also help you workout.

7. You can use the recycled or used equipment for the exercise by looking at internet or the local market and this will help you to stay green by avoiding the wastage of resources on the purchase of new equipment.

8. Use a dress for exercise which is made up of sustainable fabric.

How to Go Green- Work from Home

You can also work to support and promote go green by working from home as it will help you to save a lot of power consumption and also it is a very good way to go green. You can opt to work from home rather than going to office. The concept of working from home sounds ideal and there are many people who are working from home but it is not as easy as it sounds. This requires maintenance of a good working atmosphere at home and it has great emotional and productive benefits as well for those who think that they can work better at home with a space. This will help you to avoid the production of carbon which you otherwise might be producing through the consumption of car fuel and disposable boxes of lunch, etc. This article will give you some great tips through which you can work from home with productivity and also you can manage to go green.

Tips for Green Work from Home:

1. The first thing to start your green work from home is to discuss the idea with your current boss. You can ask him to allow you to work from home even once or twice a week and it can make a great difference to the environment. But if your employer refuses to agree, you must look for some other job which can facilitate you to work from home. You can also think of starting your own business to go green.

2. You can also help to promote go green by changing your office environment into a green work place and it will surely help you to increase the productivity of your work place.

3. The next thing you can do is the selection of your desk where you will spend most of the time while doing work. Avoid using any desk which is not made up of environment friendly material. Prefer to choose a wooden desk which is sustainable or any metal desk which is non toxic.

4. You must look for a good seating adjustment as you are going to spend the whole day while working on the computer and your sitting posture can affect your neck, back and shoulder muscles. You should choose a chair which can support you to have a good seating posture and for this also prefer the sustainable wood and non toxic material of dye used on the chair wood and fabric.

5. Computer is a must tool for work but the choice of computer is also important. If you are going to use computer for simple tasks, then avoid having any complicated processor and prefer some simple processor. Try to buy the EPEAT certified computers and laptops as they are made up of less toxic materials.

6. Since you need to stay in touch with a lot of people while working, you must prefer the equipment which is green.

7. Avoid having a stock of pens and papers on your desk and try to keep it green by limiting it to couple of pens and a few papers.

8. If you are keeping your record online, then you must avoid using paper and it is a great way to go green.

9. Working from home is green but it will also affect your social interaction and you must keep your life social by going outside daily for a walk as it will help you to stay healthy and active.

How to Go Green: Spring Cleaning

At the end of winter and the start of spring, most of us open up our windows to start the spring cleaning. Although not all of us try to clean the house to welcome the spring, many are there who do the cleaning when the spring starts. While cleaning your house you must avoid all those methods which are anti-green.

The most important aspect to keep your cleaning green is the avoidance of the use of all those supplies which are supported by antibacterial chemicals. You can use the natural ingredients like baking powder and vinegar to clean your shelves and cabinets. So you can start your spring cleaning of the home by starting your work from the trouble places. You can reuse and recycle many of the ingredients which are mostly thrown off while cleaning the house. This article is about all those tips which can help you to recycle and reuse the items which you are otherwise going to waste.

Great Tips for Spring Cleaning:

1. The first step towards your thorough cleaning is to get rid of all un-necessary and unused items available in your drawers and shelves. Clean each and every closet and cabinet to get rid of all extra and unwanted stuff to avoid your home getting messy. This will help you to keep your house clean in less time during future days.

2. Once you have short listed the whole stuff, avoid throwing it immediately; have a look at the stuff and sort out the items which can be reused. This will surely help you avoid the wastage of money on the purchase of items in replacement of the short listed stuff.

3. If you find that the stuff you have got rid of cannot be used any more, you can donate the stuff to show good will and it can be recycled by donation. You can also sell the items and make some money.

4. The last thing which you can do with the exhausted stuff is to give it for recycling as it is environment friendly and will help you support the clean environment around you.

5. The next step in cleaning is to have a look at the items you are left with and see if you need to buy something and avoid buying too much to create the mess again. Keep your shelves clean, spacious and environment friendly.

6. You can buy the supplies used for organic cleaning which are eco friendly but you can also make your own cleaning supplies which will surely keep things green. You can use a combination of vinegar or washing soda and hot water to clean the house with an environment friendly cleaner.

7. While cleaning your home, you must avoid the wastage of items while cleaning as it will be an eco-friendly cleaning.

Try to be eco-friendly and use the green supplies and home made cleaning supplies to keep the environment clean and avoid using the toxic materials for cleaning.

South Atlantic Fishery limits and accountability measures

Hi Natures Organic Market,

You were one of more than 30,000 Care2 members who signed the petition to end overfishing and protect ocean ecosystems in the southeastern U.S. -- and today, we have great news to report! The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council listened to your voice and approved annual catch limits and accountability measures for 9 of the 10 species undergoing overfishing in the region.

This measure includes new protections for the critically endangered Warsaw grouper and speckled hind and for snowy grouper, which is vulnerable to extinction according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The amendment is now on its way to the Secretary of Commerce for final approval.

The Council also moved forward on details of an amendment to end overfishing and rebuild the red snapper population, which includes a closure to all red snapper fishing and of selected ocean areas to bottom fishing for snapper and grouper species. The Council's preferred alternative closes bottom fishing from just north of Charleston, South Carolina, to Cape Canaveral, Florida, from 98 feet to 300 feet in depth to protect red snapper that are often caught accidentally when fishermen target other snapper and grouper species. The Council is expected to take a final vote on the long-term red snapper plan sometime next year.

Care2 and our friends at the Pew Environment Group's Campaign to End Overfishing in the Southeast sincerely appreciate your support. We are optimistic that the broad and diverse input the Council received from you and thousands of others in the region will help restore healthy, productive fish populations for the benefit of our communities and future generations.

Thank you, LiAnna Care2 and ThePetitionSite Team

P.S. Successes like this remind us all that signatures on Care2 petitions really do matter!

World of Warmcraft - Jon Stewart of the Daily Show

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
World of Warmcraft
www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor Health Care Crisis

Jon Stewart of the Daily Show with the World of Warmcraft pokes fun at the anti environmental movement and global warming experts commenting at Copenhagen plus all the VIPs at the conference who didn't car pool.

Organic Products Arrive by Christmas at Natures Organic Market

Natures Organic Market Newsletter December 15th, 2009 Dear Rod, Winter Holiday Sale at Natures Organic Market with your favorite organic and Green products 15-35& off their already low price. Find high quality organic tea, organic toys, organic baby clothes, and more all at reduced rates while supplies last. Winter Holiday Sale 15% to 35% Off Organic and Green Products Featured Product Fairytale Knit Stuffed Animals - 17% Off Make a child's Christmas with a cute Fairytale Knit Collection stuffed animal made with organic cotton. You won't find a cuter baby toy than the Fairytale monkey or bunny. Fairytale Knit stuffed animal ship same day to make sure it arrives by Christmas. Go to Fairytale Collection More Great Organic Products On Sale Natures Organic Market is offering its best and most popular products at severe discounts for this holiday season. Find some of your favorite products listed below or go to the Holiday Sale to see all the great savings. Dapple Baby Dish Soap - 29% Off More Milk Plus - 16% Off Spring Green Organic Tea - 27% Off Sea Turtle Footed Playsuit - 30% Off All Winter Holiday Sale Items Ship Same Day Sincerely, Rod Hoss Natures Organic Market Save 35% No need to enter any coupon code. All discounts are automatic and will show up instantly in your shopping cart. Plus, take additional savings with multiple item orders. Offer Expires: Discounts are automatic