Recently I was discussing sweeteners with a close friend of mine. It occurred to me that many families today are cutting back on sugar intake or exploring other options in terms of possible sweeteners. What is the difference between white and raw sugar? It would seem that while many of us are looking at the health impact of sugar, what is the environmental impact? Is the impact on the environment comparable between raw and white sugar? Read the rest of this entry »

What is Precycling?  Precycling is a way of thinking, behaving, purchasing and living that is quickly gaining momentum throughout the ‘Green’ community. Precycling is the practice of reducing waste by attempting to steer clear of item which will generate waste into the home or business.

We are familiar with the three-pronged “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” motto as well as the push to recycle. While recycling s a wonderful activity that allows for many kinds of energy savings, it certainly is the solution for our waste management issues. Even when recycling, resources are used, energy is consumed and a certain amount of pollution occurs- even in the best scenarios. Traditionally recycling requires amounts of energy to “melt down” and then remanufacture items. While this does significantly cut down on the amount of waste heading to the landfill, it is not sustainable unless the underlying energy supply is sustainable. Additionally, recycling often means downcycling and always entails at least some loss of the previous material, so primary extraction is still necessary to make up the difference. However, recycling reduces these troubles by using less material in the first place, so less has to be recycled.

The “Greenest” product is the one you don’t buy at all. Of course we cannot however live on air alone. We thereby should make informed purchases. Precycling is related to “Reduce” the most important of the 3R’s and is also related to the “Reuse” a concept that is that is at times referred to as “Repuposing”. Precycling is about reducing waste by avoiding items that will generate it or selecting certain items that will generate less, or acquiring items that can reused for something else entirely. Precycling is a simply another way to lighten our environmental footprint. However, becoming an avid precycler can also save you money too.  Such precycling practices include buying consumables in bulk in reduce packaging, buying consumables in recyclable over non-recyclable packaging, and using electronic media when possible just to name a few options. Precycling also includes the practice of using an item or material for another purpose prior to use for its original purpose, thus avoiding using some other object. For example, a centerpiece of squash and mini pumpkins can make a lovely table decoration prior to eating it and rules out the need to buy that plastic centerpiece the big box stores are busy pushing on consumers.

Another way to participate in precycling is to carry a “recycling kit”. Said kit may include, Tupperware or reusable containers, silverware, cloth napkins and handkerchief, thermos or water bottle all carried in a cloth bag that can also be used as a shopping bag.

Examples of precycling opportunities are abundant once one changes their perspective. For example families that prioritize recycling don’t buy sodas which come in plastic bottles and aluminum cans. They instead opt for teas and juices that can be mixed at home and stored in reusable pitchers. This allows for less bottles and cans that need to be recycled. Instead of buying plastic bags and water bottles, precyclers value metal thermoses and water bottles as well as reusable storage containers and jars. Even the use of a water purifier can be considered recycling if it cuts down on plastic waste.

Cloth products are extensively used all precycling families. Our family has cut out the need for paper napkins and facial tissue simply by investing in cloth napkins and handkerchiefs. Many families use cloth towels and sponges rather than paper towels as well. Finally, and most obviously, nearly all avoid plastic or paper grocery bags and instead opt for reusable cloth ones.

Yet another example for families to precycle is to take simple steps in order to lessen the amount of junk mail they receive each month. Nearly everyone agrees that junk mail is the one of the most unnecessary uses of paper possible. Families can avoid giving their addresses to places that will sell their names. Also, by simply contacting companies and organizations directly and requesting to be taken off of their mailing list can greatly reduce the waste coming into your home.

While the 3R’s are wonderful in practice, precycling is a valuable component as well.  It earns extra points for not just limiting our environmental footprint but also for saving green-going family valuable money.

Tis the season for runny noses, aches, and my personal favorite, the beloved fever. It seems everywhere one goes these days someone is coughing, sneezing or whining. With no cure in sight for the cold or flu, current treatments simply attempt to bring relief from the symptoms. While there are some medications to assist with this, there are also many naturals remedies to battle the winter sniffles.

Blow, Blow, Blow!

It is critical to blow your nose regularly. Avoid sniffling and thereby retaining the mucus. Instead, hold one nostril down and blow gently to clear the other. Always wash your hands after blowing your nose.

 Get Your Rest

Resting when you feel the first aches and pains helps your body utilize your energy through the immune system rather than simply trying to get through your day-to-day demands. Your immune system is stressed. Give it some back up and curl up with your quilt.

Supplements

Many advocate supplements. While there are contrary reports on the validity of such remedies, others have proven time honored. Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Carotenes, zinc and selenium all are known to promote a healthy immune system and are sure to do a body good!

Grandma was right- Gargling does work

Gargling moistens a sore throat can bring some relief. Try a teaspoon of salt dissolved in warm water, f our times a day. If you suffer from that irritating tickle in your throat, try an astringent gargle that utilizes tannin in order to tighten the membranes. Another tried and true gargle is a viscous gargle made with honey. This one is very popular throughout folk medicine. Simply steep one tablespoon of raspberry leaves or lemon juice in two cups of hot water; mix one teaspoon of honey. Let the mixture cool to room temperature before gargling and remember children under 1 year old should not be given honey.

Drink Hot Liquids

Hot liquids relieve nasal congestion, prevent dehydration and can soothe the irritated inflamed membranes that line your nose and throat. Stock up on the soups, teas and even ciders! Your body will thank you!

Hot and Steamy

Steamy showers moisturize your nasal passages and relax you. If you are dizzy from the flu, consider running the shower while sit on a chair nearby and take a sponge bath. Often I will use essentail oils in a hot bath to ease the aches and pains as well as boost the immune system. Peppermint, spearmint and eucalyptus are all very effective in combating the cold while still supporting the immune system. If its more convenient bring a pot of water to boil and add the oils on the stovetop.

Herbal Support

Echinacea is a great herb to boost immune defenses. It is best taken in tincture form, however Echinacea teas and pills are also available. Another option is elderberries. There are teas, syrups, and tinctures that utilize elderberries due to their immune boosting capabilities as well as the effectiveness of fighting off respiratory and influenza viruses. My family personally uses elderberries quite often during cold and flu season with great success. Ginseng is another option for cold-suffers. Furthermore, licorice root is very valuable during cold and flu season since it is such a multi-faceted herb. This herb packs a serious punch as its an anti-inflammatory, demulcent (soothing for sore throats), antispasmodic (for tight coughs), and expectorant (to rid yourself of that nasty mucus)!

Invest in Salve

Mentholated salve really does work. It can help open up breathing passages and soothe the irritated skin at the base of the nose. Menthol, eucalyputs and camphor are all mild numbing ingredients that can help relieve the rawness as well hold natural anti-viral properties to help battle the cold.

Soothe the Sinuses

Both bold and hot packs may help with congested sinuses. You can buy reusable hot/cold packs at any drugstore nationwide, or make your own with a hot washcloth or even frozen peas.

Make use of the extra pillow

That extra pillow you never use will help with the drainage of nasal passages. If the you find the angle awkward, try placing the pillows between the mattress and box springs to allow for a more natural slope.

Stay Grounded

Flying is a stressful event anyway, however flying when your upper respiratory system is already stressed is foolish. Doing so can seriously hurt your eardrums as a result of the pressure changes. If you absolutely must fly, use a decongestant and carry a nasal spray. Swallowing frequently and chewing gum may also help with the pressure. If possible though, just stay home and get better!

With the aid of these simple, time-honored, folk remedies you can however ease much of the discomfort and shorten your battle with that pesky cold. Remember, serious conditions can impersonate the common cold and a mild infection can develop into serious conditions. If you have severe symptoms consult your practitioner.