What is GMO?

The letters as we all know stand for Genetically Modified Organism, an organism whose genetic material has been altered… but what does that mean?

You will be, as I was, amazed to really understand and try to comprehend what GMO means and how it may be effecting our lives.

Here is some information regarding GMO, what it is, what it does, what it effects and what foods it can be found in.

A GMO (genetically modified organism) is the result of a laboratory process of taking genes from one species and inserting them into another in an attempt to obtain a desired trait or characteristic, hence they are also known as transgenic organisms. This process may be called either Genetic Engineering (GE) or Genetic Modification (GM); they are one and the same.

What is a gene?

Every plant and animal is made of cells, each of which has a center called a nucleus. Inside every nucleus there are strings of DNA. Short sequences of DNA are called genes. These genes operate in complex networks that are finely regulated to enable the processes of living organisms to happen in the right place and at the right time.

But haven’t growers been grafting trees, breeding animals, and hybridizing seeds for years?

Genetic engineering is completely different from traditional breeding and carries unique risks. In traditional breeding it is possible to mate a pig with another pig to get a new variety, but is not possible to mate a pig with a potato or a mouse. Even when species that may seem to be closely related do succeed in breeding, the offspring are usually infertile—a horse, for example, can mate with a donkey, but the offspring (a mule) is sterile.With genetic engineering, scientists can breach species barriers set up by nature. For example, they have spliced fish genes into tomatoes. The results are plants (or animals) with traits that would be virtually impossible to obtain with natural processes, such as crossbreeding or grafting.

Hasn’t research shown GM foods to be safe?

No. The only feeding study done with humans showed that GMOs survived inside the stomach of the people eating GMO food.  No follow-up studies were done.Various feeding studies in animals have resulted in potentially pre-cancerous cell growth, damaged immune systems, smaller brains, livers, and testicles, partial atrophy or increased density of the liver, odd shaped cell nuclei and other unexplained anomalies, false pregnancies and higher death rates.The American Academy of Environmental Medicine (AAEM)* recently released its position paper on Genetically Modified foods stating that “GM foods pose a serious health risk” and calling for a moratorium on GM foods.Citing several animal studies, the AAEM concludes “there is more than a casual association between GM foods and adverse health effects” and that “GM foods pose a serious health risk in the areas of toxicology, allergy and immune function, reproductive health, and metabolic, physiologic and genetic health.”**

Have any GM foods been banned?

The rules of the World Trade Organization (which the US and other 150 countries are members of) explicitly prohibit countries from banning GM products. Therefore, countries that ban them do so at great risk. If this weren’t the case, no doubt many countries would already have done so. Some countries have banned GM crops entirely or not approved certain GM crops that are approved elsewhere.Europe has greater rejection of GMOs due to a more balanced reporting by their press on the health and environmental dangers. In Europe, at least 174 regions, more than 4,500 councils and local governments have declared themselves GM free.

What foods are GM?

Currently commercialized GM crops in the U.S. include soy (94%), cotton (90%), canola (90%), sugar beets (95%), corn (88%), Hawaiian papaya (more than 50%), zucchini and yellow squash (over 24,000 acres).

What are other sources of GMOs?

Products derived from the above, including oils from all four, soy protein, soy lecithin, cornstarch, corn syrup and high fructose corn syrup among others.  Also:

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6 Green Tips to get your Office on the Sustainability track.

Everyone has Green Tips that they are doing,  maybe you have started carrying a re-usable water bottle, bought a hybrid vehicle, planted your own vegetables, but why stop there? Here are a few Green tips that you can take to the office. The possibilities are endless!

       1. Change your light bulbs   

We need lights at work but why not do our best to cut back on our lighting. , but we can do our best to cut down on unnecessary use of lighting. Lighting reduction options:

1. Put motion sensor lights in rooms that are not in use so that lights turn off when no one is there.
2. Replace standard bulbs and old fluorescent lighting fixtures with LED bulbs and tubes.

Facts:

• LED bulbs use 85% less energy and last 20 years longer than standard incandescent light bulbs.
• LED lighting also creates less heat
• LEDs are 100% recyclable. Unlike fluorescent counterparts and high intensity discharge (HID) technologies, LEDs contain no toxic materials, hazardous mercury, or halogen gases. CFL’s may save you energy but they are not good for the environment.

2. Cut Down on Office Transportation

Carpools and public transportation benefit both the environment and your employees. Here’s some ideas:

1. Offer carpool-matching services that allow employees to find co-workers that live near them.
2. Encourage biking and walking to work by providing bike racks outside of the office.
3. Provide parking incentives such as closer/shaded parking spots for carpoolers. Think about encouraging Electric Vehicles and offer to put in a charging station/s
4. Allow employees to work from home one day a week.
5. Maybe a four day workweek, four 10-hour days instead of five eight-hour days?

Fact:

• Driving 10 percent less, by walking, cycling, carpooling, or taking public transit, can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 0.2 to 0.8 tonnes per year, depending on the vehicle.
• Carbon dioxide is the number one contributor to the greenhouse effect, and cars produce about 30 percent of the nation’s carbon dioxide emissions.

3. Cut Paper Usage

Make hard copies only when necessary.

1. View documents on your computer instead of printing them out.
2. Reuse paper that only has printed material on one side.
3. Set all printers and copiers  to double sided printing.

When buying paper:

1. Buy recycled paper made from a high percentage of post-consumer recycled content.
2. Use unbleached and uncolored paper. If you need to use colored paper, use pastel colors.

Make sure employees have bins to recycle paper at their desk.

Facts:

• According to the Environmental Protection Agency, each employee in a typical business office generates 1.5 pounds of waste paper per day
• A ton of 100 percent recycled paper saves the equivalent of 4,100 kWh of energy, 7,000 gallons of water, 60 pounds of air emissions, and three cubic yards of landfill space.

4. Manage Machine Usage

1. Turn the machines off when you leave the office for the night
2. Activate sleep mode for printers, copiers and fax machines so they’ll sense inactive periods

When purchasing new office equipment, look for ENERGY STAR qualified products to cut down energy use and pollution.  Start an E-recycling drop box for old cell phones,  cameras, camcorders, cordless phones, MP3 players, etc..

Facts:

• If every U.S. computer and monitor were turned off at night, the nation could shut down eight large power stations and avoid emitting 7 million tons of CO2 every year.

5. Controlling the Temperature

Heating, cooling and powering office space are responsible for almost 40 percent of carbon dioxide emissions in the U.S. and more than 70 percent of total electricity usage. You can save about 10 percent on your electricity bill by just adjusting that thermostat by one or two degrees. Other ideas:

1. Use automatic setback thermostats to adjust the temperature for weekends and evenings.
2. Keep the blinds closed to conserve heat in winter and keep it out during summer.

Facts:

• Heating, cooling and ventilation accounts for 39 percent of the energy use in a typical office.
• An adjustment of only a degree or two can cut heating or cooling bills by two to three percent. Extending that to three or four degrees can produce savings of 10 percent or more.

Also  find an agency to set up an E-recycling drop box for old cell phones,  cameras, camcorders, cordless phones, MP3 players, etc.. and even

6. Eliminate Coffee Vending Machine and it’s Waste

Get rid of the coffee vending machine and make your own coffee. Also use a glass coffee instead of all of those styrofoam and paper cups. Coffee-making vending machines may save you some time and maybe even save you from caffeine-withdrawal headaches in the morning, but they don’t help out the environment. If you must use a vending machine and  it dispenses its own cups, make sure they are recyclable.

This list could go on and on, let us and our viewers know what Green Tips you have from your office!

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Every year parents spend hundreds if not thousands of dollars on toys and activities for their kids. While many of things are great for keeping young minds and bodies active, many of them are unnecessary. Sure kids need structured play, but they also need free play and this is easy to do when the worlds largest playground is just outside your back door. Why not let them play outside?

Every toy, book, and TV show that comes out has been designed and redesigned several times in order to make it educational and entertaining for children.  The great thing about nature is that, while being entertaining and stimulating to the imagination, it is also educational. Nature can teach children the basics of science, economics and creativity.

It’s cheap. Depending on where you live, exploring nature is usually pretty inexpensive, if not free. It may mean going out in your backyard, local park, or perhaps going to the local nature center or state park (which usually have low cost fees or memberships). This way, you don’t have to pay for expensive toys, jungle gyms or memberships to expensive entertainment centers, but you ca still get the benefit of stimulating and educational play.

It makes them think. Lately there has been a trend in education towards inquiry based learning. Researchers have found that if students explore and experiment to figure out answers on their own, they are going to learn better, and retain more information. It also helps them develop the skills that will enable them to learn things on their own later. What better environment to learn in, than nature?  There are lessons for kids of all ages to discover about the world around them.

It may help the world. Everyone these days is trying to be more green and more environmentally conscious. What better way to help do your part than to get your children interested in their own planet and what better time than right now when they’re young and impressionable? What might be a fun time for them now, might be a future hobby, career or world saving invention.

It’s fun. While it is easy to forget, childhood isn’t just for learning about how to be an adult, it’s also about having fun. Nature gives kids a chance to use their imagination and be free to just be kids.

While unstructured play outside is great for kids, you can also find a lot of places offering structured classes and learning sessions for kids that focus on the natural world. Check your local park, zoo, or museum. There is a good chance that they have classes you can sign up for, and since many of these places are not for profit, they’re usually affordable as well as informative.

Across the world, there are millions of dollars being spent to help promote sending your kids outside to learn from nature.  That’s because spending time in the outside world is so important for developing minds. It can also be a great escape for you as well.

Remember when we take the time to get in touch with the Mother Earth we tend to think more about taking care of her as well. This Mother’s Day, don’t forget the greatest Mother of all: Mother Earth!

Happy Mother’s Day from the Go Green Guy!

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10th Annual AltBuild Conference & Expo, May 10-11

Offers Cutting Edge Discussions by Industry Thought Leaders on the Future of the Los Angeles Region and Related Building Issues to Pros and Public

FREE Expo Also Offers Popular ‘Ask an Expert’, Compost and Vegetable Garden Workshops, Wildlife Backyard Certification

On May 10-11, 2013, the annual Alternative Building Materials & Design Conference and Expo (AltBuild) celebrates a decade as the largest and most-respected green design and building expo in Southern California by bringing together architects, builders, contractors, engineers, and landscapers to focus on what is next for Los Angeles and figure out how to get there.

Presented by the City of Santa Monica, AltBuild returns to the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium (1855 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401), serving top industry professionals, influential exhibitors, as well as a large consumer audience. The event programming and expo serves both those already committed to, and those curious about, sustainable design.

The event remains FREE for all, with select low-fee programming exceptions.

Photo Credit: Amy Williams Photography

The topic of what is next for Los Angeles—for professionals and residents of the region—has become one of keen interest, engaging funding, policy, and social, functional and design issues.

With so many thought leaders focused on a sustainable approach to L.A.’s design-build issues, AltBuild’s mission provides a unique opportunity for discussion across the spectrum of fields involved.

This year’s lineup of over 40 speakers features:

Sustainable Sites Initiative’s Director Danielle Pieranunzi, as Friday morning’s keynote (her L.A. County debut);

current AIA|LA President Scott Johnson;

Principal at Moore Rubell Yudell James Mary O’Connor;

Founding Principal of Studio of Environmental Architecture David Hertz;

President of Koning Eizenberg, Julie Eizenberg 

Founding Principal at Rios Clementi Hale Studios Bob Hale;

Wally Geer, President, Greymar Assoc.;

LA/Ventura Building Industry Assn. Director Holly Schroeder;

Sarah Barnard,Principal Interior Designer and LEED AP, Sarah Barnard Designs

abd Organic Architect’s Principal, and author, Eric Corey Freed.

(Complete list is at www.altbuildexpo.com.)

In line with the programming, the Expo features over 150 hand-picked exhibitors covering green building and design materials; modular housing; repurposed goods; energy efficiency techniques and technologies; alternative energy; water conservation and management; environmental plumbing; municipal and state agencies; and non-profit organizations. 

This year, AltBuild features the So. California debuts of Modular Lifestyles, some units of which have cut the costs of energy bills for tenants by as much as 90% or moreand Nexus EWater’s grey water treatment system which is establishing a test site in L.A. at the request of L.A. County and LADWP.

There is also a curated section of artisan materials and manufacturers, as well as “Ask an Expert” at the American Institute of Architects Los Angeles (AIA|LA) booth.

PROGRAMMING

Photo Credit: Steven Lam Photography

Although anyone may attend either day, the programming for Friday is geared to the professional, and on Saturday to the public.

FRIDAY: The industry-focused programming (CE/Professional Development) is presented by the Building Industry Association (BIA)-LA/Ventura County Chapter, AIA|LA, USGBC-LA Chapter, and the City of Santa Monica Office of Sustainability and the Environment.

Some highlights:

• AIA|LA’s panels and booth theme is their “Nature of L.A.” campaign—engaging discussions on low-impact methods to increase density, and how a shared vision between architects and clients creates a sustainable solution to residential building.

• BIA presents panels on Green Building Codes in SoCal—the most progressive in the U.S., and one on What’s Hot and Not in Solar Power for New Home Construction.

• The popular annual “Developers Go Green” panel led by Wally Geer (BIA) focuses on the marketing and success of small green development projects (spot lot housing to small multi-unit, for-sale housing).

• USGBC-LA’s premier panel by the Women in Green Forum shares useful “Perspectives from the Field: Green Building Challenges and Lessons Learned”.

• 10^th Anniversary Special closes the day on L.A.’s sustainable future: “Bob Hale (Rios Clementi Hale Studios) and Shawn Gehle (Gensler) in Discussion with organicARCHITECT’s Eric Corey Freed” (Westside branch of USGBC-LA).

Photo Credit: Amy Williams Photography

SATURDAY: With focus on renovation of existing buildings—both residential and commercial— Saturday’s programming will emphasize ways for consumers, professionals and business owners

how to save money and act sustainably using resources and ideas such as energy upgrades, water rebates, conservation, vegetable gardening, composting, solar education, green building retrofits, and much more.

A few highlights:

·       AIA|LA COTE will have an “Ask the Expert” program at their booth.

·       Sustainable landscaper Larry Santoyo returns to demonstrate three easy-to-learn DIY methods for residential composting, from small spaces and apartments to houses.

·       BIA booth will feature Spanish language expert for sustainable renovation and improvements for homes and yards.

·       Santa Monica High School’s Ben Kay will highlight ways to bolster community environmental literacy through k-12 classroom curriculum, service learning projects, and experiential learning opportunities.  Kay’s SaMoHi Team Marine students will participate, focusing on the results of their recent science-based school and community projects.

Current sponsors include the AIA|LA, USGBC-LA, BIA-LA/Ventura County Chapter, Build It Green, PermaCity, Theodore Payne Foundation, and Energy Upgrade.

SHOW:  Friday, May 10, 2013 and Saturday, May 11, 2013.  Daily Hours are 10:00am-5:00pm.

WHERE:  Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, 1855 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA  90401.

TICKETS:  Free

PARKING:  $10.00 for automobiles.  Free bike valet parking.

GENERAL EVENT INFORMATION: www.altbuildexpo.com, 310-390-2930.

Interested in Building Green, new technology, ideas, advancements in sustainable building and living:

Join me, I will be there roaming around visiting booths on Friday.

I Look forward to seeing you there.

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Tesla Model S EV

This is an Update from an article posted last year on Inexpensive Long Range Electric Vehicles that I thought was worth re-printing with additional text.

Are long range electric vehicles possible? The future of the Electric Vehicle depends on the price point and range.

To really make an impact on the auto market, Electric Vehicles will need to get 300 miles plus per charge, fully recharge in a few hours and have a price point in the $20,000 – $25,000 range.

Is that impossible?

I don’t think so and neither does the U.S. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu. In some very Bold Statements made last year Mr. Chu had this to say:

“Because of increased demand, we’ve got to think of all the other things we can do in transportation. The best is efficiency,” Chu said.

Batteries are the ”heart” of electric vehicles, he said, adding that the Department of Energy is funding research that will drop the cost of electric-vehicle batteries 50% in the next three or four years and double or triple their energy density within six years so “you can go from Los Angeles to Las Vegas on a single charge,” he said. “These are magical distances. To buy a car that will cost $20,000 to $25,000 without a subsidy where you can go 350 miles is our goal.”

The goal is to make the transition by the year 2017.

In order to make it happen he stated two major policy changes that should help:

1. Offering a $7,500 rebate for electric vehicle purchases, instead of a $7,500 federal tax credit so that consumers wouldn’t have to wait until they file their tax returns to pocket the discount.

2. Scaling up battery production. Three years ago, less than 1% of all advanced batteries were produced in the U.S. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act has secured investments that should lead to 30 new U.S. battery manufacturing plants.

The battery is the key to the future of the EV. Hopefully by putting all of these companies to work developing and manufacturing batteries, it will only be a matter of time before a light weight, quick charging, long range battery will be discovered. Companies are experimenting with light weight carbon fiber materials that could double as body panels and the cars battery, that technology is still in early development, but it does help to inspire hope for the future.

There is no reason for the US not to lead the way in the advancement of transitioning from your oil dependent Gas Guzzler to an efficient and eco friendly EV that could basically run for free with the installment of Solar Power.

Another thing that will be part of the transition and has to happen, is the advancement of EV charging stations as well as a national EV charging infrastructure, so that one can rely on finding a place to charge up when they travel out of their local area. That is also in development and the more EV’s that hit the road, the more attention will be paid to taking care of the EV driver.

“The Department of Energy is happy to be a part of this [event], but more importantly we’re very happy to be really trying to push for the electrification of vehicles in the U.S.,” Chu told the Los Angeles Times. “The reason is very simple. We have to diversify our transportation energy.”

(via LA Times)

How can we help to make this happen?

We need to be diligent supporters,

We need to be positive,

We need to share information in a positive manner,

As we move forward it is OK to ask questions and be skeptical but do not let your skepticism hold you back or produce negativity.

Let it propel you! Let it lead you to asking more questions, for only in our quest for information will come the answers!

Don’t say if I ever drive an EV, say when I start driving an EV. It is only a matter of time, if we want it, we need to ask for it, let the powers that be know that we and the planet we love, need our long range Electric Vehicles. Focus has to be on the development and manufacturing of an inexpensive, reliable, long range electric Vehicle!

Update May 5, 2013: This post was written over a year ago and things are all ready getting better. As of right now, manufacturers are starting to address this situation. In fact Nissan has introduced new pricing on the all electric Leaf. They are leading the way in lower price high quality EV with a descent range that still needs to get better for the broad market.

Others are making moves as well: Toyota is working with Tesla with it’s new Rav 4, Ford has an all electric Focus, Chevy has the all electric Spark coming next year, Smart car has an EV version, but there is still a matter of range anxiety for many. Luckily with all the new interest and rising sales in EV’s, long range , quick charge battery development and manufacturing has also become a focus for many auto manufacturers and battery manufacturers. There is hope!

If you can see a Clean Future for generations to come, can you see it being led by the long range Electric Vehicle? I can.

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LED light bulbs are the future of lighting, it is the Greenest light available in all aspects.

With LED light bulbs you get – Energy saving, recyclable, carbon reduction, does not put out heat or UV and a beautiful source of very controllable light. Puts green in your pocket with huge savings over it’s life span!

This article was written in 2008 and the LED has made leaps and bounds since then and is without question the only choice a cleaner, greener future! Just recently I introduced you to the new Cree LED light Bulbs that are amazing and affordable!

The following article reprinted from  http://www.greenlightingsolutionsinc.com

What is LED?

LED stands for Light Emitting Diode, a bright, energy-efficient lighting component with no moving or fragile parts. Once used primarily for red on/off electronic device lights, today’s LEDs have evolved into a first class illumination solution for both commercial and residential uses.

LED Facts:

Maximum efficiency - LEDs use substantially less power than incandescent or compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). Replacing existing lighting with LEDs can save between 50% and 90% of lighting energy costs.

Minimum heat – LEDs generate very little heat, transferring power to light instead of heat. Heat from traditional lighting creates a higher load on air conditioning systems, adding to the energy inefficiencies of non-LED lighting. As a comparison, note the surface temperatures of these bulbs:

• Standard 60-watt incandescent bulb: 175°
• Standard 13-watt compact fluorescent lamp: 140°
• Standard PAR 30 75-watt bulb (used in recessed lighting): 212°

Replacing theses lights with LED Light bulbs can decrease the heat given off to only 2° – 3°
above room temperature.

Minimum impact on humans and the earth - LED Light Bulbs are 100% recyclable. Unlike fluorescent counterparts and high intensity discharge (HID) technologies, LEDs contain no toxic materials, hazardous mercury, or halogen gases. LEDs emit no ultraviolet (UV) rays or infrared (IR) radiation. Unlike compact fluorescents, LEDs do not require a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) or hazardous waste disposal. Retrofitting to LEDs creates energy efficiencies, reducing our carbon footprint—the impact of human activities regarding the amount of greenhouse gases produced.

Durable and low maintenance - LED Light Bulbs have no filaments or moving parts and can withstand shaking and vibrating without breaking. They do not use ballasts which can fail and become a fire hazard. LEDs work well in hot or cold environments and can withstand moderate power surges. LED Light Bulbs are not bothered by frequent cycling on or off and can be left on for extended periods without generating much heat.

Maximum lifespan - LED Light Bulbs last longer than any other type of light bulbs; LED Light Bulbs may last up to 100,000 hours—11 years of continuous use.

Zero interference - LEDs do not use ballasts which produce harmonic noise—or “hum.” LEDs do not produce electro-magnetic interference.

Natural, eye-pleasing spectrum - White and soft white LEDs produce a full-spectrum light closely resembling daylight, illuminating tasks and enhancing work, school, and retail environments. LEDs can provide exceptional directional lighting to enlighten a work area and create a bright, clear light for showcasing retail products.

History of LED Lighting

Light-emitting diodes, known as LED’s, are an enticing option for those seeking to reduce their lighting costs. They’ve come a long way in just over one hundred years when British experimenter H. J. Round thought there was no practical use for his invention. However, in 1962, together with the General Electric Company, Nick Holonyak Jr. found visible spectrum LED’s extremely practical in electronics applications, winning awards for his research applying LED to industry.

In 2005, Business Week wrote about Holonyak in its Voices of Innovation column:

“…white-LED systems are starting to replace incandescent bulbs and even fluorescent tubes because LEDs draw less electricity—and last for up to 11 years. Holonyak foresaw it all. “I knew incandescent light was doomed a long time ago,” he says, and he predicted as much in the February, 1963, issue of Reader’s Digest.” Source: Business Week online archives.”

In fact, installing LED Light Bulbs now can cut energy costs by up to 90%. This discovery captured Holonyak the title, Father of the LED.

Versatility and durability bring LED lighting to the forefront in the 21st century. Improved chip structures and manufacturing processes in the last year have exploded the use of LEDs in business and industry. As technology advances, LED manufacturers are producing vast selections in indoor and outdoor applications. Today, this form of low-wattage, economical, and beautiful lighting can be used to illuminate warehouses, schools, hospitals, offices, shopping centers, parking lots, and homes.

Resources

1. U.S. Department of Energy – Solid State Lighting: www.netl.doe.gov/ssl
2. LEDs Magazine: www.ledsmagazine.com
3. Compound SemiConductors Online: www.compoundsemi.com
4. LED Journal: www.ledjournal.com
5. New Mexico State University: www.nmsu.edu

Article reprinted from  http://www.greenlightingsolutionsinc.com

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DIY Recipes for Natural Beauty Products

Nature is the newest trend in skin and hair care. For years, we’ve been putting toxic chemicals into our bodies that build up and make us feel tired and sick, regardless of whether we eat them or if they seep though our pores. And people are finally catching on that natural is better.

Most stores now have a line of natural beauty products. Unfortunately, they often come with a big price tag attached too. Often times many of these products are not actually natural so it does pay to do your homework to ensure you are getting what you pay for.

Fortunately actually making beauty products yourself isn’t too difficult. So if you want beauty products that you know are natural and are also inexpensive, just make them yourself.

Here are 3 quick and easy recipes you can make at yourself:

Face Mask
Eating good food helps give you the right nutrients you need to look good.  You can get more of these vitamins and minerals by putting the good stuff right on the skin.

Combining a mashed carrot, mashed avocado, and a beaten egg with a half cup of honey creates a great face mask that provides vitamins, and improves the tone and texture of your skin. Just stir well, apply, let sit for about 15 minutes, and then wash off with cool water.

After you’ve washed and nourished your skin, you can use grated cucumber or diluted lemon juice as a toner to help tighten your skin and close your pores to keep your skin looking great.

Hair Conditioner
Many people pay a lot of money for a conditioner that actually makes your hair look and feel good. Here is a great natural recipe to save you money and help your hair.

Just mix an egg yolk with a tablespoon of castor oil and apply to hair. Let sit for about ten minutes and rinse out. You can use this every so often as a conditioning treatment for healthy shiny hair. If you like being experimental, you can try mixing other kitchen items, herbs, and natural items with eggs for healthy, shiny hair.

Hand and Foot Cream
A quick face mask will help make you look great in not a lot of time, but hands and feet require extra care.

Use 1 cup of olive oil mixed with natural sea salt and massage into your hands and feet. Leave a few minutes to soak and then rinse off with warm water.

When it comes to natural beauty products, these recipes are just the start.  You can find hundreds of different combinations in natural beauty books, magazines, and on the internet.

Or you can go to your kitchen cabinet and make your own special creations.

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Green Technology Trends in 2013 a guest post by Lindsey Mcmahon

Green technology has come a long way. As little as 20 years ago, few people gave thought to the long-term effects of their lifestyles.

Today, more people and companies than ever are jumping on the green trends to help make our world a better place in which to live, one small step at a time.
In 2013, there are some green trends that stand to make a positive difference in the world.

The most popular trends include:

Solar thermal power plants
In the past, solar panels were the method of choice when it came to solar energy generation. However, it takes a lot of energy to manufacture solar panels, and they are expensive, and take a lot of space. The new alternative are solar thermal power plants.
These plants work in less space by using mirrors to focus the sun’s heat and energy onto a liquid boiler on a tower.
This creates steam that moves an electricity-generating turbine.

Affordable high-quality electric vehicles
True electric vehicles have either been too expensive for the everyday consumer or too unreliable or limited. In 2013, electric-car pioneer Tesla, has introduced their lower—priced vehicle for around $50,000. While this is still in the luxury car price range, it is much less than the $250,000 for their previous vehicles. The newest Tesla car model can drive up to 250 miles without a charge and comes with an included charger that can charge the battery in less than an hour.

A return to bio-fuels
Bio-fuel technology has had a rocky start. With volatile gas prices, the interest in bio-fuels is only present when prices are high. Right now, gas prices are creeping up again, so the interest in bio-fuels has returned. More research and development is occurring throughout 2013.

Global greening
A few years ago, it was mainly a few European countries and the United States who were interested in living greener lives. Now, that is starting to change. Countries all over the world are starting to improve their carbon footprints with environmentally protective laws and business practices. Even China is starting to demand a greener world.

Reduced pollution factories
Factory pollution is a huge problem in the world. In fact, most factories have to be positioned well away from other buildings and environments to prevent the pollution of those areas. However, 2013 is a year of change for factories. More factories than ever are trying to reduce pollution and carbon emission. A combination of government laws and self-imposed regulations are making factories more environmentally responsible.

LED lights
LED lights are highly energy efficient and long-lasting. However, LED technology is just starting to become advanced enough to replace older light technologies, such as CFLs. Today’s LEDs are brighter, longer-lasting, and more reliable than ever. They can also take on a wider range of light than ever before. This means that the energy-efficient LED will start to replace lights in everything from computer screens to home lights.

These green technology trends for 2013 are exciting and beneficial. Although the world is not entirely environmentally-friendly, it is environmentally conscious. That is a step in the right direction, and as the years progress, the environmentally unsafe practices of the past will soon go by the wayside.

Writer Biography

This is a guest post by Lindsey Mcmahon. Her interests are sustainability, parenting and health but she is constantly extending her field of view to incorporate interesting news suggested to her by her readers. She currently works for Common Ground.

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As the weather warms up more and more fruits and vegetables become available. This means more opportunities to enjoy delicious salads. Here are three tasty and healthy spring salad recipes to try.

Spinach – strawberry salad

#1 Strawberry Spinach Salad

Spinach is rich in nutrients and the strawberries add a nice sweet touch to this tasty salad.

Ingredients:
* 12 ounces of fresh baby spinach
* 2 pints fresh strawberries thinly sliced
* 1 thinly sliced red onion
* Crumbled chevre or goat cheese
* Chopped walnuts

Poppy Seed Dressing Ingredients:
* 1/2 cup cider vinegar
* 1 tablespoon minced onion
* 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup vegetable oil
* 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
* Honey to taste
Directions:
Combine dressing ingredients and whisk well. Toss baby spinach with dressing. Place on serving plate. Sprinkle walnuts, strawberries and chevre on top of salad. Eat and enjoy!

cucumber avacado tomato salad

#2 Cucumber Avocado Tomato Salad

Avocados are packed with healthy fats and they taste decadent. This salad is quick to prepare and tasty tool
Ingredients:
* 1 large cucumber halved lengthwise, seeded, and sliced
* 2 medium tomatoes cut into peices
* 1 avocado, diced
* 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
* 1 tablespoon lime juice
* 1 teaspoon Italian herb salad dressing mix or Italian mixed spices.

Directions:
To a medium bowl, add chopped cucumber, tomato, and avocado.
In a small dish combine olive oil, lime juice and herbs/salad dressing mix. Whisk until well combined. Pour over chopped vegetables and serve immediately.

Cashew pear and apple salad

#3 Tasty Nut and Pear Salad
This pleasant spring salad combines the flavors of both fresh and dried fruits with the savory flavors of nuts and Swiss cheese.
Ingredients:
* 1 (16-oz.) package romaine lettuce
* 6-oz. Swiss cheese
* 1 cut roasted, salted cashew
* 1/2 cup sweetened dried cranberries like Craisins
* 1 large apple, peeled, cored and thinly sliced
* 1 large pear, cored and thinly sliced
Poppy Seed Dressing Ingredients
* 2/3 cup light olive oil
* Honey to taste, approximately 1 cup
* 1/3 cup lemon juice
* 1 1/2 tablespoons poppy seeds
* 2 teaspoons finely chopped onion
* 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Directions:
Combine salad ingredients in a large bowl. In a smaller dish blend dressing ingredients until smooth. You can use a blender or whisk by hand, whichever you prefer. Dress salad according to your preferences. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Spring is the perfect time to adorn your table with a variety of salads. And preparing salads for lunch or dinner also helps you consume your recommended daily allowance of fruits and vegetables.

Try these three recipes out next week and enjoy! Let us know what you think!

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The Greener Way to Get Around: Eco-Friendly Travel a guest post by Sam Marquit

Being a commercial contractor gives me some insights into certain aspects of businesses in the eco-friendly travel industry. There’s a greater trend recently towards green materials and eco-friendly building, mostly to become LEED certified. However, that’s not where hotels and tourism businesses should end their fight for responsible tourism and green travel. There are other things that businesses in the hospitality and tourism industry can do to become better advocates for eco-friendly waste, self-sustainable operations and community development programs.

In Asia, this is actually something that is commonplace. The Wild Asia Responsible Tourism Awards offer awards in categories like wildlife conservation, community engagement, natural preservation and cultural awareness. Resource efficiency is also one of the awards, however, responsible tourism incorporates much more than incorporating some eco-friendly products and changing your lights to LED. It’s about working with your surroundings and proving that you care about the environment in which you operate a business.

One area in America that truly does push for friendlier environment practices and waste conservation is Las Vegas. It seems like this would be a place of excess, but there are more hotels in Las Vegas who care about more than becoming LEED certified. Take the Las Vegas Palazzo Resort, winner of the “Most Economic-Friendly Hotel in America” award. This hotel alone has more self-sustaining facilities and constantly reuses waste so that it can be a friendly place to stay, both in the community and environment. Resource efficiency is the name of the game, however. If you can learn how to better use your resources in a way that conserves energy and reduces waste, you’re going to help much more than your hotel guests. After all, Las Vegas had over 120,000 hotel rooms and 40,000,000 travelers in the last year alone, which means they have a lot to benefit from energy conservation.

Las Vegas isn’t the only place really paying attention to greener travels. Hotels and businesses in New York City that are in the hospitality and tourism industries really want to conserve energy and focus on environmentally friendly practices. One such place is the ink48 Hotel. It’s one of the greenest places to stay in the city and offers a program called Earthcare. This program helps members figure out some ideas for responsible tourism and green travel. Waste recycling, energy conservation, self-sustaining facilities and community-friendly practices can all be considered important for green travel.

These are just a few examples and in the coming years others should follow suit. Using The Palazzo Resort in Las Vags and New York’s ink48 Hotel provide blueprints for sustainability and a model for other organizations to follow. They boats many different green materials and practices that improve not just the community, but the planet.

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