Comments & Conversations

Is E-Mail Really Greener than Snail Mail?

"Sometimes what seems like the clear eco-winner or loser really isn’t," writes Ginny Figlar Colón. See how using snail mail equates to using a laptop for an hour, and get tips on eco-friendlier communicating. Read on

Comments (2)

ginny figlar: Thanks, Wendy! I was definitely surprised when I looked into it as well. Which reminds me... I better do some clean-up myself.
Wendy Redal: This is a fascinating analysis and perspective, Ginny. When I think of ALL those Google users together, that's a lot of loads of laundry! I ilke your suggestions for how ...

How Many Soulmates Can You Have?

Is there only one soulmate out there for you? Or can you feel that strong, loving connection with many? Find this out plus how to determine the right person for you. Read on

Comments (2)

keira: is it possible to meet your soulmate in an odd situation.. like he's your friend, but already has girlfriend, and he's different religion, but the moment you spent always click ...
rob: hi, i found my soulmate in my ex gf, i spend my whole life searching for something and the moment i kissed her for the first time i knew in ...

Hypothyroidism: Does Your Thyroid Make You Sick, Tired and Overweight?

Feeling sluggish in the morning? Can't seem to concentrate? Have dry skin or fluid retention? You may have hypothyroidism, a condition that is undiagnosed in half of the 45 million people who have it. Learn what hypothyroidism is, who is affected by it and how to identify its symptoms. Read on

Comments (3)

Kimberly Sumner: I have had Hypothyroidism for several years now and what I am finding out is that a lot of doctors either don't care or don't know how important your thyroid ...
lindred13: Yes - this is my diagnosis, took working through 3 naturopathic docs to finally find one who gave me an answer. Am taking natur-throid - helps only a little bit, ...
carrie: i just found out today that i have a hypothyroid and i know this sounds crazy because i was excited to find this out i'm a least 100 pounds over ...

5 Ways Europeans Live Better than Americans

Twice in the last year I’ve spent three weeks in Europe – last summer exploring several former Soviet bloc countries, most recently returning from a 2,000-mile driving trip through Italy and Switzerland’s Ticino region, the Italian-speaking corner that juts into the lakes district north of Milan. Both times I’ve been struck, on “re-entry” (that’s always how it feels when I ... Read on

Comments (90)

DivaDivine: It's funny that now that I'm preparing for a long trip to Lisbon, I'm considering packing a bikini after reading this. I'll be at my healthy goal weight by then ...
ART: I also came across this blog by accident. I'm so glad I did. I now live and work in Dubai, after having lived in the US for a long time. ...
Maggie: I am an American who has lived in Europe for the past 3.5 years. You have summed it up nicely. I still haven't fully adjusted to the shops only being ...
Travis: Reading this really makes me want to visit Europe that much more... I think this whole "more is better" attitude IS exactly what's killing Americans. What's even funnier is, I'm ...
Michael: I lived in Belgium for a little over a year and a half and planned on living there longer but for various reasons had to return to the states. Loved ...

3 Steps to Take If #5 Plastic Leaching Has You Worried

When I think of plastic #5 — polypropylene, commonly used for yogurt containers, syrup bottles, ketchup bottles, caps, straws and medicine bottles — I think of my mother going into a fit of recycling rage, ranting about the fact that we couldn't recycle plastic #5 in our area. But the real story here parallels the BPA scare with water bottles ... Read on

Comments (1)

Kelli Weaver: Dear Ms. Bond, I worked for Waterwise in Florida and found your blog while searching for information on polypropylene. We have been looking for the study from the University of ...

Confessions of a Non-Recycler’s Accomplice

Do you speak up if you witness far-from-eco behavior? Or is it rude to tell someone to change their habits? Ginny Figlar Colón shares a time she didn't speak up. Read on

Comments (3)

Wendy Redal: I experienced a similar event at my brother's home in a Dallas suburb. He had moved with his family from California, where recycling is de rigeur, to a brand-new subdivision ...
Elaine: I think it's totally ok to offer to recycle while you're there. I've never had anyone say no ;) An example: "Hey, I'm gonna stick this bag here so I ...
Lisa: My mom does this, as do most of my relatives. I feel it really isn't my place to tell someone--however tactfully--what to do in their home. Instead, when they are ...

Top 5 Exercise Fears & How to Overcome Them

Are you afraid exercise could lead to pain or injury? Are you embarrassed to work out and sweat in front of people? Chris Freytag reveals the five most common fears of exercise and how to face them head on — improving your health, fitness and self confidence. Read on

Comments (1)

Michelle: Finding a good gym is important. As someone struggling with my weight, I avoided the gym like the plague due to my body consciousness. Then I went with a couple ...

What Makes a Nature Photograph “Real”?

Does manipulating nature images — cropping, lightening and other digital alterations — count as "real" nature photography? Should the goal be to capture unadulterated moments in nature or create an artistic image? Read on

Comments (9)

Mary: I think being able to enhance a Nature photo is terrific - it simply helps express the wonder you have seen. However, I do find composite photos less admirable, since ...
Travis John: I like structure. If the composition of a photograph is unchanged (i.e. superimposition), it's real to me. Having said that, I think a lot of animosity has arisen due to ...
John H Gaukel: Is this photo real ? Probably not ! Glamour , movie star , gossip ,news and food magazines,I would say , all use altered pictures . When is the last ...
Joan Campbell: "Real" or "not real" has become a question of degree, hasn't it? In the case of nature photography, I have no problem with the sort of editing you did in ...
Art Hardy: One of the reasons that many photographers have made the switch to digital media is the feeling that with all the controls at there disposal, they never have to print ...

The Joy of Shunning Gas Stations

Every time I pass a gas station I count my blessings. Since I’ve had my own biodiesel tank at my house for the last two years, I’ve almost never had to endure the dubious honor of queuing up in line to fill up my car with fossil fuels shipped from politically unstable countries in the Middle East knowing full well ... Read on

Comments (5)

Alex Brendel: Hi John, I've been driving on B-100 for abut 6 years, I'm a real fan of the SLI mission. I have a proposal for you which could greatly further the ...
sandrar: Hi! I was surfing and found your blog post... nice! I love your blog. :) Cheers! Sandra. R.
Jo Afton: My husband and I both decided to work at home, and my gas tank is still on half full from the week before Hurricane Gustav! I just refuse to drive ...
Grace Solts: Since we use little or no cooking oil, and the commercial biodiesal is not an option in our area, we drive sensible reasonably conventional cars, kept in tune, with properly ...
Joe Rogel: I also love shunning gas stations as I ride by......on my bike :)

Anti-Aging Yoga: How-to Slideshow

I’m 37 years old, but look me in the face, give my body the once over, and like most others, you might peg my age around 27. That’s not vanity talking … it’s the reality of a consistent yoga regimen. I feel like Benjamin Button, getting younger and more vital instead of older with each year. What yogis have ... Read on

Comments (10)

wendy: I read some where that practicing yoga can help and even reverse your grays?? Is this true? How long do you think one has to stay in an upside down ...
Sadie Nardini: Looks, GREAT, Karin...thanks so much for sharing it. Namaste, Sadie
Sadie Nardini: Hi Karin, Sure--I'd be honored! Just be sure to credit Gaiam, OK? Danke! Sadie
Karin: Hi Sadie, Your slide show looks so great and your comments are easy to follow! I'd really love to publish your article on my own web page - in German. ...
Sherry: I have to agree on the age thing, I am 10 years older than Sadie is and most people can't believe that I have a 23 year old daughter and ...

Nontoxic Virus Defense: Make Disinfectant Sprays with Essential Oils

Especially when there are flu and virus outbreaks in your community, added protection against germs is often warranted. Try these homemade essential oil mists — an easy way to add antiviral and antibacterial yet natural scent to your home. They are proven allies in the fight against germs, and they don't pose the health dangers of many store-bought disinfectants. Recipes ... Read on

Comments (11)

luka: will pure lavender oil with spring water in a spray bottle ( 20 drops to 8oz water ) be strong enough to disinfect against H1N1 and other nasty viruses..... what ...
Dawn: This is such great info. for everyday use, but especially now that people are freaking out about the swine flu. I've passed this link on to my yoga classes, friends, ...
Lavender: Hi -Great article & discussion. I don't even allow chlorine bleach & harsh chemical cleaners in my home - haven't for years. There are a number of good products on ...
Windy: Do you have a tree tea oil formula that I can use for cleaning?
Carolyn: Thank you so much! I was about to break down and buy some Lysol (despite my concerns about it) since we've all had colds but after reading this article I ...

2 Circuits for Shapely Legs

If you’re short on time, you need a workout that can be done in a flash but leaves your legs burning. Follow The FIRM Master Instructor Louise Smith's Tri-Set Lower Body Blast routine in this how-to video. It targets all hip and thigh muscles and will give you strong, shapely legs in no time. Read on

Comments (2)

Denyse Peterson: ditto from Rick, I was getting a pain in my neck, watching her perform her deadlifts. OUCH!
Rick: Overall a good standard lower body workout. Obviously you are in good shape! I disagree with your lunge technique, however. For one thing, why is the hip so far behind ...

Winter Composting: Should I Just Scrap It?

Nice … half-frozen veggie scraps molded together in a solid mass. Not exactly what I want to see in my compost bin. With at least five more months of cold weather before warmth and sunshine reappear, why do I even bother keeping the pile going? Me and my veggie scraps Well, I guess I do know why. Diverting even a ... Read on

Comments (9)

Robyn: Living in Fargo (yep, we loved the movie!) I've found a way to compost throughout harsh winters. I line a 30-gal garbage can with a plastic trash bag and keep ...
j. kaczy: Actinomyacetes love oxygen. Turn that pile more often and it composts quickly. The temp. can go up pretty darn high and smoke. The more green (nitrogen) that you add to ...
j. kaczy: ps My garden kicks ass.
j. kaczy: Another way to have a "hightech" looking composter is to go to HD or Lowe's and buy a sheet of that lathing sheetmetal that people use to put stones on ...
j. kaczy: I am a diehard gardener with years of experience. I have volunteered many places and go garden tour hunting. The ideal way to compost from my experience it to have ...

Disengage Your Auto-Pilot: 4 Ways to Exercise More Mindfully

"You can work out every day or even hours a day and get little benefit if you are not fully engaged in the process," writes The FIRM Master Instructor Emily Welsh. Learn how to focus your mind and get more out of your workout, making your body stronger and more fit. Read on

Comments (1)

Rick: Bringing attention to what you are doing yields quality results. I agree with you that, in terms of exercise, paying attention to your form and slowing down will give you ...

How to Harvest Your Blessings

When we are constantly on-the-go, we often forget to stop and honor our blessings. Take a moment to reflect on what in your life has given you enjoyment and happiness. Read on

Comments (1)

Dottie: YES! It can be the little things that bring us to center and empower us in our attitude toward life. I love my life, difficult though it can be. It ...

Bandhas 101: How to Amplify the Benefits of Any Pose

What exactly are bandhas, and how can they give you power in your poses? Learn how to activate these muscular “locks” in your pelvic floor, abdominals and throat to give you an extra boost and rock those pesky arm-balance and inversion poses. Read on

Comments (1)

Sharon Rubinstein: What a fantastic article! Thanks Sadie, another great piece from you! You always seem to explore subjects that I don't see many others covering in the industry. I am sharing ...

Learn from Our Ancestors: Walking Daily Improves Health

How did our ancestors stay so healthy? From walking dozens of miles daily, that’s how! See how walking more often — whether to the bank, to the market or around the neighborhood — will help you maintain a health weight, prevent diseases like heart disease and osteoporosis, and lower carbon output in our environment. Read on

Comments (3)

mercedes: I couldn't agree more... I feel blessed to be in walking/biking distance of all of my work, and when I get the time to walk the distance, (instead of biking) ...
Bonnie: Great article. Very motivating!
Kristen Leigh: I totally agree! I gained 15 lbs. when I went from working in downtown Cleveland, where I walked all over the place, to semi-suburban Atlanta where everything is too far ...

Buying Guide to Nontoxic Paint + DIY Milk Paint Recipe

Check this guide before shopping for nontoxic low-VOC or no-VOC paint — or make your own with this DIY recipe. Read on

Comments (6)

Jessica: I was googling nontoxic paints for an activity I am doing with my girl scout troop in a couple days. I think I am going to try this paint recipe ...
Julie: We tried Mythic paint for the first time last winter in two rooms of our house and we loved it! It covered just as well as other premium paints and ...
Erin Waters: i like the milk paint idea, i'm going to have to give that a try. however aside from paint there are dozens of indoor air pollutants. After reading an article ...
Michael Peters: In Australia, we use Dulux -- nontoxic, minimal emissions, and great colours to boot.
Nichole Lovett: I am the owner of an Environmentally friendly painting company out of Evanston, IL and I use Yolo paints almost all of the time for my clients. They are awesome ...

Keep Your Mood Elevated to Reach Your Weight Loss Goals!

“I didn’t even know I was unhappy until people started commenting on my new bubbly lease on life,” says a client of mine who lost 80 pounds over the course of a year. Yet one of the most exasperating things about losing weight safely and healthfully is that a loss of two pounds a week isn’t always noticed right away ... Read on

Comments (2)

Jack: weight loss is a very slow process and even requires a great dedication and efforts. We should never make hurry in this. Your tips are also great and love to ...
weight loss: Thanks for the informative article. It just seems like the world has turned obese at such a fast pace it really is scary. I have struggled with weight for my ...

5 Ways to Control Garden Pests Without Toxic Chemicals

If you could wave a magic wand over the world and turn a toxic product into a pure, eco-friendly version, what would you transform first? For me, my number one choice would be pesticides. Hands down. My reason does have a lot to do with the fact that I was severely poisoned by organophosphate pesticides in 1980 and was in ... Read on

Comments (2)

Stacey: What great ideas. I'm going to have to try the sugar ant killer trick. They manage to take over the kitchen sometimes! For the soap spray, do you spray directly ...
louise: Great ideas! Now, how would you prevent deer and turkey from sharing your hard earned vegetables? Fences are pretty unaffordable - I am growing vegetables, not pearls. I need help ...