Thursday, 2 February 2012
Lauren Conrad to Launch Eco Makeup Bags
8 Tiny Organisms Earth Can't Live Without
Wednesday, 1 February 2012
A Look at Green Technology Predictions for 2012
The Big Plastic Bummer: Don’t Want to Live with It. Can’t Live Without It
20 Healthy Foods to Boost Your Metabolism and Help You Lose Weight
10 Giant Edible Crops You Can Grow
When You Have a Choice…
3 Out-of-the-Box Ways to Make Kale Taste Good
World’s Largest Treehouse? 7 Trees Support 1800 Sq Ft Home
Friday, 27 January 2012
Rapid Weight Loss
There are a lot of people who want to lose weight at a quick and a rapid pace and for that matter they utilize a lot of different strategies and plans shed the extra pounds. The extra weight just gives you a bad feeling inside, it affects your overall quality of life, puts you through depression and poses several health risks, as well as physical incapacitation. With the weight loss, there are a lot of positive changes that the individual experiences with a great encouragement and acceptation by friends, family and peers.
The first step that an overweight individual must take is that they must contact their doctor and ask for the best weight loss regimen that is available there in the market. The physician performs a detailed physical examination and then they determine as to what weight loss programs will be best for these individuals.
What Is Needed To Lose Weight Fast And Effectively?
There are about six aspects that need to be changed in life, which includes what to eat, setting realistic approaches, see your body language, add fiber to your diet, stay away from fat and drink lots and lots of fluid.
1 What To Eat And Make A Mindset: In order to lose weight at a rapid pace, one needs to understand that they need to eat what is healthy, they need to understand what healthy food means and what are the foods that fall in that category, they need to understand as to what is their current diet and what foods can come in the healthy category and what not. They must also see as to what is their physical shape during the time since they have started to use those foods. You need to find a diet that you can get easily accustomed with.
2 You Need To See Things Realistically: You need to realize things and set your targets and goals realistically. You need to be someone who can quickly lose pounds with their right decision making and stay focused on your task that you have outlined for yourself.
3 See And Hear Your Body Language: You must need to see as to how your body speaks to you by the diet that you are starting to take, see if there are any positive changes that are being brought about with the diet or there are no changes at all, or you have started to gain more weight since you have brought about a change in your diet plan. You must add an exercise regimen to your ground plan that you have laid out for yourself so that you can lose as much as weight as possible in the least possible time. Just put on some muscle mass, as this will help you to lose extra pounds more effectively as through exercise you will be increasing your metabolism and it will burn fats much faster.4 Add Fiber To Your Diet: Fiber is a very good source of food. Fiber is something that is not digested and our body does not utilize it as a food source, but it helps to give an individual a feeling of full, as well as it does not let the fat get absorbed into the system and keeps the bowel tract healthy and well functioning. It is a fact that a single serving of whole grain bread just makes the fat move faster through the digestive system. The grains thus increases the body's insulin level and increases the metabolism and thus makes it more energized and makes it ready to start burning the fats.
5 Keep Away From Dried Foods. It is also said that one must keep away from the dried foods such as popcorns, crackers etc, as these contain a great amount of fat. Do not fry the food such as beef or white meat, as frying the foods just make it to have a lot of fat content in it and thus would cause increased amount of fat deposition in the body. Therefore it is recommended that the individual must opt for grilled food, as this contains less amount of fat that gets absorbed in the food.
6 Drinks Lots Of Water: You must make a habit that you drink about six to eight glasses of water as it keeps your body hydrated, as well as it keeps flushing it from the toxins and also helps lose the fat from the body.
Benefits of Phentermine (Adipex) 37.5 mg:
Phentermine (Adipex) 37.5 mg is the best known weight suppressant drug which can keep your weight in check by suppressing the desire to eat more food. The reason for the diet suppressant in the body is due to the ingredient of Phentermine. This drug is best for short-term health management, but taking of this drug should be avoided for longer period weight reduction solutions. This pill is easily available in many online pharmacy and retail stores. Before buying from online pharmacy, the authenticity of the pharmacy should be checked thoroughly. It is very essential to find the trustworthiness and reliability of online store.
Phentermine (Adipex) acts as stimulation for nervous system and also known as anorectic. It stimulates the satiate centre of the brain, which in turn makes you feel less hungry and this way it suppresses your appetite which leads to consumption of controlled diet. This suppressant diet is ideal for weight control. This may be due to the boost of metabolism in the body which suppress the desire for excess food and create the sense of fullness in the mind of the person. To get the best result of Phentermine (Adipex) for weight control, you should simultaneously start exercising and taking controlled diet. This procedure, if followed seriously can get you the best result.
Phentermine 37.5 diet pills are not new to the market and are offering the needs of individuals from a reasonable time. All you have to do is to buy them from any of the health-related retail store as they are easily available in the market. You can even utilize online stores for buying them as there are numerous internet websites which in turn provide you these types of service. Phentermine 37.5 medication is generally available in the market in several various arrangements or doses.
You can find 15 milligrams and 30 mg tablets in the market and will additionally discover phentermine 37.5 mg tablets. Individuals generally choose phentermine 37.5 mg tablets as more quantity of Phentermine (Adipex) medication can help within dropping more weight in less time. But the result of fat reduction basically depends on how you intake it and in what amount. They are usually obtained simply right after talking to a physician in order to get preferred outcomes. You can also consider support of several publications that specify concerning their utilization or can go online for getting more knowledge about these. Undertaking some easy routines along with the use of phentermine weight control tablets could definitely help you in getting more precised outcomes.
Therefore start using phentermine 37.5 mg tablets now and get a perfect entire body.Phentermine helps control your appetite, and boosts your metabolism. Side effects are numerous. The most serious include nausea, chronic constipation, elevated bloodpressure, insomnia, and addiction. Make no mistake, Phentermine is an amphetamine. It's a tightly controlled substance for a reason, and should ONLY be used under a Doctor's supervision.
With that said, yes, it will help you lose weight. Early on the nausea helps you learn when to stop eating (ie. portion control). The boost in metabolism keeps you burning calories even though your body wants to slow things down because it's taking in less calories (the dreaded starvation mode). With normal diet and exercise, most people lose a pound or two a week. Using the Phentermine can boost it to 3 to 5 pounds a week.
Now, Phentermine is not a magic bullet! Eating a low fat, high fiber, balanced diet is essential. So is exercising, 3 to 5 times a week. You can still pork out and not lose weight, even while taking the drug. If you stop losing weight, your doctor is quite likely to stop writing prescriptions for it. BTW- You can only get a 30 day supply of Phentermine at a time with no refills. So you have to keep going back to your doctor (remember, controlled substance!).
Concerning all the ads for Phentermine that you see (saw) in the article. If you have a AAA membership, you can get a 30 day supply of genuine 37.5mg Phentermine from your local pharmacy for less than $20.
One last comment, if you want to lose weight AND KEEP IT OFF, you have to make a life style change. Once most people reach their weight goal, they go off their diet, stop exercising, and gain all the weight back and more. It has to be a permanent change to your eating and exercising habits or all your effort will go to waste. The voice of experience is speaking!
You'd be surprised just how many people in the world have the same story to tell when it comes to losing weight. From all the promising and widely advertised diet programs that lure you into spending your hard earned money to the very latest weight loss supplements, health drinks, and herbal pills, you still end up losing not a single pound. These are some of the countless losing weight testimonials that could be frustrating at times.Obesity is indeed an uphill task. It's a condition we have created ourselves with our bad eating habits and sedentary lifestyles. The ache and pain we suffer because of the extra pounds is becoming a huge problem in today's world. Losing weight is always easier said than done and most of us need a little extra help along the way.
That's why we need the magic boost of Phentermine in order to achieve our weight loss goal. Incorporating phentermine into your weight loss program, along with healthy diet and ample exercise can cause a great deal of weight loss in the initial week of intake. An appetite suppressant pill that has been available in the market for almost five decades, phentermine has been successful in helping obese patient cope up with obesity problems and achieve their ideal weight.
Phentermine is Considered an Effective Weight Loss Tool
Most of us rely on dieting in order to lose weight. But more often than not dieting can further worsen your weight problem. It may work initially and help you lose a few pounds. But when you switched back to your regular diet, the weight just all came back. Losing weight through dieting is really a tough path as obese patients finds it hard to control their urges and cravings for binge eating.
Treat Your Overweight Problem With Phentermine
The obesity is the disease that takes place due to the extra fat in ones body and the excess fat is mostly found in the lower waist and hips of a person. Obesity is dangerous and life taking disease. You can treat your overweight problem with phentermine.
The overweight comes from the junk food we eat. The more amounts of calories are taken in and they result in obesity. If you have obesity then due to that you may suffer from many more diseases which are harmful and deadly.
The individual must have sufficient information and details on phentermine before taking it. It is a type of anorectic drug used to reduce weight quickly. It would help you to reduce your appetite or hunger by directing the flow of signals from neuro transmitter of the brain to nervous system.
If the appetite is in control then there is no question of increase in weight. The phentermine is given only at the times when it is most needed. Since these pills can be taken only for limited time period and as your doctors and physiotherapists prescribe.
The BMI is otherwise known as body mass index and when your BMI reaches 27 or above phentermine is provided. If your BMI is high then it is not a good sign. This would lead to diseases of cardio metabolism also.
The best way to buy cheap phentermine medicine is to go to the pharmacies nearby your house. Visit various pharmacies to get better rates and offers. Compare the price and then buy the phentermine pill which also provides free prescription.
Before buying the phentermine pills make sure that you have consulted your physiotherapists and doctors. Why go for a physiotherapist? It is required because after you take phentermine you would be required to carry out functional exercises and follow an effective diet.
The physiotherapists would examine your health status and provide you the appropriate dose of phentermine. It is usually 37.5 mg but it is not recommended for pregnant women.
12 Ways to Up-cycle Plastic Bags
There are so many ways to reuse these bags!
By Adam Verwymeren, Networx
The scourge of landfills and the enemy of environmentalists, plastic bags have been much maligned in recent years. Starting in 2007, cities around the country have voted to ban or curb the use of these non-compostable carriers in favor of paper or plant-based alternatives. For instance, the San Jose, CA plumbing and sewer system was plagued with an overabundance of trash in its storm sewers, and issued a plastic bag ban in January of 2011.
But while their eco-impact might be pretty harsh, you can at least make a plastic bag serve a second purpose before it ends up in a landfill. There are, of course, the obvious uses: lining a trash bin, cleaning up after a dog or reusing them as bags at the grocery store. But here are some other great, innovative ways to re-use plastic bags.
Soccer Ball: As the old saying goes, necessity is the mother of invention. In Africa, kids looking to kick a ball around will often reach for plastic bags. Wrapped and packed tightly, these bags are perfect for the pitch in a pinch.
Throw Rug: If you have weaving skills, you can use tightly rolled plastic bags to fashion a rug. Using brightly colored bags, these rugs are as attractive as anything made of more traditional textiles.
Plarn: "Plarn," or plastic bag yarn is the art of making a weaveable material from old plastic bags and serves as the basis for many other plastic bag crafts.
Sandals: Fashion yourself some fashionable footwear with a bunch of old plastic bags. These plastic bag sandals look pretty comfortable, though I wonder how well they breathe on a hot summer's day.
Plastic Bag Tote Bag: Sure, you can take your plastic bag back to the grocery store and use it for a second haul of groceries. But what about making a bag from plastic bags? This tote bag is so meta it's making my head spin.
Making Bread: Rather than reaching for plastic wrap, use a plastic bag to cover rising dough when making bread or pizza. Slip your bread bowl inside the bag and tie it shut to keep the dough nice and moist.
Stand-in for Plastic Wrap: Whenever a recipe calls for something to be battered and flattened, you can use a bag instead. So next time you need to hammer away at a carpaccio or schnitzel, dispense with the plastic wrap and grab a bag.
Pastry Bag: If you need to frost a cake or make macarons, a plastic bag is a good substitute for a pastry bag. Simply fill the bag and snip off a corner.
Packing Material: Keep fragile objects safe in the mail by stuffing shipping boxes with plastic bags.
Painting: Get an attractive textured effect on your walls by applying a dark coat of paint with a paint roller and then a second, lighter coat with a scrunched-up plastic bag.
Plastic Flowers: Make a flower from a plastic bag for a rose that's always in bloom.
Make Art, Not Trash: Take some inspiration from artist Virginia Fleck and make some incredible, beautiful works of art from old plastic bags.
Adam Verwymeren writes about green home issues, from roofing to creative re-use. Get home & garden ideas like this on Networx.Plan a Sustainable Wedding
by Alexandra Pauline - January 23, 2012
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Your Big Day The Green Way
Planning a wedding is a costly, emotional and time consuming undertaking - often leaving little room for the idea of sustainability. I mean, this is the one day where the entire focus is on you, right? And with so much going on, it might not even cross your mind to think about the environment… But if you're planning a wedding, going Green doesn't have to mean more work and more money. In fact, by making your wedding a more sustainable event, not only will you make your big day even more memorable, you can save some serious cash!
Go Partially Paperless
While there's still something special about sending printed invitations for your actual wedding, save money and paper by sending digital invites for your save-the-date, engagement party, rehearsal dinner and shower. Websites like Paperlesspost.com, Evite.com and Punchbowl.com have some elegantly festive Fab & Fru options so you can get the job done without chopping down a single tree - all with pricing packages that range from free to budget friendly!
Keep It Local - Even when Far from Home
Outdoor-Wedding-Decorations
Even if you're not getting married in the town you live in, you can still make sustainable local choices that will help make your wedding one of a kind! Wedding photographer Michelle Posey commented, "I saw a couple do a great job of putting on a sustainable wedding in 2010. They had their wedding outdoors, made local food and wine choices, used flowers from friends' gardens instead of having them shipped in, and used a family wedding dress instead of buying a new one."
Eatwellguide.org makes finding caterers who specialize in using local ingredients as simple as just typing in your zip code. Not only is going local better for the environment, and your taste buds - it may also save you on the cost of food. The less your food has to travel, the fewer hands will be looking to cash in on its journey!
Take Out The Good China
Big weddings often lead to people cutting corners when it comes to using china and flatware. Setting the tables with proper place settings not only helps to make your day feel more special, it will also allow you will avoid the extra waste that comes with using paper and plastic products …no matter how high quality. The caterer or the venue may have to wash a ton of dishes that night, but it will be worth it in the end!
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No marriage is symbolically complete without a diamond, right? And when it comes to sustainability, even your ring can be "green!" Ivanka Trump recently partnered with Canadian jewelers, Walden Diamond Company, to create a line of original, environmentally friendly diamonds. According to their website all their diamonds are 'certified Green' by the Canadian Diamond Code of Conduct. "This is a guarantee that the diamonds are an ethical conflict free product and mined by an environmentally responsible company. They are on the forefront of social and environmental responsibility with community outreach efforts, progressive reclamation, and a commitment to sustainable development research." Not only that, but with their commitment to competitive pricing, Ivanka and Walden are making sure chic and sustainable luxury is affordable too!
Cash Is King
Whether you have a wedding registry or not, too often couples find themselves with three toasters …when they didn't even want one. The people who do opt to give the GIFT of green may also give it in the form of checks and gift cards, that still fill up our planet with pounds of unwanted waste. An excellent way to offer guests a sustainable alternative to buying a tangible gift is to register online with Depositagift.com. "Guests contribute monetary gifts that go into a personal account which you can access at any time. The cash is yours to use towards anything your imagination can conjure (think honeymoon or house). And because DAG is a registry service instead of a store, you're free to make purchases wherever you like." We have to admit, while some on the Fab & Fru staff think this is the best gift option ever, others think it is tacky to EVER ask for money! But the choice is up to you - at least you can make it seem less tacky to be asking for money by pointing out how "green" it is, right?!
Recycle Your Wedding
An attractive man and woman wedding couple ready to be married
Another Fab & Fru resource for reducing your carbon footprint of wedding planning is Recycledbride.com. Recycled Bride is a shopping site that allows you to buy and SELL high quality, but slightly used, wedding garb and decorations. From tiaras to tuxes, this site has almost every wedding detail you can imagine for a fraction of the cost.
Beginilah Wanita Jika Berkendara :))
Ada yang bilang wanita adalah pengemudi yang buruk..
well.. ga semuasi...,, tapi tonton video ini
dan saya jamin anda setuju dengan saya
:D
Bila teman-teman suka klik tombol like disebelah ya
My Very 1st Piece of Comme Des Garcons …
The Thrifters Blog
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- My very 1st piece of Comme des Garcons ….
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I had a little leakage at the thrift store when I came across this label. OMG I just couldn't believe my eyes and the funny thing is that this shirt / jacket was actually in the women's section of the thrift store, so it pays to look everywhere. This is a label I've lusted after for decades because the designer behind the label, Rei Kawakubo, is the ultimate artist in my opinion. Comme des Garcons (French for "like boys") has grown to become 1 of Japan's biggest fashion designers. Started in 1969 by Kei Kawakubo in Tokyo and debut in Paris in 1981. Comme des Garcons was a popular line that often took on the notion of color & sex-appeal in clothing, as had Issey Miyake & Yohji Yamamoto during the same time period. I will wear this shirt / jacket until the day I drop and then I'll be cremated in it! When you stop by Doubletake in Atlanta you'll see a lot of fabulous STYLISH clothes but you won't see this on the racks! Please friend me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter too….toodles for now. Be STYLISH go green. Daniel your luxury curator!
Thursday, 26 January 2012
The 7 Best Cardboard Toys for Kids
Eco-friendly toys for kids!
Space Shuttle
1. Space Shuttle
This Shuttle Imagination will take your child on a new adventure every day. Besides, who doesn't want to be an astronaut when they grow up?
Buy this cardboard space shuttle
Storage and Play Boxes
2. Storage and Play Boxes
These storage boxes double as seats and can also be used for educational play - teaching your little one letters, shapes, and numbers.
Buy these storage and play boxes
Related: 10 simple changes you can make to go green in 2012
Washing Machine and Stove
3. Washing Machine and Stove
You can let your kids "do the laundry" and "cook" to their heart's content with these fun cardboard toys!
Buy this washing machine and stove
Cardboard Box Gas Pump
4. Cardboard Box Gas Pump
The best part about this cute cardboard gas pump? Every fill-up is free!
Make this cardboard box gas pump
Cardboard Guitar
5. Cardboard Guitar
Do you have a future musician in your family? Let them strum to their heart's desire with this handmade guitar they can decorate all on their own!
Make this cardboard guitar
Related: Eco-friendly products for kids - green toys, reusable snack bags, and more!
Casa Cabana by Kidsonroof
6. Nature-Inspired Playhouse
We love this super-fun playhouse, whether the kids transform it into their treehouse, mansion, or hiding shed.
Buy this nature-inspired playhouse
Creation Cottage Craft Model
7. Cardboard Cottage
The sturdy, white exterior of this little cottage gives your child a blank canvas to decorate however he or she wishes!
Buy this cardboard cottage
- By Rachelle Wilde
For 3 more eco-friendly cardboard toys for kids, visit Babble!
MORE ON BABBLE
10 ways to keep your home eco-friendly
Gardening with kids - fruits and vegetables they can help plant
Chic ideas for eco-friendly home decor
10 ways to treat common ailments with items from your pantry
25 awesome super hero items you can make your kids
Stay connected. Follow Babble on Facebook and Twitter.
Lauren Conrad to Launch Eco Makeup Bags
Lauren Conrad - InStyle.com
Beauty devotee Lauren Conrad is not just a blogger for thebeautydepartment.com, now she's a makeup bag designer, too! The reality star alum announced she will launch a line of sustainable pouches with ecofriendly brand BlueAvocado this summer. "Because I travel so much, I wanted to create a stylish way to carry my products that was also good for the planet," she told InStyle.com exclusively. "This partnership represents three things that are important to me-designing great products, enabling women to realize their dreams, and inspiring thoughtful action." Sign up to get updates on the launch at blueavocado.com.
-- Marianne Mychaskiw
MORE:
• More on Lauren Conrad's Green Makeup Bags
• Green Beauty Products
• Earth Day Beauty Buys
8 Tiny Organisms Earth Can't Live Without
By Stephanie Rogers
Our planet is home to about 5 trillion trillion bacteria, a number that seems too huge to contemplate. That may sound scary to people who think of bacteria as nasty little bugs that just want to make us sick, but the fact is, tiny organisms like bacteria, fungi and protists are absolutely essential both to the health of our bodies and to that of the entire planet. Unseen and under-appreciated, these organisms play a huge role in marine food chains, the growth of forests, climate change and our own digestive systems.
Lactobacilli in our digestive systems
We've got ten times more bacterial cells in our bodies than cells of our own. In fact, fully 10% of our dried body weight is made up of bacteria, and most of that isn't the harmful sort that causes infection, illness and tooth decay. Scientists are only just beginning to explore what they're now calling the "human biome," and they haven't yet identified most of the bacteria that our bodies host. But we do know that over 500 species of bacteria take up residence in our intestines alone, and these microorganisms may just be the most important ones in our bodies. It's hard to narrow down just which species of gut bacteria is the most important, but there's one that stands out for its sheer bad-bacteria-fighting power: Lactobacillus acidophilus. This acid-resistant bacterium colonizes the lining of the small intestine, and also covers the lining of the vagina, cervix and urethra. Producing lactic acid, L. acidophilus helps our bodies fight virulent strains of E. coli, Staphylococcus aureas, Salmonella, Candida albicans, Listeria and other types of bacteria that we really don't want getting comfortable in our bodies. This is exactly why you should be eating foods that contain live probiotics, like yogurt.
Marine bacteria that produce oxygen
Likely the most abundant photosynthetic organism on earth, Prochlorococcus is a genus of tiny marine cyanobacteria with an especially high concentration of chlorophyll. In fact, though you've probably never heard of it before, this microorganism may be the most plentiful species on earth, with 100,000 cells found within a single milliliter of sea water. Amazingly, these microscopic bacteria account for an estimated 20% of the oxygen in the Earth's atmosphere, so they provide a lot of the air we breathe. Prochlorococcus are also among the beneficial marine microbes involved in oceanic nitrogen cycles, fixing nitrogen in the water so that the entire food chain can flourish.
Mycorrhizal fungi help feed plants
Nearly every plant growing on this earth is host to parasites called Mycorrhizal fungi. Forming an extensive network of pseudo-roots attached to the plant's actual roots, these fungi can increase the plant's water and nutrient uptake between 10 and 1,000 times. Plant roots can't always take up certain minerals own their own, especially in alkaline soil, but the fungi can access the minerals and make them available to the plants.These fungi can also help protect plants that are rooted in soils with high concentrations of toxic metals, probably because the metals bind with the fungi instead of being taken up by the roots of the plants.
Bacteria that create rain and snow
Microbiologists recently made a very surprising find: living microorganisms that get blown into the sky, including bacteria, fungi, diatoms and algae, can be used by clouds as precipitation starters. One researcher at Montana State University discovered that bacteria was highly concentrated in the innermost core of hail stones, learning that the bacteria allowed the ice to form at warmer temperatures than normal. This discovery will likely spur more research into just how big of a role microbes play in weather cycles.
Protists at the bottom of the food chain
Mostly unicellular, protists have evolutionary histories that stretch back at least two billion years. While some protists aren't seen as beneficial - like the genus Plasmodium, which causes malaria - these microscopic organisms are a critical part of marine food chains. For example, diatoms, a type of protist, serve as the main base of the food chain in both fresh water and ocean habitats, supplying calories to larger protists which are then eaten by small animals, and so on.
Moss bacteria that help forests grow
Ancient trees aren't just beautiful examples of the natural world. They're also hosts to species of moss that contain crucial bacterial which are twice as effective at "fixing" nitrogen as the species that live in the soil. Highlighting the importance of maintaining old-growth trees, especially those in coastal temperate rainforests, a study on these cyanobacteria found that they take nitrogen from the atmosphere and make it available to plants in a highly efficient way that few other organisms can match. That means that old growth trees covered in moss can actually help the forests around them grow.
Bacteria and fungi that break down organic matter
Decomposition is a complex process involving hundreds if not thousands of different organisms, like earthworms, millipedes and maggots. But behind the scenes, it's really the bacteria and fungi that do most of the work turning dead organic matter, from wood to human bodies, into nourishing soil. Consuming the dead organic matter for energy, bacteria help to recycle nutrients like nitrogen and carbon back into the life cycle.
Microbes that help regulate climate
Aside from seeding clouds with precipitation, microbes play another role in weather and climate: storing and producing even more carbon dioxide than all of the earth's trees and plants. Microbes help the world's soils store more than 2.5 trillion tons of carbon, while photosynthetic bacteria in the oceans pump 55 billions of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere every year - eight times the amount we humans produce through fossil fuel burning and deforestation. But as the Arctic tundra starts to melt as a result of climate change, microbes have been able to flourish in a previously inhospitable region, breaking down organic matter and releasing even more carbon dioxide. Scientists are still studying just how this will affect the pace of climate change.
ALSO CHECK OUT:
How to Forage for Wild Mushrooms
Best Foods to Boost Your Metabolism
15 Best Foods for Your Immune System
Photo: Colin-47
A Look at Green Technology Predictions for 2012
Where will green technology take us in 2012? Ecotech Institute is keeping a close eye on that very big question. We are constantly monitoring cleantech industry growth and innovation, and looking for ways to align our environmental sustainability curriculum with employer and marketplace demands. Every day we read up on the latest research regarding solar power, wind energy, smart grid and other relevant industries. We want to make sure our students are up to speed when they graduate so their employers truly get the best, most knowledgeable employees.
In 2011, cleantech venture investment had an incredible year. As a result of financial backing, we saw an infusion of green start-up companies, new jobs and a growing belief in the future of cleantech industries. However, the challenges of this relatively new space also came to light as some companies met very public criticism.
As the president of Ecotech Institute, it's my job to take a hard look at opportunities in cleantech now and into the future. Our career services team needs to accurately predict where Ecotech graduates will be able to make a living and make a difference in the world. Frankly, there is a lot of enthusiasm as we enter 2012 with a promising outlook about environmental sustainability's growing role in the world.
This is a very exciting year for Ecotech because we will graduate our first group of students in June. As we continue to prepare them for the workforce this year, we are collectively interested in what industry leaders are predicting.
Here are some predictions of note:
- 1. According to a December 28, 2011 article by Michael Kanellos on www.greenbiz.com, "Renewables will start to win over the jobs argument."
He states, "The 2012 Presidential election will be only about one thing: jobs. In the energy and sustainability context, the debate boils down to whether you think more jobs can be created through pipelines and offshore drilling or through erecting solar farms and retrofitting buildings."
"But here is where renewables win: they don't take years….Many fossil projects, meanwhile, are bogged down in land use hearings….If renewables get results quicker, they become the better solution."
My takeaway: Green jobs will continue to grow and companies need educated people to fill them.
- 2. The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) says this year is going to be a big year for wind power, both in the field and in policy. The association notes that unlike the volatile prices of fossil fuels, wind power has a fixed fuel cost of zero, making it a very appealing form of energy. However, Congress needs to act quickly to protect the future of wind energy in the U.S. If lawmakers do not extend the Production Tax Credit that is due to expire at the end of this year, taxes on wind will go up and jobs could go overseas.
My takeaway: Wind energy will continue to grow this year, however Congress needs to take action to make sure that growth continues in 2013 and beyond. Please contact your lawmakers to let them know the importance of extending the Production Tax Credit.
"Investment into good old solar innovation and projects is still strong, and has remained so for years, while other clean technologies have risen and fallen in and out of investment fashion."
My takeaway: As money continues to be filtered into solar power innovation, we must keep a close eye on how these technologies will be built and maintained.
- 4. Jesse Berst with gigaom.com listed top predictions based on his takeaways from a webinar offered by renowned research firm IDC. He stated the following, "Smart buildings will become important to utilities. 25 states have energy efficiency standards or targets. Smart buildings can help meet such goals. The building energy analytics market will double between 2012 and 2015, jumping from $193 billion to $402 billion."
My takeaway: The growth of smart buildings requires savvy energy efficiency experts.
- 5. In "10 solar trends to watch for in 2012," Ucilia Wang, another contributor to gigaom.com, discusses solar energy's impact on the grid. The article states that, "The increase in solar energy generation has nudged utilities and electric grid regulators to give more thought and investment to the impact of solar in their mission to deliver electricity reliably."
"Since solar production can ebb and surge depending on the time of the day and the weather, new technologies and policies are cropping up to monitor solar energy production and minimize interruptions of power delivery."
My takeaway: The marketplace needs educated professionals who understand the interplay between solar technology and the current energy grid system.
The green landscape will continue to shift and it is important to watch, learn and prepare future leaders. The excitement of clean technology innovation in 2012 and beyond ought to be celebrated by everyone who has a stake in making our world a better place to work, play and live.
Weight Loss Herbs
There are certain plants that contribute a lot in weight loss. These are known as weight loss herbs. Read on to know more...
Is your weight giving you sleepless nights? Do you dream and wish to have a perfect figure-to-die-for? Well, you need to subscribe to a weight loss plan. You must have heard of several weight loss diets and programs that guarantee quick weight loss. However, these plans come along with their share of side effects and long term health hazards. If you are completely against such fad diets, here is an effective plan of weight loss which is natural and safe. Let us have a look at it in detail.
There are some specific herbs that contain certain substances that indirectly help in weight loss. These substances boost digestion and also help in increasing the heart rate. Proper digestion and metabolism prevents accumulation of excess fat on the body. Also, it helps in getting rid of the excess fluid and fats from the body. Therefore, it helps in weight loss. There are several weight loss herbs which have all these above mentioned properties. However, some of them are hazardous and not safe to consume for a longer duration. There are also certain herbs which result in weight gain if their consumption is discontinued. But here we will only have a look at some safe and effective herbs for weight loss.
Green Tea
Caffeine is the most prominent content of green tea which helps in boosting metabolism of the body. Secondly, it also contains several antioxidants that function for the similar purpose. It is better than the regular tea or coffee as it contains vitamin C and is not addictive as the latter. Green tea is easily available in the market and can be prepared in the similar fashion as the regular tea. One can even get green tea pills but, they are not as effective as the freshly brewed tea. Read more on green tea to lose weight.
Hoodia Gordonii
Hoodia Gordonii is a cactus like plant found in the deserts of Africa. It has been used since centuries by the tribes as an appetite suppressant. Recently it has gained immense popularity for the same purpose. Hoodia contains a molecule known as P57 that signals the brain and creates the feeling of fullness of the stomach. This in turn results in having lesser meals and consequently in weight loss. Hoodia is a natural appetite suppressant with no known side effects. It is available in the form of powder, capsules and pills all over the world.
Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper contains a substance known as capsaicin which is the source of hotness in it. Capsaicin is very helpful in boosting digestion and metabolism of the body. It is also responsible for production of saliva which helps in digestion of food. However, cayenne pepper is hot and spicy and may not suit everyone.
Benefits of Phentermine (Adipex) 37.5 mg:
Phentermine (Adipex) 37.5 mg is the best known weight suppressant drug which can keep your weight in check by suppressing the desire to eat more food. The reason for the diet suppressant in the body is due to the ingredient of Phentermine. This drug is best for short-term health management, but taking of this drug should be avoided for longer period weight reduction solutions. This pill is easily available in many online pharmacy and retail stores. Before buying from online pharmacy, the authenticity of the pharmacy should be checked thoroughly. It is very essential to find the trustworthiness and reliability of online store.
Phentermine (Adipex) acts as stimulation for nervous system and also known as anorectic. It stimulates the satiate centre of the brain, which in turn makes you feel less hungry and this way it suppresses your appetite which leads to consumption of controlled diet. This suppressant diet is ideal for weight control. This may be due to the boost of metabolism in the body which suppress the desire for excess food and create the sense of fullness in the mind of the person. To get the best result of Phentermine (Adipex) for weight control, you should simultaneously start exercising and taking controlled diet. This procedure, if followed seriously can get you the best result.
Phentermine 37.5 diet pills are not new to the market and are offering the needs of individuals from a reasonable time. All you have to do is to buy them from any of the health-related retail store as they are easily available in the market. You can even utilize online stores for buying them as there are numerous internet websites which in turn provide you these types of service. Phentermine 37.5 medication is generally available in the market in several various arrangements or doses.
You can find 15 milligrams and 30 mg tablets in the market and will additionally discover phentermine 37.5 mg tablets. Individuals generally choose phentermine 37.5 mg tablets as more quantity of Phentermine (Adipex) medication can help within dropping more weight in less time. But the result of fat reduction basically depends on how you intake it and in what amount. They are usually obtained simply right after talking to a physician in order to get preferred outcomes. You can also consider support of several publications that specify concerning their utilization or can go online for getting more knowledge about these. Undertaking some easy routines along with the use of phentermine weight control tablets could definitely help you in getting more precised outcomes.
Therefore start using phentermine 37.5 mg tablets now and get a perfect entire body.Phentermine helps control your appetite, and boosts your metabolism. Side effects are numerous. The most serious include nausea, chronic constipation, elevated bloodpressure, insomnia, and addiction. Make no mistake, Phentermine is an amphetamine. It's a tightly controlled substance for a reason, and should ONLY be used under a Doctor's supervision.
With that said, yes, it will help you lose weight. Early on the nausea helps you learn when to stop eating (ie. portion control). The boost in metabolism keeps you burning calories even though your body wants to slow things down because it's taking in less calories (the dreaded starvation mode). With normal diet and exercise, most people lose a pound or two a week. Using the Phentermine can boost it to 3 to 5 pounds a week.
Now, Phentermine is not a magic bullet! Eating a low fat, high fiber, balanced diet is essential. So is exercising, 3 to 5 times a week. You can still pork out and not lose weight, even while taking the drug. If you stop losing weight, your doctor is quite likely to stop writing prescriptions for it. BTW- You can only get a 30 day supply of Phentermine at a time with no refills. So you have to keep going back to your doctor (remember, controlled substance!).
Concerning all the ads for Phentermine that you see (saw) in the article. If you have a AAA membership, you can get a 30 day supply of genuine 37.5mg Phentermine from your local pharmacy for less than $20.
One last comment, if you want to lose weight AND KEEP IT OFF, you have to make a life style change. Once most people reach their weight goal, they go off their diet, stop exercising, and gain all the weight back and more. It has to be a permanent change to your eating and exercising habits or all your effort will go to waste. The voice of experience is speaking!
You'd be surprised just how many people in the world have the same story to tell when it comes to losing weight. From all the promising and widely advertised diet programs that lure you into spending your hard earned money to the very latest weight loss supplements, health drinks, and herbal pills, you still end up losing not a single pound. These are some of the countless losing weight testimonials that could be frustrating at times.Obesity is indeed an uphill task. It's a condition we have created ourselves with our bad eating habits and sedentary lifestyles. The ache and pain we suffer because of the extra pounds is becoming a huge problem in today's world. Losing weight is always easier said than done and most of us need a little extra help along the way.
That's why we need the magic boost of Phentermine in order to achieve our weight loss goal. Incorporating phentermine into your weight loss program, along with healthy diet and ample exercise can cause a great deal of weight loss in the initial week of intake. An appetite suppressant pill that has been available in the market for almost five decades, phentermine has been successful in helping obese patient cope up with obesity problems and achieve their ideal weight.
Phentermine is Considered an Effective Weight Loss Tool
Most of us rely on dieting in order to lose weight. But more often than not dieting can further worsen your weight problem. It may work initially and help you lose a few pounds. But when you switched back to your regular diet, the weight just all came back. Losing weight through dieting is really a tough path as obese patients finds it hard to control their urges and cravings for binge eating.
Treat Your Overweight Problem With Phentermine
The obesity is the disease that takes place due to the extra fat in ones body and the excess fat is mostly found in the lower waist and hips of a person. Obesity is dangerous and life taking disease. You can treat your overweight problem with phentermine.
The overweight comes from the junk food we eat. The more amounts of calories are taken in and they result in obesity. If you have obesity then due to that you may suffer from many more diseases which are harmful and deadly.
The individual must have sufficient information and details on phentermine before taking it. It is a type of anorectic drug used to reduce weight quickly. It would help you to reduce your appetite or hunger by directing the flow of signals from neuro transmitter of the brain to nervous system.
If the appetite is in control then there is no question of increase in weight. The phentermine is given only at the times when it is most needed. Since these pills can be taken only for limited time period and as your doctors and physiotherapists prescribe.
The BMI is otherwise known as body mass index and when your BMI reaches 27 or above phentermine is provided. If your BMI is high then it is not a good sign. This would lead to diseases of cardio metabolism also.
The best way to buy cheap phentermine medicine is to go to the pharmacies nearby your house. Visit various pharmacies to get better rates and offers. Compare the price and then buy the phentermine pill which also provides free prescription.
Before buying the phentermine pills make sure that you have consulted your physiotherapists and doctors. Why go for a physiotherapist? It is required because after you take phentermine you would be required to carry out functional exercises and follow an effective diet.
The physiotherapists would examine your health status and provide you the appropriate dose of phentermine. It is usually 37.5 mg but it is not recommended for pregnant women.
Weight Loss Pills for Men
The metabolism rate of men and women is different, hence weight loss pills for men are specifically designed keeping this fact in mind. Weight loss pills are effective if you follow proper dosage and diet...
Most Effective Weight Loss Pills
There are several formulas on which weight loss pills are based, but most of them work as appetite suppressants. The idea is simple, if you don't feel hungry you won't eat and if you don't eat the body will have no option but to use stored energy. When the body isn't getting nutrition from outside and uses stored energy people will experience weight loss. Here are some of the weight loss pills that work.
Unique Hoodia
This product has the South African herb Hoodia Gordonii which is known for its appetite suppressant qualities. Unique Hoodia claims to have 495mg of pure Hoodia Gordonii per pill which the company claims is an effective dosage for weight loss in men. Their website claims that people can lose up to 15 lbs per week with this product.
Proactol
Many consider this as the most effective weight loss pill as proactol is considered as the best fat binder. When you are following a proactol program you body digests fewer calories and this helps weight loss. It is advisable that you take proactol after your meals for at least 6 months to see results. The manufacturers also recommend that you continue taking the pills although in lowered dosage to maintain weight after you have reached your target.
Lipovox
It is a combination of patented weight loss ingredients and detoxifying herbs that produce desired results quickly. One of the unique things about this product is that it also has an important combination of vitamins and minerals which help the dieters. One of the ingredients in this product, ChromeMate, helps regulate the amount of sugar in the blood and facilitate weight loss.
Testoripped
This fat burning supplement is also used by bodybuilders as it promotes weight loss and increases lean muscle mass. One of the ingredients in this product is Chromax which enhances glucose uptake while maintaining blood sugar levels. Other ingredients in this supplement help suppress appetite and promote fat burning. It also has caffeine anhydrous which acts as a stimulant and gives you an energetic feeling, so that you don't miss food.
Lipofuze
The manufacturers claim that this product targets fat loss and the results lasts longer than other pills which just take care of the water weight. It also has several patented ingredients which promote faster and safer weight loss. One of the most important aspect behind the popularity of this product is the money back guarantee. The company claims that according to statistics on an average people who use this product lose up to 10 pounds per week.
If you support your weight loss pills with a good diet plan and exercise regimen you will reach your target weight faster. However, it is advisable to consult your physician before you take any pills or start an exercise or diet regimen.
Benefits of Phentermine (Adipex) 37.5 mg:
Phentermine (Adipex) 37.5 mg is the best known weight suppressant drug which can keep your weight in check by suppressing the desire to eat more food. The reason for the diet suppressant in the body is due to the ingredient of Phentermine. This drug is best for short-term health management, but taking of this drug should be avoided for longer period weight reduction solutions. This pill is easily available in many online pharmacy and retail stores. Before buying from online pharmacy, the authenticity of the pharmacy should be checked thoroughly. It is very essential to find the trustworthiness and reliability of online store.
Phentermine (Adipex) acts as stimulation for nervous system and also known as anorectic. It stimulates the satiate centre of the brain, which in turn makes you feel less hungry and this way it suppresses your appetite which leads to consumption of controlled diet. This suppressant diet is ideal for weight control. This may be due to the boost of metabolism in the body which suppress the desire for excess food and create the sense of fullness in the mind of the person. To get the best result of Phentermine (Adipex) for weight control, you should simultaneously start exercising and taking controlled diet. This procedure, if followed seriously can get you the best result.
Phentermine 37.5 diet pills are not new to the market and are offering the needs of individuals from a reasonable time. All you have to do is to buy them from any of the health-related retail store as they are easily available in the market. You can even utilize online stores for buying them as there are numerous internet websites which in turn provide you these types of service. Phentermine 37.5 medication is generally available in the market in several various arrangements or doses.
You can find 15 milligrams and 30 mg tablets in the market and will additionally discover phentermine 37.5 mg tablets. Individuals generally choose phentermine 37.5 mg tablets as more quantity of Phentermine (Adipex) medication can help within dropping more weight in less time. But the result of fat reduction basically depends on how you intake it and in what amount. They are usually obtained simply right after talking to a physician in order to get preferred outcomes. You can also consider support of several publications that specify concerning their utilization or can go online for getting more knowledge about these. Undertaking some easy routines along with the use of phentermine weight control tablets could definitely help you in getting more precised outcomes.
Therefore start using phentermine 37.5 mg tablets now and get a perfect entire body.Phentermine helps control your appetite, and boosts your metabolism. Side effects are numerous. The most serious include nausea, chronic constipation, elevated bloodpressure, insomnia, and addiction. Make no mistake, Phentermine is an amphetamine. It's a tightly controlled substance for a reason, and should ONLY be used under a Doctor's supervision.
With that said, yes, it will help you lose weight. Early on the nausea helps you learn when to stop eating (ie. portion control). The boost in metabolism keeps you burning calories even though your body wants to slow things down because it's taking in less calories (the dreaded starvation mode). With normal diet and exercise, most people lose a pound or two a week. Using the Phentermine can boost it to 3 to 5 pounds a week.
Now, Phentermine is not a magic bullet! Eating a low fat, high fiber, balanced diet is essential. So is exercising, 3 to 5 times a week. You can still pork out and not lose weight, even while taking the drug. If you stop losing weight, your doctor is quite likely to stop writing prescriptions for it. BTW- You can only get a 30 day supply of Phentermine at a time with no refills. So you have to keep going back to your doctor (remember, controlled substance!).
Concerning all the ads for Phentermine that you see (saw) in the article. If you have a AAA membership, you can get a 30 day supply of genuine 37.5mg Phentermine from your local pharmacy for less than $20.
One last comment, if you want to lose weight AND KEEP IT OFF, you have to make a life style change. Once most people reach their weight goal, they go off their diet, stop exercising, and gain all the weight back and more. It has to be a permanent change to your eating and exercising habits or all your effort will go to waste. The voice of experience is speaking!
You'd be surprised just how many people in the world have the same story to tell when it comes to losing weight. From all the promising and widely advertised diet programs that lure you into spending your hard earned money to the very latest weight loss supplements, health drinks, and herbal pills, you still end up losing not a single pound. These are some of the countless losing weight testimonials that could be frustrating at times.Obesity is indeed an uphill task. It's a condition we have created ourselves with our bad eating habits and sedentary lifestyles. The ache and pain we suffer because of the extra pounds is becoming a huge problem in today's world. Losing weight is always easier said than done and most of us need a little extra help along the way.
That's why we need the magic boost of Phentermine in order to achieve our weight loss goal. Incorporating phentermine into your weight loss program, along with healthy diet and ample exercise can cause a great deal of weight loss in the initial week of intake. An appetite suppressant pill that has been available in the market for almost five decades, phentermine has been successful in helping obese patient cope up with obesity problems and achieve their ideal weight.
Phentermine is Considered an Effective Weight Loss Tool
Most of us rely on dieting in order to lose weight. But more often than not dieting can further worsen your weight problem. It may work initially and help you lose a few pounds. But when you switched back to your regular diet, the weight just all came back. Losing weight through dieting is really a tough path as obese patients finds it hard to control their urges and cravings for binge eating.
Treat Your Overweight Problem With Phentermine
The obesity is the disease that takes place due to the extra fat in ones body and the excess fat is mostly found in the lower waist and hips of a person. Obesity is dangerous and life taking disease. You can treat your overweight problem with phentermine.
The overweight comes from the junk food we eat. The more amounts of calories are taken in and they result in obesity. If you have obesity then due to that you may suffer from many more diseases which are harmful and deadly.
The individual must have sufficient information and details on phentermine before taking it. It is a type of anorectic drug used to reduce weight quickly. It would help you to reduce your appetite or hunger by directing the flow of signals from neuro transmitter of the brain to nervous system.
If the appetite is in control then there is no question of increase in weight. The phentermine is given only at the times when it is most needed. Since these pills can be taken only for limited time period and as your doctors and physiotherapists prescribe.
The BMI is otherwise known as body mass index and when your BMI reaches 27 or above phentermine is provided. If your BMI is high then it is not a good sign. This would lead to diseases of cardio metabolism also.
The best way to buy cheap phentermine medicine is to go to the pharmacies nearby your house. Visit various pharmacies to get better rates and offers. Compare the price and then buy the phentermine pill which also provides free prescription.
Before buying the phentermine pills make sure that you have consulted your physiotherapists and doctors. Why go for a physiotherapist? It is required because after you take phentermine you would be required to carry out functional exercises and follow an effective diet.
The physiotherapists would examine your health status and provide you the appropriate dose of phentermine. It is usually 37.5 mg but it is not recommended for pregnant women.
7 Simple and Healthy, One-Dish, Winter Meals
By Vanessa Barrington Call it the mid-winter doldrums. If you're tired of returning home after work in darkness, and lacking both energy and inspiration to cook a nourishing meal, how about a warming, healthy, and quick one-dish meal using common (and comforting) ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen? No special shopping necessary. Just good, simple food that you can prepare quickly so you can move onto what you really want to do like draping yourself in a blanket and reading a book. Read on for 7 easy, customizable ideas to serve up to two people.
1. Smashed Potatoes and Garlicky Kale with an Egg on Top
20 minutes
1 large or two medium potatoes
2 - 4 tablespoons olive oil
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 bunch kale, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Grated Parmesan or Pecorino (optional)
1 over-easy egg (optional)
Put the potatoes whole into a steamer basket and steam until tender. Meanwhile heat a couple tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet, add the garlic and sauté gently. Add the kale and stir to coat. Add a little water, cover, lower heat and cook kale until tender, stirring occasionally. Add the potatoes to the skillet with the kale and smash them together with a potato masher. Add olive oil, salt and paper, and grated cheese to taste. Serve hot with an egg on top (if desired).
2. Spinach and Rice Soup
20 minutes
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
1/2 onion, chopped 1 clove garlic, chopped
1/3 cup white rice 1 bunch spinach, washed 1 quart broth (chicken or vegetable or bouillon based)
Salt and pepper to taste Grated Parmesan or Pecorino (optional)
In a soup pot, warm the olive oil or butter. Add the onion and garlic and cook until soft and fragrant. Add the rice and stir to coat. Add the spinach and sauté until soft. Add the broth and lower heat to a simmer. Cook until rice is tender, about 15 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve with grated cheese on top, if desired.
3. Warm Chickpea Salad with Salmon
15 minutes
This one is free form. Add any selection of vegetables you like in your salads. Use any dressing you like, or make this one as directed. Stir in Harissa paste or pesto if you have it, or not if you don't.
1 can chickpeas, drained
1 can wild Alaskan salmon
2 generous handfuls of salad greens or arugula
1/2 cup of sliced radish, grated carrot, avocado, roasted peppers, or any other vegetable you have (optional)
1 garlic clove, smashed with a mortar and pestle
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Gently warm the chickpeas in a small saucepan as you prepare the rest of the ingredients. Make a quick dressing with the garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. Combine the warmed chickpeas, salmon, salad greens, and vegetables in a medium bowl. Toss with the dressing and season to taste with salt and pepper.
4. Lentils and Sausage with Greens
45 minutes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 of an onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 cup lentils
2 cooked or smoked sausages, sliced
1 bunch kale, chard, or spinach, washed and chopped
Paprika or smoked paprika to taste
Lemon juice to taste
Salt and pepper to taste
Warm the olive oil in a medium pot. Add the onion and garlic and cook until soft and fragrant. Add the lentils and water to cover by one inch. Bring to a boil, lower heat to a slow simmer and cook until the lentils are tender, about 20 minutes. Add the sausages, greens, paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. Cook until everything is warmed through and the greens are tender. Add the lemon juice just before serving and correct seasonings.
5. Seasonal Vegetable Coconut Curry Stew
30-40 minutes
2 tablespoons vegetable or coconut oil
1/2 onion, chopped
2-3 cups cubed orange squash, root vegetables, cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, mushrooms, or combination of any
1 can coconut milk
Good quality red or green Thai curry paste to taste
Salt and pepper to taste
Cilantro for garnish
Heat the oil in a large soup pot, add the onion and cook, stirring until tender and fragrant.
Add the vegetables and the coconut milk and enough water to cover. Bring to a simmer and cook until the vegetables are nearly tender. Add the curry paste and salt and pepper to taste. Continue to cook to blend flavors and until vegetables are the desired softness. Serve over white rice garnished with chopped cilantro.
6. Warm Roasted Sweet Potato and Sausage Salad
20 minutes
1 large or 2 medium garnet sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces
2 to 4 tablespoons olive oil
1 or 2 cooked sausages
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
2 teaspoons pure maple syrup
1 teaspoon grainy mustard
2 green onions, sliced thinly on the diagonal
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Salt & freshly ground pepper
Toss the sweet potatoes in 1 tablespoon olive oil with a little salt, and put them on a baking sheet. Roast in a preheated 400 degree oven for about 15-20 minutes or until soft and beginning to crisp and brown. Halfway through the cooking time, slide a spatula underneath the potatoes to loosen them and flip them over gently so they don't break apart. Meanwhile, cut the sausages into bite-sized pieces and brown and warm them in a skillet with a little bit of oil. In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, maple syrup, mustard, and a tablespoon or two of olive oil. Toss the cooked sweet potatoes and sausages together in a medium bowl. Add the green onions, parsley, and dressing. Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve warm.
7. Chilaquiles
10 minutes
2 eggs
2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
1/2 a red onion, peeled and sliced
3 or 4 corn tortillas
3/4 cup of your favorite red or green salsa
Leftover beans, shredded chicken, beef or pork (optional)
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Sprigs of cilantro, crumbled cheese, diced avocado for serving
In a large bowl, beat the eggs until smooth and add salt and pepper. Stack the tortillas and cut them into eight wedges. In a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat, warm the 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Add the onion, and cook until soft. Increase heat to medium high and add the tortillas. Cook, stirring occasionally, until brown and crispy. Pour in the salsa, and stir to blend. Add leftover meats or beans (if using). With a wooden spoon or spatula, move the tortillas and salsa to one side of the pan, add the teaspoon of oil to the other side and pour in the eggs. Scramble the eggs for a few moments until nearly cooked. Stir them into the tortillas and mix together. Serve immediately garnished with cilantro, cheese, and avocado.
ALSO CHECK OUT:
How to Integrate Cooking Into Your Everyday Life
12 Creative and Simple, Everyday Salad Recipes
Easy Organic Recipes for Breakfast on the Go
Unusual Uses fro 9 Pantry Items
Images: Vanessa Barrington, JoeFoodie Recipe Copyright Vanessa Barrington 2012
This is a Post for Eva Lu and Arden Chiu
Yahoo! Shine and the blogs, articles, comments and other features therein are for informational purposes only and provided "as is" without warranties, representations, or guarantees of any kind. Content on Yahoo! Shine should never be used as a substitute for advice from a qualified professional. Yahoo! and its Sponsors shall not be liable for the accuracy, usefulness or availability of any Shine content, and you agree to hold Yahoo! and its Sponsors harmless from any loss, harm, injury or damage resulting from or arising out of your use of or reliance on any Shine content. The views and opinions expressed in an article or column are the author's own and not necessarily those of Yahoo! and its Sponsors.
Slideshow for Eva and Arden
Man Lives Great Life with Only 39 Possessions: What Are They?
Related link: German Grandmother Lives Money-Free: And Has Never Been Happier
"I had pretty typical goals out of college," Hyde tells Yahoo! Shine. "I wanted to pay off my debts and get a good job." Hyde worked as a web designer and programmer also sold a startup company. He had achieved what most people would call success when he began feeling bored and restless. Always frugal (one of his posts is about how to live on $36 a month for food), he realized he was unsatisfied striving toward a consumer-based model of happiness.
"I try to disassociate money with happiness," explains Hyde. Instead, he aims to seek joy and satisfaction from experience instead of belongings. "I love to walk. So, when I get to a new place, I might walk 10 or 20 miles a day exploring."
Hyde's current possessions include:
1. Backpack
2. One pair of running shorts
3. Wallet
4. Laptop computer
5. Dress shirt (with holes in elbows after 200 wears)
6. Jeans
7. Tennis shoes
8. Red Sox baseball hat (which was a gift at a game)
9. Parka
10. Laptop bag
11. Electric toothbrush
12. Electric razor
13. Noise canceling headphones
14. IPhone
15. Three Western style shirts
16. Cowboy hat
17. Suit
18. Tie
19. Dress shoes
20. Cotton socks
21. Bike shorts
22. Bike Jersey
23. Bike Shoes
24. Two T-shirts
25. Tent
26. Sleeping bag
27. Sleeping pad
28. Camp stove
29. Water purifier
30. Cooking pot
31. Four pairs of underwear
32. One pair of wool socks
33. 2003 VW Golf
He laughs about the car, "I didn't want it, but it came back to me. I sold it to a friend who couldn't afford to get it insured and then somebody hit it when it was parked. I took it back as a favor."
Hyde says he's "not exactly happier" without all the stuff, "I've always been a pretty happy person." But he is more intensely interested by life and the world he sees around him.
He admits that, paradoxically, he "really, really" likes the few possessions he does own. "I love my jacket so much," he laughs. Hyde says he probably should have given away the cowboy hat that he used when he was working on the ranch, but it holds great memories. "And I wrote a love letter to the designer of my backpack."How many possessions do you need to survive? Please tell us in the comments below.
Related links:
How Much Do You Really Spend?
4 Eco-Resolutions to Make in 2012
How to Live Well On Less IncomeBleach Alternatives
bleach
It whitens your whites, sanitizes your sinks and obliterates mold and mildew like friggin' Optimus Prime.
The stuff is amazing.
Crappy Chlorine
But those fluffy white towels and disinfected counters have a downside: one sniff and you might faint. Besides making you light-headed, that heavenly bleach scent is a sign you're dealing with a serious toxin. Chlorine bleach is a known respiratory irritant that can give off a toxic gas when it's mixed with other common household products. Fun fact? It was actually the first poison gas to be used as a weapon during World War I.
And you're wiping down your counters with this stuff?
What's in Your Tub?
These days, the biggest problem with chlorine is that its byproducts pollute our water supply and our bodies. Dioxins - a set of chemical chlorine byproducts - are considered the most carcinogenic little dudes known to science. Dirty dioxins accumulate in our fatty tissues and -- unlike other environmental toxins -- our bodies aren't able to metabolize them. So they stay in our systems and mess stuff up. In humans, dioxins have been linked to cancer, diabetes, hormonal imbalances, reproductive disorders, decreased fertility, endometriosis, birth defects and immune system problems.
safe
Dioxins are also hormone disrupters that mimic estrogen. On average, Americans ingest 300 to 600 times the EPA's "safe dose" of dioxins on a daily basis. The problem is so widespread that experts agree it would be difficult to find a person alive who does not have detectable levels of dioxins in his or her blood.
Scared yet? You should be. This stuff is nasty and it's kind of hard to avoid. Bleach is used to make paper products, including coffee filters, milk cartons, diapers, tampons, paper towels and toilet tissues. All of these products leech chlorine and dioxins into your drinks or onto your skin.
Bleach and Kiddies
If you have tots running around the house, it's especially important to ditch the bleach. A 1997 study found that one-third of calls to the Poison Control Center about household cleaners were about chlorine bleach - and most of those calls were about poisoning in children under 6 years old.
Safe Solutions
The good news? You don't have to clean like your mom did. Today, the chemical industry has evolved to produce products that still clean, sanitize and disinfect, without the harmful repercussions to our bodies and the environment:
bleach
Biokleen Oxygen Bleach Plus. This is a powder that uses grapefruit seed extract to brighten colors and whites. Fights stains, mildew and corrosion. Great for laundry and especially good at removing pet stains from carpets. Biodegradable and not tested on animals. PETA approved. $6 at biokleen.com or Whole Foods.
oxo
bleach ultra
Ecover Non-Chlorine Bleach Ultra. Contains only hydrogen peroxide and water. Not tested on animals. Good for removing stains, whitening and brightening laundry or for cleaning kitchen sinks, bathroom tile, showers, toilets and tubs. Safe for septic tanks. $5 at luckyvitamin.com or Whole Foods.
The Verdict
Pros: Removes stains and cleans without the harmful side effects of chlorine bleach. No nasty smells. Products are also more concentrated, meaning they're cheaper and use less packaging -- always a plus for the environment.
Cons: Laundry needs to be soaked longer than with chlorine bleach.
Want to know the deets on what else to buy? Click here to browse through our green, non-toxic product recommendations on HealthyBitchDaily.com.
7 Resolutions for Going Green with Your Family This Year
Go green this year!
Every year I make a list of green changes that I would like to make over the coming year, and I thought I'd put together a little list for you, if you are interested in moving your family in a more eco-friendly direction, but maybe not quite sure where to start.
These are simple and easy changes you can make over the next year that can have a big impact on the planet. You can definitely start small with vowing to make just one or two of these changes this year, or maybe you're already doing a few of these, and would like to try to do the rest of them over the course of the year. Here are 7 resolutions for going green with your family this year:
Non-Toxic Cleaning
1. Non-Toxic Cleaning
One of the very first changes I made on my journey towards more green living was to switch to homemade and non-toxic cleaners for my home, so it's one of the first things I recommend to anyone who is interested in making green changes in their family's life.
Make homemade cleaners with your kids
Related: Eco-friendly products to keep your home "green"
Green Your Personal Care Products
2. Green Your Personal Care Products
It's really important to be aware of the products we use on our skin and our children's skin. Unfortunately, there are a lot of nasty chemicals in most conventional brands of personal care products, so switching to green personal care products will not only benefit the planet, but your health as well!
Find out where to buy green and safe personal care products
Ditch the Disposables
3. Ditch the Disposables
Reducing the amount of garbage your family creates is a great way to have a big impact on the environment. This could be anything from switching to cloth napkins and rags instead of paper napkins and towels, to using cloth diapers instead of disposables.
Find out more about making the switch to cloth diapers
Buy Used
4. Buy Used
Making a commitment to buying things used instead of new saves money and saves the environment at the same time. Before you run to the store to purchase things this year, try to find what you're looking for at garage sales, thrift stores, or online sites like Craigslist or Ebay.
Find out more about buying things used
Related: How to go green in the city - easy tips for urban living
Make Recycling Easy
5. Make Recycling Easy
If your family doesn't already recycle regularly, this is an important step to take to reduce the impact of the waste your family creates on the planet. Set up a recycling system that everyone in your family can easily use, and begin to teach your children what is recyclable and what is not - and try to use recyclable things more than disposable ones!
Find more inspiration for making recycling easy for your family
Turn Off the Lights
6. Turn Off the Lights
This is a really easy one that you can even get your toddler involved in. Make sure you turn off the lights when you leave a room, and don't leave lights on in areas of the house that you aren't using. Have your kids help you remember to turn off the lights, and if they're anything like my kids, they'll want to go ahead and turn the lights off themselves!
Buy Local and Organic Food
7. Buy Local and Organic Food
The food we eat has a major impact on our environment, but choosing local and organic food can help to decrease that impact. Resolve to shop your local farmer's market and buy more food directly from the farm this year.
How to feed your family natural and organic food on a budget
- By Emily McClements
For 3 more resolutions for going green this year, visit Babble!
MORE ON BABBLE
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Gardening with kids - fruits and vegetables they can help plant
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Chic ideas for eco-friendly home decor
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Wednesday, 25 January 2012
Alternative Power: Save the Economy and the Environment-by-Naseem Sheikh
Pakistan needs to shift to environment-friendly energy.
Pakistan must adopt other technologies for generating power from renewable energy sources, such as municipal waste and landfill methane geothermal recovery, anaerobic biomass gasification, biological fuels, fuel cells and ocean waves.
It is no secret that Pakistan is in the grip of a serious energy crisis that is affecting all sectors of the economy and various segments of society. Luckily Pakistan is also blessed with many resources but the government has not focused on alternative energy to the extent that it should, so far.
For years, the matter of balancing Pakistan's supply against the demand for electricity has remained a largely unresolved matter. And it is a separate issue that Pakistan faces a significant challenge in revamping its distribution network as well.
A lot of problems arise out of the fact that Pakistan's energy infrastructure is neither well developed nor well managed. The mismanagement can be gauged from the fact that no serious efforts have been made to install new capacity generation in the past decade.
Recent environmental calamities and shifts have also led to a drop in generation from conventional means. During 2010 Pakistan floods and 2005 Kashmir earthquake power stations, power distribution and transmission and other energy infrastructure was damaged. During the floods the recently constructed Jinnah hydroelectric power plant was flooded.
There has also been some concern by Pakistani nuclear activists over the effect of natural disasters on nuclear plants especially over the Chashma Nuclear Power Complex, since it lies over a geological fault. Environmental impact of dams such as submergence of usable/ecological land and their negative impact on Pakistan's mangrove forests due to loss of river silt load, as well as increased risk of severe floods have also become evident. This has increased the demand for the shift to alternative energy, even though significant investment will be needed to make the shift possible.
Pakistan must adopt other technologies for generating power from renewable energy sources, such as municipal waste and landfill methane geothermal recovery, anaerobic biomass gasification, biological fuels, fuel cells and ocean waves.
"Faith is like electricity. You can't see it, but you can see the light." So far in Pakistan, we can't even see the light.
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