Natural Health Ezine » Organic Living

Onno Organic Clothing Review

NHE — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 17:30:46 +0000

The Onno Bamboo/Cotton T-Shirt

The nice folks from Onno Clothing sent me a t-shirt to try out. To be fair, this is not just your standard cotton t-shirt – this is a premium, eco-friendly, and all-in-all pretty awesome t-shirt.

The one they sent me was made from 70% viscose from organic bamboo and 30% organic cotton it is pretty stinkin’ soft. It is stretchy, but not too stretchy and fits great. I was pleased to find out that the shirt really didn’t shrink at all after washing. I often have this problem with most t-shirts that I buy, but that was not the case with this one.

I also often get annoyed when a t-shirt is too short and I start to look like I am trying to show off my (lack of) six-pack abs. The Onno shirt I got is really just about the perfect length. It falls about 2 inches below my belt line – which is perfect for me.

I normally don’t pay much for t-shirts (rarely over $10), and the Onno shirt costs $26, so in the past I probably wouldn’t have bought one, but after this shirt has become my hands-down favorite – I will be buying more in the future.

This was a review that I was happy to write because Onno offers eco-friendly products that genuinely are comfortable.

More about Onno Organic Clothing

If you visit the Onno website, you can spend a while reading about all the features of bamboo and hemp - which they use both in their t-shirt production.

According to the Onno website…

Our bamboo t-shirts are fuss-free. ONNO bamboo t-shirts are pre-washed, so you won’t have to worry about shrinkage. Just toss it in your washer, your dryer and back on your body. ONNO bamboo t-shirts are tough, so you can be assured your shirt will look and feel like a million bucks from day one to day 5,689,890,987.

and Bamboo is a very tough material…

Not only is bamboo the fastest growing plant, but it’s strong. Bamboo is winning a lot of heavyweight titles. It’s stronger than oak; it can kick oak’s butt. It’s the most durable hardwood. If you throw a little lamination on it, bamboo is almost as strong as soft steel. It can withstand 52,000 pounds of pressure per square inch.

So, if you are looking for a good t-shirt, check out Onno.

More pesticides for strawberries

NHE — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 20:52:05 +0000

I have long known about the high levels of pesticides used on conventional pesticides – and in fact I remember one article that claimed that conventional strawberries had as much as 10x as many pesticides as some of the other fruit they were sharing shelf space with.

A friend recently passed along an article to me that suggests the pesticide usage on strawberries is about to become worse.

According to the article…

… And in Sacramento, a pesticide so cancer- Geneva Conventions apply to them. And in Sacramento, a pesticide so cancer- causing that it’s often used specifically to create cancer in rats for medica experiments was just proposed for approval for use on the state’s strawberry crop.

And…

The state’s own Department of Pesticide Regulation had advised in a report against approving the gas, methyl iodide. And several Nobel prize winners asked the U.S. EPA not to approve it. (It did.) According to farmers, there are a number of alternatives to the stuff, alternatives to the stuff, including solarization, anaerobic soil disinfestation and natural pesticides. And it’s especially important to use safe materials only in strawberries, which hold the chemicals they’re treated with.

Okay there you have it. Just another reason to go organic, especially with strawberries.

NVEY ECO Organic Make-Up Review

NHE — Sat, 29 May 2010 10:35:21 +0000

I’ve recently heard that women absorb many harmful toxins through make-up each year and it got me thinking about how much make-up I actually wear and if I should stop. For me, I don’t think going bare-faced is a real option, but I recently got some samples of organic make-up from NVEY ECO. I’ve been using their blush for about a month now and haven’t had any kind of breakouts or any other problems – and I have sensitive skin!

Here are some of the wonderful things about them:

They’re Talc Free and Paraben Free
They’re Preservative Free
Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLS) Free
Propylene Glycol Free
No ingredients are derived from genetically modified crops
Their products are not tested on animals
They have no petroleum based ingredients
No Nanotechnology based ingredients
They’re certified organic

They’re prices are a bit more expensive than some you’d find at make-up counters, but still comparable to others. Also, this would be an exceptional product if you’re conscious of your health and the toxins from most other make-up.

Since you can’t try the products on before you buy, I asked how they tell people what shades to get. They gave me a celebrity comparison to help:

Fair – Cynthia Nixon / Ann Hathaway / Naomi Watts / Nicole Kidman
Light – Sarah Jessica Parker / Sandra Bullock / Alyssa Milano / Jessica Simpson
Medium – Jennifer Lopez / Jessica Alba / Eva Longoria
Deep / Dark – Gabrielle Union / Jennifer Hudson / Oprah

NVEY ECO has generously offered a 20% discount to NHE Readers, so if you’d like to try these products out, this is the time! Type in “NHE-20” when you check-out.

How To Naturally Clean Wood Floors

NHE — Tue, 18 May 2010 09:20:26 +0000

Homes that have wood flooring always seem to give off a warm and inviting atmosphere. A common problem with having wood floors, is the battle to keep them clean. Dust and dirt seem to always be visible. With carpet, dirt gets ground into to the fibers, and for the most part, you don’t see every day dust. With wood floors, every spec of dirt shows. Not to mention, without the right care, your wood can get dull, and scuffs and scratches can overtake the surface. How to naturally clean wood floors is what we’ll look into here. Chemical floor cleaners can leave harsh smells that can cause irritation to your throat and nose. There are ways to avoid the chemicals and keep your wood floor looking like new.

You’ll first want to sweep out any dust and big chunks of dirt off of the wood. You can wrap a clean thin towel to the end of any soft bristle broom and push the dirt and dust along the floor. You can either push it into a dust pan, or push it to the front door and all the way outside. By using a cloth on the end of the broom, this will ensure that the bristles of the broom don’t scratch the wood. For regular sweeping, use this cloth method once a day, if your home gets a lot of dust.

Once the surface dirt and dust are taken care of, you can begin to clean. If you have a hardwood floor with a natural surface finish, a good way to clean the wood is just to use a mop that is slightly damp. You can either use plain warm water, or use a homemade wood floor cleaner (mix 1/2 cup white vinegar to 1 gallon of warm water). Wash the floor with your preferred solution two times. This will ensure that any ground in dirt is cleaned off. Then dry the floor the same way that you swept it. Attach a clean dry towel to the end of a broom and dry the wood. This drying method is also a good way to buff the floor. If you notice any pet accidents or other stains, wet a cloth towel with warm water and add to it a little baking soda. Rub the towel over the stain thoroughly and then buff the wood dry again.

If you have an older floor that has a wax finish, cleaning the wood might be a bit more difficult. Wood floors that have a wax finish can’t tolerate water. You’ll also want to clean up any spills immediately if you have wax finished wood floor. To clean a wood floor that has a wax finish, you can use a natural citrus solvent. You can make your own, but you need to do it way in advance. Fill up a large jar with the peels of oranges, lemons, grapefruits, or limes. Pour in some white vinegar and let it sit for about one month. During that time, give the jar a shake or two now and then just to get it mixed up. Once the month is up, strain the liquid into a bottle or a jar to get ride of the peels. Use this solution to clean your wood floor and then buff it dry with a clean, dry towel or cloth.

If you get a lot of dust in your home you might want to sweep your wood floor every day. If your home doesn’t get a lot of dust, every other week is sufficient. The actuall cleaning process can be done twice a month. And remember, if you have an older floor with a wax finish, take care of any spills as soon as they happen. Now that you know how to naturally clean wood floors, your home will always have that warm and inviting feel to it.

Photo by foshydog

Is It Safe To Brush Your Teeth With Baking Soda?

NHE — Sun, 09 May 2010 11:13:51 +0000

Baking soda is one of those household items that can be used for just about any task. It has the power to ease the distress of indigestion, it can get stains out of your clothes, and it can even tenderize beef. Baking soda has been praised on it’s ability to clean and whiten teeth. Many toothpastes on the market include baking soda in their ingredients. But is it safe to brush your teeth with baking soda?

Baking soda has been used as a tooth cleaning agent since the turn of the 18th century. People would combine hydrogen peroxide with baking soda to turn it into a “paste”, which was very effective as a tooth cleaner. Baking soda has abrasive properties which can scrub stains from the tooth enamel. Tobacco, tea, and coffee products can all leave to dark stains on teeth. When baking soda is used, these stains are scraped away by the abrasiveness of the baking soda.

One way to use baking soda to brush your teeth is to use it all by itself. Put about one fourth of a teaspoon of baking soda into a bowl. That amount is plenty, you can even use less if you want. Run your tooth brush under the water to get the bristles wet. Dampening the bristles will make it easier for the baking soda to stick to your tooth brush. Once the bristles are wet, put the tooth brush into the bowl of baking soda. Get as much of it onto the brush as you can. Brush your teeth the way you normally do. It will feel a little gritty, and may taste bad, but it will leave your teeth feeling fresh and clean afterward. Be sure to rinse your mouth out thoroughly with water.

Another way to use baking soda as a toothpaste, is to sprinkle a tiny amount of it onto your normal toothpaste. By itself, baking soda has an undesirable taste. By adding it to regular toothpaste, you can get the abrasive action of the baking soda, and still get the minty flavor of regular toothpaste. Since baking soda is an abrasive, it’s best to brush very lightly on your teeth, especially around the gum line.

There are conflicting answers to the question “Is it safe to brush your teeth with baking soda?”. Everyone’s teeth are different. Some teeth have weak enamel, and others have very strong enamel. There was one instance where an older couple used baking soda as a toothpaste every day and had no problems. When they passed away, well into their 90′s, they both still had all of their teeth, and their tooth enamel was strong and intact. On the other hand, there have been instances of people having very sensitive reactions to the baking soda. Even when the baking soda is mixed in with regular toothpaste, their teeth were still sensitive.

In the end, it’s up to the individual person to determine the answer to the “Is it safe to brush your teeth with baking soda?” question. The best way to determine whether it’s right or not for you, is to give it a try. If you feel any pain or discomfort using baking soda as a toothpaste, then stop immediately, and switch back to your normal toothpaste. If you feel no pain, then use it as often as you’d like. Because baking soda is an abrasive, you might not want to use it every day. However, if you want to get tough tea or coffee stains off of your teeth, then baking soda is a good option. Just remember to brush gently, especially along the gum line.

Photo by eli santana

How to Choose a Good Organic Mattress

NHE — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 09:19:16 +0000

What is not to love about organic mattresses? They are much longer lasting, easier on our environment and easier on us in a health related sense. Instead of getting a mattress made with synthetic polyurethane, formaldehyde, flame retardants and other toxic chemicals you can buy one that is made from all natural organic wool, cotton or natural latex. The hazardous substances that are used in traditional mattresses can cause serious health problems including cancer, immune system dysfunction, and even insomnia.

While choosing your organic mattress may seem difficult really there are just a few things that you will need to keep in mind in order to get one that fits your needs. You will need to determine how firm you would like your mattress to be. If you sleep on your back or stomach it is likely that you will want a mattress that is a little more on the firm side. On the other hand if you sleep on your side you will probably want softer mattress that is more comfortable on your shoulders and hips. Also if you are more on the overweight side you might prerfer a softer mattress as well. To figure out what you prefer you should think about these things and then go try out some organic mattresses to see what feels most comfortable. When you go to try out mattresses really lie down on them just how you would when you go to sleep. Without getting in the position that you normally sleep in you will not know how it will feel once bed time rolls around.

An organic innerspring mattress made from cotton or wool is likely the most affordable option. On the other hand natural latex core mattress are a little more costly. Wool material absorbs moisture so it is a good choice especially for the cover of your mattress. Wool is great for people who sleep warmer than others because it does absorb moisture from sweat. Wool is also flame-retardant and acts as a natural antibacterial. Wool is also warm so if you live where it gets very cold you may choose wool to help keep you warm. Wool is also breathable so it will not make you too hot in the summer. Organic Cotton is great for providing air circulation and even temperatures. Organic cotton is typically very soft and comfortable as well as affordable.

Natural Latex or rubber provides excellent support and even relieves pressure points. Often times with natural latex and rubber organic mattresses you can choose the firmness of the rubber. Typically with rubber and latex mattresses you can choose the firmness from: soft, medium and firm. Because of the naturally flexible but firmness of the natural latex and rubber materials the mattress really supports the spine well.

When choosing an organic mattress do your homework as far as looking into the different types. Be sure that you are choosing options that are completely chemical free. When you go to the store be sure to try it before you buy it.

One good option to get started finding an organic mattress is Keetsa Mattresses. They offer many eco-friendly alternatives using organic matterials.

Photo by ooh_food

How To Pick Out Organic Sheets And Bedding

NHE — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 12:58:44 +0000

Roughly one third of the lives of humans is spent sleeping. That’s quite a lot of time to spend in one place. You want to make sure you have the best materials. Materials that are chemical free and safe for the environment. When you hear the word “organic,” you might first think of food. But food is not the only thing that is made organically. Sheets and other bedding are made organically, and are just as strong as the non organic varieties. It might be a bit difficult to know how and where to start looking for these items. Here are a few tips on how to pick out organic sheets and bedding.

A lot of non-organic bedding is made up of a 50/50 blend of cotton and polyester. Just by itself, polyester is made up from a blend of petrochemicals. And the cotton used in non-organic bedding is sprayed with lots of pesticides by the farmers who grow it. It may not sound like a big deal, but when you think about it, do you really want to breathe in these chemicals and toxins every night?

You’ll want to look for bedding that is made from various types of organic fibers. Organic fibers to look for are silk, cotton, and wool. There are benefits to each type. Fibers from silk make the material very soft. Organic wool fibers are great for insulation. This will be good at keeping you warm on cold winter nights. Organic wool fibers are also fire proof, which is a huge benefit. Organic cotton fibers have the benefit of coming in a variety of colors. Organic cotton is grown worldwide, so this type is readily available.

Another thing to look for when picking out organic bedding, is that it is free of chemicals. Non-organic bedding is sprayed with chemicals and pesticides, which is not only bad for humans, but it’s bad on the environment as well. Pesticides and harsh chemicals are said to be a cause for the deterioration of the planet’s ozone layer. By eliminating these chemicals from your bedding, it will provide a cleaner and healthier environment for everyone.

Buying an organic mattress pad is another thing to look into. An organic wool mattress pad helps to resist moisture, bacteria, and dust mites. Using an organic wool mattress pad means it won’t need to be washed frequently. And since it’s made from organic wool, it means it will be fire resistant as well.

You might be wondering where to go to buy organic bedding. It might be easier than you realize. Most major retail stores carry organic sheets and bedding. The most convenient store which is located everywhere is Walmart. Kmart sells organic bedding as well. Online retailers such as Amazon and Overstock.com are great places as well to buy organic bedding. Less available retail stores include Crate & Barrel and Pier 1 Imports. If you’re not sure if the sheets you’d like to buy are organic, ask a salesperson to help you out.

Knowing how to pick out organic sheets and bedding is not only good for your health, it’s also a great way to do your part in helping the environment. Organic sheets and bedding are also made for babies crib and for children. So your entire family can breathe easy as they dream.

Photo by n.gottier

5 All-Natural & Organic Dog Food Options

NHE — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 08:04:47 +0000

You are a health conscious individual. You make sure you put healthy food into your body, and that you get all of the essential vitamins and minerals. But what about your dog? Is your dog getting the best food, or just the every day run of the mill dog food? Your pet deserves to eat healthy too. There are a few organic dog food options that you may not be aware of.

Organic dog food has many health benefits for your pet. It can give your dog more energy, it can maintain your dog’s healthy weight, it can reduce allergies and skin problems, it can aid in digestive issues, along with several other benefits. Feeding your dog organic dog food will ensure that your pet lives a better quality life, can help boost their immune system, can lead your dog to live a longer life, and provide better overall health. Here are 5 organic dog food options you can give your pet.

Karma organic and all-natural dog food contains high quality ingredients, and promotes optimal health for your dog. The ingredients in this dog food are selected meticulously to give your dog the best nutritional diet. Ingredients include organic chicken from free-range chickens, as well as organic grains. The food also contains whole raw vegetables and fruits, that include antioxidants, phytochemicals, and essential nutrients. A yeast extract is used in Karma dog food which is rich in protein and vitamin B.

HealthWise All-Natural Pet Food is a premium dog food that provides a balanced diet for your pet. This brand of dog food is great for any breed of dog, and any sized dog. Top quality protein ingredients, including chicken meal, lamb meal, whole grains, and ingredients that are rich in minerals, are combined to make this dog food the most nutritious. Healthwise will provide your dog with the fuel it needs to sustain energy all day.

Another of the 5 organic dog food options you can give to your pet includes California Natural. California Natural dog food uses all natural ingredients to provide your dog with a hypoallergenic diet. Flavors include, lamb, chicken, and herring. This brand has low fat options as well. Healthy brown rice, white rice, and sunflower oil are added to this food to give your dog plenty of energy for endurance and exercise.

EVO: The Ancestral Diet provides dog food containing ingredients that resemble that of the ancestral diet of dogs. This organic dog food contains nutrients that come from proteins that are meat-based, and fats that are easily digestible. EVO has dog food products that are low in carbohydrates, grain free, and rich in protein. EVO provides flavors such as chicken, turkey, salmon, herring, and red meat.

Innova dog food, is not only organic, but it’s holistic as well. Innova contains all natural ingredients, and comes in such flavors as beef, buffalo, venison, and lamb. This organic dog food provides your pet with essential nutrients and vitamins that are vital for a healthy diet.

These 5 organic dog food options can help provide a long, healthy life for your pet. You most likely feel more energized and healthier when you eat a healthy diet. The same is true for your dog. Your dog will have more energy and will be more healthy as a result of eating all-natural dog food. You will have many happy years with your dog.

Photo by mikebaird

Gluten Free Lemon Pasta Recipe

NHE — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:47:04 +0000

A few weeks ago, we went to my sister’s house for dinner. She learned about a year or two ago that she has a sensitivity to gluten, so she’s been living the gluten-free diet for the past few months. She’s found some really great recipes including this Lemon and Asparagus Pasta which is not only gluten free, but healthy too!

1 lb. of gluten free pasta such as Quinoa
Zest and Juice of 2 organic Lemons
1 Clove of Garlic, smashed and minced
1/4 c. Scallions, including tops, sliced crosswise
3/4 c. Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 lb. of fresh Organic Asparagus
2 T. of fresh, organic Italian Parsley, chopped
Sea Salt & Pepper to taste

Instructions for cooking the great gluten free pasta!

Cook pasta as directed and cook asparagus as desired.
In a serving bowl, place lemon juice and zest, garlic, scallions, parsley, and Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Whisk gently. Add salt and pepper to taste.
When the Asparagus is done cooking, cut it in 1 inch chunks on an angle.
When pasta is done, drain and add pasta to serving bowl with the Olive Oil mixture. Toss to coat.
Add Asparagus and toss.
Top with generous amounts of Parmesan cheese.
Enjoy!

Photo by toolmantim

4 Organic Makeup Options For Women

Linda — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 09:34:47 +0000

Women want to look their best. Women want to look beautiful for many reasons. Makeup is a way to cover up blemishes and wrinkles, making a person look, and possibly feel, younger. Not all makeup is created equal, however. You have regular makeup, made with various dyes and chemicals, which can be unhealthy for you. You also have organic makeup, which is made from natural materials, such as plants and various healthy minerals. Pesticides are often used to make non organic makeup, as well as harmful toxins and carcinogens.

It’s best to make absolutely sure that you’re getting real organic makeup. Many products claim to be organic, but they still contain harmful toxins and carcinogens. Some organic makeup products are easy to come by. Moisturizers, anti-aging creams, and facial cleansers are the easiest products to find. When it comes to lipsticks, mascara, and eye shadow, it can be more difficult to find organic options. Here are 4 organic makeup options for women that can provide a healthy alternative to looking beautiful.

SkinBotanica offers many organic makeup products, including lipsticks and mascara. Their lipstick products contain no synthetic dyes. Instead they get their color from iron oxides and carmine. They also contain edible zinc for protection from the sun. SkinBotanica offers concealer products to hide skin blemishes. Their concealers are made for any type of skin, and are made with olive fruit oil and jojoba seed oil. SkinBotanica products contain no harsh chemicals, so they are safe to use.
Another option is Dr. Hauschka Makeup. The brand’s line of makeup includes just about every type of product you can think of. The line includes, lipsticks, lip gloss, lip liner, mascara, liquid eye liner, concealers, foundations, and a whole lot more. These products contain bio-dynamic ingredients, and are BDHI certified natural. Dr. Hauschka Makeup is a trusted brand that has won several awards, including the Natural Beauty Award, and Elle’s Green Star award.
Makeup made by Lavera is also BDHI certified, and is 100% natural, containing organic ingredients. Lavera products offer a variety of lipstick colors, up to 14 different shades. All of Lavera’s lip products are free of lanolin, a greasy yellow substance that is secreted by the glands of wool bearing animals. This product line is gaining in popularity, and is the favorite line of many celebrities. Lavera has received several awards, including 2004′s product of the year.
Starting in the late 1970′s, the Logona makeup company is a German brand, and is BDIH certified as well. Logona not only carries organic makeup products, but they carry organic hair coloring products also. More surprising to some people is that this makeup company also provides baby care products. All of the products from Logona are made with all natural ingredients, from their hair care products, makeup products, to their baby care products.

It’s important for most women to look their best, and it’s a good idea to apply makeup with natural ingredients rather than those using harsh chemicals. These products will leave you with the knowledge that you’re being safe about what cosmetics you’re using. All of the brands listed above are safe to use, and contain no artificial coloring or dyes.