September 2009 - Posts

Eco Friendly
Tuesday, September 01, 2009 12:04 AM

Compost heaps
The best way to get started

Composting is not only good for your garden, it also takes a small burden off the environment. With compost you turn waste into rich nutrients and return them to the earth and your plants, relieving your local landfill. It’s also a more fun, interactive approach to the life cycle of trash. Here’s a guide to making a compost pile in your own yard:

 

Select a spot

Make sure it’s convenient for you and your neighbors – nothing intrusive or unsightly for them. Put the pile directly on the earth so nutrients and insects can naturally cycle up and down through the pile. The ground should also be level and well drained. You might even want to build a small enclosure to secure the pile from wind and to hide it from view. Or you can purchase a special compost bin if you’re serious about your compost.

 

Make compost

Many organic materials are compostable, from leaves to newspaper. According to composting Web site compostguide.com, “The pile needs a proper ratio of carbon-rich materials, or ‘browns,’ and nitrogen-rich materials, or ‘greens.’ Among the brown materials are dried leaves, straw, and wood chips. Nitrogen materials are fresh or green, such as grass clippings and kitchen scraps.” The rate of decomposition depends on the ratio of browns to greens. It can take some time and trial and error to perfect, but the Guide says you’ll need roughly 25 parts browns to 1 part greens. If you want usable compost this season, you’ll have to put some work into it. This involves chopping and shredding materials into smaller pieces that will decompose quicker, turning the pile to circulate oxygen, and knowing which materials make a perfect balance. A more passive approach to composting – waiting for materials to decompose on their own – could take up to two years to produce usable compost.

 

Use it

Compost is ready to use in your garden when it is dark brown and when most materials have been completely broken down. This finished compost comes from the bottom of the pile. Depending on how nutrient poor your soil is, you can either use the compost as a top layer, or work it into the soil. Either way, the compost will allow your soil to better hold water, air, and nutrients, and will make your plants healthier.

 

There’s more to composting than what’s mentioned in this article.  For a more in-depth guide and a list of compostable materials, visit www.compostguide.com.

by tinadh | with no comments
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Healthy Living
Tuesday, September 01, 2009 12:02 AM

Food Additives
What does the latest research say about them?

Food manufacturers add a multitude of food additives to their pre-packaged foods, and some fear that they could potentially be harmful. Since many people are concerned about the affects of these additives, WebMD.com featured the article “The Truth About 7 Common Food Additives” by Martin Downs. See what the latest research says on several common food additives: 

 

Artificial Coloring

They are used in foods, drinks and condiments to make products look more appealing, but do not change the actual flavor of the product. Although they have been suspected to cause hyperactivity in kids and thought to worsen asthma symptoms, the results from over 30 years of studies are mixed. The FDA still considers artificial food colorings to be safe when used properly.

 

High Fructose Corn Syrup

This sweetener is made from corn and is found in various sweets, processed foods and non-diet soda. Although some expects suspected that people metabolized high fructose corn syrup in a way that raises their risk for type 2 diabetes and obesity, others claim it’s “just sugar.” Too much of any sugar is not healthy, so limit your overall sugar intake.

 

Aspartame

Commonly used in various diet products, this artificial sweetener has raised many health concerns. Although several studies claim that use of this sweetener has been linked to everything from headaches to cancer, other studies have disproved these claims.

 

Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)

Used as a flavor enhancer, this commonly used additive is found in Chinese food, frozen dinners, packaged soups and salty snack foods. Although there have been contradicting reports as to whether people may be sensitive to MSG, if you have adverse reactions, you should avoid foods containing MSG.

 

Hydrogenated Oils (Trans Fats)

They are created when hydrogen is added to vegetable oil and added during the manufacturing process. They are commonly found in deep-fried foods and baked goods. Since trans fats have been proven to lower people’s good cholesterol (HDI) and raise bad cholesterol (LDL), The American Heart Association recommends consuming less than 1% of your daily calories from trans fats. 

 

For more information on other common food additives, visit WebMd.com.

by tinadh | with no comments
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Trend Setting
Tuesday, September 01, 2009 12:00 AM

 

Stay-cations

How to be a tourist in your home town

 

When taking a trip out-of-town is out of the question, consider taking a stay-cation! Stay-cations are just like vacations, but they let you stay close to home. Not only is a stay-cation a great way to enjoy the fun things to do in your own neighborhood, it’s also a great way to save money, too.

 

Before you start your stay-cation, though, make sure you plan to treat it like a real vacation. Set specific days aside just as you would for a vacation away from home. Resist calling your office, checking e-mail or listening to voicemail messages. Get as many household chores done before your stay-cation, too. Your stay-cation should be all about relaxing and enjoying your time away from your normal schedule.

 

Got some ideas for fun things to do? Great! For other ideas, try one of these:

 

  • Visit local farmers markets or orchards. Take advantage of the fresh seasonal produce they have to offer.
  • Check out your local library. Catch up on some reading or see what programs the library has to offer.
  • Take a tour of a museum, zoo, amusement park, or historic site.
  • Go to a local sporting event, or plan a day of games at the park and bring a picnic lunch.
  • Relax by a pool – yours, a neighbor’s, or a community pool. Don’t let storms get in the way of swimming - visit an indoor water park! 
  • Plan a block party, cocktail party or BBQ with your neighbors.
  • Rent movies or see a matinee – every day!
  • Try a meal at a new restaurant. Make sure you order an appetizer and a dessert, too!
  • Hire a maid to clean your house while you lounge.
  • Plan a mini trip. Stay at a hotel overnight and take advantage of room service.

 

Whatever you decide to do, make sure you enjoy it to the fullest.  It’s a vacation!  What are some stay-cation ideas you have?

by tinadh | with no comments
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