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Six Tips for an Organic Thanksgiving on a Limited Budget

Here are six green ways to save money and food on turkey day! For the full article, click here here

1. Buy only key items organic: Instead of looking at your whole shopping list as organic, purchase organic items only where it counts-meaning items most likely to transmit pesticides to you. These foods from the "Dirty Dozen" list (the 12 produce items most likely to carry pesticide residue) are the ones most likely to show up in your Thanksgiving feast: apples, celery, grapes, lettuce, pears, potatoes, spinach. But if asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, corn, eggplant, peas, or onions show up in any of your recipes, it's OK to get these conventionally grown.
Host a potluck: Spreading the work out makes it easier and cheaper for the host family without lessening the food to share.

2. Plan ahead: Buying a locally raised, organic turkey can definitely add to the price of your

meal. That's why Colwell and Colwell-Lipson advise planning ahead for next year. "In January, look ahead at your whole year and think about the holidays," said Colwell. "If you're interested in a 20-pound heritage turkey, you think, 'I can't spend that much on a turkey.' But if you divide that by the number of expected guests and people put away $2 a month, you have your money. Panic causes us to spend more."

3. Package leftovers in reusable containers: After a big Thanksgiving celebration, there may be more leftover turkey sandwiches and pie than any family can eat for lunch the following week. Colwell-Lipson sends leftovers home with guests, but not in Ziploc baggies or Saran-wrapped paper plates. "I save up glass jars from spaghetti sauce, and any leftovers get packed up and sent home in those, so they can be enjoyed later," she said.

4. Buy less food: We waste so much of what we prepare for Thanksgiving-about a quarter of our food, said Colwell. To prevent food waste, the solution may simply be to cut back on things that aren't as necessary.

5. Use smaller plates: Because of the size of some dinner plates, people often take more than they can-or should-eat. If you use smaller dinner plates, people often eat just what's in front of them, and they can always come back for more if they are still hungry. This is an especially good idea for kids, who may take two bites of stuffing before abandoning the dinner table to go play with their cousins.

6. Host a potluck: Spreading the work out makes it easier and cheaper for the host family without lessening the food to share.

EcoFriendly Travel

It's that time of year again!

Starting with Thanksgiving we all seem to have family commitments that require frequent travel through the new year. And with all all that jaunting across the US, why not make use of Jendarling's travel accessories for all your getaway needs. From garment bags to cosmetic cases, there's everything you need when you're on the go. And everything is made of organic fabrics. The line launches in stores next spring but in the meantime you can get sselect pieces from the vegan Lux Lite Line at EcoCitizen Online. Reducing your carbon footprint never looked so cool.

xoxo,
Miss T

Victoria's Secret: Formaldehyde in Bras?

The secret is out for one of the world's most recognizable lingerie brands, according to a potential class action lawsuit in which consumers claim they've experienced very uncomfortable symptoms, like rashes, hives and permanent scarring from Victoria's Secret

One of the plaintiff's lawyers purchased the offending bra types and sent them to a lab and they allegedly tested positive for formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is considered a probable human carcinogen by the EPA and is also a known allergen.

Though people often associate the chemical with embalmed specimens in jars, it is actually found in many everyday products.“Formaldehyde is the big thing these days,” says dermatologist Susan Tillman Elliott, consulting physician to the Center for Laser Surgery in Washington D.C. “It’s been known for a zillion years that it’s the major component of most fabric finishers. It’s a major contact allergen.”

Despite the lawsuit and allegations of itchiness — Victoria's Secret denies that they use the chemical on their bras and are keeping them in stores. So be careful ladies!

To me the crazy thing is - using formaldehyde on fabrics is perfectly legal in the U.S. !

Christina

This Thanksgiving, Raise an 'Organic Wine' Glass...

This year, dress up your Thanksgiving dinner with flavorful, environmentally friendly wine.

During your search for the perfect red (or white), look for third party certification.

Organic
Certified organic wines contain no added sulfites and are made entirely of organic ingredients and processed without synthetic agents during the clarifying process. Additionally, equipment and tanks are sterilized with hot or steam water rather than chemical agents.

Wines labeled "made with organic grapes" must be made from 100 percent certified organic grapes but don't adhere to the same rigorous processing standards.

Biodynamic
Biodynamic agriculture is a holistic approach to farming that emphasizes the interrelationship between soil, plants, animals, and astrological elements (for instance, planting crops according to the lunar calendar). Like organic, biodynamic farming restricts the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers and promotes responsible farming practices, such as implementing energy saving techniques and preserving high value conservation areas like virgin rainforest.

LIVE and Salmon Safe
LIVE label currently certifies vineyards in Oregon and Washington that utilize natural resources in order to cut down on the need for chemical pesticides. Vineyards with the LIVE certification automatically meet the standards to be certified "Salmon Safe", which is certification applied to vineyards in the Northwest whose agricultural practices promote the restoration of nearby salmon habitats.

So this year, feel extra-good about raising that glass of wine. Cheers!


Source: http://www.thegreenguide.com/

Boo Cancer!

Hi everyone,

It's not the most pleasant of topics, but it is an important one. Cancer isn't pretty and having the facts is a must. Learn how to reduce your risk with some small lifestyle adjustments at Self Magazine. Also check out what the experts wish you knew.

Remember that just a few little changes can really make an impact, like that monthly home breast exam you've been meaning to do for the last 6 months. Don't wait another day, make your health a priority. Saving the world can't happen 24-7!

xoxo,
Miss T

Help move the new Administration and the nation in a healthy, sustainable, and organic direction!

Obama throughout his campaign, and since his election, has stressed that he wants to hear from the public in order to formulate his policies. Let's all take him up on his invitation! Please sign the Organic Consumer Association's petition letter to President-Elect Barack Obama today and urge him to take a stand in support of organic food and farming. After you sign this petition, please forward it to everyone you know.

Take Action!

An Overview of Obama's Agriculture Policies:

Support for hunger and conservation programs in the Farm Bill.
Expand Country of Origin Labeling requirements on food products.
Support for organic farmers and transition to organic programs.
Increase farm extension service programs to attract more youth to farming as a career.
Encourage the use of technologies to produce power from animal wastes, and farming practices that reduce energy use and maintain soil health.
Increase incentives for farmers to plant trees, restore grasslands and managed the land in a way that better absorbs CO2.Campaign pledge to support mandatory labeling for genetically engineered foods

Benefits of Mineral Makeup

Did you know that using mineral makeup can actually improve your skin? It's non-comedogenic which makes it especially good for women who suffer from sensitive skin, acne and rosacea. And unlike most foundations the ingredients are inorganic which means that bacteria will not survive in the makeup. This also means that preservatives are not necessary and so the makeup is long lasting and free from chemicals. All in all it's worth making the leap to minerals to let your skin breathe easy. The natural looking glow you'll be rocking all day is just an added bonus!

Check out Buzzle.com to read more about the benefits of minerals...

XOXO,
Miss T