Come Home to the Earth with EcoHearth.com

Health, Beauty and Environmental Tips: Backstage at Showtime’s 'Live Nude Comedy'

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Tonya Kay | Blog Entry) — Tue, 21 May 2013 05:00:00 +0000

We were given one rehearsal on-stage—about 10 minutes on the actual set to mark dimensions, lights, camera angles and choreography. That's not much time to add a set of stairs into a dance number. In fact, 10 minutes is not a lot of time to rehearse at all. But we burlesque dancers are used to bringing in a solo act and putting it on within the context of a grand production. We're fast and we work well under pressure.  {readmorelink}Read on…{/readmorelink}

Mother Nature Loves a Vegan

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Jessica Keith | Article) — Sun, 19 May 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Tofurkey, Tofu Scrambler and No Chicken Noodle Soup probably weren’t on Mom’s grocery list, but perhaps they should have been. These animal-free products, and many others like them, are not only palatable to vegans and non-vegans alike, but also beneficial to a stressed Earth. So how exactly does phoney chicken soup help to cure an ailing Mother Nature? {readmorelink}Read on…{/readmorelink}

What Is Sustainability?

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Fiona Sinclair, Ph.D. | Commentary) — Mon, 13 May 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Let me start by saying what sustainability is not. It is not endless consumerism based on the pharmaceutical industry, plastic bags, traffic jams, war, clear cuts, chemicals, genetically modified food, rising sea levels, sweatshops, shopping malls, the homeless, power, oppression and the decimation of the natural world. Sustainability is also not earth shoes, organic eggs, hybrid cars, carbon credits, hemp clothing, a green Apple Mac Book™, consumer co-ops, E85*, B20** , compact fluorescents, recycling bins or reusable shopping bags. [* 85% denatured ethanol and 15% gasoline fuel blend; ** 20% biofuel and 80% petroleum diesel fuel blend - Ed.] {readmorelink}Read on...{/readmorelink}

Planet Sludge: Millions of Abandoned, Leaking Natural Gas and Oil Wells to Foul Our Future

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Steven Kotler | Investigative Report) — Wed, 01 May 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Publicized major oil spills and natural-gas leaks certainly capture our attention. And over the past 30 odd years, there have been many. They include accidental releases of fossil fuels into the environment (with millions of gallons noted in parentheses) in Kuwait during the Gulf War (240-336); Bay of Campeche, Mexico (140); Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies (88.3); Fergana Valley, Uzbekistan (87.7); Nowruz Oil Field, Persian Gulf (80); Angolan coast (80); Saldanha Bay, South Africa (78.5); off Brittany, France (68.7); off Nova Scotia, Canada (43); Genoa, Italy (42); Exxon Valdez spill off Alaska (11); and BP's Deepwater Horizon platform leak in the Gulf of Mexico (205). But as this in-depth EcoHearth report indicates, these represent—thanks to millions of unsupervised, abandoned, improperly capped wells—just a small percentage of both the number of leaking wells and the amount of oil and gas released. {readmorelink}Read on...{/readmorelink}

Green Films: The Best Environmental Documentaries

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Rick Theis | Article) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 05:00:00 +0000

There are many great environmental documentaries besides Al Gore’s informative and Academy Award-winning film, An Inconvenient Truth. To see the best, check out the brief environmental, ecology and nature movie reviews presented below from A to Z. If you are in the mood for some ecology related "edutainment" in the form of a motion picture, you'll be hard-pressed to top them. {readmorelink}Read on…{/readmorelink}

Eco Tube: Happy Mother's Day to Mother Earth

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (EcoHearth) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 05:00:00 +0000

With Mother's Day approaching, EcoHearth asked passersby: "How Is the Earth Like a Good Mother?" To see the video containing a representative sample of the responses, click here.

Ten Steps to Socially Responsible Investing

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Guest Contributor | Blog Entry) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 05:00:00 +0000

You want to meet your financial goals, but want to do so without harming others, and in a manner that promotes the public good. This is a loose definition of socially responsible investing (SRI).

If you are opposed to pollution, war and worker exploitation, you wouldn't want to buy stock in a company that profits from one or more of these. If you think the use of fossil fuels causes global warming, you might choose to invest in the alternative energy sector, for example. It's not difficult to put your money where your beliefs are. Here are ten easy steps to get you on the road to to socially responsible investing. {readmorelink}Read on…{/readmorelink}

Tapping Deganawidah’s Wisdom: An Interview with 'Seventh Generation' Cofounder Jeffrey Hollender

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Marita Prandoni | Interview) — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Jeffrey Hollender’s title is Chief Inspired Protagonist, or CIP. He is cofounder of Seventh Generation, one of North America’s most trusted brands of environmentally and socially responsible household products. But the products that occupy half an isle of shelving in every natural grocery in the US and Canada are actually the offspring of a line of energy-conservation products once available only from Jeffrey’s mail-order catalog, Renew America. Seventh Generation is now the leading and fastest-growing brand of natural products for the home, and the leading authority on issues related to making a positive difference in the health of the planet and its inhabitants through our everyday choices. {readmorelink}Read on…{/readmorelink}

In Much of the World, Pedestrians Rule the Naked Streets

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Dawn Marshallsay | Blog Entry) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 05:00:00 +0000

When the streets get naked, the pedestrians come out to play. It sounds strange that road accidents are reduced when you remove the curbs, signs and traffic lights that were designed to maintain safety, but this removal forces drivers to make eye contact with pedestrians and travel slower in case they need to break sharply—you never know where or when a pedestrian will want to cross the road. It’s therefore no surprise that naked streets, or so-called “shared space” schemes, are spreading across the globe. {readmorelink}Read on…{/readmorelink}

Running Your Car on Waste Vegetable Oil, Part 1: Converting Your Automobile

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Tonya Kay | Blog Entry) — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Here is a sincere warning that goes out to anyone considering converting a car to run on waste vegetable oil (WVO) as I did: You are about to become a rock star. After only one visit, restaurants will know you by name, auto shops will call their friends to show you off, and people in the parking lot will want pictures with you with greasy hands. Thanks to recent television coverage, WVO is a fashionable topic in American living rooms, and when you arrive at the deli requesting dirty oil, they will act like you are their long-lost cousin and do everything but pinch your cheeks. {readmorelink}Read on…{/readmorelink}

The 5% Solution to Our Shopping Addiction

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (John Phillips | Commentary) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 05:00:00 +0000

It is not enough for us to blame big government and big business for what is in reality our responsibility. It is our pursuit of goods and services that creates the demand for raw materials: coal, oil, timber, iron, etc. It is our consumption that causes forests to be harvested, mines to be dug and holes to be drilled in the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico. And the decisions we make in our professional careers determine how forests are harvested, how safely and cleanly coal and iron are mined, and how holes are drilled in the Gulf (carefully or recklessly). {readmorelink}Read on...{/readmorelink}

Eco Tube: Why Is It Important That We Celebrate Earth Day?

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (EcoHearth) — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 05:00:00 +0000

As we get ready to honor the planet, EcoHearth asked passersby: "Why is it important that we celebrate Earth Day—and how do you plan to do it this year?" To see the video containing a representative sample of the responses, click here.

Floating Solar Islands: Portable Power for Coastal Mega-Cities

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (André Oosterman | Blog Entry) — Sat, 30 Mar 2013 05:00:00 +0000

It sounds so simple: build a 10x10 km raft, cover it with solar panels, connect it with a power cable to the country or city where electricity is needed most and—presto!—unlimited solar power. With 71% of the Earth's surface covered by ocean, there is plenty of space to do this. So why hasn't it happened yet?

Although some cities in the Netherlands, Denmark and Sweden claim to have built "solar-power islands," these do not float and cannot therefore be moved to places where demand is highest (near megacities, for example) and sunlight most abundant. {readmorelink}Read on…{/readmorelink}

Swine Flu, Bird Flu and BSE: Three Legacies of Factory Farming

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Dawn Marshallsay | Article) — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 05:00:00 +0000

The new strain of bird flu now spreading in China has raised renewed concerns about Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO) AKA factory farms. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), "About 75% of the new diseases that have affected humans over the past 10 years have been caused by pathogens originating from an animal or from products of animal origin."

Swine flu, bird flu and BSE (bovine spongiform encephalopathy, widely known as mad-cow disease) are the most well-known plagues caused by factory farming and poor animal welfare—there are others. And because illnesses spread quickly between animals reared in tight spaces on cannibalistic diets, it’s only a matter of time before other such viruses mutate into strains that can infect humans working on or living near factory farms—and then spread to the rest of us. {readmorelink}Read on…{/readmorelink}

I Sweat Cherry Juice

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Tonya Kay | Blog Entry) — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Signing autographs in a different time zone each week. Waking early to make small talk on morning radio. Snarling as a dirty, corset-wearing character in front of thousands of shrieking teenagers from a sold-out stage at Madison Square Garden. Sometimes even I think it's play. But it's my job.

I've been dancing professionally for around 20 years. I was stretching splits at age seven. I was tapping time steps under my seat in kindergarten. I was counting crunches in the womb (or at least that's what mom said it felt like). And sometimes even I have to remind myself of the broken rib cartilage, torn hamstrings and transverse fasciae latae insertion tendonitis to remember that professional dance isn't all passion and play. It's a job. And it's a sport. {readmorelink}Read on...{/readmorelink}

Eco Tube: What Are Your Favorite Outdoor Activities?

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (EcoHearth) — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 05:00:00 +0000

In anticipation of warmer weather, EcoHearth inquired of passersby: "What is your favorite outdoor activity?" To see the video containing a representative sample of the responses, click here.

Permaculture: A System for Sustainable Living

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Aaron Lada, Ph.D. | Article) — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Why battle against the Earth to force it to produce products that naturally wouldn’t flourish? As a different approach, permaculture mimics natural ecosystems to maximize food production as well as create sustainable human settlements. Extending beyond farming practices, permaculture is a philosophy and set of ethics for how we can beneficially coexist with the environment. {readmorelink}Read on…{/readmorelink}

Sustainable Wine Review: 2008 Bouchaine Estate Chardonnay

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Tonya Kay | Blog Entry) — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Oh, lovely life. I return home from a long day at the theatre with one mission: relax and take care of myself before early rehearsal again tomorrow—our first audience is Monday night. This is an intense time in the process. I open my screenless windows at midnight to let the blooming jasmine lurk in. I flop my shoes onto the wood floors and massage my own dancer feet. I am relaxing and taking care of myself the best way I can imagine. Oh, lovely life: This day ends with wine.

Life has gifted me a bottle of 2008 Bouchaine Estate Chardonnay to consider. I surely feel indulgent opening an entire bottle all by my lonesome. What a gift this truly is! I start with an entire glass pour of water, as I always do, and decide to stick to tasting pours, rather than glass pours, which I prefer anyway. I have an exceptionally clean raw vegan diet and find my receptivity heightened, making every sensual experience quite genuine. {readmorelink}Read on…{/readmorelink}

La Défense: Europe’s Largest Business District Sets a New Standard for Sustainable Development

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Matthew Monfuletho | Blog Entry) — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 05:00:00 +0000

From every corner of the globe, an estimated eight million visitors flock to Paris every year to marvel at world-famous architectural wonders such as Notre Dame, the Louvre museum or the Tour Eiffel [tour means tower in French. – Ed.]. Yet, few tourists extend their cultural visit to take in what is often referred to as "the world's museum of modern architecture"—La Défense, Europe's largest business district. {readmorelink}Read on…{/readmorelink}

Circus Elephants, Part 1: Seeing With Newly Informed Eyes

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Tonya Kay | Blog Entry) — Sat, 23 Mar 2013 05:00:00 +0000

After the first time I volunteered over in Thailand with those magistrates of evolution, the Asian elephant (specifically with her daughters, their aunties and the oldest bull), I came back home to the United States with newly informed eyes.

Not much had changed here, but things looked very different to me. For one thing, I saw animals in cages everywhere I turned. {readmorelink}Read on...{/readmorelink}

The Mindset of Interconnectedness

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Krista Fuentes | Blog Entry) — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 05:00:00 +0000

I like environmental tips. They offer practical ways to make one's life greener, bit by bit. But sometimes tips offer little in the way of real value.

As I check off items on my little green to-do list in order to save electricity here or reduce waste there, I often find myself in the wake of a creeping fog, which whisperingly suggests that I am subjecting myself to pointless inconveniences. There are no environmental police forcing me to recycle my plastic bags, no gold stars given for taking public transportation. Why should I, and why do many people I know, day in and day out, sacrifice the ease and convenience that is readily available to us? {readmorelink}Read on...{/readmorelink}

My Personal Eco-Safety Zone and the Greening of Hollywood

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Tonya Kay | Blog Entry) — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 05:00:00 +0000

I'm living the waste-free lifestyle at home. Over time I have reduced my desire for new products, refined my recycling methods, transitioned to human-powered or solar-powered appliances, and experimented with alternative automobile fuels and non-auto transportation. Life is so much simpler now that those systems have become second nature. And there is something deeply satisfying knowing that my two-person household tosses only five gallons of actual garbage per month into a landfill. {readmorelink}Read on…{/readmorelink}

Deep Ocean Reverence: An Interview with Wallace 'J.' Nichols

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Marita Prandoni | Interview) — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Wallace “J.” Nichols has an inordinate fondness for sea turtles. His Ph.D. dissertation was on the “Biology and Conservation of Sea Turtles in Baja California, Mexico.” In 1998 he founded Grupo Tortuguero, an international grassroots movement dedicated to restoring Pacific sea turtles and to sustainable management of ocean fisheries. In 1999 he co-founded WiLDCOAST, an international conservation team dedicated to the protection of coastal wilderness where he and a diverse group of partners organized fishermen to protect endangered sea turtles and helped coastal ranchers protect their shores for future generations. {readmorelink}Read on…{/readmorelink}

Green Candles, Pt. 4: How to Pour Candles from Saved Wax

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Tonya Kay | Blog Entry) — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 05:00:00 +0000

I don't burn petroleum in my car for fuel, so why would I burn it in my home for light?

After extensive research into the benefits and environmental impact of my non-petroleum candle enthusiasm, and after some actual natural-wax burn comparisons, I personally switched to a combination of local farmers market beeswax candles and palm-wax candles from Strega Moon, who actually upped their company's integrity with me tenfold by enthusiastically agreeing to ship my palm candles in all-paper/non-petro packaging (sometimes you just have to ask and hope that when enough people do, your special request will become the standard). {readmorelink}Read on...{/readmorelink}

Winter Is When All Great Vegetable Gardens Begin

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Amy Kaplan | Article) — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Growing your own food is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways of living a more environmental existence. Vegetable gardening allows you to forgo chemicals and use time-proven natural methods for producing the most organic food possible. Through composting and mulching you can recycle portions of your and your neighbors' household waste to the benefit of your garden.

When harvest time comes, you will have the opportunity to enjoy, preserve and even share your bounty; believe me, you will have surplus! One of the joys of gardening is learning about Mother Nature’s generosity. {readmorelink}Read on…{/readmorelink}

How to Love a Rattlesnake: Eco Hero Tom Wyant at Work

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Joy Nicholson | Article) — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Tom Wyant gets some strange calls. Recently, he got one about a public display of affection. It seemed a young couple had parked themselves beneath some poor woman’s window and decided it was as good a place as any to get romantic. Wyant’s job was to relocate the amorous couple to a more appropriate setting. His job was made more difficult by one single fact: the couple in question was a pair of Western Diamondback rattlesnakes. {readmorelink}Read on...{/readmorelink}

Air Pollution: What Are You Breathing In?

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Dawn Marshallsay | Article) — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Something all humans share, from celebrities to the homeless, is breathing the air. Not so obvious is the quality of that air and how it impacts our health. While we think of global warming as something taking place high above our heads, it’s easy to forget that those heat-trapping and often chemical-laden gases affect our lungs here on the ground before they make their way up to the clouds. {readmorelink}Read on…{/readmorelink}

Winter in Maine

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Rich Bard | Blog Entry) — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 05:00:00 +0000

It's almost the end of February. Still the dead of winter in Maine. Night time temps regularly dip below 0º. Nothing but snow and ice as far as the eye can see. Skin gets all pasty white from lack of sun. (Not being the most racially diverse state in the US, most Mainers start the winter fairly white anyway.) People resort to desperate measures to help them through the rest of the winter: TV, alcohol, garden catalogs, full-spectrum lighting, ice hockey, you name it. {readmorelink}Read on…{/readmorelink}

Green Candles, Pt. 3: The Most Ecological Candle Wicks

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Tonya Kay | Blog Entry) — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 05:00:00 +0000

In parts one and two of this blog series on candles, we compared the production methods and safety of non-petroleum candle waxes and contrasted their quality and price in real-time burn tests. This week I would like to offer you some vital criteria that you can judge your candles against in order to assure that you are enjoying the healthiest and most eco-friendly burn possible. {readmorelink}Read on...{/readmorelink}

Eco Presidents' Day: Which Were the Most Environmental US Heads of State?

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Ryan Miga | Article) — Sun, 17 Feb 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Environmentalism has been a key talking point in US politics for decades. Every person who steps into public office is compelled to at least fake an interest in protecting the natural world. Pledges to save the trees and endangered species are standard-issue campaign rhetoric. So politicians must be judged on their policies, not just their stump speeches. We think the following presidents demonstrated at least some sincere concern for environmental issues. None of them are perfect when it comes to ecology, but overall they’ve shown enough green concern that they rise to the top of the presidential crop. {readmorelink}Read on...{/readmorelink}

Which US Presidents Were The Worst Protectors of the Earth?

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Ryan Miga | Article) — Sat, 16 Feb 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Environmental policy has always been complicated. It’s not easy to find a balance between using natural resources to provide the things people need—like jobs, food and housing—and protecting the natural world for its own sake. But some White House residents were downright anti-green. Here are EcoHearth's picks for the least ecological presidents. (Two of them, incidentally, appear in the photograph that illustrates this piece.) {readmorelink}Read on...{/readmorelink}

Eco Tube: What Do You Love Most About the Earth?

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (EcoHearth) — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 05:00:00 +0000

In honor of Valentine's Day, EcoHearth asked people, "What do you love most about the Earth?" To see the video containing a representative sample of the responses, click here.

Green Candles, Pt. 2: Rating Candles and Extending Burn Time

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Tonya Kay | Blog Entry) — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 05:00:00 +0000

I'm a thorough investigator. I understand that although animal ethics, environmental awareness and health consciousness influence my consumer decisions, so do quality and price. Many people will still see that paraffin candle at the 99-cent store and think it's a deal too good to pass up. After performing a side-by-side votive-candle burn test myself, however, I'm not convinced that paraffin's low price tag makes it the best value after all. {readmorelink}Read on...{/readmorelink}

Eco Romance: How to Have an Environmentally Friendly Valentine’s Day

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Julie Colley | Article) — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 05:00:00 +0000

What’s the color of love? Most people would probably say red. But it could be green—if you and your date are as sweet on the planet as you are on each other. When planning your Valentine’s Day celebration, consider doing something together that’s not only fun and romantic, but also beneficial to the environment. Here are a few suggestions for an Eco Valentine’s Day date: {readmorelink}Read on...{/readmorelink}

Green Candles, Pt. 1: What Is the Most Natural Candle Wax?

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Tonya Kay | Blog Entry) — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 05:00:00 +0000

We all know petro-plastic has toxic implications, which is precisely why I first reduce, and then recycle all of the plastic with which I come into contact. I drink all of my water from glass bottles. Heck, I even drive my car on vegetable oil instead of petroleum fuel. If I am willing to go this far to become a conscious petroleum consumer, then why would I still be burning petroleum-based candles right in my own living room at home? {readmorelink}Read on...{/readmorelink}

Groundhog Day: Punxsutawney Phil’s Cousins May Be Forecasting a Fate Worse Than a Long Winter

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Marita Prandoni | Blog Entry) — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Prairie dogs are the eyes of the community.
- Terry Tempest Williams

Groundhog Day is most famously celebrated in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, where almost always, Phil retreats, forecasting six more weeks of winter. But it is west of the Mississippi where Phil’s cousins, the prairie dogs, may well be offering a more dire prediction—about the fate of humanity. This is why there have been efforts to establish Prairie-Dog Day to bring attention to the plight of these creatures, under attack by ranchers and developers who consider them pests. {readmorelink}Read on…{/readmorelink}

Green Movies: The Best Environmental Fictional Feature Films

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Ryan Miga | Article) — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 05:00:00 +0000

As people become increasingly concerned about our ecology, we're seeing more movies centered around green issues or with environmental themes. Filmmakers are using a broken Earth as the ready-made “villain” for the 21st century. During the Cold War, movie heroes constantly fought against evil Russians; these days, film stars struggle against environmental collapse. Here are capsule reviews of the top—recent and classic—fictional environmental films for children and adults: {readmorelink}Read on...{/readmorelink}

Effective Microorganisms: Using Bacteria and Yeast to Create Sustainable Agriculture

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Aaron Lada, Ph.D. | Article) — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 05:00:00 +0000

An intimate understanding of the local ecology is necessary for successful agriculture—and it may be important to extend this knowledge to the smallest of lifeforms. According to Dr. Teruo Higa, a proponent of natural, sustainable, chemical-free farming, soil treated with beneficial microorganisms can produce healthier, more productive plants. To this end, he has created a proprietary mixture of beneficial bacteria and yeast called Effective Microorganisms (EM). Although the scientific jury is still out on its effectiveness, its potential is great for vastly increasing food yields while reducing chemical pollutants in the environment. {readmorelink}Read on…{/readmorelink}

Capsule Eco Book Reviews: The Best Nature, Ecology and Environmental Writing

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (EcoHearth) — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 05:00:00 +0000

There are more books published every day. Fortunately, many are focused on understanding and caring for the planet. Since none of us can read them all, it's helpful to know which are the most worth our time. EcoHearth to the rescue! Our writers and readers recommend the following titles having to do with nature, ecology and the environment—and our place in it. And we've included capsule reviews of the same. Please add your book recommendations and mini reviews in the comments section at the bottom of the page. If we agree with your evaluation, we may add your book suggestion to our recommendations along with your brief review. {readmorelink}Read on…{/readmorelink}

Environmental Justice in Memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Erica Mukherjee | Article) — Sun, 20 Jan 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is remembered as a man of principle. His dedication to equality and nonviolence has shaped the landscape of modern America. That is why he is honored with a federal holiday on the third Monday of January. Many communities and schools devote this day to the service of others through activities such as food drives, cleaning projects and youth programs. To get involved locally is easy. All you need to do is go to the MLK Day of Service website and enter your zip code to find service projects near you. {readmorelink}Read on...{/readmorelink}

'Winter Kale-Goji Salad' Recipe

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Guest Contributor | Blog Entry) — Sat, 19 Jan 2013 05:00:00 +0000

This delicous and filling raw-food salad features calcium-rich kale, cleansing cranberries, nutrient-dense goji berries (that are high in antioxidants and a great source of complete protein), mineral-packed pistachios and a sweet dressing. It is great to serve during the winter holidays, or any time of year. And it's so colorful and tasty, that it's sure to impress your non-raw-food friends! {readmorelink}Read on…{/readmorelink}

Don’t be Greenwashed by Company Annual Reports

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Steve Graham | Blog Entry) — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 05:00:00 +0000

It’s time for companies to release another round of annual reports, which for some becomes a major greenwashing opportunity. Many businesses also generate separate corporate social-responsibility reports that largely focus on environmental and labor practices. These days most firms want to jump on the sustainability bandwagon—or at least appear to be on board. To be sure, many are reducing their carbon and water footprints, and taking important strides toward protecting the environment. But some only say they are. {readmorelink}Read on…{/readmorelink}

Choking on Costs: The Price of Air Pollution in China

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (John Marten | Blog Entry) — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 05:00:00 +0000

From time to time we see images of smog-smothered streets in Shanghai, Beijing and other major Chinese cities. Surely it's uncomfortable to breathe this fetid air—perhaps we even feel a sympathetic scratchiness in our throats or sting in our eyes—but how about its deleterious effects on the health of that nation and its people? And why is China having such difficulty keeping its air clean and breathable? {readmorelink}Read on…{/readmorelink}

Generating Warmth: Best Home-Heating Methods for Both Wallet and World

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Erica Mukherjee | Article) — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Across most of the US, it costs at least $1000 a year to heat a single-family home—and it can exceed $2,000 in the coldest climates. Besides putting a strain on family finances, high heating bills often indicate a negative environmental impact. That’s because many homes are heated with non-renewable, carbon-based fuels like natural gas and oil. The average annual CO₂ emissions from a home heated with natural gas are around 6,400 pounds—more than three tons. And CO₂ emissions from oil-heated homes are even higher. {readmorelink}Read on...{/readmorelink}

Life on the Edge

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Rich Bard | Blog Entry) — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Donning my snowshoes, I leave the plowed, shoveled and accessible world that we humans carve out of the winter snows. Each snowfall is cleared from what is “in bounds” for human use during the winter—and the plow banks and piles of snow grow taller each time. Anything outside of that maintained boundary is by necessity off limits—unless, of course, like me you put on your snowshoes. {readmorelink}Read on…{/readmorelink}

Eco-Friendly Winter Craft Ideas for Kids

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Erica Mukherjee | Article) — Mon, 31 Dec 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Even though the weather outside may be frightful and the proverbial fire delightful—with a house full of children home for a snow day, on the weekend or over the holidays, wouldn’t it be nice to have some fun and educational nature activities lined up? Unfortunately, in most parts of the country, kids can play outdoors in the middle of winter for only so long. And then what? No worries, you can use some of these eco-friendly winter craft ideas to keep them gainfully occupied for hours. {readmorelink}Read on...{/readmorelink}

Eco Tube: What's Your GREEN New Year's Resolution?

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (EcoHearth) — Sun, 30 Dec 2012 05:00:00 +0000

EcoHearth took its video crew down to Times Square, New York City, and asked passersby what they plan to do during the next twelve months to be better stewards of the Earth. To see the video containing a representative sample of their responses, click here.

An Achievable New Year’s Eco Resolution: 'Not-Doing'

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Marita Prandoni | Blog Entry) — Tue, 25 Dec 2012 05:00:00 +0000

I’ve never made New Year’s resolutions. They can end in feelings of guilt and drudgery. Sometimes they lead to consuming more, like buying exercise equipment—when getting outdoors for regular walks might have a more lasting effect.

I propose a different strategy for next year: Be less ambitious and, in Carlos Castaneda lingo, practice “not-doing.” This will shrink our impact on the resources and ecosystems that make it possible for us to survive. {readmorelink}Read on…{/readmorelink}

Man's First Trip Away from Spaceship Earth

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Rick Theis | Blog Entry) — Sun, 23 Dec 2012 05:00:00 +0000

It was just 44 years ago that humans first left the bonds of Earth and saw their home planet in its entirety. The 1968 space mission that accomplished this was NASA's Apollo 8. I was 12 years old and enthralled.

Apollo 8 was both an intentional springboard for the first moon landing the following year and an unintentional catalyst to the modern environmental movement, which was born with the publication of Rachel Carson’s book, Silent Spring, in 1962. {readmorelink}Read on...{/readmorelink}

Happy Holidays From EcoHearth

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (EcoHearth) — Sat, 22 Dec 2012 05:00:00 +0000

EcoHearth wishes you and yours a wonderful holiday season and much happiness in 2013. Please visit the site often for new ideas on how to be happier, healthier and a better steward of the Earth. To enjoy more beautiful and thought provoking photos like this one, visit Jennifer Esperanza's EcoHearth blog called Planet Esperanza Photos.

DIY Birdfeeder: An Eco-Ninja Project for Kids

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Jessica Dallas | Blog Entry) — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 05:00:00 +0000

I love to do projects around my neighborhood to better it. And I always try to make them into fun activities that include all of the children in the family. In this regard, I’ve devised an ongoing ritual known to many as “Eco Ninja.” These are stealth projects that are undertaken by only the bravest and craftiest among us… usually the children. They’re fearless. Being small and quick doesn't hurt either. {readmorelink}Read on…{/readmorelink}

Smart Grids: Electricity Networks Are Growing Up

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (André Oosterman | Article) — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Compared to telecommunications networks, electricity grids are pretty dumb. A power company has little information about your electricity usage. It does not know when you switch on your AC and for how long before you decide to switch it off. In fact, it has no way of knowing whether it was your AC you switched on or some other electrical appliance. This will all change soon, benefiting both your pocketbook and the Earth. {readmorelink}Read on…{/readmorelink}

Confessions of a Garlic Geek

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Joy Nicholson | Blog Entry) — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 05:00:00 +0000

I hate to be a geek brand-whore, especially ‘cuz I’m not paid by any company. (That sounds so luxurious, to be paid by a company, eh? Think of company-provided hotels and massages. Mmm!) But Kyolic Garlic is the company I buy from as far as garlic health stuff is concerned. With no discount. No love. Total capitalism. And full price. I promise if I drop dead they won’t send a wreath. {readmorelink}Read on…{/readmorelink}

Handwork for Happiness and Longevity

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Charleen Touchette | Blog Entry) — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Watch spiders weave a web, bees create a hive and beavers build a dam. Earth’s creatures thrive when occupied with productive work and interaction with materials from the Earth.

When I was a girl, nearly all of the women and girls did handwork like knitting, crochet, embroidery, needlepoint, appliqué, quilting, sewing and tatting; and the boys and men kept their hands busy whittling, tying flies or tinkering with engines and radios. Children grew up seeing the many ways raw materials like fiber, cloth, metal, wires, nails and wood could be transformed with time and determination into something new that didn’t exist before. {readmorelink}Read on...{/readmorelink}

'Winter Solstice Vegetarian Chili' Recipe

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Kim Ridley | Blog Entry) — Sun, 09 Dec 2012 05:00:00 +0000

There’s nothing like a big pot of spicy chili to bring back the glorious warmth of the sun on a cold, dark winter day. I’ve been tinkering with chili recipes for years, and this winter solstice version is a real crowd pleaser. Chipotle peppers puréed in adobo plus a sprinkling of Hungarian smoked paprika give it a wonderful smoky heat. Vegetarians and carnivores alike love this dish because it’s meat-free yet hardy, with a great texture thanks to bulgur. {readmorelink}Read on…{/readmorelink}

If Plants Can Think, Is Global Deforestation a Form of Genocide?

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Steven Kotler | Commentary) — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Back in 1966, a CIA interrogation specialist named Cleve Backster performed an interesting experiment.

Because lie detectors measure skin moisture (sweat) through galvanic response, Backster had hooked up a cane plant to a lie detector to measure rates of water consumption. But when he examined the polygraph, he saw a response pattern very similar to that of humans.

Even stranger, because Backster knew that stress provoked the strongest response in polygraph tests, he started to wonder what would happen to the response if he burned a leaf.

Mind you, he didn’t burn the leaf—he merely thought about burning it. But when he thought about it, the polygraph went wild. {readmorelink}Read on…{/readmorelink}

Clearing the Air: Best Plants for Improving Indoor Air Quality

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Siddharthanni Lobo | Article) — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Traffic, smog, pollution, haze... whatever the cause, the effect is lower air quality in cities across the world. While there are different ways to tackle this problem, researcher Kamal Meattle has come up with a novel solution–to grow your own fresh air. At a recent TED conference, Meattle made an enlightening presentation on how you can transform an indoor space into a living one. {readmorelink}Read on…{/readmorelink}

'Banana and Caramel Dream Smoothie' Recipe

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Guest Contributor | Blog Entry) — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Featuring creamy, nutritious bananas and natural caramel-like flavors, this delicious smoothie is truly dessert in a glass! Yet, when was the last time your sumptuous dessert contained generous amounts of fiber, vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6, B9 & C) and minerals (selenium, potassium, copper and magnesium)? To top it off, this recipe is very quick to make if you have Brazil nut milk already prepared, and is both filling and satisfying! {readmorelink}Read on…{/readmorelink}

Become an Eco-Conscious Consumer: Consume Less and Consume Smarter

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Marita Prandoni | Blog Entry) — Sat, 01 Dec 2012 05:00:00 +0000

As the film, The Story of Stuff, so elegantly illustrates, since the 1940s dark-side capitalists in cahoots with engineers have clandestinely steered our society into becoming relentlessly loyal consumers. As a result, we have neglected our civic engagement and the health of our finite planet. There are several ways to outsmart these misguided and aggravating nudniks. My tips are modeled on the maxims of biomimicry—the laws that govern healthy ecosystems. By thinking like nature, you can avoid being hoodwinked in the first place. {readmorelink}Read on…{/readmorelink}

The Importance of Handmade Gifts

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Charleen Touchette | Blog Entry) — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 05:00:00 +0000

When I was a girl, soon after the fall harvest I began making holiday gifts for my family, friends and teachers. Using whatever handwork or cooking skills I learned that year, I would knit, sew, embroider, bake, paint or sculpt homemade presents. As a young mom, the presents were jars of preserves, bottles of wine or dried herbs and sachets made from the gifts the Earth gives throughout the seasons. One year, I sewed placemats and napkins out of cloth remnants for each family member, and the children made punched tin napkin rings to go along. The joy we felt giving these gifts was deepened by the many hours we spent making them. {readmorelink}Read on...{/readmorelink}

Light My Fire: How to Choose the Best Wood Stove for Your Home and the Earth

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Kim Ridley | Article) — Sun, 25 Nov 2012 05:00:00 +0000

A great wood stove is like the perfect life partner: it makes you feel warm inside and out, while being romantic, reliable and low-maintenance. It’s also environmentally friendly and economical. Whether you want to heat your entire house or warm up a room, choosing the right wood stove makes all the difference. Here’s what you need to know before committing. {readmorelink}Read on…{/readmorelink}

The Dangers of Coal-Burning Power Plants Are Much Worse Than You Think

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Julie Colley | Article) — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Coal has been an integral part of American power generation since the late 1800s. While that technology has in some ways benefited our society, we now recognize the ecological hazards and health risks associated with using coal as an energy source. Coal by itself is not harmful; however, the byproducts of burning coal raise serious health and environmental issues. And the vague laws governing the disposal of the toxic byproducts of coal-fired power plants, laws that allow each state to determine its own rules for its plant sites, are another cause for concern. {readmorelink}Read on…{/readmorelink}

This Thanksgiving, I’m (Somewhat) Thankful for Corporate America

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Steve Graham | Blog Entry) — Sun, 18 Nov 2012 05:00:00 +0000

As a good environmentalist, I know I’m supposed to be thankful for organic food, the national parks and the nonprofit Defenders of Wildlife. I am, but I’m also unexpectedly thankful this year for corporate America. Large companies that I have ignored, boycotted and even protested are now friends of the environment. Here are a few good firms, or at least firms doing good things: {readmorelink}Read on…{/readmorelink}

Israel's Disappointing Brand of Environmentalism

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Shira Siegel | Blog Entry) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 05:00:00 +0000

For a young country that has transformed itself, despite scant resources, from proverbial no-man’s-land to thriving slice of the Middle East in 60-odd years, Israel and its people place environmental concerns and recycling surprisingly close to the bottom of their priority lists. Israel is a politically fragile state; people are more concerned about security, religious politics and whether or not they’ll be blown to pieces in a suicide bombing or rocket attack than about lobbying their municipalities for recycling collection or composting. {readmorelink}Read on…{/readmorelink}

Step Lightly: How to Minimize Your Carbon Footprint During Business or Pleasure Travel

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Jessica Keith | Article) — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Energy-efficient transportation can be easy to obtain on your home turf. Drive hybrid car–check. Ride bicycle–check. Hop on bus or subway train–check. But maintaining normal environmentally responsible travel routines on vacation can be a struggle. It is possible to avoid chucking your low-energy-consumption values out the SUV window, but you may have to do some planning before setting off. Here's a look at the preparation you'll need in order to stay true to your green self while on the road. {readmorelink}Read on…{/readmorelink}

The Greening of the Military

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Steven Kotler | Commentary) — Sun, 11 Nov 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Here's the problem with wildlife—they prefer things wild. Turns out, undomesticated animals don't like roads or condos or, well, visitors. They thrive in what ecologists call "contiguous wilderness," meaning nature unbroken, uninhabited and, these days, highly unlikely. Take the Florida black bear; with a home range of close to 100 miles, this thing is no couch potato. But come on—100 miles of contiguous wilderness? With all the trees that need logging and the beachfront property that needs developing, isn't that just a tad excessive? {readmorelink}Read on...{/readmorelink}

Simple Steps to Greening Your Office

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Erica Mukherjee | Article) — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Each year, the average American office worker uses 500 disposable cups and 10,000 sheets of paper. In the same time frame, computers thrown out by businesses and homes contribute 1 billion pounds of lead to landfills. And offices spend $1.51 dollars per square foot bringing light, heat and electricity to their workers. Needless to say, offices are not always the greenest places to work. {readmorelink}Read on...{/readmorelink}

Tea Tree Oil: A Natural Home Disinfectant for the Flu Season

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Maggie Baxter | Article) — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 05:00:00 +0000

A few days ago, I was reminded of the strength of tea tree oil when I accidentally spilled a few drops on a freshly painted dresser. Within moments, it ate through the paint. Whoever says that natural products aren’t as potent as their artificial counterparts has yet to encounter the powerhouse that is tea tree oil. Just one whiff of this essential oil’s harsh medicinal smell is enough to clue you in to its might. {readmorelink}Read on…{/readmorelink}

Ecological Preparation for Natural Disasters

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (John Potter | Article) — Sun, 28 Oct 2012 05:00:00 +0000

If you’ve experienced a hurricane, tornado, flood, earthquake or other natural disaster, you know firsthand about the accompanying loss of life and property. But natural disasters also take their toll on the environment in ways both apparent and insidious. Widely strewn garbage and wreckage often change the look and feel of a place; sometimes even the most familiar areas are rendered unrecognizable. With hurricanes and tornadoes, there is also defoliation. And in the case of flood, tsunami, volcanic eruption and earthquake, the ground itself can be redistributed—modifying the actual topography. {readmorelink}Read on...{/readmorelink}

How to Choose a Green Car, Truck or SUV

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Guest Contributor | Article) — Thu, 25 Oct 2012 05:00:00 +0000

No one will argue that automobiles (whether we like them or not) play a huge role in American culture. Unfortunately, many people feel that it’s too much trouble or too expensive to go green when choosing a new car. By focusing on where cars have the most environmental impact, however, there are many easy ways to become a more sustainable car owner and use your power as a consumer to help fuel the movement toward cleaner transportation. {readmorelink}Read on...{/readmorelink}

Greenest Cities: Santa Fe, New Mexico

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Marita Prandoni | Article) — Sun, 21 Oct 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Santa Fe just celebrated its 400th birthday as North America’s oldest capital city. Yet it is also among the most forward-thinking when it comes to ecology.

A walkable, bike-friendly town with a bus system that runs on natural gas, Santa Fe also has made great strides in its water conservation efforts. Add its initiatives to preserve open spaces and support green businesses, and you have a city that could decide to rest on its eco-conscious laurels. But Santa Fe has even greater ambitions. {readmorelink}Read on…{/readmorelink}

You Are ‘Where’ You Eat: Navigating the Ecological Landscape of Food Choice

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Guest Contributor | Commentary) — Sun, 14 Oct 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Most of us have got the message that “we are what we eat.” Francis Moore Lappe’s Diet for a Small Planet and Marion Nestle’s Safe Food: Bacteria, Biotechnology, and Bioterrorism go further. They have successfully made the parallel between healthful eating and good environmental stewardship. In this vein, it becomes necessary to “be where we eat,” as well—that is, to be geographically close to the source of our food’s production—so that we ourselves can monitor the environmental impact of our food choices. {readmorelink}Read on…{/readmorelink}

Never Miss a Chance for an Ecological Lesson

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Rich Bard | Blog Entry) — Sun, 07 Oct 2012 05:00:00 +0000

“Look at that,” I say to seven-year-old Max as we linger in the back yard on an autumn afternoon. “Those two are both maple trees. That one’s already lost almost all of its leaves, but this one has barely started to change colors. Why do you suppose that is?”

“Can you push me on the swing now?” comes the non-sequitur reply. So much for the open-minded wonderment of youth. I never even got to my other point about why maple trees lose their leaves before the oaks even start to change colors. {readmorelink}Read on…{/readmorelink}

Our Nation’s Capital Is Overrun by Rats—Figuratively and Literally

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Marita Prandoni | Blog Entry) — Thu, 04 Oct 2012 05:00:00 +0000

A few winters ago I was visiting family in Bethesda, MD, a suburb of Washington, DC. As we were driving home one rainy night, I thought I saw a cat dart across the street. At second glance, I realized it was a paunchy rat. Accustomed to seeing zigzagging cottontails in the headlights in my home state of New Mexico rather than rats, the sight of this husky vermin left an impression. {readmorelink}Read on…{/readmorelink}

Family Bird-Watching: Bringing Parents and Kids Closer to Nature

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Willow Lune | Article) — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 05:00:00 +0000

As my six-year-old son careened down the path in skates, he stopped to pick up a piece of trash along the way. He remarked that garbage along pathways could be dangerous for birds and other wildlife, then suddenly changed gears and pointed excitedly to a flock of cedar waxwings flying overhead. We paused to take in that beautiful sight. Our intention on this particular trip was not for bird-watching or trash collecting. It was solely for skating. So what happened? {readmorelink}Read on…{/readmorelink}

Green Home Glossary: Your Guide to Eco-Home Terminology, Ideas and Definitions

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Maggie Baxter | Article) — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 05:00:00 +0000

If you are looking to buy a green home, you likely will run into terms like passive solar, active solar, water catchment, LEED certification, xeriscaping, Earthship, pervious concrete, daylighting, etc. As sustainable architecture continues to grow in popularity, so does the vocabulary associated with it. Whether you’re searching for a new house with eco-friendly features or you’re interested in making some green upgrades to your current home, you may find the options and terminology overwhelming. To clear up some of the confusion, here are definitions of today’s most used environmental home terms and buzzwords: {readmorelink}Read on…{/readmorelink}

Revolution Made Easy: How the Occupy Movement Can [Still] Change the World

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Rick Theis | Commentary) — Sun, 16 Sep 2012 05:00:00 +0000

[Written in October 2011, less than a month after the occupation began, this commentary presents a strategy that still seems the best way forward for the Occupy movement and the country. - Ed.]

One Occupy Wall Street (OWS) stalwart has stated, "This is the most important thing in our lifetimes—and it's happening right now!" I cannot disagree. I support and have frequented the OWS encampment in New York City since its beginning. I want to see the movement succeed because I support most, if not all of the issues represented there, not least of which is protecting our planet. So I offer this “Restore Democracy Plan,” which came from discussions over many days between myself and many other folks at Occupy Wall Street, New York, as the best and perhaps only chance for Occupy to achieve, not only some, but all of its disparate aims. {readmorelink}Read on...{/readmorelink}

‘The Sky Is Falling’: A Losing Argument for Environmentalists

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Steven Kotler | Commentary) — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 05:00:00 +0000

A while back, New York Times columnist Bob Herbert wrote a column about our nation’s passivity. His argument was essentially that since the end of the Civil Rights era, Americans have stopped giving a damn. “Being American has become a spectator sport,” he wrote.

So why is this happening? According to Herbert: “This passivity and sense of helplessness most likely stems from the refusal of so many Americans over the past few decades to acknowledge any sense of personal responsibility for the policies and choices that have led the country into such a dismal state of affairs, and to turn their backs on any real obligation to help others who were struggling.” {readmorelink}Read on…{/readmorelink}

The Green ABCs: A Sustainable Back-to-School Guide

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Sion Dayson | Article) — Thu, 06 Sep 2012 05:00:00 +0000

As each new school year arrives, there’s no escaping the sales, the shopping and the seemingly endless list of “necessary” supplies. But shouldn't we ask some fundamental questions, such as: Is all this consumption critical to my child’s success? Can we create a more sustainable (and sane) approach to preparing for the academic year? Just what do we want to be teaching our kids, anyway? Let’s go back to the environmental ABCs for some guidance: {readmorelink}Read on…{/readmorelink}

Build a Solar Food Dehydrator—Easy, Inexpensive, Detailed Plans

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Tonya Kay | Article) — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Who doesn’t love dried fruits and vegetables? There’s the extra sweetness and concentrated flavor. They can be eaten “as is” or reconstituted with water. They’re lightweight—easy to carry to class, to work or even around the world. And don’t forget their environmental friendliness: they can be stored nearly forever without refrigeration, they don’t need to be cooked to be enjoyed and, unlike so many other foods, they don’t come wrapped in excessive packaging (especially if you make them yourself).

Under the right conditions in the right climate, certain foods dehydrate naturally. But you can build your own food dehydrator to create favorable conditions wherever you are with the free plans below. {readmorelink}Read on…{/readmorelink}

Solar Cookers: How You Can Cook With the Sun

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Jessica Keith | Article) — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Prior to 2005, the women of the Iridimi refugee camp in Chad, Africa, had to walk long distances through dangerous terrain to collect wood for cooking. Utilizing a traditional three-stone fire, they inhaled unsafe amounts of smoke as they prepared daily meals and were on a fast track to severely deplete an already limited wood supply. Then solar cookers were introduced to the camp. {readmorelink}Read on…{/readmorelink}

How Africa May One Day Help Power Europe

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Dawn Marshallsay | Blog Entry) — Sun, 12 Aug 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Ever wondered why the Sahara desert hasn’t been converted into a giant solar panel by now? Well, DESERTEC, a syndicate of engineering and construction firms, must have read your mind. Its ambitious plan—based on a concept developed by politicians, economists and scientists from around the Mediterranean—is to power 15% of Europe and a sizable portion of the Middle East/North Africa (MENA) area by 2050 using just the light from the Saharan sun. {readmorelink}Read on…{/readmorelink}

Growing Plants from Seeds—A Fun Way for Kids to Learn About the Earth

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Dawn Marshallsay | Blog Entry) — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 05:00:00 +0000

As a child, I used to plant everything from pepper seeds to ash keys (winged seeds from ash trees) in pots in the disused greenhouse at the end of our garden. I’d water them every day, waiting for the thrill of spotting the first green shoots pushing up through the soil. Any failures were part of the experimentation—the unpredictability fascinated me. Do children have the time, space and patience to plant seeds in the technological age? If we want future generations to care about the environment and look after it, we must involve them in its creation. {readmorelink}Read on…{/readmorelink}

Green Dry Cleaning and Where to Find an Eco Dry Cleaner

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Jasmine Greene | Article) — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 05:00:00 +0000

So you’ve just stained that beautiful cashmere sweater made from free-range alpacas, and the only way that you can launder it is through dry cleaning. But wait, being eco-chic is not just about the clothes you wear, but also about how you clean them afterwards. Here’s what you need to know about the advantages of environmentally conscious dry cleaning and how to find a green dry cleaner you can trust in your area. {readmorelink}Read on…{/readmorelink}

'Parsley and Hemp Tabbouleh Salad' Recipe

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Guest Contributor | Blog Entry) — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 15:00:00 +0000

I often look to ethnic recipes for their high nutritional value. Usually, the ingredients of which they are comprised have been combined—consciously or not—through trial and error over many centuries to ensure maximum absorption of nutrients while having an appealing taste. This salad is a great example. It supplies more than 50% of our iron requirement for the day, as well as a generous 20 grams of protein. {readmorelink}Read on…{/readmorelink}

More Than Just One Turtle Saved: A Collective Shift in Consciousness

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Guest Contributor | Blog Entry) — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 14:57:06 +0000

Fifteen years ago the hawksbill sea turtle in my hands would have been hog-tied, whisked hundreds of miles, slaughtered and carved into trinkets.

Today, this rare survivor of a critically endangered species swam free.

On Baja’s Pacific coast, an adult male hawksbill sea turtle found its way into a fisherman’s net. In the past, for the fisherman anyway, such a thing would have been considered a stroke of good luck. The endless demand for turtle meat, eggs, skin and shell on the black market can provide a nice payday to anyone willing to endure the low-level risk of being caught.

Hawksbill turtles, once common, are now the rarest of the rare due to decades of being hunted for their beautiful shells, which get carved into combs, broaches, and other adornments.

These days, however, a Mexican grassroots conservation movement called Grupo Tortuguero has challenged the old ways and shaken things up a bit. A network of thousands of fishermen, women and children count themselves among its ranks.

Noe de la Toba, the fisherman who caught this turtle, is the nephew of the local lighthouse keeper who is a sea turtle champion himself. Noe contacted Aaron Esliman, the director of Grupo Tortuguero. Esliman dispatched a call, an email and several Facebook messages to network members throughout the region, who responded immediately. The turtle was swiftly moved by another fisherman to the nearby office of Vigilantes de Bahia Magdalena, where a team led by Julio Solis, a former turtle hunter himself, took care of the turtle, checking it for injuries. The turtle was measured and weighed, ID tagged and then quickly returned to the ocean. Images and details were shared immediately on Facebook and Twitter, on websites and over beers.

The fishermen involved weren’t paid. They just did it. It was no one’s “job,” but it was everyone's responsibility. They weren’t motivated by fear or money, but pride, dignity and camaraderie instead.

People just like them are rescuing animals every day. Thousands of sea turtles are saved each year. The number of sea turtles in Baja’s ocean has been on the rise. One turtle rescue at a time.

Fifteen years ago experts had written off Baja’s sea turtles. The population was too small and the pressures on them too great, the thinking went. And yet, the endurance of this one turtle tells a very different story.

If the survival of endangered species is just a battle of the budgets, they—and we—will lose. But if it’s a matter of will, commitment and love, I’ll put my bet on the turtles to win.

The hope conveyed in this turtle story is embodied by Julio Solis and beautifully described in his own words in the award winning short film by the good folks at MoveShake.

The hope we have for the restoration of endangered wildlife is the motivation behind our new online magazine, WildHope. It highlights compelling wildlife conservation success stories and moves you can make to create more. I hope you will check it out. We have come a long way indeed.

As we watched that lucky hawksbill swim gracefully into deeper water, we all felt good, optimistic and grateful. It was a moment of joy, not because one turtle was saved, but because we understood that this one experience just might be a trend, a movement, a collective shift in consciousness. And because a world with sea turtles is much better than a world without them.

Help the Earth, Spread the Word: Share this article with family and friends by clicking on the "Email This" or "Share This" links below right. Then see TODAY'S TOP STORIES.

Additional resources:
Deep Ocean Reverence: An Interview with Wallace 'J.' Nichols

Wallace "J." Nichols, PhD is one of the world’s leading advocates for our oceans. J. is either founder or cofounder of many active ocean conservation, coastland preservation and species restoration projects, including Grupo Tortuguero, Ocean Revolution, WiLDCOAST and the EcoDaredevil Award. Currently, J. works with and advises several conservancies, universities and organizations to advance ocean protection, including an energetic and creative group of international graduate students. He is also on the EcoHearth Board of Advisors.

Less Aesthetic Produce Can Help Cut CO2

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Dawn Marshallsay | Blog Entry) — Sun, 15 Jul 2012 15:00:00 +0000

For many years European shoppers have been spoiled by strict rules governing the shape and size of their fruit and vegetables. Now that the European Union (EU) for environmental reasons has repealed the standards it imposed on 26 varieties (see list below), will consumers find a place in their stomachs for the misshapen produce hitting the shelves? How about you and your children? {readmorelink}Read on…{/readmorelink}

Babies Go Diaper-Free With 'Elimination Communication'

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Guest Contributor | Blog Entry) — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 15:00:00 +0000

“What's the deal with this potty training before she is even one?”

A dear friend of mine responded with this question when I emailed her pictures of my daughter, Asa. Included in the set were shots of her sitting on the potty reading a book. I figured people would comment on Asa reading, not on the fact that she was using a potty at what I’ve since learned is a controversial age for potty training in the United States.

Before my daughter was born, I decided without question that I would use cloth diapers. I believed it was the environmentally responsible choice, and being well aware of the toxic lifespan of the disposable diaper, I went ahead and stocked up on cotton pre-folds and Velcro diaper covers that I would wash at home myself. {readmorelink}Read on…{/readmorelink}

Ghost Traps Haunt Our Beaches and the Ocean Floor

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Rich Bard | Blog Entry) — Sat, 07 Jul 2012 15:00:00 +0000

There is a certain stretch of beach that I walk regularly. Being part of a naval base, it is closed to the public, but I have permission to do shorebird surveys there. Only once in three years have I seen another person’s footprint in the sand, most likely from a boat that landed there.

As I walk slowly along the sandbar, focusing on identifying and counting birds, I could easily forget about the outside world of man, except for one problem: the tons of trash that wash up on the shore of this otherwise pristine little paradise that I have all to myself. {readmorelink}Read on…{/readmorelink}

Battling Light Pollution—From Smart Street Lamps to Dark-Sky Preserves

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Dawn Marshallsay | Blog Entry) — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 15:00:00 +0000

We save energy by turning off the light when we exit a room, but how about switching off street lights when we exit a road? The USA’s street lamps use enough electricity to power 1.4 million homes, and generate as much greenhouse gas as two million cars do in a year. By reducing the number and length of time streetlights are lit, we can save energy and money—and help save the planet. {readmorelink}Read on…{/readmorelink}

'Take Me to the Box of Bugs!'—On Children, Composting and the Future of the Planet

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Rick Theis | Blog Entry) — Sun, 01 Jul 2012 05:00:00 +0000

One summer afternoon, when my nephew Michael was 3 or 4, he came for a visit. We were going to camp out in the backyard that night, but had made no plans for earlier in the day.

I lived in a huge house with a mini TV studio, office, organic vegetable garden, flower garden, an attic full of stuff left by the previous owner, as well as piano, cat, old silent films, antique car, oil paints and canvases, etc., so there was plenty of fun to be had. When he arrived, I reminded him that he'd been there before and knew most of the options. "So, what do you want to do?," I asked. {readmorelink}Read on…{/readmorelink}

Kids' Environmental DIY: Make a Pizza-Box Solar Oven

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Jessica Dallas | Article) — Sat, 30 Jun 2012 05:00:00 +0000

The nice folks at GrowNYC, formerly Council on the Environment of New York City (CENYC), have implemented a city-schools program to train students in initiating renewable forms of energy in their homes. One of the most popular projects in their program is the pizza-box solar oven. As I recently found out firsthand, this homemade solar oven is an easy, educational and inexpensive DIY project that you'll enjoy doing with your children and their friends. {readmorelink}Read on…{/readmorelink}

Stopping Japanese Whaling—Saving Endangered Species or Cultural Racism?

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Evan Miller | Blog Entry) — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Officially, commercial whaling has been banned by the International Whaling Committee (IWC) since 1986. However, the IWC—originally set up to monitor and regulate whale stocks—is essentially made up of volunteer member nations such as Australia, the United States and Japan. This makes its power and authority over commercial whaling limited, to say the least. And Japan seems to be taking full advantage. {readmorelink}Read on…{/readmorelink}

Choking on Plastic: Trash in Our Oceans and Waterways

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Marita Prandoni | Blog Entry) — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 15:00:00 +0000

The Ocean Conservancy organizes an annual international coastal cleanup that takes place on the third Saturday of September. Based on their annual collective beachcombing, they publish an informative report called "A Rising Tide of Ocean Debris and What We Can Do About It."

The most frequent items found each year are cigarette butts, plastic bags and food wrappers or containers. This illustrates a huge problem. Cigarette butts and single-use packaging do not break down. Nor are they biodegrading in landfills. Plastic requires sunlight to break down and, if littered, it blows across the landscape, ends up in the rivers and bobs out to the ocean. Future generations could be dealing with a litter-strewn planet for centuries, if not longer. {readmorelink}Read on…{/readmorelink}

Confessions of a Recovering Eco-Mom

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Marita Prandoni | Blog Entry) — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 15:00:00 +0000

In his piece, An Open Letter to the Eco-Mom, EcoHearth contributor Steven Kotler warned against the tendency of mothers—especially those whose ultimate goal is to make the planet safer—to go overboard in keeping their children safe. Well, I’m one of those eco-moms. Or at least I’m in recovery.

I have two children, born almost a decade apart. With my firstborn, I went to great lengths to guard him from un-eco evils. Initially those vices included television, toy weapons and junk food. Eventually they were expanded to video games, cigarettes, reckless friends and drugs. The more I tried to shelter my son from bodily and societal toxins, the riskier his behavior became. {readmorelink}Read on…{/readmorelink}

Farmers Markets: Where Less Is More

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Marita Prandoni | Blog Entry) — Sun, 17 Jun 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Friends think I’m crazy to shop weekly at the farmers market. Organic food is widely available at many stores in my town, often at a lower price. On my meager income, surely I could get more for less if I weren’t such a, um, food snob. But shopping the farmers market is a festive, convivial experience where getting less and paying more is actually a better deal, for the consumer and the farmer. {readmorelink}Read on...{/readmorelink}

'Brazil Nut Superfood Smoothie' Recipe

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Guest Contributor | Blog Entry) — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Brazil nuts are a fantastic addition to a healthy diet. Not only are they one of the absolute best sources of selenium available, they have anti-cancer properties and actually help save rainforests. According to the Amazon Conservation Association, Brazil nuts can grow only “in a healthy rainforest ecosystem,” where, as an added benefit, they provide families in the Amazon with roughly half their yearly income. {readmorelink}Read on…{/readmorelink}

The Anti-Environmentalism of Tesla Motors’ Elon Musk

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Steven Kotler | Commentary) — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 15:00:00 +0000

In August of 2009, The New Yorker published an article about Elon Musk that immediately began bothering me.

Musk, the one-time PayPal owner (his shares sold for $160 million) turned rocket scientist (his privately built spaceship/space company called Space X won the contract for ferrying supplies and eventually US astronauts to the Space Station), has gotten into the electric car business. {readmorelink}Read on…{/readmorelink}

How to Make Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products at Home

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (Lysa Allman-Baldwin | Article) — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Whether due to the desire to become more eco-friendly, to create a healthier home environment sans the use of chemicals (particularly for those with allergy, respiratory and other health issues), to save money in these economically challenging times, or a combination thereof, many of today’s consumers are exploring ways to make eco-friendly cleaning products at home.

The good news is that it is very easy and inexpensive to switch from chemical-laden store-bought cleaning products to healthy home concoctions by using just a few basic ingredients: distilled white vinegar, baking soda, lemons and water. {readmorelink}Read on…{/readmorelink}

Unleash the Full Potential of Electric Vehicles

EcoContact@EcoHearth.com (EcoHearth) — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Union of Concerned Scientists: "Electric vehicles (EVs) can play a central role in the fight to cut oil use and global warming emissions for decades to come. Recent UCS analysis shows that driving on electricity instead of gasoline is good for the climate and for drivers' wallets no matter where in the United States you drive. But the decisions we make today will impact how quickly the EV market will grow and how clean EVs will become.

As dozens of new models hit the road, it's time to ensure that every state is working to make EVs easier to own and that EVs plug into an electricity grid that is powered by clean energy. Help make your state ready for a clean vehicle future by urging your governor to lower barriers to EV ownership and clean up your state's electricity grid." >>>Take Action