Can any food be a “superfood”?

There is no doubt that berries are extremely good for you, and that can be seen in their vibrant hues. Berries contain phytochemicals and there is a link between these phytochemicals and the prevention of certain types of cancer. However, as good for you as berries are, they cannot be called a “superfood”. In fact, neither can any other food.

The truth is, it is more important to have a varied diet and include a wide range of fruit and vegetables in your food. Berries can be eaten in a variety of ways they make fantastic smoothies.

The Spanish make a smoothie which they call fruta del bosque or “fruits of the forest”. It is a rich fruity and satisfying drink which makes a great mid-morning snack.

To make it, simply liquidize thick Greek style yoghurt with a selection of berries. Some berries such as strawberries are naturally low in sugar, but they are extremely acidic and  have a high tannin content. Because of this, they have a natural tartness that is too sharp for many people. However, there is nothing at all to stop you from adding a sweetener, such as honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar.

Berries=bliss

Berries make a beautiful addition to salads as they provide both a change of texture and taste. Blueberries look and taste stunning when they are strewn across a salad, alongside toasted pinenuts and a lemon vinaigrette. Spinach and strawberry (with balsamic) is a marriage made in heaven.

Many people add sugar to strawberries which merely makes their taste more cloying and actually destroys the natural sweetness in the fruit. The Italians have long known that strawberries and sugar is not the best flavor combination. They serve strawberries with a little ground black pepper. No, that is definitely not a typo, strawberry and black pepper is an amazingly fresh taste.

Native Americans used berries as a medicine and a food. Cranberry leaves were used to treat urinary tract infections. The science behind this was the fact that they are naturally acidic and this acidic made urine less alkaline. As a result, it  discouraged bacterial growth.

Pulses=pleasure

Pulses are a ’superfood’ because, not only are they nutritious, but delicious, too.

A favourite is puey lentils from France, which have a rich creamy, satisfying unctuousness about them. They are wonderful steamed and tempered.

Fry loads of finely chopped garlic in olive oil until fragrant. Add either fresh zest of an orange or a lemon and its juice. Add the lentils and quickly fry for about one minute. Season to taste.

Giving the same treatment to garbanzos is also wonderful, but add a piece of preserved lemon and pomegranate molasses, as well.

Vegetarians have a natural advantage over carnivores. Because they eat more fruit and vegetables, they’re loading up on “superfoods” at least a few times a week–if not on a daily basis.

The American dietary guidelines have long argued that the recommendation of eating five fruits and vegetables a day is adequate… But truthfully, this is nonsense. To make the most of your health, you need more. And adopting a vegetarian diet–even a few times a week, can help you achieve this, eating better, more wisely, and, as a result,  a more sustainable method of enjoying your food.

Article provided in-part courtesy of Best Cookware Reviews – a consumer guide to cookware, stainless steel cookware sets and nonstick cookware sets.

Images courtesy of seriouseats.com and delallo.com.

• Homemade ornament ideas
• Eco-friendly wrapping paper
• Gifts under $20
• David Suzuki recommended gifts
• Vegan recipes and tips
• A load more recipes
• More gift ideas

And also check out the awesome swag (like this gorgeous pillow) from etsy artisan NestaHome.

This hemp pillow is hand stamped with antique text printing blocks using water soluble inks onto a dark red 50% hemp/50% cotton fabric.

Check them all (including non-holiday options) out here!

I didn’t hesitate long before visiting, hoping to pick up some tips in case I ever wanted to reject the grid myself. That first drive up took longer than I expected, but I wasn’t disappointed. There was a lot to learn.

1) It’s a tankless water heater or it’s cold showers. Your choice. Stepping out of a freezing box of falling water into the crisp air of a fresh mountain snowfall might be someone’s idea of an invigorating morning, but it isn’t mine. Tankless water heaters are pricey, but they’ll heat your well water in nearly no time, and they use less energy than conventional tank-storage heaters. Besides, it just doesn’t make sense to keep a wood fire burning under a water tank 24/7.

2) Solid-fuel furnaces have progressed a bit since cast iron log stoves. All manner of different wood fuels are available, as are a wide variety of heaters. Whether you’ve insulated your off-grid dwelling with vinyl log siding or fiber cement siding or you’ve gone straight primitive with stacked logs for walls, the degree to which your rooms are controlled for heat loss is going to matter as much as their size when choosing a furnace. My aunt swears by pellet fuel, made from pulped and pressed wood or corn, but different things work for different folks.

3) Skip the Christmas lights. Unless you retired to the wilderness with millions of cabin-development dollars in your enormous pockets, your solar array or generator won’t be ready to handle a blinking monstrosity of ornamental accessories. The longer nights of winter will tax your electrical capacity as it is, if you use electric lights or power a small electric stove alongside your propane range. A December off the grid is a good time to remember why wreaths are hung on doors, tallow candles once decorated holiday trees, and the sky is full of stars.

I’m sure I’ll head up again this winter, shower in some of that instantly heated water, relax with some cider by the fuel-pellet heat stove, maybe help weave pine boughs into holiday embellishments for the patio railing. If leaving most of society behind appeals to you, check out www.off-grid-living.com. Maybe I’ll see you in the mountains.

———–

Justin Boyle is a freelance writer and contributor on Vinyl Siding Zone.

Image courtesy of desktopexchange.com

No way, you say. But start to look around you. Whether it’s a four-by-four herb patch on a cottage or the six-acre green roof atop Vancouver’s Convention Center, the green roof is here to stay. Roofing contractors attend seminars and part-time classes in creating a new roof that supports urban gardening. The gathering alliances in the building trades supporting roof gardening seem like odd bedfellows. Even The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers has weighed in with a big “yes” to green roofing that is known to help homes curb energy use.

Growing a New Roof

Motherplants, a woman-owned nursery in upstate New York, has built a steady business in providing drought-tolerant plants with shallow roots that allow your ideas to blossom without impacting the structural integrity of your home. And the U.S. Green Building Council now offers LEED green building certifications for roofing contractors and landscape architects who want to specialize in roofs that promote:

• Lowering of CO2 emissions (increasing oxygen)
• Saving energy
• Improving water efficiency

One thing’s for sure, roofing contractors today are not your grandfather’s roofing contractors, making it possible for you to come home from work, head up to the roof, and tend your garden to your heart’s delight.

About the Author: Woodrow Aames has written articles and profiles for Yahoo, Microsoft Network, Microsoft Encarta, and other websites and print magazines around the world. He holds an MFA degree and has taught English abroad.

Image courtesy of outnext.com

[from guest blogger Richard Adams]

In her book Not Buying It, author Judith Levine sets out to do just this. Fed up with our consumer society after a particularly stressful Christmas, Judith wonders what life would be like to consciously give up spending any unnecessary money.

And with this thought, Judith and her partner Paul attempt the impossible. Now, the author is honest from the outset about her intentions. That she still has a mortgage to pay. That she will need fuel for her car as she works freelance and has to visit clients. And that giving up on “unnecessary” spending is a rather difficult to define concept. She and Paul regularly discuss what is really necessary and what isn’t.

Basic food provisions are necessary though wine and fancy overpriced (yet delicious) foods aren’t.

The year starts out a struggle with Judith’s desire for new clothes and other frivolous items  create a constant battle. And she admits to giving in a few times. But as the months progress, like giving up sugar in your tea, things seem to get easier and easier for the couple.

They wean themselves off our consumer culture, looking more deeply at some of the concepts around frugal living and consumerism. They stop going out for expensive dinners and to the cinema and instead spend time at the library and in having friends over for home-cooked meals.

And whilst they deliberately go looking for this low cost or free entertainment, the couple themselves seem surprised at how much they are enjoying themselves after some time, and also shocked at not only how much money they manage to save over the course of a year (including completely paying off a credit card) but also how they have stopped arguing about money.

It should be said that there really in nothing revolutionary about this book. It isn’t written with any green agenda and doesn’t contain too many tips. It is more an easy-to-read story of how one couple coped without unnecessary purchases. We are privy to their few guilty purchases, their struggles over what they should and shouldn’t buy, the jealousy they sometimes feel when friends splash out on new gadgets and their growing acceptance of living on a budget.

If you’re interested in frugal living or our consumer culture then this book makes a pleasant read ideal for reading by the pool on vacation or snuggling up with in bed.

Richard blogs about eco living tips at Eco Living Advice (EcoLivingAdvice.com).

Image courtesy of bluepuntobear.com

But we often associate it more than just becoming free from Great Britain. We’re more prone to think about long weekends, barbecuing and firework displays.

So tell us – what are YOU doing to stay green this holiday weekend?

Perhaps engaging in some recycled crafts with the whole family will be a great time to spend together.

Of if it’s not too hot in the kitchen, a rhubarb pie at the tail-end of it’s seasonal goodness is the perfect dessert with a cold scoop of coconut milk ice cream.

Why not call over family, friends and neighbours, and host an impromptu BBQ with lots of tasty side dishes, like an omega-3 rich potato salad?

If you’re feeling like doing something more complex, take a look at beginning to brew some of your own earth-friendly beer.

For a quick grilled side dish, some corn on the grill at the start of its season if a never-fail taste sensation.

But you might just want to keep it low key and take advantage of your weekend off work with some tardy spring cleaning

Or tend to your lawn and garden the green way.

Maybe you want to get out of the house and head out to play a game of golf – with eco-friendly balls.

If golf isn’t your thing but keeping active is, perhaps going for a run in the beautiful weather will fit the bill.

Invited over to a friend’s at the last minute? Bring a taboulleh salad to please the masses.

Or maybe you’ll just want to relax and saunter over to the Farmer’s Market to check out what is available from your local farmers.

Whatever you are doing to celebrate this weekend, we want to hear about it! Tell us: how are you staying green on this holiday weekend? Drop us an email or comment below. Photos and stories, along with guest posts, are welcome! Spread the green long weekend joy!

Image courtesy of orlandobuzz.com

From guest blogger Marina Chernyak

A mosaic is created by inlaying small pieces of colored materials, whether of the same size and shape or not, in order to form a picture of a pattern on a surface. Often times, it is made with the use of colored tiles, broken pieces of glass and stones.

However, mosaics can also be created in many other ways, such as with the use of pieces of paper. It can also be a painting style, where in one draws and paints on these shapes on. In addition to these techniques, eggshell mosaics are popular arts and crafts projects for kids.

With the advent of modern technology, too, computers can also generate mosaic-style images using a set of your own pictures. Whatever form of mosaic one chooses, the end result is still the same: it adds a WOW factor to your space.

Creating your own mosaics can be a fun and relaxing way of spending a lazy afternoon, and believe it or not, it’s quite easy to do.

Plus it’s a great way of recycling old stuff in your home. Talk about turning trash into treasure!

The chosen material is chipped or broken ceramic plates; the best options are  when these materials are colored or hand-painted. Old floor tiles are also good options. You can also buy some, like this package of 1000 Tiny Mosaic Glass Tiles An added bonus to using these materials is that breaking these into smaller pieces is a great stress reliever.

To be safe, I put them inside an old pillowcase before breaking them with a hammer. The only drawback with this type of material is that you often end up with unevenly shaped pieces, which is not necessarily a problem unless you prefer using a uniformed tile. You can also try using a tile cutter, but I prefer the uniqueness of the hammer method.

Other materials you will need for a project like this would be the following:

• A project “base” or something to stick the pieces on. For example, an old terra cotta pot or empty wine bottle. It could also be your old table top, a mirror, a wooden box or even the lid of an empty ice cream can.
• Tile or cement glue such as Duco Cement Multi-Purpose Household Glu An alternative for this is a glue gun. Although the glue gun does not harden as much as the tile or cement glue does, it is quite effective and in case you make a mistake, it’s easy to remove.
• Mosaic sealant, although if you’re doing a glass table top or a mirror that does not need waterproofing, you can forgo this.
• Tile grout like Weldbond Tile Grout Sealer to fill up the spaces between the colored tiles (stones, plates, or whatever it is you use)
• A tile squeegee to spread the grout. Don’t use your fingers as this can lead to a lot of cuts and injuries!
• A sponge or paint brush to clean up the final project and cover with sealant.

How to go about it:

1. Prepare the tiles you will use (be it the broken plates, cut-up pieces of paper, etc.). It would be best if your tile pieces were flat and of the same thickness. This ensures that your final design will be even and have a flat surface.

2. Sketch out your pattern on your base. If you are using an old table top, you may need to prep this This will help guide you in placing the tiles.

3. Glue on the tiles on the appropriate spots of your design. Make sure you leave a little space in between each tile for the grout. This is what will make your design stand out.

4. Prepare the grout by following instructions in the package. Using the squeegee, spread over the entire design making sure to fill up the spaces between the tiles. Scrape of the excess and wipe the design down with a cloth or towel. Be careful when doing this as the tiles may move since the grout and glue may not have set yet.

5. Leave to dry for several hours before wiping down with a damp sponge to remove excess grout. If need be, cover with sealant.

Of course the easiest way is to go out and purchase a mosaic tiling kit, just choose your design and everything is all set. However, doing this from scratch adds a more rewarding feel to the project.

These projects can also be a good family activity, given of course that the tiles you decide to use are suitable to your child’s age. This can be a fun way for them to learn colors, patterns and more importantly, patience and perseverance!

Marina Chernyak is the co-owner of 1001Shops LLC, a one stop shop of unique imported products like Limoges boxes, antique Walking canes and many more.

Image: Recycled Bangles Mosaic Art Bird Sculpture Nek Chand India – Ant Smith

With over 50 million people across 35 countries participating, we’re bound to hear some good stories. Last year, over 4000 cities in 88 countries switched off their lights – this year, you should, too.

Organized by the WWF, almost five million supporters and over 100 countries, we’re excited for another year.

This year Earth Hour takes place this Saturday (March 27th) at 8:30pm local time.

Supporting the Cause

Not sure what to do? Here are some ideas from Earth Hour’s website:

You can support Earth Hour by:

1. Turning off your lights at 8.30PM on March 27
2. Showing your support and adding yourself to our world map
3. Adding Earth Hour widgets, logos and banners to your blog or website to help us spread the word. You could even be our Earth Hour Online Supporter of the Day.
4. Talking about Earth Hour in your social network by updating your Facebook status, grabbing a Twibbon, tweeting about your support, and more
5. Get together with your friends and family, by hosting an Earth Hour party or holding your own candlelit affair
6. Rally your local council or community group to run an Earth Hour event for your community
7. Encourage your employer and workmates to take part in Earth Hour and make energy savings every day
8. Make an Earth Hour Lantern as a symbol of hope for the future
9. Be creative! Find a new way to mark Earth Hour and let us know all about it!

Tell us below what you did for Earth Hour. Better yet, drop us a message as a guest blogger!

Image courtesy of EarthHour.org; Seven Earth Hour lanterns were released over the City of Cape Town, South Africa, (in front of Table Mountain) symbolizing the seven continents taking part in this global call to action on climate change. Credit: © WWF / Sean Kelland

(From guest blogger Scott Zest)

Eco travel has got a lot of press lately and with Central America being so close to the US, a 4-6 hour flight is all, if you want to experience this fulfilling and adventuresome travel this is the place to do it!

Costa Rica has an abundance of plentiful rainforests and eco-friendly resorts that have yet to be discovered and yearn for the out of the way traveler to enter.

From the surf rich shores of the Liberia and Jaco Beach to the Caribbean, rasta coastal town of Limon, you will find more than enough eco friendly places to satisfy your need for adventure and being green.

Backpacking is probably your best bet as it gives you the advantage of packing light, inexpensive lodging costs, and the ability to jump from one place to another on a whim. (No equipment? We love the Teton Sports Internal Frame Backpack)

Check the web for a wide array of hostels, rainforest and beach eco resorts, and travel options. (And we also recommend the Lonely Planet Costa Rica guidebook)

From Costa Rica, you can jump on a bus and head north to Nicaragua. Bus trips are offered from San Jose, Costa Rica to Managua, Nicaragua daily. While the bus ride can be an adventure in itself, getting off the bus and knowing you are in Nicaragua is the real adventure!

This country is just now getting it’s reputation as a tourist destination and more specifically, an eco hot spot and adventure tourist destination. Getting around can be a hassle but buses and taxis are the best option. (You can also grab some great resources here before you go).

You will find lots of eco resorts on the Pacific coast from San Juan Del Sur in the south to Leon in the north. Going inland the untapped rainforest and volcano regions offer many eco friendly options.

If going to the Caribbean coast, be sure to check out the Corn Islands and Bluefields. These two places are truly untapped by Western culture and offer a different feel from the rest of the country. This is where the famous Moskito coast lies. Don’t forget to sample the amazing Creole cuisine in this region.

I would recommend going to Nicaragua over Costa Rica as I am a firm believer in going off the beaten path. While Costa Rica is beautiful and the people are great, it is a bit too Westernized for my tastes. Nicaragua for me, offers the best bang for my buck, the most adventure, and the best eco spots on the planet. Choose wisely and get exploring!

Scott Zest writes for Briefcases Direct, a website that offers luxury briefcases direct from the manufacturer.  He is a travel writer with a special interest in cross-cultural understanding and off the beaten-path adventures. He has traveled around the world to locales in Europe, Asia, North America, and Central America and focuses most of his travels in adventure areas such as Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Mexico. Scott currently lives in Los Angeles with his wife Gwen and three dogs.

Image courtesy of 3.bp.blogspot.com

Stop smoking

Millions of cigarettes swamp our coastlines, and according to TreeHugger,  one tree is destroyed for every 300 cigarettes (over 600 million trees in total). This doesn’t even begin to touch on the negative effects on our health.

Reduce water use

Decrease your water waste by adopting these two practices: stop flushing and stop washing. Well, sparingly, of course. The average toilet wastes up to 5.5 gallons per flush – so if it’s just a tinkle or two, figure out if flushing is really necessary.

Same goes for clothes, dishes and yourself – wash when dirty.

Lose some weight

Seriously. Did you know that about 70% of folks over 20 are overweight? And about 15% of kids aged 6 to 11 are, too. (more) We need to get moving more often. Try swapping your car for a bicycle or your feet for shorter trips and distances.

Recycle and compost

These two simple steps are super easy to start. You’ll be baffled at the amount of garbage you don’t have.

Have more ideas? Add them below!

Image courtesy of bbc.co.uk

Just send us your info with a few writing clips and tell us why you’d be a great choice. We’re looking for topics on anything eco-related, whether its the latest in NASA research, the coolest new product, or a recipe that you love highlighting local ingredients.

If you aren’t sure if you’d be a good fit, check out our articles. We write in a friendly, conversational style on anything to do with the planet.

Whether its a one-off article or you’d like to pen a couple a week, we’re keen on having you aboard.

Simply contact us and we’ll be in touch within a day or two to let you know!

Add your story to the comments below – remember, it must somehow relate to sustainability, living green, or karma – and we’ll pick a winner at random!

Details to follow, but for now, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and everything in between.

(From guest blogger Rachel Menozzi from www.greenhabdesign.com)

1. Replace old Christmas lights with LEDs. They use 90% less energy and last ten times longer. And while you’re at it, use a timer so you’re not wasting energy during daylight hours or while everyone is asleep. You can still pick up some last minute GE EnergySmart Indoor/Outdoor Lights.

2. Send your holiday cards and family newsletters via e-mail and consider e-vites for parties to avoid sending all that paper to the landfill. If you need to mail the real thing, make sure they’re made of recycled or FSC certified paper.

3. Gift wrap is a big waste during the holidays. Instead, reuse gift bags and boxes. My mom never fills out the little card attached with this in mind. You can also use saved wrapping from the year before or be creative and use old magazines and newspapers lying around the house.

4. When deciding what presents to get, opt for those with less packaging. Gift certificates, concert tickets and charitable donations are great ways to reduce waste.

5. For toys requiring batteries, go with rechargeable. We recommend the Sony Quick Battery Charger.The newer ones have three times the capacity of the earlier versions and are very efficient. And when those toys are outgrown, make it a holiday tradition to donate them.

6. When shopping for all those gifts, try to plan ahead what you’re going to get to avoid aimlessly driving between shopping centers. Also bring your own tote to carry the goods or ask for a large bag at your first purchase and consolidate the rest. Also, refuse any holiday gift boxes if they’re not necessary.

7. For those holiday parties, buy organic and local foods. It will be fresh and in season, which makes for a great traditional spread. And try cutting your grocery list by 20%- that’s how much is usually wasted during the holidays.

8. If you’re traveling over the holidays, consider which travel method has the lowest carbon emissions. If you’re going a long distance, taking the bus is the best alternative. Tied for second are boarding a train or driving a car with high fuel efficiency such as a Prius. Unfortunately, for long distances, driving an average fuel economy car is just about as bad as flying. However, for shorter distances (300 miles or so) take the car over the plane. Short flights have the highest carbon emissions per mile.

9. And finally, if you’re going to get a tree, go with the real deal. Artificial trees consume significant energy and use a polyvinyl chloride (which emits a number of carcinogens) during manufacturing. Fake Christmas trees also contain lead in order to make the needles more malleable and 85% of these trees are imported from China. Furthermore, artificial trees are not biodegradable and cannot be recycled.

When picking out a real tree, make sure the tree comes from a local grower. Tree farms replace each cut tree and therefore forests aren’t being hurt. Many cities also offer tree recycling programs to turn it into mulch or chips. Go to earth911.com to see what’s offered in your area.

Some folks are even opting to replant their trees after the holidays. You can buy a tree with the roots in tact and wrapped in burlap. Another option, if you don’t have a yard or the ground is frozen, is to purchase a smaller, potted tree and keep it year round. That’s what I plan on doing – just one of the many steps I’m taking to make my Christmas a little greener.

Image courtesy of sustainablemelbourne.com

Drink to your health

We love Vita Coco Coconut Water, a nutritious, healthy alternative to fruit juices. Free of fat, cholesterol and sugar, it contains five essential electrolytes–potassium, magnesium, calcium, sodium, and phosphorous — perfect for post-fitness activities.

Have the world at your fingertips

Explore our amazing planet with your own copy of the Atlas of the World: Sixteenth Edition. Featuring new census data, dozens of city maps, updated country profiles, the latest statistics on climate change, stunning satellite images of Earth, and an instructive 48-page Introduction to World Geography.

Get cozy with organic materials

Nothing beats the comfort of this warm and inviting Hemp Hoodlamb Summer HoodLamb Jacket . Soft and breathable, this eco-friendly hemp and organic cotton jacket will keep you from feeling chilly.

For the little ones, we love the bamboo built into Bamboo Baby Long Sleeve Tee by DreamSacks, making the babies in your life just that much cuter.

(Then give it all a wash with Dropps Laundry Pacs).

Suffering from SAD?

Give Seasonal Affective Disorder the boot this year with your own NatureBright SunTouch Plus Light and Ion Therapy Lamp.  Recommended by Columbia Department of Psychiatry and the New York State Psychiatry Institute, it’s designed to balance your body clock and alleviate the symptoms of SAD.

Play unplugged

Save energy by opting for toys that don’t require anything except for your child’s imagination. The Wedgits Creativity Set allows just that. Your child can create everything from 3D towering sculptures to mechanically-levered creatures, with thirty-pieces that nest, stack, link and wedge together.

For the older ones, check out Bucky Balls.

Capture the memories

Choose to treasure those moments on film as opposed to wasteful images that make their way into storage boxes. The Sony DCR-SR87 Hard Disk Drive Handycam® Camcorder does a great job keeping all those memories on tap, perfect for the upcoming holidays.

Holiday hinting

Tell that special someone exactly what you want this holiday season with Recycled Post-it® Notes. Made of recycled materials, they’re a better option than the conventional varetiy and perfectly convenient to post up all over the house.

Give the ultimate in green gifts

Nothing beats a thoughtful gift, especially when it’s one that’s good for the environment, and good for your health. But what about when it’s a great deal? We absolutely love the half-price sale on this Diamondback Clarity Hybrid Bike for that special woman on your list.

For the love of the outdoors

For the outdoorsy types on your list, check out this TETON Sports Celsius XL Sleeping Bag. Made with a ripstop nylon shell for maximum durability, it’s interior is a soft 100% brushed cotton flannel liner for extra warmth and comfort.

Get creative with clever gifts

Yogis and yoginis alike will love their own ToeSox, organic cotton socks made with your toes in mind. These low profile athletic socks include anatomical five-toe construction for yoga and pilates with a non-slip sole. The toe separation helps  increase flexibility and strengthen the muscles in the foot.

Perfect for pampering

On your feet all day? Whether its shopping or working, the answer is the same: we could use some foot relief. That’s why we love Herbal Concepts Hot/Cold Comfort Booties. Containing a physician formulated blend of herbs in organic booties, you can microwave these to enhance the aromatic herbs and keep your tootsies nice and warm!

Something for everyone

Whether you want to pick up something special for yourself, your coworker, your father-in-law, or your estranged neighbour’s daughter’s cousin, you can’t go wrong with Songs Around The World. Utilizing innovative mobile audio/video techniques, Playing for Change (PFC) records musicians outdoors in various cities from around the world, from South Africa to the Himalayas. Bring us all together, it truly unites us all.

Image from Atlas of the World: Sixteenth Edition, courtesy of images-amazon.com

We love bamboo

We’ve reviewed bamboo in all shapes and forms, and one of our favourites is from Shoo-foo. We reviewed their Spa Combo, a supersoft and luxiurious combination of towels. With a bath towel, hand towel, and face cloth all packaged together in a convenient trio, it’s a must have for any bathroom.

Organics are great

Wear the Earth has something for everyone, as well as great gift options. From bedding to towels, baby items,  home and body products, accessories, and yoga gear, it’s almost impossible to shop here and leave without an order. Check out our review, followed by some holiday shopping!

Get a neti pot

Sinus troubles have you down? We recommend a neti-pot. Read more here!

Win a gift instead!

While reading our review for Sakroots, enter the contest too… You could win a gorgeous Sakroots handbag, a perfect gift for a great friend!

Holiday entertaining

Love having friends and families over at the holidays? Hate coming up with menus? Fear not. Colleen Patrick-Goudreau has you covered with The Vegan Table: 200 Unforgettable Recipes for Entertaining Every Guest at Every Occasion. Buy it, you’ll love it. (If you don’t believe us, check out our review first).

Raw resolution

Try something new in 2010 – adopting a raw vegan diet. Even if it’s not permanent, the health benefits are worth it for a few times per week. Jennifer Cornbleet shows you how to expand your options of raw vegan cuisine with easy, inexpensive meals in her books Raw Food Made Easy For 1 or 2 People and Raw for Dessert: Easy Delights for Everyone. Check out the reviews here and here.

Hu.mane gifts

Choose an eco-friendly alternative to that leather wallet that you’ve chosen for your hard-to-buy-for brother-in-law. Opt for a wallet from hu.made, who create handmade, eco-friendly bags and accessories, each prepared by a “real, live human being rather than a machine.” All of their gear is sweatshop-free, made within the US, individually manufactured. Read more here.

And for all that shopping…

Remember to take your reusable bags when you go holiday shopping these next few weeks. We recommend the Winnipeg-based b.b.begonia reusable shopping bags, driven towards the chic lifestyle while simultaneously reducing our eco-impact.

Image courtesy of therawchef.blogs.com

This new version features:

Offline mode

Have a favourite article that you want to keep on hand? Store your must-reads for later access to read and share when you’re offline

Sharing

Keep your friends, family and collegues in-the-know with simple sharing through email, as well as Twitter and Facebook.

New design

Our new design draws more from nature-inspired artwork than ever before!

Get it now: ecoki.com/iphone

What do you want to see?

What don’t you want to see?

Should it only be for those with blogs?

Tell us!

Comment below and tell us the top things you’d love to see in our Monthly Cooking Challenge. Whether it’s a certain rule, ingredient, dish or guideline, we want your input!

We’ll take them all into consideration and launch our first one at the beginning of November!

Image courtesy of flickr, user Thai Food Blog

NOTE: Contest is now closed, and winners have been contacted.

Our friends at Cafe Press contacted to tell us the latest news: they’ve added organic tee-shirts to their popular line of community-made gear. And now, we’ve partnered with them to let you, our readers, have a chance at scoring a shirt of sustainable style.

Here’s how to win:

Step One

Go to www.cafepress.com.

Step Two

Select an organic shirt (men’s, women’s, or kid’s) that has the best image or message of being eco-responsible. Here are some areas to get you started: Women’s Organic, Men’s Organic, Children Organic

Step Three

Post the link in our comments below. TOMS Coupons

Step Four

Wait until October 15th – that’s when the contest closes. And we’ll pick a comment at random, and they’ll win the shirt!

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Each year, World Vegetarian Day is celebrated with parties, potlucks, get togethers, and more – and whats even better is that it lasts all month. This is because October is home to Vegetarian Awareness Month, spreading the word on another way to live a little greener.

Regardless if you’re a vegetarian, incorporating vegetarian tactics into your weekly routine has proven benefits. By going meat-free just a couple times a week, there’s plenty of benefits to you and world around you.

Read more on why going veg is great!

We encourage you to join the thousands of folks this October who are celebrating ways to be animal free!

How to celebrate

Need some ideas to get you started? Try:

• Hosting a dinner. Visit a Farmers Market, get out your apron, and start cooking! Need some ideas? Check out the mass of recipes at vegweb.com and search your way around some excellent veg-driven blogs.
• Hire a presenter. Seek out a speaker in your area and host an event at a local church or community centre. Have donations with proceeds going to the local humane society.
• Go out to eat. Not much of a cook? Check out the veg options at a local place that highlights meat-free cuisine.
• Head to the bookstore or library. Ask them to set up a stand featuring veg cuisine cookbooks. If the bookstore is privately owned, they might offer an incentive discount.
• Host a film + potluck party. Feature a veg-driven movie and make it a meatless potluck.
• Do a wine tasting. Seek out good vegan wines and serve with tapas.

Send us your ideas and pictures from the event, and we’ll feature you in an article on Ecoki! Contact us here.

Image courtesy of happynews.com