Buying a bicycle – especially your first one – can be a little overwhelming. Here are some basics to buying your new bike, whether it’s your first one or a much-needed upgrade.

What kind of bike do I need?

It can be confusing at first with the different options, but we’ll break it down into the most common:

Mountain bikes
If you are interested in a little off-road biking, and gearing up for some adventure, then the mountain bike would be your best bet. Mountain bikes include different gears (most often, 15+), a stronger frame, thicker, knobbier tires, and often some form of shock-absorbancy.

If you are thinking of a mountain bike, bear this in mind: using the thicker tires and heavier frame makes normal, everyday riding a little slower.

Hybrid bikes
These are perfect for commuters, combining an upright, still durable frame, with lighter wheels and a smaller frame.  They are a cross between a mountain bike and a road bike (hence the name) and perfect for everyday use. With treaded tires and higher gearing, they give a sample of both worlds.

Road bikes
If you’re buying a bike for serious fitness, consider investing in a good road bike. With their streamlined, aerodynamic shape and thin, smooth tires, they are built for speed and flow.

Cruisers
These bikes are true to their name: perfect for the casual rider who just wants to cruise. Often available in simple one-speed versions. (pictured right)

Comfort bikes
Mountain and hybrid bicycles can come in the form of comfort, with an upright riding position and lower gearing.

Recumbent bikes
You might have seen these “reclined” bikes on the road, with feet forward and a full seat with back.

Tandems
Bicycles built for two.

Things to consider:

• Are you riding just for fun?
• Where will you be riding?
• Will it be used for fitness?
• Do you plan on becoming a serious cyclist?
• How frequently will you be riding?

Where should I go?

Opting for professionals is the way to go. The owner(s) and staff in bike-specific specialty stores can advise you on appropriate bicycles for your needs, and will take the time to treat you respectively and efficiently. Talk to people in your area and see what they recommend – usually you’ll get a few that’ll praise the folks in certain stores.

Things to consider:

• Choose a retailer who has an on-site service department; if anything goes wrong with your bike, and when it comes time for its yearly tune-up, your best bet is to go to the source of purchase
• Ask a lot of questions – you’ll know soon enough how savvy the staff is.

How should the bike fit?

It’s recommended to go to an actual bike dealer, as opposed to a large store that just stocks bikes. Department stores and large sporting good chains often aren’t equipped with higher-end bicycles and staff know-how. Going to a bike dealership optimizes the experience by having knowledgeable staff to help you make adjustments to fit your needs.
Things to consider:

• When you extend your leg on the pedal, your leg should be slightly bent.
• Have a comfortable distance between the seat and handlebars
• Women can use men’s bikes and vice versa – often, they are the same, other than the cross bar.

What size should I get?

Bicycles can have over eight sizes, but the easiest way to narrow it down is using the length of your inseam to find the correct frame size. Your reach to the handlebars is also important for comfort. Based on these, find a few you need, and see if the dealer can recommend a proper fit.

Things to consider:

• Just because it feels right sitting on it in the store, doesn’t mean it is comfortable
• The dealer wants you to be pleased with your purchase (otherwise, you should seek out a new store), so they should willingly suggest you go take it for a short ride.

What does ______ mean?

If your dealer is talking bicycle mumbo-jumbo, and you stare blankly at them in return, feel free to ask. Like most people knowledgeable in their field, I’m sure they love to talk about any bike information that people will let them.

Things to consider

• If its your first bicycle, it’s okay not to understand how to change gears/inflate tires/get on bike. Just ask.

Aren’t seats extremely uncomfortable?

On road bikes and some hybrids you’re less upright, so a thinner seat is better since it’s only carrying about half your body weight. But if you are a woman, you might want to opt for a women-specific seat, to carry wider hips. If you aren’t keen on the comfort level of the seat, opt to buy a whole new seat instead, as opposed to a ten dollar gel padding. If you are going to use it frequently, it’s worth the investment.

Things to consider:

• Before you use a new seat, adjust it. Sometimes the seat’s nose is the problem – try shifting it, first.
• Alternatively, try a model with a channel centered down the length of the seat, bearing less weight on your sensitive region
• The seat should support your sit bones – so make sure you can feel them on the seat

How much am I going to spend?

Consider your bike as an investment, especially if using it for fitness. If you’re opting for only using it to get from A to B, you might want to spend a little less. Additionally, if you live in a busy area and locking it outside as you work inside for eight hours, you might want to consider spending less, in case of theft or damage.

Less expensive bikes that are still excellent quality (especially for fitness or a lot of commuting) start at around $650 and can run into the thousands. But just do your homework, ask a lot of questions, and see what fits you best. With bicycles, you pay for what you get (for the most part), and you pay for extras that you might decide you need (or not).
Here are some great, quality bike manufacturers; peruse their sites to get a feel for what they offer, find out who deals their bikes, and then bring a list with your questions to the store:

specialized.com

feltbicycles.com

giant.com

norco.com

bikes.com [Rocky Mountain]

rei.com

brodiebikes.com

cannondale.com

Have any other questions? Let us know!

Image courtesy of justbicycles.com

Origins of the Neti Pot
The word “neti” is Sanskrit for “nasal cleansing,” used in Ayurvedic traditions, which harness a more natural approach to healing and wellness. Also known as a “nose bidet” (although I prefer neti pot, thanks), it essentially provides a way to pour warm water into your nose, which stimulates your sinuses and clears out mucus.

Do we really need it?
Generally, your sinuses are built to be able to clean themselves, and if not, we give it a little help by blowing our nose. But if you experience blockage or sinusitis, the neti pot is an option.

How to use it:

• Fill the neti pot with warm water and add in a quarter teaspoon of non-iodized salt. Stir until dissolved.
• Stand over a sink, and tilt your head to one side.
• Place the end of the spout of the neti pot into your top nostril.
• Be sure to breathe through your mouth.
• Tip it (like pouring tea) until the water flows slowly into your nostril and out the other.
• Let flow for about 20 seconds.
• Switch sides.
• Breathe.

Need a clearer visual? Check out all of the videos on YouTube.

Where to buy

You can buy the Himalayan Institute Neti Pot Starter Kit from Amazon.com

Neti Pot Starter Kit Price: $22.95 You Save: $12.00 (34%)

Do note, if you have certain nasal or sinus issues, first check with your physician, specialist and naturopath to see if the neti pot is right for you. For more information on the neti pot, explore Jala Neti, a website dedicated to the details.

Images courtesy of thefuntimesguide.com and awholelottastuff.com, green tea

But not everything that we bring into our workout routine might be great. We’ve scoured some new and planet-lovin’ products that are perfect for making your spring resolutions a little more environmentally sound.

Here are our favourites:

For the Yogis

Gaiam has launched an eco-friendly yoga mat, made from 100 percent recyclable and biodegradable material. The mat, dubbed the Suddha Eco Yoga Mat, comes from the Sanskrit word for purity. It is made from a material called TPE, which has a closed-cell structure that locks out moisture, odor, and germs.

The mat is also slip-resistant, a huge plus if you do hot yoga, too, with superior cushioning and excellent traction. It comes in lavender and gray, and measures 68 inches by 24 inches by 4 millimeters.

For Your Fuel

If you’re looking for a simple and delicious way to get much needed nutrients, all wrapped in a whole foods-based, natural and organic bar, look no further than Good Greens. The folks at Good Greens focus on delivering every body with the vitamins, probiotics and antioxidants that it needs. Understanding the difference that superfoods can make in a person’s health, company founder Keith Pabley was inspired to create something delicious after realizing that most green superfoods tasted awful.

The result was Z-52, the core of their Good Greens powder, which they’ve integrated into their great tasting products. Z-52 is a mixture of 52 different superfoods, which provide over 40 antioxidants, 3 different types of probiotics, and 100% of your daily fruits and vegetables. According to their website, the benefits of their products have also gone through some notable clinical research, including that they deliver key phytonutrients that are absorbed by the body, reduce oxidative stress, can  positively impact markers of systemic inflammation, support a healthy immune system, and benefit cardiovascular health. All items are also 100 percent vegan and gluten-free,with a soy-free version available.

For the Cyclist

If you need some eco-friendly cycling gear, Indie Freeride from Ibex makes a great option, especially for the transitional months. The Indie Freeride is an all-natural jersey made from merino wool, a material that is completely renewable and biodegradable. It looks good, too, with a pretty, laid-back detailing to bring out the feminine side. The semi-fit makes it light, loose, and cool, with an 11 inch 11’’ invisible front zipper, single back stash pocket with invisible zipper, fine needle details, and more. It’s also easily machine washable.

Merino wool is an excellent source for active gear. In his case, the people at Ibex designed this fabric so the weight resembles that of a high quality t-shirt, working well worn next to skin baselayer or on it’s own. It is 100 percent New Zealand Merino.

For Everyone

Everyone gets thirsty, right? And even if you don’t, having a reusable water bottle is key. That’s why we were excited to discover a new–and great!–one. Enter the Bobble Water Bottle, from Move Collective, a certified eco-friendly bottle that filters while you drink.

Each filter in these BPA-free, recyclable water bottles equates to 300 single-serve bottles, so we obviously can see the heavy-duty impact on the environment. Considering that the world goes through about 200 billion single-serve bottles per year, switching to a reusable one is an obvious answer. Bobble Water Bottles also supply a jug, similar to a Brita, as well as filters and accessories. And the best part? They start at a mere $8.99.

mini 13oz/385mL

899

Some of the best options for fighting off viruses are much easier than going to the pharmacy. In fact, the solutions are found right in the kitchen.

Certain foods are key for our consumption to eat while we are sick. That’s because food feeds our whole body, including our cells, with the vitamins and minerals that they need.

Here are the top food choices for staving off cold and flu during these chilly winter months. And if you already have contracted one of them? Eat up – these are helpful remedies when you’re feeling under the weather.

Chicken Noodle Soup

Yep, the old classic reigns tall. Chicken noodle soup helps fight off viruses, primarily because it’s a fluid, and one that we can consume a lot of . The ingredients in the soup also act as a powerful mucus stimulator, which will help clear up any nasal congestion that you might be experiencing. You can also add a few ingredients so it can ease cold systems and provide relief to inflammation, such as a sprinkling of turmeric.

Vitamin C… in food form

We don’t mean you need to go out and pop the vitamin C pill. Citrus fruits offer high doses of the antioxidant, but so do many other fruits and vegetables. Often when we’re sick we lose sight of our taste buds, so luckily you can pick and choose from a large variety of vitamin C-rich foods. Sweet potatoes, squash, tomatoes, red bell peppers, Brussels sprouts, papaya, and broccoli are all good sources. Studies suggest that by consuming about 5 grams of vitamin C can reduce cold systems by almond 25 percent. So eat up!

Make It Stinky

Okay, well, not too stinky. But any dish – including chicken noodle soup – can benefit from loads of garlic and onions when you’re sick. These healing foods contain natural immunity-boosting compounds, as well as digestive wellness. Garlic also helps to clear up plugged-up sinuses.

Mushroom Mania

These sure can be medicinal! Mushrooms are an excellent option because they help to increase the production of cytokines. Cytokines, which are cells that help fight off infection, work hard to help you start to feel your best. They also contain polysaccharides, which are there to help support the immune system. When you’re looking for them, opt for shitake, maitake and reishi. Even better, slice them up into that soup of yours.

Bring on the Bacteria

The good bacteria, that is. Studies suggest that noshing on a cup of yogurt each day can reduce your chance of getting a cold by 25 per cent. This is due in part to the beneficial bacteria called Lactobacillus reuteri, which seems to be able to effectively block the replication of viruses that invade the body when we start to get sick. Look at the labels before buying to make sure that your yogurt includes it.

Drink Up

Other than water, drinking hot tea is a soothing remedy that will help to thin mucus and keep you hydrated. hydration. Green and black tea, in particular, are filled with potent antioxidants in the form of flavonoids. You can also add some other benefits to your tea, to make it even better. Ginger, for example, not only soothes a sore throat, but contains sesquiterpenes that target colds and can help keep coughing at bay. It also aids in digestion, and is a natural pain reliever. Simmer fresh sliced ginger to make your own tea.

Sweeten Up

Honey is a natural antioxidant that has antimicrobial properties to help fight infections from viruses, bacteria, and fungi. When you’re buying it, look for buckwheat honey, which has the highest amount of cold-fighting compounds. Mix up your remedies by making ginger-infused green tea, then sweeten with a little bit of honey.

Image courtesy of life123.com

When we are treating health ailments, we should approach it more from just a medicinal point of view. After all, there are many natural treatments for acne.

Here are some of our favorites:

Diet: the food

Diet has often been linked to acne issues in a couple of ways that we will discuss. One common factor that is linked are goods that have a higher glycemic load. These include what we are most familiar with “bad” or “refined” carbohydrates, including sugary drinks, candy, white rice, white pasta, baked potatoes, dried fruit, and bakery treats.

The problem is, these foods that have a higher glycemic index tend to affect the levels of insulin and other hormones, such as growth factor-1, both of which increase the production of androgen hormones. The result? An over-stimulation and, eventually, the development of acne.

To combat this, choose foods that are lower on the glycemic load list, including legumes (such as beans, pulses, and lentils), vegetables (especially non-starchy choices), fruits (notably berries, apples, and pears), whole grains (brown and wild rice, quinoa, teff, buckwheat, oats, spelt, and whole wheat), nuts and seeds.

Diet: the drink

Other than the aforementioned sugary drinks, there are other diet factors that help clear up and prevent acne. Nix the soda pop, juice, and other sweetened drinks, and focus on water as your beverage of choice.

Water helps maintain healthy skin by hydrating it from the inside out, and flushing toxins directly out of the body. If you aren’t used to drinking 10 glasses of water a day, consider adding a lime or lemon wedge to your water to make it more palatable. Do not buy and purchase flavored water – most have random additives and sugar or artificial sweetener.

In addition to changing your beverage choices, dairy is another common offender. Milk naturally contains androgens and growth hormones which have been studied to possibly stimulate the development of acne. (Read more on milk, androgens, and acne in this study). If choosing nondairy milk substitutes, such as rice, soy, almond, coconut milks, make sure you choose the unsweetened varieties. Most brands of these products have an unsweetened flavor among their options.

Essential Oils: Tea Tree

Tea tree oil has long been touted as a natural remedy for acne. The essential oil is applied topically to any acne lesions, and is a natural approach for a cure.

Tea tree oil contains terpinen-4-ol, a constituent that may be responsible for most of tea tree oil’s anti-bacterial activity. By applying it topically, the oil can kill the specific acne bacteria, Propionibacterium acnes. Be sure to dilute it before using. Large randomized controlled trials and studies, however, haven’t been done on tea tree oil and acne. These are needed before the specific effectiveness is known.

Elements: Zinc

Using zinc as a home remedy is another popular option for treating acne. Because it helps with inflammation, it can help with acne as well.

This is related to food, as well, since zinc is a mineral that’s naturally found in specific foods, such as beans, nuts, oysters, red meat, poultry, some seafood, whole grains, and fortified cereals and breads. Zinc is also available as a nutritional supplement, though speak to your doctor or naturopath before purchasing and using.

Because excessive zinc intake can be toxic and cause side effects such as vomiting, headaches, and appetite loss, it is important to make sure you do not exceed 40mg. It is often an added ingredient to multivitamins and cold and flu remedies.

According to researchers, light-skinned people who avoid sun exposure are twice as likely to develop vitamin D deficiency. The study followed 6,000 people at the Stanford University School of Medicine.

Interesting to note in the study, using (or not using) sunscreen did not cause any significant difference in the blood levels of vitamin D. The researchers assume this might be due to using too little in the first place.

The study coincides with research pertaining to ongoing research about skin color and vitamin D recommendations. Researchers believe that they need to begin to tailor their   recommendations to the skin tones and lifestyles of different people.

Vitamin D is produced by the skin when exposed to the ultraviolet rays in sunlight. If a person receives too little of the vitamin, it can cause bone weakening, rickets and possibly contributes to chronic disease. Small amounts of vitamin D can be taken through diet, such as supplements, fortified foods, and fortified drinks. Experts believe approximately 30 to 40 percent of the United States population may be deficient.

The study analyzed population-base data from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, which was collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from 2003 to 2006. The survey included questions that covered  sun-protective behavior, such as clothes choices, hats, sunscreen, and retreating to the shade. It also asked them their race and  blood levels of a form of vitamin D called 25-hydroxyvitamin D.

The researchers sound found that Caucasians who avoided the sun, either through clothing or the shade had blood levels of vitamin D that were approximately 3.5 and 2.2 nanograms per milliliter lower than those who did not. However, when it came to the vitamin D levels in Hispanic or African-Americans, there seemed to be no association between sun avoidance and vitamin D levels. This may be because of the inherent pigmentation in darker skin, which acts as natural form of sun protection.

In the case of the study, vitamin D deficiency was based on any respondent with blood levels of 20 nanograms per milliliter or below. They discovered  that although about 40 percent of the survey participants were, indeed, deficient, the numbers increased to 53 and 56 percent among those who wore long sleeves and stayed in the shade. Caucasians who wore long sleeves and stayed in the shade were twice as likely to be deficient in the vitamin.

In the study, African-Americans who did not make an effort to stay out of the sun had an average vitamin D blood level of about 14.5 nanograms per milliliter. Hispanics had an average level of about 19.7. Caucasians, about 26.4. On the other side,  those who frequently stayed in the shade had average levels of 14, 19.2 and 22.8 nanograms per milliliter.

Further, the use of sunscreen did not seem to affect the levels, which is interesting to note, contradicting what researchers previous would have believed. They assume that they are not using it properly, not applying it often enough or generously enough.

The study was published online Nov. 4 in Cancer Causes and Control.

We’ve written before about how much we love these green concoctions: in fact, there isn’t really a much better source of concentrated nutrients!

Green smoothies are great for two reasons: they hide the taste of the nutritious leafy greens, an ingredient that most people not only don’t really love, but wouldn’t associate with a sweet, refreshing drink… and they taste great, too!

Other ingredients, such as sweet fruit, tangy yogurt, creamy nut butters, and delicious maple syrup can easily hide the taste. And sure, it might look a little funny… but it tastes delicious. If you can get past the  gruesome colour of the drink, you’ll realize how delicious it is and how great you feel after it… despite it’s uncanny resemblance of slime.

Yes, slime – perfect timing for Hallowe’en! And though you might not need to be tricked into eating something so fun, your kids might lap up the possibility of eating slime for breakfast.

Leafy greens are an excellent source of many vitamins and nutrients, notably vitamins A, K, as well as iron. [read more] These our bodies need and thrive on, and if we aren’t keen to get them in our meals, we have to get them a different way.

So how do you make your smoothie so deliciously slimy? Here are some of our top tips:

• Start with just a handful, and work your way up, adding more greens as you get used to the new flavor.
• Add other ingredients, preferably over-powering ones, which will mask the taste. Try lemon juice, extracts, and nut butters, or a bit of cocoa powder.
• Use the whole fruit instead of fruit juice. You don’t even need to peel most of them – other than, of course, citrus fruit. The whole fruit will help fill you up with a load of fibre, and thicken up the smoothie, too.
• Frozen fruits, especially bananas, make smoothies thick and creamy. We recommend freezing them in portions, first.
• Add creaminess without taste, using protein-rich tofu or a few spoonfuls of cashew butter.
• Keep it simple with a few flavors: try two fruits that go well together, with a handful of greens and a source of protein.
• If you want, add high-quality protein powder, like hemp protein.
• Add a punch of Omega-3 fatty acids through the use of hemp seeds, chia seeds, or flax seeds.
• Use only natural sugars to sweeten it up, and only if needed after adding the fruit. Try dates, maple syrup, agave nectar, or dried fruits.
• Don’t try to make it gross. Putting 5 handfuls of kale in a blender won’t sell you on the idea. And when trying out different greens, collards and spinach are the most neutral in taste.

Okay, so now it’s time to get into the kitchen. And you’re wondering… what the heck to make? Here is a favourite seasonal recipe for the perfect Slime Smoothie.

Pumpkin Slime Smoothie

• 1/2 cup mashed canned or cookied pumpkin
• 3 cups greens
• 1 frozen banana, cut in chunks
• 1 cup frozen peaches, stoned
• 1 cup nondairy vanilla milk, such as Almond Breeze
• 2 tablespoons cashew butter
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)

Put all ingredients into a good blender. Whizz until smooth, adding additional nondairy milk if too thicken.

Need another idea? Check out our green popsicles, too.

Image source

Here are our top 8 ways to relieve stress – completely naturally.

Meditate

Sounds like the obvious choice, right? But here’s the thing: a steady mind/body practice such as meditation can bring complete balance to your life. Research has shown that when you slow your heart rate and relax specific muscles, it can offset the effects of our body’s response to stress. Even more, it can help clear your head. Even just five minutes a day when you wake up or before you go to bed can centre you in the right place.

Get Moving

It’s true that working out is good for your body, but physically active folks feel less depressed and anxious than those that aern’t. Aerobic exercise can increase our levels of norepinephrine, a chemical that helps our brain and body deal with stress. Get moving for at least 30 minutes, about 5 or 6 times a week.

Ditch the Refined Carbohydrates

Refined carbohydrates, like in desserts, white flour, and candy, can make our cortisol levels go through the roof – a trigger to stress. Instead, focus on omega-3 rich foods, vitamin B5, which helps with cortisol, and cutting back on caffience – a natural stimulant.

Leave the Laptop Alone

If checking your email is a constant task, think twice about how needed it might be, especially when you first wake up or right before you go to bed. When you start and end the day by constantly being plugged in, it gets us right into work mode before we have a moment to relax. Take some time to meditate, sit out on the patio, read, or even watch TV before we have the overstimulation of instant stress.

Open Your Ears

Research shows that listening to music, especially classical music, may help us unwind a little faster than we thought. This type of music can calmi the mind and body, because they produce two tones of similar frequencies into each ear. Called binaural beats, this creates a beat at a certain frequency in the mind, and the brain naturally falls into sync with it.

Juggle When Needed

Instead of multitasking constantly, choose to do it when it counts. Eat lunch on your lunch hour, for example, instead of spending it working, typing emails, and talking with a client. Pick one day a week where you work through your to-do list, and get it all done.

Learn To Say No

Sometimes, we give and do and work and are constantly on the go – and we just can’t get our stuff done. After all of this giving and doing, you’ll no longer be great at anything. Sure, you’ll still be a good employee, friend, parent, spouse, or sibling, but you’ll never achieve to be the best you can be. Make time to rest and think twice before taking on new tasks. Sometimes, saying no is a good thing.

Do Something You Love

Studies show that creative outlets help individuals relax. Any sort of stress-reducing activities takes our focus away from our own thoughts and worries. Arts and crafts are a common outlet, but really, just do something you love! What is important is the fact that you’re engaging in something that will take your mind off of the stress, and it is something that you fully enjoy.

Image source

A new study shoes that scented laundry products may emit hazardous chemicals through dryer vents.

The study outlined that air that is vented from clothes dryers using conventional, popular scented laundry detergent and scented dryer sheets contains hazardous chemicals. Two of these chemicals include toxic carcinogens.

Published online this week in the journal Air Quality, Atmosphere and Health, the research further expands on past studies that have already looked at which chemicals are released by laundry products, air fresheners, cleaners, lotions and other scented consumer products. Labeling guidelines do not require manufacturers to disclose the ingredients used in fragrances, cleaners, laundry products, and household items.

The lead is author Anne Steinemann, a University of Washington professor of civil and environmental engineering and of public affairs. She explains, “This is an interesting source of pollution because emissions from dryer vents are essentially unregulated and unmonitored. If they’re coming out of a smokestack or tail pipe, they’re regulated, but if they’re coming out of a dryer vent, they’re not.”

The recent study focuses on chemicals that are emitted through laundry vents. To do the study, researchers first purchased and pre-rinsed new, organic cotton towels as their test subjects. They then asked two homeowners to volunteer their washers and dryers, cleaned the inside of the machines with vinegar, and ran full laundry cycles using only water to eliminate as much residue as possible.

Then they got to the task at hand. At the first home, they ran a regular laundry cycle, then followed by analyzing the vent fumes. This analysis included three parts: the first load included the use of non products at all. The second load included using the leading brand of scented liquid laundry detergent. The third load used both the popular  detergent and a leading brand of scented dryer sheets.

To accurately analyze the emissions, a canister was inserted in the dryer vent opening. During each of the loads, it captured the exhaust 15 minutes into each drying cycle.

The research team then repeated the same procedure in the second home, using the different washer and dryer but the same three loads.

The canister led to the eventual analysis of the different captured gases discovered. In fact, the vents emitted more than 25 volatile organic compounds, among these seven hazardous air pollutants. Out of these compounds, two chemicals, acetaldehyde and benzene, are classified by the Environmental Protection Agency as carcinogens. The EPA says that there is no safe exposure level for these. They can affect your personal health, but also environmental health, finding their way into the air and our waterways, and, essentially, leaking out their poisons in the air we breathe and the water we drink.

The study was completed in the Seattle area, and researched have hypothesized that the acetaldehyde emissions from this brand of laundry detergent would be approximately equivalent to 3 percent of the total acetaldehyde emissions coming from automobiles. They estimate that emissions from the top five brands would total about 6 percent of automobiles’ acetaldehyde emissions.

The researchers recommend using laundry products without any fragrance or scent.

For other ways to do a greener load of laundry, check out our article “Tips for greener laundry“, which outlines ways for you to keep your laundry a little more planet (and hydro) friendly. Ditching those laundry sheets definitely makes the list.

For an alternative to laundry detergent, explore the possibility of soap nuts. Soap nuts are literally nuts from the Sapindus genus of trees, also known as soapberry trees. The shell of the nut contains saponin, a natural substance designed by Mother Nature herself for effective cleaning. It has been used for centuries around Asia for both clothing and skin. Read more in our article about soap nuts here.

Read the full report of the study: Anne C. Steinemann, Lisa G. Gallagher, Amy L. Davis, Ian C. MacGregor. Chemical emissions from residential dryer vents during use of fragranced laundry products. Air Quality, Atmosphere & Health, 2011; DOI: 10.1007/s11869-011-0156-1

According to MedlinePlus, windshield wiper fluid isn’t exactly the safest stuff. “Windshield washer fluid is a brightly colored liquid made of methanol, a poisonous alcohol. Some young children may mistake the fluid for juice, which can lead to accidental poisoning. Even small amounts can cause significant damage.”

Yes, I know you’re (hopefully) not drinking it – but do you really want to be keeping those sorts of chemicals in your garage and car… which eventually leak into the environment?

Windshield wiper fluid contains methanol, also known as methyl alcohol and wood alcohol. This extremely poisonous alcohol can be deadly to a child with just 2 tablespoons… and about 2 to 8 ounces can be deadly for an adult.

It also causes damage to the environment, leaking into the ground and throughout the air to further create pollution. Billions upon billions of gallons of washer fluid end up in the environment every single year.

Methanol also erodes pavement and contributes to the early degradation of the highways and roads, which ends up costing cities and municipalities more money to make the costly repairs.

Lovely stuff, isn’t it?

Luckily, there are some greener, cleaner options out there: ones that get the job done, won’t wreak havoc on your car, are cost-efficient, and safe for yourself and the environment, too.

We’ve done some investigative work to see what’s out there. Although the choices are slim pickings, it’s worth hunting them down, especially in the winter months.

EvergreeN Windshield Washer Fluid is one of them.  It is a 100 percent plant derived alternative to conventional windshield washer fluid. It is also completely environmentally friendly, non toxic and biodegradable. v

EvergreeN is available in both summer and winter formulations. The Summer Formula is safe for the pavement and completely free of methanol and non toxic.

The thing is, the only economical solution that is available to manufacturers to lower the freezing point is, indeed, methanol, but EvergreeN has figured out a way to use just a trace of it. In fact, they claim it is the lowest concentration of methanol in any product on the market, and will not freeze down to negative 15 degrees F. The concentration in the winter formula is so low that is is completely non-flammable, unlike conventional winter windshield wiper fluid.

EvergreeN isn’t the only option, though. Other companies are following suit. Advance Petrochemicals Ltd. makes a methanol-free concentrate compound to remove sap, bird droppings, bugs, and other grime from windshields.

Back to school doesn’t have to be a drag. In fact, it’s a pretty great year for all things green.

While we’re spending time stocking up on all our gear, let’s take a moment to choose options that are a little greener… ones that are safer for you or your child, as well as the environment

Lucky for us, The Center for Health, Environment & Justice has recently released their 4th annual “Back to School Guide to PVC-Free School Supplies”. This helps parents and students make good decisions about purchasing PVC-free items. Don’t think this is a problem? Think again. According to the environmental centre, the average child’s character-themed backpack is loaded with the most toxic plastic for our health and environment: polyvinyl chloride (PVC or vinyl).

Even lunch boxes, binders and pens can contain the toxic plastic PVC. This plastic can contain dangerous chemical additives such as lead, cadmium and phthalates.

To help yourself stay away from the chemicals, avoid backpacks with shiny plastic designs, which often contain PVC and lead. Use reusable cloth or metal lunchboxes, as opposed to plastic versions that are either made from PVC or contain a coating of it on the inside. Look at cardboard, fabric covered, or polypropylene binders instead of traditional ones.

Since over 90% of all phthalates are used to soften or plasticize PVC products, they’ve been recently banned in children’s toys. But that doesn’t mean that they aren’t abundant in school supplies. Even worse, these chemicals are toxic to children, even in small amounts of exposure.

Here are nine of our favorite suppliers from the list. But don’t forget to download the guide and check them all out!

Rebinder

www.rebinder.com

Rebinder binders are made from recycled corrugated cardboard. This cardboard is sourced from verified FSC and SFI certified sources. They come in a wide variety of sizes, and look cool, too!

Ecojot

www.ecojot.com

We’ve talked before about how much we love Ecojot, a company that products awesome notebooks, organizers, and other stationary with 100% post-consumer recycled paper. The whimsical drawings and decorations on the gear is fun, and the heavy-duty design keeps your papers and ideas organized.

PaperMate

www.papermategreen.net

Good ol’ reliable PaperMate makes compostable and biodegradable pens and pencils that are made from corn-based material. These don’t have to be ordered online or found in a specialty store. You can find them at local places such as Sears, Target, Kmart, Office Depot, and Staples.

H&M

www.hm.com

H&M have been touted for their natural and eco-friendly clothing lines, but what is even better is that all of their products are completely PVC-free! They make stylish clothes for women, men, children, and babies. Read more about some of their green initiatives.

Simple Shoes

www.simpleshoes.com

Simple Shoes are another favourite of ours, with all of their products being completely PVC-free. They use a wide variety of materials, too, ones that are better for the environment, including bamboo, cotton, hemp, and recycled rubber.

Jansport

www.jansport.com

If you want to find a mainstream backpack, look no farther than Jansport. All of their products are completely PVC-free. Their backpacks are made of materials such as polyester, canvas, leather, and suede. They aren’t necessarily the most environmentally-friendly, but at least offer a wide variety that are PVC-free and available at most local retail stores.

Apple

www.apple.com

Who doesn’t love some good gadgets? Our friends at Apple have designed all of their new iPhones to be completely PVC-free. Their monitors are 100% PVC-free, including the power cord. Their iMacs are PVC-free. Their Macbooks, Macbook Pros after 2008 are PVC-free, including their external power cords. The iPad is PVC-free. See a trend? We love it.

Aladdin

www.aladdin.com

Most reusable water bottles are PVC-free, but not BPA-free. Aladdin’s Sustain Clean and Clever bottle is made of BPA-free copolyester, and uses, on average, 25% post-consumer content per product.

Organically Hatched

www.organicallyhatched.com

Umbrellas just reek of PVC once you open them, and that is why we love the ones made by Organically Hatched. They are waterpoof and free of the chemicals, and look awesome, too! Every kids deserves a safe – and fun – umbrella for those rainy walks to school.

We’ve talked about eco-friendly cigarettes before but these aren’t quite the same.

These ads are for Natural American Spirit cigarettes, making that “eco-friendly” claim next to a list of the manufacturer’s environmental efforts. Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Co., the company who produces the cigarettes, says it’s not saying its cigarettes are safer but, instead, in its manufacturing practices. Their facilities are wind-powered, the farmers use fewer chemicals and 70% of the  sales staff drive hybrid vehicles.

Vince Willmore of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids calls the ad “egregious”, commenting that, “It’s trying to greenwash a deadly and addictive product. When you hear a product is eco-friendly, you think it’s better for you.”

Spokesman Seth Moskowitz disregards this, explaining that the company tries “to be good stewards of the environment”. We think it’s green-washing, a top contender in trying to influence our daily decisions.

This isn’t the first time for complaints for this company. In 2000, after advertising that their cigarettes are additive-free, they were required by the Federal Trade Commission to include “No additives in our tobacco does NOT mean a safer cigarette” on their packaging. Ten years later, after marketing it as organic, they had to further emphasize that lack of safety after 33 attorneys pushed back. electronic cigarettes

Although the new ads include these disclaimers, more action needs to be taken.

What do you think about these ads? If you haven’t seen them yet, they appear in magazines such as Esquire, Field & Stream, Wired, Mother Jones, Elle and Marie Claire.

Read more about Natural American Spirit cigarettes here.

For some (or most) having a great night’s sleep isn’t really a priority. We fall into bed because we need to, but our mind is occupied with everything we need to do the next day.

The thing is, having a good night’s sleep is exactly what our body needs. It is the foundation of our health and overall well-being. Not only do we feel better after a good sleep, but we function better, too. Our physical, emotional, and mental health depends on it.

Eight hours asleep isn’t necessarily what everyone needs. Some people can nod off around 2am and be bright and ready for the early morning. Others need to head to bed around 9pm to feel refreshed. Although experts consider seven hours to be the number we need, some of us can get by with a little less.

Tossing and turning isn’t the only thing that keeps us from having a good sleep. Some of us just don’t sleep well, anyway. These are often the lighter sleepers, who never fall into that deep sleep to bring us to pure dozed off bliss.

Not sleeping well? Here are eight all-natural remedies for you to get to bed, and feel refreshed in the morning.

Cut the Caffeine

Perhaps an obvious solution, coffee, tea and other items like chocolate stimulate our bodies and create extra energy. Some folks can’t have coffee in the evening, others need to avoid it all day. If you like your cuppa joe, figure out what time works best, and then try not to drink it any time after.

Shove off the Sugar

Like coffee and caffeine, sugar spikes your blood sugar, creating a boost of energy and then a crash. Sugar should be avoided before bed… But in moderation throughout the day.

Find Some Stress Relief

If you’re super stressed, chances are a good night’s sleep isn’t going to happen. Try to find a way to relieve your mind before bed. For example, writing a list of the next day’s To Do’s often relaxes your mind, or calling a friend or family member and telling them what’s on your mind will help out, too.

Move Your Body… But not too late

If you exercise before bed, your body creates endorphins, making it difficult to sleep right after you finish. However, if you exercise in the morning or late afternoon, it helps bring you back down before bedtime. Take the time to treat yourself to a long walk, some strength training, or a cardio session throughout the day, for a better sleep in the night.

Take a Bath

How can a bath NOT make you feel better? You don’t have to fill it with bubbles, but sitting in the warm water — or even having a warm shower — will bring your body’s temperature to a comfortable state, getting your mind and soul ready to tuck into the covers.

Have Some Tea

Certain teas, such as chamomile, have calming effects on the body, making them a perfect pre-bed beverage. Simply make a chamomile tea 30 to 45 minutes before going to bed to treat sleeplessness.

Don’t Eat Too Much

Stuffing yourself before bed results in poor digestion, making it hard to get into that deep sleep. A snack is fine– just don’t go to bed overwhelmed and full.

Stay on Schedule

On days you don’t have to get up early, get up early anyway. If you get up at 6am most mornings, aim for no later than 7am for the weekends. Sure, you’d love to sleep in, but staying on routine will help you have better sleeps in the future.

***

These are just some of the many ways you can get yourself into a better night’s sleep. Once you realize how great it feels, you’ll never want to go back! And once you take the time for you, you’ll realize how much you’ll benefit in mind, body, and soul.

Often, these energy centres become blocked. And blocked energy in our Chakras can lead to illness.

If we know what each Chakra represents, we can be more mindful to keeping them open, and, therefore, helping the energy flow freely.

The Root Chakra

The Root Chakra represents our foundation and the sensation of being grounded. It is located at the base of the spine in the tailbone area. The Root Chakra is connected to personal survival matters, such as finances, food, shelter.

To heal the Root Chakra, use yoga postures, such as Bridge Pose and Wheel, to open the lower spine. Take a moment in mountain or tree to become grounded. Munch on red coloured foods, such as beets, hot spices, and vegetables from the ground (like potatoes).

The Sacral Chakra

The Sacral Chakra represents our ability to connect with others and accept new experiences.It is located at the lower abdomen, about 2 inches below the navel. The Sacral Chakra is connected to pleasure, sexuality, and well being.

To heal the Sacral Chakra, use yoga postures such as pelvic tilting and cobra. Snack on orange coloured foods, such as oranges, along with nuts.

The Solar Plexus Chakra

The Solar Plexus Chakra represents our ability to be confident and in control of our lives and our selves. It is located in the upper abdomen, around the stomach. It is connected to self-confidence and self-esteem.

To heal the Solar Plexus Chakra, try the yoga posture Boat pose, along with yellow foods such as corn, plenty of grains, and good tea.

The Heart Chakra

The Heart Chakra represents our ability to love. It is located in the centre of the chest, just above the heart. It is connected to love, joy, and inner piece.

To heal the Heart Chakra, try Bikram yoga and emoting love to others. Try green foods, such as leafy greens, broccoli and green beans, as well as green tea.

The Throat Chakra

The Throat Chakra represents our ability to communicate with ourselves and others. It is located in the throat. It is connected to self-expression and the truth.

To heal the Throat Chakra, sing, chant and vocalize. Inverted postures also help. All kinds of fruit also benefit this chakra.

The Third Eye Chakra

The Third Eye Chakra represents our ability to focus on the big picture. It is located on the forehead between the eyes. It is connected to our imagination, wisdom, and ability to think and make decisions.

To heal the Third Eye Chakra, opt for foward bends, as well as child’s pose. Enjoy purple fruits and vegetables, such as eggplant and grapes, along with lavender scents and flavours.

The Crown Chakra

The Crown Chakra represents our ability to be fully connected spiritually. It is located at the very top of the head. It is connected to inner beauty, outer beauty, and our connection to pure happiness and bliss.

To heal the Crown Chakra, try meditation and clearing your head through cardiovascular exercise. Clean air, sunshine, and a sense of calmness help.

Image courtesy of krsnahealing.com

Sure, you could wake up an extra half hour earlier, but that would mean… waking up an extra half hour earlier. Is our stomach really worth it?

The answer, obviously, is yes. Our poor body is craving some food to “break the fast” (get it?) from not eating since the night before.

Luckily, we don’t have to sacrifice our sleep to satisfy our stomach. Here are five great breakfast ideas that you can quickly throw together and get out the door.

(And no, none of them include heading over to the local drive-thru for a calorie and sodium-laden meal).

What is aromatherapy, exactly?

Aromatherapy is an all-natural, non-invasive therapy designed to help the patient as a whole–not just cure or help the symptoms and disease.

What are essential oils?

Essential oils are super-concentrated aromatic extracts distilled from aromatic plant material. These include leaves, flowers, grasses, twigs, fruit peels, woods, and roots. The distillation occurs with either water, steam, mechanical processing or by dry distillation of natural materials. Then,  the essential oil is physically removed. For an essential oil to be a true essential oil, it must be only isolated by physical means . They are not an CO2 extract, a halohydrocarbon extract or an empyreumatic distillate.

How are they used?

These oils can be used on their own, or in combinations to create blends and fragrances. They are diluted when used for massage oils, bath products, body care, or fragrances.

Inhalation of the oils has psychological effects which can stimulate the body and organs. This is beneficial for respiratory symptoms. Direct application on the skin (often in the form of massage) is effective also, providing relaxation.

Ways to dilute essential oils

Water: 5-10 drops of oil to 4 ounces of water in a spray bottle

Alcohol: Use rubbing alcohol or vodka. 5 drops of oil to 5mL alcohol.

Salts: Use equal parts Epsom salts and natural sea salt, dissolve in a bath with 5 drops.

Making your own products

Massage oil: 15 drops oil to cream, oil, or lotion.

Bath: 5 drops to warm bath water.

Inhalation: drop on pulse points, hands, cotton ball, or in an electric diffuser.

Environmental spray: add it to water in a fine mist container

Our top picks

Sure, there are loads to choose from, but when you start exploring all of the different options, there are top choices that tend to help the masses.

Peppermint: useful for treating headaches, muscle pains, digestive and stomach disorders

Eucalyptus: useful for helping respiratory troubles, such as colds, coughs, and asthma, along with boosting the immune system.

Ylang Ylang: helps with relaxation, and reduces muscle tension.

Geranium: helps balance hormones and can be uplifting

Lavender: helps with relaxation, and useful for wounds, burns, and minor skin care.

Image courtesy of labyrinth.net.au

The Frog Prince Bath Bomb

Throw this cute little character in a tub of warm water and marvel as he dissolves in front of your eyes to reveal your very own Prince Charming (a sticker of one of our charming compounders from the LUSH factory)!  And as you would expect from royalty, he has his own exquisite and sultry brand new fragrance – a majestic blend of jasmine, sandalwood, rose and neroli.

It’s Raining Men Shower Gel

Hallelujah!  A divine shower gel scented with our best-selling Honey I Washed the Kids fragrance. Shower with this luxurious honey and tropical flower gel and your skin will be left deliciously soft, scented like crème brulée and extremely lickable.

Love Birds Soap

Something for all those lovers out there, this gorgeous new soap is scented with beautiful aphrodisiac essential oils to make this Valentine’s Day extra special!  This sensual jasmine and vanilla fragranced soap leaves skin delicately scented while it softens and moisturizes.

Ex-Factor Bath Bomb

For all the Valentine-less folks, plan a date with this little guy to cheer you up! He dissolves in the warm water in a swirl of ylang ylang and vanilla to reveal a small pink candy heart.  The delectable mix of essential oils will leave you feeling happy, relaxed and ready to meet someone else.

Magic Mushroom Bubble Bar

Make some magic with this charming toadstool! Crumble this frothy strawberry and cream-scented wonder under running water for masses of yummy skin softening bubbles.

PS I Love You

Tell that special someone what you’ve been meaning to say for ages.  This cute little gift contains four romantic products wrapped up with lovely paper embossed with hearts and love birds.

Includes: Magic Mushroom bubble bar, Strawberry Feels massage bar (mini), Love Birds soap, It Started With a Kiss lip tint.

Be Mine

A sexy selection of six scrumptious treats that’s sure to secure the one you want this Valentine’s Day. Melt into a marshmallow bath and then seal the deal with a chocolate-scented massage. Packed up in a reusable box, they will always remember just how much you love them!

Includes: Melting Marshmallow Moment bath melt, It’s Raining Men shower gel, Sex Bomb bath bomb, Sugar Babe sugar scrub, Soft Coeur massage bar, Lust solid perfume.

But what I do love is my treadmill.

Wait, hear me out. I’m not saying that you have to spend all of the chilly months holed up inside your basement pounding out the miles on a machine. Instead, I’m talking about using it to your advantage to make the most out of your winter running.

Finding the perfect treadmill to use for your winter running may take some time; your best bet is to explore some home treadmill reviews, and check out what others love.

Either way, there are some great ways to use your treadmill in the colder months… All of which won’t be boredom-filled as you knock out each mile.

Warm Up

If it’s still all right running weather, but a little chilly, I recommend using it to warm up first. If a 12 kilometer run is on your Sunday morning agenda, tap out two of the kilometers on the treadmill. Hop off, grab your gloves, jacket, and ear warmer, then head out the door, already warm and ready to go.

Interval Training

Looking to lose fat or become faster? Try interval training. Start with a 5 minute warm up. For the next 15 to 20 minutes, sprint for 1 minute, followed by a 1-2 minute recovery (slow jog) period. Repeat. Follow the intervals by a 5 minute cool-down jog. Your metabolism will be increased throughout the day, and you’ll have got some speedwork in. Further, you won’t be bored, because you’ll be switching it up minute to minute.

Walk It Out

Doesn’t sound like much of a work-out, does it? Change up your jogs to a walk instead… on the incline. Walk at 3.5mph, on a 12-15 incline. Trust me… It’s not as easy as it sounds.

Try This

0-5 minutes >> warm-up, brisk walk
5-7 minutes >> light jog
7-8 minutes >> sprint
8-10 minutes >> light jog, increase incline to 5%
10-13 minutes >> increase incline to 8%
13-15 minutes >> decrease incline to 1%, run a little faster
15-16 minutes>> sprint
16-20 minutes>>light jog, increase incline to 7%
20-35 minutes>> alternate 1 minute hard, one minute light jog, decrease to 3%
35-40 minutes>> cool down

The Good

There are many benefits to hopping on the treadmill. Take a look at the countless articles and studies promoting their benefits (check out pubmed). Treadmill training has been shown to help with adult obesity, childhood obesity, sprint running, boxing, and so many more.

Read More

So you’re contemplating buying a treadmil, or you’re at least dusting off the one in your home. There are some great books to get you started on treadmill training. Our favourites? Treadmill Training for Runners by Rick Morris, Runner’s World Complete Book of Running by Amby Burfoot and ChiRunning: A Revolutionary Approach to Effortless, Injury-Free Running by Danny Dreyer and Katherine Dreyer.

Image courtesy of munfitnessblog.com

I do, however, eat a plant-based foods diet. I’m conscious of animal products and testing associated with my toiletries and household cleaners. I participate in mindful activities such as yoga and meditation, and I can prepare tofu in thirty-plus ways.

Yes, I’m a vegan, one of the mere 4 per cent of Canadians that follow a vegetarian lifestyle.

I’m not going to lecture you on why slaughterhouses are inhumane, why pigs are friends (not food), and explain why fur is akin to wearing a carcass on your back. But I will tell you (and recent media will back me up on this) vegetarianism is one of the foremost things we can do to help the planet. I am not alone in saying that maintaining animals for food is causing more havoc on the planet than anything else. Our land, water, and air quality are all at increased risk with more and more animal-based consumption.

This past January, the Globe and Mail published an article where they hypothesized that the global demand for meat is expected to double between 2001 and 2050. This staggering increase results in obvious animal suffering, but also creates an increase in global warming and environmental issues, and negatively impacts our health. The World Cancer Research Fund has published numerous studies on how limiting consumption of red meat and avoiding processed meats results in a lower risk of all cancers, notably bowel, breast, and prostate. Not only that, a vegetarian diet is low in cholesterol, which lowers chances of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and other ailments.

In April of this year, the Pew Commission on Industrial Farm Animal Production issued a report, a fact-based, comprehensive, and balanced exploration into the farm animal industry (www.ncifap.org). It showed that manure produced by animal confinement facilities is three times that of human output. This manure makes its way into our water, soil, and air, containing pesticides, antibiotics, hormones, and heavy metals. Sure, we can control these in some areas; however, the utmost diligence will not protect us from it leeching into our water system, careening its way via transport of smog, and fertilized into our vegetables. Tests on air quality resulted in toxic answers: gasses and substances such as human pathogens are commonly found in the air we breathe.

Our water supply is also greatly affected by animal production. Between cleaning procedures and animal feed, the ratio equates to approximately 2500 gallons of water to 1 pound of meat; conversely, soy requires 250 gallons per pound of meat, and wheat 25 gallons.

The cause of global warming is based on the greenhouse effect, which is in turn cased by carbon dioxide from fossil fuels. These emissions leak from the degradation of waste, buildings, and animals themselves. According to a study done in 2007 by The American Science Journal, a kilogram of beef is responsible for the equivalent amount of carbon dioxide emitted by a car every 250 kilometres, or burning a 100-watt light-bulb for approximately twenty days. One-third of fossil fuels, according to E magazine (a well-versed environmental publication), are produced by raising animals for food.  According to a study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, one calorie of animal protein production requires more than ten times the fossil fuel input as a calorie of plant protein, simultaneously producing ten times the carbon dioxide.

The production of animal flesh requires sixteen pounds of grain for just one pound of output. These grain resources could instead be used to feed the 800 million or so people world-wide suffering from malnutrition. Sixty million people die of starvation every year; a child starves to death every two seconds. Considering, for example, that 80 per cent of corn and 95 per cent of oats grown in the US is eaten by livestock, it’s mind-boggling why humans are left with only the remaining twenty.

The process of slaughtering animals for food is a much longer, energy-wasting process then need be: once these grains are grown, tilled, taken care of, and trucked to their factories, they are then trucked to the farms. These animals are brought to slaughterhouses, then to processing centres ─ both of which use energy for transportation and to maintain. The meat is packaged and then transported to grocery stores. Between the energy, the production of fossil fuels, and the manure, our air is tainted. Every step of this process – growing, transporting, operating, even keeping the product cold in the grocery stores ─ uses up precious energy.

It doesn’t stop here, though. Our land is also at risk; consider, for a moment, all of the areas that are bulldozed to make more room for animals and the crops needed to feed them. Rainforests, too, are in jeopardy: clear-cutting of these forests results in fewer natural resources and the extinction of thousands of species.

According to the Toronto Vegetarian Association (www.veg.ca), the average agricultural land area in North America is 1.6 hectares per person; in other countries (foremost with plant-based diets) it’s only 0.2 hectares per person. Needing only this half-acre to produce food would save vast amounts of land to protect our resources. As we speak, 53 per cent of the third largest rainforest in Papua New Guinea is vanishing, and according to National Geographic, expected to be gone by 2021. The trees that would normally play a critical role in absorbing the greenhouse gas emissions have been destroyed, increasing the severity and speed of global warming.

Combined with the aforementioned (but only briefly noted) health effects, as well as the obvious (but often ignored) animal suffering, this issue shouldn’t be taken lightly. A group of studies done in 2007 from the US National Academy of Sciences revealed that carbon dioxide emissions are rising three times faster than in the 1990s: 3 per cent per year as opposed to 1.1 per cent.

There are a plethora more studies, all coming to the same conclusion: less meat = less destruction on the environment. Plant-based diets use less water, less space, less CO2 output, and wreak less havoc on our earth. Canadians eat more than twice as much meat as the global average, and by reducing this –even if initially designating one meat-free day per week – will aide in combating these issues. Combine this tactic with eating locally whenever possible, reducing chemical pesticides on your own lawn and garden, and becoming mindful of your choices.

It doesn’t take an Einstein to understand the obvious benefits. Albert Einstein said it himself:  “Nothing will benefit human health and increase the chances of survival of life on earth as much as the evolution to a vegetarian diet.” 

As featured in Life Peak Magazine’s December 2008/January 2009 issue. “Is being a vegetarian one of the top things you can do for the planet.” Written by Laurie Sadowski.

Numerous studies are continuously published, revealing the many benefits of yoga, both physically and mentally. Flexibility and strength are obvious highlighted features, but the embedded body-mind awareness that soon follows allows for a balance that is difficult to achieve elsewhere.

As we progress, communities are becoming more aware of the benefits of yoga, and classes and studios are popping up in the smallest of towns. Most studios offer various versions of hatha yoga, a combination of postures (asanas) and breathwork.

Choosing the type of yoga that fits your needs is important – not all practices are the same. Here are the basic bunch offered at most studios to get you started.

Hatha
More than likely, you’ve seen the term “Hatha yoga” before. It is primarily a generic term to describe a class where postures (asanas) are held for a specific length of time, combined with a slower-moving class. Most often good for beginners, Hatha promotes flexibility and tones the body as it improves strength and concentration.

Vinyasa
Vinyasa yoga combines flowing postures with rhythmic breathing. It is a little more involved – better for people who are comfortable with the practice already.

Ashtanga
Ashtanga yoga is a fast-paced variation of vinyasa, based on a six-series of postures (asanas) that increase in difficulty. Created by Pattabhi Jois, this yoga flows through series of poses that  remains the same until the student has perfected each movement and can move onto another series.

Power Yoga
Power yoga was developed by Bender Birch, and is a combination of Western practices with Ashtanga yoga. It, like Ashtanga, is a series of postures developed to instigate energy flow. Good for those who are already interested in everything fitness, power yoga is rigorous and flowing, focusing on strength combined with the flexibility of yoga.

Iyengar
Hailing from Pune, India, 80 year old yogi B.K.S. Iyengar practices his version of yoga combining intense focus with posture. Each pose is held much longer than in other yoga practices, and Iyengar (or other teachers) analyze muscular and skeletal alignments in the students. For more information, visit iyisf.org.

Integrative Yoga Therapy
Designed specifcally for medical wellness centres, Integrative Yoga Therapy (IYT) was founded in 1993 by Joseph Le Page and has grown since. The program corresponds with the healing process by addressing physical, emotional and spiritual levels of the patient/student. For more information, visit iytyogatherapy.com.

Viniyoga
A gentle practice created by T.K.V. Desikachar, which focuses on breath synchronized with poses. This integrated practice is customized – and always changing – to each person.  For more information, visit viniyoga.com.

Bikram
Bikram yoga is sometimes referred to as “hot yoga”, with temperatures oven exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Sweating in these classes releases toxins from the body, cleansing it, and in turn, the immune system. For more information, visit bikramyoga.com.

Sivananda
Sivananda yoga is based on the philosophy of Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh, India, who taught disciples to “serve, love, give, purify, meditate, realize.” Later, one disciple, Vishnu-devananda, founded the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centers, developing Sivananda’s system into five principles:  exercise (asanas);  breathing (pranayama);  relaxation (Savasana);  diet (vegetarian); and positive thinking (Vedanta) and meditation (dhyana).For more information, visit sivananda.org.

Kripalu
The Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in Western Massachusetts, focuses on a system of yoga developed over a 20-year period by yogi Amrit Desai and the Kripalu staff. This system is based on a series of movements situated into three stages, including willful practice (focusing on alignment, breath, and the presence of consciousness); willful surrender (holding postures to levels of tolerance and beyond, with deep concentration on internal feelings); and meditation in motion (release of internal tension with complete trust in the body’s wisdom). For more information, visit kripalu.org.

There are many other forms of yoga – both variations of these and new practices forming all the time. For more information, contact your local studios, visit yogafinder.com or explore Yoga Journal magazine.

——-

What’s your favourite type of yoga? More of a relaxing hatha, or steady vinyasa flow? Perhaps some sort of obscure hybrid? We want to know about it!

Images courtesy of fitness.com