Don’t cut the lawn shorter than two inches.

Keeping it between two and three inches delivers a stronger, deeper root system, which in turn, requires less watering. It also helps keep it alive in the hottest months.

Do use hand-operated tools when you can.

Trim and mow by hand, cutting down your contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. Combined, they deliver about 5% of total emissions, and making this swap is an easy solution.

Do design your garden efficiently.

Planning is the key, taking into account the existing environment such as trees, plants, sun, wind and water. The landscape design should ensure water drainage back to the ground’s water table, and  permeable dry-laid materials such pea gravel and flagstone should be inter-planted with other ground covers in your hardscaping. Patios and walkways should be sloped so  water drains into the garden bed.

Don’t underestimate soil – it’s your  best fertilizer

Manmade, chemical fertilizers aren’t either the most cost efficient or eco-friendly. The best source of nutrients for plants is quality soil. And always add a topcoat of mulch, which helps plants retain water longer, and fend off weeds.

Do water less frequently, and do water longer

Plant root systems weaken with frequent watering, and this also wastes water and time. The key is to water less often, but deeper, allowing root systems to become hardier and survive drought.

Do remember to love nature

Organic gardening is actually easier than using chemicals. Simple as that.

Add your tips below!

Image courtesy of transformcompost.com

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

Recently, Planters Canada has started the conversion to  over one million units of their traditional canisters to new, one hundred percent recyclable packaging.

Planters Recycles

Starting with Planters Naturals and Planters Lighted Sea Salted, the new packages are made from recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and are bisphenol A/BPA-free. The clear packages also allows for a look inside of the product, and has the same shape of the traditional tins with the easy-to-open top.

We already know how great nuts our for our health. They are rich in fibre, healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, vitamin E, iron, calcium, and planet sterols that may help lower cholesterol. Even better, Planters recently launched two new products. Planters Naturals are unsalted nuts, while Planters Lightly Sea Salted  have fifty percent less sodium than their regular salted products.

The new 100 percent recyclable products include: Lightly Sea Salted Almonds, a good source of calcium and iron; Lightly Sea Salted Cashews and Deluxe Mixed Nuts, both a good source of fibre; Lightly Sea Salted Cocktail Peanuts, with zero cholesterol and a good source of calcium and iron; Naturals Raw Pecan Halves, Raw Mixed Nuts, Raw Walnut Halves, all a high source of fibre and a good source of iron; and Natural Raw Almonds, a high source of fibre, and a good source of calcium and iron.

According to Don Lock, Planters VP Sales and Marketing, their “traditional canisters contain recyclable elements”. However, not all of the components were, and these new canisters can be recycled without separating them. He continued, “It’s what our customers had been asking for and it was the right thing to do.”

You Could Win and Help a Charity!

It gets even better than just some new packaging with tasty treats inside. Planters is currently holding a contest for Canadians to visit their Facebook page (www.facebook.com/PlantersCanada) to enter. Folks get to vote for or nominate their favourite environmentally-driven charity, organization, or community project to receive a $10,000 donation! In addition to this, one lucky winner will also have the opportunity to score a $20,000 energy efficient Kitchen Makeover by entering on Facebook daily.

 A special kudos to the folks at Planters — not only did they send us some samples to check out the new packaging, but also a tree to plant! We’re excited to plant our new tree, which was safely housed in a biodegradable bag. Thanks!

So what exactly is eco-hosting?

Eco-hosting provides consumers with a planet-friendly way to get the web service they need and give back to the environment at the same time. However, there are plenty of eco-hosts, each offering a wide variety of services, reliability, and sustainable practices. They are taking initiative to minimize the impact they have on the environment.

Because web hosts tend to use a lot of energy, the concept of green web hosting is really a breath of fresh air.  Their main goal, generally, is to offset the carbon emissions they release into the environment. To do this, they usually use one of three methods.

The company may purchase Renewable Energy Credits, which represent renewable energy sources purchased from an electrical company. They may strive to use less energy in their daily business ongoings, such as incorporating solar panels, enforcing recycling, eliminating paper, carpooling, and other greener avenues. Finally, they give directly back to the environment, such as through planting trees.

The short version is, there are so many different web hosting options, you definitely want to choose what is right for you.

Companies on board

A main goal of many eco-hosts is to try to meet lower carbon emissions targets and do something for the planet, too. Ecohosting.co.uk, for example, not only offers quality customer service and low prices, but their steps to help the environment go above and beyond. For each host, they plant a tree in the United Kingdom, in managed places in the area. They are currently supporting The Alladale Reserve in Scotland, and Alladale and the company are supporting the Challenger Trust, which gives kids experiences in enjoying outdoor activities, nature studies, and  tree planting. They also are a carbon neutral company.

Another unique approach is from ecohosting.com, which provides opportunities for free hosting for charities. Charitable organizations can sign up for themeselves with a non-charity client, and the company offers the equivalent value hosting for free for a year.

Another UK company, ecowebhosting.co.uk, included web hosting packages that are all 100 percent carbon neutral. They carefully calculate the carbon emissions produced as a result of their web server working 24/7, then offset these emissions by planting trees at Ransomwood Business Park in Nottinghamshire. Their goal is to be a carbon-positive company, because the young age of the trees will continue to absorb more and more carbon as they grow. They feel this is more effective than using renewable energy, because of the ongoing positive impact on the environment. They have planted 300 English Oak trees to date, which at present absorb more than three times the carbon produced by their servers.

Many companies go the route of renewable energy, and that includes iPage, a web hosting company that is 100 percent wind powered. Not only are they reliable and offer many packages that consumers need, iPage is a wind-energy leader, offsetting the carbon emissions of their data centers and offices by purchasing renewable energy credits. These credits are, in turn, then used to generate wind energy and providing consumers with a greener website.

Dubbed as the world’s number one green host, greengeeks.com takes plenty of steps to maintain their greenness. They work with the Bonneville Environmental Foundation to buy wind energy credits to offset their energy consumption, and in 2009 was invited to join the US. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Green Power Partner program. They also reconfigure their servers so they run cooler and more efficiently using less energy. They reduce their office carbon footprint with recycling and minimizing printing, employ auto lighting control systems, and power down all office equipment when not in use. But it doesn’t end there. Employees take turns bringing in meals to reduce the amount of waste from take out food, and they use telecommuting when possible to minimize commutes and emissions.

Choosing a company that has a commitment to going green is an excellent way to start exploring the web hosting market. These are just some of the options available, but after you find a package you need, consider a
certified green web hosting provider as you choice for staying sustainable.

There are plenty of ways we can educate kids about Earth Day and the importance of celebrating and acknowledging the impact of food.

Our friends at the Rainforest Alliance offer some tips and information for our future leaders about the impact of foods and how they make their way to our grocery store shelves.

From the Rainforest Alliance:

An astounding number of fruits, vegetables, nuts, drinks, oils and flavorings originate in and around the rainforest. If we are not careful though, our appetites for these products could destroy the rainforest — the source from which they came from. Unsustainable farming methods continue to be a major cause of rainforest destruction and pollution worldwide. We help to conserve the rainforest and protect wildlife by supporting earth-friendly farming — Simply look for the Rainforest Alliance Certified^TM green frog seal on everyday products, like chocolate and bananas.

A fun way to get kids engaged in rainforest conservation is to visit the Rainforest Alliance’s Kids’ Corner, featuring online games, printable coloring pages and rainforest facts. One game — Track It Back — helps kids learn about where chocolate, bananas, and coffee come from, where they are grown and how they are harvested.

Once your kids have discovered the journey chocolate and bananas take to reach your supermarket shelves, try these sweet and sustainable recipes . Be sure to use chocolate and bananas stamped with the Rainforest Alliance Certified green frog seal!

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To celebrate Earth Day and keeping the tips from the Rainforest Alliance in mind, here are some recipes to get you started:

Try our vegan banana bread, with three different variations: Simple, No Frills Banana Bread; Tropical Banana Bread; and Double Chocolate Banana Bread.

Or for something a little different, this kid-friendly recipe is easy to put together, healthful enough to enjoy for breakfast, and loaded with our two favourite ingredients.

Banana Chocolate Chip Pecan Breakfast Bars

1 very ripe banana, mashed
2/3 cup unrefined cane sugar
1/3 cup melted coconut oil
3/4 cup whole grain flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups quick cooking oats
2/3 cup chopped pecans, toasted
2/3 cup dark chocolate chips

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease an 8×8-inch pan.

Put the banana, sugar, and coconut oil in a large bowl. Mix well. Put the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl. Whisk until well combined. Put the flour mixture into the banana mixture. Mix until just combined. Stir in the oats, pecans, and chocolate chips until just combined.

Use a spatula to scrape the mixture into the prepared pan. Press snuggly in the pan. Bake for 22 to 26 mixtures, until the edges are golden brown. Let cool completely before cutting into squares.

Looking for more ways to get your kids engaged in Earth Day and Earth Month? Check out: “Kids! 10 Easy Ways YOU Can Help Save Rainforests.”

Unlike energy, we can control our usage of water relatively easily, and seemingly small steps can help our individual impact on water conservation.

Here are 21 tips to get you started on saving this important resource.

Look at Your Dishwasher Settings

Many defaults on dishwashers, surprisingly, aren’t the eco-option. Take a look to see if it is in its “eco” mode. Additionally, shut off the dryer setting and let them air dry, instead.

To  bring you up to speed, SIGG delivered a call out for creative,  imaginative designs (using the provided template) for the chance to have it produced on a limited edition SIGG bottle. Everyone who submitted design now has their design displayed online, and now the public gets to vote. SIGG and guest judge Sarah Backhouse will choose a winning design in each bottle category and announce them three days before Earth Day 2012 (April 18th).

These winning designs will each be featured on one of three sizes (.4 liter; .6 liter; 1 liter) of a limited edition bottle of SIGG which will be distributed and sold in U.S. retail stores and on SIGG’s official website. These three winners will also receive:

• 5% licensing fee of all bottles sold (wholesale value)
• A feature on SIGG’s official website and social media channels
• A collection of 100 bottles of the winning SIGG design
• $1000 each

Three runner-ups will each receive a feature on SIGG’s social media channels and $500, and the highest voted artist will be delivered the People’s Choice award, featured on SIGG’s social media and $500.

And you should just see what has been submitted! With nearly 2,000 designs, it is hard to decide who should get the votes–especially with the influx of eco-driven talent.

Here are some of our favourites with their descriptions:

“Water infinity” By Antonia Feigl

[click to view]

The artist says:

Water Infinity
Water seems endless, but is it?
I translated water into geometric forms. The waves loop around and around and around the bottle.
Waer may seems to be a never-ending ressource, but is it really? Look closer. Think about it.

The colours of the blue water and the silver background are shiny and sparkling (like the bottles, which are already available). 

We love it because:

It’s fresh and clean and delivers one of our favourite natural resources.

“Integração entre produto, meio ambiente e reciclagem” By Bruno Fontes

[click to view]

The artist says:

Baseado no princípio da empresa, em que após o período de vida útil de cada garrafa, a mesma ainda pode ser reciclada, elaborei esse layout mostrando que os produtos em geral da empresa em nada interferem no equilíbrio e meio ambiente, podendo estar sempre em perfeita harmonia e num equilíbrio contínuo, além de que SUSTENTABILIDADE seria a linguagem geral de todos.

Um detalhe que porventura poderia chamar atenção na embalagem é o neon fosforescente verde aplicada somente no logo da reciclagem. Com as luzes apagadas chamaria atenção.

(Translated: Based on the principle of the company, in which after the useful life of each bottle, it can still be recycled, I prepared this layout showing that the products of the company in any way interfere with the balance and the environment, and may always be in perfect harmony and balance in a continuous SUSTAINABILITY beyond that would be the general language of all.

One detail that might happen to call attention to the packaging is the neon green phosphor applied only in the recycling logo. With the lights out call attention.)

We love it because:

It is the essence of what we believe in, all wrapped into a detailed but simple design.

“Nature vs City” By Danielle Kasony

[click to view]

The artist says:

In this artwork I wanted to do something that showed the world and how it is today. We are over run by cities and destroying nature more and more. This is to appreciate what we have and save the Earth.

We love it because:

We understood what it meant before having read the description, and love how clear it depicted her goal for the bottle.

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So you want to get voting?

Here are the details:

Who: SIGG North America & TalentHouse

What: After a wildly successful launch on February 9th, the SIGG Design Contest with TalentHouse will now be open to the public for community voting. With 1,980 design submissions from every corner of the globe including Brazil, Egypt and Nepal, there is a vast selection of artwork to peruse and explore.

When: Voting begins March 30th, 2012 at 10am PST and ends on April 9th, 2012 10am PST. One People’s Choice Winner along with three additional winners and three runner-ups will be chosen by Sarah Backhouse and SIGG’s panel of judges, and announced before Earth Day on April 23rd.

Where: Cast your vote online at:  http://www.facebook.com/SIGGNorthAmerica/app_171350439587 and visit http://www.talenthouse.com/design-for-sigg.

Invest in some good chocolate and some organic jelly beans to satisfy that sweet tooth, then fill the rest of the basket with useful goods that they’ll love even more.

Here are nine candy-free Easter basket ideas, each with a theme that will suit whatever your kids love.

With things they’ll use again and again, waste is at a minimum, making it much better for our planet, too.

The Slumber Party Lover

Most young girls love a good sleepover, and a basket of flip-flop slippers, a pair of cute pajamas, some books with girl-driven games (think: truth or dare), and a few others favourites is a great way to give them a basket of fun that they’ll be able to use over and over.

The Video-Game Lover

Go to a trade/buy/sell store and pick up a classic game or a new favourite. Round out the basket with an extra memory card and something that compliments the game, such as a comic book for a game based on the series, or a sports hat for their favourite team.

The Green Thumb

One of my favourite childhood memories is gardening in the yard; the vegetable garden with my dad and the flower garden with my mom. Fill an outdoor pail or tub with a watering can, seed packets, gloves, and a tool or two.

The Budding Artist

Art supplies can be cheap, and a great idea for kids. For younger kids, look for colouring books with spring themes. For older kids, find a good quality sketchbook. Round it out with crayons, markers, and paint, along with a few DIY crafts with step by step instructions.

The Animal Lover

Inspire the kids to bring birds into the backyard. Opt for an inexpensive bird feeder, some bird seed. Look for other options for squirrels and other backyard critters, too.

The Mini-Athlete

Whatever they love, give them something to help build their sport career. Flashy laces for a pair of cleats, a new baseball cap to shield the sun, some legwarmers for the dancer, a jump rope for the young one.

The Toddler

Still have a young one? Fill it up with books of their favourite characters. Choose board books, filled with their current TV and movie stars that they know and love. Add some stickers, a puzzle, and a DVD to bring it altogether.

The Kitchen Chef

Have a kid who loves to help out in the kitchen? Get them an apron, a few kid-friendly tools, and a recipe book designed specifically for them. Look for bright colours, comfortable grips and smaller sizes designed specifically for them.

The Teenager

So they are getting a little old for presents… right? Wrong. All kids, no matter the age, love a basket filled with some goodies! Through in a gift card to Starbucks or iTunes, add a cool pair of socks, a magazine, and something else they love: a book for the bookworm, a baseball for the slugger, and a blu-ray for the film lover.

Whatever you choose, don’t deny your kids of the delicious treats… Just fill it out with some great options that’ll last a lot longer than their sugar high.

How to Buy

When you’re buying asparagus, choose firm stalks that are bright green in color with tight tips and moist, not dried out, ends.

How to Store

Though it is best eaten fresh, store it in the refrigerator standing in an upright position in a container of water. Cover with a plastic bag.

How to Prep

After purchasing your asparagus, use a vegetable peeler to peel and trim fat spears. To do this, lay a spear on a flat surface. Hold the tip of the stalk and starting from about an inch below the tip, peel the thin skin from the speak. Trim off the end with a knife.

How to Steam

If you want a simple, steamed dish, and love your asparagus, consider investing in a tall, narrow asparagus pot with a basket. To steam in here, add about 2 inches of water to the pot and bring to a low boil. Use kitchen twine to tie together the peeled and trimmed asparagus into a loose bundle. Put it in the basket, then place the basket in the pot. Cover and steam until tender, about 5 minutes. Remove the basket and cover until serving. If you don’t have an asparagus pot, lay the stalks in a colander or steamer and put it over a pot of boiling water. Cover and steam until tender, about 5 minutes.

How to Boil

To boil the spears instead, fill a deep skillet with water. Add a generous portion of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the peeled and trimmed asparagus to the skillet. Boil under tender, about 5 minutes. Remove the spears from the water with a slotted spatula or tongs, and drain on a clean kitchen towel. Keep warm until serving.

Chilled Asparagus and Kale Soup

This soup is easy to prepare with minimal ingredients, so be sure to choose in-season asparagus for the best flavor. 

Serves 4 to 6

Inspired by a love for modernity and sleek sophistication, GUNAS is owned by designer Sugandh. With a goal to use her knowledge as an industrial designer to create a line of totes that consciously fused luxury aesthetics with eco-friendly philosophies, she met and exceeded this potential since her launch in 2009.

Hey collection contains beautifully crafted  mens and womens vegan-approved wallets, clutches, messengers, totes and duffels with custom hardware, seductive structure, and lightweight construction. This progressive luxury lifestyle brand is bold and edgy, making a statement for those who want to differentiate themselves in a crowd. These bags are individually handcrafted in socially responsible factories around the globe.

Check out these stats:

Our friends at the Rainforest Alliance is pleased to announce new commitments and product launches from five companies: Clif Bar, Dagoba Organic Chocolate, NibMor, The Republic of Tea and Yogi Tea.

This  highlights continued growth in sustainable sourcing and growing recognition of the Rainforest Alliance Certified green frog seal as a global symbol of sustainability.

From the Rainforest Alliance:

New Product Launches Signify Continued Growth in Sustainable Sourcing at Expo West

The Natural Products Expo West — the nation’s largest trade show in natural, organic and healthy products — kicks off this week, and this year’s exhibit features numerous product launches from companies committed to sourcing sustainably from Rainforest Alliance CertifiedTM farms. The Rainforest Alliance is seeing an increasing number of companies make serious commitments to sustainability, and five companies will highlight their new commitments and product launches at this year’s Expo.

“Expo West is the go-to show for the natural foods industry and provides an important venue for companies to highlight social, environmental and economic responsibility,” said Alex Morgan, senior manager of sustainable agriculture at the Rainforest Alliance. “These new commitments and product launches reflect the growing recognition of the Rainforest Alliance Certified green frog seal as a global symbol of sustainability, with 500 new companies registering to buy or sell certified products in 2011.”

Clif Bar & Company announced that 100 percent of cocoa ingredients for CLIF Bar will be sourced from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms, making the energy bar line the first in its category to commit to certification for all of its cocoa-based ingredients. CLIF Bar energy bars carrying the Rainforest Alliance Certified seal on packaging will be available in 2013.

Dagoba® Organic Chocolate announced that its complete line of USDA Certified organic chocolate products will be made with cocoa beans from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms. By mid-year consumers will be able to purchase Dagoba Organic Chocolate products that bear the Rainforest Alliance Certified seal.

NibMor announced that it will expand its current offering of chocolates made with Rainforest Alliance Certified cocoa, with the addition of Daily Dose of Dark — small chocolate squares made with 72 percent cocoa, perfect for snacking anytime.

The Republic of Tea announced the launch of a new ”Be Active Teas” collection, including five organic green rooibos-based teas — Get Restored, Get Hydrated, Get Limber, Get Burning, and Get Active. Each tea is blended with organic green rooibos, sourced from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms. The Republic of Tea also launched a collection of “Green Rooibos Teas” made with rooibos from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms.

Yogi Tea announced the launch of three new teas made with organic rooibos from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms — Soothing Caramel Bedtime, Caramel Apple Spice Snack Tea and Honey Lavender Stress Relief. Consumers can spot the Rainforest Alliance Certified green frog seal on the front of packaging.

Other companies already working with the Rainforest Alliance and exhibiting at Expo West include Endangered Species Chocolate, Naked Juice, Back to Nature, Seth Ellis and Justin’s Nut Butter.

The Rainforest Alliance works with people whose livelihoods depend on the land, helping them transform the way they grow food, harvest wood and host travellers. From large multinational corporations to small, community-based cooperatives, businesses and consumers worldwide are involved in the Rainforest Alliance’s efforts to bring responsibly produced goods and services to a global marketplace where the demand for sustainability is growing steadily. For more information, visit www.rainforest-alliance.org.

Recently the federal government has approved a Glacier Discovery Walk in Jasper National Park, which has raised concerns that the increased tourism will impact the Columbia Icefield. The main attraction, the Athabasca Glacier, is the walk’s main attraction and already the most visited glacier in North America. Unfortunately, it has been deteriorating at an accelerated pace because of global warming.

This is the case for many other natural resources that aren’t just losing the battle to climate change, but also under thread from tourism and development as well.

Here are some key locations to note:

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

These volcanic islands off the coast of Ecuador are found in the Pacific Ocean. Known for their richness in biodiversity,  hundreds of species of plant and animal life found on the islands exist only here. But with over 150,000 visitors per year, the species are all under increasing threat. Furthermore, the introduction of new species to the islands causes additional threats to the wildlife and plant life that currently exist there.

Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo

Known for its population of mountain gorillas, this 7,800-square-kilometre park is Africa’s oldest national park,and includes mountains, icefields, savannas, swamps, and active volcanoes. The different habitats and wildlife throughout the park, including the less than 800 mountain gorillas that still exist there, have been damaged by the civil war, poachers, and foresters. Though these affects should be minimized, they are all still in full force, whether its current affects or terrible aftermath.

Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System

Because of the area’s unparalleled beauty, tens of thousands of visitors come to this coastal area each year. Here they will find the largest barrier reef in the northern hemisphere (second largest in the world), along with mangrove forests, sand cays, coastal lagoons and coral islands. It extends almost 300 kilometres from the Belize-Mexico border south and is divided into seven marine reserves and national parks. There is a large variety of plant and marine life here, including endangered species such as the marine turtle, manatee and the American crocodile.

Great Barrier Reef, Australia

This 2,000-kilometre reef is the largest in the world, with hundreds of species of marine life living here. Located off the coast of Queensland state, it includes  many types of hard and soft coral, along with six of the world’s seven threatened species of marine turtle. Because of the agricultural and mining runoff that drains into the ocean, the reef is under constant threat.

Dead Sea

The Dead Sea, located between Israel and Jordan, is filled with mineral-rich waters of that draw in many international tourists for the unique ability to float easily on the water.  Its surface is 417 metres below sea level and the lowest place on earth and a huge tourist destination. However, it isn’t the numerous hotels, resorts, and visitors that cause the issue. Instead,  there is a decrease in the water levels in recent years due to nearby mining operations and water consumption from the rivers upstream.

Machu Pichu, Peru

Machu Pichu is one of the most important archeological and cultural sites in Latin America, and a tourist destination. The beauty is found in these ruins of an ancient city of the Inca empire, which is located 2,430 metres above sea level in a tropical mountain forest in the Peruvian Andes. It is noted as an endangered location because of the threat from a continually increased  urban development, tourism and neglect.

Though the event itself is private, there will be an online auction starting on March 19th and lasting until March 29th so we can all get involved.

This includes a video contest on their Facebook page, and what do the winners get? An awesome prize: admission for two to the Green Auction itself!

For the past two years, the Green Auction has raised nearly $5 million for its environmental beneficiaries, and we can only imagine what this year will bring.

Christie’s International is the world’s leading art business. The event, the third annual Green Auction: BID to Save the Earth will occur at Rockefeller Center on April 11, 2012–just two weeks before one of our favorite times of year: Earth Day!

The public portion includes an online auction. Lasting from March 29 to April 19th, The Green Auction is a borderless collaboration of individuals, organizations, and businesses who are engaged, in spirit and action, in the protection and conservation of the environment.  Since 2010, the event has raised funds for  four of the world’s leading environmental nonprofits – Oceana, Conservation International (CI), Central Park Conservancy (CPC), and Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC).

“Christie’s is delighted to again host the Green Auction:  BID to Save the Earth – fulfilling our commitment to help raise crucial funds and awareness for the preservation of our planet’s precious resources,” said Steven P. Murphy, Chief Executive Officer of Christie’s International in a press release.  “By partnering with four globally renowned and respected not-for-profits, we are honored to help serve as a catalyst in such an endearing effort.”

The 2012 Green Auction will be supported by JW Marriott, co-chaired by Graydon and Anna Carter, James R.  Hedges IV, François-Henri Pinault and Salma Hayek, and David and Susan Rockefeller, and include a live musical performance by Grace Potter of Grace Potter & the Nocturnals, in addition to visits from  New York’s most influential environmentalists, celebrities and philanthropists.

In the past, the live auction portion has included big prizes such as spending a day with the president, attending the Oscars, and going to fashion shows in Paris.

The online auction part includes hundreds of once-in-a-lifetime packages spanning the worlds of entertainment, fashion, travel, art and more to the lineup, accessible to anyone in the world via http://www.Charitybuzz.com/BidtoSavetheEarth.  Some of this year’s highlights include  a Mercedes Benz Fashion Week experience; a one-week paid Global Marketing & Communications internship with DKNY; a five-night stay in an over-beach villa in the Maldives; a Girard-Perregaux watch and more!

This year’s theme is focused on water, as each organization promotes it as a source of life, and preserving it is key.  The goal of the Green Auction is to raise awareness and funds for the large-scale earth-saving initiatives programmed by each non-profit, as well as to demonstrate how easy it can be to act green in everyday routines.

“Our ocean waters, which cover 70% of this blue planet, are hovering on the brink of an irreversible collapse, with 90% of the ocean’s big fish gone,” said Andrew Sharpless, Chief Executive Officer of Oceana in a press release.  “This means an irreplaceable source of food and protein for over a billion people today – and potentially billions more in the future.  Luckily, history and science show us that our oceans can rebound if we put in place and enforce sensible policies.”

“Clean and plentiful water is our most precious resource, and we need to treat it as such,” said Frances Beinecke, President of the Natural Resources Defense Council. “As we enter the 21st century, swelling demand and changing climate patterns are draining rivers and aquifers, and pollution is threatening the quality of what remains. We need to start implementing smart water solutions today, to ensure we’re sustaining, not wasting, this invaluable resource.”

“Central Park is home to 150 acres of water bodies, and water conservation is an important part of the Conservancy’s history of successful Park restoration,” adds Doug Blonsky, President of the Central Park Conservancy.  “We’re more conscientious about how we use water than ever before – and whether you live in or outside of New York City, there are easy, cost-efficient changes that anyone can adopt to help save our planet.”

“Human beings have always had a strong tie to water, as most of the world’s global population lives near a body of water,” said Dr. Greg Stone, Senior vice-president and chief scientist for oceans at Conservation International. “The oceans in particular provide us with irreplaceable benefits; improving their health will be imperative as we prepare to provide for 9 billion people, up from the current 7 billion, on Earth by the middle of this century.”

In addition to these efforts, Christie’s has launched the “BID to Save the Earth” campaign.  Since early February, users can visit Facebook.com/ABid toSavetheEarth to enter the “My BID to Save the Earth” video contest. The winners will receive admission for two to the exciting event.  They can also follow @bid2saveearth on Twitter for exclusive announcements and updates, and to tweet with the hashtag #Bid2SaveEarth for sharing easy tips on keeping green.

To date, the Green Auction has successfully raised nearly $5 million for its four beneficiaries. For additional information on the LIVE and online auctions, visit http://www.bidtosavetheearth.org/.

Visit them on Facebook, Twitter, and at www.bidtosavetheearth.org.

Here are some tips, ideas, and places to go for a more sustainable spring break.

Just save some money

Even budget travel is a better idea than going all out on a vacation that you don’t need. Although some vacations can be inevitably expensive at the purchase point, there are lots of ways to save money once you’re there enjoying the beach, exhibits, or local culture. Consider renting a villa, ask for discounts, check out free tourism, or volunteer.

Look for eco-friendly tourist options

If you’re planning on heading over to Victoria, British Columbia for a getaway, be sure to get in some whale watching. Eagle Wing Tours offers eco-friendly whale watching, an experience that you’ll never forget. Read more here: Victoria, BC whale watching.

Choose an eco-friendly destination

If you can’t prevent carbon emissions in other ways, consider just finding an eco-friendly spring break destination, which will help put a dent in your environmental impact. This might be as simple as going to a place rich in local culture, where you can support their own initiatives, renting from a homestay, or helping promote local events.

For an all-inclusive trip

For those that like to still travel with a little style and luxury, there are many eco-inspired full resorts that can cater to your needs. These getaways have all the luxury and beauty that smarmy spas and lodges do, but without the impact. Check out our top ten eco-resorts here.

Go for carbon offsets

Once you’ve bought your plane tickets, thick of the carbon offsets to help minimize the carbon dioxide outputs you will be generating. You can calculate your total by plugging it into the Carbon Neutral Calculator from CarbonNeutral flights. For example, if two of you are travelling from JFK in New York to the Santo Domingo for a warm getaway, and opting for economy class, you’ll be emitting 1.19 tonnes of carbon dioxide! Calculate your carbon emissions here. Most airlines carbon offsets with the purchase of a ticket, including Continental Airlines, Delta Airlines, Virgin Atlantic and British Airways, as well as travel sites like Expedia and Travelocity.

Take a Road Trip

If you have nothing planned and set in stone, consider hitting the open road. Plan to stay with friends or family, pack the car with everything you need, and, if you can, rent a hybrid car to help offset the emissions and gas you’ll be guzzling. You’ll also save some serious cash, too.

Volunteer vacations

Opting to volunteer while seeing the world is not only a more sustainable way to travel, but a unique look at the world through new eyes.  GoEco, for example, is a company that can easily make this happen. Created by volunteers, they strive to help those who are interested in traveling, as well as giving back to the communities, wildlife, and environments at their destination. Most colleges also organize volunteer opportunities, such as through organizations like  Habitat for Humanity, or with local community groups painting schools, planting trees, or engaging in another worthwhile green activity. Read more ideas here.

Check out the green rating

Eco Hotels of the World provides a much-needed resource dedicated to showcasing the most environmentally-friendly hotels in the world. This free online guide includes a  list of hotels that are specifically selected by their editors to ensure they meet their standards for eco-friendliness. If they aren’t exactly what you are looking for, stay with the locals in hostels and small housing and support the local community. The Green Hotels Association also outlines sustainability criteria that hotels must meet to make it on their list.

SIGG, in conjunction with Talenthouse, is looking for artists, design lovers, and SIGG fans to develop and create an original graphic for the chance to have it produced, sold, and brought into SIGG’s 2012 Collection.

SIGG bottles are designed and manufactured from a single piece of pure aluminum, giving them a uniform, seamless construction. They have a solvent-free, eco-friendly powder-based coating on the exterior of the bottle, are reusable, and are 100 percent recyclable. Visit mysigg.com to learn more.

Every year, SIGG launches a new collection of SIGG bottles, featuring many unique designs. Now, SIGG is inviting folks with a creative gene to submit their imaginative design (using the provided template) for the chance to have it produced on a limited edition SIGG bottle. Artists have complete control. There are no boundaries.

Anyone who submits a design will have theirs displayed online, and then the public will vote for their favorite. SIGG and guest judge Sarah Backhouse will choose a winning design in each bottle category and announce them three days before Earth Day 2012.

Three winning designs (as selected by SIGG and guest judge Sarah Backhouse) will each be produced on one of three sizes (.4 liter; .6 liter; 1 liter) of a limited edition bottle of SIGG which will be distributed and sold in U.S. retail stores and on SIGG’s official website. These three winners will also receive:

The Sustainable Spices Initiative (SSI) has a goal to transform the mainstream spice industry into a more sustainable market, which in turn will secure future sourcing, as well boost economic growth in producing countries.

Founded by four leading players in the Dutch spices market – Euroma, Intertaste, Verstegen and Unispices, along with McCormick, Unilever and Nedspice, the group aims to, by the end of 2012, have a globally accepted mainstream sustainability standard for spices finalized. And by 2015, their goal is to have 20% of all black and white pepper imported  in the European Union from Indonesia and Vietnam produced against this sustainable spice standard.

And today, our friends at the Rainforest Alliance have teamed up with them.

Rainforest Alliance Spices up Sustainability with New Standard

The Rainforest Alliance today announced that it has teamed up with the Sustainable Spices Initiative (SSI) to develop new standards for sustainable spice production, in accordance with Sustainable Agriculture Network (SAN) standards. SSI is the first major program to address sustainability in the production of spices and this announcement marks the 11^th World Spice Congress in Pune, India.

Founded by the Sustainable Trade Initiative (IDH) and four leading players in the Dutch spice market, this major spice program will aim to implement SAN standards to the production of 34 different types of culinary spices. These standards will address key issues in the production of spices, including loss of biodiversity, heavy use of agrochemicals and poor conditions for workers — problems which plague the production of spices globally.

“We’re delighted that the leading spice companies have recognized the value of the SAN standards for building sustainability in the industry,” said Chris Wille, chief of sustainable agriculture at the Rainforest Alliance. “Through our network of local partners in the main producing countries, we will adapt and develop the standards to ensure the economic, social and environmental management aspects of how spices are produced are sustainable.”

The first phase of the project, which will run from 2012-2015, will focus on seven spices: pepper, chili, ginger, turmeric, vanilla, clove and cassia. The four production countries for the first phase will include: Vietnam, India, Indonesia and Madagascar. It is expected that the Rainforest Alliance will complete the standard for pepper by the end of 2012.

Current practices in the production of spices are having an adverse effect on the environment. Through the adoption of the SAN standards, an array of areas will be addressed including: soil and water conservation; the protection of wildlife and forests; responsible waste management; and the prohibition of dangerous pesticides and genetically modified organisms.

Additionally, the SAN standards encompass a range of worker protection issues identified by the International Labour Organization, including the right to organize; the right to a safe, clean working environment; the right to be paid at least the national minimum wage; the right to dignified housing (including potable water); access to medical care for workers and their families; and access to free education for children. Farmers who work with the Rainforest Alliance also learn to increase productivity and control costs, often producing higher quality crops that can earn a better market price.

“We have found that farmers engaged in the Rainforest Alliance program learn how to grow smart, increasing their bottom line today and conserving the fertile soils and natural resources on which their children will depend,” said Eric Servat, manager of the cocoa program at the Rainforest Alliance. “This ambitious project will help farmers in the four production countries achieve this, and will also make the Rainforest Alliance a major player in the certification of spices.”

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The Rainforest Alliance works with people whose livelihoods depend on the land, helping them transform the way they grow food, harvest wood and host travelers. From large multinational corporations to small, community-based cooperatives, businesses and consumers worldwide are involved in the Rainforest Alliance’s efforts to bring responsibly produced goods and services to a global marketplace where the demand for sustainability is growing steadily. For more information, visit www.rainforest-alliance.org.

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The Sustainable Spices Initiative was founded in 2010 by The Sustainable Trade Initiative (IDH) and four leading players in the Dutch spice market – Euroma, Intertaste, Verstegen and Unispices. In January 2011 Unilever and Nedspice joined the consortium, followed later that year by McCormick. Societal organisations that have committed to SSI are the Royal Tropical Institute (KIT), Both Ends and Cordaid. The SSI is open to additional players in the spices industry and to stakeholders in the four selected producing countries.

www.sustainablespicesinitiative.com.

Pancakes are definitely a delicious food, and the association with pancakes and Shrove Tuesday primarily stems from the fact that the foods they are made from are restricted during the fasting that is associated with lent.

Here are some of our favorite sweet pancakes–vegan style–with lots of different combinations, perfect for any time of day. Serve with maple syrup, toasted nuts, and lots of fresh fruit.

To make vegan “buttermilk”, put 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a measuring cup. Fill with remaining nondairy milk for the amount you need in total. Let sit for 5 minutes until curdled.

Before cooking, let batter sit for 10 minutes. If it gets too thick, add a bit of additional nondairy milk.

For more vegan pancake recipes, read here.

Sweet Potato Pancakes

2 cups whole grain flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
2 tablespoons unrefined cane sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 cups nondairy milk
1 tablespoon nondairy margarine, melted
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 sweet potato, cooked, peeled, and pureed

Mix together the flour, baking powder, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Separately, mix together the milk, margarine, applesauce, and sweet potato. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix well, until smooth. Use additional nondairy margarine to coat a nonstick skillet. Bring to medium high heat. Add scoopfuls of the batter, and cook until bubbles start to form on the surface. Gently flip the pancake and cook until golden brown.

Blackberry Cornmeal Pancakes

1 cup coarse cornmeal
1 cup whole grain flour
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
3 tablespoons unrefined cane sugar
Pinch salt
1 2/3 cup vegan “buttermilk”
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons nondairy margarine, melted
6 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce
3/4 cup fresh blackberries

Mix together the cornmeal, flour, cornstarch, cinnamon, baking soda, sugar, and salt. Separately, mix together the buttermilk, vanilla, margarine, and applesauce. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix well, until smooth. Stir in the blackberries. Use additional nondairy margarine to coat a nonstick skillet. Bring to medium high heat. Add scoopfuls of the batter, and cook until bubbles start to form on the surface. Gently flip the pancake and cook until golden brown.

Peanut Butter and Jam Pancakes

2 cups whole grain flour
1 1/2 tablespoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons unrefined cane sugar
1/2 cup applesauce
2 1/4 cups vegan “buttermilk”
1 cup melted creamy, natural peanut butter
1/4 cup melted coconut oil

Mix together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Separately, mix together the applesauce, buttermilk, peanut butter, and oil. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix well, until smooth. Stir in the blackberries. Use nondairy margarine to coat a nonstick skillet. Bring to medium high heat. Add scoopfuls of the batter, and cook until bubbles start to form on the surface. Gently flip the pancake and cook until golden brown.

Chocolate Chip Pancakes

1 1/4 cups whole grain flour
3 tablespoons unrefined cane sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup nondairy milk
1/2 cup applesauce
3 tablespoons nondairy margarine
1/2 cup miniature semi-sweet chocolate chips

Mix together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Separately, mix together the applesauce, milk, and nondairy margarine. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix well, until smooth.  Stir in the chocolate chips. Use nondairy margarine to coat a nonstick skillet. Bring to medium high heat. Add scoopfuls of the batter, and cook until bubbles start to form on the surface. Gently flip the pancake and cook until golden brown.

Apple Walnut Pancakes

1 1/2 cups whole-wheat four
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 3/4 cups vegan “buttermilk”
1/2 cup applesauce
1 tablespoon agave nectar or maple syrup
1 medium apple, diced
1/2 cup toasted walnuts, chopped

Mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Separately, mix together the applesauce, “buttermilk”, and agave nectar or maple syrup. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix well, until smooth. Stir in the apple and walnuts.  Use nondairy margarine to coat a nonstick skillet. Bring to medium high heat. Add scoopfuls of the batter, and cook until bubbles start to form on the surface. Gently flip the pancake and cook until golden brown.

Blueberry Vanilla Pancakes

2 cups whole grain flour1/4 cup unrefined cane sugar
2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup applesauce
2 cups vegan “buttermilk”
1/4 cup nondairy margarine, melted
1 cup blueberries, fresh or frozen

Mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Separately, mix together the applesauce, “buttermilk”, and margarine. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix well, until smooth. Stir in blueberries.  Use nondairy margarine to coat a nonstick skillet. Bring to medium high heat. Add scoopfuls of the batter, and cook until bubbles start to form on the surface. Gently flip the pancake and cook until golden brown.

Image: universitychristianchurch.org

A recent study by Yale researchers have looked at the evolutionary history of Antarctic fish. These fish house “anti-freeze” proteins, which, as their name suggests, are impervious to freezing in the, well, freezing waters. Millions and millions of years ago, these fish adapted to the polar conditions; however, today they are endangered because of the rapid rise in ocean temperatures.

Thomas Near, the associate professor of ecology and evolutionary biology, as well as the lead author of the study, explains that the rise of 2 degrees centigrade of water temperature will “likely have a devastating impact on this Antarctic fish lineage, which is so well adapted to water at freezing temperatures.”

These fish have successfully been developed and diversified into a hundred species of different fish. Collectively called the notothenioids, they adapted through the years to their different habitats in order to thrive. Millions of years ago, the rapid cooling led to a mass extinction of the fish that were living in and accustomed to the warmer waters. However, the acquisition of these ” anti-freeze” glycoproteins allowed the notothenioids to be able to survive in waters that were home to these frigid temperatures. Over the years, the notothenioids adapted to the different open ecological niches, and soon, as evolution dictates, there were new species of notothenioids that came to fruition, and soon were a part of the regular marine life living within the waters of Antarctica.

Notothenioids are the main species of the fish that are found to have thrived through this lineage. They are also a major food source for larger predators, such as whales, seals, and penguins. There are other species of fish as well, that are an example of the changes and difference of lineage that have been determined by the temperature of the water and environment that they live in.

The new study suggests that although the notothenioids had the ability to gather these anti-freeze glycoproteins about 42 million years ago, this was not the only reason that the notothenioids were able to successfully adapt to their Antarctic surroundings. In fact, the largest amount of the notothenioids fish species falling into new habitats began to occur about 10 million years following the first appearance of the anti-free glycoproteins, which is what the study has discovered.

Interestingly, it was also as a trigger instead. “The evolution of antifreeze was often thought of as a ‘smoking gun,’ triggering the diversification of these fishes, but we found evidence that this adaptive radiation is not linked to a single trait, but to a combination of factors,” Near explained in the study.

The problem is that the success seen here from evolution and the natural state is threatened by the climate change, especially in Antarctica and the other areas in the Southern Ocean, primarily because this is one of the fastest-warming regions on the Earth. These same traits that allowed the fish to be able to survive and live in the rapidly cooling earth have made them particularly vulnerable to the issues in the earth that is warming. The study explains that since they were so able to adapt to the strong polar conditions, they have an opposite ability to acclimate to the warmer water temperatures. Because of this, climate change could devastate and wipe out this lineage of fish, which have offered a uniqueness in evolutionary history. Furthermore, it will provide lack of a food source for the whales, seals, and penguins

The study published online this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

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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