Earth Hour - March 28th - Join The World

In 2009, at 8.30pm on March 28, people around the world will turn their lights off for one hour - Earth Hour. We're aiming to reach one billion people, more than 1000 cities, all joining together in a global effort to show that its possible to take action on global warming.

This event is part of WWF's international campaign to convince governments across the world to agree a strong global deal to tackle climate change, when they meet at the UN climate summit in Copenhagen, in December 2009.

A two degree rise in average global surface temperature will have severe social, economic and environmental impacts: 3.1 billion people will suffer serious water shortages; 180 million people will be affected by sea level rise; and approximately 25% of species extinct in present habitat. The world's leading climate scientists believe that we must reduce greenhouse gas pollution by 25%-40% below 1990 levels if we are to avoid the worst impacts of climate change.

Earth Hour provides a united global message to every individual, every business and every community that climate change affects us all and to take responsibility in working towards a sustainable future.

Join us for Earth Hour 2009, turn off your lights at 8.30pm Saturday 28 March and sign-up here at earthhour.org/Australia

Earth Hour is a message of hope and a message of action. Everyone can make a difference.

Above taken from WWF-Australia's website. For more info, please go to www.earthhour.org.

Time Change - Spring Forward - Move Forward

Yep, it's time again to change all of our clocks. I must admit that this activity has always been an annoyance to me; going to every timepiece in the house, vehicles, workplace, wristwatches, etc., and changing the time on every solitary one of them. Honestly, if it wouldn't affect me on a daily basis, I probably would just ignore the whole process for as long as possible. Yet, without taking personal responsibility to complete this process twice a year, my life could be negatively affected in countless ways.

The same holds true with making relatively small, appearing insignificant changes in our daily activities. Changes that could make a positive impact on the environment and our quality of life. How many minor changes can we make in our lives that actually cost us very little, financially, emotionally, physically, and make a positive impact on the planet? That's the primary purpose for this blog, sharing ways to take better care of ourselves and our planet.

So today, I wanted to show you a product that I personally have not yet tried. It's called the ecobutton™, and it reminds me a lot of the Smart Strip. Essentially, this button helps you save electricity, every time your computer is going to be left idle. And, if you're reading this blog entry right now, there's a 99% chance that you're sitting at a computer reading it. So, this little gadget could be great for you to use!

The ecobutton™ is illuminated and sits on your table/desk top next to your keyboard. It connects to your computer via a USB cable. There's also an additional bonus, each time your computer is put into 'ecomode' the clever ecobutton™ software records how many carbon units and how much power and money you have saved by using the ecobutton™.

If, this is an resource you choose to try in your small steps to be more environmentally conscious, please post a comment on how you like it. Please consider taking a small step forward in making positive changes for our planet. And don't forget, Sunday, March 8th, Daylight Savings Time takes place. SPRING FORWARD ONE HOUR !

Lights On - Lights Off

Watch this Mythbusters video that tests whether or not we should turn the lights off, everytime we leave the room, or leave them on.

P.S. The results are good for us and for our planet. !!

Greening Up Inside & Out

As my husband and I continue on our quest to making more conscientous choices that positively affect the environment, we are also focusing on greening up our diet. Although, we realize that we have a LONG, LONG way to go, I do believe we're on the right track. YES..YES..YES !!! It's all that stuff that we already know, shopping the perimeter of the grocery store, eating natural, organic, raw, food, etc.

But also to be taken into consideration, is the addition of vitamins and supplements, into ones health maintenance program. I think that it's pretty much common knowledge that even raw and natural foods today, don't provide enough of the nutrients that our bodies were designed to use. The choices for alternative health products are so numerous, that I'm sure many folks just don't know where to start. I too, had this dilemna a couple of years ago, when I felt that my physical health was getting pretty bad.

Back then, it seemed like I was ALWAYS feeling exhausted and tired, no matter how much rest I got, or how calm of a place my life was in, at that time. So, I began to read books, research on-line, and watch programs that focused on natural health. I learned some basics about what defined a "good" vitamin or supplement, and began to purchase some of them on line and from a local health food store.

I started out by adding soy into my diet, probiotics and prebiotics, fish oil, and other vitamins and supplements. Over a period of time, I began to feel a little more energy and less fatigued, but was still seeking more information to improve my overall health.

Then, in April 2007, I stumbled upon Shaklee, when they were featured on Oprah's Earth Day program. I went online to research Shaklee and their green cleaning products, and discovered they are the #1 natural nutrition company in the U.S. I did some serious homework on Shaklee, printing off their product labels and comparing them to the products that I was currently taking. I also researched their quality control and products standards. Ultimately, I made a decision to try the Shaklee natural vitamins and supplements, and haven't looked back since!

Since adding the natural vitamins and supplements that Shaklee offers into my daily regime, my health has improved tenfold. My previous issues with fatigue, memory loss, and overall mental attitude, have improved drastically. I work a full-time job, as well as a part-time home based business. There's a lot of commuting between the two occupations and of course, a loving husband to spend time with.

Today, February 2009, I feel more empowered in making positive life choices for myself, my family and the planet. I realize that the quest continues, but I'm going to enjoy the journey along the way....AND FEEL BETTER WHILE DOING IT !!

A Wine & Chocolate Affaire & Bazaar

For those living in the Treasure Valley area of Idaho and Eastern Oregon, don't miss the 6th annual, A Wine & Chocolate Affaire & Bazaar. It will be on Valentine's Day, from 1pm to 4pm, at the Four Rivers Cultural Center, in Ontario, Oregon.

For those looking for a little afternoon outing with friend or loved one, this is an awesome venue. Upon entry at the door (tax deductible admission), you will find numerous vendors displaying their wares. And, of course, just as the event's name infers; Wine & Chocolate to delight in.

Tickets will be $10.00 per person at the door, but are 2 tickets for $10.00, if purchased in advance. Proceeds from this benefit will go to Love INC and Rose Advocates.

This is an annual fund raising event for the Soroptomists International of Snake River Valley. For more information, contact Norma Olson at 208/642-3819, or contact me via this blog.

Resveratrol - Slowing Down Our Clock

Living longer, healthier and productive lives is what everyone wants. And, we all know that the foods we eat, the exercise we get, and the situations and emotions that we allow ourselves to be exposed to, have a significant affect on our health and quality of life. We know that you really can't turn back the clock, but researchers now believe they've found a way to slow it down.

The amazing discovery relates back to the "French Paradox" and the drinking of red wine. From red wine, and specifically the muscadine grape, comes a product known as Resveratrol. Resveratrol has been tested and proven that when used in high concentrations, it will fight age related illnesses, AT A CELLULAR LEVEL.

Here are the key mechanisms of cellular aging:

1 - DNA Damage: Every day, every cell in your body is bombarded by up to a million DNA-damaging assaults. These assaults can damage the cell's genetic database, creating a "typo" that may compromise cell function and longevity.

2 - Genetic Regulators: Genetic regulators contribute to age-related cellular deterioration.

3 - Declining Cellular Energy Production: Mitochondria is our cells creates energy we can't live without. As mitochondrial efficiency decreases, cell function declines.

4 - Accumulation of AGE proteins: Excess accumulation of Advanced Glycation End products (AG) can cause cellular damage that can compromise cell integrity and longevity.

New clinical tests have shown that using resveratrol based products, can markedly reduce cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer's disease. Most of these tests have been to animals, but are now moving into human trials, and specifically focusing first on cancer patients.

Last night, 60 Minutes aired a story about this amazing substance, resveratrol. The episode focuses around a pill that is in the testing phases in the pharmaceutical world. But, what wasn't mentioned in the 60 Minutes story about resveratrol, is that there is already a natural resveratrol product on the market that doesn't require a prescription, and is 10 times more powerful than resveratrol alone. It's called Vivix, and it has undergone numerous tests and research already.

The all-natural, patent pending product, is exclusive to Shaklee. One of the Dr's interviewed in the 60 Minutes episode, is the resource that Shaklee used in obtaining the natural version of this anti-aging wonder drug. Shaklee has taken the super polyphenols from a "Super Grape", known as Vitis rotundifolia. This is the only grape found in nature with an extra chromosome, which scientists believe greatly enhances its polyphenol profile and potential health benefits.

So, while the drug companies are out there researching and developing a synthetic version of Resveratrol, we really don't have wait for a pharmaceutical product, nor rely on a pill, when there's already an all-natural anti-aging extract available. We can enjoy all the benefits with just one teaspoon a day, right now! Viva La Vivix!

CPSIA Could Bankrupt Small Businesses

In an valiant attempt to protect our children, the government passed the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), in August 2008. CPSIA's intent is to protect children from lead exposure in the products they come into daily contact with.

We've all heard about lead in paint, toys, etc, especially from toys manufactured in China, but the threat is an issue in products made throughout the world. So, in an effort to make some enforceable guidelines to battle this health issue, we now have CPSIA.

ONE BIG PROBLEM THOUGH....the government didn't think this one out well enough. (Imagine that).The regulations in the Act will include products that were manufactured and placed on the shelves prior to CPSIA going into effect, which is February 10, 2009. That means that all, "in inventory" products, such as new or used children's books, children's items in a thrift store, bicycles, children's clothing, etc, will all have to comply with CPSIA. Basically, any retailer that has products in their inventory, that include products focused to children ages 12 and under, must comply with CPSIA. It will be illegal to sell or give these items away to charities, and the government will require their destruction or permanent disposal. Gosh, I wonder what that's going to do to our landfills?

There are costly tests that resalers will be required to complete, to certify the product's safety, in order to keep it on their shelves. Of course, the resalers will be responsible for any expenses incurred, to certify the product's safety. A small manufacturer of children's clothing, recently priced out the manufacturing and testing expense, of a girl's skirt, keeping in compliance with CPSIA. What was a $40 skirt, would become over $15,000 retail. Check it out for yourself. As mentioned in a CNN article this month, the law makes no distinction between large-scale manufacturers, mom-and-pop businesses, and one-man operations. While large corporations may be able to easily absorb the costs of product testing, the price is potentially overwhelming for small businesses.

The organization, Change.org, has become actively involved in trying to get the word out about CPSIA. Obviously, the overall concept of CPSIA is a great one, but our Congress needs to review and amend the Act, prior to February 10, 2009. If they don't, the results could be catastrophic to small businesses throughout the globe. Please share your concerns with your local Congressman immediately. There's no time to waste on this one, as shown in the below video.



Also, here's a link the goverment's website, telling more about the Consumer Product Safety Protection Act.

Change Habits - Reduce Waste

No time...like the present, is a well-known saying, as well as: Why put off for tomorrow...what you can do today?, is another one. Well, today I'm sharing some no or low cost suggestions, that you can incorporate into your daily lifestyle. They have the potential of improving your health as well as planet's.

There's a large percentage of activities that we can do that are focused on reducing our carbon footprint on the planet, and that also can help us financially, physically and emotionally. An example would be to change the habit of driving to a restaurant or calling in a food order for delivery and instead, walking to a nearby restaurant on your lunch break.

How about changing your habit or creating one, by bringing your own "To-Go" containers, when dining out somewhere? What a great way to reduce the use of those styrofoam containers and such, that are detrimental to our planet's health.

Here's another, no-cost, in fact it's a cost-saver; of taking your own utensils from home to work and reusing them. This change of habit can have a trickle down effect, that probably measures quite high, on reducing the carbon footprint on the planet!

If, you'd like to see how the current resources you use, may be adversely affecting the planet, there's a great calculator through American Forests. There are also several other online resources to calculate your affect on the planet.

In the famous words of Martin Luther King, Jr: The time is always right to do what is right.

Biggest Loser Contest: Lose Weight - Gain Health

It's no secret. Being overweight has numerous side effects for anyone, both physically and mentally. And, a lot of the things that we eat not only are foods high in fat content etc, they also contain things that are believed to contributors to lung cancer and other serious diseases.

Recently, a published study on processed foods, provided some astonishing statistics about lung caner being associated to them. Processed foods contain inorganic phosphates which are used to improve a food's water retention and texture. Meats, processed cheeses, carbonated drinks, normally contain these phosphates.

Getting the weight off and going back to basics is the best way to lose weight and/or improve one's health. Shaklee has a patented weight-loss program that can help folks get started to better health and weight. And, for the first three months of 2009, they are also sponsoring a Biggest Loser Contest, with some seriously big cash prizes! The Cinch Inch-Loss Plan, could be the ticket to some health and wealth. Check out the website for yourself.

What's Your Body's Burden?

Sloan Barnett recently released a great book called Green Goes With Everything. On the website for her book, is a fun and easy interactive "body burden" test. Take the test and see how the "normal, everyday products" that you use around your home, can be potentially harmful to everyone in your household, including your unborn children.
Even, the infamous Environmental Working Group (EWG), refers to Sloan's book and this online tool, right on their home web page.

Publishers Weekly comments:
According to Barnett, the Green Editor for KNTV in San Francisco, human beings are saturating their bodies, their children's bodies and their homes with noxious waste, pathogens and carcinogens. Barnett recounts having her blood and urine tested to illustrate how toxins have deeply embedded themselves-her results show positive for bisphenol A (linked to birth defects and reproductive problems) and perchlorate (an active ingredient in rocket fuel found in contaminated food). The book is divided into seven clean-it-up chapters full of solid information and helpful tips aimed at greening different areas of your life, such as how to best filter household water. Barnett's well-written environmental call-to-arms is passionate and authoritative; her findings correlating childhood illnesses with ordinary-and highly toxic-cleaning supplies is alarming.(Sept)

An effective and reasonable alternative to the "normal, everyday products", being used in every type of structure, are Shaklee's cleaning products. Shaklee offers a 100% product satisfaction guarantee on all of their products. Their products are Safe, Powerful, Green & Smart!