Sunday, November 30, 2008

gDiapers



Ok, so I don't have any kids yet - but I am a proud new aunt! I met my nephew for the first time over the Thanksgiving holiday, and I am utterly in love with the little guy :) My brother and sister-in-law are very eco-conscious, even when determining which baby products to use. They thought this product might be of some interest to my readers, and I agree!

We all know that disposable diapers take up exorbitant amounts of space in landfills and that cloth diapers require tons of extra washes, but we don't all know about gDiapers (green diapers). These breathable, plastic-free diapers can be flushed, composted, or thrown out (they break down in 50-150 days). GDiapers consist of a washable, cotton outer "pant" and a plastic-free flushable diaper refill. They contain no elemental chlorine, perfumes, plastic, inks, dyes, or latex. If you are interested in purchasing or researching this product, visit: http://www.gdiapers.com/

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Neti Pot





It's that time of the year again when bacteria and viruses run rampant - the common cold, the flu, bronchitis, etc. are constant threats (especially when you work with kids like I do!). Instead of filling my body with chemicals to ward off sickness, I prefer to flush out impurities that might lead to sickness. Enter the "Nasal Cleansing Pot" - a.k.a. the "Neti Pot". Traditionally used as a purification ritual for practicing yoga, the Neti Pot can also be used simply to cleanse the nasal passages.
To use: fill the dishwasher safe, lead-free, ceramic pot with a saline solution of 1/4 teaspoon fine table salt dissolved in 1 cup of warm water. Tilt your head slightly forward and to one side so that your forehead is at the same level as your chin. Place the spout of the pot gently against your raised nostril and slowly pour in approximately half of the saline solution. The salt water will flush out your sinuses and come out from your lowered nostril. Be sure to breathe through your MOUTH during the cleansing process. When done, exhale gently through your nose to clear the nasal passages (preferably into a tissue or over the sink). Repeat with the other nostril.
If you're thinking it sounds pretty awful to pour salt water into your nose, let me assure you that it is not nearly as masochistic as it sounds. It is a little uncomfortable at first, but not at all painful if you make sure not to inhale the saline solution. This is a great way to remove excess mucous, clear your nostrils for easier breathing, reduce pollen or allergens, relieve nasal dryness, and to flush out any lingering germs.
Stay healthy!

Friday, November 21, 2008

Footprint Calculator

http://www.footprintnetwork.org/en/index.php/GFN/page/calculators/

This is a neat website that allows you to "find out your Ecological Footprint, discover your biggest areas of resource consumption, and learn what you can do to tread more lightly on the earth."

Tuesday, November 4, 2008