Eco-friendly and Healthy Things To Do for Spring

Spring is here and it is the perfect time to renew your home and garden with eco-friendly practices.

1. Buy a compost bin and begin to recycle household and garden waste for extra rich soil in your garden. Compost adds vital nutrients and microorganisms to the soil.


2. Use several inches of mulch on your garden instead of resorting to weed killers.

3. Buy organic seeds from Seeds of Change or other venues.

4. Spring Cleaning: unclutter your house to create a healthier indoor environment---minimizes dust and other allergens that collect on items and promotes easier cleaning.

5. Spring Cleaning: select natural and biodegradable cleaning products for your home. These are now readily available in health food stores, some grocery chains, and online stores.

6. Add solar lighting to your yard to save energy and provide an attractive addition to your organic yard.

7. Add recycling to your daily routine. Earth911 has a website that enables you to find a local recycling or reuse locations.


Eco-Living at Gaiam

Eco-Friendly Gifts for the Holidays

As all of us think about gifts for the upcoming holidays, it's also possible to think about using some of that money for ecologically-minded or environmental causes. Not only can you help a cause and feel good about your purchase, but also the recipient can appreciate the gift of supporting green causes.

Here are few of my favorite sources of eco-friendly gifts:

1. The World Wildlife Fund Gift Catalog
Support the crucial habitat of an endangered species by adopting a single animal, family of animals, or supporting research and the preservation of habitats. The recipient will receive a certificate explaining the purpose of the donation.

2. The Heifer International Gift Catalog
This catalog offers sustainable gifts of tree seedlings, livestock, honeybees, and other items for farming families and individuals in developing countries.

3. The Gaiam website for natural and organic products as well as sustainable gifts. Christmas ornaments from pine needles produced in Nicaragua with a living wage, recycled glass catchers, and more.

4. The NRDC Green Gift Giving Guide

A list of recommended green gifts--national park passes, solar radios, and more.

5. Local craft fairs and health food stores: buy locally-produced items as well as natural and healthy gifts. You can create your own gift baskets of natural soaps and local crafts.