by guest blogger Isaac Eliaz. Like so much in modern life, shampoos and hair care products often contain too many ingredients that were born on a chemist’s bench. These chemicals are absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream, and from there they can wreak havoc on organs, tissues, and cells. If we live anywhere near modern civilization, it’s pretty much impossible to avoid all exposure to harmful, health-robbing toxins. But we can make smarter choices about what we purchase, consume, and lather onto our bodies. Here’s a list of common chemical offenders found in many shampoos:
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Texas (South by Southwest Eco),
Here I Come!
I’ve always wanted to go to South by Southwest (or “SXSW.” as it’s known by insiders). And you all know me, I don’t really care about being seen or networking, I would just want to roam and rock out at the music part! So when I heard there was a new SXSW Eco, I was intrigued. And when they asked me to be on a panel, I said yes—especially because the panel topic is near and dear to my heart: the intersection between the environment and health.
How to Eat Vegetables
by guest blogger Maya Rodale. We all know we should eat our vegetables. But I realized something the other day: We don’t always know how. If you didn’t grow up experiencing food in different states of being, food can be mysterious and possibly scary. I know that potatoes come with dirt on them and it’s OK. I know that most fruits and vegetables can come in “weird” shapes—only because they grew next to a branch or something—and they’re still perfectly delicious.
Toxic Back-to-School Gear
by guest blogger Mike Schade. While millions of children across America returned to school this month, many parents were unaware that children’s back-to-school products currently on store shelves contain high levels of toxic chemicals called phthalates, used to soften vinyl plastic. These chemicals are so toxic they’ve been banned for use in toys in the United States because of adverse health effects like birth defects, asthma, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and diabetes, among others.
First Kisses: What I Learned from
Bruce, Kenny, Jason, and the Avetts
by guest blogger Maya Rodale. This summer, I was lucky to see a few great concerts. In the midst of all the rocking and rolling and singing along with the crowd, I discovered this truth: You haven’t really heard a song until you’ve heard it played LOUD in a stadium with 20,000 people singing along. I also gleaned some insights about being an artist…or just getting a job done right…. And about writing kisses and love stories.
The Drought Diet
by guest blogger Wendy Gordon. Scorching temperatures and persistent drought have devastated farms across the United States, sending corn and soybean prices soaring. We live on corn, and as a consequence, our food budgets are extremely vulnerable to weather-driven crashes in the corn market. Let’s talk about how you can tailor your diet to these new drought conditions. Here are six simple steps that can pay off big for your health and for our planet while taking it easy on your wallet.
The Great Unifier
Turns out, hot dogs are the great unifier. I figured this out at our first annual Organic Apple Festival four years ago when I spent the day serving up grilled organic hot dogs that even the old Dutchie men gave the thumbs up. And I am thrilled that this Saturday, we’re holding our fourth annual Organic Apple Festival, and I’ll be out there again, from 10 to 5, woman-ing the grill and serving up the best organic hot dogs ever, donated by Applegate Farms.
Why Organic?
by guest blogger Coach Mark Smallwood. The latest media buzz over the Stanford study is a bit of a non-event here at the Rodale Institute. The study asks the question, “Are Organic Foods Safer or Healthier than Conventional Alternatives?” It is a good question, one that many citizens. But, the fact is the researchers didn’t really answer it.
Scratch
Raised on America’s first organic farm, Scratch author Maria Rodale learned how to make everyday favorites from, yes, scratch — the way you remember them; the way they turn out best.
Order NowOrganic Manifesto
Drawing on findings from leading health researchers as well as conversations with both chemical and organic farmers from coast to coast, Maria Rodale irrefutably outlines the unacceptably high cost of chemical farming on our health and our environment.
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