Chamomile in the author's garden















By Sayward Rebhal, Networx

Chamomile has always my favorite bedtime beverage. Growing up, we just bought the supermarket boxes of bagged tea. And although I enjoyed the pretty white flowers on the packaging, I never really considered the connection between the decorative exterior and the drink inside.

Flash forward a decade or so and I was working my way through college slinging coffee at a small art house. That's where I discovered the joy of loose leaf teas. I remember the first time I opened the chamomile canister, and poured out a pile of ... dried flowers! It seems silly now, but it was such a surprise to me. "Of course! Chamomile is a flower!"

Flash forward yet another decade, and these days I'm planting my own pretty white chamomile patch in my own little garden, harvesting and drying the buds, and brewing my own homegrown tea. And it is, unquestionably, the best tea I've ever tasted.

The great news is that chamomile is just the tip of the tea-stained iceberg. There

Read More »from Free Tea: Growing Your Own Herbal Brew

Earthships in New Mexico, near Taos.















By Kevin Stevens, Networx

Imagine a home that heats and cools itself without the need of a furnace or AC unit; one that produces its own zero emission supply of electricity, and is not dependant on a municipal source for water. This kind of home also processes all of its wastewater locally, and can even grow a quantity of its occupant's food. Additionally the home is built with local and recycled waste products, and it can be built with basic low-tech labor. Does this sound like the ideal home of a space age future? Believe it or not, these homes exist today (many have been built by builders in New Mexico) and have been in existence for over 30 years. This type of home is called an "Earthship" and it exhibits all of these features and more.

Heat and Cooling Naturally

Earthships are homes built with passive solar design principles. During the cool winter months, low angled sunlight enters the home and warms the floors and walls. Exterior and load bearing walls are

Read More »from An Introduction to Earthships

bike to work
By Anna Brones

We believe in the power of two wheels, which is why we're celebrating National Bike to Work Day. Even for those working at home, it's an excuse to get out and ride. Fresh air, low carbon footprint, velo couture - what's not to love about a lifestyle that involves cycling? The bike is a vehicle for social change, and the more people we have in our army of riders, the more power we have to continue to build an infrastructure in all cities that promotes a two-wheeled lifestyle. Looking for some reasons that biking is good for our communities and the planet? We pulled together 10 good reasons to get on a bike.

1. Women who bike 30 minutes a day have a lower risk of breast cancer.
2. Bike commuters report lower stress and greater feelings of freedom, relaxation, and excitement than car commuters.
3. 47% of Americans say they would like more bike facilities in their communities.
4. Traffic congestion wastes nearly 3 billion gallons of gas per year in the U.S.
5. For

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By Johanna Björk

Sandals say summer more than any other shoe. A great pair of flat ones are a must-have in anyone's warm weather wardrobe. This season, there's a huge variety of sandals to choose from - metallic, nude, bright color, strappy, simple, feminine, masculine, patterned - you name it. They are all extremely comfortable and made in ways that make you tread lighter on the earth.



1. Rachel Comey Santos Slip-ins These simple open toe slide sandals are perfect for a more simple, masculine outfit. Pair with skinny denim, simple ankle-length pants and a blazer for summer soirees with a more downtown vibe. Sustainably made in Peru from black perforated leather with caramel leather detail. Kiltie on upper strap with a wide stitched leather welt. $391, Rachel Comey

2. ECCO Hill Move ECCO has always been known to make durable shoes that are good for your feet. They used to not look so good, but that's all changed now. These have an almost gold sheen to them and the sporty details

Read More »from 9 Cute and Eco-Friendly Sandals for Summer

By Jessica Marati

In 1965, high levels of sewage and toxic waste in the Potomac River led President Lyndon B. Johnson to call it "a national disgrace." Several years later, Congress passed the Clean Water Act, a landmark piece of legislation that has been instrumental in ensuring the safety and cleanliness of America's bodies of water for the past 40 years. But the fight for clean water is far from over. Today, American Rivers released a list of the nation's Most Endangered Rivers, with the Potomac topping the list. Not only does the river have high pollution levels, but its location in the heart of Washington, D.C., is emblematic of the recent Clean Water Act rollbacks in Congress, which will cut funding for river restoration projects nationwide. Take a look at the other rivers on the list, then join American Rivers' efforts to preserve them. (above) Potomac River (Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Washington D.C.)


Green River (Wyoming, Utah, Colorado)

Read More »from Photos of the 10 Most Endangered Rivers in America

By Tina McCarthy

Gardening is hot, hot, hot. And why not? Planting a few seeds on your deck or in your backyard yields delicious, organic results - and money savings, too. You know the basics of how to start your own vegetable garden, but where do you go from here? Here are some crops that even the least green thumbed among you can tackle, and tips on how to make them flourish.

Tomato

Originating in South America, this plump red herbaceous perennial is rich in nutrients like niacin, potassium and phosphorous, antioxidants like lycopene, anthocyanin and carotene, and vitamins A, C and E. Tomatoes can add a juicy shot of flavor to a variety of dishes, such as salads, sandwiches and pasta. After the last frost of winter has thawed, pick a spot in your yard that receives ample sunlight and test the soil's pH level - you want between 6 and 7. (To increase the Ph level, add lime. To decrease it, add sulfur.) Spread compost over this area and mix it with the soil. Dig a hole for each Read More »from 10 Easiest Vegetables to Grow at Home

By Aylin Erman

Avocados often get a bad rap, but for the wrong reason - for being fat. It's about time we all got over this myth. We need healthy fats in our diet for a properly functioning brain and nervous system, a strong heart, glowing skin and, dare I say it, a fit and thin physique. Sure, nix the saturated fats fraught in animal meat, dairy and eggs when looking to slim down or reach a greater sense of well-being, but avocados are plant-based and thus on an entirely different playing field. Half an avocado has 15 grams of heart-healthy unsaturated fat and only 2 grams of saturated fat. This is fat your body not only can recognize but also likes. Avocados are packed with fiber, potassium, vitamins C, K, and B6 and folate. They aid in digestion and help in the absorption of lycopene and beta-carotene. Aside from its nutritional benefits, avocados are versatile in the kitchen. Their creaminess serves as the perfect base for made-vegan desserts, sauces and smoothies. A few Read More »from Vegan Avocado Alfredo Sauce

By Green Diva Meg


Or, 6 Reasons Why I want to be a Vegan

I never liked meat. Seriously as a kid, I used to gag on all the various meat products my mother tried to get me to eat. It was the late 60s and they all bought into the hype that we needed tons of meat protein to survive and she feared for my existence. I was a healthy kid, but I never did grow more than 5' tall . . . ?

When I discovered there was such a thing as a vegetarian, I grabbed onto the term with both hands and declared myself. Of course, I was a teenager and at the time it meant a lot of salad and french fries.

Study Shows that Vegan Diet Protects Against Pollution

Are Products Labeled "100% Vegan" Really Completely Vegan?

It wasn't till the early 80s when I moved to the Berkshires with my young babies and got involved in the food coop that I began to get a serious education in whole foods nutrition - back then we experimented with raw foods, of course macrobiotics and a variety of

Read More »from Confessions of a Vegan Wannabe