The world seems full of all sorts of chemicals these days. Big industry, agriculture, maintenance companies, and even the everyday family, use a variety of chemicals, many of which are irritating, bad-smelling, and even toxic. So what to do?!?! Let’s consider some herbal alternatives that are more natural, not too difficult to make or obtain, and certainly less toxic than many products on store shelves. In the garden: Many herbs are great companions to other plants, helping us use less or no pesticides. We have discovered that yarrow (Achillea millefolium) planted next to our roses can discourage aphids. Calendula (Calendula officinalis) – this sunny fragrant flower also known as pot…
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‘Bird Emergency’
Study Shows North American Bird Population Has Fallen by Nearly One-Third in Less Than 50 Years “Protecting the natural world is essential to saving birds and humans alike” Study Shows North American Bird Population Has Fallen by Nearly One-Third in Less Than 50 Years North America lost 29 percent of its bird population—around three billion birds—over the last 49 years, according to a new report. “Decline of the North American avifauna,” a study released on Thursday in the journal Science, found that the continent has seen a net loss of 2.9 billion birds since 1970. “The birds are the canary in the coal mine,” The Bird Conservancy of the Rockies’…
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We Are All Corn People
When does the health of a society and a planet become more valuable than bargain food and deals at the grocery store and fast-food chains? When do we start paying the true price for the abundance of cheap food we are consuming? When do we admit that the rise in Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and obesity isn’t an accident but a direct result of the type of food we are eating? And when do we decide to do something about this? These questions have been on my mind for many years. As a musician who spends a lot of time on the road, my wallet is always pleased when…
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Winter Garden Activities for Children:
Taking Advantage of the Off-Season Gardening during the winter is a tricky task in most climates. Many people have already put their gardens “to bed,” saved their seeds for spring, and they carefully avoid tromping across wet soil in fear of hard pack. And for children, the moments of exploring a garden and learning in it are exchanged for increased indoor time during this off-season. But while an outdoor garden space may not be available for children to roam and dig through, winter is still a vital time for children to learn about gardening because of the risk-free, fail-safe opportunities it provides. During the active growing seasons, many children experience…
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HOW TO EAT HEALTHY
Especially During Holidays Let’s face it, once the Holiday eating season is upon us, who can resist the seasonal delights? All year long we yearn for mouthwatering holiday foods. My sister’s Figgie pudding (with hard sauce) is my real weakness. It actually hijacks my brain cells to indulge. Going into the Holiday Eating Season, I practice Conscious Eating by being aware of my blood sugar fluctuations, and not “starving-to-binge” by missing meals just to take on more calories later. Approaching a big feast with an empty stomach just makes me heap my first plate full and (fill my dessert stomach too early) before the second plate arrives. Finally, it’s how…
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Hang Drying Revolution
Air drying clothes is a simple practice that offers enormous savings in power use and reduces pollution.
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Become a Master Recycler
Multnomah County winter 2020 Applications Curious How Recycling Works? Learn from the experts. Make a difference. Take an eight-week course on the latest information on consumption, compost, and recycling. WHAT: Multnomah County Winter 2020 volunteer training WHEN: Eight consecutive Thursdays starting January 9 at 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. and two Saturdays January 18 and February 8 at 8:00 am – 2:00 pm WHERE: Metro regional center 600 NE Grand, Portland COST: $50. Partial and full scholarships available with no extra application. For more information: https://www.masterrecycler.org
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City of Portland Fix it Fairs
For the last 4 years, Green Living Journal has participated in the Free Fix-It Fair City of Portland event where you can learn simple ways to save money and connect with resources. Attendees find a wealth of information! What you’ll find at a Fix-It Fair Ongoing exhibits and hourly workshops on such topics as: Water and energy savings Safe and healthy home Food and nutrition Neighborhood and community resources Recycling Weatherizing your home Gardening and growing your own food Yard care and composting Transportation Plus: Repair Café: Bring one item to be fixed by a Repair PDX volunteer, while learning how to do it yourself. (Volunteers will do their best, but…
