EDITOR’S SUMMARY: Sewer sludge has negative impacts on not only the environment, but human health as well. The reason shouldn’t surprise you, as it’s likely slapped you in the face before—man-made chemicals. Not easy to escape, right? The accumulation of biosolids,...
From Taps to Showers: The Necessity of Comprehensive Water Filtration
There's a very fundamental basic value system that I think America was built upon, and that's mutual respect, honor, integrity and concern for our environment and the right to clean water. And we have moved away from it.” ~ Erin Brockovich, American paralegal,...
Shoes and Socks Off: How Walking Barefoot in Nature Illuminates Your Frequency
EDITOR’S SUMMARY: Carefree and easygoing with the wind beneath your feet. If you’re “earthing,” underneath your soles you’ll be stepping on grass, dirt, sand, or pebbles. If you think “feeling the energy” of the Earth’s connectivity is “way out,” perhaps you’ll be...
LED Light Bulbs: Energy Savers That Put a Damper on Your Health
EDITOR’S SUMMARY: It’s not that incandescent light bulbs are impossible to find, but if you want to stick with the “healthier than LED” bulb, you’ll need to take a step beyond going down to your local hardware store. There are other ways you can conserve energy, e.g.,...
History of Genetically Engineered (GE) Food and the Introduction of GE Soil Bacteria
EDITOR’S SUMMARY: The “advancement” of technology, including food bioengineering, is not necessarily a move in the right direction. “Right”—healthy for human bodies, animals, and the environment. Questioning the expansion of an industry’s methods, products, and...
Fulvic and Humic Acids: Should You Be Supplementing With “Old Dirt?”
EDITOR’S SUMMARY: Theoretically, it could be said, if you consume organic plants—fruits and vegetables—you’ll receive enough vitamins, minerals, and enzymes to support optimal health. But the truth is, there has always been unknowns to this theory. In addition, the...
Hexane: The Chemical Solvent Seeping Into Your Food Without You Knowing
EDITOR’S SUMMARY: The more knowledge you have, the more choices you’ll become aware of. And while you can “pick your battles,” you can also “meet your opportunities.” So what is there to do about the minuscule amounts of hexane lurking in your food that you cannot...
Biodynamic Farming: A Cornucopia of Interconnection
“The future needs more active farmers and gardeners who consciously create an attitude of responsibility within themselves so that they become guardians of the soil and true friends of nature.” ~ Heinz Grotzke, author and professional gardener Written by Tracy...
The Wildly Unreasonable Toxicity of Plug-in Air Fresheners
“Loads of chemicals and hazardous wastes have been introduced into the atmosphere that didn't even exist in 1948. The environmental condition of the planet is far worse than it was 42 years ago.” ~Gaylord Nelson (1916–2005), American politician, environmentalist, and...
Recycling Your Plastic: Getting to the Heart of the “Matter”
“Solid wastes are the discarded leftovers of our advanced consumer society. This growing mountain of garbage and trash represents not only an attitude of indifference toward valuable natural resources, but also a serious economic and public health problem.” ~...
An Exposé on Sunlight: Bathe, Avoid, or Find a Middle Ground?
“I've found that there is always some beauty left - in nature, sunshine, freedom, in yourself; these can all help you.” ~ Anne Frank, “The Diary of a Young Girl,” 1947 By Jennifer Wolff-Gillispie HWP, LC Do sunny days remind you of fun childhood adventures; playing in...
Human Consumption of Microplastics: 2023 and Beyond
EDITOR’S SUMMARY: When has a society gone too far—opting for convenience first, driving so-called “advancements,” and allowing corporate greed to override the health of its people and environment? With innumerable particles of toxic plastics lining the streets,...
Conventional Insect Repellents: Bug Sprays That Pose a Danger to You and Your Environment
SUMMARY: Summer sun means exposed skin—happy news for mosquitos, their blood-sucking brethren, and other bug buddies. Under these conditions, you may be tempted to reach for that convenient bottle of insect repellent. However, after learning about the...
Start Collecting Rainwater Today
Rainwater harvesting is an age-old practice that’s gaining traction worldwide, especially in residential gardens and schoolyards. By collecting and storing rainwater from your roof for later use, you’re not only conserving water but also reaping a host of...
Make Every Day Arbor Day…Start Planting Trees Today!
Planting trees plays a crucial role in mitigating the effects of extreme heat and air pollution, especially in urban areas. As cities continue to grow and develop, they often become “heat islands,” trapping heat due to the abundance of concrete and asphalt surfaces....
Environmental Mold: Confronting This Fuzzy Fungi Before It Gets the Best of You
EDITOR'S SUMMARY: You may know mold when you see and smell it—black and green splattered colorings of who knows what—and its musty scent that permeates from hidden corners straight into your nostrils. If it’s in your home, panicking is an understandable initial...
The Environmental Impact From COVID-19 Product Waste
“Even if you never have the chance to see or touch the ocean, the ocean touches you with every breath you take, every drop of water you drink, every bite you consume. Everyone, everywhere is inextricably connected to and utterly dependent upon the existence of the...
California will ban the use of toxic PFAS ‘forever chemicals’
‘Get Toxins Out’ - Legislative update - CA will soon begin the process of banning the use of toxic PFAS, aka, “forever chemicals” in to-go containers, paper straws, and food wrappers, thanks to AB1200, which passed in Oct. of 2021. The bill, authored by Assemblymember...