Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate the traditions of the harvest season set forth by our ancestors. The Pilgrims and Native Americans came together for the first Thanksgiving to commemorate the hardships they had overcome and delight in the bountiful produce the earth had provided. Little did they know they were participating in the ultimate “green” Thanksgiving. Our modern holiday season has become all about consumption with the average family increasing their waste by 25% during the holiday season. It is also estimated that Americans waste 28 billion pounds of food each year and half of the paper expended in this country is used to wrap consumer products. You can read more statistics about holiday waste here. So how about a return to the true traditions of Thanksgiving and plan some green holiday gatherings with an eco-conscious mind. You may also be interested in our Green Holiday Gift Guide.

The Food

Thanksgiving meal choices are not limited by the frozen Butterball in your grocer’s freezer. Local food from organic farms is not only healthier, but is also more flavorful. Many grocery stores across the country support local family farms so ask the manager who their suppliers are. If you strike out there, then you can go to your community farmer’s market or even go directly to the farm itself. Even if they don’t farm turkeys, this is where you can get your produce and some other goodies for your Thanksgiving table. Local Harvest.org is a great user-friendly site to find sustainable farms near you. Or if you don’t want to go on a wild turkey chase you can always order a Heritage turkey on-line or an organic turkey from Lobels and have it delivered right to your door. Whole Foods Market is an excellent resource for organic and all-natural products. They are committed to being green and supporting community growers. They don’t do online ordering, but to find out if there’s one near you click here. For a vegetarian Thanksgiving or if you’re expecting vegetarian guests, check out these vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes. Here are some other choices to add to your organic green Thanksgiving that will also help take the stress out of preparation:

Boxed Greens

Boxed Greens

Boxed Greens is an online certified organic food company based out of Arizona. By taking advantage of the long growing season in Arizona and supporting local farms smaller than 500 acres, they are able to guarantee fresh, seasonal produce delivered to your door. Boxed Greens is more reasonably priced than a lot of the other online organic food suppliers, with their seasonal items being below market price. However you will pay a premium price for the overnight delivery. They also offer dried foods, organic dairy products, cleaning and paper goods and gift boxes which contain a variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables.

You can check out Boxed Greens here.

Happle Gourmet Foods

Happle Gourmet Foods

The Happle Gourmet from Iowa makes handmade pies with certified organic ingredients that are 100% vegan. They can be shipped overnight to your home. A family-owned business, they use organic spelt flour to make their pies which is lower in fat than whole grains and can be tolerated by those with wheat allergies. All their pies are trans-fat-free and dairy-free. They offer apple, pumpkin, cherry, blueberry, and cranberry apple.

You can order your Happle pie for Thanksgiving here.

The Table

Once you have the menu planned, what are you going to use to serve the food? If you have a set of china, this can be the obvious green choice, so use it- don’t let it collect dust in a closet. Just keep in mind that most china is not dishwasher safe and hand-washing all those dishes could potentially waste a lot of water. But for smaller family gatherings, using the china is festive and the kids will think it’s special. If this isn’t an option at your home, then here are a couple more green suggestions:

Stalkmarket 9-Inch Heavy Duty Plate

Stalkmarket 9-Inch Heavy Duty Plate

If you’re having a large crowd or just really hate the idea of spending even more time in the kitchen after the meal washing dishes, then an efficient substitute can be paper plates. Stalkmartket products are made from a sugarcane fiber-based paperboard which makes it 100% biodegradable and recyclable or toss it in your home compost. These green heavy duty plates are cut resistant and can be used in the microwave or freezer. Don’t fret about the etiquette of using paper plates. It’s more important to spend time with your guests. And you can always dress up the table with fancy wine glasses and nice silverware.

You can get these plates in a pack of 12 of 25 plates each on Amazon.

Pacific Merchants Acaciaware

Pacific Merchants Acaciaware

If the idea of using paper plates still isn’t for you, then investing in a set of wooden plates is a green alternative. These plates from Pacific Merchants are each made from one solid piece of Acacia hardwood harvested from renewable, regulated forests. Wood plates need to be hand washed and air dried and may occasionally need to be treated with mineral oil, but will last forever, won’t shatter if  dropped, and are resistant to stains and odors. The Pacific Merchants Acacia dinner plates measure 10 x 10.

You can purchase them on Amazon.

The Entertainment

After the meal is over resist the temptation to melt into the couch. Save energy by giving the TV a rest and expend some energy of your own by gathering everyone outside for a traditional game of football. Or if the weather isn’t cooperating then an indoor board game always brings people together. And yes, there are green choices for both.

Fair Trade Sports Eco-Football

Fair Trade Sports Eco-Football

This football by Fair Trade is made of eco-certified rubber and 100% vegan. Fair Trade Sports is an American sporting goods company who are committed to sustaining the planet with green practices and providing employees with fair wages. Their all-weather football is official weight and size. It is shipped deflated to save on shipping cost and materials. Profits from the Fair Trade Sports Eco-Football are donated to children’s charities.

You can get this football on Amazon.

Ruk-Shuk

Ruk-Shuk

Ruk-Shuk is an award winning game where players race against the clock to build the rock formations that are displayed on the cards. Points are scored based on how well you complete the task on the card. If the formation falls they have to start all over before the time runs out. This green board game is made in Canada of all natural materials- no plastic or harmful paints or chemicals. Featured in Better Homes & Gardens as “too much fun to stop”. For 1-5 players, ages 8 and up.

Ruk-Shuk is sold on Amazon.

The Left-overs

Thanksgiving can turn all of us into an Italian grandmother and we end up making way too much food. To control food waste, try not to go overboard in the first place. Of course many agree that the best part of Thanksgiving is the left-overs. If you know you have more than your household will finish off, be sure to send your guests home with a sampling of left-overs. Forget the plastic wrap and plastic baggies. Think green by re-purposing any containers you’ve used, such as the Cool-Whip or butter bowls.

Fresh Snack Pack Sandwich and Snack Bags

Fresh Snack Pack Sandwich and Snack Bags

Send your guests home with left-overs placed in these reusable Fresh Snack Pack Sandwich and Snack Bags. They are made of phthalate-free non-toxic plastic and double as an eating surface. With each package containing an 8 sandwich bags and 6 snack bags, they are economical as well.

The Fresh Snack Pack Sandwich and Snack Bags are sold on Amazon for $9.99.

LunchBots Duo Stainless Steel Lunch Box/Food Container

LunchBots Duo Stainless Steel Lunch Box/Food Container

When it’s time to head back to work these food containers from LunchBots are stainless steel, which is healthier for both you and the environment than plastic containers. And they last longer. They come in a variety of colored lids which feature a non-toxic finish. Reviewers on Amazon have raved about these. The LunchBots Duo features a divider or they also make the LunchBots Uno without the divider.

The LunchBots Duo Food Container is sold on Amazon. Or you can get the Lunchbots Uno here.

5 Efficient Home Coffee Roasters

Roasting coffee beans at home is economical as well. Depending on the beans you purchase, you can save anywhere from 25-50% per pound. There are a multitude of choices in green beans, including organic, that can be purchased on Sweet Maria’s. This allows you to create your own blends, something you can’t get in a store. Fancy equipment isn’t even really necessary to roast your own coffee beans. It can be done with a heavy skillet and a heat source. A simple, do-it-yourself way is to use a re-purposed air popcorn popper.  However, if you decide that home roasting is the right enterprise for you, a home coffee roaster can be beneficial. Expense can get quite high on these, but we’ve chosen 5 efficient home roasters that are competitively priced.

Behmor 1600 Coffee Roaster

Behmor 1600 Coffee Roaster

The Behmor 1600 is a drum-style coffee roaster at a more affordable price than other drum roasters. For those looking to roast larger batches than an air roaster can do, the Behmor 1600 is a good choice as it offers roasting options for 1/4, 1/2, and 1 pound batches. The Behmor 1600 contains a smoke-reduction feature, though don’t expect smoke-less, especially for darker roasts or larger batches. You can experiment with a variety of roast styles using the 4 pre-programmed roast times combined with the 5 power level profiles. The Behmor 1600 is quiet which allows the experienced user to hear the 2nd crack of the bean and hit the cool button at the right time. This may be necessary before the program stops as the beans will continue to roast even in the cool down mode. Other features include efficient quartz halogen heating elements, glass window with interior light bulb to view the roast, digital display for settings and countdown clock, and comes with a limited one year warranty. Reviewers on Sweet Maria’s were impressed by the consistency of their test roasts and said that the flavor compared well with their commercial roaster. You can read their extensive review on the Behmor 1600 here.

The Behmor 1600 retails for $299.00 on Sweet Maria’s.

FreshRoast SR500

FreshRoast SR500

The latest model from Fresh Beans Inc., the FreshRoast SR500 is a hot air or fluid bed roaster and a great choice to get started in coffee roasting. Based on the concept of the air popcorn popper, air roasters tend to produce brighter coffee and in smaller batches than drum roasters. The FreshRoast SR500 makes 3-4 oz. batches at a time, which would be great for households with one or two coffee drinkers. Features include 3 settings for temperature control, a rheostat to adjust fan speed, and a digital timer. The biggest complaint about this roaster is that it doesn’t move the beans well in the beginning stage of the roast, which can make for an uneven batch. There are methods to get around this such as stirring the beans during the first couple minutes or hitting the cool cycle a minute after start-up, which makes the beans drier, and therefore lighter. Even with this drawback, Sweet Maria’s recommends the FreshRoast SR500 as a good, economical choice. Members of CoffeeGeek have rated it an average 8.33 out of 10.

Sells for $159.00 on Amazon.

Gene Cafe Roaster

Gene Cafe Roaster

In general, drum roasters are more durable and last longer than air roasters. The Gene Cafe Roaster is a good choice if you need to make larger batches (up to half a pound) and budget allows. The off-axis agitation feature allows for an even roast and the ability to see the beans through the clear Pyrex roasting chamber. One of the best features on the Gene Cafe Roaster is the extra-large chaff collector which uses a metal wiper to scrape and collect the chaff. The analog dials allow the user total control over temperature and roasting time throughout the process all while showing on the digital display. The one negative pointed out by Sweet Maria’s is that the cool cycle was not quite rapid enough. You can read their full review here.  Amazon reviewers gave the Gene Cafe Roaster an average 4 out of 5 stars. And it received an overall rating of 8.33 by CoffeeGeek reviewers.

The Gene Cafe Roaster can be purchased on Amazon for $495.00.

Nesco Coffee Roaster

Nesco Coffee Roaster

While the Nesco Coffee Roaster (formerly known as Zach and Dani’s) has received some unsavory reviews on Amazon, reviewers at Sweet Maria’s say it’s caught a bad rap. They highly recommend this newest model with a couple of conditions.  The major drawbacks reported by Sweet Maria’s are that darker roasts take too long and a full French roast is difficult to achieve. However, the light and medium roasts are consistently even. The major advantage to the Nesco Coffee Roaster is the catalytic converter which reduces the majority of the smoke, making it one of the least smoky home roasters on the market. Features an auger-driven agitator, making for quiet operation. The concerns on Amazon have been about the durability of the product. However, some of these issues are associated with lack of cleaning and maintenance. It’s received an average of 3 out of 5 stars by Amazon reviewers. The Nesco Coffee Roaster is made in America and offers a one year limited warranty.

The Nesco Coffee Roaster sells for $129.69 at Amazon.

Whirley-Pop Stovetop Popper

Whirley-Pop Stovetop Popper

Want to try out home coffee roasting without the expense of a home roaster? The 6 quart Whirley-Pop Stovetop Popper from Wabash Valley Farms is perfect for creating larger batches of roasted coffee beans, especially if you like dark roasts. This is the true hands-on system- you control the heat, you crank the handle consistently for 8-12 minutes, then use a colander for cooling.  Stovetop roasting works best with a gas stove and produces much more smoke, but offers a certain nostalgic effect and you can truly call yourself a coffee roasting artiste. The Whirley-Pop is made of aluminum, is easy to clean up, and offers a 25 year warranty on moving parts. Sweet Maria’s says the Whirley-Pop is the best stovetop popper for roasting coffee and Amazon reviewers have given it a 4.5 out of 5 star rating (for popcorn). The stirring mechanism that evenly pops the popcorn works to create an evenly roasted batch of coffee beans.

Sells on Amazon for $22.94.

Home Coffee Roasting, Revised, Updated Edition: Romance and Revival: by Kenneth Davids

Home Coffee Roasting, Revised, Updated Edition: Romance and Revival by Kenneth Davids

Need more info? This guide by coffee connoiseur, Kenneth Davids, has been described by home coffee roasters as the home coffee roasting bible. Chock full of tips for making the perfect roast, choosing and storing green beans, creating blends, and picking a home roaster, Home Coffee Roasting: Romance and Revival will direct you on your home coffee roasting path. This 2003 paperback edition has been revised and updated since it was originally published in 1996. Amazon reviewers have given it an average 4.5 out of 5 star rating.

Can be purchased on Amazon for $15.34

Brush. Floss. See your dentist. We all know the basics of keeping our mouths healthy, but if you’re hitting the high points and still having trouble staying out of the dental chair, there could be a missing link in your overall dental health plan: nutrition. We all know that eating our fruits and veggies and cutting down on the sugar is good for our overall health, but, let’s face it, we don’t always do exactly what we know we should. If you are one of those people who could use a little brush-up (no pun intended) on the nutrition basics and run down on the nutritional keys to keeping your mouth fresh, healthy and clean, some of these tips might be for you.

The Vitamin Link

Your Diet and the Dentist: The Vitamin Link

Robert Dorsky, DMD, author of a nutritional study in General Dentistry, a peer-reviewed journal, said that, when there is a discrepancy between what your body needs and what your body gets, nutritional deficiencies result. The mouth is one of the most sensitive areas of the body and, as a result, shows signs of nutritional gaps more quickly than nearly any other area. It’s hard to imagine that, in the United States, anyone could be nutritionally deficient, but, as we know, there is a big difference between being well-fed and being healthy. If you’re trying to keep your mouth in tip-top shape, here are some key vitamins to make sure you’re getting:

Vitamin A: Vitamin A is an important antioxidant that protects the body and is linked to healthy formation of teeth. Carrots, liver and spinach are all great food sources of the vitamin.

Vitamin D: We all grew up hearing that calcium is essential for strong bones, but, without Vitamin D to help it absorb, the calcium is of little use to our bodies — or teeth. The best way to get Vitamin D is to spend a few, sunscreen-free minutes a day in the sun.

Calcium: Calcium is the chief supportive component of teeth and bones, so, obviously, if you don’t have enough calcium, your teeth are going to suffer. Milk is a good source of calcium, but if you’re not a dairy person, getting calcium from soy, collards, spinach, and turnip greens is also a good option. If you’re still worried about your overall, daily calcium intake, supplements (with your health care professional’s okay) might be a good choice. NOW makes a great Calcium supplement fortified with Vitamin D, Magnesium and Zinc for maximum absorption. It’s available at Amazon.

Vitamin C: Vitamin C is another crucial antioxidant that is a key component in good oral health. Not only is Vitamin C required for the production of collagen, which, in turn, gives gum tissue its integrity, it also is required for the support of our immune system. Since our mouths are constantly barraged by bacteria and viruses, Vitamin C is a key component in the health of the mouth and the entire body.

If you’re looking for an “insurance policy” to support your healthy food choices, a multi-vitamin might not be a bad idea. Vitamins made from whole food sources are a great choice and can help ensure that your body is getting the nutrition it needs. A comprehensive multi-vitamin that is great for most people is Life’s Fortune. It is available from Amazon and many consumers swear it gives them more energy. Another great whole food, multi-vitamin choice for women is New Chapter Organics Every Woman, which is made with organic ingredients. New Chapter also makes a great Prenatal Vitamin, available from Amazon.

Vegetarians and Oral Health

While attention to oral health is crucial for everyone, vegetarians might be especially at risk for nutritional deficiencies. The Academy of General Dentistry acknowledges that adult vegetarians tend to be more aware of their nutritional needs than non-vegetarian adults, but, regardless, vegetarians have to be extremely careful that they are getting the vitamins they need to maintain proper oral health. According to Academy of General Dentistry spokesperson Ludwig Leibsohn, DDS, “An adult on a vegetarian diet for a prolonged period can be at increased risk for periodontal (gum) disease from a lack of vitamin D and calcium.”

In addition, Vitamins B12 and B2, also known as Riboflavin, are difficult for vegetarians to obtain since they come from liver, pork, fish, red meat and chicken. A lack of these essential vitamins can lead to mouth sores. Almonds, spinach and pasta are other, non-animal sources of B2, while dairy products are good sources of B12.

For vegans and vegetarians who avoid dairy, B-vitamin supplements can be important for maintaining oral health. New Chapter Organics Coenzyme B Food Complex is helpful for those trying to get more B vitamins and is said to nourish metabolic function and calm frazzled nerves. Vegetarian or not, we might all be able to benefit from a little of that! It is available from Amazon.

Obesity and Gum Disease

The Centers for Disease Control report that more than two-thirds of adults over age 20 in the United States are overweight or obese. The weight crisis in the United States has reached epic proportions and, with the rise of our weight, not only does our health care cost increase but also our dental cost. Researchers from Case Western Reserve University found, in a 2003 study, that the prevalence of periodontal disease in obese individuals aged 18-34 was 76% higher than individuals in that group of normal weight. This is extremely significant because periodontal disease, a chronic bacterial infection that causes teeth to separate from gums and become loose or fall out, is generally considered a disease that strikes older people. Not surprisingly, periodontists recommend consuming the recommended daily allowance for both vitamin C and Calcium to help counteract this problem.

Foods to Avoid

No matter what your weight, the Academy of General Dentistry has recommendations about foods that should be avoided to promote optimal dental health:

• Sticky, chewy foods: Raisins, granola bars, jelly beans, caramel, honey and syrup stick to teeth and make it difficult to wash the sugar away.
• Sugary snacks: Cookies, cakes or other desserts contain a high amount of sugar, which can cause tooth decay.
• Gum and candy: When chewing gum and eating candy, the sugar coats teeth, which can lead to cavities.
• Carbonated soft drinks: Regular and diet sodas contain phosphorous and carbonation, which wears away the enamel on teeth.

Sticking to grains, fruits, vegetables, milk and meats is recommended for preserving both dental and overall health. And remember, when in doubt, ask your dentist!

Choosing Sustainable Seafood (image: Monterey Bay Aquarium)

Our food choices are a big part of our overall environmental impact, and seafood can seem like an environmental catch-22.  Its popularity has been on the rise as part of a healthy diet, but some types of seafood are surprisingly un-green.  So what makes a particular type of seafood environmentally friendly?  Read on to learn more about the issues, so you can make seafood choices that are healthy for both you and the environment.

The world is growing, and more people are eating fish than in the past.  Add to that the fact that modern technologies are more effective at removing seafood from the oceans than ever before, and the problem starts to make sense.  Further compounding the issue, some attempts at solutions have created as many problems as they’ve solved.

There Are A Lot Of Fish In The Sea…Right?
Not as many as there used to be.  Overfishing is one of the most obvious environmental impacts of non-sustainable seafood consumption.  And it doesn’t take a math whiz to see that current fishing trends won’t work for the future – in fact, they aren’t working right now. According to the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization, three quarters of the world’s ocean fisheries are being pushed past their limits, including an estimated 25% that have been fished to the point of extinction.

Overfishing Is A Devastating Problem For Marine Ecosystems (image: Monterey Bay Aquarium)

Although the oceans are all connected, the world’s seafood isn’t spread evenly throughout them.  Many fish populations are highly territorial – which can make it easy for fishermen to find them, but also means that when fish are removed faster than they can reproduce, their populations are at risk of disappearing altogether.  Finally, because marine environments are such highly intertwined ecosystems, the deterioration of one species can have a devastating effect on others as well.

Fish Farms – An Imperfect Solution
So what about farmed fish?  Won’t that take the pressure off of wild populations?  Well, yes and no.  Believe it or not, half of today’s worldwide seafood consumption comes from aquaculture.  But not all fish farms are created equal, and many current commercial farms simply aren’t sustainable.

Fish Farms Create New Solutions, New Problems

Crowded pens of fish along ocean shorelines make for convenient feeding and harvesting, but they can bring a host of problems too. Pollution from waste and uneaten feed can create ecological dead zones; isolated populations are vulnerable to disease and genetic problems; and non-native fish that escape into surrounding waters can wreak havoc on local wildlife. Not to mention the bioaccumulation of nasty chemicals like PCBs that flow up the food chain, tainting feeder fish and ultimately ending up on the dinner plate.

Ironically, aquaculture can also require massive amounts of wild-caught fish.  Many popular farmed fish like salmon, redfish and even shrimp are carnivorous, and require many times their own weight in other fish to feed them.  These feeder fish have to be wild-caught in the ocean, so the net result of farmed fish may actually represent a double whammy of environmental impact.

Fortunately, There Are Sustainable Seafood Sources
Don’t worry – we can have our cake and eat it too.  There are types of seafood that are plentiful in their natural habitats, and fishing practices that aren’t damaging to the marine environment.  There are also fish farming methods that manage to avoid many of the potential pitfalls of commercial aquaculture.

Sustainable Fishing Practices Avoid Wasteful By-Catch (image: Monterey Bay Aquarium)

For example, fisheries can be managed to ensure they aren’t overfished, and organizations like the Marine Stewardship Council offer guidance and certifications for sustainable practices.  Techniques like pole-catching can help avoid accidentally catching other unwanted types of fish (since by-catch can be environmentally devastating, and it’s extremely inefficient for fishermen as well).  For fish farms, herbivorous fish like tilapia and catfish can be excellent choices, especially when raised in controlled settings that minimize pollution and prevent non-native species introduction.

So What’s A Seafood Lover To Do?
Educated consumers play a big part in maintaining a sustainable seafood industry, because businesses have to follow their customers.  One of the handiest reference tools available is the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch Guide, which lists choices as “Green” (the most eco-friendly choices), “Yellow” (good alternatives, but there may be some issues), and “Red” (the ones to avoid).

Seafood Watch Reference Guide (image: Monterey Bay Aquarium)

There are specific Seafood Watch guides for different regions of the country, and even a sushi-specific guide.  They can be viewed and downloaded at the Monterey Bay Aquarium website, and the printable versions fit perfectly in a wallet.  There’s a Seafood Watch app available for iPhone users, and you can even check the list from your mobile phone (by going to mobile.seafoodwatch.org).

Whole Foods Market Seafood Guide For Shoppers (image: Monterey Bay Aquarium)

Grocery chain Whole Foods Market is now helping shoppers make better choices by ranking their products according to the Seafood Watch and Blue Ocean Institute guidelines.  Whole Foods will provide other information too, such as listing sustainable aquaculture practices for farmed fish.  And the company has promised to stop selling “Red” category seafood by Earth Day 2013.

Best of all, Whole Foods isn’t alone:  the two biggest food-service companies in the United States, Aramark and Compass Group, have also announced plans to phase out “Red-list” seafood over the next few years.

When it comes to living well and feeling your best, few things have a larger impact than taking care of your body. But finding the purest, most organic and efficient nutrition for your body — to take care of it inside and out — can sometimes be a challenge. Fortunately, there’s Mountain Rose Herbs, a company that is certified organic through Oregon Tilth and the the USDA, fair trade certified, kosher certified and produces zero waste.

Note From Editor: After testing many Herbal Supply companies over the years, I’ve found Mountain Rose to the most reliable. I like their no-frills approach — they don’t have coupons or free-offers, or other gimmicks. In my experience, their attention is on the quality of the products.

Whether you’re looking for organic herbs and spices, pure supplements or body care products, Mountain Rose Herbs has a product line to meet your unique needs. Check out some of these great finds from their site.

Rooibos Green Tea

Mountain Rose Herbs: Rooibos Green Tea

This organic, fair trade certified Rooibos Green Tea is chock full of antioxidants, trace minerals and nutrients, such as Vitamin C, Calcium, Potassium and Magnesium. A light, slightly herbal taste makes it appealing to most palates. Plus, it doesn’t contain caffeine, so you can drink it any time of day without feeling jittery.

This tea is available for $4.25 for 4 ounces at Mountain Rose Herbs.

Unrefined Organic Coconut Oil

Mountain Rose Herbs: Unrefined Organic Coconut Oil

If you’re a health nut, you’ve likely heard the buzz about coconut oil and its incredible health benefits. Rich in the Omega-3 fatty acids our bodies need, this Unrefined Organic Coconut Oil has been found to have antiviral and antibacterial properties. In addition, studies performed on populations in the Pacific Islands and southeast Asia, where people use coconut oil as a primary source of fat, are considerably less prone to heart disease.

It’s great when used for health from the inside out, but this coconut oil is also great for making scrubs, masks, lip balms, nail treatments, hair care and massage oil. Whether you use it inside or out, the benefits of coconut oil are something not to be missed.

This oil is available from Mountain Rose Herbs for $37.00 for one gallon.

Liver Care Capsules

Mountain Rose Herbs: Liver Care Capsules

If you’re looking to create good overall health, cleansing and nourishing your liver, the organ that has the sometimes overwhelming task of detoxifying the body, is a great place to start. Knowing what to take and how to take it can be tricky, though, when it comes to herbal formulations. Formulas and quality vary greatly from company to company.

Fortunately, Mountain Rose Herbs offers a variety of combination herbal capsules, including Liver-Care Capsules, that are made of organic or ethically wild-harvested herbs without preservatives, additives or anything else undesirable. Plus, their capsules are Vegi-caps and are gelatin free.

A blend of organic Milk Thistle Seed, organic Burdock Root, organic Artichoke Leaf, organic Dandelion Root, wild harvested Oregon Grape Root and organic Turmeric keep your liver functioning at its highest level, ensuring that your body is cleansing itself as efficiently as possible.

Liver-Care Capsules are available from Mountain Rose Herbs for $14.75, as well as an assortment of other great capsules addressing a range of health concerns.

Herbal Facial Steam

Mountain Rose Herbs: Herbal Facial Steam

Many of us know that what we put on our bodies is as important as what we put in them. Sometimes, though, finding that perfect product to keep our skin looking great without parabens and chemicals is nearly impossible.

Fortunately, Mountain Rose Herbs offers a variety of skin-care products that keep your face looking great without harsh chemicals. Their facial steam, for example, formulated from organic herbs and essential oils, is perfect for restoring skin’s vitality and giving your pores the deep clean they need, without scrubbing away healthy oils necessary for proper skin balance.

As relaxing as it is good for your skin, this Facial Steam is available from Mountain Rose Herbs for $5.90.

Dulse Flakes

Mountain Rose Herbs: Dulse Flakes

If you’re looking to get the most possible bang for your nutrition buck, Dulse, a red seaweed harvested in cool waters of the Atlantic coast of Canada and along the shores of Norway and Ireland, is a great place to start. Containing a wide variety of vitamins and minerals such as beta-carotene, calcium, iron, potassium and — perhaps most notably — iodine, Dulse flakes have been used for a variety of medicinal purposes and are indicated for their assistance in creating thyroid hormones.

These flakes have a slightly salty taste and can be added to food. A quarter-teaspoon a day provides the minerals you need to keep your thyroid functioning properly.

Dulse flakes are available from Mountain Rose Herbs for $4.75.

Work. Kids. Marriage. Financial Problems. There are one hundred little things in any given day that can really stress us out — and all that worrying is bad for our health. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that up to 90% of doctor visits in the United States are stress related. Autoimmune diseases, obesity, depression, sleep problems and digestive disorders are just a few of the conditions that can be caused or exacerbated by stress. It’s enough to make anyone want to reach for the Prozac.

Fortunately, prescription drugs might not be the only route for managing stress in daily life. Mother Nature has provided us with a variety of plants known as “adaptogens,” which Dr. Martha Libster, in Delmar’s Integrative Herb Guide for Nurses, defines as “plants that seemingly assist the human body in adapting to environmental stressors.” In essence, because plants are always adapting to an ever-changing environment, certain ones, when used properly, can help us adapt to stress as well.

Stress relief without an Rx? Now that’s good news. There are many, many adaptogens out there, but here are a few that are popular, safe and proven to work.

Siberian Ginseng

Adaptogens: Siberian Ginseng

Siberian ginseng or Eleuthero is often used in herbalism as an adaptogen. In addition to helping regulate stress, it has been shown in human studies to inhibit disease and increase physical work capacity. It is also used to improve selective memory and increase sleep duration. More than 1,000 studies have been performed on Eleuthero, many on humans, and it has been used effectively for 2,000 years. Talk about a track record.

Plus, it’s easy to find. Mountain Rose Herbs offers Eleuthero Root Capsules for those who prefer pills and Organic Eleuthero Root Extract for those who prefer a tincture. Additionally, popular companies such as Gaia Herbs offer a Siberian Ginseng Tincture and Now Eleuthero comes in a convenient pill form.

Rhodiola

Adaptogens: Rhodiola

Rhodiola is another popular adaptogen that has been used for centuries in Russia and Scandanavian countries to combat fatigue, poor attention span and decreased memory, according to DrWeil.com. Herbalgram, the Journal of the American Botanical Council reported in 2002 that human and animal studies show that Rhodiola can also ramp up immune function, increase sexual energy and functions as an antioxidant.

Rhodiola is also featured in Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina and Stress Relief, by David Winston and Steven Maimes, as an herb that can improve sleep quality and regulate sleep disorders.

Even Oprah has gotten on board with Rhodiola. Dr. Mehmet Oz prepared an anti-stress tonic on the show mixing equal parts of 80-proof vodka and Rhodiola Rosea.

New Chapter offers Rhodiolaforce VCaps, and Mountain Rose Herbs has Rhodiola Root Powder for those who prefer to mix their own tonic ala Oprah.

Holy Basil

Adaptogens: Holy Basil

Holy Basil or Tulsi is another adaptogen that not only helps control the affects of stress but also can be useful in treating medical problems related to stress. In addition to having anti-stress qualities Holy Basil is recommended in Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina and Stress Relief for improving skin elasticity, regulating cortisol — a hormone associated with stress — and easing digestive stress. This herb has also been found effective at combating a bevy of diseases including cancer, diabetes, high cholesterol, chronic fatigue syndrome and arthritis.

Source Naturals Holy Basil Extract is one of many capsules on the market that contains this herb. Tulsi Tea is a popular and delicious way to harness the healing effects of Holy Basil for those who prefer an alternative to pills.

No matter which adaptogen you choose to try, make sure you run it by your healthcare professional first.

The Best Boxed Wines

If you’ve ever heard one of the innumerable jokes about boxed wine, your connotation of grapes in cardboard probably isn’t great. But box wines have come a long way in the last few years, and, with more and more wineries going green, it’s easier than ever to find a delicious, quality wine that isn’t packed in glass.

Plus, by forgoing the bottle, you are saving money on packaging and shipping and saving the planet. Paper is, after all, a renewable resource. And, the even better news is that this stuff can keep in the refrigerator for up to six weeks, so throwing away half-full containers will be a thing of the past. Next time you hit the wine store, think outside the bottle and inside the box. You might be pleasantly surprised by what you taste.

Three Thieves Bandit Pinot Grigio

The Best Boxed Wines: Three Thieves Bandit Pinot Grigio

If you’re looking for a wine that takes you back to being a kid, Three Thieves Bandit Pinot Grigio juice boxes will do the trick. If you prefer a larger gulp, 500ml and 1 Liter Tetra Paks with resealable lids are also available. Whatever size you choose, you can pat yourself on the back knowing that the container you are drinking from is comprised of 70% renewable resources and fully recyclable.

Three Thieves’ grapes come from California and create a wine that is “clear and light straw in color with aromas of citrus, apple and pear,” according to the wine makers. Apparently, this description is not an oversell, as Epicurious ranked Three Thieves Pinot Grigio as a Top 5 Box Wine, saying it “starts out as Granny Smith apple and green Jolly Rancher candy with hints of banana, giving way to papaya and crenshaw melon.” Yum. Juice box, Jolly Rancher and banana. Sounds like a winner to me.

You can get you own liter of Three Thieves at The San Francisco Wine Trading Company for $6.95.

La Petite Frog Picpoul De Pinet 2007

The Best Boxed Wines: La Petite Frog Picpoul De Pinet 2007

La Petite Frog Picpoul De Pinet, is available online at Cecile’s Wine Cellar, where $24.99 will buy you 3 liters, that, according to Cecile’s reviewers, deliver a “round mouthful of spicy, clean, fruit.”

Tara Q. Thomas, a self-described wine writer, wine educator and wine lover, reports that La Petite Frog is as “light and tangy as limeade” and says that “it’s a no-brainer for the first glass of wine when you get home from work.” Sounds good to me!

K&L Wines reports that this box “impresses novices and hardened geeks equally” and describes it as “refreshing” and “snappy.” Wine Spectator gives it an 87.

As boxed wines go, this one gets rave reviews all around from drinkers who enjoy a light, refreshing glass of wine.

Black Box Merlot

The Best Boxed Wines: Black Box Merlot

If you’re looking for a box wine that even a true wine connoisseur can get excited about, Black Box Merlot is the one for you. Black Box claims that “The quality will surprise you. And so will the price.” After winning 15 Gold Medals and 14 Best Buys, they just might be right. Marketview Liquor sells this box online, and, at $19.99 for 750ml, this wine, which stays fresh for four weeks, is certainly worth a try.

Milt, on Wine Reviews You Can Understand, gives Black Box four corks, saying that it is “a very smooth wine with no bite whatsoever.” In fact, Milt was so pleased with this pick, that it is on his “Top 5” list for favorite wines.

Bald Wine Geek is a fan too, reporting that Black Box Merlot has a “nose of cherries, cedar and spice” and “a smooth, medium length finish.”

Wine Spectator also enjoys Black Box’s 87 point Monterey County Chardonnay 2008 and 85 point California Cabernet Sauvignon 2007.

Green Path Shiraz: Organic and Eco-Friendly

The Best Boxed Wines: Green Path Shiraz

This Whole Foods Market find, hailing from Australia, made from organically grown grapes, and packaged in a Tetra Pak made from paper, is easy on the palate and the pocket book. Port City Foodies blogger Liz Biro reports that this wine “offers juicy-jammy berry fruit flavors combined with a little spice and subtle oaky vanilla notes.”

Its one liter size and cardboard packaging make it the perfect wine to carry on the beach, the boat or to a picnic. And, for seven bucks a box, you can afford to share.

The Dead Grapes Society reported that, at first sip, this Tetra Pak was “harsh, and sourish.” Upon further tasting, however, the reviewers position was swayed, and he found it it to be “jammy, plumy fruit with a pleasant sweet finish.”  And, while the reviewer was disappointed that the wine didn’t have “much of a nose,” my overall take is that for an organic grape for seven dollars, one could probably do worse.

Green Path also offers a Tetra Pak Chardonnay.

Pure Organic Snack Bar

A MetaEfficient snack bar. Unlike other nutrient bars I’ve tasted, this one’s delicious. My topic pick is the Orange Cranberry Bar. It’s made by a company called PURE, based in Holland, Michigan.  The supplier of the dates uses a natural enzyme to separate the protein from the carbohydrate (no heat is used so the product retains its nutrients).

The Orange Cranberry Bar ingredients:

• Organic Dates
• Organic Cranberries (with Organic Apple Juice Concentrate and Organic Sunflower Oil)
• Organic Walnuts
• Organic Cashews
• Organic Brown Rice Protein
• Organic Almonds
• Organic Agave Nectar
• Organic Orange Peel
• Organic Orange Oil

The Chocolate Brownie Bar ingredients are:

• Organic Deglet Noor Dates)
• Organic Walnuts
• Organic Agave Nectar
• Organic Almonds
• Organic Cashews
• Organic Brown Rice Protein
• Organic Cocoa

Pure Organic Nutrition Bars

It’s available at Whole Foods and Amazon.

Raw Pistachio Nuts

Enzymes are metaefficient. My top picks are raw pistachios and raw cacao. Both have optimal enzyme levels when unadulterated.

Raw Cacao Pod and Beans

This summer I’ve been working on food-related optimization projects, here are some updates:

I now have subscriptions with two local farmers (through a CSA or Community Support Agriculture). One farmer provides me with raw milk, raw butter and eggs, the other farmer provides vegetables and fruit. They both happen to deliver to same street in my neighborhood, so I ride my bike about one kilometer and pick up both deliveries using a bike trailer.

I bake fresh bread throughout the week using the Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day method. This involves creating enough dough for a week, and storing it in the refrigerator. You can take out batches of dough as needed, and cook fresh bread.

I am buying raw (green) organic fair-trade and farm-gate coffees from Sweet Maria’s, and roasting it on my stovetop using a $22 Whirley-Pop Stovetop Popcorn Popper. This makes enough roasted coffee for about two weeks. See the book Home Coffee Roasting: Romance and Revival for more information.

I have been taking all the plastic wraps off my cheese as soon as I get it home. Plastic “suffocates” cheese and traps too much moisture, making the cheese susceptible to mold. I started re-wrapping my cheese in special cheese-wrapping paper, but now I just use wax paper.

I am growing tomatoes and peppers in self-watering containers, and I grow herbs in regular containers since they do not like constant watering.

I’m still investigating different methods of water purification. I came across a useful introductory book on this subject called Don’t Drink The Water: The Essential Guide To Our Contaminated Drinking Water and What You Can Do About It. The author recommends a KDF-Carbon Block Filtration System for household filtration. This combination system get high marks because it is relatively inexpensive and it performs as well as a reverse-osmosis system (but it is much less wasteful).