Now is the perfect time to gather all the falling leaves in your yard and prepare to build a compost pile for an organic garden. Not only is it easy to do, but you can have your entire family spend a day outdoors raking the leaves and having a great old time. Kids usually love to play with leaves, especially when the leaves are piled high enough for them to jump into.

More importantly, however, your own compost pile for your organic garden will be rich in nutrients for the soil, and it acts as a catalyst to fertilize your soil using organic materials.

What materials are required to create the compost pile? While there is no hard and fast rule, there are three ingredients to create a compost pile… and if you can remember “brown, green, and water,” according to the EPA, you are ready to begin.

Let’s look at the brown material first. It would consist of dead leaves, branches, and twigs, bathroom tissue, cardboard rolls, coffee grounds, hair and fur, nut shells, and wood chips, to name a few. The green material would consist of grass clippings, vegetable waste, fruit scraps, and coffee grounds. The water is essential to keep the compost from drying out.

Therefore, with the right combination of all three elements and an equal amount of brown and green material, you can easily layer the material in an alternating fashion.

According to the EPA, “the water will keep the pile moist and break down the organic material.” Also, the brown material is important because it emits carbon while the green material provides nitrogen. This perfect blend is necessary to produce compost that will enrich your soil when you prepare your organic garden for planting.

Where should you place the compost pile? Well, it is recommended that you choose a dry area in your yard that is near a water source, and in a shady area. After you and your family have raked the leaves and piled them to the spot you have chosen, you can then begin to add the other brown and green materials mentioned above. It is also recommended that you lightly water the materials as you add them to the pile. Finally, cover the compost so that you can keep all contents moist.

How do you know when the compost is ready for use? Look under the covered compost and reach under the bottom of the pile. If the material is dark in color, it is ready for use.

According to the EPA, compost usually takes anywhere from two months to two years to fully develop.

You now have the information to build a compost pile for an organic garden. If you begin now, the compost will be more than ready for spring planting.

** Note that there are some things that you should not put into your compost pile. Here is a list of them, and the reason why they should be left out:

* Black walnut tree leaves or twigs – Releases substances that might be harmful to plants
* Coal or charcoal ash- Might contain substances harmful to plants
* Dairy products (e.g., butter, egg yolks, milk, sour cream, yogurt) – Creates odor problems and attract pests such as rodents and flies
* Diseased or insect-ridden plants- Diseases or insects might survive and be transferred back to other plants
* Fats, grease, lard, or oils – Creates odor problems and attract pests such as rodents and flies
* Meat or fish bones and scraps – Creates odor problems and attract pests such as rodents and flies
* Pet wastes (e.g., dog or cat feces, soiled cat litter) – Might contain parasites, bacteria, germs, pathogens, and viruses harmful to humans
* Yard trimmings treated with chemical pesticides – Might kill beneficial composting organisms

Have fun composting!

What do the numbers mean? Total cholesterol is the sum of three main factors. Theses are LDL (low density lipoprotein) cholesterol (bad kind), HDL (high density lipoprotein) cholesterol (good kind) and blood triglycerides. Healthy total cholesterol is under 200mg/dL with 180 mg/dL being optimal. LDL cholesterol should be under 100 mg/dL, HDL should be over 40 mg/dL and blood triglyceride levels under 150 mg/dL. When is cholesterol considered too high? When total cholesterol is over 240mg/dL with LDL levels over 160 mg/dL, HDL levels under 40 mg/dL and blood triglycerides 200 mg/dL you are at risk.

There are plenty of ways to help reduce cholesterol levels naturally. Medications are widely available but have been known to cause muscle pains and inflict damage on the liver. Lowering levels naturally is a much safer alternative. Natural remedies can also save you money on your prescriptions.

It is important to note that roughly 20% of cholesterol comes from your diet while nearly 80% comes from your liver. So changes in your diet may need to be taken further by adding nutritional supplements to your daily regimen. Cholesterol levels should be checked at least once every five years for people aged 20 or older. Use the following tips to help maintain healthy levels.

- Cut back on consuming sugar, white flower, rich desserts and fried foods.
- Switch to using healthy oils such as olive or walnut oil.
- Eat baked or poached fish a few nights a week.
- Consume more soluble fiber such as apples, barley, oats, psyllium, kidney beans and pears.
- Eat more nuts such as pecans, hazelnuts, peanuts, pistachios and walnuts.
- Load up on leafy and green vegetables during mealtimes. These include lettuce, broccoli, spinach and green beans.
- Switch to eating whole grain foods instead of starchy white bread and pastas.
- Eat more fruits and berries. These are high in antioxidants and phytonutrients.
- Soy can lower bad cholesterol by three percent.
- Exercise at least 30 minutes on most or all days of the week.

When an altered diet is not enough to maintain healthy cholesterol levels, you may want to consider taking some nutritional supplements. Always follow directions specified on labels and be sure to contact your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Below are some natural supplements that can help you achieve your goals.

- Octacosanol is derived from wheat germ oil. It is proven to reduce total cholesterol levels.

- Omega 3 Fatty Acids come from fish oil and flax seed oil. These not only help lower cholesterol but also reduce inflammation, a common risk factor associated with cardiovascular disease.

- Garlic can lower total levels.

- Niacin is a B vitamin that can help decrease cholesterol when used in larger doses. It lowers bad cholesterol and raises good cholesterol.

- Chromium (GTF) which aids in metabolizing sugars can help lower overall cholesterol.

- Guggul which is made from herbs is a medicine to help rid the body of bad cholesterol.

Always follow your doctors advice before starting any natural supplement regimen.

Becoming environmentally conscious encompasses many aspects in ensuring that we do as much as we can to keep our world safe and ecologically sound, especially for our children.  To this end, it is absolutely wonderful to see websites that offer cotton clothing for the organic baby.

The motto “Think Green” is becoming more popular than ever, and proponents of living organic lifestyles are fast becoming the focus of attention for those who have not yet hopped on board.

Perusing several websites, here are some of the items in organic cotton you can find for your baby:

* Cotton wash mitt
* Burp Pad
* Blanket
* Shirts
* Booties
* Bottoms
* Caps
* Diapers
* Fitted and flat sheets
* Layette sets
* One-piece snap body suits
* Kimonos
* Undershirts
* Baby gowns
* Baby rompers
* Baby towels

Imagine how comfortably your baby will sleep at night and feel during the day wearing comfortable non-chemical, organic baby wear!

There are also websites whose designs are quite gorgeous for your baby.  They not only use cotton that is hand-picked and ring spun from organic cotton farms, but also use low-impact chemical dyes which contain no metals so that your baby’s clothes are free from allergens.

According to statistics from the Organic Trade Association, “more than 14 million pounds of organic cotton has been grown in over 12 countries.  Yet this only represents about 0.03% of cotton worldwide.”  In addition, more and more companies are expanding their use of domestic and international organic cotton.  This is good news for the consumer who is seeking viable ways to obtain organic cotton clothing.

The OTA had more good news.  “Sales of organic women’s clothing grew by 33.6% during 2003, and diaper sales grew 20.5%.  Men’s clothing grew by 11%, and children’s and teens’ clothing grew 15%.  It is estimated that organic cotton will continue to rise a whopping 15% per year.

When purchasing organic clothing for your baby, it’s a good idea to only purchase those items that are clearly labeled 100% organic.  There seems to be a disconnect between organic and natural products.  There is a vast difference between the two.  Whereas clothing made from natural resources indicates the product is not made from artificial means, organic clothing that is labeled 100% organic has been duly certified as such.

Consumer interest in cotton organic clothing has spawned the use of organic cotton fibers in make-up removal pads, ear swabs, sanitary products, towels, bathrobes, toys, stationery and note cards.  Moreover, according to the OTA, “organic cottonseed is used to feed animals, and organic cottonseed oil is used in food products.”   It seems that cotton clothing for baby is not the only thing on the rise!

There is still a debate going on as to whether or not organic foods are better for you than conventional food products.  So what’s the big deal about organic foods anyway?  Well, here is a hint that non-organic foods might be a problem.

According to the National Research Council (NRC), “traces of pesticides left on traditionally grown products are unlikely to cause an increase in cancer.  If fruits and vegetables are properly washed, most of the chemicals are likely to be removed.”  This statement not only proves that non-organic foods can be hazardous to your health, but is contradictory to say the least.  On the one hand, the NRC, who are proponents for non-organic foods are saying it’s okay to buy these foods, yet on the other hand they are admitting that pesticides are present and can pose a health risk.  So who’s right?

It has long been confirmed that organic food does not contain high amounts of pesticides.  Thus, organic food has become more popular today than ever before.  Companies and organizations who promote healthy eating, as well as finding ways to protect the environment, may still be in the minority.  However, they are gaining ground in light of the recent recall of certain vegetables and meats.

It also follows that families who are making a conscious effort to protect the environment are leaning towards an organic lifestyle.  So the question still remains:  What’s the big deal about organic foods?  Quite frankly, it is only a big deal to those who oppose this alternative lifestyle.

Let’s take a look at some facts about organic foods:
* Consuming foods that are naturally grown is healthier and provides more nutrition.
* Foods organically grown are known to contain more vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
* There are no additives present.
* The process of organic farming eliminates any form of chemicals or hormones.  Our environment is protected and our wildlife are given much better treatment than by conventional standards.
* Most importantly, the fertilization of soil promotes healthier crops.

Finally, those in the know tell us that organic foods taste better than the more traditional non-organic foods.

Consuming organic foods is an individual choice.  But whether you grow your own organic garden, eat at restaurants which only serve organic foods, or purchase organic foods at your local farmer’s market, there is something to be said for the nutritional value contained in organic foods.

So what’s the big deal about organic foods anyway?  Obviously, the big deal is most likely an economic one.  Organic farming, or converting a conventional farm into an organic one, would take years before it can be certified as organic.  In addition, while there are organic farms today, the supply has not yet met the demand.  For now, however, those who prefer an organic lifestyle are living healthier, eating healthier, and are contributing to a more viable environment.

Most people have different ideas on how to fertilize their organic gardens.  While some depend on compost, others visit their local gardening stores to purchase ready-to-use fertilizer.  To this end, here are an additional five fertilizing options for organic gardens which you may consider as well.

Due to the fact that nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus are the three main ingredients needed for organic garden fertilization, home-made compost may not be enough to do the job.

If you want to ensure that you are giving your organic garden enough of what it needs to be able to plant a healthy and quantitative crop, here are some fertilizers which can assist you in this endeavor:

1.  One fertilizer that has all of the nutrients needed for your organic garden is alfalfa meal.  Its components contribute to plant growth.

2.  Much has been made of a fertilizer called blood meal.  A source of nitrogen, it has a ratio of 12-2-1.

3.  Bone meal is also being recommended by garden experts.  Since it is a great source of phosphorus and calcium, it’s a good one to add to your list.

4.  High in potassium, kelp meal is recommended as well.  Using it in combination with bone meal is ideal, since kelp meal does not contain enough phosphorus.

5.  Another nutrient which is high in potassium and nitrogen is comfrey.  This is especially useful if you plan to grow organic tomatoes and fruit.

In addition, you can also compost certain nutrients which can further enhance the fertilization of your garden.  The first nutrient is called nettles, which is a food which insects ingest and which can also be composted into an organic liquid.  The second alternative is to use compost worms with any waste products from your kitchen.  This will also provide nutrition for the soil.  The third is the process of composting tea.  If you find that your soil is not at its best, this process will add the nutrients that are lacking in your organic garden.

Well, there you have it.  These are the five fertilizing options for organic gardens you can utilize when you begin planting in the spring.  For now, it may be prudent to take all the leaves in the back yard and prepare a compost pile.   Since the compost pile is a rich source of carbon, nitrogen, and water, there is no doubt you will be sufficiently prepared to plan what to plant in your organic garden.

Whether you grown your own organic garden or shop at your local farmer’s market, you can be assured there are plenty of places to obtain organic fruits and vegetables. To assist you in this endeavor, here are five places to buy organic fruits and vegetables:

1. Organics Online. There are several websites devoted to purchasing organic fruits and vegetables. Some sites offer you the opportunity to buy directly online, while others give you lists of places where you can purchases fruits and vegetables. The Organic Consumers Association has a comprehensive website that is totally devoted to organic foods. Here you will find lists of places where you can purchase organic foods.

2. Farmer’s Markets. This is a great place to find organic fruits and vegetables. Once you have determined that the market is in fact organic, you will be afforded the opportunity to purchase freshly picked fruits and vegetables when in season. In fact, you may find that the prices are a bit less than traditional supermarkets that carry organic products.

3. Grown Your Own Organic Garden. This is probably the best way to ensure your fruits and vegetables are grown safely and pesticide free. Many people are now in the process of starting a compost pile which will aid them in the planting phase in the spring. There is absolutely nothing like the taste of a freshly grown tomato, as well as other vegetables from your own organic garden. It’s affordable and easy to maintain. In addition, you can check online sources to assist you on where to purchase seeds as well as get gardening tips.

4. Local Supermarkets. Since there is a demand for organic fruits and vegetables, you may wish to check several of your local supermarkets to determine if they have organic products available. The prices may be a bit high, so research is required to ascertain who has the best prices and availability.

5. Organic Co-ops. This is probably the most inexpensive way to obtain organic fruits and vegetables. There are many food cooperatives which offer discounts to its members based on bulk buying. Not only can you save money, but you are helping these local farmers to continue to provide organic foods at low prices. The only requirement is that if you buy in bulk, you have enough storage space where you can easily store the fruits and vegetables for a few months.

As mentioned earlier, the Organic Consumers Association is your best bet in locating organic fruits and vegetables, especially if you live in a community where farmer’s markets or local supermarkets do not carry organic products.

What you may not realize is that many of the skin care products and cosmetics you are buying contain ingredients that are not only harmful to your skin, but also to your long term health. Many of these ingredients are known carcinogens (cancer-causing substances) and are used by the cosmetic industry simply because they are cheap!

Harmful Ingredients Commonly Found in Skin Care Products and Cosmetics
The following are just some of the synthetic chemicals that have been identified by scientific studies to be harmful to our health.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS)
Often described as being “derived from coconut” to disguise their toxic nature, these chemicals are commonly used in shampoos, toothpaste, foaming facial and body cleansers and bubble bath. SLS and ALS can cause severe skin irritation, and are easily absorbed into the body, building up in the brain, heart, lungs and liver, leading to potential long term health problems. SLS and ALS may also cause cataracts, and prevent children’s eyes from developing properly.

Paraben Preservatives
Parabens are widely used in cosmetics, deodorants, skin care and baby products to prolong their shelf life. They are known to be highly toxic and have caused rashes and allergic reactions. Recent scientific studies in the UK found a strong link between the use of parabens and the increasing rate of breast cancer in women. Researchers found a high concentration of parabens in 90% of breast tumors tested.

Propylene Glycol
Found in many beauty creams, cosmetics and cleansers, Propylene Glycol can cause skin rashes and contact dermatitis, and has been shown to cause damage to the kidneys and liver.

Isopropyl Alcohol
Alcohol is used as a solvent in many skin care products. It causes skin irritation and strips the skin of its natural acid mantle, promoting the growth of bacteria, moulds and viruses. It may also cause premature ageing of skin.

DEA (Diethanolamine), TEA (Triethanolamine) and MEA (Monoethanolamine)
These substances are harsh solvents and detergents that are used in cosmetics and face and body creams as an emollient. They can cause allergic reactions, and long term use of DEA-based products (such as Cocamide DEA) have been linked to an increase in the incidence of liver and kidney cancer.

Aluminum
A common ingredient in antiperspirants, aluminum has been linked to Alzheimer’s Disease.

Mineral Oil
Derived from petroleum (crude oil), mineral oil is commonly found as a main ingredient of face and body creams and cosmetics. Baby oil is 100% mineral oil! It coats the skin like a plastic film, clogging pores and stopping the skin from eliminating toxins, which can lead to acne and other skin disorders. Other petroleum based ingredients include paraffin wax, paraffin oil and petrolatum.

Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)
Used as a thickener in skin care products and cosmetics, PEGs interfere with the skin’s natural moisture balance, causing an increase in ageing and leaving the skin vulnerable to bacteria.

Talc
Talc is a soft mineral used in talcum powders and cosmetic powders. Scientific studies have shown that routine application of talcum powder to the genital area is linked with a three-to-fourfold increase in the development of ovarian cancer. Inhaling cosmetic powders containing talc may also be harmful to long term health.

How To Avoid These Toxins
Examine the labels of your cosmetics and skin care products carefully, and learn to recognize ingredients that are harmful to your skin and to your health. Many web sites have lists of potentially harmful ingredients in addition to those shown above (e.g. Environmental Working Group).

Don’t be fooled by the words ‘natural’ or ‘organic’ on the front of the label. Many products contain at least one or two natural or organic ingredients, but they may also contain harmful synthetic chemicals as well.

Whenever possible, choose products with 100% natural ingredients such as essential oils and herbs. Your skin will love you for it!

What follows is a list of the most common and effective herbal remedies that can be used in the treatment of these conditions.

1) Garlic (Allium Sativum) Garlic’s reputation as an effective herbal remedy that can be used in the treatment of many conditions has been known for centuries.

In the treatment of high cholesterol, garlic is particularly effective due to its high sulphur content. Sulphur has the affect of decreasing “bad” cholesterol (LDL) while increasing “good” cholesterol (HDL).

The specific action that causes this is the decreased formation of plaque in our arteries and blood vessels due to decreased clotting factors.

In this way garlic is not only an excellent herbal remedy for high cholesterol, it is also an excellent general circulatory system herb as well.

2) Maca (Lepidium Meyenii) sexual dysfunction and loss of libido is becoming more and more common. One of the most powerful herbs (with scientific research to support it’s claims) to help restore normal sexual function in both men and women is Maca.

Maca’s reputation is such that it is known as “Peruvian Viagra”. Unfortunately this leads many people to assume that Maca is for men only, which is not the case at all as Maca is very effective in the treatment of loss of libido and frigidity in women.

For men, as the “Peruvian Viagra” label would indicate, Maca is very effective in the treatment of erectile dysfunction and has been shown to increase levels of testosterone leading to increased levels of energy and vigour in men of all ages.

3) St John’s Wort (Hypericum Perforatum) The herbal remedy most people think of when it comes to treating depression is St John’s Wort. Recent scientific research has shown that St John’s Wort can help to reduce dramatically the signs and symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Additionally, it can be used in the treatment of generalized stress, sleeping difficulties, lack of energy and premenstrual stress disorders.

The active ingredient, Hypericin, has been shown to be an effective natural alternative for more conventional ant-depressants such as Prozac and Zoloft.

4) White Willow Bark (Salix Alba) For the treatment of pain there are a number of effective herbal remedies than can be used as substitutes for medications such as aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs.

White Willow Bark is often referred to as “herbal aspirin” due to the fact that its active ingredient, salacin, is the main chemical component of aspirin.

The salicylic acid in White Willow Bark decreases the levels of prostaglandins in the body that can be the cause of inflammation and pain.

Wherever you would take an aspirin, White Willow Bark can be used as a natural alternative.

5) Hawthorn Berries (Crataegus Oxyacanthoides) are one of the most powerful herbal remedies in the treatment of any blood and circulatory disorder. The remedy has a strong, yet gentle, normalizing affect on the heart tonifying and strengthening it when needed and sedating when appropriate.

As a circulatory tonic, Hawthorn Berries are most often used in the treatment of high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis and angina.

If you are looking to incorporate herbal medicine in the treatment of any disease or dysfunction, the easiest and safest way to do so is to look for a health care professional trained in not only the use of natural alternative medicine, but also someone with training and understanding in conventional pharmaceutical medications.

While there is almost always a safe and natural herbal alternative to most drugs, if you are presently taking pharmaceutical medication of any kind, before making any changes or modifications to your treatment program you will need to consult with your health care professional.

It’s important to understand that everything that comes in contact with our body affects our health and the condition of our skin. That’s why choosing all natural skin care products and ingredients is important. The liver filters the toxins and poisons from the food we eat, but whatever we place on our skin is directly absorbed. This includes deodorant, lotions, gels, cleansers, toners, make-up, perfumes and more. The answer to achieving a radiant, glowing complexion are within arm’s reach. Here are just a few all natural skin care solutions for you to try. You’ll be very pleased with the results.

Once a week, rub your skin with baking soda while in the shower, for a smooth, silky feeling. You can also do this on your face to remove blackheads.

Fresh tomato juice is great for the oily parts of your face (Be sure to try the tomato juice on your arm first, as your skin may be sensitive to it). Rinse thoroughly after applying the tomato juice to your skin.

For a great moisturizer try olive oil: this healthy fat is good for you and great for your skin. You can also use it to soothe sunburned skin.

Vinegar can work wonders for smelly feet and armpits. Mix water and vinegar 50/50, and use in place of deodorant: it will keep the unpleasant sweat smell away, without any irritation. As for your feet, if you suffer from Athlete’s Foot, a week of vinegar foot baths will help a lot, sometimes completely eliminating the condition.

Egg yolk mixed with honey makes a fantastic facial mask. Apply to your face and leave on for 20 minutes, then rinse off with tepid water.

Another egg yolk tip: for those with eczema, use it instead of soap. it doesn’t smell great, but it will soothe your damaged skin.

A great treatment for dry skin is avocados. Simply mash some avocado in a bowl and then apply it your dry skin and leave on for 20 minutes, then rinse off with tepid water.

Finally, be sure to drink 8 glasses of water every day to keep your skin healthy from the inside out.

Many main stream manufacturers still include a range of not so natural ingredients in their products:

- waste products from the petrochemical industry
- lead and other heavy metals
- products extracted from animal carcasses

Many of these ingredients are given scientific sounding names. While the cynic may say this is a deliberate attempt to confuse the consumer, a more charitable view is that this is done in pursuit of accurate labeling.

As a result of the heightened awareness of health matters and the confusion concerning ingredients and labelling, a new sector of this lucrative market has arisen. The need for natural skin care and cosmetics.

But just how natural is natural?

Many consumers require natural ingredients but are not prepared to accept the necessary compromise in product performance. A classic example is with the ingredient Sodium Lauryl Sulphate. This is a synthetic detergent derived from coconut oil and it appears in a wide range of shampoos, bath products, toothpastes and liquid soaps. It is what gives these products the luxurious bubbles and lather to which we have all become accustomed. A number of studies have suggested that this ingredient is harmful and many consumers now seek products containing an alternative.

Manufacturers then developed Sodium Laureth Sulphate, which is considered less irritating than Sodium Lauryl Sulphate. When this was condemned, Ammonium Laureth Sulphate and Ammonium Lauryl Sulphate were substituted. Once again these are synthetic detergents developed from coconut oil and they are still considered to be an irritant. Some studies have also suggested they may be carcinogenic.

Unless consumers have a knowledge of bio-chemistry it is almost impossible to discern what ingredients are natural and what are not. The SLS saga is but one example of this confusion.

It is ironic that a number of “natural” manufacturers aggressively promote their products by denigrating the products of competing companies – despite the fact that the ingredients they contain are essentially the same.

Consumers need to make themselves aware of the real meanings behind the mysterious names on their cosmetic bottles and jars and educate themselves about the various aliases they are likely to encounter.

Depending on the reasons for wanting to purchase natural products, some ingredients may be more acceptable than others. Take Lanolin for example. Lanolin is extracted from the fleece of sheep. It has been shown to contain a large number of chemicals used to kill parasites that may live on the sheep. Many eczema sufferers find that treatment with lanolin based products – despite the chemicals – helps to reduce symptoms. The benefits of Lanolin treatment outweigh the disadvantage of potential contaminants. This is a value judgement that individuals will need to make.

Of course, one of the best ways to ensure that your products are natural is to make them yourself. There is a growing number of companies providing organic based ingredients to facilitate home manufacture of products. Natural cosmetics are surprisingly easy to make in the home using nothing more than regular kitchen equipment. This may be an alternative worth checking-out.