More Hip than Hippie - Happy Green New Year
This week we are talking about our green resolutions, not tasting beer (Val forgot), but eating fudge. We also delve into some more listener emails, and spend a bit of time on the essential oil of lemon.

In the News

• Top 5 Hybrids for 2006 - from about.com
  • Honda Insight (5-speed manual transmission)
  • Honda Insight (CVT transmission)
  • Toyota Prius
  • Honda Civic Hybrid
  • Honda Accord Hybrid
• Dupont - Fined more than 10,000,000 over Teflon. Check out the full details here.
• Sustainable Industries Journal - Sweden wants to get off of the oil soon.
  This publication is more business oriented, Val found it interesting, and thought you might too.
• We've been approached - Sirius-ly. What do you think? Email us at hip@greenfeet.com
• Don't forget to vote for us at podcastalley, and also if you get to us through itunes, why not post your review of our show.

 

Tiny Steps that will make 2006 a Little more Green
Easy to adopt changes for the new year.

• Just say no to plastic bags - choose reusable bags. Find yours at greenfeet.com, reusablebags.com or chicobag.com. By using reusable bags you can save 300 to 700 plastic bags in a year.
• Eat organic and/or fair trade chocolate and coffee.
• Wear your clothes more than once before washing.
• Rid your house of antibacterial products. Use just good old soap and water.
• Buy a peace lily or spider plant that will soak up VOCs in your home. Check out How to Grow Fresh Air.
• Slowly Rid your house of plastic. Replace a few items at a time and you will be amazed at how much you can get rid of. Let us know what you use instead of plastic.
• Eat locally and seasonally - shop at local farmers market, fruit stands or purchase from stores that are stocked from the local area.

 

Val's Brussel Sprouts Recipe: Slice them thinly and saute them in olive oil, and salt and pepper with a bit of lime.

Listener Emails

• Bob - Drafty apartments - a few ideas - weather proofing the windows with vinyl sheeting, circulation with box fans, and turn heater down during the day and up in the evening.
• Leigh - Honey for a facial cleanser - straight honey with no oil (tea tree or lavender would work).
• Tory - Use Dvd cases for gift giving. Another idea is to donate them to libraries for their less than well cared for cases.
• Scott - Pubmed.gov - for scientific information on essential oils.
• Kevin - Helping us pronounce hard words like Phenylalanine - his pronunciation guide - â��feeâ��-nil-alâ��-a-neenâ��
• Bob - Gingersnaps are just not for dogs. But ginger is very good to combat sea sickness.
• Dawn - Suggests we rate natural cleaners and soaps. She also heard recently that our government might be invoking legislation to "outlaw" homeopathic medicines and nutritional supplements such as vitamins, etc. from being sold freely at health food stores. Was wondering if we knew anything about it (could it just be a rumor?). We're not sure, but we'll look into it.
• Linda - Wants sweet potato recipe - (She hasn't given it to me yet).
• Jarrod - Mobile phone made of corn - engadget.com
• The good girl - lokiland.org - Shout out!

The Winners of the Quiz
Julia, Leigh, Allison, Robert, Liam, and Brian. Congratulations! Enjoy your CD.
Happy New Year!

Common Name: Lemon

Scientific Name: Citrus Limonum

Description of odor: Fresh, clean, bright

Method of extraction: Cold expression of peel or zest of fruit

Where it grows: Although found all over the world, lemon essential oil is primarily produced in Italy and the United States.

Introduction:
Lemon essential oil rightfully belongs in every medicine, cleaning and spice cabinet. The juice and peel of the lemon are used as cooking seasonings in countries worldwide. In Spain, lemon is considered a cure all - especially for infectious illnesses. Lemon has also been used to help break fevers, such as those associated with malaria or typhoid, and it was historically used to fight scurvy aboard British ships. When taken internally (only under the guidance of a licensed aromatherapist), lemon esssential oil helps treat problems such as arthritis and rheumatism and is also helpful in the clearing of the liver.

Suggested Uses for Lemon Essential Oil:

• First Aid. To use lemon as an antiseptic - place 3 drops into a small bowl of water, dip a sterile cloth into the lemon water, then apply the cloth to the affected area. Repeat until the wound is clear of debris. (Lemon water is not recommended for deep wounds - for more serious wounds, seek medical attention.)

   

• Internal Cleansing. Place one drop of lemon oil into a glass of room temperature water and drink to help cleanse and tonify an acidic tummy.

• Acne. Apply sparingly to acne-affected areas twice a day until the acne is gone.

• Disinfectant. Take an 8 oz. spray bottle, fill it with water, and add 25 drops of lemon oil. Shake well, and spray directly onto faucets, doorknobs, bed linens, or into the air as a disinfectant. When combined with lavender essential oil, this is also an excellent spray to use to disinfect a sick room(use 15 drops lemon, 15 drops lavender per 8oz of water).

   

• Warts. Apply 1 drop to the affected area twice a day. Repeat until wart is gone. ·

   

  Urinary tract. Place 2 drops of lemon essential oil into 1 tablespoon of carrier oil such as jojoba, and rub the mixture into the lower back and lower abdomen in a clockwise direction. This aids in the cleansing and toning of the kidneys.

   

• Respiratory aid. To soothe respiratory problems (asthma, throat infections, bronchitis, etc), place 10 drops of lemon essential oil into a vaporizer or diffuser and diffuse the mixture into your room.

   

• Cellulite. To help break down cellulite, add 1 drop of lemon essential oil to one tablespoon of carrier oil such as jojoba oil. Rub into the affected area, working toward the heart. Repeat daily and drink lots of water to help flush your system.

   

• Sore muscles. Lemon helps to flush the body of uric acid build-up. Just add 2 drops of tea tree oil and 1 drop of lavender oil to 1 tablespoon of carrier oil, and rub the mixture onto any sore areas. This mixture can also be soothing for joint aches and pains.

   

• In the kitchen. Add 2 drops of lemon oil to a lemon cookie recipe, or whenever lemon flavor is required. Be aware, however, that lemon essential oil is very potent, and should be used very sparingly. Over consumption can result in serious illness. Consult a cookbook that works with essential oils for additional suggestions on proper measurements.

   

• In the bathroom. For a sparkling bathroom sink or tub, mix 10 drops of lemon oil with one cup of baking soda. Use the mixture to scrub away dirt, grime, and soap buildup. Make sure to rinse well when you've finished scrubbing. This is also a good mixture to use if you need to shine up chrome fixtures. If your bathroom surfaces are colored, we recommend testing for color-safeness in a small, inconspicuous area before applying the mixture over broad areas (lemon can have bleaching qualities).

   

• In the laundry room. When laundering whites, add 25 drops to the rinse water. Do not apply directly to clothing. Avoid adding to colored loads.

   

• Vacuuming. Drop a cotton ball sprinkled with 15 drops of lemon essential oil into your vacuum bag. The scented cotton will add a crisp, fresh scent to the air as you clean, and also will deodorize your vacuum cleaner.

   

• For the spirit. Lemon is a naturally uplifting, clarifying oil. You can either inhale it directly from the bottle or use a diffuser. Lemon is an excellent oil to diffuse in a child's environment, and when placed in a car diffuser, lemon oil can help keep you alert and your spirits high during your daily commute.

Safety:
Although it is non-toxic, lemon essential oil is high in limonene and may result in "prickling" of sensitive skin. It also has the potential of photo sensitization - meaning that you should stay out of the sun when using lemon essential oil because you may burn rather quickly.

As with many essential oils, lemon essential oil is safe to use as long as it is not abused. Use common sense when working with essential oils. When following a recipe that calls for lemon oil, use the exact amount called for by the recipe - do not exceed the recommended amount. If an allergic reaction occurs, discontinue use immediately; if symptoms persist, consult your physician.

Additional Resources:
Two books you can reference for additional recipes and information are The Aromatherapy Book (by Jeanne Rose) and Aromatherapy an A-Z (by Patricia Davis). We also recommend Clean House, Clean Planet found right here at greenfeet.com for additional cleaning recipes utilizing lemon and other common essential oils. You can also purchase lemon essential oil at greenfeet.com.

More Hip Than Hippie - How sweet it is!
The Highlights: This week Val found her pants. Dori goes Birthday shopping with her kids. We talk about sweeteners - which ones to avoid, and some natural alternatives.

In the news:

• Researchers convert chicken fat to fuel.
• Kellogg Company plans to reduce trans fats in their foods.
• USDA requires labelling of foods with trans fats.

 

Val's Last Minute Gift Ideas:

• Radius toothbrush - Recycled plastic travel organizer - only $8. - find it at radiustoothbrush.com
• Thamesandkosmos.com - build a car that runs on the power of the sun. - $150
• Solio- Solar powered recharger for your ipod.

 

Jill doesn't have a tiara
If you feel like showing Jill some love - email her at jill@greenfeet.com

Beer of the Day: Butte Creek Brewery Christmas Cranberry Ale.

Sweeteners: What to avoid and what to try -
Debra Lynn Dadd has a great website with all the information on sweeteners that Val talked about today. Visit Sweetsavvy.com to learn more. While you're there you'll want to check out Debra's other sites as well. She rocks. She has a lot of well researched resources for you to take advantage of. Don't forget to sign up for her newsletters and get great tips delivered directly to your inbox.

Emails:

• Sarah - She and her husband heeded the warnings about lead in Christmas lights. Because they have a little one they put the lights where she couldn't reach them, and washed their hands after putting up the lights. She has also started to use essential oils in her cleaning products, diaper cream, and is taking cloth bags with her to the store. Kudos Sarah and hubby.
• Brandy - Suggests Burt's Bee's lip balm. Val also suggests Alba cocoanut cream lip balm. Brandy also suggests giving pets a ginger snap before rides in the car to help them not get car sick.
• Michael - Wants the girls to be a bit more scientific in their research. Michael - when they give me that research, I will post it. Also he has a great suggestion on how to get Le Creuset on the cheap. Check out your local William Sonoma and check toward the back of the store for some on sale.
• Heather - Tesco uses "degradable" bags - Degradable = will breakdown over time into smaller pieces of plastic, but do not ever go away. Biodegradable = Breaks down over time due to either bacteria or fungus, and eventually goes away completely. Photodegradable = breaks down due to light. And Oxidative - degrates from oxygen.
• Liisa - She bought tea tree oil, and lavender is next on her list. She bought Sierra Club Christmas cards, and put charitable donations and Natural Home and Garden on her Christmas list (where she learned about mormolium - a natural alternative to lenolium.
• Shari - Meloluca? They sell a lot of products based on Tea tree oil. Read labels and ask for a list of ingredients. Use the consumers guide to cosmetic ingredients by Ruth Winter.
• Doug - He liked the Christmas song. He is involved in the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, they are on the quest to find 1,000,000 survivers. Just fill out this form, and send it in.

 

Politically Correct Goodnight Moon

More Hip Than Hippie - Holiday Grab Bag
This week we have started decorating and buying presents. We are in the full holiday swing. Val's favorite jeans are missing. We have a contest and a coupod - a stellar week!

Triple Pundit www.triplepundit.com

- EcoHome Improvement Store - A New Business Launches.

Smell the Lemongrass: For Omni hotel chain, lemongrass makes scents -www.usatoday.com

Chocolate: Equal Exchange

The Beer Moylan's Kilt Lifter Scotch Ale

Santa Clause is a jerk: Learn more here (parental discretion advised). www.i-mockery.com

More Gift Ideas

• Lenox - Special ornament for the pediatric aids foundation. www.lenox.com
• Handmade soap - buy local or make your own.
• Pet gifts - hemp collar and leash, new dog bed, commit to walking your dog everyday.
• Is anyone reading this? Email jill@greenfeet.com
• Kitchen Items - Soapstone, Cast Iron, hemp napkins, potholders or oven mitts.
• For the kids - Storycards, Legos (PVC Free), Board Games, and blocks.
• Decadance - Homemade trouffles or chocolate body wrap. Visit the Hershey spa.
• CPR - Consumer Packaging Reduction - help others reduce their footprint with a reusable bag, stainless steel water bottle and stainless steel coffee mug.

 

Emails

• Ramblings and Musings - Lollygagging with Liz
• Allison - Christmas cards that use recycled paper - conservatree.com
• Kevin - Any controlled studies on essential oils. Essential oils safety
• BJ - Sources for bayberry wax.
• Allison - Reviews the safety of SLS, finding it in Tom's of maine and their thoughts on the issue is stated here.
• Sean - organic home brew website - breworganic.com
• Linda - She wants the recipes we promised on our Thanksgiving show. The cranberries recipe is two cups water, two cups sugar and a huge bag of cranberries. Boil the sugar and the water, then add the cranberries, let it come to a slow boil for ten to twelve minutes and you are good to go. (I still don't have the sweet potatoe recipe). Linda also suggests using Stevia as a sweetener.

   

  The More Hip than Hippie Quiz - A chance to win a Johnny Rome CD.

  Don't forget to listen for the coupod, and Val's Last minute tips.

This week Val is right! It's Dagoba not Dagoba. We are eating chocolate and drinking wine while we're bundled up on the patio.

The Chocolate
Dagoba - Again - No we don't own stock. We just like it. This week we are eating the Lime variety.

The Wine
La Rocca Vineyards. The most widely distributed organic wine in the country (according to Val)Chenin Blanc.

Cherry Pie
Val brought a Wholly Wholesome cherry pie to Thanksgiving. It was a big success.

In the news
About.com - the cardboard box is in the national toy hall of fame. We love the creativity of children.

Charitynavigator.org
Dori got a catalog from Seva Foundation (a Charity gift service). Seva got a two star rating out of four. Charigynavigator.org is a great way to check out different charities.

Lip Balm
Dori's son had a desperate need for some chap stick, but it wasn't easy finding one with out a petroleum base. Finally one was found. Chapstick All Natural. Don't worry we read the ingredients, and it looks good.

"Snow" Covered Pine Cones
Val found this one in Ready Made magazine. Use gum arabic (spray over pine cones) and dust with flour. Because all of the ingredients are biodegradable you can toss the ornaments back in the woods when they are done adorning your home.

Tree Skirt
Also from ready made. Find a festive vintage skirt (the fuller, the better), Remove zipper, cut skirt down the back. Pleat and sew the waistband so it is about 14 inches around. Apply velcro to the opening to allow the skirt to be adjusted to fit the tree. Wrap around the tree and anchor with gifts.

Goodnight Moon
Clement Hurd - the illustrator's cigarette has been air brushed out of newer versions of the book. Let us know your opinion at hip@greenfeet.com

Green Giving - 14 Exceptional Gift Ideas

1. Organic Fair Trade Coffee and Teas - pair it with a recycled glass mug or an electricity free french coffee press.
2. Gift Subscription to the Green Guide - A wonderful source for green home tips, product reviews and environmental health updates. www.greenguide.com
3. Adopt a Tiger. - The Barry Kirshner Wildlife Foundation has a program where you or a friend can be a foster parent to an exotic cat, a coyote or a ring tailed lemur. www.kirshner.org
4. Plant a tree for someone you love. www.sustainableharvest.org - for $40 they plant 100 trees or $150 will plant and help produce an organic garden.
   Or visit the Jewish National Fund at jnf.org. for as little as $10 you can plant trees and green the land of Israel.
5. Purchase the gift of hope at Heifer International . They help families to get training and resources to be self reliant in countries around the world. For $60 you can purchase a flock of chicks, goslings or ducklings for a family. The eggs provide protein, the droppings fertilizer, and they can sell eggs and get other provisions for their household. Check them out at heifer.
6. Make someone's holiday bright with candles. Make sure they are vegetable or beeswax. Also check that the wicks are cotton or paper.
7. Fill your child's stocking with non-toxic toys. Plastic out gasses. Check out these websites for healthy, quality made alternatives: northstartoys.com, ecobaby.com or childsake.com
8. Give a valued possesion. A gift from your heart is a gift that gives forever.
9. Write a letter to your child and place it under the tree. Express why you are proud to have them in your life, why they should be proud of themselves, and even a story that will make them laugh. Date it and sign it. A gift never to be forgotten.
10. Start a family recipe book. Give the book to a few other people, and they can each share a recipe in the following years.
11. Give the gift of cuttings. Find a unique container and share your green thumb with family and friends. Pair it with a gift certificate for gardening lessons if they have a not-so-green thumb.
12. Give the gift of music. Create a complication for that special someone.
13. Interview or video tape the older family members. Find out the family history, about their childhood, and give to your siblings or children.
14. Give the gift of knowledge. A subscription to a great magazine we suggest: Readymade, Plenty, Worthwhile, Real Simple, Utne, or Natural Home and Garden. We feel these offer more than just advertisements.

 

Essential oils How-to
Debunking the myth that essential oils are new-aged. We feel they are economical and practical. If you try them. Please let us know!
Inhalation: You can smell them right from the bottle. Lavender and Vetivir are great for calming a panic attack or even a little extra tension. Hold the oil about six inches away and move it back and forth. Or put a little on a hankie and keep it handy.
Use a diffuser: Use a diffuser to create atmosphere or purify the air.
Use them in massage: Mix about three drops into your favorite massage oil (We suggest jojoba or sesame - a couple of tablespoons). No need for a professional. The hands of your nearest and dearest will work just fine.
Bath: Mix with whole milk to help it disperse in the tub.
A Compress: Put hot water (not boiling) in a bowl. Place ten drops of your favorite essential oil, then soak wash cloth and apply to the affected area.
Neat or directly to the skin. For beginners we suggest lavender and tea tree oil.

Listener Emails
Patricia: She hates wrapping paper - order the bolts of newspaper that are left over at the printers (called end rolls). Just call your local paper to find out what's available in your area. There may be a fee.
Chris: Red White and Blue Podcast (shout out!) - Thanks for the info on Citgo.
Amanda: Top ten ways she has changed her life since listening to More Hip Than Hippie!

• Bought a very expensive piece of Le Creuset cook ware (ouch) and love it (yeah!)
• I am kicking myself for just throwing out an old bottle of lavender, because I figured it went bad.
• I now have three reusable shopping bags that are quite the envy of my fellow shoppers.
• I have looked at hemp clothing online (Still pondering).
• I am going to redo my bathroom next year and I have started researching earth-friendly tile and a low flow toilet.
• I look forward to my walk to work on Monday mornings when I listen to your podcast along side people who think I am clinically insane as I laugh out loud periodically.
• I have always recycled, but now I am a recycling zealot.
• I picked up a packet of organic extra firm tofu in the market. Then I put it back down. It still scares me. Small Steps, you know.
• I smelled vetiver.
• I wrote this email. The first piece of fan mail I have written since I wrote a letter to Simon LeBon of Duran Duran.

And she works at an internet company called organic.com.

 

The Christmas Song! Have a happy holiday!