It is a beautiful day here on the patio, but we're feeling a bit old this week. Val threw out her hip, and Dori thinks she may need glasses! Don't worry, we won't let that stop us from enjoying the holiday season. We have great tips for keeping your pets safe and we talk a bit about choosing the right Christmas tree. Also, our essential oil of the week is Tea tree.

We have a taste of Tofurkey
Val prepared a tofurkey for us to try. It was quite an adventure. Tofurkey technology has come a long way.

Dori's Finds

• Cheaper Vegi-diesel may change the way we drive. Find out more at Nationalgeographic.com
• Dori found a website that tells where to find alternative refueling stations - Cleancarmaps.com
• An eco-friendly heated bra!!! - Check it out - Click here.

Val's Finds

• An eco-friendly wood floor adhesive. Click here for more info.
• Students Design Dinnerware for the Sierra Club - Available in 2006 - productdesign.parsons.edu
• Fast, Easy Holiday Cards - Get them out the door with style and good cheer, no matter how much time â?? or energy â?? you have - From Real Simple
• Make your own stamps (with your own photos). - photostamps.com

Beer of the Week
Frambrozen Raspberry Brown Ale- from New Belgium (makers of Fat Tire Ale).

Dori's Keeping the Tree - Fake or Real?
We have actually identified 5 options for your Christmas tree.

1. Tree lot or farmed tree. These trees are specifically raised to be Christmas trees. Surprise - Val likes this option! If you are going for a real tree, using trees that will be replaced and don't hurt the eco-system. You may want to ask if they use pesticides or herbicides. Try to buy local.
2. Get a permit and cut your own. Not our favorite option.
3. Buy a fake tree. - Not recommended. Most of todays trees are made with PVC - which out gas toxins into your home. Also some warn about lead dust that can fall from your tree. Ick! Please read the labels and warnings on your trees.
4. Buy a living tree that can be planted after the holidays. If you do this, you will want to talk to a local nursery and find a living tree that is native to your area.
5. Explore an alternative to the tree.
   • Create a tree out of lights on your wall.
   • Use bows and wreaths to create an alternative holiday display.
   • Create a beautiful gift table.

Lights

• Try LED Lights this year. They are more efficient.
• Some cord around the holiday lights contain lead and pvc. Don' let your children handle Christmas lights. Read the article from checnet.org for more information.

Pet Safety this holiday season

• Avoid using tinsel.
• Glass ornaments near top of tree or avoid all together.
• Keep pets away from water at the base of tree that may contain pesticides and fertilizers.
• Keep electrical cords away from the pets. Run them under a carpet or through a copper pipe.
• Make sure batteries are kept out of reach of the animals.
• Watch out for chocolate which is very toxic for dogs.
• Know about the plants you have in your home, and remove any toxic plants from within your animals reach.

Listener Emails
Have something on your mind you'd like to share with Dori or Val, or their listeners, please email your comments and suggestions to hip@greenfeet.com

Heather - Heather asked a lot of questions about essential oils and getting rid of bugs. For getting rid of mosquitos you can use citronella essential oil or sandalwood. Outside you can use incense coils. Also listen to our June 16th episode of More Hip Than Hippie to learn more mosquito repelling ideas. Heather also asked about fire ants, we know that peppermint essential oil helps to get rid of ants in general. We are not sure about fire ants specifically. Or you can interupt their path by cleaning the area with Dr. Bronner's castile soap.
Constance - Gingerbread essential oil - make sure it is not a fragrance oil.
Martin - Silicone Bakeware - Doesn't get firm when hot. We have not found any reason to think it is not fine to use.
Eileen - Wants information on cleaning with non-toxic products. Mentions Endangered Species organic chocolate (can of worms officially opened). More on all of this on a later podcast.
Lori - Wanted a recommendation for healthy snacks for kids. And as luck would have it, Dori and her kids just tried a product called "Organic Go-Go Grahams" from Barbara's Bakery. Val suggests cheese service, organic corn chips with fresh salsa, fruit and yogurt, or carrots.
Heidi and her kids - Great idea for using old crayons to make new multi-colored crayons. Listen to the podcast to learn how to make them.
Kelly - Happy Birthday Val and Kelly - November 24th.

The Chocolate of the Week
Terra Nostra Organic Chocolate Bars - you can find them at veganessentials.com. Yummy.

Scientific Name: Melaleuca alternifolia

Description of odor: Fresh, clean, slightly camphorous

Method of extraction: Steam distillation

Where it grows: Tea Tree is native to Australia, where it grows primarily in New South Wales.

Introduction:
Tea Tree is an effective remedy for many ailments, and has been used for centuries by the aboriginal peoples of Australia. Extensive research conducted by scientists during the past ten years has resulted in very positive findings. According to Julia Lawless, author of The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils, Tea Tree has been shown to be effective in fighting against all three varieties of infectious organisms: bacteria, fungi, and viruses. It is also a very powerful immuno-stimulant: when the body is exposed to an infectious organism, Tea Tree helps increase the body's ability to respond. Tea Tree is considered non-toxic, and very rarely is an irritant, making it suitable for nearly everyone.

Tea Tree essential oil is one of the most versatile essential oils, and is a must-have for any home medicine cabinet. If you are new to aromatherapy, Tea Tree is an excellent introduction to essential oils. (Another excellent beginner�s oil is Lavender. Click here for more information about Lavender essential oil.)

How to use Tea Tree:

• First Aid. Place one drop of Tea Tree directly onto minor cuts or scrapes before applying a bandage. Tea Treeâ��s anti-infectious properties help to heal the wounds and prevent infection.
• Ringworm. For a small area, simply put one drop directly onto the affected skin. For larger areas, mix 3 drops of Tea Tree with 1 Tablespoon of carrier oil (such as Sesame or Jojoba) and apply it directly onto the affected area. Repeat 2-3 times a day until the infection is gone.
• Acne. Apply sparingly to the affected area twice a day until the acne is gone.
• Disinfectant. Take an 8 oz. spray bottle, fill with water and add 25 drops of Tea Tree oil. Shake well, and spray directly onto faucets, doorknobs, bed linens, or into the air as a disinfectant. This is also an excellent spray to use in a sick room.
• Athleteâ��s foot. Apply Tea Tree oil directly to the affected area twice a day. Remember â�� one drop goes a long way. If the athleteâ��s foot infection is found between all of the toes, use the same dosage as above for large ringworm infections, and apply directly to the affected areas.
• Gargle. To combat sore throat, or for an effective mouthwash, put two drops of Tea Tree essential oil into a glass of water, then swish and gargle. It doesn't taste very good â�� but it's very effective!
• Respiratory aid. For mild coughs or chest congestion, combine 1 drop of Tea Tree oil with 1 drop of Lavender oil, and mix the combination into 1 teaspoon of carrier oil. Rub the mixture onto the chest and back. Repeat every 3-4 hours as needed.
• Itchy scalp. To soothe itchy, flaky scalp, add 15 drops of Tea Tree to your favorite 8 oz. bottle of shampoo. Wash and rinse as usual.
• Sore muscles. Tea Tree helps to flush the body of uric acid build-up. Just add 2 drops of Tea Tree and 1 drop of Lavender to 1 Tablespoon of carrier oil, and rub the mixture onto any sore areas.
• Nail fungus. Add 5 drops of Tea Tree essential oil to a basin of warm water, and soak nails (hands or feet) for 10 minutes. If the problem is acute, try rubbing 1 drop directly into the nail bed.

Safety:
Tea Tree essential oil is safe for nearly everyone. We do not recommend that you use Tea Tree oil on babies, and use it only when extremely diluted for children under the age of 5. It is one the few essential oils that is safe to apply neat � or straight onto the skin -- without the use of a carrier oil for individuals over the age of 5.

As with many essential oils, Tea Tree is safe to use as long as it is not abused. Use common sense when using essential oils. When following a recipe that calls for Tea Tree 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:

There are dozens of other Tea Tree oil recipes that help fight a myriad of maladies. 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).

You can purchase Tea Tree essential oil at greenfeet.com.