More Hip Than Hippie #280 - Turning Green TV

Videographer Bruce Jans produces an internet series highlighting sustainability.

Bruce Jans sees sustainablity all around him. He decided to explore and document the grassroots efforts of people and organizations in his part of the world (which happens to be our part of the world). The Hipsters chat with him about using a camera to build a green community.

Beer and Chocolate:

Beer: We're loving all things Pennsylvania this week. Downingtown's Victory Brewing Co. is the home of Hop Wallop, a mighty fine flavorful beverage with a bite. For hop lovers like us, it doesn't get much better. Dori: 5 hips Val: 5 hips

Chocolate: Our new Favorite Listener is Melanie in PA, who sent along a bag of Romolo's Famous Sponge Candy. This Erie-based confection is a nice snack treat, but it didn't really satisfy our inner choco snobs. Dori: 4 hips Val: 4 hips.

Hip News and Finds

Finds:

• Eco-damy Awards. Three documentaries to root for at the Oscars this year: Gasland, Waste Land and Sun Comes Up. We don't know who they'll be wearing.
• Hot list. What do the President of Bolivia, Ford Motor Co.'s CEO and Brad Pitt have in common? They're all Green Giants, according to a British newspaper. Also making the cut: our new buddy Joel Salatin, star of the upcoming film "Fresh".

Hip News

• Seeds of discord. The USDA will fully deregulate Monsanto's GE alfalfa. Planting could begin this spring. Cross contamination will follow shortly.
• Caveat emptor. You'll soon see items labeled as "USDA Certified Biobased Product". Buy them if you want, but don't assume they're eco-friendly.

Teenie Weenie Greenie™

Pitch the pine tree! Make your own chemical-free air freshener for your vehicle. Cut a piece of cardboard in the shape of your choice, then attach an old piece of cloth to it. Soak the fabric in your favorite essential oil and enjoy that new car smell!

 

Turning Green TV

Videographer Bruce Jans sees sustainablity all around him. He decided to explore and document the grassroots efforts of people and communities in his part of the world (which happens to be our part of the world). Turning Green is the name of his internet video series.

• Bruce had his camera on hand at Chico's Bicycle Music Festival. Bring this fun festival to your town!
• He produced the Creative Spirit video series for Chico's annual "Artoberfest" celebration.
• His next video will showcase the green efforts of AS Recycling at Chico State University.
• If you have any questions or ideas for Bruce, contact him via Green Light Productions. Ask him about his hot green Puma sneakers!

Listener E-mails

Be a part of our green community! Join the conversation at hip@greenfeet.com. Check out our blog!

• Karen in South Carolina wants advice about her greenhouse. We're familiar with MyGroFarm, but...um...you've inspired us to find out more! Stand by for a future show on this topic.
• Katie in Toronto (eh!) debunks some myths about the North Pacific Garbage Patch.
• Sarah in New York City gives us the heads up on the all-electric Prius and made us look up snow thunder. OK Sarah, is there a Teenie Weenie Greenie on the way?

Show the world you're More Hip Than Hippie! Grab some merch for Valentine's Day or any day!

Twitter goes green on #EcoMonday! Follow Val on Twitter: GrnDiva, at your service! Add us to your friends on Facebook!

Remember to vote for us at Podcast Alley, and leave a glowing review at iTunes!

More Hip Than Hippie is sponsored by Greenfeet.com.

Here it is! The Sweet Potato Recipe - Julie apparently got it from Epicurious.com.
CIDER-GLAZED SWEET POTATOES WITH CRANBERRIES
3 1/2 pounds red-skinned sweet potatoes (yams), peeled, cut into 1-inch chunks
1 1/2 cups apple cider or apple juice
1/3 cup (packed) golden brown sugar
5 tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/3 cup finely chopped green onions
Cook sweet potatoes in large pot of boiling salted water until halfway cooked (a knife inserted into center will encounter considerable resistance), about 5 minutes. Drain and cool. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)
Combine cider, sugar, butter, salt and allspice in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Bring to boil, stirring often. Add sweet potatoes and cook 5 minutes. Add cranberries and continue cooking until liquid is reduced to syrupy glaze and sweet potatoes are tender, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to bowl. Sprinkle with green onions.

 

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.

Common Name: Tea Tree

 

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.

Common name: Lavender

Scientific name: There are roughly 30 different species within the botanical family Labiatae. Several varieties are used medicinally, but the most common is "true" lavender, or Lavendula angustifolia.

Description of odor: Sweet, fresh, herbaceous, slightly floral

Method of extraction: Steam distillation

Where it grows: "True" lavender grows wildly in France, Italy, and parts of Spain. It also thrives in certain climates in the U.S., specifically those with rocky soil and cool weather (although many other varieties tolerate heat very well).

Who should use lavender: Lavender essential oil is suitable for everyone, ranging from children (ages 2 and up) to seniors.

Safety: As with many essential oils, lavender is very safe to use as long as it is not overused or abused. If used in high concentrations, lavender can be stimulating. Follow aromatherapy recipes exactly, and do not exceed recommended dosages. If any allergic reactions occur, discontinue use immediately; if symptoms persist, consult your physician.

 

Lavender is an herb that has been used for many generations, by people in many cultures. It is valued for its beauty and fragrance, as well as for its many medicinal uses. Consequently, lavender is the one essential oil that should be a staple in every home's medicine cabinet. It is also the best oil with which to become acquainted with the practice of aromatherapy.

French perfumer Rene-Maurice Gattefosse (1881-1950) is credited with the modern-day interest in the medicinal value of lavender essential oil. After suffering severe burns on his hand while working in his laboratory one day, he desperately sought something to cool the wounds. By chance, he applied pure essential oil of lavender directly to the burns. He discovered not only that his wounds cooled off, but moreover that his hand healed quickly, and without scarring.

Gattefosse published a paper about his discovery in 1932, and later wrote two books regarding the use of essential oils in medicine (Aromatherapie and Antiseptiques Essentiales) that had a tremendous impact on the scientific world. It is, in fact, Gattefosse to whom the term 'Aromatherapy' is credited.

10 Ways to Use Lavender
Lavender is one of two essential oils that are considered safe when applied directly, or neat, to the skin (tea tree is the other).

Essential oils typically come in 1/3 or ½ ounce bottles with built in dropper tops. To get a perfect drop, simply tip the bottle over and gently tap the bottom of the bottle.

1. First Aid
   For minor cuts and scrapes, apply one drop of pure lavender essential oil directly to the wound (after the wound has been cleaned), then dress with an appropriate bandage. For deep cuts or wounds, consult your doctor or a licensed clinical aromatherapist before applying essential oil. Lavender helps to regenerate tissue and can cause healing from the outside in if used too quickly - again, make sure to consult your physician or a licensed clinical aromatherapist for advice.
2. Burns
   For mild burns, place a few drops of lavender essential oil onto the dressing that will be placed over the wound. Also be sure to use any appropriate salve as directed by your physician.
3. Insomnia
   To help reduce problems with insomnia, simply apply one drop of lavender essential oil to the edge of a pillowcase. Take deep breaths, and relax from your toes all the way to your head, focusing on all the major body parts along the way. Eventually, your body will become "trained" to the effects of the essential oil - usually within a week or two -- and you will notice a significantly faster reaction with continued use.
4. Stress
   Place 20 drops of lavender in a warm bath and relax. 5-10 drops may also be used in a vaporizer for inhalation. If a bathtub or vaporizer isn't available, simply apply 3 drops to a cotton ball and inhale as needed. If you face a stressful daily commute, car diffusers work wonders: place 5 drops of lavender essential oil onto the pad and plug the unit into your cigarette lighter.
5. Sunburn
   Lavender's analgesic properties help to reduce sunburn pain, and lavender is also useful in the sunburn healing process. For large, lightly burned areas, use about 15 drops of lavender essential oil to 1 tbsp of distilled water and dab gently over the entire affected area. For smaller, more severe sunburns, apply lavender essential oil neat (directly) to the area - but make sure that you only use a drop or two, since essential oil is extremely potent.
6. Household disinfectant
   Lavender has superb antimicrobial and antiseptic properties, making it a great household disinfectant. For cleaning sinks, tubs, or toilets, sprinkle baking soda and 3-5 drops of lavender essential oil onto a sponge and scrub away. After you're finished scrubbing, rinse the area well. For washing floors, countertops, etc., simply add 60 drops of essential oil to a bucket of warm water, and wipe or mop as needed.
7. Bruises
   Lavender helps to reduce inflammation, regenerate skin tissue, and promote healing of bruises. To ease inflammation, place 5 drops of lavender essential oil into a bowl of cold water, wet a washcloth in the lavender solution, and apply as a compress to the affected area. After using the initial compress, apply a drop or two directly upon the bruised area once a day until the area has healed.
8. Colic or tummy aches in infants
   Place 1-3 drops of lavender essential oil into 1 tsp of carrier oil (such as jojoba or sesame). Rub the oil mixture gently onto your baby's tummy and lower back in a clockwise direction. Repeat this procedure every few hours until the symptoms subside.
9. Fatigue
   After a long day, place 10 drops of lavender essential oil into a hot footbath and soak for 30 minutes. Lavender has a well-earned reputation as a restorative - you'll be surprised how much better you'll feel!
10. Insect bites/bee stings
    Place one drop of lavender essential oil directly onto insect bites or bee stings. Lavender's anti-inflammatory properties reduce swelling, its analgesic properties reduce pain and itch, and its healing properties encourage tissue repair. Frequently, you'll hardly notice the bite at all if you apply the oil immediately after being bit or stung.

There are endless uses for this wonderful, healing oil. For more information and additional recipes, check out The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils by Julia Lawless, or The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy by Valerie Ann Worwood.

Lavender Recipes
Anxiety:
Anxiety creates tension in the body and can trigger other stress-related symptoms. Ease your anxiety by using these calming and uplifting oils.

to calm the nerves: lavender 10 drops, geranium 5 drops, sandalwood 10 drops. Blend into 2 oz of base/carrier oil such as jojoba. Massage into chest, back, and neck.

for anxiety and fear: lavender 6 drops, frankincense 8 drops, sandalwood 6 drops. Blend into 2 oz of base/carrier oil such as jojoba. Massage into chest, back, and neck.

Insomnia:
To help battle insomnia try 6 drops of lavender and 4 drops of cedarwood in a vaporizer. Or place a bowl of dried rosebuds in your room and sprinkle a few drops of lavender essential oil to help promote sleep. Remember, if you are having trouble sleeping, create a haven in your room with relaxing colors, fabrics and no TV to promote a relaxing environment.

For more essential oil recipes click here.