Several months ago, I wrote on the benefits of dry skin brushing as both a preventative measure and a treatment plan.  While one may think dry skin brushing may not be a good idea during the dead of winter when one’s skin is dry, it actually is the best time to help the skin exfoliate itself.  When the skin is dry and flaky, it clogs the pores and slows down the natural rejuvenation process. A light brushing, even during the winter months, can do wonders for your skin.

There was an interesting article in the New York Times Style section last month  expounding on the number of spas and salons jumping on the dry skin brushing bandwagon.  It seems brushing has become the IT treatment at day and luxury spas all around the United States.  Like anything else, be aware of grandiose claims.  Dry brushing will not help you lose weight, fit into your skinny jeans or cleanse your system after binge eating.  Dry brushing will help exfoliate dead skin cells, increase circulation, assist the lymph system and make you feel energized.  Expensive treatments and costly products are not needed to yield results.  My routine of light brushing takes only five minutes pre shower aided by a superior, modestly priced natural bristle brush from Day Break Lavender Farms, an organic lavender and herb farm located in Ohio.  If you go to Amazon you will find a nice collection of dry skin brushes from well-known companies such as The Body Shop and Home Naturals, both of whom are interested in natural, organic products.  In addition, there are numerous books detailing the history of skin brushing as well as current trends and research in this healthy body treatment.

Take a look at my two favorites:

Photo: striatic/Flickr
As we break into deep January, it’s not too late to think about what a crappy year 2010 was and how we can improve things in the year ahead. If you are optimistic about the future, another way to look at it is: what are some things you can do to muff it up?

Don’t watch the weather reports

If the volcanoes, New Year’s Eve tornadoes, California mudslides, Australian floods, polar air of minus 40 degrees or century blizzards haven’t grabbed your attention yet, they will soon. NOAA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, predicts that one of the impacts of climate change will be larger, more unpredictable weather ahead. Even the insurance industry is beginning to take notice of the potential for its ability to keep up. We may not see out-of-season tornadoes or another Katrina for awhile, but then out of nowhere — kablooey! You get walloped!

Buy that gas-guzzling car you’ve secretly wanted

Oil experts are predicting we’ll pay $5 for a gallon of gas within a year or so. You don’t believe it? Oil reserves are being used up while demand and oil prices are rising with the economic recovery. Tree hugger environmentalists say it’s one impact from “peak oil,” the point where half of the Earth’s oil has essentially been depleted. (It’s explained by the old supply and demand equation.) And when oil and gas prices go up, transportation, durable goods and everything from food to fertilizer — anything that is made from crude oil, which is pretty much everything — costs more. Unless you are one of those people who can afford anything, or you are living off the land, now is a good time to think about living more efficiently. If you plan ahead, you will be glad you bought that greener car.

Stay apathetic about our genius leaders in Washington

American voters just elected a new freshman class in the House, but don’t be so sure much will change anytime soon. Why do normally positive folks like us take a skeptical view on this? Because the same laws and regulations that bring us influence-peddling in the name of free speech, high self-awarded congressional salaries and benefits, and earmarks (even by a different name) persist. It’s time to get politically active if you want change to happen!

Ramp up your couch potato exercise routine

Heart disease, cancer, diabetes and obesity remain public enemies to personal wellness, which is the absence of illness. The longer the human body goes without regular exercise and a good diet, the more prone to chronic disease it becomes. The more consistently we do 30 to 60 minutes of exercise each day, the less disease we have. Start getting exercise now to improve the quality of the rest of your life.

Leave retooling your résumé to chance

From China to Mexico to the U.S., the global marketplace is changing the employment picture. Our demand for affordable stuff fuels economies in parts of the world where hourly wages are much lower than in the U.S. The careers of the past are being replaced by more automation and more competition with lower wages elsewhere. When jobs disappear, employees will have to relocate or retrain if they want to find or create new jobs and careers. The green energy sector will continue to be a growth area if you are looking for a job.

Put off learning sustainable gardening

There is a growing library of literature showing that our water and food supply is increasingly unsafe, not nutritious, and not sustainable. This is a result of peak oil, environmental degradation, climate change, political instability and other reasons. All of these factors (and more) will create more uncertainty in safe water and plentiful safe food production, and result in higher water and food prices in the future, to say the least. A political conflict could create disastrous consequences, since all 7 billion earthlings need food and water on a regular basis. It is high time to learn how to grow your own food and conserve water.

This article was written by Glenn Fay and appeared on MNN.com last week.

Want to save thousands of dollars in 2011 on energy in your home? Check out our ebook, How to Save Thousands of Dollars on Energy in Your Home for only $6.99.

Spicy and aromatic, ginger is renown for its use in culinary arts and in medicinal applications.  It has been used a spice and as a medicine for over 2, 500 years in China.  Alleviating gastrointestinal distress and curbing nausea are the two health benefits that immediately come to mind when one thinks of ginger.  However, medical researchers are now examining ginger’s role in reducing inflammation (such as arthritis, ulcerative colitis and nasal congestion), preventing blood clotting (anticoagulant properties protect blood vessels) and attacking newly formed cancer cells.  Studies continue and much more research is needed before the benefits of ginger to treat disease can be touted.

Ginger, classified as an herb, is referred to as a root although technically it is a rhizome, an underground stem.  Its botanical name, Zingiber officinate, derived from the ancient Sanskrit word “singabera” meaning horn shaped, accurately describes its main physical characteristic, as the ginger root is knotted and gnarled.  The root has light brown thin, papery skin while the flesh ranges in color from white to pale yellow depending upon the type and site of cultivation.  Fresh ginger can be stored up to three weeks in the refrigerator as long as it remains unpeeled. Gingerol, the main active ingredient and the one giving ginger its hot, spicy taste, is the compound is responsible for reducing inflammation and providing relief from the discomfort of swelling tissues.

Suffering from upper respiratory ailments, I was game when my mother suggested trying ginger shots—freshly juiced ginger root.  I used organic ginger purchased from a local health food store.   A one-and-a-half inch unpeeled chunk from the root processed in the Breville juicer yield about an ounce of pure juice.  The liquid was pungent and I drank it in one gulp, immediately feeling warm and flush.  The shot was spicy but bearable and within minutes, I felt less nasal pressure and less nasal congestion.  I continued juicing every morning for a week and really felt less discomfort.

Take a look at this book for more information on juicing:

While ginger is considered safe, non-allergenic and non-reactive with other substances in the body, it is best to consult with your health care provider before embarking on a short-term medicinal treatment.

Dog Training For Dummies

Dogs can turn a house into a home in many ways. Ginger, for example is constant companion, in the office, the kitchen. on a walk, or even on the bed. She is never too proud to lick crumbs off the floor and never talks back no matter how grumpy she is. She has gone on runs with Dad on a leash, walks in the woods off the leash, and makes it known that anywhere outdoors is her preferred location.

We rescued Ginger five years ago from a hovel with four other canines and an uncertain future. She has taken the edge off adolescent years, warned us of intruders, warmed our laps and eaten a pan of lemon squares destined for Christmas dinner. After the first week in our house she opened up the lazy susan in the kitchen and munched on crackers and other treats, chewed through the christmas tree light cord and ran around on the kitchen shelf, and considering her legs are a foot long at best, that is Olympian high-jumping. Ginger’s bladder control may belong in the Guinness Book of World Records for she is able to “go around the clock” without relief, and then some… Ginger was supposed to have been neutered when we got her and was supposed to have been from Missouri or Arkansas or, “we’re not really sure”. One thing is for sure, she is a pretty good girl and we are glad she is here.

But pets come with a lot of responsibility. First, dogs operate on a slightly different social structure than we do. My dog-expert friend told me that it is important to establish early that you are “top dog” with your pet so s/he will understand that the bottom line is that you are the boss. You can do this by getting them to lie down and putting your hand on them and holding them down for 5 minutes. Big dogs may require you to actually lay on top of them! This establishes your dominance and will pay off with everything you ever do with the dog. House training is usually easy with newspapers and rewards. Training dogs to not bark is easy too if you are clear and consistent. We used squirt guns or bottles and other people we know use magazines. There are lots of great dog training tips in the book below.

The dark side? Oh of course there is a dark side… Once Ginger at some chocolate cake out of one of the kids backpacks (and didn’t require hospitalization). Another time she was overcome with the overpowering desire to roll in a rotting Carp by the lake. It took months to wash the wretched stench out of her thick fur. One night while getting out of the car, instead of running into the house, she chased the skunk under the car and… you guessed it- got hosed right between the eyes and the rest of her body too… On occasion she will eat unknown things (most likely inanimate, formerly living parcels) and will be so cramped up for days that she will have trouble hobbling up and down stairs. She has no fear of cars and as a herding breed probably thinks she can herd them around like so many sheep.

On the cool side? Her nose is so sensitive, it can differentiate thousands of different scents and a quick walk around the block always seems to turn into a stroll in the country. He enormous ears can hear sounds we can’t even imagine. She doesn’t bite and gets along wonderfully with Franky the white cat. We have found that a spoonful of canned pumpkin  keeps her long digestive tract regular and happy, and the pumpkin is the highlight of her day. I say anybody who can get along with everybody, enjoys life in the outdoors is definitely worth a little dog food and a few vet bills.

Thinking about owning a dog? Here is a excellent book for beginners:

One Of Vermont’s Big Green Events

Check out The Vermont Green Home And Living Show at the Expo in Essex Vermont on Friday from noon till 7 pm, Saturday 10-7, and Sunday 10-4 pm. Did you ever want to talk with an expert about a cold spot in your house, see the latest gadgets or kick the tires on a new Toyota Prius at your leisure? This year the show will include alternative energy experts such as Building Energy, McKernon Group, Houseneeds, Green Product Distributors and Manosh (geothermal) to name a few. There will be efficiency experts such as Efficiency Vermont, pellet stove dealers and the Healthy (greener) Gourmet. LoveEarthAlways is proud to sponsor the show and we will be there showing off our products, including our landscape photography, giving away healthy cookies and recipes and asking for your feedback on next year’s show.

Image: Toyotapriuspic.com

We hope that the green show draws thousands of visitors  and we make lots of friends and get new ideas about how we can continue to evolve to be better and better. Stop in and see us at the show, check out our products, including our award-winning photography, make a small donation to help cold and hungry people and get a free BPA-free stainless steel water bottle! Or pick up a 100% cotton tote bag that will directly reduce the amount of plastic bags you waste! Whie you are there, enter our raffle to win a LoveEarthAlways Green Gift Basket! We hope to see you there!

No cookie is made for winter like a molasses cookie. Maybe you can buy really yummy molasses cookies almost anywhere or even make your own. But who really wants lard and saturated fat that causes heart problems and other circulatory disorders? We think it is time for healthy recipes with smart food in mind. These cookies are quick to make and disappear fast at any gathering. We like them so much we are giving them away free at the Vermont Green Home and Living Show later this week! Before you get the recipe, you should know that these cookies will permeate your house with a wonderful aroma for hours and have been known to induce aphrodisiac affects!

Whisk together til smooth:

3/4 cup molasses

3/4 cup nonfat plain soy yogurt

1/2 cup sugar

2 TB vegetable oil

Stir together:

2 1/2 cup flour

1 1/2 tsp each cinnamon and ginger

1/2 tsp each baking soda, cloves, salt

Stir dry ingredients into wet, just until blended. Drop by tablespoonful on baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Bake til browned, about 15-20 minutes at 350.

If you like this recipe, check out our Foodies blog category, subscribe to our blog and tell a friend!

Peace With The Forest And StreamVenturing out into the 6 degree cold I count my blessings that I have this quiet place I can go. I enjoy the sunlight frosted trees against the dark wooded background that otherwise would have gone unnoticed.

Although this is a time of year when shades of gray dominate our world, a colorful palette awaits in the forest.

Flowing water cutting though a field marks the margin of one ecosystem and another.

As in life, and meditation, when you focus on one fine point, the rest of the world falls away.

Last month a monumental storm flattened tens of thousands of trees in Vermont.

Several hundred year-old trees were pushed over, exposing root balls like this one on a tall pine.

We leave the forest now, just as we found it; Animals slumbering, plants frozen in a shroud of champagne snow.

If you like this photography, please check out our Vermont landscape prints, our Vermont scenery note cards and our nature gallery.

LoveEarthAlways is proud to partner with Vermont Foodbank, Committee on Temporary Shelter (COTS) and Spectrum Youth and Family Services. We are in business to help cold and hungry people. If you make a donation of as little as a dollar to COTS, Spectrum Youth and Family Services or Vermont Foodbank, you will get a free BPA-free stainless steel water bottle! This is the same water bottle that our customer rave about and we sell for $10! We also make donations to these three non-profits and other organizations that make the world a better place. We invite you to buy our products and make contributions to their causes.

Check out our eco friendly products.

Image: Auto123.com, flickr

Green Mountain Power is going to install three solar powered public charging stations for electric cars and will be ready for public use by spring 2011.

“Electric vehicles are part of Vermont’s energy future,” says Mary Powell, President and CEO of Green Mountain Power. “Transportation currently represents a significant percent of Vermont’s carbon emissions and electric vehicles need to be part of a cost-effective strategy to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. These new charging stations will help highlight the environmental benefits of fueling more vehicles with electricity.” As part of this project, Green Mountain Power (GMP) plans to install solar panels to produce renewable energy equal to the amount used by each charging station.

One of the barriers to switching to all-electric vehicles is the concern about finding a place to charge up away from home,” said Powell. “GMP is installing these charging stations to help jump start the development of the infrastructure needed to make electric vehicles convenient to operate.”

The exact locations of the charging stations have not yet been determined but Green Mountain Power is considering populated locations with easy access and high visibility in Chittenden, Washington and Addison counties. Each charging station will have two chargers. The Level One charger will use 110 volt household current, that is compatible with hybrid vehicles such as the Toyota Prius that have been converted to “plug-in” technology. The Level Two charger will use 220-240 current, and will be compatible with the new electric vehicles entering the market, such as the Chevy Volt and the Nissan Leaf. (www.greenmountainpower.com)

There are already several plugin Priuses in Vermont, including two owned by Central Vermont Public Service and used by professor Dr. Steven Letendre at Green Mountain College. Another professor at Green Mountain College, Dr. James Harding found that the impact on his electric bill for recharging the Prius is 60 cents a day. These cars have been retrofitted with a $10,000 battery pack conversion kit that allow them to be plugged in to an ordinary house outlet. Letendre has found that the Plugin Prius gets up to 140 mpg even on Vermont’s hilly landscape. Research by Letendre and others show that the Vermont electric grid can handle up to 50,000 plugin hybrids a day without any modifications to the system. As fuel prices rise, let’s hope that plugin hybrid technology is one alternative that goes mainstream.

We think it is heroic that GMP is bringing Vermont into the plugin age with three new solar-powered charging stations! Unfortunately 6 outlets only begin to fill the would-be needs of hopefully many plugin vehicles to come. Yes, we appreciate the investment by GMP, who has been a leader in sustainable energy for years. And building plugin chargers is a chicken and egg venture. Do we wait until we have 100 plugin vehicles in a couple of years or do we create the charging capacity now? I am banking on the reality that there will be dozens of plugin vehicles in Vermont sooner rather than later.

We don’t have outlets for plugin cars here at LoveearthAlways, yet. But you can check out our Earth-friendly products here.

The Sun Shines On Local Developer

Ernie Pomereau’s solar farm, cranking out the juice on a recent sunny day. (Glenn Fay)

Local hero shopping-plaza real estate developer and philanthropist Ernie Pomerleau just added another line to his legacy: “Godfather of solar energy”. Pomerleau just installed 3,800 panels in a field at the corner of U.S. 7 and Monkton Road just outside the city of Vergennes in Ferrisburg, from Alteris Renewables.  The array of solar panels generates up to 1 megawatts (one million watts) of electricity that will be sold to Green Mountain Power, the local electric utility. This project is economically feasible because of 30 percent tax credits from state and federal government and a special price utilities will pay for the power from the panels. A 2011 project in South Burlington more than twice the size of this one is slated to come on line and assume the status as the state’s largest solar array.

Vermont became the first state to require specific renewable energy power at a favorable rate, a “standard offer” of 30 cents a kilowatt hour for alternative energy for the next 20 years. According to Robert Dostis of Green Mountain Power Corp. said that in 2011, projects receiving the standard offer will increase rates by an estimated 0.7 percent.

Another cool aspect of the solar project is that it will be useful for students at nearby Vergennes Union High School to see natural, alternative energy in action. Kudos for the Vermont Legislature for having the insight and conviction to create incentives for alternative energy projects like this one. This not only brings all of us, especially kids, away from dependence on fossil fuels and dependence on foreign oil and towards more smart energy solutions that don’t contribute to climate change and air pollution.  And the bottom line is this, it it looks like a good investment to people like Ernie Pomerleau, it probably is.

Want to learn how you can save thousands of dollars in energy costs in your own home? Check out our ebook here.