It's well-known that living near green spaces is beneficial to children. From increased empathy to cognitive development, researchers have found that nature is important in human development. Added to the list of benefits, a new study has found increased nutritional benefits in children that live near forests. "Our results indicate that greater exposure to forests, on average, has positive ... continue reading...
Living Near Forests Improves Children’s Nutrition
Gardening Horticultural Therapy for Depression
Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses in the US. It's estimated that 16.2 million Americans suffer from major depressive episodes lasting more than two weeks each year. Pharmaceutical antidepressant use is increasing. Almost 13% of the population above the age of 12 reported taking antidepressants in the past month when surveyed. CBS News reported antidepressant use skyrocketed ... continue reading...
Diet matters: Reducing meat by 35% is like switching from a SUV to a Prius
Climate change is real. We are seeing the devastating effects now. If they have not come to your neighborhood yet with violent storms or raging wildfire, you are fortunate. We are in this together as a planet. Eco-guilt may keep us from taking vacations or way heavy when we do. We can mitigate the effects of transportation by changing our diet. It's an impactful everyday choice that will ... continue reading...
Trump opposition to infant formula marketing restrictions & the US history behind it
Earlier this month, the Trump administration took a stance in favor of infant formula over breastfeeding. Although the president denied it was an action against encouraging breastfeeding in a tweet, the US delegation to the United Nations affiliated World Health Assembly used its influence to try and kill a resolution that would have promoted breastmilk and restricted formula marketing. The ... continue reading...
How environmental education affects children’s connections, empathy, and responsibility
I felt my lungs inflate with the onrush of scenery—air, mountains, trees, people. I thought, "This is what it is to be happy. Sylvia Plath, The Bell Jar What are the positive benefits of nature-based, environmental education? Are there any long-term effects? How does environmental education enhance our connections to one another and nature? How does it promote empathy and responsibility? ... continue reading...
Healthy Food & Vegetarian Recipes
Lawsuit Filed over Cancer Inducing Artificial Flavors in Ice Cream & Candy
If you are a food label reader, you've come across the non-descript "artificial flavors" ingredient in processed foods and drinks. Which exact artificial flavor is used in the product is likely protected under proprietary rights. But are these ... continue reading...
Why does Codex Allow Greater Lead Limits in Grape Juice Than Water?
There is no safe level of lead in the human body, according to the US National Toxicology Program's report "Health Effects of Low-Level Lead". "Overall, the NTP concludes that there is suffcient evidence that blood Pb levels <10 μg/dL ... continue reading...
Environmental and Health Problems of Chewing Bubble Gum
Have you ever considered the environmental and health consequences of chewing bubble gum? The first marketed chewing gum was made with all natural ingredients. It was made from the chicle sap of the Central American sapodilla tree and mixed with ... continue reading...
The Absolute Best Gluten Free Vegan Scone Recipe
These scones are so yummy. You might want to make a double batch! ... continue reading...