The pet care industry brought in more than $41.2 billion dollars worth of purchases in 2007, and this was a steep rise up over the $38.5 billion dollars of 2006. In 2008, the number is expected to rise to more than $43 million dollars. With an industry that is growing as quickly as this one, there really should not be any surprise that people are looking for ways to create a green pet care industry.

Now that more green pet care products are being offered, many pet care consumers and pet owners are paying much greater attention to the different products and services that they purchase. Because of this reason, an increasing number of pet care supply companies are paying even more attention to the products and services that they develop and sell, in addition to how they are marketing their business.

Green pet care products are now quite easy to come by, as they come in a variety of different applications including organic pet foods and organic pet treats, pet toys constructed from recycled materials, leashes and collars that are crafted from hemp instead of nylon, shampoos and other grooming products that are all natural and chemical free, biodegradable bags for pet waste, biodegradable kitty litter and small animal bedding, and even litter pans crafted from paper so that they break down naturally.

The green pet care trend is one that is gaining significantly in popularity, especially as more and more specialty retailers begin to offer unique and exciting green and organic pet care products. Well known food brands are creating organic, natural versions of their food products. Vital pet care products like grooming and restraining products are now being developed in chemical free, natural and bio degradable substances. Not only are these eco-friendly and biodegradable pet care products better for the environment, but they also tend to be better for the pet as well which means that there are two exceptional reasons to see what green pet care can do for you.

The increased awareness of the impact that pets can have on our environment is making it easier for natural and eco friendly green pet care products to become accepted widely, which is helping pet care product manufacturers create the green pet care products that green-hungry consumers are looking for. Many people are looking for as many possible ways for them to live a lifestyle that is “greener” and one exceptional way to do this is through the adoption of green pet care products and processes.

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Green Pet Care

• Melatonin – This is a popular supplement for helping with sleeplessness, and works well for people with jet lag or shift workers whose sleep/wake cycle has been disturbed. Melatonin works to help the body feel sleepy when light exposure decreases. People who are pregnant, nursing or have depression, schizophrenia or autoimmune diseases shouldn’t take it.
• Valerian – Valerian has long been used as a sleep aid. It works well for some people and not as well for others. How it works isn’t yet known, but it is not believed to be addictive and doesn’t cause grogginess in the morning. It shouldn’t be taken with any other medications or alcohol or by people with liver disease, or before or after surgery.
• Sleep Inducing Teas – There are several teas that are composed of herbal formulas to help induce sleep available.
• Relaxation Techniques – Using relaxation techniques is one of the best natural ways to help you get a good night’s sleep. You can use deep cleansing breathing, meditation, visualization or a calm and relaxing scene, or simple yoga moves to calm and ready the body and mind for a good rest.
• Exercise – Getting regular exercise every day will help you sleep better. Exercise releases muscle tension and also helps to relax your mind. Just don’t do any intense exercise within a few hours of bedtime.
• Eat a Sleep Healthy Diet – Less caffeine (or better yet, no caffeine), and less sugar in your regular diet will help your body stay calm and relaxed and also keep your blood sugar levels on a more even keel. You can also eat foods containing tryptophan late in the day or before bedtime. Tryptophan helps your body produce melatonin, and can be found in turkey, cheddar cheese, chicken, whole grains, salmon, bananas and sunflower seeds. Magnesium rich foods such as legumes, almonds, dark leafy vegetables and cashews also help sleep.
• Try Aromatherapy – English lavender has been used for ages to help relax and calm. It’s been known to lengthen sleep time and help people feel more refreshed upon waking. You can use lavender scented sachets, bath gel or oil, lotions or heat lavender essential oil in a diffuser. Other aromatherapy scents that are thought to help sleep are ylang ylang and chamomile.
• Music/Sound – Some of us sleep better with a bit of sound. Often gentle, soft, slow music or the sounds of a burbling stream or ocean waves lull us to sleep and keep us there. You can find machines that play nature sounds while you are falling asleep and that have an automatic shut-off. There are lots of good “sleep” CDs on the market too.

Sleep is as important to health as the food we eat and proper exercise. If you are having trouble getting to sleep and staying asleep on a regular basis, see your doctor and try some of these sleep inducing remedies as a way to get back on the right track sleep-wise.

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Here is a list, provided by the Environmental Working Group, of the fruits and vegetables that have been found to hold on to pesticides and chemicals, even when washed:
- Apples
- Peaches
- Sweet bell peppers
- Celery
- Nectarines
- Strawberries
- Cherries
- Lettuce
- Grapes (Imported)
- Pears
- Spinach
- Potatos

Here is a list of fruits and vegetables that you can get away with eating non-organic (remember to wash them anyway):
- Onions
- Avocado
- Sweet Corn (frozen)
- Pineapple
- Mango
- Sweet Peas (frozen)
- Asparagus
- Kiwi
- Bananas
- Cabbage
- Broccoli
- Eggplant

What about other foods such as dairy and meat products?

Meats that come from factory farms are laced with antibiotics and are generally not that great for other reasons such as the unsanitary conditions associated with factory farms and processing plants. Milk that is not organic contains rBGH, which is used to make cows produce more milk. Humans don’t need rBGH in their own systems. When possible, avoid meat unless you can get pasture raised meat. This will be healthier for your family in the long run. Organic milk and dairy products are definitely better for you and your family.

Here’s the bottom line: Buy organic when you can when it comes to the first list of fruits and vegetables (above) and meat and dairy. With the second list of fruits and vegetables, you can get away with non-organic, but unless they have a thick skin that you will be peeling off, rinse them thoroughly anyway. 

With fruits and veggies, grow some of your own if you can – organically of course. Many canned fruits and vegetables are lower in pesticides and chemicals because of the vigorous washing process they go through, plus they have usually been peeled – so consider purchased canned goods.

If you cannot afford to go completely organic, you’re not alone. Try to choose wisely and do what you can to minimize the effects of pesticides and chemicals on your meals.

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Mineral makeup is made of all natural minerals from the earth. These are finely ground and made without chemicals, dyes or preservatives. Conventional makeup can have all of these agents in them. Mineral makeup brushes onto the skin, and has a feel that is light and airy compared to liquids and creams.

Mineral makeup claims to be much less irritating to the skin – less aggravating to conditions such as acne and rosacea, and skin that is simply sensitive. Some experts claim that mineral makeup is no better or worse for your skin than conventional makeup, but are only the products of excellent marketing plans. Others say that the relatively small list of ingredients in mineral makeup naturally makes them better for the skin and less prone to irritate. This isn’t to say that mineral makeup never irritates – some women have reported dryness and irritation when using this type of makeup.

The main ingredients in truly natural mineral makeup are mica, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide and sometimes clay and pigments. Some formulas may contain bismuth oxycholoride. Bismuth oxycholoride is a byproduct of lead and copper processing and does have the potential for irritating skin. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide both have anti-inflammatory properties, which is beneficial to acne or rosacea-prone skin. They also are ingredients commonly used in sunscreens and lend their protective properties to the makeup. Mineral makeup is also non-comedogenic, meaning that it will not clog pores.

One possible thing to look out for is mineral makeup that says it has “micronized” particles. This means that the mineral ingredients have been ground so finely that they have reached a size that is tiny enough to be unhealthy for your skin and your entire body, as it can be absorbed or even inhaled. In this case, tinier is not better.

Mineral makeup comes in foundations, blushers, bronzers, eye shadows and more. They are no doubt as good for your skin as any cream or liquid foundation, and might in some ways be better. They key is to look for mineral makeup that is truly natural (check the ingredients). With no fragrances, preservatives, petroleum or other unnatural products added, mineral makeup has the potential for being a healthier makeup choice.

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Menopause brings with it some side effects that while harmless, are less than enjoyable. They include hot flashes, mood swings, vaginal dryness, and loss of libido. Making some easy lifestyle changes and/or adding some herbal supplements to your diet can remedy each of these symptoms safely, effectively and naturally.

One of the best and most effective ways to curb menopause symptoms along with other signs of aging such as bone loss to make sure the you are eating a very healthy diet. This means reducing or completely cutting out caffeine and sugar because they limit your body’s ability to keep your immune system and your bones strong and healthy and they also adversely affect your liver’s ability to metabolize estrogen.

Along with limiting caffeine and sugar, it’s important to eat a varied diet that is heavy on whole grains, fruits and vegetables and light on saturated fats, This is good for overall health and will help with the inevitable weight gain that takes place during mid life.

Here are natural ways to deal with other symptoms of menopause:

- Hot Flashes – Black cohosh is often recommended for relieving hot flashes. Avoidance of too much caffeine or alcohol can also help. Making sure you are getting enough vitamins E, C and B complex will help too, as will consuming soy in it’s many forms. You can also find special pillows that help keep you cool at night (for those night sweats) – these are marketed as the Chillow,
- Moodiness – St. John’s Wort, passionflower and black cohosh can help with moodiness, as can amping up your carb intake (be careful with that). Try to cut out caffeine and sugar if possible. Make sure you are getting at least 30 minutes of exercise at least five times a week. This will help alleviate moodiness and add to your overall health.
- Vaginal Dryness – Use vitamin E. You can actually use a vitamin E capsule as a suppository. Baby oil and lubricants such as KY Jelly can block pores and are not desirable. Replens is a lubricant on the market that does not block pores and can be used well in advance of intercourse so you don’t have to have the bottle right next to the bed.
- Loss of Libido – Women experience a diminished sex drive when estrogen starts to wane. There are ways to get that feeling back, though. Phytoestrogens can play a very important role in regaining libido. They can be found in soy, grains, oats, tempeh, almonds, fruits and vegetables and cashews. Herbs such as wild yam and black cohosh can also help. In fact, phytoestrogens help with all menopause symptoms. Also, spend time taking care of your physical appearance and appreciating your still sexy (even if it’s sexy in a different way) body. Maturity brings an awareness that if embraced, will help you get past the changes your body is going through and help you to feel desirable.

If you are at the brink of menopause or well into the process, you may be feeling the effects of the natural changes that your body is experiencing. While these may be difficult, they can usually be managed with healthy diet, exercise and supplements. HRT in most cases is not necessary.

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- Get enough sleep – Everyone has different sleep requirements, but it’s important that you are getting what your own body needs to rest and repair itself. Most people require anywhere between six and ten hours of sleep every night. If you are depriving yourself of sleep, your body’s defenses will eventually become compromised.
- Get your exercise – Just because it’s cold out doesn’t mean you can slack off. Your body needs and appreciates regular exercise, which helps fight germs. No one know exactly how this works, but it’s thought that increased respiration, blood circulation and sweating help to remove toxins, and germs, from your body.
- Enjoy lemon in your tea or water. It restores the pH balance to your body, which in turn supports healthy bacteria, but not viruses and gems. Apple cider vinegar will do the same thing, but doesn’t taste so great in your tea!
- Drink your water – Yes, this is a no-brainer, but it’s worthy of being repeated again and again. Your body is better able to fight off germs and infections when it is properly hydrated.
- Enjoy green tea – Green tea is said to strengthen immunity through it’s antioxidant compounds. It also stimulates your liver to secrete interferon, which is an immune compound.
- Eat plenty of protein – Because protein is an essential building block for your entire body, it works to keep your immune system strengthened by helping to produce and circulate white blood cells.
- Incorporate lots of raw fruits and vegetables into your diet – These contain vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to protect your body.
- Take Vitamin C – Better yet, eat foods that are rich in vitamin C. This vitamin has long been known for it’s immunity strengthening properties and can be found in supplemental form as well as foods such as citrus fruits.
- Use Echinacea – The effectiveness of Echinacea in fighting infection is still being debated, but many believe that it stimulates the anti-infection immune cells in the body and helps to increase the production of interferon. It should be taken regularly at the first signs of infection.
- Use Elderberry – Elderberries are full of compounds that fight viruses and prevent them from invading healthy cells. You can find liquid extract or syrup at your health food store and should take it regularly as soon as you notice that you are getting sick.
- Take Zinc – Zinc in an essential element to the body and is known to effectively fight infection. It should not however, be taken longer than five days.
- Take Ginseng – Ginseng is known to increase production of lymphocytes and interferon.
- Get fresh air – Even though it’s cold, go for a brisk walk around the block or help the kids build a snowman. Getting out in fresh air will help your body clear out toxins and impurities that have built up in stale, indoor air.

It’s always a good idea to cultivate immunity boosting habits, no matter what time of the year it is. Certainly, winter is cold and flu season, but germs can sneak up on you in the summer as well. Be prepared!

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Herbs

• Alfalfa Seeds – 120 grams of heat-treated seeds per day for eight weeks were found to lead to a modest reduction in total cholesterol. Alfalfa seeds in amounts over 120 grams could cause damage to the body’s red blood cells.
• Capsicum Fruit – Peppers belong to this family. Used in salsas and other spicy foods, capsicum increases circulation and has been shown to lower high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
• Garlic – Garlic is one of those wonder foods that does a lot of good for a body. It’s high organosulfur content helps keep blood cholesterol levels balanced.
• Psyllium – This fibrous substance significantly reduces serum cholesterol and LDL cholesterol.
• Red Yeast Rice – Used by the Chinese as both food and medicine, red yeast rice offers great hope when it comes to lowering cholesterol. Studies have shown that taking red yeast rice significantly lowers serum cholesterol levels and increases HDL cholesterol. It also lowered elevated triglycerides.

Vitamins

• Vitamin B3 (Niacin) – Studies show that niacin lowers LDL and raises HDL cholesterol significantly. Niacin can have unpleasant side effects and should be used under the supervision of a qualified health practitioner.

Foods

• Soluble Fiber – Soluble fiber reduces LDL cholesterol by inhibiting cholesterol absorption in the intestines. Soluble fiber is found in psyllium and foods such as oats, barley, rye, legumes, apples, prunes and berries, and vegetables such as carrots, broccoli and brussel sprouts.
• Plant Sterols and Stanols – These are naturally occurring substances found in some plants. Although it is unknown exactly how they work, it is thought that they block cholesterol absorption in the intestine. Stanols are added to some foods as a supplement (margarine, orange juice and salad dressings)
• Other foods that help lower cholesterol effectively – Oatmeal and oat cereals, whole grain cereals, flaxseed, berries, almonds, pecans, walnuts, beans, peas and lentils, salmon, swordfish and tuna, olive and canola oils.

Exercise

Exercise is one of the best ways to not only lower your total cholesterol, but also to gain better overall health. Exercise stimulates the enzymes in your body that move LDL cholesterol from the blood to the liver where it can be disposed of through your waste system. 30 minutes of exercise daily is needed to lower cholesterol. This could be walking, swimming, biking, gardening, etc. It has also been found that more vigorous exercise more often will help lower cholesterol even more. Exercise will help with weight loss, too. If you are overweight, you need to lose those extra pounds to help with your cholesterol situation. Exercise benefits your body in a couple different ways in this case.

If you have found that you need to lower your cholesterol, by all means work with your doctor and take his/her recommendations into serious consideration, but incorporate some of these easy, healthy and non-prescription drugs into your cholesterol-lowering regimen as well.

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- If you are overweight, drop those extra pounds. A ten percent reduction in your total body weight will significantly help your blood pressure.
- Get your heart pumping. Thirty minutes of aerobic exercise six times a week can help make a difference. 
- Stop smoking! Smoking increases your risk of many types of disease and it can cause dramatic increases in blood pressure.
- Eat lots and lots of fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products. This is good for you because it increases fiber and reduces fat.
- Watch your cholesterol and get it under control.
- Try Tai Chi and/or Yoga. Both these forms of exercise help your body relieve and reduce stress, and get in shape.
- Reduce your sodium intake significantly. Don’t add salt, and opt for low-sodium foods.
lower it. 
- Get lots of fiber in your diet such as whole grains. This will help reduce bad cholesterol and that in turn may help lower blood pressure.
- Eat a diet low in fat.
- Limit alcohol to no more than one drink a day.
- Take a good multi-vitamin everyday to be sure your body is getting it’s fair share.
- Eat foods rich in Omega-3s. These include salmon, tuna, flaxseed and nuts. You can also take and Omega-3 supplement.
- Take a Coenzyme Q10 supplement.
- Reduce your caffeine intake.
- Eat garlic, onions and ginger to lower hypertension, and spice up your meals.

High blood pressure is a silent killer that is treatable and preventable. See your doctor for regular checkups and follow her advice if you are diagnosed with high blood pressure. You can use these natural blood pressure lowering measures along with prescribed medications with good results.

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Now, researchers are finding evidence that sunscreen use may not be a great idea. At least not some sunscreens. It seems that while they may protect against sunburn and wrinkles, sunscreens might not even protect against skin cancer, and what’s worse, and many of them are made with ingredients that are downright dangerous. On top of that, slathering on the sunscreen puts people at risk for Vitamin D deficiencies, which has most recently been fingered as a possible contributing factor to multiple sclerosis. Additionally, scientists are seeing evidence that some of the ingredients in sunscreen are estrogen mimics, which stay in the body and the environment for a long time, producing unwanted consequences.

If you want to wear a sunscreen, or put sunscreen on your little ones to protect them from sunburn, read your labels. The following is a list of chemical ingredients that should be avoided:
• Benzophenones (dixoybenzone, oxybenzone)
• PABA and PABA esters (ethyl dihydroxy propyl PAB, glyceryl PABA,
• p-aminobenzoic acid padimate O or Octyl dimethyl PABA)
• Cinnamates (cinoxate, ethylhexyl, p-methoxycinnamate)
• Salicylates (ethylhexyl salicylate, homosalate, octyl salicylate)
• Avobenzone (butyl-methyoxydibenzoylmethane; Parsol 1789)
• Digalloyl trioleate
• Menthyl anthranilate
• Propylene Glycol (sometimes listed as humectants)

Chemical sunscreens are generally made up of 2-5% chemical compounds. Many of these contain or produce free radicals, which can actually increase the possibility of skin and other cancers.

The bottom line is to read labels and protect your skin with natural sunscreens whenever possible. There are many good natural sunscreen and sunblock formulations out there made by companies that are well known for being Earth and people-friendly. Remember that you can protect yourself and your children by using hats and clothing as protection, too. Stay out of the sun when it is strongest, at midday. Using a natural sunscreen and common sense precautions will help protect you from sunburn and wrinkles. It will help protect you from putting potentially dangerous chemicals on your body.

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The craze behind pomegranate juice seems to be justified. In some studies, it has been shown to be especially helpful in preventing heart disease. It also contains large doses of Vitamins C, A and E plus a decent amount of folic acid. Add antioxidant properties to it’s list of greatness, and you’ve got a powerful drink!

Other research is showing that pomegranate juice works as a blood thinner and promotes blood flow to the heart. It may reduce plaque in the arteries and regulate cholesterol. Because of its antioxidant properties, it show promise in reducing the incidence of some cancers such as breast, skin and prostrate cancer, along with Alzheimer’s and even erectile dysfunction. A separate study shows that pomegranate juice inhibits the enzymes that damage cartilage in osteoarthritis.

With all the research in fairly early stages, it’s impossible to tell if studies will hold up, or if more good reasons will be found for drinking pomegranate juice. In the meantime, it makes an excellent drink either alone or combined with other fruit juices, and recipes are springing up everywhere. You can usually find at least a couple organic brands on your store shelves. Here is a recipe that was found on the POM website (no this isn’t a advertisement for POM, it just looks like a tasty recipe):
 
Eskimo Kiss
 Ingredients:
    * 1 quart freshly squeezed pomegranate juice* or
          POM Wonderful® 100% Pomegranate Juice
    * 2 quarts of fresh apple cider
    * 8 cinnamon sticks
    * 6 star anise
    * 12 cloves
    * 12 allspice berries, cracked
Directions:
    * 1. Place all ingredients in a saucepan.
    * 2. Heat to just under a boil for 20 minutes.
    * 3. Remove from heat and cover.
    * 4. Steep for two hours.
    * 5. Strain and serve hot with a cinnamon stick garnish.

Enjoy!

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