Green Eyes On: Green Halloween Tips You May Not Have Thought Of

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 18:00:00 GMT

Photo via Smashing Magazine. Each year Americans spend billions of dollars on Halloween candy, costumes and other Halloween related decor-type items (over $3 billion was spent in 2006 alone). They're shelling out $20-50 a piece on costumes and $10 and up on bags of candy. But, this year more-so than in years past, people have enhanced awareness of health issues like cancer, obesity, and diabetes rates, of environmental health, and this year less people have the luxury of spending their hard earned dollars on store-bought costumes so they're being forced to look elsewhere for their ghost and goblin attire. All of that brings us to my five tips for throwing a greener Halloween...in ways you may not have thought of. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Green Eyes On: Cold Weather Reads for Families & Foodies Alike

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 09:52:17 GMT

Images via Amazon. The weather outside is lovely, but before long we'll be ready to curl up inside with a good book and catch up on our reading. I am always looking for good book recommendations and thought that I would pass along a few that I've enjoyed. So here are four recommended reads to educate and indulge you over the winter months. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Green Eyes On: 3 Ways To Throw A Greener Tailgate

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 15:00:27 GMT

Image via MargaritaVille Cargo. A friend of mine threw a tailgate party recently (check out her blog entry) and did everything she could to make it a greener tailgate. She and her husband both are huge football fans and live for weekend home games. Naturally her idea for a greener tailgate was met with some opposition, such as "why ruin a good thing" comments, but eventually received a lot of applause. If you're worried that you'll alienate friends by doing this, think again. You'll get the satisfaction of proving them wrong. Here's how you can get started with three simple steps. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Green Eyes On: 5 Ways to Stay Green With the Kids Back in School

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 10:47:00 GMT

Image via Kate.net. Reading, writing, arithmetic, social studies...oh, that class used to make me sick, too. But, what are you going to do? School is back in session and that means homework, bagged lunches, after-school activities, and plenty of Friday night lights. But it can also mean you running a mean, lean, eco-family machine! Here are five ways to make that a reality: ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Green Eyes On: Eco-Spas Take Miami

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 11:40:25 GMT

Photo via Mandarin Oriental Hotel. It's good enough for Kourtney and Khloe...Kardashian, that is. Is it good enough for you? With brand new eco-spas opening there, maybe Miami is. Long thought of as the playground of the rich, famous, and scantily clad, Miami is ushering in a new era. Sure the beaches are still lined with 5-star resorts, pricey restaurants, and beaches full of thongs and speedos, but the city is also now host to a small bevy of eco spas and resorts. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Green Eyes On: 3 Ways to Get Down A Healthy Breakfast

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 12:15:17 GMT

Image via HatM. It's back to school time, which means that leisurely breakfasts...[cue music] early morning sunshine bathing you through the windows, birds singing their happy tune while you slowly munch through a bowl of cereal, your happy children all around [record screeches and stops]...are over. And now with new information that rates of severe obesity among kids and teens are moving swiftly up (more than tripled in the last three decades), it's more important than ever to start your kids' day with a healthy meal. Here are THREE WAYS TO GET DOWN A HEALTHY BREAKFAST, no matter how crazy your mornings have become.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Green Eyes On: Recent Study Finds No Benefit to Organic Foods

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 08:25:13 GMT

Photo courtesy Sara Snow. A recent study out of the UK, commissioned by the British government's Food Standards Agency (FSA), is claiming there are no benefits to organic foods, local organizations are lashing out saying it's not true. "Our review indicates that there is currently no evidence to support the selection of organically over conventionally produced foods on the basis of nutritional superiority," says Alan Dangour, one of the authors of a recent report out of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Green Eyes On: A New Superfood Emerges

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 08:30:53 GMT

Image via Sara Snow. Last week, in case you didn't notice from my constant stream (for me, anyway) of Twitter and Facebook updates, I made it back to my home state of Michigan. On my way up to Leland, Michigan I stopped in Traverse City for a visit to the Cherry Festival and a tour of the Northwest Michigan Horticultural Research Station. Aside from the dribble of cherry juice from the corner of my mouth, I was struck by this: what we think of as a beautiful flowering tree is also a powerful super fruit with the ability to save your health and the planet's. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Green Eyes On: Local Schools Go Beyond Green

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 12:50:50 GMT

We call this column "Green Eyes On" because it's supposed to be about the stuff that I lay my green eyes on. My last piece was about exciting recommendations coming out of the American Medical Association's annual meeting to eat more local and organic food. Sometimes it's about places I've been and people I've met who are doing incredible things to promote health and protect our environment. But I have to say, my favorite moments are when my green eyes land on a team or group who is helping and inspiring the next generation of thinkers, greenies, and environmental warriors. Such was the case about a week ago when I went upon invitation to check out a new charter school in Indianapolis. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Green Eyes On: Your Doctor Says, "Eat Local, Eat Organic"

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 09:21:54 GMT

Image via foleyfeatures. A remarkable policy resolution came out last week during the American Medical Association's (AMA) annual meting. They voted to support "practices and policies...that promote and model a healthy and ecologically sustainable food system." The health part is expected, but the "ecologically sustainable" portion is a surprising huge step forward for organic and local food advocates and producers around this country. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Green Eyes On: Feast Local...Really Local

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 16:10:17 GMT

Photo courtesy of Elle Wedding Photography A week ago I had the delightful task of throwing a dinner as part of a sweepstakes put on by heating and cooling company, Lennox Industries. It was called the Get a Green Life Sweepstakes, and a winner was chosen at random out of thousands of entries to win a green party for the winner and seven friends, thrown by me. Once the winner and location were chosen (though a resident of Canada, Grace, the winner, decided to hold the dinner party in Gainesville, FL where her daughter now lives) I set about determining the location and menu. I certainly could have scoped out some hip, chic restaurant or other venue and held the party there, but there's something cooler going on in the food scene that I wanted to glom onto. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Green Eyes On: Cleaning Cushions Naturally

Tue, 26 May 2009 12:16:42 GMT

As the last of the winter's snow melted, it revealed our inviting back patio, where the sage and oregano was just beginning to poke through in the herb garden on the perimeter, bird feeders begging to be refilled so that the birds could flock in droves, and a table and chairs screaming for summertime dinners. The only problem was the uninviting mildew covering the chair cushions. I knew I had two choices: I could clean them or replace them. Ever the eco'ist, I of course wanted to try my hardest to salvage what I already had instead of buying new. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Green Eyes On: Herbal Remedies for Stress

Mon, 11 May 2009 15:50:25 GMT

Lavender pillows help to promote relaxation. Last week I did my usual segment, Living Green with Sara Snow, on CNN.com/LIVE. I answered viewer questions about herbal remedies for common ailments like stress and asthma. Reducing stress naturally is a great topic and one that I figured merited some additional attention. The question, as it came in, made reference to the fact that the inquirer had played around with taking pharmaceuticals for her stress and anxiety in the past, but was disheartened (or stressed!) by all of the potential side effects listed...for which she was afraid she'd just have to take more meds. A slippery slope for certain. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Green Eyes On: Pregnancy Awareness Month

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 14:24:01 GMT

Image courtesy of Pregnancy Awareness Month Though I am not yet a mom myself I understand how life changing it can be to hold your first precious baby in your arms, and to go from zero little ones underfoot to one, then two and maybe more. I have also seen first hand how this is often the moment when people first become acutely aware of their surroundings and the health implications of each - the furniture in the home, the cleaning products, food, toys, paint, clothing, and so on. About a year ago I hosted and released a DVD called "Growing Green Babies" to help parents through creating a green nursery, planning nutritious and organic family meals, finding healthier cleaning products and cosmetics, and so on. So I was honored when I was asked to be a part of the 2nd Annual Pregnancy Awareness Month (PAM) celebration this coming weekend in Santa Monica. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Green Eyes On: Buying for Earth Day

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 15:20:47 GMT

Though I've never been a proponent of rushing out to buy all the latest green gadgets just in the name of "going green" it is comforting to read that sales of organic foods and other green goods are not declining despite the economy, and that people are continuing to invest in those things that ultimately can lead to better personal and environmental health. In particular, there's been some tremendous growth with organic food makers in the Bay Area. Barbara's Bakery, makers of all natural and organic cereals and snacks, is seeing double-digit growth in its private label business. And Amy's Kitchen, known for their organic and vegetarian prepared meals, is expecting to jump from their current revenues of $240 million to becoming a billion dollar company in five years. This is strong growth in tough economic times. But what do people do who are just starting to make changes? How do they know where to start? ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Green Eyes On: Start a Compost Pile With Your Gutter Cleanings

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 11:21:16 GMT

Photo via Flickr It's spring and, like it or not, that means spring cleaning for you and millions of other like-minded home dwellers out there. It's time to cleanse the windowsills, banish the dust bunnies, purge the closet and...well, whatever else it is you do this time of year. For me, it's a time to PURGE! Purge closets, leftover plants in pots and beds, and gutters in preparation of spring time showers.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Green Eyes On: New Trends at Natural Products Expo West

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 11:00:43 GMT

Photo courtesy of Sara Snow

Last year the Natural Products Expo West tradeshow in Anaheim, California was named one of "top 50 fastest growing shows" by Tradeshow Week. This year this position was solidified by the record breaking 53,000 people who attended. Today's economic climate certainly didn't seem to put a damper on the week's activities or on exhibitors launching their new products. According to show producers New Hope Media, the expo spanned across 300,000 square feet and featured nearly 2,000 exhibitors, hailing from as many as 28 countries. Nearly 500 were new to the show. "The show's success proved that, despite a cool economy, innovation and retailer interest in natural products remains strong," says Lisa Conover of the New Hope PR group, Fresh Ideas Group. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Green Eyes On: Obesity and Organics

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 09:25:32 GMT

Photo via Flickr

Can obesity and diabetes be slowed or reversed by organics? Yes, according to a new study released by the Organic Center at the Natural Products Expo West. This may be one of the most exciting things to come out of the Expo, currently underway in Anaheim, California.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Green Eyes On: What Really Happens in a Landfill

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 10:25:25 GMT

Photo via Flickr

Last week I visited one of the country's largest landfills, located just outside of Los Angeles. As I drove up the side of the mountain of God-knows-what, I was amazed at how much like driving into a state park it was. All around me trees were swaying in the breeze, flowers were blooming, and birds were chirping as they pulled worms from the vibrant green grass. It was like a movie set for the perfect suburban park. Except...under that perfect-park facade was a mountain of s*&t! How could something so nasty look so nice? That is, I wondered this until I neared the top of the mountain, where the winding road was suddenly gridlocked with overflowing dump trucks and an ominous flock of seagulls circled overhead. This is when I knew we had reached the real dump, the evidence of the 250-some million tons of trash Americans generate every year: that would be 4 pounds per person per day! ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Green Eyes On: Three Cheap and Tasty Potato Recipes

Mon, 02 Feb 2009 11:30:00 GMT

Image via: Flickr/Sunshine Hanan I love soup. I eat it practically all winter long, and don't stop for the three other seasons. Soup is a complete meal, so when I'm short on time, I start cooking knowing that one pot will be dinner for at least two nights and probably a few lunches. I have my favorite soups for sure: lentil, split pea, tortilla, gazpacho, to name a few. But I only recently began thinking about one of my absolute favorite soup recipes--potato leek soup--as a cheap meal for frugal times. Taking advantage of the potato is a delicious way to eat with pennies on the dollar. And so, it's in that spirit that I bring you three cheap and easy potato recipes. Keep them tucked away and bring them out the next time your wallet starts to feel a little light.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Green Eyes On: Healing and Air Purifying Plants

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 13:16:00 GMT

Gerbera daisies and mini Gerbera daisies. Photo via flowerbud.com.

A number of years ago, NASA began to look into the air purifying properties of plants (PDF). Specifically, they were trying to find out if plants could be used to clean the air in orbiting space stations. The findings--helpful for both their purposes and ours--proved common indoor air pollutants (culprits called Volatile Organic Compounds, or VOCs, off-gasses from the likes of fabric finishes, paints, wood adhesives, and floor stains) can be mitigated or removed by way of the leaves, roots, and soil of certain indoor plants. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Green Eyes On: Three Green New Year's Resolutions

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 14:14:00 GMT

Photo via Flickr

A few weeks before we even rang in the start of 2009, I was already thinking about my New Year's resolutions. And then I started wondering what resolutions other people were making. I heard both the usual: eat better, exercise more...and the unusual: write more thank-you notes, focus on organics, for example. And that last one got me thinking: there are so many people who are still dwelling on the fringe of greener living. What better time to take the plunge than the start of a new year? Here are three progressive ways to live greener in the New Year.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Green Eyes On: 9 Great Last-Minute Green Gift Ideas

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 10:00:00 GMT

Last week, I did a segment for The CBS Early Show on green gift ideas, and Harry Smith, co-anchor of the show, remarked that it was the best green gift segment he'd ever done. I won't take credit for that: There are simply fantastic green goods out there now. Gone are the days of only organic socks and crunchy looking handbags (although I have my share of those and treasure them dearly), we've welcomed in a new era of attractive solar bags, water-powered clocks, beautiful handcrafted cosmetics and perfumes, and adorable organic stuffed animals. There is now something green and good for everyone on your list. And don't forget to check out TreeHugger's fantastic Gift Guide!... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Green Eyes On: Handmade Gifts for the Holidays

Mon, 08 Dec 2008 10:54:00 GMT

Photo: Claudia*~Assad via Flickr

Flip on the TV and you'll see commercials suggesting every little thing under the sun is the perfect holiday gift. Turn on the radio, and you're sure to hear -round-the-clock Christmas carols. (I'll admit, I'm one of those people who doesn't mind this, but maybe it's because I'm not actually listening to a radio for more than an hour a week). Checkout any suburban neighborhood and you'll see the lights and inflatable lawn decorations are out in full swing. Yes, the season is upon us. And here's an idea: How about making holiday gifts this year? Believe it or not, simple handmade gifts can take no more time than running about town buying them.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Green Eyes On: Five Tips for a Green Thanksgiving Dinner

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 13:25:05 GMT

Photo: Noel Hendrickson/Getty Images

Thanksgiving is, hands down, my favorite holiday. For me it means family and friends, warm homes and good, good food. By Thursday afternoon kitchens everywhere will be wafting aromas of pumpkin pies and roasted turkeys. The wine glasses will come out, the sparkling cider will be poured, and families will gather to laugh and visit and (let's be honest) stuff their bellies beyond the point of full. So how can you have a green Thanksgiving while still paying tribute to the holiday's origins of giving thanks and celebrating the harvest? ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Green Eyes On: President Obama, How About Organic Farming?

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 15:10:00 GMT

Photo: IowaPolitics.com via Flickr

With the election behind us it's time to focus again on solutions, wouldn't you say? It's time to move forward and to accomplish great things. Now that we know who will lead us, the question is "where will we go?" I'd like to see us slow global climate change and increase our supplies of fresh, local, and organic foods. I'd like to see families everywhere eating healthier fare and living in chemical-free home environments. I'd like to feel comfortable running through cornfields and I'd like it to be safe for the families raising kids next to factory farms. And that's just the tip of the iceberg. Mr. President Elect, sir, you have a big job before you. If I may, I'd like to offer up one solution: organic farming methods. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Green Eyes On: Natural Products Expo East Shows Bright Future for Green Products

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:15:51 GMT

Image courtesy of Natural Products Expo East

I can't really explain my unexpected and sudden optimism, in spite of the mud puddle economy we're all apparently still living in and the mud slinging political race we're still slaves to. But there are at least three things that have contributed to it. Despite the Economy, People are Still Shopping for Natural and Organic Food First, I just attended Natural Products Expo East in Boston (a twice-yearly conference for the natural products industry) and found an unquestionably strong product offering. Despite the pinch so many are feeling in their pocketbooks, research shows people are continuing to buy natural and organic foods and choosing instead to cut back on gym memberships and other ancillaries. This is especially true when it comes to food for their children and the most basic foods for themselves. Great news! Strong Trends: Probiotics and Vitamin C Packs Some trends I was seeing out of Boston: Probiotics are the unsung heroes (a personal favorite of mine is GoodBelly, which I wrote about earlier this year); the gluten-free category continues to grow (especially good news as large numbers of people are discovering they have gluten sensitivities and even Celiac disease); still there are waters, waters everywhere, but now there are more and more of the Emergen-C type vitamin/flavor packets or pellets that you add to the filtered tap water you carry around in your Sigg or reusable water bottle of choice (a new favorite of mine is called Zenergize); and honey products are making a strong comeback (save the bees!!!). ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Green Eyes On: The Financial Crisis: Think Twice and Connect

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 12:37:00 GMT

Image credit: greenjobsnow No doubt, it has been a tough couple of weeks on Wall Street and on Main Streets all across this country. People looking at their retirement funds wondering where the money has gone. People looking at their health care plan wondering where it has gone. And too many people looking at what was once their job, their paycheck, their source of income and livelihood, and wondering where on earth it has gone. There are two things that, as I sit here writing today, I hope come of this financial crisis. ... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Green Eyes on: Day of Decadence Done? Simplify.

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 18:10:00 GMT

Sara and her mom discovering the great outdoors. I think, and I think you'll agree, that our days of decadence are done. I mean, who can afford a $5 daily coffee fix everyday anymore? Who can afford the bottomless tank of yesteryear's monster SUVs? Who can afford to travel? Or heat and cool their McMansion? It seems that we have been living in a time of decadence; a time of $100 burgers and $12.5 million bras. Key words: have been. Is it safe to say that those times have come, or are coming to, a close? So what now? Well, times like this, there's only one thing to do. Simplify!... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Green Eyes On: Luna Fest

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 14:11:00 GMT

It is not with any infrequency that I get asked the "what else can I do" question. People and families who are already buying local and organic foods, being conservative in their fuel and electricity consumption, composting and recycling, and plenty of other "beginner" steps, email me to ask, "so what else can we do?" To this I give two answers: get others on board (as in, encourage your neighbors) and volunteer. There are hundreds of thousands of worthy organizations out there doing tremendously good work, but they could do so much more with a little extra help - your time, talents or money. I have a few favorite organizations that I support: The Organic Center (of which I am a board member), microfinance institutions like FINCA, other food and environmental groups, and another recent favorite: The Breast Cancer Fund. Here's why I'm so into The Breast Cancer Fund.... Read the full story on TreeHugger

Recent Posts by TreeHugger's Sara Snow