Hemp — The Ultimate Cash Crop, Health Food and Environmental Savior Rolled Into One

A new ecovillage in Scotland has utilized an innovative material within its structures - namely, negative carbon hemp. While most environmentally progressive buildings strive for a carbon neutral rank, these houses take eco-friendly a step further, literally pulling carbon dioxide from the air. But smart building materials aren't the only use for hemp, it's exceptionally handy in other areas as well. In fact, hemp is a wonder plant that has the potential to alleviate many of our health, financial and environmental problems across the nation, which makes the political resistance to its cultivation in the U.S. all the more perplexing.

Wi-Fi Especially Dangerous for Young Children—Cell Phones Too

(Alliance for Natural Health) Should we be concerned about radiation from our cell phones (which we carry with us everywhere) and our Wi-Fi (which is nearly ubiquitous these days)?

A review of recent studies shows reasons for caution, pointing to evidence which demonstrates that children absorb more microwave radiation (MWR) than adults. The authors also note the shortcomings in current federal regulatory policy in regard to MWR exposure.

Plastic Costs the Environment $75 Billion Each Year, Report Says

Consumer goods companies are costing the environment $75 billion per year through their use of plastics, revealed a report released last week.

"Valuing plastic", the report from the Plastic Disclosure Project, the U.N. Environment Programme and natural capital analysts Trucost, evaluates the environmental and social impact of plastics used by businesses. It assesses the financial cost to companies were they to be financially responsible for their plastics usage.

Enjoy a Cavity-Free Future by Fortifying Yourself with These Foods

Before heading off to the dentist to have cavities drilled and filled, save your hard-earned cash and use nutrition to heal dental caries instead. Following the wisdom of traditional diets, and the observations of Weston A. Price, teeth can be strengthened without resorting to dangerous and costly dental procedures.

“Rollie Pollies” Remove Heavy Metals From Soil, Stabilizing Growing Conditions, Protecting Groundwater

Turn over a brick or a board that has been lying in the yard for a while and underneath you may find a collection of pill bugs scurrying about. Also known as "rollie pollies" or woodlice, these grey-colored creatures can be found in many dark, moist environments feeding on decaying matter. What's interesting about these critters is that they are not bugs at all. They are crustaceans and more closely resemble crabs and shrimp, not insects. They are characterized by their ability to roll up into a ball when they feel threatened. Another unique feature is that they have seven pairs of legs. They also act like kangaroos, toting their eggs around with them in a special pouch called a marsupium, located on the pillbug's underside. Even stranger, they don't urinate. Instead, they exchange gases through gill-like structures.

Before Boarding an Airplane, Make Sure to Pack this Time-Tested, Health Saving Oil

During the 1650's, three European villages had two aspects in common: Not one person died of the bubonic plague epidemic and each village had a perfume factory which utilized lavender oil. While the plague was raging through land, these three villages were mysteriously immune. Exposure to lavender turned out to be the secret. Modern applications of this herb are just as important now as they were in the past. In this day and age of environmental toxicity, superbugs, stress and depletion, lavender oil should be considered an essential element in any herbal medicine chest. As an outstanding immune booster, lavender is an extraordinary remedy for times of travel, illness and infectious disease.

Cultivate Health, Wealth, and Happiness With Sustainable Micro-Gardens

As food and fuel costs continue to rise, while concerns about conventionally grown produce increase, micro-gardening has become a hot trend among urbanites. Using an array of creative measures, these organic miniature gardens not only provide nutrient dense, locally grown food, but also create a feeling of connectedness and well-being.