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So you have heard some hype about oil pulling by now, the ancient practice is getting it's share of press lately. I'm not one to jump on every health fad, but I'm a bit of a hippie at heart and the au naturel aspect really intrigued me.  After hearing about oil pulling here and there for a few months I decided to give it a try. What is oil pulling exactly? Oil Pulling is an Ayurvedic technique which involves swishing oil around in your mouth for 15 to 20 minutes. The oil collects impurities brushing your teeth can't reach, and is then spit out. (But not into a sink because the oil could block a drain!) Afterwards, you can rinse your mouth with water and brush your teeth. I've heard that some people choose not to brush their teeth post oil pulling, but I'm not one of them. What does it do? Oil pulling is said to pull out stuck bacteria, and detoxify your system by allowing the oil to pick up these toxins (hence why you need to spit the oil out - don't swallow!) Read on to learn about my oil pulling experience.

When you think about the city of Philadelphia, I doubt fresh produce, large gray chickens or a rotund pig named Milkshake rarely come to mind. If you haven’t been to Greensgrow Farms, you are missing out. Not only do they have Milkshake and chickens, Greensgrow Farms is a cool agricultural oasis that presents a verdant contrast against the gritty Philadelphia backdrop. Greensgrow Farms offers local fresh produce through farm stands and mobile markets, a much-desired alternative to the processed foods in our chain supermarkets.  Located at 2501 E. Cumberland Street,  Greensgrow Farms offers a variety of events, classes, and workshops about eating healthier and living a more sustainable lifestyle. Find out about my recent chicken workshop & 10 things YOU need to know to raise backyard chickens:

Ever wonder what local environmental orgs do to help push for a cleaner Philadelphia? Clean Air Council's Russell Zerbo shares with us today as guest blogger about a recent meeting with PA State Representative Curtis Thomas. A Day in the Life of Clean Air Council Part of my initiatives in the Clean Air Council is to improve energy efficiency working with local government officials. Pennsylvania's once innovative Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard to encourage renewable sources is now way behind the times. We (Clean Air Council) sat down with Solar States’ Akil Marsh and State Representative Curtis Thomas to discuss how Pennsylvania can support solar power and other energy issues. Find out more, after the jump!

The Clean Air Council is hosting its 33rd annual 5K Run for Clean Air on Saturday, April 19th at 9 AM. Kicking off at the Philadelphia Art Museum, you can run the 5K, 3K walk or Kids' Fun Run. The 5K Run for Clean Air has become the area's largest Earth Day Celebration, supporting the local guys who fight for a cleaner local environment.

Public Service Message for the ladies: There's tons of chemicals in the products you use... down there. Some of the most absorptive and sensitive tissue on women's bodies exists is the loved v-j region, but many companies don't disclose what they're putting in products made for that area. A recent report even said that chemicals in feminine care products can increase the risk of breast cancer, reproductive problems, asthma and allergic reactions with cancer-causing chemicals and hormone disruptors. Scary, right? These risks are enough of a reason to make the switch to organic tampons & pads.

In just a few decades, sales of consumer electronics have skyrocketed. As consumers upgrade to the latest and greatest devices, old computer towers and bulky monitors are discarded in favor of slimmer, sleeker models. Even the simple act of swapping out an empty ink cartridge contributes to the mounting problem of non-biodegradable waste. What does this do to our environment? What can you do about ink cartridges? Find out where you can recycle ink cartridges in Philadelphia for our Where Can I Wednesday column, after the jump!

This guest post comes to us from Cassie Pena of the Jewish Farm School. During Passover we reflect on the ancient journey of the Israelite people from enslavement to freedom; the experience of passing through Mitzrayim (Egypt or a "narrow" place) towards new untold openness and expression. Our rituals during this time of year include cleaning our kitchens and homes of glutinous foods, such as bread and other chametz (foods with leavened bread). Find out more, after the jump.

 Trying to stay away from scary chemicals in your food? There's another super-obvious place many chemicals are hiding - our beauty products. Find out about the upcoming event at Arts in the Age, after the jump!

Want to find a way to glow from the inside out? Yoga is a great way to find inner peace and better yourself. Although it may feel like everyone else has gotten on the yoga bandwagon, it’s never too late to start. No, yoga is just not a girly excuse for exercise, either. Yoga has some serious health benefits for men and women of all ages. Here are 5 health benefits from practicing yoga: