Lifestyle

Composting.  We all hear about how great it is and that we should do it. But what is compost exactly and what are the benefits that make it worthwhile? Composting 101 Composting is organic matter that has been decomposed and can be used as fertilizer. Many gardeners are beginning to use it, but why? Here are five benefits of composting:

Where Does Our Food Come From, Really? Do you ever grab a (reusable) cup of Starbucks  and wonder about the lives of the farmers who harvested the coffee beans that make your caffeine fix possible? Have you ever taken a bite of a banana and pondered a typical Costa Rican banana farmers day to day work that allows Americans to enjoy this oh so versatile fruit? It's okay if the answer is no. In Kelsey Timmerman's latest book  Where Am I Eating: An Adventure Through the Global Food Economy he addresses these issues and more. We talk a lot about organic food, the local food movement, avoiding GMOs and farm to table dining these days. I often feel optimistic that our country is making strides towards an environment in which we can identify where what's on our plates came from. But the reality is America imports twice as much food now then it did ten years ago. Kelsey Timmerman calls himself a curious person who began to wonder about where the food he ate to fuel his life came from.

Have you procrastinated planting your seedlings for your spring and summer garden? If you're looking for some easy shortcuts, check out some starter plants. Don't run to Home Depot or Lowe's - think small and support local farmers. You'll pump money back into the local economy, minimize the risk of pesticides (or god-forbid!) GMO crops. Although the GMO seeds are unlikely, (find out why you should "go small or go home" and see some awesome bonus photos, after the jump!)

The weather is warming up, and there's a great reason to be excited. Americans spend 90% of their time indoors. Whether you (Find out more, after the jump!)

If you haven't started seedlings yet for your spring & summer crops, it's time to get started. First thing: which potting mix should you choose? Although Miracle-Gro tends to dominate Home Depot & conventional 'home' stores, you may be supporting a scary brand. Miracle-gro has fertilizers and synthetic chemicals, criticized for not improving soil over the long term but instead leaching unnatural chemicals into streams and ponds. (Find out more, after the jump!)

  So when you think of Houston, Texas the image of an environmentally city may not be what you envision. And, well you'd be correct. It's true Houston is well known for big hair, big houses and  big oil;  Plus in my experience residents don't walk anywhere (one exception may be across the popular Galleria mall) and recycling bins in public areas are somewhat scarce. But enough Houston criticizing - for today ;)  While visiting the city recently I found a restaurant gem I had to share. Haven restaurant is all about seasonal fare and inventive dishes. The atmosphere is polished yet earthy and formal enough for a special occasion but not too stuffy for a slightly boozy brunch. Plus, it's a green certified restaurant. Haven's produce, herbs, and honey are grown and harvested from their organic garden located on the property.

Why we're not 'green' One of the biggest complaints about sustainability is how we have to cut back. Stop standing under the faucet and limit yourself to a 5 minute shower. Reduce your energy consumption. Don't buy as much. "The sustainability movement will never completely catch on," a friend recently said to me. "Consumerism drives America." William McDonough & Michael Braungart, authors of the Upcycle: Beyond Sustainability- Designing for Abundance would disagree. Let's go back to those steaming, hot showers. Although I love the environmentalist in me, I also love me some hot, steamy showers on a cold day. But what if we could filter and reuse that water, so I could stand under the faucet until my skin was wrinkly? Instead of worrying about how many fossil fuels the filter process would take, that South Philly wind could power the process. This type of thinking is how The Upcycle challenges you to reconsider sustainability. (Find out more about the Upcycle, released today, after the jump!)

  Gasland Part II will make its World Premier at the famous Tribeca Film Festival in NYC on April 21st. The much-anticipated sequel to the ground-breaking and controversial Gasland will likely frame more heated debates from both fracking supporters and adversaries. Pennsylvania was and is among the states where fracking is a major concern. Gasland and Gasland Part II filmaker Josh Fox has said that 60-65% of PA land is being turned over to gas companies for exploration and drilling.

Spring is here and that means one thing: Time to clean the ish out of your house. Want to truly make the switch to green cleaning? You don't have to buy pricey 'eco-brands' for a green clean. Instead, stock up on pure, safe basics. Here's a short list of what to put in your cleaning cabinet: (Find out what to put in your kit, after the jump!)