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A New Home Getting Green
Jessica hunts for eco-friendly and secondhand items to make her new townhome greener. Greening an apartment or home you don't own can be a challenge, but searching for eco-friendly products is fun.
Greensburg's Eco-Renewal
Last weekend—the second anniversary of the tornado that destroyed the small town of Greensburg, Kansas—residents invited the public to see its progress toward becoming one of the first green towns in the United States. Greensburg homeowners and business owners have rebuilt much of the town with eco-friendly construction materials.
Natural Products Expo West 2011: Fresh Ideas for Change
My favorite experience at the Natural Products Expo West was the 6th Annual FIG Media Luncheon, hosted by the Fresh Ideas Group. This year, the panelists discussed how to pave the road for a healthier future.
FTC's New Green Marketing Guidelines Go After Greenwashers
The Federal Trade Commission's proposed revisions to its environmental marketing guidelines would make it more difficult for marketers to make false green claims for their products.
Scented Products Contain Toxic Chemicals, Carcinogens
A new study from the University of Washing found that scented products—including those labeled as organic, natural and green—release toxic chemicals that can harm our health.
Greendex Study Finds Eco-Friendly Consumer Behavior Increasing Worldwide
Despite the worldwide increase in environmentally friendly lifestyles, the United States still ranks as one of the least eco-friendly consumer societies. Natural Home editor-in-chief Robyn Griggs Lawrence shares ways to green your habits.
Do Your Shoes Leave a Carbon Footprint?
Natural Home editor-in-chief Robyn Griggs Lawrence explains a Greenpeace report that links major shoe companies to rainforest destruction.
False Green Claims On the Rise, Study Finds
TerraChoice's annual Sins of Greenwashing study finds that 95 percent of the products claiming to be green have used vague language, unproven claims and false certification labels.
Home Economics 101: Go Green, Save Green
A recent American Institute of Architects (AIA) Home Design Trends Survey found that demand for luxury products is waning. In contrast, manufacturers are seeing an increased emphasis on both accessibility/universal design and renewable materials. Essentially, homeowners are shying away from expensive (and usually unnecessary) products that add little actual value to their home, concentrating instead on features that promote energy efficiency and sustainability.
How Do You Know Your Cleaning Products Are Green?
'Green' cleaning products are awash with misleading labels and false claims. Always look for a third-party certification to assure you're buying the healthiest, most environmentally friendly cleaners.
GreenCircle: The New Certification on the Block
GreenCircle, an independent, third-party certification system, will evaluate companies' sustainability claims.
Groupon for Greenies: A Site to Save You Money
Green America offers savvy shoppers daily discounts—and reassurance that they're buying green—through GreenDeals.
Greener Gadgets Conference: Gadgets to Get Excited About
Energy-monitoring devices won big at the Greener Gadgets Conference in New York City.
Why We Buy Energy-Efficient Products
A survey by the Shelton Group, a Tennessee-based advertising firm, reveals why energy-efficient products are flying off the shelves during this tough economic time.
TerraCycle and FritoLay Transform Chip Bags Into Cool Products
Upcycling company TerraCycle is partnering with FritoLay North America to keep old chips bags out of landfills and turn them into new consumer products.
Greensleeve: Petroleum-Free iPad Case from Gone Studio
Gone Studio, a design company offering post-petroleum products for the home and office, launches Greensleeve, its 100-percent petroleum-free iPad case made with zero-energy manufacturing.
What Does It Mean to Go Green?
Guest blogger Tracy Herz juggles greenspeak 101 while considering what products and certifications she will use in her West Virginia condo remodel.
Malama Ka `Aina—Respecting the Land
Follow a young greenie through the Hawaiian practice of malama ka `aina and create a craft that honors this way of life.
Good News: U.S. Greenhouse Gases See Record-Setting Decline
For the first time since the U.S. Energy Information Administration began collecting data on greenhouse gas emissions in 1990, the United States saw a record-setting 5.8 percent decline.
Green and Progressive: Chicago's Green Initiatives
With Earth Day afoot, it's important that the rest of our nation keep a close eye on Chicago's green initiatives.
Natural Products Association Sets Certification Standards
The National Products Association releases its natural standards and certification for household cleaners and laundry detergents.
Greenwashing in Green Marketing: A Rising Trend
Audi's "green police" Super Bowl commercial reflects a growing trend in marketing as companies target a more environmentally-conscious audience. But buyer-beware; greenwashing is also on the rise.
Priscilla Woolworth Goes Green
PriscillaWoolworth.com makes conscious shopping easier by selling a variety of green household products and fair trade items from around the world.
Five (Guilt-Free) Things I Want for Christmas
WorldofGood.com by eBay sells ethically sourced and eco-friendly products.
Green Clean: Method Cleaning Products Receive Cradle to Cradle Certification
If you still want to do everything you can to make your home healthy—for your family and the planet—take a look at how you clean. Like it or not, we have to clean our homes on a regular basis. Natural Home offers lots of great ideas for making your own healthy, natural cleaning solutions—or look to some of the great green solutions now available at your grocery store.
'Tis the Season: Shop Responsibly—Part 2
Remember to look for these key words when buying good, green gifts.
8 Natural Personal-Care Products
Take care of yourself with our picks for natural personal care products.
Five Ingredients to Avoid When Buying Summer Skin Care Products
Many beauty products contain harmful chemicals, but figuring out which are the worst can be difficult. Natural Home editor-in-chief Robyn Griggs Lawrence clues you in to the top five chemical ingredients to avoid when buying summer skin care products, and helps you learn about a few natural alternatives.
Architecture 2030 Challenge for Products Issued Today
The Architecture 2030 Challenge for Products asks designers and builders to spec materials with lower carbon footprints.
Cool Your House Without AC
Matt and Kelly Grocoff keep cool in Michigan by taking advantage of their 110-year-old home's natural ventilation strategies. It's as easy as opening a couple of strategically placed windows.
Champagne Poached Pears Recipe
This champagne poached pears recipe can be served for brunch, lunch or dinner.
Have A Greener Holiday Season
This year, give a gift that keeps giving. We tell you how with the help of the folks at The Nature Conservancy.
Historic Home Produces More Energy Than It Consumes
For less than the cost of an SUV, a Michigan couple rehabbed their historic home to include solar panels and a geothermal system. The 110-year-old house now produces more energy than it needs.
Don't Get Fooled Again: FTC Revises Green Marketing Guidelines
The Federal Trade Commission is creating stricter guidelines for environmental marketing. Could this lead to a crackdown on greenwashing campaigns?
Whole Foods is First Retailer to Rate Green Cleaning Products
Most Americans believe that cleaning products are required to list ingredients on labels. They're not. But Whole Foods is taking matters into its own hands with a color-coded rating system that holds manufacturers accountable for green claims.
Bedbugs and Small Homes: Top Trends of 2010
This year readers were concerned about bedbugs and greenwashing, and everyone wants to know more about smaller homes.
Fun with the White House
Weigh in as Natural Home collects reader and contributor suggestions on "greening the White House."
Recycled Paper Guide From Greenpeace
Find out what's in your paper products with Greenpeace's Recycled Tissue and Toilet Paper Guide.
Rosemary Lamb Chops Recipe
Take advantage of farmers market finds this spring and pick up a rack of lamb for these Garlic-Rosemary Lamb Chops.
How to Make Homemade Yogurt
Learn how to make homemade yogurt with this seasonal yogurt recipe.
Victoria's Tomato Soup Recipe
This tomato soup recipe packed with Italian tomatoes is perfect any time of the year.
GoodGuide Offers In-Depth Green Product Reviews
The GoodGuide, a website and iPhone application, offers consumers comprehensive reviews of the health, environmental and social impacts of more than 75,000 products.
Green Summer: Organic Beer
Natural Home editorial intern Susan Melgren shares a variety of organic beers and tips on how to green your beer drinking.
The Art of Upcycled Yoga Mats
Natural Home editor-in-chief Robyn Griggs Lawrence finds a company that upcycles old yoga mats. Recycle Your Mat, a company founded by yogini Stephanie Stano in 2008 gives yoga mats a second life as an upcycled or recycled product.
Candle Care: How to Properly Use Natural Beeswax Candles
Tips and techniques for proper burning and storage of beeswax candles
Dirty Deeds: Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products
Use these eco-friendly tools to clean up your cleaning routine.
'Tis the Season: Shop Responsibly—Part 3
Third-party certifications are extremely helpful. While you're out shopping, look for the following logos.
Cooking with Green Garlic
Anyone who has ever grown garlic knows how delicious the green tops are in spring salads and perhaps have even tossed a handful into a soup stock. With their heady garlic scent and bright green goodness, these edible green grasses are just the thing for winter weary palates.
Busted: Sustainable Forestry Initiative Label is Greenwash
A ForestEthics report calls out the American Forest and Paper Association-backed Sustainable Forestry Initiative label for not protecting forests.
Guaranteed Green: Top 10 Green Building Products for 2010
BuildingGreen's 2010 Top 10 Green Building Products list includes a low-flow toilet, composite decking, a high-performing wall system and other products that conserve energy and resources.
Keep Your Showerheads Green Clean
A new study finds that showerheads contain high levels of disease-causing bacteria.
Petroleum Products Preferable to Biodegradable Plastics? Say It Isn't So
A new study has found that biodegradable plastic's rapid rate of decomposition could cause the release of methane, a greenhouse gas. The study's authors suggest that petroleum-based products might be preferable. We need better alternatives than that.
Holiday Entertaining: Winter Verrine Recipe
Step up your holiday entertaining with this simple and elegant French Verrine recipe.
Sweets For Your Sweetheart: Chili Chocolate Pots de Crème Recipe with Salted Caramel Sauce
Spice up your Valentine's Day with this chili chocolate pots de crème recipe with salted caramel sauce.
Sustainable Sunglasses
When choosing summer sunglasses, look for products that are both stylish and environmentally friendly. Eco-conscious companies iWood and Kayu both offer trendy lines of sunglasses made using sustainable materials and methods. These sunglasses also offer 100 percent protection from harmful ultraviolet rays that can damage eyes.
The Garden Buzz: Three Reasons to Love Dandelions
Consider these three ideas before you kill the dandelions in your garden.
Festive Vegan Stuffed Shells Recipe
Leafy spring greens add lively color and substance to this vegan stuffed shells recipe.
Healthy, Green Design: 5 Eco-Friendly Interior Design Products Companies
Guest blogger Stephanie Nickolson shares five of her favorite interior design products companies.
Eco-Cleaning: 5 Natural Products
Our experts share some of their favorite natural cleaning finds.
Green Your Life: Organic Dog Shampoo: Olive Bubble + Squeak Herbal Dog Shampoo
If you're looking for a healthy and eco-friendly dog shampoo that smells great, then look no further than Olive Bubble + Squeak Herbal Dog Shampoo. This shampoo is USDA approved organic, 100 percent biodegradable and bottled in recyclable plastic.
5 Quick-Fix Foods
Try these five editor-recommended picks for quick-fix foods.
Meatless Monday Recipe: Faux Chicken Soup
Whip up this delicious vegetable-based soup tonight. You'll never miss the chicken.
Eat Less Meat and Cheese to Help Mother Earth
A new report by the Environmental Working Group urges people to eat less meat and cheese to help reduce greenhouse gases.
Cures for Winter Blahs: Winter Sow Herbs
Give winter sowing a try to chase away winter doldrums. Here is a step-by-step guide.
The Environmental Impact of Animal and Plant Protein Sources
The Environmental Working Group's 2011 Meat Eater's Guide ranks different animal and plant protein sources on their greenhouse gas emissions and overall environmental impact.
New Mail Preference Service Lets Users Opt Out of Unsolicited Junk Mail
A handful of cities has implemented a new service that lets residents stop junk mail. If your city isn't one of them, you have options to keep wasteful, unwanted solicitations and catalogs out of your mailbox.
Natural Shampoo: Yes To Tomatoes Tempting Tomato Volumizing Shampoo
Natural Home assistant editor Kim Wallace reviews another natural shampoo in her natural shampoo series: Yes To Tomatoes Tempting Tomato Volumizing Shampoo.
Natural Shampoo: Eco Nature Care Natural Hair and Body Wash
Natural Home assistant editor Kim Wallace reviews a natural shampoo from Eco Nature Care.
Discovering the Purslane Plant, Part 3
In this third part of our guest blogger's purslane plant profile, she shares three delicious purslane-infused recipes, including a purslane pesto, a wild-greens salad and a summer soup.
Grow an Indoor Winter Garden: The Best Greens and Herbs
Grow leafy greens and herbs indoors this winter for year-round fresh, inexpensive and organic food.
Get Glowing Skin with Spring Greens
Treat your skin with plants from your backyard!
Facial Oil: Kaylala No. 7 Afterglow Rejuvenating Serum
Natural Home beauty blogger Kim Wallace reviews Kaylala's No. 7 Afterglow Rejuvenating Serum, which is made from moisturizing ingredients such as emu oil, organinc evening primrose oil, vitamin E and jojoba oil.
Healthy Green Design: Naturally Scent Your Home
Eliminate unpleasant odors in your home by using natural products.
Sustainable Sunglasses: The Search Continues
The launch of Oakley's first pair of eco-friendly shades keeps Natural Home editorial intern Kirsten Hudson on her search for sustainable sunglasses.
5 Green Beauty Products from A Night of Green Beauty
This year marked the inaugural natural beauty pop-up event, A Night For Green Beauty. The event featured enthusiastic green beauty bloggers and fabulous green beauty brands. Here I've compiled a handful of green beauty products that caught my eye from companies La Bella Figura, One Love Organics, May Lindstrom, H. Gillerman Organics and Ilia.
Edible Weeds 101: The Health Benefits of Purslane
Weeds may be a pain to pull, but some weeds are edible—and good for your health! Try eating purslane. This weed is full of healthy vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
Protect Your Eyes with Vision-Improving Supplements
Fight computer eyestrain with herbs and minerals that naturally improve vision and fight age-related macular degeneration.
Vaska Laundry Line Now Available at Target
Check out Vaska Laundry Care's line of environmentally-friendly clothing care products, now available at Target Stores nationwide.
LG Unveils Hot New Green Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator
LG Electronics unveiled a new energy-efficient bottom-freezer refrigerator at the Maison & Object living design exhibition in Paris. The product, which uses linear compressor technology to save energy, was named the best example of an eco-chic product at the exhibition.
SheaMoisture Announces The Art of Color
SheaMoisture looks to help women capture their individuality with The Art of Color.
A Simple Weeknight Recipe for Garden Produce
Try this tasty garden produce-friendly recipe, a delicious, easy and adaptable way to eat up your garden harvest.
5 Foods to Eat for PMS Relief
Eating a proper diet will help your body get rid of excess estrogen, the culprit behind PMS symptoms. Prevent cramps, bloating, fatigue and mood swings by incorporating these five foods into your diet.
5 Foods to Eat for Ulcer Relief
A healthy diet plays an important role in healing a peptic ulcer. Try these five foods to relieve pain and naturally treat an ulcer.
It Will Never Rain Roses: 6 Spring Gardening Tips
Give yourself a little extra reason to treasure your time in the garden by perusing the gardening articles from our March/April 2013 issue. We teach you how to have your earliest spring garden, give you tips on reducing your gardening resources, show you an unexpected source of nutrition, and much more!
New Lead-Free Potable Water Products Bulletin Available From ITT Bell & Gossett
A new bulletin (A-151) describing the full line of Bell & Gossett lead-free potable water products is now available at www.bellgossett.com.
Numi Welcomes Warmer Weather with Refreshing Tea Recipes
These refreshing Numi Organic Tea libations are perfect as we look ahead to the warmer months.
Organic Tea: Choice Organic Teas
Natural Home editorial intern Susan Melgren reviews her favorite brand of organic tea, Choice Organic Teas.
USDA Announces Certified Bio-Based Product Label
The U.S. Department of Agriculture says its first certification program for bio-based products will make it easier for consumers to identify biodegradable, renewable, recyclable and environmentally safe products.
Our 7 Favorite Garden Products
Check out our favorite garden products to help you enjoy gardening this spring.
Natural Styling Products: Onesta Smooth and Shine Thermal Straightening Crème
Onesta Smooth & Shine Thermal Straightening Crème controls frizz and adds shine to straight hair without the use of sulfates, parabens, synthetic colors and dyes.
Natural Remedies for Clearing Up Acne
Acne can be caused by a number of factors, from poor nutrition to hormonal imbalance. Learn how to combat acne naturally with these home remedies for acne treatment.
Green Travel: Green Cruises
Some cruises are creating eco-friendly policies to reduce pollution.
Green Colleges
Natural Home editorial intern Samantha Schwartz tours green colleges on the East Coast.
Green Travel: Fall Foliage on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Enjoy beautiful fall foliage along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Stay in a green bed and breakfast, visit the eco-friendly Blue Ridge Parkway Destination and Visitor Center, or indulge in a number of outdoor activities.
5 Harmful Chemicals in Beauty Products
The chemicals in everyday personal care products can negatively affect health. Watch out for these five!
3Girls Holistic Launches Organic Beauty Products for Girls
3Girls Holistic announces the launch of 100 percent organic and wild-harvested products designed for young girls.
Natural Products Expo West 2009
I'm finishing up the loose ends on my desk before I head off for Southern California (where I hear it's raining) and the amazing world of the 2009 Natural Products ExpoWest.
Fighting to Get Triclosan and Triclocarban Out of Your Beauty Routine
The Natural Resources Defense Council sues the FDA to get triclosan and triclocarban, synthetic hormone-disrupting chemicals that are bad for our health and the environment, out of personal-care products.
When I actually BUY something
Great shampoo from Dr. Hauschka.
Journey Toward Healthy Hair: Shampoo and Conditioner Reviews
A recent visit to Salon Di Marco in Lawrence, Kansas has made me rethink the way I take care of my hair.
New Upcycled Products for Spring from Hipcycle
Hipcycle.com offers new upcycled products for spring 2012
Vermont Natural Coatings Gives Tips on Natural Finish Wood
Vermont Natural Coatings, manufacturer of high performance naturally derived whey-based wood finishes, recently introduced new Heirloom Wipe-On PolyWhey, a durable, safe furniture finish with the look and feel of traditional hand rubbed finishes.
Elemental Herbology Starter Kits for Clean Skin in 2013
Choosing the ideal products for your skin type can get complicated. Take the guesswork out of your beauty routine and get a head start on clean skin in 2013 with Elemental Herbology's NEW Starter Kits.
Does "Made in the USA" Mean It's Sustainable?
Americans equate products made in the USA with sustainability and often choose American-made products over other options, a study finds.
Scrub-A-Dub-Dub, Herbs in a Tub
Sick of the winter cold already? So are we. So here is one way Herb Companion staffers are surviving this winter: herbal baths.
Soothe Tired Muscles and Joints with Kneipp Arnica Products
Soothe and relax achy limbs with four different Kneipp Arnica products that are ideal for use when feeling sore or after strenuous activities.
When Cleaning Is Not a Chore
Cleaning can be calming, but nauseous-smelling products aren't as lovely as using herbs or "green" alternatives. Learn more about herbal cleaning.
Green Travel: Green Resorts: The Resort at Paws Up
This Montana ranch goes beyond the basic amenities of green hotels and offers visitors a carbon neutral, sustainable experience in the Rocky Mountains.
New Barr-Co. Vintage Apothecary Line Launches
The Barr-Co. collection is made from natural ingredients and is hand crafted in St. Louis, Missouri.
Natural Lip Balm: Addicted to Lip Balm: Skincando Luxe Brew Lip Balm
Freelance writer and natural beauty expert Kim Wallace feeds her lip balm addiction with Brew, a new natural lip balm from Skincando Luxe.
Bionée Launches Organic Skin Care for New Moms and Babies
Fusing green science with time-honoured beauty rituals, Bionée provides certified organic beauty and personal care products for new mothers and babies.
Baking a Gluten-Free Cake from Pamela's Products
Natural Home editorial intern Kirsten Hudson bakes her first gluten-free cake using Pamela's Products baking mix.
The Sustainability of Bee Products
Learn more about the variety of bee products and how they are harvested.
Healthy Beauty Part 1: Your Guide to Ingredients to Avoid and Products You Can Trust
Check out this excerpt from Healthy Beauty: Your Guide to Ingredients to Avoid and Products You Can Trust by Sam Epstein, MD, to find out more about how to swap out conventional products for healthier, natural alternatives.
Healthy Beauty Part 2: Your Guide to Ingredients to Avoid and Products You Can Trust
Check out this excerpt from Healthy Beauty: Your Guide to Ingredients to Avoid and Products You Can Trust by Sam Epstein, MD, to find out more about how to swap out conventional products for healthier, natural alternatives.
Rest in Peace . . . or Get Your Piece?
I'm sitting on the deck of my room at the Northern Queen Inn in Nevada City, California, on a gorgeous spring day.
Natural Home Living: Everything You Need To Know About Going Green
Natural Home magazine editor-in-chief Robyn Griggs Lawrence introduces her new blog, Natural Home Living, and shares everything you need to know about going green. Natural Home Living focuses on answering your green home questions, following green building news and showing you how to save money by going green.
Green Technology Stars at Consumer Electronics Show
Home energy management, electric cars and solar gadgets take starring roles at consumer electronics industry's biggest trade show.
Already There
I've heard that the moment you plunk down a deposit for a vacation or buy yourself a plane ticket, a good chunk of you is already at the beach (or the mountains or the city . . . or wherever).
The Year in Natural Homes
Our favorite natural homes of 2010 range in size and grandiosity, from a 280-square-foot mountain cottage to an urban warehouse-cum-artists'-loft. Every one of them can teach us a lot about living green.
Green Roofs Growing Quickly in U.S.
The square footage of green roofs—which absorb rainwater, regulate temperatures, save energy and resources and provide valuable habitat—grew by 28.5 percent last year.
5 Green Myths
Think going green is difficult, expensive, time-consuming or not worth the effort? Think again as you check out these five myths about going green.
2010 Predictions: Green Building Trends
Expect to see more modular homes, a boom in the green remodeling business and a ton more "green" products when it comes to green building trends in 2010—and be prepared to ask a lot more questions.
Find Your Green Job: Great Green Careers
As economic turmoil peaks and a staggering number of Americans file for unemployment, Ogden Publications, publisher of Natural Home magazine, is connecting job seekers and green employers through its website Great Green Careers.
How Do You Know You're Buying Organic Beauty Products?
Since 2005, the USDA has been certifying organic beauty products, but it has no control over the production and labeling of cosmetics and personal-care products—which is the exact problem the Organic Consumers Association wants to remedy with its "Coming Clean" campaign.
Nurture Delicate Skin with SheaMoisture's Organic Raw Shea Butter Baby Collection
SheaMoisture expands on their Organic Raw Shea Butter Baby Collection with two new products formulated with organic ingredients to heal and soothe delicate baby skin.
Natural and Homemade Deodorants
Try these natural deodorant alternatives to eliminate body odor without the potential toxins of many commercial products.
EcoArt Organic Cotton Decorative Throw Pillows from Wabisabi Green
With more than 32 designs to choose from, you're sure to find an organic cotton throw pillow for your home's décor from Wabisabi Green's EcoArt pillow collections.
Numi Announces Indulgent Pu-erh Tea Collection
Just in time for Valentine's Day, Numi has created the Indulgent Pu-erh Tea Collection ($19.99 - $24.99). A handsome, sustainable bamboo box holds a premium sampling of Numi's innovative, artisanal and delicious organic pu-erh teas — the perfect introduction to this innovative line.
Animal Testing: Alternatives and Cruelty-Free Cosmetics
At the Herb Companion we are passionate about the well being of humans and animals alike, and we think it is important that our readers are informed of the cruelties of animal testing in the cosmetics industry, the availiable alternatives, and ways to fight back.
Natural Products Expo West 2010
This year I got the chance to attend the Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, California. Check out the highlights.
John Masters Organics Launches Men's Collection
John Masters Organics introduces a new men's collection, featuring 2-in-1 products that provide men with quick and easy grooming essentials for a painless two-step routine.
Green Your Shaving Routine: Best Natural Men's Shaving Products
Natural Home editorial intern Ross Stewart reviews the best new natural, nontoxic men's shaving products. Find out which natural shaving creams, aftershaves, soaps, shave brushes and razors are the best.
In The News: Consumer Reports Article Goes After Supplements
Editor in Chief KC Compton could barely believe it when she opened Consumer Reports and read a poorly researched article about dietary supplements.
Habitus Introduces New Line of Sustainable Tile Material
Made from Tagua, Habitus tiles are natural sustainable and suitable for floors or walls.
Understanding Supplements: NPA Challenges Wall Street Journal
It's difficult to understand supplements when reputable sources just can't seem to get it right. The NPA recently challenged the Wall Street Journal about an article they published concerning dietary supplements. Read more.
Natural Lipstick: Lavera Offers $10 Natural Lipstick Coupon
Natural Home assistant editor Kim Wallace spots a great deal! Send in your old lipstick to Lavera, a natural cosmetics company, and Lavera will send you a $10 coupon to purchase a new, natural lipstick online!
Can Toxins in Beauty Products Cause Obesity?
Research into the potential causes of obesity doesn't lead exclusively to a poor diet and lack of exercise: Environment and exposure to endocrine disruptors can also play a role in weight gain.
Spring Clean Naturally: Recipes for Herbal Cleaners
Follow these recipes for using essential oils and a few simple ingredients to make your own chemical-free cleaning products.
What's Your Green New Year's Resolution?
A survey finds that 53 percent of Americans plan to make a green New Year's resolution in 2010.
Green Summer: John Legend's Summer Concert Tour Goes Green
Soul singer John Legend has teamed up with environmental group Reverb to make his summer tour eco-friendly.
Green Your Life: Greening Out Your Closet
Dani Hurst explains how to update your closet with eco-friendly fabrics and offers advice on what to do with your old clothes.
Green Your Life: An Eco-Friendlier Commute
Natural Home intern Dani Hurst explores ways to make your commute a little greener.
Green House Hunting
Managing editor Jessica Kellner discussed her early house hunting experience and her hopes to do green remodeling.
A Green Home: Green Investing
Put your money where your principals are—supporting eco-conscious living projects. Invest in green companies to make a greater impact on our environment.
Cool Green Schools: America's Greenest Colleges
The Sierra Club's top 100 greenest colleges and universities carve a clean energy future—students demand it.
Green Your Life: A Green Graduation Party
Natural Home editorial intern Dani Hurst shows you how to throw a grand green graduation party.
Green Kitchen: Fourth of July Picnic
Natural Home editorial intern Kristin Standley plans a green Fourth of July celebration.
Green Rookie: DIY Lighting
Need a new lamp? Make it, don't buy it! Here's how
The Winter of Our Content
Natural Home editor-in-chief Robyn Griggs Lawrence looks forward to good, green building news for 2009.
DIY Shelter-Kit Green Homes: Affordable and Doable
For an investment of less than $10,000 and about a week of labor, you could have a custom workshop, barn, garden shed or office.
Mayors Back Mandatory Green Building Codes
The U.S. Conference of Mayors endorses mandatory green building codes for all new commercial buildings nationwide.
Green Your Life: Go Green in Moderation
Dani recounts her first "green" grocery trip, and touts the advantages of going green in small steps.
Green Artist Spotlight: Beyond Green: Towards a Sustainable Art
Beyond Green: Towards a Sustainable Art connects environmental needs with social justice practices to show various cultures', generations' and societies' approaches to sustainability.
Seeing Red
For the past year, I've been chronicling the progress of a green-built home here in Boulder, Colorado, where I live, via this blog and accompanying videos. Watching the project unfold has been enlightening for many reasons, not least of which is the opportunity to see firsthand many of the cool technologies we read about and hear about. Sometimes that entails a little sacrifice.
A Greener Economy: Green Jobs, Green for All
The economic stimulus package that President Obama signed last month provides $20 billion for investment in a greener economy.
Green Travel: Eco-friendly Suitcases
Natural Home editorial Intern Samantha Schwartz reveals her top three stylish, eco-friendly suitcases under $200.
International Green Construction Code Releases Groundbreaking Green Building Standards
The International Green Construction Code, an International Code Council initiative, released its first set of green building standards today. Standard 189.1 addresses energy efficiency, site sustainability, materials and resources, and more.
Bottled Water: Is Truth in Advertising All Washed Up?
The Start A Lie campaign challenges the idea of truth in advertising while targeting the bottled water industry.
We're Partying Like It's 1999
Robyn reflects on the past 10 years of Natural Home and the green building movement.
Survey: Green Homes are Still Too Expensive
Americans continue to believe that green homes make a difference--but they need to be more affordable.
Kimberly-Clark Announces New Sustainability Policy
Natural Home editor-in-chief Robyn Griggs Lawrence explains paper giant Kimberly-Clark's new sustainability policy.
Green Builder Gives Airstream Eco-Friendly Makeover
Green builder Jim Gooley gutted an Airstream Trailer and renovated it with cork flooring, clay plaster walls, bamboo countertops and other eco-friendly materials.
Natural Lip Balm: Addicted to Lip Balm: Badger Certified Organic Fair Trade Cocoa Butter Lip Balm
Leading organic personal-care products company Badger celebrates national Fair Trade Month 2010 one fair trade-certified cocoa butter kiss at a time.
Natural Beauty Products for Teens: Good For You Girls
Natural Home assistant editor Kim Wallace reviews Good For You Girls, a new line of natural beauty products specially formulated for teen girls.
Natural Baby Products: Johnson's Natural Head-To-Toe Foaming Baby Wash
Natural Home assistant editor Kim Wallace reviews Johnson's Natural Head-To-Toe Foaming Baby Wash.
Green Travel: Green Resorts and Hotels: Houston
The Houstonian and Hilton Americas Houston offer guests luxury and comfort in green-outfitted accommodations. From intensive recycling programs to energy management systems, these hotels help you to stay green while visiting Houston, Texas.
Natural Baby Products: Johnson's Launches Natural Line
Natural Home assistant editor Kim Wallace introduces a new line of natural baby products from leading baby products powerhouse Johnson's. The Johnson's Natural line provides eco-conscious moms natural baby wash, baby shampoo, baby lotion and more.
Natural Headache Relief: Badger Headache Soother Mind Balm
Natural Home assistant editor Kim Wallace reviews Badger Headache Soother Mind Balm, which helps clear sinuses with eucalyptus and peppermint oils while calming your senses with a light touch of lavender.
After-Sun Summer Skin Care: Badger Bali Balm
Moisturize and soothe your sunburned skin with Badger's Bali Balm. This USDA-certified organic balm contains shea butter, cocoa butter and jojoba oil to moisturize your sun-parched skin and lavender and blue tansy to soothe and heal any sunburns.
Natural Shampoo: California Baby Swimmer's Defense Shampoo and Body Wash
Natural Home assistant editor Kim Wallace reviews natural shampoo California Baby Swimmer's Defense Shampoo and Body Wash.
Post-Summer Skin Soothers from Kneipp
Rejuvenate sun-drenched skin with soothing Almond Blossom products from Kneipp.
Witch Hazel as a Natural Deodorant
Conventional deodorants contain aluminum and other chemicals linked to cancer, elevated estrogen levels and other health problems. Witch hazel provides an effective and economical natural deodorant alternative.
South African Rooibos Tea Added to Frontier Natural Products Co-oop's Well Earth Ingredients
In its ongoing search for sources of high-quality botanicals, the organic spice experts at Frontier Natural Products Co-op™ recently established a working partnership with tea growers in South Africa.
Herbal Giveaway: Poppy Swap's Herbal Marketplace
The Herb Companion is partnering with Poppy Swap, a new online herbal marketplace, to bring you a free herbal product of your choice.
Homemade (or Not) Father's Day Gifts
Celebrate the father figures in your life with these ideas for herbal gifts.
Dress Your Clothes in Natural Fragrances
Roux Maison Detergens are now available in Sweet Tea and Ambrosia.
NRDC Sues FDA Over Antibacterial Chemicals
The Natural Resources Defense Council has filed a lawsuit against the Food and Drug Administration to get the government agency to finalize a law banning triclosan and triclocarban, two chemicals commonly found in antibacterial products.
Antibacterial Soaps Contain Hormone-Disrupting Chemicals
Up to 75 percent of antibacterial products carry triclosan and triclocarban, hormone-disrupting chemicals that affect brain and nervous system development.
Good Shopping: Re-Nest's Favorite Etsy Stores
Re-Nest's list of its favorite Etsy stores makes navigating the handmade goods shopping site easier to navigate.
Facial Oil: John Masters Organics Pomegranate Facial Nourishing Oil
Natural Home assistant editor Kim Wallace reviews John Masters Organics Pomegranate Facial Nourishing Oil. Get 20 percent off this product until July 31, 2009.
Natural Lotion: Garden of Eve Hand and Body Lotion
Natural Home assistant editor Kim Wallace reviews natural lotions from Garden of Eve.
Natural Hand, Nail and Cuticle Care: Badger Body Moisturizer
Natural Home assistant editor Kim Wallace reviews natural hand, nail and cuticle care from Badger Healthy Body Care.
Why We Chose Bamboo for the Natural Home Kitchenware
Though used like timber, bamboo is a grass that self-propagates as it spreads underground via a network of rhizomes. A white oak tree takes 120 years to grow to maturity; bamboo takes three-and-a-half to seven years.
Organique by Himalaya Receives NPA Certificaton
Organique by Himalaya, a line of pure personal care products made by Himalaya Herbal Healthcare, received the NPA Natural Standard Seal on all 20 products.
Urban Moonshine's New Organic Energy Tonic Helps Build and Maintain Energy Reserves Naturally
Urban Moonshine will introduce its new certified organic Energy Tonic at Natural Products Expo West, the industry's largest event taking place on March 8th.
Natural Lotion: EO Everyday Body Lotion
EO's Everyday Body Lotion leaves skin soft and smooth without feeling greasy or oily.
Imperial Cat Introduces New Eco-Friendly Holiday Scratch 'n Shapes
Imperial Cat has once again expanded its brand of high-quality, eco-friendly cat products to include new holiday themed Scratch 'n Shapes.
Green Garden Gear: M Brace and Gardener's Hollow Leg
Check out these eco-friendly garden products that were designed by Northern California gardeners.
Nature's Gate New Facial Care Collection
Nature's Gate introduces affordable anti-aging products for the face with it's Facial Care collection.
The Shelf Life of Natural Beauty Products
Natural beauty products crafted without parabens have a shorter shelf life. Discover the expiration date on some common natural beauty products.
PRIMAVERA Natural Skin Care Company Debuts in the U.S.
PRIMAVERA skin care has just made its U.S debut and is quickly raising the bar in the field of natural and organic skin care.
Graco Commits to Banning Toxic Flame Retardants from Children's Products
Graco, one of the nation's largest children's products manufacturers, has committed to banning the use of four of the most toxic chemical flame retardant chemicals from its products.
EWG's Online Guide to Healthy Cleaning
In an effort to help consumers find safer products, the Environmental Working Group has created an online guide that rates more than 2,000 household cleaners for safety of ingredients and disclosure of contents.
Natural Lip Balm: Addicted to Lip Balm: Prairie Essence Lip Balm
Natural Home assistant editor Kim Wallace reviews Prairie Essence Herbal Garden Lip Balm, a natural lip balm made from a blend of rosemary and herb essential oils.
Toxic Chemicals Found in Gardening Products
A new study from the Ecology Center found traces of lead, cadmium, BPA, phthalates and hazardous flame retardants in gardening products—and that chemicals in hoses leach into water.
Bringing the Herb Garden Indoors
Enjoy an herb garden no matter where you live or the time of the year by starting your own indoor garden system. With these starter tools it is simpler than ever.
DIY: Make Car Fresheners with Tea Infusers
Tired of those cheap cardboard car air fresheners that are ugly and have a fake, overpowering odor? Try this easy solution.
True Natural Sunscreen Receives NPA Certification
True Natural's Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen line receives Natural Products Association Certification.
UniquEco: Recycling Flip Flops for a Cleaner World
This charitable foundation cleans up coasts, employs impoverished communities, turns discarded items into new products and uses the funds from sales to help alleviate environmental issues such as whaling and support social issues such as education, conservation and development initiatives in poor communities.
Natural Body Wash: HollyBeth's Natural Luxury Rosemary and Clary Sage Body Wash
Natural Home assistant editor Kim Wallace reviews a new foaming natural body wash from HollyBeth's Natural Luxury.
High-Fructose Corn Syrup Set to Change Name to Corn Sugar
The Corn Refiners Association is lobbying the Food and Drug Administration to change the name of high-fructose corn syrup on food labels to corn sugar.
Product Review: Cook With These Gourmet Peppercorns
NOTE We never trade products for mentions in our blogs or our published magazine. We do receive free samples and will mention them only if we like the product or find it especially effective. A few years ago a friend
A Favorite Kitchen Tool
If you use cast-iron cookware, try this indispensable tool—a stainless-steel mesh scrubber.
Menstrual Cup Comparison: Diva Cup vs Lunette
Our menstrual cup comparison looks at two leading reusable feminine hygiene brands: Diva Cup and Lunette. Make an informed decision about which is right for you and start your journey to zero-waste living and a life free from worry, even during "that time of the month."
Natural Alternatives: How to Exfoliate With Natural Facial Scrubs
Learn which natural facial scrubs are good for you and the environment.
Organic Beauty and Skin Care Blogs
Looking for more information on natural beauty and organic skin car? Check out these blogs!
Compostable Toothbrush from World Centric
World Centric has unveiled a line of compostable toothbrushes and travel cases that are made from a plant-based resin called Ingeo.
New Lips and Lashes Gift Set from Dr. Hauschka
Dr. Hauschka Skin Care introduces its limited edition Lips and Lashes gift set for the holiday season.
Vegetarian Pot Pie Recipe
This holiday season, serve up a delicious, vegetarian pot pie made with nutrient-rich veggies.
Ingredient to Watch For: Milk Protein Concentrate
Concentrated milk protein, also known as milk protein concentrate or MPCs, is a dry, high-protein additive that is largely unregulated.
Eco-Decor Delights: MIO – Green Design for Everyone
Natural Home guest blogger Victoria Klein reviews green home decor from MIO.
Hemp Concrete: Promising New Green Building Material
Tradical Hempcrete, a concrete-like substance made from hemp and lime, is used in two Asheville, North Carolina, homes.
Green Your Life: Rise and Shine
Dani Hurst provides tips on how to green your morning routine.
Project Green Search Finalists Head to Hollywood
The 10 Project Green Search finalists head to Hollywood for the final round of the eco-modeling competition.
Greener, Homemade Cleaners
Conventional household cleaners contain toxic chemicals that could have adverse effects on your health. Learn how to mix up your own homemade cleaners with these suggestions from Natural Home magazine editor-in-chief Robyn Griggs Lawrence.
Could You Be the Next Green Model?
Project Green Search is looking for eco-conscious models to participate in its green modeling competition.
Take Note: Sustainable Notebooks Made From Recycled Paper
Editorial intern Andrea Olsen finds environmentally friendly, recycled-paper notebooks that don't scrimp on style.
Green Home Tips from HGTV's Carter Oosterhouse
Natural Home assistant editor Kim Wallace chats with HGTV green building expert Carter Oosterhouse about simple ways to green your home.
Vision Houses Showcase Green Living in Orlando
Green Builder Media's Vision and ReVision Houses highlight energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, indoor air quality and great new green materials.
Glad I Can't Afford Green?
Jessica discusses the idea that the high cost of going green might be just what the movement needs to move into the realm of "the norm."
Shopping the Virtual Global Marketplace
Jessica discusses whether going green is more than just feeling good about the stuff we buy, and chats about the "virtual global marketplace" she uses to help make wise shopping decisions.
U.S. Green Building Council Promotes Green Schools
The USGBC's "50 for 50" green schools initiative aims to create a green schools caucus in every state legislature.
A Green Home: The Green Reason for the Season
Guest blogger Jaci Kennison takes time out this holiday season to honor and appreciate the planet.
The Joy of Green Cleaning: Teaching People What a Cut Lemon and a Little Salt Can Do
The Joy of Green Cleaning is a fantastic resource with recipes to clean everything from grout to sheepskins.
Green Your Life: Eco-Friendly Cooking
Natural Home editorial intern Dani Hurst provides tips on how to be a greener cook.
Green Architecture Spotlight: Architecture for Humanity
Natural Home editorial intern Kristin Standley shares her thoughts on humanitarian organization Architecture for Humanity, a nonprofit group which creates sustainable design for communities in need.
Green Rookie: Sewing Starters
It's easy to cut back on consumption, reuse great fabrics and add style to your rooms when you tackle basic sewing projects.
Minimizing Materials for a Greener, Cleaner Home
Think having a green home is out of your price range? Here are some easy, realistic ideas to create an eco-friendly living space that might actually save you money!
The Write Stuff: Recycled Plastic Pens for Back to School
Green your back to school shopping with Pentel's Recycology line, featuring pens and pencils made from recycled plastic.
Green Your Back-to-School Shopping
Natural Home editorial intern Samantha Schwartz searches for the greenest school supplies.
Save Paper: Opt Out of Phone Book Delivery
Don't want to waste paper? Opt out of phone book delivery and use the Internet instead.
Living Building Challenge Takes Things Up A Notch
The Living Building Challenge provides builders with information and a forum for sharing advice in an effort to promote the highest building standards.
Green Travel: Carbon Offsets
Buying carbon offsets for flying is one way to green your travels.
Blooming Green
This morning in my inbox: Orlando Bloom announced at Wednesday night's Global Green pre-Oscars party that he's building a green, solar-powered home in London. And an RISMedia report stating that despite the downturn in the general housing market, demand for green homes continues to be a hot trend.
Eco-Friendly Hostels: A Responsible and Affordable Choice
Money may be tight, but that doesn't mean you have to give up your spring break vacation. Hostelworld.com's Eco-Friendly hostels offer an affordable option that allows you to maintain green habits even while traveling.
BuildSmart Standards Too High?
The Boulder, Colorado, green-building program will get a makeover for its second year.
Green Summer: Practice Safe Swimming
Chlorine has been linked to skin and eye irritation, and now asthma. Take these steps to help prevent chlorine's negative effects on the body.
Project Green Search Winner Announced
Find out who won Project Green Search's eco-modeling competition.
Green Travel: Eco-Friendly Hotels
Stay at an eco-friendly hotel while on vacation.
Green Your Life: Green Cat Ownership
Part two of Natural Home intern Dani Hurst's "green pet ownership" series. This time, it's all about cats.
Sustainable Tennessee Farmhouse Completed!
Natural Home guest blogger Rebecca Selove shares the lessons she learned building her now completed green home.
Green Your Life: A Very Green Spring Break
Dani shares her spring break adventures and explains how you can stay green, even on vacation.
Green Your Life: Green Dog Ownership
Part one of Natural Home intern Dani Hurst's "green pet ownership" series. This one's for all the dog lovers who want to raise a greener best friend.
Green Your Life: Doin' the Dishes
Washing the dishes is a necessary evil, but it doesn't have to be a burden on your wallet or the planet. Dani dishes about how to green your dishwashing routine.
Shopping for Salvaged Home Building Materials
Salvaged products can be attractive components of a new home. Salvaged materials help save resources and money while adding distinctive features. One source of salvaged materials, Habitat Home Stores, also supports housing development for low-income families.
Green Your Fourth of July Party
Natural Home editorial intern Samantha Schwartz shares her tips for having a green Fourth of July with healthy food and a fun, waste-free atmosphere.
5 Green Beauty Resolutions
Make 2010 your healthiest year yet. Natural Home assistant editor Kim Wallace shares her five green beauty resolutions for a naturally beautiful new year!
Soothe Dry Winter Skin with Avocado
Make a nutritionally rich face mask and a tropical exfoliator to take advantage of all the health benefits of the avocado.
Alternatives to Animal Testing: More Cruelty-Free Recipes
Stand against animal testing with certified cruelty-free cosmetics and homemade lip balms and lotions.
Give the Gift of Optimal Health with Canfo Natural Products
This holiday season give yourself and your loved ones the gift of natural mood enhancement, improved skin, nails and hair, and overall kidney support with Canfo Natural Products NoWorries, BeautifyMe and NoStone.
Naturally Glowing Skin 101, Part 2: Skin Care Basics
Naturally healthy skin need not be a daunting, complex task. It can be a delightful ritual using natural ingredients found in your own home. The important first step is to simplify your beauty routine. Learn about the five necessities.
Have a Healthy Period: Organyc Organic Cotton Tampons, Pads and Panty Liners
Choose organic cotton tampons, pads and panty liners from Organyc for a healthy, eco-friendly period.
Natural Products Expo West 2011: American Botanical Council Honors Botanical Excellence
On Thursday, March 10, our friends from the American Botanical Council hosted their annual ABCelebration. During the reception, three important people were recognized for their tremendous work in the herbal industry.
Alternatives to Animal Testing: Homemade (Cruelty-Free) Beauty Recipes
One way to fight against animal cruelty in the cosmetics industry is to buy from certified cruelty-free companies. Another is to make your own products at home.
O'Keeffe's Products Offer Solution to Dry Skin
The formula for these products differ from most on the market and might just cure your dry skin woes.
Beauty Haul: Products for a Healthy Complexion
Try our editor's picks for five skin-care solutions that are sure to give you a healthy complexion.
Announcing 'XTC Get Wet' Hemp-Based Lubricant
Keep things sexy with all-natural, non-toxic 'XTC Get Wet,' the first personal lubricant of its kind.
Natural Product Review: Medicine Mama's Apothecary All-In-One Balm
Store this natural beauty balm from Medicine Mama's Apothecary somewhere so it's easy to grab. This balm soothes an array of skin woes, so it's fit for travel.
3 Favorite Healthful Skin-Care Products
Some of my favorite, effective natural skin care products include a powerfully healing skin cream, a dark-circle-erasing eye cream and a luxurious facial oil.
Natural Lip Balm: Addicted to Lip Balm: Hurraw!
Natural Home assistant editor Kim Wallace reviews all-natural, vegan Hurraw! lip balm's new Black Cherry Tinted Lip Balm and Tinted Cinnamon Lip Balm.
Campaign for Safer Beauty Products
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the organization that is supposed to evaluate what's good for you and not good for you, does not evaluate ingredients in beauty products. If the FDA isn't going to monitor beauty products, who will? Natural Home assistant editor Kim Wallace reviews two organizations that campaign for safer beauty products.
LEED Platinum Certification: Why and How We're Involved
Natural Home guest blogger Rebecca Selove explains why she and her husband, John, are aiming for LEED Platinum-certification for their rural Tennessee farmhouse.
Green Kitchen: Brewing Iced Tea
Natural Home editorial intern Kristin Standley shares her favorite ways to brew iced tea for a refreshing, healthy and green summer treat.
Veteran Green Building Editor Wins Hanley Award
BuildingGreen.com founder and Environmental Building News editor Alex Wilson wins Hanley Award for Vision and Leadership in Sustainable Housing.
Green Travel: Climate Change Threatens National Parks
A new report from the Natural Resources Defense council lists 25 national parks at risk from climate change.
A Cleaner Christmas
Matt Hirschfeld tells you what to do with all that holiday waste to make the season greener.
Planning a Green Wedding
Jessica begins planning an eco-friendly wedding ceremony and reception. She will be writing about finding green wedding supplies, carbon-conscious wedding food and eco-friendly wedding clothing.
Garden Inspiration: Pinterest Finds
Don't let winter get you down! Look ahead to warmer months and find some garden inspiration with these beautiful garden images.
Sustainable Tennessee Farmhouse: Unexpected Green Building Expenses
Natural Home guest blogger Rebecca Selove recounts the unexpected expenses she faced while building her sustainable Tennessee farmhouse. Selove is building her green dream home to LEED Platinum standards.
Location Matters as Much as Materials When Building a Green Home
Location near public transportation and walkability are as important as green materials and design in creating a green home, study finds.
Adventures in Eco-Friendly Wedding Planning
American weddings can be some of the most extravagant, wasteful events in the world. I'll post to this blog over the next year as I search for fabric flowers, recycled paper stationery, fabric for my wedding gown and more. Suggestions appreciated!
New Legislation Creates Green Building Opportunities
Natural Home editor-in-chief Robyn Griggs Lawrence explains how the new energy and climate legislation that creates opportunities in green building.
Make Your Own Nontoxic, Natural Cleaners
Instead of buying store-bought and possibly toxic cleaning agents, give these nontoxic homemade cleaners a try.
Energy Star Home Program Passes 1 Million Mark
The Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star program reached a major milestone this week when it qualified its 1 millionth Energy Star home.
Green Travel: Green Resorts: Hotel Punta Islita
Located near mountains, beaches and the rainforest, Hotel Punta Islita in Costa Rica offers guests comfort, natural beauty and a host of eco-friendly options that earned the resort a four-leaf rating from the Certification in Sustainable Tourism program.
A Green Home: The Many Uses of Hemp
Hemp can be made into a wide variety of products, including fashionable, functional clothing.
Gardening Rookie: Starting Containers
Don't have the space (or the nerve) to tackle a full-scale garden? Never fear! This gardening rookie finds that a container garden can yield a harvest to rival any in-ground plot.
Slow Homes: 10 Steps to Long-Term Satisfaction
Reacting against the built-for-resale mentality that's destroying our modern homes' liveability, Slow Home Studio offers a path to a more satisfying home.
See You At Eco Gift Festival
Are you going to be in the LA-area this weekend? Hit up Eco Gift Festival for good, green shopping.
Green Architecture: Building and Living Green Part 2
Guest blogger Bill Hutchins outlines ways to build green while keeping a light footprint on the earth.
Green Architecture: Connect Your Home to Nature
Guest blogger Bill Hutchins explains the ways in which we are increasingly removed from the deeper rhythms and cycles and flow of our source.
Green Building Council Honors Small, Affordable Home
The U.S. Green Building Council's Project of the Year is a small, urban home built for $100 per square foot.
EPA's New Green Homes Website Helps Slash Your Energy Bills
A new Environmental Protection Agency website helps homeowners and renters decrease their energy consumption and cut carbon emissions.
An Alabama Family Handbuilds a Sweet, Small Home From Scraps
Guy and Kay Baker and their three sons spent five years building a small weekend cabin in Alabama from scraps and salvage. When the 1,100-square feet house was complete, they loved it so much they made it their permanent home.
Green Artist Spotlight: David Trubridge
International eco-artist David Trubridge designs furniture, lighting and home accessories that are not only aesthetically beautiful, but also environmentally responsible.
Keeping Kosher with Friends While Striving to be Green
Matt ponders when the line of respect is crossed when critiquing friends' non-green habits.
A Greener Earth Day
Editorial intern Amanda Thompson takes a step-by-step look at her daily activities to see just how environmentally friendly she really is.
Do One Green Thing: Saving the Earth Through Simple, Everyday Choices
Mindy Pennybacker's new book, Do One Green Thing: Saving the Earth Through Simple, Everyday Choices, and her website, GreenerPenny.com, offer easy tips for daily green living.
Carrotmob: Get Involved!
Carrotmob, a project of Virgance, a company that organizes activism campaigns, works to create social change by rewarding green businesses through consumer buying. Natural Home editor-in-chief Robyn Griggs Lawrence explains more about this innovative activism group.
The Great Food Race
Chicago and New York City vie to be the first to pass a green food resolution.
Greener Gadgets Design Competition Sees Creative Entries
The Greener Gadgets competition in New York called on designers and entrepreneurs from around the country to come up with the greenest electronic gadgets around. From toys to tents, they didn't disappoint.
New Year, New Cleaning Methods
Matt divulges into his New Year's resolution of using greener cleaners and more natural cleaning methods.
All Wrapped Up
Matts talks about how he will be eco-friendly this holiday season by using green wrapping paper that won't cost him a cent.
A Green Home: Make a Green New Year's Resolution
Take some pressure off resolutions season by choosing "world improvement" instead of just "self-improvement". Add a green resolution to your list this year.
Green Architecture Spotlight: Germany's Bibliosphere
Natural Home editorial intern Kristin Standley takes a look at the designs for the new Bibliosphere in Germany.
Borax Has Issues; You Have Alternatives
Because it could cause eye and skin irritation and harm reproductive systems, the Environmental Working Group recommends avoiding it. Baking soda is a solid, safe alternative.
Green Travel: Top 10 Green Ski Resorts
From Colorado to California, these green ski resorts are some of the most environmentally focused ski resorts in the U.S.
Zero-Waste Holiday Decor for the Home
Decorate your home with zero-waste decor that can be reused, recycled or consumed—instead of toxic landfill trash. The Christmas decorations of Colonial Williamsburg offer inspiration for using natural decor.
Switch to Natural Fabric Softener for Safer Laundry
Guest blogger Faith Moser shares five laundry tips (including a homemade natural fabric softener) for cling- and chemical-free clothing.
Aspen and Birch Tree Headboard
Create the feeling that you are waking up underneath the trees with a headboard made of aspen branches.
Green Rookie: Wall Art on the Cheap
Adding art to your walls doesn't have to cost a fortune, particularly with these environmentally friendly options that involve reusing old frames and supporting local artists. See for yourself with a peek at the Green Rookie's recent art finds.
Green Architecture Spotlight: The Marrakesh House
Natural Home editorial intern Kristin Standley takes a look at the Marrakesh House, the new sustainable home of filmmaker Chris Paine.
Green Architecture Spotlight: The Sprouting Building
Natural Home editorial intern Kristin Standley examines the Sprouting Building of Montpellier and its living green facade.
How Our Sustainable Tennessee Farmhouse Began
This is the first of a series of blogs about construction of a LEED Platinum-certified home on an organic farm in middle Tennessee.
Green Architecture: Building and Living Green Part 1
Guest blogger Bill Hutchins explains why the first step in green building should be "don't build."
Green Your Life: An Eco-Friendly Passover
Dani Hurst explains how you can celebrate an important Jewish holiday while keeping the planet in mind.
Green Living: Sustainable Furniture
Sustainable furniture is made from nontoxic, renewable resources and is a smart choice for reducing environmental impact.
Clean Energy Jobs Outstrip Traditional Jobs
Natural Home editor-in-chief Robyn Griggs Lawrence explains a Pew Charitable Trusts study that finds that jobs in the clean energy sector are growing faster than jobs in the fossil fuel industry.
Eco-Decor Delights: Plover Organic Cotton Bedding & Kitchen Textiles
Patters and personality galore, Plover Organic's organic cotton bedding and kitchen textiles add just the right amount of spice to your green home decor.
Green Birthday Bash: Throw an Eco-Friendly Birthday Party
Try these tips to green a birthday celebration.
Green Summer: Charcoal Barbecue
Natural Home editorial intern Susan Melgren shares tips for greening your summer charcoal barbecue parties.
Green Rookie: Funky and Functional Decorating Tips
No cash and no space? No problem. With attractive treasures that serve as extra storage, you can decorate a funky and functional space. Natural Home guest blogger Julie Collins shows you how.
Spring Cleaning: A Fresh, Sparkling Kitchen—Naturally
Some of the nastiest chemicals we bring into our homes are used to clean ovens and drains—and they're not necessary. Learn how to clean your entire kitchen using vinegar, baking soda and a little salt and lemon juice. You'll love the results!
Green Your Life: Out to Lunch
Going green on your lunch break is an easy way to show Mother Nature you really care. Dani delves into the art of greening your afternoon eats.
Four New Varieties from Choice Organic Teas
Choice Organic Teas is adding four new varieties to its Original line of teas: Premium Korean Green, Decaffeinated Green, Masala Chai and Rooibos Chai.
Deck of a Deal: Wood Composite Decking Saves Trees
When it comes time to choose what decking material to use for your next outdoor living project, consider wood composite decks that save old growth trees by utilizing recycled content.
Green Travel: Eco-Friendly Camping
Camping is a great way to enjoy nature, but it may not be as eco-friendly as you think. Reevaluate your camping methods. How green are they really?
Eat Green Veggies For a Strong Immune System
Finding the key to a strong immune system is as easy as visiting the produce section of your local grocery store.
Green Architecture Spotlight: Beddington Zero-Energy Development
Natural Home editorial intern Kristin Standley examines the successes and failures of the Beddington Zero-Energy Development.
On the Road Again
Jessica talks about her recent trip to the Washington D.C. Green Festival and other locations the Natural Home crew will be visiting this fall and winter.
Think Green When Remodeling (Not the Color)
Consider these environment-friendly tips when remodeling your home.
6 Homemade Cleaner Recipes
Janeen Solberg developed these homemade cleaner recipes more than 10 years ago and still uses them today.
Spring Cleaning with Eco-Friendly Cleaners
Start your spring cleaning this year with homemade, eco-friendly cleaners.
6 Green Apps Designed to Save the Planet
Check out these 6 amazing green apps designed to make the planet a better place.
5 Best Apps for Modern Gardeners
These five apps for modern gardeners are designed to help you get the best out of your cultivated garden.
6 Best Iced Tea Varieties: Mother Earth Living Editors' Picks
Cool off with a glass of refreshing iced tea with the Mother Earth Living Editors' Picks of the best iced tea varieties for summer.
Natural Skin Care Tips for Dry Facial Skin
It's getting colder, and even those of us with oily skin are starting to notice dry patches and flakes on our face. Fight dry facial skin with these natural skin care tips.
Natural Lip Balm: Addicted to Lip Balm: Bath By Bettijo Ripened Mango Organic Lip Balm
Natural Home assistant editor Kim Wallace reviews an exotic-flavored natural lip balm from Bath By Bettijo.
3 Great Pregnancy Skin Products
These three pregnancy skin care products will help prevent stretch marks and keep your baby belly soft and smooth.
SheaMoisture Introduces New All-Natural Hair Gel for Curly Hair
SheaMoisture's Coconut and Hibiscus Curling Soufflé (Gel) with Agave Nectar and Flax Seed is an effective, easy-to-rinse-out, no buildup, light-weight and all-natural alternative to other curl defining styling aids on the market.
Avoid Toxic School Supplies with New Back-to-School Guide
The Center for Health, Environment and Justice's 2011 Back to School Guide to PVC-Free School Supplies helps parents find safer and affordable school supplies for their children.
DIY: Belly Balm with Chamomile and Frankincense
This belly balm recipe is moisturizing and therapeutic.
Product Review: O'Keeffe's Products Offer Solution to Dry Skin
The formula for these products differ from most on the market and might just cure your dry skin woes.
Choosing Safe Makeup and Beauty Products
Guest blogger Faith Moser shares four dangerous ingredients to avoid when choosing safe makeup as well as some of the products in her beauty bag.
5 Ways to Boost Indoor Air Quality
Two to five times more polluted than outdoor air, our indoor air quality is worsening. Embrace these five healthful practices for cleaner air.
3 New Natural Products from Expo West 2013
This year at Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, California, three new natural products stood out from the rest in the event's annual "Best of the West." Discover a new way to soothe the skin with ozonated oil, a new dipable snack option for kids, and new product to help you fall asleep faster.
Behold the Miracle of the Earth: 8 Healthy Living Tips
Peruse our articles about healthy living from the July/August 2013 issue. In this issue we teach you how to enjoy your bountiful garden harvest all year; give you product recommendations to create a healthier, simpler, more self-sufficient home; show you simple solutions for quick breakfasts; discuss the basics of simple and affordable DIY body-care products; and much more!
Harvesting Rainwater
Natural Home guest blogger Rebecca Selove considers rainwater cistern options for harvesting rainwater at her sustainable Tennessee farmhouse that she is building to LEED standards.
Buying Appliances for a LEED-Certified Home
Natural Home guest blogger Rebecca Selove narrows down her choices of Energy Star-rated appliances for her LEED-certified home in Tennessee.
Green Fashion: Why it Matters
Natural Home editorial intern Kirsten Hudson discusses the importance of owning a sustainable wardrobe.
Healthy Green Design: Natural, Organic Fabric
Conventional fabrics are doused in chemicals that can make you sick. Choose healthy, organic fabrics made from sustainable materials.
The Natural Gardener: Bio Green Lawn Care
Guest blogger Jenn Leonard shares her experience with natural lawn nutrition service, Bio Green.
Sustainable Wood: Where is the Wood We Want?
Natural Home guest blogger Rebecca Selove explains why she chose Southern Forest Initiative-certified wood for the framing lumber of her sustainable Tennessee home that she is building to LEED Platinum standards.
B Corps: The "B" stands for Benefit
B Corps are serious about using business to make the world a better place. Look for the B Corp logo to ensure you're purchasing from a company that cares.
Save Money: Recycled Creations for your Garden
Go green this winter to prepare for your spring garden. You can easily create a beautiful garden by reusing normal household items.
Green Travel: An Eco-Friendly Adventure in Egypt
Editorial intern Amanda Thompson is heading to Egypt after college graduation, and discusses ways to make her trip an Earthy-friendly one.
Following Captain Planet's advice
Gina takes her first step into sustainable living.
Foot Lotion: Garden Girl Zippity Do Dah Peppermint Foot Cream
Garden Girl's Zippity Do Dah Peppermint Foot Cream packs a light punch when it comes to refreshing and invigorating your feet.
Clean Your Entire Home with Baking Soda and Vinegar
Highlights from the 'Make Your Own Green Cleaners—for Pennies' workshop at the Mother Earth News Fair: How to use vinegar and baking soda to clean just about everything.
6 Simple Steps to Your Cleanest Windows Ever
Does the huge task of cleaning windows leave you feeling overwhelmed? Follow these six simple steps—using inexpensive materials you already have around the house—to get your windows sparkling and streak-free.
Gardening Rookie: Maintaining Container Gardens
Once you plant your container garden, the recipe to a happy garden involves water, sunlight, nutrients, pest control—and passion, of course.
Making Gnocchi: A Pictorial
Guest blogger KyLynn Hull tries her hand at making gnocchi.
Do Greenies Hate their Websites?
Jessica discusses the features eco-readers might like to see on websites.
A Recommitment to Green
Don't know what to do to be greener in 2009? Here's a few things Natural Home assistant editor Kim Wallace will be committing or recommitting herself to for the next calendar year.
Green Artist Spotlight: David Stark
Designer David Stark creates furniture and room accessories from discarded packing materials for West Elm's newest store.
Green Summer: Sunburn Care
Natural Home editorial intern Susan Melgren shares some natural treatments you can use to care for your sunburn this summer.
Eco-Sins: Green Dry Cleaning?
Natural Home assistant editor Kim Wallace contemplates greening her dry cleaning. Is it possible?
Natural Shampoo: Caudalie Gentle Conditioning Shampoo
Natural Home assistant editor Kim Wallace reviews the newest natural shampoo from luxurious beauty company Caudalie.
Eco-Friendly PopUp Houses Ready to Assemble
The PopUp House from House Port, Inc. embodies the definition of model green home as it utilizes sustainable methods, not only within the structure of the dwelling, but also within the interior of the home.
Home Trends: Americans Want Smaller, Smarter Homes
Homeowners want energy-efficient features and functional rooms that will expand on small homes' square footage, according to a recent American Institute of Architects report.Homeowners want energy-efficient features and functional rooms that will expand on small homes' square footage, says an American Institute of Architects report.
Green Kitchen: Healthy Road Trip Snacks
Natural Home editorial intern Kristin Standley finds healthy road trip snacks.
At Finca Exotica, Green Building is Only Natural
To build Finca Exotica, a sustainable resort on Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula, the owners took advantage of plentiful native bamboo, kept the footprint small and let buildings unfold organically.
Superior Walls Foundation System Saves Builder One Week on Jobsite
Superior Walls foundations systems are resource efficient, using up to 70 percent less concrete in a new home than conventional foundations.
Green Your Life: It's in the Bag
Natural Home intern Dani Hurst explores practical plastic bag alternatives as well as ways to reuse the ones she already has.
Eco-Friendly KangerHanger Pouch Bag from The Green Garmento
The KangerHanger Pouch Bag from The Green Garmento serves multiple uses, making it the ultimate reusable bag and eliminating the need for plastic dry cleaning bags.
Healthy, Green Design: Kid-Friendly Furniture, Fabrics and Flooring
Guest blogger Stephanie Nickolson explores furniture, fabric and flooring options for those with children and pets.
A Green Home: Decorate Your Walls with Fabric
Hang used fabric on your walls instead of paint or wallpaper.
A Green Home: Organize Your Mail with Clips and Belts
When stacks of mail, cards and school pictures start taking over your kitchen table or refrigerator, wage war with this project to keep it all organized and unclutter your life.
Green Travel: Save Money and Travel Emissions with Staycations
Staycations, a vacation taken at home or in-town, are a smart way to save money, reduce travel emissions and support your local economy. Follow these tips for a great staycation!
Healthy, Green Design: The Man Cave
A man's room, or "man cave" is a private dwelling that a man can use to hang out with his buddies, watch tv, play games, etc. It can be decorated in a masculine fashion. There are some great natural products for this room.
Building for the Environment: The Economic Environment
Green builder Fred Koch explains his unique strategy for green building in southern California.
New LED Light Bulbs: Panasonic Everleds
Panasonic Everleds offer new energy-efficient lighting that lasts almost two decades with regular use.
Green Architecture Spotlight: Nakagin Capsule Tower
Natural Home editorial intern Kristin Standley takes one last look at the soon-to-be-demolished Nakagin Capsule Tower.
Thanksgiving: Giving Green Thanks
Follow the green roots of Thanksgiving from origin to contemporary culture.
Eco-Friendly Wallpaper: Vinyl-Free Wallpaper from Mod Green Pod
Mod Green Pod's vinyl-free wallpaper is printed on Forest Stewardship Council-certified paper using water-based inks and glazes. Check out the 12 funky, colorful designs.
Drink Green Tea for a Cleaner Mouth (and Better Breath)
Need a quick way to clean your mouth at the office? Drink a cup of green tea. Studies have shown that green tea fights bacteria in your mouth that might be causing bad breath or gum disease.
Protest for Clean Energy
Last weekend more than 12,000 people flocked to Washington, D.C., for a three day demonstration to demand the creation of green jobs, cuts in the country's greenhouse gas emissions and less dependence on fossil fuels.
3 Simple Tips to Make Spring Cleaning a Breeze
My grandmother taught me everything I need to know about keeping my house clean—without chemicals.
Dreams of a Backyard Bedroom
If the heat is getting you down—and out of your comfortable sleeping—take your bedroom outside and let Mother Nature cool you while you slumber.
Green Artist Spotlight: Jack Johnson
Environmental activist and musician Jack Johnson spreads the importance of taking care of the land through the Curious George soundtrack and his Kokua Foundation.
Green Children's Books: Big Earth, Little Me
Natural Home assistant editor Kim Wallace gets help from a kindergartner in reviewing a new green children's book from Scholastic.
2010 Predictions: Smaller, Smarter, Greener Homes
For part three of our 2010 Predictions series, the experts predict that consumers will demand—and create—healthier, more efficient homes. Cool by us.
Green Artist Spotlight: Yuken Teruya
Green artist Yuken Teruya uses shopping bags, empty toilet paper rolls, old to-go bags and discarded pizza boxes as a canvas for his beautiful and insightful art.
Make House Cleaning Delicious; Just Add Essential Oils
Noxious fumes aren't conducive to happy cleaning. Give all your homemade cleaning solutions an invigorating and healthy boost by adding a few drops of pure plant essential oils. Heavenly!
Make it Green: Soothe Colds with Hot Honey and Lemon
Relieve the worst common cold symptoms with this natural drink.
Green Architecture: Connect Your Home to Nature Part 2
Guest blogger Bill Hutchins comments on the relationships of our family and community and natural world.
Mountain Rose Named Green Business of the Year
Our friends at Mountain Rose Herbs have been named the 2008 Green Business of the Year in Coop America's People's Choice competition. We offer them our heartiest congratulations.
Get Paper Towels Out of Your Life for Good
Replacing paper towels with rags is a super simple step toward sustainable living. Follow these simple tips to get disposable paper towels out of your house. You'll never miss them.
Hemp-Lime Building Tested for Energy-Efficiency
Researchers at the University of Bath are all set to test the efficiency of the HemPod, a building made from a hemp-lime composite.
Green Art Spotlight: 2009 Budweiser International Snow Sculpture Championships
The 2009 Budweiser International Snow Sculpture Championships in Breckenridge, Colorado, displayed innovative and beautiful eco-friendly sculptures.
A Green Home: Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Flower Bouquets
Instead of flowers, give a homemade token of your friendship and support.
Ecological Building Pioneer's Post-Humus Book a Call to Action
Greg Franta's work on climate change and the built environment, as reflected in his book Cooling the Warming, is at the core of Rocky Mountain Institute's Reinventing Fire initiative.
Green Kitchen: Growing a Windowsill Herb Garden
Natural Home editorial intern, Kristin Standley, begins an indoor herb garden on her windowsill for fresh herbs year-round.
Green Artist Spotlight: La Chanh Nguyen
La Chanh Nguyen's eco-friendly designs are changing the function common household items. Her process is simple; she deconstructs an object and recreates it with a green purpose and function.
Carol Venolia Teaches Austinites to Live Lusciously
This week green building author, architect and Natural Home columnist Carol Venolia dispenses advice on green remodeling during workshops sponsored by Design~Build~Live in Austin, Texas.
Living Green Away From Home: Hotel Triton, San Francisco, California
It's easy to lead an eco-friendly lifestyle at home. But what about when you're traveling for work or play? Natural Home assistant editor Kim Wallace goes into detail about her stay at an eco-friendly hotel in San Francisco.
5 Ways to Keep Your Home Cool in Summer without Air Conditioning
Keep your home cool without air conditioning! Try these five ways to lower your home's temperature—and utiliy bills—naturally.
Green Your Exercise Routine
Exercising is good for you—but what about for the environment? Getting your workout fix outdoors, using retrofitted or energy-efficient machines and buying sustainable workout gear will lessen your carbon footprint by pounds of CO2 a day.
DIY Tiki Torches
Make your own tiki torch and fend off mosquitoes at the same time.
Purse Project: Organize a Roomy Bag with Snap Pouches
If you find yourself with a bag that seems to swallow up all of your things, consider adding snap-in coin purses to help you organize.
Green Travel: Driving
Natural Home editorial intern Susan Melgren offers tips on how to take eco-friendly car trips
Green Gardening: La Plaza Cultural
Learn more about La Plaza Cultural community garden in New York City; create a recycled garden at home.
2011 Trends: Bamboo, Biomimicry, Green Luxury Cars, Stricter Standards
JWTIntelligence predicts big green changes in the coming year (including tube-free toilet paper).
Fight Colds and Flu with Green Tea
Catechins and other antioxidants in green tea boost our immune systems and help fight cold-weather colds, flu and viruses.
Healthy Green Design: Repurpose a Blank Wall with Eco-Friendly Paint
Express yourself by decorating a blank wall with eco-friendly wall treatments and low-VOC paints.
American Vedic: A Pioneering Straw-Clay Home in Iowa
Nearly 20 years ago, Robert Laporte began experimenting with building a house using straw and Iowa's excellent clay. In the process, he discovered what makes a home's soul.
Green City Garden Girl: Garden of (Un)Eaten
Guest blogger KyLynn Hull details her lack of motivation to jump-start her garden this spring, as well as a few things to help with inspiration!
9 Ways to Green Your Kitchen
To lead a healthier lifestyle, green your home with these nine cost-effective solutions.
10 Fun Facts About Solar Energy
Solar energy use continues to climb by 20 percent every year. Learn more about this amazing clean energy by checking out these 10 fun facts about solar energy.
Biophilic Design in a Pennsylvania Home
Architect and land planner Helena van Vliet incorporates biophilic design principles into her renovated house to create a home connected to nature.
Green Goods for Modern Dogs
Gina gives her dog a chance to try out some eco-friendly pet products from Olive Green Dog.
Green Smoothie Recipe: So Good For You It's Scary!
Try this Green Smoothie recipe for a yummy, energizing drink packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytonutrients.
2 Simple Green Living Ideas for Beginners
If you are looking for simple ways to turn your home into a healthy oasis, look no further. Green living expert Christa O'Leary shares the two most important ways you can create lasting habits of change.
Phoenix Light Rail System
Natural Home editorial intern Kirsten Hudson explains how Phoenix, Arizona, made green travel easier with its light rail system.
Green Your Life: Adventures in Container Gardening
If you can't build your dream garden just yet, container gardening is a great alternative. Check out these tips for homemade fertilizer and soil retention, and learn how to repurpose common plastic containers into handy individual gardens.
Green Rookie: Chic, Energy-Efficient Lighting Options
The recipe for a well-lit room involves combining energy-efficient bulbs with stylish, sustainable light fixtures.
Green Your Life: Homemade Gift Guide for the Holidays
Instead of buying your friends gifts for the holidays this year, save money and lighten your impact on the planet by making homemade gifts. These ideas will get you started.
Sustainable Tennesee Farmhouse Uses Native Sandstone
Natural Home guest blogger Rebecca Selove picks natural, native sandstone to use in her sustainable Tennessee farmhouse that she is building to LEED Platinum standards.
Make it Green: An Easy Natural Home Air Freshener
Instead of using synthetic scents, try this simple natural trick to make your home smell delicious.
A Recycled Steel and Shipping Container Kit Home That Has It All
Made from repurposed shipping containers and recycled steel, based on Prius engineering, with a gray water system and a living roof, this Mojave Desert residence and workplace is a prototype for low-cost prefab kit houses everywhere.
Seven Green Father's Day Gifts
Editorial intern Samantha Schwartz looks for green Father's Day gifts any dad would love.
Green Summer: Rainy Day Activities
Stuck indoors? Brighten up a rainy summer day with these fun, green activities.
Moisturizing Face Masks for Dry Facial Skin: Kahina Antioxidant Mask
As you combat dry facial skin this winter, consider using a moisturizing face mask, such as Kahina Antioxidant Mask, once a week to treat your skin to an extra dose of high-power hydration.
5 Favorite Handmade Gift Shops
Eschew corporate goods and instead choose handmade gifts for everyone on your list this holiday, using these excellent Etsy shops as a jumping-off point.
Green Travel: Eco-Friendly Road Trip
Natural Home editorial intern Samantha Schwartz helps her family plan an eco-friendly road trip complete with a hybrid car, organic snacks and energy-efficient hotels.
Top 10 States for LEED Green Buildings
Washington, D.C., Nevada and New Mexico see the most LEED-certified green building per capita in 2010.
A Green Home: Repurposed Clothing: Skirt into Shirt
Have a skirt with a tear or a stain? Don't compost it - re-make it! A few simple cuts and stitches and you can re-purpose your worn out wardrobe into a new closet full of new fashions. Start by turning a skirt into a halter top.
Green City Garden Girl: How to Reuse Eggshells
Besides composting, eggshells have many great uses both in the garden and in the home. Natural Home guest blogger KyLynn Hull details how to reuse eggshells.
Make Your Own Lavender Laundry Detergent, for Pennies
This DIY washing powder is simple to make, costs just pennies and smells heavenly.
Green Your Life: Homemade Frozen Dog Treats
They don't call them the dog days of summer for nothing. Surprise your pup with these easy and delicious homemade frozen treats to keep him cool in the heat.
Easy Homemade Sauerkraut Recipe
Start decreasing your reliance on store-bought, pre-packaged foods by preserving produce at the peak of the season. Try this easy recipe for homemade sauerkraut and enjoy this season's cabbage crop all year.
Feeling Sleepy? Try a Few of Nature's Energy Boosters
Mother Earth offers many natural energizers that wake you up without compromising your health.
A Green Home: Basket Storage for Small Spaces
Hanging baskets on your walls helps to create storage and still offer decorative design in your home.
Immune Boosters: Elderberry, Echinacea, Garlic and Oregano
The natural world has many treatments for the cold and flu—and some of them might surprise you. Elderberry, Echinacea, green tea, oregano and garlic are my favorite natural remedies for treating and preventing illness.
Healthy, Green Design: How to Make a Terrarium
Terrariums are beautiful in any room setting and they are a great activity to share with children. In honor of Earth Day, build your own!
Green City Garden Girl: Floating Farmer's Market in Seattle
Guest blogger KyLynn Hull explores a new concept in farmer's markets—a floating farmer's market in Seattle's South Lake Union area.
The Green Monster Spinach Smoothie
This smoothie recipe is a great way to get your daily dose of spinach.
Repurposing Vintage Treasures and Mixing with Modern Pieces
Gone are the days when I longed to present my home to guests filled with everything bright, shiny and new. My taste is now an eclectic blend of vintage and new.
A Green Home: Window Light Fixture
Rescue old windows and recycle them into beautiful light fixtures.
Green Your Life: Make Homemade Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise is a sandwich staple that you can easily make at home. It takes just minutes to make and you can experiment with new and exciting flavor combinations.
Sorry, FSC, the USGBC is Seeing Other Certification Systems
The U.S. Green Building Council may revise its LEED rating system standards, which currently award points only to Forest Stewardship Council-certified wood products.
Good Pizza Parlors in the Seattle Area
Guest blogger KyLynn Hull shares some of her likes and dislikes of homemade pizza and some of her favorite pizza parlors in the Seattle area.
This Valentine's Day, No Kisses for Hershey
Tell America's largest chocolate company that slave labor and Valentine's Day chocolate don't mix.
Eco-Decor Delights: Humble Earth-Friendly Printed Home Accessories
From perpetually sunny Orange Country, California, Humble sells extremely eco-conscious home décor accessories featuring designs that will remind you of summer's past.
Recycled DIY Dog Bed
Build a sustainable dog bed out of recycled T-shirts or newspapers. When placed in a revamped end table, it makes a nice piece of doggie furniture, too.
Natural Mosquito Repellents
Go ahead, play outside. These tips will keep you from being eaten alive by mosquitoes.
Green Summer: Bathing Suits
Natural Home editorial intern Susan Melgren shares several lines of eco-friendly bathing suits that won't break your bank.
Growing Herbs in Texas: Tips for Growing Basil in Texas
Wet and windy conditions haven't kept our guest blogger Cynthia out of her herb garden. See how her plants are thriving despite the spring Texas weather.
A Green Home: Pillowcase Pegboard
A pillowcase and foam board are all you need for a simple, cheap and environmentally friendly way to organize notes and lists in this project.
Healthy, Green Design: Decorating With Pebbles, Rocks and Stone
Pebbles, rocks and stones are beautiful, natural materials that add beauty and a very classic look to any style design.
Re-Think Your Decor: Repurposed Thrift Store Decor
Thrift store finds have limitless uses if you look beyond their original purpose.
U.S. Green Building Council Rejects Sustainable Forestry Initiative Wood
The U.S. Green Building Council singles out the Forest Stewardship Council as the only trusted wood certifier.
Green Artist Spotlight: Michelle Brand
Brand views her work, process and personal philosophy as the product of a mini ecosystem.
Make it Green: How to Repurpose Old Picture Frames
I'm no stranger to moving. As a recent college graduate, I've moved four times in five years. After the hassle of packing, hauling and lifting all of my stuff, the part of a move that I look forward to the
Green Fashion: First World Trash
Natural Home editorial intern Kirsten Hudson reviews First World Trash's bags and purses made from recycled materials.
Back on the Search for Local Flowers
Jessica begins anew the hunt for eco-friendly, local wedding flowers.
Window Screens as Jewelry Storage
Turn a window screen and picture frame into a perfect storage solution for delicate jewelry pieces.
Corporations are Going Green--Slowly but Surely
While corporate progress toward sustainability may seem agonizingly slow, GreenBiz editors found plenty to cheer about in 2010--and believe 2011 will be a banner year for green initiatives.
Homemade Fruit Fly Trap
Rid your home of pesky fruit flies with this simple, nontoxic, homemade fruit fly trap.
Clean Your Home with Baking Soda and Vinegar
Here are some highlights from my workshop, "Make Your Own Green Cleaners—for Pennies" at the Mother Earth News Fair. Throw away your chemical cleaners and get your home sparkling the healthy way!
Green Jewelry: Fashionable, Recycled Jewelry Gains Popularity
Eco-friendly jewelry is in style. Check out these variations of green, fashionable jewelry: newspaper jewelry, recycled jewelry and instrument string jewelry.
Green Kitchen: Red Velvet, White, and Blue Cupcakes
Natural Home editorial intern Samantha Schwartz bakes her first batch of organic cupcakes from scratch.
WeeHouse Kit Houses: Like Building with Legos
The original weeHouse prefabricated kit house is 435 efficiently designed square feet and comes with everything you need to live well. Need more space? You can snap together two or more of the modules to satisfy your needs.
Green City Garden Girl: Recycle Beer Kegs Into Cool Garden Planters
Recycle old kegs into beautiful, functional garden planters—guest blogger KyLynn Hull shows you how!
Healthy, Green Design: Repurpose Existing Niches in Your Home
Create storage and design interest in your home by repurposing existing areas with built-in seating and other furniture.
Natural Spring Cleaning: Simple, Cheap and Healthy
With just three ingredients and two simple steps, you can clear away germs and freshen your home's air to welcome spring.
Stuff Stockings with Crispy Green Crispy Fruit and FruitziO Freeze-Dried Fruit Snacks
Crispy Green Crispy Fruit are made from 100-percent freeze-dried fruit with no additives or preservatives and are full of delicious fresh fruit taste. FruitziO snacks combine the wholesomeness of fresh fruit with a pinch of cane sugar.
Reclaim Old Doors for Storage
Short on storage? Repurpose a door into a swinging shelf or basket storage system!
USA Today's Top Green Homes: Efficient, Affordable and Beautiful
As Passive House Institute standards up the ante, USA Today's "Best Green Homes of 2010" list reflects Americans' desire for affordability, efficiency and style.
You Don't Need Borax: Simple, Natural Nontoxic Cleaning Ingredients
You can get your whole house fresh and shiny clean with just five ingredients: lemons, vinegar, baking soda, tea tree oil and salt.
Green City Garden Girl: Pacific Northwest Seafood
Guest blogger KyLynn Hull reviews her seafood past along with a couple shellfish recipe from her Pacific Northwest family.
Tasty Homemade Granola Recipe
Making granola at home is simple and allows you to customize it to your liking. Experiment with this basic recipe and discover your perfect granola.
Meatless Monday? Try Meatless Month!
Guest blogger KyLynn Hull goes without meat for a month. Try her meatless recipes!
For Your Health: Herbs to Promote Weight Loss
There are several herbs that will increase your energy and help you burn more calories.
In The News: Green Tea May Merge Gap Between Aging and Wellness
Learn how green tea can help make aging and wellness go hand-in-hand.
A Green Home: Use Empty Picture Frames for Organization
Got kitchen clutter? Turn a picture frame into a beautiful, useful storage solution.
Recycled Bottle Chandelier
Use glass bottles or jars over light bulbs to create a beautiful chandelier.
Green City Garden Girl: Soup Season: Sherried Mushroom Soup
Heavy cream and sherry lend this simple mushroom soup a sophisticated flavor. Enjoy this recipe, courtesy guest blogger KyLynn Hull.
Naturally Color Easter Eggs with Food Dyes
Learn how to naturally color Easter eggs with guest blogger KyLynn Hull's notes on using food dyes.
Green Your Life: DIY Repurposed Bird Feeders
The weather outside is frightful, and feeding birds is so delightful. All it takes to make one of these great bird feeders is a dip in the recycling bin, bird seed and a little creativity.
Green Your Life: Green Book Review: Make Your Place: Affordable, Sustainable Nesting Skills
Whether you're just starting out on the green path or looking for more ways to live sustainably, check out Make Your Place: Affordable, Sustainable Nesting Skills by Raleigh Briggs, which teaches simple domestic skills to help you lead a DIY life.
The Grass is Greener on the Other Side
Jessica Kellner's recent trip to three green conferences in San Francisco yielded some great conversations and fun lessons.
In The News: The Interaction Between Herbs and Blood-Thinning Medications
Check out this list of herbsl supplements that can interact negatively with heart medications.
Green Your Life: Delicious Homemade Salad Dressings
Try one of these three simple but tasty homemade salad dressings the next time you're in the mood for a lighter lunch or dinner.
Make Your Own Green Cleaners
Make your own all-purpose cleaners, dishwasher detergent and mildew remover with safe, simple ingredients. Ever think you'd be doing dishes with Kool-Aid?
Salsa and Vegetable Dip Recipes from Fair Share Farm
Guest blogger Dani Hurst shares recipes for homemade salsa and vegetable dips.
Green Your Life: Forget Dryer Sheets—Use a Dryer Sachet!
Shrink your dryer sheet waste and use a dryer sachet instead. Learn about the benefits of dryer sachets, how to make your own sachet and a few ideas about what to do with your used dryer sheets.
Soup Season: Carrot Soup
Guest blogger KyLynn Hull kicks off soup season with this simple carrot soup recipe.
Holiday Gift Wrapping Ideas: Pinterest Inspiration
Wrap your holiday gifts with these gift-wrapping ideas that reuse materials from around the house.
Green City Garden Girl: Yard Art
Finding used art can brighten your garden without emptying your pocketbook.
Plop Plop, Fizz Fizz: Clean with Alka-Seltzer
Alka-Seltzer can give your cleaning routine a little extra fizz. Try it for unclogging drains and cleaning toilets.
Throw a Greener New Year's Eve Party
Happy New Year! This year I'm happily going to my friends' house to ring it in. If you're hosting the New Year's Eve party this year, start 2010 out right by keeping it green.
Pack Your Kid's Lunch the Green Way!
This school year pack a healthy lunch with zero waste!
USGBC Names the Top LEED Homes and Projects of 2011
The U.S. Green Building Council recognizes the top projects, developers and home builders participating in its LEED program for 2011.
Certified Green Homes Sell for 30% More in Oregon
Existing homes that are certified as "green" sold for 30 percent more than homes without such a designation, according to an analysis of the Portland, Oregon, metropolitan region released today by Earth Advantage Institute, a nonprofit green building resource. Newly constructed homes with a sustainability certification sold for 8 percent more than non-certified homes. This result continues a four-year trend in which new homes with third-party certification for sustainable construction and energy performance have consistently sold for more than newly constructed homes that had not been certified. The term 'certified home' includes homes that received an Earth Advantage New Homes, ENERGY STAR, or a LEED for Homes designation, or a combined Earth Advantage/ENERGY STAR certification.
A Green Home: Creative Storage
Guest blogger Jaci Kennison explores creative storage solutions to declutter her small space.
Eco-Friendly Wedding Invitations and Stationery
After picking out colors and a design theme, guest blogger Erica Binns turns her attention to finding eco-friendly wedding invitations and stationery for her green wedding.
Natural Shampoo: EO Volumizing Rosemary and Mint Natural Shampoo
Natural Home assistant editor Kim Wallace reviews natural shampoo from EO.
Green Festival Seattle!
Jessica invites readers to visit her at the upcoming Green Festival in Seattle and the Mother Earth News Fair in Puyallup, Washington.
Polish Furniture for Pennies
Whip olive oil, vinegar and lemon juice into a cheap, effective polish for wood furniture.
Balance Your Diet With Green Juice
Natural Home editorial intern Samantha Schwartz shares a vegetable juice recipe.
A Green Home: Repurposed Clothing and Accessories
Look at your closet, and your shopping, in a whole new way. Repurpose items you already have, making a dress out of a shirt or a handbag out of men's ties.
Green City Garden Girl: The Art of Razor Clam Digging
Guest blogger KyLynn shares a step-by-step photo gallery of how to clean razor clams.
Green City Garden Girl: Spring Tree Sprouts a Closer Community
A spontaneous idea to erect a "spring tree" brings together a neighborhood and community.
Product Review: Choice Organic Teas
Looking for a healthful beverage? Try these new blends from Choice Organic Teas.
A Green Home: Clean Out (and Donate) at Christmas
If you are shopping for the holidays, consider dropping off a box of donations too. Recycling goods to be re-sold is just as important as recycling them into new materials.
Green Your Life: Homemade Baba Ganoush
Celebrate the end of eggplant season with a plate of homemade baba ganoush. Follow this simple recipe and you'll be on your way to a yummy appetizer or a scrumptious side dish.
10 Ways to Reuse Your Cosmetic Containers
Don't throw out that old makeup compact! Repurpose and reuse it. Here are the top ten upcycled projects you can do with cosmetic containers whether you're an expert crafter or not.
8 Last-Minute Holiday Gifts
With all the wonderful products that walk across our desks here at Natural Home, here are a few that have stood out during the holiday season. Grab these last-minute gifts for your friends, family, or even yourself. And remember: Green is not just for the holidays. Any of these products would be great year round.
Wedding Dishware: Biodegradable Cups, Sustainable Disposable Plates
Jessica provides resources for biodegradable cups and sustainable bamboo plates for her green outdoor wedding.
How to Find the Best Green Building Materials for Your Deck or Outdoor Space
Building a deck can be a challenge, but building with being "green" in mind can be an even bigger challenge. Learn what to look for and what questions and considerations to have when researching and selecting the best green building materials for a deck.
5 Easy Home Improvement Ideas for the New Year
Make your home feel like new again with these five home improvement ideas that won't cost you an arm and a leg.
Eco-Friendly Dorm Room Checklist
Editorial intern Samantha Schwartz shares resources, tips and essential eco-friendly items for a college dorm room.
10 Inspiring New Year's Resolution Ideas
Get inspired with these 10 New Year's Resolutions you can make to help yourself, humanity, and the planet.
Fabric for a Homemade Wedding Dress
Guest blogger Erica Binns travels to Mood Designer Fabrics to find fabric for her homemade wedding dress.
Herbal Sun Burn Remedies
Aloe vera isn't the only herbal remedy for burn relief. Many herbs can help protect skin and soothe it after a burn. Here are our four favorites.
Eco-Friendly Ways to Show Your Love This Valentine's Day
Show your love for your sweetie and the earth this Valentine's Day with these eco-friendly ideas.
10 Easy Ways to Keep Your House Clean
Keep your home clean and your family healthy with these easy tips.
Green Your Life: Green Product Review: Twist Biodegradable Sponges
If one of your New Year's resolutions was to use more green products, check out Twist's line of amazing sponges. Not only are they biodegradable, but they're also free of dyes and made from all-natural, plant-based materials.
Finding Eco-Friendly Engagement and Wedding Rings
Jessica searches for eco-friendly engagement and wedding rings and explores a variety of sustainable options, including conflict-free diamonds, recycled diamonds, recycled gold, recycled jewelry, alternative wedding rings, Canadian diamonds and cultured diamonds.
Sustainable Tennessee Farmhouse Takes Advantage of Solar Power and Renewable Energy
Natural Home guest blogger John Patrick explains why he and his wife, guest blogger Rebecca Selove, designed their sustainable Tennessee farmhouse for passive solar gain and a 5.17-kilowatt photovoltaic system. John and Rebecca are building their sustainable Tennessee farmhouse home to LEED Platinum standards.
Green Your Life: Soothing Homemade Lip Balm
Leave your lips feeling luscious and quenched with this simple recipe for homemade lip balm.
Recycled Paper Wedding Thank-You Notes and Silk Flowers
Guest blogger Erica Binns continues her search for eco-friendly stationery with a hunt for wedding thank-you notes and silk flowers for her green wedding.
Natural Product Review: John Masters Organics' Leave-In Conditioning Mist
Tame frizz with this botanical-rich leave-in conditioning mist from John Masters Organics.
Natural Sunscreen: Elemental Herbs Sunscreen
Natural Home editorial assistant Susan Melgren reviews Elemental Herbs sunscreen, which uses zinc oxide to block the sun's rays and herbal ingredients to moisturize and heal skin.
Green Your Life: The Benefits of a Clothesline
Save money and energy by ditching the dryer and air drying your clothes instead.
World Food Day: Bringing People Together
Guest blogger KyLynn Hull shares how food affects her culture and family.
Green Your Life: How to Make Homemade Breadcrumbs and Croutons
Don't throw away that leftover loaf of bread! Use it to make homemade breadcrumbs and croutons. Waste not, want not!
Green City Garden Girl: Recipe Keepsakes
Guest blogger KyLynn Hull shares a creative project to display favorite old family recipes with pictures the people who made them.
Daydreams of Natural Spaces Part Five
Natural Home editorial intern Stephanie Nelson packs up her natural space and moves to a new apartment.
Green City Garden Girl: Soup Season: French Onion Soup
Guest blogger KyLynn Hull shares a recipe for homemade French Onion soup, a classic favorite.
Healthy, Green Design: Floral Designs for the Home
Springtime is here! Floral motifs in interiors are popular—and also a great reminder that the new season has arrived.
Daydreams of Natural Spaces Part Three
Transforming Natural Home editorial intern Stephanie Nelson's space started with an empty living room, and now it slowly resembles a livable space with seating. After buying a used love seat and ottoman, she recovers both so they match the room's theme.
Green City Garden Girl: Soup Season: Sausage Vegetable Stew
Guest blogger KyLynn Hull shares a recipe for Sausage Vegetable Stew, a recreation of a soup she enjoyed at In the Red Wine Bar and Cafe in Seattle's Phinney Ridge neighborhood.
Make it Green: Use Vintage Tins as Creative Storage Containers
Vintage tins add decorative accents to your home while also providing storage.
Green City Garden Girl: Smoothie Sensation
Guest blogger KyLynn Hull finally discovers the beauty of smoothies—and shares four recipes for homemade concoctions!
An Earthship in Manhattan?
Ken Ruck wants to build a fully self-sustaining earthship on New York's Lower East Side.
Potted Herb Plants: The Easy Gift that Keeps on Giving
Personalize your gift giving with a unique herb garden gift. While this time of year conjures images of poinsettias that fade and collect dust long before the holiday festivities are done, a customized herb kit is a meaningful gift that will provide fresh herbs and provide naturally lush décor for many months afterward.
Green Your Life: Natural Dog Treats Review: Buck's Biscuits Gourmet Dog Treats
Buck's Biscuits Gourmet Dog Treats are made with organic ingredients and contain no preservatives, making them the perfect, all-natural dog treat for your furry friend.
Green City Garden Girl: What Manure is Best for my Garden?
Guest blogger KyLynn Hull explains the different types of manure available for your green garden.
Green Your Life: Repurpose Your Extra Glass
Get inspired by these tips and make something useful out of your used glass instead of just recycling it. From wine bottles to baby food jars, you'll find a repurposing project that suits your recycling bin.
Growing Herbs in Texas: Spring Growth Update
Mexican mint marigold, green pepper basil and lemon eucalyptus are just a few of the herbs in Cynthia's herb garden showing new signs of growth this spring.
Make Your Own Dishwasher Detergent--for Pennies!
You don't have to spend a fortune and buy nasty chemicals to run your dishwasher. Whip up powdered or liquid dishwasher detergent in minutes--and don't forget to add essential oil. You'll get a dose of aromatherapy while your dishes get clean.
Green Your Life: Pick Your Own Apples
Now that fall is upon us, try your hand at picking your own apples at a local orchard. Buying local produce is an important step towards greening your life, and picking your own right off the tree is a fun way to do that.
Daydreams of Natural Spaces Part Two
Natural Home editorial intern Stephanie Nelson builds an end table out of a salvaged window frame and four legs.
A Green Home: Birdcage Storage
Keep your storage off the floor and decorate your home using birdcages.
Made with Love: 7 Homemade Valentine's Day Gifts
Forgo store-bought goods this year in favor of a homemade gift. These homemade Valentine's Day gift ideas are sure to meet your time, talents and budget!
10 Essentials for a Green Kitchen: What Would You Include?
From a little-known sugar substitute to a conversation-starting book, this list of items for the green kitchen contains a few surprises.
In The News: Green Tea and Blueberries May Help Fight Alzheimer's
These superfoods may prevent degenerative diseases. Check how green tea and blueberries can help fight Alzheimer's disease.
Green City Garden Girl: Rhubarb Custard Pie
Natural Home guest blogger KyLynn Hull shares her grandmother's rhubarb pie recipe.
Tree Branch Jewelry Organizer
Turn a tree branch into an ideal storage solution for your jewelry.
LittleFootprint Lighting Unveils HeronLED Task Lighting
LittleFootprint Lighting has announced the availability of its high quality, high performance HeronLED Personal Task Light for corporate and home office environments.
Green City Garen Girl: Soup Season: Potato-Vegetable Soup
Guest blogger KyLynn Hull shares a rich and hearty recipe for potato-vegetable soup.
Green Your Life: Homemade Almond Butter
If you're nuts about almonds, try out this simple recipe for making fresh almond butter at home.
Spicy Pickled Asparagus Recipe
Instead of eating it all now, learn how to pickle asparagus with this easy Spicy Pickled Asparagus recipe and save some for later in the season! Your future self will thank you.
Post-Wedding: Sneak Peek
Jessica offers a sneak peek of her biodegradable wedding, which featured recycled glassware, handmade decor, recycled paper table runners, biodegradable plates and cups and soy candles.
Green City Garden Girl: Canning and Pickling Beets
Guest blogger KyLynn Hull shares her love for beets and explains how to can and pickle beets so they can be enjoyed year-round.
A Green Home: Naked Christmas Tree
Get creative with your Christmas tree! Save the forests, skip the plastic greenery and really go green this holiday with a different kind of tree.
Product Review: Choice Organic Tea Introduces Summertime Flavors
Choice Organic Tea has three new flavors that will wow your taste buds and help you beat the summertime heat.
Healthy, All-Natural Air Fresheners
Clear your home's air naturally for better health and well being.
Healthy, Green Design: 10 Eco-Friendly Decorating and Gift Ideas for the Holidays
Make the holidays a little easier (and more natural) with these 10 gift and decorating ideas.
Share Your Natural Beauty Tips
Share your favorite fantastic natural beauty tips and DIY treatments with Natural Home magazine. The best tips win a prize!
Healthy, Green Design: Design with Recycled Glass
Recycled glass can make a stunning addition to your home. Discover recycled glass countertops, tiles and mosaics for your home.
Green City Garden Girl: Blondie the Backyard Chicken
My baby chicken, Blondie, is growing up to become quite the obedient bird and developing quite the personality.
In The News: Foods with Isoflavones May Lower Blood Pressure
New research suggests lowering blood pressure may be as easy as eating foods with isoflavones.
Green Your Life: Homemade Body Scrub Recipes
Slough off dead winter skin with homemade skin scrubs. Try one of these recipes that use ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
Green Your Life: Green Product Review: The Woolly Wally Pocket
Turn a boring wall into a vertical garden with The Woolly Wally Pocket. Made of 100% recycled plastic bottles, this hanging planter is the answer for anyone looking for a unique and eco-friendly planter for container gardening.
5 Herbs for Healthy Hair
When caring for your hair with conventional beauty products is not enough, supplement your hair care with these five fabulous herbs for healthy hair.
8 Great Micro-Houses
In her new book, Micro-Green: Tiny Houses in Nature, Mimi Zeiger profiles 36 creative, innovative small dwellings that represent a 'new, rich architectural typology.' Here are eight great examples to start fueling your fantasies.
Every Herb Has a Story: Herbs for Inflammation
When your muscles are aching and your bones aren't moving, spice up your life by adding a little more spice to your meals with these herbs for inflammation. It may just be what Mother Nature ordered.
Green City Garden Girl: Tips for Buying Used Goods
Guest blogger KyLynn Hull shares money-saving secrets learned from years of shopping secondhand.
Green Your Life: Bottle Cutting 101
Whether you're searching for unique gifts for loved ones or just need a little snow day entertainment, look no further than a bottle cutting kit. It may sound complicated, but a little patience and a steady hand are all it takes to master this useful art.
Green City Garden Girl: Soup Season: Why I Love Soup!
Cool weather means it's time to cozy up with a bowl of homemade soup. Guest blogger KyLynn Hull shares some of her favorite soup recipes—and why she loves soup so much.
Re-Think Your Decor: Odds and Ends, Bits and Pieces by Studio Jo Meesters
Stylish furniture typically doesn't involve discarded trash—but the designs of Studio Jo Meesters do. Studio Jo Meesters introduces "Odds and Ends, Bits and Pieces," a fun collection of furniture pieces made from recycled materials that contain just as much panache
Green City Garden Girl: Soup Season: Yellow Split Pea Soup
Guest blogger KyLynn Hull shares an inexpensive and easy recipe for yellow pea soup, a low-fat but tasty vegetarian soup.
Transformation Tuesday: Trash Turned Giftwrap
Forget the time and money that goes into conventional giftwrap. Use these inspirational ideas to wrap lovely gifts with materials otherwise bound for the recycling bin.
Green Your Life: Green Product Review: growbottles by Potting Shed Creations
If you're looking for a unique container gardening experience, look no further than growbottles from Potting Shed Creations. These self-watering planters are made in the USA from reclaimed restaurant wine bottles, and they're as sustainable as they are stylish.
Green City Garden Girl: Soup Season: Mushroom and Leek Soup
Guest blogger KyLynn Hull shares a simple and tasty recipe for hearty mushroom and leek soup.
Daydreams of Natural Spaces Part Four
Natural Home editorial intern Stephanie Nelson creates a planter table to hold her everyday items and incorporates plants into the design.
Healthy, Green Design: Improve Indoor Air Quality with Plants
Air pollution abounds in our homes and businesses, but many air purification systems are not safe to use. Try cleaning your indoor air with plants.
Six Steps to Eating Healthier at College
Editorial intern Samantha Schwartz plans for healthy eating in the Grinnell College dining hall.
Green Your Life: Reusable Water Bottle Review: The ALEX Bottle
If you're looking for that perfect reusable bottle, check out ALEX. Not only is this water bottle BPA-free and made from premium grade 304 stainless steel, but it also twists apart in the middle, making clean-up a cinch.
Green Rookie: Adding Color With Low-VOC Paint
For a quick (and inexpensive) burst of color, nothing beats painting the walls. Here's why it's worthwhile to make the paint you use low-VOC.
6 Recipes for Homemade Salad Dressings
Guest blogger KyLynn Hull shares six recipes for homemade salad dressings, including favorites like Ranch, Caesar and Thousand Island.
Green Valentine's Day: Inexpensive, Homemade Gifts
Need to save money on Valentine's Day gifts this year? Natural Home editorial assistant Susan Melgren shares six simple ideas for homemade gifts to give your sweetheart.
Daydreams of Natural Spaces Part One
Stephanie tackles moving and furnishing an empty house by picking salvaged, hand-crafted or environmentally friendly pieces.
Homemade Baby Food Recipes
Making your own baby food not only saves you money but allows you control over what's in your baby's food. Get started—and find out just how easy it is—with these homemade baby food recipes.
Natural Antibacterials: Get Triclosan and Other Nasty Chemicals Out of Your Home
Chemical antibacterials, including triclosan, are health and environmental hazards. You don't have to bring these nasties into your home. Put hydrogen peroxide, tea tree oil and grapefruit seed extract to work killing germs and disinfect.
Decorate Your Outdoors!
It's time to think about decorating your outdoors with eco-friendly funriture, rugs and of course, organic flowers, vegetables and plants.
Healthy, Green Design: Decorating With White
Dedicated to the Midwest's winters, guest blogger Stephanie Nickolson offers practical tips and ideas for decorating interiors in white.
Aroma Naturals Introduces New Butterx Lip Care
Aroma Naturals is thrilled to introduce its new Butterx Lip Care line of all-natural lip balms packed with nourishing antioxidants, moisturizing nutrients and other natural ingredients.
Pregnancy Back Pain Reliever: Holy Lamb Organics Body Pillow
An organic cotton and wool body pillow goes a long way to help relieve pregnancy back pain.
7 Detox Herbs for a Natural Cleanse
For a natural cleanse, try detox herbs such as dandelion, milk thistle, turmeric and more.
7 Anti-Inflammatory Herbs
Tackle chronic inflammation with anti-inflammatory herbs such as turmeric, ginger, boswellia and more.
10 Natural Remedies for Allergies
Discover 10 natural remedies for allergies from author Michelle Schoffro Cook to make the spring allergy season more tolerable.
Green Valentine's Day: Burn Soy and Beeswax Candles
Light up the night on Valentine's Day with eco-friendly soy and beeswax candles. These candles have fewer toxins and less soot, making them a healthier option for a green Valentine's Day.
Green Your Life: How to Dry and Dehydrate Food
Dehydrated foods are high in nutrients and easy to transport and store, but buying them at the store can be costly. Investing in a food dehydrator can save you money, allowing you to make your own beef jerky, dried fruits and fruit leather at home.
Green City Garden Girl: Farm-Fresh Ideas From the Local Farmer's Market
Find inspiration from your local farmer's markets and experiment with unique, fresh vegetables. Guest blogger KyLynn Hull explains her experience.
Green Travel: Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise
Climb on board Chicago's First Lady for an in depth lesson on the city's stunning architecture as you sail the Chicago River during the Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise.
Herbs and Heart Health: 13 Herbal Remedies Not to Take With Heart Medication
Herbal remedies often work as well as traditional medications, but when it comes to your heart, don't combine the two. If you're taking heart medication, avoid these 13 herbal remedies.
IPad - for a Green Home?
An overview on how the IPad and new apps relating to home automation can help you save energy through better control of heating and cooling, lights, window coverings, irrigation and security systems. The leading systems providers each have IPad apps
Weed & Water Wednesday: 10 Green Gifts for Gardeners--All Under $50
Check out this roundup of 10 favorite sustainable gifts for the gardeners on your list--all under $50!