Article of the week.... 10 July

Sustainability Today
 by: Dayna Schueth 

Achieving a sustainable lifestyle today is of paramount importance for the health of future generations. The devastation of our natural environment by individuals and corporations who carelessly pollute the water and air, clearcut forests, and destroy topsoil and natural habitats is in many cases irreversible. Those of us living an urban or suburban lifestyle may just be beginning to feel the repercussions of our industrial lifestyle in the form of climate change. However, the perpetuation of anti-environment practices is sure to cause consequences that we cannot even imagine.

The world in which we live is a system in which all elements interrelate and coexist in a harmonious balance of creation and destruction. Nothing exists or functions in isolation. Everything is interconnected and every act affects the future of countless other elements. This concept, also known as systems thinking, is easy to see when observing an ecosystem, especially when the harmony of that ecosystem is disrupted. The extinction or reduction of one species rebounds through the entire food chain, causing havoc on the lives of the rest of the species. 

A sustainable lifestyle is one that seeks to harmonize with the elements of the natural world. We can use the forces of nature to our advantage, without abusing them and causing as little disturbance to the natural environment as possible. One such example is harnessing the energy of the sun. Solar energy can be captured in a variety of ways. The most basic way, passive solar energy, refers to the type of construction materials used and their placement. For example, a house designed to face the south allows the heat of the sun to warm the house all day long. Add to that other passive solar features such as thermal mass and the house is already well on its way to energy-independence.



Industrialism and the Information Age have provided our society with the tools it needs to reverse our current path of environmental degradation. Solar panel technology and the multitude of other inventions for collecting the energy of the sun are constantly improving and becoming more affordable. We may also gather energy from the wind, water, ground and even our own waste products.
The key to becoming sustainable as individuals and as a society is our own willingness to change and to be creative. Permaculture is a design system that guides us to build and manage sustainable living and working environments in which all of the elements overlap and interrelate to create a functioning whole. Combining our knowledge of ecological principles with our earth-friendly technology we have only to succeed in achieving a more sustainable lifestyle today, and a brighter future for our children and grandchildren.

About The Author

Dayna Schueth
Sustainability 101 is a site complete with all the information you need to learn how to create and become sustainable in your home and also has lots of information on alternative fuels and biodiesel http://www.sustainability101.com

Article of the week..... 3 July

A Guide to Men's Summer Fashion

Summer is here - which means it's time to pull out those shorts, t-shirts and sandals that rarely see the light of day during the rest of the year. While some items of clothing are staples of summer wear every year - for example, polo shirts and relaxed jeans - each summer also brings with it a set of unique seasonal looks. This summer, it's all about pastels, neutrals, and tailored pieces, not to mention the "all white" and "all American" looks. Get the scoop on this season's hottest fashion trends, and get ready to look great all summer long.

First off, don't neglect the basics: pick up some pastel-coloured polo shirts, khaki shorts, chinos and trousers, as well as a few tailored shirts - also in pastel or neutral colours. You'll also want to do your feet a favour this year and ditch those plastic flip-flops for some nice leather flip-flops or quality leather sandals. The sandals will look great with more refined-looking wardrobe pieces - like chinos or tailored shorts - while the leather flips flops will look great with more casual outfits - like jeans and Polo shirts - without looking cheap. If you prefer more enclosed footwear, opt for a pair of chic deck shoes or loafers.

Heading out on the town? Don't be afraid to throw some colour into the mix of your formalwear. Whether you incorporate a splash of orange in an otherwise subdued colour scheme, or dress in bold colours from head to toe, the fashion scene will embrace your colour-happy attitude this season.

If you plan on hitting the beach or the pool this summer, you'll need a pair of stylish swim shorts. Retro is in this season, so head to your local vintage shop to pick up a pair - you'll not only pick up something unique, but you'll save some cash too. While you're at it, snag yourself some hip sunglasses; you can't go wrong with Aviators, Clubmasters or Wayfarers this summer.

Last but not least, the jumper is another key piece to consider when pulling together your summer wardrobe. The weather might be warming up, but it's more than likely that a few chilly nights will make their way into the British summer. So stock up on a few Armani pullovers or Lyle and Scott jumpers and stay cosy. Opt for a cotton elbow-length sleeve sweater (paired over a tailored button-down shirt) to get that Twenties-riviera-meets-rugby look.


So, with some of this summer's top trends in mind, you're more than ready to put your fashion foot forward. Just remember that keeping up with summer fashion doesn't mean you have to re-do your entire wardrobe or break the bank. Incorporating just a few quality seasonal pieces will help update your wardrobe and ensure you look great all summer long.

This article is free for republishing
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/a-guide-to-mens-summer-fashion-1587590.html

 

Article of the week .....26 June

Delicious and Healthy Fruit Smoothies - A Yummy Snack That's Perfect For Hot Summer Days
 by: Susanne Meyers

When it's hot outside, there's no better snack (or even breakfast) than a healthy fruit smoothie. Those yummy drinks are full of fruit and thus vitamins and they are a great way to cool down. Get out your blender and create your own favorite version. Smoothies can be made with just about any fruit. Try a few until you find some favorites that will become your summer snack of choice.

Kids will slurpo down these smoothies without even realizing that they are getting plenty of fresh fruit and milk. What's not to like about a "milkshake" to cool you down after playing outside.

The Basic Ingredients Of A Good Fruit Smoothie

A good basic fruit smoothie includes fruit, juice or milk and optionally some yogurt and ice. That's about it. Just put everything into a blender and blend until smooth. You can add more or less liquid (that's the juice or milk) to get the consistency you like best.


To Freeze Or Not To Freeze

I like my smoothies frozen and make them with frozen fruit most of the time. Frozen fruit can be found in your grocer's freezer aisle year around and you can also freeze your own when you find yourself with more fresh fruit than you can eat. Berries are usually best frozen whole, while bananas can be peeled and sliced before freezing. If you are using fresh fruit, you can add some ice to turn your smoothie into a frozen treat.

Using a combination of fresh and frozen fruit, or adding plenty of ice cold milk or juice will result in a cold instead of frozen smoothie. Just give both methods a try and see which one you like the best.

By the way, just about any smoothie made with fresh fruit can also be made with frozen fruit. You may just want to add a little more liquid if the smoothie is getting too thick for your blender to process.




Milk Or Juice? And What About Some Yogurt

We already established that we need plenty of fruit for a good smoothie. The other main ingredient is usually yogurt, juice or milk. Personally I like non-fat yogurt a lot in my smoothies. I use either vanilla or Greek yogurt along with a splash of any juice sitting in my fridge. If you are not a big yogurt fan, try using some milk instead or use your favorite fruit juice. Even if you are using yogurt you will need a splash of milk or juice to get the smoothie to a drinkable consistency.



Non-Dairy Versions


Of course you don't have to have dairy in your smoothies. You can blend just about any fresh or frozen fruit with your favorite juice. For that creamy smoothie consistency try adding some frozen banana slices to any smoothie.

Other great options are soy, rice or almond milk. Just blend your favorite fruit with one of those dairy free "milk" products. If you are trying to up the protein content of your smoothie and make it a little more filling, add some soft tofu to your smoothie. Just be sure to add a little splash of soy milk or juice to think it out to a drinkable consistency.


To Sweeten Or Not To Sweeten

Last but not least, let's talk about sweeteners. They are of course completely optional and whether or not you need them depends on how sweet the fruit you are using is. I also find that if I add vanilla yogurt or orange juice I don't usually need any added sweetener.

When I do add a sweetener it is usually stevia, a natural no-calorie sweetener. Other options are sugar, simple syrup or honey. Taste your smoothie before you add anything to sweeten it. If you feel it does need that little extra sweetness, add a little and blend it in for a few seconds.

Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/food_and_drink/article_3028.shtml