Publisher: Earl Williams
The Affiliate Mini Mall
It is tempting to think that entertainment for children involves spending money or wasteful consumption, but there are wonderful things you can do as a family that are both green and fun. Spending time, as a family and getting outdoors are both healthy activities, emotionally and physically. This spring, turn off the TV and computer, and head for the outdoors! Here are some ideas for how you can participate in green outings with your family.
Look to Your Community
Part of going green is using less fossil fuel; so choosing outings close to home is a good place to start. Take a look at your local newspaper, library, or online and find out what events are happening close to home. Perhaps there is an art and craft fair, street fair, or live music. Families can often find things to do together close by. Take a bus if you need to, or include other families and car pool.
Take a Nature Walk or Hike
The whole family can get in on this. Bring a field guide and identify plants, or choose plants or rocks ahead of time to give your family something specific to look for while you are on the hike. In the spring, new flowers and plants are just emerging, so it is a good time to look for flowers that will be covered up with overgrowth later in the summer.
Visit a Nature Preserve or National/State Forest
Preserved lands are an eco-friendly place to visit and play. Depending on where you live, this may be an outing close to home.
Outdoor Adventures
Another green way to enjoy the outdoors is to participate in adventurous activities like white-water rafting or canoeing. Whole families can go rafting together, and canoeing is good for families with older children.
Picnic
The old-fashioned picnic is still a fun way for families to spend time together. Pack your own food and bring drinks in reusable containers. Take a kite along if the spring wind is right, or bring a Frisbee or ball.
Be Prepared
Bringing your own food, drinks, sunscreen, etc. to a family outing increases the eco-friendly factor. Being prepared means you are less likely to stop at a drive-through to buy food with excessive packaging, or go to a drugstore for miscellaneous items you forgot.
Family outings do not have to be wasteful. Take some time to prepare and enjoy the spring weather as a family.
About the Publisher: Earl Williams is a real entrepreneur who is making money with his online marketing business using some of the largest Affiliate programs on the Internet. He uses the affiliate programs to setup Affiliateminimall.com where you can fine discount shopping along with great coupon deals. To learn more visit: www.affiliateminimall.com
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Monday, March 22, 2010
How to Recycle Your Garden Waste
Publisher: Earl Williams
The Affiliate Mini Mall
When garden waste is composted, it decomposes aerobically - that is, using oxygen. Unlike landfills, which decompose waste anaerobically (without oxygen), garden composting produces few greenhouse gases. And when you recycle your garden waste, you are providing yourself with useful, organic compost, thus eliminating the need for synthetic fertilizers. You can also use it as potting soil.
Here are some ideas for how you can recycle your garden waste.
* Grass clippings can be left on your lawn after mowing. They will act as mulch, helping to hold in moisture. As the grass clippings rot, they will enrich the soil of your lawn. Rotting grass clippings contain nitrogen, which is an important fertilizer for your yard and garden.
You can also rake up your grass clippings and pile them up where they will rot. You can add bits of this rotting matter to your compost, or even sow seeds into the grass clipping pile. Squash and pumpkins are possibilities for plants that will grow this way, as long as the clipping pile receives enough sunlight.
* Pruning and trimmings from brush, trees, garden plants, etc. can be added to your compost pile. If they are large or woody pieces, you will need to chop them up a bit before adding them to the pile. If you have a flower garden, compost the pinched-off blooms and cut stems. If you have a vegetable garden, compost peelings, rinds, and leaf and stem pruning.
* Fallen leaves can be piled onto your compost, or composted alone to make something called leaf mold. This is a kind of compost that is high in nutrients. You can use it for mulch or fertilizer, depending on how you decompose it. Just chopping or shredding leaves produces mulch that you can use immediately, and it will enrich the soil as it breaks down.
To make leaf mold, you must let the leaves rot much longer, from 6 months to 1 year. If you do not chop the leaves first, making leaf mold may take 2 years. Simply compost the leaves in a pile, bin, or other container that allows for ample air circulation and turning.
* Biodegradable bags can be used for yard and garden waste if you have trimmings from weeds or other materials you do not want to recycle. Some communities will gather garden waste and return it as mulch or fertilizer.
* Creative uses for branches and twigs include homemade herb-drying racks, natural fences, or crafts. Use natural twine to lash the branches together and reinforce with nails if necessary.
About the Publisher: Earl Williams is a real entrepreneur who is making money with his online marketing business using some of the largest Affiliate programs on the Internet. He uses the affiliate programs to setup Affiliateminimall.com where you can fine discount shopping along with great coupon deals. To learn more visit: www.affiliateminimall.com
Thursday, March 18, 2010
How to Be Ethical when Shopping
Publisher: Earl Williams
The Affiliate Mini Mall
Are you concerned with remaining true to your ethical convictions when you shop? Some people are concerned about animal testing and other processes used in the development and manufacturing of consumer products. These are practices that some view as unethical, and it can be helpful to have some tips on how to keep your shopping trips ethical.
GM Foods
GM Foods (Genetically Modified Foods, or GMFs) are a concern for those who want to minimize their impact on the environment. GMFs are a new technology and much is left up to chance, in what amounts to an uncertain experiment with our food. Because labeling laws are dicey, look for foods that are labeled to be free of GMFs - unlabeled foods may or may not contain GMFs, including produce. If you have to guess, choose organic and/or locally grown foods that are far less likely to be genetically modified.
Animal Testing
The suffering of laboratory animals is a source of concern for ethical shoppers. The cosmetics industry is most highly implicated in animal testing, so when you are shopping for beauty products, look for a "Cruelty Free" seal or other similar notation on the package.
Animal Cruelty on Farms
Try to purchase animal products such as meat, milk, cheese, and eggs from ethical farms. Look for free-range, grass-fed meats and free-range eggs. Even better, obtain animal products from local farmers whose practices you can observe directly.
Fair Trade Items
Clearly marked, Fair Trade items are produced with small, independent farmers in developing nations in mind. Fair Trade items are produced and manufactured under fair working conditions. Fair Trade also assures that farmers are receiving a fair price for their products.
Support Independent Businesses
Shopping at your local, non-chain (or small chain) stores supports your community. It also means you are investing in items that have not been shipped overseas or across the country.
Buy Second Hand
Buying second-hand items reduces waste, which is a significant part of ethical shopping. Barter, trade, and other means of swapping and obtaining goods are worth exploring.
Know Your Products
Do your research into the companies and corporations from which you buy your products. Find out if their business practices are ethical, and if the company does not line up with your beliefs, you can find an alternative to that item.
Bring Your Own Bag
Reduce the use of soft plastic by bringing your own reusable bag(s) on your shopping trip.
Buy in Bulk
Buying in bulk reduces packaging, much of which is manufactured using synthetic materials and is a source of pollution.
About the Publisher: Earl Williams is a real entrepreneur who is making money with his online marketing business using some of the largest Affiliate programs on the Internet. He uses the affiliate programs to setup Affiliateminimall.com where you can fine discount shopping along with great coupon deals. To learn more visit: www.affiliateminimall.com
The Affiliate Mini Mall
Are you concerned with remaining true to your ethical convictions when you shop? Some people are concerned about animal testing and other processes used in the development and manufacturing of consumer products. These are practices that some view as unethical, and it can be helpful to have some tips on how to keep your shopping trips ethical.
GM Foods
GM Foods (Genetically Modified Foods, or GMFs) are a concern for those who want to minimize their impact on the environment. GMFs are a new technology and much is left up to chance, in what amounts to an uncertain experiment with our food. Because labeling laws are dicey, look for foods that are labeled to be free of GMFs - unlabeled foods may or may not contain GMFs, including produce. If you have to guess, choose organic and/or locally grown foods that are far less likely to be genetically modified.
Animal Testing
The suffering of laboratory animals is a source of concern for ethical shoppers. The cosmetics industry is most highly implicated in animal testing, so when you are shopping for beauty products, look for a "Cruelty Free" seal or other similar notation on the package.
Animal Cruelty on Farms
Try to purchase animal products such as meat, milk, cheese, and eggs from ethical farms. Look for free-range, grass-fed meats and free-range eggs. Even better, obtain animal products from local farmers whose practices you can observe directly.
Fair Trade Items
Clearly marked, Fair Trade items are produced with small, independent farmers in developing nations in mind. Fair Trade items are produced and manufactured under fair working conditions. Fair Trade also assures that farmers are receiving a fair price for their products.
Support Independent Businesses
Shopping at your local, non-chain (or small chain) stores supports your community. It also means you are investing in items that have not been shipped overseas or across the country.
Buy Second Hand
Buying second-hand items reduces waste, which is a significant part of ethical shopping. Barter, trade, and other means of swapping and obtaining goods are worth exploring.
Know Your Products
Do your research into the companies and corporations from which you buy your products. Find out if their business practices are ethical, and if the company does not line up with your beliefs, you can find an alternative to that item.
Bring Your Own Bag
Reduce the use of soft plastic by bringing your own reusable bag(s) on your shopping trip.
Buy in Bulk
Buying in bulk reduces packaging, much of which is manufactured using synthetic materials and is a source of pollution.
About the Publisher: Earl Williams is a real entrepreneur who is making money with his online marketing business using some of the largest Affiliate programs on the Internet. He uses the affiliate programs to setup Affiliateminimall.com where you can fine discount shopping along with great coupon deals. To learn more visit: www.affiliateminimall.com
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
How to Attract Birds to Your Garden
Publisher: Earl Williams
The Affiliate Mini Mall
What better way to beautify your garden than to fill it with birds? Birds add color and life to any garden. If you’re wondering why other’s gardens have birds galore and yours is lacking residents, follow these tips and you’ll have a feather filled garden in no time.
The first thing birds need to be happy is shelter, which can be provided with birdhouses. Birdhouses can be purchased from many different stores, but it’s cheaper and often more effective to build your own. You may notice at stores that there are many different kinds of houses available. What type of birdhouse you need depends on what kind of bird you want to attract. Just remember, to try to attract local birds. If you haven’t seen a kind of bird in your neighborhood, you shouldn’t count on seeing it in your garden. Try to place the houses in areas that are more hidden where birds will feel safe and comfortable.
Providing adequate shelter for birds also means giving them appropriate nesting materials; this can help them turn their birdhouse into a comfortable home. Birds usually use hard materials for structure and soft materials to fill in the gaps. Good nesting materials include string, hair, twigs, moss, fabric, and even dryer lint. Basically, they’ll use anything long and skinny, or soft materials that can be pulled that way.
Another essential factor for attracting birds to your garden is water. Birdbaths are the best option because they are shallow for swimming and have edges for drinking. If you have a large garden, you can add more than one birdbath. If you do, try to have them in sunny and shady places so birds can choose. Along with attracting feathered friends, birdbaths also add a decorative touch.
Another important factor for attracting birds is food. While water and housing may entice your birds to stay, they’ll probably find your garden in their search for something to eat. You should provide birds with a variety of different seeds, fruits, and nuts. They need a balanced diet just like you do. One thing you might want to consider is whether or not to feed cooked food. While it’s better for birds to have fresh food, this may also cause unwanted plants in your garden and surrounding areas. Just like houses, feeders should be placed in areas where a bird feels comfortable and safe from predators. Birds also like to feast on insects, so make sure your garden has good rich soil to promote creepy crawly critters to stay too.
When trying to attract birds to your garden patience is the key. Even if you provide all the essentials for birds, they still may not show up right away. You should give them time to find your garden and then make a habit of visiting. Even if you don’t get birds right away, keep trying. They’re sure to show up in no time.
About the Publisher: Earl Williams is a real entrepreneur who is making money with his online marketing business using some of the largest Affiliate programs on the Internet. He uses the affiliate programs to setup Affiliateminimall.com where you can fine discount shopping along with great coupon deals. To learn more visit: www.affiliateminimall.com
Growing Vegetables from Seeds
Publisher: Earl Williams
The Affiliate Mini Mall
Next time you’re buying your vegetable seedlings at a garden supply store, take a look at the cost of seeds. You’ll probably notice they’re a lot cheaper than your seedlings Not only is growing vegetables from seeds cheaper, it’s also more rewarding. You can see your work start from scratch. While it may seem like a lot of extra work, once you know how to do it, it’s fairly simple and easy.
Unlike seedlings, not all seeds are going to give you a plant. When you go to buy or order you seeds, be sure to get some extra. You’re probably going to have seeds that don’t germinate, so it’s good to be prepared with more. This ensures you’ll have all the plants you need.
The next thing you need to consider is whether your seed should be grown directly in the garden, of grown inside like they do at the nursery. Some plants don’t do well when moved, while others need to be planted separately to avoid the elements. In most cases, you can figure this out just by looking at directions on the seed packet or by asking a clerk.
When planting directly to the garden, you should take special care to help them germinate. First, be sure not to plant them too deep; no deeper than three times the length of the seed. Second, take care not to have your plants eaten by critters in your yard. If you can’t block off your garden, feed the birds and other animals so they’re less likely to dig for seed. Lastly, be sure to properly prepare the soil before planting, and don’t plant too early when they soil is still cold.
If your plants need to be germinated indoors, there are several steps you should take to insure they grow. First, most plants should be planted in separate spaces in seedling trays. This insures their roots don’t have to compete. Some people prefer to plant two in each container and pull the one that isn’t growing as well. You should also remember to provide adequate light; either through windows or a greenhouse lamp. Once they’ve started to grow, you can then transplant them to your garden. By this time, your ground should be warmer and your plants should flourish.
With a little time and effort, you’ll soon be eating your very own fresh veggies. Enjoy!
About the Publisher: Earl Williams is a real entrepreneur who is making money with his online marketing business using some of the largest Affiliate programs on the Internet. He uses the affiliate programs to setup Affiliateminimall.com where you can fine discount shopping along with great coupon deals. To learn more visit: www.affiliateminimall.com
How To Build your Own Vegetable Planter Box
Publisher: Earl Williams
The Affiliate Mini Mall
Growing your own vegetables is a very satisfying, eco-friendly, and money-saving venture. So why not try it? Perhaps you are limited in space, or don't have the tools to break up the ground for a garden, or the sunny spots on your property do not correspond with the best soil. A vegetable box can help remedy these problems and give you fresh produce.
While you can make your planter any size, or even make a series of small ones, if you are going to grow vegetables it will need to be at least 8 inches deep. Here is how to build a basic vegetable planter that is 6' x 2'.
What you'll need:
1. Four pieces of lumber, 6 feet long, 4 inches wide, and 2 inches thick (6-foot long 2x4)
2. Four pieces of lumber, 2 feet long, 4 inches wide, and 2 inches thick (3-foot long 2x4)
3. Four pieces of lumber, 8 inches long, 4 inches wide, and 4 inches thick (8-inch long 4x4)
4. Galvanized nails or screws, at least 4 inches long
5. Power drill (if using screws)
6. Hammer (if using nails)
7. Shovel or tiller
8. 8 bricks
Directions:
1. Lay two of your long pieces of lumber on the ground (you don't have to build the box where you will be using it- you can build it on your driveway, patio, garage, etc. and then transport it). Make sure the two pieces of lumber are flush all along their lengths and sides.
2. Using the screws or nails, attach two of the 8-inch 4x4 pieces of lumber to the short ends of the long pieces of lumber, one 8-inch piece per short end.
3. Repeat step 2 with the remaining two 6-foot pieces of lumber and two 8-inch 4x4 pieces.
4. Turn these long pieces on their sides, like two walls. Position them 2 feet apart.
5. Using the nails or screws, attach one of the 2-foot pieces of lumber across the bottom ends of the long boards, nailing/screwing it into the 4x4 pieces.
6. Repeat step 5 with another 2-foot piece of lumber on the other lower end of the long boards.
7. Attach the remaining two 2-foot pieces of lumber to each end of the box, this time on the upper ends of the long boards, flush with the other 2-foot pieces.
Now you should have a long box consisting of two pieces of lumber per side.
8. Using a shovel or tiller, clear the vegetation from a sunny, 6-foot by 3-foot area (unless you don't mind picking out a lot of weeds that will make their way up through the soil!).
9. Position your planter box over the now-bare earth.
10. Position the bricks along the four corners of the box to stabilize it.
11. Fill box with garden soil and plant your vegetables. Check with local construction companies or builders who may be willing to give you "fill dirt" or topsoil at a good price (or even free if you haul it yourself).
About the Publisher: Earl Williams is a real entrepreneur who is making money with his online marketing business using some of the largest Affiliate programs on the Internet. He uses the affiliate programs to setup Affiliateminimall.com where you can fine discount shopping along with great coupon deals. To learn more visit: www.affiliateminimall.com
Eco-Friendly Lawn Tips
Publisher: Earl Williams
The Affiliate Mini Mall
The green American lawn, with its well-groomed, square patch of grass, can come at an environmental price. Because a lawn that is nothing but grass (all clipped to a uniform length) is a rather unnatural thing, achieving it often means the use of gas-powered machines, pesticides, and weed killers. You can achieve a beautiful lawn, however, without damaging the environment. Here are some tips for caring for your lawn in an eco-friendly way.
1. Use a rain barrel. These handy containers are not hard to hook up - just attach one to your downspout - and you will have gallons of free rainwater to maintain your lawn. A rain barrel will fill up astonishingly fast.
2. Invest in a reel mower. Gasoline-powered lawn mowers are not only noisy; they pollute and, of course, they use fossil fuel. Reel mowers are powered by human muscle, so you'll get a good workout and a nice lawn. Your neighbors will appreciate the quiet, too. When you do mow, keep the grass clippings on the lawn. They act as mulch, reducing the need for water.
3. Do more things manually. Americans are trying to get in shape by joining health clubs, but you can work off a lot of calories by raking, sweeping, and clipping by hand. And you will use much less fossil fuel and electricity that way.
4. Think beyond grass. If you have to make a lot of artificial adjustments to grow grass, maybe grass isn't the right lawn plant for you. Clover, moss, and other interesting plants - particularly native plants - make excellent and beautiful lawn cover. If you plant the right herbage for your area, it will be much easier to maintain, too. Investing in native plants is one way to cut down on invasive species that can dominate and destroy local ecosystems.
5. Consider planting a garden, especially an informal, "English" garden that is meant to look a bit unkempt. You could also be even more eco-friendly and plant a vegetable garden where your lawn used to be.
6. Re-think the weed. Do you battle dandelions, ground ivy, clover, plantain, or other plants considered "weeds"? Take a moment and research some of these tenacious plants and you will probably be impressed with their usefulness.
Plantain, for example, makes a superior treatment for insect bites; dandelions have edible, nutritious greens and beautiful, fragrant flowers that can be used to make wine. Dandelion roots can even be roasted, ground, and drunk like coffee. Once you learn some of the uses for these plants, you may find yourself treasuring them rather than trying to eradicate them!
7. Use natural pesticides and herbicides if you feel the need to eradicate pests or certain weeds. These are generally available even in mainstream garden centers, or you can make your own. More gardening tips…
About the Publisher: Earl Williams is a real entrepreneur who is making money with his online marketing business using some of the largest Affiliate programs on the Internet. He uses the affiliate programs to setup Affiliateminimall.com where you can fine discount shopping along with great coupon deals. To learn more visit: www.affiliateminimall.com
The Affiliate Mini Mall
The green American lawn, with its well-groomed, square patch of grass, can come at an environmental price. Because a lawn that is nothing but grass (all clipped to a uniform length) is a rather unnatural thing, achieving it often means the use of gas-powered machines, pesticides, and weed killers. You can achieve a beautiful lawn, however, without damaging the environment. Here are some tips for caring for your lawn in an eco-friendly way.
1. Use a rain barrel. These handy containers are not hard to hook up - just attach one to your downspout - and you will have gallons of free rainwater to maintain your lawn. A rain barrel will fill up astonishingly fast.
2. Invest in a reel mower. Gasoline-powered lawn mowers are not only noisy; they pollute and, of course, they use fossil fuel. Reel mowers are powered by human muscle, so you'll get a good workout and a nice lawn. Your neighbors will appreciate the quiet, too. When you do mow, keep the grass clippings on the lawn. They act as mulch, reducing the need for water.
3. Do more things manually. Americans are trying to get in shape by joining health clubs, but you can work off a lot of calories by raking, sweeping, and clipping by hand. And you will use much less fossil fuel and electricity that way.
4. Think beyond grass. If you have to make a lot of artificial adjustments to grow grass, maybe grass isn't the right lawn plant for you. Clover, moss, and other interesting plants - particularly native plants - make excellent and beautiful lawn cover. If you plant the right herbage for your area, it will be much easier to maintain, too. Investing in native plants is one way to cut down on invasive species that can dominate and destroy local ecosystems.
5. Consider planting a garden, especially an informal, "English" garden that is meant to look a bit unkempt. You could also be even more eco-friendly and plant a vegetable garden where your lawn used to be.
6. Re-think the weed. Do you battle dandelions, ground ivy, clover, plantain, or other plants considered "weeds"? Take a moment and research some of these tenacious plants and you will probably be impressed with their usefulness.
Plantain, for example, makes a superior treatment for insect bites; dandelions have edible, nutritious greens and beautiful, fragrant flowers that can be used to make wine. Dandelion roots can even be roasted, ground, and drunk like coffee. Once you learn some of the uses for these plants, you may find yourself treasuring them rather than trying to eradicate them!
7. Use natural pesticides and herbicides if you feel the need to eradicate pests or certain weeds. These are generally available even in mainstream garden centers, or you can make your own. More gardening tips…
About the Publisher: Earl Williams is a real entrepreneur who is making money with his online marketing business using some of the largest Affiliate programs on the Internet. He uses the affiliate programs to setup Affiliateminimall.com where you can fine discount shopping along with great coupon deals. To learn more visit: www.affiliateminimall.com
Natural Sea Salt Versus Table Salt
Publisher: Earl Williams
The Affiliate Mini Mall
You may have heard sea salt touted as a more healthful alternative to table salt, or maybe you've seen it used by gourmet chefs and in restaurants. But is there really a difference between common table salt and natural sea salt? Is sea salt healthier?
There are most definitely differences, and many would argue that sea salt is healthier due to the minimal processing and lack of refinement it undergoes. Others maintain that the only difference is taste, or that sea salt is not healthier due to potentially polluted ocean waters. Let's take a look at some of the claims and real differences between these two kinds of salt.
Sodium Chloride
Sodium chloride is sodium chloride, and most people associate the term "salt" with this chemical compound. While both sea and table salts contain sodium chloride, table salt contains no other minerals. Table salt does, however, usually have anti-caking agents such as calcium silicate or silicon dioxide (sand) added to it, as well as dextrose (sugar), and iodine.
Sea salt does not have anything added to it, but it naturally contains varying amounts of trace minerals and other constituents.
Origins of Sea Salt and Table Salt
Sea salt is obtained by simply evaporating seawater; once the water is gone, the salty deposits are left behind and bottled for sale. Table salt, on the other hand, is mined from underground, and is "purified" by heat blasting or chemical treatments to contain only sodium chloride before the typical additives (noted above) are added. There are concerns that the ocean water used to make sea salt may contain impurities.
Balancing Components
Excessive intake of sodium chloride can cause health problems, but it is worth noting that sea salt has some constituents that may help balance out any harmful effects from the sodium chloride it contains. For example, excessive sodium chloride consumption can lead to inhibited calcium absorption by increasing the secretion of calcium in the urine.
This implicates excessive sodium chloride intake as a causal factor in osteoporosis and other calcium-deficient disorders. But sea salt actually contains calcium and magnesium, helping to replace whatever of those minerals may be lost through urination. And the magnesium sea salt contains promotes calcium absorption.
Flavor
Many people claim that there is a distinctive difference in the taste of sea salt compared to table salt. Recipes, in fact, have been known to turn out "too salty" when common table salt was used instead of the sea salt called for in the recipe. This is probably due to the fact that sea salt contains minerals that do not taste salty (calcium, magnesium, iron, etc.) as well as the one that does (sodium chloride).
Many people simply choose sea salt because they prefer to eat foods that are less refined on principle. Still others may choose table salt because they know how it "measures" in recipes, or to be sure they obtain enough iodine. Those who choose sea salt may obtain iodine through other dietary means, or by taking kelp tablets.
About the Publisher: Earl Williams is a real entrepreneur who is making money with his online marketing business using some of the largest Affiliate programs on the Internet. He uses the affiliate programs to setup Affiliateminimall.com where you can fine discount shopping along with great coupon deals. To learn more visit: www.affiliateminimall.com
The Affiliate Mini Mall
You may have heard sea salt touted as a more healthful alternative to table salt, or maybe you've seen it used by gourmet chefs and in restaurants. But is there really a difference between common table salt and natural sea salt? Is sea salt healthier?
There are most definitely differences, and many would argue that sea salt is healthier due to the minimal processing and lack of refinement it undergoes. Others maintain that the only difference is taste, or that sea salt is not healthier due to potentially polluted ocean waters. Let's take a look at some of the claims and real differences between these two kinds of salt.
Sodium Chloride
Sodium chloride is sodium chloride, and most people associate the term "salt" with this chemical compound. While both sea and table salts contain sodium chloride, table salt contains no other minerals. Table salt does, however, usually have anti-caking agents such as calcium silicate or silicon dioxide (sand) added to it, as well as dextrose (sugar), and iodine.
Sea salt does not have anything added to it, but it naturally contains varying amounts of trace minerals and other constituents.
Origins of Sea Salt and Table Salt
Sea salt is obtained by simply evaporating seawater; once the water is gone, the salty deposits are left behind and bottled for sale. Table salt, on the other hand, is mined from underground, and is "purified" by heat blasting or chemical treatments to contain only sodium chloride before the typical additives (noted above) are added. There are concerns that the ocean water used to make sea salt may contain impurities.
Balancing Components
Excessive intake of sodium chloride can cause health problems, but it is worth noting that sea salt has some constituents that may help balance out any harmful effects from the sodium chloride it contains. For example, excessive sodium chloride consumption can lead to inhibited calcium absorption by increasing the secretion of calcium in the urine.
This implicates excessive sodium chloride intake as a causal factor in osteoporosis and other calcium-deficient disorders. But sea salt actually contains calcium and magnesium, helping to replace whatever of those minerals may be lost through urination. And the magnesium sea salt contains promotes calcium absorption.
Flavor
Many people claim that there is a distinctive difference in the taste of sea salt compared to table salt. Recipes, in fact, have been known to turn out "too salty" when common table salt was used instead of the sea salt called for in the recipe. This is probably due to the fact that sea salt contains minerals that do not taste salty (calcium, magnesium, iron, etc.) as well as the one that does (sodium chloride).
Many people simply choose sea salt because they prefer to eat foods that are less refined on principle. Still others may choose table salt because they know how it "measures" in recipes, or to be sure they obtain enough iodine. Those who choose sea salt may obtain iodine through other dietary means, or by taking kelp tablets.
About the Publisher: Earl Williams is a real entrepreneur who is making money with his online marketing business using some of the largest Affiliate programs on the Internet. He uses the affiliate programs to setup Affiliateminimall.com where you can fine discount shopping along with great coupon deals. To learn more visit: www.affiliateminimall.com
Vegetarian Easter Feast
Publisher: Earl Williams
The Affiliate Mini Mall
Normally, the vegetable dishes at an Easter feast are the sidelights. Make them the main attraction in your vegetarian Easter meal with these recipe ideas.
1. Braided Greek Easter Bread (makes 2 loaves.
Ingredients:
* 2 packages active dry yeast
* 9 cups unbleached, all-purpose flour
* 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
* 8 tablespoons melted, cooled butter
* 5 eggs
* 1 egg lightly beaten
* 1-teaspoon salt
* 1 tablespoon orange zest
* 1 tablespoon lemon zest
* 2 hardboiled eggs, dyed red
* 2 tablespoons black cumin seeds or poppy seeds
* 2 cups warm milk
Stir yeast and warm milk together in a large bowl until yeast is dissolved. Add 1-cup flour and 1 1/2 cup sugar, stir, cover, and set aside for 1 hour. Then, stir in 1/2-cup water and add the butter and 5 eggs. Stir thoroughly. Combine the remaining 8 cups of flour and salt, and sift into the dough. Add the zests, working them in with a wooden spoon.
Turn out onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, adding flour as needed. Then let dough rise in a covered, oiled bowl until doubled in bulk (about 2 hours). Then, divide dough into 6 parts of uniform size and roll into ropes about 15 inches long.
Braid 3 strips together, turning the ends under when finished. Repeat with the other 3 strips. At the end of each braid, press one of the dyed eggs. Lay braids on a greased cookie sheet, cover, and let rise again for about an hour. Brush each loaf with beaten egg and sprinkle with cumin or poppy seeds. Bake at 350 for 40-50 minutes.
2. Meatless Meatballs
Serve this tangy, savory vegetarian “meat” -balls in the middle of your meal as a main course.
Mix the following in a bowl:
* 3/4-cup ground walnuts
* 1 1/4 cup crushed soda crackers
* 4 eggs
* 3 1/2 cups grated cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack)
* 1 small onion, minced
* 1 1/2 teaspoons sage
* 1/2-teaspoon salt
* 3 tablespoons fresh parsley flakes, or 1 1/2 tablespoons dried
* 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
Form into 1" balls and place in a single layer in a baking dish.
Sauce:
In a saucepan, combine:
* 3/4 cup apricot jam
* 1/4 cup lemon juice
* 1/4-cup oil (such as safflower, canola or olive)
* 1/2-cup ketchup
* 2 tablespoons grated onion
* 2 tablespoons oregano
* 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Bring to a boil and pour over "meat"-balls. Bake at 350 for 1/2 hour.
3. Beans and Greens
Your meal has to have something green! Here is a recipe for greens that is nutritious and quick.
Ingredients:
* Olive oil
* 2 minced garlic cloves
* 2 bunches of greens such as kale, chard, and/or turnip greens
* 2 bunches of broccolini
* 1-teaspoon red pepper flakes
* 1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes
* 1 15-ounce can of cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Prepare greens by removing the stems and tearing into pieces. Trim the florets from the broccolini. Heat oil in a large skillet and add the garlic. Sauté for a minute or so, then add the greens, broccolini and red pepper flakes. Add salt to taste, then remove mixture from the skillet and keep warm.
Add some more olive oil to the skillet and sauté the tomatoes about 5 minutes, or until the skins brown and split. Stir in the beans and heat through. Serve the bean mixture over the greens, topping with the cheese.
About the Publisher: Earl Williams is a real entrepreneur who is making money with his online marketing business using some of the largest Affiliate programs on the Internet. He uses the affiliate programs to setup Affiliateminimall.com where you can fine discount shopping along with great coupon deals. To learn more visit: www.affiliateminimall.com
The Affiliate Mini Mall
Normally, the vegetable dishes at an Easter feast are the sidelights. Make them the main attraction in your vegetarian Easter meal with these recipe ideas.
1. Braided Greek Easter Bread (makes 2 loaves.
Ingredients:
* 2 packages active dry yeast
* 9 cups unbleached, all-purpose flour
* 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
* 8 tablespoons melted, cooled butter
* 5 eggs
* 1 egg lightly beaten
* 1-teaspoon salt
* 1 tablespoon orange zest
* 1 tablespoon lemon zest
* 2 hardboiled eggs, dyed red
* 2 tablespoons black cumin seeds or poppy seeds
* 2 cups warm milk
Stir yeast and warm milk together in a large bowl until yeast is dissolved. Add 1-cup flour and 1 1/2 cup sugar, stir, cover, and set aside for 1 hour. Then, stir in 1/2-cup water and add the butter and 5 eggs. Stir thoroughly. Combine the remaining 8 cups of flour and salt, and sift into the dough. Add the zests, working them in with a wooden spoon.
Turn out onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, adding flour as needed. Then let dough rise in a covered, oiled bowl until doubled in bulk (about 2 hours). Then, divide dough into 6 parts of uniform size and roll into ropes about 15 inches long.
Braid 3 strips together, turning the ends under when finished. Repeat with the other 3 strips. At the end of each braid, press one of the dyed eggs. Lay braids on a greased cookie sheet, cover, and let rise again for about an hour. Brush each loaf with beaten egg and sprinkle with cumin or poppy seeds. Bake at 350 for 40-50 minutes.
2. Meatless Meatballs
Serve this tangy, savory vegetarian “meat” -balls in the middle of your meal as a main course.
Mix the following in a bowl:
* 3/4-cup ground walnuts
* 1 1/4 cup crushed soda crackers
* 4 eggs
* 3 1/2 cups grated cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack)
* 1 small onion, minced
* 1 1/2 teaspoons sage
* 1/2-teaspoon salt
* 3 tablespoons fresh parsley flakes, or 1 1/2 tablespoons dried
* 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
Form into 1" balls and place in a single layer in a baking dish.
Sauce:
In a saucepan, combine:
* 3/4 cup apricot jam
* 1/4 cup lemon juice
* 1/4-cup oil (such as safflower, canola or olive)
* 1/2-cup ketchup
* 2 tablespoons grated onion
* 2 tablespoons oregano
* 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Bring to a boil and pour over "meat"-balls. Bake at 350 for 1/2 hour.
3. Beans and Greens
Your meal has to have something green! Here is a recipe for greens that is nutritious and quick.
Ingredients:
* Olive oil
* 2 minced garlic cloves
* 2 bunches of greens such as kale, chard, and/or turnip greens
* 2 bunches of broccolini
* 1-teaspoon red pepper flakes
* 1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes
* 1 15-ounce can of cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Prepare greens by removing the stems and tearing into pieces. Trim the florets from the broccolini. Heat oil in a large skillet and add the garlic. Sauté for a minute or so, then add the greens, broccolini and red pepper flakes. Add salt to taste, then remove mixture from the skillet and keep warm.
Add some more olive oil to the skillet and sauté the tomatoes about 5 minutes, or until the skins brown and split. Stir in the beans and heat through. Serve the bean mixture over the greens, topping with the cheese.
About the Publisher: Earl Williams is a real entrepreneur who is making money with his online marketing business using some of the largest Affiliate programs on the Internet. He uses the affiliate programs to setup Affiliateminimall.com where you can fine discount shopping along with great coupon deals. To learn more visit: www.affiliateminimall.com
Top Green Gardening Tips
Publisher: Earl Williams
The Affiliate Mini Mall
While gardening itself is a "green" activity, there are ways to make it an even more eco-friendly experience. Sometimes, gardening deviates from the natural and enters the realm of the harmful. For example, some gardeners use chemical fertilizers without even realizing it, and weed killers and pesticides can be a part of even the smallest garden. So here are some tips to make your gardening ventures greener.
Compost
Perhaps the simplest and most basic thing you can do to begin the greening of your gardening efforts is to start a compost pile. You can actually make compost indoors under the right conditions - indoor compost bins are available, with or without worms. You can recycle your kitchen scraps into compost by tossing them into your outdoor pile or bin. Once it's broken down, this compost will serve as a natural fertilizer for your garden.
Natural Pest Control
It is tempting to shoot those pesky bugs with some commercial poison from your local garden center. But before you reach for the synthetic pesticide, consider some natural alternatives.
* Natural pesticides are available commercially and are often found on the same shelves as the synthetic versions, so read labels carefully. Natural pesticides are usually soap-based or made from other natural, biodegradable substances. They usually work mechanically, not chemically.
Insecticidal soaps are usually derived from oils (saponified vegetable oil is the greenest choice). Diatomaceous earth is another example of a natural pesticide. This fine powder is made from fossilized diatoms and works by "drying up" insects, snails and slugs. Neem oil is a natural insect repellent, and is found in certain commercially available, natural pesticides.
* Homemade pesticides are inexpensive and quite effective. You can make your own insecticidal soap using a tablespoon of natural, biodegradable dish soap to one gallon of water. You can also purchase neem oil and use it in your homemade insect sprays.
* Arrange plants for natural insect repellents. For example, basil repels aphids, so plant it near tomatoes. Garlic bulbs planted around tomatoes and fruit trees can repel pests.
Go Native
Native plants have more natural disease and pest resistance, therefore requiring less chemical intervention in the form of fungicides, pesticides, or weed killers.
Eco-friendly Containers
There are pots and planters available that are made from recycled materials, such as rice hulls or scraps of glass. You can also recycle containers that your find around your home by converting them to planters. Consider unusual items such as old cooking pots, teapots, baskets, dishpans, and even milk jugs. Glass containers can be used to make terrariums.
These are just a few tips to help assure that the garden will always be greener on your side of the fence.
About the Publisher: Earl Williams is a real entrepreneur who is making money with his online marketing business using some of the largest Affiliate programs on the Internet. He uses the affiliate programs to setup Affiliateminimall.com where you can fine discount shopping along with great coupon deals. To learn more visit: www.affiliateminimall.com
The Affiliate Mini Mall
While gardening itself is a "green" activity, there are ways to make it an even more eco-friendly experience. Sometimes, gardening deviates from the natural and enters the realm of the harmful. For example, some gardeners use chemical fertilizers without even realizing it, and weed killers and pesticides can be a part of even the smallest garden. So here are some tips to make your gardening ventures greener.
Compost
Perhaps the simplest and most basic thing you can do to begin the greening of your gardening efforts is to start a compost pile. You can actually make compost indoors under the right conditions - indoor compost bins are available, with or without worms. You can recycle your kitchen scraps into compost by tossing them into your outdoor pile or bin. Once it's broken down, this compost will serve as a natural fertilizer for your garden.
Natural Pest Control
It is tempting to shoot those pesky bugs with some commercial poison from your local garden center. But before you reach for the synthetic pesticide, consider some natural alternatives.
* Natural pesticides are available commercially and are often found on the same shelves as the synthetic versions, so read labels carefully. Natural pesticides are usually soap-based or made from other natural, biodegradable substances. They usually work mechanically, not chemically.
Insecticidal soaps are usually derived from oils (saponified vegetable oil is the greenest choice). Diatomaceous earth is another example of a natural pesticide. This fine powder is made from fossilized diatoms and works by "drying up" insects, snails and slugs. Neem oil is a natural insect repellent, and is found in certain commercially available, natural pesticides.
* Homemade pesticides are inexpensive and quite effective. You can make your own insecticidal soap using a tablespoon of natural, biodegradable dish soap to one gallon of water. You can also purchase neem oil and use it in your homemade insect sprays.
* Arrange plants for natural insect repellents. For example, basil repels aphids, so plant it near tomatoes. Garlic bulbs planted around tomatoes and fruit trees can repel pests.
Go Native
Native plants have more natural disease and pest resistance, therefore requiring less chemical intervention in the form of fungicides, pesticides, or weed killers.
Eco-friendly Containers
There are pots and planters available that are made from recycled materials, such as rice hulls or scraps of glass. You can also recycle containers that your find around your home by converting them to planters. Consider unusual items such as old cooking pots, teapots, baskets, dishpans, and even milk jugs. Glass containers can be used to make terrariums.
These are just a few tips to help assure that the garden will always be greener on your side of the fence.
About the Publisher: Earl Williams is a real entrepreneur who is making money with his online marketing business using some of the largest Affiliate programs on the Internet. He uses the affiliate programs to setup Affiliateminimall.com where you can fine discount shopping along with great coupon deals. To learn more visit: www.affiliateminimall.com
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