March 2013

Better Cafeterias

Although most schools nationwide can improve their marks for serving healthy lunches, several states surpassed federal guidelines in 2012.

Dishpan Plants

“Gray water” from household sinks, washing machines and showers could provide a new, low-cost source of irrigation for landscape plants that reduces their need for fertilizer.

Windy Woes

Wind power comprises a third of all new electric capacity and creates freedom from coal or oil—but it generates its own carbon footprint that needs examining.

Food Feelings

A new study suggests the mood in a restaurant can help diners enjoy their meals more while eating less.

Toilet to Table

Using sewage sludge as fertilizer on the land that grows our food and feeds our livestock is legal, but critics question the safety of the practice. Here’s what consumers need to know.

Superior Soil

The Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan aims to become 100 percent organic, phasing out artificial chemicals in farming during the next 10 years.

School Safeguard

Adult chaperones in a bike train ride a predetermined route, adding children along the way, to make it safer for kids to get to school. Try these DIY tips in your own neighborhood.

Coyote Ugly

Stray dogs and feral cats in our cities may be supplanted by raccoons, foxes and coyotes if current trends continue.

Yogurt Hinders Hypertension

Benefits of this Cultured Food

Drinks Tied to Tooth Trouble

Pass on the Sports Beverages

Dining App for Special-Needs Diets

Useful Tool for Those with Dietary Restrictions

Why We Might Need More Vitamin C

Reason to Increase Your Daily Dose

Bad Fats Are Brain-Busters

Linked to Memory Loss

Not So Nice Rice

Dangerous Contaminants Found in this Diet Staple

Battle of the Bulge

Alarming Number of Children Overweight

Beyond Cholesterol

High levels are linked to the narrowing of arteries and impaired blood flow associated with cardiovascular disease and may influence erectile dysfunction and metabolic syndrome, as well. Learn natural ways to lower worrisome levels.

Fitness Myths Debunked

Despite rising rates of obesity, heart disease, diabetes and other chronic illnesses, at least a third of Americans don’t exercise at all—perhaps partly due to these persistent fitness myths.

The Better Brain Diet

Many brain health experts are now focusing on food as a critical defense against dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. Promising clinical trials suggest that nutritional changes may stave off cognitive impairment.

Feeding Ourselves Well

As a way to feed ourselves well, urban gardening is taking root. A new crop of farmers defies stereotypes as millions of Americans now participate in growing mainstay foods.

Recycling Everyday Refuse

Ever wonder what happens after your blue bin is emptied? All that recyclable plastic, aluminum, glass, paper and cardboard helps the environment, because it reduces landfill—but it’s also transformed and repurposed for a second, useful life.

The Healing Power of Silence

Lifelong mystic, self-awareness teacher and author Robert Rabbin explores Silence as a way of knowing and being, of pure life.

Walking the Talk

Actress Marlane Barnes, who supports the nonprofit Best Friends Animal Society and serves as national spokesperson for Spay First, also walks her talk as a foster owner for several rescue dogs. Here, she explains fostering programs and discusses how caring people can help.

Six Powerhouse Foods for Kids

With Palate-Pleasing Tips

Nearly a third of American kids and teens today are overweight and thus at greater risk for Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The good news is that it’s never too late to introduce healthy foods to a child.

Holistic is Best

If a beloved companion appears to be sick, a wise course of action is to see a holistic vet early, for nutritional support and natural therapies.