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What is ‘Earthing’ and Why Are People Going Nuts Over It?

As humans, we seem to intuitively know that spending time outside is good for body and soul. In addition to the vitamin D benefits of sunlight, theres just something about being outside that feels good. We might not always be able to put our finger on why, exactly, the great outdoors is good for us, but we know it to be true: In fact, a recent study estimated that an abundant urban tree population would reduce national healthcare spending to the tune of $6.8 million, as a result of better air quality, decreases in stress and other health factors.

A new group of scientists has recently started looking into the health benefits of direct contact with the earththings like walking barefoot on the grass, sitting against a tree and lying on a warm, sandy beach. This practice of direct contact has been termed earthing, and a number of health and wellness gurus are beginning to advocate for it.

The Theory Behind Earthing

The idea on which earthing is based states that the earth emits a certain type of energy that can reduce inflammation, calm stress and improve health overall. Without making direct contact with the ground, say proponents, we dont get these benefits, leaving us feeling sluggish and generally causing ill health.

Think of it perhaps as vitamin GG for ground, states Earthing.com. What does that mean to you? Maybe the difference between feeling good and not so good, of having little or a lot of energy, or sleeping well or not so well.

This may sound extremely woo-woo, but in fact, there is some research to support this. One study published by scientists at the University of California, Irvine, found that just one hour of earthing decreased markers of inflammation and improved blood flow. Another study confirmed these findings, and also added that earthing seemed to improve immune response, increase wound healing factors and lessen the effects of autoimmune diseases. The idea of some special electric current running through the ground may be a little far-fetched, but there’s little doubt that the effects of nature can reduce stress and therefore improve health.

ElectronicEarthing Products

So, its hard to argue with the idea of grass beneath your feet being bad for you, but do you really need technology to experience the benefits of earthing? This is where the line gets blurry.

Companies such as Earthing.com sell products that you can place under your feet (for while youre at the computer or in front of the TV) or under your bed (for while youre sleeping) that supposedly get energy from the ground outside your home, allowing you to earth while youre inside partaking of your daily activities. The argument is that these earthing pads give you the same energy charge that youd get from making direct contact with the ground outside.

The Bottom Line

Its hard to see how people would buy into the idea of synthetic earthing pads when they could just go outside. But strange products aside, the prospect of spending more time in direct contact with the grass, dirt or sand is certainly an attractive one. And if sitting against a tree, eating an apple and reading a book is good for you, theres really no downside. Time spent outside is always valuable.

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

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What is ‘Earthing’ and Why Are People Going Nuts Over It?

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How to Get Rid of Hard Water Stains the Natural Way

Hard water brings with it a lot of problems, including unattractive rings around your toilet bowl. Hard water is simply H20 that contains high concentrations of minerals such as magnesium and calcium, but it leaves behind ugly brown stains on toilets and other bathroom appliances when the water inevitably evaporates into the air.

The minerals left behind by hard water may leave ugly stains in your WC, but theyre not inherently dirty. That said, you probably want to get rid of them as best you can if you want to maintain a pretty, clean-looking bathroom.

Unfortunately, most of the cleaning agents meant to attack this problem are harmful to the environment. If you like to use nontoxic products in your home, here are some tips for getting rid of hard water stains.

Step 1: Buy the Right Products

Vinegar is by far the most tried-and-true natural product for getting rid of hard water stains. Home bloggers like Jen of The Thrifty Home swear by it, as it is both completely nontoxic and packed with heavy-duty cleaning powers.

Of course, you also have other options. Something acidic, like lime juice, lemon juice or, according to the environmental blog Grist, even Coca-Cola (gross, right?) could also do the trick.

Step 2: Soak the Area in Your Cleaning Solution

Whatever product you chose, now its time to apply it to your hard water stains. If its the toilet youre concerned about, youre going to want to turn off the water valve and scoop all water out of the toilet bowl, Grist says. Fill the bowl with your cleaning solution so that it covers the stains.

If youre concerned about stains around your faucet or in your bathtub, youll want to soak some paper towels in your cleaning solution. Place the sopping wet towels directly on all spots that you want to dissolve.

Youre going to want to let the cleaning solution sit for a whilemaybe even overnight, depending on how bad the stains have become.

Step 3: Scrub

Finally, its time to get your hands dirty! Scrub away at the stains with a sturdy brush until theyre gone. Grist also recommends using a pumice stone on really hard-to-clean spots. Just make sure that if you go this route, youve brought the water level back up around the area. This will ensure you dont scratch the surface of your appliances.

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

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How to Get Rid of Hard Water Stains the Natural Way

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Use These 5 Labels to Buy Non-Toxic, Healthier, Greener Products

When you go shopping, how do you know what products won’t make you sick or trash the planet? It’s pretty confusing, since so many companies use words like “natural” or “safe” or “green,” even though these descriptions don’t actually mean anything.

Fortunately, independent organizations are setting standards that motivate companies to eliminate use of toxic chemicals in their manufacturing process. Companies that meet the standards earn the right to put a label on their packaging signifying the product is safe to use.

Here are five labels you can look for that will help you stay safe when you shop.

MADESAFEMADESAFEscreens products for endocrine disruptors, BPA, phthalates, developmental toxins, heavy metals, fire retardants, pesticides, herbicides, toxic solvents, harmful volatile organic compounds and GMOs. It plans to screen cosmetics, home goods, personal care items, condoms and mattresses for starters. Virtually any consumer product can be evaluated to determine that goods are made entirely from ingredients that are not known or suspected to harm human health. Once a product achieves MADESAFE designation, it can go through a lab testing process to ensure that it is truly non-toxic. MADESAFE examines products already on store shelves, but also provides guidelines to companies as they are formulating new products.

GreenScreen for Safer ChemicalsGreenScreen offers a tool to identify known chemicals “of high concern to human health and the environment.” The GreenScreen List Translator ranks chemicals based on over 40 hazard lists developed by national and international scientific organizations as well as non-profit research institutes. It’s particularly useful to help companies identify which chemicals they need to phase out of their products. Right now, GreenScreen is being use by software manufacturers, electronics manufacturers and textile and apparel companies like Nike.

GreenSeal – This independent non-profit organization has developed a certification process to ensure that a product meets meaningful performance, health and environmental criteria. Manufacturers use it to help eliminate toxic chemicals in their products. Consumers can look for the seal on household cleaners, carpet cleaners, construction materials, paints and coatings, printing and writing paper, hand soaps and cleaners, even paper towels, napkins and tissue paper. Hotels and restaurants may be Green Seal-certified as well. Some GreenSeal certified cleaning products you might recognize include Green4Kleen, Natures Solution, Sustainable Earth by Staples Glass Cleaner and Rhino Pet Stain and Odor Remover.

EWG Verified – Environmental Working Group has been a pioneer in raising awareness about toxic ingredients in personal care products. Their new label verifies that products do not contain ingredients on the group’s “unacceptable” list, which they describe as meaning ingredients that post health, ecotoxicity and/or contamination concerns. Products must fully disclose all ingredients on their label, including ingredients used in fragrance. EWG Verified products must also follow the European Union’s labeling guidelines for nanomaterials used in cosmetics. Among the companies that are EWG Verified are Beauty Counter cosmetics, MyChelle Dermaceuticals, Rejuva Minerals and Jouve serum.

Campaign for Safe Cosmetics – The Campaign doesn’t have a label per se. However, it’s compiled a comprehensive database you can refer to whenever you’re buying make-up or nail polish. Start by reviewing the groups list of Chemicals of Concern. Then download their tips on ingredients to avoid in conditioner, lipstick, hair dye, fragrance, sunscreen, skin lighteners, moisturizer and nail polish.

Related
How to Make a Non-Toxic Cleaning Kit
6 Weird Ingredients in Your Makeup
5 Powerful Skincare Products in Your Kitchen

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

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Use These 5 Labels to Buy Non-Toxic, Healthier, Greener Products

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Why New York & Other States Are Worried About Your Face Wash

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Why New York & Other States Are Worried About Your Face Wash

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Seventh Generation Products – Natural Dish Liquid Soap, Nontoxic, 25 oz., Free/Clear – Sold as 1 EA – Natural Dish Liquid Soap is tough on grease while being gentle on your hands and the earth. Nontoxic, biodegradable, hypoallergenic formula is free of petroleum-based cleaners and phosphates. Kosher-certified dish liquid soap is not tested on animals.

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Presto Products GKL0951-6 Geobin Composting System

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July 30: Try Out 1,000 Green Products for Free

This seven-piece vegan brush set from Christopher Drummond is one of the 1,000 products available for free on July 30. Image: Courtesy of John Paul Selects

On July 30, 1,000 sustainable and eco-friendly products will be given away free via JohnPaulSelects.com. The website, founded by Paul Mitchell Systems and Patron Spirits Co-Founder John Paul DeJoria, helps visitors identify and purchase sustainable products based on various attributes, such as the use of recycled materials, philanthropic benefits or animal-friendly ingredients or practices.

DeJoria decided to host the giveaway to celebrate his receipt of “The Visionary Award” from the Green Business Bureau (GBB) earlier this month.

“We wanted a way to commemorate our winning the award and to show appreciation to the community for supporting us. This also allows people to test out some products they might be interested in,” he said.

In a blog post, the GBB  stated that DeJoria received the award because he is considered “a perfect role model for our thousands of members who work hard every day to develop their companies and serve their communities.”

Products available via the giveaway range from vegan makeup brushes and rain boots to bamboo toothbrushes and nail polish and are available for free on a first-come, first-served basis.

John Paul Selects works to “to attract, inspire and educate the human spirit on behalf of the best emerging sustainable brands and eco-conscious entrepreneurs who are striving to make a difference, both socially and environmentally.” The website aims to make finding quality, eco-friendly products easier by vetting them in advance using six criteria and also excluding those that contain ingredients or use practices that do not meet the organization’s standards.

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July 30: Try Out 1,000 Green Products for Free

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