Rain Barrels Are Illegal in These States (Crazy Right?)
You can buy a rain barrel in almost any home-gardening store, but if you live in Colorado, using it will turn you into an outlaw. As climate change accelerates, other states could be looking into restricting who owns the water that falls out of the sky, even onto your roof. Collecting rainwater is an old idea that goes back as...
Terrific Terriers — the Joys of Earthdogs
The word “terrier” means “earthdog,” and these brave, tenacious dogs — many of them originating from the British Isles — were bred to hunt and kill vermin on farms. Terriers aren’t the right dogs for everyone, but if you appreciate a bold, bright canine that is always on the go, it’s a match made in heaven. Because terriers are so...
Replace Your Multivitamin and Fix a Hangover with Cucumbers
What do you think about cucumber? For most people, cucumber is a veggie (although technically a fruit) that is placed as an afterthought in salads and cold side dishes. I must admit, even I don't pass by them in the grocery store and say, "Wow, let’s get one of those amazing cucumbers!" After learning a few things about cucumbers...
How to Shovel Snow Safely
According to Harvard Medical School, shoveling snow is surprisingly dangerous. Researchers state that shoveling snow accounts for over 100 fatalities each year and thousands of injuries. But how can a simple household task result in such tragedy? Harvard Health researchers explain that the risk of injury while shoveling snow is the result of several combined factors. Shoveling snow is harder...
Sugar Tax Gains Momentum in 2016
Obesity is on the rise in many nations around the world, and we all know by now that sugar is a major culprit. This year, more and more nations are joining the public health battle against sugar by implementing taxation on sugary products. Not only is sugar a factor in obesity, it has also been linked to cardiovascular disease,...
Is It Illegal to Live Off the Grid?
A perfect storm of rugged individualism, consumerism backlash and environmental concern has led Americans to explore drastic lifestyle changes. Some trailblazers are even choosing to live off the grid, but is this new trend legal? A handful of enthusiasts are coming head-to-head with zoning and housing code regulators who say no. Robin Speronis became the poster child for off-the-grid living...
13 Ways to Rethink Everyday Tasks
Have you ever seen someone perform a task in a unique, clever way that made you rethink your life and wonder why you never thought of it before? Think of all the wasted hours of frustration and fruitless toil! Well, here are some ways to be successful at completing simple tasks, impressing your friends and winning at life in general. Car...
The Dirty Truth About “Clean” Electric Cars
When people decide to make the switch from a gas-fueled vehicle to an electric car, they are probably motivated by the environmental benefits of bypassing the pump. But are we doing the environment any good if our cars are powered by electricity generated by dirty coal plants? While it may appear that America is making a move towards cleaner, more...
Killer Caesar Salad
In 1956, the master chefs of the International Society of Epicures in Paris announced Caesar salad as, "the greatest recipe to originate from the Americas in 50 years." Today, Caesar salad is still the most commonly served salad. Everyone needs a killer Caesar salad recipe in his or her repertoire — so here’s a classic! This traditional Caesar salad...
FDA Bans Cancer-Linked Chemicals Found in Pizza Boxes and Popcorn Bags
As if the ingredients found in commercial pizza weren’t already unhealthy enough, a recent U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ruling has revealed that even pizza boxes themselves may be harmful to human health. Specifically, the FDA has banned three chemicals used to coat pizza boxes, microwave popcorn bags, and other food packaging. The decision came after pressure from health...
