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Eric J Smith - EzineArticles.com Expert Author
Eric J. Smith is the Owner of Lifestyle Home services. A Personal Services Business based in Tasmania, Australia.
Eric is a Qualified Horticulturalist and has specialised in Organic Gardening since 1998. He is also a passionate Environmentalist and is actively promoting the need for a cleaner chemical free lifestyle.
Eric has also studied Natural Therapies and practices several Natural Therapy techniques daily.
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- Perfecting the Raised Garden Bed
[Home-and-Family:Gardening] While some plants do well in damp moist conditions, most plants require good drainage. Some plants can handle excess water that comes about from being in an area that doesn't drain properly. Plants may well be thriving in areas like this.
- Organic in the Garden - Pass the Salt
[Home-and-Family:Gardening] I was following an interesting forum conversation recently about the use of salt as a herbicide. Those against its use were saying things like "Salt will make the soil dead so it won't support growth of future plantings". Those for its use were proclaiming that small amounts - 1 or 2 teaspoons on a flatweed in the lawn will cause little damage to the soil and will gradually leach away and regrowth will naturally occur.
- Dealing With Garden Pests Organically
[Home-and-Family:Gardening] Pests & Insects don't have to be treated like the worst things to have in your garden; they can live under the soil, in old weeds or piles of leaves, or in a number of other places. In fact, without many of these pests, rubbish wouldn't become compost. Rather then trying to rid your garden entirely of these insects and creepy crawlies, there are a few tips to encourage the positive side of them.
- Organic Gardening - What is it and Why is it Important
[Home-and-Family:Gardening] Organic gardening is not wrong or mystical ... one can not do wrong adding large amounts of organic matter to the soil. Organic gardening began by encouraging the use of organic matter in the soil, as well as the understanding that the organic matter needs to be constantly added to as it breaks down to prevent the soil from deteriorating. Organic Gardening is often thought to be something relatively new and is often referred to when thinking of the "hippies" in the 1960's. In truth however, Organic Gardening has been around for hundreds of years. Before synthetic chemicals were "needed" to control pests, gardeners and farmers used natural methods to produce quality crops.
- Differing Organic Approaches - Biodynamics
[Home-and-Family:Gardening] The concept of Soil fertility that Howard initiated is based on building the Organic matter in Soil with a focus on how soil life was connected to the health of crops, livestock, and humans. Howard's theory was that the best method of dealing with a pathogen was not to destroy it but to see what could be learned from it.
- Permaculture - Looking at Organic Gardening and Humans
[Home-and-Family:Gardening] If asked to describe Permaculture as a system one would say it is a philosophy of using the land based upon the natural energy patterns and material flows from within nature. As a system It is one of the most holistic, analysis and design methodologies in our the world. Permaculture is not limited to an exact method of production, more so it is a "land use planning" philosophy of which the principles may be adapted worldwide to farms, homes, individual neighborhoods, and cities. It is site specific as such adaptable to local micro-climates, cultures, and techniques of production.
- Organic Pest Management - Doing Things The Wrong Way
[Home-Improvement:Pest-Control] Evidence can be seen as far back as 100 years on how gardeners have been taught to control pests and disease using synthetic chemicals the effects of which were never thought of let alone predicted. In the 1960's Rachel Carson, in her book "Silent Spring" brought to life the realisation that many pesticides are not selective and have become universal.
- Natures Answers - Aloe Vera
[Health-and-Fitness:Skin-Care] The Aloe Vera plant is a member of the Liliaceae family. It has cactus like features and was originally sourced from Africa. Like cactus plants, its long green thick leaves contain the water the plant needs to survive during long periods of drought. Aloe Vera resists dry, warm climates very harsh environments. Aloe Vera has long been used for its medicinal and healing properties.
- Natures Answers - Yucca Schidigera
[Home-and-Family] The Yucca schidigera is a member of the Agavaceae family. a plant native to the ranges from the south western part of Nevada and Arizona, central and southern California in the USA through to deserts of Mexico. The plant grows up to 5 meters in approximately 15 to 20 years. It has an erect or inclined stem and may or may not have branchlets. Its leaves measure from 30 to 100 cm in length and up to 5 cm wide. Its flowers are balloon shaped, white or cream coloured and generally purple at the base.
- Natures Answers - Sunflower Oil
[Health-and-Fitness:Skin-Care] Sunflower oil is high in essential fatty acids. It helps to moisturise and condition the skin. Sunflower oil can be used as the primary oil within lotion, salt scrub, bath oil and massage oil formulations. It is also very useful in formula’s, intended for mature, sensitive, dry or damaged skin.
- Sweet Mistakes - Artificial Sweeteners
[Health-and-Fitness:Nutrition] Although they have certain benefits artificial sweeteners have fallen short in their original purpose which was to help the "sweet tooth" amongst us enjoy a treat without gaining weight. The reality is, since the introduction of Artificial Sweeteners, people have actually been getting heavier.
- Fruit & Vegetables
[Health-and-Fitness:Nutrition] There's no denying it most of us are not eating our full intake of fruit & vegetables. Fresh fruit and vegetables rarely play a role in our meal planning even though it is a medically recognised fact that they form an important part of a balanced eating plan.
- Eating For Immunity
[Health-and-Fitness:Nutrition] Our bodies are constantly bombarded with all types of bacteria, viruses and other nasty organisms that are desperately trying to gain entry. It really is a battle for survival. It has been said that as little as 1 square inch of freshly washed skin can contain as many as 1 Million bacteria.
- Arthritis - Are You Feeling Out of Joint?
[Health-and-Fitness:Arthritis] Arthritis is often thought of as a single disease, however it is, in fact many diseases. Arthritis causes pain, weakness and inflammation in and around the joints. Osteoarthritis is the most common form.
- My Best Stress-Less Friend (or My Stress- Less Enemy?)
[Health-and-Fitness:Depression] Nothing says De-Stress like a good old fashion Aussie Meat Pie with lots of tomato sauce and a bag of shoestring chips (with gravy of course). I can feel the stress leaving my body with every bite. Unfortunately soon after the last bite, thoughts begin to surface about the cholesterol I just devoured, the fat that is sticking to my arteries and the flab that is hanging over my belt. So much for the De-Stress - Stress is back With a vengeance.
- Skin Deep - Cradle Cap
[Home-and-Family:Babies-Toddler] When cradle cap is present a baby's scalp may be covered with a relatively thick yellowy crust. Cradle Cap can spread to the face in the form of small pimples or larger blotches.
- Skin Deep - Acne Symptoms And Natural Relief
[Health-and-Fitness:Skin-Care] Acne is an irritating condition that usually develops during teenage years. Also known as "teenage pimples", acne can be an embarrassing condition for many during these teenage years.
The typical spots of acne generally start around puberty. They can clear up, usually by 20years of age but may continue during early adult years. Women especially can have outbreaks around menstrual cycles and menopause.
- Skin Deep - Common Skin Conditions in Children and Babies
[Health-and-Fitness:Skin-Care] A newborn baby's skin is soft and also very delicate. It would be difficult to find a baby with "completely flawless" in the first weeks to months of life.
- Skin Deep - A Child's Skin
[Health-and-Fitness:Skin-Care] The Largest and one of the most important organs in the body is the skin. A child's skin, especially, provides a vast range of functions. First and foremost it provides a protective, waterproof layer for the bodies internal organs.
- Organic Ingredients - Manures
[Home-and-Family:Gardening] Animal manures are at the top of the list for adding nutrient to the soil in an Organic Garden. Manures are typically from Cattle, Horse and Sheep. Sheep manures are popular due to the small pelletised form but they tend to be lacking in nutrients when compared to Cattle manure. Chicken manure is also popular but should be well aged before adding to garden beds. Chicken manure, when fresh is high in Nitrogen and tends to burn young plants.
- Switching to Organic Skincare and Cosmetics
[Health-and-Fitness:Skin-Care] More and more men and women looking for organic skincare alternatives. In the past when someone mentioned "organic", the first thing to enter the mind was hippies in the sixties protesting about the need for organic food. Organic food is now a widely accepted lifestyle choice and the trend toward organic skincare is growing. Every day, more people are increasingly moving towards organic skincare products in addition to food. What we put on our body is just as important as what we put into it.
- Organic Lawn Care – Environmental Alternatives
[Home-and-Family:Gardening] Lawns, like gardens, require regular upkeep to maintain health and vigour. High nitrogen based synthetic fertilizers are commonly used to maintain strong growth and eliminate flatweed growth. Organic alternatives to these synthetic fertilizers include aged chicken manure and some commercially produced products such as Dynamic Lifter (Pelletised chicken manure).
- Organic Ingredients - Pea Straw
[Home-and-Family:Gardening] Pea Straw is the by-product from growing peas. Peas grow on vines which, when dry, create an excellent addition to all aspects of Organic Gardening. Ideally, Pea straw should be sought from farmers using organic gardening practices. Peas are from the Leguminaceae family. Legumes (as they are called) have small nodules on the root system which are high in Nitrogen.
- Controlling Pests And Diseases The Organic Way - Companion Planting
[Home-and-Family:Gardening] Maintaining healthy plants is the best way to avoid Pests & Disease. Soil Rich in Organic Matter is a great starting point. Companion planting is a great way of keeping the nitrogen level up in the soil. In the vegetable garden you can mix Legume crops such as peas and beans with root crops such as carrots. Alternate planting's between rows of carrots and rows of Peas or Beans.
- Common ingredients - Common problems - Propylene Glycol
[Health-and-Fitness] Propylene Glycol is an extremely common ingredient with no therapeutic benefits, in fact there are some very real concerns associated with it. The only reason this product is added to cosmetic products is because it makes the skin feel smooth.
- Organic Options For Fertilising Your Vegetable Garden
[Home-and-Family:Gardening] I have often been asked what is the best organic fertiliser to add to the soil of a vegetable garden. Its not the sort of question that has an easy answer, but its not a complicated solution either. There is really no exact answer to a "best" product when it comes to organic nutrients.
- Controlling Pests And Diseases The Organic Way - Crop Rotation
[Home-and-Family:Gardening] It is obvious that Pests & Diseases are found in every garden. Unfortunately, in reality, we will never be able to get rid of every nasty entirely. What we need to do is be smart about how we manage them. Creating a balanced garden environment where natural checks and balances greatly reduce the likelihood of a major problem in an Organic Garden.
- The Organic Debate Continues
[Health-and-Fitness:Nutrition] Scientific evidence or not, if we go back thousands of years when man was still trying to understand his own place on earth, Nature took care of everything. There were no synthetic chemicals, fertilizers or any of the thousands of chemicals known to man today. The World existed within its own massive perma-cultured environment.
- Common Ingredients – Common Problems - Sodium Lauryl Sulphate
[Health-and-Fitness:Skin-Care] Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) is one of the most commonly used foaming agents found in cosmetics. It is also used in car washes, garage floor cleaners and engine degreasers. It is a manmade Non-Organic product.
- The Organic Debate
[Home-and-Family] The debate as to whether Organically grown produce is better than fruit & vegetables grown using chemical pesticides and artificial growth stimulants has been on for decades. Organic food refers to food items that are produced, manufactured and handled using organic means defined by certifying bodies such as the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) under its Organic Food Products Act.
- If It Says It's on the Label It Must Be True!
[Health-and-Fitness:Skin-Care] Look up the word "organic" in any typical dictionary and you are likely to see a definition something like "…produced and involving production without the use of pesticides, artificial fertilizers or synthetic chemicals…" One would think that if you call a product Organic, then that is exactly what you are getting.
- My Family Has Worms!
[Home-and-Family:Gardening] We have worms. They wiggle and wriggle right through our system. They eat the waste we produce and we don't even blink an eyelid. You see we want them there. They are good for our environment and our garden is thriving.
- Organic Food For Your Pets
[Pets] For us humans, nutrition is considered the foundation of good health and it is true that the same goes for our animal and pets. Typically, the meals you eat for yourself are also suitable for your pets – An animals diet consists of a variety of whole foods enhanced with vitamins and minerals, enzymes and supplements, when necessary, to promote optimal health & prevent disease.
- What Exactly Is Organic-Why Is It Better?
[Food-and-Drink] Instead of using synthetic, man made pesticides to kill pests and diseases, organic farmers prevent pests by planting a diverse range of crops,
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