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Natural Awakenings Twin Cities

Eco-Tip

Forest Stewardship

Feb 29, 2024 08:00AM

Actions we can take in celebration of International Day of Forests on March 21 and every day to ensure the future of our woodlands.

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Hydroponic plants are fun and easy to grow at home.
Growing Hydroponic Produce at Home

Jan 31, 2024 08:00AM

Hydroponics, a method of gardening that does not use soil, is a fun, easy and eco-friendly way to grow fresh produce all year round.

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Green Roof with lush vegetation
Finding the Right Eco-Friendly Roof

Dec 29, 2023 08:00AM

While a house is usually a family’s biggest investment, sustainable improvements can be made to make it an environmental asset, too.

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Keeping Holiday Parties Green
Keeping Holiday Parties Green

Nov 28, 2023 05:30AM

Let’s make this holiday season a time to remember that sustainability and fun can go hand in hand.

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Keeping Sneakers Out of the Landfill
Keeping Sneakers Out of the Landfill

Oct 31, 2023 08:30AM

Athletic footwear languishing in landfills releases volatile organic compounds linked to asthma, cancer and other health complications. Instead of discarding old shoes that will take 30 to 40 years to decompose, consider these alternatives.

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Eco-Friendly Yard Cleanup
Eco-Friendly Fall Yard Cleanup

Sep 29, 2023 08:30AM

This winter, consider allowing at least some of this fallen foliage to remain where it lands. This will benefit the local ecosystem and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in landfills.

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Eco Travel 101
Eco Travel 101

Aug 31, 2023 08:30AM

While checking places off the travel bucket list, keep in mind these traveling tips for leaving small footprints across the Earth.

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Controlling Indoor Air Pollution
Controlling Indoor Air Pollution

Jul 31, 2023 08:30AM

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air pollution can be as high as, or even higher than, outdoor levels. Consider these measures to maintain a healthy, fresh-air environment inside the dwelling.

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Natural Ant Control
Natural Ant Control for the Home

Jun 30, 2023 08:30AM

Conventional pesticides and ant traps can be toxic to humans, pets and the environment. This season, consider using one of these safer ant control alternatives.

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Green Grilling
Greener Grilling

May 31, 2023 08:30AM

The aroma of tasty treats sizzling on an outdoor grill evokes memories of laughter among family and friends, picnic tables brimming with colorful foods and the joy of running barefoot in the grass.

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Earth-Friendly Delights for Mom
Earth-Friendly Delights for Mom

Apr 28, 2023 08:30AM ● By Marlaina Donato

This year, consider putting an ecological spin on Mother’s Day by showering her with gifts that honor Mother Earth. Here are some sustainable gifting ideas.

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Sustainable Grocery Shopping
Sustainable Grocery Shopping

Mar 31, 2023 08:30AM

There are many ways to be environmentally responsible when shopping for food. Here are a few tips to reduce your food foot print.

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Eco-Friendly Water Heating
Eco-Friendly Water Heating

Feb 27, 2023 08:30AM

When it comes time to replace the water heater, homeowners have an opportunity to save money and significantly lower their carbon footprint by choosing more efficient appliances.

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Deciphering Egg Carton Labels, Cage Free Eggs, Free Range Eggs, Pasture Raised Eggs, Organic
Deciphering Egg Carton Labels

Jan 31, 2023 08:30AM

There are many egg choices in the grocery store with different labels—cage-free, free range, pasture-raised, organic. Here is what these terms mean.

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Mailbox full of junk mail
End the Mailing Madness

Dec 30, 2022 08:30AM

Junk mail is wasteful. When a shiny, multipage magazine or catalog arrives in the mail, we must view it as an unsustainable practice and take action to curb it.

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Hands open and outstretched holding small gift wrapped in brown paper and red yarn ribbon
Holiday Volunteering: The Gift of Giving

Nov 30, 2022 08:30AM

The holiday season is the time for giving. Get into the spirit by volunteering time and treasure to meaningful causes and underprivileged individuals with these thoughtful ideas.

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Family on the side of a snowy hill taking a break from alpine skiing with mountains in background
Eco-Skiing: Planet-Friendly Ways to Hit the Slopes

Oct 31, 2022 08:30AM

Many alpine ski resorts are going green, enabling enthusiasts to reduce their impact on the planet while enjoying the winter sport. Here’s some eco-information, as well as money-saving tips.

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Row of potted indoor plants sitting on dresser
The Helpful Nature of Houseplants

Sep 30, 2022 08:30AM

The human health benefits of having indoor plants, including pet-friendly varietals and maintenance tips.

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Kids bicycling wearing helmets with mother walking behind them
Back to School with the Planet in Mind

Aug 31, 2022 08:30AM

This back-to-school season, families have an opportunity to make sustainable decisions as they prepare their children for a successful educational experience.

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Plastic-free picnic set up outdoors with basket, small grill, blanket, serve wear and food
Planet-Friendly Picnicking: Strategies for a Plastic-Free Outing

Jul 29, 2022 08:30AM

It’s time to level up our picnicking game by going plastic-free. With a little planning, simple swap-outs are easy and less costly in the long run.

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Person standing in middle of trees in forest with arms spread
Earth-Friendly Hiking

Jun 30, 2022 08:30AM

As stewards of the environment, it’s important that we hike responsibly, leaving no detritus behind, respecting wildlife and preserving the pristine setting for everyone to enjoy.

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Group of volunteers cleaning up trash from a park
Eco-Volunteering: Hands-on Ways to Help Our Planet this Summer

May 31, 2022 08:30AM

Helping nature while enjoying the great outdoors is a classic win-win opportunity. Here are a few ideas to join the fun while contributing sweat equity.

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Jar and plate of Himalayan salt next to rolled up towels
DIY Salt Scrub with Himalayan Salt and Essential Oils

Apr 29, 2022 08:30AM

A sea salt scrub is an easy and inexpensive way to maintain a glowing complexion. Here is a recipe using Himalayan salt that can combine various essential oils.

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Glass bottles of milk with food labels of expiration dates on top
Expiration Dates: When to Eat or Toss Food

Mar 31, 2022 08:30AM

How to make sense of expiration labeling—those ambiguous “best before” or “sell by” dates—to help reduce food waste.

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Discarded Styrofoam container polluting waterway environment
The 411 on Styrofoam: Why We Should Just Say No

Feb 28, 2022 08:30AM

The harm Styrofoam causes to human health and the planet outweighs its convenience. Here are safer, eco-friendly alternatives.

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Bananas, chocolate bars, coffee beans, herbs, spices next to chalkboard sign reading Fair Trade
Purposeful Shopping: How Fair Trade Can Change the World

Jan 31, 2022 08:30AM

Fair trade is an alternative international business model that puts people and the planet first. Consider these steps to achieve ethical, sustainable shopping.

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Aerial shot of trees in forest with blue footprints above, representing carbon footprints
Getting Personal About CO2: Tools to Help Track Our Carbon Footprint

Dec 30, 2021 08:30AM

Personal action is necessary to reduce carbon emissions. These resources, tools and tips can help us reduce our carbon footprint and lead a lower-carbon lifestyle.

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Glass jars of dried foods on wooden tray
Sustainable Kitchen: Advice for Buying and Storing Food

Nov 30, 2021 08:30AM

Sustainability can begin at home, starting in the kitchen. Here are some zero-waste lifestyle tips we can apply when shopping for and storing our food.

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Person cleaning up beach with gloved hands full of microplastics
Simple Ways to Reduce Microplastic Exposure

Oct 29, 2021 08:30AM

The microparticles that result from plastics breakdown are contaminating global waters, air, soil and snow, but with certain steps we can avoid adding to the toxic refuse.

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Buy Nothing logo
Buy Nothing: Neighborly Groups Share More and Waste Less

Sep 30, 2021 08:30AM

With the aim of reducing waste through local sharing, Buy Nothing provides a Facebook-based platform to freely give, ask, borrow and lend items.

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LED lightbulb illuminated
Shedding Light on Lightbulbs: The Ins and Outs of Our Options

Aug 31, 2021 08:30AM

The pros and cons of incandescent, fluorescent and LED bulbs, with information on costs and proper disposal.

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Person spraying spray bottle of natural mosquito bug repellent on upper arm
Bug Battle: How to Keep Mosquitoes at Bay

Jul 30, 2021 08:30AM

Mosquitoes aren’t just an annoyance; they can carry infectious diseases, so it’s important to know the best ways to keep them at bay, including natural bug repellents.

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Drone powered laser light show above a crowd of people
Rethinking Fireworks: Greener Ways to Celebrate the Fourth

May 28, 2021 08:30AM

Most fireworks are made of non-biodegradable plastics and harmful chemicals, polluting the ground, air and water. Here are some eco-friendly alternatives.

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Eco-friendly, sustainable beauty product bar of soap on tray and towel with cosmetic brush
Eco-Cosmetics: Choosing Sustainable Beauty Products

Apr 30, 2021 08:30AM

Reduce environmental harm and waste with these sustainable cosmetic tips and eco-friendly beauty brands.

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Planted tree to combat rising temperatures and climate change
The Benefits of Planting Trees: More Foliage Means Lower Temperatures

Mar 31, 2021 08:30AM

The restoration of trees is among the most effective strategies for climate change mitigation. Here are some ways to take action against deforestation and support the planting of trees.

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People riding eco-friendly electric bicycles
Plug and Pedal: The Benefits of Using Electric Bikes

Feb 26, 2021 08:30AM

An Earth-friendly alternative for work commutes or pleasurable neighborhood spins is the e-bike, powered by pedaling and an electric motor.

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Taking shoes off outside of house
Shoes Off! Keep Germs Outside

Jan 29, 2021 08:30AM

Prevent the spread of germs, including viruses and bacteria, from entering the home via shoes with these helpful tips.

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Extended life mended clothing
Slow Fashion: Mending to Extend the Life of Clothing

Dec 30, 2020 08:30AM

Reject the harmful environmental impacts of 'fast fashion' and embrace a more sustainable lifestyle by purchasing high quality garments and mending them to prolong their useful life.

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Eco-Friendly Holiday Tree
’Tis the Season to Save the Planet: Eco-Friendly Holiday Ideas

Nov 27, 2020 08:30AM

Reduce holiday-related waste with these sustainable twists on classic traditions and eco-friendly, low-waste gift ideas and tips.

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DIY Fixing Broken Appliance
Fix It, Don’t Nix It: Repairing Can Prolong Life of Products

Oct 30, 2020 08:30AM

When something breaks, don’t replace it­—fix it. Here are tips to help DIY fix just about anything.

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BPA Shopping Receipts
Paperless Shopping: BPA Exposure from Store Receipts

Sep 30, 2020 08:30AM

Despite health risks, BPA-laden thermal receipts continue to be used widely in the retail industry. Here are ways to eliminate or reduce BPA exposure from receipts when shopping.

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Eco-Friendly Antiviral Mask
Mask Eco-Disposal: How to Dispose of Antiviral Wear

Aug 31, 2020 08:30AM

Eco-friendly, sustainable ways to dispose of discarded antiviral protective face masks in a safe, responsible manner to avoid littering the planet.

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Mother daughter lying in front of fan
Eco-Friendly Home-Cooling Tips

Jul 31, 2020 08:30AM

Here are some eco-friendly tips to stay cool at home with minimal or zero use of air conditioning, saving costs in electricity bills and strain on the environment.

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Couple Taking Selfie at Beach
Eco-Friendly Beach Tips: Maximizing Sun and Surf During Crises

Jun 30, 2020 08:30AM

It’s more important now than ever to soak up vitamin D to bolster the immune system, but social distancing and other health and environmental precautions need to be practiced at the beach.

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Biking Safety Coronavirus
Biking During the COVID-19 Crisis: Regular Tips Apply to Pedaling

May 29, 2020 08:30AM

During the coronavirus pandemic, social distance biking is a recommended exercise. Here are tips regarding proper equipment, fitness and safety when cycling.

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Virus Fighters: Essential Oils for Challenging Times

Apr 16, 2020 02:26PM

In these coronavirus days, an essential oil mixture offers soothing scents for the homebound and might add some viral protection. Here's a DIY recipe to make a Thieves blend at home.

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Think Outside the House: Expanding Spring Cleaning

Mar 31, 2020 08:30AM

Before summer heat sets in, here are ways to expand spring green cleaning to the exterior of the house, yard and car.

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Virus-Free Hands and Home: Research-Proven DIY Sanitizers That Work

Mar 10, 2020 08:37AM

If we can’t use a sink and soap to ward off the COVID-19 coronavirus, a hand sanitizer can work. Here are easy, cheap and environmentally friendly formulas to make your own DIY sanitizers.

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Eating Greener: Tips for Plant-Based Living

Feb 28, 2020 08:30AM

What to consider in buying, preparing, re-using and discarding plant-based food for green eating diets.

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Clean and Green: Eco-Laundry Tips

Jan 31, 2020 08:30AM

By washing clothes using simple ingredients and sustainable practices, consumers can both save money and lower their carbon footprint when doing laundry.

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Cloth Versus Disposable Diapers: The Bottom Line on Eco-Friendly Baby Care

Dec 30, 2019 08:30AM

Save money, the environment and your baby's skin by choosing sustainable cloth diapers over disposable versions. Here's how to get started and other tips for parents.

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Burn Notice: Safe and Sustainable Fireplace Practices

Nov 27, 2019 08:30AM

Sustainable, safe and healthy practices for using indoor fireplaces and wood stoves—especially when it comes to maintaining air quality.

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Sustainable Skiing: Eco-Practices Grow on Winter Slopes

Oct 31, 2019 08:30AM

From mountain peaks to base lodges, discover how many alpine ski resorts are working to reduce the environmental impact of their operations.

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Eco-Flossing: A Healthy Choice for Teeth and the Planet

Sep 30, 2019 08:30AM

Popular commercial flosses, some made of Teflon, leach chemicals into the body and don’t biodegrade. Here are some eco-friendly, greener choices for dental hygiene.

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Sustainable Scrubbing: Tips for Toxin-Free House Cleaning

Aug 30, 2019 08:30AM

Safe and effective non-toxic, green cleaning solutions using natural ingredients that are good for our health and the planet.

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Natural Awakenings Twin Cities April 2024
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