ArcaMax

If you use conventional drugstore shaving creams or gels for your face or legs, you may be unknowingly smearing a chemical cocktail on your skin. Typical brands contain chemicals like phthalates, artificial fragrance and triethanolamine, which can be endocrine disrupters, neurotoxins and possible sources of cancer. There's no reason to take the ...Read more

Broccoli is considered to be a super-vegetable by many nutritionists, since the heads are nutrient-dense in vitamins B1, B6, E, calcium, iron, niacin and zinc. But did you know that broccoli leaves aren't just edible and nutrient-rich, but also really delicious? Just as nutritious as kale, broccoli leaves shouldn't be tossed into the trash. Just...Read more

Many people raise chickens in their backyard as a hobby or to enjoy a steady supply of fresh eggs. It's well known that chickens will eat almost anything fresh, including vegetable trimmings and even discarded eggshells. However, you should avoid feeding them avocado skins and pits, because they contain a toxin called persin, which can cause ...Read more

If you collect paper items like magazines, junk mail and newspaper in a shopping bag for recycling, be careful which type of bag you use. Shopping bags that are made from glossy paper or have plastic handles are not good options; they are hard to recycle and need to be sorted into a different paper category at the recycling facility. Instead, ...Read more

If you want to attract more birds to your yard, there's no need to have bird feeders full of seed everywhere. Instead, eliminate all chemical insecticides from your backyard. According to the National Wildlife Federation, our feathered friends love to hunt and eat insects because it's their primary source of protein. When a yard is treated to ...Read more

It's time to ditch plastic bowls and plates -- no matter how durable they seem -- in favor of glass or ceramic. Over time, plastic dinnerware can release millions of microplastics into your food. This can happen when you microwave meals, wash items in the dishwasher or use plastic plates for highly acidic foods. In fact, just three minutes of ...Read more

Does your kitchen or bathroom drain have an unpleasant odor? Instead of dumping chlorine bleach down the drain to neutralize the odor, try this nontoxic solution: regular salt. Sometimes decomposing organic matter like food scraps can get stuck on the sides of pipes. The salt helps dislodge the stuck-on waste and acts like a mini scrubber for ...Read more

If you've purchased a new washing machine, listen up: Don't use DIY laundry detergent for your machine. While handmade detergents are a good all-natural alternative, they have a tendency to clog modern washing machines. With household appliances becoming more high-tech, untested detergents can cause internal havoc. Using a DIY detergent can also...Read more

If you love to craft with kids, it's important to stock up on supplies that are free of harsh chemicals. Many products like ink pads, markers and craft paints can contain asthma-triggering chemicals or have high levels of volatile organic compounds. The basic rule of thumb is, if the product has a smell, it's likely chemical-based. How do you ...Read more