The storms Harvey, Irma and Maria, left large swathes of the Caribbean islands and US coastal area badly damaged. Some of the hardest areas hit were in Puerto Rico, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Florida, Louisiana and Texas. Whole houses were flattened as well as much damage done to public utilities including schools, hospitals and other facilities.

It is doubtful that the local authorities will have the manpower to rebuild and restore everything back to the way it was before. Individual citizens will be needed to chip in and do what they can for their own good and that of their neighbors and communities. What can you do as an everyday person to help rebuild areas devastated by the storm?

Clean up toxic trash in your home

There is a lot of toxic trash that was washed up to different places by the storm water. This includes non-biodegradable plastics, pesticides and other dangerous chemicals. Identify this trash and handle appropriately, or ask the authorities to handle it as a priority.

Get organized

In the absence of a concerted effort by the public authorities, it is left to the citizens to get organized. Contact your neighbors and talk to them about the need to do the rebuilding as a collective effort. Instead of hiring cleaning crews, the group can move and help around each home, cleaning up and placing the trash such that the authorities can collect the trash easily.

Prioritize needs in the community

While damage was widespread, damage in some areas and homes was more severe than others. Identify the neighbors who require the most help as a priority. The priority is to make their homes habitable as quickly as possible. Donate things such as building materials and also household items that might be needed like blankets, or even appliances such as stove tops.

Donate

Giving to charity would be the best way to help those you cannot reach in the immediate neighborhood and community. The people living in the devastated Caribbean islands have less capable governments and would greatly benefit from the help of charities.

There are different charities working in the US coastal areas and Caribbean to offer rebuilding help to victims of the storms. Some are offering food and shelter, while others are involved in physical rebuilding.

You can donate in cash or in kind. Donating in kind could be in the form of clothes, blankets or building materials. You can also donate redeemable vouchers in which the charities can use to pick up items that are locally available. Contact the nearest Red Cross chapter for more information. 

American, actress, mother, and environmental activist, Meryl Streep has not only seen changes in how we grow foods in the last decade, but she's been instrumental in these changes.The first time the public became aware of the potential hazards of children eating food grown with pesticides was in 1989 when the Natural Resources Defense Council released its report, Intolerable Risks: Pesticides in Our Children's Food.

Alarmed by this study, Ms. Streep and a group of mothers in Connecticut gathered together to discuss ways they could change the way they shopped, in order to eliminate, and/or limit their children's pesticide exposure. She addressed the issue saying, “How we grow food, greatly effects the environment.” She further added, “Keeping focused on this issue is of utmost importance. Pesticide use can have a devastating effect on animal and insect life, is a major cause of water and soil pollution, is the cause of terminal illnesses of farm workers who inappropriately apply the chemicals, and is hazardous to the health of children and adults who consume inappropriate amounts of pesticide residues on their foods”.

‘Mothers & Others’ witnessed considerable success in its mission to educate shoppers and retailers on the merits of choosing organic, locally grown, seasonal foods and products without preservatives, chemical additives and excess packaging. Unfortunately, the group became dysfunctional in 2001. However, this did not in any way hinder Streep’s efforts towards a cleaner and greener planet. 

‘Mothers & Others’ was just one of the many green initiatives taken by Streep. Streep has not stopped her fight for environmental food awareness. This is evident from her involvement with Children’s Health Environmental Coalition which is a group that aims to protect children from toxins in water and food sources.

Additionally, Meryl Streep was first ever celebrity to sport an ‘eco’ gown at a red carpet event. At the 84th annual Academy Awards, Streep wore a gold Lanvin gown. The material of the gown was made from Eco Certified Fabric, which was sourced with the help of the Green Carpet Challenge (GCC).

Let’s face it. Some us dread even the thought of leaving our homes during winter – and with good reason. The biting cold can bring a slew of bad-for-you side effects like cold feet, blocked noses, and aching joints. But, it doesn’t have to be that way. Try the following essential oils for your body to kick winter cold and enjoy the holidays without much fuss.

Myrrh

Woody, earthy, and a little balsamic, Myrrh can help you keep the immune system ticking and stay on top of your health during the cold winter months. More than that, myrrh is an excellent antidepressant which spruces up your mood and spirit as well as keeps you warm. Besides, its antioxidant properties rejuvenate your skin, heal wounds, and keep aging at bay. However, it’s best to mix myrrh with carrier oils like grape, almond or jojoba before using it on your skin. You can also blend it with unscented lotions and used directly on the skin.

Cardamom

Cardamom’s balsamic, spicy, and green scents will reinvigorate and uplift your senses and spirit during winter. They also reduce feelings of despair, depression, fatigue, and stress. A great warming essential oil, cardamom will undoubtedly keep you healthy all winter long.

Marjoram

Also filled with spicy and woody charming aroma, marjoram is an essential oil that boasts a warming, calming effect that’s much needed during the cold months.  Much like cardamom, the oil is known to keep away stress and anxiety.

Black Pepper

Who could have guessed that black pepper could be this useful? That’s right; ground black pepper essential oil will help you stay warm during winter. Its crisp aroma is known to aid digestion, blood circulation, and stimulates your mind.

Juniper Berry

One thing that bogs people down and many have to fight off during winter is the flu. You can fight off this misery by adding a little juniper berry essential oil into your diffuser. The oil’s earthy, sweet, crisp, and woody aromas will help you cleanse your body and boost your immunity.  It’s also an excellent anxiety, burn out, and stress relief oil.

Peppermint Oil, Myrtle, and Pine for Your Respiratory

Winter cold can take a massive toll on your respiratory system. Peppermint essential oil, coupled with pine and myrtle oils, can do wonders for your respiratory function and health. It can also ease tension.

Lavender Oil

I will be honest with you right from the outset; Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. I get to pull double duty – catch up with my family and stay on top of autumn decorations. For one, I am meticulous and I pay attention to details. I'm just that kind of a person. So I make sure that a banging job is done when it comes to Thanksgiving decorations especially the table-scape.

Here are my 8 ideas on how to decorate Thanksgiving dinner table and your home the organic way.

#1. Make your guests feel welcomed right at the front door

Most people make an excellent first impression by donning the front door with a wreath. But I love natural so I prefer to use elements found in my backyard. From raffia leaves to hay and pine cones, natural stuff in your yard can make for sizzling front-door Thanksgiving décor. Even better, you can recycle a wreath from the last Thanksgiving, but give it an organic touch with hay, acorns, raffia leaves, and other natural elements.

#2. Give Your Front Porch a Facelift with Organic Flare

I prefer a hay bale, but you can take it up a notch with gourds and pumpkins. Organic potted plants with brown, orange and rust foliage can also do just fine beside your porch.

#3. Use Veggies and Fruits Basket for your table centerpieces

Acorns, corn in the husk or squashes, blended with votives and candles can do wonders for your Thanksgiving dinner table. You can also incorporate a fruit basket teeming with organic edibles or use vegetables as an option as well.

#4. Decorate with leaves

Make sure that you use tough ones like Oak and Magnolia leaves. They can make for tantalizing coasters for your drinks.

#5 Garlands the Organic Way

Garlands can add a touch of style and elegance to your archways, front door, and balustrades. Wiry twigs or tree branches or grapevine can come in handy for garlands.

#6. Don’t forget fresh garden-flowers

Thanksgiving décor is never complete without the allure of fresh flowers. Try deep oranges reds, and yellows to spruce up the holiday mood. Incorporate pumpkins, apples, and other cheerful fruit to bring the Thanksgiving tone to the whole mix.

#7. Decorate fireplace mantle with tree branches

Don’t spend a single dime on fireplace decoration. Use tree limbs and branches to add pleasant tone and color to your fireplace mantle. Tuck in a few leaves, pumpkins, straw, and cranberries to bring the branches to life.

#8. Place Cards

Place cards the organic way? Try attaching nuts, acorns, or other festive organic products to place cards. They’ll find a great spot on each plate.

Congratulations! With these handy organic decorations tips, you can take your Thanksgiving holiday to the next level.

When it comes to giving a fresh touch to your kitchen, most people go for the latest in stainless steel fixtures, wooden cabinetry, treated granite countertops, and other expensive remodels. But, if you’re an environmentally-conscious person, repurposed ideas should come to mind.

In this article, I’ll walk you through 3 repurposed ideas that shouldn’t miss in any kitchen.

#1. Old Bicycle Wheel Converted Into A Pan and Pot Rac

We all have plenty of old or broken bicycles lying around in our closets and garages. For this repurposed idea, you’ll need only the wheels. They offer the perfect size and shape for hanging pans, pots, and other kitchen cooking items with handles. In fact, you can come up with a turntable type rack from bike wheels. This way, your pans and pots are always accessible.

Fit the hanging hardware to the ceiling wall, and then attach it to the wheel. Once affixed to the ceiling, you can add the hooks for hanging your pans and pots. The allure of this repurposed idea is that it makes excellent use of a broken bicycle and can help you organize your kitchen without spending a penny.

Looking to kick it up a notch? Paint your wheel pots and pans rack with a color of your choice to spruce up its appeal.

#2. Turn Broken Rake, Crockery and Other Items into Utencil Holders 

You don’t have to thrash your rake whenever the handle breaks. It can find great repurposing in the kitchen. That’s right; a broken rake can make for a sizzling utensils rack. You can use the rake part only as design and come up with a rustic and classy looking holder for all your spoons, spatulas, kitchen knives, and so forth. Attach the rake to a good spot on your kitchen’s wall. Of course, you may have to get rid of rust or sand and paint the rake if it’s too rusty. The rake can also make for a fabulous wine glass holder.

#3. Create Fantastic Kitchen Lighting from Chipped Saucers and Cups 

Old or chipped saucers and cups can create elegant lighting for your kitchen. You’ll need dishes and cups in the same pattern for this repurposing project. You can then attach the lighting to a wooden plank. It’s an easy project that’ll take your kitchen to the next level.

There you are – three repurposed ideas to spruce up your kitchen.

Have you ever opened your closet and it just usurps all your energy and exuberance? Well, us too!  We’ve all reached that point when our wardrobe is simply uninspiring. When that happens, it’s about time you revitalize your closet – give it a revamp.

Here are nifty tricks and ideas that are poised to help you revitalize your closet without much hassle. When you incorporate these tips, you will be glad you did.

Purge Some Stuff 

Of course, it pains to let go of that sweater you thought you'd wear someday, but it has been five years of not wearing it. Take stock of your closet content, and get rid of items that you don’t use. The rule of thumb is that if an outfit or accessory hasn’t been used for the past 12 months or so, it has to go! But! don’t throw away your grandmas vintage earrings.

Rotate Your Clothing

That “I have nothing to wear today” could be a surefire sign that you have too many items in your closet. If you cannot purge them, rotate your clothing. In other words, store winter clothing during summer. And tuck away summer items in winter. It’ll ensure that your wardrobe is fresh and on-point.

Retouch your “old” Items

Those clothes you’ve had the longest could use a little facelift. It could be anything from replacing missing buttons to having them dry cleaned or anything in-between.

Use non-slip and thin hangers

Sure, wooden hangers look fabulous in your closets. But, when it comes revitalizing your wardrobe, slim and non-slip hangers will do the trick. After all, you need to save space, save time, and save, save, save….you get my drift?

Organize the Library Style

Start off by organizing each dedicated space in your closet – the corners, the shelves, and so forth and commit each category to one item. If it’s jeans, let it be jeans alone. Same goes for folded sweats and other clothing items.

Don’t store shoes with clothes

I find it somewhat laughable that some people cram shoes with clothes. The last thing you want is your outfit smelling like feet in a meeting with your big client. Don't do that!

Avoid anti-moth chemicals

Naphthalene stinks and can make you hate your closet. You don’t need it unless your wardrobe is misty – then you have a bigger issue at hand. Otherwise, keep garments chemical free and separate from leathers.

Reuse, reduce, and recycle

Of course and of course you must reuse, reduce and recycle. I’ve touched on this a little above. If you don’t need something, reduce. Reuse old jeans, sweaters, and other garments to refresh your style, but definitely get rid of that shirt with the hole and stain. You can also retouch some old items – re-tailor, dry clean, replace buttons, and so much more. Happy Organizing!

According to research conducted by fellows at UCLA, 75% of garages in American are too full even to accommodate a car. That in and of itself isn’t surprising at all. It’s no big secret Americans loves to shop.

The problem is that the garage becomes a clutter mess from the overabundance of stuff. Well, did you know you can recycle and reuse some of the items in your garage to declutter your life? Here’s a list of 7 things you can start with.

#1. Automotive Fluids and Motor Oils

If you happen to have old motor oil or automotive fluids you drained from your vehicle, you need to recycle them. Lucky for you, several auto shops across the nation will help your recycle the oils such as antifreeze or transmission fluid.

#2. Bikes

Bicycles usually last a long time. However, your little one can outgrow them. Some even break down. When that happens, you can quickly get the bicycle repaired. For unused bicycles that are still in usable condition in your garage they can be auctioned off or donated.

Dilapidated or completely broken down bikes can also be recycled. Take off the tubes and tires, and drop the frame off at the nearest scrap shop. If you’re lucky, you can get a few bucks for the scrap.

#3. Old Cabinets

From kitchen cabinets to office cabinets, you can repurpose them as nightstands. Just apply a new coat to match your bedroom décor.

#4. Old Furniture

We all like to tuck away old furniture in our garages. Repair or refinish them rather than throwing them out. You can also repurpose old furniture. You can hang drawers to create fabulous shadowboxes, shelves, and bulletin boards. Better yet, disassemble the furniture and reuse the wood.

#5. Broke Dishes

If you have any chipped or broken china in your garage, you can use them to re-tile flower pots, outdoor tables, pathways, and so forth. They can also be reused as key fobs. You can also plant small flowers or plants in old mugs.

#6. Power Tools

From mowers to chainsaws and every tool in-between, power tools are easily reusable. If you no longer use one, you can donate it to someone who can make good use of it. Broken power tools are easily repairable.

#7. Towels, Clothing, and Beddings