Lifestyle NH360

Their germ-fighting abilities make essential oils superb natural household cleansers. “The easiest way to mix them is

When people start to make healthy choices for themselves, thinking about their pets is a natural extension; after all, most pets are considered part of the family. Pet products now make up a multi-billion dollar segment of the natural products industry, with pet supplements alone accounting for $1.4 billion in 2008 (a 7.4 percent growth over the previous year—faster than the sales of human supplements). According to a 2008 study, dogs’ and cats’ toxic loads from food and the environment rival and often exceed those of their human companions, so there’s ample incentive to provide consumers with research-backed, natural care options to maintain and extend their pets’ health and well-being.

Holistic pet products include natural and organic dog and cat foods; pet shampoos free of artificial ingredients (and including beneficial ingredients such as green tea extract for a healthy coat and herbs to repel fleas); functional pet treats that benefit skin, coat, heart health, and weight management for pets; durable, eco-friendly toys; homeopathic remedies for anxiety, rashes, and digestive problems; and pet supplements, including antiaging antioxidants vitamins E and C, fish oil for inflammation, glucosamine and boswellia for joint health, and Chinese herbs for overall health.

Do you choose organic food because you know you’re protecting your family from potentially toxic chemicals? That’s

If you have a hankering for a Chilean cabernet or South African shiraz, you’ll be happy to learn that wine certified by TransFair USA is launching in the United States this month (which happens to be Fair-Trade Month).

Those of us who eat organic know how wonderful it tastes. But a growing body of research is proving what many of us already believe — that organic foods are, in fact, more nutritious than conventional foods.

Follow the history of organic farming and organic products from 1939 to today.

Just like their whole-food counterparts, the ingredients in these organic condiments are free of pesticides, synthetic

Even in today’s dicey economy, sales of natural and green products — incredibly — show no sign of slowing

Fresh red raspberries should look dry, plump, and bright; stems mean they were picked too soon. These beauties are