DivineCaroline

The following is a post by Sandy Powers, provided by DivineCaroline.

Recently, I was a guest on Cory Farley’s radio show on KBZZ in Reno, Nevada, to talk about my vegetable garden growing on my back porch. It’s called “square foot gardening.” Not as ambitious as our First Lady’s gardening efforts but still will harvest a load of vegetables.

You begin with two 8×12 pieces of untreated lumber. You don’t want chemicals to leach into the soil. Cut in half. If you ask, the lumber business will probably do it for you. Now you have four pieces of wood, each 4×4, 12 inches width. Nail the pieces together to form a square—that’s your four square planting box. Set on a 4×4 sheet of plywood that you drilled three holes in for drainage. Set the planting box where you want to grow your vegetables. Fill with a mixture of topsoil and organic potting soil.

Before I start planting, I line three pieces of string down and three pieces of string across to divide the planting into 16 squares. I now begin to plant: tomatoes, bell peppers, green beans, green peas, carrots, and broccoli. I plant these vegetables because, not only are they my favorite vegetables, but I harvest so many that I freeze what I don’t eat. I am saving money by eating vegetables long after the growing season is over.

I freeze the tomatoes whole, uncooked, to use in recipes later. The bell peppers—green, yellow, and red—I wash, core, and freeze uncooked. The others I blanch in boiling water for a few minutes, and then freeze.

It really is so easy. Give square foot gardening a try. You’re not only saving money, but you’re eating the tastiest vegetables possible.

The following is a post by PetMD, provided by DivineCaroline.

While we may not be able to roll back the global warming trend, there are easier, softer ways to treat parasites, and ways in which we can avoid some of the pests.

A lot of people are reluctant to use chemical flea treatments because of the possibility of a toxic reaction with the skin. “If it isn’t safe for my children, how can it be safe for my pet,” they ask. Unless it is a full blown flea infestation, you may have good results by using gentler and safer methods for flea eradication and control.

For dogs, a daily dose of brewer’s yeast mixed with a small amount of garlic in their kibble will help to repel fleas. You can also add brewer’s yeast to your cat’s food, but omit the garlic (onions and garlic are toxic for cats). Fleas are also known to be repelled by citrus. A freshly squeezed orange or lemon can be rubbed onto your pet’s fur, with no harm to your pet if it is licked off, and fresh smelling fur to boot.

Remember the old cartoons where dogs would jump into water to relieve themselves of fleas? Water really does work. Since fleas do not grasp onto the hair shafts, they fall off in the water and drown. A good dip in a tub of water will wash away most, if not all of the fleas on your pet. Using a gentle shampoo, or a little bit of dish liquid, perhaps one with a citrus base (fleas are repelled by lemon and orange), along with thorough and regular brushing, will go a long way toward ridding your pet’s body of fleas.

Around the house, vacuuming, laundering, and disinfecting the floors and your pet’s living spaces will help to control the population of fleas (just make sure you do not use products with volatile organic compounds). In the yard, you might consider adding a natural predator of fleas. Nematodes are small worms that feed off of flea larva, and are easy to find at garden stores or pet shops. Keep in mind that the type of nematode that is being recommended here is termed a “beneficial” nematode. It is not the type that is known for infecting animals as heartworm.

Ticks hang out in tall grass and use the opportunity to grab on to passersby when they feel body warmth. If you are going to be spending time in wooded or grassy areas with your dog, you might want to fashion some cover-up clothing for your dog to avoid ticks.
An old t-shirt can be altered to fit your dog’s body, and old socks can be cut to make “leg warmers.” This may not entirely prevent ticks from making their way onto your dog, but it keep most of them off since they have nothing to latch onto, and will slow the rest down so they do not spend as much time on your dog’s skin.

Because ticks carry dangerous bacteria, repelling them is a priority. One of the natural repellents that a lot of people have success with is rose geranium oil, which can be applied to your dog’s collar. Don’t use this on your cat, though, they are notorious for bad reactions with essential oils. With ticks, the best thing you might do it to check your pet a few times a day when you are in an area that has ticks, and remove them promptly. Proper technique is important for removing ticks and fleas, so make sure that you are acquainted before you do it yourself.

Now that you have a few alternate means of combating fleas and ticks, you can feel confident that your pets will remain bug-free throughout the year.

For people concerned about animals and our environment, it can be tricky finding household products that won’t tarnish your conscience while you clean your house. Attitude makes it easy, with a line of high-performance fabric- and dish-care products, surface cleaners, and air purifiers that are both green and cruelty-free. We are giving four lucky winners a green and clean gift pack from Attitude!

Attitude believes that for a product to be considered eco-friendly, it has to minimize the impact it has on users’ health and the environment throughout the entire life cycle of the product—from production to disposal. The company accomplishes this for its own products by using renewable plant- and mineral-based sources, recyclable packaging, and ingredients that are biodegradable and nontoxic—and without using animal testing. The company is the first to offer a line of household cleaning products that are both eco-friendly certified and carbon neutral.

PETA has chosen to recognize Attitude with a Trailblazer Award for its outstanding commitment to both quality and compassion. You can find Attitude products at Jewel-Osco and Whole Foods Market stores, or you can order them online.

Enter to Win an Attitude Starter Gift Pack!
Fill out the form below by July 26 and you may win one of four starter gift packs with a selection of great Attitude products—including dishwashing liquid, automatic dishwasher detergent, natural air purifier, all-purpose cleaner, bathroom cleaner, laundry detergent, fabric softener, and a reusable tote bag—a $50 value! We will let you know if you are a winner by July 27.

This contest has ended.

PETA recently became partners with the online information hub for women: Divine Caroline.

Divine Caroline is a lifestyle site for women, by women. It is fueled by stories, information, and the personal experiences of experts and everyday people.

We will be posting our articles there as well as continuing to post on PETA Living, but on our Divine Caroline page, you will also be able to check out our product reviews and other helpful ways to share animal-friendly tips and information.
Divine Caroline is free to join, read, write, start forums, and pass things along to your friends. Check out our profile, and if you have your own already, become our friend!

maximumpc / cc

During these bumpy financial times, we are all looking to save a little green, and really, who couldn’t use a little help making dollars go further? To help keep you on your budget, we’ve put together a list of special offers for cruelty-free shopping.

After all, when we are able to pinch a few pennies here and there, we are often more able to put our extra resources into helping animals.

Check out these special offers from stores such as Target, Best Bath Store, Sears, Delia’s, and many more! In addition to these great offers, sign up for the PETA Living E-News. We’ll send information about contests for free goods and updates on the latest deals straight to your in-box.

Check out these special offers:

Beauty and Personal Care

20% off Cruelty-Free Contact Lens Solution From Clear Conscience
Use the coupon code below and get 20% off your purchase of cruelty-free contact lens solution from Clear Conscience.
Coupon Code: PETA ROCKS
Offer Expires: July 31, 2009

Save 15% OFF Your Entire Purchase at Best Bath Store
Treat yourself to cruelty-free bath and body care from Best Bath Store and take 15% off your entire order.
Coupon Code: PETA1508
Offer Expires: June 23, 2009

Get 10% off All Orders With Max Green Alchemy
Shop now with the 2008 PETA Proggy Award winner for Best Cruelty-Free Personal-Care Products!
Coupon Code: PETA8
Offer Expires: June 30, 2009

10% off Natracare Items From A Different Daisy
Coupon Code: natracare3
Offer Expires: June 30, 2009

Discount on Kiss My Face Toothpaste From A Different Daisy
Use this coupon code and get a tube (regularly priced at $5.39) for $4.50
Coupon Code: toothpaste3
Offer Expires: June 30, 2009

Free Lip Balm From My Lip Stuff
Buy any 12 tubes of My Lip Stuff lip balm and get one free!
Coupon Code: PETAfree (enter code and flavor choice in the comments section)
Offer Expires: December 31, 2009

Receive 15% off Your Entire First Order at Makeup Junky Cosmetics
Take 15% off your first order of cruelty-free mineral make-up from Makeup Junky.
Coupon Code: PETA07

Clothing and Accessories

15% OFF Your Order at Alternative Outfitters
Take 15% off your entire order from cruelty-free fashion retailer Alternative Outfitters. That includes sale and clearance items as well!
Coupon Code: 15peta
Offer Expires: June 30, 2009
*You may only use one coupon code per order. Your order subtotal (not including shipping or tax) must be $25 or more to qualify.

Free Shipping From eBags
Order using this link to receive a discount. eBags offers a wide selection of cruelty-free bags. Not all products are cruelty-free, so check the materials before you buy.
Benefit to PETA: 9% donated to PETA
Offer Expires: None

Free Shipping From dELiA’s
Order using this link to receive a discount.
Customers who shop at dELiA’s and spend more than $75 on orders will receive free shipping.
Valid Through: March 2012

Home Items

Get 15% OFF When You Spend $125 on Select Furniture at Target.com
Order using this link to receive a discount.
Benefit to PETA: 7 % donated to PETA
Offer Expires: June 20, 2009

Get $5 OFF When You Spend $50 or More at Sears.com
Sears.com now carries a large variety of cruelty-free cleaning products, like Seventh Generation and method. Get $5 off when you spend $50 or more.
Coupon Code: SWELCOME05008
Benefit to PETA: 2% donated to PETA
Offer Expires: None

Take $3 off Your First Order From BuyKind.com!
Order to-the-door delivery from renowned, award-winning vegan restaurants.
Coupon Code: PETA07

Save 10% on Good Home Company Cleaning Products
Take 10% off of your home-cleaning product order. The discount does not apply to shipping.
Coupon Code: PETA06 (enter in the comments section).

10% Off Your Order From Universol Aromas
Take 10% off your order with this cruelty-free manufacturing company, which makes candles that are 100% soy.
Coupon Code: PETA08
Offer Expires: December 31, 2009

Companion Animal Food

PetFoodDirect—Save 10% OFF Your Entire Order
PetFoodDirect offers a lot of cruelty-free suppliers, including PetGuard, Evangers, Halo, and Natural Balance!
Coupon Code: PERFOOD
Benefit to PETA: 8% donated to PETA
Offer Expires: June 30, 2009

Get 5% Off Your First Order With Only Natural Pet Store
Save 5% on your first order with holistic companion animal supply company Natural Pet.
Coupon Code: PTBIZ42 (enter code and flavor choice in the comments section)
Offer Expires: December 31, 2009

Vegetarian Salisbury Steak in Mushroom Gravy
from VeggieBrothers.com

We’ve all been there: the end of a long workday, the night you walk in the door after a long road trip, or just those nights in general where you want to flop on the couch and watch a movie without spending a lot of time or money on dinner. Sure, you could order out, but why not just grab something quick and delicious from your freezer that could be ready in minutes? No, I am not talking about a typical instant microwave meal. I am talking about a mouthwatering creation from VeggieBrothers.com.

VeggieBrothers.com is the first and only online vegan restaurant featuring vegetarian versions of America’s favorite classic dishes and more. It offers more than 40 menu items of entrees, soups, appetizers, and sides in three different sizes, and they’re all 100 percent vegan.

With delicious creations like Tofu Scalloppini, Seitan Ribs, and Soy Chicken Cacciatore, all conveniently shipped frozen to your door, you will wonder how you ever survived without it. These products can be easily microwaved or defrosted and reheated using conventional stove-top methods.

These days, with more and more people staying in to help stay on budget, these quality meals are a luxury that you can afford. You can get restaurant-quality food right at home. So what are you waiting for? Go stock your freezer with some tasty meals from VeggieBrothers.com!

happynews / cc

When it comes to gardening, my good intentions vastly outweigh my time and energy. My composter sits unassembled in a shed. Every year, I buy about four times as many types of vegetable seeds as I actually plant. The last bag of seed-starter mix I bought became an excellent rodent nursery.

Those of you who mulch, compost, brew compost tea, and sing lovingly to your seedlings: You are very special. No need to read any further.

To the rest of you, who might need a little store-bought assistance in perking up your flowers and nourishing your vegetable garden: Just remember that even organic fertilizers aren’t necessarily vegan. Many contain manure, blood and bone meal from factory-farmed animals, and fish emulsion and fish meal from the rapacious commercial fishing industry.

If your local garden center doesn’t carry vegan fertilizer, you can order some. Down to Earth offers a Vegan Mix, and Soil Mender offers a Yum-Yum Mix—mmm, makes me want to eat it right out of the bag!

Order from
PETA Catalog

I went vegan when I was in college, many moons ago. Since I went to a community college and I still lived at home, I didn’t really have to worry about what to buy in the campus cafeteria. It was a good thing, too, because back then, not nearly as many schools offered vegan or even vegetarian options, except maybe French fries or fruit.

Since I lived nearby (and I was new to activism), I never attempted to “veganize the school cafeteria.” If I was going to be on campus for a while, I brought my lunch from home and nuked it in the microwave, if necessary. Usually, it was something boring though, like boiled broccoli and cauliflower or a phony baloney sandwich. I wasn’t much of a cook back then, and I never had enough time (or money) to make something more inventive anyway. When I was in school, I really could have used PETA’s Vegan College Cookbook, the new cookbook with 275 recipes that can be made with only a few inexpensive ingredients and no stove. It would’ve been one of the few books I actually opened!

But even though I’m older and can cook a bit better now, I still need this cookbook. I don’t always have the time or patience to make recipes that have mile-long ingredient lists, and I’m too frugal (i.e., cheap) to buy many exotic spices and oils and such on a regular basis. So the simple sandwich, snack, and smoothie recipes still appeal to me.

Here are a couple of the easy ideas from the book. Try them along with the recipes for fresh salads, hummus wraps, and veggie burgers, and you’ll feel like you’re really cookin’.

Skinny Chick Chickpea Salad
1 (16-ounce) can chickpeas, drained
1 1/2 cups celery, diced (can usually be found on any salad bar)
1/2 cup vegan mayonnaise
2 tablespoons lemon juice (fresh or from the squirter)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
Pita (optional)

• Mix the chickpeas and celery. Add the remaining ingredients and season with salt and pepper. Serve in pita pockets or as an individual salad.

Melon-Berry Bliss
2 frozen bananas (peel and cut into chunks before freezing)
4 or 5 cantaloupe chunks (grab them from the dining hall salad bar)
4 or 5 honeydew chunks (grab them from the dining hall salad bar)
1 cup frozen blueberries
1 cup apple juice

• Blend everything together until smooth.

See, no matter how old you are, there’s no need to subsist on unfrosted blueberry pop tarts, peanuts, raisin bran, and bananas alone.

P.S. You can try your luck at winning a copy over at the Veg Cooking Blog!

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They’re great for helping you relax or igniting some passion for a romantic rendezvous, but did you know that candles often contain ingredients that snuff out animals? Many candles are made from beeswax stolen from industrious bees’ hives, stearic acid made from tallow (a slaughterhouse product derived from beef or sheep fat), and cetyl palmitate, a waxy oil taken from sperm whales’ heads or from dolphins.

Although some paraffin candles are animal-free, they can be bad for your health and the environment. The soot given off from the burning of petroleum-based paraffin candles is essentially the same as that given off by burning diesel fuel. Fortunately, it’s now easier than ever to find or make soy candles, which burn cleaner, last longer, are better for the environment, and do not depend on killing and stealing from animals. Check out our list of compassionate candle companies, or get crafty and make your own.

These soy container candles are fun and easy to make. Get ready to let your creativity and compassion shine!

What You Will Need
• 1 pound of soy-wax flakes (found on the Internet or in local hobby shops)
• 1 mason jar or another type of decorative jar made with thick, heat-resistant glass
• 1 ounce of fragrance oil (since you won’t be adding dye to the wax, we suggest picking a scent that complements a white candle)
• 1 cotton wick (use a wick that’s attached to a metal disc)
• Scissors
• Superglue

Procedure
1. Wash and dry your glass jar completely.
2. Put a couple of drops of superglue on the bottom of the wick (metal tab), then place the metal tab at the bottom of the jar.
3. Hold the wick in place for about a minute or until the glue dries.
4. Slowly heat soy wax in a pan over medium heat until it is completely melted.
5. Remove the soy wax from the burner.
6. Stir in fragrance oil (we recommend essential oils) until it is absorbed into the soy wax.
7. Gently and slowly pour the soy-wax mixture into the jar.
8. Position the wick in the center.
9. Once the wax turns solid, trim the wick to ½ inch.
10. Light your candle and enjoy!

Find more animal-friendly candles by checking out PETA’s handy online shopping guide or shopping at the PETA Mall.

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The following was originally posted on PETA Prime by Elizabeth Bublitz.

For a few years now, cocoa bean mulch has been available at numerous garden centers. Many homeowners are using it in lieu of wood mulch because it has a longer shelf life and it is very attractive. However, cocoa bean mulch contains methylxanthines—specifically caffeine and theobromine, which dogs are extremely sensitive to. Dogs are attracted to the chocolate scent of cocoa bean mulch and are very likely to eat it. If ingested, cocoa mulch can cause your dog to tremble and vomit. If a large amount is consumed, dogs can become hyperactive and have a rapid heart rate, seizures, and diarrhea. While unlikely, the consumption of cocoa mulch can be fatal to dogs. It can also be harmful to cats (although they are less likely to be attracted to the chocolate aroma) and other wildlife as well.

If you have cocoa bean mulch in your yard, remove it as soon as possible. If you are uncertain whether you have cocoa bean mulch in your yard, simply smell it for the scent of chocolate. If there is even a hint of it, remove it. If you feel your dog has ingested cocoa mulch, contact your veterinarian or pet poison control (1-800-213-6680) immediately.