We found 54 results tagged with "research"
54 Challenges
54 Challenges found
Challenge
Limit your internet
Researchers in England recently found that so-called “Internet addiction”—excessive time spent browsing the Web—is correlated with depression. Although scientists don’t yet know which trait comes first (the desire to be online or the tendency toward depression), it...
Challenge
Know your fish
Many species of fish are on the verge of extinction. And countless more are filled with toxins such as mercury and PCBs. All of these factors can make eating fish confusing for healthy, environmentally conscious consumers.
Today, make an effort to dispel your confusion about the fish you should...
Challenge
Research energy-efficient cooking methods
When was the last time you thought about your energy consumption in the kitchen? Today, challenge yourself to identify some energy-efficient cooking methods and then share what you learn with everyone here.
Challenge
Be more label-conscious
What can you learn from a food label? Plenty! From serving size to fat content and the amount of sodium contained in a single serving, the information contained in the Nutrition Facts label is worth knowing. Take time today to study the labels on your favorite foods, and learn the basic concepts...
Challenge
Embrace the new ecotourism
Ecotourism used to mean flying to a developing country with a rainforest and taking a look around. You can help raise the standard by patronizing businesses that walk the talk when it comes to hiring locally, relying on local talent for brain power, supporting local projects, and enabling local...
Challenge
Support local food-processing
Processing – not a nice word when it comes to natural foods, but a real part of our diets. In the past, food processing took place regionally, in small local canneries, grist mills, and slaughterhouses. Nowadays, food travels from afar to reach our table and comes from larger, centralized mills –...
Challenge
Take the train
Ah, the mystery and spirit of adventure of train travel! It’s a greener choice than planes and cars. Tickets, however, can be pricey. Why not make a train ride the focus of your next trip? Today, challenge yourself to map out a future trip, marking all the whistlestop sites you’d like to enjoy on...
Challenge
Take advantage of technology
Imagine it: A flat screen integrated into your fridge that offers tips on eating cleanly, or smart tips folded into relevant text messages. Possible? Yes, but currently only in prototype form. Product designers are conceiving new technologies for delivering information about healthy eating as we...
Challenge
Make the math curriculum more "nutritious"
Nowadays, schoolchildren learn about real-life math concepts such as credit, balancing checkbooks, and bill paying. Why not calorie consumption? Some experts support incorporating instruction on caloric needs into the school curriculum; in a country where two-thirds of the population is overweight...
Challenge
Put the brakes on weight loss
Currently on a weight loss plan? Try slowing your rate of loss; studies show that rapid weight loss may lead to burnout. Today, challenge yourself to evaluate your daily calorie intake; use an online calculator to help. Make the goal 1-2 pounds per week (a figure experts regard as sustainable...
Challenge
Grow one thing
Not a green thumb? Think again! Herbs, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, strawberries – depending on your area, various foods can be almost effortless to grow yourself. Start with something relatively simple and see how far you can take this wholesome habit! Today, challenge yourself to find out what...
Challenge
Go metric
The global standard of measurement is metric, and this standard includes the burgeoning field of environmental science and, more broadly, the green movement. So why is the US one of only three holdouts clinging to customary measurement? (Increasing gas prices and the need to quantify them more...
Challenge
Be a borrower
Are you having trouble finding time to workout? A great way to add “anytime” workouts to your repertoire is to check out fitness DVDs from your local library. Today, challenge yourself to login to the website at your local library and create a fitness dvd “want list”.
Challenge
Have spice, will travel
Spices formerly linked to a single cuisine are crossing over: Turmeric, cinnamon, cardamom, coriander, cloves, Aleppo pepper, and blends like India's garam masala will travel cross-culturally. Take advantage of this new globalization of flavor! Today, challenge yourself to learn about and use an...
Challenge
Go for the greenest grape
Gifting a host with a bottle of wine is always nice. Why not an organic or low-sulfite variety? Organic wines are produced using organically grown grapes and are free of pesticides and herbicides. Winemakers typically add sulfites to stabilize wine and prevent spoilage, but a handful of vineyards...
Challenge
Have fitness, will travel
Whether you have a gym membership that travels or need to find other ways to work out on family visits, doing some research ahead of time ensures you have the right gear and, more importantly, a reason to keep up your routine when you go away. Today, challenge yourself to come up with a master plan...
Challenge
Be a quick fitness study
Barebones or basic workouts in a pinch are fine – but do you have one? A little research will yield a handy list of strength moves, stretches, and weight-bearing exercises that you can take with you anywhere. Today, challenge yourself to write these moves down or, better yet, print out photos...
Challenge
Have fitness, will travel
Whether you have a gym membership that travels or need to find other ways to work out on family visits, doing some research ahead of time ensures you have the right gear and, more importantly, a reason to keep up your routine when you go away. Today, challenge yourself to come up with a master plan...
Challenge
Automate dishwashing
Doing the “washing up” by hand may be the good, old-fashioned way – but it also wastes energy. The newer ENERGY STAR-qualified dishwashers use half as much energy as washing by hand – and 5,000 less gallons of water per year. Clearly, energy and cost savings add up quick with these devices (which...
Challenge
Green-up your workout gear
Earth-friendly workout gear abounds -- who knew? From recycled yoga mats to earth-friendly shoes, there are a host of options available. Perhaps most important: Consider how you travel to your workout site (why drive when you can walk or ride your bike?). Today, do a few minutes of Internet research...
Challenge
Get an advanced degree in flax
There’s a wealth of information on flaxseeds out there, which is great…but sometimes confusing. Supplement or food source? Ground or whole? Plus, how can you know whom to trust? First, go to a source with a medical review board that peer-reviews all its publications — Mayo Clinic, for example...
Challenge
Switch to mini-solar power
Forever forgetting to recharge your cell phone? One way to power your phone up and treat the earth kindly at the same time – without even plugging in! – is to invest in a universal solar charger.
Available for between $50-$95, most devices are compact and can easily fit in your knapsack. They...
Challenge
Green up your greens
When it comes to greening up a salad, it’s easy to think, what’s there to add? Microgreens are a great way to boost nutrition and add more complex flavor. What are they? Microgreens are actually small, delicate plants – salad greens, herbs, edible flowers, and leafy veggies. Examples include...
Challenge
Dig up minerals
If regular makeup irritates your skin or you’re concerned about toxic substances, try mineral makeup instead. Mineral makeup was actually created in the 1970s but didn’t catch on widely until recently. Made from natural, finely ground earth minerals, it was conceived as an alternate to the dyes...
Challenge
Expand your sport horizons
Women: Ever thought about trying a traditionally male-dominated sport? Pastimes like football, hockey and rugby can be rewarding – and are attracting more women all the time. If spreading your wings athletically is important to you, today challenge yourself to do some research and find a league...
Challenge
Learn about the ‘dirty dozen’
That $4 organic avocado got you stymied? Good news: According to the Environmental Working Group, some produce retains relatively low pesticide loads, including avocados, onions, pineapples, mangos and sweet frozen corn. However, other produce retains pesticides at much higher levels. Here’s a list...
Challenge
Pack your power
There are backpacks that can carry a solar charge which is powerful enough to run your personal gadgets? Get out! Turns out it’s true: Powered by monocrystalline cells, these waterproof, scratch-resistant, UV-proof solar packs can fire up everything from cell phones and digital cameras to GPS...
Challenge
Read about it
Want to learn about healthy living, but don’t know where to begin? Start small by subscribing to a healthy living magazine. Not only will you enjoy up-to-date news, it will arrive in portions you can handle (and implement). Today, challenge yourself to visit a bookstore or other large newsstand and...
Challenge
Research rehabbing an injury
Does a sore shoulder prevent you from playing tennis? Or a tricky knee make soccer a distant memory? Many of us accept old injuries as part of aging. But it doesn’t have to be like that. With today’s healing regimens, mind-body techniques and other therapies, there’s no reason to let injuries...
Challenge
Take up fitness geography
When it comes to exercise, every region has its benefits and challenges. Finding out what your area has to offer – and what activities present obstacles – can help you develop a routine you can stick to. For example, in sunbelt states, outdoor activities are better saved for early mornings or after...
Challenge
Explore “living off the grid”
We’ve all heard of the phenomenon: Back-to-the-landers who build their own home, plant a garden, dig a well, install solar panels and wind turbines and call it a day. But what’s really involved in so-called “living off the grid”? What are the risks and advantages of such a life? What kind of...
Challenge
Sack your kids’ lunch box
Did you know that your child’s soft vinyl lunch box might contain lead? Although the US Consumer Product Safety Commission maintains that such lead levels are too low to pose a threat, environmental groups suggest getting a lead-free option instead. Lead, a toxic metal that can cause neurological...
Challenge
Harvest rainwater
Although the term can be somewhat confusing, harvesting rainwater is anything but. All it takes is a large bucket strategically placed under your roof, a rainy night, and you’ve started. Ready-made barrels with attached spigots make it easy to use collected water on your garden and lawn. According...
Challenge
Volunteer at a fun run
Are you intimidated by the idea of running a race? One way to get more comfortable with the idea is to volunteer at a running event. Helpers are always needed to serve water, direct traffic, and set up. This weekend, do a little research to find a local running or charity event. Then sign up as a...
Challenge
Create a healthy eating plan
It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the idea of overhauling your diet. After all, there’s a ton of information out there – some of which is conflicting. If you feel like you want to make healthy changes to your eating habits but you’re not sure where to start, it might be a good idea to consult a...
Challenge
Decide on diapers
Many eco-minded people assume that cloth is the greener choice when it comes to diapers. Not always so: Depending on your location, your local landfill situation, and many other factors, disposables may actually use less energy.
While disposables fill our landfills and often contain harsh...
Challenge
Make contact
Contact sports aren’t just for the bold and initiated. From aikido and judo to basketball and football, there are lots of options that suit every fitness style. If you’ve been enjoying solo sports lately, challenge yourself to explore contact sports. This weekend, do a little research to find some...
Challenge
Tour an organic farm
Visiting an organic farm can be an exhilarating experience for children and adults alike. Many tours focus on sustainability, education, and farming best practices. And some even end the day with a meal cooked with the farm’s freshest produce. This weekend, challenge yourself to find an organic...
Challenge
Save face
It might be time to give your face-washing regimen a makeover. While water alone cannot dissolve the pollutants of the day, using too many products may be comedogenic. And harsh scrubbing can damage delicate skin. What to do? Challenge yourself to do a little research about natural face washing...
Challenge
Explore alternative medicine
Are you thinking about exploring alternative medicine as a solution to a stubborn health problem? Thanks to the Internet there are a wealth of resources at your fingertips when you decide to take a more active role in your body’s health and well-being. In addition, learning about alternative...
Challenge
Learn about grilling responsibly
Summer’s here, so lots of people are getting ready to picnic, grill outdoors, and entertain. Before doing so, it’s a good idea to know about preventing food-borne illness. Here are a couple tips:
• Wash hands
• Separate raw and cooked food
• Marinate meat in the fridge only
• Cook food...
Challenge
Research green power options
Did you know that it may be possible for you to purchase electricity from clean wind, geothermal, solar, or hydroelectric sources? Today, challenge yourself to learn if your utility company lets you purchase green energy. The US Department of Energy's Green Power Network lists energy options by...
Challenge
Get acquainted with the stars
Most of us recall an astronomical moment from our youth: camping, the indigo sky and the awesome sweep of stars overhead. Get inspired again! This week, challenge yourself to do a little research to identify some good local sky-viewing points. Then, make a date to venture out and gaze at the stars...
Challenge
Learn to decipher food labels
Organic, all natural, cage-free, Fair Trade...what does it all mean? Today, educate yourself about food labels.
Challenge
Take credit for energy efficiency
Going green has its benefits - tax benefits, that is. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 offers consumers and businesses tax credits on fuel-efficient vehicles and energy-saving appliances. Today, do a little research by reading the Department of Energy’s website to find a complete list of credit...
Challenge
Find a good salad recipe
Caesar or Waldorf? Beet or tabbouleh? It’s a toss-up. In the next 24 hours, add to your culinary repertoire by finding a salad recipe you’d like to try out.
_(Watch out for the salad dressing, the main source of calories in salads. Some dressings have as much as 100 calories per tablespoon.)_...
Challenge
Learn about local tap water
Do you drink bottled water because you assume it’s better than tap water? According to the Environmental Protection Agency, if you live in the United States bottled water is not necessarily safer than tap water. In fact, some bottled water comes from municipal water sources; it’s tap water...
Challenge
Go carbon neutral
We all need to take responsibility for solving the issue of global climate change. One way to do this is to reduce our total carbon emissions. That means doing things like turning off the lights when we leave a room, taking public transportation when possible, etc.
Taking this one step farther —...
Challenge
Join a hiking club
Ever wish you could get into the great outdoors more often, but you don’t have anyone to go with? Or maybe you’re bored by your usual hikes. There are lots of reasons that hiking clubs are a good idea. Meeting new people, seeing new places, having the opportunity to be regularly physically active…...
Challenge
Get a fitness question answered
We all have at least one question about how we can live a more active lifestyle. And that question is oftentimes the first step in reaching our goals. This week, take the first step towards your goals. Make it a point to have at least one of your fitness questions answered. Take time to share what...
Challenge
Know your body
During the next several months, make it a goal to learn some vital statistics about your body. Challenge yourself to get answers to these basic questions: 1) your cholesterol levels, 2) your blood type, 3) your blood pressure (and what do those mysterious numbers really mean?), and 4) your BMI...
Challenge
Learn the benefits of going organic
Everyone assumes that organic food is better. But what makes it better? This week, do some research to learn about it. How does it taste compared to conventional produce? How much more expensive is it pound-for-pound? Then share what you've learned with everyone here.
_(We've given you 7 days...
Challenge
Keep yourself informed
Sometime during the next 24 hours, make an effort to learn about the newest advances in medicine or the latest nutrition research. Search the Internet, join a listserv, read a newspaper, buy a health magazine, or even download a podcast. There are plenty of ways to integrate health education into...
Challenge
Discover a local farmers market
Locally grown foods are not only beneficial for the environment, they're often a lot fresher and cheaper too. Then, there's the added bonus of supporting local businesses.
Make an effort this week to find out where and when your community's next local farmers' market takes place. Plan a trip...