This Sunday is Earth Day, have you heard?

Do you celebrate or acknowledge the holiday? I will be working all day, but when I was a kid we used to go pick up trash along the side of the road that we lived on. I grew up in the country and people throw out trash and dump garbage all the time. It was a small gesture, but I sill remember doing it. My parents are what I would consider uber-green and always set a great example.

While I aim to be as green as possible all year-round, Earth Day is always a good reminder that I can do better! I do the standards: bringing my bags to the grocery store, carrying around my water bottle with me at all times and buying eco-friendly home cleaning products and organic food when possible, but there are definitely ways that I can improve.

Favorite, Simple Ways to Go Green! 

compost pail via simple human 

household cleaners, detergents via seventh generation

food kozy via kids konserve

glass water bottle via life factory

What are your favorite “going green” tips and tricks? I could add a few to my repertoire. 

The latest natural food trends have always intrigued me, but since working in the natural food business, they are also something that I needed to stay on top of.

It is one of the reasons why I prefer to go to the store alone – then I can spend all of the time I want wandering up and down every single aisle, every single time I visit the store. (And I could literally go to the store every day).

These are my favorite natural food trends of 2012 – they aren’t necessarily “new” items, but are really popular this year.

• Gluten-Free: I’m glad that there are more delicious options for those who must follow a gluten-free diet, but there is also a lot of “junk gluten-free” products out there. (Which means Gluten Free isn’t necessarily healthier)!

• Probiotics: Are everywhere! In food, drink, water and pouch form. I’m a huge fan of probiotics but I still prefer mine via supplements.

• Convenience Foods: Foods that require little to no prep time are still a staple in 2012 and come in all forms of breakfast, lunch and dinner.

• Kombucha: The kombucha section is growing at a steady rate and I’ve tried  a number of them, but my favorites are still GT Kombucha and Kombucha Wonder Drink.

• Greek Yogurt: Like kombucha, I swear I see a new Greek Yogurt brand/variety every time I visit the store. There is even frozen greek yogurt, but I have yet to try it.

• Coconut: Found in waters, teas, oils, baked goods and bars, ice creams, milks and sweeteners.

Which of these food trends do you enjoy? What would you add to the list?