Empowerhouse — From Concept Home to Family Residence

One of the green concept homes showcased at the Department of Energy’s 2011 Solar Decathlon now has a permanent address in Washington, DC. The design is based on several net-zero energy systems that reach peak efficiency when they are joined together. A rainwater harvesting system captures water from the roof and adjacent land, minimizing the … Read more

The Social Unit

Wouter Kalis and Corinne de Korver are two Dutch designers who have long been aware of the overall importance of sustainable accommodations throughout the world. Based in Amsterdam, the duo are dedicated to socially-conscious designs that incorporate simple and often recyclable elements, such as their most recent piece, “Social Unit.”  Devised as a solution for … Read more

What Nutrition Experts Won’t Feed Their Kids

Beth Wallace, a registered dietitian at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, asked twenty well-respected, experienced, pediatric nutrition experts what foods they refuse to provide to their own children. The children range from 18 months to 20 years old. The results are in. The top 10 foods experts won’t bring into their home: Sugar sweetened beverages- … Read more

Georgia Weighs In — “Feed My School”

Obesity rates for kids have become a hot button educational issue in the USA, with childhood obesity tripling in the last three decades. The State of Georgia is among the worst in the nation with more than 37 percent of students overweight or obese. These children will likely grow up to become obese adults and … Read more

Nutrition in the Democratic Republic of Korea

Chronic malnutrition, has an irreversible impact on children’s physical and intellectual development if it is not treated in the first two years of life. To prevent stunting and anaemia in mothers and their children, food and nutrition security, water, hygiene and sanitation, and other endemic social and health-related problems need to be addressed together. Desiree … Read more

Nutrition Education for Vietnamese Women on Calcium Intake

A new study suggests that community-based education programs to improve intake of dietary calcium could make a difference in bone health and fracture prevention for the postmenopausal population. In many Asian countries, levels of dietary calcium and vitamin D in the general population have been shown to be below FAO/WHO recommended levels of calcium intake. … Read more

The Garden Classroom

At Mark Twain Middle School in Los Angeles, a blooming garden serves as a classroom. Students learn math by measuring the growth of wheat, ancient history by building a Mesopotamian-style irrigation system and the science of evaporation, evolution and genetics by watching their garden grow. At lunchtime you will find them snacking on pasta tossed … Read more

Nutrition in a Holistic Setting

“If you can show someone how special they are, that they are wonderfully made, that empowers them with value and it changes their lives.” So says Pam Van Meter, a certified health education specialist who works at the Bethesda Clinic in Tyler Texas. The clinic provides women with job training and other life skills. The … Read more

New School Nutrition Programs

Chicago Public School students will be growing much of their own food next year. On Sunday, Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced a $1 million investment into the school system’s gardening and nutrition programs. The money is left over from the NATO Summit that took place last spring. About 100 Chicago schools will be getting the new … Read more

Egg Free Egg Nog

Egg Free Egg Nog Recipe Type: Christmas Cuisine: Ascension Author: Ascension Cafe Prep time: 15 mins Cook time: 15 mins Total time: 30 mins Serves: 6 This healthy choice features the taste of egg nog without the casein or other animal protein. Show you care by helping your guests have a merry, cholesterol free, Christmas! … Read more