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Environmental and Health Concerns index:
> Index > Environmental and Health Concerns
Environmental and Health Concerns Environmental and Health Concerns articles
Water—The Precious Oil of the 21st Century
Water is a public trust and a basic human right. We cannot live without it. Like air, water should never be considered “goods” to be traded and sold on the world market; yet the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) has left our water wide open to exploitation. Canada’s water is in crisis.
The Nature Challenge
When we read about health issues in the newspaper or seestories on TV, the focus is almost always on the potential benefits of the latest medical “breakthrough,” such as an exciting new drug, technique or technology.
Metal Poisoning
A Weekend at a Health Show
A few weeks ago, I attended a health show in Victoria with a friend and, upon reflection, it was a very rich way to share time together! The exhibit floor Was animated with lots of sights, sounds, colors and tastes, and the seminars were information-packed and inspiring.
What is Adaptation?
The human body is brilliantly designed. A complex and miprehensive network of psychological, neurological, emflfcrinological and immunological mechanisms maintain good health and equilibrium called "homeostasis."
Making a Difference
Severn Cullis-Suzuki’s brightest moment was probably at the Rio Earth Summit, where the then 12-year-old Severn delivered a powerful speech to the political representatives. However, her first environmental and social justice work began at an even younger age.
Introducing alive Around the World
At alive, it is our goal and privilege to bring you up-to-date research and information on health and wellness to improve the quality of your lives. Our intent is to raise awareness regarding natural and preventive approaches to healthcare.
Siegfried Gursche
After 30 years natural health pioneer Siegfried Gursche has retired from his position as the publisher of alive. While no longer at the helm of the nation’s much-loved natural health publication, his entrepreneurial spirit lives on as the magazine continues to inform and educate.
Schools Embrace Nature
Every Monday morning, bright-eyed kindergarten and grade one students from South Carvolth Environmental School in Langley, BC, trek through Campbell Valley Regional Park to check out what’s new this week.
Giving Something Back
Listening to Chantal Kreviazuk’s music is always, for me, an inspiring experience so intense that I can easily lose track of time. While writing this article, I am listening to her 2002 album What If It All Means Something. She has a unique gift—a divine voice.
One Woman’s Dream Becomes Every Child’s “Right to Play”
Play comes naturally to all children. But not all children are able to climb that ladder to the top of the slide, nor can they hold on tightly as the merry-go-round spins.
Nature Does It
Robert Bateman is not only an internationally acclaimed Canadian artist who paints wildlife, he also has a high profile as a conservationist, environmentalist, and naturalist. Bateman lives by his convictions—caring for the planet, for his art, and for his own and his loved ones’ health, naturally.
Low Energy Lights
Millions of colourful lights illuminate the night air, shining iridescently through snow-covered bushes and trees and casting a romantic glow. However, times have changed since Edison’s incandescent light bulb moment in 1879, and the rising cost of energy and our environmental responsibilities are taking some of the romance out of extravagant light displays.
The End of Food
Thomas Pawlick delivers an in-depth exposé of the food industry with the comfort and candour of a neighbourly farmer/investigator who might be seated at our dinner table.
Our Toxic Nation
More than 23,000 chemicals are registered for use in Canada and each year this number grows. Obviously, some exposures we can’t prevent. But every attempt is worthwhile, says Environmental Defence (ED), a Toronto-based organization that has recently released eye-opening data on the chemical burden we face.
Taking Care of Business by Taking Care of People
Workers and the workplace have come a long way. Today a healthy, positive, and enriching workplace is increasingly valued by employers and employees alike. The bottom line is that workplace wellness is good for the bottom line.
Deep Heating
Green energy doesn’t always lend itself easily to the urban environment. In the city the skyscraper across the street can compromise the solar installation of your dreams. Nearby neighbours cringe when you mention your backyard wind-farm idea. Now geothermal heat pumps may offer the solution you need.
Ways You can Help Clean Up the Earth
Do you carry a reusable lunch bag? Buy recycled computer paper for your printer? Prepare vegetarian meals once or twice a week? In other words, are you concerned enough about the environment that you’re doing something to protect it and the humans and animals that live within it?
The Good Kitchen
There is nothing nicer than a clean, neat, well-equipped kitchen. Your kitchen is the heart of your home. Whether you are remodelling your kitchen or installing a new one, there is much to consider about the best choices for you and your family.
Ethical Funds
The morning I began writing this article, I was at a familiar haunt dressing two grande mild coffees. Touch of cream, milk, and one sugar. A nearby brochure caught my eye. Entitled “Starbucks commitment to social responsibility,” it set out the guiding principles this megacorp now supports.
Saving on Insurance
Life and health insurance companies want you to live a long, healthy life. But are their motives altogether altruistic? Insurance companies are in the business of maximizing profits, and it stands to reason that the healthier you are and the longer you live, the more money they make.
Consumer-Driven Evolution
What was once considered a fringe industry has now become a mega money-maker—no surprise to alive readers. Drop into any drugstore or supermarket and you’ll find energy drinks and organics where you once found cigarettes.
Don’t Turn a Blind Eye
Angels responded to the Pakistan earthquake, Hurricane Katrina, and the Guatemalan flood.
Here Comes the (eco-savvy) Bride
Tying the knot? There are many ways to make your wedding environmentally friendly. Here are 12 tips to make your special day sustainable as well as unforgettable.
Panda Approved
Bamboo is tough. Bamboo is strong—it’s one of the strongest building materials in the world. Yet despite its strength, when made into clothing, bamboo is softer than the softest cotton and smoother than the smoothest silk.
Luxe Linens
Sleeping and bathing are two daily rituals. We snuggle between our bedsheets every night and towel our bodies dry after our daily shower or bath. But what do we really know about the fabrics in our bed and bath linens? For most of us, the answer is, not much at all.
Cool Canada
Last Christmas was more hectic than holiday. As we rushed from visiting the in-laws to dinner at my parents’ house, I asked, “Wouldn’t it be nice if we could get away next Christmas?” Without missing a beat, my husband responded, “Yes, but could we get enough time off?”
Corn Kernels of Truth
Dare to start a conversation about bean sprouts or broccoli at a party and watch those around you drift off toward the punchbowl. But launch into a discussion on corn and you could find yourself smack in the middle of a raging debate.
Pharmed Rice
Greenpeace calls it cannibal rice—a genetically engineered grain containing human proteins that poses health and environmental hazards—but the company developing this product calls it a lifesaving treatment; their company website refers to it as a Holy Grail.
Modern Mud Huts
It’s no wonder straw bale, rammed earth, and hempcrete homes are getting more popular: they’re low maintenance, rodent-proof, fire-resistant, eco-friendly, and healthier than conventional houses. These modern mud huts, or green houses, are popping up all over Canada—and they’re slowly edging their way into the mainstream.
Walking the Enviromental Talk
It’s one thing to talk the talk; it’s quite another to walk it. What would you be willing to give up to save the environment? Paper napkins? Takeout food? Cable TV? Refrigeration? Driving? Vanessa Farquharson has given up all of these things for a year, at least.
Ecoholic; The Virtuous Consumer
If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then these two writers must adore each other’s work. Both Vasil and Garrett have authored shopping guides that alert readers to the hidden perils of daily consumer choices. Never before have I seen two books so alike in content, form, and intent.

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