Precycle - This was a term introduced to me a few years ago at a discussion group on "Voluntary Simplicity." I'd never heard of it, but it's so obvious - the whole notion of preventing recycling, and especially waste, by avoiding use and consumption in the first place. This is the idea behind the decision of some supermarkets to eliminate the use of plastic grocery bags, for example; if we don't use them, they don't end up as trash.

How can you precycle? Here are a few easy ways:

-Take only what you need.

-Minimize your use of disposable/non reusable items such as plastic tableware and personal items such as razors, pens, etc. If you must use plastic, consider more eco-friendly forms. For example, Preserve (brand) has an excellent set of household products made from 100% recycled material, that's recyclable and dishwasher safe (I use their tableware all my cooking classes and events).

-Avoid buying products encased in a lot of packaging, support manufacturers who use recycled packaging, and buy in bulk to avoid multiple packages (are you sensing a theme here?!).

-Use washable cloth napkins over paper - and save physical and psychic energy by not being so perfectionistic that they need to be ironed and starched perfectly.

-Bring your own reusable containers to the store when you can, so you don't have to take more - supermarkets such as Whole Foods will allow you to use them when purchasing bulk items.

Recycle (and reuse) - We've all gotten more familiar with recycling in recent years, and fortunately many communities have stepped up to the plate with recycling programs. Recycling/reusing is also a great way to be creative about using old things in new ways. For example, are there any old receptacles that could make funky, interesting planters in your garden? I'm serious -- think about old drawers, buckets, etc.

I'm a bit of a nut when it comes to reusing containers; clients who come to my home have gotten used to taking home food samples and other items in my motley assortment of reused glass and plastic containers. If you buy items in glass jars or bottles, you can run the empties through the dishwasher, remove the label, and you have a terrific new vessel for storage in the refrigerator or elsewhere.

Composting is an amazing way to recycle kitchen and yard waste into what gardeners call "black gold" - the nutrient-rich material that can make a garden flourish. Like many things, composting can be as complex, or a simple as you make it - but, as gardeners say, "compost happens" - nature will take its course eventually and turn the leftovers into useful food for the earth.

Even something as simple as leaving your lawn clippings on the grass is a form of recycling - they will break down and feed the soil, save you from buying feed/fertilizer, and NOT end up in a bag at the curb, destined for a landfill.

When cleaning your closets, remember to save old t-shirts to use as (washable) rags, reserve some worn clothes for wearing during rough work in the yard, and donate wearable items to an organization serving people who really need them.

Freecycle - This is a national grassroots organization that's dedicated to keeping stuff out of landfills -- how awesome is that? Using a network of local and regional Yahoo newsgroups, Freecyclers post information about items they are offering for free, or requests for items they seek. People connect and arrange to pick up items that might ordinarily be thrown away. It's amazing what people are getting rid of, and have use for. We've done transactions around everything from box springs, old magazines and used gutters (offered) to bookshelves, stemware and hockey skates (received). It's also a great way to deal with items that you didn't sell at that other wonderful form of recycle/reuse - garage sales.

Another way to save money, packaging and time is to make your own very effective, eco-friendly and inexpensive household cleaners. My first go-to natural cleaner is Vinegar - I buy a 5 gallon jug of white distilled vinegar, and find all sorts of uses for it. A close second to that is Baking Soda. Both are natural disinfectants and cut through grease and dirt safely and quickly. Here are a few uses for these two powerhouses, together and solo, adapted from Real Simple and my own experience. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil, such as lavender, tea tree or lemon, to the cleaning/scrubbing formulas for beautiful fresh scent, too.

Clean windows and mirrors. Fill a reused spray bottle with water and a few tablespoons of vinegar. Use newspapers (!) instead of paper towels to wipe amazingly clean.

Unclog a drain. Pour 1/2 to 1 cup of baking soda down the drain, then slowly pour 1/2 to 1 cup of white vinegar after it. Let sit for five minutes (covered, if possible). Follow with a gallon of boiling water.

Clean an electric coffee pot. Fill with a 50-50 solution of vinegar and water. Run the coffeepot through a brew cycle. Unplug and let cool. (put the used water in your compost if you have one - recycle that too!) Refill with clean water; brew again, cool the water, use in plants, compost, etc., and you're all clean.

Scrub tile and porcelain. Use a dusting of baking soda; rinse with water and dry.

NJAWBO Wellness Retreat -- I'm honored to be one of the speakers at the New Jersey Association of Women Business Owners Pre-Conference Wellness Retreat, "down the shore" in Long Branch, NJ on Tuesday, May 6. I'll be presenting OASIS in the Overwhelm: 60 Second Strategies for Balance in a Busy World. Find out more about this dynamic retreat and conference here.

In other exciting news, I've been certified as an official OASIS trainer -- the only one in the state of New Jersey! If you'd like to find out more about how I can share this leading-edge, yet amazingly simple methodology for creating calm, refreshing your mood and rewiring your brain with your group or corporation, let me know.

Do you want to improve your eating habits, feel confident in choosing and preparing better food for your self and your family, find balance in all areas of your life, and experience a lasting increase in your energy? Not sure where to begin -- or how to stay on course? As a Holistic Health Counselor, I am committed to being your guide and advocate on the path toward health and vitality. I can help you clear away the clutter of old food and lifestyle habits so that your best self can shine out to the world. Working together, you'll learn to tune into your body's innate wisdom, find clarity about what really nourishes you, and move closer to the balance that's essential for accomplishing all that you came here to do. Please contact me to schedule a get-acquainted conversation.

email: shininglifenutrition@gmail.com

phone: 973.944.4878

web: http://www.shininglifenutrition.com