As far as shopping bags go, the plastic versus paper dilemma is as puzzling as the one about the chicken or the egg. The truth is, the statistics on both types of bags are deeply disturbing. At first glance the alternatives seem less than convenient—-but after learning the facts and finding some easy solutions, we’re saying “neither thanks” to “paper or plastic?”

In South Africa plastic bags have been dubbed the “national flower” because so many are seen fluttering from fences and dangling in bushes—-some report that at times it looks like a snow storm. According to the National Geographic News, between 500 billion and one trillion plastic grocery bags are consumed worldwide each year. That 100,000 birds die annually from encounters

By Melissa Breyer, Care2 Senior Editor

In a single year Americans receive 19 billion catalogs in the mail. That boils down to 3.6 million tons of paper at the cost of 53 million trees. Ouch. And that's not to mention all the rest of the junky junk mail that seems to flood our mailboxes like a swarm of locusts. We've collected the information here that you need to tame the catalog beast and stop junk mail in its tracks.

Production of the paper used for American catalogs uses the same amount of energy required to power 1.2 million homes in a year, and contributes annual emissions equal to that created by 2 million cars. That's incredibly significant! All to get us to buy buy buy more junk. It's just madness.

Unlike the National Do Not Call Registry that puts an end to commercial telemarketers

By Melissa Breyer, Care2 Senior Editor

Seems to me that if manufacturers just stopped making stuff, we'd have plenty of old supplies to keep us clothed, housed, and entertained for quite a while. Instead, those with the money to do so toss things in the dump and replace them with essentially the same things, albeit "new and improved."

At this rate, it won't be long before the land starts birthing new geologic formations stretching out beyond the landfills; mountains of electronics, clothing, housewares. In my humble opinion, we'd all be wise to start some serious freecycling--giving away, and getting, already-used stuff for free.

Increasingly people are beginning to list free things in the classified sections. Craig's List also has a "free" section, listed under the "For Sale" column

Good news on the safety front: The U.S. Congress is taking steps towards banning plthalates in children's toys. Read why this is so important here.

Is there absolutely no end to the wonderful things you can do with Epsom salts? It would seem not. Try this Cooling Summer Epsom Salt Bath formula that Care2 Senior Editor Melissa Breyer swears by for the hotter weather. And if you're still feeling headachy or depressed, look into the Healing Power of Purring and you'll be "feline" fine in no time.

With summer beginning to wane, enjoy every moment by eating local, fresh (and preferably organic) food. Eating a tomato fresh off the vine will forever change your view of this delicious fruit. Let's fill our plates with real, fresh food! And if it is locally grown, you will also eliminate most