Walking may sound humdrum because of the definition of ‘pedestrian’: Going on foot. Ordinary and dull. Don’t let this definition prevent you from experiencing the numerous physical, mental and spiritual benefits of a walking program.

Best of all, doing so is very green. According to a recent CNN Report, if each American walked for a half hour a day (the minimum recommended time by doctors for good health) instead of driving, we could save the planet 64 million tons of carbon dioxide and save 6.5 million gallons of gas.

As a bonus, you may lose 13 pounds a year with nutritional control. How about that?

• Walking is one of the most effective exercises for weight loss, when combined with nutritional awareness, because it can be performed regularly.
• Walking is a natural locomotion that, when combined with proper technique, can provide a challenging, motivating and exhilarating total body workout for everyone.
• You can walk inside or outside, alone or with others, on a treadmill, around a track, or on a wonderful bike path or trail.
• Walking uses almost all 650 muscles and 203 bones in the body – more than any other sport.
• It takes roughly 2,000 steps to walk a mile and most people will walk from 3,000 – 6,000 steps in a day. Research suggests walking 10,000 steps a day leads to better health.

Walking for 30 to 60 minutes each day is one of the best things you can do for your body, mind and spirit. It is also a way to connect with our precious Planet Earth by being kind to the environment as you stride towards carbon neutrality.

(Brought to you by Wonders of Walking)

To keep track of your walking progress, please visit the LifeBalance Activity Tracker and Journal.

For a complete listing of related providers, please visit the LifeBalance Running / Jogging / Walking page.

We know that organic farming is much better for the environment (and farm workers, too), but what do we really know about the risks of pesticide residues and the actual health benefits of eating organic foods?

According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest's Nutrition Action Health Letter, out of the 900 active ingredients in pesticides legally used in the United States today, 20 are scientifically proven to cause cancer in lab tests and are considered possible carcinogens in humans. In fact, crop-duster pilots, farmers and workers who use pesticides have higher rates of asthma, Parkinson's disease, leukemia, and a variety of cancers involving the brain, skin, and prostate, etc. So, there is little doubt that people who work with pesticides, especially those who do this for a living, are at higher risk for developing serious health problems. But what if you just buy and eat foods grown with pesticides and other synthetic chemicals? And what if you have done this all of your life? Well, there is surprisingly little data on the cumulative health risks of pesticide residues on human health. We do know that older organochlorine pesticides such as DDT (which was banned years ago) are stored in body fat and persist in the environment. Newer pesticides are metabolized quickly by your body but there is no way to prove their long-term safety. A lifetime of consuming pesticide residues may well be carcinogenic, but it is extremely difficult to study the impact of pesticides on health since we are all exposed to hundreds of chemicals, from the air we breathe to the vast array of chemicals that come into contact with our skin, lungs, and digestive tract. The EPA estimates that Americans use "more than a billion pounds of pesticides each year to combat pests on farm crops, in homes, places of business, schools, parks, hospitals and other public places."

While the jury is not completely in for adults, the effects of pesticide residues in children are clear. Pesticides are known to affect the development of the brain and nervous system, and may well pose additional risks such as asthma and cancer. According to the EPA, "exposure to a toxin can permanently alter the way an individual's biological system operates... Adverse effects of pesticide exposure range from mild symptoms of dizziness and nausea to serious, long-term neurological, developmental and reproductive disorders." Experts in the field of environmental science urge that babies and children be protected from the potentially harmful effects of pesticides by completely eliminating these chemicals from baby food.

Although there is much we don't yet know about the health effects of pesticides, one thing that is certain is that some fruits and vegetables are more likely to be contaminated than others. The Environmental Working Group (EWG), a Washington, D.C-based non-profit, recently ranked the pesticide contents of commonly eaten fruits and vegetables using data obtained from the FDA and the US Department of Agriculture. According to the EWG, the 10 most heavily contaminated fruits and vegetables, in order, are as follows:

1. Peaches
2. Apples
3. Sweet Bell Peppers
4. Celery
5. Nectarines
6. Strawberries
7. Cherries
8. Pears
9. Imported Grapes
10. Spinach

Of the 43 fruits and vegetables analyzed, the 10 least contaminated, in order, are:

1. Onions
2. Avocado
3. Frozen Sweet Corn
4. Pineapples
5. Mango
6. Asparagus
7. Frozen Sweet Peas
8. Kiwi
9. Bananas
10. Cabbage

So if you're watching your food budget, you might want to buy conventionally grown onions and avocados but insist on organic peaches, apples and bell peppers.

In terms of potential health benefits of organic foods, there is research indicating that some organic foods may provide a higher level of certain nutrients. For example, a recent study found that organically grown tomatoes contained significantly higher levels of the flavonoids quercitin and kaempferol. Organic oranges have been found to have higher levels of vitamin C than commercially grown oranges and organic ketchup contains more lycopene than ketchup made from conventionally-grown tomatoes. A small study found that rats fed a diet of organically grown foods had slightly better immune status, a tendency toward lower weight and less fat mass and higher levels of vitamin E. Clearly there is a need for more research into the potential health benefits of organic food.

There is limited research supporting the actual health benefits of organically grown food, but there is research suggesting that pesticides can be harmful to human health, especially to children. Pesticides are clearly damaging to the environment and people who work with these products for a living. By avoiding foods known to have high pesticide contents and choosing the organically grown variety, you may be minimizing any potential health risks. So the next time you're in the mood for a peach or apple, by choosing the organic one you will not only be exposed to fewer residues but your choice will be better for the environment.

(Brought to you by Portland Health and Wellness)

To keep track of what you eat and more, visit the LifeBalance Food Tracker & Journal.

For complete a listing of related LifeBalance providers, please visit the LifeBalance Nutrition / Supplements and Cooking pages.

For more information and direct links to purchase these titles, please visit the LifeBalance / Boone Bridge Books page.

• The Complete Idiots Guide to Green Careers
  Barbara Parks, Jodi Helmer Buy Now
• The Adventures of a Plastic Bottle: A Story About Recycling
  Alison Inches Buy Now

Boone Bridge Books offers members at least 25% savings on all titles (excluding textbooks) ordered from their website. 

Last month's trivia question, which asked members to identify a photograph of a LifeBalance Vendor was correctly answered by Kathleen Wyrick. The correct answer was Alaska Sea Otter Sound Lodge. Congratulations!

This month's question is in the form of a photograph from a LifeBalance Vendor in Washington. Who is this LifeBalance Provider?

To answer this month's trivia question, simply fill in the form below.

Your Name: Email Address: Daytime Phone: Answer:

The correct answer to this month's question will be revealed in the next edition of eAction!

Having to pay extra cash for organic chocolate and fair trade coffee. It's true that we all can be more conscious about stewardship here on our planet, but life is and will always be about finding balance. Maybe this month send your favorite friend an email or text message instead of a card in the mail or watch a movie at home instead of driving to the movies. Stay committed to reducing your carbon footprint but also find the necessary balance. This month find simple steps to support our environment and release any guilt or shame for not being 100% organic or green all the time.

(Brought to you by Jason Stein Coaching)

April 22 is Earth Day! Check out the LifeBalance Community Corner to find things you can do to beautify your community and protect the environment in your area.

Recent studies show that kayaking has not only tripled in popularity since 1998, but remains one of the most eco-friendly ways to get out and enjoy nature. Save on your Kayaking / Canoeing adventures this month!

April 18-26 is National Wildlife Week! Celebrate by finding wildlife organizations to visit and support in the Wildlife / Zoos / Aquariums category.

Less than one trip in 100 in America is by bicycle. If that ratio were raised to one and one half trips per 100, the US would save more than 462 million gallons of gasoline per year. Help the environment and try riding your bike to work! Save on Cycling products and services this month.

Never assume that you're stuck with the way things are. You have the ability to make a difference. Whatever happens, you can make something good out of it. The possibilities for creating meaningful value are truly endless. The world in which you live depends on the world you choose to see and the values you choose to express. Today presents you with a wealth of opportunities to be your best in unique and fulfilling ways. Of course there are challenges. And it is by working through the most difficult of those challenges that you're able to make the most positive progress. Step boldly forward and delight in the bright, shining possibilities of this day. Make it the best one yet. (Daily Motivator)

Makes 1 large (fulfilling) serving. Pick as many ingredients as you want from each category.

Fresh Organic Greens and Veggies/Fruit
Romaine, Spinach, Basil, Chard, Leaf Lettuce, Chopped Vegetables & Fruits, Corn, Green Cabbage, Red Cabbage, Carrots, Peas, Cucumbers, Apples, Pears, Tomato, Avocado, Olives

Protein
3 oz cooked Fish, Chicken, Beans, Baked Savory Tofu etc

Toppings
Cheeses (Feta, Blue Cheese, Gorgonzola, Goat Cheese)
Nuts, Crumbled Chips, Dried Fruits

Dressing
About 1 tablespoon (Try a mixture of rice wine vinegar with your favorite dressing to thin it down and coat your salad.)

Directions
Mix the salad well and stuff in a warmed brown rice tortilla (or your favorite corn or whole wheat). Be mindful of your portions.

(Brought to you by LO Solutions)

In 2008, Intel employees celebrated Earth Day with over 40 events spread across 14 countries and a multitude of cities and locations. Employees volunteered in a variety of ways; cleaning up wetlands and parks, planting gardens at schools and community centers and assisting with plant and wildlife outreach programs. Xerox is proud of having been ahead of the curve with their earth friendly movement, with Green Practices predating the inception of a formal Earth Day in 1970. In addition to sponsoring an annual Earth Awards, the company also sponsors activities including tree planting, roadside cleanups, carbon emission reduction efforts and recycling movements across the country, to name just a few! SuperValu, parent company of 11 supermarket chains spanning the country, launched a new associate volunteer program in 2008. The company promoted month-long events both in stores and their surrounding neighborhoods. Community projects included urban renewal projects aimed at cleaning up and planting urban boulevards and recycling programs in addition to donations to environmental groups. Reusable grocery bags were made available at many stores to reduce the amount of plastic and paper bags that eventually make their way into landfills. Corporations and their employees are moving toward recognizing the value of honoring Earth Day, every day. (Brought to you by Xenium)

Walking is the easiest way to enjoy your neighborhood. Better yet, using your legs to get from point A to point B has numerous health benefits, including managing weight, decreasing heart attack risk and lowering stress levels. Check with your city to see if they provide neighborhood and/or downtown walking maps...

Bicycling is another great transportation option that provides many of the same health benefits as walking. In addition, biking helps you to get out of your car and eliminate vehicle air pollution, which is a contributing factor to numerous negative health effects. Bicycling can also help you save money when you use a bike instead of your car. Bike to work and avoid paying any parking or gasoline costs! Bike to the grocery store and avoid the hassle of the crowded parking lot. Check out your local bike shop to see if they have bicycling maps and cycling information to help you plan your routes. Don't have a bike? Many bike shops rent them, so keep that in mind if you'd like to tryout biking as a commuting option, or if you're planning a vacation and would like to use a bike in another city. Riding Public Transportation, if it's offered in your neck of the woods, is a great way to travel green. Purchase an annual, monthly or daily pass to take advantage of fare discounts. Read a book on your way to work, instead of listening to traffic reports on your car radio. Check with your city to see if public transportation is available today.

Car-sharing offers convenient and affordable access to cars, without the hassles of car ownership. And it improves our environment and quality of life. Each car-share vehicle takes 15 privately owned vehicles off the road, resulting in less congestion on the roadways and fewer greenhouse gas emissions and particulates. Even better, green space is preserved as fewer parking spaces are required to meet the needs of the same number of people. Once you're a member of a car-sharing organization, hourly and daily rates include insurance, gas, maintenance and a number of free miles per day. Use car-sharing to get rid of that second car you rarely use, or go car free entirely! If car-sharing is not available in your city, use it when traveling to another city in place of a rental car. (Brought to you by Zipcar)

For a complete overview of the LifeBalance Program website, visit the About LifeBalance section of the site.

For more information on how to access program benefits, visit the LifeBalance Proof of Membership / Frequently Asked Questions page.

Find exclusive LifeBalance savings at thousands of recreational, cultural & wellness related businesses throughout Alaska, California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah and Washington. The LifeBalance Program Vendor Network gives members the opportunity to quickly search for specific recreational, cultural and wellness providers by geographic region and category, or by business name, through the LifeBalance Search for Savings.

You can use our secure server to make payments online for many LifeBalance Member Events and Tickets. LifeBalance offers members thousands of special events at reduced rates with the top vendors, instructors, and venues. LifeBalance also has your ticket to the arts, including theater, dance, musical performances, sporting events, ski resorts, museums and more. Visit the LifeBalance Events Calendar and the LifeBalance Ticket Window for a complete listing and select the listing that interests you and then complete your registration.

The LifeBalance Wellness Window offers members food and fitness tips, wellness calculators, information about community events and more. MyLifeBalance is the component of the LifeBalance Program that includes personalized wellness tools, customized content and more.

You can also easily print the LifeBalance Program materials and this newsletter by visiting the Printable Materials section of the site.