Quick Tips

No one needs a cold slowing them down this busy holiday season. Let's be real - as much fun as the holidays are they can also be a stressful time. And, stress weakens our body's defenses leaving us more susceptible to getting sick. So, how can you boost your immune system naturally this winter? It's one of those solutions that's so simple it's almost stupid. Amp up your vitamin C intake, peeps! And, as with most things in life (with the potential exception of hair color and milk) natural is better. Airborne and emergen-c are great (I turn to them in times of real need - like when traveling. ) However, why use a packaged powder when you can actually gobble down the real stuff?

Let's not let Black Friday get all the glory this year. Saturday, November 24th is Small Business Saturday 2012. Celebrate by hitting up local boutiques, vintage shops, independent coffee shops, farmers markets and the like! According to the National Federation of Independent Businesses Small Business Saturday is the most important shopping day for 36% of independent retailers. Using our wallets to show support for local companies will help these businesses grow - in turn fostering the economy. So skip out on Starbucks and Target for a day or two and throw your dollars to the little guys. Philadelphia offers an abundance of options - like Arcadia boutique and One Shot Coffee in Northern Liberties, for example. Readers, any Small Business Saturday 2012 spots you plan on hitting up?

Love it or hate it: We're about to be in the chaotic holiday season. The 4th 'R' of achieving green-ness is the one not often discussed: Refuse it. (Find out more, after the jump!)

Do you strip off your clothes before bedtime and throw them straight in the laundry basket? There's a better way to be sustainable with your laundry care. Here's a hint:

I'm taking a brief intermission from our normal "Friday Quick Tip" column to urge you to donate anything, (even a $5 or $10 spot) to the Red Cross for Hurricane Sandy Victims. Donate to the Red Cross Disaster Efforts Give Blood to the Red Cross (They had to cancel blood drives because of the hurricane.) After all, who hasn't enjoyed the outdoors of the Jersey Shore, NYC skylines or PA nature?

People, you know you want to cut down the plastic consumption in your home. Here's a simple tip to head in that direction - nix the plastic hand soap and dish soap bottles! Resuable containers and bottles can be refilled with soap on the reg and they also tend to be more aesthetically pleasing - a bonus if you are into pretty bathroom accessories.

Tired of flimsy plastic bags of beans, rice & quinoa in your cupboard? But how can you make your trip even greener?

Quick decision! You're waiting for a friend to run into Wawa and are on your way to the shore. Do you cut the engine or keep it running? (Find out after the jump!)

Autumn leaves are gorgeous , but can add up to quite the mess when they fall. Don't let your yard waste end up in landfills! Here's a few do's and don'ts for this leafy season: Don't use a leaf blower. Leaf blowers may save time, but they release emissions and cause pollution. Do grab a rake! You'll kill two birds with one stone - getting in a good workout, and cleaning up your yard simultaneously. Don't burn your leaves. It's crazy that people still do this - yes it's easy but putting a match to a big pile of leaves produces hydrocarbons that can contain toxic and carcinogenic compounds. Not to mention it's a fire hazard. Read on for more!