HAVE YOU HEARD OF GREEN ROOFS?

Green roofs are one of the latest trends in green technology.

About Green Roofs

A green roof system is an extension of the existing roof which involves a high quality water proofing and root repellant system, a drainage system, filter cloth, a lightweight growing medium and plants.

Green roof systems may be modular, with drainage layers, filter cloth, growing media and plants already prepared in movable, often interlocking grids, or loose laid/ built-up where each component of the system may be installed separately. Green roof development involves the creation of "contained" green space on top of a human-made structure. This green space could be below, at or above grade, but in all cases the plants are not planted in the "ground'. Green roofs can provide a wide range of public and private benefits.

They not only beautify commercial areas but also manage rainwater runoff, reduce the Urban Heat Island Effect and improve air quality. Find out more about the benefits of green roofs here.

It isn't a surprise that Israel has a Green Roof Research Center.

RECIPE SPELT BISCUITS

I like things simple. I prefer recipes with 5 ingredients or less. Here is a basic biscuit recipe which is great in the morning served with butter, fruit jam or honey.

2 cups spelt flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup olive oil
3/4 cup almond milk

Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl.  Mix liquids in a bowl.  Combine the two until mixed. Knead 30 seconds on a floured surface (I use a large glass cutting board).  Pat dough out to about 1/4 inch thickness.  Cut biscuits (I use a very wide glass drinking glass).  Place biscuits on parchment paper lined baking sheet.  Bake at 180 C for 10-12 minutes.

MENTAL HEALTH IS JUST AS IMPORTANT AS PHYSICAL HEALTH

Do you ever feel depressed, stressed or anxious?  I think everyone does at one time or another. Chocolate and caffeine can cause or increase these feelings, so you should remove these from your diet.  These five steps to mental wellbeing may help.

SLEEP IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN YOU THINK

In general people don't get enough sleep.  In a world that runs around the clock it is difficult to get proper sleep but it is more important than ever.  If you aren't getting enough sleep, your immune system will be lowered, your moods can be negatively affected and your stress levels increased.  If you are like I am and have trouble actually relaxing enough at night to go to sleep try some of these nature sound videos.

ORGANIC FOOD DELIVERY IN JERUSALEM

I came across another website for organic fruit and vegetables delivered to your home, if you live in Jerusalem that is.  The site also has Bodek frozen fruits and vegetables and other packaged organic products.  They deliver inside Jerusalem and if you order more than 125 nis worth, delivery is free.

KASHRUT-HOW TO CHECK GRAINS AND LEGUMES

Here is a great site on how to check grains and legumes for bugs.  It includes pictures.

ECO-ISRAEL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

Eco-Israel allows you to explore how ecology, Judaism, and Israel blend together in a working model in a self -sustaining ecological community.

ORGANIC FOOD IS WORTH IT

Organic food is not only free of chemicals but it tastes better.  While it is more expensive, you will probably save in the long run in your health.  Israelis are becoming a lot more health conscious these days so more and more people are buying organic.  The demand will lead to more organic produce being supplied which will lead to lower prices.  If you buy straight from the farm rather than a health store the price will be lower also. I get organic fresh fruits and vegetable delivered from Maggie's garden.

WHAT IS CLEAN EATING

I don't like diets and I don't like fads but I do want to be healthy.  Finally, there is a category/label for eating healthy and balanced.  It is called clean eating.  Makes sense.  What we eat is important, just ask Adam and Chava. Healthiness leads to holiness. For more on clean eating see clean eating for dummies.