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Fast Food Effect:

"People used to buy local food from the marketplace and eat it with family and friends. It was a celebration of life. Something happened when fast food came in: It separated us from the seasons, nature and the ritual of the table."—Alice Waters, Chez Panisse

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How To Eco-Chic

De-Stress Yourself: 5 Free, Fabulous Beauty Treats

Need to de-stress? Don't schedule a spa day just yet, try heading to your kitchen first. Whip up one of our natural make-at-home treatments to indulge the eco- and budget-friendly way.

by Megan O’Neill
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Between the incessant political bickering and ever-worsening news about the state of the economy, a long stay at a destination spa sounds like the perfect escape from it all. Too bad it isn't in the budget for most of us. Heck, even a $120 massage at a day spa is starting to sound steep. But thanks to Sprig, there's no need to deny yourself pampering pleasure: We asked Mary Muryn, founder of the natural brand Spa Magic and author of Spa Magic and Water Magic to help us put together some DIY skin and hair care recipes you can whip up in your own home. They all use ingredients you're likely to have on hand already and are as simple as blending two together (or three to make it extra special). And Muryn advises using organic ingredients whenever possible so you can feel confident the treatments are clean, green, and toxin-free.

Moisturizing Face Mask

Moisturizing Face Mask

Make It Simple: 1 cup plain yogurt + 2 tablespoons plain (no sugar added) honey

Combine yogurt and honey in a bowl then smooth a thick layer over your face (avoiding the eyes and mouth). Wait at least 15 minutes before washing it off with warm water. Yogurt contains lactic acid to gently dissolve dead skin cells and leave your complexion looking radiant. Honey helps skin retain and attract moisture while also helping to calm inflammation.

Make It Special: Add 1 whole carrot, cooked and creamed

Loaded with vitamin A and beta carotene, stirring in a carrot gives this mask antioxidant powers that help protect skin from aging free radical damage. Gently massage your face as you apply to help relieve stress as well as aid in your skin's absorption of the ingredients.

Skin Smoothing Scrub

Skin Smoothing Scrub

Make It Simple: 2 tablespoons coffee grounds + a palm-full of shower gel (preferably organic)

Blend the coffee grounds and shower gel together in your hands or on a washcloth, then rub the mixture over your body from the neck down. The coffee grounds will gently slough away dry, dulling skin cells while the caffeine they contain — along with the scrubbing motion — will help stimulate your circulation and give skin a radiant glow.

Make It Special: Add 1 tablespoon of granulated white sugar

Who doesn't love a little sugar with her coffee? Adding a spoonful to this caffeinated scrub boosts its exfoliating power (perfect for super rough spots like elbows, knees and feet) without being overly abrasive. Bonus: It smells divine.