While you are probably aware of the importance of eating organic foods, have you thought much about the importance of organic feminine hygiene products? Our friends at 7th Generation have. Check out what they have to say and spread the word to the women in your life.

Tampons are a big part of the monthly female lexicon. American women spend about $2 billion on them annually and will use about 11,000 during their lifetimes. But they are a product that few people regularly discuss.

That dynamic needs to change: Tampons, which come into contact with some of the most sensitive tissue in a woman’s body, aren’t as straightforward as they seem.

Tampons are typically made from a variety of materials including conventional cotton, rayon or a blend of both fibers. Conventional cotton is one of the “dirtiest” crops in the modern world. According to the USDA, in 2003 U.S. cotton farmers applied an eye-popping 55 million pounds of pesticides to their fields. And global cotton production also uses high levels of pesticides. Read the rest of this entry »

Mother’s Day is coming up on May 10. Looking for ideas on how to celebrate this special day?

Follow Mara Fleishman, a Team Member and mom of two, around the store to find out her favorite picks for celebrating being a mom Mother’s Day and every day. Then, share with all the moms reading this blog your tips on celebrating yourself and motherhood!

Post a comment to let us know your product recommendations. You’ll be entered for a chance to win a $100 Whole Foods Market gift card and a FEED 100 bag, one of Mara’s top picks. Please post your comments by midnight Wednesday, May 6. The winner will be selected by our panel of Team Member moms and posted in this blog on May 8.

Stop by participating Whole Foods Market stores for more great product picks from Team Member moms. Just look for signage throughout the store.

 Mother's Day [5:53m]: Play Now | Download (4574)
 Mother's Day [5:53m]: Download (202)

Looking for beauty to believe in? After decades of natural foods, more natural cosmetics are also emerging. It’s easy to understand the importance of natural foods, but are there real reasons for buying cosmetics with natural ingredients? Check out our pocket guide and podcast to get the facts behind the hype about natural cosmetics and body care ingredients.

 Natural Cosmetics [5:25 Minm]: Play Now | Download (1733)

 Organics for Baby, Beyond Food [5:02m]: Play Now | Download (2448)
 Organics for Baby, Beyond Food [5:02m]: Download (236)

Did you know that growing cotton uses more pesticides than any other cash crop? Most parents understand the importance of organic food for babies, yet there are also compelling reasons to consider organic cotton bedding and clothing. Get smart facts and more from Lynda Fassa, author, expert on raising kids naturally and founder of Green Babies organic clothing.

For many women, getting pregnant—or trying to—is the definitive time to move toward a healthier lifestyle. From diet to household products to a little pampering for stress management, these days there are plenty of choices, but where to start? Nutritionist (and mother) Malia Curran, MS, MPH demystifies natural supplements, body care and aromatherapy for pregnancy.

 Pregnancy - A Time to Go Natural [5:42m]: Play Now | Download (1622)

Why are natural products important for babies? One reason is because what goes on the baby may go in the baby! Learn about more reasons and the best choices for baby’s sensitive skin. Whole Foods Market’s Senior Global Whole Body Coordinator, Jeremiah McElwee, has been working in the natural product industry since 1994 and has been a devoted father since 2005.

 Natural Baby Body Care [4:34m]: Play Now | Download (1190)

What would be your plan for the ultimate green prom at your high school? Answer that question in a video, three minutes or less, and you just may win an incredible green prom prize package from Teens Turning Green, including a trip to New York, an eco prom dress, and eco makeup, skin and haircare products.

Check out their video about the contest:

 Win A Green Prom [2:00m]: Play Now | Download (330)
 Win A Green Prom [2:00m]: Download (668)

ENTRY RULES: Anyone who enters must be going to a prom (High School Juniors/Seniors). Fill out entry form at http://www.teensturninggreen.org/events/project-green-prom.html.

Submit video to info@teensturninggreen.org.

All entries are due by the 30th of March. Winner would travel to New York in early April for the Press Conference.

Ok, so this blog is actually a confession…Well a couple of confessions!

First off, a bit about Whole Foods Market that people may not know…We work REALLY hard!!! I think sometimes people think we are a bunch of crazy hippies that sell natural & organic food and in between hang out in the back room and eat tofu while sipping herbal tea. Well, actually we ask a lot of our team members at all levels of the company and because most of us are so passionate about what we do it is not uncommon for us to be working 50, 60, 70 hour weeks! In fact, I am writing this blog on a Sunday evening at 8:00pm actually as it was the only time I had to sneak it in to the normal workflow. So all of that work and long hours definitely creates the need for an occasional boost every now and then which leads to confession # 2…

I must admit I really love energy shots and quick fix products that give you a nice KICK, when you are about out of gas. And frankly, I have to tell you that caffeine, especially from natural sources has been a good friend to me lately as we all plug away on those long hours!

So, if you are like me and many of our team members then you will be as stoked as I was to try the new Guayaki Organic Energy Shot (GOES). It is the first ever certified USDA Organic energy shot and it is full of wonderful herbs and of course Yerba Mate so that it gives you a smooth burst of energy without a crash. We all have seen those energy shots at the convenience store that are full of artificial colors, preservatives and sweeteners and other junk that you wouldn’t give to an enemy let alone put in your body. Well, now you can get a super clean, super powerful shot when you check out at Whole Foods Market. By the way, they taste GREAT too, so good that Bevnet recently gave the GOES shots a 5 star rating on their site which is a big honor. Check them out when you need a lift!

 Libido Part II: Natural Nutrients & Body Care [5:24m]: Play Now | Download (2534)

For some men and women, natural libido is not as strong as it could be. Fortunately, nature has provided help! Beyond medicinal plants that support a healthy libido, there are other natural options. Nutritionist Malia Curran, MS, MPH shares the secrets about nutrients, additional supplements and body care elements that may help.

 Libido Part I: Medicinal Plants [5:23m]: Play Now | Download (2156)

Libido is part of a healthy human life and just like any other wellness topic, it deserves attention. Chris Kilham, known in the industry as the Medicine Hunter, is an expert on medicinal plants used historically around the world to support healthy libido in men and women. Join us to hear about his top picks for medicinal plants with centuries of use.