Wal Mart is the largest purchaser of organic food in the U.S. surpassing likelier suspects, Whole Foods and Trader Joe's. And the retail giant has one-upped them again by enacting a company-wide donation policy on short-dated or mildly damaged foods while the top two natural food chains let perfectly edible products rot in dumpsters and landfills.

Holiday traditions are important to us; they hold us together, remind us of who we are, and give us a way to pass our own memories down from one generation to the next. But sometimes these benefits can get offset by the craziness of trying to do it all: trying to squeeze in so many special moments that we spend money and time we don't have on activities, events and gifts that don't matter. You don't want to waste precious time with your family on traditions that leave you with more guilt than gain. But you also want to have those special moments to look back on. Can a girl have it all? Green, simple, sane and meaningful time with family in the rush of a culture seeped in what seems like endless traditions? Why yes, a girl can have it all. Here's what she needs to do.

It's past Thanksgiving, which means it's open season for marketers, managers and your mother-in-law to tell you what you should be doing, buying, getting, giving, spending, baking, making and wrapping for the perfect family holiday. In order to preserve some of that holiday spirit for your whole family, here are a few ways to keep your sanity in check in the coming weeks.

Green is the color for the holiday season - from wreaths and trees to lights and stockings - so why not take it a step further and decorate with truly “green” items? One of the best ways to go green is to get crafty with these edible decorations from your favorite holiday foods. OK, we know you’re not Martha Stewart but trust us, they are so easy even a kid can make these. Here is a list of our favorites…

Welcome handmade expert Brittni Mehlhoff to Organic Authority with this fabulous guest post!

Cracking the code on guy gifts this time of year isn't always easy. In fact, sometimes, it's a downright challenge. Luckily, I am here to help get those guys crossed off your list with six eco friendly, handmade gifts they'll love from Etsy.

Blame evolution for not working fast enough, but our digestive systems are far more antiquated, finicky and delicate than the many food-like items marketed at us would have you believe. During the holidays we're usually obsessing over whether or not we're gaining weight from all the food that seems to magically appear in our mouths in pastry form. But another, potentially more dangerous evil exists: improper food combining. Instead of enjoying this special time of year, we can be doubled over in pain from a belly full of the wrong foods and possibly even causing permanent damage.

You may not even know what a quince is (pronounced kwintz), as it was once more popular than it is today. Reason being most probably, it's pretty much inedible raw as it carries a tart and astringent flavor and dry texture. But those details aside, this fruit related to the apple and the pear has an abundance of uses and can be a seriously yummy culinary asset as it transforms through the cooking process. So fragrant is the quince that is was once popular as a room deodorizer, the Ancient Romans using it as a perfume.

Research has shown that frequent sexual activity — having an orgasm at least twice a week — can keep you from getting sick this winter. Individuals who engage in regular sexual activity have been shown to produce higher levels of immunoglobulin (IGA), an anti-body that can prevent susceptibility to catching minor colds and flus.

The tapa is the most versatile food in Spain. It can be eaten in the morning, in the afternoon for a pick-me-up and at night for a light dinner. Wait a minute though. What is a tapa? Despite the fact that the tapa and tapas bars have become quite trendy in the last few years, not everyone knows what it even is.

Basically, a tapa is a small ration of food or a bite-sized stacked appetizer that can be made of hundreds of ingredients. Depending on what part of Spain you are in, one tapa will be more popular than another. Spain loves to party, and so it makes sense that the Spanish culture has basically invented the perfect party food: the tapa.

Okay, so our financial woes are not totally over yet. But that doesn't mean we all have to go gift-less this holiday season. There are a number of great eco-friendly holiday gift ideas around $20 or less that are thoughtful and practical. I don't know about you, but when I think of gifts, I usually try to get something I know people wouldn't buy for themselves, but would still absolutely love.

Green Bean Casserole was originally invented by the Campbell Soup Company as a promotional ploy. And the plan was so successful that today many consider the dish a staple for the holiday season. Of course, for others of us, it conjures up memories of soggy canned veggies and a generally tasteless dish... but it doesn’t have to be that way! Lose the canned soup, and make a more organic, healthy, and tasty version of this classic dish.

Last week we extolled the virtues of making one's own bath salts as we kicked off our holiday DIY ideas for homemade bath and body gifts that are simple, inexpensive and thoughtful.This week, we tackle making your own bars of soap, and while not quite as easy or cheap as making your own bath salts, as long as you are careful and follow the instructions, you'll end up with some beautiful bars to present others with and some soap making skills to last a lifetime. 

Winter has landed: the weather outside is frightful, bells are jingling, and you’re dreaming of a white Christmas. Chances are, you’re also dreaming of warm, sweet, baked goods—holiday desserts to make you feel cozy and comfortable inside your winter wonderland. If you’re as in love with winter desserts as we are--candy-sprinkled sugar cookies, spiced gingerbreads, warm fruited cakes—you’re probably wondering how to make the holiday classics a bit healthier. We’ve got some great tips for baking holiday desserts dairy-free.  With these simple pointers, you’re going to be baking up dairy-free delights right up until Santa Claus comes to town.

As the raindrops and temperatures plummet - maybe even some snow - hardly anything feels better than a warm cup of cocoa. Sure, we try to stick to green tea and herbal teas that exude the fragrances of winter, but sometimes a hot chocolate is simply in order and certainly unrivaled. And your kids will not argue with that!

But, be careful with this treat. There is a way to indulge that is far healthier and equally as satisfying, for most brands of cocoa mix have partially hydrogenated oils - something that should definitely be avoided.