Why this vegan loves the summertime
by Catherine Capozzi
June 28, 2009
(below is link to full article)
It's Arizona. Temperatures are expected to reach 108 degrees today. And yet... this vegan adores the summertime. Why, pray tell?
1) Inexpensive produce is in abundance
Finally, strawberries, peaches, melons, avocados, and a slew of other fresh goodies are available. But oh, ranier cherries, I have yet to justify purchasing you when the cost is still $6.00/lb. Gas prices are indeed higher, but this bill is at least offset by the lower prices for some great food. In fact, those wishing to transition into a raw vegan diet are never given a better time than in the summer given the variety of foods to eat.
2) My car can function as a dehydrator
Yes, I use my car as a dehydrator to make all sorts of raw vegan goodies. Using my oven inside destroys vital nutrients, and I’m too stingy to spend 100-300 on a dehydrator to make crispy raw food. While the smell of garlic and rosemary can be a little offputting when I get into my vehicle, I can make flax seed crackers on the cheap. When people say metaphorically, “it’s like an oven getting into my car,” I mean this rather literally. Seriously, mash up some flax seeds, add some water and seasoning, spread it out onto a baking pan, set it in your car in the sun for about 6 hours, and you have yourself some flax seed crackers. No dehydrator or electricity required. One can also make banana chips, fruit leather, or some raw vegan cookies in their car. I personally do not brag about this creative resource to other people (who will likely think I’m a dirty hippy, which is true)… even if I do think it’s pretty ingenious.
3) Smoothies… sweet, lovely smoothies
To read the full article:
http://www.examiner.com/x-4348-Phoenix-Vegan-Examiner~y2009m6d28-Why-this-vegan-loves-the-summertime?cid=exrss-Phoenix-Vegan-Examiner
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Over 50% of processed foods for vegetarians found to contain meat
Over 50% of processed foods for vegetarians found to contain meat
By Elizabeth Hsu
Central News Agency
2009-06-14
(to read the full article see link below)
Taipei, June 14 (CNA) The Investigation Bureau has recently found that some processed foods advertised as vegetarian contained meat, and it has vowed to refer producers who knowingly added meat to their products for prosecution on fraud charges.
Pu Chang-en, a technician at the bureau's department of forsensic science, said Sunday that among samples collected from 31 vegetarian food vendors in Taipei City and County for safety checks, food taken from 17 vendors were found to contain meat.
DNA tests revealed that in the two most serious cases, the vegetarian patties and ham of one vendor and vegetarian dried shredded pork from another vendor contained at least 20 percent beef or pork, Pu said.
To read the full article:http://www.etaiwannews.com/etn/news_content.php?id=976592&lang=eng_news
By Elizabeth Hsu
Central News Agency
2009-06-14
(to read the full article see link below)
Taipei, June 14 (CNA) The Investigation Bureau has recently found that some processed foods advertised as vegetarian contained meat, and it has vowed to refer producers who knowingly added meat to their products for prosecution on fraud charges.
Pu Chang-en, a technician at the bureau's department of forsensic science, said Sunday that among samples collected from 31 vegetarian food vendors in Taipei City and County for safety checks, food taken from 17 vendors were found to contain meat.
DNA tests revealed that in the two most serious cases, the vegetarian patties and ham of one vendor and vegetarian dried shredded pork from another vendor contained at least 20 percent beef or pork, Pu said.
To read the full article:http://www.etaiwannews.com/etn/news_content.php?id=976592&lang=eng_news
In Defense of Animals' Guardian Campaign seeks to improve our relationship with companion animals
In Defense of Animals' Guardian Campaign seeks to improve our relationship with companion animals
by Keith Berger
Examiner.com
(to read the full article, link is below)
By changing the language we use to describe something, we change the way we view what we are describing. The Guardian Campaign, created by In Defense of Animals (IDA) in 1999, is a strong step forward in helping people to view non-human animals as more than mere property, commodities or things, and to value them as what they are: fellow beings worthy of respect, care and love. To achieve this, IDA asks cities to simply change the word "owner" to "guardian" in animal-related legislation. This may sound like an insignificant change, but the effects can make a world of difference for companion animals.
Bumper Sticker Wisdom: Humans Aren't The Only Species On Earth - We Just Act Like It
Mankind's notion that we own everything, including animals, is the underlying rationale for many forms of exploitation and abuse. These include the exploitation and abuse of our fellow humans, non-human animals and the very planet upon which we all live. With the ultimate goal of alleviating the unnecessary suffering and death of non-human animals, the Guardian Campaign encourages those who value animals to turn language into action by working to have their cities replace the term "owner" with "animal guardian" in animal-related ordinances.
To read the full article: http://www.idausa.org/news/currentnews/k_berger_examiner_04_09.html
by Keith Berger
Examiner.com
(to read the full article, link is below)
By changing the language we use to describe something, we change the way we view what we are describing. The Guardian Campaign, created by In Defense of Animals (IDA) in 1999, is a strong step forward in helping people to view non-human animals as more than mere property, commodities or things, and to value them as what they are: fellow beings worthy of respect, care and love. To achieve this, IDA asks cities to simply change the word "owner" to "guardian" in animal-related legislation. This may sound like an insignificant change, but the effects can make a world of difference for companion animals.
Bumper Sticker Wisdom: Humans Aren't The Only Species On Earth - We Just Act Like It
Mankind's notion that we own everything, including animals, is the underlying rationale for many forms of exploitation and abuse. These include the exploitation and abuse of our fellow humans, non-human animals and the very planet upon which we all live. With the ultimate goal of alleviating the unnecessary suffering and death of non-human animals, the Guardian Campaign encourages those who value animals to turn language into action by working to have their cities replace the term "owner" with "animal guardian" in animal-related ordinances.
To read the full article: http://www.idausa.org/news/currentnews/k_berger_examiner_04_09.html
Top 10 Buyers of Organic Cotton (You Won't Believe Who's No. 1!)
Top 10 Buyers of Organic Cotton (You Won't Believe Who's No. 1!)
by Jasmin Malik Chua, Jersey City, USA
06.11.09
(see below for link to full article)
Despite the lagging global retail market, international retail sales of organic cotton apparel and home-textile products soared to an estimated $3.2 billion in 2008, according to Organic Exchange's Organic Cotton Market Report 2007-2008, a hefty 63 percent increase from 2007's $1.9 billion market.
Likewise, the amount of organic cotton farmers grew worldwide in 2007-2008 jumped 152 percent, notes the O'Donnell, Texas-based non-profit, resulting in 145,872 metric tons grown on 161,000 hectares in 22 countries. But which brands and retailers are snapping up all that inventory? Click on through for answers that may surprise you.
10. Hessnatur (Germany)
Founded 30 years ago by German environmentalist Heinz Hess, Hessnatur crafts its mens, women's, and children's collections from organic cotton, silk, linen, and wool. Eschewing dyes, finishes, or chemicals that are detrimental to the environment, Hessnatur works with the Clean Clothes Campaign and the Fair Wear Foundation to maintain the highest standards regarding working conditions and wages.
9. Greensource (USA)
Recession? What recession? Greensource, the U.S. manufacturer of organic cotton apparel in the world recently reported a 21 percent increase in its first-quarter earnings. The company, which opened a new office and showroom in New York City this year, credits its success to a growing demand for certified-organic cotton denim and T-shirts.
8. Pottery Barn (USA)
The furniture and home accessories big-box retailer started carrying organic cotton bedding and bath towels in 2007 to capture the burgeoning post-Inconvenient Truth demographic. Today, more than half of Pottery Barn's bedding contains at least 5 percent organic, Oeko-Tex-certified fiber
To read the full article: http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/06/top-10-organic-cotton-purchasers.php?dcitc=weekly_nl
by Jasmin Malik Chua, Jersey City, USA
06.11.09
(see below for link to full article)
Despite the lagging global retail market, international retail sales of organic cotton apparel and home-textile products soared to an estimated $3.2 billion in 2008, according to Organic Exchange's Organic Cotton Market Report 2007-2008, a hefty 63 percent increase from 2007's $1.9 billion market.
Likewise, the amount of organic cotton farmers grew worldwide in 2007-2008 jumped 152 percent, notes the O'Donnell, Texas-based non-profit, resulting in 145,872 metric tons grown on 161,000 hectares in 22 countries. But which brands and retailers are snapping up all that inventory? Click on through for answers that may surprise you.
10. Hessnatur (Germany)
Founded 30 years ago by German environmentalist Heinz Hess, Hessnatur crafts its mens, women's, and children's collections from organic cotton, silk, linen, and wool. Eschewing dyes, finishes, or chemicals that are detrimental to the environment, Hessnatur works with the Clean Clothes Campaign and the Fair Wear Foundation to maintain the highest standards regarding working conditions and wages.
9. Greensource (USA)
Recession? What recession? Greensource, the U.S. manufacturer of organic cotton apparel in the world recently reported a 21 percent increase in its first-quarter earnings. The company, which opened a new office and showroom in New York City this year, credits its success to a growing demand for certified-organic cotton denim and T-shirts.
8. Pottery Barn (USA)
The furniture and home accessories big-box retailer started carrying organic cotton bedding and bath towels in 2007 to capture the burgeoning post-Inconvenient Truth demographic. Today, more than half of Pottery Barn's bedding contains at least 5 percent organic, Oeko-Tex-certified fiber
To read the full article: http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/06/top-10-organic-cotton-purchasers.php?dcitc=weekly_nl
Horses to the slaughter
Horses to the slaughter
U.S. horses are meeting gruesome ends abroad, while the debate rages on: Are horses 1,500 pounds of food or friend?
By Megan Wilde
Jun. 30, 2009
(link to full article, see below)
[Read 26 comments:
http://letters.salon.com/env/feature/2009/06/30/horse_slaughter/view/?show=all ]
On the dusty outskirts of this border city, neighbored by truck stops and desert scrub, hundreds of horses mill around a sprawling grid of pens at the Rio Grand Classic horse auction. Inside the metal sale barn, a cowboy rides a handsome palomino into the show ring, and the auctioneer's chant crescendos as the price rises into the thousands. But the bidding on some horses is less enthusiastic. These horses -- plump young pintos, old red roans, a scrawny mare and her wobbly-legged foal -- dart around the show ring nervously before selling for a few hundred dollars or less. Then they're shuffled into the "kill pen," a set of crowded corrals at the edge of the auction property. There, all but the foal are marked with green U.S. Department of Agriculture tags that designate horses bought for slaughter, most likely in Mexico, where the meat is consumed and sold abroad.
To read the full article:
http://www.salon.com/env/feature/2009/06/30/horse_slaughter/index.html?source=newsletter
U.S. horses are meeting gruesome ends abroad, while the debate rages on: Are horses 1,500 pounds of food or friend?
By Megan Wilde
Jun. 30, 2009
(link to full article, see below)
[Read 26 comments:
http://letters.salon.com/env/feature/2009/06/30/horse_slaughter/view/?show=all ]
On the dusty outskirts of this border city, neighbored by truck stops and desert scrub, hundreds of horses mill around a sprawling grid of pens at the Rio Grand Classic horse auction. Inside the metal sale barn, a cowboy rides a handsome palomino into the show ring, and the auctioneer's chant crescendos as the price rises into the thousands. But the bidding on some horses is less enthusiastic. These horses -- plump young pintos, old red roans, a scrawny mare and her wobbly-legged foal -- dart around the show ring nervously before selling for a few hundred dollars or less. Then they're shuffled into the "kill pen," a set of crowded corrals at the edge of the auction property. There, all but the foal are marked with green U.S. Department of Agriculture tags that designate horses bought for slaughter, most likely in Mexico, where the meat is consumed and sold abroad.
To read the full article:
http://www.salon.com/env/feature/2009/06/30/horse_slaughter/index.html?source=newsletter
Sobering Statistics About Factory Farming
Sobering Statistics About Factory Farming
Why It's Smart to Go Vegan
by Ardeth Baxter
June 18, 2007
(full article - link is below)
It's a frightening reality that more than two-thirds of our original American topsoil is now gone, with 85% of this loss attributed to livestock production. To create a meat-centered economy, 260 million acres of forest have been cleared for cropland. Seventy-eight calories of fossil fuel are required to produce only one calorie of beef protein; in contrast, only two calories are needed to produce one calorie of soybean protein. Almost half of the total amount of water used annually goes to grow feed and provide drinking water for cattle and other livestock.
According to the General Accounting Office, more plant species have been eliminated or threatened by livestock grazing than any other cause, and cattle grazing harms about 20% of endangered and threatened species. Some $37 million of taxpayer money is used to trap, poison, gas, and gun down almost one million wild animals and birds each year for livestock protection and pest control.
In the United States, every year 10 billion land animals and countless billions of fish raised at fish farms or taken from the wild are killed for food. The factory farming industry treats animals not as the sentient creatures they are, but rather as profitable commodities. They live in crowded cages and enclosures, are deprived of a normal social or family life, and spend their short lives largely without seeing daylight or being able to walk on the ground.
Forty million cows and calves are killed annually.
To read the full article: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/274046/sobering_statistics_about_factory_farming.html?singlepage=true&cat=22
Why It's Smart to Go Vegan
by Ardeth Baxter
June 18, 2007
(full article - link is below)
It's a frightening reality that more than two-thirds of our original American topsoil is now gone, with 85% of this loss attributed to livestock production. To create a meat-centered economy, 260 million acres of forest have been cleared for cropland. Seventy-eight calories of fossil fuel are required to produce only one calorie of beef protein; in contrast, only two calories are needed to produce one calorie of soybean protein. Almost half of the total amount of water used annually goes to grow feed and provide drinking water for cattle and other livestock.
According to the General Accounting Office, more plant species have been eliminated or threatened by livestock grazing than any other cause, and cattle grazing harms about 20% of endangered and threatened species. Some $37 million of taxpayer money is used to trap, poison, gas, and gun down almost one million wild animals and birds each year for livestock protection and pest control.
In the United States, every year 10 billion land animals and countless billions of fish raised at fish farms or taken from the wild are killed for food. The factory farming industry treats animals not as the sentient creatures they are, but rather as profitable commodities. They live in crowded cages and enclosures, are deprived of a normal social or family life, and spend their short lives largely without seeing daylight or being able to walk on the ground.
Forty million cows and calves are killed annually.
To read the full article: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/274046/sobering_statistics_about_factory_farming.html?singlepage=true&cat=22
Brazilian beef industry blamed for Amazon deforestation
Brazilian beef industry blamed for Amazon deforestation
Boots and training shoes are not the first things that spring to mind when you think about the causes of rainforest destruction and climate change, but just because the connection isn’t obvious doesn’t mean it isn’t realm, says Greenpeace in a new report, “Slaughtering the Amazon”.
Monday, June 1st 2009
(link to full article below)
Illegal deforestation and in some cases slavery, via giant processing facilities to the supply chains of some of the best known global brands. Shoe companies like Adidas, Reebok, Nike, Timberland and even Clarks are sourcing a significant proportion of their leather from the Amazon - and its big business.
But it's not only shoes. Products as diverse as handbags and ready meals, and companies as big as Tesco, BMW, IKEA and Kraft also rely on Amazon leather. Practically all Western world consumers have some by-product of Amazon destruction in our homes somewhere, whether we like it or not. Effectively, these brands are driving this destruction by buying beef and leather products from unscrupulous suppliers in Brazil points out the Greenpeace report.
The report says the cattle industry is the single biggest cause of deforestation in the world as trees are cleared to make way for ranches. And the Brazilian government is also fuelling the process by offering billions of dollars in loans to support the expansion of the cattle industry. President Lula de Silva has pledged to double his country's share of the global beef market by 2018. The report contrasts these investments with Lula da Silva's recent promise to cut deforestation by 72% by the same date and to set up an international fund for protecting the Amazon.
“This is a disaster for the fight against climate change and it's got to stop. We're asking President Lula da Silva to announce an immediate end to the felling of Amazon trees to create large cattle ranches and commit to zero deforestation in the rainforest by 2015”, says Greenpeace.
The Amazon has lost about a fifth of its forest in the past three decades and the rate of deforestation rose 69% in the 12 months to August 2008 as 8,147 sq km were cut down.
To read the full article:
http://en.mercopress.com/2009/06/01/brazilian-beef-industry-blamed-for-amazon-deforestation
Boots and training shoes are not the first things that spring to mind when you think about the causes of rainforest destruction and climate change, but just because the connection isn’t obvious doesn’t mean it isn’t realm, says Greenpeace in a new report, “Slaughtering the Amazon”.
Monday, June 1st 2009
(link to full article below)
Illegal deforestation and in some cases slavery, via giant processing facilities to the supply chains of some of the best known global brands. Shoe companies like Adidas, Reebok, Nike, Timberland and even Clarks are sourcing a significant proportion of their leather from the Amazon - and its big business.
But it's not only shoes. Products as diverse as handbags and ready meals, and companies as big as Tesco, BMW, IKEA and Kraft also rely on Amazon leather. Practically all Western world consumers have some by-product of Amazon destruction in our homes somewhere, whether we like it or not. Effectively, these brands are driving this destruction by buying beef and leather products from unscrupulous suppliers in Brazil points out the Greenpeace report.
The report says the cattle industry is the single biggest cause of deforestation in the world as trees are cleared to make way for ranches. And the Brazilian government is also fuelling the process by offering billions of dollars in loans to support the expansion of the cattle industry. President Lula de Silva has pledged to double his country's share of the global beef market by 2018. The report contrasts these investments with Lula da Silva's recent promise to cut deforestation by 72% by the same date and to set up an international fund for protecting the Amazon.
“This is a disaster for the fight against climate change and it's got to stop. We're asking President Lula da Silva to announce an immediate end to the felling of Amazon trees to create large cattle ranches and commit to zero deforestation in the rainforest by 2015”, says Greenpeace.
The Amazon has lost about a fifth of its forest in the past three decades and the rate of deforestation rose 69% in the 12 months to August 2008 as 8,147 sq km were cut down.
To read the full article:
http://en.mercopress.com/2009/06/01/brazilian-beef-industry-blamed-for-amazon-deforestation
Can Gardening Make Your Sex Life Better?
Can Gardening Make Your Sex Life Better?
By Makenna Goodman, Chelsea Green Publishing
June 25, 2009
(link to full article - see below)
Let me set the scene. It's a summer day somewhere in central Vermont. There's a sweet-smelling breeze picking up whiffs of the last day of lilac season. There are no black flies in this luscious breeze, and you're kneeling in the dirt. You reach across a 30-inch bed to gently pluck the weeds away from the brassicus varieties. You've been working outside all morning, there's sweat under your arms, on your face, on your chest. The smell of the earth infiltrates your being, and all is beauty, efficiency, and food production…until a thundercloud passes overhead. The sun goes away, and the clouds bring the threat of rain. You look at your better half, who has reached the end of the row he or she has been weeding. They're bending over, working their hands in the dirt. You've just pulled out the first carrot of the season, and you brush off the dirt, and take a sweet bite. It's the best thing you've ever tasted. You pass a water bottle back and forth with
your lover. It begins to rain. You rush inside, and I bet you can guess what happens next.
Gardening -- besides my proposed sexual connotations -- is satisfying. And while weekend-long weeding can suck at the height of summer, all in all gardening is a valuable alternative to the grocery store, and allies humans with the sensualities of the land. There have been tomes written on gardening (see here and here); both the various techniques for various seasons, and the philosophy behind what it means to work the land. There is no doubt in my mind -- and if you're into gardening or enjoy visiting gardens, I think you'll agree -- that gardening, albeit hard work, is an intimate way to connect with the earth, and a delightful way to spend the day. My question is -- aside from all of the obvious benefits to man and land -- does gardening make sex better?
To read the full article:
http://www.alternet.org/sex/140930/can_gardening_make_your_sex_life_better/
By Makenna Goodman, Chelsea Green Publishing
June 25, 2009
(link to full article - see below)
Let me set the scene. It's a summer day somewhere in central Vermont. There's a sweet-smelling breeze picking up whiffs of the last day of lilac season. There are no black flies in this luscious breeze, and you're kneeling in the dirt. You reach across a 30-inch bed to gently pluck the weeds away from the brassicus varieties. You've been working outside all morning, there's sweat under your arms, on your face, on your chest. The smell of the earth infiltrates your being, and all is beauty, efficiency, and food production…until a thundercloud passes overhead. The sun goes away, and the clouds bring the threat of rain. You look at your better half, who has reached the end of the row he or she has been weeding. They're bending over, working their hands in the dirt. You've just pulled out the first carrot of the season, and you brush off the dirt, and take a sweet bite. It's the best thing you've ever tasted. You pass a water bottle back and forth with
your lover. It begins to rain. You rush inside, and I bet you can guess what happens next.
Gardening -- besides my proposed sexual connotations -- is satisfying. And while weekend-long weeding can suck at the height of summer, all in all gardening is a valuable alternative to the grocery store, and allies humans with the sensualities of the land. There have been tomes written on gardening (see here and here); both the various techniques for various seasons, and the philosophy behind what it means to work the land. There is no doubt in my mind -- and if you're into gardening or enjoy visiting gardens, I think you'll agree -- that gardening, albeit hard work, is an intimate way to connect with the earth, and a delightful way to spend the day. My question is -- aside from all of the obvious benefits to man and land -- does gardening make sex better?
To read the full article:
http://www.alternet.org/sex/140930/can_gardening_make_your_sex_life_better/
No More Veg-scuses
No More Veg-scuses
Looking for a reason to go veg? We’ve got 75 for you!
(link to full list/article below)
If you’ve already said sayonara to steak but are tired of defending your decision, check out our favorite reasons—from serious to silly—for going veg.
1. Never having to wear leather pants.
2. Lärabars.
3. Lowered chances of contracting animal-borne diseases.
4. Planning veg vacations.
5. Never having to eat Spam.
6. Compassion tastes great!
7. The joy of “veganizing” a recipe.
8. Chinese-style potstickers.
9. Vegan marshmallows.
10. Helping put an end to global famine.
11. Morningstar Farms Riblets.
12. A lower rate of sexual impotence.
13. Resisting cruel fashion trends without a second thought.
14. Lactose intolerance is a non-issue.
15. Being a part of something that matters.
16. Having clean arteries that aren’t clogged with dead-animal goo.
17. Not having to worry about getting blood stains on the tablecloth.
18. Looking good and feeling great!
19. The cinnamon buns at Sticky Fingers Bakery.
20. Getting to bow out of in-laws’ barbecues.
21. Not having to look at the gross materials handed out by animal-rights activists!
22. Greater spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical strength.
23. Not contributing as much to global warming.
24. Being the change that you want to see in the world.
25. Setting a good example for younger generations.
26. Rina Shah shoes.
27. Helping Grandma learn new words like “vegan.”
28. Watching loved ones and strangers slowly evolve toward vegetarianism.
29. Saving an average of 200 animals a year just by not eating them.
30. Having a low cholesterol count.
31. Looking into the faces of animal companions without guilt.
32. Vegan guys are hot!
33. No dead bodies in my refrigerator.
34. Being an activist at every meal.
35. Juicy, sun-ripened tomatoes.
36. Mexican, Ethiopian, Indian, Chinese, and Japanese food.
37. Meeting brilliant, compassionate, creative people who advocate for the voiceless.
38. Cooking is easier and more fun.
39. Feeling instantly at home in veg restaurants anywhere in the world.
41. Tater Tots.
42. Having food scraps that are always readily compostable.
43. Eating food that’s less prone to incubating bacteria.
44. The automatic leg-up on those eco-footprint quizzes.
45. Bean and guacamole burritos.
46. Vegetarians taste better.
47. Belonging to a higher-IQ demographic.
48. The chickens, turkeys, and ducks in the backyard.
To read the full list: http://vegnews.com/web/articles/page.do?pageId=583&catId=7
Looking for a reason to go veg? We’ve got 75 for you!
(link to full list/article below)
If you’ve already said sayonara to steak but are tired of defending your decision, check out our favorite reasons—from serious to silly—for going veg.
1. Never having to wear leather pants.
2. Lärabars.
3. Lowered chances of contracting animal-borne diseases.
4. Planning veg vacations.
5. Never having to eat Spam.
6. Compassion tastes great!
7. The joy of “veganizing” a recipe.
8. Chinese-style potstickers.
9. Vegan marshmallows.
10. Helping put an end to global famine.
11. Morningstar Farms Riblets.
12. A lower rate of sexual impotence.
13. Resisting cruel fashion trends without a second thought.
14. Lactose intolerance is a non-issue.
15. Being a part of something that matters.
16. Having clean arteries that aren’t clogged with dead-animal goo.
17. Not having to worry about getting blood stains on the tablecloth.
18. Looking good and feeling great!
19. The cinnamon buns at Sticky Fingers Bakery.
20. Getting to bow out of in-laws’ barbecues.
21. Not having to look at the gross materials handed out by animal-rights activists!
22. Greater spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical strength.
23. Not contributing as much to global warming.
24. Being the change that you want to see in the world.
25. Setting a good example for younger generations.
26. Rina Shah shoes.
27. Helping Grandma learn new words like “vegan.”
28. Watching loved ones and strangers slowly evolve toward vegetarianism.
29. Saving an average of 200 animals a year just by not eating them.
30. Having a low cholesterol count.
31. Looking into the faces of animal companions without guilt.
32. Vegan guys are hot!
33. No dead bodies in my refrigerator.
34. Being an activist at every meal.
35. Juicy, sun-ripened tomatoes.
36. Mexican, Ethiopian, Indian, Chinese, and Japanese food.
37. Meeting brilliant, compassionate, creative people who advocate for the voiceless.
38. Cooking is easier and more fun.
39. Feeling instantly at home in veg restaurants anywhere in the world.
41. Tater Tots.
42. Having food scraps that are always readily compostable.
43. Eating food that’s less prone to incubating bacteria.
44. The automatic leg-up on those eco-footprint quizzes.
45. Bean and guacamole burritos.
46. Vegetarians taste better.
47. Belonging to a higher-IQ demographic.
48. The chickens, turkeys, and ducks in the backyard.
To read the full list: http://vegnews.com/web/articles/page.do?pageId=583&catId=7
6 Surprising Heart Disease Warning Signs (and What to Do about Them)
6 Surprising Heart Disease Warning Signs (and What to Do about Them)
Protect your heart: Check out these uncommon warning signs that might put you at risk.
Talk with your doctor about all circulation problems, as well as other possible risk factors
By Dana Blinder
RODALE NEWS, EMMAUS, PA
(link to full article below) 06-29-09
High blood pressure, stress, and diabetes are all familiar warning signs that someone’s at risk for cardiovascular disease. But there are other red flags that most of us are not aware of, such as hair loss, or problems in the bedroom. By paying attention to risk factors, and using them as cues to make healthy changes in your life, there’s a lot that can be done to prevent cardiovascular damage early on, says Rene Alvarez, MD, associate professor of medicine at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Cardiovascular Institute. Here are six unusual signs of heart disease—and what you can do to protect yourself.
1. Sexual dysfunction
Heart disease may be the last thing on your mind when you’re cuddling close to your significant other, but trouble performing may be a concern for heart health as well as sexual health. Dr. Alvarez says that although sexual dysfunction in men and women is different, the issue linking it to heart disease is the same: When blood vessels don’t work well, sexual problems can occur. “If you have dysfunction in one circulatory area you have it in others,” he says.
Do this. Treat both issues. With good medical therapy and healthy lifestyle changes, both sexual dysfunction and heart disease can be avoided. Dr. Alvarez recommends regular exercise, and talking with your physician about daily aspirin use and your vascular health, to resolve both problems.
2. Male pattern baldness
Loss of hair is more than an issue of appearance—it may mean loss of circulation, according to a correlation between top rear head balding and cardiovascular disease described in a recent t issue of Archives of Internal Medicine. Dr. Alvarez says lack of circulation to the hair follicles may be related to heart circulation, although other factors may play a role in the connection. “Some patients who have male pattern baldness may smoke, have hypertension, or a genetic predisposition relating to heart disease,” he notes.
Do this. Watch and be aware. Knowing your family history—both of baldness and heart disease—can help you asses your own risk. If either runs in the family, it’s extra reason to take steps to prevent hypertension and high cholesterol levels, and to avoid or quit smoking.
3. Snoring and sleep apnea
Sawing logs may cause your heart to struggle. A study from Emory University in Atlanta found that the obstructed airways in people who have sleep apnea or snore were linked to higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Disturbed sleep may be a predisposition of high blood pressure and diabetes, both contributing to heart disease, says Dr. Alvarez.
Do this. Prevent future problems now. The good news is that this warning sign gives you lots of time to take action. “Sleep-disordered breathing typically occurs decades before it’s diagnosed, and decades before signs of cardiovascular disease events,” says Dr. Alvarez. If you have these nighttime symptoms, take a sleep test and get advice from a specialist to improve your quality of sleep and quality of life, he suggests.
4. Migraines
To read the full article:
http://www.rodale.com/heart-disease-warning-signs?cm_mmc=DailyNewsNL-_-2009_06_29-_-Top5-_-NA
Protect your heart: Check out these uncommon warning signs that might put you at risk.
Talk with your doctor about all circulation problems, as well as other possible risk factors
By Dana Blinder
RODALE NEWS, EMMAUS, PA
(link to full article below) 06-29-09
High blood pressure, stress, and diabetes are all familiar warning signs that someone’s at risk for cardiovascular disease. But there are other red flags that most of us are not aware of, such as hair loss, or problems in the bedroom. By paying attention to risk factors, and using them as cues to make healthy changes in your life, there’s a lot that can be done to prevent cardiovascular damage early on, says Rene Alvarez, MD, associate professor of medicine at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Cardiovascular Institute. Here are six unusual signs of heart disease—and what you can do to protect yourself.
1. Sexual dysfunction
Heart disease may be the last thing on your mind when you’re cuddling close to your significant other, but trouble performing may be a concern for heart health as well as sexual health. Dr. Alvarez says that although sexual dysfunction in men and women is different, the issue linking it to heart disease is the same: When blood vessels don’t work well, sexual problems can occur. “If you have dysfunction in one circulatory area you have it in others,” he says.
Do this. Treat both issues. With good medical therapy and healthy lifestyle changes, both sexual dysfunction and heart disease can be avoided. Dr. Alvarez recommends regular exercise, and talking with your physician about daily aspirin use and your vascular health, to resolve both problems.
2. Male pattern baldness
Loss of hair is more than an issue of appearance—it may mean loss of circulation, according to a correlation between top rear head balding and cardiovascular disease described in a recent t issue of Archives of Internal Medicine. Dr. Alvarez says lack of circulation to the hair follicles may be related to heart circulation, although other factors may play a role in the connection. “Some patients who have male pattern baldness may smoke, have hypertension, or a genetic predisposition relating to heart disease,” he notes.
Do this. Watch and be aware. Knowing your family history—both of baldness and heart disease—can help you asses your own risk. If either runs in the family, it’s extra reason to take steps to prevent hypertension and high cholesterol levels, and to avoid or quit smoking.
3. Snoring and sleep apnea
Sawing logs may cause your heart to struggle. A study from Emory University in Atlanta found that the obstructed airways in people who have sleep apnea or snore were linked to higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Disturbed sleep may be a predisposition of high blood pressure and diabetes, both contributing to heart disease, says Dr. Alvarez.
Do this. Prevent future problems now. The good news is that this warning sign gives you lots of time to take action. “Sleep-disordered breathing typically occurs decades before it’s diagnosed, and decades before signs of cardiovascular disease events,” says Dr. Alvarez. If you have these nighttime symptoms, take a sleep test and get advice from a specialist to improve your quality of sleep and quality of life, he suggests.
4. Migraines
To read the full article:
http://www.rodale.com/heart-disease-warning-signs?cm_mmc=DailyNewsNL-_-2009_06_29-_-Top5-_-NA
Why Eating Lots of Apples Is Kind of Like Exercising
Why Eating Lots of Apples Is Kind of Like Exercising
Substance found in red onions and apples seems to boost endurance, but don’t throw away your gym shorts yet.
Don’t trade in physical activity for a pill, but consider boosting your endurance with this antioxidant
By Leah Zerbe
RODALE NEWS, EMMAUS, PA
06-24-09
(link to full article below)
Researchers have found that quercetin, an antioxidant available as a supplement and also found in certain vegetables and fruits, increased people’s endurance and boosted their aerobic capacity, even if they weren't exercising. The results are published today in the peer-reviewed journal International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism.
THE DETAILS: Quercetin, a natural polyphenolic flavonoid found in many food plants, particularly red onions, berries, and red apples, has been show in many in vitro and animal studies to boost performance, which is why it is often a favorite of elite athletes.
To read the full article:
http://www.rodale.com/quercetin-benefits?cm_mmc=DailyNewsNL-_-2009_06_24-_-Top5-_-NA
Substance found in red onions and apples seems to boost endurance, but don’t throw away your gym shorts yet.
Don’t trade in physical activity for a pill, but consider boosting your endurance with this antioxidant
By Leah Zerbe
RODALE NEWS, EMMAUS, PA
06-24-09
(link to full article below)
Researchers have found that quercetin, an antioxidant available as a supplement and also found in certain vegetables and fruits, increased people’s endurance and boosted their aerobic capacity, even if they weren't exercising. The results are published today in the peer-reviewed journal International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism.
THE DETAILS: Quercetin, a natural polyphenolic flavonoid found in many food plants, particularly red onions, berries, and red apples, has been show in many in vitro and animal studies to boost performance, which is why it is often a favorite of elite athletes.
To read the full article:
http://www.rodale.com/quercetin-benefits?cm_mmc=DailyNewsNL-_-2009_06_24-_-Top5-_-NA
The Island Where People Live Longer
The Island Where People Live Longer
Author Dan Buettner has traveled the globe visiting "Blue Zones," where people tend to live longer and lead healthier lives.
NPR
Saturday, May 2, 2009
(link to the full article below)
Making it to 90 years old is awe-inspiring in much of the world. But on a tiny Greek island in the North Aegean Sea, nonagenarians barely merit a second glance.
The island of Icaria could be the newest of the world's so-called blue zones — places where residents have unusually long life spans.
Dan Buettner has crossed the globe many times over the years in search of blue zones, and he recently teamed up with AARP and National Geographic to study Icaria.
Buettner and a team of demographers work with census data to identify blue zones around the world. They found Icaria had the highest percentage of 90-year-olds anywhere on the planet — nearly 1 out of 3 people make it to their 90s.
Plus, Buettner says, "they have about 20 percent lower rates of cancer, 50 percent lower rates of heart disease and almost no dementia."
Our life spans are about 20 percent dictated by our genes, Buettner says. The rest is lifestyle. People in Icaria live in mountain villages that necessitate activity every day. "They have gardens," he says, for example. "If they go to church, if they go to their friends' house — it always occasions a small walk. But that ends up burning much more calories than going to a gym for 20 minutes a day."
"They also have a diet that's very interesting," Buettner continues. "It's very high in olive oil; it's very high in fruits and vegetables." It's also very high in greens; about 150 kinds of veggies grow wild on the island. "These greens have somewhere around 10 times the level of antioxidants in red wine."
And though they live on an island, Icarians don't eat much fish. Buettner says pirates pushed the culture up in the highlands and villagers couldn't depend on the sea as much as might be expected.
To read the full article: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=103744881
Author Dan Buettner has traveled the globe visiting "Blue Zones," where people tend to live longer and lead healthier lives.
NPR
Saturday, May 2, 2009
(link to the full article below)
Making it to 90 years old is awe-inspiring in much of the world. But on a tiny Greek island in the North Aegean Sea, nonagenarians barely merit a second glance.
The island of Icaria could be the newest of the world's so-called blue zones — places where residents have unusually long life spans.
Dan Buettner has crossed the globe many times over the years in search of blue zones, and he recently teamed up with AARP and National Geographic to study Icaria.
Buettner and a team of demographers work with census data to identify blue zones around the world. They found Icaria had the highest percentage of 90-year-olds anywhere on the planet — nearly 1 out of 3 people make it to their 90s.
Plus, Buettner says, "they have about 20 percent lower rates of cancer, 50 percent lower rates of heart disease and almost no dementia."
Our life spans are about 20 percent dictated by our genes, Buettner says. The rest is lifestyle. People in Icaria live in mountain villages that necessitate activity every day. "They have gardens," he says, for example. "If they go to church, if they go to their friends' house — it always occasions a small walk. But that ends up burning much more calories than going to a gym for 20 minutes a day."
"They also have a diet that's very interesting," Buettner continues. "It's very high in olive oil; it's very high in fruits and vegetables." It's also very high in greens; about 150 kinds of veggies grow wild on the island. "These greens have somewhere around 10 times the level of antioxidants in red wine."
And though they live on an island, Icarians don't eat much fish. Buettner says pirates pushed the culture up in the highlands and villagers couldn't depend on the sea as much as might be expected.
To read the full article: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=103744881
Gray Hair Caused by Stress (Cell Stress, That Is)
Gray Hair Caused by Stress (Cell Stress, That Is)
Christine Dell'Amore
National Geographic News
June 16, 2009
(link to full article below)
Work or personal stress may make you want to pull your hair out, but it's cellular stress that actually turns it gray, a new study has found.
That's because DNA is "under constant attack" by damaging agents, such as chemicals, ultraviolet light, and ionizing radiation, according to study lead author Emi Nishimura of Tokyo Medical and Dental University.
A single mammal cell can encounter up to 100,000 events a day that damage DNA, Nishimura added in a statement.
The stem cells within hair follicles responsible for color are the most impacted by this irreparable DNA weathering.
Stem cells are cells in the body that can reproduce indefinitely and that have the potential to "mature" into other, more specialized cells. The stem cells in hair follicles mature into melanocytes, or cells that produce the pigment melanin.
(Related: "Human Skin Cells Given Stem Cell Properties.")
In younger people, the hair's stem cells maintain a balance between those that reproduce and those that turn into pigment cells, so that pigment is constantly being added to growing hair.
To read the full article:
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/06/090616-stress-gray-hair.html?source=email_gg_20090624
Christine Dell'Amore
National Geographic News
June 16, 2009
(link to full article below)
Work or personal stress may make you want to pull your hair out, but it's cellular stress that actually turns it gray, a new study has found.
That's because DNA is "under constant attack" by damaging agents, such as chemicals, ultraviolet light, and ionizing radiation, according to study lead author Emi Nishimura of Tokyo Medical and Dental University.
A single mammal cell can encounter up to 100,000 events a day that damage DNA, Nishimura added in a statement.
The stem cells within hair follicles responsible for color are the most impacted by this irreparable DNA weathering.
Stem cells are cells in the body that can reproduce indefinitely and that have the potential to "mature" into other, more specialized cells. The stem cells in hair follicles mature into melanocytes, or cells that produce the pigment melanin.
(Related: "Human Skin Cells Given Stem Cell Properties.")
In younger people, the hair's stem cells maintain a balance between those that reproduce and those that turn into pigment cells, so that pigment is constantly being added to growing hair.
To read the full article:
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/06/090616-stress-gray-hair.html?source=email_gg_20090624
Do Natural Window Cleaners Work?
Do Natural Window Cleaners Work?
by Annie B. Bond
June 10th, 2009
(from gaiam.com, link below to full article)
Don’t think eco-friendly natural window cleaners really work? Gotten streaks when you’ve tried them in the past? Try these nontoxic cleaning formulas and tips. You’ll never go back to commercial, chemical-based cleaners again.
Myth: Homemade cleaners leave streaks
Around Earth Day 1990, it seemed like every newspaper was printing recipes for nontoxic cleaning products with kitchen cupboard basics. The recipe was just plain vinegar and water. But when people tried the simple formula, they got streaks on their windows — and they swore off cleaning with homemade recipes — or even commercially sold natural cleaning products — for good.
The problem wasn’t the natural formula. The problem was that the traditional cleaning solutions people had used for so many years left a wax buildup, and vinegar alone couldn’t do the job of removing the residue.
Adding a dab of dish soap to a vinegar and water formula will do the trick. From then on, plain vinegar and water is all you’ll need to use.
Recipes for effective nontoxic cleaners
All-Purpose Window Cleaner
1/4 cup white distilled vinegar
1/2 teaspoon natural-formula liquid soap or detergent
2 cups water
A few drops of essential oil, for scent (optional)
Directions: Combine ingredients in a spray bottle and shake. Spray on, then remove with a squeegee, paper towel or newspaper. Makes 2 1/4 cups and lasts forever.
Vinegar Straight-Up
To read the full article: http://blog.gaiam.com/blog/do-natural-window-cleaners-work/
by Annie B. Bond
June 10th, 2009
(from gaiam.com, link below to full article)
Don’t think eco-friendly natural window cleaners really work? Gotten streaks when you’ve tried them in the past? Try these nontoxic cleaning formulas and tips. You’ll never go back to commercial, chemical-based cleaners again.
Myth: Homemade cleaners leave streaks
Around Earth Day 1990, it seemed like every newspaper was printing recipes for nontoxic cleaning products with kitchen cupboard basics. The recipe was just plain vinegar and water. But when people tried the simple formula, they got streaks on their windows — and they swore off cleaning with homemade recipes — or even commercially sold natural cleaning products — for good.
The problem wasn’t the natural formula. The problem was that the traditional cleaning solutions people had used for so many years left a wax buildup, and vinegar alone couldn’t do the job of removing the residue.
Adding a dab of dish soap to a vinegar and water formula will do the trick. From then on, plain vinegar and water is all you’ll need to use.
Recipes for effective nontoxic cleaners
All-Purpose Window Cleaner
1/4 cup white distilled vinegar
1/2 teaspoon natural-formula liquid soap or detergent
2 cups water
A few drops of essential oil, for scent (optional)
Directions: Combine ingredients in a spray bottle and shake. Spray on, then remove with a squeegee, paper towel or newspaper. Makes 2 1/4 cups and lasts forever.
Vinegar Straight-Up
To read the full article: http://blog.gaiam.com/blog/do-natural-window-cleaners-work/
Top 5 Time-Saving Workout Moves
Top 5 Time-Saving Workout Moves
http://life.gaiam.com/gaiam/p/SHAPEs-Top-5-TimeSaving-Workout-Moves.html
http://life.gaiam.com/gaiam/p/SHAPEs-Top-5-TimeSaving-Workout-Moves.html
Hot, Not Bothered
Hot, Not Bothered
Enjoy summer's heat with cooling Ayurvedic tips.
By Scott Blossom (from yogajournal.com, link below to full article)
From an Ayurvedic perspective, summer is dominated by the fiery energy of pitta, one of the components of a person's mind-body constitution, known as prakriti. Everyone has some degree of pitta in their prakriti, which regulates body temperature, metabolism, willpower, intelligence, and discrimination. Because pitta is associated with fire, it can tend to overheat during the summer and throw you out of balance. If left unattended, an excess of pitta can produce inflammation, excessive hunger or acidity, aggressive behavior, and "hot" emotional reactions such as anger, irritability, frustration, and hatred.
To keep pitta from firing up too much during these hot months, begin fostering "coolness" in every sense of the word: slow down, chill out, swim, and enjoy a light, fresh vegetarian diet. The best asanas for pitta are those that are calming and not overly heating, such as sidebends, twists, and wide-legged standing and seated poses. Holding seated or supine poses without strain for several minutes is also beneficial. Provide ample time for supine postures such as restorative backbends, inversions, and Savasana (Corpse Pose), while focusing on long exhalations to calm your body and nervous system.
Also, the yogic practice of lovingkindness (maitri) can soothe pitta-induced anger and reactivity.
To read the full article: http://www.yogajournal.com/health/2560?utm_source=MyYogaJournal&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=myj_367
Enjoy summer's heat with cooling Ayurvedic tips.
By Scott Blossom (from yogajournal.com, link below to full article)
From an Ayurvedic perspective, summer is dominated by the fiery energy of pitta, one of the components of a person's mind-body constitution, known as prakriti. Everyone has some degree of pitta in their prakriti, which regulates body temperature, metabolism, willpower, intelligence, and discrimination. Because pitta is associated with fire, it can tend to overheat during the summer and throw you out of balance. If left unattended, an excess of pitta can produce inflammation, excessive hunger or acidity, aggressive behavior, and "hot" emotional reactions such as anger, irritability, frustration, and hatred.
To keep pitta from firing up too much during these hot months, begin fostering "coolness" in every sense of the word: slow down, chill out, swim, and enjoy a light, fresh vegetarian diet. The best asanas for pitta are those that are calming and not overly heating, such as sidebends, twists, and wide-legged standing and seated poses. Holding seated or supine poses without strain for several minutes is also beneficial. Provide ample time for supine postures such as restorative backbends, inversions, and Savasana (Corpse Pose), while focusing on long exhalations to calm your body and nervous system.
Also, the yogic practice of lovingkindness (maitri) can soothe pitta-induced anger and reactivity.
To read the full article: http://www.yogajournal.com/health/2560?utm_source=MyYogaJournal&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=myj_367
Animal Rights Prof Says No Way to Consume Meat in Humane Way
Animal Rights Prof Says No Way to Consume Meat in Humane Way
By Gary L. Francione , Rutgers University School of Law
(from opposingviews.com, link below)
I never fail to be amazed when I hear people—including well-known promoters of animal welfare—claim quite remarkably that animals do not have an interest in continued life; they just have an interest in not suffering. They do not care that we use them; they care only about how we use them.
As long as they have a reasonably painless life and a relatively painless death, they do not care if we consume them or products made from them. I have discussed this issue in a number of essays on this site (see, e.g., 1; 2; 3) and in my books and articles. It will be a central topic in my forthcoming book, The Animal Rights Debate: Abolition or Regulation?, which I have co-authored with Professor Robert Garner and that will be published by Columbia University Press this fall.
On our video page, we have two videos from slaughterhouses. A significant number of visitors have viewed these videos and have written to us about them, particularly the video that does not show any slaughter. That video has obviously made an impact on many people and so I wanted to highlight it in a blog post.
The video shows two cows waiting in a chute to be led into the abattoir. An employee comes out and uses an electric prod to get the first cow to enter the abattoir. The second cow remains behind the door that has closed. She is clearly terrified. She knows that she is in trouble and this is not simply a matter of “instinct” (I do not even know what that means.) She is desperately looking for a way to get out of the chute. She may not have the same sorts of thoughts that beings who, like us, use symbolic communication, but it is clear that she has some equivalent sort of cognition. To say that she does not have a sense of having a life is beyond absurdity.
I find this video to be profoundly tragic on many levels. Watch it and then ask yourself whether animal organizations should be investing their time and your resources in trying to design “better” slaughterhouses or promoting “happy” meat, or whether we should all commit ourselves to veganism and to clear, unequivocal, nonviolent vegan education.
The video is apparently from a French slaughterhouse. But it does not really matter. All slaughterhouses are places of hell and unspeakable violence against the vulnerable. Never believe that such a place can ever be described as “humane” except by someone who is very deeply confused about fundamental issues of morality.
Someone who saw this video wrote to me and said the following:
I am a vegetarian but have found it difficult to transition to veganism. My two weaknesses: ice cream and good Cheshire cheese. I watched this video. I looked into her eyes and I answered the question that you asked on your video page: “Is there anything that you want to eat that badly?” The answer was clear to me in a way it never was before. I am now a vegan.
To read the full article:
http://www.opposingviews.com/articles/opinion-animal-rights-prof-says-no-way-to-consume-meat-in-humane-way-r-1246232469
By Gary L. Francione , Rutgers University School of Law
(from opposingviews.com, link below)
I never fail to be amazed when I hear people—including well-known promoters of animal welfare—claim quite remarkably that animals do not have an interest in continued life; they just have an interest in not suffering. They do not care that we use them; they care only about how we use them.
As long as they have a reasonably painless life and a relatively painless death, they do not care if we consume them or products made from them. I have discussed this issue in a number of essays on this site (see, e.g., 1; 2; 3) and in my books and articles. It will be a central topic in my forthcoming book, The Animal Rights Debate: Abolition or Regulation?, which I have co-authored with Professor Robert Garner and that will be published by Columbia University Press this fall.
On our video page, we have two videos from slaughterhouses. A significant number of visitors have viewed these videos and have written to us about them, particularly the video that does not show any slaughter. That video has obviously made an impact on many people and so I wanted to highlight it in a blog post.
The video shows two cows waiting in a chute to be led into the abattoir. An employee comes out and uses an electric prod to get the first cow to enter the abattoir. The second cow remains behind the door that has closed. She is clearly terrified. She knows that she is in trouble and this is not simply a matter of “instinct” (I do not even know what that means.) She is desperately looking for a way to get out of the chute. She may not have the same sorts of thoughts that beings who, like us, use symbolic communication, but it is clear that she has some equivalent sort of cognition. To say that she does not have a sense of having a life is beyond absurdity.
I find this video to be profoundly tragic on many levels. Watch it and then ask yourself whether animal organizations should be investing their time and your resources in trying to design “better” slaughterhouses or promoting “happy” meat, or whether we should all commit ourselves to veganism and to clear, unequivocal, nonviolent vegan education.
The video is apparently from a French slaughterhouse. But it does not really matter. All slaughterhouses are places of hell and unspeakable violence against the vulnerable. Never believe that such a place can ever be described as “humane” except by someone who is very deeply confused about fundamental issues of morality.
Someone who saw this video wrote to me and said the following:
I am a vegetarian but have found it difficult to transition to veganism. My two weaknesses: ice cream and good Cheshire cheese. I watched this video. I looked into her eyes and I answered the question that you asked on your video page: “Is there anything that you want to eat that badly?” The answer was clear to me in a way it never was before. I am now a vegan.
To read the full article:
http://www.opposingviews.com/articles/opinion-animal-rights-prof-says-no-way-to-consume-meat-in-humane-way-r-1246232469
10 Endangered Vacations
10 Endangered Vacations
Plan these trips now ... while you still can. (from dailygreen.com, link below)
Endangered Destinations Dot the Map
You've heard of the Life List -- the vacation spots you want to see before you die. This is a little different. These are top U.S. destinations you might want to see before they die. "They" being the destinations themselves. Each of these vacation ideas is located in a landscape that is threatened in some way -- whether by global warming, mining, extreme weather or by another environmental hazard.
While inclusion on this list isn't an indication that these sites are in imminent danger of disappearing, the fact that this list seems plausible is a distinctly 21st Century phenomenon. After all, destinations are supposed to be permanent, even though our lives are not -- that's what makes the Wonders of the World so mysterious and attractive. It's not just their beauty and scale, but their endurance.
In an era when our expanding population, and our expanding pollution keep expanding the human influence on the Earth, not all destinations are so permanent as they once seemed. (Even the Sphinx is crumbling, thanks in part to acid rain.) So in this year when gas prices are rising (again), jobs are scarce and budgets are tight, it may yet still be the time to take to the road and see one of these endangered U.S. destinations. You may have another chance, but your kids or their kids may not. (Better pack a camera.)
Photographing Glaciers in Glacier National Park
What would the Grand Canyon be without a canyon? Something like Glacier National Park would be without its glaciers. But by 2030, that's exactly the landscape that might greet visitors, as the climate warms.
Already, some of the most famous glaciers in the Montana park have shrunk by more than half, and only 17% of the glaciers found there in 1850 remain today (26 of 150). While the valleys below have warmed about 2 degrees in the last century, the peaks of Glacier National Park have warmed about 2 degrees every year for 15 years.
Glaciers are things of beauty and awe: the imprint of time and the Earth's physical processes represented in massive hulk of ice on the landscape. The loss of glaciers -- not just in U.S. national parks, but worldwide is one of the most visual signs of global warming. Sure, the melting of a glacier is still slow in human years, but the change in Glacier National Park is real and any child born today should see the park before he or she hits 20 -- because the glaciers might well be gone by then.
Viewing Austin's Congress Avenue Bridge Bat Colony
One of the most unlikely tourist destinations in the country, Austin's Congress Avenue Bridge bats nevertheless draw as many as 100,000 tourists every year. The bats themselves don't seem particularly vulnerable: Every evening through the summer, as many as 1.5 million Mexican free-tail bats emerge from their colony under the bridge and start eating moths and other insects. It's the largest urban bat colony in the world.
And, indeed, there aren't any well-publicized threats to this colony of bats. What there is, is a mysterious disease that has begun creeping across the U.S. and which has the potential to decimate bat populations across the continent. Identified first in New York caves in February 2007, the malady is known as white nose syndrome because its most recognizable symptom is a ring of white fungus on the noses of the bats found dead by the hundreds in caves where they hibernate through the winter. Scientists have since watched the disease infect caves throughout the Northeast and spread to at least nine states.
Bats are scary, gargoyle-like creatures, sure. But they eat bugs that we don't like, and -- just ask the tourism bureau in Austin, or farmers who rely on their natural pest-control abilities, or those who find strange beauty in their faces, wings and habits -- bats are worth keeping around. They remind us that losing any one piece of an ecosystem can lead to a cascade of unintended, and unwelcome changes.
At this point, scientists haven't been able to define the disease fully, identify its origins or devise any remedies. Will it reach the caves of the Southwestern U.S., Mexico and South America, where Mexican free-tail bats spend the winter? Who knows -- but you might want to see that awe-inspiring wildlife display in Austin now, just to make sure.
Whatever It Is That Happens in Vegas
What could possibly happen to Vegas (that hasn't already happened in Vegas)? This one might be a little overly apocalyptic for some, but step back for a minute and you'll remember that Las Vegas is built smack in the middle of the desert. It exists, not only to gleefully champion sin, but also because the Colorado River has been dammed, diverted and directed to flow into Lake Mead and other reservoirs, so that the dry Southwest can bloom beyond its natural limits.
But for how long? The flow of the Colorado River, one of the continent's mightiest, is already strained, the remnants of its abundant water flow disputed across the western U.S. Add a sprawling population, demanding drinking water and green lawns and farm-fresh produce, and the dwindling snowpack that feeds the river -- thanks to global warming -- and Las Vegas could face serious strains soon. By 2021, according to one study of Lake Mead, which supplies 90% of the city's drinking water.
The larger issue is how a growing population faces the limits of its environment. In the Southwest, engineering has been the solution -- dams, irrigation ditches and casinos being the most obvious examples of our dominance over an inhospitable landscape. Into the future, as global warming stresses our already thinly stretched resources, will it make sense to grow lush green lawns in the middle of the desert?
Vegas being what it is, the loss of water might not be a death knell. There is, after all, alcohol. Might be better to plan your visit before 2021 all the same.
Paddling the Florida Everglades
verglades National Park is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States — a vast and slow-moving river channeled through tufts of dry land. It's teeming with wildlife, from the abundant and ferocious (alligators and crocodiles) to the scarce and ferocious (the panther) and every creature on down the food chain. Paddling a canoe through the Everglades is a rare experience.
Rare indeed. The Everglades face a Goldilocks-type question: Will there be too little water, too much ... or just the right amount? Too little and the Everglades dry up. Too much and it gets swallowed by the sea. Either way, it won’t offer the same wilderness canoe experience it does today.
For more than a century, too little water has been the problem, as agriculture and suburban sprawl have eaten into the swamp, draining and diverting the natural water flow. With the water has gone 90% of some populations of wading birds.
Water levels are rising, thanks to a 35-year preservation plan and billions of dollars in planned spending. But global warming could cause sea-level rise to swamp the swamp; the highest point in Everglades National Park is just eight feet above sea level, and the latest projections suggest there will be more than enough new sea water to cover that land in the next 100 years or so. The Everglades could be swallowed by the sea.
Bottom line: Better not put off that once-in-a-lifetime trip to this one-of-a-kind destination.
Wine Tasting in Napa Valley
To read the full article: http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/endangered-vacations-47060902?src=nl&mag=tdg&list=dgr&kw=ist
Plan these trips now ... while you still can. (from dailygreen.com, link below)
Endangered Destinations Dot the Map
You've heard of the Life List -- the vacation spots you want to see before you die. This is a little different. These are top U.S. destinations you might want to see before they die. "They" being the destinations themselves. Each of these vacation ideas is located in a landscape that is threatened in some way -- whether by global warming, mining, extreme weather or by another environmental hazard.
While inclusion on this list isn't an indication that these sites are in imminent danger of disappearing, the fact that this list seems plausible is a distinctly 21st Century phenomenon. After all, destinations are supposed to be permanent, even though our lives are not -- that's what makes the Wonders of the World so mysterious and attractive. It's not just their beauty and scale, but their endurance.
In an era when our expanding population, and our expanding pollution keep expanding the human influence on the Earth, not all destinations are so permanent as they once seemed. (Even the Sphinx is crumbling, thanks in part to acid rain.) So in this year when gas prices are rising (again), jobs are scarce and budgets are tight, it may yet still be the time to take to the road and see one of these endangered U.S. destinations. You may have another chance, but your kids or their kids may not. (Better pack a camera.)
Photographing Glaciers in Glacier National Park
What would the Grand Canyon be without a canyon? Something like Glacier National Park would be without its glaciers. But by 2030, that's exactly the landscape that might greet visitors, as the climate warms.
Already, some of the most famous glaciers in the Montana park have shrunk by more than half, and only 17% of the glaciers found there in 1850 remain today (26 of 150). While the valleys below have warmed about 2 degrees in the last century, the peaks of Glacier National Park have warmed about 2 degrees every year for 15 years.
Glaciers are things of beauty and awe: the imprint of time and the Earth's physical processes represented in massive hulk of ice on the landscape. The loss of glaciers -- not just in U.S. national parks, but worldwide is one of the most visual signs of global warming. Sure, the melting of a glacier is still slow in human years, but the change in Glacier National Park is real and any child born today should see the park before he or she hits 20 -- because the glaciers might well be gone by then.
Viewing Austin's Congress Avenue Bridge Bat Colony
One of the most unlikely tourist destinations in the country, Austin's Congress Avenue Bridge bats nevertheless draw as many as 100,000 tourists every year. The bats themselves don't seem particularly vulnerable: Every evening through the summer, as many as 1.5 million Mexican free-tail bats emerge from their colony under the bridge and start eating moths and other insects. It's the largest urban bat colony in the world.
And, indeed, there aren't any well-publicized threats to this colony of bats. What there is, is a mysterious disease that has begun creeping across the U.S. and which has the potential to decimate bat populations across the continent. Identified first in New York caves in February 2007, the malady is known as white nose syndrome because its most recognizable symptom is a ring of white fungus on the noses of the bats found dead by the hundreds in caves where they hibernate through the winter. Scientists have since watched the disease infect caves throughout the Northeast and spread to at least nine states.
Bats are scary, gargoyle-like creatures, sure. But they eat bugs that we don't like, and -- just ask the tourism bureau in Austin, or farmers who rely on their natural pest-control abilities, or those who find strange beauty in their faces, wings and habits -- bats are worth keeping around. They remind us that losing any one piece of an ecosystem can lead to a cascade of unintended, and unwelcome changes.
At this point, scientists haven't been able to define the disease fully, identify its origins or devise any remedies. Will it reach the caves of the Southwestern U.S., Mexico and South America, where Mexican free-tail bats spend the winter? Who knows -- but you might want to see that awe-inspiring wildlife display in Austin now, just to make sure.
Whatever It Is That Happens in Vegas
What could possibly happen to Vegas (that hasn't already happened in Vegas)? This one might be a little overly apocalyptic for some, but step back for a minute and you'll remember that Las Vegas is built smack in the middle of the desert. It exists, not only to gleefully champion sin, but also because the Colorado River has been dammed, diverted and directed to flow into Lake Mead and other reservoirs, so that the dry Southwest can bloom beyond its natural limits.
But for how long? The flow of the Colorado River, one of the continent's mightiest, is already strained, the remnants of its abundant water flow disputed across the western U.S. Add a sprawling population, demanding drinking water and green lawns and farm-fresh produce, and the dwindling snowpack that feeds the river -- thanks to global warming -- and Las Vegas could face serious strains soon. By 2021, according to one study of Lake Mead, which supplies 90% of the city's drinking water.
The larger issue is how a growing population faces the limits of its environment. In the Southwest, engineering has been the solution -- dams, irrigation ditches and casinos being the most obvious examples of our dominance over an inhospitable landscape. Into the future, as global warming stresses our already thinly stretched resources, will it make sense to grow lush green lawns in the middle of the desert?
Vegas being what it is, the loss of water might not be a death knell. There is, after all, alcohol. Might be better to plan your visit before 2021 all the same.
Paddling the Florida Everglades
verglades National Park is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States — a vast and slow-moving river channeled through tufts of dry land. It's teeming with wildlife, from the abundant and ferocious (alligators and crocodiles) to the scarce and ferocious (the panther) and every creature on down the food chain. Paddling a canoe through the Everglades is a rare experience.
Rare indeed. The Everglades face a Goldilocks-type question: Will there be too little water, too much ... or just the right amount? Too little and the Everglades dry up. Too much and it gets swallowed by the sea. Either way, it won’t offer the same wilderness canoe experience it does today.
For more than a century, too little water has been the problem, as agriculture and suburban sprawl have eaten into the swamp, draining and diverting the natural water flow. With the water has gone 90% of some populations of wading birds.
Water levels are rising, thanks to a 35-year preservation plan and billions of dollars in planned spending. But global warming could cause sea-level rise to swamp the swamp; the highest point in Everglades National Park is just eight feet above sea level, and the latest projections suggest there will be more than enough new sea water to cover that land in the next 100 years or so. The Everglades could be swallowed by the sea.
Bottom line: Better not put off that once-in-a-lifetime trip to this one-of-a-kind destination.
Wine Tasting in Napa Valley
To read the full article: http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/endangered-vacations-47060902?src=nl&mag=tdg&list=dgr&kw=ist
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Michelle Obama Swears Off Fur
Michelle Obama Swears Off Fur
Thursday June 11, 2009
One day after French First Lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy told PETA that she no longer wears real fur, Obama made her own animal-friendly announcement, the Washington Times reports.
"Mrs. Obama does not wear fur," her deputy press secretary, Semonti Mustaphi, said Thursday.
Obama and Bruni-Sarkozy -- who have met twice in recent months -- are both widely known as two of the most fashionable political wives. PETA has pushed Bruni-Sarkozy -- who was photographed wearing what appeared to be fur -- in particular to donate her coats to the homeless.
"I do not wear, buy or own fur or animal skin other than leather or skin of animals raised for feeding purposes," she said in a letter to PETA. "I am not a vegetarian, and I don't find it illogical to wear skins of animals whose meat is also eaten. I would gladly consider giving away sable, fox and other fur coats -- if I owned any."
To read the full article: http://www.usmagazine.com/news/michelle-obama-swears-off-fur-2009116
Thursday June 11, 2009
One day after French First Lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy told PETA that she no longer wears real fur, Obama made her own animal-friendly announcement, the Washington Times reports.
"Mrs. Obama does not wear fur," her deputy press secretary, Semonti Mustaphi, said Thursday.
Obama and Bruni-Sarkozy -- who have met twice in recent months -- are both widely known as two of the most fashionable political wives. PETA has pushed Bruni-Sarkozy -- who was photographed wearing what appeared to be fur -- in particular to donate her coats to the homeless.
"I do not wear, buy or own fur or animal skin other than leather or skin of animals raised for feeding purposes," she said in a letter to PETA. "I am not a vegetarian, and I don't find it illogical to wear skins of animals whose meat is also eaten. I would gladly consider giving away sable, fox and other fur coats -- if I owned any."
To read the full article: http://www.usmagazine.com/news/michelle-obama-swears-off-fur-2009116
Belching cows are hot topic in climate debate
Belching cows are hot topic in climate debate
Obama administration insists any legislation won't regulate cattle
Belching from the nation's 170 million cattle, sheep and pigs produces about one-quarter of the methane released in the U.S. each year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
Sat., June 20, 2009
WASHINGTON - One contributor to global warming — bigger than coal mines, landfills and sewage treatment plants — is being left out of efforts by the Obama administration and House Democrats to limit greenhouse gas emissions.
Cow burps.
Belching from the nation's 170 million cattle, sheep and pigs produces about one-quarter of the methane released in the U.S. each year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. That makes the hoofed critters the largest source of the heat-trapping gas.
Story continues below ↓advertisement | your ad here
In part because of an adept farm lobby campaign that equates government regulation with a cow tax, the gas that farm animals pass is exempt from legislation being considered by Congress to limit greenhouse gas emissions.
The EPA under President Barack Obama has said it has no plans to regulate the gas, even though the agency recently included methane among six greenhouse gases it believes are endangering human health and welfare.
The message circulating on the Web, the halls of Congress and farm co-ops had America's farms facing financial ruin if the EPA required them to purchase air-pollution permits like power plants and factories do. The cost of those permits amounted to a cow tax, farm groups argued.
To read the full article:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31461978/ns/us_news-environment/
Obama administration insists any legislation won't regulate cattle
Belching from the nation's 170 million cattle, sheep and pigs produces about one-quarter of the methane released in the U.S. each year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
Sat., June 20, 2009
WASHINGTON - One contributor to global warming — bigger than coal mines, landfills and sewage treatment plants — is being left out of efforts by the Obama administration and House Democrats to limit greenhouse gas emissions.
Cow burps.
Belching from the nation's 170 million cattle, sheep and pigs produces about one-quarter of the methane released in the U.S. each year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. That makes the hoofed critters the largest source of the heat-trapping gas.
Story continues below ↓advertisement | your ad here
In part because of an adept farm lobby campaign that equates government regulation with a cow tax, the gas that farm animals pass is exempt from legislation being considered by Congress to limit greenhouse gas emissions.
The EPA under President Barack Obama has said it has no plans to regulate the gas, even though the agency recently included methane among six greenhouse gases it believes are endangering human health and welfare.
The message circulating on the Web, the halls of Congress and farm co-ops had America's farms facing financial ruin if the EPA required them to purchase air-pollution permits like power plants and factories do. The cost of those permits amounted to a cow tax, farm groups argued.
To read the full article:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31461978/ns/us_news-environment/
Ten Tips to a Greener Road Trip
Low (Carbon) Riders
Ten Tips to a Greener Road Trip
By Kristen O’Neill
Lots of people are opting to stay closer to home for summer vacations, and packing up the family car instead of booking flights abroad. Whether with friends or family, road trips are a hallowed American institution, and they offer lots of opportunities for checking out natural wonders, from state parks to scenic overlooks. But to make the most of your road trip while leaving behind a minimal environmental impact, check out the ten tips below.
1. Look into public transportation. If your destination is easy to reach by train or bus, consider skipping the long drive and join the masses. Why not be chauffeured? Enjoy a book, some music or even a nap instead of driving! Traveling far distances puts wear and tear on your car, costs fortunes of gas money, and the more cars on the road, the more traffic and greenhouse gas emissions. Taking a bus or train is an easy, comfortable, and greener choice for a guilt-free road trip.
2. If driving is your only option, choose a fuel-efficient vehicle. If you’re renting a car, go for one that has good gas mileage. Consider renting a hybrid so you won’t have to fill up on gas too often. If you’re bringing your own, choose the smallest car that will fit everyone and everything. In other words, leave the giant SUV at home.
3. Fill your tires! Air is one of the last things you can get for free these days. Before you hit the highway, stop at the local gas station to fill your tires. Properly inflated tires will improve your car’s fuel efficiency and mileage by about 3.3%. Properly inflated tires are also safer and last 25% longer.
4. Drive gently. Excessive breaking and acceleration can reduce your fuel efficiency by as much as 33% on the highway, and 5% when driving around town. The easiest way to keep your driving gentle is to drive within the speed limit. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, you can assume that you spend an additional $.24 per gallon of gas for every 5 mph over 60 mph. Also, driving within the speed limit is the safest, most responsible way to drive, especially when traveling on long-distance road trips. What’s the rush? The slower you drive, the more you’re able to enjoy your surroundings.
5. Avoid idling. If you’re stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic and have been idling for over 30 seconds, turn the car off. You get 0 miles to the gallon while idling, so if you’re stuck in traffic, you might as well just park it! Also, avoid drive-throughs—idling in line uses up gas unnecessarily. Instead, park the car and walk into the restaurant, this way you’ll save gas and stretch your legs!
To read the full article: http://www.emagazine.com/view/?4744
Ten Tips to a Greener Road Trip
By Kristen O’Neill
Lots of people are opting to stay closer to home for summer vacations, and packing up the family car instead of booking flights abroad. Whether with friends or family, road trips are a hallowed American institution, and they offer lots of opportunities for checking out natural wonders, from state parks to scenic overlooks. But to make the most of your road trip while leaving behind a minimal environmental impact, check out the ten tips below.
1. Look into public transportation. If your destination is easy to reach by train or bus, consider skipping the long drive and join the masses. Why not be chauffeured? Enjoy a book, some music or even a nap instead of driving! Traveling far distances puts wear and tear on your car, costs fortunes of gas money, and the more cars on the road, the more traffic and greenhouse gas emissions. Taking a bus or train is an easy, comfortable, and greener choice for a guilt-free road trip.
2. If driving is your only option, choose a fuel-efficient vehicle. If you’re renting a car, go for one that has good gas mileage. Consider renting a hybrid so you won’t have to fill up on gas too often. If you’re bringing your own, choose the smallest car that will fit everyone and everything. In other words, leave the giant SUV at home.
3. Fill your tires! Air is one of the last things you can get for free these days. Before you hit the highway, stop at the local gas station to fill your tires. Properly inflated tires will improve your car’s fuel efficiency and mileage by about 3.3%. Properly inflated tires are also safer and last 25% longer.
4. Drive gently. Excessive breaking and acceleration can reduce your fuel efficiency by as much as 33% on the highway, and 5% when driving around town. The easiest way to keep your driving gentle is to drive within the speed limit. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, you can assume that you spend an additional $.24 per gallon of gas for every 5 mph over 60 mph. Also, driving within the speed limit is the safest, most responsible way to drive, especially when traveling on long-distance road trips. What’s the rush? The slower you drive, the more you’re able to enjoy your surroundings.
5. Avoid idling. If you’re stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic and have been idling for over 30 seconds, turn the car off. You get 0 miles to the gallon while idling, so if you’re stuck in traffic, you might as well just park it! Also, avoid drive-throughs—idling in line uses up gas unnecessarily. Instead, park the car and walk into the restaurant, this way you’ll save gas and stretch your legs!
To read the full article: http://www.emagazine.com/view/?4744
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
"Non-negotiable" by Heather Havey
"Non-Negotiable" by Heather Havey, M.A.
Our bodies and our planet are filled with poisons, so I teach my clients to live by "The Nature Way." What that means is ORGANIC, NATURAL, WHOLE, RAW, LOCAL, and SEASONAL. It means keep life simple and close to nature. Grow your own food if you feel so inclined. Make your home a sacred space of natural beauty. Allow all the elements of Earth to heal and nourish you: sunlight, fresh air, fresh water, earth and her incredible plants, and God.
This is serious, people. What I hear from most people is endless, endless excuses. "I can't afford to be healthy...I don't have enough time...It's too hard..." Endless excuses and complaints.
But I have a lesson that has helped me so much in my own life. No more excuses. Create a list of non-negotiables for your life. For example, here are some non-negotiables that I have established for my own life:
So, grab a pen and paper and list for yourself those things you are deeply passionate about that you would like to consider "non-negotiables" in your life. Again, not to be a militant or rigid extremist. I do not mean this at all. Be fluid, be flexible, but be strong and passionate in your choices and actions - not wimpy.
In my opinion, the choice to eat only organic food is the most important choice for your diet. Pesticide is designed to kill, and it just keeps on killing. And killing. And killing. For generations.
© 2008 Heather Havey
To copy this article, please also copy this link with the article: "Non-Negotiable" by Heather Havey, M.A. or direct people to http://ourbelovedearth.blogspot.com or http://the-nature-way.blogspot.com. Aloha.
Our bodies and our planet are filled with poisons, so I teach my clients to live by "The Nature Way." What that means is ORGANIC, NATURAL, WHOLE, RAW, LOCAL, and SEASONAL. It means keep life simple and close to nature. Grow your own food if you feel so inclined. Make your home a sacred space of natural beauty. Allow all the elements of Earth to heal and nourish you: sunlight, fresh air, fresh water, earth and her incredible plants, and God.
This is serious, people. What I hear from most people is endless, endless excuses. "I can't afford to be healthy...I don't have enough time...It's too hard..." Endless excuses and complaints.
But I have a lesson that has helped me so much in my own life. No more excuses. Create a list of non-negotiables for your life. For example, here are some non-negotiables that I have established for my own life:
- I only eat organic food. I do not want to eat poison, have poison in my body, or support a way of farming that poisons the land, animals, plants, insects, and kills most life that ingests or touches it.
- I only eat vegan food. I do not want to support torture of animals.
- I eat 90% raw food. Some people would accuse me of making excuses for not being 100% raw, but I have found over the years that I prefer a diet that is 90-100% raw. In winter months, I drink warm teas and love warm broths. Other than that, I am raw.
- I deserve health and my choices will reflect that.
So, grab a pen and paper and list for yourself those things you are deeply passionate about that you would like to consider "non-negotiables" in your life. Again, not to be a militant or rigid extremist. I do not mean this at all. Be fluid, be flexible, but be strong and passionate in your choices and actions - not wimpy.
In my opinion, the choice to eat only organic food is the most important choice for your diet. Pesticide is designed to kill, and it just keeps on killing. And killing. And killing. For generations.
© 2008 Heather Havey
To copy this article, please also copy this link with the article: "Non-Negotiable" by Heather Havey, M.A. or direct people to http://ourbelovedearth.blogspot.com or http://the-nature-way.blogspot.com. Aloha.
McCartney urges 'meat-free days' to tackle climate change
McCartney urges 'meat-free days' to tackle climate change
Paul McCartney denied that he's using the environment to push his vegetarian beliefs
By Martin Hickman
Consumer Affairs Correspondent
Monday, 15 June 2009
Chargrilled asparagus and lemon tart – that's the vegetarian menu for a glamorous cast of musicians, actors, writers and artists starting a mass movement today to limit meat eating and combat climate change.
With his daughters, Stella and Mary, Sir Paul McCartney is behind Meat Free Monday, which aims to persuade people to go veggie once a week to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the world's livestock, among the most serious contributors to global warming.
"We should care about climate change because if we don't, we are going to leave our children and their children in a hell of a mess," Sir Paul told The Independent, which has been given exclusive details of the launch.
The McCartneys have attracted support from across the worlds of showbusiness, science, business and the environment. The singer Chris Martin, Hollywood stars Kevin Spacey and Woody Harrelson, actress Joanna Lumley and Sir Richard Branson are advocating meat-free Mondays.
To read the full article: http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/news/mccartney-urges-meatfree-days-to-tackle-climate-change-1705289.html
Paul McCartney denied that he's using the environment to push his vegetarian beliefs
By Martin Hickman
Consumer Affairs Correspondent
Monday, 15 June 2009
Chargrilled asparagus and lemon tart – that's the vegetarian menu for a glamorous cast of musicians, actors, writers and artists starting a mass movement today to limit meat eating and combat climate change.
With his daughters, Stella and Mary, Sir Paul McCartney is behind Meat Free Monday, which aims to persuade people to go veggie once a week to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the world's livestock, among the most serious contributors to global warming.
"We should care about climate change because if we don't, we are going to leave our children and their children in a hell of a mess," Sir Paul told The Independent, which has been given exclusive details of the launch.
The McCartneys have attracted support from across the worlds of showbusiness, science, business and the environment. The singer Chris Martin, Hollywood stars Kevin Spacey and Woody Harrelson, actress Joanna Lumley and Sir Richard Branson are advocating meat-free Mondays.
To read the full article: http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/news/mccartney-urges-meatfree-days-to-tackle-climate-change-1705289.html
Poultry Is No. 1 Source of Outbreaks, Report Says
Poultry Is No. 1 Source of Outbreaks, Report Says
A federal study identified chicken as the most common source of food poisoning in 2006.
By GARDINER HARRIS
June 11, 2009
Feeling sick? If so, the cause might have been bad chicken.
Poultry was the most commonly identified source of food poisoning in the United States in 2006, followed by leafy vegetables and fruits and nuts, according to a report released Thursday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The report is the first effort by federal researchers to identify how most people in the United States become sickened by contaminated foods. Its findings, while not surprising, were welcomed by food-safety advocates.
“It’s a nice first step,” said Donna Rosenbaum, executive director of the nonprofit Safe Tables Our Priority. “The problem is that it’s based on a very small data set.”
After a concerted campaign by the federal Department of Agriculture to improve the safety of chickens, the number of people sickened by contaminated poultry in 2006 declined compared with an average of the previous five years, according to C.D.C. researchers.
But problems persist. Most of the poultry-related illnesses, the centers found, were associated with Clostridium perfringens, a bacterium that commonly causes abdominal cramping and diarrhea usually within 10 to 12 hours after ingestion. The spores from this bacterium often survive cooking, so keeping poultry meat at temperatures low enough to prevent contamination during processing and storage is critical.
To read the full article:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/12/health/research/12cdc.html?emc=eta1
A federal study identified chicken as the most common source of food poisoning in 2006.
By GARDINER HARRIS
June 11, 2009
Feeling sick? If so, the cause might have been bad chicken.
Poultry was the most commonly identified source of food poisoning in the United States in 2006, followed by leafy vegetables and fruits and nuts, according to a report released Thursday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The report is the first effort by federal researchers to identify how most people in the United States become sickened by contaminated foods. Its findings, while not surprising, were welcomed by food-safety advocates.
“It’s a nice first step,” said Donna Rosenbaum, executive director of the nonprofit Safe Tables Our Priority. “The problem is that it’s based on a very small data set.”
After a concerted campaign by the federal Department of Agriculture to improve the safety of chickens, the number of people sickened by contaminated poultry in 2006 declined compared with an average of the previous five years, according to C.D.C. researchers.
But problems persist. Most of the poultry-related illnesses, the centers found, were associated with Clostridium perfringens, a bacterium that commonly causes abdominal cramping and diarrhea usually within 10 to 12 hours after ingestion. The spores from this bacterium often survive cooking, so keeping poultry meat at temperatures low enough to prevent contamination during processing and storage is critical.
To read the full article:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/12/health/research/12cdc.html?emc=eta1
A few cool things about plants
A few cool things about plants
by Adam Kochanowicz
June 12, 2009
Any essential animal-derived ingredient can be found in a vegan source.
It's a popular idea that vegans need to take supplements because certain nutrients are just impossible to get from a vegan diet. While many vegans do indeed take supplements and I would encourage the taking of plant-based supplements for any diet to ensure optimal health, a vegan wouldn't need to perish without it.
Ingredients like DHA, Taurine, B12, protein, Omega-3/6, and Iodine can easily be found from vegan sources. For more detail on the health benefits of a vegan diet and it's implication on children and pregnant mothers, check out our very own Seattle Vegan Examiner, Virginia Messina. Virignia is a registered dietitian and long-time vegan.
Some plants eat and use the labor of insects for surival
You may already know about plants like the Venus Flytrap which depend on nitrogenous nutrition from insects (due to their unusual soil or aquatic environments,) but did you know some plants depend on the labor of insects and give back mutually.
One of my favorite plants is the Dischidia major. D. major is an unusual plant with flat, pouched leaves. These leaves attract ants who make their homes in the leaves where they receive protection and nutrition.
Meanwhile, the ants bring their insect prey back to the leaves for consumption. Leaving behind the inconsumable parts of their dinner, the D. major is happy to consume the remains for essential nutrition.
To read the full article:
http://www.examiner.com/x-4198-Vegan-Examiner~y2009m6d12-A-few-cool-things-about-plants
by Adam Kochanowicz
June 12, 2009
Any essential animal-derived ingredient can be found in a vegan source.
It's a popular idea that vegans need to take supplements because certain nutrients are just impossible to get from a vegan diet. While many vegans do indeed take supplements and I would encourage the taking of plant-based supplements for any diet to ensure optimal health, a vegan wouldn't need to perish without it.
Ingredients like DHA, Taurine, B12, protein, Omega-3/6, and Iodine can easily be found from vegan sources. For more detail on the health benefits of a vegan diet and it's implication on children and pregnant mothers, check out our very own Seattle Vegan Examiner, Virginia Messina. Virignia is a registered dietitian and long-time vegan.
Some plants eat and use the labor of insects for surival
You may already know about plants like the Venus Flytrap which depend on nitrogenous nutrition from insects (due to their unusual soil or aquatic environments,) but did you know some plants depend on the labor of insects and give back mutually.
One of my favorite plants is the Dischidia major. D. major is an unusual plant with flat, pouched leaves. These leaves attract ants who make their homes in the leaves where they receive protection and nutrition.
Meanwhile, the ants bring their insect prey back to the leaves for consumption. Leaving behind the inconsumable parts of their dinner, the D. major is happy to consume the remains for essential nutrition.
To read the full article:
http://www.examiner.com/x-4198-Vegan-Examiner~y2009m6d12-A-few-cool-things-about-plants
Over 50% of processed foods for vegetarians found to contain meat
Over 50% of processed foods for vegetarians found to contain meat
y Elizabeth Hsu
2009-06-14
The Investigation Bureau has recently found that some processed foods advertised as vegetarian contained meat, and it has vowed to refer producers who knowingly added meat to their products for prosecution on fraud charges.
Pu Chang-en, a technician at the bureau's department of forsensic science, said Sunday that among samples collected from 31 vegetarian food vendors in Taipei City and County for safety checks, food taken from 17 vendors were found to contain meat.
DNA tests revealed that in the two most serious cases, the vegetarian patties and ham of one vendor and vegetarian dried shredded pork from another vendor contained at least 20 percent beef or pork, Pu said
To read the full article:
http://www.etaiwannews.com/etn/news_content.php?id=976592&lang=eng_news
y Elizabeth Hsu
2009-06-14
The Investigation Bureau has recently found that some processed foods advertised as vegetarian contained meat, and it has vowed to refer producers who knowingly added meat to their products for prosecution on fraud charges.
Pu Chang-en, a technician at the bureau's department of forsensic science, said Sunday that among samples collected from 31 vegetarian food vendors in Taipei City and County for safety checks, food taken from 17 vendors were found to contain meat.
DNA tests revealed that in the two most serious cases, the vegetarian patties and ham of one vendor and vegetarian dried shredded pork from another vendor contained at least 20 percent beef or pork, Pu said
To read the full article:
http://www.etaiwannews.com/etn/news_content.php?id=976592&lang=eng_news
Heartburn Remedies Could Weaken Your Bones
Heartburn Remedies Could Weaken Your Bones
Learn to manage your heartburn symptoms and limit your need for high doses of acid-reducing drugs
New study: Using some heartburn medicines for a year can rob you of bone-building calcium
By Megan O’Neill
RODALE NEWS, EMMAUS, PA
06-08-09
Daily use of acid-reducing heartburn drugs may keep the burn under control, but new research suggests that popping those pills may jeopardize the health of your bones. Even short-term use of popular heartburn drugs can raise your risk of hip fracture, according to researchers who spoke at last week’s Digestive Diseases Week conference in Chicago. In their study, people taking prescription and over-the-counter proton pump inhibitor medications (or PPIs, such as Prevacid, Nexium, and Prilosec), or histamine-2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs, such as Zantac) for even one year were more likely to suffer a hip fracture. These drugs work by suppressing gastric acid, which is important for calcium absorption, so the theory is they cause bones to become thinner and more brittle due to a lack of calcium in the body.
THE DETAILS: Researchers at Kaiser Permanent in San Francisco looked at the records of 164,223 patients, and found that those who had suffered a hip fracture were 30 percent more likely to have taken PPIs for at least 2 years, and 18 percent more likely to have taken H2RAs for 2 years. The higher a patient’s dosage of these medications and the longer they were used, the further increased his or her risk of hip fractures became. Some increased risk was even observed in patients who took these drugs for just 1 year.
WHAT IT MEANS: This isn’t the first study to suggest a link between brittle bones and heartburn medications; previous research found that long-term use (5 years or more) leads to an increased risk of hip fracture. It is the first to show, though, that even short-term use of PPIs and H2RAs significantly raises a person’s risk. Overall, these drugs are very well tolerated (which is why many are offered over-the-counter) and very safe, according to Nicholas J. Talley, MD, PhD, chair of the department of internal medicine at the Mayo Clinic in Florida. If you must take these medications, he advises taking a supplement with at least 1,200 milligrams of calcium and 800 International Units of vitamin D (which aids the body’s absorption of calcium), as together they may help prevent brittle bones and breakage. Dr. Talley suggests that people who are over 65, particularly women, should be most concerned about taking these medications and protecting their
bone health.
To read the full article:
http://www.rodale.com/natural-heartburn-relief?cm_mmc=DailyNewsNL-_-2009_06_08-_-Top5-_-NA
Learn to manage your heartburn symptoms and limit your need for high doses of acid-reducing drugs
New study: Using some heartburn medicines for a year can rob you of bone-building calcium
By Megan O’Neill
RODALE NEWS, EMMAUS, PA
06-08-09
Daily use of acid-reducing heartburn drugs may keep the burn under control, but new research suggests that popping those pills may jeopardize the health of your bones. Even short-term use of popular heartburn drugs can raise your risk of hip fracture, according to researchers who spoke at last week’s Digestive Diseases Week conference in Chicago. In their study, people taking prescription and over-the-counter proton pump inhibitor medications (or PPIs, such as Prevacid, Nexium, and Prilosec), or histamine-2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs, such as Zantac) for even one year were more likely to suffer a hip fracture. These drugs work by suppressing gastric acid, which is important for calcium absorption, so the theory is they cause bones to become thinner and more brittle due to a lack of calcium in the body.
THE DETAILS: Researchers at Kaiser Permanent in San Francisco looked at the records of 164,223 patients, and found that those who had suffered a hip fracture were 30 percent more likely to have taken PPIs for at least 2 years, and 18 percent more likely to have taken H2RAs for 2 years. The higher a patient’s dosage of these medications and the longer they were used, the further increased his or her risk of hip fractures became. Some increased risk was even observed in patients who took these drugs for just 1 year.
WHAT IT MEANS: This isn’t the first study to suggest a link between brittle bones and heartburn medications; previous research found that long-term use (5 years or more) leads to an increased risk of hip fracture. It is the first to show, though, that even short-term use of PPIs and H2RAs significantly raises a person’s risk. Overall, these drugs are very well tolerated (which is why many are offered over-the-counter) and very safe, according to Nicholas J. Talley, MD, PhD, chair of the department of internal medicine at the Mayo Clinic in Florida. If you must take these medications, he advises taking a supplement with at least 1,200 milligrams of calcium and 800 International Units of vitamin D (which aids the body’s absorption of calcium), as together they may help prevent brittle bones and breakage. Dr. Talley suggests that people who are over 65, particularly women, should be most concerned about taking these medications and protecting their
bone health.
To read the full article:
http://www.rodale.com/natural-heartburn-relief?cm_mmc=DailyNewsNL-_-2009_06_08-_-Top5-_-NA
Paul McCartney Launches Meat Free Monday
Macca and family team up with their famous friends to launch Meat Free Monday
By Daily Mail Reporter
15th June 2009
Sir Paul McCartney has enlisted his family and famous friends to launch his latest vegetarian campaign.
While the former Beatle, 66, accepts not everyone will become vegetarian, he has urged meat eaters to consider going vegetarian one day a week.
Launching the Meat Free Monday campaign, Sir Paul joined his son James and daughters, designer Stella and photographer Mary, and a host of celebrities in St James's Park to launch the initiative.
Sir Paul McCartney and his daughters Mary (left) and Stella (right) McCartney launch Meat Free Monday at Inn The Park, St. James Park
Stars - both vegetarian and meat eaters - joined Macca to raise awareness of the campaign, which will help combat climate change.
Sir Paul said: 'I thought this was a great idea. To just reduce your meat intake maybe by one day a week and this would seriously benefit the planet.
'My family have been this way for years - vegetarians, that is.'
To read the full article: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1193190/Macca-family-team-famous-friends-launch-Meat-Free-Monday.html
By Daily Mail Reporter
15th June 2009
Sir Paul McCartney has enlisted his family and famous friends to launch his latest vegetarian campaign.
While the former Beatle, 66, accepts not everyone will become vegetarian, he has urged meat eaters to consider going vegetarian one day a week.
Launching the Meat Free Monday campaign, Sir Paul joined his son James and daughters, designer Stella and photographer Mary, and a host of celebrities in St James's Park to launch the initiative.
Sir Paul McCartney and his daughters Mary (left) and Stella (right) McCartney launch Meat Free Monday at Inn The Park, St. James Park
Stars - both vegetarian and meat eaters - joined Macca to raise awareness of the campaign, which will help combat climate change.
Sir Paul said: 'I thought this was a great idea. To just reduce your meat intake maybe by one day a week and this would seriously benefit the planet.
'My family have been this way for years - vegetarians, that is.'
To read the full article: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1193190/Macca-family-team-famous-friends-launch-Meat-Free-Monday.html
Vegetarian vs. vegan: the moral dilemma
Vegetarian vs. vegan: the moral dilemma
by Michelle Vint
June 13, 2009
I wanted to switch up my writing today to something a little more personal and explore a topic that has been on my mind for some time: the difference between vegetarians and vegans.
Just to clarify for those who may not be totally familiar with the intricacies of each, here is a basic rundown: vegetarians typically do not consume meat but may eat eggs, dairy, or anything that does not require the death of an animal to be produced. Vegans, on the other hand, typically do not consume ANY animal products at all. This can include everything from honey to leather.
Reasons for becoming vegetarian or vegan are varied and numerous. Animal rights seem the obvious front runner - refusing to eat meat as a protest of cruel factory farming. Some may draw the line at meat (vegetarians) but others view the milk and egg industries as equally inhumane (vegans). Health is another considerable factor. Studies have proven that a meat-free diet can reduce many health risks including high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Many people report feeling detoxified or cleansed as a result of eliminating meat from their diets.
Here's the point: I've always felt like there's a line drawn between vegetarians and vegans - that vegans tend to look down upon vegetarians as refusing to go the entire distance (to stand up for animal rights, usually) and vegetarians respond with hostility for having to defend their decision to continue drinking milk and eating eggs. I understand why vegans feel as strongly as they do and I applaud them for leading humane lifestyles. However, being vegetarian for about a third of my life now, I understand why others choose to still consume certain animal by-products.
A famous quote comes to mind - "Divide and conquer." Vegetarians and vegans need to unite in order to send a message.
To read the full article:
http://www.examiner.com/x-4210-San-Diego-Vegetarian-Examiner~y2009m6d13-Vegetarian-vs-vegan-the-moral-dilemma
by Michelle Vint
June 13, 2009
I wanted to switch up my writing today to something a little more personal and explore a topic that has been on my mind for some time: the difference between vegetarians and vegans.
Just to clarify for those who may not be totally familiar with the intricacies of each, here is a basic rundown: vegetarians typically do not consume meat but may eat eggs, dairy, or anything that does not require the death of an animal to be produced. Vegans, on the other hand, typically do not consume ANY animal products at all. This can include everything from honey to leather.
Reasons for becoming vegetarian or vegan are varied and numerous. Animal rights seem the obvious front runner - refusing to eat meat as a protest of cruel factory farming. Some may draw the line at meat (vegetarians) but others view the milk and egg industries as equally inhumane (vegans). Health is another considerable factor. Studies have proven that a meat-free diet can reduce many health risks including high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Many people report feeling detoxified or cleansed as a result of eliminating meat from their diets.
Here's the point: I've always felt like there's a line drawn between vegetarians and vegans - that vegans tend to look down upon vegetarians as refusing to go the entire distance (to stand up for animal rights, usually) and vegetarians respond with hostility for having to defend their decision to continue drinking milk and eating eggs. I understand why vegans feel as strongly as they do and I applaud them for leading humane lifestyles. However, being vegetarian for about a third of my life now, I understand why others choose to still consume certain animal by-products.
A famous quote comes to mind - "Divide and conquer." Vegetarians and vegans need to unite in order to send a message.
To read the full article:
http://www.examiner.com/x-4210-San-Diego-Vegetarian-Examiner~y2009m6d13-Vegetarian-vs-vegan-the-moral-dilemma
Get a Good Night’s Sleep with Skills, Not Pills
Get a Good Night’s Sleep with Skills, Not Pills
Can’t sleep? Learn the “sleep skills” that will give you the slumber that sleep medication can’t
To beat insomnia, train your body and mind to shift to a sleep state when it’s time for bed
By Jeffrey Rossman, PhD
RODALE NEWS, EMMAUS, PA
06-08-09
When I speak to groups of guests at Canyon Ranch about improving their sleep, I usually take a brief survey of those in attendance to learn about the source of their sleep difficulties. A few people report that they’re kept awake by a physical problem, such as chronic pain or nasal allergies. A few by factors in their sleep environment—a snoring spouse, a young child. And over half say it’s by stress and an inability to turn off their minds. Many of the guests report they have used sleeping pills, and a smaller percentage relate they are taking them continuously.
THE DETAILS: I am frequently asked whether it is safe and helpful to take sleeping pills. I tell people that sleeping pills can provide welcome relief from a temporary sleep problem. For instance, if you’re in the hospital recovering from surgery, and pain is making it difficult to sleep, temporary use of a hypnotic sedative can help you get much-needed rest.
However, long-term use of sleeping pills has several drawbacks:
• Sleeping pills sometimes lose their efficacy over time.
• Some sleeping pills can negatively affect sleep architecture, producing more of the lighter Stage 2 sleep, rather than the deeper, more restorative rest characteristic of Stage 3 and Stage 4 sleep.
• Some over-the-counter sleeping pills contain antihistamines that block the action of a specific neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, which can lead to cognitive impairments.
To read the full article:
http://www.rodale.com/natural-sleep-remedies?cm_mmc=DailyNewsNL-_-2009_06_08-_-Top5-_-NA
Can’t sleep? Learn the “sleep skills” that will give you the slumber that sleep medication can’t
To beat insomnia, train your body and mind to shift to a sleep state when it’s time for bed
By Jeffrey Rossman, PhD
RODALE NEWS, EMMAUS, PA
06-08-09
When I speak to groups of guests at Canyon Ranch about improving their sleep, I usually take a brief survey of those in attendance to learn about the source of their sleep difficulties. A few people report that they’re kept awake by a physical problem, such as chronic pain or nasal allergies. A few by factors in their sleep environment—a snoring spouse, a young child. And over half say it’s by stress and an inability to turn off their minds. Many of the guests report they have used sleeping pills, and a smaller percentage relate they are taking them continuously.
THE DETAILS: I am frequently asked whether it is safe and helpful to take sleeping pills. I tell people that sleeping pills can provide welcome relief from a temporary sleep problem. For instance, if you’re in the hospital recovering from surgery, and pain is making it difficult to sleep, temporary use of a hypnotic sedative can help you get much-needed rest.
However, long-term use of sleeping pills has several drawbacks:
• Sleeping pills sometimes lose their efficacy over time.
• Some sleeping pills can negatively affect sleep architecture, producing more of the lighter Stage 2 sleep, rather than the deeper, more restorative rest characteristic of Stage 3 and Stage 4 sleep.
• Some over-the-counter sleeping pills contain antihistamines that block the action of a specific neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, which can lead to cognitive impairments.
To read the full article:
http://www.rodale.com/natural-sleep-remedies?cm_mmc=DailyNewsNL-_-2009_06_08-_-Top5-_-NA
Dioxins Impair Breastfeeding
Dioxins Impair Breastfeeding
By Julia Whitty
Tue June 9, 2009
Exposure to dioxins during pregnancy harms the cells in breast tissue which in turn impairs the ability to initiate breastfeeding or to produce enough milk.
The data are demonstrated only in mice at this point. But the researchers from the U of Rochester Medical Center believe dioxin exposure may account for at least some of the 3 to 6 million mothers worldwide who cannot breastfeed.
The study is published online in Toxicological Sciences and shows that dioxin has a profound effect on breast tissue by causing mammary cells to stop their natural cycle of proliferation as early as six days into pregnancy and lasting through mid-pregnancy. Exposure to dioxin causes mice to produce 50 percent fewer new epithelial cells. Normally mammary glands cells proliferate rapidly during early to mid-pregnancy. Dioxin also alters the induction of milk-producing genes that occurs around the ninth day of pregnancy.
Dioxins are generated by the incineration of municipal and medical waste, especially plastics, and emitted through the air to settle onto crops, pastures, and waterways. People acquire the toxins through eating contaminated meat, dairy products, fish, and shellfish. The toxin settles in the fatty tissues and natural elimination occurs extremely slowly.
To read the full article: http://www.motherjones.com/blue-marble/2009/06/dioxins-impair-breastfeeding
By Julia Whitty
Tue June 9, 2009
Exposure to dioxins during pregnancy harms the cells in breast tissue which in turn impairs the ability to initiate breastfeeding or to produce enough milk.
The data are demonstrated only in mice at this point. But the researchers from the U of Rochester Medical Center believe dioxin exposure may account for at least some of the 3 to 6 million mothers worldwide who cannot breastfeed.
The study is published online in Toxicological Sciences and shows that dioxin has a profound effect on breast tissue by causing mammary cells to stop their natural cycle of proliferation as early as six days into pregnancy and lasting through mid-pregnancy. Exposure to dioxin causes mice to produce 50 percent fewer new epithelial cells. Normally mammary glands cells proliferate rapidly during early to mid-pregnancy. Dioxin also alters the induction of milk-producing genes that occurs around the ninth day of pregnancy.
Dioxins are generated by the incineration of municipal and medical waste, especially plastics, and emitted through the air to settle onto crops, pastures, and waterways. People acquire the toxins through eating contaminated meat, dairy products, fish, and shellfish. The toxin settles in the fatty tissues and natural elimination occurs extremely slowly.
To read the full article: http://www.motherjones.com/blue-marble/2009/06/dioxins-impair-breastfeeding
Do You Eat a Lot of Cooked Food? Why Adding More Raw Foods to Your Diet is a Smart Move
Do You Eat a Lot of Cooked Food?
Why Adding More Raw Foods to Your Diet is a Smart Move
by www.SixWise.com
Asking most people whether they eat a lot of cooked food may sound like a silly question. After all, we’re conditioned to cook all of our meat thoroughly to avoid bacteria and parasites, and even our dairy products and juices are pasteurized.
For many, raw food in their diet consists of an occasional salad or piece of fruit, as even most veggies on Americans’ dinner plates are of the cooked variety.
So what’s the problem, you may now be wondering?
Raw plant and animal foods (such as raw milk) are loaded with beneficial enzymes for your body. (Enzymes are actually special proteins that act as catalysts for the chemical reactions that occur to keep your body functioning.) However, enzymes begin to be destroyed at temperatures above 110-115 degrees. So if your food is cooked, pasteurized or processed, it will contain no enzymes whatsoever.
"When you cook something, you destroy the enzymes," said Karyn Calabrese, a well-known raw foodist in the Chicago-area in an NBC5 article. "You need enzymes for every metabolic purpose in your body. When you lose enzymes, that's when you die."
Even though your body produces some enzymes on its own, if you’ve been eating only cooked foods for a long time, your body must divert extra energy to producing more and more enzymes to break down this food.
This puts a strain on your digestive organs, including your pancreas, and some say may cause premature damage to these organs that can impact your overall health.
On the other hand, if you eat raw foods that contain their own living enzymes, you’re giving your body a break, and allowing it to digest efficiently with very little effort. This is actually one of the key benefits that raw foodists often give to advocate a raw food diet.
To read this full, excellent article:
http://www.sixwise.com/Newsletters/2009/June/10/Raw-Foods.htm?source=nl
Why Adding More Raw Foods to Your Diet is a Smart Move
by www.SixWise.com
Asking most people whether they eat a lot of cooked food may sound like a silly question. After all, we’re conditioned to cook all of our meat thoroughly to avoid bacteria and parasites, and even our dairy products and juices are pasteurized.
For many, raw food in their diet consists of an occasional salad or piece of fruit, as even most veggies on Americans’ dinner plates are of the cooked variety.
So what’s the problem, you may now be wondering?
Raw plant and animal foods (such as raw milk) are loaded with beneficial enzymes for your body. (Enzymes are actually special proteins that act as catalysts for the chemical reactions that occur to keep your body functioning.) However, enzymes begin to be destroyed at temperatures above 110-115 degrees. So if your food is cooked, pasteurized or processed, it will contain no enzymes whatsoever.
"When you cook something, you destroy the enzymes," said Karyn Calabrese, a well-known raw foodist in the Chicago-area in an NBC5 article. "You need enzymes for every metabolic purpose in your body. When you lose enzymes, that's when you die."
Even though your body produces some enzymes on its own, if you’ve been eating only cooked foods for a long time, your body must divert extra energy to producing more and more enzymes to break down this food.
This puts a strain on your digestive organs, including your pancreas, and some say may cause premature damage to these organs that can impact your overall health.
On the other hand, if you eat raw foods that contain their own living enzymes, you’re giving your body a break, and allowing it to digest efficiently with very little effort. This is actually one of the key benefits that raw foodists often give to advocate a raw food diet.
To read this full, excellent article:
http://www.sixwise.com/Newsletters/2009/June/10/Raw-Foods.htm?source=nl
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Sun 'protects against cancer'
Sun 'protects against cancer'
Story from BBC NEWS:
Published: 2003/11/21 10:27:30 GMT
Sun 'protects against cancer'
Staying out of the sun completely may increase your chances of developing
cancer, say doctors.
For years, experts have advised people to cover up in the sun to protect
themselves from skin cancer.
But a letter in this week's British Medical Journal warns people against
taking this advice to the extreme.
Professor Cedric Garland from the University of California said a lack of
sun can reduce levels of vitamin D, which may increase the risk of cancer.
The sun is a major source of vitamin D. Studies have suggested this
vitamin can protect against colon, breast, prostate and other cancers.
Sun exposure Professor Garland said people living in Britain should ensure they are get between 10 and 15 minutes of sun exposure each day, weather permitting.
"Residents of the UK should aim for 10 to 15 minutes a day in the sun when
the weather allows, without sunscreen to allow adequate synthesis of vitamin D," he wrote.
Our diet is also an important source of Vitamin D
Sara Hiom, Cancer Research UK
He also suggested they should supplement their diets to ensure they are
getting enough vitamin D, particularly during winter.
To read the full article: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/3226184.stm
Story from BBC NEWS:
Published: 2003/11/21 10:27:30 GMT
Sun 'protects against cancer'
Staying out of the sun completely may increase your chances of developing
cancer, say doctors.
For years, experts have advised people to cover up in the sun to protect
themselves from skin cancer.
But a letter in this week's British Medical Journal warns people against
taking this advice to the extreme.
Professor Cedric Garland from the University of California said a lack of
sun can reduce levels of vitamin D, which may increase the risk of cancer.
The sun is a major source of vitamin D. Studies have suggested this
vitamin can protect against colon, breast, prostate and other cancers.
Sun exposure Professor Garland said people living in Britain should ensure they are get between 10 and 15 minutes of sun exposure each day, weather permitting.
"Residents of the UK should aim for 10 to 15 minutes a day in the sun when
the weather allows, without sunscreen to allow adequate synthesis of vitamin D," he wrote.
Our diet is also an important source of Vitamin D
Sara Hiom, Cancer Research UK
He also suggested they should supplement their diets to ensure they are
getting enough vitamin D, particularly during winter.
To read the full article: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/3226184.stm
VERY IMPORTANT: The Hybrid Car That Runs on Air
The Hybrid Car That Runs on Air
A car that runs on air is being developed by engineers at a top British university.
By Ray Massey
dailymail.co.uk
May 15, 2009
A car that runs on air is being developed by engineers at a top British university.
The team have achieved what could be a major breakthrough in the battle to create greener and cheaper motoring.
They have found a way to adapt a normal petrol (gas) combustion engine to run on compressed air - generated within the vehicle - to give an extra boost to power the motor and considerably reduce the cost of running a car.
The result is a new low-cost ‘air hybrid’ engine which significantly cuts emissions of carbon dioxide - the so-called greenhouse gas blamed for global warming - cuts fuel consumption by around 30 per cent and offers the driver of a family car fuel economy of around 65mpg.
Existing ‘green’ hybrid cars - such as the Toyota Prius and the Honda Insight - use a petrol engine and braking energy to generate on-board electricity to give supplementary power to the vehicle.
The new Brunel engine uses the same principle. But in this case, the engine and the braking generates its own compressed air to provide the added boost to the car.
The work by Brunel University’s School of Engineering and Design in west London could lead to an engine which would be considerably cheaper and cleaner to run.
A spokeswoman for the Brunel team said:
‘The idea is that using the engine’s compression to brake the vehicle not only could slow the vehicle down, but also the pistons could compress air and drive it into a compressed air tank.’
‘It could then be used later to briefly power the piston and to provide compressed air for turbo charging during a period of turbo lag - normally at low revolutions.’
She added: ‘Hybrid vehicles use engine management to save fuel. This includes switching off the engine when not in use, restarting the engine when needed and recovering the braking energy for other use.
‘The means of achieving this type of energy management could be electric - such as with the Toyota Prius. But it is equally feasible to use mechanical means such as pneumatic - an air hybrid.
‘The new air hybrid engine will be considerably cheaper to run and deliver significantly less carbon emissions.’
It also has advantages over petrol-electric hybrids like the Prius, say the engineers: ‘Transforming an existing combustion engine in an electric hybrid is very expensive. It requires a complete redesign of the transmission system.
‘It is heavier because it uses extra batteries, more space is required to house these batteries and they have a limited life-cycle.’
By contrast, they say of their air-hybrid: ‘It requires only small alterations to adapt a normal combustion engine. The simple and cost-effective solution needs no transmission alteration or engine redesign.’
To read the full article: http://www.eartheasy.com/blog/2009/05/the-hybrid-car-that-runs-on-air/
A car that runs on air is being developed by engineers at a top British university.
By Ray Massey
dailymail.co.uk
May 15, 2009
A car that runs on air is being developed by engineers at a top British university.
The team have achieved what could be a major breakthrough in the battle to create greener and cheaper motoring.
They have found a way to adapt a normal petrol (gas) combustion engine to run on compressed air - generated within the vehicle - to give an extra boost to power the motor and considerably reduce the cost of running a car.
The result is a new low-cost ‘air hybrid’ engine which significantly cuts emissions of carbon dioxide - the so-called greenhouse gas blamed for global warming - cuts fuel consumption by around 30 per cent and offers the driver of a family car fuel economy of around 65mpg.
Existing ‘green’ hybrid cars - such as the Toyota Prius and the Honda Insight - use a petrol engine and braking energy to generate on-board electricity to give supplementary power to the vehicle.
The new Brunel engine uses the same principle. But in this case, the engine and the braking generates its own compressed air to provide the added boost to the car.
The work by Brunel University’s School of Engineering and Design in west London could lead to an engine which would be considerably cheaper and cleaner to run.
A spokeswoman for the Brunel team said:
‘The idea is that using the engine’s compression to brake the vehicle not only could slow the vehicle down, but also the pistons could compress air and drive it into a compressed air tank.’
‘It could then be used later to briefly power the piston and to provide compressed air for turbo charging during a period of turbo lag - normally at low revolutions.’
She added: ‘Hybrid vehicles use engine management to save fuel. This includes switching off the engine when not in use, restarting the engine when needed and recovering the braking energy for other use.
‘The means of achieving this type of energy management could be electric - such as with the Toyota Prius. But it is equally feasible to use mechanical means such as pneumatic - an air hybrid.
‘The new air hybrid engine will be considerably cheaper to run and deliver significantly less carbon emissions.’
It also has advantages over petrol-electric hybrids like the Prius, say the engineers: ‘Transforming an existing combustion engine in an electric hybrid is very expensive. It requires a complete redesign of the transmission system.
‘It is heavier because it uses extra batteries, more space is required to house these batteries and they have a limited life-cycle.’
By contrast, they say of their air-hybrid: ‘It requires only small alterations to adapt a normal combustion engine. The simple and cost-effective solution needs no transmission alteration or engine redesign.’
To read the full article: http://www.eartheasy.com/blog/2009/05/the-hybrid-car-that-runs-on-air/
10 Ways to Get Your Kid to Play Outside
10 Ways to Get Your Kid to Play Outside
These tips from the National Wildlife Federation's Be Out There campaign will help families get a daily dose of nature—to improve children’s physical, mental and emotional well-being.
By National Wildlife Federation
http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/play-outside-47060105?src=nl&mag=tdg&list=dgr
Engage the Senses
A recent Kaiser Family Foundation study found that kids spend, on average, more than six hours per day with electronic media. The antidote for gamer’s eye and texter’s thumb is right outside the door, where neighborhood nature offers sights, sounds—even smells—to engage and recharge all of a child's senses.
Enjoy The Simple Pleasures
Sometimes the simplest outdoor activities leave the most lasting memories for kids. Remember how to skip a stone, make a daisy chain, or blow a grass whistle?
These easy games could be making your child happier, too. Research by Cornell University environmental psychologist Nancy Wells shows that children with more exposure to nature have reduced stress levels and longer attention spans.
Host a Backyard Campout
The outdoor vacation is making a comeback! A report from the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association says that overnight backpacking went up 18.5% between 2007 and 2008. And, in April, REI’s tent sales were up 14% over the same period last year.
But if your family’s not quite ready for wilderness camping, organize a campout in your own backyard! The Great American Backyard Campout is June 27. To get the kids exciting about camping, visit Ranger Rick's Campzone.
Go On a Photo Safari
Your family doesn’t need to travel to the Serengeti to have a photographic adventure. Simply peering through a camera lens is a great way to see the world around you from a fresh perspective.
Check out some amazing amateur shots for inspiration, then head out to the backyard or a local park and put these six tricks for better pix to use.
Buddy Up with the Birds
City, country, or anywhere in between, birds are probably the most familiar wildlife we see each day. Invite them to your own green space by making homemade feeders for songbirds and hummingbirds. Or, simply enjoy their songs and calls—and see if you and your child can identify these familiar birds by sound.
See more bird conservation tips, and family friendly citizen science projects that benefit birds and other wildlife.
Walk This Way
The U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services recommends one hour a day of physical activity for children. Make a walk part of your family's routine! You can play a nature scavenger hunt (pdf) to keep it fun.
To find a walking trail near you, plug your zipcode into this NWF database of parks, trails and other outdoor destinations.
Grow a Green Thumb
Gardening is a great family activity that can help teach children about so many things—life cycles, pollination, and nutrition, just to name a few. Whether it’s in your own yard or a community garden plot, why not plant a garden with your child—one to benefit both humans and wildlife? Research shows that children who plant vegetable gardens tend to make healthier nutritional choices as adults.
Get Dirty!
Kids love dirt! Put a spoon or a small shovel in their hand and they will dig a hole to China ... or make a dozen mud pies. Let your kids get dirty: A growing number of researchers believe that good old-fashioned dirt play exposes children to a myriad of bacteria, viruses and microbes that strengthen their immune systems. So, dedicate a small part of your yard as a digging station. No yard? No problem. Set aside a large container or flower box just for digging in the dirt.
To read the full article: 10 Ways to Get Your Kid to Play Outside
These tips from the National Wildlife Federation's Be Out There campaign will help families get a daily dose of nature—to improve children’s physical, mental and emotional well-being.
By National Wildlife Federation
http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/play-outside-47060105?src=nl&mag=tdg&list=dgr
Engage the Senses
A recent Kaiser Family Foundation study found that kids spend, on average, more than six hours per day with electronic media. The antidote for gamer’s eye and texter’s thumb is right outside the door, where neighborhood nature offers sights, sounds—even smells—to engage and recharge all of a child's senses.
Enjoy The Simple Pleasures
Sometimes the simplest outdoor activities leave the most lasting memories for kids. Remember how to skip a stone, make a daisy chain, or blow a grass whistle?
These easy games could be making your child happier, too. Research by Cornell University environmental psychologist Nancy Wells shows that children with more exposure to nature have reduced stress levels and longer attention spans.
Host a Backyard Campout
The outdoor vacation is making a comeback! A report from the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association says that overnight backpacking went up 18.5% between 2007 and 2008. And, in April, REI’s tent sales were up 14% over the same period last year.
But if your family’s not quite ready for wilderness camping, organize a campout in your own backyard! The Great American Backyard Campout is June 27. To get the kids exciting about camping, visit Ranger Rick's Campzone.
Go On a Photo Safari
Your family doesn’t need to travel to the Serengeti to have a photographic adventure. Simply peering through a camera lens is a great way to see the world around you from a fresh perspective.
Check out some amazing amateur shots for inspiration, then head out to the backyard or a local park and put these six tricks for better pix to use.
Buddy Up with the Birds
City, country, or anywhere in between, birds are probably the most familiar wildlife we see each day. Invite them to your own green space by making homemade feeders for songbirds and hummingbirds. Or, simply enjoy their songs and calls—and see if you and your child can identify these familiar birds by sound.
See more bird conservation tips, and family friendly citizen science projects that benefit birds and other wildlife.
Walk This Way
The U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services recommends one hour a day of physical activity for children. Make a walk part of your family's routine! You can play a nature scavenger hunt (pdf) to keep it fun.
To find a walking trail near you, plug your zipcode into this NWF database of parks, trails and other outdoor destinations.
Grow a Green Thumb
Gardening is a great family activity that can help teach children about so many things—life cycles, pollination, and nutrition, just to name a few. Whether it’s in your own yard or a community garden plot, why not plant a garden with your child—one to benefit both humans and wildlife? Research shows that children who plant vegetable gardens tend to make healthier nutritional choices as adults.
Get Dirty!
Kids love dirt! Put a spoon or a small shovel in their hand and they will dig a hole to China ... or make a dozen mud pies. Let your kids get dirty: A growing number of researchers believe that good old-fashioned dirt play exposes children to a myriad of bacteria, viruses and microbes that strengthen their immune systems. So, dedicate a small part of your yard as a digging station. No yard? No problem. Set aside a large container or flower box just for digging in the dirt.
To read the full article: 10 Ways to Get Your Kid to Play Outside
In German Suburb, Life Goes On Without Cars
In German Suburb, Life Goes On Without Cars
By ELISABETH ROSENTHAL
May 11, 2009
VAUBAN, Germany — Residents of this upscale community are suburban pioneers, going where few soccer moms or commuting executives have ever gone before: they have given up their cars.
Street parking, driveways and home garages are generally forbidden in this experimental new district on the outskirts of Freiburg, near the French and Swiss borders. Vauban’s streets are completely “car-free” — except the main thoroughfare, where the tram to downtown Freiburg runs, and a few streets on one edge of the community. Car ownership is allowed, but there are only two places to park — large garages at the edge of the development, where a car-owner buys a space, for $40,000, along with a home.
As a result, 70 percent of Vauban’s families do not own cars, and 57 percent sold a car to move here. “When I had a car I was always tense. I’m much happier this way,” said Heidrun Walter, a media trainer and mother of two, as she walked verdant streets where the swish of bicycles and the chatter of wandering children drown out the occasional distant motor.
Vauban, completed in 2006, is an example of a growing trend in Europe, the United States and elsewhere to separate suburban life from auto use, as a component of a movement called “smart planning.”
Automobiles are the linchpin of suburbs, where middle-class families from Chicago to Shanghai tend to make their homes. And that, experts say, is a huge impediment to current efforts to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions from tailpipes, and thus to reduce global warming. Passenger cars are responsible for 12 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in Europe — a proportion that is growing, according to the European Environment Agency — and up to 50 percent in some car-intensive areas in the United States.
To read the full article:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/12/science/earth/12suburb.html?_r=2&partner=rss&emc=rss&pagewanted=all
By ELISABETH ROSENTHAL
May 11, 2009
VAUBAN, Germany — Residents of this upscale community are suburban pioneers, going where few soccer moms or commuting executives have ever gone before: they have given up their cars.
Street parking, driveways and home garages are generally forbidden in this experimental new district on the outskirts of Freiburg, near the French and Swiss borders. Vauban’s streets are completely “car-free” — except the main thoroughfare, where the tram to downtown Freiburg runs, and a few streets on one edge of the community. Car ownership is allowed, but there are only two places to park — large garages at the edge of the development, where a car-owner buys a space, for $40,000, along with a home.
As a result, 70 percent of Vauban’s families do not own cars, and 57 percent sold a car to move here. “When I had a car I was always tense. I’m much happier this way,” said Heidrun Walter, a media trainer and mother of two, as she walked verdant streets where the swish of bicycles and the chatter of wandering children drown out the occasional distant motor.
Vauban, completed in 2006, is an example of a growing trend in Europe, the United States and elsewhere to separate suburban life from auto use, as a component of a movement called “smart planning.”
Automobiles are the linchpin of suburbs, where middle-class families from Chicago to Shanghai tend to make their homes. And that, experts say, is a huge impediment to current efforts to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions from tailpipes, and thus to reduce global warming. Passenger cars are responsible for 12 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in Europe — a proportion that is growing, according to the European Environment Agency — and up to 50 percent in some car-intensive areas in the United States.
To read the full article:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/12/science/earth/12suburb.html?_r=2&partner=rss&emc=rss&pagewanted=all
Natural Wasp Control
Natural Wasp Control
Wasps should be thought of as beneficial insects. They prey mainly on other insects, many of which are pests. In general, they avoid human activity and should only be considered a nuisance when nesting near homes or high traffic areas.
The best way to prevent unpleasant encounters with social wasps is to avoid them. If you know where they are, try not to go near their nesting places. Wasps can become very defensive when their nest is disturbed.
Using pesticides to control wasps (yellowjackets) can be effective, but these chemicals are harmful to the environment. Careless use of pesticides can also pose risks to the person applying the chemicals.
Before reaching for the pesticide, see if these safer, natural methods help to alleviate the problem.
Prevention
Seal entry points. Solitary wasps in the home can be a nuisance; daily sightings of wasps in the home may indicate inside nest building, and more attention to the problem is required. Searching for and sealing off their point of entry is the best line of defense. Check your house for unsealed vents, torn screens, cracks around windows and door frames and open dampers. Observe the flight path of a wasp, especially in the morning, which may reveal the entry/exit point.
Remove food sources. In spring and early summer, wasps are attracted to protein foods. Any food left outdoors, such as pet food, picnic scraps, open garbage containers or uncovered compost piles should be removed or covered. Wasps imprint food sources, and will continue to search an area for some time after the food has been removed.
In late summer and early fall, the wasp food preference turns to the sweet. Their behavior is also more aggressive. Open cans of pop, fruit juice, fallen apples beneath fruit trees and other sweet food sources will attract wasps. Be sure to cover drinks and open food containers, keep a lid on the compost and avoid walking barefoot near fruit trees. Remove any fallen fruit rotting on the ground.
Avoid swatting. Swatting and squashing wasps is counterproductive. When a wasp is squashed, a chemical (pheromone) is released which attracts and incites other nearby wasps. It's best to walk away from a hovering wasp.
Avoid wearing bright colours or floral patterns. If you look like a big flower, you may be attracting the curious wasp looking for nectar.
Minimize use of perfumes and other strong scents. In the later part of the summer, wasps are attracted to sweet smells.
Wasps building nests in your bird house? This common problem can be minimized by lining the under-roof area with aluminum foil. Use a staple gun to attach. Another option is to rub the under-roof area liberally with bar soap - ordinary soap like Ivory soap will do. One application can last through an annual wasp season.
To read the full article:
http://eartheasy.com/live_natwasp_control.htm
Wasps should be thought of as beneficial insects. They prey mainly on other insects, many of which are pests. In general, they avoid human activity and should only be considered a nuisance when nesting near homes or high traffic areas.
The best way to prevent unpleasant encounters with social wasps is to avoid them. If you know where they are, try not to go near their nesting places. Wasps can become very defensive when their nest is disturbed.
Using pesticides to control wasps (yellowjackets) can be effective, but these chemicals are harmful to the environment. Careless use of pesticides can also pose risks to the person applying the chemicals.
Before reaching for the pesticide, see if these safer, natural methods help to alleviate the problem.
Prevention
Seal entry points. Solitary wasps in the home can be a nuisance; daily sightings of wasps in the home may indicate inside nest building, and more attention to the problem is required. Searching for and sealing off their point of entry is the best line of defense. Check your house for unsealed vents, torn screens, cracks around windows and door frames and open dampers. Observe the flight path of a wasp, especially in the morning, which may reveal the entry/exit point.
Remove food sources. In spring and early summer, wasps are attracted to protein foods. Any food left outdoors, such as pet food, picnic scraps, open garbage containers or uncovered compost piles should be removed or covered. Wasps imprint food sources, and will continue to search an area for some time after the food has been removed.
In late summer and early fall, the wasp food preference turns to the sweet. Their behavior is also more aggressive. Open cans of pop, fruit juice, fallen apples beneath fruit trees and other sweet food sources will attract wasps. Be sure to cover drinks and open food containers, keep a lid on the compost and avoid walking barefoot near fruit trees. Remove any fallen fruit rotting on the ground.
Avoid swatting. Swatting and squashing wasps is counterproductive. When a wasp is squashed, a chemical (pheromone) is released which attracts and incites other nearby wasps. It's best to walk away from a hovering wasp.
Avoid wearing bright colours or floral patterns. If you look like a big flower, you may be attracting the curious wasp looking for nectar.
Minimize use of perfumes and other strong scents. In the later part of the summer, wasps are attracted to sweet smells.
Wasps building nests in your bird house? This common problem can be minimized by lining the under-roof area with aluminum foil. Use a staple gun to attach. Another option is to rub the under-roof area liberally with bar soap - ordinary soap like Ivory soap will do. One application can last through an annual wasp season.
To read the full article:
http://eartheasy.com/live_natwasp_control.htm
Natural Lawn Care
Natural Lawn Care
Lawns do more than make your yard look good.
Lawns absorb water, which helps reduce storm runoff and improve water quality. Lawns also have a significant cooling effect, provide oxygen, trap dust and dirt, promote healthful micro-organisms, prevent erosion and filter rainwater contaminants.
Lawn care, however, has come at a high cost to the environment. According to the U.S. National Wildlife Federation:
# 30% of water used on the East Coast goes to watering lawns; 60% on the West Coast.
# 18% of municipal solid waste is composed of yard waste.
# The average suburban lawn received 10 times as much chemical pesticide per acre as farmland.
# Over 70 million tons of fertilizers and pesticides are applied to residential lawns and gardens annually. (Read Healthy lawns, healthy lungs)
# Per hour of operation, a gas lawn mower emits 10-12 times as much hydrocarbon as a typical auto. A weedeater emits 21 times more and a leaf blower 34 times more.
Where pesticides are used, 60 - 90% of earthworms are killed. Earthworms are important for soil health.
Much of the environmental cost associated with lawn care can be avoided.
Healthy Lawn Basics
The only way to reduce a dependence on chemical fertilizers is to develop a healthy lawn, which is naturally resistant to weeds, insects and diseases. If you need to fertilize your lawn more than once a year, consider these ways of improving the natural health of your lawn:
1. Improve the Soil
The first step is to test the soil's pH - it should read between 6.5 and 7.0, which is slightly acidic. Soil that is too acidic will need a sprinkling of lime; sulfur can be added to soil which is not acidic enough. You can buy a pH tester (see below, this page) for $40 - $60. Another solution is to have your soil tested professionally; first call your extension office - they often provide soil testing as a free service.
Lawns grow best in loamy soils that have a mix of clay, silt and sand. Too much clay in the soil mix, or heavy use, can compact the soil and prevent air and nutrient flow. Compacted soil may need aeration, a process of lifting small plugs of turf to create air spaces in the soil. For best results, rent an aerator or hire a lawn service to do the job - this will remove "finger size" plugs which improves aeration. Aeration is best done before top dressing and fertilizing.
Organic matter, such as compost and grass clippings, will benefit any type of soil; it lightens soil which is heavy in clay, and it builds humus in sandy soils, which helps retain water and nutrients.
2. Choose a Locally Adapted Grass
Grasses vary in the type of climate they prefer, the amount of water and nutrients required, shade tolerance and the degree of wear they can withstand. Ask your local garden center to recommend grass which is best adapted to your area.
To read the full article: http://eartheasy.com/grow_lawn_care.htm
Lawns do more than make your yard look good.
Lawns absorb water, which helps reduce storm runoff and improve water quality. Lawns also have a significant cooling effect, provide oxygen, trap dust and dirt, promote healthful micro-organisms, prevent erosion and filter rainwater contaminants.
Lawn care, however, has come at a high cost to the environment. According to the U.S. National Wildlife Federation:
# 30% of water used on the East Coast goes to watering lawns; 60% on the West Coast.
# 18% of municipal solid waste is composed of yard waste.
# The average suburban lawn received 10 times as much chemical pesticide per acre as farmland.
# Over 70 million tons of fertilizers and pesticides are applied to residential lawns and gardens annually. (Read Healthy lawns, healthy lungs)
# Per hour of operation, a gas lawn mower emits 10-12 times as much hydrocarbon as a typical auto. A weedeater emits 21 times more and a leaf blower 34 times more.
Where pesticides are used, 60 - 90% of earthworms are killed. Earthworms are important for soil health.
Much of the environmental cost associated with lawn care can be avoided.
Healthy Lawn Basics
The only way to reduce a dependence on chemical fertilizers is to develop a healthy lawn, which is naturally resistant to weeds, insects and diseases. If you need to fertilize your lawn more than once a year, consider these ways of improving the natural health of your lawn:
1. Improve the Soil
The first step is to test the soil's pH - it should read between 6.5 and 7.0, which is slightly acidic. Soil that is too acidic will need a sprinkling of lime; sulfur can be added to soil which is not acidic enough. You can buy a pH tester (see below, this page) for $40 - $60. Another solution is to have your soil tested professionally; first call your extension office - they often provide soil testing as a free service.
Lawns grow best in loamy soils that have a mix of clay, silt and sand. Too much clay in the soil mix, or heavy use, can compact the soil and prevent air and nutrient flow. Compacted soil may need aeration, a process of lifting small plugs of turf to create air spaces in the soil. For best results, rent an aerator or hire a lawn service to do the job - this will remove "finger size" plugs which improves aeration. Aeration is best done before top dressing and fertilizing.
Organic matter, such as compost and grass clippings, will benefit any type of soil; it lightens soil which is heavy in clay, and it builds humus in sandy soils, which helps retain water and nutrients.
2. Choose a Locally Adapted Grass
Grasses vary in the type of climate they prefer, the amount of water and nutrients required, shade tolerance and the degree of wear they can withstand. Ask your local garden center to recommend grass which is best adapted to your area.
To read the full article: http://eartheasy.com/grow_lawn_care.htm
The Top 10 Plants for Removing Indoor Toxins
The Top 10 Plants for Removing Indoor Toxins
A recent NASA study has determined the top 10 plants for reducing indoor air pollution.
By Greg Seaman
May 13, 2009
Common indoor plants may provide a valuable weapon in the fight against rising levels of indoor air pollution. NASA scientists are finding them to be surprisingly useful in absorbing potentially harmful gases and cleaning the air inside homes, indoor public spaces and office buildings.
The indoor pollutants that affect health are formaldehyde, Volatile Organic Compounds (benzene and trichloroethylene or TCE), airborne biological pollutants, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides, pesticides and disinfectants (phenols), and radon. These pollutants contribute to ’sick building syndrome’, which causes symptoms ranging from allergies, headaches and fatigue through to nervous-system disorders, cancer and death.
Through studies conducted by NASA, scientists have identified 50 houseplants that remove many of the pollutants and gases mentioned above. Dr. B. C. Wolverton rated these plants for removing chemical vapors, ease of growth, resistance to insect problems, and transpiration (the amount of water they expire into the air). The following lists the “top 10” according to this research.
Top ten plants for removing formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide from the air:
1. Areca Palm (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens)
Also called the “Butterfly Palm”. An upright houseplant that is somewhat vase shaped. Specimen plants can reach 10 to 12 foot in height. Prefers a humid area to avoid tip damage. Requires pruning. When selecting an Areca palm look for plants with larger caliber trunks at the base of the plant. Plants that have pencil thin stems tend to topple over and are quite difficult to maintain.
2. Lady Palm (Rhapis excelsa)
Also called the “Lady Palm”, this durable palm species adapts well to most interiors. The Rhapis are some of the easiest palms to grow, but each species has its own particular environment and culture requirements. The “Lady Palm” grows slowly, but can grow to more than 14′ in height with broad clumps often having a diameter as wide as their height.
3. Bamboo palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
Also called the “reed palm”, this palm prefers bright indirect light. New plants will lose of some interior foliage as they acclimate to indoor settings. This plant likes to stay uniformly moist, but does not like to be over-watered or to sit in standing water. Indoor palms may attract spider mites which can be controlled by spraying with a soapy solution.
4. Rubber Plant (Ficus robusta)
Grows very well indoors, preferring semi-sun lighting. Avoid direct sunlight, especially in summer. Young plants may need to be supported by a stake. The Ficus grows to 8’ with a spread of 5’. Wear gloves when pruning, as the milky sap may irritate the skin. Water thoroughly when in active growth, then allow the soil to become fairly dry before watering again. In winter keep slightly moist.
5. Dracaena “Janet Craig” (Dracaena deremensis)
The Dracaena grows to 10’ with a spread of 3’. Easy to grow, these plants do best in bright indirect sunlight coming from the east/west. They can adapt to lower light levels if the watering is reduced. Keep the soil evenly moist and mist frequently with warm water. Remove any dead leaves. Leaf tips will go brown if the plant is under watered but this browning may be trimmed.
6. Philodendron (Philodendron sp.)
To read the full article: http://www.eartheasy.com/blog/2009/05/the-top-10-plants-for-removing-indoor-toxins/
A recent NASA study has determined the top 10 plants for reducing indoor air pollution.
By Greg Seaman
May 13, 2009
Common indoor plants may provide a valuable weapon in the fight against rising levels of indoor air pollution. NASA scientists are finding them to be surprisingly useful in absorbing potentially harmful gases and cleaning the air inside homes, indoor public spaces and office buildings.
The indoor pollutants that affect health are formaldehyde, Volatile Organic Compounds (benzene and trichloroethylene or TCE), airborne biological pollutants, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides, pesticides and disinfectants (phenols), and radon. These pollutants contribute to ’sick building syndrome’, which causes symptoms ranging from allergies, headaches and fatigue through to nervous-system disorders, cancer and death.
Through studies conducted by NASA, scientists have identified 50 houseplants that remove many of the pollutants and gases mentioned above. Dr. B. C. Wolverton rated these plants for removing chemical vapors, ease of growth, resistance to insect problems, and transpiration (the amount of water they expire into the air). The following lists the “top 10” according to this research.
Top ten plants for removing formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide from the air:
1. Areca Palm (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens)
Also called the “Butterfly Palm”. An upright houseplant that is somewhat vase shaped. Specimen plants can reach 10 to 12 foot in height. Prefers a humid area to avoid tip damage. Requires pruning. When selecting an Areca palm look for plants with larger caliber trunks at the base of the plant. Plants that have pencil thin stems tend to topple over and are quite difficult to maintain.
2. Lady Palm (Rhapis excelsa)
Also called the “Lady Palm”, this durable palm species adapts well to most interiors. The Rhapis are some of the easiest palms to grow, but each species has its own particular environment and culture requirements. The “Lady Palm” grows slowly, but can grow to more than 14′ in height with broad clumps often having a diameter as wide as their height.
3. Bamboo palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
Also called the “reed palm”, this palm prefers bright indirect light. New plants will lose of some interior foliage as they acclimate to indoor settings. This plant likes to stay uniformly moist, but does not like to be over-watered or to sit in standing water. Indoor palms may attract spider mites which can be controlled by spraying with a soapy solution.
4. Rubber Plant (Ficus robusta)
Grows very well indoors, preferring semi-sun lighting. Avoid direct sunlight, especially in summer. Young plants may need to be supported by a stake. The Ficus grows to 8’ with a spread of 5’. Wear gloves when pruning, as the milky sap may irritate the skin. Water thoroughly when in active growth, then allow the soil to become fairly dry before watering again. In winter keep slightly moist.
5. Dracaena “Janet Craig” (Dracaena deremensis)
The Dracaena grows to 10’ with a spread of 3’. Easy to grow, these plants do best in bright indirect sunlight coming from the east/west. They can adapt to lower light levels if the watering is reduced. Keep the soil evenly moist and mist frequently with warm water. Remove any dead leaves. Leaf tips will go brown if the plant is under watered but this browning may be trimmed.
6. Philodendron (Philodendron sp.)
To read the full article: http://www.eartheasy.com/blog/2009/05/the-top-10-plants-for-removing-indoor-toxins/
Where To Find Organic Seeds
Where To Find Organic Seeds
Choosing seed awakens the gardener's vision
Source: http://eartheasy.com/grow_organic_seeds.html (link below)
There is growing interest among gardeners for untreated, open-pollinated and heritage seeds for vegetable gardening.
The listings below, while not conclusive, offer a range of suppliers of organic seeds in the US and Canada.
When sourcing seed sources through catalogs and websites, look for the following labels which are commonly used to identify the seed characteristics:
"U" - untreated. These seeds have been produced without the use of synthetic fertilizers, herbicides or pesticides. or subject to genetic modification.
"O" - organic. These seeds are taken from parent plants which have been organically grown.
"OP" - open-pollinated. These seeds are capable of reproducing themselves. Open-pollinated seeds can be dried and saved over winter, then used for planting in the next season.
"H" - heritage (or heirloom). These seeds are saved and passed down through generations by gardeners looking to preserve their genetic diversity and the unique qualities of the plant they produce. Heritage seeds may be carried by some of the smaller seed companies, but are more commonly found through local seed exchanges such as "Seedy Saturdays", the Seed Saver's Exchange and Seeds of Diversity (Canada).
Hybrid seeds have been developed to enhance a plant's growth and fruiting, as well as hardiness. Hybrids are produced by cross-pollinating plants of different varieties in order to improve the characteristics of the resulting offspring. However, hybrid seeds do not always reproduce true to type. That is, second generation plants may produce different results. If you are buying hybrid seeds, look for seeds which are labelled as reproducing "true to type".
Biodynamic seeds are from farms or gardens which use Biodynamic practices of managing land for ecological balance. The organic growing methods and planting cycles are integrated with the local environment where possible.
Organic Seed Sources in the US
Abundant Life Seed Foundation
Certified organic and biodynamic vegetable, flower and herb seeds.
P.O. Box 772 930 Lawrence St. Port Townsend, WA, 98368 360-385-5660 Fax: 360-385-7455 www.abundantlifeseeds.com
Albert Lea Seed House
Organic seed for soybean, corn, alfalfa, clover, small grains, sorghum, native and lawn grasses
1414 West Main Street P.O. Box 127 Albert Lea, MN 56007 800-352-5247 Fax: 507-373-7032 www.alseed.com
Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds
Over 1000 varieties of rare and unusual heirloom seeds.
2278 Baker Creek Road, Mansfield, MO 65704 Phone: 417-924-8917 Fax: 417-924-8887
www.rareseeds.com
Botanical Interests
Well known for their attractive, information-rich seed packets, Botanical Interests offers a variety of organic flower, vegetable and herb seeds. The prices are reasonable, with most packets costing less than two dollars.
660 Compton Street, Broomfield, CO 80020 Phone 720-880-7293 www.botanicalinterests.com
Bountiful Gardens
Heirloom, untreated and open-pollinated varieties of vegetables, herbs, grains and compost crops.
18001 Shafer Ranch Road Willets, CA, 95490 707-459-6410 Fax: 707-459-1925 www.bountifulgardens.org
Burpee
Burpee's is one of gardening's most popular catalogs, offering wide variety and reasonable prices. They have a limited selection of organic seed for vegetables. Organic varieties are listed separately in the catalog for easy identification.
300 Park Avenue Warminster, PA 18974 800-333-5808 www.burpee.com
Dirt Works
A small, family-owned business offering a selection of organic and heirloom, non-GMO vegetable seeds.
1195 Dog Team Road, New Haven, Vermont 05472 Phone 877 213 3828 www.dirtworks.net
Fedco Seeds
Seeds for organic cover crops and soil amendments, certified seed potatoes and onion sets, seed garlic, hardy fruit and nut trees, berries.
PO Box 520 Waterville, ME 04903 207-873-7333 www.fedcoseeds.com
Filaree Farm
Filaree offers over 100 unique strains of organic seed garlic collected from sources all over the world. They cater to small organic gardeners, plant nurseries and commercial farmers.
182 Conconully Hwy. Okanogan, WA 98840-9974 509-422-6940 www.filareefarm.com
Fungi Perfecti
A certified organic company specializing in gourmet and medicinal mushrooms, ready-to-grow mushroom kits, and mushroom-related products.
P.O. Box 7634 Olympia, WA, 98507 360-426-9292 Fax: 360-426-9377 www.fungi.com
Great Harvest Organics
Organic seed products grown for organic farmers - wheat, soybeans, corn and alfalfa.
6803 E. 276th St. Atlanta, IN, 46031 317-984-6685 317-984-8798 www.greatharvestorganics.com
High Altitude Gardens/ Seeds Trust
Over 80 years experience growing gardens and seeds at high elevation. Find seeds from around the world for the coldest climates and shortest seasons. Heirloom, organic, native and high altitude varieties.
4150 Black Oak Drive Hailey, ID, 83333 Phone: 208-788-4363 Fax:208-788-3452 www.seedsave.org, www.seedstrust.com
High Mowing Seeds
The catalog offers over 350 varieties of organic seed. These are mostly certified organic vegetable seeds, but there are also some flowers, cover crops, and gardening supplies available.
813 Brook Road Wolcott, VT 05680 phone: 802-888-1800 fax: 802-888-8446 www.highmowingseeds.com
Johnny’s Selected Seeds
Johnny's catalog lists over 300 organic products, and both conventional and organic seeds.
955 Benton Ave. Winslow, ME, 04901 800-854-2580 Fax: 800-738-6314 www.johnnyseeds.com
Kitazawa Seed Company
They offer a tremendous selection of Asian Vegetable seeds and are the oldest seed company in America. Kitazawa has over 250 varieties of traditional and heirloom seeds native to Japan.
PO Box 13220 Oakland, CA 94661-3220 Fax 510-595-1860 Phone 510-595-1188 www.kitazawaseed.com
Local Harvest
An online service that helps you find local sources for sustainably grown food. They also sell a wide variety of vegetable seed and nursery stock. Read the product notes to see which are organic and/or untreated.
220 21st Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062 Phone: 831-475-8150 Fax: 831-401-2418 www.localharvest.org
Main Street Seed & Supply
Main Street is a small company which specializes in offering small amounts of seed (with the home gardener in mind) for reasonable prices. Their choice of seeds is limited to the basic vegetable varieties.
401 Main Street, Bay City, MI 48706 toll free 866-229-3276 www.mainstreetseedandsupply.com
Mountain Valley Growers
Certified organically grown seed for basil, sunflower, annual herbs, gourmet greens.
38325 Pepperwood Road Squaw Valley, CA, 93675 559-338-2775 www.mountainvalleygrowers.com
The Natural Gardening Co.
Online catalog offers organically grown and open-pollinated vegetables and herbs. The organic items are clearly marked as such, and the prices are reasonable.
P.O. Box 760776 Petaluma, CA , 94975-0776 707-766-9303 Fax: 707-766-9747 www.naturalgardening.com
Native Seeds/ SEARCH
More than 2000 different seeds representing traditional native crops such as corn, bean, squash.
526 N. 4th Ave Tucson, AZ , 85705 520-622-5561 Fax: 520-622-5591 www.nativeseeds.org
Nichols Garden Nursery
Complete garden seeds catalog featuring new and unusual vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Emphasizing short season varieties, flavor and performance.
1190 No. Pacific Hwy. NE Albany, OR, 97321 541-928-9280 866-408-4851 800-422-3985 Fax: 541-967-8406 www.nicholsgardennursery.com
Park Seed Company
Over 50 varieties of ertified organic, non-GMO organic seeds. Flower, herb and vegetable seeds.
PO Box 527 Williams, OR 97544 Toll Free: (888)709-7333 www.organicseed.com
Peaceful Valley Farm Supply
This catalog offers organic seeds from a variety of seed companies. There is a good mix of edible and ornamental varieties here, as well as books and gardening supplies.
PO Box 2209 Grass Valley, CA 95945 530-272-4769 888-784-1722 www.groworganic.com
Plants of the Southwest
Specializes in drought-tolerant US native plants (wildflowers, grasses, herbs, vegetables, shrubs, and trees) and seeds.
Agua Fria Road Route 6, Box 11A Santa Fe, NM, 87501 800-788-7333 Fax: 505-438-8800 www.plantsofthesouthwest.com
Seeds of Change
A favorite among organic gardeners, Seeds of Change features a wide range of heirloom vegetable seeds and informative articles on organic gardening, tools and techniques. The 2009 Seeds of Change catalog, with over 600 certified organic items, is available free as a pdf download or home delivered.
P.O. Box 15700 Santa Fe, NM 87506 888-762-7333 www.seedsofchange.com
Seed Savers Exchange
Seed Savers Exchange is a nonprofit organization that saves and shares heirloom seeds. Members can choose from thousands of heirloom vegetables, and share rare garden seeds with other gardeners. Downloadable catalog, online seed sales.
3026 North Winn Road, Decorah IA 52101 Phone: 563-382-5990 Fax: 563-382-6511 www.seedsavers.org
Territorial Seed Co.
Territorial offers a wide selection of organic vegetable seeds, especially greens, tomatoes and lettuces.
P.O. Box 158 Cottage Grove, OR 97424 541-942-9547 Fax: 888-657-3131 www.territorial-seed.com
Tomato Fest
More than 600 varieties of certified organic heirloom tomato seeds.
PO Box 628, Little River, CA 95456 www.tomatofest.com
Turtle Tree Biodynamic Seeds
Turtle Tree offers a wide variety of 100% open-pollinated seeds for farm, grain and cover crops as well as vegetables, flowers and herbs.
Camphill Village, Copake NY 12516 Fax 678-202-1351 Phone 888-516-7797 www.turtletreeseed.com
Vesey=S Seeds for Shorter Seasons
Veseys offers a selection of certified organic seed produced under strict guidelines which govern the production of certified organic products. Canadian-based, but sells to the US market.
PO Box 9000, Charlottetown, PE, Canada, C1A 8K6 Phone: 902-368-7333 Fax: 800-686-0329 www.veseys.com/us/en/
Victory Heirloom Seed Co.
A small, family owned company that works to preserve plant varieties by locating, growing, documenting and offering heirloom and rare open-pollinated seeds to home gardeners. Catalog offers a wide variety of rare heirloom and open-pollinated vegetable, herb, and flower seeds.
P.O. Box 192 Molalla, OR, 97038 503-829-3126 phone/fax www.victoryseeds.com
Wood Prairie Farm
Certified organic seed potatoes, organic vegetable seeds, cover crops and farm seed.
49 Kinney Road Bridgewater, ME 04734 800-829-9765 800-631-8027 Fax: 800-300-6494 www.woodprairie.com
To read many more seed sources and the full article: http://eartheasy.com/grow_organic_seeds.html
Choosing seed awakens the gardener's vision
Source: http://eartheasy.com/grow_organic_seeds.html (link below)
There is growing interest among gardeners for untreated, open-pollinated and heritage seeds for vegetable gardening.
The listings below, while not conclusive, offer a range of suppliers of organic seeds in the US and Canada.
When sourcing seed sources through catalogs and websites, look for the following labels which are commonly used to identify the seed characteristics:
"U" - untreated. These seeds have been produced without the use of synthetic fertilizers, herbicides or pesticides. or subject to genetic modification.
"O" - organic. These seeds are taken from parent plants which have been organically grown.
"OP" - open-pollinated. These seeds are capable of reproducing themselves. Open-pollinated seeds can be dried and saved over winter, then used for planting in the next season.
"H" - heritage (or heirloom). These seeds are saved and passed down through generations by gardeners looking to preserve their genetic diversity and the unique qualities of the plant they produce. Heritage seeds may be carried by some of the smaller seed companies, but are more commonly found through local seed exchanges such as "Seedy Saturdays", the Seed Saver's Exchange and Seeds of Diversity (Canada).
Hybrid seeds have been developed to enhance a plant's growth and fruiting, as well as hardiness. Hybrids are produced by cross-pollinating plants of different varieties in order to improve the characteristics of the resulting offspring. However, hybrid seeds do not always reproduce true to type. That is, second generation plants may produce different results. If you are buying hybrid seeds, look for seeds which are labelled as reproducing "true to type".
Biodynamic seeds are from farms or gardens which use Biodynamic practices of managing land for ecological balance. The organic growing methods and planting cycles are integrated with the local environment where possible.
Organic Seed Sources in the US
Abundant Life Seed Foundation
Certified organic and biodynamic vegetable, flower and herb seeds.
P.O. Box 772 930 Lawrence St. Port Townsend, WA, 98368 360-385-5660 Fax: 360-385-7455 www.abundantlifeseeds.com
Albert Lea Seed House
Organic seed for soybean, corn, alfalfa, clover, small grains, sorghum, native and lawn grasses
1414 West Main Street P.O. Box 127 Albert Lea, MN 56007 800-352-5247 Fax: 507-373-7032 www.alseed.com
Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds
Over 1000 varieties of rare and unusual heirloom seeds.
2278 Baker Creek Road, Mansfield, MO 65704 Phone: 417-924-8917 Fax: 417-924-8887
www.rareseeds.com
Botanical Interests
Well known for their attractive, information-rich seed packets, Botanical Interests offers a variety of organic flower, vegetable and herb seeds. The prices are reasonable, with most packets costing less than two dollars.
660 Compton Street, Broomfield, CO 80020 Phone 720-880-7293 www.botanicalinterests.com
Bountiful Gardens
Heirloom, untreated and open-pollinated varieties of vegetables, herbs, grains and compost crops.
18001 Shafer Ranch Road Willets, CA, 95490 707-459-6410 Fax: 707-459-1925 www.bountifulgardens.org
Burpee
Burpee's is one of gardening's most popular catalogs, offering wide variety and reasonable prices. They have a limited selection of organic seed for vegetables. Organic varieties are listed separately in the catalog for easy identification.
300 Park Avenue Warminster, PA 18974 800-333-5808 www.burpee.com
Dirt Works
A small, family-owned business offering a selection of organic and heirloom, non-GMO vegetable seeds.
1195 Dog Team Road, New Haven, Vermont 05472 Phone 877 213 3828 www.dirtworks.net
Fedco Seeds
Seeds for organic cover crops and soil amendments, certified seed potatoes and onion sets, seed garlic, hardy fruit and nut trees, berries.
PO Box 520 Waterville, ME 04903 207-873-7333 www.fedcoseeds.com
Filaree Farm
Filaree offers over 100 unique strains of organic seed garlic collected from sources all over the world. They cater to small organic gardeners, plant nurseries and commercial farmers.
182 Conconully Hwy. Okanogan, WA 98840-9974 509-422-6940 www.filareefarm.com
Fungi Perfecti
A certified organic company specializing in gourmet and medicinal mushrooms, ready-to-grow mushroom kits, and mushroom-related products.
P.O. Box 7634 Olympia, WA, 98507 360-426-9292 Fax: 360-426-9377 www.fungi.com
Great Harvest Organics
Organic seed products grown for organic farmers - wheat, soybeans, corn and alfalfa.
6803 E. 276th St. Atlanta, IN, 46031 317-984-6685 317-984-8798 www.greatharvestorganics.com
High Altitude Gardens/ Seeds Trust
Over 80 years experience growing gardens and seeds at high elevation. Find seeds from around the world for the coldest climates and shortest seasons. Heirloom, organic, native and high altitude varieties.
4150 Black Oak Drive Hailey, ID, 83333 Phone: 208-788-4363 Fax:208-788-3452 www.seedsave.org, www.seedstrust.com
High Mowing Seeds
The catalog offers over 350 varieties of organic seed. These are mostly certified organic vegetable seeds, but there are also some flowers, cover crops, and gardening supplies available.
813 Brook Road Wolcott, VT 05680 phone: 802-888-1800 fax: 802-888-8446 www.highmowingseeds.com
Johnny’s Selected Seeds
Johnny's catalog lists over 300 organic products, and both conventional and organic seeds.
955 Benton Ave. Winslow, ME, 04901 800-854-2580 Fax: 800-738-6314 www.johnnyseeds.com
Kitazawa Seed Company
They offer a tremendous selection of Asian Vegetable seeds and are the oldest seed company in America. Kitazawa has over 250 varieties of traditional and heirloom seeds native to Japan.
PO Box 13220 Oakland, CA 94661-3220 Fax 510-595-1860 Phone 510-595-1188 www.kitazawaseed.com
Local Harvest
An online service that helps you find local sources for sustainably grown food. They also sell a wide variety of vegetable seed and nursery stock. Read the product notes to see which are organic and/or untreated.
220 21st Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062 Phone: 831-475-8150 Fax: 831-401-2418 www.localharvest.org
Main Street Seed & Supply
Main Street is a small company which specializes in offering small amounts of seed (with the home gardener in mind) for reasonable prices. Their choice of seeds is limited to the basic vegetable varieties.
401 Main Street, Bay City, MI 48706 toll free 866-229-3276 www.mainstreetseedandsupply.com
Mountain Valley Growers
Certified organically grown seed for basil, sunflower, annual herbs, gourmet greens.
38325 Pepperwood Road Squaw Valley, CA, 93675 559-338-2775 www.mountainvalleygrowers.com
The Natural Gardening Co.
Online catalog offers organically grown and open-pollinated vegetables and herbs. The organic items are clearly marked as such, and the prices are reasonable.
P.O. Box 760776 Petaluma, CA , 94975-0776 707-766-9303 Fax: 707-766-9747 www.naturalgardening.com
Native Seeds/ SEARCH
More than 2000 different seeds representing traditional native crops such as corn, bean, squash.
526 N. 4th Ave Tucson, AZ , 85705 520-622-5561 Fax: 520-622-5591 www.nativeseeds.org
Nichols Garden Nursery
Complete garden seeds catalog featuring new and unusual vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Emphasizing short season varieties, flavor and performance.
1190 No. Pacific Hwy. NE Albany, OR, 97321 541-928-9280 866-408-4851 800-422-3985 Fax: 541-967-8406 www.nicholsgardennursery.com
Park Seed Company
Over 50 varieties of ertified organic, non-GMO organic seeds. Flower, herb and vegetable seeds.
PO Box 527 Williams, OR 97544 Toll Free: (888)709-7333 www.organicseed.com
Peaceful Valley Farm Supply
This catalog offers organic seeds from a variety of seed companies. There is a good mix of edible and ornamental varieties here, as well as books and gardening supplies.
PO Box 2209 Grass Valley, CA 95945 530-272-4769 888-784-1722 www.groworganic.com
Plants of the Southwest
Specializes in drought-tolerant US native plants (wildflowers, grasses, herbs, vegetables, shrubs, and trees) and seeds.
Agua Fria Road Route 6, Box 11A Santa Fe, NM, 87501 800-788-7333 Fax: 505-438-8800 www.plantsofthesouthwest.com
Seeds of Change
A favorite among organic gardeners, Seeds of Change features a wide range of heirloom vegetable seeds and informative articles on organic gardening, tools and techniques. The 2009 Seeds of Change catalog, with over 600 certified organic items, is available free as a pdf download or home delivered.
P.O. Box 15700 Santa Fe, NM 87506 888-762-7333 www.seedsofchange.com
Seed Savers Exchange
Seed Savers Exchange is a nonprofit organization that saves and shares heirloom seeds. Members can choose from thousands of heirloom vegetables, and share rare garden seeds with other gardeners. Downloadable catalog, online seed sales.
3026 North Winn Road, Decorah IA 52101 Phone: 563-382-5990 Fax: 563-382-6511 www.seedsavers.org
Territorial Seed Co.
Territorial offers a wide selection of organic vegetable seeds, especially greens, tomatoes and lettuces.
P.O. Box 158 Cottage Grove, OR 97424 541-942-9547 Fax: 888-657-3131 www.territorial-seed.com
Tomato Fest
More than 600 varieties of certified organic heirloom tomato seeds.
PO Box 628, Little River, CA 95456 www.tomatofest.com
Turtle Tree Biodynamic Seeds
Turtle Tree offers a wide variety of 100% open-pollinated seeds for farm, grain and cover crops as well as vegetables, flowers and herbs.
Camphill Village, Copake NY 12516 Fax 678-202-1351 Phone 888-516-7797 www.turtletreeseed.com
Vesey=S Seeds for Shorter Seasons
Veseys offers a selection of certified organic seed produced under strict guidelines which govern the production of certified organic products. Canadian-based, but sells to the US market.
PO Box 9000, Charlottetown, PE, Canada, C1A 8K6 Phone: 902-368-7333 Fax: 800-686-0329 www.veseys.com/us/en/
Victory Heirloom Seed Co.
A small, family owned company that works to preserve plant varieties by locating, growing, documenting and offering heirloom and rare open-pollinated seeds to home gardeners. Catalog offers a wide variety of rare heirloom and open-pollinated vegetable, herb, and flower seeds.
P.O. Box 192 Molalla, OR, 97038 503-829-3126 phone/fax www.victoryseeds.com
Wood Prairie Farm
Certified organic seed potatoes, organic vegetable seeds, cover crops and farm seed.
49 Kinney Road Bridgewater, ME 04734 800-829-9765 800-631-8027 Fax: 800-300-6494 www.woodprairie.com
To read many more seed sources and the full article: http://eartheasy.com/grow_organic_seeds.html
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