Whiter Whites

Chlorine, the active ingredient in most household bleaches, can create a potentially lethal substance when mixed with other cleaners. As a healthier alternative, try brightening your whites with natural nonchlorine bleaches that contain either sodium percarbonate or hydrogen peroxide. Sodium percarbonate is an environmentally friendly chemical that decomposes into oxygen, water, and natural soda ash. […]

Cost in Translation

Seriously, now—why aren’t organics getting affordable?By Christy Harrison 25 Aug 2005 So you like whole-grain bread, pesticide-free plums, and low-fat meat? Better ask for a raise. A recent study by researchers at the University of California-Davis reported that U.S. shoppers who consistently choose healthy foods spend nearly 20 percent more on groceries. The study also […]

USDA Yields in Personal Care Battle

WASHINGTON, DC – On the eve of a deadline requiring the USDA’s National Organic Program (NOP) to respond to a federal court complaint filed in June by the *Organic Consumers Association* *(OCA),* representing more than 500,000 members, and *Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps* / *Dr. Bronner’s & Sun Dog’s Magic* (www.drbronnersundog.com), the USDA has directed in […]

Sustainable Home, Part II

As the first decade of the 21st century reaches its halfway mark, the US population continues to gradually make changes toward everyday sustainable and organic living. Simple decisions, like eating organic food grown by local farmers, or buying organic coffee and tea grown by independent farmers in third world countries, support and promote cultural diversity. […]

Bakeovers, by MaryJane Butters

One of the menu staples at my farm is a BakeOver, a one-skillet savory meal or sweet dessert that can be made with virtually any combination of fresh vegetables or fruit. It’s fast, it’s easy, and best of all, it’s homemade. The idea for BakeOvers came to me years ago, but figuring out what to […]

Are organic foods healthier and do they taste better?

The USDA does not claim that organically produced food is healthier or better tasting than conventionally produced food. Organic food only differs from conventional food in the way it is grown, handled, and processed. Many do feel that organic food is healthier and tastier than conventional foods. It is hard for me to believe that […]

Start Feeding Your Baby Organic!

Parents of infants and toddlers, there are more reasons than ever to consider feeding your child organic foods. An increasing body of research indicates that residues on food may be too concentrated for infants because of their low body weights and high metabolisms. In their “Pesticides in the Diets of Infants and Children” report, the […]

Big Changes Come When Big Companies Go Organic

In a demonstration of its growing popularity, the organic movement has been embraced by two major mass marketers, IKEA and Wal-Mart. The successful Swedish furniture retailer IKEA is also the largest Swedish food exporter. They have always incorporated an environmental awareness in their products and marketing. But, now, they are extending it to organic food […]

What is the difference between organic and transitional products?

Organic products are grown and produced under conditions that meet the USDA National Organic Program standards. Transitional products are produced under the same circumstances, but may be in the process of completing certification procedures or have recently changed their standards from conventional to organic and are still within the three-year time period that it is […]

Sustainable Home Makeover, Part I

This is the first installment in our series on How To Gradually Makeover a Conventional Home into a Sustainable Home. If you follow our simple tips, over time you can begin to reap the rewards of simple living and reduce your impact on the environment by making easy changes in your everyday life. I have […]

At the Market: Peppers

Bell Peppers are considered by many to be some of nature’s most elegant sculptures, yet they also add flavor, texture, and nutrients to many of your summertime dishes. The peak season in the U.S. is between July and November. These incredibly versatile and forgiving vegetables adapt well to being stuffed, sliced, diced, fire-roasted, and more. […]

I have heard that fermented food can be beneficial to my health and I would like to make my own organic homemade sauerkraut. Do you have a recipe?

Fermented foods are traditional foods that are believed to support digestion, encourage healthy flora in our digestive tract, and assist our bodies in absorbing vitamins and minerals from the foods we eat. They have been used for many years in a variety of different cuisines including Korean, Chinese, Japanese, and German. Making your own sauerkraut […]