Eating Organic

Find organic farms in your neighborhood (also includes info on local restaurants buying and serving organically grown dishes):

For organic produce (fruits, vegetables and herbs) to grow or buy – www.localharvest.org

For organically grow meats to buy – www.eatwild.com

Great information for fingding your hometown farming community!

Victory Gardening

Join the “world” of gardening…

http://www.worldfoodgarden.org

Great tips for gardening -small or large!

Send Organic Flowers!

• 

  Organic flowers from SF Bay Farmers Market

• Organic Bouquet and California Organic Flowers – get organic flowers shipped direct from the grower ($39.95 avg).
• Local Harvest – find and buy seasonal flowers from your local farmers’ market.
• Veriflora - check their list for third-party certified suppliers and distributors.
• Network for Good – your organic flower purchases help support charity.

Photo by digiyesica’s photostream  on Flickr

Sharing Good News…

Very good website to share with you!

Its called Good News Now, all good news, all the time! What a concept!

http://www.gnn.com/article/fair-trade-palm-fronds/413097

Enjoy your Spring, may it put a spring in your step…Happy Easter!

Organic Container Gardening (for the Not so Green Thumb)…

 Organic Container Gardening (for the Not so Green Thumb)…

 

Deciding to save some money on  a few vegetables  and herbs I purchase on a regular basis, I at first contemplated a green house (way too expensive!).  Then eyeing my next door neighbors fenced in garden, I came up with an elaborate scheme by which I could convince her that community gardening was the way to go.  Finally realizing I did not want to be responsible for somebodies vegetables all summer, I resigned myself to container gardening.

One problem, the occasional deer, bunnies and the very friendly squirrel.  How to have my new, first attempt at serious gardening be a success without being eaten up before it actually gets washed and to my table?

Last summer, my then 5 year old and I planted carrot and some other mystery veggie (squash I think).  Well, the carrots took FOREVER! Even I got impatient, and the poor kid had to wait until September (though I think we waited too long) to pull the stubs from the pots. So now I will try other more friendly veggies and I have come up with a great place to put them.

First I was going to build an upright tiered shelf,  too time consuming – need to start my garden!  Deciding that keeping the pots on the ground is best, the warmth from the ground will help the roots system expand.  Now what to do about the fauna… I am putting my container garden in a corner area with lots of sun, and make a “fence” out of wire so the little darlings can’t get to my greens. 

There are  various sites that have raised garden bed planters. (Too many to list)  This looks interesting, if you are looking to have only a few large veggies, or more smaller veggies.  You can always put a flat chicken wire over the top or build a “hood” for it fauna is a problem for you too.  Mine will have many nice pots that I usually used only for flowers.  Remeber that you can plant flowers in between the herbs and veggies to make your garden eye candy with taste!

Planning on planting: Parsley, Basil, Butter Lettuce, Snap Peas, Seedless Cucumbers, Tomatoes (cherry maybe), yellow paprika, and zucchini squash.  This list may get narrowed down or expanded depending on my area and availability.  Got to be flexible…good luck to you!

MOST IMPORTANT- make sure your container will be big enough for your plant once it is full grown!

http://www.helpgrowyoursoup.com/growing.aspx  Tips to growing tomatoes from Campbell’s – please go to their site and click to donate tomatoes seeds to volunteer communities helping feed the poor!

http://www.communitygarden.org/learn/starting-a-community-garden.php  How to start a community garden info!

How to Grow Your Vegetable Garden-GMA

 For those who did not catch a great segment on GMA 

How to Grow Your Vegetable Garden

Eat Healthier and Cheaper by Growing Your Own Veggies

By JOE LAMP’L
DIY Network Guest Contributor
March 26, 2009

 

If you’re one of the 7 million gardeners taking a stab at growing your own vegetables this year, or even if you’re a seasoned veteran, a primer on the basics can come in handy. The biggest question on many peoples’ minds today is simply, how do I even get started?

“GMA” explores how to start your own garden.

(Getty Images)

So here are some of the most important things to know for a successful gardening experience:

Before deciding to grow vegetables and herbs, find a sunny spot. These plants do best in full sun, meaning eight hours or more. You can get by with six or so but keep in mind that less sun will affect their performance. The healthiest, most productive plants thrive in all day sun.

If you still want a food garden but just don’t have the space or light, consider growing edibles in containers. So many plants these days have been developed specifically for growing in small spaces and containers. Just remember, use the largest container that is practical for you. Once plants take root, they really grow fast and the more room they have to spread their roots, the better. Check with your garden center for specific varieties ideally suited for smaller spaces and containers.

If you only have a sunny windowsill, don’t be discouraged. Although you may not be able to nurture homegrown tomatoes, give herbs a try. Most do well in containers indoors with sufficient light and dry conditions.

Even if you’re brand new to gardening, I encourage you to try starting your plants from seeds. Six to eight weeks before the last frost in your area is the ideal time to begin. Seeds are inexpensive to buy but even cheaper when you get them from your friends and other sources for free. To get started, you’ll need a box or tray to contain your soil. Although you can purchase trays specifically for this purpose, I like the free route. I use pizza boxes, soda bottles, and take-out containers to plant my seeds. They work just as well and the price is right!

Sow your seeds in seed starting mix. You can find this at the garden center. A 16-quart bag costs about $3.50 and is plenty to fill several trays or boxes. Although saving money is important, this is an area where you don’t want to skimp. This specialty mix is lightweight and sterile, two important components for successful seed germination. Just before sowing the seeds, saturate the soil mix. Then plant your seeds and cover them with about a quarter inch of additional mix and add a little extra water.

Create Your Own Mini-Green House

Now you need to place a cover over the top of the tray. One of my favorite tricks for creating this mini-greenhouse is a used cake topper that you find in bakeries. These tall, clear tops are perfect for allowing light in while locking in the moisture necessary for seeds to germinate. And again, my favorite part is they’re free!

Once your seeds germinate, remove the clear top. Now you have two main jobs. First, never allow the soil to dry out completely. If you’re unsure, stick your finger into the soil. If it feels moist or your finger comes out dirty, there is enough water for now. However, a clean finger after probing means it’s time to add more water.

Your second job is to make sure the seedlings are getting adequate lighting. A bright, south-facing window is good, but a grow light is much better. Don’t worry about the name. I use a shop light consisting of two 40-watt fluorescent bulbs, which I purchased at a box store for less than $10. Hang the light so that is remains within 1 or 2 inches of the seedlings at all times. You’ll need to adjust the height, of course, as plants get taller. To make your work easier, connect the light to an appliance timer set to remain on for 15 hours a day.

In about six weeks, it’s time to transplant the seedlings outside to the garden or container. However, hold off until the last risk of frost has passed. If you’re unsure as to this date, contact your local county extension service, and they’ll be able to provide this information. Before planting, you should condition your tender seedlings to their new environment. In a process called “hardening off,” you gradually expose them to their final destination over a week or so, increasing the amount of direct sunlight and exposure time each day.

Ready to Plant

Now you are ready to plant. Gently remove your seedlings from their tray, being careful not to damage any part of the plant or roots. Nearly all plants should be placed in the garden soil at a depth sufficient to cover the root ball. There is one main exception. Tomatoes can and should be planted deeply enough to leave only the top two leaf nodes out of the ground. Roots will form on the buried stem, making for a larger root mass and more robust plant.But whatever you’re planting, make sure your garden soil is well drained and includes lots of natural soil amendments such as compost. Lightly pack the soil in around the plants and thoroughly water them. Continue to monitor the soil moisture so that it remains constantly moist like a damp sponge but not saturated. On average, an inch of water is about right over the course of a week.

From this point, allow the plants a few days to settle into their new home and acclimate. Then add about a 3-inch layer of mulch. To save money, I collect all my yard leaves and grind them up with my lawn mower or dump them in a trash can and insert my weed eater to shred them, much like a food processor does to carrots. But whatever natural mulch you use, it’s important for many reasons, including weed suppression, moisture retention, moderating extreme soil temperatures and disease control from the soil. And mulch also adds a really finished look to your garden.

Finally, take time every day if possible to patrol and enjoy your garden. You’ll stay in tune with the many wonderful things taking place, plus, you’ll stay on top of any potentially developing problems before they get out of hand.

Joe Lamp’l is the host of DIY Network’s Fresh from the Garden, and founder of joegardener.com. You can download a free how-to “Vegetable Gardening” eBook from the site.

Organic Fresh Foods

Top Fruits and Vegetables You Should & Should NOT Buy Organic !

To make wiser consumer choices here is a list of produce with the highest level of pesticide contamination. The following list is based on information and studies by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Consumer Reports, and the Environmental Working Group.

Nectarines – 97.3% of nectarines sampled were found to contain pesticides.
Celery – 94.5% of celery sampled were found to contain pesticides.
Pears – 94.4% of pears sampled were found to contain pesticides.
Peaches – 93.7% of peaches sampled were found to contain pesticides.
Apples – 91% of apples sampled were found to contain pesticides.
Cherries – 91% of cherries sampled were found to contain pesticides.
Strawberries – 90% of strawberries sampled were found to contain pesticides.
Imported Grapes – 86% of imported grapes (i.e. Chile) sampled were found to contain pesticides.
Spinach – 83.4% of spinach sampled were found to contain pesticides.
Potatoes – 79.3% of potatoes sampled were found to contain pesticides.
Bell Peppers – 68% of bell peppers sampled were found to contain pesticides.
Red Raspberries – 59% of red raspberries sampled were found to contain pesticides.

Here is a list of fruits and vegetables found to contain the least amount of pesticides. Notice that many of these have thick, inedible skins which protect the fruit.

Asparagus
Avocados
Bananas
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Corn (However, almost all corn is genetically modified)
Kiwi
Mangoes
Onions
Papaya
Pineapples
Sweet Peas

There’s lots of reasons to buy organic. First, it’s better for the environment. No pesticides means healthier soil, water, and wildlife. Buying organic supports small farmers. Organic farmers can earn a fairer price for organic produce compared to factory farming. Organic farming is good for biodiversity. Organic farmers are growing a wide variety of non-genetically modified (non-GMO) fruits and vegetables. Organic farmers are resurrecting many heirloom varieties.
Finally, organic foods are healthier for you. The research on whether consuming organic food is healthier for people remains inconclusive. However, the USDA’s own tests show that most non-organic produce contain residual pesticides even after washing. The long term effects of consuming these pesticides has not been sufficiently studied, but they can’t be good for you.

Consuming less food that is contaminated may actually save you money and your health in the long run. If you have children you are investing in their future health too!

EcoStilleto for the modern woman!

What does EcoStilleto.com say about green cleaning? 

“http://www.shaklee.net/greendaytoday/gc_yourhome1

June 26 2008

We think a lot about greener cleaning, mainly because it seems like a no-brainer that if you’re going to take baby steps to make your life more environmentally friendly, the best place to start is in your home. Conventional cleaners contain chemicals that make the indoor air of the typical American home on a typical cleaning day more polluted than the outdoor air of our most polluted cities. And this is according to the EPA, which, we might remind you, is not the most alarmist organization on the planet.

And though there’s fabulous laundry soap and dishwashing detergent and general home cleaners and even waterless, chem-free car wash, there’s not one company that’s been doing the whole kit and kaboodle so well, and for so long, as Shaklee.

They’ve been making sustainably produced, organic, biodegradeable household cleaners since 1960, and have sold them door-to-door as part of a vaguely hippie Tupperware cleaning revolution ever since.

Today, although there still is a slightly cultish vibe to the people who use and sell their products (probably because they just work so darn well), you can get Shaklee online. And though “membership” these days means you type in your info rather than commit to inviting a Shaklee representative in to your living room for yerba mate, it’s still incentivized with a pretty hefty discount.

With that said, their bestselling Get Clean Starter Kit (Oprah loves it; hence the “bestselling”) is $167 for non-members. This investment in home cleaning products seems like a lot until you break it down and realize that the kit includes 27 pieces which average out to just over $6 per. That includes things you use a lot of, like Basic H2 Organic Super Cleaning Concentrate, Dish Wash soap, Fresh Laundry HE Concentrate (which comes in fragrance-free for truly sensitive souls), as well as things you might not go through so fast, like Scour Off Heavy-Duty Paste (tile, kitchen sinks, really grubby pans) and spray bottles (a one-time buy). Plus, the Shaklee folks say their products are so super concentrated and effective, you’d have to spend $3,400 to get the equivalent, and they’ve got studies to prove it. And (drum-roll here) they offer a money back guarantee.

Cost-comparisons aside, here’s what you’re paying to not get: 108 additional pounds of landfill waste (every bottle is recyclable), 248 pounds of greenhouse gases (no chemicals, natch), VOCs, kerosene, hydrochloric acid, petroleum distillates, ammonia, formaldehyde, and a host of other icky chemicals that despite what some billion-dollar commercial will tell you really don’t clean anything any better than their natural counterparts, which had been used for generations until the chemical industry realized the goldmine they had in the dirt-phobic American consumer.   “

“What saves 248 pounds of greenhouse gases and cleans your house better than Alice?”

http://www.shaklee.net/greendaytoday/gc_yourhome1

 

Compact Florescent Lightbulb (CFL)

Please check out these two sights:

1)Regarding the benefits of using CFL’s, and the concern over mercury emmission into the soil upon recycling these products -http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=7431198

2) The EPA recommendations for recycling – http://www.epa.gov/bulbrecycling/

Fair Trade: What it is and How it Works

You may have heard of coffee, tea, jewelry, and chocolate being “fair-trade” recently, but haven’t bothered to really learn what it means.

The coffee we normally buy and brew for morning coffee doesn’t come from the U.S., it comes mainly from Africa and South and Central America. The growers in these countries make a living growing coffee, a commodity that’s price fluctuates with market demand. When demand is low, the farmers make much less money per bushel or pound of coffee that they sell, and have less money to buy food for their family and put their children through school.

In the same way, people work in mines, on cacao plantations, and in sweatshops, for next to nothing, to produce other goods that we buy regularly. The growers, laborers, artisans, and seamstresses work hard for very little pay. Our buying habits, which are constantly seeking the cheaper price, keep many people throughout the world bound to a life of poverty.

Fairly traded goods present a simple solution to such a large problem. Fair-trade coffee companies make sure the growers receive a fair and livable wage for their  coffee beans. Fair-trade jewelry comes directly from artisans who work in small shops and community centers to produce beautiful high-quality jewelry. Rather than peddling their goods on the street or in the market, they are sold to businesses, such as 10,000 villages, for sale in the U.S. The process also eliminates middle men, so the growers and artisans sell their goods directly to the company that sells it in the U.S.

Fair trade offers fair pay for the goods that people produce in other countries where they would otherwise be living in deep poverty. In addition, fair trade means that profits from the products bought will be put back into the community where the product came from, in the form of building a school, a community center, and other projects that benefit the whole community.
Fair trade also guarantees that the products were produced ethically, without child labor and sweatshops. Fair trade coffee, tea, chocolate, and other consumable goods are often also organic. Fair trade means that those people working on the land are using sustainable environmental practices.

Just as more and more people have realized that buying organically grown foods is better for the entire world; people are beginning to realize that their buying habits affect many other people in other countries. With this knowledge, the better buying option is to buy things that are fair trade goods.

So the next time you go to buy your cup o’ joe, ask for fair trade coffee.  The more we demand fair trade, the more positive impact we make on our environment!