June 2010
52 posts
HBO Documentary Exposes Natural Gas in Water...
Ever try to light your tap water on fire? Josh Fox has witnessed the phenomenon firsthand (see photo, above). The filmmaker chronicles the largest natural gas drilling boom in U.S. history in his documentary GasLand—and the environmental ramifications aren’t pretty. The film premiered on HBO last week and will air through 2012. (Click here to view the trailer.) http://dlvr.it/26H7y
8 Water Conservation Tips
The BP oil spill reminds us that our oceans are precious and water is not an infinite resource. The Nature Conservancy and Los Angeles Department of Water and Power offer the following tips for conserving water: *
Stop Talking and Start Building Green Power
_By S. David Freeman_ We keep staring in frustration and anger at the giant flow of oil spilling into the water in the Gulf of Mexico. It is a disaster. But what is even a greater disaster is what we would see if we looked up, rather than down, and opened our eyes to the millions of deadly toxic “spills” into the air we breathe from cars, trucks, buses, power plants, ships, oil refineries, etc....
Butter Bean Salad
Butter beans belong to the same family as lima beans, but each variety is slightly different. Like lima beans, butter beans are large and flat, but they’re distinguished by their white or yellow color. Traditional lima beans are also large, but they’re quite green. The smaller varieties are often labeled “baby limas.” Today’s picnic-ready salad recipe is chockfull of butter beans, sun-dried...
Perk Up Your Organic Picnic
Summer is officially here, and there’s no better time for an organic picnic at your local park or beach. Simple recipes are the way to go, but try to flex your culinary muscles by experimenting with new recipes and flavors to make casual alfresco dining a special experience. Try these new twists on old favorites: *
Organic Beer is Exploding in Oregon
Admittedly, going up to the bar and ordering an organic brewski isn’t as cool as a dry martini or a Jack and Coke, but that hasn’t stopped the organic beer industry from growing, especially in Portland, Oregon. Tomorrow Portland hosts the 6th annual North American Organic Brewers Festival, a three-day celebration of certified organic beer. And the festival has seen its attendance grow...
6 Easy, Healthy Recipes to Make for the Summer...
Summer! Time for road trips and family vacations. But if you’re anything like me, it’s the time of the year that you feel the pull of fast-food restaurants. After all, they’re cheap, convenient, and filling, right? Wrong. You might have heard that some McDonald’s toys were contaminated with cadmium, and Subway’s recent salmonella outbreak sickened at least 97 people....
Cancers of Sweat Glands, Skin Structures...
Tumors of the hair, nails, sweat glands and mammary glands are rare, but rates appear to be rising in the United States, according to a study published in this month’s _Archives of Dermatology_. Caucasian men are more susceptible, reports lead author Patrick W. Blake of the National Cancer Institute, and risk increases with age. Researchers found a 170% increase in cancer diagnoses involving the...
Natural Balance Issues Dog Food Recall
Pacoima, Calif.-based Natural Balance Pet Foods, Inc., a manufacturer of natural and organic pet foods, is voluntarily recalling its Sweet Potato & Chicken Dry Dog Food because it may be contaminated with salmonella. The affected products, sold in 5- and 28-lb. bags, have a “Best By” date of June 17, 2011. During routine FDA testing, a random product sample was found to be contaminated. No...
Michael Pollan Dishes on Michelle Obama and Food...
The Seattle Times interviewed food movement hero Michael Pollan about his latest book, Food Rules, the state of the food in America, and Michelle Obama. About the first lady, Pollan says, She’s a very important voice in the food movement now, and I think is raising people’s consciousness, people who haven’t read a book like “Omnivore’s Dilemma” or “Food...
How to Destroy an Ecosystem in 3 Easy Steps
Hey, Tony “I Would Like My Life Back” Hayward! Now that you’re no longer the bloated public face of BP, it seems your narcissistic wish for some “me time” has been granted. Hope you enjoyed sailing off the oil-free shores of Britain on your $270 million yacht. What else would one expect from a tone-deaf CEO whose 2009 salary and bonuses totaled about $4.5 million? http://dlvr.it/1xFSj
Supermarket in DC Bans Water Bottles
Plastic bottles are bad news. Sure, the water inside might be from a “natural spring” but the bottle itself is risky business. You can find a lot of nasty stuff in plastics used to package our foods, such as water bottles. The most notorious is BPA - short for Bisphenol A - a compound used to make plastic, which has been linked to attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and neurological...
March for Clean Energy in Los Angeles and New...
If you’re interested in cool technologies that could help stop global warming, or just celebrity spotting, I’ve just the thing for you. Director and activist Josh Tickell is holding a major press conference in downtown Los Angeles on Tuesday. Mayor Villaraigosa, the national press, and plenty of celebrities are all going to be there. Tickell is coordinating the event with the DVD...
Oil Industry Resorts to Scare Tactics
The oil industry, whose image couldn’t be worse in the wake of the BP spill, was less than thrilled that Sen. Lisa Murkowski’s (R-Alaska) resolution to handcuff the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was defeated. Predictably, Big Oil’s spokesmouth employed the usual Freddy Kruegeresque scare tactics. “Massive and rapidly imposed restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions would harm the American...
Do-It-Yourself Organic Fertilizer
Ever feel guilty about throwing away vegetable and fruit peels, rinds or scraps? Your intuition may tell you there’s a better way to handle these leftovers. Composting is a great way to make use of organic matter that you would otherwise trash. Building a compost heap is relatively easy, and it will continually give back to your garden and the environment. http://dlvr.it/1sP4K
Tomato-Feta Frittata
Treat Dad to a home-cooked Father’s Day brunch on Sunday. Today’s frittata recipe will awaken everyone’s taste buds, with the richness of eggs and cheese plus the added kick of picante sauce. Prep time is 20 minutes, bake time is 40 minutes, and all of the ingredients should be available at a well-stocked natural and organic food store. http://dlvr.it/1qyMB
Teach Your Child to Be a Backyard Scientist
Children love summer vacation, but parents often find it difficult to keep them engaged in productive activities. Most kids experience a learning slump during their time away from school. At best, they show little or no academic growth over the summer, according to the National Summer Learning Association. At worst, they lose 1 to 3 months of learning. It is, however, possible to keep your...
Michelle Obama Enjoys Sustainable Fine Dining in...
The First Lady Michelle Obama took her daughters out to Los Angeles restaurant Lucques for Sunday supper. Obama Foodorama reports that Michelle, Malia, and Sasha made the trek up from the Camp Pendleton Marine base in San Diego County to have dinner in the city of angels. Good choice. Lucques is a great restaurant in West Hollywood that supports sustainable agriculture and serves innovative and...
How to 'Bee' Good to Honey Bees
_Article by Liz Corcoran, originally published May 2010 on Tonic._ The dwindling honeybee population has the world abuzz, and from the White House garden to Great Britain and beyond, the fight is on to save agriculture’s busiest workers. Here’s what you can do to help. Environmentalists and bee keepers have long advocated the planting of wildlife gardens to provide nectar for foraging...
USDA Boots an Organic Inspector from China
In 2008, China had a little problem with milk. You might have heard about it. Melamine, a dangerous chemical, somehow got into there baby formula, sickening 54,000 babies and killing four. And China didn’t take it lightly. They executed two company executives held responsible for the outbreak, so needless to say, any food imports from China need strict inspection. That’s why the U.S....
Federal Agencies Assess Gulf Seafood
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have ramped up inspection efforts to ensure fish and seafood from areas near the BP oil spill are safe to eat. “Closing harvest waters that could be exposed to oil protects the public from potentially contaminated seafood because it keeps the product from entering the food supply,” says NOAA...
Vermont Senator Stands Up to...
My environmental hero of the week is Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont), who actually cares about the ramifications of climate change and the quality of the air we breathe. Before the June 10 defeat of Sen. Lisa Murkowski’s (R-Alaska) resolution to strip the Environmental Protection Agency of its power to enforce the Clean Air Act, Leahy employed an apt “punt, pass and kick” football analogy to...
Organic Almond Milk Recipe
Check out this healthy, simple recipe for fresh, creamy almond milk. It’s delicious and good for you—it has tons of protein and fiber! Ingredients: 1 cup raw almonds or cashews 3 cups water Sugar or sweetener, to taste Read more… http://dlvr.it/1l8vv
How to Make Almond Milk
Episode 70 of OrganicAuthority TV watch it now! Check out this video to learn how to make almond milk. It’s super simple, and the organic almond milk is fresh and creamy—it also has tons of protein and fiber! Read more… http://dlvr.it/1l50p
Is Your SPF 30 Sunscreen Safe?
We all know how essential sunscreen is. It’s supposed to protect us from sun burn and cancer, right? Well, not so fast says the Environmental Working Group, a consumer watchdog. They just came out with their 2010 Sunscreen Guide that rates the best and worst sunscreens. Read more… http://dlvr.it/1l50q
Genes, Pesticides Linked to Parkinson’s Disease in...
Pesticide exposure, coupled with a genetic variant in the body, appears to be associated with an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease in men, according to a study published in this month’s _Archives of Neurology_. Parkinson’s disease, which remains incurable, attacks patients’ motor abilities and is characterized by four primary signs: *
8 Tips for Growing A Greenhouse Organic Vegetable...
There are many advantages to growing organic vegetables in a greenhouse. Although you won’t automatically be weed and pest free just because you are growing indoors, you will have complete control over how you protect your precious organic plants. Lean to greenhouses are especially well adapted to an organic garden as you can place them close to your kitchen door. Because lean-tos are...
Turning a Suburban Yard into an Organic Farm
_Article by Rachel Rossitto, originally published May 2010 on Tonic._
What You Need to Know about the Farm Bill
_by Maria Rodale_ Before your eyes completely glaze over and you skip over this little article to read something more fun, consider this: We only have one chance every five years to make significant changes to how we farm, how we feed our kids at school, how we protect our wildlife, how we fuel our cars and our homes and, finally, how we help those in need eat better. http://dlvr.it/1jVKJ
Female College Students May Overindulge in Coffee...
Previous studies have found that gourmet coffee beverages (GCBs) contribute to weight gain, but female college students may be at particular risk—especially if they choose whole-fat over nonfat options. Researchers from the Simmons College Department of Nutrition in Boston studied how often college women indulge in GCBs, as well as how these drinks affect overall caloric intake. Most of the...
Watermelon and Tomato Salad
Crisp watermelon, juicy tomatoes and fresh basil create a refreshingly light salad, especially when splashed with balsamic vinegar. Just cut up the ingredients, and store them in separate containers. Toss the salad right before serving to keep flavors fresh. http://dlvr.it/1jNlB
How to Be Organic On a Budget
It stinks to admit it, but most times organic foods are more expensive than the regular stuff; sometimes organic farmers markets are cheaper or about the same. So how do you go organic on a budget, especially in this miserable United States economy? Easy, you kidnap a genie and make a wish! No, it’s easier than that. RedPlum, a promotional company that helps sell various food products, from...
Senate Thwarts Effort to Weaken Clean Air Act
Hmm. Where have I heard this before? A Republican legislator from Alaska, who happens to be female, wants to restrict the Environmental Protection Agency’s ability to cut greenhouse gas emissions. The only surprise? I’m not talking about Sarah Palin, who’s consistently two dogs short of a full sled. From somewhere within the bowels of Bizarro World, Sen. Lisa Murkowski introduced a resolution Jan....
Just Leave the Damn Oil in the Ground
Sarah Palin’s “drill, baby, drill” mantra seems all the more idiotic as we watch the environmental scoundrels at BP try to contain the disastrous oil spill they caused along the Gulf Coast (with, I should add, a little help from Dick Cheney’s greedy cohorts at Halliburton). “While this is a popular strategy among Republicans, Tea Partiers and Blue Dog Democrats, it is a terrible policy,” says...
Organic Lawn Care: Mow High
Want to give your lawn an advantage over heat, drought, weeds and bugs? Set your mower to one of the highest cut settings, advise the experts from Scotts, a company known for numerous organic gardening products. Roots will remain deep, and water will reach soil more effectively. Longer blades of grass also: http://dlvr.it/1dB8Y
Alice Waters' Green Goddess Dressing - Episode 69
Episode 69 of OrganicAuthority TV watch it now! This dressing is delicious! The herbs and citrus will really give some kick to any salad. If you're in the market for an exciting new salad dressing, you should definitely try the Green Goddess Dressing from Chez Panisse Vegetables by Alice Waters. Read more… http://dlvr.it/1c18W
Prisons Using Gardens to Rehab Inmates
Don’t you think the world would be a better place if everyone did a little gardening? An unexpected group is coming around to that idea—prison administrators. The National Resource Defense Council is reporting that prisons across the country are harnessing the therapeutic powers of gardening. In Philadelphia, lucky and cooperative inmates get to tend the prison’s organic garden, which...
Wal-Mart is a Major User of Organic Cotton
I’m not a Wal-Mart fan. It’s a big “evil” corporation - although I buy my crazy pills there, because they’re super cheap - but Wal-Mart isn’t all bad. According the Organic Cotton Market Report 2009, Wal-Mart, along with Nike and Target, are major buyer of organic cotton. This contributes to the global retail sales of organic cotton jumping to $4.3 billion in 2009, from...
Organic Truffle Oil: A Savory Splurge
Truffles, often referred to as the “ultimate mushroom,” are known for their earthy flavor and wallet-denting price (up to $4,000 per pound). Organic truffle oil is a less expensive option, with different varieties available online and at well-stocked natural and organic food stores. But read labels carefully. As Chef Daniel Patterson of San Francisco’s Coi Restaurant reports in the New York Times,...
Natural DIY Skin Care: Cellulite Treatment -...
Episode 68 of OrganicAuthority TV watch it now! Tired of dishing out cash for skin care treatments when you don’t even know what the ingredients are? Then you might be ready for a natural, inexpensive way to get your body more bikini-ready. Check out this healthy, DIY anti-cellulite tincture recipe, complete with treatment instructions! Read more… http://dlvr.it/1XyHg
Natural DIY Skin Care: Cellulite Treatment
Skin care treatments in the store have two things going against them. They’re expensive and full of mystery ingredients. If you’re looking for a natural, inexpensive way to get your body more bikini-ready, check out this healthy, DIY anti-cellulite tincture recipe, complete with treatment instructions!
A Natural Solution for Runny Noses
Julie Pickens and Mindee Doney have impressive executive resumes. Pickens, 43, was a sales manager for Gallo Winery and Miller Brewing, and she operated six Coldstone Creamery and Wetzel’s Pretzels franchises. Doney, 34, managed West Coast marketing for Procter & Gamble. Each woman also had three children who suffered from the usual pediatric colds and allergies. As noses ran and became...
Grass-Fed Cows Make More Heart Healthy Milk
What would you rather drink? Milk from a cow chained up in a barn eating slop through a hole, or a cow allowed to graze in a field? Hopefully you picked the latter. Lots of organic farmers believe food from free range livestock is better and healthier - they’re probably right! And now a new study says milk from grass-fed cows is healthier for the heart than conventionally produced milk....
Give Our National Parks Some TLC
More than 275 million people visit America’s national parks each year, but “years of underfunding, pollution and climate change have taken a toll on our national treasures,” says Theresa Pierno, executive vice president of the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA). That’s why four-time Country Music Association Entertainer of the Year Kenny Chesney has partnered with granola-bar company...
Sweet Potato, Pineapple and Cheddar Salad
Our weekend recipe combines the classic flavors of sweet potato, chicken and pineapple, accented with reduced-fat Cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. All of the ingredients in today’s recipe should be available at a well-stocked natural and organic food store. Enjoy! http://dlvr.it/1T0Zv
How About Some Cadmium with Your Happy Meal?
McDonald’s has voluntarily recalled approximately 12 million Shrek Forever After collectible glasses (above)—sold since May 21 at the chain’s U.S. restaurants—because they contain high levels of cadmium. The premium incentive (aka McBribery) was designed to accompany the Shrek Happy Meal promotion (right), which launched last month as a tie-in with the new Shrek 3D movie. You can thank California...
U.S. Cigarettes among the Highest in Harmful...
Bad news if you’re a smoker - actually, more bad news. On top of smoking heightening risk cancer and other health problems, like heart disease, U.S. cigarettes have been found to contain higher levels of dangerous chemicals compared to foreign smokes. When Americans puff, we inhale more bad stuff than cigarettes made in places like Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. But don’t...
Health Insurers Invest Billions in Fast Food...
Health and life insurance companies are supposed to be concerned about keeping people healthy and lowering healthcare costs. Why, then, are they major investors in the fast food industry—to the tune of nearly $2 billion? Researchers at Cambridge Health Alliance and Harvard Medical School found that major U.S., Canadian and European-based insurance firms hold at least $1.88 billion of investments...
22 Toxic Products that Pet Stores Need to Ditch
Help protect your pets from dangerous chemicals! Research shows that many flea collars for sale at major pet stores contain chemicals known to cause cancer and neurological damage to humans and pets. Luckily, there’s a nation-wide consumer-led movement underway to get PETCO and PetSmart to pull these dangerous products off their shelves. The Natural Resource Defense Council has a request for...
Selecting Organic Tomato Varieties
_By Kathy Bond-Borie, Guest Columnist _ Store-bought tomatoes are nearly devoid of flavor, so growing your own is the best way to truly savor the taste of this fruit, which captures the essence of summer. But with thousands of organic varieties available—from cherished heirlooms to the hottest new hybrids—how do you narrow your choices? Ripening Time If you’re buying seeds to start your own...
