Organic Gardening and Farming in Fiji

How meat lovers can reduce their food footprint

noreply@blogger.com (Stuart Gow) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 20:58:00 +0000

by Laetitia Mailhes

To eat meat or not to eat meat, that is the question. I find there are many layers to deciding whether to eat meat, what meat to eat and how often. Health, environmental, and social justice considerations all come to mind. They leave a lot of us confused. In some cases, we collapse them into a dogmatic approach that keeps us separate from what actually works best for us.

Here is the map of the land as I’ve drawn it while searching for my own path:

HEALTH

    * pros

Meat is the most naturally occurring, well balanced and easily obtained package of proteins, essential acids and source of iron and Vitamin B12 that you can find.

    * cons

Many scientific studies have demonstrated that meat is linked to the main health issues that plague our Western society (cancer, diabetes, heart diseases, strokes, etc.). Not only is it acid forming in the body, but it taxes the digestive system. The latter is poorly designed to eliminate meat in a timely fashion. Putrefaction in the colon, especially, has been shown to be linked to severe illnesses.

Finally, let’s not forget the impact on our health of the various antibiotics, hormones and other suspicious substances that the meat industry routinely injects in the animals we end up eating—whether we enjoy them as steaks, bacon or processed food. And that’s not even taking into account the various health-frights due to meat packers negligence that regularly pop up in the news.

ENVIRONMENT

“The livestock sector is one of the top two or three most significant contributors to the most serious environmental problems, at every scale from local to global.” United Nations report, 2006

    * resource consumption

Meat production is the least efficient way to provide food. It requires more than eight times as much fossil-fuel energy than plants per calorie output, according to a landmark Cornell’s ecologist’s analysis. It also consumes up to 100 times (or more, depending on the studies) more water than plants per pound produced.

    * pollution

The meat industry is responsible for 51% of global greenhouse gas emissions, according to the Worldwatch Institute. The main culprits are manure, the fossil-fuel energy intensive crops used for animal feed and deforestation.

The phosphates and nitrates contained in manure are also a major cause of water pollution. Hauled to sea by streams and rivers, manure is linked to the spread of dead zones in coastal waters around the world.

    * demographics

The consumption of meat has doubled in the past 30 years. The emergence and growth of a middle-class in China and India, especially, is linked directly to the steady increase in meat consumption. Simultaneously, the demand for cheap meat is on the rise, pushing the industry to expand “low-[financial]cost” (i.e. high-[environmental]cost) operations globally. In other words, air and water pollution as described above will keep worsening. Unless we keep meat consumption in check and change meat production practices.

LABOR ISSUES

Once a rival to the auto industry in terms of working conditions and benefits, the highly consolidated American meat packing industry has destroyed its unions in the name of lowering labor costs. Working conditions have been steadily deteriorating for the past 30 years, resulting in levels of injuries not seen since the early 1900s and leading to a high employee turnover. Undeterred by their critics, including Human Rights Watch, American meat packers recruit their cheap labor from more and more distant lands and don’t shy away from smuggling illegal immigrants from Mexico. The movie “Food, Inc.” has some rather revealing scenes on the subject—well worth checking out if you haven’t already.

There you have it in a nutshell. Feel free to pick and toss all these ingredients as you wish and to create the recipe that works for you.

As for me, I believe I may have finally found a line of action actually anchored in time immemorial: MEAT IS A SPECIAL TREAT TO BE ENJOYED WITH RESPECT.

1/ keeping meat consumption to a minimum. My body benefits while the small amount keeps any potential health-related concern at bay.

2/ choosing only meat from an antibiotic-, hormone-free animal that was raised on a real farm (not CAFO) and that ate solely what it was designed to feed on—like grass.

Tip: “pasture-raised” in the keyword (“natural” means nothing and “free-range” hardly more).

Also, I want to support the small farmer rather than the big conglomerates, so I make sure that the meat was produced locally. It’s actually as simple as ASKING the butcher or the waiter at the restaurant (if you feel self-conscious about that, bear in mind that consumer demand is a direct factor of sustainable meat availability).

Tip: you can go the extra mile if you eat meat often and join a meat CSA or share a farm-raised animal with other families.

3/ when challenged by the price premium of sustainable meat, being present to the high “external costs” (environmental, social and health-related) associated with cheap meat.

These are among hundreds of “green actions” you can take to reduce your carbon footprint, and contribute to a healthier planet. Take your free assessment on GoingGreenToday and receive your customized plan of action tailored to your household, with tips, links and easy access to a wealth of resources.

Asia Pacific’s first PADI Green Star Award awarded to Matava

noreply@blogger.com (Stuart Gow) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 04:20:00 +0000

We’re pleased to announce that Matava – Fijis Premier Eco Adventure Resort has received the first PADI Green Star award in the Asia Pacific region in November 2011 for our sustainable and eco-conscious environmental activities and business practices.

The program helps PADI Dive Centers and Resorts identify practical actions they can take to protect and preserve the environment. Because they choose which conservation actions they would like to implement, PADI Dive Centers and Resorts can completely customize the program for their businesses.

“There’s more to going green than simply jumping on the eco bandwagon,” says Bob Coleman, Vice President of Sales, Retailer and Resort Association, PADI Americas, Latin America and Canada. “Well-organized conservation initiatives can reduce costs while strengthening your brand, especially when you strategically introduce them into your overall business plan.

Earning the PADI Green Star Award shows customers that you care about the environment and are taking action to protect it. With today’s environmentally-conscious divers, going green can be an important competitive advantage.”

Richard Akhtar of Matava and Mike Holme of PADI Asia Pacific

The PADI Green Star award requires dive operators and resorts to conduct an objective audit of their facility and business practices and assesses performance in water and energy use, transportation, waste management and conservation leadership.

“We hope other dive operations and tourism providers in the Asia Pacific region follow our example and help to protect their local environment and achieve sustainable business practises in a green and clean manner!” said Mr Stuart Gow, one of Matava’s Directors.

“We are extremely proud to win this award. We have been lucky to win overseas and global awards for our environmental policy in the past year, but it is especially gratifying to be recognised at home by our colleagues in Fiji.” he continued .

Richard Akhtar, Managing Director of Matava -- Fiji’s Premier Eco Adventure Resort said “At Matava, we are of course both happy and proud to receive this prestigious award. We find it even more important that the industry, by rewarding environmental efforts, choose to take a stand for the environment we depend on. We also see it as an important continuing signal to the community which at the same time can serve to inspire the numerous individuals and companies who have been doing so much, and continue to do even more in the field of environmental enlightenment and conservation. This award has highlighted Fiji’s leading role and efforts in this regard especially.”

PADI Green Star Award presented to Stuart Gow of Matava by Drew Richardson, President of PADI at DEMA 2012 (Danny Dwyer, Drew Richardson, Stuart Gow, Hendrick Nimb, Mike Holme)

“At Matava, we are of course both happy and proud to receive this prestigious global award. We find it even more important that the industry, by rewarding similar efforts, choose to take a stand for the environment we depend on. We also see it as an important continuing signal to the community which at the same time can serve to inspire the numerous individuals and companies who have been doing so much, and continue to do even more in the field of environmental enlightenment and conservation. This award has highlighted Fiji’s leading role and efforts in this regard especially in our our region of the South Pacific.”

Mr Akhtar finished by saying “Matava -- Fiji’s Premier Eco-Adventure Resort has again proved that it is indeed among the leaders in environmentally sensitive resorts worldwide, and this latest award solidifies our position as an example of how resorts can operate AND help maintain and improve the surrounding environment”

The Green Star award was presented to us during DEMA week in November 2011 by PADI’s Project Aware and PADI President Mr Drew Richardson.

###

Notes to editors

About Matava -- Fiji’s Premier Eco Adventure Resort

Matava -- Fiji’s Premier Eco Adventure Resort, is an eco adventure getaway offering you a fun and unique blend of cultural experiences and adventure activities in the environmentally pristine and remote island of Kadavu in the Fiji Islands. Matava -- Fiji Premier Eco Adventure Resort is a PADI Dive Resort as well as a Project AWARE GoEco Operator. With more than 12 years experience in the Fiji Islands, Matava is recognized as a leading educational dive centre. Matava offers accommodation for up to 22 guests in lush tropical surroundings in traditional thatched Fijian ‘bures’ with hardwood polished floors, louvre windows and private decks offering privacy, comfort and superb ocean views.

For interviews, images or further information please contact Stuart Gow, Stuart@Matava.com, t: 679-997-5416

About PADI Green Star Awards:

PADI Dive Centers and Resorts have a powerful new tool to help organize and implement environmental conservation programs -- and be recognized for their efforts -- with the PADI Green Star Award. The program helps PADI Dive Centers and Resorts identify practical actions they can take to protect and preserve the environment. Because they choose which conservation actions they would like to implement, PADI Dive Centers and Resorts can completely customize the program for their businesses. For additional information, contact Roger Josselyn at 800 729 7234 (US and Canada) or +1 949 858 7234 ext. 2519.

Asia Pacific’s first PADI Green Star Award awarded to Matava, Fiji | Matava - Fijis Premier Eco Adventure Resort

Take a Friend to Fiji for 50% off Matava package: 2nd Person Half Price on Land and Air! | Matava - Fijis Premier Eco Adventure Resort

noreply@blogger.com (Stuart Gow) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 20:29:00 +0000

Matava Summer Special

2nd Person 50% off

Escape to Fiji to Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco Adventure Resort and the ***Second Person* stays *Half Price*** !

Valid for travel between 1st December 2011 – 29th February 2012

Details:

valid for double / twin share
ANY Matava Dive, Romance or Adventure Package
5 nights stay or longer
All meals and airport transfers included
Complimentary Snorkelling on Critter Junction
Waterfall hike and village afternoon
Lovo feast and kava ceremony

Additions:

Extra night – 2nd person half price (based on double occupancy)
Extra days diving – 2nd person half price
Single Supplement – Waived
Based on published package and add on rates
Excludes gamefishing and kayaking packages
Travel through 29th February 2011 subject to availability
Blackout period: travel Between 23rd December 2011 and 29th December 2011 excluded

Air Pacific Special

Take a Friend to Fiji for Half Price Air special.

Discover the wonders of Matava in Fiji and save money on the second person.

For a limited time, 2nd passenger gets 50 % off airfare from Los Angeles on Air Pacific.

From now until March 31, 2012 travel to fabulous Fiji and the second passenger travels for 50% off airfare!

TRAVEL DATES: valid 1 Oct 2011 through 31 March 2012
Sale ends Dec. 31

(No travel on the special airfare permitted during the blackout of 15-Dec-11 to 15-Jan-12)

—

Book your Escape to Fiji to Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco Adventure Resort and the Second Person stays Half Price !

Click here to book your private haven in a Honeymoon Bure today and see the panoramas and vista for yourself from your own private deck in Kadavu, Fiji!!

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Take a Friend to Fiji for 50% off Matava package: 2nd Person Half Price on Land and Air!

FOUR PILLARS OF SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

noreply@blogger.com (Stuart Gow) — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 04:02:00 +0000

FOUR PILLARS OF SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

1. REDUCE...

By far the biggest impact we can have on global warming is to reduce our consumption. There are dozens of ways which have significant impact without really affecting our lifestyles. These include everything from switching off unneeded lights to car-pooling.

2. REUSE...

We can cut down considerably on waste if we use things more than once.
Especially packaging and containers – we must do away with single-servings and introduce reusable containers.
Additionally, many items we throw away could be given away or resold, to reduce the reliance of others on new goods.

3. RECYCLE...

Most of the waste products we pay others to take away could be turned into energy or money. Even rotting garbage gives off methane which could be used to power our cars.
In addition, separating your rubbish provides the means for others to recycle (one man’s trash is another man’s treasure).

4. REPLACE...

At present, we’re stripping resources from the world.
Everything from the fish in the seas to the grain on the farms is being seriously depleted. As the human population grows, it’s imperative that we are able to sustain ourselves at a ‘micro-’ level. That means each and every one of us needs to put back what we take out.

101 Tips for Sustainable Tourism

How meat lovers can reduce their food footprint

noreply@blogger.com (Stuart Gow) — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 19:58:00 +0000

Fiji feels like paradise - The Boston Globe

noreply@blogger.com (Stuart Gow) — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 21:55:00 +0000

To travel 7,500 miles for a five-star, air-conditioned villa on the beach would have been to miss the heart of Fiji. That was not what I had in mind as I traveled with a 50-pound suitcase of medical supplies from the East Coast to Fiji’s Nadi International Airport and on to Kadavu.

Paradise on land, sea

Rising from the sea in a wall of densely forested mountains, Kadavu, the fourth largest of Fiji’s 333 islands, is surrounded by Great Astrolabe, the world’s fourth largest barrier reef. Eight years ago, after sailing through Fiji’s Yasawa archipelago, I came here on a whim and ended up pledging to provide medical supplies for one of the villages. Now I was returning to fulfill that promise and explore the closest place to paradise I had ever been.

Kadavu’s seduction is twofold: the seclusion of an almost uninhabited island and a culture so embracing that you do not feel alone. Divers come here to drift down the five Great Astrolabe reef passages. Snorkelers like me find opportunities to wriggle through soft coral gardens fringing bay after deeply indented bay.

For my 10-day stay the thunderous reef breaks and empty gold and white beaches seemed to belong to only a few visitors. Of course, they do not. Kadavu is home to 75 small villages where smartphones and tradition coexist to a surprising degree. Seemingly poor, they are rich with natural resources that still sustain them. A growing number of eco-resorts help preserve their environment and way of life.

When I met Adrian Watt, Richard Akhtar, and Jeanie Mailliard on my first trip, they had just left high-powered jobs to become the owners of Matava Resort on Kadavu’s southeast coast. Recently joined by co-owner Stuart Gow, they set a gold standard on the island for blending with the local ethos while building a full-service adventure outfit.

Almost invisible from the water, nine grass-and-wood “bures,’’ or bungalows, keep alive a natural construction method that Fijians are forsaking for concrete. Solar-powered hot showers and ocean breezes for air conditioning make guests feel virtuously green. One of Akhtar’s first acts on arriving was to negotiate a no-take agreement with his Kadavu Koro village neighbors who own the fishing rights in the area. The result is a flourishing marine preserve around little Waya Island, a short swim from the resort’s dock.

Mailliard’s first project was an organic garden that supplies her gourmet menu, considered the island’s best. Dinners under the tall, open-air “bure-levu,’’ communal meeting space, bring guests together at lantern-lighted tables where the highlight could be a coconut-infused curry, or Fijian “kakoda,’’ citrus-cooked raw fish, made with your own deep sea catch of the day.

As Matava’s guests, we were welcomed not only to Kadavu Koro’s waterfall, at 80 feet the island’s tallest, but also to the village.

Continued...

Fiji feels like paradise - The Boston Globe

Green Your Pet Care

noreply@blogger.com (Stuart Gow) — Mon, 30 May 2011 19:55:00 +0000

For those who are working toward *getting green*, solutions often boil down to "moderation". One pet per person in your household is ideal. That way the person doesn't become overwhelmed by having to care for too many animals, and the pet is living in a healthier, more caring environment.

As pet-owners, we love everything about our pets. Well, *almost* everything.

There is the issue of what to do with their poop!

There are now several biodegradable kitty litters available made from corn/wheat/pine flakes or recycled paper. The clumping varieties clump just as well as clay and are better for the environment. For dogs, whether you're walking him in public areas, or just letting him "do his business" in your yard, it is highly recommended to pick up the poop and dispose of it properly.

There are several environment-friendly ways of disposing of your pet's waste
products:

1. Put it in the Garbage

    This is the *preferred* method in most areas, as landfills are designed to deal with the waste, however the use of biodegradable bags will help by not adding plastic to the landfill. Garbage collection sometimes has restrictions, such as "only 10% of your garbage can contain pet waste". *

Other* locations will NOT accept pet waste in the garbage. Be sure to research the regulations in your area, so you are aware of the rules. They are there for a reason.

2. Bury or Compost

    This is the next-best preferred method but keep in mind the following:

only use this method on ornamental gardens (not food/veggie gardens or lawns). Pet waste contains pathogens or worms/pests that may end up living in your lawn/soil for years, contaminating the groundwater, or worse, infecting humans or other pets who may come into contact with it. If you use this method, a) bury it *deep*, b) mix or chop it in with the soil, and c) ensure it isn't too close to a waterway. If done improperly, burying or composting can be the equivalent of having a broken sewer system.

3. Flush It!

    If you're on a *septic system*, this is NOT a good idea. Pet waste contains things like hair and ash that can clog your drain field or fill your septic tank prematurely. However, if you are on a *city sewer system*, flushing is usually acceptable because it ultimately goes to a sewage treatment plant. If you are flushing cat poop from the litter box, be sure to use a flushable/biodegradable litter!

4. Pet Waste Digesters

    The same problems can occur with a digester system as with composting and burying. There are still diseases and worms that can be harmful to humans and animals. Exposure can cause ringworm, cramps, diarrhea, intestinal illness, and serious kidney disorders.

5. Don't Dispose At All

    You've probably noticed that if you leave dog poop on the lawn, it causes burn spots and discoloring. Imagine what happens when it leeches into the water supply! Dog and cat poop are NOT good fertilizer due to their concentration of toxins. All pet waste should be disposed of by one of the above four methods.
There are many rewards to pet-ownership, but it is our responsibility as a *green

family* to make sure their waste is disposed of in the healthiest way possible in order to ensure we are creating a *healthy family *environment.

Each region may have different regulations specific to the unique needs of that area, so if you're looking for *green solutions*, the best place to start is by researching the websites or publications of your local government.

For more ways to green your pet care, go to Going Green Today to take the Quiz.

Sources:

http://www1.co.snohomish.wa.us/Departments/Public_Works/Divisions/SWM/Services/Water_Pollution/Pet_Waste_Disposal_Methods.htm

http://www.islandcounty.net/planning/documents/PetWasteBrochureFINAL2007.pdf

http://your.kingcounty.gov/solidwaste/naturalyardcare/petwaste.asp

http://www.kingcounty.gov/environment/wtd/Education/ThingsYouCanDo/HowtoGetRid.aspx#7979CEBB364F4028827297708AE50149

Biodegradable flushable bags

http://www.pethabitats.com/

http://www.composters.com/pet-waste-products.php

Dog-Waste Composter (in an area where it's not allowed in the garbage bin).

http://www.cityfarmer.org/petwaste.html

Harrying Statistics (with sources cited):

http://www.doodycalls.com/resources_toxic_dog_waste.asp

Guide to a Green Nursery

noreply@blogger.com (Stuart Gow) — Sun, 15 May 2011 20:12:00 +0000

When it comes to your infant, greener is safer. With so many chemicals in baby products, the best defense is a good offense. That means buying the right green choices from the start. To reduce exposure to potential toxins, remember that your baby is exposed to two environments that need protection: the immediate indoor environment and the world at large.

To get this done there are 2 strategies to follow

1.    reduce indoor toxins by choosing non-toxic products

2.    reduce global toxins and waste by buying less and buying used

KEEP IN MIND : Adult immune systems are able to fight off and eliminate certain toxins, but infants are still developing and especially sensitive. This is why it is important to check for hidden toxins. Follow this check list to have a safer, greener nursery!

1. Greener Paint

    Choose a natural pain that is milk, soy, or plant based. These paints are labeled “Zero VOC” which means they have no volatile organic compounds.

    No Lead Based Paint.

2. Greener Flooring

    Wood and bamboo are natural choices for your green nursery floor. Make sure glues and sealants are zero or low VOC and non-toxic. Carpeting should be avoided as it often contains dangerous chemicals such as flame retardants and petrochecmial stain repellents.

3. Greener Furniture

    Avoid plywood and pressed board furniture which may contain toxic resins. Synthetic materials also may off gas and disrupt air quality. Well built natural wood furniture is the best choice. It is long-lasting and will withstand toddlerhood.

    Consider buying real wood furniture second hand. It is easily updated with a coat of non-toxic milk paint.

4. Greener Bedding

    Your infant will spent most of the day sleeping. Safe bedding is essential. Organic fabrics are now widely available in a variety of styles and colors to match any nursery theme.

5. Greener Hygiene

    Soaps, diapers, powders, lotions, and wipes all come in direct contact with your infant’s skin. Read the label! If there is a warning, don’t risk it. Consider cloth diapering or making your own wipes. The cost savings is undeniable.

6. Greener Toys

    Plastics leach BPA, phthalates, and more. Skip plastic toys or search for corn-based plastics. Organic cloth and wood toys are widely available as well as toys made from recycled materials.

7. Greener Feeding

    Making your own baby food is easy and cost effective. Search for baby dishes and spoons that are made from safe materials such as natural rubber or silicone. Store baby food in glass jar or other non-leaching container.

Have questions about other baby items on your registry? Look for organic labels and read the product safety information.

For more ways to green your nursery and keep your infant and the planet protected, take the EcoQuiz at Going Green Today! You’ll get plenty of helpful tips to save you money and save CO2. You can even get a personalized eco-plan that is taylored to your green family’s needs.

“GREEN” HOUSE EFFECTS: Five Steps to a Greener Home

noreply@blogger.com (Stuart Gow) — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 20:32:00 +0000

“GREEN” HOUSE EFFECTS: Five Steps to a Greener Home (Lauren Brombert)

They don’t make noise. They don’t need much attention. Your basic household products seem harmless enough. But hiding in the kitchen, bathroom, broom closet and garage are cleansers whose ingredients have been linked to cancer, neurological diseases, reproductive and immune system problems, autism and asthma.

The average American family spends $600 per year on 40 pounds of chemicals masquerading as cleansers, disinfectants, cosmetics and bath products. You flush them down your toilet, spray them on counters, sprinkle them in the bathtub, mop them on the floor, pour them down drains, squirt them on dishes, and, worst of all, put them on your body. Aside from the potential dangers to you, your children and your pets, these products leave their mark on the environment. With over 100 million households, the U.S. is spending $60 billion dollars on 4,000,000,000 pounds of toxic chemicals that will wind up in the air, soil and water supply.

Making your house “green” is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and for your family. And it’s pretty simple. In addition to lowering your health risks and saving money, you are helping to protect the planet now and for future generations. To find out how to create a “green” house, sign up for our Healthy and Green Makeover.

Five Steps to a Greener Home

1. Find

Go through every commercial product you use for your kitchen, bath, car, garden and body. This includes cleansers, polish/wax, cosmetics, moisturizers, shampoos, pesticides, air fresheners, disinfectants, fertilizers and paint.

2. Sort

Dispose of the unwanted items by dropping them off at your local hazardous waste location, or contact your local recycling program to find out if there is a specific day for hazmat pickup. Don’t throw them into the garbage because they’ll end up in your local landfill and waterways.

3. Replace

Look for environmentally conscious products. Many natural, organic and toxin-free products are now available at regular grocery stores and chains such as Target and Bed, Bath and Beyond. You can also purchase many of these products online. Another rule of thumb is that the fewer the ingredients, the better off you—and the environment—will be.

Invest

Natural housecleaning products and body care items can be a bit more expensive. But they are much cheaper than treating health problems associated with harmful ingredients. In spending a little more on healthful products you are buying a lot of peace of mind. Need some advice on choosing the best? Click on the Going Green Today link to see our recommendations.

Save

Since more and more multi-purpose products are becoming available, you don’t need to buy as many. An even more cost-effective solution is to make products yourself with a few basic ingredients.

Five Steps to a Greener Home

noreply@blogger.com (Stuart Gow) — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 19:53:00 +0000

By Lauren Brombert

They don’t make noise. They don’t need much attention. Your basic household products seem harmless enough. But hiding in the kitchen, bathroom, broom closet and garage are cleansers whose ingredients have been linked to cancer, neurological diseases, reproductive and immune system problems, autism and asthma.

The average American family spends $600 per year on 40 pounds of chemicals masquerading as cleansers, disinfectants, cosmetics and bath products. You flush them down your toilet, spray them on counters, sprinkle them in the bathtub, mop them on the floor, pour them down drains, squirt them on dishes, and, worst of all, put them on your body. Aside from the potential dangers to you, your children and your pets, these products leave their mark on the environment. With over 100 million households, the U.S. is spending $60 billion dollars on 4,000,000,000 pounds of toxic chemicals that will wind up in the air, soil and water supply.

Making your house “green” is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and for your family. And it’s pretty simple. In addition to lowering your health risks and saving money, you are helping to protect the planet now and for future generations. To find out how to create a “green” house, sign up for our Healthy and Green Makeover.

Here are five steps for a “greener” home:

1. Find

Go through every commercial product you use for your kitchen, bath, car, garden and body. This includes cleansers, polish/wax, cosmetics, moisturizers, shampoos, pesticides, air fresheners, disinfectants, fertilizers and paint.

Sort

Dispose of the unwanted items by dropping them off at your local hazardous waste location, or contact your local recycling program to find out if there is a specific day for hazardous materials pickup. Don’t throw them into the garbage because they’ll end up in your local landfill and waterways.

3. Replace

Look for environmentally conscious products. Many natural, organic and toxin-free products are now available at regular grocery stores and chains such as Target and Bed, Bath and Beyond. You can also purchase many of these products online. Another rule of thumb is that the fewer the ingredients, the better off you—and the environment—will be.

Invest

Save

Since more and more multi-purpose products are becoming available, you don’t need to buy as many. An even more cost-effective solution is to make them yourself. All you need is a few basic ingredients.

Matava wins Environment/Local Sustainability Award at AON Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Stuart Gow) — Sat, 26 Feb 2011 06:34:00 +0000

Matava wins AON Fiji Excellence in Tourism Award 2010

Matava has been awarded the Environment/Local Sustainability Award at the AON Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards

KADAVU, FIJI ISLANDS – 26th February 2011 – Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco-Adventure Resort is proud to be announced as the winner of the Environment/Local Sustainability Award at the AON Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards 2010 for its policies on environmental sustainability and the environment.

The annual Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards night sponsored by AON was held at the The Warwick Resort and Spa on the Coral Coast on Friday 26th February 2011, and attended by Matava Director, Stuart Gow. Many local tourism operators and business people attended the evening presentations. This year there were over a thousand nominees in the 12 categories. This glamourous event was Red Sea Rig & Cocktail theme, welcoming guests with a 3 course dinner, an awards ceremony & fantastic live entertainment with a turn out of over 400 guests.

The Environment/Local Sustainability Award recognises efforts to preserve the environment & local communities for the benefits of locals & visitors alike in developing & fostering both environmental & national conservation. It also assesses efforts to support cultural initiatives and promote public awareness and education in support of “Fiji Made” products by reducing their carbon footprint.

Matava was proud to be nominated in 3 categories, and was chosen as a finalist in all nominated categories at this year’s AON Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards. Bite Me Gamefishing Charters and Mad Fish Dive Centre were recognised as finalist in the Fiji Experience Award, and Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco Adventure Resort was a finalist in the Quality Accommodation Award as well as winning the Environment/Local Sustainability Award.

Richard Akhtar, Managing Director of Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco Adventure Resort said “At Matava, we are of course both happy and proud to receive this prestigious award. We find it even more important that the industry, by rewarding environmental efforts, choose to take a stand for the environment we depend on. We also see it as an important continuing signal to the community which at the same time can serve to inspire the numerous individuals and companies who have been doing so much, and continue to do even more in the field of environmental enlightenment and conservation. This award has highlighted Fiji’s leading role and efforts in this regard especially.”

About Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco Adventure Resort:

Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco Adventure Resort, is an eco adventure getaway offering you a fun and unique blend of cultural experiences and adventure activities in the environmentally pristine and remote island of Kadavu in the Fiji Islands. Matava – Fiji Premier Eco Adventure Resort is a PADI 5 Star Dive Resort as well as a Project AWARE GoEco Operator. With more than 14 years experience in the Fiji Islands, Matava is recognized as a leading educational dive centre. Matava offers accommodation for up to 22 guests in lush tropical surroundings in traditional thatched Fijian ‘bures’ with hardwood polished floors, louvre windows and private decks offering privacy, comfort and superb ocean views.

About AON Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards:

The awards which have been in existence for 14 years, honour those who have made a significant input to Fiji’s most important industry. The prestigious awards are given to individuals, groups and companies in a broad range of categories; covering accommodation, restaurant and dining, tours and transportation, environmental and local sustainability. Winners were chosen as part of a nomination process which began late last year and closed in January. Recipients of the various awards have proven dedication, active participation and innovation in their fields of speciality, and have thus merited the esteem of the industry. Over the years, the AON Excellence in Tourism Awards has grown in prestige and now not only bestows recognition but serves as an incentive for individuals and companies to aspire to greatness in the sector.

www.Matava.com

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Matava wins Environment/Local Sustainability Award at AON Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards 2010

ARE YOU WHAT YOU EAT? Seven Steps to Sustainable Eating

noreply@blogger.com (Stuart Gow) — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 20:51:00 +0000

By Lauren Brombert

We can’t live without it. But eating the wrong types of food can also lead to compromising our health. And it’s not just a question of obesity, which is at an all-time high. All kinds of conditions have been linked to poor nutrition, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and a variety of cancers. You’ve heard it before: “What you are is what you eat.” But what we put in our bodies doesn’t only affect us. It also affects the health of the planet.

How livestock is raised, how fruits and vegetables are grown, and how far food is transported to reach us are the questions we need to be asking if we want to make good nutritional—and environmental—choices.

Ready to change some habits? Here are some simple steps you can take.

1. Buy Organic

Food certified as organic follows strict guidelines in farming and processing practices. They have to be free of GMOs, artificial or synthetic fertilizers, antibiotics, preservatives and radiation. By selecting organic products, not only are you reducing your exposure to harmful chemicals and organisms, you are also reducing the amount of toxins used in the environment.

2. Avoid Antibiotics

When it comes to meat and dairy, make sure products have not been treated with antibiotics. Antibiotics are one of the most important medical discoveries of the 20th century. The more antibiotics you consume, however, the more resistant you will become to bacteria.

3. No Growth Hormones

A growth hormone called rGBH is used in U.S. industrialized farming to accelerate growth in animals. rGBH affects both the meat supply and dairy products. More and more evidence suggests that it may be responsible for increased rates of cell replication, which could lead to cancer. In addition to staying in the meat itself, growth hormones get passed through animal manure, contaminating the soil and groundwater.

4. Choose Fish Carefully

Overfishing causes serious problems. If a type of fish is killed off or insufficient numbers of mature males and females are left to reproduce, it can set of a chain of events that wreaks havoc on the environment for years to come. Buy fish and seafood from stores which require suppliers to uphold sustainable fishing practices.

5. Buy Local

The farther food has to travel to reach you, the more fuel is needed for air, ship or overland transportation. Help cut back on C02 emissions by buying food grown locally.

6. Eat What’s in Season

In the U.S., if you buy asparagus or peaches in the winter, you are only going to find imports. They’ll be a whole lot more costly than seasonal products—both to you and to the environment.

7. Stay Low on the Food Chain

Fruits, vegetables and legumes (which are at the bottom of the food chain) need far fewer resources to cultivate than meat. It takes 13 pounds of grain to create one pound of meat. By eating less meat, you are benefiting the economy and the environment.
These little adjustments in your daily life to keep your family and the planet healthy add up to make a big difference. There are hundreds of small but powerful green actions you can take. Our mission at Going Green Today is to provide you with a personalized, easy-to-follow “Green Makeover.” All you have to do is answer a few questions and, in minutes, you get a free report outlining your green action plan.

Each action will green your life, your world and your wallet, saving you up to a guaranteed $2000 each year. We’ll show you the way to “go green”...one step at a time.

Click here to start your FREE assessment now!

Don’t Let An Organic Egg Fool You

noreply@blogger.com (Stuart Gow) — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 20:48:00 +0000

We all know about the egg industry’s appalling record in terms of environmental and animal welfare management. Now, let’s not kid ourselves: overcooking eggs does not address the risk of salmonella infections. Neither does buying “organic” eggs. Salmonella is but the tip of the iceberg. Our responsibility, as consumers, is to pay close attention to the origin of the eggs we buy and to educate ourselves about the producer’s operations.

First off, don’t let an organic egg fool you: “organic” refers to the quality of the feed given to the hens but says nothing about their condition of living.

Which leads us to the second essential point: a battery-cage egg is not a cage-free egg is not a free-range egg is not a pasture-raised egg. These classifications have real implications for our health and the environment. To find out why, check out Rodale.com editor Leah Zerbe’s cue cards.

The great news is that the consumer is not alone anymore when having to choose between egg crates with various cryptic labels and statements: after a year of research, the Cornucopia Institute published its Organic Egg Report and Scorecard in the wake of last summer’s egg recall. Close to 70 brands are listed and ranked.

Another good news for the consumer: the new egg safety rule implemented by the FDA last July “requires the egg industry to take specific preventive measures to keep eggs safe during their production, storage and transport. Egg producers will also be required to register with FDA and to maintain a prevention plan and records to show they are following the regulation.”

The rule does not apply to egg producers who manage a flock of fewer than 3,000 hens or who sell their eggs directly to consumers.

This is good news long-term, one hopes, AND it should not give us an excuse to forfeit our responsibility in the kind of egg industry we choose to support with our money. Our health is at stake, as is the health of our planet. And not just our physical health, by the way: I would assert that supporting corporations that exploit workers and animals has a subtle, yet real impact on our overall well-being.

Finally, I don’t mean to ignore the fact that the most wholesome, nutritious, delicious eggs available command a steep price premium. My personal choice is to eat eggs only occasionally as a treat, and to favor healthy, protein-rich alternatives like sprouted lentils and quinoa.

These are among hundreds of tips you can adopt to “green” your lifestyle and contribute to a healthier planet. Take your free assessment on GoingGreenToday and receive your customized plan of action tailored to your household, with tips, links and easy access to a wealth of resources.

The Fiji Organic Project

noreply@blogger.com (Stuart Gow) — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 06:57:00 +0000

The mission of The Fiji Organic Project is to promote sustainable agriculture, particularly in the sugar cane industry, to strengthen the Fiji economy, while at the same time preserving Fiji’s unique natural environment and ensuring the health of Fiji’s farmers and citizens.

The Need:

While the impending expiration of the Lomé Convention (a preferential trading agreement between the EU and ACP countries) currently poses a great risk to Fiji’s economy, the drastic changes that the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) must undergo to maintain viability also present great opportunities. Soon Fiji will be competing on the world market for sugar trade, unless it is able to secure a niche market in which it could gain a comparative advantage.

Of equal importance is the pressure that Europe’s strong environmental lobby could place on the EU to force cane lands, where unsustainable agriculture is practiced, out of production. The sugar industry in Fiji has no option but to comply with the standards set in Europe, because the economy of the country depends so heavily on the sugar industry, and in turn, on the demand from foreign markets.

While Fiji’s economy is dependent on the sugar cane industry, there is a pressing need to create the most sustainable option within this industry. Organic production, renewable energy generation, and recycling of waste material can forge an alternative path for the developing nation comprised of over 300 islands. Surrounded by some of the most spectacular coral reef ecosystems in the world, Fiji’s unique natural environment will be destroyed if the harmful agricultural practices are not changed. A transition to organic is necessary to create a healthy future for the people of the Fiji Islands. The time is ripe for Fiji organic sugar.

Goals:

To assist Fijian sugar cane farmers in the transition to organic production methods
To make Fiji a leading global competitor in the burgeoning organic foods market
To build capacity amongst Fijian students, farmers, educators, and professionals, and promote self-reliance in development projects
To create a productive and self-sustaining business venture with the Fiji Sugar Corporation

The Fiji Organic Project sets out to accomplish its goals in 3 phases:

Phase I – Research & Planning
Phase II – Training & Implementation
Phase III – Certification & Market Entry, with ongoing training

For the Research & Planning Phase, we are creating an interdisciplinary research team composed of 15 Fijian graduate students from the University of the South Pacific and 15 local professionals who will produce a multi-pronged feasibility study for the sugar cane industry in Fiji to transition to organic production methods. Each student will be paired with and collaborate with a local professional in their specific field to ground the student’s research in real experience while also informing the professional’s work. The culmination of this study will be a two-day conference presenting its findings to Fiji government officials and a diverse group of stakeholders in the sugar industry.

The Fiji Organic Project needs your support!

We are currently seeking funding from foundations, businesses, organizations, and individuals, so that we can begin Phase I of the project by offering scholarships to Fijian university students and begin to build our research team.

Do you know of a foundation or organization who may be interested in our project? Have fundraising ideas for us? We’d love to hear from you!

For more information, please contact:
Molly Rockamann
Founding Director, The Fiji Organic Project
fijiorganic(at)yahoo(dot)com

The Fiji Organic Project

FREE HONEYMOON BURE UPGRADE ON ALL 10 DAY PACKAGES!

noreply@blogger.com (Stuart Gow) — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 01:32:00 +0000

FREE HONEYMOON BURE UPGRADE ON ALL 10 DAY PACKAGES!

Book any of our packages to go fishing, diving, bird watching, or indeed just hanging out at Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco Adventure Resort during the whole month of January and get upgraded to our exclusive Honeymoon Bure free!

Email us and ask for the
“10 DAY
HONEYMOON UPGRADE!”

Recognition for Matava at the Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Stuart Gow) — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 01:24:00 +0000

MEDIA RELEASE: 29^th November 2010

Recognition for Matava at the
Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards 2010

Matava has won in the Best in the Marine Environment category at this year’s Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards 2010 organised by responsibletravel.com.

The Judges said “Matava is a beacon for responsible tourism and an example to other dive sites. They maintain a strong commitment to both the conservation of the marine environment and the development of the local Fijian community. All staff and dive guides are from local villages, they have signed an agreement with local villages designating 3 established marine reserves as 100% no-take zones, across large geographic areas, and even succeeded in assisted in getting marine conservation on to the Fijian National Curriculum.”

At a ceremony hosted at World Travel Market (WTM), Docklands, London, on Wednesday 10^thresponsibletravel.com, organisers and founders of the Awards, and Amanda Wills, managing director of Virgin Holidays, headline sponsor of the Awards.

November, the Awards were handed out by Justin Francis, managing director of

Justin Francis, founder of The Responsible Tourism Awards and managing director, responsibletravel.com, organisers of the Awards said:

“This year I have been heartened by the depth of commitment and connection our winners have shown to the local communities in their destinations. Their successes and pioneering spirits are remarkable and the very real and authentic experiences they have created, set responsible tourism apart. They also remind us that holidays can be both luxurious for visitor and enhancing for local people – helping build schools, water pumps, clinics and conserving cultural and natural heritage.”

Lorna Young accepting Matava’s Award at WTM 2010

Richard Akhtar, Director of Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco Adventure Resort said:

Amanda Wills, managing director, Virgin Holidays, headline sponsor of the Awards said:

“I’m once again humbled by the commitment, drive and ingenuity of today’s winners. They have shown us all what can be achieved by the people and places seeking to benefit from tourism, even when the economic climate continues to challenge us all. Their’s is truly an example for the rest of the industry to follow, and I’m delighted that Virgin Holidays is again able to be a part of this celebration.”

Launched in 2004, the Awards are run in association with partners World Travel Market, Metro Newspaper and Geographical

Over the years the Awards have celebrated the best in responsible tourism, and attracted some of the best celebrity supporters, including Michael Palin and Paul Theroux!

In 2010 Simon Reeve, best-selling author, presenter and broadcaster launched the Awards with an exclusive interview in Metro Newspaper:

“The Responsible Tourism Awards focus attention on travel firms that are providing us all with amazing trips that make a difference to a local community while still protecting the environment and our planet. And they remind us that responsible travel is not only better for our world, it’s also more interesting and memorable. Responsible tourism is the future of travel.”

Liz Bonin, Wild Animal biologist, biochemist and presenter of ‘Bang Goes the Theory’ on BBC1 also lent her support to the Awards with an exclusive interview on wildlife and responsible tourism in Metro Newspaper:

“If we make the effort to respect our holiday destinations and contribute responsibly to the local economy by staying in local farms or homestays and exploring the local wildlife through eco-tourism, we benefit by getting a real sense of local culture and discovering hidden treasures we could never get from a faceless resort holiday, all the while knowing that we have our done our bit to keep this planet happy and healthy. The Responsible Tourism Awards are doing a fantastic job at reminding us of our duty to travel in this responsible way.”

For a full list of finalists, see www.responsibletourismawards.com

- Ends -

Notes to editors

About Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco Adventure Resort

For interviews, images or further information please contact Stuart Gow, Stuart@Matava.com, t: 679-997-5416

About The Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards

The Awards are the most prestigious and competitive of their kind in the world and are a collaboration between online travel directory responsibletravel.com; UK media partners Metro Newspaper and Geographical Magazine and World Travel Market who host the ceremony. The central tenet of the Awards is that all types of tourism – from niche to mainstream – can and should be operated in a way that respects and benefits destinations and local people.

About responsibletravel.com:

responsibletravel.com is the world’s leading travel agent for responsible holidays. The site offers over 3,500 richer, deeper and more locally distinctive travel experiences that are better for destinations and local communities.

Whether you’re after an action-packed adventure, a relaxing beach escape or a charming countryside getaway closer to home, there’s something to suit all tastes and budgets.

Co-founder, Justin Francis had the original idea for the website on his travels through Africa having completed his MSc in Responsible Tourism. He launched the site with backing from Dame Anita Roddick in 2001 and since then has been included in Courvoisier’s The Future 500, Thames and Hudson’s 60 Innovators Shaping Our Creative Future and taken his place on the Advisory Board of The International Centre for Responsible Tourism at Leeds Metropolitan University. Based in Brighton, England responsibletravel.com also campaigns for positive change in the travel and tourism industry.

Contact:

Stuart Gow
Stuart@Matava.com
+679 603 0685

Alex Lyons
press@responsibletravel.com
+44 (0)1273 648 519

Recognition for Matava at the Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards 2010 | Matava - Fijis Premier Eco Adventure Resort

Renewable Energy Developing in Fiji | Peachy Green

noreply@blogger.com (Stuart Gow) — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 04:55:00 +0000

I just returned from a week in the Fiji Islands, in the South Pacific.

The 333-island archipelago is located east of New Zealand and Australia and southwest of Hawaii, with only about 100 islands inhabited. The entire population is less than 900,000.

Renewable energy has been developing in Fiji for some time now. In fact, the Fiji government has adopted a Strategic Development Plan as part of its ambitious goal to become a 100% renewable energy power-reliant by 2011. There are several reasons why the government is promoting non-fossil fuel based resources:

Less expensive
More convenient
Easier to install and maintain
Infrastructure needs are usually minimal
Smaller carbon footprint – i.e. more environmentally friendly

Solar panels at Matava Fiji's Premier Eco Resort

Diesel costs have dramatically soared to over 200% over the last 4 years, yet 50% of electricity demand in Fiji is met by diesel generators. No wonder there is increasing usage of solar panels and wind energy there.

On Kadavu, south of the main island of Fiji, solar power is just about the only resource for turning on lights or using electricity. All of the cell towers are solar powered. The island is off-grid, which means you can only communicate with cell phones (where there is service) and wireless internet and other electrical-based uses are quite limited.

At Matava Fiji’s Premier Eco-Resort, electricity needs are minimal, given ample skylights, wide and open areas, and louvered windows that allow breezes to naturally cool the rooms. Most of the time, all electricity requirements are covered by the solar panels at the resort.

Renewable Energy Developing in Fiji | Peachy Green

New telephone numbers for Matava!

noreply@blogger.com (Stuart Gow) — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 04:08:00 +0000

Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort has installed a new Satellite Communications System with new telephone numbers. We have new methods of contacting Matava in the Fiji Islands including new telephone and fax numbers and a new Skype name! All running off the in-house solar power!

Our new permanent contact numbers are:

TELEPHONE: +679 603 0685

FAX: +679 603 0684

SKYPE: MatavaFiji

"And so what does this mean to you?" I hear you ask? Well one of the big step forwards is that we now have a 24 hour contact via Skype technology and voice-mail there-in on site at the resort. This will revolutionise our online reservations and booking system.

Matava Resort is proud to install this communications solution purely using the alternative power already available at the resort.

We will maintain our current CDMA/Easytel phone (+679 368 0080) until the end of August 2010, at which point they it be disconnected.

The new system runs on the Gilat SkyEdge System which supports telephony, broadband data and video communications via satellite. It is optimized for transaction-oriented applications, business continuity needs, legacy protocols, rural telephony deployments and multi-topology networks with mesh, star and multi-star topologies.

The system has an uplink speed of 64kbps where the service and support are provided by Connect Fiji.

Not only does the new service out perform its predecessors, the satellite network is designed to perform even under the heavy tropical rain.

The equipment installed at Matava is called a VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal). It consists of a 1.8m dish (situated hidden away behind the resort office) and outdoor electronics for communicating with the satellite and an indoor unit to which our standard telephone /fax lines and laptops are connected. The intelligence within the indoor unit processes the calls and distributes them to assigned telephone lines.

Power for the terminal is purely 12V DC and is supplied by our own in-house solar panels and batteries in our Main Bure complex.

Watch this space for the next phase in the program which is to make WiFi available directly to guests laptops in the Main Bure (shhhhh... this is currently top secret info!)

Once again, here are our new permanent contact numbers:

TELEPHONE: +679 603 0685

FAX: +679 603 0684

SKYPE: MatavaFiji

New telephone numbers for Matava!

Matava Resort - Kadavu, Fiji Islands

noreply@blogger.com (Richard of Matava) — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 02:14:00 +0000

Matava Resort - Kadavu, Fiji Islands
Originally uploaded by Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort

A Bike-Powered Mobile Coffee Shop Brews the Most Sustainable Cup in New York

noreply@blogger.com (Stuart Gow) — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 21:54:00 +0000

Fueling up on coffee to power through a bike ride? Sure. Using your bike to power a coffee shop? Now you're getting interesting. Comprising two bicycles, a fold-up coffee bar, and a hand-cranked grinder, Kickstand Coffee is a mobile shop that aims to provide "the best possible cup of coffee to community events in [New York City] with the smallest environmental impact possible."

The owners tow the components of the stand behind their bikes and set up shop in locations around the city. Once they've put together the bar, they hand grind the beans for each cup. The cold coffee is cold brewed, and the hot filters through a set of handsomely modified Chemex glass beakers. Each cup of coffee—hot or cold brewed—costs $2.50, which is pretty reasonable considering it might be the most sustainably produced eye-opener in town.

New Yorkers (or people visiting the Big Apple) can follow @KickstandCoffee on Twitter to find out where they are next.

Photos via the Kickstand Gallery

A Bike-Powered Mobile Coffee Shop Brews the Most Sustainable Cup in New York

Local Honey and Brilliniat Beekeeping

noreply@blogger.com (Stuart Gow) — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 20:56:00 +0000

He learned the practice from his siblings and father growing up and now has about 50 bee boxes producing honey all Spring, Summer and Fall. Mr Xi uses two types of bees to produce different honey: Italian and Chinese bees. Italian bees are the industry standard in the United States as well as China. They are favored for long hive life-span and their high production. Xi says he buys Italian bees from local breeders and can easily start new colonies to increase honey production.

Full story here: The Green Wall » Blog Archive » Local Honey and Brillinat Beekeeping at Mutianyu.

Organic Gardening, June/July 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Stuart Gow) — Fri, 14 May 2010 05:26:00 +0000

June/July 2010

Features:
Tomato Trifecta, page 30
Three talented chefs share their favorite varieties (think heirlooms!), tomato-growing tips, and delicious ways to enjoy them. Learn more about growing your best tomatoes.

Coming Home to Roost, page 36
Chickens are the pets du jour for good reason: they're fun and easy to keep, and they yield delicious benefits. Find out why there should be a chicken in every back yard. Learn how to quell your neighbor's concerns about your backyard flock.

From Mild to Wild, page 44
Not every pepper is a three-alarm fire. Some simply tingle; others have a smoky burn. Here are our favorite varieties of peppers.

Departments:
Common Ground, page 18
Jeff Cox on how everything is connected.

Tips from Our Readers, page 13
Organic Gardening readers are creative and resourceful—and they like to share.

Flower Power, page 24
Cool the summer garden with a moss urn.

Good Bug, Bad Bug, page 64
Eliminate strawberry root weevils.

Maria's Country Farm Kitchen, page 80
Maria Rodale publishes a passionate defense of organic growing. Read her story here. Find out more about the book on her blog, Maria's Farm Country Kitchen. Order a copy of Organic Manifesto here.

Find It Here, page 78
Learn more about the products and services mentioned in this issue.

Extras:
Weekly Newsletters
Sign up for our free newsletters here!

Simple Tips from Organic Gardening
Check out our most recent video series from Organic Gardening staff.
Watch them here!

Organic Gardening Holiday Recipe Contest Rules

Organic Gardening Tuscan Getaway Contest Rules

We Love This Tip! Contest Rules

http://www.organicgardening.com/

Coconuts

noreply@blogger.com (Stuart Gow) — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 21:18:00 +0000

Foods you should be eating but aren't... * COCONUTS *

Msn News and Forbes.com give a informative and interesting article about foods that you should be eating, but probably aren't, and most importantly.... why. The article is packed full of interesting facts.... especially about COCONUTS!

*** To see the full article please click here ***

...."Then there are coconuts, a terribly misunderstood food, according to Bowden. The fat in coconuts is a particular kind that's good for you. It's called MCT, or Medium-Chain Triglycerides. The body doesn't store MCT as fat, says Bowden, but rather uses it as energy, like a carbohydrate. Coconuts are also high in lauric acid, a fatty acid that tends to kill pathogens. In addition, coconut oil is great for cooking since it has a very high smoke point"....

Click here to check out our delicious certified organic, extra virgin, cold pressed Coconut Oil

Coconuts

Matava fully operational after Cyclone MICK - Matava - Fijis Premier Eco Adventure Resort

noreply@blogger.com (Stuart Gow) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 20:22:00 +0000

On Monday 14th December 2009 Fiji was hit by a Tropical Cyclone, TC Mick. The cyclone passed straight over the main island and just to the East of Kadavu Island. Although the resort experienced high winds and heavy rain, no damage was done to the resort at all, apart from the loss of some thatch from the corner of the roof of the dive centre. The guests and staff spent the whole day playing cards, board games and reading books safely in the Main Bure while Maggie served breakfast, lunch and dinner as normal. Richard has said that the biggest thing he is upset about is that most of the mangoes came down out the big mango tree! No mango jam this year!

By Tuesday 15th December we were once again fishing, diving and trekking as normal, in glorious sunshine albeit with a stiff breeze!

The cyclone passed quickly and was over in less than a day, however Kadavu island, like the main island, did experiences high winds. Kadavu's main Telecom Fiji tower in Vunisea sustained damage and at the moment, all communication (including mobile services) are down on Kadavu.

Unfortunately this means that we are currently unable to communicate directly with our reservations system at the resort. A communications issue such as this would normally be repaired quickly however with the other wind damage to many systems on the main island, it may be a few days before normal communications with the resort is re-established. Please bear with us.

Furthermore, Airports Fiji Ltd was also engaged in an upgrade to Kadavu Airport last week. Although no interruptions to services were expected, the works (now delayed by the cyclone) have now caused short term interruptions to flight services. All flights to and from Kadavu from Nadi International Airport and Suva Airport are currently suspended and we have been advised that the airport will re-open on the 18th December 2009.

We appreciate your patience in these matters, and rest assured that we are all fine and 100% fully operational at Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort.

May we take this opportunity to wish you and your family all the best for this festive season

Richard, Adrian, Jeanie, Stuart & The Team

Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort

Matava fully operational after Cyclone MICK - Matava - Fijis Premier Eco Adventure Resort

A unique experience - TripAdvisor

noreply@blogger.com (Stuart Gow) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 22:11:00 +0000

This place makes you forget about the rest of the world. The staff & management are so friendly, the views are amazing, but you have to put in mind that an enviornment friendly resort means its running on solar energy power, so dont expect ACs or fans, just clean pure air !

I'll be visiting Matava Resort again in the upcoming fishing season for sure.

A unique experience - Review of Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort, Kadavu Island, Fiji - TripAdvisor

Organic Gardening and Farming in Fiji

How meat lovers can reduce their food footprint

Asia Pacific’s first PADI Green Star Award awarded to Matava

Take a Friend to Fiji for 50% off Matava package: 2nd Person Half Price on Land and Air! | Matava - Fijis Premier Eco Adventure Resort

Matava Summer Special

2nd Person 50% off

Escape to Fiji to Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco Adventure Resort and the Second Person stays Half Price !

Valid for travel between 1st December 2011 – 29th February 2012

Additions:

Air Pacific Special

Take a Friend to Fiji for Half Price Air special.

TRAVEL DATES: valid 1 Oct 2011 through 31 March 2012Sale ends Dec. 31

Book Now by Contacting Us!

FOUR PILLARS OF SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

FOUR PILLARS OF SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

1. REDUCE...

2. REUSE...

3. RECYCLE...

4. REPLACE...

How meat lovers can reduce their food footprint

Fiji feels like paradise - The Boston Globe

Paradise on land, sea

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Guide to a Green Nursery

“GREEN” HOUSE EFFECTS: Five Steps to a Greener Home

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Matava wins Environment/Local Sustainability Award at AON Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards 2010

Matava wins AON Fiji Excellence in Tourism Award 2010

Matava has been awarded the Environment/Local Sustainability Award at the AON Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards

About Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco Adventure Resort:

About AON Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards:

www.Matava.com

ARE YOU WHAT YOU EAT? Seven Steps to Sustainable Eating

Don’t Let An Organic Egg Fool You

The Fiji Organic Project

The Need:

Goals:

FREE HONEYMOON BURE UPGRADE ON ALL 10 DAY PACKAGES!

Recognition for Matava at the Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards 2010

Renewable Energy Developing in Fiji | Peachy Green

New telephone numbers for Matava!

Matava Resort - Kadavu, Fiji Islands

A Bike-Powered Mobile Coffee Shop Brews the Most Sustainable Cup in New York

Local Honey and Brilliniat Beekeeping

Organic Gardening, June/July 2010

Coconuts

Matava fully operational after Cyclone MICK - Matava - Fijis Premier Eco Adventure Resort

A unique experience - TripAdvisor

Escape to Fiji to Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco Adventure Resort and the ***Second Person* stays *Half Price*** !

TRAVEL DATES: valid 1 Oct 2011 through 31 March 2012
Sale ends Dec. 31