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Dogs Remind Us Of Our Environment

Cee Bee — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 06:00:00 -0700

Whether it’s from the backseat of a car or right next to a mountain stream, there is nothing my dog loves more than the smell of clean fresh air. The reason I bring this up is because often times my dog is the one who is reminding me of just how much I cherish the environment.

The following is a daily occurrence for me that you may have experienced as well. Sometimes I’ll be laying in bed, eyes open, early in the morning knowing that the temperatures outside are nearly freezing but guess who’s staring into my eyes, thrilled to be alive and ready to get outside and enjoy the frigid air? Yeah, it’s my pup, sitting by my bed breathing on me, and no, he hasn’t brushed his teeth yet.

Okay, okay let’s go, but be quiet and don’t wake anyone else up. Yee haw, his tail is waggin’ now and banging the railing on the way down the stairs, so much for keeping quiet. Off to the park we go. The city is still quiet, slowly getting revved up for the day. The sun is just peeking over the horizon turning the scattered clouds a brilliant red color and there isn’t anyone around, beautiful, just me, my dog and the environment. By the way, thanks for the kick in the butt pooch, this is great.

That’s just one example of my pet reminding me how alive I feel when I’m out in the elements. A good long weekend out of the city camping is ten times as fun for both of us. My dog needs that time in the outdoors to feel good and I think humans do just as much. Perhaps our big brains or our busy lives sometimes get in the way of our instinctual desire to be outside. So next time your dog wants a quick run in the park don’t miss the chance for him or for you.

The case for pet adoption

Pinky Bean — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:05:00 -0700

We've already told you that literally millions of pets are euthanized every year. If you have a pet, we stressed the importance of ensuring they are spayed or neutered to prevent the problem of pet overpopulation from growing. If, on the other hand, you're looking to add a new member to your family, you have the opportunity to make a difference for at least one of those millions of animals that needs a good home. The best way I can think of to convince you that pet adoption is the best way to go is to share my own experience.

Just over two years ago, Mr. Pinky Bean and I decided we were ready to expand our family. We knew we were far from ready for children, but figured a pet would give us some experience in caring for another living being. I had grown up with dogs in my family, while this was to be Mr. PB's foray into the world of pet ownership beyond owning some fish. We were always in agreement that a dog was our animal of choice, and also agreed that with our work schedules, a puppy would not be the right choice, since we could not easily accommodate full training. We also determined a small- to medium-sized dog would be best with some house-training. One mandatory requirement was that they be good with children and have an even temperament, since we knew it would one day be important. We also had a few breeds in mind that we had experience with and wouldn't mind, but were also keeping open minds, trusting we would know the right dog for us when we found it.

With those points in mind our search began. We used mostly online resources, such as local newspapers and online databases. Our list of 'criteria' wasn't extremely particular, but most of the dogs we found were either much larger than what we were looking for or not good with children. Then on one fall evening, I paid another visit to Petfinder.com, one of the resources we had been faithfully searching. When the database displayed the newest postings, my heart immediately jumped: there he was! A Yorkshire Terrier, one of Mr. PB's favorite breeds, a bit bigger than the standard Yorkie with one ear that stood straight up and the other bent (perpetually, as we would later learn). He was house-trained and desperately needing a good home. To say it was love at first sight may sound horribly cliché, but my heart was racing. I immediately called the shelter where he was and left a message, than thought I'd better send an email too, lest they check their computers before their phone messages. I heard back the next morning: yes, he was still available since he had just been listed and would we like to fill out an application? To make a long story short we did and a few days later, we received the call that we had been chosen as the new home for the dog. A few days later, we made the journey to bring home our new family member, Wilson.

The day we picked him up was almost more nerve-wracking than a blind date. Would he like us? Would we love him right away? What kind of traits would we discover he had? Anxiously clutching a bag of liver tidbits our local pet store guaranteed he would love, we waited for the shelter staff to retrieve him from the back. Other dogs yapped excitedly (a heart-breaking sound when you wish you could give them all a loving home). However as soon as they brought Wilson out from the back room, our fears become non-existent. In the flesh, we fell for his big brown eyes even faster than in his photo. Within mere minutes we had established that he in fact, did know how to sit.

Now two years later, we look back and can hardly remember what it was like before Wilson entered our lives. The days when we could ignore the alarm clock and fall back asleep without a dog waking up immediately and standing on our stomach, licking any exposed skin until we finally relent and crawl out of bed to take him for his morning walk. The days where we could leave a piece of cheese on the coffee table and come back and still find it there. The days where we weren't greeted after work with a wagging tail, toy in the mouth and ready for playtime. And I don't think we'd change one thing, even in the rougher times, such as the paw infection that ended up lasting months and required many trips to the vet. For all of those minor issues, there has been at least one moment, but often several, of every single day we've had Wilson that we smile or laugh at something he does. Like the time he chased and caught a wild rabbit on his leash during his morning walk (the rabbit escaped mostly unscathed).

We may not know his exact breed (the vet guesses he's a a Yorkie-Silky Terrier), his age (five to six years is the estimate), his exact history (he was found wandering alone in a small town nearby, hungry and abandoned) or for that matter, why anyone would ever let him get away. What we do know is that he's fully house-trained, playful, but gentle enough that he's never bitten any dog or human in an aggressive way. He thrives on social interaction with other dogs and is willing to share his toys with them. He loves to sleep on my feet or the odd time, my head, and knows how to lie down, dance, roll-over and has just about mastered shaking a paw. And we know (quick break out a lighter!) that our lives are just a little better for loving him and being loved back unconditionally.

Some of the key lessons we learned in our adoption experience include:

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Make a list - Keep an open mind but still develop a list of traits and qualities you are looking for. You want to ensure your find an animal that is compatible with other family members and your lifestyle. For example, if you have younger children, you may not want a typically aggressive breed. Determine what you are looking for in advance before searching online or visiting a shelter. As cute as a face may be, the last thing you want to do is spontaneously make a decision and then find that you've chosen an animal with characteristics that aren't the right fit.

Ask questions - A shelter or organization may not know every last detail about an animal, but they may be able to offer insight into some of the characteristics that have emerged, such as if the pet is aggressive toward other animals or people. Find out if there are any obvious health issues. Most shelters provide a health report after a vet check-up. Find out what the adoption fee includes (most spay/neuter the pets, but some also include all shots, a few months worth of insurance, etc) and prepare for any costs not covered.

Find a vet - You don't want to frantically be searching for a vet in an emergency so find one before you ever need one. If it makes you more comfortable to "meet-and-greet" your vet, take your new pet in for a check-up in the first couple of weeks so you can ask questions and determine if you're comfortable with them.

Use your resources - Ask the shelter for advice on how to help your new friend adjust as quickly as possible. Research the breed you are considering to find out general information, such as common health concerns or disposition. Read some books on owning that particular pet to find out how to "communicate" with them (ie. Punish them if they misbehave, praise them if they do something good). If necessary, look into obedience school.

Give it time - When you do finally get your animal home, it takes weeks, even months, to really get to know their little quirks. The anxiety involved in living in a shelter often doesn't bring out the best in animals immediately and can cause even the most calm, mild-mannered pet to be a bit anxious when you first bring them home. They may need some help with training or with manners, but be patient.

When searching for a new family member, it is important to It should also be noted, if you haven't give a lot of thought to owning a new pet, please do so before you adopt or purchase one. Many animals that end up in overcrowded shelters are there because their previous owners hadn't fully contemplated the amount of responsibility it takes to own one.

However, if you are ready to take this step, I hope this experience just serves as proof that it is entirely possible to find quality animals in shelters, and that where your pet comes from has absolutely no bearing on the joy they can bring to your life - if you let them.

DOGging the Environment

Cee Bee — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 06:00:00 -0700

I’d like to preface this blog by saying ‘I Love My Dog’, he truly is my best bud and I spend a ton of my time walking and running him. However, it has occurred to me recently that even though our four legged friends give us so much love they are a large burden on the environment.

Environmental issues usually center on the SUV and carbon emissions but rarely will anyone bring up the fact that our pets are contributing to our planet’s downfall as well. The American Veterinary Medical Association estimated that in the United States alone there were over 72 million pet dogs in 2007. That’s an average of 1.7 dogs per household and if you include cats and horses the numbers double. Wow!

No matter how you look at the numbers, that is a lot of animals and with them come a whole lot of consumption. Depending on the number and size of your pets you’re probably making a trip to the pet store at least once a month to pick up a big bag of food. I know that pet food isn’t the top quality stuff we like but it still takes resources to grow those crops and feed the animals that eventually end up as protein or carbs in your pet’s typical bag of food.

Pets aren’t just consuming more they’re also contributing to our waste problem. I know I pick up a couple ‘biodegradable baggies’ full a day while following my pup around and it ends up with the rest of my garbage, in a landfill. Doesn’t seem like the best thing when you multiply that by 150 million. And what about kitty litter, hay for horses, bedding, leashes, collars, toys, bones, ruined furniture…the list goes on. Pets consume and waste a lot and can be destructive creatures at the same time.

Of course, there are a lot of great pets and great owners out there but you also have to factor in all the bad owners. These are the people that don’t take care of their pets and the ones that didn’t know what they were getting into and end up abandoning their pets. Also, the industry doesn’t brag about it but what happens to all those cute little puppies that don’t find loving families? Oh yeah, and don’t get me started on the people that go get second and third pets just to keep the first one busy and happy.

It isn’t nice to think about but could there be a day when limits are put on the number of pets you can have? If you can imagine a day when legislation is in place to keep gas guzzling vehicles off the road then pet limits wouldn’t be much of a stretch after that. When you think about families in some parts of the world barely able to feed their own family, it’s a bit sad to think we find it a pain having to drag our fat asses off the couch so we can shovel food out of a bucket into our dog’s dish who by the way is obese because he’s a little overfed and hasn’t had a walk this week because we just haven’t had the time. Boo hoo hoo, come on people.

The Great Diaper Debate

Pinky Bean — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 06:00:00 -0700

While a new baby may not need a lot of things, diapers aren't really an optional item, unless you have an unbelievably well-developed two-month old infant who can be potty-trained (and if that's the case, we'd love to hear your story!). However, if you're like millions of other North Americans with a baby, chances are yours will be wearing diapers. Chances are even greater, you'll be roped into the whole disposable vs. cloth diaper debate at least once. A sales analysis last year indicated disposable diapers accounted for a whopping 96 per cent of the market in North America, with a $5.7 billion in sales. However the increasing number of environmentally conscious parents has increased the use of cloth diapers as more and more people try to prevent sending more waste to landfills. That being said, the idea of cloth diapering is a little much for some people to handle. So what is an eco-aware parent to do? Obviously it's a personal choice, but each offers a number of points to consider before leaping into the decision to choose one over the other.

Disposable
Disposable diapers feature super-absorbent properties, resealable adhesive or velcro tapes on the sides and elasticized waist bands. Disposable diapers have undergone many developments over the years and these days, most have layers that transfer urine to an absorbent core structure, where it is locked in and kept away from your baby's sensitive skin. The elasticized portion that wraps around the legs and waist are meant to prevent leaks and some brands now even offer wetness indicators that change color to alert parents the diaper has been soiled (if the baby's cries don't indicate this first).

You'll commonly find brands such as Huggies, Pampers and Luvs crowding the baby aisle at your local supermarket or retailer of choice. Many big-box stores and discount retailers also offer more cost-efficient, non-name brand options, however the quality of these may differ.

Cloth
Cloth diapers have been made in wide range of materials, both natural and manmade, including wool, bamboo, unbleached hemp, however these days bleached or natural cotton is usually chosen for its breathability. These diapers may also contain microfiber toweling or polyurethane laminate to absorb liquid or act as a waterproof barrier, while polyester fleece or faux suedecloth are used in the diapers to wick moisture away. Cloth diapers have undergone as many changes as disposable to make them as convenient for modern parents as possible, wwith waterproof exterior or pockets sewn into liquid-resistant out shells that allow for the insertion of an absorbent material. While safety pins were once used to close the diapers, these days cloth diapers often feature snaps or velcro closures.

The process
While the actual process of changing the diaper is very similar whether using cloth or diaper, the steps after the actual change are where the significant difference occurs. Disposable diapers are wrapped up and put in some type of disposal unit, be it a diaper pail or fancier system like the popular Diaper Genie. Cloth diapers on the other hand depend on the type of mess baby makes. Wet diapers are placed in a dry diaper pail or bag, while soiled diapers must have the solids shaken into the toilet before being put into the pail or bag. If the solids aren't quite so...solid (think of the runny version) or won't shake off, you can use a diaper sprayer to rinse them. Diaper liners for cloth diapers are either flushable (though some sources still recommend putting them in the trash to avoid clogging a sceptic system) or washable. Cloth diapers must then be laundered (separately from other baby laundry of course!).

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The environment
The average baby requires about eight to 12 diaper changes each day and will go through approximately 6,000 to 10,000 before they are potty-trained. While we aren't sure exactly how many babies are in North America, we assume millions, which is a scary number when you multiply each of those children by 6,000 to 10,000 and imagine all of those diapers heading to landfills. In fact, in 1998, diapers accounted for 2.1 per cent of the garbage in U.S. landfills. They also require the use of many of resources during the manufacturing process, as well as transporting them to store shelves and finally the disposal process, since disposable diapers are not required to be treated before being sent to landfills (if you want to look at the whole life-cycle of the disposable diaper.)

That being said, proponents of disposable diapers point out that cloth diapering requires a lot of water consumption (as much as 227 litres of water per load), an especially problematic factor when you consider there are places all over the world experiencing shortages and droughts these days. Add the production of cotton to make the diapers, the use of extra detergent or bleach (cloth diapers must be cleaned and sanitized properly) as well as the energy required to dry the diapers, and it certainly adds another dimension to the perceived eco-friendliness of choose cloth over disposable. Cloth diapering services help alleviate this problem by doing mass loads of diaper-related laundry, which is believed to be easier on the earth than several families each doing extra loads of laundry each week. However while disposable diapers are transported on highways in big trucks, cloth diapers have to make their way to store shelves as well, or in the case of cloth diapering services, be picked up and dropped off at various locations on a consistant basis.

In 2004, the British Environmental Agency released a four-year study that indicated there was almost no difference in terms of environmental impact once you added the washing and drying factor to the cloth versus disposable debate.

The conclusion
There are no easy answers here, as both disposable and cloth present environmental problems: fuller landfills vs. increased use of a precious resource. Some companies are even working on producing effective biodegradable or compostable diapers. Regardless of which option you choose, make it as friendly to the earth as possible. If you do decide that disposable diapers are the only option for you, try emptying them into the toilet (the same way cloth ones are emptied) before tossing them to at least reduce the environmental impact they will have in landfills. If you use cloth diapers for your baby, make sure to wash at least a half-dozen diapers per load of laundry to minimize water and energy waste, and if possible, hang them to dry, then toss them in the dryer for a couple minutes when they are almost dry to soften the fabric. Or consider using a cloth diapering service, since they'll wash and dry larger loads of diapers, which may help conserve some of these resources.

Happy day-after Halloween!

Pinky Bean — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 06:00:00 -0700

Once upon a time, the day after Halloween marked the unofficial kick-off to the Christmas season. It seemed somehow that between closing on Halloween evening and opening on November 1, nearly every retailer could convert their stores from ghosts and goblins to Santas and reindeer. Gradually even that envelope has been pushed and now Christmas displays are coming out earlier into October every year.

Thankfully in your own home, you aren't expected to follow the schedule. After all, who's ready to break out the Christmas lights on October 15 (except for one or two ~~crazy~~ random people in my neighborhood)? If you aren't quite ready to turn your house into a Winter Wonderland today, try wrapping up a few loose Halloween ends today instead.

Pumpkins
Don't let your jack-o-lantern sit on your front porch until it begins to rot and your neighbors finally complain about the smell. If you're having a hard time saying goodbye after putting so much effort in, take a few photos to remind you of the good times you had together, and then compost that bad boy. To ensure no part of your pumpkin goes unused, bake a pie or muffins using the flesh, and spice and roast the seeds for the perfect movie snack later on tonight.

Decorations and Costumes
Don't even think about tossing any part of your decorations or costume into a garbage destined for a landfill. Start your own "tickle trunk" if you have to, but hang onto anything you can use next year or lend to somebody for the occasion. At the very least, recycle anything you refuse to or can't keep!

Candy
If you have kids, they likely pulled in a good haul from going door-to-door. And if you didn't have all that many kids comes to yours, regardless of whether or not you have your own children, you may have a lot of extra candy. Instead of tossing it or pawning it off on your co-workers on Monday morning, find out if your city has a donation program for kids who had their candy stolen, or those who couldn't afford a costume to go trick-or treating.

Hygiene
Now that we've shown you how easy it is to make toothpaste, make sure you invest in a decent brush. With all of the candy inevitably passing through your mouth over these next few weeks, you'll probably need it!

Dress green this Halloween

Pinky Bean — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 06:00:00 -0700

If you're still struggling to find the perfect Halloween costume and be eco-friendly in the process, try considering some alternatives before you head to the mall to find one. You definitely don't need to buy brand-new things to look fantastic on October 31, you just need to be resourceful and explore the options that might be right under your nose.

Borrow
Maybe you loved your friend's cat or devil costume from recent years. If you are roughly the same size, find out if you can borrow it. Even if you can borrow some key accessories, you may be able to come up with the rest from your own closet. For ecample, if you had the tail and ears for a cat costume, simply wear black pants and a top and use an eyeliner pencil or mascara wand to draw whiskers on your face.

This option is especially viable when looking for kids' costumes. If your friends have a child slightly older than your own and they've outgrown last year's Spiderman outfit, see if you can borrow it for the night if you promise to return it in pristine condition. Likewise, if you have costumes from previous years that no longer fit your kiddies, offer them up to friends with young ones who may be able to make good use of them.

DIY
You probably have those occasions where you look around your home and wonder how on earth you've accumulated so much and pondering what you can do with. Well get creative! Maybe you have some boxes lying around that could be used as the "body" of a character or an object. Or perhaps that bag of pipecleaners you bought for at-home craft projects is simply not going down in size. Use your imagination and find the potential in the everyday things you keep in your home to make great outfits for you and your children.

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Rent
If you're absolutely tapped on creativity, it's not too late to call some local rental shops and find out what they still have available. It may not be wildly inventive, but it will surely remove some stress of trying to think of a great costume and prevent more unwanted junk from heading to a landfill in November after you realize that you probably didn't need to outfit the whole family in items that none of you will ever wear again.

Be thrifty
Hit up your local thrift store for the key essentials for a "new" (to you!) costume. Find a leisure suit from the glory days of the disco ero and do your best John Travolta-in-Saturday-Night-Fever impression. Hey, don't mock it: he became a sex symbol thank to those tight bell bottoms; maybe it's time for a revival! There also tend to be racks full of kids costumes, sent there after a child outgrew them, and many are still in great condition and may only require some minor repairs.

Everything old is new again
Recycle last year's costume and make a few minor changes, such as your makeup. Unless you're going to the exact same party with the exact same people, no one will even likely know the difference. Look at the aforementioned thrift store to add a new element or two to a kids' costume (if possible) so aren't bored by having to wear the same thing.

Store it away
Whatever you find or buy for your costume, whether it be recycled or brand-spanking-new, keep it stored for next Halloween when you'll inevitably face the same conundrum of having nothing appropriate to wear. If you know exactly where you've put your costume essentials, you'll be more likely to head there to check out the contents than to a store to find new ones!

Halloween Alternatives

Cee Bee — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 08:00:00 -0700

Halloween was always an exciting time for me growing up. The thought of donning some disguise and running around the neighbourhood collecting treats with my friends was always a thrill. I managed to avoid most of the trouble but there were always stories of mischief the next day. Now, with my own kids about to get involved it seems less and less attractive. So what are some alternatives to all the candy and after dark trickery?

If you still want to partake in the trick or treat fun without running around the neighbourhood then dressing up yourself and your house to entertain others is a great alternative. I remember many times being scared to death by some creative and creepy dad at some random house on the block. Either he’d be hiding beside the steps or ready with a noise maker behind the door when it opened. These kinds of activities always provide good times for both sides.

Hosting your own party is the easy way to keep an eye on your little monsters while still providing a good time for kids and parents. Not only can you limit the amount of candy consumed you can provide some solid homemade nutrition and avoid paying for all the brand name candy from stores.

If you’re simply trying to avoid wandering the streets at night because it’s dangerous or because it’s too cold you can usually find a local indoor shopping center that provides Halloween treats at each store. This would certainly be a safer alternative when it comes to candies and you won’t have to worry about the late night mischief.

A simple family night of crafts, baking or a movie is also a great option for those years when the actual Halloween night follows the weekend and your just too tired to get going again. Pick up your favourite old flick turn off the lights and curl up with some popcorn. If you feel like a classic Halloween treat try candy apples or roast those left over pumpkin seeds, yummy.

Find potential Halloween costumes at your local thrift store

Pinky Bean — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 07:49:00 -0700

Halloween is only two days away so if you don't yet have your costume lined up, you may be starting to sweat a bit. Have no fear though, the answer to your problem may just lie in the nearest thrift or secondhand store. Start by brainstorming some ideas of what you might like to dress up as and then break it down piece by piece to determine how feasible it will be to put such a costume together. The ideal green costume is one that either utilizes what you have already kicking around at home or reuses clothing and items found in thrift shops, as opposed to buying an armful of new things for one occasion. The more components to a costume, the more difficult it will be to piece together, so keep that in mind when you're thinking of ideas.

Just to get you started, here are four simple ideas using items I found in my local shop or already had at home.

Costume Idea #1: Waldo of "Where's Waldo"
What you'll need: Jeans, red-and-white striped shirt, red and white striped hat, brown shoes, dark-rimmed glasses.
Thrift store finds: Shirt and Hat, $5 for both.
Provided you can find all of the items for this costume, it's exceptionally simple to assemble. You likely already own a pair of jeans and if you don't have brown shoes, black or any other darker color can be substituted. No special makeup or extra props are needed, and chances are most of your peers will recognize the distinctive stripes and glasses and guess who you are without requiring much of an explanation.

Costume Idea #2: Retro Pin-Up Girl
What you'll need: Pretty cocktail dress, preferably 40s or 50s style, high heels, black feather boa, dramatic make-up
Thrift store finds: Black and pink cocktail dress, $10
Use a simple pair of your own black heels and look for a feather boa at the thrift store. For your make-up, use Total Beauty's Classic Pinup Girl Make-up How-to guide to get the right look!

Costume Idea #3: Tinkerbell
What you'll need: Green dress, flat shoes with bells to add to the toes, wand, wings. Sack with "pixie dust" is optional.
Thrift store finds: Green dress and wand, $8.50
Find a green dress that fits you and that you don't mind ripping up a bit. Cut out triangles at the bottom and you've got your dress. The wings will be the most time-consuming part of your outfit (unless you already own some). The easiest option is to cut some out of cardboard you already own, however you can also make a pair using wire hangers and tights!

Costume Idea #4: Sarah Palin
What you'll need: Power suit, collared shirt, dark pumps, dark-rimmed glasses
Already owned: Everything!
Sure you could say this outfit is sooo 2008 - or you say you're way ahead of the game since rumor has it the former vice-presidential candidate is planning to toss her hat in the ring for the position of Big Chief in the 2012 presidential election . If you don't already own a business suit, look for one at your secondhand store. Add an American flag or small American pin and a "Hello My Name Is....." nametag. Adopt your best "folksy" tone and voilà! If you can find a blow-up Levi Johnston doll to carry around and randomly punch, even better!

More than anything else, use your imagination and have fun thinking of creative characters you can be for one evening!

How to control dandelions

Cee Bee — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 11:30:00 -0700

Today, many urbanites are getting into a new way of gardening, the Greener way. Many municipalities are reducing the number and type of pesticides available for domestic use. This is an Earth Friendly concept, but what about neighborhood relationships when your yard, or your next door neighbor’s yard is infested with the brilliant yellow blooms of the infamous dandelion?

Dandelion, Taraxacum officinale, is an herbaceous perennial in the Asteraceae family (Compositae). Dandelions are broadleaf perennial plants that have been lauded to have many beneficial uses but in the urban gardener’s landscape they are mostly considered weeds. T. officinale has been used as a medical herb and is eaten with many healthful benefits. Dandelions were also cultivated during World War II, the latex produced in the root was used to make rubber. However, letting the dandelion take over your yard in the city likely will get you in trouble with your closest residing neighbors.

Most yards in towns and cities across the Country are predominantly turf lawns. As communities age our grass lawn’s vigor can decrease/fade leaving room for the unwanted species such as dandelion that will out-compete the weak turf. The key to avoiding dandelions is having a strong stand of grass to compete with the dandelion.

Promote Healthy Grass to demote dandelions
Encouraging strong turf growth requires aeration, top dressing, watering and fertilizing. If your lawn is not growing but the weeds are, consider the reasons why the turf is lacking. If you can determine the reasons your lawn is weak you can create a management plan to discourage and eventually eliminate the weed problem. Start looking at the age of your lawn, the fertility of your soil, your location (under a conifer tree, hot and dry) and other soil conditions like compaction, or water holding capacity.

Some locations are not suited for turf. Dry sites, shaded by conifer trees are a difficult space to foster a healthy lawn. The acid forest floor is not a place lawn turf will thrive. Neutralizing lime fertilizer can buffer the acid soil, and top dressing with a rich loam will also help offset the problem. Organic fertilizer, such as compost, worm castings or manure tea will keep the soil healthy and alive with insects and microbes but can also decrease your pH. Yearly top dressing your lawn in any location will promote a healthy environment for the grass to grow into.

Healthy lawns can be achieved by leaving your grass cuttings on the lawn, or mulching instead of bagging and disposing the clippings as waste. The grass decomposing will return nutrients back to the turf slowly. When mowing set your blade height on the mower higher, leaving two thirds of the blade of grass uncut will encourage a healthier root system.

Soil that is slightly acidic can also discourage dandelion establishment as they prefer a slightly alkaline environment, pH 7.5. Acidifying fertilizer such as ammonium or sulfur fertilizers will promote lush green growth and combat some turf disease. Do consider your lawns grass species, soil type and current pH prior to using acidifying fertilizers as most grass species will not thrive below a pH of 6. To avoid burning the grass, apply acidifying fertilizer in the spring under cool conditions (or fall) at low rates.

Manually removing dandelions
Dig Physically digging out dandelions then filling the hole and re-seeding the area with grass is the best non-chemical method to eliminate the hardy perennial. Preventing the plants from flowering and going to seed will reduce future infestations. Mow or pull off the flower and dispose of it, eat it or feed it to livestock and pets rather than leaving it on the lawn.

Corn Gluten dandelion control
Corn gluten meal can be used as a pre-emergent dandelion control method. It is available in two forms, powder or pellet. Application is similar to using fertilizer; simply broadcast it on to your lawn then water. The corn gluten will discourage dandelion seedlings from producing roots causing their demise shortly after germination. Another benefit related to using corn gluten is it contains nitrogen and as it decomposes it will fertilize your grass. However, do not top seed grass on to a lawn treated with corn gluten as these seedlings will be controlled for a six-week period.

Vinegar dandelion control
Vinegar is another popular organic weed management tool and will kill the vegetation growing above ground. However, it will not effectively control dandelion as you must kill the tap root to eliminate this plant. Boiling vinegar or boiling water is an effective strategy for top-growth control only, leaving the root system to regenerate.

Smothering the weed problem is another strategy but takes time and space. This strategy likely will not work well in a lawn as you will kill the remaining grass plants surrounding the weeds. To eliminate weeds using this method the weeds must be completely covered so they cannot photosynthesize and new seedlings will not germinate as sunlight is eliminated.

Integrated pest management always is the best strategy when combating an undesired plant or animal. Utilizing all available methods will ensure you have a healthy lawn that is a source of pride rather than embarrassment.

Naturally prevent the swine flu

Pinky Bean — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 05:53:00 -0700

Brace yourselves, if the World Health Organization is correct, the H1N1 virus (aka, the swine flu) could rear its ugly, germ-ridden head and affect millions of people this fall. For one thing, flu season is nearly upon us. For another, kids are the primary source of spreading flu bugs and now that they're back in school, if an outbreak does occur, it could spread rapidly. WHO officials aren't entirely sure yet just how severe the pandemic could be, but regardless, now is a good time to start practicing good, natural, flu-prevention habits. While many of these are common sense and apply to all types of illness, the threat of a pandemic warrants the reminder.

Wash your hands - It seems so simple, but it's shocking how many people don't practice proper hand-washing techniques. You don't need to scrub your hands raw, but washing your hands properly should take longer than four seconds and involve a good lather. If you aren't sure how, we gave step-by-step instructions this past spring that you may want to review. Once you've got it mastered, teach it to everyone you know, not just children. It may sound silly to lecture an adult on proper hand-washing, but if contract the flu bug from them, won't you regret not giving them a demonstration? Don't just wash your hands after going to the bathroom - do it after you cough, sneeze, shake hands with someone...you get the idea.

Get to bed - Sleep isn't just for the weak or the sick. Your body is less likely to fight illness if it's not properly rested. While the long-rumored full eight hours may not actually be necessary, no less than six-and-a-half hours is. Now that it's getting dark sooner, take advantage of the lack of light and get to bed at a reasonable hour. Drag your spouse/roommate/siblings to their own beds by their hair if necessary.

Hop on a treadmill - Or you know, go for a vigorous walk. Moderate exercise is enough to boost your imune system and may help prevent the average two to three upper respiratory infections the average adult gets every year. That being said, over-exercising can be just as bad as no exercise, as can exercising when you know you're coming down with a bug.

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You are what you eat - Skip the pizza and load up on fruits, vegetables, garlic, green tea and any other immunity-boosting foods you can think of. Phytonutrients are good for you, and not just because they fight cancer and heart disease.

Home sweet home - For the love of mankind (literally), please, please, please stay at home if you feel under-the-weather. Whether it's swine flu or the common cold, it's probably a safe bet that no one in your workplace or the line at Starbucks wants your germs or the stuffy nose and achiness that come with them. The same goes for your kids - you hopefully know them well enough to tell if they're genuinely unwell or just trying to avoid the math test they didn't study enough for, but in the case of a pandemic, better safe than sorry. See if you can pick up any notes and homework from another classmate or friend if you don't want them to fall behind.

Stock up - Hoarding food was a suggestion some experts gave back when restrictions were being placed on rice purchases and a food crisis seemed imminent. While the rice emergency seems to have passed for the time being, stockpiling food applies to other threats - such as, say, a pandemic. Get canned foods that are high in protein, fiber, as well as canned fruits and vegetables, peanut butter, crackers and clear juices. And as unpopular as the suggestion will make me, invest in some bottled water. Yes, boo, hiss, it's bad for the earth, I get it - but clean water is necessary for survival and to fight illness.

The Juice on Exotic Fruits

Cee Bee — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 13:55:00 -0700

When the media buzzed about juice from a purple berry called acai that could help keep me young, stave off cancer and a host of other health benefits, I was naturally intrigued. What could be easier than drinking juice? Of course I wanted to try it…until I saw the price tag.

Ringing through the register at much more than apple juice or orange juice, I couldn’t help but wonder just how much better this super fruit could be. As we have mentioned on Ecollo before, the berry is being touted as a superfood, loaded with antioxidants. But how much better, is still up for debate.

The FDA hasn’t yet tested Acai and the research that has been done has mostly been financed by the manufacturers. One of the processors of Acai (along with a combination of other fruits) is Mona Vie. Luxuriously packaged in a glass bottle, much like wine (and priced comparatively to a good wine too), Mona Vie distributors claim a host of benefits for their miracle juice, like ten times the antioxidants of blueberries to fight whatever ails you. The hype, and its multi-level marketing plan, has made it the fastest growing food processor in the United States¹.

A backlash and reprimands by the FDA has resulted in the manufacturers toning down their statements. On Sambazon’s website, their Acai juice claims a more reasonable, twice the antioxidants as blueberries and rich in omegas 3-6-9. They are probably half right. While the fruit does have a good combination of omega fats, the quantity is minimal and you would have to eat buckets to get your daily requirements of omega 3s. As for the antioxidant level, there is no denying it has high numbers but tests so far have compared fresh blueberries against the more concentrated, powdered form of acai’s.

Since the fruits are high in fats it is susceptible to rancidity and therefore too perishable to transport fresh to North America. The berry is freeze dried and shipped in powder form to processors in the United States from the rainforests and wetlands of Central and South America. For the truest comparison of antioxidants, we would need to test fresh acai.

Antioxidants are measured by their ORAC scores (oxygen radical absorbance capacity), which is an indicator of how well a certain amount of a food neutralizes free radicals – those pesky instigators of cancers and degenerative diseases. Manufacturers of superfruit juices use these numbers to tout the health benefits of their juices².

Blueberries, pomegranates, and strawberries have all tested with high ORAC levels but by some studies, Acai is much higher. However, not all antioxidants are created equal. There are many different types and depending on the particular lab test, can have different effects on our cells. Anthcycanins for instance, come from reddish purple fruits (like acai or grapes) are produced as a self-protection from the sun and irradiation. When eaten they provide some of the same benefits to us. Goji berries on the other hand seem to show benefits for brain, heart and eye health. Mangosteen has high levels of xanthones, another antioxidant that may have tumor-fighting effects. So ORAC scores alone can’t tell the whole story.

The health claims and research results on the many acai and other fruit websites have only been found in lab tests thus far and have not been tested in humans. It will take years before such tests can confirm or deny these fruits cancer fighting or anti-degenerative properties.

Interestingly, most of the so-called superfruits like goji, or mangosteen come from exotic locales. Goji, also called wolfberry, has been used medicinally in China for hundreds of years. Mangosteen comes from Indonesia and the noni fruit comes from Southeast Asia. While these fruits are part of the diets in their native lands, transportation of the fresh fruit can be a problem.

The most researched fruit is the closer-to-home pomegranate. Originally from Asia, the pomegranate is now grown over many parts of the world including California. Human trials are underway testing pomegranates for it’s potential prostate cancer and heart disease fighting ability. Lab trials have shown encouraging results for breast cancer, anti viral and anti bacterial effects which have triggered more trials³. Cranberries also have been extensively tested since the 1980s, which has validated them for anti-bacterial urinary tract and other health benefits.

The less exotic, locally grown apple, orange and grapefruit are hardly ever referred to as superfruits but that may be due more to lack of over zealous marketing. New research suggests that polyphenols in apple juice may protect the brain from memory problems and potentially Alzheimer’s⁴. Grapefruit juice is being looked at more closely for its ability to aid in insulin regulation and metabolic disorders. Orange juice is a good source of folate and potassium and has anti-inflammatory benefits. All that and close to home. Plus there are benefits in eating the fresh fruit, full of enzymes and fiber that we can’t get with a processed juice.

With new research only starting to reveal the healthy advantages to some of our more common fruits, it doesn’t seem unreasonable to assume that acai and other exotic fruits will be found to benefit us in equally healthy ways. The attention the superfruits are getting in the marketplace can only encourage more research and that is a good thing.

I'm still intrigued and will be trying the new juices. I just won't be giving up on the locally grown fruits either. Variety is the spice of life it seems. Not limiting yourself to one type of fruit is the best way to receive the array of antioxidants offered from nature’s pharmacy.

The Best of The Sexy Vegan - Odds, ends and everything in-between

Pinky Bean — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 17:40:00 -0700

True, full-length video recipes are The Sexy Vegan's specialty, however the odd time he gives you a bit of a bonus and posts videos that are either ~~half-assed~~ shorter cooking instructionals or clips that aren't even necessarily related to food. These include a musical number he likes to call "Seriously, You Shouldn't Eat Meat", as well as tribute to Rick Springfield, in which The Sexy Vegan displays a distubing in-depth knowlege of the "Jesse's Girl" singer's work.

You'll also get to see the recipe for Banizzle (yes, it's a real thing!), a gooey campfire alternative to s'mores featuring chocolate, bananas and peanut butter, and finally The Arnold Bomber. Half of the video is comprised of humorous golf shots, while the other portion is the making of an alternative drink to The Arnold Palmer, featuring lemons, iced tea, vodka, triple sec, gin and cola . If that isn't enough to intrigue you, how about learning that The Arnold Bomber video features a hot, sweaty man known as "Double Dip Chip?"

We had you at "hot and sweaty" didn't we?

Enjoy!

The Best of The Sexy Vegan, Part 3

Pinky Bean — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 08:06:00 -0700

Okay, maybe calling this a "best of" is flagrant false advertising since we're posting all of The Sexy Vegan's recipes - but that's just because it's too difficult to pick our favorites. And besides, admit it: your Saturday was in desperate need of a big dosage of his raw sexiness and this really just made your day. Don't worry, we won't judge you.

This time around, we have his New England Blam Chowder (clam-less clam chowder), a savory version of his cornmeal pancakes, a breakfast burrito made while on the road, and a fake tuna salad sandwich (complete with light-saber action)

Additional bonuses include an ass-shaped rock, crotch-less pants and a Pearl Jam sing-along - now there's something Gordon Ramsay and Emeril Lagasse won't provide.

For this round, you'll need to gather some bacon-style tempeh, onion, oyster or shitake mushrooms, carrots, celery, unsalted cashews, unsweetened almond milk, nori seaweed, corn, scallions, black beans, cilantro, tofu, red onion, kidney beans, avocado, tortilla shells, red onion, capers, lemon, chickpeas, veganaise, seaweed powder, bread, and this time around, wine (in lieu of the usual gin and tonic) You'll also aid from a hand immersion blender, a light saber and more wine.

Seriouisly folks, you can't make this stuff up - watch the videos below if you don't believe me. And if you do believe me, well, watch them anyway!

The Best of The Sexy Vegan, Part 2

Pinky Bean — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 06:32:00 -0700

As we continue with The Sexy Vegan day on Ecollo, this time we're shown how to make some delicious-looking risotto using beets (the sexiest vegetable of all according to the cook), shallots, more asparagus, and arborio rice; a recipe for pumpkin soup featuring pumpkin (duh!), leeks, argula and even cinnamon sticks. In a tribute to his Canadian friends, he also whips up some poutine with fresh potatoes, onion, garlic, soy sauce, vegetable stock and a cheese alternative, while his version of pizza foregoes the traditional pepperoni in favor of butternut squash, red onion and a cornmeal crust (all set to an original pizza song) . And in our favorite of all his videos, The Sexy Vegan creates a fantastic Solstice Slaw on behalf of....moi! Back when I gave the vegan diet a try, he was more than willing to put together a new recipe for me to try out, this one with some carrots, celery root, golden beets, apple, as well as some nutmeg and vegan-aise for creaminess. Finally, a soba noodle salad offers you two Sexy Vegans (one is a miniature version who proceeds to taunt the life-size one throughout), as well as green soba noodles, tofu, shitake mushrooms, miso, agave, sesame oil, and if you're not a big fat *ahem* wuss (hint: not his exact choice of name) chili flakes.

Once you've watched all these videos, plus the ones we posted earlier, we guarantee you'll be writing to the Food Network and petitioning them to give this guy his own show. Our letter is in the mail!

The best of The Sexy Vegan, Part 1

Pinky Bean — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 02:48:00 -0700

Welcome to Sexy Vegan day on Ecollo! If you haven't yet taken the time to meet the sexiest vegan on the block, allow us to introduce you. The Sexy Vegan (which is actually what all his friends call him - true story) knows his way around a kitchen and consistantly shares his wisdom and love of food (not to mention, his love of "adult beverages") in cooking videos, many of which we've shared with you in the past. However, we decided to consildate the sexiness into a full day dedicated to the hottest non-meat-eater we know!

For the first few recipes, you'll need a wide assortment of ingredients including avocados, chickpeas (or garbanzo beans, which you may also know them as), onion, cilantro, jalapeno, pitas, bell peppers, sesame tahini, bean or rice noodles, shredded lettuce, shredded carrots, garlic, potatoes, tofu, tomatoes, lentils, soy sauce, blueberries, corn meal, and of course, the obligatory gin and tonic (which is not used for a recipe per se, but as fuel for the chef).

Check out the videos below for The Sexy Vegan's take on guacamole, hummus, spring rolls, breakfast, asparagus pasta and blueberry pancakes!

Norman Borlaug, Rest in Peace

Leafy Green — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 13:34:00 -0700

We've written lots and lots of stuff about Norman Borlaug, a great man who passed away on September 12, 2009. So who was Norman Borlaug? Well, he was a Nobel Prize winner and the father of something called the "Green Revolution" which was a movement that brought agricultural science to the developing world and saved somewhere in the ballpark of 1 billion lives.

Because of the green revolution, world food production doubled in 30 years and in some places like India and Pakistan grain production actually quadrupled in that time period. Norman Borlaug's work prevented hundred of millions of people from starving to death. This guy is a hero.

So how did he do it? Well, at the end of the Second World War Borlaug started work on developing varieties of wheat that were resistant to disease and could yield much more wheat for every acre they were planted on. Norman Borlaug saw a lack of technology in developing countries combined with ever-expanding world populations as a perfect storm for disaster. With his new, scientifically-engineered varieties of wheat, rice and corn Norman Borlaug changed agriculture forever and saved millions in the process.

It's easy to look back on his acheivements and acknowledge that Norman Borlaug was a man with good intentions who did something great - with science. So why is it today that whenever science meets agriculture in the news we generally treat it with suspicion? Why aren't these scientific advances celebrated? Why are we so scared of a new type of corn or wheat that was engineered in a lab?

I know these questions are a little controversial for a 'green' blog like Ecollo, but just because we're green doesn't mean we lack common sense. The world is in the same situation it was in nearly 50 years ago except now we have even more people to feed. Lucky for us that today there are thousands of trained scientists working today to continue Norman Borlaug's work. They are developing new types of seeds that can resist drought, provide better nutrition, defend against disease and produce more food per acre. It's science, pure and simple. And it's nothing to be afraid of.

Norman Borlaug may be gone but his legacy lives on in the millions of lives he saved and the thousands who continue to pursue the scientific improvement and evolution of our food supply.

Eat local and seasonal this fall

Pinky Bean — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 07:44:00 -0700

The days of fresh blueberries and strawberries may soon be a thing of the past (at least for this year), but just because we're about to enter a colder season doesn't mean you can't enjoy fresh, seasonal produce. If you're fortunate enough to live in an area where the farmer's market continues through the fall (and even winter) months, enjoy a little Saturday morning trip to find some locally-produced fruits and vegetables. Keep an eye out for some of these fruits and vegetables and find delicious ways to use them.

Apples - There are so many great things you can do with this versatile fruit, so if you think you can use them, go ahead and buy a box of your favorite type. Or stock up on some different types for a bit of variety. Greens are also in season, so add a sliced apple to your favorite salad for sweet, crunchy flavor or make some applesauce (which can be frozen for future use) or fresh apple cider to keep you warm on a cool, fall day. Of course, you can also stick one in your bag as one of the classic work or school treats.

Pumpkin - Thanksgiving will come up before you know it and it's the perfect excuse to bake a spicy pumpkin pie. Whether you're in Canada or the U.S. (the countries don't share the same Thanksgiving), pumpkin is still typically affordable since it's in-season during fall months. You can even freeze it and save it for Christmas. Or try a satisfying pumpkin soup, perfect for a cooler day, and also easy to freeze extra portions for later use.

Beets - Beets can be a bit of an acquired taste if you aren't used to them. Salads made with beets are fairly common, but there isn't any reason you can't go beyond the conventional and try something a little different, such as Beet Ravioli (yes, you read that correctly) or beet borscht.

Pears - Add some extra flavor to meet or side dishes like rice and couscous with Apple & Pear Chutney (you can event use two seasonal fruits here!). A spicy dessert such as Pear Gingerbread Upside-Down Cake is also perfect for this time of year.

Cabbage - This green is extremely versatile in what you can do with it. Opt for a nice lunch salad like Warm Apple-Cabbage Slaw (again with the multi-purpose of the other produce!), or try Chinese Chicken Noodle and Cabbage Soup.

Potatoes - Roasting, baking, mashing, frying - what can't you do with potatoes these days? There isn't a whole lot. Experiment with a variety of side dishes using this vegetable, add it to stew or use it as a key ingredient for a thick, hearty soup.

Carrots - Farmer's market carrots are such a treat on their own, but if you're looking for some tasty alternative ways to use them, such as in carrot cake (or rather carrot cake cupcakes), Crunch Carrot Salad (again with the apples!) or in a flavorful Gingered Carrot Soup.

The Green Giver: Donate your used items

Pinky Bean — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 08:31:00 -0700

You probably know all of the components of the typical household purging drill - sort, organize, recycle, sell. In other words, sort and organize all of the things lying around the house you know longer use, decide if they're fit to sell and if not, send them for recycling (hopefully the words "trash can," "garbage" or "landfill" enter your vocabulary as little as possible at this point). These days, websites like Kijiji and Craigslist certainly make it simple to sell nearly any unwanted household item - from the old DVD player you abandoned when you discovered the world of Blu-ray to the quintissential toy of the moment your child swore up and down they would love and cherish forever if you would pretty-please buy it for them. Sites like SwapTree even allow you to get rid of old books or video games in exchange for new (to you) ones.

However while the prospect of some extra cash is always welcome, there's another great way to get rid of all of this stuff, all while practicing the art of the minimalist lifestyle and avoiding the possiblity of accumulating more: do-nat-ing. Gasp! You mean give your precious belongings away? You betcha!

This blasted recession (which some weeks is declared all but over, and the next week is somehow getting worse, or so it seems) has left many people in desperate need of basic items that tight budgets just won't allow for. If you're in a position where you aren't absolutely desperate for the extra cash, consider looking for someone who is desperate for the partiular item you're discarding.

Some ways to get these possessions in the hands of the individuals or families in need include:

* Donate to a local organization. You may think the Salvation Army is a big enough organization that they have more than enough to meet the needs of the people they help. However last month, one Sally Ann program that donateds backpacks with school supplies, ran out within 30 minutes, saying that normally people who donate to the casue were requesting assistance this year instead. The Salvation Army is just one example of organizations that can use help. Investigate which ones are located in your area and determine the types of donations they accept. For example, some only accept clothes, while others take in any household items you can offer. For example, every couple months, Mr. Pinky Bean and I pay a visit to one of the several Cerebral Palsy Association of Alberta drop-off locations in our city, which accepts all sorts of household items. If they can make use of items other than clothing, we're happy to find a good home for them. Look for an organization in your area that will accept the items you no longer need.

* Go to church. Even if you aren't a regular attender, there's a pretty good chance that a local place of worship is in contact with people who are in need. If they won't accept donations outright, they should be able to point you in the direction of someone who will

* Look around. It may sound obvious, but there could be a person or family practically under your nose that could use your assistance. And chances are if you don't know someone, an acquaintance will, so get the word out that you have a used (but still very functional) couch and matching loveseat to give away, and chances are you'll have at least a few interested inquiries, if not a line of people banging down your door.

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Some other things to keep in mind:

* Try to clean or repair the items as much as possible before giving them away. It's easy to dismiss them as-is because after all, you're not asking for any money, however just imagine if you were on the receiving end of a donation: Would you appreciate if someone took the time to wash the ketchup stain out of a chair or sewed the missing button on a pair of pants? Definitely.

* Think outside the (TV) box. Electronics and clothes are commonly donated items, but things like dishes, kitchen appliances, tools, lighting fixtures or shelving units may be just as needed and appreciated as a warm winter jacket.

* Smille and allow the warm fuzzies of doing something good to overtake you, even if just for a few seconds. You shouldn't thinking you're the world's greatest hero for making a donation, but nor should you be ashamed in taking some pleasure when imagining how happy your donation might make someone. Here's a little secret: It's actually a much more rewarding feeling than clutching a mitt-ful of cash you received for selling something!

How to save toilet water – Pee in the shower

Cee Bee — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 08:12:00 -0700

A couple weeks ago I noticed a news story relating to saving water by peeing in the shower. The story was based off a recent eco campaign in Brazil by environmental group, SOS Mata Atlantica.

It is a Brazilian non-profit private organization, with no political or religious affiliations, which works for the protection of the Atlantic Forest (Mata Atlantica), one of the richest sets of ecosystems in terms of biodiversity, and also considered one of the most threatened with extinction on the planet.

They’ve run a clever advertisement to promote peeing in the shower seen below. If you can’t understand Portuguese it’s still entertaining and you’ll be able to pick up on the underlying message that you can save 4,380 litres a year by peeing in the shower once a day. Check it out.

After reading the article and watching the commercial it got me thinking about my own household water use. With a household of four people and an average flush volume of 1.6 gallons or 6 litres per flush over a year my household would flush 8,760 if we only went pee once a day. Wow, and that’s if you have a low flow toilet installed. With an older toilet you could be needlessly flushing 3 times as much drinking water.

(4 people) X (6 litres per flush) X (365 days) = 8,760 litres per year

In fact, one third to one half of all domestic water goes down the toilet. This is the same water that would otherwise end up as drinking or cooking water in your kitchen sink. Even though I don’t have a water shortage where I live the fact that perfectly good drinking water is getting flushed down the toilet is arguably more disgusting than what we should be flushing.

So what’s the big deal with peeing in the shower? I did some research and found out that urine is actually 95% water and is virtually sterile. If you’re worried about getting a little pee on your feet in the shower, there is nothing to worry about, I’ve even seen ‘Man vs. Wild’ Bear Grylls drink his own pee during a drought stricken episode. Drinking urine has been used in ancient cultures for medicinal purposes and survival and is known as Urophagia. But as a survival hydration technique urine can only be recycled up to three times before the water levels sink too low and the urine becomes toxic.

Here are a few extra tips for saving toilet water in your own home.

a. Number one of course is pee in the shower when you get the chance. It won’t hurt you and the drain is going the same place as the toilet water anyways.

b. If its yellow let it mellow, if it’s brown flush it down. Try and limit your flushing by leaving the urine in the toilet for the day and flushing at night. This means your toilet is going to need cleaning more often but you’ll save a ton of water.

c. Replace your old 5 gallon toilet with a 1.6 gallon. This is going to save you thousands of gallons of water over the course of a year.

d. Pee in your compost pile. This is supposed to increase nitrogen levels in the soil making it even better for your favorite garden perennials.

Here is Bear surviving on a canteen of pee, enjoy!

The minimalist baby

Pinky Bean — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 03:48:00 -0700

With a little Bean on the way in just a couple of weeks, Mr. Pinky Bean and I have admittedly been all-consumed with getting ready for our new arrival, which has meant months of reading, taking prenatal classes and just generally getting ready to tackle the enormous job of parenthood. Almost as overwhelming as the prospect of multiple feedings, dirty diapers and endless piles of laundry is trying to figure out what exactly a baby needs. Perusing the aisles of your local big-box store can be daunting as it seems there is a product available for every type of situation or occurrence you could possibly find yourself in with a baby.

However a recent neighborhood garage sale spree revealed on very obvious thing: parents will buy their kids just about anything if it promises even the slightest chance of keeping them well-fed, dry or content. Maybe it's naive to think this as first-time parents, but we started to wonder just how much of this equipment we'll actually need. Since blindly visiting a store only succeeded in overwhelming us with all the possible options, we decided to find a checklist and work from there, weeding out what we thought the essentials would be, and which purchases could wait or be eliminated entirely. Below you'll see our assessment, but feel free to argue for or against any of these items (or add any we missed). Our only goal in this process was to hopefully avoid buying a whole lot of junk we (and the baby!) don't need, that will more than likely end up as clutter in our home, eventually landing in a giveaway pile, or worse (gulp), a landfill.

The musts

Crib - Sure, there are some parents who are comfortable allowing their babies to sleep in bed with them, however several sources caution about the dangers of doing so, including possible over-heating or suffocation. Mr. PB and I are sound sleepers and tend to toss, turn and roll over at night - in other words, hardly the ideal environment for a tiny infant. However, a brand-new crib was looking to cost the same as the monthly rent for a small apartment (with utilities included!). We attempted to strike a fair balance by purchasing a used crib, only after ensuring the one we found had no safety recalls and met the safety standards outlined by Health Canada. The bonus? We were able to get a matching dresser that also acts as a change table and can be used well beyond the baby years. And both pieces cost about one-third of buying each brand-new.

Bassinet - Of all of our purchases, this was one of the most contentious. After all, if you're buying a crib, why would you need another place for the baby to sleep? Several acquaintances pointed out the benefits, including being able to wake up for feedings before baby becomes hysterical and even being able to comfort them back to sleep if they start to become fussy, but don't necessarily need to eat or be changed. However spending $200 on something the baby would only use for an average of three months seemed like a lot of money, even with plans to have another child in the future. If you want the benefits of a bassinet without the issue of clutter, consider borrowing from a friend or buying a used one and then passing it along to another family when you're finished using it.

Car seat - Britney Spears may have once thought driving with her baby on her lap was acceptable, but you'll be hard-pressed to find many parents or safety experts who agree. The bottom line is, most hospitals won't even discharge you and your little one if you don't have a car seat (and one that's properly installed!). Obviously if you don't have a car, this is a moot point, but if your child will be riding with you or anyone at any point, this is a non-negotiable item. And unfortunately, purchasing a used one from a stranger also presents risks, as any car seat involved in any type of vehicle accident should not be used for safety reasons. Bottom line: this is something you may have to bite the bullet and buy, new unless you happen to know (and more importantly, trust!) someone who can provide a used one and guarantee it has never been involved in an accident. The good news? As long as it remains in pristine condition and has no safety recalls, you should be able to keep and use the same one if you have another baby down the road, or can pass it along to someone who trusts you.

If the car seat is starting to look a little worse for wear, consider adding an eco-friendly car seat cover, such as the bamboo options from Itzy Ritzy.

Sling/Baby carrier - Strollers may not be a must (see below), but having a hands-free option of transporting your baby sure is. The mere thought of carrying a growing baby around a farmers' market or on a nice, leisurely stroll is almost enough to make the arms actually start aching. Plus there will inevitably be chores to be done at home that will be neglected if the baby is fussy and just wants to be close to mom or dad. Then of course there is also the fact that close contact is soothing and comforting to a baby, something many parents argue is a necessity. There are a whole lot of options here, from the popular Baby Bjorn carriers to greener options such as one of the Baby Buddha organic bamboo slings.

The maybes

Stroller - Unlike a car seat, strollers are negotiable simply because there are other ways to carry your baby around, such as the aforementioned carriers and slings. Strollers can range in price, from less than $200 to we-may-have-to-refinance-our-home-to-afford-this. They can be heavy, bulky and awkward, but they can also be a godsend for those who do a lot of walking but choose not to participate in baby-wearing. This is another purchase you can peruse online classified ads to find used, or look for at your local second-hand shop. If you do go for a used option, be sure to watch for possible safety issues such as overall sturdiness, working brakes and broken wheels. Follow the same advice for used cribs and be sure to check for any safety recalls of the model you are considering.

Breast pump - If you're planning to breastfeed, you may or may not require a pump. Many professional resources recommend waiting until you determine your milk supply and allow your baby to become accustomed to your breast before attempting to use a bottle since it can cause nipple confusion. However, if your baby can't latch properly and you still want him or her to reap the health benefits of breast milk, pumping may be your best option. While popular Medela pumps can run you close to $400, you can often rent one if you'll only need it for a shorter period. Unfortunately this is another item where used options carry certain risks, such as the presence of harmful organisms or contamination.

Change table - The average baby will need to be changed anywhere from eight to 12 times per day, but that still doesn't necessarily mean you'll need a change table. Many parents find it simpler to simply change their baby on the floor or other surfaces such as the couch or bed. In these cases, a good changing pad such as the vinyl-free ones from Parenting by Nature will work just as well. For your added convenience, you can simply fold it up and take it on the go with you, something you definitely can't do with a change table. For far less money, you buy a couple to keep around the house and to travel with you.

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The Are-You-Kidding-Mes

Toys - No one is suggesting you deprive your baby of playtime, however the recent garage sale excursion turned up toys of every imaginable size, shape and color. In fact the sheer amount of abandoned toys was almost mind-boggling. And unfortunately once a toy is broken, the most common home for it is the trash can and eventually the landfill. Many parental acquaintances have shared that their young children are just as happy banging a wooden spoon against a pot as they are with the latest expensive (usually plastic!) noise-maker the stores are selling. Opt for a couple non-toxic wooden toys, such as the adorable Wiggling Worm Grasping Toy by Melissa and Doug. Chances are your six-month old won't notice if he has two toys or an overflowing box of them. In fact, he or she will probably have one or two favorites and neglect the rest anyway.

Gadgets - Simply saying "gadgets" sounds miscellaneous - and it is. However, the fact is, there are so many items companies invent and claim are "must-haves" that discerning parents have to learn when to say no on their own. Sure this equipment looks cool and it's easy to get caught up in the momentum of a trend, but start asking yourself if - and more importantly, why - you need something if you're tempted to pick it up. For example the UpSpring Baby Walking Wings Learning to Walk Assistant (no joke, that is the product's full name) may look handy, but suffice it to say, millions upon millions of babies have learned to walk without one.

A Really Big Sale at Little Green Star

Leafy Green — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 09:22:00 -0700

Back in January Pinky Bean featured the San Francisco based Little Green Star and their delightful (and eco-friendly) children's clothes. Well we just received word that from now through September 30th you can shop their entire site for 30% off!

Little Green Star is for the nature lovin’ kids who love lady bugs, gaze at the stars, and protect our great oceans! These kiddos shout “be green with me” when they wear
our tees, and you just can’t resist joining in on their adventure.

Each eco-fun design helps share the message that living green is smart and cool. So, whether you buy organic fruits and veggies, drive a hybrid car, or teach your kids to
recycle, Little Green Star tees are another way to celebrate your way of living.

All tees and onesies are made from 100% organic cotton, grown and sewn in the USA, and printed with water-based inks. Sizes range from 3-6 months up to 6T. Use promotion code LUVLGS before you add anything to the shopping cart and you will see the prices change to reflect the sale!

So from babies to big kids Little Green Star has you covered... and at 30% off no less!

Sorry for all the exclamation points but this is the sort of thing that gets us pretty excited here in Ecollo-land. This is a company that produces a really great product that you can feel good about buying. Little Green Star is supporting American farmers by sourcing organic cotton grown in the USA and supporting American industry in their manufacturing. Top that off with cute, ecological messages and a 30% discount and what's not to love?

So hit the jump to pop over to Little Green Star and check them out for yourself.

Quick Bites: Meals for a Radiant Life

Leafy Green — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 15:13:00 -0700

We've featured Viva la Greens here on Ecollo before and Christy Morgan recently got in touch with us to let us know about some new cooking workshops called "Quick Bites" that can help jumpstart your journey into cooking that is better for your body and for the planet.

Here's the deets:

Need some inspiration in the kitchen? We got you covered.

These classes are designed for all ages and skill level. A 1 hour demonstration cooking class filled with delicious plant-based recipes and information that can help either an amateur cook or anyone who knows their way around the kitchen, but needs help making low fat, healthy, and delicious vegetarian food.

"Quick Bites" will offer a range of classes that will fully equip you with all the knowledge you need to make delicious, quick, but gourmet plant-based foods. Take 1 or take them all! You and the planet deserve it :)

Saturday Double Feature - Downtown

Saturday, September 19th 4-5 pm
The Great Grain
How many "whole grains" can you name? This class will give you new and fresh ideas on how to sneak more whole grains into your diet.

5:30-6:30 pm
Turning Japanese
The Japanese people are the healthiest in the world and have many medicinal foods that can be incorporated into your diet. Learn about those healing foods and how to cook with them.

Class held @ Surfas Restaurant Supply, Culver City

Sunday, September 20th 4-5pm
The Versatile Bean
Beans are a bountiful and versatile food that pack a punch with nutrients. We'll show you how to make them from scratch in a pressure cooker and give you some great recipes for quick meals with beans.

Sounds pretty fantastic, no? Even if your tenative about 'taking the plunge' and becoming a full-on vegan that shouldn't stop you from registering for one or more of these classes. You'll pick up some pointers, learn how to add some variety to your weekly menu and - who knows - you might get inspired to explore the world of vegetarian and vegan cooking some more!

Here is some more info on Quick Bites:

The Bean family harvest

Pinky Bean — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 08:03:00 -0700

It hardly feels like it should already be time to harvest a garden, but the mister recently pointed out that our Swiss chard was about execute a plan for total garden domination and overtake the entire thing (what a crafty leafy vegetable it is!). Our carrots remained shy and decided not to make an appearance at all this year, however as you'll see from the photo above, we still ended up with beans, dill, beets, cilantro, peas, and of course, the infamous chard.

So what does one do with all the treasures bestowed upon them by their garden? Here are a few ideas...

Swiss chard - You can use yours in salad, but chard's slightly bitter taste may not appeal to everyone's taste buds. To eliminate that bitter taste, cook it using this Melted Chard recipe, courtesy of the Carrboro Farmers' Market. Bonus: the recipe allows you to use the whole chard including the stem, rather than just the leaves!

Beets - You don't have to peel beets before cooking them - in fact, they're much easier to peel if boiled in their skin for 10-15 minutes first. Once boiled, rinse them with cold water until they are no longer hot to the touch, then rub the peel off. If you have difficulty removing the peel, boil them for a few more minutes. After that, you can grate them into a salad or pour some vinegar over them and eat them. To prepare them with a sweeter taste, rub some olive oil into the skin, then roast the beets 400 degrees Fahrenheit for an hour.

Beans - You can eat these raw, boil them or turn them into a lovely Summer Green Bean Salad, complete with chives, thyme, shallots, honey (local if you've got it!) and some hazelnuts.

Dill - If you didn't make pickles this year, make use of the 16 pounds of tomatoes you recently purchased at the Farmers' Market (ahem) with this recipe for Roasted Tomato Dill Soup.

Peas - There's no two ways about it: these are best when washed and eaten fresh or used in a salad. They're crunchy, sweet and far better than anything you could pick up at the supermarket, end of story.

Cilantro - My love affair with cilantro prompted me to plant it this year. I'll use it in anything, from tossing a handful into canned black bean soup to perking up boring old jarred salsa (not homemade). However, my hands-down favorite use for cilantro in the summer is to take some of the aforementioned 16 pounds of tomatos and chop both up with some sweet onions, garlic, a jalepeno and adding salt and pepper for a huge batch of fresh salsa. The salsa only keeps for a couple of days, so use it for everything, whether you just dip chips or put it on tacos or eggs in the morning.

Obsessed With Farming on Facebook

Leafy Green — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 12:48:00 -0700

Some of the hottest video games right now aren't being played on a Wii or an Xbox and they don't involve blasting aliens or ripping apart zombies with a chainsaw. Just check out these titles: FarmVille, Farm Town, Barn Buddy, Country Story. These are a selection of video games being played by millions of people every month on Facebook and what's the one thing they all have in common? You guessed it: farming.

Just check out some of these statistics:

Of those five farming games listed above there were a total of over 60 million 'actives' playing an online social game related to agriculture. Funny because in the 'real world' farming isn't exactly a popular occupation. In the developed world we have a track record of fleeing the countryside for the hustle and bustle of large cities. So what is the appeal of playing a farmer in a virtual space?

At the most basic level there is the simple fact that farming games that allow a player to create things instead of just, say shooting monsters and that carries a certain appeal, especially amongst casual gamers.

Then there is the fact that farming games give players access to an idealized pastoral farming world where crops can be planted and harvested at the click of a button and cattle never have to really be slaughtered. The cute characters, shining sun and cartoon animals are an ideal escape from the cubicle, basement or concrete jungle.

But the biggest appeal of these games is the reward systems built into them. Players can accumulate virtual money, prizes, land and even friendships and status by simply being a very good farmer. And this is the point that I think is the biggest contributor to the popularity of these games.

The cartoonish graphics and hyper-idealized version of farming presented in these games isn't going to give anyone any sort of real appreciation for the hard, dirty work that farming really is. But perhaps players might gain some appreciation for why farmers do what they do: the 'real world' reward system if you will. For farmers in the real world farming is not a just game, and for most it's much more than an occupation. For many there is a sense of personal satisfaction in knowing that their hard work and dedication is providing the world with food (And fiber! Don't forget that most of what we wear started on a farm!). Not to mention the personal benefits like living in the countryside, their relationships to close friends, and their general love of farming. Sounds kind of like the rewards you get from playing a farming game, doesn't it?

So the next time you log into Facebook to play your favorite farming game take a moment to appreciate all of the real world farmers out there working hard for their benefit... and ours.

BabyGanics promises a gentler cleaning solution for you and your family

Leafy Green — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 03:44:00 -0700

Ammonia. Sodium acid sulfate. Oxalate. Hypochloric acid. Chlorinated phenols.

Have I lost you yet? No, these aren't the secret recipe for making Coca-Cola, they're toxic chemicals found in common household cleaning products and they can lead to eye, respiratory and skin irratation. Oh, and cardiac damage... um, and stress on your circulatory system... and other bad stuff... need I go on?

In any case, if you're a parent then chances are that you don't want any of these nasty chemicals near your precious young-uns. Well here is BabyGanics to the rescue! All of their products are free of dyes, filler, popllutants, casutic chemicals and VOCs (volatile organic compounds).

These products are parent-tested. Whether you need to wipe down your changing table or take care of an unpleasant pile of baby-barf on your kitchen floor, BabyGanics probably has a bottle of something that can do the trick without putting your baby's health at risk. Hit the jump for more information.

Get trendy and organic with Text Message Baby

Pinky Bean — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 03:18:00 -0700

Since when does organic cotton have to be plain white or natural in color? That's the question Carla Dickinson when she recently launched the new online store Text Message Baby. The store specializes in 100% organic cotton onesies with a range of slogans inspired by today's text messaging phenomenon.

Owner Carla Dickinson wanted to create a green line of baby clothes that was also stylish. "I wanted something that was environmentally friendly and that defined the latest trend," she said. "My twin daughters inspired me with their love of text messaging, and Text Message Baby was born."

The trendy onesies come in over 20 fun, bright colors and include phrases such as "G2GP" (Got To To Potty), "Daddy + Me" and "LMDO" (Laugh My Diaper Off). The products are made using 100% Skal-certified organic cotton fibers and the chemicals used in the printing process came from soy beans and orange oils, ensuring they are biodegradable and non-toxic.

Text Message Baby will also offer a selection of bibs and hats in the future. Check out these unique onesies and place your order at the official website after the jump!

Protect your clothes (and your baby) with Burp Armor

Pinky Bean — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 06:09:00 -0700

If you've ever lost a favorite shirt to the drool and spit-up that inevitably occurs while burping your baby, than has Burp Armor ever got great news for you. The company offers ergonomic burp cloths that have enough traction to stay-put on your shoulder, meaning they won't shift at a crucial moment and leave you covered in your baby's *ahem* residue.

Not only the cloths stay in their proper place, they're made using all-natural materials such as organic cotton and sustainable hemp and are pre-washed in organic soap to mirror the soft feeling and absorbency of cloth diapers. Two layers of fleece soak up any fluids unexpectedly hurled at you and a third layer of corduroy provides the aforementioned traction to keep the cloth from slipping.

The concept of the cloths was developed by a new father who was inspired after staying up with his newborn during a late-night feeding.

“The idea came to me one very late night after an especially ‘soggy’ feeding with my newborn son,” recalls Burp Armor Co-founder Mike Barclay. “I knew I wasn’t the only parent who could use a more comfortable, durable and practical burp cloth. The very next morning I started sketching our ideas … and the rest, you might say, is ‘burp history.’”

The cloths, which are made in the U.S., aren't the only aspect of Burp Armor that is eco-friendly; the company also uses recyclable packaging and soy-based inks. They also donate a portion of their proceeds to Children's Hospital Boston.

Hit the jump to find out if there's a store carrying Burp Armor near you or to order yours online.

The Dirt on Sustainable Soil

Leafy Green — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 12:30:00 -0700

Dirt and soil. if you’re an amateur greenthumb you know there is a major difference between these two things. Dirt is dry and dead and suitable for a cat’s litter box. Soil is dark, fragrant and alive. Good soil, along with good weather and TLC is the key to growing good plants.

In your backyard if you really screw-up your garden one year it’s not an impossible problem. You can possibly bring it back with some help from your backyard composter or even buy some big bags of fresh soil from your local gardening centre.

For farmers - like the ones that grow staple crops like corn, wheat and beans all across the country - the issue of soil management is a bit more complicated. They can’t just run out to Home Depot for some new soil. They have to work with the soil they’ve got and it’s in their best interest to have the best and most productive soil possible. After all, better soil equals better crops.

Now you might ask yourself, “I’m not a farmer so why is soil management important? Who cares?”

Fair enough. Don’t abandon this story just yet. Let me give you two reasons to care:

1. Even if you’re not a farmer learning a little bit about soil management will help you better manage your own lawn and garden in a more sustainable manner. Who knows, you might make one less trip to the garden centre for new soil next spring.

2. There is a misconception in “green” circles that modern agricultural practices are going to turn the planet into some kind of desert and that farmers are purposely destroying their own soil with no concern for the environment whatsoever. This is ridiculous and if you keep reading you’ll see why.

I’d like to direct you to this opinion piece titled ‘False fears threaten food supplies’ by Dominic Dyer on BBC News. Here is a quick excerpt:

If farmers' yields were still as low as those of the 1950s, we would need nearly three times as much cultivated land to feed today's global population.

Many people are unaware or uninterested by how the food we eat is grown. Often incorrect perceptions and false assumptions are presented as fact as a result of a lack of familiarity with the countryside.

The truth is that if we enjoy a steady, year-round supply of fresh produce at affordable prices, it's thanks to modern agriculture and well-trained professional farmers.

“Well-trained professional farmers”- keep that phrase in mind. When you think "farmer" you think overalls, straw hat and pitchfork, right? There might even be a horse-drawn plow in there? The truth is Old McDonald is NOT a real person; or at least he didn’t grow anything that made it to your dinner table in the last 50 years. Sure, there are still lots of family-operated farms and people living that idyllic country life, but they’re doing it with more science, technology and precision than Old McDonald ever could have dreamed of.

As Dominic Dyer points out in his article, due to our ever-growing population today we would require triple the amount of cultivated land we needed just half a century ago. In other words, farmers have to get more out of each acre of land than they ever did before. The popular misconception is that by growing such a high volume of crops that modern agricultural practices are “sucking” the magical goodness out of the soil leaving us with nothing but sand.

It is true that farmers are extremely concerned with maximizing the yield of their crops. It’s also true that farmers are extremely aware that healthy, rich soil is a key factor in producing the best crops possible. Why would they purposely destroy their own land?

In a recent article published on CattleNetwork.com, Marcia Gorrell addresses the myth that modern agricultural practices lead to soil erosion and that farmers need to go back to the old way of doing things for the good of our environment.

Another myth has to do with soil erosion. It implies that modern farming is eroding soil when the truth is just the opposite.

Today, we till less and lose less soil than ever before. We also use fewer chemicals and pesticides than we did even 25 years ago. […]

The truth is, organic farming of the "good old days" was responsible at least in part for The Dust Bowl of the 1930s. During that time, a combination of inappropriate farming techniques, drought and depression created the conditions for strong winds to strip large areas of topsoil. We still work today to build up topsoil lost from past farming techniques.

So not only are farmers doing the best they can to not contribute to soil erosion, but many are working to restore the soil to the condition it was in before previous generations of farmers nearly destroyed it in the “good old days”. Yikes! Those “good old days” don’t seem too “good” right now!

There are three main arguments against modern agricultural practices involving soil. Let’s take a closer look:

1. Driving all of these heavy machines and stuff on the soil is leading to “compaction” – literally squished and compacted soil.

2. The amount of organic matter in the soil is decreasing and becoming less natural. The thought is that with all of the chemical fertilizers and pesticides and whatnot that are used on the soil that the soil is becoming less fertile.

3. The third argument is that GM crops are somehow destroying the soil. I’d explain it but I have yet to find a real reason for this argument.

To address these points I found a great video at RealAgriculture.com featuring Dr. Ross McKenzie, a super-duper research scientist who knows pretty much everything there is to know about soil.

To summarize a bit, here is what the doctor had to say regarding some of the arguments against modern agricultural practices.

Compaction: Many farmers today don’t till their fields but instead use a technique called “direct seeding” which avoids having to dredge-up their soil all the time. Another thing farmers are aware of is the weight of their equipment and the wetness of their soil. Driving heavy equipment of wet soil can have a much bigger impact on the health of the soil than if the soil is less damp.

Organic matter: The old practice of letting fields “take a break” for a year is a thing of the past. Farmers now practice what’s called “continuous cropping”, where they basically have stuff growing in their fields year-round. Old roots and other material from the previous crop stay in the ground, breaking down and feeding microbes for the next batch of crops to grow there.

GM crops: Dr. McKenzie doesn’t see any negative impact on the soil from growing GM crops. He says that as long as the crops are looked after properly that GM crops are no worse for the soil than conventional varieties.

Now we’ve heard from a soil expert and learned how farmers are working to improve the quality of their soil. So how can we apply this newfound knowledge in our backyards? Let’s follow the example of modern farmers.

Compaction: Watch where you tread in your garden or flower bed, especially when it’s wet! Be wary, too of pushing overloaded wheelbarrows through your lawn and garden.

Organic matter: Old roots and other plant fibers don’t necessarily have to be dug-up. Allow the dead matter to compost in its place. And speaking of compost: don’t forget to maintain a backyard composter and use it to enrich your soil.

GM plants: Worry about growing the plants you want in your backyard and don’t pay extra for a specific label on a packet of seeds. Regardless of where the seeds came from or how they were produced they won’t have any negative impact on your soil.

So there you have it! There is a lot more to learn about soil but this isn’t a bad start. Any thoughts to add or soil maintenance tips to share? Add a comment and get the ball rolling!

REAP the benefits of local shopping

Pinky Bean — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 07:53:00 -0700

Respect for the Earth and All People - that's what not-for-profit organization REAP stands for, both literally and figuratively. Since 2006, REAP Business Association in Calgary has worked to promote environmental and social responsibility in an effort to creater greener local economies. REAP (Respect for the Earth and All People) - aims to help citizens not just understand, but value the impact of shopping locally.

Says Calgary chapter president Stephanie Jackman, "At REAP we believe that every choice each of us makes can have a positive impact on the world around us. We strive to provide people and businesses with the information they need to make more choices with positive consequences."

Through initiatives such as public events and online articles, REAP encourages citizens to make even small changes that they find relevent and meaningful and works to connect these individuals with local, authentically green organizations. Website visitors can access several resources that offer tips and advice on how to become more environmentally aware, including regular articles, a Green Living Series and information about local workshops and events, such as outdoor composting workshiops and Green Drinks social events. The organization also produces the REAP Passport, an annual coupon book featuring discounted products and services, including hair cuts, fashion, groceries and building materials.

REAP also boasts 27 business members that have all been assessed for the sustainability of their business practices and each have a complete profile featured on the REAP website in an effort to hold members accountable and ensure they are truly green. The decisions each business makes range from using gren power to support local supplies, as well as ensuring employees are paid fair wages. These business leaders meet each month at networking events, as well as quarterly to share ideas and gain knowledge and expertise regarding how to improve their operations and make them more eco-friendly. REAP members receive beneifts including online resources, supplier discounts, advertising and special sales and marketing opportunities. In an effort to make becoming a member of REAP members accessible to all those who wish to participate, membership dues are based on a sliding scale based on a company's annual revenue. This allows all businesses from small home-based ones to multimillion dollar corporations with hundreds of employees to join.

Hit the jump to learn more about REAP, including the benefits of becoming a member!

Harness natural power with Freeplay Energy

Pinky Bean — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 08:15:00 -0700

Plugging in your radio? Using disposable batteries to power your flashlight? That's so 2005. Instead take a look at Freeplay Energy's line-up of environmentally-conscious products that are powered using human, solar and rechargeable energy.

All of the products are designed to be self-sufficient - meaning if you're power goes out or your battery dies, an item you're relying on such as a flashlight or radio, won't be rendered useless. And of course using natural sources of energy such as the sun (or yourself!) to keep a product working is the most eco-friendly way to go. The line of products includes solar-powered radios-turned flashlights, a self-sufficient rechargeable LED lantern, a wind-up flashlight and a wall charger for mini-USB devices. The products are a mix of the company's own style, as well as those from companies Freeplay has formed strategic alliances with.

The developers of Freeplay seek to further expand the market for self-sufficient energy products on an international level. Check out their full range of eco-friendly energy alternatives after the jump!

Is Your Fridge Green Enough?

Cee Bee — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 07:56:00 -0700

In an average North American home 15 % of its energy will go towards powering the refrigerator. I don’t know what that would work out to if you calculated the consumption across the United States but it’s huge and definitely worth the effort to conserve a bit of energy. Here are some tips on keeping your refrigerator as efficient as possible.

Ideal Temperatures
Fridge = 37 to 40°F ~ 3 to 5°C
Short Term Freezer = 10 to 15°F ~ -10 to -12°C
Long Term Freezer = 0 to 5°F ~ -15 to -18°C

Clean the Coils
The coils are located on the outside of your fridge, usually on the back or bottom and radiate heat away from the refrigerator using the principle of surface area. In order for the coils to work efficiently they need to be cleaned and the easiest way is to simply vacuum them. If you have pets you should do this up to two or three times a year but if you’ve never done it before cleaning them once would be a good start.

Keep your Fridge Cool
Your fridge is trying to keep your food fresh and cool so don’t put it right next to your stove, dishwasher, and microwave or in direct sunlight. All these little things add up so if you’re redesigning your kitchen keep this in mind.

Keepin’ it Tight
Standing in the kitchen with the fridge door open might be a nice way to cool off in the summer but it’s not helping your produce much. Likewise, if your fridge door isn’t airtight you’re basically holding the door open 24-7. If you can close the door on a piece of paper and pull it out easily you’ve got a leak. Replace the gasket as soon as possible, your money and energy is keeping the floor cool.

Cover Food
Food left uncovered will lose moisture and in turn can increase humidity in the refrigerator requiring increased energy usage.

Extras
If your fridge has an icebox or water dispenser that doesn’t work make sure you shut them off or they could be sapping energy for no good reason.

The Senior Dogs Project

Pinky Bean — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 06:21:00 -0700

The older a pet is, the harder it will be to find them a loving home to be adopted into. It's a sad fact, but very true as families tend to choose younger dogs who they'll have for longer and who they consider to be more active.

Organizations like The Senior Dogs Project recognize the value of any dog, even those that are older and work to promote the adoption of these animals. Their website features a broad listing of agencies that seek to find permanent homes for senior dogs. The site creators were themselves inspired by Misty, a Golden Retriever they adopted when she was 10-years old and who lived until she was 14. Despite her age at adoption, Misty loved to play ball, go on hikes and swim, even in cold mountain water. It is stories such as these that they hope will help families open their hearts to an older dog.

In the list of the Top 10 Reasons to Adopt an Older Dog, the site points out they are usually house-trained, won't chew your belongings, focus more and therefore learn more quickly and adjust to a new home more easily than younger dogs.

Learn more about the benefits of bringing an older dog into your family after the jump.

Save Your Favorite Pair of Jeans with Denim Therapy

Leafy Green — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 03:02:00 -0700

Everyone has owned a pair at some point in their life: the perfect jeans. You know what I'm talking about. Just the right color, just the right fit and broken in perfectly. They make your butt look good, their comfy, and you've had some adventures in them. But then one day it happens. You get them hooked on a nail, or your guinea pig snacks on them and that's it, your favorite pair of jeans are now toast. Sure, you could try patching them yourself but then they just won't be the same and you may still be left heartbroken.

Enter the denim-clad heroes at Denim Therapy! You can register with the folks at Denim Therapy and ship your beloved blue jeans to them for an evaluation. Since every pair of jeans is unique, the experts there have to see your pants in person to figure out if they can be salvaged and what it'll take to rescue them. They give you an estimate and it's up to you if you want them to go ahead with the repairs. Then in about two weeks you get your resurrected jeans back again.

Now that we're getting ready to welcome cooler fall weather, you may be able to spare youself the effort of having to go shopping for a new pair of jeans. These guys don't just stitch a square patch over the hole in your jeans, they expertly perform fabric repairs using denim thread, placing new cotton fibres into the rips and tears and restoring the fabric to near-original condition.

So don't despair if you have a tear in your beloved pair... of jeans. Hit the jump and get some Denim Therapy.

Pet Diets: Eat Local

Pinky Bean — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 08:24:00 -0700

The eat local movement need not only apply to humans. You can significantly reduce the food miles involved in your pet's diet as much as you can your own. After all, when you think about it, the concept of "grocery shopping" for your animal aren't all that different than doing it for yourself: aisles (granted not as many) of food shipped in from other parts of the country or the world, many of it in cans that weigh a significant amount.

Though it will obviously be a bit more of a challenge to find locally-produced dog food and treats, if you live in a larger center, it's definitely possible. Small shops and companies catering to your pet's every need have become the business du jour. In fact, that's where you can begin. Find a local pet bakery or food producer in your area. Pet stores that specialize in more natural foods, treats and toys may be able to point you in the right direction and may actually carry some of these items that are made by local producers. The store where we buy our dog's food carries a couple of brands of dog biscuits that are made in our city. We like being able to support a local business while at the same time buying a product that wasn't trucked in from hundreds of miles away. Our furry "child" certainly doesn't complain either. If you live in a small area and no pet food-maker is available, find out if the pet store can recommend some food made as close to where you live as possible.

Another place you may find treats that are made in your own backyard is of course, the hub of locally-produced food: your farmer's market. Our local market has been another source of cookies and were conveniently located right around from the market's bakery for humans. We made it a habit to start with the bakery for a delicious cookie or pastry for ourselves and then pick up a treat to take home to the dog. An added bonus of buying treats there was that we could talk directly to the person who had made them and ask questions about the products. That's certainly a luxury you don't usually receive when you buy something from a store shelf.

Finally, if you venture into the world of cooking for your pet, you can supply a diet that is almost completely local. Visit a local butcher for meat, buy vegetables and grains from the market or a local grower.

Go green with Guffly

Pinky Bean — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 07:55:00 -0700

Whether it's becuase they've embraced the minamalist lifestyle or simply to focus on one great product at a time, new green, go-to shopping website Guffly.com highlights the latest and greatest in cool, eco-friendly products. The site officially launched last week, and features a wide range of goods for including lifestyle items, home decor, pet products, clothing, office and personal accessories. The catch is each product is only sold on the site for one day (but don't worry, if you miss a day or two, there are archives that allow you to see all past products).

Based in Detroit, Guffly is based on simplicity - as in, finding easy ways you can be more environmentally friendly and discovering new, unique tools that make it easier to recycle, compost and just make better, more eco-conscious decisions in general. The products are chosen based on what the site's creators like and will use themselves - in other words, they won't endorse something they think will be a waste of your time or hard-earned money. Each product featured contains as much detail as possible, including exactly what makes it eco-friendly or fair trade. The site also strives to maintain their level of eco-consciousness throughout the business even by taking small steps, such as purchasing locally-made coffee and becoming involved in local festivals.

Also be sure to check out the Guffly blog, for everything from products to articles on topics such as ideas for eco-friendly dates or how to go back to school the eco-friendly way.

Check it out after the jump!

The Benefits of Canned Food

Cee Bee — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 05:18:00 -0700

I love fresh produce as long as it’s ripe and ready to eat, otherwise it can become a frustrating experience. According to the USDA the average person (2000 calorie a day diet) should consume 2 cups of fruit and 2.5 cups of vegetables daily. This can sometimes be a tall order and despite the food industry’s best efforts to supply the freshest produce possible, all year round, there are still times when you can’t get what you want fresh. You can, however, still get all of those important vitamins and nutrients from your local market in the form of canned goods.

To me, canned foods always seem a little less desirable than their fresh counterparts but contrary to popular opinion they do hold a ton of healthy benefits. Here are a few:

- Canned food holds it’s fiber content.
- Vitamins A, B and C hold up well during the canning process.
- Potassium, thiamin and carotenoids also hold up well.
- Meats do not lose any nutrient value.
- Some fish will gain calcium content when canned.

I have to admit these facts were a bit of a surprise to me but it’s all good news because during those winter months we don’t have to worry about missing out on any vitamins or nutrients from some of our favorite fruits and veggies.

Keep in mind that all that fresh food has probably travelled a long way to arrive on your grocery store shelves. Each mile travelled is subtracting nutritional value while your canned goods hold up much better on the road. My favorites include pinapples and peaches for fruits or diced tomatos for homecooked spaghetti sauce and who can resist a beautiful can of beans beside the campfire.

The case for rechargeable batteries

Pinky Bean — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 08:31:00 -0700

Unless all of your gadgets and appliances have wind-up capabilities to recharge (doubtful), there's a good chance you get a fair amount of use from batteries. While they're certainly convenient, they're also hard on the environment. In Canada alone, it is estimated that approximately 500 million batteries will be disposed of by 2010, an increase of over 150 million since 2004. Even though battery waste accounts for a very small portion of all waste, ore often than not, these batteries end up in landfills and expose the earth to toxic substances such as lead and mercury.

While you may find it impossible to give up the battery habit entirely (those television channels aren't goign to change themselves after all), you can reduce the impact of the batteries you use around your home and office by using the rechargeable variety. Yes, they still contain the same harmful chemicals as regular disposable batteries, however their life span is much longer providing you take proper care of them, and can help minimize the number of batteries that end up in the trash can at the end of their short lives.

You can pick up rechargeable batteries in most conventional sizes (AA and AAA being the most common) at nearly any retail location. Check the various options available to see the approximate time your batteries will give you before needing a recharge. Also be sure to look at several packages since some come with more batteries than others.

To prolong the life of your rechargeable batteries, Energizer offers the following dos and dont's:

Do:

☆ Use the directions enclosed for proper storage and care procedures.

☆ To get the most out of your batteries, charge them at room temperature. It's normal for batteries to heat up while charging and in use, however most are designed to protect from overheating.

☆ Rechargeable batties lose some of their charge for every day they are left off of the charger, so give yourself some time to recharge before you want to use them.

☆ Battery contact points can reduce the efficiency of charging your batteries. To clean these surfaces of your batteries, use a clean pencil eraser, cloth or rubbing alcohol and gently rub the surface.

☆ Only use chargers specifically made for the type of battery your are recharging. If you don't know, do your research and find out from the product manufacturer.

Don't:

☆ Overcharge your batteries

☆ Leave your batteries for long periods of time. They should be charged every six to nine months minimum.

☆ Unless a battery is specifically marked rechargeable, don't attempt to recharge at the risk of leakage or rupture.

☆ Put batteries in a charger that isn't designed for that battery type.

When all is said and done and even your rechargeable batteries have reached the end of their run, never toss them in the garbage. Check out programs such as the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (learn more after the jump) to find search more than 50,000 locations that collect old rechargeable batteries and cell phones for recycling.

Plastics In The Kitchen

Cee Bee — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 08:03:00 -0700

Whether you’re going to grab a drink or trying to cook a dish for dinner you probably spend a considerable amount of time in the kitchen. Since I spend so much time in my kitchen I was trying to figure out how I can green it up a bit and I noticed I have a lot of plastic products from storage containers and salad forks to plastic cups and saran wrap. Should I ditch them all or are some of them an environmental blessing in disguise?

Well, to start with the tools I use to make and eat my meals like the spatulas, cups, ladles and even the handles of some knives seem to be pretty good products with tough to find alternatives. They last a long, long time and probably aren’t leaching out too many chemicals into my foods. So, provided you aren’t treating them like disposable items I’d say they’re pretty good and I think worth keeping.

No kitchen is complete without some storage containers for leftover food. We all grew up with the tupperware brand and it has definitely been around before anyone new about the dangers of BPA’s in plastic. According to several sites I’ve visited the tupperware products are on the high end and very safe but a couple of their product lines may have problems^[1]. The value they provide is simply to keep food fresh longer avoiding waste and are reusable. In order to avoid any risks associated with leaching I’ll choose to mic my food in other dishes.

What about the value of saran wrap and ziploc bags? I know if I reheat some food that has been covered with saran wrap things can look pretty droopy when they come out the other end. Saran wrap has passed federal safety requirements for humans and the environment but why take the risk^[2]. I use a plate to cover my food when reheating to be safe. The other negative here is the fact that saran wrap is tough to reuse. Instead aluminum foil is a good replacement for short term storage and can be reused over and over.

Much like aluminum foil, with the ziploc baggy you can store food in the freezer for months, then thaw it, eat it, wash the bag and reuse it. Seems like a pretty awesome product but I'd say it's very difficult to stay disciplined enough to keep washing them so tupperware is better bet for reuse.

So to sum up my kitchen greenovations I’m going to keep all my plastic kitchen tools but get rid of the wasteful saran wrap and use aluminum foil instead or better yet a tupperware container. Of course, from now on I won’t be microwaving any food in a plastic container to be on the safe side.

Black Gold shines a spotlight on the plight of Ethiopian coffee farmers

Pinky Bean — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 07:49:00 -0700

What happens when you have one man on a quest to find a long-term solution to the problem of struggling coffee farmers fighting to receive fair price for their product? Tadesse Meskela, the general manager of the Oromia Coffee Farmers Cooperative Union, made it his mission to find out when he began traveling the world to find buyers that would pay a fair price for coffee and hopefully save some of his 74,000 Ethiopian coffee farmers who are facing bankruptcy. Tadesse's efforts, as well as the plight of the coffee farmers he is trying to help was turned into the documentary "Black Gold."

We were provoked to make a film about coffee after it was announced at the end of 2002 that Ethiopia was facing another famine. Twenty years earlier in 1984, people across the world had been motivated to respond to this crisis by giving aid. The difference this time was that coffee farmers were being caught up in this new food crisis while the global coffee industry was booming.

We wanted to urgently remind audiences that through just one cup of coffee, we are inextricably connected to the livelihoods of millions of people around the world who are struggling to survive.

Coffee is a universal experience enjoyed by billions of people on a daily basis and is part of an industry worth over $80 billion a year. But the people behind the product are in crisis with millions of growers fast becoming bankrupt. Nowhere more evident is this paradox than in Ethiopia, the birthplace of coffee.

Our hope was to make a film that forced us, as western consumers, to question some of our basic assumptions about our consumer lifestyle and its interaction with the rest of the world.

The trailer for Black Gold (which you can view below) doesn't even scratch the surface of this issue, but the film surely aspires to. When we're standing in line waiting to pay for our Americano or large dark roast before heading to work in the morning, how many of us can honestly say we think about where those coffee beans come from? It's probably safe to assume that most of us, myself included, don't think about the story behind our beloved morning java. Black Gold will surely change that and hopefully show viewers that a lot more goes into that cup than a short drive over to the nearest Starbucks.

Visit the official Black Gold website to learn more about the film, including how you can own it.

Water footprint calculator shows drinking beer is better for the earth than consuming milk

Pinky Bean — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 08:17:00 -0700

Homer Simpson may have passed out from sheer exhilaration when he heard this: a water footprint calculator shows that guzzling a pint of beer is less harmful for the environment than drinking a glass of milk. Developed by a group from the University of Twente in the Netherlands, the website called waterfootprint.org, allows consumers to calculate the amount of water used in the manufacturing and transportation of the products they buy.

For example, an apple weighing 100 grams has a water footprint of 70 liters and a cup of coffee at 125 ml has a footprint of 140 liters. Not surprisingly, the impact of red meat is significantly higher, with the production of one kilogram of beef coming in at 15,500 liters of water. Though still high, chicken and other poultry show a much lower number, with 3,900 liters of water being used to produce one kilogram of the meat.

The website also shows how different countries rank according to their water footprints, with the United States leading the pack at 2,500 cubic meters per year per capita, and Italy trailing closely behind. Some experts believe the results of calculating water footprints could have a much greater effect on consumption than other tactics such as "food miles," and say that research may indicated that shipping products from around the world can actually have less of an impact than the carbon intensive production of locally-produced goods. Ultimately they believe that consuming less is the best answer, as is recycling goods whenever possible.

Some of the water footprints for popular items include:

One slice of white bread - 40 liters
One hamburger - 2,400 liters
One kilogram of cheddar cheese: 5,000 liters
Cotton shirt - 2,700 liters
Pint of beer - 160 liters
Glass of wine (125 ml) - 120 liters
Pint of milk - 1,760

Old MacDonald had a farm: But was it traditional, modern, organic or biotech?

Pinky Bean — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 01:01:00 -0700

Remember the good old days when farming was just...well, farming? Probably not, because chances are that was way before your time. As we discuss the process of getting your food From Farm to Fork, we use generic terms like "farming" and "agriculture." These days however, there are so many different ways to farm, so many methods of growing or producing food, that referring to farming no longer covers the gamut of what that might actually entail.

Think I'm wrong? Check out some of the common methods of farming used these days and dare to argue these can all fall under one simple term. The current practices today require at least a brief explanation. Here are a few examples:

Traditional farming - Farming and agriculture date back thousands of years, but obviously have undergone significant developments over time. When we refer to those aforementioned "good old days," we mean the way our great-grandparents and even their parents would have farmed. Traditional farming would use animal and vegetable waste fertilize crops and would not typically include the use of machines or any chemical or artificial fertilizers. While this generally may be considered an old-school way of farming, there are still farmers in North America and poor countries that practice traditional farming.

Modern farming - Called modern because it has only been practiced in the past century or so, modern farming introduced chemical fertilizers and weed and pest control, as well the use of machinery. Modern farming began with the industrialization of farming, when big companies were formed to supply and build the industry. As a result, many farmers began to specialize in growing or raising specific crops or animals.

Organic farming - For farming to be classified as organic, the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, livestock feed additives and GMOs are restricted. Instead practices such as crop rotation, compost and biological pest control are used to increase soil productivity and control pests.

While organic farming is believed to have first started in the early 1930s, the demand for organic products didn't really begin until the 1990s. However, in 2007, the market had reached $46 billion and 32.2 million hectares of farmland all over the world was managed organically.

The International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) regulates organic farming and acts as an international umbrella organization for other organic organizations.

Sustainable farming - Many people mistakenly assume sustainable farming is the same as organic farming, however this is an incorrect assumption. Just because farming practices are organic does not mean they are necessarily sustainable, nor are sustainable farming practices necessarily organic. For example, the use of GMOs may be considered one method sustainable farming if they can help provide an ongoing supply of food.

The three main goals of sustainable farming are said to be environmental stewardship, farm profitability and the development of successful farming communities. Sustainable farming aims to provide consistent and indefinite crop yields while still preserving the environment by avoiding certain harmful practices such as excessive tillage.

Sustainable farming takes into account both the supply and availability of natural resources, as well as factors including pollution, costs and the way the crops are sold (ie. the eco-friendliness of selling locally).

Biotech farming - Those ancestors who practiced traditional farming were probably not even aware of this type of growing, as it has really over surfaced within the past two decades. While conventional farming combines herbicides, insecticides, fertilizer and irrigated water to increase crop yields and protect them from disease, biotech farming involves altering the genes of plants to allow them to defend themselves against disease, pests, as well as making them herbicide-tolerant.

Biotech crops may also reduce or even eliminate the need for tillage, which is believed to provide environmental benefits including reduced soil erosion, healthier, more nutrient-rich soil with improved moisture content and lower carbon emissions from soils.

Quick take on the food crisis: Stop wasting!

Pinky Bean — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 03:40:00 -0700

There are a whole lot of opinions regarding the food crisis flying around U.K. publications this week. Yesterday, we presented two different arguments regarding how to solve the food supply situation that recently ran in Times Online and the Telegraph. And while the writers claimed that the solution lies within some difficult decisions that governments are faced with, yet another recent article claims that we consumers have just as much responsibility.

In the words of Nick Reeves, executive director of the Chartered Institute of Water and Environmental Management, we might be just as much at fault for food problems as those in power who have governed how food systems have run. Quoting the statistic that says British consumers dispose of approximately one-third of the food they buy, Reeves says:

"The biggest threats to food security are population growth, increased consumption and food waste."

"Unless these issues are tackled head-on, the need for food imports will grow, increasing the risk to supplies, [resulting in] higher food prices and the inability of the country to feed itself."

Reeves is specifically referring to Britons, but just say that he's right: those of us in North America certainly aren't any less guilty of these sins than our neighbors across the ocean.

Will millions of people cutting down on the amount of food they buy every week really help, and if so, does that mean that Tim Lang was correct in saying consumers have too many choices with their food? It seems hard to imagine that simply cutting down on food waste will feed millions of starving people in Africa now, and billions more around the world in the next 50 years. It just seems a bit too simple, especially as opinions about sustainable agriculture are continuously tossed around.

That being said, even if it's not the sole answer for saving the world from starvation, it certainly can't hurt to be conscientious of how we buy and consume food (if nothing else, it's the eco-friendly thing to do), so be sure to take the necessary measures to avoid being a chronic food waster!

Green Up Your Cleanup

Pinky Bean — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 02:07:00 -0700

As the mother of a hcild with allergies, Jill Schoff became an expert on the topic of natural cleaning solutions. Her experience inspired her to write, "Green Up Your Cleanup," a handbook that guides readers through the process of getting rid of products around the home that contain toxic chemicals and finding natural alternatives, including homemade cleaning recipes.

Schoff's book includes three sections:

The Basics - As the name would imply, Schoff makes a case for going green and shares how readers can do so.

Inside Jobs - All things related to cleaning inside the home, including kitchen surfaces, the bathroom, miscellaneous home components such as windows, walls and carpets, as well as the most earth-friendly methods of doing your laundry.

Dirty Jobs - Once you've got the inside covered, take a trip outdoors and learn how to clean exterior surfaces such as roofing and siding, as well as how to your desk, car and tools.

The book also contains green facts, smart tips and stories from real people throughout. Take a look and order "Green Up Your Cleanup" after the jump.

Simple steps to make your home more eco friendly

Pinky Bean — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 18:58:00 -0700

With households representing 44 per cent of the UK’s carbon output it has never been more important to start ensuring our homes are as eco friendly as possible. We can all make a difference to the environment by addressing the ways in which we live and, despite common misconceptions, this doesn’t have to mean dramatic lifestyle changes. Initial steps can be as simple as making sure our electrical appliances are switched off when not in use as opposed to putting them on standby or washing clothes at a lower temperature, such as 30 degrees.

The Carbon Credit Scheme is a government policy intended to encourage people to be more ‘carbon neutral’. The scheme will attempt to reduce the amount of carbon households produce by rewarding people who are more environmentally friendly with Carbon Credit for example, Carbon Zero properties worth less than £500,000 will be exempt from stamp duty saving potential buyers thousands of pounds.

The government is also considering building a number of Eco towns and villages and several building firms are now offering Eco friendly house extensions. Home Insurance companies such as Kwik-Fit are even taking steps to ensure they are more environmentally friendly by increasing their recycling and resource use and reducing energy and water use. Kwik-Fit Insurance offer good deals on home insurance and personal possessions cover so if you are looking to make small changes to becoming more environmentally friendly it may be as simple as choosing your insurance provider.

If you are thinking of creating your very own Eco-house there are a variety of ways in which this can be done without having to dip too far into your pockets. Typically used methods in making a house more eco-friendly include wind turbines, solar panels and double-glazing. Methods such as insulation and double-glazing serve to reduce energy output whilst also saving you money on heating bills. If you install just 270mm of insulation you can reduce your heating bill by as much as £200, there are now also schemes available in which the government will actually help pay to insulate your home.

Further ways to help create your own Eco-house is by using eco friendly materials such as eco paint and eco friendly flooring. It is important to ensure that when choosing your resources they are as natural and chemical free as possible, eco friendly carpets are generally made from materials such as organic cotton, wool and hemp and if you are choosing to have natural floors it is best to choose a product like bamboo.

It is estimated that by 2016 all new homes will be carbon neutral and with more and more people rejecting the usual building route of bricks and mortar in favour of materials such as timber and straw there is no better time to start.

Saving Energy in the Kitchen

Cee Bee — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 02:32:00 -0700

A typical kitchen in North America has several appliances to make our lives easier and more efficient, or so it seems. Here are few thoughts about some kitchen appliances and how you can save energy in your kitchen.

Dishwasher
Dishwashers use a lot of water and a lot of energy to heat the water. To get the most out of your washer make sure you have filled it up as much as possible before running. A dishwasher should be able to handle most small food remains so you shouldn’t have to pre-scrub the dishes before loading. Use the regular or normal setting and you should be good.

Microwave
The only reason to keep your microwave plugged in when you aren’t using it is to read the time and most of us have a wristwatch or other clock near the kitchen anyways. Most mics have converters in them that are constantly draining a bit of electricity so go ahead and unplug your microwave and your going to saving a bunch of useless standby energy.

Stove
No one likes burnt cookies so make sure you cook at suggested temperatures and set a timer so you don’t overcook your food. Another simple trick to save energy is set your timer about five minutes shorter and turn off the stove when it rings. Your food will continue to cook as long as you don’t open the door.

Fridge
Keep the temperatures set properly and the coils cleaned regularly and you should be good here.

Ditch landline Phone
I still have a landline but I’m seriously thinking of discarding it. They suck up more energy than a cell phone especially with an answering machine included or separate. It seems that the cell phone technology is pretty solid and if you want to be reached or reach someone else the cell phone makes much more sense.

6 Reasons to Go Herbal in Your Green Kitchen

Leafy Green — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 03:41:00 -0700

Last summer CeeBee introduced us to some tips to get started herb gardening, and there are numerous kits available that make herb gardening super-easy.

Growing an herb garden in your kitchen makes green sense in a lot of ways:

1. It's a great way to try your hand at a little gardening without making a big commitment. The green thumb requirement is pretty low and it makes a great project for kids!

2. With a nice planter they make a great decoration to beautify your kitchen.

3. You can grow one little pot or parsley or a fantastic multi-tiered herb garden like the one pictured. So regardless of the size of your kitchen you can create an herb garden to suit.

4. The aroma of fresh herbs in your home is fantastic, especially first thing on a lazy Sunday morning.

5. It's so convenient you'll find yourself adding fresh herbs to all of your cooking. A sprig of parsley here, a little mint there... it's a fun way to jazz up your meals.

6. Herbs aren't just for cooking. You can also grow your own medicinal herbs or even your own tea garden.

I could go on, but you get the idea. Now I'll be the first to admit that I would have a hard time keeping a chia pet going, so I'm the type of novice gardener that's looking for some kind of starter set to help me get going. If you hit the jump you can check out this great site I found called HerbKits.com which carries kits for culinary herbs, tea, medicinal herbs, even kits so you can grow your own salsa veggies or strawberries.

So don't just sit there, get growing! (oh, haha I crack myself up)

Solar Star Attic Fan

Pinky Bean — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 02:47:00 -0700

Who knew your dusty old attic, the place you hardly ever venture (if you ever have at all) had the ability to drive up your heating costs and cause weather-related damages to your home?

It turns out that your attic can be compared to a big radiator thanks to the way it transfers heat throughtout your home during warm weather, thus causing temperatures and your heating bills to go through the roof. When the seasons turn cold, a build-up of heat in the space melts snow and sends the water streaming down your home, where it will often freeze at the edge of your roof and cause damming. Pretty bad considering it's an area of the home you likely rarely give much thought to. After all, it's unlikely you're in there every day the way you might frequent a more popular room like the kitchen or a bedroom.

The Solar Star Attic Fan, a product from Solatube can help combat the aforementioned problems, with it's ability to reduce the build-up of heat, as well as the cost of air-conditioning, and prevents ice damming. Not only will it help eliminate heat build-up, it will also target moisture issues caused by poor venitlation and air exhange and the resulting moisture caused by humidity. Every day activities such as taking a shower or doing a load of laundry are significant sources of this type of moisture. The fan's main purpose is to reduce condensation as well as protecting insulation from becomeing saturated by moisture and developing mold or fungal decay.

Learn more about the Solar Star Attic fan and how to purchase one at the official Solatube website!

Filthy Fondled Fruit – Wash It

Cee Bee — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 18:36:00 -0700

When it comes to fruit and vegetables purchased from the grocery store I think they are fairly clean as is but I don’t like the idea of several other customers touching and feeling my food before I pop it in my mouth. I usually just rinse my food under the tap and dry it off but I know other people are fanatical when it comes to cleaning produce. There are several quality cleaners on the market that come in spray bottles but are they worth the price or can you get the same sanitizing done with household items?

From a few sources on the web the general concensus is that when you buy one of these cleaning products you are basically paying for the bottle and brand. Here are a few household solutions you can do yourself.

Baking Soda
Although this might not sound appealing to you, all you need is a little sprinkle of baking soda and a good scrub under cold water and you’ve got a perfectly clean piece of fruit. No residue, no extra baking soda taste either.

Vinegar
You can also set your food in a colander and lower it into the sink filled with water and a bit of vinegar to kill the majority of bacteria. After 5 minutes, lift and rinse and you’re good to go. Watch out for any produce that will soak up liquid though, like mushrooms for instance.

Homemade Spray
Grab a spray bottle, preferably a clean one, add 1 cup of water, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Shake it up and spray away. Let you food sit for a few minutes before rinsing.

With all these great tips, filthy fondled fruit should be a thing of the past.

Preventing a food crisis: technology and politics

Pinky Bean — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 08:28:00 -0700

Agriculture, overpopulation, climate change, politics - all are major contributing factors to the state of the global food supply and while they may be common denominators, the proposed solutions to preventing a global food crisis are anything but united.

Take two opinion pieces that ran in different U.K. publications this past week. One piece, written by Tim Lang, claims the world needs a "farming revolution" - or more specifically, "to put food systems, both here and globally, on a sustainable course." In a nutshell, the writer claims this could be accomplished by adopting new policies to conserve soil, sacrificing new homes and roads in favor of devoting land to growing food and drastically limiting food options, so that consumers are instead given 7,000 items in their groceries stores to choose from as opposed to 30,000. The big problem, argues the writer, is that less than 50 years ago, a new food system was said to get rid of food waste, lower food costs and provide consumers more choices, however this didn't solve any problem but rather just transitioned the issues elsewhere.

The other piece, written by Sean Rickard, says that while climate change and increasing prices are indeed some of the legitimate concerns, the way to solve them is to produce more food - and a lot of it - by using new technology to do so. Believing that the answer is in small, family-run farms will only result in less efficient production and higher food prices, as well as malnutrition and starvation in poor areas of the world. Rickard also believes sustainability is the key, however his definition of this type of system involves reducing water usage and energy per unit of output.

Therefore, he says he "cannot see how the world can overcome these challenges without the benefits of GM technology. The Government should first declare its support for GM technology and second set about rapidly reversing the cutbacks in agricultural research and development that it has presided over."

Rickard also believes that free trade will allow consumers to still have the choices they have become accustomed to at prices they can handle, while Lang argues that genetic modification won't be the single answer to climate change. Instead, carbon and water footprints need to be reduced by consumers cutting back on their meat and dairy, as well as raising animals on grass as opposed to cereals, which in turn helps improve soil quality.

Both men's opinion's mention the necessity of governments making some tough choices - choices that everyone and their dog has an opinion on. Rickard is hardly the first to express the need for society to embrace technological developments as one potential solution to an impending crisis - Elanco Animal Health president Jeff Simmons expressed similar sentiments just a few months ago. However, Lang's position that "even the most gung-ho GM supporter knows that it cannot resolve the new fundamentals of food, principally climate change" and that in order for a diet to be sustainable "it will have to lower its carbon and water footprints" is interesting, because proponents of using genetically modified foods claim that new varieties of seeds will do just that - reduce land, water and energy usage while increasing yields.

We've said it once, but it deserves another mention: debating the problem until everyone is blue in the face will get us nowhere. Or more specifically, if the powers-that-be keep trying to please everyone and make concessions to appease both supporters of organic farming and proponents of GM agriculture, will we all be starving to death by the time these decisions are finally made?

Simple seeds can change the future of drought-stricken Ethiopian farmers

Pinky Bean — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 08:28:00 -0700

Penn and Teller say those who have a full belly and don't know what it's like to go without food aren't the people we should be listening to when we decide how food should be grown. As Penn says, "It's easy to protest when you're not hungry." That's fair enough since there's a good chance if you're reading this, you have access to a computer, which means you probably can afford even the most basic of groceries to get you through the week.

However, let's hear from the other side. Last fall, some Ethiopian farmers, victims of a severe drought in their region, received a second chance in the form of some much-needed seeds, provided by international humanitarian organization Concern Worldwide. The farmers had the chance to explain how some simple seeds could change their entire future, and they also detail the hardships and the devastation of not being able to provide food for their families. Their biggest needs? Adequate weather for their new crops and the funding to start a small business that could sustain their agricultural endeavours. They share details of how inclement weather can destroy crops, leaving no choice but to beg for help from family members, neighbors, the government, or anyone who might be able to assist.

The video is in subtitles and you might need to squint to read a few parts, but the point is still pretty clear. Norman Borlaug recently said innovation and investment would be key components of solving a massive world food crisis. It may be simple to lambaste such schools of thought, but when the toughest part of putting food on the table involves hauling our reusable bags to a grocery store and filling them with fresh produce, canned items and meat, sometimes hearing another side of the story drives the concept of a food crisis - and the dire need to solve it - home.

Chef Shane shows you how to make the perfect farmer's market blueberry cobbler

Pinky Bean — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 04:15:00 -0700

Proving just how easy a cobbler is to make, Chef Shane and his farmers' market accomplice Jody of the Argenta market in Arkansas, take some delicious in-season blueberries and hit the kitchen. However, before assembling the cobbler, they're kind enough to tell you what to look for in good blueberries (hint: you want a nice indigo blue color).

Cobbler is a great dessert if you want to impress your spouse/friends/dinner guests, but aren't quite motivated or culinary-inclined enough to actually bake a pie. While a crust isn't mandatory, this recipe has one (no rolling or fussing necessary!), as well as the obligatory buttery, sugary topping.

Check out the video below for a visual demonstration of how to make the perfect cobbler from your locally-grown blueberies.

Clif Kid ZBar and Organic Twisted Fruit

Pinky Bean — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 19:34:00 -0700

Walking through a local grocery recently revealed displays of back-to-school supplies. While it's probably not a popular topic among the school-aged members of your household, there's no denying the fact that September is nearly upon us and it's time to start thinking of the must-have essentials for the upcoming year - such as, say, the perfect daytime snack. If you're still looking to strike the fine balance between a somewhat-healthful-yet-still-appealing-to-kids treat to pack in your kid's lunches, Clif Kid offers a worthy option with their Clif Kid Organic Twisted Fruit and Clif Kid ZBar.

The Twisted Fruit is, as its name implies, organic fruit twisted into a rope shape that you may just be able to pass off as a fancy (and tastier!) version of licorice whips. Each package contains one full serving of fruit and no added sugar, preservatives or artificial flavors or colors.

The ZBars are whole-grain energy bars made from whole oats and containing 12 vitamins and minerals that kids should be getting every day. The bars are free from hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup, preservatives and artificial colors and flavors. ZBars are available in the special Halloween-themed flavor Spooky S'mores, as well as regular flavors that include apple cinnamon, blueberry, chocolate chip, peanut butter, honey graham and chocolate brownie.

Both kids products carry the USDA Organic seal. Even better, you can find them available at most major food retailers!

Decoding The Mystery of Organic Beef

Leafy Green — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 08:14:00 -0700

I don't know about you but I'm definitely a label-shopper. I look for those little stickers that contain the buzzwords that differentiate one product from the other. I think we all do this at one time or another. Whether you're hunting for "fat free" milk, "no sugar added" cookies or "certified organic" beef, what you're hunting for is that little label that says, "okay buy this."

But what exactly is organic beef? After skimming the Organic Grass Fed Beef Info home page I saw "natural beef", "grass fed beef", "organic raised beef" and "pasture raised beef" all used to describe some for of organic beef. So what gives?

According to the USDA guidelines, certified organic beef must come from a system that collects data on the entire history of every animal in the program and must meet the following criteria:

Born and raised on certified organic pasture

Never receive antibiotics

Never receive growth-promoting hormones

Are fed only certified organic grains and grasses

Must have unrestricted outdoor access

Must receive humane treatment

Okay, that all sounds good. I think the "USDA Certified Organic" label is easy enough to understand.

Natural beef is a different animal altogether. All that "natural beef" means is that the beef is minimally processed and has no additives. Natural beef may not have any antibiotics or hormones in it, but there is no third-party check for this. Natural beef doesn't mean grass-fed, humanely treated, or anything else from the list above.

There is no current definition for grass-fed beef, so that's one label to look out for. Organic cattle may munch on tasty organic grass their entire life... until slaughtertime draws near. Then they're stuffed full of grain like any other cow. It's called "grain finishing" and it's a little loophole at the end of the cattle's lifespan when they can be fattened up. Also, you can have beef labelled as grass-fed that has been given antibiotics and growth hormones, so remember that grass-fed does not equal organic.

Pasture raised and pasture finished refers to the stage in life when the cattle graze on pasture. A pasture raised animal my still be "finished" at a feedlot whereas a pasture finished animal is... well, "finished" on a pasture. It's important to note that grass-fed and pasture raised can mean different things. Apparently just because cattle eat a diet of grass doesn't mean they're wandering around in fields.

So is there a conclusion here? Frankly I'm more confused than when I started, but there are two rules when buying beef that I think are safe to stick with:

1) When the only differentiating factor is a label, I think that the only label it's worth paying for is the one that says "Certified Organic". As far as any other label goes you really have no clue what the heck has happened to that meat.

2) If you have the option, buy from a small producer like Alderspring Ranch. These local producers often have excellent web sites with very detailed information on how they operate their ranch and how their cattle are raised, allowing you to make an informed decision. You don't have to rely on your interpretation of a two-word label to understand the quality of your meat. Plus, you can either order direct from the site or find their products at your local market which is very handy.

So there you have it. It is a bit confusing, but if you stick to the labels you know and do some Googling you'll be more informed and you won't pay extra for a label that may mean nothing.

For your next social event host a green cleaning party

Pinky Bean — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 07:51:00 -0700

In this day and age you really can turn any common and seemingly mundane activity into a social occasion. One of the latest excuses to host a party? Getting together to make green cleaning products with your friends.

The idea originated with Women's Voices for the Earth, a national organization that encourages women to advocate for the right to live in a healthy environment. WVE started the green cleaning party initiative as part of their efforts to educate women about the 85,000 chemicals currently on the market in various products, most of which have not been tested to see how they affect human health. Until companies provide full disclosure regarding the chemicals in these products (unlikely), WVE believes individuals should make their own to reduce the risks of asthma, birth defects and infertility.

WVE offers a Green Cleaning Party Kit to help party planners get started. The kit includes a booklet with background information and party planning tips, as well as an educational video that can be previewed at the event, recipe cards with instructions for making the products, supply lists for guidance about what is needed for the party and container labels for the products themselves.

Party hostesses (or hosts!) can be creative with the additional details, such as serving organic wine and snacks or requesting that guests wear green in honor of the occasion. For larger events, hostesses will need to find a space with several tables so each party guest mix ingredients without bumping elbows with their neighbors, as well as a sink since many recipes call for water.

To top off the party, WVE encourages women to carry the idea of non-toxic products beyond a social event and suggests taking action by signing a petition to companies asking that they remove toxic ingredients from their products or list all ingredients on the products.

Find out more about hosting your own green cleaning party, as well as to request your party planning kit, after the jump.

What's in your lipstick? 12 chemicals that might be in your make up kit

Leafy Green — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 02:47:00 -0700

The average adult uses nine personal care products a day, with an average of 120 chemicals in them. What's scary is that many of these chemicals have never been tested for toxicity! What's scarier still is that many products labeled "botantical" or "natural" contain these chemicals too! Yikes!

Here's 12 chemicals to look out for:

1. Antibacterials
2. Coal Tar
3. Diethanolamine (DEA)
4. 1,4-Dioxane
5. Formaldehyde
6. Fragrance
7. Lead and Mercury
8. Nanoparticles
9. Parabens
10. Petroleum Distillates
11. P-Phenylenediamine
12. Hydroquinone

But wait! We didn't tell you the common names for these products or where they're commonly found! Sorry, you'll have to hit the jump and read the full article for that.

Green Planet Paints offers natural colors for pregnant chicks and little kids

Leafy Green — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 05:27:00 -0700

If you're marketing paint to expectant mothers and people with allergies and small children, you'd better be darned sure your product is safe.

Green Planet Paints has done just that. They offer a safe product that's about as a natural as you're going to get short of smushing berry juice on your walls. They use a soy-based resin and mineral pigments in their paints. Plus they fully disclose the ingredients lists of their products, which is easy for these guys because they keep the amount of additives in their paints to an absolute minimum.

Not only to they make eco-friendly products, but Green Planet Paints is a very cool company that hires locally and does workforce training with mentally disabled adults.

Good products, good company... and pretty colors, too! Hit the jump to see for yourself.

10 Green Cleaning items for your grocery list

Leafy Green — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 05:09:00 -0700

If you have kids with allergies, if you're leary of chemical cleaners, or if you just don't like the artificial perfumes used in many commercial cleaning products there is a simple alternative: make your own! Green cleaning is inexpensive, eco-friendly and nearly fragrance-free.

Sound good? Well, here is the master list of the top 10 green cleaning items that should be on your grocery list, courtesy of the helpful folks at Reader's Digest:

• 1 gallon white vinegar
• 1 bottle rubbing alcohol
• 1 large box baking soda
• 1 gallon distilled water
• Ivory liquid dishwashing detergent
• An oxygen-based cleaning product like Bio-Ox
• Nature's Miracle (found at most pet stores or in the pet aisle)
• Foaming shaving cream
• Hydrogen peroxide (in the first-aid aisle)
• Also pick up three or four spray bottles. Use each bottle for the make-your-own cleaning products listed above.

With these tools in your cleaning arsenal you should be ready to concoct almost any natural cleaning recipe you find on Ecollo (or anywhere else for that matter).

Eco-fy your hobbies

Pinky Bean — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 07:49:00 -0700

All work and no play can quickly and easily turn someone into an over-stressed, uptight bundle of nerves (and this is speaking from personal experience!). Everybody needs some down time and hopefully you've found a few things you enjoy doing during those periods. There are multiple reasons to have hobbies: they can help you get much-needed exercise, and can help enhance your creativity and build confidence.

If you're looking for small ways to reduce your environmental impact while having your fun, see our list of suggestions below.

Reading
Green: Buy your books secondhand and trade them in at a local shop or on a website like Swaptree.com.
Greener: Save some paper and read your books electronically on Google Books. Alternatively get a library card (and use it) or if you have the extra cash, invest in Amazon's Kindle wireless reading device.

Golf
Green: Use biodegradable tees and balls, which you can find at ecogolf.com.
Greener: Forego the golf cart during your round and walk the course; you'll get some good exercise too!

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Cooking
Green: Use organic ingredients in your culinary creations.
Greener: Prepare at least three meals a week using only locally-produced foods.

Music
Green: When you buy a new guitar, look for one made from refurbished wood.
Greener: Check the local classifieds for a set of new (to you!) drums.

Gaming
Green: Get together with friends in groups to play your video games so you're only using the energy of one television set and game console instead of multiple ones.
Greener: Dig your old chess set and Scrabble and Monopoly boards from storage and have a tournament of champions with family member, significant other or a group of friends.

Dog breeding
Green: Bob Barker knows best - "Help control the pet population. Have your pets spayed or neutered."
Greener: Adopt a four-legged friend from a local shelter and give a loving home to an animal who needs it.

Quilting
Green: Make a quilt from a sustainable fabric such as hemp or bamboo.
Greener: Collect scraps of material from various projects completed by family and friends and turn them into a keepsake blanket.

Scrap-booking
Green: Use recycled paper and non-toxic adhesives and felt pens.
Greener: Create a digital scrapbook at scrapblog.com using photos and videos that you can share with family and friends around the world.

Gardening
Green: Grow an herb garden in your kitchen
Greener: Keep a composter in your yard or a small one in your kitchen and use the resulting fertilizer in your garden.

Traveling
Green: Travel somewhere relatively local and try new activities.
Greener: Forget the rental car and use bicycles as your mode of transportation. Even better, make your entire vacation a bicycle tour.

If you have any of your own suggestions, leave them in our comments section because this list is by no means all-inclusive!

New study says organic food may give you peace of mind but no additional health benefits

Pinky Bean — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 03:25:00 -0700

Despite the fact that we're currently experiencing a serious recession (and have been for some time now), many health-conscious consumers still find themselves standing in the middle of their local grocery aisle every week, mentally debating if the shell out the extra few dollars for an organic food product or save themselves some money and go with the less expensive conventional one. If the scenario sounds all too familiar, don't worry - you probably aren't alone. However in the middle of the aforementioned recession, that extra cost may be hard to justify for those on a strict budget.

However a new report commissioned by the British Food Standards Agency and conducted by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine may ease this dilemma for some conflicted shoppers. The report reviewed over 160 papers from various scientific publications in the past 50 years and came to the conclusion that you aren't likely receiving any additional health benefits by spending more for the organic versions of food. In some studies, nutrients were shown to be higher in organic crops, while in other studies, the nutrients were greater in the conventionally grown ones. In other words, the study calls it a draw. For example, nitrogen content was found to be statistically higher in conventional crops and magnesium was found to be higher in organic, while there was no difference found for phosphorus.

In analyses based on the totality of the evidence, for 16 out of the 23 most commonly cited nutrient categories, no evidence of a difference was detected in content of between organically and conventionally produced crops. When study quality was taken into consideration, no evidence of a difference was detected in content for 20 of the 23 most commonly cited nutrients. The finding of no evidence of a difference in content for the majority of nutrients and other substances assessed in this review suggests that organically and conventionally produced crops are broadly comparable in their nutrient content.

So what if you're an organic consumer for environmental reasons - is there a way to have your fresh strawberries and eat them too? There sure is: we like to call it eating local. Not all local foods are produced organically, but purchasing them supports smaller businesses in your area, not to mention the obvious benefit in that it significantly cuts down the distance your food had to travel to reach you. This is the time your local farmers' market should be in full swing with lots of locally-grown fruits, vegetables and herbs, not to mention meats and cheeses that were probably made practically in your own backyard. This is a great compromise if you're experiencing ORG (Organic-Related Guilt) and need to cut back on costs while still being a friend to the earth.

You can check out the full FSA report after the jump.

The Father of the Green Revolution says science in agriculture will save a starving world

Pinky Bean — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 08:29:00 -0700

Norman Borlaug may be 95 years old, but his age certainly isn't preventing him from continuing his mission of feeding the world. He's already credited with saving millions of lives in India and Pakistan back in the 1970s, an effort which won him several prestigious honors including a Nobel Prize, but maybe his age-old wisdom can save a few million more.

Ever heard the expression, "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime?" It's an ancient Chinese proverb (even older than Borlaug), but the father of the Green Revolution seems to think that concept is the most effective way to keep food in the mouths and stomachs of the hungry. However beyond that simple wisdom, Borlaug recently wrote a piece in the Wall Street Journal explaining what he thinks it will take to feed the world, especially in the face of significant roadblocks such as climate change. In fact, a recent Oxfam report claims global warming could very well climate "reverse 50 years of work to end poverty” and be the cause of “the defining human tragedy of this century.”T he biggest problem, Borlaug explains, is that it took 10,000 years for agricultural productivity to reach the levels it is at today, yet farmers need to double the current level of food production in less than 50 years to meet the demands of billions more people than are on the earth today. Organic farming, Borlaug says, cannot meet this demand, as it simply does not yield enough food, nor is it an affordable or feasible farming option for the world's poorest countries.

Rather Borlaug sees the solution in providing financial support and tools such as efficient seeds and fertilizers to these countries so they can effectively grow food to feed themselves and stabilize their economies in the process. He believes moves like the $20 billion pledge from G-8 countries for initiatives like this are a step in the right direction, and also seems to agree with Jeff Simmons' way of thinking, in that governments will need to be open to the idea of using science and technology to feed the world and put their political agendas aside to make that a top priority.

Borlaug certainly isn't the first person to suggest organic farming isn't enough to produce enough food in the future, however his insight on the matter won't be entirely dismissed either. Millions of people in India and Pakistan would have starved to death less than 40 years ago had it not been for Borlaug's development of new wheat varieties that brought those countries back from the brink of mass starvation. In other words, he has some experience to back up his claims. He also points out that the productivity of crops such as soybeans and corn that have been the subject of successful genetic modification increased by as much as 40 per cent from 1987 to 2007, while staple crops like wheat and rice have experienced significantly less growth, keeping them at the same levels they were back in his own heyday, also known as the Green Revolution in the 60s.

Borlaug says two "I's" - investment and innovation - are necessary to secure the global food supply. While he acknowledges that climate change is a definite threat to the security of the global food supply, his dismissal of organic farming in favor of scientific methods for solving the problem won't necessarily be embraced by environmentalists. What do you think: can an organic solution be found to prevent a crisis of which the likes we've never seen, or are scientific developments an inevitable part of our food future?

Rhoades Car offers the ultimate in green transportation

Leafy Green — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 04:34:00 -0700

The Rhoades Car is an evironmentally-friendly idea so simple it's almost ludicrous. Take a standard bicycle and give it 4 wheels and add the option to seat one, two, or evenfour passengers. You can even get an electric motor assist. The you can pedal your way around your neighborhood quietly and emissions-free!

While scientists the world over are busy trying to come up the next genius innovation in fuel cell technology, here is a great form of transportation right under our noses!

Does it look like the kind of dorky contraption your dad (or long gone ex-boyfriend) would rent and force you to ride in when you're on vacation somewhere? Yeah, it does. But it also looks fun and sensible, especially during these warm summer months. In a more rational world we'd all be scooting along in our city centers in Rhoades Cars instead of SUVs!

Hit the jump to learn more about these clever little emissions-free vehicles.

Experience natural beef from Rideau Farming

Pinky Bean — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 08:37:00 -0700

If the thought of reducing your meat consumption makes your skin crawl just a little, there are at least some greener alternatives that allow you to have your steak and eat it too.

Rideau Farming produces and sells beef that is 100 per cent farm raised in a natural, traditional style. Their cows are grass-fed, then corn finished and free from hormones, antibiotics and steroids. Beef is dry aged for two to three weeks, fresh frozen and wrapped in environmentally safe butcher paper. The farm currently has special BBQ packages available for the summer season which include seven to 10 thick steaks in a variety of tender cuts, a couple of roasts weighing between two to three pounds each, 2- quarter-pound beef patties, six one-pound packages of ground beef and shish kabob-ready cubed meat in one pound packages.

Rideau Farming also does their best to maintain healthy environmental practices by participating in initiatives such as the Rural Clean Water Program and an Environmental Farm Plan through the Ontario government.

Learn more about their earth-conscious farming practices or place an order after the jump.

Holistic land management is reconnecting farmers with nature

Leafy Green — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 05:24:00 -0700

Less erosion. Greener pastures. Less water consumption. Healthier soil. Reverse desertification. Reduce CO2 emissions and absorb more CO2 from the atmosphere.

These are just a few of the promises made by Holistic Management International, a company that works with ranchers to manage their land naturally and sustainably. They help landowners plan, monitor and manage the relationship between the activities on their land and the natural environment. By taking an intelligent, conscious approach to working with nature, both the farmers and the environment reap long-term benefits.

This is enouraging stuff! Not only because of the obvious benefits to the land itself, but recent studies have shown that raising beef and dairy cattle on holistically managed pastures reduces CO2 emissions from the cattle and produces top-quality beef and dairy products with better essential fatty acid makeups and fewer instances of disease than corn-fed factory farmed cattle.

Happy planet, happy cows. Holistic management sounds pretty good so far.

But back to "CO2" for a moment... take a look at the picture accompanying this article. If you were buying carbon offsets, which acreage would you want your investment dollars going into? Yeah, me too.

It's only a matter of time before holistic land managment grows from being a "movement" to being an all-out "trend". Hopefully the popularity of organic and natural foods plus the financial benefits to farmers for selling carbon offsets will accelerate the adoption of healthy land management all around the world.

Algae could become the new petroleum

Pinky Bean — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 23:58:00 -0700

You'll be forgiven if someone mentions the term cyanobacteria and the only response you can muster is "cyan-a-whatta?" Unless your involved in a specific field or just really enjoy the leisurely study of biology, you probably wouldn't be familiar with the scientific name for this bacteria, more commonly known as algae. This important primary producer, commonly found in the ocean, may not currently be part of your everyday vernacular yet, but what if someone were to tell you it may one day be the substance that fuels your car or the plane you're riding in? Suddenly it takes on a whole new, relevant meaning.

A couple months ago, food expert Jeff Simmons said it was inevitable that science and technology would play a crucial role in food production, though he was referring to a direct impact. However, the announcement last week from biotechnology company Targeted Growth International demonstrates this will be true in other facets as well. TGI announced their molecular biologists had been successful in genetically modifying algae to increase its lipid content by a whopping 400 per cent. In other words, playing around with the genetic make-up of the bacteria has resulted in a strain of algae that yields significantly more oil, thus reducing the cost of algae production and potentially making it a viable competitor of conventional petroleum in terms of cost. TGI is currently working to create algae strains that can be used as a feedstock for diesel, as well as investigating whether it could also be converted to biojet fuel.

Synechocytis, a cyanobacterium, was the first photosynthetic organism whose genome was entirely sequenced, a breakthrough that allowed the development of higher-yielding strains and the potential for a cost-effective biofuel in the future. More notably, one that doesn't interfere with the production of food, which many blames for food shortages and skyrocketing food prices. And according to the head honcho at TGI, such a breakthrough couldn't have been accomplished without the use of science.

"There's no way that algae are sustainable as a feedstock for fuel or energy unless you can dramatically increase the yield per acre and optimize the strain for use as an energy source," said Tom Todaro, CEO of Targeted Growth. "Any type of modification requires intricate understanding of and experience with molecular biology as well as significant testing. Our decade of working at the molecular level on other photosynthetic organisms has given us a significant advantage in working with cyanobacteria."

Green guitar strikes the right note

Pinky Bean — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 08:45:00 -0700

I was reading Pinky Bean's article "Greenpeace works to give guitars a green makeover," and it reminded me of the guitar and other instruments my late father imagined and created eight decades ago entirely from everyday throwaway materials.

Never mind that my father couldn’t read music. Never mind that he couldn’t even play a note. Never mind that he knew nothing about carpentry, and less about how instruments were made. He didn’t even have any particularly sophisticated tools-he used a knife, a file, a straight-edge razor, glue, and sandpaper. Firebricks and pans of water served as weights to hold the glued pieces in place as they were drying. And yet he overcame every obstacle that confronted to make these amazing instruments and their carry cases entirely from discarded leftovers. Although he would not have been aware of the terms recycling, reused and reinvented back in the 1930s. I guess if he had been around today he would probably be recognized as creating the ultimate recycling job.

When you see and hear this guitar being played, it makes you wonder why do you need to use wood from three hundred years old exotic endangered tree species to make guitars play well and to sound good. And, why does it need to be a leap of faith for instrument manufacturers to educate musicians that they can source resonant, durable and beautiful alternative eco-friendly wood. Maybe they should take a leaf out of my father’s book matched guitar!

Don’t take my word for it. Go see the unedited YouTube video footage of the Rhinestone Cowboy himself, Glen Campbell playing and praising the acoustic guitar. There are three more segments on the video of the recycled band performances aired on BBC television.

Hit the jump to read more of Tony's story with specific details about his father's journey.

The effects of water shortages

Pinky Bean — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 15:57:00 -0700

If you had to choose, would you rather find out your crops were genetically modified or grown using wastewater? That's the million dollar question as a world water shortage becomes an increasing reality, as does the need to keep producing food despite this challenge. Unfortunately limited access to water has several negative effects that span the food industry to global health issues - some of which are even connected to one other.

For one thing, when clean, fresh water isn't available, farmers in poorer parts of the world may resort to using wastewater to grow food, meaning that more than 10 per cent of the global population is consuming food that contains chemicals or potentially hazardous organisms due to this practice. And if these individuals manage to avoid illness from that, they may find it another way, such as drinking water that has been horded and attracted mosquitoes, which in turn can infect it with dengue fever or malaria.

Those are some pretty scary facts, as is realizing that lack of water affects one in every three people in the world. Yes, that means one-third of people on the planet don't have access to clean healthy water. About one-fifth of the world's population live in a region that has limited (if any) access to water, and one-quarter of the population suffers from lack of infrastructure, which contributes to their water shortages. If it's not malaria or dengue fever they have to worry about, then how about typhoid, cholera, dysentery or a nasty eye infection known as trachoma?

While you may be thinking these issues don't really affect you since they're in another part of the world, think again. Remember how we told you drought is affecting various parts of North America? Let's play devil's advocate for a minute and pretend the situation got desperate enough that farmers were willing to use any source of water - including sewage. It sounds disgusting, but when faced the prospect of mass food shortages, what other options are there? Water conservation seems to be an obvious answer, but in order to conserve water you actually need a source for it first and if that isn't forthcoming, other alternatives must be in place to ensure we have ways to produce food and prevent illness.

Conserving water on the farm: Irrigation

Pinky Bean — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 08:51:00 -0700

We already know water shortages are now a common concern in several parts of North America and experts are encouraging us to treat water as the precious resource it is. As an estimated 69 per cent of worldwide water use is for irrigation, and 15 to 35 per cent of this irrigation is unsustainable, it's epsecially crucial for farms to practice water conservation techniques whenever possible.

It's not just important for the sake of the worldwide water supply - in times of water shortages, farmers have to ensure they have enough water resources to make it through the growing season, which can definitely present a challenge during times of drought. It's a fine balance to ensure crops have enough water without wasting it, but it can be done using the following techniques:

☆ Leaks in the irrgation system can be found using a water meter by turning off the system and watching the meter to see if it is still running. Consistent wet spots along the irrgation line that do not dry up may indicate a leak is present. If such leaks are found, they should be repaired as soon as possible.

☆ Soil can become oversaturated with water as it only absorbs what it can; the rest drains below the root zone or runs off the surface. By learning the maximum irrigation set time, farmers can learn to apply only the necessary amount of water without wasting extra.

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☆ Using the most efficient irrigation system such as sprinklers instead of a stationary or travelling gun can save anywhere from five to 15 per cent of water, while a drip system can reduce water usage by as much as 20 per cent.

☆ The question of when to irrigate is just as important as the how. Keeping track of soil moisture using by a monitoring device or climate information can help you figure out when you need it's necessary to irrigate and when you can still leave it for a few days.

☆ Weather patterns also play an important role in determining when to irrigate. Hot windy times of the day aren't ideal for irrigating so if flexibility is possible, irrigation times can be planned strategically.

Change the World: Fund organic farming for $40

Leafy Green — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 01:54:00 -0700

The girls in the photo are argriculture students at The School for Field Studies Center for Sustainable Development Studies in Costa Rica. Costa Rica is a developing country facing some real struggles in today's global economy. Large scale industrial agricultural practices are destroying Costa Rica's biodiversity as well as the livlihood of local farmers.

For just $40.00 you can buy seeds for one full semester for the SFS test farm. You'll help promote organic farming as the school helps provide seeds and training to local farmers and helps them obtain organic certification for their crops.

Protect your child from athlete's foot and green hair this summer

Pinky Bean — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 08:29:00 -0700

If you've finally managed to coax your kids off the couch and outside, there are some protective measures you may want to consider to keep their skin and hair healthy for the season. Sure sunscreen is an absolute given - absolutely non-negotiable in fact - however other activities can cause issues besides sunburn and they may be things you never even thought of.

Skin
- Wet skin leaves kids susceptible to funguses and viruses such as athlete's foot, warts and ringworm and while they are curable, are a nuisance just the same. Make sure kids wear flip flops or other sandals when by the pool. Feet can also be disinfected whey they are done for the day and in the car for the ride home.

- The use of sunscreen and bug repellent may also mean children are taking more baths or showers than usual. Even though dry skin is typically more problematic in the winter months, the additional water and soap from bathing may still cause some problems. Switch to a milder soap and use less of it. Enough to rid the body of sweat and dirt. Health experts say a buildup of sunscreen isn't such a terrible thing and will actually help add some extra protection from the sun.

- If skin is excessively dry, use lotions or creams containing shea butter or aloe immediately after bathing to add some moisture.

- When you do buy sunscreen, make sure you buy the appropriate type if your child has problematic skin, such as sensitivity or acne-prone. Rashes and clogged pores are also often the result of higher SPF levels, which tend to be thicker. Experiment to see which works best.

Hair
- Hair stylists often say the final haircuts of the summer prior to the start of school are the most brutal, likening the process to cutting straw since hair tends to be dry and brittle after a summer of swimming and lots of bathing. Conditioner should always be used after shampooing. Leave conditioner on for a few minutes if hair is overly dry.

- Exposure to water also makes encourages knots, especially in longer hair. A ponytail or loose braids are recommended when kids or active of sleeping.

- Finally, if your child will be spending much of their summer in the pool, consider using a swimmer's shampoo to prevent the unsightly green tinge that comes with overexposure to chlorine.

Skip eating out, add variety with cooperative cooking

Pinky Bean — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 07:44:00 -0700

How does cooking only once a week, but having enough meals to cover dinner for the whole week sound? More and more families are embracing the concept of "cooperative cooking" and promoting green food choices in the process.

Cooperative cooking is really quite simple. Get a few of your friends invovled; each one prepares a single large meal big enough to feed all the families involved. Meet once per week to exchange food and with relative ease, you suddenly have a few meals in your refrigerator, which often provide sufficient leftovers to last the entire week. If there are several famililes involved, the meals should be ones that freeze well to avoid food waste. Another variation of cooperative cooking involves several people taking turns with rotated cooking - everyone takes one night, prepares a big meal and delivers to the other families involved.

One of the best perks of co-op cooking is that the money you’ll save can make it easier to afford to green your food choices.

“Cooking co-ops are a perfect example of the ways that greening a whole category of our purchasing can work,” says Alisa Gravitz, Co-op America’s executive director. “An organic, local apple may cost more than a conventionally grown apple, and Fair Trade Certified™ vanilla may still cost a little bit more than conventional vanilla. But if you cook cooperatively, then the savings on your food budget from buying in bulk can make it possible to green your remaining food purchases. By thinking about the whole category of food holistically, you can eat greener, healthier, more varied meals—at the same cost as your old way of eating.” (See below for a sampling of Co-op America’s resources for eating green.)

Some cooking co-ops, like the Bobolink and Oberlin co-ops, establish green guidelines about preparing local and organic foods, or emphasizing vegetarian and vegan menus. Co-op cooking lends itself to making use of the bounty of seasonal vegetables or fruits that a farmers’ market or Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) box can offer. Making a large meal for a co-op crowd can help singles or small families put a box of CSA produce to good use before the next share arrives.

Hit the jump to read more of the benefits of cooperative cooking (saving time and money!), as well as tips for forming a cooking co-op.

Saturday Morning Cartoons: Captain Planet

Leafy Green — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 06:51:00 -0700

If you crossed the X-Men with Greenpeace you would get Captain Planet and the Planeteers, a thousand-year-old cartoon with a message that was way ahead of its time. If they ever adapt this to a live-action movie they should totally cast Al Gore as Captain Planet.

Click the play button to watch an entire episode where the Planeteers have to stop the evil polluting plans of 'Verminous Scum', who has a diabolical plan to burn coal and create a cloud of concentrated acid rain.