12.20.2009

Happy Holidays Starts With Taking A Deep Breath

This time of year, the holiday spirit invites us to participate in gatherings of all kinds. The opportunity to connect with friends, colleagues and family in the spirit of kindness and sharing is an amazing gift that we can strive to carry with us the other 11 months of the year. But it can also be a stressful time when expectations can overwhelm us. This year, I invite each of you to stop for five minutes when the pace is most hectic. Sit quietly, stand quietly, breathe out (the breathing in part always takes care of itself). Focus on your heart, think of someone or something you love unconditionally.

When I get stressed, I stop and think about my dogs or the antics of my evil but lovable cat. Mind you, there are many people in my life I love - but honestly, just thinking about my dogs (or cat) makes my blood pressure drop instantly. Actually, studies have consistently shown that dogs (in particular) help lower stress in humans (being with dogs or truly, even just thinking about them). Amazing, but true.

So,when the stress of all the to do's starts getting to you, center your thoughts for just a moment on something greater than yourself. Remember that the holidays will be just fine without every detail being perfect. Remember the point is to connect with friends and family and share the love. Everything else is just window dressing.

Happy holidays!
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12.07.2009

The Circle of Kindness

My last post was about Kate Titus's company, A Loyal Companion. She provides canine massage and she's recently branched out into prosthetics for canines. While that might seem like a bit of a luxury, for working dogs or very active dogs, it can be a solution that brings new joy, life and most importantly, restored activity to a dog who otherwise would be sidelined. But that's not the point of this post - keep reading...

Kate texted and said to set my DVR to record an early morning local news show on Sunday morning she was appearing on. I did so and watched one of the most moving segments I've seen in a long time. Kate and her dog are part of a group called Gabriel's Angels (www.gabrielsangels.org). The organization is dedicated to changing the circle of violence and neglect by bringing everyday dogs to visit children at risk - those in shelters, domestic violence shelters and juvenile detention, among other places. The volunteers are trained to understand the situation but beyond that, they are everyday people with their dogs (dogs are certified through the program). Gabriel's Angels believes that the bond between a therapy dog and a child is strong enough to break the cycle of violence. Those of you who love dogs know the power of that bond.

The founder, Pam Gaber , was interviewed (as was Kate and her companion pup, a gigantic Great Dane mix named Harley). Pam talked passionately about the impact these dogs have on the kids. Her explanation was quite moving - she talked about the importance of developing trust, compassion and empathy in these kids and that more often than not, these dogs do the trick. In fact, the organization has sponsored studies to validate their result - that these children are forever changed and healed by experiencing the unconditional love dogs offer.

In this season of giving, consider giving to the charity of your choice - funding has been severely cut in this economic climate; non-profits are struggling under the burden of being tasked with ever larger work loads with continually dwindling funding. Help fill the gap by making a generous donation of whatever size to an organization in your neighborhood that makes a difference, touches your heart and contributes to the circle of kindness.

This year, I'm going to stretch a bit more than usual and make sure I help the organizations that make a difference. I hope you'll consider helping out as well.

One by one and all together, we
can make a difference.

Happy Holidays from all of us at shopOrganic.com. And remember, during the holiday craze, you still gotta eat. We've got plenty of healthy, organic food for quick and easy meals for you - and yup, we've got some great green and organic gifts for your last minute shopping as well.

Here's your reward for reading the whole post - watch this really fun dog video on YouTube - it will make your day! Now go out there and enjoy your day! Read more!

12.05.2009

Hands On Care For Your Canine

A few months ago, our black dog (of Border & Black fame) Rosie began to have trouble walking. She was getting up there in years, so it was no surprise that she'd become a bit slower, but this was a dramatic, wake-up-one-day-much-worse kind of turn.

We wondered what to do for her and of course, our first stop was our vet. We've been with our vet for a long time and trust his advice. He took a look at Rosie (whom he affectionately calls Rosie-roo) and said he could check a few things to see if anything was seriously wrong. We agreed since she could not stand on her own at that point. Diagnostics of various sorts were performed but showed nothing out of the ordinary for an aging but otherwise healthy dog.

We didn't know if we'd be making end-of-life kinds of choices for her and we went home to ponder our options. I don't recall how it came up but somehow canine massage came to mind. I know how helpful massage can be to humans, so it makes sense that other animals, especially of the domesticated variety, would benefit as well. I wondered if Rosie's problem was related to a slip (our tile floors are not particularly friendly to aging puppy paw pads) or a twist of some sort.

With the help of our friendly Internet search engine, we located a certified canine massage therapist right here in Tucson. We immediately sent her an email, googled her (for good measure) and she responded almost immediately. After a brief phone call, we agreed to have her come over for an evaluation within days.

Kate showed up at our door with a big smile and a warm, assuring manner. The dogs took to her instantly but they weren't sure what all this was about. Kate's first visit was simply to meet and greet the dogs, talk with us about what to expect and what we expected and to answer any questions.

We agreed to set up a series of 8 massages to see how Rosie would fare under this regimen. The first few sessions Rosie was a bit nervous about the whole process and didn't settle down immediately, but starting on the third session, she sat patiently and allowed herself to be gently rubbed and stretched.

It was clear from the start Kate was an expert in canine anatomy as she explained what she was doing and why. She gave us suggestions for follow-up stretching for in-between massage dates. After about two weeks, we noticed an improvement in Rosie, though we weren't sure if it was just our wishful thinking or a genuine change. We persisted, we welcomed Kate into our home and the dogs began looking forward to these sessions that I'm sure they viewed as a bit of a play date.

Four weeks into it, it was clear Rosie was more mobile, more relaxed and had more stability. She was able to resume her daily walks, stand on her own and generally get around better. As the 8 weeks came to a close, it was clear that Rosie was better. Whether it was just her getting attention for a concentrated period of time each week or whether it was the massage (I suspect a bit of both), she was improved.

We decided to allow the 8 sessions to 'settle in' a bit to see how Rosie fared. We've stayed in touch with Kate and we're happy to report that now, about two months later, Rosie continues to improve. She runs, she stands, she happily goes for her walks.

I don't know what happened to Rosie to cause the problem but I do know that it was working with Kate that fixed what ailed my precious pup.

You might think canine massage is a bit la-de-dah but having seen it with my own eyes, I am convinced that it's a great option to have available. If you have a dog with any muscular or skeletal issues or if your dog takes a sudden (or gradual) turn for the worse, certainly seek professional veterinary advice to make sure it's not something major. But if it's inconclusive, give some serious thought to canine massage. Your best friend on four legs may not be able to tell you where it hurts, but a great canine massage therapist like Kate Titus can - and she can fix it too.

Looking for the perfect holiday gift for a dog lover? How about the gift of a canine massage? There are certified canine massage therapists throughout the U.S. and if you're lucky enough to live in Tucson, Arizona, you can contact Kate Titus at A Loyal Companion.

Of course, if you want to keep Fido fit and happy, consider natural and organic pet food from your friends at shopOrganic.com!
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11.17.2009

Help For Your Well-Washed But Dry Hands....

One of the best ways to avoid illness this season (and all the time) is to wash your hands. A nurse friend of mine recently told me that if everyone washed their hands on a very regular basis, we could wipe out a number of diseases. In fact, she told me that if everyone in the world washed their hands consistently for two weeks, we could wipe out Hepatitis A. Now, whether or not that is true (I tend to believe her, she's a smart cookie), it is well-documented that washing hands helps prevent the spread of disease.

So, if you're like me, you are washing your hands more than ever these days knowing that a few minutes spent washing hands may help prevent catching a bug that will have you down and out for a week. The downside as I'm sure you've discovered is dry hands that crack and get really sore. Well, we've discovered a hand cream that will help prevent or heal those cracks and splits. This hand cream from Brigit is organic and unscented and totally amazing...

If you've never heard for Brigit (the brand), you're not alone. Brigit is a small company that we've discovered who makes high quality organic body care products in small batches. This cream is made with such high quality ingredients, you could actually eat it (thus its suitable for use on babies and children) but we recommend using it externally only for use on hands, feet, elbows, face and neck. It only takes a tiny pea sized dollop to rejuvenate your hands.

If you get dry cracked hands or feet, you'll love this product - and the whole Brigit line at shopOrganic.com.
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11.08.2009

Thank You (Sort of) Big Insurance

The House passed its version of the health care reform bill last night - I have no idea what's in the bill - I am often a bit leery because too often it seems the folks making the decisions are too far removed from the folks impacted by the decisions. Nonetheless, I do think we needed to try something different - after all, people who go without health insurance also go without health care and that leads to a whole host of problems both physical and financial.

But here's the ironic twist in all of this. Since this past summer, we've seen sales of organic dried persimmons go up significantly. Whenever we see a dramatic jump in sales of any one product, we do a bit of research to see what's going on. As it turns out, insurance companies, in their infinite wisdom and bottom-line ways, have seen fit to stop paying for prescription drugs used to treat acid reflux. Never mind that it's a real problem and has serious implications if left untreated. Still insurance companies may have unwittingly caused people to actually choose a healthier alternative (hence the big, heartfelt thank you at the opening).

In their desperation to find a suitable alternative to expensive and now not-covered-by-insurance drugs, people began researching "folk remedies." Though many folk remedies have never been tested inside a laboratory, they don't usually stand the test of time if there isn't something to them (not universally true, but mostly so). Thousands of people began discovering they can make a simple tea from persimmons that reportedly not only can be helpful in reducing acid reflux, it apparently has the side benefit of lowering blood sugar and cholesterol too. How's that for a healthy trifecta wrapped into a delicious, easy-to-make tea?

So, thank you (in a weird, twisted kind of way) big insurance for pushing people to find alternatives to pharmaceuticals. While allopathic medicine certainly has its place in today's world, too often we look for the cure in a bottle when it's really a matter of making an adjustment in our diet, exercise or lifestyle. In this case, it's looking for natural remedies to a pervasive and persistent problem - acid reflux. If you'd like to read more about this, visit the People's Pharmacy by clicking here.


If you're looking for delicious, organic dried persimmons for your tea, click here.

If you're looking for the recipe, then without further ado, here's the easy-to-make tea:

Combine 2 quarts of water with 1/2 cup of fresh ginger and 3 sticks of cinnamon. Simmer for 30 minutes.

Strain the liquid and stir in 1 1/2 cup sugar* or agave nectar and 1 cup sliced dried organic persimmons. Keep refrigerated.

*Now, this recipe calls for sugar - I am not a fan of adding sugar when it's not needed and in this case, it's only used as a sweetener. So, use the sugar if you'd like or omit the sugar altogether or, here's a great alternative, sweeten with agave nectar. Agave nectar is a light, mild liquid sweetener that has a very low glycemic index so it doesn't punch your system like regular sugar does. I'm pretty sure sugar is just flavoring and not part of the magic of this recipe, so you can experiment if you're interested. All the products mentioned here are linked to shopOrganic.com.

One final thought - brew up a batch of this and serve it after Thanksgiving dinner this year!

Now, go out there and enjoy your day!

And of course, I have to say this, shopOrganic.com and this blog are not providing any sort of medical advice, always check with your health care provider if you've having problems, we're just here to share information you might find interesting or useful.
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9.15.2009

Every Trade A Fair Trade...

If you're like most Americans, you may not stop to think about where things come from or how they're made unless there's a problem. After all, most of us have too much to do and too little time. Still, it's good to stop and take a look at the world around us from time to time. Where things come from is just one question - how they come to land on our table or in our homes is another. How did that shirt or that coffee or that television end up in your home? Chances are good, many of the foods and products you buy have traveled around the world to end up in your hands.

Think about coffee for example. Let's say you buy a bag of French Roast from a local retailer. Let's say it's a 16 oz. package and it sets you back $12.95. One pound for about $13 bucks. A lot of people had a hand in getting that product into your hands - from the retailer to the distributor to the roaster to the grower. Everybody needed to be compensated for their efforts so that $13 has to be shared all the way from grower to retailer.

Coffee is typically grown in developing countries and the Fair Trade movement helps ensure that the folks growing the coffee get a fair deal. That wasn't always the case - and still isn't in places where Fair Trade agreements are not in place. Fair Trade helps farming families lift themselves out of poverty by investing in their farms and communities, protecting the environment and developing business skills to compete in the global marketplace.

Fair trade is not just about price, but price is an important element. That same $13 bucks needs to be split fairly among all the people who are responsible for getting that product to market. Historically, the folks doing the growing were sometimes short changed and the scales were not balanced.

The Fair Trade movement helps to bring things back into balance. It's about fair price, but it's also about fair labor conditions and direct trade (cutting out some of the middlemen along the way). Fair trade also helps to develop communities and supports sustainable agricultural methods. That's why you'll find a lot of Fair Trade products are also organic - if you want to have a sustainable agricultural model, you need to nuture the land you have so it can continue to be fertile and productive for generations to come - organic methods do just that.

October is Fair Trade month and now that you've learned a bit about Fair Trade, you may want to consciously seek out products that are Fair Trade.

Want to learn more? You can visit these sites:
http://www.fairtrademonth.org
http://www.transfairusa.org

Of course, shopOrganic strongly supports the Fair Trade movement and we proudly carry products that are Fair Trade certified.

shopOrganic
We can't always control things in the world around us, but each of us can make a difference in small ways that add up. Buying organics is one way, supporting and purchasing Fair Trade products is another.

As I'm fond of saying, consumers vote with their dollars and I hope someday we'll see a landslide victory for organics.

Be well.
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9.06.2009

Paper...Plastic? How About Tiffin Instead?

Most U.S. consumers are familiar with the sing-songy question at grocery stores: "Paper or plastic?" In some cities, plastic bags have been banned - and for good reason. But changing to paper isn't necessarily a more ecological choice. Below, I've listed some information about both paper and plastic that may surprise you. Understanding the challenges might also help you take another step toward going green.

Since plastic and paper are so handy for portable food - for lunch at work or school, for picnics or road trips, it would be hard to go without. So I thought it might make your life easier to introduce you to a back-to-the-future kind of product - the venerable tiffin.

We scoured our resources and located a responsibly manufactured source for tiffins. Tiffins are traditionally used in India, but they're fast becoming popular around the globe and more and more people look to sustainable alternatives to paper or plastic especially for carrying your breakfast, lunch, dinner or snack. But they're even more useful than that.

Tiffins come with a lid that doubles as a plate. The lids clamp on to hold lids on tight. The top comes with a built in handle for easy carrying. Re-usable, dishwasher safe, these handy little containers will find their way into your life in surprising ways.

Cara (of shopOrganic fame) mentioned that she brings her tiffin to restaurants so if she wants to take home a 'doggie bag', she has her container with her. Imagine the styrofoam, paper and plastic she saves each time! If we all did that, think of how much less waste we'd each create in one simple move. And, Cara also reports that she can just grab the tiffin and head out to work the next day with her leftovers already packed. How convenient is that?

So, take a look at tiffins and report back how many creative and useful ways you have found to use tiffins to reduce, reuse and recycle!

If you're interested in the paper vs. plastic info, here you go.

In the United States, we use over 380 billion plastic bags each year. That's more than one billion plastic bags per day. One of the problems with plastic is that it does not biodegrade - it just breaks down into ever smaller pieces. These scraps find their way into rivers, oceans, parks, gardens, farms, and landfills. Animals ingest these plastic scraps causing all kinds of problems for wildlife. The amount of petroleum required to make a plastic bag is enough to drive a car one mile.

Plastic also takes fossil fuels to produce - and we know we have a finite source of fossil fuels...Most U.S. cities spend as much as 17 cents per bag in landfill, sewer cleanup and litter pickup costs, wasting millions of tax dollars.

So it seems a bit out of kilter to use it to make flimsy plastic bags to carry our groceries home in. Let's take a quick at paper.

It takes 60% more energy to make a paper bag than it does to make a plastic bag. Americans use an estimated 15 billion paper shopping bags, which requires about 18 million trees. Although paper bags are biodegradable, they do not decompose in landfills because when they're buried, the oxygen required to break down the paper is not present. The chemicals used to bleach paper can also leak into ground water. In fact, the production of paper bags creates 70% more air pollution and 50% more water pollution than the production of plastic bags.

Neither paper nor plastic present viable options for everyday use - they certainly have their uses and there are times that one or the other is the best or only option. However, if everyone reduced their use of plastic and paper bags by just one or two per year, we could reduce waste by more than 50 million pounds per year.

So, what you do DOES make a difference. Reducing just a bit and using alternatives like reusable bags when you go to the store, using tiffins or other reusable containers for take out, lunches and picnics makes a difference and every little bit adds up. You don't have to completely re-wire yourself - just a few small changes can make a big difference.
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8.23.2009

Redefining "Healthy Profit"

I was thinking about our company, shopOrganic.com, this afternoon (as I do most mornings, noons and nights) and I thought about the phrase "healthy profit".

Before I go any further, let me stake a claim here - I am hereby redefining the phrase "healthy profit" to mean that the profit must be generated in a sustainable manner. Gone are the days when toxic profits garnered from shady operations are lauded as good, desirable and worthwhile. In the new economy, a profit will be deemed healthy only if it is sustainable. So, the new equation is this: intelligent investing = sustainable profitability. OK, now that I've marked your consciousness with that tidbit, let's talk about how that works.

The sub-prime mortgage mess was not a sustainable model. It was stealthy, it was crafty and certainly a handful of people made a huge pile of money - but at what cost? I'm all for profitabiity, indeed, small businesses MUST be profitable to continue to exist, so profit is typically good.

As the economy recovers, more and more people will begin to feel financially stable again - and they'll begin to look for places to invest. So, we can create another bubble by over-hyping some other market sector, but let me suggest an alternative for small and large investors alike.

Look for companies that create real value by doing something real. Look for companies that play well with others - by being good neighbors, community citizens and valued partners. Look for companies that make every effort to run a profitable company in a sustainable manner. Look for companies that want to, and appear to be able to, make a difference in the world.

If you find companies that meet those criteria, they might be good candidates for your hard earned investment dollars. If they don't meet those criteria, think long and hard about whether or not you want to part with your money for something that is probably part of an old, dying economic model.

Just my 2 cents (hopefully well invested).

Love hearing from you - post your comments and insights and let's get this economy started (to poorly paraphrase recording artist Pink).

Now, go out there and enjoy your day -

[Here's the pitch - looking for a responsible, sustainable investment? Are you a qualified investor? Head to shopOrganic.com for more information.
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8.20.2009

Investing In This New World

I've been thinking lately about investing. Just a few years ago, when the stock market was hot, people were tossing money in without much thought or care. Unless you made really bad investments, you mostly saw your funds increase over time. Then along came the sub-prime mortgage mess, credit card debt and the economy cycled downward. Gone were the days of free money and ever increasing bank balances. As the stock markets headed lower and lower day after day, a lot of people began to re-evaluate their view toward investing. I know I did. I started looking at the world around me and saw, more clearly than ever before, that there are many different forms of investing - many of which are far less visible to us than picking the latest hot stock. There's a reckoning happening - big banks, big institutions, big anything - are all being challenged right now. Perhaps our 'bigger is better' mentality is fading away. Here's what I've discovered.

When we started shopOrganic back in early 2008, we were headed into a weakening housing market. At the time, we had no idea what the impact would be. Late in 2008 and early 2009, we saw markets tumble all around us. It impacted everyone we knew - and still we needed to build our business.

Like most start ups, we were tight on funds and we still needed to do things every business needs to do. So, we talked with folks - our suppliers and vendors, in particular. We simply asked, is there anything you can do to help us out? We were surprised and delighted by the response. We found almost everyone was willing to pitch in just a little bit to help. We shaved some costs off here, got a few extra free services there, extended small credit terms (even net 7 instead of COD make a difference) - and before we knew it, we were well on our way. No one went to extremes, but every little bit helped. It's like the coin tray or jar or drawer most of us have at home. You drop your spare change in there and suddenly you have a few hundred dollars. Each person that helped us dropped a few coins in our jar, enabling us to continue to build our business.

But it wasn't a one-way street. We also worked to help our suppliers and vendors where we could a well - a shout out here, a recommendation there. And as I thought about how this had all come about, it dawned on me that this may well be the roots of a new economy. (Of course, it hasn't removed our need to raise capital, but it sure has helped us significantly extend our runway!) Bigger isn't always better. We've been working with a lot of small companies who in turn have helped us out and we've all benefited. Just like sustainable, organic farming, a network of small producers may well be the most sustainable and beneficial economic model moving forward. It feels a bit like back to the future but maybe that's the best place to be.

With that, I'd like to take a moment to give a shout out to those who have helped us along the way. We're still growing, we're still looking for investment capital, we're still growing, and we're still here. Many heartfelt thanks to everyone who's helped us get to where we are. We are incredibly optimistic about the future and look forward to expanding on this new economic model. If you'd like to join in the fun, contact us and we'll be happy to chat with you!

Thanks go out to:
Kris Nicola at Intelligent Design
TCR Solutions and Chris Compton
Login and all the geeky tech guys over there
Donna Oakley at GSL Fine Lithographers
TLC Communications
Dave Blanchette at Bourn Partners for helping us find an amazing location
Dave Blanchette for introducing us to Mike Jaglois of Arlyss, Jaglois, Lynch
Arlyss, Jaglois, Lynch, marketing firm extraordinare, and in particular Mike Jaglois and Shelly Lynch
Eric Layland (Confluence Digital)
Russell Parker, Sally Gatchel, Curt Mullen and all the great folks at Nature's Best
Cyndi Dain, accountant and trusted advisor
Deanna Conn, Jacque Westling, Quarles & Brady
Monique at Tucson Container/Kino Packaging
Susan Quinn (and Chico)
Gary Frost
Linda Fredin
Sallie Mansbacher
Jackie Brown & Rosie (of Border and Black fame)

A thousand thank you's!

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8.11.2009

The Have's and the Have Not's

Most of the time, when we talk about the "have's and the have not's" we're talking about material possessions and wealth - I'd like to turn that on its head for a moment and talk about when not having something is better.

The debate about the benefits of organic foods has really fired up. From my perspective, it's likely driven by a lot of people who have a vested interest in conventional foods - but setting that aside for a moment, let's just boil this down to a more rational discussion.

Let's say, just for the sake of this discussion, that there is no nutritional difference between organic and conventional foods (I don't personally believe that, but I'm willing to suspend disbelief for a couple of minutes). Does that end the debate? Is that slam dunk for conventionally grown foods? Nope. Not even close.

This is where the "have not's" win handily. Organic food does NOT have chemicals, organic food does NOT have pesticides, organic food is NOT made from genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

But wait, there's more (or, uh, less)!

Organic food not only doesn't have these things, growing organic foods does not involve the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, genetically modified organisms so it also keeps all that gunk out of the soil, the water and the air (aka the earth). Think about the multiplier effect in either direction. It's all connected - the debate about nutritional benefits may rage on, but I still prefer the "have not's" kind of food. Better for me, better for this big swirling globe we all call home.

Pesticides and other chemicals HAVE been shown to have an adverse impact on the human body and on the plants and animals of this planet. So, I don't know about you, I would rather go without and go organic - in this case, the have not's have a clear advantage.

New to organic food? Take a look at these best sellers at shopOrganic.com for some great ideas on where to start.

Now, go out there and enjoy your day!
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8.09.2009

Fast & Easy Organic Chicken Tikka Masala

Like most folks, when I come home from work at night, I'm tired and hungry. I want something delicious, but I don't want to have to spend hours making it nor do I want to spend $40 to order in. Of course, I have my old standbys that I can whip up with minimal ingredients and time, but sometimes I just want to break out and have something a bit more interesting. Recently, I discovered a spice blend from Arora Creations that has changed my culinary landscape forever. Last night, I made a delicious chicken tikka masala using the Chicken Tikka Masala spice blend. You can make just about any meal better - whatever your choice of protein (chicken, fish, tofu or beans). Add your protein, vegetables and spice packet and simmer. Out of this world flavor and a quick and easy meal. These spice packets are great to keep in the cupboard for a fast, delicious and interesting meal. But here's the kicker - want to impress friends? Make one of these dishes using one of these organic Arora Creations spice blends then make naan at home and you'll be an instant star. Not sure about making naan? Here's a quick and easy recipe -- takes a couple of hours (1 of which is letting the dough rise). Read more!

7.20.2009

Part Three : Healthy Adolescence and Adults

Part Three in a continuing series on the health benefits of organic food.

We've discussed the importance of clean, organic food and nutrient dense diets during pregnancy and while a infant is developing just after birth. As a child grows into adolescence, the importance of a healthy diet shifts a bit from building blocks to laying a foundation of lifelong health.

As we age into adolescence and on into adulthood, nutrient rich organic foods high in phytochemicals play an important role in weight management and preventing diabetes. They can also lessen or delay the complications linked to both issues.

Organic and nutrient dense food may play a role by increasing one's sense of satiety. The feeling of being satisfied after a meal comes not from quantity but from quality. Whole, organic foods are more likely to satisfy than a plateful of empty calories. Feeling full is not exactly the same as feeling satisfied with a meal. Satiety leads to fewer cravings for empty energy boosting calories (sugar, fat, salt) between meals.

Organic, nutrient dense foods also lessen or limit the cellular and genetic damage done by "free radicals" (also called reactive oxygen species). This potentially reduces the risk of diabetes and other diseases rooted in inflammation including arthritis and cardiovascular disease as well as rapid cell growth (cancer).

Finally, these foods may help slow or even reverse certain neurological aspects of the aging process, leading to better memory and more retention of cognitive skills as we age.

According to a report released by the Organic Center in March 2009, "In helping manage blood glucose levels and promoting cardiovascular health, organic food and farming delivers benefit in two important ways. It exposes people to fewer of the endocrine disrupting chemicals that can set off the disease process and trigger epigenetic changes, and second it delivers higher daily intakes of health-promoting phytochemicals that reinforce the body’s defense and repair mechanism."

To read the full report and learn more about how organic food provides the building blocks for lifelong health, click here to visit the Organic Center. To purchase authentic organic food online from a trusted source, visit shopOrganic.com today. Be well.

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7.14.2009

Parents the biggest health risk to kids?

A fascinating study just came out that shows that children of obese parents tend to become obese themselves. Specifically, the study showed that boys with obese fathers and girls with obese mothers are at higher risk of developing obesity than are children of parents within normal weight guidelines. These findings are important because they offset the long-held belief that obesity is simply genetic. Clearly, if genetics was the only factor then all children of obese parents would be at higher risk of becoming obese. However, the study shows that it is the same-sex parent that is most influential - so it can't all be genetics.

Obese moms are 10 times more likely to have obese daughters, according to new research, and obese dads are 6 times more likely to have obese sons, according to a British study of 226 families at Plymouth’s Peninsula Medical School and reported by the BBC.

How can this information be put to use? I've often heard people make significant and life-altering lifestyle changes for loved ones - or at least, that's the initial motivator. Parents often point to their attempts at quitting smoking or losing weight and say "I want to be around for my children." Well, now there are two powerful motivators packed into one. Not only will a healthy lifestyle improve your health and well-being, it can also lower the risk that your children will become obese. What you do today helps you and your entire family now and far into the future. And think about it - if you have children and you teach them healthy habits now, they may one day become parents who will role model a healthy lifestyle to their children. This is an endless cycle of improvement that begins with you and begins today. Small improvements add up to major change, so start with something today that's easy to achieve and build that into your life. That's the easiest way to make change and to model that for your children and loved ones.

Interestingly, organic food studies show that the risk of childhood obesity is reduced when children are fed diets high in organic food, whole foods and nutrient-dense food. So parents can model a healthy lifestyle by adopting a diet for themselves and their families by including organic foods as well.

It's amazing how adaptable children are and this data gives us even more reason to work toward living a healthy lifestyle for ourselves, our children and literally for generations to come. What a legacy to leave!

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6.16.2009

GMO or Organic - You Decide

There's a lot of renewed interest in genetically modified organisms (aka GMO). Polls consistently show that American consumers want to know if their food contains GMOs. In fact, in a recent poll, 53% of consumers indicated they would not buy food that had been genetically modified. Despite this growing aversion to GMO products, industrial giants continue to push GMO. Thirty other countries around the world significantly restrict the use of GMOs because they are not proven safe. In the US, the FDA approved commercial production of GMOs based on studies conducted by the companies who created them and profit from their sale...the fox guarding the henhouse....

To be clear, organic standards prohibit the use of GMOs or GMO products in organic products (up to 0.1% can be from GMO according to the organic standards).

Proponents of GMO claim that by genetically altering food, the plants are more resistant to bugs, blight and disease; they also claim that the plants provide higher yields therefore increasing profit for farmers and providing more food for the planet.

Let's exam these statements one at a time.

1. More bug or disease resistent

There are numerous sustainable methods of managing bugs and disease. Yes, they take more thought, planning and are slower acting. However, bugs are good for the environment even if we see them as pests. They are part of a complex ecosystem that taken as a whole is sustainable and manageable. Spraying crops isn't great but genetically modifying plants is worse.

2. Higher yield - more profit

OK, farmers might be able to get more per acre out of their plants, but at what cost? Will it deplete the soil more rapidly? Will it cross pollinate with God-knows-what? More importantly, these seeds are PATENTED. Yup, one would think these belong to nature but no more. GMOs are products of their producers - in many cases companies like Monsanto. They own the seed technology - so you have to buy each seed from them. Many GMOs are designed to self-destruct rather than go to seed. No kidding. It's too strange for words, really. So, if a farmer has to buy seed and pay Monsanto every year, how does the farmer actually make more money? Maybe I'm missing something here but it seems like the farmer who gets sold this model is being sold a bill of goods.

3. Higher yield - feed the world

Guess what? A study released in the last couple of years by a University of Michigan researcher proved (mathematically) that if every arable acre of land on the planet (currently planted) was converted to organic, there would still be a surplus of kilocalories...translation: organic food can feed the world. So, higher yield is NOT the problem, distribution and other issues are what are leading to hunger in some parts of the planet.

Think about what we've learned about the human genome in the past decade. Now, think of all the things we still DON'T know. Odds are that monkeying with the genetic makeup of a species is a recipe for long-term disaster. History is chock full of lessons of "unintended consequences" and we are just at the infancy of knowing what these genetic mutations might do. There is growing scientific evidence that GMOs pose a health risk to animals - so clearly these are not bio-identical products but modified products that impact the animals that ingest them.

Let's talk about the butterfly effect. Perhaps you've heard of it. It's the mathematical notion that a small change at the origin can have a massive impact down the line.

Now, let's apply that to GMOs. GMO plants pollinate, the wind carries the GMO seeds to a neighboring farm. Now, the neighbor next door is growing GMO plants without his/her knowledge or permission. Companies like Monsanto modified seeds so they cannot be replicated - requiring the farmer to continue to buy seed from Monsanto. What happens to the farmer whose field is infiltrated by wind-borne GMO seeds? Must he or she now pay Monsanto? It's insane.

At shopOrganic.com, we work diligently to look at the source ingredients for all the products we carry. We make sure the products are certified organic and we look at source ingredients as well. We firmly and passionately believe that an organic model is sustainable and safe for generations to come. There was a time when science thought DDT was a great answer for crops - only to be banned years later as the cause of serious birth defects.

Don't get me wrong - I love science and technology - but the potential unintended consequences of GMOs are truly frightening. Rather than peddle fear, we'd like to suggest that we all look to creating a healthy, sustainable world for our kids and their kids and their kids. What do you think? Chime in, we love hearing from you.

Want to learn more? Visit the Non GMO Project

Want to buy GMO-free organic products? Head to shopOrganic.com
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6.01.2009

The Skinny On Organic Food

This is part two in our series on the impact of organic food on children and health. The full article (listed at the end of this post) is from The Organic Center and is filled with impressive scientific data and studies showing a wide range of benefits of consuming organic food. This installment looks at how organic food can be a key element in helping children develop healthy weight and maintain that for a lifetime. Numerous studies show that the presence of a variety of pesticides in the mother's blood stream during pregnancy and the ingestion of these pesticides by young children had a significant impact on children's bodies and in particular, the hunger mechanism. Researchers are beginning to evaluate how exposure to other environmental toxins during pregnancy, such as pesticides, may increase a child’s body mass index during the early years, and possibly later in life (Verhultst
et al., 2009; Smink et al., 2008).

Exposure to multiple environmental toxins during pregnancy has been linked to a higher body mass index in off spring. For example, exposure to cigarette smoke and DDE 4 (DDE – the main metabolite of the pesticide DDT), were linked to a higher body mass index in toddlers (Verhultst et al., 2009). In another study, researchers found that children whose mothers were exposed to hexachlorobenzene (a fungicide) during
pregnancy had a higher risk of being overweight at 6 years of age (Smink et al., 2008). Researchers at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) also reported that brief exposure early in life to environmental endocrine (hormone) disrupting chemicals (especially diethylstilbestrol - DES) resulted in increases in body weight as mice aged (Newbold et al., 2007).

Enough with the science class - the gist of this, as you can clearly see, is that exposure to chemicals has been shown to increase body mass.

In addition, other studies show that the children of pregnant women and nursing mothers who ate healthy, nutrient dense fruits and vegetables were far more accepting of fruits and vegetables in their diets than were those whose mothers did not eat fruits and vegetables. Food's flavors apparently are found in both amniotic fluid and breast milk and children develop food preferences very early.

The bottom line - pregnant and nursing women should consume organic foods, especially nutrient dense foods including organic fruits and vegetables. They will help their children develop normal metabolisms and lower the risk of obesity in childhood and adulthood as well as foster a healthy appetite for healthy food.

More on this series in an upcoming blog post.

What do you think? Thoughts, comments, insights always welcome here!


You can read the full article from the Organic Center by following this link:
http://www.organic-center.org/reportfiles/That_First_Step_Full.pdf
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5.18.2009

Healthy Kids Begin Organically

Childhood obesity has reached epidemic proportions and it's now one of the leading childhood health risks. Type 2 diabetes used to be called adult onset diabetes because it was most often seen in older, sedentary people. It took years of unhealthy diet and lack of exercise before these would finally take their toll. Pediatricians these days are seeing more and more children with Type 2 diabetes, almost unheard of a generation ago.

In fact, two thirds of U.S. teens have one or more "adult" medical conditions. Clearly, overweight, obese children with Type 2 diabetes (and/or metabolic syndrome) is among the most urgent health issue facing our country. Kids need healthy food and healthy lifestyles, including active play time, to build the foundation of a healthy life. Dr. Alan Greene, Clinical Professor at Stanford University, is a technical advisor to The Organic Center and firmly believes that organic food is a critical component in raising healthy children.

What's the connection between obesity, Type 2 diabetes and organic food? There are many and in this post and several to follow, we'll discuss the answers to this question.

Part I - Getting Children Off To A Good Start

For a woman contemplating preganancy, the six months prior to conception, the nine months of pregnancy and the first two years of a child's life are periods of heightened vulnerability to developmental abnormalities, some with significant and lifetime consequences. An expecting mother's diet during pregnancy provides the nutrients available to the developing fetus and also plays a major role in determining how many toxic chemicals are present in amniotic fluids. Toxic chemicals in amniotic fluid can block normal development. So, yes, eating food loaded with chemical and pesticides does impact a developing fetus while in the womb and for a lifetime afterward.

Eating a well-balanced diet full of organic fruits, vegetables, dairy and grains can eliminate dietary exposure to pesticides and harmful chemical food additives. An organic diet during early childhood can establish and sustain taste-based preferences for healthy (nutirient dense) foods for a lifetime of healthy eating. Children develop their taste preferences during early life and starting them off with nourishing, organic foods can help them develop a lifetime of healthy eating habits.

How can we get children off to a good start? Before, during and after pregnancy -
- Purchase more organic fresh fruits and vegetables, grains and dairy
- Plant an organic home or family garden or participate in organic community farming
- Consume a healthy breakfast every day
- Cook and eat healthy meals at home
- Try new recipes and quick meals using organic, raw and minimally processed foods

Beyond diet, engage your child in active play every day. Learn to play with your child and you'll benefit from a more active lifestyle as well. Walk in the neighborhood, dance to silly songs, play hide and seek or tag. Think of activities that are fun, engaging and active and build a family foundation of health and wellness.

Until next post, be well, be healthy, organically -
Now go out there and enjoy your day!

(Click here to download and read the full report entitled "That First Step" from The Organic Center now.)
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5.14.2009

Ginger Beats Nausea for Chemo Patients

When you were a kid, chances are good your Mom gave you ginger ale when you had a tummy ache or upset stomach. Ginger has been known for years as both an effective "folk remedy" and more recently, in the natural food world as a natural stomach calmer. A study just released also found that it can be incredibly effective in reducing the nausea that is a common and often serious side effect of chemotherapy.

According to an article by the Associated Press, "The study involved 644 patients from cancer centers around the nation who had suffered nausea in a previous round of chemotherapy. Two-thirds had breast cancer and the rest, other forms of the disease. They were placed in four groups and given one of three doses of ginger (the equivalent of one-half, 1 or 1 1/2 grams of ginger per day) or dummy capsules in addition to standard anti-sickness medicines." "It is heartening that ginger may offer hope as a cheap and simple way to ease the burden of chemotherapy on patients and their families, said Dr. Durado Brooks of the Cancer Society." A word of caution - Ginger caused no side effects in the new study, but doctors say people should talk with their doctors before trying it because it can interfere with blood clotting, especially during cancer treatment or if taken with the blood thinner Coumadin or other commonly used medicines. It's also a risk for people having surgery, the American Cancer Society warns.

Still, real ginger offered the hope to chemo patients battling nausea and though the study points to a specific brand, I'd like to mention New Chapter's Gingerforce capsules. New Chapter's products are among the highest quality products on the market. If you're looking for an excellent ginger product to try, start with New Chapter's Gingerforce - available of course, at shopOrganic.com.

[Note: Nothing in this article should be construed as medical advice. Please talk to your care provider.]
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4.22.2009

Einstein on Earth Day

Einstein was an amazing man and was not only a brilliant scientist but an all around wise man.

He said "A human being is a part of the whole universe, a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings as something separated from the rest, a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a prison, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty."

If that's not the essence of Earth Day, I don't know what is.

Now go out there and enjoy your day! Read more!

4.20.2009

Celebrate A Sustainable Future This Earth Day

It's gotten incredibly hip to be green these days. So hip, in fact, that some folks might be put off by the pressure to be oh-so-cool while greening up and reducing, reusing and recycling. The hoopla surrounding Earth Day varies from one place to another, but it's easy to start to feel like it's become a big commercial venture....but wait, there's more! (keep reading, you'll be glad you did).

It's ironic really. In the not too distant past, Earth Day was celebrated by a small segment of the population often derisively termed "tree huggers". However, that small committed group of people had a huge impact. Now, we hear corporations clamoring to convince us how "green" they are and sponsoring, you guessed it, Earth Day celebrations. Pretty powerful result for mere "tree huggers" which just shows you what happens when a great idea meets persistence and good timing.

So, let's take a minute to remember what's at the core of Earth Day - respect for the world in which we live and the promise of brilliant innovation that can lead us toward a more sustainable future. Now aren't you glad you read the whole post? Join us in celebrating a sustainable future this Earth Day - join us on this incredible adventure on this beautiful blue spinning orb we call home.
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4.12.2009

The Audacity of Going Organic - Year One

My dear friend Gary sent an email over the weekend about some group that is up in arms because Michelle Obama planted an organic garden. The problem, it seems, is that this flies in the face of established convention. I find it puzzling (and a bit sad) that a garden planted and grown without chemical fertilizers or insecticides is seen as a bad thing [click here to read more on this topic], but enough about that crazy world, let's look at the world around us....

Last year, our small team started shopOrganic. Leveraging the experience and expertise of our tiny team, we boldly launched the site on May 8, 2008. At the time we launched, we had begun to see the softening of the real estate market and we assumed that the worst of it would be falling housing prices for a bit. Little did we know at the time that the coming year would be among the worst years (financially) in decades. We didn't see the banking crisis coming, we certainly didn't see the meltdown on Wall Street coming but BAM! there they were.

There were times in the past year that we thought the economy would collapse and take our little company with it. It's been quite a challenge - both professionally and personally. Having put all our time and a lot of our money into this company, there were many sleepless nights worrying that the company would not survive the cold economic winter. We worried that those seeds planted were locked in some frozen economic tundra never to be seen again.

Like Michelle Obama, we too rolled up our sleeves on a cold spring day... and planted the seeds of a new beginning. Like Michelle Obama, we may have planted our seeds a bit too soon - the cold days of early Spring can be harsh and can delay the appearance of those vibrant green shoots that indicate that winter is over and spring is in progress.

We've hung in there this year - sometimes by the barest of margins - because we believe powerfully in what we're doing. We believe that a world in which everyone has enough clean food and clean water is just the baseline, the barest minimum of an acceptable reality for us all. As we have said from the beginning, what we want for ourselves, we want for everyone - it's pretty simple.

We started shopOrganic because we believe in organic principles of sustainability and stewardship. We wanted to create a company that reflected our values of quality, honesty, integrity, cooperation and well, fun.

We have found building relationships with the small vendors we work with to be immensely rewarding. We have gotten to know the other small (sometimes tiny) business owners that are dedicated to the same sustainable and organic principles. As we have worked with them to help them find a market for their great products, we have benefited from being able to provide our customers with a wonderful variety of amazing new, small vendor products that you can't find anyplace else. We have had a great time sampling, testing and trying out products of all kinds.

We have enjoyed getting to know our customers, exchanging emails and phone calls. Perhaps more than anything, we have enjoyed providing the best customer service you'll ever receive. It may sound a bit dopey, but it really gives us immense pleasure to know that when a customer has a problem and it's within our power to resolve it, we just do.

People are often amazed that we answer emails within an hour or two (sometimes within minutes, even at night and on weekends) with a real response. People are often amazed that we take their word for it when they report a problem and we just fix it. People are often amazed when they place an order as a gift that we print out a small gift card with their message on it and pop it in the box - without being asked. We are often amazed that these simple acts amaze people. We love to delight our customers and sometimes just getting an order shipped out the same day it is placed is enough to make someone's day.

We hit a few important milestones in this past year in terms of sales and number of customers and number of orders - but the most important milestone we hit was that we are still here. We have survived to this point and we will be around to celebrate our first anniversary.

We are seeing those tender green shoots start to push through the damp earth. We are not yet fully formed but we are full of optimism and hope for the future. We have managed, somehow, through rolling up our sleeves and working hard, to plant our own organic garden and it is starting to grow.

We have been honored to be part of this new world that is emerging and we are honored to be a part of the lives of each of our customers. We thank you for your support over the past year and we look forward to growing bigger and stronger this year with your support and our hard work.

We took a leap of faith when we planted the seeds of this business last year and we're seeing that faith (and all that hard work) start to take hold. Join us on this adventure and let's see where this next year will take us!

Stop by and see us - shop with us if you're a new customer or a returning one - and see what a difference a small committed group of people can make - join us!

www.shopOrganic.com - For The Greater Goods

Now go out there and enjoy your day!

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3.17.2009

Health Care vs. Sick Care

Americans spend twice as much on health care as European countries, but we are twice as sick due to high rates of chronic disease. Like other parts of our economy, it seems this 'disconnect' needs to be called into question and examined. Why are Americans suffering twice as much as Europeans from chronic disease? Is living in America inherently unhealthy? Probably not a geographic, but a psychographic problem - our behaviors and lifestyles put us at risk.

Well-known physician and author Dr. Andrew Weil suggests "Integrative Medicine can offer low-cost alternatives to pharmaceutical drugs and surgery for many conditions that now drain our health care resources." Dr. Weil directs a training program for medical students at the University of Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine. Their approach emphasizes "proven, low-risk, low cost interventions, progressing to high-cost interventions only when the severity of conditions demand them."

Of course, like most problems, those we deal with early are easier to fix. If you wait until the oil in your car has solidified, you're more likely to have a serious engine failure. On the other hand, if you change your oil at periodic intervals, you can keep your engine running cleaner and longer. The human body is no different.

It's clear that clean food, clean water and clean surroundings contribute to our health. When we ingest food filled with pesticides and chemicals fertilizers, our bodies have to filter that out. When we ingest food that is free of artificial chemicals and full of nutrients, our bodies can run like the well-tuned engines they were meant to be.

Yes, you can head to the doctor if you have a serious illness, but head to the cupboard if you want to avoid illness. Choose clean, organic food. Choose healthy oils. Choose whole foods. Choose natural cleaning products for your home and surroundings. Give your body a chance to be an amazingly healthy being with just a little help from you.
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3.08.2009

Take A Risk - Remain Optimistic

The biggest risk you can take right now is not taking out a new mortgage or another limited time 0% interest credit card offer....it's risking optimism. Let's face it, it's a pretty bleak economic picture out there and people are losing jobs and homes and the very structure of their lives. Remaining optimistic that we can and will fix this, together, is probably the riskiest position to take, but in time, I think it will prove to be the wisest investment of all.


The economic models we've relied on for generations are crumbling. From my perspective, it was only a matter of time. I kept asking financial people I knew like accountants and financial analysts - "How is this sustainable? How can we keep spending ahead of our earnings and keep it going?" I'm not claiming to have seen this coming or to have been smarter than the average Joe. I just knew from my own personal finances that I had to reign in spending and debt accumulation so that I wouldn't tip over. I saw the same out in the world and wondered if there was anything about the model that I was missing....Nope. As it turns out, it wasn't sustainable. What made it take a crash landing, though, were the big boys in our political and financial institutions, but that's not the point here so I'll leave it at that.

So, here's the thing. We need to build sustainability into everything we do. No more wanton waste. No more mindlessness. Let's work together to create a sustainable world where we all have jobs and a roof over our heads, clean food and water. Sound crazy? I'm optimistic we can create that future together. As a species, humans are pretty clever. Let's take those brilliant minds who created Ponzi schemes and derivatives and set them to work on creating a brilliantly fair and sustainable economic model for the world.

In the meantime, I'm betting on the better side of human nature. Sure, we see the power struggle in our political system, but the days of "us and them" are over (though some have not yet recognized that new reality). It's time to work together to form a new economic model that rewards hard work, honest effort and the creation of sustainable value. Look for companies in your area that are already doing that - they exist. I, for one, am spending my hard earned dollars with companies that share those values so I can hopefully help them through this lean economic period. Over time, they'll become the very bones of the new economy - so get a head start and support them now.

Together, we can build a more sustainable economic model. So, take the biggest risk today and remain optimistic.
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2.25.2009

Going green? Try your local library

Growing up, we went to the public library on Saturdays. We'd go downtown to the only branch I ever knew about and browse for the morning. The building was old but well-kept. There was beautiful woodwork and I later learned a lot of the buildings in town, including my elementary school and the library, had been built by skilled craftsmen hired through public works programs. Woodworkers, masons and other highly skills craftsmen (back in the day, they were mostly male) built beautiful, functional, timelessly beautiful buildings. But back to the library part of this story. I can still see some of the tables and book shelves in my mind's eye. The regular visits to the library were a treat. No, I didn't grow up in Podunk - just outside of Manhattan, in fact.

I remember walking through the children's department almost like walking through a candy store - delighted by the possibilities on each shelf. There weren't many places my parents said "get whatever you like" but the library was one of them and it always felt like a treat to get whatever armful of books I wanted.

Fast forward to now. Over the last couple of years, I've cleaned out my bookcases at home a few times and marvelled at some of the books I had in my possession - books I was never going to read, books I couldn't imagine having purchased, books that once seemed compelling and now seemed boring, books on topics obscure and mundane that no longer held my interest and on and on. I'd sort them out, put them in boxes and bring them to the used book store or the donation drop off. I'd clear out space only to find myself doing the same ritual again a year later.

Then, I got an email from a friend in Ohio. She said she'd just come back from the library with her kids - and I remembered that I'd forgotten all about the public library. How it slipped from my everyday consciousness, I don't know, but slip it did.

I headed over to my local branch of the Pima County Public Library on Saturday. The choice of the day of week is apparently imprinted from childhood, but the library world has changed. I was happy to see computers in every nook and cranny (yes, I'm an admitted geek). There were books of every kind, of course, but now after getting my new bar coded library card, I could pull some books, zap them under a scanner and head out the door. Very cool.

Perhaps the best part of the library was realizing that I could go shopping for books anytime I wanted and best of all, when I was done with them, I could simply drop them off. Now, this might sound like a duh! moment, but it dawned on me that I didn't have to go buy a book, change my mind, lose interest in it and have it sit on MY shelf (after spending money on that brand new book), that's what the library is for. It's really the best of both worlds. I can check out any book (for free) and if I lose interest or decide I hate the book three pages in, off it goes back to the library.

This is not a new concept, I know. But in this economic environment when we're all re-thinking our spending habits, libraries become a new found green resource. Granted, there are still books I'll want to purchase and own, but most of the books I own are not 'keepers' and I suspect the same is true for many of us.

Libraries are green by design - reduce, reuse, reuse, reuse. The books purchased by the library are read by hundreds (or thousands) of people. When they reach the end of their useful life, the library sells them at a nominal cost to people who want to own them, then they buy more books and the cycle continues. That's the essence of reduce and reuse, isn't it?

So, you may want to go re-discover your local public library (while funds still exist to keep them open), show your support by joining and using your local branch. Funding is typically predicated upon usage, so be sure to support your local library whenever you can. Yes, I'm a renewed fan, but better late than never.

Any other local library fans out there? Let us know your thoughts!
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1.22.2009

Innovative Building Materials Absorb CO2

No matter how much you think you know, there's always something new that comes along and makes you re-think what you thought you knew. Did you know that the cement used in buildings emits more CO2 than the entire aviation industry? Who knew? Well, I'm guessing someone knew but that was news to me. Cement is made with limestone that emits CO2 as it cures, which is apparently something on the order of 99 years... This British firm has re-formulated cement using a magnesium silicate that, among its other positive and enhanced qualities, absorbs CO2 as it cures. So, it's not only zero emissions but might actually soak up CO2 emissions from other buildings. Sort of an urban CO2 vacuum.

It's innovations like these that make me truly marvel at the brilliant and creative human spirit. When we turn our attention to solving problems, it's amazing what we can do. I'm equally optimistic that other problems will be solved (ok, some may be just knocked down to smaller sizes) with the same creative efforts.

Where there is crisis, there is also opportunity. Personally, I'm looking forward to the creative solutions on the horizon.
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1.19.2009

A Sign of Good Things To Come

Whether or not you believe in omens or signs, you have to be amazed at the landing of an airliner in the Hudson River this past week. The pilot and co-pilot both seemed to have remained calm and their training kicked in. Within three and a half minutes of the birds flying into the engines and losing all thrust, the pilot decided he could land the plane in the Hudson River. Now, the Hudson is NOT a river you'd like to take a dip in any time of the year... and certainly not on a frigid January morning. It's a miracle that the circumstances all came together perfectly to enable the plane to land (or to river, as it were) without loss of life and, it seems, without serious injury to anyone on the plane or in the river.

That, in itself, could be called miraculous. But to me, the real miracle is this. Within minutes of the incident, there were three boats (two ferries and a tug, if I recall correctly) helping passengers to safety who had been standing on the wings of the plane in the icy water.

To me, this is a metaphor for the situation the world is in right now. The global economy has frozen up, the high flying economies of the world have lost all upward thrust. A few quick thinking individuals are doing their best to steer the economy to a soft landing. You get my point.

But there's another part to this metaphor. The three boat operators who came so quickly to the aid of the airliner in the river. I'm assuming there are no emergency practice drills with boat operators in the Hudson River that encompass pulling frozen, scared, wet airline passengers out of the river. There may be new emergency procedures after 9/11, but it's hard to fathom it included this scenario. Regardless, those three boats saw a plane skidding into the river and headed over to help.

The lesson: There are a lot of unknowns in front of us, things we have never experienced and can't adequately prepare for. However, we can apply what we do know to new situations and create a successful outsome. More importantly, perhaps, is that when we work together, we can mitigate a potentially disasterous situation. Had those three boats not arrived quickly, there may have been more serious injury due to hypothermia or even drowning. Instead, everyone worked together to help those in need and the outcome became a shining example of what can go right when things go wrong.

Something to ponder in the days ahead. One by one and all together, we can make a difference.

Now go out there and have a great day.
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1.12.2009

Sprouting for Beginners

This time of year, so many of us are looking for ways to get healthier. One easy way to freshen up your diet is to add sprouts to the mix.

Why Sprout?
The main benefit of sprouting is that it takes a seed or nut in a dormant state and brings it to life. During the sprouting process new and higher quality proteins and other nutrients are produced. Tests have shown that the nutrients in seeds and nuts are anywhere from 50% to 400% greater after sprouting or soaking.

In addition to the higher nutritional value, sprouts are highly digestible. Because sprouts are living, growing food sources, they have a rich supply of enzymes. This quality makes sprouts easily assimilated and metabolized by the body. Sprouts are packed full of nutrition in a form that your body can easily utilize.

Sprouts continue to grow slowly even after refrigeration and their vitamin content will actually increase. Compare this with store-bought vegetables and fruits, which start losing their vitamin content as soon as they’re picked and often have to be shipped a thousand miles or more in the winter.

Sprouting is so easy and fun…don’t let it intimidate you. The rewards are well worth the effort.

How to sprout

You'll need a couple of things:
A wide mouthed jar, (e.g. a mason jar used for canning), some cheesecloth and a rubber band. Oh, and some sprouting seeds, of course. Find some popular sprouting seeds here.

Instructions:
  1. Measure an appropriate amount of seed, visually inspect and remove foreign matter and broken seeds.
  2. Place seeds in jar
  3. Add water to jar for soaking
  4. Cover mouth of jar with cheesecloth
  5. Soak for recommended time (see below)
  6. Turn jar upside down drain at a 45 degree angle
  7. Let the seeds sprout for appropriate time (see below)
  8. Rinse seeds in jar as needed (2-4 times/day), returning jar to its upside down 45 degree angle position
  9. When sprouts are ready, rinse and store in refrigerator, in jar or in another suitable container, until ready to use. If not used within 12 hours, seeds should be rinsed every 24 hours in refrigerator.

Sprouting times:
  • Radish: Soak 8-14 hours, sprout 1.0+ days.
  • Sunflower: Soak 8-14 hours, sprout 18 hours.
  • Barley: Soak 8-14 hours, sprout 1.25-1.5 days. Use only unhulled barley; "whole" hulled barley and pearled barley won't sprout.
  • Quinoa: Soak 2-4 hours, sprout 12 hours. Very fast sprouter. Rinse seeds multiple times to get off soapy tasting saponin in seed coat.
  • Wheat, including Kamut and Spelt: Soak 8-14 hours, sprout 1-1.5 days. Hard Winter wheat is better than soft Spring wheat.
  • Alfalfa, Clover: For greens: soak 4-6 hours, sprout 6-8 days.
  • Garbanzo: Soak 12-18 hours, sprout 1.5+ days.
  • Lentils, brown/green and red: Soak 8-14 hours, sprout 1.0 day.
  • Mung beans: Soak 8-14 hours, sprout 18 hrs - 1 day.
  • Adzuki beans: Soak 8-14 hours, sprout 1.0 day.
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