Failure to Yield Any Benefit - The Truth About GMOs

I watched the movie Genetic Roulette online for about the third time. Each time I watch it, I see a new fact about Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) that I hadn’t really paid attention to quite as clearly before. This time, it was the statement about the chemical companies who promote GMOs have been promising that the use of GMOs would create higher yields of food and therefore feed the world. Except that hasn't panned out - in fact, just the opposite. If you want to read the study for yourself, you can read it at the Union of Concern Scientists’ in their Failure to Yield report. The truth about the use of GMOs is quite different. The fact is that without GMOs, there is still plenty of food in the world to feed everyone. The problem is not the production of food, but the distribution of food which is a whole other problem to solve. So, let’s put that misinformation to rest. Still, chemical companies would have you believe that we NEED GMOs in order to manage our production so we can all eat more at a lower cost. In most industrialized nations, the problem is not about having enough food and it’s become more a problem of having healthy food. According to the Union of Concern Scientists, the promises of increased production are false. According to the USC,

“Despite 20 years of research and 13 years of commercialization, genetic engineering has failed to significantly increase U.S. crop yields.”

In fact, many farmers are beginning to see that their yields are lower after buying these GMO seeds and spraying chemical products on those seeds. One cotton farmer interviewed in Genetic Roulette said he began to really question his initial decision to use GMO seed when he began reading the dire health warnings on the seed bag itself. Don’t eat it, don’t touch it, don’t breath it, don’t let it touch your skin….sounds like the warning label on poison, doesn’t it? The bottom line is this - chemical companies like Monsanto have been promoting the use of chemicals under the promise of higher yields (i.e. more crops for the farmer as lower costs), and that has not been the case. As farmers see their crop yields drop and their animals suffer from eating GMO crops, they’re beginning to understand that their livelihood depends on them NOT using GMOs. The tide is turning, people are starting to understand the link between GMOs and human illnesses that seem to be on a steady increase. As these links between GMOs and human health, livestock health, crop yields and agricultural sustainability are made, informed people will vote with their dollars and buy foods that do not have GMOs. Our health as a nation, as a world and as a species literally depends on it. Read more!

Summertime Means Fresh Organic Produce - Chock Full of Anti-Oxidants

Summertime is a great time to increase your consumption of local, organic fruits and vegetables. Here in the arid southwest, it can be a challenge, but with just a bit of water and generous shade, lettuce, tomatoes, basil, oregano, mint, eggplant and a few other favorites will grow and produce the most local of local produce. So, while you're busy enjoying the fruits (or veggies, as it were) of your labor, you can also know you're eating the healthiest food available. So here's a question for you - do you know which foods are the highest in anti-oxidants? Take this little quiz...

1. True or false: Anti-oxidants protect us from the evils of free radicals.

2. True or false: Some anti-oxidants are made in our bodies.

3. True or false: Organic farming methods can increase anti-oxidant levels in foods.

4. True or false: Commercial, pasteurized juice has 20% more anti-oxidants than an equal amount of fresh fruit.

And the answers? Virtual drumroll please...
1. T
2. T
3. T
4. F - commercial pasteurized juice has about 20% less anti-oxidants than most organic juice or homemade juice.

Here's a list of foods with the highest anti-oxidant power and many of them are in season now. Boost your immune system, aid your overall health and add 3 or 4 servings of these anti-oxidant heavy hitters to your diet.

Blueberries
Cranberries
Blackberries (noticing the theme, berries berries berries!)
Raspberries
Strawberries
Red grapes
Apples
Plums

What the full list? Read this great article from the Organic Center. (PDF format)
Read more!

Imagine That....Pesticides Linked to Lower Brain Function

We've been proponents of organic food since I don't remember when...but if you needed anymore compelling evidence, here it is. An article posted today on WebMD here shows that pesticide exposure in the womb and during early childhood can have a dramatic impact on IQ. "Even at relatively low levels, organophosphates may be most hazardous to fetuses and young children, where healthy brain development depends on a carefully orchestrated sequence of biological events."

Although our friends at the FDA banned the use of these products in residential locations in 2001, it is still in use commercially....

Fruits and vegetables are still sprayed with these organophosphates - so here you are thinking you're helping your children develop good eating habits by loading them up with fresh fruits and veggies...only wait, they're not so great when they're chock full of chemicals that impair your child's mental development.

So, even more reason to make sure you choose organic. The more we learn about pesticides and the impact on human (and planetary) health, the more it becomes a no brainer...pun intended.

Choose organic. It's that easy. Want to learn more? Start here to learn more about why choosing organic just makes sense.

Here's to working together to create a greener planet. shopOrganic.com.

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Going Green At Home - Part 1

I am fortunate to live in the beautiful Sonoran Desert, here in sunny southern Arizona. The downside is that it's not usually described as verdant - more like a dusty brown most of the time. My home is a charming one story burnt adobe building that reflects the very essence of the Southwest. When I bought it years back, there was a large fountain on the front porch area surrounded by some scraggly boxwood bushes. Fairly quickly, I turned off the fountain - it seemed a waste of precious water. The boxwoods were pretty much left to their own devices.

Fast forward to this summer.

I guess I've been watching too much home and garden television. I kept looking at that front patio space wondering what I could do with it. After a couple of iterations, I realized it was a perfect spot for a raised bed garden. It's got morning sun and was protected from the harsh afternoon sun and it was the perfect size. Thus began the project that has started to green my home.

We started by clearing the space. We gave away the fountain to a really nice family who came and got it one Saturday morning. We made new friends in the deal, so we were thrilled. Next, we cleared the boxwoods out and prepped the space.

Next, we measured and calculated what we'd need in the way of raised bed materials (wood and a few screws), headed to the home improvement store, came home and built the box. We decided to add bird netting over the top since we have so many birds in the area and, well, they'd already chowed down an entire basil plant leaving me bare stubs and a dead plant.

The box itself was pretty simple to build and it didn't take a skilled carpenter to cut and assemble the wood. We assembled it in the garage and carried it to it's final location - the result is a beautiful 8 x 5 foot 12" deep raised bed garden.

(And yes, that is the Border of Border & Black Ventures, aka Jackie Brown, border collie extraordinare).

This is what I call a triple bottom line - I get fresh organic produce from my own garden; I get to see the lush green of the plants as they grow; and I get to spend some time getting my hands dirty in a really good way. It's low maintenance, but I can putter around it if I want to just unwind - or just sit on the patio and marvel at this little desert oasis.

I've never grown much before - especially not the garden variety - I've never found the idea appealing until Lisa (shopOrganic co-founder) suggested a raised bed garden. The small, manageable scale was instantly appealing and the thought of actually having fresh produce on my front porch was what sealed the deal.

Stay tuned for more posts showing what comes next, where you can find information on how to grow your own and see photos of what's starting to sprout!

We're looking forward to a beautiful, bountiful front porch this fall and hope you'll check back often to see our progress.

And, of course, for all those things you can't grow yourself, green your home with organic and eco-friendly products from shopOrganic.com

Read more!

How to Keep (Organic) Produce Fresh

I just read an article in the July/August Cook's Illustrated (CI) magazine about produce keepers. You know, you've probably seen them advertised on television. They promise to keep your fresh produce fresher than fresh. So, CI did some tests (you gotta love their tests). The results?

None of the produce keepers had any positive effect on the shelf life of the fresh produce. In fact, in some cases, produce spoiled faster than if left in its original packing. You can read the article here.

So, here's a very inexpensive produce keeper idea - buy it and eat it! I've gotten better about gauging how much produce my family will consume in a week and I buy just enough to get us through to the next week. Yes, sometimes I have to make an extra stop at the market, but it beats buying stuff we'll likely not eat in a week then hoping against hope it will still be fresh and ready to go.

So, this summer, choose lots of healthy organic (and best of all, locally grown when available) produce and just don't let it go to waste! Get creative, you'd be surprised what you can cook up with that produce just on the edge of going bad. My favorite solution is a stir fry. For veggies that are past their prime but still edible, you can make a pretty decent stir fry and jazz up the flavors with organic garlic, ginger, shoyu (tamari, soy sauce), chiles, cayenne, curry - whatever sparks your imagination. Toss it over some organic sprouted brown rice, red quinoa or organic pasta (made from wheat, brown rice, corn and more) and viola! you've got dinner.

For more ideas on sauces and spices to jazz up your summertime meals, visit shopOrganic.com - or click here.

Enjoy the fruits (and veggies) of summer - organic, local, fresh. Yum. Read more!

A New Model for Investing (In Things That Matter)

I've been watching the stock market in the last month or so run through an amazing array of ups, downs and sideways. Like most folks, I have become increasingly skeptical of the math, science, psychology and technology behind the stock market.

I've always known the market was skewed toward the big guys - but I used to think that if you followed in the tracks of the big guys, you might still fare well. It's clear from the massive typo a couple of weeks back that caused the market to tumble almost 1,000 points, that's just not true anymore. It's left me even more leery of the machinations of the markets of late.

Not that I have piles of money to invest anyway. But the money I do have to invest is staying close to home these days. I've decided that the best way to manage my money is to spend it on important things - like fixing the leaking faucet, getting a few new plants for the front porch, or buying really high quality food to cook and bake with.

When it's all said and done, the old cliched adage really does hold true - the best investment is in yourself. Granted, the notion of what that investment looks like has changed over the past decade. In the height of economic prosperity (aka bubbles), that investment seemed more like buying the latest 52" big screen TV. Now, after a painfully recessionary squeeze, that investment has been boiled down to basics - what you do to invest in your health, wellness and happiness. After all, those are investments that gain in value and as any wise investor will tell you, those are the ones to look for.

Healthy food is a great place to start that investment since good, healthy, organic food forms the foundation of good nutrition that supports health and wellness at every age. Invest in exercise and active leisure activities - from golf lessons to hiking to kayaking or mountain biking. [Not sure where to look? I'm a big fan of REI.] Try something new and exciting and active. What great dividends you'll earn from that investment.

After you've taken care of yourself, you might want to look at how you can invest in your local community. There are millions of small companies across the nation that no longer have access to bank funding or equity (investor) capital. They still need capital to expand and they form the foundation of your community as well as our country's economy. (shopOrganic.com is one of them - click here for details).

Look at the business practices of the companies you do business with - whether locally owned or part of a larger, national company. Do they treat customers, vendors, employees and their community well? Do their employees seem content or even (gasp) happy? Local or not, there are some companies whose business practices are stellar and investing your shopping dollars with those companies is another way of investing intelligently.

Invest in local businesses - start a local investment club or support your local business with your purchases. You'll find you have a lot more control than spinning the wheel on the stock market and you'll benefit directly by supporting a sustainable local economy.

Thoughts? Comments? Love to hear 'em.

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

Science Shows Link Between Pesticides and ADHD

A new study links Attention Deficit disorder with pesticide exposure - (here's the link to the story). I don't know about you, but this isn't really as much a surprise as a confirmation of what we already knew but had little scientific evidence to cite.

Pesticides were actually developed as chemicals for warfare. After World War II, someone had the no-so-brilliant-thought to spray those chemicals that were stockpiled on plants to kill pests. I'm not quite sure why no one ever thought about the fact that those chemicals sit on the leaves of the plants, soak into the roots of the plants and are then ingested. I guess it seemed like a good idea at the time....

I guess it's easy to sit back and second guess 60 or 70 years' worth of 'conventional' agricultural wisdom, but it still seems like a no brainer that you don't want to douse your food in poison.

This article points to the link between certain pesticides and ADHD. I remember an elderly friend of mine once speaking a bit mockingly of all these new 'disorders' - but maybe there really are a new host of disorders all stemming from our dousing our environment with toxic chemicals.

Of course, at shopOrganic, we've always believed it was healthier for our bodies and the planet to eat organic; now the scientific community is starting to look at the underlying science and is coming to the same conclusion.

So, while it's important to teach children to eat a balanced diet, it also needs to be a diet free from toxic chemicals. Go organic, you and your children are worth it.

Read more!

Maria Rodale's Organic Manifesto

Maria Rodale spoke at the Natural Foods Expo last month in Anaheim, CA. I stood in a long line to get her book, Organic Manifesto, and get it signed - but when I got to the front, they had sold out. However, true to her word, Maria mailed me a copy shortly afterward. I sat down and started reading it the moment it came out of its wrapper. If you're at all interested in organic, you should pick up a copy of the book.

I will, however, give you a quick preview - from the Foreword, written by Eric Schlosser (American journalist and author of Fast Food Nation, another worthwhile read). Here is his opening....

"Pesticides are poisons. They are manufactured to kill insects, rodents, fungi, and weeds But they can also kill people. Organophosphates - one of the most common types of pesticide - were developed in Nazi Germany to be used as chemical weapons. It was later recognized that the same sort of nerve gases formulated to attack enemy soldiers and civilians could be used against agricultural pests....A conservative estimate of current pesticide use in American agriculture would be about 1.2 billions pounds a year - about 4 pounds of the stuff for every American man, woman and child." (Foreward by Eric Schlosser, Organic Manifesto by Maria Rodale, p. ix)

If that isn't enough information to spark your interest in organic, I don't know what is. I didn't know that pesticides began as chemical weapons in WWII. I do think it's interesting that there is a direct correlation to the increase in the use of pesticides in farming and the increase in diseases like cancer, Alzheimer's and other auto-immune dis-eases.

The chemical industry has spent billions of dollars convincing us the only way to grow food, keep our yards and homes pest free and provide enough food for people worldwide is through the use of pesticides. But that's simply not true. The billions they've spent have gone toward paying for self-serving 'research' that supports their view of the world. But unbiased empirical evidence points to the damage pesticides are doing to our soil and water.

I'm not going to go point by point through the book, but if you're interested in hearing the facts about why organic is truly worth it - for you, your family and the health of all of us on this beautiful spinning orb we call Planet Earth, give Maria's book a read. You might find some of it disturbing, but you'll also find evidence that there are millions of people who support organic and sustainable practices and there is a growing groundswell of support.

To find high quality, certified organic, fair trade and sustainable products you can trust online, visit www.shopOrganic.com - For The Greater Goods (sm).

No, go out there and enjoy your day! Read more!

Natural Products Expo - Part 1

Every year, we head out to Anaheim, CA in the spring to attend the Natural Foods Expo. It’s a chance for us to seek out new products to offer, to meet and talk face to face with our wonderful vendors, and to get a broader sense of what is going on in our industry. This year, we are inspired as ever, both about the new products we’ve found for you and by the incredible work being done by those in our community.

One of the reasons we love attending Expo is that we get to catch up with vendors from small companies with whom we've developed wonderful relationships. Throughout the year, we communicate via email, phone and Twitter, but we love the time we get to spend at Expo meeting face to face.

One of our best selling products (and among our personal favorites) is Henry & Lisa's Natural Seafood. If you haven't tried these products, you really should. Henry & Lisa's sells the best salmon and tuna you've ever laid your lips over. This is Lisa (L) of Henry & Lisa's, Lisa (C) of shopOrganic.com, and Henry (R) of Henry & Lisa's. We love working with small companies and knowing the folks that produce the products we offer. Henry and Lisa are great folks and we loved catching up with them at Expo.

More about Expo next post.

Until then, have a safe and green St. Patrick's Day.

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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!

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! Read more!

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!

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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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!

Read more!

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
Read more!

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 Read more!

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.)
Read more!

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. Read more!

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.

Read more!

Our Debut at the Tucson Farmer's Market

We were at the Tucson Farmer's Market at St. Philip's Plaza in Tucson, Arizona on Sunday. It was our big debut and we had a blast. There are lots of vendors there and our line of organic dry goods including organic beans, rice, nuts and dried fruit was a great complement to the other products there. We were nestled between a company (I forgot to get the name, sorry Laurie, next time! selling herb and spice mixes (as well as a heavenly smelling potpourri blend) on one side. On the other, Polish Girl Bakery, specializing in the most tantalizing organic baked goods you can imagine. So, we were in great company to start our adventure at the Tucson Farmer's Market on the weekend after "Black Friday".... (photos to follow in the coming days)

It was fun being outside (the weather in Tucson this time of year is chilly in the morning then sunny and temperate in the afternoon - perfect for a farmer's market. There were people from all over the U.S. and a few international visitors. The best selling item of the day was dried organic Turkish apricots - they're the most delicious dried fruit I've ever tasted and somehow our farmer's market visitors' radar was set for those as well. We'll bring more next Sunday.

Since we're an online retailer and most of our interactions with our "friendstomers" (that's friend and customer combined, which is how we view our customers) is by email or phone, it was really a pleasure to step out into the bright sunshine of a perfect November day and get face to face with our friendstomers, our neighbors and our Farmer's Market friends. We'll be baaaccckkkk.

A special thanks to Scott and Josh at Adventure Coffee Roasting. We carry their unbelievably good organic, fair trade coffee, but they roast and sell directly at the Tucson Farmer's Market (and other locations) as well. They stopped by several times to see if we needed anything since they knew it was our maiden voyage. We appreciated your stopping by - thanks!

So, for those of you planning on being in the Tucson area on any given Sunday morning, please stop by the Tucson Farmer's Market at St. Philip's Plaza (River/Campbell) between 9am and 1pm and say hello! We'd love to meet you and we're sure you'll be dazzled by the array of unique organic and artisanal products - ours and all the other vendors there sharing the love.

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