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. Read more!

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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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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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!

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