From Dave Smith

Striking a Balance (The New Farm)
Initially, Jim and LeeAnn moved the pigs outside because the animals were struggling with health problems that seemed to be caused by confinement. The animals’ health quickly improved…

Meat and Antibiotic Resistance–What’s the Link? (Union of Concerned Scientists)
Beef cattle, hogs and poultry often spend much of their lives in CAFOs (confined animal feeding operations). The largest CAFOs contain tens of thousands of animals crowded closely together. To compensate for the stress, poor sanitation, and risk of disease, they are typically fed a daily dose of antibiotics. Routine antibiotic administration is also used to promote faster growth.

Yet Another “Organic Food Is Healthier” Study (Treehugger.com)
The findings contradict advice from the Food Standards Agency, which maintains there is no scientific evidence to suggest organic food is healthier. Apparently, “the health benefits were so striking that moving to organic food was the equivalent of eating an extra portion of fruit and vegetables every day.”

Cloned animals banned from Organics (Organic Consumers Association)
…supported by organic dairy industry leaders and the world’s largest organic and natural foods retailer, including George Siemon, chief executive officer of Organic Valley, Clark Driftmier of Aurora Organic Dairy, Margaret Wittenberg of Whole Foods Market, Rich Ghilarducci of Humboldt Creamery, and Kelly Shea, vice president of WhiteWave Foods/Horizon Organic.

Toxin-Free House Cleaning Guide (The Green Guide)
We love all the new non-toxic cleaning products on the market. But did you know that baking soda, vinegar, borax, salt, citrus and even ketchup can be effective, non-toxic cleaners? Your grandparents did. They are cheap, readily available, and you don’t have to worry about potentially harmful fumes.

2008 will be Breakout Year for Organic Personal Care Products (Organic Consumers Association)
Organic consumers expect their organic personal care to be free of synthetic foaming agents and preservatives, and companies should not just add token organic ingredients on top of such synthetics to make organic product claims. Consumers should look for the USDA Organic seal on products if they want to be certain they are truly organic.

All Farming will be Organic in 100 Years – Oil Expert (UK)
The transition away from oil is inevitable. And it’s going to lead to huge changes in our food production systems. The critical thing is that we manage and plan the transition. This is an unavoidable, immediate, and immense challenge that will call for unprecedented levels of creativity at all levels of society.

Mollie Katzen shares techniques for making the most of vegetables (Culinate Podcast)
Katzen, who’s written many books of vegetarian recipes — including the much-loved Moosewood Cookbook, her first, published in 1977 — is on a mission to get you to eat your vegetables. Her strategy? Make them as delicious as possible.

Pasta Frittata Recipe (Whole Foods)
If you have eggs, pasta and cheese, then you have dinner. This pasta frittata can be varied endlessly — use leftover pasta, whatever cheese you have on hand, cooked broccoli or spinach or diced ham. A dollop of marinara sauce will add color and complement the flavors. Serve warm, room temperature or cold. You can’t go wrong.

Chipotle and Honey-Glazed Pork Chops Recipe (Whole Foods)
Many recipes pair pork with sweet flavors, but here we add smoky chipotles to the mix. Pork chops are browned, brushed with a simple honey-chipotle glaze and finished in the oven. Serve with wilted spinach and roasted potatoes.
~~
Dave Smith is author of To Be Of Use – The Seven Seeds of Meaningful Work and lives in Mendocino Country, Northern California.
Image Credit: The New Farm
Dave’s Posts
[Permanent Link] [Top]