Sunday, December 14, 2008
New Energy Saving Appliances AFTER Jan 1
Congress has recently instated a new bill that will allow a $500 kick back to those who buy energy saving appliances after Jan 1. So if you are interested in doing more to be more green and to save some more money...wait just until Jan 1! In the meantime, you can caulk your air conditioner and then fix your baseboards and windows by caulking them as well. Try to keep the warm air in and the cold air- lessening the amount of energy needed to warm up your home. Also, turn down your water heater to 130 degrees- that's still warm enough to get a hot shower. Then lastly, always turn off ligths and electrical equipment- it will save you money and save energy.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Obama is Promising Green
Our President elect, Barrack Obama, has promised to have a green agenda. This past week he has promised the nation that he will fight climate change. He has plans to reduce emissions and he has promised $15 billion a year to go to low-carbon energy- including solar, wind, nuclear and next-generation biofuels.
Obama has said, "Delay is no longer an option,. Denial is no longer an acceptable response. The stakes are too high. The consequences, too serious."
So our President elect has our hopes up and hopefully he can help deliver a greener tomorrow.
For more information you can read this article.
Obama has said, "Delay is no longer an option,. Denial is no longer an acceptable response. The stakes are too high. The consequences, too serious."
So our President elect has our hopes up and hopefully he can help deliver a greener tomorrow.
For more information you can read this article.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Aviation Biofuel from Jatropha Trees
Boeing and Air New Zealand have announced that they will fly an airplane with a 50-50 mix of jet fuel and oil from jatropha trees. This is an effort to help reduce harmful emissions and conserve fuel.
Billy Glover, Boeing’s managing director of environmental strategy, said,
“The processing technology exists today, and based on results we’ve seen, it’s highly encouraging that this fuel not only met but exceeded three key criteria for the next generation of jet fuel: higher than expected jet fuel yields, very low freeze point and good energy density. That tells us we’re on the right path to certification and commercial availability.”
So we can hope that in the future, there will be more efforts to help save fuel and protect our air from the aviation industry.
To read the whole article, click here.
Billy Glover, Boeing’s managing director of environmental strategy, said,
“The processing technology exists today, and based on results we’ve seen, it’s highly encouraging that this fuel not only met but exceeded three key criteria for the next generation of jet fuel: higher than expected jet fuel yields, very low freeze point and good energy density. That tells us we’re on the right path to certification and commercial availability.”
So we can hope that in the future, there will be more efforts to help save fuel and protect our air from the aviation industry.
To read the whole article, click here.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Celebrate Fair Trade
As the holidays start approaching, it's a good idea to begin looking for some great eco-friendly gifts. How about buying some fair trade gifts? Fair trade is an organized social movement and market-based approach to empowering developing country producers and promoting sustainability. The movement advocates the payment of a fair price as well as social and environmental standards in areas related to the production of a wide variety of goods.
Fair trade's intent is to work with international workers and producers in order to help them move from a position of vulnerability to one of security through self-sufficiency.
Here are some websites to check out that sell fair trade goods:
www.globalexchangestore.org
www.tenthousandvillages.com/home.php
www.globalstewards.org/fairtradeshops.htm
Fair trade's intent is to work with international workers and producers in order to help them move from a position of vulnerability to one of security through self-sufficiency.
Here are some websites to check out that sell fair trade goods:
www.globalexchangestore.org
www.tenthousandvillages.com/home.php
www.globalstewards.org/fairtradeshops.htm
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Organic labels
Organic-sounding labels can be confusing, or even meaningless. Below are examples of labels that are meaningful because there are government standards to back them up. You’ll also find a couple of examples of meaningless labels. For more information on food labels, go to www.eco-labels.org .
MEANINGFUL
“100% Organic.” No synthetic ingredients are allowed by law. Also, production processes must meet federal organic standards and must have been independently verified by accredited inspectors.
“Organic.” At least 95 percent of ingredients are organically produced. The remainder can be nonorganic or synthetic ingredients. One exception: Organic labels on seafood are meaningless because the U.S. Department of Agriculture has no standards to back them up.
“Made with Organic Ingredients.” At least 70 percent of ingredients are organic. The remaining 30 percent must come from the USDA’s approved list.
MEANINGLESS
“Free-range” or “free-roaming.” Stamped on eggs, chicken, and other meat, this label suggests that an animal has spent a good portion of its life outdoors. But U.S. government standards are weak. The rule for the label’s use on poultry products, for example, is merely that outdoor access be made available for “an undetermined period each day.” In other words, if a coop door was open for just 5 minutes a day, regardless of whether the chickens went outside, the animals’ meat and eggs could legally be labeled “free-range.”
“Natural” or “All Natural.” This label does not mean organic. The reason is that no standard definition for this term exists except when it’s applied to meat and poultry products, which the USDA defines as not containing any artificial flavoring, colors, chemical preservatives, or synthetic ingredients. And the claim is not verified. The producer or manufacturer alone decides whether to use it.
MEANINGFUL
“100% Organic.” No synthetic ingredients are allowed by law. Also, production processes must meet federal organic standards and must have been independently verified by accredited inspectors.
“Organic.” At least 95 percent of ingredients are organically produced. The remainder can be nonorganic or synthetic ingredients. One exception: Organic labels on seafood are meaningless because the U.S. Department of Agriculture has no standards to back them up.
“Made with Organic Ingredients.” At least 70 percent of ingredients are organic. The remaining 30 percent must come from the USDA’s approved list.
MEANINGLESS
“Free-range” or “free-roaming.” Stamped on eggs, chicken, and other meat, this label suggests that an animal has spent a good portion of its life outdoors. But U.S. government standards are weak. The rule for the label’s use on poultry products, for example, is merely that outdoor access be made available for “an undetermined period each day.” In other words, if a coop door was open for just 5 minutes a day, regardless of whether the chickens went outside, the animals’ meat and eggs could legally be labeled “free-range.”
“Natural” or “All Natural.” This label does not mean organic. The reason is that no standard definition for this term exists except when it’s applied to meat and poultry products, which the USDA defines as not containing any artificial flavoring, colors, chemical preservatives, or synthetic ingredients. And the claim is not verified. The producer or manufacturer alone decides whether to use it.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Skin Deep
Have you ever wondered what goes into your cosmetic products? What ingredients are truly safe? and what ones have been blown out of proportion by the media? Well, the website, Skin Deep, has over 32,295 products that they have reviewed and ranked according to safety levels. There aim is as follows, "To fill in where companies and the government leave off: companies are allowed to use almost any ingredient they wish, and our government doesn't require companies to test products for safety before they're sold. (Our) scientists built Skin Deep to be a one-of-a-kind resource, integrating our in-house collection of personal care product ingredient listings with more than 50 toxicity and regulatory databases."
So next time you put that shaving cream, soap, deodorant or make-up on- check out their website and see how safe it truly is.
So next time you put that shaving cream, soap, deodorant or make-up on- check out their website and see how safe it truly is.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Why We Need The Kid-Safe Chemicals Act
(Taken from www.ewg.org)
The nation's toxic chemical regulatory law, the Toxic Substances Control Act, is in drastic need of reform. Passed in 1976 and never amended since, TSCA is widely regarded as the weakest of all major environmental laws on the books today.
When passed, the Act declared safe some 62,000 chemicals already on the market, even though there were little or no data to support this policy. Since that time another 20,000 chemicals have been put into commerce in the United States, also with little or no data to support their safety.
The human race is now polluted with hundreds of industrial chemicals with little or no understanding of the consequences. Babies are born pre-polluted with as many as 300 industrial chemicals in their bodies when they enter the world. Testing by Environmental Working Group has identified 455 chemicals in people, and again, no one has any idea if these exposures are safe.
We are at a tipping point, where the pollution in people is increasingly associated with a range of serious diseases and conditions from childhood cancer, to autism, ADHD, learning deficits, infertility, and birth defects. Yet even as our knowledge about the link between chemical exposure and human disease grows, the government has almost no authority to protect people from even the most hazardous chemicals on the market.
The Campaign: Pass the Kid-Safe Chemicals Act
This pollution in people is the direct result of a statute that does not require chemicals to be proven safe to get on the market, or stay on the market. Under federal law EPA does not have the authority to demand the information it needs to evaluate a chemical's risk, and neither manufacturers nor the EPA are required to prove a chemical's safety as a condition of use.
The Kid-Safe Chemical Act will change all this through a fundamental overhaul of our nation's chemical regulatory law. Specifically, the Kid-Safe Chemicals Act:
* requires that industrial chemicals be safe for infants, kids and other vulnerable groups;
* requires that new chemicals be safety tested before they are sold;
* requires chemical manufacturers to test and prove that the 62,000 chemicals already on the market that have never been tested are safe in order for them to remain in commerce;
* requires EPA to review "priority" chemicals, those which are found in people, on an expedited schedule;
* requires regular biomonitoring to determine what chemicals are in people and in what amounts;
* requires regular updates of health and safety data and provides EPA with clear authority to request additional information and tests;
* provides incentives for manufacturers to further reduce health hazards;
* requires EPA to promote safer alternatives and alternatives to animal testing;
* protects state and local rights; and
* requires that this information be publicly available.
Through the Kid-Safe Chemicals Act we can give our children a safer and healthier future.
The nation's toxic chemical regulatory law, the Toxic Substances Control Act, is in drastic need of reform. Passed in 1976 and never amended since, TSCA is widely regarded as the weakest of all major environmental laws on the books today.
When passed, the Act declared safe some 62,000 chemicals already on the market, even though there were little or no data to support this policy. Since that time another 20,000 chemicals have been put into commerce in the United States, also with little or no data to support their safety.
The human race is now polluted with hundreds of industrial chemicals with little or no understanding of the consequences. Babies are born pre-polluted with as many as 300 industrial chemicals in their bodies when they enter the world. Testing by Environmental Working Group has identified 455 chemicals in people, and again, no one has any idea if these exposures are safe.
We are at a tipping point, where the pollution in people is increasingly associated with a range of serious diseases and conditions from childhood cancer, to autism, ADHD, learning deficits, infertility, and birth defects. Yet even as our knowledge about the link between chemical exposure and human disease grows, the government has almost no authority to protect people from even the most hazardous chemicals on the market.
The Campaign: Pass the Kid-Safe Chemicals Act
This pollution in people is the direct result of a statute that does not require chemicals to be proven safe to get on the market, or stay on the market. Under federal law EPA does not have the authority to demand the information it needs to evaluate a chemical's risk, and neither manufacturers nor the EPA are required to prove a chemical's safety as a condition of use.
The Kid-Safe Chemical Act will change all this through a fundamental overhaul of our nation's chemical regulatory law. Specifically, the Kid-Safe Chemicals Act:
* requires that industrial chemicals be safe for infants, kids and other vulnerable groups;
* requires that new chemicals be safety tested before they are sold;
* requires chemical manufacturers to test and prove that the 62,000 chemicals already on the market that have never been tested are safe in order for them to remain in commerce;
* requires EPA to review "priority" chemicals, those which are found in people, on an expedited schedule;
* requires regular biomonitoring to determine what chemicals are in people and in what amounts;
* requires regular updates of health and safety data and provides EPA with clear authority to request additional information and tests;
* provides incentives for manufacturers to further reduce health hazards;
* requires EPA to promote safer alternatives and alternatives to animal testing;
* protects state and local rights; and
* requires that this information be publicly available.
Through the Kid-Safe Chemicals Act we can give our children a safer and healthier future.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
The Organic Center
The Organic Center is an organization that is dedicated to spreading the word and truth about organic products. It has a wealth of information on the principles of organic farming. It's mission is, "To generate credible, peer reviewed scientific information and communicate the verifiable benefits of organic farming and products to society." If you ever have any further questions about the benefits of organic, check our their website at www.organic-center.org . They are also striving to have a mission to help consumers choose organic. Their goal is to choose "at least" 10% organic. They hope by 2010 to increase the current market for organic food from 3 percent to 10 percent. Join the mission and join their newsletter today!
Vitamins and Minerals
On a daily basis the average American only consumes one third the amount of vitamins and minerals needed to maximize healthy development and graceful aging. For those who eat organic and fresh produce, the amount of vitamins and minerals that they consume will increase by one third (in comparison to the normal conventional diet). The amount of vitamins and minerals will also increase as one chooses more dark vegetables and fruits. If you couple eating organic with choosing foods rich in anti-oxidants (dark and brightly colored foods), one can TRIPLE the amount of vitamins and minerals that they intake. It's one way to help maintain a healthier and greener lifestyle.
We're Back
Sorry for the long absence. We had to take to small break and we are back and will be frequently posting articles that will keep you up to date on new and interesting "Green" topics!
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Buying Organic on a Budget
For those who would love to buy organic but are needing to watch their budget, here's few tips on how to buy organic cheaper!
1.) Comparison shop. Compare different products at different markets. Some sell organic baby food for $1.29 while the same product at another location would be $.69. As for produce, you'll always save when you buy fruit in the season.
2.) Go local. You can find organic growers at most farmer’s markets, and a USDA study in 2002 found that about 40 percent of those farmers don’t charge a premium. For listings of local farmer’s markets and other sources, go to www.ams.usda.gov/farmersmarkets and www.localharvest.org .
3.) Start your own organic garden or join a community farm team. You'll save when you start producing your own organic products!
4.) Order by mail. National providers will ship items such as organic beef ( www.mynaturalbeef.com ). Some local businesses, such as FreshDirect ( www.freshdirect.com ) in the New York City area and Pioneer Organics ( www.pioneerorganics.com ) in the Pacific Northwest, offer home deliveries. Other helpful sites are at www.eatwellguide.org and www.theorganicpages.com .
5.) Be a supermarket spy. Make sure you get what you pay for by watching where produce sits on shelves. All grocers are legally required to stack organic fruits and vegetables where they won’t be exposed to water runoff from the misting of conventional produce, which could contaminate organic items with pesticide residue. If a store is not following that rule, you may be wasting your money by buying organic produce there.
Most importantly, remember that things are done best in moderation. You don't have to break your budget, just be a smart shopper and choose what things make the most sense for you to go organic on. Good luck and happy shopping!
1.) Comparison shop. Compare different products at different markets. Some sell organic baby food for $1.29 while the same product at another location would be $.69. As for produce, you'll always save when you buy fruit in the season.
2.) Go local. You can find organic growers at most farmer’s markets, and a USDA study in 2002 found that about 40 percent of those farmers don’t charge a premium. For listings of local farmer’s markets and other sources, go to www.ams.usda.gov/farmersmarkets and www.localharvest.org .
3.) Start your own organic garden or join a community farm team. You'll save when you start producing your own organic products!
4.) Order by mail. National providers will ship items such as organic beef ( www.mynaturalbeef.com ). Some local businesses, such as FreshDirect ( www.freshdirect.com ) in the New York City area and Pioneer Organics ( www.pioneerorganics.com ) in the Pacific Northwest, offer home deliveries. Other helpful sites are at www.eatwellguide.org and www.theorganicpages.com .
5.) Be a supermarket spy. Make sure you get what you pay for by watching where produce sits on shelves. All grocers are legally required to stack organic fruits and vegetables where they won’t be exposed to water runoff from the misting of conventional produce, which could contaminate organic items with pesticide residue. If a store is not following that rule, you may be wasting your money by buying organic produce there.
Most importantly, remember that things are done best in moderation. You don't have to break your budget, just be a smart shopper and choose what things make the most sense for you to go organic on. Good luck and happy shopping!
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Another Benefit of Organic Diary
In a new recent study, researches found that CLA's and omega 3 Fatty-acids help prevent the build up of abdominal fat in young obese individuals. The study's findings do not support the same outcomes in lean individuals or older obese individuals. However, this research can be very helpful to those who are young and obese.
Organic diary products have more CLA's and omega 3 fatty-acids. So an increase in organic diary products can not only help in the prevention of cancer and reduction of cardiovascular disease, but it can greatly assist in weight management. So next time you reach for your yogurt, reach for an organic brand!
Organic diary products have more CLA's and omega 3 fatty-acids. So an increase in organic diary products can not only help in the prevention of cancer and reduction of cardiovascular disease, but it can greatly assist in weight management. So next time you reach for your yogurt, reach for an organic brand!
Monday, May 12, 2008
Pesticides and Childhood Cancer
Having a background in pediatric oncology, I am always interested to find out the links, risks and possible causes of childhood cancer. In two recent studies, scientists researched over 25 million children up to the age of fourteen. In these studies, scientists found that there were elevated risks for several types of cancer in those children living in areas with increase pesticide use. Elevated risks of cancer were found for Hodgkin lymphoma, Wilms' tumor, renal carcinomas, Ewing's sarcoma, thyroid cancers, and malignant melanoma. Organic produce and foods dramatically reduce the exposure to pesticide use. It's a point to think about for sure. For more information, you can look up the research articles:
S.E. Carozza et al., "Risk of Childhood Cancers Associated with Residence in Agriculturally Intense Areas in the U.S," and
H.R. Andersen et al., "Impaired Reproductive Development in Sons of Women Occupationally Exposed to Pesticides during Pregnancy," Environmental Health Perspectives, Vol. 116, No. 4, April 2008.
I believe that it's always important to be aware so that you can make educated choices in your individual lives.
S.E. Carozza et al., "Risk of Childhood Cancers Associated with Residence in Agriculturally Intense Areas in the U.S," and
H.R. Andersen et al., "Impaired Reproductive Development in Sons of Women Occupationally Exposed to Pesticides during Pregnancy," Environmental Health Perspectives, Vol. 116, No. 4, April 2008.
I believe that it's always important to be aware so that you can make educated choices in your individual lives.
Saturday, May 3, 2008
GE Foods
Some visitors to our blog have asked about identifying GE (i.e. Genetically Engineered) foods in the supermarket. My favorite tool in this respect has been a pocket guide published by The Center for Food Safety. You can download a free copy at http://www.centerforfoodsafety.org/.
Basically any whole foods, almost all fruits, vegetables and grains are NOT genetically engineered. On the flip side, the four worst offenders are: corn, soy, canola and cotton. The byproducts of these crops are what you need to be wary of: corn oil, corn meal, cornstarch, corn syrup, soybean oil, soy flour, soy protein, soy lecithin, canola oil, and cottonseed oil.
Check out the Center for Food Safety's book "Your Right to Know" for more detailed information on the danger of genetically engineered food.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Green Mom
With Mother's Day fast approaching, here are some websites that promote the greener side of motherhood, check them out!
eco-chick.com
greenandcleanmom.blogspot.com
treehugger.com
grist.com has a popular online column "Ask Umbra," where the author weighs in on matters such as whether it is better to buy leather shoes or "pleather" ones that could contain solvents.
Green Schools Initiative, a nonprofit in Berkeley, developed green guidelines for shopping, like buying chlorine-free cleaning products, low-formaldehyde furniture and toys made of natural materials. Some of their findings are just as applicable in the home as they are in the schools.
eco-chick.com
greenandcleanmom.blogspot.com
treehugger.com
grist.com has a popular online column "Ask Umbra," where the author weighs in on matters such as whether it is better to buy leather shoes or "pleather" ones that could contain solvents.
Green Schools Initiative, a nonprofit in Berkeley, developed green guidelines for shopping, like buying chlorine-free cleaning products, low-formaldehyde furniture and toys made of natural materials. Some of their findings are just as applicable in the home as they are in the schools.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Earth Day Ideas for the Young and Old
So it's been a while since we've posted, but now it's crunch time until Earth Day! Earth Day is here to help us remember how important this land and air is that surround us. We've included some ideas on how you can help celebrate and give back to the earth. Whether you are single, married, a parent or a grandparent- there is something you can do! One can either teach a young child about the importance of keeping our earth clean or one can celebrate on their own this special Earth Day 2008!
For Young Children:
Recyled Crayons
Create uniquely shaped, multi-colored crayons by recycling crayon stubs!
You'll need to peel all of the paper off of the crayons, and place them in a non-stick muffin pan, filling to ½ inch from the top of the muffin molds.
Put the muffin tin in 250 degree oven. Turn off the heat when crayons have melted, but do not remove the tin! Allow the oven to cool completely before removing crayons. For the best rainbow effect, do not move the muffin tray until crayons have cooled completely .If colors mix while hot they become one muddy color instead. Tap the bottom of the tin to make the crayons pop out.
If you'd like solid color crayons, then place only 1 color in each muffin cup.
Recommended Earth Day books:
"The Great Trash Bash" by Loreen Leedy
"The Earth And I" by Frank Asch
"The Lorax" by Dr. Seuss
"Dinosaurs to The Rescue" by Laurie Krasny Brown and Marc Brown
For Everyone Else!
For Young Children:
Recyled Crayons
Create uniquely shaped, multi-colored crayons by recycling crayon stubs!
You'll need to peel all of the paper off of the crayons, and place them in a non-stick muffin pan, filling to ½ inch from the top of the muffin molds.
Put the muffin tin in 250 degree oven. Turn off the heat when crayons have melted, but do not remove the tin! Allow the oven to cool completely before removing crayons. For the best rainbow effect, do not move the muffin tray until crayons have cooled completely .If colors mix while hot they become one muddy color instead. Tap the bottom of the tin to make the crayons pop out.
If you'd like solid color crayons, then place only 1 color in each muffin cup.
Recommended Earth Day books:
"The Great Trash Bash" by Loreen Leedy
"The Earth And I" by Frank Asch
"The Lorax" by Dr. Seuss
"Dinosaurs to The Rescue" by Laurie Krasny Brown and Marc Brown
For Everyone Else!
- Go through your house and find all your extra, unused paper or magazines and recycle them!
- Start a trash can just for recyclable cans and glass.
- Find your extra or unused phones, computers or other electrical gear and give them a company such a Recylcing for Charities.
- Take a walk to the store, work, or restaurant instead of driving.
- Make sure you turn off all unused lights, TV's or computers when you are done using them.
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Earth Day
April 22nd marks the day we celebrate Earth Day this year. Here at GreenPlanet, we challenge you to do something special on Earth Day. Find a way to celebrate the earth, do something that helps save the environment, or speak out about matters that affect the climate. Below are listed some websites and ideas to get your thoughts rolling on what you can do to celebrate Earth Day.
- Host an Earth Day dinner. Get ideas for a meal plan and download cards that have dinnertime activities. Ideas and cards at www.earthdinner.org
- Go outside! Walk to work, school or the grocery store.
- Find a local Earth Day celebration and participate.
- Sites such as www.earthday.net and www.kidsforsavingearth.org can give you ideas on what you can do this year on Earth Day.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Walmart is Going Green
Walmart is starting to expand it's products and they are now going to be incorporating more "green" items. 
I recently found these green cleaning products and I have tried them and give them my full hearted approval! They not only will help you keep the environment safe while you clean, they are better for the surfaces that your children touch and they won't bleach any of your clothes. (A common occurrence in my house.) A great find and a great way to start living green on a budget. Thank you Walmart!
I recently found these green cleaning products and I have tried them and give them my full hearted approval! They not only will help you keep the environment safe while you clean, they are better for the surfaces that your children touch and they won't bleach any of your clothes. (A common occurrence in my house.) A great find and a great way to start living green on a budget. Thank you Walmart!
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Good Websites for Disseminating Information on Organic and Sustainable Living
Occassionally I come across great web pages or articles that I think would be useful to others who are trying to live a more sustainable lifestyle. Over the next little while, I will be sharing these finds with you all. The first is a website and organization entitled Organic Living.
This organization aims to scientifically demonstrate the benefit of eating an organic diet. Their articles cover a variety of topics from antioxidants and pesiticides to obestiy.
Check it out at:
http://www.organic-center.org
This organization aims to scientifically demonstrate the benefit of eating an organic diet. Their articles cover a variety of topics from antioxidants and pesiticides to obestiy.
Check it out at:
http://www.organic-center.org
Monday, February 11, 2008
World's Largest Rubbish Dump
Floating in the middle of the Pacific Ocean is what scientists call the world's largest rubbish dump. It is a dump of plastics and other trash that is floating in the ocean below the surface. It is an area that is 2 times the size of the continental US! Nearly 1/5 of the rubbish comes from ships and the rest comes from land. This waste is not detectable by satellite since it is slightly below the surface and the plastic nearly translucent.
Charles Moore, an American oceanographer, discovered this patch of trash over a decade ago when he was coming back from a yacht race. He took a short cut and found himself in the "North Pacific gyre" – a vortex where the ocean circulates slowly because of little wind and extreme high pressure systems. Usually sailors avoid it. Moore woke up to find his boat surrounded by trash. For nearly a week he traveled through this dump in the ocean. This dump contains things such as legos, toothbrushes, kayaks, footballs and carrier bags. It is essentially a dumb of plastics and since plastic these days are so durable, you can find every piece of plastic that was dumped into the ocean for the past 50 years!
The full effect of these things is still unclear on the ecosystems in the ocean. However, according to the UN Environment Programme, plastic debris causes the deaths of more than a million seabirds every year, as well as more than 100,000 marine mammals. And at this rate, things can only get worse as the "dump" grows larger in size.
So start watching what plastic things you buy and where and how you throw them away!
Charles Moore, an American oceanographer, discovered this patch of trash over a decade ago when he was coming back from a yacht race. He took a short cut and found himself in the "North Pacific gyre" – a vortex where the ocean circulates slowly because of little wind and extreme high pressure systems. Usually sailors avoid it. Moore woke up to find his boat surrounded by trash. For nearly a week he traveled through this dump in the ocean. This dump contains things such as legos, toothbrushes, kayaks, footballs and carrier bags. It is essentially a dumb of plastics and since plastic these days are so durable, you can find every piece of plastic that was dumped into the ocean for the past 50 years!
The full effect of these things is still unclear on the ecosystems in the ocean. However, according to the UN Environment Programme, plastic debris causes the deaths of more than a million seabirds every year, as well as more than 100,000 marine mammals. And at this rate, things can only get worse as the "dump" grows larger in size.
So start watching what plastic things you buy and where and how you throw them away!
Monday, February 4, 2008
Genetically Engineered Foods
What are genetically engineered foods?
Genetically engineered(GE) foods are foodstuffs produced from genetically modified organisms (GMO) that have had their DNA altered through genetic engineering.
Are there harmful effects to GE foods?
1. GE foods cause an increase in allergic reactions. By taking a gene from a common food allergen and placing it into another food that has always been considered safe (ie- a gene from a nut placed into a soybean) can cause lethal allergic reactions.
2. GE foods increase the resistance to antibiotics. Many of the genes that are GE into common foods have an antibiotic gene code. These antibiotic resistance genes therefore enter our body and increase our already growing resistance to common antibiotics.
3. GE foods weaken our immune response. There have been studies done on rats who were given a GE diet and the studies found that the animals had underdeveloped organs, lower metabolism and a less robust immune system.
4. GE foods have a lower nutritional value. The USDA has concluded that genetically engineering food can result in "undesirable alteration in the level of nutrients" of foods.
How common are GE foods in the US and in the world?
The US grows 55.3% of all GE crops worldwide. Argentina grows 19%, Brazil and Canada 6.4%, China 3.7% and all other countries 5.2%. It is estimated that nearly 75% of all processed foods in the US are genetically modified.
Why does the US have the highest percentage of GE foods?
Most of the global community are leaps and bounds ahead of the US in the regulation of GE foods. The European Union had a fiver year moratorium on GE products, which they have lifted under the condition that ALL GE foods are labeled. The Cartagena BioSafety Protocol went into effect in 2003 and it was the first international legislation that regulates the trans-border trade of GE foods. Over 140 countries have signed the agreement which allows them to ban the import of GE products. Only the US and Australia are yet to sign this agreement.
If you are interested in knowing sources for any of the above statements, please leave a comment. Each statement has a credible source and I would be more than willing to post sources if there is a concern or interest.
Genetically engineered(GE) foods are foodstuffs produced from genetically modified organisms (GMO) that have had their DNA altered through genetic engineering.
Are there harmful effects to GE foods?
1. GE foods cause an increase in allergic reactions. By taking a gene from a common food allergen and placing it into another food that has always been considered safe (ie- a gene from a nut placed into a soybean) can cause lethal allergic reactions.
2. GE foods increase the resistance to antibiotics. Many of the genes that are GE into common foods have an antibiotic gene code. These antibiotic resistance genes therefore enter our body and increase our already growing resistance to common antibiotics.
3. GE foods weaken our immune response. There have been studies done on rats who were given a GE diet and the studies found that the animals had underdeveloped organs, lower metabolism and a less robust immune system.
4. GE foods have a lower nutritional value. The USDA has concluded that genetically engineering food can result in "undesirable alteration in the level of nutrients" of foods.
How common are GE foods in the US and in the world?
The US grows 55.3% of all GE crops worldwide. Argentina grows 19%, Brazil and Canada 6.4%, China 3.7% and all other countries 5.2%. It is estimated that nearly 75% of all processed foods in the US are genetically modified.
Why does the US have the highest percentage of GE foods?
Most of the global community are leaps and bounds ahead of the US in the regulation of GE foods. The European Union had a fiver year moratorium on GE products, which they have lifted under the condition that ALL GE foods are labeled. The Cartagena BioSafety Protocol went into effect in 2003 and it was the first international legislation that regulates the trans-border trade of GE foods. Over 140 countries have signed the agreement which allows them to ban the import of GE products. Only the US and Australia are yet to sign this agreement.
If you are interested in knowing sources for any of the above statements, please leave a comment. Each statement has a credible source and I would be more than willing to post sources if there is a concern or interest.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Why Organic Milk is Better
Organic diary has several positive factors that lead it to be a safer, healthier choice for you and the environment. Organic milk has no antibiotics (versus conventional milk that has some) and no pesticides. The USDA "tested 788 samples of milk in 2005 and found, on average, residues of more than 2.5 pesticides per sample. Most worrisome are residues of synthetic pyrethroid insecticides and other developmental toxins in nearly half of the samples of conventional milk." (The SCOOP Newsletter, January 2008) The USDA has also done testing that measured the level proteins and amount of vitamins- in which organic milk has been concluded to have more.
As for the environment, "organic farming builds soil organic matter more effectively than conventional farming, sequesters far more carbon, dramatically lowers the amount of nitrous oxide released from over-fertilized fields, uses less energy, does not rely on routine applications of toxic synthetic pesticides, and promotes biodiversity." (The SCOOP Newsletter, January 2008)
There is some confusion out there about the differences in milk. Below is listed the different types of milk to help clarify what organic milk is.
Organic milk
-Organic milk comes from cows that have been grazed on pasture that has no chemical fertilizers, pesticides or agrochemicals used on it.
-The producers must register with an approved organic body and are subject to regular inspection.
-Once the cows have been milked, the milk is treated in exactly the same way as regular pasteurized milk.
Raw Milk
Raw milk is untreated and has no pasteurization. It is uncommon and not widely sold.
Whole Milk
-Natural whole milk is milk with nothing added or removed.
-Whole standardised milk is whole milk standardised to a minimum fat content of 3.5%.
-Whole homogenised milk is identical in fat and nutrient content to whole milk or whole standardised milk however it has undergone a specific process known as “homogenisation” which breaks up the fat globules in the milk. This spreads the fat evenly throughout the milk and prevents a creamy layer forming at the top.
Skimmed milk
-Skimmed milk has a fat content of between 0.1-0.3 %. Skimmed milk therefore has nearly all the fat removed.
-It contains slightly more calcium than whole milk and lower levels of fat soluble vitamins, particularly vitamin A, as this is lost when the fat is removed-see nutritional composition of milks
-The lower level of fat in skimmed milk reduces its calorie (energy) content. For this reason it is not recommended for children under the age of 5 years as they need the extra energy for growth. However it is ideal for adults who wish to limit their fat or calorie intake.
As for the environment, "organic farming builds soil organic matter more effectively than conventional farming, sequesters far more carbon, dramatically lowers the amount of nitrous oxide released from over-fertilized fields, uses less energy, does not rely on routine applications of toxic synthetic pesticides, and promotes biodiversity." (The SCOOP Newsletter, January 2008)
There is some confusion out there about the differences in milk. Below is listed the different types of milk to help clarify what organic milk is.
Organic milk
-Organic milk comes from cows that have been grazed on pasture that has no chemical fertilizers, pesticides or agrochemicals used on it.
-The producers must register with an approved organic body and are subject to regular inspection.
-Once the cows have been milked, the milk is treated in exactly the same way as regular pasteurized milk.
Raw Milk
Raw milk is untreated and has no pasteurization. It is uncommon and not widely sold.
Whole Milk
-Natural whole milk is milk with nothing added or removed.
-Whole standardised milk is whole milk standardised to a minimum fat content of 3.5%.
-Whole homogenised milk is identical in fat and nutrient content to whole milk or whole standardised milk however it has undergone a specific process known as “homogenisation” which breaks up the fat globules in the milk. This spreads the fat evenly throughout the milk and prevents a creamy layer forming at the top.
Skimmed milk
-Skimmed milk has a fat content of between 0.1-0.3 %. Skimmed milk therefore has nearly all the fat removed.
-It contains slightly more calcium than whole milk and lower levels of fat soluble vitamins, particularly vitamin A, as this is lost when the fat is removed-see nutritional composition of milks
-The lower level of fat in skimmed milk reduces its calorie (energy) content. For this reason it is not recommended for children under the age of 5 years as they need the extra energy for growth. However it is ideal for adults who wish to limit their fat or calorie intake.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Increased Levels of Antioxidants in Organic Foods
Free radicals, also known as reactive oxygen species (ROS), are a normal part of cell respiration and other biological processes. Antioxidants help to neutralize free radicals. We obtain antioxidants through our normal body processes and through our diets. These antioxidants help to limit the damage that free radicals have on our cell walls and DNA.
Organic production increases antioxidant levels by, on average, about 30%, as shown in the Center's State of Science Review on antioxidants.
Organic fruit juices have shown a significant increase in the amount of antioxidants they contain. Organic apple juice, lemonade, lime juice, grapefruit juice and orange juice have shown an increase of up to ten times the amount of antioxidants than their non-organic counterparts.
So when you go shopping for your next morning juice, reach for organic!
Source: J.A. Yanez et al., "Pharmacokinetics of Selceted Chiral Flavonoids: Hesperetin, Naringenin, and Eriodictyol in Rats and their Content in Fruit Juices," Biopharmaceutics & Drug Disposition, Vol. 29, pp. 63-82, September 2007
...and Breast Cancer
"A study of 1,210 women with newly diagnosed breast cancer found that individuals with the highest intake of flavones and isoflavones (antioxidants) prior to diagnosis had a 37 and 48 percent lower risk of all-cause mortality."
Source: B.N. Fink et al., "Dietary Flavonoid Intake and Breast Cancer Survival among Women on Long Island," Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers, and Prevention, Vol. 16, Number 11, November 2007
Organic production increases antioxidant levels by, on average, about 30%, as shown in the Center's State of Science Review on antioxidants.
Organic fruit juices have shown a significant increase in the amount of antioxidants they contain. Organic apple juice, lemonade, lime juice, grapefruit juice and orange juice have shown an increase of up to ten times the amount of antioxidants than their non-organic counterparts.
So when you go shopping for your next morning juice, reach for organic!
Source: J.A. Yanez et al., "Pharmacokinetics of Selceted Chiral Flavonoids: Hesperetin, Naringenin, and Eriodictyol in Rats and their Content in Fruit Juices," Biopharmaceutics & Drug Disposition, Vol. 29, pp. 63-82, September 2007
...and Breast Cancer
"A study of 1,210 women with newly diagnosed breast cancer found that individuals with the highest intake of flavones and isoflavones (antioxidants) prior to diagnosis had a 37 and 48 percent lower risk of all-cause mortality."
Source: B.N. Fink et al., "Dietary Flavonoid Intake and Breast Cancer Survival among Women on Long Island," Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers, and Prevention, Vol. 16, Number 11, November 2007
Some Truths About Organic Food
Here are some truths about organic food.
* Organic often tastes better
* Organic produce contains, on average, 30 percent higher levels of antioxidants
* Organic farming can cut mycotoxin risk by over 50 percent
* Organic food dramatically reduces pesticide exposure
* Organic farms typically use less energy
* Organic often tastes better
* Organic produce contains, on average, 30 percent higher levels of antioxidants
* Organic farming can cut mycotoxin risk by over 50 percent
* Organic food dramatically reduces pesticide exposure
* Organic farms typically use less energy
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)