10 Gorgeous Eco Hotels - Courtesy of TripAdvisor

10 gorgeous eco hotels

         

 7

Post Ranch InnBig Sur, California

"…Walk around the extensive grounds to see the beautiful tree, plant and bird life - not forgetting the Redwoods..."
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Viceroy MiamiMiami, Florida

"Beautiful views, amazing pool area, spa was simply gorgeous."
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BardessonoYountville, California

"I loved all the environmentally friendly practices used at the hotel. I truly appreciate all your dedication..."
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Hotel Terra Jackson HoleTeton Village, Wyoming

"Built into the mountainside in Teton Village... this LEED-certified contemporary hotel is gorgeous!"
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WildSpring Guest HabitatPort Orford, Oregon

"What a jewel!... I have never found the combination of luxury and nature intertwined so harmoniously."
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The Springs Resort & SpaPagosa Springs, Colorado

"Room in new Eco lodge was beautiful, all amenities 4 stars and staff was outstanding."
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Hotel Palomar Philadelphia - a Kimpton HotelPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania

"I really appreciate Kimpton's dedication to the environment. It's part of what makes this hotel chain great."
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Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic FarmAlbuquerque, New Mexico

"The locally made farm fresh food is delightful... They… go to great lengths to be environmentally friendly."
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Distrikt HotelNew York City, New York

"A fantastic location... Our room was beautiful, the bed amazingly comfortable and a shower to die for! "
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Hyatt At Olive 8Seattle, Washington

"Sleek and contemporary with all the important technological touches... and LEED-certified."
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Hey Gardeners! Consider Planting an Extra Row for the Hungry This Year

It's estimated that one in eight people suffers from hunger and malnutrition, which means that all around the world, millions of people—including children—go hungry each and every day. That means that on an average crowded morning bus, there may be four or five people who won't have enough to eat that day. In a schoolyard full of kids… well, one is too many, but it's likely that many of them are too hungry to focus on their assignments. There is a way that the average person can help to ameliorate this, and that's by simply growing a little bit extra in the family garden.

Grow a Row

Although it may be known by many different names, the “Grow a Row” program is one that’s gaining popularity all over the world. The concept is pretty self-explanatory, and can make an enormous difference in another person’s life: when planning your garden, just plant one extra row of whatever you’d normally grow for donation to a charity that helps the hungry. Tomatoes, carrots, lettuce, beans; if you have a bit of additional space, you can put it to great use.

Urban gardeners can grow an extra row of food to donate to local charities like homeless shelters, soup kitchens, women’s shelters, and youth outreach programs, while those in the suburbs and rural areas might be able to donate to elder care homes, and special needs programs. Although some school lunch and breakfast programs will only take monetary donations, you can also contact them directly to find out whether they accept home-grown vegetables and fruits as well. Some veterinary hospitals will also accept food donations, and animal rescue/rehabilitation farms are often very appreciative of edible gifts too.

Friends and neighbors can share seeds in order to ensure that there’s little additional cost for individuals to take part in this program, and there are also many organizations out there that will donate seeds to charitable and community garden projects. It really doesn’t take much extra effort to grow a little extra for those in need, and if everyone with a garden put this idea into play, the results would be absolutely incredible. 

via INHABITAT

Rodale Institute Reports on Alternatives to Black Plastic Mulch

The Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program provided Rodale Institute with funding for a three-year vegetable trial focusing on cover crop alternatives to petroleum-derived disposable black plastic mulch. The results are published here: Below we've included part of the Executive Summary:

 The goal of the study was to measure the impacts of these different mulch systems on soil quality and

fertility, weed control, yields and waste production, and profitability for small to mid-size vegetable

operations. The vegetable trials at Rodale Institute compared cover crop nitrogen, potential carbon

contribution, weed suppression, yields and soil health between rolled and mowed vetch and rye cover

crops as well as commonly used black plastic. At the four collaborating farms in Pennsylvania and New

Jersey, each farmer tested one cover crop system with the standard system.

The cover crop systems provided serviceable weed control, added more biomass to the soil,

contributed nutrients, and increased soil moisture and percent total soil carbon. Although marketable

yields were lower, on average, some of the cover crop systems achieved higher profits across the three

years. The cover crop mulch systems eliminated 91.5 lb of plastic waste per acre.

Challenges related to extreme weather conditions and late blight meant results were more variable

than anticipated, but all of the partner farmers continue to use what they’ve learned from the project

to reduce their reliance on black plastic. Benefits partner farmers experienced include discovering a

method for more effective cover crop kill, substantial cost savings and new ways to use cover crops

between rows for ecosystem benefits. One partner has already cut his black plastic use in half and

hopes to expand even further. 

Raw milk: Coming soon to a state near you?

Tarini Parti writes in Politico that a bipartisan coalition of House members wants to end the long-standing ban on interstate marketing of raw milk.

Raw milk, Parti says, is "bringing together some of the most anti-government libertarians and left-leaning liberals."

Politics makes strange bedfellows!

What unites them?  Freedom of choice, of course.

"It's nice to see that people are now advocating for their right rather than science," said Baylen Linnekin, executive director of Keep Food Legal, a group that describes itself as "the first nationwide membership organization devoted to food freedom—the right of every American to grow, raise, produce, buy, sell, share, cook, eat, and drink the foods of their own choosing." 

In a statement on his two bills, Massie [Rep-KY], too, highlighted the right to choose argument. "Today, many people are paying more attention to the food they eat, what it contains, and how it is processed. Raw milk, which has been with us for thousands of years, is making a comeback among these discerning consumers," he said. "Personal choices as basic as 'what we feed our families' should not be limited by the federal government."

As for the pesky matter of science, take a look at Bill Marler's website, Real Raw Milk Facts, where he collects:

• Commentaries
• Position Statements
• Legislation Packet
• Presentations
• Scientific References
• Related Links
• Raw Milk Fact Sheet (pdf)
• Hot topics

As a reality check, take a look at the answer to the question, How many people get sick from raw milk compared to pasteurized milk?

But never mind all that.  ProPolitico's Morning Agriculture report (behind the paywall, alas) listed states that are working on bills to make it easier to get raw milk.

– California: AB 2505 was introduced Feb 21 and would allow dairies to sell or share raw milk from cows on that facility directly to consumers. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Agriculture March 13: http://bit.ly/1e16K5u
– Georgia: HB 718 would set requirements for the sale of "ungraded milk" to consumers as long as it is labeled: http://1.usa.gov/1af433N
– Hawaii: HB 1987 and its companion S 2562 would allow the distribution of raw milk as part of a cow share, goat share or sheep share program. The measure was approved by the House Agriculture Committee, Jan. 27, but the House Committee on Health, the next hurdle for the legislation, has deferred on taking up the bill. S 2562 has yet to see any committee action: http://1.usa.gov/1djbG47
– Iowa: SF 61 was carried over from 2013, and would put a moratorium on the enforcement of all state rules governing the sale of raw products, including produce, honey, nuts eggs and milk: http://bit.ly/1cJOujV. SF 2306, meanwhile, would allow for the sale of cheese produced from raw milk and details labeling requirements for the product: http://bit.ly/1mCTtbr.
– Louisiana:  HB 247 seeks to allow the sale of raw milk and unpasteurized cheese on the farm where it has been produced, though it would require the milk be clearly labeled as raw and deny liability by the state or farm in the case of illnesses from consumption. The bill, filed Feb 20, also would prohibit advertising: http://1.usa.gov/1mkdPDj
– Maryland: SB 1092 was introduced Feb. 28 and would require producers of raw milk to have a written contract with consumers of the product and set up testing, safety and labeling requirements. It also would require producers to register with the state Department of Health and Mental Hygiene: http://1.usa.gov/1ptnqtf. However, HB 3, which would have allowed for the distribution of raw milk to a cow share or Community Supported Agriculture agreement member, was withdrawn March 24 after an unfavorable report by the Health and Government Operations Committee: http://1.usa.gov/1djegqR
– Massachusetts: HB 3857 would allow for the home delivery of raw milk to members of a cow share or a CSA agreement, and allow for farmers to sell raw milk from farm stands that are not on the site of where the milk is produced: http://1.usa.gov/1aSLUta
– Michigan: HB 5336 would prohibit federal regulation of any food, including raw milk, that is produced and then sold in the state: http://1.usa.gov/1fCGgaQ
– New Jersey: AB 543 would create a permitting program to allow farmers to sell raw milk, though only on the property where the milk is produced. The bill also seeks to set up testing requirement, storage temperature requirements and would mandate warning labels: http://bit.ly/1fmdbRv
– New Jersey: S 1285 would permit the sale of raw milk and milk products to individuals and retail stores and sets inspection and testing standards, in addition to requiring that producers do not use growth hormones on the cows: http://bit.ly/1pEsMjO
– Oklahoma: HB 2595 would amend the state's Milk and Milk Products Act to ensure it does not prohibit the sale of raw milk. The measure would take effect Nov. 1, 2014: http://bit.ly/1oeBgTo
– Rhode Island: S 2224 would require the state's milk commission to establish rules for the sale of raw milk, but the Senate Health and Human Services Committee recommended the bill be held for further study on March 11: http://bit.ly/1fAIQk2
– South Dakota: SB 126 would have created an exemption from state laws governing dairy products for raw milk that is packaged on the farm where it is produced and sold by the farmer, but the measure was tabled Feb. 21 by the Senate Health and Human Services Committee in a 5-1 vote: http://1.usa.gov/1bhvrt4
– West Virginia: HB4274 would have permitted the sale of raw milk in the state as of Jan. 1, 2015, and HB 4273 would have allowed for participants in cow share programs to receive raw milk. However, the bills did not make it to a vote before the West Virginia legislative session ended, March 14: http://bit.ly/1lunSck and here: http://bit.ly/1bQGUQj

How's that for an impressive list?



via Food Politics http://ift.tt/1j4mB7P

Medicinal Mushrooms: Immunity and Beyond

by integrative-medicine expert Isaac Eliaz, MD, founder of the Amitabha Clinic & Healing Center in Santa Rosa, California

We live in dangerous world. Flu viruses are getting increasingly virulent. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are now commonplace. Fungal infections, such as Valley Fever, are also becoming more prevalent, as are allergies, autoimmune diseases, and numerous chronic degenerative conditions. Add in the toxic load we face from increasing exposure to heavy metals and environmental chemicals, and it's obvious the body has a lot to fight off.

More people are relying on natural solutions to address these dangers in a number of ways. During cold and flu season, we take echinacea and vitamin C. For allergies, we purchase air-filtration systems or adjust our diets. Perhaps we've swapped our chemical versions of our household cleaners for more natural ones.
These are all good choices, but our most powerful tool for staying healthy is a swift and intelligent immune system. And one of the best ways to achieve optimal immune effectiveness is with the help of medicinal mushrooms.

Ancient Medicine

Mushrooms have been used in Chinese medicine and other traditional healing systems for thousands of years. Early practitioners based their medicinal choices on trial and error and keen observation. Now, modern research is proving they were right.
Medicinal mushrooms are rich sources of unique nutrients, antioxidants, and compounds that work in numerous ways to support health. One family of carbohydrates found in mushrooms is beta-glucans. Carbohydrates can fuel the body in many ways, but beta-glucans have a particular affinity for immune cells. They stimulate macrophages, lymphocytes, T-cells, and natural killer (NK) cells, among others. They are especially focused on our innate immunity, the immune system's first responders.

But mushrooms do more than boost immunity; they seem to modulate it, essentially "training" immune cells to respond appropriately to pathogens, toxins, cancerous cells, and other dangers. We want the immune system to take care of the problem at hand without overreacting and killing healthy cells. Medicinal mushrooms are unique to this purpose, as they can both boost immunity and help calm an overactive autoimmune response. This combination can be quite helpful when addressing psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and other autoimmune conditions.

If this were all mushrooms did, that would be more than enough. But they also offer a host of other benefits. For example, mushrooms can support cardiovascular health, reducing blood pressure, lowering cholesterol, and improving oxygenation and circulation. They can support vital energy, cognitive health, digestive wellness, metabolic efficiency, and more.

Medicinal fungi can also fight cancer in a number of ways. First, as mentioned, they support the immune system's ability to fight off developing tumors. But they also provide powerful antioxidant support, neutralizing free radicals, those aberrant molecules that injure cells and even damage DNA.

In addition, mushrooms are natural detoxifiers, cleansing the body of accumulated waste, dead tissues, potential carcinogens, and more. In the same way that fungi thrive on decayed matter, medicinal mushrooms seem to have an affinity for damaged areas of the body and work to help repair and rebuild these areas. They act like sponges for toxic materials, and with all of their other important benefits, mushrooms can be excellent aids in any detox program.

Recommended Medicinals
There are more than 270 types of medicinal mushrooms, so it's important to differentiate them based on specific health needs. Here are some top recommended species:

• Agaricus blazei boosts the immune system by supporting interferons and interleukins, proteins that modulate immunity, attack viruses, and respond to cancer. A number of animal studies have demonstrated the mushroom's ability to fight tumors. Agaricus also helps control cholesterol and blood sugar.
• Cordyceps sinensis energizes phagocytes, macrophages, and NK cells. It also increases HDL (good) cholesterol and lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol.
• Coriolus versicolor is recommended for its antitumor activity. This mushroom has also been shown to enhance cancer treatments, such as radiation.
• Ganoderma lucidum (reishi) lowers cholesterol, promotes circulation, and helps oxygenate the blood. Some research has found it can be effective against both HIV and cancer.
• Grifola frondosa (maitake) fights cancer, reduces blood pressure, modulates blood sugar metabolism, and supports a healthy liver. This mushroom has also been used to fight cancer and HIV.
• Polyporus umbellatus enhances immunity, supports liver health, and has been shown to fight off bacteria, such as E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus.

For daily wellness support, look for a mushroom formula that combines multiple species so that you get comprehensive immune, cardiovascular, cellular, and overall health support. When selecting a formula, make sure the mushrooms are cultivated indoors under sterile conditions on a high-quality growing medium. This is critical, since mushrooms absorb whatever is in their environment. In my clinical practice, I use a formula containing the species listed above, which are cultivated on a powdered blend of immune-supporting herbs and organic brown rice, a growing medium that enhances their benefits.

The Culinary Variety
You can also get some of the benefits of medicinal mushrooms from the varieties found in produce aisles.

Shiitake mushrooms contain lentinan, which fights pathogens and cancer. Common button, portabella, and crimini mushrooms are nutrient dense, rich in vitamin D, selenium, and B vitamins. You can actually enhance their vitamin content: When mushrooms are put out in the sun, they can manufacture vitamin D, just as we do.

Mushrooms don't always get included in the superfood conversation, but they're clearly some of the most potent superfoods available. Factoring in their powerful immune benefits, antioxidant and antitumor activity, detox capacity, cardiovascular support, and nutrition quotient, these remarkable fungi are some of the world's most treasured natural remedies.

Isaac Eliaz, MD, MS, LAc, integrates Western medicine with his extensive knowledge of traditional Chinese, Tibetan, Ayurvedic, homeopathic, and complementary medical systems. With more than 25 years of clinical experience and research, Dr. Eliaz has a unique holistic approach to the relationship between health and disease, immune enhancement, detoxification, and cancer prevention and treatment. For more information about his work, visit dreliaz.org.

Brilliant WarkaWater Towers Collect Drinking Water from Thin Air in Ethiopia

Throughout many remote villages in Ethiopia, water gathering is quite an ardous and dangerous task. With the burden typically falling on matriarchs of the family, the trip to the nearest water source can take hours if not all day. More often than not, that water fetched on these long journeys is commonly contaminated with dangerous elements such as human and animal waste. Additionally, many women have little choice but to bring their young children along, which not only puts them in harm’s way, but also keeps them out of school.

The WarkaWater Towers were inspired by the local Warka tree, a large fig tree native to Ethiopia that is commonly used as a community gathering space. The large 30 foot, 88 pound structures are made out of juncus stalks or bamboo woven together to form the tower’s vase-like frame. Inside, a plastic mesh material made of nylon and polypropylene fibers act as micro tunnels for daily condensation. As droplets form, they flow along the mesh pattern into the basin at the base of the towers. By harvesting atmospheric water vapor in this way, it’s estimated that at least 25 gallons of potable water can be sustainably and hygienically collected by the towers every day.

“WarkaWater is designed to provide clean water as well as ensure long-term environmental, financial and social sustainability,” he says. “Once locals have the necessary know how, they will be able to teach other villages and communities to build the WarkaWater towers.” Each tower costs approximately $550 and can be built in under a week with a four person team and locally available materials.

Vittori hopes to build two working towers in Ethiopia by 2015 and is hoping to find financial backers who also believe that safe-water harvesting is a right that should be afforded to everyone.

+ Arturo Vittori

Via Wired

Photography by Gabriele Rigon and Arturo Vittori

Introduction to On-farm Organic Plant Breeding Manuals Available for Free Download

 The Organic Seed Alliance is happy to announce today the release of four organic plant breeding manuals that walk farmers through the methods of breeding new crop varieties on their farm. They include an introduction to on-farm organic plant breeding and three crop-specific breeding manuals covering carrots, sweet corn, and tomatoes.

“One of our goals is to empower organic farmers to breed their own crop varieties,” says OSA Executive Director Micaela Colley. “The methods described in these manuals can immediately be adopted by farmers to improve their skills in plant breeding, and, ultimately, improve their operations through seed varieties that are well-suited to their farms.”

Introduction to On-farm Organic Plant Breeding provides farmers an overview of basic genetics, farm-based experimental design, and breeding techniques appropriate for organic farms, among other useful background and instruction. The introductory guide provides the scientific foundation for the crop-specific instruction provided in the other three guides: How to Breed Carrots for Organic Agriculture, How to Breed Sweet Corn for Organic Agriculture, and How to Breed Tomatoes for Organic Agriculture. Each crop-specific manual provides step-by-step instruction from identifying good breeding material to maintaining a new variety for quality and uniformity.

The manuals are published at a time when organic farms are rarely targeted as breeding environments in plant breeding programs. The vast majority of plant breeding continues to focus on developing varieties for high-input, conventional farms – varieties that depend on external chemical inputs to produce optimal yield and quality. Organic systems differ from conventional ones in a number of ways, including the timing of nutrient availability, the variability of field conditions, and the amount of insect, disease, and weed pressure.

With a limited number of options to combat production problems, organic farmers rely on prevention through crop rotation, soil management strategies, and the use of appropriate crop genetics. While progress has been made in developing best management practices, little has been done to develop varieties suited to organic systems – a strategy that could be equally important over time.

“To increase organic farmers’ success, we must increase the number of varieties bred for organic systems,” says Colley. “One of the groups best suited to do this breeding work is organic farmers themselves.”

The interest among organic farmers to practice plant breeding is growing. In response to a survey conducted with certified organic crop growers, 60% of respondents said they are interested in conducting on-farm crop improvement/breeding on their farm, especially if training and economic incentives are available. Furthermore, each year, demand for OSA’s plant breeding trainings and field days is overwhelming, with nearly 1,000 farmers attending these educational events in 2013 alone.

Many university and industry professionals are also interested in expanding their work with farmers. Since the manuals are geared toward farm-based projects, the methods also support formal breeders who already engage, or wish to engage, farmers in their plant breeding programs.

These publications were made possible thanks to the generous support from Organic Farming Research Foundation and Clif Bar Family Foundation’s Seed Matters initiative.

They are available for free download here.

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