Organic pet food is available in stores and becoming more and more popular as people are treating their pets more like their children. Organic pet food offers a nutritious, healthier and more environmentally friendly alternative to non-organic pet foods.
Like organic food for humans, the USDA Organic pet food is held to the same USDA regulations. Changing Fido’s diet to organic pet food will be an addition to supporting organic farms as well as reduce his pesticide intake.
If your beloved pet has an indigestion problem, adding a dose of probiotic from organic yogurt to his diet maybe a solution according to the Washington Post.
Another way to ensure the safety of your pet to toxins is to be conscience of his daily activities. Your pet may be chewing or digesting harmful contaminants from your household.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
How to eat organic in a budget crunch
As recession looms, how do you trim your family's budget while still maintaining your organic diet?
Honestly, if your income allows, do not cut your organic diet. However, the price of most organic food is still well above their non-organic counterparts. If you must, trim down what foods you and your family are consuming.
The most essential items to buy organic are:
1. Meats
2. Milk
3. Coffee
As well as fruits and vegetables which are thin-skinned and hard to peel, such as strawberries, celery, lettuce and potatoes.
Other fruits and veggies are known as "clean." These items that do not carry detectable pesticide residues include onions, avocados, corn, asparagus, sweet peas, bananas, cabbage and broccoli.
**For those who are pregnant or nursing, it is important to continue your consumption of organic produce which will limit the pesticides transferred to your child that can cause detrimental effects during development.
For more information, The Environmental Working Group constantly researches food safety and their findings are available online at http://www.ewg.org/
Honestly, if your income allows, do not cut your organic diet. However, the price of most organic food is still well above their non-organic counterparts. If you must, trim down what foods you and your family are consuming.
The most essential items to buy organic are:
1. Meats
2. Milk
3. Coffee
As well as fruits and vegetables which are thin-skinned and hard to peel, such as strawberries, celery, lettuce and potatoes.
Other fruits and veggies are known as "clean." These items that do not carry detectable pesticide residues include onions, avocados, corn, asparagus, sweet peas, bananas, cabbage and broccoli.
**For those who are pregnant or nursing, it is important to continue your consumption of organic produce which will limit the pesticides transferred to your child that can cause detrimental effects during development.
For more information, The Environmental Working Group constantly researches food safety and their findings are available online at http://www.ewg.org/
Monday, November 10, 2008
The Green College Generation
College's are starting a new fad..."Going Green"
Students and colleges are teaming up to save energy, serve organic foods and reduce carbon emissions.
The current generation is often looked upon as "self-indulgent," "the me generation," and always looking for "instant gratification." Well, now we can add "eco-friendly" to the list
A graduate from Bates College donated $2.5 million to help increase the amount of local and organic foods being served on campus.
They're all about green, focused on saving energy, serving organic and local food, and reducing carbon emissions.
Many colleges are turning to more green building designs and cutting there energy consumption. The American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment has been signed by over 550 schools. This signed commitment states that schools must calculate their green-house gas emissions and develop a plan to become carbon-neutral.
The Top 10 Eco-friendly Colleges and Universities Include:
1. Oberlin College - Ohio
2. Harvard University
3. Warren Wilson College - North Carolina
4. University of California
5. Duke University - North Carolina
6. Middlebury College - Vermont
7. Berea College - Kentucky
8. Pennsylvania State University
9. Tufts University - Massachusetts
10. Carnegie Mellon - Pennsylvania
Students and colleges are teaming up to save energy, serve organic foods and reduce carbon emissions.
The current generation is often looked upon as "self-indulgent," "the me generation," and always looking for "instant gratification." Well, now we can add "eco-friendly" to the list
A graduate from Bates College donated $2.5 million to help increase the amount of local and organic foods being served on campus.
They're all about green, focused on saving energy, serving organic and local food, and reducing carbon emissions.
Many colleges are turning to more green building designs and cutting there energy consumption. The American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment has been signed by over 550 schools. This signed commitment states that schools must calculate their green-house gas emissions and develop a plan to become carbon-neutral.
The Top 10 Eco-friendly Colleges and Universities Include:
1. Oberlin College - Ohio
2. Harvard University
3. Warren Wilson College - North Carolina
4. University of California
5. Duke University - North Carolina
6. Middlebury College - Vermont
7. Berea College - Kentucky
8. Pennsylvania State University
9. Tufts University - Massachusetts
10. Carnegie Mellon - Pennsylvania
Sunday, November 9, 2008
"A Big Win for Organic Integrity"
Finally, the USDA is proposing new grazing standards for certified organic dairy products.
On October 24, the USDA proposed that "organic livestock, those raised free of hormones, antibiotics or pesticide-treated grain, must be allowed to graze in a pasture at least 120 days a year. Thirty percent of the cows' feed must be from such grazing, rather than being fed organically produced food in a feedlot or an indoor facility."
Throughout the U.S. there are about 1,800 dairies with near 87,000 organic dairy cows.
The change was provoked by accustions of large producers overmilking cows, restalking with non-certified organic cows and limited-use of fresh pastures.
From now until December 23, the USDA will be accepting comments on the proposed standards.
To add your comment, visit: http://www.regulations.gov/fdmspublic/component/main?main=DocumentDetail&o=0900006480776e33
On October 24, the USDA proposed that "organic livestock, those raised free of hormones, antibiotics or pesticide-treated grain, must be allowed to graze in a pasture at least 120 days a year. Thirty percent of the cows' feed must be from such grazing, rather than being fed organically produced food in a feedlot or an indoor facility."
Throughout the U.S. there are about 1,800 dairies with near 87,000 organic dairy cows.
The change was provoked by accustions of large producers overmilking cows, restalking with non-certified organic cows and limited-use of fresh pastures.
From now until December 23, the USDA will be accepting comments on the proposed standards.
To add your comment, visit: http://www.regulations.gov/fdmspublic/component/main?main=DocumentDetail&o=0900006480776e33
Monday, October 6, 2008
Cosmetic-chemicals linked to cancer and other problems
So, I consider myself one of those people you see reading the label of every product she picks up in the grocery store when it comes to what I put in my body. Well, today as I was surfing the web, I found a very eye opening article. It made me consider a product I use close to everyday on the biggest organ of my body -- my skin.
The article "Consumer groups fret over chemicals in teen cosmetics" in the USA Today exposes the common chemicals found in cosmetics, and what exactly these chemicals are linked to.
The article lists four common ingredients as: triclosan, parabens, synthetic musks and phthalates. Triclosan is linked to affecting the thyroid and is a preservative. The other three are hormones imitators are used mostly in fragrances. All four ingredients are linked to cancer.
The article goes on to recommend a website to check the ingredients in your own cosmetics (click on Skin Deep). This allows you to simple type in the brand or actual product of cosmetic you use and delievers to the results in seconds.
I've been know to run down to the local CVS for a quick fix when I run out of my normal make-up and grab something "cheap" for a last minute fix. Just for fun, I typed in a product which I have bought in the past, CoverGirl LashExact Mascara. And here are the results:
Ingredients in this product are linked to:
Cancer
Developmental/reproductive toxicity
Violations, restrictions & warnings
Allergies/immunotoxicity
Other concerns for ingredients used in this product: Neurotoxicity, Endocrine disruption, Persistence and bioaccumulation, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Multiple, additive exposure sources, Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Enhanced skin absorption, Contamination concerns, Occupational hazards, Biochemical or cellular level changes
Wow, and to think of the many advertisements that CoverGirl uses every year to attract new customers who could be you, your children, your best friends, and your neighbors.
There is something you can do to replace these cosmetics with life-changing chemicals, visit The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, the goal of this campagin is to gradually remove these products with ingredients linked to cancer, birth defects and other serious health problems.
The article "Consumer groups fret over chemicals in teen cosmetics" in the USA Today exposes the common chemicals found in cosmetics, and what exactly these chemicals are linked to.
The article lists four common ingredients as: triclosan, parabens, synthetic musks and phthalates. Triclosan is linked to affecting the thyroid and is a preservative. The other three are hormones imitators are used mostly in fragrances. All four ingredients are linked to cancer.
The article goes on to recommend a website to check the ingredients in your own cosmetics (click on Skin Deep). This allows you to simple type in the brand or actual product of cosmetic you use and delievers to the results in seconds.
I've been know to run down to the local CVS for a quick fix when I run out of my normal make-up and grab something "cheap" for a last minute fix. Just for fun, I typed in a product which I have bought in the past, CoverGirl LashExact Mascara. And here are the results:
Ingredients in this product are linked to:
Cancer
Developmental/reproductive toxicity
Violations, restrictions & warnings
Allergies/immunotoxicity
Other concerns for ingredients used in this product: Neurotoxicity, Endocrine disruption, Persistence and bioaccumulation, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Multiple, additive exposure sources, Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Enhanced skin absorption, Contamination concerns, Occupational hazards, Biochemical or cellular level changes
Wow, and to think of the many advertisements that CoverGirl uses every year to attract new customers who could be you, your children, your best friends, and your neighbors.
There is something you can do to replace these cosmetics with life-changing chemicals, visit The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, the goal of this campagin is to gradually remove these products with ingredients linked to cancer, birth defects and other serious health problems.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Organic Resorts, The New Vacation
Resorts in all areas of the world are beginning to understand the importance of an organic lifestyle.
If you’re planning a trip to Arizona, consider The Boulders Resort & Golden Door Spa. Soon, this resort will transform into completely organic including herb-producing gardens, organic wine while relaxing at the spa, and a 100% organic restaurant menu.
Other resorts, such as the Rancho La Puerta in Mexico, are focusing on surrounding themselves in organic. Rancho La Puerta has a six-acre organic farm to easily incorporate organic veggies, herbs and fruits into the hands of their spa’s chefs and therapists.
This continual growth towards an organic society will continue and increase dramatically in the future as corporations become knowledgeable about becoming more “green.”
Now Added on puresimpleandorganic.com :
Review of Frey's Organic Wine
If you’re planning a trip to Arizona, consider The Boulders Resort & Golden Door Spa. Soon, this resort will transform into completely organic including herb-producing gardens, organic wine while relaxing at the spa, and a 100% organic restaurant menu.
Other resorts, such as the Rancho La Puerta in Mexico, are focusing on surrounding themselves in organic. Rancho La Puerta has a six-acre organic farm to easily incorporate organic veggies, herbs and fruits into the hands of their spa’s chefs and therapists.
This continual growth towards an organic society will continue and increase dramatically in the future as corporations become knowledgeable about becoming more “green.”
Now Added on puresimpleandorganic.com :
Review of Frey's Organic Wine
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Top Ten to Buy Organic
So, I know buying organic can be frightful to a household of any size and budget; however, just purchasing a few organic produce items can really impact your health and your lifestyle. As I was searching the web recently I came across The Green Guide and a list they compiled of the "Top 10 to Buy Organic". This list includes includes the most contaminated [containing residues from pesticides] "top ten" fruits and vegetables.
Fruits:
1. Peaches
2. Apples
3. Strawberries
4. Nectarines
5. Pears
Vegetables:
1. Spinach
2. Bell Peppers
3. Celery
4. Potatoes
5. Hot Peppers
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